See other (s)Elections Articles
Title: McCain’s ‘Hail Sarah’ Pass - His choice for veep is all but set up for failure in the fall
Source:
Newsweek
URL Source: http://www.newsweek.com/id/156258
Published: Aug 30, 2008
Author: Jonathan Alter
Post Date: 2008-08-30 14:24:55 by a vast rightwing conspirator
Keywords: None
Views: 717
Comments: 58
McCain’s ‘Hail Sarah’ Pass His choice for veep is all but set up for failure in the fall. Happy birthday, Johnny Mac! You're 72 now, a cancer survivor, and a presidential candidate who has said on many occasions that the most important criteria for picking a vice president is whether he or she could immediately step in if something happened to the president. Your campaign against Barack Obama is based on the simple idea that he is unready to be president. So you've picked a running mate who a year and a half ago was the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, a town of 8,500 people. You've selected a potential leader of the free world who knows little or nothing about the major issues of the day beyond energy. Oh, and she's being probed in her state for lying and abuse of power. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's debut in Dayton on Friday was good political theater. She delivered a pitch-perfect speech (presumably written by McCain's ghost writer, Mark Salter) with a panache that suggests she could be a natural on the national stage. The well-kept secret of her selection let the GOP step on the story of Obama's boffo acceptance speech in Denver. It's not hard to see why she appealed to McCain: her middle-class roots; her older son headed for Iraq with the U.S. Army; her opposition to the earmarked "bridge to nowhere," which is arguably the only domestic issue that gets McCain excited. If camera-ready Palin helps McCain close the gender gap and win in November, she'll be history's hockey mom. But there's a reason that rookies rarely score hat tricks. It's not her lack of name recognition; America loves a fresh face, especially one that's a cross between a Fox anchor and a character on "Northern Exposure," the old TV show about an Alaska town about the size of Wasilla. The problem is that politics, like all professions, isn't as easy as it looks. Palin's odds of emerging unscathed this fall are slim. In fact, she's been all but set up for failure. "What is it exactly that the vice president does all day?" Palin offhandedly asked CNBC anchor Larry Kudlow in July. Kudlow explained that the job has become more important in recent years. Palin knows the energy crisis well, even if her claim on "Charlie Rose" that Alaska's untapped resources can significantly ease it is unsupported by the facts. But what does she know about Iranian nukes, health care or the future of entitlement programs? And that's just a few of the 20 or so national issues on which she will be expected to show basic competence. The McCain camp will have to either let her wing it based on a few briefing memos (highly risky) or prevent her from taking questions from reporters (a confession that she's unprepared). Either way, she's going to belly-flop at a time when McCain can least afford it. Even on energy, Palin has her work cut out for her. First she has to convince McCain to do a 180 and support drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Reserve. Her much-repeated sound bite that ANWR is only the size of the Los Angeles airport and thus not environmentally destructive sounds good, but won't do much to counter the argument Obama made in his acceptance speech, which is that drilling is only a "stopgap" measure for achieving energy independence. Palin will benefit from very low expectations in her debate with Joe Biden, but she's going to have to have a photographic memory for new information to avoid getting creamed. Governors often run for president, but only after many months of prep work on what they might confront in the White House. The last governor chosen for vice president was Spiro Agnew in 1968, and he was the governor of Maryland, which is right over the line from Washington, D.C., not thousands of miles away. Veep candidates with extensive Washington experience like Geraldine Ferraro and Dan Quayle were nonetheless grilled on policy and proved a drag on the ticket when they looked unpresidential. I covered Ferraro in 1984 for NEWSWEEK. The day Walter Mondale chose her as the first woman candidate for high office was exciting and historic. But the Queens congresswoman was quickly swamped by tough questions (especially from Ted Koppel) about her readiness for the presidency and by ethical queries about her husband, a real-estate developer. A lengthy news conference she held to answer the mounting questions did not go well. Reporters are already winging their way to Alaska to probe what Alaskans call "Wootengate," the story of the dismissal of former Public Safety commissioner Walt Monegan, who says he was pressured to dismiss state trooper Mike Wooten. Wooten was engaged in a nasty custody fight with his ex-wife, who is Palin's sister. As soon as Palin was selected, the Web was already buzzing with Monegan's claims that Palin is lying about her role in the personnel matter. And the beautifully named Steve Branchflower, the special counsel appointed by the state legislature to probe the mess, has opened a tip line for Alaskans who might know if the governor and possible vice president of the United States abused her power. Branchflower's investigation won't be completed until after the election, but the facts so far aren't good for the governor. Palin says she had "nothing to do" with the Wooten matter and that she fired Monegan because she