Was His VP Choice a McCain Win Even if He Loses?

Like many folks I'm trying to figure out why McCain chose Palin as his running mate after talking about Obama's lack of experience. Of course, he can argue that Palin has executive experience as a business owner, mayor and governor, while Obama has only legislative experience.

But he must know that a lot of voters will not share that assessment, so he must know that his choice could sink his campaign just when he seemed to be bucking the Democratic tide. So, why choose her?

If Palin **agrees with McCain on issues as much as many observers say, it seems to me he could be trying to redirect the GOP in the direction he wants by grooming Palin for 2012 even if his own chance to be President gets swept away by the Democratic tide. One election's VP candidate is frequently a major contender for the top spot in the next election. If McCain loses' and Palin is as brilliant a speaker and as quick a learner as many think, she would be hard to beat among the 2012 GOP field of candidates after another 4 years of experience as a Governor. McCain's position in The Senate (or as President if he is elected) will allow him to send Palin on foreign affairs assignments such as fact finding missions. That would improve her resume in the area where she is currently weakest.

McCain could be securing his Presidential legacy even if he doesn't become President.

** In anticipation of comments that he and she disagree on drilling in The Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge: Their disagreement on ANWR drilling seems insignificant to me. The Democratic Congress will block drilling in the short run, while offshore drilling, which Democrats are starting to consider, and development of alternative energy sources will make ANWR drilling less important in the long run.