I know she talks a lot about family values, but why on earth would she expose her 17 year old pregnant daughter to the press attention and scrutiny and Jay Leno jokes that she had to know would result. Yes, she is ambitious, but at what price?
Isn't her daughter worth more than a title?

D. Germane, St. Louis, USA

Hurricane Palin swept across the nation last night leaving the Dems and Media elites devastated in her wake. I think this storm will continue to pick up momentum and energy.

Gary Demos, Columbus, USA

To Gary in Renton...
If they are your problems, stop looking to politicians to fix them. Take advantage of the opportunities right in front of your face and fix them yourself! That is the "founding" principle. Life, liberty and the PURSUIT of happiness. These are your rights. Go pursue.

Seth, Grand Rapids, USA

For the first time in my life...I may just put a yard sign in front of my house. I hate those things, but Sarah's got me so giddy with optimism I'm actually looking forward to debating my 90% Obama supporting neighbors.

Seth, Grand Rapids, USA

She scares me. She has that pios nature of the religious but with none of the morals.

charles, Cirencester, Great Britain

For goodness sake! Do you people really believe they write their own speeches?

Tim, Seoul, Korea

The current VP, Dick Cheny, is in Georgia promising the PM of Georgia that the US will re-arm his country so he can stand up the Russians. Maybe som one should ask Sarah Palin her opinion on all this, and how she will deal with it.

Does she have clue? Will she start issuing snappy one liners ?

Margaret Redding, Ottawa, Canada

"Like we really care what people in the UK think about Palin"

Nick, if you don't care then why are you reading about Palin in a UK newspaper?

Alastair, London, UK

As a mother of a handicapped son I am interested to see how this woman can manage bringing this little lad up and giving him the time and care that he will need for the rest of his life. I fear that this baby will be left to minders just so 'Momma can have it all'.

Gilmartin, Bristol, U.K.

I may not support her personal views & politics, but I have to admit that she is probably a very capable lady and gets things done. She has certainly made this election very interesting.

Linda, Glasgow, Scotland

Scott, having your family in the audience, sharing in the occasion is natural. It is totally different to parade them on stage with their mute ‘adoration’ of mummy or daddy as some form of political media ‘accessory’. British politicians do not parade their kids on stage at party conferences.

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge, Kent

May I ask any Alaskan - "field dressing a moose" - you shoot it, cut off the meat you want to eat, then do you dig a hole to bury it, or leave the remains for other predators? Just asking...

miss.amaryllis, Devon, England

Anthony, Dubai: "So a poster child for the religous right which is precisely why McCain will now lose this election."

I have a horrble feeling that this is precisely why he will win it...

Mike, Tunbridge Wells, Uk

"Palin is our THATCHER!" And you really think thats a good thing? Thatcher was a powerful politician but she was a power crazed woman who started us on the down slide that Blair continued on.

Personally, I would have serious reservations about a candidate with her non political beliefs.

Sarah, Oxford, UK

Go for it Sarah. Set the USA alight. Put the lefties back in the box where they belong. For too long we have danced to their worn out tin whistle in the UK.

albert hall, hove, england

If this woman epit omizes america's best, ,thank God that american ascedancy in the world is waning.

meryl hart, red deer, canada

Joe, You need to look up the meaning of 'democracy' in the dictionary... Get used to it! It's about time NORMAL Americans who are proud of the JUDEO-CHRISTIAN principles this nation was founded upon took the government 'of the people, by the people' BACK! You want change? McCain/Palin!

Julie, Cleburne, USA

What a wonderfully refreshing speech Palin gave last night. I can't help but be impressed by her and the way in which she handled herself while in the (inter)national spotlight. This is the change which America needs. No more Obama, Biden and their leftist buddies. Palin is truly mainstream America.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

If McCain and Palin are elected the US can kiss democracy goodbye. They will continue along with the Bush administration in the destruction of American civil liberaties and continue to spit on the Constitution. It truely speaks of the American public to be swayed by one speech by some pretty face.

