Bit of a curveball this one. Given McCain's age and state of health, his choice of VP is actually an important one given there is a bigger than usual chance of him dying in office. Having been a governor for only two years, it looks strangely hypocritical after the constant harping over Obama's lack of experience. Seems a pretty cynical grab for the disaffected HRC-supporter vote too, although given she is opposed to abortion rights it might not have as much traction as he'd hope.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/29palin.html?ref=us