John McCain Chooses Sarah Palin—A WOMAN—As His Running Mate
Posted by: Amelia McDonell-Parry
Filed in:
news
9:30AM, Friday August 29th 2008
Hey! Did you watch the last night of the Democratic National Convention and see Barack Obama’s history making acceptance speech? Pretty powerful stuff huh? Well, not wanting to be overshadowed, John McCain woke up this morning and decided to make a little history of his own, by choosing a WOMAN as his running mate. While Geraldine Ferraro was the Democratic nominee for Vice-President alongside Walter Mondale, the Republican party has never had a female VP nominee. So, let’s take a closer look at McCain’s pick—Alaska Governor Sarah Palin—and see whether her record has the potential to swing angry Hillary Clinton supporters across party lines.
1. Elected in 2006, Palin, at 44, is the youngest and the first female Governor of Alaska.
2. She’s a former beauty pageant winner, having won the Miss Wasilla pageant in 1984—her talent was the flute and she also won Miss Congeniality. She went on to come in second in the Miss Alaska pageant that same year.
3. While she was born in Idaho, her hobbies suggest she’s a true Alaska girl at heart. A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Palin likes to hunt, ice fish, and ride snowmobiles.
4. Palin is married to her high school sweetheart, Todd, and has five children. Her eldest, at 18, enlisted in the Army on September 11, 2007. So, like her adversary Joe Biden, she can speak to what it’s like having a child deployed in Iraq.
5. Her record on social issues is quite conservative: she’s adamantly anti-choice and is a member of the group “Feminists For Life”; she opposes gay marriage and under her leadership Alaska was one of the first states to pass a Constitutional ban on gay marriage. She did, however, pass legislation that granted State of Alaska benefits to same-sex couples.
6. In the last few months of this year, Palin has been under investigation for ethics issues. Walter Monegan was dismissed as Commissioner of Public Safety by Palin in July, a dismissal that he says was the result of his refusing to fire State Trooper Mike Wooten, who is currently embroiled in a bitter custody battle with Palin’s sister. Wooten also says that the government, under Palin, has improperly released his employment files in his divorce case. Palin maintains that there has not been an abuse of power in her administration.
7. A poll released in 2008 shows Palin’s approval rating to be around 80%.
So what do you think? Good choice? Bad choice? Smart choice? Are you impressed that McCain picked a woman to be is running mate? Or do you think it’s a desperate attempt to swing female voters to his side? Tell us how you feel in the comments!
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dinah schupp
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 09:55 am: [report]
McCain could not have made a better choice. Gov. Palin is just what we need in this country. A fine person and a true patriot.
Palin? Huh?
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 09:59 am: [report]
Hooray - she has a vagina. This is such a cynical and transparent attempt to manipulate women to vote against our own interests. She is Dan Quayle in a pantsuit. No way. No how. NO McCain/Palin ‘08.
Leigh Raines
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:02 am: [report]
PR MOVE.
Lo
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:17 am: [report]
The Republicans sure know how to play ball! She’ll help McCain with the women vote and also the Outdoorsman vote, which McCain certainly lacks right now. It’s a frighteningly brilliant choice. And I’m sure somewhere HRC is weeping.
JK
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:30 am: [report]
Very smart choice, this will really help McCain against Obama.
Billy
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:37 am: [report]
Check Mate. She’ll show how a real american can institute change in Washington. Her 2 years as Govenor of Alaska is more executive experience than Obama has had running anything? She has a proven track record of fighting government waste and corruption. Thanks Hillary for getting 18,000,000 votes showing confidence in a strong woman.
Chuck MacGillivray
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:38 am: [report]
Brilliant selection… Sarah compliments John in every category and shows the progressiveness of the Republican Party…..Even Joe will not be able to out talk her in debates…
Jenni
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:40 am: [report]
What a great choice John McCain has made!!! Like a breath of fresh air. I did my research on her and amhighly impressed…..as for the guy who commented in here that she has a vagina….duh, ya think? What an idiot you are. What does that have to do with anything? Stay home and don’t even vote if that’s your imature attitude. She doesn’t need YOUR vote and will do fine.
