Time: Why is everyone surprised by Palin pick?
posted at 8:52 am on August 30, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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John McCain has spent most of his career in the Senate as a reformer willing to buck his own party for change, and ran on that theme during the primaries. Time’s Michael Grunwald and Jay Newton-Small look at the options for McCain for running mates in staying true to that theme, and wonder why everyone seemed so shocked that he chose Sarah Palin to join his ticket. In retrospect, Palin was the only candidate who filled all of McCain’s needs and didn’t dilute his message:
John McCain needs to persuade swing voters that he’s willing to take on the Republican establishment. He needs to persuade conservatives that he isn’t squishy about social issues. And he needs to close the gender gap. When you think about it, the real surprise about Sarah Palin’s selection as his running mate is that it’s such a surprise.
Palin may be an obscure 44-year-old first-term governor and mother of five from tiny Wasilla, Alaska, but in many ways she reinforces John McCain’s narrative of a maverick conservative crusader. She’s risen to power by battling corruption in her own state’s Republican establishment, exposing misconduct by the state GOP chairman and challenging the incumbent GOP governor. She’s a committed Christian who’s pro-life in practice as well as in theory; she recently gave birth to a son that she knew would have Down Syndrome.
But Palin can help McCain through biography as well as resume. She’ll be the first woman on a Republican ticket, which the campaign is surely hoping will appeal to Hillary Clinton voters and help reduce Barack Obama’s advantage among women. She’s a fresh face to counteract Obama’s message of change, and she’s about as far outside the Beltway as you can get. A child of the middle class with a friendly face and big hair, she is so affable that she once won Miss Congeniality in a beauty pageant. Her son is about to deploy to Iraq. She’s an ice fisherman, a moose hunter, a small business owner and a lifetime NRA member. And she shelved her state’s pork-laden Bridge to Nowhere that McCain has ridiculed on the trail.
McCain had several options open to him in this choice, but none of them would have addressed all of the points that Palin does. Tim Pawlenty is a Washington outsider and an Everyman too, but fortunately Minnesota has not been plagued with official corruption, and Pawlenty has not had to crusade for massive reform. He has governed as an effective and strong center-right leader, but doesn’t have the dynamism of Palin. Mitt Romney, who would have been my first choice, has a proven track record in both private and public sectors of strong leadership, but his compromises as governor of Massachusetts already had people calling him a flip-flopper on key points like abortion. Also, Romney isn’t exactly an Everyman; although he is a Washington outsider, his wealth hardly gives the impression of one.
Palin is, in a way, Pawlenty with a ferocious record of reform. She went after her own party’s state chair and exposed his corruption at the Oil and Natural Gas Commission. Palin defied Ted Stevens and Don Young in refusing to accept the Bridge to Nowhere and told them that Alaska can build its own bridges. Otherwise, like Pawlenty, she enjoys and excels in sports, has a young family, and prior to entering the governor’s mansion lived in a solidly middle-class home. Palin is, as Pawlenty often points out, more Sam’s Club than country club.
For a candidate who wants to run on a platform of change and reform, Palin fills the prescription perfectly. Not only has she not spent more than three decades immersed in Washington politics, she already has a proven track record of attacking corruption wherever she finds it — even in her own party. As Time says, Palin provides everything McCain needs in a partner for his mission of reform.
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DaveC on August 30, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Rush et. al. pointed that out yesterday saying that there is no one who he can get to share his biography. Sarah’s book is “The Audacity of Git’er Done.” Getting things done does outshine hoping for change.
Cold Steel on August 30, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Why should anyone be shocked? It’s a very Maverick pick.
newton on August 30, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Were Obama to continue this line of “argument” (sic), it need only be pointed out that he is merely asking voters:
If you are told not to be feel comfortable voting for a ticket with an “inexperienced” Vice Presidential candidate, why on earth would you ever consider voting for the ticket with an inexperienced PRESIDENTIAL candidate?
(…not to mention that her executive experience trumps both Obi ‘n’ Joe’s combined…)
Lockstein13 on August 30, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Wonderful. And is that picture of Obama at the chalkboard from when he teached? If you can, do it. If you can’t, teach. Sorry to insult so many well qualified teachers that are more smart and capable that I could ever be, but this contextual insult is directed at Obama.
Palin got it done. No books to show for it. Obama wrote books about how wonderful he is.
wise_man on August 30, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I tend to think Cindy has probably done a lot to keep John on the reservation. I won’t fault him at all for that.
Cold Steel on August 30, 2008 at 10:08 AM
wise_man..
you would be happy to know I’m warming to him
picking Sarah! helped..
DaveC on August 30, 2008 at 10:09 AM
to hell with Fred!
it’s Sarah! from now on out.
DaveC on August 30, 2008 at 10:10 AM
It’s so funny to see watch Obama camp’s attempts to scare Mccain out of using Obambi’s inexperience against him. Palin should say something like this in her convention speech:
While Senator Obama voted for the Bridge against Nowhere, I vetoed it.
While Senator Obama takes money from the Oil company employees, I fought against the big oil companies.
While Senator Obama tosses out pork and favours to his buddies, I fought against corruption all my life.
While Senator Obama merely talks about post-partisanship, I took on the establishment in my own party and nominated many Democrats and Independents to high office.
While Senator Obama has merely run his campaign, I run the largest state in the country.
Senator Obama, do not try to shore up your experience while denying me mine.
promachus on August 30, 2008 at 10:11 AM
No, the more I look at Palin, the more I like her. This is not mere identity politics. The woman started in little government and worked her way up to big government, kicking ass and taking names the whole way. She’s not the typical lawyer who ached for the presidency since junior high. She’s tough, articulate, attractive and likeable. Has a nice midwestern-y accent and an attractive family. She can talk in front of a camera and think on her feet.
I’m one of those McCain haters that was still sitting on the fence as of Thursday. Today I’m CHUFFED, energized and ready to put my shoulder to the wheel.
