August 29, 2008
Posted: 02:25 PM ET

From
Clyburn said the choice of Palin is risky.
Clyburn said the choice of Palin is risky.

(CNN) – A leading House Democrat said Friday John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is a "risky" move that could ultimately prove disastrous to the Republican prospects in November.

Meanwhile, a top Senate Democrat said the pick is a "Hail Mary pass" and a "roll of the dice," in what is the initial reactions from McCain's rival party.

Watch: Palin accepts VP offer

Speaking to South Carolina ETV Radio, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn likened the choice of Palin to Walter Mondale's choice of Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and George H.W. Bush's pick of Dan Quayle in 1988. Both picks — relatively unknown political figures at the time — generated initial excitement but were ultimately deemed poor choices by many political observers.

"I think (her selection) would be something similar to Dan Quayle — Dan Quayle proved to be sort of an embarrassment as a campaigner, being thrust on a national stage like that could be very tough," Clyburn said. "Now Mondale tried to shake things up by going with Geraldine Ferraro, she proved to be a disaster as a running mate. And as a campaigner, she was absolutely awful."

"And so I just think that it is very risky for McCain to do this, but it may be all he has left," Clyburn also said.

In an issued statement, Sen. Chuck Schumer said Palin is significantly mismatched to Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden and said the prospect of her becoming president is "troubling."

"It is a real role of the dice and shows how John McCain, Karl Rove et al realize what a strong position the Obama-Biden team and Democrats in general are in in this election," Schumer said. "Certainly the choice of Palin puts to rest any argument about inexperience on the Democratic team and while Palin is a fine person, her lack of experience makes the thought of her assuming the presidency troubling. I particularly look forward to the Biden-Palin debate in Missouri.”

The Obama campaign also told CNN Friday the choice of Palin takes the question of experience "off the table."

"Experience is being taken off the table considering you're putting someone within a heartbeat of the presidency with the thinnest foreign policy experience in history," spokesman Bill Burton said.

Update:
Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the 4th ranking House Democrat, said in a statement the choice of Palin "shows political panic."

"Is this really who the Republican Party wants to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency? Given Sarah Palin's lack of experience on every front and on nearly every issue, this Vice Presidential pick doesn't show judgment: it shows political panic," he said.

Filed under: John McCain • Sarah Palin


Cynthia   August 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

They always say that your choice in your VP tells what kind of President you will make. Senator McCain made a really risky choice. I hope that the American people are really paying attention to this. Our country is in trouble and we need two people in charge that will be ready on day one.

TRICIA   August 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

What history is she making? Geraldine Ferraro beat her by a couple of decades.

That's the Repugnants for ya. On the cusp of change! LOL!

Horray for McCain   August 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

As Obama and his campaign disses and disparages John Mcain's pick as Vice President, John McCain is making history. The only risky thing is for Obama to be elected with no executive experience. Give me JOhn McCain and his experience over anything O'blah blah can do or say

Chris   August 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Typical McCain stunt. Wait and see/then react. Obama is miles ahead of this old man who is out of touch with everything (even the number of houses he owns) except the republican right wing and the rich old boys who are afraid of watching the power they have always had dissipate. The Obama Freight Train is about to de-rail the straight talk express.

Joseph   August 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

What about the fact that she is under investigation in her own state.

Quite an accomplishment for a governor of 2 years.

Duke NYC   August 29th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Oh no, John…what were you thinking? With all the highly skilled, seasoned and EXPERIENCED legislators to choose from in our party, why on earth would you fold your hand with this draw? Oh my….you've lost my trust in your leadership and ultimately my vote.

bobb dobbs   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

She has more executive experience than Obama.

McCain, Biden and Palin are more qualified than Obama. Obama is the affirmative action candidate.

chris   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

only those who don't want what's best for their children, our troops and America don't support Senator Clinton for President

California Gold   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

McCain has not made history naming her as a VP. Geraldine Ferraro was the first female VP candidate.

They also lost the election.

Sen. Obama   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

How could McCain put someone like that within a heartbeat of the presidency? :-)

Obama Supporter VA   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

This is a trick for media attention.
She will not accept at the RNC, He will pick someone else

All the RNC trying to do is stir up hate, division and confusion between two historic groups ( African Americans and Women).

Do not believe the hype.

Republicans are doomed! He selected her to throw off the "Working Women/Mother issues that Michelle Obama has Mastered.

He needs to show small kids on stage, since his own grandkids from his first marriage will probably not be there. He needs to figure out how to connect with Women, besides his obvious votes against their issues for 26 years.

McCain is a decietful, ill tempered, washed up soilder, who should not be President.

pn   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

I love it. I always knew you were running scared. Good WORK
McCain. My day has been made AGAIN!!

simp   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

barry c
your 5 to 10% swing to mclame is not going to happen, are you serious? Obama did hit the ball out of the park, are you on another planet? even if you didn't see his speech i know you heard about it. Hillary was not the choice and frankly I'm very glad she isn't.

all you haters who are trying to still say Obama has no experience, you are laughable. Regardless of who this old geeser picked, Obama and Biden will kick their BUTTS. LOL

Obama/Biden

georgia independent   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

This only proves that McCain doesn't get it. And McShame should be ashamed of himself to put this lady in this situation.

Biden will grind her up. It will be sad.

Female Hillary Supporter NOT Interested in Sarah Palin   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

I am NOT a PUMA, but I am an older white female who was early on turned off by Obama.

However, I love Joe Biden, so I will vote for Joe–Obama will be a tag-along.

It is LUDICROUS that Democratic women would switch to the Republican party and its platform just to get a female vice president.

Cranston Snort   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

It may be true that in the future this may be a bad move, but for the present it was brilliant…has completely dimmed the shooting star of last night.

Brad - Washington State   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Great ploy and ruse McCain. Have America spend the next month and a half focusing on who and what Palin is all about so they're not looking at your record. Shame on you!!!

Matt, Pittsburgh   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

She's no Hillary!!

Is that all the higher you libs have set the bar??

