“The Democrats selected the most talented and experienced person who could lead the country in the event of his having to become president. The Republicans made a smart choice in picking a woman, but they did not pick the most qualified woman in their party. I would have preferred if they had picked a more talented and experienced woman.”

Jan Zmuda, Ewing

“I feel that McCain's pick is too inexperienced and I would have been happier if Obama had picked Hillary Clinton. In thinking about it, I would prefer to have an inexperienced vice president rather than an inexperienced president.”

Tracy Bock, Medfield, Mass.

“I think that it will be an interesting year for politics. It seems like Biden is qualified and McCain feels that his choice is also qualified, so may the best person win.”

Sylvester Gore, Ewing

“I think that Biden is fantastic and Sarah Palin is ridiculous and insulting to women. She's a real lightweight, and as a Democrat, I'm thrilled.”

Barbara Kirsh, with Julia Firestone, Pennington

“Sarah Palin was chosen to appeal to the female population and the more conservative Democrats, to swing them over to the Republican side. Biden was chosen to keep the conservative Democrats from switching.”

Mark Cardone, New Providence N.J.