S. Weasel on August 30, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I agree with you both. There’s a difference between choosing a candidate because you think that person is best for the country and choosing a candidate just to beat one’s opponent. Just because one may be better than the opponent does not necessarily imply Presidential worthiness.
Palin is inexperienced. Yes, she has more than Obama, which isn’t saying much, and, frankly, is irrelevant. Neither one of them have the experience needed.
Palin lacks any foreign policy accolades. To her own admission, she hasn’t given Iraq much thought beyond to support the President.
Palin has yet to outline her views on the role of government, methods and purpose of taxation, social security, education, immigration, the role of state vs. federal government, etc.
She lacks military experience. Yes, her son is in the Army and, as Governor, she had peacetime command authority of the Alaska National Guard. Having a child in the military is great, but does not add or take away from one’s resume. Every governor has command authority of their state’s national guard, but there are two limitations here: (a) doctrine, structure, training oversight, equipping, and funding of the National Guard falls under the National Guard Bureau (federal), not the governor, (b) would we consider Bill Clinton to have had military experience just because he was a governor? If we do, that’s fine, but we need to be consistent in our assessments.
Forgive my lack of zeal for Palin, but one also has to consider that with the above issues are also the baggage that McCain brings with him. He’s the same guy that he was two weeks ago.
Now, I ask, beyond the fact that McCain and Palin aren’t Obama, why should conservatives flock to them?
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Hope upon hope, Palin had been my pick all along and I know I’m far from being alone in these parts. The one reason, and the reason by far most salient to me also happens to be one I have not heard discussed much, here or else where, and that is the one concerning the future of conservatism and the Republican Party.
With the movement I believe, in winter, as with the death of Buckley and the deaths or retirements of so many other thinkers and pols, our wheel of fortune stands at the 6:00 position, now just past the worst hours of decline; it is time I believe for the emergence of new leaders. No doubt Alaska will miss her, should we prevail this autumn, as would have Louisiana, Jindal yet with this pick, McCain secures my vote and I believe, most other conservatives by assuaging the biggest danger his candidacy posed, as so aptly expressed, so many times by Rush, the consignment of conservatives to a political wilderness, and a return of the Republican Party to pre-Reagan, permanent loser, status-quo.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on August 30, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Oh, for crap’s sake. We came *this* close to having FOUR Senators in this race. Senators! Is there any more useless, self-reverential, know-nothing, arrogant empty-suited group of one hundred people anywhere in this country?
God, don’t ANY of you watch C-SPAN? Senators! Ignorant blowhards. This woman ran a commercial fishing business, a city council, a city, a state commission and, for at least a little while, a state. She beats any ten of those useless Foghorn Leghorns who’ve been sitting on useless committees all their useless lives.
S. Weasel on August 30, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Has anybody seen the crap Daily Kos has up. The guy who runs that blog should be sent to Gitmo. He’s a freak.
Rick007 on August 30, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Let me see now. How many days does Congress sit in session? Is it 90? Well a Gov. is at the job 365 so in one year she out does Odumby’s Exp. 2 fold.
She’s been in office 2 years? You do the math.
Will Bill Ayers be Odumbo’s pic for DOJ head???
Rick007 on August 30, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Exactly. Obama’s book is “The Ability to Blame Whitey”.
Conservative_SAHM on August 30, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Note to all:
Make sure that you read the John Fund article in the WSJ (Weekend Edition). Obama has some explaining to do, and it’s time that the media start holding his feet to the fire.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB122005063234084813.html
Palin stood up to corruption and defeated it. Remember Saddleback? McCain said he’d defeat evil; Obama said he’d confront it–and from there, I guess he’d suggest an encounter group.
Foreign policy certainly can’t be learned overnight, as we see from Obama. That’s why McCain heads this ticket. Add Lieberman as Secretary of State and we’re more than covered. Who’s Obama got lined up? Dr. Susan Rice?
I want Palin asking Obama why he didn’t have the guts to stick up to his pastor, Phleger, Ayers, Rezko, and the Daley political machine. Mrs. Accomplishment vs. Mr. Autobiography.
Somebody get Obama and Biden some Depends because they’re gonna need ‘em.
BuckeyeSam on August 30, 2008 at 10:28 AM
The fourth Ritch is alive and working. Only it goes by the name DNC today.
Rick007 on August 30, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Fourth Reich, Fifth column … it’s all the same.
wise_man on August 30, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Brilliant choice!
The successful, independently honest conservative female attraction aside for one moment, consider how many people in America there are with what the Democrats reference as a disability. There are strong personal reservations set aside precisely to protect one’s law abiding right to survive. The Obamants have already unleashed their blood suckers against a good and responsible woman and her legitimate child. What decent person will tolerate Obamants’ hatred?
With the opportunity to actually thrive via hard work and loyalty to conservative principles, Palin sets a magnificent standard as a beacon of hope not only for all Americans, or for women, but for every challenge.
I said of her from the onset, the Columbia Pictures logo befits Sarah Palin, and I second Mark Steyn’s assessment.
maverick muse on August 30, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Send me, I’d like to send you back to kos. She has much more experience than the person on the dems top spot, and she’s running for VP. McCain looks fine to me, he has come through a lot in his life, physically; his mom is in her 90s and unless that useless piece of an absent senator on your side intends to shoot him, she will learn fast, if she doesn’t know. Seems like she knows a lot more than he does already.
S Weasel – good for you. I AGREE WITH YOU! I’M SO TIRED OF THIS SELF AGGRANDIZING EMPTY SUIT THAT I CAN HARDLY STAND TO HEAR HIS NAME ANY MORE. Two books – about what exactly. His life experience, sitting listening to “hate America”? His association with ayers who still hates Amerikka? His association with rezko? The way he got his house? Punishment for having 2 little girls. His father that left him at 2? His wonderful white grandmother, who is a typical white person?
And I’m just getting started.
Bambi on August 30, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Tell us what you really think!
