Survey Results

Last night Sarah Palin gave a speech that solidified her as a force to be taken seriously. Her ability to be divisive, condescending, and warm at the same time are pretty formidable political skills. This was her introduction to the nation, and what an introduction it was. In political terms this speech was to her, what Obama's speech in Iowa was to him.However, the difference in content is pretty stark.

She obviously has a talent for giving a good speech at a convention. She will have to wait another four years to do that again. Palin hasn't taken a single question from a reporter yet or stated her policy positions on any positions outside of those policies that affect Alaska.

She took it to Obama, the media, Michelle Obama, and the Washington establishment. That really fired up the base and gave them one night of feeling inspired about their candidate. But the crowd wasn't inspired by what she had to say about the middle class, the poor, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, health care, veterans care, the home mortgage crisis, the economy, and education. They couldn't have been excited about those things because she didn't mention any of them. We will see tonight if the top of the ticket thinks those things are issues worthy of addressing for the next President of the United States.

What is "amusing" in all this is the sudden reversal of fortunes that Republican's who love Palin find themselves in. They are trumping up Palin's experience, fawning over her one speech, and decrying the sexist media. As John Stewart astutely pointed out.

I heard what I wanted to hear in 2004 at the Democratic Convention when Obama gave his speech that talked about the promise and hope of America. And the more I have listened to both sides the more sure I am about who I want to lead this country.

"America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend. America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise - that American promise - and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess." - Barack Obama, Denver 2008