August 29, 2008
Posted: 02:15 PM ET

From
Gov. Palin gratefully accepted her new role Friday.
Gov. Palin gratefully accepted her new role Friday.

DAYTON, Ohio (CNN) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gratefully accepted her new role as John McCain’s running mate on Friday, telling an audience of 15,000 Ohioans that the job “will demand the best that I have to give, and I promise nothing less.”

In a recent television appearance, however, Palin downplayed her V.P. chances by lampooning the office’s professional requirements.

“As for that V.P. talk all the time,” she told CNBC’s Larry Kudlow in late July, “I tell ya, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me: What is it exactly that the V.P. does every day?"

“I’m used to being very productive and working real hard and in administration,” she continued. “We want to make sure that the V.P. slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that were trying to accomplish up her for the rest of the us before I can even start addressing that question.”

“It’s a pretty big job, madam governor,” Kudlow told her.

“This is a pretty cool job here, too, though as governor of Alaska,” Palin responded.

Filed under: John McCain • Sarah Palin


She's Not Hillary & I don't care that she's a woman too!   August 29th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

This is what we should expect from Republicans. Fear mongering didn't work so let's try to steal Hillary supports. They think we're to dumb to care about issues and that all we want is a woman in power. Well I say they are too dull witted to realize that we supported Hillary because we thought she would do a great job as president. Not just because of her gender. Obama would have been my first pick if Hillary wasn't in the running and now that she isn't I am Not going to vote Republican just because they have a Woman VP. Palin's view's are not the same as Hillary's but Obama's are really close!

Obama 2008! Change we can believe in!

Anonymous   August 29th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

the community that Obama organized in Chicago probably had more people in it that the city that she was a mayor for. The CITY of chicago has more people than Alaska.

Anonymous   August 29th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

She uses power and emotions rather than whats right for the people

JUNEAU, Alaska — Gov. Sarah Palin, a rising young GOP star mentioned as a possible running mate for John McCain, could see her clean-hands reputation damaged by a growing furor over whether she tried to get her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper.
A legislative panel has launched a $100,000 investigation to determine if Palin dismissed Alaska's public safety commissioner because he would not fire the trooper, Mike Wooten. Wooten went through a messy divorce from Palin's sister.
Palin has denied the commissioner's dismissal had anything to do with her former brother-in-law. And she denied orchestrating

Steve   August 29th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

The VP does what ever she/he can to help the President carry out his or her agenda. Good job McCain! Excellent choice! We're behind you!

Roger   August 29th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Just like Clarence Thomas and Alan Keyes–these Republicans don't care. They insult diversityand and government service at every turn. John McCain has insulted progressive women just as Bush 1 insulted us with the selection of Thomas to replace Thurgood Marshall. Illinois epublicans follishly thought they just needed to get someone black to run against Obama because it was all about hs color. ,He beat Keyes by 40 points. John McCain just insulted thinking people everywhere. especially those of use who care about one nation, one people.

Cape Cod   August 29th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

WOW, you Obama supporters are really spouting the venom today! For all of you that say Palin has less experience than Obama–HELLO she has done what none of the other three have, she has actually RAN a town & state!!!!!! Your comments just go to show how little you understand of the political forum–a VP doesn't need to have all the experience of the Pres., they are just an extension of the higher office. If you even bothered to read a little bit of her political history you would see she has done more in the short time she has been Gov. then Obama has in his whole political career.
Get a life people, it really is disgusting to read all the hateful words that you spew about every article that does not have to do with your Golden Boy.

bellabella   August 29th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

After this news, I will guarantee you there will be a L A N D S L I D E
victory for Obama/Biden in November!
This is great news for Obama!
And the end of Karl Rove and the Republicans for '08

YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Obama/Biden '08

Professor   August 29th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Excellent Choice McCain!

Sarah Palin is extremely popular in Alaska. She is smart, tough, honest, hard-working, and to-the -point. She is decent and moral, and she supports the pro-life position and opposes sodomite marriages. In short, Sarah Palin is everything that Obama and his flunkies are not!

This will be an easy win for McCain/Palin in November!

Lourdes   August 29th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

McCain is so obviously pandering to angry Hillary supporters by choosing a woman with NO national experience, LITTLE state experience, and experience in a state that is totally unrepresentative of the rest of the nation, JUST for the sake of choosing a woman. I hope women everywhere see it as an insult that he thinks we are so easy to appease. She's a conservative pro-lifer (she probably supports the crazy notion running around D.C. these days that birth control is abortion) and is married to an OIL EXECUTIVE.

McCain is not a young man. I do NOT think this woman is a heartbeat away from being presidential AT ALL.

Election Watcher   August 29th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I think the Dems charges against Palin of no experience are ironic almost to the point of absurdity. Have you looked at your presiendtial nominee lately? Obama has barely more experience than Palin, and she has squeezed a lot of activity into her term far more than Obama has accomplished either at the state or federal level. She also speaks her mind and doesn't change her position with the political wind. I guess that says it, "wind", since this choice clearly has knocked the wind out of the Dem's sails. They had to spend 3/4 of their convention calming down unhappy Clinton supporters. The rest of the time they reiterated things we already know to the point of having the speeches memorized beofre a word has left anyone's lips. The RNC convention, however, will now have a captive audience as people try to glean details about their new VP hopeful.

Lesley   August 29th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

How can she be expected to present a national face and meet with foreign leaders that the VP so often has to do? Somebody should have told her back then exactly what the VP does so that she would have realized that she's not qualified for the job and turned it down. I agree with the posts that point to her family and small child with a disability. Who is taking care of that child now? Who will tend to her young children If she becomes the VP? She won't have the time to spend with any of her children in their formative years, let alone the youngest most needy one. Never mind what was McCain thinking, what was Palin thinking? Not about family values for sure!

Mike in Houston   August 29th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I think its interesting that Palin is actually more qualified to be VP than Obama is to be President. If you were to put Biden at the top of the ticket, the two tickets would be pretty evenly matched. As it is, the McCain / Palin ticket is the stronger ticket for America.

carlo   August 29th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

News alert to the PUMA's:

Governor Palin said that she couldn't vote for Hillary because she was a WHINER!

Source: Newsweek

Terry   August 29th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Lisa in Baltimore,

Give me a break!!!

Wow you must be successful!!!!!!!

Nowhere Man   August 29th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

If you Obamaniacs want bring up the inexperience issue for Gov. Palin and how that "takes that issue off the table", uh, are you admitting your candidate is nothing but an empty-suited, inexperienced dude?

Action Jackson   August 29th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Sen Mccain has just shot himself in the foot. The only thing he had going for him was experience. Now his judgement is in question.

A great choice   August 29th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Smart, Tough, Executive experience & not hard on the eyes either.

Ex-PUMA 4 Obama   August 29th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

With all due respect, even Gov. Palin know that she is not ready.

Walter Greason   August 29th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Just as the Clarence Thomas pick worked in 1991, Sarah Palin is the Republican pick for 2008.

karen-phoenix   August 29th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I'm 64 years old, republican and ready to retire. This scares me to death!!!! Listen to the way she talks!!! She has NO idea what to do!!!
McCain's chances of not making 4 years is scary but put her in the White HOuse is even scarryer!!! What was this man thinking???!!!!

