Friday, August 29, 2008

McCain picks Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin

By Creature and MJWS

Certainly unconventional, but hasn't McCain just blown his experience argument out of the water? Does he really have time to introduce her to the country? Is this not the ultimate pander to the conservative base (not to mention Hillary voters)?

I say this pick will fall flat. It smacks of desperation.

-- Creature

(Cross-posted at State of the Day.)

**********

Unconventional, and surprising.

As I wrote recently, I think this a year (and perhaps an age) for big-name, national-celebrity politics. Look at who ran for both parties in the primaries. For the most part they were all big names: Hillary, Obama, Edwards, Biden, Richardson, McCain, Giuliani, Romney, Thompson, etc. Huckabee and perhaps Dodd were the major exceptions. Which is why I thought Obama would go with Biden or perhaps Bayh, not Kaine or Sebelius, and why I thought McCain would go with Romney or Giuliani, not Palin or Pawlenty or Jindal.

It is a time for seriousness, for that overused word gravitas. And hasn't McCain's entire campaign been built around gravitas and the contrast with Obama's youth and rawness? It's the experience, but experience full of gravitas, from the military to the Senate. It's the alleged character, but one that is allegedly serious. McCain's very argument for himself is that he is up to task of being president, that he can step right in and lead. Obama, true, doesn't have extensive experience, but he has obviously emerged over the past couple of years as a big-name, national-celebrity (in a good way) figure. And, of course, he has proven that he has both the judgement and many of the necessary skills to lead -- and he now has the full endorsement of the likes of Bill and Hillary, John Kerry, and Al Gore.

But what now of Palin? She pales in comparison to Biden. She was mayor of a small town, Wasilla, before winning the governorship in 2006. She is something of a reformer, yes, but her experience is minimal -- and certainly not national. So why her? To balance the ticket in terms of age and sex? Sure. To appeal to Hillary supporters, those still disaffected even after the convention? Sure. Because she's an outsider with no ties to Washington, and because she can make a "change" argument of her own? Sure. Because she knows a thing or two about energy? Sure. Because she's relatively attractive? Sure.

But so what? Does anyone really think she's ready -- with just two years in Juneau -- for the national stage, let alone to step up and be president, if necessary? It's like she's another Dan Quayle (or Geraldine Ferraro) -- less awkward, perhaps, but with even less experience. Obama, Biden, and the Democrats will have to be careful not to seem condescending -- Biden in particular when they debate -- but what she brings to the ticket is outweighed overwhelmingly by what she lacks.

Creature is right: This destroys McCain's experience argument. But it also destroys his gravitas argument. Sure, it'll be pointed out that he's the presidential candidate, not her, but she's on the ticket now as his first "presidential" decision, and, if they win elected, she'll be right there, next in line for the top job.

With all due respect to Gov. Palin, this is a terrible and pathetic pick. (Which gives us reason to rejoice.)

-- MJWS

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17 Comments:

  • I'm sure he is desperate. If he's not he's fooling himself, but of course perhaps he's betting that he will draw disaffected Clinton supporters simply because she is a woman.

    By Blogger Capt. Fogg, at 11:32 AM  

  • Yes, he's betting it will draw the disaffected Clinton people, but he'll only get the ones that were really GOPers anyway.

    By Blogger creature, at 11:35 AM  

  • To add to the Palin "draw:" Sarah is prettier than John. She has an 80% approval rating, according to MSNBC. She's supposed to be some kind of an energy expert. Caribou are not high on her list. In the minus column, she is under investigation for something or other. However, McCain is obviously comfortable with that.

    By Blogger Carol Gee, at 12:10 PM  

  • So, basically they are going all in with the "Drill Drill Drill" routine. It must still be polling well.

    By Blogger creature, at 12:17 PM  

  • Liberals better be careful about their argument that Palin is "inexperienced." She has more experience than Obama, and HE is running for the office of president. Obama has been a senator for 140 working days! If Liberals go down this road, it will come back to bite them.

    The reaction of the Obama campaign is nothing but lies: McCain is NOT Bush and has voiced opposition to some of Bush's proposals! But Dems must equate Bush and McCain in order to deceive the Americans who believe every problem that exists in their lives is Bush's fault, and McCain will just continue to do the same.

    McCain will not "continue the same failed economic policies." Everyone should be required to take an economics class so that they understand how the economy works. Anyone who works in the financial industry knows that the economy goes through cycles. Obama's proposed economic policies will create more government-dependence, fewer jobs due to higher taxes on small business owners and corporations, and a less-safe America due to his pacifist attitude and promise to reduce America's defense spending. Everything that Obama stands for contradicts what made this country great!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:28 PM  

  • T-O-K-E-N-I-S-M.


