McCain has made his choice...what do you think?

[dgreenshield]

I just saw the news...McCain has chosen Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. I don't know what to think about this newest development; but, I would like to hear your opinions. As always, I think we can discuss this in such a way that we all benefit from the information presented.

[AmyM Designs]

Awesome. I was hoping he'd pick her but figured it would never happen......so I am really thrilled and feel a little better about voting for him (i'm not thrilled with either choice but I vote on the issues not the speeches and so Obama was definitely out of the question). She's one tough cookie.

[FrenchRuby]

I was expecting him to go with Joe Lieberman, but Sarah Palin is a canny move. Hoping to pick up the Democrats who were looking for Hillary (AKA 'A Woman') and who don't feel so good about Obama, without alienating the Republican core voters.

Will be interesting, certainly.

[Chreamps]

Don't know her or anything about her really. More education coming up.

[haynay]

I agree, good choice. It does at least make the disgruntled Dems that wanted Hillary look in the direction of McCain! Especially since he's not far right. As my sister says, I might not always agree with the Republicans, but they do know how to fight in an election!

[Tiffikat]

It won't affect my vote. I voted for Hillary in the primaries because I supported her stances on the issues. I won't vote for someone simply because they are a woman when their stances are so far from my own.

[Jenniferinitaly]

Very interesting. it's not the veep candidate that I was hoping for, but one I am okay with. I wish she had more experience, but I don't ahve anything major against her

[AmyM Designs]

I wondered about her level of experience too. But 2 years as governor is quite a bit more than 143 days in the senate, which is what Obama has. So far I've read that she has 5 kids, newest baby with down syndrome born back in April, she fired the Alaska department of agriculture, took on the party chairman for ethics violations, is a member of the NRA and hunts and fishes. My kinda girl for sure!:clap

[mlpieters]

although i do want to know more about...my initial reaction is

"freaking awesome!!!!

[DogwoodMama]

Awesome. I was hoping he'd pick her but figured it would never happen......so I am really thrilled and feel a little better about voting for him (i'm not thrilled with either choice but I vote on the issues not the speeches and so Obama was definitely out of the question). She's one tough cookie.


I feel the same!

[1girl1boy]

her nickname is "sarah barracuda"

one tough chick for sure.

[AndreaBurns]

Awesome! Great choice, for sure!

[nikkiARNGwife]

I think he made a FABULOUS choice!! I bet some of those hilary supporters who were gung ho about obama are now like..."hold up...he chose who? hmmmm" LOLOL!


I agree 2 terms as a governor greatly overshadows obama's pitiful claim to experience kwim?

[kjbstevens]

I'm so excited too! When I was reading up on people I was rooting for her or Ridge just because I thought he'd stick with a guy. I think it's a great choice and shows there is room for more than just grumpy old men in the Republican party. There are women like me too.

[nikkiARNGwife]

They just said on the news that she's the mother of a soldier...McCain's sons also serve and unless I'm wrong one is in Iraq right now right?

[Sara Ellis]

I really didn't know much about her at all, but I called my mom this morning because she has been following everything intensely & is a huge Republican... She was her first guess & my mom is so absolutely thrilled

one thing my mom mentioned is about how Sarah lives like "average" people as much as possible, cut a ton of overhead expenses from Alaska, not a mansion person and doesn't care for all the cars to drive her around......................plus very smart

this race just got sooooooooooo much more interesting......this is actually the first race that I'm really intrigued by

[Sara Ellis]

They just said on the news that she's the mother of a soldier...McCain's sons also serve and unless I'm wrong one is in Iraq right now right?


this is correct... they both are

and her 5 kids range in age from low 20s to a baby

[BrendaJ]

I think it's pure brilliance! Awesome!!!

[thumper6423]

I don't know much about her, so I'll be looking into it. I thought he'd go with Lieberman or Ridge for sure. Although I also think how hard Gustav hits the gulf and how the gov't responds is going to really affect the election too because it's going to make everyone relive Katrina if it goes badly again.

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

Actually, isn't she less than 2 years into her first term as governor of Alaska?

[Kara]

I was hoping he'd pick Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota. I don't know anything about Palin at all. I generally vote Republican but McCain wouldn't have been my top choice of the candidates in the primaries.

[Sara Ellis]

Actually, isn't she less than 2 years into her first term as governor of Alaska?

Palin served two terms on the Wasilla, Alaska (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasilla,_Alaska), City Council (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Council) from 1992 to 1996, was elected mayor of Wasilla in 1996, and ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lieutenant_Governor) in 2002. After charging ethical violations by state Republican Party leaders,[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin#cite_note-Rebel-2) she won election in 2006 by first defeating incumbent governor Frank Murkowski (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Murkowski) in the Republican primary, then former Democratic Alaskan governor Tony Knowles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Knowles_%28politician%29) in the general election.

see HERE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin)

and CNN's article HERE (http://us.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html)

[nikkiARNGwife]

Actually, isn't she less than 2 years into her first term as governor of Alaska?


yes..sorry I mistyped in my post..guess i was typing too fast lol :)

[Chreamps]

Quote:

originally posted by prodigal: "But 2 years as governor is quite a bit more than 143 days in the senate, which is what Obama has."

He was a State Senator from 1996-2004 and has been in the US Senate since 2005.

[scrapyardkath]

I don't think we need any more tough, fighter types in power. I'd prefer a leader like Obama who has diplomatic skills, finesse and whose first response would not be war or bombing or sending more troops to die. I want someone to create solutions even if everyone else just wants to attack.

[JoyintheJourney]

What a fabulous choice he made! Now I am excited about this election. :) This news made my day. It will be "an historic event" no matter which side wins.

[AmyM Designs]

What a fabulous choice he made! Now I am excited about this election. :) This news made my day. It will be "an historic event" no matter which side wins.
I agree 100%! Check out this lil' video my fellow conservatives, it's pretty neat. I'd love to shake this woman's hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFjqZ_vvLNc

Why am I talking about this here? I need to go wash dishes. LOL Here comes the big announcement, turn the tv on folks.

[nikkiARNGwife]

It's just made my day too...I feel like McCain has totally revived his campaign with this choice!

[tammygentry]

Okay - I'm going to be the dissenting voice here for now. I'm going to quote someone from my mommy board (she approved). It was pretty much in line with my gut reaction as well though...

"She just had a in April and that child has Down's. We have two children with autism and that strains us enough. Having a child who's cognition and mental health and stability are in question but the medical issues that go along with it ESPECAILLY in the first few years is overwhelming. I do question if her values are in line, I would question just as much if there was a man in that situation. Because I have an inkling of how much teamwork it takes and how desperately a special needs child needs both parents. Her four years of master-dom or her childs lifelong wellness....hmm...no brainer to me."

[Sara Ellis]

here's another fab video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_vaH2BjVeA&NR=1

[kjbstevens]

Actually, isn't she less than 2 years into her first term as governor of Alaska?

Yes it's only her first term. I think the new fresh ideas and her reform will balance really well against McCain's experience. It creates a nice balance for a party that is normally leaning towards only the old. I personally think it's an amazing spark for the party for young people like me that hold conservative beliefs.

[JoyintheJourney]

Hijacking a little! I looked at both Youtube videos, and what I got from them was how am I going get my 19 yo DD introduced to her 19 yo DS? He is completely adorable! :giggle

[kjbstevens]

Okay - I'm going to be the dissenting voice here for now. I'm going to quote someone from my mommy board (she approved). It was pretty much in line with my gut reaction as well though...

"She just had a in April and that child has Down's. We have two children with autism and that strains us enough. Having a child who's cognition and mental health and stability are in question but the medical issues that go along with it ESPECAILLY in the first few years is overwhelming. I do question if her values are in line, I would question just as much if there was a man in that situation. Because I have an inkling of how much teamwork it takes and how desperately a special needs child needs both parents. Her four years of master-dom or her childs lifelong wellness....hmm...no brainer to me."

I think it shows more strength than anything. Some people hide their children if they have problems. She instead is going to potentially show this child a whole new life that he could be anything he wanted if he believes in it. I seriously doubt if they were elected that one of the first children of the US would not get any and everything they needed taken care of. I totally get where they are coming from but I'm sure she made this decision fully knowing what her children need.

[Kim2002]

Wow, this certainly is a pleasant surprise. I saw a brief interview with her on Glenn Beck's show a while ago and I thought she had said she wasn't interested in the VP position, stating that she felt she could do more for her home state of Alaska. Regardless, I think it will definitely help McCain having her on the ticket and I'm off to learn more about her.

[catgrrl]

obviously this is a **very** conservative board.

No matter who McCain chose from republican party, I'd dislike him/her wholeheartedly.

I am pro-choice
I am liberal ;)
I believe in gun control
If McCain were to die, she has almost NO experience and is NOT ready to lead the country. That should be a factor in everyone's mind.
I don't support drilling in ANWR (she does even though McCain does not)
She's under investigation for
Palin’s reformer image took a hit last month when she was accused of attempting to get a state trooper fired. That state trooper was her former brother-in-law who had gone through “a messy divorce” with her sister. After the trooper’s boss wouldn’t act on the governor’s request, she fired him. Though Palin says she doesn’t “have anything to hide” and she “didn’t do anything wrong there,” an investigation has found that one of her aides pushed the firing



btw: AP says her oldest son is Track (19) and he is stationed in Fairbanks, not Iraq.

[nikkiARNGwife]

They just made an excellent point on the news...

Palin is now the ONLY candidate with executive experience!

[leslie_537]

I was really hoping he would chose Condi Rice. I know it was a long shot but I really like that lady. I am happy with who he chose. I am not worried about the VP's experience as much as I am th President's. So that doesn't bother me plus the things she has already done while Governor are impressive to me. I am excited.

[leslie_537]

Here is a link to a more liberal thread. I think the board is pretty much even between liberal and conservative

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=141910&highlight=obama


obviously this is a **very** conservative board.

No matter who McCain chose from republican party, I'd dislike him/her wholeheartedly.

I am pro-choice
I am liberal ;)
I believe in gun control
If McCain were to die, she has almost NO experience and is NOT ready to lead the country. That should be a factor in everyone's mind.
I don't support drilling in ANWR (she does even though McCain does not)
She's under investigation for




btw: AP says her oldest son is Track (19) and he is stationed in Fairbanks, not Iraq.

"If McCain were to die, she has almost NO experience and is NOT ready to lead the country. That should be a factor in everyone's mind."

