As of this typing, a furious pace of media reporting this morning - mostly online - has deduced that Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney are not McCain's VP selection. Likewise, a rapid and intriguing boomlet for Sarah Palin has risen and fallen as an aide reports her home in Alaska. Evidently it's not Joe Lieberman either (thank God!).
Two names not mentioned in the flurry who were part of the serious VP buzz in recent weeks: Eric Cantor and Bobby Jindal. Either would be more interesting than, say, Rob Portman.
Give the McCain camp credit: we're roughly three hours away from the announcement and no word has leaked publicly - which by the way has all of the media focused on figuring out who it is rather than continuing to discuss Obama's speech.
And whoever the choice is, this mind-boggling blizzard of speculation is the perfect example of how crazy, and indeed pointless, the VP guessing game can be.
Meanwhile, I go back to hitting refresh here, here, here, here, and here.
UPDATE: if the "Palin is in Alaska" report is a head fake, which it might well be, here are my initial thoughts on her, as typed up originally this morning:
Current media reports and blog buzz indicate Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney are not McCain's VP choice; it might well be Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
If so, she's represents a unique combination of McCain's reformer ethos coupled with staunch conservative credentials.
She wouldn't be a safe pick, but she wouldn't be a "surprise" either since she's been in the VP picture for months (see SP coverage, complete with some still relevant profile links, back in September of 2007 here and here).
If she can perform well on the national political stage she could be a home run. Either way, a Palin pick would be a very good choice by most most metrics, though not risk free.
UPDATE II: Looks increasingly like it's Palin. Bold pick. Huge upside for conservative enthusiasm. Probably significant upside as well for telling her story nationally to general election voters. Of the serious VP contenders, perhaps the most difficult for Democrats to attack. What are they going to do, complain she's too inexperienced?
The only real question mark with Palin is how will she fare in the grind of a national ticket race? Only time will tell with that.
Here are the Palin profiles from Fred Barnes and Patrick Ruffini I've linked to in the past.
Meanwhile, what is this Obama speech buzz of which you speak?
UPDATE III: I think somewhere Jim Webb, Democratic Senator of Born Fighting notoriety, is shaking his head.
Palin and her family are in many ways the essence of the qualities that Webb (and the authors of the Grand New Party) identifies as those which draw the true swing demographic in national American politics. Call them Scots-Irish, call them Jacksonians, call them "white, working class voters": a McCain-Palin ticket has a much better chance of resonating with them than Obama-Biden.
UPDATE: comments closed due to spam.
Posted by Eric Earling at August 29, 2008 06:54 AM | Email Thishttp://flightaware.com/live/flight/N222GY/history
Obviously, Palin is NOT flying back in that same plane. The plane is owned by Gypsy Two LLC out of Kirkland, Washington. This LLC is owned by W. Dean Weidner, who is apparently a major Republican.
Maybe Eric will be able to stay in his present position for a few more years ...
Posted by: Richard Pope on August 29, 2008 07:39 AMWhat does your post have to do with anything?
Is this your attempt at a cheap shot? How about, while he may keep his position for a few more years, you'll spend a few more years attempting to get a job.
Posted by: Chris on August 29, 2008 07:47 AMThis is going to be a riot! LOL
Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on August 29, 2008 07:50 AMWhat, have something to hide do they?
So Pope, Mr. Lawyer. Tell us again about Obama's free speech ideas!
Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on August 29, 2008 07:54 AMShe has been a breath of fresh air in Alaska and by most all accounts a great Governor. But boy, the standard of ethical conduct in Alaska seemed to be pretty low. And I'm not sure she'd take the same stand on earmarks as McCain, even though she spoke against the bridge to nowhere.
Now just wait for the response at McCain not picking Romney after Mitt ran all those ads attacking McCain. Was Romney speaking the truth?
If this is true, I have to give Palin's folks in Alaska credit for covering for his possible disappearance. If she managed to fly out of Anchorage at noon yesterday, the press didn't really find any evidence in Alaska that the governor suddenly left the state.
McCain should get credit for savvy execution of all this. Beats the hell out of getting a text message in the middle of the night from Obama, after his VP choice had been all over the media for several hours.
Posted by: Richard Pope on August 29, 2008 07:58 AMAs I have said for a long time, I think it is a good time to let the young 'uns take over the R party and see what happens.
She will handle the pressure just fine, thank you. I believe she was also Miss Alaska at one time or another; now that is a pressure cooker. There certainly isn't pressure in Alaska as governor, though.
Posted by: swatter on August 29, 2008 07:58 AMHe scores!
There's no other choice for 70 percent of Americans.
McCain-Palin landslide in 2008!
Palin vs Clinton in 2012.
From what I have seen on CNN, the facility looks pretty packed. Maybe they configured it to reduce the available seats, so that it would look more full. But even so, there has to be at least several thousand people attending.
To date, McCain has held events in smaller seating capacity venues, since he doesn't have the crowd drawing power of Obama. But if McCain is able to start drawing even several thousands of people, versus Obama's tens of thousands, that might be showing some strong enthusiasm for McCain.
Posted by: Richard Pope on August 29, 2008 08:26 AMI had this inkling a few days ago. McCain is obsessed with getting Hillary voters to come over to him. He flirted with Lieberman, but wised up to the fact that it would be a disaster with the right wing of the party. Palin's stock grew, especially after Hillary's endorsement of Barack the other night. McCain is desperate to gain the female Hillary voter. It reminds me of the movie Swing Vote where each candidate bent over backwards, adjusting their opinion to fit the voter they had targeted. What's next, will McCain also announce standing for "equal-pay-for-equal-work." Don't get me wrong, Palin isn't a bad choice, but Romney was a slam dunk. Maybe in the end, it came down to the same reason Obama didn't choose Hillary. McCain probably felt he couldn't work day-to-day with Romney, like Obama knew in his heart he couldn't govern with Hillary and Bill chomping at him day in and day out.
Posted by: tc on August 29, 2008 08:34 AMAt the end of the day, it is the top of the ticket that matters, and if the Democrats want to voluntarily prolong the debate about lack of experience, I am confident the McCain team would revel in that for the remainder of the campaign.
LOL. I must have missed something, I thought it was the Republicans that have been bring up "the experience thing" for the last 3 months.
Posted by: Splinter on August 29, 2008 08:48 AMAnd Palin is great in her own right. She's done a good job with Alaska cleaning up government, she is eloquent and charismatic. She will line up well against Biden. She will make Biden's smarmy style stick out like a sore thumb.
And she will get a lot of the Hillary vote.
There has been nothing "knee jerk" about the GOP addressing the issue of experience. It has been a very deliberate communication strategy.
