Did Sarah Palin’s Speech Change Your Mind About Her?

Published on September 4th, 2008

Read the text of it here.

You have to admit, she is a good speaker. Before you answer the question in the title though, remember that — as was pointed out numerous times prior to the speech on several networks — she didn’t write it. It was written originally for a man, then modified for her after she was chosen.

On a completely mindless note, what can one say about how Palin was dressed? What were they trying to do with that sack or poncho-like thing she was wearing? A hockey mom’s K-Mart counter to Cindy’s designer duds? [UPDATE: Check out the cost of what Cindy was wearing the night before.] And what about the way the baby was paraded at the end?

79 users responded in " Did Sarah Palin’s Speech Change Your Mind About Her? "

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# 1 Sam said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:36 am

Yes, it made me realize that the Republicans are back to their spin doctoring and low brow divisive partisan politics. It’s the Karl Rove strategy all over again.

# 2 QB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:36 am

It’s Palin vs Obama.

McCain who????

# 3 Bob said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:36 am

“she didn’t write it”

So that’s the liberal talking point for the day huh?

Really, that’s the best you guys could come up with? You do know that the Obomessiah has a speech writer as well as the other two candidates.

Sounds to me like the libs are starting to get a little scared of this girl. They thought they had the monopoly on good speakers and here comes someone who is just as good, if not better on some points that the Obomessiah.

It was a good speech. The problem that I see however, is that she is a much better speaker than McCain, in many ways I would rather vote for Palin, than McCain now. I think McCain is basically going to be upstaged by her, and the last thing you want to do as a Presidential candidate is to be upstaged by your running mate.

# 4 turbo63 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:42 am

Paraded the baby huh? And Obama and no other politicians ever have their kids on stage at a convention?

Give me a break, they all do it right or wrong. Just because her kid has down’s it is parading. What about all her other kids, was she parading them as well?

# 5 bbsc said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:42 am

Exactly why do you and the networks like to point out that she didn’t write it? It’s is my understanding that all the politicians have writers. She did very well. Now lets see how she does in the debates.

# 6 Drew Nichols said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:46 am

30 million watched, so someone was curious. I think she definitely got the GOP a bounce, time will tell.

What stood out in my mind this morning was that she was an attack dog and I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side. I think her message will resonate with a lot of Americans.

# 7 Scamp said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:49 am

She didn’t have to write it to deliver it. All the time I watched it, all I could see was the puppet master hand stuck up her back. All I could hear is the same sarcasm, half truths and out right lies one can expect to come from the RNC election machine. There is nothing new here folks. Lipstick on a pig is still a pig.

# 8 moss said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:50 am

I thought the Nuremberg Rally was scheduled for tonight?

# 9 Named said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:00 am

Remember kids, no one can exploit the Palin family except for he Republican party…

# 10 noguile said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:01 am

Bob/bbsc: Obama wrote his own convention speech, and since everyone, including Palin herself, is comparing the two candidates, it’s being mentioned that she didn’t write her own speech. As a point of comparison. Can… you… understand… this?

# 11 getta life said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:03 am

“It was originally written for a man…” WTF?

Go ahead, lefties, and belittle her. Your true colors are showing.

# 12 JonBoy68k said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:03 am

She did good job reading the speech for sure. And it would seem its anybodys game at this point.

But that’s the amazing thing. These are the representatives of Mr Bushes party. Most of what they are saying is the same as Mr Bush. In fact you could argue that Palin is more fundamental, and McCain is more of a warmonger and somewhat senile. So I’m frankly amazed they are even in with a chance – I mean how bad does Mr Bushes party have to be? What could they have done worse so that people would say they have had their shot, lets try a different approach?

That said I agree that its very hard to say what Obama will actually do in terms of ‘change’ that will really improve things. Which is worrying.

Still personally speaking if my choices are the party thats redefined inept (in everything it seems to me) and has caused so much death and hate in the world, and anybody else then pretty much anybody else seems a better choice.

Would be nice if there were more than 2 choices…

# 13 Rob Walley said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:06 am

I think she delivered the speech better than expected, but all that shows is that she has a better stage presence than McCain and probably better than Biden. She can’t touch Obama’s theatrics. I still don’t know how well she’ll do head to head against Biden in a debate and that should be a better matchup than this years Super Bowl!

#2 You are correct that Obama has speech writers as well, but I don’t think that the post was trying to infer that he didn’t, only that Palin was provided Republican talking points as is the norm for these occasions. But I will agree that it would be nice to see some reporting around here that deems it worthy to also remind us that Obama is as much a puppet for the Democrats as McCain and Palin are for the GOP.

