He loves and she loves. Presidential candidate John McCain embraces Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as he introduces his running mate to the nation midday.
"Wow, an incredible pick! I am so excited, I am going to donate time, money and enthusiasm to the Republican ticket this fall. And I say this as a registered Democrat," writes Ramona in the comments to our previous post. Lots of good comments by old friends and new readers following the link from Instapundit, who has this to say about the effect McCain's surprise move is having on the distaff side of his own household:
The Insta-Wife is ecstatic, which may bode well for that demographic. [Update: Dr. Helen's "Thoughts on Sarah Palin"]
If the demographic fits, wear it! And we owe it all to Senator Hillary. Unintended consequences and all that. Had the former First Lady not reached for the stars and fallen to earth, the P.U.M.A.s — Party Unity My A** — and other Democratic and Independent women who "feel that Dean, Obama and the media gave Hillary (and women) a raw deal in this election" wouldn't be looking for something beyond the Democrats' offerings this year. The P.U.M.A.s explain:
Love it or hate it, P.U.M.A.s are “The Demographic” that will deliver this election to the eventual winner.
John McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate to primarily appeal to the P.U.M.A voters out there …
Now, Palin IS NOT Hillary Clinton, and can never be Hillary Clinton, but this is a good sign of faith on McCain’s part that a sweetie’s (to use Obamaspeak) place is not merely in the kitchen.
Our man John's decision to choose a woman — and such a woman! — to run with him all the way to the White House is being celebrated by the first woman to run for national office on a major party ticket as Walter Mondale's running mate way back in 1984, Geraldine Ferraro, now a Fox analyst. In her remarks, Palin praises both Ferraro and Miss Hillary for having put all those cracks in the glass ceiling.
"She has the grit, integrity, good sense and fierce devotion to the common good that is exactly what we need in Washington today," McCain said of his running mate, who returned the compliment, saying McCain is the kind of man she wants commanding the nation's armed forces, Her son, who joined the Army on September 11 last year, will deploy to Iraq in September.
"I could only choose one," said a beaming McCain, extolling the virtues of "Sarah Barracuda":
… and I have found the right partner who can stand up with me against those … who would put power over principle and put their interests before your needs … Someone with executive experience who has tenacity and toughness and skill … with strong principles, a fighting spirit and deep compassion …who has been a union member and is married to a union member … I am especially proud to say in the week that we celebrate the anniversary of women''s suffrage, a devoted wife and a mother of five … [She] is exactly what we need in Washington DC today. She stands up for what's right, and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down.
"I've been hoping he'd pick Palin for weeks," writes Meryl Yourish in the comments:
I watched John McCain come out in front of the cameras in Ohio, and I thought, "Wow, Sarah Palin has managed to make me feel excited about this boring old man."
I mean, I was going to vote for him anyway, but now, I'm going to VOTE! for him.
We felt it too, a certain frisson at the thought of it all that we hadn't seen coming. Or maybe it was the Instalanche. Either way, Thank you, Hillary.
Update: More good stuff at Meryl's blog:
American history changed today every bit as much as it changed with Obama’s nomination — but this one means more to me, for obvious reasons.
We know what she means, and as we mentioned above, our own reaction caught us slightly off guard. Meryl continues:
It tells me that politics are forever changed in America, and love her or hate her, you have Hillary Clinton to thank for the choice of Sarah Palin.
Didn't we just say?
Update: We owe our tenuous grip on mental health to Dr. Sanity's Carnival of the Insanities.
I agree that Hillary Rodham Clinton is in pertinent part an enormous factor in this choice, but let's give Governor Palin some credit for being an extraordinary woman who will make this a real race. I cannot wait for the vice presidential debates when, I suspect, Governor Palin will clean Senator Biden's bloviating clock! For that alone, we should vote for John McCain in abject gratitude.
Posted by: Gayle Miller | August 29, 2008 at 05:04 PM
"I am especially proud to say in the week that we celebrate the anniversary of women's suffrage, a devoted wife and a mother of five..." -- I'm not sure this is exactly what the women's suffrage movement was all about.
Posted by: Holy Prepuce | August 29, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Hehehehe !
It is fun...
But I don't think Hillary has much to do with it.
GENDER has a lot to do with it, but that is why politically correct placation artists cause such concern.
Ignoring substance over populist gimmicks, like Global Warming Diatribe.
Obama might have far more to do with the Palin choice, needing to place an historic offering on the other side.
But probably the Conservative BASE had the most to do with the choice.
McCain alone was suffering from a lack of support from within the Republican Party.
After having been warned, by many about his desire to choose Lieberman, Senator McCain had only a few choices.
Romney or Palin for the most part, would help inspire the base.
We know McCain couldn't handle a successful CEO, proven on economics, who is more handsome, youthful, studied, taller, etc., on the same stage.
Maybe the fine Gov. Palin was simply chosen, because she is SHORTER than the Maverick!
I don't buy into the Hillary having paved the way for anyone.
Sec. Rice?
Sure...
Sandra Day O'connor?
Yes.
Hillary's Campaign was a disaster, and quite ugly.
Lies about Sniper Dodging, Tax Records, NAFTA support, Irish Peace Process involvement, votes on the Iraq War, etc., only diminished the Candidate (and regretfully the amazing GENDER she claimed to represent).
I prefer to believe Ms. Palin quickly rose, because she is real, genuine, sound, capable, savvy, proven, and an honest American, with tremendous Family support.
No, in my humble opinion, knowing so many amazing WOMEN, it wasn't Hillary's doing, but Gov. Palin who is credited with this fine opportunity.
Posted by: hnav | August 29, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Sarah Palin is kind of a pioneer Audrey Hepburn in boots. A fantastic choice by John McCain and it reflects directly on him. Watching the rally in Dayton yesterday was really an exciting moment. I found myself applauding many comments Sarah Palin made. Her husband, Todd and her whole family are adorable. Being a glasses wearer ever since the seventh grade I appreciate Sarah's spectacles. She is not too vain to wear them!!!
Posted by: Laura Lee Donoho | August 30, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Sarah Palin certainly adds spirit and talent to the race. Now to try and educate those who think government has a talent for directing our lives rather than being an impediment to fulfillment.
Posted by: goomp | August 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM