Roger Ebert Pans Palin

Venerable film critic Roger Ebert waded into politics Thursday to review Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

The verdict? Thumbs Down.

Palin is "the American Idol candidate," Ebert wrote in a Chicago Sun-Times op-ed.

What defines an "American Idol" finalist? They're good-looking, work well on television, have a sunny personality, are fierce competitors, and so talented, why, they're darned near the real thing. There's a reason "American Idol" gets such high ratings.

Ebert, however, says that's not enough of a qualification.

I want a vice president who is better, wiser, well-traveled, has met world leaders, who three months ago had an opinion on Iraq. Someone who doesn't repeat bald- faced lies about earmarks and the Bridge to Nowhere.

Ebert takes a series of shots at Palin's bashing of "elites" and her lack of international travel and experience before concluding:

I trust the American people will see through Palin, and save the Republic in November.

Read the entire article here.