Talk about waking up to a surprise this morning--and a pleasant one at that: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the GOP VP pick for Sen. John McCain. I was sure it was going to be Pawlenty--I had secretly hoped for Palin or Huckabee, but I hadn't heard Palin's name thrown around all that much recently. I knew McCain was not stupid and would not pick Romney or Ridge, but Palin...I can't even express in words my excitement at the pick. Smart, smart move on McCain's part. Not only did the senator pick perfect timing, right after socialist laundry list called "The Speech" by Obama, but he chose to make history himself by nominating the first woman as a vice presidential nominee for the GOP. Brilliant!

Gov. Palin's speech is embedded below:

I'm glad she gave some kudos to Geraldine Ferraro and to Hillary Clinton--and honestly, even though I deeply disagree with both of those women, I'm thankful that they paved the way for Palin's nomination. (Although, I'm wondering if Hillary is kicking herself right now, or if she's proud...)

I truly believe that McCain has solidified a winning ticket for the GOP, and I believe that Obama and Biden are going to get a run for their money...literally.

As for the criticisms of Palin, that she's inexperienced: Rush Limbaugh put it this way--who could teach who more? How much would Obama have to offer Palin in the way of "experience". Palin has executive experience as a mayor and as a governor in a state like no other; Palin has served on her PTA, city council, and all the while your average Alaskan hockey mom; she's the mother of five children, and her youngest has Down Syndrome--and she chose to keep that precious baby even when she knew the struggles they would all face as a family; she owns a gun and knows how to use it; her oldest son joined the U.S. military on Sept. 11 of last year, and is going to be serving his country abroad.

Kudos to Palin, kudos to McCain.

I look forward to the VP debates, to say the very least.

-Cydney

Cross-posted on The Celebrity.