View Full Version : McCain chooses running mate?
http://northernvirginia.cox.net/cci/newsnational/national?_mode=view&_state=maximized&view=article&id=D92RHLI00&_action=validatearticle
If this is in fact his choice, I think it is a pretty good one. It should shore up his support among more staunch conservatives as well as bring in some of those who are on the fence in the middle ground. Pawlenty seems to have a pretty strong record of good fiscal management as well as passing some pretty substantial education reforms in Mn during his tenure as Gov. It will be interesting to see if it is true or not. And, if it is, does this bring him enough help in battleground states to win the electoral math or not?
Cliff Hargrave
08-28-2008, 21:51
I was kind of hoping for Tom Ridge.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_veepstakes
Interresting. There is a female senator or congresswoman from Alaska that some people are talking about but other than that, unless it is Lieberman, I do not know who it would be.
I don't think it would be Ridge. McCain is going to need to distance himself from Bush as much as possible and that certainly is not going to make it easy. Unless Ridge is still hugely popular in Pennsylvania or something along those lines.
Interresting. There is a female senator or congresswoman from Alaska that some people are talking about but other than that, unless it is Lieberman, I do not know who it would be.
I don't think it would be Ridge. McCain is going to need to distance himself from Bush as much as possible and that certainly is not going to make it easy. Unless Ridge is still hugely popular in Pennsylvania or something along those lines.
http://www.optimum.net/News/AP/Article?articleId=456281
Man, talk about a slick move. You already have history in the making with an Afro-American potentially being a president but now the possibility of a female vice-president. But the most important play here is the fact that by picking her he's going to try to draw the female voters that were rooting fot Hillary but don't want Obama. What a strategy if true.
Fox News (http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/29/mccain-to-name-running-mate-on-friday/)....
sean_stonehart
08-29-2008, 11:25
To quote Porky Pig...
"edbit... edbit... edbit.... edbit... huh??"
Webmaster
08-29-2008, 11:57
Gov. Palin is a FANTASTIC choice. I learned about her several months ago and thought she was pretty terrific, but figured it would be one of the other folks that ran against Sen. McCain.
Anyway, if you didn't hear her speech, go watch it! If you don't know anything about her, go and do some research. She is a home run all the way! She has more executive experience than Obama and is far more qualified.
Dennis Monk
08-29-2008, 12:05
I agree about her. She will make a very good Vice President candidate.
She will almost assuredly pull on the fence Democrats over due to her being a female. There are still many in the Democrat party that feel betrayed due to Obama getting the nod. I don't care what Hillary says in her speeches to support Obama, she is merely saving face for the liberal cause.
This may have been the best choice McCain could have made.
sean_stonehart
08-29-2008, 12:21
I admit I know 0% about this lady. That will have to change. I can't compare her to the other contenders that didn't get the nod.
We'll see... 80 +/- days until it gets real interesting around the fire.
A pretty old pic but looking good can't hurt either...
Cliff Hargrave
08-29-2008, 13:03
Interesting pick. I have to admit I know nothing about her. I think I remember reading something about her in the past because she likes to hunt. She is definitely the best looking one in the race!
http://www.palmerelks.org/images/wwp-photo2.jpg
sean_stonehart
08-29-2008, 13:29
She is definitely the best looking one in the race!
True that!
Dennis Monk
08-29-2008, 14:56
Interesting pick. I have to admit I know nothing about her. I think I remember reading something about her in the past because she likes to hunt. She is definitely the best looking one in the race!
http://www.palmerelks.org/images/wwp-photo2.jpg
I am so definitely voting the McCain-Palin ticket!!!
David Craik
08-29-2008, 15:07
Oh yeah. Reading the Wikipedia article about her, she seems a very interesting woman indeed...strong convictions, but not polarized. For instance, she opposes gay marriage but her first veto was used to block legislation that would have barred the state from granting benefits to the partners of gay state employees. Seems a pretty multifaceted and complex lady. I especially like the part about right away exposing unethical practices within her own party, reducing her own salary, and reducing property taxes by 60%! Also not shy whatsoever about getting rid of the underperforming and corrupt and replacing them wholesale. I am way more swayed by actual voting records and past practices than I am by the ability to whip people into a frenzy with rhetoric and promises.
I wanted to see her site, but could not connect to it...maybe too many people swamping it. I think this was a very smart choice by Senator McCain. A shame that like our current president she can't pronounce the word 'nuclear' either...perhaps this is a requirement of the GOP.
