American Women Living Abroad Say NO

I am an American woman living is Switzerland for the past 28 years and I have voted—via absentee ballot—in every presidential election since my 18th birthday in 1978. In all that time, I have never been so appalled and dismayed by a Vice-Presidential nomination such as that of Sarah Palin....

First, I am amazed that someone so inexperienced and completely unqualified would even be considered for such an important position. The decision by Senator John McCain was extremely rash; obviously, neither his team nor he adequately researched Ms. Palin’s background nor did they examine it with much scrutiny.

Second, as a woman, I am ashamed that when this particular glass ceiling was finally broken, it was by a woman who has done absolutely nothing during her entire political career to improve or advance the status of woman. Names such as Hilary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice, Sandra Day O’Connor, etc., come to mind, but not once have I heard Sarah Palin's name mentioned as a champion for women's rights and/or their advancement in the political arena.

Third, as an American living abroad, I find it extremely reckless, not to mention dangerous, to nominate someone with absolutely no foreign policy experience! Especially when one considers present world events—from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the Iranian and North Korean nuclear situations, to mention just a few.

The nomination of Sarah Palin is a very obvious and painful slap in the face to every American woman. To have chosen a woman who is the antithesis to everything for which we have fought is surely an abominable insult to every one of the women and men who have helped the advancement of woman in America—and around the world.
-Jennifer N., 48, Geneva, Switzerland

Sarah Palin, by the Numbers

Sarah Palin may lie, but numbers don't. Her record speaks for itself:

2007: the year in which Sarah Palin first obtained a passport (Source)

312: the number of nights during her first 19 months in office that Palin charged taxpayers a "per diem" totaling $16,951 forstaying in her own home -- an allowance intended to cover meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business (Source)

$500 to $1,200: the fee that Wasilla charged rape victims to pay for post-sexual assault medical exams, after the city cut funds during Palin's tenure that had previously covered the exams (Source)

$150: the cash payment offered by the Palin administration to hunters who turn in legs of freshly killed wolves gunned down from airplanes (Source)

3: the number of times during her first few weeks as mayor that Palin inquired with the Wasilla librarian about banning books (Source)

3: the number of months after the censorship discussion that Palin fired the librarian (Source)

100: the approximate number of Wasilla residents who rallied to support the librarian, prompting Palin to withdraw her termination letter (Source)

0: the number of foreign heads of state Palin has met (Source)

0: the number of commands Palin has issued as head of the Alaska National Guard (Source)

2: the number of times in Palin's ABC News interview that she said the word "nucular" (Source)

0: Wasilla's long-term debt when Palin took office in 1996 (Source)

$18.6 million: the long-term debt Palin racked up by the time she left office in 2002, amounting to about $3,000 per resident (Source)

$50,000: the amount of city funds Palin used without authorization to redecorate the Wasilla mayor's office, including adding flocked, red wallpaper that made it look "like a bordello," according to a former Wasilla City Council member (Source)

33: the percentage by which Palin increased the budget of Wasilla during her tenure, despite billing herself as a fiscal conservative and champion of smaller government (Source)

25: the percentage by which Palin raised the local sales tax in Wasilla to pay for a sports center, despite claims that she cut taxes (Source)

$27 million: the total amount of federal earmarks Palin secured for Wasilla's town of 6,700 people while she was mayor, thanks to the help of a Washington lobbyist with ties to indicted Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) and convicted felon Jack Abramoff (Source)

3: the number of times John McCain specifically criticized earmarks requested by Sarah Palin when she was mayor of Wasilla, citing them as examples of wasteful spending (Source)

$453 million: the total amount of earmarks Palin has asked U.S. taxpayers to fund for Alaska projects over the past two years, despite McCain's insistence that she hasn't sought earmarks or special-interest spending from Congress (Source)

$506.34: the amount of federal earmarks Alaska residents will receive per capita in 2008, the highest level of any state (Source)

$223 million: the earmark secured for the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere" that Palin initially supported (Source)

See more Sarah Palin numbers of note here

Women say STEP DOWN

The nomination of Sarah Palin by the Republican party is a travesty. This decision not only brings into question McCain’s judgment, but it shows his complete irresponsibility and pure political agenda. This decision jeopardizes the leadership our country and puts the United States of America in a very vulnerable place in the world. I call for Sarah Palin to step down from her nomination!
-Carole H., GA

It is time to remove Sarah Palin from the Republican ticket and replace her with an experienced politician we don't have to vet. The Republican party needs to restore honor and integrity to the election process. Sarah Palin has made a joke out of it.
-Cindy A., WA

As a US citizen I strongly object to Sarah Palin as a Vice Presidential candidate. She is a joke to women all over the United States and should step down as VP running mate.
-Nicole C., 38, Salt Lake City, UT

Sarah Palin is a threat to our country and our freedoms. She is unprepared to take on the task of US VP, as well as inarticulate. We would be a laughing stock of the world is she comes into office, worse than we are now. I hope she has the decency to step down from her party's ticket. What was John McCain thinking?
-Paula K., 50, Plainfield, NH

Palin’s lack of experience is terrifying when she would be second in command to leading our country - especially with the age and health concerns of the presidential candidate.
She says that she is representing the women of the country, but is not for women's rights. Don't use your gender to try and get people to overlook the fact that you are no where near qualified, but then turn your back on that gender in all of your beliefs. If Sarah Palin is actually for women, she should do us all a favor and step down.
-Michelle L., GA

Mrs. Palin, your stand on rape victims is beyond comprehension. Have you ever been raped, had a child raped, and saw attacker go free? Do you know what that does to a person mentally, as well as physically? My daughter suffered such a rape, and to have forced her to carry a child not conceived in love, but violence would have been a death sentence for her. The rape alone was mentally upsetting enough she had to be placed in a out patient facility to get counseling, to recognize such attacks are not the fault of the victim. Your stand, to not only blame the victim, but to force them to pay for thier own rape kits is beyond inhumanity, its just grotesque and cruel.
A VP is suppose to put their personal agenda aside, and represent the American people and their needs first, placing personal wants and beliefs last. If you cannot do that, please, step down now and let someone in who can.
-Maria T., St. Louis, MO

When I witness Sarah's actions, I see only blind, reckless ambition. She is playing with the lives and security of more than 300 million Americans, not to mention people in the rest of the world who are all affected by the actions of this country. If Sarah truly loved America, she would step back and say, "Thank you for your nomination, but I am not qualified to be Vice President (and potentially President)." Her actions are especially frightening because her running mate is 72 years old.
Sarah, you are not qualified. Please show your love for our country and step down.
-Carla Z., San Jose, CA

The best thing for Gov. Palin, not to mention the United States of America, is for her to step down now. It would spare her and her family from further scrutiny and humiliation and the country from a woman who is not ready, and may never be ready, to lead.
-Joan C., 72, Easton, MD

Please add momentum by writing a letter to your local paper today asking Palin to step down.
- The Eds.

Undecided women make their decision.

I am a recent college graduate, registered as an Independent, who was too young to vote in the last election. I was so excited with the opportunity to get involved and educate myself on the views and policies of both candidates, unfortunately John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as VP has left me with no choice at all.
I feel disrespected as a woman by the arrogance of the GOP! Their nomination of Sarah Palin is an absolute slap in the face.
Every time I watch her speak, batting her eyelashes and smiling amiably as she simultaneously embarrasses herself and her party with her obvious disregard for facts or knowledge, I am appalled! The women of this country have worked far to hard to gain the equality I am SO proud to now enjoy as a woman for us too throw it all away. I never thought that I would be basing my first vote, something that I honestly have waited a long time for, on the inadequacies of a vice-presidential candidate rather than the capabilities of a presidential candidate.
-Rachael K., 21, Buffalo, NY

As a woman living in this wonderful country of ours, I am appalled that John McCain selected Sarah Palin as his choice for Vice President. Ms. Palin certainly doesn’t represent or uphold the interests of many American women including myself. I am totally aghast that the extreme right of the Republican Party has taken such a foothold that they could convince John McCain to choose her as his running mate. Doesn’t say too much for Senator McCain! Additionally, everyone has the right to believe what they want, but to think that your extremest views be the law of the land is incredulous. Originally, I was undecided as to whom to support, but with Sarah Palin on this Republican ticket, the choice has become no choice. Change is desperately needed. Let’s all make it happen!!!
-Arline A., 70, Fort Myers, Florida

I was undecided about my vote for president until Palin was selected.
-Sharon D., 60, Lansing, Michigan

