Governor Sarah Palin has had a long term fondness for sports. She would appreciate that she has stepped into the Superbowl / World Series of politics. The media scrutiny has been intense and will intensify even more. It is part of the mandate of the media to hold candidates to the highest offices in the country to acute public inspection. However, the introduction of Governor Palin to a national stage means fresh stories and new bylines. And the press will be relentless.
Already there are stories critical of Governor Palin from Republican officials:
“…State Senate President Lyda Green said she thought it was a joke when someone called her at 6 a.m. to give her the news.
“She’s not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president?” said Green, a Republican from Palin’s hometown of Wasilla…”
link: Choice stuns state politicians
Further, the choice of Governor Palin has meant that other possible Republican candidates were deemed not as suitable. It has meant some bruising to big political egos. There are many within the Republican party who disagree with Senator McCain’s choice. The criticism will be louder and much more public should Governor Palin stumble.
Senator McCain has taken a high risk / high reward choice in his running mate. He may be familiar with the rough-and-tumble of presidential politics. Obviously, he must think that Governor Palin can handle all that being a presidential running mate entails. Nevertheless, one must question how fair this is to Governor Palin who, a week ago, was far from a familiar name to American households.
Catherine Forsythe