But I would like to ask you why you think Obama who is running for PRESIDENT is any more qualified? She has been Governor and ran a State he was a Senator

[Chreamps]

Here's another article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_veepstakes_analysis).

[scribler]

obviously this is a **very** conservative board.

No matter who McCain chose from republican party, I'd dislike him/her wholeheartedly.

I am pro-choice
I am liberal ;)
I believe in gun control
If McCain were to die, she has almost NO experience and is NOT ready to lead the country. That should be a factor in everyone's mind.
I don't support drilling in ANWR (she does even though McCain does not)
She's under investigation for




btw: AP says her oldest son is Track (19) and he is stationed in Fairbanks, not Iraq.

He is leaving for Iraq on September 11th. And in all fairness Beau Biden also leaves for Iraq next month.

[nikkiARNGwife]

obviously this is a **very** conservative board.

No matter who McCain chose from republican party, I'd dislike him/her wholeheartedly.

I am pro-choice
I am liberal ;)
I believe in gun control
If McCain were to die, she has almost NO experience and is NOT ready to lead the country. That should be a factor in everyone's mind.
I don't support drilling in ANWR (she does even though McCain does not)
She's under investigation for
Quote:
Palin’s reformer image took a hit last month when she was accused of attempting to get a state trooper fired. That state trooper was her former brother-in-law who had gone through “a messy divorce” with her sister. After the trooper’s boss wouldn’t act on the governor’s request, she fired him. Though Palin says she doesn’t “have anything to hide” and she “didn’t do anything wrong there,” an investigation has found that one of her aides pushed the firing


btw: AP says her oldest son is Track (19) and he is stationed in Fairbanks, not Iraq.


She has experience running a government which sadly Obama does not

No matter where her son is currently if he is a member of the military he is serving his country. Although he will be in Iraq in less than a month.

[scrapyardkath]

You're not the only one; ITA!!


obviously this is a **very** conservative board.

No matter who McCain chose from republican party, I'd dislike him/her wholeheartedly.

I am pro-choice
I am liberal ;)
I believe in gun control
If McCain were to die, she has almost NO experience and is NOT ready to lead the country. That should be a factor in everyone's mind.
I don't support drilling in ANWR (she does even though McCain does not)
She's under investigation for




btw: AP says her oldest son is Track (19) and he is stationed in Fairbanks, not Iraq.

[scrapyardkath]

I think that Mcain being 72 today, it is a real concern. He would be the oldest non-incumbent, and he has had prior health issues.



I am not worried about the VP's experience as much as I am th President's. So that doesn't bother me...

[strangejen]

she sounds like a very fascinating person.

However.

My first thought upon hearing the news was "gimmick, much?"

It seems like the Republicans sat back during the primary season and figured out "Hmm . . . looks like people are actually ready for some women leadership. Let's go with that. Let's make our ticket historic, too."

JMHO. I know it will be unpopular. *shrugs*

[tammygentry]

she sounds like a very fascinating person.

However.

My first thought upon hearing the news was "gimmick, much?"

It seems like the Republicans sat back during the primary season and figured out "Hmm . . . looks like people are actually ready for some women leadership. Let's go with that. Let's make our ticket historic, too."

JMHO. I know it will be unpopular. *shrugs*

I agree with you... I think they are trying to pull in Hillary supporters... What they AREN'T thinking about is that if you were a Hillary supporter, most likely you won't support Palin. Their views are MORE different than night/day.

[Sara Ellis]

Here's another article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_veepstakes_analysis).

there are pros and cons articles all over for all candidates in both parties... that's just the same as here.... we have a democratic supportive thread and a republican supportive thread

one thing for sure... no matter what, this is one very interesting race.... there WILL be one minority ... either an African American President or a female Vice President....... it is very interesting

and... my oldest son just started college this week, one of his classes is Political Science.... for being 18 & taking this class at this time of this historical race, it's very exciting... no matter the outcome (AND his teacher isn't holding class this week because he was an alternate delegate at the Democratic Convention)

[Chreamps]

I agree, ladies!

[Trina]

she sounds like a very fascinating person.

However.

My first thought upon hearing the news was "gimmick, much?"

It seems like the Republicans sat back during the primary season and figured out "Hmm . . . looks like people are actually ready for some women leadership. Let's go with that. Let's make our ticket historic, too."

JMHO. I know it will be unpopular. *shrugs*

You summed it up in a nutshell. They are DEFINITELY trying to pull in those as-of-now-undecided Hillary supporters, and this was one way to do it. If Obama wasn't black, would they have selected a woman as the VP? Good topic for conversation, but I'm betting the answer would be no :shrug

[Trina]

and... my oldest son just started college this week, one of his classes is Political Science.... for being 18 & taking this class at this time of this historical race, it's very exciting...

Hey! My DD is, too! She has always been a political fanatic, and when she saw that one of the few open classes was a Political Science class, she jumped at the chance...to take that class NOW during the election...very exciting time, indeed! She is actually now considering a minor in Political Science, so her professor has really made an impact on her.

[melanie71]

No matter where her son is currently if he is a member of the military he is serving his country. Although he will be in Iraq in less than a month.

Right - and she said that in her speech.

[Chreamps]

I found this and liked the sound of it (from Associated Press Writers):

During her first year in office, Palin moved away from the powerful old guard of the state Republican Party and has refused to kowtow to the powerful oil industry, instead presiding over a tax increase on oil company profits that now has the state's treasury swelling.

Sounds familiar, though?

[Wags374]

I am very excited about the choice - she is one tough cookie and knows that its like to work hard for a living! Plus she is out of the whole east coast loop - another plus in my book. If she proves up as a VP she could very well be our first woman President in a few years!

[Kater07]

It won't affect my vote. I voted for Hillary in the primaries because I supported her stances on the issues. I won't vote for someone simply because they are a woman when their stances are so far from my own.

Exactly! I am hoping that women are smarter than to just vote for someone b/c she's a woman even if she's in direct opposition to their values. Being a woman doesn't make her Hillary Clinton.

[KellieP]

although i do want to know more about...my initial reaction is

"freaking awesome!!!!

Ditto!!! :clap

[Wags374]

Palin keeps a playpen besides her desk in the Gov's office - she can certainly do the same with her VP duties. Plus she will have plenty of top-notch help available to help care for her kids.

[alansrock]

BRAVO to McCain and his advisors for putting a breathe of fresh air into the Republican party with some GIRL POWER! I don't know a lot about Palin but from her speech today I think she is a strong woman who is a SUPERB choice! I love that she has a military background from her leadership with the National Guard too! I think this choice proves that McCain will make a GREAT President!!!

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

Yes it's only her first term. I think the new fresh ideas and her reform will balance really well against McCain's experience. It creates a nice balance for a party that is normally leaning towards only the old. I personally think it's an amazing spark for the party for young people like me that hold conservative beliefs.

I can understand that- it's similar to how I see Obama in many ways. for older people like me who hold liberal views. :giggle

[Heather Manning]

I wanted to watch the announcement, but my 20 month old HAD to go down for a nap, cranky, cranky, cranky. So, I missed it, but got my email from the McCain campaign saying, My Choice is Govenor Sarah Palin. I was so excited! Just about jumped up and down cheering. LOL Didn't want to wake Alyce up though. Called my mom, told her. She hadn't heard yet, and she was excited, who spread the news to my dad, who is excited. We're all happy over here.

I was really hoping it was her, with the talk of the mysterious plane coming in from Alaska to Ohio last night.

I fell in love with her when I read an article on her before she had her baby. With word of her being one of the choices, I read some more on her, and I really like her.

And on their kids in the military, whether it's McCain's, Palin's, Biden's, or anyone else serving in our military. They all deserve our respect, our immense grattitude, and our support wherever they are serving.

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

and... my oldest son just started college this week, one of his classes is Political Science.... for being 18 & taking this class at this time of this historical race, it's very exciting... no matter the outcome (AND his teacher isn't holding class this week because he was an alternate delegate at the Democratic Convention)


Our eldest just started college too- he was very happy to be able to vote in the primaries, and he's coming home on Election Day and we are going to vote together. It's SO good to see our kids getting excited about taking a part in the government of this country~

[kjbstevens]

I can understand that- it's similar to how I see Obama in many ways. for older people like me who hold liberal views. :giggle
Yeah my stepdad is so funny. I give him a hard time but he is definately a liberal in all accounts of the word. Obama is perfect to how he lives so I try not to harass him to much about it even as much as I want too. ;)

[fivethirtyeight]

This columnist hit the nail on the head for me:

I think we will look back at today as the day when the Republicans most certainly lost the Presidency. In choosing Sarah Palin of Alaska for Vice President, the Republicans have made a cynical but clever choice. At least they think it is clever. She is a woman, young (44 years old), a Governor (only two years), a mother (five children), pro-life, and pro-gun. But what is she not? She is NOT pro-choice. She has NO national experience. She has never been under the intense scrutiny of a national campaign. She is under investigation for some incident in Alaska that is messy and personal. She has no international experience. Her experience governing is in a very small state, famous for its "Bridge to Nowhere" kind of political graft. Her Republican colleague in that state, Senator Ted Stevens has been indicted for corruption.

When Republicans and independents go into the voting booth, will they have the confidence to vote for a McCain-Palin ticket, knowing that John McCain has had several recurrences of his skin cancer, and will be the oldest President ever? Can they imagine Sarah Palin stepping into the Oval Office and dealing with all the problems we face right now? The Russians and the terrorists must be quaking in their boots.

It's a slap in the face of other Republican women like Kay Bailey Hutchison, bless her heart, who was forced to stumble through an interview on TV trying to make the case for Palin whom she has never met. There are certainly women in the Republican party who were "in line" for this before Palin. Did the Rovian type advisors to McCain just cynically think that throwing a young attractive inexperienced woman into the mix would satisfy women who long to see a woman president? Women, and Republican women, are not so stupid as to fall for that! It is reminiscent of the Republicans putting up Alan Keyes to run against Barack Obama for the Illinois Senate just because he was black. Voters saw through that pretty quickly.

It's also a slap in the face of Democratic women voters. They don't get Hillary but they get Sarah as the first potential woman President? In fact, I can just hear Biden saying, "Sarah Palin, you are NO Hillary Clinton!" I would imagine that the few remaining Clinton supporters who are wondering if they should support John McCain are even more leery now. There is absolutely no overlap between the positions Hillary Clinton has fought her entire life for and Sarah Palin. The two women are not remotely substitutable. They are as different as they can be.