wanted to move the department in another direction, but an audiotape of a phone conversation featuring another state official, Frank Bailey, casts doubt on her account. Because the media loves scandal of any kind, especially one involving the potential use of public power to settle private family scores, this story will prove a distraction to the McCain campaign all fall long. It's hard to know how many women will flock to the GOP ticket because of Palin. She is a far-right conservative who supported Pat Buchanan over George W. Bush in 2000. She thinks global warming is a hoax and backs the teaching of creationism in public schools. Women are not likely to be impressed by her opposition to abortion even in the case of rape and incest. In 1984, Ronald Reagan carried 56 percent of female voters, despite Ferraro's candidacy on the Democratic side. The balance between work and family, always a ticklish issue, will be brought into bold relief by the fact that the Palins' fifth child, Trig, was born with Down syndrome in April. Todd Palin, a commercial fisherman, may shoulder the bulk of the child-rearing duties in their family. But many voters will nonetheless wonder whether Palin should undertake the rigors of the vice presidency (and perhaps the presidency) while caring for a disabled infant. The subject will no doubt arise on "Oprah" and in other venues. One way or another, an African-American or a woman will hold high office next year for the first time. That's progress. And it's possible that Palin is so talented that she will prove to be the face of the GOP's future. More likely, this "Hail Sarah" pass won't do much to help John McCain get into the end zone. He'll win or lose for other reasons.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
(Edited)
I hate McCain and don't think much of Palin, but from a strategic point of view, picking her was a smart move. Palin will help Mad Dog much more than Biden will help Empty Suit. It will win over some Hillaryites who put gender identity politics ahead of social issues. For many Hillary voters, getting a woman, any woman in or near the White House is the most important issue, so they'll overlook the fact that she's anti-abortion. It's just like a lot of black conservatives overlook Obama's social and fiscal liberalism in the name of getting a black man into the oval office. The swing vote "soccer moms" will see her as one of theirs. The religious nuts like the fact that she's evangelical, but she isn't shrill enough about it to alienate secular GOP voters. It will win over some jack-offs who'll vote for the sole reason of wanting to get into her knickers (in fact, we've seen this in action on this website). And, her obscurity and inexperience isn't a liability, because Obummer is just as wet behind the ears in foreign policy or national issues.
The above is from an interview she gave the Fox Factor shortly after she accepted McCain's offer. She is answering a foreign policy question having to do with W's 'road map' initiative. P.S. - it's so funny - I got the above by Googling for "such as" and "teen".
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
Women who favor infanticide may not be impressed. But they don't count as they are evil. Normal women aren't hung up on a supposed right to kill their offspring.
It is a plus. We need someone with good values. They can make the right decisions. There is no one that has the "experience" to be president. It is a big job and there are lots of things that could be considered experience. Someone that knows right from wrong would be better then the current crop of people running the show.
No it isn't.
God's own truth. Thank you.
A nation of idiots, ruled by moronic tyrants.
Bull$#it.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Thanks James. I don't know why he lied about something so obvious.
Vote for the Dick using your dick to think with. At least McCain keeps it simple.
Obama supporter. Probably 'splains a lot of things.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Apparently, this one is.
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
What is your problem with Sarah Mike?
We may even be seeing it in action here:
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
What is the problem with that statement. Many many people have had that attitude over the years.
Dasright. She clearly wants the job, is well qualified for the job and, after she heard from the MSNBC guy, she now knows exactly what the job is about. I'd say, let's vote for McCain and then wish him dead so that she can take over and bring good things to life.
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
"He/she's so cute" has to be the most asinine reason to vote for somebody. You have about ten people on this site who just a few days ago talked about how much they hated McCain and how they'd never vote for him. All it took to get them to change their tune was a pretty face. If it managed to win over about half the posters on this site, imagine how well it's working nationwide. It's too bad that Obummer has already picked his running mate. Otherwise, he could have won the same people over to his side by picking Natasha Henstridge as his running mate.
She is more qualified then Hillary was. At least she didn't ride her husband into power. She is a normal person. She is not an insider. That is her appeal. I don't think I will vote for their ticket. I can't vote for a war that I don't support. I will vote my conscience...Chuck Baldwin. But I can't hate Palin without a cause.
I don't think it is the pretty face. But the fact that she is unknown and seems like a normal person. She hasn't been in DC her whole life.
