McCain’s Big Night

I started watching with Tom Ridge.  *yawn*.  I voted for this guy for Governor twice, but voted against him in the Republican primary because I thought he was an empty suit.  All these years later, not much has changed my opinion, except he seems to be filling his suit out a lot better these days than back then.  Of course, the same charge could be leveled at myself.  I can’t really tell you anything about his speech, because it was unmemorable, much like the man himself.  I can’t believe he was seriously being considered as a running mate over Sarah Palin.

Then onto Cindy McCain, who has all the speech delivery talents of a model who’s taken a few Valiums to help her calm down from a long amphetamine fueled session in front of the camera.  But Cindy isn’t a professional politician, and she’s shied away from political life.  I won’t hold it against her for not being a politician.  For a non-politician it was a good introduction to her husband.

Then onto John McCain.  I thought McCain’s speech was good, but not outstanding.  As senators go, I can listen to him without wanting to gouge my eardrums out.  One thing McCain never seems to have picked up is that shallow naraccism that exudes from a lot of members of that august body (*cough* Biden *cough*).  Tough?  Yes.  Stubborn?  Yes.  Pain in the ass?  Definitely.  But not vain.

Based on reactions of those in the room that were not smelly protesters, there are four things the crowd in Minneapolis likes: America, Apple Pie (some look to have a particular affinity for it), Sarah Palin, and drilling platforms.  McCain sold his brand of national greatness conservatism with effectiveness: “Country First.”  As someone who would really prefer “Liberty First”, I’ll take “Country First”, especially when the other’s guy’s motto is “Government First.”

He played the experience card tonight to Palin’s vigor and youth, which was probably the right balance to strike.  His speech was much heavier on policy.  McCain ended his speech by describing his transformation from a self-centered fighter jock to a selfless servant of his country through his capture and torture.  It’s a compelling story.  McCain is definitely not the best speech giver in the world, but he was good tonight.  I think the Republican Party is in a much better position to head into November than it was a week ago.