The most perfect Republican candidate ever...

In a recent article on the BBC news website, we are enlightened with 10 facts about the Republican vice president candidate, Sarah Palin.

Here are the three bits I enjoyed the most (and of course I'm paraphrasing here):

Cindy McCain has said her husband John has "picked a reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol-packing mother-of-five for vice-president". Pistol-packing is such an admirable trait for an American leader, don't you think?

She returned to work three days after the birth of her last child. What commendable stamina, resilience and dedication!

Apparently she attends a church that is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer.

A religious, gun-owning, family woman; a Republican party wet dream!

I'm sure she is a wonderful woman- capable, experienced, intelligent. But when has it become a respectable credential for the vice-presidency of the United States to be a Wallmart-shopping hockey mom? I mean I guess at least we know she'll be good at multi-tasking....

I guess I could take umbrage that these are the things being highlighted about her. The press don't tend to do this to the male candidates. I'm just at a loss to know why the Republicans think that she might pick up some of the votes that Hilary would have had, just because she's a woman. As much as I was happy Obama won the democratic candidacy, I think Hilary had alot of admirable qualities. I'm still waiting to be enlightened with some of Mrs. Palin's.

I wonder what the French think when they read phrases like 'reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol-packing mother-of-five for vice-president'. Is this an improvement on America's image that's been damaged over the last 8 years?