This woman frightens me to death.

If she's one (72 yrs old) heartbeat away from becoming commander in chief then there really is a whole lot wrong with the selection process.

Why wasn't she "launched" at the beginning of the McCain campaign?

Michael

Michael, London, UK.

Palin. Appalling.

Alan Davidson, Bournemouth,

Sarah Palin has more morals and intelligence in her little pinky than any liberal in the country.

Why are you so afraid of a strong woman that is against murdering unborn children?

Sounds like a good quality to me.

jeff, charleston,

Well, you feminists, the two women of the last 100 years, Thatcher and Palin, both belong to the extreme right. Can we deduce anything from this?

Ricardo Fuentes, Muleshoe, Tx, USA

How Palin could ever adhere to the 1st amendment (separation of church and state) is beyond me with her fundamental Christian ideology. If only Americans could vote based on party policies, rather than some sensationalist "moose-hunting, bear-skinning, hockey mom" mascot. This ain't American Idol!

Rebecca, Newbury, UK

we really need someone who can take us out of the financial mess we have gotten ourselves into thanks to george and other republicans. mcsame to me may be a great war hero but war heroes definately is not what we need now . sarah well good for the idols show but very low on other qualities.

kaycee, newyork, u.s.a

Sarah Palin is barely educated. She talks about whether Jesus wants us in Iraq. Her foreign experience is limited to staring down Russia from her rooftop. And the Washington elite she claims to hate so much? Um, Sarah, those are Republicans. I am truly, truly frightened for this country.

Nicole, Florida, USA

I am an independant who watched both the DNC and the RNC. I was eager to hear more about Palin, her experience, and her views. All I heard was ranting and sarcasm, and a seemingly endless speech about her family. Thank you, Sarah Palin, for making my voting decision easy. Go Obama!

Angela, New Berlin, WI, USA

Sarah Palin isn't running for Vice President of the World. The world may want Obama but the U.S.A. sure doesn't. He's a smooth talker with a padded resume. It'll probably be a close election but in the end John McCain should win it.

Gary Calvert, Liberty Township, USA

Don't let Palin take anybody in with her "just a sweet little lady with a taste for shooting and skinning great big ol moose" line. I have faith that most Americans will see through this (strong but vulnerable and a little too old) candidate and his shoot-from-the-hip VP. The world needs Obama.

AST McVeigh, Orpington, UK

all women should look at this fiasco carefully. one thing that is near and dear to all our hearts is FMLA. sarah palin brags about the fact that she went back to work in 3 days after the birth of her youngest daughter and newborn son, 3 days!!! how do you nurture and bond. we will see FMLA die.

barbara, wilmington, nc, USA

Well done for admitting your point of view. I think that if she has much spunk as you describe then she will make a super leader at the whitehouse. I say Go for it Sarah.
Magrose of Scotland

M. Pattinson (Mrs), Aberdeen,

Let's not forget the wonderful acts Clinton put forth for the environment. Or the tiny little fact that the county was actually in a surplus by the end of his presidency, not billions in debt as we are now nearing the end of the Republican reign. This country needs a change.

mag, Pennsylvania,

Please, please world, forgive us if the ignorant majority of this country shows up in droves on election day and puts McCain/Palin in office. Ive been on chemotherapy on and off for five years now and NO drug has made me as sick to my stomach as the idea of this woman holding the VP spot.

Melissa, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

"Unless you're American it's none of your business "? Tripe. We are talking about a potential leader of the FREE WORLD, which does not merely consist of the USA. Plus, considering the value America places on free speech, it's incredibly hypocritical to tell us to keep quiet. Use some common sense.

Sara Clark, Stevenage, UK

So, Laura from Webster Groves, you would rather have someone as incompetent as Obama in the Oval Office. That makes a lot more sense. How long will it be before someone names Osama comes to visit? Obama and Michelle are scarier than Bill and Hillary.

Bonnie, Texas, USA

People who believe that “No one who supported Clinton for her positions could ever support Palin,” might check out some of the discussions at http://HillaryClintonForum.net . A great many women have been appalled by the overt sexist slime FROM THE LEFT directed initially at Hillary and now Palin.

Michael McNeil, Felton, CA, USA

No one is talking out-loud about the race factor. Yet this American election is really much more about race and whether we have significantly overcome prejudices which some voters still have and others have only recently toned down. Those Democratic blue collar voters may not have come that far yet.

Pat, Maine, USA

"Somewhere inside me is another person who glories in this woman. I hate her beliefs, but I love that she has the guts to hold them."

Hmmm, Margaret Thatcher?

KeithS, Cheltenham, UK

"Nations do not have friends, they have interests." W.Churchill
Our President is NOT the "King of the world." Our President has only authority over our nation, and everyone else should be thankful that they can make their own thoughtful decisions.
If you like our leadership, then follow. If not?

