The Problem with the Completely Unknown Pick

[CatBO]

McCain took a "Hail Mary" pass, and chose a complete unknown, that he had not properly vetted, as his candidate.

Initial reaction, even among independents and moderates, was, "Palin who? Oh she's a woman! This could be very exciting!"

I saw this first hand. I knew enough about Palin to never be enthused, but many women were - because their initial reaction was a transference of John McCain's old-school moderate, maverick principles onto this woman that they did not know.

So there's a bump. Palin has a high unknown, but a high approval rating, through her mere association with McCain, among people who don't already hate McCain or know Palin.

Now the bump subsides. And you know what? It wasn't much of a bump at all. And as people find out more about this "maverick" choice they are finding that she in no way complements McCain. In fact, she cancels him out.

Mark my words - the race is over for McCain. He can no longer pull tricks out of his bag to try to bump up the polls. Consider these options, all now completely gone. His VP pick was huge, considering his age and health issues. McCain alone will no longer be judged, he and his partner, who will succeed him if his health fails, are both going to be judged.

- POW "experience" - gone, he chose a PTA mom
- Tough on terror - Palin only got a passport last year
- Able to fight wars - Palin's biggest claim to international experience is living somewhat close to Russia
- Experienced candidate - NOT
- Country First - Palin supported AIP and "Alaska First"
- Celebrity and fluff - "I may be broke but I'm not flat busted" Palin is the ultimate in fluff

If an October surprise were to include a devastating attack on this country - and people had to assess who was ready to lead - Gramps and Yukon Barbie would not be it.

There is no low to which the Republicans can stoop that will save them now...

[NJmaverick]

1. It was a Hail Mary pass that resulted in an interception