McCain’s campaign has exposed the schizophrenia of the Republican Party. McCain has to simultaneously convince voters he’s not George W. Bush, while appealing to his loyal supporters – he has to convince America he’s not a war hawk, while making it clear he does support a continued presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has to advocate that the fundamentals of our economy are fine, while appealing to voters’ concerns over falling wages, sinking mega-companies, rising unemployment, higher cost of living, and rising fuel costs. His Party has to promote the ideals of service, while mocking community service. He has to advance his beliefs in denying women choice and supporting right-wing views of marriage, while appealing to moderates. He has to lead the charge for change (since it seems to be working for the Democrats), while secretly ensuring the entrenched Republican elite aristocracy he’s not a threat. He has to be a Maverick, while being a conservative Republican.

One of the challenges of the McCain campaign has been the inconsistencies in policies that he’s demonstrated from his record to his campaign promises. Far from being a maverick, McCain has exhibited a tendency to shift his policies frequently with the sway of public opinion, as well as when he’s being reigned in by the Party elite. Enter Sarah Palin – rather than representing a true innovative and surprising choice, she is a blatant appeal to the traditional Christian religious right. Her invitation as a running mate sends a signal to the Christian Coalition that McCain is one of them, and he will not threaten the extremist religious policies so important to them. Translation: McCain’s Supreme Court nominees will be vetted to support traditional marriage laws, and to overturn Roe v. Wade. It’s one of the tired tricks of the Republicans – when it looks like the race will be close, bring up abortion and gay marriage to get people to the polls.

For all his Maverick change put America first rhetoric, McCain’s policies are not the recipe for progress in the US. Palin’s inflammatory comments about supporting Israel at the expense of instigating conflict with Iran is exactly the type of Bush neo-con thinking that led us into an unnecessary war with Iraq and has kept us there for five years. McCain’s stance on making Bush’s tax cuts permanent, while cutting spending on social programs, plays well with those who don’t take the time to think that a $300 return most certainly does not make up for cuts in education, child care, social programs, and an affordable health care program. McCain is wrong on all of the issues of importance for America.