McCain chooses Sarah Palin (AK) for VP

[Eikon]

Rep. Wilson (R) NM (on CNN) just called Palin a Gold star mother. Did Palin lose a son in Iraq or does Rep. Wilson basically clueless? I tried googling and I drew a blank.

quote from Wikiretardia

On September 11, 2007, the Palins' then eighteen-year-old son Track, eldest of five, joined the Army.[69] He now serves in an infantry brigade and will be deployed to Iraq on September 11, 2008.[70]

more:On April 18, 2008, while in office as governor, Palin gave birth to her second son and fifth child, Trig Paxson Van Palin, who has Down syndrome.[71] She returned to the office three days after giving birth.[14] Her decision to have the baby after prenatal genetic testing revealed he had the disorder resulted in admiration from the pro-life community.[72]

Details of Palin's personal life have contributed to her political image. She hunts, eats moose hamburger, ice fishes, rides snowmobiles, and owns a float plane.[16][73] Palin holds a lifetime membership with the National Rifle Association. She admits that she used marijuana when it was legal in Alaska, but says that she did not like it.[13] In December 2007, Palin posed for a photo spread in the fashion magazine Vogue.[74]

[srellim234]

Rep. Wilson is clueless. Palin's son wil be deployed to Iraq next month. He hasn't even arrived there yet.

[Eikon]

"It is pretty audacious for the Obama campaign to say that Governor Palin is not qualified to be vice president . . . She has spent her time in office shaking up government in Alaska and achieving results. Senator Obama has spent his time in office running for president," said Tucker Bounds, a McCain campaign spokesperson.

On the flip side though... this pulls the greatest criticism of Obama off the table as an attack point. They can't very well criticize the other side while they harbor the same weakness.. errr.. wait, the Dems do that pretty well..

[rn79870]

MSNBC just did a piece on "what if." What if either VP becomes president. Biden or Palin? They just hammered Palin on that issue pretty hard.

[Eikon]

I'm sure based on her two terms as city council member, she would have made a terrible mayor of her home town.

As a mayor a small town, I'm sure she would have made a terrible Governor of a state. But wait, she's an incredible Governor!

Maybe we shouldn't sell her short because she doesn't have the experience we expect? Unless you think we should pass on Obama for the same reason?

[spngr311]

I don't think that Palin's lack of Washington/national experience is too much of an issue when running with McCain. McCain should last at least two years if elected president, giving Palin plenty of time to get experience. Also, I would take her two years as a Governor of a state (something I consider as actual leadership and management) than 3 years of time in the Senate in Washington.

Palin hasn't lost a son in Iraq yet, but has one going over there (may be there now).

I like her that she is "pro-gun", but her hard stance on Anti-Choice (which is what I'm calling Pro-Life people, it sounds better this way) has me worried. I like that she cut spending and seems to be independent of those kind of groups. I only heard part of the speech, but I did like a good portion of what I heard; she comes off as a good compliment to McCain - youthful, enthusiastic, professional, and strong; these are things that can only help McCain. While I liked Leiberman as the first pick (I think we should go back to the old school Pres-VP setup - first place is president, second is vice president) as it would be a very balanced White House.

I do agree with szhosain though, qualifications should be first. I think Palin is qualified (at least as much as Obama), but I think for the next couple of days, her sex is going to be the topic of discussion; let the surprise wear off, then the democrats can start hammering her for her views and philosophy.

On a side note, I figured out what it was that made me not want to vote for Obama. It is not his Elvis-like popularity (evident in the crying/screaming masses), his limited experience (which can be a good thing), his flipping on issues (he did this with his stance on NASA when he was down here at Titusville, FL in front of a room full of NASA related employees!) or even his political stance on issues (some I do agree with, others I do not, like taking money from the already underfunded NASA), it is his philosophy that is fundamentally different from mine. It was only after listening to parts of his speech that it became clear to me - while his stance on issues can be whatever he says they are at the time he says them, his communist type philosophy remains constant in his speeches. While his philosophy may be well meaning, I cannot condone it or agree with it. However, I have to thank him and his speech writers for making it so clear.

[spngr311]

On the flip side though... this pulls the greatest criticism of Obama off the table as an attack point...

