McCain and Palin
John McCain certainly has energized the Republican base with his pick of Sarah Palin. In fact, he’s enjoying a nice, post-convention bounce in the polls. Is that because of Palin? I think a case could be made that it is indeed at least partly because of her (Nate Silver has an interesting theory about McCain’s bounce here).
John McCain’s campaign has been unexciting, uninspiring and largely negative, attacking Obama at every turn. McCain hasn’t mentioned the issues much. But he’s been pretty successful at making the race about Obama and his experience. He even seems to have managed to paint Obama as an elitist, which is ironic. But McCain introduced Palin and she gave a good speech to the convention (also sharply attacking Obama), and the Republican base is fired up.
I still think, though, that McCain tapped Palin out of desperation, and because he could have who he wanted (Lieberman). It’s been theorized that McCain’s internal polling showed some poor numbers and McCain knew he needed to shake things up. Palin — in the short term, at least — certainly has shaken things up. But it was a reckless (a word I’ve used several times) choice. She’s not ready to step in as president if needed, and there are some serious ethical concerns about her.
McCains bounce will be fleeting. Don’t forget that it’s a Democratic year and that Obama is a strong candidate, despite his shortcomings. Ultimately, voters elect a president. McCain is listless and dull (and if I hear “my friends” from him one more time I might scream) and Obama is dynamic, inspirational, and presidential.
Yes, let’s not get too bothered about the poll numbers right now. We do still have 2 months left and the debates are coming up as well.
And, you never know what surprises are in store. What will happen with the Palin investigation outcome, for instance?
You know I saw an article on AsiaTimes Online speaking to how Obama’s VP pick was one of weakness and McCain’s one of confidence.
Palin is indeed like a hand grenade. She’s been tossed into the room and is going to blow someone up be JM or BO is yet to be seen.
AT link here
I think the visual of Obama and McCain on the same stage will be striking. McCain will look even more old and tired.
I think the AT article you mention, Alfie, has it backwards. Obama did make a safe pick, yes. But it’s apparent that Palin’s pick was made without full consideration and was a desperation pick.
So far, Palin is a Stepford Wife. She delivers the same speech (word for word) on every campaign stop. I’ll tune back in when she goes on “Meet the Press” and has to spontaneously answer tough questions.
Supposedly, there is TV footage of her doing quite well in Alaska gubernatorial debates. Let’s see if this holds up on the national stage.
With all due respect to Alaska (I mean that … I fully respect the state), it’s not the same thing as presidential politics. It’s a whole different stage.
I’d TiVo Palin’s MTP appearance, assuming the campaign lets her do it.
McCain and Palin are good, decent people.
So are Obama and Biden.
There is, though one glaring difference.
McCain/Palin want to continue the Iraq war.
Obama/Biden want to end it.
I want to discuss something Republicans REALLY love: Money.
Estimates are that just under 100,000 people have been killed in Iraq.
(http://www.iraqbodycount.org/)
Cost estimate: $3 TRILLION final, $1 TRILLION spend so far
(http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0310/p16s01-wmgn.html)
COST TO US: between $10 and $30 million per terrorist!
Ya know, I just don’t think we’re getting our money’s worth, Aye?!!
Do you? I say we END THIS WAR!
Bruce, the investigation is being stalled right now, unless something changes in the near future, it will be a nonstarter until after the election, and by then it’ll be too late.
Alfie, anyone can decide for themselves if a pick was strong or weak – I don’t need some pundit telling me.
Rutherford, you’re right. She memorized the speech Rick Davis gave her and she hasn’t deviated from the script one word!
Deanna, I agree with you, but please remember that they were saying the same thing about Bush as Texas’ Governor back in 2000.