Politics | Sarah Palin Palin Stunner: A Brilliant or Brutal Pick? McCain gets mixed reviews for bold choice on running mate By Kevin Spak Posted Aug 29, 2008 2:02 PM CDT Copied Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, right, answers questions during a news conference in this file photo. (AP Photo) John McCain certainly turned some heads by selecting Sarah Palin as his vice president. Here’s what people are saying: Given how perfectly Palin fits his needs, it’s surprising that this is so surprising, write Mark Grunwald and Jay Newton-Small of Time. McCain needed to prove he was independent, but also socially conservative, while also appealing to women. Tah-dah! Andrew Sullivan finds the pick revealing: McCain doesn’t think he can win without disgruntled Clinton voters. It’s a striking pick, but ultimately a weak one, says Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo. Palin is embroiled in scandal right now, and even less qualified than Obama. John Farrell of US News thinks Palin is a brilliant pick, who will make Democratic strategists “retch with worry.” But he warns that the relative unknown could turn out to be a disaster—like then-unknown Dan Quayle in 1988. Read These Next Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Some of the most explosive Diddy allegations are dropped. Fan who taunted Ketel Marte's mom has been banned by MLB. NJ lifeguard survives after being impaled by an umbrella. Report an error