Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain's surprsise choice on August 27 of Alaskan governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate was at first lauded as an excellent decision. Palin is regarded as a Washington outsider, a maverick "barracuda" who complements McCain's tough image, and most importantly is seen as appealling to disenfranchised Hillary Clinton supporters.
Palin's Selection Has Been Impacted by Negative Issues
Since the announcement a number of issues related to Palin have emerged, such as the pregnancy of her 17-year old daughter, an investigation into whether she influenced the Alaska government to fire her ex-brother-in-law, and her husband's two-decade-old DUI arrest. The McCain camp accused the media of sensationalizing Palin's background, and in a memo on Wednesday stated "This vetting controversy is a faux media scandal designed to destroy the first female Republican nominee for vice president of the United States who has never been a part of the old boys' network that has come to dominate the news establishment in this country."
Importance of Palin's Speech to Counter Recent Media Reports
Palin's speech is being labeled by many analysts as being the most important of her political career and will have to make a case for her nomination in the face of recent media reports. CNN reported that a senior McCain advisor gave 3 main goals for the speech.
First, clearly show that the Republicans are better for the economy, and that Palin as governor of oil-rich Alaska understands concerns about energy. Second, to have Palin make the case for McCain's superior policies and character versus Obama. And third, to introduce herself to voters as a likable, funny and smart person.
Palin Accepted the Nomination
She took the stage at 10:30PM EST to overwhelming applause and spent the next 38 minutes introducing herself to the Republicans in attendance and to the global audience who were watching and listening to the speech.
Palin began by accepting the nomination and then talked about her support for John McCain, saying "He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight." Palin segued to her two sons, both on active military duty, and then introduced each member of her immediate family to overwhelming applause from the audience. She dwelled on her husband's working class roots as an oil worker, commercial fisherman and union member as well as his Yup'Ik Eskimo ancestry.
Palin Presents Tough Image
Palin was clearly determined to present a tough image, and described herself as a "hockey mom" who is a "pitbull with lipstick." CNN reported that Palin "balanced femininity and toughness" in a "pitch perfect" speech and reported "the most macho speech of the evening was given by a woman." CNN's Wolf Blitzer said Palin "hit the ball out of the park."
McCain Makes Surprise Appearance
In another surprise moment, John McCain appeared onstage with Palin and asked "Don't you think we made the right choice for the next vice president of the United States?" Palin's time on the platform ended with a standing ovation from the crowd, as she stood holding her infant son, surrounded by members of her family.
Press reports focused on Palin's toughness and charisma, as well as Palin's criticism of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party.
Read the entire transcript here. Background articles on Palin are available here.
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