First thoughts: A new hope

Posted: Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:43 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
ST. PAUL, MN -- Last night’s speech by Palin made one thing very clear: Conservatives have found their Obama. Win or lose, Palin has already established herself as the future star of the party. She stayed within her comfort zone, avoiding issues she's not up-to-speed on just yet. The only question is whether her tough sarcastic words for Obama played well with swing voters, who were hearing her for the very first time. Republican strategists believe she did; Dems, on the other hand, thought she was a bit too hot with her rhetoric. By the way, it was interesting how one of the strategies with the speech was to pick a fight with Obama. The McCain folks are hoping Obama joins the scrum. He didn't take the bait, but his campaign released this statement: "The speech that Gov. Palin was well delivered, but it was written by George Bush's speechwriter and sounds exactly like the same divisive, partisan attacks we've heard from George Bush for the last eight years. If Governor Palin and John McCain want to define 'change' as voting with George Bush 90% of the time, that's their choice, but we don't think the American people are ready to take a 10% chance on change." Of course, for a campaign whose candidate was launched by speeches, is it smart to actually mock another person’s speech?

*** Palin’s challenges: But as a few newspapers remind us today, Palin’s speech last night was the easy part. Over the next nine weeks, she will have to survive the Troopergate story that could undercut her reform credentials (the Washington Post has some new emails from Palin on the matter); answer questions on specific policy matters to prove that she’s capable of being one heartbeat away from the presidency; and demonstrate that she and McCain have good chemistry. Remember that McCain had met Palin just once before the day he picked her. Can they overcome that to prove to voters that they’re a better team than Obama-Biden?

*** Now it’s McCain’s turn: Last week, Obama was able to soar over the previous speeches by Michelle Obama, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Clinton. By the time we got to Invesco Field, you knew this was Obama’s party. Can McCain do the same thing after Palin speech last night? She made the Arizona senator’s job easier (she fired up the troops) and harder (can McCain ever win over the hearts of the base?). The good news for McCain is that last night had enough Obama contrast that they don't need to do that with McCain’s remarks tonight. Don't be surprised if the McCain speech is more about himself as a reforming change agent, rather than a speech filled with barbs at Obama. McCain's not known for his great speechmaking. But his chief speechwriter, Mark Salter, is someone who has a great sense of history, so no doubt this will read well for the books. Now, it's up to McCain to perform.

VOTE: Can McCain's speech top Palin's convention performance?

*** Red-meat night: Last night was a red-meat night, and an effective one -- much better for the GOP than Tuesday was. As for the sideshow of the evening, the unofficial 2012-16 primary, Huckabee seemed to top Romney on the speech front, but it may not matter since Palin seemed to trump them both. In fact, as we stated above, the GOP response to Palin reminds us a bit of how Democrats reacted to Obama in 2004. Then again, Obama's '04 speech was quintessential Obama (talking about uniting the country, a new hope, and a better tomorrow). What did last night’s speech tell us about Palin beyond her family and her attacks on Obama? That said, her appeal to be a fighter for families of special needs could really help with attracting those voters to cross party lines.

*** The Democratic response: Obama strategist Robert Gibbs and DNC adviser Jamal Simmons hold a conference call with reporters at 9:30 am ET.

*** On the trail: Obama is in Pennsylvania, stumping in York and Lancaster. Biden campaigns in Virginia, hitting Virginia Beach and Manassas before heading to fundraisers in DC. And Michelle Obama is in New Mexico.

Countdown to the first presidential debate: 22 days
Countdown to the vice presidential debate: 28 days
Countdown to the second presidential debate 33 days
Countdown to the third presidential debate: 41 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 62 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 139 days

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Comments

She reminded me of another Sarah. Sarah Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions. She's just more of the same Republicon sleeze.

I could barely stomach watching it last night but I wanted to see what lies they were spreading so I could continue to fight back against the lies going door to door, email address to email address, phone call to phone call.

I'm going to up my monthly donation after seeing that pathetic pack of lies and cheap personal attacks. Figure $100 tonight when I can get a secure connection (work's firewall stops it), and up it later this month.

