Missoula Notebook
Palin’s Lack of Qualifications May Spell Doom for Obama
By Sutton R. Stokes, 9-02-08
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| Caption: Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. Photo by Flickr user Ryan McFarland. | |
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John McCain’s Friday announcement of Sarah Palin as his running mate gave hope to many Democrats, who figured that at least they might now stop hearing lectures about the importance of “experience” from a man who has frittered away whatever reputation he once had for sage and independent wisdom by supporting and promising to extend the policies of George W. Bush.
With one fell swoop, McCain left himself less room to make the point that he is more experienced than Obama, simply because it is no longer clear why he thinks we should care. If long national political experience is such an important prerequisite for the presidency, and given McCain’s age and health, what justification is there for selecting as his possible replacement someone who even Pat Buchanan admits is patently unprepared for the job?
Beyond the damage McCain appeared to have done to the logic of his main platform plank (i.e., “At least I’m not that young whippersnapper, Obama, and also get off my lawn!”), the choice raised serious questions about McCain’s mental health — questions that the candidate might have been wiser to avoid so close on the heels of his worrying reactions to recent events in Georgia. If you try to imagine the inner monologue that resulted in the choice of Palin, a woman McCain had met only once before making his decision, it is difficult to disagree with conservative (and, often, McCain apologist) Andrew Sullivan, who calls Palin “a less steady choice than Biden” and who now admits to being “less comfortable with the idea of [McCain] as commander in chief.” Sullivan continues:
”Could this be McCain’s Miers moment? Some [of my] readers think so: the point at which people suddenly realize that McCain is actually less interested in governing than in politics. And willing to let personal liking and respect for utterly unqualified people trump the sober responsibilities of running a country at war, a climate in flux, an economy in trouble, and an empire close to imploding.”
As the pundits scratched their heads and tried to suss out what could possibly be behind McCain’s bizarre choice, the best theory anyone could seem to come up with was the possibility that he might be hoping that disenchanted Hillary supporters would switch their party allegiances and vote — not their consciences — but their genitals. Indeed, Palin herself encouraged this interpretation in her first moments as the official candidate, offering a rallying cry remarkable mainly for its hamhandedness:
“It was rightly noted in Denver this week that Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America. But it turns out the women of America aren’t finished yet, and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.”
For what it’s worth, the audience is reported to have booed.
I imagine many Democrats reached for the champagne on Friday, but they shouldn’t get carried away. A lot can happen between now and November, and one of those things is that a country — or enough of a country to make the difference — can fall in love with a fresh face like Palin’s.
I’m already anticipating that Palin will “win” her debates with Joe Biden, not despite but because of a shaky grasp on the facts of foreign policy. (It is after all doubtful that McCain tested her on the difference between Shiites and Sunnis, since he doesn’t know himself, while the best that some of his shills can come up with is that of course Palin knows foreign policy: Alaska is the closest part of the North American continent to Russia.) She will further help herself along by grasping for the kind of unverifiable and ultimately irrelevant folk credentials that always get cheers on the Oprah Winfrey Show and which Palin has already deployed on the home page of the Alaska governor’s office:
“It is the honor of my life to represent you as your Governor, and over the next two months I will continue to do so. As the mother of five, I know how to multi-task, and I will continue to promote the path of reform that we set out on together in the state of Alaska.” [Emphasis mine.]
As I sifted through news reports about Palin this weekend, I seemed to find more and more evidence suggesting that — given the upside-down, Bizarro World that American political culture inhabits — Palin will not hurt McCain’s candidacy but might even help it and, indeed, might even find herself in the Oval Office one day.
I compiled a partial list.
1. Sarah Palin hunts and eats moose.
2. She owns a float plane.
3. She was captain of her high school basketball team.
4. There is footage available on line showing her firing an M16.
If all of that isn’t enough to make the threat clear, I suggest you consider how the following Palin quote from a CNBC interview in late July will play in the heartland, where the inclination to seek public office is generally — and not always unfairly — regarded as a disqualification for that office. In answer to a question from the host about whether John McCain was considering her as a vice-presidential candidate, Palin said, “as for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?”
If you can’t hear the first inklings of Obama’s doom in those words — if you don’t notice Cupid’s arrow winging dangerously near the American public’s heart — you haven’t been paying very much attention to American politics over the years.
For more like this, read the rest of the Missoula Notebook.
Very scary. But I think the 18 Million who voted for Hilliary will notice that Sarah Palin is NOT Hillary's replacement. We're smarter than that.
Comment By D, 9-02-08By D, 9/2/08
>She will further help herself along by grasping for the kind of unverifiable and ultimately irrelevant folk credentials that always get cheers on the Oprah Winfrey Show.<
and
>given the upside-down, Bizarro World that American political culture inhabits<
Or, as Joan Didion opined two decades ago in her coverage of the 1988 California primary and the Democratic and Republican conventions (http://www.nybooks.com/articles/4280), Jesse Jackson was running against, among other things, “. . . what had come to be the very premise of the process, the notion that the winning and maintaining of public office warranted the invention of a public narrative based at no point on observable reality.”
D
P.S. If you happen to have on hand the splendid collection of Joan Didion’s writings, We Tell Ourselves Stories In Order To Live (Everyman’s Library), the article, “Insider Baseball,” is also contained therein.
I know Alaska and I know Alaska politics and I know Palin does not have enough experience to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. I do wonder about McCain’s mental capabilities in this selection. At least Sen. Obama has national experience. I laughed when Ms. Palin mentioned Hillary and the cracks in the ceiling because she cannot possibly think that the same supporters would be lining up to help her break through that ceiling just because she shares the same genitalia. Her ultra conservative views are far cry from what most of us who supported Hillary believe in. While I would not wish teenage parenthood on anyone I think her own teenage daughter has demonstrated why abstinence only education does not work (part of Palin's gubernatorial platform). Lets hope that the voters take a serious look at how harmful McCain election could be with a woman who is woefully unprepared waiting in the wings if anything should happen to him. The chances are high something could prevent him from being able to serve a complete term. Between his cancer, his age and his numerous ills, I'm not willing to take a chance.
Comment By Bob Wire, 9-02-08A few thoughts in response:
As eager as I am to see a woman in the White House, I know we can't give the keys to just any woman. Judy Martz taught us that lesson.
Voters installed into the Presidency a greenhorn governor with no national experience in 2000, and look where that got us.