Great. I wouldn't want Hillary. Hillary is just another democrat who never lets the truth get in her way. Whitewater, Rose Law firm billing, whitehouse travel office… and this was all before she held any public office.

I was hoping for Pawlenty. But if this upsets liberals/socialists so much, it must a really good decision.

McCain/Pallin '08
Pallin/Pawlenty '12

EBC   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

John McCain has just INSULTED women and their intelligence in this country with his blatant "pandering" of his VP Pick.

I mean come on, as a WOMAN, does John McCain THINK that we women are that daft in voting for him because he picked "a woman"? I mean, does he really think we women supported HIllary Clinton just because she was just "A" woman"? NOT!!!!

The audacity in thinking we woman are that STUPID and that quick to SELL OUT THEIR VOTES and DISHONOR Sen. Clinton's 35+ years of dedication to this country as a PROUD AMERICAN and DEMOCRAT, over his silly pandering of Gov. Palin!!!! He's sorely mistaken!!!

WOMEN —– ARE WE THAT STUPID????

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
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NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
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NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!

B. Edwards   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

It would appear that Barack's charge that McCain has poor judgement
is correct. He picks a person with MUCH LESS experience than Obama to be president. He has one foot in the grave and another on a banana peel and this is who he leaves to face Putin and Bin Ladin.

Gov. Palin's husband works for an oil company B/P petroleum and
she is under investigation. IS SHE THE FEMALE CLONE OF CHENEY OR WHAT.?

This is a change alright. Its musical chairs. The same group running round and round the White House

GOD HELP AMERICA!!!

David in Los Angeles   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Clearly Palin is the most qualified candidate in the field, more so than Obama, Biden or McCain, she has extensive executive experience (2 years) as Governor of a large state with national security implications (Alaska) and she has additional executive experience as Mayor of a now prominent municipality (Wasilia City). What is there not to like about this? I'm really surprised she did not run for the Presidency herself. I say Palin for President, forget McCain!

P.S. my meds have not been working well lately. :)

McWho?   August 29th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

the DMC convention was amazing from top to bottom….this VP choice shows the desperation of the Republican party but also shows that McCain is in no way in charge of his campaign…72 today, well John happy birthday,our gift to you will be your retirement.

JLM   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Attention Hillary supporters (and all women for that matter): 3 out of the 4 liberal judges currently sitting on the Supreme Court will likely be retiring during the next president's term. McCain and Palin want to overturn Roe v. Wade, and if they are elected, it could very likely happen. Some states would then make abortion illegal, eliminating choice for women. Please do not be tricked into voting for McCain just because he picked a woman.

Joseph in Dallas   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Okay…God Forbid something happen to McCain(if he gets elected president)….while he's in office….do we REALLY want this woman running the country?

Andy   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Considering she has never appeared on a national stage, never given a major speech, and probably never even given the federal government a second thought, this was a risky, and purely political, move.

McCain has no idea how she'll perform. It smacks of desperation.

Jeffer65   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

I think she will be a good campaigner, but her lack of experience and inability to actually be president if something happens to McCain will ruin the Republicans chances of being elected. Bad choice.

Ian   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

I'm sure the conservative base will be real happy with a woman. Nice job John, I think you just PO'ed a lot of "Christians".

Kathleen Kourie   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

McCain's pick of Palin as VP says a few things to me. He plans to have Alaska's oil resources fully exploited as payback for this nod. Before any alternative sources of energy are serious explored, the oil industry and the politicians in their pockets want to squeeze every last drop of our oil sold at record profits in the name of "helping" the American people. If this wasn't transparent enough, McCain feels he has the experience needed on every issue to be president and won't have to listen to a VP with virtually no experience at the national level. Having a woman will also pander to the Hillary voters who just wanted a woman in the White House.

Bob Indianapolis, IN   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

The fact that she's from Alaska will be a nice subliminal reminder of another corrupt Republican, Mister Bridge-toNowhere: Ted Stevens!

georgia   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Agnew,Quayle Palin…??
Another great Repugnant VP choice !

Ready for Change   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

PUMA!!!!!!!!!!

d   August 29th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

I can't believe the PUMAS and Mccain supporters trying to say she has more expereinced than obama because she has EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE.

Guess what, Hillary and mcCain has only been Senators as well, NO EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE.

If you believe Palin is more expereinced than Obama, than using that logic she is more expereinced than McCain and Clinton.

Obamas Campaign that he has run excellent over the last year is more involved with people, money, and probably has a larger budget then friggin Alaska

So...   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

let me get this straight, McCain criticizes Obama for his lack of experience and then picks Palin?! HAHAHA…Obama picked a senator with about 35 years of experience who is ready to step in as President should anything happen to Obama and the best McCain can do is a governor who has barely completed two years in office?!

No Way, No How, No McBush!

Obama/Biden - 2008

Mike   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Great pick… This woman is going to surprise a lot of you just like Clinton did in the primary!!!

John   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

George H.W. Bush's pick of Dan Quayle in 1988? Bush became the president in 1988!

Speaking on a South Carolina radio station, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn likened the choice of Palin to Walter Mondale's choice of Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 …

If Bill Clinton was racist, shouldn't you call this sexist?

ck   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

AWESOME!!

HF from PA   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

fansten your seatbelts….going to get bumpy…experience is a wash now….its all about the platform and the economy stupid

Obama / Ayers 08 ~ wave of destruction!!   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Oh please. Will the blacks finallyt shut up! Its time for a woman to come to the White House. Women have always stood aside. Not anymore. Get out of the way. Here comes Mc Cain / Palin '08

NY4Obama   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Did the Repugnicans pull her name out of a hat ??? Isn't she under investigation?

KED   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Wow, there's a lot of hate out there. Let's see, a peanut farmer did it in 76, and an actor in 80. Experience? Please. Palin will be awsome.

Sara   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Beauty queen?

Does Alaska have any oil to "exploit"?

Just ANY WOMAN to get the women's vote?

