Am I "Off Message" on Sarah Palin?

Warning! This pundit isn't feeling the same way as most of my colleagues about Sarah Palin. She is being attacked for her lack of experience for the job and for whether she should be putting her family first instead of her career. This just isn't that unusual in my book. And the more it goes on, the more uncomfortable I feel with that message.

I am a woman who someone took a chance on several years ago and gave me a job that had only previously been done by old white guys. Experience? How do you get any if no one takes a chance on you? And the decision to take a chance can be instinctive, as John McCain said. Sure it was a gimmick. But would we feel better if it was Tim Pawlenty? What someone does on a small scale can be a good indicator of what they do on a large scale. So suggesting that she would do any worse than the host of guys who have auditioned for the job isn't that compelling an argument to me. And what about the argument that she is a negligent mother who will be distracted from her important role. I am a mother who constantly feels the pressure from others about whether I am fit to be a parent, whether I put my kids first often enough and whether my son with learning disabilities gets enough of my attention. Who has the right to to judge my family?

My grandmother always said "You can't tell time on someone else's clock". Judgments about people's personal lives are better left unsaid and unrealized.

So why then do I think that Sarah Palin would be a terrible vice president? Because I also think that John McCain would be a terrible president.

I don't care about how Sarah Palin or John McCain take care of their families. I care about how their policy choices affect my family and millions of other Americans.

-McCain and Palin get their health insurance paid for by the government (hers in Alaska and his in Washington). Yet they oppose giving the 42 million other Americans the same access to affordable healthcare.

-John McCain's kids don't have to worry about paying for college. Yet, he has opposed every single education support program to help others.

-McCain and Palin say they will stand up to oil companies. Yet the only energy policy they support gives millions of dollars in tax breaks to oil companies to do more drilling and he has opposed every piece of federal legislation to explore alternative fuel sources.

-McCain and Palin say they will revamp how Washington does business. Yet his campaign is filled with lobbyists and she has been in bed with Senator Ted Stevens funneling federal money for useless projects in Alaska for years.

-McCain and Palin have refused to answer very real questions about her potential abuse of power in Alaska when it came to her firing a State Trooper because she was on a revenge kick for her sister costing an officer his job. And McCain and Palin have no solutions for Americans worrying about their jobs in a fragile economy.

-McCain and Palin want us to leave their families alone. Yet they want make rules for our families by eliminating our right to make our own choices over abortion; eliminate our access to family planning education or domestic partner benefits; and our freedom from discrimination. They want to control what our kids learn in school about sex and about science. In short, through the policies they promote and the judges they support, they want the government to be more in control over our private lives than at any time in history.

-McCain and Palin now say their campaign is about change, too. Yet, the only real change they have proposed is a change from a suit to a skirt in the VP's office and one man fighting a misplaced war for another in the Oval Office. That seems to me to be the right reason to oppose them in November. It's not the process or the people, it's what they represent. This unconventional choice of VP by John McCain won't stand up to the hype and result in a win in November because they are the wrong choice for the country.

Comments

[GreenGeezer]

Alaskans are split by their attitudes towards their beautiful and resource rich environment. Politically, these differences are reflected in divergent positions on resource development, predator control, wildlife management, stewardship of public lands, and global warming. These differences are manifest in Alaskan lifestyles. For some, recreation involves hunting and fishing and driving a four wheeler or snow machine. For others it is non-consumptive, muscle-powered sports on foot, skis or bikes. We drive either small cars or big trucks/SUVs, eat tofu or moose stew or believe that the state"s oil riches should be dispersed to its citizens or used for public education and public works. In terms of the electorate, Republicans greatly outnumber the liberal-minded Democrats with the term "liberal" generally used as a pejorative. Our Department of Fish and Game is almost totally focused on edible species and the Department of Natural Resources is development oriented. Since the Republicans maintain both legislative and executive control, the state operates like a third world nation totally dependent upon utilization of natural resources.

Sarah Palin"s outspoken conservative Christian beliefs, personal history and influences, lifestyle and record as a public official clearly places her in the camouflage outfitted conservative camp. She endorses aerial hunting of wolves and has appointed a Game Board in thrall to a "hook and bullet" constituency.

Sarah Palin has been the wrong choice for Alaska and is the wrong choice for the country.

