Governor Palin is Hardly Change

George Wenschhof

As I reported earlier this morning, Republican Senator John McCain running out of time to choose a running mate, announced Governor Sarah Palin today as his VP pick.

It is great that the presumptive Republican nominee choose a woman to join him on the ticket. We now know there will definitely be a first in the election. Either the first woman will be elected Vice President or a African-American will be elected President.

Unfortunately, Governor Palin represents more of the same failed polices we have seen over the last eight years under the George W. Bush administration.

Rather than complimenting Senator McCain with experience in domestic policy and/or foreign policy, it appears the choice was made primarily out of desperation. The obvious reason for this pick, is to appeal to frustrated Senator Hillary Clinton supporters and other women voters.

Some say this choice was a great move by the McCain campaign while others say this will be a colossal mistake. One thing is certain, this move did indeed blunt the momentum built up by the Obama campaign during the Democratic Convention culminated by the exceptional speech by Obama last night.

Many will speculate that Senator Joe Biden will trounce her in the Vice-President debate. While others are already expressing concern as to how such a verbal pummeling of a woman in a debate will play on TV.

However, as is often the case with Republicans, they don't understand women will see through this charade and not vote for a woman who opposes a woman's right to chose and opposes abortion even in the case of incest or rape. A John McCain presidency could nominate up to three Supreme Court Justices which would surely result in the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Governor Palin's personal story is admirable as a mother of five, including the birth recently of a child who suffers from Downs syndrome. She also refers to herself as a Hockey mom. is ok with hunting, and who likes to eat Moose burgers.

While some of this personal history may appeal to some voters in Michigan, women voters are smart voters who often deal with the daily kitchen table pocketbook issues faced by every American family.

With gas prices at $4.00 per gallon and energy prices going through the roof, women voters will support the ten year goal of U.S. independence from Middle East oil proposed by Barack Obama.

When women voters compare the continued tax breaks for the wealthy and oil companies supported by John McCain, they will vote for Barack Obama who proposes tax cuts for 95% of Americans, while increasing taxes for the very wealthy.

As women voters battle with family health care issues, it is more likely the affordable health care program for all proposed by Barack Obama is what they will support. Women will also be encouraged by Barack Obama's commitment to education by paying Teachers more and holding them accountable while providing a college opportunity for all who are also willing to provide some public service.

The selection of Governor Sarah Palin by John McCain adds to the historic aspects of this election.

However, change in direction on the issues is what the voters want, not just changes in faces or gender.

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