Sarah Palin: Is she ready to lead?
By Jimmy Orr | 08.30.08
At the end of so many John McCain commercials the narrator asks of Barack Obama, “Is he ready to lead?”
Tables are turning now that McCain has selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate. The very popular Governor from Alaska (approval ratings at 80 percent) has served in this capacity for less than two years.
Politico reports this morning that if the McCain/Palin ticket is successful, she would be the least-experienced person to fill the job in 100 years.
With the vice president being one heartbeat away from the presidency, people are asking, “is she ready to lead?
New poll
In a USA Today/Gallup poll taken Friday, 39 percent say she’s qualified to be president while 33 percent say she is not. Significant?
“That’s the lowest vote of confidence in a running mate since the elder George Bush chose then-Indiana senator Dan Quayle to join his ticket in 1988,” writes USA Today’s Susan Page. “In comparison, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden was seen as qualified by 57%-18% after Democrat Barack Obama chose him as a running mate last week.”
On the job training
In an exchange with Sean Holmes at FOX News yesterday, former vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp was posed the “is she ready to lead” question. Although clearly a supporter of Palin’s, Kemp admitted there would be some learning on the job.
“Well, first of all we have a candidate in John McCain who knows an awful lot about foreign policy and national security,” Kemp said. “He knows a lot. He’s been spending a lot of time with her. She has met every challenge in her life. She’s a smart, intelligent, capable, able, tough woman, and I am convinced that she is going to make a great candidate, and she will be up to speed necessary.”
This is something that Newsweek’s Jonathan Alter says just isn’t realistic.
“The problem is that politics, like all professions, isn’t as easy as it looks,” he said. “Palin’s odds of emerging unscathed this fall are slim. In fact, she’s been all but set up for failure.”
Caution: rough road ahead
Unavoidable gaffes. That’s the prediction of The Atlantic’s James Fallows. He says, unlike Obama running mate Joe Biden who has been in the Senate for 35 years, she’s got zero ramp-up time. Could she be such a perfect fit for the job that she’ll come away in the next two and half months unscathed? Fallows says no way.
“The smartest person in the world could not prepare quickly enough to know the pitfalls, and to sound confident while doing so, on all the issues she will be forced to address,” he writes. “This is long before she gets to a debate with Biden; it’s what the press is going to start out looking for.”
Joan of Arc
“You just don’t know her,” say the fans of Palin. People always underestimated her and she’s always risen to the challenge they say. In fact, the Anchorage Daily News called her “The Joan of Arc of Alaska Politics” this morning - which is a good thing…until the ending.
Palin marched, “into battle against long odds on such big local issues as oil taxes and construction of a natural gas pipeline only to see her opposition crumble,” writes Tom Kizzia. “Days after her 2006 primary victory, an FBI investigation into political corruption involving the oil industry and Republican legislators burst into view with surprise raids of legislative offices. Criminal indictments and convictions followed, often just in time for the headlines to help her win another contest in Juneau.”
Lightweight, Schmightweight
Monitor colleague Yereth Rosen reported back in 2006 that the “lightweight” charge is nothing new to Palin.
The former mayor of Wasilla … crushed Gov. Frank Murkowski in the Republican gubernatorial primary. Then in the general election she defeated former Democratic Gov. Tony Knowles, a political veteran who was seeking a return to the office he held for two terms.
Monday at her swearing-in in Fairbanks, she simultaneously became Alaska’s first female governor, Alaska’s youngest governor, and the state’s only beauty-queen-turned-chief-executive.
Not bad for a suburban mother of four with a relatively thin résumé that critics claimed marked her as a lightweight. Not only that, she won during an election in which Republicans in general lost big, including at governors’ mansions. The party dropped six states, leaving Republicans in control of just 22 governor’s seats. Governor Palin is one of three female Republicans to be running a state.
Hometown crowd
Do Alaskans feel she’s up to the challenge? Like everything else, it depends on who you ask.
He underestimated her. That’s what one former state legislator who lost to her in the 2006 gubernatorial Republican primary told the Anchorage Daily News.
“I think there will probably be a tendency for the Democrats to do the same thing,” John Binkley said. “They will assume that her lack of experience on the national stage will put her at a disadvantage, and I’m not certain that will matter.”
But State Senate President Lyda Green disagreed stating, “Look at what she’s done to this state. What would she do to the nation?”
Is she or isn’t she? With the media glare shining straight at her, we’ll all have an opinion soon.
<< Obama welcomes Palin, kind of | MainComments
2. Timmy coffee | 08.30.08
The seeds sown by Pat Buchannan have reached maturity. Now we have Buchannan Girl as Johnny Mc’s Vp. The Republicans desire another election about guns, gays, and abortion. They are building the bridge back to the 19th century. Unlimited access and no regulation of firearms is great until your three elementary school children are killed in a mass slaughter on the school grounds. Banning abortion is great until your mother conceives (when life begins?) due to having been raped in the restroom of the local Wal-Mart. It’s great to cut taxes for everyone and demagogue infrastructure maintenance (pork barrel?) spending until your entire family is killed when an interstate bridge collapses. It’s great as a Christian-nation to despise and demonize the other religions of the world until we need assistance in stopping terrorists. Ms. Palian is the type of extreme right-wing ideologue that is found in every community. In Memphis, Shelby county we have Marilyn Loeffel types who want to impose their self-absorbed and hateful ideologies on their communities. This type of vulgar nonsense is unacceptable in a national election. We have serious national problems which need to be addressed after the last 16 years of neglect. The only thing conservative about the current Republican Party is a desire to conserve the American aristocracy (the ability to have seven houses or more?) and the romance of the Salem witch trial era.
3. Joseph | 08.30.08
Because of all the corruption from big oil I simply do not trust, nor will I ever vote for another administration from a big oil state. Both Alaska and Texas fit this mold and I am HIGHLY suspicious to say the least. Each of these states has historically had a high level of corruption.
America needs to listen to the team of international scientists that says carbon emissions will severely damage our planet and its creatures. This means WE NEED TO CHANGE.
Voting for an administration that continues to cater to big oil would be a betrayal of my values the health of our planet.
Simply put: Republicans do not respect the environment. Until they do, and we can stop sending our sons and daughters off to war to defend big oil interests, I will never vote Republican again.
4. nunya | 08.30.08
Is this the same newsweek that said if Obama doesn’t win, we’re racists?
Might want to get a different source for objective and credible information.
5. Targa | 08.30.08
Funny, Palin has more CEO experience than Osama. Democrats should have gone with Hillary for President and there would have been no debate.
6. Stan G | 08.30.08
Big advantage: Unlike every other Republican, she hasn’t done anything unethical. Yet. Hasn’t had the opportunity. Yet.
7. susan | 08.30.08
This is terrifying! McCain says he puts country first. This has proven more of the same old politics that Obama says happens in Washington is true. Talk about the 3 o’clock phone call. What is happening to our nation with this kind of thinking.
8. Daniel | 08.30.08
If Sarah Palin have to apply as CEO of a large corporation or a non profit agency, she wouldn’t probably get the job. How american people can trust the whole government to her, then? Is it possible? She may be a wonderful woman, however, that does not make a resume work.
9. Realista | 08.30.08
A ‘heartbeat away from having to replace a 72 year old…. as President”?
As “Comander in Chief of United States of America”?
You Gotta Be Kidding!
10. stan | 08.30.08
Ha!
This is funny. Of the four people nominated from the main parties, she is the only one who has any executive experience at all. The rest would do well to gather the experience to run a barbeque among themselves. Have they run a company? No. Have they run an army? No. Have they run a government? No. What they have done is played politics.
So what you are really asking is, “Does she understand the politics of Washington well enough to survive?”.
How sad.
11. Sam | 08.30.08
Is Palin ready to lead? Well according to McCain Palin is not, meaning McCain is putting his personal gain and politics before country.
I do not like Palin; when Palin was mayor she mismanaged the government horribly, leaving the town in economic disaster and with a huge debt and deficit problem, very much the same as Bush has done.
Palin is also an extremists, her record proves that she is social extremists who wants to force her religious views on everyone else, and wants the government to tell you how to live your life.
And most of all Palin is corrupt, she is supported by Ted Stevens and she is in a current scandal where she has abused government power. She politicized her state government, just like Bush did. She used the government in order to give her friends gifts and she used the government to hinder life of people her friends didn’t like. Say no to corruption and yes to change. Vote Obama-Biden.
12. Creamsykle | 08.30.08
This lady is down for hunting and shooting animals from the air (helicopters), doesn’t think polar bears should be put on the endangered species list because it could hurt hopes of drilling, believes creationism should be taught in schools as an alternative to evolution, voted against women’s right to chose, voted against women’s right for equal pay, had her employees threaten high officials to get them to fire a state trooper (presumably because he divorced her sister). Tearing this woman apart is going to be way easy. She is more against women’s rights then McCain himself.
13. Dan | 08.30.08
Country first?
How dare you…support this administrations’ agenda 95% of the time in their imperialistic-neocon drive toward global domination leading to the chaotic and destructive new cold war vice your ‘New World Order’.
How dare you…boast that you are better poised to guarantee the safety and security of the U.S. citizenry at your age, while on the brink of a nuclear confrontation, by selecting an ex-PTA president/socker mom as the ‘commander-in-chief’ in your stead in the event of your death.