I really like what Obama/Biden say about taking back our country and this lady is in the back pocket of big oil. Thats the only reason!!! I'm scarred for my retirement, I'm scarred for my medicar, I'm scared for what will happen to this country for my grandchildren!!!!!
Republican women for Obama/Biden

one nation under god!!!!   August 29th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

GAME-SET MATCH for McCain.I can understand why you libs ,who are not known for your smarts cant understand this pick.So im gonna explain why obama is finished.Dont worry ill talk slow and use small words so you can understand. First it reenforces his maverick message.Like one commentator said Alaska is littered with bodies both republican and democrat who politically opposed her.yes it takes away from the experience message but it also helps him with choosing an outsider.For those who say how can a mayor of a small town be a heartbeat awy from the presidency is condencending again to small town america.For those who say Biden will chew her up and spit her out,as if the poor little woman will get hurt playing with the big boys.Not only will she hold her own i think she will make biden look foolish in the process.And all she has to do is peel away 5 to 10 percent of clintons supporters and he wins.The republican base is energized.Not to mention this totally took away from obamas say nothing rhetorical speech last night.say bye bye bounce.Plain and simple its political genius.The democrats and the mindless obama bloggers are underestimating her at their own risk.

JA Cook   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Palin has PTA experience as well.

Bob Johnson   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

1) What the heck was McCain looking down at while she was talking? It sure looked like he was checking out her caboose.
2) Why did he keep fidgeting with his wedding ring every time he caught himself looking down and then abruptly looked up with a nervous look on his face?
3) There were some visible empty areas in the bleachers of that gym. McCain can't even draw a big enough crowd to fill a gym?
4) Sounds like Palin might have had her sister's ex-husband fired from his state trooper job and also fired one of her employees for refusing to fire the guy. It's under an official investigation. Reminds me of Joe Biden's comments a couple of days ago about "abuse of power."
5) Given McCain's age and health, odds are unusually high that she would become Commander-in-Chief if elected. Isn't that a bit "presumptious" of her to think she could take on that job?

Robert   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

She's a body. Specifically, a woman's body. Are all of the Hillary supporters supposed to be impressed? What a dumb political stunt.

KG   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Gov Palin is a great choice. The Dems are already falling all over themselves talking about her "inexperience." They've fallen right into the trap since they have a Presidential candidate who fits in the same "inexperience" category. Basically, the Dems bringing up inexperience only highlights their candidates non-credentials. It's perfect!

He is out of his mind!! Sheer hypocrisy!   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

After continuously repeating over and over and over about Obama's lack of experience, McCain chooses someone with LESS experience.

Just say no to the "Make No Sense Express" McCan’t/Who??

wow!!!!   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

she didn't know what the vp does, hopefully, she will never find out what the pres. does

Dee Jay a young republican   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

she leads a state with a population of 200.000 people…….

KC   August 29th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Executive experience? She has a degree in journalism!! McCain is 72 yrs old!! It just goes to show you once again McCain has no judgement. Except for picking beauty pageant winners.

JD   August 29th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

At first I thought he had gone completely insane.

Then I realized he had chosen his Cheney–big oil connections bring in the campaign cash and everyone will be so freaked out about what she would do if she actually took over as president that he won't be impeached no matter what he does.

…. Of course that makes you wonder what he is planning.

Beth   August 29th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Better an inexperienced VP than an inexperienced President !!!

ANDY DAAS   August 29th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

This should be a slam dunk for the Democrates.

rhoward   August 29th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Considering how McCain votes on women's issues, I really wonder why any woman would want to be on his ticket. If selecting Ms. Palin is an effort to appeal to Hillary Clinton followers, I'm not sure that it'll work.

Nathan Klintworth   August 29th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

I think McCain made a great choice.The democrats think that was a risky move,while Obama not picking Hillary as VP was not.Lets see what Palin has to bring before we start judging her.

Hypocrits for Obama   August 29th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

She has more experience than Obama.

If Obama is qualified for President… then she is certainly MORE qualified for VP and – if need be- the presidency.

HF in CA   August 29th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

McCain's choice is certainly not without its negative aspects. But everybody else had a negative side too — Romney was bitter in the primaries, Ridge is pro-abortion, Pawlenty would have been "safe", etc etc. McCain's choice shows he truly is the maverick everyone plays him up to be, and Palin brings a unique and new perspective to the race.

You could call me one of those "quantity" McCain supporters where I was planning to vote for him anyway, but the "quality" of my vote was certainly lackluster. I think I may vote for him now with a little more fervor…

Cynthia   August 29th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

The important thing is that the VP pick is a heartbeat away from being President and that is one heartbeat away that I don't want her. This country is in a mess and I would feel more confident that the country is headed in the right direction the country if it was in the hands of Senators Obama and Bidden and in addition to that feel more safe. Senator McCain worries me but him picking her worries me evenmore.

DUSTIN   August 29th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

That "caregiver" is going to be the child's father you noob

Lynn   August 29th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I'm switching from Hillary to Sarah !!!

ShirleyY - Seattle   August 29th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

BASED ON WHAT SHE SAID, SHE IS MORE CONCERN ABOUT THE ALASKANS THAN ANYONE ELSE.

MARY   August 29th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Is she ready to be be President should something happen to Mccain?

I don't think so. Very scary. Someone has defintely lost all their marbles.

Dan J   August 29th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

The Governor of a State makes more decisions in a week than a Senator makes in a year. She ran the largest state in the country with the highest approval rate in the country.

Zero experience? That's at the top of the Democratic ticket.

A house divided   August 29th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Hey Dylan…

A first term governor and a w term mayor as VP trumps Obama. Sarah is 3 years into a popular governorship.

Obama has campaigned the entire first term as senator.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   August 29th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

He must have picked her because to pick another senator would reduce the chance of the Republicans having control of the Senate and increase the chances of Democrats of having a filbuster proof majority.

JinNC   August 29th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

As a mother, I am furious. Palin is being praised for carrying a down syndrome baby to term and I admire that. But this is what has always bothered me about the hard-core pro-life group. They seem to care more about a fetus than they do the child after birth. I just cannot understand how a mother would decide to have a special needs child and then put her political career above the care and love that child will need. There is no substitute for a mother. The decision to have and care for a child is a life decision, not a 9 month decision.

Kristina, Seattle   August 29th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Wow… she sounds like a real rocket scientist.

Sorry, John, she's no Hillary Clinton. Nice ploy though.

mirto   August 29th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Hello!!!!!!!!!

She is a risky pick, picked to pander to women because McCain can't draw them.

CNN…. lets talk about how McCain couldn't even get 10,000 people to show at his Ohio speech today. Supposedly, he had to hire busses to pick up people and teel them that if they get on the bus, they can get a free trip to Dayton, Ohio to watch McCain. HA!

She is very, very inexperienced, more than Obama. Before her 20 month governor run, she was a mayor of a 9,000 population town. Lets leave the country in the hands of a rookie!

You republicans make me sick. That is why I have swayed the other way this time…. you and your weak, dirty tricks. Shame on you, republicans. I have no respect for liars (Don't we teach our children not to lie?)

Michele   August 29th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I was going to vote for Obama until today. I believe Gov. Palin will be a strong Vice President and I am proud that John McCain picked her. I am ProLife and have many friends that believe the same way I do. It is going to be an exciting race!

Doug R.   August 29th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

McCain picks a first term governor with absolutely zero Washington political experience to be his running mate. McCain= McBush= pathetic. Biden will wipe the floor with her during a debate.
…and is she even remotely qualified to be President if something happens to McGrandpa?? Someone walked McCain like a dog.

