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John McCain Introduces Sarah Palin as VP Pick

2008_08_palin3.jpg
Photograph of McCain and Palin by Kiichiro Sato/AP

Republican presidential John McCain surprised most everyone by selecting Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, as his running mate. He said to the 44-year-old mother of five who joined him at an event in Dayton, Ohio, "I’m very happy today to spend my birthday with you, and to make a historic announcement in Dayton.” Palin is the first female vice presidential candidate in the Republican party.

McCain explained, "I’ve looked for the best to help me shake up Washington...She is exactly who this country needs to help us fight the same old Washington politics of me first and country second." Palin is seen as a reformer--she even dismissed talk of being a VP choice earlier by saying, "As for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day? I’m used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration."

Not is it hoped that Palin will appeal to female swing voters, her selection gives something for social conservatives to get behind. Former head of the Christian Coalition Ralph Reed told the Times,"This is a home run. She is a reformer governor who is solidly pro-life and a person of deep Christian faith. And she is really one of the bright shining new stars in the Republican firmament.” She appeared with her husband and four of her children (her eldest son signed up for the Army on September 11 last year and is being deploying to Iraq next month) and said,"I know that it will demand the best I have to give, and I promise nothing less." She also said, "It was rightly noted ... that Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest hardest class ceiling in America. But it turns out that the women of America aren't finished yet!" Video after the jump.

McCain's announcement was designed to take some of the punch out of Barack Obama's acceptance speech last night. The Obama campaign issued this statement: “Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. Governor Palin shares John McCain’s commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush’s failed economic policies — that’s not the change we need, it’s just more of the same.”

One interesting detail about Palin is that she was the runner-up in the 1984 Miss Alaska pageant. In this video interview with Newsweek, Palin explained she did the pageant circuit for scholarship money, which did pay for college. The Newsweek video also has Palin's thoughts on Hillary Clinton's claims of sexism on the campaign trail (Palin says as a female politician, "you have to plow through it").

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Comments [rss]

  • cushington

    Most cynical exchange re: Palin

    "She has a downs baby, too. Trig."

    "Trig?"

    "Yeah, the name of the baby."

    "As in trigonometry?"

    "I guess."

    "You really have to question her judgment. It's almost - but not as bad - as naming a retarded child Calculus."

    "Not as bad... But the more we know about her, the more revolting it becomes - "

    "Yeah the poster woman for abstinence has a knocked up high schooler... It's like on one side you've got the celebrity - Paris - Hilton type and on the other side you've got Jerry Springer contestants."

  • Leon Freilich

    SO SAYS JOHN



    McCain's been taken in hand



    By foreign policy Bushies



    Who've taught him the difference



    Between the Sunnis and Sushis.

  • John Knee

    When I see her name on the tube it is listed as so: Sarah Palin (R-AK)



    Is that misogynistic or sexist?



    Jen,



    If a woman was going to vote for Hillary solely because Hillary is a woman, then I don't see why Palin's conservatism would be an issue.

  • ungawaa

    McCan't Vp pick is laughable; reaches for "change" and comes up with lint!

  • unregistered_wiseguy

    And as governor of Alaska for only two years, she has more executive experience than Obama and Biden combined.

  • bxbrian

    This woman is the Microsoft Zune of the campaign.



    A little odd, you don't see many people proud of it, it still sorta works and it's sort of pretty in it's own way.



    But at the end of the day, it's still a knockoff that's too new and unreliable for anyone to really take seriously.

  • nik13

    LOL @ tweet post #17 they "really" needed you there.

    Polar bears are a common vermin in Alaska, while NYC Commies are a display quantity.

  • Rfive

    M.I.L.F.

  • TuraLura is correct. This VP pick is thoroughly cynical.



    It's also not a "maverick" pick from McCain. While Palin is a surprise choice, she passes the GOP purity test from both the social conservative and economic/fiscal conservative wings of the party.



    She also lacks the depth to challenge McCain on security issues, which means she's acceptable to the neocon/warmonger Republicans.



    Her position on Iraq is troubling. She said "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq." And she has a son going to Iraq. Astonishing.

  • glennQNYC

    McCain is totally checking out her ass in that picture.

  • glennQNYC

    This is the political free market responding to the demands of the voters.

    After looking at the Obama's success with a thin resume, and 'glass breaking,' historic feel; the McCain campaign responded accordingly. Quite effectively I'd add... Is anyone taking about that concert at Mile High last night?

  • NannyState

    Quite big tits.

  • TuraLura

    Please. It was totally obvious that McCain would pick an anti-choice woman. Only the fact that the woman he picked is Palin is at all surprising.



    This is no different than the Republicans running Alan Keyes in the Senate race against Obama in 2004. And the result will be exactly the same.



    My God, can you imagine what Republicans would say about a female Democrat who chose to run for high office with a 4-month-old with Down's Syndrome at home? They pilloried Hillary in '92 for not baking cookies! This pick shows the craven hypocrisy and utter cynicism of the GOP- not to mention panicked desperation. They thought they had a permanent majority locked up; now they're watching it all slip away. And not a moment too soon- in fact it's been much too long.



