Interesting.
Although I must admit I've never heard of her..and that's probably true for most Americans.
I think McCain's VP should have some name recognition and the Gov of Alaska is probably the least known politician in the country.
Moreover Alaska is a given Republican state - McCain should pick someone who can help carry a swing state.

"If the Democrats manage to provide every Republican with their fantasy of a brokered convention with Al Gore waiting to step in as an alternative candidate, Sarah Palin can go to battle against his insane environmental policies."

So, it's "insane" to have more than rocks for brains and realize that there can be NO blessed economy without intact nature as we know it?

Despite what Creationists believe, nature doesn't owe anyone a living. It wasn't put here by a supernatural force expressly for people to pillage. It has zero concern for the welfare of the human race.

Anti-environmental growth-addicts have the truly insane priorities.

"(I want to apologize to any Neanderthal who might be offended by this politically incorrect slur upon their mental capacity.)"

None taken.

It's a shame that our last frontiers are inhabited by so many who want to cut, drill and mine pristine land into submission. Why can't people leave well enough alone? Why must the human population/economy try to grow forever?

The main things holding off lower-48 style development in Alaska are brutal weather, long nights and sheer distances. If they keep electing "conservative" governors, Alaska is doomed to become a materials warehouse for insatiable growth-addiction everywhere.

"...long nights..." only applies during the short 5-6 months of winter that we have, not the so called "8-9". Being a life-long Alaskan I am proud to know that we support our nation's economy by providing material resources. Also, we are not in danger of "cutting, drilling, and mining" our land into submission, someone has watched a little to much of The Simpsons Movie.

I just can't decide on this one. Choosing Palin in the first place ran the risk of being seen as a publicity stunt. Less so as people got to know her, but at first, potential disaster. It's kind of hard to gauge what the country would think about it if she's running around with a new baby. That almost seems like more of a publicity stunt. It's easy to believe working women are good; it's another to see one in what is a 24/7 job of running for the White House and not experience some negative reaction. (Which could just be deep-seated resentment that she has enough help in her life to be able to do that.) I think I'm expecting she'll be told to cool her heels and wait for 2012. I was never convinced McCain would run the risk of being constantly upstaged by his running mate anyway.

Everything from the title to the contents suggests that Palin should be VP because she is pregnant.
Like a freak show, it'll be good publicity if she goes around campaigning with her newborn. Forget qualifications or other qualities needed in a VP (such as, people outside of Alaska should have at least a vague idea as to who the f**k she is), pick her because she is pregnant..?
what crap.

To Anon:

First, I need to make one correction in the article. Governor Palin is 44 years old, not 46.

Now, back to your comment. If you will check the link I provided in this article, you will note that I've been interested in Palin for some time for VP. I think she is one of the best possible choices for John McCain for VP because of her age, gender, and her accomplishments with so few years in politics, directly opposite to Barack Obama.

I was rather annoyed to put it mildly, yesterday, when I read that some people were now excluding her because of her pregnancy. In this day and age, that is unacceptable.

The day has come where my Republican Party needs to start thinking beyond the box and realize that there are more choices than white and male.

SJ Reidhead

Pregnancy should have nothing to do with it. That said, the GOP does not need to echo the diversity of the democratic primary. The GOP certainly should not exclude someone on the basis of race or sex or religion, and I don't think they really would (alan keys did run in the primary - perhaps i shouldn't have said that :>). But conversely, it makes no sense for the GOP to pick a candidate based on sex, race or religion either.

If Governor Palin does become VP, don't expect the White House to be taken too seriously in Britain once they find out she has a daughter named Bristol.

Given the actuarial probabilities, the only question that should be asked about any McCain potential running mate is, how qualified is he/she to lead the U.S. effectively. ("Hotness" shouldn't count here for TOO much!)

Remember, we got Johnson and Ford, and might have gotten Agnew, Mondale or Quayle.

I have no problem with Palin being pregnant. What worries me is her inexperience. She's been a governor for a year. No Washington experience, no military experience, no judicial experience, no business experience. She actually makes Obama look qualified.

That does raise an interesting question: how many women of child-bearing age have the qualifications to serve as president? Any 44-year-old mother of five would have had limited opportunity to build a political resume. Really, any 44 year old, man or woman, probably doesn't have the experience I'd want in a president. (I know, someone will probably post a comment about how experience didn't help Bush. But he didn't really have much experience. Six years as governor - a full term more than Palin, but still not much.)

I think Palin would be a great choice for VP, but there are a few problems and none of them have to do with her being a mother.

She's relatively inexperienced. She's governor of a small state (government-wise) and hasn't been in office long.

She has zero national name recognition.

She comes from a state whose contribution to the vote cound is meaningless. McCain wants a running mate who can bring him votes he might not get otherwise.

She has connections to some state government scandals in Alaska which might be blown up into serious negatives in a presidential campaign.

Her main plus for McCain is that she's a woman. That might be particularly valuable against Hillary. For me her big asset is that she's basically a libertarian - one of two libertarian Republican governors.

But that's not enough given her liabilities.

That said, I think J. C. Watts is the right choice for McCain. I think an African-American VP is a better choice than a woman and Watts has more experience more of a national profile and can draw more votes.

Dave

Nalle, normally I would have agreed with your comment about the small population of Alaska. But Palin's strength isn't going to be geographic. These days, we're more patriotic to our genitals than we are to our part of the country. Palin would appeal to women.

But if Hillary wins the Democratic nomination, a female VP nominee will just look like a gimmick. And if Obama wins the nomination, McCain/Palin would take the issue of inexperience off the table. So I don't think this is her year.

I'll take some issue with the author's indignance against the idea that being the mother of a new infant might be a legitimate argument against Palin being picked. She definitely would not be fit right now to actually be the POTUS and commander in chief.

3AM feedings might reasonably would be seen as interfering with the extremely demanding job of commander in chief. It's 3AM, the baby's crying and the red phone's ringing. Which do you answer?

On the other hand, VICE presidents don't have the exact same temporal issues. If that red phone rings, it'd be McCain answering it. She could have some time to mostly be raising the children, ready to step up to the plate if President McCain's head explodes from a temper tantrum.

On the other hand, perhaps partly dependent on who the Democrats nominate, JC Watts probably is a better choice. He's just flat got more experience and would have more credibility as a commander in chief.

Whereas, NO mother with young children is going to look like a credible commander in chief. You might claim that this outlook is bigoted, but it is not. It's simply a matter of practical facts.

Do you really see a young mother nursing an infant while she's ordering military strikes? That doesn't sound at all credible. It's being pulled in emotionally opposite directions. And you certainly wouldn't want a commander in chief who's working through post partum depression or such.

Perhaps Ms Palin can be a candidate for president herself - 10 or 12 years down the line. Doesn't sound like she's ready yet.

Our new Governor Sarah Palin would NOT make a good vice presidential candidate. She is proving in our state of Alaska she is a divider, not a uniter. On many issues now she has gone against the majority vote in our state. Sarah Palin is behind the move to move our state capital from Juneau to Anchorage Alaska even though this will devastate the families of southeast Alaska. Many people will lose their homes, jobs, entire life's savings; families will be torn apart all because of moving the capital. The people of Alaska have voted down moving the capital time and time again. This issue is being pushed again by only a few legislatures and Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin and a few Republican legislatures just passed a bill to REPEAL the FRANK Initiative. This bill gives Alaskans the right to vote on moving the capital and it gives us our right to know the cost of the move. Sounds like the Bush administration doesn't it, it is. Other issues like hunting wolves from airplanes; this has been voted done time and time again by Alaskans and when she first took office she put a Bounty on wolves. Sarah Palin aligns herself with Ted Stevens and Don Young and does not support the science behind global warming and is fighting against listing the polar bear on the endangered species list. She is part of the old Republican style of leadership that takes hope away from people, and our right to vote on issues and our right to bring forth initiatives. There is a movement across this country to end this old Republican style of leadership. People want change; they want things to be done the right way for the right reasons. Yes we even want change in Alaska Sarah.

"If Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee, Sarah Palin counters any feminist appeal Hillary Clinton might have."

Feminists are not voting for Hillary Clinton just because she is a woman. I was in Alaska when Palin was elected and there were plenty of women who didn't vote for her for any number of reasons.

