WHO IS SARAH PALIN? What qualifies her to be a potential president of the US? What is her educational qualifications? (She does have to have an understanding of law doesn't she or will she blindly sign the bills that could potentially cross her desk?) Why is she being hidden from the press?

K, Salem,

I am deeply concerned over the lies and misrepresentation of the facts. Mrs. Palin is using her position to encourage racial hatred.

Freddie L. Harris, MIAMI, us

Sarah Palin is a hypocrite. How can she stand before the american people and profess to be a christian while she dish out negative and racial comments about another person. Is this the action of a person who suppose to be a christian or a sheep in wolves clothing.

Delores, Kansas City, United States

Sarah Palin, the current Governor of Alaska, was selected by Republican candidate John McCain to be his running mate during the Republican convention that is currently taking place. Palin met with Israel lobbyists on Tuesday to assure them that her position on the issue would not support the Palestinian people's internationally-recognized right to self-determination, but would back Israel no matter what. As Governor of Alaska, Palin displayed an Israeli flag in the window of her office, and belongs to a church, the Wasilla Assembly of God, that preaches a biblical prophecy interpretation of Christianity, in which Christians support the transfer of Jewish people to the state of Israel because they believe it will bring on the rapture."

Is there any hope for the future of Palestinians and a Palestinian State...One wonders reading the above.

Mike Collins, Cairns, Australia

We get it. Palin is gutzy. But is she by nature truly focused? She has a record of switcing colleges several times in the six years it took her to graduate--without distinction. A good match for under-achiever McCain. Her tutors can tutor her until the moose p-t-t-t-t her, but think on her feet? No

Norma Welty, Maplewood, Ramsey

One thing is for sure - the lefties always attack people in the worst possible way. I have watched this with the way Margaret Thatcher has been attacked for decades. Of course in their eyes the 'ends always justifies the means', just like it did for communists around the world.

Bert, London, England

It's not God Bless America, folks,

It's God HELP America!!!!

What a travesty!

julie, Tuscany, Italy

She did not sell the jet on E-Bay. Can we afford to continue to elect people with second-rate minds? After attending numerous colleges, she finally graduated but even then not with honors. Compare that with Obama and Biden.

Carol , Rancho Palos Verdes, USA

She did not sell the jet on E-Bay. Can we afford to continue to elect people with second-rate minds? After attending numerous colleges, she finally graduated but even then not with honors. Compare that with Obama and Biden.

Carol , Rancho Palos Verdes, USA

what is going on in America? Ms Palin, this must be some sick joke you standing for Vice President. The UK and Europe would laugh if it was not so serious.
Please Mr Obama bring back the respect America deserves.
Bob

English

Bob, London,

Or the possibility that racist remarks and slurs are a part of Mrs. Palin's daily homelife..... What does that have to do with running the country? If you have to ask that question...you would not understand the answer. Just know that we are here and since we helped build this country WE ARE STAYING

Mrs. Smith, Millington, USA

Egads! Palen is Rick Santorum in a skirt! She is way far right on the political spectrum. She operates like a totalitarian dictator for crying out loud! Wake up people! Vote for Obama/Biden.

Matt, South Strabane Township, USA

A ridiculous and wholly nonsensical choice. It just goes to show that McCain is too old to make sound decisions on behalf of his party, his nation and his country anymore. And the reason some people are so excited about the Republican P/VP ticket is...?

Nuzhat Saadia Siddiqui, Lahore, Pakistan

Sarcasm=form of verbal agression that requires little intelligence. I was disgusted with Ms. Palin's speech at the RNC. She is a woman with good 'ole boy values & anti-feminist policies. Her take on Obama's community organizing is disgraceful. And drilling in the ANWR is ridiculous!Obama/Biden=Hope

Beth Bohle, Bellingham, USA

I listened with interest to Ms Palin, then read all I could find. A woman with "good old boy" values; doesn't support freedom of choice, supports banning of certain books in public libraries, doesn't support equal pay for equal work, wants to drill for drops of oil in a wildlife area...Yikes! Obama!

Grace, Tucson, USA

Just when I had decided to vote for McCain, he comes up with choosing Palin for his running mate. The Libertarian nominee will get my vote!

