By LIZ SIDOTI and BETH FOUHY
DAYTON, Ohio
Republican John McCain introduced first-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate Friday, a stunning selection of a fellow maverick designed to get an edge in the increasingly competitive White House race.
"She's exactly who I need. She's exactly who this country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of 'Me first and country second,' " McCain declared as the pair stood together for the first time at a boisterous rally in Ohio just days before the opening of the party's national convention.
Palin, the first Republican woman on a presidential ticket, promised: "I'm going to take our campaign to every part of our country and our message of reform to every voter of every background in every political party, or no party at all."
"... Politics isn't just a game of competing interests and clashing parties," added the Palin, 44, who has built her career in large measure by challenging fellow Republicans.
In the increasingly intensive presidential campaign, McCain made his selection six days after his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, named Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, as his No. 2 on the ticket.
The contrast between the two announcements was remarkable — Obama, 47, picked a 65-year-old running mate with long experience in government and a man whom he said was qualified to be president. The timing of McCain's selection appeared designed to limit any political gain Obama derives from his own convention, which ended Thursday night with his nominating acceptance speech before an estimated 84,000 in Invesco Field in Colorado.
Public opinion polls show a close race between Obama and McCain, and with scarcely two months remaining until the election, neither contender can allow the other to jump out to a big post-convention lead.
On his 72nd birthday, McCain chose a woman younger than two of the Arizonan's seven children and a person who until recently was the mayor of small-town Wasilla, Alaska and has been governor less than two years.
The Obama campaign immediately questioned whether she would be prepared to step in and be president if necessary.
"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency," Adrianne Marsh, a spokeswoman for Obama, said in a written statement. A statement was put out on Obama's plane with the candidate merely welcoming her to the campaign.
President Bush complimented McCain for "an exciting decision."
"Governor Palin is a proven reformer who is a wise steward of taxpayer dollars and champion for accountability in government," a presidential statement said. "By selecting a working mother with a track record of getting things done, Senator McCain has once again demonstrated his commitment to reforming Washington."
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who came so close to being the first major party woman presidential candidate, said in a statement: "We should all be proud of Gov. Sarah Palin's historic nomination, and I congratulate her and Sen. McCain. While their policies would take America in the wrong direction, Gov. Palin will add an important new voice to the debate."
"It's an absolutely brilliant choice," said Mathew Staver, dean of Liberty University School of Law. "This will absolutely energize McCain's campaign and energize conservatives," he predicted.
Palin's name had not been on the short list of people heavily reported upon by the news media in recent days, and McCain's decision was a well-kept secret until just a couple hours before Friday's rally.
McCain's campaign said that Palin and a top aide met with senior McCain advisers in Flagstaff, Ariz., on Wednesday night. The next morning, the campaign said McCain formally invited Palin to join the ticket on the deck of McCain's home near Sedona, Ariz., and later Thursday the governor flew to Middletown, Ohio, with staff to await Friday's event in Dayton.
Describing the process that led to her selection, Palin told reporters she'd received word that she was McCain's choice on Thursday and had met privately with him that day to discuss it. She spoke briefly as the two running mates surprised shoppers at the Buckeye Corner in Columbus, Ohio, where they purchased Ohio State University sports memorabilia. McCain and Palin started a bus tour across Ohio and to Pittsburgh, where they will hold a campaign rally Saturday. Ohio and Pennsylvania are two states that figure prominently in who wins the election this fall.
Asked why McCain chose her, his campaign manager Rick Davis said, "Part of it is personal fit."
"He sees Sarah, Governor Palin, as the future of the party," he added. "These are people he'd like to elevate in that regard. reformers."
Sharyl Odenweller, a retired teacher from Delphos, Ohio, who was visiting the store, said she was pleased that McCain had chosen a woman and someone "very pro life." But, Odenweller also said, "I'd like to know more about her experience. If something happened to him, would she be qualified to step into the presidency?"
With his pick, McCain passed over more prominent contenders like former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, as well as others such as former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, whose support for abortion rights might have sparked unrest at the convention that opens Monday in St. Paul, Minn.
