Washington File

Imagine McCain croaks, I mean he is the oldest president ever if he is successful. Who fills his shoes? An Alaskan who's idea of America is being a hockey mom in a small town next door to Jolly Old St. Nick? Hmmm, is this really a tough decision?

OBAMA! BIDEN!

Women dont belong in such high demanding jobs

Palin has certainly proven to be an interesting selection. I've watched a lot of media over the last day or two and the repubs want to showcase her personal story and her willingness to go against the GOP corruption, the GOP backroom boys, and oil companies. That only begs the question: why would anyone vote for the GOP in the first place?

She's fine enough as a running mate. But lets not forget that John McCain is 72 years old. If something should happen, does anyone really expect that this woman could run the country? Of course not. And that should have factored in when McCain was choosing and when the voters go to the polls.

A lifetime member of the NRA!! I love it...she has my vote...

You mean that's all it takes. Wow. That's really stupid.

Palin on the other hand has been a star basket ball player in High school , had a semester of business administration at the Haqaii Pacific University ansd a BS in communications-jouranalism, minor in political science from the University of Idaho.
As I read through her "experience" as a mayor, & Governor, it appears that her modis operendi, her governing style, is the same as that PTA/School board member, in a small town, who charms pressures, nags, until she wears out the opposition and gets HER WAY!
Tanya Harding indeed! Very apt.
I am appalled that she dragged her 16 year old daughter's pregnancy out for all to see, as a way of eliminating the rumors circulating the internet thiis weekend that the daughter not she, had given birth to the Downs Syndrome baby. I feel bad for the girl. And if she Sara really did birth that child, prematurely, she exibited REALLY BAD JUDGEMENT, making the 10 14 hour trip to Wassilla all the way from TEXas after her water broke! The minute that family stepped out into the spotlight Fri. I could see that Bristol looked very unhappy, the entire family except Mom looked, a little repressed. I really don't want her to bring her repressive pushy ways to Washington DC!
We've already had 8 years of it!

Well the republicans have begun their convention with military show and a flat baritone singer!
Heck of a job!
Clinton would have been a very poor choice as VP candidate, with Barack Obama. They have very different approaches, to similar goals It would have been like harnessing a cat and a dog to pull the wagon! Joe Biden is his boss on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, they have worked together for 3 years and work well in harness.
I am sick to death of hearing the Republican mantra, about Obama's lack of experience. For starters, he lived through a government overthrow in Indochina with his Stepfather explaining the plays, when he was a mere child.
He traveled to Africa to meet his Father's family. His Mother worked in International Non-profit aid work.
He attended Columbia University in NEW YORK CITY, majoring in [international relations, & political science] After college he worked aas Director of Developing COmmunities, for 3 FULL years, with a budget of $400,000, and a staff
of 13 He then attended Harvard University [IVY LEAGUE] graduating with a JD [Juris Doctor] MAGNA CUM LAUD! There he was ELECTED President of the Harvard Law Review supervising 80 editors.
He has written 7, SEVEN books...............

I think that McCain has made an astute decision. Think about it. He is an old white man going up against a Kennedy-like idealist. He cannot afford to run with a stuffy conservative like Mitt Romney. He needs something fresh, something new. Since Obama has "dissed" the female demographic (50% of population) by not taking Hillary, McCain sees added value in Palin. Palin seems to be a "free thinker" like he is. That distances him from George W. Bush. Democrats are going to make the case that McCain is offering "more of the same". A young woman with a reputation as a free-thinking moderate conservative will serve him well.

Palin's weakness is obvious. Lack of experience. That is the danger in his gamble.

Surely it's just a big joke. I mean really, who in their right mind would vote for that woman? This is the second most important job in the US government. She's a nothing, a nobody with NO experience and now he'll become a nothing too with her tagging along. What a mistake he's made. And for those thinking Obama should have chosen Hilary; why on earth would Obama want the Clintons in his White House with him? They would take over, Bill and Hilary together. Obama isn't quite that stupid as we're all finding out.

The McCain/Palin ticket is more than a little bit scarry for us ... old man young woman scenerio all over again ... when he could have chosen from such a huge array of the American female population ... so many really talented, experienced and well credentialed women of integrity from the political and economic sector.

What is this man thinking?

