Did everyone watch Sen. McCain’s introduction of Gov. Sarah Palin like I did? That’s an electrifying pick. That’s why the Obama campaign is already criticizing her:

“Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. Governor Palin shares John McCain’s commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush’s failed economic policies, that’s not the change we need, it’s just more of the same,” said Bill Burton, Obama Campaign Spokesman.

Mr. Burton’s omission that Sarah Palin’s current occupation is that of governor is intentional. Their entire tack is to characterize Gov. Palin as either incompetent or a small town hick or a pro life fanatic or a tool of Big Oil or a George Bush lackey. Based on her initial performance, I can’t picture any of those labels will stick.

Here’s what’s impressive about Gov. Palin:

1) Gov. Palin gotten an extensive list of real reforms enacted.
2) Gov. Palin got a firsthand understanding of energy policy, having dealt with that as governor.
3) Gov. Palin a tax cutter. Gov. Palin said that, as mayor of Wasilla, she worked hard to cut property taxes. As governor, she significantly increased the check Alaskans get when the state got more money from the oil companies.
4) Gov. Palin fought against and defeated politics as usual Gov. Frank Murkowski.

She’s also an articulate speaker and advocate, she’s a fighter with an extensive record of accomplishments, unlike a certain messianic candidate. Most importantly, she scares Democrats.

The best line in her speech followed her thanking Geraldine Ferraro for breaking into the all boys club, then thanking Hillary for putting “18,000,000 cracks in that glass ceiling.” She followed it up by saying that it’s time to “break that glass ceiling once and for all.”

Finally, by picking Gov. Palin, Sen. McCain energized the conservative base to an extent that I haven’t seen since the Republican takeover of the House in 1994. The crowd in that Dayton arena were rocking and dancing in the aisles. If Gov. Palin had asked them, that group would’ve run through one brick wall after another.

Here’s Sen. Norm Coleman’s statement on Sen. McCain picking Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate:

“John McCain has made a bold and historic choice in selecting Governor Sarah Palin to join him on the Republican ticket as his Vice President. As a wife, mother, former Mayor and as Alaska’s first female Governor, Sarah Palin brings a wholly American experience to the table in this campaign. She’s been a strong, independent leader on fiscal responsibility, the environment and energy. And, as a former Mayor myself, I am thrilled with the idea that she will bring that ‘getting things done’ point of view with her to Washington, D.C. With this ticket, the message to America is very, very clear. We must remain rooted to our principles of a strong, prosperous and peaceful nation, and continue to focus on revitalizing our nation economically and defending our national security interests.”

Here’s Mike Pence’s statement on the Palin pick:

“John McCain has chosen wisely. In selecting Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, John McCain has again demonstrated his judgment and his commitment to conservative values, fiscal discipline and reform. I look forward to doing all I can to ensure that John McCain and Sarah Palin become the next president and vice president of the United States.”

Here’s more reaction:

“John McCain has made clear from the start that he wants to change Washington and he proved it today by going as far away from Washington as possible in selecting his running mate. Eighty-eight years after our nation’s women first gained the right to vote, this selection demonstrates how far our nation has come.” Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.

“Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency,” Adrianne Marsh, a spokeswoman for Democrat Barack Obama.

“Gov. Palin’s views align with Sen. McCain’s own stated position that human life is precious and must be protected. … This selection by Sen. McCain is a very encouraging sign for his campaign.” James Dobson, founder of the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family.

“I believe that in order to make government work better it must include both strong men and women. With this historic choice Sen. McCain has clearly shown his and the Republican Party’s commitment to including every voice in our society.” Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich.

“Holy cow. I’m just kind of speechless on the whole thing.” Chuck Heath, Palin’s father.

“This is a bold and exciting pick that demonstrates the Republican Party is focused on the future and changing how Washington, D.C. does business. As an outsider, Gov. Palin has a solid record of making government work better, including fighting for landmark ethics reform.” Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.

“Certainly the choice of Palin puts to rest any argument about inexperience on the Democratic team and while Palin is a fine person, her lack of experience makes the thought of her assuming the presidency troubling.” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

“Gov. Palin is a strong conservative with executive experience who has cut wasteful spending, opposed earmarks and shown courage in taking on corruption in her own party.” Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

“I am pleased with Sen. McCain’s pick for vice president. Gov. Palin is an outstanding, terrific pick for the job, for the country, for the Republican Party and for the citizens we try to serve.” Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn.

“They’re (conservatives) going to be excited about this pick because here’s an authentic person who believes and does what she says in her policy atmosphere and can authentically carry that message to the country.” Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

“Gov. Palin is a conservative Republican with a track record of reforming government. She will strengthen Sen. McCain’s appeal to Reagan Democrats, and supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton, who are looking for a president who has the experience and temperament to be commander in chief.” Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis.

“She’s tough, she’s tenacious. I believe that she does have what it takes to get out there. Again, her ability to connect with voters and make a case is very, very, very strong.” Paulette Simpson, of the Alaska Federation of Republican Women.

This is a great pick, one that’s got Democrats quaking in their proverbial boots. It just doesn’t get better than this.

Technorati Tags: Sarah Palin, Hillary, Geraldine Ferraro, Glass Ceiling, John McCain, Reforms, Tax Cuts, Barack Obama, Bill Burton, Election 2008

Cross-posted at LetFreedomRingBlog

1. The negatives from the left are pretty lame. Especially on Foreign Policy/Relations. Alaska borders Russia and Canada. And when dealing with Washington, The District of Columbia is a Foreign Country in relation to Alaska.