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/pf?outreach_page_id=45154

Those that can't donate money, please donate your time. Tell all your friends, email buddies, neighbors and family the truth. Educate them. Register them, and get them to vote!

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:51 AM)

Palin CUT special needs budget by 60%, so I'm sure that the parents of special needs children will be glad to have her "help". Sounds like Bush... support the troops by cutting the VA budget.

Come on people.....read up on her history/decision-making in Alaska for crying out LOUD!!!!!!

Matthew, Bloomfield Hills, MI (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:51 AM)

Ten Things I Learned from last night’s Republican Convention

1. A real tan is better than a fake tan. (I had no idea Mitt Romney was orange!)

2. Sarah Palin attacks with one hand and hides behind her kids with the other.

3. A woman can lie just as well as a man. (Still with the “Bridge to Nowhere” lie?)

4. Republicans don’t have any new ideas to solve America’s problems.

5. Cowgirl diplomacy won’t be any better than cowboy diplomacy.

6. A baby with Down Syndrome makes a much better prop than greek columns.

7. Republicans enjoy abuse of power wherever they can find it – it’s a sign of strength.

8. Republicans are opposed to organized communities.

9. John McCain was a POW.

10. Cindy McCain just LOVES “red meat”, and she looks strange in day glo green.

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:52 AM)

Where was the mocking of the speech?

Nicholas (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:52 AM)

Palin's speech reaked of sarcasm, nastiness, bitterness, rudeness, disrespect, and yes, shrill! There, I said it! Call me sexist!

Palin's speech lacked substance and didn't speak to the issues - the economy, the environment, national security, etc.

So far, the RNC is nothing more than nasty partisian divisive speeches from a bunch of old tired cranky unfaithful, cheating men and their beauty queens and trophy wives.

A New Hope? I think not.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:52 AM)

Senator Biden was on 'Joe' this morning. Looking very calm, and extremely handsome, he was charmingly self effacing, as he acknowledged Gov. Palin as formidable, accomplished, and quite a fighter.

However, his push back in response to her speech was brilliant. He said, "The experience that is needed here is how are you going to restore our place in the world? The amazing thing to me is, I didn't hear a single solitary phrase of the middle class. I didn't hear the word healthcare. I didn't hear a word about education. I didn't hear the word Afghanistan, or Pakistan where Al-Qaeda, and bin Laden live. I didn't hear a single substantive thing. All I heard was a distortion of Barack's position, and our position on taxes. This is right out of a playbook......this is a Karl Rove kind of deal......but, she did it really skillfully, and I think she is going to be a really, really competent opponent.... ha ha."

He didn't bother with Huckabee's lie that Palin got more votes when she ran for mayor, than he did when he ran for President. Rather he went along with it. (She got about 9,000, he got 80,000). Instead, he graciously gave recognition to Barack for having pulled him, "out of oblivion", (his words), in making him his Vice Presidential running mate.

I knew I would love whomever Obama chose. I just didn't know it was going to be Joe Biden who had already earned it long ago.

aleese (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:53 AM)

All yesterday I read people writing, Palin is so cutthroat, Palin is a nasty person, Palin is hateful in her attacks .... Are Democrats really that blind to their own hubris and hatred? And not just Obama’s camp … do you ever reread these posts at the end of the week? It’s quite enlightening. You say more nasty cruel things in a day than Palin has said her whole life. Talk about refusing to look in the mirror. And to think, I thought the "Palin doesn’t have enough experience" crap was as black as the kettle could be called.

Just Say No to Obama (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:54 AM)

The dems at their convention attacked McCain for being out of touch, his voting record, and his stance on the issues, ie., Iraq, the economy, drilling, etc.

The dem chorus had a constant theme throughout their convention. They consistently honored McCain's service as a veteran, and his suffering as a POW.

At the repub convention last night, they attacked Senator Obama with insults, sarcasm, mockery, and lies. The crowd dismissed him as a 'zero'. When they were called to recognize America’s historic achievement in his nomination, very few had the capacity to even acknowledge, let alone honor it.

Obama stood up for Palin, and her family. In response to his firm rebuke, the press backed off. In her speech last night, she spoke of him only with taunting disdain.

