Sarah Palin's Convention

Veni, Vidi, Vici. Oh! Wait a minute! This is supposed to be John McCain's convention. Well, it isn't. Sarah Palin electrified the crowd inside the hall last night and probably connected with many voters outside of the Republican base as well. She appeared to transcend her own ideology by presenting herself as a real person as she introduced her family to the American electorate. If there was any question that she will be a formidable opponent those doubts were impressively erased. Was her speech a little too long, a little repetitious, and perhaps a little too harsh? I think so. But who's counting? Does anyone really want to listen to John McCain's speech tonight after listening to Sarah Palin last night? I don't think so.

Bottom line; John McCain with his pick of Sarah Palin has shaken up this race. Now what happens? Anyone who thinks he knows the answer to that one has not been paying attention. The only thing we can do is point out what needs to be done by each campaign. Whoever is successful will likely win this race. First of all, Sarah Palin still has much to prove. Is she the one who should be a heart beat away from the President of the United States? I don't believe this race can be won with Palin continuing to attack and avoid the media and its necessary questioning. McCain is saying that they are mavericks and reformers. What does that mean? Does her very conservative ideology undercut any attempt at running a centrist campaign? Does John McCain want to return to the culture wars of the past? He has stated repeatedly that the world is a dangerous place. If it is, then, abortion, gay marriage, and creationism don't seem topics worthy of this election. Clearly, tonight, McCain needs to lay out a coherent plan for the country for the next four years. Just being willing to lead us into two or three more wars in the world's trouble spots is not good enough.

For the Obama campaign nothing much has changed. Of course Joe Biden has his work cut out for him in the vice-presidential debate. More importantly both Obama and Biden need to get out there on the campaign trail and connect in small groups with voters in swing states like Michigan and Ohio all across this country. The time for speeches with huge audiences of admiring followers is over for both campaigns.

Finally, for both candidates the debates are probably going to be decisive in the outcome of this race. It should be an exciting couple of months. It should energize the electorate and be good for the country as long as both campaigns discourage and avoid overly negative attacks.