In response to this commentary, I am adding my post here. However, CNN has not and may not post it on their site. They are funny like that about people that dissent. I am NOT stating whether I am for one candidate or another, at present I really AM undecided. I may stay that way. However, I do wish to make clear something that people in my area don’t often understand. But, I am a Southerner and I have a different perspective and feel that it should be heard as well. As a matter of fact, people may find that this kind of thinking would be helpful in the next election. So, here it is:
QUOTED FROM MY POST AT CNN.COM. (Please forgive any errors. I typed fast).
“Actually, her (Sarah Palin’s) answers were not incoherent at all. You just have to be able to understand and translate “Middle-American, Conservative-Speak.” It is becoming evident as a farm boy that grew up in the South, now living in DC, that many from Northern, VA up the east coast do not understand the conversations or thoughts of the South. As someone who does not stand by either party’s choice at present, I feel comfortable in stating that Palin did an amazing job of answering EVERY question the way that you would find (it stated) on Religious Conservative websites and the way that all of my friends and family back home would both understand and cheer. It might be to the advantage of the party that wishes to woo this crowd to learn how to speak their language. Also, speak slow, look at the camera, talk to the individual and get heated about, “our boys on the front.” These terms are those of endearment and if you want to have a debate for debating purposes, argue the actual “issues,” if you want to have one to turn public opinion and to promote your campaign, speak to the people. Again, I am not saying what is right or wrong here or which way to vote. What I am saying is that in order to reach the target audiences out there that you need for your vote, learn to speak their language. Language is both audible and visible. Become the student of the Socio-Linguistics of that audience. Go to school on them. Read their blogs. I just think Governor Palin came to the debate last night with an audience in mind. Maybe one that has kids. One that either does or does not have a BA. One that goes to church on Sunday and won’t work till Monday. One that values “FAMILY” and the definition of it. And it seems they like her. Something to think about either for this election or the next… And the moral of the story is… Learn the Language before you travel.”