6 things the Palin pick says about McCain  —  The selection of a running mate is among the most consequential, most defining decisions a presidential nominee can make.  John McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says a lot about his decison-making — and some of it is downright breathtaking.

Palin  —  The longer I think about it, the less well this selection sits with me.  And I increasingly doubt that it will prove good politics.  The Palin choice looks cynical.  The wires are showing.  —  John McCain wanted a woman: good.  —  He wanted to keep conservatives and pro-lifers happy: naturally.

QUOTE OF THE DAY.... I'm not sure if the McCain campaign has thought this line through. … First, it's not an especially good idea for top McCain aides to joke about whether McCain is going to survive four years in office.  —  Second, it's not an especially good idea to describe McCain as …

KARL ROVE'S BRILLIANT ANALYSIS..... Looking back at Karl Rove's campaign analysis from earlier this month, this might be the single funniest thing I've read in a long time. … Yes, the real problem with Tim Kaine is that he's only been governor of a large state for three years, and before that, he was only the mayor of a mid-size city.

BREAKING: McCain Campaign heading to Alaska to investigate  —  A very reliable source overheard Republican spokesperson McHugh Pierre state TODAY that he had spoken to the McCain Campaign.  They are coming to Alaska tomorrow to check out the “Troopergate” investigation.

Ron Paul followers gathering for own convention  —  Featured Topics: - John McCain - Barack Obama  —  WASHINGTON - There's no room at the Xcel Energy Center for maverick Ron Paul, so his acolytes have packed their cars, hitched rides on “Ronvoys” and will pitch tents at Ronstock '08 …

Palin Ad Starring Ted Stevens Already Scrubbed From Palin's Campaign Website  —  That was quick.  This morning, an ad from Sarah Palin's 2006 gubernatorial campaign featuring an endorsement from scandal-plagued Alaska Senator Ted Stevens was available on Palin's campaign Web site.

Obama Should Come Clean On Ayers, Rezko And the Iraqi Billionaire  —  Even as Barack Obama gave his soaring speech Thursday night, his campaign was playing hardball with its critics.  —  Team Obama has launched an offensive against WGN, the Chicago Tribune's radio station, for interviewing Stanley Kurtz.