John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin to be his Vice-Presidential running mate is generating a firestorm of reaction - some negative but also a lot of positive opinion. I beleive John McCain has made a brilliant pick in Sarah Palin.

Palin has a public record of distinction as a mayor and as Governor of Alaska, and is known as a reformer.

She also has a personal record of distinction in support of life - not just a record of words, but in carrying her downs-syndrome baby to term. She did not only talk the language of a culture of life - she has lived it. That matters, and it means she has great character and integrity.

McCain has not caved to anyone - he has made a bold and decisive choice that will galvanize his party and move millions of women to see they have a voice in this campaign.

It is also bold strategically. By choosing Palin, McCain has given every voter in America another place to land and still cast a "historic" vote that shatters the wrongs of the past. Voting for Barack Obama is now not the only place to go if you want to be on the side of "history." You can now vote for the experience, character, and strength of John McCain at the top of the ticket, and still cast a historic vote by putting the first woman in the Vice-Presidency. My guess is that a great many voters are looking for just an out - and John McCain just gave it to them.