I was undecided whom to vote for until Palin joined the ticket with McCain. It is McCain picked her because of her gender, not her accomplishments or what she stands for. Make no mistake, she is a religious zealot who is power hungry and will act to undo everything women have fought for all these years. McCain and Palin will but place this country in more economic jeopardy than currently present, a depression, which most of us have not seen in a lifetime. Palin is ill prepared to be VP. We would only know the full extent of her crazy radical zealot views if elected. Let's all make sure this does not happen. It is vital for our country, our daughter's and women everywhere that we all vote NO TO PALIN
-Linda H., physician from Denver, CO

I was an undecided voter until the selection of Sarah Palin as the VP on the McCain ticket. I was absolutely dumbfounded that he would pick someone so totally unprepared to be a Vice President, let alone President. She in no way represents me or my beliefs. I am now retired but I was a full-time working mother. I want better than this for my daughter's future and intend to vote for Barack Obama who I think will represent the issues I care about as a woman and American.
-Pam Y., 58, Camarillo, CA

I was undecided until the Sarah Palin nomination. If this was done to appeal to women voters, it did the opposite for me.
What an insult to women if the Republican Party thinks we don't look at issues. She reminds me of Dan Quayle... just a pretty face. Even worse than that, Ms. Palin represents the idea that women can be our own worse enemies. Tapping someone as closed-minded and intolerant as Ms. Palin for V.P., a heartbeat away from the highest office in the land, is irresponsible. I don't think women will overlook the facts, just to get a woman into that office.
If we are going to do it, let's do it right! Let's be proud of the woman chosen, proud of her intelligence, knowledge, open mindedness, and wise leadership, not because she's pretty and hard-line.
-Esther D.

As a registered Independent, I'd been holding out in deciding which way to go on this election. However, once I saw Sarah Palin being interviewed by our gentlest journalist, (Charles Gibson), and watched her hem, haw and try to bluff her way through questions that even I knew the answers to, ("the Bush doctrine?"), it was a much easier decision.
This is the ultimate insult to ALL women.
-Jeanie C, 52, Los Angeles, California

Governor Palin does not represent me as a woman and if John McCain was so shallow to think that just because she is a woman, all woman would vote for her/ them, he is and was very mistaken. It took us long enough to get we are now and by electing this pair, women would take a giant step back.
-Janice L. 59 years wise, Independent Voter, Lake Park, Florida

As a previously undecided voter, McCain's "choice" of Sarah Palin has cemented my support for Senator Obama. Sarah Palin is a slap in the face to every female in this country. I am not only insulted by her selection but also by her views, her intellect, her corny, canned responses and cliché sound bites. The Republican party's audacity to select such a woefully inadequate candidate is even more offensive. She is nothing more than window dressing, if she were not attractive she would NEVER have been considered for VP. Her nomination confirms the Republican leadership is truly arrogant and outrageously out of touch. As an educated, female voter, who has NEVER missed an election, I pride myself on carefully considering candidates regardless of party affiliation, it is not my priority to "identify" with a candidate or to select someone with whom I would want to "have a beer" . I require candidates who have the ability and intellect to accomplish the task at hand. Simply put, Sarah Palin can not do the job and would be an embarrassment. Period.
I will not gamble my country's future on Sen. McCain's ridiculous choice for second in command.
-Angie P., Florida Swim mom

Conservative columnist calls for Palin to step down

Few of the voices on this website ever supported Governor Palin as a viable Vice Presidential candidate--most of us knew it was a farce from day one. But yesterday, a former Palin supporter, conservative National Review columnist Kathleen Parker, called for Palin to step down.

In an article titled "Palin Problem," Parker writes:

"Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League.

No one hates saying that more than I do. Like so many women, I’ve been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted.

Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage and there’s not much content there. Here’s but one example of many from her interview with Hannity: “Well, there is a danger in allowing some obsessive partisanship to get into the issue that we’re talking about today. And that’s something that John McCain, too, his track record, proving that he can work both sides of the aisle, he can surpass the partisanship that must be surpassed to deal with an issue like this.”
[...]

If BS were currency, Palin could bail out Wall Street herself."

Link to the complete article here.

Women say NO – Part 24

I share your dismay over Sarah Palin's nomination for Vice President. Her views are alien to the majority of women, and her lack of experience on the national scene is frightening. McCain, for whatever reason, has galvinized the women to vote against his ticket, rather than for it, and certainly has pushed the Independents to vote for Obama. I question her ethics as well as her knowledge and understanding of the United States as a whole, as compared to her small town and underpopulated state. If it weren't so serious, it would be amusing. I'm looking forward to her debate with Joe Biden; it should be a wake-up call to those who think her nomination is just what the country needs.
-Sandra L., Maryland

Ms. Palin is poorly informed, poorly prepared, biased, and not in touch with millions of other women who must survive in this nation. She has no concept of scientific fact nor, apparently, the capability or desire to learn such. She must not and cannot be placed into the position of No. 2 in the White House. She and her backers are a danger to not only the women of this country, but the women and men of the world.
-Kathy U., North Las Vegas, NV

I am 70 years old and live in Olympia, WA. I thought I'd never live to see the day when a woman chosen to be the VP candidate has such archaic beliefs. Please! The GOP must have been out of their minds to choose her. You can be sure I'll vote for Obama!
-Marge P., 70, Olympia, WA

I do not support Sarah Palin on the Republican ticket. I appreciate the fact she is a woman and I would love more women in political offices—the higher the office the better. However, I don't agree with most of what Sarah Palin stands for; if she were a man with this platform I wouldn't look twice. I will not change my mind simply because we are of the same gender.
-Stefanie E., 37, Mentor, OH

Picking Ms. Palin as the vice presidential nominee is truly frightening to me. I am a mother of two young girls and I can't imagine what would happen if someone such as Ms. Palin was to obtain a political office as important as being second in command of this country. She is far from being a person who would inspire women of any age in promoting women's issues or rights. Her extreme views are not only frightening but also far from mainstream opinion. It is blatantly obvious that Senator McCain didn't pick Ms. Palin because of her experience. Ms. Palin's public comments and interviews so far have been an embarrassment to this country. He picked her for purely political reasons. We may never be told exactly why, but if it was to get women's votes he is completely off base. If Palin was picked to cater to the far extreme right then that shows that McCain is not a "maverick." He is just another Republican politician falling in line and doing what his party says instead of what is best for this country.
-Christina M., Colorado

I totally agree that she's not qualified. Every time I hear her talk I feel that she is just bashing Obama and doesn't have any real knowledge of politics or plain common sense. Anyway, she definitely shouldn't be VP, wish I could vote though. Good luck in keeping her out of office!
-Grace S., 15, Seattle

I am a woman, and I say no to Sarah Palin (and John McCain). I am very concerned with all environmental issues including global warming. How can McCain, who claims to be concerned with global warming and supposedly wants to come up with a plan to decrease emissions, choose a vice-presidential candidate who does not believe that global warming is caused by human activities AND place her in charge of energy affairs? I also support a woman's right to choose and I'm greatly concerned for the welfare of young girls and women if Roe vs. Wade is overturned. The last thing we need is a return of the dark days of back alley abortions and wire hangers. Taking away the right to legal abortion will not stop women from seeking them, It will only result in serious injury and death to countless women and children. I thought Bush was a nightmare, but in my opinion Sarah Palin is far worse. I will be voting for Obama, hoping that the cultural climate in this country will begin to shift from fear and control to one of hope and freedom.
-Laura C.

I am strongly against Sarah Palin in any nationally elected office. I believe many of her views are scary, but especially her views on abortion are a huge step backwards from the work that we and our mothers and grandmothers have worked for, for women’s rights! MY mother almost died in 1947 when she had to wait to have the then required number of doctors certify that she needed an abortion. I was two years old; she was so sick from the toxemia that had started in her body, she was unable to even hold me on her lap for quite awhile.
-Janette H., 63, Lake Elsinore, CA

I am against Sarah Palin because she does not reflect family values (left a special needs infant after 3 days to go back to work? pregnant teen daughter—obviously a lack of attention to her own family led to this crisis. Note to Sarah: sex ed. and birth control would have prevented the pregnancy); because her educational and business experience are weak (BA in Journalism? 5 years to complete? Sportscaster?); because her leadership and governmental experiences are weak (less than 2 years as Governor for the 4th smallest state by population in the US); and because she does not speak for mainstream women of America—and she certainly does not represent my values.
-Laura J., 48, Jeffersonville, IN

Republican Women Say NO - Part 4

As a Republican who believed in the GOP when it really represented conservative values, I am stunned and ashamed that John McCain decided to run a campaign with a person who has been caught in lie after lie from the beginning, ones that he himself has repeated. It is unbelievable to me that someone of so little consequence could actually represent intelligent people. I think the Republican Party must have been so desperate for someone exciting that they didn't look any farther than her face. And they're complaining about unfair treatment for Sara Palin? I guess they forgot about their own treatment of Hillary Clinton. Ms. Palin jumped in the water with the sharks, so she can expect to get bitten.
-Marti R. from a Red State

As a Republican, I was cautiously optimistic until Sarah Palin's selection. As a single mother, former Army sergeant, but foremost as an American, my whole-hearted support will now go to Obama/Biden as the best course for my country. Sarah Palin's political views represent the absolute worst and most dangerous course this country could take. That she navigated some political waters in the past with a modicum of success has failed to keep her from becoming the Republican Party's next puppet and McCain (her puppet master) couldn't be more of a disappointment once again.
-Elizabeth C.