How dare you…offer “We the People” a candidate for the second most powerful political office on the face of the earth…one who has but 18 months experience as governor and no foreign policy experience whatsoever, but was, at least, an ex-PTA president, which should amply qualify her for attendance at National Security Council meetings.
How dare you..select an ex-PTA president to preside over national security issues with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in your absence. Perhaps her hunting and fishing experiences will enhance her credentials as acting commander-in-chief while making military decisions with grave consequences in the global political theatre.
How dare you…tout her credentials as a whistleblower when your very own ‘commander-in-chief’ has vowed throughout his tenure to veto all whistleblower legislation presented him, and with such notable whistleblowers as Sibel Edmonds, the fired District Attorneys, and others havIng been stonewalled by this administration.
How dare you…tout her credentials as a whistleblower when the GOP-controlled Department of Justice has created loopholes in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 through implementation of ‘deferred prosecutorial agreements’ thereby turning a blind eye to select cases of potential white-collar criminal wrongdoing.
How dare you…base your decision to select her as a running mate after meeting her but one time.
How dare you…play cheap-shot domestic politics in a time of national crisis by offering this nation a lightweight political candidate, while pandering to the extreme to your right-wing conservative Christian base in a last-shot desperate attempt for the office of the president. The political transparency is so profound as to be almost laughable, were it not so pathetic.
Your impairment of judgement should immediately be brought to center stage in the global political arena. The global populace is already aware of the facts that you are trigger-happy and obsessed with the perpetuation of war to the benefit of the military-industrial complex.
The selection of your vice-presidential candidate adds fear to the hearts of many in questioning the soundness of your judgement to lead one of the most militarily powerful nations on the face of the earth through political coordination with an ex-PTA president and socker coach.
May God Bless America!
14. Chapman | 08.30.08
She seems like a nice enough Person. But my Family values side has to ask what kind of Mother leaves their 4 month old special needs child to campaign for the 2nd highest office in the Nation. I wouldn’t consider it as a Father & we all know infants need their Mother more than their Father. I planned on supporting McCain but with this obvious bungle in judgement (to put her 1 heart beat from the Presidency) I’m afraid I’ll just have to sit this one out.
15. Mary Ann Pahud | 08.30.08
I am registered as an independent. I have been trying to look at this election objectively and assess the pros and cons of each candidate.
But, with John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin, I am insulted as a woman, a voter, and a citizen. For the Republicans to think they can ‘get’ my vote simply because they chose a woman to be on the ticket is the height of arrogance. And, I don’t care how much they plead their case that she’s smart, experienced, yada,yada, yada.
McCain’s weakness is the economy. He had plenty of intelligent business women to select from if he was serious about the problems of the people.
16. Stan G | 08.30.08
Nunya: It’s the Christian Science Monitor, not Newsweek you’re reading.
Timmy Coffee: Amen.
17. Susy | 08.30.08
Palin is a liar, regardless of how many times she lies about her stance on wasteful spending such as bridge to nowhere. The facts are clear that she along with Ted Stevens supported the measure.
Though McCain is also a liar as well; McCain lies all the time for example he lied about the fact that he voted against equal pay and rights for women, he lied about his record on gay adoption (McCain is against gay adoption), McCain lies about Obama on taxes, the fact is Obama will cut taxes MORE for 99% of American’s then McCain.
Also funny is that Palin last week said she didn’t even know what the Vice presidency was or what the VP did.
Another horrible reason for McCain to pick Palin is that Palin has endorsed Obama’s energy, economic and Iraq plan. What does it say about the McCain campaign when their own VP supports Obama?
Mccain has no judgment given that he picks a VP that is corrupt, and doesn’t even know what the VP is.
18. john | 08.30.08
McCain VP and his rash behavior — Country at Risk
More rash dangerous decisions.
McCain only talked with his VP choice last week. He just does not know her. McCain is willing to make a decision that could impact the country on one conversation!!!
And we all know that McCain still has cancer. He looked death in the eye 2 times. Once was just after the 2000 presidential race where he tried to be selected as the GOP presidential candidate. Shortly after he had to have an operation of 5 hours. That is why the left side of his face is scared and large. He gets checked once a month. But there is nothing that can be done if the cancer starts to spread quickly. That means that there is a chance that he will die or be very sick if he is President. This puts his VP choice as the new President. She a smart and clever person, but is is not brilliant and is grossly ignorant of the world. She would need to be to do the job at all well. There are high school students that know more about the world.
McCain has put the country at risk. Talk about decisions.
19. Lefty | 08.30.08
I believe we now have a progressive party and a regressive party. In this particular case she is the Vice Presidential candidate for the regressive party. At least we know where she stands on a few issues. So the choice is clear, do you want to move the United States backwards, or forwards?
20. Ange | 08.30.08
I am looking forward to Hillary campaigning for [Obama] as she points out Palin’s weaknesses in policy and political grandstanding in the name of civil liberty in terms of women’s rights.
It is understandable to take a personal position on abortion, but another is take a woman’s right to choose should she be raped. It is understandable to know ones personal strengths in dealing and giving love to a child that is a product of a violent violation, but another to ASSUME all women have [the] coping skills or WANT to be reminded of a very traumatic event to later directly or indirectly abuse an innocent child.
It is understandable that she has personally not had to face the challenges of being paid less than her male counterpart for EQUAL work. However, it is NOT understandable for her to deny gender inequality because HER universe has been different than women elsewhere.
Palin does NOT represent the struggle women in America are STILL going through, not only for ourselves but for women everywhere, to deserve the support of millions of American wo/men.
Palin cannot disposes us of Hillary’s her hard work and progress in creating 18 MILLION cracks. She is the model of women of the past, a trophy VP not fulfilling the requirements, yet allowed to reap the rewards as is customary of the status quo.
21. Deer in the Headlights | 08.30.08
The President of the Alaskan Senate, a Republican, doesn’t think Palin is qualified to be GOVERNOR of that state:
“She’s not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president? Look at what she’s done to this state. What would she do to the nation?”–Lydia Green, R., President of the AK Senate
22. steve | 08.30.08
Nunya: Newsweek was right. McCaincient, who nobody would ever have heard of if he hadn’t been a POW (a fact he can’t seem to stop reminding us about), will win precisely because of the racist votes he’ll get. In the meanwhile, he shows us that “good judgement” of his by choosing a Pentecostal, oil-guzzling, small-town mayor to be the running mate of a 72 year old cancer patient who’s already beginning to show signs of senility. This choice was all about pandering to the Christian right and an insult to the intelligence of Americans who possess IQ’s above double and single digits.
23. Drew | 08.30.08
This is just plain nonsense. Palin has more years in politic office than Obama, yet the Democrats have Obama on the top of their ticket. How can you miss this?
24. Belfast | 08.30.08
Palin is a reformer. She already has reformed. This nonsense about being a CEO of a company is scandalous. None of the others could run a company. It requires entirely different skills and experience. Would Kennedy have been a good CEO? Did Ike have any experience? Character counts. I live in Australia. I am just an onlooker, but the way I see it many people have a moment of truth. They are put to a test. Palin has been put to that test and it says more about her and her character than a million words on irrelevant issues dug up by special interest groups. The president or vice-president must never be the hostage of private interest groups - no matter how well meaning their cause.
25. Maria | 08.30.08
Guns, Gays, Abortion, rape the environmment with more oil drilling…the far right wing “pretend to be Christian” element of the Republican Party is in control! They forget about the homeless, unemployed, billions for a Republican war while American infrastructure crumbles and people lose their jobs and homes. Buchanan and his lot give Christians a bad name. By the way McCainees it doesn’t take much to see that McCain and his cronies are using Palin to pander to women…it WON’T work!!!
26. HG | 08.30.08
There is no doubt Palin is good looking and is probably quite smart, but this is not a beauty contest. For McCain to say that he believes she is the most qualified person to lead the country and the free world in the event he is unable to do so is not only reckless but extremely dangerous. It questions directly his credibility and judgment. He is old, and even if he doesn’t actually die in the next four years, there are many medical issues that might keep him from fulfilling his role as President. So Palin would not be just ‘one heartbeat away from the Presidency’, she would be a lot closer than that. Sorry, I’d rather wait for Hillary.
27. Ryan | 08.30.08
How could she be qualified to be the vice president of the United States?
She is the governor of Alaska, which as far as I am concered has little similarity to the rest of the country. Also her only previous politcal experince was being a mayor. Are you kidding me?
The choice to bring on her as a Vice president just made my vote swing to Obama.
28. Richard | 08.30.08
The question “is she ready to lead” is really a senseless argument, made mostly by those who cannot ever to accept a woman as president or vice-president, and also much of it is coming from the democrats, who cannot and will never accept a woman in such a responsible position. It actually causes me to laugh, especially when this year’s elections were suppose to open the door to a woman being president, whom in my personal opinion was the very least qualified for the position, especially when in actuality a Hillary Clinton presidency was nothing less than a third term for her husband, Wm. J. Clinton. All the world has had enough of Bill and Hillary Clinton. However,I personally don’t see a qualifying argument against a woman being president or vice-president, and I also believe that McCain made a very good choice, especially when one examines the facts about Mr. Barrack Obama, who if qualification are to be the test, he has very little to show as being any sort of prime example of abilities. Regardless, I wish all the candidate the best, and to hope the populace of the Republic shall make the right choice, for if not, then all of us shall suffer the consequences. Sore losers shall always to moan and groan, but that’s their rights to do so. What is more important is that all of us join behind the person who wins the presidency, and continue to cause our Republic to be the envy of the world. Whomever is elected president has greater need of us all, than we have need of the person having been elected. For we are truly a government of the people, for the people and by the people. This we are always to remember.