Bill Stevenson, Los Angeles, USA

I am always amazed that we Americans have such a short memory and limited tolerance for different opinions. And after Arkansas (not the most populous or metropolitan state)produced Bill Clinton, whom many Americans believe was the greatest president after JF Kennedy, as well as Hilary?

Bill Jones, Chicago, IL

Oh, god, please don't call this freak show a librarian and group her with us. When she became a mayor she asked the librarian how she could ban books in the town's library because she found them offensive. She's psycho and only there to try to get the female vote.

LeAnn, Minneapolis, United States

"Appalling" is spot on.

A bit more earthy from Peggy Noonan of the WSJ - "political bullsh*t"

John mc, SAN FRANCISCO, USA

This woman has no regard for the environment. What victory in Iraq? She can't even pronounce the name of the country? More nuclear? Is she crazy?
Obama supports to raise taxes on people who make Hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars...not for working class people McCain/Palin.no way

lboosinbge, ashevegas, usa

Sarah Palin is attractive as a candidate because it appears she has fierce character with intelligence, real brass - bravo, and a compass that hasn't caved in to political expediency. A voice from the wilderness that millions of Americans have been longing for.

neil, chicago, usa

There is quite a bit of circumstantial evidence that Trig is actually Bristol's baby. Names, dates and videos all seem to point to something very fishy. Look for yourself, and follow the details, don't take my word for it. I feel so sorry for Bristol, I want to give her my sympathy and blessings.

katherine, Madison, U.S.A.

"She is exactly what most Americans have been waiting for...Not an establishment politician. Someone who loves her country. Smart. Full of common sense. A promoter of self-reliance. Someone who follows our Constitution."

This is exactly what Barack Obama is. Except he doesn't believe in Theocracy.

Michael, Michigan, USA

I would like to know if Sarah Palin buys her kids birthday and Christmas presents: it would maybe indicate whether she is about governing or controlling.

Janey, Leeds, UK

The worst part is that the Republicans are trying to sell Palin's STORY. As if the narrative is good enough. And in America, that just may be the case. As your good Sir Winston once opined, "The best argument against Democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter."

Mark F, Minneapolis, US

Alice,

Whatever happened to liberals being open minded. Is she a cartoon because she is a tough female. I seem to remember a certain tough female prime minister of the UK who turned out all right.

Jim Freeborn, camarillo, USA

Palin wouldn't be the best President of the USA, she would be the LAST President of the USA.

Nuno Yerbiz, Cincinnati, USA

As an American woman, I am offended by McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for his VP candidate. Given her lack of national and international experience, even her scant executive experience as a Governor of about 2 years in a state with the population of a mid-size American city, it seems patronizing.

Megan, Charlotte, USA

America will get the president they deserve.

The only problem is that the rest of the world will have to suffer the consequences.

Garry, Cambridge,

I faintly remember somebody named Dan Quayle denouncing a fictious TV character named Murphy Brown for having a baby out of wedlock. Now Dear Republican brethern take up your Meaning of Life hymnal and join the Monty Python Choir for a signing of "Every Sperm is Sacred".

Patrick, Toronto, Canada

It is a clever choice by the Republicans. It's a just a shame that the first potential female vice/future president will be a gun-toting, anti-abortionist.

Charlie, Nottingham,

There seems to be the misconception that Republicans are "trailer-park white trash". You need to do your research and learn your demographics for the U.S. electorate.

The Republicans are the ones on average with more years of education and higher per capita income.

Jeff H., Atlanta, USA

"She makes Barack Obama look like a girl." -- Couldn't have said it better myself.

"But is she really White House material? -- Actually, she's far better material than the usual run of gasbags and party hacks....

William Naegele, Albuquerque NM, USA

Enemies of America would rejoice if Palin becomes President. After leading the world academically and scientifically, the USA under its first creationist president, would join the third world and languish while highly-educated Asians with no anti-Darwin hang-ups, rule the world.

Benjamin, London,

A joke, a republican prop. AK has less diversity than the corp I work for, town she mayored smaller than our corp HQ! McCain "Country First", Palin "Alaska First" (AK Independence Party). SUPPORTED Bridge to NoWhere. AK Operating budget 27% increase in last 2 years. Now, Poor Sarah, she's a victim.

Brandie, Beaverton, USA

What "stop me before I kill again." Alice Miles really is blaming Ms. Palin for "thrusting" her daughter into the spotlight? Everyone knows at this point that it was the relentless attacks by liberal bloggers that outed the daughter and now the press, and Ms. Miles who keeps it a story

Bartlett, Dallas, USA

Alice Miles, how pompous are you? Give the lady a chance! She has "guts", a word infrequently used these days because so few characters in the public eye possess them. After the nauseous, sugary love-in at the Democratics convention, she is fresh air,crisp as new snow,hard as steel...Go Sarah!

