1. Creamsykle | 08.29.08

This lady is down for hunting and shooting animals from the air (helicopters), doesn’t think polar bears should be put on the endangered species list because it could hurt hopes of drilling, believes creationism should be taught in schools as an alternative to evolution, voted against women’s right to chose, voted against women’s right for equal pay, had her employees threaten high officials to get them to fire a state trooper (presumably because he divorced her sister). Tearing this woman apart is going to be way easy. She is more against women’s rights then McCain himself.

2. emd | 08.29.08

I disagree with you there… What the allowed was for the nation to watch the speech and never say a word about it. This allows people to make up their own minds about it. I am going to have to say this was very short sighted on McCains side. I dont think they are running a very good shop over there. If it wasnt for Abortion which is such a weird way to lock votes this guy would be sunk….

3. P Martin | 08.29.08

As another Alaskan, I have a different view:

McCain just picked a person who won the race for Governor on an anti-corruption message but then herself plays politics with state rules on personnel when she (and her husband and a bunch of her staff) tries to force the firing of her ex-brother-in-law.

McCain, on his 72nd birthday, picks someone who has NO national security knowledge or experience, no NATIONAL experience, and less than two years of state leadership experience. That sure makes me nervous!

Gov Palin is going to be blown out of the water by Senator Biden in terms of knowledge and expertise.

4. ellen | 08.29.08

You have got to be kidding…

5. rob h | 08.29.08

Well, she is pretty. Maybe John will want to enter her into a biker beauty contest when Cindy is away. He’s done that sort of thing before, although he said he regrets it.

She does seem like a nice enough person from what I have read, but a 70 something year old heart beat away from President of the United States? At least she seems more qualified than Mr. Potatoe Head Dan Quayle.

6. Joel in TN | 08.29.08

I love John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin. What more could the American people ask for? I would vote for her for President. Her and John together is truly a breath of fresh air for us all!

7. Walt | 08.29.08

Wait a minute now. This fine lady was a mayor as well before she ran for governor. The town she was a mayor in had 5500 people 2100 dwellings and 1800 households, 67% of which were below the poverty level. This according to Wikipedia and the census of 2000. What makes you think she shouldn’t be second in line behind a 71 year old to run the government of the USA. She has all the right qualifications. And they said that Obama wasn’t qualified.
Get Real

8. M. Tobias | 08.29.08

I think that all of the HRC PUMAs will come flocking to Sarah Palin even though she wants to outlaw Roe v. Wade and control the reproductive rights of their bodies. It is apparant that the PUMAs have no sense at all.
Brilliant move Mr. McCain.

9. Barry | 08.29.08

First McCain argues that Obama lacks experience and then he picks a neophyte. Is this consistent? Are women politicians fungible commodities? Is he trying to win women votes or turn them off? This is Friday — if that helps.

10. Big Daddy | 08.29.08

I love how miffed the liberals are now…! Great job Senator McCain! She is a firecracker! Love it!

ps: It is called HUMAN RIGHTS … which an unborn baby has just as you and I. You can’t go drown a 70 year old in salt solution… and you can’t do it to a baby in the womb! It is murder… either way!

Don’t do the crime (sex) if you can’t do the time (parent)!

Ignorant liberals!

11. shannon | 08.29.08

I love the positive and hopeful tone of this article. The choice McCain has made is a nail in a much needed, understood and obvious coffin that poor Geo knows is just a few short months away from being lowered into the ground. Listen, John McCain of a decade ago would not vote for the John McCain of today. The Hilary voters are a little to savvy to swing so easily for a conservatively pretty face.

12. mamacita | 08.29.08

I must say it’s quite obvious why McCain chose this woman…. even without the “experts” telling my why. She is a token. Plain and simple. My intelligence has just been insulted. Does McCain REALLY think female Democrats will vote for him because he has chosen this anti-abortion, creationism-believing pretty face as his running mate?

You Alaskans may think she is the cat’s meow. The rest of the country isn’t going to buy it. Alaska is as out-of-touch with mainstream Americans as it is far away geographically.

And I think McCain has probably just alienated many of the MEN in his own party with this move. And the evangelicals. What about them? According to the Evangelical Playbook, isn’t a WOMAN’S PLACE supposed to be IN THE HOME? Why is this woman running around playing tough in a MAN’S WORLD? Her kids are suffering. What a hypocrite! Stay home with your kids where you belong, lady.

You are sending a very bizarre message indeed, McCain. Maybe the spotlight is off Obama today, maybe you stole some thunder. But picking a lady who plays by double standards, who has questionable ethics herself, who has NO national political experience and who believes in creationism…. that is VERY VERY odd.

You have sealed your defeat, McCain. GOOD SHOW!

13. Alex | 08.29.08

If the only dirt they can find on Palin has to do with a former brother in law and teh state police, Palin will be regarded as the most moral politician in America.

Obama is a Cook County Democrat machine candidate, bought and paid for- like every other Democrat in the Chicago area.

Joe Biden is the everyman who made sure to be at the fore to protect the credit card companies when new bankruptcy laws went intro effect- and by strange coincidence, his son was a paid lobbyist for MBNA, the largest credit card issuer in the country. His son also successfully lobbied Barack Obama on behalf of multiple clients that included certain hospitals, universities and schools. Yet another coincidence.

It is true Barack Obama will bring change To Washington, DC. If he’s elected president, the Cook County-Richard Daley Chicago Democrat machine (and their thousands of dead voters) will be headed east.

Palin isn’t the problem.

14. heidi | 08.29.08

If you boneheads can take your heads out of the sand you would have to admit that Sarah is the only one of the bunch with a track record of doing something, rather than just talk about it. Serving as a governor is so much more a testing ground of leadership and management ability than serving as a senator. Get serious here. It is refreshing, and rare, to have someone in high office who didn’t get there by by pandering or having big-money interests and old-boy networks pulling strings behind the scenes. She won’t suffer fools and won’t be trying to win popularity contests but dedicated to cleaning the White House of the hubris and special interests that has driven policy for too long.

15. Ri | 08.29.08

I’m very happy about the choice made by McCain. He just made it easy on Barack Obama.

Not only that, do some searches on Palin and you will find out that Alaskans are not even happy with her.

16. Josh B. | 08.29.08

The office of Vice Presidency is irrelevant except during elections. As such, both candidates picked “cardboard cut-outs” as running mates to attract as many “hesitating” voters as possible. Governor Palin will be favored by the fundemantalists and the NRA, but I doubt she will attract Hillary Clinton’s hold-outs. A hunter who uses guns, an ex-beauty queen and mother of five is hardly an icon for the liberal, progressive “women rights” crowd who identified with Hillary.

17. Ima | 08.29.08

Well. I guess we shipped all the kooks up to Alaska or something? Somebody in the Obama campaign should send McCain a nice thank you note, for handing them the election on a silver platter. Palin’s a wonderful example of an Governor that thinks they’re a Queen; not a good thing when you’re supposedly promising to get rid of a President who thinks he’s a King.

18. tom in colo. | 08.29.08

Obama chose an old white haired dude for v.p. and our old white haired dude chose a star.

19. Jackson | 08.29.08

Hey this has nothing to do with the citycouncilwoman…er I mean governor Palin but has everything to do with the writer of this peace.

Dude please stop using that distracting, silly, weird, I-try-way-too-hard, creepy, voice when you do that show. It is an interesting show that I have tried to watch several times. But, I have to turn it off every time because your narration is just plain stupid and over the top. You sound like a DJ doing his first gig out of college but only worse.

20. E. Hartley | 08.29.08

You have got to be kidding. She has repeatedly fallen on the wrong side of women’s issues. If McCain was trying to woo Clinton voters, he could have clearly done much better than Sarah Palin. This woman has been accused of all sorts of misdeeds relating to her abuse of power in office as governor. If the allegations are confirmed, then Palin’s actions will reminiscent of the above the law ideology that has doomed other politicians like Elliott Spitzer who embrace the “do as I say and not as I do” matra. I hope the investigation into the allegations are completed prior to Election Day and prove true. This will only serve to ensure that Barack Obama becomes president.

21. Craig in CA | 08.29.08

McCain is 72. If something happens to him, our country will be in the hands of a complete rookie. Mayor of a 9000 person town and less than 2 years experience as Governor! You’re kidding, right?

I suppose its a good thing for Obama/Biden. Should be a breeze to the Whitehouse now.

22. Richard Hed | 08.29.08

This from the “best columnist.” Brain freeze is an environmental hazard in Alaska.

23. Rob | 08.29.08

Great choice! Hunting moose before school with her dad! Lifetime member of the NRA! Beauty queen! Truly history making. It will be the first time I’ll lust after the Vice President of the United States and not feel really odd!

24. Jon | 08.29.08

Fantastic choice.

Dead on analysis of Obama’s folly in not selected Napolitano… ANY governor has more EXECUTIVE experience than Obama, Biden and McCain COMBINED. If I’m not mistaken, this country has only elected 2 senators in it’s entire history: JFK and LBJ… senators are legislators and NOT leaders. You can look at the long line of defeated senators and see this wake: Kerry, Edwards, Gore, Leiberman, Dole, Mondale on and on. The ONLY reason we will elect a senator this time is because both candidates are senators.

