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Riding the Obama Train: All the Way to the White House, or will McCain's VP choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin derail it?
The Obama train ran like a finely oiled machine last night when Obama gave his acceptance speech before thousands of cheering Democrats.
His train is headed for the White House and it doesn't appear to have any problems large enough to cause it to derail.
Or does it?
How well did you think Obama did in last night's acceptance speech?
What statements did he make that will make their way into history books in years to come?
If you were leaning in the direction of placing a vote elsewhere, did last night's events change your attitude?
What could possible derail Obama at this point?
How will McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin effect either party's chances?
29 August 2008
at 10:50 a.m.
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liggyon (David Lignell) says…
I think McCain, and the Republican Party, were wise to pick a woman as a running mate in this election. In fact, they probably had little choice. If anything, this is a great political year of progress; the first African American Presidential candidate (for either major party) along with the first Republican woman candidate in a Presidential race.
Whether or not Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate can derail Obama is a question of whether people will be swayed to vote Republican because a woman is on the ticket or because of values that may or may not be representative of women's' rights. In any regard, we should be proud that both parties are becoming more diverse and representative of Americans.
29 August 2008
at 11:10 a.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
I agree with you, David, but with perhaps one exception - people may be swayed to vote Reupblican because of Palin's additional qualities/values with little or nothing to do with the fact that she is a woman. I don't know a great deal about her, but I'm sure we will hear plenty over the next few days!
Quite frankly I was surprised when I saw the choice - and rather relieved. The game is on!
29 August 2008
at 11:15 a.m.
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tvc (Anonymous) says…
He is going after Hillary's 30% and making the base happy.
29 August 2008
at 11:20 a.m.
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duplenty (Anonymous) says…
“Palin's additional qualities/values with little or nothing to do with the fact that she is a woman.”
Which ones are those? The whole two years in office, or the being under investigation for ethics?
29 August 2008
at 11:43 a.m.
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snap_pop_no_crackle (Anonymous) says…
Palin didn't have a long-term relationship with WIlliam Ayers. That's a mark in her favor.
Her goons haven't been flooding radio stations trying to prevent discussion of her record. That's another good thing.
29 August 2008
at 11:54 a.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
duplenty and snap, you both have a lot more information about her than I do. Please share more of what you know. Thanks - I really do not know much about her at all.
tvc, I agree with you - smart move on his part from the teeny, tiny bit I do know - like the fact that she is a woman.
29 August 2008
at 12:06 p.m.
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kansaswanker (Anonymous) says…
All morning I've been fighting the reflex to vomit in my mouth. The selection of Gov. Palin is the most blatant pandering I have ever seen a politician attempt. Furthermore, as a woman I am deeply offended that the McCain campaign apparently believes working class woman (his obvious target) cannot distinguish between legitimate female candidates such as Hillary Clinton or Geraldine Ferraro and Gov. Palin, who's entire history can be summarized in a single, unimpressive page on Wikipedia. I could have handled the absence of a woman on either ticket, but I cannot abide such condescension. Women who gathered behind Hillary are not the sort to gather because of the sex of a candidate. They rallied behind Hillary because of the ideals she has spent her life working for. They rallied for Hillary because she was Hillary, not because she was a woman. This is a fact that McCain/Palin will figure out in the next two months.
29 August 2008
at 12:09 p.m.
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ebyrdstarr (Anonymous) says…
I agree, wanker (I feel funny calling you that but you brought it on yourself). This is an insulting choice.
29 August 2008
at 12:10 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
kansaswanker, good points! I agree that someone who is a Hillary fan will not be swayed by a woman just because she is a woman. Hillary is one of a kind - love her or hate her that is difficult to dispute. Please don't vomit in your mouth. :)
I would think McCain's campaign managers would be brighter than that, wouldn't you? Okay, that might upset your tummy again.
29 August 2008
at 12:11 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
ebryd, male or female?
29 August 2008
at 12:32 p.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
WOW! I think this is a brilliant move on McCain's part. She is the governor of Alaska - spent more days as governor than days Obama has spent in Congress. She decided to have her Down Syndrome baby instead of an abortion - something Obama would allow before or AFTER delivery. She's definitely a hottie - the sexy librarian chick look always goes over well. She knows hunter safety - I wonder if Obama knows how to shoot a gun?
McCain is a lock in being our next president.
29 August 2008
at 12:37 p.m.
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TheSychophant (Anonymous) says…
Wow, McCain's choice is second only to Goldwater's desperation in 1960, Anyone remember Bill (Who the Hell is He?) Miller?
The campaign has been reduced to Two Real Men vs. G.I. Joe and the Barbie Doll (and their clearly indicated slogan, “Insain and Pain, the pray for rain)” ..
