I didn't put much stock in the "lack of experience" charge against Obama and I certainly don't think it disqualifies Gov. Palin from running for vice president. If inexperience and lack of foreign policy credentials is such a bad thing, I'd rather have the inexperienced person "a heartbeat away" than actually sitting in the chair! At least she can say she's been an executive and run both a city and a state. He's run nothing but his mouth.

Hey - look at it this way - she and Cheney can go hunting together in Alaska (for oil).

I love it!!!!!!!! We Obama supporters could not be happier with McCains decision to add Palin to the ticket. His strongest argument was national security and just threw that one out the door.

We were afraid he would chose Romney, Ridge, Huckabee or Hutchinson…..those could have created a strong GOP ticket. We will take Palin over them in a heartbeat…..speaking of heartbeat….tick…tick….tick….

Go McPain! You just made Obama/Biden the only real intelligent choice!

No McPain '08

The only thought I can think of is , Mccain has proved to me that he is a very STUPID person

I applaud Mccain for his choice and it shows this will be a hard fought campaign. However, I would prefer to have Hillary in a key posiion on Obama's staff making a difference in the lives our people in our country - equal rights, health care, etc than Gov. Palin who will be relegated to the back seat watching the boys make all of the decisions and supporting none of the issues we women care about. If mccain can suggest his wife be in a topless contest, then we know what he really things about women and their role in our society.

How dare he think that women will vote for another woman just because she is a woman. Just ask yourself do want this woman to be commander and chief? I think not. If elected he has put this country in jeopardy with her and the possibility of her being Pres.

president palin?

just doesn't sound good….

she looks like margie simpson, what's up with that? LOL

Wow, what a pick! And I always thought you had to live in a mansion and ride around in limos to get to the whitehouse! Palin has a blue collar husband and leads a "normal" life like most Americans. Wow!

Call it a Hail Mary if you wish. But this one connected—for a TOUCHDOWN! Palin has real executive experience and is an outsider, unlike the clod named Biden. She is vivacious, a mother of five and very charming. See you later, Obama.

I don't think it is a desperate move by Mcain at all. Also, this is not an insult to Hillary Clinton . Her own party did that to her already (insulted her by not picking her for the VP Spot.) I like Sarah Palin she is a very strong. couragous women who knows how to play with the big boys. and will chop them in half if she has one wiff or coruption among them. Don't under estimate her. she will come out swinging. She has done some really great things alreay for Alaska. Who do you know that would cut there own salary for the betterment of the people they are serving. Not one politican comes to mind. Well, she did. she cut her own salary for the betterment of the people of Alaska. don't tell me she doesn't know anything about economics. She is doing great things in Alaska concerning this area. Get educated before you start dragging her through mud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Barack Obama was right… John McCain just doesn't get it.

McCain read the writing on the wall and picked Palin so that when the loss comes in November, she can take the blame rather than McCain.

All the Dems need to do is play the What if? Hearbeat away… commercial with a picture of Palin and her goateed husband sitting in the oval office and this ticket is on a downward spiral to blowout loss.

What was were McCain's advisors thinking!?!!? Alaska has an economy swimming in oil that requires no effort. There are 15 males to every females, which skews your representative decision making. And they have no immigration, health, or education issues to speak of. What tough decision needs to be made in such an easy context.

Executive decision making!?!?! For the state of Alaska?

THAT APPEARS TO BE A REPUBLICAN HANDICAP. . .LOOK AT THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. THEY LACK COMMON SENSE, AND HAS NO ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE 'SOUND JUDGEMENT'.

MCCAIN, HIMSELF IN QUESTION (1) ANTI-AMERICAN STATEMENTS, WHILE IN VIETNAM (2) DIVORCED CAROL, WHOM WAS/IS CRIPPLED (3) KEATING 5 SAVINGS AND LOAN (4) TO MAKE A STATEMENT THAT "AMERICA HAS HAD PROPEROUS GROWTH-DURING THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. JUST TO MENTION A FEW.

BUT TO PUT A PERSON ON THE TICKET THAT IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION, AND HAS A 4 MONTH OLD BABY, WITH HEALTH ISSUES. . .

MCCAIN IS NOT FIT TO BE PRESIDENT.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08-'12

The MAVRICK is back! Way to go McCain shake them up!

I had the opportunity to attend the Democrat Convention. It was a great experience for my co-workers and I. I was there as part of the media (Spanish language channel) and I am a registered Republican. I was very impressed with Obama and Biden there families and the whole production.

I didn’t think McCain could take 80 thousand people off the front page until I woke up this morning to hear that a woman that I had never herd of was the VP. I still don’t know if that will be good or bad. So I am not smiling… more like blank expression

I see this choice as a prett;y sound one. Palin is a politician who isn't from the beltway and will likely appeal to undecided voters that both parties are trying to woo. From what I have read about Palin, she seems like a down to earth, everyday-Joe type of american…and that will be an attractive feature to many. She allegedly has convervative values, which will make the republicans happy. Finally, she has a background in oil and energy, so she might be touted as having a good idea of what to do with America's current energy woes.