I think the masterstroke is selecting someone who appears inexperienced in order to make the other ticket look upside down: I think Biden/Obama would be FAR more hard to beat, but with the Republican VP having executive experience (albeit light) and the Democratic candidate having light LEGISLATIVE experience only, and being noted as the most liberal senator in congress (Biden ranked #3), this will undoubtedly sucker unwitting democrats into getting into an experience debate. The fact that she is popular in her home state and will not allow a lobbyist to enter her office is going to really be a big boon for McCain.

Personally, I think Obama and McCain are both very weak candidates… it’s like watching a 3rd grade class president rally, both are SEVERELY unqualified, having ZERO executive experience. This was a great choice for McCain, and something Obama is going to have a LOT of problems with… he is a gaffe machine and so is Biden. McCain may very well lose his cool and gaffe it up as well, but this lady is sharp.

I would also say that Clinton would have cinched it for the democrats, being smart and cunning and ruthless, but Obama would ave had to hire food tasters and have people start his car for him. Napolitano would have secured the election, unless there was a MAJOR gaffe by one of them. This is a fight now. Will be close no matter what, but I think this choice will energize conservatives, and if they manage to turn abortion into an election issue (How is that even possible after this many years???) they will end up flooding the polls and we will have a female VP.

If Obama can avoid debates and issues and Biden can keep from really messing up, they will win.

25. Rumour | 08.29.08

I am an Alaskan, and though I am sure many Alaskans will blindly vote for McCain just because of the Sarah pick, I don’t think it puts Alaska in McCains column. The ground game is still on in Alaska, whether you are paying attention are not. Motivated voters, many of them excited to have something to vote FOR, will, I am predicting turn out in droves to vote for Obama. Yes, you are right in that the Palin story buried the morning after analysis for Obama’s speech, but IMHO, it really wasn’t one of his best speeches, but the bottom line is what he has been saying all along…this campaign is not about him, its about us, the voters…

26. lee caroline whitmer | 08.29.08

THis is a rocking good choice and it will be a challenge to the Dems to overcome her.

They will rip her to shreds with the help of the Obama is God media but in the end, the good sense of Americans faced with Obama’s reinstatement of the inheritance tax, new taxes on gas and oil, new taxes on any home over 2400 sq feet etc etc etc will prevail.

It is not about race.

It will be decided by folks who take the time to read Obama’s economic agenda which has a much bigger government hand in our pockets than we can possibly imagine.

He is a lot of glitz, no substance and a disastrous ecomonic policy whose wife is a black separatist of the first order, just read her Princeton thesis.

27. J. Randolph | 08.29.08

It amazes me how those on the left like to point out the inexperience of McCain’s VP choice while the Dems have — at the TOP of their ticket — a presidential nominee who is completely inexperienced in matters of national security and foreign policy. Yes, Obama’s got Biden as a back-up to balance out the ticket, but the experience is in the No. 2 position, not No. 1. McCain HAS the experience and made a wise choice in picking a young, strong, independent-minded veep with executive experience. Unless Biden plans to orchestrate the goings-on of the office of Chief Executive like Cheney has done the past eight years, the Obama-Biden ticket makes absolutely no sense.

28. mamacita | 08.29.08

By choosing a running mate who is the center of a CURRENT ethics violation investigation, McCain has proven once again that he is totally out of touch. Even if she’s innocent, which she probably ISN’T (she’s a Republican after all… the party of hypocrites), McCain has shown complete disrespect for Americans. We are TIRED and FED UP with these shady Republican antics. Even the MENTION of an ethics investigation should have sent McCain running in another direction. Instead, he EMBRACES this lady!

29. Michael Martinez | 08.29.08

McCain’s choice of running mate has yet to reveal its strengths and weaknesses. She’ll either stand up to the critics and pull her weight or she won’t. So his selection was surprising but not stunning.

However, his timing was impeccable. He sucked the wind right out of Obama’s sails and sucker-punched him. All the major media could talk about today was McCain’s running mate and how Obama fumbled the ball.

This decision and its announcement shows us that McCain can think strategically (something Obama has yet to do).

Unfortunately, I’m still leaning toward voting for “None of the Above”. These candidates both suck horribly. America deserves better than these two guys.

30. Mark in CA | 08.29.08

Sarah Palin has done more in her short tenure as Governor than Obama has done in his entire life. That’s a FACT. Getting the natural gas pipeline from Prudhoe Bay approved in the Alaska Legislature was a huge victory that will lower our energy costs. This is not a “hoax” (as Speaker Pelosi has claimed): this pipeline WILL reduce our dependence on foriegn supplies of energy, and thus contribute more to our foriegn policy more than ANYTHING proposed or implemented by either Obama or his 8-term Senatorial VEEP candidate.

Ask yourself one question: If 85% of our energy came from inside the US’s borders, would we have even CARED what was going on in Iraq? The first step toward improving our relationships with the rest of the world is to supply ourselves with the energy we need to maintain a robust economy and standard of living.

Of the four candidates for the top two offices, Sarah Palin is by far the most credible to head up and implement a RATIONAL, high-probability-of-success energy program designed to reduce the POWER of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia, and thus keep the world at peace for another generation.

A terrific, gutsy pick that will ensure this is one of the most exciting and interesting Presidential races OF ALL TIME.

31. Cal | 08.29.08

McCain just nominated a woman devoted to setting women’s rights back 30 years. Only in America!

32. pawprints | 08.29.08

Oh, great. Does this not feel like floral arrangement to anybody else, or perhaps set design? McCain picks a youthful former beauty queen from the Last Frontier to serve as a foil to his own age and Washington insider/status quo status.

As an Alaskan, I like Palin well enough. She helped get money added to our PFD to help with heating fuel costs this winter, and she has worked hard to broker a deal on a natural gas pipeline.

But I definitely would not want her as VP of the US. As mentioned above, she’s a self-styled corruption fighter, but then entangles herself in the ugliest scenario of political retaliation for personal issues. I can’t believe any woman who truly supported Hillary would support her, as she is unabashedly anti-choice. She’s a Christian fundamentalist. She’s a member of the Alaska Outdoor Council, which is unabashedly anti-environment and all about shooting wolves (and now bears) from planes so they have more moose to hunt. She (of course) wants to drill ANWR, as do most of the greedy, short-sighted people of this state.

And foreign policy experience, in a time when we need to be engaged with Russia and focusing on Afghanistan but instead are entangled in Iraq… Having Palin as VP is truly a frightening prospect.

Sure hope the Obama campaign get their ducks in a row on this one. People definitely need to look beneath the surface.

33. David Shedlock | 08.29.08

“Alaska is as out-of-touch with mainstream Americans as it is far away geographically.”

Yet another elitist comment coming from the left. They said the same thing when Iowa went for Mike Huckabee. Except they forgot that Iowa went for Obama. You Dems sure are confused.

34. T.F | 08.29.08

all you shameless and smug demonrats will learn a lesson come november you underestimate McCain and Palin for that you will pay. Quick quiz demonrats what do Dukkakis ,kerry and barack hussein obama have in common ?

35. sel | 08.29.08

And yet another veil falls away from the true liberal mindset. Women and minorities in power, but only those who toe the party line; any uppity ones who have the audacity to have a different mindset must be taught a lesson and sent back to where they belong until they learn to follow the true light.

And by the way, the vast majority of the media is terrified of Palin’s potential. When Biden was picked, all the interviews were with Democrats, the few times that any of his flaws or past mistakes were mentioned, they were quickly dismissed as irrelevant, and there was not one mention of the fact that picking the penultimate Washington insider went directly against the core grain of Obama’s campaign.

In contrast, I’ve had CNN on all day today; there have been all of three interviews with Republicans to upwards of 10 with Democrats, every word said has been ‘how can she hurt’ and not one on ‘how can she help’, and, when e-mails were read, it began with four negative ones (pretty much exclusively from those who were already against McCain), had two brief positive ones, then went back to five more negative (again mostly Democratic and including several that consisted solely of a one-sentence mocking comment) before closing.

So, given the fact that their front page poll on ‘will Palin pull Hilary voters’ was reading stated that 41% believed that she was a good enough pick to do so, and assuming that in accordance with journalistic fair-mindedness and integrity, CNN would show a sampling of e-mails representative of the general proportion, how is this number to be reconciled with the 18% (2 out of 11) positive showing of the e-mails? The only two options are that either those in favour are more likely to vote in the poll but less likely to write, or that CNN is deliberately trying to project a grimmer picture than that which actually exists. You will have to decide for yourself which one you believe.

36. mamacita | 08.29.08

I’m sorry, Mark. But Sarah Palin is NOT credible as a possible president. Most Americans had never heard of her before today. And that is the bottom line. Americans are not ready for an unknown woman to (potentially) become our commander-in-chief. “Sarah Barracuda”???

uh, NO WAY. Not gonna happen.

37. Jon | 08.29.08

Mamacita

I have read a lot of stupid things and crazy nutjobs rantings on the internet, but I have got to say, in all the craigslist.com rants, forums for politics, movies, games, books, etc etc, what you have written in your two posts are possibly the dumbest thing every written on the internet, ever.

Do you work for Obama?

I actually laughed outloud at your brazen ignorance.

Let me count the ways:

Yes, she’s a Republican. She ran against and defeated republicans and is known as a reformer. When these “ethics charges” arose against her (for demanding that a state trooper who tasered her 10 yr old nephew and threatening her own father be fired). She actually RUNS something, unlike Obama, McCain, and Biden she HAS executive experience, not years of making deals to compromise their values. She is a GREAT candidate, and not because she is a woman, she stands on her own merits. Clinton, Napolitano, Richardson, all would have been excellent choices for Obama because they had leadership.

