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Sarah Palin Announcement

John McCain is about to introduce Sarah Palin in Dayton, Ohio. First impressions are important. Palin is on the spot.

I'll live blog it below the fold.

By Big Tent Democrat

Good visuals for McCain. An excited crowd.

It's McCain's birthday?

Framing this as an outsider, reformer pick. to coin a phrase, a change agent. So that is the rollout angle. Smart.

Here's Sarah Palin. A woman vice president. Always a good visual.

Common touch. Working class vice presidential candidate. Union worker husband. Son joining the army.

That's a pretty good story.

Energy independence.

She's pretty solid in presentation if not experience. You can see what McCain was trying to get.

BTW, Blowhard Biden needs to be put on hold in the debate.

The Q rating is high in this one. Advice to Obama camp, do not attack her. Ignore her.

Shameless appeal to Hillary supporters.

< Tread Carefully Regarding Palin | McCain-Palin: Eagleton II? >
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  • Display: Sort:
    First Impressions (5.00 / 4) (#1)
    by indy in sc on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:12:57 AM EST
    will be extemely important here.  She is unknown nationally--whatever impression people come away with today will be very hard to shake.

    Well, she's extremly well spoken (5.00 / 5) (#3)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:16:13 AM EST
    and frankly beautiful.  Her first impression will probably be pretty good.

    Parent
    she is good looking (5.00 / 0) (#155)
    by AlSmith on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:01:34 PM EST
    but not so much so its distracting. The family seems nice too. The littlest girl looked scared.

    I really think she needs professional speech writers. She had some exciting elements in the speech but didnt tie it together. GOP really doesnt have much time to get her up to speed. The should have speech and vocal coaches with her daily.

    Her reformist credentials look great.

    She will do great on Oprah. Other than that she should avoid debates.

    Another tea leaf- Rove must be on the outside. Bad news for McCain since he is the by heads the smartest guy in this game. On the other hand he might offer his services to a 527.

    Interesting how the script has been flipped. Before Russian aggression in October would spell doom for Obama. Now it may hurt McCain more.

    Parent

    Your comment (none / 0) (#31)
    by DCDemocrat on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:02 AM EST
    in the other thread was pretty rude.

    Parent
    Your comment to me seemed pretty condescending (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:30:10 AM EST
    to me.  

    Parent
    If you were preparedq (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by DCDemocrat on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:35:29 AM EST
    to read it that way, I guess it would have seemed like that.  How we supporters of the greatest progressive woman of a generation could settle for a woman of neocon stripes is beyond me.  I hope we honor Hillary by resisting this Republican mirage.

    Parent
    You have good reason (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:46:50 AM EST
    to wonder, DCD, about the curious and loud promotion here by many of such an anti-progressive woman whose elevation by the GOP is an insult to women and to Hillary-backing Dems.

    Parent
    I agree 100% (5.00 / 0) (#131)
    by coigue on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:53:25 PM EST
    I wonder about the motives of people here often

    Parent
    You guys haven't learned (5.00 / 3) (#160)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:05:58 PM EST
    a darn thing.  What you're doing isn't going to work this time.

    Stop it now if you want Obama to have any chance in November.

    Parent

    Stop what? (5.00 / 0) (#187)
    by coigue on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:35:50 PM EST
    refusing to pretend that I know everyone here and that we are all on the level?

    Are you really that naiive?

    Parent

    This post (none / 0) (#200)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:47:38 PM EST
    This is the kind of post that's going to hurt Obama.  You are dismissing her because she's a woman, a "political ploy" and you are assuming you know what is or is not insulting to women.  

    First, there is more to her than being a woman so reducing her to that is insulting.

    Second, even if you are right (and you probably are) that is beside the point.  This is a smart political choice from a campaign that has clearly learned the lesson that a bunch of high-minded men can't go around telling women what they should or should not be offended by.

    There are many progressives out there who told women it WASN'T sexist to call a woman a "b*tch" or a "monster" or comment incessantly on her looks.  Now these same guys are going to say that it IS sexist to have a woman as VP nom.  Huh?  

    Stop now - go after her record.  That would be smart.  But you need to stop attacking her or the pick in general because of gender.

    Parent

    Former Beauty Queen (none / 0) (#177)
    by nell on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:23:52 PM EST
    I'm excited about her...I know that is awful, she does not stand for what I believe in, I know that with my head and I am aware enough that I won't vote for the ticket no matter how much I like her, but I feel this way, your average voter in America who does not follow policy and politics may also feel this way...and vote with their hearts...

    Parent
    McCain to Hillary's supporters: (5.00 / 11) (#4)
    by myiq2xu on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:16:28 AM EST
    "I WANT YOUR VOTE"

    So much for the "Where else are you gonna go?" message from the Democratic party

    How can a real (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by DCDemocrat on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:27:09 AM EST
    Democrat be excited about an anti-choice woman who is wrong on so many oil and environmental issues?

    Parent
    Anti-Choice (5.00 / 3) (#84)
    by Desired User Name on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:42:36 AM EST
    will NEVER be exciting to me. I'm not voting McCain, no way no how. That alone makes me dislike him and his new VP choice.

    PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT

    Parent

    This makes it worse (5.00 / 0) (#201)
    by elonepb on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:48:27 PM EST
    In today's Newsweek article (http://www.newsweek.com/id/156190), regarding Clinton:

    "(She said she felt kind of bad she couldn't support a woman, but she didn't like Clinton's "whining." "

    WHINING?

    Great job McCain, not only did you ruin your "experience" attack, you brought on a woman who thinks Hillary is a whiner. Way to try and capture the women's vote.

    Parent

    I understand your confusion (5.00 / 19) (#87)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:06 AM EST
    It's similar to mine when I was asking:  how can a democratic party opposed to bigotry and sexism allow what happened to Hillary Clinton to stand? And then pass her over for VP for no reason other than sexism?

    Weird, innit?

    Parent

    I don't think Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by TomStewart on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:51:57 PM EST
    was passed over for VP due to sexism. I doubt Obama said, 'No way, I don't want a woman on this ticket!'. Look and the man's family history, he's known a lot of strong women.

    I think he just doesn't like her, period. He probably didn't care to be in the Clinton shadow, both Hillary's and Bill's, either.

    Parent

    That may be true.... (5.00 / 8) (#140)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:56:39 PM EST
    ...once Hillary wasn't the nominee though, not picking her as VP because of "personal feelings" was not politically smart IMHO and it left McCain this opening. I have no idea how it will play out and I don't care to make any predictions.

    Parent
    Probably true (5.00 / 0) (#185)
    by indiependy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:35:39 PM EST
    As Bill pointed out, when faced with his first decision (VP) Obama "hit it out of the park". Right or wrong he didn't want to choose HRC. But he showed respect in selecting someone that professionally was at least on par with her. Hillary and Biden have the experience, qualifications, and national-security experience to be president or vice-president, no matter what. None of us truly know what went on with the process or deliberations, all we know is who he decided on. And that he didn't make an affront and choose Kaine, or pander and go with Sebielius, McCaskill or any other of the candidates that didn't have a chance of stacking up. I'm not sure McCain can say the same. Can anyone make the argument that Palin would have gotten selected if she were a man?

    Parent
    I disagree (5.00 / 2) (#196)
    by Edgar08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:43:34 PM EST
    I think sexism is a part of it.

    While some of the things said there are true, Obama was also simply unwilling to deal with the drama that would have come with choosing Clinton.

    Which includes the sexism directed at her.

    Obama CHOSE not to take on that fight.


    Parent

    We're not one-issue voters (5.00 / 2) (#129)
    by catfish on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:53:15 PM EST
    and being for women encompasses much much more than what goes on between our legs.

