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August 29, 2008
The Game-Changer
Posted: 07:06 PM ET

John P. Avlon
Author, Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics

The secretive selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain’s vice president is a small masterpiece of tactical and strategic triangulation intended to drive a deeper wedge between Hilary and Obama supporters. With both parties now offering historic campaigns of change, Obama loses exclusive use of that emotional real estate, and Republicans may gain a new edge with swing voters by offering both change and more of the same.

The downside for Republicans is that Palin’s selection will undermine their attacks on Barack Obama’s youth and inexperience. Governor Palin was first elected governor in 2006 – and before that she was mayor of her home town in Alaska, Wasilla, with an operating budget of less than $6 million. But Democrats will have a difficult time attacking her without provoking accusations of sexism – Joe Biden’s attack-dog instincts could backfire badly in the VP debate. That is a variation off the same problem Republicans had with Obama until they stumbled upon using humor with the Achilles heel of the “celebrity” argument.

Governor Palin’s status as a pro-life second amendment soccer mom keeps conservatives happy while offering the only (albeit brief) experience with executive leadership on either ticket.

McCain was grinning the grin of the successful gambler as he unveiled his pick in Dayton today. Palin’s introductory speech hit themes designed to appeal across the political spectrum – saying “this is a moment when principles and political independence matter a lot more than just the party line.”

Fiscal conservatives who felt betrayed by the GOP during the era of Tom Delay found plenty to like in her record of cutting taxes and government spending – she actually refused the federal funding for the infamous Bridge to Nowhere.

Independents and centrists will appreciate her role in filing ethics charges against the Republican State Party Chairman and Alaska Attorney General – she is an outsider and a relative reformer in the home state party of indicted Senator Ted Stevens.

Liberals may appreciate her shout outs to Geraldine Ferrarro and Hillary Clinton – and her status as a 44-year old working-mother, married to her union-member high-school sweetheart, and their 5 kids – including an eldest who is due to ship out to Iraq.

The McCain campaign did an M15-job of keeping her selection under-wraps – there were no leaks or rumors even in the early morning of the announcement. In some ways it was a counter to the selection of Joe Biden and McCain’s “7 houses” gaffe. Just as Biden was an acknowledgement of Obama’s weaknesses on experience and foreign policy, Palin brings youth and a blue collar background to the McCain ticket – without angering social conservatives who were threatening to revolt if he defied their pro-life litmus tests.

Palin fits the Republican bill perfectly – but her fast rise from obscurity to being a candidate for vice-president was fast even by Obama-era standards. This is a person who had not been on the national political radar screen at all when the 08 presidential race began in the build to the 06 midterm elections. Whether she will prove to be a seasoned campaigner in the 67‑day sprint to Election Day remains to be seen.

Her selection speaks in part to the striking lack of diversity on the Republican bench, even when it comes to women. And more seasoned figures like Senator Olympia Snowe – who routinely wins 70% re-elections in the blue state of Maine – were never considered due to her liberal social positions. But Palin is an appealing young face – disarming decades old conservative stereotypes – and the Democrats must be on defense the day after their convention.

On a side note, the 2008 election has proved to be big-time for our non-continental states – Hawaii and Alaska, traditional presidential politics after-thoughts, now have native sons and daughters on the each ticket in the form of Obama and Palin. Our 49th and 50th states have come along way since Ike, and half a century since reaching statehood they’ve reached political maturity.

The bottom line: this already historic campaign just got more historic, and more competitive. Sarah Palin’s selection represents an extraordinary evolutionary step forward for the Republican Party, and by extension, for our nation’s politics. Neither the ticket looks like those of the past –and that’s a good thing for America in the 21st Century.

201 Comments
Filed under: John P. Avlon •  Raw Politics
201 Comments
Brenda Harris   August 29th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Oh fine Now! Will the VP be breastfeeding in the oval office if she becomes president in the near future? His choice in women really trips me out. His mrs is a recovering addict. The VP, either the baby will be neglected or the job will. She just had a baby.
Not saying she can’t be president because she has a baby. Just saying we don’t need to turn the white house into romper room and a convelesent home at the same time.

Cindy   August 29th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

I think Palin being picked as VP is a game changer indeed!! Her being a pro-lifer and having conservative values just pulled in all of those evangelicals who weren’t sure of McCain. Now they will back this ticket all the way. Which Obama may not be happy to hear. Because as I remember didn’t the evangelicals turn out in droves and win Pres Bush an election!! I’m just sayin…Game changer indeed!!

Cindy…Ga.

Mary Ann   August 29th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

I am a Hillary Clinton supporter, and I definitely will not vote for McCain/Palin. I feel insulted that she is willing to be used as a pawn in McCain’s political chess match.

Rob in California   August 29th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

People are justifying Palin’s inexperience comparing it to their Obama’s perceived inexperience. There is a BIG difference between the two - Barack Obama won the Democratic Primary - 19 million people voted for him.

Palin was SELECTED by John McCain. This is McCain’s first major decision and for the individual who is first on line to replace the 72-year-old if he were unable to complete his term, he picked someone with only two years experience as governor for a sparcely populated state.

For someone who’s campaign slogan is “Country First”, he just blantantly put his country SECOND in order for him to try to win an election.

Katie Miller   August 29th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

As an American citizen and as a woman I am insulted by John McCain’s choice for Vice President. Governor Palin’s experience is insufficient to serve a commander in chief. For some in the media to suggest that Hillary Clinton supporters will consider his candidacy because he chose a woman is simply lunacy. Tokenism does nothing to break the glass ceiling.

sara   August 29th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

As a long time Democrat I have made my decision today to vote for McCain-Palin 2008. No experience?? PLEASE. She has been a Mayor and a 2 year Governor. This is truly the “Dream Team”.

lampe   August 29th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

I am so proud of McCain. He has told his party, and women, that The Republicans are now ready for a woman to play a major part in their party. The Democrats, choose to throw Sen. Clinton and her supporters under the Obama Bus, well now the republicans have answered saying. We will treat Women with the respect they deserve.

cindy   August 29th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

If you think women are so stupid that we will vote for a strong pro-life, life time nra member, and just give up are views so that we can vote for a women you are badly mistaken. Im so disappointed by this phony nonsense from john Insane!

Meret   August 29th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

She seems to be a lovely woman committed to her causes, but I would like everyone to respond to these questions. Can she stand up to Russia, Iran, Bin Laden, economic recession, global warming, a diminshed international profile, and so forth should McCain fall ill or become otherwise unavailable. I think not.

There is a difference between the annointed and the appointed.

From Canada   August 29th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

Like watching Republicans spin this to their advantage…good luck!

Laura-Lacey, Washington   August 29th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

This should be great fun. Her first outing in Dayton isn’t a good sign. She came across sounding like she’s in way, way over her head.

I love Alaska. Alaska is close to my heart. No doubt she’s a nice person and sounds like in her 1st year as a governor she’s changed a bit in the old boy network.

Alaska is light years from Washington DC. The pander to the Hillary supporters should deeply insult each of them. Hillary was a serious candidate of considerable accomplishment. This one has a seriously thin resume, and doesn’t have the political chops to compete on the national stage.

Liz   August 29th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Congratulations to Gov Sarah Palin…but shame on Sen John McCain. Today we learned more about Sen McCain’s decision making process by his selection of Gov Palin as VP. Out of the number of greatly qualified republican women in this country with credentials that rival those of Sen Clinton, he chooses a woman of little qualification to be VP much less president of the United States. I guess he figures that just any woman will do for the purpose of getting elected. The Maverick looks more like a “political chauvinist”.

Lucy from California   August 29th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Dead on Rob in California!!!

