August 29, 2008
Posted: 12:00 PM ET

From
Sarah Palin makes her first appearance as McCain's VP.
Sarah Palin makes her first appearance as McCain's VP.

DAYTON, Ohio (CNN) — The McCain-Palin bumper stickers are barely off the printers, but the presumptive GOP nominee and his newly tapped running mate already have at least one major policy disagreement.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is one of the nation’s strongest advocates for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. John McCain opposes the idea, though he has carefully left the door open to changing his mind.

McCain hinted in June that he may re-evaluate his position on drilling in ANWR, saying that he would “go back and look at it again,” but he has since continued to cite environmental concerns as his primary reason for opposing drilling in the reserve.

Both Palin and McCain support offshore oil drilling.

In July, the Alaska governor told Human Events that she was planning to invite McCain to visit ANWR in Alaska in hopes of changing his position on the matter.

“We agreed to disagree,"” Palin said at the time, adding: “I am encouraged with his evolved thinking on offshore drilling, and I think he might come along on ANWR if he sees our 2,000 acres for himself.”

McCain told the Weekly Standard in early August that he had not yet consulted with Palin.

“I probably should,” he told the magazine. “I will.”

Now that Palin is hitting the campaign trail with McCain, they might finally have a chance to talk.

Filed under: John McCain • Sarah Palin


Lisa from VA   August 29th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

As a Hillary supporter I am a bit insulted. John McCain obviously thinks I just wanted a woman…any woman in office. Thats not it. I wanted Hillary because of who she is. I feel like he just don't get it at all. He obviously t hinks we Hillary supporters are so shallow and air brained that as long as its a woman, then we're on board. I can't speak for anyone else…its just how I feel. bluh

McCain/Palin '08   August 29th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

McCain hit a homerun !!!!!! Palin is terrific….

Tammy   August 29th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Somebody wake me up after November. I've had enough.

But if McCain gets this because of Palin then wake me up when he's out of the White House.

obamaton   August 29th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

What an awesome choice! McCain-Palin '08!

Sig, Los Angeles CA   August 29th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Oy… I don't know McCain camp, I don't think this is gonna work.

Franky   August 29th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

McCain hinted in June that he may re-evaluate his position on drilling in ANWR depending on the polls

John Purdue   August 29th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Governor Palin is enough to sway my vote to McCain. Though I am pro-right, but her decision to keep her son illustrate her characters. She will be strong to overcome all and lead the country.

An Independent Hillary   August 29th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I hate to say it, but I think McCain made a terrific choice. Talk about stealing the thunder from Obama. This is going to be an interesting election!

Thomas   August 29th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

At least John knows that he will get 3 electoral votes. That's something.

Kim   August 29th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

I just don't understand. How does McCain pick someone with less experience then Obama when that is his number one "attack" against him??????

Confused in Wisconsin

Mr. X   August 29th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

McCain spends the summer bashing the credentials of a politician with twelve years of experience, four of which is at the federal level. He then chooses as a running mate a politician with two years' experience, none of which is at the federal level. Colossal hypocrisy, but unfortunately all too predictable from the GOP these days.

Darrel from Denver   August 29th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

McCain just gave the Democrats a huge gift.

Lovely in VA   August 29th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I told yal that McCain preferred craps to blackjack. Guess that mentality carries over into everyday life choices. What an idiot!! The bad part is that HER career will suffer because of the tie to this historic election. She should have said thanks, but no thanks.

Brian   August 29th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I just find it funny that she's literally married into the oil companies.

liz   August 29th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Shocking that the people who would make the most cash off of drilling are the ones pushing for it the hardest. It only took a few tens of thousands of years for the land to be created, why not destroy it in a mattter of months so that our gas prices can drop by 1 cent. I save more money than that by walking two blocks to the store.

me   August 29th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Seems that the Republicans are going to make the case that the Democrats won't help ease the pain at the pump. Though offshore drilling has been popular it is only a stopgap measure which does nothing for the long term. Probably trying to convince the american people to put environment second and their suvs first especially if McCain would reconsider his stance on drilling in a National Wildlife Refuge. We don't need more oil we need new clean alternatives.

kid   August 29th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Huge publicity stunt. It could possibly work though because it would take the Obama campaign time to get out of shock and come with some momentum to attack. I am interested to see how this will poll next week.

Jim Wade, Iowa   August 29th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Off-Shore drilling is one of the biggest scams of my time.

