Sarah Palin for Vice President? I Think I Need a Reality Check

As a Democrat, my initial reaction to John McCain's choice of running mate was one of disbelief quickly followed by wicked glee.  A "hockey-mom" from Alaska, mayor of a town of all of 9000, an inexperienced Governor who is still trying to get a handle on things?  (Snort) How awful and yet, for the Democrats, how wonderful!  McCain just blew a hole in his own sinking ship!.  Woohoooooo!!

That was my initial reaction.  Then I thought a little more about why he chose Sarah Palin.  And that thought process led to a dark and scary place.

My theory?  First, he's trying to woo the Hillary supporters who, idiotically, are saying that they won't vote for Obama because Hillary is a victim of sexism.  While this is perhaps true, it is not a good reason for a Democrat to go over to the Republican dark side.  Listen, I'm just as disappointed as the next woman that we apparently still are not to elect a woman president quite yet, but seriously, if you voted for Hillary because of her policies, how could you possibly, out of spite, vote for someone who espouses the antithesis of her policies?  It just defies logic.  For those voters who supported Hillary Clinton simply because she has a vagina, that might work.  For those who actually based their political affiliation on something more substantive, I think not.  But then again...

Second, Sarah Palin is young.  Perhaps John McCain feels that if we add his age and Sarah's and then divide by two, he won't seem so old anymore?  Foolishness but, then again... 

Third, Sarah Palin is known for being a bit of a maverick...hmmm where have we heard that word before?  Oh that's right, it's what McCain used to be but is no longer, so bring in someone else who can still claim the label.  That won't fool anybody.  But, then again...

How transparent.  Sarah Palin wasn't chosen because she has the experience to handle the job of vice president.  She wasn't selected because she is ready to step in as president if something happens to McCain.  She wasn't chosen because she possess skill in an area where McCain is lacking.  In my mind she seems to have been chosen for her ability, not to enhance or supplement McCain's strengths, but to attract a certain subset of voters for whom McCain, on his own, wouldn't pass muster.  If I can see through McCain, so can everyone right?  But, then again....  I am continually amazed at the machinations of the voter's minds.  Critical analysis and solid logic do not always win out.

Now, I know that this is politics in America and I'm not totally naive.  I understand that choices are often made based on how many voters will be swayed, not on what is best for America.  But it just seems to me that McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate is just so obvious a ploy that it's...well, it's just unseemly somehow.  It's one thing to be duped by a skilled conman or a supremely cunning plan, but to be fooled into believing that Sarah Palin was chosen because she really is the best person to help lead this country?  Well that would just be embarrassing.

I like to think that Obama's choice of running mate was based on something other than Joe Biden's ability to pull in votes; that his choice was based on Biden's qualifications for the job.  I do believe that Obama chose Biden for his strength's, particularly in the area of foreign policy.  I'm inclined to think that he did so, not because he hopes to gain the votes of those who think he is weak on foreign policy, but because he recognizes his own areas of weakness and is intelligent enough to surround himself with people who will enhance his skill set.  In other words, I believe that Obama chose Biden because he wants to do the best possible job leading this country.

But then I get to wondering.  Is that true, or is it my own bias coming through?  Am I judging the presidential candidates choice of running mates differently because of my own political affiliation?  Are Obama and McCain both making their choices based solely on the vote-garnering ability of their running mates?  Am I just giving Obama more credit than is due because that's what I want to believe?  And if Obama is just as guilty of pandering to the voters as is McCain, what then?  How do I keep from becoming totally jaded, from giving up on the political process altogether?

What do you think?  What was your reaction to the choice of Sarah Palin as McCain's running mate?  Is he crazy or am I?  Is my theory on McCain's choice of running mate correct?  Are Obama's reasons for choosing Joe Biden more substantive and more pure or am I just kidding myself?   I'd love to hear what other people are thinking.  Republicans, Democrats, Independents...all are welcome to comment...to agree or disagree with my perspective.  Please feel free to leave a comment and put in your two cents.  The conversation is always more interesting when there are many voices and varying perspectives.

