I would have rather he pick Condi instead of Palin. At least, we would not have to be praying each night for McCain to live for four years if by some fluke he gets elected. I’m sure women are smart enough to choose family and safety over having a woman VP.

Did the Secretary of State ever say she would accept the post if offered? I think she could make a case for running for POTUS in 2012.

John McCain has sealed his fate today. His lack of judgement in his choice for VP diminishes his credability and illuminates his desperation! The reason behind his choice seems very clear to many voters and if it wasn’t his admission that he made his choice solely because he felt Pallin would swing Hillary voters to his side confirmed any suspicions otherwise! And that reason alone will turn more female voters against him than for him!

I have to wonder if his choice is a What was he thinking? or Was he thinking at all? It’s not as if Sarah Pallin brings any valuable experience to the table. And given that Alaska is a State with a population of 8500 one has to question how a female Govenor in charge of such a small constituency and very little else to her credit, could possibly be considered as an asset to John’s campaign! In my view, she will soon prove to be a very great Liability!

It’s Palin vs Hillary in 2012.

I was struck today by Senator McCain’s choice for Veep. I am an independent who wanted to evaluate both conventions. But for a 72-year-old who has a higher than average chance of dying of old age in office to pick a potential commander in chief who is still in political puberty and whose most monumental political challenge is ensuring successful dog races in winter months is incredibly mind boggling. Clearly, our national interest was subordinated to the political expediency of picking a woman to help McCain win an election. This is, to say the least, disgraceful.

McCain’s very own introduction of SP:
“a standout high school point guard; a concerned citizen who became a member of the PTA, then a city council member, and then a mayor, and now a governor.”

Compare to Condi indeed.

No, Rice is not the one we would want. She is just like GW bush,
I would rather see Palin in the no. one slot and some one else in McCains spot. To old for this Job. What do you mean qualificatuions to be pres? I was on school board for ten years does that qualify me? How come we xcan never get a blue collar worker in a run for Pres?

Marcus,

It is a simple as she did not want any part of running for office. If you actually have every listened to her when in interviews, she repeatedly has said “No!”. She wants to run the NFL not the government.

She is a greatly accomplished and very intelligent woman, and I would like to see her in the White House someday, it is not what she wants. Palin is a great choice to make.

Condi Rice is an empty suit and the ultimate yes-woman, not a leader.

A woman who can barely speak Russian becomes a Russia guru at Standford? Please.

The Peter principle dictates her rise stop at her current job.

She doesn’t even have a Masters Degree, so she couldn’t be my school Principal….

Palin is an excellent choice. She is smart and stands her ground. She is the change that we need. Like it or not, Obama is not the savior everyone is playing him off to be. He really hasn’t done much for Illinois interests, the state that “elected” him. At least she has made changes that were good for Alaska. She will fight for the rights of Americans, not like Obama who is on an ego trip.

Whatever his thinking his choice for VP has endangered the lives of all Americans if by some fluke he wins the Presidency and does not live through his term and she becomes President. I am a Republican and can not believe his desperate move to try to secure Clinton voters. What about all of the women Republicans who are qualified to succed as President? This is what happens when a rich man only wants glory his wife can’t buy for him. Why would anyone vote for this man?

The argument that Sarah Palin will appeal to female voters because she has 5 children does not hold water with a lot of us. How do you mother 5 children, one of whom has special developmental needs, and be the Vice President at the same time? The answer is: You don’t. And what happened to the McCain campaign experience argument? Wow! Sen. McCain you are way off base on this selection.

Ms. Rice always said that she did not want the job. As a matter of fact she always said she wants to be the next NFL Commissioner ! She has no experience as an Executive that Mrs. Palin has with Governor and Mayor duties. Neither Mr. Obama or Mr. Biden have any experience as an elected Executive in office. The facts will unfold over the next week and will be very interesting to watch. There will be great amounts of real detailed plans that will be vetted over the next month. The usual rhetorical displeasure should be held until more information of Gov. Palin comes to light. Fools usually end up with their foot in their talkative mouth.

There’s only one problem with all this diatribe: Palin is emminently qualifed to be president.

all that people are saying right now, is they aren’t familiar with her. When she’s in the debates, and unlike Dan Quayle, she can debate, then just how qualified she is, will be self evident.

The fact of the matter is, Palin would be one heartbeat from the presidency, this mayor of a town some 2 years ago. But if you elect Obama, this 2 years ago - state senator, with no executive experience at all, will then become president, no heartbeats separating him from the job at all.

But just as people are comfortable with Obama, so will they be very comfortable with Palin.

Palin is a great choice to be President. It has nothing to do, by the way, with being a ‘woman’. Kay Hutchinson, and many others could have fit that role, its a little tiring to take everyone woman nominated and claim its for one reason only. That was true about Ferrarro, by her own admission, but you will see a much more capable candidate in Palin.

In fact, this was the best chioce for VP, bar none.

What a joke! This certainly makes it a bit easier for Barack Obama to win. If McCain thinks that Hillary supporters, like myself, are going to now vote for him because he chose a woman, he can think again. I’m a 38yr old Democrat in Northern VA, mother of 2 and seriously didn’t know who to vote for when Hillary was snubbed. I am now more convinced to vote for Obama now that McCain has made his choice.

John McCain must be a closet Democrat. He should have picked Hilary if he wanted a female VP that would help him get elected — at least she’s ready for national office. 8 years living with the Bush bashing and for the first time I admit I’m embarrassed to be a republican! He has absolutely handed the election to Obama.

So let me get this straight: Governor Palin is NOT qualified to run the country IF McCain doesn’t survive 4 years…but Senator Obama IS somehow qualified to run the country TODAY? It seems awfully odd for supporters of Obama to suddenly play the experience card…for a VP candidate, no less!

I’m all for voting for a woman…but a Qualified one…does Sarah even have a passport? Has she been outside of our Country - Idaho doesn’t count

Good bye McSame!!

Hello Obama/Biden !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Palin has more executive experience than NObama/Biden combined!

Sarah Palin is the selection of “last resort” and shows that McCain is so desperate, he will pick even a flawed woman over a qualified candidate in an attempt to win over women (who are breaking heavily to Obama).