As a Republican, I am appalled that McCain has picked Palin as his running mate. It's like his campaign committee sat around a table and said, "Hey, who is that women governor of Alaska...what's her name? Let's put her on the ticket. That'll get us some women votes!" It's the final nail in the coffin. I have officially declared my switching to the other side.....Vote for Obama!
-Susan Z., 56, Sarasota, FL

As a republican woman, I stand firmly AGAINST the decision to pick Sarah Palin as Vice President. She sets women back decades, and stands against everything this country has worked so hard for.
-Kaitlin T., 24, Ashburn, VA

Although I registered as a Republican this year, as a woman I cannot vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. I do not believe the choosing of Sarah Palin as running mate is a step forward for women. Someone who does not protect mother Earth has no right calling herself a woman before other women… Putting profit before planet is the same old song and dance.
-Jan

I am registered as a Republican but will not vote for this ticket in November. As I understand it, it was under Sarah Palin that it became legal to hunt wolves from aircraft in Alaska. This is a horrific sport. Hunting for food is fine, but killing or maiming an animal and leaving it to suffer for sport is unconscionable.
-Wendy B., 51, Lehigh Acres, FL

I am concerned about both Sarah Palin, a relatively inexperienced Governor who stands for issues and beliefs diametrically opposed to mine, and John McCain. There were other times during which I would have considered McCain as a Republican I might be able to support. Now, however, I feel he has sold his soul to the conservative segment of his party. We can ill afford to elect him, since he is making it apparent that if elected he would continue the policies of the current administration.
-Eileen S., Connecticut

I cannot believe that the Republicans picked a virtual unknown to run for Vice President… She does not represent me as a woman in any way, shape, or form; and as a Republican, I am going to cross over to the other side and vote for the Obama ticket. Sorry, Republicans, but I no longer vote on a straight ticket. As Mark Twain said, "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
-Barb, Denver, CO

I think the American women will be served a great injustice if McCain/Palin get control of our country. Our rights are going to be taken away, and our daughters may be thrown back into the dark ages... McCain/Palin will NOT get my vote!
-Dee L., formerly registered as a Republican, Illinois

I do not support the nomination of Sarah Palin as Vice-President on the Republican ticket. She is against nearly everything that I stand for, particularly as the mother of two daughters and grandmother of a granddaughter. In fact, I will not be voting as a Republican in November, but as a concerned citizen of the United States, which I love.
-Patricia A., Maryland

A Pennsylvanian Woman Says NO

I have been a Republican my whole life. And as a Republican, I have seen the party change from one of fiscal responsibility and middle-of-the-road policies to a more controlling, fearful party that seems to have little understanding of the economics of today. I have been a public school teacher my whole life. As a teacher, I have seen the results of a lack of sex education and the support of anti-abortion beliefs. Children in my classrooms were neglected because parents didn't really want them, and the parents couldn't, or didn't, take steps to prevent pregnancy. I have participated on committees when people have sought to have books removed from school libraries for a variety of reasons. I have read about other cultures in other parts of the world where governments control, or try to control, how their citizens live.

Seeing all this over the years, I find it hard to envision Sarah Palin leading us along a good path. She seems to be a very controlling person who wants to tell us what to read and how to plan for our families. Ms. Palin has proposed removing particular books from the public library in her community because she did not think other people should be allowed to read them (as if she was wiser than the other members of the community). She has also vocalized her belief that pregnancies must be carried to term no matter what the surrounding issues are (in essence making decisions for all others with no regard for their particular circumstances). She has no more foreign policy knowledge than I probably have and no tolerance for those who disagree with her. How in the world women who supported Hillary Clinton can be expected to support Sarah Palin is beyond me. Other than being the same gender, the two women are polar opposites. I find it insulting that Republican decision-makers can think that women who followed Hillary Clinton will suddenly see the light and vote for Sarah Palin. Do they really think we vote as an uninformed block for women as opposed to voting for the person (man or woman) who will do the best job?

I am now a Democrat voting for whomever seems the best person for the job. And this time, it is not John McCain and Sarah Palin.
-Barb T., 64, suburbs of Philadelphia

Republican Women Say NO - Part 3

I am a Republican through and through, but this year for the first time in my life—and my husband's—we will be voting Democrat. We are most disappointed in the party of our choice by selecting an individual, whether they be male or female, that is so inexperienced. We believe that she was selected not with the best interest of the country but to get Senator McCain elected as President. We believe with such an important position as Vice President of our country that this was a very poor decision. The attention that her nomination has garnered is another major concern of ours. The United States is in such a mess at this time we feel that this election should be about issues and should not be the circus that it has become.
-Janet J., Bella Vista, AR

I am a Republican woman who is voting for Obama/Biden. Sarah Palin is not for women's rights, and she is so extreme that this will set back women's rights 100 years. She lies about nearly everything, revealing her to be a fraud. McCain has picked someone who will hurt our nation, and this choice has showed his incompetence in so many ways. Wake up America.
-Barbara B., Ocean Township, NJ

I am a Republican fed up with Bush. I used to be interested in McCain, but have wavered in the last 2 months. With the addition of Palin to the McCain ticket, and the subsequent misleading advertising and dishonest campaign tactics of secrecy and manipulation, I see that our GOP party is still hijacked by the same types of people who have been running the Bush administration. It is clear that Palin is incredibly excited to be in her current position, the way a high school homecoming queen candidate might be, and is willing to say anything, do anything to promote "her" election. She doesn't stand for Republican Party values any more than McCain does now, and neither one of them will win the GOP back for those of us who feel abandoned. If McCain had chosen a solid Republican female with governor credentials, like Christy Whitman, I would feel secure that he would be well balanced. But I cannot support the McCain-Palin ticket. Bob Barr is our most reasonable alternative.
Karen H., 41, Pennsylvania

Sarah Palin is a wolf in sheep's clothing. She maybe able to fool most Republicans into thinking she ready to lead our country but I am not fooled! I want a leader who can listen to many experts in finance, economics, education and military strategy and then after much deliberation make a decision from critical analysis not based on his or her gut reaction or instinct. I want a leader who will 'BLINK', THINK and THEN ACT accordingly with an informed decision. Sarah Palin is impulsive, irrational and ill-informed—not a leader I would trust with a nation I hold so dear. McCain's lack of judgement in choosing Sarah Palin is why I am a Republican voting Democratic in this election. Obama has my vote!
-Lisa B., 46, Arizona

I want to express my disgust and disappointment in the Republican party for choosing Palin as the VP elect. Not only is she a poor choice because she is unqualified (I run a business with a bigger staff and budget than she does) she also does not represent the women of this country, nor the men. We want freedom of speech and freedom of choice. She is a token and we, as women should be insulted that she has been chosen to represent females, let alone United States citizens. I am embarrassed to say I am a Republican, and this ticket is NOT one to support. I hope we are all smart enough to look at the evidence and not just applaud them for picking a woman... she is like a wolf in sheep's clothing.... she does NOT represent any American woman that I know. PLEASE do not let her represent our country and lose all of our rights.
-Kelly M., 41, Northridge, CA

I knew that I was not alone in feeling that this choice of Vice President was only to win, not thinking of the people of our country. Palin does not stand for most of the women in the USA; beliefs, international issues, and the it's my way or no way. We will get no where if we continue that attitude. I am a Republican woman and I am scared.
-Sonya P., 53

