September 4, 2008
Posted: September 4th, 2008 10:24 AM ET

From
Palin called out Reid Wednesday.
Palin called out Reid Wednesday.

(CNN) - A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is hitting back hard at Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday night, calling it "shrill and sarcastic."

"Anyone who knows Senator Reid knows he never backs down when he's fighting for what's right and that he always stands up to John McCain when he is wrong," Jim Manley, Reid's press secretary, told CNN. "Shrill and sarcastic political attacks may fire up the Republican base, but they don't change the fact that a McCain-Palin administration would mean four more years of failed bush-Cheney policies."

The reaction came after Palin specifically called out Reid during her address to the Republican National Convention, saying the Nevada Democrat "can't stand up to John McCain."

"Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee. He said, quote, 'I can't stand John McCain,'" Palin said to roaring applause from the crowd. "Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain."

Filed under: Harry Reid • Popular Posts


Don Surber » Blog Archive » Reid, Reid whine   August 8th, 2009 9:54 am ET

[...] The irony drips from the statement: [...]

East Coast Bum   September 4th, 2008 6:37 am ET

As a political junky and have followed politics for years, I must say that the pick of Palin is odd. The TURE reason, I think, is that NO one else would run with John McWAR. So they had to find the only one who whould say yes. I too aggree with most comments on here, that that speech was just crap and had no meat as to what the Repubs plan or vision is for the future. So it must be true that it will be 4 more years of the FAILED bush/shoot you in the face cheny! I will take my chances with Mr. Obama.

Cameron from Ohio   September 4th, 2008 6:37 am ET

I need to thank Palin for helping me understand some things.

I was unaware that authoring more than 800 pieces of legislation and cosponsoring over 1000 more during his time in both the state and US senate means that Obama has penned two memoirs but never any major bill.

I guess The Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006, The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act, and The 2007 Government Ethics Bill are small potatos to someone of Palin's qualifications.

I've also learned that volunteering is apparently a bad thing. Little did I know that someone who does such a selfless act of working for free for a cause they believe in means it's a direct comparison to an elected position where you abuse your power by inquiring how to ban books. I now know that there's no reason anyone should volunteer in places like a soup kitchen, or as a community organizer helping youth and the jobless, or the local McCain/Palin headquarters near Columbus, OH. If I were to run for office in the future, I wouldn't want such a negative thing as volunteering to come up during speeches!

cathy smithson   September 4th, 2008 6:37 am ET

The last thing to call a woman is shrill, this is the first line insult of small minds that are in the habit of automatically denigrating any woman. No one ever refers to a man as being "shrill", I would think these career politicians like Reid would at least know that by now. Just that comment alone lets me know he is really out of touch with how to communicate with women voters.

Tony   September 4th, 2008 6:36 am ET

Palin e-mails show intense interest in trooper.

She criticizes Alaska state troopers for failing to fire her ex brother-in-law

This woman is such a phony, and the republicans, as always, are eating her up.

Karen   September 4th, 2008 6:36 am ET

I think Palin's comments last night open her up for any and all retaliation. If she's allowed to state the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull is lipstick then she's a big enough girl to be attacked as a pitbull and have that lipstick wiped off her face!!!! The Mc Cain campaign cannot cry "sexist" or cry foul when anyone goes after her. Whether it be true or not.... She's obviously ok with gutter politics. If she can dish it out and the campaign backed it, she/they can certainly take it when it's thrown back

Mike H.   September 4th, 2008 6:36 am ET

Now I can see why the Democrats and their liberal allies in the media are busting a gut to smear Sarah Palin and her family. They are scared stiff at the impact this woman will have on the stump. She's a winner!

FES   September 4th, 2008 6:36 am ET

The only ting that Palin has governed is polar bears and penguins. And that's real leadership? Give us all a break!!!

Paul   September 4th, 2008 6:36 am ET

There is no way this person could be in the White House, why would we let a Pit-Bull run loose in the White-House.

This was more like a stand-up routin by the lady from the Fargo movie than a appeal to people to vote for McLeash. All that was missing was the standard line "try the veal I'll be here all week".

I could see Putin now calling McCain and saying to him, "you better put a muzzle on the female dog before I do."

Or her barking out her material for Kim Yong-nam and friends as he looks to step over her mouth and bottom droppings on the White-House lawn.

She can only pray that her schedule only permits for speeches and not intervews.

But I must say it would be nice to have a dog as VP...she might even get the PETA vote. Bark Bark Bark!!!!!!!

Coger   September 4th, 2008 6:35 am ET

So, Sarah Palin describes herself as a "hockey mom". Does she mean "hockey" as in the sport of, or is she refering to the horse variety?

Coger in The Netherlands

Tara   September 4th, 2008 6:35 am ET

I am very excited over this speech!!! I am not a republican, I tend to lean towards the dems but I refuse to put that joke Obama in the white house. I don't like McCain but I love Sarah!!!! I might just have to vote rebublican this year. I am so sick and tired of the attacks on Sarah this week. She defends herself and she is called shrill and sarcastic? You people are crazy

angela   September 4th, 2008 6:35 am ET

Shrill? Why does that word sound familiar? Oh yes, that's right, that's what they called Hillary as well – 'Shrillary' I think it was. Any successful woman is going to be called shrill by those who oppose her, it's a code word that is never used on male politicians. It's disappointing that this term was used. Yes, women's voices aren't as deep as men's – it's a biologicial fact, but I'm tired of every female politician being called shrill by her political opponents. That isn't the way to win over undecided Hillary supporters, many of which are women.

Linda K.   September 4th, 2008 6:35 am ET

Okay, instead of shrill how about strident or simply annoying. Take your pick.

Astrid, I'd like you to tell me who created the mess in Washington. Democrats have had a slim majority in Congress for the last two years. But what about the Bush administration and all those years of Republican congressional dominance?

john   September 4th, 2008 6:33 am ET

Anger, bitter, and sarcastic. I am tired of these qualities in politicians. People need to look into her record. It's small and unimpressive. Oh, she's a b-. Is that what we want in the White House?

hillary supporter no to hussien obama   September 4th, 2008 6:33 am ET

I thought she was ----–great -----I know she is not glorified
like hussien obama but I thought she gave a great speech. I know
the media was going to ripe on her some more like they did to Hillary but I think she is tough cookie and she can stand up to them
I think she proved last night! She is going to be tough VP and not
going to take any crap from neither party!
SHE MAKES WOMEN LOOK PROUD!

MCCAIN / PALIN 08

Nicolas   September 4th, 2008 6:32 am ET

We need to careful describing this canidate from the right and the republicans. Education, morality and hardwork are compromised by the right whenever they see fit with reference to the contrast of the canidates. Palin reminds of a cheerleader praising John McCain and that is not bringing her down because I have respect for women. But thats why she was choosen by the republican party. Women rise up.

Bobby from MS   September 4th, 2008 6:32 am ET

HOMERUN PALIN!!!! NOW WE KNOW WHAT THE O IN OBAMA STANDS FOR. A ZERO!!!!!

MCCAIN/PALIN 08!!!!!!!

JohnBlack   September 4th, 2008 6:32 am ET

Chi4Obama Quote:
It's easy for anybody to "talk tough" when reading a "ready made" speech from a teleprompter.

Come now Chi, Obama is an inarticulate baffoon without his teleprompter, and ALL speeches are "ready made"... if you believe Hussein is speaking off-the-cuff, you are brain-washed.

Obama doesn't talk tough because he is Anti-American and Hopes to see his country Change for the worse. Four years of Obama will result in the fall of America, and the rise of China and Russia. Obama is a COWARD unable to stand up to the challenges of our times. THERE IS NO OPTION OF VOTING PRESENT IN THE WHITE HOUSE HUSSEIN.

bob   September 4th, 2008 6:32 am ET

i'm a lifelong dem, but have recently found myself increasingly fed-up with my party due to its affiliation with shallow celebrity and extreme left wing bs, and the seeming lack of substance of both the obamas... i also find it troubling that the only dem response to any repub idea and/or policy is the standard template of tieing the word "bush" in the dem response... what is it: don't we dems have any ideas of or own..? hilliary would have been a much better dem candidate, and all obama has done is snubbed her, despite her throwing her supporters behind him... the obamas are nothing but fluff, no substance, and it is looking more and more that ralph nader will be getting my vote... wake up fellow dems, the obamas stand for nothing, and will destroy this country if elected...

WhitemoonG   September 4th, 2008 6:32 am ET

So, Harry Reid is hopping mad, and is fighting back? Something that never occurs to him if it's America's enemies, foreign and domestic. How about a Senate Resolution condemning "shrillness" against Liberal hauteur and revisionism? Another chance for Obama to vote "PRESENT," his trademark record of "leadership!"

Ted van Tol   September 4th, 2008 6:31 am ET

How to pick a VP

day one : look at videomaterial of political speeches of a young
woman and pick out the best lady of speech
day two : present her as VP
day three : vet her afterwards
day seven: write her a pitbullspeech attacking her opponent..

doug in Iowa   September 4th, 2008 6:30 am ET

Patriotisim? How can the Republicans talk about patriotism? Now I read that their vice-presidential cnadidate ahs a history of supporting votes for her state to leave the Union! To renounce it's status as part of the United States of America! Anyone ever hear of Arron Burr? That is the ultimate insult to our country, enarly, if not, an act of treason. How in the world can the GOP embrace her as a patriotic American and anyone fit to be second in command of our United States of America. Don't talk to me about flag pins, or being proud of out country. Talk to me about at elast wanting to be a part of our country.

kurler   September 4th, 2008 6:30 am ET

So a spineless mouth for the spineless nv senator calls the Woman of Steel shrill and sarcastic. Bet neither of the two caballeros ever held a hockey stick or a shotgun in their hands.

sms   September 4th, 2008 6:30 am ET

Ha, Sounds like most of you loser Dems are jealous, pathetic goons. Sarah was awesome last night–and had MUCH substance, substance you can't see behind your SnObama-blind eyes. It takes people of substance to recognize it and it's obvious that many of you liberal Dems are scared. McCain has demonstrated his leadership and character in this decision alone–much less his actual service to the country. Your pathetic ticket has demonstrated nothing but service to self–I surmise a trait you all admire since it's like looking in the mirror.

Concerned   September 4th, 2008 6:30 am ET

I am so saddened by what i saw tonight from the speeches at the Republican Convention. Absolutely NO soul or substance from any of the so-called "leaders" of this country. The empty, sarcastic, and hateful words that came out of these people disgusts me. I have never seen such a fake demonstration of a political party trying to convince the public that they are ready to lead this country. The negativity and pompous display of opinion and power shown tonight is why we have lost our respect and standing in the world today. If the attitudes displayed tonight are a true reflection of the United States of America, then we are a truly LOST nation.

pan   September 4th, 2008 6:29 am ET

5am bar times and unrestricted concealed weapons that is what she fired the wasilla police chief over he wanted to curtail the drunks with guns.
those are some real bedrock values that will land with a THUD! in des moines peoria sacramento grand rapids carson city, to name a few
sarah STANDS UP for drunks with guns.
obviously no one vetted this women is the smallest way

David Johnson   September 4th, 2008 6:29 am ET

The media especially the so called political experts at cnn are trouble makers. You are not seving the public well with the way you flame and start truoble.
You and the others encouraged this mess that we are in, including the Iraq war. You are always trying to score a point irrespective of the damage that you will do.
You out to be ashamed of yourself. Try for once to be objective!
David.

Samina Hayaat   September 4th, 2008 6:28 am ET

After watching her speech, I have started believing Democrats that repulicans are bringing more of the same and Mccain is in fact Mcbush ,an extension of George W. Bush.

She bring same wileness, arrogance and meanness which characterized George Bush and Dick Cheny.

If I were to believe trooper gate then She is same as Cheneny to use public office for personal and ideological reason.

These are serious times and we cannot afford four more years of Bush.

JamesDuck   September 4th, 2008 6:28 am ET

She is brilliant!

Now I have no question about voting for Palin/McCain

Obama is corrupt and arrogant and will never get my vote.

Palin/McCain the real thing.

Democrat for Palin/McCain

2dog   September 4th, 2008 6:28 am ET

GO SARAH !!!!!!!! Judging from the reaction from most of the posts here you've got the roaches nervous and scattering!! GREAT job.

John   September 4th, 2008 6:28 am ET

The politics of stupidity. After 8 years in which the GOP has destroyed civil liberties, wrecked a booming economy, invaded a country that posed no threat, lost Osama Bin Laden (while the Bush family does business with them), destroyed the reputation of America for generations to come, created a concentration camp in Guantanamo Bay, doubled the price of oil, all Palin can come up with is load od prevarication and empty sarcasm. Frankly, anyone who voted for Bush, especially twice, is not fit to vote. I weep for America, how stupid and shallow have we become...

Melton   September 4th, 2008 6:27 am ET

All I hear is attacks on the credibility of Obama. Where are the Republican plans for change. It is sad to hear a bunch of bickering with no platform....one after another....Republicans have had their chance for the last eight years..they screwed up! It's time to give someone else a chance to do better.

Mikey   September 4th, 2008 6:27 am ET

No surprise at all that this mornings headlines at CNN are loaded with anti-GOP stories. Regardless that the convention was dynamic and inspiring. The bias continues.

LInda from NC   September 4th, 2008 6:27 am ET

I am disgusted with the republic convention. Nothing about issues just a slam Obama party. They say her family is off limits except when they want to parade them out for photo ops. My daughter better hold on to her cheerleading mom position thats a qualification for her to be VP one day

Ann   September 4th, 2008 6:27 am ET

She did not give me one reason to change my mind. Said nothing about how she's going to help ME AND MY FAMILY!!

Thanks McCain, you handed the election over by choosing her.

s.positive   September 4th, 2008 6:26 am ET

Mcsame and puddle palin will lose this election and there is nothing the hypocitical gop base can do about it. Thank God finally they are losing, she missed a great opportunity just like her aged master will tonight...

Deb, Allentown, PA   September 4th, 2008 6:25 am ET

I thought Huckabee was the best, least sarcastic speaker of the night.

The smirks and putdowns, not on anything concrete, just personal attacks by Romney, Guiliani and Palin will play well to the Republicans. Remember...they're the "me, me, me GOP". The thought of someone giving up the big bucks to go be a community organizer is as foreign to them as a Plutonian. The rest of us appreciate the sacrifice that Obama made to take that job.

Palin was a journalism major. Did we really think it would be a stretch for her to READ someone else's remarks? Maybe she should give some pointers to Carly Fiorina. Her speech was so boring I wanted to pull my hair out.

TEL   September 4th, 2008 6:24 am ET

She had nothing to say and was just mean-spirited. And, no offense, but 10 minutes about her family on a major national speech was just silly and shows that there no substance.

Palin is a bad choice and as the real vetting continues, more surprises will come out. It is hard understand why Mitt did not the VP spot.

I'll be voting for Obama.

Anonymous   September 4th, 2008 6:24 am ET

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE !!!!! A CANADIAN 5TH GRADER CAN GIVE A BETTER SPEECH AND WITH A GOOD FLOW THAN PUL IN OR WHATEVER HER NAME IS AND CAIN COMBINED TOGETHER.........ARE THE GUY REALLY AMERICAN!!!! BAD BAD

tws1906   September 4th, 2008 6:24 am ET

The RNC...McCain...Palin...speeches...contradictions...nasty words...Obama Putdown Convention is what it should be called. Palin preaches experience and reform...she is not the on to lead.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Sarah Palin lacks Lacks Substance   September 4th, 2008 6:24 am ET

Once again the Media is buying to some loud mouth fantasy call speech. This woman open her mouth and read off a prepared speech that has NO Substance, only stupid talking point against Obama. I have never seen anything like this. How can CNN and the other media call this powerfull. This lady voice shrieks and shrill and
she sounded more like a cheerleeder than a rounded well educated
well informed speaker. Showing out silly contrast to herself with her being a Mayor with Obama being a Community Organizer isvery
junior. That job is what gives Obama the ability to do this jobe so well. Obama showed the World how to run a successfull, well orgganized, campaign. Obama choose that job because of his heart to help the under privliledge he could have chose an high profile job. for this lady to used this against him showed how out of touch she is. The democrat last week showed us a campaign that has tons of substance. The republican showed us this week a campaign that has ZERO PLans, just more worthless stupid talk, talk talk. This is a big JOKe. Sarah Palin is no HIlLLARY. Send her back to take care of her children and grandchildren. They need her more than American. American needs SUBSTANCE. Obama and Biden will provide that in abundant. There is no stopping them now.

Ruthie, Stone Mountain GA   September 4th, 2008 6:23 am ET

I have worked in community service for many years and I am proud of it. How can anyone belittle organizations that work to make people lives better. We don't get paid to do what we do and funds are hard to come by. We save our communities tax payers dollars and help out in areas the government does'nt. I am at a lost for words. Community service is hard work and we do it with a smile.

Jud   September 4th, 2008 6:22 am ET

I could barely stomach watching the RNC robots in the crowd eating up every word spoken last night by Rudy, Mitt, and Sarah. The speeches were nothing but lies & personal attacks. Palin stated AS A FACT tonight that everyone's taxes will go up. Palin stated AS A FACT tonight that Obama will meet with heads of state sponsored terrorism. THESE ARE NOT FACTS, THEY ARE LIES AND MISREPRESENTATIONS. I'm surprised they didn't bring up Reverend Wright....but hey the convention isn't over yet. It's almost scary that people will listen to rhetoric like this and just take it on good faith that these candidates will serve them well. Don't they learn? Well No, a lot of them don't. The voters of this country voted for a 2nd Bush term. If that's possible, so is an Obama defeat. Democrats: We need to do whatever it takes to get record numbers of voters this year. Hillary Supporters: This is not your gal!!! Vote Obama in November!

Ndalio   September 4th, 2008 6:22 am ET

Politics is about policies
Madam say what you will do to better the lives of American rather than indulging in old dirty politics or yesterday!
Personal attacks aren't going to fuel our cars nor are they going to rescue our houses...
Get better adviser madam

Dee   September 4th, 2008 6:21 am ET

Wake up America
Here come the Repiglican Peas
JOHN the PUPPET
SARAH the PARROT
Bush's PUPPET & PARROT
EIGHT is ENOUGH
Wake up America
Vote Obama/Biden

Laurie   September 4th, 2008 6:21 am ET

What else can a Democrat say? They were shredded last night because they are voting for a man who has no track record....has no "change" that he can prove in his actions.

Guess What Democrates.....Even Hitler was a great orator and charismatic....and he did bring about change.

overseas US   September 4th, 2008 6:20 am ET

This road the repubs are on one is a very very scary one...
Country first, unified in fear, war first questions later.

PLEASE PEOPLE!!!! THINK!!!!
How can battering someone who just stood up for your daughter, to leave her out of the picture, like this be a Christian value. How is that the moral high road. How can you want those morals to be a reflection of yours?

That can't be the right way! It simply can't. You can't scare the world in to respecting you. All that does is isolate you. And believe me it will. Just look at what our Dollar, once deeply respected, is worth now. It's play money.

People laugh at us and crack jokes at our leaders. Should we ignore that over and over again? No let's just stop and thing that maybe, just maybe, the rest of the world is on to something. That maybe the rest of the world isn't stupid/ignorant.
There are many many countries nowadays that have more freedoms than we do. There are many many countries where the standard of living of the average person is much higher than the American's. There are many countries that have excellent education.
Many countries don't look up to us anymore but they have to look behind to even see us!

Let's stop that! Let's get back the respect that the average hard working American deserves.

Let's not be governed by fear, let's reign by good example, hope and proserity.

JC in Michigan   September 4th, 2008 6:20 am ET

Seems every move the Republican's make these days is reactionary. Palin is clearly an example of more poor judgment from this tired old party.

America needs change, America needs to realize that catering to big business and special interests has gotten us in a very deep hole. Greed, not values are driving the Republican party.

Annie R.   September 4th, 2008 6:19 am ET

I e-mailed Senator McCain's campaign last night and asked him how he could allow such contempt and hate against half or more Americans at his convention to continue and that it not only sickened me but also scared me. I guess their platform is attack liberals in general and Obama specifically.

Trig Palin   September 4th, 2008 6:19 am ET

Both Guiliani and Palin were shrill.

Lee   September 4th, 2008 6:19 am ET

It's insulting that the media speculates whether women will vote for the McCain/Palin ticket just because of Palin. I'm sure we're smarter than that. I would like to see every American citizen pick up the paper and educate themselves on all the candidates' positions. Don't vote for a candidate just because their a woman, a man, an African-American or a war hero. Vote on the policies YOU believe in!

Zion   September 4th, 2008 6:18 am ET

Palin is a POOR speaker in every since of the word. I am now wondering how she even became governor of Alaska. I am just so insulted as a woman that a party that has made it its business to label feminism as a sin is now trying to play the sexism card and use a woman as bait. Her McCain may win, but it sure won't be because they deserve it. Where did they say she went to college again? Journalism? Seriously...

Ted   September 4th, 2008 6:18 am ET

Obama and Biden have been exactly wrong on some of the most important foreign policy issues of our day. Judgement and the decision making process escape both of them. What is the GOP ticket going to do for the economy? Not take more money out of people's pockets, which means out of the economy and shipping it to Washington in the form of taxes. Washington has never been an effective means of income resdistribution. Hard work, saving for the future and living within your means are how you stay out of financial trouble. Oh...and never look to Washington to bail you out of every problem you have...with other people's hard earned money.

elle   September 4th, 2008 6:18 am ET

the speech was written by the bush cronies....mite as well write off the environment, science and tolerance........fear as usual. Give me the community organizer at least i know he is FOR the community!!!!

Steph from Maine   September 4th, 2008 6:17 am ET

Palin gave a great speech. I'm a single working mom (3 teens) who supported Hillary and am now throwing my support behind McCain.

I was so disappointed that Obama didn't have the courage to do any joint-townhalls with McCain.

And these attacks on Bristol Palin (daughter) make me sick. But I have hope that some Karma is on the horizon!

Danel   September 4th, 2008 6:17 am ET

She may be better speaker than McCain BUT Hillary is better speaker than her.. Most of her attacks to Obama are false. Very sarcasm, no substance. Guiliana isx a smug. Spent $51m for a signle deligate, now that's a joke!! Romney isa another one spent hiw treasure but he can't even buy the presidency. At least I give some respect to Huchabee.

Jasmine in Germany   September 4th, 2008 6:17 am ET

Lots of attacks, many of them false or misleading, but nothing concrete on the issues.

bill for barack   September 4th, 2008 6:17 am ET

It's clear that McIdiot did NOT choose a V.P. who has leadership abilities and the experience necessary to lead the nation.
Insteadhe chose an attack dog whose family has the morals of gutter-dwellers, who is already in trouble for criminal activities in office, and who, if elected, will bequickly shunted aside to be forgotten – mercifully so.
The American people have been insulted by this choice.

charles   September 4th, 2008 6:16 am ET

sounds like the dems are a little sensitive when it comes to someone criticizing them. It's ok for the dems to attack McCain, Palin and Bush, but don't dare say anything negative about Obama or Biden. How many times did Obama meet up with Biden before he picked him? He didn't even consider Hillary. How can Obama claim he is change when he selected someone who is old school politics and been in the Senate for over 30 years? That's right folks, he is all about change. What he doesn't tell you is that his change would take us back to the 1960's. Palin's speech last night was dead on target and dems better get used to her blasting away at your candidate because you're going to see a lot more from her. Obama is an empty suit and Biden is just a bitter old man. Next!

Terry Williams   September 4th, 2008 6:16 am ET

Reminds me of a neighbor I once had. He used to sic his dogs on people he could not stand up to. Go Rover1

Marion   September 4th, 2008 6:16 am ET

It is apparent that men, of both parties, don't know when a remark is sexist and when it is not. Perhaps they should run their remarks by a woman before they make them. Just a hint: Any remarks that are singular to the famale gender are sexist. If the remark sounds stupid when applied to a male, it is probably sexist. For example, attack her policies but not her voice.

Michael J, Toronto   September 4th, 2008 6:15 am ET

"Shrill" – why did he have to use a word that is only used to describe women. Doesn't the DNC 2008 platform include standing up to sexism?

Roger   September 4th, 2008 6:15 am ET

She said absolutely nothing. Good speaking and sounding good doesn't make up for no substance.... just like a sleazy used-car salesman.

Holland   September 4th, 2008 6:14 am ET

It is true,
the American Election is just a big reality show.
Nobody looks at issues and that's why the country is going backwards.

Brad IL.   September 4th, 2008 6:14 am ET

My family and I have just watched Gov. Palin give her speech and were happy to see the fire in this woman. As a Democratic family who wanted Hillary in office and loved Bill Clinton's experiance as Pres. Never have liked Joe Biden and never thought Obama had any real experiance in Political Office, not even in our own state. We will be switching parties this year and I think alot of other Hillary supporters will also.

alvino   September 4th, 2008 6:14 am ET

No matter how much sugar and chocolate you put on the republican message, it's still manure. Rudy still thinks al-qaeda and Bin Ladin were in Iraq, Mitt's speech came out of the late 70's and blamed liberals for the failed Bush policies of the last 8 years. If a person could go to jail for lying to the American Public, these two would be locked up with hapless Joe Lieberman.

Finally, Sarah did a great job off the teleprompter. I felt sorry that John McCain has to hide behind her skirt. So much for working together with Democrats if John gets elected. At least she energized the Hate Base of the Republican Party.

John   September 4th, 2008 6:13 am ET

Thank God we don't have to listen to more of this tonight with McShame's speech... It's the opening night for NFL Football season..... Not a hard choice.

Andi   September 4th, 2008 6:13 am ET

If the only thing you can find wrong about Palin is that her tactics are "too sarcastic" then by God I am the happiest person in the world. I am definitely voting for McCain and Palin. I thought she gave an excellent speech. And OF COURSE the Dems are going to hate her. Good grief, live and let live! My whole family is a bunch of democrats and I used to be a die-hard Obama supporter, but not anymore. I am so sick of the Obama campaign and the people who support him. Their politics are weak, they don't have a good agenda for the economy. I would much prefer Hillary over Obama, but that's out of the question now. I don't even know how Obama made it to the finals anymore. I absolutely reject anything that the entire Hollywood and Media support. Obama is like a "God" to Hollywood and the liberal Media and I'm sorry, but he isn't everything you guys think he is. I can see through it all and he's weak. I love Palin because she's fearless. No matter what people say about her family life, about her in particular, she still has her head on straight and is completely ready to take on this country as a serious reformist. And I love that about her. I love that she's a reformist. Does Obama want to "shake things up" in the white house? Hell he doesn't even really care! He just wants the votes! Our country is going to hell in a handbasket fast because all the morals and values of good decent people have completely demolished. It's evident because Obama is on our voting ballot. He represents nothing good. I don't see any good coming from him. But on the other hand, I see a lot of determination and fight in the McCain party and that's what I've been waiting to see for a very long time. I've been waiting for a party who can live up to what they say and it's been proven through their past experience. So GO ON AND ATTACK PALIN ALL YOU WANT! Hah! I'm still voting for her. I think she's got your whimpy Obama beat.

CJ in FL   September 4th, 2008 6:13 am ET

It's great! Liberals are terrified of this lady (evident by thier ridiculous but all too expected name calling)!

Here's a suggestion...how about we evaluate the candidates based on thier experience and agenda? Oh wait a minute...that would guarantee the Obama/Biden ticket's demise. Never mind! Continue looking stupid, Dems.

Dianne from Africa   September 4th, 2008 6:12 am ET

A few questions:

1 – Why are Americans so terrified of strong women? Almost every other major (or thinking) country in the world has either had or still has a women leader or VP, including little old South Africa. You've shown abject fear of Ferraro, Clinton and now Palin.

2 – Why is the media so biased towards Obama? What happened to fair reporting? Even the aged Larry King appears not to want to even listen to a Republican caller.

3 – Please, someone answer this, without vitriol: Why are Obama supporters so DEFENSIVE? What's good for the goose is good for the gander . . . But . . .if anything is said by the McCain/Palin camp, it's "shrill and sarcastic"; if the same thing is said by the Obama camp, it's noteworthy and "of the people".

4 – Why is Obama's inexperience good enough for the Presidency, but Palin's is not good enough for the Vice Presidency? Be honest with yourselves, democrats, before you get defensive . . .

C'mon – I really thought you guys were brighter than this. I've even lived in your country, so I've met some bright Americans. Apparently, "bright" doesn't necessarily mean "wise".

Steve   September 4th, 2008 6:12 am ET

Well, if anyone knows shrill and sarcastic it's Harry Reid...what a loser!

Hunter - A redneck from Kentucky   September 4th, 2008 6:12 am ET

I didn't hear a single word of policy! She could for instance talk about sex education in schools – vital tool for lowering teenage pregnancies!

chippyarm   September 4th, 2008 6:11 am ET

What bothers me most, and is terribly upsetting, is what Sarah Palin said about Republicans being the team that can best help children with special needs. As a father of a child with special needs, It was very sad that not only did she use her trig, her five month old, as a speaking prop, but to insinuate that the Republicans can best help those with special needs is much more than insulting. I know that those of you who do not have special needs children (of course, all children have special needs, specific to them in some way), may have not seen through her on this. The Republicans have never been the party that helps the children with special needs. I am not ging to go into detail about historical facts. I also know that many of you will then say that my post has no substance, but my goodness, don't buy into what she said about Republicans being the team that helps these kids more than Democrats. I nearly cried as I listened. These kids, mine included, need true support. Republicans will not deliver on this.

Tony   September 4th, 2008 6:11 am ET

Was that Palin or Anita Bryant on stage last night????

What a joke!

emma   September 4th, 2008 6:11 am ET

its funny...u dont get a lot of negative comments like these on obama's ticket..i find it scary sometimes,
oh well..maybe obma is better,esp.the way he speaks....
he's a better candidate forsome...not 4 me.
this convention has red meats..did the democrats never said anything against the other?..oh comman!!
havent u heard?..politics as usual..

Jane   September 4th, 2008 6:10 am ET

Seems as though Palin hit a few nerves with the Democrats.

Jose Rodriguez   September 4th, 2008 6:10 am ET

Sen. Reid is worst majority leader we have ever had. He has a lower approval rating then Dick Cheny too!! He is a looser and has not accomplished anything as a majority leader. Democrats can do better otherwise we will be out of the Senate soon.

Jose

INDEPENDANT VET   September 4th, 2008 6:09 am ET

WATCH OUT REID , YOU MAY JUST HAVE TO HELP CARRY , AN PICK UP THE REST OF YOUR FLIP , FLOPPS DIRTY LAUNDRY. ONE BAG WON'T HOLD IT ALL.

IF SHE ASK'S FOR , FOR THE PROOF OF OBAMA'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE , AN YOU SHOW , A PHONY REPRINT.( OFF LAZER PAPER ). AN THERE WAS A MISTAKE THEY HAD PUT O8. FOR GOT TO PUT THE DR'S. NAME , NO OCCUPATION LISTED OF HIS PARENTS, OH !!! AH !!! HUH !!! WRIGHT !

AN FOR JOE BLOW , YOU GOT ALL THIS MONEY COMING IN FROM PRO-iRAN GROUPES , FROM NY, AN SILICONE VALLEY . THEREFORE , HARRY REID , YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A LARGE LOAD OF , FLIP FLOPPS . SO SETTLE DOWN , AN TAKE IT LIKE A CITY BOY , OR CATCH THE NEXT BUGGIE OUT OF TOWN .

AT A GAL , TELL IT LIKE JUDGE JUDY . LIKE SHE SAID , DRILL BABBIE DRILL . FOR THE FLIPP FLOPPERS MUST LEAVE TOWN.

FOR O8 NO FLIPP FLOPPERS NEEDED.

.

Steve   September 4th, 2008 6:09 am ET

Her speech last night was two-dimensional...

Kind of reminded me a lot of Peggy Hill and her running mate, Cotton Hill!

Being used   September 4th, 2008 6:08 am ET

McCain is just using that "Woman" (Sarah). And I wish the media would stop covering her story.
Every day they had something bad to say about Hillary and Obama.... Why she the McCain camp have it easy?

k.j O brien   September 4th, 2008 6:07 am ET

Harry Reid is an idiot, a loser in every since of the word. His comment about Palin is proof

DonnieJ   September 4th, 2008 6:07 am ET

Palin is an utter tool . . .

Tony   September 4th, 2008 6:06 am ET

It was so obvious in the speeches last night, that when you don't have a record to run on, your only option is to attack, attack, attack.

