Friday, August 29th, 2008

John McCain announced Friday that he had chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate (video below). Palin has served Alaska’s governor for two years, and is the Republican Party’s first female candidate for vice president.

The New York Times is reporting that, “[John McCain's] campaign has been trying to attract women, especially disaffected supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.”

In choosing Palin, McCain surprised many, with the discussion for weeks surrounding former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge.

Longtime Democratic political consultant Larry Ceisler said picking Palin, “does not help [John McCain] one bit in Pennsylvania.” However pollster G. Terry Madonna said that Palin could help McCain court women in Philadelphia suburbs.

McCain announcement comes on his 72nd birthday, and a day after Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. McCain is attempting to take back the news coverage that has been dominated by the Democrats, and given Obama a convention bump. Gallup is reporting that Obama is now leading McCain nationally by eight points - 49 to 41 percent.

Photo Media Credit: Akira Suwa - Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT

The Philadelphia Live Arts + Philly Fringe Festival starts today! We’ll keep you updated on the shows to attend, reviews and (hopefully) some multimedia to go along.

Tonight, before going to Tritone to see The Shondes, I suggest checking out “Wawapalooza 2: Get Shorti” playing at 2^nd Stage at The Adrienne (2030 Sansom St.). It’s the opening night of “Wawapalooza 2,” so head on over early to guarantee admission or purchase your tickets here.

“Wawapalooza 2” consists of short plays and films joking about IKEA, Wildwood, NJ, Guitar Hero addictions and the greatest convenience store of the greater Philadelphia region. Taste the local flavor!

$10, 70 minutes. Second Stage at The Adrienne-2030 Sansom St. Aug. 29, Sept. 1 @ 7 p.m., Aug. 30, Sept. 4 @ 9 p.m., Aug. 31 @ 4 p.m.

***Photo courtesy Canary Promotion