High Risk VP Pick Boosts Maverick Image

CBSNews.com Analysis: McCain's Surprise Selection Of Sarah Palin Energizes Campaign, But There Is Potential For Disaster

(CBS)  This analysis was written by CBSNews.com senior political editor Vaughn Ververs.

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John McCain has taken a huge risk by selecting Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. But it’s a risk he may have had to take if he hopes to stay competitive with Barack Obama through November.

After what has to be described as a successful Democratic convention in Denver this week, McCain needed something to shake things up going into his own convention in St. Paul next week. But taking such a dramatic step and plucking an unknown, inexperienced Alaskan as his running mate treads perilously close to Dan Quayle territory.

So unexpected is this selection that we may not know how it’s been received by voters for weeks. The immediate pushback by some Democrats has been swift and sure, indicating they either smell blood in the water and are going in for the kill or are a little wary of what exactly this means. It’s fair to say that almost no one knows how this will all shake out. But the list of pros and cons for McCain’s candidacy are a little easier to see.

As one of the most popular governors in America, Palin serves as a model for anti-establishment politics. The former Mayor of Wasilla, a smallish town outside of Anchorage, Palin took on her own party on corruption and defeated a sitting Republican governor and former United States Senator on her road to the statehouse. She fits with McCain’s maverick image and also provides a shining example of how to run against the party. In introducing her today, McCain made it the very first point to say he was looking for someone to help shakeup Washington.

Palin also serves as a very clear reminder to those supporters of Hillary Clinton that we heard so much about over the past week. While the Democratic convention appeared to go a long way in healing the divide within the party, the choice of a woman to be on the Republican Party ticket could woo some.

She’s a darling of social conservatives, who have been touting her candidacy for weeks. One of the things that have drawn them to her side is her youngest son, who was born with Downs Syndrome. Palin has spoken passionately about her devotion to him and her belief in the value of life. Abortion opponents have used her as a model for their cause.

And, she’s a compelling figure, an Alaskan who lives the outdoors lifestyle that is a staple of the state. An avid hunter who east Moose-burgers, Palin isn’t a dainty society lady; she’s a rough and tough Alaskan. Her oldest son serves in the military, giving the Republican ticket a lock on that aspect.

But the potential for disaster is not insignificant with this pick. At the top of the list is McCain’s age. The day he announced his decision, McCain turned 72 and his health is certain to be a topic in this election. After months spent attacking Barack Obama as unprepared to be Commander In Chief, can they sell Palin as ready to be a heartbeat away from the Oval Office?

How well she will perform in the debate against Joe Biden will be a crucial factor likely to determine that. Biden has 35 years in the U.S. Senate and is well versed in a range of issues from foreign policy to education, taxes and health care. Can Palin compete on the specifics Biden will bring to the table?

And while Palin herself made an aggressive appeal not only to women, but specifically to Hillary Clinton supporters in her remarks today, there remains the possibility that she could be seen as a "gimmick" pick, selected to fill some need rather than for qualifications.

Gender was surely a part of the decision-making process. But more important was that Palin is someone who could really energize the base, something McCain desperately needs.

Most importantly, McCain seems to realize what most already understand in their gut - that the landscape of this election is tilted heavily against him as the nominee of an unpopular Republican Party. He appears to be betting that the only way he’s going to end up in the White House is as a maverick outsider. In Palin, he’s found someone to reinforce that image, regardless of the potential risks involved.

[poppyboy2]

Reporter refers to Joe Lieberman as the v/p Dmo candidate Sarah Palin will debate- correct this, please, for two reasons: 1. He''s not the Dmocrat Candidate, and 2. He''s a personal/congressional fiend of John McCain, and until today was on the short list to be his running mate!!

Beyond this, Sarah Palin, I predict, will be an asset to the ticket, convincing many voters,both male and female to vote Republican in this election. I can''t wait for the debates!!

[t0pjimi]

"Palin is no Hillary Clinton, She is an Anti-Abortion Creationist Right Wing Extremist."

As opposed to Obama who is a far-left hippy radical?

