Pro:
A huge-attention-getting pick.
Talk about McCain the fighter pilot... McCain, whose hero is Teddy Roosevelt
The cable press is talking about the VP choice, not Obama's piece.
She's charismatic.
The potential appeal for women. (Although, in 1984 Reagan won 54% of the vote in Ferraro on the ticket. Identity voting has no history on the presidential race.)
She has some reformist creds, taking on her own party...
She's blunt and outspoken.
Joe Biden might want to modulate his tone against a woman.
Her husband works with his hands and races in snow.
Rush Limbaugh likes her.
She's not from Washington.
Con:
After spending six months trying to discredit Barack Obama's readiness to be commander in chief, McCain has chosen someone with even less experience. (She was a mayor of Wasila Alaska, which is smaller than Obama's state senate district.)
Palin has not been exposed to the rigors of national politics
Palin does not know McCain well.
She will be forced to bone up on everything and forced to debate Joe Biden.
The accusations that McCain chose her because she's a woman.
An ongoing ethics investigation (although she was punishing someone accused of domestic violence.)
Disagreements with McCain on some issues, including gay rights. (She opposes same-sex marriage too, though.)
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