Senator McCain named his running mate today: Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. This is a surprising choice, which was obviously calculated to: 1) attract disgruntled Hillary supporters, 2) project a veneer of youth and forward-thinking, and 3) steal the thunder from Obama's truly inspiring acceptance speech. While I was somewhat frightened by this announcement from the GOP candidate, upon reflection, I don't think America is going to buy this.
Not to disparage Gov. Palin, but I don't think that she has the experience or gravitas to be much of an asset to McCain long-term. First of all, her presence on the GOP ticket is going to steal McCain's number-one charge against the junior senator from Illinois: youth and inexperience. Palin is even less-experienced than Obama, and given McCain's age and health problems, she is going to be scrutinized even more than the usual VP choice. While I believe that she will be a rising star of the GOP, I don't think that her time is now. Looking at her politics, she is certainly no Hillary.
So: Congrats to Gov. Palin. I hope that you have the stomach to be thrust into the big leagues so early in your political career. Your life will never be the same. However, your ticket still pales in comparison to Obama/Biden.
Have you seen this video?
