Washington, Aug. 30: John McCain's choice for vice-president -- Alaska Governor Sarah Palin – seems have an interesting, if not daring background.

A mom of five, bespectacled Palin, who was elected governor in 2006, smoked pot or specifically marijuana in her youth, has been a beauty pageant contestant who didn't win the Miss Wasilla, Alaska, title in 1984, loves eating moose burgers and watching hockey.

She admits she tried pot, but didn't like it - when marijuana was still legal in Alaska.

Washington, Aug. 30 : Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain''s decision to choose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate for the November 4 presidential poll, has been described by the New York Times as a bold choice, but one that carries enormous political risks.

On Friday, McCain picked Palin, a 40-something candidate with two years in statewide office and no significant foreign policy experience.

Washington  - It didn't take long for Republican John McCain to figure out how to regain the spotlight, following Democratic opponent Barack Obama's historic speech in front of 84,000 supporters the night before.

In a stunning move, McCain announced Friday he'd chosen Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate.

Dayton, Aug 29 : Republican presidential candidate John McCain has named Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential running mate.

Fox and CNN said campaign sources confirmed the surprise choice of Palin, 44, just minutes away from the start of a rally here where the Republican will make the official announcement.

Sarah Palin, John McCain’s vice presidential pick and the first female governor of Alaska, is seen as a rising star within the Republican Party.

Denver, Aug. 29 : The New York Times said on Friday said the Democratic National Convention has finally given nominee Barack Obama the boost he needed to surpass John McCain in national surveys this week.

Quoting from the latest Gallup Poll, the paper said that it showed Obama leading McCain by 48 to 42 percent.

Denver, Aug 29 : Former US President Jimmy Carter has called Republican presidential candidate John McCain a “distinguished naval officer,” but said the Arizona senator has been “milking every possible drop of advantage” from his time served as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

Carter said he was bewildered by McCain’s performance at the Saddleback Presidential Forum hosted by pastor and author Rick Warren in Lake Forest, Calif., earlier this month.