Palin-McCain 2008!
I have mixed views about McCain’s pick. My prediction was Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, which I think could have flipped Minnesota to the Republican side. That still could happen even without Pawlenty, and it would be great to see a reliably Dem state go Red this year. Palin lacks experience and, by picking her McCain seems to undermine his own attacks on Obama for inexperience.
However, there are many plusses. The obvious being the female factor. Winning women voters over is very critical for a McCain victory. They also complement each other as fellow Mavericks who may be able to steal the mantle of change away from BO. I also see this pick as a counter-offensive in the West. Obama has spent an unusual amount of time in Montana and Colorado. These are states that are generally Republican, but trending the wrong direction. By selecting a solid Westerner who understands the people of this area, I think McCain can hold off Obama’s offensive in these states.
Of course on ideology she is pleasing to the Republican base for the most part. McCain would have picked Kay Bailey Hutchison if she were no pro-choice on abortion. Hutchison would have been better for her experience, but would have alienated the religious right.
The best aspect of the selection was that it stole the media attention from Obama just after the convention. That in itself is enough.
Tags: McCain, Palin, Republicans
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