Sheila Nevins | 08/30/2008 9:17 am

Sheila Nevins: Why Palin Is a Great Choice

WOW ladies take a breather. This is a wonderful choice. It is a clear choice and that’s what America stands for. The issues that Palin represents though reprehensible to me - represent a constituency and a voice. American democracy represents the right to disagree. It also represents majority rule. The cards are on the table - race, abortion, gun control, stem cell research, taxation, godliness - you name it. There’s no fudging here - no middle of the road. rhetoric. Americans will declare their absolute preferences. And a woman will stand for this. Being a woman doesn’t mean agreeing with the WOW dames. Palin may not be in whom we trust, but there is an odd equality in the sheer selection. Women can be as arbitrary and right wing as any man. And for those of us for whom Sarah Palin’s beliefs belie our deepest convictions. So be it. The great truths lie in an honest ballot box. Vote and live in America or flee if you must. Great choice in the divide A civil war without bullets. Three cheers for clarity.

What Other wOw Women Are Saying About Sarah Palin:
Whoopi Golderg on Sarah Palin and Joe Biden
Joan Ganz Cooney: The Choice of Palin Is Irresponsible
Marlo Thomas: They Don’t Understand Women

Read more about: John McCain, News, Politics, Sarah Palin

379 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

While I appreciate your points on the Palin pick as clarifying the issues, Sheila, what has me most concerned is capability. Should, God forbid, John McCain actually be elected, and should he not live through his first term, we would have, as President, a woman who could not run this country. I have tried to picture Sarah Palin in a conference room with the likes of Medvedev and Putin, or Merkel or the leadership of China or Iraq, and I cannot imagine with her lack of experience or understanding of the international politics, (“I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq”), that she could hold her own. With seemingly endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and an economy in shambles, the U.S. needs its strongest possible leadership in place. If we don’t elect a powerful, capable President whose Vice President is just as strong and can represent the President at a moment’s notice, God help us. Sarah Palin’s selection is further proof that the Republicans really don’t give a damn about this country or its future. As for an honest ballot box, let us hope and pray.

By Maurine H on 08/30/2008 12:05 pm

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Mo You have made some very solid points about Gov Palin and what happens if she had to go toe to toe with world leaders. I have concern there as well. I also have concern about Sen Biden in that arena. How much will he try to make it about him, and talk too much and get nowhere?

By Frannie Em on 08/30/2008 12:57 pm

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Hi Frannie - I know you are a thoughtful person who gives much consideration to the issues. That’s why I always appreciate your posts. In this case, Senator Biden, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chair of the International Narcotics Control Caucus, has extensive foreign relations experience and has traveled many times to the world’s “hot spots” to speak with leaders of countries with whom we have issues and those who are are allies. I really don’t care how much Biden makes these credentials “about him” because he’s earned them all. He has also earned respect from heads of state worldwide. If you asked any of them if they’d rather deal with Senator Biden or Governor Palin to talk about the critical issues, I can guarantee they’d say, “Senator Biden.” Palin openly admits that she “doesn’t know much about the Iraq war.” Ye Gods!

By Maurine H on 08/30/2008 2:20 pm

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Maurine, Actually they would probably say…………Who’s Palin???????????

By Dona Howlett on 08/31/2008 5:23 am

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Ah, Dona, the voice of experience!

By Mugsy Peabody on 09/01/2008 2:13 am

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Frannie, Biden has the respect of both Dems and Repubs. He might be a “talker” but even he kidded about it during his speech. He has a reputation for getting legislation passed. I don’t think in areas where US security is at risk, he will not “overtalk” a situation to make himself a star. Yes, he has made some gaffs, but if I have to put my trust in a president, it would be Biden over Palin if something were to God forbid, happen.

By Brooklyn Gal on 08/30/2008 3:33 pm

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Frannie, one of Lincoln’s strongest points was his ability as a “talker.” It’s gotten Biden in trouble, but his current attitude about it ensures that even an occasional gaffe can’t be used against him effectively. My feeling is that he’d be great in the town hall format. Perhaps that’s the way the debate with Palin should be handled — possibly that will reduce the chance that he’ll be seen as condescending to her as Bush One did to Ferraro in the more formal debate setting. On the other hand, it could benefit her by reducing the pressure, but I’m expecting she’ll be well rehearsed and is disciplined enough to stick carefully to the talking points in any case.

By Michael Salling on 08/30/2008 10:03 pm

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I agree. Lord have mercy on the USA!

By Dorothy W on 08/30/2008 3:22 pm

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We’ve just had 7 yrs of C student Dubya sitting with them.

By Buh- Bye on 08/30/2008 8:53 pm

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And watch what Hillary is going to do with the Palin “voice.” She’s going to come out with guns slinging and two holsters attached to that orangie pant’s suit–––a real high noon moment or moments as the case may be.

By phyllis Doyle Pepe on 08/30/2008 12:20 pm

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“She’s talking like she’s Annie Oakley.” Once again, Senator Clinton is expected to save the day. This seasoned professional was betrayed by her political party, including Speaker Pelosi, those of the African-American community with whom she held hands and marched for various causes over the years, the Kennedy family, Ms. Winfrey and others. Then they asked her to stand up, brush herself off, and unify the party to ensure that the Obama-Biden ticket wins in November. Being the Class Act that she is, she turned the other cheek to work for the good of the whole.

By Bonnie D-Z on 08/30/2008 1:12 pm

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Bonnie, I think she will continue doing just that…………her concern is more for the welfare of our Country. The rest of the World loves the Clintons. They can continue being great ambassadors for our Nation.

By Dona Howlett on 08/31/2008 5:28 am

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I dunno, Phyllis. Today Hillary Clinton issued a statement “celebrating Gov. Palin’s historic selection for VP”. I’m waiting for her to drop the other shoe. If she doesn’t then I’ll be sorely disappointed in her.

By Maurine H on 08/30/2008 2:23 pm

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What are eyou gals expecting—that Hillary will come out and trash this “big hair tramp who has the nerve to be a state governor and want to serve her country”? Keep waiting. You guys are something.

By Star Lawrence on 08/30/2008 4:01 pm

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No one has to “trash” her. This is a person who had to ask what the Vice President’s job actually is? And who, although in government, has not assessed the Iraq War? By her own admission, hasn’t really paid attention to it? Hello? I believe her son is deploying there soon, no? How unprepared and uninvolved can someone be? What an insult and an embarrassment this McBush and Miss Congeniality ticket is. It’s positively surreal.

By Tick Pyne on 08/30/2008 8:00 pm