Sarah Palin and Tall

After about a month long hiatus, I have finally gotten a breather to blog again. Clearly from the title, my aim is Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin, the current governor of Alaska. In a very transparent move to try and woo the disgruntled Hilary voters, John McCain decided to "pick up" Sarah Palin as a running mate. Now the question of why I have pick up in quotations may arise, so let me explain. In "pick-up" basketball, there is really no thought process involved in choosing who will be on your team. You simply choose someone based on their physical appearance at the time. While I'm sure Palin's physical appearance as a "milf" did not play any factor in her being chosen, to John McCain she was the best looking player on the team at the time. She has undoubtedly energized the Republican base (well, at least about two weeks ago she did) and brought in a very interesting dynamic to the race. In one sweeping motion, John McCain has single-handedly removed himself from the race for President. The two major characters of this campaign are Barack Obama and Sarah Palin and while some joke that McCain will not survive his first-year in office, it is remarkable how quickly he has become an afterthought in the campaign.

So why the title? Why the play on the Patricia McLachlan children's book? Well, quite simply, Sarah Palin is plain. There is nothing remarkable about her outside of her newfound celebrity "milf" status and her down-right ignorant view of the world. To believe that her experience as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska where the biggest event to come before her was the debate over the installation of a new skating facility. Compared to Barack Obama's experience as a community organizer on the Southside of Chicago, where he dealt with issues facing the actual livelihood of people, not their forms of entertainment.

And thats what Sarah Palin has become for a number of people: a form of entertainment. Tina Fey's SNL spoof was by far one of the funniest things I have ever witnessed, and I had the common sense to have the sound up, unlike some VP candidates. Her foreign policy credentials are sub-par at best. Barack Obama did a major tour around Europe and even gave a speech in front of thousands. Palin met with nine foreign dignitaries (one of whom was Bono) in New York City. My best friend, Gabby, is meeting with the President of Iran today. In New York City. Is she more qualified than Palin to run for VP or even President? (My honest answer to this question is yes. She's truly amazing) John McCain has run himself out of the race. Its apparent that even his own voters are more energized by his running-mate than him. Should we sit around and wait for John McCain to die, in order to reenergize the country via a VP pick who's presidency, as so eloquently put by Matt Damon (aka, Jason Bourne, who definitely has more foreign policy experience than Palin), would be "like a really bad Disney movie"? I think Walt is rolling over in his grave.

Stadium Seating + Change= Win?

Barack Obama and the DNC has decided to hold Obama's nomination in Mile-High Stadium, home to the Denver Broncos. The stadium hold 75,000, which is monstrous compared to the original venue which would hold 20,000. I mean, the man can pack a house, but 75,000 people. He's officially reached Rockstar status. With the message of change, is this a good direction for politics? Barack Obama has run on the message of change, and it has successfully carried him through the primaries. But how long, will simply the message last in the general campaign? McCain is constantly attacking Barack Obama for not having a firm stance on issues, but is it possible for someone (read McCain) to have too firm of a stance? There's an excitement in this country, and even around the world, in hopes that Barack Obama and his message of change will take the election. I must say personally, that I am extremely excited for the future of this country. But can America take 4 years of McBush policies? To put it bluntly, this country is going to hell in a handbasket, when most of the world hates us, gas costs an arm and a leg, the economy is shit, and Iran telling America to "Just Bring It" if it wants to go to war. We are in dire need of change and I may be the only one who believes that even symbolic change may change the attitudes of this country. Colgate University President, Rebecca Chopp, has said numerous times, somtimes you have to believe in something before you can change your actions. Does America qualify for that type of attitude now?