Who?...From Where?...Has He Lost His Mind?
Well, that's how the announcement of Sarah Palin as McCain's Veep nominee initially struck me - a novelty act. Time to make way for President Obama. I was hoping for a few weeks of good sparring before the outcome was going to be obvious... then I decided to educate myself.
McCain has always portrayed himself as the maverick, but he has never displayed suicidal tendencies - he is a pro at politicking - he'll risk an election on a matter of principal, but not on a publicity stunt. He wants to win as much as Obama does. What strategy is this?
The first thing I did was tune into the press conference. McCain had about 5 layers of spackle on his face smoothing his 72 year old (Happy Birthday John!) face to about mid-50's. And he spoke well for McCain with a prepared text (not his strength - he's better with QA sessions). It was the usual glowing review, building up to it's a woman - and not just any woman - and followed a long list of accomplishments for a very short career (Obama's resume is fatter than hers).
And out she walked - husband and 4 of her 5 children in tow. Her eldest is being deployed to Iraq on Sept 11. The infant was born with Downs Syndrome and they knew about that in advance. She's attractive, 44, and has a friendly approach - sort of the anti-Hillary. Hillary often came off as, well, scary. She describes herself as a middle-class soccer mom - which she was up until 1992 when she went from the school board to the town council in Wasilla, AK. - did two terms as mayor where she earned a reputation as a corruption fighter. She ran a strong race for Lt. Gov but lost - yet turned that exposure into an appointment as Commissioner of Oil & Gas, and went after officials in her own party. She resigned in 2004 in protest to her complaints being ignored.
She challenged the incumbent Governor in the primaries on a reform platform and pretty much crushed him, and then was elected Governor. One of her first acts was to reject funding for the "bridge to nowhere" - which was great controversy during the transportation bill hearings for the US Congress last year. She explained that if they wanted a bridge there, Alaska could build it by itself.
On Record as Governor she supports Alaskan oil drilling (even in ANWR), vetoed a bill denying state benefits to same sex couples, and exposed corruption and rooted it out. She boasts an 80% approval rating. In person, she is a committed Christian, a former Miss Wasilla, an ice fisherman, moose hunter, and lifelong NRA member. Her husband, Todd Palin is part native Eskimo and owns a fishing business, and works in the oil fields. He is known in Alaska as "First Dude"
And then she spoke - and believe it or not, the Republicans have someone who can give a speech and relate to an audience. lt's not the Obama high oratory. It's a plain-speaking, engaging, informed and passionate style - she doesn't come off as a politician, but as someone like you, who is concerned about government things and can articulate them.
She offsets McCain's negatives fairly well - she's young, can do speeches, and has a warm, friendly manner. She helps with the base being a committed Christian, and practicing her anti-abortion views. She helps with independents by being middle-class, and not a socially conservative zealot. And she shores up McCain's rep as a maverick reformer. Oh and she's a woman - which could help with women. She made a point of this in her speech, giving Hilliary props for the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, and declaring that it isn't over for women yet in this election. And given McCain's age - she could wind up as President - that is how Geena Davis got the gig...
That probably is her big negative - the resume is thin. two terms as mayor, a few as state commissioner, 18 months as Governor. That's about equal to Obama in time... On the plus side, it's virtually all executive experience...
So has John McCain lost his mind? - I guess we'll find out as election season wears on...
RLB
McCain has always portrayed himself as the maverick, but he has never displayed suicidal tendencies - he is a pro at politicking - he'll risk an election on a matter of principal, but not on a publicity stunt. He wants to win as much as Obama does. What strategy is this?
The first thing I did was tune into the press conference. McCain had about 5 layers of spackle on his face smoothing his 72 year old (Happy Birthday John!) face to about mid-50's. And he spoke well for McCain with a prepared text (not his strength - he's better with QA sessions). It was the usual glowing review, building up to it's a woman - and not just any woman - and followed a long list of accomplishments for a very short career (Obama's resume is fatter than hers).
