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Sarah Palin: conservatives find the girl of their dreams
The Alaskan governor’s family life and political views press the right’s buttons
When Sarah Palin stepped into the spotlight as John McCain’s running mate in Dayton, Ohio, and promised that women could “shatter that glass ceiling once and for all”, it was an electrifying moment in a presidential election that had already produced its share of upsets and surprises.
History was on the march again the morning after Barack Obama became the first African-American to accept his party’s White House nomination. After the fireworks, the 80,000-strong crowd who had cheered Obama to the skies at the Mile High stadium in Denver woke up with a hangover.
“We may be seeing the first woman president. As a Democrat, I am reeling,” said Camille Paglia, the cultural critic. “That was the best political speech I have ever seen delivered by an American woman politician. Palin is as tough as nails.”
With her beehive hairdo and retro specs, Palin, 44, has a “naughty librarian vibe”, according to Craig Ferguson, the Scottish comedian who stars on late-night US television. However, the selection of Palin, the governor of Alaska and a mother of five, as the first female Republican vice-presidential nominee is no joke for the Democrats.
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Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio chat show host, exulted, “We’re the ones with a babe on the ticket” — one, moreover, with a reputation as a tax-cutter and corruption buster in her job as the first woman governor of Alaska.
Palin’s selection on the eve of the Republican convention in St Paul, Minnesota, has set the stage for an epic battle for the votes of women, African-Americans, evangelical Christians and the young. The demographic wars that dominated the contest between Obama and Hillary Clinton are now set to be replicated in the national election.
Will America fall in love with Palin or will she fizzle, like Dan Quayle, the vice-president to George Bush Sr who could not spell “potatoe”? Can she help McCain to defeat Obama, a modern political phenomenon, who drew a record-shattering television audience of nearly 40m — more than the Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing — to watch his convention speech?
“Good Lord, we had barely 12 hours of Democrat optimism,” said Paglia. “It was a stunningly timed piece of PR by the Republicans.”
Whether Palin’s selection is more than a political stunt depends on how she handles the electoral pressure cooker. With the election in November, there is no time for on-the-job training. Karl Rove, Bush’s former aide, offered a guarded welcome to the “gun-packing, hockey-playing” governor, sayhing: “We’ll get a taste in the next five days of how well she does in the 62 days that follow.”
After Obama’s acceptance speech was wiped from the front pages, even he was forced to acknowledge that she “seems like a compelling person . . . with a terrific personal story”. Republicans are hailing their potential new vice-president as the all-American girl of their dreams.
Palin is gunning for the 18m women who voted for Hillary Clinton — a third of whom have not made up their mind to back Obama, according to the latest polls. McCain specifically deployed the language of feminism and civil rights when announcing her candidacy. “She stands up for what’s right and she doesn’t let anyone tell her to sit down,” he said.
Palin’s parents learnt that she had been selected by McCain while they were heading for a remote camp in Alaska to hunt caribou. “I was speechless,” her father said. The skin of a grizzly bear that he shot drapes the sofa in her office.
The more Republicans examined Palin’s record, the more they liked it, although some are fearful of buyer’s remorse. She was born in the conservative heartland of Idaho before moving to Alaska as a baby. At school she was nicknamed Sarah Barracuda on the basketball court because she was so competitive and she led the prayers before each game.
She was a “hockey mom” who cut her teeth at the parent-teacher association before becoming mayor of Wasilla, a suburb of Anchorage with a population under 7,000. In 2006 she beat the corrupt male establishment in Alaska to win the governorship. She opposes same-sex marriage, but one of her first acts in office was to veto a bill blocking health benefits for gay lovers of public employees.
She hunts, ice-fishes and is a crack shot who knows how to fire an M16 rifle. “I was raised in a family where gender was not going to be an issue,” she said. “The girls did what the boys did. Apparently in Alaska that’s quite commonplace.” No softy, she sued to stop the federal government making polar bears an endangered species and favours drilling for oil in the Arctic wildlife refuge. However, she also levied a windfall tax on oil companies.
Palin was glamorous enough to have entered beauty contests to earn money for college. She was crowned Miss Wasilla in her home town and was runner-up in the 1984 Miss Alaska contest. “They made us line up in bathing suits and turn our backs so the male judges could look at our butts. I couldn’t believe it,” she told Vogue, more amused than outraged.
Counterbalancing McCain’s reputation as a political dinosaur, Palin smoked pot when it was legal in Alaska, admitting, “I can’t claim a Bill Clinton and say I never inhaled”, and her children, Track, 19, Bristol, 17, Willow, 13, Piper, 7, and Trig, four months, have hippie-sounding names. Track, who joined the US infantry in September last year, is about to be deployed to Iraq. “It has really opened my eyes to international events and how war impacts everyday Americans like us,” she said.
On stage in Ohio, the Palin family looked every bit as photogenic as the Obamas on their big night in Denver. Todd, her rugged husband, is part Yupik Eskimo and is four-time champion of the 2,000-mile Iron Dog snowmobile race. If that is not macho enough, he is a member of the steelworkers’ union and a seasonal oil production operator for BP, from which he earned $93,000 last year. He also helps to run the family’s commercial fishing business. They eloped in 1988 to avoid the cost of a wedding. “We had a bad fishing year so we didn’t have any money,” he said.
Like his wife, he is able to swap the traditional roles. “My husband loves being a dad as much as I love being a mom,” Palin said. “I’ve got great help there.”
She needs it. They “wanted enough kids for a basketball team”, she once said, but Trig was born this year with Down’s syndrome. Palin knew there were complications while she was pregnant but never considered an abortion. When he was born, she said, “I’m looking at him right now and I see perfection. Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking: in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?” Undaunted, she held a meeting as governor three days after giving birth. “I just put down the BlackBerrys and pick up the breast pump,” she said of her life as a working mother.
Left-wing websites such as the Daily Kos are leading the chorus of disapproval for now. “Having had two children at home at the age of four months, I know how much help they need even without unfortunate medical conditions,” said one tut-tutter.
Republican women, however, are delighted by Palin’s example. Kellyanne Conway, 41, a Republican pollster and mother of three, said, “I really feel mother knows best without the peanut gallery giving unsolicited advice. She strongly conveys to women today that you don’t have to choose between a successful career and motherhood. You do have to make sacrifices, but you can have it all.”
Evangelical Christians could turn out in droves for Palin, a member of Feminists for Life who opposes abortion even in cases of rape or incest, if she maintains her promise.
Deborah Fikes, a board member of the National Association of Evangelicals, said: “I would just trust that the child is not neglected in any way. There are millions of women who work. Why is it that the father cannot provide the same standard of care? There has been an evolving view of working women even in conservative Christian circles.”
Fikes said Palin was an inspiring choice: “I didn’t think the Republicans would pick a female candidate for another decade, but John McCain is not a typical conservative leader.”
Other conservative women have pointed out that Palin was a much more effective counterweight to the super-competent and glamorous Michelle Obama than Cindy McCain, wife of the Republican candidate.
Cindy, a beer industry heiress who bought the seven homes that McCain cannot remember and once said the only way to travel around her home state of Arizona was by private plane, was under fire last week from her own half-sister. She said she was voting for Obama after Cindy had repeatedly claimed to be an “only child” and never expressed regret that her father had ignored her half-sister in his will.
In fact, even though the Clinton aides could barely conceal their satisfaction when she was chosen, the woman who Palin upstages most of all is Hillary. If Obama wins the election, Hillary will have to wait until 2016 to stand again. And if he loses, Palin will be first in line to become America’s first woman president.