29 August 2008
at 12:44 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
BigPrune, interesting take from your part. You have already told me more about her than I knew. I'll have a lot of reading to do over the three day weekend! I look forward to learning more about her.
Thesychophant, Who the heck is Bill Miller? Just kidding, but I see you aren't nearly as delighted by this choice as Prune is. I take it are voting Obama. :)
29 August 2008
at 12:53 p.m.
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beatrice (Anonymous) says…
He couldn't have picked a worse choice if he really is going after Hillary's die-hard supporters. A former beauty queen journalist who did sports reporting and was mayor of a town with 5,500 people and is currently governor of the third least populated state. And, apparently, she is a creationist and friendly to big oil lobbyists.
Sure, hardcore feminist Hillary supporters will be racing right on over to help her win.
29 August 2008
at 1:02 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
It will be interesting to see how that plays out I agree, beatrice. It is hard to know if this will push some voters away or bring them in - I am sure some both.
29 August 2008
at 1:02 p.m.
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autie (Anonymous) says…
She obviously hates polar bears…based on that alone, I don't like her.
29 August 2008
at 1:06 p.m.
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campbellinsurance (Anonymous) says…
Any person (male or female) who is willing to take on corruption in their own party is impressive. She must be doing something right if she has an over 80% approval rating. In addition, she knows more on energy than any other candidate.
She reminds me of a young Margaret Thatcher, I would take her in a match with the likes of Putin et al.
Here's your choice vote for someone at the top of the ticket who has no executive or foreign policy experience and whose judgement has shown to be lacking or a vice-presidential candidate who does have a record of reform and who does have some executive experience.
Lack of foreign policy experience wasn't a problem for Bill Clinton supporters so that is a losing issue for Obama.
Polls show that Energy/Economy and Iraq are the biggest issues so the fact she isn't pro-choice isn't the big issue for those undecided Hillary supporters. For those that it was, they are already supporting Obama.
29 August 2008
at 1:08 p.m.
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Satirical (Anonymous) says…
beatrice…
“And, apparently, she is…friendly to big oil lobbyists.”
Is that why she raised taxes on oil companies?
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/aug…
I anticipated the argument that Palin is not “woman enough” to deserve a vote. Some people said the same thing about Obama not being “black enough” during the Primaries.
29 August 2008
at 1:20 p.m.
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RedwoodCoast (Anonymous) says…
So he expects to get Hillary votes for having chosen a woman for VP? If it were the minority vote he was after, would choosing someone of non-European ancestry get him the minority vote? Do voters actually listen to the 'what' of a candidate or do they care more about the 'who' of a candidate. Does the cover matter more than the content of the book?
By the way, Ronda, I've meant no offense with this whole Obama thing. I just scratch my head when people who were going to vote for Hillary say they can't vote for Obama but will cast a ballot for McCain. It just seems to me that, within the political spectrum, the 'what' of Hillary is much further from the 'what' of McCain than it is from Obama. I'm not trying to persuade you or anything, but I am having a difficult time with the situation. It just seems to me that Clinton-backers lost their candidate and are going to vote for McCain merely out of spite for Obama. The closest similarities I can see between Clinton and McCain is that they have both been critical of Obama as a competitor. Other than that, I'm confused about how McCain and Clinton are in any sense similar. It just perplexes me. I understand that each person has his/her own value set that is reflected in their choice of candidates, but as I said, in this situation, I'm just confused.
29 August 2008
at 1:25 p.m.
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a_flock_of_jayhawks (Anonymous) says…
It's a horrible choice that doesn't really accomplish any of the objectives McCain should be targeting. Obama/Biden should have no problem wiping the floor with them 11/4. It was a last gasp tactic, anyway, so it sounds like they are desperate and know it. What I find strange, like Chester the Molester strange, is that some Republicans are commenting about how pretty she is (“eye candy”, etc.). What the heck does that have to do with leading and solving problems in America and our world? Is that the main motivator for the votes of right-wing men?
29 August 2008
at 1:25 p.m.
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ebyrdstarr (Anonymous) says…
female.
29 August 2008
at 1:26 p.m.
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Clickker (Anonymous) says…
Great choice!
29 August 2008
at 1:54 p.m.
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tvc (Anonymous) says…
I am going to vote for her because she has cute glasses and wears a flag pin!
29 August 2008
at 2:10 p.m.
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sdinges (Anonymous) says…
The choice seems like blatant pandering, to be sure - she is young, exciting, represents “change” and is “historic” - like Obama. And she's female. But honestly, I think this choice isn't just pandering to women. It's being used to deflect people who say he's too old (and they can't claim she's too young and inexperienced without drawing comparisons to Obama). But she also appeals to his conservative base - she's got all the right viewpoints and no messy voting record.
