The American Mind

Here’s an important piece of advice: If it looks like it’s going to be McCain/Palin anyway (and that should be a “no brainer” for Team McCain), McCain should announce NOW or VERY SOON, rather than later towards the convention. There’s currently a growing chorus for Obama/Hillary (as VP) ticket (in fact the Dems are likely aware of the Palin phenomenon). If the GOP waits while movement for Hillary as VP grows — even worse until after it is solidified that Hillary will/could be VP pick — selecting Palin will be portrayed by Dems/liberal media more as a reaction by GOP selecting its own female (overshawdoing Palin’s own remarkable assets), rather than McCain taking the lead on this. Selecting Palin now or early (contrary to the punditocracy) will mean McCain will be seen as driving the course of this campaign overwhelmingly, and the DEMS will be seen as merely reacting. And, there’s absoultely no down-side to this because even if Hillary is a no-go as VP for Obama, the GOP gains by acting early. McCain the maverick. Palin the maverick. Do it now!

There’s no reason, and actually substantial negative, in McCain waiting to see what the Dems do first insofar as his picking Palin as VP, because, no matter who Obama picks, Palin is by far (and I mean far) the best pick for McCain and the GOP, especially in this time of GOP woes. The GOP can be seen as the party of real ‘change’ (albeit I hate that mantra, change, change, bla bla), while not really having to change from GOP core conservative values, which Palin more than represents.

In light of the current oil/energy situation, as well as the disaffected female Hillary voters situation, and growing focus on McCain’s age and health, Palin is more than perfect — now.

(Perhaps Team McCain is already on to this.)

[…] I think political analysts are using their rear-view mirrors to look at the 2008 Presidential race…(The American Mind) […]

2008 Presidential Race, What needs to change…
National Primary Day

With this years lead up to the nominations for both parties nominations for the candidates in the presidential race I believe that the time for a change in the way the primaries are held.

There is a lot of dissatisfaction by voters this year over the way that the primaries are handled. Michigan & Florida with their problems on the Democrat side from moving their dates forward, Republicans already having their nominee decided for them by the time the primary reaches their later voting states. I hear a lot of disgruntled people talking about how the system is unfair to registered voters who want a say in who holds the most important leadership position in the world, that of our president.

This Country was set up to be a Nation for the people by the people and as the current system for primary election is set up many do not have a choice.

I and many other voters, (I have read several articles online of polls done in 2007 that put the amount of voters in favor of a one day national primary at 75%) I would believe that were that poll given to voters today that it would be in the high 90% range.

I believe that with today’s communication systems and technology that a National primary could easily be accomplished, furthermore I believe that it would save the parties a lot of money. Here is what I propose, (I do not have your able staff to help me with the exact details but I would like to put forth the following ideas…)

I believe that the system for a one day primary would work if the following would occur:

1- Both Parties need to utilize the same system to determine the candidates.

2- The primary should be a popular vote.

3- I have each of the candidates submit their white papers on what their proposals and their positions.

4- I would propose a series of 50 debates 1 per state, I would have the registered voters contact their respective state parties with issues that they are concerned with and have the state party put these issues to the candidates on a state by state basis. (This way the voters would be able to find out where the candidates stand on the issues and let the candidates know what issues are important to the voters. ) Also If the parties are worried about smaller states not being seen as important, the dates of the debates could be set to give them priority. This would still enable some “retail politics” and “pressing of the flesh’ at the onset.

5- I believe that this system would enable candidates to compete on an even field, actually on the issues, and since all voters would vote on the same day it would enable EACH voter to have an equal part in being able to choose the nominee that shall go on to compete in the November elections.

Since, John McCain is the Republican representative, for the upcoming election I hope that he picks a VP that will be appealing to the Conservative Base, have Economic, and Governing experience.