Brian from San Diego   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Correction to "Dave C - NJ":

Obama never served in the House, as you imply by stating that he "…served in congress for 8 years in the House…"

Obama was a Illinois State Senator serving in the Illinois State government, NOT the U.S. House of Representatives. His three years in the U.S. Senate is the first time he has held anything more than a local office. Also, he was elected to the Illinois State Senate UNOPPOSED because he used legal maneuvering to get his opponents off the ballot. In reality, his election to the U.S. Senate was his first time facing any opposition, and that came after his celebrity-making speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Open Eyes   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I couldn't agree with Clyburn more!

To me this seems a CLEAR attempt to play politics and prey on women who voted for Hillary, because clearly Palin is not the next most qualified person on the Republican side….

But I worry that some women may not see it this way…

Did the majority of women voters just vote for Clinton BECAUSE she was a woman???

McCain is rolling the dice that they were…

James   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I thought Gov. Palin was being investigated for abuse of power and coruption. Does this show a lack of judgement on McCain's part to pick someone who could bring the entire ticket down if convicted?

Ern   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

This does even more to highlight Obama's inexperience.

natalie   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I think adding Palin to the ticket by mccain is so interesting and took guts. Obama's decision to partner with Biden was a big disappointment. Clyburn's comments in this article smack of sexism. Palin is no more inexperienced than Obama who is at the top of the dem ticket. Didn't Obama just proclaim last night we need to bring change to Washington-from the outside! I am a pretty unhappy clinton democrat who feels my party does not care at all about us 50+ women at all. We should just get over it says the obama folks. We are just idiots as Charles Barkley says or we are racists. These are the same Obama people who overwhelmingly told pollsters during the primary that if Hillary got the nod they would sit it out. Do The only thing keeping me in obama's corner [for now] is the prospect of what mccain and palin will do to the supreme court. Mccain made an interesting choice. Obama did not.

Gee, Alabama   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I think the question of readiness to be Commander in Chief is legitimate for every VP hopeful. Even more so on the John McCain ticket and here I would have real concerns with Mrs Palin. I guess the press and the world will keep a close watch on his health even more.

Is she really prepared for the job after being thrust from small town politics into national politics in just a few years? Or are we looking at a re-incarnartion of the "Great Job' Michael Brown.

Nathan   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

In '88 Dukakis was running. Obama is far superior to Dukakis. Biden will destroy Palin in debates. While Biden was talking to world leaders Palin was? Exactly.

PUMA IS A KARL ROVE DIRTY TRICK AND A MYTH..   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

JB… ARE YOU SERIOUS???

Obama WAS a community organizer…

he was also a state senator for 8 years BEFORE coming to washington.

this chick has held a statewide office for ONE and a HALF years…

is today OPPOSITE day in your world?

Inexperienced Vice Pres. pick   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I also foresee that this could completely backfire in McCain's face because Palin will probably garner much more attention on McCain's ticket than McCain himself.

McCain will have to work hard to capture more of the public's interest than Palin.

Like Obama, she may become a celebrity too.

Peter from Michigan   August 29th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

come on CNN, now it is your time time to find ANYTHING negative you can pick on - with this woman I see an ocean of risks and negative factors:
- she's too young
- she strongly opposes abortion
- her politics in Alaska are to characterized as shady as best
- she supports the NRA
the list goes on…

jc   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

OH mama..Obama gonna be a fight now.

Franky   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

And for the record guys, she ain't no Hillary but you know what? That's O.K!! I hope some of Hillary supporters vote for McCain!! LOL!!!

JW   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Finally the Doom and gloom Club can see "Real Hope and change" Not the same Ol' Bama-Biden Politics all dressed up in Britiney Outfit!

J.D.   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

When Obama chose Biden, most people thought he displayed great judgment, picking an experienced statesman. Meanwhile McCain picks a nobody with 2 years experience to be a heartbeat from the Presidency. Unbelievable. Does he think Palin can go toe-to-toe with the Putin and the leader of Iran? This is pandering, it's insulting, and it's another example of his bad judgment. Are you telling me that there were not more qualified Republicans to choose from? Unbelievable! This election is OVER.

chris   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

the lemmings know nothing about obama and yet they chose him over the best candidate for the job, Senator Clinton….

ALLAN USA   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

NO HRC –NO OBAMA>

obamabiNLAden   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

go McCain, go!

Dianne   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Palin is no Hillary Clinton. If that was the reason McCain did this to get Hillary supporters they are sadly wrong. No one is going to fall for this. I can't believe McCain would not think about the American people more. What is going to happen to our country if something happens to McCain. think what will happen to our country under someone who does not have 1 1/2 years experiece as Governor to a small state. Unbelievable McCain would do this to his country.

Ed Stack   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

I take one look at Jim Clyburn and I must ask myself if this gentleman also is a beacon of leadership…..take a good look folks and also listen to him…..would you follow this fellow into a precarious situation or environment and hope to come out alive? Obama had his chance to select Hillary…he did not…..he picked "Jaws" Biden……..I voted for Hillary initially and now I WILL vote for McCain………..it is about time we had a LADY in the White House to monitor all of these corrupt gentlemen we usually call…"leaders"……they have led us into the poorhouse……..they have ABUSED our children's prospects of a decent life in the future….they have squandered OUR money…they have ABUSED their powers…..it is time for a LADY….she and McCain have my vote! Maybe SHE can help to balance the budget!

Sistah   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Just as Obama stated in his speech last night….John McCain doesn't get it. In politics…key word "policy". Obama is a change in policies in all areas of government. McCain is more of the Bush policies….that's the main debate. Yes, the canidate themselves play a role… but again it has to do with policies. McCain isn't going to do anything different than the past 8 years under a failed administration other than give more tax breaks to big corporations and the wealthy….More of the same.

Chosing a female is not going to change the McCain platform, it just proves what Obama has been saying. This election is about "us" the people of the USA not the canidates themselves. So whether McCain picks a male or in this case a female doesn't change anything.