   Comment by GM Cassel AMH1(AW) USN RET — August 29, 2008 @ 3:30 pm

2. So what’s going to happen to the argument that Obama doesn’t have enough experience?

   Comment by Liem — August 29, 2008 @ 4:47 pm

3. Well, nothings changed, he still doesn’t have any.

   She was already in public office 3 years before Obama got out of school. And while Obama was playing in the money with Rezko,
   Palin was head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and exposing corruption and ethical violations by the state GOP chairman, also a fellow commissioner.

   Comment by T A Gray — August 29, 2008 @ 6:02 pm

4. I made a critical omission. She was head of the ethics committee for the Alaska O&NG Commission, not the head of it. When she refused to play ball with the cronies, she told then to take the job and shove it, then had a press conference exposing the ethical violations. She also killed the “bridge to know where” Ted Stevens wanted, sold the governors airplane at a profit, and successfully fought putting the polar bear on the endangered species list, because its not endangered.

   In other words, she doesnt just talk the talk, she kicks ass.

   Comment by T A Gray — August 29, 2008 @ 6:12 pm

5. So in the worst case scenario where McCain can no longer lead the country, we’ll have Palin ready to run this country with her experience in fighting against polar bears.

   Comment by Liem — August 29, 2008 @ 6:36 pm

6. OK, Liem, let’s go with your argument and say neither of them has the experience in foreign policy to lead the country.

   Where does that leave us? With an experienced McCain as prez as opposed to someone who thinks wishes are fishes, that theory is better than reality and whose biggest ambition is to keep “his own people” down on the new plantation.

   Yeah, sure works for me. And before you say that wasn’t your point let me remind you that experience is highly overrated in a lot of circumstances because practice (experience) doesn’t make perfect, it make permanent, and BHO’s practice has been radical leftist politics.

   And, oh, BTW, where is BHO’s record on fighting corruption? Being from Chicago (the very definition of corrupt politics) where even the dead get a vote, he should be able to point to more than empty rhetoric and absolutely no accomplishment.

   Comment by Carlos — August 29, 2008 @ 8:42 pm

7. So using your own words, experience is highly overrated. That’s pretty much what Obama’s supporters have been saying about McCain all along, so thanks for admitting that much, Carlos.

   And as for his accomplishments on fighting corruption, Obama was part of the ethics reform legislation that mandated disclosure of lobbyist contributions. Obama also passed a law to allow regular people to approximately track federal grants, contracts, earmarks, and loans online. But if you’re really going to underestimate Barack by comparing him to someone like Palin, you’re going to make the same mistake Hillary did.

   But going back to Palin, she sure makes for a great publicity stunt and trophy VP.

   Comment by Liem — August 29, 2008 @ 9:40 pm

8. OK Liem, you run with that, and your smart ass little word games. At best the inexperience card has been nuetralized.

   Personally, I dont need a liberal whether he’s on here or MSNBC to tell me what’s wrong with a conservative VP nominee.

   I didn’t try to tell you last week what I think is screwed about Biden.

   But I will tell you this much. By mentioning Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary in her speech today, and judging from all the dismay and incredulity and attempted smears already Ive heard today from the Obama campaign to Barbara Boxer to Andrea Mitchell, I think Sarah Palin has set the DNC back on their heels. They weren’t ready for this, they thought they getting Romney or Tom Ridge. Now they got drop all they were doing and regroup.

   Comment by T A Gray — August 29, 2008 @ 10:06 pm

9. T.A. - I wouldn’t say that the inexperience card had been neutralized, I think the inexperience on the Dem side shows up even more now that Palin has been added to the Rep ticket.

   Comment by Ron K — August 30, 2008 @ 3:21 am

10. Obviously you missed my most important point, Liem, so let me spell it out for you:

    Practice (experience) doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent, and the Obamessiah’s practice of making bonehead calls in his political and social associations has sullied him beyond repair.

    One can tell a lot by whom people associate with regularly, to whom they go to for help and advice. With the Obamessiah’s impressive list of America-haters and socialists, I would think even the slightly left-of-center voters would question his abilities.

    Comment by Carlos — August 30, 2008 @ 6:00 am

11. Ron K, I say at best the inexperience issue has been nuetralized, and probably should add, for now, but as I told Liem, it hasnt made Obama’s thin experience go away, in fact, as we learn more about Palin it may indeed heighten it all over again.

    More than that however, is the contrast between Obama’s old Chicago style political novitiate and his claim to be the agent of change. You want to see a change. Here’s some real change; a young conservative woman, from Alaska, that’s not only pro-life, but pro-gun ownership, pro-domestic oil, and pro-active reform. Stack her against the old California trium-femate of Boxer Pelosi Fienstein.

    Gee I wonder where the NOW is.

    Comment by T A Gray — August 30, 2008 @ 8:35 am

12. “As for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?” - Sarah Palin, July 31.

    Comment by Liem — August 30, 2008 @ 8:57 am

13. And here I thought you were a Constitutional scholar, Liem. Obviously, one without a sense of humor, too, since the line from Palin is several generations old. ‘Course, she was talking to the press when she said that, so there’s a better-than-even chance they didn’t know the answer. Heck, they don’t even know what the prez is Constitutionally charged with, and flutter at the thought of judges making law.

    Comment by Carlos — August 30, 2008 @ 3:32 pm

14. Don’t get me wrong at all, TA Gray. I’m really enjoying McCain’s publicity move of a VP pick and it’s all hilarious to me.

    Comment by Liem — August 30, 2008 @ 4:10 pm

15. Good liem, I’ll try to remember that.

    Comment by T A Gray — August 30, 2008 @ 8:19 pm

16. Hilarious, or Hillarious?

    Comment by Carlos — August 30, 2008 @ 10:23 pm