The vetting shows that McCain exercises the same judgement that Bush did in his rash, impetuous decision to invade Iraq (which McCain was also gung-ho) on insufficient data. That alone proves he makes reckless decisions and does not have the right temperment to be President.

Peter, Centerville, MA, USA

I am stunned by the comments by few conservatives. They obviously put their selfish wishes above the nation. The choice is clear if you want US to lead the world and to have a peaceful world vote for democrats.Or if you still think narrowly about your street, county then vote for republicans.

Srini, Herndon, USA

This election is turning into a SHAM. Its not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. Bush has TRASHED America, and McCain is about to tear it apart. By the time McCain is done, there won't be an America, the dream will die in his arms. The Empire will collapse.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

Kevin, you can tell a lot about a man by how he conducts his election campaign. And Obama has shown nothing but class, cool-headedness and intelligent judgement - so much so as to bring down the Clinton juggernaut! McCain just flip flops and now has just committed political hari kiri in Sarah Palin!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

She has a reassuring smile.. shel probably help John get voted in.

If not she'd make a good Mom on a show like Friends. If she can act.

Stu, London, UK

sarah is a great choice! as a hillary supporter i feel rejected by obama and his cult of personality campaign....im voting for john and sarah. dont agree on all issues but i know that team will bring real change.

jbh, alexandria,

What a joke and insult to our intelligence. I too am a real American and in fact probably have more foreign policy experience than Mrs. Palin but you don't see me calling myself qualified. My Los Angeles County Councilperson is accountable to more constituents than Mrs. Palin is as governor of Alas

Alex, Los Angeles, USA

Couldn't agree more with comments. Her selection had to be either a stroke of genius or the act of a blithering idiot - reaction so far and events over the next couple of months, I am afraid ,will conclusively indicate the latter.

Despite underperforming in the polls, Obama must feel very secure

Stephen Smith, Hamilton, Bermuda

Governor Palin is just as qualified as Obama, AND she is on the bottom of the ticket! The panicked Obama has had to resort to describing his year of campaigning as executive experience. There are some in the party unhappy with Palin, but they tend to be Mitt Romney's fan club. They'll get over it.

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA

The damage is done...this woman appears to be exploiting her daughters pregnancy for what? Some kind of gain she thinks she will get? These kids should not be thrown into this..if it is a private matter why is the 18 baby daddy being added to the mix at the convention. Pathetic parenting!

Brian, Mora , MN, USA

Very poor vetting and judgement by McCain. Shows that he is not to be trusted to make cabinet appointments and important decisions. If his decisions are this bad, I sure don't want here second in command if something happens to him! Palin needs to step aside and be replaced by someone seasoned.

Bruce, Long Beach CA, USA

I'm a conservative, social and economic. I will be voting for Palin, not McCain, so he benefits by proxy. I had intended to stay away from the polls this year. All I can hope for is his early retirement.

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

There is a big difference in having huge approval ratings in one's relatively homogenous state with its unique issues than having huge national approval levels where one would be way out of the mainstream. The only thing Massachusetts and Alaska have in common is hockey.

Robin, Beverly, Massachusetts, USA

He would deselect her as his running mate if that wasn't automatic political suicide because of what it said about his judgement.

Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales

As a social conservative, small business owner and family man, I've been "personally disgusted" by senior Republicans most of the past 16 years. Moreover, give me Sarah Palin's common sense regarding Islamists, China and the neo-Soviets over the always-compromising milquetoasts of the U.S. Congress.

Bruce, Kentucky, USA

I'm a "real person" with "real problems," too -- but I'm well aware I have no business being the leader -- or the second-string leader -- of the United States. Being a "real person" is not a qualification for this job. No matter WHAT you think of Palin as a person, she's no more qualified than I am.

John Sanders, Raleigh, US

Actually Palin's approval rating is 67% & falling. As mayor she left Wasilla $22 million in debt, was almost recalled, insisted town directors & police chief resign, raised taxes, lobbied for 27 million in earmarks, and had links to secessionist Alaska Independence Party. Vetting? What vetting?

Lars, British Columbia, CA

Oh please. She's been governor for a year and a half of a state whose population equals a quarter of Brooklyn. But it isn't about her. It's about McCain's poor judgement and his ability to gamble the second highest public office in America. Imagine what he'll do with Iran or Social Security.

Megan, New York, USA

It depends on who you ask about Sarah Palin's approval rating. According to many, her ratings have been falling due to scandal and shame! She's unqualified and is being used as a token candidate to try to get the Evangelicals to sign onto McCain. Frankly, I'm embarrassed for McCain!

Daphne, Denver, USA

Does this mean that Sarah Palin is a real person dealing with life as we try to do. As far as the "Senior Republican" being discusted with Sarah Palin, shame on him. We need someone who is for us, the American people, that person has an 84% approval rating in her State.
Rock on Sarah!!!

Nita Garvey, Sagle, USA