Palin dodges hard questions like Bush

Bart Atwell, Las Vegas

Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 | 2:04 a.m.

In her speech at the Republican National Convention last week, Sarah Palin claimed to be like a pit bull in lipstick. But in her first week as candidate, she’s acting more like Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua.

Palin seems to be afraid of having to answer tough questions from the press. E.J. Dionne’s column in Wednesday’s Las Vegas Sun tells the tale. Dionne writes that Palin, speaking through her handlers, would not agree to be interviewed unless the press treats her with “deference and respect.” Respect, of course. But deference?

Dionne is right: “Democracies don’t give ‘deference’ to politicians.” Questions from our press are essential to inform the electorate about contenders for high office. Palin’s late entry into the race and her virtual anonymity make timely information all the more important.

After the “deference” remark, the McCain campaign hastily agreed to a Palin interview with ABC’s Charlie Gibson, but the whole affair suggests Palin wants to encase herself in the same bubble George W. Bush has occupied during his tenure — few news conferences and carefully screened audiences at town meetings.

Are these practices what we have to look forward to in a Palin-McCain administration? Judging by her conduct so far, Palin’s acting more like Bush in lipstick than a hockey mom.