Alex and I await the debate tonight with great reluctance. (Okay, that's not true. He's not thinking about it at all right now because he's sleeping...) I am trying not to shake my head in disbelief that the Republican Party continues this course. By the end of the evening, my face may actually have a handprint on it from covering my eyes at the way Palin will no doubt, as my good friend has put it, be "slaughtered."
I am of the belief that experience is important but not THE most important factor of a candidate. I have appreciated McCain's age as a great asset, not a detriment, because living 3 extra decades than the other guy should benefit someone with that much extra perspective and experience (one may argue, of course, that it may cause someone to be that much more stubborn too).
But defending her experience in the face of common sense~~in the face of reality~~is foolish. So what if she was mayor, governor, etc. if she has obviously not invested enough time into the process of learning about current events and the history of our country? Saying, "Well, she is governor!" does not matter if she has not gleaned enough information and experience to speak freely and correctly on matters that should matter to Democrats and Republicans alike.
Having "everyman" in office is great~~a true plus~~but not when that person cannot spontaneously ponder the possible ramifications of the events of this world in a way that reveals a studied mind. I can think of several people I know who are "everyman" and "everywoman" and possess an impressive body of knowledge and wisdom with which to ponder the world. Waaaaaaaaaaay more than Palin, apparently. I have not seen any evidence of a true appreciation and natural curiosity about the issues that she will have to deal with. She becomes more eloquent and passionate about subjects that interest her (abortion, for instance) but that is so not enough, it's not even funny. This has nothing to do with her being a woman and everything to do with her NOT KNOWING ENOUGH TO HOLD OFFICE!!
Who wants to be her right now? Raise your hand.
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