Palin: Pointing Fingers at Bush, in the past, is NOT Change

Perhaps one of my favorite clips from the Vice Presidential debate last night was when Sarah Palin challenged the "change" that Obama/Biden represent, versus the reform that McCain/Palin represent. Obama and Biden are pushing the blame game, attempting to play off the emotion of the people, insisting that "A Republican by any other name is still a Bush!"

Palin struck back with the following:

h/t to Brigate for posting this clip at: Desde la resistencia - where she also explains why McCain may be hesitant to visit with her President in Spain.

Sarah Palin is right. Once the next President gets in office the fingers are going to be pointed at him! So your strategy had better be more than pointing fingers to bring the country together.

Real change is a reform in government - not a societal change of leftist policies and hate politics - there is no "Unity" in that... merely a political catch phrase. Obama has no record of Unity, and is openly disgusted by conservatives and Republicans in General. So much for "Change"

Vice President - Biden or Palin as the Future?

As Joe Biden continues his embarrassing string of gaffes, one has to wonder what Obama must have been thinking in selecting Joe. If foreign policy was his only discriminator, Biden is even sketchy on that - as he has been wrong for about 30 years!

But what I want to question is the importance of the Vice Presidential selection, and what it is supposed to represent as the future of the respective party.

When a President's term is up, it is generally the Vice President who is the next in line to run for the party in power. This election is an anomaly, which was widely discussed after the 2004 Bush victory, in that Cheney would not seek the Oval Office.

As we look at our prospects for President, we must also look at the selection of VP running mates, and what they represent for the next election cycle.

Obama's selection of Joe Biden would indicate that, should Obama/Biden win, Biden would be next in line in 2016. If Biden insists, as Cheney did, that he would not seek the White House in 2016, it would bring into question the selection of VP candidates, and the role of the VP for the future of the White House. More importantly, it represents the end of the Clintons in White House politics. If Obama and Biden gain victory, and Biden makes the move in 2016, Clinton would appear as a spoiler should she attempt to unseat the "next in line" candidate.


Obama's selection of Joe Biden means that the future of the Democratic Party - in a Post Obama Democratic Party - will be in the hands of a 74 year old Presidential Candidate, which is two years older than John McCain in the 2008 race. Biden will not just be a 74 year old, but a 74 year old with a history of aneurysms. Biden, as a symbol of the future of the Democratic party, and as a symbol of the future of America, is not a confidence builder on either front! That, of course, does not bring into account that less than 1% of Democrats wanted the gaffe master as their candidate to begin with.

Now let's look at the Republican selection. John McCain recognized that he needed to make a selection for the future of the party, and a leader for the future of America. Sarah Palin will be 52 in 2016, and 48 in 2012 - assuming that McCain stays only one term in office. Palin represents the conservative wing of the Feminist movement. Palin represents Conservative Reform in the party. Palin has the ability to bring the country together under a clean government initiative, sweeping ethics reforms in business and government dealings, and bring our society back from the brink.

As I watch the Presidential Race, I have to look at the Vice Presidential choices as the first indicator of decision making ability and intent for the future.

Palin was a great choice. Though she is not a well known Washington insider power house, she has the experience and the ability - her record of advancement proves it. And she did it all on her own.

Biden has indicated that he was a poor choice as a running mate, that he was wrong on foreign policy remarks, that the White House is not a place where you get OJT, that Obama is wrong on America's energy future, that FDR was president in 1929 - and that we had Television in 1929, that Indians are welcome in his community at the 7-11's, and that Obama makes poor judgement in his campaign advertisements.

Who best represents the future of our nation?

McCain/Palin: It's Official - GOP Runs Reform Ticket

John McCain made it official tonight - he has accepted the call to duty as the candidate for the Republican Party!

But he did not do it quietly. John McCain issued a warning to all politicians and lobbyists - "A Change Is Coming". That change is in the form of a new deal, a break from Partisan Politics and a break from corruption and business as usual in Washington DC. John McCain promises to lead the nation in a much needed reform of her leaders and their corruption.

How better can John McCain, Republican Candidate for the Presidency, show the citizens of this country that his promise of actual change - of actual reform in DC - is true? Sarah Palin.