A self-styled hockey mom and political reformer, Palin became governor after ousting a state chief executive of her own party in a primary.
More recently, she has come under the scrutiny of an investigation by the Republican-controlled legislature into the possibility that she ordered the dismissal of Alaska's public safety commissioner because he would not fire her former brother-in-law as a state trooper.
Palin has a long history of run-ins with the Alaska GOP hierarchy, giving her genuine maverick status and reformer credentials that could complement McCain's image.
Her husband, Todd Palin, is part Yup'ik Eskimo, and is a blue-collar North Slope oil worker who competes in the Iron Dog, a 1,900-mile snowmobile race. The couple lives in Wasilla. They have five children, the youngest of whom was born in April with Down syndrome.
Associated Press Writer Liz Sidoti reported for this story from Denver.
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speaking of an open mind
You too might want to give it a try.
okey dokey
"Republican ticket. That's reason enough for me to not vote for them."
Glad to hear you're keeping an open mind and listening to what they have to say.
CS
Palin has 20 months experience of representing 670,000. Prior to that, she represented about 6,000-9,000. Obama serves a senator representing over 12 milllion. So, given the arguments Obama faced, it's fine to shoot them back. Usually I would defer to the experience of a governor, but not in this case. The population of Richmond is almost double that of Alaska. Think about it.
cuts both ways
So there's nothing hypocritical about claiming for the last two years that experience isn't important when talking about Obama but now claiming it's all that matters with Palin?
oh for pete sakes!
The problem is McCain/Palin is a Republican ticket. That's reason enough for me to not vote for them.
Actually, cs
the laugh is directed at the McCain camp, which argued against "no experience" and then picks "no experience". It's called hypocrisy. That is why his choice is getting blasted. What's good for the goose has got to be good for the gander...
gotta laugh
I love how the same people who have a problem with a VP with no experience (because she might become president should something happen to McCain) seem to have no problem with an actual presidential candidate with no experience. Let me break it down: Democratic ticket wins, the person with no experience WILL be president. Republican ticket wins, the person with no experience MIGHT become president.
so he nominated a woman
I don't care about that, but what I do care about is McCain is 72 with a history of medical problems. Palin is 44 with no experience. If anything should happen to him, then she would be president. That's what I have a problem with, not her gender.
CB -- You want Colin Powell?
I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sure that our President ensured that he will never will enter into politics. Remember why? Hint: it wasn't because Bush told him not to...
I don't just don't see....
I just don't see what the uproar is about. NObama has been playing the "historic" first "black" presidential nominee for so long it makes one gag. I don't see McCains camp touting the "historical" "first" woman to possibly fill the presidency at all. Media made that one up. If there is an iota of tactical decision making by choosing a woman as a running mate, then what is the big deal? NObama has been doing it since the inception of his candicacy. Personnally, if a "black" president is all that important, convince Colin Powell to run. I would vote for him. Otherwise, NObama is a socialist and will never get my vote no matter the "historical" nature. Kind of like voting in Jesse Jackson because he is black. Sorry, can't do it!!
Leadership
There was no real progress towards a timetable until Obama visited Iraq.
First the Iraqis, then Bush, now McCain?
for am81430
What's good for the goose IS good for the gander, but I haven't seen any McCain ads calling Obama/Biden beltway insiders, or criticizing them for being rich and out of touch. That's not the same thing as saying the ads aren't running, I just haven't seen them. It's just class warfare. I'm sick of hearing how we aren't better off now than we were 4 years ago, and it's all GWB's fault. I'm not a big fan of the guy, but my life didn't magically transform when President Clinton was in office either. The only real difference then was the liberal media told us every night at 6 how great the economy was, and now they talk about gloom and doom. Let's lay the blame where it should be. I've seen a lot of Obama talking about the problems, but not one serious plan for how to fix it. He doesn't tell America how to solve its problems, just who to blame for them.
