That's 50% of the equation, right there. It explains the "why Sarah" part, since a lot of the female Republican office holders aren't ideological "pure" enough for that wing of the Republican party.
The other 50% is the "woman factor" due to Clinton. I honestly think someone in the Republican party really thought that women would jump ship to McCain if they put a woman on the ticket. Had they chosen a qualified woman, that gamble would've paid off.
As the polls shake out now that the Republican convention bump is over, it strikes me that the more those potential switch votes get to know Palin and her record, the less like they are to vote for McCain. All she did was solidify the Christianist base, but she really hasn't done anything for the mushy middle.
Re: There is one reason McCain chose Palin
The other 50% is the "woman factor" due to Clinton. I honestly think someone in the Republican party really thought that women would jump ship to McCain if they put a woman on the ticket. Had they chosen a qualified woman, that gamble would've paid off.
As the polls shake out now that the Republican convention bump is over, it strikes me that the more those potential switch votes get to know Palin and her record, the less like they are to vote for McCain. All she did was solidify the Christianist base, but she really hasn't done anything for the mushy middle.