[leighg1]

Good or bad, it shows McCain''s judgment!

BTW, McCain''s nerve only got excited at war. This guy has no interests in economy. McCain''s presidency would guarantee a war in the making.

[runningralph]

I thought Michelle Obama looked nice, and I thought Hilary was cute at one time. But this lady makes them look like circus freaks. People will pay attention to a pretty and smart lady. She will be an effective leader.

[ocasanas]

Does McCain Plain come in any other flavors?

[n0morerepubl]

MCCAIN IS A JOKER.... NOW, WHO''S YOUR REAL PICK?

[aj4321-2009]

A beauty queen for Vice Presidency - I have to give kudos to McCain. My only question: Couldn''t he convince Paris Hilton?

[loraram]

The Palin nomination is a desperate attempt to steal Clinton voters and a slap in the face to Hillary Clinton and all the issues she stands up for. Palin is anti-abortion, anti-gay, pro-oil, and pro-Iraq War. She shares no trait with Hillary other than biology. To vote for Palin simply because she''s a woman is to ignore all the issues Hillary fought for and all the hurdles Hillary leapt to DESERVE her position. Palin fights only for big business and does not deserve this position. She got it simply for being a woman--which is a perversion of Hillary''s message. To think that female Hillary supporters will fall for this trick is the biggest insult to thinking women throughout this entire election process. We don''t vote for gender, but for issues and deserving leaders.

[vnveteran-72]

DNC NEWS UPDATE

Biden promises to under-go gender re-assignment surgery if elected.

DNC NEWS UPDATE

[broadwayphi]

EIGHT IS ENOUGH!



Gallup Poll:

OBAMA +8



EIGHT IS ENOUGH!

[likeitis5050]

Couldn''t be more thrilled!!! What a way to balance the ''just want to get a woman in the White House'' with ''first black man to be president''...and ''where''s the experience...oh yeah....if the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party doesn''t have to have experience, the VP for the Republicans shouldn''t be an issue''. What a way to keep both parties juggling and trying not to get caught in their own hypocritical platforms!!!! Fun!

[allurfears]

Does CBS do ANY research? Or even listen to their own reporting?

This is factually wrong: "Her oldest son serves in the military, giving the Republican ticket a lock on that aspect."

Biden''s son Beau is heading to Iraq in the next month for an Army Reserve tour. I guess Army reserve serving in Iraq doesn''t count as "military service"? ***?

[likeitis5050]

Palin is anti-abortion, anti-gay, pro-oil, and pro-Iraq War. She shares no trait with Hillary other than biology.

DUH!!!! She''s conservative!!!! However, she does share some things with Hillary....if you read anything at all...she''s a ba11buster!!! She goes nose to nose with the good ol'' boys!!! A rowdy roughneck to arm wrestle for the right to sit at the same table with the guys. Yeeehawwwww....win-win.

[broadwayphi]

"What exactly does a Vice President do?"

--- Sarah Palin

[wogerwabbit]

McCane lost his maverick image years ago and he lost all credibility when he caved in on torture.

[likeitis5050]

To think that female Hillary supporters will fall for this trick is the biggest insult to thinking women throughout this entire election process. We don''''t vote for gender, but for issues and deserving leaders.


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Posted by loraram

Keep telling yourself that as the majority of Obama fans vote just to put a black man in office so they can be part of ''history''. People are voting race and gender this election....Obama is no more qualified to lead than he is to flap his arms and fly but star-struck fans are going to make sure he gets in simply because he is black. Now, take off the rose colored glasses and look at things as they are, not as you think they should be.

[likeitis5050]

"What exactly does a Vice President do?"

--- Sarah Palin


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Posted by broadwayphi

good one!!!!

[jydavis1]

she''s definitely cuter than Biden but this is handing the black house to the DEMS .. wow, what a monumental error by the GOP, of historic proportions ..

[broadwayphi]

THIS JUST IN:

Ted Stevens (corrupt racketeer and all-around Alaskan Sleaze Muffin) just endorsed Sarah Palin.

Perfect!

