McCain's pick....A woman????

[beckyg]

This has to be the most interesting political race ever! Wow, my Dad is probably flipping out right now. I should call him and rub it in a little. :D

[EM68]

Yes McCain picked a woman indeed. She is Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. I think its a brilliant choice. It is going to shake up the whole presidential race.

[Vic]

It is certainly a very interesting choice. She's younger than Obama, which I find strange considering how McCain had campaigned about how Obama is lacking experience.

[Nitro]

BBC news link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7588435.stm

Funny, I was just wondering "what if" McCain were to choose a female running mate. Hopefully this will even out vote casting based solely on the "wow, we are making history" factor so that this election can be more about the issues.

Thinking of the isssues, how did abortion become an issue? Hmmpft. some liberal media (!)

[BitterEdge]

Shes a woman which is great...but she is so anti-gay rights it makes me sick.

[ccdd]

Who is she? I will have to look her up. Is this him deliberately reaching out to some of the Clinton supporters (different political stances notwithstanding)? Or is that completely irrelevant do you think? I suppose it makes him seem more modern or whatever. But I don't know too much about American politics...or her...I must look this up...

[Behling]

wow, making a grab for the pissed Clinton fans much? It was a very smart move sadly :(

[Asteroid]

It's quite an interesting presidential race. Regardless of who wins, history is going to be made! But I do hope that the Democrats win....

[EM68]

This is definitely a grab for Clinton supporters who are so mad that she is not on the ticket may not vote. Also she is the only one on both tickets with executive experience. From what I heard is that she is a reformer taking on old republican bosses in Alaska.

[Gerry]

Wow I can't believe there's an African-American and a woman -- and we'll get at least one in the White House. This race just got a whole lot closer....

[Swamp56]

Historic or not, I'm not sure about either one now :( . I wanted McCain to pick Romney due to his excellent economics D: .

[Steam Giant]

For those seeking more info on this mystery woman:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

And wow! Way to completely pull an unpredictable move! She wasn't even close to the potential running mates people have been predicting! It certainly is an interesting choice, and seems appropriate for this interesting election. The feminist in me is tempted to get a girl in office :P but heh, how could I say Joe Bidden, raised in my place of residence for the past 15 years, doesn't net more points on my likable meter ^^

[Steam Giant]

Historic or not, I'm not sure about either one now :( . I wanted McCain to pick Romney due to his excellent economics D: .

As an article I read recently put it, Romney is an "anti-union job killing machine." He's tried to get into office before, but this fact has made him exceedingly unpopular with the working/middle class.

[silentsound]

Palin is a very interesting choice. Her plus sides would be that she is a woman, which, although I am happy for the girl power effect, is bad for us lefties. By choosing a woman McCain made a smart move towards winning over the bitter Hillary Clinton supporters who are threatening to screw over the democratic party by voting republican. She also checks a lot of boxes as far as heightening the conservative appeal of his campaign: very conservative, wife, mother, has a son in the military, strong pro-life advocate, strongly opposed to gay marriage, etc. But is she really ready? My best guess says no. She is younger than Obama and a hell of a lot less experienced, which takes the "he can't lead he's not experienced at all!" argument off the table. Her speech this morning showed her inexperience, she made herself look like a nervous high school student in front of a public speaking class. Not to mention she has absolutely no foreign policy experience, which I cannot wait for her to debate Joe Biden on. Hell, her political career started in the PTA. Given, she is a governor which is the closest thing to being a president, but less than one term? Fresh blood is one thing, but that is pure inexperience. I will be interested to see how she does, and I am happy to see such a groundbreaking race unfolding with a woman in the number two spot on the republican side. Really, I think McCain might just have shot himself in the foot with this one, although she does help his campaign in a lot of areas. So we will have to see, this is getting so exciting!

