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The Main Event: McCain-Palin vs. Obama-Biden
Published Friday, August 29, 2008
DENVER (AP) — Republican John McCain shook up the presidential race with his surprise choice of little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate on Friday. Democrat Barack Obama, entering a crucial stage of the campaign fresh off his historic nominating convention, began a tour of battleground states.
Obama left the convention city of Denver as the first black man to be nominated for president by a major political party. The 47-year-old Illinois senator won over the party faithful — even some die-hard backers of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton — but the broader electorate awaits.
McCain, who turned 72 on Friday, worked to grab the spotlight with his selection of Palin, 44, the first woman to be a Republican vice presidential nominee.
‘‘I have found the right partner to help me stand up to those who value their privileges over their responsibilities, who put power over principle, and put their interests before your needs,’’ McCain said at a raucous rally in the swing state of Ohio.
The Republican presidential nominee-to-be stunned some party officials by choosing the self-styled hockey mom and political reformer, who has been governor of her state for less than two years, over several more prominent prospects including Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.
‘‘It turns out that the women of America aren’t finished yet,’’ she said, praising Clinton, ‘‘and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.’’
Seizing on themes Obama has made trademarks of his candidacy, she added, ‘‘If you want change in Washington, if you hope for a better America, we’re asking for your vote.’’
Democrats quickly pounced on Palin as inexperienced, noting that Republicans have argued Obama is not ready to be president.
‘‘John McCain has made his candidacy about a single argument — experience — and Sarah Palin doesn’t have it,’’ Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said in a statement.
McCain and his newly minted running mate were to make a midday appearance at a rally in swing-state Ohio and continue to rallies in Pennsylvania and Missouri in the run-up to the Republican National Convention, which starts Monday in St. Paul, Minn.
Polls show a tight race between Obama and McCain, with some two months before the election and three high-stakes debates. Neither contender can allow the other to jump out to a big post-convention lead.
Obama was flying to Pittsburgh, where he and running mate Joe Biden will kick off a bus tour of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. Their goal is to maintain the buzz of a convention that culminated Thursday night with Obama addressing an energetic, flag-waving crowd of 84,000 packed into Denver’s pro football stadium.
‘‘Change happens because the American people demand it — because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time,’’ Obama told the adoring crowd at Invesco Field. ‘‘America, this is one of those moments.’’
In the jam-packed football stadium, Obama promised an end to eight years of ‘‘broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush’’ and argued that McCain ‘‘doesn’t get it.’’
He pledged to cut taxes for nearly all working-class families, end the war in Iraq and break America’s dependence on Mideast oil within a decade. Portraying a McCain administration as a continuation of the current Bush White House, Obama said, ‘‘On Nov. 4, we must stand up and say: ’Eight is enough.’’’
Obama accepted his party’s nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘‘I Have a Dream’’ speech. He alluded to the historic parallel — and its promise — toward the end of his 44-minute speech.
‘‘What the people heard ... people of every creed and color, from every walk of life — is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked. That together, our dreams can be one,’’ Obama said.
In Ohio Friday, McCain and Palin both noted that he was choosing her as his vice presidential running mate the week of the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
Palin has a strong anti-abortion record, and her selection was praised warmly by social conservatives whose support McCain needs to prevail in the campaign for the White House.
‘‘It’s an absolutely brilliant choice,’’ said Mathew Staver, dean of Liberty University School of Law. ‘‘This will absolutely energize McCain’s campaign and energize conservatives.’’
Palin has five children, the youngest born in April with Down syndrome.
Comments
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad to see the name Clinton is not one of the top four.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Palin was on my "short list" so I'm glad to see McCain made a wise decision. He should follow my advice more often......
Posted by reb1843 (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Several observations:
1. McCain has picked a winner in Palin, and Hillry is really, really PO'd that she's not on the ticket with Osama O'bama.
2. Osama O'bama is NOT a black man. He is half-white - a mulatto. And, his skeletons will come pouring out of the closet now that the gloves are off.