And out she walked - husband and 4 of her 5 children in tow. Her eldest is being deployed to Iraq on Sept 11. The infant was born with Downs Syndrome and they knew about that in advance. She's attractive, 44, and has a friendly approach - sort of the anti-Hillary. Hillary often came off as, well, scary. She describes herself as a middle-class soccer mom - which she was up until 1992 when she went from the school board to the town council in Wasilla, AK. - did two terms as mayor where she earned a reputation as a corruption fighter. She ran a strong race for Lt. Gov but lost - yet turned that exposure into an appointment as Commissioner of Oil & Gas, and went after officials in her own party. She resigned in 2004 in protest to her complaints being ignored.
She challenged the incumbent Governor in the primaries on a reform platform and pretty much crushed him, and then was elected Governor. One of her first acts was to reject funding for the "bridge to nowhere" - which was great controversy during the transportation bill hearings for the US Congress last year. She explained that if they wanted a bridge there, Alaska could build it by itself.
On Record as Governor she supports Alaskan oil drilling (even in ANWR), vetoed a bill denying state benefits to same sex couples, and exposed corruption and rooted it out. She boasts an 80% approval rating. In person, she is a committed Christian, a former Miss Wasilla, an ice fisherman, moose hunter, and lifelong NRA member. Her husband, Todd Palin is part native Eskimo and owns a fishing business, and works in the oil fields. He is known in Alaska as "First Dude"
And then she spoke - and believe it or not, the Republicans have someone who can give a speech and relate to an audience. lt's not the Obama high oratory. It's a plain-speaking, engaging, informed and passionate style - she doesn't come off as a politician, but as someone like you, who is concerned about government things and can articulate them.
She offsets McCain's negatives fairly well - she's young, can do speeches, and has a warm, friendly manner. She helps with the base being a committed Christian, and practicing her anti-abortion views. She helps with independents by being middle-class, and not a socially conservative zealot. And she shores up McCain's rep as a maverick reformer. Oh and she's a woman - which could help with women. She made a point of this in her speech, giving Hilliary props for the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, and declaring that it isn't over for women yet in this election. And given McCain's age - she could wind up as President - that is how Geena Davis got the gig...
That probably is her big negative - the resume is thin. two terms as mayor, a few as state commissioner, 18 months as Governor. That's about equal to Obama in time... On the plus side, it's virtually all executive experience...
So has John McCain lost his mind? - I guess we'll find out as election season wears on...
RLB
I just got the following email from a friend of my mom's that lives in Alaska:
Sarah Palin is the US’s answer to Margaret Thatcher! Anyone who thinks she cannot handle the job or deal briskly and efficiently with ANY issue, including foreign governments … well, they haven’t met our Sarah.
As an Alaskan resident as well as a resident of Wasilla, AK, where Sarah Palin was at one time Mayor … I can speak with confidence. Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska is exactly what she portrayed during her introduction this morning and exactly what our US Government needs. She is ethical to a fault (if there is such a thing), a refreshing change to the status-quo and as smart and determined a PERSON (gender really isn’t an issue here as far as I’m concerned) as anyone could ask for at the head of government.
Sarah is no naïve “small town mayor” – she just started out there. Btw, as Mayor of Wasilla, she brought this “small town” through a lot of GOOD changes and left it at the end of her term having grown to the 4th largest CITY in Alaska – a lot of growth and a stronger economic base than ever before.
She has EXECUTIVE experience *running a government* (something NONE of the other candidates can actually boast, even John McCain) as Governor of Alaska and got there by defeating the *incumbent* Republican Governor, who was definitely part of the “old school” and who WAS very much in the pocket of the big oil companies. We in Alaska wanted change – and we got it in the person of Sarah Palin!
Sarah Palin is everything she looks to be and more. Her approval rating as Governor of Alaska has been as high as 95% and is currently leveled out consistently in the upper 80 percentile throughout the state (and in both parties) - the HIGHEST approval rating of ANY sitting Governor.