S. Antonicelli, Rome, Italy

The thought of her President (or McCain for that matter) reminds me of the movie 'Idiocracy'.

Victor M, London, UK

She's a pander and a gimmick. McCain's pick is almost insulting.

JD, Los Angeles, USA

How can a woman who has 5 children in an overpopulated world, supports the massacre of wild animals and the destruction of the natural environment become the USA VP????
Her being a woman has nothing to do with it...she represents many of the things that are bad about the USA.

Darren, geneva, switzerland

Scary! Now if Obama had had the guts to ask Hillary Clinton to be his VP they would have eaten the Republican pair for breakfast.
Palin must be in with a fair chance of being President by default if McCain wins. Yup, scary.

Keith, Hastings, UK

Sarah Palin may not be your kind of woman or your kind of feminist, yet she’s both: a maternal and loving woman with deep moral convictions that others admire. Many of Palin’s beliefs are shared by the present incumbent of the White House. What she’ll add is honesty and a distaste for corruption....

David, Greece,

As an American, I have never been so afraid of the prospect of someone so incompetent being the President of the US. Obama hasn't run anything, Palin has, and effectively. Palin has far more experience than Obama. Liberals hate that.

Lan, Henderson,

Good article and right on the money for how a lot of us feel about this. It's painful to watch, and seriously scary to contemplate ever becoming reality. Thanks for putting your thoughts on paper.

Karen, Aiken, SC, US,

Shes running for VICE-President. Shell be running for President in a few years. You should thank Sarah Palin for her candidacy- she will help lower energy costs for everyone- including you.

Tim, Harrisburg Pa, USA

I think she is wonderful - a smart, decent and honest woman. Makes BHO look like a puppet. Go Sarah!!

J. Venosa, menlo park, usa

The truth is that the contest is now between Mr & Mrs Telegenic - Obama v/s Palin - If Mr or Mrs World is held tomorrow for the over 40s, they both can win it. Even Obama is so seduced by Sarah that he has softened those days. It's "Desperate Presidents" on show. I love her specs-wats the make?

Denis Li, Port Louis, Mauritius

She's fabulous. Admit it. Genuine Original! A Star is Born!

erik, nyc, usa

Miss Miles, It isn't ture that, nothing like Mrs Palin has seen in the British politial system. Did you forget about Maggie Thatcher? (althought she may forgotten it herself these days). And like her or loath her, Mrs Thatcher had done us a great serivce. Give Mrs Palin a chance!

Wilson, London, United Kingdom

Though I have no use for Palin as a candidate, I'm terribly put off by the stereotyped, condescending view of her *and* of women this column takes. "Makes Obama look like a girl"? "... a mass of contradictions, that ... may qualify Mrs Palin as all woman after all"? How disrespectful, Ms Miles.

Cynthia, Seattle, USA

The Sarah Palin candidacy raises the cocktail party question: What exactly is the proper place of the aspirational classes these days, dahling?

It's no surprise that, for Alice Miles, Palin's not quite out of the top drawer, old chap.

Reminds me of the episode when Rumpole was hoping to get silk.

Christopher Chantrill, Seattle, USA

Palin is a politician. Nothing more, nothing less. She used divisive issues to get elected mayor of a small town. She lobbied Congress for pork barrel money for her town and state. She used her office to attempt to get her ex-brother in law fired. She is nothing special. Just another politician.

Juan, San Diego, USA

Dear Ms. Miles,
In taking a short cut, you neglected to view Gov. Palin's remarks about specific VP assignments required of her by McCain should he become President. In the original context, her meaning is clear and transparent... and manifestly not what you reported. Regards.

Alan Berg, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Anyone who would even consider her in a role leading the country is not to be trusted.
Our only hope is to get the Republicans OUT of the White House.
Please don't try to speak for "most Americans", Robin. Thanks!

Scott, Oklahoma, USA

Palin vs. Putin. It doesn't bear thinking about!

Joe, London, UK

This op is brilliant! Let's remind ourselves of the mess we are in due to GW & realise Sarah can't fix it (her views are appalling). Being educated also means knowing the world (she's never travelled) Why do we choose leaders based on their sensational appeal and not their intelligence/experience?

Sarah, London/San Francisco,

Sarah Palin has one of the highest, if not the highest, approval rating for governors in the US. She's doing her job, which is representing the people that elected her, and that's more than most politicians can say. Not to mention, I think my German Sheppard would do a better job than Obama.

