She is a smart, strong woman hell bent on reform. She does not like to waste my tax dollars, The more my wife and I have found out about her, the more we like her. My wife is a Conservative professional woman and she finally has a female on the national political scene she can connect with.

Thomas Casey, Troy NY, USA

Ms. Hockey Mom wants to take polar bears off the endagered species list so they can drill for more oil. She wants to allow mother bears and their cubs to be shot from airplanes. Very sporting of you, Sarah Palin.

Karen Kraft, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

I read the Libertarian Robert Ringer 's analysis of potential running mates a few month ago and I thought she looked the best in many ways, Being a creationist is unfortunate but nothing new, the alternative is electing an athiest. To make a winning impression in one go, she must be good.

am, letchworth,

Kate, Maryland, USA - "She's from planet earth NOT Mt Olympus."

I though Mt Olympus was on planet earth, or is this yet another example of an American having no knowledge of world Geography outside of the good 'ol US of A

J-P, Taunton,

What brits think or do not think is relevant to US voters, because...?

Bill, Miami, USA

The "she has executive experience" people may want to remember Jimmy Carter had "executive experience." He was a governor for 4 years.

Vivian, Vancouver, Canada

I have only ever had one interview when applying for a position and managed to be regularly employed when I was young.
Back in the good old days, the first qualified person to apply for a job was given it.
No and none of my positions was in a supermarket.
What a naff observation!

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

TOM SYDNEY
As an Australian born citizen my youthful jobs were in the Sydney of yesteryear.
Sad to learn that it takes 3 interviews to be satisfied as to the calibre of the applicant.
I wonder how many of finally chosen people lasted more than the distance in the individual job?

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

You quote David Frum, but of course you must know that he went over to the Dark Side (very anti-Republican while claiming to still be one) several years ago, and has been a great source of quotes for left-wing journalists ever since then.

Alan, Blanco, TX, USA

She is a good choice from the core GOP viewpoint. Too dogmatic for me. All leaders have advisors who are "experts" and give information and analysis to decision makers.Open minded judgment not dogma is what we need.

Executive experience? Run a small business=qualified president. Not to me.

kurt, troy, usa

This can ONLY happen in America.

God Bless Americans.

What else can you hope if McCain is elected.

Uma Shankar, UK,

I think a washer upper in Mc Donald's has at least two interviews.
If Mc Cain gets in,pops his clogs,this woman will be the most powerful woman in the world,and after only one "interview" lasting 20 minutes.
Very very frightening.
Yet we have the Queen and Mc Broon,neither of whom with a mandate!

james allen, manchester, england

Best comment goes to Brain M Dallas...... Dan Quayle with overies. Cracked me up! Seriously though I do really worry about some of the comments from people are they that dumb? Pleasing to see there are still many intelligent people who see this for the sham it is. Go Obama!

Phil Trevan, Melbourne, Australia

@ Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK
"When one applies for a job position one is lucky to have more than one interview. " Not sure what sort of jobs "one" has applied for but in my experience as a recruiter even call centre staff are given at least 2 and usually 3 interviews.

Tom, Sydney,

An inspired and clever choice that makes both Obama and Biden look like old-style politicians. A tough frontierswoman from rugged Alaska yet attractive, savvy and very competent. Breath of fresh air and real change to Washington. Ordinary folks love her already. From log-cabin to White House!.

Janet, London , England

I'm a Canadian liberal and after 30 years David Frum and I finally agree on something!

Palin's quote in Pittsburgh PA : "It's great to see the rest of the country."

She's no Hillary.

Kate, Toronto,

"She has more executive experience than Barack Obama. Enough said." - Leigh Ann, Amarillo, USA

This idea is repeated ad nauseum. Experience only counts for so much. Shouldn't you concentrate on POLICIES? Decades of experience don't mean much if the candidate doesn't reflect your interests.

b, london,

"As a Hillary supporter, I will vote Republican to select a woman to office."- mdcrandell, Redding, USA.

Comments like this are insane. Why can't people put POLICY above personality? Women are not saints - they can support laws that hurt people, as well as the next man. Don't vote for a uterus.

b, london,

Oh my.
The acolytes and disciples of the Messiah are their own worst enemies.
Look around, folks. How many hundreds of thousands of towns in the US are the same size or smaller than the one Sarah was mayor of ?
Your snobbery will be your downfall.
She's from planet earth NOT Mt Olympus.

Kate, Maryland, USA

Palin's "executive" experience consists of being mayor of a town pop. 5,500 approx. that she left in hock for millions because she botched the aquisition of land for a project she insisted on. And she has spent a little under 2 years as gov. of a state with a pop only a little larger than my city.

