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.

[allurfears]

PALIN and "ALASKA INDEPENDENCE PARTY"

The Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) believes:
-- Alaskans must vote for secession from the United States (can you say "49 states"?)
-- That "the vote for Alaskan statehood was invalid"
-- ALL environmental regulation should be eliminated
-- All government lands should be turned over to private parties
-- THE MAJOR PARTIES MUST BE "INFILTRATED" TO OBTAIN ALASKAN INDEPENDENCE

WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF PALIN''S RELATIONSHIP TO THE AIP?

Palin belonged to the AIP before she decided to seek higher office.

The AIP supported Palin for Governor.

AIP Vice Chairman of the AIP, Dexter Clark revealed this year:
"the one we were hoping would get elected, Sarah Palin, did get elected. ... And there was a lot of talk about her moving up. She was an AIP member before she got the job as a mayor of a small town, that was a non-partisan job. But you get along to go along, she eventually joined the Republican Party

Sarah Palin recorded a nice message to the AIP Convention this year, saying that the party "plays an important role in our state''s politics" and that "we have a great promise to be a self-sufficient state."

Is Sarah Palin a radical Alaskan secessionist? She certainly believes in them, and she belonged to their party before it became politically expedient for her to join the Republicans...

[trrrorislamb]

WHO WOULD VOTE FOR THIS FALSE PROPHET???

LOOK WHO IS PLAYING THE MUSLIM / RACE CARD,,, RACIST HUSSEIN,,,

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=OBAMA+DID I MENTION HE IS BLACK

Obama: "Whites are all racist"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Wzx1_r6ps

Obama quotes: What he really thinks...
OF TYPICAL WHITE PERSONS,,,

HUSSEIN KNOWS RACE BATING,,,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9tSpFUEooI

Michelle Obama Quotes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj4oApJK2as
The Real Michelle Obama: Mistress Of Gloom & Doom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdG8cxuAeFY&feature=related
Mark Levin puts Michelle Obama in her place
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxllLkYwrAI&feature=related

Stupid Quotes/Gaffes from Barack Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BHyqtaECLI

[allurfears]

PALIN LIED ABOUT "BRIDGE TO NOWHERE" IN HER V.P INTRODUCTORY SPEECH

Sarah Palin FLAT OUT LIED about her supposed "opposition" to the famous "bridge to nowhere" in Alaska.

In her V.P. introductory speech she claimed she said, "thanks but no thanks" to the pork barrel project. IT WAS A LIE.

LESS THAN 2 YEARS AGO, the Anchorage Daily News quoted her on Oct. 22, 2006, as saying yes, she would continue state funding for the bridge because she could get projects through with help from Alaska Sen. Steven''s PORK BARREL power. "The window is now while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist," she said.

In a Sept. 20, 2006 appearance of the gubernatorial candidates in Ketchikan, she said, "The money that''s been appropriated for the project, it should remain available for a link, an access process as we continue to evaluate the scope and just how best to just get this done," the Ketchikan Daily News quoted Palin as saying. "This link is a commitment to help Ketchikan expand its access, to help this community prosper. I think we''re going to make a good team as we progress that bridge project."

Ketchikan Mayor Bob Weinstein said he was there at the candidate forum when "she was asked about the bridge and she supported it."

SO PALIN LIES. She''s a weak token candidate- an insult to the much more qualified Republican women McCain could have selected. Oh, and SHE LIES.

[trrrorislamb]

STOP AMNESTY,,, VOTE GOP,,,

ummmm it is the DEMONIC-RATS that want to grant amnesty to illegals,,, including HUSSEIN,,,

HUSSEINs solution for illegals is to grant them amnesty and have americans learn SPANISH,,,

words out of his own mouth,,,

AMERICANS NEED TO LEARN SPANISH,,,

Obama to America--Learn Spanish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W7srmHLclw

Barack Obama: Your Children Should Learn To Speak Spanish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZprtPat1Vk

HUSSEIN SUPPORTS AMNESTY TO THE FULLEST,,,

from his own website,,,

Barack Obama On Amnesty
Barack Obama supports amnesty to the fullest.
http://www.barackobamawin.com/barack-obama-amnesty.htm

[allurfears]

YouTube Audio:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9AIDRGzUAw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKkydrUnBZE

Early THIS year, an op-ed in the Anchorage Daily News ripped into Gov. Sarah Palin''s appearance (1/15/08) on a morning "shock jock" radio show ("The Bob and Mark Show") as "plain and simple one of the most unprofessional, childish and inexcusable performances I''ve ever seen from a politician."

Palin has feuded with State Senate president, Lyda Green, over a wide range of legislation.

