Judging from the ill educated comments by Yanks on Palin and Obama, its about time that votes were graded according to educational achievement. Say 5 points for a professional and 1 point for someone with no qualifications. That way, idiots wont such an equal say on who becomes the President.

John McKay, Aberdeen, Scotland

Palin wouldn’t be my choice for VP, and Obama wouldn't be my choice for President. The problem is that both are the candidates we have. Then, between Obama's disproportionate ambition and Palin's conservative views, I prefer Palin.

Anne, LA, USA

Empress Maria Theresa of Austria (born in1717) had 16 (sixteen!) children and was considered one of Austria's most capable rulers What's more: she had not been given given any training in government. What is impossible for an ordinary man may be possible for a genius.Palin has to be a genius to cope

Eszter, Budapest, Hungary

The selection of Palin is not only cynical but insulting. It is a bad day not for America, but for the Republicans. I myself am very excited at the prospect of voting for Barack Obama and for my generation to move the USA forward.

Therese, Los Altos,CA, USA

Ms Martin has clearly missed the big picture. McCain did not just meet Governor Pailin as she spins. Executive qualification, military qualification in charge of military units in the direct line of defense with Russin 50 miles away. As mayor & governor Pailin has actually done things. VP YES!

Chuck, Springfield, usa

Brigitte: You're mistaken.

The majority that are flocking to McCain/Palin, are middle american working class that connect with Palin's plain spoken manner. They see Obama as an elitist who is all speech and no substance. The same GOP & independent voters wanted Colin Powell for POTUS 10+ yrs ago

John, Boston, United States

We may discover that given the choice between a Pit Bull and an African American, the USA will chose a Pit Bull

Rob Scott, Liverpool, UK

The blessings, indeed the genius, of this great country is that we routinely experience extrordinary service from ordinary citizens.
Sarah Palin, like Abe Lincoln, brings no elaborate pedigree to the office. She brings only an innate sense of what is right, and the tenacity to make it happen.

John Burbules, Sellersburg, Indiana, USA

Thanks to the average American voter, the international political community has gone from eyebrow raising and being amused about McCains choice, to outright worrying about a possible win. It seems, the USA is still not ready for a black President, although Obama is certainly more qualified

Brigitte, Nuernberg, Germany

Thank you for an insightful column. As a US citizen who has lived outside of the US, I urge Ms Martin and all other US expatriates to give the US the gift of their international perspective by using their right to vote in this election. This election will effect the world. We need you.

Peggy Bissell, Bow, Washington (state), USA

Palin paints a picture of the world the way too many Americans wish it still was. On these grounds, she will probably become President. Terrifying - she will have the nuclear codes at her fingertips.

Leandra, Wallingford, UK

I get what you say about McCain's want of honour and self respect - but the lack of experience may be a plus, and not just from a demographic point of view.

America (and Britain come to that) has suffered an excess of political insiders. For all her sudden selection, Palin is not one of those.

stuart-munro, Seoul, Korea

Thanks Marrin, for sharing your disillusionment with the republican VP Sarah Palin. Tough luck, you do not get to select the republican VP since your are not a republican nor a conservative. Too bad that you could not influence Obma's VP pick. The dem's messed up, get mad at them not Sarah Palin.

jorge, chicago, usa

To Steve A, Marion, North Carolina, USA:

I stand corrected. Thank you!

John, Boston, United States

The Democrats are just trying to scare the people because of her kids' "funny sounding names" and because "she doesn't look like all thos other presidents on th dollar bills".

Rich, Harrisburg,

Palin's a good gal, with her faults and difficulties like all of us. But her basic values are very good (Christian, ProLife, etc,) and are just what we're desperate for. Tom from Glasgow is right, "What really angers feminists (and Marrin) and the left is her anti-abortion stance. Let's be honest."

Andrew Eppink, Lake Los Angeles, USA

If women change their vote just because there's a woman on the ticket, then I am deeply ashamed of my gender.

Cameo, Berkhamsted, uk

To John, Boston:

Bill Clinton was governor of Arkansas from 1978-1980, and again from 1982-1992. I believe 2 years + 10 years equals
12 years!

Also, The Times is the best newspaer in the world!!

Steve A, Marion, North Carolina, USA

David from Sunnyvale........Brilliant? You MUST be joking. This is a major insult to all intelligent American women. I am a woman and support deserving women........Palin is most certainly not one of them.

NW, Vienna, VA, USA

Was there a point to this rant? The choice of Palin for VP was not a cynnical one. It was brilliant and necessary. Someone who could solidify the conservative base - yet not part of the estavlishment. With added charisma and wit of Ronald Reagan - she'll have a great chance of the top office.

David, Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Does being rather right-wing make you feel comfortable in a world whose natural beauty and wonder are being destroyed by capitalism-industrialism??

Jeremy Stein, London, UK

Yet another piece of fiction writing from Ms Marrin.

Bryan Jackson, St Etienne de Gourgas, France

Careful! Sarah Palin is a strong advocate of the Alaska Independence Party which calls for the separation of Alaska from the United States. As Mayor of Wasilla, they even hosted the annual convention. How can she take the oath of office when she supports such a group? It's all on youtube.com

Richard, Gary, Indiana, USA

I supported Hilary Clinton, but this is too much. Would those posters talking about the "extremely angry left" give examples of hate directed toward Ms. Palin? Perhaps someone can make a chart.

Vivian, Vancouver, Canada

Those posters calling Obama a socialist: please look up that word? You look silly making such a statement just after the Bush government socialized the federal mortgage companies. I'm a single mother with 4 part-time jobs saying that, not a Harvard graduate.

Vivian, Vancouver , Canada

Re: Iraq War: "Our national leaders are sending them {the soldiers}out on a task that is from God". Re: Alaskan Pipeline: "she'd work to implement God's will from the governor's office". ANY CONCERN HERE??? Separation of church and state?? Should we consult our Founding Fathers?

Susie, los angeles, US

Your rush to judgment is ill-advised at best, irresponsible at worst.
Your rush to criticize does not reflect the opinions of her constituents. (Who seem to greatly approve of her ability to juggle being a mother and a governor.)

Alisa, Newmarket, England

Go ahead and try to cover the fact that if you say she isn't qualified to be a VP then Obama is no where near qualified to be the President.

Robert, Griffin, USA

I don't think you can equate a house-sitter to an elected governor. I was on the fence about McCain, but as an educated woman who is a stay-at-home mom by choice, I am fully energized by Palin. I find nothing wrong with her career choice while her husband stays at home with the kids.

Robean, Germantown, USA

Let's wait & see how well she handles the pressure of campaigning. She sits for her first interview with the media this week. No ground rules. If she handles herself well in an unscripted environment, then maybe she is qualified. I'll wait until after the VP debate Oct 2nd before I decide.

John, Boston, United States

To my English Cousinns

I am as disgusted as you seeem to be. I haven't said much. Living here in Simi valley, CA may get you more than disgraced.
So, Lets cut to the chase. It is a last gasp of the cultured elite, believing in devine rights almost as stiff as the Clintons who wait
in the wing

Gary M. Adkins, Simi Valley, CA 93063,

I live across the pond and am horrified by this selection. I only hope that over the next 8 weeks the truth gets exposed. This woman does not represent American women today.
Should this ticket suceed I may need to investigate moving to Canada. I can't take 4 more years of King George W. Bush.

