dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!

My political interest was resurrected Friday morning with the announcement of Sarah Palin as McCain's VP candidate. I watched Obama's speech the night before and was impressed with his oratorical skills.

But, I was even more impressed by just how formidable the GOP ticket is after tonight's speeches, particularly those of Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman. Even though President Bush's short speech was nicely done, even noting some dissonance between himself and John McCain in a lighthearted way.

I've previously highlighted Congressional Medal of Honor winner Michael Monsoor, but they had a great video tribute tonight worthy of your time.


Fred Thompson reminded me why I blogged for Fred and many were probably wondering afterward why did he so poorly in the primaries.

Fred labored to show McCain and Palin, "a breath of fresh air," as reformers who would drain the water out of that "swamp" (i.e., DC) no matter what the alligators think and keep the country safe.

He did a nice job of explaining what 5.5 years as a P.O.W. really was like. He did so to demonstrate character and commitment to "country first." He said, "Now, being a P.O.W. doesn't qualify anyone to be president, but it does reveal character." That is, "character you can believe in."

He mentioned that "the other side" also has a historic candidate, "historic in that he's the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for president."

In contrast, he mentioned that Gov. Palin had ran a municipality and a state. Expect much to be made by the GOP of her experience being executive experience and Obama's 4 years in the senate being not so much, and that half of that he's been out campaigning for the presidency.

In another "tongue in cheek" jab at the other side, Fred mentioned tax increases the Democrats would bring in. But, Fred did recognize their caveat: "They're not gonna tax your family. No, they're just gonna tax businesses. So, unless you buy something from a business, like groceries, clothes, or gasoline, or unless you get a paycheck from a business, a big business or a small business, don't worry. It's not gonna affect you."

Watch Fred Thompson's speech or read his prepared remarks.


There was also a great tribute to Ronald Reagan.


Even more jarring, perhaps, was that the 2000 Democratic nominee for VP was there to support McCain, calling on Democrats and Independents to vote for McCain. Let that sink in just a minute. Joe Lieberman was there "to support John McCain because country matters more than party."

He said, "John McCain is the best choice to bring our country together and lead America forward."

He noted that both sides had such a great deal about changing the climate in Washington and bringing about bi-partisanship, "but only one of them has actually done it."

These comments were in direct opposition to Obama's contention that McCain is just "more of the same" (Bush policies). But, Lieberman said, "If John McCain is just another partisan Republican, then I'm Michael Moore's favorite Democrat."

The crowd liked that and he's right. Even Republicans know McCain to be a renegade at times and it makes some of us conservatives more than a bit nervous. Of course, it gets you a little nervous anyway when there's a Democrat in love with the GOP's candidate.

Lieberman recognized Obama's potential to do good things and eloquence, but noted that, "eloquence is no substitute for a record, not in these tough times."

I was surprised he would not only praise McCain, but criticize Obama. He was quick to praise Sarah Palin as a "reformer" and a "leader we can count on to help John shake up Washington."

Taking the Obama platform right from under them, Lieberman stated, "The real ticket for change this year is the McCain/Palin ticket."

Watch Joe Lieberman's speech or read his prepared remarks.


The American people probably prioritize the whole Democrats & Republicans working together, cats & dogs living together, stuff more than I do. I only think that way when my guys are in the minority. Both campaigns are saying they can do it, but only one has and even had one of the enemy walk across the aisle all the way to Minnesota. That's a very symbolic gesture, even more than Zell Miller back in the day.

I don't know if the happy middle watch these things, but it was a banner night for McCain/Palin, it seems to me. They presented themselves as the ones capable of real change in Washington.