I'll stick with what I said: the Democrats will likely react in a knee-jerk fashion regarding the experience issue. However that reactive approach will serve only to highlight the Obama experience issue even more.
Again, if the Democrats want that issue to be the focus, there will be many happy Republican strategists...
I hear Palin is gay-friendly, which is bad news for the Religious Wing.
Problem with this statement is that Palin staunchly Pro-Life, has a long record of being Pro-Life (appeals well to the GOP base), and in case you haven't noticed the majority of Hillary supporters are Pro-Choice. To me abortion seems like a make or break issue for most Hillary supporters. While they may not like Obama, they certainly want to keep Roe vs Wade on the books.
Some people thought McCain was Pro-Choice, this pick signals that he's very interested in eliminating a woman's right to choose while diminishing her ability to purchase contraceptives over the counter. That's not going to go over well with the Hillary folks.
"Palin's first veto was used to block legislation that would have barred the state from granting benefits to the partners of gay state employees." wiki
Posted by: Splinter on August 29, 2008 09:17 AMor Joe Biden
Posted by: Duffman on August 29, 2008 09:18 AMConservative TV preachers claim that the homosexual lifestyle is responsible for Hurricanes (Katrina), Earthquakes (SF quake), and even 9/11. Palin is an enabler of sin!! By being soft on Homosexual's she should be held personally responsible for bringing Katrina and 9/11 to American shores!!
Sarah Palin. YAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Posted by: russell garrard on August 29, 2008 09:32 AMSarah Palin. YAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Posted by: russell garrard on August 29, 2008 09:33 AMJust like when black politicians aren't liberal...they are uncle tom's. They are such an "open tent" party.
Posted by: Dengle on August 29, 2008 09:38 AMI think she is a great choice for VP. One thing she is not is one of the gold ol' boys from D.C.
Posted by: Vince on August 29, 2008 09:38 AM
and the mainstream among the left ie. those with a seat at the current Dem convention, is responsible for saying that Ronald Reagan is responsible for developing and spreading the AIDS virus among other things.
So what Mr Realdumb?? If you were not a moron that you manifest yourself to be you sould be able to answer this question.
Posted by: JDH on August 29, 2008 09:39 AMBesides McCain just lost the Mormon vote by skipping over Romeny for a working woman.
Bring em on!
Posted by: gs on August 29, 2008 10:01 AMThat's not what they said at all. They say that Reagan didn't do squat to slow down the spread of AIDS (he could have had the Surgeon General/CDC look into it) which is a FACT. Reagan didn't even acknowledge the problem of AIDS until his good friend Rock Hudson died.
A more common theory is blaming Reagan for the Crack Epidemic which happened under his watch. It didn't help that Reagan Administration was cutting blank checks to drug dealers...I mean 'Contra freedom fighters'.
The Crack/Contra theory combined with the general GOP love fest surrounding known modern-day segregationists like Jesse Helms/Strom Thurmond/Trent Lott helps explain why blacks don't vote Republican.
Lefties, it is crucial for the president not to have OJT, especially someone without any experience as an executive. Palin, OTOH, will not be the immediate decision maker, as that job is the CIC. After the staff and cabinet appointments are made, the McCain era begins. During this time, the VP sits in all the cabinet meetings and learns and helps make decisiions. Therefore, if (God forbid) something happens to the CIC, the VP will be up and running and have the staff (McCain's cabinet) in place to continue running the show. The only difference, then, is that Palin would be making the decisions. Likely, they would be the same as McCain.
So, in summary, lefties- this is a non-starter except at the Daily Kos where you are now commanded to return to.
Posted by: swatter on August 29, 2008 10:06 AMWTF Homer - this is going to be hillarious to watch. What a bunch of dopes.
I'm hoping the trouncing that Obama is going to get is going to take care of him for good and for all as a presidential prospect.
Posted by: JDH on August 29, 2008 10:07 AMThose dehydrated babies in New Orleans are going to be much better off without the hot water bottles he's going to deliver to them when Katrina II strikes during the GOP convention.
When the Obama campaign, before she spoke, trashed her for being small town, I knew she was a GREAT choice. They wouldn't come out with fists swinging unless they were concerned.
He must still think that all small town people understand is Bible, booze, and guns.
Can you hear Obama screaming "unfair?"
Posted by: Camille on August 29, 2008 10:29 AMA majority of those white working woman who supported Hillary are pro-choice, Plain is staunchly pro-life. Older white working class women recall the back alley abortions of their parents generation. I doubt they would ever vote for someone who would take away the future generations right to choose or restrict their access to over-the-counter contraceptives. The Dem's won't forget to mention over and over that McCain does not support equal-pay for women.
These issues will be big turn-off's for McCain when these women enter the voting booth. Hillary voters going for McCain is a GOP fantasy at best.
Thought I was listening to a reprise of the perky but unfortunate Ms. Teenage Carolina, or whoever it was who got ambushed into a giddy and girlish discussion of U.S. of Americans.
Ms. Palin would be almost persuasive as a school-board maverick, and is probably entirely serviceable as a small-state governor. But C in C?
Stephanie Miller and her Dead-Air America boy toy were in full-frontal prefrontal psychokiller mode this morning, giggling like PMS loonies about slicing and dicing Palin into soundbite-sized pieces. The loon left is lovin' this, and they finally got one right. The closest analogy comes from Summer 1964 issues of "News"week and Time in which thoughtful Americans commented that Barry Goldwater's nutty pick for VP was final proof that Goldwater was too nuts to be president.
Goldwater's nutso pick? It was Stephanie Miller's dad.
Posted by: Maggie, The Sequel on August 29, 2008 10:45 AMLiberals heads are exploding over this brilliant pick. Look at any liberal blog and just enjoy the desperation and anger. It's about time we turned the table on these creeps!
Posted by: Bill Cruchon on August 29, 2008 10:47 AMLOL!! That's not saying much when you consider how ineffective the Alaskan legislature is. At least half of them are indicted on bribery charges and 3 have been convicted.
Speaking of which, why is Dino skipping the Republican convention this yeat? He scared of appearing with Ol' Sen. Flip-Flop? He didn't problem going four short years ago. What's changed? Oh yeah, McCain's on the ticket and he's awful.
I look forward to see the GOP cheering on Pres. Bush while New Orleans is drowning in the wake of Katrina II. Wonder if Jinal will be at the Convention rather that helping the people of his state.
Unlike Biden, she gave her acceptence speech without crying. I do believe she has bigger chones than Biden.
Posted by: G Jiggy on August 29, 2008 10:56 AMAll the truth about inexperience and then he does this.
