[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/09/03/art.palin.rnc.ap.jpg caption="Govenor Palin has not taken any reporters’ questions since being named McCain's V.P., with the exception of an interview with People Magazine."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Talk about pressure – Sarah Palin tonight will give arguably the most important speech of her life.
It will be the first chance for most Americans to get to know John McCain's surprise pick for V.P. Although she's been all over the news since Friday, Governor Palin hasn't taken a single question from a reporter with the exception of a People Magazine interview.
Part of the reason is she has apparently been hunkered down with members of the McCain camp preparing tonight's speech. One senior adviser says while the Democrats and media have done a great job lowering expectations "We're gonna raise some expectations tonight."
Palin is expected to hit on three main themes. The economy and why Republicans are better equipped to deal with it as well as Palin's own experience with the energy economy. Next is to make the case for McCain against Barack Obama, when it comes to both policy and character. And last, to give the public a better sense of what kind of person she is – Palin is described by campaign aides as likable, funny and smart.
The stakes don't get much higher. Palin is certainly in a higher risk position than Joe Biden was last week, since he's been on the national stage for decades. And as a newcomer to national politics, Palin will have to prove she's up for the job and calm any questions about her experience, which is thin to non-existent, when it comes to foreign policy or the qualifications to be commander-in-chief.
Here’s my question to you: What do you hope to learn about Sarah Palin from her speech tonight?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jay from Sherman, New York writes:
I would like her to honestly answer what the pundits have been asking for the last week which is what makes her qualified to step in as president if something happens to John McCain should he become the next commander-in-chief. And I really don't want to hear the Republican spin that she commands Alaska's National Guard, I want to know what real life experience she has with foreign policy and national security.
Ariana from Garden Grove, California writes:
America needs to know how Palin is going to deal with issues that she does not face in Alaska. Yet, all we have heard from the Republican Party is her life story and what she has done in her scarcely populated home state. She has to be able to apply her changes to a much larger, needier, and diverse scale.
Kathy from California writes:
I will watch to see how she presents her self, her views and goals, and the reasons why she should be vice-president, especially in light of the vicious attacks that have been thrown at her and her family… Come on, people! Give this woman a chance! Watch her tonight, along with the debates. Then make up your minds! Duh!
Rod from Arizona writes:
I am fired up and excited about hearing from Governor Palin tonight. I think that we have only seen the tip of the iceberg where this woman is concerned and the Democratic Party is sailing the Titanic!
Don from Billings, Montana writes:
I want to learn how her qualifications are equal to or better than Joe Biden as the person who will be just a heartbeat away from the presidency for the next 4 years.
David writes:
I want to know if she's learned what the V.P. does yet and what it was about that description that made her want the job?