/no argument there, however
Bob's Kid on August 30, 2008 at 10:41 AM
One of my big issues is corruption and waste in government, regardless of party. How about you? Got a list of candidates with a better track record in that regard?
a capella on August 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
On a side note: look at how well we’re supporting “our friends” (to use McCain’s terminology) in South Ossetia. One down, two to go for Russia. First, South Ossetia, then Abkhazia, followed closely by Georgia.
McCain is merely more of the same (considering the Bolshevik Revolution, Korean War, Berlin Wall, Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Iranian Revolution, Afghanistan 1, Persian Gulf War, Somalia…) Talk a big game, alienate our allies and dissidents under tyrannical governments, and wonder later why they don’t like us. Unbelievable.
(Keep fighting, Georgia. Please remember that not all Americans are half-witted blowhards.)
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Maybe reading something posted 7 minutes earlier was not something in your union contract, or too much work down in mommy’s basement…so I’ll make it really E-A-S-Y for you:
from 10:06 – “Since you are telling us not to be feel comfortable voting for a ticket with an “inexperienced” Vice Presidential candidate, why on earth would you ever consider voting for the ticket with an inexperienced PRESIDENTIAL candidate?“
Lockstein13 on August 30, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Why is everyone surprised? Because John McCain has a long history of shooting himself (and conservatives) in the foot.
How were we to know he would knock one out of the park?
drunkenmaster on August 30, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
HEY! This is a great game idea…LEMME TRY:
Obama is just more of the same!
Marx
Lenin
Stalin
Hitler
Unpleasant Body Odor
…well…gee…it’s only my first stab at playing “STUPIDITY.”
Lockstein13 on August 30, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Thanks for posting that here for about the 50th time in the last 12 hours. We’re on to your games. It isn’t going to work. You can go back to your hole at Daily Kos now.
rockmom on August 30, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Daily Kos? I have probably been commenting on Hot Air longer then you have. I am an Imus Fan, hit my sign on. I am the farthest thing from a Daily Kos inhabitant…I guess you all don’t remember what the Kos did to Imus.
I am not going to “play pretend” that they the Kos, and their likes, are not going to get ugly with their attacks on Sarah Palin, forewarned is forearmed.
I posted this link ONCE on this thread, to show everyone what is going on in the left blog sphere.
Dr Evil on August 30, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Subtitled: Why I Hate My Mother
Hence, why Obama hates all white women, particularly those who are loyal to spouse and children regardless of perceived popular disadvantage, mental or physical disability, or racial heritage.
Barack and Michelle wouldn’t touch Hillary with a 10 foot poll. They sucked up to Caroline Kennedy because she’s the global interest US envoy sent to play Mother Mary for Barry in America. We’ll see just how long Michelle will keep her fangs hidden under wraps.
The Republicans defeated Slavery.
The Republicans defeated the KKK.
The Republicans produced Civil Rights.
The Republicans provided the votes to enact Civil Rights.
MLK was a Republican, assassinated by Democrats who eat their own as well. JFK and RFK stand as witnesses before God not only of the long arm of their own family’s organized crime, but of their own participation in corrupting the US federal government, leaving America’s missile defense system vulnerable to the USSR (removal of our missiles in Turkey, losing our footing in the Middle East as well) and Marxism at home.
It’s Obama that motivates, accommodates and accomplishes such bloody deeds as assassinations, character vs. Palin now, mortal vs. Biden down the road.
Hold BHO and the DNC absolutely accountable for every falsehood! They are drowning in their own bloody illegitimacy and will take down anyone within grasp.
maverick muse on August 30, 2008 at 10:55 AM
In case it has escaped your keen eye, McCain is not CinC. Not until next January.
He has made his support for the Georgians clear — as Osama Obama and Jorge Bush did not — and I believe he will be a man of his word — as Osama Obama and Jorge Bush are not.
Only a “half-witted blowhard” would blame McCain for what he cannot (as of now) do.
MrScribbler on August 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Then he’d appoint a committee to hold hearings to determine how much money we should pay it to compensate it for past injustices done to it by the U.S.
AZCoyote on August 30, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Now, I ask, beyond the fact that McCain and Palin aren’t Obama, why should conservatives flock to them?
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 10:13 AM
You answered your own guestion
Rick007 on August 30, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I agree. Although I didn’t really see it that clearly until I saw them seeting up in Denver for their Nuremberg Rally. Their mentor couldn’t have orchestrated it much better.
Shay on August 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
ad hom•i•nem (hŏm’ə-něm’, -nəm) adj. Appealing to personal considerations rather than to logic or reason
This is a form of the “two wrongs make a right” fallacy. If the Presidency requires a certain amount of experience (or any quality), and neither candidate has it, then neither is qualified, regardless of whether one candidate happens to have more than the other. Just because Obama has little experience, Palin isn’t, by default, qualified just because she has more experience than Obama.
So, because he’s endured a lot physically, he looks “fine” to you? Again, what bearing does this have on being qualified as a Presidential candidate? This says nothing of his leadership credentials, character or political philosophy.
And? What does his mother’s age have to do with anything?
I’m not an Obama apologist, but I digress.
So, if I understand what you’re saying, Palin’s inexperience isn’t a problem because she’ll pick up whatever she needs through OJT? Wow, maybe next week I’ll be a general. “Experience and credentials be damned: All we need is a little on-the-job-training.” Nice.
My toddler knows more than a newborn, but that doesn’t mean he should be President. Just because popsicle sticks are stronger than styrofoam doesn’t mean I’m willing to build a house out of them.
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Fred’s your AG and Mitt can be chief of staff. I have had a bromance with Fred since he filed for the presidency, but Sarah is much easier of the eyes than he and she’s every bit as conservative.
Mojave Mark on August 30, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Cold Steel, as someone who was aflame over Miers, may I respectfully remind you that our objection to her SCOTUS nomination was ideology and qualifications — not gender. Your argument would be accurate if McCain had nominated Kay Bailey Hutchison and conservatives had reacted with this much enthusiasm.