Steve: Most other countries are looking for a handout? Doesn't the U.S. owe China over a Trillion Dollars??
Amy, Calgary, Canada
Janine: I supplement my reading with views from outside the US, but I cannot say I know of others that do the same. Regrettably, I never mastered a second language, so my choices are limited.
I also agree with Steve, Dallas.
John, Boston, United States
Janine: Actually, the American press is totally Democrat biased. Also, the UK and Australia have the closest values to real Americans, so we look to your press for outside views. Most other countries are looking for a handout, which is why they support candidates liek Obama.
Steve, Dallas, Texas, US
Why do so many American's read The Times? This is not a critique, I'm just curious! Are American papers unworthy of your patronage? It just seems like every comment on here is from someone in the US.
Janine, Manchester, England
John, on the basis of what happened in Nicaragua some quarter of a century ago, you're absolutely right to be concerned about the sinister threat that America poses to British democracy. Vigilance is key!
David, Sydney, Australia
Do any of the Americans on this page have any actual comments on Palins policies or on the actual Presidential candidate? Does the US actually debate policy instead of liking candidates because they're 'hocky moms?' And don't compare her to Thatcher. I didn't like her but Thatcher had a brain.
Sarah , Northern Ireland,
I was referring to the Labour Party M.R. Obviously in Britain's parliamentary form of Government the major parties(Tories and Labour) rely on the smaller parties to form the coalitions needed for the majority. In any event, the Tories will be elected in the next election and Mr Brown will lose!
Glenn, Brooklyn, US
I disagree with those labeling Palin a hypocrite because her daughter is pregnant. She believes in abstinence, it failed with her daughter, they dealt with their family crisis in a manner consistent with their values. If she had arranged an abortion for her daughter, THEN she would be a hypocrite.
John, Boston, United States
For all those complaining about us saying who they should elect and that they would never do likewise, I would like to refer you to the Monroe Doctrine and the record of the US in Central America. The US has a record of changing governments it does not like. We are therefore all concerned.
John, Knutsford, UK
NEW LaboUr and Brown are not socialist, Glenn. Their politics are rather similar to Bush's.
M. R., Stockport,
While Clinton was in expenditures on government increased about 4% his first term and under 3% his second term.
Bush, in his first term alone added 616B in BIG gov't expenditures - a 15% growth in the size of the gov't.
FYI. Palin was facing recall as mayor so an administrator did her job for her.
R Taylor, Somerset, USA
It takes a special childish view to tell people to mind their own business when its about the man who will shape the world's only superpower's foreign policy. Of course we don't care about tax and congress - its the unparalleled global economic and military reach that will affect every one of us.
Matt, Blackpool, UK
I love it..All the British wankers are complaining about the right
wingers in the US but Gordon Brown, Labor Party and leaning left will be thrown out in the next election....hehe just look at what happened to RED Ken Livingstone..EX mayor of London!
Socialism is the opiate for the arrogant!
Glenn, Brooklyn, US
I would never tell another country whom to elect to run their country so why is another country doing the same for us? McCain is a moderate he is the one running for President not Palin.I can never in good conscience vote for Obama he wants big government that is not what this country was founded on
Paula , Tulsa, USA
The gun thing is so sinister. It's so alien to me. I find it difficult to get past it.
Rachel, Manchester,
Sarah Palin has only been out of the country once; went on a fun little trip to Kuwait. Once?! Just like Bush she took power and no dept and ran it up to 23 million. The town was only 5000 people (not the 9000 it is now), 23 million is a lot of money! She also raised sales taxes, Even on food!
mike, Forestville, USA
To my friends in England (and abroad),
I respect your opinions. Having lived abroad....I know how the UK, Australia, Europe and Asia feel about our choices does matter and we should care! People who are educated care for the sake of foreign relations.
Vote McCain and Palin!
Abigail , Larkspur, CA, USA
I believe that Collin's opinion epitomises the problem in USA They never care to sort out any serious issues around the world. The foreign policy depends in the dogma of 'divide and rule' and with this they have caused trauma all around the globe. I wonder when people in Europe realise that?
Ilias Karalivanos, Oxford,
Hey guess what UK, Australia, Europe, etc etc? In case you haven't figured it out yet most Americans could care less what you think.
Colin, Fairport, NY, USA
Have you figured out this is a British newspaper yet?
Michael Brady, Leeds, UK
She's a climate skeptic and a creationist, obviously not very intelligent then
Andy, Boston,
Snobama has no experience and he's the front runner! At least Palin has executive experience running something. Nobama's been a lawyer and a legislator and wants to be Presidnt? Give me a break.
Vicki, Florida, USA
You have to be kidding me I mean how the VP of the USA looks or the fact that she is a soccer mom should have absolutely NOTHING to do with what is best for your Country. It saddens me greatly that most Americans don't see the turmoil that their Country is in at the hands of their rebublican party.
Michelle, Toronto, Canada
British friends: Many Americans are picking up on this because of the Paglia quotes.
The real news here is that the Alaska National Guard plays an important part in US Missle defense, and the Governor receives comprehensive national security briefings, rivaling what Joe Biden gets
Oops!
lloydrmc, Denver, CO, USA
I love all these comparisons between Obama and Palin.
Paliin (VP) competing with Obama( President).
Shouldn't it be McCain vs Obama? Lol
M.C., Sacramento,
Let me address those who say that Change is what we must vote for.Change is not good unless the right things change and the right things stay the same.Hatred of Bush is a ridiculous ignorant reason to vote for Obama.This election is no different than every other election.Vote on issues not rhetoric.
T Shank, Fort Collings, USA
To Edward O Erickson, Benedict - Do I remember when my country was powerful and respected? And that was... when, exactly? Oh, before we elected a Liberal government, you say. I quite agree. Hopefully our relatively newly-elected Labor government can turn that back around for us.
Lucy, Brisbane, Australia
Inspired choice wow! She's quite a character! American news media will short-circuit over this, which of course means he just did something incredibly right. McCain hit a home run. Game over I would say.
erik, nyc, usa
Palin is getting a physical by the liberal elite media, while Biden & Obama got a complete pass w/o bending over. She's
pro-life, & the elites hate that. Governor of a state with a huge
budget & 20% of our national energy, & nat. guard, that's a solid resume. Rudy ran a bad campaign & lost.
pat, orange, u.s.a.
Glad someone else has noticed that there are loads of posts by right wing Americans. Thought I was actually in USA for a moment not UK. Think it is hilarious and highly ironic that Palin voted on Alaskan separation from the US ONLY a few yrs ago and now here she is on verge of being poss. nxt vice p
Rob T, Surrey, UK
Sarah Palin, despite her distractors, has more than enough positive points to outbid the negative, something Obama could never say. The American media will go after every real or imagined flaw in this real woman; so much for a fairness doctrine. She shares the values of the genuine American.
Don Miller, Maeabashi, Japan
Ryan from Chicago - Come on mate there's a slight difference between being mayor of NY and governor of Alaska. Ones a world city of 10 m while the other has what no more than 200 000 if that. Guiliani may have been controversial but more effective than McCain will ever be. Guiliani should be rep ldr
Rob , London, UK
The drive-by left wing media is reeling over McCain's excellent well-planned choice for VP with Governor Palin. She is a wonderful choice and certainly a refreshing conservative voice in the Washington scene. Hopefully, she can endure all the hateful jabs from the Dems and the media and win in Nov.
Jeanne , Ocala, FL, USA
Hey guess what UK, Australia, Europe, etc etc? In case you haven't figured it out yet most Americans could care less what you think.
