Willie Brown: How does President Palin sound?

SF Chronicle ^ | Willie Brown

[Chet 99]

For first time in modern history, a presidential race is actually going to be decided by the vice presidential pick.

Thanks to Sarah Palin, this is no longer a contest between Barack Obama and John McCain - it's between Brother Barack and Sistah Sarah.

Rock star vs. rock star. Inexperienced vs. inexperienced. Newcomer vs. newcomer. Change vs. change.

His "change" is East Coast intellectual. Her "change" is NASCAR.

His change is wine and cheese. Her change is mayonnaise by the gallon.

And notice how everyone is calling her Sarah Palin - not Gov. Palin. That's not good for the Democrats. It shows a certain familiarity that goes beyond just issues or her knowledge of the "Bush Doctrine."

Heck, even I didn't know what the Bush Doctrine was when Charlie Gibson asked her about it the other night on her first national TV interview.

The Democrats have got to get to the core of this new campaign. It's not a pretty thought, but somehow Democrats must plant in voters' minds that, given McCain's age and his health history, he might not make it through the term if he's elected.

Even if McCain does make it through a term, it's not likely he'll seek re-election and she will be the natural successor.

In other words, Sarah Palin may indeed be president someday.

Then there is the question of how to boost the turnout in key states.

Palin has become an instant heroine with the Wal-Mart crowd in Ohio, Nevada, Pennsylvania and other critical states. And Wal-Marters are a lot more likely to volunteer or show up at the polls than the younger people Obama has attracted.

[beaversmom]

Wal-Marters unite!

[2ndDivisionVet]

Willie, you were spot on until you started giving advice to Barry: Talking up Sarah's chances of becoming president makes it MORE likely us bitter-clingers will vote for the ticket, not less!!

[SolidWood]

Heck, even I didn't know what the Bush Doctrine was

Not overly surprising for the SF Chronicle.

[giotto]

Talking up Sarah's chances of becoming president makes it MORE likely us bitter-clingers will vote for the ticket, not less!!

Absolutely. In fact, many conservatives think the ticket should be reversed. I don't relish the idea of McCain dying in office, but President Palin sounds good to me.

[presently no screen name]

Your tag line :-)

[bajabaja]

Good old pol stumbles into the truth, but uses the wrong data to get there. It is not the Walmart voter, it is the conservative ones and the middle of the roaders who find in her authenticity. She knows her own beliefs (which happen to be conservative), and she didn’t purchase them on sale anywhere. And Mr. Brown can’t bring himself to THAT conclusion, though the gets the result right in the final cut.

[IncPen]

The Veep Stakes:

Obama picks cold oatmeal

McCain picks steak

Don’t worry libs, everything will be ok once Obama announces his VP

[wendy1946]

The contrast between the two VP picks has something to do with it. The dems were clearly after the old-bum vote:

[pawdoggie]

I have a number of friends and colleagues of all ages, colors and creeds who tell me that Barack Obama would never make it to his Inauguration, because there are too many racist, mad-dog whites who will be out to do him in. And, of course, we all remember Michelle, Ma Belle's, declaration that she doesn't fear that outcome, because in (racist) America, BHO could be shot at the gas station (for the "crime" of "driving while black").

Now, I know that no GOP official type would ever want such a prospect mentioned in public (because it actually works to Barack's favor), and I also know that the notion is a slap in the face to the Secret Service (which hasn't lost any "clients" lately), but it would seem to be as worthy of discussion (if one accepts the premise) as John McCain's age.

[ari-freedom]

I....I’m still voting for McCain. but Palin is the best pick for VP

[ari-freedom]

steak marinated in scotch bonnet juice.

[4rcane]

i prefer this idea, 8 years of mccain with 8 years of palin as vice president, so that palin can run for another 8 years as president

[ari-freedom]

ba-dum-bum chhhhhhhhh!

[clamper1797]

A whole lot better than President Nobama or President Hilary or President Pelosi

[shibumi]

"Willie Brown: How does President Palin sound?"


Inevitable and welcome.

[Rastus]

How does President Palin sound? A lot better than President McCain or President Obama.

[ArchAngel1983]

” Palin has become an instant heroine with the Wal-Mart crowd

It’s about time Wal-Mart does something for America!

[2ndDivisionVet]

We no longer are able to use the term “bum” as it is politically incorrect: The new terminology is “underhoused, aggresive donation-requesting, non-employment-seeking fermented beverage consumers.” Please make a note of it.

[Steel Wolf]

Democrats say we should raise the specter of President Palin to the voters. To that, I say:

"Please don't throw me in the brier patch!"