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Sarah Palin: McCain's VP choice

LIZ SIDOTI AND BETH FOUHY

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 11:06 AM EST 29/08/08

Little-known Alaska governor, 44 and self-styled hockey mom, to be on Republican ticket ...Read the full article

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  1. Matt O from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: Wow, what a cynical pick. 'You Dems didn't pick a woman, so I'll choose one [that you've never heard of].' I think people will see right through this and that McCain has just blown the election.

    This is the opinion of someone who thought McCain was going to take the vote up until now, keep in mind.
  2. Festina Lente from United States writes: G&M may be correct in quoting the source but shows really little class in that it wants to be the FIRST in reporting the event. All about money and prestige or lack of prestige.
  3. snow crash from Canada writes: Maybe she was a registered nurse before she became governor.
  4. New Yorker from United States writes: A 44 year old Miss Alaska winner is a heartbeat away to a geriatric, well done.
  5. Larry Smith from Canada writes: It will be a little difficult for the Republicans to continue to harp on the experience issue with Obama, with her being one heartbeat away from the Presidency.
  6. Simon Templar from Canada writes: Wow...a little-known governor from Alaska of all states? And the fact that she is a woman, while commendable and historic, won't necessarily play any better to the Republican base than Obama plays to Southerners. I think McCain just lost any chance he had to beat Obama in November. Not the pick I would have expected...
  7. J Law from Canada writes: Let's offset the 'first non-white president' idea with the 'first woman VP' idea and get the women vote. This could be brilliant if blacks just vote for their own colour and women only vote for their own gender. It does however show some shallowness by the backroom thinkers if this is true.

    On the other hand after this election then a non-white and a woman in leadership roles in the USA will not be a novelty and maybe the voters will vote with intelligence (?).
  8. Rain Couver from Canada writes: Any relation to Michael Palin? I would vote for any relative of a member of Monty Python just because it would be so a propos, that both candidates are jokes wrapped up in over marketing.
  9. Ed Long from Canada writes: Actually from what I have read of Ms. Palin, she is an aggressive up and comer from an important resource state and the focus of significant energy policy in the future.

    Obama has framed no more reliance on Mid-East oil as a major issue.

    The Dem.s are still disappointed at not running a very capable woman.

    Cynical ..... not really, brilliant strategy that will attract swing votes and disaffected Dem.s

    McCain has the international policy experience, Hilary said so, and now he has a woman and a governor from the future Texas of the USA.

    It's a winner.
  10. Matt O from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: Let's not forget Walter Mondale picked Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate in '84 in order to look 'progressive'. He won one state. Enough said.
  11. New Yorker from United States writes:
    Cindy McCain, Sarah Palin guess he has a beauty pageant fetish.
  12. Neil Garret from Canada writes: Atleast she is HOT.
  13. J M from Realityville, Canada writes: Hmmmm picking a running mate from a major oil producing state. Can you say 'caribou slaughter'? I guess you have try to reward Bush's friends somehow.
  14. mynalee johnstone from saltspring island, Canada writes: I told you so. Get a soccer mom. In this case, a hockey mom driving her boys to hockey in her SUV. No doubt they will make it to the NHL and play on one of our CANADIAN teams,hey? FairTrade and all. Ofcouse she supports oil drilling. Gotta get her boys to the rink.
  15. Just Hmmm from Canada writes: Hard to maintain the experience issue now. In addition, I can't think of anything that would serve to mobilize Hillary to campaign to the end for Obama more than the thought of another woman in this election making it to the White House. Way to go McCain. You've come pretty close to Cheney-ing your campaign ... that'd be shooting it in the face.

    I wonder if all the other candidates gave McCain a polite 'no thanks'?
  16. Joe Dirt from Canada writes: So Barack doesn't have the experience neccessary to be commander in chief, but McCain goes and picks someone with less than 2 years as Governor of Alaska to be first in line for the position should a tragedy happen. Anybody wanna spin this one?

    Oh, and Matt O. I instantly thought the same thing.
  17. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: Matt, you forget this is the US election. This woman has all the woman's issues covered, Governor, five children, disabled child, and most important of all in the US a real looker. McCain has pulled it off. This upstages Obama, Hillary and all the Hollywood left. All the disenchanted Hillary supporters have found a place to park their votes.
  18. New Yorker from United States writes:
    If you liked the Dan Quayle pick you'll love this one.
  19. Glenn F from Winnipeg, Canada writes: *** She is, of course, being investigated for abusing the power of her office by trying to get revenge against her sister's ex-husband, who happens to be a police officer.

