John McCain picks Alaska Governer Sarah Palin as VP.

[Professor S]

Germ, that is an interesting question that she'll have to answer in interviews I'm sure. Her pick intrigues me, but I am very skeptical or her ability to perform in that position. There is no question about the fact that she is politically advantageous, though.

1) The Obama camp can't question her experience, because they are the no experience necessary ticket. If they argue that Palin is not experienced enough, they can simply answer "I know! Thank God she's not running for President!" If Obama or Biden attack experience, they attack themselves. The press can push Pain's inexperience, and they will, but the camapign can't without casuing a serious gaffe and McCain's group know this. And the more the press mentions Palin's inexperience, the more they inadvertently will raise awareness of Obama's and see it as a negative.

2) She is the ultimate outsider, non-beltway, salt-of-the-earth candidate. You can't say someone is elitist when they regularly eat Mooseburgers and their husband is a firefighter.

3) Evangelical through and through. Hello bible belt, and she'll make many Godly folks much more confident in choosing McCain.

4) Policy-wise, she's Ronald Reagan with a vagina. Her pick energizes the conservative base and with bring many of the bloggers and radio hosts strongly behind the ticket, even with her lack of experience.

5) She has a vagina. Many women who are disaffected by the whole Democratic primary might consider voting for McCain because of the chance for a woman to be elected to national office. Plus, its a media blitz. Anyone talking about Obama's speech anymore? NOPE. One part of the mission is accomplished.

Now these points make her a decent candidate in that she helps the ticket, but thats also a big problem with American politics... its all about helping the ticket and not nominating the right people.

I like Palin. I think she is a hell of a Governor and truly acts on what she thinks is right, and not what is "in the people's best interests". I love her speaking style too; straight forward and humorous, often pointing out the obvious which is rare in today's politics. I think she could have been an excellent candiate, and in only a few years, but not now. To be honest there is NOTHING in her record that justifies her pick to national office and breath away from the most powerful position in the world.

Honestly, you can't criticize Obama for his inexperience, and not criticize palin's choice to accept this nomination. She's not ready. Not yet.

[The Germanator]

Originally Posted by Professor S

Germ, that is an interesting question that she'll have to answer in interviews I'm sure. Her pick intrigues me, but I am very skeptical or her ability to perform in that position. There is no question about the fact that she is politically advantageous, though.

1) The Obama camp can't question her experience, because they are the no experience necessary ticket. If they argue that Palin is not experienced enough, they can simply answer "I know! Thank God she's not running for President!" If Obama or Biden attack experience, they attack themselves. The press can push Pain's inexperience, and they will, but the camapign can't without casuing a serious gaffe and McCain's group know this. And the more the press mentions Palin's inexperience, the more they inadvertently will raise awareness of Obama's and see it as a negative.

2) She is the ultimate outsider, non-beltway, salt-of-the-earth candidate. You can't say someone is elitist when they regularly eat Mooseburgers and their husband is a firefighter.

3) Evangelical through and through. Hello bible belt, and she'll make many Godly folks much more confident in choosing McCain.

4) Policy-wise, she's Ronald Reagan with a vagina. Her pick energizes the conservative base and with bring many of the bloggers and radio hosts strongly behind the ticket, even with her lack of experience.

5) She has a vagina. Many women who are disaffected by the whole Democratic primary might consider voting for McCain because of the chance for a woman to be elected to national office. Plus, its a media blitz. Anyone talking about Obama's speech anymore? NOPE. One part of the mission is accomplished.

Now these points make her a decent candidate in that she helps the ticket, but thats also a big problem with American politics... its all about helping the ticket and not nominating the right people.

I like Palin. I think she is a hell of a Governor and truly acts on what she thinks is right, and not what is "in the people's best interests". I love her speaking style too; straight forward and humorous, often pointing out the obvious which is rare in today's politics. I think she could have been an excellent candiate, and in only a few years, but not now. To be honest there is NOTHING in her record that justifies her pick to national office and breath away from the most powerful position in the world.

Honestly, you can't criticize Obama for his inexperience, and not criticize palin's choice to accept this nomination. She's not ready. Not yet.

You know, I pretty much agree with all of this (surprise, surprise) and I kind of understand what the GOP was trying to do with this pick, but your last point is hard to ignore considering the circumstances. Normally the VP choice isn't the biggest deal, but John McCain would be the oldest president ever if he was elected. Considering the life expectancy of a US male is 76 years old, coupled with the fact that McCain has had cancer, I would not be surprised that people would be terrified of voting for the McCain/Palin ticket knowing the probability of her actually rising up to Commander in Chief is much more likely this time around.

Also, I'll agree that Obama/Biden would be foolish to attack the experience factor. They can still hit the "3rd Bush term" pretty hard, knowing that Palin is even more conservative than McCain. What seems strange though, is that the McCain camp also just took away one of their biggest weapons. They can't really attack Obama on experience any more either, can they? It just seems that the GOP took away one of the better strengths in terms of going after Obama.