I am all about women stepping forward and taking our rightful place among the leadership of this great nation. However, not this woman, not this time. With dread I listen to the media whip up the masses in response to this demagogue, and I ask myself why? Why can’t people see the truth, rather than being blinded by the Palin propaganda machine. If Sarah Palin has it her way, a very dark and Orwellian future looms before us. A future where creationism is taught in school, there is no division between church and state, choice is abolished, everyone has guns but no other civil liberties, and where the environmental issues are ridiculed as liberal lies. I am a Republican….. or was. And usually, the VP choice is just a detail, not such an issue. However, given McCain’s age, there is a higher probability that Sarah Palin may rise to the highest office in the land. She is not qualified—and this situation terrifies me and has called me into action more than any other election has ever done. I am not against her womanhood or teenage daughter, I am a woman with a teenaged daughter myself. However, I am against her Christian conservative, anti-environmental, and inexperienced platform. Please join my voice to the others, and heed our concerns.
-Maria L., 42, Annandale, VA

An Ohioan Woman Says NO

Admittedly, I am against knee-jerk reactions to situations that frighten me. In the case of Sarah Palin assuming the role of Vice President, and possibly President, I feel no different. My knowledge of her beliefs, interests, accomplishments, and political agenda is only what I've read recently in the media. With that said, based on the hype, and my own common sense, I can honestly say that she does not represent me. She may very well represent the image of a strong woman who's made her mark in Alaska, where men are men, and tough is good. Not bad qualities for a politician. She sounds competitive, and resourceful. Not bad either, except that George W. Bush possesses the very same qualities (minus the appearance of intelligence).

Here's what bothers me: I don't want another politician like George W. Bush, or perhaps worse. I want a President who encourages me to think for myself, one who isn't going to patronize me by telling me what I should read, believe, think, or feel. A leader isn't someone who comes to the table with their mind already made up; nor someone who is so independent that they say, "No thanks, I'm not interested in your perception." A leader listens to contrary opinions, and respects the ability of others to make responsible decisions based on their own beliefs, and their consciences. Ms. Palin sounds to me like someone who feels the need to control those who disagree with her. That's not Presidential.

We have all suffered through this kind of arrogance with George W. Bush for eight long and miserable years. Sarah Palin does not represent the librarian whose books were banned; nor the founding fathers who separated Church and State for good reason; nor the individuals who believe birth control should be their choice; nor those who are not afraid of fighting for the freedom to make these choices. Sarah Palin represents those who feel the need to control their personal space, and the personal space of others. Sarah Palin is not Presidential.

To those women who would vote for McCain/Palin because Hilary was not chosen, I'd point out that an X chromosome does not make an individual Presidential, anymore than a Y one does. Voting for Palin only to get a woman into the White House, is short-sighted, and could be disastrous to our country. I would like nothing more than to see a woman achieve what we've waited years for. Let us remember the differences that separate women such as Joan of Arc versus women like Eva Braun. We all know women we wouldn't want governing us. Let's agree to make Palin one of them.
-Margaret S., 63 years young, Columbus, OH

Independent Women Say NO - Part 3

At first I was confounded by the RNC's pic for McCain's running mate, but it didn't take long for me to become appalled and deeply concerned. This woman is an insult to our gender in my opinion, and it is VERY scary to think of someone with so little wisdom or experience catapulting to the Co-pilot's Seat of this country. Are we really so shallow in our thinking as to allow this to happen? Lord save us from ourselves! I am a registered Independent, and have long respected John McCain as a thoughtful and courageous man in the midst of a swarm of Neo-Cons. I also know that he wanted Lieberman for his running mate... But he hardly knew Sarah Palin. Considering McCain's age, the Republican VP pic is of paramount importance and this truly frightens me. A vote for Obama and Biden is a vote to save our country. Literally.
-Linda V., Tucson, AZ

I oppose John McCain’s choice of Governor Palin as his running mate for two reasons. First, I have always considered Senator McCain to be an outsider in the Republican political establishment. I respected his views on campaign finance reform. I have noticed that that ethical McCain has disappeared during the campaign, replaced by low political bickering, which has reduced the campaign to a war of nasty advertising on hot button conservative issues. Sarah Palin is nothing but a tool to solidify McCain’s appeal to his base. She symbolizes everything he is not—and distracts the media from the fact that McCain has never appealed to the Christian right. Second, if she were to assume the presidency, she is woefully underprepared to deal with the complexities of foreign relations in this age. This would leave her the prey of McCain’s political advisors—she would still be a tool, a figurehead directed by the military and establishment bureaucracy. Her experience in government is often compared to that of Senator Obama, but even as a political Independent I can see that he is, by virtue of his education and longer political experience, vastly more qualified. His answers to questions about foreign policy prove him much more knowledgeable. But I think we should also remember that the real choice is between Obama and McCain, not Obama and Palin.
-Indira G., 37, Cleveland, OH

1 step forward.... and 2 steps back for Women if McCain/Palin are elected.
-Cindy E., Registered independent, Cedar Rapids, IA

I have worked hard my whole life to be taken seriously. I am appalled that the Republican Party would attempt to overturn that work by offering an inexperienced, ill-prepared candidate as Vice President. Sarah Palin does NOT represent my views and I will not support her just because she is woman. I have been a registered Independent and have voted both GOP and Democrate always based on who I felt would lead my country well. The last eight years have been dificult to deal with and now to have that same ruling party try to cloud the issues by introducing a woman just for the sake of her being a woman – please don't insult my intelligence any further. Mr. Obama you have my VOTE!
-Linda B., 54, Los Gatos, CA

I feel Sarah Palin has one NO voice for me. She is entitled to have her own views and live HER life as she chooses. I don't believe she is entitled to tell me how to live MY life, NO government official should have this right. My religious beliefs may not be the same as hers, does this make me less of an American? I don't believe God requested this WAR, MAN did. I am pro choice, and as a women, would certainly struggle if ever needed to make this decision, but none the less, a decision I should have the right to make. I believe animal life is just as important as human life. I do understand the importance for some humane animal testing for research. I do not believe hunting was ever intended to take place from the air. This type of hunting only proves one thing she is not about fairness or equality. If she was, she would hunt from the ground, giving the animal a chance, to sense her presence, allowing them to hunt or flee as they do in their own surroundings. There is nothing fair about shooting an animal from overhead. All she represents to me is another women in the White House, she does not represent progress. She has the idea's of a male president in a women's body that's not progress.
-Stephanie C., registered Independent, Connecticut

I am a 52-year-old woman from Scottsdale, Arizona and I have never been as insulted as I was when John McCain recklessly pandered to his Republican base by selecting a totally unqualified running mate for his ticket. How dare he assume that women are nothing more than the sum of their hormones and will vote for a woman--any woman--based on gender. How dare he speak to the media (his 60 Minutes interview this week) and proclaim that someone who cannot even tell you what the Bush Doctrine is is ready for the job of president. Her preparation for the intellectual gymnastics and rigors of international and domestic finance and policy is nonexistent. Her academic preparation for the understanding of history and commerce in an ever-shrinking globe is minimal. I, for one, am not interested in a single penny of my tax dollars being used for her remedial training. She is not qualified for this job!
-Patricia M., 52, Scottsdale, AZ

I am a 67-year-old female registered Independent who has never been as frightened of the possibility of one candidate being a heart-beat away from the presidency of our nation as I am now. The nomination of Sarah Palin has made me fearful of what will happen to this country if the McCain/Palin ticket is voted into office. There are many extremely important issues facing the next president and vice-president. We need intelligent measured leaders who will use good processes to find solutions to reestablish this country as a powerful nation of integrity and morality. To think that John McCain chose such an inexperienced conservative person who knows very little about economics and international affairs shows he has poor judgment and acted not in the best interest of our country. That Sarah Palin could be President of the United States of America should make the electorate think very carefully when casting their vote.
-Marjorie V., 67

As a concerned independent female voter, I am adamantly opposed to Sarah Palin's nomination for VP of the US! It is a real slap in the face to even suggest that women who supported Hillary Clinton should now cast their votes for McCain with Palin at his side. Many of those same people are those who claimed Hillary Clinton didn't have enough experience.....but NOW they're all for this "Maverick" woman who's governor of a state with fewer people than the entire city of Chicago. I oppose vehemently!!!
-Jane K., Tucson, AZ

I am a 68-year-old independent voting woman. I have seen too much discrimination, socially and in employment, to allow a woman or a man take the gains that have been made in the last 30 years away. My daughter and my granddaughter deserve the right to choose the way they lead their lives. Sarah would take those choices from them. She will not get my vote, and thus the GOP will lose my vote for Senator McCain because of their irresponsible choice of a VP.
-Judy G., 68, Rhode Island

No, Thank You

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my outrage at the level to which John McCain and his ill-advised advisers were willing to stoop to get him elected president. The selection of Sarah Palin has only served to distract both presidential candidates from addressing the real issues. I am insulted as a women and as an American at the desperation of John McCain and his use of “Country First” as a campaign slogan. Clearly, this selection of Sarah Palin has everything to do with John McCain and his last possible chance to be elected. It is sad to see how far he has fallen in 8 years.

