When you can't win on the economy, and you can't win on national security - turn to the social issues and try and divide the country. This is right out of Karl Rove's playbook.
John McCains pick of the heretofore almost unknown Sarah Palin as his pick for VP is about one thing --abortion. As the republicans did by making gay marriage the hot button issue in 2004 - they are hoping that the pick of Palin will mobliize the religious right - and voters in ohio and other more conservative states will vote for McCain on the abortion issue.
more later.