Why Palin's Experience Is Enough

When John McCain announced his selection of Sarah Palin as a running mate, there was an immediate, palpable reaction from the nation. Journalists and politicos of all stripes were thrown completely off balance by the unprecedented nature of the pick, particularly given that it was made by a Republican, rather than a progressive Democrat. The general populace suddenly took notice of a political process that had faded to background noise due in large part to the sheer unending nature of campaign politics in recent years. In the ensuing days, media and voter alike have struggled to define how the addition of Governor Palin alters the race for the White House. Perhaps the biggest question of all concerns her experience.

It is legitimate to question whether a relative newcomer to national politics is adequate to the office she seeks. Indeed, it would be irresponsible to do otherwise. But assessing her readiness to serve as Vice President, and, potentially, President and Commander-In-Chief requires a baseline, a definition of what we deem to be the requirements for the position. It would be unreasonable to demand a complete understanding of all aspects of the job - no single human being can claim to be expert in all the responsibilities of the office, from military strategy to economics, foreign relations to education. If such a person did exist, it likely would not be in the best interest of the country to hand him the reins of power; such an authority would be unlikely to yield to the judgment and insight of others, relying instead of their own expertise. A dangerous consolidation of authority would likely result. An expert in a single area of responsibility is a great deal more likely - there are countless examples of military or economic experts, top notch diplomats and educators. But which of these skills would best serve the people? The role of Commander-In-Chief is critical, but is a great military mind likely to have the disposition required for diplomacy? Would a policy wonk with an incredible understanding of economics have the sheer guts required to act boldly in the face of international threats?

Knowledge of specific subject matter is less important to a leader than analytical skills, honesty, compassion and courage of conviction. The President can surround himself (or herself) with a wide variety of experts in every area, capable of rendering ideas and suggestions to suit any situation. The true gift is the ability to sort through the varying proposals to find the combination that best serves the interests of the American people and the world. A desire for personal power is detrimental to the process, as is an overarching need for approval or adoration. The balance between confidence and hubris is delicate. We seek someone with the wisdom to separate the wheat from the chaff and the strength to stand up to the naysayers. Someone humble enough to put aside personal gain for the greater good, and with the emotional makeup to endure the inevitable hostility of the media.

So how can we determine, from a distance and with little time, whether this description fits Sarah Palin? How can we tell what kind of leader she would be? Her public life story speaks volumes.

She grew up in America's last frontier, the last place in this country where wood-burning stoves were not decorator accents, but utilitarian devices, essential to survival. A land where hunting was more a requirement than a hobby, where life was hard but good. We can see the strength of our early pioneers in her, of the spirit of survival against hard odds. How many of us would be as well equipped, if suddenly dropped in an Arctic wilderness, to carve out a living from the land? We have grown soft in the midst of all of our luxuries and conveniences and forgotten the rudimentary skills which were the reality of Sarah Palin's childhood. That, alone, speaks volumes about her character. She embraced and loved this life. Hunting trips at 3 a.m. were followed by school and voluntary participation in sports, with a competitive drive that helped take her school to the state championship. Even as a young girl, she was known as Sarah Barracuda. Even in a land where all around her shared her hardships, she stood out as exceptional.


After high school, she entered and won the Miss Wasilla Pageant, with the stated goal of earning a scholarship to pay for college. Finishing second in the Miss Alaska Pageant, she secured not only her scholarship, but also the Miss Congeniality award, a testimonial to her attitude toward others, and something her running mate has repeatedly stated is not among his credits in the U.S. Senate. As she matured, she maintained her drive and determination, whether in commercial fishing or the PTA. She has a record of seeking involvement in causes, first to try to improve her own children's education, then her small town, as first a city councilwoman and then mayor. At each step she earned the respect of her peers through her honesty and dedication, relying on her own performance to take her to the next level. There is no indication that she sought power for power's sake, rather that she sought justice and betterment for those she served. She sought the confidence and support of the people she represented, not the favor of others in political positions, and was rewarded with 74% of the vote in her reelection bid.

After her loss in her bid for lieutenant governor, she chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, ultimately resigning the post in protest of ethics violations by members of her own party. She refused to accept the corrupt politics of her state, when succumbing and playing along would have been the far easier, and likely much more lucrative, path. Her race for governor was undertaken in the same spirit and with the same passion to clean up government in her state, again for the benefit of the people she governed. She has logged a record of accomplishments far too long to detail here in her short term of service and is wildly popular with Alaskans.

She has fought hard for her constituents, against corrupt politicians and big oil, and has brought her state to a much better place than it was just two years ago. She has walked the walk, cutting her own salary and benefits, selling a state jet and eliminating the governor's chef. She has cut both taxes and spending while prioritizing projects to bring the most good to the most people.

Through it all, she has maintained a home and been a loving and dedicated wife and mother. With a son now in Iraq, and a daughter about to marry, she and her husband, Todd, have passed their strength and character on to their children. Their devotion to family values is obvious.

While Governor Palin has not been a highly visible national or international politician, her entire life is testament to her readiness for the White House. She has exhibited intelligence and solid decision making abilities and the inner toughness of a leader throughout her life. Her dedication to open and honest leadership is rare in this era, as is her very real ability to understand the problems of the electorate - problems she understands because she lives them every day. She aspires not to amass great personal power or wealth, but to do everything she can to put our government of, by and for the people back on the side of the people. Her popularity has been won through gutsy campaigns for honesty at the risk of incurring enmity from her political peers. Like the pit bull with which she identifies, she has a strength beyond her small stature.

America could do much worse than put this woman a heartbeat away from the presidency. Throughout her life she has shown that she understands the intent of the founders of this great nation and will take great personal risks to uphold their vision. Sarah Palin is a woman of character, something all too rare in politics today.