Lester referred to Sen. Green as a jealous woman and a cancer.

PALIN knows full well Lyda Green is a CANCER SURVIVOR, but didn''t do what any decent person would do, say, "Bob, that''s going too far."

Lester questioned Green''s motherhood, asking Palin if the senator cares about her own kids.

PALIN LAUGHS.

Then Lester says, "Lyda Green is a cancer and a b*tch."

PALIN LAUGHS for the second time.

What were teenage boys and girls thinking when they heard the governor laugh at someone being called a b*tch? How about the teenage girls who look up to Palin. What did they think when they heard her laugh?

But there is more. Lester then describes Green''s chair as big and cushy. A clear reference to the senator''s weight.

PALIN LAUGHS a third time. She''s just having a grand old time.

Palin was clearly enjoying every second of Lester''s vicious attack on her political rival. Then she says she''s "honored" by Lester and invites him to her speech.

Credit: Nico Pitney

[trrrorislamb]

EX-DEM CHAIR JOKES HURRICANE SIGN FROM GOD AGAINST REPUBLICANS...

Don Fowler thinks it is funny New Orleans gets hit by Gustav
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=277Hg6s_qJs

Fat Moore thinks it is funny New Orleans gets hit by Gustav
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5ourFC1Olw

Foul Don Fowler Amused by New Orleans Hurricane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrBus8ORR78&feature=related

Don Fowler Thinks God Is On DNC Side Because Of Hurricane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-HrlFPF0aM&feature=related

Obama''s DNC leader laughs at Hurricane Gustav victims
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvf44rwrIDY&feature=related

[jtyler271]

and maybe take a look at SAT scores.

Posted by twixcon at 03:24 AM : Sep 01, 2008

That is a great idea. Let''s take a look at the SAT scores.

Alaska - ranked 33
Arizona - ranked 28
Illinois - ranked 2

[notfooledtx]

While it may usually be the issues, for me it is character above all. SARAH PALIN seems to have a lock on issues of character. She says what she means and means what she says

Posted by jessix at 06:59 PM : Aug 31, 2008

Yeah, her character was on display earlier this week when she lied about railing against the bridge to nowhere - she in fact supported it. Hmmm...and then there''s that pesky ethics investigation she''s under - wow, hope that''s cleared up before the election, huh.

I guess we just have different standards, different definition of what character really is.

Monica Palin is way out of her league.

[notfooledtx]

The pick drained him of his last shred of credibility. The maverick truly is the far rights sidekick now.

[trrrorislamb]

High Risk VP Pick Boosts INEXPERIENCE Image
CBSNews.com Analysis: HUSSEIN''s Surprise Selection Of BIDEN SURPRISES Campaign, But There Is Potential For Disaster

HUSSEINs VICE PRESIDENT,,,

hmmmm a TYPICAL WHITE PERSON
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8gnmUyminI

hmmmm one that is CLINGING to his GUN and RELIGION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNoJ0q6HrK8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmv5NZ4zcdc&feature=related

hmmmm one that wants AMERICANS to SPEAK SPANISH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZprtPat1Vk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W7srmHLclw

hmmmm a RACIST like himself, HUSSEIN HATING WHITEY and JEWS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfC4OOm1aoM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3jsFs&feature=related

RACIST HUSSEIN PICKS,,, RACIST BIDEN AS VP,,, shocker,,,

Obama''s Racist Vice President Biden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlxXNyIuyTM

BIDEN SAYS NOW,,, HE IS HAPPY TO BE VICE PRESIDENT TO HUSSEIN,,,

"I mean, you''ve got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice looking guy."
: SENATOR JOE BIDEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxWSVXZVR4c

BIDEN SAYS HUSSEIN NOT READY,,,

BIDEN SAYS HE IS READY TO RUN WITH OR AGAINST MCCAIN,,,

BIDEN SAYS COUNTRY BETTER OFF WITH MCCAIN,,, THAN HUSSEIN,,,

Joe Biden On Barack Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVUPqoowf8

[trrrorislamb]

HUSSEIN ADMITTING HE DOES NOT HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO BE PRESIDENT,,,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BHyqtaECLI

[twixcon]

Sounds a bit like the small towns where Carter, Reagan, and Lincoln grew up. The kind of town where a kid uses his or her imagination.

It would be interesting to compare Palin''s littlee.town of Wasilla to the 13th District in Chicago who''s culture Obama shaped. (Throw out the University of Chicago, which Obama most certainly did not shape). Take a look at who wa more effective in preventing drug abuse, dropouts, gangs, illegitimate children, murders, robberies, burglaries...and maybe take a look at SAT scores.

