September 3, 2008
PJB: Johnny’s Got a New Girl
by Patrick J. Buchanan
The risk John McCain took last Friday is comparable to the 72-year-old ex-fighter pilot knocking back two shots and flying his F-16 under the Golden Gate Bridge.
McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his co-pilot was the biggest gamble in presidential history. As of now, it is paying off, big-time.
The sensational selection in Dayton, Ohio, stepped all over the big story from Denver — Barack Obama’s powerful address to 85,000 cheering folks in Mile High Stadium, and 35 million nationally, a speech that vaulted him from a 2-point deficit early in the week to an 8-point margin. Barack had never before reached 49 percent against McCain.
As the Democrats were being rudely stepped on, however, Palin ignited an explosion of enthusiasm among conservatives, Evangelicals, traditional Catholics, gun owners and Right to Lifers not seen in decades.
By passing over his friends Joe Lieberman and Tom Ridge, and picking Palin, McCain has given himself a fighting chance of winning the White House that, before Friday morning, seemed to be slipping away. Indeed, the bristling reaction on the left testifies to Democratic fears that the choice of Palin could indeed be a game-changer in 2008.
Liberals howl that Palin has no experience, no qualifications to be president of the United States. But the lady has more executive experience than McCain, Joe Biden and Obama put together.
None of them has ever started or run a business as Palin did. None of them has run a giant state like Alaska, which is larger than California and Texas put together. And though Alaska is not populous, Gov. Palin has as many constituents as Nancy Pelosi or Biden.
She has no foreign policy experience, we are told. And though Alaska’s neighbors are Canada and Russia, the point is valid. But from the day she takes office, Palin will get daily briefings and sit on the National Security Council with the president and secretaries of state, treasury and defense.
She will be up to speed in her first year.
And her experience as governor of Alaska, dealing with the oil industry and pipeline agreements with Canada, certainly compares favorably with that of Barack Obama, a community organizer who dealt in the mommy issues of food stamps and rent subsidies.
Where Obama has poodled along with the Daley Machine, Palin routed the Republican establishment, challenging and ousting a sitting GOP governor before defeating a former Democratic governor to become the first female and youngest governor in state history.
For his boldness in choosing Palin, McCain deserves enormous credit. He has made an extraordinary gesture to conservatives and the party base, offering his old antagonists a partner’s share in his presidency. And his decision is likely to be rewarded with a massive and enthusiastic turnout for the McCain-Palin ticket. Rarely has this writer encountered such an outburst of enthusiasm on the right.
In choosing Palin, McCain may also have changed the course of history as much as Ike did with his choice of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan did with his choice of George H.W. Bush. For should this ticket win, Palin will eclipse every other Republican as heir apparent to the presidency and will have her own power base among Lifers, Evangelicals, gun folks and conservatives — wholly independent of President McCain.
A traditional conservative on social issues, Palin has become, overnight, the most priceless political asset the movement has. Look for the neocons to move with all deliberate speed to take her into their camp by pressing upon her advisers and staff, and steering her into the AEI-Weekly Standard-War Party orbit.
Indeed, if McCain defeats Barack, 2012 could see women on both national tickets, and given McCain’s age and the possibility he intends to serve a single term, women at the top of both — Sarah vs. Hillary.
The arrival of Palin on the national scene, with her youth, charisma and vitality, probably also portends a changing of the guard in Washington.
With Republicans having zero chance of capturing either House, and but a slim chance of avoiding losses in both, a Vice President Palin, with her reputation as a rebel and reformer, would surely inspire similar revolts in the Republican caucuses.
As Thomas Jefferson said, from time to time, a little rebellion in the political world is as necessary as storms in the physical.
The Palin nomination could backfire, but it is hard to see how. She has passed her first test, her introduction to the nation, with wit and grace. And the Obama-Biden ticket, having already alienated millions of women with the disrespecting of Hillary, is unlikely to start attacking another woman whose sole offense is that she had just been given the chance to break the glass ceiling at the national level.
Her nomination, which will bring the Republican right home, also frees up McCain to appeal to moderates and liberals, which has long been his stock in trade.
With his selection of Sarah Palin, John McCain has not only shaken up this election, he may have helped shape the future of the United States — and much for the better.
