Palin's Poise Will Be Election Challenge of 2008

William Kristol argues that Sarah Palin is "now the central figure in this fall’s electoral drama."

If the Alaska Governor can maintain the poise and decorum she exhibited on August 29 - upon announcement as the GOP vice-presidential running mate - then John McCain's decision in selecting her may be by far the most important factor in a Republican November victory.

But note Jay Cost's essay as well, where he seconds the importance of Palin's "poise" as she fends off attacks that she's unqualified for the office of the vice presidency:

Here's my take on her qualifications. Historically speaking, she has enough experience to be veep. We can talk about what happens if McCain drops dead on day one, but that sounds tendentious to me - like asking what President Obama would do should Vladimir Putin declare World War III on the day of Obama's inauguration. It sounds smart to people already set upon voting against Obama, but everybody else will probably just roll his or her eyes.

Does this mean her qualifications will be a non-issue? Not necessarily. She has fewer qualifications than most veeps, that's for sure. Her thin resume could hurt her if and only if she performs badly on television. This, and nothing else, is what matters. The people who could vote Republican this year will give her a chance. Jonathan Alter, Andrew Sullivan, and other pro-Obama commentators in the MSM are not going to sway these people, at least not directly. These analysts could frame the persuadables' reactions should they decide they don't like her. So, it's up to Palin.

For those who are skeptical that she can pull this off, remember - Obama did! While Obama might be special, he's certainly not singular. Lots of people can give good performances on television, even if they have had little practice. Furthermore, unlike Obama as of a year ago, Palin has already been through a real statewide election. Two, in fact - first against incumbent governor Frank Murkowski, then against former governor Tony Knowles. Obama managed to look so poised without such practice.

The key word for Palin, as it was (and is) for Obama, is poise. She appeared poised at her announcement, which was her most important day. If she appears poised during her nomination acceptance address, poised on the stump, and poised in the debate - her qualifications should be a non-issue, and she'll help McCain deliver his message.

Read the whole thing, here.

Cost makes some keen additional observations. Most crucial? Palin's the feminine "maverick." The political appeal of both McCain and Palin is that of outsiders. McCain's made a career of challenging the powers that be in Washington, and Palin's swift rise in Alaska was propelled by a reformists zeal that has reshaped the state's politics and policy.

Gender, of course, has been important in bringing shock and awe to an electorate ready for change; but most importantly, Palin's background complements McCain's flair as a rough-riding outsider.

If the Alaska Governor is able to ride out all this first week's controversies with her wits about her, the GOP ticket will provide a double-barrel of straight talk power, principle, and pinache.

Photo Credit: New York Times