Palin Thrown Under the Bus - Whigs in Control of the Republican Party

It wasn't 24 hours since the election was over, and reports (this time more verified than the shots in the dark the Huffington Rag took) of GOP insiders throwing Sarah Palin under the bus started flowing. I'm not an insider, but I really believe the old guard fat cats of the party never really warmed to her and McCain, and thus sponsored such an apathetic campaign.

Hopefully the Republican party will wake up and realize that their establishment, who wouldn't fully accept Palin as one of their own, is disenfranchising many who became Republicans after the Democratic party turned into a party of the fringe. While many of us didn't agree with the big business love fest (although we admit we cannot continuously kill the goose who laid the golden egg), we came to their party because we believed in family values, strong national defense, low taxes and low spending. And, while they have talked a good game over the past ten years, they haven't held up their end of the bargain. Obama didn't do anything magical, the Republicans did things marginally. While he whipped up a fervor among the outright socialist and left-wing extremists in this country, many people simply voted for him because he promised change, and although misplaced, people bought on it.

So, now I say, there are two options, the Republicans can either go back to the stance that worked before, or we as the American public need to abandon the established two-parties of tweedledee and tweedledum. Personally, I sent in my change of registration the next morning to the Constitution Party. I'm not jumping off some band wagon. I just woke up and realized that neither of these two parties give a damn about the American people.

The election is over. I'm not going to go into detail about the socialism and pain this country is going to face, all in the name of change. What does need done though, as many of you have stated, is to hold both parties feet to the fire. Yes, America, we have two choices, the Democratic-Socialist Party and the Republican-Whig party. And as long as that is the case, the American people's wants and needs will never be truly on the agenda of DC.

*AFC Note* I had an unfortunate event occur a few days back which required medical attention, thus I have not been able to post as frequently as normal, or with as much detail and energy as normal. I hope to discuss more about the reform needed in DC in the upcoming days as I go through my recovery. Thank you.

Tell a friend:

I'm back...and "why they got to be like that?"

Well folks, the worst appears to be behind me...I'll spare you the details as to why I've been absent for the last few weeks, but It was quite an adventure for sure. I've been taking the last few days to rest up and recover.

My topic for todays post isn't politically driven, but more of a snapshot of life. I encountered a very interesting scenerio recently flying with an individual that made my life a living hell. I seriously wanted to strangle them. I'm sure you've encountered similar situations with coworkers.

Well, not much new is here, but wanted to let you all know the Circus is on its way back to full steam, just as soon as I am....

Quick hitters:
1. Palin smoked Biden in the debate. If anyone thinks otherwise, then they've consumed the Kool-Aid (Red Variety).

2. The Huffington Post is printed on lower grade paper than that which is used to wipe one's arse.

3. O'Reilly smoked Rep. Barney "Fife with your money" Frank on his show last evening. I lost a lot of respect for O the past few years, but I'm glad someone called the undisputed champ of homosexuality on the house floor out for his bs.

4. OJ did it.


5. OJ did it again. Finally jailed.

The Inverse Relationship Between the Election and Blood Pressure

Well fans and space creatures, I'm going to post an entry beyond my normal musings and news blotter. Today, in my first post in nearly two weeks, I'm going to talk about how I feel and really get in touch with my liberal side. After all, that's really all that matters right?

The last couple weeks time has become more valuable than oil for me and hence, no posts to the circus. I haven't been following up on the Obamanation or the general state of affairs in the Socialis...I mean Democrat party.

My only outlet as far as news is the few minutes I hit up the XM in the morning on the way to fly and back, catching the latest clips of the treasonist left's acts. Hacking into email accounts, taxing to promote patriotism...you know, the usual.

Its kind of surreal. Its like watching one of those time lapse pictures. Every day, for three or four minutes a day, I've seen a real elevation in the general shrillness. I'm afraid my radio might explode in a few more weeks if this keeps up.

As far as the Palin email hacking scandal, my thoughts are this: These human pieces of feces are the same turds who were against wiretapping and the Patriot Act when it came to defending this country yet feel it is their civic duty to illegally hack and obtain personal information. This confirms my belief that the left is truly anti-American.

