In the most direct and pointed assault on John McCain's age, the left Saturday sent an ominous message: McCain is very old, he might die, and vice presidential running mate Sarah Palin's too inexperienced to become president.
"On his 72nd birthday, Sen. McCain has chosen a VP based on her political currency rather than her ability to lead our country in a crisis," said Eli Pariser, executive director of the liberal group Moveon.org.
"If John McCain wins in November, he'll be the oldest president in US history and Sarah Palin would be a heartbeat away from being our commander in chief."
The error notwithstanding _ Ronald Reagan was older in his second term _ McCain would be the oldest man ever elected to a first term. It's an issue that has long simmered beneath the surface and one which voters often mention. But until now, political groups had not launched such a pointed effort to use it against McCain.
Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Il., the chairman of the House Democratic caucus, also went right at McCain's age.
"After trying to make experience the issue of this campaign, John McCain celebrated his 72nd birthday by appointing a former small town mayor and brand new Governor as his Vice Presidential nominee." he said Saturday.
"Is this really who the Republican Party wants to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency?"
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, picked up the refrain:
"On his birthday, Sen. McCain chose a running mate who simply has no track record of exercising good judgment on national security and foreign policy issues to be one heart beat away from the presidency," Van Hollen said.
Ellen Malcolm, the president of EMILY's List, which supports Democratic women candidates who support abortion rights, also raised McCain's age in criticizing the choice of Palin, who is 44.
"How ironic that, on his 72nd birthday, McCain has raised the question of whether his running mate is prepared to be commander in chief and lead the country," Malcolm said.
John McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin is a SOLID one for REAL Conservatives, and announcing the pick today is a strategic masterpiece, knocking out Barack Obama/Joe Biden’s after convention euphoria!.
Did I mention that I loved EVERYTHING she said after being introduced by John McCain?
EVERYTHING!! OsiSpeaks[dot]com
Posted by: KYJurisDoctor | August 29, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Brilliant, simply brilliant! I don't care what either of their ages are, I'm voting for them. McCain has outdone himself with this one. I LOVE the clips of her shooting--she's a member of the NRA to boot! It just doesn't get any better. A mother of five with her baby in tow, she's my kind of people.
Posted by: lewlo | August 29, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Brilliant, simply brilliant! I don't care what either of their ages are, I'm voting for them. McCain has outdone himself with this one. I LOVE the clips of her shooting--she's a member of the NRA to boot! It just doesn't get any better. A mother of five with her baby in tow, she's my kind of people.
Posted by: lewlo | August 29, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Palin's a desperate pick. Everything must work out perfect for McCain for McCain/Palin to win. She's young and attractive but her views are tired.
The 'oldest' argument is true when we're talking about the election, not necessarily the age while in office.
Posted by: Ivanv | August 30, 2008 at 04:02 AM
Sometimes the truth hurts... but mccain is desperate... pandering? he has just insulted all american women... him picking a female vp is pure drama and he is trying to key in on the hillary clintons voters... but that won't be enough to get him into the the white house. mccain is old and out of touch... heck, even my dog knows how to use a computer and cell phone.... mccain thinks he will win just because he picked a female vp... what a hypocrite.. he accuses obama of being a novice and trying to win an election by pandering to the irag war and a celebrity... but now he picks a female beauty pageant winner "palin's" as vp just to try to win an election (a female major novice and under investigation for firing her family members mate)? I am a republican, but I am voting democratic... i sent money to mmcain and he wasted my hard earned money running nonsense commercials...i am tired of this crap.. i am voting obama. at least he keeps it real.
You may find a better word for "HYPOCRITE", but I would use the exact word to explain to the american people exactly who mccain is....
Posted by: xacoofm | August 31, 2008 at 01:37 PM
A maverick picking a maverick! Palin proved she is a decisive leader who is willing to do the right thing for citizens, especially when she went against the corrupt grain of those who hold office - of her own party!
This is exactly what Washington needs to combat the red tape, corruption, and fiscal irresponsibility. All Americans will benefit from McCain and Palin. I had enough of empty promises leading to big government and more taxes - hidden behind grand speeches.
I'm not impressed with Obama's "Paralysis by Analysis" and double talk without accountability. He has no proven track record of truly working with Republicans and Independents to completion of a project. He does show actions for political expediency and depending on the day, he rephrases his stance depending on polls. I'm tired of his appeasement and adamant acceptance with many shady characters such as William Ayers. Ayers is a lifelong terrorist and his bombing of federal buildings behavior is unacceptable. What next? Iran?
McCain and Palin are strong leaders who value honesty, integrity, reputation, and denounce terrorists. They are proven leaders who were under pressure, always putting the interests of our fellow Americans first. Who cares how many houses they own? No one ever said anything about how many houses Oprah or John Kerry owns.
Success is the American Dream and John McCain can own more houses for investments as he and Cindy pleases. Since Obama can't even take heat for comments made on Michelle, what will it be like if God forbid he takes the heat of political office as President?
Enough is enough. My vote goes to MCain and Palin!
Posted by: judyfh2o | August 31, 2008 at 04:14 PM
QUESTION:
IS PALIN QUALIFIED COMPARED TO OBAMA ?
ANSWER:
http://townhall.com/blog/g/cba8713c-ef73-4ebc-aa5e-bc53e6596e2a&comments=true
Posted by: Gina | September 07, 2008 at 02:30 PM