Caroline, Wichita, KS, USA

20 years ago, British lefties were pounded beaten and left for dead and never have been the same again by a purportedly incapable female MP who became Prime Mininister. The American left is scared stiff of the same thing. this is another Thatcher

Matthew, Plymouth , UK

"Queen Elizabeth teach Sarah Palin how to be President of the US?
Doris Jenkins, Idaho Falls, USA"
The main difference being the Queen doesn't have the proverbial "big red button" marked "Nuke" under her desk! I care about US elections because I don't want your next commander to press that button

Rob, Northampton, UK

I would rather trust Sarah Palin than do-good, feel-good Liberals. At least she is shown pointing the gun at a target in front wheras I suspect Liberals will point the gun at your back.

ian cheese, london , uk

@Lee Moore

You don't get pro abortionists waving hate placards the world over. Or sending letter bombs. Or setting fire to buildings and killing people. That's left to the life loving anti abortionists.

Dylan, London,

Creationist or Darwinist, that is not the problem. It is important, however, that we live out our lives in a civilised manner. Am I then a Civilinist?

ian cheese, london , uk

Give Palin a chance. We should reserve judgement until her speech tonight, at least.

It's good to see a woman running for a top political post in a country where women have had the vote for 88 years, are over 50% of the electorate, but have only once before had a woman candidate.

Kalpana, Winchester,

Given McCain's age and health it's quite possible she could become Pres. So lets see how many indirectly vote for a creationist who wants to censor the contents of public libraries and force young women, many victims, to have babies against their choice. This election will reveal the true USA.

Nick M, St Ouen, France

As a Proud Texas there is nothing we respect more than the great state of Alaska.

No other state has more relative output of capital, lower taxes, smaller government, or rougher conditions. There are no second class citizens in Alaska. It's too cold.

Way too much speculation in these comments

Kamina Jeeha, Houston, Texas

The whole thinking in the English nation is far too Liberal,
this is why we have law & disorder, second rate schools,
streets unswept, parks untended, no discipline, no respect,
no future if we carry on like this. America still has some
get up and go. we can learn from them but not teach them.

Roger, Weymouth, UK

Whoever the Republicans choose the English media always
ridicule, but with a Democratic leader we always hear...How
outstandingly intelligent they are.The fault lies with the
English intelligensia, Liberal, anti-christian, anti-English,
Pro-EU. Hey guys have you noticed your ways r not working

Frank, Exeter, UK

Sarah Palin is a good honest hard working woman who has worked in her life and brought up 5 kids. Compare to the idiots we have in British politics toda. Most of them have never worked. I hope her party wins for the sake of us all in the Western World

David, Hereford, UK

In the US the % anti abortion from conception in all circumstances and % pro choice up till birth in all circumstances are roughly equal. So how come Palin's views get labelled as extremist or vehement, while Obama's and Clinton's don't ? Have "extremist" and "disagrees with me"
become synonyms ?

Lee Moore, London,

At last - a candidate that doesn't come from inside the elite. The turmoil her mere presence is causing among the establishment and appalling media is absolutely invigorating. Sarah Palin is a born leader with a spine of steel, firm in her convictions but with a concerned ear for the people.

ReginaldL, OKC, OK,

Estrogens will spew from Palin's axilla and US electorate spell bounded vote for Republicans, with fresh hope, let us cheer MaCain.

M. R . Rambler, Karachi, Pakistan

If only there was a God to help us. How monumentally, cretinously thick do you have to be to believe in something as utterly devoid of common sense, logic and sanity as ID? Thick enough to be President of the USA it would appear, once McCain becomes, inevitably, unfit or dead. The end is nigh.

Eric Ambleside, Yorkshire, UK

Anyone who can run Alaska will be able to run the USA. By that time, if it happens, surely she would have had a few 'rough' corners rubbed off her. She is a politician. To not like hunting in Alaska would be a sure fire way not to be voted in.

Roger Corfield, Arusha, Tanzania

I do not want a President Palin. However, I worry more about what this choice says about McCain. Choosing someone he met once or twice? Only fully vetted AFTER she was chosen? (And more could come out.) I don't want someone who makes such rash, last-minute decisions in the White House.

Sandra, Indianapolis , USA

Sarah Palin is a wonderful, inspiring woman who would rise to the occasion if she ever became president of the US. She is real, she is honest, she is delightful. More than you can say for any other US or British politician.

Shane Wilson, Atlanta, USA

If Sarah Palin acquired the Presidency in the event of McCain's demise, she wouldn't really be the first female President; that was Nancy Reagan. And she could be a lot better than Alice's limited imagination allows.

Jon Anderson, Farnham, UK

"Nothing like Mrs Palin has, could ever, be seen in the British political system"

erm.. Margaret Thatcher? Ok no polar bears in UK, but as for the rest?