How will this cynicism play with American voters? It is insulting to women to suggest that just "any" woman will do!

And my advice to democrats: DON'T PANIC - Obama and Biden have got this one covered.

[Nettio]

I agree with you... I think they are trying to pull in Hillary supporters... What they AREN'T thinking about is that if you were a Hillary supporter, most likely you won't support Palin. Their views are MORE different than night/day.

Oh my gosh, thank you for actually saying this! As a Hillary supporter I can not figure out why they would think I would suddenly ignore all of my ideals to vote for a republican that is completely opposite from her just BECAUSE she's a woman? It makes no sense! :lol

I posted this on another forum but I'll go ahead and add it here too:
As for McCain's choice for a running mate, I can't help but be slightly offended by his choice. I have no doubt he chose her BECAUSE she is a women in hope that he'll gain Hillary supporters. But as a Hillary fan, I didn't just like her because she was a woman, I liked her because of who she was and what she stood for. I just really hope he doesn't think that one woman is just as good as another. http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/community/images/smilies/laugh.gif

[mrswresh]

Okay - I'm going to be the dissenting voice here for now. I'm going to quote someone from my mommy board (she approved). It was pretty much in line with my gut reaction as well though...

"She just had a in April and that child has Down's. We have two children with autism and that strains us enough. Having a child who's cognition and mental health and stability are in question but the medical issues that go along with it ESPECAILLY in the first few years is overwhelming. I do question if her values are in line, I would question just as much if there was a man in that situation. Because I have an inkling of how much teamwork it takes and how desperately a special needs child needs both parents. Her four years of master-dom or her childs lifelong wellness....hmm...no brainer to me."

These are my thoughts as well.

I am fully aware that some women need to work outside the home. I did until my third child. I hated it, but it was necessary.

I also understand that many women work because they choose to and if that works for your family it is certainly an individual choice.

It's the thought of such an intense position with so much responsibility and time away from that is upsetting to me. I applaud her politics and stances but at the end of the day isn't her primary responsiblity this sweet spirit she has brought into the world?

Maybe she is as crafty of a mother as she is a politician though and can manage it with the help of husband and nannies. I wish her all the best in this balancing act she has taken on.

[fivethirtyeight]

Wanted to add from another diarist I love:

No, Senator McCain, I Am Not An Idiot http://www.dailykos.com/images/add_hl2.gif (http://www.dailykos.com/hotlist/add/2008/8/29/11361/4270/displaystory//)

You think I'm stupid.

You think I'm going to fall for it.

You think that because I loved Hillary Clinton, gave money to Hillary Clinton, stood in the freezing rain for two hours to see her speak, put a sticker on my car, wore my pin around town, and supported Hillary Clinton to the very end, that I will vote for you.

You think I will forget every single one of my personal and political values just because there's a vagina on your pro-war, anti-woman, anti-science ticket.

You, Senator McCain, are wrong.

I'd love to see a woman in the White House. I would have loved to see a woman on Obama's ticket.

But not this woman.

Not a woman who thinks decisions about my body should be made by hateful old men in Washington.

Not a woman who thinks science is a myth.

Not a woman who thinks the Republican party has anything to offer besides more war, higher taxes, oil dependency, and hate.

I am not falling for it, Senator McCain.

Because what you do not understand is that my support for Hillary was not about anatomy. It was about values. Hillary Clinton articulated and represented my dreams.

You do not. Not even with a vagina on your pathetic ticket.

This changes nothing.

No way. No how. No McCain.

[Chreamps]

Whoa...

[Heather Manning]

I don't think McCain is looking to pick up the Hillary supporters that are no way no how nu uh going to switch. Those people are probably going to support Obama.

I think McCain is looking at the Hillary supporters who are teetering over the edge of supporting him. And in that there are some. There are Hillary supporters who have switched to McCain's camp, most likely it is the women/men who are more central in their thoughts. Whose ideas overlap with both sides. I don't think McCain is thinking that those who are far left are going to be jumping to vote for his ticket just because he put a woman on it. Those who are far left are obviously not going to support someone who is conservative.

ETA - he also made a lot of republicans happy with his choice, myself being one of them. And he has to think about the republican base first. If he loses them completely, he loses the election period. He went with someone that made a lot of people happy.

[nikkiARNGwife]

Wanted to add from another diarist I love:

No, Senator McCain, I Am Not An Idiot http://www.dailykos.com/images/add_hl2.gif (http://www.dailykos.com/hotlist/add/2008/8/29/11361/4270/displaystory//)

You think I'm stupid.

You think I'm going to fall for it.

You think that because I loved Hillary Clinton, gave money to Hillary Clinton, stood in the freezing rain for two hours to see her speak, put a sticker on my car, wore my pin around town, and supported Hillary Clinton to the very end, that I will vote for you.

You think I will forget every single one of my personal and political values just because there's a vagina on your pro-war, anti-woman, anti-science ticket.

You, Senator McCain, are wrong.

I'd love to see a woman in the White House. I would have loved to see a woman on Obama's ticket.

But not this woman.

Not a woman who thinks decisions about my body should be made by hateful old men in Washington.

Not a woman who thinks science is a myth.

Not a woman who thinks the Republican party has anything to offer besides more war, higher taxes, oil dependency, and hate.

I am not falling for it, Senator McCain.

Because what you do not understand is that my support for Hillary was not about anatomy. It was about values. Hillary Clinton articulated and represented my dreams.

You do not. Not even with a vagina on your pathetic ticket.

This changes nothing.

No way. No how. No McCain.


I think this is bordering on offensive. We've managed so far to keep this very civil.

[fivethirtyeight]

I think this is bordering on offensive. We've managed so far to keep this very civil.

Well....as a woman, McCain's pick is highly OFFENSIVE to me. And comments about Obama being a baby killer in the other thread are equally offensive.

I think we can all read the word "vagina" and not have a heart attack. I mean, we all have one, right? Is vagina a dirty word?

[strangejen]

No, Senator McCain, I Am Not An Idiot

we all have different levels of offense, I think . . . I was offended by something else but I think that was hilarious. :D

[fivethirtyeight]

Here is a little tidbit of Sarah Palin. Not only is she under investigation in the state of Alaska, but she doesn't even know what the office of the Vice President does.

How could he ask someone to be his VP who has this type of either ignorance of or ambivalence to the second highest office in the country (and arguably the second highest off in the world)?

Watch the whole video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pak-rH0dCeA&eurl

At the end of the day, he obviously didn't take the time to thoroughly and carefully consider who would be the most qualified to fill the position. He went with a cheap GIMMICK to try to trick women into voting for him. I think that speaks volumes to his judgment (or lack there of).

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

Yeah my stepdad is so funny. I give him a hard time but he is definately a liberal in all accounts of the word. Obama is perfect to how he lives so I try not to harass him to much about it even as much as I want too. ;)

I hear you. My husband is a fiscal conservative- though a few rights issues he leans toward the left. But he cannot abide Obama and we've had to call a political truce, well, for about the next 4 or 8 years, LOL! (meaning no matter who wins!)

[leslie_537]

I stayed away from the Obama/Biden thread because I am conservative and just don't want to get involved. I think it is fair for you to discuss your chosen candidate amongst yourself without the hoopla. I wish we could all do the same.

[Chreamps]

Now, that was interesting (regarding youtube interview with Palin).

Leslie posted: I stayed away from the Obama/Biden thread because I am conservative and just don't want to get involved. I think it is fair for you to discuss your chosen candidate amongst yourself without the hoopla. I wish we could all do the same.For me, I don't take offense to people's views Liberal/Conservative, etc. (that is how they see it). Even though I support Obama, I don't want to converse with just Democrats, I like to hear what other people think and get a different view. That helps me, personally, to make an educated vote. Because no matter who is elected (whether I vote for them or not), I want to know their views and what to expect (and see if they can follow-through with their "promises"). Also, it gets those brain cells working (LOL)!

[leslie_537]

Here is a little tidbit of Sarah Palin. Not only is she under investigation in the state of Alaska, but she doesn't even know what the office of the Vice President does.

How could he ask someone to be his VP who has this type of either ignorance of or ambivalence to the second highest office in the country (and arguably the second highest off in the world)?

Watch the whole video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pak-rH0dCeA&eurl

At the end of the day, he obviously didn't take the time to thoroughly and carefully consider who would be the most qualified to fill the position. He went with a cheap GIMMICK to try to trick women into voting for him. I think that speaks volumes to his judgment (or lack there of).

Politics are just something that hit a nerve with people. I have my views and you have your views. And I doubt we can change each other. I just don’t think me going on the Obama thread spilling all the bad things I read about him is going to sway your vote anymore than you doing it here. We each have our own opinion and it isn’t worth getting mad at each other and arguing over it. And I do stand by my morals and values proudly, I didn’t start an anon account to do it under.

[Heather Manning]

Politics are just something that hit a nerve with people. I have my views and you have your views. And I doubt we can change each other. I just don’t think me going on the Obama thread spilling all the bad things I read about him is going to sway your vote anymore than you doing it here. We each have our own opinion and it isn’t worth getting mad at each other and arguing over it. And I do stand by my morals and values proudly, I didn’t start an anon account to do it under.

EXACTLY!!!!!

[nikkiARNGwife]

Politics are just something that hit a nerve with people. I have my views and you have your views. And I doubt we can change each other. I just don’t think me going on the Obama thread spilling all the bad things I read about him is going to sway your vote anymore than you doing it here. We each have our own opinion and it isn’t worth getting mad at each other and arguing over it. And I do stand by my morals and values proudly, I didn’t start an anon account to do it under.


Exactly...well said Leslie!

[Heather Manning]

I don't get the anon account. Why if you felt so strongly about something, you wouldn't stand by it. Everybody else here has. And I don't think anyone has issues with someone else just because we have a difference of opinions.

[tcscrapper]

Quote:



He was a State Senator from 1996-2004 and has been in the US Senate since 2005.


Thank you for that accurate information. I appreciate knowing I'm not the only one out there... I was set to start re-reading "Audacity of Hope" again.

[ms4kidz]

The person that is posting this stuff is trying to ruffle our feathers. She's posted 4 times at DST and all four have been in this thread spouting stuff against Mrs. Palin. I was looking for a way to report her posts, but can't find anything. I think it is WRONG for someone who has never posted at DST to come into a civil discussion about this VP nomination and make the conservatives here so upset.