How pathetic, desperate and sad the republicans are.

Rando   September 4th, 2008 6:06 am ET

All in all, I don't think I could stand to hear her shrill tone of voice again. How annoying. Like fingernails on a blackboard.

TS OH   September 4th, 2008 6:06 am ET

I too have noticed a big difference between these conventions. Last weeks convention was inspiring and brought hope. So far I have seen nothing from the republican convention except name calling and a smoke screen to hide the real issues. Ms. Palin unfortunately is a quick study, she has done a great job on picking up the Republican rhetoric. I hope someone by now has told her what a VP is suppose to do.

James in RI   September 4th, 2008 6:06 am ET

She's definitely the most obnoxious person I've seen on TV in a long time... It was hard just to listen to her...

Jeff   September 4th, 2008 6:06 am ET

I find it amazing that this article is here and there is another one from the AP saying she knocked it out of the park. Were the reporters watching the same speech? Maybe this is a case of AP being for everyone and CNN for liberals.

Joe in NY   September 4th, 2008 6:05 am ET

I just want anyone to answer one single question: What would John McCain do differently than the administration of the past 8 years? Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld had years and years of experience. It didn't make any difference. Their "experience" created a disaster after Katrina, was the reason for untold deaths in Iraq, and bled our economy dry. I don't trust John McCain to do anything different. He gave up his "straight talk" for pandering months ago. He's a puppet of the GOP power brokers now.

real mom   September 4th, 2008 6:05 am ET

sarah palin seems to be mean and nasty.. she can't be trusted and she's definitely no real mom

Ron in Minnesota   September 4th, 2008 6:05 am ET

GO BARACK

Laura   September 4th, 2008 6:05 am ET

Who is she to be handing out all these insults, anyway. I doubt she was even following the election before she won some contest and got a guest roll in it.

And I KNOW she doesn't even know who Harry Reid is. She read that one straight off the teleprompter.

Dare   September 4th, 2008 6:05 am ET

I do agree...Obama is so much trying to run against George Bush and not McCain. Well, once the debates start...I don't see how he can avoid the issues.

Secondly, how did Obama perform compared to McCain at the only non-scripted interview (where they were asked the same questions)? Woeful....I'll say. John was direct, clear and told the truth on his position. Obama tried not to upset anybody.

Finally, we say Obama is ready for the Presidency...please can anybody tell me one single major/significant legislation that he sponsored while he was a State legislator or a Senator? I understand the number is none.

So please go figure...who is the better candidate?

Tony   September 4th, 2008 6:04 am ET

How desperate the republicans are. It is extremely sad.

Robert Smith   September 4th, 2008 6:02 am ET

Yes, but it is quite OK for people to question whether she can raise her kids and be VP, to humiliate her child in hopes of tearing down the mom, and to take McCain's comments out of context.

Not to mention the house speaker calling the President a failure, too.

If the Dems can't handle a little of their own medicine, then maybe they shouldn't dish it out. You can't have your attacks and eloquent Obama speeches and expect EVERYONE to bow down and worship!

And please, people, let's get off the "she's such a good speaker but lacks substance." That's how people feel about Obama, who thinks running for president qualifies you to be one.

Lisa   September 4th, 2008 6:00 am ET

She delivered the speech flawlessly and I was impressed with that, she had to be nervous. The tenor of the speech however was frightening. If this is the republican party in 2008 it is very bitter. The reason Sen. Obama has so many people that like him is he is ALWAYS positive about this country's future. Palin's speech made me think America is destined for more diviseness and hate if she wins. It was like a neo-nazi rally.

As soon as it ended I went upstairs and stood over my sleeping two year olds bed and said a prayer for his future. The difference between the politics of hope and fear in one 30 min. speech. Choose wisely America.

slip   September 4th, 2008 5:58 am ET

no obama 08

lee   September 4th, 2008 5:58 am ET

The RNC speeches last night showed the GOP have nothing but sarcasm, anger, and lies to run on. America is tired of that.

Mike, Vancouver   September 4th, 2008 5:58 am ET

Kate, you are absolutely right. She has only been given the job of speaker because there is nobody else to do the job that has the charisma and ability to fulfill John's shortcomings. I think it is too bad that she will only have that role then be cast away once the election is over.

Soledad   September 4th, 2008 5:58 am ET

The GOP convention and all its speeches is likened to a Pasi gong (a crushing sound to announce the start of a performance or magic).
Big sound no substance. The American people deserve to know concrete plans on relieving the worst economy they've had and how to move forward. And when it comes to foreign policy, it takes more than pitt bull mentality & attitude to face Ahmadinejad & Putin...even with lipstick!

axlsm   September 4th, 2008 5:57 am ET

hey you dem snivelers, especially you Harry, welcome to your worst nightmare! And I really appreciate your buddies in the MSM helping the cause. Enjoy!

RH   September 4th, 2008 5:57 am ET

All those "prosperity" signs were printed and set on chairs to be waived by attendees.

Kind of ironic...

I'm suprised people picked them up. By the way, did you hear anything about "prosperity"?

Maddie, Hartford, Ct.   September 4th, 2008 5:55 am ET

What Plans??????Absolutely nothing was said! And I stayed up late to listen to a "shrill shrew" scream and point her finger!

Redbug-OHIO for OBAMA   September 4th, 2008 5:54 am ET

Well sounds like more of the mcsame. Rip up OBAMA and his ideas for change. She is a puppet for the republicans. Uses her family for polictial gain. She is not showing women anything of value (which seems to be a big word for gop). All the speaks Wednesday night were mean spirited. I guess that is what you do when you don't have any good ideas for change and just want more of the same. The only thing the republicans can talk about is war. No talk of peace, lets just go start more wars and make more enemies. It is truely sad. NO MORE OF THE mcbush/mcpalin.

OBAMA/BIDEN ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rickster   September 4th, 2008 5:54 am ET

All I know is there will be many sad liberals on Nov. 5TH.

Dave   September 4th, 2008 5:52 am ET

Obama will lose this time. But the anti-christ will be back !

lea   September 4th, 2008 5:52 am ET

The only hope I have left is that I see many of my fellow citizens on websites like NYT express the same revulsion and sadness I felt tonight watching the Republicans. Such a shame that the Republican party has devolved to such mean-spirited, empty-headed leadership. This is the petty, mean tone John McCain has driven from the beginning.

Media pundits– why are you talking her speech up as a "homerun"– have you talked to real people out here?t This was a hate-filled evening that offered no vision of unity or working across party lines for the benefit of our country. After George Bush, Newt Gengrich and Bob Barr, I don't know how much more of this our country can tak.

If we don't change course, i fear our country is doomed. Please help us get back to a discussion of the issues facing us. We don't need "hockey mom" jokes and "moose-hunting" leaders when we face the critical issues in front of us.

A free, honest, and vocal press may be our only reprieve.

Tom in Delaware   September 4th, 2008 5:51 am ET

The fact that both Fred Thompson (straight A's) and Sarah Palin (4 A's and a B) were highly rated by CNN's political pundits, yet received an F from the general public is a ringing endorsement of effectiveness.

She's the Grim Reaper for the Liberal Left...time to pay the boatman.

Mase   September 4th, 2008 5:51 am ET

Saying Reid "can't stand up to John McCain." only shows that McCain will ignore the senate and is gonna push his policies like Bush did and won't let democracy do its job.

Chikk On Lit   September 4th, 2008 5:51 am ET

The spirit in that place was so negative. Even watching it on television.... Everyone seemed so bitter and negative. I'm sorry for America if they let these devils back in the white house....

And I think it's pretty sad that they are flaunting her daughter and her lil boy toy around like it's a good thing that she's 17 and pregnant. It's not just the fact that Palin is a mom who apparently has failed..... She's a Moose-billy.... and the sound of her voice is punishment.... worse than McBush's clinched dentures delivery....

I wish we had more time with the DNC.. that was so uplifting.

Obabma/Biden 2008-2016

Willy   September 4th, 2008 5:50 am ET

Tell Harry "leaderless" Reid to shut up and sit down. Harry you had you're one chance to do great things for america but you chose to go lefty liberal and fly with the loons.

JM   September 4th, 2008 5:50 am ET

Astrid – your need to shout out your message speaks volumes about your intelligence. No doubt you're a Bush supporter. Let's see. He came to Washington to clean it up. 8 years later (6 of which the Republicans controlled both houses), this country is a big mess on all levels. And you somehow believe another 4 years of Republican rule will change this insanity.

Dems would be smart to focus on the distorted views put forth by the Republicans in areas of Global Warming, Energy, Economy, Taxes and Health Care. Those are areas the Republicans would rather avoid, focusing instead on meaningless issues of personality and perceived experience.

Alan   September 4th, 2008 5:49 am ET

What are her actual positions on Bush's policies? One would think, listening to her speech, that the Democrats had been in the White House and in control of congress for the past 7+ years. Palin actually seems to agree with Bush on most issues. What "change" would she bring? What "change" could she bring? I bet the pariah Bush was sitting in DC agreeing with just about everything in her speech.

This convention has been so schizo. The Republicans were for George W Bush before they were against him. But they want to keep going with his policies. No wait – now they're saying they want change.

Wow, what a confused bunch of people – McCain, Palin, all the failed Republican primary candidates – the whole lot. They seem to actually think they can have it both ways.

GARedNeck   September 4th, 2008 5:49 am ET

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. If anyone votes for McCain/Palin in November expecting something different because Palin is on the ticket they are fooling themselves. Look at what they are saying – if you like the way things are going vote for us, because we are not going to change!

MargaretWu   September 4th, 2008 5:48 am ET

Sarah Palin is looking and finding praise for her attacks on the Democrats in her first public speech. Should she not have offered her stance on real issues like the economy, health, poverty and the general well being of US citizens instead of rabble-rousing. She needs to get the attention off her absence of knowlege and her great mothering skills, so she goes on the offensive.
It would be interesting to see if she can answer off the cuff:
What is Dafur?
Is New Zealand off the west or east coast of Europe?
Is Cape Town near Rome or nearer Saudi Arabia?
Is the present Prime minister of U.K. Tony Blair or Winston Churchill?
Don't you get the impression that most of the answers will be 'duh'?

Aaron   September 4th, 2008 5:46 am ET

I'm just wondering, does it really not bother Obama supporters that he has never accomplished anything remotely close to what he is promising you. Promising people somthing and delivering are 2 different things. He wants you to think that McCain is the same as Bush and that Obama can solve all our problems, life doesn't work that way. As for Palin's speech, I thought it was alright, but don't talk to me about the wonderful tone in the democratic convention, I turned Joe Biden off, couldn't listen to him anymore.

Natasha   September 4th, 2008 5:46 am ET

It was surreal just watching those people cheer for the nasal wonder. I blame it on social conditioning. Kids are programmed at a young age to obey and not ask questions. No critical thinking taught in school. So eventually as adults they automatically cheer bullies like Palin and not for one second ask themselves why the alaskan governor feels she has to use sarcasm, lies, and insults instead of facts and reason to explain why her party has the better candidate.

Tomhere   September 4th, 2008 5:45 am ET

Smarmy.
and SARCASTIC.
A typical arrogant republican. Look how she's tried to use her power for personal vendetta and gain.
OBAMA-BIDEN!

Lisa   September 4th, 2008 5:44 am ET

Has anyone ever heard a man be referred to as "shrill?" If the comments that came out of Sarah Palin's mouth last night came from a man's mouth, he would have been called "tough." The double standard is disgusting.

Bob   September 4th, 2008 5:43 am ET

We all realize that we vote for the lesser of two evils in an election over the past many years. I like John McCain, not 100%, but no one candidate is perfect. As far as Palin is concerned, she is a maverick, much more so than McCain and I feel that calling out Harry Reid on her part is great. Reid is a "Mr. Do-nothing" just like most politicians and Pelosi's congress has the lowest approval rating in history. We cannot lose in Iraq and we are doing better and winning with the surge. The democratic candidate wants to pull out and if we do that Iran will move in and take over and start the probability of another 9/11.

Jim   September 4th, 2008 5:42 am ET

Well I didn't hear any specifics about how to fix health care, to fix the economy, or clean up the environment. But, that Palin gave a good speech. Seriously, Obama deserves to lose for shunning Hillary.

marc   September 4th, 2008 5:40 am ET

Margret Thatcher modern day=Palin

home run–it is how you play in the 4th quarter that counts! Palin wins–2012 it will be hillary and palin. SO please keep Hillary on the sideline now. Her turn will come .....

lexie   September 4th, 2008 5:37 am ET

wait...... They earned their own approval ratings!!

John   September 4th, 2008 5:36 am ET

I see that party don't need and don't want John McCain, he should not be on the ticket. It is clear he will not run the country. She will be the right wing branch that always run the white house. McCain better watch out. They never like him.

KMAN   September 4th, 2008 5:35 am ET

Looks like the Democrats might just get a good bump from the GOP hate-fest! McCain/Palin ... "Reaching for a new low in American politics!"

Andrew   September 4th, 2008 5:34 am ET

The Republican Party consists of three types of people. People who are Type A personalities. People who think they are Type A personalities. And finally, people who wish they were Type A personalities. NOBODY LIKES TYPE A PERSONALITIES. Not even themselves.

1. The Democrats do not want to take your guns away.
2. The Democrats do not enjoy "killing babies."
3. The Democrats do not care what anyone does in the privacy of their own homes, be it gays or married Christian conservatives with their boring, pasty, missionary position sex.

Unless you're in the top two tax brackets, it's probably time to get real and get on board.

common sense   September 4th, 2008 5:34 am ET

Isn’t it funny how politicians always start their speeches by trying to relate to small town upbringing and blue collar roots? In Palin, we have the real deal.

When a Democratic Presidential nominee has to defend his total executive experience (running a campaign) against a Republican VICE Presidential nominee, it makes you wonder how and who got hoodwinked.

There’s change coming alright…in the form of two Mavericks!

Yes we will!

McCain/Palin 2008

Kevin Louisville KY   September 4th, 2008 5:34 am ET

How utterly sad the democrats have become! If they don't like you, you're "like Bush". Pathetic until the biter end.

Tim   September 4th, 2008 5:33 am ET

Lets just put the facts about her in line. She is the earmark queen. She got $15 million for a rail line between her town and a ski resort. About $27 million for her small town in total.

What about the bridge to nowhere. She supported it until it became a dead issue. She spent money to build roads to it. She cancelled it after it was apperent that congress wasn't going to spend more money on it and she kept the money they already gave the state for it, using that money for other projects. Doesn't sound like she said "thanks but no thanks".

What about the gas pipeline. She pushed for the terms and gave the contract to a foreign company to build it.

Shes for open government, but she told her city department heads that they had to get her approvel before talking to the press. From her bio, there are at least 3 times that she fired or replace people who disagree with her. Right or wrong, its her way or the highway. Sorry Sahah, but you can't fire foreign leaders who disagree with you.

This doesn't seem consistant with what Mc Cain was trying to sell us.
Mc Cain didn't put america first when picking Palin.

HOW DO I GET 'THAT' JOB, LEVI....   September 4th, 2008 5:32 am ET

How do you get the job of knocking up a nominee's daughter, and holding her hand on stage at events...

life.....is.... GOOD.....

indy4palin   September 4th, 2008 5:32 am ET

Lifelong Democrat here, absolutely disgusted with "my" party. From the objective, unaffiliated view, it was Obama's speech last week that had zero substance. Palin (and McCain) have clear records of reform and attempting to right wrongs, while Obama has nothing. Nothing. I'm through with the Democrats (at least for this election!) and say - McCain/Palin 2008!

Independant   September 4th, 2008 5:31 am ET

Obama discusses the issues and solutions. McCain / Palin runs away.

Penn Voter   September 4th, 2008 5:31 am ET

An excellent speech by Palin, she made her point and exposed her opponents' weaknesses and lack of substance.

Palin is a serious threat to Obama and he knows it.

McCain/Palin 08

Jeff   September 4th, 2008 5:31 am ET

The community organizer attacks were beyond stupid. In so doing, the GOP attacked the very notion of bottom-up change and, hell, the entire civil rights movement. Who are the elitist now? I thought the GOP was about people getting things done on a local level. By attacking the idea of community organizing, they just proved which party represents more of the same Washington elitism. Big, big, tactical mistake. Just watch - this is going to be grist for the mill for Barack's stump speech. At every community he goes into, I want him to be indignant, and say, by attacking community organizers, what are they attacking - voting rights registrations, fighting corrupt landlords, people standing up for themselves and standing up to government. What an incredible act of desperate arrogance and out of touch stupidity by her speechwriter.

a regurgitation of talking points...   September 4th, 2008 5:30 am ET

I am still very much looking forward to watching the new vp nominee INTERVIEWED.....

no prepared speech.... no mccain looking over her shoulder reading her cue cards with her....

i want to HEAR her talk about troopergate, her 20 million dollar deficit, her supporting the bridge to nowhere.

ASK YOURSELVES WHY THEY WILL NOT LET HER TALK TO THE MEDIA ????

Palin is not qualified. Period.

dh   September 4th, 2008 5:29 am ET

I am a Democrat. I am a woman. I disagree with Sarah Palin on may things, but how does it help Democrats for this type of comment to be made.

This is sexist tripe. Senator Reid's office needs to apologize.

wow!!!!!!!!!   September 4th, 2008 5:28 am ET

even the most ignorant of the ignorants are laughing.....good family values they practice

Bitter in Texas   September 4th, 2008 5:28 am ET

So, so speach from the Governor, sounds like she was speaking to the base and not the Independent voters...full of sarcastic remarks and treading to fear and hate...what did I ever expect from the Rethugs. I'm still waiting to hear their plans for the country and just how they are going to change anything...or do they have any plans for change???????

mb   September 4th, 2008 5:27 am ET

McCain comes off as Bush's creepy uncle and Palin's speech writers use the same model they've always used: attack, be overly aggressive, with a large dose of mean spirited sarcasm. And what's with all those "hottie in the white house" buttons at the GOP convention? Doesn't that echo Paris Hilton's ubiquitous "that's hot!" phrase? Talk about an ick factor. Let's bring some intelligence, calm, and reason back to the white house. Go Obama.

Richard from Knoxville   September 4th, 2008 5:25 am ET

A Shrill and Sarcastic - A self-described Pit Bull Dog Who Wears Lipstick and can field dress a moose, A person who is also an ultra-right wingnut that believes in choices — Her Choices on everything — As in: If you don't believe the way I do you are going to Hell (like those people who voted for Kerry in 2004) —

Wasn't there something about her working for the political party that wants Alaska become an independent country (Guess who would be in charge) —

My, My, My, of COURSE Palin is just the thing McCain/McBush needs as VP — The question is, does the country want someone with those and other qualifications to be a heartbeat away from the presidency –

Mumba, Helsinki   September 4th, 2008 5:23 am ET

America will be a huge joke to the rest of the world if John and Sarah are elected to the white house...they a scary couple even to those of us who have nothing to do with America...

Rob   September 4th, 2008 5:22 am ET

All the democrats ever do is cry and complain. They rep some loser obama that just talks trash and makes horrible promises he won't even keep. Your whole country will suffer if you make that atheist liberal pretending to love god just to get votes your president. No one in canada or asia or the middle east like him and if you want to go from the number 1 country in the world to number 55 then elect obama and watch all successful entrepreneurs and businesses move out of your country when he raises all your taxes and your unemployment rate goes skyrocketing.
Obama has no experience, Palin has way more, and she's just vice president so quit crying democtrats...and quit trying to bring communism back. LOSERS!!

dr nyongesa protus   September 4th, 2008 5:22 am ET

Am not an American but i do follow their politics. The republican convention, and particularly the speech given by Mrs Palin was extremely childish with alot of cynism, abuses and anger. Why?

Anthony, Ontario   September 4th, 2008 5:21 am ET

Not conservative myself but last night’s speakers certainly were interesting.

Many of the delegates were clearly delighted by the toothy and pit bull diatribes. However, some seemed to have expressions of sadness and/or anxiety and/or resignation and even some of the laughter seemed nervous. (I’m not an expert on body language; perhaps you can help out here, CNN?)

Maybe they were thinking GOP defeat was inevitable, and one or more of the following:

- OMG, they’re [Dems] gonna raise my taxes and I won’t be able to buy that third boat

- just about every state has a visible minority delegate; that should have worked, darn it

- good war industry funding is gonna get wasted on sick, uneducated, liberal welfare bums

- they won’t get our last few years of oil out of our “protected“ lands and that means we’ll have to put up with More Gore

- we won’t be able to keep our troops in Iraq until it’s time to move them to Iran and Georgia

- I’ll bet the Dems create thousands of community organizer jobs – BIG GOVERNMENT

- I just don’t care anymore, Palin is my kind of HOT!

But, as the great right-wing intellectual D. Miller always said: “That’s just my opinion; I could be wrong.”

Richard from Knoxville   September 4th, 2008 5:21 am ET

A Shrill and Sarcastic Pit Bull Dog who wears lipstick and can field dress a moose, A person who is also an ultra-right wingnut that believes in choices - Her Choices on everything - As in: If you don't believe the way I do you are going to Hell (like those people who voted for Kerry in 2004) -

Wasn't there something about her working for a political party that wants Alaska become an independent country (Guess who would be in charge) -

My, My, My, of COURSE Palin is just the thing McCain/McBush needs as VP - The question is, does the country want someone with those and other qualifications

Randy   September 4th, 2008 5:21 am ET

Typical attack-dog style speech that lacked real substance and only satisfied partisan supporters of the GOP. The speech was so lacking that it failed to define who she is and why she deserves to be one heart beat from the presidency.

Mark   September 4th, 2008 5:20 am ET

Palin is an idiot. A complete fool w no experience, completely out of her leqague.

Lisa Lee Erikson   September 4th, 2008 5:20 am ET

I think she should go back to sports casting.....really!

Bryan   September 4th, 2008 5:20 am ET

Palin is an empty pants suit and a joke. How could it have been a sincere speech when advisors had to cram to brief her on a lot of stuff she doesn't know jack about. You can cram for an exam and memorize a bunch of info for the test but that doesn't make you an expert on the subject. Being a community organizer is a great thing. Hmmm...if you can bring your community together perhaps you can do the same on a national and international level. Palin's "gonna clean up washington". What a joke! You're governor of Alaska! She doesn't know swat outside of Alaska!

YOLANDA   September 4th, 2008 5:20 am ET

Greg, if Obama is a joke then the joke's on YOU! You are so transparent.

stew in CA   September 4th, 2008 5:19 am ET

Obama and Biden blasted McCain, you just cant take what you dish out!!!!!

Brooke   September 4th, 2008 5:19 am ET

SHE IS AN AWESOME CHOICE AND FOR ANY ONE WHO THINKS DIFFERNET IS AN COMPLETE IDIOT!!!

AND THE REPUBLICANS ROCK AND THEY WILL BE THE IN THE WHITE HOUSE AFTER THIS ELECTION IS DONE BC THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL SEE WHAT OBAMA IS ABOUT AND THATS NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff   September 4th, 2008 5:18 am ET

The speeches tonight made me feel sad and sick about the state of the GOP. The crowd's cheers at each vicious remark about Obama seemed like a medieval mob, insane with bloodlust as they watch animals tear each other to pieces. Where is the respect and decency? How is community organizing in any way something to be belittled? If sane people can't see that we need leaders like Obama who treat others with decency and respect, I fear we are lost. It seems like the GOP will do anything, including abandoning any semblance of humanity, in order to achieve victory. It is really depressing...

BERNICE ANDERSON   September 4th, 2008 5:18 am ET

Well,let me tell you like this. There are very few women that would vote for a woman just because there has never been one as President or VP, Our country is in such a deplorable state right now that we would only vote for a candidate that we feel would be qualified to get our country back on its feet again. We need jobs, we need healt care, we need to bring the prices down where families can afford to put food on their tables and we need to help keep families in their homes. We have a war going on that we need to end.
We knew that the only viable person of the three candidates was Hillary Clinton. Are we upset because a woman didn't win? No. We are upset because the person that had the best qualifications was told to step aside by her own Party. The DNC. Howard Dean and others totally destroyed the Democratic Party . What they did through the nominating process was a disgrace to our country. Was it sexist or was it they didn't like the Clinton's for personal reasons, who knows
Now what we have in their is someone that was selected by the DNC with no qualifiications to lead us anywhere. So, will we vote for McCain because there is a woman on his ticket? No, we will vote for McCain because he will be the more qualified. As for Palin, she's from the trenches and she knows and undertands what our country is going through. I think she is definitely a plus to McCain and I believe she will put her heart and soul into this and try to improve conditons and help put America back on top again in the world.

YOLANDA   September 4th, 2008 5:18 am ET

The Republican game plan of having a candidate that will act like an attack dog while wearing a skirt is suppose to prevent her from being attack is under handed.

No one is asking the question: If her daughter and her boyfriend are so responsible. Why aren't they all ready married? She is five months pregnant and they aren't married, yet. Why????????????

Vincent Spaulding   September 4th, 2008 5:17 am ET

The Republicans are returning to hate and fear mongering once again. They placed a big wedge in the American public and continue to drive it deeper. McCain and company will not be satisfied until they incite the population to violence and I, for one, will not resist a call to arms.

chris   September 4th, 2008 5:17 am ET

haha wow you dems are hilarious your like a bunch of little kids that cant stand to be picked on about your savior and all you can do is say yall are mean when the truth is told straight to your faces pathetic

Louis   September 4th, 2008 5:17 am ET

Sarah Palin is like Michael Steele... another person that the Republican Party throws out there to the media and to the American public just to say, "Hey! Look! We got a woman!" or "We got an African-American!"

What a pathetic Poltical Party! All they have is 9/11 and war as an answer to everything. We can spend billions on other nations yet can't fund programs here at home. They oppose abortion yet, don't want to help the children living in inner cities or trailer parks here at home.

Lincoln is turning in his grave... again!

Dori in AZ   September 4th, 2008 4:27 am ET

One more thought. . . Does Palin even know who Harry Reid is? Would she recognize him if he greeted her in person?

No, probably not.

Mick   September 4th, 2008 4:27 am ET

Just what we need in D.C. another lying, hating, war mongering front man for special interest. Great...

Indipendant   September 4th, 2008 4:22 am ET

Michelle Obama anyone ? Wake up people they hate America as much as Bush.

Claudia   September 4th, 2008 4:22 am ET

I usually vote democrat but I am so angry at the DNC for the sexist treatment of Hillary and now Sara Palin that I don't know if I will ever vote for them again. I was going to just stay home in this election but Harry Reid has just inspired me to actually go vote for McCain. I am sick of the Democratic party taking the votes of women for granted.

ark   September 4th, 2008 4:22 am ET

truthfully, she is a joke, absurd and a McC mouthpiece. fully wreck by GOP. the state will sink further when she returns after losing the election. GOP needs a serious brian surgery by ben carson. the real thing was totally left untouched. the world await america.

jackie   September 4th, 2008 4:20 am ET

It is sad to see how this woman and her family are being used by the McCain campaign. When in history did republicans start to approve of teenage pregnancy. The fact is they hate Obama so bad, so they used her tonight to spread this venom and hatred. I bet without a doubt, there are many in that party calling her and her family white trash, but they will do anything to win in November. Watching Guiliana was like staring in the face of the devil. He was so ugly. May God have mercy on their soul

Robert   September 4th, 2008 4:19 am ET

OUTSTANDING SPEECH.

Congratulations, to our next VP!

JP   September 4th, 2008 4:18 am ET

True Sarah Palin gave a good speech but it had no substance to it. All I heard were cheap shots at Barack Obama. It was distasteful. All I can say is if you want change Obama-Biden 08.

Scott of Sydney   September 4th, 2008 4:18 am ET

It was not a great speech. Just a good one for the base of her party. No new votes won. Possibly a few lost. A good example is the community organisers of the the world. Bad when such good willed people are mocked. Your country is better than this.

Filipina   September 4th, 2008 4:17 am ET

I prefer the "Community Organizer Man from Chicago and the man from Delaware" thanks....Palin/McSame the USA is not safe from you guys,,,first term you and McOld will be singing "bomb bomb bomb iran, russia,.

Obama/Biden

Paul   September 4th, 2008 4:17 am ET

Where I come from, when a pit bull attacks, it's put down.

Mike   September 4th, 2008 4:17 am ET

John McCain was a prisoner of war.

... just in case you didn't hear that Wednesday night.

linditom   September 4th, 2008 4:13 am ET

Rickhou......"If putting a town of only 9,000 people in debt 20 million dollars when leaving office as the mayor. Then as a governor putting a jet on ebay is experiences.. I'll stick with Obama."

Actually when she ran for her second term for mayor of Wasilla in Alaska in 1999, she recieved 909 total votes.

In 2000 a year later, the population of Wasilla that are over the age of 18 (voting age) was 3,682. Not 9,000. per U.S. Census Bureau

The actual population in 2000 was 5,469. Which included all residents.

VJ   September 4th, 2008 4:12 am ET

So disappointed in Sarah Palin and the Republicans (the professed Christians) that you could expect people to respect your family, yet be so disrespectful other human beings. The Democrats were unifying you were devisive. Tonight I deciced to switch from Republican to Democrat. Americans are fed up with the backbiting and immaturity. Peoples' lives are at stake here.

Webster   September 4th, 2008 4:12 am ET

Well I know they definately wont get the Jewish vote. This nut case believes that Israel deserved to be attacked because they dont believe in Christ and God did it to them. God help this country.

RNCEvilShows   September 4th, 2008 4:11 am ET

She did not impress me at all. How could she ? She insulted any and every community activist who has ever shed blood, sweat and tears for any cause. I'm appauled. Not real work ? Tell that to the civil rights workers, women's rights workers and see what the think. She needs to go back to wolf hunting in Alaska.

nobama   September 4th, 2008 4:11 am ET

Listen, can you hear all the scrambling of the liberals running around trying to find cover. What's got them so scared?

She doesn't need a script, she is a mom, a mother.

Remember old tricky Billie C was just a Governer too...

Indipendant   September 4th, 2008 4:11 am ET

Obama offers only Chicago style old school right wing corruption. He stands for himself and hides behind the left for support. Look for the truth behind the lies.

Cathy   September 4th, 2008 4:10 am ET

As a life long democrat, I have been turned off by the press and Obama's supporters. We were told this was a campaingn that was different..well Obama stays above the fray and the talking heads have done his dirty work. I could never vote for Barack Obama, he reminds me of cotton candy..all talk no substance. I am either not going to vote or will vote for McCain. Message for Obama supporters..grow up!

Mrs. Independent   September 4th, 2008 4:10 am ET

I am sure now that I will not be voting for McCain/Palin they are too negative. What about the issues?

Valeri Dvnae   September 4th, 2008 4:08 am ET

Palin equal trash talk
Palin equal political opportunist at the expense of her baby
Palin equal mixed message
Palin equal a jealousy of the DNC convention
Palin equal a disrespect for people she don't agree with
Palin equal an antagonist gone wild
Palin equal handling International Affairs with Trash Talk
Palin equal drilling on the prinstine coast of Alaska and
making big money for certain people
Palin equal supporting a party that bashes the poor and
plays the Welfare Card
Palin equal give me the VP job and I'll say whatever you want me too

Rae   September 4th, 2008 4:08 am ET

I found her fairly boring, and even kind of annoying. I didn't even think she was a good speaker, she reminds me of my son's 1st grade teacher.

I don't understand why anyone thought this was punching. She was boring.

Danny, OH   September 4th, 2008 4:08 am ET

Since this Convention started, How many speakers have talked about what the country is going through and what needs to be done? NONE.
And that's what some illiterates want.
As long as they are republicans, they will go for it even if the party has a DOG on its ticket.
Its so sad this is not happening in AFRICA but rather in the US of A

SoWhat   September 4th, 2008 4:07 am ET

After all the crap that this poor woman has had to endure from the Democrats over the weekend about her family, I would not blame her one bit if she was "shrill and sarcastic". Her speech was honest and forward. Democrats and the democrat-biased press just can't understand that type of speech.

Kodi   September 4th, 2008 4:06 am ET

This might sound un-patriotic, but I really don't mean for it to. I understand that we need to look out for our country, but "Country FIRST"? Really? This actually reminded me of the Nazis. Whatever happened to "Humanity First"?

Tonight, they made it seem like if we voted for Obama, we would all be killed by terrorists. I'm going to guess they don't have a 30 second clip on youtube anywhere that says Obama is PRO-terrorism.