    Parent
    How can a "real democrat" . . . . (5.00 / 11) (#165)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:09:51 PM EST
    this quote from a post at riverdaughter might help:

    Regardless of her politics, the choice of Sarah Palin to be McCain's VP is, in my view, a way for McCain to reach out an olive branch to women voters.  Obama has proven that not only does he not care about women's issues, he fundamentally doesn't understand them at all.  Even worse he has such utter disdain for women that he refused to pick the one person who would have ensured him victory in November.  McCain on the other hand has just told the biggest voting block in the nation that while they may have disagreements on issues, even issues that are extremely important to a lot of women, he acknowledges their importance to the governance of this nation, and lets everyone know that he believes a woman is capable of governing the most powerful nation on Earth.   And in my opinion that's a big deal.

    Parent

    Myiq....This was a big "in your face" (5.00 / 9) (#25)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:27:39 AM EST
    to the dems by McCain; and I think it will serve him well, like it or not.

    Parent
    It could have been successful (none / 0) (#124)
    by andrys on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:51:27 PM EST
    but speaking style sounds ultra-stressed to me, and my own sense is that while it was a bold move, he's lost the election with this choice -- an election he probably would have won, with 11-15% Undecided...

    Also,
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

    just for more background.

    Parent

    It's sad, but rrue (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by vicndabx on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:28:30 AM EST
    you might not agree with it, but that's d@mn sure is what he's doing.

    Parent
    True, but (5.00 / 0) (#146)
    by indiependy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:57:48 PM EST
    How is this not a slap in the face to Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Elizabeth Gore, Christine Todd Whitman, Olympia Snowe, Jane Dee Hull, or Jennifer Dunn? These women have worked hard and established themselves with experience and strong credentials.

    Parent
    correction - true (none / 0) (#30)
    by vicndabx on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:00 AM EST
    Assuming people vote paying (4.71 / 7) (#7)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:19:55 AM EST
    absolutely no attention to issues.

    That might be your thing, but it's not true with most of the women I know.

    Parent

    True (5.00 / 7) (#33)
    by BDB on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:10 AM EST
    Palin is awful on the issues.  I would never vote for McCain.  However, if I have to sit through four months of sexism coming from the Democrats and Obama campaign, whether I'll be able to vote for Obama is an open question.  

    And I admit that even though I disagree with Palin on almost every issue, if McCain should somehow win, I'm going to probably cry when she's sworn in as VP.  That would still be a huge moment for me and I suspect it will be for most women.

    Of course, I'll cry when McCain is sworn in to, but for entirely different reasons.

    Parent

    Dems have to be REAL careful (5.00 / 3) (#43)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:32:03 AM EST
    now. We progressives are in for a dirty gunfight here baby! But we can overcome this. Nice round McCain. Round 3 is next week.

    Parent
    excuse me (5.00 / 2) (#68)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:38:51 AM EST
    Sexism is an issue.

    But not for you, I understand.

    Parent

    Sure it is (5.00 / 0) (#75)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:40:32 AM EST
    But your comment is not relevant to my comment.

    Parent
    yes it is (5.00 / 3) (#82)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:42:31 AM EST
    you said people will vote on issues.

    democratic sexism is a big issue to many during this campaign.

    Parent

    As a person who supported Mrs. Clinton (5.00 / 2) (#86)
    by DCDemocrat on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:06 AM EST
    in the primaries, let me say Palin's major qualification seems to be that she hunts moose....Personally, I think it's an insult to women. I think he's trying to get the votes of disaffected Hillary supporters by picking someone in a skirt.

    Parent
    don't talk to me about insults to women (5.00 / 7) (#98)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:14 AM EST
    after this campaign honey.

    Parent
    sexism isn't the only issue (5.00 / 0) (#142)
    by coigue on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:56:51 PM EST
    reproductive rights is an issue (that cannot be separated from sexism btw)

    teaching creationism is an issue

    global warming is an issue.


    Parent

    as a teacher... (none / 0) (#168)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:14:37 PM EST
    and the daughter of a science teacher, I'm pretty sure that teaching creationism isn't the issue.

    The issue is teaching creationism exclusively without teaching Evolution...and the ability to distinguish between a scientific theory (evolution) and a pseudo-scientific theory (creationism).

    The issue is banning the teaching of Evolution.

    The issue is not covering Evolution because of some form of religious thingy.

    Parent

    sexism isn't the only issue (5.00 / 0) (#145)
    by coigue on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:57:35 PM EST
    reproductive rights is an issue (that cannot be separated from sexism btw)

    teaching creationism is an issue

    global warming is an issue.

    honey.

    Parent

    I don't believe we've been introduced. (none / 0) (#189)
    by DCDemocrat on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:37:00 PM EST
    Honey?  Given that Palin has accused Hillary of "whining," what are we to make of her?

    Parent
    Ok, so how are Romney, Pawlenty, or Huckabee (5.00 / 3) (#120)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:49:46 PM EST
    a better choice?  He's running as a Repub not a Democrat.  Frankly, I find your comment sexist.  She seems like the best choice among sitting or former Repub Governors.  She certainly has the highest approval rating among the lot.  

    Parent
    erm. they aren't better choices. (none / 0) (#194)
    by coigue on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:41:51 PM EST
    but my point is that i'd rather go with a platform that empowers woman rather than a woman with a distinctly DISempowering platform...even if she is has a compelling story.

    Parent
    A platform? Well, good luck with that. (5.00 / 2) (#199)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:46:10 PM EST
    After the behavior of Obama, his supporters and the DNC, I don't think a platform is going to do it.

    Parent
    her major qualification, in your (5.00 / 2) (#123)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:51:19 PM EST
    eyes, is moose hunting?

    Wow...::wince::

    Parent

    Energy isn't an issue? Fighting Corruption? (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by catfish on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:51:50 PM EST
    She was Commissioner of Energy & Conservation in Alaska, which is a big deal in that state. She was PTA member, then Mayor then Governor.

    Just like your cronies at dailykos, you're not even looking at her record, you just see her lady parts and writing her off as a lightweight.

    I'm not voting for her but she has more of a record than our nominee.

    Parent

    Palin (5.00 / 1) (#183)
    by dws3665 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:34:46 PM EST
    does not support women's issues. Her being a woman is an effect of nature; it does not make her a pro-woman candidate. This takes the wind out of "sexism" as an issue.

    What will be very interesting -- to me, anyway -- is to see how the GOP actively defends her against sexist comments and coverage. The contrast to what Hillary received from Democrats will, I suspect, be stark and more than a little upsetting to progressives with the barest level of self-awareness (which leaves out, say, Aravosis).

    Parent

    What you propose would be a very odd (none / 0) (#97)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:07 AM EST
    setoff.

    Whatever.

    Parent

    Palin (none / 0) (#186)
    by dws3665 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:35:42 PM EST
    does not support women's issues. Her being a woman is an effect of nature; it does not make her a pro-woman candidate. This takes the wind out of "sexism" as an issue.

    What will be very interesting -- to me, anyway -- is to see how the GOP actively defends her against sexist comments and coverage. The contrast to what Hillary received from Democrats will, I suspect, be stark and more than a little upsetting to progressives with the barest level of self-awareness (which leaves out, say, Aravosis).

    Parent

    Government that's on your side (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:23:43 AM EST
    not in your way.  

    Why do Democrats seem to always underestimate the Republican machine?

    I still think Obama will win (he should) but McCain is in this to win.

    as a PUMA Hillary supporter, I am (5.00 / 15) (#15)
    by athyrio on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:24:20 AM EST
    excited that someone wants my vote and doesn't take it for granted...:-)

    Yes (5.00 / 11) (#44)
    by BDB on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:32:06 AM EST
    Whatever the outcome, McCain just made it pretty clear that if Dems thought they could take women's votes for granted, they shouldn't be so sure.

