I’m a political science professor who posts regularly on Bolivian politics. I also occasionally discuss interesting books, pop culture, and daily life with a toddler. I’ve recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi.
I’m in Boston, attending APSA (the largest American political science conference) & no one here seems to understand the Palin choice either. At least the buzz around the floor seems to be one of “I don’t get it” (though probably mostly because no one follows Alaska politics).
I’m sure McCain has some sort of rationale beyond hoping to peel away Hillary supporters. But he’s in a crouch (yes, the media points to narrowing public opinion polls, but it’s about the electoral college), so perhaps this was a gutsy move by McCain. Time will tell. But so far the tickets are balanced: a youthful minority candidate & an experienced beltway veteran (just flipped, top to bottom). Intersting.
Apparently her husband works for BP. I wonder if that ties in to the drilling for oil in Alaska push? Definitely interesting turn of events though.
Posted by
Mina
August 29, 2008 6:55 PM
I think conventional wisdom is leaning towards the idea that this was a "hail Mary" play by McCain. One thing is certain, it did surprise the Obama people ... though I doubt that temporary disbelief will translate into a permanent advantage.
Shortly after the Palin announcement I got an email from Feminist Majority pointing out her anti-choice record etc. And that's the least of it. It should not be hard for the Obama camp to reduce her appeal to Hilaryites. And she will make mistakes.
Party A:
Old guy for president
Inexperienced one for veep
Party B:
Inexperienced one for president
Old guy for veep
Not a whole lot of differences on the issues and not much will get changed on the "hot button" ones anyway.
Yeah, I think I'll sit this election out. However, if McCain would have been like the 2000 McCain he would have had my vote in a heartbeat.
Posted by
Kara
August 30, 2008 12:09 PM
Yeah, I'm not sure why McCain has decided to do a homespun, mediocre campaign as a response to Obama's celebrity (and isn't popularity a good thing in democratic politics?). I'm also puzzled by the Biden choice; our last "experienced" vp candidate didn't turn out so well (constitutionally speaking).
I'm also puzzled by the Biden choice; our last "experienced" vp candidate didn't turn out so well (constitutionally speaking).
Or ethically and ideologically speaking....
But McCain's best line of attack against Obama was inexperience. He gave that up with his VP pick.
Posted by
Anonymous
August 30, 2008 10:01 PM
Yes, fortunately, just when I was afraid Obama was going to give away a much needed change in the white house direction, McCain saves the day by injecting an unknown quantity into the mix. It is unfortunate that those who vote for anything that says what they think instead of reason and the best interest of the country will support her simply becasue she espouses all the right wing hate mongering and ineptitude that the current administration has fought so hard to entrench into the political culture.
Posted by
robert white
September 1, 2008 1:49 PM
Could it be that the Republicans gave up and are thinking 2012?
Posted by
Norman
September 1, 2008 3:43 PM
Why would they give up? Don't the polls show them being very competitive?
