Mood:  incredulous

Presumed Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, has selected Alaskan governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. This selection clearly smacks as a one-note play - designed purely to ensnare those followers of Hillary Clinton who are feeling put off by the lack of presence on the Democratic ticket. It's designed to separate the liberal/moderate female vote from the Democratic side, and give them a feel-good option on the GOP ticket.

So, on that level, it's a good play by McCain and the Republican Party.

However, I think it's something that falls into the "win the election at any costs, damn the future" column, rather than the "what's good for the country" side.

Look at the facts - McCain, if elected, would be the oldest sitting president - older even than Ronald Reagan. McCain's had a series of health issues, including several rounds of skin cancer. Being that the VP's primary job is to be ready to step into the Oval Office should the President die or become incapable of leading, I, for one, would be terrified to see Gov. Palin in that role. 

She has little to no experience in governing. She's in her first term as Governor of Alaska, and is the youngest, at 44, to hold that slot. The Republicans like to paint Obama as being too inexperienced to lead the country. So where does that put Palin? How well-versed is she in global politics? Where's her economic experience? How does she feel about long-term energy development away from oil? (Hmmm, her husband works in oil on the north slope of Alaska, and the Republicans have been pushing to open up more of that state for drilling....) Can she effectively be the President of the Senate?

A dark horse outsider, to be sure, but one that I'd not want one heartbeat from the Presidency. I'd feel much more comfortable with Biden, despite his baggage, in that seat. 

I see through this ploy by the Republicans, and I call "bullshit" on this hand of cards.

Going for victory at any cost, damning the potential consequences, does not a good leader make. Sen. McCain, you've lost my vote. And, I did vote for you in the primary.