    And while I don't want McCain to be president, I'd much rather the narrative surrounding any McCain victory to be that the Dems unleashed a monster named Misogyny in the primary and it came back to bite them in November.  

    All and all, I'm pretty happy today because women voters are now going to be the focus of the campaigns whether Obama likes it or not.  So far he hasn't done much to ask for my vote, but I'm guessing that's going to change.

    Parent

    exactly! "get over it" is getting old (5.00 / 10) (#59)
    by Josey on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:36:18 AM EST
    Plus McCain nor Palin ever called me a racist - AND the Repub Party has actively sought our support.


    Parent
    Well, come November (5.00 / 2) (#70)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:39:25 AM EST
    those who have made it their on-going chant to the HRC supporters may just have to deal with hearing it themselves, and for four long years.

    Parent
    They may have asked for your support (none / 0) (#108)
    by Desired User Name on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:46:22 AM EST
    but if you give it to them they'll take a stinking DUMP On your head! So if you like feces, then vote McCain. But if you like your head and all the juicy brains inside of it, then vote using them~

    No?

    Honestly it's perfectly in reason to protest but
    wouldn't a nonvote or a vote for the Green Party or
    a "write-in" ballot be a better choice than McCain?

    Clearly I can't tell you what to do OF COURSE, I can only beg. BUT I'm a better person than John McCain and "I want your support" too ;}

    Parent

    If Obama had picked Sebelius, he would (5.00 / 0) (#178)
    by magster on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:26:00 PM EST
    have dissed Hillary.

    McCain picks a different woman who is 180 degrees apart from Hillary and Sebelius, and it's a sign that he wants your vote?

    This pick was cynical because he assumes a lot of Hillary voters don't care about the issues. Maybe that's true.

    Parent

    I think the fact that he chose a woman (5.00 / 2) (#190)
    by blogtopus on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:37:38 PM EST
    muddies the waters... it didn't have to be this way, but Obama opened the floodgates on this.

    IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. Now he has to deal with it, but the question is, CAN he?

    Parent

    as a PUMA (3.50 / 2) (#102)
    by MrPope on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:33 AM EST
    what happen to Hillary?  

    She can run...so next woman to come along ...any woman... issues be damned...gets the PUMA vote

    so it was never about Hillary... it was about her gender..i see now

    Parent

    Um, no it was not only about Hillary (5.00 / 7) (#128)
    by dk on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:53:08 PM EST
    nor was it only about gender.  It was mostly about being ashamed to be in a party with people who spew the kind of sexist bile that you do.

    Parent
    sexist bile (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by magster on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:34:48 PM EST
    like trollop, c#nt, and women being raped by apes?  


    Parent
    sexist (5.00 / 1) (#192)
    by MrPope on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:39:18 PM EST
    for your info   i do not even see HILLARYS gender

    i can care less...and that what all women want..to be looked at fairly and evenly...  Could be Hillary or Hank ...she would have gotten my vote had she won the nomination.

    MCCAIN passed over way more qualified women in his party for an unknown pretty face.  Thats a slap in womens face as well

    and thats where the sexism lies... he thinks Hillary supporters are gullible enough to vote strictly on GENDER and nothing else....

    Parent

    Straight to the working vote (5.00 / 5) (#17)
    by Lahdee on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:25:34 AM EST
    a union member...

    Really! (5.00 / 0) (#21)
    by Steve M on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:26:29 AM EST
    We used to say that the only union Republicans liked was Solidarity.  I guess we can add a second one to the list.

    Parent
    Don't Forget SAG (5.00 / 2) (#52)
    by BDB on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:34:19 AM EST
    the only union Reagan loved.

    Parent
    OH my. I do love Unions. (none / 0) (#40)
    by rooge04 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:30:40 AM EST
    Three states where Republicans (none / 0) (#47)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:32:53 AM EST
    have an arrangement with the unions: New York, Pennsylvania, and Alaska.

    Parent
    Wow. McCain did good. For his party and (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by rooge04 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:34:50 AM EST
    for conservative Dems methinks.

    Parent
    And I believe Palin is a lifelong member (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:54 AM EST
    of the NRA...

    Parent
    Two for 1! (5.00 / 0) (#50)
    by rooge04 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:33:58 AM EST
    Her husband (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by TomStewart on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:54:31 PM EST
    works for BP, and she's a big supporter of drilling. But the oil industry has no pull with her.

    Right.

    Parent

    And a hockey mom, who decided to (none / 0) (#57)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:36:08 AM EST
    help cut wasteful spending and cut property taxes...sounds good.  She's been busy.

    Parent
    Nah (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by TheRealFrank on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:37:20 AM EST
    Those are standard Republican talking points. Boring.


    Parent
    Yep (5.00 / 0) (#148)
    by Wile ECoyote on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:58:20 PM EST
    need to talk about redistribution of wealth.  Much more exciting.

    Parent
    Her husband (none / 0) (#147)
    by TomStewart on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:58:12 PM EST
    works for BP, and she's a big supporter of drilling. But the oil industry has no pull with her.

    Right.

    Parent

    Research is your friend (5.00 / 1) (#180)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:32:04 PM EST
    he husband works on an oil rig and he is a commercial fisherman. Mostly he stays at home with the kids right now.

    She took on big oil in Alaska and raised the taxes on the oil companies, much to their chagrin.

    You might want to do some reading.

    Parent

    Women's suffrage. He knows how to play it. (5.00 / 12) (#19)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:26:08 AM EST


    He's been paying attention (5.00 / 13) (#22)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:27:09 AM EST
    heh, somebody should take notes  ;)

    Parent
    like a fiddle (5.00 / 3) (#26)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:27:51 AM EST
    He sure does. (5.00 / 3) (#28)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:28:00 AM EST
    yes, Obama was wrong - (5.00 / 3) (#63)
    by Josey on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:37:04 AM EST
    McCain does get it!


    Parent
    That would be a hoot for us women (5.00 / 8) (#20)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:26:17 AM EST
    Clinton vs Palin! lol!~


    Crowd is incredibly excited (5.00 / 11) (#24)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:27:10 AM EST
    I've never heard a McCain crowd this pumped.

    I think McCain has just hugely rehabilitated his image as a maverick and a reformer and as somebody who doesn't fit in Washington (some of that is crap, but that's been his image).

    Palin's speech hit all the right notes (5.00 / 8) (#139)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:56:16 PM EST
    Funny, she too seemed to be leaning postpartisan for a minute, talking about how it doesn't matter which party you're from, or even if you have no party, that government is about governing with integrity regardless.

    People eat up the anti-corruption stuff.  And the tough gal stuff (Anne Richards, anyone?).  And the American frontier stuff (Alaska's a tough place to live, and Palin and her husband have working class roots to which they are a lot closer than Joe Biden).

    I'm sure part of McCain's intent was to draw Clinton supporters, esp. the Republican women who were crossing over and Independents, but Palin's got a much, much broader draw than just that.  I think people who are trying to reduce her to just a card play are vastly underestimating her.

    Parent

    A woman, a former union member (5.00 / 4) (#27)
    by myiq2xu on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:27:52 AM EST
    an outsider to Washington.

    Meet the next Vice President

    And here she comes with (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:26 AM EST
    cute kids and cute hub

    I have to post on this (5.00 / 21) (#35)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:34 AM EST
    I am excited about this not because I necessarily like Sarah Palin, but because:

    1.  Hillary has leverage now.  Hillary has loads and loads of leverage now.  That gives me satisfaction.

    2.  Somebody in the presidential politicial world is asking for my vote and that makes me feel "important".  Obama didn't, but McCain most certainly and unambiguously did.