BRING BACK REAGAN...PLEASE
Posted by: Horrible on August 29, 2008 11:02 AMWow... what planet DO you live on? Limbaugh was claiming that Obama made a mistake by not picking Clinton, but Palin is the best present McCain could have given the Democrats.
Seriously, McCain has one foot in the grave and is complaining about Obama's lack of experience, and he picks someone that hasn't even finished a term as the governor of Alaska? Damn... that's a double standard if I ever heard one.
Posted by: demo kid on August 29, 2008 11:02 AMYou bet I also want to see the last of this two-bit cardboard Messiah, Obama, as a contender for National office.
I have been a fan of Palin since she entered the national spotlight, and have said that she would be my #1 choice for VP.
There couldn't be a more drastic difference between the two tickets now.
What's the matter Cato et all - are you afraid of a strong woman?
Posted by: JDH on August 29, 2008 11:03 AMSpeaking of "flipfloppers," so now you OPPOSE OhDrama? Obviously you do, since he fits your description to a "T."
Is there ANYTHING you fringe-left whackers won't change your minds on? Look, just because the wheels have come off OhDrama's campaign NOW is no reason to change sides. Stick with the empty-suited moron you've been supporting. Don't switch now, Pacto.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 11:07 AMHow I love this pick. We've got Cato off his nut hoping for another New Orleans hurricane, ane demo kid showing his bias against older people.
Doesn't take a lot to show these people for who they really are, does it?
Posted by: Bill Cruchon on August 29, 2008 11:08 AMThe planet the rest of the world lives on, outside your peculiar mother ship, is the planet where your ego-maniacal empty suit served 143 days as a senator with no elected executive experience of ANY kind.
The only double standard here is one concerning your lack of an ability to grasp reality... proven with each and every one of your posts.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 11:11 AMWhile many will focus on her gender and age, what impresses me most about her is she took on the Alaska Stevens-Murkowski-Young political machine run by an old boy network of members of her on own party and beat them. That took courage and a commitment to principle that is rare in politics.
Both McCain and Palin are proven reformers. The Republican Party ticket is the only one that has both legislative and executive experience--McCain in the military and Palin as a Governor and Mayor.
Palin is also the first major party nominee we have had from the Pacific Northwest since 1940 (trivia: Charles McNary of Oregon was Wendell Wilkie's running mate).She could well put Washington and Oregon in play for the Republican ticket.
I went over to DailyKos to see what they are saying to slam her. Experience was the first point. Actually she has more executive experience than both Biden and Obama. Absurdly, they tried to tie her to the Alaska corruption scandals involving Ted Stevens and Don Young. She actually is the bitter enemy of the Alaska machine.
Then they did the usual smear of Gov. Palin's conservative credentials. They attacked her for being pro-life and a creationist. Actually, a great deal of the country believes in creationism and many of the rest don't think it's relevant. All this will be is something for the Left to sneer at and turn off the 90% who aren't as enlightened as they, the vanguard of the proletariat, think they are. On abortion, people who base their votes on pro-choice positions will not be voting for the GOP ticket anyway. More likely she will energize social conservatives who are reluctant to support McCain.
She is the epitome of the "Sam's Club Republican" books and columns have been written about.
After the British Labour Party lost the 1979 election, it had to suffer three more defeats before finally attaining power again in 1997. Before returning to power, the Party had to reinvent itself by moving to the center and calling itself New Labour. It looks like the GOP will not be out for as long.
The Republicans with McCain and Palin nationally and Rossi locally are clearly the party of reform. The Democrats have paved the way for GOP victory by offering nothing new and moving farther to the left.
Yep, keep it up dem's.
Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on August 29, 2008 11:19 AMWhat would Dino do?
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 11:21 AMThis also completely takes away the "experience" arguement that the McCain campaign has been using for several months. The Dems don't need to even bring it up, but how is McCain going to use Obama's lack of experience now that he just picked someone that has been "Governor for two minutes"... as conservative Ramesh Pannuru puts it.
Posted by: Splinter on August 29, 2008 11:22 AMNope, are you? You guys were so eager to have another Clinton Presidency, the GOP-machine had the Anti-Clinton books to the press and ready to crank them out. Then something happened, Hillary lost.
Hillary is a strong woman, a strong woman with lots of money from people who are not exactly squeaky clean (the Norman Hsu guy comes to mind). I'm more than happy to elect a woman to the highest office in the land (heck we have two women Senators and a woman Governor, just as long as that woman is not Hillary.
JDH, why are you so afraid of supporting the strong women who represent this state? I have no doubt you would pick the boring old white guy over a woman in a second if he had the the letter (R) after his name on the ballot.
We don't like to support liars, and that you do is, well, problematic.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 11:28 AMBill & JDH. Don't you love it. She doesn't have enough time in office...Ahhhh can you say Obama!
Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on August 29, 2008 11:28 AMYes really.
RCP average for WA is Obama 50, McCain 40. McCain needs a 5-point swing, approximately, to be competitive.
She's from the West, she's a woman, she likes guns, she is conservative ... more disaffected Clinton supporters and conservatives will come to McCain. Will it be enough? We'll see ...
She won't hurt McCain among ANY voter group (except for maybe state troopers that make death threats).
I'm sure Obama will accuse her of clinging to her guns and religion, but that's just too darn bad, Mr. Arugula!
Posted by: Michele on August 29, 2008 11:36 AMDemo Kid
Richard Pope
acid Brainfart
and other assorted lefty loons!
You make me LOL!!!!!
Posted by: Crusader on August 29, 2008 11:36 AMMaybe you should go back and examine the abundance of sexist comments in the Cantwell vs McGavick threads. Gotta love the two-faced hypocrisy of people on here, you guys crack me up.
Sarah actually got one passed with the support of a seemingly Republican dominated legislature.
Smacks of "socialism" to me.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 11:38 AMThis race is also going to give Rome a chance to clean house. The clear deliniation between those who adhere to Church doctrine and the likes of Pelosi, Biden et all will demand that this issue be addressed, finally. This is good.
Posted by: JDH on August 29, 2008 11:39 AMYes, in February, you said: "Looks like we have a Democrat in the White House in 2009. Who are the early GOP favorites for 2012? I want to start early, since I am sitting out the 2008 election."
This is why it is so important for a conservative. A non-conservative pick might've made conservatives bolt, and would not have brought in any conservatives who were sitting out.
Very happy with the pick.
Obama voted "present."
Posted by: Michele on August 29, 2008 11:41 AMLaugh at this then:
The latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking finds Barack Obama moving to an eight percentage point lead over John McCain, 49% to 41%.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/109933/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Stretches-Lead-Points.aspx
Of course, only time will tell (give it another two weeks or so), but I have a feeling that McCain may have just selected a "Harriet Miers" as his VP.
