If Palin was picked to get the "female" vote, they can think again. Women were voting for Hillary, not because she was a woman, but because she was the best person for the job. This doesn't mean every woman will jump ship and run to McCain because of Palin's nomination.

J., St. Louis,

This is evidence that John McCain has very poor judgement. The real qualification of any VP is -Can this person be president - the answer in Palin's case is NO!! Regardless of whether you are a Dem or a Rep - you've got to be scared to death to think this woman could be the President.

Linda, Sevierville, USA

For a start her amneotic fluid was leaking, not that her waters broke, put you in her position shes worried that she'll be stuck in hospital for a long time wouldnt you rather be at home with your friends and family?the hospital induced her labour,her daughters pregnant does it matter?shes a leader!

Conor, Dublin, Ireland

hahahah...I can imagine Pallin talks about Foreign affair and current subprime crisis. She is the governor of Alaska. Not sure they are even expose to the Credit Crunch. I just cant imagine how this die-hard conservative talk about her being more experience than Obama.

Brian, London, United Kingdom

McCain has shown terrible judgement. When they say that they knew all along about her daughter, the ethics questions, the husband's drunk driving convictions, they are lying. Right now there is massive turmoil in the campaign, and deep anxiety. I think they've blown it.

Al, nyc,

Your reporter should be careful about asserting that the rumors are "utterly unfounded."

R Greene, San Francisco, USA

i so love watching the palin drama unfold. she has provided me and my fellow young, women voters endless hours of entertainment. way to vet your VP candidate, mcbush! that sure is leadership you can trust! she won't make it past friday.

jacqueline, new york, new york, usa

This was a rash and reckless decision by McCain. The notion that Palin's mayoral experience is of any significance is a joke. I saw a photo of the Wasilla city hall and I've seen 7-11s that are bigger. McCain has effectively taken the experience card off the table and put the age card on it.

Laura, Palm Desert,

Why do you think the rest of the world likes Obama? It is because what comes out of his mouth is generally sensible and enlightened which indicates good judgement and common sense. Quite frankly, this is far more important than having been in Washington (i.e. having "experience") in the ROW's view.

Don, Auckland, NZ

My mother had a baby when she was in college- my grandmother pretended it was hers. He is 55 years old and my mother (who confided in me 5 years ago) are the only ones in my family who know this. The idea that Sarah Palin pretended to be the mother of her daughter's child doesn't surprise me.

Carla, Mason, United States

Palin's preg controversy now out-of-bounds for Dems . Obama set to fire anyone pursuing. But if you are a Republican, beware the final "trimester" of the campaign. This woman may have needed an elaborate deception for Alaskan voters. It isn't the deed, it's the cover-up, which can be felonious.

Dianne Foster, Boston, USA

These rumours were NOT started by the Obama camp they've been circulating in Alaska since the birth of the child i.e. before her VP nomination, they've just gained national recognition due to her nomination.

Leah, Alaska, USA

Please...McCain in not the brightest but highly qualified to lead this country. He is a patriot and capable of leading out nation; unlike Obama. .Obama is not "For America". How can we allow a Commander in Chief to disrepect "our American Flag". He should not be in Office representing my country

eric, Ashtabula,

Where was all the concern for experience when Obama announced? Where is it now? Executive experience?

Ron Wiles, Gaithersburg, USA

I'm enjoying the soap opera :)

john whittaker, livingston, uk

This notion that Palin is not the real mother of her 5th child is wacky. A bigger issue is why would a woman 8 mnths preg w/ a 5th kid, w/ Trisomy 21, fly 12 hours to Texas for a political speech?

It gets worse.

Her water broke in Tx, but she flew back to Alaska. Another 12 hr flight. Judgment?

Mark, RI, USA

Sarah Palin is a Trojan Moose. McCain is hoping that some voters will see a woman on the ticket as a sign of his independence. This could not be further from the truth. Palin is an terribly cynical choice on McCain's part. Progressive on the outside; reactionary inside.

Marc, Grand Haven, United States

Given the opposition to Mrs. Palin by the democrats, I think that they're getting just a little bit concerned that McCain hit a "home run" with his selection. Remember this, she governs an area larger than that east of the Mississippi, like Germany, the British Isles, France, and Spain combined.

