My morning with Sarah

My morning with Sarah

A first-hand account of the quality of character in Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin

By ANDY HEFTY

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Setting heavy-hitting politics aside for just one article, I want to share with you about the morning spent last week at the Jacksonville Landing.

First, a little history. When Senator John McCain won the Florida presidential primary in January, most candidates quit their campaigns and endorsed him. So it became obvious that he would be the nominee. At that point, several people were asking me whom McCain should pick. By that time, I had conducted some research into possible running mates, so I was ready to announce whom I would pick if I were the nominee: Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

Most people's reaction was, "Sarah who?" A quick Google search would clear that up. The next question usually ranged from, "Is she married?" to "Why her?" I was able to articulate several reasons why a political junkie like myself considered her a top contender. So I pinned my hopes on the possibility that John McCain would pick Governor Palin. I believed that if he wanted to ensure that the Republican faithful actually showed up to vote, he would have to excite them with a running mate that was more than just a pretty face.

Enter August 26. On my television debut, First Coast News anchor Shannon Ogden asked me whom I believe McCain should pick. I told him, anchor Donna Deegan, and the other pundits that the "wisest pick" would be Palin. I went through a quick list of how she would complement the ticket, offset some of McCain's weaknesses such as his lack of camera-friendliness, and re-energize the Republican Party.

Well, it all came true.

I took three of my daughters with me to the rally, along with a colleague from my office. We arrived early, but the "fishbowl" was already filling to capacity. My oldest daughter Elizabeth, 21, was able to secure a spot at the railing by the stage, just to the right of the speaker's podium. From there, the event volunteers ensured that we maintained our spot, so Governor Palin could meet Rebekah, my nine-year-old daughter whom we adopted when she was just a few weeks old. Rebekah has a mild case of Down syndrome. Already a connection would be established, since Palin's youngest child Trig has Down syndrome as well.

When Palin walked onto the platform, she noticed the sign and signaled to Elizabeth that she would meet them after her speech. We were elated.

Political rallies are basically high-school or college pep rallies where nearly everyone present is all cheering for the same hoped-for victory. So it would come as no surprise that Palin's followers figuratively gobbled up every possible moment.

And when her speech was over, we were not the least bit disappointed with Palin. She stooped down, asked Elizabeth about the Down Syndrome Association calendar where Rebekah was featured, autographed it, and then stated that she would love to see her son Trig in a future edition. Note to the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and Hope Haven: consider contacting the McCain-Palin campaign to make this happen.

Abigail was next. A quick autograph. A friendly Hello.

Finally she turned to Rebekah. After asking her the standard questions of name, age, and something about herself, Palin looked her squarely in the eyes and said with all sincerity, "I absolutely love you." Rebekah beamed her love in return - children with Down syndrome are known for that. And then they embraced. As Palin resumed working the crowd, Rebekah turned to me and declared, "Daddy, she hugged me!"

Few times in my life have I met a politician with a genuine, heart-felt interest in a single child. Most politicians will shake hands, say kind words, and perhaps even give a little kiss on the cheek. But that day, I didn't meet Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential candidate. I met Sarah Palin, a wife and mother who just happens to "absolutely love" those she meets.