Well, that seemed rather clear from about a mile off -- not Palin in particular, but a woman generally.

McCain's only hope of winning this election was to try to make voting for him as historic as voting for Obama. It was clear that if Obama chose a man as running mate, it would leave a strategic opportunity for McCain if he were to choose a female VP.

All that courting of disaffected female Clinton supporters didn't exist in a vacuum, after all, which is why I was rooting for Sebelius as Obama's running mate. The McCain campaign was literally broadcasting their intentions.

That said, Palin is an anti-choice ideologue, and it's questionable whether voters will view her selection as historic or just plain crass.

Will it make a difference in McCain's chances? Someone might do well to ask Walter Mondale.

Technorati Tags: politics, McCain, Obama.

Update: My buddy Franklin sends us the campaign poster:

Technorati Tags: politics, McCain, Obama, palin, presidency, elections.