Sarah Palin? Really?
 

OMG! McCain is choosing Gov. of Alaska (just two years) for V.P. Really? And if I may follow up. Really? Even the Republicans are reeling. Inexperience. Unknown. Under investigation.
Could step in as our President? :yikes:

hmmm, now let me see. Really? Well, bad judgment shows through. Quite frankly, I'm speechless and elated. This insures Obama an easy win. Wow!

I knew McCain's true colors would show through, but I didn't think it would be this soon.
Sarah Palin? Really?

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Chelse, you said it all. Really! ::)

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Spoken like a true democrat!

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Jav, Aren't you shocked???

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

No, spoken like someone who does not want another four years of failed Bush policies here and abroad, and I'm a registered Republican.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Yeah, I'm sick to death of how our country has been run, do you really think one man can fix it all? He speaks very eloquently and I agree with many of the things he says (Obama) but he and the rest of the politicians do not, I repeat DO NOT tell us how they are going to make things better. Thats because they can't. They have all these great ideas and make things sound so good, but good luck implementing them. I'm sick to death of all of them and I think all incumbents need to get out.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Exactly how does picking someone who is clearly outside the Washington Beltway indicate that this ticket would provide 4 more years of Bush policies? I was a bit surprised by the pick of Palin, but certainly, this thows the first monkey wrench into the Obama message of "change". What was Obama's first major decision as a potential president ... he picked a lifelong Washington insider. Where's the "change" in that?

What was McCain's choice ... someone who highlights once again someone who thinks outside the box and is a maverick who doesn't play by conventional political rules.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

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

Interesting choice.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

I'll have to investigate Palin a bit more, but at first glance she does not seem that much more qualified than Obama. A tad, but not much. She, at least, has some executive experience and is not a senator.

Not my first choice, but interesting. I always thought Carly Fiorini would have been exciting.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Wow. She IS an interesting choice.
I'm sure the media will scrutinize every aspect of her life, but from the little I've read about her so far, I like her ! Certainly not one of the good ole boys....

We'll see more when the dust settles.......

Frank D.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Tal, you really must stop publishing all this interesting information! How am I ever going to get my work done around here? :dontknow:

When I heard McCain has chosen Sarah Palin, I was thinking, "what is he thinking"? From this Wik link, she has many positive credentials. I am going to have to do MY homework before the election. Sorry everyone who posts politically, but my vote will come from my convictions after the homework is finished. May the best person win and I mean that with all my heart. (And don't bother telling me who you think that will be :edit:, I can't hear you, ;D)

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

She opposes Baby Killing (Liberals call this abortion) and she is considered an economic reformer in here state. She actually runs a state (this is called a Governor) for those who support Obama. Since he hasn't been one I though you may not know.

She definitely has my vote. Obama has 173 days in office and you come here and preach about "experience"? Hahahahaha.

More Qualified Than Obama? Are You Kidding?
 

All this demonstrates is that maybe we all only see what we want to see in the people at the top of the presidential tickets. I know it's not the issues, but lets look again...

John McCain--a person who is a recognized Amercian hero and patriot. He has never managed anything, lived his entire life on the public payroll, admits he knows little about fiscal policy or foreign relations, is quite experienced in military affairs, the son and grandson of highly-placed Navy admirals and finished next to last in his class at the Naval Academy. If elected he would be the oldest person ever elected to the Presidency.

Sarah Palin--Current governor of Alaska, where she has served for about a year. Grew up in a town of 8,500 where she won the town beauty contest and then runnerup in the Miss Alaska contest with a prize of a scholarship. Attended the U of Idaho, majoring in journalism. Returned to Alaska to work as a sports writer and commercial fisherman at the same time. Elected to her small town (population 8,500) council from 1992 until 1996; mayor of the small town from 1999 until 2002; unsuccessful in candidact for Alaska Lt. Governor in 2002; elected Governor in 2006, began term in 2007. Married high school sweetheart.

versus...

Batack Obama--Born in Hawaii and raised by a single mother. Attended private schools in Hawaii before attending Occidental College in Los Angeles. Transferred to Columbia University in New York where he graduated with majors in political science and foreign relations; returned to Chicago from 1985-88 where he worked as the director of a community organization. He was so successful in the community organization that the donations underlying its budget increased threefold in just three years; left Chicago in 1989 to attend Harvard Law School where, based on his grades and authorship, he served as President of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. Returned to Chicago to join its largest law firm; ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Congress, then was elected to the Illinois state senate for two terms, then the U.S. Senate. Taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago law school from 1992-96. Married to Michelle Obama, a fellow graduate of Harvard Law School, former SIdley & Austin lawyer and Ass't Dean of Students at the University of Chicago.