Kay Owen
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:40 am: [report]
I loved her. I pray they win, and she can run for President when this four years is up. She is a down-to-earth woman—just what we need. Wonderful choice!
george kuczer
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:41 am: [report]
My hat’s off to John Mccain, very wise choice, converted me from hesitant to an actual vote.
dp
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:42 am: [report]
I was supporting McCain but now I am back in the undecided column. Too scary to think that she (who I do not know and have never heard of at all until today) is just a heartbeat away from the presidency. It reminds me of something akin to a Disney style movie where against all odds a nobody becomes president. Let’s face it at 72 McCain may very well run out of heartbeats and then we’ve got Gidget running the country.
simplykaren
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:43 am: [report]
I am very impressed with what I read about Sarah Palin. She’s a strong woman and stands on her faith. What a perfect role model for the younger generation of women in this country! John McCain has made a wise decision. Washington DC NEEDS Sarah Palin! So does America.
bob windsor
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:46 am: [report]
This woman is dynamite. McCain could not have come up with a better choice. She should be the one running for President. I haven’t been excited about this race, but I am now and she has my vote
Mary
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:47 am: [report]
I think Governor Palin clearly represents the middle class woman—-raising 5 children(great “pro-life” reflection), married for 20 years to her high school sweetheart. And, most especially how much she’s been able to accomplish as a public servant by the age of just 44! She comes from a working class, blue collar family; husband a union man; oldest son serving in the U.S. military, about to be deployed to Iraq;—-to say nothing of having that large family and serving Alaska well! You Go, Girl!
The race for the White House is ON!!!!
carol
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:48 am: [report]
I think John McCain is senile…a little known governor of Alaska…wow! I did not know that Alaska was booming economically. I think this is a BIG mistake…Romney would have been a much better choice. This woman does not have the political experience that it takes to be Vice President much less President!! Heaven help the Republicans
George Harrington
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:48 am: [report]
Senator John just hit one out of the ball park with his pick of a running mate, “pistol packin” Govenor Sarah Palin.
George G. Harrington, Jr.
Tampa, FL
AB
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:50 am: [report]
I don’t ever recall anyone calling John McCain dumb because he is not! This choice is pure manipulation of female voters. Unless you have been living in a cave for the last eight years, the best choice for the presidency is so clear Ray Charles can see it! Obama/Biden is the ONLY choice for america right now. Yea she is a woman but is she in touch with everyday americans. Don’t vote on sex vote for a prosperous AMERICA!!!!
Larmartia Poullard
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:50 am: [report]
What a thinbkly veiled attempt to woo women voters..The 18M women that voted for Hillary Clinton, voted for her because she was qualified, well educated and had 8 years of first hand experience in the White House as the First Lady. In addition, she is a current US Senator of one of the largest and most delegate rich states in the Union. Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton!!! The sheer arrogance of her to compare herself to Hillary simply highlights her inexperience on the national stage and the fact that she is going to get eaten alive in Washington. There’s no “moose soup” in DC, just humble pie!
RICK CAMPBELL
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:52 am: [report]
GREAT! GREAT! GREAT! CHOICE THANK GOD WE DON’T HAVE TO HAVE THOSE LIBERALS IN OFFICE TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY. PRO LIFE CONSERVATIVE AND A REPUBLICAN. YOU GO GIRL!
Iris Dockery
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:54 am: [report]
I’m voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin. She seems like the kind of woman that can take care of our country. She’s the perfect choice.
simplykaren
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:56 am: [report]
A prosperous America is a wonderful dream. I’m just hoping it’s not a lot of empty promises. If he can do all that then he is definately the man for the job. Thing is, talk is cheap. Time will tell. My vote is going with the moral values not campaign promises. We seldom ever see those come to fruition. My faith is in God above any man.
Obama/BIden2008
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:57 am: [report]
What a complete insult to the women who supported Hillary Clinton, Hillary Clinton herself, and women everywhere. Just because she has a vagina doesn’t mean she gives a hoot about women’s issues.
The D.T.'s
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:58 am: [report]
I have been a Conservative ever since I served in the military of this great Nation. I have been thinking about not voting because of the lack of leadership the two leading canidates have shown. Until today, that is! Sarah Palin is a doer, not a talker or someone to sit on the side lines. McCain made an outstanding choice and gave me hope for our country’s future.
Betsy
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:58 am: [report]
I can’t believe McCain thinks that choosing a woman will attract Hillary voters. With his age and history of cancer, Palin could very likely become our President. If McCain supporters are saying that Obama is not ready to lead and be the commander in chief, what about Palin? She certainly is not ready. As Hilary said at the DNC, If you are doing this for me, you are doing it for the wrong reason. If someone chooses to turn from the democratic party & vote for McCain/Palin just because she is a woman, then they are more concerned about gender than the issues. I believe John McCain just handed the presidency over to Obama. Obama/Biden all the way!!!!!!!
daryle in wisconsin
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:58 am: [report]
read her bio with an open mind…...incrediable choice! she will be the nations first women president IN 2016 GO SARA!!!!
