Rush Limbaugh's Morning Update: Chess

It's political chess 101. McCain's move: Sarah Palin.

First and foremost, Palin is a conservative. There is nothing but excitement about her selection among the Republican base; McCain needs that in November. Governor Palin is the only candidate on either ticket who has executive experience; in her case, managing the affairs of a state flush with energy resources the country needs to keep our oil-based economy growing. Check.

McCain's pick clearly stunned the campaign of The Messiah, Lord Barack Obama the Most Merciful. A day after his vapid speech from the heights of Mount Olympus, Drive-By Media coverage was obliterated (that speech is a rumor now); it all happened in one fell swoop. Check.

But that may actually be a relief to the Obama campaign, because early coverage of the Mount Olympus show heaped criticism on The Messiah. Some of his usually-faithful sycophants were unhappy that he didn't deliver on his promise to offer specific policy details. They were also puzzled that his big speech all but ignored the civil rights movement, and that on the 45th anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" speech, The Messiah couldn't even bring himself to mention Martin Luther King, Jr. by name. That was Obama boner move. Check.

And, of course, the masterstroke: an accomplished, real woman on the ticket. A mother of five who can turn heads -- and without wearing pantsuits! As political chess goes, John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate was a brilliant move on every level. Checkmate.

Read the Background Material on the Morning Update...
• AP: McCain Chooses Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for V.P.