By: HISTORY.com Editors
Republican John McCain selects Sarah Palin as his running mate
Taking a calculated risk to appeal to conservative voters, Republican presidential nominee John McCain sets the political world abuzz when he announces the selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate on August 29, 2008.
At the time, Palin, a 44-year-old rising star known for her conservative stances and folksy charm, became the first female vice-presidential nominee for the Republican party. Advocates believed her identity as a mother of five and self-proclaimed “hockey mom” and “Mama Grizzly” would resonate with working class Americans, while her status as a relative newcomer to the national political stage offered a fresh perspective.
Her detractors, however, noted her lack of foreign policy knowledge and experience, casting doubt on her ability to lead as a potential commander-in-chief. Prior to holding the governorship, Palin served as the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, her hometown.
“She’s not from these parts, and she’s not from Washington, but when you get to know her, you’re going to be as impressed as I am,” McCain, a 72-year-old Republican senator from Arizona, told a rally while making the announcement.
Palin’s selection was polarizing and generated strong reactions. Comedians mocked her occasional gaffes, but she continued to draw huge crowds and media attention at her speaking events throughout the campaign.
Ultimately the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden delivered a decisive victory over McCain and Palin in the general election. In his 2018 memoir McCain, who died in 2018, expressed regret at not choosing Democrat Joe Lieberman as his running mate.
Following the election, Palin returned to her role as governor of Alaska, but resigned on July 26, 2009. Since then, she has authored books, appeared on reality TV shows and worked as a contributor for Fox News. She lost a special U.S. House of Representatives election to Democrat Mary Peltola in 2022.
Groundbreaking Women in Politics
From historical figures like Jeannette Rankin, the first woman in Congress, to modern ones like Tammy Duckworth, the first disabled person in Congress, meet 5 women who have paved the way for others in politics.
Also on This Day in History
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on August 29th
Related
U.S. Government and Politics
29 videos
Midterm elections are held on even-numbered years between presidential elections. These 5 midterms flipped control of Congress.
The 1894 midterms saw a historic turnover of power—one that still hasn't been matched.
Tariffs have been used for revenue, protect domestic industry from foreign competitors and cooperate or retaliate against other nations.
About the author
HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Christian Zapata, Cristiana Lombardo and Adrienne Donica.
Fact Check
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Citation Information
- Article Title
- Republican John McCain selects Sarah Palin as his running mate
- Author
- HISTORY.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 22, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- September 10, 2025
- Original Published Date
- June 06, 2023