P.S.  In light of recent comments left on my blog I unfortunately find it necessary to request that we remember our manners when leaving comments.  You are welcome to disagree with me and to voice your disagreement as long as you can do it politely and respectfully, and I promise to respond in kind.  I know that this goes without saying for most of my readers but there are always those who will abuse the privilege of adding content to someone's blog and use the opportunity to comment as an avenue for hostility, rudeness and personal attacks.  Such comments will no longer be tolerated on this blog, nor will they be honored with a response.  They will simply be deleted.

I hope that my regular readers will not be offended by these remarks.  Please continue to feel free to speak your piece and add your voice to mine.  Whether we agree, or agree to disagree, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

Comments

[Casey]

Call me dense, but isn't that the same speculation that has surrounded most VP picks for a while now? I can't count how many times I've heard that so-and-so was chosen because they were a southerner or because they were from a blue or red state or because they appealed to soccer moms or "security" moms (rolling eyes). Also on McCain's short list was Tim Pawlenty of MN. He's also a governor with little other experience. I don't think it's too big of a surprise that McCain pulled someone out of left field. I think that is probably the sort of thinking that has gotten him where he is today, both liked and disliked by people.

I do think it's interesting that with all the disapproval of Bush and the Republicans that McCain is running either even or only slightly behind. I do think that your analysis of him being in an already sinking ship is somewhat optimistic. If he's even or even within 10 points, that makes me question what is wrong with Obama and the Dems that they are not running away with this.

As far as Palin goes, I think she's a lot of things that McCain is not other than female. She is pretty strongly in the right side of the party. She is young. She is "fresh." Also, she's pro-life, pro-gun, and pro-drilling. All of those things are things that the core of the Republican party will like. I've also heard that she is fiscally conservative and again, the base will like to hear that.

I guess I see a lot of the whole presidential race as pandering, and I'm pretty annoyed with politics in general, so I don't see what the big deal is with choosing her because she will appeal to women.

[Barbara Swafford]

Hi Lori,

I find the presidential race just got more interesting. For the first time, I'm carefully watching/listening to all that's being said by both candidates and their choices for VP. I listen to different networks, knowing some are biased. I want to hear the stories from ALL angles. Thus far, I am still undecided. Both candidates have strengths and weaknesses, as do the VP choices. I'm hoping by keeping an open mind for the next 67 days I can gather enough information to make an informed choice and vote for the candidate who will do the best for our country.

[carmen lund]

Hi Lori,

I thought it was an interesting idea, not necessarily good, but interesting.

Now in seeing the photos of Palin and McCain, I am struck by how old he looks. Alone he seemed more vital, now he looks done in besides her.

I do not think it is a good idea that she is a "heartbeat" away from being President. I did not like the idea that she not only has no foreign policy experience but worse than that, does not have much experience being in a foreign country. (Smacks of Bush not travelling either and that has proved disastrous in his global approach and understanding.

[Liz]

When I first heard that Palin was the VP choice, I got worried for the Democrats - it seemed brilliant to choose a woman given all that happened so far. Then the more I learned about her, the more confident I felt that she wouldn't really add anything to the Republican ticket and that obama-Biden was a much stronger team. But I can't help thinking of Dan Quale, who was also chosen to "attract" women and was ridiculed for being such a lightweight, and ended up being elected anyway along with Bush the first.

[Lori]

Casey,

You make a lot of great points. I also find it interesting that McCain is still very much in the game considering the record of the Republicans in the last eight years. It boggles the mind really.

I watched Bill Moyers interview two men who had a lot to say about the political division in this country by state and by region. It seems that there isn't really anything wrong with the Democratic party that is preventing them from running away with this election (except maybe that they have, in the past, failed to wear their religion on their sleeves); it's more a problem with the people of our country and what they base their political choices upon. There are just places where the majority of people value conservative platforms whether or not these platforms serve their personal best interests. The south is traditionally very conservative and it seems that it's tough to fight tradition.

Perhaps my perspective of the Republican sinking ship is optimistic...waaaayyyy too optimistic, in fact. I tend to forget that not everyone thinks like I do. Oh well, it'll sure be interesting to see what happens.

