The case for Sarah Palin

[Denny Crane]

Not after being the Democratic nominee for VP.

And winning the Nobel Prize is a joke, sorry it's become one.

 

[TheBeef]

I would dispute the nobel prize....that was more of an endowment....

 

[Denny Crane]

Right.

Most of you guys have just heard of this woman and actually read about her in any great detail today. It was said earlier that McCain had only met her once before giving her that phone call. John McCain's camp did all the work on finding her and offering her a job.

And that's wrong because.... ?

I think she's been to Iraq more times than Obama. How's that grab you?

 

[The Return of the Raider]

Not after being the Democratic nominee for VP.

And winning the Nobel Prize is a joke, sorry it's become one.

Well, you didn't qualify that "anything anytime" statement...

 

[The Return of the Raider]

And that's wrong because.... ?

Okay, I'm projecting here a bit, but I think you will agree.

Because its a knee-jerk reaction. No one should ever make an important decision, with months to pour over it, with a knee-jerk reaction.

Seriously, what's going to happen if you are patient? Is FOX news or CNN going to somehow mind control you and force you to make a bad decision if you wait? LOL.

 

[huevonkiller]

Sweet.

An Astonishingly Arrogant V.P. Selection

It may be John McCain's birthday, but it seems like he's the one giving out gifts today. The selection of Palin doesn't simply, as others have pointed out, undermine the notion that Obama is too inexperienced to be president; it gives Obama the chance to actually take the edge on national security while making John McCain's age a central issue of the campaign.

Whatever the political calculations involved in picking a veep, the most important qualification for the vice presidency is the ability to assume the presidency in a crisis. Given that of the last 12 presidents, three have either died or resigned, this is hardly a hypothetical consideration--in fact, given that McCain is 72, it is a very real consideration. Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and Gerald Ford all faced multiple foreign policy crises immediately upon assuming office, whether it was the onset of the Cold War, the North's invasion of South Korea, the Vietnam War, or the withering of détente and the resulting increase in nuclear tension with the Soviet Union. The next president will have to finish the denuclearization of North Korea; prevent the nuclearization of Iran; organize a departure from Iraq that maintains some level of stability; defeat a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan; establish, nurture, and make the most of a relationship with Pakistan's new leaders; and confront a revanchist Russia while preserving and enhancing its cooperation on nonproliferation and climate change--to say nothing of working with India, China, or our allies.

Could Sarah Palin conceivably manage this task? Her tenure as a small-town mayor and Alaska governor has given her no foreign policy experience whatsoever. True, Obama has little foreign policy experience either, as McCain and others have pointed out again and again. But during his time in national office he has demonstrated a clear commitment to the most pressing issues in American foreign policy. Take nuclear proliferation. Early in his tenure on the Foreign Relations Committee, Obama joined Richard Lugar's efforts to secure weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union. Obama's first trip abroad as senator was to Russia and Ukraine to learn more about those efforts firsthand. In 2007, he cosponsored legislation with Senator Chuck Hagel calling for ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and negotiation of a fissile material cut-off treaty. And he was the first major presidential candidate to embrace the steps laid out in 2007 by Sam Nunn, Bill Perry, George Shultz, and Henry Kissinger through which the United States would fight nuclear terrorism, reinvigorate the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and ultimately eliminate nuclear weapons.

Perhaps more important than the experience they embodied, these efforts demonstrate that Obama has a worldview. Obama recognizes the greatness and uniqueness of the United States, but he does not translate that exceptionalism into dominance or isolationism as conservatives often have. Instead, he sees it as the basis for U.S. leadership. He has laid out that worldview in myriad speeches and articles, and he has surrounded himself with pragmatists who have a record of translating that understanding of America's role into concrete gains for our national security. By contrast, there is no indication that Palin has even shades of a foreign policy worldview; a Nexis search doesn't turn up a single article that she has written on international affairs.

McCain undoubtedly thinks he has his national security bases covered; picking Palin shows that, unlike Obama, he doesn't need an eminence grise like Biden to add heft to his ticket. But surely McCain recognizes that Palin may have to fill his shoes someday. By choosing her anyway, he has demonstrated hubris well beyond anything Obama has displayed on his most arrogant day: a belief that he can master unforeseen circumstances, physical and otherwise, that are well beyond his control. This is insulting and dangerous and suggests that McCain may want to think twice before accusing Obama of putting his personal ambition ahead of the national interest.

