Whether she is a mover and shaker or a reformer I doubt will make any difference. She has little to her credit for the position of VP. And her friendly association to the absolute evil of society OIL and the knowledge that friendship with oil has given her cause to choose oil over the preservation of the Wastelands won't sit well with Republicans or Americans in general! But it comes as no surprise as isn't it just like McSame and Bush to make long lasting friendships with people who view Oil as an investment!

The John McCain selection of Sarah Palin for vice president is nothing short of a slap in the face to the Hillary Clinton supporters and Democratic Party. Voting for a woman for the sake of voting for a woman is insulting to everything Hillary Clinton stood for. Hillary Clinton ran for the democratic nominee for President on a legitimate claim to the head of the party. It just so happen, that Barack Obama won over her. Sarah Palin is no Hillary.
By not selection Hillary Clinton as a running mate, Obama left the door open for her to run for President in 4 or 8 years depending on the out of this current election. This would have made her the 1st elected female to the White house. John McCain is trying to snatch history from the Democratic Party. In his mind, McCain thinks: History is History and there is no real reference of purpose behind it.
Last night I watch real history being made when Barack Obama accepted his party’s nomination for the President of the United States. Because of the “shock and Awe” of his acceptance and the amount of people who traveled from far and wide, over 80,000 people came to listen, to see, to bare witness to History being made.
Let’s purpose that Hillary won the nomination of her party, would John McCain tap Allen Keys for his VP to please Blacks in America? This is a clear example that John McCain does not get it.

In the words of my next President of the United States: ENOUGH!

I think Palin was chosen because picking her would unite the Rep party since she has all of the conservative beliefs. And also because she isn't in the "in" crowd of Washington. She isn't afraid of taking them on either and has proven it by calling out corrupt people in her Alaskan government.

Cindy...Ga.

Why do supposedly unbiased reporters, such as Bash and Costello, describe Palin as "anti-abortion rights"? Whatever happened to the non-partisan terms "pro-choice" and "pro-life"? When the media insists on showing a liberal bias, they unite the right-wingers and alienate moderate Independents like myself.

We of Lincoln County, Nevada think she 's great choice & a good balance for the McCain ticket. She's energetic, free thinking, young, smart, & not afraid to cut nonessential items from the budget. What more could we ask for & she's not afraid to be a Christian Lady.

Give me a break hockey mom we dont need a beauty queen hockey mom to be vp of this country. We need solid leaders, i see nothing about her that shows me that. I would love to know why you CNN, a place i count on is not talking about the fact that she is under investigation for abuse of power. Let us wake up America.

Palin has a lovely life and has done great work in Alaska. I cringe at this deliberate choice, using a young woman who has a child with DS – McCain is trying to sway the women of this country and get the empathy vote. It wreaks of desperation on the part of Republicans. Did you notice the "Country First" poster on the podium? Sounds a little like a reaction to the Dems Convention which made it about us – the people of America. McCain's whole campaign has just been reactive rather than proactive.

Sarah Palin looks like Karen Walker of Will & Grace and I suspect as effective should she be called upon to fill the presidential shoes.

McCain has HANDED the Democrats a win.

Thanks!

This is just so corny...and stale.....

The Republicans are running their campaign like a huge corporation.
There bottom line is votes- They don't care how, but the want them!

America– don't allow Republicans to use America's nature (freedom and equality) against us. They did the same thing with 9/11. America was fearful...and rightfully so...BUT Bush decided to capitalize on our fears instead of our strenght and ability to endure.

History was being made... not just because Hillary is a woman-or because Barrack is black. Wake up!!

America is making history because we are calling for ground shifting change-and louder than ever.

McCain just doesn't get it.... he just doesn't... realllyyyyy.
He can't get it if he thinks America is going to fall for this one.

This wont work because America wont let it this time.

Eight is Enough- that's too long!
Twelve is Irresponsible.

When Pat Buchanan was at his nastiest and most hateful, Ms. Palin SIGNED ON with his campaign - the fact that she had the chance to see what he stood for then, and said "That's for me!" should chill your bones.

An Insult to Clinton Supporters

McCain’s pick for Vice President is an obvious case of pandering to Hillary Clinton’s former supporters. Nice try. Luckily, I have faith that these intelligent women have the wisdom to see through McCain’s tactics and will not vote away the hard-fought gains that women have made simply to have a woman on the ticket. Palin does NOT support the right of a woman to have control over her own body, and both she and McCain would appoint Supreme Court justices who represent the radical right and would overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Palin, whose husband works for an oil company, still believes that we can drill our way out of our energy crisis. She wants to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling, despite the fact that it would devastate the habitat of many fragile Arctic species, despite the fact that sixty percent of the caribou-based diet of many indigenous groups comes from the wildlife that lives on ANWR, and despite the fact that the amount of oil in this National Wildlife Refuge is not large enough to have an affect on the global price of oil.

McCain’s choice of Palin proves that he does not respect the intelligence of Clinton’s supporters who will not accept a right-wing substitute, merely because she is a woman and completely negates McCain’s assertion that he is a friend of the environment. Furthermore, it shows that McCain is a reckless decision maker who is willing to put the nation at risk with a Vice President who has no knowledge of or experience in foreign policy simply in order to pander to a group of voters who will never vote for a man at the top of the ticket that has agreed with the failed policies of Bush and Cheney 90% of the time.

As a Hillary supporter, I think the pick of Gov. Palin was brilliant! I love what this woman stands for. She has more experience then the Dem. pick- Obama. It also shows how stupid it was for Obama not to pick Clinton as her VP pick. It is a choice that I am afraid (as an Independent voter) that will cost him the election.

I think either way the Obama party goes on this is tricky. If they are seen attacking her for being ill experienced. It makes them look stupid, as she has just as much if not more experience than Obama. (and she is a VP choice not a Presidental choice) They can not attack her as being young- as Obama is young. They can not attack her as a mother – as that will angry many Mothers through out the US.

Does anyone else see the selection of Sarah Palin as the absolute worst kind of pandering? If John McCain dies three days after taking office, which is possible at 72, this unknown, untested, and unqualified person would become president. Great, shes the Governor of Alaska. There are Mayor's of cities with more people than the entire state of Alaska that are more qualified to be the second highest ranking official in the US. I'm a lifelong Republican, but this is the end of the road. John McCain sounds like a smart alec old man half the time, and his time past him by in 2000. Picking a young woman as a running mate does not change the fact that our country is in deep trouble and faces serious problems. Obama inspires people. While short on experience, he does have the ability to make the people feel hope, and that my friends, is something in short supply these days.

No posting of pro palin on here, only spiteful remarks are welcome.

This is cnn the home of the chicago news network

HEY CUTIE, COME STAND BY ME!

McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate smacks of the worst kind of base reverse sexism—making a choice because of the convenient fact that she is a woman, perhaps able to inspire those disgruntled Hillary-ites, after spending most of the month seriously vetting several men for the job.

I hope women everywhere see this move for what it is—more of the same familiar manipulation and objectification that keeps women down.

Sorry Sarah, but I think you’re being used to portray McCain as something he isn’t.

Pandering sometimes works............ look at what happened at the DNC.

To those Hillary supporters who defiantly say they will NOT support Sarah Palin on the McCain ticket, I say you are not in the majority. I, for one, will vote for McCain and "the other woman."

Choosing Palin is a insult to women in my view . Does McCain think we're stupid? She has very little political experience . Mayor of a small town with 6700 residents. And less than two years as governor. Who is McCain kidding? He is 72 years old and has had two major bouts with his health. Palin could be a heartbeat from the presidency.

And as a working woman who raised three kids I can say we can't do it all. I am highly offended that she would embark on a VP race which will take virtually 24/7 of her time leaving behind three young daughters and a newborn infant with downs syndrome.

This does not speak well for the family values of the Republicans

McCain just handed the election over to Obama on a silver platter with his selection of Palin as a running mate. Bet she makes a mean chocolate chip cookie.

Governor of Alaska for 2 years and mayor of a town no one ever heard of – If this is the kind of judgement McCain brings to the table he is nuts – a trophy wife is one thing – she can't become President but as a woman I am insulted that he thinks he can pick a woman and we should embrace him for forward thinking – I have supported Obama since 2004 and now more than ever I know why

It's 3am in the morning and the phone rings in the white house, America is being attacked, who are you going to trust to make the the right decision:

Sarah Palin, soccer mom

or

Joe Biden

We are so concerned with experience all of a sudden. If Palin is not qualified to be VP, what makes Obama qualified to be President? Palin has two years of experience as Governor while Obama has two years of experience as a Senator. However, if you look at what she has done in her limited time in office, she has far more experience than Obama. I'm interested to see how the Obama campaign will attack this.

Where is the outrage? McCain's pick is a mockery of the office and of American voters. It's got Rove all over it.

Sad state of affairs.
WE are all in TERRIBLE trouble when Grandpa forgets the most important house, the White House, and Ms. Runner Up thinks she's still the Mayor of Mooseville.
Course the Republicans won't admit it's their fault we are all in this mess to begin with. 8 years of Mr. We're-Gonna-Get-Em has driven this country into the ground – and they still think Mr. McDumber is gonna fix it? WAKE UP Republicans and realize your judgement is flawed. Take your warmongering, lying, torturing, wiretapping ideals to a country where they will be embraced – Russia, and leave the rest of us to break the cycle of insanity; repeating the same behavior over and over and expecting different results.
And BTW, Hillary Clinton she is NOT!

SHE IS A WOMAN MY AGE AND SHE HAS A FREAKIN BOUFFANT???? SHE'S NOT EVEN IN THE B-52s!!!! WHAT YEAR IS THIS? 1968?

Get that throwback to a bad day at the local diner out of my face, off my tv set, and to a hairdresser. PRONTO.

Seriously. That is just pathetic.

I am blown away from the comments I am reading. People have been bashing Obama for months that they don't know enough about him. A guy people have been getting to know for 19 months now on the campaign trail, yet after today's announcement, they are now all "definitely" going to vote for McCain because he chose her without knowing ANYTHING about her. Kay Bailey Hutchensen said today, she doesn't even know who she is.

I find it very hypocritical that all of a sudden, because McCain announces a woman on the ticket, that they will just immediately vote for her, again without even knowing ANYTHING about her, other than she is a woman and a Republican. Seems very shallow and hypocritical to me. Which is it, do you want to know more about the candidate as you've been stating for months or not? If so, you need to look at the person and her record before making a judgment.

Lets all hold our horses for a few weeks. Let the honeymoon period of excitement end for Palin, and then we can take a good look and see if we think she is qualified to be Vice President, and POSSIBLY President of the U.S. And don't think Hillary women are just going to vote McCain now because he has a woman on the ticket. Once people find out how anti-abortion she is, they will think twice about electing a woman who will overturn Roe v. Wade.

David:

Everyone is entitled to their views on Governor Sarah Palin, but the personal attacks are not warranted. We seem to have lost our civility!!!!! You get what you give!!!!!!!

Susan
Phoenixville,PA

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!

The only reason I can see that her choose Palin is that if he is elected, which now seems to be a long shot, that the oil drilling can begin in Alaskan protected land and offshore. Anyone see this?

LET THE OFF SHORE DRILLING BEGIN!
The only reason I can see that her choose Palin is that if he is elected, which now seems to be a long shot, that the oil drilling can begin in Alaskan protected land and offshore. Anyone else see this?

No one should be surprised that McCain picked this lady, I mean the standards for VP that the GOP picks isn't that high. Just look @ Dick!

Mcain, your pick for VP is very strange, even for you. I feel it is an insult to Hilary for Sarah Palin to swoop in and take all the benifits of Hilarys hard work without having to pay any dues herself! And ask yourselves one question, if McCain died the first 6 months of his term, would you really want Gov. Palin in command of the free world, NOT ME !!

I'm so tired of working hard week after week, year after year and not getting anywhere-going backwards. I think starting from 'scratch' with leaders who REALLY want to help the american people is quite refreshing and I look forward to it. FINALLY! I think what really counts is their experience in walking in MY shoes. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes.

this just proves to me that McCain is not capable of running the country. He may want to hand over his kids future to someone with little exprience, but I'm not. We are living in dangerous times and with our economy like it is, you would think he would have the intelgence to get someone who would have experience to run the us and relate to the rest of the world. This was just a slap in my face and my intelgence. Heck she couldn't fill Hillarys shoes, and insulting her supporters like she did, using her words, hoping to sway them. Well she needs earn her way to the white house. She hasn't earned nothing. I thought about voting for McCain, but not anymore. Thank you McCain for proving to the world and to the republicans out in the world your chosing a real unexperinced running mate. Why don't you just say to the world here come and get it, US is here for the picking. GOOD SHOW McCain, But I'm not willing to waste my Vote, OBama is the man with real intelligence. McCain needs a straight Jacket.

