CNN

Selection of Sarah Palin is another knee jerk decision of Sen McCain. If he has truly vetted her thoroughly before making the selection would indicate his not paying attention to the risk he is taking. Hilary voters are much smarter and can see through clearly.

I was a devoted DEMOCRAT. But since the Democrat Convention remake of SuperStar Jesus Christ and Woodstock. OBAMA has
given me no substance. No Plan. I wanted more. Instead the
Democratic Convention showed just another Celeberity with no
real proven record as a Legistator/ as a Senator. INEXPERIENCE
vs Proven Leadership. Which do you follow the GLOW of a STAR or
What. Thats what the Democratic Convention remake of Woodstock and Jesus Christ Superstar brought to me. SO Independent I shall
become and vote for the experience.

cnn you can run but you can't hide all the relevent questions about obama will be answered if not on your network then on fox or abc and you can limp into it after the best parts are exposed but believe me the public will have a full expose before november

Sad to see the Republicans throwing out the "he will raise your taxes" statements again. Seems the only way for them to win is by scare tactics. I have been told for over seven years that Bush cut my taxes. I sure can't see it. No one that I know can tell me how much they are saving from the supposed Bush tax cuts either. Pretty simple math to me, income on one side of the balance sheet, expenses on the other side. Taxes fall under the expense side. Two guesses as to which side of the balance sheet is increasing rapidly under the Bush policies.

Don't get me wrong, I always liked McCain. If he is going to be the voice of change, I want to hear what he will do different than Bush.

McCain "surged upward." What a fallacy of truth. You can look at the 2 parties ths way: Republicans sit and stare at a person who they see as themselves. Democrats saw a man who stood there and saw himself among the 85,000 in the crowd. "Service" does nothing to help millions hurting to their cores in America. It simply invites the Republicans to think McCain is Roosevelt and is an image of their old selfs.

Many of us questioned McCain's temperement for the job of President, and now he's confirmed that he doesn't have the right judgement with the hastily made pick up Palin for his VP without properly vetting her. He needs to show the American people that he can think with a level head and not shoot from the hip on important decisions.

Research is paramount to change.. Democrats support research much more than republicans. My career of over 25 years has been in research and my income has suffered when the republicans have been in office.

Greetings .... Grand-ma to be Sarah, has , made a statement to the world that ,increased Population , is a good idea, not by words but by her presence...... When other countries are concerned in lowering birth rates, Americians fail to asisst by example.... Consequently, the media is doing a dance.. High World birth rate s add , to global warming... Mother earth needs , a little more loving, an education, The media must support the many countries, who strive to become better, by engauging , an supporting. groups an organizations., that value good family planning . Ron From Ontario Canada

This is the most boring convention I have ever seen. No wonder McCain picked Palin. The only time people clap is when the conservative values of the right wing of the Republican Party are brought up. Also, that montage of Lincoln was disgusting and highly suggestive. McCain needs to do better than that in order to sway independent voters.

David needs to think what he is saying before he opens his mouth he has been around tooo long and needs to pack it in and move it out.
What happens to all the polls when Obama is ahead.....slient...news.
It is obivous who David is behind more of the same.....

Being an independent voter from Boston, I have been on the fence between both parties. I was a Hillary supporter and wasn't sure about senator Obama. That being said, there is no way I would vote for McCain now. His pick of Palin for VP sent me completely over the fence for Obama !!

WHY CAN'T THE REPUBLICANS SEE . . .

The nation has had enough of the ultra-nasty religious-right-wing conservatives like "Monica Goodling" and "Tom DeLay". Sarah Palin is just another one of those thick-headed self-righteous ideologues that you cannot have an intelligent and respectable discussion of the issues. It is got to always be there way.

NO MORE – TOM DELAY
NO MORE – MONICA GOODLING
NO MORE – SARAH PALIN

With you Lance – was looking forward to serious debate and hard to fathom that happening now – have always considered the candidates (dem voted Bush first term, not sure Gore was the right choice) and Obama supporter way back when – sad GOP imploding.

