Oct 17 - 46/45 - McCain +01
McCain Selects New Trophy
John McCain has selected Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as his VP. I think the 44 year old, former Miss Alaska runner up, is a smart pick. It could backfire, but overall I agree with the strategy. Polls had Alaska tight, but no longer. And I think she will help solidify other states like Montana and the Dakotas, which were close (especially Montana, which Obama was probably a slight favorite). But now they put the gun-totting hottie in those states and they are solid. Plus there are those supposedly upset Hillary supporters (who I am pretty sure don't exist anymore...except for the 5 that CNN found at the convention). I did question the timing of McCain's pick on the day after Obama's historic night, but it seems to have been a wise decision.What I am most concerned for is Cindy McCain. She is probably taking painkillers again from her broken hand, so they sent her out of the country (okay, seriously, I say there is a 7% chance she is having a breakdown....3% chance she is turning to her old friend: drugs). Now John has a new trophy around. As we should all be aware, John left his swimsuit model first wife when she started gaining weight and shrinking as a result of a car accident. He left her for Cindy, who was much younger and prettier....and had a lot of money to help him run for office.
But Cindy is now old and frail, so she must be concerned that very attractive Palin is going to steal her man. Yes, Cindy's money is nice, but since Palin is under investigation for corruption, I presume Palin can steal some money for the two of them to buy several homes together. Or they can just get money from the oil companies, which she has been in bed with (prior to McCain).
Most importantly, if McCain considers Palin is ready to President, pretty much anyone is. She has been Governor over one of the smallest (population) states in the country. Prior to that she was population of a town of 6000 (the same size as Richfield, Ohio....anyone think the mayor of Richfield gets Presidential experience?). So I presume that the experience argument is now moot.
By Chuck - 8/29/2008
42 Comments:
Can you say "exploit"? A very political pick.
jesus chuck,
why do you have to be so demeaning like this?
you could have made your points without resorting to this level of tabloid mentality.
soemone asked recently, but are you like this in court, too?
lighten up
"As for that VP talk all the time, I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day? I'm used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration."
-- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), quoted just last month by Politico.
I don't think any disgruntled women Clinton voters will vote for McCain now because of his pick. What WILL happen though, is many Republican women who would have stayed home this November will go to the polls. McCain can only live through one term so if McCain wins, Palin will have the best shot at being the first women President in four years. Actually, I'm now imaging Clinton vs Palin in 2012...wow!
Obama spokesman Bill Burton released this statement on Sen. John McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate:
"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. Governor Palin shares John McCain's commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush's failed economic policies -- that's not the change we need, it's just more of the same."
Chuck,
You crack me up. Funny post about the selection....
chuck, if you were joking, then i apologize for missing the satire. sometimes i am also on the receiving end of making an outrageous statement and being taken seriously.
I actually think this is your best article ever in terms of being funny.
I do not agree that it was a good pick, as I believe he should have picked Romney. While Romney may have flip-flopped more than anyone, at least people know who he is.
Palin's lack of experience does indeed rival that of Obama's, Chuck.
While we're showing off magazine covers, please let me share this one with you and your readers.
It's gonna be an interesting campaign. The progressive party for change and rainbows and puppy dogs - I'm sorry - kittens, picks a Washington insider for VP with more years in the DC than McCain, and the conservative party of evil white men picks a chick.
I called the VP pick, and many Republicans are impressed (not ozone, though).
So Chuck...how long until you post something disgusting about Governor Palin's newborn with Down Syndrome? Your readers are waiting.
Do you have a link to that random reference to corruption you made?
Bill Burton, classy. Not even a congrats.
Russ,
Like a true republican I have been WORKING and have not had time to blog. You will notice that I am usually absent at the end of the month. I am in sales and I always have targets that need to be met by the 30th.
I submit that you are a political genius. I would have never thought that this would happen. I too thought that the pick would have been Romney/Pawlenty.
Palin is a great pick. She is the only person on either ticket with executive experience. She will connect with middle class families and blue collar women. She has five children, she respects life (did not have an abortion even though she knew that she was having a down syndrome baby), she is a true feminist, she is the most popular governor in the country with an 80%+ approval rating.
We will see. This makes the election even more fun.
Chuck, as usual, your vitriol is matched only by your lack of humor.
Well you know Russ, Down's Syndrome is nowhere near as funny as Obama bin Biden.
Thank you, Menck. You're indeed a gentleman.
Ozone...I knew you and I had something in common: Goals. I'm in sales as well. If I don't show up, I don't get paid. I have no paid vacation. I don't get paid sick days.
It's funny how I have never, in dealing with all my clients and clients of other areas of my employer, met a business owner who was Democrat. Obama talked so much last night about *workers* but never mentioned entrepreneurs...those people who employ the workers in this country.