Mike33   August 29th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Uh, Isn't the VP's everyday 'job' to be a suitable understudy of sorts to the chief executive of the United States and offer intelligent and informed advice — if requested — to the President. It's not like being mayor (or mayor pro-tem) of a town 1/20th the size of the senate district Barack Obama represented when he entered elected service.

Jerry in Madison, WI   August 29th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Oh, my… John McCain has just lost his mind, and the election. Good news for Dems, that's for certain! If Palin were a man, he'd never be on the ticket with that resume. The ONLY reason McCain picked her is that she's a she, and photogenic…. thought he was smarter than that… guess not.

I can just see the new Republican slogan "Support Stem Cell Research, so we can grow McCain a new brain before it's too late!"

Jeremy young republican   August 29th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

When I woke up this morning and heard that she may have the spot, I finally saw a glimmer of hope for the party. My heart was joyed! When I learned of Palin a few months back, heard her speak, and saw how she carried herself, I said then, that I would vote for her (knowing it would never be a possibility). And now it is. I vote for McCain by default, but now Know that I am not merely wasting my vote. She is a true conservative, and she finally makes me proud to announce that I am a republican. I live in the beltway area, and she is exactly what we need, inexperienced or not. President Lincoln I believe didn't have much experience either. Black, white, male, female…. I don't like Obama nor Clinton, and have been looked at like a bigot because I state that fact. Palin is finally proof that it is not about race/gender.

sandee in Portland   August 29th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

So sad. McCain picks a VP candidate that doesn't even know what a VP does. As a Republican, I think this truly shows his lack of good judgement which you need as President. I am a 66 year old white woman who supports women's rights such as choice on abortion. While I don't agree with everything the Democratic party stands for, his choice of VP leaves me no option but to vote Democratic now. Why would I vote for a President that has bad judgement. Why didn't he pick Romney or someone with more experience. Could it be that he wants to keep the oil companies in his pocket? (Her husband works for BP). Judgement over experience anytime!

Lindsay   August 29th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

John McCain should be in a circus somewhere. Not running for president!

Maybe he does not actually want to win!

If I were a republican I would be completely insulted right now!

diva   August 29th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I am offended as a Hillary supporter (now for Obama) that McCain is pandering to women with the choice of Palin. How arrogant, sexist, and presumptiouos to think that women will vote for any woman. Hillary supporters were backing a well-educated, experienced public servant with years of an impressive resume. Women are not all alike. Somebody in the GOP needs to hear that.

Rachel   August 29th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I find this kind of shocking that he would choose a VP running mate with NO national experience. She's been a governor for 1 term, and on maternity leave for part of it. Realistically, if McCain dies is this governor from Alaska really qualified to run the country?

She didn't even know what the role of the VP was, and now she's qualified to be the VP. Alright. He says Obama's not qualified, but she's more qualified than him. Think about this for a second.

Voters please make yourselves aware. Don't vote for McCain just b/c his running mate is a woman. Look at all the issues and see where the candidates stand on them. Be an informed voter, not the emotional one McCain is hoping for.

Be smarter than this America!!

CNN Please post this.

Will in Richmond, VA   August 29th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

OH MY GOSH!!!!
Did she really say that???

LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!

greenfun   August 29th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

As a huge HRC supporter just returning home from Denver, protesting against my own party-I would just like to say THANK YOU Sen. McCain.
You just sealed the deal with me. As a life long Democrat, this will be the first time in my 30 years as a voter that I voted Republican for anyone-ever. Brilliant choice.

Mary   August 29th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Great choice! Lots of executive experience, current governor, former city mayor, ethics commissioner and city commissioner. She takes on the "good 'ol boys" and status quo, and wins! She's also very bipartisan as she has Repubs, Dems, and Independents in her current administration. Lots of economic and energy savy, too.

Go Palin & McCain!

Kevin, Austin   August 29th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

“We want to make sure that the V.P. slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that were trying to accomplish up here"

Did she say that the V.P. slot should be fruitful for Alaskans? Does she understand that as V.P. she represents the Unitied States?

Can we ask her more about that statement?

stacy   August 29th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

sounds like some people are jealous already.

arlene, CA   August 29th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

I have NO CONFIDENCE in Palin as a Leader/President of U.S. McSame made the wrong judgment call again & he is putting all of us in jeopardy, if he were to win, & something happened to him. Hillary's supporters wanted Hillary, not just any woman, because Obama & Hillary's policies were the same on the issues.

tpipe Owosso MI   August 29th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

I like the choice of Palin. She has as much political experience as their Presidential nominee but not enough to be one heatbeat from the Presidency. Come on Dem's, could you be a little bit less jealous?
I'll be if she wasn't a Republican she would have had tons of experience. Can't wait for them to start up the fact her husband works for 'big oil'.

wlhess   August 29th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

The Democrats are squeeling like pigs going to the slaughterhouse now. McCain and the Republicans just stole Obama's thunder with an excellent pick for VP.

Jack   August 29th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

What is McCain doing? He should have picked Romney…..who has governed a much more complicated state economy. He also headed Bain Capital and is much more knowledgeable on economic issues. Romney is also better on foreign policy! I am not voting for this ticket. Republicans should just prepare for 2012 and get the following ticket: Romney/Jindal 2012. That is the future of the Republican party not a senile old man and a pta mom who has been governor for only 2 years!!!!

vic nashville,Tn   August 29th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Wake up
20 years bad judgment of his pastor or 80% approval rate governor

Life long democrat and Hillary strong supporter will vote for Mc Cain
Hillary 2012 /Mc Cain/Palin2008

Bonnie in Texas   August 29th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Politically, she is a brilliant choice. Practically, perhaps not so good. It will be interesting to see her up against Biden in a debate. I'm reserving judgement on that basis.

Alexander Stavros   August 29th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Sarah Palin as a Vicepresident? Wow!!!!!!! Cool!!!!! I like her. What a beautiful surprise!!! I hoped Arnold Schwarzenneger as McCain's running mate, but in this case I make an extraordinary exception. Sarah Palin is a beautiful Queen. She is amazing.!!!

GOP Desperate   August 29th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

You know Palin is NOT going to rally any women behind her, she is NOT prochoice, she had not championed women's causes like Biden has for women. She has 5 kids, she will certainly not have time to answer the phone at 3:00 am, too many kids. Biden on the other hand, ready on day one, a foriegn affairs leader, and someone who has a long record of fighting for women's issues. McCain, is 72 today, he should have picked someone who can ultimately become president should he get sick, which is a very real possibility for someone his age. Bad move, very bad move.

Democracynow2008   August 29th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

She will not help McCain and those now deciding to vote for McCain are Republicans mostly anyway.

McCain just gave the election to Obama/Biden.

sine   August 29th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

My intelligence as an educated woman has been insulted. To think that I would pick mccain because he picked a woman as his VP. You just proved why Barack is fit to be president – the whole "we don't know him" "he is too inexperienced" talk is out the window.

How you pick THIS woman to be a heartbeat away tis beyond me. she seems like a lovely lady . But picking a person who's qualifications are being a mother of 5, 2 year governor of ALASKA (yes alaska)and holds a BS in journalism VS. obama or Biden, is just plain old irresponsible. Everyone should be outraged. At least Mccain could have showed some respect and actually picked a qualified woman like Condi Rice.

I am so incredibly angry at how he is willing to gamble american lives just so he can fulfill his long held dream about being president. No one has ever asked him why he runs for president every single term?

