[cdavid]

At least P. Norvig things python is an acceptable language, if not LISP. I think the point about being optimized for small teams is a significant one. Also, because LISP appeals mostly to programmers, but it often "repeals" people with expert knowledge (e.g. scientists without a strong programming background). P. Norvig mentioned that when he converted his AI book from Lisp to python code examples, it seemed much more natural to most people,

[drunkpotato]

I think you meant "repels", unless you meant "refudiates", though perhaps your finger stumbled in the middle of "repls".

[_cbsz]

"refudiate" isn't a word (though it appears to be a Palin-ism -- http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Refudiate). Perhaps you meant "repudiate?"

[cdavid]

I have at least the excuse of not being a native speaker, contrary to S. Palin :) Thanks for the correction.