Good evening to you all. John McCain gave us quite a lot to talk about following the surprise announcement of Sarah Palin as his choice for Vice-President.
True, she is an unknown quantity but is that a positive or negative? We’d like to hear from you, so we’ve prepared the following anonymous survey. If you have more to say beyond the multiple choice answers, speak up by posting your comments below!
If you want to keep track of the responses, you can view them here.
Regards,
George
I have to say that I was extremely impressed with Sarah Palin’s address last night. The smooth delivery, calm disposition, and confidence was that of an extremely gifted individual. Not likely that Obama will be defeated, but nevertheless, a future star may have been born.
PERFECT choice. As all know by now she was Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska then Governor of Alaska for two years. Wasilla is where I lived for 6 years with all of my children. I had to move due to my job but my children would not move from there because they like it so much. Sarah is part of the reason for that. Everyone that knows her, loves her. She might be a nobody to most for now but give her a chance and she won’t let you down. John McCain could not have picked a better person.
The true political realities suggest’s that this election will be won by the candidate who can lure the 12% of the country that Is undecided. I believe that the election will be won In the upper midwest. Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio and perhaps Pennsylvania. Sarah P plays perfectly with people from this geographical area. Listen to her speech last friday. Hockey Mom, hunter, fisherman, snowmobiles, Nra! Does anyone see a trend here! Mccain Is playing to his customer base here people! The states that will win the election for John Mcain.! In fact, Pennsylvania Is In play! It Is the 2nd oldest state In the union In regards to age, and has more veterans living in Penn than in any other states. I just listened to Frank Lunz a political consultant who courageously called out his profession and admitted that the polls are all over the place, and no one really knows what’s gonna happen. Sarah P puts mccain over the top! Watch how the criminal liberal media will try to destroy her before she can establish a base.
Wow! There goes Hilery”s chance to be the first lady V P and maybe hurt her chance for first lady President. This might make Hilery’s fight for Obama more interesting. She is not going to let someone else take her spot in the history books.
As for McCain’s choice of Sarah P is perfect. Watching news all over the country tells me that people are tired of the old standard Washington wealthy that abuse their power and our tax dollars. If ordinary people in this country want change Sarah P is a great choice because she can identify with the average american in these hard times that come along regardless of which party is in charge. Most politicians dont pump a gallon of gas in their cars because they have a driver and limo. So, yea they know gas is four dollars a gallon but they dont feel it like ordinary folks that have to pull out seventy five dollars a week just to get to work. America needs to make up our minds, do we want someone that can feel our everyday needs or someone thats so wealthy and dosent even know were in hard times.
TimCanuck says, “If the Republicans win with this combination God help us all. This pick show the desperation and ignorance this party defines as the average thinking voter.”
If you support the Democratic tenets of killing babies by choice and believing that sodomite relationships are acceptable rather than an abomination, then God help you.
I think McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin is perfect.
But keep in mind that I’m a flag waving Obama supporter and I will support anything McCain does that furthers Obama’s chance of being elected.
I think her relevant experience makes her comparable to George W Bush, but she hasn’t held high office for as long as George W. In this election year, that is not a positive.
Having everyday family problems is not in itself a disqualification for high office, but it is fair to question what John was thinking in making a rash appointment that deserved complex political calculation.
John’s selection of her as a running mate was evidently to underpin his commitment to abortion and family values as election issues. But the debacle about her vetting emphasizes his prior inclination to select a hawkish candidate and the fact that abortion is not an issue at the top of his political agenda.
This selection reflects poorly on him. The voters he wanted to mobilize see him for what he is and the rest didn’t get the VP nomination they favored or expected.
The issue is not her unsuitablility as a VP candidate. The issue is John’s poor political judgement and his impulsive and dubious executive decision. He had plenty of time to select a less controversial candidate.
John Strom (aka Bill OReilly, Karl Rove, Rush Limbaugh or just plain Knob),
Go back to your convention and wave your flag that use to mean something to rest of the world. Your beloved party has stained America’s reputation and now it’s laughing at women trying desperately to place a ornament on the ticket.
I assume you’re right behind Cindy McCain when she said, “living next to Russia qualifiers her (Sarah)for foreign policy experience”. And this is who you want to be John’s back-up? Come on John, grow a brain and get out of the trailer once and while !!!!
