I am not blogging today. I just don’t have it in me. There is a lot on my mind, but its a friday off.
I am excited about Sarah Palin being selected as John McCain’s running mate. I think there is more excitement about her than there is for John McCain himself. Anyway, I am working on some political posts. I have remained silent for most of the political season here on my blog. I am not in a position where I cannot promote my political ideals, so I am going to, because I am tired of not saying what I believe. I would much rather blog about what actually makes a difference in people’s lives and that is Christ’s church, but its election season so I am going to make a few brief detours.
So, if you are looking for some blog fun today and want to express some of your political thoughts, go to the Waxy One’s Blog and share what your one platform would be if you were elected President. Click HERE to go there.
Maybe you can help me understand where people who share your opinion (e.g. excitement about Palin) are coming from – granted millions of Americans feel exactly as you do.
From my perspective Palin was (at best) the third most capable woman McCain could have chosen (hint: Meg Whitman, the co-chair of McCain’s campaign and CEO of Ebay for 10 years).
I would love to understand how someone could honestly believe Palin is a better running mate than women like Whitman or Hutchinson, or any of the other male politicians like Lieberman, Romney or Pawlenty (who actually would have been a very exciting pick)
Exciting, really?
@ joe…hey I am the only person who can question nick..dont make me come to your website….j/k!
nick…i appreciate your willingness to engage this stuff. in ministry i think its important to stimulate the dedate (ala warren at the saddleback forum) world views matter and discussing them in the public square is really important.
for joe… we could really debate the whole “most capable” thing. but politics isn’t just about that. in fact the founders were really set on the idea of a citizen legislature…a person leaves behind their call ( actor, mom, farmer) and goes and serves and then returns home…the whole system has gotten turned on its head…and now its about careers. and self interest always messes that up. this season will be fun to watch and see. the greatness of our land is…truthfully reason does prevail. the next five days won’t mean much and i feared as i watched Gov. Palin speak today wondering what Mccain has wrought. the following 60 days will determine the true metal of these that seek the office. let’s pray that civility rules and we have a true debate of ideas.
@ Joe – To begin with, Palin, is a strong conservative who is doing what she said she was going to do, in contrast to Obama, he says he has experience, yet he voted over 136 times “present” on bills in the Senate. She ran on being fiscally responsible and immediately cut unneeded programs, the most by a Governor, and she immediately started getting rid of unnecessary expenditures such as the private jet the former Governor purchased on the states credit account. She is strong on the 2nd amendment, strong on life, strong on the military, and she has executive experience whereas Kay Hutchinson and Meg Whitman do not. Palin is suing the federal government over a ridiculous law they imposed on Alaska over the Polar Bear population which is an effort to try and control what the state can do with their property. This gives further evidence that she is willing to reform the government as we have known it. Most power in our Republic is supposed to belong to the states, and she recognizes that, and fights for what is right. She is totally a Washington outsider which I like. We always talk about needing new and different leaders, and to me she represents that change more than Obama does.
To further back up my disagreement with you on your post. I am listening to an interview with Geraldine Ferraro who said in July that Palin would be McCain’s best pick. So, he did not just pick Palin at the last minute without any knowledge of who she is and what she has done.
My issues with Whitman are that she has no executive experience, no government experience, and as a pro-life person, she is pro-choice. She would make a great financial adviser, but she would have been wrong for VP. If you have heard what Democrats are saying about Palin, they would have tore Whitman apart.
My problem with Hutchinson is that she is a Washingon insider, another senator, and more of a moderate to liberal Republican. Palin compared to Hutchinson would probably be considered “ultra-conservative” as there are stark differences in policy views. With the longevity of Hutchinson she would not have the “experience” controversy which I do not believe there is one, but she would bring plenty of baggage and probably more distractions than help. Right now democrats have to stretch to get solid complaints against Palin…at least anything that will stick and is of substance.