3. Take this to the bank - McCain is the next Prez.
Posted by blogfather (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I DON’T WANT A QUITTER AS MY PRESIDENT!!
John McCain QUIT on his first wife , ex-model Carol Shepp.
She was crippled while he was away and when he came back they both had some rehabilitating to do. Once he got better, John McCain admittedly cheated on his wife. He wouldn’t wait for her to get better. Then, a couple of years later he asked her for a divorce so he could marry a new rich girl he had met. This new woman, Cindy Lou Hensley, even helped finance his early campaigns.
I just can’t get over how he wouldn’t stick it out with his first wife. Did he not take vows, “for better or worse?” It should also be noted that his children were so bitter that they didn’t forgive their father for several years. I’m sure I share the thoughts of those who probably felt that he quit on them. Not just Carol Shepp, BUT THE CHILDREN TOO. Couldn’t he have stayed around for them? Since only one of them was his biologically, I guess it was cool with everyone else.
John McCain QUIT on the American people when he sought to assist the Keating Five. He was one of five senators called on personally by Charles Keating to save the failing Lincoln savings. He obliged and made more than one attempt to save Lincoln and Keating. He later belatedly repaid donations from Lincoln and Keating. This scandal cost Americas tax payers almost 200 billion dollars. He was brought before senate ethics committee who later cleared him but rebuked him for poor judgment. Remember, three of the other senators had the careers cut short by this, but they let McCain and John Glenn skate. One of the Bush boys was involved as well.
John McCain QUIT on the African American Community when he opposed the celebration of MLK birthday for seven years before admitting he was wrong.
John McCain QUIT on the POWs in Vietnam.
The belief by many POW/MIA was that there were POW left there in large numbers. McCain investigated and reported that there was no evidence that proves that POWs still existed in Vietnam. After his recordings of these findings, Vietnam had their relations normalized with the U.S. within two years. This action caused him to be vilified by many POW/MIA activists.
I could go on further but will stop right here. But please don’t sell me this highly unethical individual as my next leader. Hell no. If you don’t like what the democrats have, please look elsewhere than John McCain.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, one thing's for sure, the bait was "put out" for Obama to not have Hillary on his ticket from day one. Word got out that if he chose her for VP, he surely would not win the Presidency. Someone who is classified as a Black American, Obama, and a white woman on the ticket together, just could not be accepted. McCain however moves in to try and "grab" the fever behind Hillary paving the way to be a potential VP candidate by sliding in his own "female" VP. Sneaky.
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a matter of time before the libs get on here raging. They are all talking bad about Palin, but they know that yesterday could have possibly been the "check-mate" move of the campaign. Not only did they kill any talk about Obama's speech thus nullifying any bounce but they also got a large segment of Hillary supporters and excited the base by selecting a true conservative. Awesome pick!!!
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
McCain / Palin 08' Great choice ! Never underestimate McCain . He is very much mentally and physically able to lead thic country . And with a strong ,intelligent ,beautiful woman behind him ,he can only do well . And ya'll ,don't hold her beauty against her . Sometimes that can be detrimental to a woman . She has to fight even harder to be taken seriously . This woman has proven herslf and actually has more experience than Obama . McCains choice just proves he has really good people on his side and he is willing to do whatever it takes to move this country forward in the right direction . Whatever happens in this race ,some monumental history is being made . The outcome of this election will either make us or break us . Everybody needs to vote . It's a right that if you ignore it ,it will go away . Every legal vote counts .
Posted by rhymeandreason (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hmmm -- mccain just doesn't get it. ..american women don't want a "token" woman on the ballot....and the comment regarding the "liberals" commenting..you mean those other loyal, tax-paying, hardworking americans who disagree with you! oh the beauty of free speech - long may it live!
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmmm. Let's see.
Administrative experience as mayor of a town LESS THAN ONE-THIRD THE SIZE OF NATCHEZ ???