My, you sure try for the push to seat someone in the defensive awful fast. Why is a duck? If you are wanting to deal with questions that relate to nothing about what I said, here is one that doesn't relate to your post right back at you.
Mike. I asked a genuine question. You implied that many men are going to vote for her because she is pretty and us men think with the wrong head. I just wondered what your objection to her was. If you don't want to answer that is OK too.
Why hate her and who hates her? I don't like McCain and would never vote for him. It takes more then pretty window dressing on a ticket to entice me to adopt a basket of manure like him just because a pretty bow is tied to the wicker. My vote is going to the Democratic ticket because on the balance, I see the potential Obama has to unite the country and has the potential to chose to be more his own man then many of his handlers want him to be. The country has gone to shit under Bush, and McSame is the third helping of Repug garbage. No thanks, I'm just not remotely interested. But if Sarah wants to give me a table dance, I wouldn't complain, and might even tip her well.
Now that was funny.
God is always good!
I used to think Obama could unite the country. But he can't do it by stealing from one person to give benefits to another. He is an ivy league school elitist. Unlike Palin.
I was over at the idiotic HillaryClinton.com forum and was watching how some Hil-hos salivated over this ultra conservative small town mayor turned Governor. Nobody with any sense is moved by such childish shows of temper tantrums. Clinton lost, they should get over it. We will be much worse off if McSame keeps the Bush legacy alive four more years. And all Sarah is is an easily manipulated puppet if the worst happens and his age related health problems take him out. It makes much more sense to vote Democratic this year.
So some Hillary supporters like her. If that is the case checkmate McCain wins. She is better suited to run the country then Obama. She has much more experience. Obama is a first term senator that misses many votes because as soon as he was selected he started running for President.
Do you have any proof of that Ferret?
Evidently. Palin claims to have been a supporter of Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul, but in her acceptance speech, she went over all of the neocon foreign policy talking points. To go from a Ron Paul supporter to Bill Kristol Lite for a shot at the vice Presidency doesn't say much for her character. I was over at the idiotic HillaryClinton.com forum and was watcxhing how some Hil-hos salivated over this ultra conservative small town mayor turned Govenor. No surprise there. Identity is more important than issues 9 times out of ten.
I wish we could get you to see that both sides are taking us down the same road. We need more change than one election can bring.
I got tired of saying this to BHO supporters. Now I keep saying it to the folks who've been neo-conned into voting for Mad Dog and Palin.
People want to believe. I don't know how to relieve them of it. If you think of something, please let us know.
I don't know, he might have just been looking at her notes.
God is always good!
You'd think that they would have learned their lesson after wishful thinking lead them to vote for "the lesser evil" in 2000. If the Bush presidency didn't teach them a lesson about what voting for "lesser evil" GOP candidates will bring, who knows what will.
I'm sure you are aware of women who voted for Bill Clinton because he was just "soooooo good looking". In fact, a company executive at a firm I worked for stated that she wanted to sleep with Clinton. (I cleaned the exact phrase up a bit.) When I asked her what her husband would think of that; she replied that he would have to "get over it".
Nice marriage.
A nation of idiots, ruled by moronic tyrants.
Nice marriage You mean "nice woman." Nothing implied the male did anything to deserve such treatment.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition "Corporation: An entity created for the legal protection of its human parasites, whose sole purpose is profit and self-perpetuation." © IndieTx I have paid attention to your arguments, but I am not of the same opinion even remotely. My leap of faith in Barack Obama is one I did not do lightly, and is not going to change. I am an activist that deals with nihilistic attitudes from those around me all the time, and I am sick to death of it. If I were you, I wouldn't waste your time trying to convince me. I am too busy working for them anyway doing phone and door to door canvassing and signing up new voters. You might have noticed that this year I am doing much less election related posting. This is because I am too busy doing something that will definitely get more people voting for the side I am convinced should win. I am also giving them money as well as time, so I am assuredly putting my money where my mouth is this time around. Thanks for your opinion, but no sale here.
I haven't! And I've respected your positions. I know you're trying in your own way.
McSame didn't pick someone that would offend those he changed his message to within 90 percent of Bush's positions and policies for in order to get the fill neocon election machine services of. He didn't select someone they didn't have influence with and whom they were not reasonably sure they could control if the presidency went her way. My proof comes from knowing really well how the system works. If this is too circumstantial for you, Pollyanna, (meant metaphorically, not as an insult) those rose colored sunglasses look just lovely on you, and I am glad you are enjoying La La land with them.
obama never had that choice. that would have been a total diss of hillary had he picked another woman. it would have sunk him immediately.
