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Even seasoned Republicans were shocked at this risky choice and even though most begrudgingly hailed his choice, the irony of making an obviously politically tilted choice while standing in front of a podium that held a sign Country First was not lost on everyone. I will not harp on the obvious shortcomings (and there are many!) of an obviously less qualified person to be a missed heartbeat away from the highest office of the land but instead focus on McCain’s decision to do so.
Firstly, winning the news cycle after Obama’s widely appreciated speech was a primary factor in the decision and creating waves by picking someone who wasn’t on the shortlist probably achieved that objective. I always thought this selection was more about winning the election or better still, anointing someone qualified and experience to take over your job in case you kicked the bucket. Given McCain’s age and health, the latter point is not an improbability and even the candidate has hinted at a one-term presidency. Secondly, as everyone astutely observes, Palin’s gender is by no means a coincidence. But to select a woman with almost all diametrically opposite opinions to Clinton just to attract those who voted for Clinton is far more insulting to women than any media bias that might have been perpetuated during the primaries. Palin’s insinuation that she could shatter the glass ceiling that Clinton made eighteen million cracks in is disingenuous simply because Clinton fought hard to be elected whereas Palin stood by to be selected. But then again, Palin is attempting to be a feminist icon simply because McCain’s campaign wants her to be and I’m sure feminists or for that matter any woman doesn’t appreciate that.
Thirdly, given the various issues and concerns that are being discovered now in Palin’s past, you have to ask if McCain’s vetting process had any teeth. It is shown that he spoke to Palin only thrice; all of which was in the capacity of selecting her as a Veep. The first time was in February when he spoke for fifteen minutes and the second time was to offer her the spot. My interview for an assistantship at the university lasted more time than that and I always thought that the Veep was supposed to be a trusted individual. I can imagine that slap to Romney, Pawlenty, Leiberman, Crist, Graham, and his other loyalists who have stood by him would have stung bad.
A brief jaunt around the political blogosphere, left and right, will give you enough fodder to mull over on what exactly was McCain thinking. But considering that this country votes more enthusiastically for American Idol and the Apprentice, I assume he is counting on just that sort of thinking from the American people. And he may just be right. I just hope he is not. For sake of America.
by Patrix | on Monday, September 1st, 2008 at 10:41 am | 
Current Affairs, Politicking, United States . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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September 1st, 2008 at 11:26 am reply
Also add ‘for sake of the world’.
September 1st, 2008 at 12:59 pm reply
Anil, yup! That too but I would think Americans would rather first think about itself themselves.