Looks like either way, this is going to be a historic election.
All good points Dave. I think it is worth noting however that she has even less experience than Obama. Less than two years as a govenor of a small population state and now she is a heartbeat of the presidency? If Senator Obama is going to be criticized for lack of experience, the same could certainly be said for Palin as well.
Webmaster
08-29-2008, 21:10
All good points Dave. I think it is worth noting however that she has even less experience than Obama. Less than two years as a govenor of a small population state and now she is a heartbeat of the presidency? If Senator Obama is going to be criticized for lack of experience, the same could certainly be said for Palin as well.
The difference is that she is a heartbeat away, and Obama is going to go straight into the office.
As far as experience is concerned. As I have stated before, Obama was in the Illinois Senate from 1997-2004. That's a whole eight years. He was elected to the US Senate in 2005. That's a little over three years, most of which he has spent in running for President. He has no significant legislative accomplishments in the Illinois or US Senate and no foreign policy experience. He has also no executive or business experience. He does have significant facts about his life that will undoubtedly influence his governing... 20 years in a black separatist church, over 20 years of being buddies with a known terrorist, and his association with convicted criminal Tony Rezko who financed a sweetheart deal for Obama's home.
Then there is Sarah Palin. She served 1 term on her city council and 2 terms as Mayor serving for 7 years. Palin was also elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. From Wikipedia, "Governor Murkowski appointed Palin Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission,[17] where she served from 2003 to 2004 until resigning in protest over what she called the "lack of ethics" of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders, who ignored her whistleblowing complaints of legal violations and conflicts of interest.[18][3] After she resigned, she exposed the state Republican Party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich, one of her fellow Oil & Gas commissioners, who was accused of doing work for the party on public time, and supplying a lobbyist with a sensitive e-mail.[19] Palin filed formal complaints against both Ruedrich and former Alaska Attorney General Gregg Renkes, who both resigned; Ruedrich paid a record $12,000 fine." In 2006 she was elected as Governor of Alaska.
The bottom line is that both her and Obama are weak in experience, but the experience that have is very different from each other. Obama has legislative experience which he exercised by often voting "present" in the Illinois Senate, but no executive experience. He associates with question individuals.
Sarah Palin has limited legislative experience, but she does have 9 years of executive experience and has had to actually make actual decisions. Rather than associating with those of questionable repute, she has actively worked to expose and get rid of them.
Governor Palin is just as experienced as Obama but the difference is that she'll be the number 2 on the ticket and not the candidate for President.
I don't think the women who were supporting Hillary Clinton were doing so simply because she's a woman and I think it is insulting to suggest that. So I don't think they get quite the long-term boost some Republicans seem to expect.
That said she seems ethical, smart and charismatic and it is nice to have candates who can actually deliver speeches! While I doubt that I'll be voting for them, I will say the McCain/Palin ticket doesn't make my skin crawl the way the Bush/Cheney ticket did.
Jonathan Randall
08-30-2008, 02:25
She appears to be an outstanding choice that reflects well upon Senator McCain's judgment and political acumen. If only Republican Administrations weren't so successful at being fiscally irresponsible (Democrat Administrations give it their best shot but are usually blocked by Republicans in Congress) and were a President McCain not so likely to give unrealistic and ultimately unenforceable security guarantees to Eastern European countries in Russia's orbit, I would probably vote for the two of them.
Still, she does sound pretty good...
I don't think the women who were supporting Hillary Clinton were doing so simply because she's a woman and I think it is insulting to suggest that. So I don't think they get quite the long-term boost some Republicans seem to expect.
As insulting as Newsweek saying that if us white folk don't vote for Obama we are racist? http://www.newsweek.com/id/155117/page/2n :rolleyes:
Debra, I think it is naive to think that many, many people DON'T vote for candidates for ridiculous reasons. I am certain there is a very large number of blacks who are voting for Obama because he is half-black. We have a LOT of idiots in this country who are registered to vote. A sizable enough percentage of idiots that politicians feel the need to woo idiots.
Look at Obama's campaigning. He uses tactics to specifically attract idiots. I am not criticizing the procedure; it is necessary for him to do so. If you can't sell substance to the crowd, the idiots will step right up for their free glass of Cool-Aid. McCain is doing his own idiot-wooing too - in spite of the fact that he has far more substance and far more BALLS to actually state how he expects to pay for and accomplish his goals as President of the US.