Yank, Warrenton, Missouri

So the rumours are "exposed, disproven. refuted, baseless"etc etc. These are words not evidence. Paul Gadd also "utterly refutes his baseless conviction" and all the usual drivel.

Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales

At least we can all stop calling John McCain a "maverick" now that he's so clearly put politics ahead of country. Or are there people out there who really believe he chose Palin because she was the single most qualified person in America to be leader of the free world?

Blutarski, London, UK

don't know... after reading this am scared. having these two run for presidency is like giving a child a loaded gun..

christian, new york, united states

Just as people got turned off with Giuliani as soon as they found out more about him, the same will be true for Palin. She is hard-working and has many good pts, but pepole will realize how little experience she has to be to be President in case something happens to a 72-yo 4 time cancer survivor.

Jim, Dallas, TX, USA

Nothing new here, the left will always eat one of their own in their perverted lust for power.
They claim to defend women and the weak, but their incredibly vicious attacks on her and her children show who they really are.
What a bunch of savages.

Stan, saskatoon, Canada

If this woman is "pro-life" why is she such a big fan of automatic weapons that kill large numbers of innocent children each and every year in the U.S.?

Steve, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

The 4 month old baby is not her 17 year old daughter's baby. This is because this daughter is 5 months pregnant right now and getting married. I really feel for this kid for all the hateful things that were said against her. And of course, it will now be Gov. Palin's fault the kid got pregnant.

DaveH, Anchorage, USA

Im angry at the way the dem party treated Hillary and that Obama did not defend her when people were saying she and Bill were racist. So I was seriously considering voting for McCain. And then he picked Palin. Obama can thank his lucky stars. Look I'm angry- not stupid. Go Obama.

Julie, Gulfport, FL, USA

America...and you wonder why the world laughs at you behind your back, I think this says it all really, thank the Gods that you are a nation in decline , will the next superpower please step up to the plate....LOLOL

jrf, manchester, uk

What mothers do to protect and raise their children needs not be a concern of the press. I support Obama, but my problem with Governor Palin is her stance on issues. I think she has done a good job with her kids. I just do not understand what the wwife of a fishsermen is doingt in the GOP???

Marty Price, oakland, united States

If her waters broke when she was in Texas, why on earth did she have to fly back to Alaska to give birth (always assuming that she could even find an airline which would carry a woman in labour)? Don't they have doctors or midwives in Texas?

Suzanna, UK,

In some rural towns all over America, in the not too distant past, it was not that uncommon for birth of children of unwed mothers to be recorded in ways to disguise the real mother/father. I know about it from first hand experience. Now add, political considerations to it & it's perfectly doable

Mary, Park City, UT , USA

it's not a news agency....duh...
it's "the place for politics"

P.s. to Randall Shake you may be right about the desperation, but it may have been Palin who was desperate to maintain her image as a good christian mother. And FYI both parties sling mudd....Rove just perfected it over the past 8 yrs

tom gentry, roadland, mo,

So far the Republican platform for running for presidency is:
McCain: Noun, Verb, POW
Palin: Noun, Verb, "Executive experience".
I bet most people who talk about her "executive" experience never even knew what the term meant prior to her being announced as a VP candidate. Hypocrisy!

John, London,

It is especially sad that the Leftist mantra make the Political Personal has no been extended to the Children of the Candidate not just the candidate themselves. The idea that a Doctor, Hospital, the Husband would cover up the Daughter's pregnancy is absurd. And it reeks of desperation.

Randall Shake, Dallas, TX , USA

I am always sad to hear anyone throwing accusations and rumors at others. Where has our civility gone? People like Rush Limbaugh and Carl Rove have made bashing a national pasttime and have taught the rest of us their trade. It is disgusting.

Beth, Leesburg, VA, USA

If Chris Matthews, Olbermann and Shuster are against her, then she must be the right choice for the position. MSNBC should be ashamed to call itself a news agency.

TommyJack, Texas, USA

The Obama campaign doesn't spread rumors. That is the kind of rumor the Republicans spread. The Obama team simply would not do that. For people to accuse them of spreading these rumors without any shred of evidence is reprehensible.