Scranton Joe Biden (Because Wilkes-Barre disowned him) said its patriotic to pay taxes. Under his logic, rich people, who pay an overwhelming majority of this nations taxes, are far more patriotic than poor people. This coming from the party of the working people? Once again liberalism generates the exact opposite of its stated intent. Obviously he is totally out of touch with the public.

Barry Obama keeps beating the drum that his tax plan will cut taxes for 95% of America, yet less than 40% of Americans pay taxes, and of that 40% only 10% pay nearly half of the revenue made by the IRS. Of course its that 10% that Barry Obama wants to increase their taxes on. B.O. baby...his tax plan stinks!

Oh, and three cheers for sexism in America! If these past few weeks since Palin's announcement as VP have proved one thing its this: Unless your a butch, an overt Communist, or a cover Socialist you really aren't a feminist.

How's that for pithy. Fools!

TNOYF Responds To LA Times Columnist Sam Harris

(Courtesy of The Nose On Your Face)

Atheist Sam Harris recently wrote an opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times that took John McCain to task for choosing Sara Palin as his running mate. While his article was quite thorough, we still felt that the measured, thoughtful Harris might have left a few things unsaid. We have taken the liberty of filling in the gaps in the interest of clarity.

Palin: Average isn’t good enough (unless you have a large “D” after your name)

by Sam Harris

She’s not qualified to be president (she can’t even walk on water like our candidate), and in picking her, McCain shows that he has little respect for the presidency (unlike the respect that we on the Left have demonstrated over the past eight years). So let us ask the question that should be on the mind of every thinking person in the world at this moment (How does this douchebag Sam Harris get his own column in a “major” U.S. newspaper?): If John McCain becomes the 44th president of the United States, what are the odds that a blood clot or falling object will make Sarah Palin the 45^th (Damn. I wasn’t even close. Hey, you forgot to mention that he could be eaten by wolves or become a casualty of Obama’s rogue late-late-late term abortion policy gone awry) The actuarial tables on the Social Security Administration website suggest that there is a better than 10% chance that McCain will die during his first term in office (And there’s a better than 100% chance that you will remain a shrill, left-wing ass-needle over that same time period.). Needless to say, the Reaper’s scything only grows more insistent thereafter (I know you are an atheist Sam, but it sounds an awful lot like you are praying here.). Should President McCain survive his first term and get elected to a second (You’ll move to France with Alec Baldwin?), there is a 27% chance that Palin will become the first female U.S. president by 2015 (That uppity bitch!). If we take into account McCain’s medical history and the pressures of the presidency (Plus the incessant drumbeat of poor wishes for his health by the kinder, more compassionate souls on the Left), the odds probably increase considerably that this bright-eyed Alaskan will become the most powerful woman in history (Take that Oprah!).

As many people have noted, placing Palin on the ticket has made these final months of the already overlong 2008 campaign much more interesting. Is Palin remotely qualified to be president of the United States? No (This reminds me of the article you wrote about Obama’s qualifications a little while back. Oh wait, no you didn’t.). But that’s precisely what is so interesting. McCain not only has thrown all sensible concerns (You make me do silly giggles in my mouth when you talk about “sensible concerns”) about good governance aside merely to pander to a sliver of female and masses of conservative Christian voters, he has turned this period of American history into an episode of high-stakes reality television (As opposed to Senator Obama who is trying to turn this period of American history into an episode of “Extreme Socialist Makeover”): Don’t look now, but our cousin Sarah just became leader of the free world! Tune in next week and watch her get sassy with Pakistan! (As opposed to simply invading them like our guy Barack)

Americans have an unhealthy desire to see average people promoted to positions of great authority (Is that how you got this writing gig?). No one wants an average neurosurgeon or even an average carpenter (then why do all of you people promote a Socialist agenda?) but when it comes time to vest a man or woman with more power and responsibility than any person has held in human history (then you need a community organizer with close ties to a group who bombed the Pentagon?), Americans say they want a regular guy, someone just like themselves. President Bush kept his edge on the “Who would you like to have a beer with?” poll question in 2004, and won reelection (Well at least you guys are finally conceding that he actually won the election. That’s something.).

