Sarah Palin (Photo: flicker.com)
By Alan King
AFRO Staff Writer
(October 26, 2008) – While it’s no surprise that the Anchorage Daily News has endorsed the Democratic presidential ticket in the past, Alaska’s major newspaper doesn’t even see its governor and her running mate fit for the nation’s highest office.
When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was picked as John McCain’s running mate, her popularity was off the charts with her constituents, the Los Angeles Times reported. But while the Daily News editorial reflects the pride of Alaskans in having one of their own playing on national political stage, the pride is not enough to sway the judgment of the people she governs.
“Despite Palin’s passion and charisma – making it clear she’s a force to be reckoned with – few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth,” the Daily News said of its native daughter. “To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat away from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.”
The paper said of Obama: “In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain or his running mate.”