Dartblog

As I arrived in St. Paul yesterday for the upcoming Republican National Convention, I finally learned of Senator John McCain’s choice for Vice President. I could not have been more delighted. Weeks ago, I read an article discussing Governor Sarah Palin as a potential choice for McCain’s running mate. Though I knew relatively nothing about her before this article, I immediately began researching her and quickly came to the conclusion that she possessed the medley of characteristics that would simultaneously pull in some of the wayward Republican base (including the crucial religious right) and reach out to independents. Some have already commented to me that Gov. Palin reminds them of me. I find that to be a tremendous compliment. While balancing a demanding career, she remained devoted to her husband and five children. Palin’s background as a sportsman instantly caught my attention because women in shooting or fishing are such a small group. It is a self assured woman who can operate in such male dominated spheres and do it without a hint of bitterness, entitlement, or insecurity.

Those who know me can attest that I have never bought into any sort of radical feminist ideology. When encountering sexism, I have rarely complained, perhaps because I have never felt inferior to men. That in and of itself is a tribute to the suffragettes and feminists who came before me. Rarely have I felt it necessary to think of the women’s rights movement as unfinished or something deserving of large scale political discussion. Yet even I find myself affected by the presence of a female on the Republican ticket. What a historic moment for the Republican Party and certainly a significant moment in my life as well.

As a political choice, many have commented that Sarah Palin is a gamble. What it shows me is that John McCain is not running a safe campaign. He is running to win and he is willing to take some risks for that success. I not only respect that effort, I applaud it.