Ellington

On her chatty blog, CBS' Katie Couric wants to know what you would ask Sarah Palin! She's going to interview her next week! She thinks Palin has made the campaign really exciting! She won't ask "gossipy stuff"! She needs you! Read more:

Palin has been topic A for all of my friends, and I'm sure she is for you, as well. Would a Palin vice presidency be good for women? Is she experienced enough to be a heartbeat away from the presidency? Are her views too right of center? Will women who supported Sen. Hillary Clinton now back a McCain-Palin ticket? To many Democrats, that seems unlikely given how little the two women have in common politically. But some women were impressed by Hillary's grit and determination and Sarah Palin's tough talk on the stump may be striking a chord with them as well.

That said, a new poll from "Lifetime" found that neither Obama nor McCain have solidified a majority of women voters, and about 7 percent remain undecided. These women will be key to a November victory.

So all of this is a long way of telling you some of the things in my head right now as I am getting ready for the interview. Friends come up to me wondering if I'll ask about the rumors online, all the gossipy stuff that seems to sell magazines and mean so little in terms of Palin's preparedness for the job.

This election is too important, and we have only a few precious weeks left to get to know who these candidates really are. With 7 percent of women undecided, I want to serve the sisterhood (and the brotherhood, too, btw) by helping all of us make informed choices.

When I interview Gov. Palin, you won't hear "gotcha" questions about personal issues. You will hear a broad range of policy questions on topics both foreign and domestic. I hope you'll walk away with a better sense of who this woman is politically, what she believes, and where she sees our country heading if Sen. McCain wins the election.

So many people are focused on this election. I'm a little concerned that I'm dreaming about it. I think I need to get a hobby. But this is a very critical time for all of us and for the entire country. I'd love to hear your thoughts … I won't be able to get to everything, but believe me, I'll try!