The real vetting problem: Republican elitism.

The biggest question in political circles -- not just inside the Beltway, but everywhere in America and indeed around the world -- is what happened in the vetting of the Wasilla Cannonball, Sarah Palin? The real problem? Republican elitism: Pushing back aggressively against charges of lax or hasty vetting, the McCain campaign disclosed Tuesday that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was one of six finalists for running mate who filled out a 70-question form that included detailed personal, professional and financial probing. The campaign says the form included such detailed questions as: Have you been faithful in your marriage? Have you ever paid for sex? Have you ever downloaded pornography? Have you ever used or purchased drugs? Republicans tasked white shoe lawyer/lobbyist and former Reagan White House counsel Arthur B. Culvahouse, Jr. with the process. And true to form, the McCain campaign went into battle prepared to fight the last war. They went out of their way to pick t...