If McCain truly believes HE’S best for this country (which I’m convinced he does), then by choosing Palin to gain a political advantage, he was using brilliant politics to put country first.

If you listen to her and drop the partisan bias you’ll realize she didn’t say the war was God’s will. She has done a decent job of explaining this since being added to the ticket. Get real.

There are plenty of educated people who don’t know what the Bush doctrine is, and I doubt it detracts from the ability to perform as VP.

Palin may have only run a state with a small population and gained an 80% approval rating, but that’s more than Obama has done. What has he ever been the head of? Cub scouts? PTA? And all of a sudden he’s magically ready to be our Prez because he’s spent about 180 days in the senate? While I admit that’s a little overstated, you really have no proof (and only opinion based on the fact that he’s an inspirational speaker) that he’s ready to lead a country.

I personally am not enamored of either candidate. It’s like trying to decide between unc and Duke…I just don’t hate Duke as much as unc.

Don’t piss off the 25 people on either side of that bridge by calling where they live “nowhere.”
I cannot blame her for trying to get things done for her state. She’s certainly not the first politician to try to pull some strings to better the lives of those close to them. I can only hope she would use the same vigor to fight for what she wanted for our country.

That Girl wasn’t arguing that Hubby Palin’s membership in some whacko group is the ONLY means to judge how much good she’d do for the country, but throw that on to the pile of everything else we’re finding out - and it certainly doesn’t paint a picture of a mainstream person.

But hey - if you want to advocate for a VP candidate who ran a state with a population roughly twice the size of Raleigh, believes that policy matters like Iraq and a gas pipeline can be ascribed to “God’s will” and had to be educated by the news media on what the Bush Doctrine is - if you want to advocate for the wisdom and judgement of a 72 year old putting such a person a heartbeat away from the Oval Office, then by all means, be my guest.

“Country First” indeed. How about “Politics First”?? McCain needed a hail mary to get him elected and so far it’s paid off. Brilliant politics, but hardly in line with “Country First.”

The point about the 84 election was merely that when the first woman was chosen for VP - the choice resulted in a huge bump for the campaign - and yet Mondale still got slaughtered. It’s a point worth keeping in mind, that’s what political science is all about - looking a previous history and finding parallels with today.

The only point about Obama was merely how his candidacy relates to Palin’s. For all the “buzz” around Palin - she’s not the first woman VP candidate. Obama is the first black candidate. No one was saying that’s a reason to vote for either of them - but of you’re comparing “history” - Obama is a much bigger precedent since Ferraro (and to some degree Hillary) already blazed the trail that Palin is going down now.

How is the 1984 election possibly relevant to 2008? Most people do not remember or care about the 1984 election and are only concerned about the issues of today. Hell, most people under the age of 35 don’t even have recollection of GF or that election.

Who cares about the newness of Obama being the first black candidate? Does it even matter? Historically…sure. But isn’t it you two who preach we should vote based on the issues and not on such shallow things as race and gender? Frankly (and sadly), more people in this country are likely to vote AGAINST him for being black then they are to vote for him. Indeed, just today it was reported that “whites” were giving a slight lead in the newest poles.

Not saying I am one… but they are a large part of the US population.

It might be good for the Dems to give them some love every once in a while.

All I am saying is that I am a moderate… and I see how this is a value to the American people.

The Dems might have done it… back 23 years ago, but do you not see how it is significant 24 years later with the Republicans?! We all know that this is just as significant as Obama becoming the nominee.

The question is which “ticket” is more qualified. We all have our own opinions….

If it were up to me- it would be RON PAUL. (that might sound crazy from a moderate)

Its too bad the media wouldn’t give him a chance.

Stew on that.

As far as the swing in the polls, apparently Geraldine Ferraro’s placement on the 84 ticket also resulted in a 20 point swing with women. As we all know, that didn’t stick once the novelty wore off. What I really don’t get is why is there such novelty around Palin? The Dems did this in 84 with Ferraro - it’s been done. Now Obama, being the first African-American, that is something new!

RIIIIIIIGHT! OK, sure. Whatever.

I am not sure how an evangelical politician who uses lobbyists to get earmarks and bridges to nowhere is going to “shake up” Washington, but I guess time will tell if she gets the chance.

Don’t you think that it as at least plausible that the McCain campaign is keeping Palin from the media to let them cool down a bit after completely ripping the woman apart? They slowly tore Obama a new one… but that was just because Fox News started, and they had to go along with it.

There may be some embellishments and misrepresentations in Palin’s speech (just as any other politicians), but you can not deny that the woman is good for the country. She may not share your views on politics… but someone who will shake up Washington into actually doing their JOB, is GOOD for the country.

Everything is about politics. You should know that. Its your job.

I think you might just be scared of the woman!