MahoganyShotgun   August 29th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

It’s funny how people are praising McCain’s choice of a female running mate, when that female he chose does not support Women’s Rights. She’s just proud to be able take advantage of the rights gained by women.

If the women of the Democrats allow the Anti-Women’s Rights Sarah Palin to become Vice-President of the United States of America, then Junior Senator Hillary Clinton will have a hard sell running against Palin with acquired VP “experience” under her belt in 2012. Hillary Clinton has a vested interest in making sure Sarah Palin doesn’t acquire that “experience,” especially if there may be a possibility of a Republican vs. Democrat “gender card face-off.”

Nate   August 29th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Wow, all those thousands/ millions of dollars spent on campaign ads talking about experiance, they even recycled a Clinton ad. Now he comes back with this VP pick? It seems even Mcain’s people don’t believe the retoric. She’s no Hillary but, she is a beauty pagent winner! Way to go John!

Gary Schaub   August 29th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

The nay-sayers that don’t like the Palin choice don’t get it: Being a “heartbeat away” means that if something would happen, she would have had some time to get the proper experience with a team that McCain would already have in place. In most cases the people chosen to surround the President help with complex situations are more important. In fact, the one problem with this choice is that it puts more emphasis on McCain’s cabinet picks so that if she would be called on, she would have a team in place that she could trust. I believe that McCain has the experience to put together that team.
What Palin brings is what a lot of us have been saying for years, lets put in a real conservative outsider that is not tied to DC politics. Besides, she has real executive experience, not long on the job, but she still shows she can make bold tough decisions. Conservative middle Americans have a winning combination!

Matt LaFramboise   August 29th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

I have been asking this question tothe McCain camp for months: Who do you balance the budget while you stay in Iraq and spend money that we borrow? And don’t tell me that it will happen when the Iraqi government uses their money. It costs so much more just to maintain soldiers over there.

AZsundevil   August 29th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

300 million Americans, approximately half of which are Republican. Just over half of those are Women. So… with 75 million people to choose from, does anyone actually believe that Sarah Palin is the best we can do? She’s our best and brightest, and the one we want to send out to the world to represent the rest of us?

Shame on you, John McCain. You grabbed the headlines the day after the Democratic Convention, but at what cost?

Evans Oluoha   August 29th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

McCain’s selection of Gov. Palin tell everything about his judgement…i wonder who he is going to pick for secretary of state if by chance he wins…Amy Holmes?

Michelle G. from Alabama   August 29th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin is unbelievable. First, President Bush, with his incompetence, has already lowered the intellectual standard for the presidency. We cannot allow McCain to reduce the standards for the Vice-Presidency. His choice demonstrates that he lacks judgment and is impulsive. Today, he proved Obama’s arguments against him. Furthermore, as a mother of a child with autism, I resent the Republicans’ constant reference to Palin’s newborn who has Down’s Syndrome. Obviously, Mrs. Palin cares more about political ambition than caring for an infant with a disability.

I am a democrat who supports Obama, but I like many Americans have questions about his experience. His first presidential decision, Joe Biden, was excellent and pragmatic. Obama has also proved his brilliance. No matter how steep the learning curve, he has managed to surpass expectations. After Obama’s speech and McCain’s pick of Palin, I definitely trust Obama more.

sharon Zysk   August 29th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

I am a registered independent mymother a registered democrat, until now we were considering not even castin a vote for the first time, however with Palin as a vp pick, we are excited to vote for McCain. This is a winner. She represents a large part of the unrepresented americans in this country who can identify with her!

Enam K.   August 29th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

What a ticket! John McCain does not know ‘much about economy’ and Sarah Palin ‘has not been paying much attention to the Iraq war’ (where her son will be deployed soon). McCain and Palin sure are two maverick nominees who do not know much about the two most pressing issues of this country at this time. I too ‘put my country first;’ I can’t give these out-of-touch mavericks the responsibility to run my country. I rather take my chances with the guy with intellectual curiosity, who was first in his class at Harvard, worked his way up in life, went back to serve his community, who is in-touch with the reality, communicate well, and inspiring.

Susan   August 29th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

John:

Senator Obama gave a great speech last night and today all the talk in on Senator McCain’s choice of Governor Sarah Palin for VP. What a difference a day makes!!!! It is a game mover!!!! Game changer will not be known until we get some polling information.

Susan
Phoenixville,PA

Audrey   August 29th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

For people who are insulted by Palin’s lack of experience, how do you feel about Obama? From what I’ve heard today, Palin has done a lot in her two years in office while still managing to raise a family. I don’t think McCain chose her just to attract Hillary’s supporters. Afterall, he had other women on his list with more experience. I think McCain chose Palin because she’s a conservative and, more importantly, she’s a Washington outsider.

I believe McCain made a bold choice today. I don’t think the press would be as lively as they were today if he had picked Romney or Pawlenty.

Todd   August 29th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

All this talk about stealing the spotlight off Obama’s speech is nonsense.

If anything this has just proven every point Obama made in his speech and has made it ever more poignant.

Amy from GA   August 29th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

All I can say is WOW!!! I know John McCain is trying to win an election and trying to get women voters but WOW!!! I still cannot wrap my head around it. I don’t believe John McCain picked Palin because he thinks she is the best qualified. There were many other Republican Women who would be a better President. No offense to Palin, but to be the President of the United States of America you have to deal with world leaders, domestic programs, Supreme Court Judges and basically the lives and safety of the American people. I don’t trust her to do this. I don’t get it.

Madeline   August 29th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

Rob, if 19 million people voted for Obama, isn’t that proof that experience isn’t really that important? People are so caught up with Palin’s “lack of experience” but they’re more than willing to put someone equally inexperienced into the Oval Office.

David G.   August 29th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Boy, the dems are angry that McCain had the nerve to choose a capable woman. Campbell Brown totally LOST IT tonight. Pretty funny :)
Campbell needs a vacation……

Julie San Diego, CA   August 29th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Lampe, what are you smoking?

This isn’t Vice President of the local PTA, this is the second in command to the Presidency of the United States. She doesn’t have the experience to do the job.

Does this woman even have a passport?

I prayed he wouldn’t choose Romney. I think this is worse.

jrq La Habra, Ca.   August 29th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

She can call him Grandpa.

Addison   August 29th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

In light of ‘old shcool’ scare tactics: Any possibility that Ms. Sarah Palin may become our President is just a possibility.

It is NOT a statistical probability that Palin might be sworn in as a U. S. President within the next term.

The biased media are making far too much over Palin becoming our next President. Give it a rest.

Palin has taken on political corruption, and not just on the other side of the isle! The fact that Palin is still politically alive and well as a viable Vice Presidential candidate speaks as to why she is respected on both sides of the isle. She has an 80% approval rating!

Fair minded Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike should not allow Palin’s to be ‘dissed’ by haters. And, though it may not mean much to some people, Palin did it all while raising 5 children.

Sarah Palin is NOT an old school conservative. Palin is a social conservative with the vision, will, and energy to conduct non-partisan politics.

Richard Owl Mirror   August 29th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

LOL, I just heard a Palin defender say “She’s Commander in Chief over the Alaskan National Guard” as proof Gov Palin could step into the role of Commander in Chief at a time our Nation is fighting two separate war fronts and Iran Russia and China are making Planetary moves for expansion.

Ryan Field   August 29th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

You’ve got to hand it to McCain. He trumped “the blessed one” big time; he made the greek stage at last night’s convention look like a kiddie birthday party today by selecting Palin. Sorry lovers of “the blessed one” I really can’t stop laughing today.

My own personal e-mail has been inundated with notes from Hillary supporters who will not hestitate to vote for McCain now. But more than that, it’s like a wave of anxiety has been taken off their shoulders and now they can sleep again.