Wanted to add from another diarist I love:

No, Senator McCain, I Am Not An Idiot http://www.dailykos.com/images/add_hl2.gif (http://www.dailykos.com/hotlist/add/2008/8/29/11361/4270/displaystory//)

You think I'm stupid.

You think I'm going to fall for it.

You think that because I loved Hillary Clinton, gave money to Hillary Clinton, stood in the freezing rain for two hours to see her speak, put a sticker on my car, wore my pin around town, and supported Hillary Clinton to the very end, that I will vote for you.

You think I will forget every single one of my personal and political values just because there's a vagina on your pro-war, anti-woman, anti-science ticket.

You, Senator McCain, are wrong.

I'd love to see a woman in the White House. I would have loved to see a woman on Obama's ticket.

But not this woman.

Not a woman who thinks decisions about my body should be made by hateful old men in Washington.

Not a woman who thinks science is a myth.

Not a woman who thinks the Republican party has anything to offer besides more war, higher taxes, oil dependency, and hate.

I am not falling for it, Senator McCain.

Because what you do not understand is that my support for Hillary was not about anatomy. It was about values. Hillary Clinton articulated and represented my dreams.

You do not. Not even with a vagina on your pathetic ticket.

This changes nothing.

No way. No how. No McCain.

[fivethirtyeight]

Well, don't take it from me, take it from some of the top Conservative Commentators:

Let's kick things off with Kathryn Jean Lopez of National Review (http://corner.nationalreview.com/):
"She Just Is Not Ready to Be Commander-in-Chief" [said] Pat Buchanan on MSNBC just now, about Sarah Palin. I'm liable to agree.
Lopez also posted this as a typical email she's gotten:
As much as I loathe Obama-Biden, I can't in good conscience vote for a McCain-Palin ticket. Palin has absolutely no experience in foreign affairs. Considering both McCain's advanced age and the state of the world today, it is essential that the veep be exceedingly qualified to assume the office of president. I simply don't have any confidence in Palin's ability to deal effectively with Iran, Russia, China, etc. I certainly will not cast a vote for Obama-Biden, but nor will I vote for McCain-Palin. Looks like I'll either sit this one out or vote for Bob Barr. Why, o, why, didn't McCain listen to Rove and just pick Romney?

From the National Review (http://corner.nationalreview.com/)'s Ramesh Ponnuru:
Inexperience. Palin has been governor for about two minutes. Thanks to McCain’s decision, Palin could be commander-in-chief next year. That may strike people as a reckless choice; it strikes me that way. And McCain's age raised the stakes on this issue.
As a political matter, it undercuts the case against Obama. Conservatives are pointing out that it is tricky for the Obama campaign to raise the issue of her inexperience given his own, and note that the presidency matters more than the vice-presidency. But that gets things backward. To the extent the experience, qualifications, and national-security arguments are taken off the table, Obama wins.
And it’s not just foreign policy. Palin has no experience dealing with national domestic issues, either. (On the other hand, as Kate O’Beirne just told me, we know that Palin will be ready for that 3 a.m. phone call: She’ll already be up with her baby.)
Tokenism. Can anyone say with a straight face that Palin would have gotten picked if she were a man?

Compatibility. It doesn’t seem as though McCain knows Palin well. Do we have much reason to think they would work well together?
Debates. Maybe, as Jonah said the other day, Biden will look like a bully going up against her—and maybe she’ll shine. But I can think of a lot of other picks who would have been lower-risk.
I am not even sure that the pick will have quite the galvanizing effect on conservatives that it seems to be having now as it sinks in. The concerns I’ve mentioned here—about her readiness and her credentials—are the kind of thing that many conservative voters take seriously.
From the National Review's Jonah Goldberg:
Downside: She may not be ready for primetime. The heartbeat-from-the-presidency issue is a real one.
From the National Review's Jonathon Adler:
I recognize that were McCain to select Palin as his Veep it disrupts the Obama Lacks Foreign Policy Experience" talking point, but I was never thought that argument was all that powerful.
From Town Hall's Ron Fournier (http://townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2008/08/29/analysis_palins_age,_inexperience_rival_obamas):
If Obama is an empty suit, as McCain has suggested, is Palin suited for the Oval Office herself?
She is younger and less experienced than the first-term Illinois senator, and brings an ethical shadow to the ticket. Just 20 months ago, she was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, a town of 6,500 where the biggest issue is controlling growth and the biggest annual worry is whether there will be enough snow for the Iditarod dog-mushing race.
From MSNBC's Joe Scarborough (http://beltwayblips.com/story/it_sounds_like_a_harriet_miers_decision_let_s_find _a/):
It Sounds Like a Harriet Miers Decision. Let's Find a Woman, Whether She's Experienced or Not.



And this is a political discussion we are having. I am giving my thoughts on McSame's choice. I quietly read all of the negative posts on the Obama/Biden thread (lots of them lies) and so I thought I would give YOU my take on McCain/Palin. Obviously you don't agree with me but that doesn't stop me from having a right to express my opinion. Also, I have a right to keep my identity private. Of course, under the Bush administration the right to privacy has been nothing more than a punchline but to me, it is sacred and there isn't anything wrong with that.

[Heather Manning]

Express your opinion all you want. By why hide? Shouldn't you be able to stand up for what you believe in if you feel so strongly about it?

ETA -

Also, I'm sure any of us could run around and find quotes from many people regarding Obama, including the one from his own VP pick about him not being ready to be president.

[hellosunshine]

So far, I've learned that Palin is qualified to be President of this country for these reasons a) she's conservative (not sure in what ways) b) she has 5 kids c) she has been a governor of Alaska with a population of 670,000 (a mid-sized city) for less than 2 years, d) she was mayor of a town of less than 10,000 e) she's one "tough" cookie (not sure in what way) f) her son is in the military g) as the state's governor (and like all governor's, I think) she has command of the Alaska National Guard (less than 2000 soldiers as of the year 2006) h) she is a woman.

What is her experience and knowledge of dealing with the national debt? on winning the war in Afghanistan? on education? the economy? healthcare? Dealing with global issues? If elected, I hope McCain stays in good health.

[Jenniferinitaly]

The person that is posting this stuff is trying to ruffle our feathers. She's posted 4 times at DST and all four have been in this thread spouting stuff against Mrs. Palin. I was looking for a way to report her posts, but can't find anything. I think it is WRONG for someone who has never posted at DST to come into a civil discussion about this VP nomination and make the conservatives here so upset.
I reported her posts. I agree with what you have said.

[Hollie]

Well....as a woman, McCain's pick is highly OFFENSIVE to me. And comments about Obama being a baby killer in the other thread are equally offensive.

I think we can all read the word "vagina" and not have a heart attack. I mean, we all have one, right? Is vagina a dirty word?

i think the main problem here is that the posts you have placed here have an overall tone that is un-civil and inflammatory. Not any particular individual words. It is my guess that you thought these posts would be inflammatory as well, since it appears you have created a new identity to use in posting them. That is the problem, as I see it. I have really enjoyed the exchanges here. I'm sad to see something of this nature.

[Jenna]

Oh, people. Relax. McCain's announcement made even my Democratic heart go pitter pat. It's exciting, it's groundbreaking. It doesn't change my vote and it's clearly a move to get the unfullfilled Hillary voters... but it sure makes this race a lot more fun!!

[leslie_537]

It seems as though you created a anon account to post this in hopes of upsetting me. I can skip over your thread, but the thing that upsets me is you don't have the guts to do it under your own account, which can only mean you have bad intentions and don't want to get flamed for it.

Off to look up DST's Forum TOU's I didn't know it was okay to start a anon account in the hopes of causing drama. You know they can check ip's and find out who you really are, right?

[fivethirtyeight]

You people are all upset and reporting my posts because you don't agree with my views. I didn't report any of YOUR posts that were upsetting on the Obama thread. I consider this a civil discussion. I have directed all my comments at Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin. I have not attacked anyone here. Only defended my positions.

[Chreamps]

Can we all just admit that politics does "ruffle everyone's feathers" because we are passionate about this great country?

[Heather Manning]

Oh, people. Relax. McCain's announcement made even my Democratic heart go pitter pat. It's exciting, it's groundbreaking. It doesn't change my vote and it's clearly a move to get the unfullfilled Hillary voters... but it sure makes this race a lot more fun!!

LOL at your democratic heart going pitter pat. That's funny - in a good way. LOL

And I agree, it makes the race a lot more exciting to me.

[diannerigdon]

Well I for one am not interested in being baited by 538 so I am moving on.

I don't really know anything about this Palin and will be interested to see how it works out. I am not the least surprised that it is something that seems a little bit outrageous. But I have seen enough of these that I am quite jaded and have a really hard time taking anything said or done in an election year as "gospel" on either side. Everyone says what they think they need to say in order to get elected. So for me it's more about past record and ideology. I certainly don't love the idea or the feeling it leaves behind thinking that this decision may have been made to get attention. I would hope that finding the "best man" for the job would be top priority, but like I said, I am pretty jaded and don't enjoy election years AT ALL.

[tammygentry]

And by the way - go read the Obama thread... There was PLENTY of negative things posted there too. I don't think the title of that thread or this one stated that we could only post the GOOD things about the candidates - I'm pretty sure they say - what's YOUR opinion. Obviously, people don't agree, otherwise, why would we even need two parties or two presidential nominations? If you don't like what someone has posted, that's your opinion. Maybe someone else did like it. That's the beauty of differing opinions...

However, starting a new account just to post?? Why? If you have an opinion, just say it - we all have them.

Edited to add: I, for one, am still pretty undecided on who I'm voting for. There are pros/cons to my beliefs on both sides. These threads (both this and the Obama one) have helped me see differing opinions/views and brought out things I hadn't thought about - so I am enjoying them!

[Jenniferinitaly]

You people are all upset and reporting my posts because you don't agree with my views. I didn't report any of YOUR posts that were upsetting on the Obama thread. I consider this a civil discussion. I have directed all my comments at Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin. I have not attacked anyone here. Only defended my positions.
The difference between the posts that we made on the obama thread and the ones you made here, is that WE have the guts to post under our normal usernames and stand up for what we believe in. I'm all for a good political debate, but own your words. if you can't handle the backlash your posts could possibly generate, then stay out of the debate/discussion

[nikkiARNGwife]

What is her experience and knowledge of dealing with the national debt? on winning the war in Afghanistan? on education? the economy? healthcare? Dealing with global issues?


I have these same questions about obama...the answers he gives aren't good enough for me.