D. Lively, Fort Worth, Tx, USA

Prudence, maybe if you work in a supermarket or something. But I tend to have at least three interviews and I only work in an office job. As the person who is second in command of nuclear codes, I'd expect a bit more.

Tony, Islington, London, UK

Better an inexperienced VP than an even more inexperienced President.

John B, Middlesbrough, UK

He's a fool plain and simple. What a stupid choice.

D Case, Newquay,

When one applies for a job position one is lucky to have more than one interview.
The candidate's credentials speak the loudest..
Go Sarah Palin!

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

Gee, the moose of Alaska better look out. Moose burgers will now be the burger of choice. Mcdonalds take note and get your Vice President - Meat Purchasing up to the Yukon. The French will love them too!

Charles Morgan , Madrid , Spain.

"There is a reason why the rest of the world thinks we're idiots"

Many people the world over actually like Americans and your way of life. It's the boss we don't have much regard for!

Bill, London,

Sarah Palin is going to be the first woman president of the United States - hopefully in eight years time, not before.

It's not just that she ticks the conservative check-box - she's got star quality.

I think it's going to be a 40-stater for the Republicans

Peter, Bedford,

"The Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, was facing a backlash from his party last night over the appointment of Sarah Palin,"

Sarah Baxter has to get out of Washington once in a while. Washington isn't the US

r. burns, Tampa, USA

Um...she has more executive experience than Barack Obama. It seems hypocritical for his supporters to be criticizing her on that count.

Leigh Ann, Texas, USA

I have not seen any backlash among the GOP party faithfull. In fact the chat rooms are filled with republicans living on cloud nine. Sorry, that means they are very happy. Seriously, Mccain in an instant has solidified his base. Mccain may still lose but there is no backlash. GOPers love her.

Reid Bronson, Dallas, USA

What an insult to the inteligence of the American people! Sarah "Stepford" Paulin has no business, on so many levels, becoming a vice-presidential candidate. No experience, right-wing, pro-war (therefore, "anti-life"). McCain/Paulin supporters: if you think you stand a chance, think again!

E. Rivas, Santa Cruz,

Senator McCain made a right choice in selecting Sarah Palin. I can already hear that 80's tune, "Sarah.." playing over and over in my head. And all of this is due to my elation and in celebration of having a woman chosen for VP of the USA.

mdcrandell, Redding, USA

So I don't believe that Obama and Biden had many coffees together. so what is the point of this article.

I find McCain's VP choice quite attractive and a good addition to his conservative ticket.

Dave, Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Palin believes that women and girls impregnated by rapists and child abusers should be forced to bear their attacker's child, and that creationism should be taught in science classes. Just the person I want to have as VP, a 72-year-old heartbeat away from making appointments to the Supreme Court!

Tina Rhea, Greenbelt Maryland, US

I am a woman and all for women in leadership. However, I am very concerned about McCain choosing Palin. She has five children; the youngest is FOUR-MONTHS-OLD. Someone commented, "she has values many Americans hold dear." How about the value of putting family first? What about the children?

Monica, Silver Spring, USA

The real issue isn't Sarah Palin; the real issue is John McCain's judgment. God help us all if this gambit fools enough women to help him win. I know of at least one woman who has fallen for this, entirely too enamored with the fact that Palin is a mother of 5.

Berkana, Richmond, United States

Why does US politics descend into these scary personality cults? Are people so media obsessed they don't care about the policies?

Take the die-hard Hillary fans - can you imagine Harriet Harman supporters voting for David Cameron if she failed in a bid succeed Gordon Brown in the Autumn? Bizarre!

Jonathan, Oxfordshire, England

It's hilarious that people are talking about Obama having "no executive experience," an argument that just appeared yesterday, when John McCain has none either. Lap up those Republican talking points no matter how desperate they are, guys!

Jessica, Enon, United States

And another thing - you're living in cloud cuckoo land if you think being the mayor of a small town of several thousand and the governor of a small, atypical state for less than 2 years is comparable to 12 years in the state legislature and the US Senate representing the largest midwestern state!

Jessica, Enon, United States

There is a reason why the rest of the world thinks we're idiots. It's because half the comments on this board actually don't see a problem with having Sarah Palin be next in line for the White House-- all depending on the health of a 72-year-old man.

I promise, we're not all insane.

Jennifer, New York City,

She's got EXECUTIVE experience........Obama, Biden, and McCain don't.........but I don't hear the complaints on this board addressing the fact that she's AS experienced (if not more) than Obama......and SHE DEFINITELY HAS MORE ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

GO McCain/Palin!!!!!!!!!

