Those inside the Xcel Energy Center may have devoured the red meat served up in Republican Vice President Sarah Palin's speech, but a panel of undecided voters put together by the Detroit Free Press weren't sold.
"Originally, I was a not too happy about McCain's choice for a running mate, Sarah Palin … However, after her speech tonight I am beginning to see her in a different light. She seems like a real fighter, someone who would stick it to the lobbyist and special-interest groups that have run ramped in Washington. Her perspective between Obama and McCain was brilliant. … Palin hit it on the nail, the Democratic Party is about big government and high taxes. McCain has walked the walk on change while Obama has to date only talked the talk about change.
Walter E. Capers, 41, Highland Republican
"Palin is a far better orator than McCain. But the tone of her speech is sarcastic, mean-spirited and divisive. Apparently, her role is to look good and throw out red meat for the base. … Palin has repeated her lie about 'saying no' to the bridge from nowhere. Has she no shame?"
James Melton, 45, Detroit Democrat
"Sarah Palin came out strong, confident, articulate, and she connected well. This was her introduction, and it went well. I am looking foward to the VP debate where she can continue to demonstrate how ready she is. She is going to give Biden a run for his money."
Jacki Shipley, 42, Plymouth Republican
"Palin delivered a good speech but I am not convinced she has the experience to carry her through tough debates with Biden or to be vice president. It was a well crafted and well written speech but given it was her big debut, I would not expect anything less from Republican speech writers. I believe the real test will come when she begins to answer tough questions and debates with Joe Biden."
