A Heartbeat Away From Cynicism

Palin's selection, though, feels like a disappointing retreat to the identity politics of 1984, when Geraldine Ferraro was picked solely because Walter Mondale wanted a woman on the Democratic ticket. On Friday, Ferraro was on Fox News, talking about how "people are looking for a historic campaign," and suggesting that the choice of Palin "might do it."

So women "who are disaffected by how Hillary was treated by the media, by how she was treated by the Obama campaign," as Ferraro sees it, are going to flock to McCain simply because he panders to them with Palin? Because Palin, who just a short time ago was describing Clinton's "whining," lauded her Friday for showing "such determination and grace"? Because, as Palin said, "it turns out the women of America aren't finished yet, and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all"?

How dumb do they think women are? So dumb that former Clinton supporters would defect to McCain-Palin, even though the candidates' agendas -- including their agendas on issues of particular importance to women -- could not be more different?

In the estimation of this woman, anyway, McCain's standing went down, not up, with this cynical choice.

marcusr@washpost.com