Change of plans: Palin to campaign with McCain for several more weeks
posted at 7:52 pm on September 10, 2008 by Allahpundit
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The aide said the two have developed a strong chemistry together and will likely utilize it through joint rallies. He likened it to the chemistry Bill Clinton and Al Gore had in 1992, suggesting it was instinctive.
“Sometimes these vice presidential selections, the pairings, work in a magical way,” the aide told reporters on the Palin campaign plane, on condition of anonymity. The plane is en route to Fairbanks, AK, where Palin will see her eldest son off to military service.
The aide said there has been increased enthusiasm for the campaign as well, and the pair has been able to connect on energy and economic issues, as well as change. “And we like the images,” he said.
I can see why they like them, which is not say they should be excused for such a lame effort in publicizing the size of today’s rally. Why didn’t they record the first half hour and put it on YouTube for people to circulate? Two minutes of crowd reactions alone would be valuable as a way of hyping Palinmania while she’s off the trail for a few days dealing with Charlie Gibson.
The AP thinks this is actually a sly means of controlling media access to her, even as they note that she’ll be with campaign staff constantly during the trip. Exit question: As much as we all enjoy the thought of her and Maverick having fun on the trail together, isn’t this … kind of stupid? They’re still behind in key swing states and can cover twice as much ground campaigning apart. The cheers will be louder if she’s with him, but he’s solid as can be with Republicans right now per that Fox News poll earlier today. What’s the strategic value of this, aside from building buzz that’s already pretty much been built?
Update: Speaking of magical duos…
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MSM new rumor… Mccain is having an affair with Palin
offroadaz on September 10, 2008 at 7:54 PM
I think Mav is mezmerized by the crowds right now. If he and Palin split and more show up to watch her than him it might be seized upon by the media.
William Amos on September 10, 2008 at 7:54 PM
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
labwriter on September 10, 2008 at 7:54 PM
labwriter on September 10, 2008 at 7:54 PM –
Exactly!!
coldwarrior on September 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
They are on an extreme roll. They should ignore Allah and keep doing what they are doing.
poljunkie on September 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
think they should get surrogates out there however.
First Dude could be elsewhere for breif times and Cindy can move elsewhere.
I think the big thing right now is to keep the fundraising ball going.
William Amos on September 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
I agree with labwriter and William Amos.
jgapinoy on September 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
(Snoopy dances)
CanadianGuy on September 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
I bet they are simply trying to avoid the scenario where they hold different rallies: Palin gets 30,000 people, and McCain gets 1,000. Then the story is all about McCain sucks.
Clark1 on September 10, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Mac is going around whistling this old tune.
I actually agree that there is power in splitting them up, but the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” fits. They are controlling, even dominating, the news cycle. And Obama is forced to respond to them. Hard to argue shaking that up. When (if) Obama gets his mojo back, then I think split em up, and put Rudy/Mitt/Huck out with them.
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Dude,
The comments at the McCain site are infested with lefties. Someone needs to clean that up.
BadgerHawk on September 10, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Beat me to it. Exactly.
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Either way, just get a new speech, Sarah. The e-Bay line’s been done to death.
Cicero43 on September 10, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Obama and Biden should campaign together and dress up as Laurel and Hardy since lame jokes are their thing. If we could add Edwards we could have the Marx Bros and Biden could be Harpo and just honk. He’d get in less trouble that way
clnurnberg on September 10, 2008 at 7:58 PM
The extra week or two of shots of HUGE crowds will do.
The team effort is a good one. When she performs well with Gibson (PLEASE Sarah’s people…have your OWN tape going) that’s all that matters. A two day unfettered interview! Why do any more?
originalpechanga on September 10, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Have the two of them pound the ground hard and heavy in Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, those will be the key to locking this thing up.
SuperCool on September 10, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Translation: McCain is much more popular and the crowds are much more enthused when Palin is along than if he goes it alone. McCain needs Palin and if the polling is any indication it is working. Plus, the minute they split up, Palin gets all the attention and McCain goes back to being ignored by the media and voters.
highhopes on September 10, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Smart move- if he leaves her now the pro Obama media would have a field day contrasting her large crowds to his much smaller ones.