    Alaska is already spending $100k and 3 months to investigate it, and it sounds like there's a strong case.
  20. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: She's kinda hot.

    Don't disregard that in the equation.
  21. Marlene Gregory from Montreal, Canada writes: Ridiculous... there are other powers at play in the United States in these times.....doesn't matter who the VP and P are anymore...
  22. New Yorker from United States writes: Ej:
    Yeah right except for the fact she is against abortion and civil unions.
  23. Geof Wyght from United States writes: My republican workmates here say that the party has had it.
  24. just another Canadian from Calgary, Canada writes: Little-known Alaska governor ? She is well known for how she has done such a tremendous job, especially for her her whistleblowing on ethical violations by state Republican Party leaders, she is noted for her many changes in regards to energy policies and social issues. While I am not a republican fan, she is a good choice for VP.
  25. Peter The Not Quite Great from Canada writes: A strange choice, if the report is true. McCain admits he's weak on economics. I would have expected a VP candidate known for being strong on economic matter, like Mitt Romney. Does Gov. Pain have this kind of expertise?

    If all this is true Mccainn better indicate who his choice for Treasury will be to limit the damage.
  26. Jacques O from Hull, Canada writes: Yikes...did none of the other big-name VP candidates want the job? Picking a woman is courageous, but the timing is suspicious...and the pick herself, well...are we supposed to be excited about this? This looks like another Mondale/Ferraro ticket to me. I can't help but think some of the strong contenders told McCain, 'thanks, but we'll wait for the next go-around'.
  27. Mean Machine from Bugtussle, Canada writes: Being a mom she will be familiar with changing diapers.
  28. Michael Kahu from Scarborough, Canada writes: omg a pro abortion woman. I predict this ticket will 'win' the election with 22% of the vote, and the media will annouce it close until the results are in.

    Like their predictin that Iyad Allawi will sweep the Iraqi elections with his 1% support.
  29. Ed Long from Canada writes: So brilliant I am falling over laughing.

    Hilary give McCain credit for his international policy experience.

    Obama stated, just last night, America will not be dependent upon Mid-east oil.

    There were a lot of Dem.s sitting on their hands during Obama's speech.

    Women are p''ssed.

    Shazam ... a woman, a governor of the northern Texas, resources ..... friggin' brilliant.
  30. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Wow.

    That's out of left field.

    Where'd she come from?
  31. Brent Wilkins from Canada writes: Obama can't win now.
  32. Western Clods from Canada writes: Wow.

    four years as mayor of a small town in Alaska. Less than two years as governor. Virtually no legislative record.

    This is the least qualified VP pick since Quayle.
  33. New Yorker from United States writes:
    Under investigation for abuse of power, she just got Dubya/Cheneys vote.
  34. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    She must have more foreign policy knowledge than John McCain.

    ............... everyone does.
  35. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: snow crash from Canada writes: 'Maybe she was a registered nurse before she became governor.'

    Yes, just a Governor. What has executive experience have to do with doing a job in the US executive branch. She doesn't even have Obama's one-year in the Senate going for her. Note to losers, choosing Obama has taken all possible criticism of experience off the plate and having a female in the VP debate will make Obama's attack dog look like an attack dog to all those coveted older white female Hillary voters.

    Matt O from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: Wow, what a cynical pick. 'You Dems didn't pick a woman, so I'll choose one [that you've never heard of].'

    I believe you mean that YOU'VE never heard of. Now this is change you can believe in. This also gives the likely choice of two women for President in 2012.
  36. Captain Ontario from Canada writes: Typical.

    They didn't choose the best.

    They chose someone to try to snag hilaryites.
  37. Bad Bob from Canada writes: In this US election, there are two main parties running.
    The Democraps and the Repubicans.
    They both have leaders not worth voting for.
    If they want to do good down there at election time, vote 'NONE OF THE ABOVE'.
  38. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: New Yorker, I trust their are still a few of your countrymen/women who do not want to kill unborn babies and understand that babies are conceived by a man and a woman.
  39. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Glenn F from Winnipeg wrote:
    She is, of course, being investigated for abusing the power of her office by trying to get revenge against her sister's ex-husband, who happens to be a police officer.

