McCain's mistake was he chose an inexperienced Republican woman. Kay Hutcheson, our experienced Republican TX senator, turned down the VP offer because it came from McCain. How can McCain as President build bipartisanship in Congress when he is not liked by his own Republican party in Congress?

Bryan, Dallas, TX,

So much for McCain claiming that he rather lose the elections than lose the war! He is sacrificing the future of the country just for this election. Surely there he could have chosen a better VP? Nice woman next door but as a potential Prez? Noonan & Murphy voiced exactly what we all are thinking

CG, Singapore,

Sarah hit a home run with her speech, she is a real and accomplished person, deserving of respect for her experience and accomplishments. A great VP choice! The more we learn about her, the more we like her.

Jeff, Philadelphia, USA

I'm astounded ...... Obama promotes a message of 'Change', the Dems promote a message of 'Change'.
Quite frankly the way they have responded to Palin and the vitriolic / sexist / chauvinistic attacks disgust me.

Clearly the Dems don't believe their own message ... who are the hypocrits ?

David, Singapore,

Juan, san Diego - the GOP are conservatives, espousing the traditional values of the majority of America. They don't claim to be liberal. It's the so-called liberal Democrats who prove their moral bankruptcy when they advocate womens' rights while deriding Palin and Condi Rice.

Such hypocrites!

John, Manchester, UK

I was skeptical at first, but Sarah Palin knocked my socks off! I think Governor Palin is a brilliant choice by Senator McCain.

Shannon, Houston, USA

Great speech! Sarah has more experience than Obama, Biden, and Hillary combined. Can't wait to see McCain and Palin in the Whitehouse!

Liddy, Richmond, US

Maybe Palin is the Deborah of the Bible who can drive the nail of death through the ugly head of government growth and interference. She will be McCain's successor someday.
Don't you see that we're at the beginning of another revolution, and maybe the ugly head of abortion will also be destroyed.

Henry, Warrenton, Missouri

Sarah Palin was clearly not John McCain's choice - he wanted Lieberman or Ridge.

So who is the faceless man or woman who did choose Palin ?

Who's telling the Presidential nominee of the GOP what to do ?

How about some real investigative journalism, Mr Times ?

Dr Mat, Melbourne, Australia

Could not ask for a better VP. Behind every good man there truly is a GREAT Woman and John picked the RIGHT ONE!!!!!!!
As a Hockey father she is "on the money when she said a hockey mom wears lipstick" Hockey mom's are strong people and that's what we need more of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ed, San Ramon, Ca., USA

How about a thrill ride? I write this a few minutes after presumptive VP Sarah Palin's skillful and substantial speech. Anyone who appreciated and still respects the Iron Lady Hon. Mrs. Thatcher loves this women, as many of us still remember and love Sir Winston Churchill. Peace through Strength!

Bruce, Kentucky, USA

McCain picked Palin to fire up the base because without the base he cannot win, which seems to go over the heads of most of the reporting out of England. It worked extremely well. Next, they will pick up female (actually more males at this point) independents who are making up their minds now. Finally, yes, they will try to pick up some disgruntled Clinton supporters because the press/Democrats bashed her to make way for “THE ONE”.

Kevin , China, USA

Great job McCain, Palin is better than I expected. As a strong supporter (and believer) of Hillary, I say McCain for 2008, and Hillary for 2012.

Anne, LA, USA

John Mc Cain is by the hour resembling old Mr Burns in the Simpsons

Peter, Vancouver BC., Canada

Despite not being a woman, I still find it embarassing and insulting that McCain, whom has obviously chosen a woman to woo angry Hillary supporters, would believe women voters are so tribal as to simply vote for him because he has a woman on the ticket. Surely the economy, health, education...

Alex, Salford, Manchester,

...are much more important to female voters, on the whole. Just like men, women are far from homogenous.

Alex, Salford, Manchester,

McCain hoped Palin would appeal to Mrs Clinton supporters and sub-urban moms. Clinton supporters have largely said they will not vote for Palin because on issues she differs from Clinton, whilst.moms are disparaging of Palin, because of her teenage daughter's pregnancy comments like "a bad mom".

Tammy White, Chicago, UGA

The big joke is that the moment this election is over you will have to put up with their actions for the next 4 years.

Obama wants to change America. To what exactly? To Sweden? China? UK?

America is fine, it's just politicians have convinced the public that they are the worst in the world.

Alex, London,

It is astonishing that under the guise of Republican-bashing so much male chauvinism is vented with such total impunity and lack of guilt. A woman CAN be a mother and have a successful career, even in politics.

Rebecca, Swindon, England

I am amazed that the negative press reporting of Palin has continued on this side of the Atlantic. Completely agree with the comments about pseudo "liberals", they make me want to vomit.
They are obviously scared of Palin's appeal, they are a disgrace to the very idea of liberalism.

nigel, swindon, uK

Bush/the Republicans advocates abstinence! What sort of message are they now sending to teenagers around the World other than that the Repugs are hypocrites and lack morals and decency, to openly parade the pregnant 17yr Palin and her lover on stage the Convention. When did we sink so low!

lydia, Brisbane, Australia

Are we living in Salem, Massachussetts 1692? Palin's prehistoric in her views. I think she'd be more suited to running the Inquisition than the USA. And to Richard: I teach both ID/evolution in my classes--and I'm liberal. It's the most intolerant thing in the world to use blanket categorizations.

Brett, Williamsburg, VA, USA

Richard Bramall: Yes much less tolerant than banning gays from the armed forces, adoption, civil unions, church, boy scout leadership. Also, what's up with in-the-closet conservatives outing themselves in such public ways. Oh, that's right, their own party thinks they are the anti-christ.

Juan, San Diego, USA

How can she be a mother of 5 kids (one having Downs syndrome and another being pregnant) and still run (and possibly become) Vice President of the United States? How can she juggle all this? Someone will suffer. Either her own children or the people.

Davy, Boston,

It's cynical politics at its best. McCain chose Sarah Palin not for her experience, but for two reasons. To appeal to all the female voters who wanted Hilliary Clinton in the White House and all the evangelical christians and their media cheerleaders, like Rush Limbaugh. It's gonna be interesting.

George Smith, Kobe, Japan

Sadly revealed through this evolution / ID debate is how intolerant the tolerant liberals are of those who hold different views from their own

Richard Bramall, Selsey, England

Even in England we are given the impression that Obama is the Messiah and McCain - even though he isn't that bad of a chap - due to association with the current president is the Anti-Christ. It has gotten pretty tiresome - they are both politicians and therefore out for themselves

Dan , Winchester, England