How much is known on her views? I say provide Sarah Palin a chance and let her enlighten us as to her views. How much was known on Obama before he started running for President. If the selection was to solely obtain women voters then yes shame on the tactics of the Republican Party. How ever if it is to bring in change and outside source may be what is needed after 8 years of what America has been through. Is the theme for Obama change? if so McCain is differently thinking change.

you got to be kiddding. what is he thinking,
she can't be president. well he just lost the election.

mccain must have lost his mind. can't believe he picked her.

i know i want vote for him now,

he's stupid.

go obama go 2008

john mccain has lost his mind by picking her.

he will lose in nov for sure.

their's no way she could be president.
john mccain is stupid.

all i can say is everybody better vote for obama / biden. 2008

DAVID: Great Comments enjoyed.

Cindy: Maybe you could write a book on Bush and McCain's more human qualities, or maybe It Wasn't Their Fault Our Economy is Failing or the World Sees Us As Power Hungry Parasites! Sure either would be best sellers. Everyone loves Fiction!

I think that choosing Sarah Palin seems to be a ridiculous decision. This is a decision of a gambler, not of a reasonable Presidantial candidate.

Her choice is an insult to Democrats and Hillary Clinton personally. Just because Mrs. palin is a female, does not mean that she is an equivalent of Hillary for Republicans. And that Hilalry's female voters will automatically vote for Palin.

This woman is strictly against any abortions (even resulting from rape), she is a disgrace to modern women. She does not make a good impression as a bad speaker. She has no political experience, and apparently had never traveled abroad.

People who are sore about Senator Clinton's having lost the nomination, are sore because an experienced, educated, long-term social-justice, civil-rights, education, and health-care activist, lost the nomination.

Alaskan 'soccer-mom' and Governor of a State with a miniscule population... who was TWO when Senator Clinton was finishing her BA from Wellesley College? LOL This silly girl (whose extremist Christian fundamentalist views, like McCain's, exceed Dubya Bush's) is simply funny! She started her political life by winning a beauty pageant in a town of 7000. Isn't that twee?

Thanks John, for trying too hard, to not be McSame, by tapping another white, old, man. You tried so much too hard, you've virtually gift-wrapped this election.

Barack Obama started his political life the way I did: by having an international background and upbringing, which OPENS a child's mind. He started by being brown in Hawaii, where there are so many races and shades of skin, that being biracial was no stigma. He did learn about the stigma... a bit late. I lived in NYC. I REMEMBER the Voting Rights Act of 1965 - though I am actually 4 months younger than Barack Obama. My parents followed the Civil Rights Movements, closely. Senator Bobby Kennedy was OUR Senator.

What early-life experience does Sarah Palin have, that was formative for her, as a person in the world? Nil, evidently. She actually SUPPORTS drilling for oil in the Alaskan Wilderness and Nature Preserve. She obviously missed the 'ecology' movement we had, on the Mainland, in the late '60s. Oh, right. She was also four.

Wow. A heartbeat away, huh? This girl (a pejorative term - to be clear - as I have been a feminist since I WAS a girl) and her 'experience' might appeal to those people whose imaginations do not extend to the possibility of John McCain actually dying in office!

Fortunately, even Republicans are not usually that stupid. Christian extremists, like ALL religious extremists, are stupid, by definition.

What's up with all these people arguing that Palin being very light on experience is ok because she's only running for the VP spot? I think the VP candidate should be just as qualified for president as the Presidential candidate himself. That's why I'm happy that Obama chose Biden. If anything were to happen to Obama we will have a fantastic VP to accept his responsibilities.
If McCain would win the election and his cancer comes back for a 4th time, or if his memory further deteriorates, or he simply dies of old age, this country would be deep in deep trouble if Palin had to take over. She was a mayor of a 6500 pop. town in Alaska just 20 months ago!

"That not [reform] we can believe in"

Republican Veepwatch: The "Grave" Reaches Out To The "Cradle"; John McCain Places Alaska Governor Sarah Palin A Heartbeat Away

And Alaskans, including myself, are just as stunned as most other Americans at this selection. I genuinely believed that what chances she actually ever had died with the onset of the scandal unleashed beginning with the firing of former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. Then she compounded that error by hiring former Kenai Police Chief Chuck Kopp as Monegan's replacement without properly vetting him; he turned out to have had a past as a sexual harasser, and he also resigned, under fire.

And many Alaskans remain strongly critical of Sarah Palin's Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) as well as her legislatively rubber-stamped decision to select Trans-Canada to build the pipeline, even though Trans-Canada, by their own admission, will not begin construction until 2015, AFTER their Canadian gas lines are built and AFTER the value of Alaskan gas is weakened by the expected flood of Canadian gas.

I am tired of the political game and people chosing running mates or voting just because a person is of a certain race or gender.

What about electing someone to office who is best qualified to run this country?

Watching Sara Palin's acceptance was so unbelievable, surrealistic. It was like "Saturday Night Live" - live. It was like Tina Fey. accepting the nomination. Five children!! A baby!! How can any woman worth her 'salt' - accept this nomination?? What are her values?? I need to know!!

As a woman, I am insulted. There are VERY limited creditionals to back this up – especially highlighted with his – question over Obama's experience!

She is a heartbeat way – beside the oldest candidate ever!

This seals my decision on experience and McCain's judgement. This has become SCARY. McCain's judgement is erroneous on the War and now proven with this choice of a Woman as a mere puppet to attain votes. Maybe once he had good judgement, clearly he has lost it. He is out of touch.

this is a shame for the republicans unexperianced?what was mccain had been saied for the past few months?very elementary tacktic to take clintons women vote.is this the best they can do?

I asked a close friend of mine who is a native Alaskan on what his take on this since I never heard of Sarah Palin. In is own words, "she has been a good governor but im surprised cuz 3 years ago she was a hockey mom (no political experience) i dont know why they would choose here cuz she literally has zero experience. she is pretty good to natives , but terrible on environment issues and resource issues, . We really need our governor right now with big stuff going on here and she will be away on the campaign trail".
If John Mccain thinks that Palin will take Hillary's female supporters, he doesn't realize that we are more intelligent than he thinks. If Mccain is voted as President and during his term he becomes unable to lead, can we as a nation trust that Palin will be capable of being our leader?

When I first heard of who McCain picked I thought-who? Then I thought why? When I really started thinking about the why I started to get really mad. I am a 29 year old female, mother of 2, and I work as a full time scientist in the pharmaceutical business. So I'm a mother and a career woman-two things I have in common with his VP pick. Based on that does he really think I'm going to vote for her? I mean does he really think women are that mindless and that we'll just vote for a woman just for the sake of her gender alone? He must because I haven't read yet on what qualifies her as a VP. The last time I checked the VP would need to be ready at a moment's notice if something were to happen to the POTUS. She hardly seems to have any qualifications. All I have heard about her today is that she is a hockey mom with a lifetime membership to the NRA. Can she even name the head of state of Iraq, Iran, Russia, or Afghanistan?

I agree with Jason M. This is just McCain's way of pandering for the Hillary Clinton supporters.

This woman has such little experience it is frightening. McCain is an old man and could die of melanoma or a stroke or many other things. He is not in good health. Just because his mother is still alive does not mean that he shares all her genes. His years of smoking could also cause him to have serious illnesses and even death.

Being a governor of a small state like Alaska does not give her the foreign experience she needs. At least Barack Obama chose someone with a lot of foreign policy experience. Joe Biden has far more experience than Gov. Palin.

She is a very beautiful woman and probably very intelligent but this is not a beauty contest this is a serious election with serious consequences. This is just a total joke on the part of McCain.

I am still in a state of disbelief that McCain has chosen a woman govenor from Alaska for his VP. I am a Hillary supporter who is supporting Obama. I assume that McCain is trying to get the vote of the Hillary supporters that are still on the fence about Obama. It will not work! McCain is 72 years old and needed to choose a VP that is experienced to take over this country. He met this woman on one occasion and he cannot know her well enough to make this crucial decision. I really believe that McCain's decision will help the democratic ticket.

Wow, what a strange choice from McCain. I do feel that he is pandering and attempting to bring women into his camp. How strange that he would pass on Christy Todd Whitman or Candoliza Rice, two well know Republican woman with loads of executive experience.

Honestly, should something happen to McCain in office (like second term Reagan when he started showing signs of senility) How our country feel 'safe' with such an unproven person? The fact that she is a woman is totally overshadowed by the fact that she was chosen purely because she is a woman and not for her experience, reputation or ability. It is truly shocking how much Senator wants to win this election, not because he wants to serve our country, but because he believes its his last shot.

I really wanted a reason to vote for McCain and his choice for vice president (and his reason for doing it) has made my decision easy. Senator Obama and Senator Biden -you boys get my vote!!!!! I will gladly wait 8 years to vote for Senator Clinton for president.

Oh my gosh!
I have been reading so many comments about Ms Palin written by people who do not know her or anything about her.
Can we please just wait to get to know her and what she is all about before we say that she was a failure in her education and that she wrongly fired her briother-in-law and all the other things we do not have clear fact on just yet?
As far as I'm concerned I did not know about Obama or Biden until the beginning of this years campaign.
Let's try to be fair and speak first and get fact later.
You might be a hypocrite if you do.

Meant to say DO NOT speak first and get facts later.

An excellent choice by Sen. McCain. Gov. Palin is a formidable vice president candidate.

Gov. Palin has not just talked about alternative energy, she has acted by advancing a natural gas pipeline. Gov. Palin has more executive experience then Sen. Obama and Sen Biden combined. Gov. Palin has demonstrated true change to government ethics and status quo, not just lip service. Gov. Palin has a history of standing firm on moral issues.
As a working class American veteran, it is refreshing to see a truely blue collar root candidate with a son who is an enlisted man, not an officer, in the US Army!
It is refreshing to see a vice presidential candidate who can be a tough executive but at the same time be a mother and wife.

David and Jodi: I hate to inform you, but this is not a slap in the face of the HRC Supporters. We already got a real big one from Obama and The DNC. I think McCain, is showing everyone just how he is going to change the way things run in Washington. I think she is a wonderful pick. Since the Dems. can't seem to get their heads out of their asses. I think McCain, has opened the door for women, to break right threw that glass ceiling. I was and will always be a Clinton Supporter, but this year, I will vote for the only Party that respects the accomplishments of women. McCain\Pa;in 2008 The Only Party of Unity.

This is the first thing that McCain has done right. With his selection of Gov. Pallin, he just put himself in the White House. Congratualations Mr. President.

WOW with Palin we will turn the whitehouse into the roomper room and a convalescent home for Mccain all at the same time.
either her baby will be nelected or her job will be.

I totally agree with KJ's Western, MA post and apparently Hiliary Clinton does too. While Hiliary notes she doesn't think the
McCain ticket will take the country in the right direction, she did state the first nomination of a woman to a republican vp slot is historic and is progress for women across the country. More importantly Sarah Palin has proven she can take on good ole' boy politics. Excellent choice John McCain!

McCain did this only to win Hillary supporters. David it's interesting you got to interview her before her knowing she was the VP pick. Bet there are many more interviews to come

I have been impressed with Palin since seeing her interviewed on tv several months ago. I didn't know she was being considered as VP, but think it is a positive choice. I am tired of white men in power doing nothing or making idiotic laws. This women has intelligence and a ton of common sense. This country needs more of that. And if you think McCain would make this choice just to get female votes, I think that you are wrong. Kudos to McCain. I keep an open mind until election day. I hope everyone can do the same. Especially the chauvanistic pigs who refer to her as a soccer mom.

Sarah Palin is cute!! But is she ready to lead or breast feed?

It's like John McCain fell asleep, like Adam, and when he woke up, there was Sarah Palin. Remember it was Eve that got the whole world in trouble.

She "is" a soccer mom. Bless her heart. She has 5 children. So, can she handle the weight of the free world as VP and then as President if it came to that and still mother her small children? Where will she pump her milk?

What is the rationale behind this choice? Is Senator McCain trying that hard to win or trying that hard to give the election away? I'm confused.

Is he trying that hard to duplicate Barack? Well, imitation “is” the highest form of flattery. And by the way, Hillary Clinton’s people wanted Hillary not a substitute.

Is it that Senator McCain is so set on the "win" that he's forgetting the purpose? People's lives are at stake.

Well, we are still scratching our heads over this one. I guess a POW, with all of his due respectful high honor, does not a president make.

I was appalled by Palin's disingenuous comments regarding Hillary Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro. Was she actually trying to compare herself to these women? I don't see Palin as a role model for women or women's rights. Her minimal experience is questionable and I have also noticed that nothing has been mentioned about her educational background. She obviously does not have a law degree or I am sure that would have been mentioned.

Does this women and the Repugs actually think that the Hillary supporters are going to jump on the bandwagon for McCain because of Ms. Palin? I never thought that being a "Hockey Mom' would quality a women to be Vice President and or President of the United States.
I see a fiesty, pushy woman who will be turning many voters off. McCain just gave the Democrats an early Christman gift.