    3.  Olbermannesque sexism will be bad for the guy he's trying to protect.  That alone is refreshing and wonderful.

    4. A strong, strong woman will be front and center in politics. That is nothing but good for us.

    5.  And if McCain wins, it's OBAMA'S FAULT, not the fault of women as JimJ accused.  Obama had every chance of hitting this out of the park by picking Hillary. And I agree with BTD, it was petulance that stopped him and if he loses, his petulant denial of reality will be pointed to as the biggest boner (to use Obama's words) in history.

    This is a great day to be a woman.  And we haven't had many such great days lately.

    Oh and I forgot to add (5.00 / 13) (#46)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:32:27 AM EST
    6. This smells like vindication.

    Parent
    Four is right where I'm at (5.00 / 6) (#61)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:36:30 AM EST
    and six sure does smell sweet  ;)

    Parent
    Exactly (5.00 / 2) (#144)
    by nell on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:57:20 PM EST
    I am still planning on sitting out as of now (though I admit that my revenge vote for McCain seems more appealing now...I am sticking a finger in the Dems eye), but no matter how you feel about her politics, this moves women everywhere forward. I may not agree with her on policy issues, but as a woman in her twenties who was raised by a working mother juggling four children and a demanding job, how can I not admire Sarah Palin and what she has managed to accomplish?

    I do admire her. Hillary got my vote first and foremost because I agreed with her on the issues, but I also felt a deep admiration for where she came from and how hard she fought against the old boys club to come up. Sarah Palin may not get my vote, but she does have m admiration for that simple fact alone.

    Parent

    It was not petulance, as BTD said (5.00 / 2) (#74)
    by Dr Molly on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:40:12 AM EST
    It was sexism.

    Parent
    It was neither Sexism Nor Petulance (5.00 / 2) (#116)
    by rottodamn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:08:24 PM EST
    which prevented Obama from selecting Hillary. First and foremost it was the will of his backers to supplant the Clintons, both of them. They wanted to push them out of the power structure within the party. When I say his backers I mean the Kennedys, Kerry, Pelosi, Dean etc.

    2nd when it became clear the Repubs would exploit his lack of foreign policy experience, he selected the person with the most supposed experience in foreign affairs. He selected him to shore him up.

    Having said that Obama cannot control the things that come out of his supporters mouths no more than Hillary can control her supporters mouth. I do not believe Obama is sexist. I am a staunch Hillary supporter and I do not believe it.

    And being that he is married to Michelle...well she is not a demure black woman. Let's just leave it at that!

    Parent

    It's time for new leadership. (5.00 / 2) (#119)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:49:06 PM EST
    When I say his backers I mean the Kennedys, Kerry, Pelosi, Dean etc.

    Because it looks like these guys blew it.

    Again.

    Parent

    They were also apparently nervous (none / 0) (#152)
    by fuzzyone on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:59:40 PM EST
    about some of the names of donors to the Clinton Library.  That never really came out in the campaign but it was not what he needed.  I think there were lots of good reasons not to pick Hillary as VP.

    Parent
    I don't buy that Clinton Library mess (5.00 / 3) (#195)
    by rottodamn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:42:51 PM EST
    That library is William Jefferson Clinton's Presidential library, not Hillary's. They are married but they have separate careers. This is one of Hillary's issues and she has tried hard to diffuse it: reminding people that she is a separate person from Bill.

    I think there were more reasons to pick Clinton than not to. But then again I thought she should be at the top of the ticket. In all honesty, I did not want her to take the VP spot due to the nastiness of the Obamabots.

    All and all she came out very strong from the convention. People actually got to hear her in her own voice and not some cropped soundbites, or not via steering questions in a supposed debate.

    Hillary and Bill both have been strengthened. I thought it would die down though but based on McCain's pick it won't. It was stupid not to pick Clinton, but the main aim of his backers were to get the Clinton's out of the way and Pelosi played the hatchet woman with a smile!

    Parent

    It's (5.00 / 9) (#95)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:00 AM EST
    really odd that the whole election has become about Hillary and her voters for both the GOP and the Dems.

    Maybe this pick will shake up the Obama campaign and they will realize that, yes, women do have somewhere else to go.

    Hindsight being 20/20 the Obama campaign has really screwed the pooch on that issue.

    Parent

    All of the above (5.00 / 3) (#193)
    by janarchy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:39:39 PM EST
    I'm already seeing sexist tripe from the Left. Really smart, people. Not to mention a lot of hysteria and chicken-without-heads reaction. Nicely played, McCain.

    The sad thing is that Dems are now saying "We can send out Clinton to counteract her." There's an article on the HuffPo that says "Sarah Palin, you're no Hillary Clinton!" Oh really, well then, they must love her since HRC is the debil woman, right?

    Here's a clue -- if HRC was that important to the Democratic party, they'd have given her the nomination or at least the VP slot. Putting her in (as BTD said yesterday) as a defacto running mate means nothing in the end. In fact, a lot of women should find it offensive since the message is she wasn't good enough to for the real job -- she's just supposed to do the heavy lifting for an inexperienced man behind the scenes. In fact, it sounds expected.

    Parent

    Very interesting times we live in (5.00 / 3) (#203)
    by sneezy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:52:53 PM EST
    Oddly, I find myself excited about a VP candidate who will never get my vote.  Why?  Because no matter what happens, the next time an AA candidate or a woman decides to run for Prez or VP, it won't be that big a deal.  And the next time after that, it'll be even less of a big deal - and so on.  Progress has to happen one step at a time.

    Gov. Palin may not have been the best choice for McCain, but she's the pick, and it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.  It's gonna be a bumpy ride.  Fasten your seat belts.  

    Parent

    oh damn (5.00 / 7) (#36)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:51 AM EST
    she's dangerous, guys.  Don't underestimate her.

    She's thanking Hillary, (5.00 / 5) (#93)
    by theybannedmeinboston on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:55 AM EST
    and doing it brilliantly!

    Parent
    Is she speaking yet? (none / 0) (#45)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:32:25 AM EST
    I can't livestream at work.

    Parent
    yes (5.00 / 8) (#60)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:36:23 AM EST
    she's very good, very personable and gorgeous.  I can easily see her connecting with voters.

    Started in the PTA then City Council then Mayor.  Has a son deploying to Iraq this September 11th.  Now she's talking about fighting corruption.

    Oh damn.  I wonder if Team Obama is sh*ttin' bricks yet.

    Parent

    Sept. 11th, really? (none / 0) (#69)
    by BDB on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:39:01 AM EST
    That's a helluva coincidence isn't it?

    Parent
    She hits so many "right" points (5.00 / 3) (#80)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:41:56 AM EST
    with their voters and crossovers. Darn good choice for McCain.

    Parent
    that deployment date (none / 0) (#78)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:41:33 AM EST
    was probably chosen long ago.

    He joined September 11, 2007.

    Parent

    No, he enlisted last Sept 11th (none / 0) (#79)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:41:41 AM EST
    so, double coincidence? I didn't hear what day he's shipping out, though I read this morning that he is.

    Both of them have sons in military service.

    Joe Biden's son enlisted recently so he will go to Iraq, as well. He's JAG.

    Parent

    I think they said her son is shipping out in the (5.00 / 3) (#158)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:04:39 PM EST
    next month.

    I really think today is the day the Democrats lost the election.

    And the reason I think that is if the ticket had been Clinton/Obama, or Clinton anyone, and McCain had picked Palin I would be very anxious right now.

    For years the Republicans, and for months, the Democratic suckup media like MSNBC and CNN have been painting Clinton as a b*tch.  People don't like women who are b*tches.  (except me and Tina Fey, and a few others).  But Palin is tough.  People like tough women.

    Abortion is way down on the list of issues that Americans are concerned about right now.  And the SCOTUS argument has never been a dealbreaker among most of the people who in the leaning/undecided categories anyway.

    Parent

    Dems won't. The threat here is pretty (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:34:15 AM EST
    clear.

