The opinions about John McCain's vice presidential pick Sarah Palin are as different as, well, republicans and democrats.

"I'm not very impressed," says Ellen Durnan.

"I thought it was a brilliant pick," says Rob Flewelling.

"I wanted a woman for VP but I wanted Hillary to get in but since she didn't, I guess it's ok for McCain to pick a woman," says Brenda Warren.

A woman some say could even out the playing field, softening up McCain's image, while Obama uses Biden to toughen his up.

Political analyst Bill Ballenger says no doubt-- picking Palin is a strategical sea change.

"At least for the moment it shakes things up big time," he says.

Ballenger says after Hillary Clinton's departure, there are a lot of voters to be won-- especially blue collar voters and female voters in Michigan.

"McCain needs a person that will help get the voters and I think Sarah Palin gives him a better chance to get the voters than any other person on his list," Ballenger says.

But for many in Lansing, the announcement today in itself was not enough for them to make up their minds. Today they say is just the first step in a long process to hear from both the VP nominees.

"I really haven't committed," says Brenda Warren. "I'll wait til the convention this week, then I'll make my mind up."

And there's a lot to think about-- especially because very few saw this choice coming.

"Oh I was shocked, I was!" Ballenger says.

But once the shock wears off, we'll have a race on our hands.