post-debate syndrome

An everlasting cringe took a hold of me while watching the vice presidential debate the other night, amidst a room full of my close friends. We all knew that Palin was a wind-up doll (the cute, winking kind). With her mind crammed full of McCain campaign one-liners, two liners, and zingers that will sound great when taken out of context and played as sound bytes on Fox news, a full on shudder emerged as Palin puked her first words. No, you may not call him Joe. Discomfort extended throughout the painful process, with tivo to exacerbate the issue (many pause and bitch sessions). To say the least, it took us almost 3 hours to watch. One person had to leave the room (you can guess who). WE knew better, but I am afraid that by this point I can recognize the rhetoric that ramps up the right wing repubs like nothing else. I was saddened at the realization. Some people were actually cheering her on, somewhere, hopefully far from me but nonetheless. The shudder turned into fear.

Where does this country draw the line? Why do some people run blindly into walls? Should we have a special school somewhere that teaches common sense? I am ready for this to be over, as I am tired of being let down by the stubborn ignorance that is plaguing us. I sound a bit extreme, but extremities are inevitable in this dog and pony show. At least we get Tina Fey to come back around and give us a laugh again.