Since I was born in Alaska (before it was a state, even) I suppose I should be thrilled that a fellow citizen of my native state would become president if John McCain dies in office--which the actuarial tables say he probably will. But will my voice be entirely lost in the blogosphere if I say that this is one of the cheapest political stunts that this cheap bunch of political dead-enders has visited on the American people? After banging on about Obama's alleged lack of "experience," McCain taps for his VP someone who can't claim any relevant experience at all--even if she has taken some good stands on ethics violations in her own state.

So, picking Sarah Palin is nothing more than a sop to women voters, especially those who are still nursing their pain over Hillary's loss. But much as I despise Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin is not her--and I have enough faith that American voters, especially women voters, will see the difference.

Update: Ooh, the Sarah Palin hit pieces are flying already. This one from Chris Kelly at the Huffington Post. And a nice analysis from John Nichols at The Nation. And a typically acid post from Marc Cooper.

More Update: It may be my imagination, but as I watch a live broadcast of Sarah Palin speaking to the rally in Dayton, Ohio, is the fidgeting John McCain standing beside her already wondering if he has made a big mistake?

Palin punditry: All together now, how do we describe McCain's VP choice? "Bold, but risky." Those words are echoed more or less literally in the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Providence Journal, CBC News, and even in media outlets in the U.K. and China (forgive me for not taking the time to provide the links.) A few even say that it reflects the "maverick" John McCain we've heard so much about. So the McCain campaign has succeeded in getting the media to see this as a bold move rather than a stupid, cynical, callous one that plays with the lives and futures of not only Americans but all those around the world who are affected by what America does--all for the sake of getting elected and maintaining today's economic and political status quo, which is what the McCain campaign is really all about. Seven houses for them, no houses for us. As for risky, let's hope so.