[keats5]

I also think that in choosing her, he must have had some inkling that she would be the more popular one on the ticket, but he chose her anyway. I think he realized whoever he picked would be thrust into the political arena, possibly for years to come. He didn’t pick a runner up. He pick someone he knew would probably stand on his shoulders someday.

If he did nothing for our country other than give Palin a chance at the next Presidency, he would have already done quite a bit.

[GVnana]

I don't see Palin as having been a completely safe bet for McCain. As we know, she came with some baggage that I think, would have freightened off another politician.

McCain was gutsy and shrewed, and had the confidence he could carry the day. Quite remarkable, when you think about it.

[Windflier]

He didn’t pick a runner up. He pick someone he knew would probably stand on his shoulders someday.

It appears that he's already standing on HER shoulders! But, I get your point, and I believe that this is tacitly understood by everyone, from McCain, down to the voters.

[DWC]

He already did plenty for our country. He’s an American hero.