“With a pregnant teenage daughter, a husband with a DWI, a mother in law that is pro choice, a direct tie to her sister’s messy divorce, and her hunting and fishing credentials McCain sure has secured the trailer trash vote.”
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Your post was fine until that last paragraph where you show yourself as a despicable snob. I trust you never find yourself in a similar position with respect to your daughter or granddaughter. And, by the way, it seems that Mr. Obama many similar credentials including limited or NO experience, so I am not sure how you figure Palin brings the ticket any particular advantage in attracting Hillary’s base. And, if her credentials helps to get that smooth talking, anti-white, union-organizing, rock-star lawyer defeated, they made the right choice.
The problem with the choice is two fold.
First, McCain, is 72 and would be the oldest first time elected president in history. He has had a history of skin cancer. His obligation to the country should be to select some who is extremely qualified to be president. In my opinion, Palin as of right now is not qualified.
Second, is that Palin’s fundemental beliefs regarding teaching creationism in schools, doubting global warming, over turning Roe V. Wade is too far to the right to help McCain get elected. McCain should have selected someone with more moderate views. Palin will help the base but McCain needs the moderate democrats, republicans and independents to win.
This from the genius Andrew Prince…. “IMO the Republican party has embarassed America and the actions in Iraq have only continued the USA’s terrorist actions which started with Hiroshima and Nagosaki.”
Harry Truman dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaka you idiot. He was a Democrat. And he was right to drop the bomb, ending WWII. Learn your history, fool.
And this from the idiot Jimmy2Times… “she is a complete hypocrit . talking about going against the big oil guys and in the same sentance talks about the activists in her state preventing them from accessing oil and gas?”
Other than the fact you can’t spell jimmy2times, in fact she favors drilling in the ANWAR and she got a bunch of Republicans sitting on the Oil Board put in jail for corruption. You seem to have a bit of difficulty articulating anything meaningful. Product of the public school system, jimmy2times?
And savant Mac Conners opines…. “Would anyone allow her to become President if John was incapacitated or worse?….not a chance….down in flames”
No Mac, you’re wrong. There is a very clear line of accession in the event a president cannot perform his/her duties. Governor Sarah Palin, as the CEO of a state, Alaska, has more management experience that the other three – combined so talk about something you actually know.
Then we have the not-too-intelligent Dave and his dumb views…. “Absurd, No experience, Extreme right wing,
Still in denial that global warming is human caused”
Well Dave, she has more experience than the other three combined. Extreme right wing? I’d say very middle of the road but anyone with integrity is, to you and your ilk, extremely right wing. You have to be one of those environmental Nazis that wants no drilling – anywhere, no nuclear plants, no coal fired plants, no new dams yet parade around in your Birkenstocks that were made with, what? Ah, yes – oil. Go ride your bicycle idiot.
And the [slow] witty Rob opines…. “bad choice…..McCAIN TOO OLD HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, POOR HEALTH , TOO MUCH STRESS IN BEING PRESIDENT…..THE LADY IS NOT READY TO RUN THE SHOW…….”
Well, Rob, she has more experience running a state [Alaska in case you’ve forgotten] than Rock Star B. Hussein Obama and Joe “Plagiarizer” Biden combined – with a LOT left over. Plus she has integrity, something neither of them has. Not ready to run the show? She is more than ready to help clean up Washington and it DOES need cleaning up.
Further proof shes a good choice? TimCanuck opines…. “If the Republicans win with this combination God help us all. This pick show the desperation and ignorance this party defines as the average thinking voter. Personnaly I applaud the choice it gaurantees a Democratic win in November.”
TimCanuck, then why the shrill reaction from the trendy liberal left? They are outrageous in their attacks. Why? The ONE thing liberals fear is a man [or woman] of integrity. She has it and they do not. But I’m glad to see you’re applauding her selection – she’ll make a GREAT president after McCain serves four years. This is a fabulous day for America and for Americans to have a woman of integrity running as VP – and a very black day for gutless liberals
She is a distraction to McCain’s message. She comes with a very complicated family life and apparently was a member of an independent party in the ’90s that supports an independent Alaska. McCain chose here over Lieberman and Ridge, because of her anti-abortion position. McCain looks impulsive, incompetent, and naive in not vetting her thoroughly enough and appointing her after only meeting her twice.
