This Thursday’s debate, moderated by PBS anchor Gwen Ifill at Washington University in St. Louis, will be the only vice-presidential match-up before the election. Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) will present a conservative record and ideology to the American public in support of her running mate, Sen. John McCain (check out the Wonk Room’s VP Debate Study Guide). Introducing this relatively unknown figure to the American public, McCain said, “She’s exactly who I need.” President Bush praised McCain’s selection, calling Palin “a proven reformer who is a wise steward of taxpayer dollars and champion for accountability in government.” In September, Palin announced the responsibilities that McCain will entrust to her: “Government reform, energy independence. And helping families and children, those with special needs.” McCain is falsely presenting Palin as a break from the disastrous policies and extreme ideology of the Bush administration. Palin’s true record, and McCain’s actual agenda, represent more of the same failed conservativism that has given America two ongoing wars, obscene profits to Big Oil, and a stark decline in the fortunes of the middle class.

From The Progress Report