[Lori]

Barbara,

Although we may have to agree to disagree on how many strengths the Republican candidates have, I am sure that you will weigh the evidence and make the best choice (which would be Obama, of course - hint, hint):)

Seriously though, we all need to listen closely and process what we hear thoughtfully to find the truth and to eventually make an intelligent decision. Unfortunately, it's never been easy to sort through all of the political rhetoric and propaganda. Good luck with that!

Carmen,

We share the same discomfort level with someone so inexperienced being in such an important position. While I disagree with Palin's positions on certain issues, I think that she seems intelligent, well spoken and passionate about her work. She may have been an excellent choice ten years from now, but right now? Kind of scary.

Liz,

I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this choice plays out. I hate to think that Americans will vote for McCain just because his VP is a woman, just because she has the right image or just because she is young and attractive. But America's voters have disappointed me in the past so I have little doubt that many will align themselves with the McCain/Palin ticket for the wrong reasons.

As I already suggested above, I certainly don't mean to imply that Palin is a bubblehead or simply eye-candy. I think that she is probably a very intelligent woman who is on her way to becoming a political force to be reckoned with. I just think that a VP nomination is too much too soon.

Thanks everyone, for the great feedback.

[Carol]

My gut instinct is that Palin's limited experience outside of Alaska makes her naive regarding issues and conditions in the other 48 states. For example, Alaska still has natural resources and low population, so people living there who have no concept of the impacts of pervasive environmental degradation elsewhere might easily believe there is no threat of exhausting or ruining resources. That endless frontier mentality is not unlike the single-minded European take-it-all-use-it-all mentality when first they occupied this country. Been there done that, and here we are again with Palin.

[kay]

I was not surprised at all that McCain chose a woman. What surprised me was that he chose someone so inexperienced! It goes against every negative arguement he has ever made regarding Obama. Why not choose Kay Bailey Hutchinson or Liddy Dole?

He chose someone who he feels will draw in the female vote, because she is a "she", and the youth vote, because she's young and could possibly appeal to the younger voters, much like Obama does. It's an insult to my intelligence and that of all Americans that he thinks women are so easily interchangable.

Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton. Not yet. I look forward to watching her political progression in roles greater than governing a town of more than six thousand citizens. I seriously doubt there's much, if any diversity in that small town. Great for small-town USA, not so great for a nation as diverse and unique as ours.

With her anti-corruption stance and her practical approach to budget finance, she reminds me a lot of former governor, Ann Richards, of TX. I think she has the potential to be a great leader. in time. and I will strongly consider voting for her in 8 to 12 years. I am greatly encouraged just by her presence, that whether Hillary Clinton makes another run for the office, there are more women on the horizon that will be able to finish what she has started.

[Lori]

Carol,

Thanks for offering yet another perspective. Environmentalism is certainly not Palin's strong suit and you've highlighted some of the reasons why. Based on her location and life experience (don't forget her husband works for the oil industry and so do many of her neighbors and constituents, I would guess), her perspective is obviously skewed.

Kay,

I agree that Palin will be a force to be reckoned with someday, but this is not the day. What I find most amazing is how many women and blue collar workers her nomination will likely draw. I wish that everyone was as thoughtful and level-headed as you, but unfortunately they are not. How any woman who supported Hillary could change her vote to a party whose policies are totally incongruent with Hillary's is beyond me. Even further beyond me is the reality that the Republican party appeals to the blue collar workers of our nation. Palin's presence will only add to this appeal.

It's too bad that so many voters base their choices on single issues like abortion or the right to carry a gun. I think that they are often failing to see the bigger picture and to understand the full impact of a party's, or a candidate's, views and policy decisions on their everyday lives.

[Diane]

My initial reaction to Palin was similar to yours. I don't think McCain has helped his chances with her as she really couldn't be more different from Hillary (if he was trying to win over disappointed Hillary fans.) I was a big Hillary fan, but would not vote for her just because she was a woman. There is no way I would want Sarah Pallin as the leader of the US. It reminds me of a bad movie. When McCain dies in office, who will she call for help--George W?? Ugh.