As RH points out above, the possibility of the oldest president ever becoming incapacitated is a very real issue, and the #2 slot needs to be occupied by a qualified candidate. Nothing against Ms. Palin, but such an obvious political stunt is an insult to the intelligence of voters everywhere.
Unfortunately for the future of this great country, intelligent voters make up only half the adult population. The Republicans are very adept at exploiting our shallow, celeb-obsessed culture, and no one can assume this one's in the bag until after election day.
With her 'lack' of experience, she still has more experience than Obama will ever have. He has NO experience half of his political career has been campaigning for President. Not a qualification. He's Running for the Presidential office with NO experience. Palin is a Vice presidential candidate, with More experience than Obama. I'm voting for the President NOT the vice president. And thank The CRATOR that Palin is NOT Hilary. Palin has a better record than any of the others.
Obama looks to his wife and Grandmother for Advice. Not a good choice, when it comes to foreign affairs.
Today's stories include another woman stepping forward to claim that Palin is lying about winning "Miss Congeniality" at a beauty pageant (the other woman claims she is the winner) and the news that as mayor she inquired at the town library as to how they could ban books with cuss words.
I told my wife shortly after she was announced that Palin was likely just a placekeeper to get them past the VP debate (the CW is that Biden must tone down the thrashing he was going to give to the Republican VP candidate because it wouldn't be manly to pick on a woman) and gin up a little support ($$) from the American Taliban, then she would step down because of the "strain on her family". At that point a wet noodle like Romney would replace her. Then Republicans will pray that the sympathy vote is greater than the disgust of Romney.
I like this election and my prediction more every day.
Even if I were confident McCain would make it through his first term if elected, I can't support him because I don't agree with him. Having said that, I have watched several presidents of a much younger age when they entered the office come out looking much more aged than they should have for the amount of years they spent in office and therefore I am concerned that his running mate might get the chance to step into his shoes. Therefore, for the sake of the country, I want to know the person in the VP office is indeed ready to hit the ground running, and I do not believe Ms. Palin is. Sen. Obama did serve in the Illinois legislature before becoming a US Senator, as well as his time as a professor of Constitutional Law. I think that gives him quite a bit of experience, particularly where it is important. The Constitution has taken a whole lot of abuse these past 8 years and we really need someone in office who remembers what it is and how important it is.
Comment By _____, 9-02-08Hey conservatives, how do you feel about 49 stars on the flag? Palin supported succession of Alaska from the United States.
Comment By Marion, 9-02-08Talk about whistling in the dark! You guys must be terrified that we will have another Republican President, come November.
Comment By RH, 9-02-08"By Marion, 9-02-08
Talk about whistling in the dark! You guys must be terrified that we will have another Republican President, come November."
Please explain yourself. Who's whistling and who's in the dark????
So by________; That means All Texans, Republicans and Democrats, aren't to be trusted? HOGWASH
Comment By GeraldD, 9-02-08Governor Palin has had much more executive experience than Senator Obama. During her tenure as Governor, she has vetoed hundreds of bills. Obama has spent literally the last 16 months of his one term in the United States Senate running for President.
Obama voted PRESENT on a large number of bills to come before the Illinois State Senate. Governor Palin has had the courage to speak up for what she thinks is right. Obama gladly refers to his part in the Ethics REform Bill. What he fails to tell you is that when the rubber met the road, Obama switched and voted along party lines to kill the Ethics Reform Bill. WHAT COURAGE INDEED SENATOR! And how hypocritical of you to now try and take credit for your actions. What an act of dishonesty to try and hoist on the American People by doing so!
And what about your previous claoms to be a "Different Kind Of Politician"? What about your claim that you are willing to debate the issues? Why won't you let the American public see the extent to which you ad Bill Ayers were connected during the time you both served on the board together. You so conveniently let your political hack Mayor Daley refuse to let hte public examine those very records. Are they currently being redacted, modified, amended edited, or disposed of? What are you hiding Senator? Why, if as you claim, there was no connection, do you not call for the records to be produced? If there was no connection, then what would it hurt fot the public to be able to examine the records? What are you trying to hide Senator Obama?
Governor Palin has had much more experience as Commander in Chief than has Senator Obama. His political and social association with Bill Ayers is perhaps Obama's closest association to fighting and bombing that Obama has had in his short career.
Governor Palin had clearly demonstrated her political courage and her intention to act on behalf of the citizens. Obama is so lacking when it comes to political courage that he couldn't even denounce his RACIST HATE SPEWING PASTOR, saying "I could no more disavow him (Wright) than I could disavow my own grandmother". Obama later DID disavow The RACIST PASTOR Wright, but only after Wright had made disparaging, insulting and humiliating remarks regarding Obama himself during an interview at The Washington Press Club.
John Kennedy's book "Profiles In Courage" was clearly written to demonstrate the exact opposite of Obama's level of political courage. Not only would Obama not even receive a footnote mention, JFK might even use the Obama / Wright scandal to clearly demonstrate exactly what a Lack of Moral and Political Courage means.
Clearly the #2 on The Republican ticket has more experience than the #1 on the Democratic ticket. And what about Joe Biden's 2 brain surgeries? Seems like old Joe ain't in the best of healt himself, meaning that Nancy Pelosi might be only a heartbeat away from the office of President. Wouldn't that be nice?
Governor Palin is the only candidate on either ticket to support what millions of Americans from both parties support, than being drilling in ANWAR. She is perhaps most qualified to speak to that subject since it is in her back yard. Obama, Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Old Joe Biden all want to keep our American oil away from us and force the American economy to continue to pump billions into the economy of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venesuela. Opening up ANAWR would mean lots of jobs in the lower 48 states building the necessary support equipment and exploration equipment necessary to get at that oil. I guess Senator Obama doesn't reall care about jobs that much then? Lets ship the exploration jobs overseas to the Saudis then right Senator?
Marion, I'm beginning to think that Republicans will be lucky if they even have same Republican Presidential Nominee come November.
This downright weird.
GeraldD, unmentioned in your list of Plain's accomplishments is her support for Alaskan succession from the United States of America. 49 Stars on flag for Republicans.
Comment By Sutton, 9-02-08@Ann: do you really think there's a comparison to be made between (1) someone consciously joining a political party that has secession as one of its current stated goals, and (2) people joining political parties/living in states that advocated secession in the distant past, before those people were born?