Sarah has been turning around corruption in the Legislature of Alaska - turning things on their ear for that matter; cutting spending in spite of the increased income the state is currently receiving due to the high oil prices - she has insisted on putting a huge amount of the "windfall" into savings for the future rather than spending - and has insisted from the get-go on what she refers to as "honest, ethical and transparent governing" - no more closed door meetings and dealings - the big oil companies thought she would be a pushover and have learned better to their chagrin.
She understands the "real people" and the economic issues we all face (Alaskans along with the rest of the country) - she was one of "us" not long ago. Rather than passing useless "laws" or throwing money at pet projects, she (most recently) temporarily suspended the state gas tax (on gasoline at the pumps, fuel oil and natural gas for homes, etc.) and has ordered checks issued to ALL residents of Alaska this fall in an attempt to assist with the burden of high fuel costs for the upcoming winter.
To be continued...I'll comment again with the rest of the email. I promise my future comments will be shorter!!!
Reply to this
...continued email from previous comment....
She isn’t doing these things to be popular – she is doing it because her constituents are HURTING financially and she can help.
She became Governor of Alaska by defeating the Incumbent Republican Governor and doing it *without* the money or the support of the Republican Party, which was amazing in itself - and she won b y a landslide. The "powers that be" at that time totally underestimated Sarah and learned better the hard way. She has done exactly what she claimed she was going to do and is just as popular today as the day she was elected - perhaps more so since even the Democrats up here seem to like her - she works well with both sides in the Legislature here.
Sarah "belongs" to us (Alaskans) ... and although we are going to be terribly sorry to see her leave before she finishes the job she started here (two years ago) straightening out OUR State ... we understand she is needed for a bigger purpose and hopefully her Lt. Governor will be able to fill her shoes here and continue the job.
As for worrying about what would happen if McCain were to die or step down or whatever ... up here in AK we've only been wondering how long we would be able to KEEP Sarah in Alaska and have seen her as our first woman President of the USA from the start. It's always been a matter of whether she would wait until the end of her TWO terms as Governor (no doubt at ALL that she would be re-elected if she ran for a second term at the end of her current term) ... or end up in Washington sooner. She could do the job TODAY.
Personally, I feel a lot better about McCain now that I know he has someone as savvy, as strong, as ethical and as steady as Sarah at his back. She will be an excellent Vice President ... and my guess is will be20our US Republican Presidential candidate in four years - AND by then the country will KNOW her – will love and respect her as we do here - and she'll win by as much of a landslide as she did here in Alaska. I only wonder if McCain has a clue what he is unleashing on the US of A. She is going to be a fresh wind, but also a strong wind.
Is that enough of an endorsement? If not, I'll add this ... Jerry and I have for many years felt the best "vote" was to vote for the lesser of two "evils" and hope they didn't do too much damage. Two years ago during our State Governor's race was the first time EVER that we actually asked for not just a little sign to put in our yard showing our support of our candidate (something we've never felt the desire to do at all before) - we asked for a full 4' x 8' "SARAH PALIN FOR GOVERNOR!" sign and were proud to have it. She hasn't let us or Alaska down. She will do the same for the USA if given the opportunity.
Feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested (and spam those who aren’t!).
-Deb Frost in Alaska
I don't know this lady from anyone, but she seems credible. But it's good to get a take on Palin from an average Joe in AK.
Reply to this
Well that was certainly an impassioned defense of Sarah Palin and John McCain's choice for VP. The Thomas Paine Project does not endorse anfy particular candidate, but will post comments in favor of or against candidates in keeping with our editorial policy.
To sum up the policy, comments must be factual, based on issues and accomplishments, and if against not in the tone of personal attack or based on innuendo.
As an aside, based on my research, both candidates for VP add enormously to the nominees they will be running with. Smart choices both.
RLB
Reply to this
I'm not sure what all the fury is about with Sarah Palin. She has a special needs child, but that wouldn't disqualify her husband from holding the office. Why would it disqualify her? A pregnant 17 year old daughter - How many families does that happen in every day? At least the family is standing together is support of this girl and her baby. It makes me think that maybe the door will be opened to more compassionate treatment of single teenage mothers. Whether a "mistake" or a deliberate choice, giving birth should be encouraged over abortion - it's not the baby's fault.
