By Bob Gibson
Charlottesville political blogger

    Democrats may not have figured out how to react to today’s surprise John McCain veep pick of Sarah Palin.

    If they pillory Palin, they risk provoking a sympathetic backlash. Voters can figure out whether they like her. Many may as she is not a conventional choice.

    Dems may want to cut the moose jokes. Most people couldn’t or wouldn’t drop a moose and find it a bit exotic that she can.

    People may like her age, so calling her young and inexperienced may blunt the inevitable charge that her experience is thin. Obama knows that a lack of experience in Washington is seen by many outside the beltway as a positive.

    She’s been a governor for about two years while Tim Kaine’s experience as governor is a year more. Sure Kaine was also mayor of a much larger city, but her approval ratings in Alaska are much higher than his in Virginia.

    Finally, whether people argee with her or not on social issues, her life experience is interesting. Some voters may vote issues, others may decide based on experience but Dems may risk much by pounding away at her while promising a new and higher tone to politics.

    McCain’s pick may help us climb to that higher level, if the political class is smart. Besides, she’s a better shot than the current veep.