I say good. Stop getting stuck on this simple point and we can move on to the differences of the issues and philosphies between McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden. I'm sick of the rhetoric and speeches from both sides. Put your plans on paper and talk about exactly why your plan is better than their plan.

[rn79870]

I've been searching the pro-Hillary blogs. One of the bigger ones, in Las Vegas had this to say;

"This is a move to peel off disaffected HRC voters. I guess McCain thinks they're stupid and willing to vote for any woman. Rabidly pro life, an NRA member, she's not exactly a champion of women's civil rights. We'll have to see where she stands on health care and equal pay. But one thing this does is keep Hillary Clinton in the forefront throughout the general election. We'll be hearing the phrase 'Hillary Clinton voters' until November."

Interesting that the Hillary supporters are not willing to let Hillary go this time around. Another blog suggested a Hillary vs Palin race in 2012. Feminist have their own set of concerns and the candidates need to address these if they want to win that vote.

[96Qowner]

96, I think you are probably glad it's Friday.

Politically, I'm having the best day in weeks!

Obama's speech got a 19% share last night and today, no one is talking about it. And the initial response to Palin is to call her ... get this ... makes me chuckle every time I think about it ... the initial response is to call her ... "inexperienced"!

[rn79870]

Re: the "inexperience" thing. What's really funny is that McCain didn't anticipate it.

[96Qowner]

He said that?

No, I don't think he did. I think he and his people knew exactly how it would be received. I would have thought Daschle's people would have been able to avoid the trap.

Everyone is discussing Palin vs Obama - not good.

[Eikon]

It was only after listening to parts of his speech that it became clear to me - while his stance on issues can be whatever he says they are at the time he says them, his communist type philosophy remains constant in his speeches. While his philosophy may be well meaning, I cannot condone it or agree with it. However, I have to thank him and his speech writers for making it so clear.

Wow.. you nailed it!

Here's the section of his speech that had me yelling at the TV.

"For over two decades, he's subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy - give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington, they call this the Ownership Society, but what it really means is - you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps - even if you don't have boots. You're on your own.

Well it's time for them to own their failure. It's time for us to change America."

"You're out of work"... man up and get a job, don't take unemployment or welfare!

"No health care?" Get a job that offers health care or pay for your own insurance!

"Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps - even if you don't have bootstrapts".. GOD DAMN RIGHT... THIS IS AMERICA! Where else can a person born into poverty pull themselves up without bootstraps and become a millionaire if they want to do it and are willing to work hard enough to do it.

"Well it's time for them to own their failure." - I think he's referring to the Republicans here, but I'm referring to the lazy worthless stupid people the Dems are so busy allowing to remain lazy worthless stupid people. Socialism has it's place, but Obama seems to be moving toward Communism.

You want to lower taxes on the middle class.. How about no longer making us support the poor. I'm sick of working my tail off and having 1/4 of my income pay for trailer trash to sit at home watching Jerry Springer. I'm sick of watching my tax dollars pay for illegal aliens hospital bills. I'm sick of funding cancer care for smokers.

[telcoman]

Bob

Sarah Palin is not going to help McCain

Alaska is a beautiful sparsly settled state. You cannot compare her experience in governing there to Washington.

Five kids

Poor family planning

Anti abortion

She is not going to appeal to many Hillary supporters

Pro Gun Necessary in Alaska & she will appeal to the usual but not attract additional voters

Odd she mentioned Hillary and shattering a glass ceiling. She is not going to attract very many Hillary supporters on this one either

Generally the Republicans despise Hillary so what is she saying?

Her hair needs a do over

Squeeky voice, very annoying

Her favorite meal is moose stew? Give me a teh eff bomb!!!1!!!eleven!!ing break. I don't think Martha Stewart will be impressed.

Mentions both she and her husband are pro union. Odd for a Republician.

It seems to me the Republicians are so desperate and fearful of losing they are throwing everything out in the hope something will stick?

I doubt if many Americans are going to believe anything either she or John has to say anymore. No one wants four more years of failed Bush policies.

