2008 Woodie Awards
McCain's pick, in the mix
Hannah Nelson, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: Editorial / Opinion
It's clear as day that Sarah Palin has the two things John McCain was lacking in his campaign against Barack Obama. She has youth and she's a minority in regards to the historically male presidential profile.
As a knee-jerk, McCain's pick was looking like a shameless ploy to steal the Hillary Clinton fans, an offensive insinuation.
It was an obvious and clever move on McCain's part to get his share of diversity on the ticket. But the choice of Palin cancels out the McCain claim to experience. Honestly, plug the responsibilities and merits of being a mayor all you want, or have Rudy Giuliani do it for you, but zero foreign policy experience is zero foreign policy experience whichever way you flip the coin. While Palin may make McCain's strongest issue difficult to keep strong, she challenges Obama's history-in-the-making power. She wasn't chosen for her experience, but McCain more than makes up for that. Actually, McCain could choose her because of the conservative claims of Obama's lack experience.
The ticket alone makes history, but the implied stigma of a working mother as the United States president's right hand is baffling. Glass ceilings were made to be broken. But Palin's continuous reminders of being the Average Jane, such as her bragging about moose-hunting abilities, are overkill. They attempt to make the prospective Vice President attractive, or qualified, in the eyes of voters.
Yes, we get it; you're the Alaskan equivalent of the Middle America soccer mom archetype. But the last thing I want in a veep is "7th Heaven" family values.
Palin being a self-declared feminist is something I find hard to swallow. To abide by Occam's razor, I'll give my simplest explanation, which also happens to be a well-worn, somewhat tired one. In order to be a political feminist, it is my belief and a highly debated, refuted, and controversial one, that to hold that title means holding the belief that pro-choice abortion rights are women's rights. Oh yes, there are many reading this who are already suffering from itching fingers, ready to curse me out on that statement and that is your right as a reader.
As a knee-jerk, McCain's pick was looking like a shameless ploy to steal the Hillary Clinton fans, an offensive insinuation.
It was an obvious and clever move on McCain's part to get his share of diversity on the ticket. But the choice of Palin cancels out the McCain claim to experience. Honestly, plug the responsibilities and merits of being a mayor all you want, or have Rudy Giuliani do it for you, but zero foreign policy experience is zero foreign policy experience whichever way you flip the coin. While Palin may make McCain's strongest issue difficult to keep strong, she challenges Obama's history-in-the-making power. She wasn't chosen for her experience, but McCain more than makes up for that. Actually, McCain could choose her because of the conservative claims of Obama's lack experience.
The ticket alone makes history, but the implied stigma of a working mother as the United States president's right hand is baffling. Glass ceilings were made to be broken. But Palin's continuous reminders of being the Average Jane, such as her bragging about moose-hunting abilities, are overkill. They attempt to make the prospective Vice President attractive, or qualified, in the eyes of voters.
Yes, we get it; you're the Alaskan equivalent of the Middle America soccer mom archetype. But the last thing I want in a veep is "7th Heaven" family values.
Palin being a self-declared feminist is something I find hard to swallow. To abide by Occam's razor, I'll give my simplest explanation, which also happens to be a well-worn, somewhat tired one. In order to be a political feminist, it is my belief and a highly debated, refuted, and controversial one, that to hold that title means holding the belief that pro-choice abortion rights are women's rights. Oh yes, there are many reading this who are already suffering from itching fingers, ready to curse me out on that statement and that is your right as a reader.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
David Hunt
posted 9/08/08 @ 6:19 AM EST
Ms. Nelson is right, my fingers are twitching.
The venom that has been written about Governor Sarah Palin's nomination is truly nothing short of astonishing. (Continued…)
Ed
posted 9/08/08 @ 9:55 AM EST
Three points:
First, there is a distinction made between those who have placed themselves in the public sphere and those who are just related to them. (Continued…)
Alum '75 & '79
posted 9/09/08 @ 8:37 AM EST
I think that the Palin pregnancies, either the governor's or her daughter's, should be private. However, Gov. Palin's positions need to be thoroughly examined. (Continued…)
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