Live from XCel Lack of Energy Center
Posted: Friday, September 05, 2008 9:29 AM by Sam Go
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Luke Russert
From NBC's Luke Russert
First off, if I judge this speech squarely on delivery and tone, there is no comparison to the speech given by Governor Palin. McCain was subdued, didn't get too excited and above all tried to appear like he was giving a State of the Union.
I'm surprised that the speech stayed away from specifics and essentially just talked about his past as a war hero. McCain reminded me of the old war vet you meet at a bar who tells you his life story and then says something along the lines of: "Son, make this country better for us."
The main thing that I got out of McCain's speech was how important the addition of Palin was to the ticket. If it weren't for Palin, there is no way that Republicans could leave this arena with the energy they need to squeak out a win. Granted, I know McCain wanted to appear presidential, and not attack Obama for forty minutes, but he never really had the crowd. I think this race has become Obama vs Palin. The GOP desperately needs the base to turn out in order to win and Palin brings them in hoards. Maybe I'm wrong and I'm caught up in Palin mania, but I see Palin as the deal-closer for many people.
I'm out. I'll update this weekend from Chestnut Hill, MA where the BC Eagles will be defeating Georgia Tech.
Read more of Luke's blogging on the iCue Web site.
