John McCain Chooses Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin
Palin as Vice Presidential Running Mate- An Appeal to Conservatives
Aug 29, 2008
It’s going to be a ground breaking election, whichever way the voters swing. Senator John McCain recently announced his choice for the V.P. spot on the republican ticket: Alaskan governor Sarah Palin. McCain seems to be aiming at appeasing the conservative vote and attempting to redirect some of the female voters, as well.
Palin’s Conservative Appeal
Palin represents everything conservative in a vice presidential candidate. She is a fiscal conservative. She uses integrity in spending. According to Fox New’s Carl Cameron, in his August 29,2008 article, "McCain Names Alaska Governor Palin as Running Mate," Palin has been known to use her veto power to cut frivolous budgets and reroute improper spending. Adding Palin to the ticket, with her economically responsible reputation, is an undeniable asset during the current economic strife.
Palin is a Christian, holding to a code of ethics in her political life. The most notable example is her resignation from the head position of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in January 2004 due to ethical violations of a fellow commissioner. Her peer was later found guilty and fined, according to Fred Barnes in his article “The Most Popular Governor” published by The Weekly Standard on July 16, 2007. Many conservatives will appreciate Palin's willingness to face adversity in standing for integrity and morality, as evidenced in situations such as this.
Recently, John McCain appeased many of the conservative pro-life voters by stating his belief that life begins at conception in an interview with Pastor Rick Warren. He also promised to be a pro-life advocate during his time in office, if elected. His first step in coming through on his promise was choosing Palin as his running mate. Palin is strongly pro-life, maintaining an active role in the pro-life feminist organization, Feminists for Life, as noted on her Wikipedia encyclopedia reference as of August 29, 2008.
The fact that Palin is the governor of Alaska is an obvious strength for the conservative vote during the current oil crisis, as well. According to Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard, she is concerned about keeping Alaska free from the domination of oil companies, but she is also supportive of creating a self-sufficiency for the state by using their lucrative resources.
Palin’s Appeal to Female Voters
Palin also happens to be female. Her designation as Vice President would attempt to rival the potential first of the Obama campaign. She has already received two honorable firsts: 1) She is the youngest governor of Alaska 2) She is the first female governor of Alaska. As well, she is the first female vice presidential candidate to the Republican Party, the second female to represent a major party, and the first Alaskan to run on the presidential ticket. It is uncertain whether her presence in the campaign will lure female voters to choose McCain, but it certainly adds a new dimension to the 2008 elections.
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