I don't really buy into the whole "not experienced for national security" angle regardless of which party says it. Neither of our last two presidents were particularly savvy on world affairs, yet they both served 2 terms.

Great choice McCain! Way to shake things up. I can't wait to vote for McCain/Palin in November.

McCain just won the election…period

McCain thinks we Hillary voters will switch to the very conservative Sarah Palin with NO EXPERIENCE and WITH THE SUPREME COURT at stake!? Good Grief. This will ensure that the Hillary vote stays with the DEMS. I am 46 years old and and I supported Hillary.
With this choice, McCain cemented my vote for OBAMA! McCain thinks Hillary voters are voting gender not issues and he is very very very wrong. I actually think that McCain could have picked an experienced Republican woman but they were taller than he is and we do know Palin will look good standing next to him. McCains wife is taller but the money won out there. McCain just trashed his own ticket!!

I encourage everyone following this story to check out the comments posted on the websites of Alaska's local newspapers and television stations. This woman is already being investigated for abuse of power, and several of the internet posts from her fellow Alaskans refer to her as "Princess Palin" or "Queen Palin". Sounds like her royal subjects are quite disillusioned with her already.

Clinton Dynasty will ALWAYS bring ME ME ME instead of UNITY!!!!

McBush does not get it does he? Palin could be the best thing for the Dem ticket: McBush has slain himself. As he should,

How could any intelligent Hillary supporter go for the McBush - Palin ticket? Any Hillary supporter worth their weight in grey matter will run back to Obama with open arms.

Palin is a bad, cheap, cheerleading, political gimmick who should go back to - well, whatever it was she was doing before - VP of the most powerful country in the world?? He has GOT to be kidding…

I couldn't agree more, David. I've been smiling all day long, and I'm an ardent Obama supporter. Whether it is or not, this move looks like it's pandering to women; a move which I believe they will be insulted by. Also, it looks desperate and BECAUSE it undermines his argument about experience, John McCain doesn't appear to be putting his country first. Honestly, she is a heartbeat away from the presidency and is grossly underqualified.

She worked for Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation commision….their mission statement ……."The Commission oversees oil and gas drilling, development and production, reservoir depletion and metering operations on all lands subject to the state's police powers."

Her husband works for an Oil company as a production operator on the North Slope…….

At least the repubs aren't trying to hide their tie to big oil anymore……

Palin has two years as an executive..Governor. Obama has three years as a senator..two of which he's been campaigning. They both are not qualified. The difference, Obama is runing to be commander and chief. Palin Vice President. This is clearly sexist. Why should the man receive defference and the woman be ridiculed. Remember the democrats already eliminated the best woman for the job Hillary. Only to be replaced by another man..regardless of his race. The two most qualified people in this race are McCain and Biden.

This choice is not good. He should have chosen Kay Bailey Hutchinson-irregardless of her past with NOT being anti-Roe v. Wade she is conservative and Naral hates her anyway- over Palin. Palin looks more like dan Quayle than Hillary. This will blow up in his face.

This is not a bold statement. It is called "talking out of both sides of your mouth". Let's face it. He made this decision soley out of desparation. The houses comment eliminated mitt and no other candidate would have generated any buzz.

I find the few hillary supporters in these postings that say "at least McCain is reaching out to us unlike Obama" and "we like what we see in Palin, strong, a mother…" very amusing and baffling. They are proving they are the few swayed simply because Palin is female. Bottom-line, it makes no sense to vote on gender or who is or isn't a mother, policy is what matters. The Obama-Biden ticket is far more aligned with Clinton's positions than McCain-Palin (Palin is very conservative). I wish voters like that would just stay home, they dumb-down the pool…

After Obama's speech, it is pretty clear McCain begged many persons to run with him and no one accepted. Palin has nothing to lose, she is already under inquiry for a a scandal after one year. This is a complete joke.

Women who were supportors of Hillary will not vote for McCain just because he picked a woman. It is truly insulting to our intelligence. True supportors voted for her ideas, none of which Palin embodies. Everything Palin stands for and wants to put in place is the opposite of what Hillary has worked so hard to achieve with her policies. The only way to honor Hillary is to work very hard to make sure Obama is elected!

As a woman, I find it an insult that McCain and his advisors think they only need to put a woman on the ticket to get my vote. They obviously did not realize that Senator Clinton appealed not because of her gender but because of her commitment to solving the problems of healthcare and education; and for her commitment to improving the lifes of those left behind by jobs being outsourced and our crumbling economy.

Wow! Republicans are really scared! So……. let me get an understanding we are to vote for his VP because she is a women and has no experience. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The one thing that Gov. Palin brings to the ticket that the Dems can't with their Pres. and VP nominees is a sense of "us". Gov. Palin, her family, and her background are the epitome of the average "Joe" and "Josephine" of Middle America. That factor alone will, in my opinion, attract a lot of undecideds as well as leaners to the McCain/Palin ticket.