Joe, New Hampshire, USA

Obama and Biden have both said they want to raise taxes on the rich and corporations. Exactly how will companies moving to other countries because it isn't profitable to do business in the USA due to high taxes going to help the working people of this country? Companies move jobs go away,

Chuck, Horatio, Arkansas, USA

I was an Obama supporter until too many issues made me wary: Ayers, Rezco and the Chicago Annenburg Challenge. I was only lukewarm towards McCain but his choice of Sarah Palin changed my mind. I am a middle aged woman who is now excited to be voting for McCain/Palin, though I'd prefer Palin/McCain.

Fallon, Chicago , USA

Like we really care what people in the UK think about Palin, it was a great speech from a strong woman who has a real track record as a mayor and governor, its very interesting how the libs are now pounding on a female if she is not the right kind of women.

nick, phoenix, usa

I LOVE Sarah!! She vocalized things last night that I believe in: small government, strong national defense, lower taxes, the idea that individuals excel when government gets out of the way. . . absolutely stunning!!

Christy, Fort Myers, FL, USA

You want to know how to pick the best candidate? See who the European socialists hate the most & vote for that person.

Paul, Atlanta, USA

Has every one forgotten how George Bush was presented to the voters? The myth was that he was a 'good ol' regular boy' from Texas. He wasn't, we hardly could imagine what havoc he reeked. No-one bothered to read between the lines, please be informed about the issues instead of appearances.

Jennie Franks, telluride, United States

Dem/liberal females in the US have spent decades screaming that women should get out of the house and be heard.
Now that one has they want her to stay home and take care of the family.
Palin just assured Obama of Hilary's support because now her spot in history may indeed be challenged.

smb, Rif St Marie, Curacao

Kevin from Trent:

It would appear that British politicians have more to worry about right now than whether their children are being subjected to too much 'media spotlight'...

You are right: at the very, very least, they need not be concerned about that!

Gregory Scott, Houston, Texas

"The US takes in more "legal" immigrants every year than any other country in the world"

And if they lose their job, they have to leave the country within a week or they'll get arrested. Very charming.

M. R., Stockport,

On behalf of all Canadians, I want to thank Sarah Palin for removing from the American lexicon the term "ice hockey," in favour of the Canadianized "hockey." In the birthplace of hockey, Canada, the use of "ice hockey" by Americans drives us insane. A wrong has finally been righted. Nice speech.

Rick, Okotoks, Canada

She is an excellant role model for our daughters!

Mike, Bernalillo, USA

She was perfect last nite. The fact that she energized the base more than I've seen in 20 years is good enough to win this election. But she offers so much more appeal beyond her base, and connects with folks better than the condescending, elitist Harvard lawyer that tops the Dems ticket.

LA Doc, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Palin defeted the Democrats last night!

Margaret Weber, HAUPPAUGE, NY, USA

"She's like a moose going after a cabbage" Hmm, is that supposed to be a compliment and, if so, in what way? Personally I wouldn't want a moose as Vice President but maybe the people of Alaska do.

However, thanks for the quote, the Democrats must be rubbing their hands with glee at that one.

Marc, Paris, France

Anthony, Dubai:

It was the religious right that put bush in office both times. It was the religious right who put Reagan into Office, and Bush senior, even Bill Clinton. (He fooled the right) Obama knows this, and he's sweating bullets. He will lose, a sure thing. NO HE CAN'T!

Scott K, El Paso, US

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge, Kent:

Yes sir family is a bad thing her children, the most precious people in her life should not have been allowed to share in her joy. How dare she to involve her family, and kids who adore her. What a shame if British families drew closer!

Scott K, El Paso, US

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge, Kent:

The press have attacked these kids mercilessly, and she brought them out for the world to see. I think that trumps the press. I guess JFK was wrong to bring his kids out way back in '62.

Scott K, El Paso, US

All I can say is God Bless American!
Finally a Breath of Fresh Air.. Someone who really understands what Americans are feeling..
A outsider, and a Mavric... GO McCain and Palin..
you've got my Vote! Independent Voter..

james Golding, Tampa, USA

Finally conservatives in the US have a cure for McCain's elect-ile dysfunction and its called Sarah Palin: She can field dress a moose, sharp shoot liberal detractors from the lip, an an able and popular governor who doesn't tolerate corruption, and much easier on the eyes than Biden.

