There was a lot of suspense around McCain's Veep pick.  Who would the Republican candidate choose to be his running mate?  Although many have called him "a maverick," would he pick a traditional conservative to satisfy his party?  No one could have guessed that he would choose the completely unknown governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin.

Republican supporters have already begun to spin the news.  They call her a Washington outsider because so many want to distance McCain from the failed policies of the unpopular President Bush.  Palin isn't obligated to follow politics as usual in the capital.  She's young, too.  In other words, she will bring fresh ideas to national politics.  On the other hand, Democratic rivals have painted her as someone very unready to be the Vice President.  She would be only one step away from assuming the duties and responsibilities of the Presidency.  What if McCain died in office?  This is a very real concern for some Americans.  After all, the job is very stressful and he just turned 72.

Of course, Democrats will focus on the negatives and Republicans will focus on the positives.  Neutral historians and scholars, however, have called Palin the most unqualified Vice Presidential choice of modern times.  She completely lacks experience in national security and foreign affairs.  After all, she has only been governor of Alaska for two years.  Before that, she was mayor of a town with slightly more than 5,000 people.

It's a big gamble.  Palin could energize McCain's campaign.  She could draw women supporters and independents who have yet to decide on a candidate.  Or people could scoff at his choice and turn away.  But it also sends a very clear message: McCain isn't worried about his age, and has no intention of passing away during his Presidency.  Palin's lack of experience and her youth simply don't matter.

Preview some of the lesson material:

Warm Up: Do you agree or disagree? Why?

1. I'm very interested in the US election.
2. The US election this year will be the biggest news of the year worldwide.
3. The US President is one of the most influential and important people in the world.
4. John McCain is too old to become President.
5. Barak Obama is too young and inexperienced to become President.

Fragments: Remember how the fragments were used, and complete the sentence from today's article.

1. Who would the Republican candidate, a person many have called "a maverick"...
2. Stalwart Republicans have...
3. This is a very real concern for some Americans, given...
4. She completely lacks...
5. Palin could invigorate McCain's campaign, drawing...

post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!

1. How important is the age of a leader? Should it be a major issue? Please explain.
2. How important is the experience of a leader? Should it be a major issue? Please explain.
3. Why do you think that McCain may have chosen Sarah Palin? Please explain.
4. Who do you prefer in the US election, John McCain or Barak Obama? Why?
5. What do you think of age discrimination? Please support your opinion with examples, if possible.

Google Search: Type "Sarah Palin" into Google. Look at the websites, and/or read additional articles on this topic. Discuss or write an essay about your findings.

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