Let's not lose the big picture….this election has to do with "POLICIES" and not so much the canidates themselves. McCain is trying to run interference to distract from the main issue…..Change in policies and direction….not change in "Gender"

Anonymous   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

this sarah person is a joke, right???

David   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Hillary is going to rip this woman to pieces. She is going to be like a little girl and go cry - hahaha. Seriously - her entire state has a population just slightly bigger than my metro area. For experience, give me a politician who has worked the Chicago machine all the way up to the nomination over some backwater unknown any day. Otherwise, I think I'll go be mayor of a town of about 6000, become gov, and then I can also be a VP!

Spencer from VA   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Look at the McCain supporters trying to use our slogans. No originality. So lame JC.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Lesley, Lighthouse Point, FL   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

The women who supported Hilary are feminists. They are a smart group of women and will not fall for this gimick. Sarah Palin is not pro women's issues. It's more than just being female, it's about promoting women in this country. Typical neanderthal attitudes coming from this party.

Barb   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Well that makes her and Obama equals, both don’t have any foreign policy experience since calling a whirlwind trip around a few countries can hardly be called foreign policy experience. Also she is not running for the top spot. Unlike Obama she worked in the last year and half in the position she was elected into and even accomplished a few things – hmmmmm.

linda   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Given McCain's age and health history there is a good chance she could be President. No way.

Sue   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

This is a great disaster in the making. What poor judgement on McCain's part - does McCain understand the risks faced by this country to elect Palin?

I'm just disappointed!

Speider   August 29th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

I'm shocked by this news. Of all the experienced people that could and should have been picked, this is a very questionable move. I do have to agree with most that this seems to be a desperate move to lure Clinton's hardcore PUMA supporters, yet they, for the most part, heeded Senator Clinton's call for party unity. I just can't fathom what the RNC is thinking beyond that.

What truly frightens me is that she is next in line if something were to happen to McCain. What experience could she bring to the table of world and national politics?

This truly is an historic election. Future generations will look back on this and wonder what their fore bearers were thinking and if we were neanderthals.

John McShame Dont Get it!   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

this is a awful pick!

I'm appaled that McShame will pick a non-starter!

this woman is NOT even worth the sand Hillary walk on….PAWLENTY would have been a better choice!

the republicans will be scratchinh their head…what's wrong with John McShame?!

to have a woman with zero-experience a heartbeat away from the presidency and you John McShame is 72yrs old and may leave the stage anytime soon; THAT'S SCARY!

America is DOOMED with the republican choice!

Welcome President Barack Obama!!!!!

EBC   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

John McCain has just INSULTED women and their intelligence in this country with his blatant "pandering" of his VP Pick.

I mean come on, as a WOMAN, does John McCain THINK that we women are that daft in voting for him because he picked "a woman"? I mean, does he really think we women supported HIllary Clinton just because she was just "A" woman"? NOT!!!!

The audacity in thinking we woman are that STUPID and that quick to SELL OUT THEIR VOTES and DISHONOR Sen. Clinton's 35+ years of dedication to this country as a PROUD AMERICAN and DEMOCRAT, over his silly pandering of Gov. Palin!!!! He's sorely mistaken!!!

WOMEN —– ARE WE THAT STUPID????

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
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NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!
NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN!!

Lou - NH   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

A republican VP from Alaska?!?!?! The oil companies must be drooooling!

jimmy   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

DEMOCRATS , OBAMA AND HIS CAMP IGNORED , TREATED HILLARY CLINTON BADLY AND THEY NOW SHOW CONTEMPT
FOR AN HONEST WOMAN VP CHOICE OF MCCAIN AND THE GOP..
CLYBURN (WHO THE HECK IS HE) CALLS HER RISKY ????
NOT ANYMORE RISKY THAN OBAMA THE DEMS NOMINEE FOR PREZ. AMERICAN WOMEN NOW HAVE A VOICE IN VOTING FOR MCCAIN AND PALIN WHO DEFEATED HER OWN PARTY'S
POLITICIANS. SHE IS AN ENERGY AND OIL DRILLING ADVOCATE
AND SHE HAS FOUND HER VOICE ON THE AMERICAN POLITICAL LANDSCAPE ….THE OIL RICH ALASKAN LANDSCAPE
THAT IS. WE WILL NOW BE ABLE TO TAP THE LARGEEST OIL RESOURCES WE HAVE IN ALASKA AS WELL AS OFF SHORE DRILLING.. BEST OF ALL HILLARY'S SUPPORTERS AMERICAN WOMEN HAVE A VOICE AND CANNOT NOT BE IGNORED AS HILLARY WAS BY THE DEMOCRATS LED BY OBAMA AND CAMP.

Abby :)   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

You know why I think this is a mistake, if Hillary doesn’t want an incumbent woman running against her in 2012, she is going to be working her heart out for Obama. I think they just reenergized Hillary. Very nice.

arun   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

After the current president, using the "governor / executive experience" is probably not a smart move. As we have seen, being governor does not preclude you from being a disaster. Point is what are your views on the issues that face this nation. Are we whiners ? Do we have universal health care a.k.a. run to the emergency ?

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Wonder what PUMA folks will think when Palin and Clinton go toe to toe and Palin trashes Hillary.

Will they still vote for McCain?

Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton.

Palin is in way over her head! We will find out soon enough.

Thanks McCain for not picking Pawlenty! He was the only guy I was worried about. YOU BLEW IT!

BAD JUDGEMENT AGAIN.

ryan   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

wow i am a republuican but this was not good what about romney this could have lost it all this is crazy i hope it help but dont see it thanks mccain for making republicans scratch there head.this was a mistake.

RRRrrrr   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Mc same only picked palin because he's a big fan of big oil companies and this will put him closer to anwr.. he and the GOP have never done a single thing for women, and now he picks one that 2 years ago was mayor of a town the size of my back yard and is now the governor of one of the least populated states? WOW….. they could have at least picked a strong woman with some REAL leadership skills, but im sure gramps doesn't want her to break a nail… a woman that isnt even for women….

