I could not have said this better. Your comments cut to the core debate for both men and women. We have no choice now. Obama and Biden are the clear choices for the future of all Oregonians and all americans, Democrat or Republican.

Thanks for saying it so well.

Don't tell us, tell the wingnuts who run hillaryis44.com and some comparable websites. They're wetting themselves with excitement about Palin and seething with contempt for Obama.

The folks at Hillaryis44.com are in the land of the wingnuts. There is no need to try and change their minds. What needs to be done is to limit their influence and expose them as the actresses they are. They're imposters.

Sorry, but this has nothing to do with Hillary, except to the extent that the chattering class needed to make the connection.

Sarah Palin is on the ticket to energize the religious right and to mobilize the army of god in service to the Republican agenda. The fact that she's a woman is an added bonus, but no more.

Why not choose Mike Huckabee? Couldn't he have energized the religious Right? Yes, he's very "religious", but he has also spoken numerous times about curbing the power of Wall Street. Sarah Palin has all the religious bona fides of Huckabee, plus she's firmly in the business wing of the Republican party. Her being a woman helps sell the product.

Not everything is about Hillary Clinton, no matter how fervently some people want to believe otherwise...

I agree with most of Mary Botkin's comments (except that I never supported Hillary Clinton for the nomination) - with one glaring exception:

I am insulted and appalled by the selection of Ms. Palin as a Vice Presidential candidate for Mr. McCain.

What's this nonsense that any female candidate that doesn't toe the progressive line on issues is "insulting and appalling?" I find this comment by Ms. Botkin insulting and appalling.

McCain would have never picked Palin if he thought he could win without her. I still think that he can't win with her. He''s just pandering and insulting intelligent women all over America. I can't think of women in their right mind voting for McCain-Palin ticket just because she's a woman. She doesn't know anything about being VP, and I think she'll try to get McCain to do alot of things for Alaska rather than the 50 states in America. Palin is NO Hillary and she believes in everything McCain believes in especially when it comes to womens rights. Who would cross party lines to give a vote to someone who believes in everything you don't believe in. That's STUPID! If anyone supports that they were in it for Hillary and not their own personal interests. I don't think women are that stupid as McCain-Palin thinks!

"I have known Mrs. Clinton for many years and trust me, Ms. Palin is NO Hillary Clinton!"

 Isn't that the point?

I read that Sarah Palin attended 5 colleges in 6 years, but she had to: She was following the migrating caribou around. Ba-dum.

I'm insulted and appalled as a citizen that McCain (age 72, with recurring skin cancer) picked an obviously unqualified person as vice president.

Nothing to do with her gender, or that she is not a liberal (to put it mildly). Women conservative don't insult or appall me more than men conservatives do -- and I'm not insulted/appalled at most conservatives, just disagree.

Sweet jesus, not even close. it cannot be overstated what a terrible selection Obama is. And he's not in line as a VP, if elected he'll be president. The empty blue confidence that Obama is somehow miraculoulsy ready while Palin if not even close is a lesson in extreme partisen euphoria.

McCain would have never picked Palin if he thought he couldn't win with her.

But how and why is your blue interpretation of why McCain picked Palin worth anything but the typical campaign of of the enemy?

Despite your opinions, there's plenty (Millions) of intelligent women all over America who find great admiration and appreciation for Palin's selection by McCain.
Your inference that they are stupid is another lesson.

Do liberal women find Palin offensive? Of course they do. What? Was McCain supposed to choose someone who wouldn't offend liberal women? LOL He would have had to select a liberal woman.

Of course you're all mad and in tizzy over Palin and McCain. In what context or world would you be admiring whoever the Rs were running?

As a conservative and troll I see your tantrums as ic of strong evidence we have the perfect ticket. I'll be enjoying greatly your reaction should our folks win. Especailly when you fire off the already locked and loaded charge that another election was stolen.

Here's something to enable people to actually "see" how much mayoral experience Palin had a mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.

The population of Wasilla, AK, when Palin was mayor, 4,600.

Capacity of the Rose Garden, 20,630, or greater then 4x the size of Wasilla, when Palin was mayor.

Capacity of Reser's stadium, 45,674, or just less then 10x the size of Wasilla, when Palin was governor.

Capacity of Autzen stadium, 54,000, or greater then 11x the size of Wasilla when Palin was mayor.

Source: Wikipedia

I'm insulted and appalled as a citizen that the Democratic Party picked an obviously unqualified person as their Presidential nomineee.

So I'll call your "citizen, insulted and appalled" and raise you a voter, outraged and disgusted.

Governor Palin of Alaska

Ben wrote, "The empty blue confidence that Obama is somehow miraculoulsy ready while Palin if not even close is a lesson in extreme partisen euphoria."

Gregor writes, The empty RED confidence that PALIN is somehow miraculously ready while OBAMA is not even close is a lesson in extreme partisan euphoria.

