I had thought it was a virtual certainty that this was going to be a huge success. And it was for the people in this hall, who are deliriously happy, but looking at this dispassionately, the evening failed in a few key ways.
First, the speakers leading up to Palin were supposed to show how the Republicans would achieve prosperity. They didn’t. Giuliani had one perfunctory paragraph on the economy and, as usual, he just seemed too mean. The Republicans should hope that most people tuned in just for Palin.
Palin did show herself to be a skilled politician and leader. She revealed wit, composure, and a good speech delivery. Most important, in the section on energy, she delivered substance. You had sense that she would help us solve our energy crisis. Her explication of McCain’s personal courage was as good any we’ve seen. In many ways, her speech was just spectacular. It didn’t entirely wipe out the question of experience, but it went pretty far, and certainly gave energy to the ticket..
But her speech, too, was dripping with contempt. Obama and McCain had gone out of their way to praise McCain as a person and criticize their policies. Palin and Giuliani went out of their way to ridicule their opponents. They cast Obama as utterly worthless, gave not even a perfunctory recognition of what he’s achieved. It was highly effective ridicule, to be sure, but just too much for my taste. If they’d deleted about half the barbs, the speech would have been perfect. Instead, the overriding tone was mockery.
Of course Democrats would be foolish to complain about it being too nasty. That’d make them look whiny and weak. I just wonder whether the Republicans will thrive by being strong on ridicule and short on economic substance. The target for this convention was undecided and independents. Do those voters really yearn for this tone? They’ll certainly come away thinking McCain is a hero and Palin a sharp up-and-comer, but will they really come away thinking this is the ticket that will improve their lives?
posted September 4, 2008 at 12:30 am
Palin just fired up Obama supporters. Her condescending attitude toward Obama was undignified and did not depict a Christian attitude. The best defense is an offense.
Obama and Biden have been very charitable to Gov Palin. She opened the door for considerable attack from the Democrats.
She also lied again about the Bridge to Nowhere that she supported until it became unpopular. She also attacked NBC, which McCain has been doing for over a year to bully the media.
McCain Campaign War Against Press Angry Amateurs (great article)
“The story of the day out here in Minneapolis is the McCain campaign’s war against the press. This has been building for some time. Those of us who have criticized the candidate–and especially those of us who enjoyed good relations with McCain in the past–have been subject to off-the-record browbeating and attempted bullying all year. But things have gotten much worse in recent days …
Palin raised taxes as governor, supported the Bridge to Nowhere before she opposed it, pursued pork-barrel projects as mayor, tried to ban books at the local library and thinks the war in Iraq is “a task from God.” The attempts by the McCain campaign to bully us into not reporting such things are not only stupidly aggressive, but unprofessional in the extreme.”
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/09/angry_amateurs.html
posted September 4, 2008 at 6:12 am
I, too, was dismayed by the contemptuous tone of Palin’s speech. I was less ticked off by Giuliani–he’s always a jerk.
posted September 4, 2008 at 7:55 am
“They cast Obama as utterly worthless, gave not even a perfunctory recognition of what he’s achieved. ”
When Obama starts calling her Governor Palin instead of Mayor then I’ll start giving a crap about this…
posted September 4, 2008 at 8:33 am
I felt she was playing for people who would have voted for McCain anyway. I came away feeling insulted that I might have a slightly different view of the world then the speakers of the RNC. Which, is more of the same old thing of if you aren’t with the GOP, then you are attacked by the GOP.
posted September 4, 2008 at 9:30 am
Amen. Immediately after Palin revealed her daughter’s pregnancy, Obama was totally gracious in urging people to keep candidates’ children off limits and bringing up his own mother’s pregnancy at age 18, which he didn’t have to mention. He has also praised McCain’s military service. I had hoped the GOP would sustain the dignity of McCain’s ad congratulating Obama the night he accepted the nomination. But no–the party has reverted to ridicule and contempt and to a sneering tone of voice I last heard from children at a playground. Believe me, Palin is making a horrible impression on folks not already committed to voting for the GOP. Her voice sounded even more snotty and very whiny on the radio today when snippets of her speech were played, without the buffer of her pretty face. Reminded me of “Mean Girls,” in which the pretty girls try to stay superior by belittling others. As a woman, I cringe for what this does to my gender’s reputation.
posted September 4, 2008 at 10:34 am
Palin, the former sports reporter, effectively delivered a shallow speech that she didn’t write. Big deal. She is unqualified. Now, with this speech, she has shown herself to be a liar as well. She deserves no accolades for reading her teleprompter well. The very notion of this inexperienced person as vice president is horrifying.
posted September 4, 2008 at 11:10 am
The humorous and satirical jabs at Obama last night were useful in helping Americans to soberly assess the excessively-hyped Obama. Sure, a majority of Americans are unhappy with the federal government (the Democratic Congress and the Republican White House). This hunger for change can be the only explanation for many voters willing to entertain the notion of electing someone as unqualified — and still as unknown — as Barack Obama.
Considering the fawning and adulatory coverage of Obama by the MSM, the GOP is performing a useful service in doing the press’ job for them. Humor and satire help in this regard.
As for Obama’s supposed graciousness, he keeps referring to Palin as Mayor rather than as Governor; condescendingly calls her an “up-and-coming public servant;” and, refers to her hometown as “Wa-silly” Hmmm, none of those things seem particularly gracious to me.
Yes, Obama did tell his followers to “back off” Palin’s pregnant daughter. He was so persuasive, of course, that his followers in the MSM and the blogosphere preceded to TOTALLY IGNORE him. So much for his leadership skills.
posted September 4, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Mockery? Not so! Her spirit was never malicious, just revealing.
I have NEVER voted Republican but I can tell you I will feel better about the spirit of our Nation if she is part of the top brass.