Tags: John McCain, Sarah Palin
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I fully agree with you assessment of Sarah Palin. As I listened to the liberals twitter at my job today, I thought how completely out of touch they are with America. Palin will energize a lot of people and she is a powerful personality in her own right who will be attractive to many Americans. The ranting of the leftists only makes her more powerful. Their screeching and violent search for attacks on her only make her more attractive to people who are fed up with the Obama-loving media.
I love this woman because she is what McCain is not, a true conservative. You can put lipstick on a pig (McCain) but it’s still a pig. This pig has had an entire makeover but unfortunately it’s still a pig.
I guess it’s a tough choice conservatives have here. Blind loyalty to a Party as they kneel down before the Neocon alter and do so to support a pig in hopes he dies and we get a real conservative in the White House because we are going to get an open borders globalist either way since Americans are to inept to think beyond these two Parties. Or, do they move on not being fooled by either of these pigs to another Party which actually will represents the American people because Lord knows these two Parties no longer do.
All in all this amounts to is a political stunt to get elected. It is not what is truly in McCain’s heart. It is a falsehood and conservatives know that in their hearts.
Its the top of the ticket that counts and the top is rotten. She is a lightweight, but if she follows the PJB line that would be great, but the NEOCONS will get to her. Did I mention she’s hot. lol
I can’t believe how short your memories are! Don’t you remember when George Bush was talking about Jesus Christ in attempts to get the Christian vote. Christians must be morons! After old George stole the White House there was never another mention of Jesus who was tossed aside.
Remember David Kuo’s book about how the White House hated it when Christian evangelicals came for a visit and how they couldn’t wait until they were out of the Oval office?
Neoconservatism is a JEWISH intellectual movement that Christians would never dream up.
Do you really think that ANYBODY will get the nomination who has not signed a blood oath to the moneybags that they will maintain their status quo. Jesus Christ is not the Jewish moneybag I’m talking about either.
Get a grip. The same moneybags control both parties. Didn’t the Liberal moneybags give Gore and Howard Dean the boot and force John Kerry off on us so that whether a Liberal or a Neocon got into the White House our Middle East policies would be the same?
Globalization and Zionism are the biggest threats facing America. The moneybags are pursuing both of them at top speed. They don’t care about America. Support Ron Paul or Ralph Nader and forget about Democrats and Republicans.
The United Nations has predicted that by 2040 (it was 2050 but they changed it because it is happening so fast) America will be overwhelmed with immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East because of Globalization. White people will be a minority and Islam will be the dominant religion and the Jews will have their own state courtesy of our money and our children’s blood. So what do they care.
Palin will sell you out for the power just like all the others who are NOT White House material. Get a clue.
Palin was an outstanding pick for four reasons in my mind.
1. A Women - brings potential Hilary supporters, Independents, and all women.
2. To bring in the conservative sheep who have strayed away due to the GOP picking McCain as the nominee.
3. To practically rip from Obama’s hands, the “historic” element of his campaign. Whoever wins, it will now be a mark in history.
4. Palin is identifiable with people and comes across as genuine, “one of us”, and with more experience, provides the “change” Obama is talking about.
This election come down to an Open Borders, Elitist, Socialist/Communist who will punish hard working Americans and reward mediocrity, abusers, and lawbreakers, or a War Hawk/Open Borders/NAFTA Supporter/BAU/Liberal in GOP clothes who will also punish Americans, but just not as much… and we may be able to keep a few dollars in our pockets to boot.
The sick feeling in my stomach has returned… but either way Palin is a great pick.
In Liberty My Friends.
Sarah Palin represents the heartland of America that has long been forgotten by the liberal political/media establishment. There are thousands of little towns across America (just like the one Palin was the mayor of in Alaska) whose residents feel an immediate bond with this woman. After the DNC convention in Denver, the liberals wanted to go sit under the peace-tree, smoke dope and talk about how great Obama’s speech was. John McCain just walked-up behind them and took a pi– on their backs!
I usually agree with Mr. Buchanan on nearly every issue, except abortion. As a libertarian, I want as little government interference in personal lives as possible. Palin is an extreme anti-abortion advocate. Worse, she wants creationism taught in the classroom. I cannot take seriously anyone who believes in the Genesis version of creation and believes public schools are a reasonable vehicle to teach such nonsense. So, while I find the moose stew, hunting, and feistiness enchanting, I cannot get very excited.
Pat, you better lay off the Wild Turkey. There’s more to being President than ideological purity.