Diane Sinden, Bucyrus, USA

Sarah has our attention and McCain has our vote.

Hans, Hartsburg, USA

Somebody wake me from this nightmare. Before I was on the fence and could have lived with a McCain win, now I'm goining to devote every waking second to make sure OBAMA wins. I'm completely scared in that fact that McCain would make such an important decision on just "GUT" alone.

Molly, St. Paul, USA

Alaska is a neighborhood that is scanty, traditional and backwards. Anyone can be the governor there. I don't think that being a mayor and governor there for a short time is enough proof that she will lead America. This woman is unknown. She is not tested. Put her in a debate with Hilary and decide.

Tek, Montreal, Canada

Oh, how painful to elevate this candidate to the national level after she's pushed for book banning in her area library... and when in office, she saw to it the librarian was fired for advocating that books remain a constitutional right to read. Heaven help us.

Susie, St. Louis, United States

hang in there, Ms Palin! Your critics just wish they had the nerve you have!

michele, san antonio,

I think Mrs. Palin is an excellent choice its about time we get some one in there who has the courage to take a stand for our country. Not to many care any more.As far a experience is concerned Obama, don"t Have Experience either. I think some people just can"t except the fact . She will be great!!!

Charlotte, Maineville, U.S.

I feel that we should get to know this lady a lot more before appointing her to an office as important as our VP. I feel that McCain has insulted the intellgence of many Americans by only meeting with this lady one time before making her his VP choice. That is totally unfair!!

P Harris, Statesboro,

For the first time in my life I'm actually excited about an election. Someone finally has the guts to go against the good ole boys club. I think she is honest and has more than a clue about what everyday Americans need and want.

Wanda Cox, Villa Rica, USA

Frightening that Mrs. Palin is so arrogant to believe herself qualified to be VP. If she really wanted to do right for her party, she would have declined the nomination. I can only suppose that the GOP have nominated their Vice-Presidential scapegoat, knowing that the outcome of 08 is foredrawn.

Tommy Kitagawa, Tokyo,

Why don't we give her a chance and not jump to conclusions 3 days after we heard her name. Does anyone know the name or accomplishments of the governors of any state beside their own anyway? Let's give her a chance to convince us she is right for the job. We may be pleasantly surprised.

Diane, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Drilling for oil in the Arctic is NOT a good choice - except for oil companies. Renewable energy is the 21st century direction! Energy efficient vehicles - built in the USA - better get on it - hybrids are arriving from Japan. Obama will take the 21st century direction = jobs, clean environment.

Helen, Nolalu, Canada

Another extremist ideologue. Pathetic.

jim, New York,

The strategy is this: 40% issue-minded voters will vote for McCain and 11% ideological zealots will vote for Palin.

Raymond, Beijing, China

. Sarah Palin is like any other mother with a job. I am sure she will make sure her child is well cared for . If a man had a child with Downs Syndrome and ran for office no one would mind. I am sure Sarah Palin's husband will help out too. I believe Sarah Palin will be an asset to this country.

Kathryn Kovacs, Satellite Beach, USA

>Had Barak Obama selected a VP partner as unqualified as >Mrs. Palin Barack would have been scathed by the Republican >machine and media. McCain's choice reveals the indisputable

Of course, Barak Obama is as unqualified as Mrs. Palin. Guess which of them is running for president.

m, Farmersville, USA

Wow...where has she been my whole life and why on earth isn't she the Presidential candidate?!? Sounds like she'd be the person you want to be one heartbeat away from Commander in Chief.
And Jackie from NJ...Iran et al would perceive her as "Holy...we don't want to mess around with her."

Josh, Kansas City, USA

This man has now scared me to death inhis actions. I am a women and would like to see a women in the White House but one that we had heard about not some almost beauty queen with no expierence what-so ever. I have now made my choice.

Tina , Frankford,

Palin doesn't have Obama's experience in dealing with terrorists, because she hasn't been put on non-profit boards or had fundraising parties thrown for her by terrorists.

Palin is the one of the four who actually has worked for a living. That's important experience, I'm thinking.

