Posted by
Christopher Reichenbach on Wednesday, September 03, 2008 3:20:50 AM
Over the last several days I've listened to the boisterous opinions of a large number of usually uninformed (and disinterested) bystanders to the current presidential race and American politics in general. All these outbursts pertain to John McCain's recent vice-presidential nominee, Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Everyone I speak to seems to latch onto two fundamentally flawed ideas. First, they all seem to believe that she is running for president, not vice president. Second, they all belittle her experience and related accomplishments.
Both ideas represent what I charitably call intellectual dishonesty. The experience debate as originally framed in this current bid for the presidency dealt with a comparison between John McCain and Barack Obama. McCain readily wins in this regard. His age alone gives him a great advantage in the content of his resume. The argument was not so much that Obama wasn't experienced enough to be president. There have been previous presidents with similar resumes. The point was that McCain was vastly more qualified, both in his years of service and in his basic views on civic duty. Obama has followed a largely self-serving career while McCain has spent decades as a public servant, both in and out of uniform. He'll be a better president because he has demonstrated far more than his rival that he is more dedicated to his country's service.
Though I do like and approve of Sarah Palin's selection, I can't deny that it has created a tempest in a teapot over the issue of experience. And we all certainly know how much the media can make out of the smallest issue. I believe that Mrs. Palin's accomplishments make her more than qualified to assume the role of our nation's vice president. I believe that her value set is something we desparately need in the highest ranks of our nations leadership. I will enjoy having a vice president who is unyielding in her support of the right to life, gun rights, and Christianity.
Unfortunately, I hear a great number of potential voters with absolutely no clear information on her qualifications. I'm certain this sorely needed knowledge isn't going to be provided by the mainstream media. I admit that I didn't know much about her when I heard she was the vice presidential nominee, but I knew where to look and by the end of the day I had a pretty clear idea of who she was and what she stood for and against. The worst part about this whole debate is that there are many, many American voters who are horribly lacking in political savvy and plan to stay that way. These are the kinds of people I've been conversing with over the last few days. These conversations haven't been encouraging.
The conversation usually begins with, "What happens if McCain dies? He's really, really old. She won't have a clue what to do." So first and foremost everyone thinks John McCain is going to die immediately after assuming the mantle of the presidency. Second, they automatically assume that Mrs. Palin will subsequently be left standing like a deer caught in a car's headlights. This is a woman who is physically vital, intellectually sharp, emotionally disciplined, and guided by strong moral principles. She has proven time and time again that she can get things accomplished and attain her objectives against strong opposition. She will face a scenario of this nature head on with determination and will rely on the knowledge and experience of her advisers and cabinet, just as any president should.
I mentioned earlier in this piece about Barack Obama's experience being similar to that of other past presidents. Sarah Palin's background bears similarities to other presidents' as well, notably that of Democratic president Woodrow Wilson. Wilson was a professor, then the president of Princeton University, and was elected governor of New Jersey from 1911 to 1913. He won the presidency in 1912 and was reelected in 1916. He presided over American participation in The Great War and was instrumental in the forming of The League Of Nations (an unfortunate, ineffective organization like our current United Nations). The similarities are readily apparent and I think it is grossly unfair to assume that Mrs. Palin would be unable to rise to challenges any less formidably than President Wilson.
Besides, all this entire discussion really amounts to is a way for liberals and Democrats to discredit the long overdue selection of a strong, intelligent, and capable conservative woman to one of our nation's highest offices. The left wanted the first woman in an office of this level to be of their persuasion, but John McCain's foresight and Barck Obama's lack thereof have given this achievement to Republicans. I think it was a good, if controversial choice and I will continue to fend off the vociferous rantings of the politically uninformed. They won't educate themselves because they fear the truth. They would rather wallow in ignorance and denigrate the abilities of a qualified person who has more in common with most Americans than anyone involved in this presidential race. I actually spoke to a coworker who swore that he had more in common with Obama than Palin. This man is a security officer living a typical working class existence. He has a high school education. He is also black. In his case the intellectual dishonesty stemmed from identifying with Obama from the perspective of race and I couldn't overcome it. He's not alone in his views.
For my own part, I'm determined to stick to my guns and persevere in my defense and support of our vice presidential nominee. For the first time in many elections I can fee a sort of kinship to a candidate. Her altogether American existence bears similarities to my own, particularly related to the fact that I'm the father of a young child with autism. But even without any commiseration I would feel the same way. I for one can recognize a good thing and I see one in Sarah Palin.