Colin, Fairport, NY, USA
This article is one of the first to get it right. I am so frustrated when I read stories that repeat rumors and half truths until everyone believes the worst. I believe in the USA and the people. And I believe the voter will vote for the best team to LEAD this country-McCain/Palin
Michelle Lewis, League City, USA
I think quite a few white male republicans are not voting for John McCain for POTUS, we are voting for Sarah Palin for POTUS. Reverse the ticket! Governor Palin is the most qualified candidate of the four.
bill, Atlanta, GA, EEUU
do you Brits and Aussies remember when your country was powerful and respected,before you elected a liberal government I guess they dont teach history anymore unless its been tilted left.
Edward O Erickson, Benedict, USA
in alaska, men are men, and women win the iditarod.
greg poysky, seattle, wash, usa
To Kris Branaman, there's nothing wrong with your qualifications. Just share your beliefs and stand your ground on matters of principle. Add governor to your resume, and you have a decent shot.
Dennis Townsend, Jacksonville, Arkansas
As a mother, a woman, a senior citizen & an American I am horrified and terrified of what it appears this country has become. The thought of Sarah Palin as VP is scarry enough, but the fact that she could be a heartbeat away from the Oval Office is more than I can contemplate. HELP!
Maggie Maloney, Strasburg, VA, USA
We are going to need some coat tails to get rid of a bunch of the libs in Congress.
al vajda, chandler, USA
Conservatives across America are energized by the Palin pick. Despite the hypocritcal savaging she's receiving from an Obama-worshipping press, Sarah will fight to victory!!
David, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
McCain has got my vote, and if she runs for President she has my vote.
Juan, San Antonio, USA
What happens in the USA affects most of the world in many respects. The news of Sarah Palin is news to the world. America does need change. Lucky that America has been able to observe the changes of other countries that did not work that Obama wants to impose. Thank you England.
Brian, Laguna Niguel, CA, USA
Sarah Palin is a proven executive office leader. She gets my full support.
Tim from Eastbourne: The fact that her daughter is pregnant does not logically render her abstinence position null and void. It is just another example of life bringing challenges. And Sarah appears to be meeting them.
Dan, Monroe, Michigan,
Sarah is going to rock the American political scene, and by choosing her, McCain left the media and the Obama camp in turmoil. Brilliant!
Kevin, Iwakuni, Japan
I like her (Palin). I liked this article as well. I'll tip a cocktail or a beer with any of you Brits in spite of your socialism. The majority in America is conservative hardworking people who want an open and free market, and less Government. I would vote for a M. Steele, never an Obama.
Nick, Woodstock, USA
Interesting to note that she is fervently against sex education in schools and believes only abstinence should be taught,. Let us know how that works out for you and your daughter, hey, Sarah! ;-)
Tim, Eastbourne, UK
Both these candidates are abysmal. Unfortunately the Americans are in the same position as the U.K. - not much to choose between.
McCain is a war monger like Bush and Obama has no experience in any particular field. Out of the two I hope Obama wins - he might turn out to be a breath of fresh air.
Gilmartin, Bristol, U.K.
"Could all the rude, far-right Americans posting here please GO AWAY; this is a BRITISH news site." Yes, Matt, it's a British site, but the article is American news. You should expect some American readers. They shouldn't be rude, but neither should you.
John, London, UK
promoting off shore drilling, in favor of shooting polar bears, anti-abortion...if she was a man , nobody would make such a deal about her...just another republican. but hey, she's a female...big woop...do we take her remarks with greater value just because of that?
mike hansson, Flagstaff, Arizona, usa
Too bad she's running with McCain. I'm voting third party because McCain and Obama both refuse to halt immigration and deport the illegal aliens that are wrecking America. Dump all incumbents, take back the government, secure the borders.
Ben Noth, Flinders OH, USA
I honestly cannot believe the number of American comments here and elsewhere labelling Obama 'far-left', 'socialist' and my personal favourite - 'Marxist'. I'm sorry, what? Obama's policies seem more left-leaning centerist than truly Left.
Lucy, Brisbane, Australia
Well said Matt in London - not content with invading half the world, they're even doing it to our news websites now too!
Alex, London,
Why do many American conservatives insist that leaders should be "ordinary " or "real", ? Are intelligent, clever achievers a threat to their egos or are they intimidated by the challenge somebody of that calibre would pose to their belief system. I desperately want the POTUS to be smarter than I am
Esther, London,
Talking about CHANGE in Washington, McCain just slaughtered Obama at his own game!
I can't wait to vote for this REAL Change over more of the same old Obama-Biden Washington good-old-boy party politics.
Palin, you go girl!
(And she can shoot! Hillary wouldn't even know which end to hold.)
Scott, Durham, NC, USA
A conservative american who eats moose burgers, ice fishes, hunts, lives in Alaska and is seen here firing a rifle....is this the election of 2008 or 1808? I thought the pioneer era was over..come on America. Wake up! It's time for you to change your heavily damaged image to the rest of the world!
Jonathan, London,
Matt in Baltimore
When we say you are "unenlightened" we are just trying to be diplomatic.
Oakley in Denver
We actually understand American conservatives fairly well. You're not exactly complex, multi-faceted or unpredictable - or shy about putting yourselves out there!
Faisal, London,
"Palin is gunning for the 18m women who voted for Hillary Clinton" - REALLY??? Only women voted for Clinton???
Gordon, Reading, UK
Michel Ouellette, Silver Spring, USA - In this real life American climate the vast majority of the electorate is unwilling to fight terrorism. Have you seen the new army recruiting ads offering $40,000 to new recruits. 300 million people here and we can't get 65K people to join the army every year.
Mark, Redmond, WA, USA
Could all the rude, far-right Americans posting here please GO AWAY; this is a BRITISH news site. You come here and actually have the cheek to criticise us! As for Palin, I suppose she's the VP that Middle America deserves: a gun-toting Christian zealot. God help the US if the Republicans win again.
Matt, London, UK
Don, you know nothing! I'm sick of all you liberals calling us unenlightened. Being anti-abortion respects life, toting guns supports limited government and personal rights and evangelicals have it right. If thinking this way is not "enlightened" then being "enlightened" is both evil and wrong.
Matt, Baltimore, USA
With all due respect, you liberal Europeans, please don't try to understand the conservatives here in America. We understand that you love Obama and his leftist policies. Well, please take him if you want him, because we'll pass....on him and his American-hating friends and associates.
Oakley, Denver, USA
If only I could vote, not yet any way, but McCain looked very weak till this cool chick turned up. I wish her the best in all she does, I pray she does not get mixed up in any unfavourable back ground stuff. "What if she had teamed up with Ron Paul, my God the planet wouldn't know what hit it".
Victor Geworge, Hagerstown, MD,
My fear is that this woman is going to be President of the USA in March if McCain wins in November because McCain likely won't complete his term on account of old-age-induced ill health. Sarah Palin as a president of America? We might as well have Geena Davis step up and play her TV role live.
Sebas, Washington, USA
Palin doesn't have less experience than Obama and she is only running for Vice-President. If experience/intelligence were requirements to be a President than Hillary Clinton should have been the candidate. McCain puts people before party or popularity. Thus, McCain 2008, and Hillary for 2012!
Anne, LA, USA
CNN reports that Republican lawyers have been dispatched to AK to further vet Mrs. Palin and investigate stories of corruption (including ties with disgraced Senator Ted Stevens) and abuse of power. She has also hired a lawyer to deal with "Troopergate." Not a good day for her.