I love the comment Jodi Franks made. You hit the nail on the head. If they are letting anyone run for VP of the US I would like to put my bid in. What I don't understand is why people like McCain and Palin aginst abortion but for guns? Doesn't that sound hipocrital? We don't want precious life to die but we want a gun to kill someone.

If Palin is campainging for the VP who is keeping her kids? If my 4 month baby had downe syndrome I would be spending time with my baby.

The good ole boy system is alive and well in both parties. And this selection of VP did not solidify anything. It just proves the McCain is an old senile coot.

Jason M.

I agree. I think McCain would have been a better choice in 2000 as well.

I have been a registered Republican for over 37 years; however, I am smart enough to know when it is time to wake up and make a change. For the first time I have watched the Democratic convention and was inspired about what Barak Obama had to say. Although to many he does not have the experience, he is the first candidate in a very long time who can actually relate to the real people, not the ones with a silver spoon still hanging from their mouths. All politicians make promises, but few hit home with their words. I personally had my reservations about Mr. Obama, but when I listen to him speak I hear someone who is sincere about the words coming out of his mouth. When he shakes someone's hand and speaks, he demonstrates honesty. I am tired of listening to people who don't have a clue about the real people who are actually going through difficult times. Barak Obama may not have the experience in Washington that McCain may have, but he has experienced with what truly matters, REAL LIFE. Just because you have a masters degree it does not get you common sense and in the real world you need it. People need to start realizing that life is not just about the talk, you better start walking. What impresses me is not how many years of experience you have, is what you have done in the time you have devoted to the public. When I researched Mr. Obama, I see someone who has worked hard to make a difference not just talk hot air. Let all of us remember that action speaks louder than words and the real experience is about real life issues. We have big problems at home and we need to start here. The combined experience of Obama and Biden is exactly what we need. When I look at Obama, I see an energetic person full of life and ready to tackle the world. That's what we need in the White House, someone who is going to rolled up their sleeves and get to work. Someone who may not have the years of experience, but has the determination to make it happen. I have worked in the professional field for many years and have met so called professionals with many years of experience who can't take a walk to the corner without making huge mistakes. Let's understand the difference, just because you have the experience it does not make you an expert. Obama has what it take to make it happen and that's why for the first time I am voting Democrat because I see something in Obama that I have not seen in politics in a very long time.

As a strong Hillary supporter, I was shocked to hear a woman's name this morning for GOP V.P. It just got me mad because it felt so manipulative as a way to get Hillary Dem votes – I was for Hillary because of her lifelong policies and the issues she stands for. When I read about Palin's policies I was sick – what a reactionary – sorry John, won't get my vote!

I find it very insulting that Mccain would chose a women just on the fact of gaining Hillary supporters. The one problem being that these women voted for a message that they believe in not the women. They may have been upset that she didn't win, but to pick a woman just because is sad.

I don't want to be mean but Sarah Palin needs to go back home to Alaska. Being a Governor for almost two years doesn't make her more experience then Obama. And being a women doesn't make any differents either... Hillary Clinton has more experience in one little figure then Sarah Palin have in all her hands and feets and then some. Oh, by the way I am a Hillary supporter and I will be voting for Obama for sure now! Sorry, McCain I think you blow this vote.

Now there is finally a person with governing experience on any ticket. A youthful, gun-toting, former beauty queen, and successful soccer mom-type who leads an entire state, not to mention being a conservative who believes in the core, wholesome values that has helped build America, yet still is tough enough to stand up against big government and special interest groups. Is she the modern-day Annie Oakley of government who, with Maverick McCain, will help reform the government and establish fiscal responsibility in the government finally? At the DNC convention, speakers stated about working from the top up, instead from working from the top down. Why then, is the Illinois senator, with no governing experience, a presidential nominee, when Sarah Palin has successfully lead an important state, fought against the bullies of special interest and reduced wasteful spending? Being governor is more credible and qualified to be president than a single term senator. Just look at how many governors and senators were president. Whites who vote for a black man for president due to some sense of white guilt, while blacks vote for people of the same color, is more insulting to intellectuals than women voting for a woman for president.
Some Democratic presidential nominee, why is he afraid to debate with McCain? After loosing to Hillary in debate and dropping in the polls and loosing important states to her, the Illinois senator then avoided debates with the better reasoner to cowardly win his presidential nomination, can you say CHICKEN? It reminds me of Rocky chasing that chicken around a pen. Don’t forget that Hillary was robbed of delegates in Michigan.

We need someone like her to make things happen. No ties to DC! That is an asset in my opinion. No more talk Obama! McCain will make change happen. As for everyone who thinks she cannot handle it if something happens to McCain. She is a mom of 5 kids, do not underestimate the power of a working mother.

Would fishing rights be different if Todd Palin was 1/4 Native American as opposed to 1/8? There is a discrepancy. I know he based his commercial fishing business around the rights of Native Americans.

Not really knowing much about Sarah Palin, I read what some of the Alaska newspaper blogs said about her, as well as some of their articles.

For a woman who has been a governor for a short period of time, she certainly seems like a woman of action. Palin has signed into legislation to use a share of the profits that Alaska has received from the tax paid by the oil companies to issue $1200 energy rebate checks to its citizens. Have any of your governors done that?

Palin is also suspending the state gasoline tax of 8 cents per gallon for the next year. Palin has also pushed through the legislation to get the Natural Gas pipeline built, which will help create a lot of jobs in Alaska.

Regarding her lack of national security background, I checked the bios of Gov. Mitt Romney and Huckabee, who each ran for president and they don't have any experience in those areas. I checked the bio of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, one of the media's picks for McCain's VP nominee, and couldn't find any national security experience in his bio.
The fact is, it is very RARE for any governor to have national security experience (example: Richardson).

And for those who think this is McCain's bidding to win over some Clinton supporters, more power to him. Why should the Grand Old Party be a boy's club in this day and age?

I think this political race just got a whole lot more interesting.

You’re kidding me…McCain, I'm a woman that would never vote for Patlin who is a beauty pageant with no brains, just cutie pie smiles and phony beliefs...and his wife was a beauty pageant winner, and he picked one for his running mate! He is a dirty old man!!! She has no qualifications, but she's cute, that all and that's why he picked her! We're not stupid McCain! You Hillary people should see through this!!!

I want honest people for my choice, no window dressing, like they always do…GO_OBAMA/BIDEN! Take the idiot McCainaics and trash them!

As a Hillary supporter and now a strong supporter of Obama, McCain and his followers need to know that women voters are intelligent and informed on the issues. Most of the women I know would not be interested in anyone, male or female who is opposed to women's rights, namely, a person who is anti-abortion, and opposed to gun control.

I would like to know how the family values crew, who incourage stay-at-home moms, are able to justify a mother of five with a baby that has DS, traveling all over the country campaigning. Is this a good example of family values?

A Michigan Democrat

This pick by McCain is just hilarious. A wee bit desperate and an obvious insult to many Hillary supporters. Palin over Romney, Ridge, and Huckabee? Yeah right.

Romney is probably beside himself. He was probably the best pick – but hey – I am 100% for Obama so McCain's pandering terrible pick is only good for Obama & Biden.

Let's put this in perspective. Alaska's population of 670,000 is that of an urban city like Austin, TX or Memphis. The whole state of Alaska pales in size to cities like New York which has over 8 million or cities like Chicago which has almost 3 million. So Alaska is comparable to a small city and Pralin is comparable to a small city mayor. Great Judgment John McCain/Karl Rove!

After being a republican for 25 years, I am so glad that I am supporting Obama! The pick by McCain today was an embarrassment to the party. So many qualified picks and he choses this person??? Is this a joke?
Obama/Biden 08

If you are a Hillary supporter and you think the selection of Pralin is brilliant and you like what Pralin stands for !! Then you must be an idiot because she does not stand for anything that Hillary stands for. What an idiotic statement.

Yes McCain has to be a puppet! who for meeting a person one time in ones life you can remember? They think that women are stupid! Women voted for Hillary because of her husband and her being a first lady! they are trying to steal votes by playing on the emotions of women! Ladies don't fall for it! your smarter and stronger then that!

What a hypocrite!!!

After month's of slamming Obama's for his "lack of experience", this is the best that McCain could come up with for a VP candidate. Is he serious???

What an insult to all women! Is this his idea of a shell game? Swap out Hillary and you get Palin?

His candidacy is precarious at best due to his age and medical record. Is this country to rest easy knowing Palin is a heartbeat away from becoming President? No way!

P.S. As a mother of 4, it is very saddening to me that Palin thinks it even appropriate to take on a role such as VP with a newborn with special needs.

I was totally shocked with McCains pick of desperation. If Palin has all these polical aspirations she should have thought of that before she had five kids. You CAN NOT run this country and raise five kids. What a stupid decision on the part of McCain and Palin. Americans don't let her do this to her kids.

Who the hell is Sarah Palin?

To DAisy: To answer your question- I would take Palin- everytime!

And right back at you.............its 3AM and we are under attack... who do I want answering that phone call-

Well......I wanted Hillary but I will take McCain or Palin over Obama.

Governor of a state with less populace than the city of Los Angeles. Best choice for V.P. HELL NO!!

Maureen M wrote:

"I am tired of white men in power doing nothing...."

Palin would probably take exception to that statement. She's white herself and, I would guess, proud of it, unlike liberal whites. Not being an embittered feminist, she probably wouldn't think much of gratuitous male-bashing, either.

I like her because she's a strong white woman!

she's spunky. she's perky. Biden, you 2-faced wimp, watch out. Sarah's gonna each your lunch. Obama's speech last night, who cares?

How many people voted for Mrs Palin in the Alaskan election? How many people voted for Obama plus Clinton? How many people selected Mrs. Pain?

i am voting for McCain..why? because experience DOES matter. and now his choice for VP has even more experience than Obama..gotta love it ! watching all those old boys on CNN..spinning their wheels..OMG! he picked a woman.* quick..find dirt on her ! anything..find something!* lmao and voting for the Presidential candidate with the most experience !! McCain !!

This is the first I've been excited about the Presidential campaign at all! McCain could not have made a better choice. Liberals are just in the "sour grapes" mode right now.

The one thing that I am seeing on tv that is really really angering me about the coverage of Sarah Palin is: Can you see her as President of the United States? She's the MOTHER of 5 CHILDREN.... my answer to that question is a RESOUNDING YES... I don't know much about her other then what we are hearing today... but I am a mother of 4... Bill Cosby said it best in his 'Himself" video... Its much more challenging if you are the parent of more then one child... if something is broken in a room the one child is the only one in the room, duh ...that child did it!! Try that with 2 or more suspects.

I seriously asked myself this question I am a first time voter at 44 yrs of age... I asked myself could I run the country.... honestly I feel that I could. The economy is basically money coming in and money going out.... we do that daily with our checkbooks (on a shoestring I might add) Could we deal with foreign problems? Well Russia needs a verbal spanking obviously. Add in some incentive to behave (taking away privileges works very well in children) I feel I could do that. National security would be a problem for me... however isn't that why they have advisors who are 4 star Generals? Isnt that what they are for? Anyway I think a mother of 5 kids is eminently qualified to run a country! I am still undecided on who I am voting for... Obama got to me last night I will admit.... But now with Mccain choosing this particular woman and the more I learn about her the more intrigued I become.

Wow..... I did not realize that the Dem.'s were so scared of a beautiful, smart young woman. I think their strong reactions show their weakness.

Cracks in the glass ceiling are getting larger.

My state traditional goes Dem. but my state also voted very strongly for Hillary Clinton........... it will be nice to see this state possible become a toss up state.

I am the older suburban independent mom and I don't think Palin is qualified to be VP ( the potential to be commander-in-chief). I am definitely voting for Obama now

For all you women, making these evil comments about a woman, what in The Hell Gives You That Right. I don't care if you won't vote for her. You just go right on sitting on your hands, and waiting for The Dnc, to think you are worthy of running in any Presidential Campaign. What they did to HRC, was a disgrace, if that is how you want your daughters and granddaughters to grow-up thinking their not good enough, then you go right ahead and vote for The DNC Chosen-One. If The Republican are ready to give any woman a chance, then dammit I'm going to be on that train. EJ (USA), the only reason you don't like her is because you have a big-– on for Michelle NOBAMA.

I'm a republican and I'm going to change my status first thing tomorrow morning if I can. I think McCain has lost his marbles. This woman is nobody of substance and if I wanted to vote for nobody, I would vote for Obama. At least he talks the talk and walks the walk. McCain is acting very much insane to have a strange woman in place to become a president that nobody knows, not even himself. It shows just how much he cares about America when he can do something like this. I'm ashamed of being a republican. My heart is very heavy after bush blew it and McCain has gone crazy. Wow!

Go, right ahead, John. We're not that dumb.

I'm an independent female catholic voter and I am ecstatic about this choice. Up to now, I had thought I would be voting independent in the upcoming election. After today, I'm comfortable that Palin will solidify the pro-life stance that many of us feel is still an issue worth fighting for.

