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But let’s see how it turns out when the honeymoon ends on Palin. I seem to remember another recent politician that came onto the scene as a blank slate, a mirror that reflected the political beliefs of the voter– Barack Obama. Several libertarians went ga-ga over him as if he’s fundamentally “different” from his political compatriots. In reality, he’s just the same old politician in gen-X skin.

Palin seems different, I’ll give her that. I’m not yet convinced, though, that it’s the case.

Of course, I’m not the one who needs convincing, as I’m pretty well jaded about all politicians. She just needs to resonate with enough voters in the cult-of-celebrity popularity contest we call governance in this country. Judging by what I saw on MSNBC the morning after her speech, she’s ready to assume the mantle of celebrity politician. Her best shot for McCain winning is to be a better celebrity than Obama, not being a better person or candidate.

My guess is that he might gamble on a big far right turnout by turning Palin loose big time to slam on Obama and Biden, and cut the moderates loose to sink or swim.

I missed Thompson’s speech, but saw the others. Frankly, I thought Rudy was a bomb. If anything, his speech made clear why he never went anywhere as a Presidential candidate.

I’ll admit that Palin did well, but frankly I never really doubted she would. The speech was written by professional speechwriters, Palin was secluded from the media for four days getting ready for it, and she was speaking in front of a crowd that, quite honestly, would have cheered wildly if all she did was recite the alphabet while twirling a baton. It would’ve taken an act of political hari-kari that even Dan Quayle isn’t capable of to mess that one up.

After the speech it was clear to me why McCain picked Palin. It had nothing to do with experience, which she lacks, or being a maverick, which she doesn’t seem to be, but because she would energize the conservative right, evangelical wing of the party.

Will she actually help him win the election ?

Maybe, but if that happens she would be the first Vice-President since LBJ to do it, and LBJ did it by getting dead people to vote in Texas.

His problem has been on the right.

…in other words, The Base.