McCain/Palin
What do you think of the pick of Sarah Palin?
He is my favorite Monty Python member. Surviving, anyway.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 0953 hrs
Brilliant choice. Anyone who would have voted for Hillary “just because she was a woman” will now be voting for McCain.
We all know the vp doesn’t mean squat… But this will be a great PR move which is what politics is all about.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1000 hrs
WOW!! I’m now excited. Yesterday I bought a bunch of “Hillary for Prez” buttons/pins on ebay and planned to wear them and tell anyone who asked why I was wearing a Hillary button that I was a Hillary supporter but now very pissed at Dems for how they treated her and for the first time in my life I was going to support a Republican and vote for John McCain. With this choice my voice becomes even louder. Isn’t life grand.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1011 hrs
Wow! When is this blog going to talk about the McCain Campaign playing to win?
I feared it would be worst than the Bob Doyle campaign. Now I think it it better than both of Bush’s-so far.
I have gone from holding my nose to signing up, contributing money and getting McCain elected.
Where are you folks at who were going to “punish” the Republican party by not voting?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1018 hrs
So do you want those of us on the left to sit this poll out like those on the right were asked to sit out the Biden poll?
For what it’s worth I love it. McCain’s entire experience line of rhetoric just got shot out the window. Is the old guy with a history of medical questions really going to talk about experience when his running mate makes his opponent look like 6 term senator?
This is like a team on draft day, desperately in need of a running back, but drafting too low to get any of the top prospects, reaching on a guy with 2nd or 3rd round talent with the 12th overall pick.
We know what McCain was going for, but no one who really fit the bill was interested, so he looked at the talent pool in the next tier and picked someone based on potential.
That being said, just as I mentioned after the Biden pick, the presidency wasn’t won or lost today.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1026 hrs
I also love the timing… The morning after Martin Luther Obama… I mean Barack gives his sermon… er I mean speech, John McCain wags the dog with his VP announcement. Great timing. Undercuts the media Obamagasm the morning after.
And this lady has children in the military. Perfect… I guess Bobby Biden isn’t the only son-of-a-politician going to war.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1027 hrs
So you think its a brilliant pick Lefty?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1028 hrs
This lady also has a “special needs” child - I think Down’s Syndrome. Has a career and 5 kids too.
Some “baggage” is her involvement in the firing of an ex-brother-in-law state trooper. It was because of a domestic abuse incident - that could resonate with women who have been abused. But I don’t anticipate the Dixie Chicks playing “Good Bye Earl” at the convention - I don’t think they have recovered from BDS yet.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1038 hrs
Absolutely brilliant.
Honestly? I thought the odds were against McCain before this.
Now, I think he’s got a real chance.
I don’t know who is running the McCain campaign, but stuff like his congratulatory TV spot last night and the VP announcement, today, is absolutely brilliant.
Posted by elliot on August 29, 2008 at 1047 hrs
So you think its a brilliant pick Lefty?
I liked the aggressiveness McCain went with over the timing. Given who he decided to pick however I wonder if there will be backlash in that it is too transparent. I could see media coverage offering a significant amount of ridicule.
At the end of the day he will have stunted the “bounce” of the convention for Obama by getting the focus shifted back on himself, but it might not be the focus he wants.
A lot is at stake for her speech this week, for all I know McCain will be viewed as a genius for this.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1054 hrs
McCain is 72 today. He is a cancer survivor with a high stress demanding job. Male life expectancy in this country is 75. There a very real possibillity that at some point his VP would have to take over for him.
Do you guys honestly think someone with limited experience governing a state with a population smaller than Milwaukee’s is ready to lead our country?
I guess Grampy McSame’s really didn’t mean it with all that stuff about being “ready to lead”.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1058 hrs
The VP can only hurt the presidential candidate, not help them. This pick will be a distraction from McCain.
