As the world money markets have descended into turmoil and politicians of every hue have busied themselves with the task of appearing to be doing something, it has been a period of great calm out here on the briney. Tonight the seas are calm and the wind is balmy and easy on the rigging. The old tug is as close to shore as needs be, just near enough to pick up some of the news channels on me old telly. The wireless usually does me well enough, but tonight is the first of the U.S. Presidential debates -- and it is better to be able to see as well as hear when trying to get a man's measure. Poor old McCain tried to back out of the debate, citing the financial crisis, but now seems to be back in the game. This mis-step is just the latest mistake in a long sequence of errors, methinks. Politicians in America generally don't face much in the way of scrutiny, for the press fear that too aggressive a stance might lose them their access, and the public don't get anywhere near those who presume to lead them. I get a sense that McCain fears the debate as he knows that he will appear slow and inarticulate next to Obama - but even more than this, the GOP know that Sarah Palin is unlikely to stand-up well to a debate with a seasoned campaigner like Joe Biden.
Which brings me to a question that has perplexed me for a number of weeks: What were they thinking when the Republicans selected Sarah Palin as McCain's running-mate? I recall 
her speech at the recent party conference. She seemed shallow, inexperienced and quite shrill. My guess is that the GOP reckoned that a lot of pro-Hillery Dems would vote for the McCain/Palin ticket as they feel cheated by Obama's victory (all a part of Clinton's campaigm for a McCain Presidency!) and another woman will capture their votes. However, I suspect that she has won over only seasoned Republicans. She is not impressive at the podium, she seems to have a limited grasp of the broader political spectrum, and I doubt if she will attract many Dems.
her speech at the recent party conference. She seemed shallow, inexperienced and quite shrill. My guess is that the GOP reckoned that a lot of pro-Hillery Dems would vote for the McCain/Palin ticket as they feel cheated by Obama's victory (all a part of Clinton's campaigm for a McCain Presidency!) and another woman will capture their votes. However, I suspect that she has won over only seasoned Republicans. She is not impressive at the podium, she seems to have a limited grasp of the broader political spectrum, and I doubt if she will attract many Dems.As I conclude this post the debate is beginning -- so, let's see what's what. And who's what too, perhaps.
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