My initial impressions are as follows. The positives:
- Palin has a solid anti-abortion record so the GOP base will be placated on that count.
- This is a simple but effective way to offset the historic nature of the first ticket with an African-American. Field the second ticket with a woman.
- A likely "maverick" credential boost. I question how much this is deserved since Palin has steady conservative credentials but (see previous point) her gender alone counts for something.
The negatives:
- What happened to the "judgement and experience" meme? Palin's political career started in 1992 on the Wasilla City Council (population less than 10,000). She's only been governor (of the 47th most populous state) since 2006! Does her runner-up finish in the 1984 Miss Alaska contest prepare her for the mythical "Commander-in-Chief Test"?
- The age difference between Palin and McCain is striking. She looks young enough to be his daughter. She IS young enough to be his daughter. To be fair, the Obama - Biden age difference is only ~ 5 years less than the McCain - Palin difference. And Obama is just over 3 years older than Palin. But (see last point) it's the Republicans that have been harping on the experience factor.
- The pick is bold, but may come to be viewed more in terms of desperation. It can't be as catastrophic as the Harriet Maiers for SCOTUS pick, but may cause a lot of head scratching and be viewed as a transparent pander to female voters.
- This is small potatos as far as cases of Alaska GOP corruption and malfeasance go, but Palin is under current investigation regarding charges that she fired a Public Safety Commissioner after he refused to fire a State Trooper that was in an ongoing custody battle with Palin's sister.
Mark October 2 down on your calendars as Joseph Biden and Sarah Palin square off in the Vice-Presidential debate.
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