I just watched you on CNN. I certainly didn't care for what you said. Must be nice to be perfect yourself. Give people a chance.

henry champ has not appeared on cnn recently...editor

John McCain had two choices: play it safe or go for the Hail-Mary pass. In the polls, he had narrowed the margin with Obama to a whisker - and he decides to do the latter. He must think he needs a big play to pull this one out. And he gets credit for going for the bomb. But this one is called back for multiple penalties. I don't care if Palin was baptized as a Catholic and is currently a "post-denominational" Protestant. (But this isn't a cloudy issue; she's an Evangelical Christian in non-MILF clothing.) If you support the teaching of creationism in schools, as she does, you have a cult-like belief system. That is her right, but I don't have to respect her religious beliefs. And I don't. Supported Pat Buchanan for president?. He is nothing more than a disguised anti-Semite in a tailored suit. "Ms. Palin, did you have time, under the law, to legally terminate your pregnancy, knowing that your child had Down syndrome?" 'Yes I did. But I am inherently cruel and consider myself selfish. I simply had to have that fifth child.' I feel sorry for her daughter Bristol. And does anyone buy the explanation that Bristol decided to have the baby on her own? No, of course, not. Sarah decided she would have it. Period. And papa Todd just went along with it. So, as a result, the life of the future Bristol Johnston has been wrecked. Thanks mom! If daddy had impregnated her, Sarah Palin would still have forced her to have the child - if she is true to her belief system. This entire scenario is surely a sitcom. Watch for "Saturday Night Live" to have Tina Fey back as a guest for the next two months to play Palin. America gets what it deserves. And it deserves laughter.

I think it was a smart move on McCains part, Obama missed the chance to do the same, Hilary would have made an excellent choice as his running mate. It would've been a slam dunk. Now, not so much. Regardless of the lack of Palin's experience, I think the fact that she has SOME experience and is an attractive female will be good enough. She softens McCain a bit. Regardless of his age, if youve seen the pics of him being taken hostage , its pretty strong stuff. I think a Democrat is what that country needs but Im not so sure the American public totally trusts Obama, theres too many questions there. In my opinion, they want the comfort of having a strong leadership and McCain represents that and now he might have Hilarys votes as well.

Carl,

You are right on...that would have been a real coup. I guess he is not as smart as we thought he was.

Odd that he didn't try to get Condoleeza Rice as a running mate. She a woman of colour who might actually have a bit of experience and some chance of knowing a wee something about US foreign policy.

I find this appointment rather scary, despite her strong qualities. I believe that McCain held off the nomination waiting for Obama to announce his running mate. It may in fact lure some women voters to vote for McCain but is insulting to women that such an inexperienced person would be selected.

One must always bear in mind that it is the VP who takes over if something happens to the President. That has to be the prime consideration.

Yet,having said the above, ever wonder why no one talked about George W Bush's lack of experience when running for president? It seems only to be a problem when women and non-whites are going after top jobs. .

Obama erred in not appointing a woman running mate equal to Biden.

A good friend of mine and professor of political/asian studies said recently that even though Obama is widely considered the better choice, an American's fate is to be continually disappointed. I assumed he was talking about those in the centre and left.

The American electorate is fickle and superficial, easily swayed by fear and populist consent (read "the better marketing team"). IOW, it's easier to learn by watching TV than through debate or reading a variety of sources. While Palin lacks the experience any rational person would want in a president, she has the two things most Americans see are lacking in McCain: Youth and beauty. Both of these play out very nicely in American media, indeed.

PS - Jolene "God is not a Democrat or a Republican."
- You're right, God is clearly Green.

Never underestimate the American voter. Let's not forget, this is the same voter who put George W in the White House for the last eight years.

And the polls have identified no discernible bump for the Democrats coming out of their convention. So they're still neck and neck with the Repubs. with three months to go.

I know. It scares the bleep out of me, too.

Kevin McDonald from Halifax

"I judge the character of the candidate and the policies they stand for, I don't really care if they came to their conclusions via the Vatican, Bible, Koran or Torah so what is your problem?"

Posted August 31, 2008 08:18 PM

But if they come to their conclusion by way of "none of the above", what then? If they come to their conclusions by way of Aristotle, Plato, or even Hamurabi, what then? Could you vote for an athiest? Could you vote for someone who wants to keep the Bible in the churches, Science in the schools and the Constitution in the halls of government? Or would you rather vote for someone who wants the Bible in all three and if Science doesn't agree, well then throw out the Science, and if the Constitution doesn't agree, well then change the Constitution?