Roland, Brazile, and Gergen must have been kicking their TV’s today. I seriously wish I could have seen their faces the moment it was announced. It must have been the same expression the Hillary supporters had during that vicious primary when Barack Obama was dragged across the finish line.

I just hope the DNC remembers their mistakes (Kerry? Obama? McGovern? Dukakis?) four years from now. It would have been clear sailing for Hillary.

So while I’m still deciding on the person for whom I’ll vote, I know many Hillary supporters who will not “fall in line” like Brazile suggests, and they will not be told “it’s all about party unity.”

Chris   August 29th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

When I first heard of McCain’s pick, I was insulted, and the feeling is growing. Hillary supporters felt a common bond with a woman who is smart, talented and had extensive experience, and we came of age in a time where there was not equal pay, no equality in job consideration, where it was hard to even get credit in our own names. Hillary represented the battles won, and John McCain’s answer is to say, well here is a woman, take her! She’s a mother, she’s a beauty queen, she likes guns! Typical male, he doesn’t have a clue.

laila   August 29th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

i am dissapointed…
this has nothing to do with gender, but i don’t trust her…the safety of the US may rest in her hands.
John McCain is incompetent and I would suggest in fact DEMAND an MRI or CTscan of his brain to look for atrophy. IT starts in all seniors at a certain age I want to see how bad off he is because once people start digging…this is going to be a blowout for Obama mark my words.

Richard Owl Mirror   August 29th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

I find it appalling that Senator McCain is willing to put the National Security of this country at risk by asking America to trust that a basketball barracuda, a beauty pageant runner-up, a journalist, mayor of a small isolated town of 6000 people and a few months in the Governors Mansion can step into the shoes of the President and Commander in Chief on a moments notice.

Sure, she holds fast to Conservative values, so does my sister in Minn. She may be effective in shaping change as the campaign is touting. She even could shock the world by stepping into the role of the Presidency and being a great leader.

But, is America willing to gamble that John McCain will remain healthy and able to fill his duties, and the Vice-President won’t be called upon to inherit Two Wars and a host of International troubles?

marie   August 29th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

Biden is far away to be the best vice-president than her. John McCain is playing a game, and the balloon will soon will blowout in his face.

Bailey   August 29th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

For all of the women prepared to uncritically accept McCain’s unqualified selection, always remember, “Every shark of your kind ain’t your color, and every shark of your color ain’t your kind.”

Clearly McCain has exposed himself as unpatriotic and undemocratic; instead, he has chosen to act upon his political ambitions rather than logical reasoning concerning the future of this country.

I am appalled that he would put the entire country in peril in order to win the election, and for this reason alone, if I had to choose between voting for him and not voting at all, I would proudly choose the latter.

john   August 29th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

They say she has done a great job governing a state with a population of 670,000. “Currently, there are 11 Republicans and 9 Democrats serving in the Senate. In the House there are 23 Republicans and 17 Democrats”. Pretty easy to get reform done when your party has the majority in the House and Senate.

This is a small stage compared to the rest of the US. Can she really lead a country of 301,139,947 people? I have no confidence in this choice. She seems extremely disconnected to the the majority of the American Public. But wait, she is connected to the Big Oil Companies. I get it!

Barbara (Gaithersburg MD)   August 29th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

McCain is no maverick—just a megalomanic sidekick who just got himself a cheerleader.
He is clever though: Pallin has a son shipping off to Iraq soon (the patriot), lost a few fingers at work (the blue collar), is relatively unknown (the outsider) and (though briefly) a government executive. All these will raise the level of excitement amongst republican voters but “game changer”?, I think not!

Nicole in Alabama   August 29th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

This is exactly what we need! Another VP running around with a gun shooting people.

How can anyone with rational thinking believe this this is a good VP choice. We all know McCain health problems not to mention his age and if something happens to him she would become President. This isn’t a game. Our country in at a breaking point and you want her to answer the phone @ 3am. Well I guess she will already be up since she have a sick child. What type of mother is this? Wait! She must be middle class, you know making $5 million or more so I guess she can afford a nanny or nurse for that matter!

I am all for girl power but to simply put a woman in the white house solely because she is a woman!

I’ll take my chances with Obama I mean at least he has an advanced degree in a related field.

maria   August 29th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

I am disgusted that he would chose her. Yes she has a nice personal story but that is it? Is she really ready to serve as a commander in chief?? I think not.

I as a woman am insulted that just because I’m a female, this is supposed to sway my decision. He could have chosen other women if that was his game plan.

This had to have been his last ditch effort to win this race. My vote is clearly NOT for McCain/Palin

Donna R.   August 29th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

John McCain has done something that I had never expected to see from the Republican party. By picking Gov. Sarah Palin he has shown how opened to change he really is. He has made an excellent choice, I have heard of Gov. Palin’s accomplishments, in the beginning of this year, from family members who live on her side of the country. She is very popular because of her achievements. Sarah Palin has proven that a woman can hold down a high level job and raise a family at the same time. She has the skills and knowledge to help get this country back on the right path. As for those who negatively judge her, go and compared her resume’ to that of Barack Obama’s. You will see who has the experience and who does not. Perhaps you will change your mind!

Mike In Ohio   August 29th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

McCain’s recent pick might help him pick up some CLinton supporters, that is until they learn she wants to completely outlaw abortion. My question is this, what kind of candiadate surrounds himself with beauty queens and says that Obama is a celebrity?

Will in California   August 29th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

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.

Mike In Ohio   August 29th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

He made this a pick of politics, not moving womens rights and freedoms forward. My though is this, the women who were on the fence will see this as a ploy and be outraged by it. However, some will find it appealing, but not as many as the other intelligent women who see this for what it is, a gimmic!

Gene L   August 29th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Unfortunately, I have already observed a number of instances in which pundits have lazily accepted the notion that Sarah Palin’s foreign policy experience is comparable to that of Barack Obama’s experience. This is simply not true.

There’s a huge difference between some experience and zero experience. Barack Obama has spent four years on the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee, where he worked on arguably the most potentially dire national security issue facing the world, working with Richard Lugar to pass the Lugar-Obama nonproliferation initiative to secure loose nuclear weapons.

In contrast, not only does Sarah Palin have practically no foreign policy experience, she recently admitted that she had not been focused on the war in Iraq.

Jeff   August 29th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

What’s the deal, can McCain’s people please get in an answer to your questions? There is a big difference Gov. Palin and Sen. Obama; She has already proven that she can get things done in her state in one and a half years as a Gov. What can Sen. Obama show as the leader of his state? He can’t show any accomplishments, because he doesn’t manage the state. I rather take someone who has proven to make changes happen than someone who is promising they are going to make changes, but is not specific on how it may happen. Sen. Obama has not been Senator much longer than Gov. Palin has been in office. Between the two, she is the one that is more ready to lead the country.

Gene L   August 29th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Part of being qualified for office is not mere political experience but the time spent planning and thinking about issues, combined with vision and intellect. People like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan had little experience in one way or another — but they had years to to plan and think about what kind of presidency they wanted to have. Barack Obama has had a long time to think about the issues facing the nation, and what he plans to accomplish in the presidency. He has also served eight years in the State Senate of Illinois, a large state facing a diverse set of issues, and four years in the U.S. Senate, including on the Foreign Relations Committee. He is ready.

Meanwhile Sarah Palin most likely genuinely didn’t have any expectation to be selected vice president. I seriously question whether she has spent a serious amount of time thinking about the many complex issues facing America. In fact, she has admitted that she hasn’t spent much time thinking about the war in Iraq. Furthermore, the issues facing Alaska (population: 670,000) are very distinct and relatively narrow, and not generally translatable to the nation as a whole.