Mark W. Scott, Sparta, New Jersey, USA

What is with all these democrat/leftists with their hands out wanting someone else to take care of them and give them something (from someone who earned it) Solve your own problems, work hard and do the right thing and America provides the opportunties---look at Sarah

brian, denver, usa

From a "good ole boy" from Texas to a "good ole gal" from Alaska? Haven't we learned anything from the last 8 years?

Dennis, Boston,

Looks like the socialists in the U.K don't like the Palin pick
That is another good reason to support her !!!

John, Bartlett, usa

Why do the democrats and Obama supporters love to trash America? The US takes in more "legal" immigrants every year than any other country in the world-----and then all the illegals streaming here-----why??? Because its the greatest land on earth and provides opportunity for those who work for it!

bg, denver, usa

As a Brit I suspect I am not alone in being sickened at the way US politicians feel obliged to parade their families and their faith in front of the voters. Hopefully things will never be so bad over here. Putting young kids up on stage and exposing them to the glare of media attention is shameful!

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge, Kent

The problem with going to Barack's hometown for comments is that it is apparently in Kenya and they don't really have a vote in this election.

JT, Thousand Oaks, USA

To all the dems out there Biden and Obamas speeches consisted of much of the same attacks without substance. If your going to criticize, criticize both parties cause they both did it. Heres my opinion its one thing to talk a good game, but its another to deliver based on Obamas record he cannot.

Damon, Atlanta, USA

Wow Gary - an Obama supporter complaining about lack of substance in a speech. Pots 'n' kettles, eh?

Tim, London, UK

What I see is .... "Mrs" Smith Goes to Washington. Just what this country needs, a fighter For The People.

Mike, Springfield, MA, USA

I am blown away at the hysterical rantings of those who have said Palins speech was full of hate.
Its typical of the left to make ridiculous accusations about conservatives. Not one of them gave an example of what in her speech was hateful.

Roy, Ridge, US

This registered libertarian, ready to vote for my party in November, has been swayed by the Conservative Alaskan who can take on the Washington establishment. Obama and Biden are not get 'er done types. Obama is am empty suit - his record is thinner than his frame. Biden is part of the problem.

Doug, Tualatin, USA

Palin is our THATCHER!

Jane, Texas, USA

She is a creationist who tries to ban books that her faith does not believe in plus she supports pork barrel politics (diverted the $ for 'the Bridge to Nowhere' to her own pet projects'). So a poster child for the religous right which is precisely why McCain will now lose this election.

Anthony, Dubai,

To Stephen, Portland Oregon, USA and others who clearly didn't listen to the speech last night:
Yes, Sarah Palin talked Clearly about policies and got to specifics about energy independence, smaller government, reducing the tax burden on everyday Americans- Brilliant Sarah! Vote GOP!

LAM, charlotte, USA

Seems she'd be a really good shepherd, too, leading all these sheep. Did those of you praising her speech listen for any substance whatsoever? There wasn't any to listen for. Attacks on Obama, praise for her new boss, a little family story thown in to make you feel good... maybe that's all you need.

Sean, Richmond, VA, USA

To the writer who suggested that you ask people from Obama's "home town" what we think of him. I wish he would of attacked the corrupt government of the State of Illiniois and the City of Chicago. Instead, he sat back made friends and started running for president. Sarah was active about it.

Kelly, Chicago, US

I'm a long-time Hillary supporter and I really thought she could do the best job as President. When she didn't win the nomination, I sent a donation in to Obama's campaign. After hearing Palin last night, I am blown away. Quite impressive, to the point that I'll be voting for McCain/Palin.

Mark, Latrobe, PA, USA

The left is scared, and the few that say they aren't should be. Ms. Palin, having been a journalist, more than likely authored most of her speech herself. It was too well delivered to just assume (as Trish from UK suggests) that it was a male-written script. If true, then she delivered perfectly!

bob, Honolulu, USA

Not a lot of CONTENT in that speech - just a lot of bashing. What are your solutions to MY problems, Sarah? John? How are you going to fix the wreckage left by 8 years of your predecessor? Frankly, I heard more CONTENT from your opponents - of which I am one.