Posted by: Splinter on August 29, 2008 11:47 AMLooks like you believe in freedom, but no the freedom of one to choose to disagree with the doctrine of a church that won't allow women to be priests or use contraception? Shouldn't Catholics be free to make their own scriptural interpretations? I thought it was God who did the judging, not individuals such as yourself.
C'mon, people... if you're gonna cite a poll, at least know what it covers, first.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 11:49 AMROFL!
Posted by: Crusader on August 29, 2008 11:50 AM"uhhhh" yourself. I never said it had anything to do with the Palin decision. In fact that poll doesn't even account for Obama's acceptance speach last night (which I really didn't like all the much, but apparently is going over fairly well). I would expect the gap to grow a bit more tomorrow, but as I said, the next two weeks are what matter.
Posted by: Splinter on August 29, 2008 11:53 AM(click my name for url link with full comment)
Few have been more critical of Sen. McCain than I, both here and on my radio show. And I have long said on my radio show that his selection of a running-mate will be key in determining my enthusiasm for his candidacy. If McCain has, in fact, chosen Gov. Palin, then count me in with both feet. It would be a terrific choice.
Palin is by all accounts a principled conservative and government reformer who can contribute mightily to the decision-making that occurs in the White House. She has more executive experience in her two years as governor than Obama, Biden, and McCain combined. She is a mother of five in what appears to be a loving and functioning family. And she is someone Republicans, conservatives, and others can rally behind in the future.
She was also mayor of Alaska's 4th largest and fastest growing city, which is further executive experience.
Posted by: AP on August 29, 2008 11:55 AMOf less than 6000 people? C'mon you guys gotta do better than that.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 11:57 AMIt's okay, there are others, surely, who can be just as bold and vote "present".
Posted by: Michele on August 29, 2008 11:59 AMRe: Hillary Vote. Wishful thinking on your part. Keep wishing, you will need a lot of the Audacity of Hope.
YOU support and empty-suited clown with ZERO experience, and you're doing it effortlessly... even forced to lie about it.
And yet, you talk about OUR "double-standard?"
You're making us blow chunks, here.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 12:03 PMIf you're talking Obama, you're wrong there too. He's represented constituencies larger than the population of Alaska.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 12:04 PM[/sarcasm]
Posted by: Dustin James on August 29, 2008 12:04 PMWasilla probably has over 10,000 people. It is growing fast. It has added over 4,000 people this decade alone.
Posted by: AP on August 29, 2008 12:05 PM@69: Well how about this, demo kid...representing the party of oppressed minorities is an ageist. McCain has "one foot in the grave".
Pfft. So much for "practicality" and "reason" in the Republican party. (Like it ever really existed...) Idiots on the right can crow about Democrats making a big deal over the historic nature of Obama's run, but raise even one question about McCain's age and you get slammed. Double-standard, eh?
How I love this pick. We've got Cato off his nut hoping for another New Orleans hurricane, ane demo kid showing his bias against older people.
Bias against older people? Damn... you can't take any serious analysis, can you?
Doesn't take a lot to show these people for who they really are, does it?
It doesn't take much to show that Republicans are quite obviously slimeballs.
@70: Dumbo kid, with each and every post you prove how moronic you can be, and how delusional one MUST be to be a fringe-leftist such as yourself.
If you think that I'm a "fringe leftist", you don't get out much.
The planet the rest of the world lives on, outside your peculiar mother ship, is the planet where your ego-maniacal empty suit served 143 days as a senator with no elected executive experience of ANY kind.
And McCain has how much "elected executive experience"? I'll give you a hint... it's exactly the same as Obama's, moron.
And placing a not-quite-one-term governor of Alaska in the second seat doesn't quite sound like that brings executive experience to the ticket.
The only double standard here is one concerning your lack of an ability to grasp reality... proven with each and every one of your posts.
You're the one wearing the tinfoil hat, fella.
Posted by: demo kid on August 29, 2008 12:06 PM#2 vs #1 is a pretty good rebuttal to the experience issue.
And infinitely more executive experience (as in 0 versus any executive time) than Obama isn't bad either.
The good government actions taken by Palin will stand up very well to Obama's chicago sleaze. I wonder if Biden ever voted yea on a bill that included the famous "Bridge to nowhere" that Palin killed???
The debates between Palin and Biden will be very fun. If she can defuse and expose the torrent of lies coming out of Biden's mouth without losing her cool she will be a positive. If she let's Biden get away with that, then she will be a negative.
Posted by: iconoclast on August 29, 2008 12:08 PMHe gained 8%. Not much of a bump for the Second Coming. If I were him, I'd be worried.
Too bad "Hope and Change" is becoming stale and tired. He has nothing else to run on.
Posted by: Camille on August 29, 2008 12:10 PMPalin - Leads a state that is 47th in population size.
Obama - Represents a state that's 5th is population size.
Palin - Believes Creationism should be taught in public schools.
Obama - Believes that Math and Science should be taught in public schools
Palin - Leads a state with a legislature dominated by corruption.
Obama - Represents a state with a legislature that has a history of being dominated by corruption.
Palin - Part of a party that has relativity few women in leadership positions.
Obama - Part of a party that has numerous women in leadership positions.
Refering to Obama as an "empty-suited clown" is completely disrepectful, and only shows that you don't understand his positions, so just resort to name-calling as a means of distraction. Pretty fifth-grade in my opinion, but I see a lot of it over at H.A. too...
And Jeff, personally, as someone that backs Obama, I think McCain's VP selection is a gift to the Democrats, so am not really worried. A lot can happen between now and November, but the eletoral map looks pretty darn good for Obama in my opinion.
Posted by: Splinter on August 29, 2008 12:13 PMI admire her greatly, and I have friends from Alaska who just love her.
Today is a great day to be a Republican Woman.
Posted by: Cydney on August 29, 2008 12:13 PMDumbo, PLEASE take a class in reading comprehension... and soon. DON'T put words in that I did not say.
Here... maybe if I can type slower, you might actually get it.
Palin has elected executive experience. OhDrama has none. You with me so far? Good.... good.
Now, in the experience aspect alone, that makes her a superior candidate to OhDrama... and while McCain's elected executive experience is the same as OhDrama's, McCain's OTHER experience set is VASTLY superior in EVERY way.
Still with me? Good.... good.
So, the idea that you leftist hypocrites would attack HER lack of experience, which is, like McCain's, superior to OhDrama's experience in EVERY way, is the entire point of the exercise.