29. Mark | 08.30.08
Obama’s rise to the nomination is arguably premature based solely on his resume. But using a sports analogy, the US Senate is the major leagues and Obama is like the third year player who is by a wide margin the best talent on the field. Carrying it a step further, he has earned his way to the playoffs defeating a stong field with sound fundamentals- message, fund raising, and political organization. Maybe one person in a generation can pull that off. So comparisons with Sarah Palin’s years of experience can not really be made so easily. It is unlikely she is a Barack Obama.
30. WG | 08.30.08
I believe that women are going to run away from McCain as this is the most insulting thing he could have done. To pick a woman who is unqualified and has not worked to get to this place is disrespectful to the women who have worked so hard to get there. Women like Hillary Clinton who have worked their entire lives to make ours a little better are being spat upon with this pick. McCain is saying he thinks he can buy your vote with a symbolic pick of an unaccomplished, inexperienced, far right-wing hate monger who also happens to be a woman. Despicable. Truly, truly disgusting.
31. pogo | 08.30.08
this is what is called the McCain Bimbo Factor– and for many women, it is just an insult to their intelligence. And just how big is Alaska? Does the entire population of Alaska match up to NYC? McCain is really capable of shooting himself in the head.
32. Brent in Lowell Mass. | 08.30.08
By selecting Sarah Palin, John McCain just won the election. We’ll go through the motions for the next couple of months, but he and Governor Palin will win convincingly.
The reason is that selecting a woman of remarkable integrity, a woman of faith and political skill, will awaken the enthusiasm of the conservative Christians in America, and they will carry the vote.
For too long Americans have watched as the country, in the name of all that is holy — “inclusiveness” as the basis for same-sex marriage — has gone morally downhill precipitously fast. And she cannot be dismissed as a narrow-minded bigot.
She is a true Christian– loving, morally steadfast, and unyielding on what is bad for society. She and McCain have that in common–they don’t much care how many people are marshalled against them; they care only about the rightness of where they stand, and they will not be cowed into silence.
Now, the Christians feel, they have a chance of turning the country around. Maybe America won’t lose the family, after all–the institution that is the pillar on which the entire society stands. Maybe we can prevent unbridled abortion on whim, the taking of the most innocent of lives, from advancing further. This selection of her was actually an act of monumental proportions.
It is far more important than a president’s selection of Supreme Court justices, for example. John McCain has himself selected the first woman President of the United States. She will either (God forbid) replace him if he dies in office, or be elected and succeed him at the end of his term in office.
She’s a capable, smart woman. If McCain is smart, he will keep her at his side, like no President has ever kept a Vice-President before; bring her into every crisis meeting, into every military conference, into each and every decision he makes, and how he makes it. Because he is her mentor, and he owes it to the American people to make sure that when she is the one to face down Iran or North Korea, she is equipped with the political skill, the steel eyes, the knowledge of the immense military force, to do it right the first time.
Because that day will come.
33. John | 08.30.08
Why is everyone assuming that John McCain will not live out his term? He has good odds, and motivation, to serve four years. And he will be the president not Palin. Let’s compare apples to apples…McCain to Obama on experience and decision making skills. And Biden, with no administrative/decision making experience and a long time Washington insider, with Palin and her experience as a sitting Governor. (President Clinton referred to his performance as Governor of Arkansas as justification to believe he could make the decisions needed as President. He learned foreign policy on the job by surrounding himself with a strong staff.) Palin would be an effective right hand for McCain, given her executive and decision making ability. I had a small amount of contact with White House staff in the past (during Clinton years) and my perception is that there is a big need for savvy and tough administrative skills in the leadership team. I for one think Palin brings these talents and would put them to good use for the country.
34. shrink | 08.30.08
This all sounds like a movie preview.
In a political long-shot, a young, beautiful “hockey mom” becomes Vice President, after being chosen on the basis of complex political considerations. She is relegated to making public service appearances. But within a year, she is unexpectedly thrust into the Oval Office when the aging President abruptly dies of a stroke. How she overcomes the public’s doubts, fends off pressures from powerful politicos, and finds the self-confidence to lead and inspire the nation (while simultaneously finding the time to attend to her five children) becomes the central theme of the top “feel-good” movie of the year.
35. erik | 08.30.08
I would just like to point out that she just had a baby???? what kind of message does that send??? Me before my children let alone one that is still breast feeding. Nope Dad cant handle that one sorry boys. This is a shame and is see through from every angle but down. Thats where we will head if this ticket is elected. Maybe every town will get a hockey rink and an elks club…. weeeee cant wait to do some skating with no money and no house
37. PaDem | 08.30.08
The arrogance!!! The conservative movement suggests that experience is overrated–that Sara Palin is ready to lead. They readily accept that Sarah Palin will quickly learn everything she needs to know to lead the country. Why? Because.
Is she that much smarter than Obama? Has she spent more time than Obama studying foreign policy documents? Has she spent the last eighteen months preparing for national office? Has she had access to National Intelligence Estimates? Has she been to Iraq or Afganistan or Israel or Syria (does she even have a passport–we don’t know). Has she studied the details of a health-care system the size of the one operated in the U.S.? What is her experience dealing with an economy the size of this nation’s? Has she ever written a piece of legislation? Has she been to New Orleans? What experience does she have dealing with a crisis the size of Hurricane Katrina?
What experience does she have dealing with ANY crisis beyond a hockey injury? Has she any experience dealing with the problems of an inner city larger than 9000? What is her experience with a big-city education system? What is her position on homelessness? Or 47 million people without health insurance?
These are the questions that come to my mind in a few minutes. How will she deal with these questions when posed by experienced journalists?
She may have all the answers. But she also may not. We, as Americans, deserve to know the answers to these questions.
Just because John McCain says she is ready to lead doesn’t make her ready to lead.
Remember, George H.W. Bush told us Dan Quayle was ready to lead.
38. PaDem | 08.30.08
We’d have been better off if McCain had selected Michael Palin. At least we’d get a laugh.
39. Louise | 08.30.08
this business of her having more “CEO” experience is so far off the spectrum it’s laughable. For heaven’s sake, the city of San Francisco is more populated than the entire STATE of Alaska. I’m sure she’s a nice woman and I’m glad that she’s been able to do some good things for Alaska, and although I am one who is drawn to having more of a Washington ‘outsider’ in the job than a Washington ‘insider’, this is way too much of a stretch.
and the other thing that turns me off about her is this whole beauty queen thing. i realize it was awhile ago, but I do have issues with a woman who thinks enough of herself to put on a swimsuit and walk around a stage in high heels in an attempt to win a “crown”. If she feels it’s perfectly fine, that’s great, but I know I’m not the only woman out there that is totally turned off by it.
40. laraine | 08.30.08
McCain’s choice of Palin as a running mate is so cynical, transparent, and misogynistic that I can’t believe that some women are taken in by it. What he’s saying is one woman is just like another, we’re interchangeable, just pick the one who’s prettier. Come on, Hillary supporters, don’t you see that you’ve been thoroughly insulted and demeaned? Do you really think that Palin is the woman that Hillary is? Do you really share her values and policies? Do YOU believe that women are nothing more than accessories to a man? Shirt and matching socks–check, shined shoes–check, nice tie–check, attractive woman–check. I’m a feminist, but I’m an American first and Republicans have destroyed our country. Please vote for our country. Vote Obama.
41. Andrew | 08.30.08
What a sad lot of commentaries. Most are simplistic and impulsive and without much reason or knowledge. Whether Palin has the experience necessary or not is debatable but the others have no experience whatsoever in running any organization. Obama, Biden and McCain (or Clinton for that matter) have never run a town or a state. Two years experience is infinitely better than none.
Those who question Palin as CIC would do well to ask the same of Obama. Similarly if John McCain is too old where does that put Joe Biden?
Hopefully vitriol and ignorance will give way to thought and reason before the election, otherwise we will get exactly what we deserve.
42. Bob | 08.30.08
I am optimistic about this choice. Of course, I’m conservative and agree with her ideology. I’ve been an executive with one of the largest corporations in the country and know that with good staff, but good executive skills, you don’t need detailed knowledge of every subject. I wanted Romney and think he would have been the best President, but maybe we need someone who is willing to put it all on the line to take on corruption in Washington. I think cleaning out corruption and croynyism is more important now than new government programs.
43. muffler | 08.30.08
I just want to cover the “executive experience” meme. This is total BS. Alaska has a smaller population than the first district in Illinois Obama represented 8 years ago. McCain is most likely to die in office and he knows it. How is this selection anything other than putting McCain and the Party first? It’s not. We can go on and on and back and forth over Obama’s experience, but when you tuck your kids in tonight and you look at the world events and where we are - sit down and really ask yourself what this decision means. Because if you elect him then Palin will be most likely the President. I’m going Obama and Biden. He has goals, he has ideas, he has leadership and the Republicans have just about tried to steal every move and idea he has proposed after the “polls” come in.