OH! and by the way. What the hell has Obama, ever run? Please don't say a great campaign, because we all know Axelrod, and Michelle runs that. And don't even try his home, because Michelle wears the pants in that family. I won't vote for him to run for DOG-CATCHER.

Palin.....
Unbelievable. I love my country, but this is terrifying thought!!!
If anyone who supported Hillary supports Palin,
I would be shocked and awed. One heartbeat away from the Presidency.....frightening. Alaska's governor is NOT ready for primetime, will NEVER be ready. This is a small town woman, smart, although misguided, nice, conservative, pretty. She does not represent any Democratic woman I have EVER known.
Mr. McCain obviously believes in the OLD, OLD adage, win at any cost.
His judgement is way off kilter to have picked such a running mate.I hope to God that McCain does not win, as many of us will want to try for dual citizenship.

We the people are tired of politicians. Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden.

Palin is a fresh face for Washington who will be able to relate to the every day American. I think she would be a great president. and I'm a man. It is time for a fresh change and even better that she is a woman.

Again the McCain clan under estimates the inteligence of women and the American public. How dare they assume that women would allow themselves to be used by such a transparent ploy to deliver their votes just because the Republican vice-president is a woman. Women are not that shallow

...and now were hearing from the Republican pundits that we're sexist and divisive for criticizing her. WOW....it's so nice to see how compassionate they are now......where was all that compassion when they were trashing HIllary the last 16 years. The fundamentalists are elated.....that should scare everyone.

I wasn't excited about the GOP race until now. Obama is running on change but the change he offers is a mystery, he has yet to define it. Sarah Palin has made a huge change in her home state and will bring that fight to national politics. So while Obama touts change, she has a proven record of change. Whats important about that is she didn't fight Democrats to bring about change, she went after her own party on behalf of the people of Alaska and we need that attitude in Washington. A proven record of fighting on behalf of the people regardless of party. Great choice John McCain, not on behalf of the Republican party but on behalf of the nation.

I am appalled at this strange woman trying to take away Hillary's supporters. I was a Hillary supporter and I would never vote for a woman just because she IS a woman. Does McCain think we're weak imbeciles or what.

Do that man not realize that we have heads with brains in them. Do he really think we can be bought like a woman of the street? He needs to be taught a BIG lesson ladies, and I believe we can give it to him. All those for Hillary, let's give McCain and his "other" woman our butts to kiss.

This is a political ploy that puts the spotlight on McCain's campaign. It's not taking in the consideration that this person could step into the Presidency and that's scary.

Clinton has more experience than Palin and Obama combined. Experience argument needs to end. The ISSUES need to be front and center. Tell me something that Obama said last week that will make a difference?

Sarah

You can't find anyone farther outside Washington than Palin; geographically or ideologically. She is a reformer and just resolidified McCain as one. The courage McCain showed with this pick is just what this country needs. What did Obama do? He was forced to pick Biden despite the many negative things he said about Obama because of his lack of expirence. And I can't agree more with those who think this election is over and said so when Obama won the nomination. But look at it this way, we'll have a chance to vote for Clinton in 2012.

Choosing this woman as v.p. nominee is like choosing a bus driver to pilot the space shuttle. She has no experience, education or intellectual ability even close to that needed to do the job. She is an amateur and a novice. Clearly the Republicans put winning the election before the national interest.

Don't believe the McCain campaign's story that this decision was made last week. It was made last night, after Obama's terrific speech. The campaign realized that it would not beat Obama on the experience issue alone, and made a desperate attempt to grab enough women's votes in PA, MI and OH to squeak by.

Shameful and frightening.

I have been a card carrying Republican all my life. I just destroyed the card AND the check that McCain asked for by August 31. I am incredulous. What is he thinking? Where are his advisors? Does he really think that we going to fall for this? He himself just voted for Obama/Biden and so will a lot of us, I should think, who will be leaving the Party since the Party seems to be leaving us. A heatbeat away? Come on, Senator McCain, do you really think that we are going to fall for this? No way!!

The Maverick has struck. The truth is she is a briliant choice. A portion of Hillary Clinton's supporters were behind her because she is a woman. The may not have been the only reason, but it was the first one. Palin is a normal person. Regarding experience, no education is harsher than to be in the White House. No one has the experience to be President until a second term.

However, McCain just took his own primary argument off the table. He will have a hard time arguing the experience card, with Palin at his side. His words will call his own judgement into question. This is a good portion of his message.

One thing came to mind when I first heard of Gov. Palin's nomination. Bush's unfulfilled desire to open the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Now I just heard on Anderson Cooper 360 that Bush supports McCain's choice for VP...Hmm? Does little Georgy have a new project he wants to start after he leaves the Oval Office?

What do you think about when you associate the words Alaska and the Republicans?

All I can do is shake my head in amazement and befuddlement. It is like the the cards have flipped. McCain, who has run as the "Security" candidate, has picked someone who has no experience in international policy. He has no backup. Obama has been criticized for his age and lack of experience. (She's younger) Obama found Biden, who fills the void in all of the things his opponents say are lacking and is available to give sound advice. Palin fills no void should McCain kick the bucket. If McCain thinks he will appeal to Hillary's supporters, he obviously still does not know Hillary's supporters. Palin will not appeal to them because she does not represent their agenda. Running a state with a huge land mass but a small population for about two years is not the same as running a country with billions. How many times has she been in the lower 48 other than going to college in Idaho and attending some govenors meetings? She's been to Iraq but has she ever spoken with other world leaders? Does she know anything about national security or intelligence? And what does she really know about the needs of the people of the south, the north, the east, or the west? In the cities and surburbs? I know I don't feel "secure" with this choice. In fact, I think I am insulted. I have to wonder if, after last night, McCain decided he wanted to vote for Obama too and did this to destroy his own campaign?

She may be a wonderful mother but we do not know anything about her. It is surprising to me that the Republicans have discussed the experience of Barack Obama, but we have seen him during a long campaign first to obtain the Democratic Nomination and we will see it during the rest of the campaign. Plus he has history as leader of the Harvard Law Review, working with people in Illinois and in the Congress as well as . But the point is this was a major point in the view of the Republicans and now it is acceptable because she has been governor for less than two years and a HOCKEY mom! It is just surprising to me how the Republicans change their views and no one calls them on their flip flops. This was THEIR concern and now it is no longer a concern? That is extremely surprising to me.

Liberals just crack me up.......

Scared to death; arn't you?

The Rep VP is more qualified than the Dem's Pres. candidate; don't blame you all from being afraid.

It is obvious that not only is CNN biased towards Democrats. Their viewers are too..so don't get to inside yourself thinking that everyone is against McCain/Palin. It's not the case.

Tune in to Fox news for a more balanced assesment than you are hearing on CNN.

You all should really try to look past that dem retoric. It's so condesending to people that can think for themselves.

McCain/Palin in 2008!!!!!

What an insult for McCain to think that Hillary supporters voted for her merely because she's a woman. We supported Hillary based on her 35 years of consistent excellent public service, her character, admiration we have for the Clinton family, and the list continues. We like Hillary because she's pro-choice; because we see the passion in her regarding health care coverage for all. The fact that she's a woman is just a bonus. To think that McCain elected a female vp to attract Hillary's 18M supporters is a total insult to our political intelligence. I am one of Hillary's support who is deeply hurt because she was not selected VP and I am slow to come around and support my party. However, at the end of the day we are one democratic family.

Is this some kind of sick joke? A beauty queen hockey mom governing a tiny tiny state (come on people research the population of places she's served). The right-wing spinners are talking like she did real things in real places not who-ville in a tiny little snowflake.
McCain is insulting us women in such an obvious way, I think we ladies should file a class action sexism law suit.!

What a stupid choice. I am a female who would have voted for Hillary. After she lost, I was undecided on Obama and was considering to cast my vote for Mc Cain. After this stupid move, I made up my mind . I will vote for Obama.

By the way , I am an independent. How dare he think we women would vote for just any woman. Hillary was and is a brilliant and highly experience woman.
Obama has a good chance of filling his term. Do we think McCain will? I was a PTA mom and a soccer, baseball and football mom. Can I be V.P. PLEASSSSE and possibly the President. Pretty Pleassse! Thanks John for making up my mind for me.

i believe what Mccain is doing is stupid and insulting putting a woman whom nobady really know but that prove that Obama is ready for be our president ,because if the case that he does not have enought experience and judgment what says to put a woman much younger and without any experience out of alaska ,what Mccain did today show me so clear that we need something new ,fresh , no the same old politic ,they will do anything to be elected. so please go Obama

Is John McCain serious, happy to be a democrat!

This speaks volume to John Mccain's lack of judgement and confusion of 21st century challenges we face. If the tactical reason is to lure the women vote, especially Hillary supporters, once the dust settles, women will be insulted and appalled. Second, when the hypes receeds , one fundamental question wil put the race in perspective: if by an unfortunate event Mccain is not able to serve, can you imagine Pulin taking over the enormous responsibility of the presidency or manning the red button? Mccain first executive decision and he batched it. Had Obama made collossal blunder, it would have sunk his candidacy.

Jessica nailed it, Alaska is the size of a medium sized town.
This choice is indeed insulting to women, and she is being USED!
Prayin needs to wake up and smell the coffee......she would be most powerless human being on earth, with the Rove-Cheneyites pulling
the strings for 4 more years.

I was one of the women on the line, but I can tell you now that the line no longer exists. I think it is GREAT that women have been able to take such a part in history this year. But I am insulted that John McCain thinks that I would vote for him because has chosen a woman running mate. Clearly, he does not get it. These two women can not even be compared to each other in the political arena. Does he really think that we cast our votes just because she is a woman? I believe he thinks we are shallow. The dumb blonde joke went out with his Hilton-Spears ad. I just watched a moment in history that sickened me. This woman was clearly just a stepping stone for McCain. His respect for women is more obvious now than ever. He has impressed me less in the past 3 weeks than ever. I wanted to see 15 minutes of her blowing her horn not his. It truly became clear to me what her position is. Watch how he conducts himself with people. Very cold. No real warmth. I saw this with the young woman in Phoenix. A student with true excitement had the opportunity to introduce him at her school. When he walked out, I wanted to just reach out and bop him on the head. He gave her little to no acknowledgement of a thank you. (Oh by the way thank you) does not count. How can you tell us that you are interested in we the people when you treat them so coldly. P & VP are important to me. He has lost my vote. I think you will find we are way above you on the scale Mr. McCain. Oh yes by the way, I am not a feminist. I am a woman who is interested in the future of my children and my grandchildren and you never will get it. Long after this is over you will still be asking yourself what was it?

I have long been a prolife advocate–albeit I think that means more than being against abortion. I have also been a volunteer worker with children with Down’s Syndrome. I cannot understand how a woman who just gave birth to a child with very special needs (and a very young daughter, Piper) could put a campaign for the Presidency above the needs that her children have. It is my understanding that her husband also has a career, and isn’t Mr. Mom. Do social conservatives and Evangelicals think this is a good thing??Many moms have to work, but it doesn’t appear that Palin is one of them. It is wonderful to have women shattering the glass ceiling, and making a national “splash”. I would rather Sarah Palin would do so AFTER she raises her youngest son and daughter.

was both surprised and excited that John McCain chose Palin to be his running mate. People are always talking about McCain’s age but there’s nothing like having an attractive woman by your side to make people forget that. I think the Republican ticket has stolen the thunder away from the Democrats. And there’s the excitement of seeing history in the making as well.

Some say, she is not qualified to be a “heratbeat” away from no. 1. Well, I think she has a lot more experience than the guy who is running for no. 1, Obama. On CNN, someone commented that millions through the democratic process selected Obama to lead the Democrats while one person was responsible for selecting the VP candidate for the Republicans. So, now it’s no longer experience but popularity as qualification criteria? Make up your mind.

I was both surprised and excited that John McCain chose Palin to be his running mate. People are always talking about McCain’s age but there’s nothing like having an attractive woman by your side to make people forget that. I think the Republican ticket has stolen the thunder away from the Democrats. And there’s the excitement of seeing history in the making as well.

Some say, she is not qualified to be a “heratbeat” away from no. 1. Well, I think she has a lot more experience than the guy who is running for no. 1, Obama. On CNN, someone commented that millions through the democratic process selected Obama to lead the Democrats while one person was responsible for selecting the VP candidate for the Republicans. So, now it’s no longer experience but popularity as qualification criteria? Make up your mind.

Give me a break! John McCain just insulted and is probably saying Hilliary's supporters are stupid. As it once was said in a debate by Lloyd Bensen, "You are no Hilliary Clinton." Shame on you John McCain, you are 72, probably not in the best of health and you pick a soccer mom to run our country if something happens to you. These times are too perilous for you to select someone that you meet for one time which proved that you do have bad judgement when you could have picked, R. P. L. H.
I am an Obama supporter from day 1, but to insult Hilliary's supporters is making me mad. I hope Hilliary's supporters have more sense than to fall for such a trick as this to get them to vote for John McSame.