And yes, she may have a vagina, but she's also anti-choice, anti-gay, pro-creationism, approves of taking polar bears off the endangered list, etc. Hillary Clinton supporters aren't that dumb. I suppose she might energize Republican women, but I'd be surprised if lots of women jumped shipped and voted against things Clinton and Democrats believe in simply because of the va-jay-jay factor.

That said, she's definitely a politician. She had her first good flip-flop today when talking about the Bridge to Nowhere. Two years ago she had this to say, "

5. Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?

"Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."

Which is pretty much the opposite of what she said today. Oh well, that's politics...

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by The Germanator

You know, I pretty much agree with all of this (surprise, surprise) and I kind of understand what the GOP was trying to do with this pick, but your last point is hard to ignore considering the circumstances. Normally the VP choice isn't the biggest deal, but John McCain would be the oldest president ever if he was elected. Considering the life expectancy of a US male is 76 years old, coupled with the fact that McCain has had cancer, I would not be surprised that people would be terrified of voting for the McCain/Palin ticket knowing the probability of her actually rising up to Commander in Chief is much more likely this time around.

That is a huge concern of mine as well. Not enough for me to vote for a Marxist, but I wish he would have chosen Jindal or Lieberman.

Also, I'll agree that Obama/Biden would be foolish to attack the experience factor. They can still hit the "3rd Bush term" pretty hard, knowing that Palin is even more conservative than McCain. What seems strange though, is that the McCain camp also just took away one of their biggest weapons. They can't really attack Obama on experience any more either, can they? It just seems that the GOP took away one of the better strengths in terms of going after Obama.

To be honest, they've been going after the celebrity thing more than experience. Also, I think the experience attack is still in play (not as effetive, though) because of the differences between VP and Pres. VP is seen more a a President in Training position, historically. But I agree, it does hurt the argument.

And yes, she may have a vagina, but she's also anti-choice, anti-gay, pro-creationism, approves of taking polar bears off the endangered list, etc. Hillary Clinton supporters aren't that dumb. I suppose she might energize Republican women, but I'd be surprised if lots of women jumped shipped and voted against things Clinton and Democrats believe in simply because of the va-jay-jay factor.

I didn't say they would vote for her, but she might increase some crossover. I don't think crossover will be huge, but in an election that will be close, it will be interesting considering it gives extra excuses for a spite vote against Obama.

And by the way, I agree with ehr stance on Polar Bears. Their numbers don't meet any of the criteria for the endangered species list and their numbers have been increasing for decades. Their addition is political, and nothing more.

That said, she's definitely a politician. She had her first good flip-flop today when talking about the Bridge to Nowhere. Two years ago she had this to say, "

5. Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?

"Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."

Which is pretty much the opposite of what she said today. Oh well, that's politics...

Well, thats true and false. She came out against the bridge well before her speech today, and she has been a huge reformer in her state, which I think was inspired by her bridge revelation after that statement and first hand view of the waste. It does make an awkward soundbyte though, I agree.

[Jason1]

Originally Posted by Professor S

I like Palin. I think she is a hell of a Governor and truly acts on what she thinks is right, and not what is "in the people's best interests".

And you think thats a good thing? So its better for the president to just do what they feel like and not whats best for the American people?

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Jason1

And you think thats a good thing? So its better for the president to just do what they feel like and not whats best for the American people?

You don't take well to sarcasm, do you... The quotes were in place for a reason.

Seriously, though, Jason, do you just look for any reason to take the opposite opinion of a Republican? I've actually come out and agreed with many on the left that Palin is not qualified, and you have to cherry pick the tiny amount of positive opinion about her?

Its kind of sad.

[TheGame]

I've read up a lot more on Palin, and honestly I respect her a LOT now. I wanted to save my opinion for when I became more educated on her. Honestly I would place her a level above obama for leadership experience, but I wouldn't say either of them truely have a long enough track record to be in the oval office.

Overall I do not think this is a bad decision for Mccain by any strech, though its not shocking to see people put off by the fact that she's female.

[The Germanator]

Originally Posted by TheGame

I've read up a lot more on Palin, and honestly I respect her a LOT now. I wanted to save my opinion for when I became more educated on her. Honestly I would place her a level above obama for leadership experience, but I wouldn't say either of them truely have a long enough track record to be in the oval office.

I understand the Obama camp won't argue the experience factor, but I will. Palin is more experienced than Obama? I just think that's a joke.

