Sound-Bite Sarah Steps Up

Feminists! Hillary Supporters! Women! Rejoice, Sarah Palin turns out to be a talking head but certainly proved, in last nights debate, that she can hold her own in political conversation. I was very proud of her, proud that she actually spoke coherently and even seemed to have several opinions of her own. Whew! Because of her past performances I was worried that women would begin to be characterized by a bunch of “Sarah-isms”.

Sarah had spark, spunk and an ability to look into the camera and speak to the American people, even to “Joe six-pack”. Not quite sure who he is though. She didn’t seem to speak to Joe family man trying to get his kids through school while losing his job because of past economic policies (greed) and even if he had a car and a job could barely afford to buy gas for it. Nevertheless, she communicated. I’m not convinced that she could be president because I didn’t really hear her say anything that I haven’t heard on a McCain television commercial. She was charming and funny and I loved her shout out to the third graders who’ll get extra points for being up at ten o’clock on a school night! But I was more concerned with hearing how my concerns rate in a “McCain-Palin” administration. Did she meet your needs last night?

Sound-Bite Sarah brought enthusiasm, a sense of loyalty and she accurately pronounced Iran’s presidents name. Kudos! But she didn't get the General's name in Afghanistan right, she didn't seem to know how many troops there are in Iraq currently. She told us that she and her husband Todd are middle class people just like us. Engaging! She did not however expound on how McCain’s philosophies are really going to help the American people. We know they are self proclaimed “Mavericks” but do we need a maverick in the White House governing this nation. Mavericks are generally unaffiliated with people. National leadership requires communication, coordination and cooperation. Our form of government does not call for unilateral authority.

I would have liked to have heard more about tax cuts. She could only play the sound bite. But Obama’s sound-bite, repeated by Biden clearly states that tax increases will occur only on those who are rich. Biden even presented facts that 95% of small business owners in this country make less than $250,000. This is just one example of the lack of substance in her presentation. Her inability to articulate how the current state of Wall Street would change programs and policies was evident. Perhaps it’s because McCain has said repeatedly his administration is not going to spend a dime and who is foolish enough to believe that? We just want to know what he’s going to spend it on!

All in all, she managed to keep me awake with witty banter and sparkling repartee which is an improvement over her past performances. I heard nothing that would convince me that she could be president. Did you? Perhaps going forward she can study how to provide more substance in her presentation. She rocked those pumps but have you seen green M&Ms boots? wink, wink