September 2, 2008 
I would have predicted that John McCain would have chosen Mitt Romney even though they don’t appear to like each other. So, I have yet to figure out whether choosing Sarah Palin was genius or foolishness on his part. (more on Sarah at Wikipedia)
Let’s look at a few characteristics that seem important in this race (at least for the presidential candidate):
- Leadership – From what I have seen, she seems to have leadership qualities. She even wrote a book.
- Motivation – I haven’t seen her speak, but this evaluation seems to say she is a better communicator than Obama.
- Age – young to complement McCain’s age
- Energy – Seems to have a strong, positive vibe
- Challenging the status quo – If elected, this would be a first woman VP.
- Experience – no Washington experience…mostly local and a little state
She brings with her some interesting personal characteristics:
- Runs marathons – shows determination and hard work; able to stick to a goal; values fitness
- Husband works on the Alaskan oil slopes – good link to the blue collar world that might not have lined up with McCain
- Pregnant daughter – could upset some of the conservatives, but shows she is human and by sticking by her kid shows her allegiance and compassion
- Son in the army – shows family values and willingness to put her kids at risk to protect our country
- Outdoors – husband has won the Iron Dog (snowmobile race) four times; she hunts; she fishes
Then again. It matters who the VP candidate is, but does anyone change their vote on this?
Enabling Healthy Decisions 
Dr. Know your democratic leanings are hanging out of your clothes. Sarah Palin is an average american and that scares the democrats who historically want to paint this country as either the elite or the needy (to whom they stick out their hands and our wallets). Sarah Palin has experience running a government. Obama’s experience is campaigning. He has failed to prove he can run anything! While he may have all of the skills to be a community organizer – we need leadership. While John McCain is a Republican – he is not the extreme conservative that Obama is trying portray. McCain has voted againist Bush many times. As for Sarah Palin and her family values – who are we to question? Her and her husband work and they are raising their children. As a father of 3, I would be proud to have my son in the armed forces. I also oppose abortion and believe that sex is for marriage, but I would support my daughter even after her bad decision. YES – HER DECISION. The parents can’t monitor their children 24/7 – all we can do is provide discipline and values. One last note, you mention that George showed his bias by comparing Palin vs. Michelle Obama – were is the reference to Michelle Obama? George provided an overview of Sarah Palin since she is running for VP – not Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama to me is a non-issue!
The answe to your question is “very foolish.” When you read your description of Palin vs. Michelle Obama, your bias is pretty clear. Palin has no experience except being an ultra conservative cheerleader with a cute smile. She’s big on family values but doesn’t mind subjecting her vulnerable, young, pregnant daughter to the world wide press for her own political ambitions. If Michelle Obama’s daughter was unmarried and pregnant at 17, Palin would be the first to scream about lack of family values. Being a maverick doesn’t need to mean make horrible choices for vice president. They must think women are very very stupid. Sorry for the rant but you asked!!!