There... get it now, moron?
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 12:14 PMwhat were Obama's accomplishments thus far, as an elected official?
Posted by: Michele on August 29, 2008 12:14 PMI will admit she does have talent. She cold-bloodedly and opportunistically threw under the bus Republicans who got a bit too embarrassing even for Alaska.
She also reaped a windfall for Alaskan oil check recipients - that's popularity for you.
She fits the Rovian profile very well.
"Alaska! It's the new Texas!"
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 12:14 PMI learned so much more about what Sarah brings to the table to pull the teeth of B-Ho..
Hubby is a member of the steelworkers union: UNIONS, check!
Daddy is a teacher: disaffected NEA members, check!
Hockey Mome: SOCCER MOMS, check!
Lifelong hunter: SECOND AMENDMENT DEFENDERS, check!
Working mom of an infant: FEMINISTS, check!
NOTE TO JOE BIDEN: Dude, we have TWO WORDS of advice for you: Rick Lazio!
Ok, now I'll go read all the comments!
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on August 29, 2008 12:18 PMI don't know enough about Palin at this time to judge whether she will actually be a good VP or not. Right now, she will appear to be more a Dan Quayle type VP than a Dick Cheney, which in one respect, the way Cheney has trampled the constitution and law, may be a blessing.
McCain's big problem, however, will be having enough time for the country to get to know her. With the potential of split news coverage this coming week (between convention and Gustov), and with less than 70 days until the elections, McCain's team has a lot of road work to do. Palin's family better be prepared to miss her from now until November. She won't be needed to campaign in Alaska.
Posted by: tc on August 29, 2008 12:21 PMWasilla, Alaska has over 10,000 people. It had over 6,000 when she was mayor. This decade alone it has grown by over 4,000 people.
4th largest city in Alaska, and the fastest growing.
Posted by: AP on August 29, 2008 12:21 PMI don't know who "OhDrama" is but Obama has plenty of legislative experience and quite impressive executive experience. Didn't he just achieve the impossible by out-working the Clinton machine?
Didn't they teach you in civics class that the legislative branches of our government is co-equal with executive?
Why do you hate America so much Hinton?
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 12:22 PMhttp://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/reader_feedback/public/display.php?id=806
Posted by: GS on August 29, 2008 12:26 PM
SHE WASN'T EVEN VETTED!
Posted by: Michele on August 29, 2008 12:29 PMWell I am definitely voting for Obama, but I do see that the selection of Palin will probably give a big boost to McCain. It will help McCain a lot with women and a lot with people in the center. There is lots of criticisms of Palin's lack of experience, but somehow I don't think those will resonate so effectively, and they may backfire. It certainly doesn't hurt McCain to take a risk, since he was headed towards a small loss to Obama in the absence of it.
Posted by: Richard Pope on August 29, 2008 12:30 PMPerhaps he will get a few of the most bitter PUMAs out there, but from what I've seen of Palin so far, she's not by any means a feminist, and I think most of those women that had been supporting Hillary in the first place, will see this as what it is: Pandering for the female vote. It may very well get him a few points among that group, but I personally don't think most left-leaning pro-choice women are going to be swayed.
What's strange to me is why he didn't pick any of the other much more qualified female Republicans. Is it really just the pro-life stance and shoring up the base?
Posted by: Splinter on August 29, 2008 12:35 PMWow! Great executive credentials for being a heartbeat away from leading 300 million people.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 12:35 PMOBTW, she also recently praised Obama's energy plan.
Posted by: tc on August 29, 2008 12:37 PMIt was reported that in their early June meeting that Hillary asked about the VP spot and made it clear that she didn't want to be put through a charade of vetting. Either Obama needed to be serious about considering her, or to forget it. Obama's response was that at that time it didn't appear that they would make the best team long term, which is totally understandable coming off a bitter primary and having the Bill factor to also consider in the equation. My guess he probably promised her the lead again on healthcare reform, instead, which is her pride and joy.
Posted by: tc on August 29, 2008 12:47 PMThe University of Illinois just opened those Annenburg Challenge records and sure enough there's "no there there" about Ayers.
And I don't appreciate you implying that I hate this country. I love it enough not to want four more years of the same failed policies and ugly divisive politics courtesy of Mr. Rove, thank you.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 12:52 PMAnd to think I was mildly bummed at the end of the barrypalooza!
It speaks volumes about the 'engaged' liberals of Seattle when they admit publicly (Seattle Time Blog), like Mister B from Bothell: "OK, for one, I didn't even know Alaska's governor was a woman." Can we say 'bahhhhh', little sheep?
Here's a little secret the libs and lefty's don't want to acknowledge: my conservatives have been less than enthused. B-Ho and the bitter bride capitalized on that HOPE.
Kiddies, we are enthused and engaged now!
Seems to me that you're the sheep Ragnar...happy to stand idly by and watch as the GOP spent all the surplus and start a was under false pretenses. You can keep following your precious party right out of office.
It seems to me that you and the rest of your fringers are running scarfed... and you're protesting FAR too much.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 01:08 PMShe has praised a certain presidential candidate for his energy policy. This was scrubbed from the Governor's website:
"I am pleased to see Senator Obama acknowledge the huge potential Alaska's natural gas reserves represent in terms of clean energy and sound jobs," Governor Palin said. "The steps taken by the Alaska State Legislature this past week demonstrate that we are ready, willing and able to supply the energy our nation needs."
and this is interesting..
The Governor did question the means to pay for Obama's proposed rebate -- a windfall profits tax on oil companies.
but wait a minute, according the seatimes story I cited above:
Alaska collected an estimated $6 billion from the new tax during the fiscal year that ended June 30, according to the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. That helped push the state's total oil revenue -- from new and existing taxes, as well as royalties -- to more than $10 billion, double the amount received last year.
Sounds like a "windfall" to me and..
The industry, however, warns new taxes are already discouraging future exploration and development in newer, more expensive projects needed to boost waning production in Alaska's oil patches.
"Clearly, from the investor standpoint, Alaska has become a less attractive place to invest exploration and production dollars," said Marilyn Crockett, executive director of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association.
Wow. Sarah, what happened to free markets?
I bet Sarah doesn't agonize over the price of arugula!
I wish he [bHO] was just an empty suit -- he's a dangerous, extremist radical who will destroy this country if he's given the chance. No MARXIST in our White House.
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on August 29, 2008 01:11 PMYou and your ilk are going to have to cut and paste FAR better talking points than these.
God, politically how it must suck to be you.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 01:11 PMPalin is a "beauty queen", who should "stay home with her down's syndrome child", and she's just a "PTA mom" who was mayor of a "Podunk small town".