Michelle , Dubuque , USA
This is Govenor Palin's 5th child. It is not the fact of leaking fluid that is crucial, it is the timing of the contractions. No doubt she knew how much time she had and decided to fly home to Alaska to have her child. She was completely accurate in her analysis.
Patricia A. Helvenston, Flagstaff, USA
Obama was first in his class in Harvard Law School and the editor of the Harvard Law review. He taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago. That stacks up pretty well against Palin's BS in journalism from the University of Idaho.
Frank Elliott, San Diego, California, United States
First, the media accuses her of passing her daughter's child off as her own. Now when she proves that it was impossible for Trig to be Bristol's child, the media is raking her over the coals for bad parenting. Sour grapes. I wanted to support a female candidate and now I can. Go Sarah!
KimW, Albany, USA
McCain once again proves that he doesn't get it. Palin is the person he finds best for the job as his potential replacement? I can't imagine other decisions he might make. He just gave my vote to Obama.
Marsha, Hilliard,
Gun toting, evangelical, anti-abortionist is the new star in America? ... sounds familiar. If MCCain/Palin wins then it will only confirm to the rest of the western world that America is going down an unelightened path. We will be friendly with the US but not respect them like we used to
Don, Auckland, NZ
I'm also glad she will save US taxpayers some money by not asking for the same amount that Cheney did as VP. After all, as a traditional and conservative woman, she should be used to being paid less than a man for the same job.
What is she, one of the these Equal Rights Admendment (ERA) people?
Lee, sterling, us
T0 the first question - this is Alaska were talking about - lotta times women there have to fly to the hospital - light planes are common transport -
Saney, Scranton,
Mccains biggest criticism of Obama has been his lack of expirience. If Mccain wins we are a gun shot or heart attack away from having a president with 4 years of expirience of as mayor of an Alaskan town and 2 years as govenor. So I guess expirience isn't that important after all.
Gabe, College Station, US
Sarah, as VP, has more elected time in office than Barack (P). Sarah has more executive experience, as VP, than Barack (P).
Sarah "has" dealt directly with foreign countries on issues.
Barack has spent more time running for P than all his time before that as a US Senator.
Kevin, Wasilla,
Ha, this is awesome, in all respects she and McCain have my vote, for a while there I was starting to lose faith in McCain, but he really pulled through with this VP selection, she takes flack from nobody, she stands up for herself, and she does a great job balancing family life and career it seems
Jacob Ridder, Garden Plain, Kansas, United States
I have one question to ask of the mothers.
Would any woman in her right mind get on an eight hour flight, after her "water broke", when she was expecting a high risk delivery?
I just can't see it. I'm a guy. Please educate me.
William, Lawndale, US
The McCain campaign should promote her as "America's Oil Chic".
Tom H, Richmond, VA, US
After reading about her accomplishments, I said "WHY HAVEN'T I HEARD ABOUT HER BEFORE TODAY?" I'm a young female trial lawyer in a male-dominated profession, and I've been searching for role-models like her. Shame on the left wing media for not telling Palin's story. Thanks McCain!
Ann, Washington DC,
How much time will the kid be without his mother, Bozo???? The election is down the short road.
The choice was madeby the daughter to have sex,not the mother telling her it was okay. Hundreds of girls make this poor choice everyday. At least she is keeping the baby and not killing it
Esther, Collinsville, USA
'Hilary's supporters are not stupid; this is Bush in a skirt.'
Actually she seems more like Reagan in a skirt. Bonus!
Mark W. Plechaty, Frankfort, IL, US of A
Just look at the facts. The bottom of the McCain/Palin ticket has more executive experience than the top of the Obama/Biden ticket. Palin has been in politics longer than Obama and has more career accomplishments than Obama. Biden has been in DC longer than McCain. Real "change" is McCain/Palin.
G Jiggy, Kenmore, WA, U.S.A.
Lets face it Sarah made it on her name, Hillary only made it through her husband name and lets be honest it was because of Bill she never got the VP he finally did her in , and all that standing by her man got her no where .She should have left him I but it was all about power with her ,
heather donohue, Fortpierce, Fla
It's hilarious to watch the liberals start screaming hypocrisy over her daughter's unwed pregnancy. The Palin family has demonstrated true character in how they deal with what life has thrown at them rather than letting spin or political expediency take over. Dems should watch and learn.
RJ, Bend, USA
The feminists always said you can have it all. Now they are beating the living daylights out of this woman. Why? Because they are jealous. I know women who have aborted children who were DS. They r sorry now but thought that their career would be disrupted. BTW girl is so pathetic........
Maureen K, Ocean, USA
The photo of Palin holding a gun puts on display just how crazy this country has now become. We have "Pistol packing mamas" in our army and maybe as a Vice-president who, once she learns where Iraq is located, will also learn the words to McCain's "Bomb Iran, bomb Iran, bomb Iran." Sick, Sick, Sick.
Steve, Palm Beach, Fl., USA
Why she was picked is moot, the polls say 65% of voters love the choice! Her views on abortion, guns, etc. are red herrings, Congress makes those laws, not the Executive branch. Pay attention to real issues: She has the most experience, honesty, and the guts to kick crooks out of office.
lawhite, Idaho, USA
Whoever told McCain to choose Palin, thank you thank you! I now feel like I'm not just choosing the worst of two evils but a good pres/vp combination
Gene, Los Angeles, USA
I thought Gov Palin was not in the short list and then bammmmm I was pleasantly
surprised my top choice was also McCain's. Proves to show there is hope for this country yet and the election process.
God Bless America and God Bless McCain/Palin.
mf, webster, US
I wish she were the candidate and not McCain. Remember that legislative is not leadership experience, that's why this will only be the third time in US history a sitting Sen will be elected Pres. She is American, middle class, union husband, she knows what we're going through.
Joey, Tucson, USA
The Palin VP nomination is a continuation by the Reps of quietly -- and without fanfare -- naming more Hispanics, African-Americans, women and other minorities to key guv posts.
Meanwhile the Dems and their media allies hype their own diversity efforts as if they had discovered a cure for HIV.
bristol merchesoon, Canton, USA
Why the hell not? She is smart, tough and a quick study. If you compare her to some of the miscreant blowhards on Capital Hill she could do their jobs easily and a lot better.
Ken, Irondale, USA
To Melissa in Fort Lauderdale: There is no confusion. Pubs protect the innocent and punish the guilty; while Dems punish the innocent and protect the guilty. The pro-life position means for those who deserve a chance to live; not for those who live to kill others.
Shari, San Jose, USA
In a country of 300 million people, this is the best McCain can do? Pathetic. Palin is completely unqualified.
The Republicans have been insulting the intelligence of the American people for a long time. This election we will see if they are right in doing so.
bill wilson, oroville, ca
Great choice. The selection of Gov. Palin has now moved a lot of lukewarm GOP support to RED HOT support. Now Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin can take to the streets and spread the good news - No Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ricky, Fort Valley, USA
My liberal municipal judge neighbor is so freeked out about Palin she bet me $25 that Palin will resign by 9/28 due to scandal! That will be the sweetest bet I've ever won! Palin has a killer smile and the heart of a grizz.Watch out Biden she is going to skin you alive! Look out corrupt D.C.
Tim Carlin, Milwaukee,WI, USA
Yes, yes (or is it yup, yup) - let's do talk about how dreamy Sarah Palin is for the conservatives. She's the woman whose 'family values' include a 17 year-old pregnant daughter and
young disabled son who is very much without his mother. Obviously the Reps (hypocrites one and all) love her!