Palin has the right ideology and qualifications. Personally, I think Fred Thompson was the best person for the Veep job, but Sarah has been my second choice for many months. Her appeal to women is just the cherry on top.
Terrie on August 30, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Interesting article in the WSJ.
Obama, a Harvard-trained lawyer, doesn’t “understand a lot about house buying” — but believes the rest of us should feel perfectly comfortable with him presiding over the entire U.S. economy.
Great. Just great.
AZCoyote on August 30, 2008 at 11:14 AM
LMAO! Barry and Joe arrive in Pennsylvania. Joe sticks his head out of the bus and yells “I’m Joe Biden and I’m from Scranton!”.
No Joe, your the Senator from DELAWARE. Or did you forget?
GarandFan on August 30, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Wow, aim high. So, as long as the Republicans field a candidate, you’ll vote for him/her? And we wonder why we keep getting candidates like the Bush’s and McCain? And we talk of our “conservative” principles? Seems to me that the only principle here is “Vote Republican, no matter what.”
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 11:22 AM
So, send me, what’s the alternative? A less experienced empty suit for president?
Tell us!
Bambi on August 30, 2008 at 11:31 AM
“After long delays, Mr. Obama sat with the editorial boards of the Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune in March to answer their questions about his connection to Rezko. He had no recollection of ever meeting Mr. Auchi. He also said he didn’t understand a lot about house buying, and gave vague answers to other questions. Since then, he has avoided any further discussion of the Rezko matter.”
Hmmm and I thought the idiot was a lawyer?
And Hitler told Stalin they were on the same side.
Rick007 on August 30, 2008 at 11:33 AM
There’s nothing disingenuous and hypocritical about our collective legs going all Chris Matthews over the new GOP ticket. Last time I checked, I was not an MSM journalist pretending I’m objective. Therein is the rub.
Hey, you Dems are excited about your VP. We’re ecstatic about ours. bwaaahaaahaaa
hoosiermama on August 30, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Wow…..even TIME admits McCain is the real agent of change, as opposed to HopeyMcChangeitude
Trump on August 30, 2008 at 11:39 AM
I’ll give McCain hugh props for a wisened, near brilliant choice of Sarah Palin for his VP and completely flipping the present game of political gamesmanship on its head and energizing the RNC and its conservative base in a way I haven’t seen or felt since Reagan.
Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech was brief, unscripted, non-telepromtered and came off very naturally. Her ease within her own skin and in front of cameras is the complete anttithesis to Barack’s and the DNC’s staged elitist arrogance.
Palin’s giving kudos to Ferraro and Hillary is going to garner a lot of votes and $$$ from the women Obama and the DNC has been ignoring. The DNC has just bought themselves a whole boatload of trouble!
Pass the popcorn!
Jack.
Jack Deth on August 30, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I think that many of us have been focused on the identity politics meltdown in the other party for so long that we’re having difficulty seeing McCain’s selection of Palin without applying that filter.
Palin was not the only woman that McCain could have picked. There was quite a bit of noise about KB Hutchinson toward the end there, and I don’t recall any mass of folks rallying to that standard. There are other Republican women who men find attractive. There wasn’t much enthusiasm floating around the conservosphere for any of them. So why has this pick energized and electrified the party so suddenly?
If McCain had picked Hillary Clinton, would it have had the same effect? If he’s picked any of the half-dozen other female politicians that have been briefly mentioned in the last two months, would it have had the same effect? I believe it would not. None of them produced any energy or attracted any base within the right-of-center blogs. Where they not attractive enough? Perhaps in some cases, but in others they were quite attractive.
So we’ve established that Palin’s gender and her attractiveness were not sufficient, in an of themselves, to excite the positive reaction that we’ve witnessed from the likes of us. Might it be that her strong conservatism, her outsider credentials, her authenticity, her credibility, her principled rebelliousness and her demonstrated humanity were the key?
I submit that it is. Her gender doesn’t hurt. Her attractiveness doesn’t hurt. But without the obvious and evident character choices and behaviors that she has demonstrated, in other words, without the aspects of her that she has chosen, rather than been born with, she would have been a non-starter.
That means that, for most of us, identity politics were not the dominant factor in our enthusiasm for her candidacy. It also means that, for those of you still struggling to overcome that concept, it is not because of the candidate herself, but because of the perspective you have.
The problem with staring into the abyss is that the abyss stares back. You have been looking into the chaos and entropy that is the Democrats’ internal struggle with identity trumping substance for too long–substituting that artificial logic for normal logic to the extent that it’s beginning to impact what you see. Time to toss that aside and start thinking like a mammal again. We’ve all gone through this, so don’t feel bad.
Immolate on August 30, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I’m well-aware of who my Commander in Chief is, thanks. Maybe McCain should remember this when he gives speeches pledging American support to Georgia.
So, even though he is not in a position to give it, McCain promises American support and aid? This is woefully naive of his role as a Senator, that is, not getting involved in foreign policy matters. The Logan Act is specific on this point. Either this, or he’s being an opportunistic politician in the sense that without having to sacrifice anything of himself, he’ll make promises to others, praise the sacrifices of others, and say, “yeah, we’re with you, guys.” Given the fact that I’ve had to fight the same people whom we’ve alienated before, I have a vested interest in knowing whether or not we’ve alienated another group of people. I doubt the Georgians are sitting around saying, “wow, thanks, John McCain. We hope you’ll help us in January. We love you. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.” No, they’re saying, “yeah, thanks buddy. How about some weapons? How about some aircraft and troops?” In 10 years they’ll be saying, “We hate you Americans” either because they’ve always hated us or because we reneged on our promise to help. McCain is a paper tiger.
Irrelevant, but thanks for the information.
That’s comforting… I guess. I’m trying to recall, but why do some call him “Juan McCain?” Seems that he’s given his word to others as well.
Ok?
But a person who pays attention to history would see the problems of making promises that aren’t kept, whether by institutional regulations (not having the ability to impact foreign policy or military matters due to his current position) or failure on his own (failure to act when/if he is elected). Either way, in the eyes of the Georgians, this is another broken American promise.
