Just watched the next segment, which focused on domestic issues,
and Palin was much stronger. On the difference between McCain's
economic policies and Bush's, she waffled, and on earmarks, she was
forced to explain how Alaska was still accepting earmarks (and
reply to her initial support of the "Bridge to Nowhere.") She
wasn't at her best.
But when it came to guns and abortion, she really soared. You
could tell both were close to her heart and she was comfortable
talking about the subjects. She flat out said she though Roe v.
Wade should be overturned and that she opposes a ban on assualt
weapons. But what was great was that she was so candid about her
differences with McCain (as she was with ANWR yesterday). She said,
unlike McCain, she only supports allowing abortion if the mother's
life is in danger (as opposed to McCain, who supports allowing it
in cases of rape and incest). And there was a wonderful moment in
which Gibson asked about how she differed with McCain on stem cell
research and she said, regardless of what the policy of the
administration would be, as somebody running for high office people
have the right to know her personal beliefs, and she opposed it.
It's very rare for a VP candidate to be so open about her
differences with the top of the ticket. That really came across as
authentic, and something that you wouldn't hear from a typical
politician.
What's pretty clear, seeing more of her, is when she's talking
about issues that she's comfortable with, and when she's just being
herself, she really shines. When she is just spouting out programed
answers, it can get pretty ugly.
topics:
Earmarks, Abortion, Alaska
