USA-POLITICS/MCCAIN & PALIN, originally uploaded by the_real_cjs.

Eight years ago in New York’s Republican primary, I cast my vote for John McCain. I was one of those young idealists who thought McCain could change Washington — kind of like many of my peers feel about Barack Obama today.

After McCain’s defeat in that Super Tuesday primary on March 7, 2000 — essentially ending his presidential bid — conservatives were left with George W. Bush as the Republican nominee. Given the alternative in 2000, I supported Bush. But I always wondered what life would be like under maverick McCain.

My feelings toward McCain changed in 2007. I was deeply disappointed with his support for an amnesty bill and worked tirelessly to expose its flaws. I was no longer inspired by his candidacy nor anyone else for that matter (with the possible exception of a brief flirtation with Fred Thompson).

Then something happened. Last December I wrote that I was reconsidering McCain. A few days later he proved that he wasn’t done when he made a surprisingly strong showing in Iowa and showed he was the man to beat. After shedding staff and being left for dead, McCain found a way to beat an insurgent Mike Huckabee and well-funded Mitt Romney to capture to the nomination.

As much as McCain’s comeback impressed me, something was missing. Conservatives would probably reluctantly support him on Nov. 4, but like me, they weren’t motivated.

Then came Sarah Palin. This morning was the first time I actually felt excited about November. The Alaska governor with a record of reform complements McCain perfectly. “A breath of fresh air,” Karl Rove said today on Fox News. Exactly. McCain needed someone bold. He struck gold.

On nearly all issues important to conservatives — abortion being one of the most significant — Palin is perfect. I admire her role as a mother and public servant. Given Alaska’s natural resources, she understands the energy issue. Palin has executive experience — a contrast to Obama. She showed courageous leadership by killing the Bridge to Nowhere and fighting earmarks from the state’s powerful Republican lawmakers. And, most importantly, she took on the corrupt establishment — another contrast to Obama, documented in detail in David Freddoso’s book, “The Case Against Barack Obama.”

“Both Obama and Palin were young politicians operating in cesspools of corruption,” says strategist Patrick Ruffini, co-founder of The Next Right. “Palin confronted it while Obama acquiesced to the machine.”

This is what excites me most about Palin. Like the John McCain of 2000, she’s the kind of person who can change government — and has the guts to take on Washington. Together they will be a tough team to beat. Finally, after eight long years, I’m inspired again.