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Well… let’s not get ahead of ourselves now. I’m thinking that, just maybe, the Dems are feeling a bit of buyer’s remorse with Obama’s pick right about now.
Immolate on August 30, 2008 at 11:52 AM
The center-right regulars here at Hot Air and elsewhere in the blogosphere already knew about Sarah Palin. She was on our short list for months. But I wrote here earlier this week that I didn’t expect McCain to select her because, quite simply, he didn’t know her very well. McCain’s style of politics is extremely personal and quirky — he wanted Lieberman because Joe is the most Maverick-y Veep selection he could trust. That’s why we were so pleasantly surprised by Palin’s emergence yesterday.
The Obama left, including the MSM, is surprised because of their bias and condescension toward the “flyover country” values that Sarah Palin personifies. They thought Mr. Washington Establishment, Joe Biden, was a smart choice and Palin is a provincial, parochial choice.
Middle class middle America didn’t leave Reagan conservatism. The GOP leadership in Washington deserted it with big spending and little communication. Palin may be able to connect with heartland voters as no Republican has done since Reagan.
Sarah Palin worked her way up from the PTA to City Council, from Mayor to Governor. She attacked corruption in her own party and state government, resulting in incredibly high approval ratings. No matter what community you come from, that takes very specialized skills. The Obama campaign underestimates her at their own peril.
Terrie on August 30, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Any other conservative woman in the GOP could have been fodder for the left. Palin can only stay in the line of fire for a short time. Not that much they can dig up. After all they only have 66 days.
KB. didn’t they bring up crap on her before?
Condi? Theyve been after her since Bush appointed her.
All the other females from TX are under the gun still.
Rick007 on August 30, 2008 at 12:11 PM
So glad you asked. As time has passed, the Republicans and Democrats have come closer and closer in terms of policy stances, especially when not only dealing with words, but also with deeds. What have the Republicans done to fix our nation’s energy policies in the last 35 years? What has either party done to fix welfare’s woes? What about Medicare/Medicaid? What about the deficit? What about illegal immigration? What about our failing public education system? I hear a great deal of talking, but haven’t seen a lot of positive action in the past 20 years in any area that requires vision beyond their term of office. If you vote for either Obama or McCain, you will get more of the same.
What is scarier than an Obama presidency? Suffering 4 years of McCain (with a Democratic Congress), then, because of his inevitable failings due to having virtually the same platform as the Democrats, the Republicans losing even more seats in the Congress in 2010 and 2012, and losing the White House to Obama (or possibly Clinton). That scares me more than having Obama in the White House for 4 years, which will do nothing but mobilize conservatives in ways we haven’t seen in decades.
My solution: Rather than perpetuate this failing view of “voting for the lesser of two evils,” I’m going to vote for something better and hope others do the same. What does this mean? In the terms of Joseph Farah: vote “none of the above.” Pick your candidate, whomever it is; but base your choice on principle. I plan on voting for either Duncan Hunter or Fred Thompson (unless I find someone better.)It’s time for the RNC to stop assuming we’ll vote for just anybody they throw at us. I’m also going to do what I can to make sure that a conservative gets elected to Congress from my State/district (such as Steve Sauerberg over Dick Durbin.)
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I agree completely.
Governor Palin is a solid conservative in the ideological mold of Ronald Reagan; small government, less taxation, personal freedom and responsibility, and a syrong defense. She is an excellent complement to Mav this year, especially because of her no-pork, reform oriented, bona fides.
While O! and Joe can palaver on about “change”, they are both jaded, corrupt, consummate insiders!; Joey B has been in the senate since “Watergate” , and Obama is aveteran of the Chicago school of “Okey-Doke” politics… And. neither have defyed the will of their party, and indeed have voted the party line on over 95% of the issues, regardless of the nations greater interests and all the talk about post-partisanship–IT’S ALL JUST TALK !!
Both Mav and Saracuda have a much different story to tell; regardless of how “nuanced” ones view of the democrat candidates voting records, it is incomperable to the GOPers. In addition, Gov Palin has a record of appointing officials from all sides of the political spectrum to positions of authority in her state government; the same way Mav has alluded to what he would do with his cabinet…
Both Mav and Palin would bring a git-er-done attitude to the ossified halls of government in DC…
Now that’s change we can believe in !!!
RocketmanBob on August 30, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Thank you for your insight. In one pick McCain goes from Juan McCrankypants on this website to John the Revelator. I don’t buy into John McCain and I don’t see what Palin does to mitigate. I’m with you on this. I love it when people use emotional expediency to attack principle.
Cold Steel on August 30, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Your reasoning is good, but you overlook an important fact. The fact is that, barring any unfortunate accidents, one of two men will be the next POTUS, Barack Obama or John McCain.
Given that inescapable fact, it is far preferable it be Mr. McCain. For all his flaws, and one doesn’t have to be a conservative to see them, he is lightyears ahead of Obama in every relevant respect.
The principle involved isn’t even “lesser of two evils.” It is such things as: do you want an inconsistent, middle of the road advocate for freedom or a person who is consistently opposed to it? Which will provide the most time and breathing space for better ideas to influence the future?
JDPerren on August 30, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Well, send me, good luck. Good luck with supreme court appointments. Good luck with high taxes. Good luck expecting people who will feed at the troth to ever come back to conservative values.
Yes, I’m not happy with the repub congress, but good heavens, nanci and dingy harry? You think we’ll ever get them out of office. If the messiah gives the vote to the illegals, just kiss this country good by. It’s funny, the Californians leave their state because they don’t like what it has become and then they turn every state they go to exactly the same. I fear we will never get the country back and this is our only hope and we have to hold mccain’s feet and hands and butt to the fire every day he is in office. If we have to do what Glenn Beck says and turn up at the capital with pitch forks.
I said I would never vote for McCain, but the more I hear about obama, the more afraid I am not to.
