Palin laughs in face of sexist attacks on rival

These are the kind of stories that make you wonder about the depth of vetting for Sarah Palin. Earlier this year on an Alaskan talk show, the governor and would-be vice president, giggled/laughed nervously as one of her political rivals was hit with a withering sexist attack based on her weight. The "B" word even was invoked -- not by Palin, but laughed when it was used.

And guess what, the audio of this lives.

Palin used to be sportscaster

This from back in 1988 ....

The Obama ad response

HBO's Maher satirizes Palin

This is admittedly hilarious but it is the sort of thing that could seriously backfire in terms of an attack ... Referring to her as a "M.I.L.F" and suggesting that if McCain dies in office Palin would be like a stewardess trying to fly an airplane in the event of a pilot problem?

Palin biography climbs in sales

Just a few weeks ago, when this site and a few others were lonely in trafficing in commentary and speculation about Sarah Palin, a book on her was one of those bargain bin products.

Now it is vaulting up the sales lists, The Lost Angeles Times reports.

Palin's announcement speech

The world watches as media, bloggers analyze choice

For months now, Sarah Palin For VP.com, a compendium of news and opinion, not an advocacy site, has followed the flow of stories on the Alaska governor -- widely considered a second- or third-tier candidate and a longshot selection as John McCain's running mate.

Today (as sarahpalinforvp.com is vindicated in the way few political Web sites are), most of the world is getting its first glimpse and impressions of the woman we've been following for months since the start up of this site.

Over at the Associated Press, Ron Fournier wonders quickly notes that Palin's solid conservative credentials will rev up the base, but like others, he questions whether her lack of foreign policy experience will diminish McCain strong suit.

Here is Greg Sargent at Talking Points Memo:

First thought: If McCain's entire campaign is premised on the idea that Obama lacks the commander-in-chief readiness for the presidency, how on earth can he possibly continue to make this argument when he's chosen Palin, who's been in high office only two years (half the time Obama has been a Senator) as a back-up commander in chief?

Beware the charges of light weight

Democrats are playing a dangerous game if they attempt to dismiss Palin. But we see that happening already as this post on the Chicago Tribune's Swamp shows.

When Obama was looking at Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia as a possible running mate, Karl Rove, the "architect'' of President Bush's election campaigns, dismissed his experience - a governor for three years and mayor of 103rd largest Richmond.

We're not sure where Wasila ranks.

Energy

Palin could be a major force in helping McCain flip the script on energy policy as well as the Financial Post points out.

Ms. Palin, 44, is a lifetime NRA member who is in charge of a conservative state. She's bullish on offshore drilling and opening up more of the contentious Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to exploration and production. "People are realizing, too, there's been some deception, I think, about from some on what ANWR is all about. Of the 20 million acres up there, we're looking at 2000 acres as a footprint," she said in the interview. "With new technology, with directional drilling, maybe that footprint [will] shrink even more."

Environmentalists are trying to keep the area protected, but Ms. Palin believes Americans are being fed faulty information.

"Allowing that to be explored and developed, as more Americans realize what we're talking about here, and not just relying on the visuals that have been provided them over the years on what ANWR supposedly is – with mountain ranges and green valleys and rivers flowing and all that," she said. "And you see those visuals sometimes, especially when the extreme environmentalists talk about the pristine environment that is surrounding ANWR."

Moose Stew and Snowmobiling

As the CBS horse-race blog points out, this choice is indeed colorful.

It’s not just her credentials as the youngest and only female governor in Alaska’s history that make Palin so intriguing. How many vice-presidential candidates in American history have been avid moose hunters, sports reporters or beauty queens? Palin is all three.

When Vogue Magazine asked her what her favorite meal was, she didn’t settle on pizza or Mexican. "Moose stew after a day of snowmachining,” she said. Does it get any more Alaska than that?

The Alaska governor might be just a “plain Sarah” herself, but her children’s names are far more dazzling: Track (18), Bristol (17), Willow (13), Piper (7) and Trig (4 months).

Here is The Detroit Free Press on Palin's pluses:

Here’s what Palin gives McCain and the GOP ticket: Youth, gender, a background entirely outside the Washington Beltway, and enormous energy as a campaigner. She’s a working mom with five chidren, has been in business and is a hunting and fishing enthusiast. She can claim a record as a government reformer and a tax cutter and someone who cares less about partisanship than about getting the job done. She beat an incumbent Republican governor in a GOP primary en route to winning the Alaska governor’s office.

So if you are a voter who was attracted to Hillary Clinton’s historic quest to become the first female president, maybe you’ll give the GOP ticket a look now. By picking her, McCain also reinforces his image as a maverick — someone who will take bold actions that surprise you.