Kathy, Bozeman, USA
Palin's story (journalism, fishing business, PTA) indicates that she has NOT been planning a political career since first grade. She is an example of the type of citizen input that the Founding Father's imagined would govern our country. Watch out! for business as usual in Washington.
Lee, Ventura, CA,
I am so excited about this pick. Just wait till she frys Joe Biden in the VP debate.
She is intelligent and not afraid to speak her mind. Obama is afraid because she actually has more experience than he does. The republicans will back Palin in every way. Go McCain/Palin.
Donna, Rooanoke, USA
Should we knickname her Xena?
Beth , hamilton, usa
Sarah Palin brings substance, strength & sincerity. She's bright, highly competent, articulate & experienced. While Obama delivers well on scripted speeches, he can hardly put two coherent words together without an "ah, oh," or "well" during interviews. Sarah doesn't need a teleprompter.
Max, San DIego, USA
She does not have enough experience and she wants to make condoms illegal, she does not consider HIV .
Laura, Fort Lauderdale
Palin has two more years of executive experience than Obama, and she has a laundry list of achievments and REAL change, unlike Obama. So how in the world can Obama be #1?
Brandon, round rock, usa
"Can anyone with an IQ above freezing imagine General Patton or Eisenhower taking orders from a 44 year old beauty queen? Gads!"
------------------------------------------------------
Uh, the framers of the US Constitution?
JH, Tukwila, USA
sarah palin is not a"woman"; of course she is, but she is not in her acting and her mind; she is like and worse than a man!!So nothing positive, and NOTHING NEWS!!
MONICA BRANDI, rome, italy
Sarah Palin is not a "girl." Please stop taking pictures of her footwear. Have we really come that far as females in professional jobs if a vice presidential candidate for the World Power of the United States is being spoken of like this? When was the last time McCain's/Obama's shoes were snapped?
Fawn G., Glenwood Springs, USA
She's from Idaho, they can spell "potato" here before most other words....
jack, boise,
With Sarah Palin we are seeing a John McCain that is unstoppable. This is not even a fair fight. It is clear that both McCain/Palin know who they are and in Obama/Biden a couple of puppets - With Change as his Campain's main plank how can Obama pick an old Senator from an unpopular Congress
Roger Gjone, Kingston, USA
This is so obviously tokenism!
She certainly hasn't been appointed 4 her experience & was clearly ONLY chosen because the Democrats did NOT choose Hillary Clinton. The Republicans are merely trying to win the 'wimmin's' vote.
To have a genuine female candidate, they need some1 who deserves2b there
PP, UK,
Didn't the UK have a strong, intelligent, female Prime Minister? How did she work out?
JoAnn, Detroit, USA
LOVE HER!! Had no interest in this race until now! Love that she's a CONSERVATIVE, a JESUS FREAK, and a likable, competent person. Can't wait till November.
karin , Kunkletown, PA
Please give me a break how insulting this is for Hillary followers. Hillary followers are smart people. Sara Palin does not even know what a VP does. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=006axc2aELE&feature=related
Craig, Fort Lauderdale,
If McCain wins there's a small chance that a person with slight experience becomes president. If Obama wins its a certainty that a person with even slighter experience becomes president. What's the issue?
mpav, New York City, USA
Can anyone with an IQ above freezing imagine General Patton or Eisenhower taking orders from a 44 year old beauty queen? Gads! this country is slowly descending into fantasy land ala Reagan. Just imagine, a 72 year old senile president and a 44 year old tomboy vice president.
TJ, Syracuse, USA
i think it is a good choice mcCain made, it's about time they
give women a voice in presidential politics. she looks like
a woman who will stand up for her country in these hard times.
john, effort, pa., usa
Sarah Palin is a woman who is being used to get women's votes.
She does not have enough experience and she wants to make condoms illegal, she does not consider HIV .
Laura, Fort Lauderdale,
This is no dog, and she can hunt!
Will S, Calabasas, CA, USA
Great...an anti-abortionist. Just what the overcrowded world needs. Should go down well in the God-fearing heartlands.
She sounds tedious.
David , Manchester, UK
I guess now Mccain has given the bigots the excuse they were looking for. Can't wait to continue the prosperity the republicans have brought us over the last 8 years.
Lee, Ft Lauderdale , USA
Loved Wendell Kerr's comment - "Fraudian slip". It seems Americans do get 'irony'!!!
Ryan G, London,
Good pick, John McCain. We are with you on this one.
John, Bel Air Maryland, USA
she is has zero experiance in foreign policy. so can she be president if mccain can't for whatever reason. i would have to say no. she is probably a very competent person but too soon. why he chose her i have no idea and it was a huge mistake. Biden was a better choice from obama for VP.
sid, venice,
Only dead fish such as Joe Biden and Obama swim with the current. This country needs someone that does not swim with the current and does not go along to get along!.
Great choice!
Francis, Clifton Park, USA
I have been a volunteer at the GOP for some time AND Friday when the announcement came about Gov. Palin the excitement was overwhelming..........Go Girl - I'm with you all the way!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie, Palm Beach Gardens, USA
How unfair, chicks with guns always win.
Howard, Manchester,
I am offended by the use of the term 'girl' - I am certain that Ms Palin deserves the proper level of respect that the author carelessly used.
Tony S, Charlestown, US
Hmmm......looks like we might get a President who has never used a computer or been on the Internet and a VP who doesnt have a passport. Thats shocking beyond belief when we will be dealing with people in caves who are more tech savvy than the duo in the White House.
John , Chicago, USA
John McCain, with his selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate, with all she has lived, experienced and stands for in her short 44 years has probably sewn up the election!! What a choice!! Perfect! And yes, I am ready for Sarah to be my president. Long live the queen!! Go, Sarah, go!
Dana, Galion, USA
I've always belived that our first female president, as well as our first black president, would come from the Republican Party.
A. Blinken, Rockford, Illinois, USA
My wife and I are two of hundreds of thousands of Americans who were going to skip the election and now--with the choosing of Sarah Palin--we are back in ---with our votes AND our checkbooks. We could not have created a better candidate than Sarah Palin. No wonder libs are freaking out.
Nick, Jacksonville Beach, Florida,
It doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to understand what "change" Obama is talking about. It will be an undoing of all this country stands for. The Founding Fathers signed away their lives, their fortunes, their futures by signing on the dotted line.
We need McCain/Palin. Not a Stalin.
cindy, Fort Towson, United States
If presidential candidate McCain
cannot even choose a promising vice-presidential mate, how does think he can take on the most powerful job in the world and not make an even greater hash of it than George Bush?
San Ying, Montreal, Canada
Good job, Senator McCain. I just sent $100 to your campaign and am going to work for you, now.
Rich, Virginia Beach, USA
There's a lot to this girl that the American electorate is liking. Obama not only has no "Convention bounce" as of this AM, but he is up only one point with CNN and down two with Zogby. And the new backdrop is a Republican Governor, Jindal, doing with a storm what the Dem Blanco could not. Kudos.
Jim Flaherty, Orlando, USA
As a conservative I applaud the selection of Palin. Obama showed his lack of leadership in not selecting Hillary that would have almost locked up the nomination for him. Gov. Palin is a fresh face and has the Democrats worried. Enough Hillary supporters may be all it takes to elect McCain.
stanley, lucama, unites states
Hey what can you say bad about this lady other than she is new to the seen of national politics. Alaska is no cake walk and this lady has done everything she has set out to do and with more guts than a Marine. Watch out world Sarah Palin has landed and the situation is well in hand!!!!!
Hal Collier, Ravenden,Ar, U.S.A.