The sad issue about the McCain-Palin ticket is - hardly anyone has addressed the fact that Senator McCain , as nice a fellow as he is, has just turned 72 and has Malignant Melanoma, a potentially fatal disease that can claim his life before his term is over, if elected. Do you trust Sarah Palin to take over the baton, realizing how complex are the problems facing the world, not to mention our domestic problem?

The biggest challenge would be to convince America that a third term of bush is right for America.

Good Luck, I would rather leave this country than to face that bleak reality.

When are we going to see a sit-down interview with Palin? I want to see her grilled by the media and see what she says and how she handles herself. Perhaps McCain can trust his "gut" when making important decisions, but I don't want my future to depend on his "gut" decisions.

Ha ha ha!!! So this is where everyone is at right now? You don't wanna fall sleep hearing THE PAST-SAME repeat again and again on how things USED to be instead of how things WILL BE after the Obama Era starts -though their "tomorrow" is already our present.- Now, back to Utube. Back to the future!!!

John McCain – 30+ years in Washington, age 72, 90% voting record with Bush and "Maverick" (as he claims)

Barack Obama – Teenage mother, raised on Foodstamp, Harvard Graduate, extensive record of public service – thats the real maverick, for you and for me

Yes we can!!! and we can now!!!

Since Palin got the nod, McSame is now McPain!

David, I believe the Democrats will sustain their big mo from the convention because the Republicans has self-destructed with the Palin pick. I cannot fathom putting my pregnant teenage daughter through the scrutiny of the free press. She is emotional and her self-esteem has probably taken a hit and then Mom is only thinking of her career and living in the White House. What a shame this family didn't put family first.

Senator Palin 's problem is that she should have put her family first ! Not Country, as McCain says he does ! WHERE and WHEN has McCain been surging ahead , David ? He has never been ahead in the polls ! You are too kind ,and your statements lately have also been blurred ,.somewhat . This ticket is fatally flawed . McCain is too old , too steeped in HIS own past . He has become maudlin , in his dotage . It's time to hang up the shotguns now , we need tough diplomacy , we need a new direction, and a new fresh approach ! The USA has to do this or it will not survive as the HOPE of the free world.

The real divided party

#4) Find new vice presidential candidate.

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I seem to get lost trying to understand what McSame is for or against,
… looks like it depends on the weather condition.

More of the Same from McPain - sorry, but no one is interested in giving a 72 year old "maverick" (e.g. loose cannon) and a controversial governor who wanted her state to secede from the Union another 4 years to screw up the country. Period.

As a 59 year old woman, I am truly afraid for this country with the Palin choice. I am firmly in the Democrat camp now, after voting Republican the past 40 years. I do not want to have my grandchildren live in the past on women's issues. We are not FLDS women. Sincerely, A never again Minnesota Republican

Biggest challenge for the GOP ticket:
Separate McCain from Bush. Reintroduce McCain as a reformer with the added advantage of experience.

SeattleVoter...I can can say is AMEN!

Obama represents "We the people" much better than McCain.
I think he will do all he can to 'serve' the people. McCain will represent the standard Republican views.-not good

Thank you David Rodham Gergen!

No more shoes can drop.

Too late a busload of shoes keep on dropping.

Just in the last hour:

- She was a member of and addressed a party that wants Alaska to succeed from the union

- She gave a speech at a church saying the war in Iraq was mandated by God

- She went to washington to lobby for Earmarks for her state

Sarah Paulin
So Little experience / so much baggage

they can do whatever they want at there convention they are not going to win in nov. this convention is hard to watch, there is no chemistry, no substance, just alot of old people, doing nothing, just because you were a fighter pilot doesn't make you fit to be president, they are a bunch old idiots if they think the american people are going to put another republican in office, i pray not

How dare McCain put this country in jeopardy by nominating a person whom may be a wonderful person however, I don't feel she is any where near qualified to be a heart beat away from being President. I have a feeling he did this to get back at the party for not allowing him to choose Joe Lieberman, of all the choices he picked the least qualified. I AM NOW VOTING DEMOCRATIC...