    Parent
    It's amazing how fast info on blogs can come out (5.00 / 3) (#41)
    by magster on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:30:50 AM EST
    just learned she supports teaching creationism in schools.

    Big BOO to that. (5.00 / 3) (#48)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:32:58 AM EST
    That's not quite what she said... (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:21 AM EST
    according to her bio, her dad was a science teacher who made her aware of evolution.

    Parent
    Party Platform (5.00 / 2) (#114)
    by mmc9431 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:53:55 AM EST
    I would expect her to support all aspects of the Republican platform, otherwise she wouldn't be there. Supporting the platform and pushing an agenda are two distinct things.  The Democratic Party platform doesn't support discrimination, yet a lot of them voted for DOMA and DADT which are outright discrimination to me.

    My question would be is: Do they teach creationism in public schools now?

    I think that's the one thing that ticks hardcore Republican's off at McCain. He doesn't use social issues as a constant wedge. We'll see now as a presidential condender if that changes. That might be Palin's job!

    Parent

    Not a good thing. (5.00 / 5) (#115)
    by eleanora on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:06:16 PM EST
    She's also anti-choice in a major way. But she really walks the walk on that, going to be a tough fight.

    Parent
    nothing wrong with supporting creationism (none / 0) (#58)
    by ChuckieTomato on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:36:09 AM EST
    in public schools

    Parent
    As long as... (5.00 / 3) (#88)
    by rdandrea on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:20 AM EST
    ...you don't try to pass it off as science.

    Parent
    So you are okay with religion in public (5.00 / 1) (#164)
    by fuzzyone on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:09:04 PM EST
    school.  Because that's what it is, it certainly is not science.

    Parent
    Creationism is Theology (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by AlladinsLamp on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:06:22 PM EST
    Do you support teaching theology in public schools?

    Parent
    She is wearing black. (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by inclusiveheart on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:33:41 AM EST
    It is an odd choice.  

    Actually they both are.

    They look like undertakers.

    Black isn't that unusual (5.00 / 3) (#71)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:39:32 AM EST
    for professional women. I spent years wearing black to the office when I had to do mtgs etc. It's easy.

    She looks good.

    Parent

    Hard to find criticisms? (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:04 AM EST
    It's almost difficult to find any other color in a professional suit.

    That was kind of a nit-pick.


    Parent

    You must not shop for professional suits much (none / 0) (#214)
    by independent voter on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 02:14:33 PM EST
    I, however, wear them every day and there is a wide variety of colors (grey would be an awesome choice for her)available. Black is too harsh in the daytime

    Parent
    It's symbolic of their intentions for (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:40:08 AM EST
    the desires of 48% of Americans currently going Obama. LOL.

    Parent
    HOLY MOLY (5.00 / 4) (#65)
    by Desired User Name on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:37:44 AM EST
    We can't deny how spectacular she looks up there next to grumpy McCain. And look how GLOWING her family looks? OMG...this is big trouble for Obama, massively big huge trouble.

    Her voice is high pitched so will they say she is...um, "shrill"? I bet they will! I will be watching closely at what the KOS-kamikazes have to say.

    OH NO her son is serving in the war?
    OMG she mentioned September 11th.
    That ain't no accident, that had to of gotten juked around...that DATE? Come On!!!!

    OMG, this race may very well be over.
    WTF? McCain shoots and McCain scores.
    Obama better bust some serious moves over the next few days!

    As a Hillary supporter against sexism etc (none / 0) (#172)
    by andrys on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:20:43 PM EST
    I find her 'shrill' and also very close to the edge.

      On paper and if she doesn't speak, it's a spectacularly good choice.  But when she speaks, her voice an octave higher than it would naturally be, the tension behind it, and the frown she does after each 'paragraph' just scared me.

      I was hoping that if Dems had to lose, that we'd at least have that 'historic' thing on the other side.

      While I'd think this will really hurt McCain, as people hear her more, we DID see, voted in, George W. Bush twice!  Not to mention Cheney.  

      So, I don't know.  I'm not really for Obama due to the gap between how presents himself and how he functioned in the primary but this may cause me to vote for him after all.

    Parent

    As a Hillary supporter against sexism etc (none / 0) (#174)
    by andrys on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:22:39 PM EST
    I find her 'shrill' and also very close to the edge.

      On paper and if she doesn't speak, it's a spectacularly good choice.  But when she speaks, her voice an octave higher than it would naturally be, the tension behind it, and the frown she does after each 'paragraph' just scared me.

      I was hoping that if Dems had to lose, that we'd at least have that 'historic' thing on the other side.

      While I'd think this will really hurt McCain, as people hear her more, we DID see, voted in, George W. Bush twice!  Not to mention Cheney.  

      So, I don't know.  I'm not really for Obama due to the gap between how he presents himself and how he functioned in the primary but this may cause me to vote for him after all.

    Parent

    As a Hillary supporter against sexism etc (none / 0) (#181)
    by andrys on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:33:19 PM EST
    I find her 'shrill' and also very close to the edge.

      On paper and if she doesn't speak, it's a spectacularly good choice.  But when she speaks -- her voice an octave higher than it would naturally be, the tension behind it, and the frown she does after each 'paragraph' -- just scared me.

      I was hoping that if Dems had to lose, that we'd at least have that 'historic' thing on the other side.

      While I'd think this will actually hurt McCain, as people hear her more, we DID see, voted in, George W. Bush twice!  Not to mention Cheney.  So you are probably right.

      I don't know.  I'm not really for Obama due to the gap between how he presents himself and how he functioned in the primary but this may cause me to vote for him after all because the stresses with global problems requires someone a bit cooler in style.

    On the other hand, she seems to have integrity.  The wikipedia entry for her says this

    While the previous administration did not implement same-sex
    benefits, Palin complied with an Alaskan state Supreme Court
    order and signed them into law.[32] She disagreed with the
    Supreme Court ruling[33] and supported a democratic advisory
    vote from the public on whether there should be a
    constitutional amendment on the matter.[34] Alaska was one of the first U.S. states to pass a constitutional ban on gay
    marriage, in 1998, along with Hawaii.[35] Palin has stated that she supported the 1998 constitutional amendment.[10]

    Palin's first veto was used to block legislation that would
    have barred the state from granting benefits to the partners of gay state employees. In effect, her veto granted State of
    Alaska benefits to same-sex couples. The veto occurred after
    Palin consulted with Alaska's attorney general on the
    constitutionality of the legislation.[33]



    Parent
    I just watched her for five minutes... (5.00 / 11) (#72)
    by p lukasiak on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:39:58 AM EST
    this woman is definitely a game-changer.  

    This isn't about appealing to Hillary Democrats (5.00 / 9) (#76)
    by Democratic Cat on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:41:13 AM EST
    Because on the issues, obviously she doesn't appeal to many of us.

    It's more about getting independent and GOP women excited and to the polls. And that is what Dems should be worried about.

    Palin: "serve the common good" (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by Josey on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:42:17 AM EST
    Red meat to Dems.
    lol

    OMG! A shout out to Hillary and Geraldine! (5.00 / 6) (#90)
    by Grace on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:36 AM EST
    Good for Sarah Palin!  

    Oh damn, shout outs to Ferraro and Hillary (5.00 / 3) (#91)
    by Southsider on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:50 AM EST
    She is really aiming a shotgun at the hearts of those HRC women.

    Obama camp making bad move w/experience (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by Exeter on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44:51 AM EST
    argument against Palin. She's got arguably more experience that Obama and what about all the foundation you have laid about how much experience doesn't matter. Attack her on the issues.

    Jeeze a nice shoutout to (5.00 / 3) (#94)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:00 AM EST
    Ferraro and Clinton!

    Seriously (none / 0) (#159)
    by nell on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:05:36 PM EST
    I teared up when she gave props to Ferraro and Hillary...I like Palin, I don't know her well, but I really really liked her...