Jackie, Buffalo, NY, USA

I do wish that people would check their facts. Sarah Pahlin is hardly against big government. She has accepted more earmarks than any other -- more federal money person in Alaska (with a population of just over 600,000.) Last year, the earmarks for pet projects in Alaska cost $295 in tax dollars.

Marlene, alexandria, VA , USA

McCain has made the best political move possible. In one fell stroke he has brought a woman onto the ticket taking away the Obama enchantment as being the first Black on a ticket and he has secured his Conservative base in that she is the real deal. It is on to the Whitehouse now ha, ha, ha!

Robert, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA

American Elections has nothing to do with rationality.
It's has more to do with Religion
Christian Fundamentalism.
Nothing to do with the economy, growth health or education.
Nothing to do with UN policies, that every one else has to abide by.
America is a ROUGE STATE.

Jackie Hamshire, London, UK

I have to admit, I'm very afraid for the outcome of this election. I love America, and all of our retarded cowboys. In a strange way, it's become endearing over the years. If McCain wins, it's going to be very devastating. Not soley for our image, but our economy, our morale, and our direction.

Jenna, Minneapolis, US of A

To Mike, Bristol, UK:

I never said visiting troops makes her qualified. I simply corrected a statement made by an earlier poster.

John, Boston, United States

1992, Bill Clinton running for president, 46, 6 yrs governor of a small state

Sarah Palin running for VP, 44, 2 yrs governor of a small state

How can someone vote for Clinton, and complain about Palin with regard to experience? Sounds like biased rather than logical thinking.

John, Boston, United States

Well I'm a life long registered Democrat and I think McCain's choice for V.P. is a breath of fresh air. She actually has some executive experience, you know, the kind where you have to actually take sole responsibility for your decisions. Ms. Marrin... maybe a nice lie down would do you good.

Rick, Conn., USA

I find your statements circular and it appears that your head is spinning like most liberals at this point. There are very few, if any, true conservatives that are not truly excited about the McCain-Palin ticket. The more you attack her with baseless, sexist comments the further up she goes.

Tom, Orlando, USA

How does visiting troops make you qualified?!

The US has two options, internationally speaking:

McCain/Palin to further destroy your reputation abroad.
Obama to mend bridges obliterated by Bush & co.

Bush's strategy hasn't worked - cooperation and dialogue are your only choices.

Mike, Bristol, UK,

The fact that I read your statement makes me feel dishonorable and dirty, cheap and used:(

John, Murfreesboro, USA

The pitbull is on a short leash. Can she debate, express independent opinions ,be interviewed and respond to a press grilling? The McCain team knows her limitations hence the short leash. Her candidacy will just implode when she starts talking. Fear not Obama is on the side of History.

Henry, limbe, Cameroon

Executive experience..My local grocer has 30 years of experience. Does that qualify him to run the Wal-Mart corporation?
Also, what's with the soccer-mom connection? Raising 5 kids is a plus for a presidential candidate? How about 10 kids? Twice as good?

Andrew, Athens, Greece

I couldn't agree with you more, Ms Marrin!

Alexis, Busan, South Korea

Experience is irrelevant. There is no defined experience to suit you as president. They keys are character, ability to learn, ability to inspire and the ability to create and listen to a great team. Obama shows this, McCain doesn't, Palin might, but her achievements deserve some respect.

Neil Murphy, cromer,

For at least forty years I have been trying to work out what constitutes a good president of the USA.

Brains do not seem to come into the equation. It's more of a theatrical experience - from the theatre of the Absurd to the theatre of War.

leila, manchester, uk

"McCain said Obama should visit Iraq, why not Palin."
Jackie Hamshire, London, UK

Palin did go to the Iraq Theatre of Operations. She visited troops in Kuwait. She also visited the wounded in Germany, something Obama thought would be "inappropriate."

John, Boston, United States

USA do not make the same mistake by electing Mcain as you have with Bush. To make WAR is not a solution. Mcain if elected may die as President,then it will be Palin who blows th world up as President.

sk, gloucester, GB

Well first i do not see what experience has to do here. I don't think G. W. Bush had any experience before. I even heard he put more than one companies he manged to bankrupcy yet americans voted for him. Lets say McCain has experience. his experience has made him be 90% of the time on Bush's side!

lio, montreal,

What clap trap! Politics is the same everywhere: the object is electoral victory and no "experienced" Republican that I know of could have retrieved the Party's November fortunes as Palin has done so far (I say "so far" and, believe me, am keeping my fingers crossed!).

Richard Hoover, FRONT ROYAL, VIRGINIA, U.S.

Re: Tom of Glasgow's: "What really angers feminists and the left is her anti-abortion stance. Let's be honest."

Not true -- I am a feminist but Palin's anti-abortion stand is not what "angers" me -- it's her cavalier attitude to truth.

Anne Hill, Santa Monica, CA , USA

You are joking, are you not? Palin is a great choice. She is one tough momma, and has stood up to big oil and big government. No, she hasn't had a lot of experience, but she will shake things up a bit in Washington. And lets face it, she's way more experienced than Obama. Go Sarah!!

Garry, Adelaide, Australia

No clue. the media and all the commentators are so out of touch with most Americans. No clue.

janet, Corpus Christi, USA

What type of person (with a fridge full of ground beef) would shoot a moose? What possible pleasure could it give to kill such an animal? What type of person would shoot any wild animal from a helicopter? Don't worry, the American people have eight weeks to get this right.

David Erlichman, Norristown, US

I might suggest that those who (currently) live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. The British political climate at present ought to be frustrating enough to inspire your wit without your having to look toward the other side of the pond for fodder.

Ashley, Springfield, Missouri, USA

Dan form The Hauge is correct, America's time is now numbered, thank goodness! They do have a great democracy which needs to be partially copied in the East, but their short sighted economics & trigger happy mentality needs burying. Time to look to building relations in the EU and the East!

Matt, Watford, UK

One of my ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence and I live here, so excuse me if I don't get to excited that you dislike Sen. McCain's choice for Vice President. We like optimism over here, we know that we can meet any challenge and thrive regardless of your opinion.

Cindy , St. Johns, FL, U.S.A.

Incredible. I just read every single post on this site. Several people have questioned Obama's experience, yet not one has come to his rescue to enlighten us as to his qualifications or experience. I cannot think of any either. Is there anyone out there that can give any details. What has he done?

Mark, Malabar, FL, USA

She is ill-educated because she went to a state university insead of an ivy league school? That is exactly why so many of us like her! Look at what ivy league educated Washington insiders have been doing to this country. Your insults on Palin show you (media) are out of touch with regular Americans

Jonathan, Spokane, United States of America

I would seem to me the author doth protest too much. Palin is many times more qualified than Obama who has never had any executive experience whatsoever. While the presidency is not an on the job learning post one might argue the vice presidency is on the job learning for president.