One more for Obama, he has been campaigning for change,(reform)
since day one. So now John thinks it's a good thing.What happend to
inexperience.
I wonder what Putin and the rest of the world think of the developements of the last few days.

So this is news but Biden calling himself the next president isn't?

It is no wonder people think CNN is liberal.

What a mess for the Republican Party. They deserve it.

Go Obama/Biden 2008

It's a sad sight. I've seen more people and more energy in crowds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

I think it will be rough for the Repubs. I'm watching now and this is some of the most boring stuf I"VE EVER SEEN!!!!!! I agree with all of your points as far as what they have to accomplish tonight though. I also think they need to refrain from any sexist attacks. Those can and will backfire....

I think the media will successfully slime the VP candidate, it has already started. That will keep the McCain ticket on the defensive until the election.
This could backfire, as she has had some real problems people can relate to. And given her performance in Alaska, she would be a breath of fresh air in the inbred, narrowly partisan world of Washington DC.
She is no less experienced than Obama, no matter what anybody says. If she was a he, no one of any intelligence would even debate it.

Gender bias in this country runs deeper than any racial divisions. Hillary found that out, it's not about experience or "change."

They also need to apologize to the US military and ask forgiveness

then turn Bush and Cheney over to the authorities

with that I would vote republican for the rest of my life

This is a waste of time. The Republicans have already lost.

Ron Paul has more people attending his convention than at the RNC. How sad is that.

Guys..you what to laugh at the irony of all this: First, McCain has been preaching about the danger of election someone with zero foreign experience, "in this dangerous world." However, he picked the least experienced candidate of the GOP pack. See how sound McCain's judgment is?

Second, Ms. Palin preaches, or at least used to, abstinence only and moral values. Now, we find out that her own daughter missed those sermons. See how ironic?

Senator McCain made a snap pick as a reaction to the DNC Convention. This type of snap judgement is what got us into Iraq. This type of snap judgement is what helped derail our economy. Senator McCain's judgement is the real issue issue on the table. He has lots of experience...at being wrong. 90% voting with the President wrong. I feel sorry for Govn. Palin. She probably would have done well for Alaska. Now see is finished as a state politician, and she has been fed to the wolves....

well...I think that answered your question! LOL

As long as the Dems get out the vote, WE'RE IN!!! Wooot.

*Happy Dance*

McCain-Palin will win. Sarah was a brilliant selection. She has tons of experience as a mayor and as a Governess for almost two years. Strong family values will always trump a brilliant orator like Obama!

Why would John McCain even vett someone who is up for impeachment in Alaska??????????

I don't think that a PTA meeting with the Iranian wierdo has wings let alone a laugh fest.

Have you ever heard Iran Laugh, I mean the whole country and every other one with Putin saying "What are you goning to do Sarah if John disappears.

This is toooooo risky. Not just for a month let alone the next 4 years. She will have to get Patreus to teach her what to do, and where to shoot.

Today, the USA is wayoff it's mark when it comes to the Rupublican Party.

I think it is wise to remember that at least 8 Presidents have not completed their terms of office – from a short 30 days (William Henry Harrison) to a long 13 years (FDR). I am not concerned about Sarah Palin as Vice President, I am concerned about her as President if McCain were to die or become incapacitated early in his term. Obama has spent the last few years foreign relations, knows world leaders, and is a constitutional scholar. As my son is currently serving in Iraq, my blood run cold with the thought that this woman might become his Commander-In-Chief through a whim of fate!

You're always 'right on the money!" Calm, cool and armed with facts – a pleasure to watch! You thought the DNC got off to a slow start. I did too. However, compared to the Dems, this is anesthesiology. With all this pandering to the Evangelicals, his VP choice, I think McCain really wants to throw this.

