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Alaska Governor and self-proclaimed hockey mom Sarah Palin took the podium Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention. Palin drew cheers as she thanked Republicans for supporting her, then she went after Democrats.
Palin claimed her historic spot on the Republican ticket and uncorked a smiling, slashing attack on Barack Obama. She vowed to help John McCain bring real change to Washington. And, in her speech, Palin tried to turn her much-questioned record of experience to her advantage, especially with female delegates.
"I love those hockey moms, you know they say the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick," she said. "Since our opponents in this seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities."
She also said, "No one expects us to agree on everything, but we are expected to agree on integrity and good will and good convictions."
At the end of Palin's speech, John McCain made an unscheduled appearance on the stage to thunderous applause, and in one line to the crowd he presented Palin as the next vice president of the United States.
Vanquished candidates for the presidential nomination also got enthusiastic receptions when they appeared on stage to endorse the McCain-Palin ticket. Mitt Romney said Washington is dominated by liberal politics and people are tired of it. He told the crowd, "We need change all right, change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington -- throw out the big government liberals and elect John McCain and Sarah Palin!"
Rudy Giuliani said, "The choice in this election comes down to substance over style. John McCain has been tested. Barack Obama has not. Tough times require strong leadership, and this is no time for on the job training."
Guiliani took another swipe at Obama, saying, "Change is not a destination ... just as "hope" is not a strategy." Iit's a message that hit home with Utah's Republican delegation.
Utah's delegation, just like the rest of the delegates there, have been craving some red meat to sink their teeth into, and Wednesday night nearly all the speakers, especially Palin, delivered.
The mood on the convention floor during Palin's speech was easily the most energy seen all week at the Republican convention. Governor Palin knew she had to strike a chord with the crowd, and, at least in the Xcel Energy Arena, she did with Utah's delegates.
Enid Green, a Utah Republican delegate, said, "Tonight she's laying it out. Her and her husband work as a team, etc. And that's what you need."
Ben Horsley, another delegate, said "She's calm and collected, but in the future I expect to see more spitfire from here, that's what I find so attractive."
And delegate Becky Lockhart said, "I think she's doing a wonderful job. I'm very impressed with her comments and her ability to get her message across."
Palin had a lot of pressure on her shoulders Wednesday night. This was an initial test she needed to pass in order for the Republicans to gain traction going forward. Now she will have the chance to ratchet things up a notch and add even more energy and vigor to the campaign. The McCain campaign has been lacking that to this point.
So now, the Republicans are geared up for Thursday, when John McCain takes center stage.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
E-mail: blindsay@ksl.com