Dan in Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

What "blow" to the Democratic Party? What kind of presidential candidate meets a woman once briefly and even CONSIDERS her as one heartbeat away from comander-in-chief??? Arrogant and inexperienced is what I have to conclude about Mr. McCainm-regardless of his public service...

chris garrett, kansas city, usa

The Vice President is the president of the Senate. She has no experience with Washington and the running of our government. She' also a heartbeat away from the presidency. Could you image how she would be perceived by Middle east countries such as Iran, Iraq Afkanastan, Saudi Arabia. How sad.

Jackie, LAKE hIAWATHA,nj, usa

5 kids and she might be president??? One is severely handicapped? They must have great nannies. Only the rich can afford these luxuries. What does she know of real economic hardship? Puhleazzzzzzzzzz.

chris garrett, kansas city, usa

I am terrified of the McCain/Palin ticket. This is no choose at all. We need to pull together and take back some sanity. I can't imagine any woman who is a Hilary supporter could actually vote for anyone other than Obama/Biden. Please look at the issues we face as a nation.

Daphne, Plantation, USA

I love how google stacked all the negative comments at the front of the opening window! People, it is about how capable the team is in identifying and addressing the country's threats and problems. Mrs. Palin appears to have the value system that will make McCain's team depth superior.

Bill, Portland,

Wow! What a blow to the Democrat party. There goes the Clinton followers! Wonder if Hillary will endorse the female movement now.

Lewy, Dallas,

We expected Hiliary as VP for the Democrats. Instead we got Sarah for the Republicians. Brave choice. US politics is getting harder to predict. And interesting and brave choice. Now it will be close.

Both sides are for change in Washington so the Washington insiders have been served NOTICE.

abraham, bandar seri begawan, brunei

She appears to be a very accomplished and gutsy woman. Looks like a clear fresh wind is blowing across America all the way from pristine Alaska. This is real we can believe in and real change that works.

Dr. Dave, NYC, USA

Why would McCain choose someone with less experience in Washington than he accuses his competitor to have?

Jeff, Sacramento, California, USA

Palin is exactly what was missing for the Republician Party - the answer for the American People. Great Choice!. - McCain / Palin now that's the ticket!

Rhonda, Atlanta,

Worried Democrats here? I really AM a Republican (AZ) and very excited about his VP choice. She's smart, capable, and UNLIKE OBAMA, she has Exec experience and has actually accomplished something in her state. She was an elected official for 5 years before he got to the ILL Sen. and did Zero.

Lynn, Phoenix,

70% of all women work in this country. To make it an attribute that she is a working mother- so what? If that makes her qualified, than so am I. Does McCain really think women are so shallow that we will be impressed with this pick?

Janet, Laguna Niguel,

If people vote for Ms Palin, they will prove that people vote against their own best interests and instead vote based on issues of religion and guns. The majority of positive comments I'm reading are about her neoconservative religious beliefs and the fact that she's an attractive, avid hunter.

Kathy, North Wales PA, USA

Sarah Palin has a 5 month old with Down Syndrome. My child with Down Syndrome is 14. I had to put my life on hold for her so that she could learn and have a decent life. It takes an average of 30 adult hours/day to care for her. So, the Barracuda is for family values??? And I'm Porky Pig

Rachel Shapiro, Denver, CO, USA

Had Barak Obama selected a VP partner as unqualified as Mrs. Palin Barack would have been scathed by the Republican machine and media. McCain's choice reveals the indisputable fact that his mental capacity is questionable, and that he, himself, is unqualified to become our president.

zeep, Fish Creek, USA

what is McCain thinking .....has the sedona sun cooked his brain ....gov palin was the mayor of a town 7500...and the gov of a state with population of Sacramento...i still scratch my head .....he is 72 years old if something happens to him she next in line ...that to me is way to scary ...

david daniels, alameda, usa

McCain is out of touch and completely irrespopnsible. This exemplifies the sad state of Republican politics. If this is an example of McCain's judgement and the fact that Pallin could be the next President.. Run as fast as you can..the sky is falling....

Tom, Chicago, USA

Bob, I have read several articles on this and am waiting for the truth to be vetted.So it appears she had no involvement. Also understand this is a legislative, not judicial investigation. Kind of reeks of politics on the suface. Doesn't it? Stop spreading talking points.

Scott, Milford, USA

What little respect I had left for McCain has gone down the pan.

