Alaska and Chicago

Since Sen. John McCain picked Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, many Alaska residents have provided insight into her short political career and impressive reform credentials. And given that over 90 percent of children diagnosed prenatally with down syndrome never come into the fullness of life, her words as a leader are significantly more inspiring and powerful by example. I understand that many who will vote for Obama are likewise inspired and gladdened by his symbolism. And so it is useful to make some quick comparisons. The first and most obvious is the lack of experience: Ross Douthat suggests that “on the job training” is significantly less of a concern for a vice-presidential candidate than a presidential one (and I think he’s right), but McCain should change the “ready from day one” charge given his age. And Palin, quite unlike many members of current and recent tickets, doesn’t just seem normal and genuine, she really seems to be these things. This is unusual, given what it takes to become president, and I find it a relief. Obama, in contrast, made an early and politically profitable peace with a deeply (and I think necessarily) corrupt Chicago, a place of brutal ethnic politics and spoils. Rezko, Ayers, Blagojevich, Ryan, Alinsky, Jones, Daley, Muhammad, Wright: all are necessarily a big part of Obama’s story of ambition. He couldn’t confront them, and never showed the slightest inclination to do so in any case. I like the way of Palin’s quick rise much better. But win or lose, it’s likely she will emerge as a national leader for the cause of the unborn. And as a contrast to Obama and Biden, this is the most important comparison of all.