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The Unfortunate Palin Gamble
GOPublius.com ^ | August 29, 2008 | GOPublius.com

Posted on 08/29/2008 10:31:47 AM PDT by americanophile

Don’t kid yourself…John McCain just put all his chips on the table and rolled the dice.

Over the past many months, McCain’s team had skillfully underscored the natural impressions of Americans – that Barak Obama was the lightweight in the race; the candidate of risk. Now, with a single stroke McCain has undercut his most effective argument. He has weakened his case for wisdom and experience, and elevated a one-term governor of a small-population state based on her gender.

McCain had plenty of safe choices. Choices that would have bolstered Americans’ inherent understanding of McCain’s competency and ability; choices that would have underscored the longstanding notion that whatever gimmick the Democrats try, the Republican Party remains the serious one.

With the electorate evenly split, McCain’s first job was to pick a competent running mate that would not undermine his standing, and would reassure voters that should something happen to the oldest man ever to be nominated for president, a competent, experienced leader, ready to serve as commander-in-chief in a time of war, was waiting in the wings.

The former Miss Congeniality, and hockey mom from “the last frontier” is a bizarre choice.

McCain’s pick today has all the hallmarks of a political gimmick and a hail-Mary pass. While it is likely to excite some conservatives, his choice will refocus the entire campaign away from Obama’s status as a political neophyte and will reshuffle the risk calculus in the favor of the increasingly familiar, and always-eloquent Obama. With Biden on the ticket, Obama has lessened the sense that he poses a serious danger to the electorate. McCain’s selection by contrast is likely to shake voters and cast uncertainty on the wisdom and safety of a McCain presidency.

With competent and proven individuals waiting in the wings such as Governor Mitt Romney, the selection of Sarah Palin is a most unfortunate choice.

John McCain may have just lost the 2008 election…cue the hurricane.


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: 2008veep; electionpresident; mccain; palin; vicepresident
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To: silverleaf
I just hope she makes Joe cry in the VP debate.

She will.

141 posted on 08/29/2008 11:15:16 AM PDT by null and void (Obama/Biden: It's a no-brainer)
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To: newheart
The problem you have Newheart is that people like you are about 15% of the voting population. Feel good for a day or two because a day of reckoning will soon be upon you. This decision shows that McCain is pandering for the women's and the conservative vote. His decision should have been based upon who would best be suited to take over if something should happen to him, a 72 year old man. This is the theme the Democrats will pound them with. They stand a good chance of being successful. You are very foolish and naive and are probably new to politics. You would cut your nose off to spite your face.
142 posted on 08/29/2008 11:15:30 AM PDT by truthguy (Good intentions are not enough!)
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To: Melas
I don't see euphoria. I see enthusiasm. That creates momentum. The fact is that the next president will be no conservative or friend to conservatives. I had no interest in Palin until today, when I heard her speak. The next 4 years will be difficult for conservatives. Having someone who "may" reflect our principles, in the wings, for 2012, seems like a good thing.

She speaks better than Obama and if she can think and speak on her feet in a debate, it is also good.

It was important to blunt any bounce for Obama from the RAT convention. McCain's timing did that.

With the GOP convention coming up, Obama will not have a chance to star large until the debates. And they are not his strong venues.

143 posted on 08/29/2008 11:15:35 AM PDT by webrover
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To: Pearls Before Swine
My wife, an anti-Obama voter who might have made it to the polls to unenthusiastically cast a vote for McCain as the lesser evil, is electrified. A poll of one. We’ll see how unusual she is.

Everyone I have spoken with so far is delighted. The chow hall was abuzz at dinner this evening and it was all positive.

One friend called my mobile late this afternoon when the news came out and was bummed that she wasn't the one who got to break it to me. I had been glued to my TV and when my friend called, I answered "Palin! YESSSSS!" LOL

144 posted on 08/29/2008 11:16:58 AM PDT by Allegra (It's above my pay grade.)
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To: americanophile

As we heard today Sarah Palin can and will speak for herself, and the results will be most satisfactory.

This is the first time in many years that I have admired John McCain’s judgment. Well done, John!


145 posted on 08/29/2008 11:17:34 AM PDT by devere
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To: OCCASparky
No documented record vis-a-vis illegal immigration, but has stated she is for securing the border.

Same thing McCain has been spouting, without specifics beyond having Open-Border Governors certify the border is secure.

This does not bode well for anyone concerned with the Illegal Alien issue.
146 posted on 08/29/2008 11:18:00 AM PDT by SoConPubbie (GOP: If you reward bad behavior all you get is more bad behavior.)
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To: americanophile; All
All you nay-sayers need a time-out. And clean your glasses while you're at it. Today you saw and heard a very articulate WELL EDUCATED AND EXPERIENCED (for a 44 year old) Woman who hunts, fishes, eats moose, is a Maverick even outshining McCain on some issues, will not take nonsense from anyone, Republican or Democrat, and can hold her own with Biden . . . nah, she will so outshine Biden he will start stammering like Obama.

"Your" choice wasn't chosen so you're taking your football and going home. Bah! Sore loser. Get over it.

She majored in JOURNALISM, she has Great Moral Character, her ETHICS appear impeccable (she satisfied McCain's vetters over the issue in Alaska), she's not afraid to fire employees who need firing. Oh, and I'll bet, you put Hilary next to her, that Sarah Palin will knock Hilary's socks off, besides looking young enough to be Hilary's daughter.