Palin for VP?

Are you serious??? Oh please, stop!

Mmmmm... let's see. She was on the city council and mayor of Wasilla (population 5,469 in 2000), an Alaska Oil and Gas Commissioner for 9 months, and now Governor of Alaska for a little over a year.

National experience and expertise? None.

International experience? Nada.

Let's see if she has the competence to run the state first. She might, but it's a bit early to tell. Good intentions are a great start, but if the GOP is seriously looking at Sarah as a VP candidate, they are really desperate.

Democrats love her! I wonder why?
-Palin promised to cut the budget, but the budget grew $350 million.
-Palin introduced a $700 million tax hike, but signed a $1.5 billion tax hike.

Fiscal conservative? NOT!

Sarah Palin, aka Sarah the Incompetent, proposed and pushed through the largest socialistic raise in taxes in the history of the world. She supports the idea that the State can seize the property of private industry aka oil producers in Alaska if they don't do what she wants. She has attacked almost the entire Republican majority in the house and senate. She just resently tried to oust the Republican party chair at the annual convention. She stood by and giggled when a radio shock jock called the Republican President of the Senate a "bitch" and "a cancer". She threatened to support Democrats running against Republicans if they did not support her tax and spend policies.
She would be a disaster as VP.

So, why is it that everyone assumes that Sarah has to take time out of work to raise her children? She is married. Why is a female governor/president okay, but the idea that Todd Palin is perfectly capable of raising thier child isn't even mentioned?
Equal rights for both genders you neanderthals!

I just heard about Sara Palin last night from a friend who lives in Alaska. I have read a good deal about her on the internet and I am very impressed by her.

As for name recog nition. Remember Barak who?

I think she has a great deal of potential. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HER!

I'm a declared member of the Alaska Democratic Party, and yes, I am a woman. Until recently I didn't know much about my own governor (going to college out of state leaves room for missing out on home-state politics). Truly, she amazes me. She is an incredibly inspiring politician, woman, and woman politician.

It is definitely an interesting thought to have Palin share the ticket with McCain. What's *especially* interesting is that Alaskans HATE McCain. He doesn't like the huge amount of federal money spent there (we don't have state taxes; oil pretty much funds everything), and he's not "conservative" enough for Alaskan Republicans.

Alaska has high potential of going "blue" this election year; they're hotter for Obama (received 75% of the Democratic caucus) than McCain. They overwhelmingly caucused for Romney on Super Tuesday, and Ron PAUL got away with more votes.

(These are the Alaska GOP primary stats I found: Romney-44%, Huckabee-22%, Paul-17%, and McCain, dead last, with 16%.)

So what does this mean? If Palin shared the ticket with McCain, the Republican party wouldn't risk losing Alaska. Granted, there are relatively few votes both at the popular and electoral levels, but this election could use every single one available. The general election may not be as insane as the Democratic primaries, but it'll be pretty darn close.

I find it amusing when I read these comments about Alaska as a "given" Republican state, when in fact, with McCain as the unofficial Republican nominee, Alaska is far more likely to go with Obama (dare I say Hillary?) than McCain--unless Palin shared the ticket. I don't think that's likely, but mark my words--this MAY be the first time since LBJ that Alaska votes blue in November.

So, basically you're saying that Alaskans value the 'bridge to nowhere' more than a smaller federal government and lower taxes.

Dave

at first i was really opposed to her being the pick, but the more I read the more I shift towards the other side of the argument

There's been noted buzz of late on rising GOP star Louisiana Gov Bobby Jindal as a McCain prospective Veep. Certainly Jindal is more than very good, However, I believe there's some "strategerie" going on here. The "real" beneficiary of the Jindal talk is the other rising GOP star, Alaska Gov Sarah Palin. Palin's got everything that Jindal has (new/exciting, wildly popular, ethics and spending reformer, core conservative etc.) and more -- mother of 5 w/remarkable bio, she's 8 yrs older than Jindal, Alaska energy issue, and set to garner the disenfranchised female Hillary voter (I don't believe Dem leaders can dump Obama).

Getting Jindal's name out first -- at Team McCain's BBQ for instance -- sets the stage for the obvious choice, Palin. For example, albeit Rush Limbaugh introduced Palin's name, and later Jindal's as good Veep choices, of late Rush has been praising the name of Jindal while on his very same shows discussing at great length the frustrated female Hillary voter and the global warming hysteria/need for energy development, without mentioning Palin's name as the obvious beneficiary of those two issues. Rush walks a fine line, introducing Palin, yet can't, at least yet, reiterate much, knowing that his praises may be counter-productive to many a swing, moderate and/or formerly Dem voter (who's against Obama and switching to McCain). Moreover, while I feel that Palin has more real accomplishment, experience and qualification than Obama (and Hillary combined, albeit w/Obama the bar is pretty low), the only potential argument against Palin is she's a newbie to the national scene. By having Jindal out there first as a VP prospect "passing" the "experience" and "new to the national scene" test, implicitly passes Palin as well. (For that matter Palin's got as much if not more experience and accomplishment than Florida Gov Crist who's only been Gov for 2 yrs -- and the media has been touting Crist as a VP prospect.)

That's my thinking at least.

And, here's an important piece of advice: If it looks like it's going to be McCain/Palin anyway (and that should be a "no brainer" for Team McCain), McCain should announce NOW or VERY SOON, rather than later towards the convention. There's currently a growing chorus for Obama/Hillary (as VP) ticket (in fact the Dems are likely aware of the Palin phenomenon). If the GOP waits while movement for Hillary as VP grows -- even worse until after it is solidified that Hillary will/could be VP pick -- selecting Palin will be portrayed by Dems/liberal media more as a reaction by GOP selecting its own female (overshawdoing Palin's own remarkable assets), rather than McCain taking the lead on this. Selecting Palin now or early (contrary to the punditocracy) will mean McCain will be seen as driving the course of this campaign overwhelmingly, and the DEMS will be seen as merely reacting. And, there's absoultely no down-side to this because even if Hillary is a no-go as VP for Obama, the GOP gains by acting early. McCain the maverick. Palin the maverick. Do it now!

There's no reason, and actually substantial negative, in McCain waiting to see what the Dems do first insofar as his picking Palin as VP, because, no matter who Obama picks, Palin is by far (and I mean far) the best pick for McCain and the GOP, especially in this time of GOP woes. The GOP can be seen as the party of real 'change' (albeit I hate that mantra, change, change, bla bla), while not really having to change from GOP core conservative values, which Palin more than represents.

In light of the current oil/energy situation, as well as the disaffected female Hillary voters situation, and growing focus on McCain's age and health, Palin is more than perfect -- now.

(Perhaps Team McCain is already on to this.)

As a womamn and mother of four children I think the Palin as VP will definitely finish off McCain as a viable candidate. I don;t think we should pick a running mate based on their gender of skin color. This is ridiculous. Please tell me who this is going to appeal to?

I am a Republican female and it does nothing for me. In fact it angers me. We need Romney - not a Governot that no one has ever heard of.

If McCain picks Palin it will be an obvious concession to the Ron Paul faction and will solidify those votes really nicely. It would certainly strengthen my support for him. But again, he's not going to pick her because she's from too small a state (in population). However, my money is still on J. C. Watts.

Dave

After watching both McCain's and Obama's speeches on TV Tuesday night, McCain no less than NEEDS to run Alaska Gov Sarah Palin as his VP mate.

I am impressed with Gov Palin. No choice will be perfect for McCain, unless Ronald Reagan returns to be on the ticket. Seriously, Gov Palin seems to be one of the most impressive prospects to be a leader of the Republican party for the future. Why not start now?

Gov Jindal is a fresh face, but I lean toward Palin. She is a little older and more mature I believe. Sure, maybe McCain should be more traditional in his choice. But a new, young, inspiring person could be a valuable national candidate. Charlie Crist helped McCain win FlA without being on the ticket. McCain can still assemble a strong team of established supporters.

Lack of experience? To a point. The Repubs would have to be careful pointing out Obama's lack of experience, but then how could Barack attack Sarah?