Farrukh, Woking,

Someone plse tell me how much experience you need in order to qualify to be president and for how long. What kind of experience - a governor, city mayor, senator ...?
Do you have to have a high school diploma or a minimum of a college degree?

yak, philadelphia, usa

Is it not psychological game on the U.S and rather a bad one as Sarah Palin HAS no qualifications besides being a hockey mom and giving birth to 5 unlike Biden in all ways and no comparson to Obama or Hillary...How can a future president be so naive in choosing someone he met only once? DISASTOR!

rin, BIRMINGHAM, U.K

Does the world really need a Vice President who voted for Pat Buchanan some years ago/ How on earth can you combine the position of Vice President of the USA with raising 5 children, one of them a special need child. Impossible without neglecting either the children of the vice presidency.

Hannah, Netherlands,

WOW...I can't believe the number of posters who believe only a woman can nurture and raise children! Men are quite capable if given the chance...

Barefoot, pregnant, and tethered to the range went out ages ago - please, come join the rest of us in the 21st century!

Donna, Monroe, Michigan, USA

A breath of fresh air! We love her already ...

Susan, USA,

This just shows why the US ends up with such incompetent presidents.

Discussion from US voters is centered around looks and the ability to string a few inane soundbites together, neither of which have any relevance at all to the ability to deal with complex issues affecting life and death.

Paul Sykes, Mansfield, UK

"Vivienne, Kent, England"

I am a middle aged Englishman living in Ireland, i think the choice of Sarah Palin brings great shame and ridicule to the WHOLE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PROCESS.
It is just wrong in so many ways.

I am not averse to a female VP/Pres', just why and who on this occasion.

Dave, Ireland,

Sarah Who? HA HA HA HA HA... Me put her a heartbeat away from the Presidency of the USA? HA HA HA HA HA.
Is McCain Serious? HA HA HA HA HA!
No seriously, I Don't See The JOKE! He marries a former "beauty queen" and now makes another former "beauty queen" his No. 2? What is it with McCain and BQs?

John Adams, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Her "family values" are bunkum if she is willing to sacrifice the proper upbringing of her Down's Syndrome baby (such children need constant attention and stimulus from their mothers) on the altar of politics and the Vice Presidency. She is a potential disaster for the USA.

Vierotchka, Geneva, Switzerland

Homely?? Are you kidding me?? You just picked a terrible picture, check the videos she's hot!!

rick d, Bronx,

Great choice McCain. She's smart, she's a reformer, and she's tough. The fact that she's fiscally conservative is exactly what we need. The two of you will lead our country to the right direction

Elle, San Francisco, USA

I luv her. Shes the other woman not wearing "pantsuits." A woman with clear solutions on how to zero in on our main problems.
Move over "CLINT" shes going to make our day,history and serenity.

what a great counytry...

mark, poway,

At first glance, "what was McCain thinking?" at second glance after her speech, "impressive". Now that I have researched her positions "homerun!"

JC, Greenwich, USA

How could a mother with a baby with a disability leave that child to attempt to take on the task of vice president? That baby needs her more than America does. I have worked around children with downs syndrome and they are very loving children and he needs his mother.

Carolyn Bolden, Glade Spring, USA

How about the down syndrome child. Obviously there is more important issues isn't there! Who needs a mom anyways right! Moms got more important things to do with here time!

John , Tucson, USA

You've got to be kidding! John McCain is not a "Maverick" he is erratic. This woman would be a heartbeat away from the presidency. I wouldn't even consider voting for McCain after this.

Don, Scottsdale, US

lest the liberals forget, sarah palin has much leadership exp. as the governor of a state, she is also the adjutant general of said states national guard, in a state that borders russia. She has more exp. than Sens. Nobama and Boring. its time that us conservative take back this country we love.

jack , new orleans, usa

To all of the individuals who posted here........"PUT YOUR VOTE WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS" AND QUIT BEING CRY BABIES.

Especially to Alvita TXs....Cheap shot from a cheap mind---who is afraid to post her name if indeed she is a woman, Mother and able to multi-task. Sorry Sheila

kevin yocum, Berkeley,

How could Sarah Palin possibly be qualified to be president?

McCain would be the oldest president ever and Palin could be the youngest if she ever had to a succeed him.

She's only been a state governor for 18 months and is already in legal trouble facing abuse of power charges!