John McCain and Sarah Palin represent the most frightening duo to the status quo in the District of Columbia, quoting John McCain:

"I’m not in the habit of breaking promises to my country and neither is Governor Palin. And when we tell you we’re going to change Washington, and stop leaving our country’s problems for some unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it. And we’ve got a record of doing just that, and the strength, experience, judgment and backbone to keep our word to you.”

For years I have held a disdain for Senator John McCain - for his often liberal legislation that struck at the very core of what I believed. And I will make the admission now that this ill feeling was partisan in nature... McCain broke ranks with the Republicans on one too many issues.

However, with the selection of Sarah Palin and the message delivered tonight, I believe that I can truly support the mission that John McCain is taking on - a mission of reform.

The GOP needs reform from her ranks swollen with corruption.

The Democrats need reform from their corrupt dealings within the once highly respected offices in the federal government.

Washington DC needs reform from it's Pork Barrell ways, aimed at encouraging lobbyists and providing a breeding ground for scandal and corruption.

And the federal government needs reform from a set of rules and regulations put in place in a time when business and the world worked much differently under very different technologies.

John McCain is taking the mantra from Obama - and promises to deliver true Change.

Obama's change is that of increasing government influence in our daily lives - changing from a libertarian based society to a socialist based society.

McCain's change is that of fixing the ills in the government, reducing it's size, and ensuring that the citizens are released from the authoritarian society we fear, and are allowed to live locally under more personal responsibility - the way this country was intended in it's founding.

Sarah Palin was the ticket for me. John McCain has won my endorsement and my vote!

The Bold and the Beautiful… and the Pitbull!

Consider Sarah Palin officially introduced to the nation! Now the voters of America know what I have been trying to explain for nearly a year – Sarah Palin is the future of the Republican Party, and the Democrats’ worst nightmare!

Her speech last night was feminine, but firm; showing that a Hockey Mom from small town America truly does have what it takes to lead this nation. For all the slander and slime that the liberal left has attempted to throw her way over the last five days, Sarah Palin delivered a bold “Shame On You!” with her cheeky yet inspiring address at the RNC.

"I think Sarah Palin can do a one-two punch better than Muhammad Ali," Kansas state Sen. Karin Brownlee said after the speech. "And I think she delivered it just square on the opponents' face. I think she has energized the Republican Party like we haven't seen in a long time."

Where the GOP was left with cracks and concerns after a John McCain nomination – a general level of unease in selecting a centrist maverick who openly toyed with the thought of appointing an Independent Democrat to share the ticket – Sarah Palin has repaired those cracks. Sarah Palin stood with the grace of royalty and celebrity, but delivered a speech with the strength of a no-holds-barred hitman ready to take on the media and the left. Sarah Palin has successfully united the GOP – and now she is reaching out to independents and inviting them back into the large tent of the Republican Party.

And for all the inspiration and energy she brings to the Republican Ticket, she is instilling the same amount of fear in the hearts of the Democrats. Left wingers in the blogosphere are attacking her speech now for lack of substance and mean-spiritedness, not realizing that it was a shot across the bow of the national press and DC insiders – warning them to back off of her and her family. Her strength and poise are inspiring to the GOP, and drawing attacks from the left. The GOP has a shiny beacon on the hill, and her name is Sarah Palin. She has the power to ensure that the change in America is a conservative one, and that we get back to being Americans – not Socialist European wannabees.

The left have got their hands full now! The Republicans are ready to fight, ready to reform, and ready to lead!

Bristol Palin – Where’s the Controversy?

In a recent discussion with my Democrat wife regarding the protestors at the DNC, and the general actions by liberal protestors, I was surprised to hear her response of “That is just the way liberals think and act – conservatives are generally more reserved”

This comment was in response to my disgust regarding the lack of respect for decency – noting that a number of protestors were taking photographs next to a McCain statue – posing with fingers shaped like guns aimed at McCain’s head; kicking him in the crotch; yelling “Die, Die, Die” and other expletives uncharacteristic of a civilized individual.

So it is no shock to me that the KOS would begin spreading rumors that Trig was not, in fact, the son of Sarah Palin, rather the grandson – sparking a rumor train on liberal blogs that turned into a rumor inferno – in hopes that they could find SOMETHING about Palin to attack.