Senator Obama, remember what Christ taught.

"Do not cast your pearls before swine, lest they turn, and rend you".....

Senator Biden, do not spot this woman passes in the debates. Since she relishes the fight with the big boys, (for the big job), pull no punches. Let her have it. She is a lying neocon. Put. Her. Down.

Thomas (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:54 AM)

Palin's speech?

The chief speechwriter on this address is Matthew Scully, who is one of McCain's speechwriters and also wrote for President Bush. Enough said.

WHAT exactly do you know today about Sarah Palin that you didn't know yesterday? Nothing. These weren't even her words or ideas for that matter.
So, through Palin speech we now know what Matthew Scully's view points are, but not Palins. Instead of attacks, I wanted to hear WHY Sarah Palin thinks she should be on the ticket as VP. What makes her qualified? What are her policies going to be on the economy? The war? Energy? I still don't know today.

And on the charge of sexism: Why do reporters keep introducing her as "A mother of 5"? Do they introduce Barack Obama as "A father of 2"? No, they do not. If she wants to play in the big league, then she should be treated like it. Drop the "hockey Mom" crap and act like the politician she thinks she is. This woman is nothing but an "empty suit" as the Reukes like to refer to Obama. I saw no substance whatsoever in the speech. I just saw an angry hockey Mom that is NOT qualified to be one heartbeat away from the presidency. I'm assuming she did little to convince the majority of woman that they should vote for McCain. All one has to do is look at McCain voting record on woman's issues. He votes AGAINST them 100% of the time. If woman are fooled by this Pit Bull with Lipstick, then they are ignorant to begin with. Obama/Biden '08!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:55 AM)

Nothing is more dangerous in all of human experience than a politician who thinks that those who make war are sent from God.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:56 AM)

It also made another thing clear: The GOP just lost the swing vote entirely with their hate filled vitriol last night

Insulting (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:56 AM)

I am the parent of a special needs young man. Palin is not an advocate for us since she SLASHED funding for special needs support in Alaska.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:58 AM)

Nice!!!....Finally we get to see the wolves in sheep's clothing!!!!....Noonan...What a joke!!!!...

http://www.jossip.com/msnbc-keeps-the-mics-live-hangs-chuck-todd-peggy-noonan-out-to-dry-on-palin-20080903/

For Real News (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:58 AM)

Lawyers have a phrase that goes something like "If the facts favor you, argue the facts. If the facts don't favor you, but the law does, argue the law. If neither the facts nor the law favor you, attack your opponent."

The strategy of the McCain campaign seems pretty obvious. Unfortunately, the "elite" "liberal" media appears for the most part to have been entranced by what was in reality nothing more than pushing attack buttons.

The uniform praise for this speech from the media is really an embarassment. Sure it sells copy and raises ratings, but there is more at stake here.

John, Charlottesville, VA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:58 AM)

"She stayed within her comfort zone, avoiding issues she's not up-to-speed on just yet."

lol

Her comfort zone?

Sarah Palin is not about "issues". She is about attack, distraction, and hypocrisy.

And the media loves it.

Why no mention of all the lies she told?

I guess as long as the lies are delivered well, it doesn't matter, huh?

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_09/014545.php

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:58 AM)

Obama deserved to be punched in the nose, and took a conservative woman to do it. No more complaining from Obama that he's been attacked because he's black. Obama is being attacked because he's wrong, inexperienced, corrupt, and clueless as to how the world works. The gloves are off now Obama. Prepare to be defined, and prepare to hear the truth about who you really are.

Ike Stevenson, Kendall, NC (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:59 AM)

Umm Palin is no Obama. Obama talks about uniting. Palin just criticized every person whoever got involved in thier community to help the neighborhood. Maybe someone should let her know that in the continental US we actually believe in helping your neighbor and community instead of belitteling them.

Billy, MI (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:59 AM)

When does the media start a clock as to when Palin has a real in-depth issue oriented interview? (People magazine doesn't count) There are so many issues and little bit of information on her views.