And as a mother, it's difficult to treat your children the idea that if you don't have anything nice to say, you don't say anything at all if the leaders of our country can't abide by that simple idea.

DR from Scottsdale, AZ   September 4th, 2008 4:05 am ET

Is there anybody who feels intimidated? Yes??

Well then, you've not seen anything yet!

GO SARAH! GO MCCAIN! DARE TO ATTACK HER BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN!!!

Black Gold   September 4th, 2008 4:03 am ET

“Drill Baby Drill”

lol

fear fear fear

blah blah blah

babble babble babble

Big deal – so she can read. Palin’s speech was so annoying – I can’t relate to her or the small minds in the republicans party. This Texas mom is donating more money to the Obama campaign and my income comes from natural gas and oil. HA! I'm registering and voting for the first time. So there!

all fluff   September 4th, 2008 4:02 am ET

Palin used a mans coat tails to further her carrier at the RNC. How do you explain that the messaih for womens rights spoke not about her own REAL accomplishments for 45 minutes (ok being a mom to 5 kids, atleast one of whom is an unmarried pregnant 17yr old is hard work) but focussed on how one man is the right choice and the other isn't. Hello?

VP of Alaska, maybe?   September 4th, 2008 4:01 am ET

I can't believe even hardcore republicans really think she's a good choice. There's nothing about her that says she's ready for VP or *gasp!* president, and she's got baggage a' plenty. I don't understand why McCain picked Sarah Paulin when my 80 year old mother was available.

Musicpromo   September 4th, 2008 3:59 am ET

Tonight the GOP convention was absolutely repulsive, and it's going to be great to see the backs of them come Nov 4th. It's funny that they want to to reform their own mess. I say take a few years off and get back to use when you grow up. I will not vote for these two and I feel like most american will not as well.

It's Obama for me!

SS   September 4th, 2008 3:58 am ET

Four more years of the same type of negative, divisive politics that George W. Bush brought us for 8 years. And, quite frankly, it's entirely obvious that McCain only picked Palin to pander to women.

What's shocking, though, is that some people still can't seem see that McCain will not 'Reform Washington.' McCain IS a Washington-insider. He has been in the U.S. Senate for decades.

Henry   September 4th, 2008 3:58 am ET

No WAY... Please tell me I am dreaming. Is this the America I know and everyone dreams about coming to. This is THE MOST ridiculous convention ever. I mean ..... I don't even know an adjective that can describe how I feel. Is this Palin lady serious ... this is what a 5 year old does in pre-school recess... I mean ... I done.... Please wake me up in 2012 or maybe when someone with common sense is running. Till then I will be in political hibernation.

Naomi Hollingsworth   September 4th, 2008 3:58 am ET

I really enjoyed Sarah's speech. I have NEVER been more concerned with an election in all my life. I will make sure I vote for McCain. It is not about being part of a political party, it is about AMERICA. I have been watching both Obama and McCain and I must say that I will NOT vote for Obama. I have to follow my heart. I cannot understand how anyone would want a man in the White House that is ashamed of the American Flag and removed it from his plane. I know that for a fact because it was here in Hawaii and was seen with our own eyes. He will not place his hand over his heart either. That concerns me. You will not fight for something you do not believe in. Wake up America!!!!! Wake up America!!!!! There is something in the name..................OBAMA. I do not think so!!!!!! I pray for America and I pray for all of us if Obama wins this election. I plead with you, think about what you are doing. Turn your TV off and go on line and read about Obama. I live in Hawaii, and trust me, he did not grow up poor like he claims. I am really getting tired of the Media speaking so highly of Obama and putting down McCain. We need the facts. It is one thing to talk the talk but another to WALK the WALK. I do not feel Obama can walk the walk. If I were in a fight and wanted someone beside me to fight, it would not be Obama. He is probably a nice man, etc., but HE IS NOT SOMEONE THAT should be the Leader of this GREAT country. Michell Obama has never been proud to be an American........................well maybe she should try living somewhere else and then she might realize just how BLESSED she has been living in America. A nation that FORGETS GOD will fall. We are falling fast!!!! I am ready for a change and it is NOT the OBAMA change. Yes, we will have change with him but it will not be postiive.

Darrell   September 4th, 2008 3:58 am ET

What happen to your Moral belief? A teenage daughter thats drinking and having unprotected sex is not good morals. Also, I did not hear one thing about our broken economy, maybe you didn't have enough room for bad mouthing Obama.

fmr. Hillary Supporter now for McCain   September 4th, 2008 3:58 am ET

When are you Obama lovers going to realize that your boy just got exposed tonight for the big phony that he really is.

Just the thought of it makes your body crinch, doesn't it? Well GOOD!

And as for you, Bobby your so full of it why don't you go to your mother and throw up on her.

McCain/Piden '08
Clinton/Whoever '12

Kelley   September 4th, 2008 3:58 am ET

Oh my God, she mocked Senator Obama? Say it ain't so......

Give me a break....

Go drink some more kool-aid.

He's a joke and you know it. Never introduced any bill into legislation, other senators let him take credit for their bills, HE voted present about 100% of the time.

I think he would be better suited to hand out fishes and loaves.

I love how Democrats talk the talk in September but come election day in November, can't walk the walk to the polls.

Face it folks, the Republicans always win!

Victoria   September 4th, 2008 3:56 am ET

Palin gave Obama a bloody nose tonight

Elisabeth, Las Vegas   September 4th, 2008 3:55 am ET

Campbell Brown has chickened out because of attacks on her by the GOP for the segment she did on Sarah Palin. Tonight's alleluia chorus she sang about Sarah Palin does not reflect on her as having conscience or being able to stand the heat. So my advice for her is: get out of the kitchen and make way for someone with sterner stuff to do the job at hand!!!!

Mary from Oxford   September 4th, 2008 3:55 am ET

I thought the RNC was a joke. I have lost all respect for Giuliani, and I think that Palin speach was so amateurish. Is a matter of fact I was so disgusted that I turned the channel. Tomorrow again will be amateur hour when McCain speaks. This is one family that won't be watching. They are insulting the american people's intelligence. God help us if McCain and Palin get voted in.

go palin go   September 4th, 2008 3:55 am ET

NO MORE WILL THIS UNQUALIFIED AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OBAMANATION OF A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE GO UNCHALLENGED. DEMS, YOU CHOSE YOUR INCOMPETENT CANDIDATE NOW LETS SEE HIM FIGHT IN THE REAL POLITICAL ARENA.

PALIN WILL CLEAN UP THIS MESS OF AN ELECTION, AND SHE HAS EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE. SHE WILL KEEP SWINGING.

AND PALIN IS BETTER LOOKING THEN OBAMA TOO!

HA HA HA. DEM LOSERS

raquel   September 4th, 2008 3:55 am ET

to add, oprah may provide white men's housewives cars but sarah has the gas for all of them. to oprah, pay attention who you're helping...the audacity of you thinking you and your money can influence politics..

Phil   September 4th, 2008 3:55 am ET

Am I the only one who thinks her voice and accent are completely unbearable to listen to? I know its shallow but that seriously would kill me after 4 years.

Anyway, besides that, talk about a difference in tone between last week and this week. Last week was inspiring without having to resort to more than a minimum of barbs at the republicans....but this week, the entire convention is about bashing the other side...which kind of reeks of no substance.

And Im sorry, but those people look like the descendants of lynching party organizers. Talk about HICK.

Steve   September 4th, 2008 3:53 am ET

I would believe that the Republican speeches praising our military were sincere had they not dumped on Viet veteran Sen. John Kerry in 2004. For that matter, the very Republican leaders who support McCain now told us he was unstable when he ran against Bush in 2000.

GS   September 4th, 2008 3:52 am ET

With her family falling apart, this mean spirited woman should be at home! This convention was typical of the Republicans, very divisive and mean spirited, yet they pride themselves as being the moral majority. I'm proud to say the Democrats took the high road. Spare this country and me this group!

Mike   September 4th, 2008 3:51 am ET

I was all for this team until I heard her hate mongoring crap. What a let down. Funny, I thought it was going to be about a reason to vote for someone. What a jerk I was . Palin the Parrott

Ike   September 4th, 2008 3:51 am ET

I just thought that it was wrong to talk down on Obama's service as community organizer. Serving our communities in such capacity is commendable and should be encouraged and not belittled. Obama has led by example by performing a selfless service; he should be recognized for it.

raquel   September 4th, 2008 3:51 am ET

to all those soaring from high gas prices, pay attention, sarah is your key to better economy, she has the key to the state of oil, what key does obama/biden hold

Foreign observer   September 4th, 2008 3:50 am ET

Pittbull, Barracuda, reckless. This is the kind of politicians we know already. They are unable to improve things and improve the world. Either you agree or they are trying to kill you. No compromise. The world will oppose such attitudes !

Jason from Tucson   September 4th, 2008 3:49 am ET

Good on her, that was a great speech. And if Sen. Reid didn't like, I couldn't care less. He is as irrelevant as the rest of the Dems he leads in the Senate.

Lee from FL   September 4th, 2008 3:48 am ET

she is a good speaker BUT where is the beef?
and im not talking about her beef with Barack!

I have come to the conclusion that Palin and Juliani are republican EXTREMIST!
Dangerous for America!

Carol Michigan   September 4th, 2008 3:47 am ET

Shrill is not the word for it. I couldn't keep the hair on my back from standing straight up! Five minutes of listening to "The Baracuda" was enough for me.

Zach Tyo   September 4th, 2008 3:47 am ET

This is what sucks about politics. Elections are only about bashing the other guy over and over again. If we could only stick to the issues oh what a wonderful world it would be.

I never agree'd with Palin from the start, but the fact she's being attacked for her "attacks" is laughable. What's sad is that this is how our next administration will be decided; by who makes the other guy look bad.

Hilary B   September 4th, 2008 3:47 am ET

I wasn't at all impressed. After crying so much about being attacked she turns around and does the same thing, and then wants to brag about being called a barracuda and a pitbull with lipstick. She should have just stuck with the issues.

Lynn in NM   September 4th, 2008 3:47 am ET

Shrill and sarcastic? Is that what you call Nancy Pelosi? I do. Are you afraid of her Mr. Reid? Afraid that she will come into Washington and make both you and Ms. Pelosi look foolish? Oh wait, no one can do that but yourselves. You're doing a fine job.

Jason   September 4th, 2008 3:46 am ET

When will they just admit defeat? I want to see a poll taken on the net, through cell phones, text and land lines. Then you'll see the we 18-30 voters aren't so inclinded to McCain. It's ok, I'd pay to be in the room with McCain and Palin as the numbers post November 4th.

USMC   September 4th, 2008 3:46 am ET

Here is something to think about. When 72 year old McCain goes to the hospital and is in there for a long time, if elected. Then Palin would be sworn in. What is her qualifications to be in charge of the 5 branches of our military. And by the way, do you think Iran, China, Russia, and Bin Laden are thinking about this also. Republicans be careful what you ask for. We as a country need stability and leaders that foreign leaders recognize. I know the electoral college sees this, I am one!

Dave, Santa Barbara CA   September 4th, 2008 3:46 am ET

She's an outsider?

Isn't this the rancorous manner of the beltway, just less civil?

Spike   September 4th, 2008 3:46 am ET

You may not care for her politics, but she knocked it out of the park with the speech. I was impressed with her, her speech and the fact that we now have a closer election. Harry Reid, keep up that sexiest stuff from your staffers and Hillary may be the next Senate majority leader after the McCain/Palin ticket wins.

Originally this was the Democrats year, but a President without Executive experience and little Senate experience is a huge liability. Hopefully this election doesn't come down to chads in some state.

Cousins   September 4th, 2008 3:45 am ET

andyW, McCain IS Bush's cousin, and 8 years of cousin Bush and mcCain is enough.

Sue from Texas   September 4th, 2008 3:45 am ET

All Palin did tonight was show that she can read a speech written for her by G.W. Bush's former speech writer. I'm still waiting to find out WHERE DOES SHE STAND ON THE ISSUES??!!!

FA   September 4th, 2008 3:45 am ET

I am not an American but taking keen interest in this election. Her comment about community organizer shows she is ignorant of the sufferings of todays strugling low and middle income American families and the value they give to the selfless services they receive from community organizers. Her life experience in a secluded and relatively afluent environment did not give her the exposure of real life America. She is out of touch and ignorant about her ignorance.

JustWantChange   September 4th, 2008 3:43 am ET

Her whole speech was completely filled with low blows and sarcastic comments. Just proves that this duo has nothing better to do than spend money and time on coming up with a speech that is full of nothing but meaningless comments. Yes, she has the freedom to say whatever she pleases, as Obama an Biden do, but I wish the McCain Camp would just stick to the real issues. Obama and Biden seem to have much more going for them, and after Palins speech last night they definaly have the upper hand and took the higher road. May the best win.

dscruz   September 4th, 2008 3:43 am ET

ONE LAST THOUGHT. EVERYONE CRITIZES PALIN FOR LACK OF EXPERIENCE. WHAT ABOUT OBAMA? HE`S THE ONE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT. HE DID NOT DO ONE THING FOR HIS STATE AND HAS NO EXPIERENCE WHEREBY PALIN CLEANED UP ALASKA AND SHE IS RUNNING FOR VP NOT POTUS. SO WHATS THE BIG DEAL.

Pgoody   September 4th, 2008 3:43 am ET

Last week the Dems were downright deferential in their treatment of Sen. McCain and the level of nastiness at the GOP convention is disheartening.  This country is facing serious issues and Democrats and Republicans are going to have to come together to solve them. As Obama stated those soldiers fighting for their country don't care about red state or blue state and this type of divisive rhetoric belittles their sacrifice.  I just really feel that if McCain wins, nothing will be accomplished. Their speeches were so filled with invective and polarizing rhetoric that we would be looking at gridlock for the next four years.  Our enemies are abroad, not in opposing political parties.  But clearly the Republicans see this country in stark terms:  us versus them.

Attacks   September 4th, 2008 3:43 am ET

We heard these attacks for the last 8 years. It would be nice if they can talk about the mistakes that were made by the government and how they plan on cleaning it up. We hear the attacks, tell us what you are going to do for the people. Defend McCain's record on the issues.
We see that Bush had the experience as a governor. It didn't help him as president. If people get off on the attacks, go look at a reality show. Oh, I guess we see the premier tonight.

michael   September 4th, 2008 3:42 am ET

Keep up the attacks on her. I was going to sit out the election. But now, game on...

The more you attack, the more you motivate voters. Keep up the good work!!!

John Jeryy   September 4th, 2008 3:41 am ET

It was an ugly speech for someone who has been complaining about sexism. She wants to eat her cake and have it! I am one of the few people who think those who cannot run their household should not be president. And when your 17 year old daughter is pregant, 4 months after you have delivered, you have issues.

Josh Maloney   September 4th, 2008 3:41 am ET

Palin was not specific on anything. It was divisive rhetoric.

Robert R Larocque   September 4th, 2008 3:40 am ET

PALIN's speech was right on! I'm a Clinton fan but she's the best of the best and do not need the media junkies to support her. Great!

Wesley   September 4th, 2008 3:39 am ET

This woman disgusts me. She makes me think of Dick Cheney with breasts and hair, except worse. I'm more scared of McCain/Palin than I was/am of Bush/Cheney. Her attacks on Senator Obama were appalling. He is a respectful man who has waged a respectful campaign in both the primary and the general election. He defended her family's privacy, and she turns around and trashes him with lies and poor comparisons.

He was a community organizer for a period of time, then he became a state senator and then a senator on the national level. Thats more than she has ever done. All her speech did was fire up democrats more and help us independent voters realize that Obama is the only good choice for America.

She may be a woman, but she is no Hillary Clinton. Senator Clinton would never stoop to her level.

Obama/Biden 08

Tom, Studio City CA   September 4th, 2008 3:36 am ET

Cracking wise about community organizers will cost them in the short and long run. But it's not surprising – she didn't know what the VP does (as she herself asked a month ago in a TV interview), so why would she know what a community organizer does either? Just more evidence of how out of fouch the Republicans are with 'real' people. Sad.

MaryBeth   September 4th, 2008 3:36 am ET

I thought her speech was terrific! She isn't afraid to tell it like it is and refuses to be intimidated by the good old boy coalition. I have one piece of advice for Obama and his juggernaut...never underestimate a hockey mom. We're made of some pretty tough stuff.

htowntribeguy   September 4th, 2008 3:35 am ET

Conservatives and Angry Liberals:

America has just seen the "Female version of Obama"............more to come from a Governor from Alaska with more executive experience then the whole Liberal ticket combined. Palin vs Biden and I am ready for the bell to ring!!!!!!!

GO McCain/Palin "Historical Change America Will Believe In"!!!!!!!

Mary Robertson, Australia   September 4th, 2008 3:34 am ET

Americans will choose their next President but the rest of the world is aghast at the Republicans – McCain is old and Bushmanlike enough to filll the world with dread but Palin's image as a gun toting, Bible bashing, anti abortionist, moose hunting, part time mother, appals us. USA is in dreadful straits, you have lost all respect and affection and the confidence of your allies and you achingly need a change to the Democrats and Obama – intelligent, prepared, trustworthy. How does Palin think she is going to get rid of all the old GOP administrators in Washington – there are alot more established Republicans there than small town Alaska! We all fear a McCain win, surely the majority of Americans are clever and rational enough to vote Obama? We all certainly pray so.

Mike   September 4th, 2008 3:33 am ET

The GOP goons prepped her for days, handed her a speech to read, wound her up, switched her into "attack mode," and pushed her out onto the stage tonight to deliver a smug, mean-spirited recitation that was appallingly short on either facts about the Obama record & plan for America or her own qualifications to be vice president. And where in the entire night of GOP rhetoric was there one single mention of their own plan for America? Or even a recognition that most Americans (their own company excluded) are hurting out there? Attacking your opponent is always the last resort of a party that has no ideas of their own and/ or feels that it is losing and has nothing left but to go negative. Her mocking of Obama and Biden was especially tasteless as both men have gone out of their way this week to stick up for her and her family against media attacks on her character and her children. So much for that idea. I guess the gloves are off now, though the GOP will do everything in their power to keep her away from real reporters' questions. But if she wants to pick a fight, I'm sure the Dems will be happy to give it to her. Then we'll get to hear her and the GOP whine about how the dreaded "media" isn't treating this poor mother and her children fairly. She better not expect to have everyone "play nice" now. In the immortal words of her party's exalted leader, George Bush, in his invitation to terrorists to target and kill our troops in Iraq (which they proceeded to do): "Bring 'em on!"

Robert   September 4th, 2008 3:33 am ET

Senator McCain and Sarah Pailn are going to be different than President Bush then why was his speech writters and staff with Palin all week helping her with her speech at the RNC. Please not another four more years of Bush / Cheney sorry I mean McCain / Palin

Frank   September 4th, 2008 3:33 am ET

Sarah showed what she's made of – arrogance, venom and bile. No wonder she appeals to the base of the republican party.

Democrats have to sharpen their knives a bit. Not four more years of Bush, but four years far worse than Bush. Two ill-tempered, sarcastic, angry people running the country would be a nightmare.

I don't trust these folks as far as I can throw them. They're enchanted with guns and armies, and will put us in more wars with less reason for them.

The American Crusade... Bush started it, McCain is going to finish it – and armageddon is its logical end.

Jen   September 4th, 2008 3:33 am ET

Dear Astrid,

This is not a lucha libre. Everyone is looking for a candidate that can critical think over the REAL PROBLEMS that this country is facing right now and possibly help to solve them in the next 4 years.

The speech tonight from Mrs Palin definitely showed that McCain can not be the ONE.

DE Stern   September 4th, 2008 3:32 am ET

I hope we are witnessing the last throes of the Republican personal attacks swaying the public to vote against its own interests, and that positive change will come. Do we want the new Republican promise of "reformers" to shake up Washington or "change" to address the real needs and priorities of the American people? War is a great tool for creating poverty. If we put the people's needs first over international power games (and needless war), if we had not gone to Iraq, our nation would be so much better off, and safer due to greater military readiness, and a better standing in the world. Fewer people antagonized against us due to inappropriate overuse of military. God bless America! Hope we can recover from the last 8 years soon!

wh01z1t   September 4th, 2008 3:32 am ET

Palin insulted community organizers everywhere. Who are these people?

They help organize neighborhood watches with local authorities to keep guns and drugs off the streets. They help raise funds for the creation of youth centers. They help initiate job-training programs to get people back to work. They also help organize voter-registration drives (OOPS!!). I'm sure there were community organizers who helped post 9/11 and Katrina.

These people typically work long hours, for little or no pay. Palin and the entire GOP laughed at these people on National TV (hmmm who's the elitist now?). I can't wait to see how the Repugs try to spin this one. Good luck in Nov, and THANKS.

jonwa   September 4th, 2008 3:32 am ET

At least sarah palins children don't have to worry about being neglected by their mother after november. She will be back governing nowereland – population zero in no time.

velmeezee   September 4th, 2008 3:31 am ET

I take one statement back! Sending your son to Iraq is very patriotic. But not speaking out against this horrible war we are in is doing a disservice to your son. I'd be totally anguished at the prospect of sending my child off to possibly die for the benefit of no one. Our people are struggling and dying in war, and those people are just going to continue warring regardless of US intervention. I'd feel a little better about sending our people to Afghanistan because that is who our real beef is with. But republicans seem to have conveniently forgotten that fact, along with many many others.

Scott   September 4th, 2008 3:30 am ET

Good grief, people. Does anyone even try to listen with an open mind anymore? Everyone posting comments here had their mind made up before the speech ever began. Stop pretending that you're suddenly offended.

Reid's spokesman is an idiot. Using terms like "shrill" to describe a female opponent's comments make him look sexist. Whether you agree with him or not, the choice of words loses the message.

Both campaigns have been less than honest. Both bend truth and fact to fit their ends. Stop acting like this is a shock. The only difference in tone between conventions is how it sounds filtered through your personal politics. Grow up people! There's virtually no difference in the campaigns if you really look at what they propose fiscally.

AB   September 4th, 2008 3:30 am ET

It's remarkable how quickly the liberals spring up with torches blazing when they're called out for their own abject failngs. You couldn't have found Harry Reid last week in Denver if he had had a flashing pink neon hat on his head. But lo and behold, he's taken to task for managing half of the worst Congress in American history, and it only takes him minutes to spew sexist soundbytes that don't in the least refute the facts.

The DNC was an exercise in showmanship that would have made Cirque du Soleil proud. When all those on the left get finished with their hero worship and send the Parthenon set back to Hollywood, all that's left is a party whose platform is, "Vote for us because we're not them." Remember how well that strategy worked for John Kerry four years ago?

Sarah Palin was fantastic tonight – the fact that the left is doing little more than name-calling proves it. If the woman was blabbering nonsense, you wouldn't have to say a thing – she'd hang herself. Maybe you're just a little scared of her. Maybe she's just right. Maybe she's exactly what your worst fears were – a strong, competent, energized candidate who isn't afraid to take the left's best shots and hit right back.

Mary   September 4th, 2008 3:30 am ET

She was so condescending. I took offense at her mockery of community orgainizing as if it's only valuable to represent people if you have all the power. Helping those who have less is for us despicable democrats I guess. But her work as mayor of a small town is tremendous experience. She even hired a city administrator just after becoming the mayor so she didn't have to be bothered with all that, y'know, work.

john   September 4th, 2008 3:30 am ET

She missed the mark entirely. She may have fired up the right wingnuts, but everyone else is scratching their heads wondering why someone who is supposed to be so "different" and embody "change" sounds just as divisive and mean-spirited as the next politician.

What ALL of Obama's opponents seem to miss is that, the real reason why he embodies "change" are not so much his policies, but how he carries himself. He doesn't attack on a personal level. He runs a cleaner campaign than most.

His opponents, however, seem to miss that each and every time. Hillary missed it, McCain missed it and now Palin.

david   September 4th, 2008 3:29 am ET

As demonstrated by John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin to be his Vice President and by her acceptance speech, the radical evangelical right wing of the Republican party has shown that they have succeeded where the North Vietnamese failed: they have broken John McCain’s “maverick” spirit and captured his soul. McCain’s pretense of still being an outsider and “maverick” is nothing more than the self delusions of an old man who is reduced to being a mere shadow of his former self. McCain clearly shows that he intends to win the election by avoiding issues and continuing the divisive partisan politics of Carl Rove and George Bush that he once eschewed. He and Palin now take a ticket into the election that is clearly more extreme and ideologically tied to the radical conservative right than was Bush-Cheney. Personal ambition has trumped his love of country. What a shame for someone with such a distinguished past to end his career and perhaps life on this note.

maria   September 4th, 2008 3:29 am ET

Gov. Palin was amazing.

This Democrat is NOW ready to cross over and support Palin.

Although she's no HIllary....NEITHER................. is Obama!

Bern   September 4th, 2008 3:28 am ET

I do respect Sen. McCain for his service to the nation. With due respect to all our service men, does being a POW makes you most qualify to be president of this great nation? Does every soldier qualify to be president?

Marina   September 4th, 2008 3:28 am ET

The Republicans have a new, prettier Ann Coulter. But at least Coulter writes her own material. Palin has to have hers written for her.

Omari   September 4th, 2008 3:27 am ET

Speeches were great.

I believe it was Obama that brought up "experience" issue and got slammed for it. Community organizer is ready to lead the country and a sitting governor isn't? Who are you kidding?!

Imagine you are on a battlefield, are getting flanked by an enemy and you know if you ask for help your commander will have one of two answers:

1. "I believe that is above my paigrade"

2. "I gave a speech about that issue..."

Would you want him as a commander-in-chief?

Finaly someone had the guts to shatter Obamas smoke and mirrors. All I hear from democrats is "economy". I hope you don't concider $150 bilion towards alternative energy research an economic plan!

Churchill was right "if you aren't liberal before age 25 you have no heart, if you are liberal after age 25 you have no brain."

GO GOP!!!!!! Sarah convinced me today to send Republican party my hard earned money, first time in long time! Too bad my vote won't count in California, but my money sure will help a lot more than my vote.

Joyce   September 4th, 2008 3:27 am ET

She will not go over well with most independent voters. Even Ben Stein doesn't approve of her and said so on CNN.

CFL   September 4th, 2008 3:26 am ET

Sooner or later you are going to have to compare the policies of those running for the office and get away from comparing Obama to Pres Bush.

Ben   September 4th, 2008 3:26 am ET

I am utterly shocked at the pompous drivel that came out of her mouth.

Art   September 4th, 2008 3:26 am ET

GOP John McCaine Presidential Campaign Plan

1) Use Iraqi Surge if fails
2) Use Swiftboat tactics if fail
3) Milk POW status forget POWs who did not make it home (Columbian Presidential hopeful Ingrid Betancourt mother of two held in captivity for 6 yrs/ No military training, after interviews moved on!
4) Find Hillary look alike if not fooled resort to dependable
5) 9/11 scare tactics
6) Never actually discuss issues

shawn   September 4th, 2008 3:25 am ET

good speaker, not too bad... just too bad she had Bush's speechwriter write her propaganda. I agree, last week showed how we as a nation could better ourselves and move forward... these past few nights have been nothing but angry people with no answers, just cheap shots.

CFL   September 4th, 2008 3:24 am ET

After the attacks on her for the past week – you expected her to curtsey, smile, wave , and give Obama a wink. Wake up Dems – you don't have this election locked up.

Melanie Jones   September 4th, 2008 3:24 am ET

Clean the mess up in Washington? Haven't the Republicans been in charge of Washington for the last 8 years.

Mark   September 4th, 2008 3:24 am ET

She's proud that her son is going to Iraq and she wants him to stay there until he wins (did you see how scared he looked?). What's next?- sending the Down's baby to rough up the pre-school to show how tough the Palins are?

Sandy   September 4th, 2008 3:23 am ET

Last week during Obama's speech I cried with pride for our country. This week during Palin's speech I also cried but it was with sadness and fear for our country.

Tamarra   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

It is interesting that they were hiding this woman. Then the only thing you hear about where she is it is working with McCain's personal speech writer. Then Libermann is couching her on what to expect and do. I find it hard to understand why it is wrong to question Gov. Palin and okay to mock Michelle Obama. To belittle what Barack Obama have done in Chicago? He has made it plan and clear that he didn't agree with attacking her daughter and family and they find it okay to attack his. Why is that? What do they need to hide? Is it because the energy plan she had isn't the one she endorsed a month ago and let's not forget about the economy- the only arguement you had was that Barack's plan is wrong. Well what is McCain's plan? Did anyone talk about it?

Mrs T in Callie   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

Wow! Someone who wants to go to Washington to serve the people! Imagine that! It is time that we cleaned out the Washington Elite and elected officials who are going to do what their constituents want and what is best for our country.. I heard Stephanie Miller (talk about shrill) denounce Governor Palin on Larry King Live for bringing her family on stage with her. Typical hypocrite. Didn't Barak Obama parade his family @ the DNC and allow them to be exposed in People magazine? I am incredulous that the left is questioning the ability of a woman to juggle family and career. Where are the NOW people? Why aren't they shouting "foul" from the rooftops? I am woman hear me roar! The democrats will do their best to discredit the Governor of Alaska but I have a feeling, she will hold her own.

palin power   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

i just got to say wow im a dem but let me tell you i want to see what mc cain plan for our country i like his pick palin power very impressed

CFL   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

You're afraid of her, we get it. Try and counter any thing she said about your annointed one.

Mike   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

The Democrats are going to move the country forward exactly how...an even larger and burdensome federal bureaucracy?

How about the 40 trillion dollar unfunded liability that exists between Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security by 2040? We'll be paying 2 trillion dollars in INTEREST alone by that time. Is the Democrats solution really to add even more to a federal budget that's unsustainable? That's how Rome falls upon itself.

It's time for major reform to government, Republicans and Democrats alike, and there's only one ticket that's done that in their prior respective positions – McCain/Palin '08.

Melanie Jones   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

This woman was nasty and said nothing that would help the American people. If I were not on line, I would call a word not used outside of a kennel. This woman scares me. I am a woman and I don't like her.

Tonight's convention   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

Not only will Dem's be offended by Palin's attacks, but COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS EVERYWHERE will be as well.

Community organizers are people who usually volunteer their professional services and hands out of the goodness of their hearts to helping American citizens without a SINGLE PENNY coming out of the taxpayers' pocket.

They're the ones that register people to vote and make sure people get out to vote on election day...
Once again, Palin's judgement is under question-this time for saying something REALLY STUPID. Oh wait! She was just doing what she was told by MCCAIN.
Neither are ready or have the sense to be president. Just like Bush.

Tony   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

It's about time this happened. I was getting sick of the sensationalist politics the Dems have been spewing. Tell me, what concrete plan does Obama have for anything? Palin's speech was accurate, yet edgy. This is making people uncomfortable on the other side. Good.

Who is experienced in the "Big Chair" except for an former president? Kill that argument now. And as far as reaching out to the common man and understanding our plight....how many of us have gone to an Ivy League school? Obama has. McCain and Palin haven't. So who has more in common with us, Ivy League guy/35 year Congressman ticket or a war vet/working mother ticket?

Gimme a break, everytime the Dems introduce something as "good for the people and what we want" the opinion polls say otherwise.

The second the dems resort to their propaganda machine, it's obvious they're uncomfortable. Palin makes them uncomfortable because she doesn't care about hurting people's feelings. She wants to get the job done.

Loyal Jane   September 4th, 2008 3:22 am ET

McPalin is another McBush
Mcbad. No way. No how. No McPalin

Becky   September 4th, 2008 3:21 am ET

How is she going to work in a bipartisan way when she just insulted over 40 million Hillary and Obama supporters who busted their backsides in our Primaries? What was she doing in April while it was all hot and heated between Barack and Hillary? Oh thats right she was risking her unborn baby's life flying to a speech 8 months pregnant...I wonder if she would put herself in jail if the fetus was harmed in anyway?

Tonight's convention   September 4th, 2008 3:21 am ET

Not only will Dem's be offended by Palin's attacks, but COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS EVERYWHERE will be as well.

Community organizers are people who usually volunteer their professional services and hands out of the goodness of their hearts and time to helping American citizens without a SINGLE PENNY coming out of the taxpayers' pocket.

They're the ones that register people to vote and make sure people get out to vote on election day...
Once again, Palin's judgement is under question-this time for saying something REALLY STUPID. Oh wait! She was just doing what she was told by MCCAIN.
Neither are ready or have the sense to be president. Just like Bush.

