The Repulican National Convention was not as successful as The Democratic National Convention the week prior. While the American viewers were able to catch a glimpse of "The new star of the Republican party", Sarah Palin, the four day event was not as impressive. America was confused, and interested in who this unheard of V.P. candidate was. Palins's speech attracted more viewers than those who watched Democrat V.P. candidate, Joe Biden, Michelle Obama, and even Hillary Clinton. According to the Nielsen ratings, Sarah Palin was 1 million viewers shy of having as many viewers as the August 28th speech of Obama.
As I have made clear above, people were interested in Sarah Palin, that does not necessarily mean those watching were impressed by her speech. The first three quarters of her speech was unimpressive and certainly not polished enough for a convention speech, sixty days before election day.
Palin was night three. McCain was night four. Not until McCain delivered his speech did I have any confidence for the GOP. Their speakers and convention as a whole was lackluster. McCain delivered a successful speech and only because of him, do I believe that the presidential race will be a close call.