The Palin Strategy

In McCain's eyes, the fact that Sarah Palin has less than two years of relevant experience, a far-right political ideology, ethical issues and ties to a fringe secessionist organization is of little consequence. He obviously didn't pick her because he believes her qualified to assume the presidency should something happen to him. Rather, he tuned in for the Democratic convention, saw Obama's acceptance speech, and panicked. He needed to shake things up; country first be damned.

So here's the strategy the McCain campaign came up with: Choose a woman who is woefully unqualified to be president and then brand as sexist any and all who question her credentials. That ought to rile up those disaffected Hillary supporters. Since the announcement, the McCain campaign has operated as a well-oiled machine, leveling charges of sexism at the Obama campaign, the media, and anyone else with the audacity to go public with Palin's resume.

"I am appalled by the Obama campaign's attempts to belittle Governor Sarah Palin's experience." says RNC Victory Chair Carly Fiorina. "Because of Hillary Clinton's historic run for the Presidency and the treatment she received, American women are more highly tuned than ever to recognize and decry sexism in all its forms. They will not tolerate sexist treatment of Governor Palin."

Yes indeed, the McCain campaign has taken up the mantle of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucrietta Mott, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Blackwell and other pioneers of the equal rights movement. Nevermind that their new champion opposes equal pay for equal work, a woman's right to choose (even in cases of rape or incest), and everything else Hillary and the vast majority of American women believe in.