McCain is USING Palin.
McCain is insulting all American women!
Shame on You John McCain.

O and Joe '08

I am so disappointeed with McCain. He is treating the American people and this election as if it some kind of joke. Country First is the theme of his convention? How does the Palin pick, the current vetting and his support of Bush policies speak to that?

America deserves better than McCain.

Obama/Biden '08

Let's hope America hasn't become totally masochistic, Greg. S.

McCain is USING Palin.
McCain is insulting all American women!
Shame on You John McCain.

O and Joe '98

The people I know that are voting republican are only doing so because that is how their daddy voted and their daddy's daddy and so on and so on

Good evening,

I do not think they can. He has canceled is own argument. His judgment has been impaired; itis like driving under the influence and your vision becomes blurry and can no longer walk and talk straight!

How can anything said then be rationale! Mr. Bush will say he is ready to lead... based on what...his experience learning from Bush!

So McCain got mad at CNN because Campbell Brown dared to ask Tucker someone a question about Palin's foreign affair experience

Ms. Campbell Brown
You to quit you're job, you are no longer effective in you're job. You're
a mother and you can't be both. And a good parent and work too, right. So, do all us working mother's a favor, go home iron you're husbands shirts.

How appropriate a Christian Rocker that just happens to be a hot 23 year old...Right up McCains Alley and hes able to pander to the christian fundamentalists too

Also, David Gergen. You are absolutely the most gentlemanly voice in news. You are much appreciated.

Camp McSame is in full-blown freefall. HA!

"McSame: Campaign First."

This is funnier than Seinfeld!!!!!!!

Governor Palin is an irresponsible mother. With her pro life belief, she knowingly conceived a child at age 44, taking on the high risk of a child birth complication. Unfortunately, the dice was cast and the family now has a Down syndrome baby. Not only that, apparently governor Palin's family value is not well established in her household, as her teenage child is now pregnant. The mother and father are totally accountable in both instances. Senator McCain needs to select a VP that can practice family value, not just to preach it. We deserve someone better.

You know what they say about the VP pick: First, do no harm. This reflects poorly on McCain's judgment. And now they are stuck with her. God help us if they get elected.

When do we get to see Palin at a real unscripted town hall meeting?
Why did the GOP have to send an army of lawyers BACK to Alaska?
Why are the Republicans cooking up the story that the Obama campaign is endorsing the idea that she can't run a family and the white house? I never heard that from on National Liberal.
Why is Bush speaking at the GOP and the rest of the speeches given the rest of the night are covering McCain for not being like Bush?
Take the issue of her child out of it. There are real questions to ask.

I seem to get lost trying to understand what McSame is for or against,
... looks like it depends on the weather condition.

Nice Republican National Convention graphic for the ticker, CNN. I didn't see that during the Democratic National Convention.

"Fair and Balanced" has started to slide more toward "Faux and Bologna."

Obama/Biden is really the only choice here...should be a no-brainer save for the most ignorant and blind of Americans.

Mrs Palin's 20 months of executive exoerience gives her more experience than John McCain and their Democratic rivals if we are to believe the Republican spin.

This country will never be united as long as individuals refuse to compromise. For generations republicans have blamed the democrats for nearly all the hardships and vice versa. I'm still amazed there are so many Hillary supporters who openly state their decision to vote for McCain simply out of revenge so that Hillary Clinton may have another opportunity to run in 2012 depending on the November results. This is not only childish, but inconceivable why somebody would vote against their core values and beliefs simply because they remain angry. Whether you support McCain or Obama let's face the truth that no matter who gets elected that nothing will ever improve or change until we as a people can come together to appreciate the differences we have and work together for one common goal to unite the United States. Please stop working against each other people.. this solves nor resolves anything and only leads to more division.