    Relax Glenn,
    The Republicans will just fire the investigators ....................
  40. J Law from Canada writes: I wonder how being a POW gives you foreign experience. Didn't McCain dump his first wife for a rich beauty and now he picks a woman as his running mate. Is this guy all about skirt chasing?
  41. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: WOW what a great move on McCain's part. Now he got the Alaska vote all locked up.
  42. Jim Saxon from Canada writes: This is such an obvious play for HRC votes and as relevant a choice as Geraldine Ferrerro was for Democrats but let's set our cynicism aside for a moment and congratulate Palin on being the first ever woman on a Repub ticket. Just soak in the news - no matter who wins the election, it will be a historic choice for USA.
  43. J C from Canada writes: Well, well, well.....
    so much for the 'experience' argument... If McCain should die while in office...this lady would be president? 2 years as a governor and a couple as a mayor. Hmmm....foreign policy? This is a shameless pitch for the female vote. I'm thinking it won't work.

    The investigation, according to CNN, is ongoing...with at least 2 dozen calls to the State Police heirarchy from her office... and a request to fire her former brother-in-law. Abuse of power...maybe...or maybe just an overzealous staff member in her office. Either way...the buck stops with the 'boss'.
    It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
  44. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    The Republicans are really desperate ......................
  45. New Yorker from United States writes: EJ

    There are but they're not Hillary supporters dufus.
  46. A A from Canada writes: Interesting pick. I guessed they picked her for her integrity. Blowing the whistle on your comrades is quite brave.

    The GOP needs someone who shows integrity and honesty on paper.

    Don't discount the fact that they will push the fact the she is a working mom and can relate to all American women.

    Could work brilliantly for McCain or backfire badly. The jury is out on this one.
  47. Mary Smith from United States writes:

    Well, it is stunning, although I have known of her. Si it goes like this;

    Obama, lacking foreign policy experience, picks a VP with some.

    McCain, with foreign policy experience, picks one without.

    Edge to McCain (he IS the one running for President).

    Obama, criticizing McCain for being a Washington insider, picks a VP who has been in Washington LONGER.

    McCain picks a 'new to Washington' VP.

    Edge to McCain for usurpung Obama's claim of change.

    Minority Vote?

    Slight edge to Obama (he IS the one running for President).

    I love it.
  48. Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: .

    The idea that Clinton supporters will support Palin in droves simply because she is a woman is simple-minded, sexist, and offensive to women everywhere.

    This is what conservative/republican types think of women - the fact that McCain literally believes this proves how out of touch he is with the world.
  49. Duane Freemantle from writes: J Law from Canada writes: Let's offset the 'first non-white president' idea with the 'first woman VP' idea and get the women vote.

    You seem to not to know your history. The Democratic Party in 1984 had Geraldine Ferraro as the vice-presidential candidate and ran with Walter Mondale. Yes, Ms. Geraldine Ferraro was the first female vice-presidential candidate.
  50. Kevka Y from London, Canada writes: Now the diehard women supporters of Clinton will for sure vote Republican. Congrats to Mccain on his choice.
  51. Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: .

    snow crash from Canada writes: Maybe she was a registered nurse before she became governor.

    -------------------------

    LOL!!! - ouch!!
  52. Kevin MacKinnon from Calgary, Canada writes: Why do you continually refer to the Governor as Mr. in the article?
  53. Martha K. from Canada writes: Good and bad choice. Good - She's a woman yes, young and energetic and an extreme go-getter, ambitious and bright as all heck.

    Bad - As much as I'm for a woman VP, my only concern would be: and if something happens to McCain, she steps in to become President of the US? A bit hard to imagine.

    Interesting how McCain's picked someone with little experience - kind of like Senator Obama - his resume is a bit thin (yes hers is thinner).
  54. Big Wayne Kerr from Kumbaya, Canada writes: I think it is an inspired choice.
    A female governor form a Republican future-oriented northern state.
    If the old guy shuffles off, America gets it's first female President, and it's not a Clinton, or even a Democrat, thank God.
  55. B Henry from Glenora, Edmonton, Canada writes: Her two years of executive experience as a VP candidate are actually greater than Obama's non-exec experience as a first term Senator. And yet, he has the 'audacity' to run for the top job.
  56. Darryl Williams from Dartmouth, NS, Canada writes: How come the article refers to 'Mr Palin' several times?

