The First Post

With the DNC Convention in the can, and the appointment of the first Republican Vice Presidential nominee this morning, it seems like a good enough day to start a new blog.

We've endured four days of flowery, largely misleading speeches; now, with John McCain and Sarah Palin aiming to make history, it only figures that all those opposed tried to stink up the joint before the announcement was formally delivered.

When MSNBC (SHOCKER!) got the word this morning, they immediately assigned producers the task of getting on the phone with any female dignitary they could who would provide them with the stand-offish reaction they needed to make their point for them (because of course, they don't have an official viewpoint, but they make sure their guests do). In this case, they got a hold of Democratic congresswoman Debbie Something-or-other from the district of Who Cares. To the presumed delight of the network, Deb channeled a quintessential self-important next door neighbor's voice and said something like, "If John McCain thinks he's going to win over Hillary supporters with THIS move...He. Is. Sorely. Mistaken. I know Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton." Original, Deb. Just because Lloyd Bentsen died doesn't mean everyone can go around using his brand of zinger like it's their own. To be fair, though, it's now two hours later, and now that the formal announcement was over, their hosts are actually being nice. Of course, that will likely change tonight when Matthews and Olberman get their say. Bitter much?

Not only is Sarah Palin gorgeous (a runner-up for Miss Alaska in 1984), she's a kick ass Hockey Mom of 5 (so Nancy Pelosi no longer has the monopoly on that claim) with real-live executive experience. Three days ago, Hillary's Evita-like presence had us all thinking that perhaps maybe she really is the end-all-be-all example of feminine success. And as a Girl Scout mom who has longed for a visible role model in government for my daughters, I almost gave in (I know, I know). Right now, though, listening to Palin address the cameras/Ohio rally crowd on the anniversary of women's suffrage - and, graciously lauding Hillary for her accomplishments at one point during the speech - I'm relieved, excited, and amazed.

Think about it: This woman's story, if you listen to it, has all the makings of a chick empowerment flick (PTA to City Council to Mayor to Governor to Vice Presidential nominee). All I can say is "Soooooo, who's shattering the Glass Ceiling NOW?"