Convert your dollars to Euros while you can because if McCain wins my new Euros are going to be worth much more than my old dollars!!!
44. Caldwell Young | 08.30.08
It’s difficult to believe.
Sarah Palin is to women’s issues as Clarence Thomas is to civil rights.
There will be women who may vote for her but they won’t be the kind of women who vote Democratic anyway.
Caldwell Young
45. smiles | 08.30.08
Brilliant pick. Being governor is like running a country for those that don’t know. Also, Alaska is like 50 miles from Russia with Canada right next door so you can throw the whole no experience issue out the door. Dems got someone with no experience at the TOP of the ticket. On top of that McCains’ own party wasn’t happy with his pick not because of who she is, it is about what McCain respresents by choosing her. He is doing his own thing and I think it was brilliant.
And on another note, McCain was a PoW, had both of his arms broken while captive so if you don’t think he is about his country, you are mistaken. So, all you Obama people need to step back and realize he fought so you could play your hip-hop while preaching about Obama.
46. Dr Shola Jamgbadi | 08.30.08
Been very happy since Mccain made the biggest misjudgement of his life. This election is a slam dunk for the democrats. Ha ha ha
But honestly, McCain wants this unknown, inexperienced, ignorant person to step into the presidency on his death ? He obviously doesn’t mean well for America
47. Dr Shola Jamgbadi | 08.30.08
Been very happy since Mccain made the biggest misjudgement of his life. This election is a slam dunk for the democrats. Ha ha ha
But honestly, McCain wants this unknown, inexperienced, ignorant person to step into the presidency on his death ? He obviously doesn’t mean well for America
48. jim | 08.30.08
Obama may have the audacity to hope, but McCain has the audacity to not care at all. Amazing. Pundits all over the airway are analyzing the Palin choice through political spectacles just like they did so with Obama’s speech.
Pros and cons, as if these were experimental cookie recipes. This is the future of the free world. Can people in this country stop playing the antiquated games of politics pretending that doing so makes their opinions seem more educated?
The political system is a bust. Partisanship got us in this mess. Thinking in terms of political expedience is inhumane. How can you not listen to Obama’s speech and not merely take it for its inspiration and message?
Why must it be reduced to an obsolete political equation? How can Palin even be on any long list of potential VP (and so possible P) candidates? She meets some equational requirements? She is so obviously unfit for the job she may be forced to fill in short time. This is what the thinking of this country has been reduced to. Not measuring anyone on their abilities and the problems we all face together, but instead on how they better represent the group(s) we espouse to or we want to influence.
How can your view on one issue or preference for one kind of individual trump the future of your country and so the future of your children? It is nothing short of vanity. It is nothing short of dishonesty.
We, the people have got to stop living our lies and start living in the enormous all too real calamity we have made ourselves and take true responsibility for our huge failures.
If we don’t own up now, here, and tomorrow, the example we will continue to set promises to doom this great nation. If we don’t than I suppose we deserve this Alaskan hockey mom or her cynical patronizing acquaintance to lead us into oblivion.
49. Tom Paine | 08.30.08
You Obamatons are so cute. You sneer, you quibble, you drool. You change the subject.
Palin MAY not be qualified IF she ever has to take over.
Obama WILL not be qualified from the first day he’s in office.
Palin actually runs a government.
Obama merely runs his mouth.
50. Degree in Journalism | 08.30.08
[she is the only one who has any executive experience at all.]
And anyone who took a high school civics class knows that the Vice President serves as the President of the Senate, so her first need would be to have LEGISLATIVE experience and she has precisely none. Zero.
And her degree? Four years, Journalism.
That’s right, she doesn’t have a law degree so she is completely unqualified to be a legislator which is the primary role of the VP, baring he President being incapacitated or otherwise unable to serve.
And she has 1) never been to Washington 2) Barely been outside the US, so she is unqualified for the second role that a VP typically plays, that of a diplomat.
No matter how conservatives try to spin this, a journalism degree (from the prestigious University of Idaho) and six years as mayor of Wasilla doesn’t qualify Palin for the second highest office in the country.
51. Puma | 08.30.08
Gee, I have two years executive experience. Should I lead the most powerful nation on the planet at a time of unprecedented economic, military and environmental challenges?
No, I’m not qualified. I don’t know a darn thing about peace negotiationsin the Middle East, stopping genocide in Darfur, securing nuclear weapons…
Palin is not qualified. By selecting her, John McCain has shown he too lacks the judgment to be commander in chief.
52. mark | 08.30.08
I will be having a hardy Hillary cackle, and I’m sure the Clintons will too
As republican after republican comes on the Convention stage to say glowing things about Hillary trying to launch “Ann Coulter of the KLONDIKE”…it’s got to make their tongues swell like an allergic reaction, and sit in their throats like a deep-lodged hairball to praise Clinton.
53. Vice Bimbo | 08.30.08
Hilariously unqualified pick by McShame. She has a degree in journalism from U. Idaho. Wow.
Check out the current mayor or Wasilla, and tell me if she should be President too:
54. Polly | 08.30.08
I am so thoroughly disgusted with John McCain. He has entered the theater of the absurd with this choice. Could he really believe that intelligent women who supported Hillary will think, “Oh yeah, a woman; I guess I will vote the McCain ticket,” or is he just pandering to the Creationists and NRA members out there? Really, the Republicans have turned this election into Alice in Wonderland. They are spinning down into the rabbit hole. Make believe nonsense characterizes this ticket. I certainly will not be watching the Mad Hatters Tea Party in the twin cities.
55. Saxxon Domela | 08.30.08
Does McCain have Alzheimer’s? Just to put all of our minds at ease, John McCain needs to pass a test showing he does not have Alzheimer’s. This is no different than a pilot taking a flight physical, but in this case the stakes are extremely high.
Please Senator McCain, put the rumors to rest by taking this test and having the results published.
56. McCain would have picked Cheney | 08.30.08
Remember, McCain stated ruefully that he wished he could pick CHENEY. McCain’s judgment is flawed. He is the one unfit to lead. McCain is not ready to lead this country, and neither is the mayor of Podunk, Alaska.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiQMDmvdqA0
“If I had been elected President, you would have been my nominee for Vice President.” (Said to Dick Cheney.) He also indicated that he would have picked Rumsfeld.
57. lamont | 08.30.08
Sarah Palin is a proven can do Governor. Here is a list of former Governors you may have heard about. During their time many (if not all) of these people were considered too inexperienced for the job at hand.
Experience is like IQ, it all depends on how you use it.
Following governors from Virginia, other presidents were governors first from a variety of other states:
1. Martin Van Buren: Governor of New York in 1829
2. James Polk: Governor of Tennessee, serving from 1839-1841
3. Andrew Johnson: Governor of Tennessee from 1853-1857 and then appointed by Lincoln to serve as military governor of Tennessee from 1862-1864
4. Rutherford Hayes: Governor of Ohio from 1868-1872 and again from 1876-1877
5. Grover Cleveland: Governor of New York from 1883-1885
6. William McKinley: Governor of Ohio from 1892-1896
Numerous presidents were governors first in the 20th century. The list begins with
7. Theodore Roosevelt, first Governor of New York from 1899-1901.
8. Woodrow Wilson: Governor of New Jersey from 1911-1913
9. Calvin Coolidge: Governor of Massachusetts from 1919-1921
10. Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Governor of New York from 1929-1933
11. Ronald Reagan: Governor of California from 1967-1975
12. Jimmy Carter: Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975, and the first elected governor from the South post Civil War
13. Bill Clinton: Governor of Arkansas for two separate terms, from 1979-1981, and from 1983-1992
58. Esthela G. Torres Siegrist | 08.30.08
Governor Palin is very well prepared. As a mother and homemaker, in that alone, she has had far greater executive experience than Senator Obama. Add to that her experience as an executive as mayor and governor and in those areas, her executive experience far exceeds that of Obama–WHO HAS HAD NONE.
She helped cleanup the dirty machine politics in her state. Obama, to date, has done nothing about the dirty machine politics in Chicago–the Daly machine.
My vote is for Palin, a woman, who can and will do great things.
59. Steve B | 08.30.08
Lets put aside the experience issue for one moment. The fact that McCain has chosen Palin based on one personal meeting is absolutely shocking. Not only does it reinforce the “swing for the fences” mentality that McCain is known for, but it magnifies his complete and utter lack of due diligence..This man is not fit to be Commander in Chief.
60. northern lights | 08.30.08
Johnny, Johnny really must be senile. Country First, huh? With a VP pick like this? Sounds more like you’d do anything to win an election. Your vetting staff really missed the mark on Palin. Scarey old dude!
61. Grace Arden | 08.30.08
I supported McCain but I am very disappointed, and McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin makes me question whether I can be a true Christian and vote for McCain and Sarah Palin.