I think this is a poor choice. Terrible, actually.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1101 hrs
I think it is a good move, but a risky one. As far as Palin having less expereince than “O” - she has two years as a governor and he has two years as a senator. Which two years is going help more?
It certainly does tweak the Hillary supporters a bit - but I’m not sure they will come over in droves for McCain.
It’s a better pick than Lieberman or Romney.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1106 hrs
On paper it looks good I suppose, but I’m gonna reserve complete judgement until after I have seen her perform a couple times on the national stage. I know a LOT of people who’s initial reaction was ‘Who?’ I know a lot of what I consider ‘Swing’ type voters that want to vote for McCain precisely because they feel Obama is far from being ready to be commander in chief. But, those same people have real concerns about McCain’s age, and the VP selection needed to be someone they could feel comfortable with if he didn’t make it through his first term. She and the McCain campaign are going to have some work to do convincing those folks that a former TV sports anchorwoman, suburban mayor, and half term governor of Alaska could step in and do the job if McCain can’t finish his term. I worry a little that this choice takes a lot of the steam out of McCain’s effective arguement that Obama has a thin resume’ and has done nothing substantial to demonstrate a readiness to be President. I think those risks in the pick can be mitigated by shoring up the pro-life portion of the base, and possibly attracting some disaffected Hillary crossovers. But she’s gonna have to be really good right out of the gate ...
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1108 hrs
1. I’ll give the McCain camp credit for doing a pretty good job of running interference in the last week. Palin’s name had all but dropped off the radar. KBH even got more chatter.
2. Lefty’s right, you don’t win or lose an election with a VP pick.
3. In speaking to a friend last night, I mentioned how I thought the only purpose to a Pawlenty pick would be to highlight a contrast with Joe Biden. The same goes for Palin, except she’s a woman to boot. Barack Obama talks about change, but then you turn on a Dem convention that’s plastered with Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Dick Durbin, Joe Biden. Hell, you can even look at his musical guests last night? Stevie Wonder? Michael McDonald? That whole convention was like a time warp back to the 1980’s.
Obama is a fresh and articulate face on the same, tired message and politics that these old white men have been pushing for years. Obama could’ve picked a “change” guy, someone younger and with fresher perspective, someone like Tim Kaine or Evan Bayh, and he opted for a six-term senator from Delaware who’s lived on the public dole nearly his entire adult life.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Biden was Obama’s best choice given his relative inexperience as an officeholder. I’m simply pointing out that Biden comes with downsides too.
Clearly, when Obama is only leading among women by low single-digits in the polls, he’s got some kind of an issue with female voters. I doubt most of that issue is McCain’s inherent appeal. So pragmatically, Palin is probably an attempt to seize on that unease and make some hay with it.
I’ll give credit to McCain for doing something more unconventional than anything Obama’s done in this race. Whether it accomplishes its purpose remains to be seen.
And to #11, I make no judgment, but simply state for the record that Sarah Palin has spent more time in elected office than Barack Obama and has also has executive level experience as a mayor and governor. To many, that will seem like a better background that “part-time community organizer” and “political ladderclimber.” Just saying…
Posted by Recess Supervisor on August 29, 2008 at 1112 hrs
The GOP’s criticism of Obama’s inexperience was probably the most effective argument they had against his candidacy. They just nullified that argument in return for a bump with female voters and those eager for a new direction for the GOP.
The Palin pick could be a stroke of brilliance, but it could also turn out disastrous. It is certainly a gamble. I am now really looking forward to the VP debate. Biden would have torn Romney or Pawlenty to shreds, if he is too aggressive with Palin it could backfire.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1115 hrs
The GOP’s criticism of Obama’s inexperience was probably the most effective argument they had against his candidacy. They just nullified that argument ...
I disagree. We’re voting for the president - not the VP. McCain HAS the experience and doesn’t need to “balance” hist ticket. Obama had to add some gravitas to his ticket. McCain can still contrast his experience with Obama’s and the fact that Biden has more experience than Palin won’t matter to anyone.