Hillary's Girl
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 10:59 am: [report]
Feminists For Life? What a joke! Hillary supporters are going to laugh at McCain’s ridiculous attempts to win their votes with such a shallow perspective on what matters to them.
kr
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:02 am: [report]
WOW!!!! Just changed my party…This is one baracuda! I’m totally impressed. She has more experience than Obama and she’s for AMERICA not some political gain…McCain now hs MY vote….
Wake Up America
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:05 am: [report]
Come on ladies, wake up! Sarah Palin is a raging conservative who not only won’t protect your right to choose, she’ll go AFTER your right to choose.
simosa
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:07 am: [report]
are you guys crazy? This is so insulting. McCain’s going to die two months in she’s going to take over.
NKC
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:08 am: [report]
I don’t know Sarah Palin. In fact, I have never heard her name before today. But, I have to wonder how a mother of a 4-month-old baby with special needs could make a commitment like this. Even if she and Senator McCain aren’t elected, she promised this morning to travel all across the US for the next 67 days. Most people know that a child’s first four years are his formative years and that a baby needs constant love and nurturing from his/her mother. How can she possible meet this baby’s needs when she is traveling cross country day after day and, if she wins, become the nation’s VP with all the obligations that position entails? Is she sacrificing this young child’s needs for the sake of her political career? As a mother and a grandmother, I am appalled that she would make such a choice!
LITTLEinjen
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:09 am: [report]
This election will come down to whether you will vote for a black man or a woman. So, are you a racist or a sexist??
WQINNIE
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:11 am: [report]
wow what a mistake ////////
will not get my vote
he is tooooo old and she is toooo unknown / bad choice
Jeff Talarzyk
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:15 am: [report]
I believe that it is a nice pick but not a great pick. We can say what we want, but the reason he picked her is to get the Hillary Clinton voters. The reason (I hope) people voted for Hillary is because we have been shown that she can do what she said. With Sarah Palin we do not know anything about her. If you say she is a great pick and you know she will do a great job. And not just by today but for the past 2 years you have, then great. But if you say that and you have just heard about her today, then think about what you say.
amy
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:16 am: [report]
“Adamantly anti-choice”
Wouldn’t that just make her “adamantly pro-life”. Nice swipe.
V
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:22 am: [report]
So when McCain kicks the bucket (seriously folks, the AZ sun gets you. Slowly but surely.), he expects the country to be fine under the former mayor of a town of 9,000? How is this super pick?
J Fortunato
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:24 am: [report]
The person (male oviously) who wrote “she has a vagina”. Why should that play a role in anything. Unless you are one of those who vote with a penis ONLY, because you think women are stupid and shouldn’t have a place in office. BYTHEWAY, you forgot to write in your name. So can you spell potato.
Amelia
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:26 am: [report]
@amy I choose to use the term “anti-choice” to describe those who are against abortion rights because I don’t believe people who are pro-choice are pro-death.
Betty
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:31 am: [report]
I am amazed!! So Barak Obama is too young and with not enough experience. Well…..........Sarah Palin is 3 years younger than Barak and has no experience in foreign relations, one of the most important issues in the whole realm of issues today. Oh!! I forgot, her husband is an “oil man” How silly of me!! That, is so very important to the Republicans.
Withheld
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:41 am: [report]
People, this one’s obvious to figure out. The Alaskan government is essentially an extension of the oil companies. As is the Bush White House. Palin is an oil pawn and will speak a lot about opening ANWR for drilling and all the usual stuff to keep us connected to oil. Them’s reasons 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,and 10 she was picked. Sorry to disappoint all you innocents out there who are bowled over by her patriotism and abortion-hating.
simplykaren
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 11:44 am: [report]
In response to the person who is doubting the judgement of Sarah Palin for accepting candidacy with an infant son who has a developmental disability…
I respect your views but my thinking is that Sarah has an opportunity to help lead and shape the country and world that not only this son but all of her children will grow up in and call home.
Many of us sit and worry about the future of our children in this nation and in this world. This is a woman who has a chance to first handedly make a difference. And what an opportunity for her children. This will change their lives for ever. I think it would be more selfish of her if she had turned this down and opted for her comfort zone.