Being a woman from Peoria Illinois, I can guarantee McCain's tactic to woo women votes by putting a woman in the VP slot is the worst thing he could have done. He looks more pathetic now standing next to her. To assume that women wanted " a woman " no matter who on a ticket is ridiculous! I was a Hillary Clinton supporter and still am. But, I will be voting for Obama. I once thought McCain was courageous in speaking up against other Republicans. Now, I think he just followed the expedient path. I respect Obama for not choosing Hillary to get the women vote. He has more integrity! As usual Republicans are using the end to justify the means – the White House!

This is not the best way to sell Palin to HRC supporters it manipulative, deceitful and insulting, Hilary got 18 million supporters because she is Hilary not because she is a woman. By the way, when I saw Palin today I thought I saw Britney spears' "older sister"

HELLO PEOPLE:

Let us be REAL for one moment; By Picking the Gov. of Alaska for VP he single handedly set the womens rights movement back 40 years. This woman was NOT choosen for her credentials or even her experience. She has a BA in Communications-that is is and not even from an Ivy League school. In addition the only experience that she has comes from the most remote and disconnec ted; but pain sakingly beautiful state in America. Whose beauty and ecosystem will only be damaged when McCain (if elected) begins to drill off shore.

AND....I have yet to understand how people (especially McCain) can say that Obama cannot cross the aisle and be bi-partisan when he has crossed bigger social barriers to get where he is today......and lets talk about his experience....Bush is President and look what a long way experience brought his while running this country..to the worst it has been in over 60 years!

America is an awesome country but gone are the days that America has the luxury of acting and reacting to the rest of the World like we are the Big Brother and the only ticket in town...we need to work on ourselves at home and then we need to mend the broken relationships across the globe-I truely believe that McCain cannot accomplish this goal. War is not always the answer you cannot Bully respect out of the other nations...in my opinion McCain is still stuck in
Wars f the past all be it-40+ years ago...I urge society to give Obama a chance-the GOP had theirs and destroyed it, it is time to TRY something new imagine what an impact that will have on the perception of America and lets not forget this man is extremely intelligent. To my GOP brothers and Sisters...if you truely put COUNTRY FIRST you will make the right decision for everyone involved put your arrogance aside adn really show the love that you have for this country.

ANN-40 yr old wht woman from GA.

I am a typical middle class citizen and I am PRO Obama!

This is not the best way to sell Palin to HRC supporters it is manipulative, deceitful and insulting. Hilary got 18 million supporters because she is Hilary not because she is a woman. By the way, when I saw Palin today I thought I saw Britney spears’ “older sister”

I'm really disappointed McCain didn't go with Romney – hopefully Romney could have turned our economy around. Maybe Romney will get a cabinet post where he can help do that still....but to say I'm disappointed with McCain's choice doesn't even begin to describe it.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

As a woman and a Democrat, I am insulted and angered by John McCain’s VP pick of Sarah Palin.

The fact that he chose the VP primarily because she is a woman is an insult to my intelligence. The equal rights movement is based on the empowerment of women. An integral part of empowerment is the ability to think and act freely not as a monolithic group. Truly independent women will see through this façade and vote for a president/VP based on the issues and one’s governing ability.

I am a supporter of Barack Obama. I also recognize and admire Hillary Clinton’s contributions to the Democratic Party and to the Country. Her position on universal healthcare and women’s issues is unwavering. If it were not for Barack Obama running at this time, I most definitely would have supported Hillary Clinton-NOT because of her sex, but because of her stances on the issues and her ability to govern. It angers me that Hillary Clinton or someone of her caliber may not be the first female President, but instead someone who is a right-wing conservative who is riding the coattails (coffin) of an elder statesman and who doesn’t value the sanctity of choice, equality, human rights, environment etc may. For those Clinton supporters who are considering voting for McCain based on his VP pick, please consider that you are not only undermining women everywhere, but also you are also undermining Hillary Clinton and her message.

A Journalism major, beauty queen of a small town with 20 months as a Governor of a state with a population of a mid-sized city.......... Come on America. I don't care if she is a "Hockey Mom" or Mother Theresa, she is not qualified to be the Vice President of the United States of America. Sarah Palin, as a woman, I ask you to stick to your day job, develop your resume and creditials for the next 5-10 years (except for the oil drilling part) then run for, o I don't know, perhaps the Senate?

Nice.

Now playing in theaters, the sequal: Fargo 2 – Police Chief Marge Gunderson goes to the White House.

You guys earned your pay tonight. I didn't count one eyeroll.

Just when we think things can't get any sillier...

Finally, something to get really excited about! The thing I like the most is that she has not been tainted by the Washington scene. She is a breath of fresh air.
I am getting a little tired of hearing about John McCain's health problems. Geesh, you make him sound like he shouldn't buy green bananas! Heaven forbid something happen to President McCain, she will be a better qualified president than Barack Obama.
Please don't compare her to Hillary Clinton. It is uncanny how short our memories are of how corrupt the Clintons were. Sorry, Anderson.
Also, I really am offended by the continued use of anti-abortion vs Pro Life. I wish John McCain and Sarah Palin the very best!!!!

IT'S ABOUT ME...MORE? IT'S ABOUT YOU !

As a woman on the brink of senior citizenship...
As a mother and grandmother.
As a woman who's succeeded ...against all the odds...in
surviving and raising a daughter as a single divorced mother.
A daughter who's now happily married.
And is the mother of my 3 wonderful grandchildren.
A bonus? My adopted granddaughter Meg...now 12.
Well...12 1/2 to be exact.
Quite important, at that age.
Enough about me.
It's about Obama and McCain and our beloved country.
I'm insulted and outraged by McCain's choice of Governor
Palin as his "running mate".
right.
sure.
excuse me?
Governor Palin?
I see it simply as a desperate move on McCain's part.
As admirable as she may be? She'll be? "A woman who knows
who she works for".
"A woman who knows who she works for".
Exactly.
Unless I misheard? McCain said that today.
That remark alone? Makes me shudder.
Let me know your thoughts.

Nadya in New York
Gimme a break.
Keep up the great work, Anderson!

Nadya Miles
New York, NY

All this hate-mongering over McCain's choice of Governor Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) as his running-mate....and much of it from my fellow Democrats (most of whom claim to support Barack Obama). And for the most amazing of reasons.

She's too attractive. (Former beauty-contest winner; this is a minus? I have a cousin that is a former beauty-contest winner; she used the scholarship she won to start her on her way to medical school. She's now an MD, runs her own business, and still found time to be a mom with three lovely kids!)

She doesn't have enough experience. (Former mayor, and currently governor of Alaska. That is more CEO experience than McCain, Obama, and Biden – combined.)

Not enough experience running a major city or state (in short, picking on Alaska because it's too sparsely populated). Would you prefer someone like Maryland's governor, Martin O'Malley? (A disaster as mayor of Baltimore, I think that he was forced into the governor's mansion simply to evict him from city hall. His approval rating is the lowest for a sitting governor since Marvin Mandel.)

Not enough experience dealing with Washington. (She's already gone eye-to-eye with Washington – specifically with the current President – and made Bush blink.) Condoleeza Rice (the current Secretary of State)? Had McCain chosen her, Barack Obama would have been able to crow that McCain is *sticking to the Bush playbook*. Now, that dog literally has no chance of hunting.

Why did Gov. Palin refer to Geraldine Ferarro and Hillary (the first female nominee for Vice-President from a major party and the current junior Senator from New York)? Because if it weren't for them (both of them) she would not be where she is today (either as governor of Alaska or as McCain's running-mate). It's called *paying tribute to who lifted you up on their shoulders*. Yes, they are both Democrats. However, it doesn't mean they didn't help pave her road, either. She, at least, gets it.

This shows another example of Mccain's bad judgement. Obama spends weeks, consults with people to make his decision. Mccain base his decision on what???? No idea...this is a disaster.

I am an independent who is not a McCain supporter. I voted for Obama in the primaries. Ever since he chose Biden I lost my faith him; he is surrounding himself with party core and throwing out the intelligent advisers he'd kept close to him at the start; the advisers that convinced me he might ever speak for me. I had decided that now I just wasn't going to vote. I heard of Palin a year ago and like her. So much so that I will vote for her... even if I have to vote for McCain to get her into the eventual presidency.

Since my 18th birthday (I’m now 51), I’ve voted for every Democratic presidential candidate (all white) because I believe in the Democratic Party. If J.C. Watts (or any Black) was a vice president on the Republican presidential ticket, I would not switch parties and vote for him because he was an African American. Fundamentally though we share commonalities, we have diverse belief systems which govern us. I’m voting for Senator Obama for President. Not because he is Black. I’m voting for the candidate who can invoke “change” in American…and I’m proud that he is an African American male. In the past, I voted for the Democratic nominee even though the candidates were always white…Americans should not cast their vote for the Republican Party simply because Senator McCain is white.

If my wife and many other women voted for Senator Hillary Clinton, they voted for her because she upheld the morals, principles, and ethics of “change” reflected in the Democratic Party…and it is great that Hillary is a woman. My wife and millions of other women are not voting Republican simply because there is a woman on the presidential ticket. Democratic women are smarthe and more sophisticated than that. My wife and million of other women will not fall for the duplicitous nature of Senator John McCain and the Republican Party.

This prompted me to actually read and research a bit about Gov. Sarah Palin. Very impressive lady!! Mother of 5. Youngest person ever elected AK Governor. And the first woman. Self-depreciating. Smart and tough on defense. Athlete. Strong family values, with working class roots. Amazingly strong on ethics, where as a young governor she jammed the extremely powerful inside-dealing republican leadership...stopped the infamous "bridge to nowhere"...she fined the republican leader for ethics violations. Heck, she likes to go fishing. I love it!!!

After this, the whole world is waiting for november 4th, crossing there fingers, hoping that americans will be smart enough to elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

I think McCains choice for VP is insane and scares me to death. With his age and health history I doubt that he will complete his first term and if so and we have her to lead us, god help us. She has no idea what's ahead of her and how to do it. Let alone even do what a VP has to do. Especially with a new baby to take care of too. I thought all along that he was showing his age and now I'm sure of it. Have you noticed that he always reads from a paper when speaking. He'll have one hellava time in debates without that paper in front of him.

After this, the whole world is waiting for november 4th, crossing their fingers, hoping that americans will be smart enough to elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

As this Sarah Palin scenario plays out, it seems that some of her remarks in her introduction today don't quite pass the smell test. It was very easy to find news items in legitimate publications that point out her initial support of the Ketchikan "Bridge to Nowhere". When the flak about it surfaced, she changed her tune and adopted the new stance before her nomination. McCain seems to have the VP judgement of G.H.W. Bush or George McGovern.

I think the choice of Governor Palin was an excellent selection. She is articulate, carriers strong beliefs in the work of government and actually seems to get things done. I think she will scare the hell out of the status quo in Washington. I watched a past MSNBC interview with Maria Bartoramo tonight and noticed one thing. When Ms. Palin was being interviewed she constantly kept eye contact with Ms. Bartoramo. I've watched Obama interviews and he very rarely makes eye contact. Sincerity trumps shadiness!

I am so not shocked that John McCain would be so obvious in showing that this is an absolutley game. Don't we deserve more? Total let down. I am not impressed with her at all, really take time to read her credentials. We don't need another puppet running this country.

Hi, it looks to me that Sarah Palin has more experience at running government than Barak Oboma, she has run the state of Alaska as governor, seems like that is more experience than being a senator.

Wake up America... this woman is just whar Washington needs to shake up and REFORM the corruption going on there... and McCain had the cookies to pick her to help him do the job...The last time we had politicians that where Reformers was in 1876 – Samuel Tilden...As an Independent – the deal is sealed for me...I am voting McCain/Palin...

I can not comprehend how this is considered a compliment to women. Instead it is a slap in the face. The decision represents itself to be based on the fact that the letters WO in front of MAN were the only deciding factor in choosing her. McCain took such a stance on the fact that choosing someone as his Vice President would be someone that could step into his shoes the next day. What does she have in her shoes to do that? And just as a side thought as a Mother myself....who takes care of her children if that were too happen? I guess Obama's viewpoint of ensuring a Mother the ability to take time off when a child is sick would have to come into play here...and she would still get paid...!!! but then who will answer the phone at 3am when her baby is crying at the same time. I have small children myself and certainly realize that there are many hands that come into raising our children, but how can the control of our country be a top priority? I certainly wouldn't enjoy someone who didn't know me, to be spewing at the mouth, so this is not meant as a personal attack. I am just utterly amazed that she could even remotely compare herself to Hillary Clinton as the new woman that will break through that glass ceiling. There have already been numerous mentions that McCain has had many indepth conversations with Palin...I want to know how many is considered many when you have only met someone once before choosing them for the second highest position in the country? Breaking thru that glass ceiling is only something that is looked upon as a success when someone has earned their steps up the ladder. When the break is created so the person above you can get there first well, that is no success...it is a true insult to womens rights everywhere.

