Joe Trippi: Don't Underestimate McCain-Palin

Here's the money quote from Joe's must-read column in Real Clear Politics:

"McCain said of this pick "I have found the right partner to help me stand up to those who value their privileges over their responsibilities, who put power over principle, and put their interests before your needs...I found someone with an outstanding reputation for standing up to special interests and entrenched bureaucracies; someone who has fought against corruption and the failed policies of the past."

The McCain campaign plans on making an assault on Barack Obama's strength as a change agent. And challenge, what the McCain campaign will describe as, Obama's weak or non-existent attacks on corruption within the Democratic party and other institutions throughout his career.

Like the Swiftboat attacks of 2004 on Senator John Kerry, a decorated Viet Nam Veteran -- this assault will be on what is now a strength of Barack Obama's -- his focus on changing a broken system in Washington."

Trippi says that McCain has not necessarily given away the experience argument, as so many commentators argue. The Republican pitch may become in essence: If you're concerned about the experience of a first term governor, what about electing a first time Senator as President. Clearly this argument ignores the singular achievements of Senator Obama and his campaign in earning the Democratic nomination over the past 19 months. However, many undecided voters remain unimpressed by the Senator or his political achievements, and the Palin story line about going against her own party as a reformer may resonate. Much will depend on how she survives the scrutiny of her past and the the national media's questions.

- Richard Holcomb