Sarah Palin has a 4-month old baby with down syndrome. A baby, especially in the first year, needs the love and attention of both the mother and father. I am a mother and I can tell you that deep and important bonds are formed by a mother and infant, especially when you hold a baby 10-15 times a day for feedings. This is really important to a baby’s development. I would never put my career — no matter the title or money that was offered to me — if that meant I couldn’t devote myself to my child, especially in his first year. Can Sarah Palin be a true Christian when she is putting her political ambitions ahead of her child? Can McCain be a true Christian when he supports a mother who puts her political ambitions ahead of her child? These are troubling questions all Christians should be asking.
62. Puma | 08.30.08
Tom Paine… Are you a Christian? Do you think Jesus would approve of your hateful attitude?
No matter which candidate you support… hate is not helpful.
63. steveb | 08.30.08
Lets put aside the experience issue for just a moment. The fact the McCain has chosen Palin based on one personal meeting is absolutely shocking. It not only reinforces the “shoot from the hip” label that has been placed on him, it magnifies his complete lack of due diligence that is necessary for one to lead this country. This man is not fit to be Commander in Chief.
64. Chris | 08.30.08
I’m amused by the vehemence in many of these posts because Palin came from a small town instead of a big city. It could be that says more about the writers than it does about Palin. And the hatred - just amazing. After all that she’s still far more experienced in government than Obama, maybe that explains the defensiveness.
65. Finally decided | 08.30.08
McCain’s selection of Palin just cemented my vote for Obama/Biden. I’m registered independent, and I usually like to sit back and watch before making a decision, but the sexist nature of McCain’s selection (he’s using her!) has turned me off of him permanently. She may be a great person (although I question her agreeing to such a thing with a four-month old), but her obvious lack of qualifications leads me to believe that he has chosen her ONLY because she is a woman; there are others who are far more qualified to be second-in-command of our nation (far different than a state with the population of Sacramento!). How more sexist can you get? The more I think of McCain’s arrogance, the angrier I get! I’ll be getting Obama/Biden bumper stickers and lawn signs as soon as possible, and I’ll be speaking with every woman I know.
66. Sam Osborne | 08.30.08
Sarah Palin, you are no Clinton—Chelsea Clinton that is. By comparison to Palin, Chelsea is a seasoned statesperson of both domestic and international affairs.
67. wolf | 08.30.08
I think, it’s rather condescending of McCain to think, that women will just vote for any woman. Hillary was a qualified candidate with years of experience. Palin is the result of some Affirmative Action ploy by the Republican Party. ( There were other, better candidates - both men and women - in the Rep. Party, that he could have chosen instead. )
68. D. Emerick | 08.30.08
Tell me, when do I start shopping for my Burka?
Anti-abortion, anti-gay rights, anti-environment, anti-evolution, anti-equal pay for women, anti-anyone but evangelical Christians. This is one moose-gutting woman I can most definitely do without being anywhere within a heartbeat of running our country (into the ground!)
69. Bill | 08.30.08
Chris is perceptive. Having lived in big and small cities in the west and east coasts, I believe the rural west has always been misunderstood and underrepresented and, as a result, the U.S. has not taken advantage of its vast resources-both human and geographic. Palin brings a knowledge of the world Obama, McCain, and Biden never could. The Presidency shouldn’t represent only Northeast snobs who know a lot less about the world than they think.
70. Deaner | 08.30.08
When will everyone learn that ethnic and gender advancements are only valid if carried out by the Democrats.
It’s funny how that party seems to believe they own the exclusive rights to social progress.
Watch them try to negate the significance of Gov. Palin’s selection while touting Joe Biden as someone who represent change.
C’mon!!! Joe Biden??? This guy’s like a bad penny that just keeps turning up.
71. emd | 08.30.08
You guys are so unfair… First off she makes a mean rice krispe treat.. and when I say mean I’m saying “Look out Putin”. Two she knows how to fish people… yeah FISH.. Take that you elitist, oh education is so important democrats.
72. Graniteman | 08.30.08
I find it curious that some are asking whether Gov. Palin is ready to serve as VP. Is Barack Obama, the very junior senator from Illinois, ready to be commander-in-chief in a few months? I don’t think so. Senator Obama’s resume consists of serving in the Illinois senate and mostly voting present, writing a couple of self-serving autobiographies and tying his future to Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the Daley political machine in Chicago. Sarah Palin is young, bright,and articulate. She has fought corruption in her own political party and has stood up to Big Oil. Can Obama match those accomplishments? No.
73. Ben | 08.30.08
I find it incredibly inconsistent for the very people who support a first term senator from Illinois for president to even address a state governor as not being a fit vice-presidential candidate.
I find it laughable that Barack Hussein Obama’s own choice for VP, Joe Biden, is on record criticizing Obama’s lack of experience and being unqualified for the presidency.
ANY woman governor of any state in the union, regardless of party, would have been a better VP choice than Joe Biden. Obama promises Change and delivers the same old high power Washington lobbyist’s dad. Joe Biden.
Obama promises change. What change? The name on the “Pay to the Order of” line?
74. observer | 08.30.08
It matters less how qualified the person, and more the direction they’re headed.
I think Palin represents the common sense that comes from rural America, sometimes forgotten in politics. I wouldn’t vote for a candidate because she is a woman and I have voted for candidates from both parties. But, I must say I’d like to see more faces in Washington with the ability to relate to the common man and woman. Palin’s son serves in the military, she attended a public university in a rural state, her husband is a fisherman and laborer on the oil fields, her parents were teachers, she is a mother and former sports reporter, her life has taught her things, some people in Washington will never know.
Also, she’s real and she’s an outsider from Washington. Matched with McCain’s experience it adds up to a very valuable combination. I wasn’t too keen about voting for McCain, and voted for Obama in the primaries, but I’m feeling more excited. I’ll keep my eyes open and watch for a while, but I’m now leaning Republican.
75. eric | 08.30.08
Since when did we start wanting the PTA and Vice Presidency mixing blood??
I dont care if she is man, woman, or ape… She knows squat and is from Alaska where it took a wopping 115,000 people to vote her in as Gov. Really can you represent the US better than to pick somebody that lives in isolation… for somebody that dropped everything when she heard Ivana Trump was coming to the “Big City” to peddle her perfume.. Why you ask… Because Ivana Trump represented Class, Culture, and Glamor to her…. A @@@@ bumpkin 2 steps away from being my president.
77. kengpdx | 08.30.08
This is an act of desperation on the part of John McCain. It is a complete capitulation to the extreme right wing of his party. McCain has shown poor judgment and temperament by not picking someone like Mitt Romney or Tom Ridge. The intolerance of the extreme right wing of the republic party to a Mormon is very sad. Tom Ridge an extremely popular two term governor of Pennsylvania, former head of Homeland Security, congressman and former Marine is passed over because the far right would not tolerant a pro choice republican with Ridge’s credentials. McCain’s lack of judgment is only exceed by his cowardice and fear of the extreme right wing of the Republican Party that once again place politics first and country last at a time of war and deep economic uncertainty.
78. EMD | 08.30.08
This person looks like a deer caught in headlights.. Which is ironic and hee-lariuos.. I cant wait till this one starts talking… its really going to be some fun for the whole family. Maybe she can teach me about congeniality. or gutting a trout… To bad I would rather my home be worth what I paid for it.. or the government not spending billions of dollars a month on a war for oil when there was oil in her backyard the whole time. This was no secret.. Maybe even in hindsight oh oh spend money on things at home like energy, education, police,…. silly things like that
79. Maria | 08.30.08
What a cynical choice by John McCain…… and arrogant…….to risk this country by placing this woman within a heartbeat of the White House. America has no business going backwards with anti-abortion, anti-gay, anti-evolution, anti-environment policies. Talk about hating women and America…..shame on you John
80. Robert Sullivan | 08.30.08
McCain could have chosen Bhutto and the Obamanites would try to destroy her reputation. Face it she knows more about the energy world than Obama and has more executive experience. Alaska really is a state now folks. I think this is really about bashing any woman that is not a Democrat. Wait until she meets Uncle Joe in the debates if he is man enough to debate her. When did supporting life become a crime anyway. Pro life, Pro Palin and McCain.
81. Adam | 08.30.08
This was McCain’s first presidential decision.
The real question isn’t is she ready to lead. Rather, is he?
82. davidw | 08.30.08
“B cant wait till this one starts talking”
Be careful what you wish for. I’ve seen this woman talk. Once she starts, her opposition usually looks for a rock to crawl under. I expect she’ll bury Biden in the debate and make a great VP.
She’s crossed party lines to get things done and gone after corruption on both sides of the political divide. Great changes are about to take place in DC. 
83. beatrice | 08.30.08
I am so sick & tired about Obama’s people complains.
How much experiences Obama has? ZERO. Palin in fact has more exp. than Obama.
Obama runs for Prez and he does not have experiences, and Plain is veep, she has plenty experiences.
Hillary’s supporter now McCain/Palin’s supporter
84. John | 08.30.08
This is all over for John McCain
Polls: Voters Doubt Palin’s Qualifications While Obama Expands Lead
Read full article at
http://art-of-politics.blogspot.com
85. MessiahObama | 08.30.08
I know as a conservative that when a pick makes this many liberals spew this much hatred, its a **** of a great pick as VP.