You replied in message #7 that your intelligence was insulted… isn’t that rather like “the tooth fairy” being insulted? You are a joke, not just the punchline, either. I think Obama can count on the braindead vote, as evidenced by your rantings, but that demographic doesn’t win elections. I think most americans (as in at least 300 million of them) are smarter than you and will probably make a choice one way or another. I’m very happy that we happen to disagree. You make everyone you agree with look like a complete fool.

38. Liam | 08.29.08

I guess now we know why the show isn’t called “Smarter in Alaska.”

39. pawprints | 08.29.08

My, my… How quickly the Republicans turn to personal attack and name-calling. I agree that McCain just insulted the intelligence of any woman who truly backed Hillary.

It used to amuse me that Bush supporters would parrot lines like “you’re with us or you’re against us” or that people who disagreed with them would be labeled unpatriotic, Islamofacist (huh?), stupid — or told to “go home.” Not any more. If you can’t discuss an issue without resorting to ugliness, you obviously have nothing of worth to say.

40. Roger | 08.29.08

Holy ****, McCann - one of the Keating 5 - which cost American tax payers bailed out to the tune of 400 billion dollars, a wife who inherited a beer empire built with the explicit help of the Bononno Crime Family - wow wee! Now a crazy beauty queen who has ethics questions swirling around her - nice!

41. Christopher London | 08.29.08

OLD MAN & THE *, not a Hemingway Novel, not a Lifetime Channel made for Television movie, but rather the Neocon Trojan Horse Ticket, handpicked and brought to you by the same folks who installed W Bush, PNAC: The Project for A New American Century. Bill Kristol & Karl Rove are calling the shots inside John McCain’s Campaign.

42. mamacita | 08.29.08

oooh, Jon. A little hot under the collar, there? A little upset that what I say is TRUE?

DOWN BOY…

No, most Americans are pretty average. And most Americans are NOT going to want this relatively unknown woman as their vice president… only a ‘heartbeat’ away from the presidency.

You are a fool if you think otherwise. It’s very simple. You can rant and rave all you want… AVERAGE AMERICANS will be afraid of her, as well they should.

43. Jerry/Orlando | 08.29.08

Charming woman; I’m not surprised at her political rise in Alaska. I could never, however, consider anyone with her lack of credentials for the vice presidency of the United States. With all the negative buzz about Obama facing unfriendly world leaders getting so much press, I will truly be stunned if Sarah Palin gets a pass on that point. The main issue here is that the office of vice president should be held by someone prepared to step into the oval office at a moment’s notice. That issue is all the more important in the case of John McCain, because of his advanced age. (God forbid anything happening, but …). I suggest that Sarah Palin do what many have suggested to Barack Obama: Go back to Alaska, get reelected a couple of times, put in your time, pay your dues, then try your hand at national politics. I’m voting for Obama.

44. Ron H. | 08.29.08

Go Sarah !! It is the strong Values you live that I will vote for.

Our Country is run by too many political stiffs that will say anything just to get elected ( i.e. obama and the like ) then do something different every chance they get.

I see in you a person who stands up for the Values Americans really believe in.

Honest Hard Work, Hope for All, Pro Life, Pro Family, Pro American Values

History will be made this election, I’ll vote for American Values first and trust that you and President McCain will honor our vote for you by being who you are and nothing less.

It’s our country, a country of the People … not of the Politicans

We are looking for people like you who will stick to their Values every day.

I want to be able to look my own Daughter in the eyes and say to her that she can do anything in America that she wants to do, if she will try hard to achieve good things and do it honestly. A good woman can run our Country just as well as anyone male politican can, I want to look my Daughter in the eyes and share that thought with her.

Please do us all Proud Sarah !! Please be a good example for my Daughter and for every American who are simply looking for good honest people to do their best to keep the American Experience alive and well.

45. Eric Johnson | 08.29.08

Well Folks,

I have been a lifelong democrat, never before voting for a Republican.

But, I have been undecided regarding this Presidential Election. Senator McCains decision to select Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate has made up my
mind. I will now vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

Give her a chance fellow Democrats and listen to what she has to say. I think you will find a intelligent American who best represents your values. She understands Big Oil and has taken them on, the environment as she lives in a delicate one and adverse one, Ethics as she has taken on corruption. Not just a Yes Person Republican, but a fresh new voice !

Fellow American,

Eric

46. mamacita | 08.29.08

I should elaborate a little on that last post.

I should have said that the average American will be afraid of her INEXPERIENCE and OBSCURITY, not necessarily afraid of the woman herself. She just flat-out isn’t ready to be president, should it come down to it. The fact that I disagree with her ideology really has nothing to do with it.

That’s all…

Well said, Jerry from Orlando!

47. Mark in CA | 08.29.08

Thanks, Jon…

Mamacita, it’s amazing that you don’t see that Obama has LESS experience than Obama. Are you blind? What has he done to be ready to be Commander in Chief in January? Biden won’t be ordering troops around; he’ll be fighting with the Secretary of State over control of foriegn policy. Both Clintons, about 1/2 of the nation’s Democrats, and roughly 3/4 of the Nation’s Republicans think Obama is NOT READY to command. You say her 2 years of being a Governor isn’t enouh “experience.” Tell me: what has Obama ACCOMPLISHED in his 2 years as Senator, other than vote as the MOST LIBERAL? What bills did he write, what did he sponsor, what did he pass with a Democratic Congress (that, by the way, has an approval rating of about 11%)?

If SHE’s not “experienced enough”, since she has the same years of EXECUTIVE experience but with bona fide accomplishment, than NO WAY is HE.

I think this is the crux of the sexist discrimination that she will face: more experience with accomplishment being called less, just because “you haven’t heard of her.” What a lousy excuse! Just because the leftist media doesn’t cover the smartest people in politics, isn’t any reason to not learn more before assuming that they’re “not qualified.”

48. RightinMissouri | 08.29.08

By putting her on the ticket it will put this election out of Obama’s hands in the coming days. Simply put, Palin will take away enough Hillorycrats from Obama to tip the balance and she has energized the base. Kiss that 6 point convention bump goodbye and say hello to catch up ball.

Ultimately, Obama can keep the change!!!

The only experience Obama has is running for office. Obama spent most of his second term as a state senator running for the US Senate. After 144 days as a US Senator he decides to run for president. When Obama is defeated in November it will show that as socialist you can get elected by the government dependant south side of Chicago and southern Illinois but when it comes to the national stage this type of candidate no matter how neatly packaged will get trounced every time.

49. AK Dave | 08.29.08

Great article Geo. As an Alaskan and an Obama supporter, I would have to say all these Alaska trashing liberals and media are going to be very surprised once Palin gets going. Anyone who thinks she is some Suzy homemaker from some “no-where” backwater obviously doesn’t know the first thing about her or Alaska. I look forward to Sarah ripping Biden a new one in the debates. That being said I still hope for an Obama victory but believe that our country will be well-served by either candidate. Happy days for America.

50. guss | 08.29.08

The two nominees have made their first Presidential decision. (one could argue the most important of their presidency)

Obama- Selecting Biden
27 years a senator
Chairman Foriegn relations committee
Chairman Judicial Committee
Ran for president twice
Met with most world leaders
Devised a plan to end the war in Iraq (approved by 51 votes in the senate)
Passed a law to protect women from domestic violence
Drafted a bill to fund 100,000 new cops
Re-elected 6 times

McCain - Selected Palin
2 years govenor of Alaska
2 years as mayor of small town of 6000 people
Went agains the oil industry (by asking for a windfall profit revenue share)
Beauty queen

In their First decision it seems like Obama chose country over Party and McCain chose neo-conservatism over Party and country.

51. Tmac | 08.29.08

As someone from a small state and one who thinks its long past time for a woman president- I’d love to rejoice in her selection but after reading about Gov. Palin’s trooper scandal, her arrogance and her husband’s inappropriate involvement in state affairs in the Alaska media, I fear Sen. McCain has made a mistake. The national media will have a field day. And it turns out she supported the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” before the political heat made her do a 180 to oppose it. Flip flopping of the worst kind.

52. Mary | 08.29.08

If the Republican machine thinks that the women who supported Hilary Clinton will vote for any woman just because she is a woman they are sadly mistaken. Hilary was supported because we believe in her polices and her ability not just because she is a woman. Maybe some of her supporters were upset that she did not win the nomination but they are thinking women who will support the Democratic party because to do otherwise would be to invite serious harm to this country. We all know that the Republicans have brought this country to the brink of ruin and there must be a change of direction. Whether it is Hilary Clinton or Barack Obama is not as important as the fact that either of them would do what is necessary to bring back fairness, security and prosperity.

53. John | 08.29.08

What has been entirely overlooked is, should Palin become president, she would then have a VICE PRESIDENT who could be an expert in foreign affairs just like Obama having Biden . . . get real people.

The issue of inexperience lies a the feet of the dems for nominating at the TOP OF THE TICKET an egomanical messiah complex figure who believes he is entitled/destined for glory and greatness, but who comes off more like a grandeous demogogue.

54. Jim | 08.29.08

I truly do not understand the appeal of this woman. Putting the issues of choice and creationism aside - these are matters of faith, and debating them never seems to matter - it’s a losing pick.

In the first place, the mere fact that she is a woman is the worst possible reason to vote for her. Hillary was qualified to lead (even though I’ve supported Obama since the start), and would have been elected for the right reasons: as the emblem of women’s genuine equality in society. Which, incidentally, Palin apparently opposes on the level of equal pay. Instead, she’s nothing more than a pawn in a game of political one-upsmanship and maneuvering.

