Šiego, keep in mind that voters, not the GOP, picked McCain (only God knows why
). Had the party leadership had more say in the nomination they would have nominated somebody better than him. I know I would have.
As for the choice of Palin for running mate, more state governors have been elected president than congressmen. However, had McCain picked Romney then a lot of conservative Christians would have abstained from voting this year so he was out of the question. Having the only governor in the race on his ticket makes McCain that much more electable. I think you're right, knife, that he chose a woman to steal Hilary supporters from the Dems, and it's gonna work but it won't be enough to edge out Obama.