Stalking Horse

A stalking horse can be used to distract or divert attention.

For example, sometimes hunters approach a field of birds ducking behind their horses until close enough to shoot. The birds are focused on the horses and do not see the men behind them until it's too late.

If Governor Palin is a stalking horse, she’s doing a great job. Stories about her dominate the news, and I can't recall anyone talking about age or how many houses anyone has during that time. Moreover, the favorable pieces encourage the party faithful, while the libelous items steam up the opposition, and thereby distract their attention from headier matters.

It is, as it has been, the independents in the middle who will likely decide this race, and I suspect they are waiting for something recognizable as truth as opposed to rehearsed, highly staged pep rally chants.

For example, while I"m not vouching for this, for the AP's take on the veracity of various statements in the Governor's speech are here.

Politics has always been hyperbolic, as is the art of selling a used car.