She is beautiful, her family is beautiful, her words and actions are
based on inner conviction towards the greater good and the joy and aura
that surrounds her is amazing. For the first time in any election, I felt a sense of joy myself. My life is so not perfect yet the life
she has with her joy, family, faith, spirit, is everything I would
love to have been able to achieve. Her spirit is her light and it will
definitely lead her. When she is confronted by those who will try to
penetrate her shield, I have a feeling she will have little trouble
removing the swords from their hands (and hearts).
Her spirit moved me last night. Nothing impresses me, nothing moves me
to joyful tears, nothing has made me excited and hopeful about government’s representation, until last night. She is a kindred spirit and I wish her nothing but more of the gifts and blessings
she so rightly seems to attract.
posted September 4, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Love her, love her family, love her spirit, love that I love her!
posted September 4, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Sarah Palin needs to be reminded that Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor.
posted September 4, 2008 at 4:11 pm
The Republicans revealed again the meanness of their politics and reliance on tearing down others as opposed to putting forward plan to combat unemployment, housing collapse, inflation, increased homelessness, ending the war and are playing around with the misconception that drilling is the answer to the country’s current high cost of fuel. If what they have displayed is their “best foot forward” it has failed. And what about a gift of a billion dollars from President Bush to Georgia. The same people that have elected him are now being courted to elect the McCain ticket. We need to think about what they got for us in the lat two elections.
jb
posted September 4, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Well, I think today’s statement by the Matthew 25 group sums it up better than I could.
I couldn’t tell whether she was running for student body president, or simply wanted to be promoted to a better corporate position.
I’m sure she’s a work, and also sincere.
And I’m really tired of hearing that she’s been a governor for two whole years.
This raises grim questions about McCain’s judgment.
This woman, like GWBush, is a wonderful cheerleader.
That’s a very different thing from being a genuine leader.
posted September 5, 2008 at 7:01 am
This was more than just about meanness. Aspects of some of the speeches, especially by Palin and Giuliani, were downright slanderous and yes, mocking. I mean, especially with what Palin’s been going through with the media coverage of her pregnant daughter…
Obama condemned the media coverage, said candidates’ children were off-limits, said he would fire any staffer who took part in perpetrating the family’s treatment regarding this issue among (liberal) blogs, and stated that his own mother had been young and single when she was pregnant with him. I mean, to tie it as a personal insult to himself as well as to Palin, as well as reference his own mother as part of a stigmatized group in America is to go above and beyond.
Of course, Palin did not ask for his support and he gave it willingly. If even one of my worst “enemies” did this for my family, I would be touched and respect him somewhat more. Like, hey maybe this man isn’t just shallow and all fluff, but maybe he is honorable in some things and we can acknowledge his accomplishments the same way he acknowledged ours. If anything, it’s a good political move.
She doesn’t need to or shouldn’t go “soft” on Obama or not attack him on issues. But seriously, for her (and Giuliani) to blatantly lie or mock his own life of service (on other separate occasions as well) is just petty and dirty.
From hearing and reading about these speeches, I’ve realized that I will actually be scared if McCain/Palin become our leaders. Not only because of their decisions, positions, etc… but also because of how they conduct themselves and who they choose to surround themselves with (ahem…Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove & co., anyone?)
posted September 5, 2008 at 11:15 am
So, what you are saying is the truth hurts? 145 days of experience, is all Obama has. Yet they tried to make it sound like Palin was the in experienced one. Why should they not fire back.
The rising cost of Oil and Gas.
For years we have let the oil companies, OPEC, and our own government tell us that our oil is no good. we don’t have enough to fuel us. Palin and McCain know this that is why they are also in favor of not only drilling for oil for the short term fix, but also expanding alternative energy, wind, natural gas, nuclear and hydrogen. Every hear of Pickens? I think they have picked up on his plan and are running with it. That, to me seems like the smart thing to do.
We need a government to stay out of the way of progress. We need a government to cut their own spending instead of making us cut our spending. We need a government that is a straight talker, and not more rhetoric.
Bush bad, If you may remember Bush was on the way to a balanced budget until 9/11, then he took the roll of commander and chief and had to lead us to victory. Not by giving idle threats and slaps on the wrist, but by actually finishing what the terrorist started. War is not something to take lightly, and I believe unless you have served in the armed forces, you truly can not understand the meaning of war. G. W. Bush has done a great job keeping us on track to a victory, instead of leaving a situation before it is completed, he has made sure we are there to finish.
What about me?
If you want something reach out and do what you can to achieve it. Don’t expect me or anyone else to help you. Don’t whine when you fail, learn from it and try again. We as a nation have become a nation of whiners, not willing to take the blame for our own actions, but rather blame someone else for having too much money, or getting all the breaks. I truly believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it and try. The first step is always the hardest but if you don’t take it you will never know.
Different standards.
We tend to hold the two parties to different standards. One party will allow, and praise, their members for such things as adultery, but then turn around a chastise the other for the exact same thing. McCain, fell in love with another woman while married, bad shame on him! However, Bill Clinton can simply whore around and it’s ok? He can cross the forbidden threshold by becoming sexually involved with an intern and we are ok with that? Can you do that in most corporate settings? I highly doubt it. I know where I work is is grounds for immediate firing.
Obama, and his campaign where the first to fire at Palin, being a fighter like McCain, she has every right and should be expected to fire back. Is is ok for you,a celebrity or I to talk trash? It is freedom of speech after all. Just don’t hold others to different standards than you hold yourself to. Palin’s mocking remarks about Obama, are not unwarranted, and in a campaign can be considered similar to two sport teams in a final contest. Both sides bash each other to lift up their teams spirits, and focus on the goal of winning.