Wow. This is...interesting. Can''t tear my eyes away. Like a car wreck.


"Shut up. Ted!"

[aj4321-2009]

Maverick Image?? Is CBS smoking pot?? Palin is the most conservative of politicians. How is this maverick??

[rktsci3127]

The word %u201CInexperienced%u201D should have preceded every Obama introduction...Eeess, talk about a "done nothing." Palin is a successful business woman, successful politican, successful State leader. Unlike Air-Bama she has accomplishments and a past to point to. Oh, and what seperates her from Hillary...successful State AND family leader

[whiskyrokkr]

rktsci3127
----------
You think 1 year as Gov. of Alaska qualifies her to possibly be pres. of the us? Just asking

[ioweign]

Maverick!!!

McCain is 95 percent Bush.

It is more like "All Hat and No Cattle!!"

[petesis]

I am shocked. This is crazy. McCain is obviously round the bend. I note that any serious GOP pundits have been keeping their mouths shut on this one. They don''t know what to say.

[yeswecan09]

Lets see if I get this straight:

McCain is 72 years old and the average age for a white male to live is 75 years and he has had cancer 4 times; and he picks a former beauty queen who is under Federal investigations as his VP?

[jmurrieta1]

Good choice McClone!

Just the Commander in Chief we''d want if you drop dead and Osama drops a nuke on NYC.

She''d scare Al Queda back to their caves!

[klunder3]

Responding to:
"This is great!!! a slap in the face to the Liberal freedom haters, the difference between this lady and Hitlery. is this gal is a real woman and Hitlery is a lesbian! McCain great by duping the liberal mind freaks, I''''m glad he chose her, Piglosi is going to be pissed too! LOL!!!
Posted by zgomer at 04:23 PM : Aug 29, 2008"

Sure thing, zgomer, and we who can actually think -- intelligent Democrats, intelligent Republicans, and intelligent independents alike -- don''t know whether to Laugh (OL or otherwise) or cry, hearing such vindictive nonsense from the likes of you! "Hiltery a lesbian" -- how clever of you . . . Frankly, it''s bitter and delusional ramblings like yours that are the real enemies of Freedom, not those people who you can''t help hating simply because you disagree with them.

With supporters like you, quite frankly, Sarah Palin and the Republican Party don''t need any enemies. You should be ashamed of yourself! Here''s a suggestion, if you can clear your hate-filled mind long enough to understand it: Less infantile potty-mouth and more political insight, if you can manage. You are a rank embarrassment to the Conservative Cause, there''s just no excuse for your attitude.

[jmurrieta1]

Hard to imagine too many Hillary women backing a female candidate who thinks women who are raped should be forced to bear the child of their rapist!

[jmurrieta1]

"You liberal are shocked I can tell you idiots!
"-Posted by zgomer


Go back to Mayberry, Gomer.

Your village wants its idiot back.

[prailow]

A first time governor of a less populated state and a former beauty contestant cannot help McCain. Its Over

[rktsci3127]

whiskyrokkr...Please list Obama''s accomplishments and while you''re at it, what experience points to his leadership abilities. Has he ever lead the Senate? Ever lead a State?? Ever lead a Boy Scout troupe???..and can you imagine, there are probably people who will actually vote for the guy.

[aldon61]

Hard to imagine too many Hillary women backing a female candidate who thinks women who are raped should be forced to bear the child of their rapist!


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Posted by jmurrieta1 at 04:36 PM : Aug 29, 2008
+ report abuse

You miss the point, feminists want a woman, ANY woman to win a national campaign. They will throw their core beliefs aside just to see a woman in the white house.

[harrydoghiny]

McBush has now dispelled any doubt that he is just another neocon sock-puppet. Already embroiled in ethics scandals in her home state, Praline will fit right in to the Republicon mold. More like a sidekick than a maverick.

[vastr-wcon]

.
The democrat misogynist attack dogs will go after Palin just as they did Hillary. They simply cannot handle having a woman in a position of authority. Watch for msnbc to lead this effort through tax-cheat, and tv''s most biased commentator, olbermann.