But McCain is so afraid of the far right in his party that he passed over viable female candidates (Sen. Hutchison, Rep. Capito of W. Va., are two good examples), but some of these women either declined to join the McCain ticket, or they were not palatable to the far-right of his party.

Whay didnt he pick Condi, indeed?

Will she wear her tiara to the debates and to public appearances? How exciting that we have a beauty queen just a heart beat away from the White House. I wonder if some of her appearances will be in swimsuit, while others in evening wear?

Thsnk goodness McCain chose Palin. Now you have my vote.
Srew Obama-we’re not for a man w/o experience and without a strong women.

Poor Obama-you stnk.

Picking someone with no Washington elite status is perfect- this nation is being ruined by the know it all Bush Cheney Clinton cabal.

Unproven, fresh face better be able to think and act with strength.

Can’t stand McCain, but I like anyone not wed to the power elite.

WA-LOL check your facts. Population of 8500 is a little on the low side.

I find it hilarious that people feel the need to comment that Palin only has 2 years experience as Governor. Obama has just a little over two years experience as a Senator. What hypocrisy. I am a Hillary Democrat that will support McCain–Palin.

Why is CNN not talking about the fact that Mccains new vp is under investigation for abusing her power. I am dissapointed CNN. I look to you to give us balanced information but I dont see that. If obama did half of the things Mccains has done CNN would make it front page news. Yet i have not heard you talk about how Cindy Mccain and how she has denied having any sisters or brothers and she has a sister or two that have been denied from the fortune. Why have you not discussed her drug abuse and how she forged perscriptions to get them. I look at CNN for the truth not what you have been reporting.

Have liberals forgotten their own beloved Bill Clinton started out as governor of the “small” state of Arkansas??? The same sort of comments were made against him when he was first running for president. Now he is considered by the Democrats as one of the “BEST” presidents the U.S. has ever had. PLEASE! Libs you can’t have it both ways. The woman will be a refreshing REAL and honest CHANGE for Washington and a brilliant choice by McCain. Sorry Obama fans…the party’s over. I predict she will be the next VP of the U.S. and a damn good one too!

Wow, what a disaster! Palin? My goodness! Does senator McCain think that he’ll swing Hillary women with such a superficial effort? Does he think we’re stupid? He insults all of us including Hillary with this pick. To think that Palin could in anyway be compared to Hillary or satisfy intelligent women voters is WAY OUT OF TOUCH! Good grief, she isn’t even for a women’s right to choose. I can’t imagine what would happen if Palin were hoisted into the presidency with NO EXPERIENCE. I’ve been open to listening to McCain’s campaign as a possibility for my vote since June. After watching the speakers at the DNC this week, and now this VP choice… McCain has just sealed my vote for Obama.

@WA alaska has 680,000 residents. not sure where you got 8,500 from.

as far as condi rice is concerned. lets not forget her days as nsa director and secretary of state. bush has the lowest approval rating in the history of the white house. condi is part of his administration.

ive thought since hillary backed out that the democrats were a party who couldnt lose with a candidate who couldnt win. i think this betters mccains chances and im glad to see him distance himself from the current administration.

You failed to mention that Rice has come out in support of Barack Obama for president.

Why on earth would McCain pick her?

I might have picked Ginger or the profesor instead of Mary Ann.

I’m not a republican supporter. But I’m surpised how vigorously media is spinning against Sarah Palin. If Barack Obama who does not have experience can survive with experienced Joe Biden as running mate, then I do not see any problem with republican experiment of Sarah Palin, atleast she is not on top of the ticket.

What a stupid decision. The Republican spin machine can say anything they want, but anyone with common sense knows the importance of having qualified candidates in the VP Office. McCain needs his head examined.

Condi would have been great as a V.P. or as a President. But she has repeatedly stated that she is not interested and would turn it down if offered to her. However, I believe she would have been a liability to McCain due to her close association with Bush, and he knows it. With the race being so close, right now about 50/50, even one point lost is going to matter. With Palin, he is taking a gamble. It may turn out to be the smartest decision ever made, or the dumbest. Only time will tell.

Why is Palin’s experience an issue when the Democrat nominee himself doesn’t have much more experience?

Diskiled Hilary from the get go.

Condi was too strong a link to the Bush administration. The Palin choice was to pick someone that has no ties to DC. However, she does have ties to big oil, she is a social conservative, and has run on being a reformer (although is under investigation for ethics violations). Her big problem is that she brings nothing to the campaign. Her views and opinions are the same as McCain’s and therefore the same as Bush’s. She is no Hillary in that she has no real experience, has no ideas to offer, and no long time supporters. She’s no Biden, she has no foreign relations experience, she knows no one in DC, and has little debate experience. She’s no Obama, she has not had to work across party lines, she does not understand the struggles of Americans in cities (where most of us live), she is not willing to agree to disagree on social issues. No real feminist would allow herself to bring nothing to the table but her gender.

I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised by Sarah Palin. Barack Obama is NOT the only champion of change. We’ll know for sure in a matter of days.

No doubt when you wrote that Rice became Secretary of State in 2001, you really meant 2005. Or did Colin Powell’s four years not matter in the sense that she in effect had already been acting as Secretary of State behind the scenes? Very Freudian!

The old cranky man chose a beauty pageant for VP thing this will get him the women vote! The only problem is that Palin is not Clinton, and people didn’t vote for Clinton just because she is a woman.

Maybe he didn’t think that the voters would go for a black woman as VP….it would be pushing the line a little too hard and too liberal for a party that is supposed to be conservative minded. A black man getting elected as president is a long shot, and will most likely fail, after voters think long and hard about it before election day. McCain is in for a cake walk all the way!

Condi already made it clear that she’s not interested.

I think what’s funny is the intense reaction this has created. Obama’s camp is exposing their lack of confidence by the hyper reaction. So are some of CNN’s biased analysts. Say what you want but this was a creative selection, and creativity is supposed to be reserved for the Dem camp. McCain is supposed to be the stodgy linear thinker according to the Dems but you can throw that line out the window.