[Steam Giant]

When the Alaska Creamery Board recommended closing Matanuska Maid Dairy, an unprofitable state-owned business, Palin objected, citing concern for the impact on dairy farmers and the fact that the dairy had just received $600,000 in state money. When Palin realized that the Board of Agriculture and Conservation appoints Creamery Board members, she simply replaced the entire membership of the Board of Agriculture and Conservation.

Source (http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/851orcjq.asp?pg=1) Source (http://dwb.adn.com/news/alaska/matsu/story/9099429p-9015627c.html)

Governor Palin is currently under investigation by an independent investigator hired by the legislature to determine if she abused her power when firing Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.

Source (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20080813-1956-wst-moneganfiring.html) Source (http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/07/mccainpalin_ticket_hits_iceber.html)

Hmm!

[Reaper]

http://killer12137.bulletfiles.com/images/failboat.jpg

[Swamp56]

Lol reaper, <3 failboat :p .

Ya, I'm starting to realize that McCain will probably win over all of the Clinton voters now :o .

[Gerry]

Lol reaper, <3 failboat :p .

Ya, I'm starting to realize that McCain will probably win over all of the Clinton voters now :o .

I'm a huge Hillary supporter and I'm voting for Obama, not McCain. :) Woman or not, Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton.

[panda]

I think it's a move of desperation by the Republicans .

[Nodnarb]

I think it's a move of desperation by the Republicans .

EXACTLY! And I pray that it won't work.

Palin is ultra-conservative. Pro-life, anti-gay marriage, and in favor of creationism being taught in schools. This is clearly a move to get support from the right-wing and try to grab disgruntled Hilary supporters. But Palin is pretty much opposite of Hilary in terms of her views(as is McCain). Hopefully they are able to see this...

This also gets rid of McCain's favorite argument; that Obama isn't experienced enough. Palin is about the least experienced choice he could have made.

I'm looking forward to the VP debate now though, especially when foreign policy is debated. She isn't going to do well against Biden.

This has just been a crazy election season....but either way, history will be made.

[Geist]

Well done McCain :eusa_clap. Picking a woman who not only will help win over some of the republicans by being a major conservative but will also help get those pissed of Hillary supporters by having a vagina.

Honestly if there is one thing in this election I cannot stand it is these pissed of Hillary supporters who are willing to throw away there own personal beliefs just because they can't stand to see the person who defeated there god Hillary gain the presidency. I mean it is one thing to be pissed off and say Hillary should have been nominated and not Barak but to vote for someone who opposes your own beliefs out of spite is downright stupid.

P.S. Hillary Clinton supporters who will now vote for McCain because of this you are being sexist.

[Leigh]

i think its genius.

theyre a shoo in now.




shit.

[Nodnarb]

Here is an article on her far-right religious views:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2008/08/sarah_palin_on.html

She opposes health benefits for same-sex partners:eusa_naug

[pirateninja]

Here is an article on her far-right religious views:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2008/08/sarah_palin_on.html

She opposes health benefits for same-sex partners:eusa_naug

Oh christ :roflmao: I love comments...

In the article it says...

Palin is the mother of five children, one of whom was born with Down Syndrome. She learned that her son had Down Syndrome when she was four months pregnant, and she told the Associated Press in May that she never considered ending the pregnancy. "We've both been very vocal about being pro-life," she said in the AP interview. "We understand that every innocent life has wonderful potential." Palin also said of her son, whose name is Trig Paxon Van Palin, "I'm looking at him right now, and I see perfection. Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking, in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?"

And some insightful person has written....

SEPERATION of CHURCH and STATE !!!!!!!!! PERIOD.....

To quote her about her son " What ios normal, what is perfect" why is gay not normal or perfect but her RETARD of a son is !!!!!!!!!


Political correctness; straight out the window :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:



Ooh I found more! Brilliant stuff:

Very clever move. Will Hillary Clinton sourpusses now vote for an anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-science potential president?

Carmen



Breath of Fresh air? Common sense? ...not even if we were in the dark ages would these statements be true.

