Ok...first of all, in case you didn't know, I am a female.

 

As an undecided voter, I was sure that McCain's VP choice would be Romney and that my decision would be made. I am not and never have been a Romney fan. The choice of Palin suprised me, along with most of you, and kept McCain in my consideration.

 

I voted for Clinton in the primary. I toyed with the idea of voting for Obama, but I have long been an admirer of HRC. I am not "mad" at Obama for winning the nomination, as some woman are. And I am not "mad" at him for not putting her on his ticket. I don't think she wanted to be 2nd in command, anyway.

 

So, I look at Palin. I can look at her personal story, which is interesting. I can't vote for her BECAUSE of that, just like I can't vote for McCain BECAUSE he is such an admirable war hero. I can't vote for her BECAUSE she is a female anymore than I can vote for Obama BECAUSE he is black or even for Bill Richardson (if he had been on the ticket - my "favorite" democrat, for those of you that don't know) BECAUSE he is Hispanic, as am I.

 

Again, I look at Palin. As mayor of a small town and governor of a small state (population-based), has she had to make any decisions similar to what might be asked of a president?

 

I find what has been said on this site recently about females very...interesting.

 

1.) In the Pelosi threads, go back and count how many times the word "woman" comes up...on average, every other post. What does this say?

2.) In the first Palin thread, and in the beginning of the new one, there is a great deal of talk that refers to her attractiveness. What does this say?

3.) The whole "feminazi" issue...who are they? As a female and a Clinton supporter, if I don't blindly get behind McCain BECAUSE he chose a woman, am I a feminazi?

 

What part do the "boys club" really want women to play in politics? Most detest Pelosi...and for some, it has a least something to do with her being a woman...or maybe that just makes it worse. (Again, count all of the many "that woman" comments in those threads.)

 

Do you really like Palin because you think that she can handle the job? Or had Obama picked the democratic equivalent of Palin (female governor of less then two years, no Washington experience), would you have crucified him?

 

I know that I present many different issues in this thread, so I expect it to take a variety of turns and twists.

 

Rockmom, I hope that you feel that you are not alone, now.

If McCain is elected, Sarah Palin may someday become president. If Obama is elected president he will become president in January.

 

I hope that those who question Sarah Palin's qualifications to be president ask the same questions about the man who would be president on day one.

 

When Barack Obama decided to begin running for president, the US Senate had been in session 150 days after he had become a member. Before that, Obama was an Illinois State Senator, a position that gave him no executive experience and had far less responsibility that the governor of any state.

 

I would like for somebody to explain exactly what a typical day is like for a "community organizer." Sarah Palen had already been elected to public office when Obama was working as a community organizer. So, what was he doing during that period of time?

 

I just do not see how Obama supporters can question Palin's experience with a straight face. Show me where I am wrong. How is Palin, the most popular governor in the US, less qualified than Obama.

If McCain is elected' date=' Sarah Palin [b']may[/b] someday become president. If Obama is elected president he will become president in January.I hope that those who question Sarah Palin's qualifications to be president ask the same questions about the man who would be president on day one.

 

When Barack Obama decided to begin running for president, the US Senate had been in session 150 days after he had become a member. Before that, Obama was an Illinois State Senator, a position that gave him no executive experience and had far less responsibility that the governor of any state.

 

I would like for somebody to explain exactly what a typical day is like for a "community organizer." Sarah Palen had already been elected to public office when Obama was working as a community organizer. So, what was he doing during that period of time?

 

I just do not see how Obama supporters can question Palin's experience with a straight face. Show me where I am wrong. How is Palin, the most popular governor in the US, less qualified than Obama.

 

What does being popular have to do with anything?

 

I just don't see how those that bemoan Obama's inexperience can say that they don't question Palin's. I guess that makes us even. Additionally, my question was "has she had to make any decisions similar to what the president might be asked to do?" It's all fine and well to auction the governor's private jet off on Ebay, but are we wanting her to do likewise with Air Force One, if she has to take over as president?

 

As to what I underlined, it's immaterial. Isn't McCain responsible for picking someone that WOULD be ready in his stead?

Edited August 31, 200818 yr by True blue (and gold)
Additions

If McCain is elected, Sarah Palin may someday become president. If Obama is elected president he will become president in January.

This is all that really needs to be said IMO.