John Walker, San Antonio, United States

When the going gets tough, the tough focus on the problems at hand. The going is tough. Americans will vote based on the economy.... not hunting skills, speech club or club president. We ask: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME RECENTLY? The GOP and McCain have been KILLING us. That is why Obama will win

Thomas, Jackson, USA

Wow! I knew women were harder on other women than men...put Obama's service and Chicago politics under the same microscope --if you tell the truth--Palin is more qualified than Obama. As a Democrat, Hillary supporter and woman, I'm ashamed of our party. Another election lost--thanks "Radical Left".

Kristine, Seattle,

The democratic party in the US has evolved into a Liberal-socialistic party that believes Government is the answer to our problems. The Republicans favor free enterprise and individual responsibility. Understanding the constitutional limits on the three branches of goverment will determine my vote.

Joseph Nicolini, Florence, Colorado, USA

Well said I agree 100 percent. this woman came out of the blue and MCCain and his cronies wont let us find out who she really is. She was never vetted. She is not educated enough to be president of the U.S. She is too hometowny. Not sophisticated enough for me.

Obama, THE HARVARD GRAD.

carmen, westchester, USA

As an American non-partisan voter, I could not agree more with these views. If Mc Cain really wanted a woman on his ticket, there are at least 3 Republican female senators that he could have chosen from. Not to say that ones gender should be the determing factor in any seletion process. Sorry!

John E Gonzalez, Pacifica, California, USA

Bonnie: you sum up the immaturity of the rightwing American voter: you look for 'excitement', not actual policies. And you can't even see what's behind Ms Palin - 'unsullied'?? She hired lobbyists herself to go to Washington with her!! Doh! WAKE UP!!!

Russell, London, UK! UK! UK!

Glad to see comments from USA. It shows how good the Times is and excellent analysis Minette provides. Folks who oppose Obama seem to have problem with his color and understanding this McCain pulled out this VP choice. Elect who you want but please no more military adventures outside your country.

Jenny, LONDON,

The winner on the 4th Nov US election will be..The United States constitution. Whatever Palin is whatever Obama wants to be the US constitution with its backbone of "classical" Liberal democracy and the separation and limiting of powers wins every time, even in Europe this is not understood.

Sean Morris, Sheffield,

McCain wants to be a president at any cost, even for a single day at the White House. He was prepared to select any one, moose hunting, rattle snake hunting, rat catching red neck
if that boosted his chances. Given his age and his health history, Palin will be his legacy to the world. Pathetic.

Simon, Aberdeen,

The extreme angry left say the strangest things when they are in panic mode. I have now even heard a liberal questioning how Palin can do her job and take care of the kids. If a conservative had said that, they would be lynching him/her.
Funny libs; no substance just trash talk.

joe, dallas, USA

Regrettably the fact is that the bail-out will, after the euphoria fades, result in a weaker dollar, and an as yet undetermined increase in our already excessive national debt. The perpetrators have made their money and will not be held accountable.

Ms. Palin is a disappointing choice principally because it undermines Mr. McCain’s claim of “maverick” status.

Mark, Vienna, VA, US

I'm not in the slightest bothered about either ticket as yesterday's bailout of Franny & Freddie signalled the end of the dollar.

Europe should just focus on the East because this is where the future lies, not in the West.

The US simply cannot maintain this lifestyle; it is well and truly over...

Dan, The Hague, Netherlands

That McCain had only met Palin once before offering her the VP job says it all. Not a lot of thought went into that decision. Next I expect she will drop the gun, grab a guitar and sing to us, Bruni-style. Can we have serious America back soon please? Enough already of small town showbiz.

Colin, shrewsbury,

UK politics is a strangled now by a political/media caste ignoring the ordinary man in the street. UK democracy is in fact dying at the hands of a set of managers 'who know best' and keep the electorate out of things. Pit bull lipstick here might wake up this left of centre cultural cartel.

Fatima, Dalston, UK

Ms. Marrins harangue is underpinned by the leftist view that a single liberated woman would be chained down by so many children. The part they can't fathom, and that they fear is that the Palins work as a family. Husband and wife help each other. It hurts their argument that fathers aren't needed

Gino, Los Angeles, USA

Mrs. Palin is a redneck, gun-toting, bible-thumping religious fanatic who claims to be fulfilling the will of God, and who furthermore claims that the war in Iraq is a holy one. She is no different from any terrorist, for all terrorists use precisely the same rhetoric. God help America & the world.

Tatiana, Moscow, Russia

Sar ah! Palin complains that Obama is a rock star, but not experienced enough for the Presidency. He has the Democratic foreign policy expert in Biden, but McCain has simply another version of a rock star--uncomromising, unreliable, and unprepared to be VP or President. A bad judgement of McCain.

michael prosser, Shanghai, China

Ah, the sweet stench of fear. It's actually palpable. Gov. Palin has solidified the base, bringing the only real missing element to this process: excitement. She is fresh, new, unsullied by WA poltics. Obama has no real experience. 143 days in the senate, way too many 'present' votes, on & on & on!

Bonnie, New Orleans, USA! USA! USA!

Minnet Marrin's analysis of Palin and her example of other qualified VP choices, shows that Biden certainly has exceptional foreign policy experience. The isolationist Republican Convention, "country first," group ignores that the US is not an island separate to itself. US is firmly in the world.

michael Prosser, Shanghai, China

I am a Texan and we are kindred spirits to the Alaskans. She is like many of us here. Her Political values resonate with us.

You don't live here any more and really have gotten disconnected from the knowledge of politics here. Your opinions are that and that only. The reason she is a real winner,

Marc Boyd, Brookshire, USA

You poor baby, you just don’t get it. You come from California. That is not the west. That is the left coast. Those of us from the true west understand and appreciate Mrs. Palin, and we are thrilled with someone who is feisty, chock full of common sense, and the ability to chuck it to liberals.

Donna, Tulsa, USA

Sarah Palin is an intellectual lightweight. So far, she's proven one thing - she can deliver an incredibly snide speech. Let's hear her answer the touch questions (about the banking and housing crises, how she'll handle Iran, Iraq or North Korea situations, the plummeting dollar, China & Russia.

Jissoji, Dallas, USofA

We recall G W Bush had questionable International experience commensurate with his record as a commander in Chief

john, Denpasar, Indonesia

Palin went to 5 colleges for 6 yrs & has a journalism degree.
Obama went to Ivy league schools & has a law degree & was pres of Harvard Law. He chooses to be thoughtful & listen to both sides. Palin chooses to kill wildlife from the air. Vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com

Grace, Tulsa, USA

In the early thirties the corporations, conservatives and right wing in germany thought they could get political traction out of a gun totting, ill eduated, speech making newcomer. The consequences would differ today, but given the perilous prospects for peace caused by Bush, they could be worse

geoffrey, aydney, australia

Funny how we never hear anything about Obama's experience.
But , shhhh we can't say that. Why bother....the media, or Dem. party will never answer the question. Could it be because he has never accomplished anything.
He's going to make a change. That's all I hear.....but never how.

Tammy, Mesa, USA

As Wm. F. Buckley said, I'd rather trust the running of government to the first 300 names in the Cambridge MA phone book than the faculty of Harvard.