With a pregnant teenage daughter, a husband with a DWI, a mother in law that is pro choice, a direct tie to her sister’s messy divorce, and her hunting and fishing credentials McCain sure has secured the trailer trash vote.
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I feel the same way but, the American people are not this stupid or this blind not to see how incompetent a 72 year old man be. more of the same this woman is not qualify .
Sarah Palin is a fabulous choice by Senator McCain and just what the leftist media and the liberals fear most – an intelligent women who is not a political hack, who wasn’t born into a family of privilige and one who has integrity. She has more management experience that the entire Democratic ticket. Obama is an extreme left of center “community activist” from the notoriously corrupt Chicago system of politics and Biden is a political hack who has never done anything other than feed out of the public trough for years. Women should love Governor Sarah Palin – unless they are feminazis, bra-burning liberals or other females who only pay lip service to women breaking through the ‘glass ceiling’.
She is a distraction to McCain’s message. She comes with a very complicated family life and apparently was a member of an independent party in the ’90s that supports an independent Alaska. McCain chose here over Lieberman and Ridge, because of her anti-abortion position. McCain looks impulsive, incompetent, and naive in not vetting her thorougly enough and appointing her after only meeting her twice.
With a pregnant teenage daughter, a husband with a DWI, a mother in law that is pro choice, a direct tie to her sister’s messy divorce, and her hunting and fishing credentials McCain sure has secured the trailer trash vote.
She has common sense and ethics which give her more qualifications than most politicians in any country.
When you compare Palin to Obama, she has had an actual state budget to manage, an army of National Guardsmen, bills that required her support and signing, or veto. Obama has none of that experience. He has managed nothing. While Palin has to work in the affirmative, Obama has passed on how many votes not only at the state level, but at the national level as senator as well. His years of experience have yielded virtually nothing in commitments from him, so how does anyone say he should become president and she doesn’t have any experience to be vice-president? She actually has more hands on experience in managing a government than he does. Not only that, but she really does stand for middle America. Her degree is from where, Idaho, a far cry from an expensive Northeastern school. And her husband is what appears to be a mild mannered person who is employed in a middle class situation. Let’s see, Obama made $4,000,000 in income last year. Do you really think Palin made that kind of money. By the way, since when did $4,000,000 in annual income get to be middle-class? Damn, I missed that middle class boat. Did you too?
Being a Dutch national I cannot vote. However, I can have opinions. I believe he made a ballsy but good choice for someone with at least some management experiece, rather than a few years in the Senate or many years in the House.
The fact that she is for drilling in her backyard is a plus for me. That she is against abortion is a minus. What does abortion have to do with politics anyway?
The more I see or hear Obama, the more a think he is a lightweight flip-flopper and the less I like him. I applaud him for not picking Hillary, however.
Rob
At this point in time, not enough is known about Sara Palin for the individual to make any decison regarding Govenor Palin and her qualifications. As a State Governor, she does have executive experience. What I have seen and heard to date, with regard to her background, dynamism and penchant for clear analysis and direct unambiguous expression appeals to me. Fortunately, the US electorate has 2 and a half months to become familiar with Sara Palin, her beliefs, attitudes, convictons, thought processes, character and leadership abilities. Thus, I would suggest that for all US Citizens, knee jerk reactions are likely inappropriate. Take the time to ask questions, listen and learn. Interestingly, the claim that Sara Palin is not experienced enough to be Vice President, seems to me to be a little specious. Particularly when one considers that the Democratic candidate for President has the same tenure of political experience and has never been responsible for running any governmental function and has no administrative executive experience.
BKM
But why did you not ask about Barack Obama’s choice? Partisanship or what?
If the Republicans win with this combination God help us all. This pick show the desperation and ignorance this party defines as the average thinking voter.
Personnaly I applaud the choice it gaurantees a Democratic win in November
Looking at experience, I now have the choice of voting for an inexperienced person for President or voting for an inexperienced person for Vice President.
I’m not particularly happy with either ticket, but if I solely made my decision based on experience, McCain/Palin is the clear choice.
