Sorry, but I need to get a little political
I just have to ask: That’s who McCain picked for a running mate? Really?
Wow.
That could be one of the weirdest things I’ve ever heard, and that includes all the stuff I learned from X-Files.
Just curious what y’all thought.
August 29th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
It strikes me as a single-issue effort, and a fairly transparent one at that: Try to attract the die-hard Hillary voters away from Obama. (Sure, the Republican base likes Palin, but I don’t see her as a significant draw for that crowd.) She may pull some “spite” Hillary voters, but given how radically different her stances are from Hillary’s, I think it’ll really be limited to the hardcore PUMAs.
And her selection completely undermines McCain’s stance that Obama’s too inexperienced to hold the office — after all, his choice for VP is equally inexperienced. I wouldn’t call her unqualified, but it really seems like the single thing that figured into the decision was that she’s a woman. And that was the end of it.
And the fact that she’s under investigation for an (alleged) abuse of power doesn’t exactly differentiate her from the current administration.
To be fair, that’s just my initial gut reaction — I don’t know enough about her to make a more informed commentary.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Yeah, Bill, my first reaction was to laugh about how he’d completely given away any argument about Obama’s experience–thank you very much. This morning I talked to one of my Republican friends and asked what he thought the general reaction among Rs would be. He thought a good portion of them would now choose to stay home rather than vote at all.
And come on–a 2-year gov is no substitute for Hillary, if that’s what they think they’re doing. You’re right–voters aren’t so stupid that they’ll vote for just any woman.
Such a weird strategy. Can’t imagine some advisor was really telling him to do that.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Well, who ever wins, ‘history’ will be made. As a black woman myself, I feel this election has made great strides in fighting my oppression.
She seems like a good choice if she wasn’t crazy, though she kind of highlights how old and crotchety McCain is getting by contrast.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I just wanted to point out, Today is both John McCain’s and Michael Jackson’s birthday.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
By picking Palin, McCain just picked up at least half to the folks who were supporting Ron Paul and were intending to write him in, so there is that.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Suzanne, you really think so? That’s interesting–that never would have occurred to me. Thanks for your input–we shall see . . .
P, glad you’re feeling represented. And thanks for once again proving the danger of assumptions. How many people out there thought Patrick was a white Irish guy?
And the McCain/Jackson birthday thing? That’s GOTTA mean something. Does McCain own a monkey?
August 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I’m an undecided. I probably won’t make my mind up until after the debates. Neither candidate has been specific enough on how they will do what they say they will do, IMO.
And Dude! Did you hear David Duchovney is in rehab for S-E-X addiction?
August 29th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Yeah, Heather, I did hear that. Makes you wonder whether Fox Mulder was written to be like David, or if David became Fox. Hmm.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
http://icanhascheezburger.com/2007/10/16/this-not-so-hard/
Too funny. I Can Has Laughs.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I’m glad you posted about this, Robin.
I’m a hardcore Dem and I have to say that what I worry about most right now is Sarah Palin. I don’t think she understands what this campaign is going to do to her personally. The press is going to DESTROY her. She’s completely unqualified, which is especially apparent when the presidential candidate is 72 years old.
This seems to be some sort of tactic to win over the PUMAs, who I now think are some sort of made-up group. Seriously. I supported Hillary, but when she lost, Obama became my man. Their voting records are identical!! (Yes, I know he didn’t “vote” for the war, but he wasn’t in the Senate. To me it does not count that he says he wouldn’t vote for the war. We know politicians.)
Okay, so back to McCain/Palin: the second tactical prong here is to attract the religious right. You can’t attract both the religious right and the so-called PUMAs. I think this shows a complete disregard for women. Sarah Palin is a creationist, a NRA supporter, wants to expand off-shore drilling, is in the pocket of the oil companies, and made the assertion that she kept her Down’s child because she’s “pro-life.” Well, excuse me, I, like the majority of women, know many pro-CHOICE women who chose to keep children with health issues like Down’s.
Whew! Felt good to get that off my chest. I do not look forward to the misogyny she will face, because, frankly, unlike Hillary Clinton, I’m not sure Sarah Palin is up to it. No matter what she believes (which is all 100 percent opposed to what I believe), I do not want this campaign to destroy her life.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:05 am
Maybe it’s because Barry and I vacationed there but I have been watching her for 2 years. Being retired, I read everything. Saw her baby announcement in April–her baby son has a disability by the way–surprised they didn’t plug into that group while mentioning her oldest son joined the Army, thus pandering to the hoo-rah of the military (apologies to my Marine Corps father). She’s part of Feminists for Pro-Life, lives in her home in Wasilla rather than the gov’s mansion, NRA member, athletic, and doesn’t have much political experience at all. Well, if you count the town council from 1992. Any other dirt desired? Just ask!