Idiots are a pretty large voting demographic in this country. McCain can't let Obama get ALL of those votes, with his mantric chants for "change" and his empty rhetoric that seems to turn the idiots into adoring zombies. McCain has to compete for those votes too.
I will be curious if there will be any meaningful polls of female voters within the next few days or weeks, to see if their is a noticeable increase in his female supporters. Let's keep an eye on it. If there is not, then I will publicly admit, as an apology to you, that I am the idiot! :D
Good luck to you on your apparently-pending Gustav deployment. I may be seeing you out there in the field on this one.
Jeff Cook
http://www.jackbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/sarah-palin-vogue-magazine.jpg
Jeff Cook
Dennis Monk
08-30-2008, 06:59
I don't think the women who were supporting Hillary Clinton were doing so simply because she's a woman and I think it is insulting to suggest that.
Debra, I'm sorry if you feel that way. The fact is that literally hundreds or possibly thousands of women have been polled and interviewed over the last couple of years and made the very statement that they would support Hillary for president because she is a woman, and that they felt that she had women's interests at heart. I would sooner eat my high school football cleats than vote for Hillary for president, but these women were voicing their opinions. That is their right isn't it. People can like anyone they want for whatever reason they want. My grandparents like McCain because he is closer to their generation than any other candidate, scary I know, but nonetheless a valid point.
I still am not a huge fan of McCain and may never be, however we will have a ticket which most closely endorses my personal concerns:
Right to life
Right to keep and bear arms
Strong national defense
Lower taxes
and with Mrs. Palin, I think corrupt officials on either side will be sweating
I'm not much of a Hilary fan either - as you may recall from this post back in January regarding her:
Nyah. She's too devisive within the Democratic party to win the nomination. Too much baggage. My prediction the nominee will be a non-white male, maybe Obama but I think it'll be a "dark-horse" that nobody has heard of yet.
Without a doubt some people cast votes for strange reasons but, I also think that many people will say just about anything to get thier "15 minutes" in front of a camera. When it comes down to the actual act of voting I suspect that gender will play a role in canditate selection but, it won't be the only factor and it might not even be the largest factor.
As insulting as Newsweek saying that if us white folk don't vote for Obama we are racist? http://www.newsweek.com/id/155117/page/2n
Yep. I think I gave up on reading Newseek and Time around the 7th grade. Now I remember why. :D:
and with Mrs. Palin, I think corrupt officials on either side will be sweating
I think you are absolutely right about that.
Good luck to you on your apparently-pending Gustav deployment. I may be seeing you out there in the field on this one.
A lowly professional beurocrat like me will probably be put on an military base somewhere about 200 miles outside the predicted cone managing paper if I get deployed. Seriously though - take care guys and I'm still praying Gustav putters out over the Gulf.
It's a couple weeks old, but something I think you'll appreciate:
www.jibjab.com
It's a long way to November.
That was excellent Deb! :laugh:
Peace
Dennis
Jonathan Randall
08-30-2008, 13:08
I will go out on a limb here and say that, yes, her being a woman has made me pay closer attention to her that I might otherwise have. So, yes, her sex has influenced (positively), my political perception of her. Also, I did so want a woman President - finally! - but NOT Senator Clinton! If Governor Palin headed her ticket, I would probably vote for her (based upon her record of integrity).
The thing that really ticks me off is that Senator McCain has shot himself in the foot so often over the past ten years (Big Government voting) that, given his record of service and courage, he should otherwise be a shoo-in for President while Senator Obama should only now be preparing for his first real committee chairmanship in the Senate, or perhaps a position in a Democratic Administration as an Undersecretary of something.
Still, good move on Sen. McCain's part. Very astute and very original. This is the kind of thinking that exemplifies his best attributes. If only he hadn't so lost his way and if only Republican Administrations weren't so darn fiscally irresponsible...
BOY......ummm....what are your stances on....um.....can I buy you a drink?
To be honest, I believe that anyone with LESS experience in politics is probably closer to the people and a better choice. That is, it doesn't mean they are "politically ignorant" but does mean that they are used to calling it straight instead of making deals with the devil. Not always true, but some untainted souls are really what we need in politics right now.
Yes Russ; it is pretty obvious that we run the risk of electing a tainted Obama, as he has been associating with some extremely radical folks he still claims to have friendly relationships with. I would say he HAS been tainted, by the way he has handled questions about those associations.
I think McCain has been tainted too, but by less nefarious people.