They can talk about strong chemistry but everyone knows the real reason they remain campaigning with each other. Still not best to demonstrate it in actuality and visually.
Hang on for the ride McCain!
Goodale on September 10, 2008 at 8:01 PM
I think she should concentrate on swaying the voters in those toss up states. However, I would have picked Mitt for VP, so what the Hell do I know?
Disturb the Universe on September 10, 2008 at 8:02 PM
Actually thinking about it isnt a bad ploy.
If they go out and do lots of smaller crowds split apart the charm will wear off quickly.
Fewer but larger crowds maybe the way to go. Means less appearances and less stress on the campaign and keeps the charm going
William Amos on September 10, 2008 at 8:02 PM
What a great fundraising idea! Biden and Obama go on the road together and insist on a 2 drink minimum and cover charge for any event. Rush had me rolling this afternoon playing the clip where Biden was telling a guy in a wheelchair to stand up.
highhopes on September 10, 2008 at 8:02 PM
I think it’s because if she goes off on her own and her crowds are bigger than his he’ll look stupid.
cyclosarin on September 10, 2008 at 8:03 PM
I detest giving MESSNBC a hit but I like to read the wackjob comments. Here’s a sample from cara:
“They do not have chemistry…. He NEEDS her… this despite her repeating lies, having no ability to handle the job and her extremist views.”
Phew that’s brutal. NOT! Of course, there are the usual independents who have seen the light and are totally Democratic now. Yeah, right. And I’m a pig with lipstick!
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Allah, Sarah has said from the beginning that she would be on the road with him for 67 days… which is now trickling down.
Not sure why this surprises everyone.
upinak on September 10, 2008 at 8:04 PM
Exit question: Why do I watch O’Reilly while catching up on Hot Air?
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 8:04 PM
I still think they need to use her to boost the downtickets….of course John may not enjoy not having her bigger crowds.
sven10077 on September 10, 2008 at 8:04 PM
So if McCain goes on his own and gets less crowds, it’s still a good idea then when Obama and his band of morons pounce on it? They need to stick together, cause if not then you leave a vacuum for the haters to get in and spread BS about how without Palin yada yada yada.
Cardiganfox on September 10, 2008 at 8:05 PM
**SMACK** Stop doing THAT!
upinak on September 10, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Now that seems kind of stupid to me. Bill will eclipse Obama.
Disturb the Universe on September 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Ignore Eeyore Pundit… Keep them together. 2 stadium size events a day is far better than 4-5 small ones.
Stand up Chuck.
kevinkristy on September 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Well, either McCain thinks that she can not stand on her own without him, yet anyway, or he thinks that he can not stand on his own, and do very well with voters anyway, without her.
KentAllard on September 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Although I do like seeing camera shots from the back of Obama’s head. Looks like Alfred E. Newman…
Uh oh, Obama says it’s not true that he’s opposed to nuclear power. Say what?
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Ditto. Some fresh daily lines for Palin please. They have the candidate and the writers to do it, and they have everyone’s attention dialed in. McCain’s speech not as important. They don’t need to change everything at once, but you gotta move forward.
econavenger on September 10, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Compromise.
Stay together but double down on the Swing States.
And Sarah should be hitting the radio talkies like
Stern, Imus, Savage…
Mister Ghost on September 10, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Look,the mission is clear,they have the best gear,
McCain “Maverick” is a hell of a pilot!
Sarah “SarahCudu” is the backseat electronic warefare
dudette,its a solid,cohesive team!
And their on a winning roll!
Leave IT ALONE!!
Good Gawd,there are some who just have to tinker!!!!!!haha.
canopfor on September 10, 2008 at 8:07 PM
I think you answered your own question, AP. Palin draws the crowds who figure they might as well listen to McCain while they’re there.
Help save the mooses.
Send Sarah to Washington.
RedWinged Blackbird on September 10, 2008 at 8:07 PM
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…
Ozprey on September 10, 2008 at 8:08 PM
It’s a new position (flip).
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Thanks, Bud. Switching back to ICE ROAD TRUCKERS!
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 8:08 PM
lol guess I shoulda looked closer and just quoted ya ;P
Ozprey on September 10, 2008 at 8:09 PM
It’s also a lot more cost effective to have them in the same place.