Funny thing how the Reich mocks the ardor of people for Obama in biblical terms like miracle, and mystical, and turning back the waters. It's as though they think people of faith in these sorts of things are idiots.

The Reich publically professes their unwavering faith-based stances on things like literal biblical interpretations such as creationism, government decisions regarding suitable reading material for the public, and how even in the case of rape and incest, the government can demand a woman endure the pregnancy. And then they wonder why we think they are odiots. Can they even hear themselves?

Sara Palin’s a kick! I’d love to shop, talk policy or dish with her (btw - great outfit Thursday night!). But I'm a pro-choice environmentalist who likes government by the people, not the big corporations. I wouldn't vote for her in a million years! But she'd be tons of fun on Sex and the City - or make that Sex and the City Council!

Apropos "experience", a friend tells me that "Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor..."

Palin no Hillary?

Given Hillary's popularity ratings, that's probably not a bad thing for Palin. Also, Palin is easy on the eyes. No one wants to see baggy eye'd Hillary in pants suits every night. Ick!

I love the way the Republicans criticize Obama after giving us 8 years of George W. Bush. Why not try someone with some brains this time? Oh, I forgot. George W. is our Winston Churchill.

  Riiiiiiight!

I'm a lot more insulted by the failure of Obama to slect Hillary as the VP candidate than the PUBs selection of Palin. It really points out lack of judgement. I'm also insulted that the DNC annointed Obama over Hillary. But, if there is any way to lose an election the Dems will find it. It's refreshing to see a women in the VP slot. What is not refreshing is two more guys in the White House, same as it ever was.

Hillary talks a good talk, Palin actually gets work accomplished. When has Hillary ever done something like this?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122057381593001741.html?mod=todays_columnists

McCain's speech draws more viewer than Obama's speech?

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/09/mccain_tv_ratings_beat_obama_i.php

I am sure that those extolling Obama's historic viewership will now say that viewership numbers don't matter.

Why won't Oprah have Palin on her show?

Seems like racism or perhaps she's afraid Palin will make good with her viewers. Or maybe she's still digging for dirt and needs more ammo against Palin? With Pelicano unavailable these days it's got to be difficult.

"Why won't Oprah have Palin on her show?"

Maybe because Palin is just as, or even more, pushy as Oprah is and Oprah does not want to make her show turn into a WWE style match.

I like McCains pick of Palin as VP. Once the hype about her dies down and the truth about her comes forward, she will be a plus for the Dems.

She was for the "bridge" before she was against it, but kept all the federal money anyway - in one earmark and out the other.

Her anti-abortion views will energize the pro-choice forces to get out the vote.

Her railing against the federal bureacracy while supporting subsidies for Alaskans is hypocritical.

Hillary has much more motivtion to work for Obama, because a McCain/Palin victory would make it harder for her to run in 2012.

While she does appease more of the anti-McCain freepers and neocons, she probably turns off as many or more indies and moderates.

I would have been more worried about the election if Romney had been the pick. That would have put Michigan in play for the GOP. It would have also strengthened the GOP in Colorado and Nevada.

The election is still Obama's to lose, rather than McCain's to win.

After Leiberman teaches her where the countries are who is gonna teach her the lower 48 states? Oh don't worry about New England and the West Coast we mean the real states like Texas and Mississipp1.

Donna Smith: "Why won't Oprah have Palin on her show?"

More disinformation- Oprah denied this Drudge Report rumor.

I'm sure McSame would never let on Oprah as they won't let her talk to the press at all...

Hey John S-tooth,

My suggestions would be for Barack HUSSEIN Obama to teach her about the "57 states" he so famously referenced earlier this year.

Carla, my response to your 5:

1. Palin is better than Obama because she can lie straight into the camera without blinking.

Obama has his reverend do that for him - then denies it.

1. There are "millions" of women who like Palin and support her as VP--but the millions of women (and men) who don't are just too stupid and vacuous to come to their senses--and its just a tempter tantrum anyway.

?? Carla, put down the whine...

3.Palin is a good choice because she offends "liberal women". Its just not right to make a choice that might unite people--its more productive for the Republican nominee to piss a bunch of people off.

Carla, We all know ugly women despise pretty women; lighten up girl, there's hope for you.

4.Oprah is a racist who won't have Palin on her show... therefore that makes her the best choice for VP.

Step up Oprah, get Palin on your show! Oprah is no fool, the economics of this will motivate her to make the right choice.

1. More people tuned in to see McCain's train wreck of a speech- -therefore he should be President.

You people are just bitter and unhappy aren't you? Take a vacation....

