My Palin video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quvBbcFDPI0

D0WNT0WN on August 31, 2008 at 2:39 AM

Liked it. Thanks. I’d almost rather lose with a McCain who picked Palin than win with a McCain who picked Lieberman or Ridge. Palin and Jindal and Steele are the real expressions of multi-ethnic nation that values individual character and integrity and not the quota-addled ‘diversity’ of the MSM-academia-Dem world.

The Pessimist-Pundits (let’s just call them the PP’s) have chosen a path that always guarantees themselves, not so much a never-wrong position, but rather, a “never-wrong-about-failure” position.

You see- if they predict a negative outcome that proves to be a positive outcome, then they will happily accept their faulty analysis (with caveats of course), and in the euphoria of a positive outcome, the victory-starved Conservative base will quickly forgive and FORGET.
And the PP’s will readily LET the base forget.

ON THE OTHER HAND.

If the PP’s are proven correct in their negative analysis- WELL THEN- carve it in stone!

And keep that stone handy for future reference. And don’t hesitate to haul it out frequently!

Simply put (for the PP’s):

Victory is always fleeting-

Failure is always permanent-

There are still the risk of the unknown. Disqualifying Gov Palin simply because we can not be certain of the outcome is overly cautious.

John McCain did what he was required to do; make a decision.
I want to help make that decision work.

rockhauler on August 31, 2008 at 2:06 AM

+1.
Those are constructive attitudes; I wish more people had them.

Exit question: What do you suppose the New Yorker’s trying to convey with its conspicuous phonetic spellings of her speech?

They are not her buddies; however, her speech patterns are not typical of pols (exceptions are allowed for the protected minority club which is translated by the MSM into the King’s English)

In particular: Yuh is a common form of ‘you’ but not heard a lot on Sunday Morning political round tables, so it does stand out. I noticed it.

The MSM obviously thinks they are putting her down. It won’t hurt her unless the public turned against her. Right now, they will not even notice the snub, they are so captivated.

Beauty has has privilege that cannot be dislodged except by age or indictment

Send_Me on August 31, 2008 at 12:53 AM

Thank you for a well reason reply.

You also confirmed that there is not one path to the Office of President but many, unlike the French who have institutionalized the education of government officials (the name escapes me).

The remark about Obama’s community organizing was intended to demonstrate that he has experience with only a few constituent groups unlike Gov. Palin who had to deal with all the factions and special interest groups in her state.

So I conclude that your primary concern is simply ‘time in grade’, and what better place to accumulate that experience than under the tutelage of the old master like John McCain?

In the worst case scenario, she will have the organization that McCain has assembled to back her up, should that become necessary.

There are still the risk of the unknown. Disqualifying Gov Palin simply because we can not be certain of the outcome is overly cautious.

John McCain did what he was required to do; make a decision.
I want to help make that decision work.

My day is done. I hope to engage you again, and thanks for your response. Good night.

The reason I think she will be strong for the ticket is simply DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW. She will be able to wax ANYONE in a debate on the issue of national energy independence. She knows better than anyone else on either ticket what all is involved to get energy out of the ground and down to where it needs to be used.

This election is going to be very much focused on energy. I know obama has to be saying, “dayum, I wanted to coast to the white house on my retreat and defeat stand in Iraq”. Once that issue was off the table, because of McCain’s input by the way, what is he left to run with? You can bet he came up with this lame change thing from a focus group.

I can’t wait for these debates. Pass the popcorn.

techno_barbarian on August 31, 2008 at 12:33 AM

Haha, thanks tech. I was starting to think I was going crazy here… I made a simple, relatively mild “McCain is old” joke, and a couple of guys I assume must be newbies start jumping all over me, calling me a troll, and one borderline wishing I don’t live to be old and die from AIDS. Weird, weird stuff. I had to go back and reread my own joke a few times to see if there was something in there that crossed a line that I didn’t realize or something, because I couldn’t understand the outrage.

Anyway, I appreciate ya backing me up here so I don’t think I’m losing my mind, haha.

And FYI guys, I’m borderline an extreme RightWinger. Obviously this means I disagree with McCain on things like immigration, global warming, etc. but if you’d been here longer you know that I’ve fought with others who are going to “stay home” on election day, to protest McCain’s candidacy (because he’s too liberal), using the argument that they’re essentially giving a vote to Obama. I will most definitely be voting for McCain no matter what, because I’m terrified what might happen to the country under Obama or any other modern day Democrat for that matter. And McCain infuriates me over his stand on the global warming hoax (something I’m glad he’s not bringing up a lot in the campaign), I was still going to vote for him, just not with any enthusiasm. Palin joining the ticket scored him some enthusiasm points with me.