She's an interesting pick. Definitely "outside of the box." However, she also undercuts McCain's strongest argument, and appears to be the kind of stunt casting that McCain has relied to get coverage int his campaign.

Whether it's his falsely congratulatory ad last evening, the Britney-Paris ads or his "JV" tour of towns with foreign sounding names, it seems like he's just throwing stuff out there and seeing what sticks.

And just like the others, I don't think this one will.

The only thing to worry about for the pro-Obama set is that McCain's choice seems like a clear case of political suicide, and the stupidest choice he could make. Being that it seems to be worse than a worst-case scenario for Republicans, the only risk is that Dems are missing something here. Unlikely, but if so it will sneak up on them. Obama's chances of losing were just cut in half this morning, after being trimmed last night by his brilliant oratory.

Stacy: That's what you are looking for, somebody in Vogue? Looks?
What about family values, big oil etc? Good choice, stacy, gongratulations….

As a woman, I'm insulted. This has to be the most UNQUALIFIED pick in decades (even worse than Dan Quayle). McCain thinks just because she's female that I'll vote for her. No way, no how!

Palin is no less inexperienced than Obama, she is just lesser known. Being well known doesn't equal experience. She at least is an executive leader of a state and city, Barack is a career legislator and it's a short career at that. Palin was picked for her values they just are not the liberal values. At the end of the day, this is experienced McCain vs inexperienced Obama, by picking Palin McCain is no less experienced and Biden makes Obama no more qualified than before.

Democrats would have been scared if the VP was Romney.

Definitely a gift for OBAMA.

I am one of those Clinton voters who is still holding out. I am a woman and find Palin very interesting. If she can hold her own against the Democratic fire, McCain-Palin will have my vote.

This is crazy world … Palin is no Hillary Clinton. Hillary supporters did not vote for her because she was a woman but because she was (is) qualified. So Palin was a mayor of a city of 9000 inhabitants two years ago … and now Palin could be our president if (more than likely) McCain would just check out some day ?

"My family and I eat a healthy diet heavy in wild Alaskan seafood, moose, caribou and fresh fruit," she says. "I guess my biggest pitfall is breakfast. I know it's the most important meal of the day but I still haven't bought into it. I hate to admit it, but a skinny white-chocolate mocha is my staple in the morning

Well, I guess they can no longer criticize the Latte sipping crowd.

She makes him look older, she will not get Hillary voters. We all know Hillary will not allow this.

There will be a few women who cross over. But a good number of them will scream that he is insulting our intelligence by thinking that by putting just any woman on the ticket. Oh but come on. He was against a bill in April that would have helped women take legal action on equal pay. Remember? Ouch!

Keep thanking McFox as you fool yourselves into complacency. This was a brilliant choice. Of course no matter who he picked the dems would be crying, but this woman has MORE experience from the #2 slot than NObama has as the nominee. Can you say GOVERNOR? Now go and bash Alaska like it is not part of the US. That's what makes you children feel better.

I voted for Hillary in the primaries and will now vote for Obama. Does McCain think women are stupid? Does he think we would choose Sarah Palin just because she has an (obviously) working uterus? I'm glad he picked her for his running mate because now there is absolutely no chance for the Repugnicans. Talk about out of touch!!!!

With the selection of Governor Sarah Palin, Senator McCain has demonstrated he lacks the judgement to be President.

I am soooooooooooo happy….I am a Hillary supporter voting McCain!!!!

Obama who??????

This choice makes a splash but probably won't wear well over time. McCain is grasping at straws. He says he wants to shake up Washington. Are you kidding me? He votes with Bush 90 percent of the time! He just sees that Obama's message of change is working and he is now trying to copy that, just as Bush finally saw that Obama was right about starting to get out of Iraq. Now McCain is trying to get on the progressive bandwagon by putting a woman on his ticket, when in fact he would be a particularly terrible president for women and girls. If she were pro-choice, he might make some inroads into the female vote. As it is, probably not much. Obama/Biden 08! They are the ones who can and will bring the real change this great country deserves!

I think this is a desperate attempt for attention and to get women voters. It won't work on this woman and I hope it doesn't work on any others either. Palin is PRO LIFE, which Hillary is not, and voting for McCain/Palin would be a step backward for women and Americans everywhere. Don't be fooled by this ridiculous choice people. Obama/Biden 08!

Insulting is right. Republicans just don't get it.

Why don't you wait until her full record comes out, she is able to debate and give input, and the analysts do comparisons of all the candidates before you react. All of your reactions are right on line with the DNC. Pure emotion and no substance. I can say the word "change" with the best of them. Maybe I am qualified for the presidency.

My mom called me up mad as hell. She was an active Clinton supporter, and she feels like McCain just cheapened everything Sen. Clinton achieved.

As a democrat, I'm quite happy with MCain's pick for all the reasons mentioned above by fellow democrats. I would've been quite nervous for Obama/ Biden chances of winning in Romney was on the ticket.

