The fact is — and I say this as a Palin fan and well-wisher, someone who looks forward with optimism towards her rise in the party — she was not as nimble in conversation as either McCain or Obama. The fact is, McCain was VERY good at coming up with direct responses to direct questions that were either base hits or home runs, and Obama was almost as good. As much as I liked Palin — and I do, and I did from the start — I found myself wincing when she tried to “field” a question. She’s got a long way to go before she’s ready for the big leagues but she’s got the time to get there.
By the way, when I praised McCain just now, I must temper that praise by saying that his ability to talk directly to the question at hand was crippled by his severe and debilitating case of BiPartisanshipism Uber Alles. This is what killed McCain. This is what made him an on-balance luke-lousy senator and this is what made him a disaster as a presidential candidate. But he could parry if he wanted to. As can Obama.
Palin, as yet, can’t.
Do you remember when you were growing up and believed yourself to be wise, accomplished, capable and successful in your endeavors? Would you remember having those feelings and sitting next to a stern, controlling, critical, watchful father who felt he needed to monitor your every move and every word? Well, that is the feeling I had when I watched Sarah sitting next to McCain.
I had the feeling when she gave her speeches (and I love her so I saw MANY of her speeches) how inspiring and exciting she was even when she had to give the same ole message over and over and over. I cannot see myself having to say the crappola that McCain’s people had her say without sounding like a recording...a boring recording. I think she did exceptionally well under the circumstances.
Her simplicity, her lack of polish was enchanting. I do, however, believe that she should take these next years and grow into the national scene which means spit shining her image and maturing her speech. I do not want to see her turn into a slick jaw mcgraw like the scheisters we now have in office. I hope she will remain a mirror of the ‘simple folks’, one of us and not one of them.