[fivethirtyeight]

I haven't violated any rules so I can't see why I would be in violation of the rules here. This is a chatter board and we are allowed to talk about anything we want. I have not used fowl language or posted pornography. Removing my posts or my account would be violation of my rights.

And looking up my IP address would be an invasion of my privacy. It is so funny that the minute you people take issue with someone, you want to attack them and trample their rights.

Suck it up and deal with my POV. I have to deal with yours!

[Wags374]

So far, I've learned that Palin is qualified to be President of this country for these reasons a) she's conservative (not sure in what ways) b) she has 5 kids c) she has been a governor of Alaska with a population of 670,000 (a mid-sized city) for less than 2 years, d) she was mayor of a town of less than 10,000 e) she's one "tough" cookie (not sure in what way) f) her son is in the military g) as the state's governor (and like all governor's, I think) she has command of the Alaska National Guard (less than 2000 soldiers as of the year 2006) h) she is a woman.

What is her experience and knowledge of dealing with the national debt? on winning the war in Afghanistan? on education? the economy? healthcare? Dealing with global issues? If elected, I hope McCain stays in good health.

Do a few minutes of research and you will have the answers to all of the questions. As for being a "tough cookie" - she has worked on commercial fishing boats - one of the toughest jobs in the world! Plus she is the mom of 5, if that isn't tough I don't know what is!

[leslie_537]

You people are all upset and reporting my posts because you don't agree with my views. I didn't report any of YOUR posts that were upsetting on the Obama thread. I consider this a civil discussion. I have directed all my comments at Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin. I have not attacked anyone here. Only defended my positions.

I wouldn't have been so upset if you hadn't started an anon account. That only leads me to believe you knew what you were saying was going to start a problem and didn't want to ruin your "real" reputation here. And it is not like you are involved in any conversations you just keep copying and pasting rhetoric that you find on different news sites. Maybe if you got involved in the conversation and wanted to use it as a point, instead you have chosen to spam the thread with your anon account.

[leslie_537]

Here is a good link for all the Biden about McCain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV14xqelWxY)

Here is another Biden says American is Well Served with McCain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3VBAbqjhvA&feature=related)

[frani_54]

Don't know anything about her, so I guess it's time to do some homework....

[kjbstevens]

For me, I don't take offense to people's views Liberal/Conservative, etc. (that is how they see it). Even though I support Obama, I don't want to converse with just Democrats, I like to hear what other people think and get a different view. That helps me, personally, to make an educated vote. Because no matter who is elected (whether I vote for them or not), I want to know their views and what to expect (and see if they can follow-through with their "promises"). Also, it gets those brain cells working (LOL)!

I totally agree with you. Seeing things that potentially upset you just reinforce what you really believe in no matter what others think. It can help other people decide what they really believe in. With the differences between the 2 candidates and the fact everything is so pretty much equally split I don't see any changes as going to be really drastic no matter who wins. It's a good balance and check to have both POVs.

[shoebootie]

What I find interesting is what she'll bring to the table as far as the oil in Alaska goes.

[vegaschristina]

I stayed away from the Obama/Biden thread because I am conservative and just don't want to get involved. I think it is fair for you to discuss your chosen candidate amongst yourself without the hoopla. I wish we could all do the same.

I thought it was to provoke thought, incite ideas, and exchange excitement over the process of electing our next president. I had no beef with McCain supporters giving their opinions and views, please allow Obama supporters the same respect.

[leslie_537]

I thought it was to provoke thought, incite ideas, and exchange excitement over the process of electing our next president. I had no beef with McCain supporters giving their opinions and views, please allow Obama supporters the same respect.

I do believe that but I feel there is a respectful way to do it and if you read this entire thread you can see that some people were not here to discuss anything at all, just copy and paste rhetoric, in the hopes of causing drama.

[Ripal]

I haven't violated any rules so I can't see why I would be in violation of the rules here. This is a chatter board and we are allowed to talk about anything we want. I have not used fowl language or posted pornography. Removing my posts or my account would be violation of my rights.

And looking up my IP address would be an invasion of my privacy. It is so funny that the minute you people take issue with someone, you want to attack them and trample their rights.

Suck it up and deal with my POV. I have to deal with yours!

I don't think anyone here has any objection about your opinion on the issues(sorry, I haven't read entire thread yet). However, all they're asking is to post under your own name. If you're feeling so strongly about what you have to say here, why not post under your original name?

[fivethirtyeight]

I do believe that but I feel there is a respectful way to do it and if you read this entire thread you can see that some people were not here to discuss anything at all, just copy and paste rhetoric, in the hopes of causing drama.

I am sorry Leslie. I am not here to cause drama. I just am outraged at McCain and his pick. I feel like it is a slap in the face of women - especially those of us who voted for Hillary. I am not just cutting and pasting. I am expressing my opinion.

[vegaschristina]

I do believe that but I feel there is a respectful way to do it and if you read this entire thread you can see that some people were not here to discuss anything at all, just copy and paste rhetoric, in the hopes of causing drama.

I totally get you. It's so nice that the other thread was able to stay civil (for the most part) and be just an exchange of ideas and ideals.

Wouldn't it be great if we could get someone in the White House that we ALL could agree on...that would ONLY do the right thing...that would NEVER cause controversy...someone who would ALWAYS present us with 100% of the facts and not spin?

Ok, out of the clouds and off to research McCain's choice, cause all I know about her is what's been listed in this thread, and that's not enough info for my tastes.

[Scorpiosue1102]

I do not know enough about Sarah Palin to give a credible and educated opinion. I've been searching the net and honestly, there's not much on her. That includes www.ontheissues.org. When I find more about NAFTA, stem cell research, etc. I can comment.

I think it's GREAT that a woman has been nominated, but it doesn't mean I would automatically vote for her. I'm more of an issues type person. Also, just because she's been a governor does not mean she'd be a good President/VP. I'm sure she'd be great with family issues and she is a tough cookie. I also think Joe Biden would be great with sitting down with foreign dignitaries and heads of state.

[shoebootie]

Get over yourself already. I couldn't stand Hilary, but you never saw me going around lambasting anyone anonymously or publicly over it. Everyone has their own opinions and their own rights to them, but being rude about having them is something else. You are what you say you are not because you won't state your views without hiding to do it. So, with that said,

"Hi, my name is Debbie and I'm still researching the facts." :lol

Wanted to add from another diarist I love:

No, Senator McCain, I Am Not An Idiot http://www.dailykos.com/images/add_hl2.gif (http://www.dailykos.com/hotlist/add/2008/8/29/11361/4270/displaystory//)

[Chreamps]

Just wanted to thank everyone for starting this discussions. They are much more fun than what I was supposed to be doing today (LOL - cleaning, laundry, all that fun stuff)!

[leslie_537]

Wouldn't it be great if we could get someone in the White House that we ALL could agree on...that would ONLY do the right thing...that would NEVER cause controversy...someone who would ALWAYS present us with 100% of the facts and not spin?


Wouldn't that be great, honestly I would have loved to seen McCain/Biden. For me personally Obamas platform is too liberal. I am glad he chose Biden because he brings in experience and he is more of a moderate. I also think that is why McCain chose Palin, she is more conservative that he is and he needed that in his campaign. I do think that there was some other reasons with her being a woman and I don't care so far I like this lady so it works for me.

[Sara Ellis]

I find it interesting that this person has to hide also.... and very sad that someone can be so strongly against McCain/Palin... and be so scared and shy to show her own name here.............. who knows if this person was vocal in the Obama/Biden thread under her regular identity here

I also find it interesting in the name chosen.... is this person affiliated with THIS SITE (http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/) or just a weird coincidence?

that is one of the beauties with this country.... we are all able to speak our voice.... let's keep this civil ... just like the democratic thread with positive and negative views, but no cowardness

[bho]

Okay - I'm going to be the dissenting voice here for now. I'm going to quote someone from my mommy board (she approved). It was pretty much in line with my gut reaction as well though...

"She just had a in April and that child has Down's. We have two children with autism and that strains us enough. Having a child who's cognition and mental health and stability are in question but the medical issues that go along with it ESPECAILLY in the first few years is overwhelming. I do question if her values are in line, I would question just as much if there was a man in that situation. Because I have an inkling of how much teamwork it takes and how desperately a special needs child needs both parents. Her four years of master-dom or her childs lifelong wellness....hmm...no brainer to me."

If she were a he, it wouldn't even be mentioned.

[leslie_537]

Sarah - look at your Mrs. Magnum PI, all you need is a mustache on your avi!:lol oh and a totally 80-'s hairdo!:)

[Emmy]

You people are all upset and reporting my posts because you don't agree with my views. I didn't report any of YOUR posts that were upsetting on the Obama thread. I consider this a civil discussion. I have directed all my comments at Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin. I have not attacked anyone here. Only defended my positions.

People are reporting your posts because it is obvious you registered this account to take part in this conversation without revealing your true identity. I wonder if you would be so verbose were you posting under your real name? Obviously not since you are hiding behind a new one. Your choice, but understand it offends people and makes them feel like they are on uneven ground when you know who they are - but they don't know who you are.

Just a reminder to everyone - please keep it civil and respectful. Please remember that politics is an issue that everyone feel passionately about. And most of all please remember that just because someone else makes a different choice than you - doesn't make their choice, or yours, invalid.

[fivethirtyeight]

Fair enough. I won't post here anymore. Just wanted to express my opinion while protecting my privacy.

[Emmy]

Fair enough. I won't post here anymore. Just wanted to express my opinion while protecting my privacy.

Post under your regular userid - it will lend far more credibility to your opinion.

[Sara Ellis]

Sarah - look at your Mrs. Magnum PI, all you need is a mustache on your avi!:lol oh and a totally 80-'s hairdo!:)


Leslie...
if you are talking about me... with the h on Sara, I'm not positive....
BUT.... it just seemed to odd to me, that she just picked an odd name like that without a reason so I had to google it (and I definitely had the big hair... mainly HUGE bangs in the 80s :))

and.... now, she or he has decided to bow out of this conversation under that name............... hmmmmmmmmmmmmm... very interesting

[leslie_537]

Sorry for the misspelled Sara!

[saxon]

Ok, after reading all of these posts I am really upset that this thread got mired down in all that drama, when it could easily have been a wonderful conversation. I am VERY curious to know her views on oil drilling and fishing rights as well as environment. I think the move may have been tactical on those fronts as well as her gender... My dh is military and very conservative and I am just the opposite, HOWEVER, I was totally shocked at McCain's choice - not just as a liberal, but as a woman.