Now go pray to Obama like you have since he arrived on the scene, you bunch of puppets
86. Mary Porter | 08.30.08
I haven’t seen any evidence that Sarah Palin’s “Reformism” was responsible for the collapse of the corrupt Republican politicians in Alaska. As a newcomer, she harvested the benefit of the implosion of incumbents, but she had nothing to do with their investigations or indictment. In her legislative interactions, she has actually pushed for MORE favorable arrangements for oil companies than the legislature demanded. Look at this detailed Wall Street Journal story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122005404357685123.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Her claim that she “quietly” quit the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to protest “corruption” reflects inter-party bickering over the spoils, rather than real reformism. Her complaint was just that a fellow-commissioner was doing party business on commission time.
87. lamont | 08.30.08
To observer - I like your thinking. I want to add that voting is a personal choice. Out of all the candidates Palin is the one I can connect with the most.
Obama - I wonder what he does in between speeches in every day situations (aka life). He seems very uneasy in a non scripted interview. Searching for words. I think he is a great showman, but not normal.
Biden - no offense. His father was a car salesman and he seems like he now sells Hummers. If you don’t buy one he will yell at you.
McCain - He can be scary. Mess with him he may attempt to break your neck. But - seems like a decent guy.
Palin - she rounds it all out. Good person. Will grow into a great VP and maybe President.
Most of you people are using this election as your own personal battle ground.
We don’t care. Cast your vote.
88. Larry Baker | 08.30.08
McCain’s VP choice shows two things: (1) his poor judgment, particularly in light of the relatively high probability that Palin might actually have to serve as President, given McCain’s age; and (2) how deep the Republican Party has to go to find a “qualified” VP.
90. Nick | 08.30.08
I really can’t believe what McCain has done with his pick. He has shown such poor Judgement in this choice.
Do people not understand that Obama is on the top of the ticket because he has demonstrated his leadership skills in organization, his ability to move people and has set out his policies. He went through the primary process and was elected with over 18 million votes, that is how he has proved his ability, not even mentioning his journey and desire to be president to bring about new changes to this country.
Palin has just come on the scene for most of the american people 60 days before a general election on a ticket of the oldest running president in history (first term). I have no disrespect for McCains ability to run but the issue still remains he could get sick or have health problems, leaving a total unknown in charge of the most powerful office in the world.
Can you really see Palin negotiating with world leaders, making policy. She admitted just a few weeks ago she does not know what a vice president does, she indicated she had no idea what to do about Iraq (not even an oppinion).
Last year was her first year travelling abroard (she got a passport in 2007), granted for a noble reason to see troops in Kuwait which I have respect for, but still this is not who this country needs as number 2 right now.
I was a republican but this is such a slap in the face of american people, like many others I feel like I am rambling in this post but I feel peoples pain and embarrasment that the election process has hit a new low. Pandering to religious right instead of delivering solutions to keep America a great nation.
Whatever happened to the separation of church and state?
Seriously John what are you thinking??? I know this was not even your decision you gave into the Roves in your campaign team but what about keeping some of your respect even if you lose the election, surely your years in office and personality are not worth selling yourself out like this.
Shame on you John McCain!!!
91. C. Nelson | 08.30.08
It’s not at all clear to me why Palin’s appointment as McCain’s VP is causing the “tables to turn” on the question of whether Obama is ready to lead. Obama is running for President, not Vice President. He was not ready to lead before her appointment. He is not ready to lead now.
92. Hugh | 08.30.08
With his Vice Presidential choice announcement, John McCain, in one fell swoop, has undercut his own argument of experience and provided a living example of his questionable judgment in Gov. Sarah Palin, whose name will be on every campaign poster and bumper sticker from now until election day.
It doesn’t help that President Bush (who apparently didn’t understand the historical significance of August 28th as he chose to not watch Obama’s speech) issued a written statement of praise for McCain’s choice. “This decision (to pick Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin) is yet another example of why the American people can trust him to make wise decisions and to confidently lead this country.” Bush’s assessment of what constitutes wise decision-making and what makes a good leader isn’t worth two cents. What Bush meant was that he likes McCain’s way of thinking because it’s very much like his: that you should surround yourself and fill your administration withpeople based on their ideology, with little regard given to their qualifications.
Using the Bush model of decision-making, McCain’s Vice-Presidential choice was easy—- her ideology opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest and she qualifies as a woman. It doesn’t matter that she’s currently the focus of a state investigation concerning a possible abuse of power, lying and an unethical firing. It doesn’t matter that McCain’s campaign never properly vetted her.
Considering that McCain has no working history with Palin and met with her only twice in his lifetime before choosing her as his second in command, I’m not sure McCain knows Palin any better than the average American does.
AND HIS DECISION SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT HIS JUDGMENT.
93. lamont | 08.30.08
To Larry Baker
Personally I would rather see Palin as President than Obama, so for me this is a great pick. It shows excellent judgement. He is trying to pick the best person and at the same time win an election. Looking ate the electoral map I think he wins. I hope John McCain is around for a long time.
How deep did they actually go? They went to the Barack Obama of the Republican party. Simple.
94. lamont | 08.30.08
To Nick -
I think most people that don’t like Obama see he is a talker and has no solid record of accomplishments. He is the disenfranchised candidate to both black and whites. To me, he is a sympathetic vote.
I don’t want to vote based on weakness so he will not get my vote.
Can I see Palin negotiating with world leaders? Yes.
Don’t forget.
Sarah Palin is a proven can do Governor. Here is a list of former Governors you may have heard about. During their time many (if not all) of these people were considered too inexperienced for the job at hand.
Experience is like IQ, it all depends on how you use it.
1. Martin Van Buren: Governor of New York in 1829
2. James Polk: Governor of Tennessee, serving from 1839-1841
3. Andrew Johnson: Governor of Tennessee from 1853-1857 and then appointed by Lincoln to serve as military governor of Tennessee from 1862-1864
4. Rutherford Hayes: Governor of Ohio from 1868-1872 and again from 1876-1877
5. Grover Cleveland: Governor of New York from 1883-1885
6. William McKinley: Governor of Ohio from 1892-1896
7. Theodore Roosevelt, first Governor of New York from 1899-1901.
8. Woodrow Wilson: Governor of New Jersey from 1911-1913
9. Calvin Coolidge: Governor of Massachusetts from 1919-1921
10. Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Governor of New York from 1929-1933
11. Ronald Reagan: Governor of California from 1967-1975
12. Jimmy Carter: Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975, and the first elected governor from the South post Civil War
13. Bill Clinton: Governor of Arkansas for two separate terms, from 1979-1981, and from 1983-1992
95. Nick | 08.30.08
Lamont,
I totally respect your oppinion not to follow Obama. If you feel his policies are not for you and that he would not be a good pick that is what elections are about.
My frustration is that John has met this Lady once before, and then once more when he interviewed her for Vice President and gave her the job.
I truly hope John will go on to be strong and healthy for many years to come, but the truth is he may not or may have health problems in the coming years.
He has picked his number two and possible president of this country through almost zero interaction.
That is my concern here, everybody know’s John is comfortable with people around him he knows and has a relationship with.
John McCain who was an independant thinker has given in to what he stood for and is pandering to try and win the election at any costs, with no real clear judgement of what effects his pick may have on this country.
A leader who will sell out his/her judgement to win at all costs, without full regard to the people they are leading is no leader at all.
I respect your thoughts that you think Palin is ready to negotiate on the world stage, I personally do not, maybe the more I see of her I will change my mind. I wonder if that is what John is hoping for too!
I cannot vote for John McCain now for me he is not showing any leadership or judgement. Wether I will instead vote for Obama I have yet to determine, but for me he is at least acting like an inspirational leader and is trying to run his campaign on his issues (I don’t agree with all his policies but I am getting to respect his judgement and message more and more).
96. Joanna | 08.30.08
This is all very disheartening. It’s clear that John McCain picked her because she is a woman and thinks the Hilary supporters will vote for her. As a woman, I am very insulted. I want the best person for the job and don’t care about gender or race. As far as being the most popular governor with 80% approval rating - that’s 80% of a population of just over 500,000 people. And it took just 115,000 people to vote her into office. It’s just very scary to think that she has the potential to be the leader of the free world if something were to happen to John McCain (very likely at his age and with his health problems). And who is caring for her 4 month child? I am a mother who works but a baby needs its mother in those early months especially one with special needs. Isn’t she up every few hours breastfeeding? Even if she chose not to breastfeed and her husband helps out quite a bit, she’s going to be neglecting that baby as she campaigns for to be VP. This really bothers me and I’m sure will draw criticism from those that read this. If John McCain really cared about the country and not just getting elected he would been more thoughtful and responsible with his choice and selected someone who would be qualified on day one.
97. marge | 08.30.08
McCain has put his political ambition before his country with his choice of VP. We the Voters should be sure to put our country first when we go to the polls in November. This will send a clear message to McCain and uphold our separation of religion and state in the Constitution.
98. muldoon | 08.30.08
Oh, c”mon. Get real, folks. this woman has less creds than your average elementary school teacher. A B.A. in journalism? ****, you can get that even sleeping through half your classes.
99. choda | 08.30.08
With his Walter Mitty like speach and twittering hands, McCain’s 1st choice was Joe Lieberman.
But when Joe refused breast augmentation, Palin was in like Flint. Nice insult to women McCain, clearly your “old guy perv’” outwitted your “Run for President inner self.”
