Gov. Palin

Be proud of me- I actually fact checked an critical and inflammatory email regarding Gov. Palin today and did not forward it. I do relish this point of personal growth and I am highlighting it here for all to see.

Being a woman, you would think (well the McCain campaign does) that I'd be all excited over the prospect of a woman being on the ticket. Well, folks, I had a woman on my Presidential ticket before- granted it was before I could vote but I did plead my case to my parents to vote Mondale/Ferraro in 84.

I would hope that we all come to that point where it's not about a woman supporting a woman. It's about the experience, values and beliefs that the candidate holds that makes me believe in them and supports them.

Of course, being the yellow dog democrat- crossing parties is not an option for me. But I have had my chops busted for this before- Remember the Jack Hatch and Connie McBurney primary for Congress? Experience vs Ovaries....former State Rep. vs former KCCI weather forecaster? Yeah, I backed Jack.

The surprising choice of Gov. Palin for me really highlights Sen McCain's rash decision making. I would be shocked to find out that he really thought this through- and all of the trickling out of the details afterwards, hmm yeah. And, really I think its condescending that thought of planning to put a woman on the ticket would attract women to vote for that ticket- as if we can't can't see beyond the bra. The thought that former Hillary Clinton supporters would migrate over- no way, no how, McCain- she is the polar opposite of what Clinton supporters believe in.

Her kids should be off limits- but if one of Obama's kids got knocked up this election cycle- what do you think the commentators would say?

And I think it's completely unfair that there is speculation that how can she handle her family responsibilities and the Vice Presidency- because if she were a guy, it wouldn't come up. I did watch the weirdest story on the Today show last week about the inevitable culture shock her husband would be in for if they moved to DC. I mean seriously, commenting on how he won't be able to fish or hunt with in the immediate DC area- it's just as stupid as saying that the wife of a VP candidate will have all these new shopping prospects when she gets there.

And I like the whole "small town spunky" spin that she's getting- I'm very sure that there is a certain opinionated, experienced, sharp woman Senator from New York that would of loved the spunky label instead of the shrill moniker.

Who is Sarah Palin? Here's some basic background:

She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago. Her previous office was mayor of Wasilla, a small town outside Anchorage.

Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest.

She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000.

Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.

She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.

She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy. She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as a threatened species-she was worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska.

(By the way- I can direct you to a site where these are cited with facts- check out Moveon.org)

So, of course she's exciting the Republican hardcores- she's one of them. And its fascinating for me to watch those people who once decried the entering of women into the workforce supporting her now.

I'm not surprised she didn't make the rounds of the Sunday morning political talk show circuit- In fact I came across the quote of the McCain staffer that she wouldn't unless they showed her respect and deference. Deference? Who exactly deserves DEFERENCE on the talk show circuit? This does highlight the hypocrisy of the whole situation- when the going gets tough they can pull the whole apron string defence.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2008/09/07/AR2008090702402.html

If ya ain't ready to run with the polar bears, best bet to stay inside.

Hmmm- how long away is November?

P.S. Senator McCain? Senator Obama called- he saw your recent ad and he wants his campaign slogan back....