Regards,
Raised Republican
Decade Long Democrat
Currently Independent

No. Here's why. Like you said, "no more shoes can drop." But they have. Within the last hour, the AP has reported that she has recieved some shady funds from the same people who were implicated in the Ted Stevens ordeal. Also, the AP is reporting that her husband is a two time member of a seperatist party in Alaska, which looks VERY bad compared to Michelle Obama's comments about being proud of her country. Also, there is a new church video that has come up where she explains that she supports the war in Iraq as God's purpose. Serious allegations coming from serious journalists.

Are the republicans insinuating that Democrats do not serve their country?

People really need to think about if John McCain suddenly "kicked the bucket" (he's no spring chicken), is Sarah Palin really who you want to run the country? She is no Hillary Clinton and picking her just because she is a woman is an insult to the Hillary's and all other intelligent women out there. Although she can't control her 17 year old daughter being pregnant, it does say something about her lack of adequate parenting or at the least, educating about birth control. So the question begs to be asked, Does Sarah Palin already have too much on her plate? Becoming Vice President would take up even more time. Yes, there is a husband. But the husband was there as well and Bristol is still 5 months pregnant. Think about it, America!

And another thing, McCain acts before thinking and that is very scary to think he could be the next president of the united states.

And another thing, they are accusing people of sexism and they are exploiting this woman and her family for political gain.

The dirty, old politics and scare tactics won't work for the GOP this Election like how it did 4 years ago. This week's convention is going to be quite amusing.

In one word..... NO

I personally am pro-life and a democrat and a Christian, but am amazed to find out this week that Christians never eeeevvver consider abortions much less have them.(sarcasm) I am also the father of two disabled little girls who is quite bothered by people giving someone bonus points for keeping a child with down syndrome or one born out of wedlock. In itself it implies that we with children who don't fit the model of what is perfect are doing something extraordinary because we have these "less than perfect children. In reality, according to the bible, loving these children is something we are called to do anyway. Don't "exploit" these children to make a point. For something that everyone wants to keep private, alot of people sure are manipulating the situation to gain brownie points.

What he needs to do? He needs to change his policies and way of thinking that is not in alignment with the modern world!

OBO8

McCain sacrificed moderate voters to gain far right voters. It's a big gamble and it will take a couple weeks to figure out whether or not it worked.

Somebody, please! Wake me up when this Repug Convention is over!
A complete waste of air space and time!

David, With deference to your status as a former adviser to presidents in times of trouble, my read on the current staus of the republican ticket is any thing but trouble, it is excitement...naming Sara Palin to the ticket was a brillant stroke of political manuevering...while Joe Biden was sent to speak to a group of Florida seniors about Obama's "commitment to Israel", the news is all about Palin ..wait until those seniors hear about her thoughts on energy, corruption, the old boys network...stay close to the phone as Biden may be in trouble.

I have a challenge for them.... To be able to remember their VP pick without having to read her name and where she is from off a card and have to look at it about a dozen times. This is what McCain did at his rally in Washington, PA over the weekend. What a feeble old man he is, he can't even remember his running mate's name or where she hails from, and Republicans want him running the country? What a huge error.

Go Obama/Biden '08

The republicans are something else, look at them trying to sell this woman as the next Hillary Clinton.

Pathetic Democratic Party. JFK, Harry Truman, Roosevelt, and this is the best you can do? An unaccomplished, unAmerican, Muslim. I thought you hit rock bottom with Kerry but this guy is lower the the ocean floor.
What has he done to earn the Presidency? Name one thing? Organize a picnic in Chicago?

I look at McCain / Palin and all I see is More Pain

Wow, it looks as if the church has taken over the republican convention. The funny thing is, McCain is not very religious and Palin will not be implementing any policy even if she is elected.

To Bad They Are Not Going To Be Able To Do Any Of Those Things!