Suggestion. Roll the dice. Announce Sarah tomorrow, June 6. Trump any big Bar/Hil announcement of any sort. Get the national attention ahead of Clinton's speech on Sat. One can only hope. Then, maybe I am too agressive.

Sorry, about the double post. To NH Lady:

I like Romney. You know, we republicans sometimes receive criticism for seemingly being behind on diversity. So, McCain should not pick a woman? That would mean we are darned if we do, and darned if we don't.

I do understand there may be some questioning. But Gov Palin seems impressive. My wife and mother of my child likes her (or Romney) as the choice. Think of this:

Romney has national recognition. Palin has little. She would get the attention, and do overall quite well I believe, if VP. Romney could still be in the forefront as a member of McCain's team. Palin would not yet be able to get the national influence if she weren't on the ticket.

Risky? Sure. But I still would like McCain to be bold. Announce her TOMORROW. This would trump any announcement by Barack or Hillary. Maybe I am too hopeful. I just think McCain needs a real campaign energizer.

William, do you really think the timing is so important? In five months, it won't matter which candidate picked a running mate first. To be honest, I don't think it'll matter who the running mates are in five months. There will just be two boring guys running for office, and millions of voters who are tired of both of them. An early-June energy boost will be long forgotten.

Palin will solve McCain's problem with the Ron Paul faction and neutralize Bob Barr. Once Barr got nominated by the LP Palin suddenly became a much more viable VP candidate.

Plus they can put Palin and McCain's wife up there and get all the middle aged men hot and bothered and win their votes.

Oh, and if McCain hooks up with Romney he's lost my vote.

Dave

Q&A How can McCain SIMULTANEOUSLY attract both Hillary AND Bob Barr voters? Answer: PALIN Veep!

Sarah would make a wonderful Veep, and would be easily able to assume the office of POTUS if needed. For the record, I'm a male, 48-years old, retired First Lieutenant, 75th Regiment, 3rd Battalion, and in my days visited many a dreary and deadly place. Sarah displays all the qualities of a natural leader: Dependability, loyalty, love of country, cleanliness of mind and body, capability and competence. She's a perfect example of the kind of people we are sorely lacking in our country, and I would be proud to carry out orders from that kind of Conmmander-in-Chief.

I have always wanted to say this and I am going to preface this by saying just because I am from Texas doesn't mean I am a Redneck, but I am an outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish.

But I don't believe a person (man or woman) that does not own a gun (shotgun, rifle or pistol) or worse has never fired a one.
Has the right to be considered for a position in government where they will be responsible for protection of this beautiful country...
Having Sarah Palin on the ticket would be like having Betsy F*&%ing Ross on the ticket you can't get more American than that!

OF COURSE CHICAGO STREET HUSTLER BARACK HUSSEIN IS QUALIFIED! JUST HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON CRACK?

Mrs. Palin's fifth baby is not like her previous 4 however. This baby will have Down's Syndrome. As such he/she will need more care...or do you all think she should just pay someone else to care for her children?

PS: Governmental Leadership is not about being a cowboy or shooting guns. It is however, about brains and finding the best ways for ALL of us as we face global warming and loss of resources. Any idiot can shoot a gun and too many of them do.

evergreen:--

Sarah Palin's got a very family-supportive husband and extended family; she returned to work 3 days after her baby was born, baby in tow, and she would do wonders to promote loving awareness on downs and disability kids -- as well as awareness on all that can be accomplished, kid and mom.

Since you raise global environmental issues, Palin is active and aware there as well, and knows when to be a realist making cost/benefit analyses -- such as need for oil for both our economy and national defense -- yet being environmentally sensitive and aware at the same time.

I am completely for Sarah Palin for VP nominee. If you are going down why not have fun?

Trig will be fine. I think it is great when she is doing her government job and has littlebear Trig in tow.

It reminds me of those indian women with the baby on their back as they work thoughout the day.

Sarah sure is a 'can'do' Mommabear who would really capture the hearts of Americans. She is really special and McCain should pick her.

She reminds me of that female state trooper in the movie "Fargo". How can you not vote for her over the phony O-man whose ideas of change are normal leftist big government stuff we have all seen before.

Go Mommabear. Go Sarah. Go McCain/Palin

Governor Pain should never be considered for VP. She first of all supports the aerial wolf hunt in alaska that is slaughtering entire wolf families and is very inhumane and cruel. She is also supporting drilling in ANWR - drilling is not the answer, we currently only use 10% of our oil reserves domestically and should open up the supply we have instead of look for new sources and continue our oil addiction. Also drilling for oil will only destroy more land and we wont even see any benefit from it for 10 yrs minimum. gas prices will continue to go up and our nation will continue to be addicted to oil. We have the technology right now to switch to alternative fuels. If it means we have to tax exxon mobil and rich people who don't give enough back to society anyway than in my humble opinion so be it.

But Governor "Pain" is a horrible choice for VP.
We need an environmentally friendly VP and President
and I hope Barack Obama will be the nominee to switch us away from oil and into alternative fuels.

Sarah is about to be investigated for abuse and fraud in Alaska.

Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin is under investigation for abuse of power.

I don't think there's a chance she'll be the VP pick. The abuse of power scandal looks bad for her. And I just can't see people who believe in family values voting for someone who is deserting their child with Down's Syndrome to pursue higher office.

Palin is coming out more than "smelling like a rose" ..... read this

FROM THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS, which should put an END to "troopergate" ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!


"Issue's not why Monegan was fired, but why trooper wasn't

ELISE PATKOTAK
COMMENT

(07/29/08 23:20:50)
They called Ronald Reagan the Teflon president. I think we should start calling Sarah Palin the Teflon governor. Based on people's reaction to the recent dustup over the dismissal of Walt Monegan, I'd say the lady would pretty much have to pile up more indictments than all our current politicians combined before people would start to seriously question her.

This is going to make some people absolutely nuts. Unfortunately, for those seeking to find some dirt that will stick and bring down her still astronomically favorable ratings, this current dustup is probably not the ticket they are seeking. Firing someone who is a political appointment is done all the time. Since losing your job is a common experience for most of us, the termination of a commissioner is just not something that gets people's dander up.

Of course, the idea that no one should be fired for refusing to cave in to pressure to circumvent state personnel rules is pretty much a no brainer, assuming the allegations are true.

Except in this case, the employee being discussed is a trooper who carries a gun and the force of law based on the authority given to him by, ultimately, us. He also happens to be an employee who somehow managed to Taser his 11-year-old stepson and get away with it.

The limp explanation that he was trying to show the young man how it felt is simply stupid and an insult to any thinking, reasonable adult. Assuming we want the people we authorize to carry guns and use them in our name to be adults, he should have found a much, much better way to get this lesson across.

In fact, his actions went beyond stupid and, for many of us, straight into the realm of criminal. I've had parents on my caseload whose kids would have been permanently removed from them if we'd gone to court with that.

So this particular trooper is probably not the poster boy the anti-Palin folks might want to trot out to show her misusing her power as governor. At least, the people I've talked to all seem to shake their heads and say that yeah, if she did exert pressure, she shouldn't have. And then they look up and say, "But man, what about that trooper!" They zip right past her possible actions and land squarely on the trooper. The minute the story reaches the point where he's Tasering his stepson, people start lining up behind Palin. Because most people don't want Mike Wooten to be the trooper responding to their call for help if this is any indication of his ability to make sound or reasonable judgments. And that seems to trump any inappropriate actions on her part as the focal part of the story.

It's becoming glaringly evident that public opinion is on Palin's side insofar as they wish this man had lost his job as a trooper somewhere between taking a moose illegally, drinking in a trooper vehicle and Tasering his stepson. And they wonder why the state troopers tolerate this behavior in their ranks.

Monegan was right to not cave if the alleged pressure was there from the administration to intervene in a personnel matter that had already been resolved internally, as insulting as that minimal response seems to be. While the legal right and wrong of the matter might ultimately break toward Monegan and against Palin, it will probably only make her a more sympathetic character, as people side with the person who tried to rid the troopers of someone who seems questionable at best as trooper material.