Give McCain some credit, he’s got people paying attention.

Duh……… I think Alaska’s population is more then 8500… LOL What is lacks in population, it makes up in natural resources, business, trade, etc…

McCain chose Palin because she will become the poster girl for big pharmas when she has nervous breakdown due to the stress of trying to be the VP and have a family with 5 kids, 1 being disabled, and a husband. She will immediately be put on medication and the pharmas will reap the rewards, since all the female sheep will follow her lead. How selfish to put your political ambitions before your family. You give birth in April to a child with Downs Syndrom and return to work 3 days later? What happens when McCain falls ill or dies and she’s left to run the country. What happens to her family then; they will be swept to the side. She’s an accident waiting to happen. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

WA -
About the only guy less relevant than Palin in terms of your numbers would be….Joe Biden, just a senator of little ‘ol Deleware…

Rice being a women and black and having a boat load of experience would have been a much preferred pick IMHO.
The question if her personal life could stand the examination has been raised by some. But to me its a minor point.
With Russia threatening who else but Rice?
A expert on Russia!

I really am disappointed and must now reevaluate my support of McCain because he is pro-life. I just do not see his VP ready to take over “in case”.

John McCain lost me today. I was going to vote for McCain due to Obama’s lack of experience, but the truth is that John McCain is not a healthy man. Imagine if Sarah Palin has to take over the Oval Office in February 2009…WOW! Senator McCain, I am sorry but this was a terrible mistake. Why not go with Mitt Romney or Tom Ridge!?!?!?

Why not Condi??? Uh . . . how about her total imcompetence, her lies about WMD, her “who would ever have thought they’d use airplanes?” stupidity, her rumored lesbianism and her basic cluelessness.

For starters . . .

I find McCain’s selection of Palin very interesting. Republicans have emphatically tried to crucify Obama in their commericials and print publications blasting that his lack of experience and sound judgement WERE NOT enough to make him ready to serve as Commander-in-Chief. But McCain has chosen Palin (who is in the same boat as Obama and I think worse) and now all of a sudden her lack of experience and good judgement ARE strong enough credentials to serve.

McCain’s choice finally shines a public spotlight on the double standard that exists in this country when it comes to weighing out the qualifications of an african-american against a caucasian-american.

Palin is clearly more qualified to be president than Obama, but still Rice would have been an outstanding pick as well. I think Rice will return to the spotlight some day, but for now it’s probably best for McCain to steer clear of Bush’s people.

Edited: McCain chose Palin because she will become the poster girl for big pharmas when she has a nervous breakdown due to the stress of trying to be the VP and have a family with 5 kids, 1 being disabled, and a husband. She will immediately be put on medication and the pharmas will reap the rewards, since all the female sheep will follow her lead. How selfish to put your political ambitions before your family. You give birth in April to a child with Downs Syndrome and return to work 3 days later? What happens when McCain falls ill or dies and she’s left to run the country. What happens to her family then; they will be swept to the side. She’s an accident waiting to happen. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

I would rather vote for a Canidate who I hope lives (McCain), than for a president I wished died, so the vice President could take over!

Anyway Palin has more experience than Senator obama!

Palin is excellent choice:

l.She ran a house with 5 kids!!!!
2.Her political experience is real
in touch with people on a 1-1 basis.
3.She has been a City Mayor,
4.She is a Governor.
5.It would be great to hear her debate
Obama-who has no practical experience
except sidling up to those that want to
tear America down and embraced convicted
felons.

I am counting down the days to seeing the debate between Biden and Palin. That will mark the point where McCain asks himself, “what was I thinking?”

With Bush’s ratings so low, picking Condoleeza Rice would have been the end for McCain. I don’t care what “the polls” say, when I hear Rice’s name I immediately think of Bush.

If McCain was going to pick a female VP Palin was the right choice. You know that she’s going to win over a ton of the female vote.

Palin is anti-choice, she against having the polar bears on the endangered species list
Her husband works in oil industry, she pros the ideas of drilling in Artic which is the best place on earth and it must be preserve.

She governs a town of 7,000 – 8,000 people, no foreign policy
Loves hunting,

So I guess if she is going to sway the foreign leaders, she might have to organize a trips to Alaska for a polar bear or seals hunting…to gain their approval…

And this is someone who is ready to be a president if something happens to John McCain???

Coulda shoulda woulda. Didn’t. May they live to regret it.

Condi=Bush

That’s Why.

As a woman who was a Hillary supporter, this has clinched it for me. I will support Obama. Does McCain think we feminists are stupid enough to vote for someone because they put a woman - ANY woman - on the ticket? What about women’s right to choose? What about the “Obama has no experience” argument? That’s out the window now. The GOPs are trying to say she has “executive” experience - what the hell is that? Why does it matter? She’s only served 2 years, not even a full term to see what happens in Alaska with her in charge. Obama has a degree from Columbia in political science, foreign relations and a Harvard law degree. She’s a 2nd-place beauty queen (how degrading) and has a bachelor’s in journalism from a little-known university in Idaho.
Gimme a break!

Condi would have been a great pick. Shoot even with her age Elizabeth Dole would have been a great choice and would have helped ensure a North Carolina victory. I keep trying to wrap my head around what Senator McCain is doing and I can’t. Everything feel like a knee jerk reaction.

Why not Cond…Because that isn’t just what this election was about.

McCain and his people obviously don’t get it– or–they are pandering to a target audience they believe wants to see a woman in power so badly that they’d abandon change for the regurgitation of Bush’s failed policies.

This election will make history because America–louder than ever– is calling for change and Barrack Obama had the courage to believe in Americans during tough times.

He banked his presidency on the endurance of America’s vaules (which include equality) but also on the idea that America deserves better and is smarter than Rove and any other Republican mastermind thinks.

Woman will not just vote for Palin…. For Republicans to think that is extremely desperate and insulting to America’s goodness.

I’m tired of Republicans using America and it’s nature against them.
NOTE: we were scared during 9/11 and rightfully so…but Bush capitalized on our fear to fulfill his selfish agendas.

Republicans run like a Company– there bottom line is votes– just like a company’s bottom line is money—sometimes at the expense of others.