No one has mentioned what education Mrs. Palin have?
Being a mayor of 5,500 people does not qualify her to run a country like the US. she does have the gift of gab but it takes more then that to run a country in case it would come to that.

Ms. Paulin graduated in 1987 from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Journalism....H

She has more "executive" experience and thus is more qualified to be Vice-President and possibly President? That's like saying that because you have been a shift-manager at a McDonald's restaurant for a couple of months, you are more qualified to be CEO of McDonald's Corporation than, say, someone with a Harvard law degree, and has a lifetime of public service to the community.

I can't believe - I hope it's not true - that Americans are that disconnected from reality that they would gamble everything - as McCain has done - by selecting that ticket.

Sarah Palin, "You are no Hillary Clinton." You can't even begin to fill her shoes.

TONYA HARDING!

Palin gives off this really dangerous vibe, and I couldn't put my finger on it.. Then it hit me..

TONYA HARDING!

I'm a Canadian living in the USA.

Many of us die-hard moderates had a very pleasant laugh Friday night, while listening to her talk about Hillary Clinton, her husband's participation in unions... and best yet: McCain's priceless facial expressions while she blabbered her mouth off, in what appeared to be an non-vetted speech.

I'd like to think that this nomination is a huge mistake; he's running off the coat tails of Hillary Clinton and her fellow Democrats. I'd like to think that I have too much respect for him to think he's THIS stupid. She's completely unqualified to be President, and McCain is one heart beat away from death. As Obama stated, "Biden could walk in and be President, and we don't doubt that"

Keeping all this in mind, and knowing that McCain is a pretty smart fella, I have to continuously ask myself, what is his plan?!

Now all we can do is wait for the other shoe to drop!

Bigotry against Christians is the last acceptable prejudice. I see comments on these boards, that if they were directed against Jews or Muslims would be considered anti-semitic or islamophobic.

We don't need to check our religion at the door to run for office and we are allowed to let our religious principles shape our actions or even our public policy proposals.

Stop trying to create a Canada "free from religion' for that is a secularocracy - a forced secularist polity.

Nothing in the U.S. or Canadian constitutions prohibits persons of faith from running for office or using their faith (and reason) to formulate answers to our political problems.

You are a small-minded bigot and bully for trying to shout down the religious and keep them out of the public square. What you are asking for is exactly what the Nazis and Communist got: a political system of absolutism, but only for conformists like yourself.

CBC should strike comments like WT of Sask. because they are rude to religious people and imply that they are not as capable of reasoning through complex policy issues as secularists.

Anti-religious bigotry abounds on these boards and moderators aren't moderating, they are allowing religions and religious people to be slandered, defamed and calumnied.

If you don't like a politician because of his or her religion then don't vote for him or her. I judge the character of the candidate and the policies they stand for, I don't really care if they came to their conclusions via the Vatican, Bible, Koran or Torah so what is your problem?

It kills me, when christians cannot respect a womans right to chose, but support a man who sends their children to kill someone elses children.

To pull in Sarah Palin to gain the votes that might have otherwise gone to Hilary is in fact an insult to intelligent women and men who saw her not only as a strong woman but as a strong leader who can hold her own; the comment made to the effect that Bill helped her campaign - dont kid yourself - she was probably the only Presidential First Lady who knew enough about the world around her to help guide her husband - the president - to have had Obama and Clinton on the same ticket would have shown the world that the USA has truly grown and would have helped to changed the world's view of them - that is the key here and would have shown Obama as a true leader. It has become a game - acts of desperation - sick popularity contests that have dragged on for two years - in the end, there is still a country to run and representations to be made on the world stage. Did the move divert attention - sure - is that what running a country is all about now? The US is in huge trouble; Canada will probably fall down that slippery slope as well since we seem to have little backbone in strengthening the powerful opportunities we have here. There is no doubt that there is an element of the American populace who agree with Sarah - gun toting, prolife - someone here wrote - if you are going to be a world leader on a world stage, in what is professed to be the most democratic of countries, then by definition, that means that everyone has rights & as leader, you serve the greater good -

Mccain couldn't even keep his planes in the air. Does the U.S. really want a bad pilot as its leader?

Hey, anonymous paulson:
Who the heck is "Turd Blossom"?
Whomever it is, I got a real chuckle reading it.