Tennessee Mike   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

No more risky that the Democratic presidential candidate who has absolutely no "REAL" experience!

anon   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

If experience is now off the table, then I guess "change" is also off the table.

PUMA IS A KARL ROVE DIRTY TRICK AND A MYTH..   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

LETS ALL SEE HOW LONG THE "OBMA SHOULD HAVE PICKED HILLARY" NOTES CONTINUE TO APPEAR NOW THAT UNITY HAS BEEN ACHIEVED….

PUMA IS A KARL ROVE DIVIDE AND CONQUER TRICK..

Kevin,FL   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

"thinnest foreign policy experience in history" The Obama Camp shouldn't be talking about foreign policy. Obama got None

Christina P., Buffalo NY   August 29th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

@Souza writes: I was just still wonder why would Obama not pick Hillary? This election would have been a slam dunk. What reason could be more important than winning? Instead Biden got 8,000 votes and Hillary 18 million. What is wrong with this picture?

Answer: It's not about JUST winning (except for the repugs) - it's about WINNING with all of the necessary pieces in place to ensure REAL CHANGE!!! (Being able to work his plan) Hillary, I'm sure will have a nice cozy cabinet position … yet when Hillary promised us 200,000 jobs in Buffalo NY - she didn't have the pieces in place to fulfill that promise - she admitted it in a national debate!! Obama is a master organizer!!! He plans his work - and works his plan!!! That's how experience works!!!

Ex-PUMA 4 Obama   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I thought for sure that he would pick Romney or Pawlenty. Um……strange.

Wow McCain, I can see not chosing Romney because of the Hillary ads you put out with Hillary slamming Obama for lack of experience. But why not Pawlenty?

The Republican Convention will be interesting…especially with McBushRove speaking on the first night.

JOE, NYC   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

bad choice for MCBush

Bruce   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Well the choice may not be about "WOMEN" there is OIL in the equation.

Dan in Philly   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

The wrong choice, of course. In addition to killing his 'inexperience' argument, there's also the little problem of the firing scandal she claims she knew nothing about (and reminiscent of the federal attorney firings, a similarity I'm sure Obama/Biden will point out.) She's also admitted to smoking pot and has been quoted as saying she cannot pull a Bill Clinton and say she never inhaled. Biden will beat her in the debates, too.

I think he's miscalculated. The HillBillies wanted Hillary to not only get there, but be the first. Many of them are not likely to give another woman the chance to be president.

Obama/Biden '08, '12 for Change

Dave   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Love how all the equal rights Dems are claiming McCain just picked a woman to sway Hillary supporters. Hypocrites! Maybe you should learn something about the candidate before you make your sexist comments.

Jeff   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Kick butt SARAH!

peg   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

smart move for mccain. just sealed my vote. republican for the first time. what is so risky about this move. she has more excutive experience than obama and biden

Jen, Gainesville   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

McCain is a gambler and has poor judgment. This is another proof.

Peggy Schettini   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I am not American but I went to college in the States. I always thought that Americans respect women but it looks like I made a mistake. What a sexist thing to say. Now I realize that people all over the world are the same even if their country has the " best " universities in the world. That reminds me of a French man who heard my mom and I talk about soccer and who said :"now women think they are experts, they talk about soccer"

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Amy Holmes just said that if Biden goes tough on her in the VP debate he'll be perceived as a bully. So Biden is supposed to be soft because she's a woman! Please. What an insult to women that we can't hold our own and you better be nice to us? Or we'll cry?

Anne   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

McCain has to be crazy! Does he think he can choose this inexperienced woman from Alaska and believe he can win over all the Hillary supporters? No one has ever even heard of this woman. What an insult to women everywhere who believed in and fought for Hillary. Obama has my vote. I will work for and do everything I can to see that he is elected! Go Obama/Biden!

Obama-Junkie, IL   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

This is very risky for McCain. With all the talk from my fellow bloggers, a simple but powerful thing can happen which will destroy McCain's chances in the general election and he just reinforced it. If between now and Nov. 4th, McCain tests positive for more cancer his choice of Palin reinforces the "ready to be president" argument within his own party.

And when voters take a look at a McCain/Palin ticket compared to an Obama/Biden ticket, the choice will be either Obama/Biden or stay home and not vote! Oh Yeah! I forgot about Bob Barr, the spoiler for McCain.

Obama Supporter VA   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I think it is a hoax…..

I think durign the convention she will decline and he will pick another person.

McCain wants a moment in the media spotlight…,.stir up the female votes

and Clyburn played right into McCain's plan just like Bill was accused of the race card.

Obama stay above this and make no rash statements about this lady until after the Republican convention.

The Republicans flow in confusion, division and fear! What better way then to get African Americans and Women polarized against each other.

Democrats unite and do no be tricket

mike c   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Not the best choice, unknown VP candidate, how will that win more votes?? Obama new he need some experience, Biden. Is McCain just reaching to get the Hillary votes?

Joe in NJ   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

"I can't wait to see Hillary Clinton tear her apart."

And why would Hillary do that? Who cares what Hillary has to say at this point? She's over. And as far as Palin not being Hillary, good because we don't want Hillary!

Greg   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Clyburn is right.

Palin is risky for her party and for the country.

McCain would be the oldest President ever if elected, and he just chose the most inexperienced VP ever. She was running a town with a population of only 5,400 and has only been governor of Alaska for a year.

That's not experience we can believe in….

Spencer from VA   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Joe Biden is going to rip her a new one. Welcome to the big league little lady.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

RRE   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

If any one is risky it's OBAMA…. GO MCCAIN/PALIN…..

Barbara Gooch   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Ah! quit crying it would not of mattered who he picked there would be the Dem. crying. The only better choice would have been Condolisa Rice. She has as much experience as Obama and probably a lot smarter. So you Dem. give it up.

James   August 29th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I'm sure she is smart and intelligent.

But it is going to be hillarious to listen to Rush, Hannity, Larson, FOX commentators in general try to justify and applaud this decision.

The Conservative movement is dead and this is another nail in the coffin.

This is laughable.