[dailyscribe]

Right on, Hilary Rosen. The Dems need to retreat from the Mommy Wars battlefield, and fast. This election is about the issues -- huge issues -- and where the respective parties stand on them, and what the record of the last eight years has been. The GOP wants to make it personal because that takes voters' eyes off the ball. One of the biggest balls is the issue of reproductive choice. I'm glad we live in a country where Sarah Palin and her daughter are free to make their own reproductive choices based on their own beliefs. But that's a freedom Palin and the Republicans are hellbent to deny American women.

[Mizhani]

Since the beginning of our history as American"s women have bled, cried and screamed for equal opportunities. As a feminist I am insulted. As a mother, I am insulted. As an American, I am insulted. Nothing Sara Palin stands for signifies an average woman"s obstacles nor an average woman"s beliefs. This is a woman who believes in abstinence only. This is also a woman who doesn"t mind destroying Alaska"s environment as long as it will allow her husband to make a few extra dollars for a few extra years. This is a woman who is forcing her 17 year old daughter to get married to save face for this vice presidency, no matter the cost of relationship with her child. This is a woman whose policy"s both home and within government are better on paper than they are with REAL people. This is also a woman who has 5 kids. One of which is only 5 months old. While I believe that women can do it all, I don"t believe that we can do it all at one time. And, only in an environment like Alaska can one woman breast feed, have dinner ready for her husband, join the PTA, and veto policies at the same time. This is an insult to all women. With McCain"s cancer history, there is a strong possibility that THIS woman¦ could be PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! I am sure the world is laughing at us hysterically.

[BlueBoomer]

THERE IS NOTHING ABOUT THIS NOMINATION/HER ACCEPTANCE THAT IS "COUNTRY FIRST" !

There were some/many who quesstioned the wisdon of John Edwards pursuing the presidency given Elizabeth's health issues and the fact that they have young children: wouldn't his natural concerns/parental responsibilities possibly be more of a distraction than the demands of running the country should allow?...Reasonable, but in his case, the OBJECT of his concern, Elizabeth, said, go ahead.

In the case of Sarah Palin, the CONCERNS are the same, BUT, UNLIKE EDWARDS' CASE, THE OBJECT OF CONCERN, BABY TRIG, HAS NO SAY IN THE MATTER.

That baby deserves maximum mommy-time, but because Palin is SO unknowledgeable about the myriad of issues that being ready for white house prime time demands, especially foreign policies/politics, she's not going to have much/any "down" time (no pun intended) to spend with little Trig.

I entered the work force in the late '60's, just before the women's movement went into full swing, and understand the frustrations... BUT, the job of PROPERLY running/protecting the COUNTRY involves a level of dedication/time that flies in the face of PROPERLY caring for a special needs infant...and the repubics would SCREAM that fact from the roof-tops if the shoe was on a Democrat's foot.

They had a lot of nerve waiving "prosperity" placards last night...more accurate would be "hypocracy".

[armason]

Mommy Dearest is a fraud. Just a wind up gimmick being used by the Republican Party. They really are set of thinking that Americans are fools who will fall for any old thing. ENOUGH !!!!!!!!

[frustratedinohio]

Interesting that the republicans know how to stay united at least. The more sexism rears it's ugly head the more they rally around Palin. Yesterday I was sure that I was going to switch my vote to Obama. I just wasn't liking Palin much. Now after the speech, I'm swinging back to McCain. No matter what, I think it's safe to say she's given this campaign a shot in the arm. As for the experience thing, I think she's on equal footing with Obama. If she ends up becoming president, she can pick a VP that has what she's lacking.

[vipersdad]

The party of "family values" has ruthlessly and mercilessly judged people for years for some of the same issues that seem to be affecting Palin's family. It's a double standard.

When a daughter of a Spears gets pregnant it's the failure of parenting. When Palin's daughter gets pregnant, she's heroic for keeping her baby. A lack of experience on the part of a Democrat gets the full light of media attention and vicious attacks by the Republican machine. With Palin, running a 9,000 person town is 'executive experience.'

Trooper-gate is troubling because it shows that Ms. Palin is willing to cross ethical boundaries because of personal feelings.

Lastly - she's a novelty - just as Phyllis Shaffly was the poster-person for opposing the Equal Rights Ammendment, Sarah Palin is now being trotted out by republicans as the "right kind of woman."

Let's be clear - all of the things the so-called family-first people hate she is guilty of.....She's ambitious, and has worked outside the home for a long time. Were she a democrat and had a pregnant daughter, she would be skewered by the Christian Right.

The conservative right and so-called "culture warriors" are the ones who started this debate, not the Progressive Left. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and they are changing the rules.

that's what has us mad.

[PatCan]

As a Delegate to the 2008 Democratic Convention, I could not help but compare the Republican National Convention and their speeches to my experiences in Denver last week.

