It's tough to say whether McCain's surprise choice for his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, was motivated more by cynicism or stupidity.
It could be cynicism - the idea that McCain can pick up disaffected Hillary Clinton voters by finding a gal in pantsuits of his own. That's what those 18 million Democrats voted for in the primaries, isn't it?
It could be stupidity - not realizing that people voted for Hillary Clinton not only because she is a woman, or not even because she is a woman, but because they considered her more experienced and prepared for the presidency than any other candidate.
The angle of experience is the only plus the McCain campaign has against Obama. The Obama campaign realized that, and picked for vice president one of the most veteran lawmakers in Washington.
McCain apparently doesn't realize it. Instead of building on his sole strength, he obliterates it by picking a vice presidential candidate who seems a lot more like Dan Quayle than Hillary Clinton.
Gov. Palin is a female politician who opposes reproductive rights for women. How is that going to sit with Hillary Clinton supporters - even the most disaffected ones?
After a night of triumph for Obama, McCain follows with a morning of stupefication. The Obama campaign should hasten the debates and press the advantages they have created - and been given.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
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