It felt like a gimmick... and if it isn't, I'd *really* like to see some of her information published. I would like to know her even if I don't vote McCain, because as I see it, there is about a 50% chance McCain will win and she will be VP...so educating myself can only help me to better prepare for what is on the next 4 years' agenda. Especailly considering McCain's age and health status...I an very curious about this lady and what she is all about. ALL of us should be interested about the facts regardless of our viewpoint - it just makes good sense. Ok - off the sopabox now.

Ladies - let me also apologize for the condescending tone of the rouge liberal poster on this thread. It speaks poorly of my fellow democrats and I am sad for that! We CAN have good conversations and agree to disagree - that is what AMERICA is all about imo!

[Sara Ellis]

oh , Leslie... no worries..... I'm so used to the h no h thing

[mlpieters]

I think if Hillary followers were true followers of her ideals then there is no way in heck they'd choose Palin! But, it wasn't in the far distant past that there were women here on this board (and in my day to day real life contact) who said they'd vote for Hillary JUST BECAUSE she was a woman - they did not care what her politics were - they just wanted a woman. These are the voters that can be swayed.

[Florida Cindy]

Please watch this
http://www.wptv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=da930e35-af48-4f0f-aef1-dc2833b11085
That is one issue that will definately sway my vote. Since Palin has a child who quite possibly has developmental disabilties, I'd am anxious to read/hear what she says in regards to funding. I know Florida cannot be the only state where people with developmental disabilities had major funding cuts. If anyone has information the Republican's putting $ back into the system (state/Medicaid Waiver system) please let me know.

[mrswresh]

If she were a he, it wouldn't even be mentioned.

It may or may not have been.

Women's roles have changed dramatically in recent decades. Some of it is good and some of it is not.

My opinion is that regardless of how women's roles have changed they are still the primary care givers for their children, especially infants.

I find it disheartening that so many women are comfortable with casting aside these traditional roles in exchange for their personal fulfillment in career and other interests.

Having a child should change every woman's priorities, certainly in the early and most formative years of a childs life. Considering this particular child will have special needs it would seem even more important.

[Wags374]

It may or may not have been.

Women's roles have changed dramatically in recent decades. Some of it is good and some of it is not.

My opinion is that regardless of how women's roles have changed they are still the primary care givers for their children, especially infants.

I find it disheartening that so many women are comfortable with casting aside these traditional roles in exchange for their personal fulfillment in career and other interests.

Having a child should change every woman's priorities, certainly in the early and most formative years of a childs life. Considering this particular child will have special needs it would seem even more important.

Being in D.C would actually give her better access to health care for her 5th child than being in Juneau would. Living in Juneau means that the best care would be several hours flight away in Anchorage - weather permitting of course.

She has a playpen next to her desk and onsite child care - so she sees her kids more frequently during the work day than most moms. I think it is quite possible that she can manage to do the same as a VP.

And for those that want to know where she stands on the issues - check this out: http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/2007/02/palin-on-issues.html

[hellosunshine]

Thanks for the link, but there is a big blank on many national issues such as Afghanistan, Iraq, foreign policies, No Child Left Behind, Taxes, etc. The link to the education policy didn't work. Gay marriage is a state issue, not a national issue. Maybe someone can recommend some other sources because I haven't found much about Palin and national level issues. What is out there from when she was running as governor. If you find some more information, please leave a link.

[erica922]

never heard of her, and well, good luck, im with obama lol

[SteinwaysMom/DebraTope]

Great thread....

Charisma/newness/excitement
Palin is sort of the Republican counterpart to Obama in that she represents a freshness and charisma and possibility for change absent in Washington insiders like McCain and Biden. I also think Palin would appeal more to conservative Republicans nervous about McCain's left to middling tendencies.

Ethics
Obama has been criticized for ties w/Tony Rezko and some Arab extremist groups...The Clintons struck me as having a very shady side and have been implicated in numerous scandals. Edwards, another potential veep candidate was just in that adultery scandal. So 538's indignation over the police commissioner incident strikes me as a bit overdramatic.

Woman Issue
I do take issue to referring to Governer Palin as nothing more than a set of female genitalia...it's extremely disrespectful and I doubt that McCain and his advisors felt that choosing her would sway ardent Hilary values voters. I think Palen would appeal most to swing voter, voters who want a woman regardless, and conservatives who find McCain a bit too liberal for their comfort. She would also seem to have more potential appeal than McCain among the Christian conservative base.

Experience
I think Obama is an exciting and charismatic candidate who has galvanized and inspired the democratic voting base but beneath the rhetoric and charisma I wonder if he really has the experience and background to lead the country. Same w/Palin - she's in a similar age group and has 2 years (apparently) as governor but we'd be leaning more on McCain for the heavy experience.

[txmusicmom]

I like her! I heard her speech today and I liked what I heard.

I like since she is a reformer- not part of the good ole boy Washington.......I think this is the most excited I've been over any VP-

I think Condi Rice wasn't interested- I heard she was going to California.....

I don't care if she were a he, white, black, or orange..... :) I liked what I heard!

[SteinwaysMom/DebraTope]

One blog pointed out that she would have some foreign policy experience in that Alaska has to deal w/Russia and China a lot...

They will probably try to dig up dirt on her so it will get interesting....

I have to say, Obama, Clinton and now Palin make for a pretty interesting, groundbreaking and diverse presidential election...

[Joy Kuoha]

I posted this on another forum but I'll go ahead and add it here too:
As for McCain's choice for a running mate, I can't help but be slightly offended by his choice. I have no doubt he chose her BECAUSE she is a women in hope that he'll gain Hillary supporters. But as a Hillary fan, I didn't just like her because she was a woman, I liked her because of who she was and what she stood for. I just really hope he doesn't think that one woman is just as good as another. http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/community/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I always wanted to vote for a woman, but Hillary just doesn't have any good values that I can agree on. Now, Sarah Palin has the same values I have, and so now I can vote for a woman in whom I can believe and and totally agree with. That is "girl power" in it's truest form! Finally... someone who is on my side!

[-KrYsTaL-]

we all have different levels of offense, I think . . . I was offended by something else but I think that was hilarious. :D

LoL I totally agree!

[Momma2boys]

I wondered about her level of experience too. But 2 years as governor is quite a bit more than 143 days in the senate, which is what Obama has. So far I've read that she has 5 kids, newest baby with down syndrome born back in April, she fired the Alaska department of agriculture, took on the party chairman for ethics violations, is a member of the NRA and hunts and fishes. My kinda girl for sure!:clap


RIGHT ON SISTA!:clap

[Scorpiosue1102]

I have to say, Obama, Clinton and now Palin make for a pretty interesting, groundbreaking and diverse presidential election...

Totally agree Debra. I think it's an AMAZING turn for our country that either a black man will be President or a woman as Vice President. Even if my candidate doesn't win, our country has taken a new turn towards equality....gender and skin color don't or shouldn't matter. Like Yakov Smirnoff said, "What a country!"

[-KrYsTaL-]

I heard her speech before I actually read anything about her. I really wanted to vote for a woman, but I know shes not right for this position. The first thing I thought was what makes her think she can run this country? She seems to be WAY too inexperienced, shes an awful speaker, IMO, and way too conservative for my taste. I honestly don't think she knows what shes got herself into.
I pray that if McCain wins this election, he stays in good health.

[thumper6423]

If McCain were to die, she has almost NO experience and is NOT ready to lead the country. That should be a factor in everyone's mind.


I'm not *very* conservative. I'm a moderate and vote on the issues. I didn't read all the posts in this thread after this one either, but how can you say you're not voting for McCain, which would lead one to assume you're voting for Obama, and then bash soemone's lack of experience? Obama's experience isn't very extensive either. I really wish people would get of fthe experience issue and onto more important things. To me, experience doesn't matter. You could pull in Joe Schmo off the street to be the President, and if he/she has a willingness to learn and a basic idea of government, I think it can be done. Everyone wants expereince but no one wants to give it. This same line of thinking holds true when applying for jobs and we wonder why so many are out of work.

Sorry, but as a young worker, I got SO tired of people telling me I needed mroe experience and yet not giving me anywhere I could learn. This is a hot button for me.

[nikkiARNGwife]

I don't see her being an awful speaker at all...I felt she did a fabulous job...she seems classy and gracious and once again as far as "experience" goes she's the ONLY candidate in the race at ALL that has any excutive experience.

[scrapyardkath]

I am a liberal and I came in on this thread to discuss the conservative VP pick with real women who I respect, not pasted info from websites that I can go to myself. As an unwritten rule we come together here in kindness and respect and never in anger. Perhaps that poster's anger is toward the conservative party but here at DST we are friends first, and partisan second. Please respect the environment we have created here.

[nikkiARNGwife]

I am a liberal and I came in on this thread to discuss the conservative VP pick with real women who I respect, not pasted info from websites that I can go to myself. As an unwritten rule we come together here in kindness and respect and never in anger. Perhaps that poster's anger is toward the conservative party but here at DST we are friends first, and partisan second. Please respect the environment we have created here


Well said girl! :)

[scribler]

I am a liberal and I came in on this thread to discuss the conservative VP pick with real women who I respect, not pasted info from websites that I can go to myself. As an unwritten rule we come together here in kindness and respect and never in anger. Perhaps that poster's anger is toward the conservative party but here at DST we are friends first, and partisan second. Please respect the environment we have created here.
Exactly!! You said it perfectly!

[Rynonut Mom]

As a mother of a son with Down syndrome, I am incredibly intrigued with McCain's choice. I also agree that were she a man, the question of her parenting a child with a special needs wouldn't be an issue. I find it wonderful that Trig may be a part of something historic and will learn to shoot for the moon in his dreams and wishes, as his mother did.
Here is a very nice article (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20222685_1,00.html)that I found this morning from People, if you'd like to read it. It's an interview with the McCain's and the Palin family...

[m1218p]

From everything I have seen so far, I believe she is an excellent choice. McCain has many many years experience in the Senate. Further, he has a military background. I know that in the military, it is considered to be one's duty to train one's successor. Given that, I have a feeling her experience level will be increasing at geometric proportions from here on. I feel comfortable with that. Further, McCain is married to a highly intelligent and extremely successful woman--the source of the infamous 7 houses. I have no doubt he would have found it impossible to pick a "dummy" for a running mate--not after spending so many years with Cindy McCain. It's so difficult to find an honest person in politics. I think we just might have found one with this lady. I'm all for her and that McCain chose her makes me think he's one smart cookie!