And, as RS said, Palin still has more relevant experience than Obama. I invite the left to go down the experience path. The more the public talks about that, the better.
Posted by Owen on August 29, 2008 at 1119 hrs
It would be nice to see a “don’t know yet” option to the poll.
On the surface it’s a great pick, but I’ll wait to see what sort of skeletons get shaken loose before I jump on the bandwagon.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1127 hrs
Owen, I would agree with you if Romney were the Presidential Nominee instead of McCain. But I believe among many voters, there is a concern that a 72 year old McCain may not make it all the way through his term ... or they at least worry more about it with him than someone younger, or with out some of the health issues McCain has had. That puts the VEEP’s experience more into play for McCain than other nominees. I don’t think the Dems will aggresively attack her on the experience issue ... because they know it will only serve to highlight Obama’s own problems in that area, but you can bet that they will use it to nuetralize a lot McCain’s offensives on Obama’s inexperience ... and give them the opening to talk about one of the primary concerns many people I know have about McCain ... his age ... and who would be there to step in if he can’t finish his term.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1129 hrs
I invite the left to go down the experience path. The more the public talks about that, the better.
Bring it on.
It is clear from the polling that the country is ready for a change of course. Obama is seen as offering that. Palin does bring a breath of fresh air to the McCain camp, but Obama’s change mantra is a tough act to follow. Unless she dazzles and gives McCain back his Mavricky mojo she is just going to be seen as a gimmick to compete with the type of reform Obama claims to offer. This pick probably makes or breaks his campaign.
I have to hand it to McCain, he just made the race more interesting. Whoever wins is going to make history, either with melanin or estrogen.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1133 hrs
For what it’s worth I love it. McCain’s entire experience line of rhetoric just got shot out the window. Is the old guy with a history of medical questions really going to talk about experience when his running mate makes his opponent look like 6 term senator?
Actually this works great for McCain. She’s the VP, and has the experience as a administrator as Mayor/ Governor which is much more directly related to VP spot, than probably even McCain. Obama camp starts up with her ‘inexperience’ and they get to club him back on it. She’s got real accomplishments to her name, Obama doesn’t. She shows that even a lack of experience, a real motivated person can accomplish something. Standing up to Big Oil in Alaska, yet still fostering economic growth. Standing up to RINO’s in her state by cutting taxes with her veto power. Obama’s had more time in politics than her yet has accomplished much, much less. This just magnifies Obama’s lack of experience .
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1134 hrs
I’m a little puzzled by the selection, frankly. If McCain was hoping to pick up disgruntled Clinton supporters, he’d have been better off picking someone who matched her in something other than just gender. Palin is ardently pro-life and lacks experience. Whether you agree or not, Clinton’s strong suits were experience and sympathy with women’s issues, with the right to choose being considered a major component of that.
My personal opinion is that the whole “Hillary voters going over to McCain” was a little overblown, especially in light of her speech the other night; her supporters aren’t really all that likely to vote for someone who whose stands on the issues is the antithesis of hers.
Plus, TD is right. She’s a complete cipher as far as national exposure goes. Only complete political junkies like us (well, and the citizens of Alaska, I suppose) have ever even heard of her. She’d better be really good right away.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1143 hrs
Earlier this morning, I thought Palin was a good choice. After watching and listening to her speech, I believe she is an excellent to stellar choice.
Game on.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1154 hrs
Exerience per se is over rated.
Lets be honest with ourselves. These candidates make decisions based upon the input of teams and teams of advisors. Politicians are not known for high IQ’s.
When it comes down to it. The role of president doesn’t require a rocket scientist. It doesn’t even require an economist. It requires someone who has principles, and then who is going to live/govern by them.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1206 hrs
First the good news for you all. Sarah Palin talked far better than expected, certainly better than the current occupant of the White House. She’ll do OK next week in the Twin Cities.
