With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

The Palin Effect [3 min 4 sec]

A couple days after presidential hopeful, John McCain, announced first term Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for his VP pick everyone was buzzing about the so called Palin Effect. Sarah's ability to energize the GOP.

Palin was a surprising pick as she was practically unknown outside Alaska and she certainly lacked experience, a key point of the McCain campaign. However, her effect was supposed to be three fold. First, she is a woman and feminist. She had the potential to pick up disgruntled Hillary supporters. Second, as an avowed Christian, she'd consolidate and energize the religious right. And, third, with her youth and self described Mavericky ways, she'd counter Obama's fresh enthusiasm.

Three months after the election? Not so much. The Palin Effect certainly exists-- but it's not energizing the base.
Read entire article at You Tube