    Paline is not more experienced than Obama. So stop with that illogical argument. 2 years as governor is not equivalent to more than 20 years of public service.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:15 PM  

  • In his speach last night, Obama promised to "reduce our dependence on foreign oil" by drilling here in our own country. Let's not forget that Bush has spent the last 8 years trying to do just that, but has been blocked by the democrats and environmentalists at every turn. Now everyone wants to cry foul and blame the man for the cost of gasoline. If these people would have just let him do his job, we'd be that much closer to our independence.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:16 PM  

  • 20 years of being a crossing guard doesn't make a person ready to run the country, but that is also "public service". Just because he has public service experience doesn't make Obama qualified to do the job. Palin, on the other hand, has two years of executive government experience. I'd say that makes her a bit more qualified.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:23 PM  

  • Local Alaskan tv report nails Palin lying about firing scandal. What was McCain thinking?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UojMnCgqVA

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:10 PM  

  • Last night after Obamas speech( and after I finished throwing up in my mouh) I was a little down in the mouth. I hate to vote against something, but finding myself with nothing to vote for I was ready to do so. This morning I find myself again looking forward to November with something to vote for. Palin is a great pick. Fiscal and personal responsibility are making a comeback. That's change we need and hope we can use.

    By Blogger jared 78, at 4:17 PM  

  • You hopelessly liberal pinheads will say anything about anybody who opposes Obama.Sarah Palin represents real change.Obama is only appealing to the liberals and Democratic machine that see a chance to win with a black candidate for whom 90% of blacks will vote ONLY because he is black(half anyway).O.J. Simpson would get half of their votes.Experience at the top matters most.Moreover,she commands a national guard.Obama has only commanded his daughters.You never mention his Wright association, not to mention Ayers and his wife's feigned affection for the USA,poor damage control after her true feelings were revealed on the campaign trail. I am pro-choice but I would still take McCain and Palin over the inexperienced Obama whose credentials are thinner than any candidate in the history of our country.All he can do is give a speech and spout platitudes and promise everything.He takes credit in for things he has no right to.He was against the surge but is now trying to take credit for its success.Hypocritically,he is the same old Washington in a black body choosing a lifetime Washington man for VP, What happened to CHANGE? It has been replaced by expedience.Limousine liberals,the media,close-minded-blacks,brainwashed young people are his base.They continue to try to force him down our throats.Sarah Palin today has taken us one giant step closer to his defeat.I am an independent who wants more than an empty suit with a gigantic ego.I could go on and on.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:56 PM  

  • Time will tell who is right and who is wrong. I am betting thar america falls in love with Sara Palin. Good luck Dems. We can brag on November 5th.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:28 PM  

  • I am a lifelong Alaskan, born here BEFORE statehood and I have read all I can find today about Sarah Palin on-line. Please people, do some research, know your facts, find out the truth. Sarah Palin is a different kind of VP. She has a background that many cannot even understand. She has taken on the oil companies and stood her ground, she is principaled, intelligent, hard working and really does know what the average American is faced with: fuel, food prices, healthcare, job security, minerals and wildlife management, the value of a dollar and the value of her family. She has represented the residents of this state well. Don't underestimate her! Again, please, please check your facts before you post.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:35 PM  

  • As far as I know, we will never control oil industry. Because they have money.

    And we don't. Long and short.

    So for gods sake. Could we at least get some REAL affirmative action on the side?
    The Republicans WILL force creationism in schools. FACT! Can we say antiquated? They will tell gay and lesbian people they cannot really marry, because a bunch of christian homophobes think they will be made gay by them. Gay people don't make you gay, that cock in your mouth does though. Sooo stfu.
    The odd pot smoker will be criminalized, which is such a lovely thing to do to one of your fellow citizens. And we will slowly watch special interest groups destroy our environmental heritage.
    But thats ok, we will have jobs, oil, and guns to shoot animals with when we want to feel manly. But I think somewhere in our quest for security, we will lose our freedom.
    They say when Fascism comes to America, they will dress it up as Democracy.
    Lets fight fight fight!
    'cause remember, only russia wins.

    By Blogger Stonedwarrior, at 1:53 AM  

  • whoever says that 2 years as Governor is not equivalent to 140 working days as a Senator is right .... 2 years as Governor gives a much higher experience than being in the Senate listening no executive decisions, no reform no nothing
    so do your homework look in details what a Governor does vs what a senator does and compare

    Obama-Biden better take her seriously.

    by the way there are no changes in the Obama ticket he picked the oldest dog in the Washington. He supposed to be the new , fresh candidate never involved with the old WAshington politcs but after picking Biden he just confirmed that he wants to stay in the old WAshington. I forgot he needs a baby sitter becasue he has know idea how to do the job if in fact he gets elected he needs someone to hold his hand

    By Blogger Unknown, at 9:00 PM  

  • Selecting her was such an insult to all the hardworking, accomplished women in this country...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:09 PM  

  • I'm a female... neither a Democrat, nor a Republican because I refuse to let a "party" dictate to me what my beliefs should be, I will decide that on my own. I havent entirely decided who to vote for, and if I had, I certainly wouldnt broadcast it here, that is why we have "secret ballots." But let me say, that if there are females out there that were going to vote for Hillary, and have decided to vote for McCain simply because he has a female running mate....shame on you!!! We were not given the right to vote, to decide what is best for our country, on whether the candidate has an "inny or an outy".......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:52 PM  

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