News media scramble to understand Palin, UF political expert says

September 23, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — So far, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s lack of experience has forced the news media to look under rocks — and in beauty shops — while independents are left scratching their heads, a University of Florida professor said.

“I think people are really grasping at anything that they can find about her,” said Lynn Leverty, who teaches a Women in Politics course at UF and is working on a project to analyze women’s advocacy groups. Palin spoke to a large group at a retirement community in Central Florida on Sunday, but she did not take questions from the crowd or reporters.

Recently, The New York Times published a long story on Palin’s hometown hairdresser. Meanwhile, the National Organization for Women conspicuously passed on Palin last week to endorse Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Leverty, who worked for Texas Gov. Ann Richards for four years, believes NOW’s choice may resonate with some independent voters.

NOW had not endorsed a presidential candidate since Geraldine Ferraro, the first female candidate for vice president, ran with Walter Mondale in 1984. Leverty said NOW chose Obama not to snub Palin but to ensure that Congress would pass laws that favor women’s rights. She added that McCain likely chose Palin to solidify his reputation as something of a wild card.

“I think Palin was selected for a number of reasons,” she said. “Attracting women was certainly one, but also to reinforce McCain’s image as a maverick.”

Leverty was surprised by Palin’s unwavering confidence in her own political prowess. Most candidates are honored or humbled by a nomination, Leverty said.

Leverty expects voters will have to wait until the vice presidential debate on Oct. 2 to get a true taste of Palin’s politics.

Leverty can be reached for further information at 352-392-0262 or at lleverty@aa.ufl.edu.