Former NYC Mayor: Palin is scary

Today Ed Koch, mayor of New York from 1978-1989 and US Congressman from 1969-1977, endorsed Barack Obama for President. Although a Democrat during his political career, Koch endorsed and worked for George W. Bush in 2004. When asked in an interview today what prompted the move, Koch replied:

"The designation of Palin to be vice president," he said. "She's scary."

Although Koch himself has been a controversial character from time-to-time, his endorsement statement bears repeating because it speaks of common sense. In describing his decision, Koch said:

"So the issue for me is who will best protect and defend America.

I have concluded that the country is safer in the hands of Barack Obama, leader of the Democratic Party and protector of the philosophy of that party. Protecting and defending the U.S. means more than defending us from foreign attacks. It includes defending the public with respect to their civil rights, civil liberties and other needs, e.g., national health insurance, the right of abortion, the continuation of Social Security, gay rights, other rights of privacy, fair progressive taxation and a host of other needs and rights.

If the vice president were ever called on to lead the country, there is no question in my mind that the experience and demonstrated judgment of Joe Biden is superior to that of Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin is a plucky, exciting candidate, but when her record is examined, she fails miserably with respect to her views on the domestic issues that are so important to the people of the U.S., and to me. Frankly, it would scare me if she were to succeed John McCain in the presidency.

I reiterate the question each of us must answer in making our choice, who will best protect and defend America, domestically and with respect to the literal defense of the country?"

You're not along Mr. Koch. Sarah Palin is scary to anyone who believes leaders should govern for the majority, not a small minority with extreme interests.