Fred, Bologna, Italy

If she does end up as President, then she will be no less qualified than some of her predecessors - notably Bush and Reagan. She may well even be able to string a sentence together, which will be progress of sorts.

Tony Pegg, Leicester, England

How is she "far-right"? What an ignorant and arrogant comment. And dont you love those who hate her for being anti-abortion AND pro-hunting? Those intelligent sophisticated commentators who believe its OK to kill unborn children but wrong to kill a deer or a bear. How does that work?

Tim, London,

Polar bears - if you ban hunting them their population blooms. As it did in Alaska. There was no need for them to remain on the endangered species list thereafter.

Peter, Oxford,

Sarah is a feminist with balls. No wonder you don't like her. What has your feminism achieved? Yeh, I can have my unborn child killed as my 'choice'. If I don't then I'm penalised; some choice, some achievement for women. How about support to be a mother? Sarah is my kind of woman.

Sue Eaton, London, UK

All the above is irrelevant. The only problem is the creationism. How can you vote for some one stuck in the the middle ages who belives the world was only created 10k yrs ago? How could this person be taken seriously on matters of science and education?

andrew, london,

Fantastic choice.

Has the highest approval rating of any governor in the states. So clearly the people of Alaska think she is doing a good job

Has an anti corruption track record second to none. Doesn't just talk about it, but does it, including in her own party.

Steve Thursby, Huddersfield,

Alice, if you won't accept anyone different, how will anything change? She has achieved a lot. She has thought through her own positions, not just read them in WSJ. The UK has just had 11 years of tinkering because of ultra-narrow "consensus". Where has it got us?

Martin, Birmingham,

Could the Odrama Queen have taken on both the political machine and Big Oil in Alaska, and then beaten them both?

The woman is a born leader and gets things done!

Steve, Tucker, USA

Oh so now she isn't a woman. What is it that lefties allow us to consider a woman? Mrs Palin is a woman alright, she's just not the kind of woman lefties like, she doesn't fit into their neat little patronising pigeonholes. She is real!!!! God bless her and may she rout Obama.

Penelope, Southampton, GB

"Inexperience" is not "incompetence". Palin seems competent. I am of the view that Palin's executive experience is more qualified than Obama's to be Commander in Chief. Obama talks big. Palin lives out her principles realistically. That's fresh. That's the real change without the big slogan.

Kay, Chicago, USA

Perhaps a reading of our Constitution would enlighten everyone. Presidents are our chief executive officer, and only our Congress (board of directors) has real power here to screw up our liberties, and they have done a bang-up job at it. Mavericks are needed to clean out the swamp, and Palin is one.

Bill Stevenson, Los Angeles, USA

what is unfeminine(/ist) about being anti-abortion (a mother's instinct)? and what could be more self-interested than terminating a pregnancy? sure, she is insane, but you were never going to like her alice. she's still better than hillary (or you) as "a woman" (she's "a candidate", incidentally).

jem, london, uk

'Far right'? So any one who doesn't abide by the dictats of the European centre left is a fascist. Her views may be unusal (and I don't agree with them) but she isn't goose stepping round Denver in a brown shirt. The Left does this all the time - label someone an 'extremist' and you block debate.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

Politics has always been a fundamentally dirty business, but has generally presented at least a veneer of principle, a conflict of ideas and policies appealing to different economic and social classes. But in specifically targetting the "trailer-park white trash" vote it seems to have hit a nadir.

archie, sydney,

Is it really true that she had no passport until last year? The world stage has certainly shrunk .

Peter, Dundee, UK

This nomination could prove a masterstroke for McCain. Whereas many smalltown rednecks may not have bothered to vote due to McCain being too liberal, now they (and their siblings) will get out of bed and vote on November 4.

Charlie Howard, London, UK

Be afraid - be very afraid. Being anti-abortion is Sarah's choice - but the idea of forcing a woman to give birth to the product of rape or incest appals me. A VP of the USA believing in creationism and trying to force libraries to remove scientific textbooks is what should frighten us all.

Meryl, Reading, England

I think Palin was chosen for this election at this time because McCain is running against Obama. It allows the McCain camp to earn votes in certain groups of citizens which might win them the election. It appears to be a selfish decision on their part and not in the best interest of the world.

lisa , london, UK

Can you see her squaring up to that man in Iran? I see them sharing notes on women's rights. What an embarrassing choice in this age with freedoms vaunted by a country but denied to women by a woman. She's no Thatcher: A true ballbreaker, kept out of people's personal lives & a solid wife & mum.

Alison, London,

I can't believe our luck. A creationist, anti-abortionist, anti-global warming, anti-PC candidate! It's like Christmas! She ticks all the boxes! Where did America find her? Can we have one too?