    Parent
    Shout out to Hillary (5.00 / 8) (#96)
    by eleanora on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:02 AM EST
    and the glass ceiling. Holy buckets, the Democratic Party just felt that one upside the head.

    Well.. (5.00 / 0) (#204)
    by thefncrow on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:54:26 PM EST
    She needed to, considering this

    Once onstage, together with Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Palin talked about what women expect from women leaders; how she took charge in Alaska during a political scandal that threatened to unseat the state's entire Republican power structure, and her feelings about Sen. Hillary Clinton. (She said she felt kind of bad she couldn't support a woman, but she didn't like Clinton's "whining.")


    Parent
    shout out to Hillary (5.00 / 9) (#99)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:15 AM EST
    and the 18 million cracks.  Palin:  "The women of American aren't finished yet!"

    Ah hell.  I wonder if Team Obama is feeling a bit of buyer's remorse over poor ol' Joe.

    Oooh--good line (5.00 / 3) (#100)
    by indy in sc on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:15 AM EST
    about shattering the glass ceiling.

    Hillary's 18 million cracks. Again, Hillary (5.00 / 6) (#104)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:41 AM EST
    is the focus of this election. Damn you Obama. What a mistake you made.

    Forget (5.00 / 5) (#127)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:52:34 PM EST
    Obama. It's the DNC too.

    Parent
    shout out to Ferraro and Hillary (5.00 / 2) (#106)
    by Josey on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:55 AM EST
    Oh - and acknowledges Hillary's 18M cracks in the ceiling (that Obama has downplayed.)

    wow (5.00 / 4) (#107)
    by airwon on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:56 AM EST
    going for the jugular by mentioning Ferraro and Hillary

    she is no choice at all (5.00 / 0) (#113)
    by laila on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:49:38 AM EST
    gorgeous what does that have to do with it?  can she take over if something happens to mccain, can she lead us in matters of emergency, national security, does she have any economic credentials.  where is the red meat.  the glass ceiling is not threatened no by her.  Poor Hilary, she is going to have Palin for breakfast never mind Joe Biden.  I am so so sick...by this stupidity.  

    Wasserman-Schultz (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by bjorn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:48:54 PM EST
    made a mistake this morning calling Palin "unethical", a terrible choice, shockingly bad...blah blah..someone tell her to shut up.  BTD is right, just ignore her.  It sounds pathetic for Wasserman Schultz to go on the attack before she even knows who the woman is...it is wrong-headed right now to attack her.  Let her step in it on her own.

    DWS (5.00 / 1) (#133)
    by indy in sc on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:53:47 PM EST
    was not very helpful to HRC's campaign when she spoke and she not being very helpful to Obama's campaign now.  Obama and his camp should just congratulate Palin and keep going on the contrasts in policies.  

    Parent
    I have to hand it to McCain (5.00 / 4) (#121)
    by indy in sc on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:50:00 PM EST
    on this one.  He has managed to make a pick that has right wing evangelicals and some women rejoicing at the same time.  Odd--but true.  Just heard David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network (formerly an Obama lover) gush madly about Palin.  He says the evangelical base is now engerized whereas before many were suspicious of McCain and were planning on staying home.  Now McCain has someone to provide him with social conservative bona fides.

    A shout out to glass ceilings? (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by steviez314 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:53:23 PM EST
    What?  No shout out to abortion doctors as baby killers?

    How about teaching creationism in science classes?

    Or hout about a real shout out to Big Oil?

    I mean, do the issues even matter here anymore?  Pandering is now considered a GOOD thing, not an insult?

    I guess I'm starting to get confused about what "Talk Left" means.

    WTF? (none / 0) (#141)
    by bjorn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:56:42 PM EST
    My point is that, on the issues, (5.00 / 0) (#151)
    by steviez314 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:59:17 PM EST
    Sarah Palin is opposite to every progressive idea that Hillary Clinton believes in.

    Parent
    You misunderstand the discussion here (5.00 / 3) (#176)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:23:36 PM EST
    NO ONE is arguing that they agree with her on the issues.

    What everyone is discussing is her appeal to the voters.

    Abortion is not a litmus test issue for most folks.  And for those of us for whom it is, the DNC/Obama shot themselves in the foot by waving coathangers in our direction every day.

    With gas prices at 4+ dollars a gallon, and the majority of Americans favoring drilling, that will not be any sort of bar to most people.

    She has a solid record (or maybe a solid narrative) as an anti-corruption reformer.

    She's a basketball playing former beauty queen for pete's sake.

    You should probably start figuring out about now that smearing people as not-progressive, not-liberal is not going to work when that is not what the discussion is about.  It may work in Cheetoh land, but not among those who live in Reality Land.

    Parent

    at every turn, (5.00 / 3) (#135)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:54:36 PM EST
    the McCain Camp seems to knocking Team Obama up the head.

    World Tour?  Turned against Obama with a dip in the polls.  His popularity?  Deflates Obama's number even further like a balloon with a silly Celebrity Ad.  Picking Biden for VP?  McCain had an ad out an HOUR LATER using Biden's own words against Obama?

    And now this?  Obama responds by dissing Palin's time as a Mayor of a small town.  Which is not only really, really stupid, but a horrible way to get the votes of those rural, blue collar votes he so desperately needs and shows he has no clue she's actually a very popular Governor of a State.

    Obama needs to jettison the losers (Dean, Brazile, Kerry) who are advising him and kick the Chicago Crowd out.  They obviously don't know how to run a National Election.

    McCain is running circles around Team O and he's just getting warmed up.

    Yeah (5.00 / 3) (#156)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:02:01 PM EST
    this has been evident for months now. His ads literally stink so bad they made me WANT to vote for McCain simply to make them disappear.

    People thought that McCain was running an inept campaign because HE WAS in the spring. However, he retooled and started doing the right things.

    I've said all along that this hubris from Dems was a huge problem. McCain is a much better candidate than W ever was.

    Parent

    Man (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by Steve M on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:55:06 PM EST
    The other thread closed before I could reply to brodie's hilarious argument that Tim Kaine is far more experienced than Sarah Palin because he went to a better college.  Oh well.

    I heard Chuck Schumer basically licking his chops at the thought of a Biden-Palin debate.  But the more I think about it, the more I think this is actually the most difficult debate opponent Biden could face.  I'd hate to be the folks who have to prepare him for this one.

    Obama did not pick Kaine (none / 0) (#162)
    by DemForever on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:07:08 PM EST
    who has three times the experience in state government that she has.  And Virginia is not the 47th largest state in the country

    Parent
    Please (5.00 / 4) (#171)
    by Steve M on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:19:55 PM EST
    You insult my intelligence with these silly arguments.  "Three times the experience in state government!"  You must be one of those people who used to argue "Obama has more years in elected office than Hillary," another awesome made-up metric.

    Just let it go, for God's sake.  The point is that anyone who is instantly dismissive of Palin's credentials but wasn't similarly dismissive of Kaine's credentials, when he was on the short list, needs to give some serious thought to whether they are applying a double standard.

    Parent

    I think (none / 0) (#207)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:56:16 PM EST
    the talking points have been texted out. I've seen several posters make the same point.

    Parent
    My Republican friends are Elated. (5.00 / 2) (#149)
    by BarnBabe on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:58:22 PM EST
    I did not hear one sexist remark from the guys. They think this is a great choice. Not one poo poo for the Governor. We all laughed at the new twist this election now has. 2 more months of twists and turns.

    If the media picks up the sexism (5.00 / 2) (#211)
    by RalphB on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 02:03:38 PM EST
    from the crap lefty blogs at Palin, the GOP won't quietly take it like the chickensh!t Dems did.  The GOP will take it to the streets and heads will roll.