Do You Know What Freedom Really Means? Freedom4um.com
it begins and ends with me right there. her positions on the wedge issues or how a nice a woman she is are meaningless beyond that.
Do You Know What Freedom Really Means? Freedom4um.com
Comments (41 - 58) not displayed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#2. To: All (#0)
(Edited)
I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some, people out there in our nation don't have maps and, uh, I believe that our, uh, education like such as, uh, South Africa and, uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and, I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, or, uh, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future, for our [children].
#3. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)
Women are not likely to be impressed by her opposition to abortion even in the case of rape and incest.
#4. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#1)
And, her obscurity and inexperience isn't a liability
#5. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#2)
The above is from an interview she gave the Fox Factor shortly after she accepted McCain's offer.
#6. To: Old Friend (#4)
Someone that knows right from wrong would be better then the current crop of people running the show.
#7. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#2)
The above is from an interview she gave the Fox Factor shortly after she accepted McCain's offer. She is answering a foreign policy question having to do with W's 'road map' initiative.
Lord Acton
#8. To: James Deffenbach (#7)
#9. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#1)
"You only have power over people so long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything he's no longer in your power -- he's free again. Alexander Solzhenitsyn
#10. To: Old Friend (#8)
Lord Acton
#11. To: Old Friend (#5)
"What is it exactly that the vice president does all day?" Palin offhandedly asked CNBC anchor Larry Kudlow in July. Kudlow explained that the job has become more important in recent years.
#12. To: Ferret Mike (#9)
#13. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#1)
It will win over some jack-offs who'll vote for the sole reason of wanting to get into her knickers
#14. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#11)
#15. To: Old Friend (#14)
#16. To: Ferret Mike (#9)
(Edited)
#17. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#15)
is well qualified
#18. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#16)
#19. To: Old Friend (#12)
"What is your problem with Sarah Mike?"
"You only have power over people so long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything he's no longer in your power -- he's free again. Alexander Solzhenitsyn
#20. To: Ferret Mike (#19)
#21. To: Old Friend (#17)
(Edited)
"But I can't hate Palin without a cause."
"You only have power over people so long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything he's no longer in your power -- he's free again. Alexander Solzhenitsyn
#22. To: Sam Houston (#13)
#23. To: Ferret Mike (#21)
I see the potential Obama has to unite the country
#24. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#16)
(Edited)
"You only have power over people so long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything he's no longer in your power -- he's free again. Alexander Solzhenitsyn
#25. To: Ferret Mike (#24)
#26. To: Ferret Mike (#24)
And all Sarah is is an easily manipulated puppet
#27. To: Ferret Mike (#24)
(Edited)
And all Sarah is is an easily manipulated puppet if the worst happens and his age related health problems take him out.
#28. To: Ferret Mike (#24)
It makes much more sense to vote Democratic this year.
#29. To: buckeye (#28)
#30. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#29)
#31. To: Sam Houston (#13)
#32. To: buckeye (#30)
#33. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#16)
"He/she's so cute" has to be the most asinine reason to vote for somebody.
Remember...G-d saved more animals than people on the ark. www.siameserescue.org
#34. To: who knows what evil (#33)
When I asked her what her husband would think of that; she replied that he would have to "get over it".
#35. To: lodwick (#34)
When I asked her what her husband would think of that; she replied that he would have to "get over it".
"There is no 'legitimate' Corporation by virtue of it's very legal definition and purpose."
-- IndieTx
#36. To: buckeye (#28)
"You only have power over people so long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything he's no longer in your power -- he's free again. Alexander Solzhenitsyn
#37. To: Ferret Mike (#36)
If I were you, I wouldn't waste your time trying to convince me.
#38. To: Old Friend (#26)
(Edited)
"Do you have any proof of that Ferret?"
"You only have power over people so long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything he's no longer in your power -- he's free again. Alexander Solzhenitsyn
#39. To: Rupert_Pupkin (#16)
It's too bad that Obummer has already picked his running mate. Otherwise, he could have won the same people over to his side by picking Natasha Henstridge as his running mate.
#40. To: Rupert_Pupkin, lodwick, Old Friend, Rickyj (#27)
Palin claims to have been a supporter of Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul, but in her acceptance speech, she went over all of the neocon foreign policy talking points. To go from a Ron Paul supporter to Bill Kristol Lite for a shot at the vice Presidency doesn't say much for her character.
.
.
.