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Viewer Comments: Sarah Palin's Acceptance Speech

We asked viewers what you thought of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's GOP vice presidential nomination acceptance speech. Here are your responses.


I thought that Mrs. Palin handled herself very well. When she was picked to be VP running mate everyone said "Who?" which goes to show that Washington has lost touch with Americans. For someone who did what she's done in Alaska as Governer and Washington didn't know? Washington doesn't have a clue if it not in there best interest let alone Americans. – Roger Worrell

Governor Palin seems very well rounded as she has been a governor of a State. She has had to deal with many things at this top level post including changes in oil. She has tackled things she didn't feel was right and that is what we need. In the State of Illinois and defintely around Chicago there is so much corruption in Politics that is all Senator Obama is used to and I believe with the McCain and Palin behind him that will be a needed change! – David Lockard

Masterful. Did the job. Skewered the competition. – Joe Schlobotnik

How rude she was to have such disrespect for those who are public servants in Washington & to those in the media who are learned journalists! Just one more hypocritical "compassionate" conservative, Palin showed in this sarcastic, nasty speech that she is in her heart mean-spirited. Her veto record shows that she does not have women & childrens' best interest in mind. – Elizabeth Hoffman

I was wondering why Sarah Palin never mentioned her educational background? It seems to me that education is an important part of this election. – Laura Marshall

Palin hit the mark on every point. I have been listening to Obama's substanceless rhetoric for weeks. Someone has finally responded to his "smoke and mirrors" campaign. – Glenn

I think she delivered her speech very well. She is an attractive and photogenic woman which is most of the reason why I think McCain picked her. He must have felt he needed a "celebrity" image running mate to shore up his own stodgy image. I think Mrs. Palin made it clear what she is for and and what she is against. And that could be a very good thing for the Obama campaign. I don't think the majority of Americans are anti choice, pro gun, pro war, anti environment. But it is scary to think that someone like her could become vice president or God forbid, President of our country. After hearing her speech, the first thing I did this morning was to made a donation on the internet to Obama's campaign. – Virginia Morin

I thought that her speech was good - well WRITTEN by the GOP. I do wonder: John McCain is a great guy, but the only thing that we hear from EVERYONE connected with him, is his service record -Vietnam, etc. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE??? – Lynn

All attack, no substance. Caribou Barbie will drown in ethics investigations and sink the ticket. – paul

I feel that she did a good job of delivering the speech that was written for her. She has experience giving speeches and she has the beauty queen wave down. However, I am still need convincing that she could take over as president if that were necessary. She is no Hillary. – Barbara Rowan

After all the low-blowing attacks on Barack Obama and the Democratic party, what exactly was left? I don't know where she stands on the economy or health care. She was very condescending and a little full of herself, considering this was her first national speech. While I like her family now after she introduced them, I still don't get a good sense of what kind of person Sarah Palin is. – Kelly Smith

mean spirited, out of touch with America's economic woes. – Paul Dallas

She came across very effectively. Hammered in on Obama's lack of leadership and in a very effective way countering the democratic attempt to minimize her experience with shining light back on his experience which is less that Palin's! She will be a breath of fresh air to counter the Obama factor. Much better pick compared to Biden, and not as off the wall in her comments as Biden has been known to do. Has also handled the side show of her daughter's pregnancy at 17 and and the off the wall attacks of fidelity and accusations that youngest child is not her's but daughters! – Bob from Illinois

I think McCain should have gone with his first pick and not bow to the insiders. Her speech was less than enthusiastic, it did not change my opinion. Besides her life story and the little experience she has I can not see anyone in their right mind putting her as second in command. --Rick

I thought it was great. She has more class than any reporter or anchor on CBS,NBC,ABC, CNN or MSNBC. Maybe you can learn from her. We only watch these channels for the weather. It's the only thing that isn't onesided. --Becky Geskie

Great speech and well delivered. What's missing is the detail of the big business benefactors of her terms as mayor and governor and her turning surpluses into deficits. She represents more of the same. --James