Let's think about this. He was stopped in his vehicle after a bartender called troopers to say he thought Wooten might be driving drunk. The trooper who stopped him admitted to smelling booze on his breath but made the decision that he didn't need to take a Breathalyzer because Wooten didn't seem drunk. Raise your hand if you think that trooper would not have given you a Breathalyzer test under the same circumstances. Yep, as I suspected, not a hand in sight.

Which brings us to the point most people are at. Palin isn't their problem. A state trooper agency that thinks this man should still be wearing a badge is."

Q&A

1. Which McCain Veep pick is SIMULTANEOUSLY the safest AND boldest?

ANSWER: Sarah Palin

2. How can McCain SIMULTANEOUSLY attract both Hillary AND Bob Barr voters?

ANSWER: Sarah Palin

* * *

This just in from the Conservative Voice:

"Desperately seeking Sarah
July 26, 2008 10:00 AM EST

By Stephan Andrew Brodhead

Desperately seeking Sarah
Americans need a little Palin Power

Sarah Palin the current Governor of Alaska is John McCain's ultimate choice for VP. I do believe a woman is next in line for the presidency. All Conservatives like her. She is popular in Alaska. Hillary supporters would relish her. She would solidify a 12 or possibly 16 year Republican executive.

John McCain's boring campaign is wearing thin. I need a little Palin Power to get me interested again. They would say 'but she is only a half term Governor!' And your point is?

That's all I have to say about that!"

Ted,
Find your own corrupt and abusive politician. Sarah Palin is has no right, credibility, experience or sense, she will never be in a office again. You're a freak and your unnatural urge to live, breath in saradise is disturbing... Do you understand that Sarah Palin is a sad and corrupt woman, has been all her 14 years in public. She is currently under investigation for ABUSE OF POWER. Does that mean anything to you troll? ..

I have nothing more to offer, except maybe a quote from Sarah Palin who is taking credit for Alaska government sponsored economic disaster agia, who is incompetent, who is currently being investgated for "Abuse of Power".

When asked about being a vp: Palin says, "I can't answer that question until someone answers for me what is it exactly that the Vice President does."

..What a shining example of stupid.....

Sarah is a narssiscist... look it up...

Syrin, that wasn't stupid, it was a joke. And a clever reference to Teddy Roosevelt who said something quite similar.

The abuse of power investigation is a pure witch hunt based on a few people connected with the previous administration who are out for revenge because she fired some of Gov. Murkowski's cronies. I'd guess that you're one of them.

And BTW, her approval rating is STILL at 80%. She's the most popular governor of any state. If she ran for reelection today she'd win in a landslide.

Dave

I've been telling my family that Palin should be the veep since last January! I think she is one of the best Republicans out there and would really offset Barrack Husain Obama,Im still hoping john McCain comes around and surprises us and picks her!

Come on folks She has alot to offer to our party. Get off the what can she do for the election. But what she do can for our country.

Actually, her name is up on Drudge as the VP selection! I like it!

ONly concern is that she is not qualified. But then again neither is Obama so some democrats should love her

I think, from everything I have read, pro and con, she's the best choice for McCain. I'm with Dave, if he goes Romney I'm out.

McCain/Palin 2008

The better question is what qualifies her to be vp or even pres? The vp has to be someone that could step into the Oval Office in a heartbeat.Obama has been attacked relentlessly for his lack of experience yet this woman has even less.

I wasn't going to vote for Obama, but with McCain the free world is one heartbeat away from an unexperienced former sports reporter leading the free world. Obama gets my vote now.

BREAK THE GLASS CEILING !!! WOW... What a great pick!!! America should elect McCain & Palin for the Whitehouse in November, for a return to wholesome American values. Palin has more experience for V.P. than Obama has for President. No Wright, no Farrakahn, no Ayers, no Rezko,
no mean Michelle, NOBAMA!

This is the best and right candidate. Let us all feel proud for this strong woman who will bring changes all over world.
Congratulation McCain for respecting the people of America for appointing someone they expected.

She will be a great VP!!

I am excited about Sarah Palin's nomination. I just hope we don't find out that her husband is one of those cheating jerks. I really lost all respect for Hillary during the Lewinsky scandal. I would like to be able to look up to a strong woman who has principles and respect for herself and others.

Lisa Landry

Gov. Palin breaks the mold. I'm stunned. Few saw this move by McCain and I have to say it's a brilliant choice. Have I changed my mind? Nope. I'm still writing in Dave Nalle.

I have to admit that I've never heard of her before. But in my readings to learn more about her I see that some say that she is under investigation for abusing her power in having someone fired because he is in the middle of a nasty divorce from her sister. Is there any truth to this ?

Finally, the Republicans did a good thing and nominated someone that can do the job as Vice President. Yes, there are probably a couple of others that Senator McCain could have picked, but Sarah Palin is an excellent choice. She can communicate and she knows about Families. She sure will be better than that Senator from Deleware who stole speeches can claimed them for himself. Here in Connecticut, we are excited about McCain-Palin. This is a no-brainer. Class,quality and intelligence with McCain-Palin and little with the other guys. Good luck Governor Palin and Senator McCain. I hope to see you both standing tall, erect and proud next January 20th on the steps of the United States Capital taking your respective oaths of office.

She's just a sitting duck......according to McCain all a VP does is go to funerals and makes sure the president is alright.This is a publicity stunt to overshadow yesterdays historic moment and to ensure that Bush's sidekick gets the limelight...... I certainly wouldn't want someone with her credentials leading our country.
Want a woman in the white house? Michelle Obama will be a phenomanal First Lady.

The Republicans are in trouble. She claims family values and conservatismim but she eloped with her husband and smoked majijuana (I know it was legal at the time but doesn't take away from the fact that wasn't very conservative)

This woman is the epitome of all I despise in the GOP party.
I'm GLAD the old fool picked her. She'll help tank this bid for president much quicker.
McVictim's bad judgment seems to know no bounds...

I am a Democrat and I love that Sen. McCain picked Gov. Palin. She's an anti-feminist that left the home and her newborn with special needs to pursue her political career. She's got a stint as mayor of a really important Alaskan city and 1 1/2 years of experience as Governor. What more could you possibly ask for?

For once the press is left speechless and I LOVE it. Maria Bartiromo has an interview with Gov. Palin airing at 4PM this afternoon on CNBC. This interview was conducted 5 days ago and Bartiromo had no idea, not even an inkling, that Palin was on the hot list. Gov. Palin is also a Republican who has bucked the GOP system in Alaska. The GOP has two mavericks on the ticket. I'm thrilled at his choice just for the political debate that's going to be generated.

Wow! McCain just gave it to the democrats. What an odd choice!! It looks very desperate, like a gimmick. I know he was thinking he could get Hillary's supporters, but I think it will backfire. She doesn't have enough name recognition, or experience. I think people in the end will think what if something happens to McCain (he is 72) and she has to be pres. As a VP she maybe fine, but as the President it's an entirely different thought. She has zero Washington experience and Alaska is so small. I'm disappointed.

All women are NOT created equal. I'm a woman and I support Hillary--but there's no way I will support Palin. Who does the GOP think they're kidding? Hillary has smarts, passion, and several years' national leadership experience in the Senate. She's also pro-choice and an urban sophisticate.

Palin "pales" compared to Hillary.

Sarah Palin is NOT inexperienced. In point of fact, she is MORE experienced than Obama, who has never done any actual running of a government. She and McCain both have, and neither Obama nor Biden has. As for knowing who she is, who the hell knew who Obama was 18 months ago? As supporters, it's on us to talk her up! I think McCain made a brilliant choice.

Well, Ms. Palin is the Republican choice for Veep. Having read some of the posts, including those who claim to be from Alaska, there are some positions which she has taken (many of which I disagree with) which I will have to seriously consider.

Another, unfortunate matter to consider is that her baby, born in April, has Down's Syndrome. As an aunt of someone whose child has DS I have to say Ms. Palin will have challenges there that can only be imagined by those who've never had to deal with this and it very well may tear her apart in terms of her conscience if elected VP: no parent having a child with DS has enough time to devote to both such a child's needs AND a fulltime career, much less as Veep of the United States.

Last, and this is the most troubling, is Ms. Palin's lack of experience, the same thing for which Senator McCain's campaign has diced Senator Obama. True, she is not running for the Presidency, 'only' the VP. But would she be ready to take the Presidency in the event of the death/incapacitation of the President?