I have nothing to say about Sarah Palin that hasn’t already been said other than to ask what kind of America she believes in that she would even consider—given her lack of experience and questionable governing policies—the offer to run as McCain’s VP choice.
-Kathleen S., 60, Charlotte, NC

Independent Women Say NO - Part 2

I really wonder why the pollsters never call me: I am a white mother of four (two boys, two girls). I have been married to the father of my children for 15 years. I’m a Christian and a Sunday School teacher. I’m registered as an Independent and I live in a small, rural town. I’m also a working, professional woman who places a high priority on my family. I am HORRIFIED to hear people say that Sarah Palin in any way represents ME! No thank you. Her candidacy makes me so angry that I can hardly put my anger and frustration into words. It is incredibly insulting to me, as a woman and a mother that she puts herself out there as just one of “the girls”. I never, never want my kids—any of them, the boys or the girls—to face the possibility of living in an America run by Mrs. Palin. God help us!
-Julie G., 39, Windsor, VT

I am neither a white woman, nor a black woman; I am an American woman who was born and raised and has lived solely in the United States for almost 60 years. As an Independent, I am totally disappointed by the negative attack campaign that John McCain has supported during this presidential quest. I had seriously considered voting for him until those negative TV ads (the Britany Spears one was the kicker) started to hit the scene (and has continued with a vengeance). And as a discerning professional woman who loves this country, I cannot fathom why Mr. McCain thinks that I would want to vote for him and his VP choice, given that Ms. Palin represents everything that I am against in both political and personal pursuits. This is the last straw. No way will I vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to a lot of women in this country; she clearly does not speak for me.
-Joyce N., 59, Arlington, MA

As an independent, I chose in the last election to vote for President Bush. It was a choice that I now regret. I say this to say, I'm not a long-term anti-Republican but there is nothing about the Bush administration that I would like to see continued; and McCain's candidacy has been so patently political (all strategy, no substance) that I can't take him seriously as a candidate. I saw little to support in him before he announced his running mate. The selection of Palin only served to destroy any hint of respect I ever had for the man. Palin is clearly the most unqualified, vapid and dangerous woman in politics. If she's the best that the Republican party can come up with as a potential VP and a (God help us) back up should something happen to McCain, I truly feel sorry for you (well no, not really). The real question is, did Palin really think that women would be so dense as to believe that calling herself a dog with lipstick was a good thing? Are we supposed to be so blind that we don't realize that the Republicans are running the foulest campaign I have seen in my lifetime as a distraction to the fact that both McCain and Palin are just not right for the Oval Office?
-Lois W., Orland Hills, IL

As an independent voter not affiliated with either party, I am saddened and offended by McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his VP. Sad because I think they might actually win (though it baffles me), offended because the choice is so patronizing. I accept that the choice of a woman for the VP spot was a smart strategic move for McCain, and that's just politics, but her? The first woman to get this close to the presidency should be someone who is actually qualified, not a political pawn who was chosen over more qualified women because of her celebrity style. Palin is on the wrong side of every issue that is important to me as a woman. The fact that she IS a woman does nothing to endear me, it only magnifies her ultra socially conservative positions all the more so. McCain has most certainly lost my vote.
-Jennifer C., 38, Potomac, MD

I am a 73-year-old retired social worker who registers as an Independent. However, McCain's pick of an inexperienced and arrogant women to be his Vice President clarified for me that my only choice is Obama. Ms. Palin frightens me both for my country and for my grandchildren who might have to reap the results of her so-called value-laden policies should she, God forbid, ever ascend to the Presidency.
-Jane B., 73

First, if Ms. Palin were a man, she would not have been considered for the VP position for a nanosecond. Second, she may very well have been a good mayor for her town (I have no idea if that’s so or not). Perhaps a good governor, but one with little experience for sure. But not nearly enough background to be V/P with a presidential candidate who is old! (I can use the word old, as I am too!) That she could become the president is very worrying to me. Finally, as an independent voter, I could not vote Republican this time because I question the judgment of Mr. McCain and the top people who would make this choice.
-Ellin L., North Conway, NH

As an Independent woman, I would like everyone to know that Sen. McCain's choice of Sarah Palin threw me back over the fence to Obama. I truly thought Senator McCain would put Country First; I respected his life history and his judgment. However, this choice, of a woman whose life history and judgment are questionable, was extremely disappointing.
-S. C.

It is offensive to me and a total outrage that the Republican Party should think that delivering an attractive, charismatic female to the Presidential ticket is the way to win my vote. She does NOT represent my views in any way. I shudder at the thought of such an ignorant, inexperienced, misguided fundamentalist representing the whole of the United States to the rest of the world. I have left the Republican Party for good, and have reregistered as an Independent.
-Germaine G., 47, LA, California

Make Your Opinion Count

PBS is running an opinion poll on whether or not Sarah Palin is qualified to be Vice President. It's only a matter of clicking Yes, No, or Don't Know. You can make your opinion count here:

http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

After you vote, please send this on to others.

Lyra & Quinn

Independent Women Say NO - Part 1

I am a former Alaskan, but still an Alaskan in my heart. I was stunned and appalled by the appointment of Sarah Palin as the VP candidate. As an Independent, that absolutely slammed the lid shut on any possibility I would consider voting Republican this year. This appointment tells me the Republicans have no respect for the intelligence of the American people and that McCain will use any grandstanding stunt possible to win an election. I shudder to think of one so untrained and inept, not to mention radically right-wing, a heart-beat away from the presidency. Palin is a sop to women and a sop to the ultra-right wing of the party. It is obvious that McCain thinks women, in particular, are stupid and we'll fall for anything. There are strong, intelligent, well-qualified women in both parties—but Palin is not one of them. Why not Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine among many other qualified women?
-Marsha G., 59, Former Alaskan

I am 69 years old and registered as an independent. I find the selection of Sarah Palin a very disturbing choice for vice-president… There were many truly qualified women for John McCain to have chosen from. I can't believe that this was his choice. Let's hope that this phenomena will wear itself out as more and more is learned about Sarah Palin's policies and morals in government. I, and all my friends, will not vote for her. We are educators and business women who take government seriously. Our country has once again have become the laughing stock of the rest of the free world.
-Ann J., 69, Pescott, AZ

Sarah Palin has no business being vice-president, or God-forbid, president. I am one more woman, registered as an independent, who will NOT vote for McCain/Palin.
-Sue S., Charlotte, NC

As an independent voter, I am insulted that John McCain and his advisors would think that my vote would be secured by nominating a woman. I vote by judging the candidates by their records, their declarations and by how I want my country to go forward. Sarah Palin is not someone I want waiting in the wings in case Sen. McCain cannot serve out his presidency. I want a vice president I believe in, not a past beauty queen with very little federal government experience. The Republicans will NOT be getting this vote in November.
-Andi C., 55, Massachusetts

As an independent, I was of an open mind to Senator McCain before his choice of Sara Palin as his V.P. But clearly, Palin is not qualified to hold the position of V.P. of America, let alone the possibility of President if McCain is elected—which is very real considering the age and medical background of the Senator. The concept of Palin as President of the United States is the most ridicules idea and political trick I have yet heard of. It would be nothing short of disastrous under the best of circumstances, let alone the current state of global affairs. Does anyone have a brain out there? We must stop this potential catastrophe now. This proves just how incompetent and desperate John McCain really is.
-Rachel W., Colorado

Sarah Palin 's possible selection as vice-president of the United States is not a women's issue. It should not be a partisan issue. It is a question of common sense. As an independent voter, I have closely read the information available regarding Governor Palin's record. It is clear that Ms. Palin is in no way prepared to serve as vice-president of the United States in any than the most ceremonial aspects of that position. If this sadly uninformed, thoroughly doctrinaire politician is unqualified to be vice president, the real possibility of her serving as president must be deeply alarming to any thoughtful person regardless of gender or party affiliation.
-Paula Q., 66, Brooklyn, NY