To their shock, Palin lived up to her clean image and open government (and no-secret) ideology, and not only debunked the myth, but released the information that Bristol was 5 months pregnant – so as to put aside any future rumors over at the trash bin KOS.

Her statement, released with her husband Todd Palin read:
We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We’re proud of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.
Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi’s privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates.
So, the KOS, in an attempt to smear, was faced with a clean politician who cleared the record. She is an average mother of a middle class family, facing an issue that many families across America face every day – Teen Pregnancy.

This is not a “punishment” as Obama would have his children believe – rather, as Palin put it – a blessing for their entire family. And this is exactly what this is – a family issue. Even at nearly 30, I know that having a child requires involvement and the support structure of family and friends. This is a case where Bristol will have TONS of support, and will have to look forward to a series of life changes – and plan to go forward with a beautiful (no doubt, that is a beautiful family) child!

So where, I ask, is the controversy?

Are the left in arms because Bristol is not running to Planned Parenthood to fix this “mistake”? If so, perhaps they should stop calling themselves “pro-choice” and rightfully call themselves what they truly are – PRO-ABORTION. These clowns believe, as Obama does, that teens and adults in their early twenties are “children” who are being punished for their actions… instead of responsible individuals able and willing to take personal responsibility for the maturity of their actions. Choosing life, for these KOS-ers, is ludicrous. They are clearly on the side of infanticide.

I have also heard the left spouting “Hypocrite” in the direction of Palin. Would someone care to explain how Sarah Palin is a Hypocrite? A parent can only provide the correct examples, and lessons of morality, justice, and responsibility. They cannot keep their children under lock and key. Though Bristol had engaged in pre-marital sex, it is not a negative mark against Palin… in fact, the responsibility in her lapse of moral judgment, and her intention of keeping the child, reflects the values that align with the values of her mother and father. There is nothing hypocritical about Bristol’s actions – but perhaps the morally absent KOS-ers would be confused, since they never have to live up to any higher standard.

The calls for Sarah Palin to resign as VP nominee because of a pregnancy in her family are ridiculous – and show fear and ignorance on the side of the left.

There is no controversy in this story. It is a reality that many American families are faced with – and the Palin family is setting an example of morality and unity in the face of adversity… an example that these United States could use. The actions of Unity and Familial support should be echoed throughout the middle class – stay calm, be supportive, and welcome the blessing into your family.

Bless the Palin family, and their new addition.

Democrats: Palin a Bad Choice for Us :(

As I am blogging from Seattle, a very safe haven for the liberal left, it is an interesting perspective to hear the direct thoughts of the reaction to Palin - most notably that Palin is a great choice for McCain, but a bad choice for the Left.

Why a bad choice for the left?

Anyone who has been reading the blog entries I have posted about Palin knows a little something about her - but the left fears Palin on McCain's ticket for a number of reasons:

1. Youth and Beauty - She is a young and attractive woman, giving breath to the youth in the party - a youth that Obama was supposed to have swooped in and offered to take away to his Utopian America. Palin is two years younger than Obama - and has the ability to attract young independent women away from Obama. She represents something new for conservative women - a change, perhaps?

2. Maverick - A McCain/Palin ticket represents a true reform in the Republican Party. There is NO WAY that democrats are going to be able to pin Bush onto Palin - and Palin's style of Maverick Politics further refutes the "McSame" argument. Palin, who ripped out the guts of the corrupt Alaskan Republican Party, represents reform in the GOP. It scares some in the GOP - but two reformers leading the GOP smells like hope and change to Independents weary of the Good-Ol-Boys network in the GOP... change from the GOP of today to the GOP of the future means a return to Core Republican Values of small government and accountability. Change, indeed.

3. Conservatism - Palin is the true conservative/libertarian vote. She has all the qualifications to pass the "conservative test" with flying colors - family, faith, firearms, freedom. As a mother of 5, she shows her strong commitment to family values, especially for the Right to Life movement (ensuring a wonderful life for Trig, her newborn son who is afflicted with Downs). She is the conservative choice that can re-energize the base of the GOP - and this is what scares the Dems most.

