May 30, 2011
Notes

What if the Media Stopped Sensationalizing Sarah Palin?

Palin Rolling Thunder 1

In other words, instead of glamorizing Sarah like The Times did with this (biker edition) Cover Girl photo and the movie lot “Easy Rider” title, what if the media published photos of Team Palin — in this case, at Sunday’s Rolling Thunder veteran POW/MIA motorcycle ride starting at the Pentagon — as the flimflam they really are?

For example, why not show how Palin created a nuisance for the security people by showing up without an invitation — while, at the same time, photographers from the major newswires somehow knew exactly when and where to find her.

Palin Rolling Thunder 4 HuffPo Still

Bristol Rolling Thunder HuffPo Frame

What about publishing a photo like this screen grab, Bristol Palin casting a look that could kill in the direction of the HuffPo video reporter (Sarah just figuring out who she’s talking to) not there to play the game.

Palin Rolling Thunder 2

And then, I couldn’t find another photo from the event that showed Palin wearing this mega-cross — but for as long as she had it on, it sure looked impressive. As mentioned before (I’m thinking of the Star of David Sarah had on for the length of time she was in the tunnels under the Wailing Wall), she’s got this uncanny ability to accessorize.

Palin Rolling Thunder 3

Finally, supposedly out of camera range, it’s actually refreshing to see Todd (aspiring to Washington) not wearing that happy face. As for Sara, I’m sure most people (mirror, mirror) would understand that wearing that badass helmet does involve relaxing about letting your hair down.

(photo 1: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images caption: Former Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (C) and her family attend a biker meeting in the Pentagon parking lot as she prepares to ride a motorcycle as a passenger in the May 29, 2011, Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride thru Washington, DC, in support of US troops in past and current wars. Thousands and thousands of motorcycle riders come from across the US to attend the demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars. screen shots 2 & 3 Jason Cherkis/Sara Kenigsberg – HuffPo. photo 4 & 5: Molly Riley/Reuters)

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Michael Shaw
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