If was hoping that his choice of Alaskan Governor to be his vice presidential running mate would be widely applauded, gaining him lots of free publicity…….he was right!

The only thing is, it seems that McCain is getting more then he expected and not exactly the kind of publicity ideal for someone looking to win over undecided voters.

Governor Sarah Palin, now the Republican’s vice presidential candidate has been, thus far, a lightning rod for publicity except that is the kind usually found in the checkout line at your local supermarket.

I wonder that in the quieter moments of the day if John McCain is second guessing his decision to have Sarah Palin shore-up the Republican ticket and be his running mate as he seeks residence in the White House for the next four years.

Let’s look at the list that is causing all of the hoopla:

• Sarah Palin is now under scrutiny for having her ex-brother-in-law fired from his job at her sister’s request
• Sarah Palin’s honesty and integrity is being question over the who is the real of the newly born Trig Paxson Van Palin
• Sarah Palin is a NRA member, avid supporter and pro-gun advocate
• Sarah Palin is a militant Pro-Choice advocate
• Sarah Palin believes that “Christian Creationism” or “Intelligent Design” should be taught in the public school system
• Sarah Palin initially backed the infamous “bridge to nowhere”

There is no denying that the “religious right” will, for the most part, embrace Sarah Palin and her good ‘ol Christian values and beliefs but what about non-Christians and non-believers that make up approximately 24% of the population.

I can’t see her attracting the atheist or Naturalist vote that is comprised of 16% of U.S. citizens.

If John McCain was looking to add more “red” to the electoral map by choosing Sarah Palin it probably appeared at the time to be masterful tactical move….on paper. But in reality? Well that is appearing to be another matter altogether. Isn’t it?

AROUND the BLOGOSPHERE:

Palin electrifies conservative base - PAUL – The selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate has electrified conservative activists, providing a boost of energy to the GOP nominee-in-waiting from a key constituency that had been previously had been lukewarm – at …

Trig Paxson Van Palin - I found the Palin event Friday incredibly moving. Partly because of Trig. The sentimentalist in me would be willing to see anyone who is loving and unselfish enough to welcome a Down kid into their family elevated to high office. …

Palin: Bad Mother, Bad Woman - Palin was not a half hour into her gig, when a male reporter wondered, “Shouldn’t she be home raising” that Down Syndrome baby. He needed to be reminded by a female reporter that a male politician would not be asked that question, …

Sarah Palin tops the Sunday shows - No matter who was talking across the airwaves, it was all about Sarah Palin on Sunday.

Media obsession: 5 questions for Palin - And it turned political journalists into instant biographers who were scrambling frantically to learn the key political and personal details to answer the question of the moment: Who is Sarah Palin? …