In the US we do not (or rather, should not) have a Mandarin class of professional leaders.

Go Sarah!

Kenneth, Atlanta USA,

McCain vetted her and everyone saying he didn't is upset they didn't have her on their VP prediction short list. Quite frankly, without Palin, there'd be no energy to the McCain ticket. Validation of McCain's judgment is how the race has changed.

Brilliant choice, good strategic decision.

Rocko, New York,

I don't see what Ms. Marrin has to crow about. Certainly Tony Blair and Gordon Brown seem to be well-qualified, educated gents, but look what they did to your country.

MaryJ, San Francisco, USA

If we wanted to be like you Brits, we'd vote Obama. Instead, we want to prosper, so we'll vote McCain/Palin.

jgapinoy, Chandler, USA

The beauty of Palin is that she is forcing us to have a debate about experience, comparing the Republican VP candidate to the Democrat top of the ticket. Even if OB wins this argument, he loses. After struggling to prove he's more experienced than Palin, he has to face McCain's vast resume.

Josiah, Dallas, Usa

Clinto met Gore only once before selecting him too...

Roberto Pera, Houston, USA

The Rev. Wright is not a bigot; he is a man fed up with the way his people have been treated by an extremely toxic, genocidal US government that sacrifices minorities and the poor in illegal wars. As a white person, I agree with much of what he said. Many other Americans are just as angry.

Alex , North Adams, MA, USA

Why don't you all devote even a percentage of your 'all Palin all the time' coverage to Obama. You know, someone who is actually running for President. How many scandals are just sitting there waiting for a little media attention?

Rachel, Spring Valley, US

"Ill-eduated"? She graduated from the University of Idaho. Sounds like more middle-america bashing. One does not have to graduate from the Ivy leagues to be considered educated.

Pete, Champaign,

Gosh, a Brit blasting America. How unusual.

Steve Gregg, Washington, DC, USA

Interesting ot read how many men have an opinion on abortion/right to life. It's not like they have any experience in being raped or having to sit through a pregnancy that reminds one every day of the rape/rapist - what are they thinking? They themselves are totally inhumane for this option.

Rosie, Tucson, USA

You mistake Marrin's point by saying she thinks women should stay home to raise their kids. She's saying it's hypocritical to play the devoted mommy card when one is anything but. If Palin is such a great mother, then why is her oldest daughter knocked up? So much for abstinence-only policies!

Wen, Piermont, NY, USA

If McCain dies, which is a good possibility given his age and state of health (he's had cancer several times) we are in deep trouble. I don't want a soccer mom running the country. I want Obama, who is serious about turning our country around economically and improving our relations with the world

Cece McNeil, Santa Cruz, USA

laughable.

Interested in my thoughts on your PM?

Didn't think so...

(thanks again, LaFayette!)

Carl Brown, Mason, USA

And I thought things couldn't get worse than having 8 years of Bush..

More experience than Obama? Accomplished great things?
Seriously? can you people please at least read up about your candidate before posting such partisan replies?

MK, AU,

For your information

A fellow McCain POW who has known McCain since the academy did a well done thoughtful video in which he states McCain is not cut out to be president.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KjsEs46C70

Angela, Nicholasville, KY, USA

Gov. Palin was not ignorant of what a vice president does. Each president chooses to use the VP office differently. She merely wanted to know what a VP would do in a McCain administration. Walter Mondale did virtually nothing in the Carter administration while Richard Cheney is an active advisor.

Don Holthaus, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

After considering Obama's wife "not patriotic" enough, you really have to wonder how Republicans can get behind someone who's Husband wanted Alaska to actually SECEDE from the US and even joined a political party with that as its goal.

More than a bit hypocritical if you ask me.

MK, AU,

The tricky part is that her husband wants Alaska to break away from the United States. Imagine what they say at breakfast with Russia next door, right after those incidents in Georgia.

Ef, Cyrus,

"A Vice President must be someone the President can trust and work with"? Must he (or she)? Did FDR or JFK trust and work with their VPs? And didn't Truman & LBJ prove to be exceptional Presidents when their time came? But then, of course, they were Democrats, liberals, former Senators & male.

Mike Wilkes, Brisbane, Australia

Are we talking about the judgement of McCain here? Well, what about Obama's judgements? What about his choice of friends - the racist Chicago preacher Rev. Wright and the terrorist William Ayres.

John, Manchester, UK

Palin is to the presidency like oil is to pancakes -- a big greasy mess it'll take God only knows how long to clean up. Sorry world, I had nothing to do with it.

Rick Case, Austin, Tx., USA

Running a country needs business experience for that is what the job is: making a profit and keeping everyone employed, not wasting money and fighting off the opposition. Palin has this experience and has been very successful whereas Obama has very little of either and his background is very shady

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain

Wow! The article was wonderful. The author, well-spoken, articulate. If there were more like her, the balance wouldn't be so precarious. Good on you, Minette. Nicely said.

David, Miami, USA

Funny, as a Californian woman, the choice of Governor Sarah Palin as McCain's v.p. choice strengthens my faith and belief in this great country.

Athena, Carlsbad, United States of America

"Sarah is real and is one of us!"

I'm sick of rural and suburban America being presented as the home of "real" Americans. "Their" values - hardly homogeneous - are no more important than those of Americans living in Manhattan, Santa Monica or Miami. Self-aggrandizing, patronizing, straw grasping.

kdghty, Durham NC, USA

And Obama is fit to be the Commander in Chief? Are you serious?

Bill Vogel, Tampa, Florida, USA

I'm always interested to read other peoples views on politics, (even Republicans!), but I think the line where you admit that "... Margaret Thatcher is one of my heroines." is where you loose even the most open-minded reader.

Tim Buckler, Santa Cruz, USA

Deeply amusing. My ancestors also had dual citizenship but found a way to live it down. Strange, though, that the yanks have managed to survive the contempt engendered by obvious British superiority in all things---with the possible exception of defense of democratic values.

Stewart Baker, Houston, USA

72 year old McCain's pick of Sarah Palin, who has now become the real roll of the dice and a Celebrity like Paris Hilton & Britney Spears shows how much or little McCain really cares for the United States of America!

Angellight, Philadelphia,

What nonsense! I raised 5 children while holding down a full-time job and career. My children are all adults now. Why can't Sarah Palin do the same?

Pat Cerrito, Louisville, USA

"which I at first supported, to my shame"

Yeah shame on you! What a travesty that we have enabled a country to do a despicable act like having their fourth free election with over 250+ candidates instead of Saddam's God given right to hold elections with only his name on the ballot. Shame? Hah!!

Greg, Seattle, USA

That many posters here have a positive response to Palin as possible veep is terribly dismaying. It used to be that the best and the brightest ran the country. Now they want to go from a C student pres to a vp who needed 5 schools to graduate college. Reality show politics meets the lottery.

Drew, Wilmington, US

Palin must face the media and American people some day. She can't continue to give speeches written for her by others. I laugh when she is hidden behind the "sexist comment" mantra. I assure you that Maleki, Putin, Ahmadinejad and the like will not feel sorry for her because she is a woman.

mike , Phoenix, usa

Ms. Marrin is way out of touch with the importance behind the choice of Gov. Palin. In my opinion, she is actually the most experienced and trustworhty of all four candidates for President or Vice president of this counrty.



