Their arguments get more absurd by the day - Sarah Palin learned foreign policy by "osmosis"?

[jefferson_dem]

Osmosis

by hilzoy

Every so often, I run across an argument so manifestly absurd that I think: wow, this isn't just spin and deception, this is performance art. Today I found just such an argument, made by Frank Gaffney:

"Speaking of geography, Alaskan territory is also along the trajectory of ballistic missiles launched eastward out of Stalinist North Korea. For that reason, among others, Alaska's Fort Greely was selected as the site for the principal U.S. ground-based defense against such missiles. As that state's governor, Sarah Palin would know more by osmosis – if nothing else – about the necessity for U.S. anti-missile systems than either Messrs. Obama or Biden."

Sarah Palin learned foreign policy by osmosis? Really? I always relied on catalysis, myself: I just drop some zeolytes into my brain, and lo! instant expertise. I had no idea it was possible to do it by osmosis, though on reflection that would explain the large number of grizzly bears who are up to speed on Sino-Soviet relations.

Osmosis is an even lamer argument than the claim that Palin learned foreign policy by commanding the Alaskan national guard. As it happens, that's also false (h/t):

"Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, considers Palin "extremely responsive and smart" and says she is in charge when it comes to in-state services, such as emergencies and natural disasters where the National Guard is the first responder.

But, in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, he said he and Palin play no role in national defense activities, even when they involve the Alaska National Guard. The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations."

Still, even though she has visited two foreign countries, and refueled in a third, as she said, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq." That makes it all the more fortunate that she can learn foreign policy by osmosis. All the McCain campaign really has to do is send her up in a zeppelin and let it meander lazily around the globe, allowing her to absorb the ambient expertise.

http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/09/osmosis.html

[crim son]

1. We can be sure if she's learned anything it's been by "osmosis"

and NOTHING else, and osmosis surely isn't a reliable teaching tool...

[Epiphany4z]

2. it is the

I am not qualified to be vp...but I did stay at a holiday inn last night defense...

[jefferson_dem]

4. Exactly.

I'm betting even the American people are not *that* stupid.

[C_U_L8R]

3. Maybe she can read Foreign Affairs for Dummies

[DangerousRhythm]

9. And after that, VPs for Dummies...

So she can finally find out what the job entails.

[DeeDeeNY]

5. But remember she also lives near Russia!

:rofl:

[liberal N proud]

6. Isn't it amazing they met her less than a week ago and now

she is the greatest Republicon alive.

[CJCRANE]

7. I learn by photosynthesis.

It's much quicker.

[riona]

8. I put a book on my head and let the info seep in

[shaniqua6392]

10. There is no way to learn foreign affairs in a few weeks.

The minute she is asked about a leader in some remote land she will flop like a lead balloon. She has only been to Kuwait and Germany one time each. That is the extent of her world travels. I can not wait for the debates!!!

[minnesota_liberal]

11. If only I had shaken Jack Lord's hand in 1970

How was I to know that shaking the man's hand - instead of just asking him for his autograph - would have rubbed off some of his acting greatness and enabled me to launch my career? Hell, I was just a kid!

:shrug: