# Is Sarah Palin dumber than Ronald Reagan? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 21, 2010, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453 "2010-11-21T17:10:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 23
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/441 "2010-11-27T15:21:24Z")
> [@Nicolas\_Bourbaki](#): > > IME, “non-denominational” is basically just for churches that are just a bit too kooky to go straight Baptist, or for charismatic churches that wouldn’t have any problem fitting in with Pentecostals, but decide they’re just too precious to let themselves be “defined” by any “label”, man. I think Palins version is simply a way to claim various benefits without having to commit to or identify any particular sect. Kinda like a “fuck buddy”. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/442 "2010-11-27T19:03:43Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > Now stop making me defend Sarah Palin! Hey, if I have to defend GW over in MPSIMS, then you can just buck up _here_, mister! ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/443 "2010-11-27T19:07:11Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > Now stop making me defend Sarah Palin! No one made you do anything, shitstain. It was your own free will. You could have just kept your damn mouth shut. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/444 "2010-11-27T19:36:49Z")
Here in the sticks of the mid-South, a “non-denominational” church is usually a church that split off from the church down the road when prominent members had a “disagreement” with the pastor. Usually that means the pastor was fucking somebody’s wife, but they couldn’t prove it well enough to get him fired. The new church will have a similar name but won’t go to the trouble or expense to affiliate themselves with a larger congregation. They tend to have generic names like Church of God, Church of Christ, or Gospel Church, though they’re not associated with the national organizations with the same names. Doctrine-wise, they’re generally indistinguishable from every other church in the county. In Palin’s case, though, it’s just a way to avoid associating with an organization so she doesn’t have to distance herself if they take controversial positions or turn out to have controversial leaders. I still think this is why GWB didn’t attend church in DC during his presidency. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/445 "2010-11-27T19:42:22Z")
If the republicans want to scare me by running a (pretty) woman for president, they should run **Monica Crowley**. Not only does she have nice legs, she is very smart and knows her stuff about politics and foreign affairs. And she disses Obama and the democrats. Fluently. Next to her Palin is a cuddly puppy. ---
**Author:** ![IdahoMauleMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/71c47a/32.png) [@IdahoMauleMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IdahoMauleMan)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/446 "2010-11-27T19:49:03Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > If the republicans want to scare me by running a (pretty) woman for president, they should run **Monica Crowley**. Not only does she have nice legs, she is very smart and knows her stuff about politics and foreign affairs. > And she disses Obama and the democrats. Fluently. > Next to her Palin is a cuddly puppy. Wow. Never heard of her until your post. But all I can say is…Hellooooo Guv’ner! ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/447 "2010-11-27T19:49:07Z")
> [@DoctorJ](#): > > In Palin’s case, though, it’s just a way to avoid associating with an organization so she doesn’t have to distance herself if they take controversial positions or turn out to have controversial leaders. I still think this is why GWB didn’t attend church in DC during his presidency. Yep. A lot of politicians do the same, as they probably should. Loot at **Mit Romney**. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/448 "2010-11-27T20:11:32Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > If the republicans want to scare me by running a (pretty) woman for president, they should run **Monica Crowley**. Not only does she have nice legs, she is very smart and knows her stuff about politics and foreign affairs. > And she disses Obama and the democrats. Fluently. > Next to her Palin is a cuddly puppy. You mean Monica Crowley, the [thief](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laurie-kilmartin/monica-crowley-caught-pla_b_110568.html), [liar](http://mediamatters.org/research/200806270007) and [plagiarst](http://www.slate.com/id/1003470/)? ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/449 "2010-11-27T20:32:31Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > You mean Monica Crowley, the [thief](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laurie-kilmartin/monica-crowley-caught-pla_b_110568.html), [liar](http://mediamatters.org/research/200806270007) and [plagiarst](http://www.slate.com/id/1003470/)? So what? That’s the “cuddly puppy” part. Do you think the conservatives would worry too much about a few liberal rantings? Slick Willie, who I loved as president, got away with a lot more than that. As a matter of fact, I’d love to see Palin and Crowley debate issues. ---