Well CS,
I somewhat understand your point of view. But why don't you care who *might* be president if McCain were elected, and God forbid, something happen to him? Seems somewhat short-sighted to me. The VP selection is more than window dressing...really, I'm just shocked it's not somebody like Rice, Romney, heck even Rudi...
Well Maynard
Obama went from "pulling out the troops starting immediately" to 18 months. Now he says he wants to pull out "responsibly". So, he's either irresponsible in comparison with what he said for the longest period in time, he's flip flopping, or he's trying to appeal to those of us that do not want to see another Vietnam. Where choppers are leaving while mothers are throwing their babies into a chopper hoping that at least the kids will get away. Appealing to those of us that don't want to see that place lit like a Roman Candle, appealing to those of us that want to be responsible now that we are there.
So, which one is it Maynard???
More smoke
Does anybody really think that the vice presidential picks for either candidate will affect this election in any significant way?
Only the political punditry and blue collar conservatives who rely on Fox for their opinions.
Voters will chose four more years of bush -- McCain -- or four years in a different direction -- Obama.
You can't deny that McCain will continue to current course and you can't claim the Obama will follow the current course.
And I'm confident that the majority of Americans do not want four more years of the current course.
Yes AM read the article
and post it in full, or you can leave it up to me because I already did it. And other then President of the Senate and 2nd in line to the President of the US what does the Veep do? Constitutionally? I think her question, in context with the rest of the story, is actually a good one. What will John McCain's Veep do in his administration, other then those already listed above
"Firsts"
This is great - just as Obama killed Hillary's "first woman" thing, McCain's camp will kill Obama's "first black" thing - with a woman.
Way to go, John ! !
yes, context
"she doesn't know what the VP does" The point I was making is that you can play "gotcha" all you want. If you are truly interested in what she believes in you have to look at the whole interview, not just the snippet that makes her sound stupid. The truth, as I tried in vain to point out, is that each VP has different responsibilities (Cheney's seem to be to run the gov't, for example). She was clearly interested in finding out what McCain's intentions for the job were. When you interview for a job, do you not ask what the job entails? Fries? Burgers? Cash register? I haven't decided whether Palin is a good pick because I don't know enough about her. I will not base my opinion on her from the Obama campaign and its enablers at MSNBC, CNN, the NYT, etc. I am also more interested in the person at the top of the ticket - the person who WILL be president if the ticket wins - than in who MIGHT be president if the ticket
Mary
she may govern 16% of our nation's land, but what percentage of the population? My problem lies with 1. Her admitting that she doesn't know what the VP does (especially since she is a "governor of 16% of our nation's land) 2. In 2006, defended the "bridge to nowhere" (what is her stance now 3. In March, criticized H. Clinton (much to the amusement of the republicans) for "whining about her campaign" and now praises her on her campaign (again, which is it) and 4. McCain's camp critizing Obama for not tapping Hillary, but pull Palin out of the hat. I don't understand the whole 'yard sale' comment, I guess that is a transfer from the Buddhist issue (which, is kinda funny, because you seem to think that is a new story, but is the story is about a year old -- and it is not a new complaint, but a complaint that has grown as the services grew). But to stay on point:
http://www.adn.com/sarahpalin/story/510378.html
November looms
"Cindy you better have gotten John to sign that prenup"
He will not need it. The presidential salary is paid in perpetuity. After November he will receive a handsome paycheck for life.
The double standard on these boards is amazing. The woman literally has more experience in goverment than Obama yet the partisan crowd is trying to drag her down because of her ticket. Frankly, it is this hypocritical crowd that many of us desire "change" from in November.
BTW, Down Syndrome is not always checked nor is it detectable during pregnancy. It is chromosone damage that is tied to many other defects that are not uncommon today. The idea that either side mentions this child in their political statements is sad. The parents I have dealt w/ who must adjust to this condition are brave and resilent. Leave the kid out of it. I assure you the thought of being pro-choice or pro-stomp on womens rights were not par
MGM
That was really funny.
Palin as vice president
Palin is a step in the right direction as far as cleaining up a corrupt pork barrel congress. We the people should vote out every single representative and senator who is in office, and bring in new, honest people to serve us.