Eleanor , Clemson, USA

Palin congratulated herself for not aborting a Downs baby; most mothers don't abort a Downs baby. The parentage thing will play out; at the least she's shown poor judgment.

She wanted the Bridge to Nowhere until the state had to pay half. Lies and flip-flops. She's as qualified as McCain.

Mo, Alexandria,

Republicans who are "outraged" over this really are some of the biggest hypocrites on Earth, considering the slander promoted daily by such shining examples of integrity as Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and Karl Rove. How does it feel now? Obama's campaign had nothing to do with this.

Jessica, Enon, United States

Yo, believers in the internet rumours:

The picture of the "pregnant" daughter was taken two years before the bith.

The egg-on-face factor for leftist silly folk will be very eggy.

edwardcairns, ottawa,

Palin's decision to have the kid--if it is hers--should really be no body's business, as is the choice for a women to have an abortion. But, this baby is used to tout P's anti-choice views, so really fair game.

McSame didn't vet her. He is erratic, not a "maverick!" What a lack of judgment!

ellen, baltimore, usa

I hope America makes the right choice in this election.. Unfortunately, choices made in America have great consequences beyond its borders. We poor non-Americans bear the rant of Americans making their choices based not on policies but rumour and innuendo. God help us.

Baleke, Oxford, UK

When my wife was pregnant and the tests showed the foetus with
a problem, our Obstetrician asked us to let him know night /day if there was any suspicion of water breaking as it was necessary to monitor my wife at the hospital. My wife was flabbergasted reading what Palin did. Something wrong here.

norman, LONDON, UK

Left-leaning feminists will be torn between delight that they can vote for a female and dismay that it is this particular female.

That should make things interesting.

Ian Tinn, Slough, England

Order out of chaos. Lieberman for president!

David S, Brighton, United Kingdom

James - Nasty of you to be spreading the rumor that it was Obama's campaign spreading the rumor. There is plenty of room to debate in the issues, and that is where the Obama campaign has solidly stayed.

Angela, Morristown, USA

And I thought the fireworks were over after Beijing! We really are spoilt.

Howard, Manchester,

I am amused by the effort to slander Gov. Palin. The probability of her 17 year old daughter having a new born with Down's syndrome is far less than 1 in 1200. The probability of 44 year old Gov. Palin having a new born with Down's syndrome is 1 in 40.

Barry Jacobs, M. D., Carrollton, Texas, U.S.A.

Obama: Degree in International Relations from a top University. Taught Constitutional law at a top univ. FOUR years in Senate, member of Foreign Relations Committee. Co-authored laws on nuclear weapons proliferation. Correctly predicted consequences of Iraq War before it started, More to come.

Terri, Seattle, USA

Rather disgraceful comments because she is a woman? How is it that her disabled child is somehow an issue? This is lowest of the low. And Mr Obama's team should be ashamed for this. No one has attacked his children...yet

tiler, LONDON, ENGLAND

I would expect if this baby rumor does not die quickly, Obama will publicly distance himself from it. This is so bad for the Obama camp I almost get the feeling that some renegade republicans were behind it.

Leave the candidates kids alone!!!

Mike, USA,

Jimmy

Obama is not an empty suit, he is a superb communicator. He is unqualified to be President however, as is Pallin.

Obama would do well as pastor of a megachurch, spouting platitudes and feel good bromides. He could write a book " The Barack Driven Life" , Rick Warren look out!

Steve, Washington DC,

I'm not sure which of Obama and Palin has more experience, though at least Palin has actually run things. Nasty of Obama's campaign to be spreading these rumours about her. They must really not like having a real person put up against them: surely only Washington insiders should be allowed to stand?

James, New York, USA

FDR was in Washington before he was Governor -- as Asst. Secretary of the Navy under Woodrow Wilson.

Richard Lewis, Rosendale, NY, USA

Why is it than when a Black man does exceedingly well because he has outsmarted and outgunned all his opponents he's called an empty suit or a show pony? And this, despite ochestrating the most successful Democratic Convention in History! Can't the ignorant just accept Unique Skill when they see it?

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

FACT: Jimmy Carter was a Georgia state senator and Governor of Georgia for 4 years. NEVER in Washington DC.
FACT: Bill Clinton was Arkansas attorney general and governor of Arkansas for 6 non-consecutive years. NEVER in Washington.
FACT: FDR Governor of NY for 3 years. NEVER in Washington.