**Author:** ![IdahoMauleMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/71c47a/32.png) [@IdahoMauleMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IdahoMauleMan)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/450 "2010-11-27T21:19:24Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > So what? That’s the “cuddly puppy” part. Do you think the conservatives would worry too much about a few liberal rantings? Slick Willie, who I loved as president, got away with a lot more than that. > As a matter of fact, I’d love to see Palin and Crowley debate issues. I think Crowley is brilliant. After all, she has a Ph.D. from Columbia. They aren’t just giving those away, the last time I checked. Just like law degrees from Harvard. She must be brilliant. I believe that once we elect her, she will be “The Smartest President We’ve Ever Had.” I think she’s a transformational candidate who will “make all of our problems go away.” She’ll reach across the aisle. She’ll put all the healthcare debates on C-Span. She has a first-class temperament. She’s the bomb. Let’s vote for her. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2010, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/451 "2010-11-27T21:56:52Z")
Oh no. I wouldn’t vote for her. In spite of all her qualifications, I don’t want her for president. I don’t like her positions on issues. But she is, intellectually anyway, qualified. But you go ahead, **Mr. IdahoMauleMan**. you sly rascal you. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![a35362](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/452 "2010-11-28T00:33:58Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > Thing is, the people who like her also like that about her. They like that she’s not only as dumb as them, she’s also as petty and spiteful. Only unlike them, she gets to actually say this shit out loud, while they “Yes sir” their way through their petty, pussy little days, and then go home and neglect their families to post stupid, hateful shit on facebook, which provides them the only sense of power or influence they get in their lives. I just wanted to say… _excellent_ post! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![IdahoMauleMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/71c47a/32.png) [@IdahoMauleMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IdahoMauleMan)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/453 "2010-11-28T01:26:40Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > Oh no. I wouldn’t vote for her. In spite of all her qualifications, I don’t want her for president. I don’t like her positions on issues. But she is, intellectually anyway, qualified. > But you go ahead, **Mr. IdahoMauleMan**. you sly rascal you. 😉 Good to see you are vetting a candidate in advance. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/454 "2010-11-28T01:49:28Z")
In this instance, I think a vet screening would be appropriate, make sure she’s had all her shots. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/455 "2010-11-28T02:24:06Z")
> [@IdahoMauleMan](#): > > Good to see you are vetting a candidate in advance. You suggested we vote for her. I thought maybe you know something I don’t. And yes, I pre-vetted Crowley. I am that afraid of her being president. I don’t think she has any non-human diseases though. She’s married to Fox’s token liberal commentator. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/456 "2010-11-28T05:04:30Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > She’s married to Fox’s token liberal commentator. :eek: Her sister is married to him. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/457 "2010-11-28T05:12:01Z")
> [@C3](#): > > Her sister is married to him. Oh. That seems more likely. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/458 "2010-11-28T14:07:41Z")
> [@IdahoMauleMan](#): > > I think Crowley is brilliant. > > After all, she has a Ph.D. from Columbia. They aren’t just giving those away, the last time I checked. Just like law degrees from Harvard. She must be brilliant. > > I believe that once we elect her, she will be “The Smartest President We’ve Ever Had.” > > I think she’s a transformational candidate who will “make all of our problems go away.” > > She’ll reach across the aisle. She’ll put all the healthcare debates on C-Span. She has a first-class temperament. And she never palled around with terrorists, either! (Not for lack of trying. They just all thought she was a bitch.) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/459 "2010-11-28T17:41:14Z")
Rather depends on how you define “terrorist”. If your definition excludes white men in nice suits and wing-tipped shoes, then no, she didn’t. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453/460 "2010-11-28T17:53:07Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Rather depends on how you define “terrorist”. If your definition excludes white men in nice suits and wing-tipped shoes, then no, she didn’t. Now you guys are losing me. Are you hinting that there were some mysterious white men in nice suits and wing-tipped shoes who were terrorists which Monica Crowley _did_ hang with? If you don’t shoot one, you are one? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453.md?page=22) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sarah-palin-dumber-than-ronald-reagan/561453.md?page=24)