Free Republic

Moments after Sarah Palin had finished her barnstorming acceptance speech to the Republican Convention, the media spinning began: sure, she can use a teleprompter or read a speech written by a gifted speechwriter like Matthew Scully. Big deal. So could anybody. Two facts make me uniquely qualified to comment on these claims. First, I used to be a speechwriter for Margaret Thatcher. Second, as editor of National Review I hired Matt Scully to be assistant editor and introduced him to the world of conservative opinion journalism. But the truth about speechwriting is strictly bipartisan. There are cases of politicians simply...

Former Bush Scribe To Thompson's Staff Matt Scully, a former speechwriter for President Bush, is back to work--this time for soon to be candidate Fred Thompson. Thompson spokeswoman Linda Rozett confirmed Thursday that Scully has joined Team Thompson, but wouldn't say what, specifically, he is doing for the non-campaign. "We are a team effort," she wrote in an e-mail. "A lot of people are helping Fred Thompson test the waters--Ed McFadden, Mary Matalin...and Matt Scully." Word on the street is that Scully is busy writing Thompson's announcement speech. But as of now, its not clear exactly when the speech will...