The Talk of Change and a Forceful New
Youth is something that everyone in this society embraces. The thought of a young, new, vibrant person in the White House gives voters the impression of fresh and strong policies, concepts and changes being carried out more efficiently and effectively. Age can often times be a negative connotation, as it was for Senator John McCain at the beginning of his presidential campaign. Obama’s campaign originally thrived and pushed this idea of “youth” in the White House. But can’t this age also prove that he has more experience?
Senator Obama of Illinois initially used his youth as an advantage over McCain. Obama’s slogan of change pushed McCain as an “old boy” and appointed himself as that breath of “fresh air.” Obama also mocked McCain’s experience of twenty six years in congress. But why? Doesn’t this mean that McCain has seen it all in congress and knows how to handle all types of situations? Isn’t it possible that due to his age McCain could have learned from all of the mistakes dating far back in our nation’s history and now knows how to respond and lead our nation through it?
Sensing that our nation truly does embrace youth, McCain sought it best to elect a female from Alaska as his Vice President running mate. The young Sarah Palin is now taking away that one extra “benefit” it seemed Obama used to praise himself over McCain and attract a particular voter. Not only does Sarah Palin have the youth that Obama does, but she also is a woman. This could potentially win over some more votes because that is a significant CHANGE for our government.
As we discussed in class, gender adaptivness is a major factor in campaign communication with male and female candidates. Since women often times have to prove themselves as being able to handle the heat of politics and the possibilities of harsh and crude commentary, they need to possess and use a certain sense of aggressiveness. Palin proved that she is certainly aggressive and on top of her game when she made known her youth against Obama’s vice presidential candidate, Joe Biden. Claiming that she “she’s been hearing about his senate speeches since she was in second grade,” was a shot back at Obama’s claims that McCain was so to speak, “out of date.” She also proved more aggressive in her following statement of the video segment, making another attack on Senator Biden comparing his strong confidence for their debate Thursday, with his confidence that the University of Delaware was going to be Ohio State in football-which was inaccurate.
With McCain’s age stands strong his wisdom and experience. The addition of Sarah Palin to his campaign was a great choice because our society does embrace youth, and the vibrant energy that comes with it. Palin certainly possesses that energy and proves it with her aggressive side and personal attacks that are common and necessary for women on the campaign trail. The combination of experience, youth, and a woman VP on McCain’s 2008 Presidential Campaign rivals the “change” that the Senator Obama stands for-does it not?
posted by Caitlin B | 9:03 AM
6 Comments:
Yes, McCain was very wise to choose Palin as his running mate. I think they make a great team. Palin's personality and bussiness style gives youth to their campaign as a whole.
I'm excited that both tickets are making history for this election-- and it's the first one I'll be able to vote in, too. :] I think the combination of McCain/Palin is really interesting and I don't think it's necessarily just an overt attempt to appeal to women and youth.
Palin definitely brings something intriguing to the ticket. She is a good speaker and good at appealing to the younger/ average American. This will also be my first election to vote in... and I'm excited!
McCain's background and experience has definitely helped his campaign and having a woman on the bid with him has DEFINITELY helped his popularity as well. However, I think the reason Obama always worked the fact that he's young is because ever since the beginning of presidents, America has always had old, white, Protestant men. Obama is different and I think by that, he thinks he would bring a new point of view to the White House. I'm really glad that this presidential election will be making history.
Choosing Palin as a running mate was definitely a good publicity stunt for McCain. I also think it was a controversial choice for him given her extreme conservative background. Although her age is a good counter to Obama's attacks about McCain's age I do not think that she was the right choice as running mate.
Although McCain's choice for change in this political campaign may have been wise, I am not sure whether his choosing Palin as a running mate was beneficial. I do believe that through McCain's selection of a female running mate. he intended to attract female voters, but I do not believe that Palin's qualifications met the expectations of American voters.
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