100. EMD | 08.31.08
Regardless of her gender this person comes from Alaska, has been surrounded by lets face it fellow Alaskans pretty much her entire life, other than the 4 years of school in Idaho. She got her first passport in 2007 so the state could fly her to see the Alaskan National guard in Iraq. Other than that trip she had never left this country. She thinks Ivana Trump is Glamor and Culture??? She is I’m sorry to say a bumpkin.
Lets face the facts she has no business dealing in National issues let alone Global. Listen to her myopic viewpoints every time she has been interviewed previous to this. Shes probably a good woman and maybe even a better Governor for Alaska. But again please look and realize it took 115,000 votes to become Governor of Alaska. That’s a football game to the rest of America people. She is being used as a pawn and John McCain should really get clocked for this one. Just speaking what I see as the truth.
101. RT | 08.31.08
Sarah Palin is ready to be VP now and President in the Future.
Obama is now. His foreign policy is “surrender, run away” and make USA a “toothless tiger” (remove nuke’s & defence capability) and let the evil people from other countries rule the world.
102. Realist | 08.31.08
Hey folks — This woman is running for Vice President of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — not VP of ALASKA — where shooting caribou, gutting trout, winning beauty contests, cranking out kids and “fighting corruption” (aka, cutting in on the action) might actually PASS for executive credentials. For my VP requirements, I expect a bit more.
And as for McCain’s judgement — doesn’t anyone think he might be having the last laugh on this one? I mean, look how he has been treated by the GOP and the good ole boys from the far right for the past two elections.
Now that he’s a few steps away from the grave — and whatever happens in the next 4, 10 or 20 years won’t matter to him — why shouldn’t he have a little fun poking a stick in the eye of the puppet masters?
Go ahead and give them the hard right, nut-case zealot they are so keen to put on the ticket — and watch what happens! Oh, and — wink wink — make it a good-looking woman: The Bubba crowd who can’t deal with Obama’s multi-syllabic words will eat it up! And of course her race and gender will undoubtedly instantly win over all those hard working, white, disaffected Hilary voters. BRILLIANT! Forget about the fact that Palin’s youth and inexperience only amplifies McCain’s age and health risks!
John McCain cynical? No way! The GOP clever beyond belief? You bet!
I am hearing a big sucking sound around the whole Republican party — no doubt the sound of the ongoing fallout from the 8-year GWB debacle.
My advice to any honest, moderate republican is to find a life raft for ‘08 and wait for someone decent to redefine the GOP for the 21st century. The GOP of the past — as represented by self-serving cynics and opportunists like GWB, Cheney, McCain, Palin, etc. — is kaput.
104. Braindead Conservative Spin | 08.31.08
[Drew: This is just plain nonsense. Palin has more years in politic office than Obama…]
What? You mean the six years she spent as mayor of Wassila, population 6,800?
Like this woman? http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=51
The Republican spin machine is getting desperate and repetitive.
105. Grayskull | 08.31.08
This talk of experience is hogwash. Experience is relative to what was lead and how it was lead, nothing more.
I am a life-long Republican and pastor of a large Methodist church and I can say with no partisanship whatsoever that Mr. Obama has plenty of experience to be President. He is a student and practitioner of Constitutional Law at arguably the greatest school that has ever taught that subject and one of the largest cities on the planet. He has the same amount of legislative experience at both the state and federal level, or at least close to that, of a man named Abraham Lincoln. His vice president, who I can say with the utmost assurance that I cannot stand, is more than qualified to lead with more than 30+ years in the US Senate. John McCain also has the experience. Mrs. Palin, however, has lead one of the most least populous states in the union with a smaller economy than most major cities in the United States, for less than 1.5 years! Its also of note that she put her hometown when she was mayor deep into debt with a land deal that she tried to play politics on.
This is the biggest pander in political history by way of “Maverick” John McCain. Ask yourself this: Had Mr. Obama chosen Mrs. Clinton as his running mate, would Mr. McCain have chosen Mrs. Palin? Arguably not. I’d be much happier and still supporting Mr. McCain with Kay Bailey Hutchison or Olympia Snowe, who both have shown they are more than capable.
Mrs. Palin’s gains in Alaska were clearly not by her own doing, but by jumping into the storm when the Republican leadership in that state was up against the ropes and in dire straits. Alaska is one of the most Republican states in the union. A Democrat has a better chance of winning in Texas than in Alaska. I respect her greatly for her few accomplishments, but anyone who states that she has more or at the least equal experience to Obama is fooling themselves.
I am not a fan of Obama. I disagree with him idealogically and on a multitude of issues. Is the possible abolishment of Roe vs Wade worth risking this country to the mere chance of this woman, who has admitted to having no knowledge of what the VP does, who has never even met a foreign leader, to dealing with the likes of Putin and Ahmadinejad? I can say without question, I would sleep easier at night knowing that it was Mr. Obama, Mr. McCain, or Mr. Biden doing so, when all have already shown they can and have done so. Ms. Palin has no experience in this arena and with John McCain being 72 years old, the chance of her having that burden placed upon her shoulders is greater than its been at any time in our history.
I am no longer even considering John McCain with my vote and will be urging my parish tomorrow morning to consider Mr. Obama or at the least look at the other options than John McCain. The hair-trigger he pulled with this choice shows that his judgment in this is clearly “playing politics” and his “Country First” mantra takes a backseat to his own political ambitions, which he was above when I supported him in 2000. I have voted Democrat only once in my entire life, for the late JFK. I made a smart decision then, and I have confidence that pulling the lever for Barack Obama will at the least be a smarter decision than pulling it for McCain/Palin.
106. drea | 08.31.08
Both Obama and Palin have commonalities. Yes, there both fresh faces. Yes, they both are new to the political arena. Yes, they share all of our great diverse backgrounds. Her being a woman, he being a minorty. And yes, they both inspire all of us with their, great American stories. They no how to fight .. just like the rest of us. The difference, which I’m not sure is fare to Palin is McCain has brought her in before the nation can truly embrace her story.. this election has gone back and forth for over 19 months.. we come to know Obama’s story and appreciate it. We’ve come to know McCains story and appreciate it. The expected VP’s are known through out Washington. No one has EVER heard of her. What do we know about Alaska. (Although, we should know every great state of our union .. fact is we dont). Only people in Alaska. What is also a discredit to her, is she has been quoted at saying, “What do I know about being a VP, I’m just a hocky mom from Alaska”. Not hardly the tanasity or strive I would expect to hear the next possible President of OUR United States say. And a couple of months later, take the oath. Does she even feel like she’s ready to lead this great nation? We need help! We don’t need someone who said, well this I might be able to handle this job… OUR COUNTRY is at the cuffs of the rest of world, not even a full shirt. And they’re playing with OUR lives! This is larger than, just a woman and a minorty man, WE could be at the mercy of the rest of the world.. and it saddens me that no one is taking this seriously.
107. drea | 08.31.08
Is this a gimmick. Why was former congressman, trade negotiator and budget director Rob Portman sitting in the front of the Republican forum, as if HE were about to accept the VP nomination just to get up and say, “I am not your nominee for Vice President? Palin hadn’t even arrived? She was on a private plane at the last minute on her way in. Was she really McCains 1st pick? It just doesnt settle. Think about it. Is this a distraction for the hype of the, Democratic Convention? Well if it isn’t, I feel gun shy of anyone after two conversations with her, thought she would make a fantastic choice at the 2nd highest office in our nation. It makes me question McCains judgement. It takes longer than two conversations to decide if you even like somebody sometimes. Let alone, be half a step away from the door as President.
108. kimber | 08.31.08
How can the republicans talk about Obama’s experience and then turn around and pick someone with little to no experience to perform the job of a vice president. Then is she ready to lead too?
109. lemzky | 08.31.08
City council for 4 years of a town of 6,000?
Mayor for 6 years of a town of 6,000?
Gov for 1/2 years in a state with 670,000? (In the county I live in there are just over a million people….)
In December 2001, after the country was attacked by terrorists, Palin was trying to raise money for a hockey rink in her town…..
110. Angellight | 08.31.08
“John McCain for all his white hair who represents the risky choice, while it is Barack Obama who offers cautious, steady, predictable governance.
Here’s I fear the worst harm that may be done by this selection. The McCain campaign’s slogan is “country first.” It’s a good slogan, and it aptly describes John McCain, one of the most self-sacrificing, gallant, and honorable men ever to seek the presidency.
But question: If it were your decision, and you were putting your country first, would you put an untested small-town mayor a heartbeat away from the presidency? David Frum
By McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin, he has put his Country last and Big Oil first Again! Palin has approved of a big gas pipe line and approves offshore drilling for oil (surprise). He has shown poor judgment, incompetency and that he is not ready to lead or tackle the huge problems facing us today but has taken a risk with the American’s people’s lives with Palin who being a heart beat away from the Presidency is dangerous and disastrous. She did not know what a Vice President did so what makes him think she knows what a President does! Outrageous!
111. Tonya | 08.31.08
Im Hilary supporter! But not only I will vote for McCain for his wise choice to put Palin on his ticket. McCain got courage! I will like to see a woman on top position to show the world woman in America can lead this is my personal oppinion, we might not agree on all issue Im a democrat but for this election I will vote for McCain he got my support and even contribute to elect woman. Pls don’t judge Palin record the are millions of American who live in small town and find time to balance family and career this is just an issult not only to woman but from People from small town!
