As a lifetime liberal, it's no surprise that I'd be opposed to Palin's policy. As a progressive woman, it's obvious I'd disagree with her views on reproductive and social issues. But the image that plagues me this morning is the idea that she'd become Commander in Chief.
The thought that the Republicans count in her limited experience qualifications like being a "hockey mom", a PTA member, a former beauty pageant contestant, a mooseburger connoisseur and a high-school point-guard, is nothing less than surreal. McCain has confidence that this person--pleasing as she may be to look at and reassuring to suburban moms--is someone who might have her finger on the proverbial button?
Much has been made of Palin's "fresh" look, her non-nonsense approach to issues, her down-home appeal, but honestly, can any American, regardless of political affiliation, make a case that she's ready to be in charge of the most powerful nation on the planet? It is so absurd, it defies explanation. I suppose I should be thrilled that McCain picked what looks to be an asinine choice, but the chance that the ticket might win--however unlikely--is enough to send shivers down my spine.
For me, the cynicism in this pick is equally astounding. Clearly McCain and Rove believe that Hillary voters are so wed to the idea of a woman in high office, that we'd happily eschew all regard for her issues platform and skip over to a woman who represents the far-right opposition on every count. Do they honestly think we only care about anatomy? A woman in high office would undeniably be a coup for every woman in the country, but at the expense of our national security--it's insane.
Given my druthers, I'd see the Obama team go beyond merely pointing to her lack of experience and lay out--in stark terms--how fundamentally delusional and truly dangerous this pick is. The notion that someone with her credentials could find herself commanding our military, leading 2 wars and negotiating on the world stage has left me stunned, shocked and seriously scared. Sure, the spinmeisters will say Obama's also light on experience, but at least he's already served in DC, worked on nuclear proliferation, met world leaders, taught constitutional law and worked across the aisle.
It's essential that the Obama campaign paint a vivid picture of what a Palin presidency (a real possibility considering McCain's age) could look like. Palin and the 3AM call. Palin on Iran. Palin and Putin. The very idea is ludicrous.
Finally, and this is an aside, having a child go to Iraq does not count as foreign policy experience. The fact that we heard so much bragging about her son this morning--and so little about Biden's from him--speaks volumes.
I truly hope that every voter considers the reality of this person running the country. While Obama may be relatively new on the political scene, he's been in the thick of high-level issues in DC, working on nuclear proliferation and ethics reform. Does Palin even know the players on the world stage or follow global issues? Terrifying, unbelievable and, for this kossack, very sobering indeed.