God help us all at his judgment.

gary   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

FORMER REPUBLIC FROM CA. WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO YOU OR ANYONE THAT SUPPORTS O.B. MY HATS OFF TO MCCAIN. AT LEAST HE ISN'T BIAS AGAINST GENDER FOR VP. HE DONT FLIP FLOP ABOUT A SHORT LIST WITH A WOMAN VP ,AND THAN NOT VET HER. O.B. HAD A CHOICE FOR MAKING HISTORY FOR BOTH HRC AND HIMSELF. HE AND DNC MADE SURE THAT WOULDN'T HAPPEN. SO JUST WORRY ABOUT YOUR CANIDATE. ALL WOMAN SHOULD BE PROUD OF MCCAIN GIVING THEIR GENDER A CHANCE FOR HISTORY. NOT LIKE O.B. THINKING ONLY ABOUT HIMSELF. MCCAIN IS FOR REAL CHANGE ALL THE WAY AROUND. WATCH OUT DEMS IN NOV. AMERICA GETS WHAT THEY ASK FOR.

LOL   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

What a joke. I am a PUMA supporter who would never vote for this ticket. McCain must believe we are all ignorant.

This type of bait and switch ploy will never work. One skirt is not just as good as the next.

Palin is no HILARY CLINTON.

We PUMAS are INSULTED that McCain thinks we could all be so gullible that we don't know the difference between a woman of substance and an ex-beauty queen who is under investigation in her home state and who has a disabled newborn who she is leaving to chase her own folly.

What a disgrace John McCrazy.

PUMAS for OBAMA!

Flip Flop Obama   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Go Palin, you gotta love it. Barrack who?

Go McCain

Impartial Jury   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Back in the game, don't let those polls fool you, this race has never been close. That's why he had to try to pander to the angry Hillary supporters, but guess what, her pro-life, gun-toting conservative cred is going to send them right back to the Democrats. 2 years as Gov in Alaska – wow. So neither of them will be prepared to deal with the economic crisis. Sarah "Danielle Quayle" Palin we'll never know ye.

herb   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

She will not bring the base back. She has a 5-month-old son who she is going to leave at home while she campaigns? Oh, and I'm sure she will get to spend lot's of quality time with her other child with Down Syndrome who needs her while she is VP.

That is not someone with strong family values. This is not someone who represents the base of my party.

II will still vote for McCain but this is a horrible, horrible choice.

Watermann   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

May be that none of the other contenders has successfully past the test on honesty and integrity. BTW, is it correct that Gov. Sarah Palin fired the husband of her sister in the course of a divorce and that she is the wife of a big oil manager? Theatre and politics at its best.

sarah, missoula MT   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

* she is under investigation in her home state right now for abuse of power, after she tried to get her ex brother-in-law fired out of spite.

* she does not believe in women's rights, or even that a man and a woman she be equals in marriage.

* she believes in creationism.

* unlike hillary clinton, she has not earned and does not deserve to be vice president

* mccain will be 78 by the end of his first term… if he gets that far. he's had cancer four times. do you trust this 44-year-old who has only governed the state with the smallest population for less than two years to be commander in chief?

Jim   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Unbelievable! John McCain is basically saying that women are stupid and will vote for anyone as long as that person is a woman. But if he wanted a woman, why not Condi, Kay Bailey, Snow, or some other experienced woman candidate? I've never voted for a Democrat for president in my life, but this will certainly be the first time!

Rob   August 29th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

It's obvious to me that the aim of this selection is to divert attention from Obama and the Democrats. McCain knew that after last night he would have to do something just short of a magic trick – like making the capitol bldg dissappear or something – in order to divert the attention away from Obama's extraordinary night. This is clearly an act of desperation.

Jacob   August 29th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Since McCain votes against equal pay for women, I guess his plan to balance the budget includes cutting the vice president's salary.

internet_winter   August 29th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

What does the VP do?

She waits around for a 72-year-old skin cancer survivor to drop dead so she can take over the most powerful nation on Earth with know understanding, experience or comprehension of how to govern it.

UBY   August 29th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

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.

Hal   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Read her history. She is a leader and reformer. She and McCain do not vote party line. They will do what is right for the country. Obama's history is "I hate Bush". Obama will do what the left side of his party tells him. How can you unite the country that way?

Dennis   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I think the whole "executive experience thing" so many Republican supporters are clinging to is overblown. She served as Mayor of a town of 5,000 for a couple years and Governor of a state with a population of less than 750,000 for less than 2. I could go to any number of small towns in the Midwest and find mayors that have been in office for a couple of decades, but you still wouldn't want them to run the country either.

I seriously hope that Governor Palin knew more about the office of Vice President than she was letting on. I also hope she realizes that if she were elected Vice President, she'd be answering to more than just Alaskans. I'm not sure she gets that.

Tired of W, OH   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Sarah Palin, meet Dan Quayle.
Dan Quayle, meet Sarah Palin.

Phil Newton from Murphy, Oregon   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Hint: the position does not require reading the news and weather.

Awful. Just awful.

CR   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Politics before country… McCain is out. What an insulting choice to women. NOT ALL WOMEN are the same. He has no respect for us.

Irma in North Carolina   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Boy Cindy better it watch it now a good looking woman younger than her, John has a chance to commit adultry again, at least cindy will know how it feels. Its a good thing Cindy had prenutal agreement made. John will be down to one house now instead of seven.

HF from PA   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I has become obvious to me that the McCain staff has a group of volunteers whos only job is to post crap on this ticker…

I agree Obama does not have the experience you would expect to be president…however, as his first presidential act…he picked a man that fills the gaps and could be the president if the worst should happen. This is not about experience..it is about judgement and McCain just shocked me with his total absense of judgement.

Peter (CA)   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I'll give McCain a point for doing something maverick (the first maverick thing he has done since he started running). But, other than the fact she is a woman, I don't see it. She is against choice so does she bring in women who wouldn't vote Republican anyway?

The only cogent argument the Republicans had was the experience factor. They have taken it off the table. A governor of Alaska for 2 years, a mayor of a city of 9000 before that. And you put her as the running mate for the potential OLDEST first term president?

It ain't more of the same, but it doesn't make sense.

Obama/Biden–the only way to change America.

Rudy NYC   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Nice headline to this article.
Just as bad as some of the Obama articles.

McCain has really made this race and the debates interesting. People should research what Palin has stood for and against. She tried to enact legislation in Alaska that would drop government protections for animals like bears and wolves. People could shoot them to extinction if they wanted under her legislation.

Peggy - TX   August 29th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

If men had babies and women did not, then men would be women and women would be men.

* * *

Women can do anything, even become president of the united states, as Hillary has proven. Even if she did not win, show showed that a women could win – just not Hillary.

* * *

There is no greater role is there then the role of caretaker for your children. If you decide to bring a child into the world, then that child needs you to make that child your priority!

Military Man   August 29th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Obama's in trouble.

Tom Eyemdaman   August 29th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Before you criticize her, get to know her. Find out WHY she has an 80 to 90% approval rating in Alaska. She is well-liked by almost everyone! She is proof-of-concept that a person who exemplifies high ethical standards and roots out corruption even in her own party can rise to the top. Fantastic choice, John!

McCain / Palin 08

Berni   August 29th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I feel the pain of all the extremely qualified & experienced republican women McCain had to choose from. How insulting that a lightwieght former beauty queen trumped their years of hard work. Screwed by a man again!!!!