Nan, Wassaic, NY, usa

The attacks on Palin's appearant lack of experience seem to be coming from the established political class in DC. From my point of view, none of the last 2 presidents had ANY experience particularly GWB to run a corner shop much less the USA. None of the contenders have this experience. Biden? suure

Robert, Madrid,

It's amazing reading the comments from outraged Republicans.

Funny how they weren't at all bothered when many right-wing blogs chose to malign Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton's campaign adviser. The double standard and hypocrisy should be astonishing...instead it's just standard right-wing Republican

Natasha, Manchester, UK

She flew home on an 8 hr flight after her waters broke! Would an airline even allow that?

Surely the normal thing would have been to give birth at the nearest hospital - this makes no sense at all.

Patrick, Prague,

Well, I just wanted to point out that if you read the caption on the weapon, its an Engagement Skills Trainer, an electronic rifle that shoots a light beam at a video screen. Its a video game, people. Sarah Palin has more experience in her big toe than Barack Obama.

Justin, san antonio, USA

There are so many holes in her story, including that her daughter had to be out of school for 5 months with mono. 5 MONTHS? And it's documented that during that 5 months the daughter had three citations while driving. too ill for school, but well enough to be out driving. Something isn't right.

robin, san francisco, ca

In most countries and in most elections you'd just think the McCain camp threw in the towel when they picked Palin. Disturbingly, in fundamentalist Christian America, it might just work!

Now I'm just waiting for her to pull out her beauty pageant speach: ". . . and world peace". . .

Beren, London,

Joni from Arlington, Obama DID NOT get into Harvard because of affirmative action. He got in because he was intelligent enough to qualify! He won the Democratic nomination because he was the better candidate (organisation, policies, oratory, the works! and more votes)! Please get real for once!

Phil Matthews, Sandy, UK

What worries me is that she is against abortion after rape - woman and girls who are raped already go through so much pain - they should not have to suffer a pregnancy and childbirth they do not want. I'm not pro abortion, but forbidding it after rape is not right. It makes her a female misogynist.

Patsy, Groningen, Netherlands

The question is what McCain's pick says about his character and judgment. She was an appeal to the extreme right wing of his party , right wing Christians, and big oil --not disaffected Clintonites (she does not believe abortion should be legal even in cases of rape). Politics, not Country first.

addy, georgia, usa

Well the Palin selection has killed off any chance of McCain winning. How can anyone select someone who is under investigation by an ethics committee? Maybe that was the plot all along as who would want to inherit the mess Bush will leave? Well, America will now elect the show pony.

Lloyd, London,

McCain is 72 years old and has had two bouts of a highly virulent form of skin cancer, yet he chooses a 'flat-earth' thinking creationist from Hicksville USA as his running mate??
Is this some kind of joke? What image is America trying to portay to the rest of the world?

Donovan Wright, Reading, Berkshire,

What makes one "experienced" to be the President of the United States. Time in Congress? Being a Governor? Service in military? IQ of 180? How about none of the above?

Until you *are* PoUSA, you are simply not qualified. It is a job you grow into, and hopefully very quickly. Let's move on.

jrscott, Atlanta, USA

I just want to say, it is awesome to be alive when a true political maverick does what they say they are going to do. McCain has done it - and I will tell my grandkids about it.

Bill B, Milwaukee, USA

The left will be exposed for what they are ... liars. There is so much information that this rumor is a lie, it isn't even funny. They are running scared. Obama and especially Michelle should have condemned this rumor today but didn't. Now when he does, he will look like the empty suit he is.

K West, Mesa, USA

The cynicism of this choice is an a affront to the dignity and duty of the office of Vice President and the Constitution as well. It reaks of Big Oil.

mike, Stanhope, USA

McCain will lose his base off this one. The belief that the mother should be at home with her children especially if one has a small child is very important. I'm sure it will come out that that is really not her child but her daughters. Telling lies is also a big no no for conservatives.

Tanya, Hagerstown, USA

How would you like it if an American newspaper printed that one of your Queen's several children was possibly the illegitimate child of her sister Margaret? Wouldn't you consider it disrespectful, low, vicious, and completely unacceptable from a major newspaper? Shame on you, Times. Shame!

