So by now you've probably heard about Sarah Palin, our beloved rookie governor, being chosen as John McCain's vice presidential candidate.The news has already made it's way around Twitter and there are already things being said about her capability as a mother (she had her fifth child in March, one born with Down's Syndrome) her political history (she was Mayor of the city of Wasilla) and some of the things she's been facing as governor (people are questioning her firing of Walt Monegan because he wouldn't fire her brother-in-law while he was in the midst of a divorce with her sister).
In fact it's already been the talk of the house for a full 57 minutes. Andrew took Grace (age 14) to school and this is how the conversation went:
"Dad, turn off the radio--I don't want to hear the news."
"No, John McCain just picked his Vice Presidential running mate--guess who he chose?"
"Uh . . . I don't know . . . Obama?"
"NO!!! Sarah Palin!"
"Sarah Who?"
"Sarah Palin! The governor!"
"She's already been elected?"
"Uh--Yes? For about a year."
"But I thought they hadn't elected a president or vice president yet."
"The election is in November--she hasn't been elected to anything but governor."
"Oh." [pause] "So you know who I think would be so good playing Edward in the Twilight movie? David Archuleta!"
I swear, if there were ever an argument to be made for IQ testing at the polls, this would be it.
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Technorati tags: Sarah Palin, politics, John McCain
68 comments:
Wow - whether you for or against you must be very proud to have the State Gov as a VP nominee. That really is quite an achievement.
sounds like Palin's not that strong on education!
Is she a Mormon? What religion is she?
I'm thrilled for her - what a great turn of events. Now, I have to be honest and say I won't vote for her but if she ever wants to change her stance on Roe v Wade ...
I've been pleased with her performance as governor so far, I think she'll be an asset to McCain though not in electoral votes but in image--young and pretty and conservative.
And no, she's not a Mormon--as far as I know. Unless there's a secret I don't know :)
I've got to put my hat in the ring with the Twilight movie comment. Think about it this way - we know what happens throughout it, we know how it ends, and there's a good chance everyone will walk away happy and less than $10 poorer after the experience. I gotta think that's better than politics.
I just read that when I rolled out of bed for the second time this morning. I'm probably throwing my thoughts out like an invitation for lions to come eat me, but here goes...
Since moving to Canada, my political leanings have gone back and forth. Primarily, I'm grateful for the healthcare I get to have whether or not my husband has a job or got laid off when his construction company folded overnight. It's not a perfect system, but it's better than what my best friend in Ohio is dealing with. And I am in Mennonite territory here, so that means I'm surrounded by pacifists who obviously have a problem with Iraq. Coming from a bleeding red state and a comfy suburban mentality, those two perspectives were big changes for me. I think I have more confusion than clarity at the moment on what I think I believe.
So I've been going back and forth, trying to figure out what really matters to me in terms of a Statesman. The absentee ballot that will be coming my way looms large as a responsibility in my mind, though I know I'm really just one tiny vote. But one vote is one vote, and not every woman in the world has that privilege.
I admire things in both candidates, truth be told. But the whole VP pick thing has thrown me for a loop in my decision process, whether it should or not.
I really like and respect your governor, and read up a bunch about her months ago. She is celebrated on a blog I read by a mom with a little guy who has Down's.
But, and I hate that there is a but....
She is a new mom. Of a special needs baby. And she has four other kiddos who still need her too. And there's just that old-fashioned part in my very DNA that cannot seem to let go of the idea that children of all types need their mommies at home with them. I'm not saying that husbands can't be there in a full-time dad status, but there's just something about having your mom there for you. And it's hard to imagine how she will balance flying all over the world with her VP duties AND having time to read bedtime stories, wipe noses, kiss away tears, and cuddle on little ones.
I think his choice is great, because I think she's a great person. I just wish they could have waited a few years until her kiddos were bigger. Running a country is pretty important and America needs good leaders with integrity and wisdom. But kids need their mommies too. Can both happen at one time? (And yes, a similar argument could be made for Obama, since it's pretty obvious his kids won't see him much if he's busy running the free world.)
Call me crazy and old-fashioned. I'm just the girl who bakes her own bread, does her own canning, and tells shocked folks that "Yes, I do work...inside the home as a homemaker and mom-to-be."
So now I don't know what to think. And I'm glad I have a few more weeks before that ballot has to be filled out and sent in.
My husband and I are so thrilled the MacCain has stepped out of the box and picked such an amazing woman for his running mate. This election has just become a whole lot more exciting!
