As the political world and a large number of ‘average’ Americans anxiously awaited Barack Obama’s acceptance speech, rival John McCain and his puppeteers planned a masterpiece of political propaganda. Obama’s speech took place forty-five years to the day after one of the country’s most renowned Civil Rights leaders took to a podium and said four words that still resonate among Americas: “I have a dream.” Aug. 28 now marks the date of another famous speech. Obama’s eoration varied drastically from his norm by laying out not only his vision, but also how he intends to achieve it – a layout deemed essential by both sides of the political fence. As with most ‘hot topics’ and ‘breaking news,’ coverage lasted through the night, and continued until morning.

But the much deserved spotlight ended there. By 11:00 the next morning, the only news reaching electorates’ households via television headlined Republican nominee John McCain, and a strange new face: Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin. McCain’s usually lack-luster performance held a strange new giddy persona as he presented Palin – his choice for a Vice Presidential candidate. Palin, the new pride of the Republican Party, stood next to a ‘victorious’ John McCain, both wearing smiles which seemed to send a coded message: try and outshine us now, Obama.

This move by the McCain Camp registers as distasteful, considering the transparency of choosing Palin. The motives are mind-bogglingly obvious: she is a woman (which supposedly should draw every Hillary supporter who seeks to defy their core beliefs in order to place a vote based on gender.) She is a pro life, pro gun Christian conservative (Evangelical support anyone?) Finally, she is a governor (the only characteristic that any Republican will admit actually matters… because two years and 670,000 people prepares one for running an entire country.)

This decision solidifies what the majority of Democrats mull over on a daily basis: McCain is out of touch with reality, out of sync with what is best for this country, and, evidently, is out of his mind.