McCain delivers a 72nd birthday surprise-Sarah Palin

DAYTON, Ohio (Reuters) - A flag-waving audience sang "Happy Birthday" to Republican John McCain on Friday, but the excitement was not over his 72nd birthday -- it was over his birthday surprise.

The White House candidate's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for his running mate shocked and delighted an Ohio crowd, creating a picture-perfect scene in a state Republicans hope to win on Election Day, November 4.

Grabbing the spotlight after a week focused on Democratic rival Barack Obama and running mate Joe Biden, McCain played coy at first, referring to his selection in gender-neutral terms as "someone" with executive experience and a record of fighting corruption.

When he described her as a governor and a mother of five, those in the crowd who hadn't caught on finally did. Palin is only the second female vice presidential pick in U.S. history and a first for the Republican party.

"She's not from these parts, and she's not from Washington, but when you get to know her, you're going to be as impressed as I am," said McCain, an Arizona senator. "She stands up for what's right and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down."

Cue the entrance. Palin, 44, walked out on the stage to loud cheers, accompanied by her husband and children.

SATISFACTION, SURPRISE

Clad in a black suit, stylish glasses and an American flag pin, the former mayor initially seemed not to know where to go before finally striding up to McCain, who ceded the podium to her.

"I thank you, Sen. McCain and Mrs. McCain, for the confidence you have placed in me," she said, referring to the senator and his wife by their titles rather than first names.

"Senator, I am honored to be chosen as your running mate."

People in the packed arena voiced satisfaction and surprise.

"Wonderful. Just fabulous. Couldn't be happier," said Jean Rayner, 71, who arrived from her home in Brandenburg, Kentucky. "I was hoping for her, but I was very surprised."

The candidate herself seemed equally shocked.

"Some of life's greatest opportunities come unexpectedly, and this is certainly the case today," she said.

She then began her coming-out party on the national stage, describing herself as an "average hockey mom" who eventually fought the "old boys' network" as a reform-minded politician.

"I actually didn't know who she was, but I'm very excited now," said Diana Wolfe, 50, an independent voter in the crowd who said she planned to support McCain.

McCain wasn't the only member of the newly minted ticket to be celebrating a personal milestone on Friday. Palin said it was her 20th wedding anniversary with husband Todd. "I had promised Todd a little surprise for the anniversary present, and hopefully he knows that I did deliver."

(Editing by Howard Goller)