I think McCain just became the frontrunner

[Grogger31]

I was thinking the same thing and agree with you, completely. But, I still think it was a very smart move....

I agree, it was a smart move for him. I wonder how she'll make out in the VP debate with Biden. That will be something to watch.

[Philfest]

WTF's the VP do anyway?

In Obama's case, just stay out of the line of fire.....

[immts007]

I think it's a hail mary pass. Could work, but maybe not. Doesn't she have a 3 month old infant?

Anyway, her experience as mayor was for a little AK village of 9000. LOL.

You can bet the farm that all the angry Hillary supporters, beside a very small few who are probably actually republicans to begin with, will end up voting for Obama. McCain/Palin is a 100% anti-choice repeal Roe v. Wade ticket.

This is going to be interesting to watch.

Oh, and iacas? I think Cheney has redefined the role of VP in terms of what they do and how involved they are. But I supposed the office could revert to its former capacity.

[immts007]

I mean, I was never voting for Obama because his healthcare plan pretty much sends my college career to the shitter

How so? I'd be interested to hear your story.

[Grogger31]

How so? I'd be interested to hear your story.

Yeah, I'm dying to hear this too

[steve8820]

This is actually a terrible move that won't matter because America won't vote for Obama when it matters.

I agree. McCain clearly has the experience to be a President and then picks a VP who clearly does not. I understand the reasoning behind the pick, but it could backfire on him.

[immts007]

McCain's temperament and judgement concern me. There are MANY stories from both sides of the aisle about his explosive temper.

Any man that could call his wife a "c*nt" in a room full of people (including reporters) has serious issues, in my opinion.

[Dub]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25970882/from/ET/

I hope they win, too.

[907golfer12]

Go Alaska

[Naterater]

When it comes down to it, McCain is going to win in a landslide anyways, but if he weren't starting this race so far ahead anyways, this wouldn't be a very good choice.

I think you've had too many bourbon and coke's..... This woman governs over a population of less than 700,000 people. By that, the mayor's of LA, New York, or Boston would be more qualified than her. Do the Republican's really think the Hillary voters can't or won't see right through this desperate act?

[Vino707]

I think you've had too many bourbon and coke's..... This woman governs over a population of less than 700,000 people. By that, the mayor's of LA, New York, or Boston would be more qualified than her. Do the Republican's really think the Hillary voters can't or won't see right through this desperate act?

It doesn't matter how many people she currently governs. This move addresses two issue that McCain has had to deal with, age and out of touch with current trends. She is young (younger than Obama) and a mother of five. As grand a show as the DNC was there are still a lot of disaffected Hillary voters who want a woman in the White House. With Hillary out this is the closest they have ever come to this and they want it.

Obama's whole 'Change' motto was shattered when he chose a white old man to be his partner. McCain has more of an edge now with the whole 'Change' motto. She is young and a woman. Remember most voters are stupid and only look at candidates for face value. People will look at this McCain ticket and see it more like passing of the torch to change.

[Grogger31]

Remember most voters are stupid ...

As evidenced by the last two presidential elections, I agree 100%.

How, exactly, can McCain continue to use the "inexperience" angle on Obama? All Obama has to say now is "Why would you pick a 2-year governor of Alaska as your running mate if you think experience is so essential?" Then we get to see McCain stumble, bumble, and dodder for an answer. Maybe he'll say "ummm, uhhhh ... I'll have one of my people get back to you on that" like he did with the how many houses do you have question.

[Naterater]

Your right she is a mother....."On April 18, 2008, while in office as governor, Palin gave birth to her second son and fifth child, Trig Paxson Van Palin, who has Down syndrome.[69] She returned to the office three days after giving birth.[16] Her decision to have the baby after prenatal genetic testing revealed he had the disorder was applauded by the pro-life community." I am suprised the mother of a five-month old with down syndrome feels that the VP seat is more important than her child. What was I thinking? Of course women and mothers all over this country are gonna LOVE HER!!!! Wake up!

[ERC7.5]

It doesn't matter how many people she currently governs. This move addresses two issue that McCain has had to deal with, age and out of touch with current trends. She is young (younger than Obama) and a mother of five. As grand a show as the DNC was there are still a lot of disaffected Hillary voters who want a woman in the White House. With Hillary out this is the closest they have ever come to this and they want it.

Well put. Just explained all of this to a friend of mine a couple of hours ago...

This pick was more about striking a balance in the ticket (and probably/possibly a reach toward some Hillary votes).

How, exactly, can McCain continue to use the "inexperience" angle on Obama? All Obama has to say now is "Why would you pick a 2-year governor of Alaska as your running mate if you think experience is so essential?"

So the Repulican ticket's VP (we'll call #2) has less experience than the Democratic ticket's Presidential nominee (#1). By how much? Is that really quantifiable? Obama has what....142 days in the Senate? And what has he accomplished?

Then we get to see McCain stumble, bumble, and dodder for an answer. Maybe he'll say "ummm, uhhhh ... I'll have one of my people get back to you on that" like he did with the

Obama has done plenty of stumbling and bumbling himself...

Just my $.02

[Grogger31]

So the Repulican ticket's VP (we'll call #2) has less experience than the Democratic ticket's Presidential nominee (#1). By how much? Is that really quantifiable? Obama has what....142 days in the Senate? And what has he accomplished?

The fact that it's a #1 vs. #2 is irrelevant. The VP's main job, as discussed, is to take control of the country in the event that the President is unable to function. So her qualifications are about being President. It's impossible to argue experience if the person you pick to take over for you has as little experience as your opponent.

Obama has done plenty of stumbling and bumbling himself...

My bad ... McCain is a very well spoken orator. If "delivering bottled hot water to dehydrated babies" was his only error, you could compare the two. Unfortunately, every speech he makes is riddled with flubs. You can be sure the producers of The Daily Show are hoping for a McCain win. They could fill every half hour, every night of the week with his stammerings of the day.

[Eore]

i couldn't care less about how a person talks. its about what they are saying.

obama lost his whole "change" thing with his VP choice. in fact, once the people stopped cheering every time he said "change" to let him explain, what he was saying was no change from any old democrat.
but its all campaign promises.

i doubt whoever wins does what they said they will

[ERC7.5]

The fact that it's a #1 vs. #2 is irrelevant. The VP's main job, as discussed, is to take control of the country in the event that the President is unable to function. So her qualifications are about being President. It's impossible to argue experience if the person you pick to take over for you has as little experience as your opponent.

Ok, comparing #1 to potential #1, why is Palin less experience than Obama?

BTW - Obama is already attacking her "experience" based on the attacks that he has experienced from the McCain campaign. Palin, as governor of Alaska, was the executor to the state....which is a very important state for our economy.

My bad ... McCain is a very well spoken orator....

I don't recall stating that....not that it would matter. I don't care how well candidates talk. I'm more concerned with what is said and how it's going to be carried through.

[Grogger31]

BTW - Obama is already attacking her "experience" based on the attacks that he has experienced from the McCain campaign.

I don't think Obama should attack her experience at all. My point was that this selection makes it much harder for McCain to use the inexperience argument on the offensive against Obama.

I don't care how well candidates talk.

If you don't think it is important for a candidate to be able to clearly express ideas, intelligently answer questions, and communicate with the American people, I'm not likely to change your mind.