The impression I walked away with last night is that the Obama campaign might do well to consider backing off on Palin’s lack of experience as she and Guiliani DID effectively make a case for her in a way that will stick with voters. It doesn’t matter that it still doesn’t make her up to the job, but it hurts the Dems that her sound bites are all over the cable networks the morning after and are being repeated over and over again. She did well. Now, on to round 2!

# 14 JonBoy68k said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:06 am

[Duplicate comment deleted. - ed.]

# 15 American said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:14 am

How many polls were there asking about Obama or Biden? This blog obviously leans towards Obama. I am undecided, but at this point am sick of reading all the one sided stuff. Time to stop reading this blog. Obama is not going to save the country, neither is McCain. They are politicians who want power, their interest in you or I is solely based on us voting for them. After our vote, we are nothing. Put trust in yourselves, not the government. At the end of the day we are the ones who build the economy and the quality of life we enjoy. If we think the government will do that for us, we’re in trouble. You can make things better or worst for yourself, decide which you want and work for it.

# 16 Convention_BS said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:19 am

WoW! A politician who’s speech was written by someone else. Shocking… NOT!!!

She gave a good speech. I think after a week of personal attacks on her and her family, she earned the right to give back a little of what she had been forced to take.

Like it or not, she adds another new twist to this election, and I can’t wait for the VP debates.

The tone of the Obamaites out here in the blogisphere, just proves, at least to me, she’s struck a nerve and got them running scared.

# 17 Uncle Dave said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:29 am

#3: Reread what I wrote. My point — highlighted by being set off like this — was the NETWORKS made a point of repeatedly pointing out she didn’t write it and that it was originally written for a man.

#13: Sorry I wasn’t hacky enough for you James. I so do want to live up to your standards of hackdom.

# 18 Pmitchell said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:31 am

#10 no Obama did not write his speech it was written for him just like everyone’s was

# 19 stopher2475 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:36 am

She read a script, big deal. Notice how when it slowed down on the technical policy parts dealing with energy b/c at the end of the day she has no knowledge of that domain.

# 20 EG311 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:41 am

I liked the progression from the soft intro, nice down to earth mom (here’s who I am and how I got here) quickly ramping up into some good old fashion berating of ones opponent! Some nice, cheezy zingers in there too!

Overall, as well executed as one could hope for, but as previously stated, round 2 will be interesting.

# 21 Montanaguy said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:41 am

Round one:
knockout

Next round: ??

# 22 lynn said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:44 am

I watched both conventions from start to finsh on PBS, primarily because I do a lot of public speaking myself so I enjoy analysing what makes an effective speaker. I think Sarah is a powerful speaker, and I agree that not many politicians write their own speeches, so it’s useless to harp on that point. As far as what I think of her, I noted that she offered parents of special-needs children her ‘empathy’, which was good, because several other speakers over the past two nights harped on how the government shouldn’t be involved in social issues, and not handing out those ‘government checks’, like SSI for kids with disabilities, I guess. So we can go back to the time prior to Zebley v. Sullivan, 1990, or before the institution of SSI (1972), but at least parents will have Sarah’s ‘empathy’. There is more than enough double-speak and hypocracy out there for everyone, Rep, Dem, Ind, Socialists, probably Ralph Nader…

# 23 Bob said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:56 am

#8, no you missed it that was last week.

# 24 lynn said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:14 am

PS, I still think Sarah and Cindy resemble one another. Same slightly nutcracker-like profile, same dimples (though Sarah didn’t really smile during her speech, more the Teddy Roosevelt clenched-teeth thing, while Cindy has smiled constantly during the convention). Although Cindy held Sara’s baby almost throughout the evening, I didn’t see the two of them together on stage when John McCain and Sarah’s family joined her on stage. This has become an obsession with me so I keep waiting to see them together. Aren’t you glad the US has voters like me who are interested in the real issues (or voters like you who are interested in bikini shots of Palin and, presumably, Biden…)

# 25 Billy Bob said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:18 am

I’m looking forward to hearing more about Uncle Dave’s Fashion Do’s and Don’ts.

# 26 Stewart Urist said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:19 am

As noted I am very far left indeed, but no doubt Palin did an excellent job and I can not take that away from her. Of course there were untruth’s and gross distortions and no new ideas but what she did say was very effective. I am a bit frightened that she has tipped the balance towards the Republicans.

