Obama vs. Palin

Just when everyone thought that Democratic standard bearer Barack Obama would easily steamroll Republican John McCain in terms of popularity — being the first African-American presidential candidate of the United States — McCain pulls out an ace of his own – — the first woman vice-presidential candidate of the United States, Sarah Palin, And what a choice indeed. A former high school basketball star, beauty queen and television journalist, who climbed up the rungs of politics to become Alaska’s first woman governor, all in less than 14 years. She is well-loved by her constituents, with her finger known to be “ever on the pulse of the people”. All that in the state not included in the so-called “lower 48”. She is an outdoor person and has a passion for the environment — very important in a state such as Alaska, where oil is plenty, and accidents always spell disaster.

She is not without controversy but, in politics, who isn’t? Almost immediately her personal life was scrutinized with the announcement that her teenage daughter is pregnant — casting implications against her parental integrity. Her no-nonsense approach to issues is both praised and criticized. She is a hunter who likes to shoot guns, is anti-abortion, a Conservative Christian. She is definitely spearheading the Republican campaign, giving it life to an otherwise yawn-inducing McCain whose age has always been an issue. The thought that she could assume the presidency if ever McCain gets elected, and should something untoward happen to the 72-year-old former Vietnam POW, warrants more serious consideration for the Republican ticket. Those who supported Hillary Clinton — who are perceived to be half-hearted for Democratic Presidential contender Barack Obama despite Hillary’s all-out endorsement for the first Afro-American Presidential candidate — may be taking a second look at another woman of power. Palin may be the shot in the arm the Republican campaign needs to counter an energetic Democratic campaign led by the charismatic Obama. This early Palin is grooming to be the counterpart rock star of the Republicans against Obama who has had the lion’s share of attention and romantic imagery as certified Darling of the Press.

What are the chances for both? The numbers are apparently in from many parts of the US as each of the candidates have their own captured or niche vote-base — certainly Alaska and Arizona would be for Palin as Hawaii and New York would be for Obama. The battle, analysts say, would be in the Midwestern states where rednecks or the most conservative and even discriminating if not biased Americans live. 

Whatever the outcome in November, it will be absolutely exciting as it will be historic. We can expect an energetic if not “bloody” campaign with both parties kissing babies even while slinging mud at each other. The outcome may be the closest race ever, as current polls already reveal an ever slight edge to Obama. Obama enjoyed a better margin before Palin’s announcement as the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate. It is evidently definite Palin is the right card to play for McCain. So again we watch with provocative delight and envy how American elections are. It is almost anti-climactic when the numbers are counted and tallied and a winner is declared all within twenty four hours. In America, the opposite of what happens in Philippine elections, the thrill is in the game more than in the outcome. In our part of the world, the declaration of the outcome marks the beginning of the games.