I have hesitated to blog about politics because it can be a divisive subject, and people are passionate about their candidates. Sometimes it’s just better to avoid controversy. I’ve been itching to comment on this subject for a few weeks, though. It’s time to let it out.
There have been 43 Presidents of the United States. Among them were 9 who succeeded to the office upon the death or resignation of their predecessors. That’s one in five. Twenty percent.
The Vice President is not a sidekick. She’s not there to “help shake things up in Washington”. The most important function of the Vice President is to become President should the President become unable to serve. This is serious business.
When Senator McCain named Governor Palin as his running mate, news agencies had to phone her office in Juneau to make sure they pronounced her name correctly. Most of us had never heard of her. Over the past few weeks, we have learned a lot about Sarah Palin. Some of it is endearing. Much is deeply concerning.
Set aside the inconsistencies between her rhetoric and her record, and shelve the myriad of major and minor scandals. What makes me most uneasy about Sarah Palin is her lack of preparedness on important issues: the economy, foreign policy, education, defense and healthcare. In the few instances where she has been challenged on things that matter, she has done little to build confidence in her abilities.
Why did John McCain choose Sarah Palin? It was transparently political. There were certainly more qualified candidates, but few who could do as much to excite the base. Exciting the base is not a qualification for high office. The Senator chose someone who can help him get elected, but not someone who can take his place. Some people have called this reckless, and I tend to agree.
We vote for the top of the ticket, but sometimes the Vice President must serve. Sarah Palin might be able to sell Air Force One on eBay, but does anyone want her taking the call when Russian tanks roll into Crimea? I sure don’t.
Tags: Election 2008, John McCain, Politics, Sarah Palin, Vice President
September 25, 2008 at 8:28 am |
As a nonpartisan independent moderate, well said. Prior to naming the governor, I was leaning toward Senator McCain. Every since that time, I’ve been more at a distance. On the other hand, Senator Obama is no shoe-in for my vote. Yes … quite the dilemma.
September 25, 2008 at 8:34 am |
I think what scares me the most is how so many people are saying she’s this great politician that can change Washington. They have no idea who she is. We’ve only known her name for a month. And only with kid gloves.
October 2, 2008 at 9:04 am |