I don't personally see the big deal about Palin's membership in what seems to be a pretty mainstream political party in Alaska, but then I'm starting to have doubts that she'll still be the VP candidate in another week, so it probably doesn't matter one way or the other. Did you know that McCain's pre-announcement vetting apparently didn't contact anyone in the state legislature or in Alaska's business community? He's so unconventional! What a maverick!
@Sutton Well I hate to say it But I remember not in the to far distant Past that Texas STILL is talking it.
I have not hard that Palin is for the succession. Why should that prevent her from running for the office? Seems like the perfect place to deal with such issues. She is putting a stop to corruptness in AK. Sounds like the Dems would rather that be left alone.
More Pork Barrel Spending.
And being a 'Maverick' is just what we need to rock the 'boat' Things are not all that great now and if Obama became president, this country wouldn't have to worry about the economy because Iran, Russia, et.al. will blow us off the planet.
Ann,
Until today, the theme of the Republican National Convention was "Country First".
Of course running a secessionist on your ticket doesn't really jive with "Country First", does it?
And I've watched Lou Dobbs give himself heart attacks about "Reconquista". Supposedly he is popular with right-wingers, and I have been assured that the opposition to Reconquista and all that has absolutely nothing to do with racism.
The Alaskan secessionists are the white version of Reconquista.
Needless to say, the scrubbing of the old slogan is happening as we speak.
Flounder; Joe Biden and Hilary Clinton BOTH said Obama is NOT ready to be president. So according to you, why is Biden on the ticket? And why did Hilary put her support behind Obama? Doesn't sound to me like they put THEIR country first now does it?
Comment By Marion, 9-02-08What is whistling in the dark? The wild ideas you guys are desperately putting forth hoping to dereail Sarah Palin. A group in Alaska wanted the right to VOTE on whether to be an independent nation, she reportedly belonged in the 90s. So???? It will be interesting to see how amny of the same argumnets you guys use in 4 years when they are running for their second term.
Comment By Ann, 9-02-08My Dad lived to 94 and his mind was still very sharp. He was a Maverick too. I'll vote for McCain again for his second term.
Comment By RH, 9-02-08I know what whistling in the dark is; my question was WHO was whistling and WHO was in the dark. It seems that a large number of people are questioning McCain's judgment, not just democrats. My husband and I also have the benefit of having lived in Alaska, indeed even in the community where Ms. Palin was mayor. All totaled, we have more years Alaska experience than Ms. Palin has been alive. I think that gives us a unique prospective. I can hunt, fish and shoot anything you put in front of me, I have raised children, and I have done the whole hockey, football, basketball mom thing too. I have also worked on the North Slope as well as being active in Alaskan politics. I know a great deal more about Ms. Palin than the average American and I still don't believe she should be a heartbeat away from the presidency. As far as I'm concerned, Ms. Palin being the VP would be moving backwards, not furthering the "cracks in the ceiling" that Hillary made. She is nothing like Hillary other than presumably having the same genitalia and chromosomes. I hope John McCain understands that most progressive women are not the least bit fooled by his choice.
Comment By Ann, 9-02-08Thank GOD she's not like Hillary, who lies(sniper fire), and all those acquaintances of hers and her husbands that keep showing up dead. Joe Biden with two (I think it was) Brain surgeries, now that's something to look forward to at taking over the presidency. You are worried about her as a VP and she has more experience than the liberal candidate for President has or can ever get at this late stage of the 'game'.
The way I understood it was we vote for the President not the VP. And this country will be in a world of hurt (if it's still in existence) if Obama is the leader. Those hostile countries will make mincemeat of Obama, and this country before he even knows what hit him.
P.S. How does Alaska's politics differ from any? Politicians make up politics, and I'm not sure many can be trusted PERIOD no matter what side of the fence you are on. I've been a citizen of this United States all my life (over 50 years) so I guess that means I know American Politics. Whoopeee More are dirty than not.
Comment By Ann, 9-02-08P.S.S. I bet Sara would love to debate Joe Biden (if they do that type of thing with VP's) But Obama won't 'Town Hall' With McCain. Do you think it's because Obama can only talk from scripted material? Probably.
Comment By Marion, 9-02-08RH, it is obvious you are a liberal who is scared to death that Sarah Palin will strike a note and this election will once more go Republican. That is fine, I dont' care for Barack, who rings hollow to me, and that is why we have elections. Believe me we are well aware that she is not Hillary...and we appreciate that.
It seems to me that there is nothing libs can get ahold of to lay onto Sarah, so they go after her child.
I am a conservative, there is no way that I see the same things being necessary for our country that you do, but never would I stoop to the smear we are seeing take place right now. I have never seen anything like it, I am ashamed for those who are participating.
The leader of the Alaskan Independence Party said:
"The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government"
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/aip_founder_professed_hatred_f.php
Sarah Palin went to the AIP convention in 2000, and sent them a love letter earlier this year:
http://www.akip.org/conv08.html
I'm beginning to wonder if all that stuff about "infiltrating" the other parties isn't just talk.
Just an FYI you and your husband could be 23 years old, to have more 'experience' as you put it than she has been alive. Are you saying you should be the Governor because of your experience? By all means RUN. But I suggest you don't quit your 'day' job.
Comment By Ann, 9-02-08Flounder; I'm not sure what your reasons for your links, But the quote you quote was said by Joe Vogler founder of that group. Not said by Palin. (Said back in 1991)
And the You Tube link is nothing more than Palin welcoming the independants and hoping they have a successful convention in the state of AK.
I actually think that was very commendable of her. But of course libs don't like anyone that isn't like them. unless they are the down trodden and then the libs jump on it for more Government spending.
"You guys must be terrified that we will have another Republican President, come November."
Given the results of the last eight years under George Bush the Younger, I'd say we all have good reason to be terrified (even discounting the way Bush and Cheney have used Terror as a public relations tactic).
So, yes.
