stlouisinsite's Blog

     John McCain, by any standard, has lived a very successful life in his 72 years.  And time and again, McCain has shown he is possessed of a maverick, gambling spirit -- from flying American bomber planes over North Vietnam, to entering political life, and in two runs for the presidency.

     If there is any doubt McCain is at least a bit of maverick -- and probably more than a bit -- those have been erased in his selection of Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential selection.

     Whether McCain will be shot down in his presidential bid, and how much Palin will help the ticket, remain of course to be seen.  But after hearing her speak here on streaming myfoxstl.com today, there should be little doubt Mrs. Palin is indeed a very creditable candidate, with a strong independent message of her own.

     And, that message is one of reform.

     Palin's message that people should only be in politics for the right reason -- to serve the people -- is not necessarily a new one, but is an issue that appears authentic in her case.  Palin also said she wants to see government keep a focus on the most important issues it can address -  and not so much perhaps in some areas.

     If the Palin selection can help ignite a debate on the true function of government in American society, that in itself will be a positive.

     The Democrats closed their convention stronger, more united, and with a formidable ticket in Obama and Biden. 

     Now it's the Republicans turn to show what they can do.