Jerry in Los Angeles   September 4th, 2008 3:21 am ET

I am saddened that the republican american party would purposely attack anyone who has devoted their young life to community outreach. Its so disrespectful of anyone to attack anyone else for contributing to community service. Community is America, attack that and you are no better than what our founding father and mothers fought against in the revolution.

bonna   September 4th, 2008 3:21 am ET

She is just someone to get Mccain elected, once he's elected she will resign, once she see what the bush mob has to offer. Why use a woman to do your dirty work.

Steve   September 4th, 2008 3:21 am ET

Her lies and insults won't help when she debates Joe Biden! I can't wait for Future VP Biden to humiliate her on the issues.

Bonnie from Novato   September 4th, 2008 3:21 am ET

What a contrast to the uplifting Democratic Convention! I had –dare I say it?–HOPE for our country uniting and finding new solutions to some of the very serious problems we face. Especially since McCain professed to want to run a campaign based on decency and addressing the issues -Well so much for that plan. I am saddened to see the low road so eagerly embraced yet again....
Snark and derision don't play well with me any more. I had hoped for so much more. Just sent in a donation to Obama and intend to volunteer come daybreak..... ENOUGH!

Charles W. Skinner   September 4th, 2008 3:21 am ET

Gov. Palin was on form tonight. This has been an incredibly steep learning curve for her to get up to speed on all the campaign issues, but if she keeps up this pace, by the time the VP debate rolls around in a month, Sen. Biden will get his clock cleaned.

Memo to Senator Reid: Fire your press secretary.

First, that line's been used, and it didn't work. Second, the speech wasn't shrill, Gov. Palin wasn't angry, and it wasn't even all that attacking. She drew some very clear distinctions in a way that will resonate with the citizens of the states (most of which live in towns the size of the one she was mayor of). If you've got such clay feet that you can't take even the gentle tap on the shoulder that this speech was, you no longer deserve to be Majority Leader, and the Democrat Party will get knocked back into the stone age when November rolls around.

If the Conservative base stays this riled up, come November the Democrat Congress can kiss their majority goodbye in the House, pray to stay even in the Senate, and dismiss any chance of taking the White House for the next 12 to 16 years.

Jon   September 4th, 2008 3:20 am ET

I thought the speech was great. She offered her executive experience and things she's actually accomplished whilst in office, (something Obama never speaks of....wonder why?). Just because her speech wasn't filled with thoughts and images of hope and love and peace doesn't mean it wasn't a good speech.

Lisa   September 4th, 2008 3:19 am ET

Yeah.. She's a good speaker and that's it!!!! She didn't say anything worth anything!!!!! And since she wants to talk that smack... When Biden digs into her tail from here on out.. I don't want to hear one whining woman say that this is SEXIST.. and I'M A WOMAN!!!

AND CAMPBELL BROWN.. You have always drove me NUTS!! But I was so proud of you for taking Tucker to task the other day.. But today you were so meek and mild that it was Pathetic.. What happened??? Did you get in trouble?? And the comment by Harry Reid with "Shrill" in it.. I mean shut up already...Palin is tough.. She's the "Barracuda" remember??? Every little word is going to be Sexist from here on out..this is ridiculous!

velmeezee   September 4th, 2008 3:19 am ET

Ha ha, I gave Palin a B for effort, but the 3000 or so other people didn't even give her that. Hey, she is a great liar and I bet she won in all the "yo mama" contests in high school. To bad millions of American moms say NO to putting career before their children. To bad they realize that being a mother to a 5 month old infant with downs syndrome is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than haggling with men about an Alaskan oil pipeline. To bad they realize that providing support for your pregnant 17 year old is MORE important than sending your SON to possibly die in Iraq over power and oil. Thank you Sarah Palin for being the poster woman for what's WRONG with republican "American" values. I , and the majority of American women put my kids FIRST because I know that they are the future of America. Sarah Palin seems to think there is something wrong with that.

Loyal Jane   September 4th, 2008 3:19 am ET

The terrorists were at the RNC convention tonight. They are terrified of you, terrified of me, shoot before they ask questions, are an exclusive club and train each other to kill the enemy. Use fear as a tactical weapon and lies and propaganda as political clout.

Americans (real Americans) are not afraid anymore of any terrorist.
Keep in mind before 9-11 there was oklahoma, and that dude was home bred. United we stand (divided as the RNC suggests we must be- to our demise)

John   September 4th, 2008 3:19 am ET

Disturbing speeches. The tone was arrogant and condesending. I can't beleive how negative and hatefull the GOP is. They just lost my vote.

tigerakabj   September 4th, 2008 3:18 am ET

Palin thinks she's big and bad demeaning Barack's record of serving this country. If she wants to talk experience, then Barack will gladly lay out her entire record for all the world to see. Oh my bad, the media is already doing that to McCain's detriment.

Talking like that won't make Putin back down. She needs to cool it before Obama has to smack her down south-side Chicago style. Ask the Daley and Clinton machines about that.

Obama/Biden 2008/2012.

pamela   September 4th, 2008 3:18 am ET

Is this what Americans want? Or need? This was Don Rickles in drag. How pathetic. And how very sad that John McCain has to rely on a mean-mouthed nobody from nowhere to stir up his "base". Base is the word for it, all right.

Anonymous   September 4th, 2008 3:18 am ET

Am a european and i feel sorry for you americans. I listened to the republicans who had nothing to say, no visions nothing, nothing about the economy.Now today is Mccain who will come with his Military Uniform! Americans this is your future and the future of your children go for something better, you decerve something better than the talk of a beauty queen. I have a 20 year old girl studying at the university yet i feel she is not ready to have a baby!What a morals? Now its ok for babys having babys, that its ok for 17 year old girls to have babies? That its ok to have sex without protection cause you will get married anyway, what happened to HIV etc.Mrs Palin you are playing a dangerous game. I can`t vote as am a european but as a world citizen you have lost my vote for your double standards.

Kephani-el bin Yehudah   September 4th, 2008 3:18 am ET

Let me get this straight a woman whose goverance currently is over a populace roughly the size of Torrance, Ca. is popping off on the supposed unfitness of a U.S. Senator to be President, Sounds like more born again Roveian witchcraft to deflect the blackness of MS. Palin's own kettle. She comes off as just another uppity elitist christian right snob who has no clue what regular folks like myself have to deal with on a daily basis. It is no surprise that overpaid talking heads on your payroll slurped up her shrill nonsense like it was the gravy of the gods, grading her with and "A" while the respondents – us hoi-polloi – gave her a resounding "F." At the risk of sounding sexist, Ms. Pallin, go back to taping ankles.

Pray for us   September 4th, 2008 3:17 am ET

Shrill and sarcastic is just the beginning – blatantly hypocritical, divisive, false..... I could go on.
She doesn't know what a Community Organizer does? Has she heard of Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, the suffragettes? Talk about responsibility.
This woman is terrifying. She does not represent me and I fear for my daughters' future if is anywhere near the white house. God save us all.

K, Florida   September 4th, 2008 3:17 am ET

Andy W: They're running against Hillary instead of McCain! Shrill is old and used. Read the dictionary and find a new word! She hit a home run. Time to fight the big boys!
Lets talk about what we're going to DO and HOW we're going to do it! Neither party is giving me the answers.
If you want my vote, give me the meat!!!!!

SBS   September 4th, 2008 3:17 am ET

Ms. Palin's delivery was good, but not great, and it certainly was not enough to mask her featherweight qualifications for office. It is not just that she was mayor of a village and governor of the least populated state. (But remember, Karl Rove scoffed at the prospect of Tim Kaine, the governor of Virginia, as a vice president nominee, because he had held that office for only three years and, before that, was mayor of a small town (Richmond, Virginia) and on its city council.)

Palin has thought so little about the major issues of our time, once denying that she thought much about the war in Iraq but, when pressed, said that she viewed the war as our mission from God. She has no thoughts about the economy and, on social issues, is out-of-step with most Americans.

The GOP's effort to portray this 20-month governor as more qualified to be president than are Obama and Biden, because they spent only decades as legislators and never "governed" (and, by unsaid extension, more qualified than McCain as well), is ironic and sad. Abraham Lincoln, the founder of the Republican Party, served one term in the House of Representatives in 1846-1848, and lost a Senate race to Stephen Douglas in 1858, before being elected President.

By GOP standards (talking points) today, Palin is more qualified to be President than Abraham Lincoln.

An Unbiased View From the Sidelines   September 4th, 2008 3:17 am ET

Reading the first 20 or so comments, I'm overwhelmed by the sheer contradiction shown by Obama supporters. An example? "Kate from Vancouver" says "she's a good speaker. She didn't have anything to say tho [sic]." That pretty much sums up Obama, if one is really willing to say the truth.

Or how about Wooten, who claims "Obama has the judgment." Really? What evidence exists for that claim? That fact that he believed the surge was a loser (along with Harry "White Flag" Reid)? Seriously, what evidence of "judgment" can you cite?

Or best yet, "Yen" saying the following: "She is full of contradictions, conflicts and double standards." You mean, like Obama on May 18th mocking McCain's fears about Iran, specifically saying Iran is not a threat, and then just a few days later acknowledging that Iran is a "grave" threat to this country and to world peace. How's that for "contradictions and conflicts."

There is so much anger on the part of Obama supporters, particularly when the candidate is exposed for the empty suit he is. He has no record to stand on, and as one person notes, he is running against Bush, not McCain. BECAUSE HE CANNOT. Obama has no similar experience from which to draw good judgment.

Obama may yet win, but if he does not, it will be fun to come back to the myriad comments like the ones above, and just laugh. . .and laugh. . .and laugh.

Bea   September 4th, 2008 3:16 am ET

Yes,
The Anita Bryant comparison is right!

Brooklyn Guy   September 4th, 2008 3:16 am ET

Anita Bryant!!!

That's just about as apt a comparison as I've seen anywhere.

She'll be the better candidate on the GOP ticket. McCain is flopping all over the place. This woman is another Bush. Very gifted at staying on message, smirking and charming people who love to hate Dems.

Best to ignore her.

MT, Texas   September 4th, 2008 3:15 am ET

She's going to wipe the floor with Biden in the debates.

Obama just met his match in speech delivery ... and Palin has actually made decisions in her career. What will Obama lean on now ... his vote on state senate vote #2543?

Obama is a nice young man ... but he really is an empty suit ... I hear the "Closet Store" is looking for some "organizers"

I guess Obama/Biden remarks on the size of Wasilla backfired ... "Palin got more votes for maor of Wasilla than Biden did for President!!!"

Independent Thinker   September 4th, 2008 3:15 am ET

She' s full of a bunch of hot air. What a horrible, negative woman.

Mark   September 4th, 2008 3:15 am ET

It's so true what Obama says. The republicans truly don't have anything of substance to say.

McCain is like Bush in his policies.

Palin is like Bush in her policies AND in her entire approach to politics.

They're finished. 8 is enough.

johnny   September 4th, 2008 3:15 am ET

I like how y'all didnt captitalize bush.

touche

Will   September 4th, 2008 3:15 am ET

CNN whether this gets posted or not, the Mccain campaign has got ALL the reports shook. They blamed the media and now CNN is all "SARAH PALIN IS GREAT"
Just funny...

Nic   September 4th, 2008 3:15 am ET

Politics 101 by Karl Rove

When the party does not have a clear platform to run on or is undisputedly unpopular on issues relevant to the majority public, attack the character of the opponent and create as much fear as possible.

It's this politics of fear that has plagued our country for 8 years and despite all the anger and blame from the GOP they cannot escape the fact that their ticket is tightly linked to the Bush Administration (the most unpopular president in US history). McCain and Palin had a chance to separate themselves from this but it looks like they caved in to the good ol boy tactics. It really is sad because I actually like these two.

I'm sorry but this independent sees the republican ultra right as myopic and so out of touch with today's American issues that this will be their downfall no matter how much they instill fear. 8 is enough!

Crispus   September 4th, 2008 3:14 am ET

Palin's executive experience argument against Obama overlooks the fact she is being investigated for "Abuse of Power" violations by the DOJ. As a small town mayor you can get away with firing people for no reason but you are not supposed to. When she became gov. of AK her small bureaucratic decision making caught up with her and she was spotted by the feds. So much for her executive decision making experience, at least Obama is not being investigated.

Obama 08

Kevin, Evansville IN   September 4th, 2008 3:13 am ET

What's the difference between George Bush and Sarah Palin? Lipstick.

brueso   September 4th, 2008 3:13 am ET

Palin was channeling Tracy Flick from "Election".

Loyal Jane   September 4th, 2008 3:13 am ET

Community organizers. Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Cesaer Chevez (Yes we can). Obama is in good company

R.Deezy   September 4th, 2008 3:12 am ET

My main concern is a 3 month old baby with down syndrome being exposed to a 45,000+ watt public address system in addition to 20000 screaming adults. All in the name of scoring political mileage!!!! I doubt if he had ear plugs on!

Dave in AZ   September 4th, 2008 3:12 am ET

The speech was rude and sarcastic. As I watched the crowd react to her stabs, it gave me a sick feeling. I didn't hear one thing about issues important to me.....economy, healthcare.

I voted for Bush....twice (I'm a good ol' Texas boy living in AZ). I can admit that I made a mistake....twice. I've had it with the Repub party.

To borrow a line from Obama, ENOUGH!!!! I had to go back and watch Obama's speech. At least, he tried to reach across party lines. The speeches tonight just left me with a sick feeling. The Repubs are still missing it .......it's not about Obama, it's about me, and Kate from Vancouver, BB, Rickhou, Wooten, C, etc...

K Arma   September 4th, 2008 3:12 am ET

I am starting to get tired of the same 'ol politics. I was sick to my stomach as I watched the RNC and Sarah Palin's speech. I feel as though there are "Two Americas" and this presidential race has become more about the first female in the "White House" versus the first half African American male. Who will get there first? At this point, who cares. I'm more interested in the economy and why there aren't any jobs so "American" can take care of their families. I was upset that the McCaim campaign tried to hide Bristol's pregnancy and now the whole family is being exploited–You could hear McCain bragging about the "good shot" (photo op) at the end of the Gov.'s speech. No one is talking about bringing the country together–The whole world is watching and biting their nails.

Connie   September 4th, 2008 3:12 am ET

Governor Palin proved that she is a good reader but she should
of proof read her speech to find out that the speech was full of' garbage, sarcastic, hideous, ridiculouse words. She also proved that she can be in the comedy hour of imatures.
If this is what she is bringing to Washington, she can pack her bags and get back to Alaska and good riddance of the PITBULL WITH LIPSTICK. We've trying to get rid of the male pitbull without lipstick that has haunted the white house for the last 8 years.

R.Deezy   September 4th, 2008 3:11 am ET

My main concern is a 3 month old baby with down syndrome being exposed to a 45,000+ watt public address system in addition to 20000 screaming adults with no ear plugs on. All in the name of scoring political mileage!!!!

Scott in Texas   September 4th, 2008 3:11 am ET

I anticipated Palin's speech with an open mind. But substance or not, the lasting impression was a veep candidate whose snide and smarmy jabs revealed narrow-minded partisanship.

I'm going to go out on a limb here: Palin will prove to be FAR MORE DEVISIVE than Hilary ever was! And that's the last thing this country needs right now. McCain may be running on the slogan "Country First" but who's country? The country of the right-wing neo-cons?

Hussein Means Handsome   September 4th, 2008 3:11 am ET

It's interesting how the Obama ticket is trying desperately to run against Bush and not McCain
---------------------–
That's because McCain IS Bush. And Palin is Cheney with lipstick.

Dmitriy   September 4th, 2008 3:11 am ET

She won my vote

Myleen   September 4th, 2008 3:11 am ET

I'm sorry, I'm a female so maybe it's okay to say this, but she acted like a total female dog (pitbull as she refers herself as) tonight. She completely disrespected community organizers, the average urban citizen and was unfairly vicious to Obama who has shown nothing but respect for her and her family. Her speech had absolutely no substance and did not relate to people living in the populated part of the U.S. I really believe she showed her fangs and it will backfire as I have already read that Independents are voting for Obama because of her abysmal performance.

Seth Sharon   September 4th, 2008 3:10 am ET

i thought her comment on senator harry reid was appropriate given nobody at least in the republican said (me included) enjoys harry's pessimistic views in life. he probably spends a lot of time talking to himself.

Al Ram   September 4th, 2008 3:10 am ET

Mitt and Rudy (Matt and Jeff) losers. Are you trying to land a cabinet positions if McCain wins? Sorrrrryyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!

David Goldman   September 4th, 2008 3:10 am ET

ALL RIGHT I GIVE UP.

WHO IS SHE ?????

Disillusioned   September 4th, 2008 3:10 am ET

Do the Republican'ts (intentional sp) have any positions or policies? It sure seems like all they know how to do is take pot-shots at Obama and Biden. Maybe tomorrow McCain will enlighten us with his platform; although, it appears there are serious differences between his positions and that of his VP. One would have expected them to be on the same page.

Having watched the DNC, it appears the Republican'ts did not pay attention when they watched it. They attempted to tout Obama's positions as the opposite of what he stated and his positions as their own. Very strange, indeed.

Now we know why the Dems were rolling on the floor laughing when Palin was named. Clearly McCain just handed the election to Obama.
I didn't think Palin was shrill, she just looked like a KIWI – that would be: Keen Interest Without Intellect.

UppityWoman   September 4th, 2008 3:10 am ET

I'll admit it now, I was a little worried about Palin but no longer. My big fear was Biden would take the bait and not go head on in a debate with her. Clearly this "pitbull with lipstick" needs no special handling. She delivers a good attack speech. Next test: how does she handle unscripted interviews and debates. It's still the top of the ticket that matters, as far as I'm concerned. GAME ON!!

Abdul Kadir Hussain   September 4th, 2008 3:10 am ET

As a US citizen living arbroad for work purposes, I watched and listened in horror and amazement. When are we going to learn that we cannot walk alone in this world? We cannot bully the world all the time.

I will honestly say that I was sitting on the fence all this time unsure that I would vote, because I was not sure who to vote for. But after hearing that speech this first thing I did was register to get my absentee ballot. This lady is dangerous and she is nuts, if Mccain has the (mis)judgement to choose her then he does not deserve my vote. If McCain/Palin win, this world is going to be a lot more dangerous to live in. And last I heard and saw the USA maybe the most powerful country in the world but it is very much a part of this world. As Clinton says the world used to respect us not for the "example of our power but for the power of our example", lets get that America back.

TJ   September 4th, 2008 3:09 am ET

All I can say is that everyone I have talked to is totally pumped and energized by this woman. McCain did the right thing and the middle of road dems I know along with rep that werent too excited are really ready for the vote to be tomorrow!!!! That makes about 12 of us just from tonight. Cant wait until tomorrow when I get to work and check emails from coworkers. This is a exciting race. Palin knocked it out of the ball park. One other thing. Most of the people I talked to that were leaning toward Obama said that because of the attacks on Palin and the way she handled it they felt drawn to her ability to take it and keep going. She did not get beaten down by the good ole boys

Kim Aguilar   September 4th, 2008 3:09 am ET

Well Republicans can't toot their own horn because of 8 disasterous years, and they can't come up with any stead fast solutions to fix their mess. So what else is left but to attack their more qualified opponents? Look ,John McCain should be concidered a war hero for what he endured as a P.O.W.. How does that make him someone qualified to lead this country. His decision to make Sarah Palin his V.P. is disturbing given her lack of experience.

As a registered Republican I'm sick and tired of the GOP's devisive retoric. I want leaders who will make an effort to bring our country together and promote unity, not further division. I will run not walk to my polling place and cast my vote for the side of "Change" right after I change my Party affiliate!

Republican for Obama   September 4th, 2008 3:09 am ET

What an idiotic speech...This devil made Hillary look like a saint! We definitely need OBAMA to save us from evil!!

Tudlow   September 4th, 2008 3:09 am ET

This proves it.

The Democratic Party want us to come together as a nation to overcome our challenges. There is only one America, united, and we should regain our standing on the world stage after the Bush years.

The Republicans want us to hoot like monkeys and throw our crap at each other.

Both are STRONG platforms, I agree. Hmmm, which to choose?

I have to ask, which is better for Alaska?

READY...FIRE...AIM...MCCAIN   September 4th, 2008 3:08 am ET

ANOTHER MCSAME INTELLECTUAL FLUBBER.

ATTACKING RUSSIA IS HIS NEXT MOVE.

linda in illinois   September 4th, 2008 3:08 am ET

She is a talking head for the republican agenda. They wrote the speech and she read it. Her voice and tone was IRRITATING. She sounds like a cheerleader at a football game. What sexism I saw.
holding signs "hot" V.P. I would be VERY UPSET that my own party is a bunch of old white womanizing men. No diversity in the crowd.
What is he EXPERIENCE??? Hunting,fishing,having babies and putting her town when she was mayor 20 million in debt??? Selling a palne on ebay then buying a sea plane for yourself??? Being a governor for 20 months?? Being a mom with a NRA card?? Not being there for your children because your career is more important??
Dressing up dead moose?? Hunting from a plane killing bear and coyote??? Screaming DRILL,DRILL,DRILL for oil to make the middle east even more rich??? What is this women about????Observations: She is being made quickly into a Republican women....the little heavy jacket with the white pearls...I saw no chemistry between McCain and Palin. She seemed to cringe when he touched her....The convention to me seems like a big old party of old white men down in Texas...a bunch of Bushs "buddies" and Palin is the the party favor..She in turn
parades her family around as if to prove she's a caring mother. If she was she would protect her daughter from scutiny and take care of her special needs children. It only shows how poorly she has balanced
her career and family. I was not impressed.McCain is forgetful and does not show good judgement he has clearly proven this. So many qualified picks. What was he thinking. McCain has finally succeeded in putting the fear in me......thinking of her possibly being President SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME!!!!!

Fanya   September 4th, 2008 3:07 am ET

First off I am a Democratic Woman that didn’t like Obama’s choice for VP. Although for me it was more of an “Obama’s not listening to us” thing then JUST a Clinton thing. I am also a Mother of Daughters, one of which is a “special needs” child. I am the bull’s-eye of that target audience John McCain is aiming at. Until her speech I was torn between voting for Obama, or none of the above.

I thought that Gov. Palin’s speech was good. She was personable, and at times funny. She showed that she has grace under pressure, a fine trait in an elected official. She made her case well,
and clearly stated McCain’s plans for the future. I liked her.

Then something happened during the speech that sent a chill down my spine. She said, speaking about Obama:
“Al-Qaida terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights?”
and the crowd went wild.

I always thought that reading people their rights was a good thing.
One of the best things about this Country
The last line of the Pledge of Allegiance is:
“With liberty and justice for all”.

And yet here was this building full of Patriots laughing at the mere thought of a suspect being “read his rights”. That’s frightening.
They seem to be so caught up in the fear of terrorists that they have forgotten the things that make this such a Great Country to live in.

In 1759 Benjamin Franklin said: “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
I agree-so in the intrest of trying to save some of those laughable freedoms, I will be voting for Barack Obama in Nov.

Jason   September 4th, 2008 3:07 am ET

And we're back to the mantra of "us versus them" instead of reaching for common ground we can all believe in - something Obama discussed just last week.

The speeches tonight disgusted me. Not one real issue was discussed except more lofty threats of "terrorism" and the most horrendous calls for "drill baby drill" I've ever heard. The problem is that McCain and Palin have the wrong stance on the issues that matter most - they can't discuss those because they know the more American finds out about them ... the less votes they will get.

So they sling mud instead and just hope if they say "she has experience" enough times ... people will believe it.

I'm not buying.

kerry   September 4th, 2008 3:07 am ET

Hmmm, shrill. I voted for Obama in the primary....then he became a politician...so I was going to sit it out....now I will be voting for at first I thought Ron Paul....but now I have decided to block with Mccain...I sure wish we could have a third party

pj   September 4th, 2008 3:07 am ET

Great speach. I didn't know what to expect but I am impressed by her intelligence and definitely her confidence. Palin has a spine. And she has lived a real life, unlike the elitist Ivy League blowhards.

Robin   September 4th, 2008 3:07 am ET

What I saw tonight was not democracy ... it was fascism.

Joan   September 4th, 2008 3:07 am ET

She read her speech well. If she had enlightened us on what their plan for America is instead of mocking and criticizing Obama, she would at least had a bit of credibility with me. All I got out of it was the ugliness and untruths. After the two previous speakers it was enough to make me sick.
I do not think she is qualified to step into the Presidency if the need were to present itself.
Americans better take heed-this is an important decision we are about to make, and it needs to be made with much caution and prayer.

Sharon   September 4th, 2008 3:06 am ET

Tonight Sarah Palin epitomized the very essence of the Republican Party....a complete lack of what America needs from its government. All I heard and saw tonight, especially from Palin was ugliness. In the last two days, the Republicans have shown total arrogance, a lack of good judgment and a cockiness that shows a deep disrespect for the American people whose votes they are trying to get. Not one speech has shown any substance, not one of them has talked about the issues that matter to most of the people I know, (i.e., our failing economy, health care, energy, rising tuition and our lack of stature on the international front.) To me they have showed their true colors. They can't beat Barack/Biden on the issues so attack them on false propaganda and hope no one notices that they haven't mentioned what their agenda is going to be to help this country. On talk radio today, I heard some of the stories about Sarah Palin and they weren't good. I decided to listen to her speech first before I made up my mind..well, they were right....and she's not what America needs. Actually, after a while I could have sworn I heard George W. Bush speaking, the similarities are frightening.

Al Ram   September 4th, 2008 3:06 am ET

Mrs. Palin is woman version of Mr. George W. Bush. It's all sarcasm and I am pretty sure will also do nothing about the country. She will be a good conservative radio talk hostess. Now I know that she can read using teleprompter. Excellent!!!

David Goldman   September 4th, 2008 3:06 am ET

LET ME SEE NOW !!

MCBUSH IS BUSH'S SIDEKICK. AND THE

SECOND RUNNER UP IS THE SIDEKICK'S SIDEKICK.

YEA THAT'S THE TICKET.

John   September 4th, 2008 3:05 am ET

I think that's what they said about Hillary. And we know how that's working out for Obama.

Canadian POV   September 4th, 2008 3:05 am ET

Did it not bother Americans to hear a holder of an executive position speak with such disdain for the constitution, the will of the electorate and the law? When Palin bragged about using her veto powers so often, it was with glee. When she spoke of whether a suspected terrorist had any rights it was frightening. When she lashed out at the media for its success over the last few days to properly vet her, it was childish and ignorant.

Sandra   September 4th, 2008 3:05 am ET

No, no, Mr. McCain, you are not "putting out country first" by your desparate pick of Pelin. Although she could be an actor, she certainly can read a script well. I so look forward to the debates.

RobS   September 4th, 2008 3:05 am ET

Shrill? Would Reid say that about a man? Sounds a little sexist to me. Palin nailed it and the fact that the liberals are wetting their pants over her "sarcastic" comments just shows how close to home she hit!

Jody   September 4th, 2008 3:05 am ET

I guess it is somewhat comforting to know that sexism and misogyny are non-partisan concepts. Hillary or Palin – it doesn't matter. Each has gotten and will get a nice dose of sexist, misogynist hatred spewed at them. Anytime a woman speaks up, she is called shrill. Actually, now I am wondering if Democrats are actually beating the Republicans in a contest to see who can be the most sexist, misogynist, and full of deeply-rooted hatred toward women. Reid's office is certainly winning.

NJ Republican - suburban Morris County   September 4th, 2008 3:05 am ET

The most gut wrenching part of this whole fiasco, was watching Cindy McCain, just laughing it up at the mean spirited personal attacks that were spewed out like bile from many of the speakers tonight.

She looked more like an audience member at Jerry Springer show than the possible First Lady. I almost expected her to stand up, pump her fist and yell "You go girl;" Is this the poise and grace we want from our first lady.

The speeches tonight and the responses from the audience have sunk the republican party, my party, to a new all time low.

i read that in the past 4 years nearly 1.5 million registered republicans have dropped from the party. I can see why and you can now add me to that total.

Shawn   September 4th, 2008 3:04 am ET

I would never vote for them (McCain/Palin). I have in the past voted Republican but they have become much to nasty and devisive. The America I defend with my service was not represented in that audience. We need to come together as a country and stop trying to demonize those whom have a different opinion.

chocku   September 4th, 2008 3:03 am ET

wow cnn is so fare rnc vs dnc...its a joke

FORMER REPUBLICAN   September 4th, 2008 3:03 am ET

SAFE TO SAY THAT HARRY REID DOESN'T HAVE TO ACTIVATE

2/3 OF HIS BRAIN TO DEAL WITH THE SECOND RUNNER UP.

LD   September 4th, 2008 3:03 am ET

After watching palins speech tonight I walked away feeling like all the hope and great feelings i had for the future of america, that the dnc, especially obama's speech, had once again turned into doubt and division of our great country. I am only 18 years old, i come from a conservative town and family. The reason so many of my peers are interested in the political process for the first time is because we have seen nothing but decline since the events on 9/11. We realize that this election can deliver the national unity, pride, and love that has been absent in the past 8 years. If this is how the mccain/palin ticket wishes to run this campaign focusing on attacks and not about the bigger picture than i refuse to waste my time listening to the same tone that lead us to this position.

Tracey Jordan   September 4th, 2008 3:02 am ET

It is a sad, sad, sad, day in America when a candidate has to trash their opponet to make themselves look better.
It is obvious that Palin can't even run her own family let alone run the country! Don't tell me what the Dems, have not done...tell me what you as a Republican can do! It is obvious that Bush /Cheney have dropped the ball, do we as a nation really need 4 more years of foreclosures and high deficits? McCain is really good at telling POW stories...well , guess what, there have been several POW's, that I know,! Be glad that you made it back ALIVE, so many military members, that Republican George W Bush, sent over there did not get the chance to be a POW they were killed! So, let it go McCain and stop living in the past, tell me what you can do for our country now! Palin, you are not even worthy of a comment from me. Unfortunately you are not even smart enough to realize that they are using you, but when the election is over guess what? You will be the scapegoat, in true Republican fashion.

mafi   September 4th, 2008 3:02 am ET

It's about time Rep. pick the right woman who will help McCain run our Country the way it should be. We need McCain and Palin leadership style to lead our Country to a better future and not like OBAMA, who's all talk and no action and not afraid to make decision at our time of needs like OBAMA. McCain loves his country so much that he almost died for it and not like OBAMA and his wife who listen to their anti-American hatred Preacher for over many years and all of a sudden distance themselves from him. Believe me we can all see throughyour pretense and two faces.
I am also very disgusted at all the media coverage who have tried to destroy Palin and you all know who you are. Just to let you know that your trash talking of Palin just convince me more to vote for McCain and Palin. I will do all that I can to make rally as many people as I can to vote for McCain and Palin as well.

memeforobama   September 4th, 2008 3:01 am ET

Obama and his campaign has been so gracious to this lady and this is how she pays him back??? Now that the gloves are off, you repugs and haters shouldn't cry wolf when obama's campagn comes back hard on her. don't cry sexism whem obama fights back. remember hillary clinton?? she attacked obama for months and when obama fought back she and her supporters started crying wolf.

Palin has initiated it and the repugs shouldn't use her gender when barack fights back. IF YOU CAN DISH OUT DIRT, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE IT TOO!!
CNN IS NOT POSTING MY COMMENTS, WHY??

Dennis   September 4th, 2008 3:01 am ET

It was a fantastic speech . . .for someone trying to fire up a small-town hockey game.

rh   September 4th, 2008 3:01 am ET

that NYC ex-mayor nut will get his, but dont let Bushlin off the hook either. ban together brothers and sister and show the rabid crowd what democrats can do to avoid 4 more years of promise everything and F the people once in office administration( McBush/Bushlin). donate at the barack obama site and don't get made but get even and vote barack and joe.

cincy   September 4th, 2008 3:00 am ET

Home run!!!....deal..hahaha

Ed   September 4th, 2008 3:00 am ET

Its a pretty sad day in America when the best it can do is Mccain/Palin. Is this the best our many universities could do?

Annie   September 4th, 2008 3:00 am ET

Great speech! Now how many criticisms did she have in comparison to the blatant attacks on McCain by Obama in his acceptance speech? Or was the little woman supposed to go quietly into the night in the eyes of democrats?