God is not a Democrat or a Republican.

check out:
www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0523-08.htm

www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=action.election&item=petition_flash

Thanks!

If people of faith cannot separate their religious convictions from their political aspirations, then they should disqualify themselves from public office. Politics is the realm in which opinion, compromise, and consensus rule the day. Elected politicians must be able to represent all the diverging interests of their constituencies. More important, they must allow their own preconceptions to be challenged, revised, and sometimes discarded. People who speak of moral and religious principles at work in politics are only offering empty rationalizations of their own self-interest.

Ms. Palin was not selected for her credentials, or her good looks, or her reputation of being a 'maverick'.

John McCain did not choose her. Turd Blossom did. And it just might work too, because her selection has knocked the DNC speeches right off the front page.

All of the things we're hearing about her past and possible scandals (including one I've read this morning that her latest child might actually be her 16-year-old daughter's) won't do a thing to hurt hers and McCain's electability. In fact, if Democrats go too heavy-handed on the attacks, it will give the general perception that Democrats are bullies, and that they are beating up on a war hero and a hockey mom.

And it seems to be working too, especially in the blogosphere.

Which comes to the reason she was selected: namely to tempt Joe Biden to indulge in his foot-in-mouth disease. If Biden is particularly verbose over the next few weeks, expect his comments to piss off at least some feminists (well, at least the 'feminists' like Ann Coulter)

When you think about it, it's brilliant. Watch for Palin to get a makeover into this really hot-looking schoolteacher, so frat-boys and Nascar dads will have their own pin-up.

Risky? Hell yes. But with McCain and Obama so close, it just might be enough.

If I am reading this correctly, the Republicans are expecting Hillary's supporters to switch to another woman who is a right wing creationist, anti-abortion, anti-gay, pro-bridge, anti-bridge, hockey mom. Has anyone mentioned that she will be leaving the care of her 4 month old child to someone else? Perhaps the fact that he has Downs Syndrome makes him something less and therefore he needs her less. Surely American women will see the holes in this ploy and recognize that Ms Palin is no Hilliary. And by the way, I believe the term "Mulato" should be changed to "mixed race." Mr. Obama cannot be compared to a mule.

As an ex-pat with Obama overload, I see McCain's move as the most politically brilliant tactical move ever. Suddenly many people who are absolutely sick of the election process, (it really goes on here for a full year before the fixed date in Nov) are buzzing. It works on so many levels that it is pure genius.

Over the last couple years if anyone asked me who was going to win, I used to say that any Democrat will. I could just not conceive of any Republican winning it in any circumstance. SURPRISE !!!

Strategically and overnight the Democrats have woken up in the middle of a mine field and don't have time to re-group or re-balance their message. Almost every thing they say now can blow back at them and in their face.

The image of a attractive, articulate, plain speaking, religious mother of 5 shooting an M-16 and calling herself a hockey mom is something that may baffle Canadians but it gets a smile and nod from many Americans. Only this late in the political game of chess, could Maverick John McCain have snuck a pawn all the way to the end of the board and said Queen me and check at the same time. The Democrats sacrificed their queen in the game and now they know a checkmate win is imminent, they game is not over but it is now the Republican's (McCain / Palin's) to lose for the first time in 2 years, they have all the momentum.

He has re-framed the debate to do you want your experience with the President or the Vice-President. Do you want a woman as a VP or a black man as President. The only question that remains is can Palin hold her mettle in the glaring 2 months ahead but the more the Dems attack her, the more they will hurt themselves with the female vote.

My first thought was I wonder how Hilary is responding. She is either laughing or crying and maybe both. Only she could have beat this McCain / Palin team, she could have beat them as either President or as the VP but the Democratic party turfed her out.

I have no capacity to predict what the American public will do come election time, so I have no idea what effect this will have on McCain's chances.

However, it is clear that this was a tactical move, not based on qualifications or suitability. She apears to have no foreign policy credibility, and I find it very hard to believe that a hyper-religious politcian from Alaska has any grasp of the basics of the global or even American economy. She reminds me of Stockwell Day, and that's not a flattering comparison for anyone.

If McCain does win, it will prove that politics in the US is completely without substance. Might as well get George Clooney and Madonna to run that country.

Mike, what's wrong with being a Christian? You've probably never tried it. Are you scared to have hope? Go ahead, I dare you, try being a Christian. If you don't like it, the devil will always take you back. Also, thanks for ridiculing us Christians because when you do, you only increase our rewards in heaven.