I hope after the first debate they split up, so she can go work on Colorado and New Mexico and McCain can focus on Florida.
BadgerHawk on September 10, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Palin draws them in and warms them up, McCain delivers the message. Looking at the polls, seems to be working pretty good right now. Stick with what works.
Hog Wild on September 10, 2008 at 8:10 PM
So the original sexist pigs, Bill and Barry, are campaigning together? Now that is a thing of beauty. Maybe Bill can tell Barry how to be a pig and still be loved by the masses.
Kat_Mo on September 10, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Do each of them have their own security detail? The way the Lunatic Left has been reacting, I wouldn’t put anything past them when it comes to Sarah.
Cicero43 on September 10, 2008 at 8:10 PM
How many times has the McCain campaign said one thing then done another? I don’t believe they will campaign together after a date certain. This is more hype so that when they separate it is big news.
Sue on September 10, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Whatever states they have rallies in would be an indicator of their internal polls showing they need to shore up some votes or they think they have a shot a peeling off a few blue states.
SouthernGent on September 10, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Thacker Agency will love this:
Obama just told O’Reilly his plan for Russia is to keep them from “buying stuff” (my words, not his) and the US has to develop an enrgy plan. Man, those is tough words, cowboy!
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 8:12 PM
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/09/a_good_line_but.html
AAAHAHAH!
Obama plagerized his comments on the stump!
Enoxo on September 10, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Screw the down tickets. I’m sorry to say that, but the Presidency is way more important. If Obama wins and the Dems control both houses we’re in for a wild ride. Hopefully McCain does a good enough job in office that the Republicans make up ground in 2010.
BadgerHawk on September 10, 2008 at 8:12 PM
For the first time in a long time I agree with Allah.
I think she should be hitting battleground and left leaning states and McCain should be in the battleground and right leaning states.
Makes no sense.
Vigilante on September 10, 2008 at 8:13 PM
I think splitting them up to allow greater coverage would be more helpful to GOP candidates in local elections. But as others have said, the media would jump all over McCain for drawing smaller crowds than Palin, as he certainly would.
fiatboomer on September 10, 2008 at 8:13 PM
I agree with Laura Ingraham this morning. She said, McCain has to find something to do other than stand there with his hands folded, reading her notes. ;-)
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Soros tried to buy a spot vs Lieberman and it won in the primaries not the election right? Now the national election…I predict the same result. The meltdown is already underway….
Ozprey on September 10, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Oratic genius at work.
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Well, with Biden, we only hear of him when he gaffes. If McCain would be on his own, would we hear of him except that his crowds were lower and the endless down talking about that in the media?
I agree that others should be out there as well.
aikidoka on September 10, 2008 at 8:16 PM
I don’t think Obama looked as bad in this final segment as he did in the first three. Bummer.
backwoods conservative on September 10, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Errrr… I dunno about this.
If they are going to do it, get back to townhalls in the swing states, especially PA. I really think that there is a good shot to take PA if they play their cards right. If they do that, they win.
Also, I was SHOCKED to see my old state of NJ is only 6 pts. in favor of The One this late in the game. There may be hope for that state after all. If ManlyRash sees this: Hey, get your Yankee butt out there and start raising hell. If NJ swings, PA will follow.
Damiano on September 10, 2008 at 8:18 PM
The best part is, this will REALLY p*ss off the MSM.
My collie says:
CyberCipher on September 10, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Dick Morris said tonight that McCain is a threat to the campaign but Sarah is a threat to the core of the Democratic Party. In spite of themselves, they are instinctively going after her because she scares them to death. In spite of what their brains are thinking their mouths are reacting naturaly.
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 8:19 PM
McCain should travel with a life size cardboard cutout of Miss Sarah and she should go off on her own.
Elizabetty on September 10, 2008 at 8:19 PM
It cements the theme of the campiagn that they will clean up washington. McCain is using Palin’s bonifides of reform to upgrade his image also. the more McCain is seen with Palin the more people come to think of them as the same. thus the Palin effect will rub off on McCain. Plus it’s working so why rock the boat. They do not have to raise money. They can have the Senators and Congressman come to them. Etc and then if they win they come in on a mandate.
unseen on September 10, 2008 at 8:19 PM
I don’t know that she would necessarily draw larger crowds than McCain. I think the campaign controls a lot of that by the venues that are selected, how many tickets are made available.
