by Kathy Soltani

Created on: October 23, 2008

Sarah Palin is qualified to be the vice president of the United States. I'm sure she is capable of taking the oath, acting as the agent of the president or breaking a tie in the Senate. What I'm not sure of is how the American people will be able to stomach her folksy "shtick" should she be elected. She is not genuine or respectful. Despite her every effort to be charming, there is an undercurrent of condecension in her manner that I find every bit as insulting as George Bush's perpetual sneer. As is the case with many Americans, I try to stay informed concerning domestic and foreign affairs. I work, pay my taxes, vote and care for my family. I make what I hope are informed and competent decisions many times during the course of the average day. When I listen to a candidate speak on the issues, I want truth and information. What I do not want or need is the equivalent of a locker room pep talk from the cheerleading coach. After all these years of Bush's inane public banter from the White House lawn, the last thing the American people need is Sarah Palin's insouscience.

Palin seeks a job in the White House that will put her behind the desk in the Oval Office should the president be removed or become incapacitated. This is a serious, roll-up-your-shirtsleeves kind of job. I'm not sure that Sarah Palin is up to the challenge. Last month, Palin met the Pakistani president, Asif Ali Zardari. Upon entering the room, Zardari's Information minister remarked to Palin, "and how does one keep looking so good when one is so busy?" Palin smiled and thanked the minister. Zardari greeted Palin and told her she was "gorgeous." He then remarked, "Now I know why the whole of America is in love with you." Palin smiled and replied, "You are so nice!" When photographers at the event insisted that the pair keep shaking hands for the photo op, Zardari said, "If he is insisting, I might hug." Palin giggled and dropped her eyes. I was incredulous! At a time when we are engaged in conflict in the Middle East, when we are teetering on the brink of economic disaster and when the eyes of the world are upon the transition about to take place in American government, a vice-presidential candidate is giggling like a schoolgirl in the face of insult.

The candidate's behavior at that meeting was so disappointing to me. As a woman, I am delighted at the prospect of a qualified female one day serving as our president. For Palin to respond to the demeaning behavior of another world leader the way

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