While filming a segment for Larry King, Barbara Bush delivered quite the artful insult to Sarah Palin (yes, this was reported a few days ago, but I JUST got my new Macbook power cord!). It’s the kind of thing you shiver from when reading, because it’s just so icy cold. I’m not condoning this behavior, but should you ever find yourself needing to tear someone down without calling them names, here is Barbara Bush’s guide to delivering a slap that really stings:
1. Show that you personally know your subject, giving whatever you are about to say some sort of validation. (“I sat next to her once “)
2. Pay a flattering compliment, but one that doesn’t insinuate any real intelligence or skill. (“She was beautiful”)
3. Remark upon something fairly insignificant, reminiscent of small talk. (“I think she’s very happy in Alaska”)
4. Insert verbal dagger. Twist. And laugh lightly or smile, to make it appear more pleasant. (“And I hope she stays there”)
In the world of political mean girls (Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman, Sharron Angle, etc.), Barbara Bush just pulled a Regina George.
Perhaps the former FLOTUS got underneath Palin’s skin, but you know Sarah Barracuda. She doesn’t retreat, she reloads. It was reported today that she sent a team to Iowa to search for a 2012 campaign office. So about that whole staying in Alaska thing… probably not going to happen.
But did Barbara Bush win this round? You betcha.
[Posted by Kathleen]
six words to change the world. 