Republican convention, night three: The crucible
posted at 7:57 pm on September 3, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Michael Steele, Mitt, Huck, Rudy, and then the main event: The heavy hitters start around 9 p.m. ET with the Barracuda to follow circa 10:30. Strident Obama partisans are excused from rooting for her; everyone else needs a note from mom. She’s still got an open field to run: 66% say they don’t know enough about her, and of those who do, two to one are in favor.We’ll have the video as soon as it’s available, probably shortly before midnight. If you’re away from the TV, most of the news nets’ websites offer live feeds, as of course does C-SPAN’s. A taste of things to come:
Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities.”
Romney’s going to go out and tweak Michelle Obama, an exceedingly foolish move after The One made a show of pushing Bristol Palin out of the crosshairs a few days ago. Granted, it’s apples and oranges, but it’s stupid to hand the media a gimme victim meme. Maybe Mitt will wise up and pull it beforehand.
While we wait, I offer you the good, the bad, the ugly, and the bizarre. The good: Whatever the left would have you believe, Palin’s apparently not one to legislate her religious convictions. The bad: The talking point about commanding the Alaska NG really is weak. The ugly: Three of the earmarks she requested as mayor of Wasilla were included in “pork lists” compiled and publicized by … John McCain. And the bizarre: Jake Tapper floats the theory that McCain’s camp is itself trying to circulate smears about Palin, to rally the base behind her. His evidence? The fact that they sent out a press release today about the new Enquirer story before he’d had a chance to see it. Good work, Jake.
I leave you with sweetness and light from a different McCain/Palin ticket. Exit question: Timothy Noah makes a tantalizing point here. Could the pathetic “scandals” the media’s unearthed have lowered expectations so much that anything north of decent tonight will be hailed as an earth-shattering triumph? Just desserts, baby. Taste them. Click the image to watch.
Update: Here’s a better exit question, actually. Try to guess who asked it: “Why shouldn’t a little-known woman have the same opportunity to grow?”
You must be logged in to post a comment.


















Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 3 ... 24 Next »
Coleman and McDonald both started this out on the right note, that’s for sure.
Ryan Gandy on September 3, 2008 at 8:01 PM
Let’em rock the house– each and every one of the boys speaking tonight… because that gal from Alaska is going to light up the joint like a 300 watt bulb.
Seriously, let every single speaker get down to it. The Democrats have been fighting dirty– let the GOP speakers call them on it, and let’s not be too squeamish to pull the Biden Obama dirty laundry out into the light.
Scribbler on September 3, 2008 at 8:02 PM
I think there is a BIG difference between Michelle Obama and the Palin children! Michelle is out campaigning, speaking out on her view of America today and under her husband. When she speaks on a stage, she opens herself up to criticism.
The Palin children are a WHOLE different game!
Star20 on September 3, 2008 at 8:02 PM
Heh.
Not bad, though a commenter here pointed out that his community organizer job is best paralleled to Palin’s PTA presidency. Sarah’s being polite to BHO with this comparison. I hope BHO and his minions understands that.
progressoverpeace on September 3, 2008 at 8:03 PM
This should be the suggested attire for all members of the Press tonight. It will help Gov. Palin know where to
aimaddress her remarks.Weight of Glory on September 3, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Weight of Glory….haha!
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:04 PM
From Rush’s email:
Zorro on September 3, 2008 at 8:06 PM
I don’t tend to exaggeration, but this, excepting the primary voting, is in my estimation is the most important night of the election yet.
Spirit of 1776 on September 3, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Call me a sexist pig if you must but…damn. Is Meghan McCain hot or what?
madne0 on September 3, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Higher taxes scare the biodiesel out of me? What the heck, lol.
That chick’s got some weird plumbing.
Ryan Gandy on September 3, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Hey AP, can you add this link next to the community organizer shot. People don’t know what community organizers do.
http://www.windycitizen.com/2008/07/ask-a-community-organizer-what-is-community-organizing-anyway
ninjapirate on September 3, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Go Sarah, Go! :)
Dariaanne on September 3, 2008 at 8:08 PM
And the title of the CBS Poll story: Palin Remains Unknown Quantity.