What a conundrum for the Democrats. They say that Govenor Palin is not ready to be President if need be. But what does that say about Senator Obama? Compare their resumes; Obama was a ward organizer, a state Senator and a US Senator for two years. Palin was involved in Alaskan politics, the mayor of a city and the Governor for two years. There is no difference in their experience or qualifications, except that she has executive credentials which Obama does not. This begs the question, if she’s not qualified to be vice-President is Obama qualified to be President?

Haba

I love John McCain very much and i want to see to him at the White House come January 09 but he seriously guffed this time

Rice is just too close to W at this point in time. There is no escaping that. 4 or 8 years from now it might be different.

But take another look at McCain’s pick. If it bad for an inexperienced Palin to be one heartbeat away from the Oval Office, then how can it be good for an inexperienced Obama to actually be IN the Oval Office?

Is it better for the student to be learning from the master or for the master to be subject to the student and not be able to prevent a mistake?

Not only can the Democrats not attack Palin on the experenience issue without raising questions about Obama, but the Republicans can hammer it home that Obama should have been VP first to learn the ropes like Palin will do if McCain wins.

“Rice has looked presidential since she became Secretary of State in 2001 and traveled around the world. Just google photos of her or go to the State department website.”

Became Secretary of State in 2001? I’m sure that comes as a big surprise to Colin Powell.

At the end of the question is NOT who is most “qualified” but who is most “electable”? She may have been most qualified but she would have been the lightning rod, taking away all the attention from McCain and/or Obama. In short, too much distraction. Give Pallin a chance. Nobody gave Obama any chance even in his own party, right? Go, Sarah, Go!!!!!

Condi has always said she did not want those positions. BUt I would of wanted her for sure….

I hope some body will help her to find where Washington DC is on the map.

America needs a woman to run the country and Ms Pallin is an excellent choice and just heart beat away from assuming the mantle of Presidency. Condi is a fine lady but it would pitch blacks against whites a tough choice between Obama and Condi. I think all those who wanted Hilary might rally around Pallin. Good luck Mr. Mc Cain. Men have made enormous mistakes in the past and woman can be excellent administrators and will not choose to go to war unless America is threatened. Bush is a waster and has no pity or compassion for thousands of young men and women who needlessly gave their lives for a war without cause. America is now in deep debt to the tune of Trillions of dollars, and has more enemies than any country in the world. Whereas a woman president will be more receptive, use diplomacy as opposed to weapons.

WOW!

I do not think Condi wanted the position, as she has stated many times. But, I will say this, if John McCain was waiting on an endorsement from Powel, he just blew it! I am more concerned about his judgement in this case. I think Obama thought his pick out very well, and we all have to agree, the President must always think about the “What If” factor should something happen to them. Obama picked someone that he knew could step in and start immediately, and took the hits, but I think he knew this had to be done. It looks like McCain picked her to attempt to WIN. As a women, he has made me feel as if he is playing with our lives. There is alot at stake, and alot of lives depend on this race. Not that I was a Mitt fan, but he does bring what McCain needed. Do I think Hillary’s core base which was driving that 18 million will swing, NO, and I think Hillary will protect that base and come out swinging for Obama at this point now. She will keep her supportors from leaving the party. May have had better luck with Condi, that would have been a hard one to dispute.

I agree that Rice would have been a great VP pick. But Rice’s close relationship with president Bush would have hurt McCain’s chances in the election. Palin has stood up for what is right and she will build a solid foundation for America’s future in my opinion.

John McCain has called a woman to be his VP, if he called Condi Rice even that would be going to far, i mean a black woman as VP and an black man as Presidential Candidate…would McCain have gone that low? We’ll never know…

Even if Condi Rice is not ‘responsible’ for the Bush administration’s policies, she’s complicit in their execution by association. She has been one of the most do-nothing (as far as real results) Secretary of State we’ve had in the last 50 years — for all her attempts at ‘diplomacy’, she’s accomplished very little. She has been little more than a mouthpiece for Bush & Co., spitting out her spoonfed soundbytes like she’s expected to do. She’s just one more dangerous neo-con, but even more dangerous than many of the others — she’s a sheep following an evil, demented shepherd, with no real ideas of her own.

On the other hand, I hear she plays the piano beautifully. Hopefully she’ll have more time to devote to that come January. If she’s out of earshot, even if she hits a wrong note, no one is likely to get hurt — or be killed in an unnecessary war, or be tortured in the name of ‘preserving freedom’.

This is a great choice for McCain. The race is all but over with a landslide predicted. She is a smart and fair governor, ousting bad apples from her own party. Not to mention she is a mother of 5 and represent America quite well. It’s a much better choice than Biden. If Obama wanted change, then why pick a candidate who’s been in DC for like 40 years. That’s not a change, but more of the “Same”. Look for McCain/Palin to be in office for the next 8yrs.

Has it occurred to anyone that Rice had no intention of forcing
African Americans to choose between a black woman and a black man?
If he loses, she can run in 2012 - and he will be just a bad dream.

Conde is no fool.

Honestly, I think Condi Rice is weary of poltics. I think she would have been a terrific choice for VP (or even as the nominee), but at this point she seems like she’s ready to pass off the baton to someone else. Washington ages people, and I’m sure Rice is ready to move on with her life after spending 8 years in the Bush administration.

Condi became Secretary of State in 2005. Colin Powell held that position during GW’s first term.

If Condi had wanted a higher position than she has served in wouldn’t she have run for President herself? She’s certainly much more qualified than Obama.

Maybe McCain has a spot for Condi in his cabinet and already talked to her about it.

Maybe Condi will run on the ticket with Palin in 2012!

I just don’t understand the rationale of Mccain choosing Sarah Palin. The move was devised purely as a strategy to win potentially disenfranchised Hillary supporters but the republican strategists are losing the plot - they’ve forgotten that this is not about a game of tactics to win an election but rather a decision on who will run the country in a complex and uncertian socio-economic and geo-political climate … Mccain just lost my vote.

Condi would have been an excellent choice but I suspect with all that’s going on right now she was needed where she is.

