Sarah Palin speaks. Lets give it to her, she was phenomenal. Her presentation, her engagement, her fiery delivery wowed the Republican base, and a new conservative mega-star was born.
As the loudspeakers played the Sly Stone dance maker “I’m Everyday People,” there was a moment of irony for me. Because unlike the Democratic convention, I didn’t see the rainbow of “everyday” people I know. I saw an overwhelming white audience, oh yes they did find some black Conservatives and Latino delegates to be within camera shot.
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Palin’s speech vehemently energized the Republican base. But will the searing attacks on Obama and so-called liberal ideals speak to Independents? That being said, her role has clearly been defined as the “attack dog.” Joe Biden will have to step lightly when “attacking” back given the obvious dynamics, a fact that I am sure was taken into consideration during the vetting process that produced this unlikely nominee – a 72 year old heartbeat away from being the next leader of the free world.
Palin hit this speech out of the proverbial ball park.
It looks like it is time for Hillary to practice the glowing support she gave Senator Obama last week. By passionately speaking out now, Hillary can end the comparisons and stop the McCain camp in it’s tracks for going after her “18 million supporters.” Silence from her will just be giving permission that those oh so important voters are fair game. Hillary can make it known that just because two powerful, dynamic politicians share the same internal plumbing, women are not interchangeable and to believe so is an insult to us all.
Back to the speech…
Going for Obama and those who have questioned her small town experience Palin stated, "Since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities." Ouch.
Palin delivered a populist message, referring often to her young family. She also touched on the theme of the day – Reform. "Here’s how I look at the choice Americans face in this election," Palin said. "In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."
With her family sitting in the audience, thousands of cameras focused on her 17 year old daughter Bristol and her fiance’, and now with the world focused on Palin, we are being thrown into a campaign of ‘your style versus my style’. I would much rather it be ‘your ideals versus mine’.
I may adore her new shoes, but I fundamentally disagree with most of Palin’s ideology. The former is not how I choose my vote. The issues matter, and the dressing of the messenger doesn’t, and that goes for both political parties.
McCain speaks tonight.
-Lea
