First thoughts on Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin’s choice to be John McCain’s vice presidential running mate is attractive on several levels.  Having a female candidate on the GOP ticket was a smart move.  Having Sarah “Barracuda” Palin on the ticket is even smarter.  Sarah Palin is a former basketball player known for her aggressive playing style that also carried over into her political career as a government reformer.

Watch for the efforts to compare and contrast this fall. Chicago’s own Barack Obama grew up learning his political skills in the machine politics of the Windy City with all of its colorful and lovable political figures who always seem to be playing cat and mouse games with the feds. (If they every bring back The Wire, maybe they should have it set in the wards of Chicago). Sarah Palin will be cast as the fighter who broke with her state’s political powers, going against the grain and foregoing some of the spoils that could have been sent her way if she had played along those who wanted a slice of the oil monies and Bridges to Nowhere that that some saw as the rewards for being elected to political office.

But, back to keeping it light. I almost veered into some heavy duty political commentary there.

The picture below is a reason why Sarah Palin was a good choice on John McCain’s part.  Sarah Palin has a cute family — just like Barack Obama’s.  Voters always love seeing kids on the convention stage — especially younger ones.  Sarah Palin has five children, so that’s got to work in her favor with some voters.

Photo: Sarah Palin has an attractive family that voters will love seeing on TV.

But, the cuteness doesn’t stop with the kids. This is also the year of hottie potential First Ladies.

Putting politics aside, one must admit that Michelle Obama will be a fashion trendsetter should Barack Obama win. Should Barack win, it might be fair to say that Michelle Obama will be the hottest First Lady so far in history. But, never despair, Cindy McCain is also a hottie in her own right. Maybe First Lady comparisons with Jackie Kennedy are on point for this year.

Photo: Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Photo: Cindy McCain & Kiefer Sutherland

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Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Cindy McCain, John McCain, Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin

I never did get a chance to see Barack Obama when he was in Northwest Indiana, but I did get to attend Michelle Obama‘s speech at Merrillville Intermediate School. It’s always interesting to watch people from Chicago enter into the national spotlight.

Even if you don’t agree with Michelle and Barack Obama‘s politics, you have to admit that they have a nice family.

Photo: Michelle and Sasha Obama

Photo: Sasha Obama blows a kiss to Barack Obama while Michelle Obama watches

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Technorati Tags: Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama

I have about 2 hours of digital tape — maybe one of these days I’ll get it all broken down into manageable 2 minute or so slices so that it isn’t impossible to listen to over the internet (or on the radio).

Also, make sure to tune into Steve Walsh’s radio show on Tuesday around the 7 p.m. hour on 89.5 MHz in Northwest Indiana or online at Vocalo.org. I’ve been giving a rundown on what’s happening in Northwest Indiana as it relates to the presidential contests since we’ve become the new Iowa and newer New Hampshire this year.

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Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Indiana primary, Michelle Obama, Vocalo