Thought this was interesting. It's a post by Margaret Feinberg. I think Margaret is one of the best writers in Christendom these days. She lived in Alaska for five years and her husband was born and bred up north. Check out her website.
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I've been asked this question countless times since the news hit Friday of Palin being selected as McCain's running vice-president. And it's a great question.
A while ago, I was invited to weigh in on a round table phone conference with McCain advisers about reaching young evangelicals. My mind danced with what I would say, but one key issue kept coming up: McCain needed a sports car of a vice-president--someone who represented everything he was not. The phone conference has been delayed until post-RNC, and now I can't wait to applaud his choice--one I never thought the McCain camp had the guts to make.
Palin surprised everyone (including all of us Alaskans and former Alaskans) when she was named to the Republican ticket. It's no secret that Palin is a strong leader, faithful Christian, and forcefully pro-life. She's conservative and hugs family values so tight and so close that maybe even James Dobson will be able to bring himself to vote Republican after all.
In Alaska, when Palin first entered politics some friendly Republicans told her to pack up and go home. She refused. And over the years climbed steadily up the political ladder until she became Governor. She has been bravely outspoken on the corruption surrounding many political leaders in Alaska--some of whom are under investigation and/or have been indicted (though in Alaska they're often voted for anyway).
I have friends who have known Palin for many years. They've gone to church with her. Received her encouraging notes. And had the opportunity to spend time up close and personal with her. They simply can't rave enough.
In Juneau, she spoke openly about moving the capital to Anchorage. While efficient for political purposes, the capital move would cost tens of millions and on the short-term hurt the economy of Southeast Alaska since many businesses are dependent on the winter legislature (which meets January through April) to survive. Now you have to understand that even whispers of moving the capital sends shock waves through the housing market so for her to speak openly made those in southeast antsy. But to the rest of the state, and there's a whole lot of state in Alaska, it made perfect sense. When a legislature only meets four months a year, it just makes sense to have it in the place where most of the members of the legislature live.
The irony of all this is now she'll probably land a huge percentage of Juneau vote. Those who were against the capitol move will want her in Washington, DC come November, because then the Lt. Governor will take her place (assuming he doesn't win his own run for Congress) and hopefully he won't move the capital, and make movers and map makers everywhere rich.
That said, I think McCain couldn't have made a better decision. As a woman, I'm excited that we're seeing progress on the ballot on both the Republican and Democratic tickets.
As far as the election, I'm wondering if we'll wake up to a new president on November 5. Or if it will still be too close to count...because with Palin on the ballot, make no mistake, this is going to be a tight race. Regardless, the dust will have settled by January 20th when we usher in a new President of the United States...and I'm excited for that day. I think we all are.
www.margaretfeinberg.com-Margaret Feinberg (www.margaretfeinberg.com)
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