Sarah Palin; Two Cheers.

Having read about Sarah Palin as an Alaskan mayor and governor it's clear she didnt get her 80% approval ratings on looks alone. She took on corruption and vested interests, including the oil companies, and sorted them in short order. Last night she gave an acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention that was masterly even presidential. It got the folk going and it deserved to. She is very likable and a great orator and put the conservative hard work and small government case well. After complimenting Obama on his good aspects she laid into him for his lack of substance and showmanship. Here's a man, she said, who has authored two biographies but not one major law or reform not even at state senate level. True. She was also very effective in her talking up of McCain the principled and maverick war hero.

I have two problems though with her which are core. Firstly,she opposes a woman's right to have an abortion. I believe that a woman's body is her own and she should never be forced to carry a pregnancy against her wishes. Palin's stand on this issue will cost her a lot of young and liberal women's votes. Secondly, she supports the teaching of creationism which is not just daft but also dangerous. This should loose her the support of anyone with a passing knowledge of science. For all that, I wish Palin well. She might yet see the light on abortion and creationism. It could happen. You never know.She is certainly charismatic, decent and a fighter ( As she said; a pitbull with lipstick ). I also quite like her running mate. As President, McCain will not be rushing off to to have tea with the ayatollahs.