Sure it's pandering - but why didn't people expect that? Joe Biden is old, white, experienced, serious and a little boring. All those things help deflect racial fear, religious fear, fear of inexperience and celebrity. Pandering. Covering your weaknesses - that's what the VP is for. The only thing Obama failed to do was make his pandering blatant by making Joe Biden a woman.
But it all comes down to how she carries herself. If people like her, she could make a real difference to McCain. If she seems weak or wishy-washy, people will hate her.
I've seen a lot of comments on several blogs about how she's a mother of five and has a kid with downs syndrome, so how is she going to find time for her family if she's VP. Am I not aware of some kind of childhood accident that made her husband useful only for breeding? Give me a break. No one ever says “What about Obama's poor girls, how will he have time for them?” Yeah, because he has a wife for that, right?
P.S. to Ronda - there's a good article on CNN.com about her.
29 August 2008
at 2:21 p.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
Who would have more experience to be the leader of the free world?
Barrack Obama in Congress: 143 days
Sarah Palin Governor of Alaska: 634 days+
29 August 2008
at 3:32 p.m.
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pdecell (Paul Decelles) says…
I was watching who McCain would pick hoping for a strong advocate for science. Palin is clearly not it with her creationist leanings. Maybe the McCain train isn't derailed by this but he certainly has removed a few railroad spikes ahead of the train.
29 August 2008
at 4 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Thanks for comments and sites to visit sdinges and all. I for one am about waiting and watching until I find out more information and have a chance to read what has been sent to me. I am keeping an open mind. There are some obvious things I like about her, but I'll expand more later. I do enough inserting of foot in mouth.
I asked Paul if he would do a blog about the differences between our two wannabes and I see he has posted it. Lets check it out! Thanks Paul. :)
Redwood, I didn't take any offense at any of your comments. I am left scratching my head over people who choose Obama so I understand perfectly. All kidding aside, I think each candidate is very different from another. Comparing Hillary to McCain or to Obama is like comparing apples to pears or bananas. They are the same intrinsic nature, but very different people and personalities.
29 August 2008
at 5:43 p.m.
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kansascrone (Virginia Rigney) says…
hi ronda - i watched obama's speech at liberty hall last night. the house was packed and rockin'. judging by crowd reaction, most were hillary fans as well. it will be interesting to see if mccain's pick for vp will make a difference. either way, this is certainly the most historic and exciting election of my life-time. the biggest difference i can see is the enthusiasm of young people. tons of them there last night. i just haven't seen that for awhile.
29 August 2008
at 5:51 p.m.
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logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
I think the biggest problem with this selection is that it will only fool the people who were already voting for McCain.
He would have been better off going for a safe choice, and then concentrating on criticizing Obama's shortcomings to earn the moderate vote. With this pick, he makes it awfully difficult to hammer on one of the favorite criticisms of Obama that he has had over the last several months—experience.
This selection combined with Obama's selection for VP makes the “experience” category now essentially a wash, which should be extremely worrisome for a McCain supporter.
29 August 2008
at 8:02 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
cambel, you make some great arguments. I enjoy watching CNN and Fox and the differing views depending which one I am watching at the time. McCain's pick is certainly taking the spotlight away from Obama. I am interested in giving Palin time to prove or disqualify herself - I offer no less, or more for any other candidate.
kansascrone, my son was one of the ones at Liberty Hall last night and he is certainly fired up. I am thrilled that so many people feel that from Obama. I wish I did. I remember feeling it for Bobby Kennedy since I was too young for his brother. I was excited about Kerry and I adore Gore (maybe the later should be a poem), so I certainly know what the feeling should be like. I felt it for Hillary also, but I feel nothing for Obama. I don't dislike him, I think he has some wonderful traits, I think he is brillant, his heart is in the right place. Ahh, the thrill is gone. :)
logic, good points. It will be interesting to see how McCain handles the experience issue with Obama now - as well as how Obama reacts to Palin. I can hardly wait to see Palin and Biden debate. Good things to come.
29 August 2008
at 8:11 p.m.
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Centerville (Anonymous) says…
Great choice! This is going to be fun. Finally, a strong and smart woman on the national scene!
29 August 2008
at 8:14 p.m.
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beatrice (Anonymous) says…
logicsound, take a closer look at their experiences, and then tell me if Obama and Palin really are a “wash.” Seriously, she was a sportscaster, then a city councilmember and mayor of a very small town, and has been governor for less than two years in one of the least populated states — and is currently under investigation for possibly abusing her powers! And she apparently is a creationist. The country does not need more ignoring of science in the name of dogma.