Further, her qualifications are paper-thin. She’s a heartbeat from leading the world’s superpower, barely halfway into her first term as governor of the third-least populous state in the Union (no offense meant to Alaskans, there just aren’t very many of you). Prior to that, she’d led a town whose population wouldn’t fill the minor-league baseball stadia she’s visiting with McCain.

Finally, and maybe most superficially, she’s going to get destroyed by Biden. It’s a shame there’s only one VP debate, because there’s nothing I love more than watching a blowout for my team. Also, totally superficially, while she brings the average age of her ticket back under the social-security claim threshold, in my opinion, that’s bad. A young, attractive woman just makes McCain look like C. Montgomery Burns by comparison.

I’m sure she’s a nice lady, with a great family and a strong sense of values. She’s just an abysmal pick for a VP.

55. Steven Wilson | 08.29.08

She’s going to control the reproductive rights of females?
Restated…..She’s going to offer children the right to live, without the threat of death….because momma doesn’t want to deal with taking care of them properly. It’s much easier to kill them without anyone knowing in a little room or office.

With all the birth control devices presently in the publics hands…..this is the best that women can do for children? Kill them because they were to lazy to practice birth control?

When the prison warden gets tired of taking care of the prisoners……how is it he isn’t offered the same right?

How is it men are not offered the same idiotic right, when they get tired of the burden of child support.

Women should not have any more rights than the general population when it comes to murdering innocent people.

56. ak villager | 08.29.08

Nobody knows about the village life. 7 to 9+ dollars a gallon and high food prices. It is survival mode.
I thought that our governer would do something about it and she did. But will she continue to help out those in need, and America is in poverty of moral values. Just look at the television.
Moral values will help everyone out.

57. joe | 08.29.08

The same American sheep who voted for GWB TWICE will go for McCain/Palin.

McCain has managed to turn the election into just another reality tv show like American Idol except this time the American people will vote for who will be President/Vice President. Way to go! THIS is what is needed to get the sheep interested in decisions that affect their lives.

It’s like a tv show come alive and you know the masses eat THAT up. This reminds me of the BBC series The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard :

The average British citizen feels alienated from his or her government in this 2006 six-part BBC miniseries and supermarket manager Ros Pritchard (Jane Horrocks) is fed up with the bureaucracy of British politics, the lack of involvement of British citizens, and the shenanigans of politicians whose campaigning degenerates into a common fist-fight outside her store. An impulsive statement to the media that “I could do better than you lot!” leads Mrs. Pritchard to run for Parliament in hopes of making the point that everyday people should get interested and involved in politics.

http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Mrs-Pritchard-Jane-Horrocks/dp/B000MV8Z9K

58. Fareed H. Ansari | 08.29.08

Sarah Palin is under investigation. The Alaska State Legislature ruled there was enough evidence to launch an investigation that Sarah Palin abused the power the People of Alaska invested in her. Once accused never aquited. There was undisputed evidence her husband and staff tried to circumvent the Laws of the State of Alaska in attempting to fire her State Trooper brother in law. There are discipline review boards that handle those issues. Sarah didn’t seem to think the wheels of Justice were turning fast enough and allowed illegal influences to occur, when she (as a corruption fighter)could have put a stop to it. She showed poor judgment by not doing so and claimed ignorance. Seems like there was another female VP whose husband was involved in questionable activities that essentially doomed the Mondale Ferraro ticket, de-ja vou all over again. Change We can Believe in Judgment we can Trust, 08.

59. jim | 08.29.08

It’s too bad the Republican Party bigwigs didn’t force her on us. I would vote for her for President. Unfortunately, McCain is still on the ticket, so my vote will still have to go to a third part cancicate.

60. Mike | 08.29.08

“Not only that, do some searches on Palin and you will find out that Alaskans are not even happy with her”

She has a 80% approval rating in Alaska.

61. John | 08.29.08

If someone is disqualified for Vice President because they are unknown
Then how is it that Obama is qualified for President
Just a short time ago he was unknown to almost everyone

You can’t have it both ways and be respected by intelligence
If it’s OK for Obama to come from obscurity into the Presidency
Then surely it’s OK for Palin to come from obscurity into the Vice Presidency

Obama was given time to get known- although many feel they still don’t know what his true agenda is
Give Palin time to be known too, maybe she’s better than Obama, who knows at this point?

62. mamacita | 08.29.08

Good points, Mark. I too have reservations about Obama. No question. He certainly isn’t perfect. But I have to vote for SOMEBODY. And so does EVERY voter!

I am talking about the Average American… who of course is not exactly ABOVE average in intelligence. (Sad but true.) You KNOW that Average Americans LOVE LOVE LOVE their celebrities!! Obama is a household word!!

And Obama HAS proven himself to be very popular with the rest of the world, too. I don’t think you are going to argue that point with 200,000 Germans, now ARE YOU?

This Palin lady IS obscure. She IS unknown. Even right here in her OWN country. She is even younger than Obama. She is NOT a world-wide household name.

THE AVERAGE VOTER VOTES ON PERCEPTION, dear. People don’t necessarily vote based on reality, or intelligence, or any of that crazy stuff. They vote based on their PERCEPTION of things. And I do NOT believe that the Average American Voter is going to think that Miss Barracuda is ready for the job of Vice President, no matter how stellar of a track record she is perceived to have attained thus far. That is the very bottom line in this whole argument.

And that is why McCain will not win.

You can argue ideology ’til the cows come home. I am talking REALITY here.

I was attacked because of my views, so forget my views on the ideological stuff. We are talking cold, hard REALITY now.

63. Almo | 08.29.08

States often have elected their governors based on rather “quirky” characteristics and not particularly on the basis of “real” qualifications. Two recent examples would be Jesse Ventura and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. In national elections we tend to examine the candidates more closely for their agreement to our views. Sarah will be examined not on her looks or on being a woman, but rather on how well she would fill the role of president if needed. I don’t think she will measure up to the task despite having some real appeal in some areas to some people.

64. commoner | 08.29.08

It would appear that Palin is a “knee-jerk politician.” She goes for things that she notices, or the things that come across the crosshairs of her “scope.” This is not the definition of a visionary, and right now, the lower forty-eight needs a leader who understands our economy, and our massive problems. What does a knee-jerker do at 3a.m. when they feel theatened by some terrorist plot or international crisis? I believe they will get excited and lead with their gut, not from reasoned and disciplined judgement. Obama is extremely self disciplined and is exceptionally adroit in working with others to come up with reasoned judgements.
I keep asking myself why so many people in this country want to show how tough they are, as opposed to how smart they are. My family were pioneers and I understand how tough people had to be and to present themselves, but this is not the kind of world now that requires the same kind of “knee-jerk” reactions. Our problems are not only national, but international in scope and it is going to take real mentally disciplined politicians to navigate the troubled waters in this world. If Palin ended up being president, Putin and the rest of the boys on the “block” would have her for a snack. Palin hasn’t even become skilled enough to work with her own constituents. Obama is a catalyst for bringing people together, which is what we desperately need in America. I am a woman, but I would never vote for McCain and Palin. Together or alone, they both seem to be reactionaries, which is exactly what this world does not need at this highly volatile time.

65. fjfjdvdv | 08.29.08

Discussing the war on the Glenn Beck show, she stated that “We’re fighting in some sense over energy supplies.” I just don’t see why our soldiers should be dying for that reason. If we were in Iraq to find weapons of mass destruction, then fine. If we’re there to root out terrorists, then fine. In fact, as long as we’re fighting to protect American lives, then I can understand her support for the war. But how can she say that the war is about oil and still approve of us having sent thousands of America’s young men and women to die in Iraq? Keeping the price of gasoline down by a few cents isn’t worth a single American soldier’s life. It simply doesn’t make sense to (1) believe that we’re fighting for oil, and (2) still support the war.

For anyone who would like to hear the above quote in context, the interview is available on YouTube and the relevant bit is at exactly the eight-minute mark.

66. John | 08.29.08

If someone is disqualified for Vice President because they are unknown
Then how is it that Obama is qualified for President
Just a short time ago he was unknown to almost everyone

You can’t have it both ways and be respected by intelligence
If it’s OK for Obama to come from obscurity into the Presidency
Then surely it’s OK for Palin to come from obscurity into the Vice Presidency

Obama was given time to get known- although many feel they still don’t know what his true agenda is
Give Palin time to be known too, maybe she’s better than Obama, who knows at this point?

67. Chris | 08.29.08

Does someone forget her opposite number, Senator Biden, sold out the working people of America by working for the bill that made it harder to discharge in bankruptcy, credit card debts. This was at the same time his son just happened to get a PR job with NBNA credit card company in Delaware? I’m sure this was just a coincidence. Which team of candidates do you think our enemies around the world would like to see elected? (Yes we as Americans do have enemies who would like to kill us no matter how liberal or “sensitive” we are.) Who do you think would be more of a wuss, Biden or Palin? Mrs Palin of the four major candidates is the only one who has ever run anything but their mouths - OK maybe McCain did run a squadron. Finally, although Blacks may be 30% of the Democratic Party lets try and guess what % of the electorate women are.

68. John | 08.29.08

Sorry, but a bachelor of arts in Journalism, doesn’t do it for me. Especially one who when asked about the responsibilities of a VP didn’t even know what they were.