Steve   September 4th, 2008 3:00 am ET

Look, like her and her positions or not, Sarah has actually led and done something, and doesn't seem to have a problem leading or making decisions. Obama has a poor record with both. And when Sarah found the good ol boys in Alaska to be corrupt, she canned 'em. How long did it take Obama to even distance himself from his wacky pastor? Patsy? Maybe, but up to now she's walked the walk and talked the talk. Obama can't make that claim.

memeforobama   September 4th, 2008 3:00 am ET

Obama and his campaign has been so gracious to this lady and this is how she pays him back??? Now that the gloves are off, you repugs and haters shouldn't cry wolf when obama's campagn comes back hard on her. don't cry sexism whem obama fights back. remember hillary clinton?? she attacked obama for months and when obama fought back she and her supporters started crying wolf.

Palin has initiated it and the repugs shouldn't use her gender when barack fights back. IF YOU CAN DISH OUT DIRT, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE IT TOO!!

Trevor   September 4th, 2008 2:59 am ET

Palin rocked tonight! The Dem's are running scared. After the press and Democratic blogs ripped Palin and her family to pieces this week, they now are bitter and biting back when they got called out. Are all leftist loonies this stupid and hypocritical??????????????????

Obama and Biden got caught with their pants down with Palin's announcement. They have no clear answer or rebuttal to her. This Democrat is now voting for McCain and Palin! I have lost all hope in the Democratic Party! Pelosi has made a mockery of us. Clinton conceded to Obama and now we are screwed!

Ron DC   September 4th, 2008 2:59 am ET

Palin was rehearsing "Rove's script" as was seen online today for her big Wednesday night debut.

Lot of half truths and the put downs of the Dems.

Would she put Cindy/Mcstake's jet on ebay too?

I can't wait for her Oct 2(my birthday) debate with Biden!

Biden will know to be gentle as he vebally pulls the knife out of Palin for the lies she will try to tell rather than tell the truth about how the Rethugs have financially and spiritually nose dived this country into being the laughing stock around the world for lack of leadership.

God help us if Mcstake would someway win and she is put in charge of this country if he would become incapacitated. Biden on the other hand does have experience on the world stage and would step up to the moment for President Obama.

We all know that!

No how No way No Mcstake/Lip stick bull dog
Obama/Biden/America '08

Brian   September 4th, 2008 2:58 am ET

One of the most nasty speeches I have ever heard. Trying to divide our country with fear and lies as the republicans do so well.

I cant believe she has the gall to demean Obama's experience over hers.. Obama did more for the over 3 Million people of Chicago as a community organizer with no budget then she has for the 670,000 people as governer with the state budget of Alaska.

This poor girl Palin has bit of more than she can chew. Wait on the debate with Biden. Biden knows how to war with words much better and he actually knows what hes talking about.

Tibor Lin   September 4th, 2008 2:58 am ET

SORRY ! I repeat my gargled message!

How long it will take before the DEM's will realize that their strategy is
totally misguided and will cost them the elections ??

The IRAQ war issue is already backfiring, and if the popularity of Bush
as it seems begin to improve, their insistence on comparison with McCain will also be useless or even negative.

How about addressing the fact that the notion OBAMA learning to be
President on the job will repeal the voters,.By saying tha PALIN has
the same problem they forget that a VICE-PRESIDENT learning rapidly on the job with a experienced President is acceptable. Few
will buy the argument that McCain will disappear during the first
months of his Presidency !!

Tibor

texas democrat   September 4th, 2008 2:58 am ET

I think mccain and pallin are perfect together. They both have a lot of corruption between the two of them and i think they know how to get away with it. If these two get in office i think they will make bush and cheney look like boy scouts. Look out America we are heading for the gates of hell.

KC   September 4th, 2008 2:58 am ET

Sarah is a good speaker but is she ready to be President should anything happen to McCain. Can she challenge the pressure that comes from the Middle East?

kim   September 4th, 2008 2:58 am ET

she did a good job, just like obama.
No matter what she saying the demo will attack her.
no matter what obama saying the repub will attack him.
it just depend on which party you on.
I admire them both.
i wish they on the same ticket.
may be in the future we should vote for president and vice president separetly, so we can pick and chose just like governor and lt. governor.

Josh Julian   September 4th, 2008 2:58 am ET

Sarah Palin is a truth teller and regardless of your poitical perspective, America does not need talkers with great charisma, we need people who can get dirty, work hard, and bring different sides together for some good.

Harry Reid should humble himself and figure out something that he can accomplish for the good of America. That is leadership! We need Leaders and trust me, Palin and McCain is not Bush!

br1 IN   September 4th, 2008 2:57 am ET

She is a blatant liar. They shouldn't be comparing her with McCain, they should be comparing her with Cheney and Rove.

Reggie Boykins   September 4th, 2008 2:57 am ET

Ahh! The good news is that she welcomes the fight.

Indeed, she is someone who will stand toe-to-toe with Biden in a debate. It would be a terrible mistake for Biden to approach this woman from a position of empathy; she has instigated a fight with the media (who doesn't really know her), she presents a disdain for Barack and his life's journey. And she seems prepared to promulgate lies, (particularly about taxing the poor), typical of Republican politicians.

Palin wants to prove she is tough and has come ready to fight. She should not be disappointed.

Biden has to, "take it to her" because she is not only asking for it, she wants it.

Palin has officially fired-up the Democratic base and as we thank her, we shall proceed to "squash" her.

The fight for the presidency is ON!

Dot in Atlanta   September 4th, 2008 2:57 am ET

I agree and I think Harry Reid's comments were kind. I found her speech to be mean, hateful, cutting, divisive, and very EMPTY. She did not lay out any plans to address the issues facing American and she was untruthful. She followed the path of all of the speakers tonight.

As for the people who thought the use of the word shrill was sexist, this woman disagrees.

JC   September 4th, 2008 2:57 am ET

A Pit Bull with lipstick who believes that the Earth is flat as the VP of the most powerful country on Earth? Why does she think that she has the right to tell women what to do with their bodies? Oh, that’s right, she "talks" to God.

David in California   September 4th, 2008 2:57 am ET

Harry Reid is a nut bag!!! Make all the excuses you want and rally behind you famed community organizer. Maybe he can organize you all a nice gathering when you loose the election :)

Persio   September 4th, 2008 2:57 am ET

Yes Gov. Palin you are right, Senator Reid is in charge of the do nothing senate. The Senate also has seen their highest disapproval rating in years, Hmm i wonder why? Get off your chair Reid and do something for the country.

Will   September 4th, 2008 2:56 am ET

She would have been able to appeal to independents and even some Democrats if she would have stayed more positive and focused on the issues and what would make her ticket better. But instead they took the normal Republican road of dirty attacks. Her speech was downright sickening and hearing Rudy before that was even worse. I hope Americans take it as it really is...a series of downright sleazy nasty attacks combined with a series of lies which will do nothing but divide the country even more.

DIndependent   September 4th, 2008 2:56 am ET

WOW!!!!!!!!! What an awesome speech! As a faithful Democrat voter for 20 years, I have switched my party affiliation to Independent and I am SO GLAD that I did. Palin's speech was right on the money, and it must have given the obama camp aneurysms to have someone calling them out on FACTS – the media certainly hasn't! I loved every minute of it – and she was only 'shrill' if you didn't want to hear what she had to say. I find it amusing, I must admit, to see the Dems scrambling and frightened. This is what happens when you screw over your base, Dems. You gotta pay the piper. If obama does somehow manage to squeak out a win, it is a travesty and a tragedy for this country. I say proudly – McCain/Palin '08!!!!!!

James   September 4th, 2008 2:55 am ET

We saw cynicism at its peak tonight. They flailed repeatedly at the Democratic ticket. When they ran out of venom for the Dems they took those old reliable straw men out of the closet, liberals and the media, and mindlessly flailed some more.

McCain and his crew need to check themselves, because what I saw tonight made me ill. These people love to talk about character but they lacked the ability to rise above their petty squabbles. They mock elitism yet chuckle haughtily at their clever "jokes". They looked through their noses at community organizers, people who are in the domestic trenches every day, trying to help people fight back and regain some of what they had lost.

I'm an independent voter. I'm listening carefully to both sides. All I hear from the Republicans is snide mockery. No substance. No issues. John McCain had better come up with the speech of two lifetimes, because he's dug himself a deep hole in my eyes.

Steve   September 4th, 2008 2:55 am ET

Why are the republicans wasting their RNC on pandering to their own base when they should be trying to appeal to some of the undecideds?

Newsflash: The RNC was spectacular republican love fest, but what did they do to win over some of the undecideds and independents? By that token, there was no focus.

Trish   September 4th, 2008 2:54 am ET

I found her speech to be exceptional and well-delivered...and I am a registered Democrat.

So many people here are trashing Sarah Palin because she gave a tough, almost angry speech. GIVE ME A BREAK FOLKS.!! Washingon needs tough motivated leaders...in particular in these challenging times. Obama has not shown me any backbone whatsoever.

So many people are wrapped up on Obama's words about hope...he is an amazing speaker but he lost me after constantly changing his mind on important issues. Total inability to make a decision. Sarah Palin obviously will stand strong on issues that matter most to this country. Obama just tells you what you want to hear. Had Palin given a more polticaly correct speech, then would you folks on these blogs be complaing about her? I'm sure the answer is no. Obama does the politically correct thing that will work to his advantage and that is exactly what we don't need in this country.....more BS from a politician who tells you what you want to hear to win your vote. Palin and Mccain dare to defy their party and act on what is best for this country. Obama's big fancy coming out party was over-the-top and made me sick. He's just a showman people and too many are falling for his great act.

Jose   September 4th, 2008 2:54 am ET

The liberals are scared to death. Ha! I used to get annoyed by all the biased liberal media airheads on CNN, but then I realized the more they talk, the more they are rallying the conservatives to get out and vote Republican!

The arguments liberals are using against the GOP VP nominee can be turned back ten-fold against their own PRESIDENTIAL nominee... which just goes to show that JOHN MCCAIN IS A BRILLIANT STRATEGIST, AND KNOWS HOW TO KICK SOME SERIOUS BUTT!!

Randy   September 4th, 2008 2:54 am ET

I am sick of the way CNN has handled themselves during this entire election. You were and still are nothing more than Obama supporters. It is shameful and very sad.. I tell you this I liked Hillary and I love Sarah .Now I know who to vote for and it is largely due to the way you all treat them. I would have voted for the democrats if Hillary would have got the nomination. But I was undecided because I did not like Obama. But After what I saw from Sarah I would Vote for her at the top of the ticket. You all at CNN need to get back to reporting the news and stop making it. Send Jack over to MSN were he belongs then try to save what is left of your network and be fare to all candidates. Just for the record try asking questions about stuff that matters. Then (VET) your own stories before you put them on the air. I'm so sad I had hoped you all would just say we have got off track and will try to do better. You know like you always say Bush should do. Admit you made a mistake and maybe we will come back and watch you again someday soon.

Jackson   September 4th, 2008 2:54 am ET

You left wing crazies like to get each other all geeked up don't you! All you have it hateful crap to spew and no fact. Your presidential candidate doesn't even match up to the GOP VP candidate and you're scared to you resort to name calling and scare tactics. Re-read some of your comments, they're just mean. You people need to get a grip!

Monica   September 4th, 2008 2:54 am ET

Yes, Harry, we ladies need to keep our thoughts to ourselves and sit in the back right? Obama is toast. Keep it up and the few women who have allowed themselves to be enslaved to the Democrat platform may just decide to leave the plantation for good.

Tibor Lin   September 4th, 2008 2:53 am ET

How long it will take before the DEM's will realize that they strategy is
totally misguided an will cost the the elections ??

The IRAQ war issue is already bckfiing, and if the popularity of Bush
as it seems begin to improve, their insistence on such will also
be useless or even negative.

How about addressing the fact that the notion OBAMA learning to be
President on the job will repeal the voters, by saying tha PALIN has
the same problem they forget that a VICE-PRESIDENT can learn rapidly on the job with a experienced President is acceptable. Few
will buy the argument that McCain will disappear during the first
months of his Presidency !!

TIBOR

Michael O'Brien   September 4th, 2008 2:53 am ET

Sounds like the same old politics. Maybe.., the real question is: Do I or (we) want four more years of the same ? I don't.

Amy H.   September 4th, 2008 2:53 am ET

ok so she can give a speech and read a teleprompter and tells us she's a pit bull with lipstick..plus she showed us she can attack..wow..are these the qualifications?? I've been sitting the fence, until now, been waiting for her speech, waiting for her to tell me what she can do...I'm still waiting. I didn't watch the RNC to look at her kids and hear what a great mom she is. She lied about Alaska, they are in an ever increasing state of emergency and she done ...what? And she gonna be doing what?? I hear nothing. The whole part of "get to know ya" needed to come way before this..I really needed the Republicans to come out and say ...now here's what were gonna do..I heard not a word except attack attack attack..this is the first time I get to vote and the GOP has not impressed me at all

MCJ   September 4th, 2008 2:51 am ET

Good lines in the speech, but the whole thing about criticizing someone who turns down certain wealth and moving in elite circles, to go serve and help his fellow man was a mistake I hope Obama exploits to full effect.

Guliani was awful; mean and nasty and Palin was better at delivering the vitriol, but it was the same nastiness we've been conftonted with since the Clinton's took office. Clearly the republicans aren't uderstanding the somber mood of the country or the desire for real solutions over yet another character attack. They all have compelling stories, but Obama/Biden are offering solutions to deal with problems and McCain/Palin are just criticizing Obama in a personal way.

Cathy   September 4th, 2008 2:51 am ET

This woman is as pathetic as McBush. She has been in office for only 20 months and is already under investigation for corruption. She will cost the taxpayers of her state $95,000 to defend her. She also has the nerve to parade her teenage pregnant daughter and her dropout of school boyfriend around like this is something to be proud of. The Republicans should be ashame! They made a bad choice and are trying their best to cover it up. Enough is Enough! Eight is Enough! It is time for a change in this country. Send these pathetic losers away from Washington once in for all.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Chris   September 4th, 2008 2:51 am ET

Last week's convention inspiring? The hollywood set greek columns and fireworks made my stomach turn. Is this what our country is turning to? I'm tired of zero solutions... pretty words read off a teleprompter. Tonight I saw a no nonsense, refreshing authenticity. The Dems are worried and should be.

PT   September 4th, 2008 2:50 am ET

Supply and Demand. If the people of this country continue to demand simple us against them attitudes, soundbites, character attacks as a way to campaign for public office, then that's what we will get. Shame on the politicians who cater to the lowest denominator with divisive rhetoric. It's not about pro life or pro choice; pro gun or gun control. It's about driving down teenage pregnancies and reducing violence in our culture. From what I saw of Palin, she will appeal to those who think life is black and white. That solving complex problems is just about yes or no. The same people who don't understand why oil prices are up and simply blame it on the Saudis. God help America.

joe   September 4th, 2008 2:49 am ET

Ginger

You are a moron. I am not surprized that you think the fourth estate should smack Sarah Palin down. They basically are the press secretaries for Obama. Very intresting that you would use the term smack when referring to a women. It pretty much explains your disposition. As far as Harry Reid, he is the most ineffective and worse Majority leader in the history of the Senate. It is ubvelieveable that he would say we have lost the war in Irag, said simply for political advantage. this man is disgusting and represents the Democratic Party well.

Peter (CA)   September 4th, 2008 2:49 am ET

Harry Reid made a stupid, stupid remark. Hillary should be made majority leader.

That being said, Palin has now opened herself up to all of the criticism that she will get from the Democrats. The Republicans can't hide behind the "sexism" door anymore. They want to play dirty, then everything becomes fair game.

Rita   September 4th, 2008 2:49 am ET

It seems that I remember a woman saying a while ago, that she was going to clean house in the Congress when she was made Speaker, well, Nancy, with a 9% approval for a do nothing Congress, I guess Sara is just going to have to show you how you really clean house!
Go Sara Palin, you go girl!

Quinn - Houston, Texas   September 4th, 2008 2:48 am ET

I am NOT buying it.

Sarah Palin was EXTREMELY condescending and dismissive of Obama's entire life achievements. She basically called him a "nothing" over and over again.

How is that supposed to impress anyone who still doesn't even know who SHE is yet?

She was very sarcastic and downright MEAN throughout her speech. It was shameful.

I hope the McCain campaign doesn't continue to play the sexism card after tonight. No one has been more brutal than Sarah Palin.

Spin Factor   September 4th, 2008 2:48 am ET

She voted against the "Bridge to Nowhere" only after she voted for the "Bridge to Nowhere".

Hussein Means Handsome   September 4th, 2008 2:48 am ET

Talk about putting lipstick on a pig. McCain's campaign has been off the rails from the beginning and it's still a piece of work. I can't believe there are people willing to support this campaign.

nana   September 4th, 2008 2:48 am ET

She is a pit bull who cannot be trusted and will do more damage than Bush has.

News for "Astrid"   September 4th, 2008 2:48 am ET

Uhm...sorry Astrid but Governor Palin is running for VICE president and not everyone enjoys seeing a person deliver 40 minutes of one liners slamming another serious candidate. If that was all it took Robin Williams could be the president with Don Rickles as his VP. Running a country isn't about punching back hard, it is about governing.

fafa   September 4th, 2008 2:47 am ET

NO WAY. NO HOW. NO McCAIN

amy   September 4th, 2008 2:47 am ET

what a difference between this week's convention and last week's. WOW. Last week i saw what looked like the America I see every day–diverse and inspiring. But this week I saw a sneering, sarcastic and mocking America devoid of diversity. What a depressing night of TV.

So being a community organizer is supposed to be a BAD thing? Rural is better than urban? And these are the people who are supposed to lead ALL AMERICA? Are you kidding me?

I was hoping for the same inspiration I saw last week and saw NONE of it. Just a sea of smug faces that all looked alike.

The GOP is going down in flames this year. This convention confirms this for me. They have nothing good or true to offer anymore. Just mean nasty divisive ways. Yuck. I am officially through with them.

Tina   September 4th, 2008 2:46 am ET

Gloves off. If she wants to run with the big dogs. When she debates, I hope she can take it like a man. Do not tip toe around this woman. She's not gracious, she's insulting. Take her to the matt. And if anyone complain that the big boys was too hard on the little eitty bitty pitbull woman, hey equal rights. She came out swinging like an ediot.

Take her down.

Not a kind word for anyone except the guy (mccain) who doesn't even believe in women rights.

cc   September 4th, 2008 2:46 am ET

At points during Guliani's speech, I was concerned for Obama's physical saftey. I was just waiting for some of the delegates to form a mob and storm out of the convention with the intention of finding Obama,a rope and tall tree. The look in some of these peoples eyes was frightening. These Repugnant attending tonights event seem more than willing to lap up whatever flavour of Repuglican kool-aid was being served to them. Good speech by Pallin, but I am not sure this will change the election outcome.

petra   September 4th, 2008 2:45 am ET

Let's see...what sort of world do I want to raise my kids...a positive, can do, let's find our commonality world of Obama/Biden, or a dark, fearful, divisive mean world, where community service and serving others is bad, ala McCain/Palin.

Up until tonight, I didn't realize how clear the choices were.

Nate   September 4th, 2008 2:45 am ET

Guiliani's insulting, denigrating, demeaning, condescending and marginalizing comments about Obama tonight will lead to a solid Obama victory. The Republican Party is truly the party of yesteryear, a fringe and tattered relic of the past, emboldened by the hatred of its membership toward "real" change. This is what happens when oppressors and opportunists refuse to give up power and control. All said.

Chad   September 4th, 2008 2:45 am ET

Gov. Palin and Mayor Giuliani hit the nail on the head in their speeches. It's about time somebody took on Obama and highlighted his do-nothing platform. The liberal media sure won't do it kissing up to Obama any chance they can. I'm sure the liberal nuts who've been commenting on this page will be upset but it's the truth. P.S. to CNN: Please try to get some objective commentators on your programs, I mean c'mon how much can we really continue to stomach loons like Roland Martin and Campbell Brown and Wolf shaking their Obama pom-poms night after night. CNN is dangerously becoming a joke like MSNBC.

Jean, CANADA   September 4th, 2008 2:43 am ET

Let's see...an ex-beauty pagent winner...with a undergraduate degree in jounalism...who does not believe in global warming...who does believe a woman should have no control over her own body and for 9 months should be viewed as nothing more than a baby container...who's main attributes seem to be stubborness and vicious competiveness... who has had next to no experience in goverment...who has a currently very messy family situation given that she had recently given birth to a downs syndrome baby, has a 17 year old daughter who is unwed and pregnant and is facing investigation for using her political office to smear her ex-brother-in-law and get him fired (he is in a custody battle with her sister)...who seems to be in bed with big oil...who is running for VP...whose running mate is 72 and is a cancer survivor...who has no foreign policy background and in fact has only been out of the country twice...who may become President of the country I love at a time when it faces the most complex foreign policy issues, economic issues and domestic issues it has in decades...Why does this sound like a totally unbelievably bad novel????

HHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHH!!! SHE IS ABSOULUTELY PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA 08, 12 the TRUTH

Myra   September 4th, 2008 2:43 am ET

Shrill and sarcastic . . . and robotically scripted, as well. I was extremely disappointed, as I watched with an open mind, willing to give her a chance. But I found her delivery flat, insincere, insulting, and intensely grating on my nerves.

independentgirl   September 4th, 2008 2:43 am ET

That was really sad, those speeches didn't inspire me at all. A leader is suppose to make you feel like they care. They were over the top on a lot of things. This independent will vote Obama this fall, really sad.

bridgette   September 4th, 2008 2:43 am ET

Will someone please tell me what is McCain's platform. I hope he will bring it tomorrow. The only thing I know about the Republican's is that they don't like Obama. Rudy acts as if he was the only one to expereince 9/11. He tried to make that the basis for running for President and it didn't work. To be perfectly honest I think he and Mitt are jealous of Obama because they couldn't figure out how to make their campaigns work. This speech worked with who it was suppose to work with. The average American want to hear about the campaign.This speech will be hot for a few days and then people will go back to what is McCain platform. Not one word about the economy that tells you right there they are scared. For a man they are extremely dismmissive of he sure has them scared. Not to have any executive experience. Guess who else had no executive experience, Ronald Reagan.

htowntribeguy   September 4th, 2008 2:43 am ET

Unify like the DNC??? But NOT angry/blame like the RNC??? So saying America needs hope, because the Conservatives have ruined Americas image, so thats what Liberals refer to as unify??? Yeah on the Left, but America is NOT Left!!!!!!

GO McCain/Palin "Historical Change America Will Believe In"!!!!!!

FS   September 4th, 2008 2:43 am ET

Guiliani's mocking of Obama's community service was pure gutter politics. Obama helped the poor and disadvantaged and for a rich millionaire to say the things he did really exemplifies how low to the ground the poor are considered to be by Republicans. His attack on Muslims was an embarrasment to American Muslims living peacefully and successfully in this Country.

Aaron   September 4th, 2008 2:43 am ET

Spite, sneering mockery, unjustified and inexplicable anger, whining, caustic bile, poisonous vitriol – there aren't enough negative descriptors to capture how vile Palin's speech was. Nothing at all to address the needs of the nation, just a load of venom and more entrenched culture wars. Sarah Palin's no pit bull – she's a real world blog troll.

susan gadd   September 4th, 2008 2:42 am ET

Great Lady! Great Speech! Democrats are scared.....tonight we heard more than rhetoric. Tonight we hear principle, character and substance!

Immigrant   September 4th, 2008 2:42 am ET

Taking cheap shots is amusing but undignified and neither useful. I am disappointed at the undignified speeches during the Republican convention,especially the culturally starved conservatives who love to tell others how to behave. I hope and trust Sen Obama to take the dignified high road. It is the right thing to do and it usually works out at the end.

Jason   September 4th, 2008 2:42 am ET

If Senator Reid had a spine, he would have stood up not only to John McCain, but to the White House and its policies – the very reason the democrats were elected in control of congress in 2006. If Harry Reid had half of the bravery you offer as a defense, it would be noticeable and the Congress would not have the lowest approval rating in history. The congressional approval ratings since 2006 have only descended under democratic rule, i say this as a member of the party. In this instance, Guiliani is right.

Don, SF   September 4th, 2008 2:41 am ET

Palin was great. Some of the comments: "Americans are growing tired of the devisiveness, and want real solutions and progress." More hollow pablum. Obama is a fraud and the country has a choice of two bad choices. Sad.

Robert   September 4th, 2008 2:41 am ET

Here are the facts on the Republican Party: "There are 36 black delegates to the 2008 Republican National Convention, the lowest total in 40 years. The black delegates make up 1.5 percent of the total delegates, compared with a record-setting 6.7 percent in 2004".

bryan nye   September 4th, 2008 2:40 am ET

Harry Reid is an absolute disgrace..... Angry little man..... I will never forget his presser when he announced the surge had failed ( before it had even started)....
No,.... Democrats of Nevada should be ashamed of electing him...

911wille   September 4th, 2008 2:40 am ET

The Larry King post debate Democrats' comments were like " Well she reads a good speech from a teleprompter that someone else wrote for her"

I liked to split a gut. As if Obama can talk without a teleprompter...
Duh, Uhm, well, but, and, uhhhhh

The media is so upset about criticism of their bias. Did you notice how CNN showed the teleprompters at the podium several times? I defy anyone to show me a piece of tape doing that at the DNC.

Of course CNN is not as overt as Chris Mathews, Ketith Oberlman and Brian Williams on MSNBC, but there are numerous subtle occasions where the bias is evident.

Not all, Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper seem to try to be impartial, but not all of the rest of the "non partisan" contingent.

I have no problem with Paul Begala and Donna Brazile, who are clearly partisan for Obama, but don't pretend not to be.

Carl Bernstein and Jeffrey Toobin nonpartisan? what a joke, they have been smitten with "Barack" since the primaries. Even David Gergen has gone over.

And you know what. I was a Hillary Clinton supporter, and will probably be again, but in '08 I have moved solidly behind McCain.

Kenny Arizona Democrat   September 4th, 2008 2:39 am ET

NO MCAIN! NO WAY! NO HOW! And your vp Mcain is not my Hillary!
OBAMA/BIDEN 08'

Mel   September 4th, 2008 2:39 am ET

Maybe she will fire McCain!!!

Prophet John   September 4th, 2008 2:39 am ET

As a lifelong Democract, I will say it again, Senator Obama blew it. He had a chance to establish the Dream Team, but no, for whatever reason, he just either did not have the smarts or courage, to make the Dream Team happen. I don't know, maybe a person who wasn't brave enough or smart enough to make the Dream Team happen does not deserve to be President. That's all I have to say.

Roger   September 4th, 2008 2:39 am ET

Palin has started off on the wrong foot. Excitement and ridiculing the opposition in a partisan crowd is not going to get her the support she needs in Congress, which is controlled by the other party. DC politics is vastly different than mom-and-pop operations in Alaska, but she will find all that out soon enough, that is IF she gets elected. She looks pretty however, but looks don't get the job done – else Hollywood would have set up camp in DC.

pr   September 4th, 2008 2:38 am ET

SARAH PALIN ROCKS !!!!!!!
WOMEN FOR MCCAIN/PALIN 08

Evelyn Thomas   September 4th, 2008 2:37 am ET

I listened to Gov. Palin's speech which left me more confused. I'm a real soccer mom of three sons. Gov. Palin gave a good oral presentation of a speech that was written for her. She was poised and calm, but she failed to convince me that she is qualified to be vice president. I thought her comments about Senator Obama were more mean spirited than convincing me why I should not vote for him. I never heard what actually would the McCain-Palin do for change. My friends are losing their jobs, their homes and the America dream seems very dismissal for their children. We need help!! Stop being sarcastic and give us some real substance. Then maybe sarcastic is all they have to give.

Puffin   September 4th, 2008 2:37 am ET

Palin was making fun of community organizers who are trying to help other people? I think she crossed her line here.

Well, McCain found his ‘sarcastic’ match, no doubt.

Elisabeth   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

It is said to see the Republicans try to intimidate the media. It is also sad for them to pull the sexist card. I am a woman and all I can think is... shame on them for making us, the voting public, feel bad about wanting to know all we can about this lady's character, policies and experience. Shame on them for trying to instill fear back into the American people. We are tired of being afraid of our future... we need to be inspired and we want a more positive future.

Seems like Bush is acting on his indorsment.... intimidated the Russians today and notifying the public of covert operations in Pakistan. Oh, also interesting we are finally winning the War after 6 years and 4,000+ lost American soldiers.

Vanessa From New York   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

why wont they talk about Bush..........There in power and nothing has been acheived for the last 8 years

Gary Chandler in Canada   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

The audience at the convention? just watch what pictures they cheered for in that slide show, Bush and Reagan, not King.
They gathered the 45,000 people who love Bush in one arena!!!

Beck in TN   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

Talk about double standard here...it is ok for Obama and company to get up on stage and just blast McCain but when the shoe is on the other foot everyone is all p'd off. This is what is wrong with this country we to partisan about everything!

Geri   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

Did you ever think of how nasty you Obama supporters are???? I thought her speech was great and she hit Obama where he needed it. I'm a democrat but I really am tired of how you supporters talk and what you blog. I don't care much for him and I definitely can't stand his wife. Everything is off limits when you talk about him because he thinks you're playing the race card. He has forgotten that he's half white and only speaks of it when he thinks it will help him. Joe Biden was right about him when he was out campaigning for the presidency. He was my first choice but I guess everyone felt there would be an uprising if Obama didn't win. Tonight was the first time I have ever heard i have ever heard "The Best News Team" praise anyone other than Obama.

OHIO for Obama/Biden   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

This is a joke. Yes, I'm a Democrat, but this VP pick is laughable ... even Republicans are freaking out trying to spin this one. Did she really try to argue in her speech tonight that she is more qualified to be President than Barack Obama? That is one issue she shouldn't have opened up. I was watching a Republican spokesperson on CNN last night dodge questions, not being able to recite one thing she has accomplished as Governor or Mayor. And didn't they realize she is currently under investigation and has pressing family matters to deal with??? What were you thinking McCain? How is she going to even begin debating Biden?

Paul   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

CNN – your post-Palin speech comments and "report card" seem to fly in the face of what most Americans took away. All RNC speeches today were divisive, mean spirited and personal. There were no constructive, substantive ideas and where policies were criticized, Governor Palin's facts in particular were simply false. Where does she get off saying Barack Obama wants to raise American's taxes when he would cut the taxes of over 85% of them, raising taxes on incomes well over $200.000 only? Like Zen Petersen wrote above, my heart too felt sick and I was dismayed. This RNC convention is the polar opposite of the uplifting, inspirational and positive ideas that were conveyed at the DNC in Denver last week. The republicans are demonstrating why our nation is suffering.

Brett   September 4th, 2008 2:36 am ET

I'm observant enough to realize that both parties (I have no particular affiliation with either) are extremely vague in describing their plans. That being said, I must say that the Republicans appear to be speaking to a room filled with third grade children. Accurately paraphrased- "this is a dangerous world and Obama won't keep us safe", "America needs a maverick", "this is a battle between good and evil", etc. There is a sincere lack of substance is the Republican proposal. At least the Dems had the slightest respect for American citizens by laying out broad plans (yes vague, but not painful for those who posses an IQ above 70).

The fact of the matter remains... Trends in policy will tend to correlate with the particular party that is in power. If you have benefitted, or you feel the overall well being of our country has benefitted over the past 8 years, vote McCain. If you feel as if things have been less than satisfactory over the past 8 years and you would like to see a different approach, vote Obama.

Note to Republicans making comments on this board thus far- leaving blatantly nonsensical comments doesn't help your cause.

Irene from Alaska   September 4th, 2008 2:35 am ET

Pitbull with lipstick Yes indeed it is. Its so sickening to see such a young full of strength woman being sucked into the old school of thoughts. Thank God we have community organizers who really care for the common man who for years has gone unnoticed by the govenors the likes of Palin. Palin shame on you

J.V.Hodgson   September 4th, 2008 2:35 am ET

Typical Republican comments to change what a person actually said even though she gave the original words.
Does Mr Reid saying "cant stand Mccain" translate other than to party faithful what she said "cant stand up to Mccain" Clearly not!!
Add to that Guiliani's, sick, laughing mocking of Obama's community service, and earlier from others lauding Cindys charity efforts again demonstrates the double standards of Republicans who repeatedly and repeatedly , again and again correlate POW and war service and patriotism as the only qualifications ( QED judgement and experience) for a President. Equally nonsense.
I admire and respect Mrs Palin and her husband for having the downs syndrome child, it says nothing to me about whether she should or should not be a VP of a major international state, or her daughters out of wedlock conceived child.
As Obama said take it off the air waves, and the political stage that is electing a VP and presidential candidates.
Honour your constitution strictly Mr Mccain, and keep religion and politics separate.
Regards,
Hodgson.