Although some people might say that Palin has very little experience, she has more than Obama who has never held an executive position and has yet to complete one term in office. In fact, he has been campaigning for president longer than he has been in office at a national level! I say way to go McCain for daring to pick a VP that isn’t tied to Washington and isn’t a career politician. And, contrary to the assertions of some people who chose to post on this page, Alaska has a population of 670,000, not 8,500.

Condi Rice will still play a major role if there is a McCain administration!

Condi would have been the worst choice. She is all about Bush…that would have sinked the ship. I think this choice will prove to be a ship sinker as well. I would have gone with someone with a degree in law…versus someone with “JUST” a Bach degree in basket weaving…..

Condi would have been a good choice also Romney but I can see right now I was right on my first guess…..McCain just doesn’t get it! As Obama said “ENOUGH” and Hillary said as much about McCain. I leaned GOP but no more. I’m voting for Obama/Biden who I can go to sleep at nights when they get in office! This is one female and all who will listen that wont go for this pandering to women. We aren’t all stupid!

Interesting choice. Let’s hear her out in the coming weeks.

If Rice ran for President, I would vote for her in a heartbeat. I think she is one of the sharpest people out there and would have made a great president, let alone a vice president.

Condi said she wouldn’t accept. I haven’t heard anyone wonder why she wasn’t on his short list. I’ve been reading the news all day and haven’t seen one article that mentioned Condi. Just because you start an article by citing what “perhaps millions…..thought” doesn’t make it news - it’s still just an editorial attempt to stir controversy. Shame on you.

Choosing Condi would have been too much for the MAVERICK!

I’ve been saying all along. That if McCain were to choose a female as his running mate that it would have been someone more with more notoriety and more gualified, as if they don’t exist! Condi would have been a more reasonable choice….but she is one out of a dozen others he could have chosen. Instead he goes for the beauty queen! I can’t wait for the pictures to start surfacing of Palin in her tiara and bathing suit. It’s so over for the Republicans!

Why not Condi Rice? Because she is worthless. Review her record for yourself. What has she accomplished besides being GWB’s lapdog who dreams of being his wife? Nothing at all.

John McCain’s choice for a V.P. candidate is an honest attempt by a Republican to reach out to a more diversified constituency. However, once again they have shown they don’t truly understand the meaning of diversification. In recent times they have had two competent and charismatic choices that would show the Republican willingness to reach out to independent and moderate voters. There was Colin Powel and now they have failed to choose Condi Rice.

Ah yes, another republican “church lady”. McCain just lost the election…

I saw Condi in an interview about a month ago and she looked like she wanted to get as far from the Rebulicans as she could. She has lost faith in the whole system (like Powel) now that she has seen its disfunction. She also knows that it has tainted her reputaion. Maybe she can live it down if she does what so many have done before her and speak the truth.

Bob

I think John McCain did this as a desperation move to try to energize his base and to pander to women who supported Hillary Clinton, in hopes of beating the gender gap that has plagued the Republicans in previous presidential elections. This reminds me of George Bush Sr. picking Dan Quayle. What a disaster! Does anyone remember Lloyd Bentsen saying, senator, I knew Jack Kennedy and you’re no Jack Kennedy. Well, we may have that same type of moment in the debates. Joe Biden is a veteran and a savvy debater. This woman knows precisely nothing about foreign affairs.

The Republicans never cease to amaze me. They are beyond hypocritical with this pick. They have been screaming at the top of their collective lungs for months about Barack Obama’s lack of experience. At least Obama had the good sense to nominate a well qualified and deserving candidate, who would be ready to step into the role of president if needed.

This woman makes Barack Obama look like a seasoned veteran. She will not get the support of those of us who supported Hillary Clinton. She does not share the same political principles as Hillary at all. This is just a pathetic attempt to try to rescue the Republicans and find a way to pull out a win. After Obama’s incredible speech last night, McCain must have known he was in real trouble.

What a complete embarassment!

Speaking as an Alaska resident, we have a population of 300,000. A bit larger than WA believes.

RICE not picked because she is incompetent in all aspect of her job duties in the executive office.

NOW PALIN what a joke.

WHO made this VP selection? McCain Or the Oil Companies.
Gov Palin governatorial campaign was completely financed by OIL MONEY

Just what AMERICA needs another Dick CHENEY as VP in the pockets of the OIL MOUGELS

LOL!!!! I’ll just leave it at that…

But you know what? I think the Republican Party just turned into the Democratic Party! LOL!!!!!! Talk abot liberalism at its highest…

That’s all I’m gonna say…

As a woman I can say this is a GLORIOUS day for democrats. McCain could not have made a worst choice and he just handed the White House to Obama on a platter. He has called into question every sound minded intelligent woman that supported Clinton by thrusting this “ex-beauty queen” into the spot light and thinks she will be received based on her gender alone. This is a very clear picture of McCain’s judgment or lack thereof, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win an election. Where the heck are McCain’s advisors?! I just hope Biden can keep from laughing out loud during the VP debate.

I think John McCain has been watching too much Battlestar Galactica.
This sci fi show has the Minister of Education left as the supreme leader of the remainder of the human race after all other leaders are snuffed by alien machines. She becomes a great leader and saves mankind. That is fiction…this is reality. Come back to back Earth Senator McCain…or better yet, don’t…stay in your man-cave and enjoy BG reruns.
Only in a good Spielberg flick is Palin is a good choice for VP and potentially President.

McCain has thrown his only argument against Obama out the window. Palin is in no way ready to be President on day 1 should something happen. What about foreign policy experience? What about the economy? If he wanted to choose a woman, great! There were alot more qualified ones than that. Go Obama!

Condoleezza Rice would be a worse choice than Palin. Rice accomplished exactly nothing, zip, nada, zero. She was all about photo ops, hand shakes, and trying to sound oh so bad. The fact she worked for an idiot is no excuse. If she had any self respect, she would have quit long ago like Colin Powell. At least Powell has some self respect left.