Reply to this
I just don't get it - ever since I was a little girl I was told to go out and have it all - career, kids and everything else. It's not easy juggling everything, but I do it. Now the reaction to Gov. Palin is she should stay home with her kids? When did feminism morph into this? adman12 has a good point - no one would be giving this a second thought if her husband was the nominee...
Reply to this
I absolutely agree that a pregnant teenage daughter in no way impairs a person, male or female, to accomplish any job, including the vice presidency. But, I would be absolutely be asking this question if the nominee were male.
I, too, "have it all"...a wonderful marriage, amazing husband, great career, and the most perfect 7 month old baby on the planet. Taking care of him is a gift, but it is exhausting. He requires time, energy, and love from both of us, 24 hours a day.
This is not a feminist issue; it is a parenting one. Being the parent of an infant, ESPECIALLY with unique needs, is a full time job for both parents. I do not understand how someone can commit to another job which also takes a 24/7 commitment.
To me, it's irrelevant that Palin is female; what matters is the age and needs of that baby competing with needs of that particular job. One of them will wind up suffering.
I also believe anyone in this country can do whatever their dreams hold. But if one of those dreams is to serve the entire USA from the White House, my vote is that both mommy and daddy might wait until the baby can walk, talk, and feed himself.
Reply to this
This link from Michael Reagan needs more exposure: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/welcome_back_dad.html
Reply to this
He has lost his mind - or maybe this is the ultimate senior moment - The conservative base may be going ga-ga over her, but this is one scary woman - ultra-conservative, super-christian, and she runs a state where her constituents are moose (and she hunts them - maybe that should be a warning.) This pick actually makes Dan Quayle look like a serious politician. It can only help Obama.
Reply to this
I believe one of the most important issues we face today is preserving the checks and balances of the three branches of government. Under the present federal administration, these have been on the brink of extinction. The rampant excuse of "executive privilege" would be laughable as it is used if it were not such a danger. I am dismayed to see that Palin seems to be heading in that direction. As the head of the executive branch of the State of Alaska, she should be setting an example by cooperating in the investigation by the legislative branch. Whether she is innocent or guilty of the abusing her powers charge may not be as important as her apparent lack of respect for the rights of the other branches of government. I certainly hope she changes her mind and decides to cooperate with the Alaska Legislature and that she encourages her loyal staff to do likewise.
Reply to this
For a campaign that promised (from both sides) to play by the high road, there's been an awful lot of trash being thrown around. It would be nice to get around to seeing some issues, rather than resorting to picking on each other. Palin should cooperate with the investigation - that's a legit beef, though I'm not sure there's anything you can charge her with there. Seems it's being driven by the guy she beat for the governor's seat. Still, it should be investigated. As to the rest of it - nobody was worried about Jimmy Carter being deeply religious - and he was a Southern Baptist - No one assumed that he would try to reinstate Prohibition or outlaw dancing (two firm SB beliefs). As to the woman with small children (even special needs) working families need to deal with this situation every day, and without the added bonus of staff, free medical care and housing provided. I'd be more concerned about what happens every day in hundreds of families trying to get by in this economy. With all of the weight on her shoulders as Vice President, a lot of the weight of motherhood is relieved. What mother wouldn't work more and harder doing whatever if it would benefit her children with more opportunities and better chances for success in the future? It's a lot easier to get to the American Dream from the White House than it is from Wasilla.
Reply to this
Okay, so he nominated a MILF, and one with kids and responsibilities - as most people have. The VP job is higher profile, but generally less demanding than a state Governor - how is she handling the job up there? Is the state business being done or is everything on hold because she has to make PB&J's for the kids? It's easy enough to find out... The qualification argument is hard to make too, considering Obama's long career. If you think about it, Lincoln was a one-term congressman with a folksy manner when he got the nomination. I think we can all agree that worked out well. As far as I've seen, she's the poster girl for Republicanism, and all the controversy comes from the fact that Republicans like Republicans, and Democrats don't. It doesn't have to be personal, you can always vote the other team on policy.
Reply to this