BJS   August 29th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

I think this shows how desperate the GOP is and how strong they think the Democrats are. I am a Independent who voted for Hillary Clinton, and I was givivng McCain a chance to win my vote. He blew it, if he thinks I am going to vote for him just because he chose a woman he is crazy. I don't see how he say Obama does not have enough experience, and then pick a woman who has less. I guess I will stick with the democrats this year. McCain's judgement is seriously out of whack.

Anonymous   August 29th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Not hard to believe that she's for drilling in the Arctic given that her husband is an oil production operator.

anonoymous   August 29th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

If Palin can hold mayor and governor office she has just as much experience as a senator. Look at Arnold Swartzanager Gov. of California, he seems to be doing a fabulos job and he never even had a political seat before.

applecrispbetty   August 29th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Big oil runs the R party. McCain was forced to make this pick.
Bushes = big oil
Cheney = big oil
Palin = big oil

Jarina Bibi   August 29th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Well! now we can say we have roped in the so call maverick.
This is surely a guarantee Win for Obama/Biden.
The republican's once again showed their lack of understanding on what the people really want.

Sarah   August 29th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

I'm sorry but if the Republicans had the guts to elect a qualified woman they would have put in Condi.

exrepublican   August 29th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

When a candidate tauts her experience on the PTA you are in trouble. McCain is Insane. He says that she, Palin, has executive experience, hell Romney is an executive! I will stay home in November!

Tony   August 29th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Funny how hippies and liberals don't want to drill in ANWR because it will supposedly destroy the environment (they don't actually have any facts to back this up, by the way), when Alaskans — who, ya know, LIVE THERE and would have to suffer the consequences of these supposed "ecological disasters" — think it's a great idea.

Sue   August 29th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Her husband works for BP. With all the oil money between her and McCain, they'll win this election in a walk.

anonoymous   August 29th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Here you go ladies, you wanted a woman for Pres / V.pres. so you got your wish now let's see you vote. Afterall it does not matter if you are dem. or rep. It is all about who can get the job done most effectively. The republicans are very strong in defending the safety of our country. That comes first without safety in our country we have no economy. Think about it and use your common sense.

Andy in DR from CA & NY   August 29th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Just because she's a GOP and near our largest national oil reserve does not make her an energy expert. She is becoming seasoned and this experience on the ticket will raise her future profile, but she is not qualified to be one heartbeat away from the presidency. This is more a novelty act and, unfortuanately, the Governor is being used as a token tool of that effort. She deserves better by her party.

Carol, Michigan   August 29th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Executive experience! One year isn't executive anything! Then top it off with the current investigation that could lead to her impeachment.

McCain, lack of judgment again.

Marci   August 29th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

JEWISH WOMEN FOR OUR FELLOW JEWISH WOMAN – SARAH PALIN!

jay   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

This is about the most stupid and undermining choice McSame could've made. Think Quayle, but with far less experience. I know a few soccer moms with great resumes, but they aren't remotely qualified to be President. Does he really think Hillary supporters are that stupid? Does he really think Palin can hold her own in a debate against Biden? Just… wow.

vic nashville,Tn   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I am proud of You Mc Cain
When I look at my daughter I am thinking about your choice
Life long democrat and Hillary strong supporter will vote for Mc Cain
Hillary 2012 /Mc Cain/Palin2008

Joyce, ny   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

TALK ABOUT PANDERING TO HILARY'S SUPPORTERS. THIS IS NOTHING BUT AN INSULT. SHE IS NO HILARY BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeffer65   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

“We agreed to disagree,"” Palin said at the time, adding: “I am encouraged with his evolved thinking on offshore drilling, and I think he might come along on ANWR if he sees our 2,000 acres for himself.”

She means McCain's flip-flopping. Seriously bad choice, John.

Sara   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Can Anybody Spell B O B B A R R ?

Dem   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Picking Palin illustrates how McCain likes to ROLL THE DICE on a lot of things. I'm not willing to risk my future or my children's on a dice roll! Obama is slow to make decisions for a reason… thought out judgement!

Dr. Rosen   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Sarah Palin–she's scary. Her bio on the Alaska Governor's office website reads more like someone who just got a journalism job than the nod for VP:
"Sarah Heath Palin arrived in Alaska with her family in 1964, when her parents came to teach school in Skagway. She received a bachelor of science degree in communications-journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987. Palin, who graduated from Wasilla High School in 1982, has lived in Skagway, Eagle River and Wasilla."