Brilliant move by McCain. Simply brilliant. Sara Palin stands for everything Obama and Biden do not. She will draw votes by the millions from the Dems while at the same time cementing the traditional Republican voting blocs. She has given many sitting on the fence now a clear choice: vote for McCain-Palin! She will make a great Vice-President in the upcoming McCain Administration.
A surprise, but she’s been on the short list for awhile. I think she’ll be a definite plus. Positives outweigh her one negative by good measure.
It’s not like McCain didn’t think this through. He first met her at the National Governor’s Association meeting in February (not just in the last week or so, as some in the Democratic machine are claiming). Given McCain’s weaknesses with his own party and Obama’s own inexperience, she might be a home run for him. She’s no dummy, either, and if she needs to be a quick study on anything, she will be. Her first speech on the ticket in Ohio was spectacular. She’ll need to be adroit with the Hillary crowd to win any of them over.
Even Huckerbee Giuliani and Ron Paul must have turned down the slot.
I think Romney and Pawlenty turned McCain down. I believe that most credible Republicans with an eye on the White House, are looking to 2012 and want to distance themselves from a probable McCain train wreck. Palin has nothing to lose!
J.
bad choice…..McCAIN TOO OLD HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, POOR HEALTH , TOO MUCH STRESS IN BEING PRESIDENT…..THE LADY IS NOT READY TO RUN THE SHOW…….
Absurd.
No experience
Extreme right wing
Still in denial that global warming is human caused
Palin will clearly ignite the conservative base…. which clearly needed to be ignited. What I like most is the way she has gone after corruption in her state and in her own party— including rejecting the famous “bridge to nowhere” that Stevens plowed thru Congress. To me, the whole Washington establishment is corrupt and I think this is fairly accepted common knowledge among the public that could be exploited during the campaign— especially with Obama’s dealings with the Chicago scene and the likelyhood that he was a direct beneficiary of some of this corruption. He may be more vulnerable in this area than we see at this point in time.
Another thing I like about her is an apparent ability to work with big oil towards a common objective. For example, she helped clear the way for the new gas pipeline to the lower 48 (an obvious benefit to the oil companies)— but, was able to push through a “windfall” tax on these same companies that provided direct benefit to the Alaskan citizen of about $1200 each. No wonder she has an 80% popularity rating in that great state. Could she light a fire under the leadership to get things going in energy? Could she get drilling going up in Anwar which seems to me an obvious strategy given the supply/demand situation in energy. I think she could if given they could get elected…. and if McCain would give her some duties… like Energy Czar..
All this said, it seems pretty obvious to me that this election is Obama’s to lose. You saw the crowd at Denver… he’s a rock star to all the liberals and the mood of the nation is clearly in his favor. I think he gets elected unless something worse than an “America be damned” preacher and unsavory connections with the Chicago corruption, unions, ex-terrorists etc. gets exposed.
Palin is a good choice a for a political change. However that doesn’t not change the fact that Mccain is really to old to be our president. He should be going into retirement not taking on such a important position that will effect us for the rest of our lives. I hate to see a good person like Palin being used or dragged through the mud of politics.
Smart move. Will appeal to evangelicals and hopefully cement their support. Could sway many of the women who supported Hillary and who were outraged at her being passed over for VP nomination. This could be a, and I gag at this overused term, “tipping point” in the election. Palin has executive experience. Obamanation has none. She has youth, Biden now qualifies for Medicare. Sarah Paden’s record as Mayor, her service on a State advisory board, and her performance as Governor of Alaska reflect dedication, decisiveness, and most importantly traits somewhat rare in Washington: Fair Play and Common Sense.
Dazzling brilliance.
She has been charged with having less than two years experience as governor. BO was barely a U S senator two years when he announced his candidacy to be president of the U S. She didn’t campaign for the job, yet.
It’s a bit early in the campaign to fully judge the wisdom of McCain’s Veep choice, but Sarah Palin appears to be a viable candidate with a history, however brief, of working outside and even against the political machine.
Palin certainly helps McCain with a “packaging†problem, at least putting the Republicans on equal footing with the Democrats in the department of “visual appealâ€. Now that the Republicans have equalized the sex appeal disadvantage, maybe the campaign can focus more on the real issues instead of image, though that may be asking too much.