This is one of the many points at which narcissism becomes indistinguishable from masochism (As opposed to the personal struggle that Senator Obama has; determining where his narcissism is distinguishable from his egomania). Let me put it plainly: If you want someone just like you to be president of the United States, or even vice president, you deserve whatever dysfunctional society you get (Let me guess, but if we want someone like you to be president, then we are good to go, right?). You deserve to be poor, to see the environment despoiled, to watch your children receive a fourth-rate education and to suffer as this country wages — and loses — both necessary and unnecessary wars (Gosh. I didn’t even realize that the governor of Alaska could declare war).

McCain has so little respect for the presidency of the United States that he is willing to put the girl next door (soon, too, to be a grandma) into office beside him (I am purring with delight as I marvel over the way you worked in both sexist and agist slurs with your more general anti-conservative message. You sir, have a gift). He has so little respect for the average American voter that he thinks this reckless and cynical ploy will work (It seems to be working for your presidential candidate). And it might. Palin’s nomination has clearly excited Christian conservatives (Did your fingers burn as you typed those words?), and it may entice a few million gender-obsessed fans of Hillary Clinton to vote entirely on the basis of chromosomes (As opposed to a large number of Democrats who will vote entirely on the basis of skin pigmentation). Throw in a few million more average Americans (Let me guess, they are the ones who live in that vast, red wasteland between LA and New York, right?) who will just love how the nice lady smiles, and 2009 could be a very interesting year.Tune in next week and watch cousin Sarah fuss with our nuclear arsenal (and Sam Harris begins his three-part children’s holiday series, “The Santa Myth: How believing the lie will render you an AIDS-riddled leper”) … .

Sam Harris is a founder of the Reason Project (“Reason?” Stop it Sam, you’re killing me here.) and the author of “The End of Faith” and “Letter to a Christian Nation.”

McCain Passing Obama's Favoratability - Palin Rated Higher than Both

Straight to the point today.

McCain ready to pass Obama in polls and favorable opinions - Probably will pass in the next 24-48 hours and continue to build his lead through next week.

Courtesy of Rassmussen Reports:

"Both Obama and McCain are now viewed favorably by 57% of the nation’s voters (see trends). However, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is viewed favorably by 58%--a point more than either Presidential hopeful. Forty percent (40%) have a Very Favorable opinion of her. Fifty-one percent (51%) of voters now believe that McCain made the right choice when he picked Palin to be his running mate while 32% disagree. By way of comparison, 47% said that Obama made the right choice by picking Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his running mate."
Also important to not is Obama's Very Favorable opinion rating is only 37%.

The left wing smears didn't work.

McCain's rope-a-dope works brilliantly.

Obama blew his load in Denver for nothing.

MoveOn.orgasm's George Soros donates another billion dollars to Obama - moves money to accounts overseas like Ted Kennedy so it can't be taxed by Obama's taxing plan.

Prepare to be inundated by shrillness now.

Washington Post's Quinns Smears a Giant Leap Backwards for Womankind

Well continuing on with the theme-dijour of the Palin nomination, Sally Quinn of the Washington Post had to throw her two cents in:

• The Washington Post's Sally Quinn Questioned Whether A Woman With Five Children And One Having Down Syndrome Would Be Able To Make Her Family A Priority If She Were Vice President.

SALLY QUINN: "And I do think, too, that you have to weigh the situation. It's one thing to have one or two or three children, especially if they are healthy children. And everyone knows that women and men are different and that moms and dads are different and that women — the burden of child care almost always falls on the woman. But I think, when you have five children, one a 4-month-old Down syndrome baby, and a daughter who is 17, who is also a child and who is going to need her mother very much in the next few months and years with her own baby coming, that I don't see how you cannot make your family your first priority. And I think if you are going to be president of the United States, which she may well be, I think that's going to be a real stretch for her." (CNN's "Newsroom," 9/2/08)

Interesting perspective Sally, but doesn't this go against the entire "Women's Rights/Women's Liberation" movement? Basically, her article is implying, that VP Nominee Sarah Palin couldn't possibly have a family and be a Vice-President at the same time. I mean, oh, wait a second...Al Gore was married....um, hmmm, who was the last and only Vice-President of the United States that didn't have a family? William Rufus de Vane King who served under President Pierce administration of 1853.

