August 30, 2008

Sex vs experience.

My mother had 2 bumper stickers on her Honda Accord -"Muller for Mayor" and "Hilary for Senate". She lived in Pa., coulddn't vote for Clinton but sent her money and supported in any way she could. She even visited my sister in NY and went a Clinton rally during her 2nd campaign for the Senate. My mom wouldn't vote for Sarah Palin and I don't think there are a lot of Democratic Clinton supporters who will find a first term Governer from Alaska a good reason to cross the aisle and vote for an anti-choice campaign that doesn't support universal health care; that thinks the economy is OK' and doesn't support equal pay and rights for women.
I have to wonder about the judgment of a politician who spends 4 months criticizing his opponent on his lack of experience and then goes and chooses a running mate with less experience than his opponent. If McCain was serious about Obama's readiness how can he possibly believe that Sarah Palin is ready to run the country if something happens to a man who will be the oldest President ever to take the oath of office if, through some terrible lack of judgment, voters send him to DC.
I admit that I had reservations about Obama's readiness for the top job. I believe in his positions on the issues and planned to vote for him but McCain clearly got points for simply being around longer, Now I have much graver doubts about the GOP's ticket's qualifications to hold the enormous power of the Presidency. This appointment make McCain look disingenuous at best, a flaming hypocrite to some.
Over the years I have worked with a fair number of female elected leaders. I know how good they can be and I have no illusions about sex being a barrier to effective leadership, wisdom and success. I also have no illusions that being President is not a job for that anyone is fully prepared for (Hell George W still hasn't figured out how to do it). But I do know that some experience dealing with national issues and bureaucracies is really helpful in being effective. Witness how Hilary Clinton got burned on health care early in her husband's administration. There are too many smart powerful players in DC to risk our fates to an untested newcomer from Alaska.
John McCain had a chance to appeal to disgruntled Democrats but I believe he missed it. He could have chosen a moderate like Tom Ridge or Joe Lieberman. He could have shown he is not scared of or intimidated by the social and religions conservatives of his party. He could have built a coalition that moved to the center of this country and built consensus. In contrast he choose a social conservative. yes she is a she but that doesn't make her right on the issues that matter to Hilary voters.
It will be interesting to see how this decision plays out. To see if Palin's (alleged) attempts to get her brother in-law fired from the State Police comes back to bite her or if McCain's desperate gamble helps unify his party and helps him in the polls.
If you enjoy thinking about issues like this, if you are concerned about the futuer of our state and nation or if you just like hot dogs then join me and the rest of the Dare County Democratic Party on Labor Day, Here are specifics:
Dare County Democratic Party Labor Day Rally
Monday, September 1, 2008
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cartwright Park, Manteo
(at the corner of Bideford & Sir Walter Raleigh)

Come on out and kick-off the fall election season
with your friends and neighbors
from across Dare County!

The picnic is FREE and open to everyone!

It will be held rain or shine.

Hot dogs, potato chips, side dishes, & soft drinks will be served.

Please bring a dessert and your lawn chairs.

Ciao

3 Comments:

At 6:34 PM, Blogger Russ said...

Sex vs Experience. That HAD to generate a ton of [disappointed] hits!

 
At 8:59 PM, Blogger Ronnie Roach said...

Great title - you might have gotten even more hits if you wrote "sex And experience".

 
At 4:17 PM, Blogger BOBXNC said...

I learned from the best. All those posts by Paula about naked lesbian surfer moms!!

 

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