McCain has just clearly demonstrated that he is nothing more than the same hate and fear based politics that we've had to live with for the last eight years.

God help us all



Does "common sense" =

Against a woman's right to choose?
Discrimination based on sexual orientation?
Teaching content in schools ("creationism") that flies in the face of ALL current scientific theories around the origin of our planet?

That doesn't sound like common sense to me.



OK, so beyond the blatant pandering to youth, women and religious conservatives, take a look at her experience or lack there of. She has been a governor for less than 2 years. Prior to that She was a mayor of a community of 5500 people.
How in God's name, or yours and mine, is she ready to lead the United States?




“I believe in a President whose views on religion are his own private affair, neither imposed upon him by the nation, nor imposed by the nation upon him as a condition to holding that office." – John F. Kennedy, 1960

She is a female face, that will likely gain the ignorant supporters of Clinton that would only vote based on a vagina, not on facts. The true Clinton supporters will likely stay with Obama. Let's all hope that the women of this country will put aside our feminist hopes for a female in office and vote for the true change this country needs....which is not in the McCain/Palin ticket.
P.S. Palin was a former "Miss Alaska". Although there's nothing wrong with it, she seems to fit perfectly with McCain's stepford wife and 'perfect' republican office he envisions.

[Jebs]

John McCain + Obama's recent speech + VP Selection = Political disasterpiece

This just goes to show just how politicians are just so.... ironic? I think this was a huge mistake for McCain. A desperate pick. He's trying to gain the Hillary supporters (like they won't be able to see that Hillary equals Palin), trying to show he is for.. 'change'. In doing this though, I think he screwed himself with his own party. :eusa_clap Bravo McCain.

[Wander]

Palin is pro-life and a prominent member of Feminists for Life. A 2006 article in the Anchorage Daily News refers to her as "pro-contraception," but does not go into detail on the subject.
-2

While running for Governor of Alaska, Palin advocated the teaching of both creationism and evolution in public schools...
-1

Palin has said she has good friends who are gay, opposes same-sex marriage, but complied with an Alaskan state Supreme Court order and signed an implementation of same-sex benefits into law, stating that legal options to avoid doing so had run out. She supported a non-binding referendum for a constitutional amendment to deny benefits to homosexual couples. Alaska was one of the first U.S. states to pass a constitutional ban on gay marriage, in 1998, along with Hawaii. Palin has stated that she supported the 1998 constitutional amendment.
-3

Palin is a life-time member of the National Rifle Association, and is popular among gun rights activists.
-1

It hasn't even been a day and I already don't like her. What a pathetic, desperate grab for Hillary supporters. My position hasn't changed a bit: Obama/Biden 08.

[Swamp56]

Because of her, I just went from McCain to Obama :) .

[beckyg]

It always amazes me when people say they have "gay friends" and they can actually vote against them having rights that protect their jobs, their housing or their relationships. They are not much of a friend.

[myra]

Honestly, because of his running mate, I don't think I'm going to vote. I'm really against Obama and voted mccain in the primary, but now...shista. I'm not sure. I don't like either now. (What's bad...my mom will yell if i don't vote. She works at the board of elections.)

[Wander]

It always amazes me when people say they have "gay friends" and they can actually vote against them having rights that protect their jobs, their housing or their relationships. They are not much of a friend.

I agree. Although I don't have friends in the government, so when I get something like that, it usually comes in the form of "I hate those stupid queers...but I have lesbian friends, so that makes me okay!".

[SqueakyBubbles9]

Ha! He strategically picked her so that disgruntled Clinton supporters vote for him so that a woman can be VP! =P

[sdc91]

I hope everyone can see that this is clearly just trying to get votes and not taking into account what will happen if the Republicans got into the White House again... not a wise choice at all.

And if/when John McCain dies in office, she's going to be President. Yikes.