I am just shocked that McCain, who should know better, has put so much at stake (meaning our nation, not just his career) with his choice of someone who isn't qualified and by his own account he hardly knows. Until the last couple of weeks, he had met her just once!
Simply unbelievable. Derailed? I think the train has stopped. Obama by a landslide.
29 August 2008
at 8:38 p.m.
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christie (Anonymous) says…
1982 - Graduated from Wasilla High School in Wasilla, Alaska.
1987 - Graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Idaho.
1996-2002 - Elected mayor of Wasilla City, Alaska, for two terms until term limits forced her from office.
2002 - Frank Murkowski left the Senate to become governor and named Palin chairwoman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
2006 - Upset then-Gov. Murkowski in the Republican primary, then defeated former two-term Gov. Tony Knowles, a Democrat, in the general election.
2007 - Pressured lawmakers to get the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act passed, to build a natural gas pipeline to deliver 35 trillion cubic feet of North Slope natural gas to market.
Aug. 29, 2008 - Chosen as Sen. John McCain's vice-presidential running mate in the 2008 election.
My job requires more experience - what a joke.
If McSame were to win and croke - you want HER going head to head with PUTIN ??
NOT
29 August 2008
at 9:07 p.m.
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interestedparty (Anonymous) says…
So, Ronda, last week you told us that you were a Hillary supporter who was going to vote for McCain…are you still going to vote for him now that the running mate does not support reproductive choice, even in the cases of rape and incest?
29 August 2008
at 9:17 p.m.
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RobertMarble (Anonymous) says…
…another nail in the hussein coffin.
29 August 2008
at 9:19 p.m.
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commuter (Anonymous) says…
Christie- Please let me know what YOU require for a VP?
To me, being in Congress, a lawyer, and community organizer (what ever that is) doesn't get my vote.
At least Reagan, Carter, Clinton, and Bush (W) were governors of a state. Being governor is a lot harder job than a senator.
29 August 2008
at 9:22 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Actually I said I was a Hillary supporter who was thinking about either voting for McCain or writing in Hillary. I like the fact that you are interested and I'll let you know once I decide which way I lean. I don't know enough about McCain's pick at this point to allow it to influence my decision. I did post on one of my other blogs that I don't feel cases of rape and/or incest (incest is the same as rape isn't it - just an extended time period) changes my opinion on being pro-life. Now, having said that I am hoping this blog doesn't become a discussion about abortion.
To turn the question around, interested, how has McCain's choice affected your decision about who you will vote for? What are your thoughts about what the majority of Hillary's supporters will do? Does this affect them in any way?
29 August 2008
at 10:01 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
commuter, I just was hearing the differences of the duties between that of a governor and a senator listed on CNN- they are quite varied.
Christie and Beatrice, derailed huh? I do admit that I got a little excited when I heard about her qualitifcations and I thought, “Wow, this means I could be picked for VP!” :) Soon anyone with a high school certification or GD will be fair choice - not saying they wouldn't be as intelligent, but maybe McCain's theory is that “anyone” can be President these days to give us all hope.
29 August 2008
at 10:46 p.m.
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interestedparty (Anonymous) says…
McCain's choice has has no affect on my decision about voting. I'm voting for Barack Obama without reservation or hesitation. However, McCain's choice has made me re-commit to working hard to be sure that McCain does not win this election.
A VP candidate who is anti-choice in the case of rape and incest and who supports teaching creationism in public schools science classrooms is just not within the bounds of what I consider reasonable. This reflects what I consider an extremist perspective.
I still don't understand how anyone can be anti-choice in the case of rape or incest. I'm not wildly pro-choice—in fact, I would consider myself anti-abortion but pro-choice—but I just don't understand how anyone can think that the government should make that choice for any woman who finds herself in that situation.
30 August 2008
at 12:41 a.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
Don't forget that rape/incest makes up an infinitesimal amount of the abortions in this country.
30 August 2008
at 6:57 a.m.
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jaywalker (Anonymous) says…
So much about this race is disheartening. The worst aspect is evident on so many of these strings: complete disgust with each other's ideologies. Far left - far right, doesn't matter. Where has the compromise, the willingness and respect for ideas, for others opinions gone to? Unfortunately it mirrors our ineffective Congress. And I'm afraid until that changes this country will continue to spiral down.
And now we have a race that features a Manchurian Candidate on one side and an elder statesman with anger issues on the other. Swell.
Whom to vote for…..? A man groomed for the Presidency since his first day on the Hill, even though he's spent more time running for Prez than he has legislating?
