Posted by
Andrews on Sunday, September 07, 2008 1:51:27 AM
Before I start, let me say that I knew very little about Governor Palin before she was selected, and I still only know what has been mentioned in the press or by those who post on Townhall. It is not that the information isn't out there, it is simply that I think the vice president really isn't all that important. Admittedly, he or she can become president, but in the normal course of things, he is basically consigned to the same duties as the first lady. If it weren't for sitting in the senate and, once in a blue moon deciding ties, he could be called the White House major domo, or maybe the presidential greeter. So I just don't think any ticket will be made or broken by the choice of running mate, at least not for me.
However, I have to say Palin was a wise choice for McCain. Oh, not for the overstated reason that she is a woman, I think too much is being made of that. Nor because she is appealing to the conservative base, as I think the conservatives who were going to be reconciled with McCain already were, and the rest aren't coming back no matter who he puts on his ticket. No, it was a perfect choice because she is effectively Obama's tar baby.
It probably wasn't intentional on the part of McCain, but I doubt he could have done better had he tried. He picked a relatively young running mate who has experience, but not a lot. She was mayor, she has been governor, but she really hasn't had the sort of lengthy experience McCain and Biden have. However, she does have about the same amount of experience of one other name on a presidential ticket, and that individual was foolish enough to make note of her inexperience.
It was just about the worst thing Obama could do, either personally, or through media and internet proxies, mentioning the fact that Palin is "inexperienced". And yet his followers did it, and did it loudly. Not once thinking that if she is far too inexperienced to be a heartbeat away from the presidency, then what should we think of someone just as inexperienced running for the presidency itself?
It worked out beautifully, even if it was never planned. Without saying a single critical word, McCain made Obama's inexperience an issue again. Not only did he say nothing, neither did Palin, neither did anyone even remotely connected to McCain or the party. Obama himself managed to remind everyone that he is really far too inexperienced for the job he is seeking, simply by bringing up the fact that a woman no less experienced than he is, is not experienced enough for a lesser post.
I would love to think that it was intentional, that McCain really had that sort of strategic genius in him, but I just don't see it. He is clever, he is a good campaigner, but he has passed up too many similar opportunities in the past. Sadly, I have to say the most brilliant move in the entire campaign was probably a happy accident.