I'm still in shock!

I have been vexed at the state of our presidential race. McCain was at the bottom of my list in spite of my Republican bent, and I have yet to see what the big hooplah is about Barack Obama. I was rather saddened that Hilary Clinton was out of the running, not because I would have voted for her but because I couldn't see another woman in view who had a chance of gaining the same ground that she did anytime soon.

So imagine my shock to receive a text message at 7 a.m. this morning from my sis-in-law Jen who let me know that McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate!!! WOW!!! Deride her "lack of experience" all you want---she has more executive experience than Barack does and has added a tremendous new energy and appeal to the Republican ticket.

Sniff...I remember shaking her hand at the Bear Paw parade here in our humble town of Eagle River.

:)


Things I love about Sarah Palin:

Her eloquence, confidence, passion for family, and "humble beginnings." She was a PTA mom and mayor and her husband is a commercial fisherman and North Slope guy. In my view, she represents the American dream. They're not loaded with money and glitz, but they've worked hard to establish a life for themselves and now she is working to give back to the state and country that she loves.

She walks the talk, living out her values in some very tough and beautiful ways that would challenge anyone. And brings her baby to work. Seriously, who is this woman??

She is a merciless budget cutter while simultaneously recognizing the difficulties facing her constituents in areas such as gas prices. (Thank you in advance for our rebate next month.)

She supports and lives among the military servicemen and women.

She actually lives in a state highly relevant to issues such as arctic drilling, global warming, etc. and understands them better than most people.

She makes McCain look infinitely cooler. In fact, I wish I had a t-shirt.

I'm excited!!!