What was John McCain thinking? Or more precisely, did he put any thought into the selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.
McCain met Palin only once and reportedly made up his mind to offer her the chance to be the GOP Vice Presidential candidate moments later. Would you feel comfortable with having McCain’s finger on the button? Impulsive John would have a very itchy finger.Conservatives are rallying in support of Palin after the revelation that her 17-year-old unmarried daughter is pregnant. Whatever happened to the abstinence is best line?
Chief hypocrite James Dobson of Focus on the Family, who backs Gov. Palin’s No. 2 run though he normally preaches that women should stay at home to nurture their young, says Bristol’s pregnancy proves the Palin family is normal. The Palins are “proud” of their daughter’s decision to have a baby and look forward to becoming grandparents. Who is the McCain/Palin team targeting? Is it the “barefoot and pregnant” bloc?
Palin can give the McCain candidacy a boost by stepping down from the ticket. Bristol’s pregnancy provides the perfect cover. Palin can demonstrate true family values so valued by conservatives by resigning to take care of her family, which includes a four-month-old with Down syndrome. Life is much easier in Juneau compared to campaigning around the country for office.
Palin’s resignation for the good of the party is somewhat akin to Tom Eagleton, who withdrew his name from George McGovern’s ticket after news broke of his electric shock treatments. The Missouri Senator was selected after McGovern’s offer of VP was turned down by Ted Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale and Ed Muskie. He lasted 18 days as VP hopeful before McGovern gave him the boot. McGovern’s campaign conducted a very minimal background check of Muskie. Ditto for McCain.
The Republican standard-bearer claims he was told of Bristol’s pregnancy, but decided that the issue was no big deal. If that is the case, McCain is woefully out-of-touch with millions of Americans. McCain should show leadership by telling Palin to go away, and then graciously accept her resignation.
Mitt is tanned, rested and ready to do battle.
