Posted by
Alexander Koby on Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:00:00 PM
If you had mentioned the name Sarah Palin a month ago, I would have had to consult my political rolodex to see who you were referring to. Today, most Americans could tell you that Palin is John McCain's Republican Vice-presidential nominee.
It's difficult to fully quantify the traits that personify a leader. "You've either got it or you don't." The inspirational foresight that compels others to gravitate toward you, to trust and believe in your wisdom, and follow you anywhere.
After five straight days of harsh rhetoric from the media, the Left, the opposition -- attacking her family, her history and her abilities; Palin was able to stand before the "world" on September 3rd, 2008 and deliver a speech that will make history. Staying cool and collected, confident with conviction, Palin declared her acceptance to the party and even to me personally. For anyone who doubted her, it became unmistakably clear that "Sarah Palin's got it."
This morning, a Rasmussen poll revealed that 51% of voters feel the media is intentionally attacking Palin. Fraught with such claims as, "A woman can't maintain a career and raise a family." This, in addition to superimposing Palin's head over that of a bikini model. How hypocritical is this? At times, the American people can easily be mistaken for a bunch of children.
During the DNC, while Hillary Clinton was professing her support for Obama, I couldn't grasp how convention attendees could be brought to tears by a politician's address. Religious figures, close friends and perhaps celebrities; but a politician? Last night, I understood. Though I may not have wept, I did feel energy.
Year after year, we see the usual suspects at the podium vying for our support: Reed, Pelosi, The Clinton's, The Bush's, Kucinich, Giuliani, Biden, Edwards... The American people are tired of these suits. The American people want an evolution of the political machine and Sarah Palin is the face of a new conservative party that appeals to mainstream America. This is a woman who has been far away from the inner-Beltway antics, both geographically and professionally, and brings viewpoint that solidifies the ticket.
Sarah is one of us, with a real family that isn't perfect, whose husband is a blue collar union member, a hockey mom who has the courage to speak her mind.
Candidates like John Kerry, who presented himself as a member of the intellectual elite, "having all the answers" and an insistence for knowing exactly what was best for each of us -- This trifecta did him a grave disservice by losing touch with the "common man." There's no eye-to-eye emotional bond when your candidate is always standing above you.
People are people and we all wake up in the morning wondering if our children will be able to make it in this world. So whether you are giving a Labor Day speech on Main Street or an address from the South Lawn, the basics remain the same -- the sincerity of your message, the ability to connect with your audience and your strength of character.
In less than a week, Sarah Palin has shown that she can handle herself with grace and go toe-to-toe with the big boys. She is ready (if not enthusiastic) for the challenge -- a challenge that is sending chills down the spines of all her self-conscious naysayers.
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(a.k. 09.04.08)