Reacting to Palin, Kay Bailey Hutchison gets high marks for honesty

Reflecting the experienced politician she is, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas displayed no trace of disappointment or chagrin in a phone interview with CNN in reacting to John McCain's choice for a running mate -- the position for which her name had been floated.

Rare for a politician, however, she was unusually candid in commenting on the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

"I don't know too much about her, but perhaps that's the good news," Hutchison said.

Elaborating on that latter point, she termed Palin "a surprise" pick, "but a pleasant one." She predicted she would introduce "a breath of fresh air" to the presidential campaign.

-- Don Frederick

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, comments to the media, Friday, Aug. 29, 2008 at her home in Dallas on John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. Hutchison said McCain's choice is a "bold and exciting opportunity." She said that by choosing a woman, McCain has an opportunity to capture voters who are eager for a change. AP Photo/ Donna McWilliam

Comments

[Theo Geisel]

Did McCain sleep with Palin? He already did that once before when he got his trophy wife. Why not Mitt Romney, who IS qualified, who is experienced enough? Why not Kay Bailey Hutchinson, who is eminently qualified AND a woman, if McCain must pander to women. I wish there was a true Conservative Party!

[Frieda]

this is the "CHANGE" we can believe in ....Obama talks the talk but McCain walks the walk. wow!!

So excited

[frieda]

this is the "CHANGE" we can believe in ....Obama talks the talk but McCain walks the walk. wow!!

So excited

[BJ]

Great job John McCain!!!

I was hoping for Meg Whitman, but I'll take Palin!!!

IN YOUR FACE OBAMA!

[Joe Shmoe]

I'd love to hear more why these posters think Palin is a "great pick."

Truly.

Asserting something doesn't make it so.

[Chilli]

They think Palin is a good choice only because they are political neophytes.

Palin is a strong governor and descent person, but she is green and unready. In 10 or 15 years she may have the resume to actually hold top billing on the ticket, but at present, no. First off, she has a 4 mo. old special needs baby and joing the campaign trail makes her look like a selfish bad mother. Second, with her youthful looks she'll make John McCain appear ready for the retirement home every time they make a joint appearance. That will only encourage people to wonder if she's really ready to be a heartbeat from being the Commander-in-Chief. Third, with her current light-on-experience resume there is no way to argue that she isn't the true affirmative action candidate in this race. That only makes Obama look stronger and more qualified. I could go on, but you get the general idea: good candidate, but bad timing, and bad ticket. That doesn't add up to a win.

[Brian]

I am absolutely amazed that people are calling this person qualified because she is a gov. She did the PTA thing what, 5 years ago?

Also, lets keep in mind that Alaska is like no other state in the union. It is about half the population of New Hampshire (or about the same size as El Paso) and each resident is paid to live there by the oil and mining companies. Heck, I'd love to be paid to live here in New Jersey.

I am depressed that my choices are so limited. I get the young idealist who says all the right things but I need to trust he can execute or I get the guy who will be the oldest person ever to be elected to president and his under-qualified hockey mom.

As things stand right now, I can't let this country go to someone who has never lived in the lower 48. I will be taking a long look at Obama these next few weeks.

[818-783-4503]

i think what we are seeing is mccains tactical ability. he criticized obama for not visiting irag and obama did a world tour. he criticizes obama for his shortcomings on foreign policy and obama acts again on mcains behalf-rejecting clinton as v.p. and nominating biden-a good man-but another clone. maybe this is a mccain surge and obama cant figure out how to react except take bad advice and and make bad decisions. last obama is no jfk. and even his daughter has idealized jfk. he knew no win means no accomplishments. he picked johnson whom he did not like. but they won. leaving the vp choice to the clinton haters kennedys might cost obama the election.

[regina]

No informed citizen will be fooled by John McCain's desperate move. Even Sara herself doesn't believe she will last at the White House. THINK PEOPLE. It is a trick to make it to the White House and McCain doesn't mind using women or pitting Americans against each other to get there. Check this out:

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take the office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.

They aren't outsmarting this WOMAN!!! He is gonna use Sara to get to the White House, then she will resign (probably citing family issues) and then he will put in who he REALLY wants as VP.

What a sad, desperate, and cheap trick. But, I guess I should have expected that from McCain. Don't fall for it ladies or gentleman.

[rose]

I can't wait until the next four years is over. What a huge mistake in making this idiot (McCain) our best choice for the GOP! Give me a break.