My informal poll of parents in the family is a resounding “not sure.” I’m not sure either. I understand McCain needs the women’s vote, and as a 72 year-old man he isn’t going to get it. But is he really going to get single, pro-choice, suburban, Hillary voters with a pro-life woman? Palin has never had to stand by her “cheating, lying husband” like Hillary, so she shouldn’t count on the sympathy vote. Initial polls indicate 25% of Hillary’s liberal cheering section will vote McCain because of this pick. I think that number will lessen as Democrats point out Palin’s conservative views. Saving innocent babies as a philosophy is always enough to sway single, suburban ladies away from a fellow woman candidate.
Personally, I’m happy he picked a conservative instead of his wishy-washy, liberal in sheep’s clothing, Republican friends. I’m a bit concerned about the male vote, though. I think, and I hope I’m wrong, that quite a few men are going to be bothered by the notion of Palin becoming president if something happens to McCain. The thought of Palin-Putin discussions just doesn’t throw fear into the Russian government or make the American public comfortable . I worry that our Middle Eastern friends will be emboldened by a woman in power who is perceived not to have the guts to stare them down.
I’m also wondering if McCain has lost his “experience” argument. He has plenty, Obama has little. Now he is bringing Palin on and she has very little. After Obama picked the “change” candidate, Mr. Biden, I was hoping we could pound them on the issue. Now they can pound us on the experience issue, or at least neutralize our argument against them.
Time will tell, and I hope for the republic’s sake this was a good choice. I’m more acutely aware than ever of all the bitter people out there who think Obama’s socialist notions will help them at the expense of others. They seem to be increasing day by day. On a good note, Palin seems to be charismatic, so if we can find a way to get her on Letterman and Leno, we can pick up some young voters who usually vote based on who the “funny” candidate is.
Sigh...why isn’t Newt our nominee??
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I certainly disagree with Tom. I think Palin was an excellent choice for Vice-President. She is one feisty woman who appears up to any challenge.
ReplyDeleteAs most people get to know her they will respect her and hopefully have sense enough to vote for her.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteThe choice of Palin as a nominee was not to get women's vote as much as it was to energize the convervative base and get them out to vote at all. Palin addresses several of McCain's weaknesses: his age, his votes away from traditional Republican values, and the energy crisis. Add into the mix the fact that she is a woman, young, attractive, and not related to Bush's administration and you have a winning pick. Contrast McCain's pick to Obama's pick in Biden. All Obama acheived was getting a running mate with experience. The problem is that the VP is not the leader of the country nor should be, so this pick actually weakens his position and leads people wondering if he actually believes in his own political acumen given his statements prior that he did not have the experience required to run for the presidency. Obama also angered Clinton and women's supporters in general by not even considering her to be his running mate. His inability to pick her exposes his weakness even more. As far as Palin's inexperience it is a non-issue as she is not running for president and has more experience than Obama. As far as Middle Eastern and Russian leaders not fearing her, let us think of some of the woman leaders we've had in the past few years. Maggie Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, Indira Ghandi, Imelda Marcos, Merkel, Condi Rice. These are not women you take to a club to introduce to the good ol' boys network! Stunningly, unexpected move resulting in a great choice. Round One-McCain.