Tonight's convention lineup loaded the bases and Governor Palin knocked it out of the park. On the offensive without being offensive, she successfully negotiated that treacherous line between tough and feminine, and delivered a critical contrast while sounding eminently fair and reasonable.
Though some on the left will never be convinced she has addressed her "qualifications," I don't know that this speech was the venue in which to persuade those whose deeply complex epistemology produces the conclusion that Senator Obama is vastly experienced. Obama operatives continue to argue that the Palin pick is "pandering," that Senator McCain is engaging in "hackery" and that the speech was "flat" and "sarcastic."
Anyone watching on television knows the speech was not flat-- governor Palin connected with her audience. I can only conclude, therefore, that Obama supporters are acting, as usual, as though discussing their candidate in anything but fawning terms is hackerific blasphemy. It also puts them in the awkward position of arguing on the qualifications angle which they have already said is "off the table"... unless they want it back on? I guess?
However, in talking to a few Hilary supporters I found them surprised at their own positive responses to the speech.
David Brooks missed the mark the other day when he analyzed the VP pick-- the vice president is not the one in charge of the operational function of the White House, that job falls to the Chief of Staff.
Tonight Palin made it clear that she can fill the role of Vice President-- a role that complement's the President's vision . And perhaps, in a few years, another role?
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