Terry Hamblin, Bournemouth,

I have never been more hopeful for the US, and dreading that they make the mistake of passing over McCain/Palin for the White House. Palin's respect for the Constitution alone makes her better qualified for the job than any of the other contenders.

Rich, Middlesbrough, UK

If McCain/Palin get to the White House it is not Russia that will face international isolation. The very fact that the large voting majority view Obama's popularity in Europe as a weak point on the road to the White House is signs that America is a far cry from the modern nation is was a decade ago.

Ollie Watson, London,

The Reds states should be allowed to secede from the union. Then the world can have an intelligent dialog with the clever bits of the US and the dim bits can become a closed christian taleban enclave the world can ignore.

John Small, Faversham, UK

A gun toting ,anti contraception ,anti abortionist who is pro gun is a far from loveable as you could get. What it says is that the USA will increase their population which now is 5% of the worlds but uses 25% of the resources.And then when they need something they will pick up a gun and go get it.

Christine, Haringey, UK

Sarah Palin has disproved that politics is show-business for ugly people, but pizzaz is one thing and wisdom another, and rarely the twain shall meet. Supposing her teenage daughter does believe in abortion, who will decide?
The ability to make good decisions does not come out the barrel of a gun.

stan hayward, london, uk

By referring to cheerleading as an example of right wing sexism, you added mustard to an otherwise good peanut butter and jelly sandwich: unneeded and wrong. Cheerleaders, both male and female, practice hours daily and perform grueling routines. They are positive antidotes to the often indifferent, drug-taking and cruel crowds of high school students.

Elizabeth Elford, Moscow, Russia

Sarah Palin can't win, can she? Not feminine and not feminist enough. Do her critics expect her to shoot at carrots and lentils in snowbound Alaska? Good luck to her.

Carolyn, Surbiton,

Odd that the most talked about issues here are NOT her political views. A staunchly right wing, anti-abortion, pro-ID Republican? Does America want that? Doesn't matter her gender or her daughter's pregnancy, please focus on what will be important

Jamie, Bath, UK

Get used to it Europe. America is a Wild West show that gives more money, produces more food, and is always the first to stand up to tyrants and say to its allies, I am with you in times of trouble. Sarah Palin represents strong ideals with a family that shows not everything always goes as planned.

Mike, Riverside, USA

Great article - it's rare someone in any paper sums up exactly how I feel, but you've done it.

Oh, if only Clinton was running . . .

Deborah, Kyoto/Edinburgh,

OH NO! Stop the presses. A woman politician who is "cartoon" and a "joker" because she doesn't conform to journalists views on what a woman in politics should believe or think or do. Get out the stake, and tie her to it! Burn the witch. And let women light the match - they sell out cheaply.

lynne, Los Gatos, CA, USA

Emily, Asheville, NC, USA wrote: "America can't afford to have someone so inexperienced in the White House... And yes Obama is inexperienced too, but he's been on the global stage."

And what exactly has BHO accomplished on that "global stage", other than talking down his country while abroad???

Richard, Roanoke, VA, USA

She is racist--having backed Pat Buchanan's extremist views he sprayed about while previously running for President. She is against abortion when there has been incest and rape. Loves to kill "for fun".
That is NOT in the American Constitution. That has nothing to do with loving one's country.

Jane Ehrlich, Arizona,

Hope you all feel so confident if she;s the next Commander in Chief in the White House!! She may be a 'real' woman by your definition but she;s no clever clogs.We in North America have had enough of dumb and stoopid with the 8years of Bush.
I dont relish the debates as she's gonna fail miserably .

Russelle Gardiner , toronto, canada

Ms. Jones,

That is precisely why you should be glad that McCain made the choice that he has. If Palin winds up being the proverbial "heartbeat away" it will mean that the most inexperienced and incompetent candidate ever to be nominated by a major party for President will not have won!

Nick, Wilmington, DE, USA

Okay, let's see, Sarah Palin's 12 years in politics [CITY COUNCIL, MAYOR, CHAIRMAN OF ALASKA'S OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION, AND THEN GOVERNOR] vs. Obama's 9.5 year stint as a JUNIOR SENATOR? You don't think that the notion of OBAMA as leader of the free world is a bit appalling? Get a grip!

Deborah, Long Beach, USA

As an American. I have never been so afraid of the prospect of someone so incompetent being a heart beat away from the Presidency of the United States.

Far better th have an inexperienced person as second in command than to have the inexperienced person as lead dog.

No Thanks! McCain/Palin!!

Jim S, Abington, USA

Too bad that she doesn't conform to your idea of what "womankind" should be but unless you're a naturalized US citizen with voting rights it's really none of your business .