Joe Biden--Born and raised in PA. Attended private secondary schools and the University of Delaware, where he graduated with majors in history and political science. Awarded Juripridence Doctorate from Syaracuse U Law School. Practiced law and served on the County Council for three years until elected to the U.S. Senate in 1969. Served in a variety of positions in the U.S. Senate, including Chairman of both the Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees. Widower, remarried.

So now the observation..."she (Sarah Palin) does not seem that much more qualified than Obama. A tad, but not much. She, at least, has some executive experience..."

Tell me this is just a joke.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Watching her on television just now, I am impressed. Excellent down-to-earth speaker. A real person who seemingly has more identification with us common folk than anyone I've seen in national politics ever. For a lot of reasons, she's gonna be a tough debate for Joe B.

On a more male chauvinist view, A.) I was disappointed that she's evidently not related to Michael Palin --- love Monty Python, and B.) she's kinda cute, in that Tina Fey style -- tough jaw, great eyes, kinky glasses.

It's gonna be an interesting next 2+ months.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

I just watching her and I was impressed, Villages Kuhuna has a great point about experience.

Maybe we should just judge the candidates on their qualifications, and NOT on the talking points.

Per Fox News when she was serving on an energy commission she was the victim of unwanted sexual advances and reported same to the Govenor. When he blew her off she decided to take his job. She ran, she won. If and I say if she feels, "My way or the highway!" then it's about time we have someone who has real conviction. When the congress earmarked the "Bridge to Nowhere" for Alaska, as governor she said thanks but no thanks. "If Alaskans wanted a bridge, we'd build one ourselves." As Governor she sold the governor's private jet saying the governor could fly commercial like everyone else! Per Fox News she has close to a 90 percent approval rate in Alaska. She has bucked the good old boy network including her own party. I think McCain just stole BHO's mantra of change. Her son enlisted in the Army on 9/11/07 and will be deployed as a member of the Stryker Brigade on 9/11/08.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

It will be interesting but the next president will be so handcuffed by budget constraints we are going to be in for a few years of grinding no matter who is elected. Basically it won't make a great deal of difference because the next president won't have a lot of choices.

Value judgements aside, Reagan ended the cold war but borrowed heavily from Clinton to do so. If you remember Clinton's first budget passed the house by 1 vote and the senate by a tie break vote cast by Al Gore. The reason: there was almost no pork in that bare bones budget and it lead to some of surpluses of the Clinton era. Now, to say Bush has borrowed from Obama/McCain is an understatement. Whatever pain the country endured in '93-'96 will be economic child's play to the austerity the next president will face.

Thinking of retiree issues, I can easily see means testing for social security as well as other entitlements, higher capital gains and corporate taxes, elimination of the Bush tax cuts, higher interest rates and higher unemployment. Perhaps only the current housing mess will save the mortgage exemption.

These things will have to happen as a matter of the coutry's economic survival and not a matter of politics or party, regarless of who is elected.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

TomW: "Thinking of retiree issues, I can easily see means testing for social security as well as other entitlements, higher capital gains and corporate taxes, elimination of the Bush tax cuts, higher interest rates and higher unemployment."


Now I understand why my dentist told me at my last visit she has been traveling extensively and not worrying about retirement anymore, she's spending most of the money she saved for that day. She told me she has been so careful with her money all of her life and worked so many hours, (I can attest to the hours worked), and anyone with a retirement fund will be subsidizing everyone else's retirement. The USA has become the land of entitlement.

Her statement gave me goose bumpies because I read and I real a lot, particularly about SS and retirement, and Tom W's statement indicates the way many people are thinking. I think I'm going to forget about voting and go spend the money we scrimped to save for retirement. I wonder if testing for SS will empty quite a bit of The Villages and stymy future home purchases.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

She gave birth to her fifth child in the spring and returned to work three days after. Her first is 18 and about to be deployed to Iraq. Her fifth is a little guy with Down Syndrome. She is quoted as saying "He looks perfect to me and has an extra chromosome". I really like that quote. It is a personal issue with me. I am glad she is pretty and a journalism major. I am glad she is a woman. I am glad Obama is black. This country is getting mighty good if you ask me, the four lead contenders for the top seat and we have a woman and a person of color and two Democrats and two Republicans. Now I need to decide who to vote for.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

A new baby at home, with Downs Syndrome. I also commend what she says about the baby, but I feel her baby boy needs mommy at home during the crucial, nurturing first few years. Politics should come second. IMHO

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Sarah Palin, thank God! Small town gal with small town values and brawn, that's guts for those who have no clue. She is a totally awesome pick by McCain and the conservatives are rallying. Maybe they will get their party back, sooner than they thought. McCain/Palin 2008!!! :hot:

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

I'm sure she knows what she is doing when it comes to her child/children. Her husband is a stay at home dad and they seem to be doing fine so far. They seem to have a lovely family.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Sorry Robin, but if I had written the above, I'd be accused of being a neanderthal chauvinist pig from the 19th century.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

OMG! This kind of thinking astounds me. Do you really think she's ready to step in as President of the United States? Well, rationalization reigns supreme! IMHO, McCain just put all of his arguments about Obama in his hip pocket.