Cool, Palin is speaking now. Today is McCain's birthday, Palin's 20th wedding anniversary and the woman's suffrage vote...wow....
I heard this! I would have never thought it would actually happen.
I think this is great... cause I just love her. She has done some amazing things for Alaska and she seems like a truly good person. Plus I think it was a smart move because I think McCain will get a lot of women vote. YEAAA FOR ALASKA :)
As a mom and a lifelong Alaskan, I am so excited and proud of Sarah Palin. About a month ago I was flying from Fairbanks to Anchorage and Sarah, Todd and Trig were on the same plane flying COACH! Talk about anti-establishment. She let go of the chef in the Governor's mansion to save the state that money. She is the real deal.
This choice should make things interesting, to say the least... I don't know anything much about Palin or Biden.
LOL! Oh, so funny . .
I haven't seen ANY news yet today (busy cleaning the house), so this is the first I've heard of McCain's nominee.
I'm an Obama supporter, but I definitely didn't see that one coming!
I think she is a poor choice due to her limited experience. And after partying with DNC folks last night and seeing the fan-fare that existed, I think this makes Obama-Biden that much stronger. :-(
I feel like I might be lynched for saying this (and I know little about her other than what everyone else already knows), but...
a) I find it hard to believe she's the most qualified person for the job, and
b) In the event President McCain was unable "to perform his duties", is a mom (my age, btw) of young children the best person to lead our country?
I'd be less inclined to say that in ten years...there's much to be said for the wisdom that comes with age and life experience; it cannot be underestimated (the same can be said for Obama).
Totally entertained by the convo in your house, though. :)
Ooooh, yeah! David Archuletta as Edward. I totally agree!
I have to admit that I'd never heard of her until this morning. Everyone here in Utah thought for sure that McCain was going to pick Romney. =) But I liked her speech and look forward to learning more about her. (I thought of your blog right away when I heard where she was from.)
Disclosure - there are no circumstances in the world that would have me voting Republican. That said...
She just had a baby in MARCH? And by August she's already hitting the campaign trail for a presidential election? Umm, who exactly is raising this baby (not to mention all her other kids), or is she planning on taking him on the road with her? Oh, and I'm not being sexist - I'd have much the same problem with a father of young children planning to spend so much time away. Still, mother to a baby and a VP candidate?...
Still, she'd have to be better than RanMassachusettsintotheground Romney. I hope.
Hmmm... Archuleta would make an interesting Edward. His features seem more inline with what the book describes.
Oh wait! We're talking politics. I don't know much about Sarah Palin, but I'm reading up! So far she seems pretty interesting, in a good way,
While I can respect your views Robin there are a few things people don't commonly hear about her:
1. Her husband worked for BP until recently (if I've got my details correct) where he took a leave of absence for family reasons. In essence, there family is not a two-working parent family so she's getting a lot of criticism that isn't deserved.
Second, her children are much older. Her oldest is serving in the armed forces and is technically an adult--she has the baby and then the next oldest child is 7 I think--we're not talking a bunch of children who are incapable here.
She balances McCain in every way--she's very conservative (he's not) as in card-carrying NRA and anti-abortion. She's young, she's attractive, she's down to earth. When the legislative session is out she goes home to Wasilla. Not a private beach in Hawaii.
Everyone who knows her (and I have several friends who know her very well) say she's accessible and down to earth and as nice as she comes across.
And just think--if McCain gets elected and dies in office she'd be the first female president. I'd pay to see Hillary's face when that news went out.
Palin is very well regarded in Alaska as a true common sense politician (is that an oxymoron?). While I like Obama for several reasons, I love Palin. I know that sounds conflicting- but I prefer her moral standings. Yes- she's "inexperienced", but she is one smart cookie with integrity and she really is Anti Good Ol' Boy Club. I'll take that over experience. I would be disappointed that she isn't directing the helm in Alaska- but what a fantastic person as VP. Can we have her as president, instead?!? And btw, she seems to be an outstanding mother with well adjusted children and bounds of energy to do both jobs with excellence.
No offense to your governor but when I first heard that two females were at the top of the list for VP all I could think was that this was completely reactionary to Obamas pick (or lack of Hillary pick.) Just a political game. I'm not saying it isn't a smart pick, but....I guess I'm slightly cynical.
We sure could use someone in the mix that is truly a conservative too bad it isn't one of the Pres. candidates.
(Yes, I'd like to see the look on HIllary's face if Palin became Pres.)