MJ, Orlando, USA

Obama got to Harvard as an affirmative action recipient - the same way he got to the Democrat nomination over a clearly more experienced Hillary Clinton. Sexism is alive and well in American but you're a racist if you question the qualifications of the Black Messiah!

Joni, Arlington, USA

They must be really afraid out there in left field. John McCain has made probably the best veep pick ever. Good move John.

John Drake, Toledo, Wa, USA

In terms of experience, Obama earned a JD from Harvard and graduated magna cum laude. He also taught CONSTITUTIONAL LAW for 12 years.

As a State Senator, Obama represented more people than the population of Alaska.

Hell, the mayor of Indianapolis oversees more people than Palin! Alaska is nothing!

Eric, Laguna Niguel, CA, USA

If less than half of this is true I don't want this woman running anything. Goo Goo eyes and a good figure rapped round a nasty self indulgent core. Ooh lets pose with a machine gun, that'll get the child killing vote. Horrible woman.

James, Glasgow,

I am embarrassed as the worlds watches this political game McCain is playing with our youth, environment and serious world issues. Obama keeps focused on track and talking to real people about real problems,we shall see in Nov how stupid or smart our country is. Pray for US and God Forbid McCain.

Teresa, Issaquah WA, USA

I have spent some time in America observing the primary elections. Obama comes over as an outstanding candidate. However hard you try you can't put MaCain in the same category. He obviously suffered great hardshipas in Vietnam but that is no qualification. Choice of Sara shows poor judgement.

sinna mani, London, UK

I am proud to be an American.If we need to go out and impress the rest of the world then there must be some envy there. Europe and S.America need to worry about who is knocking on their doors.Communism again.Who will they look to for help.U.S.. I have 3 boys in the military.They will be there.

DALE, LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES

Correction:
Dan, Boston

Obama's wife never made anti-white remarks. This is a fabrication based on a tape in which she says not "whitey" but "what he"......

Laura, ny, usa

Hearing all the stories about Sarah Palin lying about "her" 5th child makes me realize why she'd fit in with McCain and his "good old boys club". She's already qualified to cover up the truth like all the republicans.

Lynne, Woodland Hills, Ca., USA

palin risked her political career by going after political corruption...in her own party.obamas the favorite son of the extremely corrupt chicago dem political machine.palin didnt have a communist party mentor in high school and college...she was a star athlete,hunter,and fisherman.

james, pa, usa

I am a Christian Conservative. As much as I disagree with liberal policies and philosophy, I for one am tired of the rancor.

Regardless of who started what and is better at it or claims the other side is responsible for it, I. AM.SICK. OF. IT.

We're ALL Americans. We have to find a way to to TALK.

RogerCfromSD, San Diego, USA

Look for even more 'Swift Boat' revenge. Those lies hurt John Kerry. Now it's Sarah Palin's turn. That's how politics are practised in the US.

Stephen Barber, Palo Alto, CA, USA

To all the world and John from Sydney. I have no problem with you getting a vote here, but please kindly turn over 35-40% of your annual income to our government.

Ryan, Chicago,

If the fifth child does in fact belong to her daughter then she has started out lying to the general public and her creditability is long gone. The best thing for her to do is go back to Alaska where she belongs. She is as "out of touch " as the old man.

carol scott, Owensboro, USA

If the US seeks to influence the world in key areas such as "democracy" and "free trade", as it does, then perhaps the rest of us who live outside the US should also be given the right to vote for its leaders. Now that would be democratic, and voter participation would also be a lot higher too!

John Howard, Sydney, Australia

I think McCain made a very bad judgement call by picking Sara and I will vote for Obama However, I don't think it is our concern if her daughter did birth the 5th baby. Actually that in my mind would make her a wonderful mother ....shame on you gossips

theresa, spokane, washington

That's what we do in the States...when the same old political comparisons fail, spread ridiculous rumor around. It's her daughter's kid, he's a closet Muslim, she sand-bagged her former brother-in-law, his wife is on some tape with anti-white remarks, on and on and on and on. Idiotic.

