In a Scanner Exclusive, here we present talking points released by McCain HQ just a few minutes ago, albeit with insignificant word changes to protect the identity of the staffer who leaked them to us...
(This staffer, at their request, wanted to note that they are unhappy with McCain's choice because Palin is too inexperienced to be President.) Among the highlights, which should give us an idea of how McCain plans to use Palin, you will note there is no mention of Hillary Clinton or women voters. As you may recall from our earlier post, McCain's #1 reason for choosing Palin is her gender.
Instead, the memo discusses how Palin and McCain are both reformers and independents and that the problem is Washington, not a Republican President or a Democratic Congress. Here is the full text:
TALKING POINTS: MCCAIN-PALIN '08
McCain-Palin: Team Of Mavericks To Change Washington
Barack Obama has been running for president ever since he was elected to the Senate, but
Sarah Palin is a governor with a record of achieving results for Alaska. Obama's "experience" is running for political office;
Governor Palin's experience is bringing people together to get things done.
The Obama-Biden ticket is big on talk. The McCain-Palin ticket is big on results. To change Washington, it's going to take a team of Mavericks who have a record of accomplishment in shaking up the status quo. Last night we heard a negative, partisan speech from Barack Obama. He made the argument that if we have Democratic one party rule, our problems will be solved.
For those who think that the Democratic Congress has done a great job over the past two years, Barack Obama might be right.
But John McCain has made the case that the problem isn't a Republican Administration or a Democratic Congress, the problem is Washington.
Governor Palin: A Tough Executive With Record Of Results
Governor Palin is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in office that she is ready to be president. She has brought Republicans and Democrats together within her Administration and has seen approval ratings of over 80 percent.
1) She has challenged the influence of the big oil companies while fighting for the development of new energy resources.
2) She leads a state that matters to every one of us --
Alaska has significant energy resources and she has been a leader in the fight for America's energy independence.
· She has actually used her veto and cut budgetary spending. And she put a stop to the bridge to nowhere that would have cost taxpayers $400 million dollars.
· In Alaska, she challenged a corrupt system and passed a landmark ethics reform bill.
· As the head of Alaska's National Guard and as the mother of a soldier herself, Governor Palin understands what it takes to lead our nation and she understands the importance of supporting our troops.
Governor Palin has a record of accomplishment that Barack Obama simply doesn't have. She has spent her time in office shaking up government in Alaska. Barack Obama has spent his time in office running for President.
Her experience in shaking up the status quo is exactly what we need in Washington.
In choosing Governor Palin, John McCain put Washington on notice that he is serious about shaking up the status quo.
What we're seeing is a maverick who has shaken up Washington picking as his teammate a maverick governor who has shaken up her own state.
[end of transmission]
What do we think about this internal memo? Surprised by their angle? Do you think they're asking for unintentional laughter by claiming Palin, a big supporter of American oil companies, cares this much about energy independence? Let us know your reaction in the comments.
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