/

[lazareth-2009]

rktsci3127
---------
I was just asking because it doesn''t seem to make sense to me why he choose her. Just trying to make sense of this.

[docpeter-2009]

You miss the point, feminists want a woman, ANY woman to win a national campaign. They will throw their core beliefs aside just to see a woman in the white house.

Posted by aldon61 at 04:41 PM : Aug 29, 2008
________________
Absolutely, especially considering that many/most of the women feel they were snubbed by the male DNC. If you think not you didn''t live through and talk to many women when Ann Richards was elected governor of Texas. She was elected in a landslide. I spoke with many of her independent female supporters and their only reason for voting Ann Richards was that she is female.

[jmurrieta1]

"You miss the point, feminists want a woman, ANY woman to win a national campaign. They will throw their core beliefs aside just to see a woman in the white house.
"--Posted by aldon61


Elizabeth Dole didn''t exactly boom to the top of the ratings.

I don''t say that no women would support her, just not any real Hillary supporters.

I doubt that Hillary thinks women who are raped should be forced to bear the rapist''s child.

[ioweign]

This lady has more qualifications to be president tthan Obuma!!! LOL!! You liberal are shocked I can tell you idiots!

Posted by zgomer at 04:25 PM : Aug 29, 2008

You Republican are blind and just plain stupid. If this is the McCain leadership skills then God help us.

Gov. Palin AK (R) in office since 2006
Gov. Pewlenty MN (R) in office since 2003

AK population (2006) 670,053
MN population (2007) 5,197,621

AK 2005 gross state product was $39.9 billion
MN 2005 gross state product was $234 billion


And he picks Palin!!!

[jmurrieta1]

"Hillary supporters are already turning out in droves to throw their support to Palin, and therefore McCain.

Read the tea leaves, a$$wipe liberals"--Posted by LibsEatSh1t


go back to smoking your angel dust, *************.

[david1737]

Palin is being investigated by her own legislator for "Troopergate." as we speak!

[david1737]

McCain voted against equal pay for women.

[ioweign]

The democrat misogynist attack dogs will go after Palin just as they did Hillary. They simply cannot handle having a woman in a position of authority. Watch for msnbc to lead this effort through tax-cheat, and tv''''s most biased commentator, olbermann.

Posted by VastR-WCon at 04:46 PM : Aug 29, 2008

You Republican are blind and just plain stupid. If this is the McCain leadership skills then God help us.

Gov. Palin AK (R) in office since 2006
Gov. Pewlenty MN (R) in office since 2003

AK population (2006) 670,053
MN population (2007) 5,197,621

AK 2005 gross state product was $39.9 billion
MN 2005 gross state product was $234 billion


And he picks Palin!!!

[jmurrieta1]

Guess McClone thinks she''ll appeal to the knuckle draggers and holy rollers.

[sleepyric]

Maverick my @ss....lmao...the old geez probably sits in his big chair at night and watches Topgun over and over.....or his favorite old cowboy Tom Mix!...

[jmurrieta1]

If Palin were raped, would she carry the child to term? Ya think?

Or is she just another rapid religious hypocrit?

[david1737]

This lady has more qualifications to be president tthan Obuma!!! LOL!! You liberal are shocked I can tell you idiots!

Posted by zgomer


If the lady of which you speak is Palin, you may want to know that she''s being investigated for "Troopergate."

[rktsci3127]

I think she''s a good and refreshing change from the good ole boys and the do nothing Congressional (and Senate) air-heads. She also has more proven leadership than NObama.

[broadwayphi]

"What is it exactly that the Vee Pee DOES, every day?%u201D

-- Sarah Palin



See it for yourself:

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Sarah_Palin_What_Exactly_Does_A_VP_Do

[david1737]

This lady has more qualifications to be president tthan Obuma!!! LOL!! You liberal are shocked I can tell you idiots!

Posted by zgomer


If the lady of which you speak is Palin, you may want to know that she''s being investigated for "Troopergate."

[broadwayphi]

EIGHT IS ENOUGH!

Gallup: Obama UP BY EIGHT POINTS