The future-historical value of Sarah Palin

I think Sarah Palin is a great pick, for all the reasons cited here and elsewhere.  But there's another angle to why she's such a good move.  The media - particularly after Obama's convention speech - has made such a production of the fact that Obama is a historic candidate, that his presence on the campaign, and by implication his election to the White House, represents such a historic moment for the nation that we're somehow squandering an opportunity if we don't elect him.

Now, America makes history no matter who wins.  Maybe I live in a bubble, but most Americans I know, white males included, want to see women and minorities succeed.  Let's all admit that no matter how much we might dread an Obama presidency, some little piece of us would feel a sense of pride that the country has reached a moment when a black man can be elected president.  That's only natural, even if you believe, as I do, that Barack Obama is the wrong man for the job.

With Sarah Palin on the ticket, Americans - all of them - can feel a sense of pride no matter who wins the election.  This strikes me as a tremendously important dynamic that benefits McCain because there's no longer any guilt associated with not voting for Obama.  It's also a tremendous moment for the nation, regardless of whom you support.  No matter what happens in November, a glass ceiling will be shattered, and that's really something.