I think that one of the reasons why I am so excited about Palin is that to me, she represents Democracy better than any of the other candidates. Obama is a tool- a manufactured brand name product packaged and advanced through official channels for me to buy. McCain is a hero, with a story that you have to admire, but that few people could emulate and truly understand. Biden is there.
Palin though- she's America. She represents all about American politics that is stirringly robust and unique to our country, and maybe this is because she comes from the last frontier of Alaska. She defies the expectations of what we usually look for in a VP- she is not a long-time blah senator, she is not a slick governor from a key state, and she is not a policy wonk- she is a true reformer, a Governor, with experience in the business world and in the world of being an everyday mom. She confounds our prejudices- she is not a dumb hick, she is not a ignorant bible-thumper, she is not a hippy from a backwater, she is not an uneducated banjo playing outdoorsman- no, she is an intelligent, articulate, moral, and qualified individual.
She is optimistic about America- she has many children, is positive about their future, believes America is growing and getting better, and sees America still as that shining city on a hill.
What made Obama such a popular figure originally, is that he was this figure, before we knew more about him. To be honest, maybe the same thing with happen with Sarah Palin. But right now, I see her meeting with ordinary people at libraries and school halls, debating and discussing the merits of policy with fellow citizens. And I see Obama meeting with special interest groups, focus groups, and image makers, trying to trick us into voting for him. It's a game to him to win- but for Palin, it's about making America better.
Some of the language from this post was taken from an excellent article that Janet Daley wrote for the Telegraph (UK). I'd also like to point out that in this article, written shortly after the Iowa caucus, she wrote:
Obama will become the Democratic nominee. Obama will then choose a considerably older, more seasoned vice-presidential running mate (but not Hillary) in an attempt to counter his lack of experience. John McCain will win the Republican nomination and he will choose a social conservative as his running mate.
Very accurate. I can only hope the last part of her article is correct as well-
But for all the inspirational value of his candidacy, Obama will not win the presidency. The popular, if not the electoral college, vote will be close but America will decide that in such dangerous times, it must choose the wise older leader, the war hero, the statesman who talks about foreign policy and national security with real authority.
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