    I can't wait to see it.


    Parent

    He really went there (5.00 / 3) (#153)
    by cmugirl on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:59:55 PM EST
    The Obama did go there

    Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency."

    LINK

    Hmmmmmm.....opens the door about lack of foreign policy experience...

    as well as slamming (5.00 / 5) (#163)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:08:07 PM EST
    small towns from sea to shining sea.

    Is THAT how Obama intends to get the votes of rural, blue collar workers?

    Parent

    I can't believe the former part time College (5.00 / 2) (#166)
    by tigercourse on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:10:30 PM EST
    professor with no foreign policy experience went there. It's not a smart line of attack for him.

    Parent
    And sadly (5.00 / 1) (#202)
    by janarchy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:51:40 PM EST
    the Republicans already have an answer for it. She has more foreign policy experience (in their estimation) than Obama. As Gov of Alaska, she's had to deal with the Canadians and the Russians over assorted things.

    Oh, Democrats, you're doing it again.

    Parent

    Exactly what they should not have said (none / 0) (#179)
    by fuzzyone on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:31:55 PM EST
    Obama's campaign makes me crazy some times.  They can go from right on to dead wrong so fast.  They needed to stay away from the experience question and just let it sit out there to blunt McSame's attacks in that area.  Sigh.  I still think she is a lousy choice.

    Parent
    You know (5.00 / 9) (#167)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:10:46 PM EST
    This is a genius pick.  I could be wrong, but I'm thinking that the progressive bloggers and columnists won't be able to resist going after her on gender terms.  Unlike the DNC, the RNC will fight back.

    And the more male bloggers and columnists say things like, "women won't fall for this" the more women will be reminded that these same guys have been trying to tell us what to do for months.  "Get over it" "stop being a victim".  Some are going to take umbrage at the highhandedness of men who didn't stand up againt sexism (or advanced it) making the argument that this is a sexist pick.

    Now, Palin is anti-choice so I can't support her, but I feel how this pick is a huge trap for so-called progressive men who thought sexism was hugely funny during the primary.  And from what I can see, some are already walking right into it.

    And the reform stuff is good messaging for McCain as well.  And as others have mentioned "she's even less experinced than Obama" is not going to be a selling point for Dems.  

    I wish I could give this comment a 100 (5.00 / 1) (#208)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:57:35 PM EST
    Chickens, welcome home.  We're so happy to have you at The Roost.

    Parent
    this site must be getting hammered (5.00 / 1) (#169)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:15:14 PM EST
    I have never seen it so dog slow

    Of course (5.00 / 0) (#206)
    by Johannes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:56:12 PM EST
    The McCain campaign has asked supporters to hammer liberal blogs that are most likely to have PUMA-like readers, so this is probably one of the top targets.   It's a shame for TL, but the truth.

    Parent
    This is probably pissing off (5.00 / 1) (#170)
    by TomStewart on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:17:32 PM EST
    Ted Stevens. Wasn't she the one who stopped his 'bridge to nowhere' project?

    yes... (none / 0) (#191)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:38:27 PM EST
    from what I've been reading, she had no problem taking on the political machinery in Alaska.

    Parent
    It goes without saying ... (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by Robot Porter on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:35:58 PM EST
    but if Obama had picked Hillary as VP this would not be happening.

    Ergo..... (none / 0) (#197)
    by coigue on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:43:49 PM EST
    McCain chose her because she's a woman.

    Parent
    Kay Bailey Hutchison (5.00 / 0) (#209)
    by MrPope on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 02:00:00 PM EST
    McCain passed over Kay Bailey Hutchison.  Texas Senator with  about 10 times the credential of Palin.

                  Kay Bailey Hutchison
    In 1993, Texans elected Kay Bailey Hutchison to the United States Senate in a special election, making her the first -- and, to date, the only -- woman elected to represent the state in the Senate. One year later, she was re-elected to a full six-year term. And in 2000, she received more votes for her re-election to a second full term than any other statewide candidate had ever received. In 2006, she was again re-elected by an overwhelming margin. She serves in the Senate leadership, having been elected by her colleagues to be chairman of the Republican Policy Committee in the 110th Congress, making her the fourth-highest ranking Republican senator and the highest ranking Republican woman. Sen. Hutchison also serves on the Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) National Advisory Committee.

    Insult to Hillary and (4.33 / 3) (#112)
    by Johannes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:49:23 AM EST
    other capable, qualified women - all women in general.  After last night, McCain knew the only chance he had was to load up on drilling and pandering to disaffected Clinton supporters.  It's a Hail Mary pass made out of sheer desperation.  In doing so he has eliminated the "experience" issue, which was his only legitimate thing he had.

    They actually got themselves a crowd this time (4.00 / 2) (#2)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:15:50 AM EST


    And good tunes! (5.00 / 3) (#6)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:17:42 AM EST
    dang those republicans

    Parent
    There are a lot of empty seats. (5.00 / 0) (#56)
    by inclusiveheart on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:35:46 AM EST
    The floor shot is deceiving.

    Parent
    McCain is so full of BOGOSITY (4.00 / 2) (#11)
    by Desired User Name on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:22:54 AM EST
    Did you all know he's running for POTUS so he can work for us and NOT stand in OUR way? hahaha...
    what a load of hooey.

    McCain sounds impatient (3.00 / 1) (#9)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:20:21 AM EST


    Palin Anouncement (none / 0) (#5)
    by Desired User Name on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:16:48 AM EST
    Which TV channel have you all chosen to watch the announcement?

    Fox. {grin} (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:20:49 AM EST
    FOX (none / 0) (#16)
    by Desired User Name on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:24:29 AM EST
    oh good idea...that's the way to go...
    Actually with Hillary out, now all they'll do is worship McCain. I picked CNN and now it's on TiVo and I can't turn or I'll miss some of McCain's gibberish about how much HE CARES FOR US little people. hahaha

    Parent
    She's looking (none / 0) (#8)
    by Lahdee on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:20:03 AM EST
    incredibly nervous.

    She wasn't even in the room (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:59 AM EST
    She doesn't look nervous to me.

    Her whole family looks calm and together. Beautiful image.


    Parent

    is she on stage yet? (none / 0) (#18)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:25:49 AM EST
    I don't see her.

    Parent
    you're right (none / 0) (#32)
    by Lahdee on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:29:05 AM EST
    that wasn't her

    Parent
    His b-day... (none / 0) (#12)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:23:32 AM EST
    He announced this a week or so ago...that he'd announce on his birthday.

    Well we Dems have our work to do. (none / 0) (#42)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:31:05 AM EST


    So far... (none / 0) (#53)
    by indy in sc on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:34:42 AM EST
    I think she's doing well, though I wish she would stop clapping into the microphone.

    Neighbor? (none / 0) (#62)
    by thentro on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:36:56 AM EST
    She sounds exactly like my neighbor. I mean, exactly. It is weird.


    there's (none / 0) (#66)
    by Lahdee on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:37:48 AM EST
    our answer on the bridge. Aligns with McCain nicely

    She just bit the Big Dog (none / 0) (#67)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:37:54 AM EST
    Thanks but no thanks, we'll build our own bridge.

    She's doing (none / 0) (#77)
    by Lahdee on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:41:27 AM EST
    some nice cheerleading for john

    A statement from Hillary right after speech (none / 0) (#83)
    by magster on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:42:34 AM EST
    attacking Palin's stand on women's issues would be smart.

    Clinton better start hitting the gym if everyone (5.00 / 9) (#101)
    by tigercourse on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:18 AM EST
    expects her to carry Obama over the finish line.

    Parent
    Oh no it wouldn't (5.00 / 7) (#110)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:46:54 AM EST
    and Hillary knows it.

    She will not speak against Palin, nor should she.

    This sexist battle is, once again, for Obama and his supporters to manage all by themselves.