No doubt Michelle is right that the Obama-Biden team will have to be careful attacking Palin's frighteningly thin resume and tenuous grasp of foreign policy. But surely a campaign that has been charged with being too naïve to manage rogue state dictators can have a bit of fun with the idea that a one-time Miss Congeniality could effectively face down Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, or Kim Jong Il. Surely, Obama's "eight is enough" quip ought to apply not only to President Bush's economic and foreign policy travesties, but to the elevation of mediocrity that has characterized his appointment of Michael Brown to FEMA and his nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court. And surely we can agree that if the McCain campaign was desperate to transparently court voters put off by Hillary Clinton's loss, there is no dearth of women with far greater intellectual, executive, and political abilities--abilities that would allow them to assume the presidency in a heartbeat.

--Peter Scoblic

Source: The New Republic

 

[Denny Crane]

Okay, I'm projecting here a bit, but I think you will agree.

Because its a knee-jerk reaction. No one should ever make an important decision, with months to pour over it, with a knee-jerk reaction.

Sounds like they spent months on it and recommended a fine person.

I can see where Obama supporters might be scared because of this move. So be it.

 

[The Return of the Raider]

Sounds like they spent months on it and recommended a fine person.

You are saying that because they liked her for months, that means that you don't need to do any homework on your own, as a potential voter?

I can see where Obama supporters might be scared because of this move. So be it.

Absolutely. I am watching FOX right now, and its all out verbal warfare.

 

[huevonkiller]

Sounds like they spent months on it and recommended a fine person.

I can see where Obama supporters might be scared because of this move. So be it.

It is purely an intelligent strategic move, nothing more.

 

[CelticKing]

I thought being young was bad?

Having no experience and running for president is bad. (<--- obama)

 

[Denny Crane]

You are saying that because they liked her for months, that means that you don't need to do any homework on your own, as a potential voter?

No, but it doesn't make it a knee-jerk reaction of a pick.

Absolutely. I am watching FOX right now, and its all out verbal warfare.

I've been watching CNN all day, and they're savaging the poor woman. I shudder to think of what they're saying about her on MSNBC.

 

[huevonkiller]

Having no experience and running for president is bad. (<--- obama)

McCain doesn't really care about experience then.

 

[cpawfan]

McCain doesn't care about experience then.

Experience at what?

Experience at running any type of executive branch of government?
Experience at combating Washington pork?

 

[The Return of the Raider]

No, but it doesn't make it a knee-jerk reaction of a pick.

.

No no, I wasn't talking about who the McCain decided who would be their VP. I'm talking about the knee jerk reactions of the people who would potentially vote for the McCain ticket after only 1 day of learning about the person. You guys are free to do whatever you want, I'm merely trying to talk some reasoning with you.

 

[cpawfan]

No no, I wasn't talking about who the McCain decided who would be their VP. I'm talking about the knee jerk reactions of the people who would potentially vote for the McCain ticket after only 1 day of learning about the person. You guys are free to do whatever you want, I'm merely trying to talk some reasoning with you.

I only care about how this will be used to motivate the sheep. From that standpoint, I think it will be a good marketing move.

Presidential elections aren't about politics or rhetoric. They are about sound bites and tabloid journalism.

 

[Denny Crane]

I've decided for a while now that I'm writing in Ron Paul for president.

I will say the more I see of this woman, the more genuine she seems and the more likable she is.

It will be interesting to see what the daily tracking polls say in a few days.

 

[huevonkiller]

Experience at what?

Experience at running any type of executive branch of government?
Experience at combating Washington pork?

"McCain may want to think twice before accusing Obama of putting his personal ambition ahead of the national interest."

 

[cpawfan]

"McCain may want to think twice before accusing Obama of putting his personal ambition ahead of the national interest."

Nice dodge and a decent sound bite.

Personally, I'm looking forward to hearing some new talking point because the last 12+ months have been filled with crappy ones.

 

[huevonkiller]

Nice dodge and a decent sound bite.

Personally, I'm looking forward to hearing some new talking point because the last 12+ months have been filled with crappy ones.

What am I dodging? I'll be happy to clarify.

 

[44Thrilla]

I've decided for a while now that I'm writing in Ron Paul for president.

I will say the more I see of this woman, the more genuine she seems and the more likable she is.

It will be interesting to see what the daily tracking polls say in a few days.

You clearly favor McCain. You should just vote for him.

 

[cpawfan]

What am I dodging? I'll be happy to clarify.

It doesn't specifically talk about experience and the different types a President "should" have

 

[huevonkiller]

It doesn't specifically talk about experience and the different types a President "should" have

Well, Obama shouldn't be getting as much heat from Mac then for his lack of tenure.