First of all Marion and Ann, Ms Palin is the one who invoked Hillary's name in her first speech as the vp/running mate giving her credit for "the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling". Were you listening to her? Additionally, one must be at least 18 to vote in elections in the U.S., so it would be difficult to be only 23 and have a combined experience greater than her age. Thirdly, I have a tendency to vote for the person, not the party. When voting for the president you darn well better be concerned who the running mate is because that person is indeed a heartbeat away from the presidency. Evidently, I have been discussing this woman longer than you have because I knew she was on the list, long before a whole lot of other people. I've known for at least 2 or 3 months so I wasn't as surprised as most when the announcement was made. Fourth, I never said I wanted to run for governor or any other office. I have been approached about it in the past but I'm not interested. Fifth, you don't know me or what I know or anything else about me. Why are you so bitter and hateful because I don't believe Ms. Palin is qualified to be VP or President? Are you capable of having a discussion about politics even when we disagree without turning it into a Karl Rove-ian event? I do believe John McCain made a mistake in his selection, as do many others from all across the political spectrum. Additionally, in Alaska being a woman doing things like hunting, shooting and the like is no big deal. A majority of women can or have, so while a whole lot of people in the lower 48 think it’s a big deal, most Alaskans don't. It is rather commonplace. And even if I was a liberal, that doesn't make me a bad person. I have to eat, drink and breathe just like any other human being and I am capable of disagreeing with you without resorting to such venom. Are you? Lastly, I did not put Ms. Palin's pregnant 17 year old daughter center stage and announce it to the world. I find it troubling that they did and I really feel sorry for the girl to have her oops put out for all to see. Maybe if she knew about birth control she would not be in this predicament. I am also not the one who went to the baby daddy my space page and found that he was not interested in having children at all. Whoops!!!
Comment By Ann, 9-02-08Well you, with all the experience and knowledge, how do you know she wasn't practicing Birth Control? No birth control is 100% except abstinence. Accidents happen. You my dear are the one that is bragging(experience) and so sure she is wrong for VP. Maybe she is maybe she isn't, but I do know this, Obama is WRONG for the Commander in Chief, for many reasons but one for sure is he would ask his wife or Grandmother for Wise decisions (were you listening? Saddleback?) I heard what Palin said at her speech and she was being very Polite and courteous, when mentioning both Farraro and Hillary in the steps they have made in politics, not necessarily what they themselves did IN politics but what they have done FOR women and the political process.
And just so you know, I am a darn good shot, and have 'harvested' many animals, with guns, and at one time I ran a trap line (I won't anymore) but like you said that is something that is just an average day for people like you and me in that respect.
As to experience I still say Palin has more in her little finger than Obama will EVER have.
I don't understand where you think there is venom unless knocking down your cuts to Palin is venom, and if that's the case you should be checking your own fangs.
Another typical procedure of some liberals. When they can't hold up the fight they find something else to smoke the room.
You are definitely allowed to your opinion and your wording as we are ours.
My children also attended school in Alaska so I know about the opt out. I didn't opt them out, because I believe in education about all matters. We also talked with them at home about sex ed because I think it is important that parents express their beliefs so children know. I know I did not become a grandparent until my youngest was already a quarter century old so something worked. I only mentioned Ms. Palin's hunting and the like because it is been mentioned on a continous basis and it does not impress me like it seems to so many others. I have stated I do not believe her stint in Alaska politics is sufficent experience to be the commander in chief of the U.S. There is a huge difference in governing in Alaska and governing the entire
Comment By Marion, 9-02-08Actually I had been hearing about Sarah Palin for several months too, and did some reading about her, so I was thrilled to see her selected.
As for the birth control issue, I am a CNM, and have worked in family planning as well as birthing babies. Abstinence is the only birth control that doesn't have some failure rate....but only IF it is used. OCs fail, Depo fails, IUDs fail, condoms fail, even sterilization fails, none are fool proof. There have been unintended pregnancies since the beginning of time and the fact they continue at such a high rate today indicates that irregardless of what birth control methods arrive on the scene they will continue as long as males and females inhabit this earth.
Palin cut funding for teen mothers in case anyone was wondering. I hope her own daughter doesn't need the assistance.
And to all those concern trolls who think that liberals are unfairly picking on anyone's daughter (and to be clear, I am not picking on any daughters, only Sarah Palin and her hateful policy), and Republicans are too honorable to ever do such a thing, I will quote a joke from John McCain:
Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because Janet Reno is her father.
Abstinence is not birth control. Abstinence is not having sex at all. And as long as humans have sexual urges they will continue to have sex, frequently at a younger ages then we, as parents, prefer. I, therefore, preferred to give my children the knowledge to keep from having unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. I know it does not always work, but at least they stood a good chance. I know Ms. Palin advocated teaching nothing but abstinence as part of her platform. I think she should be free to make that decision for her own children, but not for everyone else’s. While parents can opt their children out of sex ed/health classes, I don't believe anyone has the right to dictate to us all and force their belief system down our collective throats. That is one of the things I find objectionable, among others. I have yet to see you post precisely why you object to Sen. Obama, other than he is a democrat. However, I know what I have watched these last almost 8 years, the abuses to the Constitution, the right that have been stripped from American citizens, the denigration of what these United States are supposed to stand for. We are no longer the country that holds a moral high ground in our dealings with the world. We can no longer state that torture is evil and cruel and you can't do that to our soldiers because we wouldn't do it to yours. We will not have the world behind us when we need them to be, to maybe protect our men or women who may land in enemy hands. When John McCain was a POW, it may not have stopped the torture but at least we knew we were better than that, and a majority of the world was behind us. Not anymore. We hold ourselves up as a democracy and are supposed to be spreading democracy through the world, yet we are not practicing it here at home. People are being allowed to be held without due process or many of the protections we are supposed to be guaranteed by our justice system. Who are we to be telling anyone anywhere in this world how they should be doing things when it is a do as I say not as I do government that has held power for the last two terms. George Bush has done more to damage the United States of America in the last almost eight years than any one person should have ever been able to. And even though I used to have respect for John McCain and for what he did as a military man, he lost that respect when he did not denounce George Bush for allowing torture. He has stood by him too much and is promising to continue the same crap Bush has done. His new running mate is spouting the same crap Bush did and we don't need any more of it. I don't know if we can survive the next few months waiting for that creature to leave office and I cannot support any continuation of these last eight years. Indeed, I will fight to keep it from happening. Make no mistake, no matter my political leaning I never leave a fight. I just prefer to discuss without name calling and put downs. (I.e. Another typical procedure of some liberals. When they can't hold up the fight they find something else to smoke the room.)
Comment By Beer Tabby, 9-02-08Take a good look at the crowd behind Palin. After 16 years of crappy presidents what do you expect? America has become the world’s side show.
Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger and now –
Sarah Palin
The Viking Princess of the Yukon.
Wake me up in four years.
Regardless of how much he probably now regrets his pick (now that he's found out a little more about Palin than her name and the fact that she hunts moose and mouths Christianist doctrine), John McCain has to love the fact that we are spending all our time talking about her and not the fact that the country is in a mess after 8 years of a Republican administration that he has mostly sided with, after they broke his maverick spirit.
