McCain picks Sarah Palin to be his running mate.
It's an interesting pick. My first thought is that one reason she may have been chosen is an attempt to get the disenfranchised Hillary Clinton voters who've said they'd vote for McCain before they'd vote for Obama.
The biggest challenge though is that she's not well known (certainly not compared to Biden).
I've been saying for a while, too, that I'm waiting for McCain's pick, hoping for an inspirational pick. Since I don't know much about her I'm interested in knowing more about her.
My Blog: williswired.com
A couple issues that are being discussed in the wake of this pick include 1) Palin's inexperience (interesting in light of the charge against Obama), and 2) a current legislative investigation on Governor Palin in her home state of Alaska.
It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out.
BTW, today is McCain's 72nd birthday. Palin is 44. McCain would be the oldest person elected to the presidency. With McCain's age, health history, and the stress of the presidency, Palin becoming president within 4-8 years (assuming re-election or if McCain would choose to serve only one term) is certainly not out of the picture.
Hopefully, she will get enough on-the-job training as VP.
She's been a governor for two years. Obama's executive leadership? What was that name of the board he served on with the admitted terrorist Bill Ayers?
This is a great pick. Solid pro-life conservative, mother of five, the most recent one being earlier this year, I think.
At least McCain didn't pick an old white guy like Obama did.
Five kids. Most recent one born with Downs syndrome. During pregnancy, she refused to look at the pre-natal testing because she was going to have the baby regardless. "A precious child" is how she describes him.
From WorldNetDaily:
Palin's strong pro-life views were highlighted earlier this year when she and her husband Todd were informed she was carrying a Down syndrome child but chose to carry through with the pregnancy.
"We've both been very vocal about being pro-life," Palin told the Associated Press. "We understand that every innocent life has wonderful potential."
The day after the birth, the Palins said in a statement: "We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed."
Anyone got the over/under as to when Dobson will now sign on?
Just heard Palin's speech, the first time I've ever heard her (or even heard of her). I think she's an interesting choice and will probably make the race interesting, as well.
I just heard that her nickname in high school (as a point guard on her basketball team) was Sarah "Baracuda" Palin. Her debates with Biden should be highly charged, probably even better/more exciting than the Obama-McCain debates.
And I think they're clearly going after the female Clinton supporters -- 1) Palin paid tribute to Clinton (as well as Ferrar) in her speech, 2) I just saw a political ad on local TV that quotes Hillary talking about Obama, the ad ends with "Was she right?", and as I write this, the Executive Director of the Republican Governor's Association just described one of her roles as reaching out to women.
I think it's a gutsy choice. We'll see if it pays off.
I think this makes it a very very close race.
I like what I'm learning about Sarah Palin so far. And as Mark's news item posted elsewhere indicates, evangelical leaders seem to be going wild about the choice.
My problem is that I'd like to vote for Palin, but I'm still not sure I want to vote for McCain.
I like that Palin is a fresh face and not one of the same old, same old members of the party. That's probably one of the reasons I'm intrigued by Obama.
BTW, I heard earlier today that Palin is a member of the pro-woman, pro-life group Feminists for Life, who just posted this news item/announcement.
It definitely is a gutsy move by McCain. It is good to see "fresh faces" in the election on both sides. Looking forward to a debate or the next civil forum for VPs by Rick.
As elated as I am about her pro-life position, I am troubled by her lack of experience -- especially as Commander-in-Chief.
Is she ready to step in and become president? I'm sure I won't be the only one asking that question. Obama's youth was a major talking point for the McCain campaign. Is he going to eat crow now?
It seems so blatantly political to me rather than based upon principle which is what I love about McCain. I sure could be wrong -- I was once before -- but I'm not as excited about this historic move as some are. I'm just not sure she is the right man for the job.
It is her lack of Washington connection that makes her appealing to me. I would love to have someone come in from the outside and knock some heads with people in the State Dept who seem to act contrary to our interests. I think it's a matter of values first.
Since 1968, all presidents but two have been former governors. I don't know that they had a ton experience either.
Huckabee just gave a good interview on the "experience" issue. Paraphrase: she got more executive experience in one month as governor than BHO has had in his entire life. She was also a mayor for many years. I just think the whole "but it was a small town" thing smacks of elitism.
In the interest of bipartisanship, Daily Kos is pointing out that Sarah Palin is a dominionist. She even appears to be associated with the AOG.
No less than the official newsletter of the Assemblies of God of Alaska promotes her proudly as one of the denomination's own, and she was actually feted at an official function of the Assemblies' Alaska District as recently as this year:
Oh my.....
She's an A/G girl!!! McCain's got my vote now!