    'Mr. Palin is a self-styled hockey mom... '

    'Mr. Palin's selection shocked numerous Republican officials.'

    Yet, on one ocasion they use 'Ms'.
  57. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:
    Other than being a woman, McCain's choice of a half-term, conservative, anti-abortion Alaskan seems to be a head scratcher.

    Kijnd of moots the Republican mantra that Obama isnt experienced enough for POTUS. This woman has no experience at the national level and little as a governor.

    Someone else on the board tagged this as a cynical choice.
    Unless she brings something other than her gender to the game, this is the ultimate insult to female American voters.
  58. Ed Long from Canada writes: This took guts and huge foresight.

    America ... you will lead.
  59. Joseph T from Victoria, Canada writes: Mistress number two? The other other woman? Geez, these Navy guys!
  60. so, what from and beyond, Canada writes: McCain just lost what little chance he had in winning this election. The democrat women who are mad about hillary not winning the nomination, are not going to swarm over to mccain now. If anything, the independents and dem. fence sitters will now start flocking to Obama. If anyone listened to his speech last night and compare it to MCCain next week....well, so ends the hope McCain had.
  61. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: .

    The idea that Clinton supporters will support Palin in droves simply because she is a woman is simple-minded, sexist, and offensive to women everywhere.

    This is what conservative/republican types think of women - the fact that McCain literally believes this proves how out of touch he is with the world.
    ---------

    Just like the idea that black voters will vote for Obama because he's black right?
  62. Big Wayne Kerr from Kumbaya, Canada writes: Not the ' I work for a very 'Republican' company'

    Sinc Stevens Orchard Clark works for a living?
  63. bruce t from Boston, United States writes: Very strange pick. Going for PUMAs. Though what happen to shoring up economical expertise. Very desperate. I hope she does her homework before debating Biden.
  64. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: Michael Kahu from Scarborough, Canada writes: 'omg a pro abortion woman. I predict this ticket will 'win' the election with 22% of the vote, and the media will annouce it close until the results are in.'

    Thank you for your ill-informed comment. She's pro-life not pro-abortion. unlike Obama who is pro-late-term abortion--even after they are born just let them die in a utility closet (kind of as late as you can get). In fact she's pro-life when it counts, she recently had a downs-syndrome baby.
  65. Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Wow, chosing someone who is investigated for abusing her power and virtually unknown takes nerve.
  66. Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: .

    I agree with all the comments about the experience issue.

    Let's face it, McCain is nearing the limits of his natural life-span - he is literally 3 years away from the American Male average of 75. If he made it to a second term, he would be pushing the boundaries.

    Voting for McCain is also a vote for a statistically realistic fact that his VP might be stepping into his shoes while he is in office. I think just about every American who has some basic form of common-sense left can agree that Palin is absolutely not ready to take over the presidency.
  67. Duane Freemantle from writes: The first thought that came to mind was (Can you say Clinton? McCain's selection has everything to do with Hillary Clinton.) The reason why is that it seemed that John McCain searched very hard for a female running mate. However, making this connect would be weak. One has to wonder why Sarah Palin's name was released before her and McCain's first appearance together.
  68. so, what from and beyond, Canada writes: Mary Smith from United States writes:

    Well, it is stunning, although I have known of her. Si it goes like this;

    Obama, lacking foreign policy experience, picks a VP with some.

    McCain, with foreign policy experience, picks one without.

    Edge to McCain (he IS the one running for President).

    Obama, criticizing McCain for being a Washington insider, picks a VP who has been in Washington LONGER.

    McCain picks a 'new to Washington' VP.

    Edge to McCain for usurpung Obama's claim of change.

    Minority Vote?

    Slight edge to Obama (he IS the one running for President).

    I love it.
    __
    Your best is an idiot. How is McCain showing more change than Obama? How is this woman going to push mccain over the top?

