The VP Debate

Well, I realize I've already blogged about Gov. Palin, and why I won't vote for her. But that was before I didn't know about all of these other reasons I can't vote for her, and don't believe anyone else should either.

Last night's debate was pretty good, especially as far as VP debates go. I have to agree with most of the political reporters on this one. (Excluding Sean "I'd cut off my hand for Sarah Palin" Hannity.) I think both candidates did a good job. Biden was able to demonstrate his knowledge, especially that of foreign policy. While he seemed to hold back and cut himself short at times, his answers were polished and were things he obviously believes---not just something the campaign told him to say. Palin "exceeded expectations," though I don't think expectations were very high. She was able to hold her own, and appeal to those whose only mandatory qualification for VP is that "down home folksiness."

Look, Sarah Palin has flat out lied about certain things and she isn't being called on it very well. She has continually lied and misrepresented the story about the bridge to nowhere. She did not say, "Thanks, but no thanks to Congress," until she found out they couldn't give her the total amount for that project. And she didn't give back those earmarked funds. She spent them on other things. During her time as mayor, she allowed the city to charge rape victims for rape kits. She claims not to have known about this.

In her interview with Charlie Gibson, she didn't know what the Bush Doctrine on foreign policy, even though it's what the last 6 plus years of foreign policy is based on. Sure, Joe or Jane American may or may not know what that is. (Many do). But Gov. Palin isn't Jane American--she is someone who is running for the 2nd most powerful position in the world. And don't even get me started on the Katie Couric interview, although I'd recommend you watch it on youtube if you haven't seen it.

Sure, she's folksy. She's down home. (If by that you mean wealthy, living in a governor's mansion most of the time and then at their lake house at Lake Wasilla at other times). She's proven that she can handle being governor---of a state with a few issues and only 670,000 people. But how can she honestly be VP when her foreign policy experience and knowledge are so limited? By her own admission, her foreign policy qualifications are that she lives next to Canada and that you can see Russia from parts of Western Alaska.

I just can't leave the world in the hands of those who seem most folksy and hockey-mommish. I think I'd rather it be in the hands of someone with a legitimate Harvard degree, someone who graduated at the top of his class, and someone who knows a bit about the world and its affairs.

I think Palin would do well and have a huge audience if she hosted her own show like Oprah or Ellen. But I think the country will soon realize the mistake of electing McCain and Palin, if the majority go that route.

As for me, I hope Obama wins and that soon I'll be writing a letter to the editor, telling people how to safely remove their McCain '08 and McCain/Palin stickers from their bumpers.