[vegaschristina]

I don't see her being an awful speaker at all...I felt she did a fabulous job...she seems classy and gracious and once again as far as "experience" goes she's the ONLY candidate in the race at ALL that has any excutive experience.

One of my concerns with her is that her executive experience is with a state with a smaller population than half of my town. Yes, it's executive experience, but it's like saying that someone who runs a Taco Bell is now experienced enough to a Fortune 500 company.

I also am concerned with her son Trig. I'm the mom of 2 special needs children, and I'm offended by the people (my DH included) that have said, well, now he'll get the best of care. Good for him, but my kids deserve the best of care too, not just whatever Medicaid will pay for.

All of that said, I still don't know enough about her and will be doing more research once I get settled back into my college classes. Right now I'm off to learn all about anatomy and physiology!

[scrapyardkath]

OK, so I did my homework and here is my findings...

Being a liberal I don't support McCain anyway, but I think his VP choice is unbelievably poor. Here's why...

She is a religious conservative who is anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest. She supported Pat Buchanan for president in 2000, she thinks creationism should be taught in public school, she doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change, she pushes hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as an endangered species, worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska! McCain met her only once at a meeting.

I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part and insulting to females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting 'A Woman' in that position.


.

[Glueless Media]

I come from a Georgia Southern Baptist God serving Conservative background. I personally think she's some one like me.. with home, family, challenges, children, career, morals, faith, conservative views and just possibly being in the same boots as some of the average American woman she might make a difference. I look forward to following her more and see what she is all about. This is the first time I have actually started to take notes in this race and get more involved. So I am excited..

[Amanda Rockwell]

One of my concerns with her is that her executive experience is with a state with a smaller population than half of my town.



Have you seen Delaware? I've driven through it twice. Didn't take me long. And I'm still wondering what experience Obama has. Ok, he's a great looking man, has a beautiful family, wants change, speaks well, wants change, speaks well, wants change. How is he going to get that change?



I also am concerned with her son Trig. I'm the mom of 2 special needs children, and I'm offended by the people (my DH included) that have said, well, now he'll get the best of care. Good for him, but my kids deserve the best of care too, not just whatever Medicaid will pay for.

I think this statement from everyone is so silly. If it was a-someone you agreed with and were voting for it wouldn't bother you. And b- it's just plain silly. Who says that because one of your children has more needs than others that you have to be the mom who stays at home. Here we have people fighting for their rights to do whatever they want with 'their body' and their children inside their body, and you're all going to pass judgment on her?


she thinks creationism should be taught in public schoolWhy can it only be one way? Maybe I don't want my children thinking they came from some monkeys? It's only fair to at least teach both.

I don't normally comment on these things because people are so quick to judge a designer or store owner once they have an opinion, but I just had to say those few things. Now I will continue to stay out of the discussion like I have.

[nikkiARNGwife]

Quote:
Originally Posted by vegaschristina http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=1443675#post1443675)
One of my concerns with her is that her executive experience is with a state with a smaller population than half of my town.


Have you seen Delaware? I've driven through it twice. Didn't take me long. And I'm still wondering what experience Obama has. Ok, he's a great looking man, has a beautiful family, wants change, speaks well, wants change, speaks well, wants change. How is he going to get that change?

Quote:
Originally Posted by vegaschristina http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=1443675#post1443675)

I also am concerned with her son Trig. I'm the mom of 2 special needs children, and I'm offended by the people (my DH included) that have said, well, now he'll get the best of care. Good for him, but my kids deserve the best of care too, not just whatever Medicaid will pay for.

I think this statement from everyone is so silly. If it was a-someone you agreed with and were voting for it wouldn't bother you. And b- it's just plain silly. Who says that because one of your children has more needs than others that you have to be the mom who stays at home. Here we have people fighting for their rights to do whatever they want with 'their body' and their children inside their body, and you're all going to pass judgment on her?


Quote:
she thinks creationism should be taught in public school
Why can it only be one way? Maybe I don't want my children thinking they came from some monkeys? It's only fair to at least teach both.

I don't normally comment on these things because people are so quick to judge a designer or store owner once they have an opinion, but I just had to say those few things. Now I will continue to stay out of the discussion like I have.


I totally agree!

So far the criticism of Palin I see is very weak...like democrats are seriously reaching for straws here trying to find something wrong with her...yes if you're a far left liberal you're not going to like her...but there are LOTS of conservative, Christian, people in this country... A LOT...as our past 2 elections have proven and they may not like everything about McCain b/c he isn't as conservative as I'd like him to be, but they really like Palin...so it was good choice.

I don't see why her children, special needs or no, should have any affect on this (thus the reaching for straws thing)... isn't that what feminists for decades have argued?...especially LIBERAL feminists?...that women should be able to have their careers and family too?

[nikkiARNGwife]

One of my concerns with her is that her executive experience is with a state with a smaller population than half of my town. Yes, it's executive experience, but it's like saying that someone who runs a Taco Bell is now experienced enough to a Fortune 500 company.

I have to respectfully :) disagree...a state is a state no matter how big or small the population is.

[Emmy]

Being a liberal I don't support McCain anyway, but I think his VP choice is unbelievably poor. Here's why...

She is a religious conservative who is anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest. She supported Pat Buchanan for president in 2000, she thinks creationism should be taught in public school, she doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change, she pushes hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as an endangered species, worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska! McCain met her only once at a meeting.

All of those reasons are perfectly valid for thinking Palin is a poor choice if you are a liberal. If you're *not* a liberal, most of them are reasons to think she is a *good* choice. It all depends on where you're standing, no? It's all perspective. I think your post is good though because it does sum up many issues for someone that is already confident in their liberal viewpoint.

I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it.

This remark could be made in regards to Obama if you substitute the words "african american" for woman.

[vegaschristina]

Quote:
One of my concerns with her is that her executive experience is with a state with a smaller population than half of my town. Yes, it's executive experience, but it's like saying that someone who runs a Taco Bell is now experienced enough to a Fortune 500 company.


I have to respectfully :) disagree...a state is a state no matter how big or small the population is.

And a company is a company, no matter how big or small, but there are complexities to running a larger state, and our country, that she is not experiencing as the governor of Alaska.


Quote:
I also am concerned with her son Trig. I'm the mom of 2 special needs children, and I'm offended by the people (my DH included) that have said, well, now he'll get the best of care. Good for him, but my kids deserve the best of care too, not just whatever Medicaid will pay for.

I think this statement from everyone is so silly. If it was a-someone you agreed with and were voting for it wouldn't bother you. And b- it's just plain silly. Who says that because one of your children has more needs than others that you have to be the mom who stays at home. Here we have people fighting for their rights to do whatever they want with 'their body' and their children inside their body, and you're all going to pass judgment on her?

I'm not passing judgment on her because she wants to work as Governor or even as Vice-President, I'm passing judgment on the comments about how her son will now get the best of care.

These are the immediate concerns that came to me, but as I've said twice now, I will be doing more research on her.

[nikkiARNGwife]

And a company is a company, no matter how big or small, but there are complexities to running a larger state, and our country, that she is not experiencing as the governor of Alaska.



And Obama has this experience??..my only point is that she has had more experience running a state/national guard etc in her 2 years as governor that he has as a senator. I saw an interview last night (can't remember who the senator was) but he had been both a governor and a senator and he admitted that he'd had made more decisions etc in one month as a governor than he did from 6 years in the senate. I wish I could remember his name.

[Emmy]

It's surprising to me that there is so much disdain for McCain in choosing Palin as a gimmick or a sales pitch. You know - it's all marketing right? I mean, why wouldn't he try to pick someone that fills in the gaps for him and helps bring along a segment of the market that he doesn't have. That's what they do when they try to pick a running mate.

Honestly though I don't think it makes some big huge difference. I had read an opinion piece in Newsweek sometime in the last few months that talked about how there's so much chatter over VP picks but in the end polls show that it has little to no impact on the voter's final choice.

[kjbstevens]

McCain has already stated even with his personal beliefs he believes that abortion is a states rights issue over federal gov't as well as same sex marriage. I don't think it even is part of the election for me because neither of them relate to my life or my family and I'd say a good amount of others think the same way when we have other issues that we face everyday like oil and security.

My biggest complaint is I really just want Social Security fixed. I'm tired of us paying into it knowing I'm not going to get it and really don't think I should in the first place. I'd rather take the money and invest it myself. There should be a way to opt out in my perfect little world.

Okay back to college football... :lol

[nikkiARNGwife]

It's surprising to me that there is so much disdain for McCain in choosing Palin as a gimmick or a sales pitch. You know - it's all marketing right? I mean, why wouldn't he try to pick someone that fills in the gaps for him and helps bring along a segment of the market that he doesn't have. That's what they do when they try to pick a running mate.


Exactly... and didn't Obama do the very same thing?? He gets criticism for lack of experience so he picks a running mate who has been in the senate/washington since before I was born??

[bellajoy]

I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part and insulting to females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting 'A Woman' in that position.

Ok, I've been reading since yesterday, and I keep typing, and then keep deleting, but I think I might finally post this time! (And Kath, I promise I'm not picking on you personally by using your words in the quote and responding to your post - I just wanted a frame of reference for my statements).

I don't find John McCain's decision patronizing or insulting.

There WILL be women who will vote for McCain because he chose a woman - there is no doubt of that. A lot of those "new" women voters will be conservative/Republican women who were just not quite sure of (or at least not very excited by) McCain until yesterday.

And, I just have to say - I honestly don't understand why people are insulted by his "woman" choice and think that it was done to gain Hillary supporters - the belief systems between Hillary and Sarah are so far apart - it's entirely obvious that it was NOT done for that purpose. If Obama had chosen Hillary, there wouldn't suddenly have been a ton of Republican women voting for Obama because of THAT choice. Why is it assumed that McCain was after Hillary supporters with his choice? I just don't get that argument. I'm insulted in reverse that the suggestion would be made.

McCain has quite a few liberal beliefs compared to many Republicans. His conservative choice yesterday was the smartest thing he's done this election. He chose someone whose beliefs and record match up with what many, many of us in this country want in a leader. The fact that she was a woman? That's just a really nice bonus to those of us (with these beliefs) who happen to be women. :-)

[scrapyardkath]

That is funny because I was just doing things around the house and thinking that all of my con reasons are actually pro reasons for conservatives to like her. I see we were just thinking the same thing. See that is why I love everyone here, left or right!


