So, in keeping with the Dems’ constant comparison of their ticket leader with the Republicans’ veep, I present this Nielsen report. Apparently, Obama’s speech garnered an impressive 38.4 million viewers. Certainly nothing to sneeze at. But the still virtually unknown Palin pulled in over 40 million. I submit that this obviously doesn’t bode well for the Obama/Biden ticket, but could even end up being a problem for McCain if he doesn’t play his cards right. I suppose, though, if there are enough people like me out there — people hoping that, at most, he’s a one-term president that can launch her into an 8 year term and are voting for the ticket because of that hope — he doesn’t really care.
UPDATE: Despite the complaints of Democrats about how much of a meanie she was in her speech, Rasmussen released these polling results on 9/5/08:
Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters say that Palin’s speech helped McCain’s chances of becoming President while only 10% believe it hurt those prospects.
And this:
Forty percent (40%) now say that Palin is ready to be President, if necessary. That’s up from 29% last week. Forty-nine percent (49%) say the same about Biden.
However, following the Wednesday night speech, voters are fairly evenly divided as to whether Palin or Obama has the better experience to be President. Forty-four percent (44%) of voters say Palin has the better experience while 48% say Obama has the edge. Among unaffiliated voters, 45% say Obama has better experience while 42% say Palin.
Think about that. Only 40% of voters think Palin’s ready for the Presidency. Impressive for a newcomer perhaps, but damning for Obama considering that same poll revealed that people are divided on who’s got more experience — comparing a Presidential candidate to a Vice Presidential candidate! Clearly not a glowing endorsement of Obama.
[...] I did not expect. Palin? Sure. No one knew her, and lots wanted to find out who she is and what she has to say. But McCain? [...]