Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Politics
Text Size

Pressure Mounting For Palin's Speech

By Mary Benton

POSTED: Wednesday, September 3, 2008
UPDATED: 6:35 pm CDT September 3, 2008

It's being called the biggest speech of her political career. When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin accepts the Republican Party's nomination for vice president Thursday night, she will have to convince voters that she is the right person for the job.


Read Mary's Blog:
  • On The Beat With Mary Benton

    That means reaching out to both loyal delegates at the national convention and skeptical voters in Houston who say they want to know more about the governor's personal family issues and her political views.

    "I want to see how she's going to handle the problems she's got in her own family right now, and the problems of the United States," Karin Schulter told KPRC Local 2.

    But the personal issues are not as important to Ruth Seeliger, who said, "I would really like to know that she could step in and serve for John McCain if she's elected. That's a question for all of us, whether you are a Republican or a Democrat."

    Before last Friday, Palin was unfamiliar to most voters. Since then, her political views have been overshadowed by a personal family issue -- the pregnancy of her 17-year-old unmarried daughter.

    She is also the target of an ethics investigation. Questions have been raised about whether Palin fired the safety commissioner of the state of Alaska because he refused to fire her former brother-in-law who was embroiled in a bitter custody battle with her sister.

    At least one well-known Houston political consultant said he believes that Palin should avoid mentioning too many details about her family's personal issues, and instead define herself to the country.

    "We've only known her for less than a week, and so she has to continue the process of introducing herself. Who is she? What does she believe? What has she accomplished, and what does she want to help John McCain accomplish?" said Jim McGrath, who was a speechwriter for former President George H.W. Bush.

    McGrath said he would encourage Palin to be true to herself. He is confident that she is going to exceed expectations.

    "Welcome to Washington. This is what you are going to be dealing with the next eight years," said McGrath. "Welcome to the big leagues. We're going to see if you can hit a major league fast ball tonight. I think she's going to do a great job."

    Text Size

    Links We Like

    Sponsored Content
    You should feel safe and secure in your house, but ignoring hidden dangers could risk your family's safety. Learn on how to prevent accidents in the home. More

    Is your bathroom in serious need of an update? We’ve got the tips and tricks to help you turn it into a major selling point in your home. More

    In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

    Now more than ever, job security is priority number one with most job seekers. Here are 10 jobs with great job security that employers are actually struggling to fill. More

    Most Popular

    • StoriesClick to Expand

      • Captain: Help Solve Daughter's Killing

        Selestino TorresA Houston Fire Department captain asked for the public's help finding the man suspected of killing his daughter, KPRC Local 2 reports.

      • Pastor Accused Of Sex Assault

        Darrell Dean DunnA pastor from Crosby is accused of sexually abusing two boys who attended his church's school, KPRC Local 2 reports.

      • 1,400 Arrested In South Texas

        U.S. marshals and police arrest more than 1,400 fugitives and cleared 1,654 warrants during a monthlong cooperative between federal, state, and local law enforcement in South Texas.

      • Pelosi Shuts Down Jackson Resolution

        House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shuts the door to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.

      • Texas License Plate Gets New Look

        Texas license plates have a new look and another character, KPRC Local 2 reports.

    • VideosClick to Expand

      • Man Lies About Military Heroics

        July 9, 2009: A Houston man's military heroics were fabricated. Alana Gomez Dong reports.

      • Local 2 Investigates: Inside Bar Raid

        July 8, 2009: A bar that's had its liquor license pulled and where police have looked for sex trafficking victims is raided, KPRC Local 2 Investigates reports.

      • Pastor Accused Of Fondling Students

        Darrell Dean DunnJuly 9, 2009: A pastor from Crosby has been accused of sexually abusing two boys who attended his church's school. Phil Archer reports.

      • Houston Nets 1,000+ Fugitives

        July 9, 2009: Operation Falcon rounds up more than 3,500 fugitives across the nation. Joel Eisenbaum reports.

      • Man Makes Patriotism His Mission

        July 4, 2009: While the focus of the Fourth of July is usually on barbecue and fireworks, one local veteran wants to make sure we pay tribute to the true patriots who have served our country. Alana Gomez Dong reports.

    • SlideshowsClick to Expand