    This is bunk, pure and simple. They have no shame.

  • JacqueMehoff

    I'd rather hear change change change than

    I'm just a hockey mom from alaska.

    and the changes were outlined last night.

  • values_hehe

    Not that I'm voting for McCain necessarily, but how could anyway possibly object to Palin simply because she's a gimmick per se? Doesn't arguing that your greatest strength is that you're a newcomer who can effect change and then selecting someone who has been in DC for almost 40 years expose you as pretty gimmicky? I might vote for Obama anyway, but not because I believe the mononotous, empty, political mantra of "Change" "Change" "Change" blasted in my face over and over again.



    And I realize that abortion is a touchy issue for everyone, but doesn't raising five children while having an incredibly successful career in a male-dominated field while still feeling comfortable running in something like a beauty pageant qualify you as a role model for at least *some* women???

  • chiefeditor

    Come on, you guys, give Nia Vardalos a chance! I kid. MP3 highlights from the announcement are up.

  • dooWOP

    I don't think Cindy approves now, does she?

  • JMH

    I would vote for Michael Palin.

  • urzzz
  • blablanyc

    Michael Palin '08

  • La Leone

    Fuck this shit!



    Let's get drilling in Alaska!

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-kelly/governor-palin-has-what-i_b_103702.html



    Most unqualified VP in history! Worse than Quayle:

    http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/29/104611/395/220/578471



    Already embroiled in scandal and doesn't know what the job of a VP is..tee hee hee:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pak-rH0dCeA (skip to 2:50)



    She's also a creationist!

    http://scienceblogs.com/afarensis/2006/10/27/intelligent_design_and_the_ala/



    And finally a member of this fake feminist radical pro-life group, as most people know:

    http://www.feministsforlife.org



    Don't believe any of this Republiscam campaign bullshit. I seriously don't think McCain cares if he wins or not. It's all starting to unravel.

  • takethecanoli

    "I guess I'm the only one around here enjoying the irony: the misogynistic hateful conservatives are overjoyed with Palin and the tolerant, open-minded, feminist liberals hate her already."



    As a hateful, misogynistic, liberal, I take umbrage sir!

  • Sir Jimbob

    Vote issues or vote vagina? What's it going to be PUMA.

  • DarkGemini
  • JacqueMehoff

    shouldn't she be with her new baby with down's syndrome? isn't that family values?

    sorry, just doing some cooking.

  • urzzz

    now mccain will have 2 trophy wives.

  • natis

    Epic fail.



    "Oh, hey, Hillary was a woman, let's get a woman to run as VEEP and hope no one notices that she has the opposite stances of Hillary."



    There is so much here to laugh at and be pissed about at the same time.

  • unregistered_wiseguy

    I guess I'm the only one around here enjoying the irony: the misogynistic hateful conservatives are overjoyed with Palin and the tolerant, open-minded, feminist liberals hate her already.

  • JacqueMehoff

    Her husband works for BP????

  • spiritross

    Nice try Republicans



    But true patriots who care about the reality of America can see right through this pr ploy



    Can't wait for the debates



    It'll be like Nixon vs Kennedy



    The old man doesn't stand a chance

  • JacqueMehoff

    what is up with her crazy hairdo?

    crazeee. it's like she's afraid of letting it down.

    bad move mcOldie.

  • whatstheproblem

    Now it is decided. I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN. Seriously! God bless America.

  • takethecanoli
  • eyekantspel

    Seems like a huge gimmick to me. Id be worried if mccain had a stroke or something cuz she seems like she has zero experience.



    The experience sword can't cut both ways here. She doesn't have much experience, true, some years in local government and 2 years as governor of a state. Obama was in Chicago politics for a couple of years, and 2 years in the Senate, if you include the last one on the campaign trail.

  • DarkGemini

    @34 Kait



    Glad I'm not the only one that noticed that. Photoshop to follow...

  • Såkandulæredet

    Seems like a huge gimmick to me. Id be worried if mccain had a stroke or something cuz she seems like she has zero experience.

  • france66

    This is a gimmick, the GOP chose her because they think she'll take bitter Hillary supporters votes...funny though because Hillary's policies ARE COMPLETELY different from what's her name...oh yeah Palin - a Governor who supports drilling into her own beautiful state of Alaska for oil! Shame on her, you'll save an embryo, but not our ever-disappearing natural wildlife and resources. Shame on you.



    Obama 08'!

  • Kait

    btw how creepy is McCain lurking in the background of that photo.

  • abcohen

    is this really news?

  • lazlo

    it's like getting a hot girl to play tambourine in the band

  • SleepyM

    I completely agree plk779 and in fact came here to post something similar.



    There is no such thing as pro life, it's choice or anti choice. I fear for the future of women's rights in this country.

  • cucarachita

    While I have to commend her for her accomplishments, she is certainly not the kind of woman I want in the White House.



    Furthermore, the fact that McCain chose her seems to send the message to feminists everywhere that, well, HE CHOSE HER. She did not choose him, get it? Women have to wait to be chosen, and then they can only play second fiddle, their rightful place after having children (of which she has had 5). That is the message this choice is sending.