I think Hillary may be seeing red now - pun intended. Go Sarah!
We've been all abuzz at our house today...I'm anxious to see how the next 2 months play out.
For what it's worth, I think this was a great choice. That's for your bit of insight and contributions, now, from your state. Go Alaska!
Oh, Michelle, LOL about paying to see Hillary's face, if Palin ever does become the first female president! :)
It seems to me, that as controversial as it is for her to be a mother of a special needs child, and as a mother of a special needs child myself, in all fairness, while it may be alot of work to take care of children (special needs or not), I wouldn't want to be put down, or thought less of, when I knew I could do great things for my country.
Then for my comment, what I have to say is, it will be interesting to see how everything pans out the next couple months, and I will be looking forward to see what she has to offer our country.
I'd say McCain is one smart cookie to pick a woman as VP !! That will go a long way for him (I think)
I watched most of the announcement and what I saw of her, I liked. Then they ran a scroll ...something about she being investigated for the (wrongful) firing of someone! (couldn't read that fast !!)
I've been wondering all day Michelle what you would have to say on this and hoped you had some insight :))
Thanks!
I am very impressed with Sarah Palin, and I think McCain made a great choice! I don't think he just picked her because she is a woman; she has substance and stands on conservative values. I would, however, have liked to have seen Hillary's and Michelle Obama's faces this morning when she referenced them in her speech...talk about stealing their thunder!
I have to say I don't think this was a great choice for McCain. I'd never even heard of Sarah Palin until today, and I soon as heard the announcement I started reading everything I could about her. I think her inexperience will really count against her (people say Obama's inexperienced, but that's nothing compared to Palin), and with her social conservatism, I seriously doubt she'll be pulling votes from the disillusioned Hillary voters. Full disclosure, I'm a huge Obama supporter. That said, I'm not at all impressed by Gov. Palin.
Maybe we should consider raising the minimum age for voting! :) Love that conversation . . .
That is a funny story about your daughter turning the conversation to Twilight and AI! Hilarious!
Well Cagey, I've heard a lot of people criticize Obama for his inexperience but more criticizing for his lack of substance. Palin has plenty of opinions, you may not like them, but she is what she seems and I can respect that--especially in politics. She may not have national experience but she's shown a remarkable ability to work with people and get things done here since she's been elected. That counts for something with me--as long as you like what she's accomplished.
Haha! Well, I didn't know a lot about government officials at 14, myself.
I am so excited about this. I've blogged before on how she would be the perfect choice. And McCain is old . . .
The first woman president. :)
I have never heard of this woman. I mean, I know who I'm voting for for president, but is she as young as she looks? Well, Quail was VP. I'm rambling. Sorry. This is a surprise.
Reading through the comments, it's nice to hear more and positive things about her from people in the know. Thank you.
As to Edward? The guy playing him isn't NEARLY handsome enough.
McCain behaves very poorly toward women, including his wife. I find it hard to believe that he really wants a female VP. It looks like he chose Palin as a Hillary replacement in the hopes of pulling a few Clinton supporters his way.
Not this Hillary supporter; McCain doesn't speak for me on the issues that matter. His pandering doesn't fool me for a minute.
In full disclosure, I'm an Obama supporter and I'm also from Connecticut, home of Joe Lieberman, who, I must say, even though I'm not thrilled with him these days, would have been a much better choice and as much of a maverick move as this.
I really can't see why McCain chose Palin except she's a woman and she's ultra-conservative and will appeal to the evangelical base that does not support McCain.
I've been reading all sorts of things about her today and watching cable and while she sounds like a great mom, that does not qualify her to be a heartbeat away from the presidency, especially since we're at war. And even having a kid go to Iraq doesn't qualify anyone.
She's exactly as qualified as Bill Clinton was. I didn't hear anyone pissing and moaning about a heartbeat away then.....
Obama has no war experience, Obama has no foreign relations experience, Obama has no executive leadership experience...If we're gonna lob stones let's lob them BOTH directions.
I was super excited watching this on the news today too! I am impressed with her presence.
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It sounds like you don't care for her too much? C'mon, you gotta give us something from your real feelings.
Although I was totally entertained with the kids' reactions. :)
I will be waiting for the scoop.
Ok. scratch the above, just read your comments...I'd pay to see Hillary's face too (and I just backspaced my Hillary insult)
I think I like her, and I may be hung from the other stay home moms who read your site, especially being one myself, but I think her baby will be o.k. even if his mom is on the campaign trail.
You can't hang a woman because she leaves her baby with a sitter while she changes the world.