Kay From Cal   September 4th, 2008 2:35 am ET

I am a Republican but I'm not voting for McCain / Palin ticket. She is not V.P material. She has no experience in International policy. It is very scary to even think about having her as president if something happens to McCain during his presidency. Realistically, It could happen. Don't forget, McCAIN IS 72 YERS OLD!!.

BBOvenGuy   September 4th, 2008 2:34 am ET

Sarah Palin is Dick Cheney in heels. And isn't *that* a scary image?

Helen   September 4th, 2008 2:33 am ET

Romney and Palin deride "Liberals" as people who believe government should help them while praising the values of the military.

Just who do they think the military works for? The government.

Who do they think pays for the military? We do with our taxes.

Palin spent most of her speech glorifying our dependence on our government squandering our economy to build military strength.

caywen   September 4th, 2008 2:33 am ET

These rips on being a community organizer are low. I think Palin should try community organization before being the lousy mayor she was. She might learn a thing or two about leadership. Perhaps that's why she had to be picked in a virtual lottery instead of leading a movement of 18 million voters like 2 real leaders we happen to know.

Kathy   September 4th, 2008 2:32 am ET

Her voice is like a fingernail on a chalk board. Obama/Biden for change from the mean spirited Republicans. They just don't get what the American people want. They are not it.

Marnie   September 4th, 2008 2:31 am ET

I was completely offended at the comment Palin made about not needing a community leader. Who was it that came to the rescue of all of those people after Katrina. It sure wasn't our federal government or even the states. It was the community leaders. I was one of those who coordinated efforts to get supplies to the area's neglected by so many. Without those community organizers many things would be neglected in this country. I am sure she thought she was a community leader while she was in the PTA. What is that anyway? I was in the PTA, but I don't have to tell everyone or wear it proudly like a badge. I just did it for my kids.

scat398   September 4th, 2008 2:31 am ET

did she just spend the last hour explaining why community organizers have no responsibilty? The people who donate their own time and energy with little to no pay to help make their community better? not to marginalize the work of the great state of Alaska, but a community organizer in Chicago probably works twice as many hours under worse conditions and has far more responsiblity. What on earth is wrong with these people? I've voted republican in every election, but as Obama said, enough! I can't take it anymore, these people are truly lost.

Were they chanting let us Drill...let us Drill? That's your energy solution for the future? Relying on 1920's technology. You could practicaly see the "RNC proudly sponsored by Chevron" on all the banners.

Danny   September 4th, 2008 2:30 am ET

i agree Harry should watch his words. But the amount of lies that they flung around the room in that convention are ridiculous. Oh, and about the oil debate. The Oil companies have 40 million miles of leased land, they drill in 10 million. Lets tell them to drill in what they have before we drill in what they dont.

jim tuffit   September 4th, 2008 2:30 am ET

No surprises from the 0bama supoorters (that's 0bama with a zero-for zero experience).

The fact that people responding to the Palin speech listened to it on npr (national pagan radio) is telling. A socialist is as a socialist does. Can't keep liberal talk without the taxpayer dough (100 million a year in federal funds)?

Palin did a heck of a lot more than put a plane on ebay or didn't you hear about the bridge to nowhere (I'm not just referring to the 0bama/Biden ticket)? Palin stopped the 200 million dollar bridge from being built.

I'm amazed at the venom from the women. I respect Sarah and believe she would be a great role model for my girls. Teen pregnancy, is that the best the demonrats got? What about John Edwards and his affair? Or the fact that he abandoned his cancer stricken wife to run for office? What about the Clintons? Ever heard of Monica Lewinsky? Or the fact that 0bama (the millionaire) lectures us about being our brother's keeper and he has a brother living on 12 dollars a year in Kenya?

Get a clue, look at the facts...

Anonymous   September 4th, 2008 2:29 am ET

How incredibly sad I feel... I am saddened by the lack of respect, decency, good taste-this convention gives so much credence to the term "Ugly American." There was nothing of substance offered on issues. Nothing at all. A part of me wants to plead with the Dems–and Barack and Michelle–to fight back on their level but that means going straight to the gutter to do battle. How incredibly sad......

Lisa from VA   September 4th, 2008 2:29 am ET

Shrill is not a sexist word unless you're a whiney wimp who can't take the heat. If so, then get out of the kitchen. If you want to play with the big boys, don't cry when they play back Sarah Palan. You're gonna have to man up.

cam   September 4th, 2008 2:28 am ET

Sorry, but at times she sounded like a PTA Mom or Hockey Mom on the attack. And yes, I am a woman, I am a working mom, and no, she has not won me over. I see a shrewd politician who, as an Alaskan native is only concerned about the welfare of her state. Clearly, her tactics worked there but this hardly qualifies her to be VP for the US.

sandy   September 4th, 2008 2:28 am ET

That media stuff was a hoax to scare the media...it's working. She seems mean. I don't like it.

jwr53   September 4th, 2008 2:28 am ET

When she referenced a 'do-nothing' Senate, did she forget McCain is a member of that club?

It was all a show, as she continues to play VP candidate on TV without any of the substance necessary to do the real job.

Paul   September 4th, 2008 2:27 am ET

I guess "shrill" is more overtly sexist than the campaign buttons being paraded around the floor of the Excel Energy Center: "Hoosiers for the Hot Chick" and "The Hottest VP from the Coolest State".

The RNC convention will go down as the biggest (and most hollow) political convention in history.

C. Griffin   September 4th, 2008 2:27 am ET

Sarah Palin's speech was really sad to watch as a citizen. I understand this isn't beanbag but, if she is going to dish this type of negativity she should be prepared to be smacked back.

Mike from Phoenix   September 4th, 2008 2:26 am ET

Listening to the speeches today at the RNC, from Romney to Palin, I realized there's something rotting away at the core of McCain's "reform" campaign.

When the GOP talks about change, they're only talking about, "The changing of the Guard."

Carmen Cameron   September 4th, 2008 2:26 am ET

I know women like Sarah Palin. And they scare me. Shrill and malicious does NOT equate to strong. I'm a woman AND a devout Christian and Sarah Palin's selection by John McCain is a clear INSULT to both.

Actually, I also feel sorry for her. She's in way over her head and now her speech has just demonstrated that she's already conceded to be turned into a sock-puppet to the party's hardest of hard-liners.

Shame on John McCain!

Petroleum Engineer from Texas   September 4th, 2008 2:25 am ET

Palin gave a good fun political speech, but was totally lacking in both substance and fact. I hoped to see leadership, but only got entertainment.

Before Bush made a liar out himself with 'WMD in Iraq', I was proud to be a republican. Over the last few months, I have been gradually won over by Obama. The conversion was cemented by tonight’s simplistic and irrational speeches, topped by an evangelistic crusader skilled in speech presentation but appearing to be thoroughly lacking in depth.

The ONLY thing I agree on with Palin is in my support of drilling in Alaska, but I disagree with her that it will make much of a difference in 'energy independence for America'. At best it will provide for a small percentage of our needs for a few years. Everything helps. A balanced approach including drilling, renewable and alternative energy development, building code changes and yes, even [gasp] conservation, and lifestyle changes are necessary to make a real energy difference in America.

The party that says global warming is fiction, a raped woman must keep any result of the rape, libraries must track what books we check out, those that are not with us are against us, and now suggests that all our energy woes will be solved simply by more drilling in Alaska is absolutely not for me.

Michelle Doss   September 4th, 2008 2:25 am ET

Well i did sit through what's her name? oh yeah Palin? she wasn't articulate. What a serious lack of education. This woman would be very happy if women were pushed back 20 years. Palin is regressive, and stagnate. What an insult to every progressive female in America. The Repubs, and evilgelicans remind me everyday why they are an exculsive bunch.They too teach Americans just like Islamic countries teach Americans why religious fundamentalists should never have power in America.I only hope Americans won't fall for this same old mess the third time.Funny how i didn't hear any mention of the word economy, jobs, health, equal pay. I did hear the chant of Drill Drill.The Repubs are wishing for the third time Americans will fall for that mess. I am pretty sure there will be millions that will follow them , for ignorance is bliss.I only hope the intelligent American will tell them Thanks but no thanks.

braggingrights   September 4th, 2008 2:24 am ET

Is this what folks call great speech? she was horrible through out! with a well written good for nothing speech! I bet it was endorsed by Karl Rove before it was presented!. Distortion of truth and facts doesnt make the speech right! Wake up America no more 4 more years of failed policies! infact 4 more months is too much!!

Bob Dull   September 4th, 2008 2:24 am ET

It's amazing to see so many Republican "sheep" being led to the poor house by their masters, I hope brain implants become popular soon.

As for Palin... Well... the Republican Party said the same thing about Cheney... She is a female version of him except with less experience.

We know what a Republican controlled Senate, House and White House would do... If you like our country's situation now... please vote Republican.

Lois   September 4th, 2008 2:24 am ET

Yes more attacks, as usual, but NOTHING once again, on the economy, healthcare and the War. ONLY OIL. And alternate sources thrown in. She is being used to attack for these spineless Republicans. This is a train wreck. McCain should be ashamed for not caring about this country more than this. Putting this person on the ticket is very irresponsible. Sad sad sad

PC   September 4th, 2008 2:23 am ET

I like her. Most of what the Republicans said tonight is true. There really is no substance to Obama/Biden ticket. Obama's a great speaker and is very charismatic. But Obama doesn't have a plan for the economy. He doesn't have a plan for Iraq. He doesn't have a plan for energy. And I don't see the Democrats trying to unify the country. They are too busy trying to unify their own party. I think John McCain has a better record of bipartisanship in Congress. I also don't buy Obama's Change rhetoric. His Senate record doesn't show that drive for change. At least McCain has been known for rocking the establishment. Obama is going to be beholdin to the Democratic establishment (i.e. the Clintons). I mean, he beat Hillary fair and square and yet pretty much groveled to the Clintons at the Democratic Convention. I think that is a sign of weakness. Same goes for his wiretapping vote. In the end, he'll take that path of least resistance. I don't think that's a good quality. I didn't want to vote for McCain but I find myself with no better choice. As far as criticism of Palin, I think it's all part of the game. I don't think there are any fatal flaws in her character or background. She's no worse than Biden.

AVR   September 4th, 2008 2:23 am ET

I guess she just proved that she really does have more experience that all US senators, even Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Yeah Right!

The American poeple demand specifics, there were none. How can you claim to bring reform to washington when you bring in the exact policies of Bush and Cheney.

The truth is the only corrupt official in the senate is Senator Ted Stephens, who is from Alaska, and is one of the Govenors strongest supporters

norma okun   September 4th, 2008 2:23 am ET

I am a citizen of the United States and pay taxes. I felt insulted when Mr. Mike Hucklebee said in his speech tonight at the Republican Party that he was not going to stay around to have the government come rescue him, I believe he represented himself, not America. Without the American people's taxes there would be no government. Taxes make it possible to support the war in Irac, and now the one billion dollars that President Bush is giving to Georgia.

We the people should be the same as we the goverment, and there should be respect for those unfortunate hurricane victims that suddenly had a right to receive help from a government they elect and pay taxes to. Governing idols are described in the bible: read Daniel. As a baptist he should know better.

Jimbo Edmonton Canada   September 4th, 2008 2:22 am ET

Your bar is awful low down there if that was considered a good and well delivered speech. It was pathetic and very annoying to watch and made me want to puke. Somebody must of threatened a heavy duty law suit on CNN because the entire network folks were falling all over themselves trying to heap praise on this mocking/combative telepromter read charade. She was and is pathetic Vice President candidate for any country. Wow I bet Russia's Putin is really scared of this new weapon the USA has.

Average American   September 4th, 2008 2:22 am ET

Here we go again. Disrespect offered by an ignorant flip flopper, who couldn't even finish her own job at home. If John McCain were the man he claims to be, he would speak for himself instead of hiding behind a lady's skirt. John, quit hiding behind her issues and stand up and be your own man. If you want to win the election, don't rely on Sarah Palin to do it for you.

Obama/Biden   September 4th, 2008 2:22 am ET

For people who said that Palin had more vote in her election as governer than Biden did as president, I want them to know that Biden was not on the barlot caucus past Iowa. You cannot take vote from one state and generalize the situation. I guess the same situation apply for that person when it come to his failed presidency bid as well. Biden is a long time experience senator with far more vote in all his reelection than that person who stated that comment and Palin combine. Biden is ready for the job when Palin is going to be an intern for the job.

prairieguy   September 4th, 2008 2:21 am ET

So much for McCain trying to be bi partisin....Mitt, Rudy and especially Sarah killed it tonight...all 3 were absolutely disgusting...attack seems to be all they know how to do...where is their plan to help America????

DRK   September 4th, 2008 2:21 am ET

1. McCains job is to lay out his plan for America, and convince the undecided. Phalin's was to be the pitbull with lipstick, just like biden did to the McCain/Bush/Republicans in his speech. She was very convincing in this capacity. Check

2. RNC conventions 1st job was to convince Conservative Republicans why we should unite behind McCain. Phalin is the reason we will now. 2x Check

3. Put the experince question out there from the start to show up Obama's lack thereof. Presidential canidate with the least experience of everybody in the race, including a very inexperienced gov. 3x check.

mj from alabama   September 4th, 2008 2:19 am ET

i was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt that she would be different but if she is just going to run on the culture war issues of the early 90's that' s too bad

dj in miami   September 4th, 2008 2:19 am ET

This lady was absolutly horrible....the democrates made hits on factual issues. and the convention last week lifted my spirits even though i am a republican, i hated how they pushed her daughter pregnancy out in the public and wants to question the media on why they are asking the question....please...... the evil and hatful spirit she had such as refering Obama as parting the sea, and healing the land really pissed me off, its obvious that they are jelious of Obama and Biden, there wasnt any reason to make a machery of obamas stage on last thursday, i feel as if i was watching saturday night live.....

Not once have they talked about policies for the economy, i cant wait till the debats

Obama/Biden born to lead not to devide

kirkiii   September 4th, 2008 2:19 am ET

My five year old is also a good speaker but most time she is not talking about anything important. Palin what about the job market? McCain must have forgotten about that all this week. My oldest daughter plays on a local football team and I support her doing that. I remind her that if you play in a contact sport expect to get hit hard. You can't cry about being a girl or say it's about sexism if it don't go your way. Palin stop blameing the media for your short comings. You just don't have the skills to play in the this league!

Rosa   September 4th, 2008 2:18 am ET

I believe that there are more community organizers in this country than city majors and Governors put together. I'll bet my house that in order for Sara Palin to win her election she had a "few" community organizers behind her. Seeing this convention has reminded me of the Nazi movement. I felt very uneasy staring at the crowd that is suppose to represent our country, but I only saw a few African Americans and even fewer Hispanics in the crowd. And the way they all spoke I don't think this country will ever be united.

One more thing. I am the wife of a retired military men who is a teacher, grandmother of six. lifetime member of the PTA, active in sports and coaching active in church and community, was an elected school board member, have traveled extensively to Europe, Jerusalem, Mexico, Greece, Turkey and all over the United States but that still does not qualify me to be V.P.

Ian   September 4th, 2008 2:18 am ET

So... Reid can't say the word 'shrill', but every Republican can wear button's that say 'Our VP is Hot' and other such sexist things? "The Hottest VP From the Coldest State"? Come on...

So if any Democrat were to repeat that Palin is the hottest vp from the coldest state, they'd be labeled a sexist, but the Republican's can wear those pins with pride.

Blacknproud   September 4th, 2008 2:18 am ET

Campbell Brown...Harry Reid's "shrill" comment is sexist?@! After being slammed by someone who will be a noted as a footnote in an obscured book somewhere in Alaska. His remark is right on the mark and as a woman who takes her politics straight-up; I thought you were out of line. I have tolerated your snide Democratic denouncements; listened to all of your off-the-cuff RACIST remarks directed toward the Democratic Nominee (under the guise of course, of lack of understanding other cultures). But tonight I finally got you – a aright-wing republican who will stop at NOTHING to win, including digging deep to pull out any card necessary to play – tonight it’s the “Sexist” card. It is appalling to hear successful woman scream sexism especially when the supposed "victim" is a barracuda that slung insults then runs back to her sisterhood for protection. You should be ashamed of yourself for stooping this low and more importantly as a reporter, this was your moment to challenge her lack of veracity, certainly insulted by the lies, misrepresentations made by your unqualified candidate. You need to go to a station where insults are the rigor of the day… Leave CNN and go where you belong...FOX

Joan   September 4th, 2008 2:18 am ET

For you Palin fans, especially Astrid: Have you LOOKED at what Palin stands for/supports? She's FOR oil drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge; she's AGAINST a woman's right to choose; she believes global warming is not caused by humans; she's AGAINST putting polar bears on the endanged list; she's AGAINST providing health benefits to same-sex partners. If this ticket is elected, we'll see a huge setback to equal rights, civil rights, etc. Remember that the next president will most likely appoint at least one new Supreme Court justice. Wake up!!!!

Andy   September 4th, 2008 2:18 am ET

She was really good tonight. I bet that the polls are a bit tighter the next few days. Like her or not, I have a feeling she will be around for a long time as a GOP powehouse.

Reginald   September 4th, 2008 2:17 am ET

John mcCain is truely an American Hero, but is that enough for this kind of economy that John McCain, President Bush, and the republicans has put us? I am not surprise that John McCain choosed Sarah Palin, he barely graduated from the navy academy. You do the comparison, Obama earned a B.S and a JD degree and Biden earned a dual B.S and a JD degree. What about McCain, he barely made it, and Sarah Palin earned a B.S in journalism. Talking about jugdment, I will take Obama and Biden anytime, anywhere, anyplace, all situations, anyday.

Jack   September 4th, 2008 2:17 am ET

Yeah, good reply. "Shrill?" What a dummy for responding back with that. How many women are going to be pissed at that. The idiot just played into the sexist card argument without knowing it.

Bigbubba   September 4th, 2008 2:17 am ET

McCain promised to run a campaign based only on the issues. Swore that he would not use attack ads. That personal attacks were what other Republicans did, not him. He wouldn't allow it. I have been watching the Republican Convention. What happened? Did John McCain lose all control of his own Party?
Obama has told his people not to attack Palin. Then Palin launches into a speech with eye rolling, Face making attacks on the Democrats.Is this a clown act? Are the Republicans going to bring out the real candidate later?
And the rest of McCains attack dogs were the only thing that made her speech seem even close to reasonable.

SV   September 4th, 2008 2:17 am ET

Palin gave a GREAT speech. and so did everyone before her. She recovered herself from the nonsense that the liberal media and biased news channels said about her!

Reality check #1   September 4th, 2008 2:17 am ET

Reid is still at the sexist attacks. I guess he just can't get over the fact that Palin could deliver a speech far superior to what we have heard from Obama, Reid's little puppet. Palin is going to make a great V.P., excellent choice for McCain.

roger   September 4th, 2008 2:16 am ET

I think the Republicans have overreacted to presumed attacks. Why is the media curious about Bristol? Well, um, you put out a press release about her and additional ones about her boyfriend coming to the convention and did a photo-op with McCain greeting them. Oh, that evil media!

It fires up the "base" but we all know what "base" means.

The GOP went for the lowest xcommon denominators. Palin's slimy attacks will play well with the less educated..and might be enough to win...but it's still slimy and despicable. Perhaps she should have instead thanked Obama for publicly declaring her children are off-limits and for his selfless community service done without the ambitious thought of being a political leader or CEO of a corporation.

stefanie   September 4th, 2008 2:16 am ET

I thought she did a good job speaking but I still don't know what her positions are on immigration, foreign policy, free trade...It scares me that people are saying they are voting for someone they don't even know. Maybe my questions will be answered during the debates because it wasn't answered tonight.

PSK   September 4th, 2008 2:15 am ET

It's very clever to use a woman as a self-confessed pit bull. They're counting on Biden not being able to throw a punch, because, while most women are liberated, ment still have to play by the chivalric code.

Phil   September 4th, 2008 2:15 am ET

The speakers sounded very familiar to me, sounded like FOX NEWS day, noon and night. I get the point attack, get personal. The Republicans have failed America for the past eight years, they had the White House and the Congress for 6 of those years and have ruined our economy with spending for Iraq. BILLIONS every month. Frankly I work in Law Enforcement for the Federal Government and the Republicans cannot guarantee our safety no more than the Democrats. Three days so far and no one has cited an example on how they are going to make our country better, like slowing this foreclosure thing, banks going under, health care, you know real issues that we need addressed. Oh I forgot, things are just fine, the economy is strong, what a joke. I respect John McCain, but I cannot vote for him after I heard his VP spew hatred tonight. Its the "UNITED" STATES people, you can get your point across without hate. Frankly, if you want to talk experience and that Palin has it and Obama doesn't, just remember we've had a Governor running the country for the last eight years. Use your vote wisely. Solutions people, we need solutions....

john b   September 4th, 2008 2:15 am ET

Palin offered nothing but shrill old style partisan political attacks. I may not even bother to watch McCain tomorrow.

Reba   September 4th, 2008 2:15 am ET

I wonder what Pallin is going to say when they finally find out she abused her power during her term as govenor seems like the Washington Post recieved some e-mails she sent out. Is Mc Cain crazy to think that she was vetted correctly! Boy he must be having a senior moment. Pallin should of given up at the beginning of all of the negative sarcastic, comments at this convention. The feedback and comments out in the everyday world is that everyone said because she is under investigation she shouldn't of been picked as VP. My question is why is she now asking her attorneys to see if they can challenge the jurisdiction of this investigation of her abuse of power. It seems like she is worried about the truth coming out. She claims to be a soccer mom but was very busy and not paying attention to what was going on with her pregant daughters conduct. Sure we all have skeletons in the closet but what a poor choice to put her own daughter in the public eye thats not kosher.She is not the kind of mom I would want to put a young person under the close eye of the public. Pallin also says she not a lobbyist but got a lot of pork for the Alaska state 23 million dollars worth. And the Senator from Alaska also sponsored Pallin. What a pair what a joke!

go away mongers- Ventura ca   September 4th, 2008 2:15 am ET

I don't always agree with Harry Reid- this time- he hit it right on the button!
(But isn't that what we expected her to do? After all, she IS a republican and what they do best is smear & fear!)

Joanne   September 4th, 2008 2:13 am ET

Out of curiousity, I sat through the "Off-right's" convention tonight and was disgusted by this endless parade of insults and venom. All Palin added to the mix was a shrill voice that dripped with poison. This shows their true colors and proved what they would really offer us, if elected. Absolutely nothing of substance. Just more or even worse of the same.
As for me, I'm not fooled by their "slight of words", because my eyes are wide open. This country is in a horrible crisis. We don't need more "Off-right SPIN". We need real solutions and that solution is Obama and Biden.

voter   September 4th, 2008 2:13 am ET

it was terrible and most of the women in the focus group agree. she was divisive and nasty without having a plan for the country which makes it worse. the dems fought back tonight on larry king. good to see because she was speaking lies.

Rob Nelson   September 4th, 2008 2:12 am ET

Palin is a joke I thought I was at a comedy show. Where were the issues? Nothing, I was hoping how she was going to tell how she left a small town in debt, how she raised taxes in Alaska, the great job she did raising her kids (the spears family). She is one more scandal from being off this ticket with all of the drama she has. I hope she have thick skin because the gloves are off know she will se the kitchen sink. You heard it here first.

John from Kansas   September 4th, 2008 2:10 am ET

Does the republican base really plan to support this ticket? Once we get past the convention and all the all white delegation, (where are the minorities), we find the republicans have nothing to offer. Did I hear one word of policy? No! Tonight was one speaker after another, (all losers to McCain), playing the same disgusting tune about the democrats. When did the republicans become the party of the stand-up-rejects? Remember fear has worked for the past eight years! I for one look to hope and dreams.
Would you offer up your 17 year old daughter for public humiliation? McCain and Palin should be vilified for submitting this yound girl to world scrutiny. You are two of the sickest politicians I have ever seen. Anyone who supports them are just as sick.

Regina   September 4th, 2008 2:10 am ET

If this is any indication of the Repblican Party staying above the sleaze, everybody should be on their guard. For the Religous Right, the Palin Speech, though not her own words, was catty, self serving, mean, rude, and thoroughly unladylike. It makes me wonder if the Bible toting crowd really, take heed to what their Bible Teaches. This Womans snide remarks upset me and I am a Christian. , their glee at the unseeming nasty remarks is counterproductive. Obama has shown everyone that he is more sincere than this crowd. If you want to read the difference between Palins and His resume, you need to find it and READ. Read Read.

Brandi Michelle from Texas   September 4th, 2008 2:08 am ET

It's hard to describe exactly what I felt tonight as I watched Sara Palin. I saw a strong and opinionated woman who was divisive and sarcastic. I was expecting her speech to be more inspirational and inclusive. She attacked Barak Obama as a person throughout the speech. And not once did she offer ideas on how we can get out of this mess that we're in with the economy and Iraq. When I watched the Democratic Convention last week, I felt uplifted and filled with hope. Tonight, I just felt plain sick.

Robbie   September 4th, 2008 2:07 am ET

Palin had nothing to bring to the table. The speech was full of lies and distortions, personal attacks and had no substance. If a culture war is all the Republicans have to offer this year, they are going to lose big time in November.

Obama/Biden '08!

Whitman   September 4th, 2008 2:07 am ET

I guess someone being a faith-based community organizer – helping people get jobs in an area hit by factory shutdowns – is pretty funny stuff. So much for Republican values.

scott   September 4th, 2008 2:07 am ET

As a gay San Francisco independent i love the McCain/Palin ticket. I can't wait for them to win in November. Sarah rocked hard tonight and we finally have candidates to be excited about. I thought Hillary would have been a better choice than Obama and was disappointed by her loss. Now I'm satisfied.

Fred   September 4th, 2008 2:06 am ET

It is hard to see how denigrating Senator Reid, the Senate Majority Leader-who she might have to work with if elected–is doing anything to promote bipartisanship. Mr. McCain has frequently stated that one of his primary goals is to end extreme partisanship in Washington. Apparently he forgot to tell Sarah.

EUNICE   September 4th, 2008 2:06 am ET

This woman is off the hook. I love what she did tonight. Obama has got his match and all of a sudden all the liberal media is crying that she was helped by a teleprompter. What a hypocrite they are. It is okay for Obama to have a teleprompter but not a Republican candidate. It is ok for Obama not to be vetted but they question why McCain did not vet Governor Palin. What a hypocrite. Why are they worried about the vetting? Let that be McCain's headache and not yours'.

This is it. The game has just begun. This woman is hot and exactly what America needs at this time. I was a supporter of Hillary but now supporting McCain and Palin.

How in the world can any liberal criticize this woman on experience when Obama does not have even one?

David   September 4th, 2008 2:06 am ET

Now who is the reformer, Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin. The speeches tell it all. She was attack machine.. same as Guliani.. and Rodney and Hukabee. McCain do not get it..Obama is right. You cannot reform Washingston with divisive attacks.

What about Community organizing! – her comment is mockery to those who were uplifted when there lost their jobs. Where is Alaska, wonder if there is a reality check on this, for example... which community lost jobs with nowhere to go.. what was he approach...that is the difference. This is an insult and insentive to american people.

Palin is living in her own world, very mistaken. If she did community organizing she would have the same feeling..ordinary people doing extra ordinary jobs. She did not, so she feels that way and go on to abuse Americans. This is a clear choice.

S.B.   September 4th, 2008 2:05 am ET

Shrill and sarcastic...is that all you have to say...this lady has just thrown the entire Black Leadership under the bus...community organizers are why Blacks have rights today....she has open a can of worms she did not want...

RyanD.   September 4th, 2008 2:05 am ET

She has lost any hope McCain had at independant and leaners looking for real answers.

Too bad the McCain of 2000 is long gone.

jords   September 4th, 2008 2:04 am ET

Sarah Palin didn't pull any punches for a very sound reason: she wants to make it clear to the American voters that just because she's a mother of 5 and a former beauty queen there is no need to pander to her or demean what she stands for. I for one was quite impressed with her speech, and as a former Hillary Clinton supporter I find her very refreshing. Do I agree with her 100% on the issues? No, but I'm finding more we agree on than disagree, points that will be actual issues in the next 4 years.

My true disappointment with tonight's speeches is the negative campaigning. Please, JUST STOP. Seriously. It doesn't make either side look better. You can forcefully state facts and policies you believe in and/or want to change and compare your position to that of your opponent in a way that doesn't belittle them or their families or their beliefs or their careers. (Chris Matthews and the entire MSNBC crew, this is directed at you as well!)

I look forward to the upcoming debates for both President and VP – this is definitely shaping up to be the most important presidential race in my lifetime!

Clean-up women is now a pitbull!   September 4th, 2008 2:02 am ET

So, what's Sarah Palin's job, to go behind everyone that has ever said anything about John McCain and defend him? How long ago was it that Harry Reid made that comment, and McCain is just getting around to addressing it? I'm hoping she learned more from her journalism degree than just being a pitbull attack dog!!

Can We Get A Pooper Scooper For This Pitt Bull?   September 4th, 2008 2:01 am ET

It's the ECONOMY stupid! The Republicans have just sunk to a new low. She spent almost her entire speech trying to trash Obama, and alot of her "facts" were WRONG!!! I guess the newspaper reports that the McCain campaign has no intention of discussing the issues is true? Her attempts to deflect from her own inexperience by attacking Obama may have worked if this weren't her first time on the national stage in prime time. We expected to hear about her and why we should elect her. Instead her speech lacked substance. This was a waste. I don't know if I can take listening to her voice much longer. Her voice is high-pithced, has a nagging tone and sounded absolutely dreadful as she droned on and on and on... No wonder she never made it as a sports caster.

G man from the big apple   September 4th, 2008 2:01 am ET

Some one please inform Governor Palin that the community that was organized is 4 times the size of the town she was mayor of.

To think Obama was nice to this pit bull with a lipstick

Maggie Canadian   September 4th, 2008 2:00 am ET

I absolutely agree with Harry Reid's comments. Sarah Palin's voice is shrill. I first noticed this last Friday. As I watched (for the first 15 minutes), she seemed a little bit controlled or so I thought.

Perhaps the Republicans can hire someone to coach her so she doesn't sound "shrill". That is one of the reasons why I didn't want to watch her speech. If only I could read lips, I would have then muted the television.

Heaven help us over the next 2 months!

At least Harry has the guts to tell like it is!

Julie A   September 4th, 2008 2:00 am ET

I am a Hillary supporter and life-long Democrat who happens to be from bitter small town America. My family and I are appalled at the sexist treatment of Sarah Palin by the media and will be voting for the TRULY EXPERIENCED, HONEST ticket of CHANGE: McCain/Palin.

Tyler   September 4th, 2008 2:00 am ET

Wait until she debates Joe Biden...........................Biden is going to open the book of knowledge on her. The debate is such a mismatch. I am going to love seeing them debate on foreign policy, with Palin having 0 expreience and Biden having 30 years of it.

Matthew   September 4th, 2008 2:00 am ET

My take on the Palin drama is that she has done a decent job at rounding up the base, but turns off crucial independants and just left-of-center voters. Her popularity doesn't extend much beyond the far right.

Jennifer   September 4th, 2008 1:59 am ET

CNN: You are wrong in praising this speech. It appeals only to gutter politics. It was mean-spirited, divisive, rude, condescending....I could go on...Not once did the republicans honestly acknowledge that Obama's nomination was something the nation should be proud of, regardless of afliliation. And as someone who has organized poor communities, I am offended by the endless attacks on those of us in the trenches. Think before you speak, people even if the live television medium doesn't allow much time for that.

J.C.Curia   September 4th, 2008 1:59 am ET

Hello,

Sarah Palin's speech could have been presented by any proficient Republican just to downgrade the Democractic Party and Obama.
She was just selected to persuade the woman votors to vote
for their applicable Republican party.

If anything does happen to John McCain, she is certainly not qualified
to be the "President of this great country."

Anonymous   September 4th, 2008 1:59 am ET

The differences between the two conventions are night and day. I prefer the tone and diversity of the Democratic convention. What I saw tonight was a turnoff, not to mention nasty and low on content & facts and snide. Same old stuff. Love McCain as a person, I admire him.... don't like her. Take the dress and lipstick off her and put it on Guliani and its the same. Dont want her as a VP, truly tacky.