[Gamer am I]

I saw one news story where women in New York were polled on Palin, and they said they wouldn't vote for McCain just for her. One women accused him of patronizing Hillary supporters. Looks like at least some people are smart enough to not fall for it. I'm sure Palin was an act of desperation on McCain's part, but I really hope that she turns out to be a shot in the foot for him.

He should be desparate, though; Obama's DNC speach got more views than any event in television history; 40 million to be exact.

[beckyg]

I can't see many women voters for Hillary switching to McCain because of her. Most Clinton supporters are Pro-Choice, a big issue with women.

[Chloe]

Simply a vote grabbing stunt of he is going to pick a woman at least pick one who has experience and who people actually know

[Wander]

Obama is inexperienced! Obama isn't ready to lead! Obama won't be able to handle the White House!

No foreign policy experience? Only two years of politics? You have breasts? Get your ass in here, you're the new VP!

[Ambrosio]

I think Mccain WOULD like his women in the White House "Young" (Compared to his oldiness)

Think about it his wife is like 50, and his pick is 44.

[Samus610]

I think it's great he picked a woman. But Palin is nuts. She is a conservative feminist. I have no idea how that works. She doesn't believe that global warming is human-made. Is also a supporter of abstinence-only education and opposes explicit sex education programs. She opposes abortion for rape and incest victims, supporting it only when the mother's life is in danger. Also supports capital punishment. I'm sorry but what was going through McCain's mind when he picked her. The woman scares me. Because god forbid if McCain is president(I apologize to any McCain supporters), Palin would run this country and we would all be screwed. Like I said I apologize to any McCain supporter, but this is how I feel.

[lcr guy]

You can too be a conservative feminist. It's the far lefters who have hijacked the feminist movement to make it Pro-Abortion, or don't bother joining our cause.

There are so many issues facing women and I'd think women everywhere would be applauding McCain and of course Palin. Even if you disagree with her on some issues--look at all the success she's had changing the status quo in her state-- rooting out corruption involving democrats AND republicans. Not to mention her strong family values and pro-life stance--- so even with her 17 year old getting pregnant, they responded to that in the PERFECT way, the way in which I know I'd want my parents to react if I were a pregnant teenage girl (lol, let me count the ways that that'll never happen, but still!)

She is no doubt a strong woman, and a great role model!

Of the 4 candidates now running, she is the ONLY One with executive experience, being the governor for 2 years (and defeating the incumbant in a primary, very rare indeed!), she was also a very pro-active mayor of her town, and was president of the Alaskan mayors association, or something along those lines. (She actually has more experience than Obama, who has only been in the Senate like 130 days or some such madness. And she's running to be number 2, not number 1).

When it comes to gay issues, we'd have to focus on Obama and McCain's policies. Both are against gay marriage, but I know McCain does support ensuring legal (documented) rights for gay couples, so I assume that means some sort of civil union.

And I think he'd be in favor of adoption rights. He himself is a parent of an adopted baby girl.

[Samus610]

I agree that she is a strong woman. And I respect her for that strength. But when it comes to politics, I don't have much respect. I just feel that he could have picked a different woman to be his running mate.

[beckyg]

You can too be a conservative feminist. It's the far lefters who have hijacked the feminist movement to make it Pro-Abortion, or don't bother joining our cause.

There are so many issues facing women and I'd think women everywhere would be applauding McCain and of course Palin. Even if you disagree with her on some issues--look at all the success she's had changing the status quo in her state-- rooting out corruption involving democrats AND republicans. Not to mention her strong family values and pro-life stance--- so even with her 17 year old getting pregnant, they responded to that in the PERFECT way, the way in which I know I'd want my parents to react if I were a pregnant teenage girl (lol, let me count the ways that that'll never happen, but still!)

She is no doubt a strong woman, and a great role model!

Of the 4 candidates now running, she is the ONLY One with executive experience, being the governor for 2 years (and defeating the incumbant in a primary, very rare indeed!), she was also a very pro-active mayor of her town, and was president of the Alaskan mayors association, or something along those lines. (She actually has more experience than Obama, who has only been in the Senate like 130 days or some such madness. And she's running to be number 2, not number 1).

