McCain's Surprise V.P. Choice (Alaska's Gov. Palin Targets Those Stung By Clinton's Loss)

Wall Street Journal-Online ^ | August 30, 2008 | LAURA MECKLER, ELIZABETH HOLMES and JIM CARLTON

[bobsunshine]

Sen. John McCain chose first-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, little known on the national stage, as his vice-presidential running mate -- a surprise stroke aimed at attracting Hillary Clinton supporters, but which could undercut the campaign's key theme of experience.

Sen. McCain passed over many high-profile, more conventional choices for the job, turning to a woman whose solid conservative positions thrilled the Republican base. Her reputation as a reformer in Alaska dovetails with Sen. McCain's image, too. As a small-town mayor, she took on her own party elders to run for governor in 2006, as an FBI corruption probed rocked the state's political establishment.

But the 44-year-old's thin political résumé also thrilled some Democratic strategists, given Sen. McCain's criticism of the experience of his opponent, Sen. Barack Obama. They were quick to note that Sen. McCain turned 72 Friday and would be the oldest person to enter the White House, yet he is trying to put a heartbeat from the Oval Office a woman who has spent less time in the governors' mansion than Sen. Obama has in the Senate. Just two years ago, she was mayor of Wasilla, a town of 9,780 people.

(snip)

The McCain campaign professed no concern about Gov. Palin's experience. Senior strategist Steve Schmidt said she is "one of the most exceptional governors in the country" with reform credentials that fit perfectly with Sen. McCain's message. "We are happy to have that debate with the Obama campaign and we'll win the argument with the American people," Mr. Schmidt said. "By any objective measure, Gov. Palin is more qualified for the presidency than Barack Obama."

[proudpapa]

She does both!

That’s why it is such a great pick.

[Islander7]

Palin Nomination Turns Obama Camp on its Head!