John Stevens, Carrollton, TX, USA

She has a degree in journalism and had not had a passport until last year. Her experience prior to her present post consisted of being the mayor of a city with 7,000 inhabitants. Do you really think that she is presidential material?

Ian, Frederick, USA

Queen Elizabeth teach Sarah Palin how to be President of the US? Good grief, she inherited her crown! Never ran for any office. Since when do manners and curtsies equal competence? Palin has had more experience governing than the good queen can only dream of!!!

Doris Jenkins, Idaho Falls, USA

It was the democrats that forced the daughter out into the limelight and if she is kept there, it will because of them.

Nor is there any evidence of the daughters decision being "forced".

David, Menlo Park, CA, USA

Experience? EXPERIENCE???!!!! The only "experience" that politicians in DC have been getting for the past 200 years is experience ignoring our Constitution and destroying the power of our society by expanding the power of government.

What you call experience I call evidence of unfitness for duty.

Samuel, Charleston,

All this hoo-hah about Gov. Palin is absurd. The President is in the Executive branch of the Fed government. A governor is the Chief Executive of a state. Gov. Palin has executive experience instead of the legislative experience the other contenders have. She is Commander in Chief of AK Natl Guard.

NJ Paust, Seattle, USA

Then again, what IS White House material? George Bush, despite all his experience, has been a disaster.

And Bill Clinton was detoured by poor judgment in last two years. You wouldn't have found that in his resume.

I wouldn't be too quick judging Ms. Palin.

James Cameron, Seattle, USA

Apparantly the author has not examined the over two-century history of the vice presidents of America. Except in the few unfortunate circumstances of assassination, every vice president has spent their entire term attending foreign state funerals and opening malls. Even I'm qualified for that.

Mark, Atlanta,

The woman is a nightmare. Doesn't believe in global warming. A creationist. Tried to get the head librarian in her town fired because she would not remove books from the library. Could not run a town smaller than many U.S. high schools. Calculating, vindictive, petty. No way, no how, no Palin!

Martin, Chicago, USA

I believe this pick was strickly political and never about "the country first" as the Republican Party chants. As a woman, I feel totally disrepected that she [Palin] would be considered solely because she is a woman and not on her merritt. This does not progress us forward it actually sets up back.

Wanda , Baltimore,

Sarah, a joke, a very sick joke. The world should be just as turned off by this woman as we in the U.S. are.

We don't need her unAmerican backslapping prattle. (Check out YouTube and the Alaska Independent Party which Sarah and Todd belonged to and believe in).

She is a scarey danger

Ed, Washington, USA

This lady’s profound preparation and world comprehension makes G.W.Bush look like an intellectual giant.

Elisabetta, Rome, Italy

As a professional woman and a mother, I'm beyond apalled at this choice. John McCain's selection is the worst sort of pandering and his campaign's efforts to justify it insulting to us all.

Nancy Tyler, Cromwell, CT, USA

McCain's choice is a slap in the face to intelligent women with knowledge outside their own little buble. Not only that, it's a slap in the face to men who are FAR more qualified than Palin is. I don't care about her kids, I care about how she could POSSIBLY become President. It scares me to deat

Doris, Ft. Lauderdale, USA

Sarah Palin - a crackpot third world candidate for the presidency of a crackpot third world state.

Kate, Southampton, UK

Only in America!! The world loves to hate America but really, where else can there be a place where strong and weak can be bound together by strong, patriotic leaders. America is full of them and Sarah represents the best of them!!

Jag, Chicago, USA

You probably wrote the same thing about Margaret Thatcher. But Ms Thatcher is one of only three women I've ever idolized. She is indeed, "Best of Class". Palin, with age and experience, may have the potential of greatness. I'm voting for her.

Tom Cash, Grand Rapids, U.S.A.

Picturing Sarah Palin as President is monstrous. America can't afford to have someone so inexperienced in the White House. It has nothing to do with her being a woman, or her family, or her "personality." . And yes Obama is inexperienced too, but he's been on the global stage. Palin was in Alaska.

Emily, Asheville, NC, USA

Give it a week or so and she will be off the ticket...wait and see.

MGJ, Little River, USA

Lots of chattering Alice, but not much serious analysis. Anti-abortion? When does "life" begin? Why can "thou kill" a human life? Do you know the answers? I don't!. Still, it would be nice to know something of this lady's track record and how she would perfrom as an international statesperson.

Jon, Perth, Australia

The prospect of Sarah Palin squaring up to Putin may well excite the imaginations of American voters; don't be fooled though, after the photo opportunity, the likes of Putin would eat her alive when it gets down to actual politics. I'm concerned that Obama would not fare much better.