Mace   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Not to take anything away from Governor Palin's experiences and ability to lead (I know nothing about either), but this seems like McCain made a political choice for his VP pick and not a pragmatic one. If Obama purely sought votes, he could have picked Clinton and had at least 18 million more people solidly for him in November. Instead, he picked in Biden, someone who had renowned diplomatic and foreign policy credentials, to add to the strength of the Presidency and improve America's image abroad. McCain's choice seems like pure pandering to what the Republican's have been touting as "disenfranchised Hillary supporters". I don't want a President who manipulates the electorate simply to win an election or win on an issue. I want a President who will empower our country to live up to the high standards that our founding fathers set for us. I believe that person is Barack Obama and Barack only further solidified my choice with his speech last evening.

Gigi   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Oh no. I am watching her acceptance speech and all I can think of is "disaster" . What were you thinking McCain? Palin over Romney?!
Ughh.

Pat Feeney   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Oh goodie…a woman. But Palin is a combination of Phyllis Schafley and Annie Oakley, and will certainly not move this former Hillary supporter anywhere but more squarely in Barack Obama's camp. I may actually send Obama some money to beat this combo!

Any Woman Won't Do!   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Ok I'm done laughing now it hurts. I just went back to see if I could find any other female republican governors and there were two: M. Jodi Rell of CT and Linda Lingle of HI. Now, they BOTH have almost 20 years of experience as mayors, state legislatures and Rell was Lt. Gov for 9 YEARS before she took over 4 years ago. Oh hate to tell you but neither of them are as pretty and one supports gay rights and the other is Jewish. Yeah, so much for being a party of mavericks! Here were two women who are WAY more qualified as Governors to be in that slot but I guess because they weren't 100% in line behind Mr. No Equal Pay. So I ask you this: What made his choose her instead of these women?

Raffi   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

What a joke of a pick for VP!!! And they want to talk about inexperience??? This chick has a Bachelor in Journalism…. That’s it!! Obviously, they’re just picking her because of her looks!! Boy, if this isn’t condescending to women, I don’t know what is!!

Steve - southern Illinois   August 29th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

How do you pick someone for VP who is under investigation for unjustly firing someone for personal reasons.

Country first? Looks to me more like do anything to get elected.

Sara   August 29th, 2008 12:42 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.

McCain just wants a subservient to get him nominated.

The Shepherd   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Better to have an inexperienced vice president than an inexperienced president.

PUMA IS A KARL ROVE DIRTY TRICK AND A MYTH..   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

She has held statewide office for 10 minutes….

and is ALREADY under investigation for corruption….

GREAT choice…

AWESOME…

she'll fit right IN with the washington republicans…..

HA!

c'mon cnn… its kinda early in the day for you to be banning me already

Pat from Cali   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

So they make a deal…be my token female VP and we won't drill offshore in your state.

She's under investigations for abusing her political power.

She's a deal maker..

Sam   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Are you serious? MaCain is 73 years old. Are you leaving this lady to run this country if something happens to McCain? This is another bad judgement by McCain.

victor,nj   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I am watching her giving her speech. She looks so timid and fragile. Mccain blew it!!!!!! I cannot imagine her staring face to face against Iran and other nations.

chris   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

obama's an empty suit…..a charming suit with a nice smile, but devoid of substance nonetheless….

The Shepherd   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I have to admire her for having a will of her own. Nothing wrong with that.

Maggie Muggins From Selwyn   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

If they do drill for oil both off shore and in ANWR where does the oil go that comes from these areas? Does the oil just go to service the U.S. or does it go into a world wide pool selling at the same price as OPEC dictates?

Can someone honestly answer this question?

Liviu   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

In May 2007, the Governor Palin's Office requests legislation taking all the standards for predator control out of the Alaska State’s law, and adding brown bears to the list of species that can be killed using private hunters and airplanes.

On the defenders' experts list, non other then Caroline Kennedy.

Lester   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Geraldine Ferraro was a nothing and was pumped up by the Democratic party and the media. Palin has substance to begin with.

With the Demcocrats hyped up so much for women's equality (forget about the men), it would be nervy of the Democrats to deny Palin the same treatment they gave Geraldine.

Accountant Guy   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Wow, so they are already fighting! Check and Mate, Game Over Republicans!!

Obama'Biden '08

KC   August 29th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I find this highly ironic, considering (as John McCain just said himself at 12:22 ET) his VP pick "puts their interests before your (the voters) needs".

You could see how he realised he slipped up but hoped no one noticed.

Well, John – we did notice and I think this is the first time I've heard any kind of honesty come from your mouth.

Eugene   August 29th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I'm an Obama-Biden voter, but I think it's great that Palin is the VP candidate. Congrats to John McCain for shaking it up. She will help make the next two months VERY interesting. Her choice of course will nullify McCain's charge of inexperience against Obama, but for the country and the liveliness of the next two months I couldn't be happier.