I am a 46-year-old RN and mother of 3 who cannot stand the thought of Palin or McCain. I am registered as an independent and will be voting for Obama and Biden, who really do support women.
-S. C., 46, Ashland, OR

As an independent thinker, a working mother of five, past PTA vice president of my children's school, and a proud American woman, when Palin's nomination was announced, I kept my mind open to her. I had a lot of respect for McCain and thought, after all, it is McCain who chose her. The idea that she started out as "one of us" gave me a faint sense of connection with her. However, the more I learned about her and heard from her directly, my interest was soon replaced with deep offense. Palin and I share our gender, titles of mother, wife, and working woman, but that is all that we have in common. The more I hear her speak, she turns me off with her divisive and nasty messages and double talk. She is not my candidate, she is no Hillary, not even close. As for McCain, what a disappointment he turned out to be! He is a disgrace. How is this "Country First"? McCain lost my vote BIG TIME.
-Tami Z., Pacific Palisades, CA

I've been waiting most of my life for a presidential candidate who makes me WANT to vote for them, as opposed to voting for the lesser of two evils. Unfortunately, it isn't going to happen this time either. As an independent, I have voted Republican on a couple of occasions, but I can no longer tolerate 4 more years of the same rhetoric. It scares the living daylights out of me that we have this maverick running for VP who will not support stem cell research, nor a woman's right to choose, and she thinks that global warming is not increasing due to human foibles. The gender of the candidate does not concern me...the experience, and ability to think objectively, and keep one's religious convictions at bay is very important to me. If McCain gets in, we all need to pray that he has good health for 4 years.
-Mary M., Newburyport, MA

Sarah Palin has absolutely no qualifications to be vice president or president of the United States… By selecting her, John McCain has lost all of my respect and has put our country in harm’s way. I'm a 62-year-old woman who has voted since I was 21, and for 20 years I was a card-carrying member of the Republican party. When it was no longer the party of fiscal responsibility, and merely a mouthpiece for the religious right, I bailed out. As an Independent, and a social liberal, I could not possibly vote for McCain now because of his frightening choice for vice president.
-Mary E., 62

As an independent woman in the United States, I say NO to Sarah Palin. Our government should not be run by a right-wing woman who makes her decisions based on unscientific and archaic religious beliefs.
-Lisa B., Amherst Junction, WI

It is an insult to me to think that the republican candidate would think that I, as an independent woman voter, would consider Sarah Palin a comparable alternative to Hillary Clinton.
-Patricia K., Acra, NY

An Independent Woman Says NO

My name is Robin B, and I am 54 years old. I am a graduate of Stanford University and the U. of Idaho College of Law. After 27 years of full-time law practice (six as an in-house corporate lawyer, eight in a major Northwest regional law firm, first as an associate and then as a partner, and the remainder in a two-person firm with my husband as a real estate development lawyer), I retired on December 31, 2007. Since I first became eligible to vote, I have been registered as an Independent. I have voted for both Republican and Democratic candidates, and I have never been a "single-issue" voter but, rather, have typically evaluated each candidate and his or her positions on all issues in determining my voting choice. I have two children, a 19-year-old daughter in her first year of college, and a 17-year-old son who is a senior in high school. My husband, who is 60, retired when I did, and we are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.

John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate diminishes and trivializes all that I have worked for and accomplished in my professional life. The choice strikes me as a cynical ploy to attract female and Christian-right voters without regard to Ms. Palin's ability or qualifications to service as Vice President and, if necessary, President. From personal experience, I know that there are innumerable women in the legal profession who excelled in first-rung colleges and in law school, who are superior lawyers and who have full and rich family lives in the best American tradition. I feel certain that there is a large pool of Republican women in this country, amenable to serving in public office, who have comparable qualifications in their chosen field. I don't see Sarah Palin as being in that talent pool. She appears, instead, to have been chosen for her looks, her cheer-leader personae, her ability to "spin" her own story, her ability to lacerate "enemies" with inaccuracies, and her knee-jerk positions on issues that deserve and need an approach that is as thoughtful and as complicated as the U.S. electorate.

If you are going to choose a woman to do a job in this country, choose her for her qualifications. The potential candidates are virtually unlimited.
-Robin B., 54, Portland, OR

Republican Women Say NO - Part 2

McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate is insulting to women and a reckless choice. Though a Republican, I cannot support this choice and look forward to voting for Obama in November.
-Joan W, Vero Beach, FL

I agree there should be no McCain/Palin for our country. I have been a lifelong Republican since the days of Kennedy and Nixon but this year McCain was nominated, and then he picked Palin—it's beyond belief! I do not like him at all, as I remember when he was involved in the "Keating Five," which is the reason he went after Campaign Finance Reform. I just can't believe he is still a senator... McCain knew he could not win on experience so he chose Palin as an agent of change—and change she is. A big change for the worst if they get in. She will bring this country down more than it already is. Her belief in the issues are too extreme for me. I pray they do not get in.
-Jan P., Massachusetts

I am a 72-year-old woman who has been a Republican for most of my life. I find the choice of Sarah Palin to be Vice President the most upsetting. I was thinking of voting for Obama, now I am for sure.
-M. M.

As a registered Republican, I cannot even think about voting for a woman like Sarah Palin on the ballot. We are just one heart attack from this far-right person who does not believe in separation of church and state. The US was founded on freedom of religion and speech. Not a gun-toting person who says she believes in censorship.
-L. F., Portland, OR

I am a registered Republican but will vote Democrat for Obams and Biden. Please note, I am not in favor of Sarah Palin for Vice President or any other US Office. She is a scary person with absolutely no smarts about our world and foreign affairs ... it makes my head spin that McCain would subject this woman to the public for elected office. I do not believe that McCain will be able to complete a term, if elected, and the result of having Sarah Palin for President is appalling and very, very scary. I was not in support of Hillary but at this time she looks like one of the most intelligent persons available to do a good job.
-Carol C., San Diego and Ensenada, CA

I am a 62-year-old woman, a former republican (now an independent - thanks to GWB), a mother, wife of over 40 years, a non-religious Christian (yes, there is such a thing because religion seems to have very little to do with true Christ-like behavior), a career woman yada-yada. The fact that Sarah Palin could be a heartbeat away from being President of the USA is terrifying. She is the antithisis of who I believe should be in the White House. Her views on energy, choice, the environment alone show her remarkable lack understanding. I haven't heard her utter one intelligent word on the economy. She is a disaster. Shame on McCain!
Elizabeth G., 62, Half Moon Bay, CA

Republican Women Say NO - Part 1

No way will I vote for the McCain Palin ticket. My mother is a life-long Republican who supported Hillary—Just the kind of woman the Republicans were targeting when they chose Palin. She was insulted that they would resort to such a ploy- Palin does not stand for anything my mom believes in. As for my Dad, he served in Congress with McCain and had one run-in with McCain's famous expletive-laced temper and so my dad will probably sit out the election rather than vote for either candidate. My point is that both my parents, loyal Republicans and in the case of my dad—a former politician who was very loyal to his party—are both against McCain and Palin. All I can say is I am glad my parents have finally seen the light!
-Eleanore M., 53, New York

I am very worried about the McCain ticket. I was not so worried until he selected Palin. I consider myself a moderate Republican, about to become once again an Independent. Sarah Palin scares me! I can only think that McCain was pandering to the far right of his party. That's a group I wish not to be affiliated with.
-Margaret P.

Putting a woman such as Sarah Palin on the ticket as the VP nominee is a slap in the face to women everywhere, and especially to the many other quite capable and much more qualified Republican women out there. She does not represent the women I know. It is women like her who have made things so difficult for the rest of us. I believe it was Gloria Steinhem who said Palin was a younger version of Phyllis Schaffley and boy was she right!!
-Rita D., 57, Southern Indiana

I will NOT vote Republican for president and neither should any other woman! Sara Palin does NOt represent women's needs.
-Sheri M.

Women say NO – Part 23

"Unless our conception of patriotism is progressive, it cannot hope to embody the real affection and the real interest of the nation."