Yeah, some wussy men will enter the voting booth saying to their wives that they're going to vote for Obama/Biden, but they'll be voting for McCain just so they can see more of Palin on TV.

She's intelligent, articulate and great eye candy. My own daughter is nearly her age, and I know MY child would be a great VP pick IF she were in politics. And my daughter looks enough like Kathy Ireland to be her sister.

GREAT VP McCAIN!

147 posted on 08/29/2008 11:18:31 AM PDT by HighlyOpinionated (McCain and Palin in 2008. Palin and Sessions in 2012. 2 Great Teams!)
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To: Allegra

The Dems are apoplectic over the choice, and the MSM is spitting about it. I find it absolutely fascinating that their confidence over the Dem ticket is absolutely shaken to the core by a little known Governor from Alaska.

They obviously never had deep confidence to begin with. Expect all but the die-hards to peel off Obambi’s campaign now.


148 posted on 08/29/2008 11:18:32 AM PDT by mabelkitty
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To: Pharmer
Go ahead Chris Mathews... Hit on this babe!

Hmm. I'm not sure he gets any leg tingles from gurls.

149 posted on 08/29/2008 11:18:59 AM PDT by null and void (Obama/Biden: It's a no-brainer)
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To: calex59
What a load of BS. Anyone who takes the time to read her record will see she is the best. The guy who posted this, and I know it isn’t you, I clicked the wrong post, is so full of sh** it isn’t funny. McCain did the right thing. The proof of this is how crazy the Dems are over the pick. They are screaming and crying and saying she is so wrong. Well, if that is true why aren’t they all happy about the pick. We were about Biden because we knew he was a crap pick. They aren’t happy because they know that Obamaosama is in serious trouble now.

Wrong guy. I posted the Eeyore picture because that is the way the article sounds to me.

ECSTATIC with this choice.

The Palins seem like a family I would love to have over and get to know. I cannot say that I have felt that way about ANY politician in my entire life.
150 posted on 08/29/2008 11:20:03 AM PDT by j_k_l
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To: americanophile

Whoever this guy is, he’s misguided. I can vote for the ticket now that there’s a conservative on it. It helps that she’s about the most competent person avaiable, and actually has a record of business success, is a corruption fighter, and has run an administration.

Hate to be morbid about this, but if McCain had a coronary, we wouldn’t be in a pickle. With Biden, who knows? Guy’s been a Senator since he was 29! What’s he qualified to do except, well, nothing?

I wouldn’t put Biden on a Board, unless of course one of my major customers was government.


151 posted on 08/29/2008 11:20:38 AM PDT by RinaseaofDs
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To: americanophile

Oh no, the neocon elite will stay home on election day!


152 posted on 08/29/2008 11:20:45 AM PDT by palmer (Tag lines are an extra $1)
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To: americanophile

This article and opinion are WRONG!!!!! It was a great pick. Let’s begin the “reform agenda and campaign.” America will respond.


153 posted on 08/29/2008 11:21:18 AM PDT by ReleaseTheHounds ("The demagogue is one who preaches doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots.")
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To: Presto

ROFL

There so full of crap how many disappeared.


154 posted on 08/29/2008 11:21:50 AM PDT by Bailee
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To: nmh; All

“Sarah was a tactile choice.”

Either the above is a Freudian slip revealing your lustful feelings towards the woman, or you actually meant “tactical” choice.

BTW - I DO care about the souls of mormons. That is one reason why I didn’t want a mormon elected to high office. It is spurious and insidious and damns those that partake of it.


155 posted on 08/29/2008 11:21:56 AM PDT by Sola Veritas (Trying to speak truth - not always with the best grammar or spelling)
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To: pepsionice

Bingo!


156 posted on 08/29/2008 11:22:02 AM PDT by null and void (Obama/Biden: It's a no-brainer)
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To: j_k_l

Guy’s a Democrat. Lined up the Dems’ talking points in a tidy little line.


157 posted on 08/29/2008 11:22:08 AM PDT by Cyber Liberty (Pretending that the Admin Moderator doesn't exist will result in a suspension.)
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To: americanophile
I may be one of the three people here who agree with you at least in part.

Where we differ is only in the fact that I don't think any other pick would have improved McCain's chances of winning.

This is a purely political pick from a campaign that probably needs one and is not in a strong position to win. I think the real negative is the loss of the setup for 2012.

I was prepared to lose this in order to make it impossible for the Dem's to blame republicans for the sure to come economic and foreign policy disasters that will certainly come under democrat control in the House and Senate.

If McCain keeps the WH in Republican hands, we will get the blame. That's just how it works.

Other that that, Palin will change up the conservative base, but I don't know if it will be enough. I was already thinking ahead to a Romney in 2012. That is how I feel about it.

Not a very pretty picture is it.............But Palin does brighten it up for the time being.

158 posted on 08/29/2008 11:22:10 AM PDT by Cold Heat (Well....................................That's .....that.........)
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To: E. Pluribus Unum

Obama bin Biden

Now I don’t care who you are, that’s funny!


159 posted on 08/29/2008 11:22:46 AM PDT by A. Patriot (CZ 52's ROCK)
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To: truthguy

You’ve been here less than a year and you know all about politics? Start a blog.


160 posted on 08/29/2008 11:23:00 AM PDT by mabelkitty
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