My opinion, after doing much research, is NO. And that means that I am going to need to
re-examine how I will be voting in November....

How is she going to get the feminist vote when she is pro life?

Lisa, what executive experience does John McCain have?

Palin has been a small-town councillor and mayor, an Alaska state commissioner for a year and Governor for a year and a half. It doesn't stack up particularly well against Obama's seven years in the Illinois Senate and four in the US Senate.

And you're mistaken that Obama was unknown 18 months ago. He came to national prominence in 2004, when he gave the keynote speech at the DNC and was the only Democrat to win a Republican-held seat at that year's election.

Can someone tell me what an "urban sophisticate" is. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm sure I don't like the sound of it!

Alaska is small? Looked at a map lately?

True Psychic Readers and Intuitives agree on this list of premonitions, from our spirit advisors:

1. Sarah Palin is the shot in the arm needed to sway us from voting Libertarian Bob Barr into the Oval Office.

2. Premonitions in the spirit realm tell us that McCain will expire 2 years, 7 months into term, from natural causes, making Sarah Palin our First Female President.

3. Sarah Palin will be elected for a term as President!

4. She will decline a second term for family reasons.

5. John McCain, as part of the Keating Five S&L scandal, still makes my blood boil, but, he is the path to the best silver lining for Americans!

6. Under Sarah Palin, there will be a huge re-structuring of Republican Power, and we will eliminate the IRS through the Flat Tax.

7. Under Sarah Palin, egregious inequities in law concerning the regulation of Hemp and Marijuana will be corrected, and the catastrophy that is the "War on Drugs" will be dramatically reduced, as being too expensive a boondoggle on the tax paying public.

8. Equality under the law for all partnering couples will prevail, in accordance with Supreme Court rulings.

9. The U.S. Constitution will be more strictly observed, and the "Socialist" agenda of the Democratic Left Wingers will be set aside, for the common good.

10. Under President Sarah Palin, Tax reform and revisions to the Tax Code will tap the $2 trillion "underground criminal economy".

All individuals will be taxed on what they spend, instead of what they declare as earnings. The Poor, or Retired, or Veterans, earning less than $70,000 per year, will receive pre-bate tax checks every month, to supplement their income.

Because Corporations never pay taxes, simply passing them down to the consumer, while lobbying for Congress to give them ever expanding taax sanctions.

The Flat Tax eliminates 28% of the mark up consumers have been burdened by, with a commensurate reduction in market pricing of all consumer goods.

I am so honored and feel blessed to see such a strong, qualified, woman VP candidate. She is more than qualified, and reflects the strong moral family values this country is so hungry for. Congratulations Sarah. Excellent choice!

Dave Nalle, so what if Ms. Palin has an approval rating of 80%? According to the 2000 census the entire population of Alaska was about 626,000. Or roughly the same size as Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

In other words, in your opinion all it would take is 80% of Milwaukeans surveyed approving of a candidate to be considered as the potential VP of the entire United States.

Laughable if it weren't so sad.

Palin husband works for BP, can anyone say 5$ gas a gallon?? Republicans SSDD

as we observe on the sidelines while the RNC goes through it's show, moosing up an alaskan unknown right winger and a shot down POW, I wish to mention one particular book and eventual movie with a recent remake, "The Manchurian Candidate."

You may wish to read this novel and then "Faith of our Fathers," but then review the real biography of his public servant experience. Many of your readers will be too young or without good recall, but do research "Keating 5," do research Mccains war record.

I do wonder if mccain has returned to vietnam, specifically his room at the hanoi hilton? or the fields where his 23+ missions at low level were bombed? the families, if any survivors? to make amends....or Hey, war is hell! attitude. When do we as americans take another approach to our position in the world? Alternately comments of sarcasm, to profiling of all americans, to redrawing opinions as fact, to self serving for political gain, denegrading for personal gain.
Instead, shall we focus on taking care of america for america. America first.
Let's see if the RNC will focus on a rebuilding of america's infrastructure from the top down.

Check into Palin. Walter Monegan, Public Saftey Commissioner, was allegedly "offered a new position" as Alcohol Board Commissioner by Palin from his post as for *not* firing a state trooper that was involved in a messy divorce w/ Palin's sister. She cited him as being "not a team player".

She campaigned on ethics and reform and has done nothing but reduce the number of construction jobs in Alaska, throw good money after bad trying to prop up failing state-run businesses.

Putting her on a national stage should frighten the country as it frightens Alaskans.

Oh come on now. Are we going to get into the same kind of mud slinging? So, the husband works for BP. He is also a PAYING MEMBER of the United Steelworkers. And to me that little fact is going to show just what the unions are made of. Barack's speech is now on page 3, Palin is the headline. What a difference a day makes in America!

Oh yeah... and for what it's worth... No glass cieling was shattered.

Everyone forget Geraldine Ferraro?

I'll forget Geraldine for now. After hearing Palin's speech, I thought one thing. Margaret Thatcher. Ronald Reagan would be pleased.

You have to admit that Sarah Palin is pretty hot (remember she was in the Ms. Alaska Pageant) and MUCH BETTER on the eyes than Joe Biden. Oh and wait until you see the bikini pics!!! NOT BAD for a mother of 5.

I am a 74 year old great-grandmother from OHio. After listening to the DNC I knew Sen. McCain needed a really strong running mate. I believe he has chosen VERY WELL. With Sen McCain's know how and strength and Gov. Palin's youth, straight-forwardness, and courage I still believe in the GOP (grand old party). God Bless them and God bless the USA

Fantastic
Mrs Podunk for president if anything happens to McCain.. Putin and the Chines must be all high fives right now....
Soccer mom vs Putin

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the British press is going to have a field day when they find out Palin has a teenage daughter named Bristol...

Sacred cows make the tastiest hamburger.

Ronald Reagan capitalized on the impending collapse of the Soviet system and his legacy is written as such. History is written by the victors rendering critisism at this point moot, however here, now, in 2008, we know now that the Soviet Union was collapsing under its *own* economic policies, not those influenced by the arms race, the policies and rhetoric of Ronald Reagan, or other cold war factors. Soviet communism simply could not survive, Reagan's administration knew this and capitalized on it. You can't poke holes into why it was done, it was brilliant politics. However it is at least required, for at least the sake of intellectual honesty, to include the facts as we now know them to be true.

Margret Thatcher was and is regarded by Brittains as the right person in the right job at the right time. Too bad the Soviets are gone or maybe such rhetoric and such ideals would be applicable.

I'm tired of being lied to, tired of deception. I'm tired of back-room deals. I'm tired of looking around and seeing no one inspired, or scared, but me.

I'm tired of war for the wrong reasons in the wrong places.

So, this year, and for one last time... I'm going to not be cynical, not be jaded, not be conspiratorial. I'm not going to be quiet. I'm not going to be intimidated because what I think is not what you think. I'm not going to settle for a second-rate world in which my 12 y/o daughter pays for the sins of my indecision.

After eight years of pandering to fear, losing respect for those I know and love because they gave up their faculties for critical thinking in exchange for a cloak of imagined security. After 20 years, I am no longer a republican.

I am a conservative. I am a free thinker. I love this country.

I donated to John McCain in 2000. I cannot in good conscience vote for John McCain this time around.

I believe that the Presidency is the ultimate leadership opportunity. Where he leads, the nation follows.

I just don't want to go where John McCain is heading anymore.

Well, looks like the republicans just lost the election. Don't know anything about the VP, nor do I think she will help McCain. Should have picked someone who would be more qualified.

Be real, Sarah Palin is a joke of a choice. She has no experience, and the ONLY reason she was chosen is because she is a woman and it is Sen. McCain's ploy to get the feminist vote. She should address how poorly her children are doing-he oldest daughter is pregnant and in hiding after being knocked up by a local boy-perhaps this baby will be president some day! I was not going to vote for Obama but he gets the vote now. Perhaps the new national sport will be the iron dog race. What a disgrace.