Jeff Cook
David Craik
08-31-2008, 09:59
Wasn't it Sun Tzu who said 'ministers and white jackets are always best when new'?
Alas, they both become soiled so easily.
Jonathan Randall
08-31-2008, 21:05
I have a feeling that the combination of this shrewd choice in running mates as well as both Bush/McCain's determination NOT to allow another Katrina type debacle may very well alter the course of this election. That may not be a bad thing, because the more I hear about Senator Obama's political bedfellows, the less I like his candidacy.
http://www.jackbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/sarah-palin-vogue-magazine.jpg
Jeff Cook
If only that were real, they would have the vote of every red blooded American male and a few females?! Let's hope McCain's decision works. She is still hotter than Condalisa Rice. :D
Webmaster
08-31-2008, 22:46
If only that were real, they would have the vote of every red blooded American male and a few females?! Let's hope McCain's decision works. She is still hotter than Condalisa Rice. :D
Nick, it IS real. She really did an interview and cover shoot for Vogue.
http://www.style.com/vogue/feature/090108VFEA/
Nick, it IS real. She really did an interview and cover shoot for Vogue.
http://www.style.com/vogue/feature/090108VFEA/
Holy frioles, she is all that and a bag of Zapp's Tiger Tators. My vote is sealed.
GRWMMAolddude
09-01-2008, 10:10
Holy frioles, she is all that and a bag of Zapp's Tiger Tators. My vote is sealed.
She is the real deal however the "cover photo" is not [ref] (http://www.thekokon.com/) :cry:
Toby Threadgill
09-02-2008, 10:07
Hot off the wires,
John McCains picks his Secretary of State.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZABeQ5vkpXM&feature=rec-fresh
:D
ummm...like....ummm... are you for rea-yal?
STORMCROW34
09-02-2008, 12:29
I don't think the women who were supporting Hillary Clinton were doing so simply because she's a woman and I think it is insulting to suggest that. So I don't think they get quite the long-term boost some Republicans seem to expect.
I don't know about you, and I can't speak for all women. But the women that I have personally conversed with about this months ago, (who are relatives, co-workers, my wife and friends of my wife) say that they would vote for Hillary if she was nominated. When I asked why, they all pretty much indicated that it is because she is a woman. But that's just been my experience. I am sure there are plenty of people out there that admire Mrs. Clinton for her experience, strong moral fiber and charisma.
Jay Bell
09-02-2008, 12:49
I don't know about you, and I can't speak for all women. But the women that I have personally conversed with about this months ago, (who are relatives, co-workers, my wife and friends of my wife) say that they would vote for Hillary if she was nominated. When I asked why, they all pretty much indicated that it is because she is a woman. But that's just been my experience. I am sure there are plenty of people out there that admire Mrs. Clinton for her experience, strong moral fiber and charisma.
I read a poll this morning that said that 9% of females that backed Hillary would now vote for McCain. The saddening part of that is that Pulin could not be more polar opposite to Hillary across the board...so yes...it comes down to "because she's a woman".
They should get thrown into the "too dumb to vote" pile.
Toby Threadgill
09-02-2008, 15:55
I read a poll this morning that said that 9% of females that backed Hillary would now vote for McCain. The saddening part of that is that Pulin could not be more polar opposite to Hillary across the board...so yes...it comes down to "because she's a woman".
They should get thrown into the "too dumb to vote" pile.
Agreed...
And what percentage of white males do you suppose wouldn't vote for ANY woman to be president regardless of qualifications?
And what percentage of white Americans wouldn't vote for ANY black man regardless of his qualifications?
And what percentage of Republicans are so blinded by ideology that they wouldn't cross party lines to vote for a superior Democratic candidate?
And what percentage of Democratics are so blinded by ideology that they wouldn't cross party lines to vote for a superior Republican candidate?
The "too dumb to vote pile" is pretty deep and broad in my experience.
Toby Threadgill
Jay Bell
09-02-2008, 16:00
I'm with you...it's maddening.
"Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried." — Winston Churchill
:(
So far, Gov. Palin's addition to the ticket seems to be paying off.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-07-poll_N.htm
I have mixed feelings on this. I want McCain to win as I am deadset against Senator Obama. However, I disagree with Mrs. Palin some substantial issues, so do not like the idea of her being in the White House a hair's breadth away from the Presidency...
AndrewSimonsen
09-08-2008, 18:06
Out of curiosity what do you disagree with.
Out of curiosity what do you disagree with.
