We’ve Been Down This Road Before: Donald Trump’s Sarah Palin

As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to select her running mate, she has a unique opportunity to elevate her campaign with a choice that can outshine JD Vance—or Donald Trump's Sarah Palin.

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On August 29, 2008, a pivotal moment in American political history unfolded as Senator John McCain, the Republican Nominee for President, revealed his choice for Vice President—Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. McCain’s selection was intended to energize his base and appeal to working-class families, a strategy rooted in the belief that Palin’s down-to-earth ‘charm’ would resonate with ordinary Americans.

As history would soon show, this choice was fraught with pitfalls.

Palin, who had been thrust into the national spotlight with claims and controversial statements, soon became a lightning rod for criticism. Her infamous assertion that “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a nuke is a good guy with a nuke” and her bizarre claim about being able to “see Russia” from her backyard were glaring indicators that McCain’s running-mate was not the game-changer he had hoped for.

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As the campaign progressed, it became clear that the selection of Palin, rather than being a strategic masterstroke, was a miscalculation with significant consequences.

The role of a running-mate is critical; it can either bolster a campaign’s chances or undermine them entirely.

McCain’s choice of Palin ultimately contributed to his defeat, as evidenced by President Barack Obama’s resounding landslide victory in 2008. Palin’s candidacy failed to provide the electoral boost McCain had anticipated, revealing the significant impact that a vice-presidential pick can have on a presidential campaign.

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves once again facing an echo from the past. Former President Donald Trump’s recent choice of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate has already sparked significant controversy. 

Dubbed the “Weird Ticket” by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Vance’s selection has been marred by a series of missteps and scandals—ranging from outlandish accusations involving dolphins and couches to derogatory and sexist remarks against women.

In this context, JD Vance’s candidacy appears to be an unsettling mirror image of Sarah Palin. 

Just as Palin’s selection was seen as emblematic of a flawed strategy, Vance’s presence on Trump’s ticket is quickly becoming a symbol of potential miscalculation. The parallels are striking, and they underscore the critical importance of choosing a running-mate who can truly complement and enhance the presidential bid, rather than becoming a liability.

Vice President Kamala Harris now stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the opportunity to choose her own running-mate—someone who can not only rival JD Vance but also exemplify the qualities of her campaign. This selection is more than just a strategic decision; it’s a chance to accomplish what Donald Trump failed to do; inspire the nation.

For Donald Trump, this impending announcement is likely to be a source of anxiety.

If history is any guide—and it so often is—Vice President Kamala Harris is on a path leading straight to the presidency.