 

TB&G, I have zero problem with women in office, I despise Pelosi for her stance on issues (and the lack there of) not because she's a woman.

This is all that really needs to be said IMO.

 

TB&G, I have zero problem with women in office, I despise Pelosi for her stance on issues (and the lack there of) not because she's a woman.

 

I don't really see anyone saying that Palin has much experience, so I'll ask..McCain doesn't need to choose someone to be 2nd in command that is ready to take over instantly?

 

To your second statement, I will take you at your word. Why, then, do people makes statement's such as "that woman is an idiot?" when refering to her. They do not similarly say "that man is an idiot." This is something that I have been noticing and discussing with Rockmom quite a lot lately.

Edited August 31, 200818 yr by True blue (and gold)

What does being popular have to do with anything?

Are George Bush's job approval ratings irrelevant to you? A popular president or governor can bring heavy pressure on the legislative branch of government to effect change. Palin's job approval rating has ranged from the mid 70's to 90 percent.

 

I just don't see how those that bemoan Obama's inexperience can say that they don't question Palin's. I guess that makes us even. Additionally, my question was "has she had to make any decisions similar to what the president might be asked to do?" It's all fine and well to auction the governor's private jet off on Ebay, but are we wanting her to do likewise with Air Force One, if she has to take over as president?

Barack Obama has not been in position to make any executive decisions during his career. Palin recently signed legislation that will allow a multi-billion dollar natural gas pipeline to be constructed to deliver gas to the lower 48. Republicans had been trying to get the pipeline through the Alaskan state legislature for 30 years and Palin got in done.

 

As to what I underlined, it's immaterial. Isn't McCain responsible for picking someone that WOULD be ready in his stead?

No, what you underlined is not irrelevant. If Palin's experience is a concern for you, then Obama's experience should be an even bigger concern because if he wins the election, he will be president regardless of Joe Biden's health. Obama is the product of the notorious Chicago Democratic political machine. He did not take that system on when he had the opportunity, he worked within it to advance his political career.

 

Sarah Palin confronted corruption and triumphed over it. That is leadership and that is a qualification for a president that Obama cannot match. Obama talks about change and Palin has done it.

TB&G, great post! :thumb:

 

You bring a lot of separate issues to the table here.

 

I, too, notice the way that Ms. Pelosi is referred to ("that woman") versus the way Ms. Palin is referred.

 

I, too, notice that references to a woman's attractiveness (or perceived lack of) seems to worm its way into many posts.

 

The use of the term "feminazi" is disconcerting to me, because it seems to be a blanket reference to refer to females that do not "toe the line" that males have drawn.

 

I don't agree with all of Obama's agenda, or political positions. But the same goes with McCain.

 

I won't vote for McCain only because he chose a woman to run as his VP. I won't vote for Obama only because he is black. I want to know that whomever I vote for will represent the majority of my ideals.

 

IMO, it's more important that McCain's VP choice be ready to assume the Presidency than Obama's. That's simply due to the age of McCain. The liklihood is statistically higher that the VP on his ticket would need to be ready than on Obama's. Points lost, IMO, for selecting a runningmate who is not at all ready.

 

My "problems" with Palin: Her staunch NRA beliefs. Those are pretty big to me. Her environmental beliefs. She opposes something as simple as declaring the Polar Bear an endangered species. I'm sure this is everything to do with her culture in Alaska. Understood. However, I wonder about what she'll feel about other environmental issues, and there's nothing I can find that tells me. She's staunchly in the Republican camp on healthcare.

 

My "likes" with Palin: She's pro-life. She's apparently for raising the "ethics" in politics. Those are big. But, as I've said before, the pro-life issue isn't a deciding factor for me. I like that she's not a "career" politician. However, after all the battering by the uber-conservatives here at BGP, I was questioning my support of Obama based upon that premise. :lol: Now, I have to reconcile the posts slamming Obama, and my defense of him, for his lack of inexperience with the sudden support and praise of Ms. Palin for the same. I'm not liking what I suspect.

 

My questions about Palin: Where does she stand on education? That's a big one with me. Can she really relate to the issues of the more densely populated mainland US states? Is she staunchly pro-war? How does she stand on foriegn relations? Trade?

 

I know she supports drilling for oil in Alaska, but wanted to sell the oil to Japan, was it? Why would she choose that over supplying the US? And does her position change now that she needs to have the interests of the entire country at heart instead of just those ~670K in Alaska?