Being in sales, you are an entrepreneur yourself. You determine your own success. You determine your own failure. You do not allow someone else to determine what you earn.
It's admirable.
Palin looks like Cynthia George.
He did talk about entrepreneurs, you fool! He said that if someone has a good idea, they should be able to start a business and create jobs. Maybe if you would LISTEN, you would see that he has some good ideas and isn't an extremist like McCain and Bush.
We measure the strength of our economy not by the number of billionaires we have or the profits of the Fortune 500, but by whether someone with a good idea can take a risk and start a new business, or whether the waitress who lives on tips can take a day off and look after a sick kid without losing her job, an economy that honors the dignity of work. - Barack Obama, 8-28-2008
That's a rousing piece on entrepreneurealship, Chair.
I know you're just having fun chuck, but I know a few women who aren't too keen on that kind of humor!
Fine selection by McCain. Best pick he had, really.
With McCain being 72, she has as good a chance as Hillary to be the first woman president.
That was said with sarcasm Russ. The Obama bin Biden linkage was pretty offensive.
Also I have been self employed for over thirty years and have voted for maybe two Republicans during that time. Your streak is over.
Menck - Allow me to clarify. There is a big difference between being self-employed, and being an entrepreneur that starts a business and creates jobs. I am not disrespecting what you do or what you have accomplished. I am merely stating the difference between "starting your own business" and creating jobs.
And sorry if it offends...but Obama bin Biden, if not considered funny, is at least...shall we say...strange.
Obama's handlers didn'ttake that into consideration, obviously.
And lighten up. Bush has been called everything from Hitler to shrub to a chimp. I've yet to see your offense at that.
soemone asked recently, but are you like this in court, too?
Only DMX knows fo' sho'!!!
I just hope Chuck never runs for public office. Archives/screenprints of some of his comments on here could be misconstrued by those who can't appreciate his rapier wit and biting sarcasm. There's only so much you can blame on being immature.
Palin has far more experience than Obama. Palin was a mayor and is governor. What has Obama led? Nothing, except campaigning for Prez (& that's pushing it).
Alaska has a small population? Just how much bigger is Delaware? Insignificant!
Russ: Great prognostication there buddy!
Oz, Experience? This woman has the total experience of the Mayor of Chardon and I will throw in one Geauga Cty Commissioner's.
There are lots of issues:
1.) My wife said this: How the hell is she going to care for her new disabled baby while on the campaign trail? Many women may feel the same
2.)Repub VP candidate from Alaska? Why not go all the way and get one from Saipan?
3.) Education :BA in Journalism
4.)She will have a large chance of becoming President
I personally have NO idea if this move will work, but I view it as a win at all cost move which is typical of the Neo Republican Party
Forgot a major womans issue:
Both McCain and Palin wish to overturn Roe v Wade
That is itself may fuele a Fem/Backfire
On the positive: There are probably plenty of male degens out there who will vote her LOOKS
Jill, where are you? - Check in on this thread
"And sorry if it offends...but Obama bin Biden, if not considered funny, is at least...shall we say...strange".
How so? If I change one letter in your name I get Wuss.
Strange? No.
To the other point... I have employees.
Petey,
She has more experience than Obama. She leads a state, balances budgets, is the final decision maker on all bills put before her. Obama was a community organizer once. As far as an education.... Sometimes experience trumps an ivy league education.
Also, are you saying that mothers should not work? Are you saying that they should stay home with their children? Very forward thinking of you.
Mencken/Russ,
Most of my product is distributed by small business owners. All but one has been a republican. I asked the one dem what she would do if her taxes were raised. She answered that she would cut expenses. I asked what expenses and she honestly replied warehouse staff.
To the person who said Palin had more experience than Obama:
The town she ran had a population of 6000. She has been governor for a whopping 20 months. That's it. Imagine taking a local mayor around your city, give them 20 months of training and say, here you go, be president now and go debate with Putin. Wow, I can't imagine that.
Obama was a State Senator for 8 years and U.S. Senator for 4 years. He at least has some experience dealing with national and international issues.
Zone, Clinton balanced the budget and left us with a surplus. Bush ran up spending and the deficit up like there was no tomorrow. So let's stop promoting the tax and spend Democrats and Small Government Republican myths ok?
I mean look at the deficit under Reagan.
You never know what you're going to get from these guys.
"Also, are you saying that mothers should not work? Are you saying that they should stay home with their children? Very forward thinking of you."
No
Read my comment no.1 again, Einstein
I dont know where you are getting your "talking points", specifically - that she has more "experience" than Obama, but that is not true.
Take as step back from the picture, toss politics aside momentarily, and ask your self if you are in favor of her ascending to the Presidency of the United States.