Some stay home mom's can just be so closed minded. Even the prophet leaves the possiblity of a woman working out there now. (not for everyone, but we shouldn't insult other women because they take a different route than ourselves...whose to say it's not God's will?)
New title for post: Why 14-Year-Olds Are Not Allowed To Vote
LOL...Cute story to share someday and embarrass her.
My daughter is 15. She thought it was pretty cool McCain chose a woman. Then she saw her on the news and said I pictured someone old and I didn't know politicians could be pretty.
We might be in trouble with these girls...LOL!!
Our biggest concern about all this is what does all this mean for Alaska Politics. The Mayor of Anchorage, The Govenor and the Lt. Gov are all running for different offices than they are in. If they all win....which is possible...We'd be left with an Attorney General (who was appointed) running the state, a new LT. Gov- who'd also be appoint. We'd need a new mayor of Anchorage and we'd have 2 very new, very green state congressmen/representatives. THAT has me concerned, especially with the new gas line we're trying to get through. Kendall isn't a huge fan of Palin. I like her a lot more than he does. But, we both agree that she's done what she said that she'd do and she's been working hard. She's charming and likeable. I was very bored with the election. I really dislike McCain and if I voted for him it would only be because I was voting against Obama. It may just be the initial excitement, but now I feel completly different. I'm very excited about it (mostly to see what's going to happen) and I actually vote FOR McCain.
My THoughts....
Regarding experience, she is the only one of any of the candidates who had executive experience (by being governor).
Regarding age, She is similar in age to Obama.
She has a unique set of things that will apeal to different people: son in the military, her husband is part Upik Indian, her youngest is special needs, she is a woman, she is pro life, christian, a NRA lifetime member. I wasn't crazy about the choice (I'm in Alaska too), but I'm seeing the appeal and am becoming VERY excited about it.
Regardless of what party one leans to, I don't see why her being a Mom running for VP when she has young children should be an issue. There are millions of mothers holding jobs. Are they inferior mothers because they choose or have to work? I think it's legitimate to debate where she stands on the economy, Iraq, off-shore drilling, health care, etc. But not legitimate to hold the fact that she has a career and young children against her. Just my humble unsolicited opinion :-)
What I like is that it gives hope to the "common folk" (like me!) that maybe some day they could achieve something great...even become VP or President! That you don't need to be a lawyer or a senator in order to be considered a worthy candidate.
If she becomes VP and the President dies - sure she'll have to take over, but it will be with a cabinet already in place, with strong advisors.
Gotta love a little shaking up of the status quo regardless of your political leaning. I guess you've been selected to be the bloggy press secretary for all thngs Palin! We'll be checking in for updates :)
I'm not sure not being interested in political figures has much to do with IQ. :)
LOL, this is why the minimum voting age is 18. And if you're 18+ and don't know at least a LITTLE something about the Presidential candidates, you probably shouldn't be voting anyway.
BTW, Palin is Protestant (no public announcement about what particular denomination) but is considered to have a strong hold over the Catholic camp due to her pro-life stance.
I loved the selection! We need some good Alaskan common sense down here in the lower 48.
Amazing surprise...my phone has been ringing all day with women wanting to discuss this choice.
While true left and right voters won't be swayed...I do think some Clinton supporters who planned to vote for her because she is a woman could abruptly switch sides. The question is how many of them are there?
Love this! Just made this my new "Fav post" on my blog. Congrats :)
I was surprised by the choice. While she is a woman, her views are so opposite of Hillary's I don't think that will recruit many Hillary votes.
Also, as for having the same qualifications as Clinton (both governors) Clinton was a Rhode Scholar, he was State Attorney General and Gov. for more than 2 years when he ran for pres.
Alaska has a small population with very unique situations and interests. I'm not sure her experience as a small (town) city mayor would earn her a governorship in a bigger state.
She may be down to earth, and practical, but a heartbeat from the presidency. No, not qualified enough for me.
Second day polls are showing that Hillary supporters are not moving over to McCain, and some are even now less likely to vote for him. If this was his plan, it's backfiring. Those Hillary supporters wanted Hillary, not Sarah Palin, not any other woman. And you can't find anyone more opposite Hillary on policy and other issues than Sarah Palin, which will not endear her to them.
Sarah rocks! Watch the video:
www.alaskatravelgram.com
Hi- Nice to meet you! I'm Dorie from Maryland. I landed here by doing a search on the NaBloPoMo randomizer, searching for bloggers talking about Sarah Palin. I think she's great. Just 3 days ago I was an "undecided" and her selection helped me make up my mind.