 

Am I a feminazi because I don't believe that being a woman and mom equates to the ability to lead the country? Am I a feminazi because I don't believe that having a child with a disability elevates her morality? I know quite a few people who have children with disabilities, who chose to do so knowing that their child would be born with challenges. I also know people who chose to adopt children with physical and developmental challenges. I also know people who've fostered and adopted children with emotional challenges stemming from abuse by their biological parents. I don't consider her choice unique. Am I a feminazi?

 

I'm insulted, as a female, that the McCain camp, by it's own admission, is so blatently attempting to secure the "woman" vote this way. Call me skeptical, but did they really think that women would be more apt to vote for him because he chose a woman?

 

I consider this pick interesting from a "political strategy" perspective than from a "who will I vote for" perspective. I don't feel he identified the correct female demographic to pander to. I think most women will see right through the game, and consider their options even more carefully. I'm not convinced that after that time, the majority will wind up in his camp.

 

Another demographic I don't feel this will affect is the "young" voter. First, I think the first-time voters of today are more "in-tune" to real issues than ever before in history. I don't think a pretty "young" VP choice will woo the undecideds among them.

 

At the core, I think that both Obama and McCain are trying to figure out how to get the undecideds off the fence. I personally don't feel McCain will make great in-roads on either immediately with this choice. But, I do believe he may possibly be able to chip his way in, if Biden (in particular) is not able to walk the line that he often trips over.

 

At this point, I think that Obama strengthened his ticket with his choice, by choosing someone with stengths in his areas of weakness. But, McCain did not.

I don't really see anyone saying that Palin has much experience, so I'll ask..McCain doesn't need to choose someone to be 2nd in command that is ready to take over instantly?

 

To your second statement, I will take you at your word. Why, then, do people makes statement's such as "that woman is an idiot?" when refering to her. They do not similarly say "that man is an idiot." This is something that I have been noticing and discussing with Rockmom quite a lot lately.

Does the fact that somebody might identify Nancy Pelosi as a woman make her any less of an idiot for declaring that natural gas is not a fossil fuel or misrepresenting the Catholic Church's position on abortion?

 

Do statements from Democratic supporters of Obama, which I have already heard, such as, "She seems like a very nice woman, but..." bother you at all?

 

The reaction of the conservative base to McCain's selection of a woman to the ticket should dispel the notion that sexism is any more of a problem on the right than it is on the left. The reaction would have been the same to a conservative African-American with her qualifications had one been selected.

 

In fact, had Michael Steel not narrowly lost his race for the Maryland governor's seat, I believe that he would have been at the top of McCain's short list.

 

I have a strong bias against presidential candidates who are US Senators and that includes John McCain. I would much rather see people from the business world, state governors, and the House of Representatives running for president. Sarah Palin has exactly the kind of background that I look for in a candidate. I want somebody with a tangible record of accomplishments not somebody who exaggerates their past accomplishments but promises to transform the nation in the next 10 years.

I don't really see anyone saying that Palin has much experience, so I'll ask..McCain doesn't need to choose someone to be 2nd in command that is ready to take over instantly?

 

To your second statement, I will take you at your word. Why, then, do people makes statement's such as "that woman is an idiot?" when refering to her. They do not similarly say "that man is an idiot." This is something that I have been noticing and discussing with Rockmom quite a lot lately.

I'll tell you the honest truth, I'd feel better about Palin being in the number one spot that I would Obama. She doesn't scare me, he does.

 

I've said many times that "guy" is an idiot many times discussing men in politics.

Rockmom, what is so worrisome about her NRA beliefs? So she believes in our rights, what's wrong with that? To me it's more of a concern when you have a guy like Obama that's against our rights.

True Blue nice post, RockMom nice comeback. I was ready to vote for Hillary, but now I can't, so the female issue in an nonissue with me.

 

I have no problem with a female President/Vice.

 

But, with Mrs. Palin I have several problems that most have already been addressed, and I'd have the same if she was a Male. It is the age/experince issue. I want to go to bed at night and feel like if we lost the president due to an Illness or what ever the Vice can do the job, and what I've seen and read so far I have a major concern and I'm scared.

 

Has she even been to Washington? Mid 40s, she needs more time with congress/House/foreign affairs/. Im also concern for her family and what they will endure in the future.

