Explore / Editorials / Paul Conrad

unfortunately, she might be the best the republicans can come up with.

Or fortunately, as the case may be.
Just now she’s reloading for Alaskan Lawyers (she’ll probably hit one of her own!)

I may not like a lot of the Republicans, but there’s no question they have far better and more qualified people than Palin. How about Elizabeth Dole? When her husband Bob was asked why he didn’t run on a husband-and-wife ticket, he said “because I don’t want to be Vice President.” Or Senators Kay Baily Hutchison of Texas, or Olympia Snowe of Maine. If you want someone from smaller places, how about Shelley Moore Capito in the House, who is from West Virginia? Many better choices.

MM, I’ve seen this asked in other places and if I remember the answers (didn’t check them) it was about age. Palin is younger so it was more balance to McCain’s age. ED, KBH, and OS are not as young as Palin -I think. They’ve been in politics for a while and Congress has abysmal approval ratings. Palin is a fresh face which appeals to a given chunk. They’re also Senators. A Governor provides the Executive experience ground. Don’t know anything about SMC. ‘Course I have no idea how the process was done so this could be junk. Something I’ve said before and stand by is that Palin appeals to the chunk of the Republican base that was not eager to have McCain as their choice. I don’t picture the others overcoming that issue.

Kylop–
Interesting point. It is said that McCain wanted Joe Lieberman, but the party flat refused him. But on youth, I have to think there’s someone better. Bill Clinton was 47 when he was elected, Sarah Palin’s 44. There must be some relatively young Republican better than Palin. I think the evangelical base may have a lot to do with it, too - and Huckabee is 53.