    You may want to rethink your moronic statement.
  69. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: New Yorker, dufus? Name calling always starts with the liberal. You mean that all of Hillary's women supporters want to kill unborn babies and do not realize it takes a man and a woman to make a baby?
  70. Michael Powers from Canada writes: It is a pretty good choice, it is obvious that the Republicans are after the Clinton female voters that feel that the Democrats were unfair to Hillary. That is about 23% of the Democratic female vote.

    Politics is a numbers game and McCain just picked up a lot of votes.
  71. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:
    The Iconoclast from Canada writes:

    'WOW what a great move on McCain's part. Now he got the Alaska vote all locked up.'

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I assume your comment is facetious.
    Alaska is pretty much a solidly red state at the federal level.

    Which explains why one of its Republican senators has just been indicted on a bunch of corruption charges.

  72. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: Matt O from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: 'Let's not forget Walter Mondale picked Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate in '84 in order to look 'progressive'. He won one state. Enough said.'

    Lets also not forget that Ronald Reagan won the rest of the States. I think Mr. Reagan's popularity meant more to the results than whatever you are trying to imply.
  73. K D from Canada writes:
    Great move by McCain. I am pulling for him.

    Obama inspires but has no policies and his protectionism will hurt Canada.
  74. so, what from and beyond, Canada writes: Big Wayne Kerr from Kumbaya, Canada writes: I think it is an inspired choice.
    A female governor form a Republican future-oriented northern state.
    If the old guy shuffles off, America gets it's first female President, and it's not a Clinton, or even a Democrat, thank God.
    ____
    If this inspires you, that's just plain sad. I take it 'Big' refers to your immense logic?
  75. Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Just like the idea that black voters will vote for Obama because he's black right?

    -----------------------------

    What a pathetic comment. You lack even the most basic of comprehension and analytical skills, I don't even know where to start to tear that one apart!

    Get back in your cage and let the adults deal with this one.
  76. Western Clods from Canada writes: If she can spell potato, she's ahead of the game.
  77. New Yorker from United States writes: Ej:

    If you didn't realize that 99% of the Hillary crowd are pro choice, the moniker suits you.
  78. J C from Canada writes: Stevie D....Quite the twisted take you have on Obama's vote in Illinois. He voted against that bill because it criminalized ALL abortion. Itw as kind of like those bills where you add pork...in this case it was political pork. He DID NOT vote for killing children. This has been addressed quite adequately in the media. You however choose to spread the ill-informed swill that you have read somewhere on the internet.... but then again...everything you read is true...right? Spare me.
  79. R F from Canada writes: Those who watched the Democratic Convention this week on PBS will recall Walter Mondale's comment about the qualities that a VP must have. At the top of the list was the readiness of the VP to govern. While Ms. Palin may well be a good governor for the tiny state of Alaska, I am very much unconvinced that she is ready to be the most poweful head of state in the world. It is quite the leap! When compared to Joe Biden, the one with the most experience should prevail. On that front, my bet is on him and his years in the Senate dealing with pan national issues, not limited to his Delaware state, unlike Ms. Palin and his very narrow experience as a miniature state governor. Furthermore, I wish no harm to Mr. McCain, but one must keep in mind that a health failure is more and more probable with age. If the President of the United States ever become incapacitated for any reason, which of the 2 VP nominees has the best chance of success in the White House? It will be very interesting to watch the Vice-Presidential debate this year! While this a good attempt to get the vote of women, her history of being a staunch pro-life advocate may not have the expected effect on that part of the electorate.While many women are indeed pro-life, the contigent of pro-choice women cannot be discounted, especially in states where the Republican need to make gains, i.e. the more liberal states.
  80. Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: .

    McCain just proved he lacks judgement. Can't wait to hear what the US right-wing commentators have to say about this one.

    What on earth was McCain thinking (apart from his 'old-man / conservative' ideology of thinking all women will somehow vote for him now that he picked a woman)??
  81. James Johnson from Canada writes: Anyone who thinks that this is a winner is sniffing glue. Are the Repulicans throwing in the towel and gearing up for 2012? This truly is a Dan Qualye moment. While Obama supposedly lacks experience, he has been on the national stage for the past 4 years. No one knows who this women is and Alaska matters next to nothing in the electoral college. Nor can an Alaska representative claim to speak on behalf of a larger geographic constituency in the same way say someone from Indiana can claim to speak on behalf of farmers and mid-westerners etc. I speak on behalf of all the King Crab fisherman?!
  82. Ed Long from Canada writes: This is the American version of Carole Taylor.

