This week saw the Republican National Convention.  Sarah Palin‘s speech garnered 37 million viewers… more than the Olympic opening ceremony.  This self-proclaimed hockey mom (who admits that the only difference between pitbulls and hockey moms is lipstick) buried Joe Biden in television viewers by 55%.  So what did everyone tune in to?  Here are a few of my favorite snippets from her speech:

Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown, and since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a “community organizer,” except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don’t quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren’t listening.

I’ve noticed a pattern with our opponent.  Maybe you have, too.  We’ve all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers and there is much to like and admire about our opponent.

But listening to him speak, it’s easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state Senate.

Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That’s why true reform is so hard to achieve.  But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up, and in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.  I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.  While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor’s office that I didn’t believe our citizens should have to pay for.

That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.

The most intriguing part, and truly the part that really made me take notice was this:

Our family has the same ups and downs as any other - the same challenges and the same joys.  Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge and children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.  I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.

I tend to believe that even if the Baby Gate accusations are true, that’s a pretty powerful boost for families with special needs children.  I think Obama may have just had his ship sunk.

What do you think?