James Spencer, Leighton Buzzard, UK

She seems extremely competent to me. A woman who refuses to abort her down syndrome baby, who stands by her pregnant, unwed daughter, who stands up for her values no matter what. If that's a cartoon, then there are a lot of us cartoon women in America. I agree with her right down the line.

Sharon, San Antonio TX, USA

But is she really White House material?

Yes, based on experience as governor of a small U.S. state, which was where Bill Clinton was in 1992. She is energizing the conservative party base, which was getting tired of the same old same old, and she's energizing American women. She will be President!

Gregory Baker, Odenton, Maryland, USA

she is economical with the truth. She was all for the Bridge to Nowhere until Congress vetoed it, but it didn't stop her retaining $250 million of the 'despised' earmarks.it helps to balance a State's budget!
any petulant Hillary supporter who votes for her is betraying Mrs. C's life work for women

Judith, New York, USA

She is almost scarier than Bush....

June, Madison, USA

No matter how interesting Palin may be I am also scared to death that she might have to step into the office of President. Revelations keep coming out about her so I question how much thought McCain gave to this selection. A president with only an undergraduate degree in journalism? No thanks.

Sandra, Indianapolis , USA

First she isn't running for president so she won't reside in the White House. Second, you said that she didn't giver her daughter any choice. In the states the a dependent child may have an abortion without telling her parents. Political correct mess is the new word for dictatorship.

Tom, Leeper, U.S. of A.

There is a lot of showmanship in American politics. Yet behind all the razzmatazz is a cool calculating mind. She did fine as governor with an 80% approval rating. Pundits need to start examining the issues. I really couldn't care less if her daughter is a teenage bride.

David Bloomfield, Vancouver,

Oh, I do love your sense of humour when you assert "there is little feminine about [Palin]". What feminine mystique do you believe was possessed of that grande dame of feminisim & author of "The Feminine Mystique", the burly, brawny battle axe, Betty Friedan? Must any female meet your definition?

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

As a Hilary Clinton supporter, I am absolutely insulted that John McCain would think that he can win us over just by choosing a running mate who's a woman. No one who supported Clinton for her positions could ever support Palin. It smacks of desperation, and it is a very, very scary proposition.

Marianne, Rochester, NY,

Totally unprepared to be president should John McCain not finish his term. What experience can she draw from if we are attacked by terrorists again. And now the republicans are saying Obama is sexist for questioning her experience. Does that make McCain a racist for questioning Obama's experience.

Pete, Stockton, CA., USA

It would be like saying the mayor of Esher was perfectly capable of becoming Prime Minister. I don't think so. This is a woman who until recently didn't have a passport. She has travelled just to Kuwait. If McCain dies, this will be the person in charge of the military and foreign policy. Absurd.

Jamie, Washington DC, USA

She is exactly what most Americans have been waiting for. Not a lawyer. Not an establishment politician. Someone who loves her country. Smart. Full of common sense. A promoter of self-reliance. Someone who follows our Constitution. Really, that's all we need.

Robin, Orlando, USA

Sarah Palin is every bit a real woman. She may be more woman than you are comfortable with, more perhaps than you can handle. But how condescending, how dismissive it is to dismiss her as "unfeminine" and "a joker". Your attitude says more about you than it does about her.

I hope she wins.

Kathy, Caledonia IL, USA

I dunno, it's still early, you might change your mind yet.

Roy, Vermont, USA

She has you people so afraid it is funny to watch. Say hello to the first female President of the United States.

Allen, Los Angeles,

A cartoon? what are you thinking? I'm a woman in America. I am a pro-life, evangelical. I have two kids. I don't hunt, because I'm a city dweller, but put me in Alaska and maybe I might. There are many of us. Democrats don't have the only female voice. Cartoon? I don't think so.

Paula , Valencia, California

I beg to differ, Sarah Palin is no joke to millions of voters.
The tragedy about the Sarah Palins in our society and government isn't that "We can't control what our children do," it's that they absolutely want to control what my children do.

Sonia Kermaz, USA,

I love Sarah Palin. I love that she is politically incorrect. If president Clinton can have sex in the Oval office with an intern than why shouldn't this mom run for VP. Her daughter probably didn't listen to her mom. I think it great she is against abortion. Abortion is murder of the innocent.

Karen , Lakewood, USA

Palin is not as far right as people seem. For example in Alaska, she vetoed a bill that would ban benefits for gay couples. Because it went against the ruling of Alaska's Supreme Court.. She said her job was to follow the State's Constitution regardless of what she beliefs.

becca, chicago,

As an American. I have never been so afraid of the prospect of someone so incompetent being a heart beat away from the Presidency of the United States.
Is there any way your lovely Queen Elizabeth could give her lessons? You are so lucky to have her.

Laura Jones, Webster Groves, United States of America