Northwest Washington   September 4th, 2008 1:58 am ET

If I was a Republican I would dump McCain and have Palin be the head of the ticket. She has a ton more guts then he has.

Gloria   September 4th, 2008 1:58 am ET

As an older, retired, white, female Independent , I was appalled by Palin's presentation tonight. Her attacks against Obama were so sarcastic and unfair. And how dare she minimize his work as a community organizer! Yes, she is a charmer and obviously very comfortable in her own skin, but she has no experience or real exposure to the world beyond Alaska. Obama went through a baptism of fire over the past 18 months and came out ahead. And she thinks that after less than a week in the national spotlight, she can so nastily attack him. I advise the media to arrange one- on- one televised discussions with her ASAP and ask her some challenging questions about her stance on various crucial issues– before she completes a crash course on what the campaign expects her to answer!!!!!

Kate Fergus   September 4th, 2008 1:57 am ET

Sarah Palin had nothing to say that was of substance. In some respects I feel sorry for her because she is accepting McCain's policies which clearly mirror George Bush's policies of the last 7+ years.

In addition, having some executive experience is not the prime concern for me. Look, Bush had years of executive experience as governor of Texas before taking office, but clearly proved he lacked good judgment. They go hand in hand. Executive decision-making can be learned. Good judgment is harder is learn.

I am surprised that McCain took so little time to vet her. This shows poor judgment on his part – imagine making such rash decisions if he had the power of president.

Sara Palin offered no concrete statements on her positions and certainly didn't look presidential. She was petty and sarcastic and lied about Obama's policies. Hardly someone you want to make serious decisions that affect the entire country – that heartbeat away from the Presidency is scary stuff.

April in Texas   September 4th, 2008 1:57 am ET

I am guessing since she decides to punch we can puch back.. Gloves are off and its on.. We will show you what comunity organizers can do and then you can eat your words on the way back to Alaska and praise them some more.

Manuel TX   September 4th, 2008 1:56 am ET

I love Hillary...and I love Sarah!

It is going to take a woman to effect real change in DC...someone who is really from the outside and not some machine politician from Chicago.

This Hillary supporter is voting for McCain/Palin. :)

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raymoore   September 4th, 2008 1:55 am ET

I was really disappointed in the CNN crew tonight! I felt like I was watching fox news! What was wrong with Cambel Brown, it’s like she was making up for the Republican Party canceling their interview. They were just falling all over themselves about that speech from the vice president nominee. I think CNN is trying to start something over the comments by the majority leader.

Joey from Ohio   September 4th, 2008 1:53 am ET

I find the comments on this page funny.

You see, in the liberals eyes, it is perfectly legit to run a female candidate's family through the mud, but heaven forbid that said candidate mock Obama's sad attempt to claim that he is even remotely qualified to run this country.

Let's face it. Our speeches were more energized, they had more substance and our speakers said it all with a smile on their face. If you couldn't see that, then you weren't watching. Our speakers seemed to really be enjoying themselves.

Finally, a week without the anointed one's face plastered EVERYWHERE. It is clear that the Dems and the liberal media can dish it out, but when our people defend themselves, we're the ones being shrill? What a bunch of pussies!

I can't wait until Nov. 4th when you elitists finally see that there are more states in this country than California, the New England area and Illinois. I think you are all in for a nice big surprise when you wake up November 5th. :-)

Trish from Arizona   September 4th, 2008 1:53 am ET

Wow, I guess the truth really does hurt because when the right plan for the country being presented is the truth (McCain/Palin), the major networks like CNN and Fox can't handle the truth so they just keep lifting Obama up.

Eric   September 4th, 2008 1:53 am ET

I agree with McCain. Now I understand why he picked her. Able to stretch the truth with the blink of a eye, conservative lunatic, already buried under a couple of scandals.

Was it only me, and I know I'm walking on thin ice, who was simply disgusted at the idea that she and her husband would bring her small baby, (and my brother is down syndrom so I know), physically more fragile, in a crowd at 22:00. I'm sorry but I could not help to think that this woman will do anything to get ahead. Appaling.

nick from pennsylvania   September 4th, 2008 1:52 am ET

Tonight I watched the Rep convention along with several friends and the consensus was that there was plenty of attacks but no substance. we felt the democratic convention actually made us feel like there is hope for a better tomorrow but tonights republican convention was like so much venom,fear,sarcasm etc . My girlfriend called and said did you just see that on T.V.? she said she seemed so fake up there trotting the daughter's boyfriend on stage like a prized Moose (no pun) ready for the slaughter and having Trig on stage late at night in front of screaming throngs. shouldn't the baby be sleeping somewhere quiet?
My girlfriend is republican and i am a democrat and we disagree on certain issues but my god the rhetoric and divisive behavior made everyone i know cringe. I would have felt better with Liebermann as VP pick and that would have made me a real fence sitter but now i have to go back to reality and stay with Obama...now if i can just make my girlfirend think differently...hehehe good night everyone. :)

kevin   September 4th, 2008 1:52 am ET

What are Mcain/Palin stance on the issues that are effecting this country. I did not hear any plans on the issues. All I heard was fearmongering speaches. Governor Palin How how are you going to help the Nation when you insult them with your comment about community orginizers

maggieb   September 4th, 2008 1:52 am ET

Harry Reid is an idiot. Gov Palin seems to us the kind of person who will get the job done, Instead of turning out the lights and going on vacation at the tax payers expense , when americans are suffering from high oil prices. What has Harry Reid or Nancy P done? They turned out the lights and we are turning out the lights on electing democrats come November.
We are no longer Undecieded Democrats. Mccain/ Palin 08 has our votes period

army gop   September 4th, 2008 1:52 am ET

as an active duty member of the army, stationed with Gov. Palins son, iI cannot believe all the left wing jargon coming from these people. Can anyone put dem/rep aside and take a step back and look? Obama has NO expirieince, Mccain does. They are the presidential canidates, not Gov. Palin. Its always been the VP's job to attack the other parties canidate, Mccain will talk policy. Leave Palin alone, quit hating because she is living the american dream and relishes her role in it.

Brian   September 4th, 2008 1:51 am ET

I thought that it was silly what Mitt Romney said about 'liberal' Washington – it was like he was calling the Bush Administration Liberal...very odd.

I thought she was a decent speaker overall and obviously a pro at her job (Politician), but I have serious concerns over anyone in the white house who believes in Creationism or Intelligent Design. Not to belittle those with faith, but most religious views were once just answers for unknowns. Once we figured out what really was going on with science we didn't need to have a miracle as a reason.

There is a reason our founding fathers wanted to separate church and state.

Rob C.   September 4th, 2008 1:51 am ET

Yesterday, I thought McCain was nuts and that he should throw Sarah Palin under the bus. Boy was I wrong and McCain was right!
Tonight's speech Palin gave at the Republican Convention (9-3-08), was the best, funniest, coolest most down-to-earth speech I have ever heard from any politician. I see why Alaska loves her.
She's a phenomenon!

Jessica   September 4th, 2008 1:51 am ET

A halfway decent speaker, speaking someone else's lines, with nothing to say and nothing to offer, telling a number of outright lies. This spectacle tonight has made a mockery of good people with good values, and has shown that the Republican Party is well and truly swimming in its own bile at this point. Disgusting that people were cheering on this kind of mockery, mockery with no message, mockery just for the sake of it. Isn't our country better than that?

Toni   September 4th, 2008 1:50 am ET

Sarah Palin stated sellng a jet on ebay, firing her chef and firing her driver made her qualified to be Veep.

Well I say elect me,

I sold a boat on ebay,

and I had to fire my house keeper and gardener because of the economy the Republicans have created.

At least if I am VP the economy would get better for me.

Allen   September 4th, 2008 1:50 am ET

I consider Obama's 8 years as an Illinois senator and 4 years as US senator to be relevant experience towards being a quality president.
I consider Obama's experience as a community organizer to be evidence that he is a quality human being.
These attacks against Obama's work for the community were truly pathetic. If they want to talk down his senate experience, that's one thing. But, attacking his community work makes no sense. They belittled the concept of serving one's community. Regardless of his qualifications to be president, Obama has inspired many people to look out for one another in their community and beyond. He is a positive, inspiring person, and belittling this just makes the Republicans looks even more out of touch and ruthless.

I think Giuliani's and Palin's speeches tonight just reinforced the negative view many Americans have of the Republican party and only hurt their chances in November.

TOO BAD, SO SAD , IT SUCKS TO BE YOU   September 4th, 2008 1:50 am ET

I am very proud of her! As a democrat voting REPUBLICAN, how sad that the democrats could not muster up the courage to nominate Hillary Clinton. The REPUBLICANS outsmarted you again, this nation is ready for a woman, it should of been Hillary, but it will be Sarah Palin. Too bad, so sad, it sucks to be a democrat!

D in Phoenix   September 4th, 2008 1:50 am ET

Just another political hack. How long does the McCain camp think they can keep their self-described "pit bull" wrapped up? If she can't come out and run with the big dogs, she should stay on the porch.

Someone should have told her that if you play the role of attack dog, you can't later play the sympathy card.

By her sniping, she has lost all cover when the National Enquirer throws the KO punch. She will also get no sympathy when the Dems start showing how she actually hired lobbyists to get earmarks and initially supported the "Bridge to Nowhere".

Of course, Johnny doesn't care. Afterall, he got another free night of advertising without having to mention George Bush or Dick Cheney.

thisniss   September 4th, 2008 1:49 am ET

You know, there's angry and there's angry. People in this country are fed up, and rightly so, with an administration of crooks and liars. We're "angry" about leaders who have used partisan attacks and the politics of "divide and conquer" to shield them from accountability. That (my friends) is a righteous anger.

On the other hand, there is the Angry Right, who use their vitriol, their sarcasm, and – yes – their shrill attacks to divert attention from the real issues. Do their insults put food on our tables? Do their chants of "U.S.A. U.S.A U.S.A" keep us any safer? Do their mocking taunts advance a single position that will move us toward positive change? No. But they sure get people riled up. They *want* people to be angry. Anger keeps us from seeing the truth. It keeps us from focusing on the real culprits – THEM! For the GOP to come into their convention and try to act like someone else has been in charge these last eight years is just ridiculous. And for them to act like the solution is to be MORE rabidly partisan, MORE aggressively conservative, MORE like Bush than Bush himself?? Yeah right. How dumb do they think we are?

Palin ~was~ shrill and sarcastic. She had nothing new to offer, so she resorted to the politics of mean. We've had enough, and we're not going to take it anymore. That doesn't make us sexist, it doesn't make us elitists, it doesn't make us "the angry left," and it doesn't even make us all Democrats. It just makes us sensible Americans who want more for our country than we've had under their so-called leadership.

No Way   September 4th, 2008 1:49 am ET

Regarding the swipe at Michelle Obama - isn't that a tad hypocritical coming from a supporter of Alaskan independence (allegedly...)? Supporting secession is a clear indication that you are not exactly proud of your country. Also, was Sarah Palin really pleased to accept the nomination to be the VP of the "United" States, or is she hoping for more chances to further promote the interests of just one? Hmm....

Sherri   September 4th, 2008 1:48 am ET

She lied. She attacked. She pandered. She showed her neo-con roots. Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton. This hate filled speech will go far in uniting all of us Democrats. For that I'm thankful. I share no values in common with Sarah Palin. She did not have her facts straight. Shame on her. No McCain/Palin ever.

R. Squibbs   September 4th, 2008 1:48 am ET

I was really surprised she put so much emphasis on being a "reformer," and being against the Bridge to Nowhere and against earmarks. By now, everyone out there (except for Republicans who close their ears and minds to the truth) knows that that's just plain false. She did the Obama campaign a favor tonight with her standard Republican attack and these blatant falsehoods. I can see the ad already: Business As Usual.

Dexter   September 4th, 2008 1:48 am ET

Good night if you are a republican. Bad night if you are a democrat. Boy, Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller was struggling tonight. They were quite a bit bolder last night, especially when Ed Schultz was attacking Sarah Palin as a bad mother. I did flip over to MSNBC long enough to watch them flop around trying to figure out how to criticize her performance.

All of the dem's talk about unifying is disingenuous. Campaigns don't spend hundreds of millions of dollars to loose. Unfortunately nothing is off the table. She had nothing to lose to hit quick and hit hard. I'm so sick of hearing "20 months of being a governor does not prepare you to be president". Ok, I don't necessarily disagree with that but do you "really" want to go there? Good luck trying to bash her tomorrow about her contrasting "community organizers" versus "Mayors".

Finally, keep the faith. I am sure if you dig deep enough (through city council minutes) you might find something to get some traction with. In the mean time, be careful, pit bulls bite. Especially ones with lipstick. :>)

TXMomof2   September 4th, 2008 1:47 am ET

Well Astrid,

She did push, but then don't you all going crying when the Democrats push back.

Sarah Palin called Hillary's charges of sexist treatment "whining" and said women had to expect scrutiny and tough treatment.

So I don't want to hear any "whining" out of her or the McCain camp when she is treated just like any other politician.

Brant   September 4th, 2008 1:47 am ET

I think the meanness and sarcasm played will in that room, but I don't see it changing too many votes, and it may backfire a bit. The speech was expertly written, by someone else, but I thought her delivery sounded a bit like one I'd expect at city council meeting. Not authoritative, but parroted.

It's Over   September 4th, 2008 1:47 am ET

Wow!!! When the CNN left wingers in the media start talking about how she knocked this one out of the park you can believe ... BO & Joe are in a great deal of trouble!

How many times did BO vote "present?" I knew it was a lot but he really doesn't have anything to run on.

Keep on attacking Sarah Palin. It's gonna bite you in the backside. BTW, those that didn't hear a strategy for fixing the economy wasn't listening very closely.

But I loved Rudy's line ...

"Change is not a destination, just as hope is not a strategy."

Raising McCain!!!

McCain/Palin 2008

It's not about color, it's about character!

Garey   September 4th, 2008 1:46 am ET

I am so sick and tired of hearing the Dems state that this ticket is another failed Bush administration.

That is all they can say. Obama is without a doubt the biggest joke I have ever heard of. He has done nothing what so ever to become the next President. Please, name some SERIOUS accomplishments? You cant. Chane, theres another hollow statement... The only change will be another family in the White House.

I am so afraid if Obama gets into Office what this Country will go. Can you sas Marxism??? Thats where this guy will take us. One World Government, One World Currency... What a joke...

McCain/Palin For My Vote...

Little Dude in Africa   September 4th, 2008 1:46 am ET

Yes, she is a good speaker with out goals.

Confused beyond Belief   September 4th, 2008 1:45 am ET

Good lord this is getting crazy. Ok, Im not American, I will never vote in an American election, but yeah, us Canadians are following this very very closely, and the vast majority of people I talk to are shocked that MCSAME and his cronies are even CLOSE in the polls ...this shouldn't even been close for McCain!!

Now you have the media, doing what the media does ...THEY create the talking points and the talking points seem to be focused more on sexism than your 13 trillion dollar debt. Obama and Biden will not be able to look at Palin without it being sexual in nature, and that is exactly what McCain wanted. What better way to avoid talking about the real issues your country is facing than to paint all Democrats as pigs.

Palin is a woman, YEAH they are going to say things, like (shudder) "shrill" about a woman, but were it a man they may have used the word "bellowed", would that make it sexist against men? No, because men have owned Washington ..you girls who want to play with the big boys had better grow some thick skin.

And to all you so called Hillary supporters who will now go pout and vote for McCain just because your girl didn't get in this time: Shame on you! Way to take the " cut off your nose to spite your face" attitude.

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that common sense will win out and Obama will make history this November!

HelpAmerica   September 4th, 2008 1:44 am ET

I am a woman and I agree with Harry Reid. Sarah Palin's speech was shrill and sarastic. That the truth not sexisms. I am tired of everyone acting like Sarah Palin's is a piece of gold. She accepted the nomination and put her self under scrutiny. Let's be honest this woman has alot of skeletons in her clothes.

It's like my mother told me about buying a house. I was complaining about the mortgage company asking for so much information. My mother asked me what would I do if a stranger came to my door and asked to borrow a hundred dollars. Wouldn't I ask a lot of questions?.

Sarah Palin is an unknown, before I give her my vote I want to know everything about her. If she is not ready for that then she shouldn't have accepted the nomination.

INDEPENDENT   September 4th, 2008 1:44 am ET

This is what makes people proud? Reducing political discourse to mudslinging and angry rhetoric? She may be pretty. Heck, she might even be a good Governor. But the last thing America needs is more angry blowhards in the White House.

Why do Republicans think it's a good idea to demonize everyone they disagree with? Where is the honest debate about issues?

At least last week we heard the Dems talk policy plans and solutions to problems.

These Republicans are mean, ugly people who make me afraid for America's future!

Jean   September 4th, 2008 1:43 am ET

The definition of shrill in my dictionary is "high-pitched and piercing in sound quality". It says nothing about this coming only from a woman. I agree with Reid, she hurt my ears!

Michele   September 4th, 2008 1:43 am ET

Does Palin realize that Nevada is a "toss-up" state that the Republicans are trying to win in Nov? Does she really think the best strategy is to call them a "do-nothing state".
Maybe she's not so smart after all...

Jim   September 4th, 2008 1:43 am ET

Gov. Palin seems exactly like a female clone of George Bush. She inflames prejudices, vilifies her opponents, uses sarcasm, ignores facts, appeals to cultural conservatives, believes the Iraq war is God's will, is a hypocrite in her personal life, etc. She has almost no ideas and would continue the Bush/'Cheney policies in every respect. A pretty smile does not mean change, only deception.

Ron Cram   September 4th, 2008 1:42 am ET

Gov Palin gave an outstanding speech tonight. Folks we are looking at a possible 16 years of McCain/Palin. No wonder Dems are in meltdown. They are so panicked they are looking everywhere for a scandal and just can't find one.

The troopergate thing is a non-entity. Monegan admitted being an at will employee who could be fired at any time for no reason at all. Regarding any possible pressure that may have been put on Monegan to fire the trooper, so what? The trooper was never fired so it is a moot point. This thing will be circular filed in no time. None of the other so-called scandals are even worth mentioning. Even Obama said to leave the kids out of it.

democrat 4 life   September 4th, 2008 1:42 am ET

Lets really look at the experience comparison:

Obama:
B.A in political science from Columbia University, with a specialization in international relations
J.D. in Law from Hardvard, graduated magna cum laude; President of the Harvard Law Review
12 years (92-04) teaching constitutional law
7 years State Senator: sponsored more than 800 bills
4 years Senator for Illinos, a state with 12.8 million people

Palin:
Bachelor's in journalism from University of Idaho
4 years Wasilla City Council (8000 people)
6 years Wasilla mayor (8000 people)
1 year "Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission"
20 months governor of a state with 660,000 people

America won't vote for Palin. In her speach tonight she said nothing about her plans to help our economy, foreign policies, health care, etc. The entire convention keeps talking about how McCain was a POW. We give him that respect but on the real side, who cares if he was a POW 50 years ago!!! I want to hear deliverance from both candidates instead of his VP pick being bashful and unable to deliver. The others need to stop with their failed presidential nominations and possible VP picks.

Keith   September 4th, 2008 1:42 am ET

I found her speech to be mocking, sarcastic, and divisive – this isn't the 2004 election!

Sammy   September 4th, 2008 1:42 am ET

Her speech was well delivered and obviously the crowd loved it. In the coming weeks she will definitely be able to hold her own and dish out some pretty good attacks. But I heard nothing inspirational in her speech. The republicans always knock Obama for being inspirational but I dont know what so bad about it.. irregardless of the message. If Palin was less of the self described pit-bull with lipstick and talked more about her ideas for America it would have been better.

damon bazzeghin   September 4th, 2008 1:42 am ET

I found her speech to be very refreshing, no double speak, misspeak, what is is, et al. She does not mince her words, is very competent and confident. I find liberal Democrats an incestuous bunch.

Independentandlovingit   September 4th, 2008 1:41 am ET

McCain's new ad puts another stitch in what we've called his pattern of deceit on Obama's tax plan. This one claims Obama and congressional Democrats plan to push forward "painful tax increases on working American families" and that they will bring about "years of deficits," "no balanced budgets" and "billions in new government spending."

The ad is plain wrong about higher taxes on working families. In fact, Obama's economic plan would produce a tax cut for the majority of American households, with middle-income earners benefiting most. As for "years of deficits," exactly the same claim could be made about McCain's program. It's unlikely either Obama or McCain would balance the budget, and both are projected to increase the debt by trillions.

Analysis
We've already reported on at least three other ads, in both Spanish and English, from Sen. John McCain's campaign that distort his rival's tax policy. The ads claim that, for example, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama would raise taxes "on the sale of your home" and that he has a "history of raising taxes" and that he wanted to raise taxes on "families" making just $42,000 a year.

Claims like these have led us to say that McCain's campaign is engaging in a "pattern of deceit" when it comes to describing Obama's tax plan. This most recent ad fits right into the template.

Democrat Abroad looking for GOP beef   September 4th, 2008 1:41 am ET

Snappy sound bites below the belt – and to hear the crowd, they loved it. So what does it say about the GOP and their base? Too much talk radio and the willingness to be led by the nose of anyone who inflames their emotions – welcome to the fundy cracker base that Palin was selected to appeal to galvanize for the General Election. Sad and cynical without substance. GOP: Where's the beef?

candy   September 4th, 2008 1:41 am ET

I think Sarah Palin was great!! She didn't have to use eloquent words, or talk up herself. I thought the attacks on Obama were truthful. The democrats have slammed her enough since she was announced as the VP pick. Instead of playing with words, she laid it out on the line in plain words that everyone could understand.

As far as her daughter being pregnant, I guess that most of the democrats have the perfect families. Jokes can be made about the recent hurricane from the democrats, but that's OK. I am ashamed to say that I used to be a democrat.

Pam in AZ   September 4th, 2008 1:40 am ET

Tonight, an Independent voter just decided to vote for Obama. If that is the way the Republicans want to run their campaign, I will not engage in it. I have voted for McCain for years and he just lost one voter. Sarah Palin was shrill and rude and hateful. Disgraced our gender.

Taisha   September 4th, 2008 1:40 am ET

Not only was I offended by Palins comments about community organizers but I was also deeply hurt. A couple of days ago, they showed pictures of Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa parks as to say they were showing gratitude for there historic accomplishments. But now you turn around and make a mockery of the man who primarily is the reason black americans are where they are today. Martin Luther King was a community organizer. He organized all the way to Washington! I don't take her comments lightly and i don't think any American will. We have great people who accomplishe BIG things by organizing the community first. This just goes to show she is an extension of the Bush/Chaney error, and she should be ashamed of herself.

A Hillary Democrat   September 4th, 2008 1:39 am ET

Reid....the truth hurts...the deomocratic no good congress has done nothing much less with Obama. Sarah gets my vote ... for the first time I will vote Replubican.... Hillary in 2012

Highlyblessed   September 4th, 2008 1:39 am ET

And she was so off based on her accusations, and yet she failed to mention her oh so recent flip flops on the "bridge to nowhere", she hired a lobbyists to get millions in earmarks, and left her itty bitty town of 6,500 in debt to the tune of 20 million when she left office. But she didn't mention that.....but the media sure will. And of course the Republicans will say it's sexism.

So tired of them playing the sexism card. If you want to play with the "Big Dogs", come ready to play fair and don't pull the sexism card when you lose. This is why she should've been vetted sooner and maybe groomed for the job, so she'd be ready and not have to constantly rely on the sexism issue. It's repetitive and irritating to hear, and I'm a woman.

GeoLee   September 4th, 2008 1:39 am ET

Bobby, I met the candidate one time...on television tonight and I, in fact, have made the determination that she is not ready to be vice president...no way, no how, no Palin..EVER!

Obama 08: 60, white, female.   September 4th, 2008 1:38 am ET

What struck me was not only the tone and disrespect all of the speakers, including Gov. Palin, to the Americans who have supported Barack Obama, was the diffenece in tone in the aydiences in the two conventions.

The Democrates in the audience applauded hope, vision and the furure. there was joy in that audience. There was a sincere love of country and each other.

In the Republican audience there was hate, anger and a collective support for smear and derision of their fellow Americans. There was a smuness and arrogance that has been part of this party for too long.

John McCain and his running mate have set an example that will NOT unite a country that greatly needs it but will divide it exactly how it is. Nothing positive will come from this Republican "leadership".

Diana   September 4th, 2008 1:37 am ET

I have to imagine she was highly effective at energizing their base. And the comments I'm hearing from regular people seem to reflect this. But it certainly didn't do anything to make me like her more. Shrill and sarcastic pretty much sums it up for me, too.

Chris, in NC   September 4th, 2008 1:37 am ET

Same old stuff...attack attack attack. Nothing new from the Republicans, no substance, no talk of the economy, no plan for health care...just one big Dem-bashing from start to finish. That kind of bluster is typical among people who have nothing to say. Wake up America...we need something more than, "well...um...we haven't had a terrorist attack in seven years"

Charlie Black   September 4th, 2008 1:37 am ET

I'm offended that she attacked community organizers. So what are their policies, PTA vs Community Organizers? Will she sell Air Force 1 on eBay to fund more war? Give me a break McPitbull! McCain/Palin is T O A S T.

Obama08   September 4th, 2008 1:36 am ET

We need LEADERSHIP in this country again, not ugly divisiveness!

Matt in Kansas   September 4th, 2008 1:36 am ET

How has the attacks on women worked so far by Obama? Shrill is a code word for a WOMAN. Obama, after being discarded by his mother, now wants all women to pay. Any member of the DNC is speaking for Obama, period.

Millie   September 4th, 2008 1:36 am ET

Palin insulted me tonight by putting down my life's work. I am a social worker and community organizer. There is no reason for the putdown. But I guess Ishe also put down the work of other community organizers such as Jane Addams, Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Theresa and yes Jesus Christ. But that's ok, because she just motivated me to go out tomorrow to register new voters to help make FL a blue state. WRONG group to insult, because we are all about organizing and taking action!

R. Woodbury   September 4th, 2008 1:35 am ET

You only have one chance to make a first impression. Palin showed as relentlessly negative, though glibly so. Palin is little more than a professional harpy.

Edmund Burke Conservative   September 4th, 2008 1:34 am ET

I was disappointed by the viciousness of the convention tonight.
I think she could have been presidential without having stepped so seamlessly into the attack mode of the earlier speakers. Although that's the traditional vp role, perhaps it was not the best one for her in this case.

karen   September 4th, 2008 1:34 am ET

Nobody likes smugness and sarcasm. Mocking someone is even worse.

She wasn't only mocking Obama, to me she (and others) mocked anyone who supports him. That just solidifies my vote for Obama.

Zeke Trevor   September 4th, 2008 1:34 am ET

Without a doubt three of the most hateful speeches I have ever heard. I definitely heard a lot of partisan stuff last week from the Dems, but this was almost shocking. The sad truth is, a great deal of America responds to this. I just hope we can take the campaign back to the issues – regardless of party affiliation or your position on issues, I think we're all worthy of debate on real issues.

Bella   September 4th, 2008 1:34 am ET

Palin may have been an attack dog tonight but not many in America want another attackdog in the WHITE HOUSE or near it. we want Adult leadership, civility in our disagreements and a President who understands it NOT about him, this time ITS ABOUT US.

In my opinion Ms Palin FAILED to deliver what she needed to deliver to the nation, she may well have fed red meat to the red state republicans but what MOST of America was looking for was meat and potatoes for the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I am so tired of the kind of politics Palin and the other speakers displayed tonight. I think many in our nation are as tired of this as I am. I was an on the fence Hillary supporter willing to give Sarah Palin a fair hearing but what I heard from this nasty woman tonight has made me get off the fence and now support the Obama ticket.

Kate   September 4th, 2008 1:34 am ET

I find it hilarious that Harry Reid could actually describe Palin's speech as shrill and sarcastic after his hateful and ugly speech at the DNC. He is terrible and I can't believe anyone takes this man seriously.

Jimi   September 4th, 2008 1:33 am ET

What I saw tonight was an articulate, strong speaker who is filled with anger, venim, and I can see her standing over someone kicking them and yelling. The RNC seems to be filled with nothing but angry name calling & fear mongering. No one has it all right, but I sincerely worry about this country if individuals like Bush, Dick C, Palin, and now John M are left to build the world they think as it should be. With towering walls, banning books, and inhibiting peoples' rights all in the name of justice. The U.S. will become a scary place.

Chester   September 4th, 2008 1:33 am ET

Guiliani's speech was the nastiest, meanest, most snide, and most divisive I've ever heard at a political convention, and I've watched every one for at least 40 years. I hope he doesn't plan to run for office in NY again - I don't think he'll get many votes after this performance.

Highlyblessed   September 4th, 2008 1:33 am ET

Well, since Sarah Palin came out swinging, she can't get mad when she gets gut punch the next day by Obama and Biden and their democratic supporters. She wanted to dish it out, so she'd better be ready to take it without complaining about sexism.

Can't wait for the VP debate, so Biden can rip her a new one. This is getting really good. Best blockbuster of 2008, oscar worthy.

Sandy77   September 4th, 2008 1:33 am ET

Maybe some people are fooled by the nasal voice, the creationist beliefs, and the running-for-high-school-student-council-president speech, but I am short of disgusted. Believe me, I'm not a sexist who thinks Palin shouldn't be VP, and I'm not in complete belief that a successful President or VP has to come from Washington. I do, however, believe sound judgement, building bridges between adversaries, and the power to inspire a generation to seek to better our country through our own self, are profound unwritten qualifications for a successful president. Governor Palin, neither you or the gentleman who selected you fit the qualifications that would get you my vote. Governor Palin, I hope you are prepared for the national media scrutiny that your colleagues have undergone for years, and decades. Quit your whining, and step up to the plate. Hope you have answers for your alleged affair (from the same folks who broke the Edwards story), your ongoing investigation for abuse of power, your flip-flops on the few issues we have a stance on, and the long list of items not listed, and those waiting to be discovered.

As far as the GOP....For all of their "small government", "balanced budget", "drill, drill, drill, drill to solve the energy crisis", and "patriotic monopoly", the facts sure tell an opposite story these days. Under Bush expanded government, a devastating deficit, allowing Exxon to record the HIGHEST profit margin in the history of the WORLD, and allowing American citizens, soldiers, to DIE for an unjust war that was unprovoked, should have never been fought or waged is NOT patriotic. Bless our soldiers for answering the call of our country, however misguided it has been – I certainly don't hold individuals accountable for the incomptence of their leaders.

Thanks GOP, I'll take a candidate who wants to RID our dependence on foreign oil through clean energy. I'll support the candidate who really offers tax cuts for ordinary Americans and has detailed sources on how to balance our budget. I'll vote for the guy (..this year...maybe woman in the future??) who has lived the American story, is intelligent, thoughtful, and doesn't make rash decisions (like picking a VP without properly vetting her). I'll take a candidate who has inspired me to better myself, dedicate myself into service and improving my country, one voice at a time, until we are a united country for change. Yes, we can.

Jim   September 4th, 2008 1:33 am ET

The difference between the Republican and Democratic conventions is stark. The Democrats talked about their plans for lifting the country out of its current mess and forcefully articulated the differences between their approach and that of Bush/McCain. But their differences were on issues. They had no need to resort to disrespectful demonization and ridicule. The Republicans, by contrast, have nothing else but the tired old Bush-league politics of sneers, smears and spin. Obama/Biden will win this election, but the country will emerge as divided as ever and the Republicans will spend the next four years engaged in political guerrilla warfare and sabotage, blaming any problems they cause on the administration's failure of leadership. How sad that we have been dragged into this seemingly endless political civil war.

Jill   September 4th, 2008 1:33 am ET

Mr. Reid is correct. Palin's speech was shrill and sarcastic. She did not address any of the issues. We didn't hear anything about the economy, no details on energy, or how this ticket plans to help real working people. We don't know anything about her knowledge of Foreign Affairs, about Iraq, Geogia, Korea or Pakastan. What we did hear are, what we in rural America would call Whoppers. She did support the "Bridge to Nowhere." She said she wanted to help special needs children, yet she herself cut funding for that as governor-not to mention cut funding for help for pregnant teenagers. She left her small town of Wasilla in debt. I hope in a future speech she will address the discrepancies in what she says and what she has done.

