Glass Ceilings and Hockey Moms: The Gender-based Race in ‘08

Recently I unintentionally involved myself in a lengthy political debate with my mother.

A staunch conservative, my mom is obviously voting Republican. To this day she defends George Bush despite his track record as the WPE and she wastes no opportunity to forward me uplifting PSAs from decorated American soldiers behind the McCain-Palin ticket or some article about hockey moms.

Kudos to her for being so fervent in her opinions, after all she is entitled to them. And thankfully my mother is basing her decision on the issues, unlike some other women in America whose focus on this election is terribly skewed. It’s not on the policies or the parties, not even on the Presidential nominee himself, but rather his sidekick, Governor Palin.

I should preface this by saying that in 2004 I voted for Bush. In my defense, life and politics were different four years ago and as I just mentioned I was raised in a very red family–I was naive.

But this is 2008 and now, as a registered Independent, my position is to vote policy not party. I entered this election with an open mind. I brushed up on the campaign promises. I researched the candidates. I watched both conventions. And I got angry.

Who are the Republicans trying to fool with this Palin parade? This isn’t a game or some hilarious SNL skit–this is the future of our country. The move to bring her on the ticket was irresponsible and misguided. Here’s why…

Polls have shown that a lot of Palin’s supporters are stoked at the idea of having a strong woman in the White House to keep cracking away at that glass ceiling. Yes, woman. McCain isn’t the deciding factor. Neither is his stance on the issues. Some voters, former Clinton ones included, are backing this ticket due solely on the fact that Palin is a woman.

I don’t know about you but gender should never trump a political candidate’s experience, demonstrated leadership or education. The person needs to be qualified–regardless if they wear lipstick or not–in order to get my vote.

Don’t get me wrong, I respect and admire Governor Palin. I think she deserves a lot of credit for advancing as fast as she has in her career while maintaining one darn good-looking family, but there is no way she’s ready to be Vice President in my opinion.

Now she’s young and she’s got potential–give her a few years. Perhaps she should actually visit a few countries and gain some foreign relations experience instead of looking out her kitchen window towards Putin’s backyard. Maybe she should be able to define specifics concerning her running mate’s legislative track record instead of pulling a Miss Teen South Carolina-esque answer.

I don’t think some Americans realize that if McCain is elected we are one 72-year-old heartbeat away from throwing Palin’s folksy charm into the role of Commander in Chief. I’m not comfortable taking that risk.

Conservatives have had their eight years. Give the Liberals their moment. Take a chance on change. We may even get that strong woman in the White House anyway.

-Marilyn