First term governor of Alaska,and she's only served 2 years of that term,
Husband an oil man, she is in favor of drilling in the refuge there.
Under investigation for firing someone because they wouldn't fire sister's ex husband who was in a custody battle.
5 kids at home and an April-Born Down's baby.
44 years old -- younger than Obama .
She sounds like a perfect choice for being the next president of the United States. At least she's cute.
You don't have to wonder what John McCain was thinking when he chose this woman. She is unknown to almost all of her party.
The only way she's like Hillary is body parts, she is anti-choice, pro-oil company.
But if women who wanted Hillary are just wanting a woman they might vote for her -- if they're that shallow. Maybe John thinks that women who wanted Hillary are that shallow.
You know John did always have that roving eye for a nice skirt with money....He,he!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I keep reading that Sarah Palin being from a small town is a negative. Does being from a small town make someone dumb...absolutely not.
She has more EXECUTIVE experience than Obama. There is a big difference from mayor to city council member, governor to state legislature. All Obama has done is be a state legislator and a state senator. He's never been in charge of anything significant.
People want to question her experience...then talk about Obama's experience. He is going after the top job and needs to be ready to make decision from DAY 1 if needed. Sarah Palin is going for the VP and has years to get the experience she may be lacking...Obama does not have the luxury of time. So for someone without ANY experience to be President is just dumb.
Also, Sarah Palin is not a "TOKEN". She has worked hard to get where she is. She started off as a PTA mom and worked her way up. THAT is the AMERICAN DREAM. She didn't set out to be President like so many politicians today. She served to better her city, her state and now her country. She didn't run or had have aspirations for the highest office, but she was chosen and accepted because she knows she can do a good job. If she didn't think she was ready, she would have turned McCain down. That's the kind of person she is.
I am glad I voted for her as Governor and I will once again cast my vote for her to serve as VP unde John McCain.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to attempt to give all you nay-sayers a cud to chew on. When Obama loses this race, he will probably be able to point at his beloved wife and tell her how she cost him the election. How??? I'm sure she is a very determined woman that shook her finger in his face and told him "No, no, no. I'll be the only big boss woman in the White House. There will be NO HILLARY, NO WAY, NO HOW, NO HILLARY". Obama snubbed his nose at Hillary, who could have probably put him in the White House, all to please one woman who thought she had a chance at the spotlight. Obama ignored all the heartfelt desires of American women when he chose to do this. On the other hand McCain came along and boldly, against all odds, informed the sadden American women that they did count. He let them know their dreams and desires were important to him, his campaign and his term in office. Altho it's not Hillary, he decided on a strong force that will fight for the women's involvement in government. When you decide to vote for McCain you will decide to vote for you dreams and ambitions for a more democratic American government. Vote McCain--Palin ticket and give yourself the chance to have all your dreams come true.
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is becoming apparent that Obama supporters have an issue with someone with little experience being VP.
But they are okay with someon with no experience being President.
Now is that hypocritical or what?
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How can anybody in their righ mind say Sarah Palin is a token anything ? Most women these days refuse to ly down to be anybodies doormat . Espsecially one who has achieved so much in spite of the odds . She is living proof of the reason it is a blessing from God to be born an American . We don 't need someone who is and has a family member that isn't and hasn't been proud to be an American . If you listen to Obama speeches it comes across very clearly that this country is on the very botton of greatness . We have our problems but people are still trying to flee to this country and not flee out of it . Yes, we need hope for a better future . But we need more than that . We need people that have proven they have the strength and fortitude to get the job done . Not someone who has spent the most important part of his political career trying to be the top dog of our country . What is next on his agenda ? Where is this kind of ambition going to take him ? If he is elected the American people will have only themselves to blame . the only excuse we will have is ,we just didn't get it . Vote McCain/Palin 08'
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The reason she is being called a token is because a man with her credentials and experience would never have been chosen as McCain's running mate. He passed up much more capable men to take her and that is seen as a politcal compromise he will put the nation through just to get elected. And it is true.