Doubly so, when considering the fact that she’s completely clueless on the Constitution that she’s supposed to swear to protect, when she’s going to be president of the Senate, sorry but you can say all you want she’s is a Geraldine Ferraro part deu.

69. joe | 08.29.08

mamacita - I completely agree with you that people vote based on perception. This is why, I feel this election is becoming a reality TV show. The woman has never been out of the US. That is just astounding but will appeal to middle america cause most Americans have no curiosity about anything outside the USA.

commoner - I ditto your reply!

70. big_rrrl | 08.29.08

Haha!! What is this, another Saturday Night Live joke? America is being punked!

71. joe | 08.29.08

mamacita - I completely agree with you that people vote based on perception. This is why, I feel this election is becoming a reality TV show. The woman has never been out of the US. That is just astounding but will appeal to middle america cause most Americans have no curiosity about anything outside the USA.

commoner - I ditto your reply!

72. joe | 08.29.08

mamacita - I completely agree with you that people vote based on perception. This is why, I feel this election is becoming a reality TV show. The woman has never been out of the US. That is just astounding but will appeal to middle america cause most Americans have no curiosity about anything outside the USA.

commoner - I ditto your reply!

73. Chris Munson | 08.29.08

I wonder if Palin is scared of the Russians? She’s lived across the “strait” from them for most of her life.

Can John McCain, U.S. Senator, handle the Oval Office? Good question. How about John McCain, Retired Naval Officer? He was trained in one of the coutry’s top leadership schools, the U.S. Naval Academy, and went on to serve well in command positions even after his display of leadership and self-sacrifice in North Vietnamese custody.

My first check-off in any election is the right to life issue. Second is the 2nd amendment. The Supremes did alot of good this summer, but we all know the game begins anew to make sure only the law breakers are armed.

I was already going to vote for McCain, because he best represents the values I value. Now the ticket is more solid on the bottom than on the top in that regard.

This has to scare the living daylights out of the Dems. If McCain is elected, and I certainly hope that he is, this gives a relatively young conservative woman an excellent chance to run on her own merits in four or eight years.

74. patmac | 08.29.08

Hello!!!! Do not be fooled by crusty old republican white guys, dialing in on their modems, who say they were Hilary supporters and will now vote for the lipstick (Palin) that Karl Rove put on the pig (McCain)! They’re tryin’ to pull one over on you. Hilary supporters with brains wanted Hilary because she is intelligent, etc. A beauty pageant contestant with only an undergrad journalism degree (!) from Idaho holds no candle to someone as intelligent and well-educated as Hilary! Again, Karl Rove put lipstick on a pig! End of story.

75. J. Parker | 08.29.08

Everyone just think for a minute. Right now Palin is more “qualified” to be president than Obama himself. She’s actually RUN something. She’s a governor! Who’s Obama! A guy with only 143 days of logged “experience” in the Senate. Talk about newbie. He’s never even managed anything, never been on a committee, and certainly never managed a sizable staff. And now we’re about to elect him President?! I admit, Palin is not on the “highly-experienced” list, but certainly she is more qualified than Obama.

76. Millard Fillmore | 08.29.08

Uh, nothing is “according to Wikipedia.” It’s just a bunch of fools posting stuff on a site — kind of like here.

77. aaron johnson | 08.29.08

Right now I’m voting for Obama, but I’m definetely willing to give her a chance to prove herself.
People really are jumping to way too many conclusions, I guess we just love to tear people down.

78. mike | 08.29.08

The president of almost any State University student council has more executive, government experience than any Mayor of a town of less than 10,000 people. The larger universities have student populations of 30,000 - 50,000.

79. dan | 08.29.08

She obviously did well in her gubernatorial debates, so I have no doubt she will do just fine when debating Biden. It’s ironic that some are questioning her experience…Palin brings more executive experience to the race than Obama, Biden and McCain put together.

Good job McCain…I also thought you showed Obama how to properly introduce your VP candidate. The 3:00am text message Obama did was quite lame. Almost like he was ashamed of his choice.

80. jefflz | 08.29.08

She is an anti-choice evangelical who wants to teach creationism to our children - which of Hillary’s true supporters is going to be swayed by her? None!!! only the fakes managed by the Rove people. The Palin choice is a desperate move by the McCain handlers- you can be sure that the Rove team made the choice since McCain barely knows her. With her lightweight resume: beauty queen, sport fishing , snowmobile rentals, and 2 years governorship of an idiosyncratic state with a very small population. They haven’t even fully vetted her since she is caught up in a local scandal- WootenGate in Alaska. After all the hot air emitted by the McCain/Rove team about Obama’s lack of experience they look even more hypocritical than ever. This is a ploy that will come back to bite them - only hard-core conservatives will buy into it. Who could want this person, as nice as she may be, to be a heart beat away from the presidency given McCain’s age and health history. This is a gift the Obama/Biden campaign. The neocons self-destruct yet again!!! Thanks John.

81. Dave | 08.29.08

The Demo rats are running scared posting everywhere!. The 30 plus years of Biden doing nothing and not getting even 2% of the vote in the primaries makes us smile even more. O bama’s 137 days in the Senate and can’t speak without asking Soros first what to say. And after the you screwed the Democrats in Michigan and Florida do you think we will vote for a Democrat again.

P.S. Hillary for President ! O, I forgot you fixed the Primary election so she couldn’t run

82. KYJurisDoctor | 08.29.08

John McCain’s pick of Sarah Palin is a SOLID one for REAL Conservatives, and announcing the pick today is a strategic masterpiece, knocking out Barack Obama/Joe Biden’s after convention euphoria!.

Did I mention that I loved EVERYTHING she said after being introduced by John McCain?

EVERYTHING!! OsiSpeaks[dot]com

83. Mary | 08.29.08

For the first time ever, I was thinking of not voting. Barak was a definite NO, and I couldn’t get excited about McCain. When I heard he was considering candidates that were pro-choice, I just knew I wouldn’t vote.
So…now with Sarah Palin, I am more excited now than ever! I can’t wait to see the candidates face off …
Women know how to get things done. Sarah Palin appears to be a woman that can handle the White House … and her own house!
Way to go McCain!

84. emd | 08.29.08

Alaska is not even as big as Brooklyn.. People 2 things happen in Alaska thats drilling and fishing. She cant even balance the budget in a state that is full of oil and nobody there. This is just such a sham. If America falls for this they get what they deserve…

85. Obyn | 08.29.08

Hey ‘big daddy’ are you just obese or a ‘big’ daddy to hundreds of illegitimate kids… you should know better thank making such comments!
Bring on Obama!!

86. sallie | 08.29.08

Under-estimating Women:

We do not vote merely on gender. We vote on issues. Sarah Plain is too far to the right and in no way even remotely comes close to any issue that Clinton or the majority women stand for – equal pay, health care, education, pro-choice rights, gun control, violence against women, social security, peace, prosperity etc. It shows how little McCain thinks and understands about women. Newsweek reports that back in March, 2008 at a Women and Leadership event Palin’s view of Hillary wasn’t quite as charitable: “She said she felt kind of bad she couldn’t support a woman and she didn’t like Clinton’s whining”.

If John was serious to have a strong woman as his VP, why could he not pick Olympia Snowe? In April 2006, Snowe was selected by Time as one of “America’s 10 Best Senators.” She was the only woman so recognized. Time praised Snowe for her centrist views and eagerness to get beyond partisan point scoring. Snowe is the fourth woman to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the first to chair its sea power subcommittee, which oversees the Navy and Marine Corps. In 2001, Snowe became the first Republican woman to secure a full-term seat on the Senate Finance Committee. She is involved in every policy debate in Washington. It is disappointing that on one day; John has squandered his election chances in Ohio, PA, FL, Michigan and Minnesota but solidified his base in deep Red states. History tells us such votes alone would not be adequate to carry one to the White House.

87. Tim | 08.29.08

Palin will not draw Hillary Dems, because Palin is not the kind of woman liked by other women. She’s a good-looking former beauty queen who likes to impress the guys, the kind of woman other women resent as a princess. She is not a family woman like many working moms; she is out hobnobbing in the spotlight while hubby is at home. Not that I don’t support that situation, but most working moms will resent that too, right or wrong.

88. BellTolls4Thee | 08.29.08

This pick only shows how disingenuous McCain really is. First he criticizes Obama for lack of experience and accuses him of making decisions based on his ambition to be president rather than genuine concern for the well being of the country. THEN he picks a woman who knows nothing, and I mean nothing, about foreign policy and has less experience that any candidate for the office of vice president (by definition a heartbeat away from president) in the history of our nation. AND NOW seeks to woo women voters with a transparent hard hard right christian fundamentalist lobotomite who happens to be a woman, wants to teach creationism in school, outlaw abortion in all cases, hates polar bears, doesn’t believe in Global Warming, and thinks Hillary Clinton is a whiner! Talk about your politically ambitious expediency and me first decisions! I think it’ll backfire on McSame when people discern his motives. Its just more Repuglican slight of hand.

89. Ken | 08.29.08

Obamas true agenda is very simple. A solid, well known system for ensuring the success of any country. Socialism, it works so well we need it here. But there is one little problem, where will WE go for timely medical care? Providing we can afford to get there.

90. Rich | 08.29.08

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 McCain is lucky to have her…that’s why Obama said, “the race is about McCain” in his response today…hmmm…I think Obama is about to get “out Obama’ed”…by a very capable woman…and Biden will outright lose the VP debates - if change is what America wants - you get the real thing with Palin.

