The Detroit Free-Press assembled a "voter panel" to respond to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech at the RNC last night accepting the GOP vice presidential nomination. The Republicans on the panel loved her. The Democrats found her divisive. But the most interesting responses came from the five independents, who were unanimous in their dislike for Palin's speech:
“I was completely underwhelmed. She was a Republican novelty act with a sophomoric script. It was not even a speech I would expect for a someone running for the local PTA, much less for vice president.” -- George Lentz, 66, Southfield independent
“Who is Sarah Palin? I'm sorry but I still don't know anymore about this young lady tonight than I did last night ... The way it looks to me, she's the Republican vice presidential nominee for one reason: because Hillary wasn't selected.” -- Mike Kosh, 38, West Bloomfield independent
"Sarah Palin is a self-described ‘pitbull with lipstick.’ She spent little time helping Americans learn who she is. She is a cool, poised speaker, but her speech contained few statements about policy or the party platform. … I am not convinced that Palin's experience as a mayor or governor in Alaska meet the qualifications to be vice president much less one stroke or heart attack away from being commander in chief.” -- Ilene Beninson, 52, Berkley independent
“Nothing worked for me. I found her barrage of snide remarks and distortions to be a major turn off. She is not a class act. The most important point she made is that she will be an effective attack dog.” -- Jan Wheelock, 58, Royal Oak independent
“Sarah got as much applause as Hillary did, and had a friendly, appealing appearance. Her delivery style reminded me of a high school valedictorian who also might have been a cheerleader. I thought she would appear more professional, more stateswomanly. She's no match for Joe Biden.” -- Joellen Gilchrist, 64, Beverly Hills independent
(H/T Ezra Klein)
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