A simplistic screen with Americana images, such as a Midwest grain field and an American flag set against a clear blue sky, served as the backdrop for the RNC speakers. Not only was the unadorned style of the RNC evident in the venue, but also in the language of both Palin and McCain. On Wednesday, Palin made it clear that she was up for any challenge Washington gave her. “I told the Congress ‘thanks, but no thanks,’ for that Bridge to Nowhere.” She also took the opportunity to harshly criticize Obama by comparing his run for the Oval Office to a “journey of personal discovery” and discredit his work as a community organizer. The fighting words of Palin were echoed in McCain’s speech the following night, but this time the fight wasn’t directed towards Obama. The fight was for America and McCain promised he would never give up. “Fight with me. Fight with me,” McCain urged the crowd. Mentioning his experience in Vietnam, his support for American troops in Iraq and his distaste for war, established McCain as a man who will fight only when need be. McCain also mentioned cutting taxes, supporting the reform of public education and searching for new energy technology. He ended his speech by stating that “we never hid from history; we make history.”

Though I was impressed by the brashness of Palin, there was one sentence that I thought would have been best left out by her speechwriter. Palin said, “This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer.” Her goal was to portray Obama as inexperienced, however a community is exactly what we should aim for at this time in America’s history. Fellowship and partnership with other countries is what America needs if we are going to renew our reputation over the next four years.

Due to McCain’s awkward delivery style, I was often distracted from the focus of his speech. It was evident that several times he had to stop and look at the teleprompter before he could start again. Within the confines of his address on Thursday, he used the word fight or some form of it (fights, fighting) 26 times—much more than any other word in his speech. Though Republicans may be willing to fight, I do not believe that was the best choice of words in an election that seems to be swinging right and left. Fights do not unite anything or anyone unless by force. If McCain and Palin want to win over undecided voters, they will have to work on their use of more neutral language.