According to a waitress in Wasilla named Lucille, when it was reported that Obama had won the primary, Ms. Palin's response was "So Sambo beat the bitch." Says it all, doesn't it. http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/09/05/alaskans-speak-in-a-frightened-whisper-palin-is-%E2%80%9Cracist-sexist-vindictive-and-mean%E2%80%9D/

And John McCain, the "woman's advocate," who tells the sick Lesbian joke about Chelsea Clinton's parentage and looks, also say it all, about who these people are, and what their values are.

No, because Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin have XX chromosomes doesn't mean they share the same values. Sarah Palin hates homosexuals and believes they shouldn't have any rights as citizens. She doesn't believe American citizens should have a right to health care access. She believes that humans who don't accept Jesus are damned for eternity. She doesn't believe in real science and thinks that Genesis should be taught in science classes. She doesn't believe the government should protect the environment but only corporate power. She believes in banning books she doesn't like and having them destroyed. She believes in using government to carry out personal vendettas, even if it means breaking the law and ruining an honorable man's career.

No, we know Hillary Clinton, and you're no Hillary Clinton, Sarah. You're an extremist hater with an agenda for power.

"According to a waitress in Wasilla named Lucille..."

This sounds like DailyKos, NYT, and US magazine journalism. Is this the same waitress who says Trig is really Sarah's grandson and that those to guy really did kill Bigfoot?

Do progressives really think men who abuse thier wives and taser their 10 year old steps sons are "honorable'?

Don't be a hater..

Mary is so spot on!

Women supported Hillary not because she was a woman, but because she championed their issues! Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin couldn’t be any more different!

Okay, my comments don't really count because I'm a man and I'm a conservative "troll". But here it goes, anyway. "Women support Hillary not because she was a woman, but because she championed their issues!" Let's see here. First, she "was" a woman? What is she now? Second, "...[b]ecause she championed their issues." Are you really suggesting that in order for an individual to be a "woman" (what "their" refers to), she must hold the correct view on a certain set of issues? Then what do you call my wife (smarter and better educated than I), my mother and the millions of other females who have nothing but chromosones in common with Hillary? Let's be honest for just a moment: There aren't any "their" issues. Women -- if you wish to be viewed equal to men --must possess the same broad spectrum of views as men. Without that capacity of free will, aren't they something less than the opposite gender? Suggestions, like those in the previous post, insult not just millions of women who aren't liberal or progressive, but also all the women who are liberal and progressive. Finally, there is one glaring difference between Palin and Hillary, however. No one can point to Palin's husband and say "he is responsible for paving the way for her political success." On the other hand, it can't be intelligently suggested that Hillary's success is not closely connected to her husband's.

Anon-man and admitted troll:

First let me thank you for additionally validating my post with your wholly sexist comments. That must be a very special bubble you live in – particularly since you seem unable to comprehend the simplicity of issues specific only to Women.

It’s good that you do understand that Hillary Clinton is in a league that Sarah Palin will never know. Awareness is the first step to recovery. Godspeed!

It’s good that you do understand that Hillary Clinton is in a league that Sarah Palin will never know.

True: Hillary is the wife of a governor hwo attained national prominence.

Hillary is a United States Senator from New York!

It is ludicrous to even think that McCain and the republicans sought our Palin as an alternative to the Clinton fans. They are two very different and wholly opposite political entities. No real Clinton supporter would cross over to McCain in a pique; regardless the running mate.

Palin can be every bit a woman and still have very opposite political views from Clinton. It would appear that she does.

The exciting thing here is that for the first time in a long time both parties have chosen a VP running mate who in no way has logival aspirations to the Presidency.

uh oh. by choosing the "dark hearse" Parah Stalin, McCain has spurned all repug supporters of Phillies, Powell, Rancedo, Rice, Brownback, Hickabee, Hunter, Romney, Paul, Giuliani, Thompson, Thompson, Gingrich, Gilmore, Alexander, Frisk, Hagel, Keyes, Pataki, Armey, Allen, Petraeus, Barbour, Coburn, Bush, Cort, Miller, Curry, Gilbert, Haines, Ducey, Ehrlich, Fendig, Forbes, Lockhart, McKinney, Pence, Sprankle, Smith, Sanford, Cox & ol' 666's corpse.

"What needs to be done is to limit their influence and expose them as the actresses they are. They're imposters." ... looks like "they" are not even trying to be impostors: http://www.hillaryis44.org/?p=723 "The Republican Party is now 100% unified and not in a fake way.[sieg heil!]"

<h2>Texas looks like a mean bull ride ! We heard send ice and bottled water ! Galveston,Texas ! Clapp three times for Texas !Those fire ants may be gone but the water in some areas are still of serious concern !Reports of nerodia sipedon and rodent activity floating into homes and the good Americans of Texas need bottled water ! That's a start and hope you'll contact your cities Salvation Army for support !Not the safety engineer but but did throw my hat in for water girl! Check your teams web sight for support but grab your American hat on this one !Bottled water ! Who's on the bottled water to Texas team ? Stay in the saddle and lean with the trees!</h2>