Griper Blade: Setting the Bar Low

In the grand scheme of things, it seems like a futile effort. Raw Story runs the headline, "Dems, press raising expectations for Palin ahead of debate." For Democrats, the danger is clear -- everyone thinks Sarah Palin is mentally helpless. If she shows up the debate tomorrow and displays more intelligence than a styrofoam cup, all the pundits will probably say she did much, much better than expected. Low expectations have their benefits in a debate; ask George W. Bush.

For the press, it may be that they're worried that expectations for Palin are so low that no one will care. Everyone thinks they know how it'll go, so it's kind of like a movie where someone's given away the ending. The media doesn't want to cover a debate no one cares about or one that everyone has already scored to Team Obama.

RS helpfully points us to other headlines:

"Palin Proved to Be Formidable Foe in Alaska Debates," the Wall Street Journal declared.

"Underestimate Palin at your own risk," the Los Angeles Times warned.

"On small stage, Palin scored big debate wins," concluded Politico.

We're also told, "Democratic aides, perhaps wary of Palin's ability to exceed the rock-bottom expectations that she's facing, helpfully forwarded those articles to reporters Wednesday morning."...

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