She was great! She is just what this country needs! Leave it to a "MOM" to get things right for our country! She has my vote! --Sue

Her comments on taking on the power structure of lobbyists and fat cats was well placed in that room. Her comments about taxes being raised under Obama are interesting in that he promised to eliminate the tax breaks for the wealthy and cut them for everyone else, which is the opposite of what Bush did. He cut taxes for the rich and businesses, and increased spending, causing the worst Federal deficit in the history of the US. I have heard nothing from McCain/Palin on how they are going to fix that. Last, despite the rude play on words, I think many of us believe we serve our country in ways other than in the military. She in fact did not serve by her definition. She was preaching to the people she "took on". I think it was hilarious that she fired the cook. Do her kids fix themselves supper? No way she has time to be governor and do the housework and cook meals, while taking care of a baby. I will reserve judgement about their plans for the US until I hear McCain speak, but so far, I'm not impressed. --Twyla Yednock

When she said she would be an advocate for special needs families, I didn't buy it. She went back to work three after delivering Trig. I think that shows wher her priorities are. Unfortunately not with her infant son.I was not impressed with her speech, she came across as a PTA president. There was nothing stately about her, no substance to her speech. Just nasty digs. Where are the issues. Maybe she is only good in a mud fight. No impressed with her as a mother or a potential vice president. She showed she can't do either very well. --Alyce

I was leaning toward Obama but I have to say I will be taking another look at that in the next few weeks. --Mike

I was seriously conserned based on what I had initially heard out of the democratic camp...afterwards I was blown away. I think she defined what CHANGE really means for me. It's more than a word...it now has structure behind it. --Dennis O'Connell

It did not impress me at all. Maybe she should have written her own speech. --Linda Murphy

That was one of the best political speeches I have ever heard. Sounds like she will be really good for our country. She has a mind of her own and is not afraid to go after what she believes in. --Dolores Servoy

How can a mother support a political party that only values the working class for the front line soldiers we can produce? --Lyn C.

EXCELLENT!! I, have been waffling on who to vote for. As an international flight attendant, for almost 30 years ..Sarah Palin, is our girl. DRILL NOW, Washington socialites and media do not dictate to her, she will dictate to them. Joe Kennedy, told Rose they were going to the party..Sarah made it clear, she is not in this, to party, but to win for the correct party and it's evangelical based truth upon truth was exposed tonight. Taxes, were clarified and verfified, as Obama has confused me. Paying for illegals, to come to this country in truckloads and receive free everything, is not freedom, but illegal and American robbery. Mexico. needs to deal with their oppresion of drug cartels and relieve their hardworking people, by stopping the injustice as in Iraq. This is truly one of the best speeches from the heart and after going to foreign country's that will not accept the US Dollar. I, believe in change for America, as we are in a bad place from the land of Ohio to the sea's of Hawaii!! Sarah, you won me over and May God continue to Bless America and have his Holy Spirit upon you. Obama, do you say you are a Christian..never heard you say Jesus! Sarah, your enthusiasm and hope continue to reveal yourelf unlike, Obama! Mr.Barack Obama, I have changed my vote and I believe tonight was a shock in what character and command of an experience leader in foreign and domestic challenges we face. Obama, you have become a show pony for the Democratic party. Sarah, did not back down and pushed all the right buttons that Obama..will have to answer to the average American who is not..repeat not going to support a country of oppresion and welfare! Sarah, your children are responsible and so you as any American face the same dysfunction, as everyone else except...the perfect Clinton family and the Hollywood family they entertain. Bring it on and Drill, Baby Drill!!! --toniesdall

It's clear she reads a teleprompter well. That's all we know. She said Obama makes great speeches, but that's all he does. Obama makes great speeches because he says things that make abundant sense. I heard a lot of rhetoric tonight but still have numerous questions about her qualifications and her background, and certainly nothing I didn't expect to hear from someone who has a lot of convincing to do. --Bob Landolfi

This was the worst speech in my 26 years in this country. She does not seem educated and quality does not seem good AT ALL. America has reputation to have strong,educated with great backgrounds in white house She does not have that. I am concerned if She is in White House. --K.B. Vasavada

As a 35 year registered Republican, I was shocked to hear Gov. Palin's statement would I rather vote for someone placing more value on reading a prisioner rights than being accused of torture. How would she feel if she or one of her childern were the accused? --Alan C.