Denise   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Agreed….Obama/Biden all the way.

And by the way…..I'm offended that McCan would think he would get my vote by selecting any old female to run with. This woman is opposite of what Hillary stands for and it's Obvious — McCain just don't get it. And he won't get the Presidency.

NY4Obama   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Palin - Ready to Lead a village..not the Nation. Has his Governor ever been to Washington? Is she 'Ready to Lead' how is her 'JUDGMENT" and what does this say about his? She's merely been picked to be a figurehead..it's ridiculous, to say it's Laughable is an understatement.

The John McCain Comedy Tour - coming to a city near you.

vvv   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

it will be disaster, ah, I dont think so. Sarah Palin will be a good VP. We need a woman to do the job. It is perfect for her.

Geri Hall   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

McCain is definitely on the defensive. He seems unable to come up with fresh ideas, so he copies George W. Bush's policies and tries to grab the spotlight from Obama by choosing an inexperienced woman as a running mate. Poor John! Do we want a copy cat as president?

Kijanna   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Whatever happend to calls for experience from more of the same camp? Wow, she gained experience leading a town of 5000 people, plus polar bears?

georgia   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Mac flip-flops once again ! Now inexperience is a plus ???
Not to mention ethics:like ordering the firing of state trooper bro-in-law because he's feuding w/your sister !
Great choice Mac…….. NOT !!!!!

whotoo   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

This is the time to question the issue of experince and inexperience. The time to question the issue of who makes the right judgement.
This is the time for voters to examine their emotions. Are women anxious to see an experience woman in the White House? Or are they anxious to just see a woman with a little experience on national issues in the White House?

Clinton Fringer   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

"Experience is being taken off the table considering you're putting someone within a heartbeat of the presidency with the thinnest foreign policy experience in history," spokesman Bill Burton said.

Are they talking about themselves? She is running for VP with the experience being on the top of the ticket as it should be not the experiece being Biden as the VP. Hahahahahaha………..they know this is a choice that is going to make the Obama lives much more difficult. Honestly…………a gun toting, feminist, pro-life, life long NRA member. Dang……..you really don't get much better of a Republican resume.

No Longer Amused, Las Vegas   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Well, the Republicans have really hamstrung themselves on attacking Obama for "lack of experience".

I can't wait to see the VP debate.

Hana   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Not so intelligent pick for Mccain…Gov Palin is under investigation on corruption by the state of Alaska.

Franky   August 29th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Man, she better get ready for this game. That's all I gotta say. Ohhh man, this is gonna be exciting….

JC   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

What an outstanding selection. For those chanting the experience mantra - Vice Presidents don't need much experience (unless of course the President has none). Vice Presidents normally go off on their own and work on a few pet projects while they get their feet wet and get experience. Obama would have been a great VP pick. Palin is a great VP pick. I am so excited!

No Way, No How, No Obama!

McCain/Palin - 2008

Margaret McTighe   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

I think McCain just lost the election with his VP pick. Those of us who are tired of religion influencing our policies, now know McCain will Indeed be a continuation of the Bush whitehouse. Pro-Life and Anti-gay sentiments are the Only Things she Brings to McCain.

Oregon calling   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Things that make you go hmmmmm, or more importantly, what was he thinking? You think that this will get the Hillary supporters? No Way, No How, NO McCain! There goes your "Lack of experience argument.
Some have said that you can tell what type of leader you will be getting by how they run their campaign, hands down Obama has run a stellar one!

Obama / Biden 08

Sam Rose   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

McCain has just put our country at risk by this stupid decision–
as much as I do not like McCain and Romney—at least
I would have confidence that Romney could run the country—should something happen to McCain—

—-I am really scared by this decision should he be elected——

He has put us at risk—NO WAY NO HOW—McCAIN-PALIN

Veteran for McCain   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

This is such a great pick…..

I love the DEMS faulty thinking here:

She has little experience so she is a bad choice…. So Obama has little experience but he is a good choice? I would take a one term governor over a one term senator anyday.

It's our term to shine now!!! Move over DEMS, you have been forgotten!

Tony   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Are you better off now than you were 8 years ago then you make more than $200,000 a year and voted republican. I on the other hand made less than $100,000 and need a break. If yoou want 4 more years of the same bs then go and waste your vote for Mc. But if you want change then its Obama.

S. Bird   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

I don't understand what she adds to the ticket. If the concern w/ McCain is his age (whether a legitimate concern or not), then as a voter, I would like to see someone with a lot more experience as the #2. From a review of her background, I'm unimpressed and will now seriously consider voting for the other side. Note: as a female voter, the choice of what appears to be a VP candidate w/out much experience won't gain my vote.

Beverly, NYC   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Want to bet he forgets he made this coice in the morning? He has until Tuesday to change his mind.

Linda   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Does anyone know where Palin stands on abortion and reproductive rights? Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she's for women!

KC   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Let's see she has a degree in Journalism, was Miss Alaska, Miss Congeniality, the first thing she did out of college was to elope with a oil man, she was a sports reporter and she eats moose. McCain is 72 yrs old, is this who you want in 2nd? not me.

petra   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Here we go again, the whiny democrats out in full force…

J.C.   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

I would worry more about their performance in the White House than on the campaign trail. I don't think McCain chose Palin just because she is a woman.

Maria D.   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

At least Ms. Palin has worked as governor for two years - the 2 years Mr. Obama has been in the Senate all he has done is campaign - I think that her foreign policy experience is the same as Obama - traveling to a few foreign countries does not an expert make - I'd rather the VP have less experience than the President - it seems the DNC has their ticket all upside down . . .

Obama/Biden 08   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

He definitely has a great point there.

Moreover, McCain, as we all have seen, is not making this campaign about issues. He is making it by exploiting people's fears and by attempting to sway women by promising them history. I hope that Hillary supporters soon realize that Sarah Palin has almost nothing in common with Hillary Clinton besides her gender.

konjit   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

ok this really scares me! Biden is going to tear her apart during a debate. What is McCain thinking????

lovable liberal   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

How will Palin respond when some clueless person asks, "Hey, is that your dad?"

