For any casual observer, the foremost story in this sordid affair was the revelation that Palin’s unmarried teenage daughter is pregnant. After the McCain campaign released the news, story after story about how this would affect the presidential race flooded newscasts and the front pages of major newspapers.

Given the country’s voracious appetite for any minutia of a celebrity’s dirty laundry, it’s unsurprising the media has chosen to mainly focus on this one item. Unsurprising, but unfortunate.

The fact remains that it was Palin’s daughter and not Palin who is ultimately responsible for her current state, regardless of upbringing. For the media to focus on an event Palin did not control while ignoring other, more troubling issues — such as charges that Palin abused her power as governor — is shortsighted and a disservice to the people they’re trying to inform.

The nature of the modern news cycle would seem to indicate that in a week all the news about Bristol Palin’s pregnancy gets forgotten when a new mini-controversy erupts, leaving only a wake of uniformed voters and wasted time.

When it comes to Palin, what the media really should be focusing on is what the selection says about McCain. The choice of running mate is one of the most important decisions a candidate can make, and it can say several things about exactly how a candidate might govern and how they think.

Current news reports seem to indicate the choice to pick Palin was one made at the very last minute, with not a lot of information on hand. Reports from various news sources indicate McCain offered the position to Palin shortly after meeting with her for the first time and campaign operatives didn’t interview many Alaskan politicians who have daily dealings with Palin — possibly in order to keep the choice a secret as long as possible.

To some, this may reinforce the impression that McCain doesn’t hesitate when it comes to a major decision and that he is ready to take a chance when one is warranted. Unquestionably, Palin has solid conservative credentials, and her warm reception by the Republican base would seem to reinforce that it was a solid decision.

To others, it’s a sign that McCain is prone to making reckless and uninformed choices. Critics point to the glut of negative press as a clear sign that a more careful vetting process for Palin would have been of far greater value than the initial burst of excitement that came with a truly surprise pick.

Regardless of which side of the political fence one sits on, it’s important to remember that it’s McCain and not Palin who is running for president, and to view the pick in that light.

One needs to judge the situation on the issues that truly matter and not what’s the most scandalous gossip.