MCCAIN and WOMEN by Debra Sanders

I was reading another blog the other day and the question was posed: What issues are important to you in this election?

I figured that's as good a topic to tackle as any, since every issue of importance to me is at risk given the current tilt of the political barometer.

The issues of importance to me are likely the same as those important to most middle class Americans: the economy, education, health care for children and the elderly; equal rights for the disabled and the different, the environment; and of course, the unbelievably arrogant and narcissistic mindset of our current leaders. A mindset which led us into, and has kept us, in Iraq.

I think Obama chose well with Biden, who does indeed balance out his inexperience. This choice communicates to us (at least to me) that Obama understands that his sagacious passions need to be modulated by another's seasoned understanding. It suggests to me that Obama can, and will, hear what his advisors are telling him. And that he will act on those recommendations even if it they are not what he personally wants to hear.

Obama, if he can keep his ego in check and continue to approach politics as a team player (albeit the captain of the team), has a legitimate shot at being an agent of necessary change.

I do not believe the McCain team has a chance in hell of accomplishing this, despite the new "Maverick" platform being touted.

McCain, long known for being a hot head who displays great emotional lability, appears to have a long-standing, deeply rooted disrespect for women. Choosing Palin was brilliant in that it bought him the Dobson crowd and managed to turn quite a number of intelligent, women into groupies giddy with excitement over the idea of a woman in the White House. It was not however what his advisors recommended and it in no way suggests a newfound respect for the female sector.

Sarah Palin is feisty and she is tough; of that there is no doubt. I suspect however that once the last ballot has been tallied, should it be in their favor, McCain will denude her of power to a degree not seen since Hamlin served under Lincoln (if I remember my history correctly...if not, you get the idea). Mr. McCain is 72 years old--we all know that by now. And while I do believe you can teach an old dog new tricks, there is nothing in McCain’s countenance to suggest that he would allow a woman to participate as an intellectual equal.

Sarah Palin is decoration now and she will remain decoration. And that concerns me; just as I am sure it will concern her once the headiness of her meteoric rise to stardom dissipates a bit.

Surely a woman as independent and intelligent as Sarah Palin, must recognize that any potential she has to be an important influence in her state and in this country, is being relinquished by having joined McCain.

Palin's seeming fearlessness, the dynamic and adorable qualities currently applauded, do not stand a chance of holding her up once she sets foot in the oval office as a female puppet that gets to shine only when McCain needs a woman's touch around the house.