US Politics Analysis

Beginning of article

ST. LOUIS - With the US financial crisis dominating voter concerns just two weeks before election day, Republican John McCain is facing renewed criticism for his choice of Sarah Palin as a vice presidential running mate.

Conservative commentators, late-night comedians and even retired Gen. Colin Powell have questioned the Arizona senator's judgment for putting the little-known Alaska governor on the White House ticket.

Palin, a mother of five whose staunch opposition to abortion rights has energized her party's base, is still drawing large crowds and bringing conservative voters who were wary of McCain back to the Republican fold.

But crucial independents in must-win battleground states on Nov. 4 are having second thoughts, analysts say, after Palin's performance on …