    Only Americans realize the value of a woman who is strong and gets the job done with smooth efficiency.

    Meanwhile, we debate the choice of Gyro Gearloose Dion and Chicken Little Harper.

    I still say Madame Jean would do a better job.
  83. MT Cicero from Canada writes: I find it amusing that people seem to think this has 'locked it up' for McCain because of the 'tight race'. Didn't we learn eight years ago to not to listen to the popular vote in America, it's the electoral votes which matter, and the last time I did the math, Obama has about 280-290 electoral votes practically his, 10-20 above what's needed for victory...
  84. maurizio arani from Canada writes: G&M I can see who you support and it's NOT the Republicans!!!!!

    Very poor reporting
  85. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:
    How well does this choice address McCain's greatest weakness, his self-admitted dearth of knowledge on economic matters?

    It doesn't.

    Well, he can always trot out Phil 'American's are whiners' Gramm.

    Hey John, 'It's The Ecomomy Stupid!'.

    Interesting to get the inside skinny on how many of his team of advisors he ignored in making this selection.
  86. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Just like the idea that black voters will vote for Obama because he's black right?

    -----------------------------

    Ah yes a tolerant Democrat. My comment was in regard to reports (on CNN) about whether Obama presented a problem for black republicans in so much as to whether they would vote for Obama because of his being black etc or whether they would vote republican.

    The idea that blakcs will support Obama in droves simply because he is black is simple-minded, sexist, and offensive to blacks everywhere. Don't you think?

    I'll go back to my cave now.
  87. Democrats - '08 - Liberals - '08 The return of prosperity to North America! from Canada writes: .

    Alright folks - I've $100,000 on the election right now - Obama is taking it. Any clownservative/republicans care to put your money where your useless mouths are?
  88. Mary Smith from United States writes:

    so, what happened

    Obama is the one who staked his whole campaign on 'change', yet picked a Washington insider as VP.

    McCain has just picked an outsider who has gone against the Republican Party herself.

    YOU may want to rethink YOUR moronic comment.
  89. New Yorker from United States writes:
    I think Alaska just got some more bridges to nowhere.
  90. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: New Yorker, are you sure? Did you ask them all? 99%, no I do not think so.
  91. Erik D. from Canada writes: The vaunted Republican party line to the Clinton supporters will be ' Heh, McCain is an old geezer and will soon croak, likely while in office, and you'll get this highly inexperienced token woman as your President...' LOL, LOL
  92. b thomas from Edmonton, Canada writes: Mr. Palin? MISTER Palin? So much for a nashunal standerd of urinalism in Kanada
  93. xoxo hockey girl from Canada writes: It’s funny that Obama supporters bash McCain for his age but didn’t Obama choose an older gentleman only 2 years jr of McCain for Vice? As for McCain choosing Palin for Vice, only time will tell. Still a toss up about who will be the better candidate...
  94. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: Western Clods from Canada writes: 'If she can spell potato, she's ahead of the game. '

    THAT was funny! Of course people didn't know Quayle until AFTER the election - which was a good thing for Bush Sr...
  95. Chairman Meow from Catalina Catamaran, Canada writes: Hope she's a relative of Michael Palin of Monty Python fame. We'd all be in for a rollicking good time then.
  96. Bubbles McBubbles from Trawna, Canada writes: A calculated risk to scoop up Hilary's disgruntled sisterhood of the travelling pant suits. Might work. Might not.

    It also signals that the McCain brain trust might play down their 'no experience' line of attacks for something else. (Or perhaps she just gives McCain a woody. Who knows?) I am more interested to see how much bounce Obama has in the polls coming out of that spectacular convention.
  97. Stephen P from Cambridge, Canada writes: The choice of running mate can lose an election but not win one. All the candidate on the top of the ticket is hoping for is to pick up no new liabilities. As to securing the women's vote, I have my doubts. Does anyone know if women are more likely to vote for a ticket with an attractive woman on it?
  98. Gerry Dunnhaupt from Toronto, Canada writes: You are kidding, right? -- Now tell me whom he really picked.
  99. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: New Yorker, you know your guy is beat.
  100. D N M from Canada writes: EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: New Yorker, I trust their are still a few of your countrymen/women who do not want to kill unborn babies and understand that babies are conceived by a man and a woman.