Dan , Boston, MA, USA

I defy anyone to explain how Palin has less experience than Obama. Obama's experience is voting "present" at any tough vote and then in his 170 or so days at the federal level all he did was run for president! There are candidates that would make Palin look inexperienced. Obama/Biden aren't it.

Mike, Fairfax, USA

I have been informed by the ASPCA that Sara Palin while in office in Alaska gave an order to kill wolves along with people bringing in the hind leg of all wolves were payed for such mutalation. My vote was for John McCain but now I must re-think my vote.

sharon immersi, Harrison, NJ, USA

Palin has more executive experience than Barry, Biden or McCain. She has a history of reforms in AK and has vetoed 300 pork barrel bills. The left is running scared that they have to question the parentage of her fifth child. Shame on them. God help us all if BHO does get in. He is an EMPTY suit!

Mary, LA,

This absurd choice is an insult to eveery American voter. Sad as it is, some American voters likebeing insulted.

Mandy, New York, USA

The truth is that Palin did indeed stop the "bridge to nowhere," so to say that she didn't want to after the fact smacks of desperation. The Monagan-Wooten "scandal" has no legs. I did the research on this much-misreported accusation. It's a politically inspired hit job mind-reading exercise.

Doug Beaton, Sanford, USA

As to Palin v.Obama:

- She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism from the U of ID he a JD from Harvard including Law Review (which is huge if you don't know)

- He teaches constitutional law and is an adjunct professor at one of the top U's in the US

More to come

Joanne, Chicago, IL

its sad when after 8 year of administrative abuses of power McCain picks a woman who abuses her power for personal reasons its sad when you think about her being vindictive against old high school enemys

renard , detroit, usa

The whole of AK has less than 700k people with a budget of less than $8 billion dollars.

She isn't qualified to be mayor of LA, NYC or Chicago let alone Vice President of the US.

Joanne, Chicago, IL

Yeah, they shouldn't dismiss anything out of hand - not all the facts are in yet. You can check Obama's resume here
http://obamasresume.org/ He's a little light but his intelligence makes up for it. There is new dirt coming up about Palin by the hour. She wasnt properly vetted.

Rodrigo Fernandez III, Semporna, Borneo

She does not look like she will spend her time in Washington naming 250 post offices. She has not wasted goverment money. Alaskian's got refund checks from the money she did not spend. Who paid for BO's European trip? Who paid for the stadium? What favors does he owe & to whom? Rock on Sarah!

Cris McHenka, Rio, USA

McCain is simply prepping the excuse he's going to use when he loses the election.. If he lost with a decent VP, blame would be put on the top of the ticket. With Sarah Palin, he'll simply chock it up to his "maverick" choice. This is an exit strategy..

Beth, Exeter, US

The other version: The woman was in Texas to speak at a Governors conference, when she got news that her daughter was going into labor, she then claimed her water broke and proceeded to give a 30 min speech followed by an 8hr flight to Alaska, no need to see a doctor when you aren't really pregnant.

George Urban, Calgary, Canada

Since when the experience of a veep matters this much? Do the Dems really believe that Palin, governor of Alaska in past two years, is worse than a completely inexperienced junior senator from IL, on executive experience?

.....the horribly familiar smell of desperation.....

Pat, Detroit,

The rumor regarding her daughter's child being her child are the least of my worries. The fact that she is soooo conservative; no abortion even in the case of rape or incest, believes intelligent design should be taught in science classrooms is a bigger concern. Same executive experience GW had :(

Brian, Milwaukee, USA

It is an interesting fact that Arnold Schwartzenager, an actor with zero political experience was appointed governor of California, the largest state in the union. A couple years later, he was elected by popular vote. Experience is not the only consideration to be made when it comes to leadership.

Chris, Arizona, USA

The Dems fears have led to their grasping at any Enquirer like story for a chance at winning the election. Its pretty darn sad but also laughable!

Rachael, Savannah, USA

First the Dems spend all that money on the mother of all primaries, now they have to buy expensive tickets to send their operatives and investigators all the way to Alaska to dig for dirt from people who want nothing to do with them. McCain sure knows the game doesn't he

Dave, Lancaster, PA, USA

This move has isolated all independents from the McCain ticket.
She brings nothing to the table whatsoever, name one area of expertise Palin has added to the McCain ticket.

