First Principles

I had heard about Sarah Palin only recently, and had done a little reading up on her last week.  The more I read, the more I liked.  I thought she would be a great pick, but thought it was an awful long shot.

And then I flipped on the TV Friday morning.  My instant, gut reaction was along the lines of, “YEEEESSSSS!!!!”  Or maybe even a full on, “WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

If Palin is as smart and as savvy as I think she is, I think she’s going to be an incredible pick.  If she chokes during the debate, she will be seen as a desperate, affirmative action nominee.

But I don’t think she’s gonna choke.  That just doesn’t seem to be her style.

—

The arguments against her are silly, but I just hope the McCain campaign is ready for them, because otherwise they could stick.  For example, it’s amusing hearing the Community Organizer’s campaign claiming a woman who has successfully negotiated an international energy transportation agreement isn’t experienced enough to be even the Vice-President.  It’s a little scary to hear Mr. I-Live-In-A-House-Financed-By-Tony-Rezko discount her very real and very successful anti-corruption efforts.  THose willing to vote for the guy who worshiped at the feet of Revered “God Damn America!” tell us to be frightened of her religious fervor.  And if the Obamaphiles really, really want to get down in the mud with the false fake-pregnancy rumors, well let’s just see how far that takes them with the female voters, shall we?

And no one – no one – who thinks Palin’s resume is too thin to risk a vote for McCain can seriously or with any intellectual honesty consider voting for Obama.

—

One of the things the conservative movement has been missing in recent years (and let’s face it – probably for the last 200 years or so) are younger, solidly principled conservatives with actual accomplishments under their belts.  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is one of these that has emerged in recent years.  Sarah Palin is another one.  One of the best things about her selection is that these accomplishments now have the chance to be highlighted, and hopefully will inspire more of the same around the country.

And not only that, but now a person who has put these principles into practice – and has reaped the many benefits that come with that – has the chance to help put them into practice on a grander stage.

—

I’ve heard a few other people say this, but it bears repeating – is anyone else impressed at McCain’s ability to keep a secret?

—

She’s extremely attractive.  And that matters, fair or not.  A frumpy old hag with a chip on her shoulder doesn’t exactly bring out the youth vote, or the Maxim vote, or even the woman vote, outside of the Gloria Steinem set.  A good looking woman who can back it up in smarts and an attractive personality will get votes from all those demographics.

—

I’m very much looking forward to seeing a lot more of Sarah Palin.  I hope I’m right to be optimistic and excited.  She’s either the most brillinat VP pick in recent memory, or the worst.  I guess we’ll see in November!