# 27 mo said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:22 am

Please… Tell me one speech that Obama, McCain, or Biden wrote.

# 28 jescott418 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:24 am

She talked too much about how great McCain was and brought up to much of his POW days. This does make him a war hero without a doubt. But does it have any bearing on being president?
In fact did the Republican party say this was not important when George W Bush ran and had limited military experience?
Does this indicate he would be more inclined to attack a country rather then use diplomatic means.
This does appear to be one attack on Obama.
After having over 4000 troops killed over Iraq and still counting. Not too mention the costs.
I would rather see more talk and less fighting.

# 29 jbenson2 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:28 am

The left wackos can’t even come up with decent rebuttals. The Boston Herald had a feature length article with hair dresser interviews about Palin’s 20-year old hair style.

But even the left media is giving her major props for the speech.

How stupid must Democrats feel right now?

Who decided it would be a good strategy to kick a Mama Bear?

# 30 dosequis said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:30 am

The point isn’t that she didn’t write it, it is that it was written for someone else.

# 31 SPC mxpwr03 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:35 am

Most American’s don’t know much about Gov. Palin, so I would say that the speech was an introduction, not changing an already established perspective. There were a few too many snide comments, but it is good to know she is on the offensive.

“On a completely mindless note…” That’s bucking a time honored trend.

# 32 Alphasiderius said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:46 am

Her speech changed my mind about her. Prior to hearing her acceptance speech, I was willing to consider her as an acceptable V.P. candidate. Her speech, however, scared the hell out of me. Not only turned me completely off her but put a nail in the coffin of my support of McCain. They really just don’t get it.

# 33 Mister Ketchup said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:08 am

I wish she had worn something low-cut. Didn’t change my mind, I’d still do her.

# 34 Calin said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:16 am

I’m not sure why people keep complaining about a lack of substance in the speech. Speeches aren’t made for real substance. Can you imagine a speech which actually details an economic policy? I don’t mean, “we’re going to work to improve the economy”…I mean real detail? The entire crowd would start snoring.

The last real speech I saw with specific detail was given by a big-eared fellow that had charts and graphs.

Either way, the conventions are designed to preach to the choir. DNC, RNC…doesn’t matter. All flash, no meat. Meat is for debates or question answering…not set speeches, especially at the conventions.

Palin did mention energy policy in the “shotgun” or “all of the above” kind of way. No real details…but as specific as any speech I heard at the DNC.

# 35 MuffinSpawn said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:29 am

Palin’s speech made me worried for one reason only: she’s Bush with decent public speaking skills. Many people liked Bush because they thought they’d like to have a beer with him. I bet many of the same people will think similar thoughts about Palin. Unfortunately the Republicans are probably right that this will be about personality rather than issues. That’s what scares me.

But if you’re interested in real criticism, I think she’s continuing the Republican convention convention of bitchy, half-truth remarks about Obama and out right lies about both sides records. Palin’s speech was too long and had even less in it about real issues than any of the other speakers. If I’m relying on Palin to know what she stands for, I still don’t know shit.
Finally, I find it quite hypocritical to exploit her son and nephew’s military service and her special needs child, but then have the Repubs bitch about it being unfair that everyone is questioning the efficacy of her right-wing parenting by pointing out her pregnant teenage daughter. If her son’s military service is fair game and affects her character, so does her daughter’s pregnancy.

# 36 JimD said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:31 am

Why COULDN’T Palin write her own speech ??? Goes to COMPETENCE !!!

Like others have said, It’s just a REHASH OF THE SAME OLD AND TIRED REPUKE RHETORIC !!! MORE TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH AND THE CORPORATIONS AND THE ***SHAFT FOR EVERYONE ELSE*** !!! AND ***PERMANENT WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST – UNTIL THE OIL IS GONE or HALLIBURTON HAD DRAINED US TREASURY – WHICH EVER COMES FIRST!!!***

# 37 Breastman said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:40 am

Was I the only one to notice that her oldest daughter has been visited by the titty fairy? Must be the pregnancy but they sure looked good last night while she was sitting there.

# 38 Raster said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:43 am

Yeah, the baby stuff was just weird…

What’s up with all the shots of the child grooming the baby?

The candidate kissing a baby is a staple, but who thought the kids should have their own camera?

# 39 Mr. Fusion said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:48 am

The point that someone else wrote the speech is to counter the WOW effect so many imbeciles have had about what a great person she is. Regardless of the speech, she is still the same backwater, hick, wannabe from Bummphuk Alaska she was last week.