A strong woman will do what she has to do and will always make time for her children and those she loves.
She has a large family and a wonderful support system and Sarah is a woman who truly can have it all. Family, faith, career, suceess.
E
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 12:13 pm: [report]
If we’re gonna make this a war on experience, let’s do it. Obama spent 153 days in Congress and, after a little research, I found that he voted less than half the time. So, the minimal experience he does have turns out to be more minimal than we all thought. Nothing like someone getting into Congress only so he can become President. From what I knew, those who serve in Congress are there to work for the people, not to use it as a stepping stone.
I think this is a phenomenal choice on McCain’s part. Palin is sharp and young and has more political experience than Obama by far. I think this is fantastic.
Lynn
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 12:37 pm: [report]
These poll answers didn’t really work well with the question, IMO. I voted that it was a wise choice for him to pick her because he’ll get a lot of female votes for it. It was absolutely a wise choice from a PR and political standpoint, but that in no way means I plan on voting for the guy. So I couldn’t figure out it I should choose the answer I did or “No way, no how, and I wasn’t going to vote for McCain anyway.”
Anyway, that guy who said she has a vagina was POINTING OUT the idiocy of people voting just for her gender. I don’t understand the people bashing that comment and then making the same exact point.
Amelia
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 12:38 pm: [report]
@Lynn Very good point. I guess the point of the poll is really to pick the answer you feel most strongly about, but if you want to clarify your position, to do it in the comments. Polls are tricky to write when they’re not straight yes and no.
Jocelyn Nubel
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 12:41 pm: [report]
Is anyone else feeling third party embarrassment for the McBush campaign? They’re all, “Oh, you’ve got a black man running for Pres? Well…we’ve got a WOMAN!” Ugh. So lame!
Elenele
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 12:44 pm: [report]
This is a horrible choice! I am all for women in the white house, but why did a man who is very likely to have health problems in office if elected choose a completely inexperienced candidate for his VP. Who has no experience or reputation with the senate OR the international community. Come on, how stupid was that?
lilo
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 12:45 pm: [report]
I’m not a McCain supporter, but I think this is a really shrewd move. I guess we can only hope that fears of his keeling over will scare enough people away, given her lack of experience. Maybe there are enough sexist GOP’ers to keep her out too. Hilarious seeing all these conservative people say, “You Go, Girl!” An expression that came out of a gay male culture that so many of them condemn.
USA123
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 01:23 pm: [report]
I will give McCain credit, this was a great PR move for the Republicans, It scares me enough that McCain could be our next President, the thought of Palin bein second in command horrfies me. I am a mother of a special needs child, believe me it is a different kind of child rearing. I could not work a regular 9 to 5.
Chief Editor
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 01:41 pm: [report]
Who is she, indeed. These old interviews don’t really make her seem too terribly impressive.
SanDiegoMark
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 01:46 pm: [report]
Very interesting choice. Smart, attractive, and powerful. Also vindictive, power-hungry, and extremely connected to oil interests. Totally against a woman’s right to choose, very pro-gun, and a Pat Buchanon supporter (now that’s scary!). In my opinion McCain chose her to fight the Hillary effect (see? we’re STILL voting for either a white woman or a black man). And, we’ve had eight years of the worst leadership/administration in our country’s history, it’s time for some intelligence and positive leadership. I’d like my civil rights back, please.
HOPE in S FLA
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 01:55 pm: [report]
Interesting pick, Wednesday and Thursday night homeruns, out of the ballpark- plays on the nerves of McCain, can he cash in on those disappointed women,and those who fear losing their gun rights, (who maybe didn’t hear the common ground idea supporting hunters, but relieving gangs of their guns. Picks an “NRA” woman who sues the Federal gov’t about the polar bear issue (about that- it is a known, accepted fact-even by the Bushes that the glaciers are melting unusually fast—Right?) How do you Alaska Dems and Indepen.‘s feel about that? yea, I like it, Dan Quayle with a beauty queen face. I’M SO READY FOR HER TO FACE BIDEN IN A SERIES OF DEBATES-AND OBAMA/MCCAIN DEBATES-I’M REALLY EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW TO GET ON THE ROAD NOW. If it became necessary, Can you honestly picture her Meeting up with all the foreign leaders across the globe and deciding policy. Oh how I wish Madeline Albright was a natural born citizen—someone with a brainsize on par with Obama’s. Woman in the WHITEHOUSE? YESSS! Not now, Not Palin.