The American people are now well aware that we cannot drill our way out to reduce our dependance on foreign oil. Drilling in ANWAR. Not a solution

Birth control

She should be on it

Obama made an outstanding speech last night and the Republicians are toast.

The POTUS is a very difficult and demanding job. It would probably kill McCain and she is definitely not ready and too inexperienced.

So lets all just vote for Obama

Telcoman

[rn79870]

Much of that was in response to offering opportunities to those who would not otherwise have the opportunity. He never said anything about a free ride for slackers, instead a fair chance for those who want to get ahead.

By the way, when you turn an unproductive person into a productive person, that person leaves the welfare roll and joins the tax rolls. In the long run, that saves money while providing a greater tax base.

[smockers83]

...Alaska is a beautiful sparsly settled state. You cannot compare her experience in governing there to Washington.

Pro Gun Necessary in Alaska & she will appeal to the usual but not attract additional voters

Her hair needs a do over

Her favorite meal is moose stew? Give me a teh eff bomb!!!1!!!eleven!!ing break. I don't think Martha Stewart will be impressed.

Mentions both she and her husband are pro union. Odd for a Republician.

Birth control

She should be on it

Obama made an outstanding speech last night and the Republicians are toast.

The POTUS is a very difficult and demanding job. It would probably kill McCain and she is definitely not ready and too inexperienced.

So lets all just vote for Obama

1) We talked about this earlier, maybe you missed it. The only way to have some sort of experience for president, now VP, is to be in a leadership role. That would mean being president before, being a governor, something of that nature, not a congressman/woman. And by we, I mean it was an actual discussion where partisanship didn't take place (it was refreshing). So by that discussion, she has the best experience out of anybody.

2) Generalizations based on your belief of guns.

3) And Obama needs a fro? Who cares, you're hardly going to see her anyway if they win.

4) What's wrong with moose stew? You a vegetarian? Just because it sounds too rural for you doesn't mean anything. What about venison or rabbit? Those are good, too. I suppose lake trout, white fish, perch, and the likes are too rural for you as well? Who the hell cares what the hell Martha Stewart thinks, she's a piece.

5) Maybe on Bush's terms.

6) Nice generalizations on family life for not even knowing anything about hers.

7) All because of a speech? Bush made lots of speeches, too. We all know how well that worked out.

8) What a nice thing to say. Reread 1.

9) That's my dad's strategy just to show your kind and the rest of the world that saw Obama that the Dems will probably fail just like in Congress and that he's not as cracked up as he's supposed to be. Then 4 years later the GOP will be back (hopefully not with another Bush-like candidate).

[Eikon]

Five kids

Poor family planning

Birth control

She should be on it

How do I say this without directly insulting you.. THAT WAS A VERY STUPID THING TO SAY!!! Before now I've given you the benefit of the doubt thinking that much of what you post is simply to stir the pot and incite conversation. Now I know you're just dense.

[rn79870]

Seth, you should realize that these are the same things that are beingreported on the blogs, and probably the same things, (albeit toned down) that will be brought up during the campaign. I guaranty you she will be asked aboutAbortion.Family Planning.Gun Control.Whether she was wise carrying a downs baby to full term...

I'm not judging her on the last one, all I'm saying is that it's going to come up.

I will say that they will need to clean up her husband before any senior vote is lost. He looks like a mountain man with that little beard and moustache. Definitely not grey suit red tie material.

Seriously, when you add up all the factors, it is a pretty hard stretch to call this a good choice oh JM's part. There were so many better options.

[Soravia]

The saying that Americans can't drill to get out of foreign oil dependence is just plain, LIE.

That's like saying 2+2 = -5.

More American oil = 2, More Ethanol = 2, More Natural Gas = 1, More Solar = 1, More Nuke Plants = 2, More Wind Power =1. All Combined = Foreign Oil Independence. You can't make the amount of diesel we need without oil. No amount of Hybrid batteries would run the trucks and planes and ships.

The lady has better credentials than Obama. She's also going to be picking out more conservative women than Hillary supporters. The liberal media says it like there is no such thing as conservative women or that conservative women don't vote.

More LIES. Just difference in subtlety. Still LIES.