Gary, Renton, USA

Palin is real American. These are the real American People who built and have always sustained the country -- and they're taking back their government.

Quesney Davis, Detroit, Michigan

Palin's speech was divisive, confrontational and very aggressive. With 2 such people in the White House, America will be in more wars than it is now.

S., Phoenix, AZ

That speech sent a shiver down my spine, she's another war mongering manic!

May God help us all if these people win!

Leah, London, UK

Sarah rocks and she tore down the Demo house last night. Even if you only feel about things of import you should be able to understand this, My VP is way hotter than Your VP. McCain/ Palin 08 (Palin/McCain 12)

Rich Ellison, Stafford, VA, USA

Heather asks: Can she unite nations as well as her own?

Heather, here in the USA only Democrats believe we can appoint someone God and elect him President. The rest of us are looking for principled, pro-American, non-socialist leaders of the human kind. That's Palin.

Sick'em, Sarah!

AnnJo, Edmonds, USA

Palin is definitely a threat to the liberals and feminists in the US. She's not a liberal so she's the "wrong kind" of woman.

Sigmond, USA,

Fantastic speech! A true leader. I just wish she was on the top of the ticket instead of McCain. She has more executive experience than all the guys running and she's not from the elite class of Washington insiders. I can relate to her and will help campaign for her.

Mike, Williamsburg, USA

As an Independant American, I am ashamed at Palin's divisive, Bush-like speech. Did she use the same speech writers? Mocking public service? Mocking those who want to make a difference. She has now lost my vote. Go Obama.

Melissa, Chicago, USA

I might be getting ahead of myself. IF McCain/Palin win in November, you might be looking at the first female president 2012 (providing they do a bang up job). That absolutely has to be tearing the liberals up. Minority firsts are supposed to come from the left, but they are coming from the right

Trey, fort worth, usa

Nothing like an aggressive and hate-filled speech to rally the republican base.

Timmy, LA, USA

Hey Stephen,

I agree!! It's a good thing Obama doesn't give any scripted speaches or is ever vague about what he is going to do.

Doug, St. Louis, USA

The author does not know the meaning or purpose of field dressing. Field dressing is not butchering. It involves removal of the internal organs and draining most of the blood. This better preserves the meat and also makes the animal lighter to transport. It's done in the field, not back at camp.

Ted, Jacksonville, USA

Sarah Palin's spoke as a fighter. If I where Obama I would be crying Mama...."Why did I not pick Hillary". It exposed his weekness.. She laid it out on spoon for the America public to say... I want pit bull with lipstick for VP.

Tim White, Kettle River, USA

This woman is a Republican candidate first and foremost - and her 'plain speaking' last night was a well-rehearsed, male-written script for her to perform. She is currently under Federal investigation for corruption. But hey she's a woman! With kids! Personally I think America can do better.

trish, brighton , UK

Palin is refreshingly similar to old Abe Lincoln. One must realize that this is a chance for our country to get out of the long and deep rut our politics have driven into during the previous decades. Think of the country, get over your petty decisiveness and get Palin in.

Lewis, Seattle, WA

Mrs Palin was superb and lived up to her outstanding record. I never thought I would see a someone on a ticket of either party who has a record of fighting corruption in their own party.
Thank you John McCain. Sarah is a wonderful present to the US.

Devin, Fair Haven, NJ

Running a similar story on the opposite end perhaps would include interviewing members of Barack Obama's childhood town to see what their reaction would be. Will they be holding up "Down with Obama" signs? I doubt it. It will mark a very sad day in American history if Palin-Mccain win the election.

Max, Canterbury, USA

God bless and protect Sarah Palin; viva Palin, and you Go girl!

tom, VA. , USA

Stephen of Portland, Oregon - When were any of the ideas coming out of Portland, Oregon anything resembling mainstream? 1860? I love Portland. I love the falls, Nike, the Mac, microbrews, coffee shops, but Portland, Ore is where San Franciscans retreat when they want to sniff a little fresh air.