And you know, he does need her. That’s why he picked her, correct? Because he had to bring his base home, he had to get people fired up and ready to get out and vote for him.
I think it’s entirely possible that McCain knew when he picked her that she would be a huge draw, that she would “outshine” him with her star power. But this is also a reason why so many people think so well of him now. Because a lesser man (or woman) wouldn’t have been able to stomach that.
Bennett on September 10, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Yep. I’m starting to wonder if it’s getting stale. The people that are coming to see Sarah must be aware of her speech by now.
Has she said anything new since the convention or have I missed something?
Guardian on September 10, 2008 at 8:20 PM
What would you have him do? Wear a clown suit and make animal balloons? Put on lipstick?
*kidding*
Yeah, they should hide him till he’s introduced. Then, take Palin out of his shot and put her off on a side.
I love McCain, but when Palin’s in the same camera shot, it’s hard to concentrate on what he’s saying.
Damiano on September 10, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Covering lots of ground isn’t as important as having a gigantic impact. Who cares if they aren’t getting to as many states? If they’re making substantial ground while campaigning together, that’ll change the race.
BTW, Obama won’t win in Virginia because McCain’s still strong with the veterans there & Palin will connect with suburban women.
If you look at the polling, the electoral college map has changed dramatically. If Florida tips from toss-up into McCain’s camp, that gives him 279 EV’s. That’s all that matters.
LFRGary on September 10, 2008 at 8:22 PM
There is a desperate need to get her to STOP using the same ebay and Bridge to Nowhere lines. She is in such a good position, it can be eroded quickly by repeating the lines that were heard by almost 40 million. MSM is now catching on to her repeating. She needs to speak in a more relaxed tone and touch on some foreign policy issues which are her own thoughts.
malkinmania on September 10, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Palin is a very accomplished woman and she is not easily intimidated. However in just a short time she went from remote Alaska to national stages where every step, evey utter is analyzed and all the crocodiles are waiting for her to fall into the pond. I think she, and we, are better off if she is protected and coached by McCain and by her handlers. God bless America.
I wasn’t sure about McCain, but now I love him for picking her.
ViviAviv on September 10, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Should be hunting season by then. Who would’ve thought that the 2008 edition of the obligatory photo-op of candidates hunting would actually include somebody that belongs to the NRA in non-election years!
highhopes on September 10, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Tomorrow is 9/11 and the debates. Palin has to go back to Alaska for a few days as well. Maybe they do not want to lose any momentum.
As for the issue of crowds. McCain could always fall back on his town hall venues, they work well for him and are not conducive to large crowds. Townhalls are supposed to be intimate. So for the time being, they could keep doing what they are doing, but that does not mean that McCain has to have her with him. He is an old campaigner in his own right.
Terrye on September 10, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Piper Palin for President in 2044!
rmgraha on September 10, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Maybe now they’ll post a schedule on the website so we northeasterner’s can find a place remotely convenient to plan to attend??
My friends all believe CT is a lost cause but we are within driving distance to PA, NH and MA.
ctmom on September 10, 2008 at 8:28 PM
First our friend Matt Damon, now here comes a movie reviewer ROGER EBERT!!
Watching these people implode is just amazing. Let’s pass the popcorn and watch the heads explode!
Agent of the Cross on September 10, 2008 at 8:29 PM
I think she and we are better off if she is allowed to be who she is not “handled” by anybody. I would hope you realize that she is Governor of Alaska so this isn’t her first election or first time in front of the camera or dealing with the media. Let her be who she is.
highhopes on September 10, 2008 at 8:29 PM
The Anchoress has a really nice post up about the Virginia rally with pics. It seems someone with a Downs Syndrome child met with McCain and Palin. Beautiful little girl in the pics. Nice story.
Terrye on September 10, 2008 at 8:30 PM
A major Democratic fund-raiser described it a good bit more starkly after digesting the polls of recent days: “I’m so depressed. It’s happening again. It’s a nightmare.”
CanadianGuy on September 10, 2008 at 8:33 PM
Called into Rush also. Posted story with pictures (1st hand accnt).
