McCain chooses Sarah Palin

Aug 30, 2008 (0630 hrs GMT): In a surprise move, Republican John McCain chooses Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, as his vice-presidential running mate for the upcoming US elections 2008. This will make the US elections 2008 a truly historic one, as the nation will elect either the first black President for White House or the first woman vice-president in the elections in November. Better known contenders for the post, like Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota, and Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, were pushed aside even as the candidature of this 44-year old and mother of five was finalized yesterday in the Republican Party meeting. Palin's lack of experience in foreign policy is likely to be an issue in the US election campaign. Even in the gubernatorial office she has less than two years' of experience. However, the Christian Coalition and evangelical leaders were all in praise for Palin after the announcement. The reason was simple: Palin is a firm believer of Christian faith and is opposed to abortion.

In the Democratic camp, Obama's address to party supporters at Denver’s Invesco stadium is being touted as something similar to the historic “I have a dream” speech delivered by Martin Luther King exactly 45 years ago. With Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate, Barack Obama is all set to win the hearts of white and blue collar workers of the US. In addition to following a Clintonian strategy of tacking a conservative plank in the campaign, in order to reach out to the middle and low income groups, Obama counts much on his oratory skills, vision on change and re-look on military policy.

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