91. ABT | 08.29.08

McCain and Palin both have children in the military. My guess is they have a bigger stake with getting the nation out of Iraq than Obama. Oh and I would like to see the comparison of Obama’s credentials versus McCain’s, then lets talk experience.

92. Joe | 08.29.08

One of Palin’s best qualities is the fact that she is not so far removed from hometown America in which most of us live. She has to manage a career and a family - like most of us. She knows the price of milk and diapers. But she also knows the realities of dealing with immense political inertia. She is not a Washington elitist, like Obama and Biden. BTW, being elitist and condescending isn’t dependent on time in office. You either are or aren’t - and they are.

93. AL K | 08.29.08

Let’s get real. The vice president must have experience to lead in the president’s absence and Biden is much more qualified than Palin. Obama is a proven leader and has outlined solutions to the most important issues facing us for the LONG term-ridding the US of dependance on foreign oil and getting out of Iraq in an organized fashion. Mccain/Palin (and their oil) will keep our children’s children in debt for YEARS and will continue to spend in Iraq-do you as a tax payer want that?

94. AL K | 08.29.08

Let’s get real. The vice president must have experience to lead in the president’s absence and Biden is much more qualified than Palin. Obama is a proven leader and has outlined solutions to the most important issues facing us for the LONG term-ridding the US of dependance on foreign oil and getting out of Iraq in an organized fashion. Mccain/Palin (and their oil) will keep our children’s children in debt for YEARS and will continue to spend in Iraq-do you as a tax payer, really want that?

95. DC | 08.29.08

I will keep it short and simple Like McPain.

Why all the talk, Obama is going to win regardless who McOld would of picked!

She loves MOOSE Burgers and loves ice fishing I hear.

Thats got to win some Eskimo votes right there.

So lets just say that history will be made!

1st African American to be our President!

HIP HIP Hooray!

96. Bob | 08.29.08

Barack wants to redistribute my wealth. Personally, being a true capitalist, I admire McCain’s seven houses and his wife’s success. I Barak is a socialist to the core.

97. Lois Schmidt | 08.29.08

Well, Gus, for me, today was the best day of the year so far. I am delighted with John McCain’s choice for his running mate. I’m thrilled and I’m relieved. I’ve deliberately paid no attention to this whole race, had seriously contemplated dumping my cable service because I was so sick of hearing about the ‘wonderful’ Mr. Obama. I would never vote for a candidate like him. Too slick - too staged - too inexperienced, weak record in Congress. However, now I feel energized, excited, encouraged, and much happier about the prospect of getting a real person, a real human being into office along with Senator McCain. I can’t imagine a better choice - Sarah Palin literally has everything going for her. The way I see it, the only segments who won’t like or vote for her is the pro-death/pro-choice/save the earth/the sky is falling ‘doom crowd’ and the ‘gays.’

It was a awesome master stroke, including the perfect timing. Amazing!

And as far as her so-called lack of experience in foreign policy, for one thing, Senator McCain has that area pretty well covered. But noting the ‘noises’ Russia has been making lately, keep in mind that Governor Palin’s State of Alaska is a short distance across the Bering Straight - she certainly has to watch her back with Russia so near. The USSR might have looked like it was dismantled and that Russian Communism was dead, but that “Russian Bear” was only napping. It is always a mistake to underestimate Russia.

98. Jose Houston Tx | 08.29.08

Let’s have our own poll. In one word “Obama” or “McCain” tell us who are you going to vote for. One word, don’t tell us why, just one word. I’ll get it started.

Obama

99. Joe | 08.29.08

McCain

100. Realist | 08.29.08

Tim (#84), I agree with your post. Actually, I was surprised that no one raised the issue of Palin’s “good mother” act sooner. Her fifth child was born this past April, with Downe’s Syndrome. What mother leaves her 4-month old special needs infant home with Dad (or leaves her husband home to deal with 4 kids) while she goes off campaigning 24/7? Does she honestly believe ordinary, everyday working moms (like me) won’t question her priorities?

Anyway, I think Palin pick is good for McCain, who seems to like to surround himself with “babes”. And it’s good for Palin, who seems to be willing do whatever it takes to satisfy her own vain ambitions. Alaska can keep her; McCain can revel in his big day of press buzz. But after that it’s over for both of them.

101. Bob | 08.29.08

McCain

102. american liberal | 08.29.08

First of all, it’s so obvious this whole “Legislative vs. Executive” experience is a Republican talking point. Until a day or so ago no one mentioned it and now it’s in every other message and article you read. So get off it. “Executive experience” over a state of 670,000 people. That’s effectively the same number of people who VOTED for Obama in Illinois on ‘06.

And McCain wants her to be number 2 in the WORLD.

I’m pretty certain the people who are “all up in arms” and “p*****off” in these message boards are Republicans, not Democrats.

103. MGF | 08.29.08

(Ref #44 Ron H.)

Is there a Reason why Conservative, God-Fearing True Americans tend to
write with Capital Letters embedded in their Sentences? Could it be that
they have spent so much Time reading the true Word of God that they can
no longer Write without inserting capItal leTters?

Should be an interesting fall….

104. Kevin | 08.29.08

Why does a articulate, successful, good looking woman (Palin) scare so many demoncrats?

105. Sally | 08.29.08

(ref #104) - Kevin you are obviously a gun toting, bible hugging hypocrite. Hillary didn’t pave the road to equality so beauty queens could ride her coat tales!

106. bipolar2 | 08.29.08

** Palin just another cynical choice **

Palin is as cynical a choice for VP as Thomas was for the Supreme Court. And for exactly the same reason. Thomas will never grow into the shoes of Thurgood Marshall. He was chosen as a highly atypical African American who would trample the hard won gains of the civil rights era.

Palin is a few feet shy of the stature to take over the presidency. She was chosen as an atypical woman who would trample the hard won gains of women’s rights.

Palin’s views, like those of Thomas, are far right. Both of them are “small” intellectually and morally. Their xianity is not a substitute for foreign or public policy. McCain capitulated to the death impulse of the GOProto-fascists.

Now, the choice is stark. McCain-Palin and a continued assault on the Constitution by ignorant, arrogant “servants” of the President. Or, Obama-Biden and a chance to undo the harm suffered by the Republic from the Bush-Cheney thugs.

bipolar2

107. cosmos | 08.30.08

I knew it was coming.

Its sad that’s all the neocons and fox news has left.

As a veteran, I’m happy to see someone post the above by fjfjdvdv. This war is for oil. 911 was the oil folks ticket to ride and the senate let them do it (shameful). There’s nothing moral or upright about bombing people into to the stone age for sitting on oil deposits. What ever happened to Congress declaring war??

Hey conservatives, why don’t you ponder the hundreds of thousands of people who have died in Iraq in the last 6 years and think about how Jesus would feel about that. Oh wait, he’d be driving around in his Hummer listening to Rush Limbaugh, my bad.

Veterans for Obama!

108. claudia | 08.30.08

TWO Names McCain/Palin and certainly McCain will choose an even more qualified cabinet. I’m not worried about the Beauty Queen she will be supportive to McCain while he has every intention on continuing to live for the next fours years. I belive he will.I am absolutely positive he will keep her jumping up and down and she will get her experience quick. I also believe she cannot be worse than Bush for President. The same criteria that while America has been very upset decided that Obama would be better than Clinton.

Wake up America!!!

People I was a lifelong republican but I voted for Kerry last election. This election I am voting for what truly makes sense again. I hope Palin does draw the truth out about McCain and what he really can do for this country with all of his experience. I have been keeping my eye on MCain and Obama clearly was a poor choice to rally around. Sorry to say we will all pay if he is elected in ways we would not want to. If given a choice I would say please don’t make my choices for me. Well People I believe McCain is your choice just really and truly be objective when you go to the polls this year. Nothing stops a president like the men and women in congress especially if your not to lazy to vote. While your local rep may take care of your area you should also be mindful of how they are screwing the rest of the country in their voting habits especially if you love your country. Don’t just passivley participate and wake up one day and wonder what happened. I am just a homegrown true American Patriot!

109. claudia | 08.30.08

I am sorry but there is nothing like once again a democrat controlled congress that is sleeping on job and waiting for a president to lead that’s whats been running this country not our dim wit President who dragged us into a war! So when someone does not show up to vote I am angry they are getting a paycheck to sit on their *** and write books. Don’t get me wrong I love the Kennedy’s. I tell you something about CSPAN you have to watch for a long time to know what is wrong with this country you can not learn it over night. I don’t blame the candidates for pandering to people who do not care enough to know the true state of their own country that many have died for. People just wake up.

110. Jack | 08.30.08

Saraha Palin will not attract many

Saeah Palin will not attract many Clinton supporters due to the vast differences of their views. Personally I dont believe McCain has a chance of winning the election

clinton upporters because of the

111. Gary in Tennessee | 08.30.08

I wonder where McCain’s priorities are? I believe he is only in this race for himself instead of all the people in the USA. He wants to keep our soldiers in Iraq for years to be killed or wounded when the powers that be in Iraq want us out as quickly as possible. We went there on the premis that there were weapons of mass destruction but none have been found as of today. Why are we spending billions of dollars per month by staying over in Iraq? We could be spending the same billions on education, health care, making jobs in the USA. He owns so many houses that he cannot count or cannot remember but he doesn’t want the working people of the USA to have our own. Help starts at home not in the middle east. He now chooses a person to be his running mate that knows how to play to the camera but knows nothing else. Can you imigine her getting a call in the middle of the night saying that McCain is out of commision or dead and there is a major crisis anywhere and she is asked to lead our country in this crisis, what can or would she do? She knows nothing of the outside world but she can play to the camera. Why would McCain put all of us including his own family in this position? He talks of experience, he wants change, the only change I think he wants is to be the big cheeze and to **** with the rest of us. Think about it. He still has a chance to do better, he has a convention to go to in a few days and he can get before the American people and say he has screwed up big time and he wants to change his VP pick to number 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 in the line up. He would be more electable if he did. In closing I believe he pulled her name out of a hat, no politician or would be leader would have done as he has done. He needs some experience in choosing running mates.

