Politics is a tough business, even more so if you’re a woman. When I first heard that John McCain had chosen Sarah Palin as his VP choice instead of Mitt Romney (MY first choice), I was a bit disappointed. But then I saw a photograph of this woman and was curious enough to read a little about her life and her accomplishments. Within minutes, I knew why McCain had chosen this extraordinary person to be his running mate.
Alas, the political pundits pounced on her with their cheap potshots and cruel innuendos within moments. I like the lady. She’s smart, gutsy, charismatic, and capable; she loves her husband, her children, the great state of Alaska, and the United States of America. She’s proven herself to be a competent, popular leader who is not afraid of taking a stand. What’s not to like?
· She’s nice-looking, downright striking. If she’d been unattractive, folks would have made stinging remarks about that too.
· She’s a mother, and from what I’ve observed, a darned good one. Some people have issues with the mother of five holding such a high political office and wonder if she shouldn’t be at home baking cookies or changing the baby’s diapers? Would they say same thing if her husband had a VP opportunity?
· Some people say she shouldn’t have brought the infant with Down syndrome to a crowded convention hall. If she hadn’t, her critics would have either accused her of being ashamed of him or of neglecting him.
· Some people feel that if she can’t provide enough leadership in her own home (referring to the expectant daughter), then she surely can’t provide leadership on a larger scale. HUH? Have YOU ever tried to control teenagers? Cutting remarks like that make me think of Christ who when confronted with t he adulterous woman (but not the man), drew a line in the sand and asked for whoever was without sin to cast the first stone.
· Some people feel that perhaps she’s a little too confident, self-assured, and perhaps strident. If she were meek and mild, content to stay in the shadows, her critics would have a heyday with her timidity.
From my observations, Sarah Palin is an excellent choice. It’s a little thing, but sometimes little things (gestures, glances, posture, facial expression, and so forth) can reveal volumes about a person…and in the case, a family. When Palin’s youngest daughter (who must the 3rd cutest little girl in the world after my two granddaughters) spit on her hand and then lovingly slicked down the hair of her little brother who was sleeping nestled in her arms, I KNEW that there was plenty of love in that family and that Sarah Palin and her husband were great parents and great people.
mom's musings 
I LOVE HER!! When the announcement was first made, I was a bit nervous. Then after hearing her speak, SHE ROCKS.
I think she will be able to handle anything they throw at her and will do it with class. I was never crazy about a woman leader or VP but maybe that is because of the choices we had.
I like her a lot, too. (What I know of her, so far). That, and McCain’s uh MA zing speech at the convention (Welcome back, mr. straight-talk maverick!) Have convinced me that I might need to reexamine my choices.
Alona and Sarah, My sentiments exactly.
I love Sarah Palin. America can relate to her. She is unstoppable and unmovable when it comes to what is right and what is wrong!
I adore Sarah Palin. I’ve watched her career for years, and it was clear that she was on the path to greatness back when she was mayor of Wasilla.
The thing that just kills me about the people who think she can’t be VP because she can’t control her teenage daughter…. Uh…. Bill Clinton anyone? If the argument against Sarah Palin is valid, it was more than valid against Hillary. At least we don’t have to make that choice.
Michelle, You’re so right; what I see is her passion for America.
Dave, You’re a native Alaskan, right? I mention that just because I think that puts you in a better position that most to “know the score.” Although you don’t live there anymore, you’re evidently still quite interested in what happens there. About the daughter and Hillary, is there anyone in the history of the world who hasn’t had a least one indiscretion go on in the family somewhere?
Yeah, both my wife and I are Alaskan. I’m from Fairbanks and my wife is from Juneau. Someday, we’ll be back. It just isn’t the right time yet.
Yep, I think she’s great too!
I’m a fan also so I was more than slightly amazed that my VT, an educated working woman who was a professor at our local church college said she liked Obama and thought Palin should be home with her kids. Sooo she is choosing the party of pro-gay marriage rights and abortion so a good moral mother can stay home with her kids??? I don’t get it.
Dave, As you know, there’s a time and season for everything.
Connie, Go Sarah!
Janet, All I can figure out is that many people aren’t thinking at all but are going by their emotions. Some people “feel” (it’s not a thinking thing) that she needs to get back in the kitchen with her apron on. Others (maybe these are the same people) just think America needs a “change” and are so hungry for it that they don’t even think seriously about what’s been promised (or not) by the other party.
i just don’t want a hundred year war and now with palin on board it might end up being a two hundred year war 2 times mccain who says he would stay there 100 years at 10 billion per month