He will bring in some undecided voters, but my sense is the vast majority will be offended by this choice (diehard Hillary supporters) or think he's just pandering for votes…..so yes, I'm quite happy about where democratic chances stand!

Don't worry one little bit about any woman standing by another in America even tho we are considered a minority. They will scratch the eyes out of each other, look how they stood up for Hillary! You can count on it, just like the men have always counted on what they know will happen , Every Time.

Sarah Palin is a fine person and a good governor from what I've heard. But she's the best available option to John McCain? Of all the respected republicans out there?

If I'm Cindy McCain, am wondering if Sarah's looks might also have something to do with her selection.

I don't EVER want to hear the Republicans mention anyone on the democratic ticket as having no experience or being "ready on day one". Whatever was McCain thinking when he made this choice???

Boy gergen hit that Nail on the head. McWar speaks only of how he can win wars. McDraft has cultivated a climate of fear where supposedly only McBomb can save us. Now! If McSurge dies in office we are left with a girl that has no clue about National Security. If the poop hits the fan I will put my money on Biden not Palin.

McCain says Palin has more 'executive experience' than Obama. Well, she also has more 'executive experience' than McCain. What does that say about McCain? Oh yea, she has only been governor of a state tied to OIL! No wonder McCain picked her.

Or should Cindy start worrying? You need to wonder with his history of cheating on his first wife.

Its certainly not a move you make if you are confident in the way your campaign is going.
This stirs things up, big time. Maybe in his favor, maybe not.
The point is, this is a high-profile high-risk move that shows some desperation…

IT'S 3AM IN THE MORNING:

The president is in a coma. Who do you want to be a heart beat away from the presidency? Biden or Palin?

The answer to this question says it all. I think Obama can milk this all the way to November.

Hi Gergen
Your Point is right
This year for Democratic party
Democratic party had big convention
But next day Mc Cain control the spot light
Mc Cain doesn’t have nothing lose in this election because he didn’t have nothing
Today Mc Cain back on the game
I like this kind of politics
Life long democrat and Hillary strong supporter
Hillary 2012 /Mc Cain/Palin2008

Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton! No thanks McBush!

Thank you John McCain, Thank you!! I was actually getting a little worried there for a few weeks.

I was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton and given Palin's conservative politics I wouldn't vote for her in a minute. It is insulting to think that our votes would be swayed so easily.

Senator McCain's selection of Alaska governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate is the clearest indication yet that the Republican nominee is in desperation mode. Obviously Senator McCain believes his only shot at victory is by selecting a partisan unknown to be a heartbeat away from the most powerful office in the world. Senator McCain reveals himself to be another hypocritical politician by selecting someone who has less experience than Senator Obama, an individual who Senator McCain says is "not ready to be president". America deserves better than what the Bush-McCain-Palin team has to offer.

Women for Certuries have needed a Representative in Government. Pelosi didn't want Hillary, because thought she (Pelosi) was number one.. Now she will be sorry.. As the Dems will lose, and Another Women will be Highter than her…. Go Women Go!!!! you have waited too long for this…

This just underscores the fact that McCain "doesn't get it."

I am INSULTED! If, God forbid, Mccain won the presidency and did not survive, THIS is what he gives us? A woman with ZERO experience and ZERO appeal to anyone who cherishes her rights??? THIS is absolutely a humiliation!!!

Come on, Hillary supporters, do not be appeased by Palin! She is nothing even close to how strong and intelligent Hillary Clinton is! Do not let John McCain insult you with this weak replacement of a strong woman.

She is not Hilary, bad choice unless Palin can charm us in the next 2 months, it could help but I'm not sure it can overcome the Obama movement.

yes, your right, comparing these two women is an insult to Hillary Clinton! A one term govenor from a small state does not compare to Hillary Clinton's 30 + years experience, nor will it compare favorably to the experience of Joe Biden. McCain just handed the presidency over to Barack Obama!

Hi, Please help me with something.

Wasn't it the Republicans that accused the Democrats of doing anything to win an election???

McCain's choice does nothing but show him to be a risky, impulsive individual.

I was a Hillary supporter who will vote for Obama . Joe Biden was my second choice for President!

Thank you, dee romano

Democrats would have much preferred Romney. Mr Gergen, you forget that Romney lost the primaries because of his full throat endorsements of everything Bush. A Romney pick would have been handed the Democrats the White House on a golden platter, not just silver.

Romney would have been a "3rd Bush Term" personified. The GOP had no defense against that charge except go negative, which they have done quite extensively this summer. They must address issues at some point.

The "experience" issue is now a wash.

John McCain really must think he's playing a game. Someone needs to wake him up and tell him that there are people's lives and livelihoods at stake.

Yes, all Hillary supporters are insulted.

At least for this election, Palin was not even able to dream the dreams that Hillary gave to those who made the 18M cracks. Only the future Republican primaries will tell whether her party deems her worth that dream or not. Republicans, please don’t play gender or race card.

