are they kidding?

I'm just going to be honest: I, as a woman in the United States, feel offended and ashamed of the republican party's candidate for Vice President. Clearly when Senator McCain looked at his list of possibilities, someone said "Oh HEY! Maybe if we pick a woman we'll get Hilary's old votes! LOOK THERE'S ONE! SARAH PALIN!"
And so, Sarah became, as we so lovingly put it, literally a heart beat from the presidency of our country. I've heard all the hype about the unbelievable gossip and controversies going on in her life, I've read the reports on her lack of experience or foreign policy thoughts, and I watched the SNL spoofs, laughing along at the obvious overtones of sexism and stupidity. Surely she can't be as bad as they say. Surely the republicans don't think that americans will fall for such an obvious move.

Check out SNL's portrayal of the woman of the hour...


Now, watch the REAL Palin speak with Couric. Here
Let's revisit some of the REAL dialogue:
Katie Couric:When it comes to establishing your world view I am curious what papers and magazines did you regularly read before you were tapped...
Sarah Palin: I have read most of them, again with a great appreciation for the press, for the media
KC: like what ones specifically, I am curious?
SP: all of 'em, any of 'em that have been in front of me over all these years
KC: can you name any?
SP: I have a vast variety of sources where we get our news to.
Are these people serious? Of course we are all familiar with politicians avoiding answering tough questions... But all Palin had to say was "Time" or "Newsweek" or something like that. It didn't even have to be true- just drop a name! Instead she gives us that stupid grin SNL makes so much fun of. Adorble it may be, but effective- no.
I'm usually not a fan of re-blogging, but My friend Jimmy had some great thoughts on this issue. He writes...

Does anyone find it offensive that McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate?
I remember thinking during her first speech at the RNC (about her and Hillary Clinton breaking the glass ceiling) that this has to be the most offensive political tactic in a long time. Not only is she running against Hillary Clinton's (whom she claimed as her partner in this) party, she is pretty much the polar opposite of HillDawg as far as their views are concerned.
To me this feels like the republican party is simply saying, "Here you go feminists. Here is your woman. Happy? Please vote for her and get back to what you were doing in the kitchen." Palin is simply a tool that is being used to steal woman voters, women who were originally going to vote for Hillary. The Republican party and McCain are basically saying vote for this woman regardless of her views because she is a woman, not because she has anything to bring to the White House. It seems as if though they are expecting women to vote only on the basis of description and not substance, as if they are trying to trick women into voting for them by throwing Palin at them.
This shows no respect towards what women were fighting for when they were supporting Hillary. This is a slap to the face of Hillary's cause. This is idiotic and offensive and it demonstrates clearly how low McCain is going to go to steal votes. There is no glass cieling being broken here, she is not even the first female VP candidate. Don't be fooled.

I couldn't have put it better myself, James. And that's why I stole yours. :)