—Jane Addams

Can you imagine facing the possible meltdown of the world-wide financial system with Sarah Palin as our President? Field-dressing a moose and shuttling your kid to hockey practices, even running the State of Alaska, does not equip you to determine whether or not to bail out AIG. We need the smartest, most capable people in place to get us out of the mess we're in—and Sarah Palin isn't one of them.
-Katie R., 44, Los Altos, CA

I am 65 years old, never a feminist, but a woman who cherishes the rights and freedoms that we have earned to date and need to see strengthened and enhanced. Like many others, I am appalled that McCain thinks any woman will fit the bill…country first? What is this 72 year old guy thinking…or is he? His age and quickly bowing to the powers of the right is disgusting! His choice of Palin reflects his loss of integrity.
-Lindarose B., 65

I find the appointment of Sarah Palin to be the running mate for John McCain insulting. Mrs. Palin does not possess the education, experience or judgment to become Commander-in-Chief if that should become necessary. Senator McCain must have an extraordinary contempt for the American people to be willing to have a person so unqualified to be Vice President on his ticket that he would actually think Americans would not see this for the pandering it is. Perhaps in another time this pandering would be acceptable but with the economic situation, the fact that we are at war, etc., makes this choice almost an act of treason. Senator McCain and Ms. Palin will not be getting my vote or my husband’s vote or my two sons vote or my three daughters votes.
-Kathleen P., 62, Ohio

By selecting someone as inexperienced, incompetent, and intolerant as Sarah Palin, John McCain shows that he has no true concern for his nation or its citizens. He’s older and not in the best health, yet he doesn’t care if his choice means that America stands a good chance of being governed by such an inappropriate and flatly frightening person. Ladies, gentlemen: We’re not voting for someone like ourselves, who drives to soccer games or likes a beer with the guys. We’re voting for the most intelligent, able person we can find. Those people are not John McCain or Sarah Palin. One more thought: I’m tired of people who are actually anti-choice being called pro-life. No one is truly pro-life who enjoys shooting defenseless timber wolves from an airplane and draping her office couch with a huge bear skin.
-Anne B., 61, Arlington, VA

This is another pretty, glib, wealthy woman who really has no interest, much less an idea, of real women. She has set us all back years. My entire opinion of John McCain has changed since he selected her. Truly qualified Republican woman should be aghast and insulted. Let us begin her defeat.
-Merle M., Huntington Beach, CA

I cannot believe John McCain could be so irresponsible to pick such an unqualified woman for the most important possible job in this country. Especially with our critical economic crisis at this time... Even if he were to be President, he has admitted in the past that he knows nothing about economics. Our country is in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and to think that a young woman who has no education beyond a B.A degree, and never even had a Passport until 2006 could tackle this enormous job is absolutely ridiculous!
-Gigi M.

This woman in NO way speaks for me, my generation, my status as a mother, my status as a mother of an enlisted soldier or just a fellow human being. She stands for all of the things that women should guard against.
-Natalie M., 46, Paxton, MA

We have had eight years under Bush where decisions were made based on what our President would like to believe rather than on the hard facts. With Ms. Palin second in command, we risk again having such a leader. You need only look at the failures of this administration to see why Ms. Palin is such a theat to the future well being of our great country.
-Bonnie M., 61, California

While England, Israel, Argentina and Sri Lanka are just a few countries who have had women heads of state. America is well behind in our ability to access women as equals. This present nomination is clearly indicative that men still view women as a "trophy." ... As Vice President, especially to a 72 year old President, it is essential that this person be ready to step into the President's chair seamlessly. Palin is not able to address the complex dangers of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, or Pakistan. I guarantee that she is just as confused about the Shites and Sunnis then her running mate. She is not experienced enough or knowledgeable enough to address the economic and social disasters that have to be redressed in order for the United States to regain their footing on the world stage... Women are ready and able to lead this country. It simply isn't Sarah.
-M.L.L.E. Arant

As an American woman and voter, I firmly oppose Sarah Palin for the Vice Presidency. Her position on virtually every issue is contrary to what I believe to be in the best interest of the United States—which would be centrally focusing on development of alternative renewable energy, solving the huge economic crises, protecting the environment, valuing the separation of church and state. Palin has no significant foreign policy credentials in order to address this country's relationships with the rest of the world.
-Beverly M. ,71, Cleveland, OH

I'm a moderate, middle class, working mother and small business owner who has voted both Democrat and Republican over the past 24 years. Despite being a diligent voter, until this election I've never been politically active. I believe that McCain's choice of Governor Sarah Palin for Vice President is irresponsible. Regardless of where either McCain or Palin actually stand on the issues, putting anyone (man or woman) "one heartbeat from the presidency" who has so little leadership experience representing the large and diverse populations that comprise our country; anyone whose actual record of accomplishments are both uncertain and preliminary; and anyone who (admittedly) has so little understanding and knowledge of the major issues facing our nation – putting anyone like this so close to assuming one of the most powerful positions in the world is irresponsible. It is irresponsible because no matter how good Sarah Palin could be, she is not seasoned enough yet to be that effective and the result is that it will be others – who have not been elected – who will be calling the shots in the event that McCain, a 72 year old cancer survivor, cannot perform his duties. For a conservative's view on her lack of experience, read David Brook's NY Times 9/15/08 Op-Ed ) With this message I'm becoming politically active for the first time in my adult life. I'm walking door-to-door, calling my neighbors, emailing my friends. I'm asking YOU to think about what is important to you this November and I'm asking you to get active too in whatever way you can.
-Dana T., 46, Arlington, VA

If McCain's choice of a running mate is an example of his judgment, heaven help us if he is elected president.
-Dorothy R., Schuylerville, NY

It was very irresponsible on John McCain's part to offer up to the country a person who basically wouldn't know the first thing about governing this country and all its complexities. If this ticket wins, it's a disaster for all of us. It will be the end of USA as we know it.
-Margareta J.

As the first woman in Iowa to be allowed to join the Carpenters Local union, I know that a woman in a nontraditional job is hard to do. Sarah Palin does not stand for me. She does not know what it is like to truly fight for equality.
-Susan M., Winterset, IA

Sarah Palin has allowed inflated ambition and the seductions of potential position and power to subvert any common sense and reasoned reflection on her part. Her selection reflects cynicism about and contempt for the United States, as a country and as a people, the country's challenges, needs, and governance. If elected, she will continue to be the tool of those who do not have the best interests of OUR country at heart. If Sarah Palin was a true patriot, she would withdraw from the campaign.
-Andrea S., 63, Ellensburg, WA

The hype she has generated is especially troubling to me because the next administration will play a powerful role in shaping the Supreme Court for years to come. I fear that a woman's right to choose is in danger, that our wildlife refuges will be destroyed for a minimal supply of oil, that special interests will continue to take precendence over middle class Americans, that my children will not be educated about the wonders of evolution, and that our economy will continue to suffer from deregulation and an unwinable war. Most of all, I fear that a person with no international experience--someone who has only traveled to Canda and Mexico and never met a foreign leader--was chosen to be second in command for political propaganda. I urge all women to look beyond the one-liners and focus on what is important to them, their daughters, and their fellow Americans. Gov. Palin does not, and should not, represent me.
-Alexis S., 28, Colorado

I cannot vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. I was astounded when John McCain chose Palin as his running mate. If you possess any fear about subliminal terrorism then you should also harbor great concern that Palin's position is fundamentalist, extremist; and most bizarrely, anti-women's rights. Since John McCain in choosing Palin sends a clear message that they are like-minded in their philosophies and ideals.
-Wendy P., 49, FL

As a 56 year old married professional and homemaker I fear Sarah Palin almost as much as I would fear a fringe fundamentalist Muslim. She represents America's version of that narrow and extremist ideology, and is just as dangerous to our nation and the world. We need the best and the brightest navigating the future, whatever sex or race that may involve. I had supported Mrs. Clinton because of her brains and her values. Obama represents the same competencies, ethics and morals. Palin is a dangerous threat to our very freedom and future.
-Molly C., Los Angeles, CA

I am dismayed by the possibility that Sarah Palin might become either VP -- or even worse -- President of the US. She represents the opposite of all the values I hold dear. In Alaska she has already demonstrated cronyism, opposition to free speech, manipulativeness, and a gross disregard of established scientific conclusions re global warming and evolution. She is unprincipled. As a VP candidate she lies blatantly, & contradicts herself to fit the circumstances. She shows utter ignorance of the workings of the economy and foreign affairs, even the energy situation. Her "solutions" to complex issues are simplistic and dangerous. Worse, she substitutes blind fundamentalist religious faith for an intelligent ability to LEARN, to fill in the enormous gaps in her knowledge. Palin in the White House would be a disaster not only for the US but for the world, the planet.
-Jean B, age 79, Cambridge, MA

Sarah Palin has already demonstrated her contempt for the rule of law by disregarding the probe into her alleged abuse of power; that her appointee, Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg, is helping her in this, demonstrates not just contempt but cronyism as well. Leaders who simply ignore the laws which operate for everyone else, have gotten us energy policies we aren't able to probe, an unjustified war, and an unprecedented domestic survaillance program. We would like to believe that this chapter in our history will end with the exit of Bush and Cheney, but what little we know of Sarah Palin's current actions shows she sees nothing wrong with using her position both to get what she wants and to avoid reprecussions. We are already dealing with the fallout from leadership like hers. I shudder at the thought we could allow it again.
-Andrea L. Pinetop, AZ

This woman does not represent me or any of the women that I know in states all across the country. She represents the past, and we desperately need to move forward. She is not qualified to be president, should she be needed to be, so it is an insult to women that she was picked as a political maneuver.
-Daya K. age 59, Raleigh, NC

I am against Ms. Palin as Vice President of our USA. I know now for sure I will vote for Sen. Obama.
-Marjorie G., Vernal, UT.

