It has been a while since a Vice-Presidential candidate has evoked the depth of emotions which Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin has.
McCain supporters at first were exuberant; Obama’s camp concerned. Had McCain managed to co-op discouraged and dismayed female voters anxious to see Hillary Clinton on the Democratic ticket?
Faster than Ms. Palin could field-dress a moose, the media had unearthed many of her political positions that may not suit disgruntled democrats or perhaps even moderate or independent voters.
She was cast as small-time, small-minded, out-of-touch, religiously-zealous, and incompetent. Quickly she retreated (or was stolen away by Party regulars) and ensconced herself in undisclosed locations where ravenous reporters could not harm her.
We know how well that strategy worked – like an iceberg encountering an unsinkable luxury ocean liner.
Could this firestorm have been avoided? Could McCain have dodged charges of poor judgment by elevating a young, unknown and comparatively inexperienced political figure to a mere heartbeat away from the Presidency? McCain’s opponents now expect his imminent demise, leaving the neophyte Palin to lead us through troubled times. McCain’s health would not have been an issue had he selected Rudy Giuliani or Mitt Romney. Under that scenario, he and his running mate would merely be excoriated for being super-rich and callous to the concerns of the common man and woman.
It would have been better to introduce Ms. Palin honestly, addressing both strengths and weaknesses, and allow her -- as politician -- to mix and mingle with the Media.
Imagine if Sarah Palin had conducted the following press conference.
Palin: Good morning. I am happy and honored to be running with a great American patriot, John McCain. Because I am new to the National Scene and unknown to many voters and to you, I will invite your questions rather than utter some prepared remarks.
Chris Matthews, MSNBC: Ms. Palin, some say John McCain chose you because you are a woman and he hoped that many women upset that Barack Obama didn’t choose Senator Clinton would vote for you.
Palin: I can see why people would feel that way. John McCain picked me because my background is similar to his. I am willing to challenge leaders in any political Party if I believe that they do not have the best interests of voters in mind. As a woman and a mother, I probably do understand women’s concerns better than Senator Biden. But that is for the female voters to decide.
Brit Hume, Fox News: Many say that you are far too inexperienced in national issues to step in for John McCain, who, if elected, would become the country’s oldest President. How do you respond?
Palin: First, it seems as though some believe Senator McCain already has one foot in the grave. His mother is well into her nineties. He obviously comes from good stock. Second, Thomas Jefferson died at 83, at a time when Presidents – and everyone else – did not have access to today’s quality of health care. John McCain, who would be 80 years old after two terms, would seem relatively young given Jefferson’s age, and would fit nicely in his retirement with millions of other Americans in their 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Third, I know enough to know that I have much to learn, but my experience shows that I am a quick study.
Brian Williams, NBC News: Ms. Palin, that is all well and good, but how could you effectively assist John McCain in foreign policy matters? Your resume there is quite limited – some may say non-existent.
Palin: Sure, my knowledge of foreign policy matters is very limited. I am a Governor, not a member of the State Department. I expect to receive many briefings and read numerous papers and documents, if I become Vice President, so I can best serve President McCain.
Because of my background, I will analyze all issues, foreign policy and others, from the viewpoint of average citizens. Those are the people I have always been closest to. They are the ones I best understand. I have their concerns at heart. Of course, I will benefit from the counsel of our country’s best and most intelligent people, and I am confident that by balancing our people’s needs with their advice, our country will choose the best course.
Katie Couric, CBS News: Governor Palin, you are clearly painting yourself as a Populist, but I believe voters want to know more about your worldview. What magazines and newspapers do you read?
Palin: Again, I am currently the Governor of the State of Alaska. I most frequently read articles in the Anchorage Daily News and Juneau Empire. My staff also provides news clippings from other national and international papers and magazines about issues affecting Alaska, for example, energy, oil, the environment, etc., but I admit that I do not particularly notice whether the article came from the New York Times, London Times or Washington Post. I focus on the issue and not the media outlet, so I cannot give you a list of 10 or 12 publications. Their names are simply not that important to me.
Charlie Gibson, ABC News: This country has been embroiled in the Iraq War for over seven years. Do you know what the Bush Doctrine is and how will that influence you as Vice President?
Palin: My first priority, like John McCain’s, is to win in Iraq. George Bush saw a threat there in the wake of September 11th and our troops are in Iraq fighting. My son will be there soon. John McCain’s son is there, and so will be Senator Biden’s. Many find the Bush Doctrine controversial because it is directed against those countries and parties that wish to do this country harm.
Whether we are talking about the Bush Doctrine or Monroe Doctrine, I believe it is more important to conduct a foreign policy that is consistent with our nation’s diplomatic goals and history. Some of our policies have changed – like isolationism. Others have remained – like the Monroe Doctrine. But as I said earlier, I realize I am the new kid on the block, and I have my learning cut out for me -- just as it was in Alaska when I entered public life. I first became involved with the schools, then was elected Mayor, and now serve as Governor. I believe that indicates I have the capacity to learn and grow. I expect no less of myself as Vice President. I pledge no less to the American people.
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So ends this mythical press conference. If Sarah Palin had been this frank from Day One, would she have been viewed more favorably? Could she secure the votes of moderates, independents, and even disenchanted females?
Of course, this is mere fiction. But what if this approach were taken?
How would the country now feel about Sarah Palin?
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Fred W. Apelquist, III, M.Ed.
Approximately 1,140 words.
© October 27, 2008
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