Lisa   August 29th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Palin was a very poor choice. Good Luck Republicans. You can count me out

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   August 29th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Is it just me or is anyone else underwhelmed by her speech so far?!

Chris A   August 29th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

She is speaking right now. Her inexperience is showing through already.

I quote her: "I never expected this. I promise to do my best every day."

Are you kidding me? She has no foreign relations experience! She sounds like a cheerleader with her very blanket statements – like a George Bushette.

Can you imagine if MCCain croaked in office and she became our leader? Seriously people, think about this. Think long and hard about this. Then make the right choice – Obama/Biden.

Matt   August 29th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Why does Sarah Palin's speech sound a LOT like Barack's last night??? Makes you wonder.

Obama/Biden!!!!

Terri   August 29th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

This was clearly a political move by McCain. I hope Clinton's supporters are smart enough to see through this tactic. McCain has once again proven that he'll do ANYTHING to win this election. Not just any woman can fill the shoes of Hillary Rodham Clinton! Dirty politician McCain!! Obama/Biden gets my vote!

James   August 29th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

McCain must be out of touch with reality, if this is the best V.P. nominee he can come up with. An unknown, first time gov., from alaska. (That's Pathetic.) He must be showing sign's of dementia, or alzheimer's. Running as the oldest ever candidate for president, does he really think that the american people would want this unknown person from alaska to become president if he died. This is just another example of how far out of touch he is with the american people. And the final nail in his political coffin.

Tammy - KCMO   August 29th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

So what did the Republicans do? Put an ad in the paper for the job as VP stating "No experience necessary"?
I will agree with McCain on one thing – no drilling in the wildlife refuge. My vote will go to Obama since I can agree with him on a lot more than just this one item.

gary   August 29th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

ATLEAST MCCAIN ISN'T BIAS AGAINST GENDER FOR HIS VP. NOT LIKE O.B. THATS PROMISES HRC TO BE ON SHORT LIST AND NEVER VETS HER. O.B. JUST NEEDS THE CLINTONS TO WIN.MCCAIN ATLEAST IS GIVING A WOMAN HISTORY. IT SHOULD OF BEEN O.B. GIVING A WOMAN HISTORY LIKE HRC. MY HAT COMES OFF TO MCCAIN. ATLEAST HE DOSN'T FLIP FLOP ON HIS ISSUES. MCCAIN IS STAIGHT FORWARD. O.B. MAKES A GREAT SPEECH ,WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DELIVER. YOU CANT CHANGE WASHINGTON. THINGS GOT TO GO THROUGH CONGRESS FIRST. FOR 200 AND MORE YRS. THEY HAVE TRY'D. O.B. HAS NO MAGIC POWERS. AMERICA GETS WHAT THEY ASK FOR.

sacto joe   August 29th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

An environmentalist she's not! But more importantly, Governor Palin gives “young and inexperienced” a whole new dimension. Talk about hypocrisy! The Vice-Presidency is a heartbeat away from the Presidency (and in McCain’s case that’s a very old heart indeed). How in God’s green Earth does the McCain campaign hope to get away with attacking Senator Obama for his lack of experience now?!

ANA G. LOS ANGELES. CA   August 29th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

He dropped the ball on this one.

OBAMA 08!

anon   August 29th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

It's amazing how the democrats who have two candidates with NO executive experience, NO business experience, and have spent most of their adult lives in politcs and criticizing someone with BOTH business experience AND executive experience!

Two Washington insiders vs. an independent maverick and an Washington outsider! Should be interesting!

Dennis   August 29th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

So, McCain cares about the environment in Alaska, but not along our shores? Honestly, I doubt he has thought about it much.

Mother to be   August 29th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

As a mother to be with a professional career, I am APPALLEDat the fact that she just had a newborn and will hit the campaign trail with him. The road is a bad place for a newborn and I am disturbed that she is putting McCain first over her baby.

John   August 29th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Good for them! At least the Republicans had the guts to elect a qualified woman to the position!

woody   August 29th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Thank God that Mc Cain doesn't know his advisors are Democrats

Tony   August 29th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

The best thing about McCain picking Palin is that he no longer has ANY CREDIBILITY when whining about Obama's not have any EXPERIENCE!

From now on EXPERIENCE is completely off the table.

Biden will blow her away in the debates and show just how little knowledge she has about anything that would even remotely qualify her to be a heartbeat away from the presidency if the old man drops dead.

Brilliant choice to suck up to ticked off women, but disastrous choice if he wants to win.

Gotta Be Kidding   August 29th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Where's Bridget McCain – you know McCain's other daughter?

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