…After three whole freaking days; imaging that. Or, better yet, imagine if CBS and the rest of the liberal media hadn’t done everything in their power to smear and obfuscate her image.
Hey, here’s an idea: instead of bragging about how incredibly much we still don’t know, why don’t you try TELLING YOUR VIEWERS SOMETHING beyond tabloid smears and push-polls like this one.
logis on September 3, 2008 at 8:08 PM
OMG, Piper Palin is so adorable!
Dariaanne on September 3, 2008 at 8:11 PM
This Michael Williams guy is cool.
DaveS on September 3, 2008 at 8:12 PM
I like the Huckster, Thompson, McCain, Giuliani, Romney rat pack feel of things. Go on and say it’s not, but it is to me. Go look to the left, they are all bores.
Cardiganfox on September 3, 2008 at 8:13 PM
This is attacking Michelle? Regardless, it is going to be red meat night.
Valiant on September 3, 2008 at 8:13 PM
I have a prediction! The drive-bys will say Palin’s speech doesn’t relate to black Americans because Alaska doesn’t have a lot of black Americans.
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Sally Quinn on BillO….too bad she can’t show any emotion in her forehead. It’s botoxed solid.
What, Sally Quinn, are Nancy Pelosi’s qualifications to be Speaker of the House?
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Like any black people are going to vote for the Republicans besides baldilocks and Michael Steele.
aero on September 3, 2008 at 8:18 PM
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Obama was thinking about moving there, but then someone told him it was just snow.
Ronnie on September 3, 2008 at 8:18 PM
For that matter, what are Algore’s qualifications to be President? Have the people that want him to run for the White House in ‘12 thought of them?
Ryan Gandy on September 3, 2008 at 8:19 PM
For the HA vault
Entelechy on September 3, 2008 at 8:19 PM
LMRWAO
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Sally Quinn’s reaction to Palin speaks volumes about the holy terror which ensued last Friday.
Entelechy on September 3, 2008 at 8:21 PM
madne0 on September 3, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Yes, she is.
Ryan Gandy on September 3, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Boo hoo. Obama may stay above the fray but his side is out with the chain saws. Tough titties.
Dash on September 3, 2008 at 8:23 PM
My mother and my step-dad will!
baldilocks on September 3, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Timothy Noah — the “skinny” guy, right?
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on September 3, 2008 at 8:25 PM
If anyone doesn’t think Barack and Michelle Obama don’t know where these smears are coming from, I have a bridge in Alaska I want to sell to you.
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:26 PM
And why didn’t McCain pick Meg????
/I joke
//she is very nice.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:26 PM
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the media for proving that sometimes even useful idiots on the left can be used to advance our own cause.
elduende on September 3, 2008 at 8:27 PM
How big is his campaign staff??
Jim Treacher on September 3, 2008 at 8:27 PM
I met George Marlin, many years ago back in the 80’s. Good man. He was working on a book titled “The Portable Chesteton.”
ManlyRash on September 3, 2008 at 8:28 PM
My thoughts exactly. And even if she takes it that way, she can’t complain about it without bringing the whole thing up again.
Jim Treacher on September 3, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Odd, I just heard Jonathan Alter floating the theory that the McCain camp was floating rumors to Jake Tapper that the McCain camp was circulating the smears about Palin, to rally the base.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Love ya, Baldi!
techno_barbarian on September 3, 2008 at 8:30 PM
What’s the drinking game for this evening?
Seven Percent Solution on September 3, 2008 at 8:31 PM
8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
* Speaker: Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
apacalyps on September 3, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Remember people, donate after Gov Palin’s speech. Let the MSM know their gross bias is going to backfire.
sammypants on September 3, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Allow me to put it this way:
The DECIDERS have decided that if you haven’t noshed with them, or gone to Harvard, Princeton or Yale, and G-d forbid you went to a STATE UNIVERSITY you cannot dream of running on a national ticket without being snickered at. I mean, it’s a hidden penumbra in the Constitution, right?
