I love Sarah Palin. She’s just what America needs right now in the White House: a strong, successful woman with morals and a brain. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to vote McCain until he chose Palin as his running mate.

McCain has had a lifetime of experience; no one can deny that, and that’s part of what will make him an excellent president. But Palin has leadership experience as governor that democrat Barack Obama does not have as a senator. The position of governor holds much more responsibility than that of senator, and although she hasn’t held the position very long, Obama hasn’t held his position in government much longer, and he’s running for president. The McCain-Palin team has everything this country needs, especially leadership experience and strong moral values.

Palin’s stance on abortion is one of my favorite things about her. Contrary to some beliefs, those who are pro-life (myself included) do believe in a woman’s right to choose. But instead of choosing to not take on the responsibility and consequences of one’s actions by having an abortion, we believe a woman has the right to choose when and with whom she has sex. She does, however, support abortion if the mother’s life will end because of the pregnancy. Palin is most certainly not against women, but she is against women being irresponsible.

The media’s new favorite hobby is spinning stories about Palin. Yes, her daughter is pregnant and unmarried. I don’t see how this is a reflection of Palin’s qualifications to be vice president. Parents can only control their children to an extent: then it’s up to them to make decisions. I think she’s a great parent despite her daughter’s mistake, but since when does being a good or bad parent impact someone’s readiness for office?

I wish all sides of the stories were given during election season. Take the “Troopergate” incident. The state trooper she wanted fired was in a custody battle with her sister, but that’s not why Palin wanted him fired. This man used a taser on his 11-year-old stepson, was drinking and driving in his patrol car, and explicitly threatened to shoot Palin’s father. Of course Palin wanted him fired and of course she dismissed the commissioner for not firing this criminal. I certainly would have, too.

She’s already proven she can listen to the people of Alaska and take care of them. Remember, she was elected to city council, elected to the position of mayor and elected to the position of governor. In her first year as governor, she had one of the highest approval ratings of all governors in the country.

Palin is young and not had time to create a resume like Hillary Clinton. But while in office, she’s put money back into the hands of the people, worked to safely drill for domestic oil, and still saved millions of dollars for Alaska. I’d say she’s more than qualified. I think McCain made a brilliant choice. Palin appeals to conservative Republicans, as well as many ex-Clinton supporters who want a strong, intelligent woman in the White House. She is a female leader who’s proven her competency over and over again.

Come November, I hope the people of this country make the right decision.