Reply #3: The whacked RW Richmond Times-Dispatch

[underpants]

Palin makes a favorable impression, and we liked much of what we read about her when she emerged two years ago, but let's be frank: A Democrat with a similar résumé would invite derision from TV's talking heads and radio's mouths.

Alaska has three Electoral votes and is safe for Republicans. Joe Biden's Delaware has three Electoral votes and is safe for Democrats. Neither McCain nor Obama picked a running mate from a battleground. If Biden might help Obama in the industrial belt, then Palin might help McCain in the mountain West. That's about as far as the equation goes.

On Monday we praised Obama for selecting someone capable of stepping into the Oval Office from day one. Palin may be just as capable, but we cannot with certainty -- or in good conscience -- say so. The next few days will resemble a crucible.

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/opinion/editorials.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-08-30-0006.html