All of those reasons are perfectly valid for thinking Palin is a poor choice if you are a liberal. If you're *not* a liberal, most of them are reasons to think she is a *good* choice. It all depends on where you're standing, no? It's all perspective. I think your post is good though because it does sum up many issues for someone that is already confident in their liberal viewpoint.

[scrapyardkath]

Thanks, that is very thoughtful of you!

(And Kath, I promise I'm not picking on you personally by using your words in the quote and responding to your post - I just wanted a frame of reference for my statements).

[SandyM]

First let me say that I am definitely a conservative. Have voted Republican since Nixon. I am a social conservative. But I am having a real dilemma this year. I do not like either candidate. I can not vote for a person that is pro choice. In saying that - I also do not like John McCain. I think he is arrogate & even though he keeps saying he would rather lose an election than harm the country, he picks a woman with the most threadbare resume. I agree with all of Sarah Palin's views personally but that is not the issue. The issue is whether this woman could be president of the United States. She is not interested in foreign affairs - she has been too busy to consider them. She has no foreign affairs experience except that according to Steve Doocy on Fox News, she lives close to Russia - What! And I have also heard she knows about foreign affairs because her son is going to Iraq. John McCain is 72. Heaven forbid that anything happen to him because I do not feel this woman is capable of running this country because she was a governor of a state with 665,000 people. Some cites are larger than her whole state. If McCain needed to pick a woman there are many capable women in the Republican party. This is a slap in the face to all of those women.
Also I have heard this pick is for Hillary Clinton women. I am not a fan of Mrs. Clinton. But I have seen an interview where Sarah Palin called Hillary Clinton a whiner because she was saying that the press was being unfair to her. Since her 18,000,000 voters agreed with her, I don't feel that is a smart thing to say to her many supporters.
So I am in a quandry. Who do I vote for? This is the first year since I have been able to vote that I am considering not voting. I am 60 years old. I find it a sad situation that even before John McCain won the Rep. nom. I did not feel happy about any of the candidates. Well that is my opinion.

[Glueless Media]

Have you seen Delaware? I've driven through it twice. Didn't take me long. And I'm still wondering what experience Obama has. Ok, he's a great looking man, has a beautiful family, wants change, speaks well, wants change, speaks well, wants change. How is he going to get that change?



I think this statement from everyone is so silly. If it was a-someone you agreed with and were voting for it wouldn't bother you. And b- it's just plain silly. Who says that because one of your children has more needs than others that you have to be the mom who stays at home. Here we have people fighting for their rights to do whatever they want with 'their body' and their children inside their body, and you're all going to pass judgment on her?


Why can it only be one way? Maybe I don't want my children thinking they came from some monkeys? It's only fair to at least teach both.

I don't normally comment on these things because people are so quick to judge a designer or store owner once they have an opinion, but I just had to say those few things. Now I will continue to stay out of the discussion like I have.

I don't normally say to much and when I do I try to choose my words ever so carefully as not to offend but I agree with you....I like the idea of teaching them both.

[~ashleigh]

For his first major decision as a potential President, I believe McCain has made a very risky choice. By choosing Palin, he has taken his strongest argument against Obama completely off the table (experience), he has brought his age AND health to the forefront of every voter's mind and he has chosen a candidate who he had apparently met only once. McCain has certainly energized his conservative base, but he has also ticked off a lot of moderate and liberal women AND men with his obvious pandering.

IMHO, this decision is more proof that McCain's judgment is way off base.

I am very interested to see how the debates go.

[Chreamps]

SandyM, I know what you mean. Even so it is so important that you do vote; but, unfortunately, you are going to have to pick the lesser of two evils.

[bellamoxie]

>>One of my concerns with her is that her executive experience is with a state with a smaller population than half of my town. Yes, it's executive experience, but it's like saying that someone who runs a Taco Bell is now experienced enough to a Fortune 500 company.<<

>>I have to respectfully disagree...a state is a state no matter how big or small the population is.<<

I think alike -- Bill Clinton was the governor of Arkansas and was elected. It's also something I like about Palin, she not so far removed from the people as another stuffed suit McCain could have picked.

[catgrrl]

Been thinking some more of reasons to dislike the choice...do note I am very liberal...but sometimes vote middle-of-the-road.

In finding out more info about her, although it won't be an election issue...her stance on abortion is very troubling to me. It is the same stand my home state of SD tried/is trying to take. No abortion at all. Raped? tough. Incest? too bad. That is too extreme in my book. I know others disagree with me, but please be aware of her stances on issues. If McCain wins, her views matter a whole lot (same w/ Obama/Biden)...even moreso given McCains health and age.

But I also agree that serving as governor for 2 yrs in a state w/ population less than the city I live in (not even a major city at that) is no comparison to a few years in the national spotlight or even been through the rigors of extended campaign season at the *national* level, meeting with foreign leaders that honestly look forward to working with you, withstanding grueling inspection and pace of *national* politics.

[Stephanie Ogren]

Why can it only be one way? Maybe I don't want my children thinking they came from some monkeys? It's only fair to at least teach both.

This is actually one of the main reasons why my children attend private school. It would be nice if public school could teach both.

[hellosunshine]

I don't want to go down the road of evolution vs. creation. I'll respectfully decline that bait.

I've had a day now to think about Palin. Earlier I wrote about her lack of experience, but I have rethought some things. Experience isn't everything here. George Bush has more experience and most of the country thinks he's the worst President ever; in fact, he got worse with experience. Rumsfield and Dick Cheney were more experienced than everyone else added together, but the job they did is poor in most people's minds. Clinton was more experienced, but had too many ethical problems. The list could go on and on. I can't agree with Palin's ideas on some things, but a lack of national experience may not be so bad, afterall. I can see why conservatives are excited.

[rideascrapbook]

It's awesome unless you care about women's rights and the environment - she was hand picked to help McCain ruin the environment. She believes that we should drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.cnbc.com/id/25394468/) and there's the polar bear issue....
sounds like big oil wins over the enviroment in her book.

[Natalie]

I am so frustrated.

I used to be a registered Republican, but switched parties about five years ago. I'm definitely not extremely liberal, so I've been disappointed w/ what I view is a too-far left-leaning Dem candidate (I voted for Clinton in the primary), and had been planning to vote for McCain after Clinton didn't win the Dem nomination.

With such a right-leaning VP pick, though, I am completely discouraged by that choice - in fact, I feel like these are such extreme choices, and neither come even close to being aligned with my own views.

I have real heartache over Palin's ultra-right stances on many things, but most especially (considering McCain's less-than-perfect health), I cringe at the thought of having another extremely conservative justice on the Supreme Court. And although I do not support gun control (or at least, I don't support extreme forms of it), I am not even a little bit aligned with her on most issues, and I do not relish having such a conservative VP in office.

And I especially think that, if the Repubs really thought that the Hilary votes would go to him b/c of Palin, then they really just don't have a clue. I was in his camp until he chose Palin, and now, I'm not sure I can remain there, despite all of my misgivings about the near-socialist agenda that I see in Obama's platform. Her gender is utterly irrelevant to me - her positions on most issues are far too distant from my own for me to have any degree of support for, or confidence in, her in the VP role. If there's anything encouraging about her, it's that she has a rep for cleaning house - for trimming the fat in bloated government budgets. THAT's useful, but it's not enough - not nearly.

[mich311e]

It won't affect my vote. I voted for Hillary in the primaries because I supported her stances on the issues. I won't vote for someone simply because they are a woman when their stances are so far from my own.


Totally agree.

[mich311e]

McCain has already stated even with his personal beliefs he believes that abortion is a states rights issue over federal gov't as well as same sex marriage. I don't think it even is part of the election for me because neither of them relate to my life or my family and I'd say a good amount of others think the same way when we have other issues that we face everyday like oil and security.

My biggest complaint is I really just want Social Security fixed. I'm tired of us paying into it knowing I'm not going to get it and really don't think I should in the first place. I'd rather take the money and invest it myself. There should be a way to opt out in my perfect little world.

Okay back to college football... :lol

I live in AZ and I wrote McCain once about abortion. I got his standard form letter back saying he was not pro-choice. blah blah. I wish I would have kept it!

[Wags374]

Just because Palin thinks that there should be some limited drilling in the ANWR doesn't mean she is trying to destroy the environment. Have you seen the ACTUAL pictures of the place that is proposed for drilling - it is barren tundra, NOT the beautiful scenery that usually gets passed off as being the drilling spot.

Oh and she has actually increased the amount of protected space in other parts of Alaska - not something that she would have done if she was really intent on raping the land.

As for the polar bear population it is currently quite healthy - there is no need to list it as an endangered spieces. Of course if it gets listed then the ultra environmentalist can use that as a weapon to block the responsible use of the land.

[Heather Manning]

I just read an article that said that in Alaska, she is actually considered anti-big oil. The article went back and forth with what she's done for and against big oil. I'd assume her home state would have a better opinion about that and her than the rest of us who are just learning about her.

[leslie_537]

This is actually one of the main reasons why my children attend private school. It would be nice if public school could teach both.

Me too Steph, we live in one of the best school districts in our county and we debated over paying for her to go to private school and we ultimately chose private school.

[ktanker]

She is amazing. I love the story about her son and that she is against abortion. She is a true woman, true leader and the two of them should be ustoppable in the White House provided America gets it right.

[mama_pajama]

This is actually one of the main reasons why my children attend private school. It would be nice if public school could teach both.

See, I don't get this. I taught public elementary school for 7 years, every grade except K and 4th. Not once did I teach a word of evolution. During my last 2 years of teaching, I had 2 pastors teaching in my grade level, one preached voluntarily at the state prison on weekends, and one did wedding ceremonies over the summer. Neither of them ever found any reason to disagree with anything we taught in our curriculum. I guess they probably teach evolution in middle or high school, but by that age I'll have had more than enough time to teach my kids what our family believes about our creation, so who cares what they hear at school? They'll know what we believe is the truth, so they can take the school lessons with a grain of salt. JMO.

[nesser1981]

I think she's a good governer, I know I like her, she's doing a good job so far.

[tammygentry]

Having a child should change every woman's priorities, certainly in the early and most formative years of a childs life. Considering this particular child will have special needs it would seem even more important.

That was my point... And several people have posted that they are sure the child will be well taken care of. Well, that was obvious. Anyone can hire a caregiver. And THAT makes me question her priorities.

And honestly, if she were a man, 'I' would question his priorities as well... I've wondered about Obama's girls having to be raised in the spotlight and if he's thought about how that will change them. I don't agree with either one.