Kathryn writes:

Analysts have asked if it’s appropriate for a vice-presidential candidate to “shout-out” to her brother’s class (he’s a teacher). Yes, it is. And expect more than me to think it’s odd to even question something so natural and good — for civics, for America.

I’m sure those same pundits will ask the same question of Senator Obama for giving a “shout-out” to Rev. Jeremiah Wright:

CHICAGO (CBS) – While Sen. Barack Obama moved quickly to distance himself from his controversial former pastor this weekend, the presidential candidate offered a “special shout out’’ to Rev Jeremiah Wright just last summer.
Last June, Obama was speaking to black clergy at Hampton University. In the video on posted at the time on cbs2chicago.com, Obama lavished praise on Wright, talking glowingly how Wright ‘’puts up with me, counsels me.’’
About one minute into the video, Obama refers to Wright as “as a friend and a great leader.’’
Obama’s comments appear to indicate a deeper, more personal relationship than the Illinois senator disclosed just days ago when he denounced Wright’s inflammatory sermons from the pulpit at the Trinity United Church of Christ.