Can you say big city snotty liberal bias? Yes, liberals, you can!
And gosh, she isn't even an ivy-league slimy lawyer.
Haha, I'm just keeping up with the flow. The lone voice of reason in a crowd of mindless GOP sheep. =)
Posted by: Cato on August 29, 2008 01:17 PMHaha, this coming from a party who's catch phrase during the Primary's was "How can we beat the bitch?"
Yep them libs/dems are very worried. LOL
Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on August 29, 2008 01:20 PM"I don't know who "OhDrama" is but Obama has plenty of legislative experience and quite impressive executive experience. Didn't he just achieve the impossible by out-working the Clinton machine?
Didn't they teach you in civics class that the legislative branches of our government is co-equal with executive?"
O_O Are you serious? Are you cotton-picking SERIOUS?
WHAT "impressive executive experience" does Obama have? State it. I dare you.
And if your excuse is that the "legislature is co-equal with the executive" and Q.E.D. Obama has executive experience equal to his legislative experience (which is 143 days), then think again. The branches are not "co-equal", they are counter-balancing. Checks and balances. Each branch has its own specific bunch of functions. Being a legislator--showing up to vote (or not vote?), offer the occasional prepared speech, and listening to lobbyists does not qualify as executive experience.
Try again, YLB. Try again.
Posted by: Cydney on August 29, 2008 01:28 PMWhich of course stand in the way of more oil production and taxation.
But I can't emphasize that first part enough.
She DOUBLED taxes on the oil industry leaving a bad taste in their mouth about more production in order to hand out checks to Alaskans.
How is that going to play with people going broke commuting long distances to their jobs?
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 01:29 PMThe Maverick and The Lady!
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on August 29, 2008 01:32 PMYou flunked civics class. Legislators lead on the crafting of legislation, hold hearings, make decisions on what is included and not included, run committees, etc - excellent preparation for executive office.
The "executive experience" of GWB and Dick Cheney hasn't counted for much if you look at their approval ratings.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 01:36 PMI have been a Palin supporter since day one, check old posts and you will see that my support for her has been there since day one. I didn't think she stood a chance though. To say that I am energized about this presidential election for the first time is an understatement.
As far as her debating either Biden or b-deep, b-deep b-dObama -> bring it on. she woul;d have him for lunch without ever having to shift out of first gear. Palin against the human platitude and cliche' regurgitator who can't finish a sentence that isn't written down for him???? Puhleeze. She would own him.
Posted by: JDH on August 29, 2008 01:38 PMThen reality sets in, the economy is still in the tank, there are two wars going on, the GOP led Govt has a three trillion dollar budget (biggest in history), the GOP led Govt. created the largest budget deficit in history, not to mention the GOP still has a flip-flop candidate at the top of the ticket. Just because Ol' Sen. Flip Flop picked a VP candidate doesn't mean America's problems have magically disappeared.
Plus something tells me we haven't heard the last of the Ron Paul folks.
I can see it now:
"GOP cheers on Bush while New Orleans drowns"
"Gov. Jindall gives convention speech as Hurricane Gustav batters Louisiana."
Abraham Lincoln.
He didn't fare too badly as a President and Commander-in-Chief, did he?
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 01:41 PMAbraham Lincoln.
He didn't fare too badly as a President and Commander-in-Chief, did he?
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 01:43 PMYou can bet the mainstream media is wetting its pants trying to discredit Palin. This is so much fun.
Posted by: Bill Cruchon on August 29, 2008 01:44 PMYes and so does every single person who ever sat on any committees. Since I conceived, proposed implemented and chaired a successful fundraiser, I guess that make me just as qualified as any EXECUTIVE... Move over Mr Gates.
Legislators (yes even McCain) TALK, Executives DO, they DO lead, they DO decide, they DO act, the DO bear the responsibility of their decisions.
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on August 29, 2008 01:45 PMBiden has to appear not to "beat up on the girl" which is easier said than done but still doable.
Sarah will have not too much of a problem varying her monotone delivery while delivering ugly Rovian talking points that are only tangentially related to the questions being asked.
As far as preparation for being one heartbeat away from the highest office in the land?
There's no comparison. It's Biden in a walk.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 01:50 PMThis is a gas.
LOL 167 posts and counting
We don't need to defend her, because they know Obama is so hollow.
She raised taxes, Bill. The oil industry did not appreciate that one bit.
How do you excuse her?
What kind of a "conservative" does that?
I've also heard she cut spending. It makes even less sense!!!
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 01:54 PMGoing to love seeing Palin try to explain this one away.
Like John McCain.. Well game over or are you really hoping he kicks the bucket so Sarah with her "executive experience" of running a town with around 6000 people and 18 months of the Governorship of a State with a quarter of a million people can slide right in.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 01:58 PMAnd... you can't. She's a desperate Hail Mary pass. The gushing from the right-wing is almost embarrassing, especially after y'all were excoriating Democrats for gushing over Obama and posting up as many little details about Biden as possible. Double standard, and one that many people on here are too stupid to realize.
I will admit, though... it's a gutsy move. Whether it's stupid or it pays off is very dependent on the next few weeks.
Posted by: demo kid on August 29, 2008 02:00 PMFrom what I have read of, heard of and seen of Ms. Palin, I have to say I am impressed.
Great choice for McCain and fantastic timing for the announcement with a lot of women feeling more than little bit singed by the treatment Hillary in the last few weeks by the Obamacrats.
Posted by: deadwood on August 29, 2008 02:04 PMThe Chucky don't-get-in-my-way-to-the-camera Schumer talking point!
You repeat quite well there demo. Shall we go back to discussing sheep?
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on August 29, 2008 02:06 PMAs embarassing as the insults from your lefty pals?
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on August 29, 2008 02:10 PM
Come on Joe...please can we have a 'guess the number of plugs' fundraiser?
So what does McCain do? He picks a 44 year old female, first term governor of Alaska, who in 2006 was the mayor of Wasilla with a population of . . . . 5,470. The question will be asked, "John McCain at 72, and having a number of health issues over the years, you have to admit that there is a possibility you die in office so your VP pick has to be someone who is ready to be president? Do you think Sarah Palin
can do so?" And he in turn has to say "Yes." Then the question is, "What exactly makes her even half as qualified as Barrack Obama?"
Is Sarah Palin's doubling of taxes on the oil/gas industry in Alaska in order to hand out checks to Alaskans to fill their 3 ton pickups and Piper Cubs "socialism" or "compassionate conservatism"?
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 02:30 PMI did hear a caller on a talk show this morning discussing the COST of gas up there... they were recently paying $4.76/gallon.