Is it really any of Sally Quinn's business? Would she ask Barack Obama to quit campaigning and stay home and raise his daughters because they are a minority and in a risky demographic? For that matter, Quinn makes no mention what-so-ever Palin's husbands contributions to raising the children. Honestly, Quinn's glancing blows would never be made to a man, or a liberal woman for that matter, but its a way for her to empatheticly stick a knife into the back of another woman in the name of "women's rights."

So in the spirit of things, I decided to do a little research on Ms. Quinn. Found out a few interesting things about her.

Her first interview with the Washington Post with Managing Editor Ben Bradlee consisted of the following (Source Wikipedia):

"Can you show me something you've written?" asked Managing Editor Benjamin Bradlee. "I've never written anything," admitted Quinn. Pause. "Well," said Bradlee, "nobody's perfect."

*Putting on my Liberal Smear Goggles*

Ah, so there we have it. She is completely inexperienced for such an important job. More over it is quite obvious by the statements of Bradlee there was some sort of inappropriate relationship going on between he and Quinn for him to offer her a job in which she is totally unqualified for.

*Goggles Off*...Now I have a headache.

A notable incident of her career was her claim that Zbigniew Brzezinski, then the National Security Adviser, jokingly opened his fly in front of a reporter, a claim that the Post retracted the following day.

*Goggles On* ...everything's rosed colored now.

Ah, so another lie. And was this some sort of sexual harassment? I think Brzezinski might have a seriously claim against this predator Quinn. I mean if roles were reversed and Quinn had her fly down and Brzezinski made comment about it....oh well, never mind, who would want to look....

*Goggles Off* ...Man I don't think anyone should be allowed to drive impaired like that.

In August 1973, Quinn tried her hand at television, joining CBS News reporter Hughes Rudd as co-anchors of the CBS Morning News.^[3] The show's anchoring team was its first disaster since debuting in 1963 -- ninety minutes before her television debut on August 6, 1973, Quinn, who never reported for television before, collapsed while trying to fight the flu. The next day, she was forced to anchor solo when Rudd's mother died. Quinn's ad libs during the show's first week also tended toward the inappropriate -- on one episode, following a report on the children of California migrant farm workers, she quipped that child labor "was how I felt when my mother and father made me clean up my room." Quinn left the CBS Morning News after the February 1, 1974 telecast.

*Goggles On, Weapon Systems Armed*

This is just a an extension of the failed policies of CBS. Truly no one could afford four more years of Quinn and they canned her. Also this might be a serious indication that the woman could not have a family and a job at the same time since she is 0-2 in the journalism department up until this point. Further, she may be incapable of walking and chewing gum at the same time and there is a very high probability that she suffers from Down Syndrome herself.

*Goggles Off*...Now I Know how Jim Carey felt in the movie The Mask

Regarding Whitewater independent counsel Ken Starr, she wrote:^[6] "Similarly, independent counsel Ken Starr is not seen by many Washington insiders as an out-of-control prudish crusader. Starr is a Washington insider, too. He has lived and worked here for years. He had a reputation as a fair and honest judge. He has many friends in both parties. Their wives are friendly with one another and their children go to the same schools." Starr had won the gratitude of Quinn's husband Ben Bradlee in 1987, as an Appeals Court judge, by dismissing a $2 million libel suit against the Washington Post. ^[7] It was also pointed out by Harry Jaffe, writing for Salon, that Quinn's condemnation of Bill Clinton's adultery rang hollow coming from someone who broke up the marriage of her boss Ben Bradlee and then went on to marry Bradlee herself.^[8]

*Goggles On. Vomit Bucket Out*

SEEEEEE I TOLD YOU SHE WAS BANGING BRADLEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quinn knows about breaking up families so she must really know about what it takes to raise a family!

