In order to boost Palin’s “experience” credentials, including her national security and defense credentials, and her experience to be Commander-in-Chief “on Day One,” the McCain campaign and her supporters have been touting that, as Alaska Governor, Palin has extensive experience in such national defense roles as the Commander-in-Chief of the Alaska National Guard.
But, guess what, in a Huffington post article by Ted Anthony, “Alaska National Guard General: Palin Plays No Role In National Defense Activities Even When They Involve The Alaska National Guard,” we hear a different story:
Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, considers Palin “extremely responsive and smart” and says she is in charge when it comes to in-state services, such as emergencies and natural disasters where the National Guard is the first responder.
But, in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, he said he and Palin play no role in national defense activities, even when they involve the Alaska National Guard. The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations.
Cindy McCain will probably disagree and maintain that Palin not only has solid foreign policy experience because Alaska “is next to Russia,” but also solid national security, military, and commander-in-chief experience because, Alaska, being “next to Russia,” is the first line of defense against a Russian ground invasion, and Palin is there to stop it, moose-hunting rifle and all.