Comment: Strong and assertive? Or cocky and smug?

Chicago Tribune columnist [libertarian] Steven Chapman assesses Sarah Palin's speech at the GOP Convention.

Originally posted: September 3, 2008 10:57 PM

Palin's successful speech

Sarah Palin's appearance at the Republican convention had to gratify John McCain, the delegates in St. Paul and faithful Republicans across the country. It was a rousing, biting address that proved she hasn't wilted under the intense and often unflattering scrutiny she's faced in the last few days. Palin proved she could mount a vigorous attack, deliver a well-timed punch line, and pluck the heartstrings. So where does that leave her and her running mate?

The speech gave them a boost by letting the electorate see she can perform with confidence and flair on a national stage. It doubtless cemented her standing among conservatives and other party loyalists. She could have stumbled; she could have underwhelmed. But she didn't.

All that isn't enough, of course. Palin has another, more complicated task that this speech postponed: reaching out to milllons of people who are honestly wondering if she has the experience, depth and temperament to step into the Oval Office. What many of those Americans need to see are qualiities like judgment, wisdom, tolerance and flexibility.

Those traits were conspicuous by their absence tonight, which means independent and open-minded Democrats may have found nothing to win them over. Certitude and scorn play well with those who love John McCain and detest Barack Obama. But they leave most of the undecided cold.

To Republicans, Palin certainly looked strong and assertive. To skeptics, she seemed, at times, to be cocky and smug.

What will be more important than how she handles a speech is how she handles a news conference--a forum where she has to confront the many questions about her record and her grasp of issues. But that's a different challenge for another day.

Original post, with comments is HERE.