The selection of Palin was, frankly, an overt endorsement of Barack Obama's message. Throughout Obama's campaign, he has emphasized judgment over experience, the urgency to change the ways of Washington, and that our politicians should always be in touch with their constituencies. Now with Palin on the McCain ticket, McCain has obliterated the core philosophies of his campaign that he has brought thus far and has exchanged them for a way of thinking that Barack Obama has had since he first entered politics.
The "Palin Factor"--i.e. Plain Sarah--is a very welcome development that Democrats can use to effectively dismiss the very essence of John McCain. Think about it:
McCain has now conceded that judgment counts, not experience. Barack Obama was right. John McCain is wrong.
McCain has now conceded that Washington desperately needs to change its ways. Barack Obama was right. John McCain was wrong.
Why has McCain taken so long to realize this?
Does he not get it?
Does he not know?
Is he out of touch?
He was wrong about Iraq, wrong about Afghanistan, wrong about the economy, wrong about education, wrong about the Supreme Court. And now he's taking pages out of Barack Obama's book. Here's a fitting slogan:
Obama-Biden: Because they get it. And get it right.
I can't think of anything which so succinctly, and clearly, draws the distinction between the two candidates. Come November, I want McCain depicted as a clumsy, thoughtless, rash, confused, and aloof candidate who is fundamentally unfit to lead. It's not hard; we just have to make it happen.
And for anyone who thinks that the 'experience' card can still be used against Obama, I wouldn't hold your breath. If McCain is going to sign off on a set of philosophies that weren't originally his, why would anyone want to settle for a fake when they can have the real thing? Democrats need to push this, and push it hard. Obama has had it right this entire time; McCain is still struggling to get it. He's out of touch, out of place, and frankly, out of line. It's time for change.
So, McCain, now who's the one putting politics over national security? She's just a heartbeat away...