Half-Baked Alaska

I have been totally consumed by politics this week.  I watched the star-studded line-up at the DNC, each speech outdoing the one before it.  And finally, Barak Obama's speech--whether you like him or not, you have to admit, it's a refreshing change to contemplate having a president that can actually string a sentence together.  I had an Obama buzz on Thursday night, followed by a McCain hangover Friday morning.

I know it hardly matters that I don't "get" his VP choice.  I wasn't his target audience (that being people that might actually vote for him.)  But my first thought upon hearing the news was, "WHO?"  Admit it, that was yours too--or am I the only American that's not totally up on the Alaskan political scene?

I was glued to the cable "news" shows yesterday, channel hopping between MSNBC, CNN, CNBC, and, of course, the Fox News Network.  I wanted to learn who this person, that could become the next, next president of the United States, is.  While it is no secret that I would like to see Obama in the White House, I would feel at least comfortable, if John McCain were to inhabit it.  I don't agree with him, but I think he can handle it.  I'm also comfortable with Joe Biden as the "backup" president.

But am I really supposed to get comfortable with the governor of Alaska, as second in line for the presidency, in SIXTY-SEVEN DAYS?  I don't want to debate the experience issue; let's call it a wash.  The thing is though, I've had nearly two years to get comfortable with Obama, I'm not so sure I could get on board in 67 days to have Palin be a heartbeat away from running the actual country.  But again, I'm not the target audience.

Or am I?  I AM a woman.

Gail Collins' Op Ed piece in the New York Times today suggested that possibly, just possibly, the fact that she's a woman may have played a tiny role in the selection:

“It is conceivable that some people will think John McCain picked Sarah Palin to be his running mate because she is a woman. I know you find this shocking, but I swear I have heard it mentioned.

McCain does not believe in pandering to identity politics. He was looking for someone who was well prepared to fight against international Islamic extremism, the transcendent issue of our time. And in the end he decided that in good conscience, he was not going to settle for anyone who had not been commander of a state national guard for at least a year and a half. He put down his foot!

The obvious choice was Palin, the governor of Alaska, whose guard stands as our last best defense against possible attack by the resurgent Russian menace across the Bering Strait.

Also a woman, but that’s totally beside the point.”

And lest I get in trouble with the members of PUMA or with Elizabeth Joyce, let me be clear.  I am not opposed to her because she's a woman.  I'm opposed to her positions on every single issue that I care about.  The fact that we have the same biological parts is not enough to convert me.

Related Posts:

My Dirty Little Secret

Feminism is a Bad Word Again

Are You Smarter than a Fifth-Grader?

Comments

[jennifer youngblood]

I think/hope this pick is going to backfire. Hillary Clinton's positions are the complete opposite of Palin's, and are very close to Obama's. I hope people vote on issues, although I know that most research indicates that is not the case...

[Retired Syd]

Jennifer, my guess is it won't have much of an effect one way or the other--but I can always hope. As evidence of that (and also for a huge laugh), you have to go watch the Larry King video clip included in my 2nd link above. The pick may have been enough to win her over, but that's another story.

[Super Saver]

Like you, I was not impressed with McCain's VP choice. While I am sure she has potential, I would expected someone with a longer record of accomplishment. Although there hasn't been a new poll yet, I'm guessing McCain has lost net supporters with this selection.