ADaniel, you hit the nail on the head. Liz from NY, obviously you didn't watch AC360 tonight (or read the interview posted above). The choice of Gov. Palin was not made to go after the women that supported Hillary that are hardcore-liberal (they by and large vote Democrat based on party platform, and no Republican stands a chance there).

However, selecting Gov. Palin *does* go after three groups that McCain (and Obama) have issues with (that includes a rather large number of Hillary Clinton supporters):

1. Blue-collar workers in the *battleground states* (areas like the T of Pennsylvania). While some of them may vote party-line, a lot more vote based on the issues. McCain-Palin is the only ticket, from either party, with someone that actually has chief-executive experience.

2. "No more business-as-usual!" Barack Obama's selection of Joe Biden is very much business-as-usual; he's been in Washington longer than even McCain! McCain's a known maverick; the fact that his running-mate is also a maverick should surprise absolutely nobody. (Would anyone care to wager that part of the reason for all the anger over McCain's choice is that it actually is as outside-the-box as McCain himself, not to mention utterly undercutting the linchpin of the entire Obama effort to paint McCain with the "Bush brush"?)

3. Pro-gun groups (especially the NRA). When the Supreme Court killed Washington, DC's gun-control law, groups like the Brady Center (formerly HCI) started to sweat. Break out the Secret; here's a Vice-Presidential candidate that is not only a Life Member of the NRA, but an avid hunter. (Camel, get your nose out of my tent, lest I shoot it off.)

As I said before; pure McCain, and purely brilliant. (Maybe that's why the pundits are worried; they are realizing that McCain is serious!)

That is why this Democrat is voting for McCain-Palin, and urging as many other voters as feel comfortable to follow suit.

Let's get this straight re: the respective levels of credentials and experience for Mr. Obama and Miss Runner-Up Wasilla 1984.

Obama is a graduate of Columbia and Harvard Law.
Miss Runner-Up Wasilla 84 has an undergrad from some school in Idaho

Obama is a civil rights attorney
Miss Runner-Up Wasilla 84 is is a year into governorship of Alaska

Obama is a constitutional law professor
Mis Runner-Up Wasilla 84 was mayor of a hamlet in Alaska

Obama was a state senator in one of the most populous states in the US
Mis Runner-Up Wasilla 84 has governed a population of a small fraction of Mr. Obama's state and national senate districts

Obama chairs the Senate Subcommittee on European Affairs (a subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is chaired by Joe Biden)
Miss Runner-Up Wasilla 84 is...is...........I got nothin'.

McCain is Brilliant!! He has made another great judgment just like he has as a Senator and will as President. GOD BLESS AMERICA! WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE!

This is Pure Insult to Women cause.

Palin commander-in-chief Alaska National Guard. Obama Ayers National Liberation Front.

Sarah Palin signed the arial gunning of wolves, wants to remove the polar bears from the endangered species act. She is a huge supporter of the NRA and is very often shown with a gun. She wants to open the National Arctic Refuge for drilling. She is a gun-loving, environment-destroying woman. She takes away our national treasure by destroying wildlife (shooting wolves from airplanes, probably aiming to shoot polar bears too), salivating about a possible opportunity to destroy one of the last pristine lands in Alaska. She is young and pretty but she is a disgrace as a human being. I like John McCain but he made the biggest mistake of his life. He could have chosen a person of character, experience, and knowledge, i.e., Condoleeza Rice, Joe Liberman, Colin Powell, Mitt Romney, Rudy Guliani, but no, he chose Sarah Palin. I am extremely disturbed. I am changing my party from republican to democrat. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are light years ahead of the republicans.

As I read some of the post I see there is a lot of Democrats posting what they percieve as what is wrong with McCains pick for VP. Get to know her before you make your judgements you may be very suprised what she has to offer this country. Where is the positives things that could come out of this if McCain and Palin wins.

By the way CNN, are you only posting negative blogs? I always thought more of the network than what I see in your broadcast today. We all know how much influence the media networks have and that they can sway the election in one direction. Obama has gotten probably eighty percent of the media coverage since the beginning of this process. Let's see what happens in the next 65 days or so. All I ask is that the playing field be equal.

If Obama really wants fundamental change for America he would vote for McCain and Palin.

I'm sure Gov. Palin is good at what she does. But to be picked out of the clear blue sky as the VP running mate! I can't quite put my finger on it but it just seems like another Bush scheme is in the works.(If it involves oil and money I'm sure it involves the Bush family!)
I am a Hillary supporter. Just because Gov. Palin is a woman doesn't make her even close to being a woman like Hillary Clinton.
It's not because she's a woman it's who the woman is! Gov. Palin is also Pro life at all cost. Is Anti-gay rights also. Total right winger.
That just seems to spell bigotry and hatred to me.

You dems are acting like clowns. Before Obama picked Biden for VP all the dem strategists and lib media said Ohio Gov Ted Strickland was on the short list and is great choice for the inexperienced Obama. Know how long he was a govenor and never lead a town, city or anything???? He was elected te same time Sarah Palin was. The only reason he was in play was because they wanted to help get Ohio votes as a swing state. As for Republicans and/or woman... Not all woman believe that choice is an issue, They respect life and take responsinbility for their actions if they get pregnant. AS for woooing Hillary voters... If you listened to the media and those they interviewed when hillary cried about the campaign being tough.... Alot of people were saying they were going to vote for her as a woman. Some appreciate that mccain is giving a woman a chance and leave it at that. She's a spitfire that will do more to fix washington dc than you have given her credit for. Read up and learn about her from those that know her best. Alaskans

When republican pundits have been asked all day about her specific qualifications on the issues of foreign affairs, crime, or national security, etc. they just tell say the american people are being "dismissive" or "uninformed" or go on a rant about her "executive experience" not once answering a question directly even when asked the same question repeatedly. I almost feel bad for these republicans that will support her (another bad judgement to be noted) will feel it necessary to endorse her. This republican (50 year old woman) will not feel it necessary to do so. McCain has made his age a huge consideration in this presidental race.

Also those that think Palin should be at home with her Down child. Get a life. She has a rock steady husband that can handle that and happily does. Is that a glass ceiling men have to break now? What happened to womans lib and equal rights?

Until I saw her on TV, I always thought we needed a "mom" in the White House. My kids were like foreign policy experience...but now, I really have changed my mind. Came straight home from work and donated money to Mr. Obama's campaign.

McCain's VP pick demonstrates his hypocrisy:

He criticizes Obama for inexperience, then look who he choose for VP. He and Palin disagree on the few key issues she actually does have experience with. Why would you choose a running mate who differs with you on key issues like global warming? Is it because she's a woman? People shouldn't be selected for jobs because of their race and/or gender. Isn't that why John McCain is opposed to affirmative action in the first place?

Mauri,

Funny you mention the other woman because that was what Cindy McCain was for Sen. McCain who left his wife that waited five years for him. Cindy wasn't the first woman he cheating on his first wife with. Don't forget he left her right about she was in a bad accident.

I also wonder how many of you feel about the joke he told on the road about the woman that was raped by an ape? The punch line was when she awoke from the event she asked where did that marvelous ape go? This is the man you want to run our country? This is the man you want to trust to look out for women rights when he voted every chance he could get against women rights? Now I'm questioning not only his judgement but also yours.

Sarah Palin will make a great VP. Anyone that takes the time to really review her achievements will realize that she is just the type we need in Washington to uproot the good ole' boys club which Joe Biden is a charter-holding member of. At least she will be learning from John McCain's wealth of experience and sharing her unique knowledge base, rather than running the country from the VP position, like "Nanny" Biden will be doing for Obama.

i have learned all i need to know about gov. palin
she wants to overturn roe vs wade
she is connected to big oil
she was for funding of the bridge to no where in 06, but now against it
she said herself that she has no INTEREST in national security

I am floored and angry that McCain would pick this woman. He is asking me to trust his judgement and he pick a woman who no one knows not even himself and he want me to trust her with my sons life. My son is serving his second tour in Iraq and no I so not fell she is ready to be comander and cheif and because McCain was so reckless with his choice I feel he is no longer qualified to be president. I am a mother of four children, I was a 4h Mom and my uncle was a p.o.w. I feel I am more qualified than this woman. If McCain pick a woman that people knew and trusted one be one thing but this is a woman that no one really knows and we do not have much time to find out who she is before election time. If this woman had the experience and the exposure of Hillary Clinton she would have been a good choice but as Loyd Benson but it I know Hillary Clinton and Palin you are no Hillary Clinton. McCain needs to be defeated because we can not trust his reckless judgement. I can not trust him with my sons lives.

There seem to be a lot people on this board who ASSUME that McCain chose Palin just because she's a woman to pick up Hillary supporters.
First, McCain has been considering her for more than a year. And, Palin and McCain are very similar – both are renegades who have gone after corrupt politicians. Palin, along with a few others, are cleaning up the deep and old mostly REPUBLICAN corruption in Alaska. Nothing wrong with that.
And for those of you who find it insulting that McCain chose Palin. Why are you insulted? Surely you understand that not all women share your own political beliefs. Nothing wrong with that either.
And Palin is not part of the good-ole-boy network that Biden's been in for 36 years.

One of the 18 million Hillary supporters. I love this selection for VP and will support this ticket. McCain has proven he's a bigger man then Obama by putting a woman on his ticket. Obama's media production will not change my mind. Several months ago Obama said he did not need the Hillary supporters to win this race-so be it.

Disinfranchised Supporter

Why do people not point out the fact that as mayor or governor that she is in charge of what mid size college campus? As a mayor she was in charge of 8500 people and as a governor 100,000 people? As a Woman I am insulted that she believes that she can take the place of Hilary Clinton and her 18 million cracks is she contradicts everything Hillary stands for.

CNN, please run on air corrections. You ran a story that said Palin stood up and told Washington "no" on the bridge to nowhere. WRONG. When she ran for Governor, she not only supported it, but wanted it done quickly while it could still be earmarked:

Anchorage Daily News on October 22, 2006 (Q and A while running for Governor):
"5. 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.
-------
She only changed her position after the bridge became a national joke. Please inform your viewers, not mislead them.

oh i am sorry 670,000 fisherman, hunters, military persons. But 670,000 is to quite enought for anyone to beleive she can handle Iran, Russia, China and all the other countries that hate us. I need to be assured that if the old man passes away that his number 2 will be ready to take control of our wonderful country!

In a time when women are a force not to be overlooked, it would seem that a female on the presidential ticket would and should be welcomed. I feel robbed—truly violated by the Republicans. Sarah Palin is being used as a commodity. She’s a pawn—we must not follow suit. Instead of feeling overjoyed and proud of a qualified female candidate running for the top ticket, I feel betrayed and duped by the Republicans this year. I cannot possibly fault her or her abilities; she may have a very constructive political career, someday. But THE AMERICAN PEOPLE deserve a full-time president and vice president at the top of their game. I can’t bear to think that she would be torn away from that young family—she’s still nursing the child for heavens sake!!! How wretchedly selfish and callous of McCain to showcase her in order to grab at non-committed or grieving Clinton votes. In recent times, the GOP has not been known for a creative or original idea; so, they have to resort to their infamous debating formula. I wonder if they have a patent on it? In order to disguise this deficiency, they deny the strengths of any opponent by repeating the contra-positives on any and all issues. It’s quite a formula since they always smile while doing this. I noted this same smile on Sarah Palin when she spoke. It’s the same smile used by all the Stepford PUMAs. I urge every voting female in the country to use their rationale to examine this move by McCain’s campaign carefully. It sets the American women’s progress back to the age of Inez Milholland.

Still shocked at McCain's pick!! Bottom line: our democratic process allowed the public to select our candidate of choice for both parties. The 1st test of judgement was the VP selection process. Obama as expected, disclosed info on his selection process (when it started, Caroline Kennedy leading the vetting process, etc.), then ACTUALLY selecting the best person to be "2nd in chain of command." Bidden was a homerun. (BTW – I have no doubt if selected, he will have Hillary lead some very powerful committees / initiatives).

McCain conversely, rested on his laurels since March and didn't disclose anything about his VP selection process. No doubt Sarah's an effective politician in Alaska. But I seriously doubt AK has the types of global issues like a major metropolitan city (like Chicago) - where her effectiveness is questionable. Barack's lived the struggles (and promises for the middle class, minorities, women, etc.) that are much more realistic. He's thorough in his thought processes, tries to run his campaign on hope/optimism/encouragement vs. negative slams (don't we have enough of this these days?). He's also more knowledgeable about the modern world / technology than McCain is, which is imperative these days.