Me, I know that flyover country ain’t exactly overflowing with ‘Haaavaaad’ men.
thirtypundit on September 3, 2008 at 8:33 PM
It’s not that the NG argument is all that weak, it’s that the McCain camp is not effectively making its case. For starters the Army and Air Guard are just two of the eight divisions under Palin’s command as the Commander-in-Chief of the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.
Heywood U. Reedmore on September 3, 2008 at 8:34 PM
Finally, a photo found of Palin in a bikini.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Love the hockey jerseys in the crowd.
Ronnie on September 3, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Happy to second.
ManlyRash on September 3, 2008 at 8:28 PM – Nice!
Entelechy on September 3, 2008 at 8:37 PM
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:36 PM
scandalous! I’m voting for marxism now!
elduende on September 3, 2008 at 8:38 PM
See, Republicans can dance.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:38 PM
“Establisment” ;-)
However, if Hillary is mentioned you lose all your points.
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:38 PM
They had to come out sooner or later. I’m just upset it was on her big night.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:39 PM
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:16 PM
I emailed Ms. Quinn today to ask her to reprint her article urging John Edwards to withdraw from the presidential race since he has two young children and a wife with cancer. Not to mention a chick (and possibly an infant) on the side. I have not received a reply yet. I emailed Bill O about it. My big desperado moment.
Cindy Munford on September 3, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Ryan Gandy on September 3, 2008 at 8:19 PM
He invented the internet AND Global Warming.
Cindy Munford on September 3, 2008 at 8:40 PM
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:39 PM
I question the timing! lol.
elduende on September 3, 2008 at 8:41 PM
The crucible, indeed.
Time for a Newcastle. My nerves are shot.
Slublog on September 3, 2008 at 8:41 PM
MIKE GRAVEL on Palin
http://www.counterpunch.org/gravel09032008.html
ninjapirate on September 3, 2008 at 8:43 PM
What’s Sarah going be wearing? Orange?
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 8:44 PM
The biggest superstar in America is no longer Barack Obama. Check the polls in a few weeks. The media should have factored that screw-up into their moronic calcualtions.
Love her or hate her you can’t get enough of Sarah Palin from the moment she hits the stage. Women who hate her…just secretly hate that they can’t be like her. Men who hate her are very odd fellows indeed. She’s the new Lady Di and Thatcher combined and delivered to the states, complete with an array of crazy gossip about the wondrous fertility of her genes.
econavenger on September 3, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Camo.
Ronnie on September 3, 2008 at 8:47 PM
LOL! Touche! Glad to hear it. :-)
aero on September 3, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Meghan has some big ass titties
JHC on September 3, 2008 at 8:48 PM
You’re a stronger man then I. I’m going for the Bushmills.
Spirit of 1776 on September 3, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Will they actually carry Palin’s speech tonight, like they did Fred’s?
Will it be live and unedited?
Letting her actually speak for herself instead of spreading smears might put a kink in their plans, after all.
amkun on September 3, 2008 at 8:48 PM
As much as I thorougly enjoy Wife Swap and America’s Got Talent (hint:sarcasm), I’m getting really ticked at the liberal media’s BLATANT bias…they covered every second of the DNC but are barely broadcasting the RNC!! Come on! Give me a break. I finally found it on PBS… its not even on Fox News. GRRRRRRRRR….
bethany on September 3, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Great idea. Better to go to McCain/Palin or RNC?
mikeyboss on September 3, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Brilliant idea of the McCampaign to put the boring female speakers before Palin. Palin doesn’t need any help but the contrast has to be evident.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:51 PM
Try CSPAN. I am boycotting Fox and am actually enjoying the coverage.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 8:53 PM
bethany,
wttw in chicago area is covering it but I’m streaming foxnews online so I can flip around stations and see if the alphabets are blowing it off again.
aikidoka on September 3, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Dead enemies.
