Palin’s foreign policy experience
Andrew replies to my critique:
But still: there’s inexperience and inexperience. Has Palin ever even said anything about foreign policy in her entire career? That’s all I’m asking. What have been her views on Iraq and Afghanistan? Darfur? Georgia? Russia? The EU? I’d like to see evidence that she has addressed these issues or has substantive views on them. That’s all. Is that too much?
I think this is a little unfair: Palin’s the governor of a state. What business would she have talking about Darfur or Georgia or Russia or the EU or anything else? It wouldn’t make sense for her to either campaign on foreign policy or write op-eds about the surge/Darfur/Russian aggression for the “Anchorage Times” (or whatever the name of the main Alaska newspaper is).
Is she fair game in the VP debate? Absolutely. She’s going to need a crash course in foreign affairs. I’m sure McCain has one or two people who can tutor her over the next couple of weeks. I’m also sure that we’ll find more out about her foreign policy views over the next couple of weeks. We should probably hold off judgment on the foreign policy front until we do hear a little more.
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3 Comments - add your own
Julie C — August 29, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I don’t understand how a crash course in foreign affairs will be sufficient in this case. There is a significantly higher probability that McCain will not make it past his first term given that the average life expectancy of an American male is 75. His VP pick is a statement on who he thinks is capable of leading the country. Given his previous criticisms of Obama based solely on lack of experience, it looks like a large gaffe.
escondidoguy — August 29, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I have been “vetting” Governor Palin for the last 3 or 4 months - ever since her name came up on the “long” list. I can tell you that from what I have learned she is the real conservative deal and because she’s on the ticket I will change my vote from a write in vote of Duncan Hunter Sr. to John McCain.
Sarah Palin is someone that every Conservative should fall in love with. I don’t care if she’s unknown. She stands for everything I believe in. With her as VP and a number of new, young and energetic Republicans running out there this is a chance for a revitalization of the Republican party. I’ve already sent McCain my 25 bucks this morning - something I didn’t expect to do.
Now if McCain would cut Juan Hernandez loose I’d be a very happy camper.
What’s not to love in Sarah Palin? Only the brain dead looney left would turn this wonderful candidate into a target. Pathetic!
And what I love best about her is that she’s anti-babykiller !
Sunnie57 — August 31, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Governor Sarah Palin is a commander of the Alaska National Guard, has a son in the army (so has a personal reason, as well) and shows good judgment in everything she does!
Compare her with Senator Obama, a senator who never showed good judgment, and Obama is the presidential candidate, and Palin is the VP running mate.
I’d feel very safe with Palin as commander-in-chief, but with Obama, I’d think about building a shelter.
Oil is very important for our national security, and Sarah Palin, as advisor to President McCain, will see to it that we get plenty of oil for all of our weapons, fighter planes, etc..