McCain's Albatross and the Face of the GOP

Sarah Palin seems to be a bigger drag on the McCain ticket than anyone could have imagined. (With the possible exception of anyone who knew anything about her before her debut at the Republican Convention) Recent polling data suggests that she damages the McCain campaign even more than President Bush. That is saying something. However, her negative effects are not simply a result of her ridiculously incoherent ramblings or McCain's embarrassingly poor rollout. The Obama campaign played a risky game to attack a Vice Presidential nominee whose initial favorables were sky high and who packed houses from Anchorage to Atlanta.

Many pundits believed that a VP may assist in carrying a home state or assist in a region. They were quick to point to Dan Quayle to support the notion that a VP does not make or break an election. As such, commentators were perplexed as to why she was taking so many hits from Obama's surrogates. They were expected to level their attacks on McCain, not the former beauty queen. The attacks continued, steadily chipping away at her gleaming "80% approval in Alaska" and "by golly she is pretty" front. We can see why now.

Attacking Palin and drawing attention to her weaknesses in fact drew attention to some of the things that the Democrats could not say in the open. To begin with, her choice reflected McCain's impetuousness. This was not a well-thought choice. It showed with tremendous clarity that he was no contemplative or balanced leader. If he could make such an important choice so nonchalantly, how would he govern?

Secondly, as many have pointed out, the choice undercut his entire "experience" argument. McCain's was no longer a campaign whose advantage was an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Washington. The constant reminder of "I know how to do it" was drowned out by her refrain of "[w]hat does the Vice President even do."

Finally, her choice highlighted concerns about McCain's age and health. Aside from the stark contrast between her youth and vitality, real questions arose as to her capacity to lead. The only phrase said more often than "heartbeat away" over the last few months has been "wall street/main street." When McCain repeatedly failed to fully disclose his health records, when he made gaffes for which other younger politicians might be excused, and when he strode on stage with the younger and taller Obama, the public questioned, without be prompted, McCain's physical condition and his ability to take on the taxing job of President.

The public can now see Sarah Palin for what she is. Beginning with her speech at the Republican Convention and concluding, hopefully, with her concession speech, she has been nothing but derisive, bitter, and angry. She mocked Senator Obama's efforts to better the lives of Chicago's most needy when he turned down high paying legal jobs. She spoke down to Katie Couric when she stated that Putin would "rear his head... over where — where do they go?" You can almost hear the sarcastic "oh yeah, that's right" before she answers her own question: Alaska.

When asked why she only got her passport last year, she insulted huge numbers of individuals by stating that she wasn't one of the lucky ones whose parents shipped them off to Europe after they graduated from college. That is just nonsense. People have been traveling the world over on shoestring budgets for generations. Whether its finding inexpensive flights, staying in hostels, traveling via backpack, working before each leg, to say that only those with money and privilege can travel shows a repugnant divisiveness and ignorance beyond comprehension. If she has no desire to learn about countries other than those she can see from her house, that's her world view. Don't dress it up as a pity party.

Finally, her answer at the VP debate in which she openly acknowledged that she would not answer questions from the mainstream media, but would speak as she wanted seems to have been the straw that broke the pitbull's back.

By focusing on Palin more than many thought they should have, the Obama campaign has made Sarah Palin the face of the 2008 incarnation of the GOP. Void of ideas, filled with anger, indecisive, and bitter. Keeping her in the spotlight has done more damage to McCain than any attempt linking him to President Bush. It has undermined every argument in his favor and hurts ever down ballot Republican in many states. Keep up the good work Governor Palin. You have a 100% approval rating with me.