*Goggles Off*

(Regarding Barack Obama) In early May 2007, liberal Web sites and commentators were critical of Quinn for an extensive op-ed piece published in the Washington Post in which she complimented herself at length for not noticing the color of his skin: "I realized that when I look at him, I don't see a person of color. I see a really smart, appealing, thoughtful person."

*Handing Goggles to Teddy Kennedy*

So this woman has a history of discriminatory speech. Excellent. Maybe she was a Klansman in a former life. Hell, you know I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy that says she burns wooden lower case t's in her front yard. So it must be true!

*Ensures no secretaries are in Teddy's car and lets him drive off*

Quinn also owns three homes, one in East Hampton, one in Washington and one in Maryland each valued in the millions of dollars, so you know she is the typical stay at home apple-pie baking woman who knows all about raising a family...NOT. This woman breaks up a marriage and is a miserable failure at journalism. No wonder she is so afraid that Palin can't do both jobs. Quinn can't even do one right!

Remember folks, the spin works both ways and the left needs to be careful about the path it heads down. As much as they try to paint conservatives as the party of old fools, they completely forget the new generation of conservatives who are every bit as smart and savvy and witty and cute with their attacks as they think they are.

They don't call this place the Flying Circus for nothing, folks.

Napalm in the Morning: Gore Just Might Have Invented the Internet - Liberal Smears Rule the Net

One of the things I've learned in the short period of time blogging is that in this great, never-ending void called the Internet, conservative bloggers are a minority. The left has the advantage in online media sources as well.

Take a look onto Buzz from Yahoo and you'll see the sites and articles that are pro-Obama are buzzed through the roof, and in much greater number than the McCain articles. Same holds true on digg.com and other social networking sites.

Not only is the amount of sites greater in number, the content of the articles are far more venomous than anyone would imagine. Take for example, the headline content from the Huffington Post:

PALIN EXCLUSIVE: IRAQ 'A TASK FROM GOD'

... PREDICTION MARKET STARTS BETTING THAT PALIN WILL WITHDRAW... ... TOP GOP GOVERNOR: I'VE HEARD NO DISCUSSION ABOUT REMOVING MS. PALIN FROM THE TICKET ...

Report: McCain Camp Stalling Palin Investigation... 'Fringe' Alaskan Secessionist Party: Palin Was A Member... Almost Recalled As Mayor... Directed Fundraising For Indicted Senator's 527... Troopergate Scandal... 17 Year-Old Daughter Pregnant... Husband's DUI...

The Huffington Post tries to pass itself off as a legitimate news outlet, but the content of its articles are about as factual as the Weekly World News at the check-out lines of the grocery store, and apparently they hire 3rd graders to proofread their material. Now, I'm not saying I don't make a typo here or there, but I don't do this for a living (I actually have a job, maybe that's why I'm voting Republican), and I certainly don't try to pass this site off as a professional news source. And, if their is any doubt as far as the fairness and balances in reporting, that headline is actually pretty conservative for the Huff (a bong) Post. And really, if you consider that site to be a reputable source of news, there is no sense in trying to talk about issues with you.

Next up on the hit parade is the DailyKos, the website credited with breaking the Palin Pregnancy story. Well, not really, their actual posts attacked Palin by saying that Gov. Palin's last baby that was born was actually her daughters, but hey, who's counting facts here when it comes to the liberal media. Their basic premise is two-fold and simple, create a super left-wing love fest for their community, and sling as much mud as possible and find out what sticks, sort of like "communicating with the dead or reading palms." Why do I get the strong image of some guy in a pair of tight leather pants sitting at a latte bar in San Francisco typing away, profusely sweating and turning red in the face when I think of who contributes to these blogs.

But, hey, whenever you try to talk about Rev. Wright, Tony Rezco, Obama's drug use etc, they get their boxing trunks pulled up over their noses and cry foul.

Now why might their be such a disparity in conservative versus liberal blogs? Well, the left would like you to think that they are the more popular party, but this isn't the case. My opinion is this, conservatives actually have jobs to go to don't sit home all day buzzing up their idol. I mean, they have to do whatever they can to ensure we keep paying taxes for them right?

