Red, white + buzz: Whose line is it anyway?

Alaska delegates to the Republican National Convention got a strong message from Republican officials as news organizations kept bugging them about Gov. Sarah Palin: "STAY POSITIVE when talking with reporters."

The "Republican National Convention Talking Points" sheet added: "No one is better suited to deal with the largest issue on voters minds: Energy."

If reporters asked about indicted Sen. Ted Stevens, it advised the delegates: "As long as he does not receive jail time, he is legally capable of serving."

Politicians and their parties have long tried to shape how they appear through the media's lens. But day after day at the convention, it was hard to find anyone who wasn't offering the same lines.

Party officials participated in daily conference calls with leaders to discuss the "line of the day." And all delegates were given blue pocket cards listing party principles, with quick responses to constituent and media questions.

For instance, should anyone ask about the economy or terrorism, they could say: "We support our heroes and their mission to create an enduring peace, based on freedom and the will to defend it."

Democrats mounted a similar operation in Denver. But unlike the Republicans, the Democrats didn't universally use the talking points.

"Some delegates here have never talked to the media," said Alaska state Rep. Bob Lynn of South Anchorage. "It can be scary when you stick a camera in someone's face."