David, San Francisco, USA

Clinton was the only really viable candidate, with her well thought out policies. It's a pity mass hysteria gripped the dems and they selected Obama, who, despite the relative strength of his party (thanks to the unpopularity of the Bush-Republican regime), is still only breaking even with McCain.

Melissa, London,

Glad to see the input of those who've succumbed to the U.S. right-wing propaganda machine about Obama.
Ofcourse, they also support McCain in his choice of Palin. Who cares about her lack of experience, right? If McCain should die while in office, Palin will make a great puppet for Cheney & Rove.

Judith, Portland, U.S.A.

Palin is not an unknown. She is the only one out of the prez and VP nominees who has experience running anything. The rest are senators who have only ran committees. She will shore up the conservative base for McCain, provide domestic policy, gender & age balance for him. Brilliant choice.

Elaine, Singapore,

This poor, inexplicable choice of Palin for Vice President by John McCain has shown that Mr. Obama has far better judgement despite his short time in Washington, than Mr. Mc Cain does. I think this move lost an election for Republicans!

Lee, Cleveland, USA

Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth--the Wild, Wild West with a sharp shooting Annie Oakley in the Oval Office and General Custer at the charge as he takes his last stand.

And the circus continues as we lead the nations of the Western world into yet another Barbarussa Death War to all!

Brian K. Doan , Washington , USA

It is frightening to have the VP of the world's number one power having such poor credentials. Was John McCain afraid to have a V P that knew more about the world than he? Comments by John McCain indicate that he doesn't know much about Iraq, Darfour, and Europe. An insecure D-minus student!

John K, Greenwich, USA

Um...she has more executive experience than Barack Obama. Enough said.

Leigh Ann, Amarillo, USA

Even though I support Obama's views and I will vote for him in November; I'm really insulted by McCain's choice. He just think that if he finds the first skirt he sees and ask her to be his running mate, women would automatic pick him for the president position. This is completely absurd.

adrianne, columbia, USA

He looked into her eyes and saw her soul and knew her well enough to make her Vice President of the United States.

Hmmm... that reminds me of someone... someone... I just can't place it.

Oh yeah, Bush.

Jackie, Charlotte,

Besides, what woman would want to vote for a man who wants us to stay in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, literally. This is the complete opposite of what Clinton proposes. You must be a complete nutcase to be a woman voting for a person with such obnoxious and outdated views that McCain has.

adrianne, columbia, USA

I'm just happy to see someone with the rare quality of unmarred integrity stepping into the scene (sorry, Obama was part of the corrupt Chicago polit machine, not a reformer.) Good to see a fighter and a regular American, without privilege, just accomplishment and grit, taking part in US politics.

Tobey, New York,

I thought it was generally agreed that the vice-presidential role had expanded beyond its mandate, and that it should be shrunk? I guess that only applies if it is Dick Cheney in power.

Robert Lee, Houston, TX, USA

This is the best my country can do? First GW, now this....

Reggie, Chicago, USA

Please forgive us. We are out of our minds, but will return in November.

Mark, Longmont, ,CO, USA

I wonder how she feels having been chosen for her plumbing?

Udo, Melbourne, Australia

You may as well say "Sarah Palin" for President. We all know that McCain won't be able to serve a full term in the White House. He is 72 YEARS OLD!!! If by chance, he happens to win, he'll have the best insurance possible. He is going to need it.

Dashia, Pensacola, USA

The time has come for smashing the glass ceiling for good---and Governor Sarah Palin is the perfect one to do the job. What a woman!
Forget the upcoming Presidential debates---I can't wait to watch and hear her shut Big Mouth Biden's mouth in their VP debate.
And I thank God we now have at least one candidate out of the four with some Executive experience.Two years as a state Governor is better experience for becoming our President than a lifetime as a Senator

Bill Paul, Atlanta,Georgia, USA

The United States Constitution states three requirements for those seeking the office of President:

1. He {or, she} must be at least 35 yrs old.

2. They must be a US citizen.

3. They must have resided in the US for at least
14 years.

Our President is a spokesperson for us!

Elizabeth, Del Mar, USA

Dan Quayle with ovaries.

bryan m., dallas, usa

John McCain has often put country first. Not this time. A cynical and dangerous move. He looked uncomfortable standing next to her as if he knew he was doing something despicable. A creationist with no foreign policy experience--- a novice--putting our country at risk. Does he think he's immortal?

Joseph Anthony, Lexington, KY, U.S.

It's pure sexism to say Palin is not qualified but Obama is.

