This has been a historical week in politics. Barack Obama has become the first ever African American nominated to represent his party as a presidential candidate. And Sarah Palin has become only the second woman, and the first Republican woman, to ever be on the presidential ticket.
Picking Palin as a running mate is the equivalent of having a themed party as opposed to having just a regular party; it could end up being the ’80s party no one will ever forget or the Edward 40-hands party that no one wants to remember.
Most political analysts see the pick as risky given her brief and questionable political background combined with McCain’s campaign focus on Obama’s lack of experience. McCain is not hiding the fact that he’s attempting to appeal to the Clinton loyalist, but I think it’s something deeper than that.
Obama has appealed to new demographics and groups that aren’t typically represented in national elections, and his unique campaign represents more than just a candidate. He’s responsible for registering voters in record numbers, so whether you agree with his politics or not, no one can deny his ability to articulate and motivate.
To put it simply, Barack had historical precedence on his side while John McCain was just another W.A.S.P. running for the presidency, like the 43 before him.
Not to be outdone, the GOP put a woman on the ticket, and in the process ensured themselves a place in history, and more importantly, talking points on all major media outlets.
It’s condescending, and a gross error in judgment, to think that Hilary supporters will back another female just for the sake of her being a woman. Palin, and the Republican Party for that matter, stands against a lot of the rights women have fought for. Comparing Sarah Palin, mayor turned Alaskan governor, to Hilary Clinton, a seasoned political veteran, is like night and day.
Also, Palin comes with some baggage. The McCain campaign announcing that Sarah Palin’s daughter, Bristol, is actually currently pregnant and engaged.
Both candidates seem to have addressed their weaknesses when picking their vice presidential running mates. Barack listened to his critics who have attacked his lack of experience when picking Joe Bidden. McCain took into consideration the fact that he isn’t Obama.