Pamela   August 29th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

I’m glad the republicans have conceded the “inexperience” argument against Obama as wholly ineffective. McCain’s answer to Joe Biden’s decades of experience balancing the democratic ticket was to choose someone young, good-looking and charismatic to balance the republican ticket. A smart move which will undoubtedly win over some disgruntled Hilary Clinton supporters, but I doubt it will be enough. Sarah Palin is a woman, but her anachronistic social conservative views will not appeal to most democrats and independents of both genders.

Aaron   August 29th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Cripes, the mayor of Indianapolis governs more people, and probably has a bigger budget, than Governor Palin. Your average customs agent on the Mexican border has more foreign policy experience. And even a 5th grader knows more about the role of the VP than does Palin.

The McCain campaign has made no secret that they wanted a woman so that they could pick up disgruntled Clinton supporters. Meanwhile, evangelicals have made it clear that only a pro-life candidate will do. So in order to satisfy these two “qualifications” they have to pass over women (and men) FAR better prepared and capable. She’s not the best for the job, she’s the best to address two very specific perceived needs.

The fact that McCain only met her once just reinforces this analysis - he couldn’t possibly be choosing her on anything other than a checklist of campaign strategies. Unfortunately, good on paper is not so good in person and awful for actual governing.

Albert   August 29th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Game-Changer?
By definition: “Conservatism is a term used to describe political philosophies that favour tradition, to seek to preserve the status quo or to reform society slowly.”
“Change, is the process of becoming different, social change.”
“Hypocrisy is the act of preaching a certain belief or way of life, but not, in fact, holding these same virtues oneself.”
So, conservative means change now? What a hypocrisy.

Laura, Alabama   August 29th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

If the democractic characterization of Sarah Palin as a small town mayor stands, then I guess we should call Obama a community organizer. As an independent voter I see no one on the political scene that I am anxious to see receive the keys to the kingdom. I do find it ironic that the dems seem so outraged that McCain would choose a VP pick with so little foreign policy experience but are willing to place such ardent worship on Obama and offer him as the leader of the free world. At least Palin is not at the top of the ticket for Republicans.

Alan   August 29th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

If you watch the clip where McCain introduces Palin it won’t take you long to realize exactly why he selected her. Watch carefully and you will see McCain looking at her in a way that has made me the recipient of a back hand from my wife.

Mike Wadner   August 29th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Sarah Palin for Vice President is as ridiculous and inappropriate as the Harriet Miers nomination for was for the Supreme Court (remember her? obviously not). Yeah it is the same thing. Pick a good Vice President and it is a non-issue, pick a bad one and it is a disaster. Had Bush picked a better VP than Cheney, he may have been a better President.

Sarah Palin isn’t Hillary Clinton by a long shot and the women of this country won’t be taken in by a pretty face.

Bill   August 29th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Come on John Mccain, where’s the beef? Sarah you my be a delightful women in your own right but your no Hillary. This Governor being a heart beat away is frighting.

Jim   August 29th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Did you notice John checking out Sarah Palin’s butt while she was speaking.

Deirdre   August 29th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

SHAME ON YOU, JOHN MC CAIN! How dare you allow your pundits to scramble all over TV calling this Palin person “Commander in Chief” of Alaska’s National Guard. A Governor of any state can only MOBILIZE the Guard and the title of Commander in Chief is reserved solely for the President of the United States.
SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!

Dennis Bundi   August 29th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Anderson,
Check this out. McCain’s pick today was, on the higher percentile, HILLARY’S ‘PUMAS’. Why…you might ask…
Look at the body language. McCain is literally fidgeting, playing with his knuckles waiting for when Sarah Palin mentions and ‘acknowledges’ Hillary. He is so impatient, you can see him on his toes, leaning forward and sneaking a peak with the look of ‘Are we there yet?’.
The moment arrives and you can see his eyes light up with a mighty ‘mission accomplished’ look.
Look at this moment and tell me what you think!!!

Mike Wadner   August 29th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

A note to all those Hillary supporters who are still pissed and want to vote for McCain or not vote at all: 1) get over it. 2) If Obama wins the presidency, there is a very really chance that Bill and/or Hillary could end up in cabinet positions or similar. Start thinking long term - if Obama doesn’t make the White House, Bill and Hillary are going to be left waiting another four years - what a waste that would be. And the Republicans get another fours years to F**K it up some more …..

Shannon   August 29th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

This is the best choice McCain could make! Sarah Palin is a party reformer, an ethical person and exactly what our country needs. As a democrat I voted for her when she ran for governor because she was the BEST person for the job. She has never disappointed. Her consistently high approval rating shows that she has done an excellent job here in Alaska and I’m sure she will do just as excellent a job as our nation’s Vice President. I was a supporter of Hillary Clinton and just could not buy the hype of Barak Obama. So as a woman & a mother, an American & an Alaskan the McCain/Palin ticket will get my vote as well as my husband’s!
Palin for President 2012!!!

Brittany Webber   August 29th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

John McCains choice is going to prove to give him a huge advantage over Obama. When Sen. Hillary Clinton made her speech, Obama, Biden, and everybody watching had to of thought that he had made a mistake by not choosing her for his VP. By not doing so may ultimately be the reason why we end up with not four more years of the same, but much, much, worse. If Obama really believes that this Election is not about him, but about US, then he should have chosen our second choice for President as his Vice President regardless of how he felt about it. It would have been real difficult for the republicans to beat an Obama/Clinton ticket, By not choosing Hillary Clinton, he risked the Democrats opportunity we have waited 8 years for. 8 years of Bush and the Democrats allow this to happen. Thanks!

craig   August 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

now…….we can really tell who the real candidate for change is…..barak obama, who made the choice to hire someone with the american peoples best interest in hand, with experience in foreign affairs and a person we know and feel can be the president if something were to happen. Or, McCain, who made his choice based upon his need to win votes of women (hilarys) supporters in order to win the white house, forgetting about the interest of the american people…….thinking about the votes!!!
now you tell me whos ready to be in the white house, someone who is for the people or the person whos in it for himself???? No way, No time, no mccain…..obama/biden 08

Deanna-California   August 29th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

You’re kidding me McCain!! I’m a woman that would never vote for a Patlin, 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!!!
She will take woman back 20 years, she is no reformer, just window dressing.

I want an OBAMA/BIDEN! Take the idiot McCainaics and trash them!

AJ in Arkansas   August 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

oh this is just wonderful! I am thrilled with McCains VP choice. I have been a registered voter voting Democrat for almost 20 years now and was a true Hillary Clinton backer because I believed that she would spearhead the fight for equal pay for women everywhere as President. I was very happy to hear that McCain and the Republican party reached out to a qualified female candidate such as Palin.

As I watched the Democratic debocle unfold with the DNC ,CNN,and CNBC news and the negative views of Clinton being seen so obviously I knew that I wouldn’t be voting for Obama. The media constantly portrayed Senator Clinton in a negative way and Obama was shoved down the publics throat as the medias “Golden Child”.
I have never voted for someone because it was “popular” or the new “coolest” thing to do or because the press tells me to. I do not intend to start now. I will always hold the Clintons in great regard and would be willing to vote for Hillary should she run again in the future,however I will be voting McCain / Palin in November!
After all, She does have more executive experience than Obama does which is truelly telling of Obamas lack of experience!

McCain / Palin………….

Shout out to Hillary! “Please run again in the future, I will vote for you!

jamesN   August 29th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Dang!, She’s fine!

Evans Oluoha   August 29th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

If by chance McCain wins and the inevitable finally happens during his term, please use your imagination and picture Palin sitting next to Puttin, Ahmadinejad, Kim Jong-il, Musharraf, Chavez…..scary, isn’t it?