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 8:33 PM
And I am thinking about Obama and whistling this old tune
Mac is going around whistling this old tune.
I actually agree that there is power in splitting them up, but the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” fits. They are controlling, even dominating, the news cycle. And Obama is forced to respond to them. Hard to argue shaking that up. When (if) Obama gets his mojo back, then I think split em up, and put Rudy/Mitt/Huck out with them.
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Mac is going around whistling this old tune.
I actually agree that there is power in splitting them up, but the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” fits. They are controlling, even dominating, the news cycle. And Obama is forced to respond to them. Hard to argue shaking that up. When (if) Obama gets his mojo back, then I think split em up, and put Rudy/Mitt/Huck out with them.
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 7:57 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp6Zx_fzpq8
ihasurnominashun on September 10, 2008 at 8:34 PM
CanadianGuy, someone should give the heads-up to Krauthammer :)
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Anyone take a close hard look at the poor showings in McCain’s town hall meetings prior to the Palin announcement?
McCain has trouble exciting himself, much less a group of conservatives. Palin is his center ring trapeze campaign act to seal the deal with hockey moms before it’s promptly broken. She’ll be relegated to an undisclosed conservative sideshow if and when they are elected. McCain will have too many liberal colleagues to give reach arounds to to be bothered with a bitter, gun and bible clinging Vice-President.
I know who the liberal republican hog covered in rouge and lipstick is and it isn’t Sarah Palin.
Fletch54 on September 10, 2008 at 8:37 PM
WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?!?!11??!!?!?!
marc@hubsandspokes on September 10, 2008 at 8:40 PM
How is that going to help Michelles children. . . .
Texyank on September 10, 2008 at 8:44 PM
He needs her more than she needs him. However, the appearances together are a great thing.
And to whoever said she needs new lines… I agree.
MrsWeebork on September 10, 2008 at 8:47 PM
They should stay together long enough to make it hard to imagine them being apart. They also need to cement the ‘Mavericks to Washington’ brand – as a team. Right now its all about MOMENTUM and staying together, drawing large crowds is the best way to do that. After all, what’s the point in sending McCain to draw 5,000 when they can get 20,000 together?
JonPrichard on September 10, 2008 at 8:52 PM
Disturb the Universe,
“Now that seems kind of stupid to me. Bill will eclipse Obama.”
Not totally. You’ll still be able to see the ears.
exhelodrvr on September 10, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Yep to most of the above. Staying together keeps any chance the media will contrast them,crowd size, speeches, etc. They can control the message better. Time enough during the debates cycle to go off on their own. And I agree that she needs to get her feet wet. Handling the local reporters in Alaska is not the same as the national liberal media, no matter how good she was.
Deanna on September 10, 2008 at 8:54 PM
I’m glad they are teaming up. It makes it harder for Obama to decide between whining on November 5th that he was “Skyhawked,” or “Hockey Mommed.”
Star20 on September 10, 2008 at 8:55 PM
someone on Limbaugh’s show said that it shows unity. I agree.
AbaddonsReign on September 10, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Imagine a McCain/Palin vs. Obama/Biden debate. Talk about magic!
m064404 on September 10, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Exit answer: They have no choice. If Mav goes it alone, he risks drawing smaller crowds than she does and will look diminished. This is the downside of Palinmania – he’s chained to Sarah’Cuda, like it or not. He also knows she is his ticket to the White House.
Perhaps you should review Lisa Nova’s hysterically funny Sarah Palin video satire. – I can’t help but wonder if it’s closer to the truth than any of us ever imagined.
If his let nut really is in D’Nang, I have a feeling his right nut is in her purse.
ManlyRash on September 10, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Has she said anything new since the convention or have I missed something?
Guardian on September 10, 2008 at 8:20 PM
You have missed alot it would seem. She has been attacking BHO on a different point about everyday. Pay attention. today she attacked BHO on earmarks saying he didn’t want to go there because of his $1 billion in earmarks. Each day it’s new. I look for the next phase to be town hall events with McCain and Palin taking questions.
unseen on September 10, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Maybe — long shot but maybe — McCain actually learns from the popularity of Palin and changes his own positions to reflect that. Comes out of his own narcissistic universe — and changes. One can hope.