    Any Hillary supporter who thinks she's the answer to their dreams has to only have wanted a uterus in the White House and to hell with women's rights.



    What's up with the hair? Well, I"ll tell you what is up with that hair: it's "little woman" hair.

  • Kait

    lanciano your first post is right on. And I hope he is getting senile already, because pulling a stunt like this to get female votes is completely insulting the intellegence of every woman in America.



    I was happily taking in both sides till now. Obama-Biden '08!!!

  • santijose

    great to know he found his long lost daughter @ last.

  • plk779

    No one who thinks a woman isn't capable of deciding what to do with her own body has anything to do with feminism.

  • fakenewyorker

    republican affirmative action in action.

  • Pull My Finger

    I love watching all the leftist bitching about this. Hahahahahahahahah hohohohohohohoho heheheeheeh

  • JenChungsBaby

    So where are the photos of her in 1984 as a beauty pageant contestant? I want swimsuit shots now!



    Let's see.........Joe Biden, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee or her? Hmmm.....

  • ma bell

    i enjoy the fact that feminists would support hillary, who rode the coattails of her husband and stood by while her husband consistently cheated on her and made a fool of her. she didn't get to where she is by anything but the fact that she is married to bill. stand by your man feminists...no matter what he does to you and your marriage. that's your message?

    yet here is a powerful woman who has worked her way up by herself, and has shown women everywhere that with hard work you can be whatever you want. that should be a feminine roll model.

  • books

    Visually and experience wise both Candidates now have very opposite Vice presidents.



    its a smart choice and it shows McCain understands why Obama is so popular. Change..making history.



    In the end I Hope beyond hope that it wont make a difference but I'll give it to McCain, its a good choice...

  • takethecanoli

    Don't call me Norman, call me Chubsy Ubsy!

  • JacqueMehoff

    that's the type of hairdo for Specs Appeal.

    like matty mentioned, she'll remove her glasses, pull out a few hairpins and MY GOD! Miss McGillicutty (or Miss Crabtree) you're Gorgeous!

  • takethecanoli

    I think I'll need more popcorn.

  • lanciano

    and WHAT is up with that hairdo!?!

  • JacqueMehoff

    beauty queen, ardent pro-lifer, Alaskan.

    yeah, a lot of hillary supporters would relate to that.

    nothing wrong with alaska, I spent 2 weeks there two summers ago. the people I stayed with wanted me to move there, saying we need more diversity in AK.

  • Leon Freilich

    JOHN McBUSH'S FEVER



    Dig here! Dig now!



    God's my copilot today!



    Victory in Iraq--pow! pow!



    Gather ye Hillaryites while ye may!

  • plk779

    I should hope most women are smarter than that, Roger, but check some of the comments here: http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/08/29/mccains-vp-pick-rearranges-the-dynamics-of-the-race/

  • lanciano

    The fact that Old Crusty McCain would trust the country with someone so inexperienced with the presidency if he died in office is puzzling. I understand what his camp is trying to do (appeal to moms, hoodwink the "disenfranchised" hillary voters, assuage conservatives etc) but this is a very odd choice when you look at the big picture. I think he's getting senile already.



    The good thing about this choice is that he can't knock Obama for not having enough experience because in terms of politics, this woman was practically born yesterday.

  • Roger McDowell

    I think women are smarter then that plk779.

  • plk779

    I'm a woman and it sucks. I'm a feminist, but I'm not stupid - I want people who are qualified to do the job in office; I'm not going to vote out of SPITE, which is what a lot of Hillary supporters seem to think is the best way to fix this country.

  • The Man Bat

    The baby boy is apparently her 16 yr. old daughters.

  • matty

    What do women think about this? On the one hand she's running for the second highest office in america, on the other she is militantly pro-life.



    I'd like to call it a "feminist mindfuck" if you will.

  • Jen Chung

    My question is will Hillary-supporting women who aren't happy with Obama be able to support an extremely conservative woman?

  • Bubba

    I loved her when she played Elaine on Seinfeld.

  • plk779

    OH MY GOD This makes me indescribably angry. And after I was feeling so good after Obama's speech. The nerve of them trying to trick America into thinking they're all progressive.. and the fact that idiot housewives all over the country are fucking falling for it! She's going to undo any positive things Hillary did for feminists everywhere. What a slap in the fucking face.

  • Reflect

    B O R I N G

  • babyhitler

    #2- it's worse cause she's a woman, duh! Gothamist, you should have posted the pics of Palin and McCain in a warm embrace. You know that McCain would have had a boner if he could still get it up.

  • matty

    I love that she has a BA in Communications.



    I bet she could put kissinger to shame with those credentials.

  • Peter

    Trivia: John McCain is 23 years older than the state of Alaska.

  • cmoney

    Not that I'm for McCain in anyway, but wait a sec...a VP with no experience is somehow worse than a President with no experience?

  • matty

    First



    and



    She puts the "vice" in vice president"



    yeah!

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