Yes, we Christians cannot separate our faith from our politics because our faith forms our worldview, which forms our political view. We make decisions about who to vote for based on a higher standard, God's word. That's why someone being pro-infanticide (sorry, should I say pro-abortion?) is a deal-breaker for Christians. I'd still like to know how Obama, with his twisted version of Christianity, reconciles protecting "the least of these" with his wanting to protect a woman's ability to have her baby murdered.

Make of this Wiki entry, what you will, either way:
----
At the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, George H. W. Bush called on Quayle to be his running mate in the general election. Quayle was chosen to appeal to a younger generation of Americans and his looks were praised by Senator John McCain, who said "I can't believe a guy that handsome wouldn't have some impact."[8]

In Obama, the Democrats have their token, so why shouldn't the Republicans reply in kind, with the selection of Palin?

It's no better in Canada, with Dion 'leading' the Liberal Party.

Beware the wolf dressed in women's clothing.
Palin scares me, for some reason i can't quite put my finger on. Is it the lack of experience for the post that she is running for?
I don't know, but to quantify Palin with only two years goverment or because she has mammalian protuberances', and is a "hockey mom" is almost criminal. What's next for the GOP, have her on live with Regis and Kelly, no.. wait American Idol VP edition.
The right person for the right job, but we're talking about the Amercian electorial process here; Doesn't matter how you dive into the pool as long as you make a big splash!

Palin has shown some virtues. In particular, she has on a couple of occasions stood up against corrupt politics. But sadly, she is a religious nut -- and perhaps a very extreme one if some of the mud being slung around the web is on target. In any case, she is demonstrably dismissive of science, fact, and reason. She certainly can't be trusted to make the rational, informed decisions the USA and the world really need right now. Considering McCain's age, I really wish he had picked someone grounded, rather than someone he thinks is a political asset for his campaign in the here and now.

I'm a Canadian living in the States. And a Christian. I'd like to address the religion and politics comments below. People of faith cannot seperate their religion from thier political views. Their values of faith influence their values in politics. This seems to be true for Sarah Palin as well as for Barack Obama-a Christian also. It sure is true for me: Love reaching out to all people-those in poverty, single mothers, lesbian/gay; Pro-life for people all throughout the world, particularly civilians in Iraq. Excited to see Change!

What a breath of fresh air Sarah Palin is. She is smart and spunky, and will not allow Obama & Biden to bully her or treat her in a condescending manner. She is the face of real change, not Obama . Her immense popularity in Alaska is a result of her no-nonsense approach & willingness to take on the status-quo which Obama & Biden represent. They do not have a clue about the challenges that most Americans face , despite their rhetoric..

Palin is simply not qualified, as is painfully obvious. She will be debating the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Do you think she knows where Iran is?

Wild Otter

Henry, Henry, Henry. I can't believe you fell for Republican exaggerated claims of Ms Palin's reformer credentials - especially in regards to "The Bridge to Nowhere". On October 22, 2006 during the race for the governor's seat, when asked whether she would continue funding the Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges she told the Anchorage Daily News "Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now - while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." She was in favor of the bridge, but the project was becoming a national laughingstock and Congress had stripped away the earmark. So although she did not allocate any money to the bridge, she HAD been fine with it until it was clear that federal support was not forthcoming.

Ms. Palin is being credited for havign a son with down syndrome even though she could have terminated the pregnancy. To me it sounds like she is very self centered. The reason for that is simple. She did not want to earn the wrath of god but it is her son who has to outlive her and how will he do it. MS. Palin can protect him until she lives but then he has to survive in this world. Gee perhaps the money that she could make if she writes a book or becomes a VP could help the cause but if not then the poor kid will be helpless.

I just love the convoluted logic of my fellow Canadians who are Obama Nation supporters. Let's closely their argument: "John McCain has chosen a first term governor with zero foreign policy experience. If he dies in office then the United States is in great danger."

Okayyyy ... so what does that then say about the Democrat slate? Using exactly the same argument, this is what they're saying: "The Democrat primary voters have chosen a junior senator with zero foreign policy experience. If he gets elected then the United States is immediately in great danger."

What am I missing here?

Everyone seems to keep missing that she is for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The environmentalists are going to have a field day with her, not that I mind. I would never be a Republican, even if I lived there. Of course, no one ever said Americans were smart, but welcome to the 21st century anyway. A black running for president and a woman for vice. Who would have figured.

