Results tagged “McCain” from Marilyn Sewell

One of the most frightening events in contemporary political life is McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate.  Historically, I believe the number is nine Vice-Presidents who have had to step into the role of President when the President has died or been incapacitated.  That is a very, very high percentage and a particularly great risk to take with a potential President who is 72 years of age, with a history of serious health problems.

I heard Palin's speech last night, and she is rhetorically very powerful, very tough.  She is self-assured, humorous, pointed in her remarks.  She is presenting herself as "just a hockey mom"--but with plenty of executive experience to be President of the United States, should that role fall to her.  And the GOP is enthusiastically putting her forward as "one of the people": a pro-life mother of five, a gun enthusiast, PTA member, an outsider to the "Washington elite."  She is going to be an attack dog, and a very effective one, I fear.

Nevermind that she is being investigated for firing a state employee who was formerly married to her sister; nevermind that she was for the "bridge to nowhere" before she was against it; nevermind that she tried to fire a librarian for refusing to censor books; nevermind that she has stated that creationism should be taught in the public schools, alongside the "theory" of evolution.  Nevermind any of this, because of the anti-intellectual character of the American people, and because all too many voters either share Palin's values and/or will identify with her as "one of them."  

Initially, I considered McCain's decision a sure-fire path to GOP self-destruction--but now I'm not so sure.  It may very well work. Once again, they will fill the air waves with fear, and they will say that the warrior McCain will protect us from the enemy.  And the wealthy GOP base will protect their wealth by pulling in the "family values" folks with Sarah Palin, encouraging them to vote against their own economic self-interest. 

Surely this is a crucial time for liberals and progressive thinkers to become fully engaged in the political process.  There is too much at stake to be passive onlookers as this fascinating drama plays itself out.  

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John McCain's choice of Alaska governor Sarah Palin seems not only unlikely, but foolish.  I don't understand his reasoning.  Does he think that Hillary voters will support a woman who is pro-life?  And a life-long member of the NRA?  And does he believe that the social conservatives he's wooing will be comfortable with a female leader--any female leader? 

There are other problems with his choice. Although squeaky clean herself and a reformer to boot, Palin is from one of the most corrupt state governments in the nation.  Alaska is the embarrassed home of the "Bridge to Nowhere," and it seems that every other political figure there is under indictment.  It is not logical or fair that she should suffer from "guilt by association," but it is inevitable that she will, to some extent.

Then there is the fact that Alaska is more than a little removed in the minds of most Americans, and is home to only 670,000 people.  It is difficult to picture Alaska bringing much in the way of votes or national support for the GOP.

But the most significant difficulty with McCain's choice of Palin is that he is 72, with significant health issues.  She is a young and vigorous change-agent, but totally inexperienced in national politics and has no foreign policy experience.  One phrase that we're going to hear a lot in this campaign is "one heartbeat away from the Presidency"--as in, "Do we really want someone that inexperienced one heartbeat away from the Presidency--especially somebody who might actually become the President?"  For this reason alone, Sarah Palin should have been taken off McCain's short list early on.

Senator Charles Shumer described McCain's choice as "a hail Mary pass."  I would have to agree.  It has desperation written all over it. 

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An advertisement linking Barak Obama to high gasoline prices is planned for national cable networks and is to play locally in 11 swing states, including three states particularly hurt by the economic turndown: Michigan, Ohio, and Pennysylvania.  The 30-second ad is called "Pump."  (NY Times, July 22, p. A14)

The script for the ad reads as follows: "Gas prices.  $4, $5, no end in sight.  Because some in Washington are still saying no to drilling in America.  No to independence from foreign oil.  Who can you thank for rising prices at the pump?  (chant)  Obama, Obama.  One man knows we must now drill more in America and rescue our family budgets.  Don't hope for more energy, vote for it.  McCain."  The visuals support the message that Obama has caused high gas prices.

In the first place, no one who has studied the issue believes that increasing domestic oil production will be all that helpful to the U.S. in gaining energy independence.  In addition, both candidates have endorsed alternatives: wind and solar power, ethanol (Obama) and nuclear (McCain).  Many economists agree that McCain's proposal for a temporary gasoline tax rebate would not give any substantial help.  And the cost of oil has been rising for years, because of various economic conditions and political influences. 

As the Times goes on to state, "'Pump' is misleading on nearly every substantive point."  In other words, in plainer language, Senator John McCain, who must ultimately be considered responsible for this ad, is clearly and unequivocally lying to the American public. 

Even in this age of falling expectations, when cynicism is rife, in regard to politicians, I am shocked.  We should expect more from a Senator, a war hero, and a presumed candidate for the President of the United States.  We should expect integrity, we should expect truth.

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