Alvin York, Pall Mall TN, USA

I think John McCain is trying to get the votes of the woman who feel disenfranchised after Hillary lost. Hey John, I got news for you, it's not going to work!

Fran, CT, USA

francine Rzeznik, Guilford, United States

McCain made a wise choice in selecting Sarah Palin for Vice President. As a Hillary supporter, I will vote Republican to select a woman to office. I believe the democratic "good old boy" network squashed Hillary's chances. Sarah is a breath of fresh air and many people will identify with that.

mdcrandell, Redding, USA

If she had met him more than once, she probably would have turned down the offer.

Ross, Phoenix, USA

Multiple choice Q
Is she
(a) the suggestion of a democratic mole buried deep inside the republican party who has direct influence on McCain?
(b) the "fall woman" picked by McCain because he already knows he is going to loose?
(c) his delusional pick in an attempt to win over women?

KW, Portland, OR

Obama would have so much assistance that any lack of experience will not be an issue. It is his good or poor judgement that is an issue.
That being said, he will be severely limited in what he can do by the powers that be.

Tim, Toronto,

Another insane decision by McCain, along with being in Iraq for 100 years. Alaska has no budget difficulties because of the oil royalties it earns with direct payment of a portion of these royalties to each resident of Alaska. So with no managing of a state budget, she is half a governor at best.

Peter Green, Cinnaminson NJ, USA

For his Vice President, in which foreign affairs is the main point, as well as taking over in case anything happens, McCain chose a candidate who only has about one year of federal government experience and zero experience in foreign affairs?

Sorry, but women should be offended.

Nancy Nguyen, London, Canada

this would make a great chickflick movie, president McCain, dies of old age and a 44-year-old, gun-toting, moose-burger-eating mother-of-five becomes president of the usa.Then she choses Dr Phil as her VP and Robin becomes Secretary of State
title What were you thinking?

j ballekom, amsterdam, the netherlands

I'm excited about his choice --she appeals to many virtures americans hold dear. This is going to get good folks, grab a seat and a bag of popcorn.

Greg, wrightsville Bch , NC, USA

I think it is a good move. A woman one step from being president is good, especially one who is tough on government spending. And why do people assume McCain is not going to be in office his full term? He is 72,but in better shape than most of the people who keep harping on the fact!!

Elsie Sullivan, Sims, USA

It is insulting if McCain thinks putting an ultra-conservative woman on the ticket will win over female Hillary supporters (of which I am one). The only similarity they have is the same set of chromosomes. Now I'm voting for Obama. Maybe this time, my country will come to its senses and do the same.

Robin, Beverly, Massachusetts, USA

Obama has no accomplishments to his name, no executive experience, kept silent for 20 years while his anti-semitic "pastor" preached a racist theology, Obama has never served his country in any capacity, has an elitist disdain for the middle class and has never condemned his terrorists friends.

zqll, Dallas, Texas, USA

Pandering. Complete and utter pandering. I hope my fellow countrymen and women see through this. I see it now: tax breaks for single mothers who want to buy guns. Yup. That'll solve our economic problems, all right.

Robin, Beverly, Massachusetts, USA

McCain's choice is obviously geared at winning all of the female votes that would have been cast for Hilary Clinton. Pretty clear to see that he thinks women in America are not astute enough to vote for policy just gender.

Emma Gallagher, Devizes, UK

McCain's supporters will bring out the excuses for this!

John, London,

You knew if you waited long enough, this old fool would open his mouth or do something stupid. Thanks John, you just confirmed what we all knew. You, and your small minded VP are to be confirmed as losers. The woman is nothing but a redneck in a suit, and no woman who was for HC will vote for her!

S.Jones, S.F,

I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing that if McCain were elected, and if something happened to him, the most powerful country on earth would be run by such an inexperienced person. No foreign policy experience at all! Obama made up for his shortcomings by selecting an experienced running partner.

Dan, Oxford,

Barack Obama has NO executive experience. How is he qualified to become president? Sarah Palin has executive experience as governor of Alaska for the last two years.

John Barry, Lismore, Ireland

This poor choice signals the end of the election for John McCain. Palin allows the Maverick and his gang to go down swinging, though - painting Democrats as sexist and elitist every time she is criticized. Advisor Karl Rove will leave his mark by marring the reputation of his opponents.

Barrett, Denver, CO, USA

Love his choice!

Kathy, Averill Park, NY, USA

McCain has a competent VP screening team that me with those on the long list and vetted them thoroughly. That's the important part. Meanwhile the candidate of 'hope and change' selected a Senator that won his office during the Presidency of Richard Nixon. Hilarious.

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA