I swore I wouldn’t wade into the political fray online (I’m a new American and sometimes a little nervous about speaking my mind here), but as a positioning expert, Palin puzzles me …

What was McCain thinking? I’ve been trying to figure that out since Labor Day.

I would think that in a campaign running mate, you want someone to complement your strengths, right? Someone who brings some additional experience or knowledge that you don’t have. Always a good idea when building a management team whether it be for a company or a nation.

So I’ve been toying with all the possible reasons why McCain thought that Palin would be the best choice of all the people he carefully vetted before making his choice:

1. She’s a WOMAN. Was he trying to attract women voters and Hillary supporters? Cuz’ heavens knows there’s a ton of similarity between Palin and Hillary. After all, they’re both women, right? And we’re all the same … interchangeable as it were, Mr. McCain?

2. She’s a strong CHRISTIAN. Was the strategy to attract the religous right? Hmm, I’m thinking he didn’t know about the pregnant teenage daughter?

3. She’s YOUNG. Was it because she’s younger? Well, that one is true.

4. She’s a GOOD SHOT. This may come in handy, given the experiences of the current team in power. ;->

The whole thing is just baffling to me. Politics aside. I just can’t figure out what the positioning strategy was (is?).

Once again, I feel like an outsider in this country even though I’ve lived here for almost 15 years and have been a citizen now since 2000. There’s some important piece of information about America that I’m missing. I just can’t figure out how Palin complements McCain’s strengths, other than her age. And surely that can’t be the only reason? Anyone have any suggestions to clue me in?

Back to my thinking ….

Until next week,

Jenn