Got to agree there. One is a difficult task, the other impossible. No one can do it.

Palin's problem is that there is a lot of her own muck that we are just finding out about. Also, there is no way someone could argue that she would be more ready to take over the office than Sen Biden.

Biden has faults but was Obama's best choice — helps allay concerns about foreign policy (if not appeasing and acting against US interests, than at the very least naive and unrealistic, have been Americans' fears about Obama and foreign policy) and extends outreach to the establishment-friendly Dem voter crowd. In fact, making connections to the establishment is what will facilitate the likely Obama push for a great expansion of government interventionism as well as spending by Washington.

Palin has definitely been a bright spot for the Dems, despite the fact that I'm not proud of how many left-leaning bloggers have treated her. Biden has received almost ZERO attention from the media post convention. They could be playing up misstatements of his in the past or the inevitable dubious ties that 30 years in the Senate brings. Instead, I'd be surprised if he couldn't get a good read in right now on the Amtrack without anyone bothering him.

Much of what the campaign is saying about her, to bolster her “maverick” cred, is still pretty up in the air, though.

Her extreme social conservatism is problematic to me only if she thinks it should be reflected in our national policy. She hasn't been asked that question yet, and her answer will matter to me.

I was already concerned about McCain's stated goal of overturning Roe v. Wade. In combination, I'm extremely wary of them, and the party platform (and appearance of a socon takeover) is quite disturbing to me.

That said, I fully expect Palin to give a well accepted speech today that puts much of the controversy behind her and not turn into the crippling albatross around McCain's neck that many are predicting. I still don't see how she can be a “game changer” the far right is insisting she is or seriously appeal to that many independents, however. I guess we'll see.

However, there is probably not going to be a 2012 or any other year for the Republicans . by 2016, the Democrats will have over 60 seats in the Senate, will have redistricted at least 30 Republicans out of Congress with no Republican congressmen norht of Virgina and East of Ohio, and the fund raising will have ended.

But if you think having her drop will help McCain you are insane, it's over we are talking landslide victory for Obama and he would barely have to work for it.

As for the Lieberman pick, McCain would probably still lose. I really don't think that many indies would be impressed with him. Too many see him as the GOP's lapdog and add that the right (not only socons but just Republicans in general) would revolt over having the 2000 VP for the Dems as their VP. I also think Ridge had two strikes against him, pro-choice, ties to Bush and failures of Homeland Security. The only good choices were safe and uninspiring ones like Pawlenty.

If Palin were canned, McCain would lose by 15 points and Obama would get 450 electoral votes. He HAS to fight for and keep Palin.