Let me ask you this: what would it take for some of you to decide that the Republican Party does not deserve another crack at running things?
Or can the party do no wrong, as long as it nominates Christian ideologues and war veterans, plays videos of war heroics at the convention, makes everyone stand for the Pledge, etc? Wouldn't you like to have your party back from the religious right? Why not give the party an "accountability moment"?
Or is accountability only for grade schoolers and welfare recipients?
@Sutton; To answer your question about Republicans running things. How about when there is a candidate that doesn't embrace religious people like Rev. Wright. And aren't 'arm&arm;' with radicals and Amarican haters like Aayers. Someone that doesn't mingle with 'Slum lords'. Someone that doesn't look to their family for Wise decisions, Someone that can actually Talk from the 'cuff' instead of prepared speaches. That's just a start.
Those are things to think about.
p.s. And since the libs bring up the family what about Obama's brother living in the hut in Africa? If he doesn't care about his own Brother, what makes you think he cares about anybody else?
Comment By Matthew Koehler, 9-03-08Sutton, Thanks for an interesting read.
The snips from this article below are pretty interesting...I think it's safe to say, that the choice of Vice President is the most important decision that both Obama and McCain have made to date. Given all the problems in the world and domestically with our economy, energy crisis, etc one has to assume the choice of VP is all the more important in 2008. Perhaps the choice is even more important for the 72 year old McCain who's had cancer on multiple occasions. But then again, I've heard people say the same thing about Obama, out of fear that some crazy person will do something stupid if he's elected.
Given all of this, I have a real hard time believing that McCain and his campaign demonstrated responsible behavior given the importance of this election. Seems to me like their hasty pick of Palin is more of a trick or gimmick to win the election.
After all, this election isn't really about you or me because we simply don't have one voter, one vote. This election is about using tricks and gimmicks and emotional one-liners to get those 5 to 10% of the voters in specific counties and precincts to support one side or the other. Like "free-trade," that just forces these elections to become a sort of "race to the bottom." It's a shame really, and I don't think it serves our country very well.
But heck, what do I know? After all, President Bush gave his enthusiastic support of McCain so I'm sure McCain-Palin are the real "change" candidates, right?
Aides Say Team Interviewed Palin Late in the Process
By Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/02/AR2008090203462_pf.html
ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 2 -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was not subjected to a lengthy in-person background interview with the head of Sen. John McCain's vice presidential vetting team until last Wednesday in Arizona, the day before McCain asked her to be his running mate, and she did not disclose the fact that her 17-year-old daughter was pregnant until that meeting, two knowledgeable McCain officials acknowledged Tuesday....
McCain did not speak face to face with Palin until Thursday morning, at his retreat in Sedona, Ariz. He also talked to her by telephone the previous Sunday. McCain had spoken with all of the others on his shortlist over the course of a selection process that went on for several months, but he was least familiar personally with the person he finally chose....
Last weekend, two campaign officials told The Washington Post that the background investigation of the finalists included an FBI check of any possible ongoing criminal investigations. That information was incorrect. A knowledgeable official said Tuesday that the vetting team had hoped to run such a check but that FBI officials declined to do so because that type of inquiry is reserved for people nominated for senior administration jobs. The official also said the FBI was uncomfortable providing the information to a political campaign, rather than to government officials.
One U.S. law enforcement official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the FBI does not conduct any kind of background checks or criminal history searches on behalf of political candidates or parties....
"How about when there is a candidate that doesn't embrace religious people like Rev. Wright.[sic] "
Two weeks ago, Sarah Palin willingly attended a sermon at her church by the guy who runs 'Jews for Jesus'. This group has been condemned by the Anti Defamation League and other groups who track racism in our society.
He said in his sermon that terrorism was Israel's payback for not bowing to Jesus. I think I could find a few hateful quotes from Hannity or Limbaugh that describe how terrible a person Palin is for going to such a hateful church. Ann, maybe you could find such quotes for me? I have too much to do right now.
P.S. In the interview I heard with Obama's half brother, he said he is doing just fine and doesn't need any handouts, thank you.
You guys can whine and cry all you want about McCain and Palin. It won't change my vote, nor my opinion of Obama and his poor choices. So you can continue to repeat yourselves all you want, and pick on a teenager for her mistakes, not her mother's, for I have better things to do than read your tripe.
McCain is still a better man than Obama could ever dream to be.
Reading these comments, I really don't see much about Bristol Palin -- so why the mention, Ann? As far as the repeated references to Obama relying on his wife and grandmother for advice -- so what? Do you really think that W. doesn't go to Laura? Cindy McCain has been all over St. Paul, has given a speech.... How is that different from Barack & Michelle? Don't you think John McCain relies on his wife's advice? Seems like a strange thing for commenters to keep harping on.
It's great that you support McCain -- obviously, everyone is entltled to their own vote. I hope that ALL americans educate themselves and vote their beliefs. I just hope that people are actually doing that, and not basing their decisions on drivel. There is so much tripe, so many lies out there. Can we just leave a candidate's personal life out of the mix, and go with the issues? What do you say folks?
"So you can continue to repeat yourselves all you want, and pick on a teenager for her mistakes, not her mother's, for I have better things to do than read your tripe."
J-bird, I agree. Ann obviously got her marching orders and talking points.
I spent all morning reading papers, and the only stories about the pregnancy are about McCain campaign head Steve Schmidt going around and attacking unnamed reporters for un-cited stories about Bristol Palin and how terrible they are for attacking children.
Funny thing is, 8 years ago Steve Schmidt was working for Bush, and he was down in South Carolina spreading rumors that John McCain's pre-teen adopted children were little black babies born out of wedlock.
I'll leave you with my favorite attack on Sarah Palin:
Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno
Matthew Koehler wrote:
After all, this election isn't really about you or me because we simply don't have one voter, one vote. This election is about using tricks and gimmicks and emotional one-liners to get those 5 to 10% of the voters in specific counties and precincts to support one side or the other.... (Forcing) these elections to become a sort of "race to the bottom." It's a shame really, and I don't think it serves our country very well.
I think that is the most important insight I've read in a while. It is so easy to get caught up reacting to the tricks and gimmicks and to lose sight of the central issues.
(Oh wait -- Rick Davis, McCain campaign manager says the election isn't about issues... WTH? There I go again.)