Karnbir Singh   August 29th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Ok I’m 14 and I have something to say about this. First off I applaud the women for reaching such milestones, but McCain is being tactical which shows that he’s not confident if he’s going to win or not. I want a confident president, someone will not hesitate to make a decision. In this time period and circumstances we cannot afford conservatives in the white house. If people vote for McCain just because there is a female on the ticket they have to think it over. You can get a women in the white house but at the cost of another 4 years of this non sense. It’s already terrible I mean bags of chips went from .25$ to .35$ gum went from .25$ to .35$ your probably thinking what effect do those little items have but it shows how truly poor the economy is that little thing like chips and gum and candy prices are going high. Sarah Palin is only their to draw votes for McCain so he can win and have power, it doesn’t show that he wants to be president to bring change.

Cory   August 29th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Don’t let the name fool you. I am a female. I consider myself an independent and I am far from a liberal feminist. I believe all persons can achieve anything on their own record and merit. I am an independent and undecided for the upcoming election so I have no bias. That being said it is deplorable that the first thing Paul Begala stated was that the poise of the new VP nominee was thanks to her beauty pageant days. What is worse is that he didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with it. What, sexism is acceptable is racism is not? Could you imagine if anyone made such a remark about someone’s race? Media can’t talk about the candidates character first (good or bad) without “low blow” first about their gender? Don’t think that would fly if it was about race. Paul seems like a likable guy overall but he needs to be very careful with his language especially if he wants to keep any of Hiliary’s voters in the democratic party. Why does sexism get a free pass for ridicule? Even if it’s light hearted, when it’s the first thing out a someone’s mouth it shows we have a long way to go.

Dee T   August 29th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Well, we have a level playing field now, don’t we? Two inexperienced candidates and two seasoned candidates. Only difference between the two inexperienced candidates is one is trying for the top spot and the other for No. 2. Maybe the two parties could actually start talking about issues - their exact plans for taking this country forward. I’m sick of the mud slinging on both sides. Get off the petty stuff and tell me, exactly, how you plan to tackle the illegal immigration issue, how you plan to increase the military (draft?), or how you plan to prioritize our oil consumption. I’m on the fence and need answers not “pretty words” or “war experiences.” And maybe the media could stop the yellow journalism and start reporting the news?

Jyl Barber   August 29th, 2008 9:20 pm ET

I am appalled, insulted, and terrified over John McCain’s pick for his running mate. It frankly shows that John McCain is either senile, or has very poor judgment. How dare he play politics with the future and security of this nation? But I want to make one important point. The Republican parrots are arguing that she has as much or more experience and credentials as Barack Obama. That is ridiculous, and someone needs to point out that she just flew in here and has done absolutely NOTHING to qualify her for possibly the highest position in the world. She has not campaigned, she has not debated, she has no relevent experience, no plan, no vision, she was just dragged in here from her hockey mom car pool. Barack Obama has the education, the vision, and real experience and relationships on a national level, and has been tested by the grueling presidential campaign against the greatest leaders of our nation! Look, we have just gone through 8 years of rule by a totally incompetent former governor and his pit bull. I can’t even stand the thought of four more years. God HELP America!

kim-chicago   August 29th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

Impulsive, reckless and downright scary…but I expect nothing less of John McCain.

Ree   August 29th, 2008 9:31 pm ET

The republicans have reached a new low today! I am a woman and I’m insulted that they thought that picking Sarah Palin would make Clinton supporters satisfied with settling with a woman with no experience as the vice president. Women were voting for Clinton because we were confident that she could change things in the white house as PRESIDENT. This just shows that McCain is willing to do anything just to win. He wasn’t thinking about the American people with his choice he was only thinking of himself.

This little stunt that he has pulled has made Barack Obama have my vote he could have belittled women also for a vote but he picked the high road. He made a choice for America! John McCain waited to see who Obama picked and then chose a woman. Repulican Party hear this: Impress me by backing a WOMAN for President. He couldn’t even let her have her moment. Way to go McCain that’s showing a woman can stand on her own.

Arachnae   August 29th, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Sarah Palin is John McCain’s Harriet Miers.

michele pagano   August 29th, 2008 9:35 pm ET

The republicans tried this already and didn’t work. For example, Condolezza Rice has been the first black woman to serve as National Security Advisor and the first black woman to serve as Secretary of State, and look at the results!
This race has nothing with the gender or race of the candidates but with their leadership, efficiency, and vision.
Michele Pagano, NYC

Shannon   August 29th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

For those of you who would like to discredit Governor Sarah Palin because she happens to be a strong, beautiful, woman, please take some time to find out everything she has accomplished during her years as a Mayor and Governor in the Great State of Alaska. Just because a woman is good looking doesn’t mean that she is unintelligent!

She is an excellent example to all women of the good that we can do….pretty or not.

Karen   August 29th, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Talk about judgement! . In one fell swoop he has insulted Hillary Clinton, all her supporters, and women in general.
A couple of things I really need to say. Sen. Obama did not get the nomination because of any rock star status. His campaign was run better than the others. He has already demonstrated executive ability by the choices he’s made in the hiring of those running his campaign and a solid, serious choice in his running mate Joe Biden. If anything were to happen to him, I would feel confident with Biden taking over.
McCain, on his 72nd birthday, with a history of recurring melanoma picks this person, that no one could feel confident about in the oval office.
His judgement is seriously flawed and he really does not “get it” as Obama said . If it wasn’t so sad for our country, it would be funny.

GAIL Centre,Al;   August 29th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

I am so exicited about MCcain v.p. pick. I think she brings great appell to the women voters. When Obama left Hillary out, there went the dems chance to win the whitehouse. MCcain and Palin is the winning ticket. They’re really is a God, and he’s looking out for this country. Can’t wait for the debates. Bring it on Obama. That glass ceiling is going to crumble around the dems. GO MCCAIN-PALIN

Paul   August 29th, 2008 9:51 pm ET

He selected the Sera Palin, just because she is a women, and just to deal the business of 18 million holes, did not he had any other descent choice to compete. Is not he insulting women intelligence, did not he insulted the 50% population of the world. Are these the values he is so proud of ????????

lynn   August 29th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

John McCain would rather pander to win an election than put Contry First. Doing something “bold” is not something to commend especially when he today when he nominated her was the THIRD time they had been together in person. Thinking it will win him TRUE Hillary supporters is insulting to the deoth and wisdom of Hillary and the woman who really supported her for what she stood for.

Deb Green   August 29th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

I actually was considering voting for McCain before today and hearing of his VP selection. Now, you could not pay me to vote for this ticket and his choice solidfied who to support this coming Nov. I am concerned with McCain’s health and who would be left in charge. I’m not convinced Palin was picked for any reason outside of her sex and connections to big oil. Sorry gang but as a working single mom of three kids, one with disabilites, I do not see how Palin can run for office and still be a “good” mom…and I certainly cannot vision her as our country’s VP,managing five kids, well, one which requires special attention and extra commitment. I know…I do it everyday and would not change anything other than wishing for more hours in a day to help my child. The Repulican family values?? come on….if she really wants to be the kind of parent they brag about, does the McCain party really think she can be an effective VP and Mom to five while still learning the world of politics. John McCain is thinking about how to win…not about what is best for his country. Selfish. Sad. Disturbing.

lampe   August 29th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

I don’t care is Gov. Palen is Pro-life. So what if she takes away your right to have an abortion. The DNC, took away your right as a women to have your vote count. Obama, did not win this election, it was handed to him on a silver platter. This man was a first term Senator (ie) 4 years, of which he has campaigned to be president 2 of those years. Gov. Palin, has 13 years experience, as aMAYOR, and aGOVERNOR. I would rather have her in the White House with her experience, in case GOD-FORBID something would happen to McCain, then to have no-experience Obama, there if nothing happens to McCain. I am a proud supporter of HRC, and I will be casting my vote for any women,who has a chance at doing anything The DNC, said Sen. Clinton, was not allowed to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ingrid D   August 29th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

There seems to be a lot of knee jerk reaction here, and a few comments are a bit mean. Let’s see what she brings to the table. The governor of a state that is sandwiched between Canada and Russia must have some idea of foreign affairs. I know it isn’t the Middle East and not the best compairison but governing land that is an ice bridge from the Russian Navy at least deserves a chance to make her case. I find the pick intrigueing and want to hear more. Let’s not forget that we are still learning a lot about Obama (well delivered speech last night).