We have just witnessed history being made. With the selection of Palin the face American politics have changed forever. We will either see a black man as President or a woman as Vice-President saving a miracle 3rd ticket appearing on the ballot. Hopefully, it will mean a change of just more than appearances.

Two years ago this, this gun-totin' soccer Mom was mayor of a place the size of Gibsons, BC. Can't you just see all of Hillary Clinton's supporters flocking to her? Neither can I. Bye-bye McCain.

People should not underestimate this move. Especially given that alot of people believe in voting on face value and life styles...with a little pro support from the media, and a never ending opinion monolog on the division within the democrats over the course of the campaign, this election only needs the possiblities of another threat that the US needs to secure for macain to seem suddenly like a white sage. That and I really think this choice will help engrain the image of an old married couple that people would feel comfortable having in there homes which allows the voter to intagrate their own values with the rep. I can even see Macain doing a bitter old man bit followed up by this women's touch to clean up after he bungles with new tech. Really, as far as image goes, these two people make the dem's look very uncomfortablly cosmopolitan. And that might become what this vote is really about in the end: whether or not the voter will accept a very standout, cosmopolitian presidential image or one that is unquestionablly familular.

I would be watching the types of images that are being put out there if I were in the Dem's camp right now. The media is going to be a stronger force in this campaign then any other in history I believe. American votes dont stand a chance in thinking their way through this one even if they believe they can...the image will rule the day.

A lifetime member of the NRA!! I love it...she has my vote...

I think that the Democrats have a good chance of winning the election in November, especially with the choice that McCain has made for VP. I realize that McCain wanted to shore up his conservative base for the election, but when you are preaching the fact that Obama hasn't the experience and then pick a VP candidate that has barely two years experience running the state of Alaska, you have made a fateful mistake. Especially when your rival for president has picked somebody who has almost as much experience as you in the Senate for VP.

I wish John McCain luck, but personally I don't know if he can win in November at this point.

It appears that Obama chose Biden to fill in, what critics claimed, Obama's short comings. McCain, on the other hand, appeared to choose Palin to appeal to conservative women/family's, which, to me, looks like a pawn used to win an election rather than someone to work with on important issues.

So where does this play out? If McCain wins the election, will he seek a SECOND term at 76? If he doesn't, do the Republicans now have an akward primary between the incumbant VP and perhaps a Condoleeza Rice or Colin Powell?

The vice president of the United States is mostly a symbolic position. They typically go around the country glad-handing amongst their supporters making the rounds on the "Rubber Chicken" Circuit.
However having said that, MCCain's age is a major consideration for health reasons. His advanced age makes the vice president's job one heart beat, or one heart attack away from assuming the position of president. The last time this occurred as we all know, was when Gerald Ford took over after Richard Nixon resigned and prior to that Lyndon Johnson taking over after president John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
What was he thinking?
I believe that John MCCain may just have snatched defeat from the Jaws of Victory!

This is an awful choice practically but probably good politically. The heat and spectacle of an election always seems to give Americans a collective case of amnesia. Right-wing creationist hockey moms are not what the country needs at the moment, but when it's an election cycle everyone forgets the past eight years and lets themselves get goaded along by the Washington Posts and Matt Drudges of the world who have already declared the decision a 'coup' and should send 'the Left' running scared.

If the Dems really wanted to get nasty they could point to McCain's age and health problems (melanoma etc.) and then draw a contrast to the VP's lack of experience.

Should John McCain become President with Sarah Palin as vice-president, and anything happened to Mr.McCain, with the state of the country economically and militarily, I would be very fearful indeed for America. I question Mr.McCain's judgment in his choice of running mate.

Rob Reive Wrote,

"Sarah Palin is ...full of common sense."

Sorry anyone who belives in creationism has no common sense!

Interesting article and comments...

Sarah Palin is a good choice for a VP Candidate if only for the reason that no one saw it coming! Last time I checked not every woman in America was on the "Elect Hilary frenzy!" In fact, my gut feeling is that there are probably more women in America that will be comfortable with a Sarah Palin more than a liberal left wing Hilary (in spite of how Oprah tells them how to vote!)

I agree interesting times are ahead and that religion should be left out of politics but since everyone has a guiding set of beliefs and principles that are non-neutral (even if they are not based on the Bible, Koran, Torrah or Humanist Manifesto)... that's impossible!

