It's impossible to evaluate whether the choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be the Republicans' 2008 vice presidential candidate is a good or bad one, according to new polling from Gallup. The pollster surveyed 898 people nationwide Friday, the day of the announcement.
It found 71 percent did not know enough about Palin to make a judgment, though of the rest, 22 percent had a favorable opinion while 7 percent viewed her unfavorably.
Reaction to the Palin choice was nearly identical to reaction to Democratic nominee's picking Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden a week ago.
Here's a key part of the analysis of the Palin choice from Gallup editor Frank Newport:
"The initial reaction of the American public to McCain's surprise selection of Palin as his vice presidential running mate is muted. A substantial majority of Americans don't know enough about her yet to have an opinion, and a large majority says that at this point her selection will not have an impact on their presidential vote either way.
"The good news for McCain and Palin is that among those who do know her, her image is significantly more positive than negative, and in fact more positive on a ratio basis than the image of Biden when his was measured a week ago.
"On the negative side of the ledger for the Republicans is that almost as many Americans say she is not qualified to serve as president as say she is qualified, giving her a more negative reading on this measure than any other recent vice presidential selection with the exception of Quayle in 1992.
"Given the fact that so many Americans profess at this point to know nothing about Palin, the next several weeks may be critical to her success as a vice presidential nominee as her image is shaped and formed in the harsh spotlight of national media attention. The data suggest that one major task of the Republican convention in particular will be to convince a skeptical public that she would be able to serve as president if needed."
To read the entire report:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/109951/Palin-Unknown-Most-Americans.aspx
Democrats, please, don't give Republicans the satisfaction of getting mad when they suggest that Palin is a brilliant, bold or inspired choice. You know that they know that she is not Hillary Clinton and will not attract Hillary voters. You also know she was not even on most of their radar screens so they are just crossing their fingers that it doesn't blow up in thier face, and it won't as long as Democrats, and your candidates, don't get all worked up every time some conservative talking head suggests that Palin is a great VP choice. Just ask your Republican friends, "Was she your first choice and why?". After they get through stumbling over that answer asked them this mind bender, particularly the Pro-Lifers, "So she just had her fifth child, which is great, because it's great that she thinks she can be a mother to five kids, one of whom has downs syndrome, and be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Do you know if she is planning to have any more kids? If so what happens if nine-months after she gets pregnant something happens to McCain? If she is not planning on having any more kids then is she going to use birth control?" (Because the real Pro-Lifers don't like that) That will get them scratching their heads. Sarah Palin has a compelling personal story and it is great for her that she is Governor of Alaska but that is where she needs to stay for now. Maybe someday she will be ready, but not now.
Posted by: peaceman | August 30, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I was sitting in DCA with some people including a guy from Alaska when the news hit. He appeared stunned and said "she is nice and elected because she is the only honest politician in Alaska, but..." The woman at the table was outraged and asked, "do they really think we are that stupid?" I guess they do and I'm afraid we might be.
Posted by: rita | August 31, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I was sitting in DCA with some people including a guy from Alaska when the news hit. He appeared stunned and said "she is nice and elected because she is the only honest politician in Alaska, but..." The woman at the table was outraged and asked, "do they really think we are that stupid?" I guess they do and I'm afraid we might be.
Posted by: rita | August 31, 2008 at 08:43 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.
Obama needs to come out hammering these issues I have pointed out in this message.
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 01:33 PM
what a brilliant choice. all the thiongs obama talks about, she has already done. if you need to know more about her, try you.tube. a "hockey mom" gets my vote. what a breath of fresh air.
Posted by: irishjimk | August 31, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Here's someone with very little experience who doesn't support a woman's right to choose, but not only that, is against birth control pills and condoms, even for married couples.
What an insult to the women of America! Sorry ladies, you're expected to have a half dozen kids with Sarah in charge or give up sex. Take your choice.
Posted by: Buck Batard | September 01, 2008 at 07:25 AM
NEWSBREAK: I just saw on AOL that Gov. Palin 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Guess she didn't take your second choice Buck. :). Imagine trying to preach moral values when your own daughter has sex and creates A baby out of wed lock.....You Republicans would be funny if some people didn't take you soo serious. What a shame. Why would I vote for someone who everything they do, or try to portray turns out to be so terribly wrong. ENOUGH
Posted by: Happy | September 01, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I didn't know she's against birth control and condoms, even for married couples. As a female family physician I fully agree with her. The problem here is the MYTH that these two,and other, artificial means of contraception are the only realistic options for family planning and that they are SAFE for women. Just not true! Current Natural Family Planning programs are MORE effective and safer. There are several available in this country including the Creighton Model developed by Dr. Hilgers in conjunction with Creighton University. Helpful medical off-shoots which have developed from that program are better diagnosis and treatment of various gynecological and infertility conditions.
Posted by: Valerie | September 02, 2008 at 12:43 AM