No one seemed to care about experience until John McCain picked Sarah Palin. In that the senate is not an executive position, Barack Obama actually has no “executive experience.” Everyone is claiming that McCain has made his biggest argument against Obama (his lack of experience) null and void with his choice of Sarah Palin but I would argue that it wasn’t his strongest argument anyway. The experience argument wasn’t getting John McCain anywhere - he wasn’t winning anyone new over. Sarah Palin is a reformist which is what people say they want. You want someone who is above politics - why not Palin who outed members of her own party for their unethical behavior?

Obviously part of his decision was based on trying to win over Hilary supporters - this is a political race - the goal being to get the most votes. I don’t know that he’ll win over an overwhelming number of Hilary supporters but I think that Sarah Palin will prove enticing to a lot of female independents.

Do we even know where Rice stands on important issues? Sure she may have a good foreign policy background but where does she stand on any of the issues. The same was said about Rice’s predecessor. Colin Powell is always mentioned as a President/VP choice every four years but he is far from being a good choice for conservatives based on his stance on important issues.

Rice may look presidential, and her resume is certainly impressive, but her effectiveness as Secretary of State is highly questionnable. Whether it is out of incompetence, or just being totally marginalized by the current administration’s overwhelming preference for the Defence Department, she has failed completely in every single mission she has undertaken as Secretary. She travels all over the world, but she simply cannot close any deal. She is a hardline cold-warrior who, I think, is totally lost in the world of diplomacy. I think we have had all we need of inflexible, hardcore policians. She will be better off, and I would bet happier, back in her great love, academia.

I place a higher value on Governor Palin’s executive experience than I do on a comparable, or even substantially greater, amount of legislative experience. There is a reason that no incumbent member of congress has been elected president since 1960. Legislators make lousy executives: they spend too much time pondering and yacking and shmoozing, they don’t know how to RUN things, they don’t know how to be in the spotlight to accept responsibility (recall Prez Carter’s TV appearance accepting responsibility for the disaster at Desert One), they have no experience functioning in an environment where you can’t make mistakes right later on. McCain has peripheral experience as commanding officer of the largest squadron in the US Navy .. long time ago, lots smaller than even being a governor, but far more than either Obama or Biden have ever experienced.

WA: Alaska doesn’t have a population of 8500, try searching the Internet.

Dennis: I agree, I highly doubt that Secretary Rice would accept.

Obama has to be rethinking his VP choice now. I like Obama and Biden but my vote just went to McCain/Palin.

Rice has said she did not want the job several times. Heck I would have loved to see Rice run for President. She is the one person I think would have given Hillary a run for her money.

Obama should have shown more respect for Hillary. Now we will see where everything lands.

Good luck to both parties!

If McCain had picked Condi Rice, everyone on the left would be criticizing her because of her link to Bush. Palin is as inexperienced as Obama, but he’s going for the top job and he brings a left-wing socialist agenda with him.

Condi? Yeah the Dems would have loved that one! I’ll go with Palin- more executive experience than anyone else on either ticket AND has shown her ability to lead and reform.
Still waiting for Obama’s qualifications….being a blowhard in the Senate for 170+ days just ain’t gettin’ it.

I definitely think this woman has walked the walk. Whenever there was a hot spot in the world, Bush sent Condi. She’s remarkable.

Why would you pick Rice when she really hasn’t done much in her position other then make foreign delegates laugh at us and that she is connected to Bush. The fact that Mabry brought this argument up shows you that the people we watch on T.V are really just spokesmouths that are tella prompted for a higher cause that isn’t working in the best interest for this great country. To the person who reviews this and does not post it, I hope you understand that you are working against the very thing a progressive claims they stand for and Iam assuming that you are a so called progressive if you work for cnn.

I am surprised of John McCains chocie for VP. Sarah Palin has done a great deal for our state and has always put the people first. She has stood her ground when tested against special interest and also to blow the whistle on corrupt goverment, and wasteful spending. But there is a huge difference is being a governer of a state and the next VP or even President of the US. Oh and Alaska’s population is more then 8500 people.

Of the four candidates for President and Vice President, Obama has the least amount of experience when it comes to making hard choices and decisions that affect peoples lives. I think the Gov Palin has more relevant experience than even Biden. What does a community organizer do?

condi would be a great, qualified, historic pick for VP. but unfortunately voters will need at least 4 years of another administration besides george bush before they are willing to vote for anyone who served his administration. for example, i think colin powell would have been an AWESOME choice, but people need some time to forget that he was part of the pre-iraq issues. mind you, not his fault, but he was there.
bottom line, palin is an outsider. and that is a good thing. she is young. that is a good thing. she will learn from campaigning with mccain and from serving as VP what it takes to lead the country and (god forbid) if something happens to the potus, she WOULD be ready to be a great president.

If one believes that the media is doing all it can to ignore (if not outright hide) all the problems with the Obama candidacy, one also must believe that John McCain is doing everything in his power to lose this election. After the Biden pick, and all the problems already inherent in the Obama ticket (that McCain for some reason doesn’t want to push to the forefront), a VP pick of Condi Rice would have all but sealed the deal for the Republicans. It would have made the conservatives happy. It would have taken some of the female vote. It would have taken some of the black vote. It would have been the perfect choice.

I don’t know if Rice was offered the job, or if she would have taken it, but I am sure he could have done better than this. This was an all-or-nothing desperation move that he didn’t need to make. The biggest advantage McCain has (and Obama’s largest disadvantage) is experience. That card can no longer be played as the only politician with less time in the inner circle than Obama is Palin. In many ways, the Republican ticket is now a more dangerous pick since Obama can always lean on the uber-experienced Biden whereas if something happens to McCain, Palin will be the captain of the worlds largest cruise ship having never steered anything larger than a rowboat.

You can’t talk about change and select Condi, who has been in the White House for a while now.

I think this is a good choice. Is it a political move? Sure, but what isn’t? Everything McCain and Obama have done and will do are political moves. In this case, Obama talks about change, but instead of selecting the popular woman as his running mate (not that it necessarily would have been a good idea), he chose someone who has had a pretty long career in Washington (how is that change?).

Obama’s camp immediately pounced on Palin’s inexperience, but my guess is that someone will realize that’s probably not a smart tactic, given his own inexperience. McCain just made this interesting.

