GOP Benefits With Degree in Palintology

Sarah Palin was an inspired choice and signifies that the McCain campaign is going to steal away the mantle of "change and reform" from Obama.  The MSM is a little behind the curve on this, and still wondering why McCain would make a choice that potentially undermines his experience argument.  They'll catch on soon enough....

Governor Palin brings several things to the GOP ticket.  First and foremost, she brings a fresh face untainted by the Washington beltway establishment.  Secondly, she is a rock-ribbed conservative.  Thirdly, she has the credentials of a reformer who took on the sacred cows and corruption of the male-dominated GOP establishment in Alaska.  Finally, she will almost certainly appeal to a large enough segment of the female Clinton voters who believe that Hillary was snubbed by Obama.  Palin won't bring over the hard-core liberal women, but she will cause the working class women who live in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania to take a serious look at the GOP ticket.

Obama Veep Rally in Springfield

We'll find out on Saturday whom Senator Obama has selected to join him on the ticket.  Since I'm a McCain supporter, I'm not going to be at the big Obama event in Springfield.  I did walk by the Old State Capitol on my way to lunch this afternoon, though, and watched some of the preparation for the rally.  I snapped a few pictures if anyone's interested:

This is  a CNN truck setting up for Saturday's coverage.

Here's the truck from the other side.

The seating is being constructed in the foreground, while a large flag is draped over a building in the background.

Here's a shot of the Old State Capitol.  I'm told that Abraham Lincoln's presidential campaign was run out of the corner office seen just beyond the van/truck.  The Lincoln-Herndon Law Office is right across from the Old State Capitol (out of the picture to the left).

Another shot of the seating and flag.