Lucille DiCampli, Philadelphia, PA

Lucille, Philadelphia, USA

ill-Educated - Went to university and graduated

inexperienced - 5 kids, successfully running multi-billion dollar organisation, having run multi-million dollar organisation.

hypocrite - Keeps downs baby, daughter keeping her baby, son going off to war. I think these are important choices.

Ronald, Reading, UK

I read up to the part where Ms Marrin confessed that "...Margaret Thatcher is one of my heroines."
Surely after an admission like that, only the most naive reader would continue to give the article any credibility?

Tim Buckler, Santa Cruz, USA

I am amazed how much sexism there is in women on women. The article itself is sarcastic and in bad taste.
<br/>
<br/>You may disagree with a person's philosophy, but there should be a decorum where one does not impugn the integrity and dignity of the individual.
<br/>
<br/>Know the person before you write.

father Joseph Leppard, Dallas , USA

Karl Rove has simply calculated the "American Idol" factor. Pointing out Palin's deficiencies wins critics a Simon Cowell badge of elitist villainy. Moreover, which of us shlubs in the economic wasteland the GOP has bequeathed us doesn't dream of winning the lottery as she has !

Cheers,

Dwight Whayle, Rezin's Landing, TX, USA

My understanding is that he would have preferred Lieberman but obviously he has to negotiate with the Party which sponsors him. Politics includes the art of the possible.

Andrew Chapman, Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Apparently, Ms. Marrins knowledge of Am. politics is limited. There have been several Pres/V.Pres tickets where the two parties weren't that familiar with each other or much less, liked each other, until they came together for the campaign. Her complaints are ridiculous and a little transparent.

Tammy Beery, Ohio, USA

Geez. Ill-educated? Ought hardly to prohibit one from representative office. Inexperienced? She has more exec experience than Obama. Hypocrite? Cos she has raised 4 kids and now has a rare chance to hit high office while keeping her family with her? I'm American too, but not your America, MM.

chris spence, New York,

I am mortified at the choice of Sara Palin. It says nothing good about Senator McCain's judgment and makes me think that either he is power hungry and wants to win at the cost of our country, lost control of his own campaign, or is not of sound mind.

Angelique, Calabasas, USA

I would much rather have a semi experienced palin than a completely inexpereinced obama.

tom, vienna,

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the rise (return) of the far right in the US is the refusal of even opponents to admit that it exists. McCain chose to appeal to extremists, against his own traditions, purely to get into office, and such cynicism should arouse the ire of all reasonable voters.

Rob, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Such fun. The fear the demorats and the radical feminists have of Sarah, is making them palpably off their game. I agree, abortion is the single radical issue of importance here. The more they smear, the more the backlash. In debate the barracuda will make a righteous kill of the smiling moose.

Dick Clawson, Milwaukee, U.S.A.

Hey Minnette,
Notice the reaction over here where the American citizenry reside? Polling shows support for Obama-Biden flagging, support for McCain-Palin surging. Your nose in the air comments are totally irrelevent. Gooday!

Michael Croy, Minneapolis, USA

Scares the hell out of me that this is the best he could do for a running mate. What decisions will he be making when filling positions for the cabinet? Maybe it doesn't matter after all because the three amigos--Joe Lieberman, Lindsay Graham and Phil Gramm will be pulling McCain's strings!

Ed, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA

You say that a VP needs an education & administrative experience. I would suggest that you research 2 previous VP's; 1 had 1 year as governor of his state & the other never attended college. T Roosevelt and Truman, both became pres soon after taking office due to the sudden death of their pres.

Rob Carbone, Babylon, NY, USA

I find it ironic that it is women who are hating on Palin and conservative men taking up for her. Do these women even realize how hypocritical they sound? Who'd have thought we'd see a day when women lecture one of their own to stay home and mind the kids, and men would be urging her to go for it?

gbj, Austin, USA

Ms. Marrin is spot on. The selection of Palin is downright pathetic, as are the comments of those on this posting who have anything good to say about her. She is ignorant and uneducated, as demonstrated by her support of "creationism." What a loser.

William R. Bauer, New York, USA

Rory Stewart who has been to Iraq & Afganistan and worked in those areas, think the government have got it wrong. Trying to change people using guns and bombs does not work. People them as occupiers. I wonder what Mrs Palin views on that would be. McCain said Obama should visit Iraq, why not Palin.

Jackie Hamshire, London, UK

No the bad day in America came when the Democrat Party selected a far left, inexperienced, no-value candidate for the Presidency by the name of Obama. The fact that the Media wants him to be the next President doesn't mean it will happen.

Ron, Los Angeles, USA

JuanM, aside from the belligerent rudeness of your comment, did you miss the part where she explained she WAS American?

Sophia M, Kent, UK

Ms MM, the American press went after an innocent unarmed 17 year old instead of asking legitimate questions about Palin's experience. But they couldn't do that without highlighting the paper thin resume of their anointed one.
Cynical? You bet. Pity she's not Canadian.

NM, Toronto, Canada

Go McCain--Palin!!! God bless America!!!!!!

(Minette -- just stay in the UK. You'll be OK there).

Paul Webb, Denver, USA

Palin represents not conservatism, but a reactionary pre-enlightenment view of the world that has destroyed the Republican party of Eisenhower and DIrkson. Rational thought and science have no place in her world. I hope, Ms Marrin, that you will vote in this year's election.

Dennis Patrick Leyden, Greensboro, NC, USA

Minette Marrin has written an interesting piece, but she demonstrates that she has no clue about American presidential campaigns and politics. For example, does Marrin know why Lincoln picked Andrew Johnson, or Roosevelt picked Truman, or Kennedy picked Lyndon Johnson???

Jacques, Tulsa, USA

Given the average male life expectancy is around 75, Palin stands a good chance of being President..Look deeply into her eyes and it's clear she has a Messianic Complex. Hardly the sort of person suitable to have a finger on the nuclear button.

adam, london, uk

I moved nearly 4 years ago from the US to the UK to get away from a self-absorbed country controlled by bigoted, mean spirited fundamentalist protestants. Palin is an ideal choice to continue the hatred and small mindedness of a formerly great country.

Paula, Sussex, UK

I agree with this intellectual and thoughtful analysis of why John McCain chose Sarah Palin. Unforunately, the average American (conservative or not) is not intellectual enough to understand and is not disciplined enough to overcome their emotion to do anything different.

John, Milford, USA

One should think that McCain would have done a good job to have found for himself a running mate who had a decade's executive experience, had managed a budget of something north of ten thousand million dollars, and had shown integrity even against one's own party. But that'd be Mdme. Palin.

Rev. Fr. JD Wilson, North Bend, Oregon

Having been raised in the UK perhaps you lack the cultural antennae necessary to adequately judge American cultural events.
More concerning to me are the remarkable number of assumptions you make regarding issues you apparently are quite comfortable knowing almost nothing about.
Perhaps a study of Geoffrey of Ockham's ideas about assumption would be instructive for you.