Or for the man who might just snap at the wrong moment. I mean, I like the idea of someone in the W.H. who is sick of apologizing for being an American, but if he goes on a tirade with Iran, Russia, China, et al…. how far up the proverbial creek will we end up?
Obama seems destined, which is disturbing. I wish he'd not selected Biden.
McCain seems ….. what? Everything I've heard about Pallin screams self-made person, achiever, go-getter, Renaissance Woman. But I wish she'd been around a while longer.
I want the debates and I want them now. Then I'll decide.
30 August 2008
at 11:40 a.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
interested, thanks for the additional information about how you feel in terms of the election. I know it is difficult for people to see something through another person's eyes, but just remember that most of us base our opinions on an entire life time of experiences - not just one idea or thought.
jaywalker, I don't have the time to go on some of the other political forums, but I have actually been surprised at how respectful people have been about hearing the oppositions point of view on my blogs. I know people feel very strongly about their choice on these issues, but they seem to be doing a good job of stating them and debating them. I appreciate it. As far as your comments about Obama and McCain, I think your insights are very clear and I have to say I agree with them. I too am ready for the debates. Biden reminds me somewhat of McCain in respect to his fly off the cuff remarks (I wonder if he thinks McCain's VP choice is clean? :) ), but I like him. I actually like all of the candidates and maybe that is in part why I am having such a difficult choice this time around. The debates will tell us a lot in terms of character, etc., in addition to their beliefs.
BigPrune - good point as usual from you.
30 August 2008
at 1:43 p.m.
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logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
“logicsound, take a closer look at their experiences, and then tell me if Obama and Palin really are a “wash.” Seriously, she was a sportscaster, then a city councilmember and mayor of a very small town, and has been governor for less than two years in one of the least populated states”
–––––
A couple things…
First, I was being a bit generous to Palin for argument's sake. I have seen several of the more hard-liner rightwingers trying to play off Palin as even having more experience, since she has been in an executive position and Obama hasn't. So I figured I'd make my point so that it worked even given an overly positive view of her record.
Second, I actually wasn't intending to make a direct comparison between the two. It's a wash because even though Palin has far less credentials, she is only the VP, whereas Obama is the Presidential candidate. It's a wash in terms of the overall ticket.
30 August 2008
at 1:51 p.m.
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pdecell (Paul Decelles) says…
Ronda,
I agree. I actually like all the candidates as well. For that reason, I think this could be a fun election regardless of whom one supports. I think I understand the political reasons why McCain chose her and while the conservatives are enamored with her and her creationist comments are not to my liking among other things such as her stand on global warming, I think she is a pragmatist and less of an ideologue then social conservatives might like.
For example, while she opposes same sex marriage, she vetoed a bill that would have prohibited employers from offering domestic partnership benefits. I don't think either of them will let themselves be handled.
30 August 2008
at 2:21 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
logic, “It's a wash because even though Palin has far less credentials, she is only the VP, whereas Obama is the Presidential candidate. It's a wash in terms of the overall ticket.” I have to pretty much agree with you on this one. I know they have quite different upbringings and backgrounds so I need to take a closer look at some of what they have gone through and how that has shaped their character in order to better know them.
Paul, I am hoping that people give her as open a chance to show us who she is, as you are obviously doing, and I am hoping that McCain has good gut instincts. I want to see her be a “real” person - we have not seen that in the political arena for quite some time. Wondering who I would consider real……
30 August 2008
at 3:21 p.m.
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kansas778 (Anonymous) says…
christie (Anonymous) says:
If McSame were to win and croke - you want HER going head to head with PUTIN ??
**********************************
Anyone is better than Obama.
30 August 2008
at 8:59 p.m.
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verity (Anonymous) says…
I emailed my cousin in Alaska to get her opinion. “Scary” was the word she used.
30 August 2008
at 9:12 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
kansas, interesting take. I don't know if experience wise it would be a lot different and she might do a heck of a lot better than most. I do like the idea of a fresh face coming into the arena. Sounds as though you do as well.
verity, She has as high as an 80 percent approval rating in her home state. What is scary about her? GIve us more, please. :)
30 August 2008
at 9:43 p.m.
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verity (Anonymous) says…
Ronda,
From what I have read, her approval rating in Alaska is actually 65% and sinking. Both the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and the Anchorage Daily News had editorials questioning her qualifications–from the ADN “Republicans rightfully have criticized the Democratic nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, for his lack of experience, but Palin is a neophyte in comparison; how will Republicans reconcile the criticism of Obama with the obligatory cheering for Palin?”
She is also under investigation for corruption: “While she was governor, members of her family and staff tried to get her ex-brother-in-law fired from the Alaska State Troopers. Her public safety commissioner would not do so; she forced him out, supposedly for other reasons. While she runs for vice-president, the Legislature has an investigator on the case.” (ADN) This was all over the news in Alaska a week or so ago according to my cousin and might account for the falling approval rating.
