Projo Politics Blog

By John E. Mulligan, Journal Washington Bureau

Rhode Island Republican Chairman Giovanni Cicione described the challenge that vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin faced last night in what he called, "an incredibly important speech.''

He said, "The country didn't know her. There's such a small window to the election that it was very important to make a lot of progress to get herself known to the American people. It was a lot for her to do in one speech.''

As for Palin's performance, Cicione said, "The biggest thing she did is she responded to criticism. She's from a small town and she defined the difference between one party that respects that and one that writes it off as some backward part of the country that they don't have to address.''

Echoing former Mayor Rudy Giuliani comments last night, Cicione also suggested that there may be a wellspring for Palin to tap among moderate female voters who differ with her position against abortion but are angered to hear questions raised about her family. "Barack Obama doesn't get asked whether he can be a father and president. It's insulting to ask her,'' he said.

As Palin stood on stage with her family after the speech, Cicione said, "Sarah Palin is a good example of what an American family is today. Ozzie and Harriet is not the American family today.''

 Tags  Cicione Palin Republican Convention Rhode Island GOP

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