Sarah was strong, honest, and straight forward. Now that is my kind of leader! She made me proud of the Republican party especially during a time when supporting the republican party is not popular. I appreciate her position, values, and tenacity. I look forward to seeing more of what she is made of. GO SARAH!!! Great pick John. ---Patty C.

I felt that she was only talkin bout her family n helping here son rather then the politics n how 2 make this country better. I now no more bout her but still doesn't understand her n where she stands n thats y i will still support Obama 24/7 n im not even old enough 2 vote!!!!!!!! --Kailen Miller

Stunk.........Big Time...... --Carol Kramer

I thought this speech was pure pandering. Delivered strongly at times. Designed to please the base. Successful from that perspective. This is all to be expected at a convention. What I relly didn't understand as why they felt it appropriate to bring a very young baby that they passesd from one to the other (for obvious effect) to this event. I understand the last night of the convention at the end. I particularly don't know why Cindy McCain kept rubbing that babies head with an ethereal look on her face. How stupid do they think we are. --Dr. Leslie Rittenmeyer

Lots of flashy digs at Obama, but short on substance. --Joseph Patrola

I loved her speech. Before watching the speech, I knew nothing about her. After listening to her feisty speech, I have learned about her background and her family. I think she has an impressive background. As a mom of three kids, she appeals to me. I think a lot of women will be able to relate to her. She definitely energizes McCain's ticket. --Patrice

I think that she brings a breath of fresh air to the Republican party. She hasn't been tainted with the usual Washington politics (good old boys club) and in that fact alone she will be a force to be reckoned with. A very smart (strageic) move for Senator McCain to bring her on as a running mate. --Leonard S.

Phenomenal! She certainly does, without question, have the experience. All women should be proud of her. The McCain ticket gets my vote. Hilary got it in the primary! --Mary Ellen Kouris

Finally! I trust John McCain with my childrens future. I was concerned with who he would select for his V.P.. No longer. Sarah Palin has the other 1/2 of my vote. --Shari Mattingly

Excellent delivery of a very timely and well thought out speech which attacked the Obama-Biden team on specific issues and showed them that she is not going to be the pushover that they were counting on. They will have a fight on their hands. It will be interesting to see how successfully Governor Palin combats Sen. Biden in their upcoming debates. From one former Obama backer and now a supporter of the McCain-Palin team, Bert

I think she presented herself very well and I feel she will make a good Vice President. I think she is exactly what this country needs. I was not exactly sure about McCain taking a woman as VP, but after tonight, I think she was a good choice. She seems real, not fake like most politicans. --Kris

She's great! She reflects real, ordinary women who juggle jobs, family, life. I was very impressed with her energy knowledge and ideas about it. Small-town America still is the backbone of our country, thank God. She is going to give a good example of what America really is. I hope McCain/Palin win. --Joan Hallaron

Although Palin's speech exhibited humor it really shows character when your speech is used to attack Obama rather than highlight what she is going to do for the people. Guiliani is in no place to talk about anyone when the only thing he seeks to highlight is 911 in which he failed the people of NYC. Obama is still ideal because not only does he outline what he will do but he does it with character and not cheap shots. Maybe if Palin paid more attention to her family, her daughter may have had to forethought to abstain until she was married. Obama 2008 --Chimere Clark

EXCELLENT! SHE APPEARED WELL INFORMED. A GREAT ADVOCATE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN. SHE IS NOT AFRAID TO GO AGAINST THE ESTABLISHMENT! LOOKING FORWARD TO HER DEBATING BIDEN. --Bernadette Wolinski

