It is hard for me to believe that people who saw and remember Gov. Palin’s speech as her introduction as a VEEP candidate and her speech to the 2008 GOP convention would criticize her speaking ability? That is one of her best attributes which is why she is a speaker in demand.
Perhaps you are thinking of interviews?
One of the best political speeches of modern times -- delivered with a malfunctioning telepromter.
I think the speeches when she takes her time can be pretty good. Yes, it’s interviews and some of her other speeches and appearances where her speaking doesn’t ring solid. I’m talking of form here, not content.
It’s partly accent, mostly timbre and pitch and speed. When she goes up in pitch especially.
Maybe it’s a regional thing? Some folks just can’t imagine a problem, others see it. I dunno. It’s hard to even describe. I mentioned Thatcher. I think Palin has at least as much, well, balls, as Maggie; but, there’s a reason Thatcher was called The Iron Lady. Again, I don’t think it’s content - other than I wish Sarah would drop the “golly” and “betcha” slang.
Here’s a Thatcher example, unscripted, in the dock for consideration of the comparison:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okHGCz6xxiw&feature=related
thanks for your reply.