Sarah Palin and God's Will

(THE BLOG WAS NOT FORGOTTEN--FINALLY BACK ON A COMPUTER THAT IS NOT SO ANCIENT!)Quotes from Gov. Palin from Andrew Sullivan's blog:

"God's Will"
That's the reason for an oil pipeline:

"I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that."

Much, much more disturbing is her describing the occupation of a Muslim country thus:

"Pray for our military men and women who are striving to do what is right. Also, for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God. That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan."

Andrew's Comments: The drama that could unfold in the next few days is simply immense. The emotions involved - especially among the Christianist base who have immediately bonded on purely religious and cultural terms with Palin - are epic. What I fear is some kind of pure emotional-religious wave that redefines the GOP for ever as a purely religious party, swamps all genuine questions about governance, celebrates this woman as the epitome of modern conservatism and rides the tidal wave of fundamentalist fervor to the White House.

This is not what McCain intended or wanted.

He wanted a reformer. He's got a saint. He doesn't understand the profound forces he has unleashed with this pick, especially when all the facts are on the table. I predict that as this story develops, it will be Palin who is effectively running for president for the GOP. Or if she is forced to withdraw, McCain will be forced back to Romney, but they will blame Palin's demise on the liberal media, and hoist Palin like a martyred mascot on a freight train.