August 29, 2008 Surprise party: McCain announces Alaska Gov. Palin as VP pick Play video

John McCain did something unexpected for his 72nd birthday. The Arizona senator tapped Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate, making the announcement today in Dayton, Ohio.

McCain told the crowd, "I've spent the last few months looking for a running make who can best help me shake up Washington and make it start working again for the people who are counting on us," telling the audience that while passing over some better known names for the vice presidential nomination, "I'm going to continue to rely on their support and counsel during this campaign and after this election - when the real work begins."

HEAR FROM SARAH PALIN:
Gov. Sarah Palin speech part 1, CLICK HERE
Gov. Sarah Palin speech part 2, CLICK HERE

McCain called Palin "the right partner to help me stand up to those who value their privileges over their responsibilities" and "put power over principle," citing Palin's efforts to fight cirruption and government waste in Alaska, and her "tenacity and skill in tackling tough problems, especially our dangerous dependence on foreign oil."

"She knows where she comes from and she knows who she works for," McCain said. "She stands up for whats right and doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down."

TO WATCH PALIN'S SPEECH, CLICK ON THE LINKS ABOVE