Politics | Sarah Palin Morning Talk Shows Abuzz With Palin Pick Republicans called Alaska gov. a 'maverick' By Laurel Jorgensen Posted Aug 31, 2008 1:00 PM CDT Copied Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain listens as his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, speaks during a campaign rally Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, in O'Fallon, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) Sarah Palin ruled the political morning shows today at the expense of Barack Obama's historic speech last week, Politico reports: John McCain rebuked criticisms that Palin was unqualified to be "a heartbeat away" from the presidency. “She’s been commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard," he said on Fox News Sunday. "She’s had judgment on these issues." On This Week and Meet the Press, Republicans Sen. Lindsey Graham and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty chimed in that Palin has been "in charge of the National Guard" and a "commander in chief." On This Week, John Kerry called her part of the "flat-Earth caucus," saying McCain had “chosen somebody who doesn’t believe climate change is man-made.” He also called Palin's candidacy "almost insulting to the Hillary supporters." Pawlenty nearly touched on Palin's support for teaching creationism alongside evolution in public schools. “Allow them both to be presented so students could be exposed to both,” he said on Meet the Press. Hurricane Gustav was a hot topic on several shows, but only insofar as it affected the Republican National Convention. Read These Next Melinda French Gates reacts to her ex showing up in new Epstein files. Sarah Ferguson said she cut off Epstein. Not quite, emails show. Turning Point reveals lineup for its alternative halftime show. The voice behind 'Joy to the World' has died at 83. Report an error