The bad news, she gives Democrats plenty to work with and certainly to dismiss. Every part of her biography points up the glaring deficiencies in the McCain/GOP platform.
With her extreme lack of experience, this circus stunt that tells the American people loud and clear what Karl Rove thinks of us.
I’m in Denver but I sure Chux us gushing on the radio about this choice, just like he is paid to do.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1214 hrs
this circus stunt that tells the American people loud and clear what Karl Rove thinks of us.
If the electorate is dumb enough to believe in Barack’s empty rhetoric and magical wand to fix everything and solve every problem with government intervention then I’d say noone is underestimating anyone’s intelligence.
Did I see you on TV last night too Keith with tears in your eyes in awe of the great Obama?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1223 hrs
Actually this works great for McCain. She’s the VP, and has the experience as a administrator as Mayor/ Governor which is much more directly related to VP spot, than probably even McCain. Obama camp starts up with her ‘inexperience’ and they get to club him back on it. She’s got real accomplishments to her name, Obama doesn’t. She shows that even a lack of experience, a real motivated person can accomplish something.
BRAVO!
I believe that a good chunk of the former Hillary supporters will snag on to her… Even if she is an unknown, she is refreshing with a great Republican track record.
BRING HER ON…
Posted by GMazy on August 29, 2008 at 1223 hrs
Joe Biden is a pompous bully and if that comes through at the VP debate, women will pick up on it.
Not to say that Palin couldn’t handle Mr. Hair Plugs and Capped Teeth. In fact, I think she’ll eat his lunch at the debates.
But if he tries to villify her or pretend to be smarter than her, women will flock to Palin.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1230 hrs
I was uncommitted to casting a vote for McCain until I saw who he was picking as his VP. With numerous concerns about McCain, I needed to see if he was going to poke conservatives in the eye one more time by putting a Huckabee or a Ridge on the ticket with him.
Palin is a good choice. She’s pro-life, pro-gun, and pro-drilling (which will likely allow McCain to get away with a flip on ANWR). They can still make the experience argument against BHO. Overall, she brings more pluses than minuses to the ticket.
As of now, I will hold my nose and vote for McCain/Palin.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1240 hrs
No, only tears in my eyes about the prospect of ever meeting you. It’ll be hilarious when McCain gives his speech and your see the mascara streaked faces of blond fembots over tax cuts.
This choice is incredibly superficial. Obama’s resume is crammed full of accomplishment vs someone who as part time mayor of a 5,000 town. Again, this tells us what Karl Rove not only thinks about us, but what he thinks about you. Some day we’ll help you remove the hook from your mouth.
And don’t worry. Joe will know how to navigate Palin.
Tell us. Why does the GOP go out its way to find the least qualified candidates? Because they give a crap about government—and the American people.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1245 hrs
“Palin does bring a breath of fresh air to the McCain camp, but Obama’s change mantra is a tough act to follow. Unless she dazzles and gives McCain back his Mavricky mojo she is just going to be seen as a gimmick to compete with the type of reform Obama claims to offer.”
Um - what are the changes that Obama is actually going to do? I hear a lot of talk about change - but zero specifics.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1245 hrs
It is a very interesting pick and I agree that experience is overrated.
I agree with xxpilot that it will come down to who will be the advisors of the president. I have not heard or seen McCain make a choice to move away from the cronyism that Bush brought, until now, which I believe is why the last 8 years have been pathetic. By choosing Joe Biden, Obama has shown that he wants someone on the team who will be able to lead on foreign policy. Loading up on your friends from home like Bush did would be the biggest mistake the next President could make.
I think Palin was a good choice for McCain but in some ways I see it as somewhat throwing in the towel for this election and looking down the road to 2012.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1253 hrs
I’ll have to agree with some other comments—experience is, often times, overrated. That being said, would McCain have picked Palin if, with the same experience/qualifications, she was a man?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1301 hrs
I’ll say this for McCain, he’s willing to take a chance.
