Sarah Palin’s Speech

  I'm watching the Sarah Palin’s RNC speech right now and figured I'd take some notes as I watched through it.

I hate it when people say "pundints."  The word is "pundits" people.

Her kids are named Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig.  Bristol's been the pregnant one and she's there with her boyfriend, who looks a bit nervous.

She's introducing her family right now...boring...but I guess it helps people feel more like they know who she is.

Describing people in small towns as those who "run our factories, fight our wars, and are always proud of America."  It's a good applause line, but it does strike me that our country has done things we shouldn't be proud of.

"What's the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull?  Lipstick."  Lots of talk about the hockey mom demographic since Palin entered the race...not many of those around these parts.

"I guess a small town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities."  Funny line, but as someone who's worked in a non-profit I know there are actual responsibilities present there.

Reference to Obama's mention of people "clinging to religion and guns."  She's definitely not being shy about going after the Democrats.

"I'm not going to Washington to serve their good opinion, I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this great country."  This is her in response to some of the criticism of her lack of experience in politics.  She says the right reason to get involved in politics is to challenge the status quo and change things for the better.  She's clearly framing herself as the reformer coming in from the outside, trying to take advantage of her lack of experience rather than avoiding it.

Discussing some of the stuff she did as Alaska Governor.  Eliminated private jet and Governor's personal chef.  Didn't feel those things were necessary.  Running through some accomplishments in reforming the oil industry and its hold on Alaska.

Saying we need to produce more of our own oil and natural gas to reach energy independence - drill in ANWAR.  They want to build more pipelines, more nuclear plants, move for clean coal, and build more renewable energy sources.  Sounds like a good plan to me.

"This is a man who has authored two memoirs, but not even a single law." re: Obama.  Again, taking clear shots - she herself is taking shots at his experience.  Pretty bold.

Making lots of comments about Obama as a celebrity and full of hot air.

Obama wants to increase the tax burden on the U.S.  He does - but unless we stop spending so much money that's necessary.  The solution is to stop spending money - are McCain and Palin up to that?  They say they are, but I'm not sure how possible it is.

"There are some candidates who use change to further their careers.  There are others, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."  I'm pretty confident Obama isn't just trying to further his career - I think he really does want to effect positive change.

Haha - she said Harry Reid's quote "I can't stand John McCain" is the best proof they've chosen the right person.  Funny - but I think one of McCain's strengths is his experience in the Senate and ability to work with those on the other side.  They're trying to cast him as a total maverick, not something I think I buy.

The GOP is really hitting McCain's POW time hard tonight.  I respect him for it and think it's very admirable...but I think you can only reference it so much before it loses impact.

Overall she's coming across as a pretty good speaker.  She's not delivering the lines mechanistically and her voice isn't terribly grating.  She has the good "look of determination" thing going.  I'd say she did a good job overall and I enjoyed listening to her speak.  I'm sorting out the issues thing but she did a good job portraying herself as someone who is smart and capable.  There's more to see but I think she acquitted herself pretty well.