Why John McCain picked Palin

Palin completely changes the complexion of the election, and helps establish a narrative of two mavericks, one too old and one too young, waging an underdog quest against Battlestar Barack.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, a 44-year-old with five children, a captivating TV-mom look and a brief and but weighty background as a reformer governor, has vaulted from relative national obscurity to star in a game-turning role as John McCain’s running mate.

I took an in-depth look at Palin in predicting this choice back in June in in a commentary published in Iowa Independent.

McCain tabs Palin as VP candidate

The Washington Post and numerous sources are reporting the John McCain has selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Here is the Washington Post:

John McCain has selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate, according to the McCain campaign, a surprise pick sure to shake up the race and reinforce the idea of the Arizona senator as a reformer.

Compelling Post in National Review

Kathryn Jean Lopez, editor of the online National Review, has a compelling piece about the choice Sarah Palin and her family made with a Down Syndrome child.

Here is Lopez:

Not only are children with Down Syndrome people too, they inspire a deep love and enthusiastic appreciation. Especially in the face of a culture that wants to expunge them. According to a study cited in the New York Times last year, “About 90 percent of pregnant women who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis have chosen to have an abortion.” (Emphasis added.) Most American women are given prenatal tests.

At 44, Governor Palin is a bit young and relatively new to the political scene yet. These are no small considerations when electing someone who could assume the role of president (Democrats: Check out your nominee with that reservation . . . ). But if the youngest life she and her husband care for can wake up a nation that’s blind to the eugenics in its midst, a routine part of medicine today, she and John McCain would be offering human rights and dignity a great, honorable service. In contrast to Barack Obama, who would let the survivors of botched abortion attempts be killed, the Palins could serve as a great clarifier for voters this fall — and an education.

Email From The Northwest

Just got this from someone identifying himself as Lou Driever:

I totally agree; there are now at least 3 websites pushing her candidacy. I've personally been sending e-mails to the McCain HDQ, Republican national HDQ and Oregon Republican Party HDQ for the last 2 months pointing out the advantages of her selection. If she pulls in just additional percentage points of the women's vote that's enough to time several states! Much more significant effect than having two "old white guys" on the ticket. And even if the ticket goes down in flames, at least it will be with style/class (versus current bland bland bland tedium). My two cents - thanks for the observations! Appreciate the insight.

Is it looking like Mitt?

Over at 411mania.com, the speculation is that Mitt Romney may be the VP selection and that such a move would be a colossal missed opportunity for McCain.


Here is 411mania:

I have to say that McCain is making a big mistake by not picking Sarah Palin or Bobby Jindal. Nobody has been picked so technically they still have shots, but Jindal said the other day that he will not be picked and Palin's name never even comes up anymore so it seems as if she isn't even being considered. It's too bad. Both have risks and drawbacks but at this point, McCain has to try to light a spark in his campaign. He has been unable to catch Obama despite outspending him and now will have to deal with the fact that the things that have happened this week (Obama having a flawless overseas trip, Maliki and other foreign leaders backing his withdrawal plan, him coming off more Presidential than he ever has, and so on) have greatly weakened his chances and are going to make it much harder for him to win the Iraq debate.

Not Fitting The Bill

The Phoenix Business Journal reports that Sarah Palin may not fit the bill for McCain.

One source with knowledge of McCain's VP selection process said the Arizona senator would like to pick a woman for his VP if he could find a perfect fit.

Possibilities tossed about include U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

But a consultant, familiar with McCain's VP search who asked to not be identified, said none of those women fill the bill.

British Oddsmakers At 5 to 1 On Palin

The Allentown Morning Call has a story about British Oddsmakers who have Sarah Palin at 5 to 1. She's only behind Romney who is at 5 to 2.

2. Sarah Palin (Alaska governor): 5-1 odds An anti-corruption crusader and one of the most popular governors in the nation, Palin would also boost McCain's chances to woo female voters, but she's from a state that offers few electoral votes.

Post's Fix Has Palin 5th

The Washington Post's Fix has Sarah Palin 5th on the VP list.

Here is The Fix:

5. Sarah Palin: Palin's name doesn't appear on many vice presidential lists but if you believe that McCain needs to make a totally out of the box choice, she fits the bill. Palin, elected in 2006 on a reform platform, may well be the most popular politician in the country, and her story -- former high school basketball star and beauty queen, mother of five including a newborn with Down's Syndrome -- is the sort of narrative American voters could fall in love with. Plus, picking Palin would send a message to disaffected Democratic-leaning women that McCain is paying more than lip service to the notion of changing the face of the Republican party. (Previous ranking: N/A)

Palin Gets Her Time On ANWR

This from the Anchorage Daily News:

Republican Gov. Sarah Palin said she was not giving up hope that McCain, if elected, might end up reversing his position and support oil drilling in ANWR. Palin said she's encouraged that McCain changed his position to support offshore drilling.