Also, from what I've read, McCain had only met her once before he chose her. I must say I'm baffled by the choice. If he wanted a woman, why not someone like Kay Bailey Hutchinson?
30 August 2008
at 9:58 p.m.
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scott3460 (Anonymous) says…
Wow, what a respectful discussion. Good job all. I'll try to restrain my sarcasm and cynical nature and see if I can contribute anything worthwhile.
I'm inclined to vote for Obama, although very early on I was open to McCain as a maverick type Republican. I tend to agree with Republicans on the immigration and some fiscal issues, but with the Democrats on most other issues, especially environmental ones. McCain seemed early on an improvement over the current President on the environmental issues. With this pick of Palin, however, he has thrown the environmentalists under the bus. She seems intent on being the extractive industries' best friend and I cannot abide the desecration of God's creation she invites to her beautiful state.
Above all, McCain's choice of Palin troubles me because there are great pools of Republican talent that McCain could have drawn from in making his pick. Instead, he has trivialized the pick by attempting to choose someone with a virtually blank slate. The thinking seems to be that in this election cycle, with bush having done such horrible damage to the Republican brand, he cannot get someone with a Republican track record “past” the American voter. Be that as it may, McCain should have more respect for the office he has nominated her for and more respect for the public. God forbid that something happened to him and the nation was saddled with her. We have truly suffered through nearly 8 years of a man who has been ill equipped for the challenges of the Presidency. The mayor of an Alaskan village would be even less prepared than bush - a devastating concept to contemplate.
Further, it is becoming clear that McCain has not undertaken much of an effort to vet this woman to ensure that she is worthy of the job for which he has nominated her. First it is revealed that she is currently under investigation by her own Republican Party in Alaska for misuse of her influence as governor. What will happen to the political process if she is found guilty? Has McCain given that any thought? Alaskan politics are a cesspool of corruption and loose money. This woman apparently rode to the governorship as a reformer. Who is to say that there are not several well placed Repubs waiting to get their revenge by derailing her nomination.
This is getting too long, but along the lines of what has already been said: she's a creationist, has some very radical views on the use of contraceptives (basically they are all a form of abortion since they act to prevent implantation - the rhythm method being the only acceptable manner of control,) and is apparently a Christian Dominionist, meaning she essentially seeks a theocracy.
30 August 2008
at 9:58 p.m.
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scott3460 (Anonymous) says…
All in all a wildly radical choice for a man who is trying to run as the maverick who will work across the aisle and get things done. Yet, in this his first choice, he reveal yet another instance in which he follows the example and policy of george w. bush and has taken a hard turn to the right. bush, & it appears McCain, forget that this country is split roughly 50/50 between conservatives and progressives. bush has ruled for 8 years as if he has had a substantial conservative majority. At one point I had hope that McCain would take a more humble approach and seek to govern for all Americans. Instead, with each decision he makes, and each policy position he changes, it is becoming increasingly clear that he intends to rule, just like the disasterous bush, only on behalf of the conservatives.
30 August 2008
at 10:51 p.m.
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kansas778 (Anonymous) says…
Scott, Bush won the election. That's how elections work, the losers don't get to tell the winners how to do the job. But since you advocate that, if Obama is elected with a 50.7% majority of the popular vote like Bush in 2004, he should put moderate justices in the Supreme Court like Kennedy, right?
30 August 2008
at 11:42 p.m.
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threemonkies (Anonymous) says…
I know it's late, but I thought I post this interesting trivia regarding the heritage of Obama.
If elected, he would be the first Arab-American President, not the first black President.
Barack Hussein Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother's side and 43.75% Arabic and 6.25% African Negro from his father's side. While Barack Hussein Obama's father was from Kenya, his father's family was mainly Arabs. Barack Hussein Obama's father was only 12.5% African Negro and 87.5% Arab (his father's birth certificate even states he's Arab, not African Negro). Did you get that … 6.25% African Negro?
I find it intriguing that he is wearing the African American mantel.
31 August 2008
at 12:27 a.m.
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verity (Anonymous) says…
Huh?
So the Arabs who live in Africa aren't African?
Not only are you completely off topic, if this is in fact true, I fail to see any significance in it. Seems like just another backdoor attempt to discredit Obama with meaningless “trivia”. Pathetic. His father was African, his mother American, therefore he is African American.
31 August 2008
at 12:52 a.m.
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threemonkies (Anonymous) says…
Verity, you are right. I was a little off topic.