Sarah Palin? Really? 1rnfl

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

I'm sure his choice is to capture the Clinton supporters.

It is said he doesn't know her all that well.

That being said...

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Muncle. My name is Rhonda not Robin, and I know that was not a slip, because you have called me that before and I let it go. I take it as name calling and won't stoop to that level. I know most, MOST women stay home for several weeks after a birth to bond with a child if they CAN. I hated, HATED to leave my children to go back to work at 6 weeks, but I HAD to. I was also VERY fortunate that I worked opposite my hubs hours and we never HAD to have a babysitter and never did. My hub is a fantastic Dad!! He worked all day and cared for our children at night since birth so we could put a roof over our heads and food on the table. I just really feel that the baby will not bond with her because she will be way too busy. It is just my opinion. I do not expect anyone to agree with me and I don't care if they do or not. I thought everyone has agreed to disagree. One other question, would PALIN be a great president if, God Forbid, something happened to McCain? I don't think so. To me, it is strange that a virtual unknown (until now) with very little political experience (PTA, runner-up Miss Alaska, and journalist don't count as political experience) was the choice! As I said before, LET THE GAMES BEGIN! I am going out now, and will not post in political again until after the elections. Have a nice day!! LOL BTW Peggy, you are soooo right!!

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Isn't it amazing, Chelsea doesn't approve of the choice for Republican VP. Not one good word has been posted in this forum by Chelsea about any republican. Seems she has forgot it has been a democratic controlled congress for the last 2 years and nothing positive has happened. I am tired of the ranting and raving and have decided the best way for my vote to count is to vote in a manner to cancel yours out.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Muncle, If you knew Rhonda you would never call her Robin accidentally on purpose. She has spoken from the heart. Whether she is right or wrong is of no consequence. What matters is that she has never been mean to anyone on this board and treats all with respect. If you call her Robin in affection, forgive me. If you call her Robin to poke fun, I must point out that you would be hard pressed to find someone more caring, honest and kind than Rhonda. You know from prior posts that I respect you. I want to continue. :-*
As for Sarah Palin, I have much to learn about the lady.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Seriously folks, don't you think McCain's pandering to women with this choice! His VP candidate is no Hillary and never will be. What a dog and pony show!! He doesn't have my vote.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

armyone hit the nail on the head. We have had a Democratic congress for 2 years....what have they done...or maybe it would be easier to say what they haven't done. Yet, the media still blames the Bush administration for everything. They couldn't wait for a change in congress, well, we got it and what has changed?

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

From a lifelong western NY resident......I see this as a GOOD thing !!!

Frank D.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

I agree with you joannej. I think it's an insult to all women! Selection says women don't have the intelligence to vote based on issues, they'll vote based on gender. No national experience on economics, no experience with how "inside the beltway" works, and no international relations experience. The Washington politicions will eat her alive as a midmorning snack. She would be a heart beat away from being President of the United States. A very close heart beat considering McCain's age and medical problems. All that, with the possibility of four more years of the same, scares me.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Mike H :agree: The V.P debates will be interesting.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

I'm with you Frank. She's no Hillary. Thank goodness.

I'll put her experience up against Obama's anyday.

Sorry Rhonda --- Robin was a slip
 

Rhonda,
I hate to disappoint you, but calling you Robin in the previous post was completely, totally, and absolutely a slip, a brain cramp on my part if you will. And I have NEVER called you that before. To verify this, I did a search on the word and found that I had typed "Robin" one time. This was months ago in as discussion of puns and I said: "A punch line has been going through my head all day and I cannot remember the setup.

"A mime is a terrible thing to waste."

I know it was used in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, but I seem to remember that it was a punchline in a terrible joke."

To the best of my knowledge and as far as I can research, I have never otherwise typed the word.

As for the rest of your msg, I will concede that you are undoubtedly correct, that it is far more beneficial for both child and mother to have a most extensive period of bonding. It is beneficial both in the short and long run.

However, I stand by my assessment that had your statement been made by a male, especially a conservative male, about any woman in public life, especially a liberal woman, he would have been chastised within an inch of his life.

And as for Palin being a totally inexperienced person only a heartbeat from the presidency, I find that preferable to having an equally or ever less experienced person actually being elected president. But neither side will concede on this, so it should be an interesting 67 days.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since you have chosen to abstain from this forum for a time, I hope someone will advise you of my reply. The Robin reference was an accident, no harm, sarcasm, or anything else meant. I apologize.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Partisan tunnel vision is quite easy to understand.
The very narrowly defined thinking process was clearly stated by Nancy Pelosi....if it is anything from the other party I am against it.

