09/03/2008
McCain's 'Thorough' Vetting of Sarah Palin Began Last Wednesday
Yesterday, at a campaign stop at Engine Company 56 of the Philadephia Fire Department, McCain talked up the campaign's research on Sarah Palin: "The vetting process was completely thorough, and I'm grateful for the results."
And WaPo's 'The Trail' adds: "His aides have said nothing has emerged in news reports about Palin that McCain and the campaign did not know before selecting her, including that her 17-year-old daughter Bristol was pregnant."
Which isn't false, however:
Today, the WaPo reports: "Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was not subjected to a lengthy in-person background interview with the head of Sen. John McCain's vice presidential vetting team until last Wednesday in Arizona, the day before McCain asked her to be his running mate, and she did not disclose the fact that her 17-year-old daughter was pregnant until that meeting, two knowledgeable McCain officials acknowledged Tuesday."
Sullivan notes: "If this is how John McCain picks the person who would replace him in an emergency, imagine how stable and rational a decision-maker he'd be in the White House."
Posted 9:50 AM EST by Andy Towle in John McCain, News, Republican Party, Sarah Palin | Permalink
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Thanks Morgan. In the defense of others, I think a lot of people here show more than a simple amount intelligence. In the case of Palin, I think many are on the attack, perhaps "knee-jerkedly", as a reaction to the attacks suffered from people like Palin nearly every day, as this blog often catalogues. She has become a figurehead, a poster child, a target. And the information uncovered about her -aside from the more tabloid stuff - speaks to a record that doesn't make me think that she, combined with MCCain, will inspire enlightenment. In so many ways, this was a jaw-dropper of a pick, pandering to the social conservatives, the ones who came to the polls in droves 4 years ago to vote for Bush AND anti-gay marriage initiatives. But don't think that is the sole reason I am against this team and party. In so many ways, the social conservatives are for faith over science, the status quo, the "right" sort of person, and the hegemony. I am way too liberal - not a dirty word but a badge of honor for me - to see her and McCain as people I don't want in power.
Do I think Obama is a saint? Heck no. Do I watch him with the fish eye? You bet. But what he inspires (or what I see him inspiring) is a more generous, inclusive spirit of hope than the opposition ever will as long as it is a party held hostage by the far right. I doubt he will accomplish much (I am way too old to be anything less than cynical about all politicians), but I dare to expect more out of him than I would ever dare expect out of the others.
Posted by: JT | Sep 3, 2008 9:00:46 PM
JT...points very well taken. You may have even gotten me to take another serious look at Obama. Maybe.
I agree and share the opinion that Senator Obama can be very inspiring and I definitely share your cynicism regarding all politicians.
What makes me angry about most of the posts is the one-sided, narrow and often naive viewpoints tolerated and expressed here. I am, JT, a bi-racial male, a product of a solid, middle class family and a Marine that's volunteered and served in the military. I've been and seen others ridiculed here in one way or another for these things. There's as wide a spectrum of gay people that identify with the republican party but hold personal opinions and beliefs that are contrary to it as there are gay democrats that don't fully embrace all the planks of the democratic platform. The intolerance and criticism of one's thinking with a brain that is separate from the "herd" more than disturbs me. It's what led so many Jews to the camps and gas chambers when their numbers were far greater than that of their captors. And please, no for God's sake I'm not comparing Obama to Hitler. It's that similar single-mind, accept what's offered, don't get out of step, don't question specifics too closely group thought process I so often see here that's more than troubling. To me, for me personally then if you must, there's something about that kind of thinking that should make us, particularly as a minority compsed of many shades of that varied spectrum, take a more thoroughly unsentimental, realistic and detailed look at the man that wants our help with our votes to put him in the office of the president of the United States.
Thanks for listening JT.
Posted by: Morgan | Sep 4, 2008 11:31:48 AM
MORGAN:
My favorite quote ever: "How lucky for rulers that men do not think"- Adolf Hitler
You are correct. Lock-step thinking is pretty scary. One can see it on both sides of the aisle. On another thread, I referenced having a conversation with a Republican friend; she's probably better characterized as my best friend, whom I've known for over 30 years. She is not lock-stepping behind McCain, because she thinks. She was also a military brat, a military intelligence officer, the wife of a military officer who just recently retired, and I bet she shares a lot of your values. Most of my friends that are fiscally conservative are also socially liberal or moderate, and I have been chastised before for being too "Democrat good, Republican bad" in my thinking, which reminds me to think. However, I do allow myself some deal-breakers, some litmus tests. Social issues, including those that affect me personally, are those deal-breakers.
Thanks for listening back. I appreciate your replying. Too often, posting on blogs is about talking at and not with others, so I share your frustration and try to avoid getting sucked in. I've posted a lot lately, but only because of having the free time and feeling strongly about the issues.
Posted by: JT | Sep 4, 2008 12:21:32 PM
JT...
Absolutely there are lock-step thinking people on both sides of the aisle. No matter which side of said aisle, each provoke the same feelings I expressed earlier.
It's good to have those friends that make us think. I appreciate mine as well.
Yes fiscally conservative here and socially moderate at least. Yes some of those friends of mine would argue otherwise. Still, I consider their points of view a good thing. As they do most often make me think about what I might have just said out loud or thought to myself.
I'm not new to this site but my recently leaving comments is. This election, no matter which party affiliation one holds, has been and is energizing. And that's great.
I'm actually in my office and spending this time doing what I wouldn't want to see my colleagues doing...so, happy trails to you until perhaps another time, JT.
Posted by: Morgan | Sep 4, 2008 2:03:25 PM
Back at ya, Morgan
Posted by: JT | Sep 4, 2008 4:34:01 PM
Maybe some of Palin's supporters here may be interested in attending this lovely event at Palin's church!
Palin church promotes gay-conversion event:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008163805_palingays07.html
Posted by: Timothy | Sep 7, 2008 10:19:28 AM