[KantianBurke]

Bit over the top. Simpler explanation is that the GOP, over the past decade, has embraced the values and views of the evangelical south. Hence why those who view that culture as alien and don’t put much worth into “faith” and “shes one of us” idolizations are disgusted with the Palin pick. She has more in common with the blue collar values voters (who now ARE the GOP) than those who exist outside of that universe.

http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/98jun/gop.htm

[Citizen Blade]

Bit over the top. Simpler explanation is that the GOP, over the past decade, has embraced the values and views of the evangelical south. Hence why those who view that culture as alien and don’t put much worth into “faith” and “shes one of us” idolizations are disgusted with the Palin pick. She has more in common with the blue collar values voters (who now ARE the GOP) than those who exist outside of that universe.

That's a good analysis. I'm an urban, educated, agnostic conservative living in DC. I prefer soccer over NASCAR and I have not darkened the door of a church in years. Honestly, I have very little in common, culturally, with the Southern evangelicals who now seem to make up the bulk of the GOP.

I'm a McCain fan because he hits on my most important issue- defense, while at the same time showing little interest in the social issues that seem to drive much of the discussion in the GOP these days.

I like Palin because she is clearly a fiscal conservative and I haven't really seen anything so far that makes me think she is a member of the "Talibornagain" wing of the party.