I''ll bet Palin''s town doesn''t look too bad when compared to the ghetto that Obama helped to foster with his slumlord buddies.

[Stratmaster7]

For those touting Mayor of Wasilla as her experience, I suggest you go to epodunk.com (the only link I could find in the first few pages of google hits with any info or pics of the town). I wasn''''t sure of the sites validity, so I also put in Roscoe, IL (a small village I am familiar with) to make sure theyw ere legit.

They show a picture of main street (looks like an unpaved road with a couple shacks on each side) and a picture of their "library" which is a small log cabin. This isn;t a city. It isn''''t even a village.


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Posted by stratmaster2 at 01:55 AM

[trrrorislamb]

IMPEACH HUSSEIN NOW,,,

SIGN THE PETITION

Impeach, expel Barack Obama
http://obamaimpeachment.org

[trrrorislamb]

HUSSEIN MORE FOREIGN THAN AMERICAN,,, EVEN ALIEN,,,

Obama''s DNC Message: I''m Like You
CBSNews.com Reports: Democrats To Push Obama%u2019s Similarities With Average Americans

righttttttttttt

HUSSEIN puts foreigns ahead of americans,,,

how many non-muslim americans have a syrian born tony rezko helping you buy a multi million dollar house???

how many non-muslim americans travelled to pakistan for spring break???

how many non-muslim americans say the muslim call to prayer is the prettiests sounds on earth at sunset???

how many americans want to have to learn spanish???

how many americans want to give tens of millions of illegals amnesty???

how many americans want open borders???

how many americans want to send one trillion of their taxpayer dollars to kenya???

how many americans want to spend their taxpayer dollars on slavery reparations when they already paid via the civil war with their blood???

hmmmmm manchurian candidate maybe,,, hmmmm

[christiansin]

McCain isn''t entirely just more of the McSame. Otherwise he''d see to it that we''ll spend another 8 years reliving the Vietnam War era.

It is quite easy to see that the Republican party has just taken what they view as a quantum leap forward in time to 1984 by putting a woman on the ticket as their VP candidate. Apparently that is change they can believe in and not just more of the McSame.

So, can Pailin at least spell Potato even if she doesn''t know what a VP does?

Something tells me that the image of a much older man with a much younger woman is not the sort of thing that really appeals to Hillary Clinton fans.

[jessix1]

While it may usually be the issues, for me it is character above all. SARAH PALIN seems to have a lock on issues of character. She says what she means and means what she says.

Even when I disagree, I so much respect an honest up-front politician these days that I will vote AGAINST my interests for someone who stands up for their beliefs.

This anti-corruption straightshooting female governor who has been given the chance to be VP of America, has a record of exceptional performance. Her presence is indicated by her actions, not by a mere squeek of a "present" vote on important issues.

What the DNC did to Hillary may have forever prevented her from becoming America''s first female President. I will never forget the raw deal dealt to Hillary Clinton. It is reasonable to believe SARAH PALIN could benefit from this to become the first female President of America!

If this all comes to pass, Democrats will have suffered the type of poetic justice one can only dream about. Their shameless betrayal and extinction of Hillary Clinton could be the event that leads SARAH PALIN to the Presidency! It could also mean the extinction of the DNC!

REVENGE IS SWEET!

[michag2]

Boosts his Maverick image? This is no maverick, he caved to a pressure from a special interest group. John McCain''s choice of Sarah Palin as his VP over John Lieberman in deference to the religious right demonstrates a lack of leadership, bipartisanship and plain old backbone! This is not a maverick move--he caved instead of standing up for his own gut feeling. Women aren''t so stupid that they can''t see thru this obvious ploy to garner their votes, (how stupid does he think we are?)and we have not failed to note that this candidate is anti-everything-the-women-who-voted-for-Hillary care about. It is about MORE than just Gender.

[obcessed]

Hi...We''''re talking about Hilary supporters right. Ok, thats what I thought. Yeah, he''''ll be getting about 80% of them. Thanks.


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Posted by cbville72 at 04:27 PM : Aug 31, 2008


So, you are saying that 80% of Female voters will vote for ANYONE wearing a skirt!!! HMMM....Wonder what would happen if Obama can talk Biden into wearing a Kilt????? Might just be a LANDSLIDE after all!!

[cbville72]

Why did Brack Obama sit in Rev.Wrights anti-American,Racist church for 20 years ???


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Posted by mr2258 at 11:26 AM : Aug 31, 2008

Noone answered this chaps question, so I''m going to offer it again. Anybody have an answer.

And one more question, Why did it take until 6 months ago for Michelle Obama to be proud of this country?