We're living under the regime brought to us by that merry trickster, Karl Rove. It's not a pretty sight.
It is interesting that throughout this entire discussion, there has yet to be any mention of the current investigation by the Alaska Legislature into possible abuse of power concerns with Gov. Palin regarding "troopergate." It is not beyond the realm of possibility that we may wind up with a "Spiro Agnew" situation here, should McCain manage to win this election. Imagine the consequences if VP Palin is convicted of a potential crime from this incident.
If this is the kind of executive experience that her supporters find so valuable, I'll take Obama's experience over this any time!
If a state trooper in ANY state tazed his own step-son for no reason then threatened to kill members of the family I would hope to he11 that somebody fired his BUTT.
Comment By DOUG, 9-03-08Finally a little straight talk from the McCain campagin:
"This election is not about issues." -- McCain campaign manager Rick Davis
Camp McCain admitting they are trying to make this election about something other than the issues, because on the issues they lose.
Ann, we are going to have to do something about this... I agree with you 100%. To think any law enforcement officer would be allowed to take his taser home and use it on an 11 year old, and threaten to shoot someone is beyond understanding. If Drew Peterson had not been protected by the GOB network of fellow officers, at least one woman might still be alive.
Comment By Ann, 9-03-08At this point in time the election hasn't been about the issues, it's been all about Obama and his NON-record, and now Palin and her beliefs. So McCain's campaign guys are telling the truth. I know the truth is a rare thing in the leftist world.
Comment By Ann, 9-03-08Marion I know. Almost scary isn't it.
Comment By Ann, 9-03-08FYI The protesters at the RNC were caught in a plot to 'snatch' Delegates. Now those are the kinds of people the liberals are defending. The Republicans that protested at the DNC never stooped that low. 300 arrests so far at St. Paul.
Aren't you demacrats PROUD of your party NOW?
Shall we really talk about truth? Lets see, we have the Swift Boaters who torpedoed John Kerry with lies and distortions about his military service. Indeed one of the Swiftboaters was with Kerry and recieved a Silver Star on the basis of the documents filed at the time that he signed his name to. He can't hope to have it both ways. If he is entitled to his Silver Star than so was Kerry. Dude didn't want to give his back but now he claims Kerry didn't deserve his? They were in the same damn boat. Than we have Ms. Palin herself. Seems there are tapes that put lie to her previouse statements and she had to backtrack on her comments. "Nother lie. And of course the most famous of all, old Tricky Dick. You know, the president who had to resign and that was after his VP had to resign. Oh yea, I have a long list of Republican pedophiles and other criminal bahaviors, such as sexually harrassing the young, underage pages at the capitol. And of course Sen. Larry "I'm not gay" Craig, arrested for trying to pick up men in the airport restroom. And then of course we have the current president and vice president. Iraq has WMD. We have to attack Iraq because they have WMD. All lies and they knew it. It was painful watching Colin Powell try to speak all those lies to the UN. The formerly honorable man knew he was lying as he spoke and he had such a hard time doing it. I lost respect for him because he put the administration before his honor and the country. Of course we have folks like the former press secretary who put it all out there in his book, how he was misled. And remeber Valerie Plame? Bushie stood up there and said he would fire anyone in his administration who had outed her. Another lie- no one got fired. I could go on and on but I have life going on I need to get back to.
And by the way, investigation showed that the troopers stepson asked his dad to taser him, the dad only barely touched him with it, did not shoot him with it. The investigation into the allegations had been completed, the trooper had resumed his duties, but that wasn't good enough for 'ol Gov Sarah and family. They wanted him fired so it would torpedo his custody battle if he didn't have a job.
You can't be so gullible to think that Iraq and soon Iran don't or won't have WMD's? I bet you think the Holocaust didn't happen either. Or the attempt of genocide of the Native Americans and their way of life.
Now what about The Clintons and lies? Sniper fire I didn't have sex with that woman. John Edwards having an affair while his wife is fighting Cancer. The list goes on and on. A prerequisite for being a Politician is being able to lie and make people believe it.
quote:""This election is not about issues." -- McCain campaign manager Rick Davis
Camp McCain admitting they are trying to make this election about something other than the issues, because on the issues they lose."
Would you say girls fainting at Obama's speeches are about issues, how about "I am the one we have been waiting for" is that an issue, is Sarah Palin's 17 year old an issue? So far way too much has been about "the one we have been waiting for" and not much else.
As to Lies, come to think of it two of the biggest liars are on the Democratic Party, and one is running as Vice President.
You can't deny it. They either lied when they both said that Obama was NOT ready to be President. OR They are lying now when they put their support behind him. either way I wouldn't trust them, and sure as heck wouldn't want them fighting on my side.
1) Palin's nomination is a step forward for women. The more women who are seen as major candidates in the top offices, the more likely it will be to see women there on a regular basis, regardless of party or political beliefs. It has been a long time since Geraldine Ferraro and I hope it won't be that long before the third woman is nominated for the vice president's office.
2) I have seen many comments that belittle Palin because she is a mother, not a father, seeking high political office. A man with a child born with Down Syndrome would be viewed as a person who is humanized by the challenge. Palin has been criticized for daring to leave the child to have a career.
3) Any person who has tried to find a job in the United States should listen very carefully to the arguments about Obama's vs. Palin's experiences. "Oh, you don't have the Harvard degree. You aren't as good as the other job candidate." "Oh, you've only held your current job for two years. You couldn't possibly have learned anything during that time." How many people have worked on a ranch and laughed at the person who could never learn to do the work? How many people worked on the ranch without any experience but naturally handled the work? The same questions could be asked of a white-collar job or a political office.
Take a look at the last elections. Biden and McCain won handily. Obama's opponent was ousted by a scandel and his new opponent was simply a stand-in. Palin defeated several opponents in a primary to win that election without a run-off, then preceeded to defeat a sitting, albeit highly unpopular, governor. I'm much more impressed by Palin's election victory than I am by Obama's. As for Palin supporting her Alaskan constituents, Obama's first year as a presidential candidate was weighted very heavily in favor of items supported by his Illinois constituents.
I have to laugh at the liberal rhetoric. If a republican had gone after a democrats child the way you have, you would have rioted. if the republicans had demonstrated at your convention like you have at ours you would have called out our military and your media would only focus on that story. you have no honor. you have no standards. and you have no sense of decency. we have to many rotten politicians in both parties but you make us look good
D A
PLEASE!! As a good democrat and a resident of the Twin Cities area-- let's get something straight, dispel some ignorance. The trouble-making protesters are NOT democrats. They are punks and agitators. It's very naive and very stupid to say that they are.