So, it looks like, maybe Al Gore really did invent the Internet - if not, he certainly staked a huge claim for the left wing, but don't worry, the higher the folks get over at the Huffabong Post, the further the fall.

Chicago Tribune: Politics don't get dirtier than smearing pregnant girl.

Politics don't get dirtier than smearing pregnant girl

John Kass

September 2, 2008

(Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune)
http://www.chicagotribune.com

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Have American presidential politics become so hateful that a pregnant 17-year-old girl has to have the intimate details of her life exposed to the nation by character assassins?

Ask the left-wing Internet haters, the anonymous propagandists who call themselves bloggers on the Daily Kos.

And ask Bristol Palin, who didn't deserve it, and was a victim of the rumor-mongers consumed with attacking her mother, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican running mate of Sen. John McCain, because the mother is a conservative and opposes abortion.

The Internet rumors claimed that Sarah's baby, Trig, born four months ago with Down syndrome, wasn't really hers but her daughter's. They plucked some photos from the Internet, photos out of sequence, to make it appear as though Gov. Palin hadn't been pregnant, proving once again that on the Internet, the casualties are credibility and civility. Reading it, you could almost hear the saliva dripping from their teeth as they typed anonymously.

"Sarah Palin is NOT The Mother" cried one Daily Kos blogger who goes by a screen name ArcXIX. "Attention! Read The Follow-Up too! BabyGate: Explosive New Details.

"Now, I've known liars all my life," the blogger wrote. "Their single core problem is not with themselves, but those around them. If they're never called out on their twisting of truths and fabrications, they simply continue to make larger lies. Well Sarah, I'm calling you a liar and not even a good one. Trig Paxson Van Palin is not your son. He is your grandson. The sooner you come forward with this revelation to the public, the better."

I don't know if Komodo dragons can type, but their mouths are so full of bacteria that if they bite your leg you'll likely die. This anonymous Komodo was probably in mommy's basement, perhaps with a bowl of Chex Mix and a Diet Coke nearby.

Unfortunately for big lizard and the other haters, it wasn't true. But it did force Sarah and Todd Palin to come out with a statement on Monday. That's how Bristol was exposed.

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our hearts and mean everything to us," Sarah and Todd Palin said. "Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support."

The parents say their daughter will marry the young man. It would most likely have come out anyway, given the determination of Sarah Palin's opponents to make her out to be a hypocrite. But the way it became public was cruel. Now they're saying her mom's at fault for preaching abstinence to her children.

When I was just starting out as a reporter, a wise old newspaper man told me his rule: Don't ever write about their kids. Leave the kids alone, unless the child runs for office, or pulls down some fat government contract, or if the parent hauls them out as a shield before an indictment. Leave them alone, he said, because the kids don't deserve it, because they're civilians.

I took that to heart. And I know what it's like to be on the receiving end. Some of you may remember that, years ago, white political thugs under federal investigation for city affirmative-action contract fraud—who had connections to both the mob and City Hall—asked me about my children.

The thugs came up to me in a restaurant and asked why they never saw my little boys playing outside my house. They let me know they were interested in my kids. The thugs showed me their teeth, as if smiling, but their eyes weren't smiling. It was a message. It didn't work, and I wrote about it. And I'll never forget the thousands of e-mails and letters and calls that came to me from readers, many offering to stand in my driveway and watch out for my sons. My wife and I will never, ever forget your kindness.

Sarah Palin - Reformist, Conservative, Hockey Mom

Short post tonight, because I'm taking a moment to soak it all in and enjoy the holiday, and I strongly encourage you all to do the same. Although the election can be so intertwining in our lives, sometimes its good to take a step back and clear your head of the garbage, especially after a week of recycled mantra in Denver.

I felt to myself though today, for the first time in this election, that McCain not only can win this election, but he will win it.

I'll leave you with this. I and many others I have spoken to, are rejuvinated, and electrified by the McCain selection of Sarah Palin.