Gamble or suicide? That's the question!

I do not think that after last night …others on McCain's short list were very happy about being his running mate. If we were to know the truth,
John might had to work down the list with only Palin agreeing to run with him. I'll bet she was not the first, second ,third, fourth or even fifth choice. No matter how the spin is on this ……..I cannot believe that this person was anywhere's near McCain's first choice. I have already made my mind up on Obama, so doesn't matter to me…….but this is simply bizarre !!!

I think that many left of center women are smart enough to view Palin as a dangerous choice as the first female VP. The women who voted for Hillary are largely pro-choice, and that issue alone should give them shutters to put a pro-life woman one heart-beat away from nominating supreme court justices.

My prediction is that while McCain will get a short-term boost from the favorable press over Palin, more Hillary voters who may have sat this one out on election day will show up and vote for Obama.

David, this is a huge gamble. Picking a woman to try and lure the women's vote is not only a gamble but as I see it an insult to women. The Hilliary supporters wanted Hilliary not someone who was chosen to be a "fill-in". I think first and foremost in a woman's mind is the safety of their family. I don't feel it is in the country's best interest to have Palin a heartbeat away from the Presidency. I'm sure there were other Republican women with more experience that he could have chosen. I hope that people will took at the whole picture, Senator McCain's age, Senator McCain's prior health issues, her stance pro life vs pro choice, and her experience.

Miss Alaska is no Hillary. Unknown, extremist, unexperienced. As a democrat, I love this choice !!!

He has insulted me..I will be RUNNING to vote for Obama/Biden…those that say they will vote for the McCain/Palin ticket were going to vote for McCain regardless of who he choose..

Make sure when you are reporting your story that you start using lines like "she has to be tough when she goes against Biden at the debate"..we don't want him and the Democrats coming off as being "mean" on her or Ferraro chiming in about the "sexism" going on…

She wants the job, she'll need to work for it just like a man would have to do………

David, Palin may have no foreign policy experience, but McCain has plenty. Besides, Palin has much more executive experience than Obama, which isn't hard to do since he had zip. Besides, Obama hasn't got much more foreign policy experience than Palin, and he's the top of the ticket. How does Palin's lack of foreign policy experience detract from McCain's? Sorry but his Obama's rock tour doesn't count. Palin may not draw all the Hillary supporters, but she will get some, as well as a good share of independents. Hard to say if Romney would have helped more. Finally, McCain can once again raise the maverick banner, which had been starting to look worn.

Oh my goodness they are so right! This is an insult to Clinton and her supporters. Did McCain really think Hillary's gender was the only reason her supporters were for her? Palin has NOTHING in common with Clinton apart from her gender. Bad move McCain. No, strike that, thank you McCain for making a clear path to the White House for Obama!

wow, what a good decision. Because she's awful, and has ABSOLUTELY no experience. Also, if they had any idea of why women were supporting Hillary, they would have never NEVER picked such a conservative woman- who is incredibly pro-life..come on!

Hooray!
Obama/Biden 08!

But !! She has a proven track record of executive achievement and results, and Obama does not. And she kicked the "good old boys butts" in Alaska. All Biden has accomplished in decades of government is proven that he is a tax-and-spend politician, and I would easily submit that Palin has accomplished more for the good in two years than Biden has in over two decades. Joe Biden is left-over meat loaf. Palin is grain-fed prime rib ! There's a new rock star in town !

McCain's pick is certainly a game changer. Palin as VP will move indys and Hillary supporters to Obama in droves

Game over. Obama/Biden '08

It might be a slight gamble MR. Gergen, however w/36 yrs of Experience working w/the public/consumer and my first intense intense interest in a Pres Race (as I see how critical it is at this time as we are in trouble w/9.5 nat'l debt ) -
this one will work for the AMERICAN TAXPAYER.
Joanne B
Minneapolis Suburb

Lol just a thought:
He could now have his VP and Cindy in that topless beauty contest and hedge his bet.

Seriously, looking forward to this ticket, I mean what could McCain do he was screwed so just went with something that could drive a few moments of positive news instead of put peole into a deeper sleep.

I think this kinda proves he called Condi and Colin and they turned him down…Romney too.

So now we get old mean guy and a beauty queen, conservatism isn't dying it just ran out of brain power. Well just have to wait till Bucky get reincarnated and the party regains what it needds to be compete.

Your right David,it was bold but laughable too.I cant wait to see what the republican weatherman,Rev.Hagee, says about her.

Couldn't find a running mate
In the lower forty-eight
Made a pick that's not so great
Thinks to tap Obama hate
Really wasn't worth the wait
Hoped Palin would be the bait
Thought Hill-Bill fans would relate
To a feminist light-weight
Pro-life picks don't highly rate
Pro-choice voters will frustrate
Obama wins now in Oh-Eight
Palin pick is just deadweight
3 E-Vs McCain will take
And a few from Southern States

Sure she's a risk, but she's a new face. Obama's biggest arguement has been that McCain has been in Washington for years, and everyone knows his name. Then McCain pulls Palin's name out, and the first question that everyone asks is "who?"

