>>>The news here reported that the speech was written before she was even picked as VP candidate. I have to say I don't like her and I find the whole barracuda thing nasty.
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>>Well, they must know, but I have to say in that case it was brilliant to pick somebody who was a hockey mom and former PTA member, as otherwise it may have sounded silly. As it stands, the news report seems a bit silly. Of course there is a thematic element the speech writers prepare as the campaign develops - that is neither a revelation or some indication of malfeasance. It is the way you do it. But I think it is safe to say the Palin pick represented a major strategic shift - and my guess is will win the election.
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>>> I don't like her and I find the whole barracuda thing nasty
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>>There is certainly no arguing with personal taste or barracudaphobia. I suppose you think Hillary is soft and fuzzy? Or is there just an aversion to anyone who reminds you of Maggie? <g>
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>Hi Charles
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>I'm sure a good speechwriter knows where to leave points for last minute changes and personalisation. The report was on the Channel 4 news here. Can't find a reference on their web site though.
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>Yes I do seem to have an aversion here but I was not Hillary fan either. (Big fan of Bill though). I think I prefer pragmatic politicians to those with the "vision thing".
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>I suspect McCain may just edge the election though (of course) it doesn't make me happy.
I would agree they probably had the VP speech well blocked out before the pick was made with fill-in-the-blanks spots for personal anecdotes and applause lines but as I say, that is just the nature of business, not an indication of anything else. Those seeking sponteneity would be well advised to tune in something other than a national political convention <bg>
Yeah, I'm not much on the 'vision thing' either. I don't know if you get Dick Morris's somewhat Machiavellian political analyses over there on TV, but I recommend his website. He has a very unsentimental and insider insight to how all this plays out. It is very much a primer on American politics.
Charles Hankey
Though a good deal is too strange to be believed, nothing is too strange to have happened.
- Thomas Hardy
Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm-- but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.
-- T. S. Eliot
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed sheep contesting the vote.
- Ben Franklin
Pardon him, Theodotus. He is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.
