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Palin's Speech Excites Some, Leaves Others Unimpressed

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 6, 2008

Speech Was Vindictive

I was appalled, but not surprised Wednesday night to hear Gov. Palin launch vindictively into Sen. Obama without providing an ounce of substance about where she thinks a McCain administration should focus. I was particularly affected by her characterization of the war in Iraq as "God's task." That assertion is at the very least xenophobic, and at best fundamentalist.

I am a woman who started her career in the late 1970s when the business world was a much different place, and I am also a mother. In viewing McCain's selection for a running mate I am confused about her self-description as a "hockey mom." Are we to evaluate the Alaska governor on the basis of her professional accomplishments, or on the output of her uterus?

PATRICIA DODGEN

Lutz

She's 'One Of Us'

Sarah Palin's speech brought tears to my eyes. Where I was once ambivalent about John McCain's chances, I now am going to contribute to it. Palin is a godsend, not in the phony-baloney Obama illusion but an actual blessing to the majority of conservatives who constitute the United States of America.

I've not felt such excitement and hope since Ronald Reagan. She is one of us in so many ways. I cannot wait to vote.

DOUGLAS FORDE SIMMS

Tampa

Many Blatant Lies

Lost in the adulation for the fresh new face on the GOP stage Wednesday was the fact that this appealing mother of five lied blatantly in her speech.

Palin said, "We suspended the state fuel tax and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' on that bridge to nowhere. If our state wanted to build a bridge, we were going to build it ourselves."

In fact, Congress killed that earmark 13 months before Palin took office.

In other words, Palin didn't tell Congress - Congress told her.

Reformer? Don't be fooled!

JERRY NEPON-SIXT

Tampa

Elephant In The Room

Wednesday night the unmentioned elephant in the convention hall was the eight years of Republican rule under the Bush administration and six years of GOP Congressional control. Their attacks against Washington powerbrokers breathed new life into the phrase, "we have met the enemy and it is us."

This convention was all about Sarah Palin. The only authentic line was Palin's description of herself as "a pitbull with lipstick." Remove the lipstick and what do we have? Four more years of more of the same.

DAVE GOLDMAN

Sarasota

No Need For Attacks

No doubt Sarah Palin is a strong candidate, reflecting some of the American values. But her sarcasm in attacking and stepping all over the opponent and her meanness do not reflect the goodness which is the fundamental American value. Remember, the opponents also reflect the values of Americans.

I would like to convey a message to her: You are fresh and strong. Fight and stand by your own values without attacking others!

ACHALA RAO

Valrico

Energized By VP Choice

I did not vote for John McCain in the primary. I was not excited about this election year at all. Then came VP pick Sarah Palin. John McCain has proven he is not politics as usual.

The Dems went into a state of shock when they lost the last election by a landslide, and now that same panic and shock is seen in their reaction to a real woman who is strong, intelligent and able to get the job done. John McCain has my vote and confidence America will be safe.

GERRIE GLOVER

Riverview

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