Posted on 08/29/2008 12:53:09 PM PDT by NYer
.- Sen. John McCains pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin won praise from many commentators within the ambit of the Republican Party, but especially among pro-lifers. Praising Palin as strongly pro-life, speakers remarked that Palins decision to carry her Downs syndrome child to term was an especially sharp contrast with Sen. Barack Obamas opposition to legislation that would protect infants who survive abortions.
Sen. McCain announced the choice of Palin at a rally in Dayton, Ohio on Friday. McCain introduced her as someone "who can best help me shake up Washington and make it start working again for the people who are counting on us."
Palin was born in Idaho on February 11, 1964. According to a biography on Alaskas official web site, Palin moved to Alaska with her family later that year. Her husband, Todd, is a production operator for BP and a champion snow machine racer. They have five children, with Palin recently having given birth to a son with Downs syndrome in April.
She has also served as city councilman and mayor of Wasilla, a south-central Alaska town with a population of reportedly more than 6,000 people, and served as chair of the Alaska Conservation Commission, which regulates the states oil and gas resources.
Speaking in a phone press conference, several expert panelists with Republican sympathies praised the pick.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List, lauded the decision.
"Sarah Palin is the whole package. There couldn't be a better vice-presidential pick," said Dannenfelser. "Women voters are electrified, she continued, describing Palin as a reform-minded woman who is truly in sync with the way real women think. She will give all Americans, born and unborn, the authentic leadership they deserve," she said.
Father Frank Pavone, President of Priests for Life, called Palin strongly pro-life.
Asked how the selection will be received by pro-life Catholics in particular, Father Pavone added, It will no doubt be received very well.
He noted that the pro-life community already was somewhat familiar with Palin because she recently gave birth to a baby with Downs syndrome.
Father Pavone suggested Palin will bring more into play the pro-life increment. He explained that for the one-third or more of the electorate who consider the abortion issue in their votes, there is a two to one margin in favor of pro-life candidates.
Jill Stanek, a conservative journalist and blogger, asked the panel to contrast Palins decision to deliver her Downs syndrome baby with Sen. Barack Obamas opposition to legislation that would protect infants who survive abortion.
Father Pavone replied, the contrast between those two facts about the candidates is going to come out were going to make sure that it comes out, its a very striking contrast.
Dannenfelser quoted Palins own comments when she discovered her unborn baby had Downs syndrome: We feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift.
Dannenfelser remarked: Contrast that with Sen. Obamas approach to leaving born-alive babies left sitting there for dead, and also making the comment, if his daughter got pregnant, he would not punish her with a baby.
Its punishment versus privilege, thats the contrast, Dannenfelser asserted.
CNA asked the panel whether the Palin pick was a tacit acknowledgment of McCains weakness among pro-lifers.
Dannenfelser said that she believed people think McCain has genuine pro-life convictions, but suggested that anyone skeptical should see the Palin choice as a perfect complement, not as the filling of a weakness.
Father Pavone agreed, adding that the selection of Palin eliminates any concern about a possible pro-choice vice-presidential nominee.
I think this will help us know he really does embrace this issue in political practice as well as in his voting record, he stated.
Ken Blackwell, Vice-Chairman of the Republican National Committees platform committee, added his own comments.
He remarked that, as someone who guided the platform committee to the most significant pro-life platform in the Republican Partys history, he thought John McCains full embrace of the platform is shown in the ticket. This team does not reflect one iota of weakness. It is the strongest pro-life team with a pro-life platform in the history of the Republican Party.
When CNA asked how McCain could be described as such a strong supporter of the platform in light of his endorsement of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, Blackwell noted that McCains campaign has worked with the platform committee on the relevant language. Blackwell said he thought that McCain, if he recognizes that there have been breakthroughs in research that do not involve the destruction of embryos, that [recognition] will make this argument a non-starter.
Leaders of other interest groups in the GOP also praised McCains vice-presidential pick.
Sandra Froman, former National Rifle Association (NRA) president and current board member, called Palin, an NRA member, an outstanding pick who would energize the gun rights community.
How can you go wrong with a moose burger-eating, fishing governor? she asked in a delighted tone.
Grover Norquist, a prominent fiscal conservative who is president of Americans for Tax Reform, praised Palin as a reformer who improved government transparency by putting government financial records online.
Several panelists suggested that the pick would also appeal to Hillary Clinton supporters disaffected by an Obama candidacy and the prospect of a victorious Obamas control of the Democratic Party. They also thought the choice courts Reagan Democrats who voted against Obama in the primaries.
Panelists argued that the choice of Palin, Alaskas governor for only two years, would not eliminate Republican charges that Obama is inexperienced.
When you compare her experience to Barack Obamas experience, her executive experience, her experience as mayor, her experience as assistant governor, her experience as a reformer, her experience as an environmental activist, Blackwell argued, she is more prepared, more experienced to be president than the top of their ticket.
Elsewhere, social conservatives were enthusiastic about the Palin choice.
What a remarkable pick, Austin Ruse of C-FAM told CNA in a statement. Social conservatives are dancing in the streets. This is smart and dare I say sexy pick. My wife Cathy and I are gushing.
This is awesome answer to prayer isn’t it? I saw Father Pavone at “The Call” in DC on August 16th and he is an amazing preacher.
Got to hand it to McCain for this pick. Sounds like it would have been hard for him to have picked a more energizing VP, based on the response from most quarters so far.
An incredibly good pick for V.P. I’m no fan of Sen. McCain, but I could easily vote for Gov. Palin. And maybe ignore the fact that Sen. is on the same ticket.
Another big plus is neither McCain or Palin is a former attorney!
This is a great day for conservatives. This is a great day for Catholics.
As I said on the other thread, I can practically see the Blessed Virgin Mary with arms outstretched above Sarah.
Sarah Palin == ANTI-antichrist
Her speech is very much worth watching. One neat thing to note is the reaction of Sen. McCain. This was a bit of a gamble on his part, and you can tell that he is absolutely delighted with how it’s playing out. Here’s a link:
http://www.breitbart.tv/html/163813.html
I said this before after McCain won the nom: he got so much flak from the right, he “got it”. Choosing Palin shows that. I expect him to move right on issues, including borders and illegals.
Turn out the lights
The party's over
They say that
All good things must end
Call it tonight
The party's over
And tomorrow starts
The same old thing again
The proof of what you are saying is translating into money/volunteerism is pouring into McCain’s war chest in a deluge too. I gave $150 today. She is called “the Barracuda” and can be an American Maggie Thatcher who will kick a$$ and take names.
John McCain, you did great!! keep it up!!
“This is a great day for conservatives. This is a great day for Catholics.”
My wife and I can’t come down out of the clouds. Local conservatives are calling me and the base is now in with McCain/Palin.
Honestly, this sets the future as very bright for conservatives within the GOP. She is young, conservative and appeals to activist conservatives, pro Lifers, and also to moderate and independent women.
I think Almighty God himself has anointed her to be where she is. She is following the path of King David and is a female version of President Teddy Roosevelt.
AP has been relentless on their anti-Palin articles. There must have been 10 different ones since the announcement. The last one is just one quote after the next about how inexperienced she is and how foolhardy the nomination is. The hypcracy is astounding.
AP has been relentless on their anti-Palin articles. There must have been 10 different ones since the announcement. The last one is just one quote after the next about how inexperienced she is and how foolhardy the nomination is. The hypocracy is astounding.
“I said this before after McCain won the nom: he got so much flak from the right, he got it. Choosing Palin shows that. I expect him to move right on issues, including borders and illegals.”
Your post leads to another point. At what point do you practice forgiveness? I’ll have to think and pray on that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.