Obama Supporter VA   August 29th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Washington Post:
For Bush and Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Gustav threatens to provide an untimely reminder of Hurricane Katrina. A new major storm along the Gulf Coast would renew memories of one of the low points of the Bush administration, while pulling public attention away from McCain's formal coronation as the GOP presidential nominee.

Once again: they failed America and this storm should remind everyone that all Bush?McCain did was party while the people in LA suffered.

8 is Enough!

Pepsi   August 29th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

The best she has to give should first go to her young family. I don't care what her qualifications are…which are very few…should be to how she wants raise her family. Not having someone else raise them for you!!!

france   August 29th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Wow! Great choice McCain. I'm a democrat that was leaning McCain
or stay home, now I know I will vote for McCain. Really like this woman
and what she stands for. They will make a really strong team.

Alan   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

This is actually insulting how John McCain thinks we'll just forget the last few months of him hammering Barack Obama about experience. This just proves what everyone knows and that is the fact that McCain is a walking contradiction. Could you believe that if something were to happen to him she would be president. I mean come on she has less then two years experience and its not even in the continental U.S.

April Garlow   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

The DNC should have allowed Hillary her rightful place as nominee. It
is laughable that the Obama camp is worried about Palin's lack of
experience, when all I have heard from them is– experience doesn't
matter,Obama is a Washington outsider. Would you rather have Palin one heartbeat away from the presidency or a Washington insider who
has been there for 35 years? Which one would live out the change
message? Wouldn't it be nice to see someone from small town America helping to lead this country, The Dems number one guy has the same experience as the Republicans number two choice, the only difference is Palin isn't an elitist like Obama, or a plageristic, racist , who's been in the 20% approval rated congress, for the last 35 years like BidenHillary Clinton Democrat for McCain/Palin 08

Impartial Jury   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Maybe McCain will plan a political "surge" with Romney or Pawlenty once his campaign gets bogged down from this poor decision. You have got to be joking – 2 years in Alaska??? That's political punishment, not the resume of a VP. Biden and Obama wondering what medication McCain missed last night. That's why you tuck gramps in tight at night so he doesn't wander off and do something crazy like this.

Willow, in Iowa   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

McBush has finally lost his marbles. When you think of the people I can count on all ten fingers that would be qualified (and about half are women), he picks a Governor with 20 months of experience in Alaska, with a Downs syndrome child needing a lot of care. To quote Paul Begala today, "Is he nuts?"

the only question I have is, when he calls her an insulting name debasing women, is she gonna walk?

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Governor Palin couldn't control Senator Stevens, who reports to her in the chain-of-command of government. So how is she going to control anything in the future if the need arises?!

And don't feed me the "she's managed business before," either; Bush managed three companies into the ground!!!

HiFi   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

McCain sure knows how to pick women…like Cindy Lou, Sarah Palin is young and HOT!!! Unfortunately, he doesn' know how to pick veeps. She has spent all of two years as governor of Alaska…is it a state? Before that? Mayor of a village of 5000 Inuits. Alaska is about as far from the lower 48 as now McCain's chances of winning. I'm sure some PUMA's will now have an excuse to vote for him, but more informed women will realize what a shameless pander to Hillary's supporters this is.

As that crazed women from New York said in June, "They're throwing the election awaaay!"

MD FOR OBAMA   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

All she needs is a blond wig to go with that quote.

Tony Roberts   August 29th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

It's too bad, she seems like such a nice lady. In the words of Pink Floyd,
"Welcome to THE MACHINE".

Ann Mack   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

McCain's pick of Palin, a woman with very little executive experience, a woman who has approved a 26 billion dollar oil pipeline to Canada instead of the United States shows that McCain's decision was made from an adlolescent place of "I'll show you mentallity" instead of one of wisdom and judgment and will be a disaster because this is not a game but serious, deadly business! Maybe McCain really is senile and confused and incapable of making sound judgments. This woman will be a heartbeat away from being in charge of the highest office in the land. If she was Qualified, that would be different but she is not and that is the bottom line. Not to mention that his argument that Barack has no experience And Is not Ready is out the door, his strongest argument against Barack.

Is this decision Historic or Hysterical or a mockery to our political system? A game changer or a roll of the dice? And should a Presidential candidate play russian roulette with the people's business? It is sort of sad to me personally, that McCain with all the problems we face here, did not have the People's interest at heart but rather a desire to win for winning's sake and did not think of the consequences of his actions and what it would mean for this country if she had to be sworn in as President of the United States!

However, in this evil ploy to pull Hillary women from Barack with no consideration as to whether or not this woman has the ability and experience to lead the United States here and on a world scale shows a very adolescent way of thinking, and a lack of sound judgment and as McCain's first executive decision, a disaster! Through this pick, McCain has just shown that he is NOT READY TO LEAD, and it also proves that he is not really serious about solving America's problems!

Chris Hull   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

McCain's pick is no worse than the Dem's choice of Obama. What experience does he have, other than the fact he is a good speaker so long as he has a teleprompter.

Unshrub   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

McCain should be able to get the conservative women vote with her. Wait! You already have that vote. If this isn't a case of pandering, I don't know what it. Do you really believe those who supported Hillary will now support someone who does not represent anything Hillary stands for? The fact that Hillary is a woman is inconsequential to most of Hillary’s supporters, but you seem to think that is what the 18 million Hillary supporters believe in. This is an insult to all of her supporters. McCain, bring change to Washington is Obama's idea, not yours with 26 years in Washington. Gov. Sarah Palin will bring one thing with her to Washington: ties to big oil.

McCain, you do things in a big way, it’s hard to tick off 18 million voters in one decision. But you managed to do it. Keep it up.

rachael   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I think she's qualified…I mean, the woman was a STAND OUT POINT GUARD IN HIGH SCHOOL AND SHE'S A MEMBER OF THE PTA!

AND SHE EATS MOOSE BURGERS!!

What a joke. How stupid does McCain think women are?

Obama/Biden 08
Hillary/Whoever 16

Shelly   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I only know that she is very pro-life and against gay marriages.

I need to do some more research on her.

So far, I don't like what I see.

I'm not sure what McCain is trying to do. If he thinks that by choosing a woman as his VP that I will automatically vote for him, he underestimates the power of any search engine !!!

Lou   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Finally, we have a candidate that is strong and wise enough to make a risky, but RIGHT choice!! My vote goes to McCain and Palin!!

Neil K, Lake Forest CA   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

She doesn't even know what the Vice President DOES? Isn't that a basic requirement of any job you apply for, that you understand what the responsibilities are?

God help us if McCain and Palin manage to win.

ostriches burying our heads in the sand   August 29th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

To all those folks who keep saying Palin has more excutive experience than Obama and Biden combined because she is a governor….if one were to accept that argument, it would mean that she also has more excutive experience than McCain himself!

How about nominating her for POTUS then….after all she is the most qualified to govern and lead among all four of them……….NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jamie -- Asheville, NC   August 29th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Well, gee. Sounds like she'll make a great PRESIDENT when McCain dies in office (if they, lord help us, actually get elected).

I can hear it now…."What exactly does the President DO?"

HUH?   August 29th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

WOW look her up on the net,

1)she fired an aide over a tiff within her family (sister divorcing a state trooper) The aide refused to fire him so she fired the aide.

Abuse of Power just maybe

Bringing family drama to an executive branch absolutely

2)Or her refusel to run a transparent executive branch after promissing such.

Like Bush/Cheney just maybe

S. Boatman   August 29th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

There Is Not Enough Spin In The World To Make This Woman A Good Choice For Republicans! Thanks For Handing The Democrats The Election!