Marc
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 05:29 pm: [report]
A major blunder for McCain. It’s a gift to the Democrats. Can you imagine if McCain dies in office!?
I used to really like McCain but now he appears to be
senile
Max Power
wrote on August 29 2008 @ 05:35 pm: [report]
Anybody who still supports McCain is obviously brain dead.
Maybe some of those gun totting fundamentalist wacko types will like this. She looks like a NASCAR fan except she has all of her teeth.
BOB
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 04:43 am: [report]
Fantastic choice…we need that fresh voice in Washington. go for it.
Joe
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 04:55 am: [report]
Obviously the same people who were foolish ( stupid) enough to vote for Idiot Boy the 2nd time will support this ticket.
It will be interesting to listen to the right wing wackos on Sunday’s news shows. How do they defend this choice!?
I’m a Republican who has watched Bush & his cronies screw this country!
LOUISE
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 04:56 am: [report]
I HAVE BEEN A CRAB FISHERMANS WIFE, SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, NRA SUPPORTER, A MOTHER OF FIVE, NOW RETIRED. I’M SO PROUD OF JOHN McCAIN GREAT SELECTION. THANK YOU FOR THINKING OF THE SMALL PERSON. YOU HAVE MY VOTE AND SUPPORT. TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE RUN YOU ARE IN.
Clem
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 05:05 am: [report]
Anyone who supports this choice would have supported ANY choice McCain made. What a joke!
McCain will get the votes of 1 issue voters and of course the all important “WACKO VOTE”
LOUISE
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 05:13 am: [report]
FYI ANYBODY THAT HAS A (5) CHILDREN HOUSEHOLD HAS THE EXPERIANCE NEEDED FOR ANY OFFICE.
phil
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 05:57 am: [report]
Just because this woman has a son in the army, that is going to Iraq, as do many, many more mothers, can shoot a gun, loves moose meat, fishes and was the Mayor of a very small town qualifies her to be second in command of a country like the USA. Sure, she is governor of the largest state in the USA, but what’s in Alaska , very few people, lots of snow, lots of wildlife , lots of open land, to me that just does not seem like very much to goveren compared to the country, It’s probably is the easiest governor’s job in the country.
Max Power
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 06:52 am: [report]
If having 5 children is a qualification for ANYTHING other than being a mother it’s CERTAINLY not to be 1 heart beat from a 72 year old with health problems.
Grow up!
MariaS87
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 02:11 pm: [report]
Thank GOD the poll results are finally starting to reflect the feelings of the people who read this site on a regular basis on not just the Bible thumping ones who stopped by to champion their gun-toting hockey mom.
Michael
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 03:11 pm: [report]
For those who don’t know Sarah, I do personally. I am from Alaska and have known her for most of my life. The people who think she is owned by the oil companies, The first thing she did when getting into office was to raise taxes on the oil companies operating in this state to the highest tax rate in the world. Then she went after all of the corrupt polititians (mostly republicans) who the oil companies had been manipulating. Is she “pro-life?” Yes! Does that mean she would try to get rid of Roe v Wade? I dont thinks so, more likely to go after late term and partial birth abortions, unlike Obama who wouldn’t even vote for life saving measures for a botched abortion where the baby was actually born alive. While he was in the Illinois Senate a nurse testified about the 45 minutes she held a live baby until it died during an abortion and no help was given. MURDER!!!!! Is she inexperience politicly? Sure, but I would rather have an inexperienced vp than President!
Marc
wrote on August 30 2008 @ 04:09 pm: [report]
McCain loses big time on this. Nobody in their right mind would want her 1 heartbeat from being president.
This is worse pick than McGovern made!
S
wrote on September 1 2008 @ 07:50 pm: [report]
So scary… Palin is anti-choice (even in cases of rape & incest) and pro abstinence-only sex ed… Which apparently worked so well for her 17-year-old pregnant daughter. Thank goodness the kid’s getting married to make it all OK. Yay Republican family values!
McCain’s trying miserably to go for the “lady” vote (like Hillary voters will suddenly become super conservative Republicans because someone has a uterus!? insulting!), but he’s elderly and in ailing health—so we could easily have an unexperienced, gun-toting, ignorant, right-wing soccer mom in the White House. Weren’t eight years enough for you people?
God help us all…
Alabama
wrote on September 2 2008 @ 02:27 pm: [report]
For every evangelical this outrageous move energizes, I hope three democrats or independents come out of the woodwork to save us all from having this lady as our commander-in-chief when McCain kicks the bucket.