I like what Muncle said....she seems to be a real person.

And I do absolutely believe the farther away from Washington a person is from, the more real they are.

Experience.....what an elusive, shapeless, anything anybody wants it to mean expression.

It is a known fact in management accomplishment, the less a person is ingrained in a system, the easier it is to make changes because they don't know why it has to stay like it is...or has been.

As for the other chanting regarding change....why is all the rhetoric so all of a sudden more believable now than for the past 40 years? How about an example....let's see now...ahah...the energy crisis of the 70's and all the promises of how that was never going to happen again...energy promises by the thousands....accomplishment...zip...nada...more dependent now than ever..over 300% more dependent.
The promise of change is only lubrication in the form of pompous rhetoric.

I believe McCain's choice will prove to be very interesting and I'll bet disarming to many as the political tit for tat begins. It has been said Biden will have her for lunch during the debates.....I bet not.
She certainly does not have a Washington you-owe-me list to deal with.

Yep! I prefer a real person over a politician anytime.

BTK

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

Kahuna I agree with you totally. I am a life long independent who voted for Reagan twice and Nixon twice,now that I am voting for Obama my best friend of nearly 50 years says that I am a :edit: Liberal Seems if you vote democrat that you are disloyal against our troops and for our common enemies. He is still my best friend even though I told him that Bush cheney, and dumbsfeld should be given a fair trial and excuted in the morning. There were no Al-Qaeda in Iraq there were no terrorist training camps in Iraq the camps were in Afghanistan and were being trained by the Taliban and last but not least Osama Bin laden was hiding in a cave in Afghanistan. Whoever wins this election I can live with can't say that about the last two elections

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

The choice was simple. John McCain has said he is not good with computers. The VP selection is based on computer models. McCain was asked what he was looking for. He said we are going to continue the Bush policy of never telling the truth so we need someone who can spin a good snow job. That gave Alaska bonus points. He also said he likes bimbo beauty queens. McCain said with Cindy starting to show her age, he has made it his personal policy to dump a partner when they become handicapped so being younger was important. Sarah Palin fit the criteria.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

I agree. Palin, you've got to be kidding. So she was runner-up as Miss Alaska. Hardly qualifies her to be a heartbeat away from acting as the head of the free world. When you look at the qualified people McCain passed by to pick her, again brings in to question his judgement. He's 72 years old, with health issues, and she is so unqualified. As someone else said, she's pretty and she was a journalism major. And she is governor of a state with very few people. Hardly makes her even begin to be qualified. If he thinks this will appeal to the Hillary voters, he is in la la land. She is totally against Hillary's principles. In short, Palin is a true featherweight.

Re: Sarah Palin? Really?
 

No, I think that McCain is trying to connect even more so to the ordinary American, the small town people who cling to their guns and Bibles, who wrap themselves in the flag because they love their country. This lady, Palin, is going to be one of the biggest assets to the conservative movement than we have seen in years. And it is time to take the conservative party back, or else start a new one.

In The End
 

The choice for President will eventually be made based on the man at the top of the ticket, not his choice for VP. Having said that, the choice for the second highest office in the U.S. reflects on the judgement of the person at the top of the ticket. Constitutionally, as has been said many times, the VP is only a heartbeat away from becoming President.

In this case, John McCain either selected or approved the selection by the Republican National Committee of a person with no serious qualifications to be the President of the U.S. He did so having met the woman only once before today and knowing that he has had four bouts with cancer and would be the oldest President ever elected if he is successful.

This choice reflects badly on McCain, a man I respect highly. It appears that he is pandering the social and religious conservatives that form the base of the Republican party. We know that Sara Palin is staunchly pro-life, would vote against any form of gun control, is against the teaching of anything but Biblical-based science in schools, and so forth. But are these the most important qualifications for one who could become the leader of the strongest country in the free world? I think not.

The choice reflects badly on either the judgement of John McCain or his willingness to make a sound decision, even if it is one not favored by a faction that has and has had very narrow litmus tests for those they find acceptable as their political leaders. While I might not have voted for John McCain I am truly saddened by this choice and the lack of judgement it implies.

The comparisons of qualifications between Barack Obama and Sarah Palin are inevitable. But there is a huge difference. Obama won the nomination in a sometimes brutal, highly competitive, long campaign that began with almost a dozen candidates. Millions and millions of Americans evaluated their choices and elected him as the candidate they believed most qualified and who stood for the principles they felt important. Sarah Palin was appointed to her position, either by a man who thought she might enhance his campaign for the presidency, or by an influential group of political supporters who may have traded their support for a VP based on a narrow set of litmus tests. Yet given the age and medical history of the person she might serve as President, she could easily accede to the position, regardless of her qualifications and preparedness.

I have said before that I would be satisfied by the leadership of either of our candidates for President if they were elected. After this decision on a VP, that is a statement I will no longer make.