Sarah Palin: Democratic Nightmare

First and Foremost: 9/11 - Always Remember. Never Forget.

Let's talk about John McCain's VP pick, Sarah Palin. Governor Palin burst onto the scene with a very memorable speech at the RNC. She showed she's intelligent, witty, and fearless. In case you haven't already, go read Sarah's Wiki. I'll wait, I promise.

Good, glad you're back. Palin was a brilliant choice by Sen. McCain. Her history shows her to be very conservative, which is something McCain desperately needed from his running mate to rally the evangelical portion of the party around him. However, she's like McCain in the sense that she is willing to reach across the aisle to get things done. And wow, does she get things done. Huge spending cuts, natural resources bonus, reformed state ethic laws. She has some flip-flopping on the issue of earmarks, but that's no real surprise. My personal position on earmarks/pork barrelling, and I suspect most people's position, is this: It's good for states because the money helps them do things they probably couldn't fund themselves. It's bad for the federal government, however, because earmarks are supporting way too many state projects. So as governor of a state, I have no problem with Sarah Palin seeking earmarks, because it is best for the state. If money is being handed out, grab it, especially if you're a state without a big population. The Dems will certainly try to attack her on it, and will probably have a little success, but not as much as they'd like.

Palin also brings youth to the McCain ticket, being just 44. One of the big things the Dems have tried to attack McCain on is his age and how that would affect his presidency. By adding a young running mate, those concerns are nullified. Palin brings a wonderful energy to the ticket, and it's showing in the polls. Nothing shows this like her speech at the RNC and the reception she's gotten since the RNC. She has become a media star, big enough to rival Obama. That's huge for the GOP. The last real "star" for the party was President Reagan, who was an established actor at the time of his campaign. This is a huge development, because now the GOP can fight back through the media as they have been unable to previously.

Palin has a track record of fighting against government corruption. She challenged both parties about unethical practices and was able to bring sweeping reforms to the ethical laws governing the Alaskan legislature. This is another big point of emphasis for the McCain camp, because they are finally pulling a page from the Obama playbook and beating the Change drum. Palin's history as a reformer is impeccable, and gives real traction to the new McCain position he's the real agent of change.

Palin took on big oil in her time as governor as well, another point of emphasis for the McCain camp. With gas at an all-time high, it's crucial to have someone on the ticket who has fought the oil companies and won. Palin also supports drilling for oil in ANWR, part of the Alaskan territory. She was successful in getting funding for a pipeline that will pipe natural gas to Alaska, showing she is mindful of viable sources of alternative energy. Natural gas is a great source of alternative energy, and her track record of jumping on the bandwagon will only help the GOP push the idea they will find a solution to break the dependency on foreign oil.

The big hits come with her inexperience with foreign policy and the investigation into her firing of Alaska's Public Safety Commissioner. A lawsuit by the disgruntled Commissioner alleges the Palin fired him because he refused to fire her former brother-in-law, an Alaska State Trooper. The Alaska Legislature is investigating the issue, but I rather suspect Palin will be cleared, possibly with a reprimand.

The bottom line is Palin has brought a renewed energy and excitement to the GOP. At a time when energy and excitement within the party are needed most, Palin has delivered in a big way. Palin has also scared the Democrats. She is everything the Dems fear most: a successful, conservative, pro-life female politician with natural charisma and an articulate, eloquent orator. Palin strikes right at the heart of the Dems. Thus, the leftist media attacks have been brutal. They have attacked everything from her teen daughter's pregnancy to her religious beliefs. However, the strategy is appearing to backfire. It seems with every new attack, the more support Palin garners and the more votes McCain earns. The most recent media screw up is Oprah refusing to have her on until after the election. The snub not only strengthens Palin's position, but is having quite the backlash against Oprah. Oprah is supposed to be the champion of women's rights, but allowed her political leanings and feelings for her "messiah" to keep the most influential woman in years off of her show.

If John McCain wins the White House, and it's beginning to look like he just might pull it off, he can thank Sarah Palin.

I hope to blog soon about Bill O'Reilly's interview series with Obama. Very insightful. I just hope I remember everything by the time I get around to it. Maybe Friday, but more likely early next week. I should really start writing this stuff down for blogging purposes later. Anyway, leave your pithy comments and don't be a blooter. Vote in the new poll while you're at it.