Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a solid and mistake-free debut as John McCain's choice for a running mate. She talked a lot about her record in local and state government, and about her family. She cast herself as a maverick and a reformer, very much like McCain. She heaped praised on the man who picked her.
And in case there was any doubt about why she was picked, she made a direct appeal to Democratic women, saluting Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to run for vice president, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, "who showed such determination and grace in her presidential campaign." The crowd booed. She repeated Clinton's phrase about having placed 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling by getting 18 million votes in the Democratic primaries and added: "We can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all."
McCain, of course, introduced her and praised her executive experience, her fighting spirit, her record of reform and integrity. He said she was "exactly who this country needs." But he did not say the kind of thing that presidential candidates usually say at such a moment -- that his prime consideration was to pick someone fully qualified to be president. He'll certainly be asked to make such a statement as time goes on, and he probably will do so. On Day One, though, with Palin's credentials for the job an obvious question, he didn't say the words
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Yeah she is sooo qualified to run the country when 72 year old McCain drops dead of a heart attack etc......— hejira33312- I guess noone else would put their name on a losing ticket. I have read her profile on the net seems like an outstanding person but there goes the "not ready arguement" . Can't wait to see her cry when she debates Biden!— hejira33312
Comment removed.- McCain is probably in better shape/health than you.— palmyra21
- McCain thinks women only care about whether a candidate is female and nothing else. Only Ferraro and the PUMAs are like that. The rest of us are intelligent people who care about alot of issues we and our families and friends face, like the economy, the war, health care, etc. We care more about how to make ends meet each day, put our kids through college, saving for retirement, and keeping our jobs. We don't like to be used as political pawns. Don't treat us like you treat your wife, McCain. We deserve respect, and if your pick is Palin, show us how she stands on the issues of importance and how in the position a heartbeat away from the presidency, she would be able to handle the job.— bernadette
- McCain is in better shape/health than me, and I'm 31 years old. That being said, this choice truly mystifies me. In selecting Palin, McCain has effectively defeated his own best weapon against Obama - that of claiming he's too inexperienced to be President. While I know Palin is running for VP and not President, she must be ready to step in should anything happen to McCain who, while healthier than me and in far better shape, has had a few scares from Cancer. I don't see how his choice in Palin can inspire much confidence.— veritas1325
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- The Governor of Alaska makes $81,ooo. She'll do well with the hundred million NeoCons— Ed_Tilton
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- XiJah must be some kind of lame repug plant, because a lifelong Democrat would be laughing at this pick. A lifelong Dem would have way to much sense to vote for MCCain and the beauti queen wanna be .— hejira33312
- McCain/Palin '08! FANTASTIC!!— PennGuy86
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- Seems odd to me that he keeps saying country first and turns around a chooses a running mate on the basis of political considerations alone. Regardless of his physical condition, should he win she would be next in line... The biggest decision in his life and he blew it.— DennisAtwell
- People forget what was said about Dan Quayle in the same situation, and Palin is way smarter, charismatic, efficient and aggressive. She was the best person to pick to go after the undecided voters and those most likely to switch from Obama/Biden. McCain was already running in a virtual dead heat, and the polls aren't taking into account all the people who say they will vote for Obama but will change their mind in the voting booth. This country is way too racist to elect Obama. McCain will only gain momentum and voters between now and the election. Picking her will be looked back on as a masterstroke of genius.— StefanDio
- Be governor of a state with more seals than people? Check. Run a town that has fewer inhabitants than Collingswood? Check. Uterus? Check. Congrats, you are the GOP VP nominee!!! If these tickets are the best America can do, it may be time to go back to the drawing board.— JSaq
The Inauguration: Jan. 20 blog brings you coverage of President-elect Barack Obama's transition into office.
It's written by political journalists from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Send us your comments -- and news tips -- at this address.
Thomas Fitzgerald joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2000, and has covered Harrisburg as well as city, state and national politics for the newspaper. He was a “boy on the bus” in the 2004 presidential campaign and during primary contests in 2000 and 1996.
Nathan Gorenstein has covered politics and government in the city, state and nation for the Inquirer. He's worked in the city hall bureau, had a stint on the business desk, and once covered the suburbs. After serving as assistant regional editor, he was named editor of the "Politics" web site.
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