Chuck Jones, Fort Worth, USA

More.."Why I hate America" from Europe. This is just one more reason why I'm supporting McCain/ Palin ticket. The more the Euros dislike one of our politicians the better.

JuanM, LA, USA

in less than 60 days, we shall see the begining of at least sixteen years of a conservative leader in the WH. SP's approval ratings in Alaska is 86%; you do not get that by being the caricature the American left have tried but failed to potray her.

julian, Bronx, US

Sure she's inexperienced but she's no politician. A partner in her husband's business, a frontierswoman, an american. I was going to reluctantly vote for McCain because the alternative was too horrible to contemplate, a man who in 2006 said that he himself was too inexperienced to be president.

Joe, Cumming GA, USA

No one person, especially a politician, makes up the whole of ANY country, much less the United States,the most diverse country in the world. If that's all it takes to destroy your "faith" in your country, I would hardly call that faith at all. Remeber -Lincoln had no "experience" either.Get a grip.

D. Smith, Los Angeles, United States

Let's see why they HATE her:
Sara Palin is only 44 years old.; Gloria Steinem, age 74, Barbara Walters, age 78, Sally Quinn, age 67, Eleanor Clift, age 68, Andrea Mitchell, age 61, Gail Collins, age 62. Diane Feinstein, age 75, and Nancy Pelosi,68 . Sarah is SMART & GOOD LOOKING.

R.Allen, New York City, USA

Ms. Marrin misses the significance of Mrs. Palin's choice by John McCain. Possibly her California upbringing, journalistic experiences (90 percent liberal), or exposure to England's liberalism explain this. Us "rednecks" in "flyover space" feel much more connected to Mrs. Palin than to Obama.

John Bibb, El Paso, Texas, U.S.A.

No objection to him a selecting a female but do with someone with as little experience to manage a country and world should he die whilst in office as Palin. Just take a look at the inexperienced politicians running the UK and the mess they have created and many have served far longer than her!!!

Lo Rob, London, UK

I am amused by the critics who missed Palin's deeply ironic question about what the VP does. The surrounding sentences in that interview make it plain she wasn't ignorant about the office - she was giving notice that she would be interested in the job only if given real scope of responsibility.

rkb, NY, USA

So we know nothing about Palin? Well probably true.
But before getting snotty about American politics we should remember that Britain elected Blair to PM when, largely thanks to the BBC and left wing press, we knew nothing about him.

Chesney, Lancashire, UK

Why compare Obama to Palin ? both unknown but she is not running for President of the USA, second, why knock her out as a working mother. her husband can mind the children
same way women are expected to do when the husband is the main bread winner, and last i detect jealousy in this article.

Sandra, carlow, Ireland

Life in America is not about honour and good taste, it's about money. If Obama wins the WH, he'll tax corporations, institute protectionism and turn a recession into a depression. McCain had to choose her to reel in the core Republicans. If he had not, he might as well have given up right there.

Roman, Chicago, USA

I rather think Sarah Palin will be quite good. All the worlds loony dictators and Taliban chiefs will really have no reference point to measure her by? She will be the wild card that calls their bluff. They will seriously underestimate the power of a Wild Woman!

Chris, London,

Dear Minette,
As a long admirer of your superb articles in the ST, I was truly dismayed by your patronising comments on Sarah. Why do you fail to mention her fine record against corruption, her great achievement in supplanting a dishonourable Republican as Governor and the many testimony to her adm

f hanson, worthing , sussex

Re: Marin's observations on Palin...VERY ASTUTE.
If Palin DID win ROEvWADE would be overturned, catipulting women back into the dark ages. THIS WOMAN WAS chosen VERY carefully by the CHRISTIAN RIGHT in the USA, The CHRISTIAN RIGHT that refused to support McCaiin... BUT THEY ARE SUPPORTING HIM NOW!!

deo, LA, USA

It is a scary idea that someone as ill educated as SP could end up as leader of the USA. One has to have well honed judgement even to chose the experts who advise you.It could end up with something as aggressive as Russia and as religiously crazy as Saudi.Neither good for wealth or world peace

Edward, Stratford, UK

I too am very concerned on the success planning of McCain in choosing Sara Palin, there is now way that America can possibly feel confident in this Washington outsider to appropriately know what the protocols are in order to have a seamless transition in the event of his health issues! Very Selfish.

Dexter, Dallas, USA

Palin is for men what is known as 'top totty.' McCain/ Republican power-brokers are hoping male rednecks aren't bothered about her administrative experience or her opinions & Democrat feminists will flock to her 'cos their darling Hillary was rejected. If McCain dies she will just be a figurehead.

Donna Walker, Effingham, England

I disagree with author.

If Obama had bitten the bullet and used Clinton as his running mate, this astute choice may not have ensured that McCain, who should have been the Presidential Candidate instead of Bush, may very well win this time.

Right wing Republicans think McCain is a lefty.

M. Sheridan, Oldham, UK

I am also american canadian wjth three of my grandparants from canada and the other one from germany. But I also realize that i look at things differently than most americans. From an early age i knew I was different. No roots. But I also have clarity on the whole thing. Government is about winning.

benbarr, cornwall, pei/ca

Not sure about how over educated or over experienced you need to be to be President. There are plenty of senior senators to advise on administration and execution of policy. The President needs to connect with the people and lead. Palin does that. Somewhere between Thatcher and Reagan.

Nick London, London, UK

We are sick and tired of Bush's war in Iraq. As Waltern Cronkite put it, Iraq is Bush's Vietnam. All we ask Old McCain and Palin is that they stay in their country. If they do, we do not care if Americans elect, Palin or Todd or Levi Johnston as their VP! The freeworld will have other leaders

Simon, Manchester,

Economics 101. You cannot promise tax cuts to 95% of Americans and increase taxes on small businesses and add millions in spending and think things will get better. The revenue of small businesses flow thru to the individual taxpayer owners so they will have substantial tax increases.

Sandra Ziemer, chicago, illinois

You display a profound ignorance of American presidents. In the last 100 years less than 6 went to Ivy league schools. Palin is more qualified than Obama to be president I will admit she lacks the angry rage against men that is the signature of the 1960 feminist but who is listening to them anyway

sandra ziemer, chicago, usa

Vice presidents have literally no power so in many respects the choice of Palin is unimportant. It is still McCain vs Obama. Hopefully voters will look at the long term records of each candidate and not the empty rhetoric of election campaigns.

David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.

Ex-pats (particularly if they have two nationality parents) have the opportunity to see their own country through the eyes of others. But they can also be out of touch. Minette Marrin has not lived in the US as an adult, which is she - a dispassionate, knowledgeable observer or just out of the loop?

Diana, Derby, UK

Don't worry Minett,

You will get over the fact that Mcain as chosen a woman VP candidate, and totally blind sited Obhama. Furthermore Palin is not in awe of the Obhama roadshow, and by the quality of the her recent speech she will be more than a match for St. Obhama and his liberal media and camp.

Alan Taylor, Wallington, UK

You would love her if she was an Old Dried Up Liberal(Socialist) in need of botox and a stylist, typical feminist you feel threaten. You feel she hasn't paid her dues. As for her education Harvard and Yale Grads have done enough damage to American. It is time for a change!