Jane (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:59 AM)

We'll see how it all plays out, but i didn't think that the republican attack machine was that effective last night because few, if any, of their attacks were well based in fact. many of the arguments they were making were fallacies of straw man and appeals to the people.

if this is the type of leadership that america wants, it truly is more of the same because i've seen this convention before... divisive attacks, no layout of policy platforms, just personal attacks on the opponents while crying sexism when the public and media try to get information on Palin's background. The repubs are already in full cover up mode in Alaska, shutting down inquiries that should be finished before the election.

Can someone explain the difference between the fundamentalist Islamic terrorists and the fundamentalist christian warmongers? it seems to me that both are hell bent on destroying the america i know and love...

http://horneddevil.proboards98.com/index.cgi#general

Tzalaran (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:00 AM)

I think if you are a republican the speech was exactly what you wanted to hear - a morale booster. If you are a democrat what you heard was four more years of the partisan bickering and failed policies of George Bush. Not sure she swung any swing voters with that pitch.

LA in Denver (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:00 AM)

Palin's speech was all barbs and no policy. I really think that, unlike Obama's speech, Mcshame's will be either about himself (with endless references to his years as a POW) or more barbs at Obama. I'd put money on the prediction that he doesn't talk policy, because if he did, his "maverick" persona would be blown by how similar his ideas are to Bush's. So I think I'll read about this one tomorrow.

Class Warior, D.C (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:00 AM)

Yes, reading a speech written by a Karl Rove speechwriter is the easy part. Comments on the campaign trail is another thing. Driping news from Alaska, AIP (Alaska secession from USA), Bridge to nowhere, Troopergate, are issues that will not go away. A hot air balloon go up, loses its gas, and then drops. The neocons and Evalgelical Christians will like her, fortunately the majority of American people are too smart to buy her right-wing message. All she has done is make it an interesting fight; but McCain/Palin will lose this election.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:00 AM)

Even though Sara Palin is a female version of W and she scares me to death, she can belt out a speech, and will certainly eclipse any attempt by John McCain to do the same. If McCain starts to do the town hall thing and begins to walk around the podium it's going to be embarrassing. But please, the POW stories have got to stop. He's milked that dry. Yes we all know, could we please move on.

chris, SC (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:00 AM)

I was saddened by Palin's speech last night. She picked up the Republicans' culture war, even though she was born in 1964. I am so ready to get beyond the hate that the Republican Party represents. That is what is so refreshing about Barack Obama. He wants to get beyond the culture wars of the 1960's.

Therese, Westlake, OH (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:01 AM)

I suspect we'll see some fighting back from Team Obama, but I'm guessing in a much different way. And, I applaud any efforts to help all these people stay ON THE ISSUES THAT CONCERN the American People. That is what is called "putting Country first" and that's why I'm a proud supporter of Obama/Biden.

Sniping never ever ever gets my vote. I consider it completely unproductive. That means you both Palin and Guiliani. Romney, I could stomach, the other two, no way.

And as a former NYCer, that was vintage Giuliani "loves the limelight, big ego". Of course where was his voice when he was campaigning?

Obama/Biden 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT FIRED UP (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:01 AM)

If she is the future of the Republican party, I welcome all the moderate Republicans to join with Democrats in getting rid of the right wing religious fanatic's stranglehold on the Republican party--vote Obama/Biden for a better future for ALL Americans, not just the Christian right.

LB, Virginia (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:01 AM)

Yes the repugnant ones have found "A New Dope" to regurgitate the same old sang and dance that has wrecked our secular democracy the past 30 years. She's no Obama to be sure as she doesn't inspire anyone but the totally braindead.

Rather sickening that the MSM, including MSNBC, has fallen for this bright new shiny toy. Why is it that Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert point out so many double talks from the Dumb and Dumber ticket that the MSM, including MSNBC, are too ignorant or cowardly to do? When will the liberal free press stop falling down on the job, the way it did in the runup to war in Iraq or to expose the lies of the swiftboat crowd 4 years ago? Really sad that comedians are more truthful than the MSM or MSNBC!

Come on MSM and MSNBC stop fawning over "Sinner" Sarah and start exposing this clueless fraud and her scandals.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:02 AM)

Palin sounded like a bitter woman who clings to guns religion.