Two things that cannot be denied. A VP must be ready to assume the presidency the day they step into office. Also, can any mother of a child with DS say with honesty that they could handle the responsibilities of being both the VP of the US and the mother of a child with special needs? 22 years ago I had to make the hard choice to leave the career that I loved so that I could be there to do what was necessary to care for my own child with special needs. That particular job only gets harder, by the way. She is making a choice that would put a knot in the stomach of even the most hardend feminist.

As a parent of a "special needs child" my sentiment goes out to this 4 month old boy. He could go through the first 12 years of his life not knowing who his mother is. Seems very selfish of Ms. Palin, when you are given a child like this, it quickly makes you realize "it is not always about you". She evidentally did not learn this lesson, or would have told John, I am sorry but I have higher priorities at this time, nurishing my Downs syndrome son.

A few more qualification issues...

Great speaker, first of all. Really good. And of course, easy on the eyes.

She's a beauty queen, placing second in the Miss Alaska pagent in 1984. Hey, placed second. Veep. Get it? But she apparently did win Miss Congeniality.

Rabidly pro-life.

She's an avid hunter and lifelong member of the NRA. Her husband works in commercial fishing and oil drilling on the north slope of Alaska...do you suppose that they have EVER had an objective discussion between themselves about the staggering environmental issues that Alaska faces?

We'll never know, but Ms. Palin supports oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve.

The most troubling issue is, as mentioned before, that of political qualifications:

She's a two term Council member and Mayor of Wasila, Alaska. Total population? 5,470 (according to the 2000 census). Which means that she was elected with somewhere around 1800 votes. That's it.

And Ms. Palin won the governor's race in Alaska with 115,000 votes. Total. 115,000 votes.

That's how many people have moved out of Cleveland in the last year.

That's the same number of people who live in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Why is this such an issue? Because with the naming of Ms. Palin as the Republican VP candidate the frickin' Republicans have just caused me the angst of having to re-examine, after having my mind made up for the last 8 months, if I am going to vote for Senator McCain for President after all.

Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton! The sheer arrogance of Palin and the Mc Cain camp to think that Hillary Clinton supporters will support Palin because she is a woman is crazy! Palin and Clinton are polar opposites on the issues..abortion, gay rights, etc. Trust me, there is no "moose soup", deer hunting or fly fishing in DC, but there is PLENTY of humble pie! This soccer mom is going to get her lunch handed to her.

After 20 years, I am no longer a republican...
I am a conservative. I am a free thinker. I love this country.

I left my party long ago thanks to the current President. I also am a conservative -- a common sense conservative. A true conservative is one who believes that we dictate government not the other way around. Conservatism demands that accountability is something that should be at the very heart of our way of life. We need to teach accountability in schools. Parents need to be more accountable for the raising of their children. Political leaders need to be held accountable for executing their duties. And when they fail us they need to be voted out of office or thrown in jail. Sarah Palin is the same. She's not afraid of being held accountable.

Union workers have a candidate in their corner. Her husband's a paying member. The GLBT community has a person who recognizes the importance of inclusion. Research it for yourself. GLBT state workers in Alaska have benefits for their partners. She may be opposed to "gay marriage" but she refused to discount the worth and importance of life partnerships. Hmmm. Isn't that what Barack said?

Those Republicans who left the party after the Rovians took over have a chance to take back the party of Lincoln. Sarah Palin stood firm against the machine that was the Alaskan GOP and won. This is what we need in Washington. We need a politician (yes, a POLITICIAN) who doesn't fear the machine but shuts it down. That's what John McCain represented until he rolled over for George W. Bush. Out of Obama, Biden, McCain and Palin -- Sarah Palin represents mainstream Americans most -- and THAT, my friends, scares the crap out of Washington.

I've had calls from family/friends from around the country...and what surprises me is I don't recall any of them talking about politics before...seems Sarah Palin has raised interest in this election.

@Silas:

Modern political debates over candidates for president, and by extension the vice president, boil down to one of two issues: their character and their record.

Mrs. Palin is a mixed bag in both categories. GLBT supporter, yes. Poor administrator of public industries, yes. Pro-gun, yes. Allegations of corruption in her administration, yes. Solid record of union support, yes. Chose a presidential campaign over newborn w/ DS, yes. For every plus in one column, there is a minus in the other.

The game then poses the weaknesses of one candidate against the other. Comparing both VP nominees on the last point alone, Palin comes up somewhat lacking. It's been much touted that Mr. Bidden repeatedly puts the intrests of his family over his career. One can already see that this one point will become more of an issue as the debates approach.

Ignoring the greater discussion of the McCain platform, I question the wisdom of this selection.

Well, if there IS a real debate in this country between the Vice Presidential candidates I wonder how Joe Biden will come across as a friend of small business. He comes from Delaware, arguably the largest enemy of small business in these "United" States. And every time I make a payment on my Capital One or MBNA credit card I wonder how much of it goes to Joe Biden in one form or another.

Biden and McCain have maintained "maverick" reputations in the Senate. But neither have been able to crack the political system in Washington. McCain sold his soul to Bush; and Biden, with his flashy cuff links, talks a good game but remains central to the gridlock. Obama is new to the Washington scene and hasn't earned enough points to make any difference. There's one outsider in this race today and that is Sarah Palin. All of a sudden this campaign has become East vs. West as opposed to North vs. South.

As a parent of a special needs child, she has one job right now and it's not VP.

As a parent of a special needs child, Sarah Palin can do more to insure that special needs children receive just that: special needs. I understand your sentiment, A. Hart, but if Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy stayed at home and devoted all of her attention to her daughter Rosemary would there be a Special Olympics today?

I am a child of special needs parents (both of my parents are deaf). I know first hand at what exclusion can do to a special needs child. My mother comes from a generation where children who were "less than perfect" were carted off to private institutions, put out of sight and taken out of the mainstream. My dad, on the other hand, had a mother who wouldn't allow it. She fought for his inclusion in public school and won. She saw to it that my dad was just as much part of mainstream education as her remaining 9 children.

I am blessed because my maternal grandfather realized that keeping my mother shut away was immoral. He saw that deaf children, given the opportunity, could reach heights never before seen. Today, deaf people are pretty much part of the mainstream but in the days leading up to the Great Depression it wasn't that way. A. Hart, bless you for being the parent you are. And regardless of your child's needs, that child has the Nature-given right to be a productive part of our society regardless of needs.

It never was an argument about sending the special needs child off to an institution because I certainly don't believe that and hope that no one else believes that's the right solution. I merely meant that as a parent of a special needs child myself, those first few years are critical and time consuming with therapy and doctor visits. I've spent more time in a clinic and practicing speech and sign language and more than I have anywhere or anything else and yes my husband spends just as much time in those same areas. And it takes a team, both mom and dad, to be there for all that, I wouldn't expect her husband to be the sole person to do all that. Being gov. of a state would have been difficult enough, but VP and an infant with special needs? I'd probably be less inclined to say anything about that subject if the child were older but those early intervention years are critical and it's a choice I know I could not have made. But that's just my opinion, I hope she does manage to balance both and do what she needs to do for both her children and her country.

Question : Would all these comments being spoken about Sarah Palin be spoken if the vp candidate was a male.
Would you all be saying he has a DS child , he should be at home with that child.

How far have we come,,,,, not far

Actually I would. As I said before it takes a team to raise not only a typically developing child but certainly that much more for a special needs child. All the appointments, therapy visits, therapy goals, everything that goes into helping the special needs child progress and develop takes a team. I think both mom AND dad need flexible jobs to be able to do this (at least in the early years). By noooo means do I feel this is ONLY her job! My husband knows our son's goals and therapy homework just as much as I do and is every bit a part of working towards communicating and being included in every part of life and community!

I am told her daughter is pregnant. Can she lead the nation and not lead her own family?

Is it true she only holds a bachelors in journalism? I'm a 44 year old woman and quite nervous that someone with such little education and experience could possible become our President. BTW Sj Reidhead...2008-1964=44 not 46!

Dear "Concerned" #105:

If you were truly "concerned" you would have said nothing in public. It's one thing to smear a candidate or a spouse, but quite another, vile, ugly thing to do this to an innocent 17 year old girl.

How dare you do such a thing?

Is this what Barack Obama supporters have stooped to? You should hang your head in shame for being a part of such a nasty rumor. Were you ever a teenager? Since you are hiding your name we do not know your gender. If you are a woman, if someone would have said that when you were a teen, it would have been a disaster.

