A rare political post...

... which, being that I'm an independent, always has the possibility of making everyone angry.

A year ago, as then Senator Obama became the front runner for the Democrats and Senator McCain for the Republicans, it actually looked like a fairly good choice for a change.  Unusually, they seemed the best of the electable candidates of their respective political parties.  Even some Democratic papers and magazines had good words to say about Senator McCain - before he became the nominee, of course.  Both choices looked possible, and I wouldn't have to hold my nose and vote for the candidate I disliked the least, which happens all too often.

Then Senator McCain chose Governor Palin, who hadn't even served one term yet, as his vice-presidential candidate. Why?  She certainly wasn't the most qualified Republican governor, and she also wasn't the most qualified Republican woman. 

For whatever reason, the choice showed deplorable judgment.  I don't care about her baby, her daughter's baby, or even her current political problems, however they turn out.  She had neither the state executive experience or the national legislative experience necessary for a president.  This was particularly important in Senator McCain's case since his age and his previous health problems increased the probability that he would not finish a presidential term.

This is not to say that Senator McCain's age or health were a reason not to vote for him.  It does mean that his choice of a vice presidential candidate was far more important than for many presidents.   The last time we had a president that age, President Reagan, his choice, Vice-President Bush, was quite capable of stepping in if anything happened to President Reagan.

For me, Senator McCain's choice of Governor Palin as his vice-presidential running mate sealed my vote for Senator Obama - regardless of whether I agreed or disagreed with various positions that Senator Obama's campaign took.  Although his experience in the Senate was also not lengthy, he chose an experienced vice-presidential candidate who was strong in areas where Senator Obama wasn't (for instance, foreign policy).  

Senator McCain's choice of Governor Palin also made me doubtful of his ability to wisely choose those who would serve in his cabinet and those he would nominate for the Supreme Court.

Now, I'm not impressed with Judge Sotomayor so far, and I dislike some of the directions that President Obama is heading.  On the other hand, his choice of a vehement political opponent, Senator Clinton, as Secretary of State has turned out far better than I had expected.

Since the election, I have avoided most articles and blogs about Governor Palin.  At times, I've stopped reading The Daily Dish because of its bizarre focus on her and her family.  I have recently read a bit about her resignation, and what I've read has confirmed my choice not to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket.

Anyone who does not have the internal fortitude to stay the course and finish out their term as governor of Alaska does not have the steel and backbone it takes to be the President of the United States.