VP choice a masterstroke

BRILLIANT. WHATEVER one's political preferences may be, the selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as running mate was a brilliant choice by Senator John McCain. He simultaneously stole Barack Obama's post-convention thunder, narrowed the gender gap, reassured conservatives, reassured the Christian right, and maintained his reputation as a maverick. If he and Palin win, and she performs even passably as vice president, he will have ensured that the Republicans will have a young, female, conservative presidential candidate in future elections. Whatever the public reaction of the Democrats to Palin, I believe they have seen their worst dream come true a day after their convention.

MARK BEATTY, Westford