Northwest Blogger Says Palin Should Wait

A Seattle blogger -- Sound Politics -- says Sarah Palin has potential as VP but should wait for the national spotlight.

Of note, it seems also clear that South Dakota Senator John Thune and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin seemed destined for a national ticket in the future too. For now, however, Thune lacks the managerial/executive experience McCain needs, while Palin's family considerations and Jindal-like short tenure as Governor necessitate a little more time on the national sidelines.

Palin's Energy Plan

An Alaska television station has a piece up today explaining Gov. Sarah Palin's energy plan.

Here is KTUU.com in Alaska:

JUNEAU, Alaska - A $1,200 check to help cover utility costs for all Alaskans is part of Gov. Sarah Palin's energy relief package.

The proposed one-time payment could be given out to anyone who has lived in Alaska for at least six months.

The Daily Palin For July 15

A British blogger gives Sarah Palin pluses for having a "Midwestern" brand of attractiveness -- even though she grew up in the Northwest continental U.S. and is an Alaskan now. Still, this blog -- Marbury -- is right.

Sarah Palin is the governor of Alaska, which isn't a fecund source of presidents or vice-presidents (have there been any?). But it's a young state and she might be the first. She is young (44), nice looking (and I mean nice in that sort of midwestern way, not nice as in hot, although she did win the title Miss Congeniality in the 1984 Miss Alaska contest) and currently the most popular governor in America, with an approval rate somewhere around 90%.

On more serious matters, The Fairbanks newspaper has an article on Palin's energy relief proposal.

An anti-Obama blogger pegs Palin as his second choice for VP -- but gives her some points.

Sarah Palin..... 1. Is a outstanding women who would no doubt bring in Soccer moms(Virginia/Indiana) 2. I believe she may help in western states, given Alaska is not right next to all of the Western states it does face similar issues.

With Biography Channel Vibe, McCain Needs Palin For More Here and Now

By DOUGLAS BURNS
Iowa Political Alert.com

John McCain's latest television advertisement running in Iowa has the inspiring quality of a well-crafted movie trailer.

It has an extraordinarily genuine patriotic pull as one sees a much younger McCain in Vietnam, then arriving home after the Hanoi Hilton. In short, the ad for the Republican presidential candidate makes one proud to be an American, to be sure, but it has a Biography Channel vibe to it. It just doesn't feel in the here and now.

Neither does McCain.

Is McCain a hero? Yes. Is the ad moving? Check. But what does that do for us today?

Focusing on war hero narrative and stock footage that just make him look older and more out of touch with people concerned about gas prices, groceries and looming household issues in swing state country.

People are paying $90 to fill up their trucks, and we even have the advent of a new term -- "staycation" -- for those who are using vacation time at home because they can't afford to travel. Meanwhile, McCain gives us former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas.

"You've heard of mental depression; this is a mental recession," Gramm told The Washington Times. "We may have a recession; we haven't had one yet."

Added Gramm, "We have sort of become a nation of whiners. You just hear this constant whining, complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in decline."

You hear that from McCain's top advisor Gramm, and it does stick, because it is so wildly disconnected with what many Iowans see happening with their household budgets. A few wacky reverends, from the left or the right, veering into the information superhighway, feeds the 24/7 news beast and no doubt move some voters. But the comment from Gramm, a man McCain called his economic guru is deeply revealing -- a George H.W. Bush watch-glancing moment that is dismissive of just folks.

As we hear Gramm's remarks, we start to see the McCain commercial in which the Arizona senator essentially wants to re-fight the Vietnam War, dividing the nation along 40-year-old lines.

Here is the announcer in the ad Camp McCain titles "Love":

It was a time of uncertainty, hope and change. The "Summer Of Love." Half a world away, another kind of love -- of country. John McCain: Shot down. Bayoneted. Tortured. Offered early release, he said, "No." He'd sworn an oath. Home, he turned to public service. His philosophy: before party, polls and self ... America.

Even if you were with McCain in the 1960s, is there anything about that era remotely relevant to matters today. We all know McCain is a war hero. That card is punched. He needs to fill in the rest of the character sketch, make himself seem less historical, more modern -- which may be challenging for a 71-year-old who admits that he doesn't use computers and has never sent an email. One blogger has taken to calling the candidate McFossil in a riff on his age.

I am convinced that the most rapid way for McCain to turn this around is to select Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate as it would, among other advantages, train attention on energy issues.

Palin , a 44-year-old with five children, a captivating TV-mom look and a brief and but weighty background as a reformer governor, could vault from relative national obscurity to star in a game-turning role as John McCain's running mate.

She screams here and now. We can hear it all the way from Alaska. McCain needs her speaking for the campaign, not sinked ships like Gramm who flopped in a presidential bid in 1996 and seems to have lost the return ticket from his time trip back to that period in America.