"Why do you think he's changed?"

Sarah asked the following question in response to my post, "You know, there's something wrong with the world:"

For curiosity's sake, can you explain what exactly McCain/Palin said this week that gave you pause? Why do you think he's changed?

It's a good question and I'll take it, though I'm guessing I'll get some hate mail out of it. =)

First, let me tackle why I think McCain has changed. Back in 2000, he said he did not support a repeal of Roe v. Wade. On that issue, he has definitely changed. And not only does his running mate support a full repeal but would also like to make abortion illegal even in cases of rape, incest and a pregnancy endangering the life of the mother. He's also now changing his tune on financial deregulation since the economy SNAFU -- back in the early part of the campaign his staff said they saw no need for any credit or lending reform policies because it was all about consumer responsibility. Now, all of a sudden, that's not the case.

I also got the chance to see a few McCain ads. And particularly the one about Obama being for kindergarten sex-ed made my blood boil. Talk about negative and misleading! And worse, he's as much admitted that it is.

I believe, and this is my opinion, that when you compare McCain in 2000 and McCain in 2008 what you see is a man who has take a step further right to cater to the Evangelical and hardcore conservatives. If that's your bag, then that's a good thing. But if you aren't, it's not.

Second, I've now watched McCain on the View and a few other interviews. I thought they were good discussions. But what he has to say just isn't working for me. And frankly, then having Cindy McCain say that the View hosts "picked their bones clean" -- ummm, what happened to discussion, to questioning, to getting to the bottom of things? I thought the McCains more than held their own. Why come out with that line after that? I just didn't get it. It makes it seem there is no room for discussion, for new ideas. It's the McCain way or the highway.

And now, on to Sarah Palin. Where to begin.

First, love or hate the press, they are there for a reason. For a campaign continually referencing the importance of the Constitution, I think the banning of press from Palin's meetings is a kick in the teeth. People asking questions about Palin's qualifications is not sexist. Coddling her like a baby, limiting her interaction with the press so we cannot see what she stands for, is.

And then the interviews. I'm still waiting for a Republican to weigh in on whether, after her interviews with Gibson and Couric, whether they still think she is the right pick. What I see is a woman totally over her head. I see a woman who is not well versed on the issues that are most important to America today. What I see is a spokesmodel VP -- I think in a recent conversation I actually referred to her as a "trophy" VP. She looks great and definitely paints a picture. But she is not ready to be the VP, or potentially the President of our nation.

So there you go. I'm ready for the onslaught.