McCain needs to be given credit for helping break a gender barrier for the Republican Party by appointing a woman to be his VP nominee. No other Republican presidential nominee has done this.
He also must be given credit for knowing his candidacy is in need of a game changing move. This appointment, like a Hail Mary pass, comes with both risks and rewards. The risks are becoming evident:
(1) Trooper-Gate: a bipartisan state legislative panel in Alaska has launched an ethics investigation of her alleged wrongful firing of the Public Safety Commissioner who would not fire the Governor's former brother-in-law, a current state trooper who is going through a messy custody fight with her sister.
(2) She differs from McCain on some key energy issues. She does not believe global warming is man made and she supports drilling in the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) She may be more ideological and to the right of George W. Bush: Here are a few of her positions: She supports teaching creationism in public schools. She opposes abortion in cases of rape or incest. She has a record of cutting child care services in her state. She does not believe the polar bear should be protected by the Endangered Species Act.
Polar bears...who doesn't like polar bears? Well, I guess seals don't. Other than seals and maybe fish, who doesn't want to protect polar bears?
[All joking aside, the declining population of polar bears is a serious concern. Go here to learn more: www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/polarbear/threats.html]
The next few weeks will tell us more about her positions and her ability to handle a national campaign.
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