When I read about Sarah’s plans to help John McCain’s campaign, I couldn’t help but see it as a reflection of her noble character. I truly believe that Sarah is honoring a friendship that she values and respects. This says much about her trustworthiness that does not abandon friends for some self serving expedience.
We must remember that “United we stand and divided we fall.” This means that we bring folks along in their conservative values by our influence. The only way we can make new believers in conservatism is that we attract those who have not got it to come where they can receive it.
I agree with you about John McCain's “progressive ideology.” He has a long way to go before he gets it. I am hoping that Sarah's friendship with John McCain will make him a true believer from her influence. And that will a great thing to happen, don't you see?
If she does value and respect McCain, then I'd have to question the soundness of her judgment. He's been a major enabler of some very bad policies, leaning across the aisle to work with Senator Ted, others, on some very bad legislation. He preens about his "bi-partisan spirit"; but it's all vanity. While he admires himself for having the reputation of working across party lines, the real point is the way he's done it has put our First Amendment liberties at risk — campaign finance reform for instance; not to mention that the illegal immigration problem seems not to trouble him at all. He seems blind to the demographic and cultural aspects; and so just wants to give all illegals "amnesty."
In this, he seems to be thinking like a Democrat — e.g., oh goodie! Look at all those new voters for me to gratify!
In short, bringing McCain along into "true believer" status strikes me as impossible on its face. He likes himself just the way he is, thank you. Sure, it would be a great thing, were it to happen. But my sense is McCain is an old dog who isn't interested in learning any new tricks.... And as influential as Sarah Palin may be, I don't believe she has a magic wand by which to transform this frog into a prince....
Just my humble opinion for what it's worth, jonrick46. I'm a political realist, that's all.
"We must remember that 'United we stand and divided we fall.'”
There were two reactions for many of us; To be honest the initial reflex about Palin's support of McCain was nauseousness ;-)
The second though was as you stated, one of respect for honoring a debt of friendship and loyalty, but also perhaps an effort to help bind a GOP that desperately needs to remain cohesive as the Dems are about the burst at the seams.