That old bomber pilot John McCain dropped a blockbuster on both parties this week with his pick of Sarah Palin. He shook the Republicans back to life, and he shook up the Democrats. He also shook up the race. But it will take a while to figure which targets suffered the most collateral damage.

If Obama’s executive style is No Drama Obama, McCain’s is: Roll the Dice, Boys.

Normally Republicans are the ones who are buttoned-down and by the book. And Democrats are Ready, Fire, Aim. Not this year.

The contrast says something about the kind of President the two men would be. And it’s still an open question whether the spectacularly unprepared and inexperienced – but undeniably appealing and intriguing – Palin was a stroke of genius or a disaster waiting to happen.

(Don’t blame me, my fellow Democrats. I said Obama should pick Hillary.)

In the short run, McCain’s gamble paid off. He took control of the story. He stopped the huge wave of momentum that Obama built in Denver. After trashing Obama as a celebrity, he created an even bigger celebrity.

Palin could even knock John Edwards off the cover of National Enquirer.

McCain sent a jolt of electricity through a tired and dispirited Republican Party. At least for now, he shed his image as a tired, grumpy old man.

Of Obama, I’ve said before that no one should underestimate the politician who beat the Clintons. And Democrats should not underestimate McCain’s ability to escape the sinking Bush-Republican ship.

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