Just an aside…I find it curious that most of the compairisons are between Palin and Obama and not between VPs. Let’s give it some time.

rich   August 29th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

I’m an Alaskan. I know Palin. She is a winner. Strategically, McCain could not have made a better choice. When America gets to know her, they will wonder why she is not at the top of the ticket…someday…in the mean time, I hope she pushes for as many VP debates as possible - she steals the show in that venue. This will change the race as much as Clinton’s focus on the economy vs Bush 1. She is the best representative women could have. This is not a political hail mary, but a shrewd and wise choice for VP. It fundamentally changes the nature of this race, and makes the Obama/Biden call for ‘change’ look superficial and weak. Palin is the real deal and is not being taken advantage of, McCain is lucky to have her…that’s why Obama said, “the race is about McCain” in response today…hmmm…I think Obama is about to get Obama’ed…by a very capable woman.

Robin   August 29th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

The ‘good old boys club’ will never let any intelligence get in their way. Sarah Palin has an oil feild in her back yard, and her back pocket, literally. It’s about the oil money, stupid! Wake up America! Four more years of McSame will have most of us living in the cars we can not afford to drive!!!!

GAIL Centre,Al;   August 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

I’ll vote for a gov. any time before a community organizer. MCcain- Palin ticket is the winning ticket I am so thrilled there’s a woman on the ticket. Dems do you know now that you have the wrong nominee.

Lawrence Deanette   August 29th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Democrats treated Hillary bad. Republicans panders Hillary Supportes. Hillay should run as independent for President. Lets see who will will the 3 way circus.Im voiting Hillary for President in 08

Lawrence Deanette   August 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Hillary is my president. She will shatter and blown into pieces the glass ceiling!!!

Justin Nappier   August 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

look Obama questioning Palin experence is like a member of a fortune five hundred board of trustee saying that the President of Foryune 1000 company is not qualifed to be president. Let’s be honest being the one in charge is a hole lot different then being just a member of the board. He is only 45 and she is 44 I don’t see the big difference.

lloyd   August 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

i thought that mccain put his country first but i see that he is just trying to win the election. if he win i’m moving to canada

Jessica   August 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

As a woman I am very insulted that McCain thinks he can win our votes based on the fact that Palin is a woman. Hillary supporters weren’t only supporting her because she was a woman…they were supporting her because of her stance on the issues and all of her hard work on healthcare, etc. while she was the first lady. I think McCain just ended it for himself. Would we seriously chance having her as our president if something were to happen to him? NO!

Amina from TN   August 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

@ karen
i feel the same way. i am very very insulted by this.
what a desperate plea.

Elior Miller   August 29th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton competed for the attention of the nation with their platforms and their ideas for almost eighteen months. John McCain met Sara Palin twice and chose her to be his VP, as Anderson would say, it’s the raw politics. I agree with David Gergen, given the fact that she has zero foreign policy experience, this is a very risky choice, and hardly a patriotic one.

Pamela Gravitt   August 29th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

I could not be happier with the choice that was made. I am not of a particular party, I am for the person who I believe can manage fairly, uphold our lives as if they were their own, and holds values similar to my own. The strongest information provided was that she chose across party lines. She chose based on values rather than affiliation only. There is absolutely too much of that. Hiliary looks pretty rediculous standing so strong behind her party candidate when it is obvious that she did not feel he was the right choice from the beginning. I am not voting because she is a women because I certainly had no intent to vote for Hiliary. As for the foreign policy, does it not make more sense for the VP to be taught/assisted by the president than it does for the president (Obama) to be taught by the VP. Besides, if she has as much tack and common sense as it appears, she should be able to master that task. We need to worry as much about our country as we seem to be worried about foreign policy.

Dot   August 29th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Wow- is Sarah Palin a dynamo or what!! Give her chance, she has SO much to contribute to our nation. If you want change, you’re sure to get it with Gov. Palin, and I mean change for the better. Just listen to a few interviews she has given and you can’t help but support her.
John McCain- kudos to you! You hit a home run with your new running mate!

Evelyn   August 29th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

I have always been an Obama supporter but I respected Hillary. If I had been a Hillary supporter I would be very insulted. To compare this woman to Hillary just because they have similar body parts is unbelievable. She has absolutely no experience in world affairs. She has a BA degree from Idaho University 5 kids, a mayor of a town of 8000 people and the Governor of a very small state. She has accomplished much but not to be Pres. of the US. I fear for our country if they win.

Heather   August 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Give me a break. Palin is just a “token” to pull in woman votes. She is no Hillary Clinton. She is a glorified baby making PTA soccer mom turned governor– and now a far right conservative VP candidate. How is this working class June Cleaver going to tend to her baby and effectively serve in the position? If this beauty queen wasn’t such a showpiece to the aging McCain, she wouldn’t stand a chance. Is she qualified to take charge if God forbid, McCain didn’t complete his term? I think not. Vote for real change. Vote Obama/Biden!

David- TX   August 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

I am an Obama supporter and I watched the primary and enjoyed hillary debate my candidate because she was tough but this woman Palin is nothing close to Hillary whether with her speech which did not connect today, or the way she tried to use Hillary’s analogy. I might not have supported Hillary in the primary but you can tell who knows what they are talking about and who does not. Hillary is no fairy tale unlike…………..

David   August 29th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Will McCain have an affair with this woman than leave his wife just like he did with his first wife for the woman he’s with now.

Or will McCain devorce his wife before he leave her for the other woman.

Ken   August 29th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

I really feel sorry for John McCain’s desperate attempts at slowing down the inevitable momentum that will take Obama to the White House. If he thinks that by bringing Palin onto his ticket in some way gives him an upper hand to the Obama-Biden ticket, I am encouraged that my decision to vote for Obama-Biden is the right one.

Leigh   August 29th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

This poor woman is nothing but a pawn.
She has five children and the youngest has downs syndrom.
Those children are her job. What a joke. McCain is insane.

Charles Browning   August 29th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

I am not sure why anyone is concerned about what the ’serpent head’ thinks about anything…. He is so far left, no one cares…

KJ   August 29th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

GREAT JOB McCain!!!

I am an Independent Hillary supporter- who is now a McCain/Palin supporter!

How quickly women turn upon each other. (by the way one reason men have often said women should never hold office) Palin is a wonderful example of a political leader, reformer, mother, and woman. Do not find fault in her because she is also beautiful. If that is the case, all the remarks about Obama (looks)needs to be revisited.

Truth is now we have a race, Obama missed his chance to walk away with the election by having Hillary at his side as the VP choice. Now there is an even playing field.

Obama has no experience- and is running for President
Palin has no experience- and is running for Vice President

McCain has tons of experience- and is running for President
Biden has experience (and is a basic carbon copy of McCain) but is only running for VP…………………… umh?

I think the McCain/Palin ticket is the best bet here!

Good news though………this opens the door wide- for Hillary 2012!!!