Everyone knows McCain, Obama, and Biden. They've been all over the news for years. Here's a brand new face for once!

Well Puma. If you just wanted to vote for a Woman then dance for Joy. If you wanted Hillary in 2012 then you just cut her throat. McBush has no respect foe women. McNasty only chose a women to steal your Puma votes. Now if McChoice gets elected it will be Palin for President in 2012. Eight more years of Bush. Eight very very long years. Be carefull what you wish for Puma.

I'm on the left side of the aisle, and if last night didn't make me smile wide enough, this morning did the trick. Thanks, John. I haven't felt this good in ages!

Simply put, not a bad choice because she is a strong conservative.

But if Obama's two "weaknesses" are national defense democrats and Clinton feminists, how does a the inexperienced governor of a tiny state, female and committed to undermining the civil rights of women, help at all?

McCain is insulting the intelligence of both swing groups.

Yes a bold gamble by throwing the "Gender Card". Well it did not work for Hillary and it wont work for McCain. Just like fear-mongering did not work for Hillary and wont work for McCain.

McCain is out of idea and recycling Hillary's ideas. This McCain, the man with experience and no judgement. Otherwise he would not adopt the tactics that failed Hillary, and would fail him.

As a woman, I will never vote for McCain because of what he stands for. Palin is just as bad as McCain. Just because she is a woman does Not mean I will vote for the McCain/Palin ticket.

I'm just sure who McCain thinks he is by pulling this stunt but, I think, no I know that women are a lot smarter than he gives us credit for.

Welcome to the White House Omaba. McCain just made sure of it.

Palin wasn't even qualified to be Miss Alaska. But hey, she won Miss Congeniality. Hopefully, she's prepared to be congenial with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

David, I love your perspective as always.

This selection will mute Biden somewhat in the debate. He can't be perceived as a bully, can he?

How can a woman be against a woman's right to choose and expect to win unless the Democratic voters let their spite for Obama and Hillary's non-selection get the best of their judgment?

Any Republican or die-hard Clintonista who is applauding Palin is an absolute hypocrite.

They have been screaming "Experience, Experience!" for a year and a half now in reference to Senator Obama, who was a state legislator for eight years and a US Senator for four years.

Sarach Palin was mayor of a town of 9,000 people until two years ago. She has never dealt with foreign affairs.

Hypocrisy pure and simple.

John McCain and Sarah Palin from the RNC= Darrell Hammond and Tina Frey from SNL!!! I can't wait for that skit!

This lady only has experience in regards to corruption and big oil. She sinks to the lowest moral denominator when tough choices have to be made (although she hasn't faced anything really tough, other then what her incompetence distorts into 'feeling' like it's tough.

We can not let such a morally deprived dirt bag be with a heart attacks distance from the White House. She has no ability to lead, nor manage, nor inspire. She doesn't even know what the VP is supposed to do…what a joke this former beauty bimbo is. It takes more then a bikini in the rest of this country to get elected, we don't place our requirements as low as Alaska does.

So she is a disaster because she has no national security experience. Maybe so, but that equals Barry O's experience too. However, she also more experience in an executive office than either of the Obiden twins.

I am laughing so much my tummy hurts. This should be a movie called "The National Lampoon's GOP." Haaaaaaaaaaa ha ha my tummy hurts! McCain and his preference for beauty pageant types with no substance…ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

According to people on this board, if you don't like Obama you are a racist. Now the argument is turned on you Democrats….if you don't like Palin, then you are sexist. Touche suckers!!!! And oh btw you discriminate against McCain because of his age (which is against the law you know, law? do you even know what the law is?)

Bold? Try insane! This VP will energize HRC supporters to support Obama. This woman is to the right of Bill O'Reilly! This is McCain's kneejerk reaction to Obama's speech last night–decisions made out of fear are rarely wise!!!

David,

Gov. Palin as you stated - is strongly pro-life, a long-time member of the NRA, a fiscal hawk, and an interesting combination of charm and toughness.

How about that, a candidate who actually commits to something (as apposed to voting 'present').

Even if she can only 1/10 the reform to Washington that she brought to Alaska, we will be a far better nation for it.

It is interesting that Democrats claim the selection of Palin negates McCain's argument that experience is important, but they seem entirely clueless to the fact that Obama has preached change and reform, yet selects Biden who has been entrenched in the Senate even longer than McCain.

Obama's first big decision and he gives us the same old politics.
McCain's first big decision and he gives us something new.
It looks like one of the candidates understands that "change" is more than just a campaign banner.

McCain is running scared. Not only is he out of touch with the average citizen but has reinforce the neagative image of his age. What a great gift to the Democrats.

Does McCain really think this will sway women voters? It is a insult to women everywhere, to pick a woman, not for her experience or values, but just to have a woman on the ticket to attract women. Well McCain, we are smarter than that. We vote for values and change, not just gender. Now that is real feminism!