 

[Denny Crane]

You clearly favor McCain. You should just vote for him.

I don't favor McCain. If a gun were pointed at my head and I was told vote for McCain or Obama, it'd be Obama.

In fact, before I figured out that I could and should write in Ron Paul, I was leaning towards Obama.

 

[cpawfan]

Well, Obama shouldn't be getting as much heat from Mac then for his lack of tenure.

Why? Should McCain expect that he is going to die during his term?

 

[huevonkiller]

Why? Should McCain expect that he is going to die during his term?

It is a huge hypocritical move, and he loses a good talking point by picking Palin. He can not continue to bitch about lack of experience.

In April he said he would pick the VP precisely on the pre-text of his death.

 

[The Return of the Raider]

Why? Should McCain expect that he is going to die during his term?

What is the life expectancy of a man these days? He is a cancer survivor. That stuff comes back occasionally. I don't know, maybe we shouldn't look that hard into this.

 

[cpawfan]

It is a huge hypocritical move, and he loses a good talking point by picking Palin. He can not continue to bitch about lack of experience.

In April he said he would pick the VP precisely on the pre-text of his death.

The talking point for the sheep will switch to focus on executive experience. Plenty of room to still bitch about it. It was setup today during his introduction of her.

When his comments from April make it onto a TV commercial, then he'll have to address that. Most likely it will revolve around "how can Obama attack my health"

I'm predicting that pictures from inside McCain's colon will be used on the networks in the next 2 months.

 

[The Return of the Raider]

I'm predicting that pictures from inside McCain's colon will be used on the networks in the next 2 months.

Hahahahaha!!!

There are a few things more terrifying in the world than reality TV, so the fact that something may top the abomination known as that Tila Tequila show is a shock even to us. That something, if producers have their way, is Charles Barkley’s colon. There’s a plan to film Barkley’s colonoscopy and air it as a highlight on a special to bring awareness to cancer. The “special” would be broadcast by all the networks, which might be the final straw to get the GET READY to look deep inside Charles Barkley. The former Sixers superstar has been asked to undergo a televised colonoscopy as part of the “Stand Up to Cancer” special being aired Sept. 5 by NBC, CBS and ABC… Sir Charles, 45, says he was surprised that the show approached him, but was happy to participate in promoting awareness for colonoscopies, which screen for prostate and other cancers.
9% of America without cable calling their local provider ASAP.

 

[huevonkiller]

The talking point for the sheep will switch to focus on executive experience. Plenty of room to still bitch about it. It was setup today during his introduction of her.

When his comments from April make it onto a TV commercial, then he'll have to address that. Most likely it will revolve around "how can Obama attack my health"

I'm predicting that pictures from inside McCain's colon will be used on the networks in the next 2 months.

McCain has it made for now, he's going to get a huge bump (especially with the Republican Convention coming up too). Barry needs to bring up Palin's positions (he needs to hammer her on that to get back the Hillary Democrats) at the debates.

On a side note, why is McCain's slogan "Country First"? Lol, seems mean.

 

[The Return of the Raider]

something I read today...

Jim VandeHei, John F. Harris
Sat Aug 30, 9:57 AM ET

The selection of a running mate is among the most consequential, most defining decisions a presidential nominee can make. John McCain’s pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says a lot about his decison-making — and some of it is downright breathtaking.

We knew McCain is a politician who relishes improvisation, and likes to go with his gut. But it is remarkable that someone who has repeatedly emphasized experience in this campaign named an inexperienced governor he barely knew to be his No. 2. Whatever you think of the pick, here are six things it tells us about McCain:

1. He’s desperate. Let’s stop pretending this race is as close as national polling suggests. The truth is McCain is essentially tied or trailing in every swing state that matters — and too close for comfort in several states like Indiana and Montana the GOP usually wins pretty easily in presidential races. On top of that, voters seem very inclined to elect Democrats in general this election — and very sick of the Bush years.

McCain could easily lose in an electoral landslide. That is the private view of Democrats and Republicans alike.

McCain’s pick shows he is not pretending. Politicians, even “mavericks” like McCain, play it safe when they think they are winning — or see an easy path to winning. They roll the dice only when they know that the risks of conventionality are greater than the risks of boldness.

The Republican brand is a mess. McCain is reasonably concluding that it won’t work to replicate George W. Bush and Karl Rove’s electoral formula, based around national security and a big advantage among Y chromosomes, from 2004.

“She’s a fresh new face in a party that’s dying for one — the antidote to boring white men,” a campaign official said.

Palin, the logic goes, will prompt voters to give him a second look — especially women who have watched Democrats reject Hillary Rodham Clinton for Barack Obama.