There have been many peaceful marchers and protesters over the last few days, legally marching with permits. I get such a kick out of you poor me people saying we don't pick on you, but what's been going on in all of the posts above? As I said before, please vote for your choice. Awesome! But stick to the facts, Jack!
Also, last time I looked, Hillary was out of the race, Bill has served his terms, John Edwards is in disgrace, so how are they germane to this "conversation?
This lady is so much more QUALIFIED to be president than Obama it is beyond comprehension that it is even being discussed.
Comment By D A, 9-04-08The only sad thing about this is Palin is only the VP candidate. This woman is incredible. What is so funny about this is what's coming out of the bowels of the feminist movement. The feminist movement is not about ideology but hipochrasy and party politics. Women should be celebrating this nomination. I believe this backlash against Sarah Palin will be the undoing of any chance the Dems had at reaching the oval office for many years to come.
Comment By Sutton, 9-04-08DA: I think the phenomenon you observe is due to the fact that feminists want equal treatment for women, not the selection of women simply because they are women. If you think about it, male Republican governors who adhere to fundamentalist Christian beliefs, are against women's right to abortion, and who are skilled at nasty remarks are a dime a dozen. Why didn't one of them get picked? Do you really think Palin would have gotten picked if she were a man? Although I guess she does have the added plus of having so ably defended us against Russia all these years...
Also, while I appreciate that people are passionate on this issue, we need to avoid language like "bowels of the feminist movement." This ain't Free Republic, so I'd like people to comport themselves civilly here. (I've already lodged a complaint about a Palin critic using the term "retarded" to refer to another commenter on another thread, just so you don't think I'm picking favorites.)
Thank you Sutton.
And to answer your question about Palin being picked if she were a man. I believe she very well may have. Had the same things been accomplished that she's done. No doubt her being a woman helped, (I won't argue that cause I wasn't involved in the selection discussions) but she is also very qualified, and has more experience in 'running' things than Obama has. What exactly did he get done while in the Senate? I really would like to know.
He did the work of a Senator, Ann, which basically means he worked on a bunch of bills and got a crash course in the way Washington works and deals with problems, very little of which — admittedly — makes for a dramatic counterpunch to the (correct) claim that Palin has logged more years in the position of an executive than Obama.
I suspect you might resist the source I refer you to at the bottom of the page, because it is from the Obama site and of course one must be suspicious of any politician's web site's claims. But please go to the page long enough to note that each claim is sourced to a newspaper article which you are free to go read.
When we talk about Palin being unqualified, we are not denying her accomplishments as governor or mayor, but rather saying that there is not the slightest indication that she has ever had any interest in or deep knowledge of the world beyond Alaska. This has not kept her from being a good governor (though that job has been made easier by the good luck that Alaska has so much oil, so it is one of the few states that has not seen its budget decline drastically in recent years).
But it does make us nervous about how she would handle the dangerous world we live in should McCain keel over — and we think it should have made McCain nervous, too, so we are appalled at how little time and effort he seems to have put into checking her out before picking her.
This last point is indisputable, since he met with her only once before last Friday's announcement, and since McCain representatives only started talking to Alaskans about Palin on Monday, after he already selected her. Word on the street is that the undecided independent voters that everyone is fighting for (and who polls now show moving toward Obama) want a ticket without drama, that can simply pragmatically get down to the task of governing, so it's possible that -- if McCain had had more than a day's notice about Palin's daughter's pregnancy -- he might have thought twice about picking her.
So what really gives us pause is the high-stakes, all-in gambler side of McCain this shows. He's willing to risk it all for what he sees as the mere possibility of a big win; I'd say that's not a style that is well-suited to the world as it is today. We've had 8 years of "gut instincts"; I'd like to see us return to a more considered and deliberate style of governing, which is what I think Obama will bring.
Obama's legislative record:
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/factcheck/2008/03/08/fact_check_on_new_york_times_s_1.php
Ok Sutton, I will but now answer me this. Why are we comparing Obama to Palin? Isn't that like comparing Apples to Oranges?
They aren't running against EACH other. And again thanks for the civility.
Something that might be of interest to people is that Bill O'Reilly will have Obama on tonight in a two part interview airing at 6 p.m. MDT. I don't know what other people think, but I do believe this would be a very informative type interview.
Comment By Sutton, 9-04-08Ann, I couldn't agree more. That's actually why I tried to point out that my biggest concern about Palin is what choosing her shows about McCain's judgment. I'd say the odds are small to vanishing that he becomes the first president since FDR to sicken and die in office, but I still expect anyone who wants to be trusted with the office to show that he has considered and planned for all eventualities, which I think is the opposite of what the Palin choice shows, regardless of how accomplished she may be in some ways.
Comment By Sutton, 9-04-08I agree that the O'Reilly interview will probably be of interest. Too bad I don't have cable. Anyone want to invite me over?
Comment By Ann, 9-04-08You in West Yellowstone?
Comment By Marion, 9-04-08Sutton, exactly what is there about "a bunch of work" that makes Obama able to carry the country forward in these dangerous times. What about all of the "present" votes he case in a STATE legislature?
Comment By DOUG, 9-04-08Marion, just saw your post. None of that stuff you mention comes from the Obama campagin directly. This does come from the McCain campagin:
---
"This election is not about issues." -- McCain campaign manager Rick Davis
"Obama acknowledges that over nearly eight years in the Illinois Senate, he voted "present" 129 times. That was out of roughly 4,000 votes he cast, so those "presents" amounted to about one of every 31 votes in his legislative career.
Illinois legislators often vote "present" and for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes blocs of lawmakers do it as a protest in some dispute over rules and procedures. Obama was often joined in his "present" votes by 10 or 20 other senators.
In other cases, lawmakers do it to signal objections to the details of a measure that they support in principle. They also use "present" votes as strategic moves to defeat legislation or, of course, simply to avoid taking a firm position."
http://tinyurl.com/ysbmqr
This last bit, as bad as it sounds, is simply what politicians have to do sometimes to avoid having a "no" vote that can be used against them. It's kind of the way John McCain, who claims to be so concerned about energy policy, only shows up to cast votes on oil-related bills (good for his base) but has missed the chance 8 times to vote one way or the other on alternative energy, because if he votes "yes" the oil companies won't like him as much, and if he votes no, the centrists he's trying to attract won't like him.
http://tinyurl.com/5mxpwa
Doug, I addressed that "election not about issues" on another thread.