Yes or No
Or do you just feel lucky? (that Mc will survive all the way through his term)
Thinnest résumé of any vice-presidential pick in modern history
BTW - Chuck - "Gun Toting Hottie" ----That was real cute
Wait about a week and the Photoshop boys will produce some "pics"
I dont want to insult anyone's intellignece, but I hope everyone realizes that the magazine cover is a fake...
Annie, I'm really curious on your take. I mean, how do you think this pick affects female voters. I'm pretty sure you're still voting Obama (not that you're obligated in any way) but I wonder what you think most Hillary supporters will do. I just don't see how this is a winning strategy for McCain. I mean, to a certain extent, choosing Palin is a direct play for your vote (again, not assuming anything about how you have to, or should, vote).
Here is my take (finally organized into one, somewhat cohesive blog post).
Geraldine Ferraro thinks it is a genius pick. McCain just sealed the election for his side. He did what obama should have done.
Obama would have won the election if he would have chosen Hillary as his running mate but his ego would not allow him to do it.
Quit drinking the kool aide. Palin is an outstanding pick, this is a change election, Palin is no Quayle. Far from it, she should be the one running for President.
First of all it's funny how you gloss over the fact she has more executive experience than Ohio's own Ted Strickland. She is a GOVERNOR OF ONE OF OUR 50 STATES! Oh but it's only Alaska, that's like being a senator from Delaware! Unlike Teddy Strickland, Palin has an 83% approval rating. She has done an outstanding job as governor, and unlike Obama, she can actually cite accomplishments in office.
Palin is a bright, engaging, likable, strong, multi-talented tough woman. Her family is not wealthy, she literally has the credentials of a working class American family that people will identify with.
Steelworker husband, accomplished athlete, the more you hear her speak the more you like her.
Heck she'e even pretty.
I enjoyed seeing obama and biden backtracking with their congratulatory phone calls after first criticizing her selection and than feeling the heat in the press. Of course this obama camp is experienced in attacking a woman candidate ala Hillary.
I liked Palin's speech criticizing the old boy network and praising Hillary and Ferraro.
Great post David, Thanks for taking the time.
You said it : ""lose, lose" or "stuck between a rock and hard place"
plus the fact that Ms. Palin is an advocate of "Creationism" is telling of her character.
Just as she believes in the creation myth, just maybe as President and Commander in Chief she will "BELIEVE" is sanitizing God's Earth of homosexuals, commies, anarchists, papists, socialists, environmentalists, Sierra Clubers, bunkos and fakirs and all evil doers by using our nifty NUKE ARSENAL
I wonder what her grades in Biology were during her BA @ Idaho?
Anon- more "experience" than 67 yr old Gov Ted Strickland? ---a PHD and Congressman for decades
Gov of Ohio v Alaska??? that comparison is apples to mushroom spores
Buy a NEW calculator
You're happy with "Steelworker husband, accomplished athlete, the more you hear her speak the more you like her.
Heck she'e even pretty."
What about policies? Experience? Issues? That doesn't matter as long as her husband is a tough guy and she can run real fast. You must be a genius. I can see why you're a republican... you've got the low expectations to match the results.
What else could we expect from the Republican Party?
Yesterday was John McCain's 72nd birthday. If elected, he'd be the oldest president ever inaugurated. And after months of slamming Barack Obama for "inexperience," here's who John McCain has chosen to be one heartbeat away from the presidency: a right-wing religious conservative with no foreign policy experience, who until recently was mayor of a town of 9,000 people.
Huh?
Who is Sarah Palin? Here's some basic background:
She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago. Her previous office was mayor of Wasilla, a small town outside Anchorage. She has no foreign policy experience.
Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest.
She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000.
Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.
She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.
She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy. She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as an endangered species—she was worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska.
How closely did John McCain vet this choice? He met Sarah Palin once at a meeting. They spoke a second time, last Sunday, when he called her about being vice-president. Then he offered her the position.
i am out of town, but wanted to go on record about Gustav real quick: the comparisons to Katrina are off....katrina was much stronger.....hence, it is likely things will not get as bad....
and obviously, DHS/Nagin/Bush are actually doing something to help in advance, so this should go better, even if there are problems with the levees.
one concern is that, if i am right and it is not as strong or horrible, that this leads to that boy who cried wolf mentality. i have a friend that lived in new orleans for years and said the evacuations were silly after several years, because nothing ever happened. so when everyone acts like this storm is the worst thing ever, but not much comes of it (becuase it is not at that more serious katrina level)
anyway, those are some thoughts. i am not sure if i am making sense, but i have a general sense that the media is overhyping this storm to garner news coverage. and i really hope i am right and this storm does not go katrina-style mess on NO
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