| I never believed Senator McCain’s age should be, | | | | with two wars, a collapsed economy, an energy crisis, |
| as Ronald Reagan put it, “exploited for political | | | | an unstable nuclear Pakistan, job migration to India, a |
| purposes.” But his choice of running mate makes | | | | rising China, or any other challenge thrown at us? |
| his age and health relevant. This choice was clearly | | | | The other consideration is that she would be in |
| political. Governor Palin, he thought, would excite his | | | | possession of “the football.” For those unfamiliar |
| skeptical base and maybe win over Hillary Clinton | | | | with this, it is also called the President's Emergency |
| supporters. Knowing she is an avid hunter, a | | | | Satchel, The Button, The Red Button, The Black Box |
| conservative, a Washington outsider, and a maverick, | | | | or just The Football. It is a specially outfitted black |
| McCain fell in love at first sight. | | | | briefcase used by the President of the United States |
| But where does this leave America? | | | | of America to authorize the use of nuclear weapons. It |
| Nine out of 43 American presidents did not complete | | | | is adopted to permit the President to make a |
| their term in office. That’s more than one in five. | | | | nuclear-attack order while away from fixed command |
| Not a high probability, but not a remote possibility either. | | | | centers, such as the White House Situation Room, it |
| Should it happen in a McCain presidency, Palin would | | | | functions as a mobile node in the strategic defense |
| be making decisions on issues ranging from nuclear | | | | system of the United States. |
| proliferation to double digit unemployment. Does | | | | Hockey or Football which one is she most likely to |
| anyone really believe she is the right leader to deal | | | | drop in the ring of fire? |