Politics (whether Canadian or American) are often at the mercy of media spin anyways! Whoever tells the best story, looks the best on camera or has the support of the most media is likely to win.

One last thought... can anyone name any of the other vice-presidents (except the last two!) No one will remember Sarah Palin in 8 years whether she becomes the VP or not! (Unless of course McCain dies and she becomes president. :)

I always get terribly uncomfortable when I see religion mixing with politics. That's what we have here with the Palin pick. People who are motivated by the values in the Bible have no business in politics. They belong in the pulpit.
She's anti-abortion, anti-gay/lesbian, big on creationism, and sees herself as just a lil ole "hockey Mom". Yikes. And who exactly in the family plays hockey?
Her eldest son is 18 and apparently being shipped off to Iraq. She has three daughters 17, 14 and 7 no mention of them playing hockey and I'm sure there would be if that were the case...just to stir up the "feminists" [sarcasm] and the youngest is an infant. So just who is she a hockey Mom to? Her husband is employed by BP Oil. It just goes on and on.
She will NOT deliver the Hillary supporters. Hillary supporters wanted an intelligent, articulate, liberal woman not this Marie Osmond look alike.
Obama will win. This will not get McCain the votes he needs.

Actually, Mr. Champ, Palin was FOR the "Bridge to Nowhere" before she was against it:

Q: Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?
Palin: Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now—while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.

Anchorage Daily News on October 22, 2006 (Q and A while running for Governor)

This choice is an insult to the intelligence of all the devoted Americans that supported Hillary's magnificent campaign. They didn't want just any woman, they wanted a powerful leader who can change Washington. McCain's choice will now prove to them that Barack Obama is that leader.

Mr Mc Cain and the Republican Party just gave away the election

The word is , he was having trouble getting someone to accept the job.
Palin... he met once. Im amazed he remembered her name.

So what American politics now comes down to, is one token Mulatto (Obama) one token Blue Collar (Biden) one token War Vet (McCain) and one token Hockey Mom (Palin). That pretty much settles it. If nothing else, the next 2 months shall be very very interesting compared to boring Canadian politics of Stéphane Dion , Stephen Harper, Jack Layton , Elizabeth May and Gilles Duceppe.Yawn......

McCain surprised me. I expected one of the other possibles on the conservative right such as Romney.

Palin may be the right idea but the wrong choice. She is probably as far from Hilary Clinton in terms of political savvy and experience, and position on the left-right spectrum, as she can be.

But she looks good on the ticket. She is in the "right" place to shore up McCain's support in the ranks of his own party. Unless she makes some major public blunder, she can't do much harm. And in any case, she is not the main attraction. Remember tomato Dan Quayle. Did he kill a ticket?

I have thought for a couple of years that Colin Powell would make a great VP choice. Rather that going for the safe "right" candidate, Powell would have grabbed voters from the Democrat center. McCain missed a good gamble there.

This is a HUGE gamble on McCain's part. This man's health has not been the greatest in recent years and honestly has a good chance of dying in his first term and that places her in power. Now considering his whole campaign has been basically chastising Obama for his lack of experience he went got a VP who has even less experience than Obama. What does this say about McCain's judgement? It's bad enough this choice makes him look extremely hypocritical as well. I honestly don't think this will work for McCain, but I've been wrong before. Only time will tell.

She is actually not being dogged for firing a state trooper, she is being dogged for asking the public safety commissioner to fire the state trooper who is her former brother in-law. She then fired the safety commissioner for apparently other reasons. Two things, she has the power to choose who fills the commissioner's role and also the state trooper threatened to kill her father ie. a member of the state family.

I think she is a great choice. I don't think she'll win over most Clinton supporters just because of her gender but she does address the issue of the largest undecided group in America who also happens to be the largest voting block in the country: women. Obama's run has completely ignored this group who traditionally decides elections. The big event made of his appeal to youth will be muted by the fact that youth rarely vote and never do so in the numbers that women of Palin's age group do.

She also pumps up McCain's cred with more right wing supporters and the religious vote who gave Bush of all people two terms in office. With the religious vote mobilizing for a ticket finally and women actually being addressed by one campaign, expect Palin to go over well. McCain will win the election.

A choice that is more out-of-the-box thinking than I gave the Republicans credit for.

In the end Americans will vote for who they feel is more substantive, who will give them more bang for the buck.

