I'm Not Sarah Palin, But I Play Her On TV

There's news this afternoon that Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm will "play" Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in Joe Biden's upcoming debate practice sessions. For Granholm, the once aspiring actress, this could be a very challenging role indeed.

As the Free Press notes:

Granholm went to a Hollywood acting school and appeared once on ''The Dating Game'' TV show. She later decided to go to college at the University of California-Berkeley.

Governor Granholm has a unique... I guess "style" would be the best way to describe it. It seems that in all she says in public -- whether a radio interview, press conference or annual State of the State address -- she brings a dramatic effect that reminds you of the pilot episode of one of those TV dramas aimed for NBC, but immediately sent to Lifetime.

Hushed tones, pensive pauses, whispers, winks.

I've never had a one-on-one talk with Governor Granholm, and have often wondered if the same stylings carry over. I'm guessing no. But I can also say that I have never seen a public performance from her that didn't appear so over-acted as to make James Lipton shudder.

Which all makes the pick to play Palin so curious. I can imagine someone smart somewhere thinking, "Granholm and Palin are both young, attractive, dynamic and female. Granholm would be perfect." Alas, authenticity is neither a shared characteristic of their public personas, nor one easily replicated. And, compared to Biden's cocky blowhardedness, Palin's authenticity is likely her greatest strength.

Sarah Palin confidently comes across as a public figure who doesn't have to try to connect. Jennifer Granholm consistently comes across as a public figure who simply tries too hard.

Her selection as Biden's sparing partner (which, by the way, might really be better explained as Granholm's punishment for endorsing Hillary Clinton) begs the question of whether she is a good enough actor to act like a person who is doing anything but acting.