D, Los Angeles, USA

An amazing performance--reminded me of a cross between Reagan and Thatcher's style of speech making. The Reagan conservatives and independents have found a new voice and its Sarah Palin. Love the fact that she is so outside WDC and so down to earth--she can deliver on reform and that is what we need

Lee Kapoulos, Houston, USA

Powerful, messianic, effective speech? Yes, indeed. Also disturbingly vindictive, mocking, and utterly devoid of substance. The pit-bull act may galvanize a certain type of otherwise apathetic voter, but it won't play in the long run. So much for reaching across party lines. Shame, shame, shame

Michaël, Cambridge, MA, USA

I'm speechless.

This last week has been a mix of emotions for those of us who could care less what Sarah Palin can do with a dead moose. The whole scene is hilarious/embarassing/infuriating all at the same time.

Jay, Anne Arundel County MD, USA

TO Peter, Centerville, MA, USA,

Do you think so Peter? With an 85% approval rating in her home state? Me thinks you are scared as hell. You should be!

Mark Newman, Lutz, FL , USA

I was going to hold my nose and vote repub.
After learning more about McCain, AND NOW - Palin, ya got me. I've not been this excited since Reagan. I'm even breakin' out the checkbook for this pair.
WOOOO HOOOOO! Repub's got their mojo back last night!
Steve

Steven, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

I love Sarah Palin. She is just what America needs, a real person with home town values and commom sense.
GO SARAH!

Johnna Michelle Harron, Key West Florida, USA

I am all for her...Go McCain/Palin!!!!!

Lisa, Nashville, USA

Sarah Palin's job is not to unite the world; her job is to do the work of the American people. I have every confidence that she will make an exceptional vice president.

Dan Carter, Kingwood, TX, USA

Two months ago I was not going to vote. I am a life long Republican. Now I am "all in". Great job Ms. Palin. You have done us proud.

Jack, Lafayette, CA, USA

Minor correction needed: she was NOT mayor of Wasilla as of two years ago. Her term as mayor ended in 2002. Since 2002, she has run for Lt. Gov., served on the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, and is now Governor.

Theresa, Serty,

Coming from small town, rural America, Palin is like many of the women we know. I would be very comfortable having her as V.P. Even more so if she was sitting in the oval office. There is no nonsense coming from people like this. We know how to work, play and raise a family. God Bless Sarah

Michael, Sioux City,IA, USA

RE: "Agree Jane - now it just requires the woman speaking to join the modern age and they'll have it sorted!"

In other words, it's not the "right woman" until she's a liberal.

Simply priceless. . . .

Oh, she's speaking to the modern age . . . and a lot of us women absolutely love it.

Sarah , Santa Fe, NM

The more I learn about her the more worried I get. She is not the mainstream. She isnt what America needs i dont see how she can give a written speach but what about foreign policy or is it war war war like McCain. Did she mention any of her policies or any ideas other than attacking?

Stephen, Portland Oregon, USA

I can't wait until the VP debates, Biden loves to go off message and is quite a wild card at times and we will see how Palin handles confrontation, from what I saw last night it should be entertaining.

the Obama McCain debates will be the same scripted, questions and answers in advance

Petey, Topeka, US

I think the folks in Alaska are just glad to be rid of her for two months.

Peter, Centerville, MA, USA

Agree Jane - now it just requires the woman speaking to join the modern age and they'll have it sorted!

Richard, BArnsley, UK

I'm all for a woman's rights, but it's got to be the right woman who could potentially be the next leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world.

Can she united nations, as well as her own? That is what she would have to do if McCain keels over while in office. Palin worries me. Alot.

Heather, Dorchester,

She did really well last night.
She is what middle American conservatives, the real people who make the country work, needed in this campaign.

Scott, Florida, US

I was on the fence about this election. Since the media picked our candidates, by not allowing other candidates to have their say...but after seeing Palin, hearing that she fought members of her own Party...I'm on board!

Barbara, Ky, USA

Finally, America joins the modern age, allowing women to speak freely.
I don't always agree with her, but good for her, good for women, good for us all.

jane, NYC, USA