McCain picks

The U.S. presidential campaign took a surprise turn on Friday night with John McCain’s selection of his running mate. McCain, who was celebrating his 72nd birthday, picked the little-known governor of Alaska Sarah Palin to run as his vice-president. Many view McCain’s choice as a huge gamble, while others see it as a wise selection. Democrats immediately accused McCain of double standards. He has spent the whole summer attacking Barack Obama for being too young and inexperienced. Sarah Palin, at 44, is even younger than Obama and has almost no political experience. She served as mayor of a town in Alaska with a population of less than 10,000, and has spent 18 months as Alaskan governor. In November, she could be one step away from the most powerful job in the world.

John McCain explained to Republican delegates why he chose Palin: "She's exactly who I need. She's exactly who this country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of me first and country second," McCain told 15,000 supporters. Palin seemed to be a popular choice with conservatives. She is pro-life, a working-class mother of five and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. She is also prepared to drill for oil in Alaska’s protected seas. Republicans will be hoping she can attract many female voters. It is the first time the Republican Party has chosen a woman to run for the White House. Palin now has to convince Americans she’s up for the job of vice-president. Only one month ago, she asked in a televised interview: “What is it exactly that a VP does every day?"