And I am disgusted by how they use "Prop", I mean "Trig" - first as a shield for the other child's pregnancy, and then for product placement during her speech.

Hmm, could it be . . . . Satan? (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:03 AM)

I agree with this assessment: "The only question is whether her tough sarcastic words for Obama played well with swing voters, who were hearing her for the very first time."

I believe she failed at this endeavor as she came off too sarcastic. I think many swing voters will question by what standing she was qualified to make those many inappropriate remarks.

The other piece that's missing is what happens AFTER the speech. Ahe had everything going for her in that environment... A rapidly friendly audience, a speech that was written for her, and low expectations. I would have been surprised has she NOT energized that crowd but again, I think she probably turned off many of the people who will end up deiciding this election.

TexasLou, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:03 AM)

If Sarah Palin is the future of the Republican Party, then ALL of the United States needs to be VERY AFRAID. Beside a rousing speech to McCain's base, has anybody forgotten the serious issues that are following her to this nomination: firing people she doesn't like, a penchant for pork barrel funds, and censoring library books of all things. There are other clues to the type of VP she would be if elected, which are also frightening to consider. And according to her speech, McCain doesn't have the experience to be POTUS either. If they get in, America's future is dead. Now, that's a change for anybody who wants to believe that dribble.

waitg4chg, MD (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:03 AM)

First Read- I've never written before would you please publish- thank you.

My Husband and I have been Registered Republicans for 45 years and fully planned on supporting the GOP again this year. Then came last night-

My son has been a Community Organizer in Boston for the past 5 years and done tremendous and important work helping the less fortunate. My Husband and I are very proud of him and until last night were proud Republicans as well- but we've NEVER been so insulted in all our lives. Imagine if one of your children's chosen career was fed through the meat grinder the way ours was!!!!!

We were sitting there and the entire convention felt like it was mocking us, our wonderful son and the choices he's made in his life - to try and give back and make a difference. I'm embarrassed to say this morning the whole thing had me in tears.

This concept may be laughable to most in the GOP but it's not to us and we support him 100% and we could never support a Party that so willingly mocks members children.

Furthermore, I found the tone of the whole thing to be rather Sophomoric and had virtually NO substance at all - especially Rudy G and Palin.

We wanted to know more about Sarah Palin and instead got negativity and condescending attacks from WHO exactly? Who are you- we still don't know except that you can insult others- many of them!

This whole thing came off as preachy, very divisive and just plain nasty.

Must admit that I feel terrible and ashamed that I would support a ticket and a Party that so freely tossed people like my son under the bus for Political gain?

Or is that just the way the GOP feels about Citizens that aren't up to their high standards of making a living? Who really are the elitist here????

Either way- the attack on Community Organizers may have initiated it and although if I relied on the speeches we still have NO Idea where Palin stands on the issues but- do know that she can recite nasty remarks that were supplied to her.

What are her plans ideas hopes- who knows?

Certainly what we have read is enough for us - along with this speech- this woman is WAY to far right even for us lifetime Republicans and seriously the wrong direction for this country.

Our youngest son is a ardent Obama supporter and has been Campaigning here in Richmond Virginaia for him for months - Today we are going to join him and work to get a ticket elected that is for ALL the people. We will try and convince close friends relatives and people at our catholic church do the same!

I would have never in my wildest dreams thought this would have happened - that my own Party would make me feel so badly, completely ostracized and like the butt of a cruel and unnecessary joke.

The bottom line is the GOP has moved even more to the Extremist Right and obviously there is no place for Moderates in this new Republican order- they have made that abundantly clear!

We are done buying into the GOP hate and scare machine and urge any open minded and realistic Republicans to do the same.

Thank you for allowing my thoughts to be heard.

God Bless

NancyClarkRichmondVa (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:05 AM)

"Of course, for a campaign whose candidate was launched by speeches, is it smart to actually mock another person’s speech?"

Senator Obama writes his own speeches whereas Gov. Palin needs the assistance of George W. Bush's speech writer. Big difference.

Eddie, NYC (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:05 AM)

Why won't anyone investigate her pastor where she has gone to church for many years? Hateful speech against Jews needs to be investigated! Oh, sorry, I forgot, she's a white woman, only the black guy gets the real scrutiny! What horse manure this is!