    Yes but they are carried by the woman alone. The father may have input in the decision, but ultimately she will decide because she is NOT AN INCUBATOR/SLAVE for male personal use. (hopefully she will choose LIFE but it's HER decision) Get that through your misogynistic/pro-enslavement of women head. That's all I will say about that.

    Brilliant move. Obama underestimates the anger, disillusionment and even spitefulness of the disenfranchised Mrs. Clinton supporters. The saying' he** hath no fury like a woman scorned' rings true here and I can certainly see this move being problematic for the Dems and Barack.
  101. boz dobbs from toronto, Canada writes: Looks like McCain has cut to the heart of the Oprah Zoombies marching toward Obama.What,s a middle aged yuppie woman going to do?.
  102. George Nason from Canada writes: For those that are saying that she has no experience.... Alaska as a state is more powerful than 2/3 of the World's countries.
  103. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:
    j boland from United States writes:

    'I luv it. A real woman, honest worker, outdoorsman, five kids, a son who just joined the army, a no-BS political person, a real outsider to Washington, no thieves or terrorists on her list of friends. '
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    How do those very common qualities qualify this woman to be president?

    You set very low standards for the job of vp.

    But then she's a Republican.

    If Obama had picked someone with a resume this thin you'd go nuclear on it.

    Double standard j!
  104. R F from Canada writes: Plus, MCCain can no longer play one of his strongest trump card, i.e. the inexperience of Obama! He picked a VP with less experience than both Obama and Biden.... McCain just opened the door very wide for the Democrats to take the election.... No matter what side of the fence you are sitting, this is a very interesting and exciting time in American history!!! The American campaign will cast a big shadow over the upcoming Canadian campaign!
  105. Grampa Canuck from Stirling, ON, Canada writes: Not a bad move on McCain's part, if I do say.

    I'm a registered Democrate (dual citizenship) and remain a staunch Obama supporter. But I do recognize a crafty choice here.

    Sarah Polin may be GOP, but she is the non-Cheney. She took on the Republican Old Boys network in Alaska and won on a clean government platform. We'll have to see how this business involving her ex-brother in law plays out. And, she took on the Big Oil and got more resource revenue for Alaska, contrary to the workings of the state's Republican Old Boy's Network.

    But, on many issues and policies, she's out of step with modern America.

    Steve D from St. John's writes '...Obama who is pro-late-term abortion--even after they are born just let them die in a utility closet (kind of as late as you can get)'

    Get a life Steve. This kind of garbage pulled from the right-wing blogosphere (or maybe from that drug-addled Rush Limbaugh) is just pure nonsense and doesn't add to any intellegent discourse.
  106. Cuban Cigar from Canada writes: maurizio arani from Canada writes: G&M I can see who you support and it's NOT the Republicans!!!!!

    Very poor reporting
    -----------------
    maurizio, it's an Associated Press story - not G&M.
  107. BUB ImumI from Canada writes: ..//

    She is awesome.

    Well done John McCain. Very smart political move.

    Her husband is a fisherman. She is a pro-life mother of 5, one child has down's syndrome, so she is the real deal.

    She smart. beautiful. She tossed out a bunch of corrupt republicans.... and she's a republican.

    She is a member of the NRA.
    SHE is a member of Feminists for Life.

    She is a real a$$ kicker.

    Obama, the Wright, Ayers, leftist bin biden has no hope.

    ..//
  108. J Law from Canada writes: The first cartoon: 'McCain saying from the Oval office, 'Sarah get my slippers will you?'

    Second cartoon, McCain tring to extract his slippers from his a$$.
  109. Toby Maloney from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Amerika the bizarre ...

    And what about her military experience? How can she be ready to take over as Commander in Chief if she has never run through the jungle (or desert I suppose)?
  110. B A from United Kingdom writes: As someone said, 'If the VP pick is the first real presidential decision a candidate makes, then McCain just revealed that he's more concerned with image and political maneuvering than filling in the gaps on his own resume.'
    • Posted 29/08/08 at 11:43 AM EST |