Sarah Palin as McCain's VP: the Smartest Political Move Since the Emancipation Proclamation
Republicans Level the Political Playing Field
Common Man Factor
Obama has been pushing his common man image and using the "McCain has seven houses" to contrast the candidates. Palin couldn't have more common appeal if she worked in a steel mill. People can related to a mother of five who went from coach to PTA to city council to mayor to governor. Those are some real grass roots.
The Change Factor
Obama has been chanting his change mantra for months. Palin has been changing politics in Alaska for two years. Cleaning out corrupt practices, lowering taxes and refunding dividends to Alaskans has been her claim to fame. Remember the Alaskan so-called "bridge to nowhere" that congress voted funds for? Palin refused to take the money for that pork-barrel project. That's a solid example of change as opposed to Obama's rhetoric.
The Youth Factor
Palin is 44, three years younger than Obama. McCain even quipped last month that given his age, 72, he was very cognizant of the need for him to have a qualified running mate. Nudge. Nudge. Wink. Wink. And Palin lends a fresh MILF factor to the ticket as well.
The Historic Factor
Obama supporters have used the fact that this is the most historic vote ever because a black man may become present. Some (and this is personal experience) have even gone to the lengths of labeling those not inclined to vote for Obama as racist, even if their objections are based solely on ideology. Now McCain supporters have a level playing field. Such ridiculous accusations have to stop or be met with "Well, you're a sexist pig." Brilliant maneuver on McCain's part.
The Contrast Factor
Now in the sprint to November, a clear contrast of the entire packages can be seen. Obama's campaign of change, chose an old white guy AKA "safe bet" to balance out his ticket. McCain balances his ticket with a truly change-minded candidate. Draw your own conclusions.
The Hillary Factor
It's obvious that one demographic Palin's nomination is supposed to influence is the bitter, fence-sitting, Clinton supporters who had their heart set on the first female president. With McCain/Palin they still may have a chance to see that happen. Though in good health, McCain is 72. The presidency takes a toll on a body. Just compare inauguration pictures to any photo taken during the third year of any presidency. With McCain's sense of humor, expect to see some jokes about this soon from his own lips.
Probably half the people reading this don't know that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and half of that half don't know what the Emancipation Proclamation was. If you are scratching your head right now or running to Google those facts, please stay home on Election Day. Selecting Palin is a move to counter the opposition's strongest claims and cause dissension in the ranks. "Rise up and vote!" will be the McCain/Palin cheer. Make history, but do it with a two-for-one, double-coupon-day-at-the-supermarket, hockey mom.
Published by theBarefoot
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57 Comments
Post a CommentAhhhh. . . there was an election? When? Who won? Did I win? I am the new El Presidente? "lift that barge, tote that bale!" Hey, I like this being President and ordering people around . . . oh wait, I got one . . . "I have declared Russia illegal. The bombing will begin in five minutes!" Wait . . . , that sounds familiar . . . .
I didn't come across this article until after the election and a couple months of Obama being in office (God help us!), so my post comes with the benefit of that old adage: Hindsight is 20/20; however, I voted for Palin and McCain and wish to God that others had too. She did rejuvenate a dead party and inspire women all over America to hope that they would get represented in that top office one day (buy many of us couldn't stomach a 'Hillary' option). Unfortunately, we got her anyway...as Secretary of State. Everything you said in your article was "on the money." McCain was a genius, but Obama was more clever (sometimes, like in this case, clever isn't a good trait; it just sometimes succeeds in fooling people to support your cause). Great job, Randy!
I see where you were coming from originally but in the end i think it was definitely Palin who cost McCain the election. She actually seemed to turn off more women then men. I think she brought ome republicans together but i think she did nothing to break the democratic base and even sent some moderates to the left.
Yeah - like Shanika, how'd I miss this? And why haven't I favorited you yet? Doing so now. Thanks for the bit on Republican Abe Lincoln. I wrote it in an October article, too.
I think it was a good attempt to choose someone who added these factors to the campaign, but it seems that the choice of Palin only worked to sure up traditional Republican support. Due to the McCain/Palin platform, many of those women who would have voted for Hillary were not likely to vote for the Republican ticket. I was undecided until Palin came on the scene, and I saw her interview with Katie Couric among others. All of the factors listed in this article actually worked against securing my vote (an American from Massachusetts, currently living in Pakistan). Palin's nomination helped my vote go for Obama, but that's mostly because seeing her talk about the Middle East forced me to remember by civic duty and become informed about the candidates' stances on the issues.
MILF, Bare? (smile) Who would have thunk that accolade had currency in your bank of life experiences. Good 'caribou,' indeed, is hard to find and is a delicacy to be savored, politically speaking, of course. Write On, Michael
=)
Nice article and very informative
How'd I miss this one? Man, I sure didn't expect all of the hateful reactions to Palin. I mean, what's not to like? Excellent piece.
Yeah, guess I'll have to stay home on election day, thanks for clearing that up for me, Randy!