LB, Virginia (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:06 AM)

Of course, for a campaign whose candidate was launched by speeches, is it smart to actually mock another person’s speech? This is a stupid question her career is being launched on a speech as well.BUt is funny how 8 yrs of state senate is so often forgotten by you guys in the media.plaus the 3 yrs as a US senator.
The answer to your question is yes. In the words of Bill Clinton once again "when one group plays to your fears and the other plays to hope ,trust hope everytime." She is just like her running mate , a spiteful nasty person.

Brian M De (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:07 AM)

Did anyone notice the body language between McCain and Palin?

It seems Ms. Palin was trying her best to keep her distance from the old man!

I wonder how that will play out!

Tom Kaye (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:07 AM)

McCain’s New War: Main Stream Media

McCain’s Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin has declared war on the media and I hope they are up to this challenge. McCain has now turned on his friends of the media and using his vengeful VP selection as his weapon. No resolutions. No plan. Daydreaming of days of old. Why can’t the Republican’s stick to issues serving the American people instead of injecting their own self-serving agenda?

This woman who has spent less than a week in the media spotlight, who has thus far made herself completely unavailable for interviews, has blasted the media with both barrels, deriding them for daring to cover her and the revelations that continue to emerge about this untested, unknown and unvetted candidate.

Ms. Pailn brilliantly accepted her nomination for VP but this is not American Idol does the Presidency. McCain’s shot-gun marriage to Palin and her 2-day course on to ‘How To Be President’ only proves its more about the same with this dangerous duo. Shooting with both barrels – sexism and family values – this Republican ticket has dared the MSM to serve the people. With Reform now being their new message up against Obama’s consistent message for Change, the Republican’s have waged a tricky attack on everyone’s basic intelligence blurring the reality with the facts.

Who is Sarah Palin? And further more who is the make-over maverick John McCain? Are we all (MSM included) going to pay for 4 more years like the last disgraceful 8 and give up on the truth? This presidential race is between Obama and McCain but McCampaign’s war is against the media. Republican talking-points have all our backs up against the wall. Let the vetting begin. I call that Hope!

harold, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:07 AM)

Last 8 years have shown, one cannot live on KoolAid alone.

TheNest, VA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:07 AM)

Several things stood out from Palin's appearance at the convention, last night:

1) Palin's attacks (as well as Guiliani's attacks) on Obama's past work as a community organizer was atrocious. Community workers are much closer to, and have a better understanding of, most regular people in this country than a mayor or governor.

2) When Palin was talking about taxes will be better with a McCain/Palin Administration, she never went into specifics of actually WHO would benefit most. In fact, all references of a McCain/Palin Administration were in generalities ONLY. It would be nice to know what platform they are running on. At least Obama and Biden gave specifics as to what they hoped to accomplishment, and how.

3) I am totally shocked nobody in the media is talking about what happened when McCain met with Palin and her family after her speech. Unlike when Obama surprised Biden after Biden's speech, which seemed unscripted and genuinely friendly, McCain's appearance seemed both scripted and uncomfortable for both him and Palin. Didn't anybody else notice that they would only share half-hugs with each other, not even looking at each other? It looked very uncomfortable, unlike the connection Obama and Biden seemed to share in a similar situation.

Craig W, Everett, WA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:08 AM)

As a swing voter who was pretty ambivalent between Obama and McCain prior to Palin, I just want to say that Palin and her speech sent me directly to donate to Obama. For someone to introduce themselves to America with a hateful speech just did not sit well with me, especially when Obama talks about bringing people together. It seems the Republicans just want to tear us apart some more.

David (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:08 AM)

"The Republican's Obama?" That's a bit much. She fires up the evangelicals and other far, right wingers. Obama has become famous for inspiring people who have tuned out of politics. There's an enormous difference. The praise of her speech has been exaggerated. How hard is it to fire up a partisan crowd with snarky attacks on a Democrat?