The same idiot opposing teen sex education, abortion, or even counseling.

The same greedy politician who claims they are against corruption as she tries to fire a State Trooper for personal reasons.

The same moran who believes in the strict interpretation of her church and wishes to impose that on everyone else.

In short, McCain’s choice.

# 40 laineypie said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:53 am

OK, found it. It was at 11:45 in the vid. Anyone hear anything about this?

# 41 roemun said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:56 am

This is one of the dopiest posts yet on DU, and that is going. Cripes “parading the child”_- Uncle dave you can’ do any better than tha>
DOPEY!!

# 42 Mr Diesel said, on September 4th, 2008 at 9:59 am

Okay

We now have our candidates. I’m a fiscal conservative (NOT REPUBLICAN) so I’m curious, how many people actually believe that you can add billions and billions in new spending and not raise taxes? So let’s tax the rich, hell I’m all for it but wait, a luxury tax was tried before on those big ticket items that the rich like to buy, you know, like yachts and expensive cars. What happened? The rich stopped buying as much. So what? Well, if you worked at making yachts or expensive cars you were out of luck and probably lost your job. But at least there was a higher tax on those rich people.

Tax the oil companies for making 7% profit but where do you draw the line at how much someone or some company is allowed to make? 6%? 5? 1?

So, after all is said and done out of the two candidates which do you want? Someone who is going to raise taxes (and not just on the rich) or one who is going to lower them?

Someone who actually knows how to run a government and hass passed legislation and can command troops or a community organizer (hell, my wife is a community organizer and I sure as hell wouldn’t want her as president)?

Someone who has served and protected his country or someone who has close ties to a domestic terrorist?

I have to hold my nose and vote for one and it’s clear which one. I don’t agree with everything he stands for but if I’m going to get fucked I’d rather be safe and pay less taxes at the time.

# 43 MikeN said, on September 4th, 2008 at 10:13 am

The speech was OK, but nothing impressive.

# 44 bbrian021 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 10:22 am

Nice speech. Did not change my mind. If you want 4 more years of Holy Fascisism rule. Vote Republican. If you want a slim chance of change in another direction in this country vote for the other guy. Last 8 years is all the proof you need.

# 45 QB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 10:32 am

#16 James Hill said: “Angry liberal editor…”

Is this Bush Buzzword Bingo? I can’t wait for “Terrorists are just folks which want to kill us” (sic).

# 46 Eric said, on September 4th, 2008 at 10:38 am

Palin is much to Saccharine. I needed a shot of insulin after hearing her speech last night. Everything is great, just great! Her daughter is having the baby… great, just great! She knows how to hunt… great, just great! She has a heard of kids… great, just great! She’s a looker… great, just great! She wants the oil companies to drill… great, just great! She’s from a small town… great, just great!

What’s not to love about her? She’s the jelly donut of the campaign.

# 47 paapDOTnet said, on September 4th, 2008 at 11:05 am

[Duplicate comment deleted. Please only post ONE TIME!- ed.]

# 48 The Monster's Lawyer said, on September 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am

Didn’t change my mind either. I’d still do her no matter what she says. I have no scruples.

# 49 Greg Allen said, on September 4th, 2008 at 11:39 am

McCain * Ball Buster logo :
http://tinyurl.com/6zezfn

# 50 Jägermeister said, on September 4th, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Cindy McCain’s outfit cost as much as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost per minute.

# 51 Smartalix said, on September 4th, 2008 at 12:53 pm

Diesel,

Show us ONE example of her providing any semblance of military leadership. Hell, I’d even take a cheeesy photo op at a guard base.

# 52 TomB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 1:08 pm

Unfortunately, I didn’t hear anything about talking McCain into changing our foreign policy to be less intimidating, getting rid of the Fed, stopping the bailout of irresponsible banking institutions, corpowelfare, sociowelfare, etc.

In a nutshell, I thought it sucked.

Vote Libertarian.

# 53 Jägermeister said, on September 4th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

#52 – Smartalix

Good enough?

# 54 GigG said, on September 4th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

#10 “Obama wrote his own convention speech.”

Bull$h!t.

# 55 Mr Diesel said, on September 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

#52 – Smartalix

Obviously you haven’t been watching the news much because they have had lots of video of her visiting the AK guard unit in Kuwait.

Jägermeister beat me to the pics. thanks

If anyone here watches Fox you would have seen them interview a friend that said most of what she said is her, there were only a couple of lines that sounded like it was a speach writer.