Rebecca - CA   August 29th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Are you kidding me? John McCain….the oldest candidate to ever run for president, already has serious health problems….and this is the best choice to step in and be the "commander – in-chief?" Aren't there any other qualified candidates in the Republican party that could fill the bill? What happened to Mitt Romney? Talk about "risky!" This is Sen. McCain's first important decision…. Now we have "real" grounds to question his judgement. Geez…. unbelievable!!!!

Will from MA   August 29th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

"What is it exactly that the VP does every day?"

Luckily, Mrs. Palin, you'll never get a chance to find out.

Peggy - TX   August 29th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Well one thing that is obvious about McCain is that he likes to surround himself with pretty – air-brained women.

I am looking forward to seeing her family and his family at the GOP convention. It tells us a lot about their character.

The big question is will Bridget McCain be there? Bridget, his first born. The one he abandoned when she was only 12 years old. She is important too and deserves to share this moment with her father.

JDC // Ohio   August 29th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

At least, Palin is not part of the corrupt Chicago (Obama) types!!! And she looks good too.

Don   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Sen McCain makes very poor choices, from Iraq, to Afghanistan to big oil to women's rights and i think this VP choice cost him the election.

His has very poor judgment.

FactCheck   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

> She takes on corruption on BOTH sides of the isle.

You must mean the wedding aisle since she is under investigation of abusing her power to try to get her ex-brother in law fired as a state trooper.

ann   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I am highly insulted by Mccain's pick for VP. This is a perfect example that the Mccain campaign just doesn't get it. They obviously feel they can pick up Hillary votes with this choice. I believe we need a woman president but that doesn't mean I would vote for a woman just because she is a woman. There is no way you can compare this woman to Hillary Clinton. She doesn't endorse or support any of the beliefs of Hillary Clinton. In fact, What I have been hearing is that she stands opposite Hillary in just about everything. We need a Woman president BUT a quailified Woman President. Who is this woman????

ginger   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

So now all of sudden all the PUMA's and McCain supporters have flipped floped on experience with regards to foreign policy, Iraq, health care, civil rights, and all the other things the McCain said, Sen. Obama was inexperienced on.

And don't dare try to compare Palin to Obama.

He's been a statesman for 8 years

me   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Boy, CNN…you're going after Sarah worse than you did Hillary……
You obviously love bashing any woman…..good luck with that.
Suburban women, over the age of 35, soccer moms will decide this election. You slapped Hillary in the face for over a year.
GO MCAIN/PALIN!!!!!!!

Sherri   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Amazing…doesn't that comment instill confidence in you?

McCain is insulting to all American women by picking one so terribly unqualified. Ms. Palin doesn't even know what the Vice President of the US Does. She is in it for Alaska…not for the entire US.

I hope everyone gives this very careful thought when casting their precious ballots in November.

John   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

It is a sad reflection on this campaign that a really inexperienced person is now McCains VP pick. Yes his pick is a women unfortunately a woman who is an ultra conservative trying to be and outdo a men, a fully paid up member of the American Gun culture. She has very little affinity with American women hoods concerns, the right to choose, Health care etc. etc. and the Biggest negative of all she is NO Hillary Clinton who I firmly believe will be invited to serve in Obama's cabinet with special responsibility for Woman's issues and real universal Health care.
This lady could become President and take responsibility as commander in Chief after only a few weeks in office given McCains age and Health concerns, if you believe Obama is a risky choice how much more risky is Palin who has been in elective office less time than Obama has been a Senator. This choice is being impulsive and reckless with America's future.

Konw the facts   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

If Pumas are considering voting for McCain because of Palin, they clearly don't know what Palin stands for….totally opposite of Hillary Clinton. Please research the facts!

Joshua College Station Texas   August 29th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Hmm, guess I was wrong. I thought the news that Pawlenty canceled his speaking role during the Dem Convention and went home in a hurry meant he had to prepare for the big announcement. It is clear here that McCain and the NeoConservatives think they can garner some of the disenchanted Hillary voters and that is why they picked Palin. It may be that Palin is a very attractive choice for many voters who place a premium on putting a woman in the executive offices. It will be interesting to see what portion of those committed Hillary voters (the PUMAs, etc.) go for McCain on account of Palin. If they do, it will be because they think they are getting McCain's experience, or Palin's gender, or both. But it will then be obvious they never had any loyalty to the Democratic party, and that they never shared Democratic values. If that is the case, it is scary they would ever vote for Hillary in the first place.

Ron Graf   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

How you can spend 2 months talking about how your opponent is too inexperienced to be President then pick a running mate that has 2 years experience governing one of the smallest states popultion wise and most people in the country have never heard of is beyond me. I Bet less than 1% of the popultation of the entire united states knew who this person was yesterday. I bet most Republican political people never heard of her before today. If she were a male she would not have been picked for this job.

FactCheck   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Palin doesn't know what the VP does every day? Well that's okay, because McCain doesn't have a clue about what a President does every day.

Betsy Olson   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

As a mature woman, John McCain's VP pick just made up my mind, and I hope that of many, many others.

I will NOT vote for McCain.

It is painfully clear he must think women are really stupid.

Sandy - PA   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Newsflash for Palin – the VP becomes the PRESIDENT if something happens to the sitting president. And if the sitting president was an old man with numerous health issues, then this becomes much more important. John McCain is older now than Ronald Reagan was when he was elected. Think about that. This is why his VP choice is very, very important. And this was just a horrible choice. All he was doing was looking for a woman to draw the Clinton supporters. Not gonna work.
I can look at Palin and see that she is a looney.

Scott L   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Wow, it is amazing to see how scared the Democrats are. What is Cafferty talking about Alaska has 13people? Alaska also has the oil pipelines you moron! She has RUN AN ENTIRE STATE which Obama won his seat in the senate by having his candidates names taken off the ballot. What are you talking about??? Dems are very scared today and Palin has stolen the spotlight from Obama's mythic gods speech.

Michael   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

McCain's ticket is now complete. It is stronger than the Obama/Biden ticket in experience, qualifications and proven accomplisments.

Now it is McCain and the Republican's turn. Obama got his speed bump in the polls. It will be no match for the Republican convention.

America IS Great! McCain/Palin 08!

hrp   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Well, what is he thinking? Palin has very little experience and seems to be under investigation?…Once again you have to question this man's own judgement and experience. I can't imagine his party is too pleased with this choice.

Sound_Mind   August 29th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Enough about McCain's judgement!
Repubs believe people are stupid that they can get 18 million Clinton votes just by having a woman in ticket who stands against every issues that Hillary and her supporters care about.
How can McCain be an advocate of women when he vote againts equal pay for women for equal work? How Sarah Palin can make decision for the whole nation when she does not support fellow women's right to choose?
If McCain cared about women in real sense, there were other experienced choices in Republican party.

This old man just exploit woman for political or personal purposes and he has a weakness for beautiful women.

Ben   August 29th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

What happens should McCains health gives way? Is this lady able to be a President? She needs to make time for a fifth child ..as the baby isn't well. Why isnt McCain able to get along with the other GOP candidates?

victor,nj   August 29th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

This is greatest insult to date to all female Hillary supporters. Palin is a child compared to Clintons experience. If this ploy actually gets Mccain elected the Clinton supporters are even more stupid and guillable as I thought.