But, as I read thru the posts I found references to Obama as African American or black. That usually refers to Negro. Maybe not for you, but for most. So, I thought the statistics were interesting.
Maybe I should have said that I find it intriguing that he is wearing the “black” mantel. I stand corrected.
31 August 2008
at 3:36 a.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
I just watched a debate of Palin - when she was running for governor of Alaska.
Biden might as well be debating Anne Coulter.
31 August 2008
at 6:16 a.m.
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invictus (Anonymous) says…
What about Hilary makes her makes her better than Palin. Is It her ability to remain in a loveless charade of a marriage in order to further her political career? Is this what represents feminism and women's power to you? How can some of you female posters have so much love for this power whore and so much animosity for Palin? Is it her rural routes? Her five children? Her REAL marriage? Doesn't feminism give women the right to have a big family and a political career? And even (gasp) the right to be pro life?
If you believe Hilary is so qualified why stand by a party that passed her over, not only for President but also VP? I would question the judgment of said party. Wouldn't you?
31 August 2008
at 6:27 a.m.
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invictus (Anonymous) says…
threemonkies
Don't get to technical or real African American's heads will explode. Not to mention many Africans have British or Dutch ancestry and are white. He is brown that is all that matters to them. Because that is the reason most of them fail in this society, their skin tone is simply darker than most. The only reason, period!
If they could read they could realize for themselves that he is Arab. They could also read what the Arabs think of the Sub-Saharan African race. And the crimes they have committed, which is not pretty. But as long as Jeremiah Wright does their thinking for them they will remain in blissful ignorance.
31 August 2008
at 8:14 a.m.
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Logan72 (Alia Ahmed) says…
Invictus,
Your bigotry towards Arabs is so apparent. So what if Obama has Arab heritage? You say the crimes they have commited have not been pretty. I haven't seen any crime that is particularly pretty. Such as the crimes committed by Timothy McVeigh, Hitler, Jeffrey Dahmer. Should be not vote for a candidate of caucasian descent? Of course, that argument is ridiculous. It seems like bigotry toward Arabs and/or Muslims is the one of the last socially acceptable biases of our time.
31 August 2008
at 8:33 a.m.
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powershopper (Anonymous) says…
Big Prune:
Barrack Obama in Congress: 143 days
Sarah Palin Governor of Alaska: 634 days+
Wrong. Obama was elected to the US Senate in 2004 and still is Senator Obama. Were you only counting the days that Senate was in session? Do you think a US Senator just plays golf and goes fishing when Congress is not in session? Prior to the US Senate Obama served in the Illinois state legislature from 1997 to 2004 and also has an undergrad from Columbia University and a JD from Harvard. He is also an expert on Consitutional law.
I can't even find history on Palin as it has been mysteriously scrubbed from the internet. What I have heard thus far is that she holds a degree in communication from a sub-par university, has been Governor of Alaska for 20 months, an election which she won under questionable circumstances, has already abused the power of her office (brother-in-law incident), and was the mayor of a town of 8,000 people before being elected to Governor.
BTW - for all of you who don't know. A degree in communications is typically what somebody gets when they don't want to work that hard to graduate from college. It is the degree most college athletes and slackers go for because it is so easy. I don't know that I can say the same about a Harvard JD.
31 August 2008
at 8:43 a.m.
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dandelion (Anonymous) says…
This was an interesting, thoughtful discussion, then the racists showed up. Obama is an American, just like McCain, Palin, Clinton, Biden, etc. Get over it and get back to the issues.
31 August 2008
at 9:53 a.m.
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verity (Anonymous) says…
threemonkies,
I generally try to stay civil, and I apologize for slamming you if you were only trying to make an interesting observation. But when someone uses Obama's middle name, it usually seems to mean they have an agenda to discredit him because of his name and that is just wrong. So sorry if I misjudged you.
dandelion, you are absolutely correct.
It has come up in a number of conversations I have had with people as to why Obama is considered black, when he is half caucasian. There was a time in the United States when a person was considered black when they were 1/32 black. It just shouldn't matter ! ! !
31 August 2008
at 9:59 a.m.
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overthemoon (Anonymous) says…
on the 80% favorable rating of gov. palin…alaska's TOTAL population is around 600,000. and its a very monochromatic state in terms of political attitiude. of course she has a high approval rating.. she's just like everyone else there.
there are no major metropolitan areas. there is little industry outside of natural resources (mining, oil, lumber, fish, etc.) so the economy is pretty simple. palin herself admits to little awareness of anything outside of alaska, including that iraq place or iran or russia or detroit or baltimore or miami or el paso or any other place where there are complicated and multi-layered problems and issues.
i think that after a stint in congress or on a cabinet post or other 'training ground' she could be a very strong force on the national/international scene. right now, I think she's just too green for the task of VP with an aging POTUS.
