It was September of 2008, just about four years ago that the name Sarah Palin came into the mainstream conversations. In an attempt to sway the voters, Arizona Senator John McCain, the Republican hopeful, pulled the name of the Alaska governor out of his hat. It would later prove difficult for Senator McCain to keep the effervescent Governor Palin in his pocket.
Nominating Sarah Palin to be his running mate was the jolt McCain's campaign needed. When the Republican vice presidential nominee spoke at the Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin charmed Republicans and Democrats alike. She achieved rock star status with a few winks and a smile. Could Condoleezza Rice do the same for Mitt Romney?
The choice of the attractive, opinionated, down home, chief executive from Alaska ( who was just as comfortable out hunting with the boys as having tea with the ladies) compared to the no nonsense, former Secretary of State, is no comparison.
Commentators said then that Sarah Palin came into the political scene like a fiery comet; awe inspiring and spectacular to behold, until she was too hot to handle and she burned out of favor. Initially the campaign was invigorated by her fresh approach to politics then later embarrassed by her lack of practical knowledge on political issues.
America watched as the Republican campaign teetered on a love/hate relationship with Sarah Palin. The Alaskan governor was well received by live audiences in the public but she was mercilessly ridiculed by the press. Could Condoleezza Rice inspire the same affection from the public?
Actress Tina Fey resuscitated the ratings for Saturday Night Live with her scathing impression of Sarah Palin saying, ‘I can see Russia from my house.’, a missed quote from an unfortunate interview that Palin had with Charles Gibson on morning television. Who would dare mock Condi?
Nominating Sarah Palin in 2008 demonstrated that John McCain was listening to polls and public opinions. Remember, this was during the ‘Obama as a the second coming’ era.
When there was practically speculation that Barack Obama walked on water, before the birth certificate thing caught on; John McCain knew he had to do something to compete.
Nominating a woman to be his running mate was a spark of genius. For a time, all eyes were on the Republican party. People were starting to think that maybe the Republicans did get it. Enter Sarah Palin. Together, they were going rogue.
On the surface, Sarah Palin represented every working woman in America. Who does the former Secretary of State represent? Does Condoleezza Rice cover the race relations aspect and the women's vote for Romney?
Sara Palin has a husband, 5 children and a job. Her oldest son was deployed to Iraq during the campaign. Hands down, Condoleezza Rice has a better grasp of political issues than Sarah Palin.
Sarah Palin was the inspirational, feel good choice for America. She triggered the maverick spirit in all of us. Then the haters went to work. There were elements of secrecy that sparked gossip about her sister and her brother in law, her son and her teen aged daughter.
It all played out like a soap opera. The public ridicule by Katy Couric who found Palin to be less than erudite. The shocking news of her teen aged daughter being pregnant, even controversy over her youngest son with down’s syndrome.
Sarah Palin may have seen her time pass to be in the Republican spotlight. Rumor has it that the republican party may fancy Condoleezza Rice for the Republican VP spot. Could Condoleezza Rice inspire the voters like Sarah Palin?
Odd choice, Condoleezza Rice, considering that Mitt Romney has little affection for blacks or women.
Comments