Of course the list goes on. As America comes to know, and love, their next VP, we will see more and more why McCain and Palin are the best choice for America. As for me, I will enjoy reading the headlines stolen away from Obama and his Obamopolis speech, in favor of how McCain has just shaken things up in 2008.

CNN: Palin: Pioneer, Maverick - and now game changer
Seattle Times: Why McCain's VP choice is a Gamble for the GOP
NY Times: Palin, an Outsider who Charms
Fox News: McCain Names Alaska Gov as Running Mate

Democrats are going to attack Palin on experience (Ironic), but Palin, as she stated in her introduction speech, is the Commander in Chief of the Alaskan National Guard. She is the Chief Executive of the State of Alaska. Her political history is in the executive branch - and if Obama is going to state that small town America does not count (as we bitterly cling to our guns and faith), then he is going to have to realize that America IS small town! Where Obama has two years in the Senate, Palin has two years as the Head of the State of Alaska. In my book, two years of Executive experience trumps two years of legislative experience - and one must remember that Palin is number two on the ticket... ready to "be ready to lead"...

Democrats are going to attack Palin on Foreign Policy - however, as the Governor of Alaska, Palin has to work directly with the Russian government, and the Canadian government for affairs that impact her state - such as Fishing and Energy. She has executive experience in dealing directly with foreign heads of state (or their delegates) - which is more than Obama can say. She has been to Iraq to visit HER National Guard troops - not play basket ball with some well troops while shunning the injured troops because no flash photography is allowed. I would argue that she has plenty of foreign policy experience to take the number two spot on the ticket - especially since she has more FP experience than the democrat number one spot!

Democrats are going to attack her on being a pro-life woman. I say let them. If the Democrats want to fight the social conservative fight, the GOP will win every time. History has shown that on social issues, Americans are by and large conservative. If the left intends to paint conservatives as vile (as they tend to try), they are going to see themselves isolated on the left.

John McCain has made the right choice; the choice that should mend ties with Social Conservatives; the choice that should bring the youth vote and the female vote back into play for the GOP.

There will be a LOT of spin out there by the left - CNN has already called her a "Gun Toting Pro-Lifer" - But there is not enough spin out there to spoil the race.

And that is what we have now - A race!

Why McCain MUST Pick Palin

I am heading out on a short vacation to Seattle. I will surely make every attempt to blog from that location, but may only fit one in (in response to McCain's VP pick).

There has been an increased amount of talk about McCain's VP pick - and more and more folks agree that McCain is going to pick a woman... unfortunately, the Liberal MSM continues to float Kay Bailey Hutchinson's name in this 11th hour. She is a fine leader, no doubt, but she is too close to the Bush campaign - and McCain making that selection would only continue the "McSame" feelings. McCain needs to pick a woman - a good conservative... and the liberal MSM is afraid of Palin - so they float KBH.

I received a letter from the general editor of Palin for VP. I would like to share it with you, and once again, fully endorse Sarah Palin, Gov of AK as the only momentum VP nomination.

---------------------------------------
The letter reads:

Sarah Palin is an anomaly in American politics. It's not because she's a
woman, not because of her blue-collar background, and not because of her
ability to juggle the titles of "governor" and "committed mother of
five". Forget about all of that stuff for a moment; it's interesting, but
if Barack Obama has taught us anything, it's that a compelling biography
is not a qualification for leadership. Instead, Palin is unique because
she can claim one of the broadest bases of support of any leader in our
country. Other than the lunatic fringes of Alaska's kleptocratic
political establishment, nobody hates her.

Most politicians rise to power because they represent a certain wing of
their party, and even some of their own partisans detest them. Mike
Huckabee will never resonate with libertarian republicans, social
conservatives cannot support Rudy Giuliani, certain evangelicals will
always have a problem with Mitt Romney, and frankly I doubt that
hard-core conservatives will ever fully embrace John McCain. That doesn't
make them bad candidates; it just means that they face significant
opposition within the Republican Party. Sarah Palin does not have that
problem.
I have been working to draft Gov. Palin as Vice President since February
of 2007, and I can recount first hand how she has united divergent views
among Republicans and is now even gaining Democratic support. The key is
that she offers a combination of qualities that make her a hero to many,
many different groups. For instance, two of our strongest bases of
support have been social conservatives and libertarian republicans, who
are normally at each other's throats.

