DAYTON, Ohio, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Sen. John McCain turned the tables on birthday traditions Friday, offering a surprise of his own in tapping Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.
McCain, who turned 72 Friday, introduced Palin, 44, as his vice presidential choice during a rally in Dayton, Ohio.
The audience recognized McCain's birthday by singing "Happy Birthday" three times. "Thanks for reminding me," he joked.
Besides being named McCain's running mate, Palin she had another reason to celebrate -- Friday was her 20th wedding anniversary. Her husband, Todd Palin, was in attendance.
"Todd and I are actually celebrating our 20th anniversary today," she told the cheering crowd. "I had promised Todd a little surprise for the anniversary present, and hopefully he knows that I did deliver."
A CNN political commentator also noted the 2008 election will be historic no matter which party wins. If the Democrats win, Barack Obama will be the first black president. If the Republicans are victorious, Palin will be the first female vice president.
