The International House of Bacon

This essentially sums up my feelings:

I’m 27 years old. I have not once ever felt significantly optimistic about national politics - there’s never been anyone who’s sniffed power in my lifetime who even comes close to how I think today, and I’ve always been more than a bit cynical about the whole thing.

Palin’s nomination changes everything.

First, Palin is imperfect. She’s still too much of a “social conservative” for me to be comfortable with, but, as I’ve said before, I’ll likely always have to compromise on that, and she’s not that different than Obama and McCain on gay rights, as an example, offering some . Second, I’m with a lot on the right - her having at least a full term in Alaska under her belt would have been much better, but I think that’s part of the risk factor and pulls an issue off the table in a way. Third, there’s a good chance her audience yesterday was the largest crowd she’s ever been in front of, and it’s only going to get crazier. I’m not 100% sure she can handle that, but she seems to have the ability. Again, it’s WAY too soon to tell.

With all that said, though, I think one note I read put it best - she’s the closest to a libertarian candidate we’re ever going to see come near the White House, and that stands for something. I think the Republican Party would be smart to promote Palin types within their ranks (and if yesterday’s fundraising is an indication, they have about $3m early reasons to look at it), and I think even the opportunity for Palin to influence policy at the executive level is a net benefit to the country and the Presidency. Plus, this shoves her onto the national stage, and, if her popularity sustains, nearly guarantees a run from her in 2012 or 2016. Talk about a fast track.

To make a joke, this is the first time in my lifetime I’ve been proud of a national candidate. I never thought I’d say it, but forget ideological purity - I’m voting McCain/Palin this year. I’m voting McCain/Palin because I want people like Palin to have more power, and I want America to have an opportunity for real change from the Bush-style politics that have dominated this nation the last 8 years. Palin proves that there can be ideological Republicans who stand up to the establishment, and Palin proves that there are conservatives who can provide realistic, innovative ways to deal with the issues invariably coming along the way. I never once thought I could stomach voting for a Republican ticket for President, and Palin has the chance to really significantly change that. That’s exciting to me.

Some links for your perusal:

* Some bios: Ambinder, Swamp Politics, the AP, official bio.

* American Thinker with rebuttals to the early criticisms/attacks.

* Flopping Aces on the Troopergate Timeline.

* Two videos: Palin on Kudlow, Palin on CNBC. Anyone who tells you that Palin can’t handle Biden doesn’t know Sarah Palin.

* Finally, a more substantive list of Sarah Palin Facts.

I’m fired up.