I trust you are truly ashamed of yourself.

SJR
The Pink Flamingo

SJ, how do you know that "concerned" is an Obama supporter?

RAY FROM TEXAS

Bless your heart. Being from TX you understand what that means.

This is not the old west. Guns are not used to settle issues. The ability to fire an arm has no relation to the ability to lead a nation. Firing an arm has the same relevance as expertise in throwing a spear, using a masheti or doing karate. As a Texan. You just embarrassed us. sigh....

Yes, the only thing we know is that "concerned" is rude.

Most Hillary Dems I know would cut off their tatas before casting a vote for an anti-choice, gun-totin' wingnut. Kudos to her for a historic run, and I congratulate any parent who can pull off what she does, but a McCain/Palin win would be horrifying, particularly after the last eight years of hell.

Some of you have stated that she is not experienced with our military, when, in fact, she has been, for two years, Commander -in-Chief of the Alaskan National Guard, some of our best, toughest, military units!

I also offer that neither Biden nor Obama has any similar experience as a leader in matters military, and that they also have NO experience in combating the chronyism of their party faithful.

I am now voting McCain, for his leadership and professional experience, plus, Sarah Palin for her experience in de-throning the out-of-control, runaway spending Republicans and Democrats!

Sarah Palin has the gravitas, the cohones, the ethics, to succeed in a whirlpool full of sharks!

All the many women I know, admire her; and they have switched from the Democratic ballot, to vote for McCain and Palin!

You know some pretty fickle women, Psychic. Besides, why would you be switching over "now" to McCain? Shouldn't you have seen this coming?

Well say what you will about the dems, this nomination certainly has gotten to Geraldine Ferraro. I don't think I've ever heard her compliment a republican. I am waiting for the day that Palin cleans up the floor with Joe Biden (hairplugs, eyelifts and veneers) included. This is going to be a fun 67 days. Obama will need to get new speechwriters.

Thank you Senator McCain. I believe you have just elected Barack Obama.

This was a brilliant choice for VP by McCain. She's smart, telegenic and down to earth. She is a stark contrast to Sen. Joe Biden, who, while having come from blue collar roots, has been in Washington so long that he can only be said to be out of touch with the average middle class family struggling to pay for everyday expenses. I applaud Sen. McCain for his choice of a VP candidate that I can completely relate to.

Kempite at U4prez.com had a Caucus up to get Palin as the Republican VP choice awhile ago. The comments from Democrats are most striking as early, the women at least are happy with the choice.

The Sara Palin for VP caucus.

#105, I won't even repeat your comment. That being said, Barack HUSSEIN Obama is the full name. Neither Gov. Palin's daughter's circumstance or Barack HUSSEIN Obama's middle name should be issues whispered in the background. If Obama supporters are going to resort to these tactics in smearing Gov. Palin, they better be ready. What I just stated, while fact, was wrong. Mr. Obama's middle name should be a non-issue. But when one side slings mud, it best be dressed in a rubber suit because I'll be slinging it right back!

A lot of assumptions floating around here. How do we know that "concerned" isn't an extreme family values right-winger disappointed with the Palin pick?

It seems that both "sides" are so ready to sling bullshit back and forth that it doesn't even matter which direction is heads or if it hits the mark. The idea, Silas, that you claim in other posts to long for a more effective brand of politics is certainly ironic given your general attitude here.

#19 -- March 23, 2008 @ 13:09PM -- Syrin [URL]
Sarah Palin, aka Sarah the Incompetent, proposed and pushed through the largest socialistic raise in taxes in the history of the world. She supports the idea that the State can seize the property of private industry aka oil producers in Alaska if they don't do what she wants. She has attacked almost the entire Republican majority in the house and senate. She just resently tried to oust the Republican party chair at the annual convention. She stood by and giggled when a radio shock jock called the Republican President of the Senate a "bitch" and "a cancer". She threatened to support Democrats running against Republicans if they did not support her tax and spend policies.
She would be a disaster as VP.

This is the most obvious effort to exploit women.
Instead of feminist being proud, they should be angry that a man from that generation who left one wife for a younger model serves to use woman to further his career.

Case and Point.

Congrats! It's so exciting to have a McCain and Palin ticket in 2008! Good Luck!

Saw this on the Washington Post website.
"I have just read a post that says Palin has a baby just a few months old. I realize that women in their 40's are still having babies, but I would think that a woman 44 years old with already four children would be hesitant about having another. The article said she never looked pregnant at all when she announced to her staff she was 7 months pregnant. At the same time her 16 year old daughter was absent from school for several months; the story being that she was suffering from a lengthy case of mono.
All of this makes no difference to me except that the Republicans always go to such lengths to cover up their sins, that it is fun to catch them in a lie. Maybe some investigative reporting is in order.

The foreign policy of Sarah Palin is a non-factor because if, god forbid something did happen to McCain, she's not just going to be on her own, she will make a great choice for a v.p. to replace her with a strong candidate on foreign policy. PROBLEM SOLVED.

Furthermore, the argument of inexperince is so rediculous because she in fact has many more accomplishments than barakoli (people hate broccoli) and since when is experience such an issue with the dems, it seems it only became important TODAY. Also, being a governor is a position in which many decisions must be made day in and day out, as a senator, you sit in boring meetings wasting time listning to other people speak, no good experience gained there. So if they don't like someone without experience they better start figuring out how to get obambi off of their own ticket, and let us take care of our own. This is all they can come up with because they lose if debated on all the issues-Energy independance-Economy-WINNING the war, not just ending it-health care. They lose on all of them, that's why obama refuses to debate. She is the most awsome pick McCain could of ever made and this just goes to show how smart and savvy he is. Who would want Joe Bile running the country anyway, like Obama is about to keel over, right. Clinton had the chance to take out osama bin laden many times, but he was busy in the ovary office doing all the important things that dems like to do, a-hem Edwards.

Notice her political career started in 1992.

Palin was elected governor in 2006 after defeating incumbent governor Frank Murkowski in the Republican primary and former Democratic governor Tony Knowles in the general election. She was the youngest person, and the first woman, to be elected governor of Alaska. Before becoming governor, Palin served two terms on the Wasilla, Alaska, City Council from 1992 to 1996, was elected and re-elected mayor of Wasilla for two three-year terms in 1996 and 1999. She also ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2002. Palin holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Idaho.


McCain Palin all the way!!! Our Future depends on it.

as a mother of two i do not believe in any way that her status as a mother should be an issue, the part that disdurbs me it is the fact that she has only a BA in Journalism and one term as a governer one term as a mayor and one as a city council member i do not believe that she has experience or knowledge enough to take over the white house and presidency in the event that mccain should die he is 72 yrs old and has had melenoma it is also interesting that this choice should be made when the republicans have tried to paint obama as a celebrity and inexperienced she was a beauty pagent contestant and winner (celebrity?) and has less experience than anyone on either side of the isle in the primarys and after how can she possibly assume the responsibilities of president when she didnt even know the job description of vice president PLEASE REMEMBER that the main job requirement of vice president is to be imediatly availiable and ready to assume the responsibilities of president in the event that the president is ill injured or dead

I can think of one reason she's not qualified to be the Vice President of the United States. How about the fact that she has absolutely zero national security experience?

Funny. Listening to Republicans slam Biden for being in the Senate too long is an amazingly nuanced complaint. He's a junior senator compared to you candidate.

Sara Palin, Where have you been all my life?
I have never heard or seen her ever and the first 7 minutes of listening to her she has inspired me. I haven't been this proud of my party since the days of Reagan.
She said more with common since than any other candidate Dem. or Rep. All I can say now is Palin for President and she's easy on the eyes too!

As a "REAL" Conservative I have to disagree with McCain's pick. I personally believe that this is a cop-out to gain Clinton supporters. We need to be more concerned about the economy (Romney) than just to bring media attention to the party. I see a number of Counterfit Conservatives in the media are already on the bandwagon to kissing up to her. When the wheels fall off on the bandwagon people tend to jump ship and jump on the hottest new thing. I disagree with the pick, McCain has truly dissappointed me with his pick. This has nothing to do with Palin being a woman, this has to do with principal and the best choice.