As a woman, I'm proud of Sarah's accomplishments (that I know of). But she's no Hillary. Besides, it's irresponsible to take on such a important role and be an effective mother of 5. And how will she attend to her special 1 1/2 child? I'm also Christian (Catholic), but I believe in equality for all regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. I also believe women should have choice when it comes to their body. I believe in life, but don't want our gov't dictating my beliefs. Barack effectively articulated that we don't have to all agree on this, but we can surely work on ways that will be fair to everyone on these issues.

I don't want our next Pres to "roll the dice" on future decisions as McCain did (esp given his health / age)...and he's only met her 1-2 times? Just mind boggling. Give me Barack / Bidden anytime who will carefully / strategically vet issues out!!! Also, Barack's reaction to Palin's nomination was just classy...

Thanks, McCain for the insult and the election. Right back at ya.

I agree that this choice is disrespectful towards Hillary. Granted, Obama had a better group to choose from for VP, but this seems absolutely kooky. Unfortunately our citizens have been dumb enough to elect George Bush twice, so some citizens might actually try to get McCain elected, but, hopefully the brainy folks will swing over to the Obama/Biden camp. I don't think, given Palin's views on creationism and abortion, that Obama should have any trouble getting elected.

I learned today that John Mccain thinks im stupid, he thinks that a easy way to drum up some votes is to put a former mayor of a small town now im talking a town smaller then the high school i graduated from !! 7,000 people in this town so i guess she has the experiance of my high school principle. Why Palin she was a Governer for 20 months and is the mother of a 5 month old the 20 months thing erks me more then the 5 month old baby thing. Now for what really makes me upset she doesnt know what a Vice president does!!! Hello Mccain did you vet this lady didnt you see her interview were see said this - This is funny we'll as far as NBC news reports you have only met this lady once before. Now thats not my kind of judgement and you gotta admit picking a women who starts her introduction to the national scene by talking about 18,000,000 cracks in the cealing and lieing about her part in the bridge to nowhere scandel isnt gaining my trust for Mccain or the new girl on the block and i felt it disrespectful when i witnessed foxnews "journalist" attempt to compare here experiance to Obama's or Bidens . She went to Idaho college thats the equivalent of your neiborhood city college, community college she has a degree in journalism ya journalism from Idaho college . Ok it is a slap in the face for Mccain to think that she is ready to be president of 3 hundred million people . Really Obama went to the top school in the world graduated with honors at Harvard ya Harvard they teach things there like internationalism and constitutional law hey he even taught there hey a Harvard proffeser. O ya and he was an illinois state senator then spent time in the senate just like the greatest president we have ever known honest Abe Lincoln. I expect the republican machine to attempt to discredit every news agency there is and hope that they can sneek in but i don't think so.

The selection of Palin is an insult to the intelligence of every American voter – particularly women.

This indicates a serious judgement problem on McCains part. He's only met this woman once, yet hes willing to put her as second in command of the united states of america. Give me a break!! This has to be a joke – or since the bush admin, has the bar been lowered that far? ZERO foreign policy knowledge, much less experience – is that who you want sitting across the table from Putin?

McCain is just like bush – he makes rash judgements that others pay the price for.

Her extreme views on abortion – a complete ban, even in the case of rape and incest – will turn off a large number of women voters. Women are looking to progress womens rights and issues, not take us back to the 50's.

In a country this large, I find it hard to believe that Palin is the best he could do. Aside from having a vagina, 5 kids and a story – what does she really bring to the leadership of this country? Not much.

I am surprised at the women who feel 'insulted' because of the choice McCain made.

I am proud that Obama as a self-made man, with no executive experience, has the huge support of 18 million Americans and is a presidential candidate.

Can we please observe similar decency to the choice of Sara Palin? Why the attack because she is young/smart/Alaskan or whatever?

It's a democracy, due legal processes have been observed.
Let them say their piece and vote with your ballot. Last I checked, Alaska has no less right to field a candidate than the rest of the nation.

We're stuck in two wars, our economy is in the dumper and mccain thinks a hockey mom with zero foreign policy knowledge or experience – and no economic expertise – is the right person to lead our country??

This demonstrates a profound lack of judgement on mccains part. He's only met her once – I bet he knows his realtor better than this woman.

This is blatant pandering – what's worse is that such a weak nomination is ultimately a threat to the future and security of our nation. But hey – rove and mccain think it's a slick new way to dupe the far right into thinking that the republicans won't crap all over them again like bush did. Some folks never learn.

Lord help us.

I' m a 31 year old black male and im quite surprise by McCain's vp choice.
Its truly a smack in the face to Hillary and all of her supporters. Whether you are a R or D, you have to ask yourself....what the hell is on McCain mind and anyone who support his choice and will vote for him just because he picked a woman...you never cared about your country in the first place.

Real talk and you should look deep inside yourself and asks yourself, who am i and what do i stand for because no matter what you feel about a person, if you do not stand for something you will fall for anything....

AKA: Coron

Try looking at this differently...........

We Democrats did not think that the most experienced woman in Washington was the right pick as Vice President. Now we make the case that the Republican pick does not have the experience. Many people will say the Democrats just don't want a woman in the White House. As far as the Pary Bosses go that may be the turth.

She is Governor of the largest State in the Union with some of the richest resources

If the Republicans are serious about breaking the glass ceiling, they should have nurtured a qualified woman for the role of president. Their hyprocisy and disrespect for women could not be more evident than in the selection of Palin.

Try looking at this differently………..

We Democrats did not think that the most experienced woman in Washington was the right pick as Vice President. Now we make the case that the Republican pick does not have the experience. Many people will say the Democrats just don’t want a woman in the White House. As far as the Pary Bosses go that may be the turth.

She is Governor of the largest State in the Union with some of the richest resources but a small population. I'd choose it over Arkansas.

She is unknown. So was Barak Obama.

This has less to do with Hillary supporters than you think. It was all about the Republican base and shoring it up. That is now in the bag.
McCain was about even with Obama with a lackluster base; now it will become a solid energized base.

She is an outsider who has challenged corruption in her own party within the State of Alaska. This is the kind of person (honest) that should be in politics and perhaps not having the corrupting Washington experience is a plus not a minus. As a Hillary Clinton supporter I have to ask you the question: WHY IS REALLY THAT HILLARY DID NOT GET THE V.P. SLOT?

This is so surreal, I called my sister, and ask if she would come over and pinch me I thought I was dreaming when I turned on that tube. This is to crazy to be real. What stupid a move McCain has made With his VP, choice. Its even more unreal, that some of his supporters are trying to tell us what a great and bold move the Mavrick has made and there all thrilled. with his,pick this women Palin. And all knowing all along just how stupid this move was. and then they will start believing there own Lies. and then the voters will fallow suite. They will turn there lyes into the truth as to keep them selfs from becoming fools, How can it be so hard for americans to pick a president? Barack Obama is a clear and correct choice. How can any one even entertain the thought of having Mr McCain in charge. He is not able to make simple dicisions. He is not right mentally or in his control of his emotions, He take hissy fits in the senate. not a good thing folks

Let's get real Obama volunteers.

The budget of Alaska which Palin runs is $5.5 billion. And she set a record in the number of vetos of pork and government waste. This is called a record of reform. Obama talks about reforming government he's just never done it. Neither has Biden. Palin has done it.

The biggest budget Obama has ever run is his own campaign which is about $250 million.

Please let's keep talking about experience.

It's a distraction to focus on Palin's experience. The real question is "who the heck is Palin?" It's difficult to make a judgement about her experience when we know virtually nothing about her. This choice of a running mate to be a heartbeat away from the top job in the country makes it clear that McCain's judgement is to be questioned. His decision suggest that he is not putting "Country First" but is putting his own "Ambition First". He's 72 years old and has suffered numerous life-threatening health challenges and he is willing to entrust our safety and security to a stranger. His 96 year-old mom should have told him like my mom told me "don't talk to strangers".

Wow! Is the first thing I have to say about this decision made by the Mckain party. I seriously doubt that Mckain came to this decision himself, and that he has serious doubts about this decision as well as do millions of Americans including myself. It is a calculated risk immersed in uncertainty, as is the democratic nomination of Senator Obama…Senator Obama. This I believe is purely a strategical move in response to the historical convention put on by the democrats. Without saying anything against this woman, she is not Senator Clinton. No doubt however, there are an extraordinary amount of ignorant people in this country who will vote for Mckain and this wonder woman just because she is a pretty face. The republicans are playing a cleverly hidden card that has served many people in history very well "the sex card i.e. sex appeal". I think it is down right shameful and unspeakably irresponsible of the republican party, as well of any one who supports their decision. The republicans are showing that the democrats have them on the defensive, and I only pray that they continue with these "pleasant surprises."

McCain chose Palin out of direct reaction to Obama's playbook, VP choice, and speech. He is using Palin for nothing but a tool to bring appeal and excitement to McCain's image because his base is not even excited about him. But this high risk move actually negates from any appeal McCain may have gained just when his base warmed up to him.

He met her once. Making him "inexperienced" with his own VP choice.

Just a couple of weeks ago he complained of the media coverage of Obama and his popularity / celebrity. Suddenly, the Maverick picks Palin, a hockey Mom.

Because Obama did not pick Hillary?

Would McCain have picked Palin if Obama picked Hillary? No. McCain is expedient and desperate making this move to rival the sensation of Obama.

McCain is a hypocrite in his argument of INEXPERIENCE for obvious reasons.

The republicans are pretending to be excited when they know they just threw the election. Ouch.

And get ready for the movie "W" on top of that by Oliver Stone because after all, McCain is a 3rd term of Bush. That would be 12 years total!

4 years of senior moments like this one is intolerable and unthinkable.

Jolly good pick John boy!!! You have now removed all doubt about whether you are senile!! You most certainly are to have picked a gun-toting, anti-abortionist, wing-nut as Veep, whose claim to fame is that she was a beauty queen and the mayor of Mooseville before being elected governor to the least populated state less than two years ago. Great pick for an old dude who might very well die in office if this nation is stupid enough to elect him. A desperate act by a desperate man. Maybe he thought he was hiring a nurse! Does Dan Quayle in drag come to mind? Certainly, the only reason he picked her is because of her plumbing. If McSame wanted a female running mate, why not pick Rice, Hutchinson, or someone who is qualified?

I admit that Sen. McCain's pick for VP is really out from left field. McCain has been for a long time touting his experience superiority over Sen. Obama, but in choosing Gov. Palin he has really left himself wide open to the exact same criticism he has levelled against Sen. Obama. Here we have an extreme pro-life conservative who apparently has absolutely no credentials on foriegn relations let alone security, who has as far as executive experience goes has been Mayor of a small town and has been Governor of the state for less than 2 years. As for any economic experience I have yet to hear anything about that. So I guess my question is: "What in the world was John McCain thinking?"

Is John McCain so desperate for votes and does he believe that women would vote for someone with no political experience? Does he think the women of the United States would base their vote solely on gender? It is horrifying that McCain would consider someone with two years experience as a govenor of an underpopulated state as qualified to lead the nation through the perils of foreign policy.

On a seperate issue. Why would a mother risk the well being of a special child that will need her mother far more then we need her as a national leader. Now don't say that working mothers have been quite successful doing both. We have but.... She has a child that needs her mother more then we need her as a nation. This is someone who can't prioritize her values very well. Helping her child be as successful as possible or gaining fame. I don't want her as my leader.

McCain picked Palin because she can talk OIL on the campaign trail and he can borrow her "Maverick" label because he no longer has a record of being a "Maverick". Remember, John McCain morphed into McBush when he became candidate McCain.

If America wants McCain and Palin for 4 years, then I say go for it. This is the same country who put GWB in office for a second term. Americans are dumb and they deserve what they get.

McCain chose a woman many in America don't know. So what, many of us didn't know Sen Obama until he became Sen Obama either. Now that we know him many of us feel he can be president. She has done more than a good job being the governor of Alaska. We need a change in Washington, the old way of conducting business simply isn't getting the job done even adequately. Sen Obama and Gov Palin are a breath of fresh water in an otherwise stale room.

I am a independent voter and I am appauled at the irresponsible pick for VP by John Macain. A pick just to share the "historical" limelight.
I commend her on her life and choices but this woman could be president. By her own statements has no idea what the VP does and even with her son going to Iraq has not been keeping up with what's going on there. I would have supported anybody else, I thought Rice would have been a good pick to share the historical moment but this is lunacy. I am deeped insulted and cant believe the republican media is not critizing this pick. I was voting republican and now feel I have to join and volenteer with the liberals just to protect all of us.
The republican part has once again but us in harms way and we must all fight this.

If McCain gets elected it will be as ridiculous and insane as O.J. getting off. Is it an insane hypnosis the republicans are under, or just plain greed. They have become mean spirited, dishonest and manipulative to the point of being willing to drag this country down even further. When the middle class disappears depression will follow. This country was built on the middle class.

Her only foreign experience is crossing the border to Canada. Once in office she tried to have her brother in law fired. She has already flip flopped on a bridge to nowhere. While I cant wait for Biden to chew her up, I think Hillary should attack her too with a vengence. Hillary while not elected is 100 times this hockey mom and Hillary should make sure the world knows it.