I’d rather have Joe Biden facing down Osama Bin Laden and Putin than Miss Alaska runner-up.
Mr. Buchanan,
I always look forward to your insight and well thought out commentary. However, today I am deeply disappointed in your support of Sarah Palin.
As if distracted by a shiny new toy, you have dropped Ron Paul and ran to the grossly unqualified Ms. Palin. I assume that you enthusiasm is based in the fact that she is staunchly (so she claims) Pro-Life. She is in fact a token, a made for TV opportunist pulled from the right side of the Hillary mold.
Enough of this religious fanatic, Middle East biblical obsession. At a time when our nation’s technological, industrial and scientific foundation is being chipped away and sold, we do not need bible-thumping medieval lesson plans forced onto our children.
And like a shiny toy she is a distraction from the atrophied Republican platform. It is bone-chilling to see the obviously deliberate lack of media coverage of Dr. Paul’s vital message. I am not a conspiracy buff, but what am I to make of this?
The silence of a true Conservative like yourself is deafening.
I will vote for Obama, not because I believe he will steer us from the path of this intrusive Neo-Con glacier, but because I believe that the Republican Party must be flushed from Government until it returns to its senses.
Pat, I often agree with much of what you have to say,
and wouldn’t mind seeing your name on the ticket.
But the march to the White House, takes many twists
and turns before election day. And Gov. Palin, although
at the moment , ‘the darling of the media’, life could
change very quickly.
It is a sad commentary, that the GOP leadership is so old and jaded, that such desperate had to be taken.
The ball is still in play, so don’t count that five run home run just yet.
I guess if you want to hunt alligators you have to go to the swamp where they live. I’m glad to see that there are those with a thoughtful high intellect who are thinking this through. As much as I like Sarah Palin my fear is that the alligators will have her for lunch.
The person who said the power was at the top of the ticket is correct. The most power I’ve seen the Vice President have is as President of the Senate when casting the tie breaking vote, other than that if McCain supports the Mexican invasion (which he does support the surrender of America to the Mexicans) she will only be left to parrot this.
Remember folks; McCain swings both ways in a figurative political sense.
Yes Rock, she is indeed Hot For Teacher and maybe if we are going to get screwed the person screwing us could at least be good-looking?
Blue, thanks for showing everyone what a real Democrat used to be. It’s a shame that the Democratic Party now shuns common sense and decency. We all know that they would never let the truth stand in the way of political correctness.
Mr. Buchanan:
While I was initially impressed with Sen. McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin, on reflection I am compelled to agree with a number of the other postings, most notably those of Ronin and Willis. At this critical juncture in our country’s history, it is absolutely incumbent upon those of us with a sense of history and perspective to give voice to the libertarian teachings of limited government and personal freedom. Rather than fawning over the VP pick of the other party of big government, I would have hoped that you would instead be talking about the significance of Ron Paul’s Rally for the Republic (the only speech last night which mattered in my book), and not for Sen. McCain’s controversial and (quite possibly as events unfold) disastrous selection of a poorly vetted VP candidate. I will hope for better from you in your next article.
This Hillary Democrat is voting for Mccain/Palin. I don’t agree with them on every issue, but I find it to be offensive that people think that as a woman CHOICE is the only issue I care about. I care about the economy, national security, government waste, and I care that the men and women who lead the Democratic Party didn’t stand up for Hillary the way the Republican Party is standing up for Palin.
Is there any counterweight to the AEI to mold Palin to promote a realistic America First foreign policy? Cmon Pat, stop spending so much time on MSNBC and get something together to tutor this lady!
http://www.biblicalpatriotism.com/Foreign%20Policy
Whats the difference between a hockey mom like Sarah Palin and a pitbull?
Lipstick. Talk about hope!
Neocons want wars, big government, illegal invasion of the borders and much more.
Neocons are the cancer of western civilization and they are determined to destroy the west through civil wars between russia and europe and the US.
We need thousands of Pauls and Palins who would fight for sound money, limited government, secure borders, and a non-interventionist foreign policy.
Bluedog65, you speak in a colorful and deadly accurate language. You just described half the people I work with. Can it be a mistake that Burning Man practically coincided with the DNC?