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on August 29, 2008 02:34 PMif you hold up Dubya as a model.
Just do what Papa Karl and whoever the next Duck! Cheney tells you.
Posted by: YLB on August 29, 2008 02:35 PMThe champion of infanticide will try to nuance his way around this issue and who better to refute him. She is no bullshit on this issue and has "street cred" like no one else anywhere near either side of the campaign.
I have, up to this point, never had a good word to say about Mccain the politician, never. I will not take back one thing I have said about him in that regard, but I will say that I admire his choice in a running mate and I admire his service in the military.
As far as not ever having a good word for McCain the politician goes he has never impressed me as being anything special and he has certainly screwed people who have supported conservative causes in the past. I am particularly pissed off regarding the waterboarding ban he championed or I would praise his support for the war on terrorism.
Posted by: JDH on August 29, 2008 02:37 PM
So, the Left isn't going to like her, but the rest of the country is going to fall in love.
No, they said he was a hand-picked product of the criminal Pendergast machine of Kansas City. And they were right. Laugh's on you, particularly since the machine-thug connection is eerily similar to Obama's in Chicago.
For more on the corrupt-crony incompetence of Truman and his administration, read Halberstam's book about Korea.
Posted by: Just Mild About Harry on August 29, 2008 03:14 PMOr laugh like the rest of the State of Alaska is doing. This is the same lady who was backing the Obama energy plan just over a month ago. She suddenly going to have a change of heart? =P
What's up with McCain and ex-beauty queens? I wonder if Palin agrees with her Church in their belief that divorce is a sin?
Palin- Mayor, State Governor
Obama- Signature gatherer/Community organizer
Not even close...
Are you saying she shouldn't be on the ticket because of this? She should not hang with sinners? Nice try at humor as I think that's what it was.....
Posted by: Dengle on August 29, 2008 03:36 PMStephan isn't interested in exposing the corruption, either. He'd rather have Gregoire as governor than to risk some of his republican buddies being exposed right along with her; including McKenna.
Posted by: Don on August 29, 2008 03:47 PMPretty good experience all around. =P
Posted by: Cato on August 29, 2008 03:50 PMI can't wait for tonights episode of Hannity and Colmes. Colmes, like a true leftist is an expert at interrupting disagreeing guests. "Yeah well what about..." is his favorite tactic. Will we see him spontaneously combust on screen tonight?
In hospitals, the juniors don't do the surgery, they watch how the experienced surgeonsa operate and learn. Obama/Biuden would reverse that to have the inexperienced internist start off with brain surgery.
Posted by: pbj on August 29, 2008 03:56 PMPeople (normal people, not Leftists) are going to love Sarah Palin.
You're seeing laughter and mistaking it for pain, because picking Palin is an absolutely asinine decision from a campaign on the brink of disaster.
She makes Obama look like a wise, experienced statesman, and she's embroiled in an ethics scandal of her own. Terrible, terrible decision that was made in haste following the incredible DNC.
Posted by: Ryan on August 29, 2008 04:03 PMThe highest level a woman ever made in Democrat administrations was secretary of state, and when they Do choose a woman, they choose an old bag like Madeline Albright.
Yes, the lib trolls here are scared by a beautiful, successful woman.
Misogynists all.
Posted by: pbj on August 29, 2008 04:05 PMObama: No executive experience. Once helped ACORN fraudlently register voters.
Posted by: pbj on August 29, 2008 04:08 PMThey hate that.
Someone earlier noted that he ate lunch on Seattle's Capitol Hill and the cafe patrons were clearly steamed over the selection of Palin. He he!!
As I mentioned earlier, Bumbershoot probably won't be all that jolly this year.
Posted by: Bill Cruchon on August 29, 2008 04:27 PMI love Arugula. It's healthier for you than iceberg lettuce.
Posted by: Just asking on August 29, 2008 04:39 PMAlso, Nancy Pelosi just issued a statement talking about how awful Palin is. Why then, Nancy should
be happy, right?
I'm telling you... the Dems are all freaked out over this. And they had their chance to do it.
BHO=Stalin+Castro+Marx(Karl unfortunately, not Groucho)
Posted by: WaFlyGuy on August 29, 2008 04:42 PMI just grabbed this comment at random off the Seattle Times blog. There are a ton of others that are much the same. I can't think of any good reason to slog through all of it.
The snotty, big city liberal elitist tone of so many of these comments really is telling. Seattle is filled with these judgemental sourpusses.
If you really don't believe me go to Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, or Metropolitan Market near Laurelhurst. The bitter, angry liberals that inhabit these places haven't ever heard of "excuse me" "can I help you" or even the art of exchanging common pleasantries. Instead of "hi,how our you?" these grumps rush by you with a sniff as if you are an inconvenience. Liberalism makes people unhappy. Check it out for yourselves if you don't believe me.
LOL, if she got 18 mil votes why didn't McCain pick Hillary for VP? Picking Palin is a slap in the face of Hillary supporters, why would McCain pick a lady who only got 114 thousand votes? =P
Also, Palin-Biden debates should be entertaining as Slow Joe with his smarmy charm will turn off millions of women voters by patronizing Ms. Palin and her "experience".
Advantage: McCain/Palin
Posted by: Rick D. on August 29, 2008 05:32 PMWhy didn't he pick Hillary? Who the hell knows?
Why did he pick someone that will be seen on television over, and over, and over again telling us that "OhDrama isn't ready to be president?" (Though I give him props for that small bit of honesty.) Again, who can possibly explain OhDrama's desire to remove so many lug nuts from the wheels of his campaign?
As to the "Why?" of Palin, it points out that in real terms, only McCain is the one of the two truly interested in REAL change.
Palin was an amazing choice. I'm not altogether convinced she was the BEST choice, as I blogged earlier, but she ties the empty suit and stuffed shirt into knots while single-handedly knocking OhDrama and his cutthroat thugs off message in a HUGE way, leaving fringe-left nutters like You Lame Brain to spew garbage and irrelevant nonsense in an effort to make themselves feel better.
Posted by: Hinton on August 29, 2008 06:04 PMI'm smiling about the Republicans for one of the few times over the past 6 years.
Posted by: John McDonald on August 29, 2008 06:15 PMDemocrats are falling all over themselves to show she has less experience than Obama, which is patently false. A Governor is a governor and trumps a US Senator. Your dog - Obambam had his day yesterday, that is over, but not the skeleton hunt in BHO's closet for the Ayers/ACORN laced skeletons, not to mention Rezko.
#232 BTW- God is neither a Republican or Democrat - he is an independent.