Nicole   August 29th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Let me get this straight and when I say this I am not trying to be funny or issue an attack to McCain but we are all aware of McCain age and previous health issues so his VP choice is very critical because they could very well have to step in and be President. You mean to tell me that he is so desperate to get Clinton supporters that he picked a VP with no experience whatsoever on National Security when we are facing threats now more than ever.

You really think that we Hillary supporters are so stuid and irrational to not see that you only picked this woman because of her gender. This is a insult to me and all the other woman that I know.

This woman ain't no Hillary Clinton!

misterd   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

I love how JB proclaims that She was Govenor (for less than 2 years) and she was a Mayor. You know, he's right. Being a Mayor of a small Alaska town, and govenor of a state with huge natural resources but an extremely small population is just like being the leader of the most powerful nation in the world! My first reaction was…WHO??? Then I started thinking of the simple fact that John McCain is at an age where the Vice President may need to step in and run our country. They can hammer away at Obama's experience but it is on the national level and he has Biden who has TONS of experience. This woman is very confusing because in reality, she has basically NO experience that is relevant to being a leader of the United States especially in a time when the complexities of the office are so incredibly great.

All I am left saying is…"what are they thinking???"

ObamaAllTheWay   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Al Gore: I like recycling but this is riducous
I like woman but this is ridculous,absurd,preposterous, and laughable to try to appeal to women by picking woman as a V.P.
this woman is unknown she is not hillary clinton, this is the end of
GOP( white party).

not chuckling   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

forgot to change name title, its not funny in the least

PUMA IS A KARL ROVE DIRTY TRICK AND A MYTH..   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

from the comments from the usual suspects…

it seems McCain could have chosen his pet rock from his p.o.w. days as running mate, and you would be hailing it as the best decision in history.

you guys are sooooooo transparent.

this is the biggest pander in the history of mankind.

period. go ahead right wing… fox news… SPIN AWAY…

Lou - NH   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

To me this seems like a completely calculated, transparent, reactive, and uninspired pick by the McCain campaign. They are trying to court the Hillary Clinton votes. If she bombs in the debates, there is NO WAY McCain wins this election.

JOE KILOZ   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

I F,,,,,,,,,,I ,,,,,,,,,,,,W A S,,,,,,,,,,,A ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,M A J O R I T Y,,,,,,,,,W H I P,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I ' D,,,,,,,,,,,,,B E,,,,,,,,,,,,,W E L C O M I N G,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,D I V E R S E,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

P O I N T S,,,,,,,,,,,,,O F,,,,,,,,,,,,,,V I E W,,,,,,,,I N T O,,,,,,,,T H E,,,,,,,,,,F R A Y

suspicious   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

I agree with Clyburn. As a woman I am disgusted. Disgusted at McCain for hoping there are enough stupid women out there that would vote for him just because they wanted Hillary and disgusted at the fact that there are women out there that are willing to vote for McCain just because there is a woman on the ticket. This isn't a popularity contest, it is the about the issues that affect us as Americans every day. Ladies, having a woman in the white house that fundamentally disagrees with everything you believe in is not a step in the right direction. I can't have any respect for a woman that believes that the government should have a say in what you can do with your body!

Flip Flop Obama   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED, this race is over. What Obama does not understand is Actions speak louder then Words.

Great Job McCain

internet_winter   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

This has got to be a joke. A head fake.

McCain is definitely not so stupid as to select someone so woefully unqualified to succeed him should his 73-year-old heart give out.

from OC   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Considering who McCain picked for VP running mate, I know we would be better off not having him as a president. This was a really dumb choice. He really doesn't get it, especially with the women's vote. I'm sure some of the Republican campaign insiders have their heads spinning right now because they were consistently on message about Obama's lack of experience. John McCain just derailed his own campaign. It's tragic.

Gail   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

The only thing Palin and Clinton have in common is their gender. I'm voting for Obama because he's the best for the job, not because he's black. I'll never vote for Palin because she's a woman. She's completely unqualified to be an old man's heart beat away from the Presidency.

mattb   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

the VP debates should be fun!!!! She's going to be shark bait!

Matthew   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

It also shouldn't come as a surprise the House Democrats are calling Sarah Palin risky. Much of the leadership already proved itself to be sexist during the primaries.

Michael   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

McCain made a terrific pick in Palin!!!!!

He picked some one who is more qualified than Obama himself and he lifted up women.

America IS Great!!! McCain/Palin 08!!!!

Scooter Mccain   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

NICE GIFT TO DEMOCRATS.

OBAMA……..08

shannon   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Why do DEMS HATE WOMEN???!?!?!

First Hillary and now Palin.

anonymouys   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

i will not be voting for mccain we dont like this women as vp we dont even know who she is

Mr. Educator   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

How about choosing me McCain?

She has only two years of experience and a Beauty contest.

I am good looking and over 15 years of educating the Public.

Hey Come On!!!!

matt   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Ha. Risky for Obama, no doubt.

Anonymous   August 29th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

I believe mccain must be secretly for Barack Obama! what was he thinking. thank you mccain.

Michael   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Actually this is really good for Obama. If anything, this will make the Clintons, especially Hillary, work even harder to get Obama elected… no way in hell this lady is getting to the white house before Hillary.

Happy Birthday McSame   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Reminder, McCain…

You turned 73 today. We all pray to live happy healthy long lives but what if you do not? Do you think so little of the American people that you would put us in this kind of danger just for political gain? Just picture it. It's 3:00 AM, a phone rings in the White House and a soccer mom answers. Really?!

JAS   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Why do the democrats continue to belittle women. Don't they understand that it is no longer going to be tolerated?

Richard   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Experience is not off the table , thanks for admitting that Obama lacks it though and that it was and should be an issue.