Lynnie , London, UK

I guess feminists are more equal than the rest of humanity and we have to bow to their bigotry. Mrs Palin has the right to stand for office as long as she fulfils the official requirement. Isn't this part of the American dream that anyone can be president?

Carolyn, Surbiton,

As Alasakan governor she operating within her limitations. She's no danger to world peace. The question for us living outside the US is: what does she know about the rest of the world? Has she even traveled abroad?

Anne Davies, Perth, Australia

Obama became a candidate after a knock-down drag 'em out election campaign lasting months.
Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.

And this qualifies a shallow, self obsessed individual full of empty headed rhetoric, supported by a hate filled wife, to become President?

Jeff Hyman, Peytia, Cyprus

Translation: "I secretly think Obama is the Messiah. Now he's going to lose. Boo hoo, boo hoo."

Oh well, you'll get over it. Maybe.

Steve B, Derby, UK

Mark my words....you will be seeing Governor Palin for a very long time. And not as Governor Palin, but as Vice President Palin and then last, but not least President Palin. WooHoo! Anything that takes the wind out of Obama's sails has my vote! Sarah is real and is one of us!

Nancy W, Boonville, MO, USA

Thank you for telling it like it is! I am a working mom who agrees with you completely!

TR, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

This is ignorant twaddle. Unlike all the other candidates, she actually has CEO experience. She has been closely scrutinised by the Alaskan electroate, who give her an 80% approval rating. And she is clearly a phenomenal politician. McCain makes quick decisions - good CEOs do.

NBeale, London, England

Thank you MsMarin for such an astute analysis of the angst most Americans are rightfully feeling over McCain's reckless VP choice. I totally agree that "McCain in effect is offering power of attorney over all the affairs of the United States and over all Americans" indeed the world community!

Paul, Vancouver, Canada

The coverage of Ms. Palin by the media has all been smoke and mirrors. Gender and 'experience' are irrelevant. She is ignorant, narrow minded and, as an evangelical Christian, dangerously deluded. Not fit to be put in charge of a mooseburger stand never mind a heartbeat away from the oval office.

John Hall, Wilmington VT, USA

I too am appalled by McCain's choice and can only think it was a decision made out of desperation and a hunger for high office. Barack Obama is potentially one of the greatest choices offered American voters in the last fifty years and it would be truly tragic if that chance were lost.

Rev P Smith, Baltimore, USA

Wait for the debates. So thick she doesn't know what she doesn't know.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

Probably Sarah Palin have one of the most guarded secrets of military America. Alaska possesed all the protection that the lower States needed in case of a war against Russia and she as governor was brief. Who knows

Sid Lewis, Clifside Park, New Jersey USA

I think one thing that is over looked is the fact that we don't know if McCain knew Palin more than a few days before he announced her.
The article is only going by what the press said. The fact that McCain was able to do this in secret, without the press knowing ahead of time - give me comfort!

laura, lincolnton, usa

What exactly is wrong with a young, tough, popular, conservative governor and ex-mayor with a reputation for being tough on ethics and fiscal discipline? Sarah Palin is a phenomenal choice for VP and a genuine leader of the new generation that is tasked with cleaning up our messes

Andre, Portland, USA

Shannon Eubanks, Brookhaven, USA, I can only echo your sentiments. The very words of this article only serve to express the fear and trembling of the writer.

Scott Johnson, South Bend,

The author has been away too long or she would know why we love Palin. All president hopefuls add whoever they hope will give him the election, and he picked well. Palin was considered for a long time, and now I will vote for McCain. Obama is not the voice of America, far from it.

lawhite, Idaho, USA

I too am horrified by McCain's choice of a running mate! I have been a Hillary supporter, then Obama would be OK, since he chose a running mate with experience in foreign affairs. McCain has always seemed to be an honorable man, but he's changed my mind with his decisions with Palin and pandering.

Joan C. Robuck, Henderson, USA

I do not see how this author can be a conservative - however, I can truly say - and this is coming from a Black American known as "Queen Bee" that this essay is excellent.

I am beginning to despise all of the Americans - who are enthralled with Palin.

Be, Alexandria, USA

Conservatives have been begging the McCain campaign to pick Palin, an extremely popular figure in the right wing blogosphere and widely touted as the future of the GOP, for months. She is news to you only because you are not informed about GOP politics. That's fine, but bone up before you comment.

Gabriel Martindale, Shoreham-by-sea, W. Sussex

You disappoint me, Marrin. The reason we don't already have a woman in the White House is because women don't stick together. When will we ever learn? Maybe not in my lifetime. Palin has a college degree, so I'm confused about what you mean by "ill-educated." Maybe you're confused.

Linda Holbrook, Boulder, USA

I am delighted that McCain chose a smart tough female like Sarah Palin because I have a daughter. We are lifelong Democrat, and we saw how Hillary Clinton was treated by the democratic party and its bosses like Kennedy, Dean, Richardson even women like Carolyn Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, Maria Shriver.

Sam, Voorhees, NJ, USA

Could Gov. Palin possibly be less qualified or able than Gordon Brown?

Are you sure your columnist ever left the San Francisco area? Here they "tolerate everything except intolerance" and find "intolerance" as any viewpoint other than their own.

Edward P. Allen, Pinole, California, USA

I am amazed at the despair that exists over Sarah Palin as the Republican VP nomination. IF she is as awful as suggested, liberal Democrats should be rejoicing that this will cement the predestined election of Obama. BUT, this angst proves that Gov. Palin is a REAL and CREDIBLE threat.

Shannon Eubanks, Brookhaven, USA

Shannah, you should be horrified. Obama was going to have a cakewalk, and now it looks very bleak indeed.

Unlike you, I am ecstatic. Cant wait for polls to open,

Naren, Kalamazoo,Michigan, USA

Let's do the numbers. The good old boys in Alaska were planning a natural gas pipeline with a sweetheart $4 (or $10) billion subsidy for Big Oil. Palin ran against the deal, forced an open bid with a $0.5 billion subsidy, won by TransCanada. Now Big Oil is building its own pipeline. No subsidy.

Christopher Chantrill, Seattle, USA

As a moderate republican, I am repeatedly amazed. The strong forthright women come from the right. The so-called women of the left are always riding their husband's or father's coat-tails. What gives? Palin is a strong person. Biden is not. The facts are in the record.

A.H.A., Wynnewood, PA, USA

Now is the time to ask Senator McCain wo really puts "Country First"? Seems as if he is"Sacrificing", the country to win an election. Obama vs McCain the answer is crystal clear. Palin should put family first then Country. Women of America please let McCain know "Change "is on the way.

Jo Davis, wilmigton ,

This is the stupidest, most innane comment I've heard. This displays a great deal of ignorance and blind partisanship. This is why Obama needs to be defeated.

john, George, USA

Anyone with a modicum of common sense can see that Palin was foisted on poor McCain by the extreme right of his party - the group responsible for running it into the ground. The choice of Palin has galvanized me into contributing - for the first time in my life - hard cash to a campaign...Obama's!