I do not care how much you like someone as a person, if they are not qualified for the job they should not have it.

Matt, Chicago, USA

The intense scrutiny applied to candidates int he US is scary -and its spreading beyond the US. And increasingly, private matters unrelated to a person's conduct of their public life are now fair game.

What real people are so pure as to pass this scrutiny?

Chris MacDonald, Sydney, Australa

Ahem, I'm not a Republican, but I am an Alaskan, and Palin is an impressive woman. She changed her views on the Bridge to Nowhere on becoming governor and discovering what a scam it was; good for her. As for the ethics investigation, it's quite clear that Wooten was an incompetent, duly dismissed.

Fred Hand, Anchorage, USA

The notion that Sarah Palin has any relevant experience whatsoever is ludicrous. McCain has just sabotaged his own race. I don't understand why he would pick such an inexperienced running mate. This was an extremely poor choice.

Eric, Detroit, USA

We need a bumper sticker saying: MY CANDIDATES INEXPERIENCE IS GREATER THAN YOURS. Would you rather have a rookie candidate a heart beat a way from the presidency or a rookie candidate actually in the job of the presidency? Palin has as much experience as a Governor as Obama has as a Senator. There's a saying that "Encourage potential and you'll have the result to reward, reward potential and you'll grow weary waiting for the result.

Shriney Keewin, D.C., USA

Joe B's a little short in defining Mr. Obama's experience. Obama has 7+ years serving a district in the Illinois legislature (that district, the south side of Chicago, is significant). He also has 12 years' experience teaching constitutional law and serving as a civil rights attorney.

Scott Goodwin, Norwalk, United States of America

The woman was in Texas to speak at a Governors conference, shortly after which her water broke. She then flew home and had Trig... Now how hard is THAT to document.

Dan Schwartz, Sayreville, NJ, US of A

Palin makes the Dem ticket look exactly what it is, another version of the old boys club. Tired and cynical. Obama has done nothing as Senator. Papa Biden even ran his committee for him while he was running for president, the committee never met. The Dems didn't even trust him to run a commitee

Glen, Toronto,

Who's looking after the poor 4 month old kid?

Tim, Sydney,

Jacqui, Violet, LA,

An answer to your insipid question. She spent over 15 years in some sort of elected public service position. Most of those positions like Mayor and Governor are "Executive" positions.

Obama NEVER ran anything. Only 8 yrs State Senate & clocked 120 days in the Fed Senate.

Chris, St. Louis, MO, USA

> ... and a mayor of a town of less than 8000.

Experience ...out the Wasilla!

LK

Leon Kowalski, LA, USA

I agree with John Smith of Seattle that it is premature of The Times to dismiss the rumours as "utterly unfounded". Newspapers said the same about John Edwards' tryst before the truth came out. Why did she wait 7 months before announcing her pregnancy? Why no visible evidence 2 weeks before birth?

Will, New York, NY, USA

This choice concerns me: it appears to be a pandering attempt to get the disenfranchised Hillary Clinton voters, and I don't see it as a good decision. The Hillary voters will not come over based on this choice because Mrs Palin does not represent their interest at all.

Kimberley, San Mateo, CA, USA

As an independent and a female, I think Palin is a terrible pick. She comes across as vapid and barely intelligent. I was on the fence between Obama and McCain for myriad reasons. Now I will probably vote for Obama just to keep Palin away from the White House. She's anti-abortion and she lies.

Dee, Boston, USA

Mr. Obama brings 2 years as senator-1 year plus was spent running for president and promising everyone everthing that they wanted to hear. That is not strong experience or firm foundation for the Top job as Presdnt.So go softly when you criticize Mrs.Palin's VP job-AS GOV.HAS RUN A STATE.

Joe B., New Haven , USA

Palin resonates with me and many women like me. She is a mother and a wife, and she works hard. I hope the Democrats continue to underestimate her. I hope they continue to smear her at every turn, when they could be focusing on their own message.

Lee, Jackson, USA

T'Skeptic' is spelt as 'sceptic' in the UK, much like 'theater / theater' and numerous other words are spelt differently.

Eddy Robinson, San Francisco, USA

(To Owen in Chicago: it's correct, British English to spell it "sceptic." True fact.)

