America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, gave an outstanding speech complete with humor and some bite. It was clear that he was enjoying himself and the task before him. Giuliani challenged the American people to imagine that they are the employer looking at two applicants for a job “that involves the safety and security of your family.”
He described each as talented and patriotic Americans, but with different experiences. “On the one hand, you’ve got a man who has dedicated his life to the service of his country. He’s been tested time and again by crisis. He’s passed every test.” As for the other candidate, “You have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education. He worked as a community organizer and immersed himself in Chicago machine politics. Then he ran for the state legislature – where nearly 130 times he was unable to make a decision 'yes' or 'no.' He simply voted present.”
Giuliani went on to explain that as Mayor of New York, he could not vote 'present.' The same is true for Governor Palin, voting 'present' is not an option. Finally, the President of the United States cannot vote 'present.'
Giuliani also discussed the issue of change versus more of the same. As he noted, this is a false choice, “Because ‘change’ is not a destination, just as ‘hope’ is not a strategy.”
Governor Sarah Palin followed Mayor Giuliani. She spoke for some 40 minutes without a hitch, which I found quite noteworthy given that this was the most important speech of her life. Her poise under such conditions was extraordinary.
She introduced herself and her family to the American people – it is a genuine family that shares the everyday concerns of their fellow Americans. She also talked about her accomplishments in Alaska, a vast state that supplies almost one-fifth of the nation’s domestic oil production.
She explained to us that Alaska has even more to offer. As she noted, “Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America’s energy problems – as if we didn’t know that already. But the fact that drilling won’t solve every problem is not excuse to do nothing at all.”
Palin spoke of McCain’s experience and his commitment to service. She then offered a clear distinction. “In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.”
Sarah Palin energized the audience with her insights and enthusiasm, and I know that I look forward to hearing more from her.
