Words I never thought I would say. And I have now said them twice in 24 hours.

First, I think his ad yesterday was a class act. I don’t agree with his policies or where I think he would take the country, but he is a decent man who’s proud of our country at this historic moment.

Then, he surprised many Americans, myself included, today when he chose Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate. Bravo to you Senator for looking past the labels this country sometimes has problems looking past. This is a truly historic selection, as it ensures that one of our top two offices will be held by someone other than a white male.

But the biggest cheer goes up for Barack Obama. As I said last night, his nomination would open doors, and that is exactly what has happened for Sarah Palin. It’s highly unlikely that a little known governor of a sparsely populated state would have been tapped otherwise.

I know little else about her, so for today, I congratulate her.

And governor: Send a little thanks out to the guy from Illinois who made it possible.