With the men you mentioned there were dynamics that could have been a problem. If Romney was selected Huckabee’s supporters would be upset because of all the bad blood and the other way around. Lieberman and Ridge were not even solid choices as a conservative. It would not have been a good thing. In the case something happened to McCain we would have been electing a democrat. Pewlenty would have been a solid choice, but I am sure we could say that about others, like Jindal. Now Jindal is young, but like Palin he has made more progress in 6 months than many politicians have in their lifetime. They are definitely the bright spots amongst conservatives.
I hope I was able to answer your questions.
@ Joe – One more thing. I just heard another report where Newt Gingrich named Palin as a potential “positive” pick for McCain in April. Just one more piece of information to help you understand this was not a last minute grasp in the dark type move on McCain’s part.
I would eliminate little dudes who drive big trucks. It kills me to see lil guys wanting to be big guys. Big guys don’t care. ha!
If God can use pagan kings and corrupt people to accomplish His will. I don’t think a president is that big of a difference, with saying that, I’m still voting with McCain. Go Mac daddy Cain
@ Shane – I agree about the Pagan Kings. Since we live in a country where we have a say whether or not that Pagan King is elected, in the next 60 days I am going to say what I think in this process.
I am super syked about McCain’s V.P. nomination choice, Sarah Palin also. This oughta make things really interesting. Get ready America, the game is ON!!!!!!!
Nick, I couldn’t agree with your response to Joe’s comment anymore than I already do! You nailed that! And yes, Jindal is one to watch. It’ll be interesting to see what he does in the future.
Just skimmed your blog…looking forward to reading more later. I linked you from my blog, hope you don’t mind!
@ mmechels – Thanks for stopping by and for checking the blog out. I don’t mind you linking to my blog at all 🙂 Thank you!
I added you to my blogroll also. I think you spent your entire afternoon replying to my latest post. It’s the least I could do. (notice the jest). Actually, I dig your reading list and your honesty.
Again, I would love to hear anyone’s explanation of why/how Palin is the best available Republican running mate.
Nick, you’ve come the closest; you succeeded in stating the problems with each potential candidate I suggested but made no positive argument for Pailn’s candidacy and failed to address any of the issues surrounding her candidacy.
@ Joe – I think I did answer you, but the facts to what you are looking for will be in the eye of the beholder. I am sure there are Romeny supporters who would still say he was the best, just as some Hillary supporters will still say she is the best pick for Obama. If people are biased to different candidates then they would be more likely to view them as being the “best” candidate. Truthfully I feel there are several people who are very capable to hold the position, but with each of them I can find negatives too, so after weighing all of the positives and negatives I would say, she is as good as any of McCain’s other possible choices. Best? That is always debatable and there is nothing that can be said to solidify that in the eyes of everyone in the country.
Apparently you are looking for something specific because I provided ample information on why she is a strong and good choice, so I cannot give you anymore without knowing what you are wanting to hear about her. As far as the issues surrounding her candidacy, I would say the only thing I know of is the “investigation” – I don’t think it is a big deal, I have heard her side of the story and believe her, and I believe McCain is experienced enough of a politician to not let something major (if his team thought so) slip by that would hurt him. As far as her “experience” she has 13 years of executive experience managing a city and a state without any issues or problems, both on a small scale and on a large state wide scale. She ran on a platform and she followed through with it immediately and effectively. Obama has not run anything and has no managerial experience in government. Sarah Palin the Republican’s #2 has more experience than the dems’ #1 and it is in managing people, budgets, laws, etc. I don’t think that is an issue.
@ Joe
This is what gets me about closet liberals. I am not saying that you are a liberal 🙂 but if it acts, looks and smells like it, then maybe it is.
I’ve heard on countless times, yesterday and today, from the liberal media that this was an awful pick. Then, the next statement is “Why not Lieberman, Ridge, ect. ; Mccain is a sell out to the far right conservatives”.
If Lieberman , an independent, was such a good candidate that voted over 80% of the time with the dems, why didn’t Barry Obama, a very intelligent person, pick him as a candidate, or at least have him vetted by his staff? uhm
Now on to Palin–
She was a mayor for Wasilla, Alaska. Then, she was the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commissioner where she fought corruption, and most of this corruption was from republicans. When she couldn’t fight the corruption any longer, she quit as commisioner and ran for the governor’s postion where she won. Palin as Governor started fighting this corruption from the inside which is a true reformer. She has more executive experience than all three candidates (Mccain, Obama, Biden) combined. Last time I checked, these three have had none. I know what you re going to say, “But it was only for two years.”
