McCain’s bold Palin pick
With the conclusion of the Democratic Party national convention and his fine speech last night, Barack Obama won’t be getting much bounce today. Republicans will hold their convention next week, and presumptive presidential nominee John McCain has changed the game this morning with his pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential partner. Seriously, I think the election is his to lose now. Reaction to her pick has been overwhelmingly (universally?) positive from Republicans, and Palin definitely has the ability to pull in independents — and some disgruntled Hillary Democratic supporters.
I first read about how Palin could help McCain win in a piece a few months ago by Carroll, Iowa, journalist Doug Burns. At the time I thought Palin would be a positive help to McCain winning in November; now, I’m even more convinced of it. If McCain had picked Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney or Tom Ridge, there wouldn’t be the gushing heard over the last three hours since the announcement of Palin.
Yes, she’s relatively inexperienced, has no foreign policy expertise. Yep, virtually no one in the lower 49 has heard of Palin until a few hours ago. But she has an interpersonal ease, which will play well in campaigning, and a compelling life story that will connect with the middle class. Palin will definitely pull in conservatives, given her anti-abortion stance and other support of other classic conservative issues. Driving back to the office from lunch, I just now heard Rush Limbaugh not so highmindedly say Palin has the looks that will make men wish she was single.
Just before noon, I interviewed Republican Congressman Steve King in Iraq and the Palin nomination was just an hour old. (Click the play button below to hear the 25-minute conversation with King) King said he’d never seen her in person, but was enthused. Palin, 44, is younger than Obama, 48, and takes the generation gap off the table (McCain turned 72 today), King said. Plus he loves her support for more drilling of oil in her state of Alaska.
Joe Biden was a safe vice presidential pick for Obama. Palin was a bold pick by McCain and changes the 2008 campaign dynamic. I’ve always felt that virtually no one votes for president based on the vice president, but it will be more of a factor in 2008, perhaps cinching it for McCain.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
You have to be kidding me this completely takes away the succesful campaign that McCain has been able to run the last few weeks. He can no longer question whether or not the dems candidate is ready to lead because is the republican. This shows poor judgement which is the exact opposite that we are told McCain has because he is wise showing good judgement. I was warming to McCain because when he was nominated i said no way can i vote for this very liberal republican. Now there is no way on earth that i will vote for McCain not only will I vote against him but i will be supporting Obama to the end. I am so sick of having to turn my back on McCains liberal beliefs and pretend he is a conservative. Well this conservative refuses to pretend any longer. I can not believe people are buying this crap that Palin is a good choice…UNBELIEVABLE…
August 31st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Sorry “Pete” but your post just isn’t believable. I think you’re really a scared Democrat who knows this election is McCain’s to lose.