It was a masterful political move from the GOP. Who can question their legitimacy to govern now? Palin is smarter than Bush and she shoots guns. It's only a matter of time until we continue the juggernaut that the United States has become in recent years. Socialists beware, we're coming for you.
Jim, Cleveland, USA
I have to applaud Senator McCain, some one taught him to play a mean game of chess. Sarah Palin? brilliant tactical move! However the "game" is not over yet or rather the important fact to remember is that this is not a black and white board game but a shaping of the collective future for black and white Americans with global implications for a multinational audience. So who moves where next?
Denepher smith, Staffordshire, UK
I am a liberal, however I must say that she is worthy of praise on how she fought her way to the top while maintaining her role as a mother. I will more than likely disagree with her on just about every issue, especially social issues. That's why Obama has my vote this fall.
Clarese, Rensellaer, usa
You can all thank drudgereport for all of these hilarious comments. Everyone said the same thing about Dan Quayle when he was selected. They could have selected anyone in the VP slot and they would have swoon over them.
Mike, Maryland, USA
Right now, I am supporting McCain/Palin; but I really need more info on Palin on illegal immigration.
On other newspaper sites, the Dems are attacking Palin on her having a Downs baby! These attacks are way below LOW.
Her interview on oil & alternatives is excellent, she has an energy plan.
Barbara, Ky, USA
Palin sounds fine to me. I posted that yesterday, but it didn't go in.
Not everyone here is a kneejerk liberal.
Stephen Fox, Oxford,
"My apologies but if you don't have a vote for our presidential election, we really do not care what you have to say". Well, Kyle M, Jacksonville, this is a British news site (though you wouldn't think that from all the US posters!), so we'll say what we like, thank you very much!
steve, watford, UK,
I'm having so much fun watching the libs freak out about the awesome Sarah! Their shrunken, blackened hearts are on display with all their putrid hate-filled rumors and rantings clogging the comment sections on the blogs. Palin is a strong, intelligent woman--maybe a Palin-Jindal ticket in 2012?
Cathy O., Wichita, USA
Sarah Palin certainly worked her way up the conservative ladder, same was as one of the good ol' boys. She becomes mayor, fires the Library Director and the Police chief immediatly, because they didnt support her campaign for mayor. Same thing with the Public Safety Comissioner as Governor.
Charles, Louisville, US
Hillary rode on the coat-tails of her husband. Sarah Palin earned her way and is a great example of a true liberated woman.
You liberal women out there need to admit this even though it hurts your pride, and help get Sarah elected.
Go Sarah!
Candace, Riverside, Ca., USA
I was wavering on voting. I backed McCain against Bush in 2000, but haven't liked him this year. Obama is worthless. But I will vote for Sarah Palin in a heartbeat. She has actually run a government--unlike the other 3 bozos. She has defeated corruption at every level. McCain 2008, Palin 2012!
pj, Logan, UT, USA
Andy In Cleveland... umm, San Diego is in California and Barry was a representative in Chicago... now I agree that they both end in "o" but I think that you have proven why the liberal education model has failed the USA.
BTW - Alaska has more _square miles_ than any state. Yes, size matters...
LV, Illinois, USA
I am thrilled! Palin makes me excited about voting in this election. McCain couldn't have trumped this election better!
Laurie, Wimbledon, USA
This election is not going to be about experience or Iraq or any of that...this is going to be an election about reform. The democrats have 2 doctrinaire liberals from a 30 year tradition of tax, spend, earmark, regulate, scold. The republicans have 2 proven breakers of the status quo. Cool !
Dan, Pinedale, Wyoming, United States
Eat your heart out Barack H. "baby"! This lady has more executive experience than all three of the US SENATORS in the race, (oops!, Fraudian slip) All most senators do is compromise on principles and request "Earmarks". Go for it Sarah, America needs you!
Wendell Kerr, Springfield Mo., USA
McCain's VP has more experience than Obama in many aspects other than Obama's 145 days on the senate floor. Contrary to Obama's class warfare arguments about McCain being out of touch with working Americans, McCain chooses a smart working class woman. Sen McCain, good on you for proving Obama wrong
Vince, Denver, Colorado
She is so cool. Commander of the Largest, Most Rich land mass of natural RESOURCES IN THE NATURAL WORLD. She can also shoot Putin with that M-16 of hers. Barry has only spent 140 days on the job...she has more executive experience than him. PLUS,being a REAL mother who did not abort her son...
James A. Morales, Red Rock, Arizona, United States
Sarah is definitely not bought by corporate lobbyists. We hoped for a candidate that was not a millionaire, that had family, spiritual & national values. She has more handson experience than Obama could 'hope' for. She could be the 'change' we need to show the globe the 'people' are still in charge
Malinda Handforth, Independence, America
Palin is NOT the same old Washington insider!!! Prior to her becoming a NY Senator, HRC had no real political experience other than being 1st lady. Palen has 2 years of executive experience along with a strong record of tackling corruption, fiscal reform, and bipartisanship. She'll put Country 1st.
Vince, Denver, Colorado
McCain could not have made a better pick for VP. Sarah Palin is a great example for all women, and I will be proud to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket in November.
Virginia, KY, USA
she can take over for cheney with her guns and for bush with her laughable quotes. i admire her rise to the vp postion, but i am in oppostion with her thinking on environment "our resources." i'm ready for a change.
blarney, nashville, usa
You liberal bigots are showing your hypocrisy. You oppose Palin because her brand of feminism does not fit your leftist dogma. Stop lying and saying you support the rights of women -- you only support the rights of LIBERAL women who AGREE WITH YOU.
MarkJ, San Jose,
You know, the more you foreign Brits, Aussies & Europeans, etc. criticize McCain/Palin, the more you insure their victory. And DON'T call us racist -- it's utterly hypocritical. I don't see a single European country running a black person for THEIR top post, anywhere -- and none ever have.
ela, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Obama has less executive experience than Palin. His VP is left of the socialist & marxist. He is black and those that feel they have to vote for him to prove that they are not racist or to "feel" better about themselves or worst yet just to not vote Republican, I say wake up and smell the disaster
Billy, Molalla, USA
She is the governor of the state which has the largest energy reserves in the US. She has more experience in energy politics than the other three candidates. She governs a state that is in closer proximity to Russia that Obama's ever been. She is the only candidate with any Executive experience.
Michael, Michigan,
America got its breath of fresh air in 1980 with the election of Ronald Reagan. We are in serious need of that same type of fresh air; Sarah Palin is that breath.
Socialism is not the answer. As Americans we should be proud to be the best we can be. Obama appeasement is not the answer.
Ralph, Holden, MA, USA
Jules: "I'd hardly go so far as to call Palin a "feminist."...
Mmmm..., Let's see, she has a high power job, she beat the boys at their own game, she is not afraid of acting like a woman...
Ohh, I GET IT! She is a republican! she doesn't follow the democrat boys party manifesto!
NO Feminist, she!
Ricardo, Baltimore,
Hopefully indeed! The good news is, American women are smart enough to know a good deal when they see it! Palin is the full package: family values, personal ambition, bucks the party line, Pro-life, and personally successful. Smart choice.
Jim, Pittsburgh, USA
Dan Quayle was well able to spell 'potatoe' - it was 'potato' that he had a problem with.
Alan, Exeter, England
Love, love, love Mrs. Palin! She is a man's woman and a woman's woman! She has a proven record of reformation and taking on corrupt establishment ... unlike Obama.
Look at the pathetic state & reputation of Illinois and now imagine it on a national scale !!
