The surprising accolades from the pundits, especially those on CNN and MSNBC not withstanding, the Sarah Palin speech last night did nothing to address the problems of this nation, nor tell us where the GOP ticket wanted to steer this country. And, like every other prime time speaker at this convention, the current POTUS was not mentioned. It is as if Bill Clinton was still president, since all they talk about is change, reform, and altering Washington politics. And all this from someone who, by his own admission, is squarely with dubya on all the pressing issues of our day, and has been in "the district" for 26 years.
The RNC forgot to understand that the target audience is not the folks in the hall. It is those watching television. It is those watching on television, trying to get a gauge of the candidates. So, to recap what we have so far:
Obama is a foreigner, who's family hates America. Obama will bankrupt everyone, both morally and economically. Obama can speak, but is full of shit. Obama has done nothing all his life but write books and make speeches. Obama is an empty suit. Obama is a typical liberal. Obama is elite. Obama will ban all guns. Obama will kill babies.
Now, what is it exactly that McCain will do? Or Palin? I have watched and listened, but have not heard one damn proposal to fix Social Security, health care, or the economy. In foreign affairs, they have said nothing except "the surge worked" and if Obama is elected, Osama bin laden's picture will be on our currency. (I made that up, but isn't that their point?)
And the fact that the sitting POTUS did not appear in person because of some wind and rain in New Orleans is complete garbage. He knew the hurricane was no big deal the night before his "via satellite" speech. And he has his own plane, last time I checked. Bush it the 10 ton elephant in the room no one dare mention. He is a pariah. But I did not expect it at his party's convention. The problem is, while his approval ratings are under 30%, those delegates at the RNC would likely be 90% (or more) strongly on his side.
So, when all the dust clears, we still have a pander to the base by McCain, a patently absurd claim of the mantra of change by McCain and company, unworthy and despicable attacks on Obama and the MSM, a wholly unqualified and ultra extreme right running mate, and no clear message from the RNC as to what it wants to do the next four years.
I have to say that the selection of Palin, the speeches this week, the messages this week, and the tenor of the GOP give the Obama/Biden ticket all it needs to solidify its advantage and run away with this thing. Palin can't be protected anymore. The revelations about her will continue. The lack of any coherent plan and message will continue. And Obama and the Dems will continue to out work, out mobilize, and then eventually out vote the other side.