My point and I assume his:
What woudl be the issue with all of the stories about girls fainting at his speeches, what issues are addressed with his overseas politicing, what issues are address in "I am the one we have been waiting for"? What issues are addressed in the brouha about the daughter of Sarah Palin being pregnant? I would say none of those things brought up by Dems are about issues, at least none I care about.
Marion, I'm trying to understand you here, but appears like you are not making a lot of sense.
I agree girls fainting, hundreds of thousands gathering to hear Obama speak in Europe, and Palin's daughter's pregnancy are not valid issue in their own right. But that's the point.
Certainly all the things you point out exist and receive too much media attention, but Obama isn't to blame for that.
Obama picks big venues because people (including fawning girls) want to hear him speak (don't think for a second McCain wouldn't do it if he could draw that kind of crowd). Delivering your message to people directly by speech and meetings is a long proud and honored tradition of American politics.
And Obama hasn't done anything to fan the flames on the Bristol pregnancy.
What Obama does fan the flames on are questions of policy. Sure it is simplified and a little silly policy sometimes (all politics is, at least sometimes), but it is honest discussion.
For instance here is probably THE MOST simplified and silly message of the Obama campaign boiled down to its essence: "McCain = Bush"
Sure, we all know that's not exactly true, but when you have McCain himself saying: "I vote with President Bush over 90% of the time," it is not exactly unfair to draw the simplistic equation for political purposes.
And so, when Rick Davis the Campaign Manager for McCain says "This election is not about issues," it is fair to say McCain is trying to make this election about something other than issues. (because on the issues they lose.)
Doug, my interpretation is that he was refering to all of the talk about "change you can believe in so you can believe in change" without specifics.
I expect John McCain to come up with specific issues, in fact I believe he has made it clear that we will stay in Iraq until that war is won, and he will attempt to open more drilling sites. We all know the enviros will fight that, like the 39 coal fired electric plants they have stopped. I don't know that there is much anyone on either side of the isle can do about that.
Note to Ann if you are still around. We did not invade Iraq because they might end up having WMD someday. We were told that they had them now (at least when this started). And they lied. Iran wasn't even in bushies sites at the time, though I think we probably have more to fear from them now after bushies failed foreign policy. I know we have killed thousands and lost well over 4000 of our own in Iraq and that does not count the thousands coming home with a lot less than they went over there with. Arms, legs, eyes, the ability to walk, talk, work, hold their wives, husbands or children. I also know the people that perpetrated 9-11 aren't in Iraq, they are in Afghanistan and the commanders there have been begging for more troops that they can't send because we don't have them. Do I think we will be safer under John McCain? Absolutely not. He is liable to get lose his temper, as he is well known to do, and start a war just cause he doesn't have control of himself. I would prefer someone in office who can control himself, who can think through tough issues and who is willing to talk first and only shoot if it is needed. And no Ann, I am not gullible. I am well aware there are countries out there that can pose threats to the United States and I want a thoughtful person in office because I think we will be safer in the long run. Plus the fact that I really think someone who really understands the Constitution is a better than someone who still supports a president that has run roughshod over that most important document in American history.
Comment By Ann, 9-05-08Note to RH: I don't care Who you are, You are ONLY as good as your intelligence.
Comment By Marion, 9-05-08Ahh, RH, everyone, even the Clintons were lying when they said unequivocally that Iraq had WMDs, is that what you are saying? The blind hatred of President Bush started when he won, and it has only gotten more and more vitreolic. I personally believe that the terrorists believed all of the BS the left was spouting about how dumb the President was and how incompetent, and they saw an opportunity to strike us and there would be no repercussions.
Terrorism should have been dealt with many years ago, starting with the Locherbie plane that was bombed. Even the first attack on our WTC was pretty much ignored.
There have been elections before in our history that have been split and won by the electoral college, but never has the country been split by such bitter hatred as now. It was well known that the Chicago machine delivered the election to JFK. Like him or not, Nixon refused to allow investigations or anything else into the situation and conceded the election. He felt the country was the most important.
Who knows what this election is going to bring in the next couple of months. There is certainly a reasonable chance that John McCain will win, are we going to have the bitter hatred still spilling over, or can the country pull together? I do not think their will be the anger if John McCain loses, we Prepubs will pull together behind him and try to move our country forward.
Congress changed hands in 2004 simply because Republicans were sick of the sleaze and corruption of their elected representatives. I do not expect Republicans to retake either the house or senate whether McCain wins or loses. We are sick of the sleaze and tend to hold our representatives accountable.
If I could wave a magic wand, the first thing I would do is put in term limits and eliminate retirement packages for congressmen.
Perspective,on 9-03-08 reveals his/her own limited perspective:
"1) Palin's nomination is a step forward for women. The more women who are seen as major candidates in the top offices, the more likely it will be to see women there on a regular basis, regardless of party or political beliefs. It has been a long time since Geraldine Ferraro and I hope it won't be that long before the third woman is nominated for the vice president's office."
3rd woman for VP? Surely you are overlooking "1st woman nominated for President" as a viable option.
Hillary almost made it. Would have made it, had the last dozen primaries been the first on the calendar. VPs are also-rans usually, and maids-in-waiting for their own shot when their main man finishes his two terms.
Isn't it time for a woman executive in the White House?
And I don't mean Sarah Palin when McCain falls over dead mid-way into his first term!
Oh she can take over when President McCain retires. Then we will have both our first woman VP & first female President. He doesn't have to die to give her that opportunity, she will be ready in 4 years.
Comment By RH, 9-05-08After looking into her record of what she did do while in office, including mayor, I think her running as a fiscal conservative is hogwash. She actually did the same thing as bushie has done, creating a larger, more costly government, and left the residents of Wasilla with over 22 million in debt when she inherited 0 debt. How fiscally conservative is that? We can't afford another person who claims less government but ends up creating the largest ever with a higher deficit that ever seen in the history of this country, as the shrub has done.
And just because she may have some of the same parts does not mean her being in a national office is good for women. Her beliefs and agenda will set back so many of the gains of individual freedom for women by decades. I don't want to fight for the same things all over again.
Documentation of interesting double-standards from Rove, O'Reily and others by the Daily Show...
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184086&title=sarah-palin-gender-card