Palinotics. A one-word summary for the simple worldview of Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska and potential VP of the world’s strongest power. Her views, the views of conservative America — a no-mess, no-nuance, no-heavy-jargon approach to politics. There might have been some dirty politics in her state, but the message now: I am here and leave me, my shoes, Doris Day hair-do and manicure alone.

McCain, should he win the race to the White House, is most likely to be the oldest first-term president to ever have been elected, thereby making Palin the vice-president most likely to succeed. Still, a female running mate, an African-American candidate — if this does not speak for progressive policy change then what does?

The problem seems to be that Palin inherits the mantle of foreign policy in McCain’s absence — a so-called “president in waiting”. As sceptics and critics do, commentators have watched her every step of the way, a female Dan Quayle questioned on her ability. Media coverage of the elections has recently been Palin-dominated, bringing new attention and focus to the normally unnoticed VP race.

At 9 pm EST on Thursday, October 2, the primly dressed Palin will take centrestage and her views will no doubt be scrutinised by every political pundit. She has a head start — a capability to answer beyond the already spin-doctored and practiced questions. Long live the tradition of debate; in fact, in our democratic system we should engage in such dialogue between our future leaders.

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