McCain Chooses Palin as Running Mate

DAYTON, Ohio — Senator John McCain chose Monty Python alum Michael Palin as his running mate on Friday, shaking up the political world with a surprise pick at a time when his campaign has been trying to attract nerds, geeks, and fans of television travel documentaries.

After McCain made the announcement, Palin rushed to the podium and shouted, "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" at which point the pair launched into a spirited performance of the "Dead Parrot " sketch.

The pick, confirmed by Republicans familiar with the decision, amounted to a roll of the dice, a gamble that an infusion of new leadership, and the novelty of a verbally dexterous, comic Brit could well energize a Republican base, desperate to steal thunder from the Obama campaign which recently announced a thirty-city bus tour featuring the senator from Illinois alongside such alterna-comedy leading lights as Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, and Zach Galifianakis.

Standing and waving to the adoring crowd, Palin and McCain broke into wide smiles as cries of "Ni! Ni!" began to ring throughout the hall. The festivities came to an abrupt halt when a giant foot descended from the ceiling, crushing both men.

Palin has also appeared in Brazil and A Fish Called Wanda.