[hannibal]

Eikon, I really liked that part of Obama's speech. I took that to mean that having just one person (who's willing to work) out of a job is unacceptable. Telling one individual with a life threatening illness that they shoulda been insured or they'll just have to suffer and pay for it out of pocket is just wrong. The bootstrap example is quite clear to me.

I dont believe anyone should get a free ride. And from what Ive seen. Obama doesnt either. But if they do work, they shouldnt lose their job due to temporary illness or other unforseen event.

I believe our govt's responsible is not to cater to the rich. Or give free rides to the poorest in our country. The govt should simply create an enviroinment where ANYONE can succeed. If an individual doesnt take advantage, then leave them behind. Obama seems to agree with this...

[spngr311]

I will say that they will need to clean up her husband before any senior vote is lost. He looks like a mountain man with that little beard and moustache. Definitely not grey suit red tie material.

Seriously, when you add up all the factors, it is a pretty hard stretch to call this a good choice oh JM's part. There were so many better options.

That actually is kind of endearing - and it could be beneficial as it can keep her rooted in the blue collar arena. If McCain/Palin win, these roots could be beneficial for America, someone who is working class instead of just "listening".

However, I will concede that there were other options available to McCain, and some were just as entertaining as Palin, but I can't fault him for going with her.

[rn79870]

I just saw her speech again. It looked like a llittle beard but it just might be a shadow.

Secondly, after watching the speech two times, my impression is that she is in way, way over her head. She is going to look pretty foolish next to Biden in the debate. I really can't imagine what McCain was thinking in this, and I'm being nice when I say that.

[spngr311]

I am looking forward to the debate - for better or worse.

[Soravia]

I'm thinking ahead that she'll be the down to earth type to go against Biden and perhaps even Mr. Obama himself. She is like the exact opposite of Obama. Working class will love her.

[rn79870]

Here is an excellent blog and comments on Palin. The emails totals so far are 11700 out of 13000 against the decision to choose Palin.

Read the 633 (or more by now) comments on this at this blog.....

http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn....ments

Wolf Blitzer called Obama's acceptance speech the defining point in the campaign. I agree.

[Soravia]

Ha, people are against her, naturally. McCain should hold speech and debate for her ASAP and there will be heads turning.

[Cold_Zero]

Bob

Sarah Palin is not going to help McCain

Alaska is a beautiful sparsly settled state. You cannot compare her experience in governing there to Washington.

Five kids

Poor family planning

Anti abortion

She is not going to appeal to many Hillary supporters

Pro Gun Necessary in Alaska & she will appeal to the usual but not attract additional voters

Odd she mentioned Hillary and shattering a glass ceiling. She is not going to attract very many Hillary supporters on this one either

Generally the Republicans despise Hillary so what is she saying?

Her hair needs a do over

Squeeky voice, very annoying

Her favorite meal is moose stew? Give me a teh eff bomb!!!1!!!eleven!!ing break. I don't think Martha Stewart will be impressed.

Mentions both she and her husband are pro union. Odd for a Republician.

It seems to me the Republicians are so desperate and fearful of losing they are throwing everything out in the hope something will stick?

I doubt if many Americans are going to believe anything either she or John has to say anymore. No one wants four more years of failed Bush policies.

The American people are now well aware that we cannot drill our way out to reduce our dependance on foreign oil. Drilling in ANWAR. Not a solution

Birth control

She should be on it

Obama made an outstanding speech last night and the Republicians are toast.

The POTUS is a very difficult and demanding job. It would probably kill McCain and she is definitely not ready and too inexperienced.

So lets all just vote for Obama

Telcoman

Telcoman,Only you can be a ****ing creep to a 5 month old kid with downs syndrome. Don't be a ****ing douche. No one here attacks the Obama girls and no one will. You may not agree with Sarah Palin on any issues, but don't ****ing knock her decision to have a child full term with special needs. You also forget there are union buddies of yours that actually teach those types of children, my mother in law included.