Jean   August 29th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

I don’t believe women should be able to have abortions just because they find it inconvenient to have the child. We have all kinds of birth control, that if women want to be in charge of their bodies then do the right thing and becareful of what you are doing. Since there have been 50 million abortions in this country, now we have to import all kinds of people from all over the globe to work here. We have 30 million illegal aliens here. We could have just as well have paid the welfare of the American kids, instead of all the illegal aliens who sneak over our border to have their kids, and we have to pay the hospital bill anyway. These women should be giving up these babies for adoption and the states will still have abortion on their laws. My relatives will be voting for McCain now, we wouldn’t have voted for McCain, Leiberman ticket. I had seen this woman on another tv program, and I thought boy this woman has a brain. I don’t think she would have by while her husband had an affair, ahla Clinton. Who says these people in D.C. have a brain. Money grubbers is all they are, and Obama made $4million on his book. Talk about money. We really don’t like him at all.

Gina McClendon   August 29th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

As a female republican sitting the fence, I am exceptionally disappointed and somewhat insulted with John McCains choice in Govenor Palin. While I expected Sentaor McCain to choose a female as an obvious way to attempt to level the playing field, with so many other more qualified femaie candidates to choose from, I’m not comforted by a soccer mom who served on the PTA being used as credentials and potentially running the country! While I am not an admirer of Hilary Clinton, I don’t think there is even a comparison in the ability to crack the ceiling. My husband is a disabiled veteran we own a business located on a large military base. It was interesting to discover over the past several months and particularily today, that many military “republicans” will not be voting for McCain and indeed want the encouragement and optimism that Barack Obama is offering….

Sandra   August 29th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

This is an insult to Hillary Clinton and all women everywhere, not just in America. That John McCain thinks that women are such irrational, emotional beings that they will vote for anything in a skirt and watch what they’ve fought for go down the drain is nothing but a slap to the face. There should not be one Hillary Clinton supporter that would vote for her. She IS NO HILLARY CLINTON, and she plans to overturn what women have worked for all this while.

It is also a show of McCain’s lack of judgment and not just that but also temperament. That he has been beating down on Obama for being inexperienced and here he goes picking an inexperienced woman who is even more inexperienced than Obama. There is a BIG difference between being chosen by a man who frowns on inexperience and being chosen by the people regardless of your inexperience.
McCain showed that all he wanted to do is win. So much for putting America first.
He just overturned everything that he has been saying.

This only shows what McCain thinks of women. Basically he’s saying ‘hey they wanna shatter that glass ceiling?, put a cow in a skirt and pass it off as a woman (the cow is not in reference to Palin)” basically put anthing in a skirt and pass it off as a woman, and they would vote for us.

He doesn’t even know the woman.

Jamie   August 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

I think John McCain made an insulting choice to day. He picked a person with no experience, but he picked a woman. If she were a man would she have been picked?

Senator McCain, Hillarys voters weren’t dogs. So you don’t need to throw them any bones. American women can and will break the glass ceiling without your help.

Marie   August 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

John McCain, is only using her to get the vote of women! She has hardly any experience in Washington, it’s politics people! Like dangling a piece of meat in front of a hungry dog, hopefully American’s won’t be fooled! We must change, America have the intelligence and open-mindedness and yes-Love to change this country for the better, it’s time- DON’T BE FOOLED!!!! This country must change! We must unite, America! Or fall! Or fall!

Elior Miller   August 29th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Sara Palin is just your average hockey mom from Alaska, and if I remember George Bush was someone to have a beer with. Not this time, I am going with education, literacy, organizational skills and someone who has thought about world events and our position in the global economy. I don’t need someone to have coffee with. I need a leader to bring America back. That is why I am voting for Obama/Biden. Values voters you helped give us George Bush and America has never been in worse shape.

callie   August 29th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

I am 57, and this is the most frightened I have ever felt for our country. Where are we headed? I am not surprised at Mccain’s choice. It is an obvious attempt to placate the one issue voters of the Republican party and an insult to Hillary supporters. The world is a dangerous place, and the U.S. just became more dangerous. Dems, don’t become complacent-

Tom F   August 29th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

While Palin IS a good tactical choice, she really is the best choice McCain had available to him. The other options were either too liberal or proven to be unviable in their own presidential bids.

Palin is the only candidate on either ticket who has administrative experience. She has drafted budgets, set policy and proven herself as a leader with grit and character.

No matter how much the Democrats complain about her “lack of experience”, they will have to be reminded: Obama has much less in terms of what a president actually does.

Mark   August 29th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

I’m looking at this woman’s experience and she was on city council just 16 years ago and 11 years ago was mayor of a city smaller than Hick Town, Kansas and she lost the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in 2002 and finally in 2006 became Governor of Alaska. So she was only Gov. for 2 years and I don’t even know what she did for four years between 02′ and 06′. So in conclusion she has doesn’t have any experience because who ever heard of a mayor becoming Vice President (maybe even President if McSame kicks the bucket) of the U.S.A. A governor for 2 years isn’t good enough to convince me anyway but Governor of Alaska is like being mayor Knoxville, TN or except Knoxville has more people to govern. It’s not the first time a mayor almost could of been President, Giuliani ran for president but at least he was mayor of a decent sized city. McCain looks like he just quit because there is no way McCain can win this election now.

Ibe   August 29th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

I hope John McCain picked Sarah Palin to shoreup his evangelical base. Hoping that she will help him with women or Hillary Clinton’s voters is laughable; WOMEN WILL VOTE FOR HER JUST LIKE BLACKS WILL VOTE FOR JUSTICE CLEARANCE THOMAS OR JEWS FOR MIKE WALLACE. Palin’s veiw on women’s issue is so out of touch with most women.

Lady SD   August 29th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

The other VP potentials on the short list must be pulling their hair out. They sit up straight and true and say that it is a good choice and you can tell they don’t mean it. I feel bad for them. Wow. They put all what the had into campagning with and for McCain and this is that thanks they get. As Flava-Flav would say wooooooooooooooooooow.

abel   August 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

McCain’s very first important decision tells a lot about his judgment. Terribly poor!!!! Voting for Obama/Biden is the only option.

Larry V   August 29th, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Undeniable proof of how poor McCain’s judgement is. To neutralize the inexperience claim - arguably the strongest case toward stopping the Obama express - is unfathomable. Nothing against Mrs. Palin but this is a certain squandering of the VP pick. Barack & Joe might as well light up the victory cigars now

Tom F   August 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

If Obama’s “education” qualifies him for the presidency, why won’t he release his Harvard transcript?

Kevin   August 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Brenda Harris,

That might be one of the most insenstive, ignorant and crude remarks I’ve heard. Who says every woman breast feeds for more the 3 months. My wife is not. She can’t, because she works, like Gov Palin. Maybe her husband had planned to be a stay at home dad. Someone who has 5 beautiful healthy children clearly hasn
t neglected them. Envy of a woman who has a work/life balance is unbecoming of anyone….especially a woman, who seems caught in the ’50’s. It’s 2008 and women can do everything a man can do and in this case, more.

Kevin

Laura   August 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

As an officer in the military, there is not the slightest chance that I will vote for Barack Obama. His lack of experience and ignorance towards foreign policy, lead me to believe that he will move our military assets from Iraq into another Middle Eastern country.

His speech at the Nat’l Convention was full of fluff, and was void of any substance whatsoever. Empty promises… It’s heartbreaking to see that the citizens of the United Sates have stooped to all-time lows, actually believing that Obama is suited for this office. How are you going to lower taxes and increase spening for healthcare and educational funding? He’ll say whatever it takes to get the votes.

Don’t get me wrong - McCain isn’t without fault - but I have far more confidence in him and Palin. McCain has proven himself over and over again, and he won’t lead us astray.