I am a 49 year old woman who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
I in no way support the nomination of Sarah Palin for Vice President.
I do not believe she is qualified for the job.
I do not agree with her politics or values.
I do not believe she could in any way unite or lead our support our country effectively.
I see her nomination as a distraction from the real needs and issues of our country.
I find it alarming that she would consider herself capable of stepping into the role of Vice-President.
I find it alarming that the Republican Party would consider her capable of stepping into the role of Vice-President.
I find it disturbing that some people would vote for her just because she is female.
I find it disturbing that the people who endorse her seem to be engaged by the entertainment value of her nomination rather than because they believe she would make a good Vice-President.
-J. W. Traynor, 49, Atlanta, GA

Women say NO - Part 22

"Small use it will be to save democracy for the race if we cannot save the race for democracy."
—Jeanette Rankin

I am a registered Republican. I was born in and have resided in San Francisco since graduating from college at UC Berkeley. That's right, there are Republicans who are Berkeley graduates and San Francisco residents. As a registered Republican, and as an accomplished professional woman with a law degree, I feel it is my duty to share my extreme distress over McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. She is not qualified to be the President of the United States and she does not represent Republican women. The worst part about the choice, is there are so many qualified Republican women that McCain could have selected, but I suppose he felt that Kay Bailey Hutchinson was "too old" and oh... that's right... she's also Pro Choice (as are many intelligent and educated Republican women of all ages). I have voted in every Presidential election since 1984 and my vote has elected the President in 4 of the 5 elections. (I voted for Dole over Clinton, but voted for Clinton over Bush Sr) I was undecided about Obama vs McCain until McCain selected Palin as his running mate. Although there are many things I do not like about McCain and his beliefs, most of them are related to his stance on social issues and when push came to shove, I would not have allowed that to force my decision on the President. However, I cannot in good conscience cast my vote for a anyone who would place Sarah Palin one heartbeat away from the Presidency. She doesn't have an opinion on Iraq and she doesn't "do the economy thing." What pray tell does she think the President is tasked with?
-Beth P., 42, San Francisco

If she doesn't have her own children's best interests at heart, and I see much to indicate that she does not, then she certainly isn't going to care about my children or my grandchildren.
I want a world where the woman representing my country on a global level knows what the residing President's doctrine is! There are many highly qualified and seasoned women in the Republican party who would and could serve this country well. They might even represent some of the same stances on key issues that Sarah Palin does. But they would not be as morally reprehensible.
-Robin S., 52, Vermont

Governor Palin is not knowledgeable or smart enough to say, "I don't know as much as I would like to about foreign affairs or the economy" or to acknowledge any doubts about accepting the VP candidate offer. Her unwillingness to speak anything other than written statements is alarming. She is performing, not showing her true positions. She has also not studied law or international affairs, she's done no graduate level work. Who wouldn't be embarrassed to brag that she can "see Russia" from Alaska -- she has never been there or worked internationally in any way. She only visited troops once! Wake up, Americans -- this isn't a vote for American Idol -- this is the President and VP, when we so, so badly need real leadership, and inspiration in the Oval Office.
-Dr. Marlene C., Silver Spring, MD

I feel Sarah Palin is not addressing the issues at hand by relating to soccer moms, I am a mother of a daughter who played sports and was a cheerleader but this is not what I want to hear from a vice presidential candidate. John McCain chose her to go after the women’s vote. Well I know the great women of the USA can see through this one! So much attention has been on her these last few weeks that I do not remember who is the real presidential candidate! I was undecided until she was nominated and now I know for sure that we do not need 8 more years of republican damage, it is time to clean out Washington and pull together as a nation.
-Pam K., Allentown, PA

Mrs. Palin is the complete opposite of what a woman candidate should stand for, and if elected will move the country backward. I want my future daughters to know that they have the same opportunities and choices that I have had. The future is what frightens me about her, but the things that have happened in my past are what make me have no respect for her.
I was a rape victim at the age of 17, and chose to abort the resulting pregnancy on my 18th birthday. Continuing with that pregnancy would have not only affected my mental and emotional well-being, but also derailed my college education. If it were up to Sarah Palin the most traumatic experience of my life would have been compounded, and had I been unfortunate enough to live in her city at the time I would have had to pay for my own rape kit. The day this woman enters office is the day that women’s rights take a huge leap in the wrong direction.
-A. A., Bella Vista, AR

As a Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother I feel that Mrs. Palin stands for all the wrong things that we as women have been fighting for. A vote for her is a vote backwards for women. Please think about the women in your family before you vote for McCain/Palin.
-Sandy Q., MO

I believe the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate is pandering to the lowest common denominator of the American voting public. As a working mother of 2 terrific children who has managed to stay married to the same man for 33 years, and as a former Naval Officer who loves this country, I would like to add my voice to the ground swell of women who say emphatically that Sarah Palin not only does not represent me, and her presence on the platform is a mortifying embarrassment. Domestically her stance on issues of choice, stem cell research, sex education and science, risks setting the advances that women have worked so hard for back by decades. Based on what I have heard from her so far, Sarah Palin is so utterly uninformed, sophomoric and insular in her world view that it is simply unbelievable to me that she would be considered a reasonable choice as Vice President of the United States of America in anyone’s universe. The United States is truly at a “tipping point” in terms of our political, economic, and military influence on the world stage. The consequences of voting for a ticket so dramatically weakened by the choice of Sarah Palin is frightening.
-Laurel H., 57, Bainbridge Island, WA

If she wasn’t so pretty would she be as captivating? No! Put 50 pounds on her and gray hair, and then Americans would be talking substance and issues.
NO SARAH! NO WAY!
-Kathy F., Jupiter, FL

I am pro sex education, pro-choice and pro separation of church and state. I cannot imagine this last issue even being a consideration as it is against our constitutional law. I do not believe Sarah Palin is an appropriate, qualified candidate to be vice-president of our country, nor do I support her position on the above issues.
-Deborah S., 68, Blue Bell, PA

I come from a long line of Montana ranching women, and I absolutely believe that both of my grandmothers are turning in their graves at the idea that this woman represents the "average" American women. How dare she make light of people getting a serious education, working to better their communities, and then find it funny to compare supportive moms to pitbulls?!? What?!?! Keeping abortion legal isn't about liking abortion, Sarah, it's about trusting women to make decisions that are right for themselves and their families--much like you trusted your own daughter to do that. That trust is at the core of women supporting and representing each other. Sarah, you clearly don't support me, and you certainly don't represent me. You also don't represent any of the values my grandmothers taught me, and if I have anything to say about it, you never will.
-Kristi S., OR

In all my years of voting, I have never been so concerned for the future of my country and for my fellow Americans. The leader of the free world needs to be a lot smarter than I am. I don’t want someone who needs to cram for a week before she’s “let out” to speak on camera, being a heartbeat away from that position. I can understand the very rich and the very religious voting Republican but they are not the majority. Sarah Palin and I have only our gender in common. She does not speak for me.
-Mary G., 57, Des Moines, Iowa

I resent Palin's viewpoint, she doesn't reflect mine on the American scene. She is living in the dark ages. She is dictating her anti-views on sex education, pro-life, and the environment. She is anti-Polar Bears! They live on the ice floes, the oil digging destroys the ice, and that would be the end of these beautiful creatures. Palin has a skinned bear draped on her couch! UGH.
-Betty K, Age 90, Boca Raton, FL

Sarah Palin does NOT represent ALL women. she is more like George Bush than McCain is - not well educated/traveled/open to counsel. she is impulsive and shoots from the hip, all the while having complete confidence that she's 'right.' she is truly a heartbeat away from the presidency - too dangerous!!
-Mary S., 65, IL