I know there is a benefit in this election to picking someone from outside Washington but McCain needed to pick someone who has at least been there once.

I think Palin is an excellent choice. Even over Ms Rice, (if even for the only reason that Ms Rice is part of the Bush administration). The facts are that the Liberal politico’s of the day have argued vehemently that ‘change is necessary’ and that ‘any Republican is a continuation of the Bush legacy’. A choice of Ms Rice, even with her excellent skill set, would instill into too many voters that McCain is a continuation of Bush, when in fact a McCain presidency is more willing to do the ‘right’ thing, than just to appease party politics. Mrs. Palin brings a wealth of needed reform and encouragement to the Republican ticket. In comparison to Obama (D-politics as usual), she has governed the largest state in the Union and has not gained the bulk of her political experience ‘running for presidency’.

Left wing politics have, for the last year, sunk the political climate into a struggle of race and entitlement– a place where it should not be. Mrs. Palin as choice for VP exposes all the flaws of the liberal ‘machine’ and drags them out into the open so everyone can see how foolish and intolerant they are.

The best of all is that for months (nay years) we have heard that anyone who speaks negatively against Obama is a ‘racist’ at heart. Perhaps now, if these same people are told that in speaking against Palin, they are ”women haters’, they will recognize the folly of their previous statements.

He gambled big time on this choice this ladt hasn’t even been heard of. It’s nive seeing a woman elected as VP, but I doubt this is the real choice McCain had in mind.

Why not Condi? Elementary. She is for Obama.

James Washington -

Seven of our presidents had NO college at all and one had only “some college.” And - even more interesting - only one ever earned a doctorate! Her level of education should not be in question.

Several months ago Secretary Rice was asked about the VP job and she said that she was not interested. She also said that she wanted to go back to Standford. A fresh face in Washington does wonders: For those who criticize her inexperience, look at the record Sen. Obama has. Even loyal democrats like Sens. Clinton and Biden his VP have criticized him during the campaing for his like of experience. Remember the 3:00 AM add.

I am officially now an Obamacan! Women will never be taken seriously in the Republican party. (Big hair, big family and BIG everything else) If she’s all we’ve got…I quit the team!

Condi Rice would’ve been a fantastic choice true. She might not have wanted the job though. It is not everybodies dream job after all. I wouldn’t want it…especially if I stood to make more money doing a job that I enjoyed w/o having my every sneeze be scrutinized.

Palin is a dark horse. What did I know about her yesterday? Nothing. What do I know today? Enough to want to hear her speak. That’s all. No rash judgements. Everyone in this country is qualified enough to speak their minds…right?

Judge her in 60 some odd days…not today.

I have great respect for Condi Rice. She would have been my first choice. The reason he could not pick Rice is simple… it would help the argument about “more of the same”. It would also give democrats and the biased press ammunition to accuse McCain of just trying to compete based on race. The democrats are making this all about race and gender. Sarah Palin is a good choice, bringing much more experience than Obama, in case it is ever needed, and bringing a conservative value system with proven results. But folks should stop knocking McCains age. A lot of world leaders have been much older. He is in it for the long haul.

The problem is not experience or lack of it. The problem is that McCain has repeatedly said that Obama is not ready to become president because of his lack of experience. Now McCain picks someone with even less experience and declares her ready to be president. There goes his credibility in an issue than even Obama supporters have admitted is a problem.

The issue is not experience. It’s McCain’s judgement. I’m completely baffled as to why McCain would make this choice.

And SPY, if you were going to vote for McCain, you still would be. Carmelle, valid question about Palin putting her political ambitions before her family. But why is it not ok for her to do that when that’s what Obama has done and is doing? It’s no different.

It’s fine if you don’t like her, but the double standards are pretty obvious. If Obama picked a woman, he’d be hailed as even more of a hero and symbol of “change” today, but because this is the republican ticket, you don’t like it.

Well, Condi already decided who she will vote for but isn’t saying publicly. That tells me she is voting for Obama and therefore would have nothing to do with McCain.

It’s 3AM and the white house phone is ringin. Sarah Palin answers the phone and then what????

Sarah Palin can’t hold a candle to Condi Rice or Hillary Clinton. I am furious that the Republican party was so desperate that they just grabbed any woman. What was McCain thinking? Does he think he will win over the Hillary supporters? They are much too strong and smart - and they see right through him. The only thing more frightening than terrorism itself is the thought of Sarah Palin sitting across the table from Putin or Bin Laden. God help us all. And Lord keep McCain healthy and strong…..

I’m just going to throw away my GOP card. There were so many qualified candidates that could have been chosen. This is such an obvious ploy to entice Hillary supporters and to kow tow to the right. Obamas weakness was foreign policy experience, he could turn to Joe Biden for that.
John McCain has plenty of experience but if he needs a second opinion and some advice he’s going to be turning to a person whose foreign policy experience amounts to waiving to Royal Canadian Mounties over the border.
I could clearly see Condi as a qualified candidate.

Worst Secretary of State in history working for the worst President in history. She lied through her teeth at the 9-11 hearings and had the audacity (not of hope) to say that no one could have imagined someone flying a plane into a building. All double talk, no action, no results.

Like Hillary…Condi is damaged goods poltically.

Great Choice McCain. As a former Hillary supporter, I feel I was finally heard and that my vote matters to somebody. I will work hard for you McCain. And Obama support’s don’t talk about inexperience because your candidate is the weakest link in that department. And don’t talk about gender because we all know blacks are voting for obama because he is black…so women can vote for women too…it works both ways! We are so excited…that a group of former Hillary supporters are getting together for breakfast tomorrow morning to talk about McCain VP choice. We have all registered to be McCain volunteers and I am actually going to change parties to “independent” I want NOTHING to do with the democrats this time around. They ignored us…18 million of us…and speaking of which…if Obama were to practice what he preaches “unity” and “change”. He should’ve picked Hillary to unite the party. He picked one of the ‘good ‘ol boys’ from washington…even though he has been bashing that type of politician through out his campaign….some change. I don’t buy hype and I didn’t the kool-aid. See ya in November!