Tonya
Matthews VA
112. Robert Chastain | 08.31.08
When considering why this former beauty queen has become a symbol of change, I think it is a good springboard into a discussion of how a fighting mom can take on the “political class” of all talk - no action men. Too many politicians got into it for the wrong reason. Obviously, this tough lady got into politics for the right reasons.
While I’m sure that very few families in our country would qualify as “pioneer” households, this is a family that many would like to identify with. She certainly is a role model for young girls who have too few positive images among the current class of celebrities.
I imagine that when someone asks her why she hasn’t been more widely travelled internationally, she’ll probably say something like: “It takes a lot of money to travel the world, and frankly, my family has not been in a position to take a lot of European vacations, etc.” However, I think she would probably also say that she is willing to spend as much time traveling the world and brushing up on foreign policy as a President McCain asks her to.
She could certainly say that as long as McCain is filling the office of President, she’ll have free reign and plenty of time to brush up on the foreign areas she needs to. This is not a luxury that a President Obama would have, since he would have no time at all to get ready for the task for which he has no executive experience whatsoever.
One should never underestimate the power of solid, ethical character. Someone who has made all the right moral choices in her life, especially a mother who has a child in harm’s way, is not likely to make bad decisions when it comes to decisions that can affect “world peace”… after all, that’s what all beauty queens want in their hearts (LOL).
Seriously, though, this little book gave me hope that there still are nuclear families in America. Families that understand what hard work and right living are all about.
This book makes clear that Sarah Palin is a force to be reckoned with. I wouldn’t underestimate her, whether I was Paul Begala or Vladimir Putin.
By the way, Vladimir Putin would probably fear her, since Sarah Palin knows about as much about energy politics as any person in America. She is not afraid to play hardball when necessary.
Sarh Palin’s story is about all those “hockey moms” and “soccer moms” who REALLY make this country work. Fortunately for Sarah, if she becomes vice-president, she will have McCain to handle the foreign affairs issues until she becomes up-to-speed. Likewise, as a vice-president, she’ll have all the help she needs in taking care of the little ones, including her Down’s Syndrome baby.
What a story!
114. DaveInAustinTx | 08.31.08
A borderline Alzheimer’s patient and a fundamentalist anti-environment neophyte - and THIS is the best that the GOP can do to repair the damage that Bush has done?
GOD HELP US ALL!!!
I was a Republican but now I’m voting for Obama.
115. JinSB | 08.31.08
Where does this 80 percent approval rating keep coming from? My understanding is that her approval rating has dropped to 65 percent in the month since Troopergate started. Still quite positive but not overwhelming in a state where Republicans so thoroughly dominate and anything short of outright corruption is a big improvement. Alaska was desperate to get rid of Murkowski but not elect a Democrat and that’s where Palin came in.
116. JeremyinRicheyvillePA | 08.31.08
John Mccain is 72 years old and he goes out and picks someone who is clearly not experienced enough to step in as president if needed. I think this shows John Mccain doesn’t give a damn about this country, but he just wants to win an election. He just literally put our country in danger in these dangerous times. John Mccain is bad enough, but his vp pick is even worse. Shame on you John Mccain!
117. Robert Sullivan | 08.31.08
Pastor Grayskull: You said, I will be urging my parish tomorrow morning to consider Mr. Obama or at the least look at the other options than John McCain. Does this mean you will give up your tax exempt status for your church to support Obama from your pulpit? Good for you. I thought Christ came to save the least of these like chidren with Down’s Syndrome. Anyone who can make a tough choice to save a life is a leader. Obama would consult with our enemies as they continue to ignore human rights. Shame on you as a man of God with all your influence on trusting people.
118. new voter | 08.31.08
This is a pretty interesting debate. But I have to say that all the people who keep mentioning how Palin has more executive experiance than Obama are biased, an purposefully missing things with their eyes. Lets look at this clearly, shouldn’t a future vp at least have knowledge of legislatio? If a lawyer doesn’t have enough experiance with law, then how can a woman who has a journalism degree?
119. Common Sense | 08.31.08
Palin doesn’t even have the amount of experience that Bush Jr. had… and look how he screwed-up everything he’s put his hands on.
McCain is a poster child for politicians with ADD to the max. This, just another of his quick and stupid decisions. I had some respect for him after the war. That went out the window when he condemned Falwell, then got on his knees to suck every vote he could from him.
Let’s see… a seventy-two year old, tortured captive, cancer survivor (so far). I wonder what an actuary would say about his longevity? And he would leave us with Palin v. Putin. That just proves to me that McCain wants to cap his career so much more than he cares about America.
This is nothing more than a continuation of the famous “Harriet Miers” strategy. Desperate, and just as hilarious. Where is Dan Quyale when we need him… lol
120. Frumious | 09.01.08
What’s the difference between state Governors and U.S. Senators? Governors, the CEOs of their states, take action while senators make speeches. Today we have a thrilling example of the difference: Today Hurricane Gustav lashes at New Orleans. While Senators Obama, Biden and even McCain have each spoken at length about how they would have handled Hurricane Katrina better than Persident Bush, only Sarah Palin, without a single speech, is doing something tangible about Gustav. Today she sent a portion of Alaska’s 4,000 member Alaska National Guard to New Orleans to assist with security and emergency assistance. She did not issue a press release. She did not seek to make political hay. As “Commander-in-Chief” of the Alaska National Guard, she simply rushed them off to meet the crisis and help the citizens of New Orleans.
121. Joanna | 09.01.08
There are close to 2,000 members of the National Guard assisting in New Orleans for Hurricane Gustav. She didn’t do anything heroic or out of the ordinary, she just did her job: governors consent deployment when trops are called up for federal active duty in times of Congressionally sanctioned war or national emergency. She just said “yes” like so many other governors in the rest of the US.
122. Kenny Hott | 09.01.08
Sarah Palin was raised up by God to be nominated as the next vice president.
Surely if God could take a shepherd boy named David and make him king of Israel, He can surely can give her the wisdom and the ability to be vice president. People forget that a president has a cabinet with people to help rule that are given wisdom to them by God. Furthermore she was also was raised up by God to speak out against abortion which is one of the greatest sins of the US.
Just because the US laws says abortion is legal does not make it legal in the sight of God. The US is being judged by God for this sin of murdering innocent babies. I wonder how many people who are pro-choice would have wanted their mother to have aborted them. I would think not many yes to that question.
123. Ruth Calabria | 09.01.08
A Warning for Barack Obama. You are going to have to watch your emotional sense of Sarah Palin.
People like her, conservatives, are just following rules in their consideration for others. They are rules as in a competition or sporting event, rules that must be obeyed and that derive from fear of judgment from authority, not from any real empathy for the pain and suffering of others.
For all conservatives have had their natural emotions wiped from their psyches and replaced by fear of punishment for disobeying rules, fear and guilt inculcated as “conscience” by fear of punishment at a young age.
Rather than caring about people as I know you do, Barack, out of genuine empathy, they care about how they are seen and judged in the way that they treat people. Much will be made about McCain and Palin’s attitudes toward people during Hurricane Gustav.
There are limits as to how much you can thwart the perception of the electorate towards her and McCain’s sympathy for victims of the storm, for visible statements of concern and supporting deeds speak for themselves are hard to contradict in people’s minds whatever their motive.
Reality is the unrehearsed response by conservatives to what happened during Hurricane Katrina. Counterbalance their kind act political theatre during this storm when all eyes are upon them as best you can within the limits of political reality.
But you must not, yourself, not even for a moment, become emotionally connected toward Palin as a fellow caring individual in any way, for that misplaced identification of her with yourself would be emotionally fatal to the proper attitude you must have towards her no more than a player on the Bush, Rove, Limbaugh conservative gang that seeks four more years of power, four more years that will destroy us all.
She is no more than the sheep’s clothing of the wolf, never more in your mind than an enemy of the people that must be defeated in her efforts to get McCain into the White House.
Ruth Calabria matrix-evolutions
124. Mongo | 09.04.08
Of course she is ready to lead. After Lieberman explained Sunni and Shia to McCain, he totally explained it to her. Putin, Kim Ill Sung and the dude from Iran will melt at her hotness, just like we did on the floor.
We all know that McCain will not get Alzheimers until he is 80, like Ronald Reagan did. She will totally know everybodies name by then.
P.S. Brittany Spears sister is still a *****.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Virginia Harris | 08.30.08
The ‘women’s vote’ is a myth!
Senator Clinton and Governor Palin are proof that women can and do diverge on important issues.
Most people are totally in the dark about HOW the suffragettes won votes for women, and what life was REALLY like for women before they did.
Suffragettes were opposed by many women who were what was known as ‘anti.’
The most influential ‘anti’ lived in the White House. First Lady Edith Wilson was a wealthy Washington widow who married President Wilson in 1915.
Her role in Wilson’s decision to jail and torture Alice Paul and hundreds of other suffragettes will never be fully known, but she was outraged that these women picketed her husband’s White House.
“The Privilege of Voting” is a new free e-mail series that follows eight great women from 1912 - 1920 to reveal ALL that happened to set the stage for women to win the vote. It’s a real-life soap opera!
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