OH: McCain unveils surprise VP pick in Dayton
From the Dayton Daily News:
The woman who would be vice president is a stranger to most Americans, but Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin introduced herself to the country on Friday, Aug. 29, as a reformer, a fighter of corruption and a partner in Sen. John McCain's demand for change in Washington.And although Palin was a relative unknown and a surprise pick, members of the crowd backed her enthusiastically:
"I've stood up to the politics-as-usual, to the special interests, to the lobbyists, to the Big Oil companies and the good old boy network," Palin, 44, said as the Ervin J. Nutter Center crowd roared its approval.
McCain stunned most people with the selection of Palin as his running mate, keeping the choice under wraps until just minutes before taking the stage. He complimented Palin on her "grit," her "fighting spirit and deep compassion."
Shane Robinson, 33, of Union said he believes Palin, a contestant for Miss Alaska in 1984, will bring "star power" to McCain's presidential campaign.
"I think she'll steal a lot of votes," he said.
Like Palin, Jenni Jackson of Mason is a mother of five. She called "brilliant" the Republican Arizona senator's decision to woo a conservative female to run with him.
"I'm thrilled," Jackson said. "I almost wept. She's going to be a hero for all our girls."