Like most people, I was shocked and a little confused with McCain's choice for VP. Sarah who? But then, after a closer look, McCain's choice was about throwing off the undecided voters who care more about race and gender than the issues. It was also about stealing Obama's thunder, which the Republicans have made no secret about. (Someone explain to me why Mitt Romney had a sudden need to visit a Denver museum during the DNC? Give me a break.)
And, on the subject of Mitt, I'm so glad that he wasn't chosen. My reasons are purely selfish, but it isn't easy being LDS and a Democrat. And I really don't like it when political issues are brought up in church. That is not the place for it. And yes, I would feel the same if we had a Democratic president in office. Church and state are separated for a reason...
So back to the running mates. Issues aside, let's just look at the demographics that everyone is aiming for. We've got Joe Biden and John McCain cancelling each other out in the senior-white-man arena, Barack Obama as a very impressive man of color, and newcomer Sarah Palin appealing to the women.
Crafty, very crafty.
Unfortunately, there are swarms of people in this country who are going to be so thrilled with the fact that there is a woman on one of the tickets, that they won't care which party she represents. Yes, America can be that stupid. Obviously, right? They voted Bush in twice (well, once, really, because we all know that Al Gore got screwed on that first election.) I miss Al. America really missed their chance with him.
Just remember, folks. Sarah Palin is NOT Hillary. Having female parts doesn't change the fact that they are of different parties, of different minds, and that Palin is representing McCain as his running mate, not as the candidate. (Good article here on the subject, despite a blaring spelling error.)
Don't get snowed and blinded by color and gender.
Palin still supports the war in Iraq--one of the costliest and most controversial travesties this country has ever been involved in, and NCLB (No Child Left Behind for you non-educators)--the most ridiculous program that education has ever been forced to endure, not to mention scads of other issues that are extensions of the current administration.
As someone who is a teacher, and sees every year the way NCLB is disintegrating our school system more and more, and as someone who has two 1st cousins in the military (one who has already been to Iraq,) it is terrifying to me that anyone of any race or gender should get elected and still support these ideas.
So yes, Sarah Palin may be a dynamic-looking lady, but she's still the flip side of the McCain ticket, which is the flip-side of the Bush administration, which is another name for the bleakest 8 years and sorriest excuse for a presidency this country has ever seen.
Don't fall for it.
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