Chuck Schick on September 3, 2008 at 8:55 PM
LOL too funny, I am still laughing…
fossten on September 3, 2008 at 8:55 PM
The National Enquirer front page is up on the internet:
http://media.myfoxphilly.com/slideshows/palintabloids/1/imgLg/Enquirer-Full-Shot.jpg
Enoxo on September 3, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Actually the story on Shannen Doherty terrorizing cast members sounds more interesting than more craptastic dirt on Palin. USweekly got owned on their gossip…let’s see Megyn Kelly take down the Enquirer next.
austinnelly on September 3, 2008 at 8:59 PM
McCain Blogette/Piper 2036!
Terrie on September 3, 2008 at 8:59 PM
Obvious troll is obvious.
fossten on September 3, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Come CHAT the RNC!
http://rightwingsparkle.blogspot.com/
Rightwingsparkle on September 3, 2008 at 9:01 PM
I love Michael Steele!
progressoverpeace on September 3, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Funny huh? Well you won’t be laughing at this. Looks like the National Enquirer dug up some information on some felonies in our sweet Sarah’s past.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 9:02 PM
I’m already pessimistic about this speech. The best line released thus far will tank because most people don’t know Obama’s bio and don’t know what community organizers do. When people think community organizers they think soup kitchens and not Saul Alinksy. If people don’t have the correct context it sounds snobbish. Please dear god, I hope they change it so it sounds better.
Please…please…please take out the “But here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators:” and replace it with just “Well,” There is no reason to be THAT combative with the media.
The energy part is good
The “change” part is OK…
ninjapirate on September 3, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Drill, baby, drill. lol
Ronnie on September 3, 2008 at 9:02 PM
I love Michael Steele too. Class.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 9:02 PM
They oughta let Sarah Palin read that NYT editorial in at least a campaign ad.
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Michael Steele is stealing the show. Drill Baby Drill!
bethany on September 3, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Michael Steele speech on C-SPAN:
Awesome.
BadgerHawk on September 3, 2008 at 9:04 PM
There, there now. We looked under the bed. There are no media monsters under your bed.
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 9:05 PM
I’m watching CSPAN’s coverage. It’s very well done. Screw the msm, and that includes FNC.
techno_barbarian on September 3, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Michael Steele is tearing it up!
techno_barbarian on September 3, 2008 at 9:05 PM
My friends! Steele is so great.
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Mitt!
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 9:06 PM
That was great by Steele; lets rock and roll Mitt!
Spirit of 1776 on September 3, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Heh. Go Mitt!
techno_barbarian on September 3, 2008 at 9:08 PM
A minor dissent about earmarks:
If you are the mayor of a city, any city, and you do not pursue all funds available to you, you are an idiot and should be tossed out of office.
The question should be not whether Wasilla received federal funds, but:
– Was the spending justified? Not every earmark is a bridge to nowhere.
– And did Sarah Palin profit personally in some way from it? I don’t know the answer to either question, but considering the family’s apparent non-wealth, my guess is that the answer to the latter question is “no.”
Earmarking is scandalous in the aggregate, national sense. At the other end, it’s how a lot of local public works get done. It’s about as far from scandalous as you can get.
km on September 3, 2008 at 9:09 PM
You scared me! :)
mikeyboss on September 3, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Not Mitt’s best speech. They should just replay his CPAC speech.
Ronnie on September 3, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Are the national networks going to bother to show up? I assume they come on at 10pm with their coverage?
SouthernGent on September 3, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Good point about the source of America’s productivity. Opportunity and individual initiative are the keys. Take it home, Mitt.
progressoverpeace on September 3, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Haha.
Okay, I will get serious now. I can not wait for the speech!!
carbon_footprint on September 3, 2008 at 9:11 PM
He was a little overexcited at the beginning. He’s found his pace, though.
progressoverpeace on September 3, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Mitt’s doing pretty well. Making a lot of sense.
techno_barbarian on September 3, 2008 at 9:12 PM
“Porn in schools” came of left-field.
Typhonsentra on September 3, 2008 at 9:12 PM
“Take a weedwacker to …”
LOL!
progressoverpeace on September 3, 2008 at 9:13 PM
LOL. That is great!
gxpgxp on September 3, 2008 at 9:13 PM
OK, who had Mitt in the Weed Whacker pool?
Damn. I was sure it would be Huck.
Ronnie on September 3, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 3 ... 24 Next »