Old white lady for Obama   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I thought wisdom came with age. Not in McCain's case it seems. What a disastrous choice for VP, for the Republicans at least. Hillary's diehard supporters are too smart to be tricked in to supporting Palin, who does not support pro-choice.

ck   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Of course Hillary supporters wont be swayed to support Palin,

Hillary supporters are sheep that would never be able to recognize positive qualities…

honesty

integrity

leadership,

and can GET THINGS DONE! Hillary is a political train wreck that has achieved NOTHING.

Welcome the first female VP and John McCain as President in 08 &12

Wise choice!!

JOE KILOZ   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I——-IS———–STUPID——FOR—–BELIEVE———IN——MCCAIN——–

dennis from chicago   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

pALIN IS A WOMAN WHO DEFEATED A BIG BAD DEMO.. FOR GOVERNOR IN alaska REAL CHANGE WE ALL CAN BELIEVE IN…..GO MC CAIN LET THE DEBATES BEGIN////

Clevelander   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

She is a governor from a state which has a population less than Delaware. She has never seen the national politics. This is the person that John McCain picks to step in if anything happens? If McCain wants to use judgement as an argument, his credibility is gone out of window. This is really a questionable pick. I can't see to have somebody with this kind of background to step in as a president of this country. I rather have Joe Biden to run the country if necessary.

GO Obama/Biden

Obama08:white, 60 yr old woman   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

McCain insults women if he thinks simply by picking A woman is enough to win women's votes . Obama is right: McCain doesn't get it!!!

What is ONE policy that this woman supports that Hillary did. I find this transparent selection to Hillary herself.

Pander Bear   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

JB NYC
Obama was a state legislator and IS a US Senator. She has not even completed a full term as governor of one of the smallest states (Population wise) in the country, and mayor of a podunk town. Experience? Give me a break

irene   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Senator McCain must think Hilary Clinton supporters are so daft.Does he think when we see a woman as his running mate,we'll just jump to his side.This choice proves McCain experienced in making wrong decisions.This is no match to Hilary Clinton.Hilary Clinton has a remarkably highly experienced political record.Moreso,she is prochoice. Sarah Palin has been governor of a few thousands in Alaska since 2006 & she is prolife.No real political experience,no experience in foreign policy ,economic policies or health policies. Frightening to think America will gladly & in trust put the country in such a poor shape in her hands should the unfortunate happen to McCain.

andrew s. rostolder   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

jim, a terrible mistake has been made. the elder statesman was supposed to invite her to the dinner party not be the vp. he got a little confused.

Hillary Supporter for Obama   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Yeah she was a mayor of a town of 8,000 people and governer for less than 2 years. This makes her more experienced how??

Sara   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

John's gambling again - shooting craps

She won't get the vote of the republican delegates to make her the official nominee - he will pick another. Probably mittens.

JP   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Two questions.

1. how Democrats will CHANGE by attacking McCain in the same tactics that all politicians use.

2. Why Obama supporters are striving to attack McCain and protect Obama on the web comment like this? It seems like as if these people are trying to get rid of their axiety that Obama cannot win the general election.

Bephany   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

This is disappointing. I was really hoping he'd pick Mitt Romney. McCain has no plan for the economy, and what if, God forbid, something happens to him? We're supposed to just let this woman take over as president?

This is scary, truly. I don't know what to do.

regina osborne   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

This is for those Hillary Supporter's that are thinking about voting for John McCain, can you see anyone other than Hilliary Clinton being on anyones tickets. Take off the shades and see what the Rep or trying to do, True Dems lets throw our support to Obama/Biden and take back our country.

JJ   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Well McCain can no longer use the experience argument. This election just got a little interesting…Could be a disaster but it could prove to be a very good one. I bet the debate ratings will soar!

Matthew   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

"Both picks — relatively unknown political figures at the time — generated initial excitement but were ultimately deemed poor choices by many political observers."

Can anyone say….OBAMA???

Palin is the only one of the four who has EXECUTIVE experience.

chrissy   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Hillary put 18 million cracks into the ceiling. Mccain will now break the ceiling wide open! Now, that's a change you can believe in. Now, that's where deeds and actions speaks louder then words. John Mccain is sending a clear and loud message that he is here to shake up washington and put washington on notice that the reformist he has been known for is coming to the whitehouse!

For all women who thought the fight for HIllary was invaine, I am here to say, it worked! The women's voices was minimized by the DNC and Obama but you can't silence 18 million voices that easy. The ceiling with 18 million cracks will break wide open in November and 2008 is the year where women will not be minimized any longer, will not be chastised any longer, will not be mocked any longer!

This is a happy day for my daughters as I learned hours ago that my hard fought battel for Hillary will live on for me to fight another day. Thank you John Mccain!!

MaryJo Bruce Surprise, Ariz   August 29th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Sen Obama was an unknown also Mr. Clyburn and see where he is. Lets be fair. Palin has more experience for sure. So lets let all of them debate it out. And let the public pick. Thats if the Media will stay out of it and play fair. But that would be a first also.

stacy   August 29th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

how can Clayburn possibly know this to be what can/will happen.

Cody   August 29th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Because of his comments and voting record adn personal life I had suspected before now that McCain was a misogynist, but this cynical grab for women's votes really proves to me that he has little respect for the intelligence of women.

David Peter   August 29th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

IS THIS A JOKE??? McCain, you make me laugh hahahahahhaha.

Ex republican   August 29th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

McCain has ran his campaign as experienced and judgement, this choice has undermined both of those arguments. Today McCain is 72 yrs old what happens if he dies in office?! Palin is less experienced than Obama and can't compete with Biden at all. Plus she is already involved in a scandal trying to get her little sister husband fired for divorcing her. So her father took her moose hunting as a kid…Another bad judgement on McCain's part.

Obama/Biden 08′

Charlotte   August 29th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Too bad Obama is not a heartbeat away, he is the nominee who is limited in experience.

Carol, Michigan   August 29th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

McCain purely picked her thinking he would get Hillary supporters.

As usual McCain disrespects women thinking that we're so ignorant that we would vote for him now soley because he picked a woman.

Linda   August 29th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I hope he's right because I think picking a woman was a craft ymove on Mc