Palin: A Social Conservative's Dream

By Rowan Wolf

Sarah Palin seems like a good choice for social conservatives. She is vehemently anti-abortion, favors teaching creationism, is staunchly against same-sex relationship recognition and benefits. She is strongly in favor of the death penalty and unfettered gun ownership, wants to open ANWR to oil drilling, and does not support energy alternatives to oil and natural gas.

In short, she largely reinforces McCain's social stances. I would not consider her a "feminist" though her allusions to Ferarro and Clinton imply that she is. I imagine women will not be voting for her "just because she's a woman." If the choice was made to attract Hillary supporters, it is not likely to succeed because of Palin's stance on the issues.

The choice indicates that the "change" McCain represents is to play to a social and politically conservative base.

It is troubling that after McCain's emphasis on the importance of experience in the Presidency, that he would choose someone with virtually no significant national or international experience. If a self-described "hockey mom" with a BS in journalism, and two years as a Governor, is ready to be President of the United States, then that opens up the field significantly.

Links of Interest

McCain picks Alaska governor Sarah Palin for VP slot. Alex Blaze. The Bilerico Project. 8/29/08.

Anti-gay:
Same-sex benefits ban gets Palin veto. Hopkins. ADN. 12/29/08.
While standing against granting healthcare benefits to safe-sex partners, Palin complied with an Alaskan Supreme Court ruling that to deny them was unconstitutional.

Pro creationism - Intelligent Design and the Alaska Governor's Race. Afarensis. 10/27/06.

Anti-abortion - McCain Selects Anti-Choice Sarah Palin as Running Mate. NARAL.

Palin, a member of the anti-choice group Feminists for Life, said during her campaign for governor that she is opposed to abortion, even in cases of rape or incest. [Juneau Empire, "Abortion Draws Clear Divide in State Races," accessed 8/29/08 and Anchorage Daily News, "Governor's Race: Top contenders meet one last time to debate," 11/03/06.]

Sarah Palin Develops Strong Pro-Life Record on Abortion as Alaska Governor. LifeNews. 8/29/08.

For Opening ANWR - Palin on Oil & Energy. On the Issues.

Sarah Palin On The Issues
Of the issues she has voted on:
Pro-Life
Anti-gay : same sex marriage and partner benefits
Favors the death penalty
Absolute right to gun ownership
Supports more federal funding for health care
Supports retaining social security
Opposes alternatives to oil.

BIO Gov. Sarah Palin (R). National Journal. 8/29/08