This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: August 29, 2008 - I'm nothing short of thrilled at Sen. John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential choice. By choosing her, McCain has reinforced his maverick credentials and given a huge nod to women, youth and beyond-the-Beltway politics.
Palin's astronomical approval record in Alaska and record of reform (even calling out members of her own party and promising to clean up good ol' boy networks) go even further to show the brilliance of this choice. Detractors from the Obama camp may argue that Palin's choice ruins McCain's argument against his opponent's inexperience, but I think not. After all, Palin isn't running for the No. 1 spot, and she's got more executive experience than Obama and Biden combined.
Will she appeal to crossover Hillary-lovers? I think there is a huge chance she can reduce the gender gap and get more women to vote Republican. Those who have loved John McCain for his independence will be even further encouraged by this choice, especially considering Obama's failure to choose Clinton and his conventional old-Washington choice in Sen. Biden.
Palin's strength also comes in her extreme appeal to the base -- her staunchly pro-life views and life experience to prove it, her record of being a spending hawk, and her experience in taking on big oil ... all of these further demonstrate what a great choice she is for McCain.
I think the surprise choice and the timing warrant a grand introduction of Gov. Palin to the American people, and to the Republican party. This week's convention will be the opportunity she'll have to define herself, go on the defense and shore up the base. The media will undoubtedly be paying more attention to the GOP convention now, too. I believe once America gets to know Sarah Palin, they're going to love her!
In all, a thrilling and historic day for American women, Republicans and just another example of the new politics John McCain will bring to the White House.