Originally posted by: Vic
Originally posted by: ntdz
What was JFK's foreign policy experience? How about Reagan? And Clinton? Oh wait...how can a GOVERNOR possibly have foreign policy experience? Jesus Christ, give me a break
Those 3 had all distinguished themselves beyond just their political leadership before even running for the White House.
The Founding Fathers intended for the VP to be more than just a running mate or political gimmick. In fact, originally the office of VP was intended to go to the Presidential candidate who lost the election. This didn't work out (for obvious reasons) and was short-lived, but tradition has since held that a Presidential candidate's VP pick should be someone otherwise capable of running for the Presidency on their own. Which is why VP's are usually chosen from among one of the candidates who lost in their party's primaries. Or if not that, then a very highly respected member of the party.
Palin meets NONE of those criteria. This is why the Democrats are upset. McCain's choice was reckless. Considering his age, it shows an almost callous indifference to the good of this country, in preference for a gimmick running mate that will win him fans amongst the conservative right and the religious fundamentalists who want to the govt inside our bedrooms. In fact, it seems like the only reason she was picked is because she is one of those religious extremists.
And yeah, that offends a lot of people. McCain did hit a nerve. He just told everyone that he is willing to put ideology ahead of country, if that's what it takes for him to win the election. That so many are cheering that is quite chilling to the rest of us.