by Sarah Palin is heading to India later in the month. Considering that much of America wouldn’t care if she landed on their doorstep, it seems like a bit of a surprise that the people of India are as excited as they appear to be. Why all the fuss?
The Indian-American Connection
Interestingly enough, the people of India are smitten with American politicians and American politics. Millions of Indians have emigrated to the United States over the last four decades, taking up important positions in law, medicine, business and even politics. Their middle-class relatives in India are keeping tabs on them and feeling a personal connection to the Red, White and Blue.
Palin Heading Their Way
The press in India has been getting ready for Palin’s visit and has already kept close tabs on her. The main New Delhi TV station ran a piece about her use of the phrase “blood libel” after the shootings that occurred in Tucson, Arizona in January and they even covered Bristol’s engagement to Levi Johnston! President Barack Obama‘s visit in November of 2010 was, of course, big news and the top news magazine actually devoted and entire issue to his visit.Would we do the same for the Indian prime minister? Do most Americans even know who that is?
Palin’s Goals
Sarah Palin is, of course, hoping to use the visit to build some foreign- policy legitimacy and gain further backing from Indian-American voters in the States. She has her eye on the 2.5 million Indian-American voters who are one of the fastest-growing and most affluent immigrant groups in America.At least someone seems to like Sarah Palin these days.