The Blog Formerly Known As Vote '08

Scenario #1: Annie Oakley & Theodore Roosevelt. This is likely exactly how John McCain himself would like to view his pick & his ticket.

Why it works: Palin has a lifetime membership in the NRA, hunts on a regular basis, has been characterized as a “straight shooter” in fighting corrupt politicians or special interests, much like Theodore Roosevelt, a GOP reformer with whom McCain himself would love to be compared.

Why it doesn’t: McCain is no Roosevelt, & Palin is no Annie Oakley. Roosevelt was known for taking big gambles throughout his life, but not all of those gambles paid off in the way he would have liked. The fact that this pick looks openly like a big gamble may hurt the public perception of McCain’s decision-making ability.

Scenario #2: Walter Mondale & Geraldine Ferraro, 1984.

Why it works: The candidate who becomes the party’s torch-bearer invests in an exciting new up-&-comer of the female persuasion. The pick breaks down a gender barrier.

Why it doesn’t: Mondale was running against an incumbent; McCain’s not. McCain should be glad that he’s not facing an opponent (Reagan) with such a high approval rating. Ferraro had more experience than Palin.

Scenario #3: George Bush & Dan Quayle, 1988

Why it works: Quayle was about as unknown as Palin when George H.W. Bush chose him in 1988; his pick was seen as something that was a) last-minute & b) made to appeal to a certain demographic. Like McCain’s pick of Palin, some conservatives view the pick as pitch-perfect, while other conservatives view it as risky. The age difference isn’t as great, but it’s close. Like Quayle, Palin faces a grizzled Senate veteran in the competing slot on the other side.

Why it doesn’t: Well.. Dan Quayle’s a man. I would also hazard a guess that Palin will do much, much better than he did in the Vice Presidential debates. I would also speculate that the choice of Palin will have a greater effect on the overall race, because of the nature of this election & because her party is going to have to work hard(er) to introduce her to the public.

Scenario #4: Eisenhower-Nixon, 1952

Why it works: Until Reagan, Eisenhower was the oldest living president. McCain would become the oldest living president if elected. I’m sure McCain views himself much as Eisenhower did, as an old soldier more than a professional politician. His pick of Nixon, who at the time was a Congresssional up-&-comer, went well until the scandal that led to one of the most notable political speeches in 20th century politics:

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Palin is facing some legal/ethical troubles back in her home state. Might she have a “Checkers” speech in her?

Why it doesn’t: with all due respect to McCain, Eisenhower was considered a greater war hero at the time.. which helped him elevate himself above “the political fray.” Richard Nixon was far more well-known across the country, primarily due to the Alger Hiss affair.

Did I miss something up there with my comparing/contrasting? & are there any other comparisons to be made here, folks? Time for you to weigh in! Post a comment!

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