However, she offered both groups something that they desperately wanted
without compromising any appeal to the other. The SoCons loved her
pro-life, pro-family, and pro-gun positions, while the libertarians and
fiscal conservatives cheered her on as she vetoed hundreds of millions of
dollars of wasteful government spending. Getting those two groups to sing
kum-ba-ya was enough of an accomplishment, but now it appears that a
third group has found what it wants in Gov. Palin: McCainocrats.

For those Democrats who are considering abandoning the Obama ticket
(primarily disillusioned Clinton supporters), Palin represents the final
push into the Republican camp. Not only is she a woman (which, like it or
not, is an issue for some voters), but she also puts a fresh,
future-oriented face on the McCain campaign. By upending Alaska's corrupt
political class, Palin has actually produced the type of change that
Barack Obama can only talk about; and her collar is far bluer than Joe
Biden's ever was. Furthermore, she is arguably the only candidate who has
the necessary expertise to address the single most pressing issue in this
election: gas prices. As Governor of Alaska, Chair of the Interstate Oil
and Gas Compact Commission (America's largest interstate organization),
and a former Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission,
Sarah Palin can run rings around almost anyone when it comes to oil.

The last candidate to assemble such a broad coalition of support was a
gentleman by the name of Ronald Wilson Reagan. He not only won the
presidency in two successive landslides, but went on to become one of the
most beloved and effective presidents in recent history. Now, I realize
that it is somewhat presumptuous of me to make this comparison, but I
personally have no doubt that Sarah Palin has the capability to become
the next Reagan. In fact, the only real question that I have heard is
whether we should bring her to the forefront now as a VP candidate or
save her for later as a full-fledged presidential hopeful in 2012. I
personally choose the former, because the latter involves the defeat of
John McCain and the election of President Obama and Vice President Biden.
2008 will be a crucial election year, with the winner being handed the
responsibility for the Iraq war, the gasoline crisis, the Russo-Georgian
conflict, and any number of other issues. The stakes are simply too high
to throw McCain under the bus and bide our time. Likewise, Sen. McCain
should realize that the stakes are too high for him to select a VP
candidate who simply "does no harm" rather than pushing his ticket over
the top.

There is one sure fire solution to this problem, one way to guarantee a
McCain surge, one way to put Obama on the defensive, and one way to
steamroll to victory in November. Her name is Sarah Palin.

RNC Speaker List hints at VP?

Fox News Reports that the speaking line-up at the RNC is another veil of secrecy regarding the Republican VP pick. Of those on the short list, 7 most common names are speakers at the RNC - in speaking slots that do nothing to hint at McCain's favorites.

The convention line-up, which will be held in St. Paul, Minn., from Sept. 1-4, features Connecticut Independent Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman on the first night; former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and Alaska Gov. Sara Palin on the second night; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal on the third night; and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist on the last night.

The third night is the night the vice presidential nominee will give his acceptance speech. Other speakers that night include Cindy McCain, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.

Though the speaker list has been released, with the schedule, the name associated with the VP segment remains unfilled. It seems that McCain and the RNC selected anyone ever hinted at the 2nd spot to give a speech before the convention, making no hint as to any one individual considered more favorable than the others.

Should speculators consider that Romney and Jindal, slated to speak on the third night already, are the top two choices, or that their listing on the third night indicates that they will merely be introducing the VP nominee? Jindal has indicated that he is not interested in VP, so that would leave Romney.

Or should we consider the second night as an introduction of the nominee? This leaves Ridge and Palin. Ridge has already come under increased attacks by the conservatives, fueled by Limbaugh, basically eliminating him from the nomination. That would leave Palin as the spotlight speaker, introducing herself to the nation as the new face of the conservative movement - ready to retake the stage the following night to thunderous applause.

Or could we be thrown off the scent of Pawlenty and Crist because of their third night listing?

As a Palin supporter, I am strongly encouraged that she will have a chance to introduce herself on the national stage, and I know that Republicans will love what they see! If she is not the nominee for VP, I am sure that we will see Palin in 2012.

To read more about Palin, visit the Draft Sarah for VP website. There is a great post by a guest blogger today about why Palin should be McCain's VP - excerpt below:

In all probability, John McCain is going to be the next President. For him to choose Sarah as his running mate would be both bold and wise.

