An Emerging Political Force?ST. PAUL -- When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin stepped onto the stage at the Republican National Convention last night, all the pieces were in place for her to perform well.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani had warmed up the crowd with a polemic against Barack Obama -- painting the Illinois senator as too inexperienced, too elitist and too cocky to be president of the United States.
The audience -- packed with Republican activists -- was ready to love her, believing that the media coverage over the last few days was the result of the press' liberal bent and disdain for conservative principles.
And, Palin had spent the last several days sequestered from prying eyes -- working on the speech that could make or break her (and John McCain's) chances this fall.In sum, there was plenty of evidence to suggest that Palin would emerge strengthened from her speech tonight.
But, few believed she would emerge triumphant, which she did -- at least for the moment -- with a speech that was equal parts somber seriousness and snarky sarcasm.
It was a potent debut on the national stage for the little known Alaska governor. That said, the case is far from closed on whether Palin will ultimately be the game-changing pick that can deliver the GOP ticket to the White House. The next 61 days will answer that question. But, for a day at least, Palin stepped up and delivered.
Source: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/convention_cheat_sheet_1.html#more
Top Photo: TIME Magazine, / Mario Tama / GettyImages.com
Inset Photo: Chris Chillizza The Fix / Washingtonpost.com
