The Sarah Palin Vice Presidential nomination: Is John McCain a “maverick” or a “loose cannon”?
Nearly everyone has an opinion of Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican Vice Presidential nominee, and their expressing it on the Internet, talk radio, television, newspapers and jokes. Very little has been said of Sen. John McCain’s wisdom as a Presidential candidate, who if elected, will be 72 years old when sworn in next January. At the present time, the average life expectancy for a male in 2008 is 75.29 years of age. The age old law of choosing a vice presidential candidate is to “do no harm” to the ticket. In McCain’s choice, is he violating that law to “do no harm” the nation?
Going into the St. Paul Convention, John McCain had the enormous issue of uniting the Republican Right base to the ticket, as well as setting some fire under it. There is no question that McCain wanted Sen. Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge to be his vice presidential running mate. There was no way that either one was going to be approved by the convention. Had he tried to do so, have of the delegates would have packed up and gone home! McCain had to find a candidate to bring in the Right wing of the party. Obviously, McCain had remained steadfast to his own choice up to just before the Convention. Now, as reality struck hone, who would he choose someone else and how quickly and wisely could he make that choice? The rest is history, as Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska was chosen at the 11th hour. Virtually unknown, except in some Republican circles, The less than two year Governor was thrown into the spotlight. Over the past two weeks since the announcement, we are discovering more than we want to know about Sarah Palin, as she is now under public vetting, which can be a deadly situation for any candidate. The list keeps growing, as we learn about “Troopergate,” her initial and continued support for the “bridge to nowhere,” possible misuse of campaign funds, similar to the indictment of fellow Alaskan Ted Stevens and the list keeps growing. However, the real issue is not what she’s done in the past; it’s what she is lacking to be one heartbeat from the President of the United States!
If the Republicans were looking for a Conservative for the Right and a woman for the “Reagan Democrats,” Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson was the obvious choice. Elected to the Senate from Texas in 1993, Sen. Hutchinson is a three term elected politician who is fourth highest ranking Republican in the Senate. Her nomination would have given substance to the Republican ticket, and would have been a stronger draw than Gov. Palin. As to the major issue of succession to the Presidency if John McCain was unable to fulfill his term, we would have a highly competent Vice President to fill in or to complete the term. From all indications, there is a gaping hole in the Republican ticket if John McCain becomes unable to perform the duties of President. If Sarah Palin was the choice of John McCain, then John McCain is no “maverick.” John McCain is a “loose cannon”! Considering the consequences of winning the Presidency, John McCain, at 72 years of age, should choose his running mate wisely, as he or she may well complete the term. Sarah Palin was chosen either in haste or by those in the campaign who wanted someone who would excite the ticket, without giving any thought to whether that person was qualified to be President. Gov. Sarah Palin does not pass this test! She has no Foreign Policy expertise, little knowledge of the Economy, outside of the state of Alaska and no experience with dealing on “Capitol Hill”. That would be when times are good! In this Election, we are choosing a President and Congress to deal with more problems that F.D.R. had before him in 1932. We’re engaged in two wars, both of which are not going well and an Economic Crisis, which may bring us in to a world wide Depression! One can be remiss in one of these areas, but not all three! If this is an example of John McCain’s judgment, he cannot be trusted with the Office of the President of the United States!
Campbell Brown interviews McCain Spokesman Tucker Bounds, now former McCain Spokesperson!
Comments
This is not a beauty contest
This is not a beauty contest Senator McCain. Although the Senator has a history of marrying beautiful woman, the little know fact is that he dumped his first wife when he returned from the Vietnam war and discovered after her car accident (and 23 surgeries) she was seriously disfigured - he couldn't handle it! He claims he is ashamed of how he handled that phase in his life! His dalliances while still married were "overlooked" McCain met Cindy - bright, extremely beautiful, very wealthy and politically connected --- a winning combination for an ambitious man and a great excuse to leave a wife who was wheelchair bound for several years ---- what a stand-up guy! This Senator may be a war hero but he has far too many character flaws that the public may not be aware of. While he may be reformed happily married man by definition he is a womanizer and a cheat! We already had a few of these in the White House we really do not need another! Perhaps it's the good ol' boys club that he attracts and depends upon to win this election or the reason he labels himself as a Maverick, he thinks that is an attractive depiction; I prefer sincerity, experience and honesty. The fact that McCain chose a woman (a former beauty queen) who is inept to handle the supreme role of Vice President is a clear indication that the Senator's decision making is unequivocally flawed.
While there are many men who at 72 can run a large corporation and are responsible for thousands of employees or have the esteem ability to be seated as a judge or senator, it is not the senator's age that is bother some; it is the decision he made (after his strategists poled focus groups) to choose a woman who does not have the ability to lead this country, understand the economics at hand or apply diplomacy with foreign leaders. How adorable she brags about cooking moose burgers, knows how to handle a rifle, drives herself to work she also fabricates stories about her governorship and that is extremely disturbing. She may be appealing to the all-American Alaskan but she is clearly not representative of the hardworking, educated women of this country who could manage the important role of a US VP. Her lack of experience or interest in foreign affairs is unnerving. What the hell is McCain thinking? Apparently she was not vetted before the prompt decision prior to the Rep. Nomination. Her looks, appeal to the good ol' boys. Her stance on anti-abortion may appeal to the religious, ok Senator we get it, glamour and feisty behavior make up the prerequisite for your choice of a VP candidate! McCain you cannot lead a nation independently? The USA needs to have a VP who has the diplomatic skills, experience governing, representing this country y around the globe not a beauty pageant runner-up whose mindset is reminiscent of 50's housewives! Her skills with a rifle are not essential unless she goes on a hunting expedition with Cheney. We need more than an anti-abortionist hockey Mom in the White House and we need a leader who will address the serious issues at hand and not try to glaze over the country's problems with another pretty face! McCain deserves to lose this election; I pity this country if McCain and Palin are elected - what an embarrassment to the world what a pity for all of us. Linda P.
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