I know it’s Fox but even Governor Rendell (D) said that they were the only ones not spooging themselves covering BO.

# 56 the answer said, on September 4th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

Well actions speak louder then words so I will definitely be voting democratic this election no matter what spew comes out of her mouth.

# 57 Dallas said, on September 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

She is a good speaker and she recovered well when God messed up the teleprompter but the devil got her out of it.

Kudos to her for a fine speech but what came out of her pie hole was out of Karl Rove’s office in the Pentagon.

# 58 Miguel Correia said, on September 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

If I were American, she would be the biggest reason I would not vote for McCain. All because of the following. Even though he advocates green energy, his VP pick in the end is someone who denies man made climate change and sees more drilling as the solution to the energy crisis. Please vote for Obama. This is one very worried European asking you for it.

# 59 deowll said, on September 4th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

Don’t care if daffy duck wrote it or they repeat one somebody else gave.

Once they give the speach it’s theirs and they are accountable for what they said.

# 60 QB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 3:45 pm

#55 GigG

Shit really! Ask Pat Buchanan!

# 61 jbenson2 said, on September 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

#20 stopher – No knowledge of energy?

If you want to see a slam dunk on energy policy, Biden, and national security by Palin, check out this awesome video: http://tinyurl.com/5w8djh

Obama is going to have a very tough 2 months before he loses.

# 62 J said, on September 4th, 2008 at 4:16 pm

# 62 jbenson2

I find it amusing that you think she actually is knowledgeable because of that video.

Two things. Several things she says are WRONG and if you can’t tell she has been prepped for that interview and SHE HAD THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE!!!!!!!!!

That was part of the agreement for doing the Exclusive interview.

# 63 QB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

She’s saavy on energy and politics. As a Canadian, and an Albertan, and a shareholder in TCPL I have to say:

Thank you US taxpayers for the $30,000,000,000.

# 64 ArianeB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 4:37 pm

Well the money has spoken.

Since Palin’s speech McCain’s campaign is $1 million richer.

Meanwhile, Obama’s campaign has raised $8 million since Palin’s speech.

Does that answer the OP question?

# 65 GF said, on September 4th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

I still can’t believe Obama picked Biden.

# 66 Jägermeister said, on September 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

#58 – Dallas – She is a good speaker and she recovered well when God messed up the teleprompter but the devil got her out of it.

LOL

# 67 tehgamer said, on September 4th, 2008 at 4:53 pm

God help us all. The DNC and RNC are filled with speeches plagued with shallow platitudes and hollow generalizations.

# 68 sinn fein said, on September 4th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

SARAH OWNS YOU LIBNAZI BIOTCHS!</B?

# 69 Jägermeister said, on September 4th, 2008 at 5:31 pm

Republican Party – Do as we say, not as we do.

# 70 QB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 5:34 pm

sinn fein, caps lock and screwed up tags? You are so cool, I wish I could be you.

# 71 MildApplause said, on September 4th, 2008 at 5:42 pm

I don’t think the republican party is Bush’s party. I’ve always thought Bush was a very liberal, open-borders kind of guy.

I’d like to see us try it with a true conservative.

# 72 Jägermeister said, on September 4th, 2008 at 5:47 pm

#71 – QB

Do you think we should nominate him for the monthly script kiddie award?

# 73 QB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 6:51 pm

#73 Jager

I found a picture of sinn fein online!

This link is just a small homage to the image prowess of Jägermeister. His Kung Fu is very powerful!

# 74 QB said, on September 4th, 2008 at 7:08 pm

BTW, is anyone surprised by Palin’s school record? 894th out of a class of 899?
5 Colleges in 6 years?

Me thinks that’s why she doesn’t write her own speeches.

# 75 jpfitz said, on September 4th, 2008 at 8:27 pm

#71
#73
#74
#75

Lol,really, no really laughing.
Very funny stuff.

# 76 harold said, on September 5th, 2008 at 7:12 am

Let’s bring out the severely mentally challenged baby to garner the sympathy vote, even though the baby is her daughter’s.

# 77 smartalix said, on September 5th, 2008 at 7:49 am

54, 56,

Good one. You get the point. She has visited the troops, my opinion of her has gone up a bit. Now that we’ve established a baseline, now I’d like to see a link to a decision she made about those troops.

# 78 smartalix said, on September 5th, 2008 at 7:49 am

54, 56,

# 79 Rick Cain said, on September 7th, 2008 at 9:29 am

No, the speech just verified my worst fears about her.

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