It amazes me that dispite Condi’s undisputed academic brillance, experience and talent, it must be remembered that it was she who as one of the key players was found asleep at the switch prior to 9/11 — when there was actually a chance for our government to have prevented this national disaster.

She was the clearing house for all the reports — she had the skills, knowledge and resources of our govenment at her command — and she failed miserably to recoginze the seriousness of the situation and take approprate measures to fulfill the responsibilities of one of the most critical jobs of our time.

It’s time for Condi to go out and get some new shoes — for her retirement party — not for a promotion to VP.

Condoleezza Rice is a liar and disgrace. The very proposal she should be considered for VP is offensive to many people. She should go back to teaching Cold War asap.

I thought Condi Rice has stated numerous times that she does not want to be VP. Perhaps McCain approached her and she wasn’t interested. I guess we’ll never know. However, she would have been such a great choice.

The choice seems to be made to appease the Right to Life folks and for those that scare the pants off the the Religious Right by the thoughts of a Democrat being elected that will appoint those “liberal” judges to take away their rights.
The thoughts of Condi Rice as VP? Did not John McCain say in one of his speeches recently something to the tune of “What does a Vice President do anyway?” The duties of a VP are to take a few phone calls and check on the President. This is his view of the VP position and for that matter - women. Not the position Ms. Rice would take.

Condi would be great but says she is not interested in the VP nomination. I like what I read about Sarah Palin. She seems very much her own woman! She’s obviously confident, a NRA supporter, pro lifer, one who cut her own salary as mayor to cut expenses, along with other town waste. I think we need to give her a chance.

I guess Condi wasn’t interested to be on the McCain ticket. I think she loves George W. too much to be another one’s VP. Remember her MY HUSBAND remark!

I would’ve liked to see Condi as VP too, but she carries too much baggage from Bush now. Palin has an advantage in that she is not a Washington insider & I think she’ll get many Hillary supporters. If the Obama campaign makes experience a big issue, this will backfire on him. The VP plays a small role in government unless the Pres. dies, & Mc Cain is in good health. Anyways with many people living well into their 80s, 72 isn’t so old.

the guy write a book about Condi Rice. I imagine he then wont think she is perfect for all situations. Coralling a stanford…..what a reach….sadly, more garbage from CNN. usually like AC, but is it me or is this AC/Wolf thing the worse show on television (to parody that self proclaimed all the time bragging “best team in politics”. really, deemed by who?!…you wolfy, only you.)

Rice has repeatedly stated that she has no interest in the Presidency so its purley speculation as to whether or not she would have made his list.

Condi didn’t want the job anyway. Besides, Condi represents the Bush Administration, in fact, she is one of the only ones who survived the entire term. More importantly, she does not represent McCains campaign image. And that you can be a Mavrick and be conservative too. Sarah Palin is a great example, having lead reform against fellow Republicans in Alaska.

Condi would have been much better pick, but the base just tolerates her. She’s still….you know….Black.

I like Condi but she has said she wants to return to Stanford U.

McCain did a remarkable job today and after all 72 is not old in 2008! There are many executives and Supreme Court justices that are 72 or older and are very productive. He, like other executives will surround himself with others-”lieutenants” that can carry out directives and advise him. This is in all actuality a corporation and is not run by one person.

I like Sarah; she will refresh the candidacy and take it to a new place. What a coup!!!

Rice would have been great. She’s not interested. Besides i thought that you like to attack McCain because he’s a 3rd President Bush Term. This takes that argument away from you and really puts nObama in a tough situation.

What an idiotic choice Palin is. We had a chance to win this thing if he had picked a qaulified woman–Condi would have put race and gender progress in our column. But no he picks some unknown, unqualified right wing Republican woman. She can’t pull the Disaffected Hillary supporters! Who is advising McCain–I never understood how we ended up with him as our candidate anyway. Also, as a woman, I’m offended by this pick–just any woman won’t do! Qaulification was part of the equation.

Experience? Did Bush have experience when he entered office? Look what he’s done!! Heaven forbid that people who lack diversity see a black man in the running and a black woman in the running for VP! (Condi) We would probably have to do away with elections altogether!! I thank goodness that Obama has made it this far. I’m voting for his ideas and what he represents, not beacause of his color.

Well, for one thing, Condi is experienced. Can’t have that.

Why not Condi? Hmmm maybe because she is a Bush lackie. Palin is a great choice for VP and brings a freshness to DC. I think she is exactly what this country needs when we have such corrupt politicians in DC today.

condi has never run for office and has stated she never wants to. she likes appointed gigs. stanford. nfl commissioner. secretary of state.

my guess is mccain asked her privately, and she said no.

Dr. Rice deserve to be President more than any candidate running for this position today. She is too closed to Bush administration and I think it is a main reason she is not VP choice. I hope she is going to run for Presidint in a future.
Palin is very smart choice from Republican Party (if people think everything deceided by nominee they are naive). They are trying to attract undeceided Clinton’s supporters and may be some young voters. experience of VP is much less important issue than experience of the President (even if you are VP for 72 yrs old person)..
Do not forget: in politics we see only the tip of the iceberg and President is
sitting on this tip, but there are a lot of people and power under the water.

Condoleezza Rice is definitely qualified to be considered for the role of VP or pursue the position of being President. Given the current administration I think she would be viewed guilty by association. With her resume I think we will see Condoleezza in the future, I hope!

Not just Condi Rice–what about Senators Kay Baily Hutchinson, Olympia Snow, or Susan Collins? There are Republican women who are actually qualified to be VP.

This is a truly bizarre choice. Especially in light of the fact that once you strip away the stupid Republican attacks on Obama (”he’s like Paris Hilton!”) what you were left with was the legitimate argument that 2 years in the Senate isn’t enough experience to be President. This nomination does more than just throw that argument out the window, it is going to come back and bite McCain. Whatever you think of Obama’s experience, he’s on the Democratic ticket because the voters put him there. Palin is on the Republican ticket because McCain put her there himself.

This reminds me of nothing so much as the Harriet Myers appointment, except I can’t see how McCain can undo his mistake.

Rice did not want the job!!!