I’m not so anxious to see a woman on the ticket, but I’m also not blind to the many factors that go into choosing someone. This is the point when all considerations are on the table. Where in the country they’re from matters; what kind of experience (of course) matters; what your base feels as well as how might the whole electorate view them, all matter. I think Palin brings solid conservative credentials, is pro-life, is an executive, would add a balance of age, AND is a good counter to Hillary not being chosen for VP on the Dem side. I think all of it taken together is what makes her an attractive pick. I don’t particularly want a woman on there any more than a man (I honestly couldn’t care less) but there’s the total package of electability, while not selling out on your values (and angering your base) that matters. Now is the time to make those decisions.
All that said, I have nothing against Romney; only that half of you seem to hate the guy. He would bring an enormous amount of executive experience. He’s a little too leftie, in my view, but I also think that taken together and in contrast to the other side’s ticket, it isn’t a strong enough choice. Now, if he were chosen, I’m voting for Repubs (either way, in fact) and it wouldn’t be terrible, but I’d hate to see the enthusiasm on the Dem side outweigh our turnout on this side.
As for other candidates that didn’t make it in primary season, how does their loss then help win votes now?
[AND is a good counter to Hillary not being chosen for VP on the Dem side]
IMO, this factor should be thrown out completely, any woman , should McCain pick one, will be spun by the democrat main stream media as the ONLY reason she had been picked. She will be devalued and demonized as being too clever by half and McCain’s judgment will be torn to shreds.
As to picking a loser in the primary season, I would remind you of Reagan’s pick for HIS VP, HE picked a loser in the primary and went on to win the election and his VP went on to win the presidency.
As I see it, picking a woman at this time will do more harm than good.