112. lynn | 08.30.08

Just a few responses to the conservatives: Biden’s son, Beau is also in the military (JAG to be deployed to Iraq in Oct.)
If you are voting stricly on values, McCain’s marital infidelity (with his current wife Cindy) should eliminate him from consideration. Would you not agree that values are something you practice not just preach? John and Cindy McCain certinly didn’t “work” their way to their wealth; she inherited it and he married into it. And if you truly want your daughters to believe they can “do anything” perhaps you should let them control their own bodies starting with proper sex education in school. Men have no idea what it is like to face an unplanned pregnancy and should stop forcing women to kowtow to their enforced Christianity.

113. Obyn | 08.30.08

hey..the rest of the modern world allows women to make a choice what to do with their ‘own’ bodies! Not having that choice puts us at the level of the third world!!! Duh to the Reich wing xtian wackos!!
Not to mention, McShame is against equal pay for women! What a hypocrite! Unless of course now he has some ‘other’ motive with ‘her’ that would be based upon his past actions!! now that would be something and very entertaining…

114. mamacita | 08.30.08

I agree that Palin isn’t the type of woman that other women like. Anyone who would enter a beauty pageant certainly isn’t advancing the notion of women’s rights.

Even though she is very popular in Alaska, you need to remember that Alaska has the highest ratio of men to women in the entire country. So, duh, folks. A beauty queen is OBVIOUSLY going to make big points with all those macho Alaskan dudes, but as far as scoring points with the average American woman, I don’t think she has what it takes.

Quite the contrary, in fact. She is a hypocrite if she is saying she is pro-women’s rights yet opposed to abortion. And teaching creationism in schools? PUH-LEASE. How much more misguided could you be? Sarah…. ever heard of a crazy little word called “SCIENCE”? I thought not…

I think it’s really bizarre that she got pregnant after being elected, too. Who REALLY needs five children in this day and age? Apparently, she is not only anti-abortion, she is against birth control as well!

115. davidw | 08.30.08

As a left leaning independent, I was unsure of my vote… until today. My 19 and 18 year old daughters are Hillary supporters who were unsure of their votes also. Not anymore.

For the first time in 50 years I’m actually excited about an election. My daughters and I will be voting for McCain and Palin.

So those who think this pick won’t effect women or independents don’t have a clue, just like the experts who all knew who McCain would pick. We’ll gladly give up the abortion issue for the time being to actually get things done in Washington.

116. rm | 08.30.08

maybe the rp should have run palin to begin with and have mccain as her vp, that way when she goes over to talk to the world leaders they can see how well equip she is in foreign policies, or any policies that does not evolve sex, family planing, hunting and fishing. oh you mean there’s more to the world? she the best thing since slice bread

117. BellTolls4Thee | 08.30.08

davidw - you are nuts. This is a transparent choice by McCain. Completely motivated to fooling dupes like you. Tricking the American people into selling out to big business for 4 more years. You think Palin will do anything to advance the rights of women? Foolish voters. Tricked by Repuglicans again. Oh, well America was fun while it lasted.

118. mamacita | 08.30.08

davidw…. it might serve you well to learn the difference between “effect” and “affect”.

Yeah, as the person above stated, you are nuts. It will AFFECT women all right, in a negative way, if McCain is elected. This Palin woman is not a champion of women’s rights in any way, shape or form. I am an independent as well. I lived in Arizona and voted for McCain once, many years ago. NOT THIS TIME. This Palin pick has sealed my vote for Obama, and you can bet your britches I’m not the only one.

I feel sorry for your uninformed daughters. The EFFECT you have had on them is tragic. Very, very tragic.

119. Moosehead | 08.30.08

I looked up “McCain” in the dictionary this morning:

hyp·o·crite /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/ noun 1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

How else to describe a month of “Obama’s dangerously inexperienced!” followed by this decision? What else is McCain saying that even he doesn’t believe?

120. Arctica | 08.30.08

As an Alaskan, I love Sarah! She has cleaned up AK politics and set forth initiatives which will ensure that AK is economically strong for a long time. However, I think AK needs her more as a Governor than the US needs her as a Vice President…her work here isn’t done and if she leaves, it will be un-done by the same self-serving crooks who give AK politicians a bad name!

121. mamacita | 08.30.08

If Sarah REALLY cared about Alaska instead of her own insatiable ego, she wouldn’t have accepted McCain’s offer. McCain is now the LONG SHOT because of her. Well, he was before, but now even more so.

Good for her for ‘cleaning up’ Alaska. Let’s just hope she NEVER, EVER gets the chance to appoint a United States Supreme Court Justice.

EVER.

You Alaskans can HAVE her! The rest of America is better off without her.

122. Leslie Brooks | 08.30.08

Choosing Palin as McCain’s running mate is another Rove tactic, and if McCain dies and she is president, it will be like it is with Bush, who was chosen NOT to run things, but as a front man/ empty suit who could win the election and give Cheney and their whole team the power.

The Republicans have filled the Justice Dept. with Regent grads (i.e. sub-par students from a low rated Christian fundamentalist law school,) who passed various litmus tests, loyalty to the Republican party, being pro-Iraq war, anti-abortion, and believing they aerve the president, not the Constitution, etc. (They were actualy grilled on these subjects before they were hired.

The Republicans don’t want anyone qualified to serve or qualified to lead, they want people qualified to follow orders.

That’s why McCain and now Palin only pose as mavericks and are really party hacks who fall right into line. Cindy McCain’s father got his bottling co. and subsequent wealth from the mob boss he took a fall for, and he chose his daughter’s boyfriend, the married McCain, as his man in politics and financed his rise to power.

The morals of this crew are not just suspect, they are certifiably disgraceful. John McCain is a phoney and the opposite of everything he pretends to be (a maverick, a war hero, a Christian, and all the many things he once stood against or for that he’s deserted in his quest for the Presidency.) Palin positions herself as an environmentalist, and that’s the biggest joke of all.

Consider her fights against the polar bear getting acknowleged as an endangered species, her wolf shooting from planes, her husband, the snow blower race champion/oilman, and the way she deep-sixed environmentalists’ struggles to keep the waters clean for salmon in Alaska, and her championing ANWAR.

And as for her being pro-life and pro-family values - what about the word it was her 16 year old daughter who had a Down syndrome baby she’s saying is hers and uses to her political advantage, while she can’t spend time with it, the 16 year old, or any of her kids?

A sad story, one that may never be brought to light, just as McCain’s adultery with his wife, Cindy, while married, or his relationship with the female lobbyist who was everywhere with him during the campaign. Imagine if these were Democrats!

123. O.A | 08.30.08

Mamcita,
Please look at what you just said!
Artica said he/she loves Sarah because she has cleaned up Alaska politics and you are saying that the rest off America is better off without her. To me its like you are saying we are ok with the crooks in Govt. We don’t need any cleaning up!
Do we need to express so much hate to a mother of 5 that has done far more in barely two years than some of these established “politicians” -Democrats or Republicans- have done in a lifetime. Little research even indicates at a point she even sued Bush!

124. davidw | 08.30.08

Apparently I’m far from the only one who is nuts. The response to the media by the general public is overwhelmingly in favor of Palin by independents and the right wing. Face it, we’re a country full of dupes. That’s how Bush was elected. The majority against her are left wingers. That works for me as I don’t want to live in a left wing world any more than I want to live in a right wing world. And that’s why I’m excited about this ticket. Both McCain and Palin have a track record of crossing party lines to get things done. Neither Obama nor Biden have that.

Also, I said nothing about Palin affecting women’s rights. My point was that those who say Pain won’t have an affect upon women’s and independents’ VOTES are obviously wrong. Whether the correct term is affect or effect, the point remains valid. But I’m not surprised on a political board that people attack the person rather than the message, because that’s politics as usual. And that’s part of what I want changed.

I don’t think women’s rights is a big issue now. Corruption in governement, the economy, our standing with the rest of the world, exiting Iraq gracefully, and alternative energy are my main concerns at this time. Roe v. Wade isn’t going to be turned around in my life time, so I don’t see the executive branch’s view on the subject as important.

I’m quite proud of my daughters. They were taught to think for themselves. They spend the time to research these politicians before voting, which is more than a lot of these anti-Palin posters did before sounding off. I don’t tell them who to vote for, but I’m curious to know what they’re thinking. What is tragic is that anyone would vote strictly along party lines, especially since the parties have basically changed views over the last couple decades with the exception of taxes.

I couldn’t care less about McCain’s affair any more than I cared about Clinton’s. I couldn’t care less if Palin’s youngest child is hers or her daughter’s. Personal attacks are just distractions from the real issues that face us as a country. Presidents typically have big egos, which is both a strength and a weakness. To think that a leader must be perfect in his/her personal life, because God knows we all are, is absurd. I can’t name a family who doesn’t have someone in it who’s had an affair. Get over it.