The Iraq/Afghani war feels too much like Vietnam. Their global position has fallen. The electorate know this and want to improve.

They want someone leading something to believe in. I believe the Democrats may have struck a chord by throwing down the "Free of Imported Oil" gauntlet. (See "Man to Moon" challenge)

While she may add a dimension of keeping up with the times for the Republicans, Gov. Palin may well only play a supporting role in the whole drama that is American elections.

After the last 8 tough and weary years, the Yanks want to strive for loftier goals, to recapture Camelot.

A very notable UNTOLD story is how the US Press Corps (all of them) TOTALLY missed scooping the Palin story by being so focused on Denver and the DNC story.

NO ONE wanted to miss that and, consequently, missed seeing Sarah Palin arriving in Phoenix to meet and speak with John McCain. Now THAT would have been a real scoop!

I am extremely happy with McCain's choice of Sarah Palin. She is exactly what I needed in a VP pick in order to lead me to vote for McCain.

Sarah Palin believes creationism should be taught in public schools.

I dont see a problem with her... I definitely prefer her over Bush, the one with the least experience/intelligence in his president/vice president combination.

She is like an everywoman to George Bush's everyman; simple, rural, straight shooter. George Bush is a fake, hiding his lack of insight behind a visage of simplicity.

Ignoring for the moment the two thirds of this article devoted to Barack Obama focusing instead on its title thesis, Mr. Champ is stunningly wrong in his analysis.

History shows that the true gamble for a Republican is reaching out to liberals and moderates. This was the central theme in GWB's "New Tone" and it gave us two consecutive, nail-bitingly close elections. This is why McCain struggled so early in this election: His record of throwing his own party under the bus (especially when it came to key judicial nominees) and "reaching across the aisle" has infuriated the GOP for years.

OTOH, picking a pro-life, pro-gun conservative for his running mate isn't a gamble at all. It's just plain smart. Granted, he'll likely revert to his usual media-whore self once the campaign is over and he's back in the D.C. social scene. But for the moment, this is precisely what the Republicans need.

I know I shouldn't do this but... I watched the video clip of her speech. Well, I watched a minute of it.

She doesn't have it. I could tell within (about) 8 seconds.

In fact, I made it all the way to "hockey mom"... and I was done. The bell rang and out came the hook.

Henry, what you refused to mention -and I can't say I'm surprised - is that the trooper in the messy divorce with Palin's sister was a wife beater. That's right, a wife beater. If it had been me and some thug was beating up on my sister - he would have simply disappeared.

Lest we forget Ms. Clinton's experience was also as a junior politician, who had the immense benefit of Husband Bill's spin doctor skills to win at all costs.., Average people on the street see that and don't like it.

Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air from the North for the Beltway who is full of small town common sense. It's what America needs right now, true gov't reformer who is not afraid to go after corruption and she has executive experience.

I am going to enjoy watching how uncomfortable Joe Biden will become in unfamiliar territory in the next VP debate. I think he is in for a big surprise, his typical bully tactics won't work on this person.., she's got a good coach in MacCain that nows how to handle such a pitbull. She will hold her own and then some..

Henry,

You are missing the point. This is a brilliant move by McCain.

Palin's lack of experience only becomes an issue if McCain is elected and then dies in office.

However, if that occured she would do what Obama has done ie name a VP with the experience she needs.

The person who is supposed to be the most qualified is the president, not the VP! Obama has it exactly backwards!

Here is Obama's dilemma: Vote for Obama him because he has Joe Biden to help him in all the areas where Obama have no experience and if Obama dies in office Joe has the experience to take over.

Here is McCain's position: Vote for McCain because he already has the experience.

Advantage McCain!

One thing is a certainity, whoever takes the reins of the U.S. Administration in January 2009 is going to have one of the toughest Presidencies in recent history. Perhaps the only other period that had the economy in the tank, and a deficit bigger than the Titanic, Lusitania and the Queen Mary parked end-for-end was the Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its going to take some innovative leadership to get things turned around again.

Does the McCain/Palin ticket have what it takes to get it together? I am wary of MCCain of his refusal to acknowldege the malfeasace of the Iraq war. There is also his age. At 72, does he have it within to govern with vigor? As for the "self-styled hockey-mom," well great for Palin for accepting. But, if McCain is a dud (i.e., doesn't get elected) will her decision to pair with him become her albatross?