Whether or not Palin is actually guilty of abusing her power, the issue is going to provide lots of ammunition to the press. I hope McCain is ready to return fire.
Trin, I totally agree with what you said.
But, I think this
was a calculated risk. And, the dirt will come out early.
Remember the brouhaha when the said Slick Willie "puffed but never inhaled", "Whitewhater", and "Gennifer Flowers". He still got elected. And, now we have a sitting president who freely admitted to be a cocaine user and a recovering alcoholic and a current presidential candidate who openly talks about drug abuse early in his life. This pales in comparison, IMHO.
I think the story on this is going to break early, and it will get thoroughly played out after the next couple of weeks. After that, she will (rightfully so) be able to say, "Can we focus on the issues?" and anyone who continues to bring the issue up will be seen as a persistent badgerer.
Now, if there is criminal wrongdoing on her part, that changes the ballgame. But, I think she's going to survive this provided it is settled with alacrity.
And, yes, I believe she can even spin the story (however it plays out) in her favor. This trooper was apparently quite the dirtbag, and I would spin it by saying that "I would've acted similarly no matter
which trooper it was, but it just happened to come to my attention sooner because this particular individual was unfortunately involved with my family."
I think there are a lot more voting middle-American moms with centrist, and perhaps rightest, values out there than there are liberal "Gloria Steinem" types, and I think they will see her nomination as a positive. The "Gloria Steinem's" still feel a bit alienated by Hillary not getting appointed. Now, even though they probably won't be swayed, they
will have the optioon of a woman to vote for. The die-hard, man-hating, carpet-munching lesbos will never go for her, but that's not the vote the Republican party has ever courted anyway. But, I bet they'll be a little more torn and confused at the polls. Joe Biden represents their interests? HA!
It was a bold move on McCain's part. We'll see where the chips will fall. I think there are going to be a lot of people spending extra time behind the curtain this year on November 4th. However, it works out, it'll be an historic election. And, that's pretty cool.
-copro
P.S. I was already voting for McCain. Didn't matter who he chose. He's the best candidate, especially for a future private practitioner.