Did Sen. John McCain make a wise choice for vice president when he named Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to the ticket? Some say yes, others say no, and some are undecided. Read this round up of man on the street interviews from The Voice magazine and decide for yourself.

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“I think McCain’s decision is the most intelligently strategic move of any presidential candidate I can recall in recent years,” said LinDee Rochelle of San Diego. “ I lived in Arizona for 12 years and I know McCain is no fool. He’ll find a way to defend his decision in the face of the fact that Palin is even younger and less experienced than Obama. He wasn’t dubbed the Maverick Senator for no reason.

Marc Pitman is thrilled with McCain’s choice. “I was really afraid he’d go with Romney. Lieberman would’ve been great,” said the Republican from Maine. “But McCain’s choice of Palin re-affirms that he is the out-of-the-box thinking Republican we need so desperately in our party.”

A MAVERICK SELECTION

The people wanted and expected McCain to make a “maverick” selection, says Thom Singer of Austin Texas. As he sees it, Palin fits that bill.

“If McCain had picked Romney many would have yawned. Instead, it sure made an impact on the media and all those who were waiting. It is too early to see if she is the ‘right’ choice. The Nov 5th election will prove that one way or the other,” Singer says. “In the mean time, it will be interesting to get to know this new face on the scene. Maybe she will tank the ticket. Or maybe people will end up really liking her.”

GIVING MCCAIN A SECOND LOOK

Tamara Terry of Washington, D.C. said she had completely dismissed McCain until he selected Palin – now she’s taking a second look.

“I did not support Hillary, but I often wished I could because of how   deeply I believe in the idea that a woman can lead just as well as (if not better than) a man,” Terry says. “Those who supported Hillary at least in part because she is a woman making a strong political statement may now be convinced to take another look at McCain and see if voting for him is a worthwhile compromise…”

FRAUGHT WITH RISKS

Fordham University political scientist Costas Panagopoulos views Sen. John McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate as a good one for many reasons.

“Palin’s place on the ticket will generate enthusiasm within the Republican Party and among independents,” he says. “McCain has bolstered his maverick reputation by making such an unconventional pick.”

Still, Panagopoulos cautions that McCain’s decision is fraught with risks. “Palin will face intense scrutiny by the media and by voters who need assurance that she is ready to assume the presidency at a moment’s notice, if necessary,” he says.

ARROGANT AND SELF-SERVING

“How arrogant and self serving of the Republican Party! After injuring us for eight years, they add this insult - choosing a totally inexperienced (but attractive, young) female, as next in line to lead the country and the world! What blatant, conniving, political global insanity! Are they right, America?  Will you be seduced?” asks Myrna Hoffman, a deeply offended Independent voter.

WE WANT HILLARY!

If you are a Democrat he made the right choice or at least a thinking democrat. She may be a female but most Hillary voters wanted a female with a track record and someone who has made a difference not jut a female,” says Harriet Cohen of Agoura, Calif.

“Additionally she’s conservative so that’s another issue against more middle of the road Republicans who are tired of catering to conservatives. And finally she has minimal experience so how can McCain fault Obama who has more experience and is from a more influential state in the lower 48.”

AN UNEXPECTED MOVE

“It looks like Palin could give Obama a run for his money. After the VP pick was announced, I heard two men acknowledging how good looking she was.  She is already turning heads,” says Corey Parson of Atlanta.

“But like mother always said, looks aren’t everything.  It is true that we do not know much about Palin. It appears she has just as much if not less experience than Obama. But when it comes to actually doing the job, it looks like Palin has him beat.”

While others seem to ride the fence fearful of political suicide, Parason says, Palin holds firm what she believes is right when it comes to some tough issues.
I will save my final judgment for November, but from what I know at this moment, I think McCain made a good choice.

COMPLETELY STRATEGIC

McCain’s selection was completely strategic. Choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is an attempt to secure the votes of Hillary Clinton’s loyal following – those who are refusing to vote for Obama on sheer grounds of principle – those who want to see a woman in power in the presidential office, according to Annette Fix.

“If McCain’s wins, his choice puts the U.S. in a precarious position. Sarah could not have run nor won as a nominee for president, but as vice president to McCain who is too old, and in my opinion, too unstable, she has the definite potential to be the next President of the United States. That is scary. Very scary. I’m not sure which is worse: both of them together or her alone,” she says. “Obama/Biden ‘08 – that’s my vote.”

WHERE’S PALIN’S CREDIBILITY?

“While Sarah Palin is the future of the Republican Party, her selection as John McCain’s running mate begs the question of is this the best you can do? Two years ago she was the mayor of a small town in Alaska with a population of 9000. With Palin as his running mate, McCain has inadvertently removed the argument that Barack Obama does not have the experience to be president. Palin also is not someone who can talk with credibility about the biggest issue in the election: the economy,” says Evan Siegfried, a former press aide on Rudy Giuliani’s presidential campaign.

A CORRUPTION FIGHTER

There was no other selection McCain could have made that would have both appealed to conservatives and also broaden his ticket’s appeal to the general electorate, says Chris Johnson of St. Petersburg, Fla.

“Palin has 16 years of record as a corruption-fighter and cost-cutter, putting money back in the pockets of taxpayers. She will appeal across the board to national security conservatives, fiscal conservatives, and social conservatives. She will also have strong appeal to Independents and moderates of all stripes.”

WELL-KNOWN AMONG CONSERVATIVES

This selection also gives McCain a boost with women, many of whom must still be smarting from Obama’s selection of a middle-aged white man instead of Hilary Clinton, says Harry Hoover of Huntersville, N.C.

“She may be little known among the populace in general but she is known by conservatives. McCain needs help with conservatives since his only strength with them is his military and defense stance. He is off the reservation on taxes, the environment and immigration,” he says. “Governor Palin is a hunter, a mother of five, including a child with Downs Syndrome and is pro-life, and pro-drilling for domestic oil. She also supports lower taxes. When oil revenues sent Alaskan state revenues soaring, she sent much of the money back to citizens.”

VOICE OF ORTHODOXY

“I think the choice of Gov. Palin is excellent because she is at once both a voice of orthodoxy to the core party faithful and also new, young, and exciting. Anyone from Alaska has a bit of independence and maverick in them so that she will be a good running mate in outlook. Plus she may bring over some Hillary supporters. She was a surprise to me, but a pleasant surprise,” says Ken Hall, an RNC delegate from the 9th district, Tennessee.

What do you think?

Contact The Voice magazine editor at editor@thevoicemagazine.com or 954-456-6032.
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