McCain took a huge risk but there’s what 64 days before the election, so any spin can happen.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Irish? Really? Is it all the green I’ve been wearing lately?
August 30th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I slept on this, so here goes.
I was a registered Republican at the age of 18. Became an Indie 3 years ago because the Republicans lost their way. Registered as a Dem to vote for Hillary this year.
I think Obama is an inspiring speaker. His speech brought me to tears Thursday night. I’m keeping an open mind this year and will vote my conscience regardless of party. But please tell me how Obama’s experience is any greater than Palin’s. She’s only running for VP, not the top job. His lack of experience is the reason I did not vote for him in the first place. He would definitely have had my vote with Hillary (and Bill) on the ticket. Now I’m unsure.
I’m Catholic. I am a pro-life feminist. I believe science explains God’s creation. I am a social liberal and fiscal conservative. And I don’t feel that there is a candidate running that represents me. So I’m paying close attention in hopes of making the right choice. I’m not writing Obama off because of his lack of experience nor am I walking away from McCain because he chose a woman. I’m proud of both tickets for their historic choices.
I will not heed negative, hypocritical attacks focused on either candidate. I just want the facts, not biased B.S.
August 30th, 2008 at 6:57 am
And by negative, hypocritical attacks, I was referring to what we hear from the press.
Didn’t want anyone thinking I meant comments to this post. I respect all of your opinions.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:22 am
I stay away from politics (which is a whole post in and of itself).
Sometimes I’m very aged ten in that I wish there were more fairness in political talk (and like Heather H., I’m not talking about here! I’m talking about the press or political blogs etc). With too much us/them, and too much if our guy does x it’s Wonderful or Excusable but if the other guy does x it’s evidence of EEEvvviiil. (Yes, I’m being a bit over the top here.)
I am intrigued by the choice of Palin. I don’t see it as an effort to get Hillary voters. I do see it as a response to the “if x, you’re a democrat” beliefs. (And to be fair, there are just as many “if y, you’re a republican” beliefs.).
I belong to neither party; and I am so tired, just on principle, of sitting in library meetings and the speaker(s) assuming their audience is all Democrats (or better yet, all Democrats who believe x, y, or z) and speak accordingly, both in cheering a point and being negative about the “others.” It doesn’t matter whether or not I agree with the speaker, this assumption of us/them based on occupation annoys me (just as us/them based on sex, economic class, etc. annoys me). (I guess I’m easily annoyed!) (To be fair, this annoyance started in law days when it was all “you must be a republican” etc.)
I think Palin is to show undecided voters that the definition of Republican includes someone who is more working class, who isn’t part of the establishment. I think it will have to lessen the “obama is not experienced” offense, and I wonder why they are deciding to do that (any such ad can simply be turned around on palin, now, and even more as she has no national experience, i believe).
I also think, sadly, that anyone who has been in the political sphere gets so closely examined, every little thing being analyzed and recorded, every misstep or misstatement. There’s no room for a candidate to be anything other than Pefect; no room for gray, for thought, for consideration. And I think it appealed to the party to not use someone who is “new” to the game so that they don’t have that type of baggage. Of course, now the press will go after every little thing, but it’ll take time.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I think experience is overrated. Especially in the President. It’s not like we put him on a plane and send him into a foreign country by himself and hope for the best. He has advisors. Really you need ability AND experience. If I only have to select one, I prefer ability. Experience can be shared, talent, not so much.
I’d rather see someone bright and articulate who has a good sense of right and wrong and the ability to know who to trust. I prefer leaders who want to be surrounded by dissenting voices to make sure they hear all sides, not one who only wants people who see what they see. I do not like the old boys club (Or girls, or which ever club deciding based on ‘lets do what’s best for us while we have power’ club).
I preferred McCain over Bush 8 years ago. I preferred McCain over Gore as well, but Gore over Bush. I really thought you voters would come through for me.
McCain is pandering at this point and I don’t think he knows how or wants to get out of the Middle East.
At this point, I like Obama, but I don’t care for Biden. I like that Palin was selected because it is nice when people think outside the box, but I wish she was north of the Vicky Mendoza Diagonal.
I hope you voters pull through for me.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Kelly, I really appreciate your compassionate approach to this. I hadn’t thought of the cost to Palin, but what you said sounds right. The aggression of politics is its least attractive aspect. But I guess that’s how it’s always been–it’s just that now news travels faster. Anyway, thanks for all your thoughts on this. Very interesting.
So Ally, does that mean you’re for her or agin her? Or just neutrally watching?
Heather, you are a hard constituent. Whew. But I think in the same way our population has become more blended over time, it’s the same with people’s political views. One size does not fit all. And I think that’s good–it encourages both voters and politicians to think about what issues matter most to them.
