Joe Biden, Sarah Palin

Last week, both the Democratic and Republican candidates picked their running mates. This is important, on both a government and election level.

We ARE talking about a member of the cabinet, after all. A part of government. I mean, look at Dick Cheney's ill-fated level of involvement with Bush's first term. That turned out to be a very important choice, one I wish we'd looked at more closely in 2000.

The VP can also be shown to "balance a ticket," as both McCain and Obama have done. Obama chose the veteran Joe Biden, with the numerous years of Washington experience that Obama lacks. McCain chose Sarah Palin, a first term Governor from Alaska, who brings youth and a sense of progressive inclusion.

I honestly think the election aspect of a Vice President is overhyped. It's important...but really, I don't think it'll sway the election. McCain and Obama are offering two distinct roads, and this is a moment in history where we find out what America really thinks. That will not be influenced by "youth" or "experience" in their choice for VP.

On a side note, the Libertarian Party is on the Ohio ballot now, whic is an interesting twist. The Green Party is now suing for the same ballot access based on the court decision last month that let the Libertarians in...let's see what happens.