Why Palin Matters to Me

In 2000, George W. Bush ran as a "Compassionate Conservative," a "Uniter, not a Divider," and as a Republican Governor who had worked with a Democratic Legislature in a spirit of bi-partisanship he would take with him to Washington.

The first member of his future administration he brought on board? Dick Cheney.

Tell me, looking back, which was more indicative of W's governing style, his rhetoric and reputation, or the people he chose to advise and assist him in governing?

Cheney was the first. Other appointments like John Ashcroft (PATRIOT 2, covered statues), Donald Rumsfeld ("...six days, six weeks. I doubt six months"), Rod Paige (Leave no Pundit Behind) followed soon after the counting stopped.

The Vice President doesn't necessarily have to do anything at all. The country survived Dan Quayle with no visible scars. The Secretaries of Defense, State, etc., however, have important jobs. Having seen the right-wing ideologue McCain has picked for the VP slot, who do you think he'll appoint to those positions?