(Libs coming undone):The fright begins as John McCain reveals his reckless side

www.timesonline.co.uk ^ | September 7, 2008 | Andrew Sullivan

[Publius804]

September 7, 2008

The fright begins as John McCain reveals his reckless side

Sarah Palin has opposed his key policies, so why did he pick her?

Andrew Sullivan

There is one reason the job of vice-president exists. In a system with a single executive, you need someone to fill in if the president is incapacitated or dies. In war time this is especially important. More salient: McCain just turned 72 and would be the oldest first term president in American history with four cancer scares and the awful residue of Vietnamese torture in his bones.

The pick is also the first presidential-level decision a candidate has to make. You learn a lot about the candidate. And with Obama and McCain, we have two men who have never been executives - just legislators, book-writers and celebrities. So the decision is the first time we can compare the two men on a presidential decision level.

In Joe Biden, Obama revealed his core temperamental conservatism. It was a safe choice of someone deeply versed in foreign policy, and with roots that connected to the working class white ethnics he needed. It wasn't flashy; and was even a little underwhelming; but it was highly professional.

What we have learned about John McCain from his selection of Sarah Palin is that he is as impulsive and reckless a decision-maker as George W. Bush.

[DieHard the Hunter]

> So last week, McCain picked someone he had only met once before. I repeat: he picked someone he had only met once before.

If true, so what???

I proposed to my wife on that exact same basis. This coming June we will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

Heck, sometimes first impressions are best, ay.

[FrdmLvr]

AND!!! she’s sharp as a tack!

[JZelle]

I was amazed at how fast she stood up for one of the standing ovations. I looked over at the wife and asked, “Did you just see that?!”

[Diamond]

And with Obama and McCain, we have two men who have never been executives - just legislators, book-writers and celebrities.

I seem to remember something about McCain being a squadron commander. Of all the crazy notions! Must have been a figment of my imagination. He's never been anything but a legislator, book writer and celebrity, just like Obama.

Cordially,

[PsyOp]

Joe Biden is deeply versed in foreign policy? He’s never been right once!

In that respect he has a perfect record.

But that may be Barak’s strategy. Anytime Biden agrees with him on a foreign policy issue, he’ll know he’s wrong. But probably not.

[N. Theknow]

I proposed to my wife on that exact same basis. This coming June we will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

34 for us after I proposed on the first date.

[Iron Munro]

So last week, McCain picked someone he had only met once before. I repeat: he picked someone he had only met once before.

So Andrew Sulivan believes the more important selection criteria is not the vetting research, demonstrated ability or concrete accomplishments but how many times you have met someone?

On that basis Obama should have picked Reverend Wright instead of Crazy Joe Biden.

[DieHard the Hunter]

> 34 for us after I proposed on the first date

Wow! Congratulations, sir, and Happy Anniversary to you and the Missus! With many more happy anniversaries to come!

*DieHard the Hunter*

[Brett66]

Bush Derangement Syndrome. Lame......

[WOSG]

The fact that McCain’s mother is so healthy and vibrant at 96 tells me not to contemplate McCain going anywhere soon. It puts the age issue to rest for good.

[N. Theknow]

Thank you.

[rightinthemiddle]

What would have happened if the pre-natal tests on Andrew’s mother had discovered the fictional “gay gene?”

Perhaps Andrew’s mother would have exercised her “choice.”

Sarah Palin would not.

[bethelgrad]

Andrew, sorry to be crude, but this is no more reckless, than say...allowing your boyfriend to do things with his member to you that probably already has caused long term health problems.

[hsalaw]

In Joe Biden, Obama revealed his core temperamental conservatism.

This is truly an insane statement. The libs are rapidly becoming hysterical.

[hsalaw]

He wanted his best friend, Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic vice-presidential candidate for Al Gore. That pick would have been remarkable for its bipartisan nature, would have impressed independents, and signaled a centrist presidency centered on foreign policy. It would have been bold while not being rash.

Herein lies the libs' anger with Gov. Palin: they wanted McCain to pick Lieberman because that would have angered the Republican base and McCain would have lost in a landslide. That's what the libs wanted, but McCain, after leading them on, did just the opposite.

[Wicket]

I almost fell off my chair laughing at that one!!

[goldstategop]

Andrew Sullivan is for bipartisanship when its on the Left's terms. Not the other way around!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Cecily]

Andrew probably would have been better off if it had been just a monogamous boyfriend. Try multiple anonymous strangers.

[anymouse]

Stinger: Maverick, you just did an incredibly brave thing. What you should have done was land your plane! you don't own that plane, the tax payers do! Son, your ego is writing checks your body can't cash. You've been busted, you lost your qualifications as section leader three times, put in hack twice by me, with a history of high speed passes over five air control towers, and one admiral's daughter!
Goose: Penny Benjamin?
[Maverick shrugs]
Stinger: And you asshole, you're lucky to be here!
Goose: Thank you, sir.
Stinger: And let's not bull**** Maverick. Your family name ain't the best in the Navy. You need to be doing it better, and cleaner than the other guy. Now what is it with you? Maverick: Just want to serve my country, be the best pilot in the Navy, sir.
Stinger: Don't screw around with me Maverick. You're a hell of an instinctive pilot. Maybe too good. I'd like to bust your butt but I can't. I got another problem here. I gotta send somebody from this squadron to Miramar. I gotta do something here, I still can believe it. I gotta give you your dream shot! I'm gonna send you up against the best. You two characters are going to Top Gun.

[spacewarp]

Based on Barry’s liberalism, it’s simple. From his viewpoint, Biden’s a right-winger.