The attacks from the left have already come fast and furious. I know they will only get worse. This woman is probably the best statesman of the four on their respective parties ticket, yet they will find a way to try to ensure that only Obama can, will and be the "real man of the people." This is probably a good sign though. If they weren't worried about her, they wouldn't waste their time on even addressing her. Right now I think they are checking their underware and still trying to figure out how to get the Athens from Obamaopolis.

I tell you though, as much as I am bracing for the barrage of mud and dirt thats going to be slung from the left, knowing that Palin is a hockey mom puts my mind at ease that she will be able to handle it. I know first hand how tough hockey mom's are...

Also, be on the lookout for an upcoming article I am working on dealing with moveon.org's unauthorized spamming of government and military email addresses, and the insulting responses they have given to soldiers who have tried to unsubscribe from their mailing lists.

Draft Sarah Palin!

By Justin Quinn, About.com Guide to US Conservative Politics

OK, I'll admit it. I'm a convert.

Three weeks ago, I had no idea who Sarah Palin was or what she was about.

Then, I started researching running-mate possibilities for presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, and noticed a grassroots effort to get the Alaska governor on the ballot. Her name seemed to be everywhere, and I started to wonder if it was a horrible trick, dreamed up by some lovestruck, basement-dwelling teenager with raging hormones and a vivid imagination.

The more I learned, the more I was amazed by this spitfire from the tundra. I checked with a friend who works on The Hill in DC, and sure enough, she was everything the Internet machine said she was and then some. My friend called Palin the GOP's "secret weapon," and said she's got the presence, the substance and the panache to change the election for McCain ... if only he'd consider her.

"Look her up," my friend told me. "You won't believe it. Call me when you do."

So, two weeks ago, I called her office and spoke with her press secretary, Sharon Leighow, who downplayed the "Draft Sarah Palin" campaign, saying the good governor has a "full plate" right now and, although she is flattered and humbled by all the attention, "Sen. McCain's campaign has not contacted our office."

As deflating as this news would appear to be to the Palinites of the world (and, indeed, she does seem to have a global appeal), I later discovered that one of the bigger items on her plate was the recent birth of her son Trig, who was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. The newborn is Todd and Sarah Palin's fifth child. Their oldest, Track Palin, recently enlisted in the military.

The Palin family released this statement the morning after Trig Paxson's birth:

“Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed.”

Three days later, Gov. Palin was back at work.

None of this information -- apparently -- is new, but it sure was new to me. Ever since McCain had sewn up the nomination, I had wondered who he would pick as his running-mate. To say I was less-than-thrilled with the field is an understatement. Out of all of the candidates on the slate, I liked the one person who was least likely to get the job: Texas Congressman (and former Libertarian) Ron Paul.

With apologies to Congressman Paul (for whom I still bear a very deep admiration), I have changed my mind -- for all the right reasons:

• Palin showed a commitment to her pro-life conservative principles by not bowing to the pressure to abort her mentally-challenged child. Rarely are one's convictions borne out by real-life circumstances, but Palin showed she's willing to live her beliefs.
• With a son in the military, Palin will be keenly aware of how her military decisions or the decisions she influences as vice-president will affect the men and women serving in the armed forces. With a son in the military, Palin and her family will have to grit their teeth along with other military families, as their loved-ones carry out the orders associated with those difficult decisions.
• At 44, Palin would offer a refreshing balance to the McCain ticket and nullify any advantage Obama would have with his youth. Plus, if Obama decides to bring in Hillary Clinton as his running-mate, Palin would effectively neutralize the female factor. Furthermore, Palin has a likeable style and toughness that neither Hillary nor Obama can match.
• Finally, Palin has earned a staggering 90-percent approval rating from her constituents, not the easiest people to please, I would imagine. Her committment to her principles and her willingness to follow through on promises makes her the toast of Alaska and, for now, the darling of the GOP.

Although I'm reluctant to predict what McCain will do, I know what he should do. I can unequivocally say that by putting Sarah Palin on the GOP presidential ticket, Johnny Mac would put the Democrats in check-mate and give US conservatives and every other American a reason to hope.