Nikki   August 29th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

I think his pick is extremely insulting to women. He picked her ONLY because she is a woman and most likely for no other reason. Women are not going to vote for her just because she is a woman…a person with a political ideology in stark contrast to Hillary Clinton. Women who backed Hillary Clinton share her ideology. They will mostly in the end vote for Obama who shares much of Hillary's ideology.
Also, if something were to happen to McCain, do we want this woman from an isolated state with very little experience as President?

John   August 29th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

I have an idea for those who support Obama. Keep talking about how Palin doesn't have the experience to be VICE President. Keep it up. I can see the McCain commercials already.

Dem   August 29th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Senator Mccain is more concerned about the current political atmosphere and winning votes rather than what is best for our country.

Jo Burdette   August 29th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

It is refreshing and exciting to see Palin on the ticket!!
Male or female is not so much the issue, neither is whether she has military experience – neither did Bill Clinton.
What she does have is "brains"……and yes – you can have brains and beauty!!

So Cal Gal   August 29th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

McCain is really out of touch and stupid if he thinks all of us Hillary supporters are going to flock to this party because he picked a woman. I'm sure she's a fine governor, but she's no Hillary!

No way…No how…No McCain/Palin!

Clayton   August 29th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Picking Sarah (Plain&Small) Palin is a shocking but telling example of Mr. McCain's lack of judgment.

With McCain's extreme age and lack of lucid thought processes, it is good to see him make this foolish mistake now, rather than later (in The White House). His flawed judgment and inability to act rationally is now painfully obvious, hopefully to everyone — even the most ardent Republicans.

cornelia Peabody   August 29th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Yes, the candiate for the vice presidency of the republican party is the governor of Alaska, but this is a state with a population of under a million people. Many many cities in the US have populatons of over a million so how can it be said that she has executive experience.

Garbanzos   August 29th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Wow! A tough woman, young, mother of five, no elitist background from overrated universities, governor of the Biggest STATE ALASKA,
hunter, environmentalist, not bad looking, she is DYNAMITE! Too bad the DEms had someone of the same caliber (HILLARY) to choose instead they chose…Biden! An insider attack pitbull from the same circle of Washington embedded politicos that Obama has derived so much for so long! Welcome Sarah Palin to the fray and let the best man and woman win!

Changed my affiliation from Dem to Republican today! A PUMA!

John   August 29th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

THE VP SHOULD BE ABLE TO STEP IN AS PRESIDENT!!

Dan, Ohio   August 29th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Impressive…

Tony S G   August 29th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

What a surreal moment! Listening to all the Republicans 'promote' her sounds so frantic and forced. Less then two years of experience as Governor from one of the lowest populated states, and they emphasis she is the ‘commander’ the Alaska State National Guard, what a desperately bloated qualification. I can see the old GOP party faithful rolling their eyes and saying “That’s why I hate John McCain.” Even John McCain had the look of “what am I doing?!” which has been pretty common this 2008 election. He’s 72, what a senior moment! What a hilariously terrible choice. She compared herself to Hillary Clinton which opens up the obvious moment in the VP debate where Joe Biden goes: “Sorry Sarah Palin, I know Hillary Clinton, I’ve served with Hillary Clinton, You are NO Hillary Clinton.”

RR in AZ   August 29th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

I rest my case!!

A CANUCK   August 29th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Ooooh! McCain just lost the election …….because Hillary is going to work her butt off…….to keep a female VP out of the White House (who may run for president in the future). Poor Johnny !!

NoMcSame   August 29th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

If Obama just wanted to win he would have picked Hillary don't you think? So that tells me that Obama puts America first because he picked who HE thought would be the best for America should something happen to him.

McSame picked a little known woman with no international experience because he thought that she could him get into office. McSame is a true ReThuglican that only cares about getting into office.
Now who do you think puts America first McSame or Obama. The ReThuglicam games are as old as McSame himself and the people are not going to fall for them this time. Those days are OVER.

PS A Maverick is an old broken down cheap no car that even the owners hated and McSame is just about the same.
Obama08

Lisa in Baltimore   August 29th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Hopefully you will never find out!

Also what kind of mother leaves her baby with downs syndrome with caregivers while she campaigns for the next 2 months. Sorry but I have no respect for that.

Jason   August 29th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

She is married to Todd Palin, an oil production operator on Alaska's North Slope for BP……She is tied to Big Oil.. some have to question McCain's choice for VP with her ties to Big OIl.. She is facing an ethics scandal for an improper firing of a state official.., She was mayor of a town of less than 6000.. She is an outsider alright. .. She is an admitted pot smoker. Although pot is legal in the state of Alaska, it is still illegal on the feds front.. She is using her son in the military to drum up support for the war. **Shameful**…. She surely won't attract to many Hillarites.. Look at her views.. Pro Life, Anti-Gay/Lesbian, Life Member of the NRA, Former Miss Alaska runner up (McCain likes them lookers)… .. She is wrong for McCain.. Romney has to be pitching a fit right about now!! McCain shows Lack of Judgement for this sophmoric pick!!

Joe Regis   August 29th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Condi Rice would have been a better choice.

The repubs are doomed to fail this year.

Obama/Biden 08/12.

Back in the game   August 29th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

McCain has been nearly EVEN with Obama / Biden WITHOUT conservative support. Palin brings the base back. The Dems are toast!

NObama 08

No Biden 88, 92, 96, 00, 04, 08 (this is change?)

John Smith   August 29th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

People do not get it:

McCain always chooses for wealth. And guess what, a nice pay-back will be the Alaskian (potential) oil. Let us start drilling, America!!

If this man can leave his "poor" and hard-working ex-wife and lie about his age to marry a rich "woman," it looks like he has done it again. This time, he intends to squander the wealth of our nation!

enoch needles   August 29th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

VP has the awesome responsibility of being the tiebreaker in 50-50 senate votes. Apparently, she won't have to do that either. This is a fabulously inept move by McCain – will shore up his base (who were going to vote for him anyway) and attract no new voters. It's McCain's birthday, but we got the gift!

Judy in Gilbert, AZ   August 29th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Why???????

If you had picked Romney, you would have had my vote. Not all of us women are demanding a female on the ticket. We want experience, and you have failed to provide that. I won't be voting in November.

Jeffer65   August 29th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

To be fair she asked that question about a month ago, but it shows she doesn't understand the importance of the VP. That the VP should be prepared to step in for the president at any time. Stay in Alaska, Sarah and get more experience before you step on the national stage.
John McCain – thank you. The whole world is laughing at us now.

n-money   August 29th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

In the words of my colleague- someone should ask McCain if he is in favor of paying Ms. Palin as much as Mr. Cheney and Mr. Gore were paid….

Brian Seattle   August 29th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

John McCain, Thank you!

From Barack Obama

Marty Pacino Chicago Il   August 29th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

What a great day for this country, for women, and for the Republican party. I am proud to be an American today. Despite what the misogynists will say this is a great woman and a great day for women across the country. The democrats will regret disenfranchising 18 million voters and will also regret choosing self interest over the will of the people. One woman in particular deserved to be on the ticket but the party was too arrogant and to egotistical to put the party before themselves. Palin just hit a home run with that speech. What a beautiful and articulate woman. Democrats, let the games begin… let the hatred spew and try and destroy this woman in front of the world and see if the voters fall for your lies and resentment. The Republican party has just taken the hope card from the democratic ticket. In poker there are 2 ways to describe this over the top move. Basically McCain just just check raised Obama and CNN and put them on freeze. And now I think Obama and the liberal media are on full Tilt………….. McCain with AA “I'm All In” … Obama with 2/3 off suit “ I Call” CNN with 5/10 off suit “I Call”….. now you tell me who's gambling?

