New York Times Applauds Unscripted Palin

For weeks, the media has been bemoaning the fact that Sarah Palin had the hubris not to release her “One Nation” bus tour schedule. Since she burst onto the scene in 2008 as John McCain’s running mate, they have been, for the most part, unrelenting and scornful of her and she has given it right back to them. New York Times columnist Mark Leibovich says good for her. He argues in the overly scripted world of politicians and journalists, Palin has offered a breath of fresh air.

Leibovich argues that political reporters have relied too heavily on press releases and media advisories when covering candidates. But Leibovich notes Palin didn’t just irritate the media elite, she also infuriated the Republican establishment as well. All candidates are expected to fall in line and especially not to interrupt or overshadow Mitt Romney while he was announcing his presidential bid. But apparently Palin didn’t get the message. Leibovich says she “figuratively rumbled onto Mr. Romney’s manicured lawn, doing the political equivalent of donuts” when she attended a clambake at the same time and just a few miles from where he was making his announcement.