Palin’s Going to Be Tough for the Democrats

MINNEAPOLIS — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s debut as John McCain’s vice presidential candidate showcased a formidable challenger who is going to be tough for the Democrats to counter. Not only did she look the crowd in the eye and speak with unabashed authority, she really seemed to connect with the audience in a way only special politicians, a la Bill Clinton, can do. She is unquestionably energetic, smart, witty and appealing as a candidate. Democrats who underestimate her do so to their extreme detriment.

Palin, while new to the issues facing America, nonetheless presented a compelling case for why her background is as good, if not better, than that of Barack Obama. It was impressive in the way she was able to convince delegates that her experiences as a mother, mayor and governor of an out-of-the-way state made her actually more qualified than a senator and “community organizer.”

This was not easy to accomplish rhetorically, but she seemed to do so in an almost folksy, unscripted manner. Whether undecided voters buy her argument or not remains to be seen, but certainly Gov. Palin has helped energize the Republican base. She has lit the dry tinder, and it remains to be seen whether, between now and Election Day, the fire catches on around the country.

By all accounts, Palin’s speech was a triumph for the Republicans, and may have just saved the ticket. Of course, a long race has yet to be run, but Palin’s presence draws some of the media eyes off of Obama and his historic achievement to an equally compelling story on the Republican side. At this point, it’s anyone’s race to win.