Politically, there can be no question that Sarah Palin has turned out to be a great pick for John McCain's previously moribund (look it up) campaign. Despite the intense polarization she brings-- liberals HATE her, conservatives LOVE her-- she was the perfect counter to Obama's primary asset; to wit, his rock stardom. Now she is the rock star. Not a very good rock star; kind of like Britney Spears to Obama's U2. But a rock star nonetheless (and "Oops I Did It Again" sold way more than "It's a Beautiful Day.") . Everyone is talking about Palin and Obama; Papa McCain is getting a total pass. And the Reps couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

But is she qualified?
This is the wrong question; a false premise. Whichever side of the political divide you're on, both "yes" and "no" are dangerous answers here. Is being governor of a state sufficient qualification? Well, it was the main qualification that Dubya, Clinton, Reagan and Carter brought to the table. Oh, well, Alaska is too small a state... well then, what's the line? Is Arkansas a big enough state? Well, she was only governor a short time... OK, what's the right time? Was Obama a senator long enough? If you try to peel this onion, you will find that there is no minimum set of requirements to be president (save for the ones in the constitution).

Obviously her qualifications deserve scrutiny because, well, no one ever heard of her before she got the call from McCain, and because he's 72 and a cancer survivor. But the better way to frame the question is like this: can anyone-- McCain, his supporters-- can anyone look you in the eye and say that he picked the most qualified candidate? Picked someone best suited to leave us in good hands if he, you know, dies? And I'm sorry, there's no way anyone can answer yes to that question and look you dead in the eye whilst doing so. Canny and shrewd political move, sure. But ultimately somewhat irresponsible.

But let's stop talking about her, and start talking about him. Or, if we are going to talk about her, let's talk about her record, her politics, her religious and social views, which are way outside the mainstream of American political thought.

Pick one
I'm told (repeatedly; I watch news programming) that there are two key points to remember about Palin: (1) She is qualified to be the leader of the free world; and (2) she is JUST like the lady ahead of me on line at K-Mart.

Here's the problem I'm having. Both of tose statements cannot be true. Believe me when I tell you, the lady on line at K-Mart is in no way qualified to be the leader of the free world. Not wearing those pink stretchy sweat pants she's not.

And last...
Finally... if the only difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick, doesn't that make Palin Dick Cheney with pretty make-up?

Labels: The politics, The politics; Sarah Palin