Both Senator Biden and Senator Obama's speeches were extremely motivating and informative. Senator Obama laid before us his course of action in his exceptional speech. Both Senators Joe Biden and Barack Obama expect us (the people) to be and do more then ever before to accomplish these objectives.

Listening to Palin, I couldn't help feel the continued focus of divisiveness. The nick-name Sarah Barracuda seemingly fit throughout her speech. Governor Palin was either praising John McCain or attacking Senators Biden, Obama and Michelle Obama. She truly stirred up the Republican base with her eagerness to continue the war and treat the rest of us, not in agreement, as the enemy. She appeared as the huntress going after the kill and with glee. She did her job for the Republicans and they seemed to enjoy every moment.

I am extremely apprehensive that so many people in our country don't get it. The fact that someone with such venom and lack of national experience could be considered for Vice President (and shudder possibly President) of our great nation scares me. And yet, George Bush was elected twice after having so many failed policies. I pray folks wake up to what has happened to us and what extremist policies will do to our freedom and rights. Women should especially be concerned.

[PATina]

You are definitely on point. The problem is the Repubs have figured Americans out... they are much more interested in having a particular image in the White House... than someone who will really work for Americans. Sarah Palin has that image Americans are looking for.

[FirstShirt]

Palin has the same credentials Bill Clinton had when he took office as President.

[Oldchef]

No, Bill had 2 terms as governor of a larger state, population-wise.

[PATina]

Not even close. Have we forgotten that President Clinton is a RHODES scholar??? Palin has nowhere near the same credentials as then Gov. Clinton.

[valleygent]

Hilary just attack Palin...at will...with no quarter, I know you can do it.

[shel3364]

Are you off message??

Nope. I think you pretty much covered it.

[cylindar]

You got that right. Palin is a total amateur and is not fit for the VP position by any stretch of the imagination.

[snarkopolitan]

I don't think SHE is being attacked for her lack of experience so much as MCCAIN is: he promised a VP who would be ready to take over, which, excuse me, Sarah Palin is painfully not.

I don't know how I'd feel about Pawlenty because I haven't VETTED him. But if he decided to accept the VP nomination and flew his kids into the spotlight without giving them even a heads-up, I'd think he was an insensitive asshat.

[strangelet]

Hilary -- I grant that the "experience" issue is a tricky one. Pretty much by definition, the only candidate for Prez or VP who has relevant experience is one who is up for re-election.

I definitely agree that it is a mistake to make much of the fact that she is a working mom with kids. Although she is an extreme case -- when was the last time we had a Prez or VP with four (or, I guess, three) minor children still at home, including an infant? But this is only a quantitative difference, and so a poor argument.

I also agree that Palin's personal and family life are none of my business -- EXCEPT to the extent that they may illuminate her attitudes and judgment. With respect to the infamous North-To-Alaska-In-Labor trip, I doubt that many women would have taken the same chance, but then I doubt that many women (even successful professionals) would have been twelve hours from home with three weeks to go. Still, the possible health issues were her choice.

However, by twice committing herself to four-hour flight segments when she COULD NOT KNOW if she was going to go into advanced labor, she forced scores, or hundreds, of other people to become unwittingly bound to the outcome of her gamble. Although she got away with it -- no emergency landing was needed -- that doesn't make it any less of an exercise in plain "I'm more important than all you other folks" ego.

[sundance22]

I came late to this post late and so maybe some people have already said this. But Rosen's logic about "taking a chance on someone" offends me. When minorities are given these types of chances, as John Ridley says, it's called a "token hire" and belittled and riduled. It depresses me to read that Palin should be considered for the 2nd highest political post in the nation even though she's demonstrably unqualified because, hey, everyone needs a chance. Oh my God. All of the qualified minorities in the past who have struggled to get a chance, have been dismissed for actually being given a chance.
And really, for Vice-President?!! You have got to be kidding me! I'm assuming that the job that Rosen got a break with wasn't Vice-President of the United States, because I seriously don't remember her name. Sorry.
This type of reasoning is why the RNC has difficulty attracting minorites, even Latinos, who should and could be flocking to the party. If only the RNC didn't offend them in these types of ways.
I'm not mollified by the fact the Rosen then mentioned policy reasons to not support McCain/Palin. The damage was done before I got to the part about mothers and working, which I probably could agree with.
Maybe Rosen should say all of her thoughts out loud before she posts. If you were kidding about this, I apologize and I promise to try to laugh tomorrow.