In recent days, we've all read a number of criticisms regarding the Palin pick but what's most troubling about her in my opinion is not only does she lack a firm grasp of current issues but she apparently has no real interest in our country's challenges either.
I find it difficult to believe that a republican office-holder has no real understanding of republican interests or ideas. Republican interests have not changed much in recent years and most of us at Daily Kos could recite them by heart because there is no real variation. Based on her recent statements and interview with ABC, I found it amazing that she didn't have a real clear idea about her party's message. I would think that anyone with any real interest in an elected office at the national level would have at least been well-versed in current policy and hold a knowledge of our country's history and to me a lack of knowledge reflects a lack of interest. According to the ABC transcript, when Gibson asked her about her relationships with foreign officials, her response was troubling.
GIBSON: Have you ever met a foreign head of state?
PALIN: I have not and I think if you go back in history and you ask that question of many vice presidents, they may have the same answer.
Within my lifetime, every VP has held a job at the national level and had past experience and interactions with world leaders. Now, although many of us don't agree with Cheney's world view, I do believe he understands the complexities involved. And although Palin has only served as governor for a year, she should have at least gained an understanding of Alaska's interests before she ran for office. I would never expect to gain a job without an interview and a clear view of the challenges and responsibilities that the job entails, but Palin doesn't exibit any real curiosity and must believe that it doesn't matter or perhaps she believes she is entitled and doesn't have to learn the nuances of foreign policy. The McCain campaign is only interested in her understanding of wedge issues because those issues are their bread and butter. As long as she can claim opposition to reproductive matters and project a zeal about protecting their so-called "cultural matters", everything else is meaningless. It doesn't matter that she went to six schools in five years, she's one of them and it doesn't matter that she lacks ethics because she projects everything that matters.
Diplomacy is a delicate matter and the world can be a dangerous place. We can't afford to place another "plainspoken" person in the role of leader. I value intellect and would like my leaders to value it also.