 

I love women...My Mom/wife/sisters/friends are women.

True Blue nice post, RockMom nice comeback. I was ready to vote for Hillary, but now I can't, so the female issue in an nonissue with me.

 

I have no problem with a female President/Vice.

 

But, with Mrs. Palin I have several problems that most have already been addressed, and I'd have the same if she was a Male. It is the age/experince issue. I want to go to bed at night and feel like if we lost the president due to an Illness or what ever the Vice can do the job, and what I've seen and read so far I have a major concern and I'm scared.

 

Has she even been to Washington? Mid 40s, she needs more time with congress/House/foreign affairs/. Im also concern for her family and what they will endure in the future.

 

I love women...My Mom/wife/sisters/friends are women.

But you're totally OK with inexperience from day one with Obama? Not to mention his poor decision making.

I'll tell you the honest truth, I'd feel better about Palin being in the number one spot that I would Obama. She doesn't scare me, he does.

 

I've said many times that "guy" is an idiot many times discussing men in politics.

 

She doesn't scare you because she pretty much represents your ideal candidate. She's an NRA member who's strongly pro-life and those are two of your major concerns.

Rockmom, what is so worrisome about her NRA beliefs? So she believes in our rights, what's wrong with that? To me it's more of a concern when you have a guy like Obama that's against our rights.

 

 

IMO, the NRA has become to gun issues, what some beleive NOW is to women's issues.

 

Where does she stand on the rights that I feel are important? I know where Obama is. I need her to tell me where she is on the issues that face the entire country, not just those that affect Alaskans. I don't want to hear one more time what a great mom she is. Tell me what she's going to do to make this country better for all moms. I don't believe owning a gun is the most important issue facing moms or women in this country....or men and dads for that matter.

Ok...first of all, in case you didn't know, I am a female.

 

As an undecided voter, I was sure that McCain's VP choice would be Romney and that my decision would be made. I am not and never have been a Romney fan. The choice of Palin suprised me, along with most of you, and kept McCain in my consideration.

 

I voted for Clinton in the primary. I toyed with the idea of voting for Obama, but I have long been an admirer of HRC. I am not "mad" at Obama for winning the nomination, as some woman are. And I am not "mad" at him for not putting her on his ticket. I don't think she wanted to be 2nd in command, anyway.

 

So, I look at Palin. I can look at her personal story, which is interesting. I can't vote for her BECAUSE of that, just like I can't vote for McCain BECAUSE he is such an admirable war hero. I can't vote for her BECAUSE she is a female anymore than I can vote for Obama BECAUSE he is black or even for Bill Richardson (if he had been on the ticket - my "favorite" democrat, for those of you that don't know) BECAUSE he is Hispanic, as am I.

 

Again, I look at Palin. As mayor of a small town and governor of a small state (population-based), has she had to make any decisions similar to what might be asked of a president?

 

I find what has been said on this site recently about females very...interesting.

 

1.) In the Pelosi threads, go back and count how many times the word "woman" comes up...on average, every other post. What does this say?

2.) In the first Palin thread, and in the beginning of the new one, there is a great deal of talk that refers to her attractiveness. What does this say?

3.) The whole "feminazi" issue...who are they? As a female and a Clinton supporter, if I don't blindly get behind McCain BECAUSE he chose a woman, am I a feminazi?

 

What part do the "boys club" really want women to play in politics? Most detest Pelosi...and for some, it has a least something to do with her being a woman...or maybe that just makes it worse. (Again, count all of the many "that woman" comments in those threads.)

 

Do you really like Palin because you think that she can handle the job? Or had Obama picked the democratic equivalent of Palin (female governor of less then two years, no Washington experience), would you have crucified him?

 

I know that I present many different issues in this thread, so I expect it to take a variety of turns and twists.

 

Rockmom, I hope that you feel that you are not alone, now.

 

1.) In the Pelosi threads, go back and count how many times the word "woman" comes up...on average, every other post. What does this say?

 

She's not a man...

 

2.) In the first Palin thread, and in the beginning of the new one, there is a great deal of talk that refers to her attractiveness. What does this say?

 

She's hott...

 

3.) The whole "feminazi" issue...who are they? As a female and a Clinton supporter, if I don't blindly get behind McCain BECAUSE he chose a woman, am I a feminazi?

 

What kind of nazi????