SunSword on September 10, 2008 at 9:04 PM
I think we can assume that some pretty astute minds in the McCain-Palin campaign have given this a lot of thought. And, really, they have done a spectacular job in recent weeks, so I am inclined not to carp.
I think that we let the polling settle down so that we see where the big push needs to be. In the meantime, they can work Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin hard and, just for fun, mess with Obama’s head in Oregon.
After the October 2 debate, let John work the eastern battleground states and send Sarah to close the deal in Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada. Have the first dude on hand. In New Mexico, where 1,000 votes can swing the state, there are lots of native Americans in New Mexico who will appreciate what it means to be (and marry) an Eskimo.
JudetheFossil on September 10, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Gov. Palin wouldn’t be on the ticket if McCain hadn’t picked her. And maybe that wouldn’t have mattered for her own political future. Maybe she would have come out in 2012 and run for President and taken the country by storm. But that’s a really big IF. 4 years is a long time, a lot can happen. Other candidates (Jindal) emerge, etc.
This way she’s in a win-win I think. If the ticket wins she’s well positioned to go for the top spot in the future. If it loses -and not because of anything she does– she’s gained invaluable national recognition and makes a future run on her own that much easier.
McCain may owe Palin a whole heck of a lot right now, but she owes him big time too. So I think there’s a mutual need here.
Bennett on September 10, 2008 at 9:12 PM
*sniff, sniff*
Fee-fi-fay-foal…I smell the blood of a Daily Kos Troll.
ManlyRash on September 10, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Co-signed. That would be the new narrative — “Who is the REAL Republican Presidential Candidate?”
Don’t want that, and can’t have that. I think Palin should do more interviews, but I can understand that it’s a vipers’ nest. The Obama-Left — as they have demonstrated — want to frame Palin as some rabid, Bible-thumping “Create a Christian America!” crazy. Which, by all rights, she is not.
They will ask her on her personal beliefs, which are strong, and then the Obama-Left will say “SEE?! This is her thought on abortion!/on gays!/on evolution!/on trees!/on vegetarians!” rather than let her very populist, economic philosophies shine through.
And those economic (and energy!) ideas are what matter most to the electorate, especially indies and moderates (Dems and Republicans).
It’s a smart move. The media and Team-O can howl all they want how they can’t ask Sarah Palin on abortion, and they’re howling just so they can’t trip her up for a soundbyte — ala her gubernatorial videos — that Palin “chooses life,” or what-have-you.
And that will play in the swing states. Her conservative, economic populism. They want to knock Palin off on her social views. And as Palin has demonstrated during her years as a Governor, social issues really aren’t her interest or forte. She has strong personal convictions, but has never screamed for everyone to follow them along with her.
The Dems want to knock her off, and in splitting McCain-Palin apart, knock them separately. Divide and conquer.
McCain-Palin together is a winning combination. Palin does need to interview more, and I’ll say as much. But they need to talk energy and economics, and not social dogma. No need to burn her at the stake because she’s pro-life or pro-traditional marriage.
And I’m a gay, pro-choice PUMA. Her beliefs don’t bother me. But trust in the Obama-Left to try and trip her up on this line. You see how they respond on “earmarks” and “THAT BRIIIIIIDGE!” They want a better sabre to rattle: a social issue.
Keep Palin close, McCain. Keep her close.
lansing quaker on September 10, 2008 at 9:21 PM
They should tour like one of those there rock bands. Take the Big McC, Sarah The Huntress, Fred!, and Rudy. Even throw in some real music acts. I’m sure Ted Nugent would be up for it.
thekingtut on September 10, 2008 at 9:21 PM
You’re a gay, pro-choice, PUMA Quaker?
No offense, but I bet your family reunions are a hoot!
BacaDog on September 10, 2008 at 9:27 PM
AP, I think you’re taking a Time/CNN poll way more seriously than it deserves to be taken.
eyedoc on September 10, 2008 at 9:27 PM
I’m in Florida (which goes back and forth as a swing state). I’d like to see either Cindy or the First Dude. I know we are not getting any Cuda or McCain.
talking_mouse on September 10, 2008 at 9:35 PM
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