The risks of a backlash from choosing someone so unknown and so untested are obvious. In one swift stroke, McCain demolished what had been one of his main arguments against Obama.

“I think we’re going to have to examine our tag line, ‘dangerously inexperienced,’” a top McCain official said wryly.

2. He’s willing to gamble — bigtime. Let’s face it: This is not the pick of a self-confident candidate. It is the political equivalent of a trick play or, as some Democrats called it, a Hail Mary pass in football. McCain talks incessantly about experience, and then goes and selects a woman he hardly knows, who hardly knows foreign policy and who can hardly be seen as instantly ready for the presidency.

He is smart enough to know it could work, at least politically. Many Republicans see this pick as a brilliant stroke because it will be difficult for Democrats to run hard against a woman in the wake of the Hillary Clinton drama. Will this push those disgruntled Hillary voters McCain’s way? Perhaps. But this is hardly aimed at them: It is directed at the huge bloc of independent women — especially those who do not see abortion as a make-or-break issue — who could decide this election.

McCain has a history of taking dares. Palin represents his biggest one yet.

3. He’s worried about the political implications of his age. Like a driver overcorrecting out of a swerve, he chooses someone who is two years younger than the youthful Obama, and 28 years younger than he is. (He turned 72 Friday.) The father-daughter comparison was inevitable when they appeared next to each other.

4. He’s not worried about the actuarial implications of his age. He thinks he’s in fine fettle, and Palin wouldn’t be performing the only constitutional duty of a vice president, which is standing by in case a president dies or becomes incapacitated. If he was really concerned about an inexperienced person sitting in the Oval Office we would be writing about vice presidential nominee Mitt Romney or Tom Ridge or Condoleezza Rice.

There is no plausible way that McCain could say that he picked Palin, who was only elected governor in 2006 and whose most extended public service was as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska (population 8,471), because she was ready to be president on Day One.

Nor can McCain argue that he was looking for someone he could trust as a close adviser. Most people know the staff at the local Starbucks better than McCain knows Palin. They met for the first time last February at a National Governors Association meeting in Washington. Then, they spoke again — by phone — on Sunday while she was at the Alaska state fair and he was at home in Arizona.

McCain has made a mockery out of his campaign's longtime contention that Barack Obama is too dangerously inexperienced to be commander in chief. Now, the Democratic ticket boasts 40 years of national experience (four years for Obama and 36 years for Joseph Biden of Delaware), while the Republican ticket has 26 (McCain’s four yeasr in the House and 22 in the Senate.)

The McCain campaign has made a calculation that most voters don’t really care about the national experience or credentials of a vice president, and that Palin’s ebullient personality and reputation as a refomer who took on cesspool politics in Alaska matters more.

5. He’s worried about his conservative base. If he had room to maneuver, there were lots of people McCain could have selected who would have represented a break from Washington politics as usual. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman comes to mind (and it certainly came to McCain’s throughout the process). He had no such room. GOP stalwarts were furious over trial balloons about the possibility of choosing a supporter of abortion rights, including the possibility that he would reach out to his friend.

Palin is an ardent opponent of abortion who was previously scheduled to keynote the Republican National Coalition for Life's "Life of the Party" event in the Twin Cities this week.

“She’s really a perfect selection,” said Darla St. Martin, the Co-Director of the National Right to Life Committee. It is no secret McCain wanted to shake things up in this race — and he realized he was limited to a shake-up conservatives could stomach.

6. At the end of the day, McCain is still McCain. People may find him a refreshing maverick, or an erratic egotist. In either event, he marches to his own beat.

On the upside, his team did manage to play to the media’s love of drama, fanning speculation about his possible choices and maximizing coverage of the decision.

On the potential downside, the drama was evidently entirely genuine. The fact that McCain only spoke with Palin about the vice presidency for the first time on Sunday, and that he was seriously considering Lieberman until days ago, suggests just how hectic and improvisational his process was.

In the end, this selection gives him a chance to reclaim the mantle of a different kind of politician intent on changing Washington. He once had a legitimate claim to this: after all, he took on his own party over campaign finance reform and immigration. He jeopardized this claim in recent months by embracing ideas he once opposed (Bush tax cuts) and ideas that appeared politically motivated (gas tax holiday).

Spontaneity, with a touch of impulsiveness, is one of the traits that attract some of McCain’s admirers. Whether it’s a good calling card for a potential president will depend on the reaction in coming days to what looks for the moment like the most daring vice presidential selection in generations.

Mike Allen contributed to this report.