McCain officially has my vote.Sarah Palin is:Good on AbortionGood on GunsGood on Social IssuesShe is a Conservative Christian

I think the Obama Biden Campaign may NOT want to keep comparing her to GW Bush. Since he got elected twice with the Conservative 'evangelical' vote. A lot of my friends have been 'ho hum' about McCain, I guarantee (Spelled Correctly for Bob) that Sarah Palin is a candidate that my friends (conservative evangelicals) can rally around and put their differences aside with John McCain.

I honestly think Telcoman **** himself when he saw the footage of Sarah Palin shooting an AR-15. That is my kind of governor. Ours rides a motor cycle with different cycling groups.

[szh]

Sarah Palin is not going to help McCain

Alaska is a beautiful sparsly settled state. You cannot compare her experience in governing there to Washington.

Five kids

Poor family planning

Anti abortion

She is not going to appeal to many Hillary supporters

Pro Gun Necessary in Alaska & she will appeal to the usual but not attract additional voters

Odd she mentioned Hillary and shattering a glass ceiling. She is not going to attract very many Hillary supporters on this one either

Generally the Republicans despise Hillary so what is she saying?

Her hair needs a do over

Squeeky voice, very annoying

Her favorite meal is moose stew? Give me a teh eff bomb!!!1!!!eleven!!ing break. I don't think Martha Stewart will be impressed.

Mentions both she and her husband are pro union. Odd for a Republician.

It seems to me the Republicians are so desperate and fearful of losing they are throwing everything out in the hope something will stick?

I doubt if many Americans are going to believe anything either she or John has to say anymore. No one wants four more years of failed Bush policies.

The American people are now well aware that we cannot drill our way out to reduce our dependance on foreign oil. Drilling in ANWAR. Not a solution

Birth control

She should be on it

Obama made an outstanding speech last night and the Republicians are toast.

The POTUS is a very difficult and demanding job. It would probably kill McCain and she is definitely not ready and too inexperienced.

So lets all just vote for Obama

Telcoman

As usual, you are trolling to get people angry. Your personalized attacks on Bush and McCain, and now on Palin are beneath contempt.

For a person who gets on his intellectual high-horse about living in urban areas and being better than others who live outside NYC, you are an amazingly uncouth individual, aren't you? More of that "East Coast" wit, huhn?

Needless to say, it is these kinds of despicable low-blows that make people on the fence go to the other side.

... Hmmm ... wait a minute ... I get it! You are secretly a Republican who wants us moderates and centrists and rational people, to go to the Republican side, in a reaction to your "Democrat" rantings.

Ahha! The truth is out!

Z

[rn79870]

I honestly think Telcoman **** himself when he saw the footage of Sarah Palin shooting an AR-15. That is my kind of governor. Ours rides a motor cycle with different cycling groups.

And she was pointing it at the cameraman if I remember correctly. And you wonder why I don't want guns in the hands of the untrained.

I'm seeing tons of comments on how wise it is to have her a heartbeat from the presidency.

[Cold_Zero]

And she was pointing it at the cameraman if I remember correctly. And you wonder why I don't want guns in the hands of the untrained.

I'm seeing tons of comments on how wise it is to have her a heartbeat from the presidency.

Bob,It would appear in the pictures that I saw, that Sarah Palin kept the barrel of her weapon down range.Correction it appears to be an M-4 not an AR-15.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFjqZ_vvLNc

bud

[nsrZ32]

Since I was at work earlier today I did not have a chance to watch her acceptance speech in its entirety, I just finished watching it on youtube and I strongly second the "in way over her head" comment from above. I am well aware of her achievements and the experience she does have but she seemed far to much like a run of the mill backwoods mother snagged from a PTA meeting. That to me is not someone I would want at the helm of my country if need be.

I could care less that she is a woman, I could care less that Obama is half black, I could care less that McCain is old. I want the best candidate and the best for the country. If that meant me voting for a Republican, I would do so, but I just do not see McCain/Palin as a reasonable future for us. Its seems very much like a decision made by a desperate McCain reaching out for religious/female/hardcore republican voters. Had I been on the ropes, this VP choice would have pushed me over to the Democratic side. To me, McCain isn't what he used to be as he has sold out to Bushlike tactics and is now grasping for anything he can get.

There should be some interesting debates between Palin/Biden and it should be quite the election season

But at the end of the day.....Obama/Biden has my support 100%