All this week I’ve been reading about his veep options. When you keep seeing T-Paw’s name come up, a guy that squeaked out a 1% win in a governor’s race, you know that he doesn’t have a lot of choices.
She’s very conservative. To me this is an attempt to win on base turnout like Bush did. He’s been making progress on the experience meme, and she’s in pretty stark contrast to that.
Troopergate adds another note of interest. She comes up in a taped phone conversation with an aide that should have been immediately fired (if he really was acting on his own, which seems a stretch since it wasn’t his relation at the root) but wasn’t. If it was Doyle you guys would be dropping a load over it. I look forward to the cognitive dissonance over that.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1305 hrs
Experience is everything. At least it was up until a couple of hours ago.
Does anyone know where Wasilla, AK is without looking it up?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1309 hrs
To reiterate my main point.
The current vice-president evokes images of the Penguin and has the personality of a turnip.
The previous vice-president made Ben Stein’s character in Ferris Bueller’s day off look like chuckles the clown until he received a personality transplant in 2002.
The vice-president before that may have been the inspiration for the show “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?”
The election will be decided by the names at the top of the ticket.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1313 hrs
Well said Lefty! It really goes back to Obama vs. McCain and the VP candidates will either one be more interesting and palatable than several in the the past.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1317 hrs
“That being said, would McCain have picked Palin if, with the same experience/qualifications, she was a man? “
Would the Democrats have picked a 1-term senator for their nominee if he hadn’t been black?
Posted by elliot on August 29, 2008 at 1332 hrs
Elliot - Obama was elected, Palin was appointed.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1335 hrs
Shhhh…. elliot…. don’t bring that up. It’s racist.
Posted by Owen on August 29, 2008 at 1335 hrs
To answer the question… maybe. Certainly the fact that she is a woman was a factor. But so was the fact that she’s a solid conservative at a time when McCain needs to appeal to that wing of the party.
Also, she’s young and will be perfectly positioned to run for pres in 2012 or 2016 (probably 2012). And the fact that she is a woman and would almost certainly be running against Hillary if Obama loses, sets up the GOP very well. She represents the next generation of the GOP.
In other words, when vetting a VP, they consider EVERYTHING, and certainly the fact that she is a woman was considered.
Posted by Owen on August 29, 2008 at 1338 hrs
“That being said, would McCain have picked Palin if, with the same experience/qualifications, she was a man? “
Would the Democrats have picked a 1-term senator for their nominee if he hadn’t been black?
Well, I’m not asking for your thoughts on why 18-million Americans voted the way they did, or didn’t. I’m just asking for thoughts on why 1 person made the decision he did. And before you ask, yes—I think Obama picked Biden as VP since Biden had the foreign policy credentials and experience he lacked.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1339 hrs
I don’t like the move, it is obviously a bid to get the angry Hillary supporters but you are asking liberal feminists to vote for a Pro-Life conservative. No matter how mad they are it won’t happen. At the same time it removes the experience factor from the race, how can anyone comment on Obama’s lack of work record when the former Mayor of Mayberry is running as McCains Veep? She brings nothiong but window dressing and eye candy.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1343 hrs
McCain is 72 today. He is a cancer survivor with a high stress demanding job. Male life expectancy in this country is 75. There a very real possibillity that at some point his VP would have to take over for him.
Do you guys honestly think someone with limited experience governing a state with a population smaller than Milwaukee’s is ready to lead our country?
I guess Grampy McSame’s really didn’t mean it with all that stuff about being “ready to lead”.
Well, then everybody would get the hope and change we’re all looking for—- without all the tax and spend that comes with the left side of the isle. She’s a common person who happens to be in government. That’s what we need right now. Not a same-as-usual senator who is good at using keen buzzwords.