Where exactly did obama come from? Who is funding him? Why haven’t we read all about his dealing with ayers? What about rezko? Chicago politics? Good SH%$%! Ok, I don’t swear, but I can’t believe what you want to do. I love Mitt and believe he would’ve been the best, but there are people who would rather string him up on a cross because of their bigotry. No one you vote for is going to make it through. I agree I want all to work for a great conservative legislature. I hope the repubs have learned their lesson. But I would rather have Sarah holding McCain’s feet to the fire.
Just look at who will be camping in the White House with obama and then see who will be there with the maverick. There is no comparison!
Bambi on August 30, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I printed a McCain/Palin sign and stuck it inside the back window of my car I’m so excited about Palin, but Governor Mark Sanford in South Carolina has taken on the Republican establishment down there and won numerous battles. Not whining at all. Just sayin’.
SouthernGent on August 30, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Palin is an outsider with character and a proven record. McCain is the original maverick.
Obama and Biden are there to keep Washington business as usual.
indythinker on August 30, 2008 at 1:04 PM
I’m not getting this reaction to Palin’s experience. This is the kind of politician that (most) conservatives have been saying they want, for years. A citizen that decided to serve in response to local corruption, who was able to shine the light on the shady activities of entrenched pols, precisely because she hasn’t spent a lifetime posturing and positioning for the gravy train.
Remember the model the founding fathers intended? Political office as a service – even sacrifice – that responsible citizens would take on out of a sense of duty to their country.
Do we now prefer the resume of the career politician? The ones who rise through their party by scratching the right backs and aligning themselves with patrons like Emil Jones, fixers like Tony Rezko, and behind-the-scenes schemers like Bill Ayers?
Certainly Palin could have piled more experience on her résumé if she’d chosen to enter Alaskan politics by working the system that existed there. I’m sure that people like Ted Stevens would have been thrilled to have a protégé with Palin’s abilities and energy. She might have served as another solid brick in the wall of Alaskan politics as usual, supporting the structure into the next generation. There is no doubt that she could have added some much tastier bits to her portfolio by playing the game. Had she courted that kind of support, her bid for lieutenant governor in 2002 would no doubt have been successful, but, had it not, then certainly she could have had Frank Murkowski’s senate seat as the consolation prize for being a “team player”.
Palin’s greatest strength isn’t that she’s a token female – and if that’s how McCain tries to position his choice, he’s a damn fool. Palin’s strength is that she’s the anti-Obama. The one who took the tougher road because it was the right road. The one who fought corruption instead of using it to her advantage. The one who serves because she’s needed, not because she aspires to power. The one who focussed on the job at hand rather than positioning herself for the next election. She hasn’t spent the last 2 years opining on foreign policy or garnering photo ops with “friends” in high places because she’s been doing the job she was elected to do. I have no doubt that, should we elect her, she’ll focus just as diligently on that job, and continue to add achievements to her résumé, rather than job titles.
ral514 on August 30, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Haha, indy,
McCain has been in Washington for 30 years.
Geez, you guys are gullible.
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Remember Breyer and Ginsburg? Yeah, McCain voted for their confirmation.
Because McCain isn’t all about baling out deadbeats and failing banks, right? Because he’s not also a Global Warming apologist?
You just summed it all up here in this one sentence. You don’t recall the reaction people had after Carter? Are you actually saying that people who live under socialism will never want to come to conservative principles? I don’t recall there being a huge influx of immigrants to Cuba, China, and Russia.
Won’t happen. Becoming President won’t give him this authority, not to mention the fact that the Democrats don’t have the majority needed to make this possible.
This is not funny. It’s sad, pathetic and cowardly. If you don’t like the status of your local, state, or federal government, don’t just leave: get involved. Don’t just vote
“present”Republican.Funny thing about hopelessness: it breeds nothing but hopelessness in one’s self and others, regardless of outcome.
If your hope is in McCain, then prepare for disappointment now.
Good luck. He’s a one-term president.
So, you’re sacrificing principle for…?
I’m voting for principle, not expediency, trying to delay the inevitable. I’m merely trying to send a message to the RNC: I’m not a sheep carrying an elephant branding.
To quote a great conservative thinker: “If history teaches anything, it teaches self-delusion in the face of unpleasant facts is folly.”
She’s little more than the “backup quarterback” in case McCain becomes incapacitated.
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 2:00 PM
McCain and Palin are both Teddy Roosevelt Republicans? Remember him? He is one of the men on Mount Rushmore.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 2:03 PM
alphie:
No one said McCain had not been in Washington for 3 decades, but he spent a lot of that time talking about reform. Biden on the other hand took $5 million in 3 years and is second on a ticket with a man who swears there will be no lobbyist money in his party. Gee, folks like you are gullible.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Send_Me:
So you prefer to lose? Is that your idea of principle?
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 2:06 PM
You know Send_Me Duncan Hunter and Fred Thompson failed because they were bad candidates, not because of a lack of principles on anyone’s part.
Terrye on August 30, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Honestly, I’ve never seen so much excitement over a VP pick in my life.
This is Great News for America!
Infinite More Years!!!!!
Go USA!!
FugginBastid on August 30, 2008 at 2:20 PM
They weren’t bad candidates. They didn’t get enough votes. If they made the primaries more equitable (and there were some excellent ideas on how to do that right here) – so that so many of us wouldn’t have been shut out after Super Tuesday, McCain *might* not have been the nominee.
But he is, and a lot of people aren’t happy about voting for him just to keep the marxist out. Doesn’t stop most of us from doing it but we don’t have to like it or tell ourselves the other candidates were bad. As someone said earlier, having Palin on the ticket makes it easier. She has the next four years to get up to speed; everything I learn about her tells me she’ll be better than the person who was my first choice this time.
sloopy on August 30, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Not at all. I’m voting for a winner in terms of sound philosophy. I’m not, however, voting for the winner of meaningless polls.
My question to you is this: besides the illegal aliens, folks getting corporate and housing bailouts, and “Green Energy” businesses, who wins with a McCain presidency? Don’t look at only the short-term, but the long-term as well.
