Sarah Palin

Much has been made of the perception among Republicans that Sarah Palin, the prospective Vice President, is being targeted by the liberal left media because she is a woman. I would argue, to the contrary, that Sarah Palin is targeted by the liberal left media because she is a retrogressive conservative who thinks the role of the state should extend to the bedroom. I think that the vituperation from the liberal left would have been equally intense had McCain chosen a similarly retrogressive man.

It is a great shame that John McCain was talked out of selecting a more moderate candidate such as Joe Lieberman. From a strategic stand point, such a choice would seem to be more appropriate given Lieberman's ability to attract disillusioned Hillary Clinton voters. It should be remembered that the Republican party, in the immediate post-Bush era, will have more of a problem mobilising the centre rather than the right. As it is, I am sure that the Hillary supporters who may have considered voting for McCain are now quickly bracing themselves to support Barack Obama.

As a soft supporter of an Obama presidency, I am comfortable with the choice of Palin for the ticket. Although I would like to have been able to say that there were four quality candidates on the combined Democratic Republican tickets, I can now only say that there are three. I am hopeful that this small disappointment will only enhance the chances for Obama's success come November.