McCain has had a lackluster campaign to this point, partly due to his POW affect and lack of eloquence, but primarily because of his inability to gain support from the religious right and the more conservative base of his party. Palin should certainly appeal to the less moderate element and may again rally powerful conservative activism. For that reason, the selection of Palin was really a “no-brainerâ€, appealing to McCain’s hitherto apprehensive base and uniting factions within the GOP. Palin may appeal to a portion of the Hillary vote as well as a portion of the undecideds, but the real strength in this choice, in my opinion, is Palin’s appeal to the more conservative voters who feel that McCain, the moderate, has been “dissing†them.
Palin has shown her strength of character in the short time she has served as Governor of Alaska. She seems to be a principled and decisive candidate that stands on her convictions. I think she is fully capable of running the country, should the need arise and, I, for one, believe she may be the only candidate of the four that even knows what real change in Washington might begin to look like.
Stephen Seitz
“The female vote” ????? What an insult in this day and age. Can’t women be thoughtful productive citizens without being part of a collectivist “female vote” group?
Personally, I think she is far from the best qualified choice and it strikes me as a cynical choice, particularly with McCain being a Cancer Survivor and getting on in years as well.
I would have preferred Romney or Huckabee or even Carly Fiorina.
Well well, this is sure one way to toast the Republican Bid for the White house! Go Obama go. Would anyone allow her to become President if John was incapacitated or worse?….not a chance….down in flames
There is no doubt in my mind that Sarah Palin is a nice person and go getter. From a spectator point of view, her selection was refreshing and makes for great conversation, as you can already see.
However, as a voter (if I were a US citizen), I remain unconvinced of her ability to become Vice-President of the United States, let alone Commander-In-Chief if McCain were to become incapacitated or die if elected President.
As such, at this early stage, I believe John McCain weakened his bid to become President. Whatever gains he made within the “Hilary” vote, he has probably lost from soft conservative supporters. This race is far from over but McCain / Palin will have to put on a great show.
Keep in mind this is strictly my opinion and the survey may prove me to be the one out of touch with voters.
The good news is that no matter who wins, the White House will provide a refreshing change this November.
Regards,
George
a completely senseless and brainless move. hmmm lets see i’m an aging non sexy old man who has no charisma or ability to charm a nation desperate for changes. so what does he do he trys to put the image in the head of the voters that he is that very thing. false. he’s a war monger and has desire to invade Iran . she is a complete hypocrit . talking about going against the big oil guys and in the same sentance talks about the activists in her state preventing them from accessing oil and gas? she is attractive and carrys a gun but doesn’t even closely resemble the intelligents needed to lead a country as Hillary Clinton would have even though there on opposite partys. personally i believe the Democrats will win in a land slide but i can’t stand the hollywood crowd and that will be revolting to watch. i especially dislike Oprah and her overweight co hurts.
Very astute move on John McCain’s part. She will add some youth and having a female vp running mate has to definitely help with the female vote. She is unknown but so is Obama and although I favour him, Americans (and Canadians) are getting an unknown entity with him and how he will play out as President, if he is elected, remains to be seen.
Her family situation, other than possibly trying to “get” her ex-brother-in-law fired from his State Police position, looks impeccable and although the pundits say Joe Biden will “eat her up” in a debate, she will certainly get a lot of sympathy
if he is overly aggressive and comes across as a know it all when they debate. Should make for a very interesting
campaign and I think John McCain showed he also can pull a rabbit out of the hat when you least expect it.
Unbelievable but not really. Obvious Mcain trying to capture the Hillary votes. Quite brilliant but stupid cause she does not have the credentials. She apparently is a member of the national shootum rifle association and supports all of the other ultra redneck stuff so she passes the George Bush agenda. The USA deserves you!
IMO the Republican party has embarassed America and the actions in Iraq have only continued the USA’s terrorist actions which started with Hiroshima and Nagosaki. IMO , the USA has been the worst terrorist nation bar none. The Shock and AWW in Iraq was unbelievable and one of the most dispicable and unprovoked supposed war actions ever perpetrated by a supposed peaceful nation. Shame,shame,shame,- and George has God behind him in all his actions, so he can never do wrong.
The VP candidate from my limited knowledge does not seem to improve on the previous agenda.
fantastic choice! she saw right through the lefties chess move of putting polar bear on endangered sp. to stop more oil expl. very confident in herself, and very refreshing, even gave mc cain a bounce in his step for a change.