Sarah Palin | Standpoint

October 2008

In short, Sarah Palin is a slightly terrifying figure. She threatens established orders in American political life. It's no wonder those orders have sought by turns to diminish and then denigrate her. It's true too that there's much that is still unknown about John McCain's choice. She lacks any foreign policy experience; she has not yet been tested on the presidential election campaign trail, as fierce a crucible as there is in public life. In the remaining weeks of this election campaign, she will surely get that test. Senator McCain will know just how big a gamble he took when he chose her.

If she proves unready for the task, as she might - just too inexperienced, too brittle at this point for national politics - she and her running mate will surely go down to defeat. But she has a good story to tell - of a bright, idealistic young woman who has already changed the politics of her state and can do the same for the country. If she can pull it off she won't be underestimated again.

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George

March 22nd, 2011
11:03 PM

I just discovered this magazine and this section. I've read a few pieces and find them solid. But this one? Clearly the exception. Everyone must admit that had McCain chosen a reasonably intelligent republican woman, he could very well have beaten O. Instead, he played to the lowest common denominator. Let's quit these defenses of a third-rate (or below) leader. Give your publication more credibility, please. Whom will you defend next? Limbaugh? Glen Beck? Michael Savage? Michelle Bachman? And if you're looking for someone to overrate, try David Brooks. he's ubiquitous in American news media which could use some real variety in its punditry.

Anonymous

October 26th, 2008
10:10 AM

So does that mean that Biden or Bambi are 'ready to hold the fate of the free world in their hands?'

Terrence Cole, Professor of History University of Alaska

October 10th, 2008
9:10 AM

While I like Sarah personally and as Governor of our State think she did some good things. it was beyond reckless and irresponsible for Mr. McCain to choose her as his running mate. She is not ready to hold the fate of the free world in her hands. I wish it were otherwise.

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