Well…long time reader, first time commenter…
When I first heard the name of Sarah Palin as McCain’s running mate, I almost got excited. Then I heard the term “evangelical”, and warning lights exploded in my head. Seems the good Governor spoke at an Evangelical church not too many months ago, and within her address referred to the war in Iraq as a “mission from God”, or some such. The Huffington Post (gag) has a video of the address, I believe. As much as I like her political views concerning fiscal responsibility and putting an end to corruption, the last thing we need as Vice-President is another fan of John Hagee…
While I enjoy PJB’s worldy view and historical perspectives, this VP selection piece has way too many adjectives and seems to be forced. Lay off the hyperbole Pat.
White working-class voters are still the largest demographic in the country, but until now they didn’t have anyone to vote for. Both parties are run by elites who despise them. The enthusiasm for Sara Palin is an indication of just how disaffected they are. Their votes are up for grabs, and could be the basis for a solid Republican majority going forward, but Republicans are going to have to solicit their votes and talk about the issues they care about. A few platitudes about “family values” is not going to cut it anymore.
Palin is a fresh young female face from the land of big skies and caribou - just the tonic to rejuvenate the candidacy of an increasingly old-looking, tired and boring John McCain. Nominating her was a brilliant stroke. From a right-wing viewpoint, the difference is that she is more likely to be sincere in her pro-life stance than McCain. I would not expect McCain to nominate genuine pro-life judges. But I would expect him to keep us fighting Israel’s wars for the next eight years and get the remaining Muslims so mad at us that we’ll have to shred what’s left of the Constitution and drop nuclear bombs on them. The upside of Palin is that if McCain dies in office we may get genuine pro-life judges.
Oh please, forget about the “evangelical” and “Jesus” talk. Its just as I said above, in order to get the nomination you have to be “Zionist”
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/sep2008/pali-s04.shtml
“The only report of any political activity by Palin at the convention before her Wednesday night speech, which was drafted by a former speechwriter for George W. Bush, came from AIPAC, the Zionist lobbying group. AIPAC said that she had met with its members in private, promising to “work to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the US and Israel.”
told ya
Although Sarah Palin gave a terrific speach, I couldn’t help but get the feeling it had the delivery of a well scripted and rehearsed beauty pagent show. No matter how much charisma she brings to the party John Mc cain is still the lead dog on the Republican sled and from my viewpoint that ain’t pretty.
Unfortunately, I watched and listened to last night’s RNC via MSNBC. Olberman and Matthews are an unfortunate duo; two dopes trying to be the definitive voice of objective political reporting. Their collection of commentator buffoons, they call their “All-Star” panel lost their unbiased mantel, on camera, ganging up on Pat Buchanan. What a joke. I loved it when Newt Gingrich spanked the floor reporter who thought he would try and make a case for Obama by undermining the experience of Palin. All he could do was “throw it back to Keith” with his eye twitching like he just got hammered by an Ali right-hand. If NBC execs have any brains at all, they’ll fire Olberman and Matthews on the spot and disband that circus of media clowns. A better show would be “The Pat Buchanan Show”…dump Hardball and Keith’s waste of airtime show. Palin, in one night, put the Democratic Party and the MSNBC cub reporters on the ropes…some soccer mom!
If McCain wins we will have endless war in the Middle East. That may happen even if Obama wins. I don’t believe Obama has any real principles; he’ll go with the same flow as any other ambitious politiican. If McCain dies in office, Palin just might nominate genuine pro-life justices. McCain himself probably would not - I read him as an atheist who will play “maverick” by thumbing his nose at his pro-life supporters when the time comes. But if McCain loses, Palin’s social conservatism will be blamed for his defeat.
So it would have been better if McCain had nominated Ridge or a pro-choice woman and then lost badly. Then we might have a shot at remaking the GOP.
SoCal,
I love that idea “The Pat Buchanan Show” but as close as we get to that is The Mc Laughlin Group.
I agree - the only reason I flip over to MSNBC is to see Pat! Let me mention something that has not been mentioned– there are ALOT of high school sweethearts that fell in love, married, and feel like Sarah–”Still my guy!.” Same with Bristol’s situation — many couples have grown up together and have a wonderful marriage!
I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time as this afternoon when I serendipitously caught PJB giving it to Chris Matthews on Hardball. These elite media types really don’t get it. It’s so funny to behold. Thank you Mr. B. for at least trying to set him straight. Laughter is really very theraputic.
Yeah, just heard that clip. I’m glad someone has finally given it to Chris Matthews. He can be a jack*** sometimes.
