I’ve heard from various sources that Governor Pawlenty was in a pissy mood after he learned that he wouldn’t be McCain’s veep pick. It would seem that he got bitten by the same identity politics that Republicans have long accused Democrats of playing. Any Republican who denies that gender was the prime consideration in Sarah Palin’s selection is kidding themselves. Sure, she’s a strong fiscal and social conservative, but so are plenty of other, more experienced candidates. And I’m not one of those who believes that pointing out that Palin’s inexperience only highlights Obama’s own inexperience. What’s really at issue is the candidates’ judgment. Obama’s pick demonstrated that he has the necessary judgment to surround himself with competent and experienced advisors. As James Fallows points out, McCain is more interested in getting votes than forming an effective government.
One thing that hasn’t received much attention in the liberal blogosphere is the fact that Palin has a child with Down’s Syndrome. I’m curious how this informs her views on issues like special education, civil rights, and health care. Hopefully, someone in the press will ask those questions.
Her kid’s so young–not even six months old–I don’t think she’s had time to learn anything about what his disability status will mean for education, access, civil rights, health care. She’s definitely still in learning mode at best.
My fear is that she may come to think every kid with a cognitive disability gets the same benefits and access that the son of the governor does–and that she’ll make policy based on that misperception. Yikes.
In addition to being raised pentecostal, having a down syndrome child is a major plus to the Christian base of the GOP. My understanding is the baby was diagnosed as a down syndrome child before birth. Over 95% of people in her situation choose abortion rather than delivering the baby. Here is a woman with principle, whether you agree with her pro-life stance or not. Of course gender was a prime consideration…
Brilliant choice !