Ugh!
Wishy washy Republicans and Independents are the types who will go with whoever has the popular momentum. The only person I see out there who can maintain the momentum necessary to win is Sarah. When she sweeps in with her huge base and the money that comes with it, her “screechy voice” will suddenly become unimportant. Frankly, so far, she is the only person who has been completely vetted and has shown the ability to stand firm and fight back in the face of all attacks. Go Sarah!
I was a member back in the mid-90s. I thought I might find some kindred spirits there (I was actually hoping to meet my next girlfriend) but they weren't my cup of tea.
The membership was almost entirely newly minted attorneys looking to get into politics. I was a mere salesman and was looked at with some disdain or at best wonderment. The two woman members could've been democrats apart from their position on taxes.
The organization fell apart due to the creepy shenanigans of its president. It's most certainly an entirely different operation now.
Margret Thatcher had the same voice issues during her early years in Parliment. She knew it and worked on her voice and delivery over the years.
Many in the lower 48 assume if one has a strong regional accent, you must be some kind of hick. They won't vote for a hick.