Reformer? Maverick? Defender of motherhood? Independent-minded woman? Former beauty queen? Serious politico? Moose hunter? As soon as John McCain announced that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin would be his running mate, the liberal vs. conservative online discussion was off to the races! Progressive bloggers are shocked at Palin's positions on reproductive choice, gun control and religion in schools, just to name a few.

McCain surrogate Tim Kane talks economics with BlogHer's Mary Katharine Ham from St. Paul.

Huge TV viewing numbers last night for Gov. Sarah Palin, amazingly nearly matching Barack Obama's tally and far outstripping the viewership for Vice President Joe Biden, who is after all her opponent. Sarah Palin is not running for president. And only six networks carried Palin's speech, vs. 10 for Obama, so her numbers are even more impressive.

Delegate and Secretary of State for West Virginia Betty Ireland talks with BlogHer's Mary Katharine Ham in St. Paul.   

About a month ago, I found out that my niece is pregnant, and I’m not proud of how I reacted to this news. In hindsight, maybe it is because when she was a teenager I told her, "Don't get pregnant or I'll break your legs." Granted, unlike Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s daughter, my niece will be 23 next week and a college graduate, but despite living with the father of her child, she is unmarried.

Will McCain play it safe tonight? BlogHer's Mary Katharine Ham talks strategy as she gives us a preview of tonight's big speech from St. Paul.   

Senator John McCain's senior advisor Nancy Pfotenhauer and BlogHer's Mary Katharine Ham meet up inside the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Pundits and conservatives are asking, "Where are the feminists and why aren't they standing up for Governor Sarah Palin?" BlogHer Contributing Editor Suzanne Reisman has the answer. Are feminists standing up against sexist attacks being thrown at Palin? Should they be?

I don't usually write about politics, but I can't help myself. I just have to speak about what feels to me like a double standard when it comes to Sarah Palin. I'm surprised by the people who want equal rights for women so that they can do all the same things as men, yet now that Sarah Palin is the potential VP are all asking whether she can be a good mom and VP at the same time.

Before Sarah Palin takes the stage, it's important to look at polling on what women voters think of Sarah Palin. EMILY's List released new polls this morning. To me, here is the most important point: