Brendan,
  First, thanks for the mention I noticed today.  Actually, the Biden pick was the an easy choice when compared to the other names on the supposed list.

  I was as blown away as everyone else by McCain's pick.  It would be expected to 1) attract those feminist Democrats who refuse to accept that Hillary Clinton lost her bid, and 2) satisfy the GOP's right wing's concerns regarding not being "conservative enough".

  IMHO, what this tells me is that we won't see the type of power sharing or partnership that we've noticed with Bush/Cheney.  You can bet that the power will be consolidated within the White House, and that a Vice President Palin would simply be a return to the more traditional duties of the office:  Attending B-list funerals and breaking the occasional tie in the Senate.

Make it a great weekend!
Robert

Ok people . . . are we having a real election or circus show. Let's put things into perspective here. Obama ; is he black or is he white and dark complected. Who cares, really. The blacks claim him as a victory for African americans, but his Mom is white, right. So-o-o-o!? Maybe he is just "sharp", and thoughtful, who cares the color. But, apparently some are sore over Hillary ( an almost victory for "the woman's movement") and her not being the chosen "glass breaker". Well, what can we say except that perhaps it's just that Obama (forget his race, you're all very wrong anyway) has a better perspective that appeals to more Democrats. Hey, I was rooting for Hillary actually. I think you've got to be pretty strong to stick around with Mr. Bill and his antics (Ahemm.) But guess what, the elephant has realized it may need to coax the donkey with a carrot on a stick to get some donkey's to move along to the elephants corner. So here comes The honorable Gov. Palin. RE_EAL_LLY!!?. Oh come on. Are we americans really going to sit here and watch this charade play out? Are we supposed to sit back and be insulted by these people who want the extra Democrat and Independent vote? That is what Gov. Palin is . .  a carrot on a stick (no offense meant) for the voters who may be swayed to Obama because he is the Democratic candidate, and Hillary has asked them all to support Obama. Republicans have a way of trying every conceivable method to persuade people to "see things their way" which usually means "see the money into their pockets". Yup, Saddam needed his butt kicked, did we really need a protracted war costing billions, while we let the real IRE of Americans slip through the rocks in northern Afghanistan. Oh, see it the republican way. Billions in cost means money from goods used. A couple well placed bullets costing less than $5.00 for Bin Laden, not much money in that.
Well, I cease rambling. PEOPLE, WE THE PEOPLE . . .   c'mon, let's not be fooled by this latest Republican tactic.  Even if you don't vote for Obama, whatever your reason (free country), don't vote for McCain (and I actually repect the man, so). Vote for John the Barber or me even, who cares, but vote, but not for McCain. Even though I was on the fence, I fell off when Palin entered the picture, and landed square into a man's corner who comes from my generation, has my ideals and has not pulled any "carrot" stunts. Biden is not a carrot, or meek in the world. Obama is sharp and, well, teleprompters aside, I like to hear a leader stumble on his words. You know that means his mind is working, which means he must actually have one.
John McCain, tsk,tsk, . . .  this is not the playroom at the Academy my friend, should have picked someone with more match to Biden.

   If Gov. Palin has these good so called "family values", why is she, with a new handicapped infant at home (who needs love and caring), wanting to be a candidate, a  potential vice-president and even a potential president, should McCain expire in office.   What time will she give to the smallest and neediest in her family if she is out campaigning.  Once again, the Republicans twist the truth and cover up
reality to suit their interests.  When power is in play, "family values" are out the door.

Randy,  Why is it that when a influential, powerful woman comes forth in politics we then question her has a mother. Why can not women have it all just like men. I am sure that you work. Because you are out working to provide for your family does that mean that you are lacking at home and in your childrens lives. Does this mean you are a horrible parent? No, but there is a double standard between men and women and it is real sad that in the year 2008 we still see this hypocrisy. Hats off to this woman who has made a name for herself and is still raising a family!! Women can learn that we can have it all too!!

This is a poor choice.  The woman is an extremist who opposes basic civil liberties, who has abused her power as a mayor and as governor, and who has ties to a political party  which stands for Alaska seceeding from the United States. The only thing that can save her is the completely irresponsible treatment she is getting in the media.  The stories about her daughter are over the line, and they break the taboo of delving into the personal lives of candidates' children.  The right wing will have a field day with this biased reporting, and that could energize the GOP base.
If the issue is her track record, and not her personal life, she will be seen as a reckless choice by a reckless presidential candidate who has now shown that he will place political expediency over the national interest.

take away the glasses and all you have left is Katherine Harris!