I was going to reluctantly vote for McCain before - simply out of principle - but now I will gladly complete the arrow next to his name.
And for the record, I think that Palin is one damn fine looking specimen. Grr.
Posted by Fuzz on August 29, 2008 at 1344 hrs
To answer the question… maybe. Certainly the fact that she is a woman was a factor. But so was the fact that she’s a solid conservative at a time when McCain needs to appeal to that wing of the party.
Also, she’s young and will be perfectly positioned to run for pres in 2012 or 2016 (probably 2012). And the fact that she is a woman and would almost certainly be running against Hillary if Obama loses, sets up the GOP very well. She represents the next generation of the GOP.
Sounds like you are saying McCain & team put the political ambitions of the GOP before country.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1345 hrs
Are you seriously saying that Obama had no political considerations whatsoever when he made his choice?
Grow up.
Posted by Owen on August 29, 2008 at 1353 hrs
At the same time it removes the experience factor from the race, how can anyone comment on Obama’s lack of work record when the former Mayor of Mayberry is running as McCains Veep?
And the herd quickly picks up the Messiah’s talking points by ignoring her current job as governor.
For an executive position I’ll take a first-term governor’s experience over a first-term senator’s any day of the week. This is an argument I’m convinced McCain/Palin will love to have with their opponents.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1357 hrs
And for the record, I think that Palin is one damn fine looking specimen. Grr.
I’ve always said that if we need women to lead us, let them be Cougars!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1409 hrs
Are you seriously saying that Obama had no political considerations whatsoever when he made his choice?
Nope. I’m not saying that at all. I’m sure he did - it is an election. But it’s your candidate that is constantly saying Obama hasn’t put country first.
McCain also says that he has the judgment to be president. In his first major decision of the election, he picks Palin as his VP. Now, it’s up to the American people to decide who is president. So I’ll let all the bloggers sling mud at each other. But in this first initial decision, a decision that may be indicative of how either candidate will exercise judgement— I believe I’m more impressed with Obama’s decision to pick Biden. Strictly in the ‘country first’ sense.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1411 hrs
“As for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?” - Sarah Palin, one month ago.
And there you have your Vice Presidential nominee ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy the euphoria while you can, I have a feeling it is going to wear off pretty quick.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1411 hrs
I get the feeling that the liberals are a little perturbed today that the GOP rising star is out-shining their rising star.
This is a very interesting turn of events. The same arguments you have made as to why Obama’s experience and lack of record shouldn’t matter in this campaign are now exactly what you’re saying about Gov. Palin.
Verrry interesting…to quote Arte Johnson.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1425 hrs
And the herd quickly picks up the Messiah’s talking points by ignoring her current job as governor.
For an executive position I’ll take a first-term governor’s experience over a first-term senator’s any day of the week. This is an argument I’m convinced McCain/Palin will love to have with their opponents.
I am not ignoring the fact that she is Guv of Alaska but be Chief Exec of a resource rich with a tiny population hardly puts her in touch with what is going on in the lower 48. It is sort of like saying the manager at Leon’s Frozen Custard has the background needed to be VP of the entire McDonalds Corp. Given McCains health and age I think the VP pick takes on added significance. For me McCains VP pick plays a part in where my vote goes and this pick has not sold me yet.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1429 hrs
3rd Way,
You know the way you appear to feel about the GOP’s VP choice. That’s how we non-believers feel about your Presidential choice. Speaking as a current lawyer (to provide some perspective on Obama’s law student experience), first-term governor trumps law student/community organizer/first-term senator for executive experience.I think the majority of the commenters on this site are looking at this pick from the viewpoint of fairly hard-core political pundits. To the vast majority of voters, who haven’t followed each step of this campaign, the storyline will be that “someone like them” is actually on the ticket for VP. This is very, very, very bad for Obama because by contrast he and Biden look more elitist.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1436 hrs
I wholeheartedly agree with REL. We can nitpick the issues, but the popularity of Sarah Palin will belong largely to the average “Jane Citizen” who relates to Palin’s values, family life, and womanhood, while “Joe Citizen” will scoop up Fuzz’s hormone-filled comment (see above) or connect with Jason:
“I’ve always said that if we need women to lead us, let them be Cougars! “
Add them to those of us who feel she has much to offer and.,... BUHBYEBAMA
I have this feeling on-the-fence Dems are spinning in circles right now.
