October Surprise

Maybe it’s fitting, no pun intended, that this election is in some ways a referendum on Joe the Plumber more than anything else. We all know the allegations of “socialist” (along with other Rovian smears) are just so much more tripe for the grinder, particularly in light of the financial bailout, although anyone with even a smidgen of intellect is well aware that the United States is hardly an unfettered “free market” (as if we would even WANT such a thing.)

So, Joe, to mix metaphors, has decided to milk his fifteen minutes for all he can mine from it…not being all that choosy, he’ll talk, write, or sing for both his dinner and as much dessert as the buying public will spring for. His is the American Idol meets Powerball Jackpot meets Pie in the Sky Dream…sad to say, plenty of people seem to think this is how you achieve “success.”

It’s fitting, apt, and appropriate that Joe and Sarah have hit the trail together–they’re made for each other, each having been plucked from relative obscurity (ok, Joe more than the Wasilla Wonder), both displaying a sneering contempt for anything demanding intellectual rigor (like, say, the economy and/or foreign relations), and each ddemonstrating a stunning mix of ego and arrogance. They claim a common touch, yet they reveal an expectation of privilege that’s easily the equal of the worst blue blooded snobs.

Kind of, (or, as Palin might say, kinda) like a certain Texas governor, who managed to combine the worst elements of blue blooded snobbery and redneck anti-intellecshualism into a perfect storm of executive ineptitude.

Now, Joe ‘n Sarah have managed, at least thus far, to emerge as big winners in their respective games of lotto…and gee, every once in a while I’ll plunk down a dollar and grab a quick pik or whatever they call it. But when I buy my ticket, I’m really not expecting to actually win any more than I’m expecting to get struck by lightning–multiple times–on the way home.

Likewise, most Americans can’t count on lotto, winning contests, or becoming a media darling: contrary to Governor Palin and Joe, we actually DO live in the real world. I’m lucky enough to have a decent job, while my investment “portfolio” has a grand total of a single asset–my house (full disclosure: it cost less than Governor Palin’s wardrobe upgrade.) Unlike Joe, I don’t intend to go on the lecture, country music, or book circuit anytime soon.

And, unlike Joe, I intend to vote for a candidate who, if we’re fortunate, will implement policies that benefit those of us who live here in the real world.