Bob, Dallas, TX, USA

I had no heart to vote for either candidate for president but Sara is like a breath of fresh air and she makes me want to go vote. I wish she were running for president.

Jan Grose, ft wayne, allen

Not sure about this one. She sounds like she has great credentials to be a local politician, but with a political track record of a mere 2 years, does she have what it takes to be commander in chief, should something happen to old McCain? Doubtful...

Jay, Bangkok, Thailand

PLease do not pretend that she is a family woman or a supporter of family values,.. every mom that has raised 3- 5 children knows it is 100 % impossible to meet the needs of that many children and run for VP of the United States. She shows less value for her children than the woman who aborts

Sue Ogden, Wilmington, , USA

This woman sounds like she has less experience than everyone is claiming Obama to have. She abuses power given to her. This was a poor choice by the Republican party. Why would we want to put someone like that into the White House. Obama all the way!

Lily, Denver, USA

Suppose something tragic happens to John McCain while in office. Do you reeeaaaallllyy think she wouldl be a good president!?!

Barb, Merrillville, USA

This has to be one of the best moves for the McCain campaign. Bring it on Obama, Mccain/Palin are gonna kick your butt.

LLB, Fayetteville AR, USA

I wish I was American, I'd vote for her....

she's the most exciting politician ever in the history of politicians....

Although I don't agree with her stance on gay marriage and abortion I do respect that she lives her values....

Kellie, Melbourne, Australia

I'm totally with Rachel from Bradenton. What an excellent and refreshing choice! finally, someone "real"! She made a campain promise that if elected, the private tax-paid jet would go...when she won she sold the jet on ebay! What a great story!

Nancy, Strafford PA, usa

Sarah Palin's choice as VP is an excellent decision for the republican party and for the USA. As a State governor with a lot of accomplishment to prove even just for 2 years in office. YES, Sen. Obama can deliver the greatest speeches in the world but where is the proof and evidence. Kudos J Mc.

Mat Divin, San Jose, USA

I believe it was a great choice. A nice way to round out the Rep Party. They have my vote. So what if she's a beauty queen, you can be smart and beautiful! She also has a son about to leave for Iraq...who can tell us more about war than a mother who is living it???

Chas, birmingham, us

Oh, YES, what a smart move for McCain. I love this team!

Linda Lazzeroni, Tucson, US

This is a great choice.

charris, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Personally, I can't wait to vote for her. I'm glad McCain found a VP who has values AND charisma. While Palin may not have held her office long, it doesn't take a lot of discernment to realize when someone is right for the position. I think her youthfulness and outlook will be so refreshing!

Rachel, Bradenton,

What I can't understand by me being a female with young & older children, is how in the heck Sarah Palin can manage the children while running all over the country. Oh what was I thinking, I'm sorry she can get a live in housekeeper and not have to deal with the children.

Alvita, Tx, USA

I have to admit that before today I knew nothing about Palin. From what I've researched so far today, I think it is a good decision. On the issues and personally, I'd vote for her over Obama if she was running for President herself!

Brandon, Brevard, USA

Alaska has more to do with the rest of the country than you realize and how disingenious to say such it is not so. If you use a car, Alaska has a LOT to do with this country.

Gov Palin has stood up to oil companies and lobbyists unlike Biden who is in the tank to banking lobbyists.

Dale, woodbridge,

Hats off to McCain! I believe Palin offers a compliment to the Republican campaign. McCain and Palin gives me interest in the Republican party again.

mark, Shreveport, USA

In regard to Tami, Springfield, USA, what difference does it make to have inexperience in the #2 position on the ballot or in the #1 position on the ballot. Being a Vietnam Vet and certainly knowing more about war than Obama, I would much rather have McCain in the drivers seat.

Thank you

Jim

Jim , Highlandville, USA

Tami in Springfield,

There is no specific degree required to hold public office. Lincoln's formal education consisted of about 18 mo. of schooling.
I've known some wise journalists, moronic politicians, and well educated and experienced men that have made the US a joke - Palin is indeed a chg!

Donna, Monroe, Michigan, USA

If you are not sure why the GOP made this decision, then you don't deserve to vote. A pretty smart tactic, I just hope the American people are intelligent enough to see through it. Frightening, considering W has won two elections.