I’d like to apologize for my earlier comment. I believe I misunderstood the point you were trying to make. To me, it sounded as if you were siding with the Democrats against Palin.

From my point of view, Palin was not the risky choice. Any other VP choice (that I was aware of), was much riskier.

In one announcement, McCain has completely turned the campaign upside down by energizing the conservative base. I can tell you as an absolute fact that I was not going to vote for McCain before Palin. Now, I am excited and will happily vote for the GOP this fall. I have already talked to many conservatives that feel exactly the same way.

I predict that if McCain didn’t listen to conservatives and find a way to energize the base, conservatives would have left and it would have been a complete disaster, with the party disintegrating over the next few decades… and I would have placed the blame on McCain and the moderates in the party.

To be clear, I still don’t trust McCain. But I believe that I can trust Palin, and will vote for the ticket, and hope that she has a positive effect on him and his policies.

rockhauler on August 30, 2008 at 11:30 PM
So where does one go to learn the job of Vice President, or President?

Some are trained in law, which gives the Constitutional law background. Many are retired military officers, which allows one to hone expertise in national defense, leadership, foreign policy, and organizational skills. Some have served in the military, which shows their willingness to fight for this country, put this country first, and results in an understanding of our service members, which also translates into greater respect from said service members when they are called to bring violence on our enemies. Some are governors or former governors (who have at least completed their terms), which provides the insight into the relationship of state vs. federal governments. Some are former CEOs who grew their own companies into major successes. Some are former heads and founders of great, successful philanthropist causes. Some are former diplomats, agency chiefs, or statesmen who’ve served in Congress with distinction. While there is no set career path by which one travels to become President, there are things a President (and Vice President) needs to know ahead of time, both learned from experience and from study.

Is it not true that the main requirement of that job is understanding human nature?

Partially. One must understand not only human nature but also how to win the trust, respect, and fear of others: trust of the American people and our allies; respect from all; fear from our enemies and potential enemies. The President must have a sound, well-rounded mind whose thinking is grounded in the Constitution and Christian ethics. His character must be impeccable, above any and all reproach. His patriotism should be beyond question, grounded in a life of service and sacrifice to the nation. His desire to become President should be from a sense of duty, not selfish ambition. Taking the oath of office should come with a solemn reluctance, not a joyful smile. His will should be one that is founded upon a desire to do right, maintain the nation’s security, build and properly employ our military strength, preserve liberty, and encourage prosperity. He must have proven leadership qualities, meaning that he knows how to: relate to and influence people; manage resources; maintain perspective no matter how great the magnitude of the situation; sift through the periphery, find the crux of the matter, and make a well-informed decision and stand by it.

Everyone knocks Obama’s community organizer experience but what better place to learn how to organize people than to do just exactly that?

If you feel he fills what you think are the qualities necessary for President, has the experience, and proven potential for leadership, then that’s your call.

What do you think is the job of the VP?

“The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.”
“If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President.”
“In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.”
Beyond this, the President has, historically, used the Vice President as a confidant and adviser. In recent history, he’s also been assigned special projects and an occasional diplomatic role. He also has his own budget.

Apparently ever site has a troll. – 1sttofight on August 30, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Several of them, in fact. Don’t mistake me for one of them.

ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 5:42 PM

Guys, I’ve enjoyed your comments here on HA, and welcome btw. But I’ve gotta step up and say that RightWinged is anything but a troll.

He, like me, has been here since before HA officially went live. Cut him some slack. It was a joke and he’s valued and respected here.

He’s definitely on our side. I’ve been covered up with massive amounts of work lately, and haven’t been able to post much. But RW is solid and someone has to speak up for him.

Like I said, welcome to HA and I look forward to reading more posts from you both.

“Will?” OJT is not the preferred method of learning the job of Vice President (or President for that matter.)

Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 11:19 PM

So where does one go to learn the job of Vice President, or President?

Is it not true that the main requirement of that job is understanding human nature? What makes people do what they do, and why they do it? Is that not the definition of politics?

Is there a school one has to attend to be educated in those things?

Everyone knocks Obama’s community organizer experience but what better place to learn how to organize people than to do just exactly that?

What do you think is the job of the VP?

Cold Steel on August 30, 2008 at 10:34 PM

Same here.

Its comments like these that make me think many of you complaining about Palin either had your feelings hurt because your guy wasn’t picked or simply haven’t opened your eyes to the real Gov. Palin.

False dichotomy. My issues lie with McCain, not Palin, so much at least.

her gender most likely played a small part in her being chosen

How are you able to quantify this by saying “small?” How did you come up with “small” versus “some” or “huge?”

learning of her real humble background

A person’s background says nothing about how effective they are as a statesman. How many respected, well-performing individuals have come from rich families? How about GEN Patton? Teddy Roosevelt? “Wild Bill” Donovan? I could go on. I look at their character and leadership credentials, not their economic background.

seeing what she did in Alaska from uncovering corruption to fighting against the real RINOs in Juno can you honestly point to another candidate and say they bring the same energy and real American values to the ticket?