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 2:50 PM
I’d love to know what makes a good candidate in your eyes.
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 2:55 PM
Yes, John McCain has been in Congress a long time.
So why was he never voted Majority Leader? Why was he never given the chairmanship of a plum committee like Armed Services or Foreign Relations, for which he was eminently qualified, and shunted off to Indian Affairs and Commerce?
Because he pissed off the leadership. (That means Trent Lott and Bill Frist, for those of you playing at home.) He wouldn’t play ball. He wouldn’t support pork-filled spending bills. He wanted to work with Democrats on important legislation. And most of all because the Bush people wanted him dead politically after the 2000 campaign. They suspected he might actually challenge Bush in 2004 and they made sure he didn’t get a serious platform in the Senate to do it. A lesser man might have given up, retired, or worse – decided to play ball to get the plum job. McCain didn’t. Instead, he used his Chairmanship at Indian Affairs to expose Jack Abramoff and bring down one of the sleaziest operators in history, who brought an important Republican congressman down with him.
He ought to be given the White House by acclamation for this record, not derided for it.
rockmom on August 30, 2008 at 2:58 PM
Terrye,
We can’t all marry rich like Gigolo Johnny.
But, even with all his wife’s money to pamper him, McCain still got in bigger financial scams than Biden…what does that say about him?
alphie on August 30, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Here is what I’ve learned about McCain.
McCain is not stupid.
McCain is not afraid.
mad saint jack on August 30, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Gotta love that bipartisan McCain-Feingold assault on free speech and bipartisan McCain-Kennedy amnesty bill. I don’t want him to “work with the other side.” I want him to fight hard and communicate how conservative ideas are better than liberal ideas. Why compromise if your idea is better? That is a sign of weakness.
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 3:23 PM
That’s it in a nutshell.
And re: Palin won’t play with feminist women…
… that’s not the set of Hillary voters she’s supposed to sway. It’s the blue collar workers who, in Obama’s infamous turn of phrase, cling to their guns or religion. Exactly the voters that Biden was supposed to bring in for Obama in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
ClintACK on August 30, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Fixed it for ye.
An t-Oibriche Criosdail on August 30, 2008 at 3:57 PM
As impressed with yourself as you appear to be, I would think you have no choice other than to vote for yourself.
coldshot on August 30, 2008 at 4:48 PM
I think we’re surprised because it was something that the Conservative Leaders wanted. McCain is not accustomed to taking action that the Conservatives like. We’re not accustomed to McCain doing something that we approve of.
Snake307 on August 30, 2008 at 4:53 PM
That’s a reason right there to avoid them like the plague. I prefer traditionalists, not progressives. Huck/McCain….and now you posit Palin…no thank you.
Cold Steel on August 30, 2008 at 4:56 PM
So, rather than respond to my points of argument, you decide to attack something else: namely, me. Brilliant.
ad hom•i•nem (hŏm’ə-něm’, -nəm) adj. Appealing to personal considerations rather than to logic or reason
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 5:34 PM
This was an observation not an attack. Get over yourself.
coldshot on August 30, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Please, read it this time:
ad hom•i•nem (hŏm’ə-něm’, -nəm) adj. Appealing to personal considerations rather than to logic or reason
To further spell this out:
1. You claim I am “impressed with myself.” This has what to do with anything I’ve said on here?
2. “This was an observation not an attack.” Based upon what? Arguments are composed of premises and conclusions, not just conclusions. I could just as easily say, “well, you’re dumb. This is just an observation, not an attack.” What’s the difference? I cannot say whether or not you are “dumb.” I can only comment on the content of what you’ve written, not on your entire being. Just the same, if you think a statement or message of mine is arrogant, then you need to point that out. You have no grounds to judge me as being “impressed with myself.”
3. “Get over yourself.” Again, what does this statement have to do with the matter at hand? This, by definition, is a fallacy of relevance, specifically, an ad hominem fallacy.
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 6:07 PM
“This has what to do with anything I’ve said on here?”
it has to do with the FACT that your posts here reveal you are a self-centered blowhard …
/duh!
:-)
Buckaroo on August 30, 2008 at 7:40 PM
homi•ny (häm´ə nē) n. It’s what grits are made of
coldshot on August 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
But the question McCain has yet to answer is reform of what. We already know what his reforms schemes are vis-a-vis the Constitution and illegal aliens. Does he want a partner or a useful stooge to get the social conservatives onboard long enough for McCain to go back to hating Republicans and sucking up to Democrats.
BTW, it technically isn’t sucking up if you mean it and McCain is no conservative Republican. His real choice was obviously Joe Lieberman. Is Palin a real nominee or a political campaign gimmick (or a little bit of both)?
highhopes on August 30, 2008 at 9:27 PM
*laughs* :)
Send_Me on August 30, 2008 at 10:43 PM
If McCain really believed in “Country First” as his new signage suggests, why would he pick a neophyte with zero foreign policy experience and lots of incuriosity when it comes to domestic issues (climate change, science education, gay rights, etc).
I understand the pick was red meat to the base, but it seems McCain decided to put politics before country.
philnewkirk on August 30, 2008 at 10:47 PM
The surpise is that McCain actually selected someone the base likes. The $7 mil in donations since her selection should be a wake up call to the Republican leadership. Conservatives don’t care which party the candidate is with they just want an actual conservative to vote for.
Browncoatone on August 30, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Losing the election won’t do the country any good either.
Browncoatone on August 30, 2008 at 11:03 PM
In other words, you will be fellating yourself on election day. Yes?
ManlyRash on August 30, 2008 at 11:16 PM
It will, but I’m an Obamacan. :D
philnewkirk on August 30, 2008 at 11:37 PM
….because Time is written by douchebags?
