John McCain, as the new head of the Republican Party, has complained about the vile and low tone of the presidential campaign. Perhaps he was speaking of his own party”s behavior and words, as evidenced by Mr. Vance in your paper”s “Letters” on Sept. 16.
At the outset, he refers to ABC”s Charles Gibson as a drunk, then an egomaniac and a Nazi. But not happy to stop with his personal attacks there (of which I”m sure he has no evidence at all) he goes on to call him incompetent and a Nazi the second time. He ends by again calling Gibson and all reporters drunks. All this, while defending poor Sarah Palin against being maligned, and rejoicing in her first (and thus far only) television interview.
I saw the interview as well. There were several “moose-in-the-headlights” moments for the VP nominee. Her response to Gibson”s “gotcha” question about the Bush Doctrine was one of those. Mr. Vance professes to read minds, stating obviously she knew there were several possible Bush Doctrines to choose from. She may have, or perhaps she just didn”t know what he was talking about until he explained it. She then gave a very general response, as she did to virtually all his questions.
Sarah Palin”s most telling answer to any question was that she did not hesitate for a single moment when asked to be the VP nominee. Not for a moment? Not for a second did she stop to ask, “Am I the best person for this job? Can I contribute more than any other American to our mutual security, integrity and experience? Is it the right thing to do?”
Frankly, I want a potential president (and she would be) who gives a bit more consideration to important questions than that. I don”t want snap judgments and quick answers. I want balance and thought and to paraphrase Davy Crockett, someone who will “be sure you”re right, then go ahead.” Whether it”s a moose in her sights, or apparently Russia, she”s too quick on the trigger for America.
Doug Rhoades
Kelseyville
