Political Dis-Disillusion

I think if you were to put the volume of Palin's and Obama's experience on a scale they would essentially balance out. In this sense, I agree with the doubters.

The difference is in the substance of their experience. Obama's most unattractive quality is that he is a politician's politicians. He is a career academic and politician. Despite his many attractive features, his professional background and rhetoric embodies everything that repulses me about politics. This is the deal-breaker.

Palin is the most un-politician politician. She ran a small business. She raised a family (including having to make some very tough decisions). She obviously isn't afraid to get some dirt on her boots. She is unabashedly religious (I don't necessarily share her beliefs) in a way that appears sincere and down-to-earth (rather than the opportunistic faith that is so common in politics). In sum, I am not aware of a more authentic public figure. True, she may not have the most political experience. But I put infinitely more value in the non-political experience she has than the experience of someone like Joe Biden, or even John McCain, and *especially* Barack Obama.

I would also split some pretty thick hairs on substantive differences in political experience between her and Obama. Obama has no executive experience. Palin does...she's the only one on either ticket who does. Obama's biggest Senate accomplishment is co-sponsoring an uncontroversial ethics bill. Palin took on a state known for it's corruption. Obama's considered an expert in constitutional law, in all it's esoteric glory. Palin is considered an expert on energy, arguably the most important current domestic policy debate.

Will I agree with everything she says and does? No. Do I have a serious crush on her? Yes.

Taking Sides

From the UK's Telegraph, George Bridges:

"The choice is straightforward: whose side are you on - Malthus's or Monsanto's?"