McCain’s choice of Palin for the VP is both interesting and sad. 

What is interesting is McCain, who likes to surprise people, chose a female running mate. McCain has a long history of surrounding himself with long-time advisors, people with experience, and people he has know for some time. 

He met Palin, for the first time, six months ago – not to mention he has only spoken with her once since then – to offer he the big VP spot. 

The other odd part of all this is the McCain has been touting his campaigns edge was clearly experience and how everyone on his team would share that level of experience. I guess that went out the window during a focus group when they said they needed someone to try and steal some Hillary votes. 

Don’t get me wrong Palin may be a great pick, but with only a couple years under her belt it is too early to tell. Given all the choices McCain had some people were certainly surprised (When you are 72 years old and have battled cancer four times, you better be right.) 

This “Hail Mary” by McCain will be interesting to see if it helps or hurts him in the election. The initial reaction among voters who wanted a woman in the White House is that they are not pleased. They felt Hillary was a sold candidate and that a “token” women is insulting. I think it is too early to say Palin is a “token” politician (she actually needs to wear out a pair of choose first in a political office). Palin may rise to be a great leader. 

Not matter what happens, we have clearly crossed the line of picking the most qualified people in the room to who will look good standing next to me.