I disagree with her primarily on environmental issues and energy policy. I also do not like her using "God's will" as justification for the war in Iraq.
The more I see how things are playing out the more I think that Palin has had her 15 minutes and now she is a detriment rather than a help. Several news sources have run stories suggesting that many conservatives have gone so far as to call McCain and express concern about Palin's obvious lack of experience and its influence on the ticket. One example aired by CNN showed a conservative activist pleading with Palin to withdraw for personal reasons for the good of the country. I know that McCain himself has had to retract statements made by Palin on more than one occasion including a huge gaff when she echo'd Obama's position that we should attack inside of Pakistan. The most recent one took place when she was getting a cheese steak and was asked a simple question on the war on terror by a college student. Obama can afford some gaffs from Biden as he is leading in the polls and Biden is far more experienced politically then Palin is. At this stage of the game, just over a month out from the election, I do not believe that McCain has the margin for error that he can take any hits coming from his running mate. Furthermore, McCain has made his name on being willing to cross party lines and in being more of a centrist than a hard right conservative. She is obviously much more conservative then he is and they are known to disagree on many issues. I believe that many people who were drawn to McCain because of that centrist appeal are turned off by his pick of someone who is that much further to the right of the party politically.
The charm has worn off by this point. If McCain loses, much of the blame will go on his VP selection. Her pick was a sop to right wing conservatives (who were voting for McCain anyway no matter how much they were pissing and moaning at the time) and to women in an attempt to grab some of Clinton's disillusioned supporters.
Unfortunately, I think she will end up being remembered as the anchor that pulled him down. I sincerely hope that does not happen as I really do not want to see what an Obama/Biden presidency will look like...
http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/29/will-mccain-ask-sarah-palin-to-step-down/
http://townhall.com/columnists/KathleenParker/2008/09/26/the_palin_problem
Rasputin
09-29-2008, 12:43
All I can say is this: if this collective group of individuals (on both sides) is the cream of the crop--the absolute best that the American democratic process can dredge up to lead us further into the 21st century, then I give up.
Vote Monarchy in 2008.
All I can say is this: if this collective group of individuals (on both sides) is the cream of the crop--the absolute best that the American democratic process can dredge up to lead us further into the 21st century, then I give up.
Vote Monarchy in 2008.
You can have our's if you want!
The push in Oz is to go to a Republic when the Queen Abdicates. You can have Charles if you want. :laugh:
Looking at the Couric interview with Palin, it was embarassing to see how little Palin grasped. She's on good money yet struggles to talk coherently on subjects she should understand.
Disturbing.
We-are-doomed. I'm going to start walking around town with "The End Is Nigh" sign. BTW....who would make a good king??
who would make a good king??
Someone who would never want the job...
Webmaster
09-29-2008, 20:26
Someone who would never want the job...
Oh, well don't look at me. I am content being your benevolent dictator. However, if I were king, the lawyers will be powering our power plants for the next year or so. :D
Oh, well don't look at me. I am content being your benevolent dictator. However, if I were king, the lawyers will be powering our power plants for the next year or so. :D
Alternate source of energy? ;) :D
Webmaster
09-29-2008, 20:29
Alternate source of energy? ;) :D
Certainly lots of hot air!
Oh, well don't look at me. I am content being your benevolent dictator. However, if I were king, the lawyers will be powering our power plants for the next year or so. :D
:notworthy:
Funny, I was thinking of nominating you!
That's it.....
My vote is going to Cthulhu.
He has a stand on the issues....
http://www.cthulhu.org/
Even if you could find two competent, honest people in the country with the experience to be President and V.P., then your next problem would be to convince to accept the nomination. With all the muck raking that is our political process with apparently no accusation too heinous to use, why would people want to subject themselves' to that?
Peace
Dennis
starkjudo
09-30-2008, 10:41
I think Palin's test won't really come until the debate. Let's compare side by side and see how it really looks.
Personally, though, right now I think I'd rather suspend the 3 branches and put Ron Paul, Bob Barr and John Stossel in place as Proconsuls.
Maybe someone can sue that the GOP and DNC constitute an illegal duopoly?
nismophreek
09-30-2008, 10:49
I like the philosophy of one of our tribal elders. "Everyone should take a politician and shoot them. If you are an elected official you are included, and if you are appointed by an elected official, you will be shot as well."
Works for me! :up: :laugh:
This is just about incoherent....maybe she was nervous but her answer on the bailout is total gibberish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txfqWzGMgmY
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