The saddest part of this electoral process has been the racism and tolerance for it coming from the McCain/Palin camp. The fact that McCain has never condemned the words, photos and actions of his supporters will be an albatross around his neck forever. His "honor" is forever tarnished by what he has NOT done and obviously tolerated in this election.
McCain's largest mistake, which is his most severe and points directly to his lack of character, was his choice of Sarah Palin in the first place. McCain put his selfish belief that he deserved to be President before the thought of what would be right or good for this country. He never vetted Palin, only met her once and he mistakenly believed that the pick would energize women and we would all flock to his campagin, no matter what woman he chose.
This was a large McCain's mistake..the belief that women were not smart enough to discern the difference between a Sarah Palin and a Hillary Clinton. That we would not notice the difference between a smart, moderate inclusive woman versus a rabid right wing, creationist who doesn't believe in giving women ANY type of choice. Heck, even Sarah Palin didn't even seem to understand that she was vastly different than Clinton, with her "we're going to shatter the glass ceiling" remark at the press conference when she was chosen. Women do not like being winked to by women trying to hoodwink them, Sarah.
So, we know now that Palin was a deplorable choice. She has more baggage then Amtrak, and less intelligence then Miss South Carolina. Her complete lack of intellectual curiosity and her jokes about anyone who actually knows anything, show someone who is not willing nor finds it important to learn things. The quote from her interview with Katie Curic where she is asked what newspapers she reads and she says, all of them, showed a complete disregard and lack of interest in national and international affairs. I know I find her an embarrassment to women and shudder at the thought that this "Caribou Barbie" actually believes she has a right to be one step away from this country's nuclear codes and all else that goes along with her position.I thought it might be fun to take a look at what the newspaper editorial boards had to say about Palin when they endorsed Barack Obama.
Kansas City Star Endorses Obama
Despite his age and previous health problems, McCain chose a vice presidential candidate who is so clearly unqualified for high office that the thought of her stepping into the presidency is frightening.
That irresponsible decision casts serious doubt on McCain’s judgment at this point in his political career. And over the past eight years, Americans have come to know, all too well, the high price of carelessness and ineptitude in the White House.
Las Cruses Sun-News
Las Cruses endorsement
Then, out of nowhere, and without proper vetting, the impetuous McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. She quickly proved grievously underequipped to step into the presidency should McCain, at 72 and with a history of health problems, die in office. More than any single factor, McCain's bad judgment in choosing the inarticulate, insular and ethically challenged Palin disqualifies him for the presidency.
NY Times Endorsement... Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.
Anchorage Daily News Endorses Obama
... few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.
Chicago Tribune Endorses Obama
We have known Obama since he entered politics a dozen years ago. We have watched him, worked with him, argued with him as he rose from an effective state senator to an inspiring U.S. senator to the Democratic Party's nominee for president.
We have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions. He is ready.
McCain failed in his most important executive decision. Give him credit for choosing a female running mate--but he passed up any number of supremely qualified Republican women who could have served. Having called Obama not ready to lead, McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. His campaign has tried to stage-manage Palin's exposure to the public. But it's clear she is not prepared to step in at a moment's notice and serve as president. McCain put his campaign before his country.
Several blogs have asked that Obama give one last blast at McCain. Here it is. I find it extremely effective and perfectly said...all in McCain's own words...and with that final wink that says an awful lot about a candidate who is, as the Las Cruces News says, is inarticulate, insular and ethically challenged.