Of course, we Republicans aren't exactly noted for boldness. Like Claude Rains in "Casablanca," our tendency is to "round up the usual suspects." At this time in history, the usual suspects -- say, a Mitt Romney or a Mike Huckabee or a Tom Ridge -- are not good enough. Such people are the "Ghosts of the GOP Past." They do not represent the future of the Republican Party or or of the country.

Sarah Palin does represent that future. To be fair, there are other potential candidates, such as Bobby Jindal, Mark Sanford, and Eric Cantor, who will be part of that future. But McCain can't do better than Sarah, an individual synonymous with toughness, courage, integrity, and consistency. Sarah Palin is the quintessential Amrican.

The program of events is as follows:

Monday, Sept. 1
Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.
Speakers will include:
*U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
*Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
*Vice President Richard B. Cheney
*First Lady Laura Bush
*President George W. Bush

Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.
Speakers will include:
*Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
*Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
*Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
*Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
*Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
*Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
*Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
*Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
*Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (Md.)

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Prosperity
"America’s best days are still to come."
--Sen. John McCain

The American story is one of perseverance. Even in the face of tough times, the ingenuity and spirit of the American people has ushered in a new era of prosperity. Wednesday’s program will focus on John McCain’s plans to get our economy back on track and continue our long tradition of meeting the challenges we face and using our prosperity to help others. The day will conclude with an address by the vice presidential nominee.
Speakers will include:
*U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
*Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
*Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
*Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
*Mrs. Cindy McCain
*Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
*Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee

Thursday, Sept. 4
Peace
"Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain understands the challenges that America faces in the world and the sacrifice necessary to defend our freedom in a way that few others can fathom. Thursday’s events will reflect his vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world. The evening will close with John McCain accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States.
Speakers will include:
*Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
*Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
*U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
*U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
*John McCain

In the coming days, the 2008 Republican National Convention will announce additional speakers and program details.

It's Veep Time!

Presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama has scheduled his VP announcement for Friday August 22nd. John McCain has stated that he plans to make his announcement on August 29th, the day after the Democratic Convention.

Fox News reports on Obama:

Obama was believed to have narrowed his list to Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine,
Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh and Kansas Gov. Kathleen
Sebelius. While it seemed increasingly unlikely that he would choose his
vanquished rival, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, some Democrats
speculated Monday that he could pull a surprise and pick her.

I agree that it is highly unlikely that Obama selects Clinton as his running mate. Not only did they have a bitter dispute for the nomination, but selecting Clinton would be a sign that he is lacking Washington experience. Not to mention it would be the epitome of putting a fox in the hen-house.

As well, Obama is unlikely to pick Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. The Democrats in support of Clinton would be up in arms over a no-name woman VP candidate cutting in line in front of their woman candidate. Obama is limited, then, to selecting a male candidate - Kaine, Biden, or Bayh from the list above. (of course there may be someone else, but I am tending to side with speculators in the know)

Bayh would be a selection of necessity for executive experience on the ticket. He served as Secretary of State, Governor and currently Senator for Indiana. An Obama-Bayh ticket would prove difficult to overcome in the Great Lakes states, but may not fair so well in southern states, though it would mark a decisive lurch towards the center for Obama.

Kaine is another choice representing the need for executive experience on the ticket. The Virginian Governor accepting the nomination would turn Virginia over to a Republican Lt. Governor, Bill Bolling. This would make Virginia a hot race in 2009 as Democrats would have to double their efforts to uproot an incumbent Republican.

Joe Biden would be a closer fit for the TRUE Obama - a radical leftist liberal in favor of socializing the US. Biden would bring foreign policy experience to the ticket, but selecting Biden would isolate Centrist Democrats, possibly giving them directly to McCain.

No doubt, the announcement of Obama's Veep announcement is timed to change headlines from his horrific showing over the weekend on the political forum, in which he is being slammed very hard for a number of lies and an inability to shake the "Not Ready To Lead" stigma, as he came across very inexperienced.

McCain's selection will be discussed further at a later time - however, picking a reformist woman such as Gov Palin would lock the conservative voters and pull Clinton voters in who were looking for casting a feminist vote. More to come as this develops.