Who did pick Palin?

[Hamlette]

Poll question: Who did pick Palin?

At first I thought she was a McCain pick. A big FU to everyone. "I don't need no stinkin' VP. I can do it alone."

Now I'm not so sure. He isn't out there defending her. No big name elected republicans are out there defending her. They are sending out bad, second stringers to defend her. Ppl who can't even take on Carville or Campbell. What's up with THAT?

It does not seem like Rove. He was seen on TV last week saying Kaine would be a horrible pick because of his lack of experience. Why would he do that if he knew McCain was picking Palin.

McCain said the 2 things he wanted in a VP was someone he could work with and someone who could step in and take over. Nope.

So was it really the religious right? Dobson? I've heard he vetted her. McCain allegedly raised $7 million the day he named her. I bet it was from the religious right.

[Muttocracy]

1. it's for the fundies AND it will increase voter turnout for downticket races

McCain is a sinking ship. Maybe some reasonable choices said no. Fundies wouldn't let him have Ridge or Lieberman. He was running out of time - he had to name SOMEONE.

The fundies get a (slim) shot at the White House. They get to groom Palin for national office down the line. Exert their power over the party again. And hope she motivates turnout for Congressional races where they're in trouble.

That's my theory.

[CoffeeCat]

2. All MSM outlets have reported...

...in the last two days--that McCain wanted to pick Lieberman first, and Ridge second.

However, McCain was told that if he picked Lieberman, there would be an open fight on
the convention floor this week.

Imagine what it was like to be McCain last week. Being told by your own party that you don't
get to pick your first or second-choice running mate, and if you do, your party will destroy you.
Then, to watch the extraordinary Democratic Convention, where there was party unity and amazing
speeches and an unprecedented, historical performance by Barack Obama in front of 80,000 supporters.

My guess is that McCain was pissed and feeling like a trapped weasel, and he said, "Fuck it!" I'll
go with Palin!" It was an impulsive, crazy choice that he made when he was frustrated, outraged
at his fellow Republicans and knowing full well that he needed to pick someone out-of-the-box.

All of this fallout signals that this was an impulsive, sloppy pick--made from a position of
weakness.

I really imagine that he's seething right now. Palin wasn't his first choice. His own party
wouldn't let him pick his first choice. Now, he's saddled with a one-woman train wreck, and he
doesn't even know her or like her well enough to justify the mess he's in with her.

McCain probably sleeps with a framed picture of Lieberman and cries himself to sleep every night.

[Hamlette]

6. I think this is about right

he looked so awkward with her on the stage, I couldn't figure out if it was just him or whether it was being with her.

The families didn't really mix.

Apparently after the Ohio roll out, the two families went their separate ways to go...shopping!

[Waiting For Everyman]

3. The CNP

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x380446

http://www.citizenlink.org/videofeatures/A000008016.cfm

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=352178

Who's CNP?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/2/22/155525/061

[Danger Mouse]

4. Not McCain or Rove. It was the fundies.

[MannyGoldstein]

5. McCain Needed To Shake Things Up

Looking at state polls, Obama has a huge lead in electoral votes. And this was before Thursday's speech.

After Obama's incredible speech on Thursday, McCain knew he needed to really shake things up to have a prayer of winning. He wanted Lieberman as VP, but the Rethug Establishment sad "no fucking way". Rather than using his head, he went with his gut and decided to shake things up with Palin.

Bad move.

[Yukari Yakumo]

7. Chose Option 1

But replace "maverick" with "idiot".