The Anchorage Lincoln Dinner: Gov. Palin calls us out

By Dave Stieren

If political parties are families, or at least some semblance of one, then Friday night at the Anchorage Lincoln dinner, we looked through the family album, laughed at some old photos, and found out some things about the GOP. It appears we’re rather dysfunctional, but we do know who’s in charge, and with that, order will come from chaos. And while who is in charge may surprise some, and start arguments from others, that person represents what our state face should be in Republican circles, and perhaps regain a certain level of respect for ourselves. One person gave a speech with clarity, purpose, and direction. Someone else, for lack of a better descriptor, chewed republicans out.

As I wrote last week, there are some items that Gov. Palin may have had trouble with, at least in theory, in addressing a room of Anchorage republicans, many of whom she’s been at odds with since the primary. When she took the stage after 3 taped messages from Michael Steele, Don Young, and Lisa Murkowski, respectively, she wasted little time in rehashing her run for VP, and the position it put her family in. As her address continued, she intermixed references to President Lincoln, and the struggles he endured prior to and during his presidency, and her own struggles with the “mainstream media” and how she has had to endure the financial and political hardships of ethics complaints and criticisms from within and without her own party. An opportunity to give a message of direction and purpose for the faithful, turned into a lot of “why is everyone against me?” Occasional references to this point would have been acceptable, but the size and passion in delivering this message was stunning.

To be sure, the governor has taken a sizable amount of criticism from conservatives, but it must be pointed out that until her VP nomination, the ADN and members of the Democrat party had little to complain about and indeed many helped shape much of her early legislation. However, Gov. Palin referenced those elected officials that may share her party but not her views on AGIA as being motivated by an agenda that in her mind runs contrary to the best interests of the state. I would point out, that if the Daily News and almost every elected Democrat make a statement fully endorsing AGIA, then it would almost be incumbent on some in the party to call for a review of the current economics and the liability the state faces in light of the dynamics of the market. She stated repeatedly that she encourages healthy debate within her administration, but didn’t cite a single instance where someone made an argument that changed her view. One could guess that the last one to do that is now running for Anchorage mayor.

The impression I got, was that intermixed with the references to Lincoln, there was an underlying hostility projected to many in the audience, a sort of “if you’re not with me you’re against me” attitude. She announced she was Pro Life, but never expressed a need for the state to address how she is to pick Supreme Court Justices. She spent the bulk of her speech talking about tearing down and critics, but nothing about the economic future of the state. She announced what the personal financial cost of her “open and transparent” has cost her to avoid being open and transparent. As a matter of fact, only one person spoke of issues greater than self with any conviction and clarity, and that person is the clear face of the Alaska Republican Party: Lisa Murkowski.

She spoke of the need to remake the party in the image of Reagan: lower taxes (a word the governor never uttered), smaller government, strong defense. Her brief but measured response brought applause more than once, with the strongest being the line “I serve with Sen. Begich for the good of all Alaskans, but I can tell you this, I miss Ted”, a line that was greeted with emotional applause for her kind regards for a man that served the state well. She never mentioned how she originally received her seat, or the level of criticism she and her father received, but has taken the role of Senior Senator and was every bit the stateswoman. Her address contrasted with the governor’s, gave all present 2 distinctly different views of the leadership and future of the Alaska GOP. One voice providing guidance and firm resolve, and the other giving a dissertation on the slights and criticisms that have been part and parcel of her tenure as governor. The lasting image I left with was the jarring contrast presented by 2 passionate members of the party, and the end knowing that only one can lead.

“Super” Dave Stieren enjoyed the menu, and was glad that the food was fully cooked, and was delighted with the cheesecake finish. He was surprised to be the winner of a silent auction item, as being a high bidder for anything isn’t something he’s accustomed to.