    Parent

    As has been the case since the primaries (none / 0) (#143)
    by BrianJ on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:57:17 PM EST
    I expect Hillary to say or to remain quiet, to do or to let be, as Obama and his campaign request.

    They didn't want her help before the convention, they did want it in Denver.  Do they want it now?

    Yes means victory.  No means defeat.  Obama, choose wisely.

    Parent

    Funny. (5.00 / 8) (#111)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:47:42 AM EST
    Many Obama supporters wanted her to go away months ago, even wanted her to lose in her next reelection bid.

    Now they suddenly find themselves needing her and wanting her input.

    How ironic.

    Parent

    McCain should have named her before convention (none / 0) (#103)
    by magster on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:41 AM EST
    He might have locked up some of Hillary's support before the Clinton's terrific speeches.

    Oh man, damn (none / 0) (#105)
    by vicndabx on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 11:45:42 AM EST
    this lady is killing us Dems rt now....why can't the leaders our party have some effin b@lls and shoot for the moon.  This lady is talking about 18mil cracks in the glass ceiling.....

    People do not understand... (none / 0) (#117)
    by Check077 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:47:43 PM EST
    Just like Obama has biden's guidance...Palin can always renominate another vice presidential that's experienced should the "somewhat" unthinkable happen to McCain.

    Obama and Biden would be no different...

    Excellent Speaker (none / 0) (#122)
    by CoralGables on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:50:04 PM EST
    Palin came off well but is against choice. Time will tell if this can help nullify the Obama bounce from the convention. Gallup has Obama at +8 and that is not taking into account last night's speech.

    McCain will get a bounce from this (none / 0) (#132)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:53:43 PM EST
    Expect the election to be all tied up on election day.

    Parent
    expect the election to be all tied up (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:58:44 PM EST
    next week.  by election day, who knows.


    Parent
    he won't (none / 0) (#138)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:55:17 PM EST
    get a bounce from last nights speech. This announcement is going to kill anything that he might have gotten.

    Parent
    yes (none / 0) (#154)
    by ccpup on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:01:16 PM EST
    Obama's bounce post-Speech was severely undercut by McCain's announcement today.

    So, McCain will most assuredly get a much bigger VP Pick bounce than Obama did which will then lead into the Convention where he will come out with another bounce.

    After 18 months of watching Obama's Life Story become stale, I wonder if Sarah Palin will now become the Media Darling BTD assumed Obama would be?  She's certainly camera friendly and appears to have a great story.

    I mean, from the PTA to the Vice Presidency?  You can't get much better than that!

    Parent

    A commentator on CNN just said of Palin... (none / 0) (#137)
    by mogal on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 12:55:15 PM EST
     ... "this is what real authenticity looks like"
    I was surprised but certainly agree with the comment.
    Sarah Palin is an impressive women with an 80% approval rating in her state.

    Dear Good People of Talk Left (none / 0) (#157)
    by Desired User Name on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:03:55 PM EST
    um, hey you all, I think so many of us completely forget that most of the population has no interest in politics and are not even one iota as tuned in to the issues, the race or the candidates as much as we are! Therefore many won't discover Palin's ugly record on Women's Equality or McCains Foaming at the mouth Warmongering ways... What they may "SEE" is a "maverick" and a "woman who must be strong and great if McCain picked her"

    and then they may see in Obama and Biden
    "a charasmatic speaker who respresents a fresh change" and "a white haired man they have never heard of, but he seems a great guy."

    The fact that Palin is so attractive could HURT HER with many groups. And wow, how base is that?
    But it's true.

    Clearly there are much more things that SHOULD HURT HER but will that come up in the debate SMOOTHLY by BIDEN or roughly and offensively?

    Suddenly a lot of this race is on the shoulders of BIDEN. Is he up for the task?

    Obama has been a total shambles in debates...is he up for the task? McCain ain't no great shakes in debates either though, so...

    Wow this will be interesting for all of us who follow the nuances so closely but for most of America it may be the difference between

    HITTING MUTE or simply CHANGING THE CHANNEL

    I just watched the speech (none / 0) (#173)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:20:49 PM EST
    she is very very good.


    A very cynical pick on McCain's part (none / 0) (#175)
    by Alien Abductee on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:22:50 PM EST
    As Ann at feministing says:

    Republicans are more open to a certain type of woman -- one who is strongly against things like equal pay, universal health care, and reproductive freedom. In other words, the party is pro-woman-candidates, as long as they enact anti-woman policies.


    I agree (none / 0) (#182)
    by cannondaddy on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:34:46 PM EST
    Ignore her as much as possible.

    what women did McCain pass over for PALIN (none / 0) (#205)
    by MrPope on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 01:54:34 PM EST
    Obviously Palin is not qualified to be commander in chief.... thats clear...

    what pains me to all the reverse-sexism (she is a woman so she gets my vote) i am seeing...

    is there a list of more qualified women who McCain passed over for Palin.

    I  heard several names... i am looking in to it..


    Contradictions galore... (none / 0) (#212)
    by Check077 on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 02:05:44 PM EST
    It's getting to the point that there are a great amount of contradictions regarding several comments on this diary...

    First, regardless of how much experience a person, the experience argumetn does not carrry the weight it should anymore.

    Once you give an inch, there is always a mile to go...

    Insult to all woman (none / 0) (#213)
    by jgteck on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 02:14:16 PM EST
    I can't help to feel that this pick from the McCain camp is just a plain slap in the face to all woman. I mean come on, are they that desperate to pick a woman soli to steal away all the disgruntled Hillary supporters. Nothing in this world would make me happier to see a qualified woman in the oval office, but this pick is just plain transparent.  Give me a break GOP and please stop with the insults.

    dissapointed is the judgment of McCain (none / 0) (#215)
    by laila on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 02:20:58 PM EST
    McCain made a mistake in his decision.  I wonder what job she will be doing as vp?  She is not the type of leader I would trust.  You know when you vote for a president you put your life in their hand in a way.  You trust them to lead your nation on a world stage.  I respect her as a women but I won't trust her with my life.  McCain could sleep and never wake up, he is an aged man, he is not immortal, can she lead us in a time of war?  Of economic crisis?  Hilary could yes she could but can she?  Can she lead us?  She has five beautiful children but that is a full time job, can she take care of 250 million + people.  I know that deep down the GOP is disappointed with his decision.  If he wanted to pick a women why not Condy Rice, why not Kay Hutchinson, why not the women who runs a huge corporation like HP.  Why not pick someone that has a proven track record?  Someone America knows and can trust.  He has suddenly picked a loose cannon, and this is not a very sound decision, his judgment is off.  I am really sad because we women have to prove ourselves over and over, and she hasn't proven anything to me at all.  Now the GOP thinks that we have to tread on eggshells because of female sympathy.  I have no sympathy because this world is a dangerous place, I hope Joe Biden tears her apart now because she will get torn to pieces later.  

    How is this a win (none / 0) (#216)
    by Maggie on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 03:32:45 PM EST
    We get a woman who is in her position because a man picked her for the job, solely because she's a woman.  The historic thing about Hillary was that she was a great candidate period.  I see this as a big set-back.  Sorry.

    This is great news.  Let's celebrate for a change!!

    http://cougarsforclinton.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/mccain-makes-a-girl-his-vp/

    Maggie, I have to ask (none / 0) (#218)
    by Bluesage on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 06:09:30 PM EST
    Was Obama picked solely because he was black and does that disappoint you?  Do you see Obama as a real set-back because he is not experienced enough to be at the top of the ticket?  I find your logic lacking and disturbing.  I'm a Democrat and I was a Hillary supporter but I think McCain made a good pick here.  She is qualified if you use Obama's qualifications as a standard.  Even more so because she does actually have some executive experience which he does not.