McCain/Palin 08 … Did you hear that? I think I hear a Regan style landslide incoming!

Tully   August 29th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

here we go!! lets dig up all the old interviews to try and bury her. Nice try CNN. This is hardly as bad as Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden both saying John McCain is a better candidate than OBama. But shhhhh- lets not mention that.

Sandi   August 29th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Oh My God!! She didn't know what the position she has excepted entails. God help us all!!!!!

Mark   August 29th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Palin should fit right in with a Republican administartion, since her greatest experiece seems to be in abusing her power. She is currently under investigation in Alaska because she tried to have her ex brother-in-law (her sister's ex-husband) fired from his job as a state trooper when he got into a custody battle with Palin's sister. When a state official refused to fire the guy, she had that state official fired and replaced by a puppet. Sounds a lot like our justice dept.

We don't need four more minutes of this kind of abuse of power, let alone four more years.

steve b   August 29th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Palin is person you have to really try to dislike.

Obama brought in Biden to be "the attack dog"

McCain brough in Palin to "attract women voters"

I am not voting for the VP, I am voting for a president

Jim   August 29th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Mccain dropped the ball. I was pretty worried he would pick Mitt Romney because my mother really like's him and was thinking of voting for him if he did, so this is a relief to me, but also pretty shocking. He is underestimating the intelligence of the American people, not the bloggers that create dozens of fake name's and pretend they are swayed by this when they have always been republicans and always up to their usual tricks, come November there will be a nice reality check for them, for now they can cry and moan all they want.

markbaker   August 29th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

HELLO PEOPLE… Palin has a FOUR MONTH OLD INFANT.. with DOWNS SYNDROME!!!

Obviously a child like that needs ALOT OF MOTHERLY ATTENTION AND CARE

How the HELL does she find time to take care of her baby while being on the campaign trail.. much less be VP? Or what if McCain's health fails & she becomes President?

PLEASE! Mothers will see through this BS

Obama wins by a landslide!

RyanD.   August 29th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

LOL

What a disaster. McCain must WANT to lose.

markbaker   August 29th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

HELLO PEOPLE… Palin has a FOUR MONTH OLD INFANT.. with DOWNS SYNDROME!!!

How the HELL does she find time to take care of her baby while being on the campaign trail.. much less be VP? Or what if McCain's health fails & she becomes President?

PLEASE! Mothers will see through this BS

Obama wins by a landslide!

Henri   August 29th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Has anybody ever heard of the Manchurian candidate?

Sarah Palin: A no-name bought and paid for by big oil.

earle   August 29th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Thank you Senator Mccain, after seeing how women were treated by the Democrat's, this former Democrat will be gladly voting/contributing to Mccain.

Muz   August 29th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Haha she didn't know a month ago what the VP does but now is McCain's running mate, definitely a joke.

S   August 29th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

I just read her bio on wikipedia. She was a beauty queen who worked her way up. She sounds like a smart, strong woman, but there are some issues. She is currently under investigation in her own state. I'm not sure about how I feel about that. I'm a Democrat and will more than likely vote for Obama, but I was trying to stay openminded at the same time. I think this has made up my mind.

Alex   August 29th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

exactly, exactly!!! why is media making her all great… she's a school teacher… c'mon, …she looks like a school teacher!!!

Hillary Supporter   August 29th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

And she's ready? she doesn't even know!! poor lady!! Shame on McCain!

Dude   August 29th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

What makes Sen. McCain think that this gal is qualifed to take over the leadership of this country if it were even possible for him to get elected? 2 years as a Govenor? Of Alaska? Before that she was a Mayor? The republican party has the gall to question Senator Obama's qualifications? Sen. McCain is how old today? 72? Sorry, but in my view it's NO GAIN McCAIN!

David   August 29th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Horrifically misguided choice solely aimed at catorying to a slect few potential swing voters rather than ensuring the security of the US. She is far from being able to jump in to the roll of Presedent if McCain is unable to complete his term (at 72 and with a troubling medical history the chances of a major medical issue are far to likely). Did everyone else say NO, is a desperate choice.

vw   August 29th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Clyburn said the choice of Palin is risky, I will ask my fellow countryman, is it really much more risky than to have an inexperienced president nominee? Probably NOT.

Dylan   August 29th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Wow this is one of the saddest political ploys in modern history. To put this first term governor of a state that's home to only a few more people than the CITY I live in a heartbeat away from the Presidency is downright ludicrous.

McSame must think all women are pretty stupid.

Former republican white man from california for Obama   August 29th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

she has no idea because she has no experience to draw from! He made the worst possible choice he could and for what to pander to the PUMA idiots that really were rove operatives anyway. Poor judgment and no experience the GOP ticket 08. I hope with Obama in the White house the GOP will kick out these extremist from our party on the radical right and make this the party of true conservatism again

Tom Eyemdaman   August 29th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

She is a great choice. She has executive experience. She takes on corruption on BOTH sides of the isle. She has an 80+ approval rating in her state. She is is the type of reformer McCain needs to surround himself with!

McCain / Palin 08

Pepou   August 29th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

What does a VP does everyday ? mmm… let's see. Bring coffee to the boss ? Water the plants ? Christen a new boat ? Drill in the garden ? Make a fool of herself ? Quite a program.

Mark   August 29th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Isn't McCain supposed to be the candidate who "always puts his country first"? In this case, he clearly is putting his politics first. The man is 72 years old, and has been diagnosed with cancer four times. And he chooses this person to be his VP? If anything happened to him, we would have a president with absolutely no foreign policy experience, and McCain wouldn't be around to help out. Would we want Palin dealing with Putin, ahmadinejad, Pakistan, China, Israel, etc., etc., etc.

Where is your judgement now McCain?

Kelly from Denver   August 29th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Once again McCain showed how irresponsible he is from his VP pick.

Obama/Biden 08

W O W WO W   August 29th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

S E N S E——-O F——–H U M O R——S O R E L Y———N E E D E D—–

W I T H———T H E———-R E S T———-O F—-T H E———–L I O N S

Jim   August 29th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

My mexican gardener has more political experience than Palin (he became an expert in foreign policy when he hopped the border fence).

Guy   August 29th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

If it's what the present day VP does… she'll run the country and have McCain as the flunky frontman.

Lawrence for barack   August 29th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

wat a joke, thanks mcsame for the pick lol

Dennis Philadelphia   August 29th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Great Experience!

Tim   August 29th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

So CNN, that's what you came up with? Her saying that her current job is more challenging than she imagines the VP job would be? Put out a couple of more biased headlines, I'm sure no one notices.

Glenn Doty, Columbia, SC   August 29th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

So she's intending to use the office of the Vice President to further the concerns of Alaska, and only Alaska.

Hmm….

Not fooled and not scared   August 29th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Hey – they found 15,000 to attend? How far did they have to bus them in from?

Kiah   August 29th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

LMAO! What a joke!

Kel in Auburn, AL   August 29th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

WHAT?!?! She doesn't even know what a VP does? Come on. The McCain camp is just asking for it. This is hilarious.

Doug in Seattle   August 29th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I must say, the Republican party is good at picking up the "single issue" voters. Now they have the "woman-on-the-ticket or nothing" voters who formally supported Hillary, and the anti-abortion voters. But will that be enough to win? Hoepfully not, because Palin is woefully underqualified to be president if 72 year old McCain can't make it through 4 years.

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