( the list goes on, spiraling downwards )
I’m not surprised: I predicted it, or at least asked for her on the ticket and explained why on this blog. I would have settled for Pawlenty or Romeny ( and will always have Rudy G. in my heart ), but Palin is…………cool
Janos Hunyadi on August 31, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Now there’s an intelligent response…
Send_Me on August 31, 2008 at 12:59 AM
My Palin video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quvBbcFDPI0
D0WNT0WN on August 31, 2008 at 2:38 AM
“Change you can count on.”
That might be another interesting meme to float about Palin.
{^_^}
herself on August 31, 2008 at 4:35 AM
I’d hoped and hoped, but given McCain, dared not believe he’d actually choose her. This cements my support for him and I’m giving the GOP $ for the first time in years.
Halley on August 31, 2008 at 6:08 AM
International Herald Tribune
tmitsss on August 31, 2008 at 11:40 AM
John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate was a bold and risky move, which may yet backfire on him as the Alaska Governor moves into the national spotlight. It does however, signal one encouraging development if the party is, in fact, beginning to turn to a younger cadre of up and coming conservative figures.
Palin seems on the surface to fit that bill. She is, of course, young, attractive and charismatic. She is conservative (pro-life, pro-gun) She also shot down that infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” that was propagated by old-time Republican hacks, Ted Stevens and Don Young (the former under indictment, the latter under investigation). She is also considered a reformer resisting the questionable practices of people within in her own party like the above two. Now, we will see and learn all we need to make a judgement of her on the national level. Whether she is ready for the VP slot or not, she represents the kind of figures that the party needs to produce and groom.
There are others. Michael Steele of Maryland, who was defeated in his run for the Senate in an ugly campaign (opponents threw oreo cookies at his feet, implying he was an “Uncle Tom” because he was a black conservative Republican), represents a growing conservative force with the African-American community. If McCain wins, look for him to find a place for Steele in his administration.
Another rising star in Republican politics is Lynn Swann, former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver who continued to make his home in Pittsburgh after retiring from the NFL. He was defeated in his run for governor of Pennsylvania by Ed Rendell. He also brings a conservative message to black America.
Then there is Bobby Jindal, the Governor of Louisiana, who has brought a message of reform to a state that badly needs it. He was mentioned as a possible VP pick for McCain. As we speak, he is being tested by the looming Hurricane Gustav, that will probably crash into his state and most likely hit New Orleans hard tomorrow. If he performs well, his ascent is assured. First impressions are that he is moving fast and decisively to prevent a repeat of what Katrina brought.
(Notice that I did not mention Arnold Schwarzenegger. I can’t believe they are giving this guy a major speaking slot. He defines the term RINO.)
Those are just a few of what I perceive as the hope of the Republican party to remake itself and return to its conservative base.
In that regard, I think another group bears mentioning. That would be the College Republicans on college campuses all over the country. These young men and women are standing up for conservative principles in a decidedly hostile environment. They have to bear the vocal opposition, disruption and ridicule of left-wing students whose only theme is that the US is evil, radical professors, who see their mission as to indoctrinate students, Muslim Student Associations, who align themselves with America/Israel-hating, Jew-bashing speakers and other left-wing anarchists. They (the College Republicans) are the best hope for a rejuvenated Republican Party.
In the midst of Hurricane Gustav, it appears the Republicans will hold a subdued convention, which could be shortened or even cancelled at this point. They would be wise to hold down the confetti, balloons and gasbag speeches. Bush, Cheney and the Gulf state governors and senators would be wise to stay away from St Paul and attend to the hurricane. Hopefully, the Republicans can show a better example than the masked ball we witnessed in Denver.
gary fouse
fousesquawk
gary fouse on August 31, 2008 at 2:45 PM
I believe that I have now figured out what McCain is trying to accomplish. I think that a concerted effort was going to be made to push the ‘how can you not vote for the barrier breaking minority candidate?’ theme, and by picking a woman, he insulates himself from that. However, there is more to the story, and it is not about grabbing some females from the Hillary camp, that is just icing on the cake, if even doable. What I see is that by picking Palin, McCain gets a social conservative to please the base, a female to insulate against the breakthrough candidate meme, and a reformer to fight back against the corrupt republican image that cost republicans so dearly amongst the independents in 2006 – while at the same time, he takes a swipe at his primary nemesis Romney, and the business wing of the republican party. In fact, based on McCain’s stance on global warming, carbon caps, railing against business, and generally anti-drilling, I can see McCain trying to push the business wing out of the party.
McCain would make this pick if he thought he was far behind, but also if he thinks he is comfortably ahead in the race. In this, he is reminiscent of George H W Bush, who picked Dan Quayle. Based on the current polling, McCain is ahead of where republicans generally are at this stage, so it is not unreasonable to think that McCain believes he has room to make this pick. Importantly, we know McCain is a maverick, and also that he tends to think far ahead. What does the Palin pick do for him in the future? Think ahead to 2012 or 2016. We know that Hillary is probably not done running for president. With Palin on the ticket, McCain, if he runs for re-election, holds many of the women he gets in 2008, and defends against the sexism meme. But, if he were to not run in 2012, or even thinking ahead to 2016, the strategy still plays out. Palin, should she run, not only defends against Clinton in the general – it also defends against Romney or another business candidate in the primary, as you will have a sitting vice president running against Romney et al in the primary. Based on his stance on several issues noted earlier, this leads me to believe that McCain is pushing back at both the democrats and business republicans at the same time. If I am correct, he is trying to change the direction of the party by supplanting Romney as the heir apparent in the republican party, and by extension, take a slap at the business wing. Mavericky.
Vashta.Nerada on August 31, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Here’s a couple reasons….Alaskan newspapers are questioning Palin’s bonifides…
The Daily News-Miner and from the Anchorage Daily News…
Oo Oh…!
That’s from the folks that know her the best…?
Gimme a break…!
J_Gocht on August 31, 2008 at 4:59 PM
GMTA!! LOL
As a bitter Fred! clinger, I agree 10,000%….I have a total girl-crush on Sarah!
ihasurnominashun on August 31, 2008 at 5:22 PM
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