When it comes to gay issues, we'd have to focus on Obama and McCain's policies. Both are against gay marriage, but I know McCain does support ensuring legal (documented) rights for gay couples, so I assume that means some sort of civil union.

And I think he'd be in favor of adoption rights. He himself is a parent of an adopted baby girl.

You are wrong about that. McCain has come out opposing the right of gays and lesbians to adopt. McCain is in favor of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage while Obama is not. McCain does not believe gays and lesbians should serve openly in the military. The list goes on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=083N2KCELpM

[lcr guy]

Well since no candidate ever has been really a champion of gay issues, why put it all on these two, or four candidates?

I think they are more open to civil unions (both), and also protecting the straight version of marriage, so they are right on the fence helping to find the middle ground for America. Since it is everyone's country.

At the end of the day we have to remember that it's Obama or McCain's administration. And on top of that congress always has a big say in what goes on and could always try and overturn the president's veto.

Besides, many of these issues should be taken care of on the state level. So talk to your state senators or Governors.

Right now the biggest issues are foreign policy (war and energy).

[beckyg]

Well since no candidate ever has been really a champion of gay issues, why put it all on these two, or four candidates?

I think they are more open to civil unions (both), and also protecting the straight version of marriage, so they are right on the fence helping to find the middle ground for America. Since it is everyone's country.

At the end of the day we have to remember that it's Obama or McCain's administration. And on top of that congress always has a big say in what goes on and could always try and overturn the president's veto.

Besides, many of these issues should be taken care of on the state level. So talk to your state senators or Governors.

Right now the biggest issues are foreign policy (war and energy).

Well even though Barack won't come out and support same sex marriage, he is very much opposed to a constitutional amendment So as far as I'm concerned, he's my champion. He's also been there on every other issue supporting the glbt population.

Barack Obama and Gay Rights in Illinois:
Barack Obama supported gay rights during his Illinois Senate tenure. He sponsored legislation in Illinois that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Barack Obama in the United States Senate:
Every two years the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay and lesbian organization, issues a scorecard for members of the Senate based on their sponsorship and voting on key issues of importance to gay and lesbian citizens. Barack Obama scored 89 out of 100% in the 2006 scorecard.

Here's how HRC rated Barack Obama:
Barack Obama on Hate Crimes:
Barack Obama co-sponsored legislation to expand federal hate crimes laws to include crimes perpetrated because of sexual orientation and gender identity. (McCain voted no on this TWICE!)

Employment Non-Discrimination:
Barack Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and believes it should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Gays in the Military:
Barack Obama believes we need to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. His campaign literature says, "The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve."

Gay & Lesbian Adoption:
Barack Obama believes gays and lesbians should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexuals.

Barack Obama and Gay Marriage/ Civil Unions:
Although Barack Obama has said that he supports civil unions, he is against gay marriage. In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."
Barack Obama did vote against a Federal Marriage Amendment and opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

He said he would support civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, as well as letting individual states determine if marriage between gay and lesbian couples should be legalized.

"Giving them a set of basic rights would allow them to experience their relationship and live their lives in a way that doesn't cause discrimination," Obama said. "I think it is the right balance to strike in this society."
Sources: Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

[Wander]

Well since no candidate ever has been really a champion of gay issues...

Bill Clinton comes to mind. Not exactly a champion, but he was willing to go into a minority that most people were afraid of handling.

[RobbIsFlyyy]

Yes McCain picked a woman indeed. She is Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. I think its a brilliant choice. It is going to shake up the whole presidential race.

Totally agreed.
And for the Lesbians, and Bi guys out there, is she not a beautiful woman?
44, with 5 kids, and still looks that good?!
Damn, what's her secret?
lol.
She's a very pretty lady, and will make an excellent VP.
Good choice, John!