WOW! She hit it out of the park! She is tough, dynamic, and no nonsense - just what this country needs in its leadership. --Richard Biank

I thought Gov. Palin hit the nail on the head tonight. Great speech. Certainly took away some of the oppositions thunder. Up until tonight, was unsure of my decision. No more, McCain Palin have my vote. Altho I am sure the media will not give them the coverage the opposition received. Media has been one sided from the beginning.And I am sure they will continue their unfair coverage. Do not expect anyone to see this comment. --Josephine Murphy


If the Republican administration has been doing such a great job for the last 8 years, why do they need "reformers"? --Marjorie Huerta

I was not impressed were Sarah Palin's speech. She spoke about John McCain as if she has known him for many years, he only met with her a couple of times before asking her to run on the Republican ticket. Her speech was prepared for her. I still will not vote for McCain/Palin. --Angela

She sounded like Daria's mother. Of course she didn't want to scare America with her core right wing extremist beliefs. --Flagwaver

I found it very interesting that Governor Palin didn't mention President Bush not one time during her speech. If the Republicans are going to talk about reform and change, maybe they'd better start with their own party in Washington. --Bernie

I was very impressed with her and the fact that she doesn't care what washington thinks of her. It makes me believe that if elected she might cause a change in washington. A politician who has yet to be corrupted by big politics could be a huge step for our country. While many people may feel she is inexperienced, she has more experience than the democratic candidate and she's only the vp. That says quite a bit about the diference between the candidates. --Alexis Gardella

I thought she had a "bitch" personality. Not once did she say what "they" would do about the economy, all she did is "name calling." Similar to..my daddy's stronger than your daddy. There's no way I'd vote for her and McCann. --Dianne Glashagel

I thought that she came over poorly. Her digs against Obama sounded very bitter. She needs to check her facts on where the Democrats stand on issues because she made more than one incorrect statement. --Donna Jaonvsky

I feel like she twisted a lot of Barack Obama's messages to make them fit what Republicans want to hear, but they were not the entire truth. I can't believe that Rudy said that she has more experience than Obama and Biden put together. She wasn't as good a speaker as Hillary or Michelle Obama. --Shery Sullivan

I am not impressed because I wonder how she is going to tend to the affairs of the country AND raise 5 children AND give the attention that is needed to a child with special needs. Would there be too much on her plate? --Gilda Birman

She is more qualified than Obama to run this country. Her speech was excellent. --Joe Beaudry

Excellent speech! McCain & Palin are unstoppable. I want substance over style. I found it tonight. Thank you John and Sarah! --Richard

She addressed everything Obama is avoiding. She did show she could stand up against the good old boys. Hopefully other Obama followers will question her comments about how he really hasn't done anything except write his biography. --Gail

Great speech.....win with Mcain !!! --Tommy Line

I thought she was amazing. A very strong, independent woman. I think she will be a no-nonsense player in the White House and a great compliment to John McCain. --Kim Barker

Sarah Palin said nothing that wasn't expected. She never brought up the economy, she never mentioned health care. She DID however make me like Barack Obama even more. --Susan Geel

Apparently she felt the need to throw some low blows with a nasty attitude. Or was she just reading what was written? You know what they say about cornered rats. . . --Claudia Claeys

fantastic; throw the bums in DC out on the street.....including Durbin --Paul

I LOVED Mrs. Palin's speech. I thought she hit the nail right on the head, it's not about how popular you are, or how much attention you can draw into one place... it's about what you are going to do for our country. As a Navy wife, I am a 100% backer or the McCain/Palin ticket! --Danielle

outstanding, She hit a Homerun. --AG

Out of the park...She was fantastic..can't wait to have her as VP of our USA! --ksmith

I wasn't impressed. I think the good, experienced governor needs to spend a bit more time at home. Her kids seem as if they could use the extra attention. McCain lost me as a voter by picking someone without experience. --Ms. Hollis

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