Andrew, Valley Village, USA

All of this is probably true, but is Ms. Marin even comparably dismayed by the DNC's choice of a presidential candidate every bit as unprepared for office? Or does the Harvard degree compensate for his surreally minimal and almost majestically trivial political career to this point?

denbury, LA, USA

The comparison now being made between Palin's lack of experience and Obama's is specious. Obama became a candidate after a knock-down drag 'em out election campaign lasting months. Palin became a candidate on a 'phone call. Thank God it wasn't the cleaner that answered it.

Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.

Get real Mme MM. Getting elected requires single-mindedness and trade-offs whoever you are. You think that Obama has picked Biden for any reason other than tyhat he is the person most likely to get him elected. He would have picked Hillary had she not been such a divisive candidate.

Billy Barnett, HK,

Many women who thank feminists for opening doors are now more than thrilled to say "Thanks, and g'bye, now" to those same feminists. They may well be more than relieved that the woman to benefit most from the efforts of feminists isn't even close to being one.

J. E. Raven, Lansing, USA

Dave H - shedding blood in combat is no real qualifier for your suitability for political office, otherwise you could give out daily nominations to the wounded and dead on planes home from Iraq to the USA.

Chris Cooper , swansea,

Minette Marrin, like many with her view thing because they'd never heard of her before no one else had, including John McCain. She has a wealth of experience, bringing up a family, [yes, it's relevant] Mayor, Governor of the State and others. To denigrate her education [U of Colorado] is snobbishnes

tony deakin, toronto, canada

I rated McCain highly as a free marketeer with a strong foreign policy, until this pick. But, as Machiavelli said, "the common people are always impressed by appearance". Those who point out Palin's true hypocrisy will be derided (bizarrely) as "liberals" by the Republican base.

Tom, New York, USA

yeah....mccain shows a "dishonourable lust for power" choosing Palin to be his veep (so much for feminism). Running for president after ONE year in the Senate, Obama displays an admirable lack of ambition, a reluctance to accept the burdens of power. lol. hell, he wrote his autobiography at age 30!

jon, xenia, united states

"power of attorney...over all Americans" What a revealing comment! It speaks to such a European, American liberal, view of government. I am not a fan of McCain or Palin. But I have the sense to resist every effort of the government to take power over my life.

Glenn, Tarnseen, USA

I feel very uneasy about having a woman who kills animals
for sport, becoming the second most powerful person on the
Planet. Obviously, John Mcain seems to think that she will
appeal to the women of America, I hope he's wrong.

Richard Moss, Terrigal, Australia

Seems the author can find loads to admire about Gov. Palin. It's more difficult to see why she is so upset. The hypocrisy charge is baffling. Is she deemed ill-educated because she didn't attend ivy-league grad schools? And her experience? Her accomplishments rival those of her opponents.

David Jackson, Des Moines, USA

Please don't judge all Americans by the choice of Sarah Palin. There are plenty of us here that are just as horrified as you are.

Shannah Frambes, Wellesley, MA, United States

I agree 100% with Minette . I was too born in a foreign country but am American for the last 50 years and though a Republican, I am ashamed of what Mc Cain decision to give to this great country an hypocrite, populist, go getter for VP.
For the most powerful country in the world we deserve better.

F Hanson, blois, france

Am I surprised that this article was written by a woman, absolutely not. Palin's most vicious critics are women.Their greatest fear is that a conservative woman will succeed where the liberals have failed. Margaret Thatcher was conservative. Liberals are great at oratory but bad at delivery

Glen, Toronto,

I read fifteen newspapers per day, covering the globe. This is the most balanced, unbaised, intelligent analysis I have read since Senator McCain announced his appointment of Governor Palin. I know Senator McCain personally. I have been worked with his staff. I am in complete accord with you. Bravo!

Brian K. Doan , Washington , DC

Thank you for your thoughtful assessment of the McCain/Palin ticket. Most everything I've read thus far about Palin tells me she in sum is George W. Bush all over again, something that can't apply as definitively to McCain. Incredible that the GOP Faithful are as eager to embrace her as McCain did.

Guy Budziak, detroit,mi, USA

I agree totally. This decision disgusts and terrifies me. It is cynicism to an unheard of degree.

The fawning around her speech also sickens. When will Americans ever tire of this folksy drivel? A pitbull with lipstick? It's beyond desperate.

I disagree with much that Obama says but hope he wins

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

Minette Marrin fails to note in her litany of accomplished VPs that Palin also is infinitely less qualified for the vice presidential job than Sen. Joe Biden, the internationally experienced Democratic nominee for the position. Biden as president? At least it's conceivable. Palin? Unthinkable.

Leigh, Vienna, Virginia, USA

An hysterical rant - short on facts and reason. Ferraro was a three-term congresswoman (mine); never an executive, or mayor, or governor. Well qualified? Hardly. Watching the left-wing press in a fit of dyspepsia is delicious. Again, we conservatives ask, " What has Obama ever accomplished?

Karl Wilhelm, Ridgewood, New York, USA

Verified Fact: McCain team began vetting Sarah Palin months ago. Ms. Palin has the HIGHEST approval rating of ANY Governor in the ENTIRE United States. Alaska is one of the most successful, thriving states in the U.S. Ms. Palin has THE HIGHEST APPROVAL RATING of any Governor in the U.S.

Eevan, NYC, United States

unfortunately the citizens of your native land look set to lap it up... if they don't mind cia agent's identities being exposed as long as its a republican doing the exposing, who cares about a republican sacking employees on purely partisan grounds left right and centre and conducting vendettas.

Hugh, London,

Balderdash ! You've never used your vote because you are not an American. You are not us, and you should not make a pretense that you are. Sarah Palin was correct; There really is only one candidate in this electoral race who has actually shed his blood in a contest where failure means death.

Dave H., Alexandria, VA, USA

As a republican, I waited to hear who McCain would pick to help him run our country if elected. ( I wish I was still waiting. )
Is this the best he can do? I was insulted!! As americans, we deserve better. This woman scares me. For the good of the party she should step down.

hilda kimbrough, oxnard, usa

This has GOT to be one of the most purposefully deceitful, sexist posts that I have seen yet and I am a LIBERAL INDEPENDENT. Had Ms. Marrin chose to do ANY research whatsoever, she would have seen photos proving that Ms. Palin has always incorporated her children into her work space and life.

Aileen, Atlanta, USA

Palin is without doubt a disruptive technology for left-wing feminists like Steinem and for the snob right equivalent ("Daughter of the American Revolution" Marrin) After all, Palin didn't go to an Ivy league college or get a Fulbright. But for the rest of us, she is Google and Marrin is Microsoft

clina Rooney, houston, usa

With all those V.P.'s you mentioned there was controversy as well. I feel sorry that you can't envision a future for our country without a man in a suit. Just because this woman can wear many hats and stlil accomplish great things, this makes her less qualified??How narrow minded and sad.

Jenni Lynne, Reno, Nevada , USA

I think it is necessary to know what Minette Marrin's stance on abortion is before taking this seriously. As far as I can see everything else about lack of experience could be laid at Obama's door in spades. What really angers feminists and the left is her anti-abortion stance. Let's be honest.

Tom, Glasgow,