I look forward to Sarah Palin one day standing on her own and seeing where SHE stands. At this moment, she fails to seduce me back into the fold of the evil invader party.
I am 31 years old from IL.I am a Richard Nixon republican. I watch MSNBC because of Pat Buchanan.Give them hell Pat!
I wouldn’t count on McCain dying anytime soon, look at his mother, she’s 96 YEARS OLD !!
If he does not run for a second term, economy improves (gas prices) ,and a sucessfull conclusion to the Iraq war, then a Vice President Palin could acheive what Hillary could’nt.
“I guess it’s a tough choice conservatives have here.”
I don’t follow. Obama is bankrolled by ultra-left MoveOn. With Bush fatigue and historically low approval ratings, Dems with 1-7 losing record in 40 years (since the Dems disowned the Clintons, they can’t count their 2 victories), with everything favoring the Dems, if the ultra-left loses another election, they are dead. You’ll find significant numbers of liberals voting for McCain because they are disgusted by ultra-left fascists, and fear for the country if the ultra-left succeeds in buying a major Party.
Hardcore evangelical conservatives had their chance - 8 years - and Bush has the lowest approval ratings in modern history. I don’t see how you can rationally expect to get another 4. On the other hand, a chance to destroy the ultra-left once and for all, I’d jump all over that.
I’ve never voted for a Republican before. I probably never will again. But I’m voting McCain 2008. I’ve been thrown out of rallies for protesting Pat Buchanan. But I respect his honesty, and he is the most convincing advocate for peace in America. When Pat calls for restraint in deploying American power, I know he’s not rooting for our enemies like MoveOn. Let’s join forces and wipe out the ultra-left. Then we can get back to arguing about liberal vs. conservative — the normal, natural wings of the American political spectrum.
PAT! Come on! While this woman seems to be a decent American, she is not ready to be the next to next president! You are one of my favorite people and I respect your views on everything to the extreme but come on! You said on Morning Joe just a few days ago, all the reasons why she is NOT qualified! As I said I like this woman and she would make a good congresswoman, senator, governor, etc but VP/PRESIDENT? You said yourself “This woman could be eaten alive by Biden” and why do you think that??
Go, Pat go! I thank God for the courageousness of Sarah Palin. I haven’t been this excited about an election since you were running, Mr. Buchanan.
I would be a heck of a lot more excited about a Buchanan/Paul or a Buchanan/Palin ticket. McCain does nothing for me but make me MAD!
“I’ll build your G.D. fence” still waiting BTW! This guy sold out. He’s a creep and I’ve caught him in far too many lies over the years.
Is what I heard about him true? That he was having an affair with Cindy when his wife at the time was in a horrible auto accident had 23 surgeries and McCain dumped her for Cindy? If so that is damning to ones character.
July, i like what you wrote but allow me to enlighten you just a tiny bit. First of all, most jews (myself included) don’t really care about israel. The prominent ones who donate money and themselves to the zionist cause, do so because they are in the minority of supporters who can actually afford to do so. Most jews have never been to israel, don’t know where it is on the map, and will never go there. Do remember however that Israel is much like the U.S. in that it was created by refugess. Be it pilgrims or the mass wave of immigration that came to our shores in the late 19th and early 20th century (LEGALLY!) Israel is the same only with a much more recent history. It is also a strategic ally. A westernized, technologically and medically advanced nation. It’s true, government is 99% hypocrisy. We’re in bed with middle east countries that support terrorist cells that pretend they dont like the saudi’s and the emirates.Lets face it, we need oil! Its all bull. Israel is certainly not our only problem. But, I would never want a single US soldier to die for Israel or any other country for that matter. This is our blood.The U.S.The place all of our ancestors came to (LEGALLY!)
Pat, I’m a fairly new PBJ fan. I agree the choice is brilliant. I’m not so enthusiastic about your enthusiam in your conclusion…how it’s good for the country etc.
I am quite encouraged by the Sarah Palin pick. Hopefully the geriatric neocon will pass on to the next world and she will become a president. But I am afraid that she will not be influential like Cheney in Bush administration; she will only be used to scoop conservative vote and then cast aside. And I am very discouraged that now she plays the neocon tune and praises the surge in Iraq.
But what is the alternative? Barack Obama who will make a Soviet Union out of the USA.