If you want a moral leader, go to church. If you want someone to lead your country, you’ll have to accept their sacrifices, even if it means spending less time with their family. From these posts one would have to conclude that a father’s interaction with their children is less important than a mother’s since men have never been accused of not spending enough time with their family when they ran for President.

If McCain dies, we’ll have a real person in office surrounded by experts on every political front to help her understand the issues so that she can make the best decisions for the country, the same as any president has. Bush has an IQ of 120. Like a lot of our past presidents, he’s not exactly a genius and doesn’t make decisions without consulting experts on the topic first. I’m so sick of hearing the “no experience” debate. No one has enough experience as a country leader before becoming President of the United States.

I’ve long believed that life long politicians have lost touch with the people’s wants and needs. There’s nothing I’d like better than a real person in office. We’d be better off with a bunch of plumbers running the country than what we’ve had for the last few decades. The dollar is crashing, our reputation with the rest of the world has been seriously damaged, and frankly if we fail as a nation, no one in the rest of the world would care.

Obama supporters think a lawyer has their best interest at heart. And I’m nuts? And as long as dupes like me have the right to cancel out votes from the self proclaimed “smart” people, I’m quite happy to be an American.

125. davidw | 08.30.08

Leslie Brooks,

Funny. As I recall, Reagan was elected as a “front man”, a show of force, when the country felt threatened by Russia. We couldn’t afford smiling Jimmy Carter at the time. An actor who looked really tough was exactly what the Dr. ordered at the time.

And Reagan is remembered largely, from both sides of the political divide, as one of our best Presidents ever. Go figure.

Here’s hoping McCain/Palin can do the same.

But when you say McCain is the opposite of a war hero, you show your real ignorance. I think in that one sentence you blew any credibility that you had. If I hadn’t already made up my mind, that one sentence would have convinced me to vote the opposite of you since you’re obviously off your rocker.

126. davidw | 08.30.08

Leslie Brooks,

As I recall, Ronald Reagan was elected as a “front man”, a show of force, an actor who looked tough and wouldn’t take any **** from anyone… at a time when we feared an attack from Russia. Jimmy Carter didn’t have a bad reputation, but he smiled too much to intimidate anyone.

Today Reagan is considered by a majority, on both sides of the political divide, to be one of our best Presidents ever. Go figure. Here’s hoping McCain/Palin do the same.

However, in one sentence you blew all credibility that you may have had when you say McCain is no war hero. Perhaps you should enlist and find out what war is, and then see if you can measure up to being a hero before you redefine the term for others. Honestly, If I hadn’t already made up my mind I’d vote the opposite to you because you’re obviously not thinking clearly.

127. cosmos | 08.31.08

davidw, c’mon, you made that name up. “I was leaning towards Hilary, but now I’m voting for McCain/Palin. It makes sense as long as I don’t think to much, but that makes my head hurt anyway”
People, this is not an undecided voter. This is Cheney or Karl Rove typing!!

128. cosmos | 08.31.08

davidw,
“I don’t see the executive branch’s view on the subject as important.”

>>
Hmm, well if Congress makes a bill to overturn it, which has been attempted multiple times by House Republicans, and it makes it to the President’s desk, it might be important.

“If McCain dies, we’ll have a real person in office surrounded by experts on every political front to help her understand the issues”

>> This is pretty much how Bush got a lot of support, because he had “experts” like Cheney and Rumsfeld in his cabinet to do the thinking. Look where that got us: lots of war for oil, no Bin Laden, and the world hates us.

“I can’t name a family who doesn’t have someone in it who’s had an affair. Get over it.”

>> Please don’t try to write of the fact that the Republican party is the party of hipocrites. So many preaching values, but as a party, so many more affairs, emails to young boys, etc.. You’re trying to persuade people to overlook these “minor details”, but its only going to work on very stupid people.

On Reagan and war heroes:

It would be an interesting discussion to examine what we think makes a war hero. Funny, the founders of our current war are all service evaders of some kind. Reagan also had no service. He could “act” a hero though. His record as a great president is largely dominated by his “right place, right time” ending of the Cold War. Fair enough, good job.

What gets overlooked is the massive deficit, muck like the one Bush has been creating. All this while touting to be a conservative?!?! You don’t get less taxes by creating debt for generations to come.

(edited for brevity)

129. Rowan | 09.04.08

I just spent 45 minutes reading all these comments. I just makes me think.

For those who call republicans hypocrites or democrats socalist wackjobs have you crossed party lines to vote for what you actually bevieve in? Is it a bad thing if one does?

I am strongly pro-choice since when a pregnancy begins the “baby” is just a few cells in no way a breathing child. It is still 100% dependent on the woman. It should be her choice whether she wants to commit her energy and future to its development. I am however against partial-birth abortions.

I don’t have a problem with teaching creationism as a method of explaining the world’s beginging, as long as it can be taught objectively and from many sects’ points of view (Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, etc).

I am not sure who I’m going to vote for; I just know that I am not comfortable with extracting natural resources and giving tax breaks just for short term gains. Environmental distruction will last generations if not forever and Americans (and the world) must think about those to come. If we have it hard what is it going to be like when oil and coal really do become scarce? Instead of fighting in Iraq, we should put that money towards finding alternative fuel sources and technologies. The war has in no means made oil any cheaper. It WV it’s 3.90 (down from 4.10) a gallon.

On the experience side of things, I do agree that being governor does mean a lot, no matter how small the state. But, if she really is doing wonders for Alaska wouldn’t it be right for her to complete her term to finish what she has promised her people? I am a little worried about Obama’s choice too. Plus, it doesn’t seem like I’ve seen the real Obama. I don’t want to say he’s fake but I can’t quite tell. I may not vote for either.

130. jpops | 09.14.08

As I read the comments I can’t believe the hate that spews out of the people that live in the same country with me.

131. Timateo | 09.22.08

Just look at the discussion generated by this article! If McCain had picked boring ol’ Lieberman or sme other fellow crusty would this many folks all of a sudden be interested in the election? SO many armchair critics and pundits, where have you all been during the Clinton years? Some of the hate spills over from Bush’s legacy, some of it from fear of their candidate might actually lose. SO what? We always get another chance to change the law of the land everytime Congress is in Session. Last time I heard, the VP only gets a chance to legislate in the event of a stalemate, a tie breaking vote. Otherwise, it is Washingtoon as usual.
It is good to see so many Americans know how to read and all those sheep wanting to be lead by the nose the nose ring. ‘Bama will be stuck with detractors and McPalin with mud.
btw: Lincoln couldn’t get elected today with this kind of scrutiny.

Nader 08 all the way. Now that you can read, let’s see how well you listen and learn…

132. dave moser | 12.07.08

it is hilarous to read geo beachs comments some 3 months later. he is totally wrong in every way, shape, and form.so much for him being an authority on politics. i like his tougher in alaska shows, but he better keep doing them, because he has no future in predicting politics.

133. Matt, Seattle WA | 04.20.09

You know… Watching the Discovery channel as much as I do, I see this guy named Geo Beach and all the obvious insecure one liners (”this is why we are so much tougher in Alaska”) he gives and think to myself, who is this guy and more importantly how did he get to be the face to represent pragmatic Alaskans? Then I come across this in my search.

How utterly Hilarious. It’s like watching CNBC today and realizing, none of the folks on there really have a clue.

8 months later, this little column has not only proved how shallow this guys analysis is but also a bit of an affirmation of my choice of president. Today Palin is being bombarded for her horrible decisions in Governing and the media is just pounding her for being such an attention freak. McCain has come back from his political pergatory and is actually making positive progress. The difference between the Presidential Candidate and his running mate? Class, tact and well thought out decisions.

No Palin is really no longer on the big national stage, unless of course you watch Jerry Springer. My sense is, the conciliatory calls for her run for the big office in 2012 are dwindling as well.

In spite of Obama’s lack of executive experience he’s managing to take on the most sensitive topics and turn them into successes. Just last week Ugo Chaves (whom I personally think should be on psychiatric medication) and Iranian prsident ahmadena-whatshisname, are actually looking silly because of Obama’s overtures.

Life isn’t perfect, but it’s a heck of a lot better than it was under Bush.

134. Matt Greenway | 04.20.09

You know… Watching the Discovery channel as much as I do, I see this guy named Geo Beach and all the obvious insecure one liners (”this is why we are so much tougher in Alaska”) he gives and think to myself, who is this guy and more importantly how did he get to be the face to represent pragmatic Alaskans? Then I come across this in my search.

How utterly Hilarious. It’s like watching CNBC today and realizing, none of the folks on there really have a clue.

8 months later, this little column has not only proved how shallow this guys analysis is but also a bit of an affirmation of my choice of president. Today Palin is being bombarded for her horrible decisions in Governing and the media is just pounding her for being such an attention freak. McCain has come back from his political pergatory and is actually making positive progress. The difference between the Presidential Candidate and his running mate? Class, tact and well thought out decisions.

No Palin is really no longer on the big national stage, unless of course you watch Jerry Springer. My sense is, the conciliatory calls for her run for the big office in 2012 are dwindling as well.

In spite of Obama’s lack of executive experience he’s managing to take on the most sensitive topics and turn them into successes. Just last week Ugo Chaves (whom I personally think should be on psychiatric medication) and Iranian prsident ahmadena-whatshisname, are actually looking silly because of Obama’s overtures.

Life isn’t perfect, but it’s a heck of a lot better than it was under Bush.