Lori, Dayton, US

Hey Owen, it's the Times UK. That is how sceptic is spelled in English. You speak American, so it is spelled with a k.

Tyler, Portland,

Owen,

"Skeptic" is for septics. For non-septics, it's "sceptic".

archie, sydney,

Owen, you might want to learn about the differences between American and English before lecturing others about spelling.

ru shur, Seattle, WA, United States

In the “malicious rumour” department, check out Cindy McCain's claim that at the urging of Mother Teresa, she brought home two orphans from Bangladesh in 1991, one of whom she adopted. Problem is, Mother Teresa was in Mexico at the time getting medical treatment. No need to guild that particularly lily.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

Chris,

How does Sarah Palin have more experience than Obama? She is a terrible pick and I fear for the country with her a heartbeat away from the Presidency.

Jacqui, Violet, LA,

Did you notice? The Libs. Poo Poo’ed the lack of experience card in regards to B. Hussein Obama, no big deal… but then Sara came along. Now experience is important.
The Libs. have lost it! They are running against a 44 year old VP candidate. They forget their candidate wants to be President!

Bert Perkins, Cape Elizabeth, Maine USA

If you want four years of the last eight years, then by all means vote for---whats his name? Here is a man who wants to be president, because he was a p.o.w.Give me a break! T. Powers, Oxon Hil,MD

Terry Powers, Oxon Hill, md

The liberal national media, who want Obama to win--after all, they have spent the last eight or nine months pushing each other aside to kiss his feet (and other parts of his anatomy) will subject Palin to deep scrutiny and hard questions O never had to undergo--he was given a pass on most everything

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, SC / USA

I know I would want some one fired also if they had used a taser on a child. Outside of not being responsible, it's potentially lethal!

Sally, NYC, USA

"Utterly unfounded" rumors about the fifth child? I beg to differ. There are plenty of reasons to question Mrs. Palin's account of that child's birth. I guess we'll have to wait for the National Enquirer to report the facts that you and the established American media are afraid of.

John Smith, Seattle, USA

Wow, her foreign policy expertise is that Alaska is close to Russia.

She already has her first lie or flip-flop with the bridge to nowhere.

Executive experience being President of the PTA which McCain lauded, 1 year as a governor and a mayor of a town of less than 8000.

Oh yeah, experience.

Markus, Dublin,

Sarah Palin is a fantastic pick. She has more experience than Obama. It is fun to watch the left wing meltdown, as they consider a woman political figure their personal domain. Palin will be an effective and strong vice president. I believe McCain's pick of Palin highlights Obama's weaknesses.

Chris Kelly, Rockville Centre, NY, USA

If McCain does win in November, these shameless (especially the one about her daughter) attacks on Palin and her children will be a large part of the reason why.

Tsubaki, London,

You misspelled skeptic -- TWICE! You're a newspaper?

Owen, Chicago, IL,

Fergal Hunter is a nice guy!

He should have been given the VP nomination.....

Ramon Chesney-Hawkes, Santa Ana,

What a slimy way of pushing a rumor. You print it and then say, "it's an internet thing, that's just terrible, so here it is, read it, remember the headline, Please!"

Even the foreign press is down on their knees for Barry the Messiah.

Tim, Phoenix, USA

let see her husband and son are not registered republicans even Mama Palin might vote for Obama
what damage will she do with the CIA and FBI at her disposal
how will she deal with Iran , North Korea , Palestine??
send them some moose sausage , Does she yet know what a VP does ? And is that her Kid

Alexia, Maumee, USA!

Yeah right, it was her daughter's child, and nobody noticed til now. That takes the cake as the most outlandish rumor yet!

I like her. Almost enough that I would now vote for McCain.

Mike, USA,

I also heard that John McCain was turned into a sleeper agent for the Vietcong while he was imprisoned! I'm almost sure that it is true

Bob, Grand Haven, USA

If this is all the demons can find on Gov Palin, imagine what we could say about Joey.

Larry Richards, Tallahassee, FL, USA

Its not that McCain is inexperienced or too young to lead. The point should be that he is mentally not fit to lead. Given his choice of Palin, I have serious concerns that these rumours may be true ....

Jack Taylor, NY,