By Sara Conn
Campus Editor
Publication Date: 09/04/08
The female Alaskan governor chosen as Sen. John McCain's running mate needs to capitalize on her fresh-faced appeal and draw attention away from the Obama campaign.
According to Patricia Boling, an associate professor in the department of political science, Sarah Palin, R-Ala., can refocus the conversation and get momentum behind McCain and the Republican Party. Aaron Hoffman, also a professor in the department of political science, agrees.
"She's made people ask the question, 'Who is Sarah Palin and why did McCain pick her?'" Hoffman said. But in order to build on the attention brought to the Republican ticket, Palin will need to be a strong, well-prepared speaker who shows knowledge if not experience.
"She's not really well known, so she's really going to have to introduce herself not only to the Republicans but also the American public in general," he said.
Katie Ryan, a sophomore in the College of Agriculture, said initially she knew very little about McCain's vice presidential selection.
"She is an outstanding leader that has grown on me, and she has conservative values that the Republican Party really finds ideal," said Ryan, a member of the Purdue College Republicans.
Ryan said Palin's energy and charisma will appeal to voters, and her hectic but loving family life is something American citizens can identify with.
She said Palin receives a lot of support from her family and during her speech at the Republican National Convention the camera's showed multiple shots of the Palin family.
"Her family motivates her rather than holding her back, like some people might think," Ryan said.
"She draws people in to her with her vibrance and enthusiasm that McCain might have been lacking, but this does not take away from her capabilities."
However, the only way to gage Palin's political expertise is through a series of debates over the next few months, Boling said.
"That would be a chance for her to speak on policies."
Hoffman said the Democratic Party should be prepared because Palin has built an impressive political resume in a short period of time.
"Anyone that underestimates her does so at their own peril."