I first heard about Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin on the AOL movers and shakers headline article last April. The brief article outlined her accomplishments and highlighted what a reformer she was for Alaska. Immediately I thought, will Sen John McCain think to add this woman to his ticket? Would it be the right political move to have a woman Vice President?
This thought alone brought a smile to my face as we all expect woman to make headway in politics here in America. Hillary Clinton has paved the wave on the national level and it is a matter of time before a woman is president of the United States or even Vice President. Two of the most powerful positions in the world.
When we were formally introduced to Gov. Sarah Palin by Sen John McCain, I found myself captivated by her spirit. I wanted to know more about her and her drive and accomplishments as a 44 year old mother of 5 kids from Alaska!
Then at the GOP convention in St Paul, we saw a woman of poise, class, confidence, determination, grace, conviction, intelligience and grit. "Sarah Palin hit a grand slam tonight" the CNN anchors proclaimed. Fox news saying 'she hit it out of the park."
I could not help but be moved at the RNC convention by her poise in this grand arena. I tried to imagine myself in her shoes and to attempt to accomplish what she did at the RNC. I could no more connect the dots than dream of her 'grand slam' speech. Moreover, I think of all she has on her plate with being the governor of Alaska, a mom of 5 kids, a wife, a hockey mom, a son going off to war, a special needs infant and I get dizzy.
Sarah Palin has already served as an inspiration to many but more importantly to woman. She along with Hillary Clinton are paving the wave for woman in politics and changing paradigms left and right. As Gov Palin said in her acceptance speech about her parents simple lesson, "every woman can walk through every door of opportunity."
We as Americans are learning to adjust our thoughts and beliefs about woman in politics and mothers in the public's eye. We have Hillary and Sarah to thank for their courage and strength in tackling these beliefs. For opening doors of opportunity.