Duncan Hunter, Bobby Jindal, Mark Sandford.

Palin is the every-man/woman, and not because she’s from a small town in Alaska and was a PTA mom, hockey mom, has five kids, etc.,

So why did you mention these ancillary things?

but because her record shows she sticks to her principles even when against the odds

Fair enough.

she IS the all-American girl, and many of us see in her what we see in our own wives, sisters and daughters.

I’m voting for a President and Vice-President, not a role-model for my kids and wife.

she has executive experience

Very, very little. Yes, more than Obama, but I also have more than Obama and I’m not ready. My toddler may be more prepared for kindergarten than a newborn, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready.

and best of all she is real change – conservative reform.

McCain drives policy, not Palin.

When I now vote in Novemeber I’m not going to do so with my fingers crossed praying these promises on the campaign trail weren’t just platitudes to gain my support

I must hand it to McCain: he certainly did figure out how to get the conservative vote back on his side.

when she says something I’m going to believe her.

What about McCain, the guy running for President? T

he same was true of GWB, a man of principle, and Americans love that kind of open honesty.

That doesn’t take away the fact that Bush isn’t that bright, especially in terms of military affairs, education reform, immigration… P

alin will prove she has the intellectual goods and has some time to get up to speed on foreign affairs

“Will?” OJT is not the preferred method of learning the job of Vice President (or President for that matter.)

she has a great teacher mentoring her

So, about that experience?

but above all else I can trust Palin to stick to her core conservative values and principles to guide her judgement on the issues. I can’t say the same for any of the others.
smfoushee on August 30, 2008 at 6:16 PM

So, do you apply this to McCain, the guy running for President, as well?

Because McCain has a history of knowing more about what’s best for us: immigration, McCain-Feingold, drilling ANWR, etc.

Cold Steel on August 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM

I haven’t forgotten any of that. Believe me. But amnesty is going to be a huge fight – gigantic – no matter who wins. There’s no way around that. For ANWR, Palin might force a change on McCain. Not by debate, but just because everyone knows that she’s for it and she’s close to McCain. It might rub off on him. The rest of McCain’s problems are what they are. They’ll have to be dealt with as they appear. But each and every one would probably also appear with a B Hussein administration, along with tons of other ones.

I understand your doubts about Palin. We haven’t really heard her yet, so we don’t know much about her – though we have some tidbits. But I’m willing to give McCain’s search committee the benefit of the doubt to begin (especially as I have been very impressed with this decision) and I will further refine my attitude as I hear Governor Palin speak.

progressoverpeace on August 30, 2008 at 11:00 PM

Because McCain has a history of knowing more about what’s best for us: immigration, McCain-Feingold, drilling ANWR, etc.

But is she able to explain, to grab another example, the McCain Administration’s approach to the Iranian nuclear program?

She may know (she probably does) the basics of such issues; but can she explain what the McCain Administration will do about them and can she defend those policies when they’re attacked?

Can anyone? I have yet to hear a single person explain how Iran is to be dealt with, except of course for the retards on the left who just want to give in to every Iranian demand. This is the point. You are asking for things of Palin that I don’t think anyone can satisfy. Heck, I don’t even know what McCain plans to do about Iran and I’m not very sure that McCain has even decided. I hope it’s the “Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran” but he has backtracked quite a bit from that sort of reaction.

Since she’s never had to do that, the question is up in the air.

And I’d have the same questions/doubt about Pawlenty.

You’d have the same questions, but the same doubt?

Not so for Romney et al. since they went through a campaign that tested him on these matters.

SteveMG on August 30, 2008 at 8:26 PM

So, tell me, then, what is Romney’s attitude about dealing with Iran? I’ve never heard him explain it.

I understand your doubts about Palin. We haven’t really heard her yet, so we don’t know much about her – though we have some tidbits. But I’m willing to give McCain’s search committee the benefit of the doubt to begin (especially as I have been very impressed with this decision) and I will further refine my attitude as I hear Governor Palin speak.

I pity the democrats.

William Amos on August 30, 2008 at 5:32 PM

Pal, you’re not the only one.

McCain’s been playing this game for too long to be making a gamble without a strategy. From what I’ve seen, Palin’s going to make Biden wet his pants, and shrink away. She’s also going to drive Obama nuts.

That’s where we introduce our own brand of hope. Even though I can’t stand Huck, he’s a known entity. Even though I love Romney and Thompson, they’re known entities. Taking a flier is a leap of faith.