By now, we'll all have read the numerous rave reviews of Governor Sarah Palin's speech to the Republican National Convention last night.
The most significant reaction to Palin's speech that I have read, however, comes in the form of an e-mail I have just received from a friend on the other side of the pond:
"Rockstar, absolute freaking rockstar. Her speech, poise and style were perfect. She means business, can crack a joke, takes no bulls**t and does it all with style and grace. For the first time this election, I have hope we can pull this off. I'll write a check now and I'll get off my dead ass for this one. I am hearing that over and over from women and irritated people in the party. Democrats are saying the same thing"
As Tim has said, the expressions of palpable delight upon the faces of Republican convention delegates in Minneapolis-St Paul were most certainly genuine. Out in the "heartlands", it's clear that Palin's speech has sparked a lethargic-yet-large Republican base into action. For the stale McCain campaign, the importance of this shot in the arm cannot be underestimated.
To date, the passion in this Presidential campaign has been entirely with the Obama campaign. Nobody could argue that now. Sarah Palin has made Republicans believe they can actually win this election.
