Politics pick of the week (September 5th)
John McCain surprised the world last week when he announced Sarah Palin as his running-mate in the US electoral campaign.
The governor of Alaska and 44-year-old mother of five was not the likeliest candidate, her name scarcely having permeated the Republican Party, let alone the field of global politics.
Yet she is only the second woman ever to appear on a party's ticket, and McCain's choice consequently ensures the presence of either an historic first woman or African-American in the White House.
No doubt the Republican Party are hoping this will convince voters of their capability to effect the 'change' which the Democrats are tirelessly peddling, but will it work?
The BBC's North America editor, Justin Webb, was inconclusive: "My prediction: she will be a brilliant candidate or blow up and take the whole party down with her. Not sure which."
And his position is understandable - Americans do not like being told who to vote for (something Obama hopefuls have been warned), thus there is no guarantee that disappointed supporters of Hillary Clinton, particularly women, will automatically switch their allegiance on Palin's account.
Palin is keen to portray herself as a "hockey mom", a risky claim; whilst this may give her a down-to-earth, 'have-a-beer-with-you' image, it could also provide ammunition for those Democrats looking to represent her as inexperienced.
It is too early to tell how Sarah Palin will affect the Republicans' popularity, but her emergence has undoubtedly diverted a good deal of attention from the Democratic camp, which they must at this stage count as a triumph.