Posted by GAMazy on August 29, 2008 at 1610 hrs
After thinking about it, I believe this pick is probably a bid for California and the rest of the West. McCain is a Westerner and by adding another Westerner to the ticket he may be trying to emphasize that point.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1700 hrs
Vicki McKenna’s gushing reaction on the radio this morning was pretty much the same as all those Obamatards who faint at his speeches.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 1735 hrs
I find it interesting that her executive experience includes balancing Alaska’s budget…............by raising taxes on oil companies
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008103325_alaskatax07.html
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 29, 2008 at 2143 hrs
Hey Frank, as the Democrats and Liberals here are so wanton to point out anytime someone disparages Mr Doyle, there’s a lot more to the story than just the role of the Governor…..
I’ll quote it for you, since you’re just trolling, or not anyone’s google bitch, or unlinked from this thread… or whatever the excuse-du-jour is for today…
Over the opposition of oil companies, Republican Gov. Sarah Palin and Alaska’s Legislature last year approved a major increase in taxes on the oil industry
State Sen. Hollis French, an Anchorage Democrat
Then last year, Palin introduced a graduated tax pegged to increased oil prices. The state Legislature modified her proposal to increase the state’s take even further.
And here’s some of the results of this tax…
Still, oil-industry officials contend the tax already has affected investment decisions.
Hmmmm, scott was here drooling the main talking point about “You have acres that aren’t being developed, drill there first” which is just infantile babbling.
BP Alaska, which runs Prudhoe Bay, said earlier this year that it had delayed the development in the western region of the North Slope as a result of the tax. ConocoPhillips cited the same reason for scrapping a $300 million refinery project.
Trolling idiots, one and all.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 30, 2008 at 0013 hrs
What really makes me happy about this pick is not that Palin will be serving as VP if Mccain wins, but that she will be around in 4 years if he doesn’t run again. I have followed her career since she was elected in 06, this is one impressive lady.
As far as the inexperience knock goes, it is going to be fun watching Obama trying to make hay out of that one. I for one would prefer my international lack of experience on the bottom of the ticket, not the top!!!
I think that this bodes very well for the future of the Republican party.
To paraphrase Michelle Obama, “For the first time in a LONG time, I am actually proud of my party” Well, maybe not an exact quote but close enough!!!
I never thought I would say this, but it might just be time to get out my checkbook and write Mccain/Palin a big fat check!!!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 30, 2008 at 0701 hrs
From my cursory web-surfing:
Most Republicans and/or conservatives are thrilled. Is this genuine or are they scared to death?
Most Democrats and/or liberals are contemptuous. Is this genuine or are they scared to death?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 30, 2008 at 0758 hrs
The answer is thrilled.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 30, 2008 at 1236 hrs
Jason, Alaska is one of the reddest states in the union. Trying to blame that on the AK legislature is pretty funny.
Let me put it this way. Would it have happened if Palin had opposed it?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 30, 2008 at 1305 hrs
Rasmussen has some numbers on Palin as VP.
Nate’s a partisan, so if people want to pick at his analysis, fine by me. I would have linked directly to Rasmussen but they don’t list the crosstabs.
Nobody really knows who Palin is, so I would take any early numbers with a large grain of salt. But this does show what a risk McCain is taking with her. I’d give anything to see the internal poll numbers on her and other people that were under consideration.
OK, back to the cheerleading, trolling, and happy talk chirping.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 30, 2008 at 1433 hrs
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