The Palin Interview

So, it's over with, well part one. Sarah Palin had her one on one with Charlie Gibson. So, what do we make of it? I think first of all, she showed she's a regular pol, just like all pols (and yes, Barack Obama is a politician also). When asked straight forward questions she gave long obfuscating answers.

On several issues she shows she's been coached. She says she agrees that humans have a role in global warming, something both McCain and Obama agree upon, but in earlier statements she's questioned that assumption.

On foreign policy, she shows she's a novice. Her strength, being governor of Alaska is energy, and when Charlie asked her about foreign policy experience she kept coming back to energy independence. Charlie tried to get her to admit that foreign policy is bigger than energy.

She admits that besides being in Kuwait and Germany to visit troops as governor the only countries she's visited are Canada and Mexico. Her suggestion that this is common for VP's is false, but obviously she doesn't know that. On the issue of Georgia she seemed willing to commit us to war with Russia (if they joined NATO and Russia invaded). She didn't seem to know what the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive strikes was (though I have to admit it took a minute to get that back in my mind), but when told what it was seemed to embrace it. On cross border action in Pakistan, she said of course -- something Obama has been open to, but McCain has ridiculed him for. What this reveals is that she's not that knowledgeable about foreign policy and needs more coaching.

What is most important however is that we move beyond Sarah Palin. Let's all admit here that she's an engaging politician who knows how to say what she thinks people want to hear. On foreign policy she doesn't know very much and if John McCain were to die in office she would have a lot of catching up to do.

But while McCain has ridden the Palin train in his climb to parity with Obama in the polls, it's time to get back to the top of the ticket. My sense is that after last night many people will begin to get over their euphoria of the new face and recognize that to elect John McCain is to continue the legacy of George W. Bush. And most Americans say they're done with that!

Comments

Brad Hart said…
I certainly hope you are right because McCain/Palin looks to be taking a lead in the polls. I hope it wears off.

Popular Posts