While I don't think it is fair of the media to play up her 17 year old daughter's personal issues, I do wonder why the family agreed to be forced into the spotlight when they are dealing with such personal issues as well as trying to raise a beautiful baby with special needs. Maybe the family needs to focus upon raising the children before becoming entrenched in national politics. Being a govenor is a lot different from being second in command of the US. As the parent of a one year old, I don't think I could ever put the needs of the country over the needs of my baby. But that is just my two cents.

Thanks for this thought provoking post!

[Haley]

He totally picked Palin to make himself look better, plain and simple.

Perhaps Obama picked Binden for the same reason.

Still, Palin is an embarrassment to the Republicans for being against sex education while having a 17 year old pregnant daughter. Wow!

[Lori]

Diane,

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm so glad to hear that their are many women like myself who won't vote for McCain and Palin just because Palin is a woman. I wish that the majority of Americans would educate themselves more and focus on the issues, not the personalities.

Haley,

Agreed. In general, I don't think that we should bring the candidates family members into the whole political arena because their stories are not relevant. On the other hand, if McCain is going to parade Sarah Palin's mothering skills and her choice to not abort her son and her ability to balance motherhood and work up as selling points than the ironies of her daughter's pregnancy in light of S.P.'s abstinence-only sex ed approach becomes politically relevant and fair game. You can't have it both ways - talk about her motherhood as some kind of badge of honor or grand accomplishment but then refuse to discuss it when it becomes unflattering.

[Jane Becker]

Picking Palin was a brilliant strategy on the part of the Republicans - you don't have to be one to see how tactical that move was. And that decision was affirmed by her presentation on Wednesday night.

Jane Becker
http://thedamedomain.blogspot.com

[Karen S.]

Most of this is right on. And Sarah Palin has ended up looking like "one of us" and a "good and forgiving christian woman taking care of her family and grandchild-to-be" according to a lot of the comments I'm reading. Sarah Palin is now a generous and loving heroine. If Democrats expected Bristol Palin's pregnancy to backfire, they were wrong.

I just learned that a speechwriter for Bush penned her speech--that shouldn't come as any surprise given its mocking tone and disrespect for the institutions (um, like, the Constitution) that make the U.S. what it is.

She is scary and I do not want her influencing national policy in any way. Period.

[Suemamma]

I am not an American and live somewhere onthe other side of the world from you. But I have been listening off and on to the Republican Conventions. What seemed most chilling was all the war-mongering which made people like me feel that the US under this team--especially with somebody like Sara Palin--people in other countries of the world can no longer feel safe, even less than when George W was there. The whole rhetoric seemed to be--to the rest of the world--'Toe the line or else' kind. Very scary.

[Lori]

Jane,

As much as I hate to admit it it being a Democrat and all, choosing Palin seems to be working out well so far for the Republicans. Personally I'm hoping her tendency to be outspoken will lead her to put her foot in her mouth at some point. Nothing personal against her...I just don't want to suffer through another Republican administration.

Karen S.

I agree with you whole-heartedly. I recognize that snide remarks were made by both parties during their conventions, but the Republicans win the mud-slinging contest. Mocking the constitution as well as the highly admirable community organizing efforts of Obama were foolish and childish acts in my opinion. I have more respect for the values that stand behind community organizing than I do for whatever it takes to be a mayor of some podunk town in Alaska.

Suemamma,

Thanks so much for giving us an international perspective. The Republicans really seem to be the party of "Hooray for me and to hell with you" for the most part and they are also more apt to resort to the use of force sooner rather than later. As much as the media seems to see Obama's even-tempered approach to things as some sort of lack of passion, I couldn't agree less. Obama's equanimity is a strength. Most spiritual and philosophical systems in the world stress the development of just such a temperament for our own well-being as well as for the welfare of others. Who would we rather have his finger on "the Button"? An even-tempered, thoughtful man of wisdom or a macho, tough-talker?

