Palin provides the spark, as it's 'game on' for Election 2008

Last year, who would have predicted that the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul would turn into a conservative National Organization for Women rally? I was nearly convinced that at any moment the giant screens in the Xcel Arena would flash pictures of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and that the GOP delegates - seeing this - would burst into applause.

What in the world happened to the Grand Old Party in Minnesota? In my view, two words: Sarah Palin. All slash-and-trash criticism of her - her record, her family, her experience - aside, Alaska Gov. Palin energized this convention in a way I thought was impossible. It gave the convention, the party and John McCain that magic political word "oomph."

Her Wednesday night speech lifted GOP hearts, energized their hopes and eased many of the delegate concerns about their presidential nominee, John McCain.

Much has been written about Palin's speech, but what most television viewers do not know was that the governor's best speech line was an ad-lib. When hundreds of hockey mom signs shot up during her speech, she quickly said, "What is the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick!"

This clever line was obviously an old one for her, but to use it during her acceptance speech with all the pressure firmly on her shoulders showed the political confidence and smoothness of a pro and not an amateur. For all you mature readers, it was a Ruby Keeler "42nd Street" moment.

Palin aside, this 2008 presidential contest will be about the two top-of-the-ticket candidates. McCain in his acceptance speech continued Palin's theme of small town, traditional values vs. elite, big city media bias.

How will this work? In St. Paul, Republicans revealed they will play the regional card, especially in the "MOP" states - Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. McCain's acceptance speech was not an oratorical masterpiece. Rather, it was a carefully laid-out game plan to play to his strength, his incredible biography. Yes, he gloried in calling himself a maverick, fighting for less government, lower taxes and eliminating wasteful spending. But this convention erupted into political euphoria when he linked his life story to patriotism and the 2008 campaign.

And this, "my friends," to use McCain's favorite phrase, tied together his hopes of a rural, small town, and exurban political coalition to counter Barack Obama's metropolitan upscale suburban appeal. McCain's magic link - standing up for one's country - even if, or more importantly when, it requires significant self-sacrifice.

Can it work?

Obama maintains a slight edge. His demographic coalition of African Americans, young people and educated whites was not dented in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He still has a huge advantage in campaign war chest dollars, a disciplined political operation and, yes, a fawning media. But he can lose!

In the next two months, the key political indicator will not be national polls but state polls in a handful of battleground states. And in these states - especially in the "MOP" - McCain's regional coalition can out turnout Obama's demographic base.

Clearly, the upcoming debates will be critical and Palin's political performance will be crucial, but the 2000 and 2004 red state/blue state divisions will largely hold in 2008.

So, my friends and perhaps a few enemies, it's "game on." Politics is about competition. Democracy works best when both parties bring their "A" game, and 2008 looks like a real battle. Enjoy the political stew of race, gender, regionalism and differing economic plans - all mixed together.

Lastly, beware of any talking head on cable television who is called a Republican or Democratic political strategist. If they were actually one and good at it, they would be working in a campaign.

Paul Green is director of the Institute for Politics and Arthur Rubloff Professor of Policy Studies at Roosevelt University-Chicago and Schaumburg.