Mike, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:08 AM)

I am a 51 YO White middle class woman, mother and wife. Am I the demographic that Palin's speech was suppose to reach? I think she came across as very immature and reminded me of the movie "mean girls". The republicans have found an attractive woman who can deliver a good line, but has absolutely no substance and they can mold to be what they want to be. She will do or say anything to get ahead. Not a good role model for a woman or human being to me!!

Karen, Crystal Lake (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:08 AM)

This is not meant to offend parents of special needs children (we have them in our own family) but didn't I hear that Sarah Palin cut funding in Alaska for special needs children?

I guess that was before she had one herself.

Carrie in TX (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:08 AM)

"Inane" McCain will just read his script, unlike his opponent who can craft a great speech by himself because he is an intellectual giant compared to the mental midget flip flopper. Nothing will make the Old Flip Flopper's speech interesting.

There won't be 38 million glued to their tv screens tonight to watch an acceptance speech. Yeah "Braindead" Fred Thompson got it right the other night about "Juvenile Delinquent" McCain, that he was the leader of trouble makers and he still is. Our country can't take another 4 years of the same 8 years of a conservative juvenile delinquent trouble maker!

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:09 AM)

The comment that the speech last night was the easy part is correct. The bar was not even set for Ms. Palin, let alone set too high or low. All she had to do was not screw up the speech that was written for her. And she did not. However, unlike other candidates, her speech was not judged against other speeches she has given. Preaching to the choir is one thing but converting the disenfranchised is another.

Michael F. Grace (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:12 AM)

Don't count the chickens before they are hatched. If troopergate blows up you can best believe that the republicans will eat their young. Mitt and Rudy are salavating at the chance to replace her.

Roll of the dice......snake eyes (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:12 AM)

The Democrats can dish it out, but they sure can't take it. Like the school bully who got his butt whipped by the new kid the only thing the hatefull Left can do is whine and call her names as they ice down their black eyes. I bet Bill and Hillary had a smile on their face last night.

Hillary Voter for McCain (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:12 AM)

Good morning. Palin gave a good speech; articulate, funny at times but still not my cup of tea on the issues. Everyone is saying that there is a double standard, I have to agree. It was okay for Fox News, Lou Dobbs, Juan Williams and the like to dog Obama about Rev Wright for weeks on end and Michelle Obama's patriotism for weeks on end and ALL the other stupid afiliations crap they could muster. But when Palin in being vetted and her life is being investigated it's an attack. I did not like the way she mocked Obama and if Biden were to mock Palin he would be in for hell from Hanity, Riley and Dobbs.

Biden, have no mercy on her in your debate!!! She asked for it so give it to her.

Double Standard (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:12 AM)

Oh yeah another myth of her speech. That she will be an advocate for families with special needs children. Is that why she cut the budget in Alaska for programs dealing with educating those special needs children by $6 million dollars? Ironic aint it? Here is another Palin funny , She cut budget funding to help teeage mothers get on their feet by $3million dollars. But I guess thats ok because her daughter will have a fresh start with the help of the Gov of Alaska come November when she is sent back there to finish her Mission I mean her work. See hypocrites like Palin make it easy for people to lose their religion.

Brian M De. (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:13 AM)

Palin's speech was divissive and so negative. It might work for republicans because all they know is tell lies and be negative. But independents, we are tired of hearing lies day after day. We just saw what kind of person Palin is. I got no respect for her after listening to her last night. She juse insulted herself infront of the American people.

She got no experience and no manner. She doesn't even know how to give a speech or appeal to her audience. She needs to call Obama to get some speech, manner, and knowledge experience. I know that she is not going to get it from McCain.

By the way, why is she getting a pass for not having any experience to qualify to be a VP? Is that because she is White??

McCain + Palin = Same Old divissive politics

Obama + Biden = Change we need for America.

Women for Obama & Biden (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:13 AM)

There's no "new" hope.
Sarah Palin has no authority in her voice. She is not as strong as Hillary. Her speech tanked. I still don't know who she is, because she spent the most part of the speech attacking Obama (nothing new in republitics). They called Michelle Obama, Barack's Baby Mama...well, WHO'S THE BABY MAMA NOW?! Her job as VP will be to sit and look pretty, something she's qualified to do.

FED UP... Enough, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:14 AM)

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