Reactions to McCain's Vice Presidential Selection

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Posted: 7:32 PM Aug 29, 2008
Last Updated: 7:52 PM Aug 29, 2008
Reporter: Matt Barbour
Email Address: matt.barbour@wymtnews.com

16 comments

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Republican presidential hopeful John McCain shocked the country on Friday when he picked little known Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.

For some, the choice is a dark horse.

“I didn't have many thoughts. I've never heard of her. I don't know anything about her,” says Bill Bean of Knott County.

Senator John McCain announced Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate early Friday. It is her first term in office and while she may be relatively unknown to some, one Kentucky lawmaker says her ideals line up with the party.

“She's bold on the issues that matter to people, like the right to bear arms; she's very strong on energy, which affects states like Kentucky,” says Senator Brandon Smith, (R) 30th District.

Some say the choice will not impact their vote.

“I just feel Obama has a good following and with Republicans, how they've done in the past, it's time for a change. I truly believe it will be a Democratic president,” says Gwen Lawson of Perry County.

Others say the selection is a welcomed surprise.

“It brings in new insight as well as new possibilities. I think it's about time,” says Melissa Smith of Perry County.

“I think he picked her for a running mate that he would be proud if something happened to him; she could be the president,” says Lester Turner of Perry County.

“I think we're at the crossroads of history. Either way we go now, history's going to be made,” says Senator Smith.

It is something that will have most people watching and waiting to see what happens.

This is only the second time in history a woman has been nominated as a vice presidential nominee and a first for the Republican Party.

Democrat Walter Mondale selected Geraldine Ferraro back in 1984.

All eyes turn to the Republican National Convention as it starts this Monday in Minneapolis.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Carol Location: California on Sep 3, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Gov. Palin's promises to raise and guide her family, in Alaska, and her promise to govern Alaska, have both been broken. Her priorities are out of order. Perhaps she will tire of Washington, D.C. too.

Posted by: Hey Helen on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:00 AM
McCain just turned 72...he's not 76. Maybe you're the one with dementia.

Posted by: Bill Location: Pike on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:42 AM
This is great!!! its about time we have some in office that actully has contact with the every day Joe.That will take down the theafing congress, we have now..

Posted by: Bill Location: Pike Co. on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Yes its about time we see someone from the population, rather then another belt way person. America may have chance yet.Go McCian.

Posted by: Ashley Location: Kentucky on Aug 30, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Hi, I've been following the election news closely, because like most people across the country I have family who serve in our military, and it greatly concerns me that people would choose to vote for someone just because either they didn't get his or her way (ie, Hilary Clinton did not recieve the Democratic nomination) or because they feel that the choice for V.P. is an attractive woman. The decision we make decides our fate in world issues and here at home... I think sometimes we forget what the election is about. Focus on who can best lead us and protect us and not on who has been in washington the longest or who looked good in vogue.

Posted by: Chad Location: Independence on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Lisa how can you even suggest that Sara Palin has less experience than Barack Obama! In fact Sara Palin has more experience, in the few short years that she has been in politics, than Barack Obama has his long political career. No the Insult is the fact that we have an empty suit, Obama, running for President. It's a crying shame that Obama has any support. It shows you the state of this nations citizens. Obama, if he wins, will not change one thing in Washington and he will be known as one of the worst Presidents in History. Just my opinion. Yea Obama has a plan, he won't tell you or me, but he has one somewhere. Foolish Americans. We get what we deserve and if the people of this nation choose Obama they shall get what they deserve. By the way Barack Hussain Obama is his full name! Stop censoring the News Media and say his name!!!!!!!! Good Day, Chad!

Posted by: Jean Location: Hazard on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Talk about amateur hour - this makes Dan Quayle look like a statesman. I mean, McCain just chose someone who he only met once and who has a scandal hanging over her head! Gimme a break. Those of us who supported Hillary Clinton did so because of what she stood for, not because of her gender. Gov. Palin is the extreme opposite in terms of her views and experience. I think McCain put politics first with this choice, not his country.

Posted by: TC Location: Frankfort on Aug 30, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Why is it wrong for McCain to have someone who is not experienced with the ways of the Beltway when that's Obama's whole platform? I think she's a pretty good choice. Just think, 2 days ago, Bill Clinton was bashing republicans for saying Obama had no experience and was not ready to lead (even though his wife had spent months saying the same thing, it's wrong when repubs do it), now they're bashing McCain's VP pick. Politics can make people stick their foot in their mouth.

Posted by: Lynn Location: tennessee on Aug 30, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Do some research, this lady has guts, and she is no greenhorn. She's got more experience than Obama.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Prestonsburg on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Taking into consideration Mccain's 4 cancer scares, I believe its irresponsible that he would pick someone with such little experience to run this wonderful country if something happens to him. It's almost an insult.

Posted by: David Location: Winchester on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Senator Obama's campaign's knee jerk reaction was to say that she lacked experience. How ironic that was! I think that she will excite the conservative base with her values and attract people who would have voted for Senator Clinton simply because she is a woman (not a worthy reason to vote for someone, but there are people who think that way). Senator McCain may have just sealed a win with this pick. One can only hope that he has sealed the win, because I'd like to keep my home, and when Senator Obama decides that I make too much money and my home is too large, he will tax me until I can no longer afford it.

Posted by: Randy on Aug 30, 2008 at 02:05 PM
McCain chose Palin because the Republicans know that they are doomed to lose in Nov. By choosing a little known running mate it leaves others untarnished for future elections.

Posted by: Helen Location: Busy on Aug 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
If McCain was to become president and if , no when he strokes out or cardiac arrests (he is 76 yrs old you know) do we really want this lady who just become involved in politics in the smallest populated state to be running the whole country. Not me and not my family would support that. As for me and my family we will vote Obama 08. Change we need.

Posted by: Thrilled! Location: Wellington on Aug 30, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I think that McCain's choice of Sarah Palin is absolutely wonderful! Talk about change...this is CHANGE...WONDERFUL CHANGE! She has been a city council member, mayor of a town, Governor of Alaska, not to mention a wife and mother of five children. She has high morals...pro-life, in favor of marriage between one man and one woman, an NRA member, which lets us know she is in favor of our being able to bear arms, and is in favor of drilling for oil which will help us be independent from the Middle East. In other words, she has a lot of COMMON SENSE and COURAGE! I read where Mr. Obama made a condescending remark about her "small town beginnings." The beginnings of this great country were in SMALL TOWNS and small towns are the backbone of this great country and they are filled with wonderful people who are the salt of the Earth, Mr. O! We love our freedoms and will not tolerate anyone who wants to disarm us or take away any of these precious freedoms our forefathers fought and died for!

Posted by: James A. Muncy, Jr. Location: Inez on Aug 30, 2008 at 08:12 AM
A good pick.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Elkhorn City on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I think McCain's selection was a pleasant surprise. Much better than Romney or Leiberman. As for her lack of experience,she has done some great things for Alaska in her short time being govenor. She seems to be able to hold her own with the big boys........I say let her go! The debates are actually going to be worth watching now. I can't wait to see her take on Biden. I think most would agree we are living thru the most exciting Presidential election in many, many years.

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