I think Hilary is probably piping mad about this one.... she wanted to be 1st woman prez but if McCain is the new Commander in Chief and something happens to him... Mrs. Palin would become the first female prez. That's got to have her a little ticked!
I love that Palin is PRO LIFE! Someone needs to represent that and not just as an "idea" or "belief" but she is actually LIVING it because she allowed her little boy to live.
I'm definitely voting McCain (I was before his VP nominee, though if he was choosing Romney I would've been more hesitant).
I was hoping you would post on this. I had to know what the Alaska lady said. I can't help but like a mom of 5 kids! And she loves moose-burgers! I feel like we're related.
And for all interested? I was in Wasilla today. Andrew said I should wander by her house and take pictures but that might have got me in trouble :)
GO PALIN! I cracked up when I read this! Thanks for sharing it with us. Anyway, GO PALIN! She is an amazing lady.
I was also shocked (as you know) by this VP pick! Had never heard of her. I did my reading and listening in the past few days....
Here is what I think: Odd pick for McCain. For having bashed OBAMA for his lack of experience, then he picks HER!?!? (but do not take me wrong, I am not one who struggled with OBama's "lack of Experience")She is a fighter and has an impressive bio. Mother of 5. Doesn't impress me, I DO HOPE She has a husband who stays home to take care of those children; especially with 4 kids and one that is special needs... (I am of the school of thought that A parent (man or woman) needs to be home---though I have not been able to find THAT OUT)...
MY biggest fear was that WOMEN who demean us women by voting for McCain/Palin only because he picked a woman. I do hope that people pick a president not by what sex they are, but by what they believe they can do for our country! I want a woman in office as much as anyone else, but for the RIGHT REASONS....
I am still voting for Obama
I am from the very BLUE state of NJ and am THRILLED with McCain's choice! I cannot wait to cast my vote!
I think Palin is just incredible and an inspiration to working mothers, moms of many, moms of disabled children, and women everywhere. (and, all this coming from me, a self-proclaimed anti- feminist. LOL) Not that I don't support women's rights, I do! I am just old-fashioned, but I can't help but be so impressed with sarah Palin! She seems to be THE REAL DEAL! :)
My husband is a political junkie and he's been talking about her for months (hmmm...she is attractive...ha!), otherwise I probably would have never heard of her since we live in Tennessee. It's inspiring to see someone, especially a woman (yea!) outside of the old white guy Washington/never had a "real" job/ network get in the ring.
I can't wait to watch the debates.
Have you all been following the serious questions regarding the baby Trig and the questions of paternity?
"America First" or "Family First" Which will it be?
Governor Palin may be able to take her baby to work with her and nurse during a meeting as Governor of Alaska - a state with a population of 626,000 people. It is a different story being the VP of the United States. No CEO in any corporation would do such a thing. I think a woman with children is certainly capable of being the VP or president of the US, but I do question the judgment and "family first" priority of a new mother with a newborn having special needs.
When it comes down to it, where will her allegiance be? With the MILLIONS of people relying upon her to lead the country, or with her children, whether they be pregnant, sick or whatever the issue? Will she be in the Middle East brokering a peace deal and suddenly have to fly home to attend to the health care needs of her infant son? She would be a cruel, heartless mother if she did no less, but she will be an ineffective, laughable joke of a world leader if she places her family priorities ahead of her country.
I used to know quite a few Alaskans but right now you're the only one I "know" (I put that in quotes because we've never met IRL), so when I saw Palin's nomination I immed thought of you!
An IQ test for voting might be a good idea...
Interesting choice for McCain; I'm pretty impressed with Palin's life story so far (and all the 'taters were saying how her biggest asset to the campaign was her life story--I can see some other people here were watching CNN).
But on to Grace. This is just part of the reason why we shouldn't lower the voting age any further. More evidence is found in an extremely obscure movie, Wild in the Streets, made in 1968 (at the height of "Don't trust anyone over 30").
What do they do when they lower the voting age? I only saw part of this in American Studies 303, but I believe the professor said that they jailed people over 30. And the conclusion? They lower the voting age even further (12, my professor said) and imply that they'll jail anyone over 18.
Oh, and the psychedelia is also uplifting--the over-30 concentration camps include forced medication . . . with LSD (earned it an R re-rating in 2003).
Can I win the "strangest comment on this post" award?
... On second thought, I don't think I deserve it.
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