Palin credentials:
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Idaho.
- Briefly worked in broadcasting as a sports reporter for local Anchorage television stations.
- She spent four years on the Wasilla "City" Council.
- Two-term mayor of Wasilla, population approximately 6000 people, from 1996-2002.
- Governor of Alaska, population 670,053, from December 2006 to present.
- Member of the PTA, has 5 kids, Alaska is near Russia so she has "international relations" credentials.
(Okay, I just added these to be a dick, but the McCain campaign has legitimately touted these as qualifications. In my opinion that is pathetic)

Obama credentials:
- Bachelor's degree in political science and foreign relations from Columbia University
- Law degree from Harvard Law School. Editor of the Harvard Law Review. Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Majored in Constitutional Law.
- Senator of the 13th district in Illinois from 1996-2004, representing approximately 653,647 constituents.
- Representing Illinois in the U.S. Senate from 2004-2008 Obama was representing approximately 12,831,970 constituents.
- Member of: Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Member of Veterans' Affairs Committee; Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs; Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions.
- Has been to the Middle East and met with leaders from Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Israel, along with European allies.
- Here's a link to his senate accomplishments...http://tpzoo.wordpress.com/2008/08/3...nts/#more-6370

I personally think it's not even close. Plus, Obama defeated the Clinton machine to get here. His campaign has been tremendous and he's stood strong through many tough attacks. That shows leadership to me. He's been properly vetted by the 18 million Americans who voted for him. Palin was handed this gig.

Yeah, she's a VP candidate and he's a presidential candidate and I think that's just about right.

The people crying sexism already bug me too. It's been three days! The media is talking about how inexperienced she is because well, SHE IS! If it was a dude, they'd be doing the same thing. Anyway, just my thoughts.

[TheGame]

Originally Posted by The Germanator

I understand the Obama camp won't argue the experience factor, but I will. Palin is more experienced than Obama? I just think that's a joke.

Palin credentials:
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Idaho.
- Briefly worked in broadcasting as a sports reporter for local Anchorage television stations.
- She spent four years on the Wasilla "City" Council.
- Two-term mayor of Wasilla, population approximately 6000 people, from 1996-2002.
- Governor of Alaska, population 670,053, from December 2006 to present.
- Member of the PTA, has 5 kids, Alaska is near Russia so she has "international relations" credentials.
(Okay, I just added these to be a dick, but the McCain campaign has legitimately touted these as qualifications. In my opinion that is pathetic)

Obama credentials:
- Bachelor's degree in political science and foreign relations from Columbia University
- Law degree from Harvard Law School. Editor of the Harvard Law Review. Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Majored in Constitutional Law.
- Senator of the 13th district in Illinois from 1996-2004, representing approximately 653,647 constituents.
- Representing Illinois in the U.S. Senate from 2004-2008 Obama was representing approximately 12,831,970 constituents.
- Member of: Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Member of Veterans' Affairs Committee; Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs; Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions.
- Has been to the Middle East and met with leaders from Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Israel, along with European allies.
- Here's a link to his senate accomplishments...http://tpzoo.wordpress.com/2008/08/3...nts/#more-6370

I personally think it's not even close. Plus, Obama defeated the Clinton machine to get here. His campaign has been tremendous and he's stood strong through many tough attacks. That shows leadership to me. He's been properly vetted by the 18 million Americans who voted for him. Palin was handed this gig.

Yeah, she's a VP candidate and he's a presidential candidate and I think that's just about right.

The people crying sexism already bug me too. It's been three days! The media is talking about how inexperienced she is because well, SHE IS! If it was a dude, they'd be doing the same thing. Anyway, just my thoughts.

Keep in mind that I said "Leadership Experience". She has executive experience, and from what I can tell has been in more positions where she had to be the one making outright tough decisions on her own. Opposed to Obama's experience where he's never been an executive, but has had more of an activist type history.

Not taking anything away from him though, he was voted to be the voice of the group he represents. But I don't see anything there that I could draw as being even similar to being the president of the united states. He's been in a position where he can share his opinions on things and can gamble with Ideals which are argueable because in his spot no one person controls anything.

I'm very tired while typing this, and I might see something different when I wake back up. But to sum it up Palin has been in situations where she had to power to make positive changes for her people and state government, and she stood up and did it. She's been in a position where every day she had to make the hard decisions for her people right or wrong and had to deal with the results of it... And Obama just hasn't.

That's my own take on it, as far as Media goes they're going to be biased on the situation one way or another so I ignore all the bullshit spewing from Media most of the time when making judgements.

[Jason1]

Originally Posted by Professor S

You don't take well to sarcasm, do you... The quotes were in place for a reason.

Seriously, though, Jason, do you just look for any reason to take the opposite opinion of a Republican? I've actually come out and agreed with many on the left that Palin is not qualified, and you have to cherry pick the tiny amount of positive opinion about her?

Its kind of sad.

Okay I did not read that as sarcasm, especially coming from you. I apologise. I havent even attempted to bash her yet. Honestly, the dems shouldnt spend much time arguing about her lack of experience, due to obvious reasons. It would be hypocritical for them to do that. I would never bash someone just because they havent been in politics very long. In fact, as ive said on numerous occasions, I find Obama's lack of "experience" (if you want to call it that) a good thing. Just because someone has been in politics a long time dosent mean they will make a good president or Vice president, likewise, just because someone has NOT been in politics very long dosent mean they will be a BAD president.