McCain Fails in Choosing VP

Less than 24 hours after Barack Obama gave a historic speech accepting the Democratic nomination that was viewed by over 38 million people, McCain announced to the world that his Vice President would be Sarah Palin. Who, you may ask? Palin is a social/economic conservative that is the current governor of Alaska.

If you think you feel that you have never heard of her . . . you are not alone. She is considered a political noob with less than 2 years in office as Alaska’s governor. U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), who at one point was considered a potential VP prospect for McCain, claims, “I don't know too much about her." Even some in her party do not know much about her and who can blame them?

One thing is for sure . . . McCain has failed in choosing Palin. He has proven his lack of judgment by selecting someone as inexperienced as Palin. McCain can no longer attack Obama on the experience issue since Palin is a heartbeat away from running the country. It genuinely scares me that she could potentially be the President if McCain were to expire. In an interview on CNBC a month ago, Palin asked, “What is it exactly that the VP does every day?” McCain has shot himself in the foot . . . he picked someone inexperienced that does not even know what she will be doing if she were elected in less than 3 months to assume the role of VP.

Even though Palin does not have much experience in politics it does not stop her from being in a potential ethics problem. Doug Mataconis reports, “Lawmakers will hire someone within a week to investigate whether Governor Sarah Palin abused her power in firing Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.” Abuse of Power in the Executive branch of Alaska . . . perhaps Palin is prepared to be VP.

What about the issues though . . . where does Palin stand? For those that were disappointed that Hillary Clinton was not on the Democratic ticket, Palin is NOT a replacement. Marisa Treviño states that, “Alaska Governor Palin is an insult to women voters.” It is condescending for McCain to think that just because he selected a female candidate that Clinton supporters will flock over. Palin does not embody the ideas and values that Clinton did. People did not support Clinton because she was a female candidate . . . they supported her because she believed in a free equal America where everyone had health care, access to a quality education and practiced diplomacy in the global spectrum. Palin may be a female but she is not a satisfactory Clinton replacement.

Treviño adds, “Anyone of the other Republican female politicians would undoubtedly have challenged him simply because of their experience. So, to appeal to female voters while still maintaining control, why not select a woman who has never been to Washington, doesn't know the intricacies of diplomacy or how to operate in Washington circles?” She is anti-choice, pro-oil and inexperienced . . . clearly she is no Clinton.

Steve Benen states, “When looking for a running mate, Barack Obama looked to someone who could help make him a better president. When looking for a running mate, John McCain looked to someone who could help him look like a better candidate.” Those on the conservative side are sharing the sentiments as well. They are fearful of Palin as a VP.

John Hineraker claims, “I'm worried about Palin . . . Her experience just doesn't justify a place on the ticket.” Paul Mirengoff states, “I'm very disappointed that John McCain would put someone as inexperienced and lacking in foreign policy and national security background as Sarah Palin a heartbeat away from the presidency.”

As Republicans pundits talk her up on TV, one thing is for sure . . . the American people will not buy it. Palin will not sway independent voters because she is inexperienced with no Washington experience. Former Clinton supporters will not be attracted to Palin. She does not come close to replacing Hillary or the issues she fought for. When describing her qualifications, one pundit referred to Palin being a mother of 5 as if that somehow makes her qualified to be the next Vice President of the United States.