Anyone who’s been following the presidential race, and even if they’ve been trying to avoid it, probably knows by now of the choice of senator John McCain of first term Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin for his vice presidential candidate. Surely this is an interesting, if not altogether mind-blowing, decision on the part of a man whose platform has been solely based around the pushing the point that senator Barack Obama is far too inexperienced of a candidate to become the next commander and chief of the United States of America. The, why on Earth would a 72 year old man with questionable health pick a 44 year old woman whose credential’s include less than two years as governor and serving on a city council to be the next possible president, should he die? Perhaps he wished to show diversity in a party that much of America sees the ‘rich old guy’s club’. Maybe he sought to hook onto and reel in any still sour Hillary Clinton supporters who might be more moderately minded and wanted a woman on some presidential ticket, no matter the consequences. As insane as the choice is to me – and as insulting to all women – I think senator McCain’s most logical reason for picking governor Palin is because she is a political minority who represents the core of the republican platform. Staunchly anti-abortion and an advocate for her view on family values, she embodies what most republicans stand up for most and adds a weight of legitimacy to their beliefs. It’s one thing for a 70-year-old male politician to tell women what they should and even can be allowed to do with their bodies, but it’s a whole other thing when a woman dictates these beliefs to other women. Whatever the reasons, the best summary of choosing running mate governor Palin is that she is a bold but risky partner for senator McCain. It’s certainly a historic move at any rate and since this is possibly the most monumental election in history, maybe he’s banking on the fact that thinks he can define and write the history books in his own unique way rather than letting Senator Obama have all the fun. Keep in mind though, his reasons are dangerous to his run. An option in place of senator Clinton? What about the fact that she completely personifies the polar opposite of what senator Clinton stands for – anti-abortion and pro ‘her family values.’ No doubt the next two months are going to be rocky and fun for those who are interested in these never before seen politics. Whether you’re an Obama-Biden, McCain-Palin, or another third party supporter, you have to appreciate that this is an unprecedented election in terms of both appearance and importance. Why senator McCain chose governor Palin is up for debate and interpretation, but the fact is that she is another surprise on this already long and surprising campaign trail.