I have been a Democrat all of my life and I changed. I am so happy that McCain has picked his VP/Palin. She is middle America, she is the woman next door with her share of cares/childen, things to deal with daily and much on her plate. Of course she can handle it, women are used to multi-tasking. He is thinking out of the box and long term. I am so proud to have McCain on the ticket, he is our leader. I am excited about the party changes and she is pulling in Hunters/Sports Enthusiasts/Christians/Middle America/Mom's real people into the Republican Party – Wow – what a turn around the Republicans are doing, both are mavericks/bulls in the party – Heed on! Win! Win!Win!
Go Navy!!!

Is Gergen going to extol the virtues of Sarah as being a new type of working mom the same way he gushed over Michelle? He made it sound like Michelle invented working and raising a family at the same time. As if the boomer moms haven't been doing it for 40 yrs.

I have confidence that the Democrats will have the upper hand when it's over, David. Neither Palin or McCain are inspirational enough to turn this tide. Yes they might get a bump but it will not be big enough to overcome the BIG MO that OBAMA has now. And each day goes by, the excitement for Palin will dwindle.

Well, with Sarah Pawlenty's foreign policy experience, Alaska is really close to Russia you know, and her 20 months executive experience as a governor of a state with less than 1million people in addition the PTA experience, the Republicians should be feeling really confident right now.

God help us all if the Republicans pull this off.

There is no other choice in this election but OBAMA/BIDEN!!!

The Fact is there are two kinds of people in America:
The Democrats are relying on America's intelligence to win
The Republicans are relying on America's ignorance to win

Big Blo Blo McLame picked someone with even less experience and qualification so therefore Obama WAS READY TO LEAD in the first place! There is no question about it!!!!!!
And talk about Family Values! I can just see it now my 17 yo tellin me if she can do it why can't I!
WHAT!!!!!!

The GOP's momentum has been completely stalled. Instead of defining his would be Presidency, John McCain has spent the first two days of his convention defending his v.p. pick, becoming surly with reporters, cancelling interviews with Palin.

In all my years, I've never seen so many scandals coming so quickly and during a party's convention to boot. The entire GOP is self destructing before our eyes.

The GOP platform has been hijacked by McCain's bad judgement. Way to go John, you may have made a politically worse decision even than your buddy Bush did when he decided to invade Iraq.

At the rate we're going, it at least looks like Sarah Palin may be as dangerous as a war zone anyway.

We love David Gergen!!

It's become a referendum on mccain's judgement. He picked a vp for his political gain over keeping the country safe. We all know that. It does not paint a pretty picture of Mccain's priorities as a leader. It's Mccain first. Not Country first,

Challenge for GOP: Change party platform so that more than the top 2% can benefit.

Sarah is Not the one I want to send overseas to represent USA to the possible hostile countries and the world.

Per Washington Post:
Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain's presidential bid, insisted that the presidential race will be decided more over personalities than issues during an interview with Post editors this morning.

"This election is not about issues," said Davis.

Hey CNN, where's your report on this? This explains a TON!

no i dont think the republicans can do it now shut up cnn

Sad that Palin's career could be over before its started, ain't it?!

Sen. McCain Is Going Down, Crying!

McCain had momentum and was "surging upward" two weeks ago?

What polls were YOU looking at?

Nobody knows Sarah Palin yet. Even the Republicans and John McCain himself don't know her. This just proves McCain is dangerous with this CRAZY pick. More and more of the truth is coming out on Palin who was picked because she was a so called reformer.

She is not a reformer but rather a fraud due to the following:

-As mayor of Wasilla, population 5700 at that time, she hired a lobby firm to help her get $27 million dollars in federal earmarks from 2000-2003.

-As governor of Alaska the state received $570 million and $200 million dollars in federal earmarks which John McCain is against.

-In 2002 Palin received $4500 from the same firm that has gotten Senator Steven indited for a felony and is under FBI investigation.

-Sarah Palin's gubernatorial administration illegally possessed confidential files of her ex brother-in-law.

-Palin is under a state investigation for abuse of power and recently hired a private lawyer who is authorized to spend up to $95000 to defend her.

Palin is clearly a fraud on the ISSUES she supposedly was picked on.
Where is the judgement now?????