I was impressed with Barack Obama’s speech last night. Not only was he incredibly well spoken, but he named many of the issues that *need* to be fixed, like tax breaks, reducing the U.S. dependency on foreign oil and finding other energy sources. That’s huge. We aren’t going to see gas prices go down until we cut our oil usage. That means more public transportation, carpooling and hybrid vehicles. I was fired up during the speech, and I found myself wishing I was at Mile High Stadium.
During his speech, Obama mentioned how during the primary election, some Republicans who had never crossed party lines pulled Democratic ballots. I think we’ll see that in November as well. One of my friends, who is a staunch Republican, called a few minutes ago and told me in his mind, the election is over for the Republicans. He said McCain was going in with one hand tied behind his back after last night’s finale to the Democratic National Convention, and now, with his announcement today of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate, my friend says McCain has both hands tied behind his back. I was surprised myself at the announcement. I was expecting someone more well-known. I’ve heard several theories — that McCain hopes her opposing views will attract the moderate and liberal Republicans; and that picking a woman might garner some of the female vote. There might be some truth to both of those. My view, though, is that picking Palin goes against McCain’s argument that Obama is too inexperienced for the job. Yes, she is the vp nominee rather than the presidential candidate, but she, too, is inexperienced. Before becoming Governor in 2006, she mayor and a member of the city council of a small town.
My friend says it’s Obama’s election to lose at this point. I think he’s right.
It’s Obamania!
Not that it matters, but she was mayor of her town before she became governor of Alaska.
I agree that Obama is extremely well-spoken and gave a great speech. There certainly are many things that need fixing. The question is how best to fix them. I was pretty shocked at McCain’s choice, however after learning more about Palin, I think it was a great one. I don’t think he’s attempting to attract moderate voters at all but rather to get conservatives to come out and vote. Also, Palin has an excellent record of being a reformer. And Palin may not have a ton of experience, but she actually has more than Obama, and she is the only candidate with governing experience, as the others are all legislators. Biden has said himself that Obama wasn’t qualified enough. All I know is that I’m suddenly very excited to watch everything unfold these next few months! It should be interesting.
But mayor of a small town – like 8000 people I think.
I dreamt last night that I woke up to NPR (as I do every morning) and they announced it was Tom Ridge, so I was really confused when I actually woke up and all my roomies are talking about some chick in Alaska! We were discussing it over breakfast this morning and no one quite got it.
I for sure thing McCain’s choice was gusty but after doing some research on her it might not be a bad one. I am interested to see how much she can get to know Americans and Americans get to know her in a little more than 2 months. That is going to be tough.
Still very undecided here….