Posted by: KS on August 29, 2008 06:52 PMAnd then here comes McCain and delivers on Obama's promise. Yup, McCain just got my vote.
When the lieberals (aka progressives) come here to compare Palin to Obama, we KNOW they are running scared. Even the liberals know that Obama doesn't hold a candle to McCain, so they have to compare him to Palin and even then she has more executive exerience ( running the largest state in the union) than the messiah.
Posted by: pbj on August 29, 2008 08:40 PMYeah, I'm sure that mormons everywhere are just going to swarm to Obama now even those he's pro-abortion, anti-American and inexperienced. (I don' notice a heck of a lot of Mormons anywhere at the DNC do you?)
I know you're bummed that Mr. Change selected Mr. Dollars from Special Interest as his VP, but your bitter little asides aren't going to sideline our enthusiasm for a great choice.
Palin is what the GOP needs, a strong Reagan visionary that understands theres a cesspool mentality among some in republicans that needs to be given back to the democrat party where it belongs.
Actually, no, I was at the top of my Civics class, thankyouverymuch. I obviously know what else goes into being a legislator, but not every legislator is at the head of a committee. The executive branch has a lot more DOING than being on a legislative committee.
Go back to Horse's Ass, where you're obviously from. The Rovian remarks are old, dumb, and irritating.
Posted by: Cydney on August 30, 2008 12:16 AMSo you're convinced that being the mayor of a town known for its numerous gravel pits with rusting abandoned cars and machinery, whose sports complex runs a 125k per year deficit after being sold by the mayor as breaking even, as Governor doubled taxes on the oil/gas industry to hand out energy subsidy checks to Alaskans, who has made one not too bright decision after another as Governor of a State that's barely larger than Seattle in population,
is fit to be one heartbeat away from the Oval Office?
And what is this? I see a liberal complaining that a government official raised taxs on the evil oil companies to give back to the people???? You obviously are in the pocket of big oil!
I DO think that a person who has managed a town (executive experience) and the largest state in the union (almost 10 times the size of Washington) and has military command experience (Alaska Naitonal Guard) IS fit to be one heartbeat away from the Oval Office.
I don't think a man who was a state legislator (zero executive exerience) and spent only 143 days in the US Senate (again zero executive experience) is fit to be the one in the Oval Office.
Posted by: pbj on August 30, 2008 10:15 AMIf you are serious about comparing resumes between Palin and Obama, you are seriously off the mark.
First off, Obama has a lot more experience than you give him credit. You forget his law degree, and head of Harvard Law Review. You forget his years as State Legislator representing three to five times the population as Palin did as mayor and spending longer as State Senator than Palin did as mayor. You forget that he is finishing his fourth year as a US Senator, not his second year as Governor of a state that has a population around the size of the city of Seattle.
Second, you give being mayor of a small town too much credit. Have you read the town's charter to see what the mayor's actual duties were? Obama, in his community organizing years managed more meetings and coordinated more efforts than the mayor of Wasilla, AK may have encountered.
Finally, you totally miss outside world experience. How much does Palin know about the world? Obama lived in Indonesia. He has traveled the world, like visiting his mother in Pakistan, when she worked there. How much does Palin know about the Rust belt worker? Obama worked in the South-side of Chicago helping displaced Steel workers find new work. In conclusion, there is the whole vetting issue. McCain met with her twice, with the second time being last week. She hasn't been through the grinder of a national campaign. Obama has been through the grinder. McCain has been through the grinder twice.
I hope you are joking on your comments. If not, I believe you are not being realistic and don't recognize the extreme risk McCain has made by this choice. Meg Whitman would have been an outstanding choice, if McCain wanted an woman on the outside. Palin is a very big, very, very big gamble. To me, the lack of vetting and reactionary decision making that McCain put into the choice seriously degrades his argument that he has the judgment and temperament to be president. Maybe the Republicans can shock the world, pull back nominating McCain and go with Romney. Romney has demonstrated a lot more sound judgment than McCain has shown in this his biggest decision leading up to the election. It isn't too late Republicans. Wake up and realize what a disaster this decision is.
Posted by: tc on August 30, 2008 10:35 AMYou aren't serious are you? Obama has never been the one with whom the buck stops. NEVER. We call that executive experience. Mayor of a town is a good starting point.
Governing the largest state in the union, one fifth of the United States is a more important job than being the head of the Harvard law review. What military command experience does one get as head of the Harvard Law Review? Because as governor of the largest state in the union, Gov Palin has commanded the Alaska National Guard and sent them into combat. What troops has Obama ever commanded? How many troops has Biden ever commanded? Has either Obama or Biden ever been the one person at the top, responsible for a town city or a state?
And didn't Obama promise he was a different kind of politician and would get us away from the politics of the past? Wasn't that what he told all the Democrats in order to defeat the more experienced Hillary Clinton? How exectly is a man like Joseph Biden, a man who has been in the Senat longer that John McCain, a break from the past?
I hope you aren't serious about Obama as commander in chief. I don't think you realize what a risk he is. Remember the last time we had troubles with Iran and had an inexperienced Democrat in office?
Perhaps this will help:
http://www.talkingproud.us/ImagesEagle/AttacksonUS/IranEmbassyHostages.jpg
With the Russian Bear's new found hunger for consuming its neighbors, the last thing we need is a man with zero command experience.
Unfortunately, it is too late for Democrats. You have chosen a man with no command experience in the middle of a war. I hope that when you Democrats mark your ballots you wake u and realize what a disaster the nomination of Obama is.
I think the Dem's are getting a bit scared of the groundswell of the Repubicans, and the tidalwave of support.
Posted by: Chris N on August 30, 2008 12:38 PMKeeping insulting small-town America, and you've got another thing coming.
Once again, go back to Horse's Ass. kthxbye.
Posted by: Cydney on August 30, 2008 01:03 PMPanic is setting in on the left...
and yes,tc, I was serious about Palin being infinitely more qualified than the Chicago signature gatherer. He's made exactly zero individual executive decisions in his political life while Palin as first a business owner, Mayor and now in her Governorship position has made more in her short time than Obama has made in his entire lifetime. You see tc, there are differences in leadership capabilities. Obama is a "committee" man while Palin is an executive decision maker. Can you understand the fundamental difference now that i've pointed it out to you? Oh, and that ridiculous assertion than because Obama was in Indonesia as a very small boy (probably doesn't even remember any of it)he's now got "international experience"? That's is laughable on its face and I frankly would expect more from you, tc.
I think this pick has you ratttled because you can see the writing on the wall that McCain/Palin will be inaugurated in January '09.
Posted by: Rick D. on August 31, 2008 03:24 PM