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?
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Sarah Palin needs to be reminded that Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor.
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
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.
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?)
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.
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