Gov. Palin May Be McCain's 'Wild Card'

One of my nieces, Janet, is extraordinarily bright, lucid, outspoken and an irrational, emotional liberal/socialist. In spite of all that, she and I get along remarkably well, staying in touch relatively better than do most other of my distant relatives.
Now, as is clearly established by three recent, long and fascinating e-mails, she is severely distressed by the possibility - however remote that may be - of Sarah Palin becoming this nation's chief executive.
I seldom agree with Janet's profanity-laced opinions of most everyone in our various governments - especially not with her extreme views concerning our president - and I certainly do not share her admiration of Barack Hussein Obama & Co., but when she refers to Sen. John McCain's choice of a running mate as a "bimbo," I must object.
I will go on record, at this moment, in predicting that McCain's somewhat surprising choice may turn out to not only be the best thing he's done in at least a decade, but may, indeed, be the one act that gives him a reasonable chance of beating the Obamas (yes, that's plural) in November.
Even though polls show that McCain and Obama are now running about even in the popular vote, McCain still can't count on every needed Republican vote - especially not those of the true conservatives, whom roundly criticize his liberal stand on hot-button issues, such as illegal immigration, sound public financing and limited government. McCain has been carelessly and dangerously walking a swaying tight-rope strung between his conservative base and the independent voters he hopes to gain by flip-flopping and waffling on subjects such as free trade, abortion and taxes.
Many conservative Republicans have said that they simply won't vote in November, because they can't lower themselves to vote for Obama, and their conscience won't let them show approval of McCain, who's seen as abandoning the Republican ship, while leaving its hapless passengers to fend for themselves.
Well, Palin may - just may - bring not only those disaffected conservatives to the voting booth, but even add a significant population of angry Hillary supporters. That alone could ensure a McCain victory.
Palin's biographical information paints a picture of a religious, courageous, fighter, who believes, among other things, in limited government, balanced budgets, hard work, the importance of family, the sanctity of marriage, free enterprise, capitalism, the right to life, freedom of speech and private ownership of firearms. Her husband works in an Alaskan oil field; she supports drilling in ANWAR.
Against high odds, she rose quickly, from city councilwoman to mayor, to governor, as which she enjoys popularity/approval ratings of more than 80 percent, which have not been earned by pandering to the "gimmees" of the masses.
Palin is not only tough, bright, intelligent and perceptive, but she has that vital ingredient for any successful politician - charisma - which McCain is woefully short of, and which Mr. Obama uses to great advantage.
Palin will bring youth, energy and charm to a candidate's campaign that is continually attacked and ridiculed as being "out of touch, boring, archaic, lack luster" and "on death's doorstep." It seems likely that she will gather back most of the wandering Republicans, attract disappointed women that hoped for a Hillary victory, bring in young voters lured more by appearances than substance, while holding on to the Independents that could, in this contest, be the swing block.
Yes, I feel quite secure predicting that Palin may be McCain's magic bullet. Obama has good reason to worry, but I'm sleeping better now. I may even begin to watch political debates.
Nah!