McCains running partner.

[Xandax]

What do people (especially US-ians) think of McCains announcement of Palin as a VP running partner?

I must admit that I was surprised at this turn, despite not following the US politics *that* much, I still do because it will affect the entire world and my own country as well.

It looks to be a "token" election, now that Hillary is out - as an attempt to capture women voters who perhaps dislike Obama defeating Hillary.

What also strikes me as rather strange, is that McCain and his "side" have tried to push the "Obama is inexperienced" agenda, and Palin from what I've been able to dig up is not exactly a poster for experience. Will this inexperience possible end up hurting McCain, due to his age and medical situation? Because if something were to happen to McCain she'd end up president.

Lastly - and most surprisingly - McCain have apparently only met Palin once before, which makes it seem much more like a choice of necessity based on being pressured.

Is it because McCain attempts to cater to the middle segment of voters himself, and then needs a right wing candidate to make those voters content (as I understand she's pretty right wing)? Or is it "just" for the women?
Or both perhaps?

Thoughts/comments?

[Moonbiter]

I think it's blatantly obvious that this is a play for female voters, as McCain has been struggling with the "not another old coot in the White House" issue. Only time will tell if this was a smart choice. Politically she's closer to "Ilsa, she-wolf of the SS" than anything else. She's rabid right-wing, married to an oil tycoon in Alaska of all places, and has been known to ridicule environmental issues. To the hardcore Republicans she's a dream come true, but to the swing-woters who were undecided she might be the thing that tips them towards Obama. Now the real ugliness can commence, and I can't wait to see what dirt they're gonna dig up this time. The last 5-10 presidential elections have been increasingly more about scoring cheap political points and flag-waving for the yokels. People up here are actually placing bets on when the first bimbo is gonna show up and claim to have had kinky sex with one of the candidates...

[Xandax]

But the question is - if it was for the female votes, then why select such a polarized woman. Many women who supported Hillary, I would suspect would be more liberal regarding their rights (pro-choice for example), then they'd be hardcore conservative.
Unless of course - the political climate is *that* shallow that "women = good" regardless of actual position.

To me it looks much more as a ploy for the very right wing then the woman as such, but perhaps it is both flies with one rock? Giving McCain the possiblity to play both the central "republican democrats" while having Palin catering to the right wing.

[rmemmett84]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonbiter She's rabid right-wing, married to an oil tycoon in Alaska of all places, and has been known to ridicule environmental issues. To the hardcore Republicans she's a dream come true,

This is why I like here.

As far as the "married to an oil tycoon" thing I believe her husband merely works for an oil company. I don't think he owns one.

If McCain wins I don't think we have to worry much about his health. He'll be fine for 4 years. Obama on the other hand may need to worry about this. If not from some racist kook then an inside job funded by a nympho former president and his shrill wife. Honestly if I were him I'd worry more about the latter.

[DaveO]

Personally, I thought McCain's pick was a shrewd move but since most of the emphasis and coverage has been on Obama as the media darling he's the likely Presidential victor. And you can't tell me that the Democrats are so shallow that there was not an alternate choice besides Hillary as a female VP? No matter who wins, Americans lose with the middle and bottom classes taking the fall as usual. If I've learned anything about politics is that there is no change. Obama can't make any difference in that pattern.

As per the standard election cycle it's a choice between the evil of two lessors.

[penguin_king]

IMO he only chose a woman because Obama has Hilary Clinton, if Obama had chosen a white, male, middle class all-american then McCain would've done the same.

also, it seems to me that Elections (especially in England) seem to be about slating your opponent rather than proving your own worth.

[Lady Dragonfly]

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguin_king IMO he only chose a woman because Obama has Hilary Clinton, if Obama had chosen a white, male, middle class all-american then McCain would've done the same.

Wha...? Are you aware that Obama's VP is Joe Biden, a white, male, middle class all-american?

& DaveO

Quote:

As per the standard election cycle it's a choice between the evil of two lessors.

I share your opinion. I will probably stay home in November.