At first I thought that Palin was a good choice, she is a hockey mom, good values, very articulate, a mom, and a governor. As a governor, she governs and those is a good thing, right, but remember Bush was the governor of Texas and we see how great state executive experience is really helping the country right now.
However, as I look into her history more and more she reminds me more of Bush, just prettier and with a skirt, rather than McCain. She seems to have a history of only putting people that she trusts in positions of power and she dismisses and even steamrolls her opponents (reminds me a little of Rumsfield and the excessive resignations in 2003). Her history with Walt Monegan and her former campaign manager Frank Bailey is very unclear and at the least the people of Alaska should have more awareness on this issue, regardless of her role as the last minute VP contestant.
Additionally, she pushed through legislation for a natural gas pipeline into the US, however many companies such as ConocoPhillips, Exxon, and BP are involved. Is she as far removed from these energy giants as the Republicans have made her out to be? Her husband worked on oil fields for BP and she supports drilling in ANWR, so is she really as from these oil giants as she says she is? Is it a coincidence that Texas is also know as an energy rich state and Bush had to deal with some of the very same companies that Palin encounters, with some of similar issues? Also, McCain opposed GI Bill reform and Equal Pay for Equal Work; does her record in as a Governor cut spending for National Guard troops or cut programs that primarily help women?
I think that it is a shame that McCain put an intelligent woman into the position of being the Barbie Doll for her party. This reminds of the position that PVT Lynch was placed in when they freed her from Iraq and placed as the poster child for Army Soldiers. Republicans should stop putting pretty faces out there to compel the public to swerve in their direction, this is a disservice to the pretty faces that have a brain (yes, that would include Palin, even though she is like Bush) and the regular faces that have as much to offer as any other ugly man out there. There are plenty of women Republicans in office that have compelling records, stories, and experience, he had to choose one that was going through an investigation, is working with big oil companies, just had a baby, and was in the running for Miss Alaska. He should have been smart and started talking her when he talking to other governors, like Jindal, instead of playing a Wild Card. Is he going to pull Wild Cards as a Maverick President with our troops and families?

Enough already.

The last President to die in office was over 40 years ago and it wasn't due to his personal health. Governor Palin's children have been through a campaign experience before and will survive this one as well.

Stop with your ridiculous worries!

You've got a voice, America... but I'm not too certain about your faith.

Shortly after taking office, Palin rescinded the appointment of former chief of staff Jim Clark to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, reversing an appointment made in the closing days or hours of Frank Murkowski's Administration. Clark later pled guilty to conspiring with a defunct oil-field-services company to channel money into Frank Murkowski's re-election campaign.

In April 2007, Palin announced plans to create a new sub-cabinet, to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within Alaska.

In March 2007, Palin presented the Alaska Gas line Inducement Act (AGIA) as the new legal vehicle for building a natural gas pipeline from the state's North Slope. Only one legislator, Representative Ralph Samuels, voted against the measure, and in June Palin signed it into law. On January 5, 2008 Palin announced that a Canadian Company, Transcanada Corp, was the sole AGIA-compliant applicant.

In response to high oil and gas prices, and in response to the resulting state government budget surplus, Palin proposed giving Alaskans $100-a-month energy debit cards. She also proposed providing grants to electrical utilities so that they would reduce customers' rates. She subsequently dropped the debit card proposal, and in its place she proposed to send Alaskans $1,200 directly.

Mc Cain on women: leave your first wife, or cheat on her. (Even though you had her waiting in the wings with THREE children, while you became a war hero.) Get a trophy wife to follow you around with her bags of money. THEN pick a beauty queen who forces her religious views on women and has time to be a hockey Mom, while other women don't have leisure time like that. Hello Middle-class women stand up and object to this chauvinist candidate for president! Just look at his behavior at the Naval Academy. What has happened to respect for women in this country?

If anyone ever doubted CNN's liberal slant, all you have to do is look at the vitriolic comments about Sarah Palin on this BLOG. It's amazing to me how the "tolerant" liberals are bashing everthing from her being governor of a small state (btw, Howard Dean was gov.of VT which has the same number of people as AK), to her hair.

I hope you all keep griping and keep convincing yourselves she's some kind of bumpkin, because you are all underestimating this fine lady.

McCain's decision to select Gov. Palin outrages me as a woman and terrifies me as an American. With this selection, McCain has shown that he truly is a rebel without a clue. Republicans have tried to "spin" the choice by saying that it is consistent with McCain's history as a risk taker and maverick. Our country is in a time of peril. We are involved in two wars and we are facing staggering debt. We have had 8 years of a President who takes risks and acts impulsively. We cannot afford 4 more years of reckless behavior. While Gov. Palin has many fans, she also has created many enemies in her short time in politics. According to the Anchorage Daily News, upon becoming mayor, she fired the heads of the city departments who had supported her rival. As governor, she fired the chief law enforcement officer because he refused to fire her ex- brother-in-law. She is now facing an ethics investigation for this alleged abuse of power. Since McCain is noted for keeping an "enemies list, " it is perhaps not surprising that he woud be attracted to someone who has polarized her community and created controversy wherever she has served. However, that is definitely not the temperment we should look for in the leader of the Free World. We need leaders, not cowboys (or cowgirls) God help us.

look, i may not agree with palin's politics but i think it was a bold move by mccain. As shown at her press conference, she is a well-spoken, attractive and an intelligent candidate who will bring youth and excitement to the ticket. she is a reformer and people will respect her for that. This is a game changer and the stage is set for a exciting presidential race in the weeks ahead.

Puppet Ticket. She was picked to help open the ANWAR oil reserve and to get female votes.
I am sure that Romney and others are not happy with McBush.

As a Hillary supporter I am disgusted with McCain picking Sarah Pailn. What Hillary stands for is the exact opposite of what Sarah Palin stands for; Hillary was clearly ready to be president. She had informed views, positions and was well informed on issues of national security. In a CNBC interview last month Sarah Palin said she didn't even know what the VP does! This woman is in no way qualified or ready to take over the presidency should John McCain become incapacitated or worse. He is 72 and has had sevral bouts with cancer, and this woman was chosen to make the far right happy. This is a stunt. McCain thinks Hillary supporters and women are so stupid that we would vote for any woman just because she is a woman. Palin seems like a lovely woman, she has a compelling story, but when asked recdently she didn't even know what McCain's position on Iraq was! She must be the only person in America. If McCain thinks this woman is the most qualified to take his place, that she caould faces down Putin and Ahmadinejad he is delusional. Her degree is in Journalism and she almost became a sportscaster for ESPN. At least Obama was president of the Harvard Law Review, he taught Constitutional Law, he has traveled the world, has well thought out foreign policy views, and represents a larger and and more diverse constituency than Sarah Palin ever has. Sarah Palin is the best person in the country to replace McCain if G-d forbid something were to happen? This should prove to everyone that Obama has the better judgement, he picked someone who could be President, McCain is playing political games and insulting women's intelligence.

Palin keeps exploiting her son who is going off to Iraq next month. She needs to stop! Not only is it disgusting to exploit your child's military service for political gain, it puts him in harms way. You don't see Joe Biden doing this. McCain exploits his own service every chance he gets, and uses it as an answer to virtually any question no matter what the issue if he is in a tough spot, it's becoming a joke, but at least he didn't exploit his son. Sarah Palin clearly ahs a lot to learn, I understand she is proud of her son, but don't use his service as a political tool, it infuriates me. Let the media point it out, but it makes her look calculating when she does it and she has done it in every speech she has given since being announced as McCain's VP nominee. Also, I respect her heart wrenching decision to not terminate her pregnancy when she was told her child had a birth defect, but she doesn't respect my choice not to do the same. I do not want her or any other member of government telling me what is best for me, my family, and what to do with my body. She and McCain will over turn Roe v Wade, that is not what Hillary Clinton fought for! McCain will not get my vote. He has proven that the far right and Karl Rove are runnling the McCain camp, and I have had enough! McCain is not a moderate, he is not independent, the choice of Sarah Palin should show everyone once and for all he is a Conservative, he picked a conservative as his running mate and he will appoint conservative judges to the supreme court. If he was really a moderate hge would have chosen Tom Ridge, who would have gotten him Pennsylvania, was a veteran, a former governor, and ran Homeland Security. But he chose Palin simply b/c Ridge is pro-choice. Wake up America McCain is not a maverick, he is beholden to the far right of the Republican party, the same people who brought us George W Bush! This woman and Hillary supporter says, No Way, No How, no McCain!

To L. E. Burnette who has a problem with the term 'anti abortion movement' I ask you to think about the language used in 'pro life'.

Anti-abortion movement is actually the most correct and non-emotive term, especially considering abortion is a legal right.

Well, I cannot believe what I see in the above comments by people who want a woman to have all the rights that have been fought for over the years and then to denigrate Sarah Palin for being chosen to run as a vice-presidential running mate simply because she has good moral choices..a mother, a faithful wife, an exellent and influential career on Alaskan politics, etc.etc. Come on. You are all jealous and can't stand someone like her coming in and handing the presidency to John McCain..
Just remember Ronald Reagan who made a vast difference as President in politics in the USA..and he was an actor..
King David in the Old Testament was a shepherd when he was annointed as King over Israel..
Sarah Palin is governor of Alaska..and a wonderful Mom..how utterly astounding is that.. Get over it and vote for the Republicans..

46 yo white male Topeka Ks. here. This is the first time I have checked on this site. I am a registered Republican that votes the individual and not party lines. George W continues to push me further away from the Republican Party. With due respect to Sen McCain for his service to our country, I am beyond tired of business as usual, (even in my local governments.) Therefore McCain never had my support in the first place. But I am giving the Republicans a second look, based on his surprise pick for VP.
This VP pick is closer to my age, not a long term career politican, served in local goverments has stood up for whats right and not whats popular. Regardless of gender, this is EXACTLY the type of person that I want to see in government leadership.

I will still vote Obama. But even if McCains choice isnt serious and only doing this for show, I still give him credit for shocking the party. Maybe this will get some of the hardline Republicans to move toward the middle, and all parties can come together and solve some of the countries problems. ( Not likely,, but no one saw Gov. Palin being picked as a VP either.)

Now the whole thing is starting to resemble Gilligan's Island, with Mary Anne (Palin), Mr. Howell (McCain), Mrs. Howell (Mrs. McCain), and on the other side we've got the Professor (Biden) and Gilligan (Obama) and even the Skipper (Ted Kennedy). I suppose it isn't complete without Ginger (Michelle Obama).

I am a Democrat voting for Obama so I don't think he has anything in common with Gilligan but he is the closest looks-wise of the whole bunch.

If Palin is McCan's profile of VP, I am sure there are many soccer moms and the head of TPA in a big city could fill a job as VP when given a chance.

Correction: PTA not TPA

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong choice. That is all i have to say. Don`t need this woman to be vice president if McCain (and i hope he doesn`t) should win.

Obama isn't going to attack on her experience. He made a statement to the media that this would put rest to the inexperience that McBush has been spouting and was thrilled with the pick. I do agree that McCain shouldn't say anything else about inexperience if this is his pick. I don't have anything personal against her, she will solidfy his conservative base and like the Dems, will bring a new fresh stance to their side. I do however will still disagree with both McBush and her on this issues. For me, this pick only solidfies that they are for big oil and will do nothing in regards to renewable energy. She doesn't believe in climate change which means she won't be a strong advocate when it comes to energy reform. Yes, she is a reformer, when it suits her. All McBush did, was contradict himself spouting inexperience and he does this. I think it's great too, because it just shows that Obama can lead and at least he's been on the national scene to some degree.

For the first time in my life I am so nervous for our Country. I hope voters think with a clear mind when they cast their ballot in November. McCain's choice of VP was very irresponsible. He picked a person he barely knows and who is under investigation in her state which can result in a crimminal prosecution. We as Americans really need to think smarter and stop falling prey to political tactics as such. It doesn't matter if you are democrat or republican, but it matters that your choices make sense. Be honest with yourself – this was clearly a risky/panicky decision by McCain. The main reason this is risky is that McCain were to win the presidency and he died thereafter, Pallin would now become the commander in chief of one of the superpowers in the world. How do you do this with 5 kids and a special needs child? As a working mother of two I can barely keep up with work and all the demands of parenting. Often feeling guilty of shortchanging my kids as I leave them 8 hours a day.

Finally it appears that the Christian extremists "Evangelicals" are happy with this pick – however Evangelicals are a huge part of the problem in this country because they do not use wisdom and discernment in voting. They vote irrationally. I am a Christian but I can clearly see how dangerous this move is. Obama-Biden are also Christians and as a team are more prepared to run our Country. Dobson and the erratic evangelicals always vote on irrational hot button issues like abortion thus believe this pick of Pallin as a VP is brilliant. (NOT).

McCain's Mama may just beat Obama. A mother of 5 is more qualified to be President of the United States than any politician period.