It is refreshing and innovative to have chosen a running mate that is the epitome of a successful US citizen who happens to be a woman. She is a perfect choice and role model for all Americans. Success in her professional life is complimented by her other roles as wife and mother. It is possible to have it all. What better person for the job.....none. Demonstrates that Senator McCain is a advocate of change and a good judge of character. Good luck Govenor Palin.

I would have liked to see Mitt Romney in there because of his stance on illegal immigration but I like McCain's choice. Who knows, if it is discovered that Obama isn't even a Natural Born Citizen this whole forum is mute.

#123....a-hem..Didn't John McCain have an extra-marital affair that result in the breakup of his first marriage?

Sorry, but a rerun of Seinfeld with George and Julia just won't cut it . . .

As a long time Conservative I cannot BELIEVE that John McCain would choose such a candidate.

This is the most ridiculous attempt to twist demographics that US politics have ever seen. Obama's filthy trick of choosing Joe Biden to grab his weak demographic- working class whites- is nothing compared to this.

There is no merit to this decision other than trying to grab disenfranchised Hilary voters, period.

The issue is not that she's a woman, or that she's pregnant. The issue is she hasn't even served as one term as Governor of Alaska, and her previous experience is as a mayor of a small town of 7,000 people! Essentially, McCain pulled a Journalism Major from an Idaho college- there goes his ability to question Obama's experience!

And what a semi-term as Governor... this woman doesn't understand politics or rule of law, and is a total hypocrite.

Does anybody know exactly what she did to 'stand up' to the oil industry? SHE USED TAXPAYERS MONEY TO MAKE THEM DRILL MORE THAN WAS ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE!!

If you want to grab Hilary supporters, why not pick somebody with some experience? Condi comes to mind, and barring her, well... maybe this isn't our Grand Party's strong point yet...

Palin may not have alot of high level government experience but in actuality shes the only one of them with any management experience.....and on foreign policy, I agree she's light but how long will that last being McCain's understudy? Not long. If you had a chance to be an understudy to Bruce Lee, you'd be kicking a$$ and taking names in no time. McCain made the right pick. With this one pick, he basically stole the bring "change" to Washington issue from Obama. I guarantee you DC doesn't get many mooseburger eating, hockey playing women from Alaska. If McCain had picked Pawlenty, it wouldn't even be news right now. We'd all be watching college football instead of talking about Palin. Thats good for the GOP. Trust me, its the right pick.

I am of a mind that Mr. McCains choice of Sarah Palin as V.P. as vice president is nothing short of brilliant. I left the GOP in June. I am one of those rural bumpkins that Mr. Obama clearly has no understanding of or empathy for. He is a urbancentric, affirmitve action socialist. Mr. McCain is by no means any kind of conservitive. I would have been very content not to vote at all.
Living as I do in "The Beautiful Land of Entrapment" I see Bill Richardsons corruption every day. Sarah hates corruption? Great! She is a shooter? even greater! She is well aware of the assualt on rural Americans by the U.N and the Nature Nazis? Outstanding!! I already know what Mr. Obama thinks of we rural types. I'm very pleased to see a rural westerner on the ticket.
"Freedom for the West!"

I would love to see a debate Palin against Obama. Both have absolutely no foreign policy experience but really how much did Clinton have? Palin does have Executive experience governing a small state like Clinton with amazingly high approval ratings albeit for 2 not 8 years, but who's counting? And like I have read earlier we have the start of football season, a Cat 4 hurricane headed toward N.O. and Obama's big speech and the whole nation is focused on Sarah Palin. Amazing pick by McCain. And of course, besides all of the above, Republicans do not listen to pundits or Democrats they listen to their base and the base is Fired Up.

If Senator McCain chose Governor Palin to garner votes from unhappy supporters of Senator Clinton, he is an idiot. I do not think he is an idiot. I think he made a damn good choice: an outsider to old fashioned politics and a person with good, solid common sense and enough toughness to perhaps make a dent in Washington politics as usual. Hell, she might even help to restore a badly needed sense of self-sufficiency in the country. Was it a good political choice? I don't know. If it was, and she becomes the Vice President, and maybe later the President, will it be good for the country? I think so.

What I am seeing on these boards and on other blog sites is a lot of really upset Democrats trying to minimize Governor Palin as a former beauty queen with hardly any other accomplishments; a woman with a small child suffering from Downs Syndrome who should stay home and take care of her child instead of being in politics. These rather pitiful attacks show little more than fear that the Democratic Messiah might have a really hard fight on his hands.

Dan(Miller)

Just to straighten one thing out, Palin is NOT the only one with executive experience. McCain's two years as commander of a military base has to count too.

Dave

Family Values? Really? Just had a baby 4 months ago, still breast feeding and now she is on the campaign trail for Vice President of the United States? Oh yeah those are freaking awesome family values. That's just awesome that she dedcided to get knocked up while governing the state of Alaska. And I am sorry to those who I offend that can not "wrap their heads around this idea".

Sarah Pain might very well be a great political leader... in the future! She's just getting her feet wet. She hasn't had much of a chance to learn about the issues the rest of our country is faced with in 2008. As governor of Alaska, she's concentrating on her state, which is what she was elected to do. I think the Republicans did her a disservice. If she had given her speech (at the right time) at the RNC, she would have been introduced to the country(just like Obama in 2004) and possibly be ready to lead a nation in 4 or 8 years. But not now... she's a little too home grown.

Talk about hindsight being 20/20. You are now looking like a genius and that idiot that said she is now unqualified even a bigger idiot than than he already did. I think that she will make a great VP and even a better president. Yes I think that in 4 years she will be the President of the United States.

The most awesome choice for vp. She is a reformer like McCain and he selected her because he sees her views as the best direction for the future of the rep party. She definitely will not allow wasteful spending. I was hoping for Romney, but once again McCain shows that he knows better than everyone else does. As far as being a new mother, her husband has assumed the role of mr. mom, and she will be provided much help when in the white house. Couldn't be a better scenario for her. It's very obvious this was a great choice by how completely upset the dems are.

McCain Palin definitely Country First.

Glenn -

This woman's personal staff called TWENTY-FOUR TIMES to get her brother-in-law fired from law enforcement. Are we to believe that she had nothing to do with that?

This, sir, is the kind of vindictiveness that led the Bush administration to expose Valerie Plame...and by extension expose EVERY AMERICAN SPY that was associated with her, thereby placing their lives in danger and certainly harming our national security efforts.

And you think Palin would be good for president? Looks like you've been drinking a bit too much kool-aid.

Whether she's qualified or not is irrelevant. She gives the whole show a good look.

Glenn Contrarian trying to dig up dirt, that's not going to work as your just grasping at straws. It won' work because WRIGHT, FARRAKAHN, AYERS, REZKO. It goes to show that she won't stand for corruption even within her own family. Why wont obama debate the issues face to face with McCain? It's ok, we all know why. Why can't you keep things intelligent and not revert to kool aid comments?

Why Isn't New Mommy Sarah Palin Qualified To Be Vice President?

She's a complete unknown. The GOP is going to argue that she's the most popular governor in Alaska. Um, okay. So? It's not too hard to be well liked when almost everyone in your state looks acts and thinks exactly like you. Let's face it; if you live in Alaska, you obviously aren't living in the mainstream.

What's next, Joel Fleischman for secretary of state? Maggie O'Connell for secretary of interior? (If you don't get the references, go rent Northern Exposure)

It's not like she's the governor of California or New York, or Florida or, yes, even Texas. She is a virgin candidate who lives all the way in Alaska, apart from the daily politics of Washington. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that being the governor of Alaska for two years does not qualify you to be the President of the United States, of which she could be if a 72 year old cancer survivor dies while in office.

If you'd like to make a comparative argument and contrast her lack of experience with Obama's, fine. Barack Obama has been thoroughly and publicly vetted. Obama has gone through a 2 year public background check by the DNC and the RNC as well as by the world wide media. I have a good idea of who Obama is as a person and where he stands on the issues. (Go read Dreams of My Father if you don't feel like you know him.)

Obama has experience in Washington, is a member of the Senate and held assignments on the Senate Committees for Foreign Relations, Environment and