Only clueless "sheep" women will vote for Palin in place of Clinton. I mean seriously, she's the polar opposite of Clinton. Agreeing with Clinton's policies, but voting for Palin because she's on the ticket, is pure sexism in its finest form. If you agree with Clinton, you agree with Obama. End of story.

As I said before, When Obama is president, he should make Hillary Chief justice of the Supreme court.That would protect womens rights for 8 years, and still leave the door open for Hillary to run again for president. She will not fail the next time.

Democrats should hold on before jumping on Palin for being inexperienced. She has more EXECUTIVE experience than Obama does (governor vs. senator). So actually this doesn't undercut the republican argument of lack of experience at all: After all, who would you rather have, an inexperienced VP who can learn from the very experienced McCain, or an inexperienced PRESIDENT in Obama. Pretty simple to me.

G A M B L E ? ? ? D A V E————–T H I S———-E L E C T I O N——–

W I L L——–B E———D E C I D E D——–B Y——- T H E—-W O M E N—

W H O———W E R E——-I G N O R E D

I agree, a gamble it is. The "inexperience issue" is now a wash.

THIS IS NOT A BOLD GAMBLE. THAT S AN UNDERSTATEMENT. ITS A RECKLESS JUDGEMENT. LESS THAN A MONTH AGO SHE SAID WHAT DOES A VP DO? SOMEONE PLS WE CANT RISK THIS NATION ON THE HANDS OF THE MAN THAT DOESNT KNOW HOW MANY HOUSES HE HAS WITH A WOMAN THAT NEVER BEEN TO IRAQ, AFGANISTAN, I MEAN OUTSIDE UNITED STATES. DOES SHE KNOW WHO THE PRIME MINISTER OF RUSSIA IS?

You ask if women voters will be wooed or insulted. I'm absolutely insulted. Does he think that we're stupid? He's pandering for votes and it simply will not work.

And the Dems will have the last laugh on this one. Because picking just any old woman wasn't the trick. Picking the right woman was the way to hit the nail on the head. Palin is NO Hillary and she certainly will do nothing to help McCain's judgment…

I am very insulted by McCains choice!!..and i am a lifelong Republican!!

Does he think us women are stupid??? He clearly picked this palin women simply because that is what she is.. A WOMEN!! Regardless of how experienced she is, she is being used to win McCain female votes.. Hilarys votes!! He thinks all who voted for hilary voted for her because she is a women..INSULTING!!

this is one women changing her vote to Obama!!

McCain is not only gambling with his campaign, he's now gambling with the future of this nation should he win.

Sarah Pallin hasn't even made it through a complete budget cycle as governor, how is she going to manage the largest economy in the world if she has to succeed McCain?

Sarah Palin for Vice President is no more a bold gamble than Barack Obama for President.

Face it. McCain has chosen someone who fits him well AND has managed to get everyone talking about the importance of experience, which Obama does not have.

Checkmate.

I wish the leaders of my party would have thought through the implications of their choices. They've totally failed us.

Runner Up—————————–MRS. ALASKA!!! BEAUTY CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is this woman a mormon? What a dumb move by the GOP. Shameless pandering, anything to get McCain in the whitehouse, he should have picked someone with an economic background or meat on her resume, something, not another GOP puppet.

Awesome. Who needs Hillary! We got a better female!
This pick will bring all of the women voters over to the winning Republican side. McCain really made the decision of the election with this superior VP pick. Even our president GW Bush says this is a great idea! Obama and Biden don't stand a snowballs chance in July against this team. Wait until the debates. It won't even be close. The Clinton dynasty is over!
McCain/Palin in 08

If a woman that liked Hillary vote for a old grumpy man and Palin when both are against gay rights, both are against that woman can chose, both are against that normal folks should get tax-cut and both are against health care. So why should a woman go against Hillary on issue and issue. If Clinton should be a President she might be it in 2016. Why do the Hillary supporters want a woman from Alska to be president before Hillary? And that is even against everything Clinton stands for.

It's a bigger gamble to have an inexperienced President than an inexperienced Vice President.

This shows that McCain is not going to be a lame duck President. He is willing to make bold decisions. America needs that.

Hillary supporters that rally around Palin might be possible until Hillary comes out and slams her on the issues.

Palin is the exact opposite of Hillary on every single issue. Hillary has 35 years of public service, what does Palin have?

She was mayor of a town with a population of what 7,000? And now is the governor of a state with a population of 700,000.

Great, me being from NY, the mayor of NYC is more experienced than that, since NYC has a population of over 8 million.

this should confirm that the republicans have no plans for this country but business as usual. He picks a woman only to try to win the so-called disafrenchised women Hillary supporters. He hasn't said one word about his plans for this country. Whether you agree or disagree with Sen. Obama's plans, at least he put his out there to be accepted or criticized. I look at this and see the old tactic of when a discrimination or sexual harrasment is filed against a company, you can always bet that the representative who comes on television is a black person (discrimination) or a woman (sexual harrasment). DON'T FALL FOR IT FOLKS, THIS GUY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT WOMEN.