Monika Nelsen, Wauconda, USA
Say what you will folks, but this woman just caused McCain an election. Once the news about her youngest child actually being her eldest daughters out of wedlock baby, it'll be all over. Which makes me wonder, did Bush/Rove actually set McCain up for a fall on purpose?
Harry, New York,
Ah the great and mighty ObamaChrist! His deeds are truly wondrous. Why he's been able to occasionally vote 'present' in the lofty halls of the US Capitol while he lowers himself to cast his light and wisdom upon us. This Sara Palin woman has done nothing so amazing as the great and mighty Obama.
Kyle, Liberty, MO, USA
After reading some of the comments on this thread, I think there are some really stupid women out there. You fall for all the lies that the Democratic Party tells you. Those lies being that you are oppressed and that the fight for womens rights is still being waged. Wake up.
Vince M., Los Angeles, USA
Been waiting for this for weeks!! The Libs are freaking out and it's just beautiful! The best thing about it is every time they want to attack her for inexperience they've got to bite their tongues!!
Lee, Denver, PA, USA
Apparently, Alaska is still free. I forgot about them up there, I didn't think there was any place left that was as the US used to be when I was a kid, where it was normal to be a rugged individualist.
John Harper, Jupiter, Mississippi, U.S.A.
Why is everyone but the Obamabots jumping up and down in glee with the choice of Palin? She's the anti-Obama. She has honest executive experience, and whatever her personal beliefs her political philosophy is basically pragmatic libertarianism. That's the hope and change we're looking for.
John Miller, Foster City CA, USA
It's race baiting. Palin is a white supremacist's wet dream (born in Idaho, lifelong NRA member, hunter, creationist, and good looking to boot) and her selection feeds directly on the right's unspoken fear of a black president.
Tom Paine, Hoboken, NJ, USA
I am so sorry but Obama will be are next leader. So sorry that your not in the light.
Terry, Sac.,
I find the idea that Palin is a viable substitute/replacement for Hillary outright insulting.
I'd hardly go so far as to call Palin a "feminist." quite frankly, she may be a woman, but she's still a conservative republican. hopefully, we'll (women) prove we're not that stupid!
jules, memphis, TN, usa
McCain's VP Mama will beat Obama. A mother of 5 kids is more qualified to be President of the United States than any politician PERIOD!
Marsha Terry, Southampton,NY, USA
You go girl! McCain/Palin all the way!
Becky, North Canton, OH, USA
Absolutely brilliant choice by the Republicans. My, how I'm looking forward to the wailing and gnashing of teeth from the backed-the-wrong-horse (again) libs and their media dupes come election night! Landslide - how sweet it is...
Sean O'Callaghan, Wellington, NZ
Hmmmm; I've taken only one week vacation this year and that means I have worked longer than Barack Obama has in his entire career in the US Senate. Yet the democrates think Barack is qualified to be president. Why is that?
Hughston, Huntsville, USA
My spouse and I are finally charged-up enough to vote for the Republican presidential candidates, McCain-Palin!
Otherwise we both as registered Republicans would have opted for the offerings of the Constitution party.
Thank you Sen. McCain for choosing a Conservative VP candidate.
JuanPablo, Naples, FL, USA
Can't believe how many comments are on here, so gung-ho on Palin on a UK site. Crazy. This whole thing has Karl Rove-ian tactics all over it, a classic whisper campaign where Republicans are organized in having people bombard sites with pro-Palin remarks. Viral marketing, election-style.
Zeke, Indianapolis, USA
Wasn't Giuliani just a mayor? Run a town, city or state, its all the same, just on different scales. Leadership is leadership...she's ready.
Ryan, Chicago,
People keep saying "She's just like us! Yah!" My next door neighbor is just like us-that doesn't mean he should be in office. Let's strive for something better than the guy (girl) just like us whom we'd like to have a beer with, huh?
Abby, KC, USA
.I have a feeling that Hillary is now regretting not dumping Bill long ago . She would have been respected by the public and would probably be bound for the White House under the current political maze... (until Sarah appeared on the scene)We might still see a divorce in the making.
Dennis, Palm Springs, CA, USA
Sarah Palin, CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN! GO SARAH GO
larry hight, anna, usa
Obama has lost his edge as the outsider. When VP time came, Obama chose the WA insider who voted for the war, bankrupcy bill and who takes lobbyist money. McCain went outside the beltway to find someone with a history of reform.
Interesting how times have changed.
Scott, Los Angeles, USA
I would have chosen Michael Savage for VP.
At least he has an education.
Bob, Santa Maria, USA
McCain choosing Palin = Republicans clinging to guns and religion.
Senator Obama is truly prescient.
And McCain is off his rocker.
Obama-Biden '08
Jacqueline, Ansonia,
If memory serves, Quayles problem with the
potatoe was because the NEA teacher who
made the flash cards for the kids spelled
it wrong on the card!
dan, nebraska, usa
Thank you Senator McCain. I don't think you could have done better than Governor Palin be that as it is I do not believe that our laws should control or prohibit a woman from getting an abortion that should be up to her. Women should control that choice right or wrong not the government.
Gary Bailey, Quail Valley, USA
I live in Alaska. Sarah Palin is my governor. She is smart. She is savvy. She can go toe-to-toe with any democrat. She is smarter, more fair, more decent and better than any of them. I'm no conservative, and her values don't scare me one bit. She's as smart as they come. McCain picked a winner.
Sarah, Alaska, United States
Is commanding the National Guard and State Police in a State eight times the size of Great Britain, with high mountains, extreme weather, and Russia as a neighbor not enough? Her son will give her the common soldier's perspective. She likely has plenty of time to learn more before she is President.
Shawn Smith, Westerly, RI, USA
SInce when do raising kids, working hard and being on PTA demonstrate such impressive characteristics? You know how many women I know fit that bill! None of those qualities has anything to do with leading a nation like the U.S. We need to get serious before backing someone just for looking like us
Mike, Lincoln, United States
While I like Ms. Palin's gumption and spunky attitude, I believe that John McCane has put political desperation ahead of his country's security; his trump card is National Security, but he is willing to put an inexperienced person a heartbeat away from facing terrorism, Iran and Putin.
Dr. Bill, DRESDEN, Maine, USA
McCain has just handed the Democrats a present. No one with any sense can seriousy take Palin as a vice-president choice. Antigone
Ida Robinson, Cedar City, usa
To those of you liberals who say Mrs. Palin is unprepared to be president, apply the same standard to your "do nothing" candidate Obama.
I think she is a fine choice and subsequent debates with mouthpiece Biden will bear that out.
scott, mountville, usa
If it is indeed liberals who are criticising her for not staying at home and looking after her kids, isn't that a teensy bit hyprocritical?
Oonagh , Hong Kong,
For me, it's an easy assessment. I have a 9 year-old daughter. I simply asked the question ....between Governor Palin and Senator Clinton, who's life would I want her to emulate? For me, one of them appears to be a born leader, the other is essentially a cartoon character.
Ben, Indianapolis, USA
Amazing how many frightened liberals there are out there. Obama and Biden have less Executive experience COMBINED than Palin does. But then the messiah, his false prophet and cronies (libs) will say anything, do anything to get the power.
Mike, Cleveland, OH, USA
you europeas sure are bitter,is it commonplace to trash a strong,down to earth woman in your socialist countries,how sad.has it gotten that bad over there? thank god Americans can still think for themselves.
roy, lochsheldrake, U.S.A.
Original caption M16 rifle photo. Lt. Col. David Cogdell helps Alaska Governor Sarah Palin test out the Engagement Skills Trainer at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 24, 2007. Palin visited the Soldiers of the 3rd Batt., 297th Infantry Reg't., Alaska Nat. Guard to learn about their mission in Kuwait.