A look at Barry’s record.
Barry has served in Washington as a Senator for Il. for only 141 days. This does exclude weekends, holidays, vacations, recesses, and 19 months that he has ran for the democratic party’s nomination. Before that, he was a State Rep. for Illinios slash community organizer. My question is who has the experience?
Back to Palin
Since her pick as VP, Mccain has raised $7 million in contributiions, most recent Zogby Poll – Mccain is now up by two points, and she also has people (I know not like you) worried. Finally, she has the republican party excited again. May the games begin.
@ William – Well Said 🙂
Just a few reasons I am a conservative.
1) The issue that trumps all issues…. Abortion. The Republicans have done nothing but lip service you say? Hmmm, Abortions are down right at 10% in the last eight years. That qualifies as nothing? Oh, and Christians want to end abortions but they aren’t compassionate? BULL. How many Christian families adopt MULTIPLE orphans? Bunches.
2) It’s NOT the governments job to take care of the poor. I hear my liberal friends tell me that the DNC actually DOES something about poverty. REALLY? When? You can go back to the “New Deal” of FDR to see the roots of so called social justice (more like socialized injustice). What was arguably needed at that time as a shot in the arm for the ENTIRE nation at that time has been used ever since as a means of indenturing, bribing and placating the base of the DNC through so called social programs. Some people think it is their God given right to leach off the tax payers. Relief ONLY for the handicapped, the orphans and the widows
3) It’s not the governments job to provide Health Care. It’s the individuals job to care for one’s own health. What did people do before all of this technology? Why do some people think THEY should’nt have to pay for it? If, God forbid, we end up with “universal health care” there DARN sure better be bench marks set for qualifiers. If you think the government should control your doctors, then you better be ready to let them control your diet and your fitness plan!
*** Anyone who want’s to talk about the last eight years sending them off to vote for a smooth talking inexperienced senator from Hawaii needs to consider the DECADES (1952-1994) of failed policies and hollow ideas a Democratic controlled Senate/ House left us.
@ Jud – I totally agree with all of your points. As I said on Pete Wilson’s blog on my 1 platform as President, its not the Government’s job to provide social programs such as Health Care for the people of the country. The constitution promises us protection of : speech, prosecution without defense and evidence, the right to protect with guns, etc…it in no way promises us provision and it definitely does not promise that it will protect risks in the stock market or investments such as mortgages, etc.
Liberals want to criticize Bush on the economy, but he has been one of them in spending, maybe they are jealous he’s increased Government more than they have in the last 8 years. He’s been great on tax cuts, but like John McCain has stood for, you have to cut spending and the size of Government too, I’ll be posting on that soon.
absolutely correct Nick. Bush IS a fiscal liberal. They have no room whatsoever to criticize his economic decisions, I would imagine THEY signed off on them.
I don’t know about you but not only did the announcement of Palin totally steal the thunder of Obama’s Denver speech (which was nothing but redundance from prior speeches to big crowds, I believe it has energized the McCain camp. I didn’t know if I could vote for McCain at one point. At first glance I know I can vote for Palin, and now I find myself admiring McCain for such a cavalier pick. It’s like a real life “Mr. …. er, Mrs. Smith goes to Washington. If this election really is going to be about change then the Republicans can claim a real trump card in Palin. Obama’s rhetoric of change is merely the return of ages old failed policies in disguise. To be sure Palin doesn’t have a lengthy record but her brief record, when honestly examined, packs a BIG punch. …. or…um, maybe….
“Change We Can Believe in”
LOL.
@ Jud – Yes I totally agree. McCain was never my #1 pick and I was having problems with him. But with his selection of Palin, he has solidified my vote and made me excited once again. He did well at the Saddleback Forum too, and that was a good thing. It will definitely be an interesting few months, but I do feel conservatives are more excited over Palin than they are about McCain.