Posted on 09/01/2008 12:36:38 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
It may be tempting for Democrats to dismiss Sarah Palin, the gun-toting former beauty queen who emerged last week as John McCain’s surprise pick for vice- president, as a political lightweight unprepared for the national stage.
But while some Alaskan political veterans have questioned whether the popular first-term Alaska governor is qualified for the VP slot, they also say it could be dangerous for Mr McCain’s opponents to underestimate Ms Palin. So far she has proved to be a tenacious and sometimes ruthless adversary, capable of overcoming charges of inexperience and fundraising disadvantages to win elections and vanquish political foes.
“As pretty and as likeable as she can seem, I can assure you there are talons behind the gentle paws,” says one long-time Democratic observer.
Friends and foes alike say the mother of five from Wasilla, Alaska, has a knack for using her image as down-to-earth hockey mum and corruption-fighting political underdog to blunt the attacks of more seasoned opponents.
Ms Palin, who earned the nickname “Sarah Barracuda” as a star player on her hometown basketball team, ran for Wasilla mayor in 1996, promising to shake up the town’s “good ol’ boy network”. Then 32, Ms Palin came under fire for her lack of experience but beat Wasilla’s popular sitting mayor by 200 votes after a contentious campaign.
It was a pattern that would repeat itself 10 years later during her long-shot bid for governor in 2006.
In 2002, after a failed bid for lieutenant governor, Ms Palin was one of several candidates considered by Frank Murkowski, Alaska’s newly elected governor, to fill his recently vacated US Senate post. But she and other legislators were passed over after Mr Murkowski selected his own daughter, Lisa Murkowski, to fill the seat instead.
(Excerpt) Read more at ft.com ...
fyi
I love how so many are describing her as the “gun toting beauty queen”. It sounds so FUN!
I think the whole world is going to fall in love with her.
Bumper sticker from Alaska:
“Vegetarian is Eskimo for ‘hunts poorly’.”
“But she and other legislators were passed over after Mr Murkowski selected his own daughter, Lisa Murkowski, to fill the seat instead.”
Why does this disturb me? What is this? A monarchy?
They all changed the world for the better and didn't expect anything in exchange.
That is exactly what is drawing me to her. The status quo in Washington is on the run. You really want "change?" If Governor Palin gets to Washington, you're going to see "change."
“Gun toting beauty queen” sounds like a bad B movie, lol.
I just love this news! You all will too!
Newsweek Exclusive: Top Clinton Supporter John Coale Endorses McCain
John Coale, a prominent Washington lawyer, husband of Fox TV host Greta Van Susteren and a supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton, announced today that he was supporting John McCain for president. Coale, who traveled with Sen. Clinton, President Clinton and her family through out the primary season, complained of sexism, and said the Democratic Party is “being taken over by the moveon.org types”
Hey, and I thought it sounded fun. :-D
“Alaska is littered with the bodies of politicians who underestimated Sarah Palin.”
We'll all be there to do what need's be done, but those on the left who think she'll weaken quickly under bitter assault, best be gettin' ready for a long fight.
And it's one they're gonna lose and lose bad.
“Coale ..... said the Democratic Party is “being taken over by the moveon.org types”.
Where has this fellow been for the past 36 years?
“Vegetarian is Eskimo for ‘hunts poorly’.”
I want one!
Where can I get one!
How does the Secret Service handle death threats.
What happened to Ramos and Compean when it was deemed they used service weapons inappropriately--eleven and twelve years respectively.
The Leftist propaganda machine is in spittle-flecked throw-a-rod mode.
Now that is SCARY!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