Brian, Burlington, NJ, USA

Leigh from San Diego, USA

What's wrong with a beauty queen? Your comment suggests only non-beauty queens support women's rights. Then again, Hillary is not much too look at...so you may have a point.

Lea, from San Antonio, USA

Lea Bonate, San Antonio, USA

She is more qualified for President ( Not Vice President ) than Obama is. She is MORE than qualified for Vice President. She is smart, beautiful and Conservative. Obama is in trouble and the Dem. convention was flat. Expect McCain/Palin in 2008.

Mark, Manchester, USA

Since when do "abortion rights" equal "womens rights"? Obviously, you all need to pay more attention to the principled stand Gov. Palin takes on the sanctity of human life, as well as the Constitutional rights of same-sex couples. We need more politicians willing to take on the status quo.

John, Lincoln, USA

Just like Rome's 'Bread and Circuses', totally pointless. Both Democrats and Republicans are alike in their desire for power and to limit freedom. The Welfare and Warfare state will continue -- until the 100 trillion dollar unfunded debt explodes!

Jefferson, Kramer, Virginia

great choice ! Obama has no more experience than Palin....she will bring new life to the Republican and non-commited voters who dont want socialism with what the other side brings to the table.

RAZE, milwaukee, usa

She is young, beautiful, a family woman, governor, and is a threat to Big Oil companies. She doesn't bring a lot of baggage to the table for McCain either.

Joe, Corning, USA

I sure wish Condoleezza Rice is chosen as McCain's running mate.

Mercy, Salinas, Ca

How ridiculous. Palin is an insult to the intelligence of female voters. This choice is nothing but superficial pandering to anyone ignorant enough to believe that simply because of her gender Palin will do good for women. She is a Republican beauty queen and always eager to sell out women's rights.

Leigh, San Diego, USA

John M.... has lost his mind!! I'm a Republican, and I don't get it.

Let's see, this pick is young and inexperience..sounds like Who!! (according to John M.) She was a beauty contestant where??? What did she do to rate over the many qualified Republicans?? What kind of favor was done??(Heartbeat)

John Smuggles, Hesperia , USA

Sad that the American public is so easily won over.

Alaskan politics have little to do with the rest of our country.

Palin may have a wholesome presence but should something happen to McCain, she would be at a great loss in any foreign relations issues dealing with countries other than Canada.

Tami, Springfield, USA

t lc--

all she has is a bachelors in journalism from Idaho. strange, strange choice.

Tami, Springfield, USA

Palin's educational background - communications and journalism major from University of Idaho, not a very competitive school. Typical course of study for a beauty queen. She's a political lightweight and with McCain at 73, his age and her experience, or lack thereof, will be huge campaign issues.

Christina S., San , USA

YES! She knows that drilling for oil in Anwar is the right thing! She knows it is all tundra! Installing natural gas next to oil pipeline-terrific!She has it all together! Godd morals & ethics!Brilliant move on the part of McCain! There is hope for change and improvement for the USA!

Martha, Fort Mitchell, USA

A female married to a minority. Can anyone believe this would ever happen to a Democrat ? She does have foreigh experience. Russia on one side and Canada on the other. Both touchy in the Arctic. Executive experience, she is a Governor of a State. Senators do not have executive roles. just drones

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TX

I was totally surprised by her choice, but when I saw her speak on TV today, she was a very confident person that I quickly took to. GREAT choice in my belief!

gary thomas, kalamazoo mich, usa

I couldn't be happier with this choice. If elected, this team will do their best to unite the country and move it forward with minimal partisanship in becoming a peaceful leader of the free world.

Wade, Tucson, USA

I am a young american woman living in the UK. I think that the choice of Sarah Palin brings great excitement to the Republican ticket.

Vivienne, Kent, England

Sarah Palin is an outstanding choice for McCain's running mate. She is a great American story and she brings hope and great expectations to the Republican party .

William Ebojo, Goose Creek SC, USA

I wish Sarh Palin was English & in a race for premiership in UK. Lucky USA

Richard, Bucharest,

I think this is a great pick.

chris gnetz, chandler, usa

Looks Like a great choice just on ethics alone, What is her educational background?

t lc, Mesa, USA