I would have been happy with either Obama or Clinton. I would have been super happy with both of them together. But what I care about most is a positive direction going forward. I want a world of peace, and I feel like Obama wants that, too. I’m so tired of the punk-*** bully behavior of the past 8 years. I want America to go back to being the benevolent giant.
Liz B., I usually stay away from talking about politics on the blog, but sometimes you just have to let it out. And I’m really interested in what you all think about this, so thanks for chiming in. I appreciate all the well-considered thoughts of all my smart bloggy friends.
You, too, Patrick.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I just want to add that the reason I don’t think this is about Hillary voters is that I think the Republicans realize that it would be impossible to sway that block. At best (from a Rep. POV), those voters who don’t want to vote for Obama will vote for a 3rd candidate/not vote, which, can only help McCain. so (if I were on the Republican campaign committe) I’d say, hey, they are helping us out just by not voting for Obaama, so don’t stir that nest and possibly remind them it’s better to vote for Obama than to not vote for Obama.
I also am going to watch Obama’s campaign re Hillary/Bill/Clinton with interest. The block of voters that is up for grabs (IMHO) are those who are disgusted with what is going on and are not Democrats (either Republicans or neither party). Is it possible for Obama to both stay on the good side of the Hillary Dems AND sway the antiHillary Republicans/independents? I know a few people who were convinced that if Hillary won the Dem nomination, it would be an easy win for McCain because of the level of feeling agsint the Clintons. The fact that Hillary is not on the ticket will make it easier for those who are antiH to vote Dem this fall; but if Obama overly involves the C’s in his campaigns in states that are up for grabs, or makes it clear she/they will be part of his cabinet, those voters may stick with McCain/won’t vote. Yet, not involving the Clintons will piss other people off. So what will he do?
August 30th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Punk-*** bully. I love that! Not the sentiment, but that Amish you said that.
I want peace, too. I think if McCain/Palin present themselves in the next 60+ days as tough, unwavering, and unwilling to negotiate with world threats that they will lose. Economy is first in most people’s minds, but I think subconsciously most of us want out of Iraq.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:15 am
You wish I was above the Vicky Mendoza Diagonal?
August 30th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Patrick, it’s really sad when you make me resort to the Urban Dictionary. Here, for all you who are clueless like me: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Vicky%20Mendoza%20diagonal
Also, I confess to not knowing what PUMA stands for. So here’s that: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_United_Means_Action
Okay, now that we’re all speaking the English again.
Keep it coming, all of you. Love the discussion!
August 30th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Patrick, it’s really sad when you make me resort to the Urban Dictionary. Here, for all you who are clueless like me: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Vicky%20Mendoza%20diagonal
Also, I confess to not knowing what PUMA stands for. So here’s that: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_United_Means_Action
(And notice the alternate use of the term–which I have the feeling most of you mean.)
Okay, now that we’re all speaking the English again.
Keep it coming, all of you. Love the discussion!
August 30th, 2008 at 10:19 am
I thought PUMA was “Party Unity, My As-”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/07/hillaryclinton.barackobama
And this video is the best explanation of the Vicky Mendoza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvkTdNbJ3EY
August 30th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Yeah, Patrick, that’s the second definition on Wikipedia.
And here’s the Daily Show’s take on the nomination: http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=183521&title=john-mccain-chooses-a-running
August 30th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
By the way, this has been bothering me. It wasn’t “And you, too, Patrick,” like he’s not one of my smart bloggy friends. It was “Patrick included.”
Good. Now I can sleep tonight.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
August 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Jeez, I might just have to register and vote for this pair….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHi0K-78ZaQ&feature=user
August 30th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Happy Birthday, Patrick!
August 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Why, thank you!
August 31st, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I made up my mind long, long ago. No voting Republican. Ever.
August 31st, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Patrick, if Heather says it’s your birthday, then I believe her. Hap Birth!
Katie Sis, it’s good to know your mind. That also tells me you’ll never be able to date/marry a Republican–I’m always amazed at couples who can pull that off. How do Arnold Schwarzenneger and Maria Shriver manage it?
September 1st, 2008 at 5:44 am
Indeed it was on the 30th. A birthday I happily share with Cameron Diaz and Warren Buffett.
Thankfully, not on the 29th, you know, with Michael Jackson and John McCain.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Hmmm…. If McCain could get me to Scotland, I might vote for him. I wonder if I should ask him.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:31 am
The vice president nominee for both parties insure one thing, whoever is elected we will know who is president. Unlike the present boob who is a puppet controlled by the vice president.
Palin creates a problem for McCain in that he can not argue experience to be a important criteria for being the president. She has far less than Obama and is no way prepared to deal with national issues we face. Yet could become president with the stop of a heart.
Both presidential candidates have been posturing for their parties more extreme factions. After this week we will hopefully gain a clearer understanding of their positions as they speak to the rest of us.