No problem here William B...
It seems either your post was deleted or by you but I was responding to your assertion that :
"Up until July 31st she dissed the Veep Job and didn't know what it entailed"...
Something to that effect.
All I did was add context to your one-liner. I'm very relaxed, just made 300 bucks in a yard sale and getting ready to put on a little concert later this evening..
cheers...
It was AM not you William B...
Unknowns
Gov Palin, just like Gov Kaine or even Sen Obama are, or were, only unknowns to the parochials who are not interestedin anything outside their own little comfort zone.
Gov Palin doesn't surround herself with corrupt, American hating, racits, in fact she goes after them to expose the corruption, even within her own party. Something that can not be said of far too many others running for office, any office.
Context?
The lady is attempting to attain the VP seat, says she doesn't know what the VP does, and you want to give her a pass? Those who support her should not make one argument against Obama's "inexperience". It's black and white. Not to mention that back in 2006, she stated that she supported the "bridge to nowhere" and that the AK contigency should get what they can from Washington, and her first "national" statement about the subject is that she said "thanks but no thanks". Additionally, wasn't it in March when she said H. Clinton was "whining" about the primary and then turn around in her VP intro speech to say Clinton ran her campaign with grace and dignity? Well, hey, if you like it, run with it. After all, a broken clock is right twice a day. Like I said, I'm baffled by the choice -- especially when the McCain camp critized Obama for not picking Hillary. Much of this talk sounds like Hannity flip-flopp
Mikedlong: Relax Dude
I just answered the request for the source. I didn't post the comments or even an opinion.
Now I'm ashamed of you... It isn't like I pointed out how corrupt the Alaska Republican Party is or how she now has the Alaska Senate and taxpayers spending $100,000 to investigate the attempted firing of her ex-brother-in-law. And I give her credit for having a popularity rating of 80/90% but wait now it is 67% and dropping due to the firing of the Public Safety chief.. Opps.... But I'l bet the 6,000 citizens in her little town thnk she is a real great Mayor. And her town has never been attacked by terrorists either. So I'll bet she has a great national security record too!
Come on, you just got to laugh at the pick... And of course the regular GOP folks are going to stand up and say "great choice" publicly but behind closed doors, many are going WTF...
Phone records . . .
Well, we could get John McCain's phone records and see how many times they talked before he selected her, or even get his computer and see how many sites he googled to get to know her (there are a lot more sites with her today than there were yesterday morning, I can tell you!!!).
I think the next thing to watch is what happens as Gustav comes in. Now that these folks are *all* national level candidates who are supposed to be ready to represent *all* Americans, not just their party, race, or gender, let's see where the compassion flows. Cheers, MGM
Republicans just don't seem to learn from their mistakes
Mrs. Palin sounds like an honorable person. But that's not what the election is about. We're voting for ideologies. One candidate represents those who are optimistic, believe in science, and in the ability of mankind to work out its problems and move ahead. The other is fighting to maintain a fuzzy 1950s status quo where minorities knew their place and father knew best. Senator McCain can't seem to decide whether he wants to pander to the religious right or stand independent of them. He gained respect and support when he stood apart. But the choice of Mrs. Palin suggests that his campaign's grasping for every trick he can find. According to this morning's paper, he'd only met Mrs. Palin once before selecting her. What kind of relationship is that?
Enough said ...
Evangelicals energized by McCain-Palin ticket (AP headline)
Your Candidate Has No Experience!!!
Obama has nothing, nothing nothing. He has never done anything, ever. You can't say anything about our VP pick because your presidential pick is a slogan. And his slogan is, "Change", I am going to raise your taxes. I can't believe anyone would vote for someone who blatantly tells you he is going to raise your taxes. go ahead and tell me he will only raise taxes on the rich. The dems think anyone who pays taxes is rich. I can't wait until Obama has to actually debate McCain, and we'll see if hollywood and the liberal media including this paper can save him then. Obama, no change left in your pocket.