Mayor of a micro-town with 2 years experience as governor of a rural state and under inquiry of an ethics violation would be a pariah or at best lackluster. Family ties to the oil industry would be too much like Cheney.
She was obviously chosen to take a swipe politically at getting the female vote, and thereby to capitalize on the women who were disappointed because Hillary was not on the ticket.
You will come to see this as bad judgement on McCain's part when you think about what I said, unless she proves to have the oratory skills of Obama.
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
notfromnatchez, if your president lives your VP is window dressing who has never even completed a single term at state office and if he dies your VP is not qualified.
If Obama lives he draws on the strengths of his VP and if he dies a more experienced but less charismatic man takes over. Add to this Obama has completed multiple terms at state and national office.
McCain's choice eliminates the issue of experience as an issue. Mistake not visible on the first day but very obvious in the coming weeks.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those of you that are putting down Sarah Palin know NOTHING about her! She is an incredibly capable woman who fears no one and runs from no one......she beats Obama and his old boy toy all to H$@#!
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You all who support McCain, don't worry about these people bashing Palin. If it wasn't a great pick, they wouldn't be on here worrying about her. It's just a fact that yesterday was "check-mate" in this match. Obama has gotten no bounce out of the convention which is odd. Couple that with the conservative base being revved up, and you have two campaigns going in opposite directions.
So cheer up all you champions of conservatism out there. The tide has turned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Never underestimate people from small towns . Sarah Pulin may be from Alaska but she is tough and smart . She is very beautiful and has a very handsome husband . I'm glad that hasn't gone un-noticed . But it takes more than physical beauty to get to place she has arrived and it's going to bring some real weak arguments against her . This may well be the 1st time in history that the vice president nominee will carry so much weight in an election . She totally compliments John McCain . McCain is full of energy and intelligence and Pulin will only add to that . Maybe Obama fans should just say "uncle" . Obama is a good entertainer though .
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe I should add that Hollywood does love him and they specialize in untruths and drama .
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sayitloud, I hardly EVER agree with anything you say, but your comment about Sarah Palin is right on the money.
Posted by Kaintuck (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I personally do not fault Barack Obama for not choosing Hillary. If Hillary had been given the nod for VP, Bill would have been back in town ordering pizzas and 19 year-old personal pan delivery girls, from the VP office, while Hillary was away being sworn in. Bill has a long and reckless history of enjoying the fruits of his labor while in (and out) of office. Obama may have seriously wanted to save the country from another distraction.
Joe Biden was a good choice, though not as dramatic as Sarah Palin. Obama's greatest strength - something McCain could not do - is heal a nation that still grapples daily with race relations. I suspect that even his most ardent detractors would concede that Obama could help greatly, and that an Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson would be totally inadequate for this role. We have had 43 white guys (like me) function as President, and many, like the current occupant, have not done a very good job at it.
It may be a long time, before we have another opportunity to assist race relations like this. Some may say that American race relations are just not that important, but I would beg to differ. At some point, uniquely American phrases like "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights" will no longer be taken seriously by the world, and even worse - by America herself. That my friends, will be a sad day indeed...
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The color of ones skin has nothing to do with it . Or shouldn't . If I were an American-African , I would want to be the person for the job on the merits of my intelligence and experience not on the ride of my ancestors trials and tribulations . After all they were used enough for us to even be in the "land of the free'. Shame on people that can't or won't honor that .
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on August 30, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey nofrom...stranger things have happened huh?
I have admired this woman since she took office and she is so intelligent and can handle any situation and I for one am NOT frightened at the thought she could become prez if John died in office. It would be an AWESOME improvement!
Glad we agree on her notfrom...who knows...we may agree on other things down the road.
Posted by guy2co (anonymous) on August 31, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeahuhuh - You mention "Add to this Obama has completed multiple terms at state and national office.", what are the offices? I've always heard that he was inexperienced, so what is his experience?
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