31 August 2008
at 10:46 a.m.
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kugrad (Anonymous) says…
Historically, the VP selection does little to help one win - it does occasionally hurt a candiate (e.g., Ross Perot), but I can't think of a single time it was the cause of victory.
Palin will only appeal to a base that would not support Obama anyway, so not much to report there.
Things voters should know about Palin that are facts and not opinions or rhetoric:
She supported Pat Buchannan in his last presidential campaign, which speaks to her judgement.
Although the Supreme Court has ruled that it is unconstitutional to teach creationism in the public schools, Ms. Palin believes creationism should be taught in our schools.
What that means is up to you to decide, but it is information worth knowing.
31 August 2008
at 11:59 a.m.
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threemonkies (Anonymous) says…
Dandelion,
You are correct … the discussion was thoughtful , , , until the name calling started.
But to respond, there is a difference in being racist and intellectually honest. It's all about ideology! I would vote for Michael Steele in a heartbeat!
31 August 2008
at 12:22 p.m.
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threemonkies (Anonymous) says…
Invictus,
Thanks for your comments.
I feel that if someone is trying to manipulate their representation, there is a problem with honesty right from the get-go. Why would you do that? My name is German. Despite Hitler and WWII, I am proud of my German heritage. (Dandelion - please don't start comparing me to Hitler)
Regarding Palin, we know where she stands. Like her actions or not, she's no shrinking violet. Obama voted present over 100 times in the short time he has been in the senate. Yet another way to distort your true agenda. If you believe it, why hide it? Palin's forthrightness will go a long way in gaining confidence in her.
31 August 2008
at 10:17 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
verity, thanks for the additional information on her approval rating.
scott3480, I appreciate a lot of what you are saying about McCain. I think it will be quite interesting to see where all of this heads (in terms of his VP pick). I am just interested to have the debates start. She might surprise us! I am trying to be open with all of the candidates at this point. If we ever get past Gustav and hurricane season so we can get on with the debates. I guess we needed a bit of a natural “nature” break.
overthemoon - appropriate explaination of why her ratiing is so high. I hadn't given your idea much thought but it makes sense that if the pool that surrounds you has the same swimmers in it, then it is less likely that you will drown or be singled out. I am surprised by her lack of education, youth, inexperience, but I like what I have seen about her.
Man, I get such differing opinions depending on which show I am watching (or which comment I am reading) that it makes it difficult indeed to sort out as truth!
31 August 2008
at 10:57 p.m.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
BTW, why is it an issue to people that McCain only met her one time? I only interview for a job one time when I get hired - what is the difference? He obviously can do all types of back ground checks on her, read about her on the internet, etc., etc., etc.
31 August 2008
at 11:26 p.m.
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scott3460 (Anonymous) says…
“BTW, why is it an issue to people that McCain only met her one time?”
Because, after the incompetence of one of our nation's worst Presidents, it should have been assumed that both Obama and McCain would place an emphasis on the competent performance of their duties. One of the duties involved in making a VP selection is making sure that there is nothing lurking in the person's background that can a. hurt you, and b. be harmful to the nation.
In continuing support of my theory that McCain made this call from the gut without doing much of any vetting, there is now the following:
Apparently one of Ms. Palin's political enemies in Alaska (which the more you read about it sounds like one big version of high school popularity fighting) is one Lynda Green. Ms. Green is Senate President and is also a cancer survivor and apparently overweight. Tapes are now beginning to float around the internet of an appearance Ms. Palin made on a morning “shock-jock” radio show, during which one of the jocks ridiculed Ms. Green's weight, called her a bitch (which elicited squeals and giggles from Ms. Palin) questined whether Green's kids “liked her,” and made several unfunny references to Ms. Green being a “cancer” on Alaska and needing to “go away.” Palin clearly enjoyed the viciious political attack.
Clearly inappropriate behavior for a VP candidate to be engaged in, but it is shocking to me that McCain apparently did not uncover this prior to his selection, or did uncover it and simply did not care.
31 August 2008
at 11:37 p.m.
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scott3460 (Anonymous) says…
And that's not all, Johnnie, there's more…..
Turns out that she's not just a village mayor, but a village mayor who almost got recalled in 1997. Seems she fired the police chief and library director for not supporting her during the mayoral election campaign. This led to a citizen group forming to pursue a recall & then eventually to litigation.
Remember the episode when Andy leaves Barney FIfe in charge of the town and all Hell breaks loose from Barney's abuse of what little power he had in Mayberry? Me thinks Ms. Palin has a little Barney in her.
2 September 2008
at 11:56 a.m.
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