[Claudius]

Xandax, I don't think an ultra conservative woman is going to appeal to pro-choice women, that is true. But it might appeal to conservative (leaning) women. For instance someone who grew up whose family votes Republican. But they are irritated by Bush and in danger of going over to the Democratic candidate. Thats how I interpret it.

And as stated possibly soften the image as the party for everyone rather than just for white (rich) men.

[Nightmare]

The pick is rather large gamble by McCain, and I'm not sure it helps him very much. It has helped him somewhat with the GOP base, but I don't think it will draw many women voters away, as most people vote based on their beliefs and not "ooo look its a woman!".

I think it also hurts the ticket. McCain is 72. If he were to die in office, we would have an American President that, not two years ago, was only the mayor of a town of 8,500. That's not a comforting thought, especially after the last eight years.

[Xandax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudius Xandax, I don't think an ultra conservative woman is going to appeal to pro-choice women, that is true. But it might appeal to conservative (leaning) women. For instance someone who grew up whose family votes Republican. But they are irritated by Bush and in danger of going over to the Democratic candidate. Thats how I interpret it. And as stated possibly soften the image as the party for everyone rather than just for white (rich) men.

Wouldn't those women already have voted for McCain?
Or do you think their "irritation" with Bush could make them shift Democratic?

I wonder this because the polls I see (yes, I know, polls aren't "good" measurements but basically it is what we have ) do seem to point to yet another close race still, despite the disapproval with Bush and the similarity with McCain.

Is she considered an intellectual perhaps? Could be that it is also an attempt to get the intellectual aspect back into the republican side, which have taken a beating with 8 years of Bush being unable to speak properly. I know the republicans have tried to pain Obama as an "ivory tower elitist" much as it appeared they did with Kerry back in 2004. But perhaps that's just how it seems from waaaay "over here"

[Claudius]

I wonder if its mainly kind of an image thing. You know maybe they can appear more progressive. Bringing women into power could appeal to some voters. They worry not only about people voting for Obama but also not voting at all (who would have voted for them). Voter turnout is pretty fricking low as far as I have heard.

It might not seem rational, but people are really passionate about certain things. One issue might be so important to them that it causes them to vote one way or the other and ignore all the other factors.

I have some idea that she was viewed as the best possible choice after some thought. But its hard to believe, isn't it, that they just said "hmmm we need a woman...because they got a black guy". But on the other hand thats maybe what happened haha.

[Xandax]

Well - what adds to the "strangeness" in my view is that McCain had only met her once.

[galraen]

They may only have met once, but with modern technology that's pretty meaningless.

Her appointment may have taken a lot of people by surprise, but her hat's been in the ring for a while. The Wall Street Journal mentioned her as a possible running mate at the end of July.

As I regard Obama as being far too right wing, my opinion of her is best left unwritten on here though.

[Moonbiter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xandax Is she considered an intellectual perhaps? Could be that it is also an attempt to get the intellectual aspect back into the republican side, which have taken a beating with 8 years of Bush being unable to speak properly. I know the republicans have tried to pain Obama as an "ivory tower elitist" much as it appeared they did with Kerry back in 2004. But perhaps that's just how it seems from waaaay "over here"

No, she's the worst kind of home-grown heroine the Americans like to worship: A former beauty queen who fought her way to becoming a Governor at the age of 42 while popping out five babies. All while being out hunting with her NRA buddies and thumping the bible. Never mind the fact that her knowledge of the world is such that if she saw the Eifel tower she'd probably think she was in Vegas. Never mind the fact that she wants to start drilling for oil in the National Preserve. Never mind the fact that she's under investigation for corruption and abuse of power. Those things doesn't matter to a large part of the US population. She's a beauty queen who can kill her own food while giving birth. One of her sons was diagnosed with Downs syndrome in utero which is a dream come through for McCain's anti-abortion campaign. Her oldest son is being shipped to Iraq on... wait for it... September 11. Do not for a moment think that this woman was chosen for any REAL qualities, she was chosen as a mere propaganda tool. Yes Xan, it IS that shallow.

[Xandax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonbiter <snip>Yes Xan, it IS that shallow.

Hehe.... It does provide perspective at least