I have spent 2 tours in Iraq, and will seriously consider a break in service if Obama is elected to presidency. I’ll be damned to call him my Commander in Chief.

Laura…………Austin, TX

A M   August 29th, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Gimme a break! This is a GLARING lapse of judgement! Who is this woman? Are you kidding me? Now I am a proud and working mother too. But my idea of the first woman in the White House does not include diaper changes in the Oval Office! (Could happen since she would be a heart beat away.) Making sane and sound decisions is no longer a priority for Republicans, which is truly a loss for all Americans. And with McCain’s fixation for beauty queens, who knows, maybe Paris Hilton has a place in his Administration too! After today, anything is possible!

Tony   August 29th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Great choice McCain! You are a true maverick. I will be voting for a republican for the 1st time ever.

Eileen   August 29th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Game Changer? You have to be kidding me! This is an insult to all the women who voted for and worked for Hillary Clinton. Sarah Palin, you are no Hillary Clinton!

No V   August 29th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

It’s not just about women - it’s about the Republican base and Reagan Democrats (the ones who are bitter and cling to their guns and God…)

stella   August 29th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

I cried listening to a Sarah Palin accept this Vice Presidential opportunity but and this is a big BUT I don’t think a PTA president is qualified to run the United States. I know that Sarah Palin is a Governor but she is not a Governor of a major city like California or New York, she’s a Governor of Alaska, who has been in office for ONLY 2 years.

There is no way that she is even close to being qualified for this position. The problem that John McCain has is his age and health is a MAJOR factor. With any other Presidential candidate their age was never a factor but for McCain it’s a MAJOR issue and one that NOONE can take lightly. So out of every President elect it is especially crucial that McCain select a Vice President that can fill his shoes immediately.

Even Dick Cheney is smart enough not to run for President because of his health issues but it’s one thing to select a Vice President with health problems but it is a completely different issues to select a President with health problems. (And YES, old age is a health problem)

If Republicans can debate that Hillary Clinton was not qualified to be President of the United States than how can they stand behind Sarah Palin to be the next Vice President or President of the United States.

Whittman   August 29th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

Palin did not even know what the job of VP entails. She said she would give her views on the VP job when someone tells her what the VP really does. Great judgement call McCain. She is a FLAKE!

Jean   August 29th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

I have been following CNN all day on the nomination of Sarah Palin as the vice presidential candidate. Why would John McCain possibly think that a woman, just any woman, would sway all women?

Alaska is a very rich state due to its natural resources and each resident is given a stipend each year as payment for the resources that come from its land. No other state has this luxury for its citizens. In most states, people are hurting financially and pay taxes to the state where they live. So, does coming from a rich state and being its governor for only 2 years qualify Mrs. Palin as the leader in fiscal responsibility?

Alaska only has 670,000 residents and most of the towns are physically isolated from each other. There are no large urban centers and not much diversity. Does this qualify Mrs. Palin to lead a diverse nation?

Does being a runner up in a beauty contest and a sports announcer qualify her to work with countries that do not revere women? Did she learn how to woo men in the locker rooms and is this the skill that is needed for diplomacy?

This appointment by John McCain shows how desperate he is at this time. Putting a semi-unqualified woman in the vice presidency is equivalent to when affirmative action laws were first inacted and people were put in to jobs not because they were qualified, but because they met certain quotas. We, as women, do not want to meet a quota. We want to be accepted, rewarded, and respected because of our abilities, not because we are beauty queens who are mothers and are a warm body that can fill a spot. We don’t need a token in the vice presidential spot.

We need a person who has extensive experience in helping the USA reclaim its status as the leader of the free world; who can solve our economic woes; who can work with diverse groups on the home front; who can be a diplomat; who can bring our trooops home; who can help find affordable health care for teh masses; and who can instill confidence in our nations citizens. Being a beauty queen and a 2 year governor of a small populated state does not instill confidence in me for Mrs Palin to ever be the vice president let alone the president.

adam   August 29th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

if McCain dies, can she a good commandeer in chief? if so, then McCain’s argument about age and experience is a wash?

Mark   August 29th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

A great choice. Pro life. Pro gun. Pro military. Pro cutting wasteful government spending. Pro America. For the first time in many years I am ready to work my tail off for a candidate for President. Go John and Sarah!

dan r.   August 29th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

It is stunning to see so many blast Palin for inexperience, while not drawing the obvious conclusion: a bright but inexperienced vice president is far preferable to a glib but inexperienced president. Palin has achieved a record of accomplishment in her brief political career. Obama has done nothing. Four of our last five presidents had zero national political experience, and thus no international experience. Why is Palin so different? People seem to be implying that the process of running for office for Obama is the equivalent of actual experience. This is completely surreal. And, by the way, all you bitter Hillary supporters might consider listing her accomplishments sometime. Palin has immeasurably more experience than Hill did when running for the Senate. Once Palin actually makes a few appearances, try offering informed critiques. Right now, you all sound like the ridiculous hyper-partisans that Obama claims have ruined the fabric of our national discourse.

indy   August 29th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Brilliant pick! Excites the social conservatives, picks off some Hillary supporters, starts to bring the GOP back to its spending restraints mantra, and shows tremendous campaign discipline in no leaks, throwing the talking heads for a loop. McCain smacked this one out of the park, and her initial speech was outstanding, on-point without the sarcastic pit-bull Biden routine (too bad McCain can’t speak as well as she can). Do all the whiny Dems who are blasting her on cue (and let’s face it, a woman doesn’t count to them unless she’s a Dem) remember how avidly they supported Edwards, that insipid charlatan snake last time? Give it a rest, folks.

babatunde aremu   August 29th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Good evening folks…i am from Nigeria and have never written on any news blog both in the United States and back home in my country but i think this is worth writing about.Except Anderson has a different opinion,i see no reason why Mccain would buttress Obama’s argument that he does not have a good judgement by selecting a woman who is against everything that women stands for.
All across the globe Obama is creating a movement and the response to this movement is Palin?I will say it clearly that everyone i called back home today about the news said it was Mccain’s way of saying it is my birthday but i am presenting Obama with a gift.

Evelyn Phillips   August 29th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Anderson, I get it. Republicans think the American people are either stupid or fools are both. After 9/11 all the people in Washington DC knew who had attacked us. So our President Bush set out to capture them. My husband and I are retired so we could watch the coverage on TV closely everyday. One night we went to bed and the next morning we turned the TV on and we were going after that other man in Iraq. We said what happened? Now Sen. McCain wants the American people to vote for a V.P. that nobody knows, including himself. At his age of 72, the V.P. is much more of a concern. She would be the next President of the United States. If anything, anything happened to him. Same as President Bush. He thinks the American people are stupid and fools. She is not Hillary Clinton. He can not just throw any woman up for that office, I will never vote for that ticket.

WA   August 29th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

Shannon I did read about ALL OF HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Just finished in fact! And I know women in my own small community who have accomplished more than Sarah Palin and for that matter McCain!
A Citizen of the week here could run neck and neck with Sarah!
Not to mention she herself stated today,”I don’t know what is expected of me as Vice President.” Now that has to make Americans feel secure in our New Nuclear Age (which she pronounced as Nuclur)and Terrorist Infested World! A Mayor of a small town in Alaska and Govenor of Alaska given the population is a FAR CRY from Leading a Nation in a Crisis if McCain isn’t able! And where will she find the time with her great moral character to care for an autistic baby, four other children and our Nation?

Even the Alaska Military Position she held is over rated. Since 2005 the military there have been in Iraq and there are three other high ranking officials also employed at the base. So what would she have to manage? McCain has lost all credability and accountability as a Leader. If this is an example of his judgement the Republican Party needs to ask him to step down!