Independent voter   September 4th, 2008 1:33 am ET

From an independent perspective, and a young voter...I felt like she was waiting for an applause right after each statement. I don't know if I am the only who had notice this pattern where she would somewhat was waiting for affirmation on each statement. It seems like she wanted everyone to pinch her in every statement she made, as if she wasn't even convinced on her own speech. The speech really showed weakness. She should've pinched herself really hard before she walked up the stage...

Thomas Williams   September 4th, 2008 1:31 am ET

Absolutely riveting speech by Sarah Palin. Also, a stupendous
delivery from Major Juliani. Good grief, this ticket has it all!

Just think, as VP she will be next in line in 8 years for the
Presidency, at 52!!!

Sarah Palin showed the perfect balance of charm, strength
and tenacity in her fight for John McCain and their message
of Republican Reform, not directionless leaderless blind
hope, to build on the strength of this great country, not to
tear it apart.

june   September 4th, 2008 1:31 am ET

Her speech reminded me of an episode of WWE wrestling where people take centre stage to demoralize their opponent. The crowd responded with their signs and applause. All Palin did was focus on her opponent without offering one single solution. If she wants to pick up Hillary supporters, she better understand that Hillary was all about solutions,. Not about the same negative attacks on their opponents. She has just proven with her in the White House it will be more of the same. The town she was mayor of she indebted $22 million dollars. Hardly something to be economically proud of.

Hillary4POTUS   September 4th, 2008 1:31 am ET

I wonder if anyone came out and said she is only a beauty queen who can't no experience in anything but using her looks to get what she wants. Community organizers actually add value to their communities, beauty queens take from their communities, they do not use their brains just looks. I was leaning McCain after Hillary lost but as a community organizer working with abused women I am voting Obama / Biden

No recession in Texas   September 4th, 2008 1:31 am ET

What a great introduction to a powerful well-spoken woman.
I was concerned, but no more.

jane in CA   September 4th, 2008 1:31 am ET

McCain is rather selecting a pitbull to tear Obama down instead of selecting a VP to help him uniting and fixing the country.

Moe, NY   September 4th, 2008 1:31 am ET

Why can't the republicans stop with the childish name calling and address the issues? This whole convention was a bad joke! Nasty, very nasty people. Perhaps the republicans cannot address the issues facing Americans today because they are at the root of our problems and they do not seem to have any idea how to fix the problems. Absolutely no new ideas, all stuck in the past. IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!

Kathleen   September 4th, 2008 1:30 am ET

It's over for McCain/Palin. Most people will be offended by Palin and what she stands for, she seems to think we are stupid and can't see past the pretty face. When you have nothing, you attack and they have nothing to offer. This country would go down fast if elected. Were already a nation of debt, death and depression and it's getting worse everyday. Bush announced today he's sending 20,000 more troops! And McCain is all for it plus another 100 years at war. Seriously folks if Obama isn't elected we will go down fast as we watch our tax dollars go to a war that is not protecting our country all while we continue to loose our precious young men and women. Please America get it right this time and let the healing begin. I'm with you YEN we need a collective prayer.

Joseph   September 4th, 2008 1:30 am ET

It is disgusting for the republicans to parade all these photo ops of the happy extended family at the same time they deride anyone who asks legitimate questions.

When is Palin going to get out of her hotel room and the scripted teleprompter and answer a few questions:

- Why do separatists consider Palin a friend (and explain her husband's 8 year membership in that group)?

- Why does she abuse power and seek vendettas on the local and state level?

- Why is she stalling an investigation on abuse of power now when just weeks ago she pledged to fully cooperate?

- How did she gobble up millions in earmarks (federal taxpayer funds) for her small town yet still left it in severe debt?

- How she can justify vetoing sexual education funds even as her underage, unmarried daughter gets pregnant while supposedly being home with a severe case of mono?

- Why does she think the Iraq War (and an oil pipeline in Alaska) are God's will? (her words)

- What books did she tried to have banned in her town while mayor, and why she tried to fire the librarian for not complying?

Oh, and for good measure, why did she lie in her first public statements, claiming to be against McCain's famous 'bridge to nowhere' when she had actually been an ardent supporter until the very end – and then promptly used the federal taxpayer money for other projects?

She can snarl with the best of the republicans, but she can't tell the truth about herself.

White older evangelical woman from the south for OBAMA   September 4th, 2008 1:30 am ET

GREAT!! NOW WE CAN ALL ATTACK EACH OTHER

She laughs when a radio host calls her female opponent a cancer(youtube)

This woman actual calls Hillary a whinner during the primaries (youtube) Now Hillary is her hero.

Are we fools? Doofus
She makes chenney look safer.

aliou FL   September 4th, 2008 1:30 am ET

McCain's judgement is at play here. Palin is a separatist who is not only inexperience, but she is an opportunist who is arrogant about itl.

Fouad Attia   September 4th, 2008 1:29 am ET

It was a sad speech, full of anger. It sure reminded me of Bush's talks. Sorry, I cannot take any longer the fear ticket as a solution to our situation today.

Amy   September 4th, 2008 1:29 am ET

And the fools are rushing in....the Republican Party is finished! McCain lost me when he announced Palin as his running mate.
Can you imagine just a heartbeat away? OMG!

Eileen   September 4th, 2008 1:28 am ET

Palin has no experience. The town she was mayor of had about 7,000 at an all-time high but they failed to mention that they were counting addresses – of those addressed only about 50% are inhabited full-time. As for her Governorship, anybody who has a year and a half under her belt who is under investigation, who has Utube clips showing from her own lips that she flip-flops (she fired her ex brother-in-law's boss because he wasn't cutting it with fish and wildlife to the following week giving him another job saying he was the best man for the job with fish and wildlife, etc.) The reason she got the governship is because the guy she ws running against was despised and she was the lesser of the two evils. At that time she had 80% approval rating – it dropped to 68% approval rating recently. Gee, they forgot to mention that. Just because I have breasts does not mean I will vote for somebody who shares the same anatomy. If McCain had a heart attack she is not ready to lead. If something happens to Obama, Biden can take over in a heartbeat. For McCain to say he puts his country first and then makes an irresponsible pick like Palin ticks me off. By a democratic process we choose the President but that person chooses his VP and we have no say-so – we just trust they'll make a decision that is good for the country. McCain failed. My 17-year old son saw through that and said that it by McCain making that choice it shows that he is more concerned about winning (to win over the female voter) than he is about the U.S.A. Pathetic!

Muyoyeta   September 4th, 2008 1:28 am ET

What experience is Palin talking about that outshines Obama? Presiding over 7 000 people in a room and visiting Canada and German makes her more experienced? This Palin lady will regret to attack first – so far Obama and Biden have restrained themselves from attacking her and here she is calling for a 'pitbull' fight. She will soon be screaming sexist! Watch this space!

Mark Martin   September 4th, 2008 1:28 am ET

If John McCain does actually win this election, I can't wait to see the reaction of the new President and VP when they try to reach across the aisle with Senate Majority leader Reid. So much for the bipartisan approach of McCain and his caustic VP choice. Is caustic more acceptable to CNN than shrill, or are we being too mean to the inexperienced secessionist from Alaska. Wasn't it Abraham Lincoln the first Republican that ended secessionitis once and for all.

KC   September 4th, 2008 1:28 am ET

I am so sorry my fellow commenters, I am a recovering republican. I have grown older and wiser and I have listened to both convention speeches. I cried tonight listening to the republicans. What did I hear? War! Win at any cost! Make no acceptions! The crowd does not represent America! The republicans do not represent America. For the first time in my life (beside when they taught us to duck and cover in case of a nuclar war) I am very afraid if the republicans get into office. Please Americans look at the history of who we are and who we should be. I have hope.

sophy in NY   September 4th, 2008 1:27 am ET

last weeks convention was electrifying, unifying and inpiring. this one is a slugfest that makes me cringe on every "punchline"

Debi   September 4th, 2008 1:27 am ET

Sarah rocks! She was right on!
I am so proud that there are good women role models still out there for our young girls to look up to and that she has a real American family that makes real people mistakes and deals with them appropriately!
I am so excited for America!

Stephanie Mpls MN   September 4th, 2008 1:26 am ET

She was smug, sarcastic and I think the term "shrill" is very fitting. But here we go...can't say anything about her without being called sexist. Please, Giuliani was just as shrill, but people won't jump to his defense. If we are going to have to be careful about the words used, then she can't claim to be as tough as she is.

Leslie from Garden Grove, CA   September 4th, 2008 1:25 am ET

This is a lot of hooey – this is what happens when you have nothing to say about ACTUAL issues affecting people without 7 houses and making less than 5 million dollars. This is what happens when you get desperate. Obama has always taken the high road, and my God – I'd rather have faith in Barack's promises than this crazy woman and a crazy vet on his death bed, along with the robotic members of the crashing and burning GOP!

Obama/Biden '08! Let's seal the deal!

Jeff in Ohio   September 4th, 2008 1:25 am ET

Gov. Palin, is to be applauded for showing up. While she attacked the Democratic ticket, with the traditional republican gravatas', she failed to explain to the American people what the McCain-Palin ticket will do to address the unemployment caused by Bush free-trade agreements.

When the press get a chance to examine her record as a Mayor of a City of 7,700 vs Obama running a campaign that has thus far employs thousands, and has raised in excess of $100 million, I find it hard to see the lack of executive experience.

Please don't forget that Alaska is the 48th state in size. That means that there are major urban centers (which have been the victim of the Bush policies) that exceed her state in size. Yes she is a governor, but she is governor of something small in population.

These comments aside, once you got past the insults, and conservative cleshays, there was really no substance to what she said

Angry woman   September 4th, 2008 1:25 am ET

No SHE WILL NOT that speech was just down right ugly. I was ashamed that she would give her first impression of nothing but bashing. This is why this country is so divided with all of the hatred and bashing each other. The speech gave no solutions / substance on what problems we are having. McCain is just using this woman as an ATTACK DOG. I have a special needs child. I would never politically exploit this developmental disabilities to get ahead. Why all of a sudden Special Needs is a topic now. That was mean. She can't reach out to me with that. She has nannies to care for her child. I have myself and my husband to care for our child. So don't think that because your child has down syndrome you can make it better for all parents that have special needs in their family. That really hurt my feelings. They will not get my vote just because of this exploitation.

E.C. Givens   September 4th, 2008 1:24 am ET

In hearing Mrs. Palin tonight, I realized as an independent voter, I once again by the Republican party was preyed apon on the fear that somebody is going to attack America. As I sit and watch people around me lose their homes, jobs, and family lively hoods, the main focus they have is to scare me into voting for John McCain. The more I truly think about things over the last 20 years, I've only seen war when a Republican was in office, so my fear now is that we're not safe with Republicans in office.

Obama 08   September 4th, 2008 1:24 am ET

Let's see what she will have to say at the debates without the crowd, speechwriters, and her little posse telling her every move to make. How dare she through arrows and darts at Obama and Biden when they did nothing but defend her the whole week while everyone else raked her over the coals. She doesn't know what she is doing. I hope these same people will be around to heal her wounds in the weeks to come.

Art   September 4th, 2008 1:23 am ET

Note to Zen: I share your feeling, my heart sank as I heard her put down what she did not agree with. So many people do so much good, so many communities are strengthened by coming together and the consensus of the group bonds them to their project – all are welcome. That was about the most unwelcome speech I think I can remember hearing. I guess she's trying to prove that women can be attack dogs too. Most women I know are smarter than she is – and above that level of disdain for those they don't agree with.

White older evangelical woman from the south for OBAMA   September 4th, 2008 1:23 am ET

I hope she doesn't call it sexism when the democrats fire back.

It's the economy stupid.
What are your plans for women when you seem to be against every economic and health care issues affecting women and children?

When you are against equal pay for women; some of us don't have husbands working wih big oil companies.

Don't make down syndrome an issue like POW is for McCain.
It's the ECONOMY!!!

Ashu Rathor   September 4th, 2008 1:22 am ET

She was scary. I am a religious man and I am praying to Almighty that this baracuda or Pitbull is not left loose as I know she will eat me alive. Very dangerous a true dictator. No morale values. No respect for law. Underage kids having premarital sex, getting pregnant, underage child wedding being talked about. Isnt it illegal? Where are child protective agencies? They were all over Britney. Has she compromised them? Infants being paraded. Son is in Alaska National guard. His unit now going to Iraq. Well who does Alaskan troops report to? How does he gets picked in time for Election and all this talk and marketing about it. Very manipulative and scary indeed.

Benz   September 4th, 2008 1:22 am ET

Only In American.
The only women that will fail for this gimmick are the women who supported Hillary for the wrong reasons. The intelligeht ones have moved on. Nothing has changed – Bush 3rd term. I cannot believe tat any resonable woman who cares for her childrens future actually can imagine this woman being a step away from presidency. Do we have that many of ignorant women. Compelling story is that of a man who almost rejected being sworn in to take care of his family. Anyone can have children not everyone can be good parent.
Juliani a man who cannot manage a family is challeging Obama. It is actually funny to see all these unccessful politicians cirticise Obama.
Republicans go ahead and pretend to be happy but be carefull because cama comes back to everyone who has ever criticised Obama.

Tired Of It   September 4th, 2008 1:22 am ET

If Palin was any kind of a breath of fresh air....she has been suffocated.

Bush's speech writer wrote that horrible speech.

Bush's foreign policy advisors are tutoring her on foreign policy.

How are they trying to get away from Bush when she is spitting out the same load that he did for 8 years from the same people?

–Republican voting for Obama

Cindy   September 4th, 2008 1:22 am ET

He's not being sexist... Look if she's a VP candidate and comes out with those kind of attacks against the Democrats, they must expect the Democrats to fight back.. The Republicans better not even throw the sexist card at us...And if they do, they will only be doing it to distract us from the fact that they have yet to tell us about their policies to fix this economy...If anything I think they will use it to be the "victims" and vier off the issues that Americans are really interested in.

Shane LBC   September 4th, 2008 1:21 am ET

Palin is a joke. I am going to ask when Obama is president to see if he can auction off the war in Iraq on Ebay. She is more useless than McCain. Another puppet for the GOP. They have nothing to say to strengthen their own stance. They only try to tear down the Dems. Thats it! Thats all they do. The weakest party I have ever seen.

Robert   September 4th, 2008 1:21 am ET

She lies, frequently! She supported the bridge to nowhere and then when it got canned she pocketed for her state $250 million of the money that was supposed to go to the bridge. Alaska is one of the leading states for earmarks. As mayor, she hired a Jack Abramoff lobbyist to help get millions in pork barrel earmarks funneled to her city. How is this change? She was the director of Ted Stevens 527 group. The message was also contradictory. She mentioned the word change, but only espoused more of the same. She fits right in with the Bush Republican pose. There is no wondering why the the right wing loves her. She spoke against career Washington politicians. Did she forget good old Johnny McSame has been in Washington for twenty six years. And, unless she thinks as vice president she will set the agenda, then she's buying right into the same old politics as usual.

tiff   September 4th, 2008 1:21 am ET

Where are the crickets?

I have been watching John McCain since 2000. If ever I would vote for a Republican he would've been it but the poor guy shuffled onto the stage of this evening after Palins speech.

At what point do we discuss age???????

M Miller   September 4th, 2008 1:21 am ET

Governor Palin has experience with PTA, being a Hockey mom,city council,major, and frist term Alaska Governor all good,but i didn,t hear any foreign policy experience,or any examples of what she has accomplished . Being a female is what she mostly brings.

Travis   September 4th, 2008 1:21 am ET

Can we hear a democratic response that doesn't involve the words "another 4 years of Bush"?

It could not be further from the truth

ML - California   September 4th, 2008 1:20 am ET

Get over yourself Reid – you are not happy unless you have complete control of everything and everybody. The hate and disrespect between the two parties is very sad and that Americans for both parties should show humility. Palin's speech was dynamic; however, there were unnecessary attacks against the Democrats.

Toni   September 4th, 2008 1:20 am ET

To the GOP trolls: McCain and Palin have proven themselves to be WORSE than Bush.

This is one Independent who will not be voting for them.

Hillary supporter for Obama   September 4th, 2008 1:20 am ET

I liked it when she said that community organizers don't actually do any work. That will go over well with community organizers, I'm sure.

On the other hand, now that Sarah has shown how "tough" she is and all, I'm sure we won't see any more "whining" about her treatment by the media.

Taylor   September 4th, 2008 1:20 am ET

The use of the word "shrill" seems a touch misogynistic to me. Reid's communications director needs to vet his statements more carefully.

Angie in Utah   September 4th, 2008 1:19 am ET

Gov. Palin has shown herself to be a hateful, negative person. The Republicans don't have any ideas of their own and are tied to their self-serving, selfish and often corrupt agendas that only benefit the top 3-4% of our country. Sarah herself abuses her power and is a pretty slimey character. Since she and McCain have nothing to offer, all they can do is attack Obama with their slander and fear-mongering. Let's hope people can see through their lies – there is so much at stake!

Linda   September 4th, 2008 1:19 am ET

Would someone please explain to the VP nominee how goverment wo.rks. She dosen't understand how voting works in congress. In order to get things done your party has to be in the majority. Could somebody tell Mike Huckabee how many votes Joe Biden got. You should at least know how to count when you run for president yourself.

Dee Dee Lynn   September 4th, 2008 1:19 am ET

I want to know why you (CNN) are focused on the word "shrill" but you totally ignored all the sexist buttons the delegates at the convention were wearing that said things like "hot vp" and "hot chick." That is sexist. Is it only sexist if it comes from the other side?

Amanda   September 4th, 2008 1:19 am ET

Christ CNN, talk about falling all over yourself praising this extreme partisan teleprompted speech.

Of course this will be effective with the republican base, but independents?

Partisanship is why Washington is so ineffective and has gotten nothing done for the average American and now the Republicans haved clarified that they will continue the partisanship.

Erica, Belmar, NJ   September 4th, 2008 1:19 am ET

I agree, Sarah Palin was shrill and sarcastic, without giving voters any information on where she stands on issues. Her speech was self-centered and negative. If the overall high level of negativity that was seen here continues during the campaign, they will be their own worst enemies. The public is done with it.

Kate from Vancouver   September 4th, 2008 1:18 am ET

She's a good speaker.

She didn't have anything to say tho. She's a patsy for the Repubs and I'm sorry for her. She'll be ok though because she's a pitbull with lipstick. She and Juliani should take up extreme wrestling.

BB   September 4th, 2008 1:18 am ET

The contrast in the tone between these two conventions is profound. Last week was inspiring and unifying with a lot of discussion on how to move this country forward. What I have heard tonight from the GOP was a lot of anger and blame, not to mention stretching the truth. Americans are growing tired of the devisiveness, and want real solutions and progress.

mistermister   September 4th, 2008 1:18 am ET

Palin's definitely a quick learner, she's learned the tactics of the Bush administration.

Apparently being a community organizer is a bad thing...

McCain, more of the same.

Tom   September 4th, 2008 1:17 am ET

"Shrill" and "sarcastic" are spin-words that don't apply here: listen for yourself and you'll likely come away with "sincere" and "saavy".

Mark   September 4th, 2008 1:17 am ET

This little lady is a tough skinned hard hitter and the dems won't be able to recover now after this little lady hit the home run as VP contender. She is already a hit and a favorite! I never thought I'd see the day when we would have a female in the Whitehouse but that day is now. McCain has what it takes with his experience and integrity and now with Palin as his VP this election has finally found solid ground and a positive base with the leadership of McCain and Palin our Next President and Vice President of the United States of America!!!!!

Honeybee58   September 4th, 2008 1:17 am ET

If these Demo men can't take the heat, they need to stay out of the kitchen. Palin will be a formidable opponent and a perfect partner for Pres. McCain.

Astrid   September 4th, 2008 1:17 am ET

IT'S ABOUT TIME A REPUBLICAN PUNCHED BACK AND PUNCHED BACK HARD! I LOVED IT AND I BET MOST OF AMERICA DID TOO!!!! :)

IT IS TIME FOR A WOMAN TO CLEAN THE MESS UP IN WASHINGTON...AND THAT WOMAN IS SARAH PALIN!

SARAH PALIN FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rickhou   September 4th, 2008 1:17 am ET

If putting a town of only 9,000 people in debt 20 million dollars when leaving office as the mayor. Then as a governor putting a jet on ebay is experiences.. I'll stick with Obama.

BK   September 4th, 2008 1:16 am ET

Didn't someone try that 'shrill' sexist word with Hillary. Harry Reid you might want to talk to your press secretary about that word. Would you say that about a man? Thats not going to work any more.

Worst Speeches EVER   September 4th, 2008 1:16 am ET

WOW. Just WOW. These speeches were filled with garbage. Unbelievable, Rudy and Mitt should be sent to a land far far away from America.

Zen Petersen   September 4th, 2008 1:16 am ET

Racing home to see Palin's speech tonight, I listened to Giuliani on NPR with a sick feeling. He was mean, and folks were laughing. He was sarcastic, and folks were cheering. He mocked. I especially hate that.
That's when I first heard the rips at "Community Organizer."

Palin was worse. She milked that new hideous talking point through her entire speech. It was as if the world had turned upside down in a week. Suddenly the lofty principles of serving your community and fellow man were something to be mocked. That's even leaving aside for now the ridiculousness, in general, of minimizing what Obama has done/does/inspires others to do.

The people I know who serve their communities in "organizing" capacities are some of the most caring, selfless, humanitarian people I know. My opinion of Palin and the Republicans has sunk with my heart, as I watched thousands cheer this snide woman on, and TV Talking Heads praised her for a "great" speech.

AndyW   September 4th, 2008 1:16 am ET

It's interesting how the Obama ticket is trying desperately to run against Bush and not McCain.

Dennis   September 4th, 2008 1:16 am ET

It's the economy stupid. We are still waiting to hear what the RNC's plans are.

C   September 4th, 2008 1:16 am ET

we won't have a clear picture of how palin will fare as a candidate on the campaign trail until she submits to media interviews that aren't scripted like tonight's speech

Wooten   September 4th, 2008 1:15 am ET

Obama has the judgement, Biden has the experience, mccain got it wrong, and palin is a nut.

Gary   September 4th, 2008 1:15 am ET

Harry Reid's "I can't stand John McCain" is shrill. The MSM attacks on Palin have been shrill. Palin is shrill in response. Can you blame her?

Michelle   September 4th, 2008 1:15 am ET

Same old "McCain is Bush" nonsense. It won't fly.

Is that all you can come back with, Harry?

Shrill and sarcastic? How about direct and truthful!

Angela   September 4th, 2008 1:15 am ET

Most people don't like pitbulls....even with lipstick.
She reminds me a little of Anita Bryant.

Keith   September 4th, 2008 1:14 am ET

GOP Spin machine cranking out "sexism" against Reid. How dare they call a female politician "shrill"? Oh, unless it's Hillary Clinton, whom the republicans branded "Shrillery"...Hypocrisy example #45 in GOP political playbook

Oh, and watch the "old boy" comments against Barack please, while we're on the subject of PC behavior.

arlene, CA   September 4th, 2008 1:14 am ET

Not a word about economy, health care, or anything. Nothing about what their vision is for America. I agree with Senator Reed.

Don from California   September 4th, 2008 1:14 am ET

She did sound shrill, but there is a lot worse things she could have been. I'm supporting Obama, but I can at least recognize greatness when I see it. She was heroic in her delivery tonight, and she deserves the respect of a serious contender. But, she was shrill.... and totally demeaning to many Americans. The republicans, including Palin, came off rediculously negative and sarcastic. I guess there new modo is "If you can't beat em, beat em down with baseless attacks.

CB   September 4th, 2008 1:13 am ET

You are absolutely correct. She sound like she was scrubbing her teeth against the black board.

Belle   September 4th, 2008 1:13 am ET

Hey Harry,
THIS DEMOCRAT IS VOTING MCCAIN/PALIN and VOTING FOR ANYONE RUNNING AGAINST YOU!

Your comments are BENEATH contempt, and you are showing how SEXIST you really are. You are supposed to represent the women of Nevada too!

Tracy   September 4th, 2008 1:13 am ET

What is this? Second Grade?

Gee, Alabama   September 4th, 2008 1:12 am ET

Mrs. Palin is once more proof of the fact that beauty is only skin deep.

Greg   September 4th, 2008 1:12 am ET

And yet every one of the attacks was on the money. Go figure.

Face it, Obama is a joke!

ginger   September 4th, 2008 1:12 am ET

Not only this she mocked Sen. Obama. Oh this getting good. I can't wait for Sen. Obama and Joe Biden to slap her down with the truth. Gov. Palin, word of advice, please go to factcheck before you speak again. In the morning the newspapers and radio stations will have you looking very foolish.

yen   September 4th, 2008 1:12 am ET

It scares me even to imagine it. The McCain /Palin Admininstration.
She is full of contradictions, conflicts and double standards. He is another Mr. Bush again. What is going on in America? People are losing their common sense. This is a time that we need collective prayer to save us from McCain/Palin. He has already lost it, when he picked her to be his V.P.

Jessica from Tennessee   September 4th, 2008 1:12 am ET

The sheer rudeness of this speech overflowed with bipartisan thinking–this is the kind of America I'm tired of experiencing. Obama-Biden 08

Lazarus   September 4th, 2008 1:12 am ET

Ha ha nice moment on CNN tonight when the commentators got this little clip. The two women on the panel looked ANGRY. That sort of language will not help the Democrats.

Chi4Obama   September 4th, 2008 1:12 am ET

So when the Democrats hit back against Palin, will they be called "sexist" for beating up on "poor Sarah"...??

Will   September 4th, 2008 1:11 am ET

What a poor choice of words, or word rather.

As Campbell Brown pointed out the word "shrill" is usually used in reference to women and in a demeaning way. Harry Reid needs to hire a new press secretary and realize that if the charges of sexism against the Democrats gain traction then Obama will have that much more of a tough time being elected in November.

Comments like "shrill" coming from a male US Senator's office is going to also make it that much harder for people to question Palin's experience and ability to serve as VP, especially when outlets like CNN are afraid of being labeled sexist themselves and will therefore overcompensate by directing negative attacks against Reid and the Democrats in response.

Dave   September 4th, 2008 1:11 am ET

whououeeee.. that's it.... after living off my tax money for decades all Reid can comment on is her vocal chords!!! WHAT A JOKE. Typical Male reponse. Where are the outraged democratic women who take exception to Reids characterization of a woman who has something meaningful to contribute??? THATS IT? THATS WHAT WE PAID FOR?????? Time to get a new Reid.

Michael   September 4th, 2008 1:11 am ET

I watched the Palin speech carefully, asking myself one question: would I want this person to be President of the United States at a time of national crisis?

No way, No how.

What I saw was a slick, snide, sarcastic, mean-spirited attack dog right out of the Atwater-Rove playbook. Sarah Palin's selection is an insult to women in particular, and the American electorate in general.

will ny   September 4th, 2008 1:11 am ET

nice story CNN... so how about the speech? any substance? any policy description?

you're biases are showing

CNN loves McCain   September 4th, 2008 1:11 am ET

Yes, Yes, and Yes.

Women for Obama!!!

laura   September 4th, 2008 1:11 am ET

Always call the woman "shrill"

I'm no Republican, but I know it when I see it: SEXISM.

michele   September 4th, 2008 1:10 am ET

this is the most divise convention i ever heard, i hear nothing but angry, hatred, bitterness. i lost my job and thing are very hard for me i don't want to his attack. i want to heard what this lady can do for me. well i will not vote for mcain. mcane just pick a pitbull as his vice pick.

william   September 4th, 2008 1:10 am ET

PALIN IS A FAST LEARNER ALRIGHT,NEVER MIND PARTING FROM BUSH TACTICS,THEY ARE JOINED AT THE HIP.

Andrew, Chicago   September 4th, 2008 1:10 am ET

Wow. Shrill, huh? Seems after the Hillary sexism charges that the Dems would avoid this.

gwsulapas5   September 4th, 2008 1:09 am ET

The GOP had eight (8) candidates for president, they chose Sen.
McCain, and as a Veep he chose Gov. Sarah Palin, she was more
experienced than; Romny, Guliani, Thompson, Huckabee, Ron Paul,
and Joe Leiberman.

The Bush Twins : George and John   September 4th, 2008 1:09 am ET

Palin sold her soul (and family). You don't have what it takes Palin. You just ain't no Hillary. Hillary would clean your clock. You've stepped into the ring, I hope you can take whats coming.

Obama/Biden "08

casey   September 4th, 2008 1:09 am ET

"Shrill" might carry a gender bias as a descriptive, but what of all the buttons worn by loyal Republicans calling the VP hopeful a "hot chick"? Does anyone think this is undignified?

Chi4Obama   September 4th, 2008 1:09 am ET

Poor Sara,
Does she not realize that she is nothing more than a sacrificial lamb for the GOP this year.

It's easy for anybody to "talk tough" when reading a "ready made" speech from a teleprompter.

Just wait until the media starts grilling her about "real issues"
Her nomination as VP is a joke.

twinkletoes   September 4th, 2008 1:09 am ET

Reid can stand up to anybody, including slow old McCain. And as for Obama, he has what no other politician in America, or on the world stage for that matter, has – statesmanship. Not doddery McCain nor shrill Palin can come close to his dignity and statesmanship. Not close.

Kevin C.   September 4th, 2008 1:09 am ET

And her comments were shrill and sarcastic....i'm just surprised by how women in the media are taking that comment....like it's an atack on womanhood or something....and that's what mccain and the repubs were hoping for....it all goes with the promotion of palin as a woman first and foremost, and not as a qualified individual for vp.....that's all that matters...not that she's a woman...not that her kid is pregnant(people are having sex, so what)......all that matters is if she's qualified to be vp.....and the answer to that is no.....

Diane Dagenais Turbide   September 4th, 2008 1:08 am ET

Good evening,

when you have no real ideas and do not want to answer questions and offer real vision and real solutions what do you do: you become the attack dog for everything and nothing!

ralph   September 4th, 2008 1:08 am ET

Sadly, Palin will only fire up the base, which wont be enough for McCain to win. Palin could scare off the moderates McCain needs to win.

Sarah Palin wants to leave the Union   September 4th, 2008 1:08 am ET

It kept popping up in all the speeches tonight - Romney's, Guiliani's and of course Alaska Barbie's:

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities.

On the face of it, it's a pretty weird repetitive theme. Obama's done lots of stuff - teaching, state legislature, writing books, etc. - but "community organizer" seems like an odd one to fixate on. The words themselves have generally positive connotations, particularly that first one: everybody is in favor of "community" (as long as its their community).

* billmon's diary :: ::
*

Which is exactly the point, I think. Used the way the GOP speakers used the words tonight (i.e. with a sneer), community = ghetto and organizer = activist.

It essentially was a coded way of pointing out Obama's work in, with and for the black community (see? even I'm doing it) on the South Side of Chicago. Also the fact that his work involved helping low-income people stand up for their legal rights, as opposed to a GOP-sanctioned "real" job like business owner or career military officer (or moose hunter.) They were trying to put Obama back on the same level as Jesse Jackson - i.e., the black protest candidate - and mocking him for it.

To cut right to the nasty, they were using "community organizer" as a euphemism for "poverty pimp."

And, as a special bonus, to a GOP audience (country club division, at least) organizer = union. What could be worse than a black, radical activist union organizer from the South Side of the Chicago?

Why, I bet some of those delegates won't sleep for a week - even with the double locks and the chain on the door.

I gotta admit, I'm impressed in spite of myself. When it comes to playing the dog whistle, these guys are Mozarts.

pkb   September 4th, 2008 1:07 am ET

Sarah Palin is shrill and sarcastic. All blow and no go. If she and the Republicans think she will be handled gently, they are in for disappointment.

Matt in CA   September 4th, 2008 1:07 am ET

Well Harry since sexism is on the table let's talk about "Shrill". Can you say Madame Nancy "Let Them Eat Cake" Pelosi!!! The Dems are toast! Palin Rocks!!!

Rick K   September 4th, 2008 1:07 am ET

I saw Gloria and Campbell, both of whom I love, cringe at the word 'shrill' – OK, but you can't pick enough words to characterize – condescending, smug, nasty, mocking, sarcastic.

I don't see how that performance should have allowed her to be protected from any words.

She certainly did not seem to leave any unflattering words out of her vocabulary.

I will say that the McCain camp would LOVE it if the discussion changed from HER tone, to the tone of the responses of the people who she's attacked. THAT WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR STEVE SCHMIDT – VICTORY!!!!

LeeAnn</