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Regardless of who wins, election is historic

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Saturday, Aug 30, 2008 - 12:18:49 am CDT

John McCain’s announcement Friday of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his pick for vice presidential nominee has made this already unprecedented election even more historic.

Regardless of how this contest plays out, the nation now is faced with the reality that we will elect either the first African-American president or the first female vice president.

It’s a great day in America that barriers of race, gender and age are falling at the highest levels.

Story Photo
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (AP)

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Barack Obama’s remarks at the DNC Thursday

Despite her credentials, Palin is a stranger to many prospective voters. Clearly, she would bring some strengths to the GOP ticket; for example, helping McCain bridge the generational gap because Palin is only 44 versus McCain’s almost 72. McCain will be the oldest person to take the office of president if elected.

Just as Barack Obama’s choice of Joe Biden helps him bridge the perceived experience gap on the Democratic ticket, McCain’s choice of Palin helps him with conservative voters.

Palin is a mom of five, lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and an ardent pro-life advocate, positions sure to reassure those who are skeptical of McCain.

The selection of Palin is just another in the thrilling moments in a still-unfolding campaign.

Hillary Clinton came close to being the first female Democratic nominee, and just Thursday night Barack Obama delivered a stirring acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination.

It was Obama’s toughest speech to date targeting McCain.

Though short on specifics, it was more vigorous than the “I love you, you love me” addresses that largely characterized his primary campaign.

Far from the flowery postpartisan talk earlier this year, Obama indicated he’s ready to engage his opponent fully and spoke of pride in his Democratic Party and what it stands for.

He also forcefully challenged criticism of whether he is tough enough to be president.

“We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don’t tell me that Democrats won’t defend this country,” Obama said.

McCain is a fighter, and he’s certain to have a comeback when the Republicans convene in Minnesota.

His tapping of Palin shows he’s ready to make bold moves.

The Journal Star editorial board welcomes the prospect of a close and vibrant campaign. It’s healthy to have a robust debate of the tough issues facing the country.

And Obama’s speech showed he is ready to focus on substance and not just rhetoric.

“He seemed to be bigger tonight,” commentator David Gergen said after the speech. It was as if he were “growing into the job” of presidential candidate.

Now we await what McCain and Palin have to say in this extraordinary race.


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Duh wrote on August 30, 2008 1:06 am:
" By definition, every election is historic. "

 JT wrote on August 30, 2008 8:00 am:
" I'd say it's because of her credentials that no one knows who Sarah Palin is, not despite of them. "

 ted wrote on August 30, 2008 10:04 am:
" The sad thing is that because of Obama and Palin, voters and the media are becoming more racist and sexist, rather than more understanding. I am also tired of candidates and ads that focus negatively on opponents, rather than positively on their own plans. The attacks on Palin have only just begun. Thanks Democrats! "

 Earl wrote on August 30, 2008 11:47 am:
" It is an historic event that a mayor from a town about the size of York and only governor for about 20 months would a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Her accomplishments are limited to a single bill passed August 1, that was engineered by her top advisor who had been a lobbyist for TransCanada...moving big oil/gas into the White House would be nothing new. And the $700 per Alaskan subsidy to TransCanada has not often been in the press. "

 Jessie wrote on August 30, 2008 2:06 pm:
" There is a distinct contrast in populations Obama and Palin represent and their years in service of the people. Remember, Palin has only about 670,00 citizens in Alaska...that is hardly the population of Douglas County, NE. And the rightful comparison should be against the qualifications and experience of Biden...she hardly stands up to his critical mass of experience and service. History describes the past, why not look at the sum of experience of the four candidates? "

 Correction wrote on August 30, 2008 5:48 pm:
" In 1984 Geraldine Ferraro was picked to run as vice president with Walter Mondale's running for president. They were from the Democratic party. If you want to verify this go to www.greatwomen.org or enter Ms. Ferraro's name into a search engine. (Or look it up in a book!)

It has taken both the Republicans and the Democrats 24 years to select another female candidate. It is a pity that it has taken almost a whole generation for men to once again "share" political power at the highest level. "

 JB wrote on August 31, 2008 7:34 am:
" A past Democratic Vice Presidentail nominee was very much more qualified for the position and the position above it. "

 Jody P. wrote on September 2, 2008 8:13 am:
" That's nice. But we should be trying to elect the best candidate, and not trying to achieve "historic" election firsts. "

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