[Jennifer]

I appreciate your honesty in this post. I feel much the same way, for many of the same reasons.

[Lori]

Jennifer,

I'm glad that you appreciate my honesty...some people don't. :)

[martha wolkind]

As for Sarah Palin, politics and religion are two separate things and should not be a part of this presidency. Typical of the Republicans to throw this ploy at us. Remember, she did not write this speech. Someone wrote it for her and she just read it and so I do not see her cleverness in this. As for God,s will, come on. Did God want this war to amuse himself? She really has to be putting on a great act to make us believe all this, that this is God,s will. In her mind what else is going to be God,s will. She is one dangerous person and I do not want her speaking for me and my country. If you read something about her it was the fact that mayor or governor she wanted certain books removed from the library and there was quite a to do about this. She was going to fire the librarian if these books were not removed. There was an objection to this and so the books stayed. I am an avid reader and I read everything. I will not have this kind of person telling me what to read or not to read. There is a danger in this. She is not a nice person. She has fired a lot of people in her hometown when they did not go along with her ideas. She is not the ideal candidate for vice president and stop making her into the angel she is not. There is a mean streak in her and I hope people can see it. Look at all the candidates and don't go for a face that was forced upon us by these wily Republicans. Bush put us in hole and he thinks these two lost souls will save the world. No way, no how.

[Lori]

Martha,

I don't want Sarah Palin speaking for me either...she does not represent my interests or my values. I'd like to think that American's would see through her act and recognize her for what she is (narrow-minded, inexperienced and arrogant)...but unfortunately Americans tend to be gullible. Far too many of us rely on biased, so-called journalism (think Rush Limbaugh and Fox News Network)and thirty-second advertising spots for our political education. We need to wake up and start doing our homework.

By the way, Sarah Palin supported "the bridge to no where" until it was essentially dead-in-the-water and only then did she withdraw her support. She fired the private chef only to rehire her to cook for the state legislature (still drawing a salary, just not cooking for Sarah's kids) and she tried to sell the jet on e-bay but failed, so someone else sold it for her (at a loss, by the way). This is what you learn when journalists and citizens actually do their homework instead of swallowing whatever they are being spoon-fed by the political parties.

[Carol]

As things are settling a bit, I am trying to look calmly at the candidates and get a sense of their qualities. Obama has that old soul wisdom and negotiating quality, not a jump before you think guy. I like that. He seems to genuinely reason things out. I haven't seen enough of Biden. First impression is that he is seasoned. Palin is too unknown and seems prompted, energetic but scripted. I don't see originality or deep intellect. McCain has character and is seasoned but I think he is just too old.

Carol

[Lori]

Carol,

I like Obama's wise and thoughtful approach to issues as well (I discussed that at length in my post on equanimity). You're right, we haven't seen much of Biden but I believe that will change now and we'll get to know more about him. He is very experienced and thoughtful about his position on topics. If you like Obama, chances are you'll like Biden also.

Sarah Palin is very, very scripted and for good reason. She has very limited and primarily Alaska-specific knowledge. The more I learn about her stand on issues and about her tendency to engage in cronyism, secrecy and back door politics, the more dangerous I think she is. Take a good, long look at her. There is a lot of information about her on-line and most of it is not very flattering.

Eight years ago, I would have agreed with you that McCain has character, but I think that in his desperation to get into the White House he has lost his credibility. Even Karl Rove (the smear master) says that McCain's ads have gone too far in bending the truth. I think that we have learned, over the past eight years, that a politician who lies and uses smear tactics to get elected, will lie and engage in back door politics once in office. I don't know about you, but I want an honest, ethical, intelligent leader who shares my values and who will fight for what is right - not someone who fights dirty in an effort to get elected.

Do yourself, and the country, a favor and read and listen carefully to what the politicians are saying. Too many of our friends and neighbors are favoring candidates for the wrong reasons (because they're interesting or because they're attractive or because they're down-to-earth or because they served in the military). We need to look at each candidates record, their suitability for leadership and their positions on the issues that matter. I hope that more and more of us will begin to do so in the days ahead.