The move to select Palin wasn't to retain Clinton supporters….IT WAS TO RALLY CONSERVATIVES! As a conservative I have never been more excited. John McCain has secured my vote. These are the actions of a maverick. I would gladly vote for Palin as president if given the opportunity. I have always admired her for her unwaivering principled integrity. She very much reminds me of a Goldwater, Taft or Reagan!

I am curious to see what the next round of polling looks like. A part of me hope's it's close so Dem's will come full force in November and not get lazy, but another hope's we get a huge bump for abvious reasons.

Population of Chicago IL - 2,896,016
Population of the entire State of Alaska - 670,053

So much for 'executive experience'

Palin is anti-choice, anti-environment, and under investigation for abuse of power. It is folly to think that Hillary's true supporters will flock to a McCain/Palin ticket.

Social conservatives are thrilled? Have they not heard the reports suggesting her 5 month old is actually the child of her 16 year old, unwed daughter? Credible reports, mind you, from her home state, dating back to her announcement that she was 7 months pregnant–and even her own staff found it hard to believe. Meanwhile, her daughter had not been in school for months due to a long bout of "mono", they said.

What happened to abstinence first?

Hypocrites.

The idea that Mcain thinks Hillary supporters will vote for any woman he can dredge up is what makes this so insulting.
She may be a wonderful mother and a really nice person but she is NOT HILLARY.

Yes, it's insulting. It's so completely transparent what McCain has attempted to do here. It won't work. Independent-minded women like me will not fall for this trick. I will either not vote in November or I will start listening more closely to what Obama offers. Either way, John McCain has lost my vote.

Bad choice for V.P and I will tell you why:

McCain needed someone who is an expert on the Economy (someone like Mitt Romney or even Pawlenty would do) but he picked one with little expertise on this crucial issue. The economy will be the key issue in this election.

McCain and the Republicans have made Obama's inexperience an issue. The question now is - Can Palin step in to be the President God forbid something happens to McCain( McCain is 72 years old) ? I do not think so.

Palin has only been the Governor of Alaska for 2 years and prior to that was the Mayor of a small town. I wouldn't be critical of this fact had she been the mayor of Los Angeles or even better the Mayor of New York City; these are big cities with big challenges.

Palin is NOT a Hillary Clinton who for 35 years has been a champion on women issues. I don't see die hard Clinton supporters (women) enthusiastically want to support a McCainTicket because of his pick.

Democrats all over this great Nation must be rejoicing today. McCain you have made some good choices in the past but this is definitely not one of them.

I love Hillary and I can go with this Mrs. Palin, she has guts, looks
and very intelligent. I am very excited. Has been in Vogue so can
rank with Michelle Obama on style.

anybody else notice that most of the people in the picture look stunned??? Look like they have absolutly no idea who this women is???? Look like they're thinking "the the heck is McCain thinking??"

Nobody is talking about Obama's speech last night. I love it!!!!!

D A V I D,,,,,,,,,,R E A D,,,,,,,,,,, T H E ,,,,,,,,,,,B I O,,,,,,,,,,,,,T H I S,,,,,,,,,,,L A D Y,

H A S,,,,,,,,,,,,A ,,,,,,,,,,,T E R R I F I C,,,,,,,,,,,,,S T O R Y,,,,,,T O,,,,,,,,,,T E L L,,,,,

C H I E F ,,,,,,,,,,,,E X E C U T I V E,,,,,,,,,M A V E R I C K,,,,,,,,,,,,,N O T,,,,,,,,,,,

A F R A I D,,,,,,,,,,T O,,,,,,,,,,,,S H A K E ,,,,,,,,,, U P,,,,,,,,,,,,,E I T H E R,,,,,,,,,,,,

P A R T Y,,,,,,,,,,,,N O W,,,,,,,,,,I ' M,,,,,,,,,,,,V O T I N G,,,,,,M C C A I N,,,,,,,,,,,,

P A L I N

I just hope Dems don't feel like they have to pull their punches just because Palin is a woman.

Just like the maverick that I remember, a crappy old car that was good for nothing that the ownwers even hated. Sounds like mcSame to me. If GWBush is happy about a pick, LOOK OUT.
Can you say OIL, POW, OIL, POW, OIL, POW.
Obama08

Unbelievable. Pandering. Insulting. Worthy of George W. on the brilliance curve.

Does McCain really think that the Hillary supporters are going to switch over to him because he picked a woman. Being a woman wasn't the only reason they voted for Hillary, she had experience and judgement to be President. McCain should give women more credit than to think they would run to him simply because he picked a woman.

I find this choice insulting to the Hillary supporters. How shallow do you think they are? It's about substance, not gender.

McCain and the Republicans simply don't get it.

I just do not understand how one can gamble with the important job of the VP.

I thought McCain wants to put the country first?