Charles Nelson , Rochester, NY, USA
Sarah Palin represents me! I hate that so many women on here claim to speak for the millions of women in America who have babies and know that life begins at conception! It just shows me that these feminsit are and always have been selfish to the very core, and not truly for ALL women.
Tara, Cedartown, USA
Palin achieved success the right way, through hard work, commitment to the truth, and love. Clinton married power and then sold her soul, every step of the way, while she watched her so-called husband satisfy every whim of his sinful heart. Clinton supporters should whole-heartedly support Palin.
Peter R. McGrath, Orlando, USA
It's funny that Democrats still make fun at Quayle's potatoe gaff when Obama thinks we have 57 states,half the time forgets what city he's in and if you take the telepromter away has a hard time putting two sentences together.
N Bouza, Fort Lauderdale, USA
Sign me up. McCain and Palin. What a great team. When Sarah kicks Biden's behind in a debate just watch the liberals cry about how unfair it is.
McCain is gonna do the same to Hussien Obama
Chris Dennis, Ramona, USA
Kris B from GA, I think you are a Dem is disguise, no serious Christian would vote for Hillary.
John, Baghdad , Iraq
OMG!...this has to be one of the most ridiculously funny websites I've ever stumbled upon...ever! Sarah Palin for VP? You've got to be kidding! That there are so many supportive posts for her candiidacy here truly makes me fear for our future..can there really be this many people stuck on stupid?
corey, lewisburg,
do people honestly not see whats going on here? mccain didn't pick her for the good of our country, he picked her to win votes regardless of her qualifications. and i love how they are SO pro-life but they love guns, war, and the death penalty...they must be confused.
Marissa, ft lauderdale, fl, usa
Let's see. It is two lawyers versus a fighter pilot and a moose hunter. Yea. Two lawyers are going to "change" things. Right. Lawyers look to precedent ... what ruled before. Is that change to you? Obama dissed Hillary.
Jill Butcher, Tampa, USA
I am sick and tired of politics in this great country being a rich mans hobby. It is about time a "real American" has an opprotunity to lead this country.Oh yea, does anybody recall that Obamas district when he was a state rep. was? the south side of Chicago? Can Anybody tell me what he did for them
mike, milwaukee, USA
She is woefully unprepared to step in and be President of the United States. As a working mother of two, I know how hard it is to leave town on a business trip for one night. There is no way she can be a good mother and good candidate. Clearly being a good candidate is more important to her.
Sally, Stafford, USA
Must have gotten pretty close to the mark to get them all riled up like that...
For those of you getting all worried about experience, here are the qualifications for president:
1. Natural born citizen of US - check
2. 35 check
3. Lived in US for last 10 years. Check
She looks good 2 me!
Jeff Dempsey, Sherwood, USA
Sarah Palin? What is there not to like? She is the real deal.
Patti Harris , Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX,
McCain really made a slam dunk on his VP pick. I bet Obama is already regreting having picked Biden, who ads absolutly nothing to his ticket. Like most people, I knew nothing about Sarah Palin before friday, but she seems like the right kind of woman to be the first female president, not Hillary.
Ryan R, Columbus OH, USA
My apologies but if you don't have a vote for our presidential election, we really do not care what you have to say......To all the socialist libs in Europe, your way of thinking is why you have high taxes, pathetic health services and miserable unemployment rates....
Kyle M, Jacksonville, FL, USA
Wow, a much more balanced story than I can find in many U.S. newspapers. America is falling in love with McCain-Palin!
Travis, New York, USA
I supported Obama but was indifferent to a McCain presidency. From now on i pray Obama wins. Is McCain seriously putting an anti-abortionist, creationist believer, anti climate-change supporter, journalist educated person only a hearbeat from the most powerful position on earth... WOW!!!
Theodore, USA,
She's from outside DC. She's Libertarian in values. She supports states rights (Constitutionalist), All political strategy considerations aside, she has my values and is "one of us." I'm getting out my check book; something not done since Reagan.
Carl, Toto, USA
Sarah Palin is a terrific choice !
She will re-energize the party and give us a much-needed break from all the lawyers and political hacks who have contaminated the impossible experiment of democracy. Don't mis-underestimate Sarah Barracuda!!!!
George, Manhattan, USA
I love it. Good for you JohnMcCain.
John
John Burton, Smiths Falls, Canada
Hmmmm....Colin Powel, Condi Rice...Palin.... A little more diversity that the dems....
It is going to be fun
Kelly, Orlando, USA
Bet she was proud of her country before the offer to be POTUS, or rather, ahem, VPOTUS! She got game, baby.
Gloria, pinehurst, nc, usa
I am a Dem and I will vote for McCain. Obama stiffed Hillary!
Wendy, Iowa, US
That rifle Governor Palin is shouldering has
helped keep you Brits free for her short 44 years.
john, San Francisco, USA
wasn't excited about having mccain as president (but would never vote for Obama) but now I am thrilled to vote McCain!! Thanks Sarah!
Rachel, Maineville, USA
I hope she doesn't hunt with Dick Cheney.
John, New York, USA!
Adam - It's must feel very good to be able to sum up who a person is in such a short paragraph. Nobody is JUST anything. Sarah Palin is many things including the person who just ignited the Republican ticket.
Eric , Albuquerque, USA
McCain's clever move to get disgruntled PUMAs (Hillary supporters) will end up costing him the election. This grotesquely calculated move in selecting the inexperienced Palin only obliterates his most successful arguments against Obama: the lack of foreign policy experience. There goes his chance.
Li, Providence, USA
Most of the 266 comments support Sarah Palin and pledge their support. The few Socialists who try to discredit her, saying she lacks experience to be "one heartbeat away" from the presidency are laughable. Guess who is, and will be, "two heartbeats" away? Nancy Pelosi! Now THAT'S scary!!!
Jerry In Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA
Three dollar bills, lefties and losers will be squealing and carrying on from now to Election Day. Sarah and John are so much more of what America is about the lunatic-left will hate it.
CT, Philadelphia, PA, USA
The experience angle is a non-factorJoe Biden argues that she has "Zero" foreign policy experience, he must have forgotten Carter, Clinton, Widrow Wilson, Reagan had no foreign policy experience either.What we need to be concerned about is that Obama has had no leadership experience at any level!
Paul, NYC, USA
I have been lukewarm about McCain until now and I just donated $250 to McCain/Palin. She is what America is all about and I would be happy to see her in the top spot. My wife, a big Dem, saw her speech and said she was the most impressive political figure she has ever seen (and she has met Hillary
rick, Manassas, USA
Sarah Palin is an excellent choice by McCain. She is the modern day female version of Davy Crocket. I think this choice will propel McCain ahead of Obama. I think Palin has the fortitude and agressiveness needed to start cleaning up Washington. This is the kind of change we must have.
Jason Bakewell, Grand Prairie, USA
"It's just too bad that she's a gun-toting, pro-life, anti-gay creationist."
The genius of Barack Obama is that he can publicly oppose gun laws, full abortion rights, and gay rights, but can still count on winning the votes of people who are afraid of "gun-toting, pro-life, anti-gay creationists."
Bob, Chester, PA, USA
Some are comparing Sarah Palin to Margaret Thatcher. I was in the UK late seventies and early eighties and "You governor are no Margaret Thatcher"
Garba, Katsina,
Senator Hillary put 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling by sheer determination and effort. Ms Palin on the other hand came up through the elevator with McCain's blessing. There is no comparison.
Garba, Katsina,
I can't wait