Are the stars aligned for John McCain, or will his VP choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin backfire? On his 72nd birthday, and the 88th anniversary (1920) of the 19th amendment (women's suffrage), John McCain tapped the first Republican female in American history to be a presidential running mate.

He shrewdly made his announcement in a battleground state (Ohio) less than a day after Sen. Obama's fantasy theatrical extravaganza in Denver. McCain's brilliant move, combined with media coverage of Gustav, could blunt Obama's momentum.

McCain's choice caught most conservatives and liberals by surprise, although most Republicans understand that Gov. Jindal and Gov. Palin are rising stars and represent the GOP's future. Most analysts (myself included) thought that Tim Pawlenty, or Mitt Romney would be conventional, safer picks. However, as a maverick, McCain heeded his instincts and chose the dark-horse candidate.

Apparently, McCain has great respect for Palin's tough, reform-minded approach to executive leadership. Gov. Palin comes from a working class background, and she has worked hard as a mayor, energy commissioner, and governor. She has battled to clean up Alaskan politics, and as a tax cutter, restored some fiscal accountability, and made government more responsive.

Palin's American Dream success story, and center right stance on economics and cultural issues could resonate with many evangelicals, moderate Democrats, women, younger voters, and blue collar voters. Moreover, her views regarding limited government, individual responsibility, and positive family values will pump up the conservative base.

Palin's selection could energize some disenchanted Hillary voters who witnessed Sen. Clinton lose in the primary election, and then be snubbed for the Dems VP slot. It does give women hope that a female from humble beginnings can have a shot at the vice-presidency, as well as the presidency. Most families can identify with a woman who juggles the challenges of career and family.

As a pro-lifer, Palin will encounter problems with pro-choice voters, but those voters might examine the totality of her positions on a broad range of issues. Some male voters might be wary of a less experienced woman who is a heartbeat away from the Oval Office, and would question her deficits in the national/international arenas. However, she is commander of the Alaska National Guard, and effectively manages a large, resource-rich state.

Similar to McCain, Palin has an independent streak, which has made her both controversial and popular. She bucks her own party at times, and opposed Sen. Steven's "bridge to nowhere," but she also has the savvy to fashion bipartisan solutions.

Palin's executive experience as mayor, commissioner, and governor could be a good fit for McCain's legislative experience. Her grasp of domestic and economic issues could complement McCain's military and national security credentials. As a VP, she could be a deciding vote in the Senate.

Indeed, Palin has far more executive experience than the Obama/Biden ticket. Those two senators have been legislators throughout most of their careers. History has shown that senators rarely make effective presidents, because they are prone to paralysis of analysis. It's difficult to make hard decisions when events and ideas are nuanced to death. By contrast, business leaders, governors, and military leaders have usually been more successful presidents.

Certainly, governing a state is a far cry from helping to run a country, but the model is fairly similar, only on a much larger scale. As McCain's running mate, Palin will likely get up to speed on foreign relations to prepare for her debate with Joe Biden. She appears to be a quick study, and in some cases might be ahead of the curve with her political skills.

For the next two months out on the stump, the McCain/Palin ticket will take their case to the American electorate. Palin's sense of humor, and down-to-earth vitality could enhance McCain's straight-talk philosophy, as they both discuss America's future.

In the minds of voters, character is a more important factor than complex policies, or soaring rhetoric. If the McCain/Palin team conveys a genuine message of believability and trust on a few core issues, it could increase voter turnout, and help boost the ticket's chance for victory on Nov. 4th, 2008.