To refer to the genitals is to be perfectly blunt about McCain's very obvious move, Mary. In this campaign there is little new, it's two men running for the presidency. Women were enthusiastic because Hillary was a solidly good candidate for the top position, but now, the new VP running mate is nothing more than political arm candy. Many women will feel seriously diminished by this choice.

McCain put a woman on the ticket clearly hoping that Hillary's disappointed supporters are so shallow that they'll be like iron shavings to a magnet and vote for him simply because he has a woman on the ticket.

I know this will work against him. As a Hillary supporter, I sometimes wondered if I was so in favor of her because she is a woman, but when I see what the alternative is, it is repugnant. Palin's a big fish from a tiny Alaskan pond. Hillary asked on Tuesday night "Are you in this for me, or for these other people?" The answer for me was "both." With Hillary it was excellent that she was one of us.

Palin far is less solid than Geraldine Ferraro, who was a marginal choice at best, and I say this of my party. I think Quayle has met his match in the pretty partner fluffy VP candidate category.

SRS