Sarah Palin at R.N.C.

Once John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate on Friday, August 29, 2008, America responded with a giant "WHO???" In order to address this big question and create a name for herself in Washington and American politics, Palin made a conscious effort to focus on her personal life at the Republican National Convention. While some condemn her for doing so, (i.e. "What does a stable family life and lots of children have to do with her ability to be Vice President?") I found it to be necessary. Other than hearing through the media that she is young, attractive and Governor of Alaska, I was undoubtedly clueless and eager to know what this woman is all about.

Through her speech, I learned of her intense character and personal background. I now have a greater sense of an appropriate answer to the question of WHO? and in all practicality, will gain even more insight as November 2nd approaches. Cleverly, Palin "killed two birds with one stone" or had a dual purpose to her life discussion. She used her personal background as a political tool to both bash the Obama/Biden ticket and appeal to more voters.

For example, Palin repeatedly reminded America throughout her speech that she is “small-town” and proud of it. She attempted to distinguish herself from her opponents by mentioning Obama’s comments about the residents of Scranton, PA who “bitterly” cling to their guns and religion. She promised to ensure their (small-towners) proper representation in Washington and hinted at her “down to earthness” and genuine nature. She presented herself as a typical mom (e.g. signing up for the PTA) with poise and intellect. In my opinion, she did play the sympathy card in choosing to discuss mentally disabled children. However, this should not be scorned upon. Her ability to care for this child is remarkable and undoubtedly difficult, and who can rightly take away her personal motive to make this a more prominent issue in America?

Finally, while listening to Sarah Palin speak, I was curious as to how or even if she would address women voters. With the defeat of Hillary Clinton, many were and still are for that matter, worried that feminist-minded Americans would simply not go to the polls to vote for Barack Obama. In her speech, Sarah Palin seemed to hint at this (at about 1m50s in the YouTube Clip) by saying “every woman” has an “opportunity” in America. Perhaps this subtlety is enough for Hillary supporters… we will see.

 

Read more thoughts about the issue of Hillary supporters voting for Obama on another blog here.