Even after the Republican National Convention ended, the spotlight on Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin, continues to shine. The former mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, spoke at the RNC on Wednesday night to nearly 37 million viewers as she accepted the Republican nomination as vice president. Much of the news about Governor Palin stems from her 17-year-old unmarried daughter, Bristol Palin, who is five months pregnant.
During Palin's speech, she delivered an impressive introduction of her family:
I'm just one of many moms who will say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way. Our son Track is 19, and one week from tomorrow, September 11th, he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country. My nephew Casey also enlisted and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf. My family is so proud of both of them, and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Thank you.
So Track is the eldest of our five children. In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between, my strong and kind- hearted daughters, Bristol and Willow and Piper.
You know, from the inside, no family ever seems typical, and that's how it is with us. Our family has the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys, sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a very, very special love. To the families of special needs - to the families of special needs children all across this country, I have a message for you. For years, you've sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.
Palin continued to speak about how she became involved in politics. She spoke of how she was involved with the PTA, which would lead to her race for Wasilla City Council. After city council, Palin served as mayor. She made an unsuccessful bid for the lieutenant governor but would be appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. In 2006, Palin would become the first female Governor of Alaska.
Though I do not align myself with the political platform of Palin or the Republican Party, she has certainly given the Democratic Party something to talk about. Palin proves a maverick choice by Sen. John McCain. Aside from her hockey mom jokes and pithy jabs at Barack Obama, Palin didn't say much on policy. Democratic Vice President Nominee, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware said that Palin's RNC speech was "very impressive" and defended Republican John McCain's navy record. Biden continued, "She was very good at, you know, zinging people."
Before her speech at the Republican National Convention, Palin wasn't well known outside of her home state of Alaska. But that's all changed. Many people still question whether Palin was the right choice for the vice president slot on McCain's ticket. Should she be running for VP with an infant with special needs and a pregnant daughter? Does she have enough experience in the international and national political world? These questions will continue as Americans wait for November
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