Chicago Columnist Illinois Leader Political Strategist Analyst Business Advisor Entrepreneur Chicago Illinois Review

SEIFFE:  See The Speech?

Thursday, September 4, 2008 

By Ralf Seiffe

The speech is, of course, Sarah Palin’s acceptance at the Republican National Convention, last night.  Her offer of real Republican and real American ideas shocked the campaign with voltage not seen since 1994 or maybe even 1980.  Thirty-six million watched this woman present a genuine appeal for support based on transparent motives.  She engaged her rivals rather than accommodated them.  She knocked the Democrats on to defense for the first time during the 2008 campaign and she gave McCain a real shot at victory in November.  Word is that contributions to the RNC have exploded since this all-around conservative was picked for VP.  Despite this, one wonders if any Illinois Republican office holders are getting the message that is tailor-made for them.

Governor Palin is as conservative as any national figure on issues from guns to abortion. She appears to be an economic conservative and, even better, she is willing to advocate these principles, unabashedly.  But, what Illinois Republican pols should recognize is that she has an 80% popularity rating for one good reason--she's a governor to represent her constituents. It’s that jet airplane on e-Bay thing.

What Sarah Palin has accomplished in this past week and especially last night, is nothing less than the resurrection of the national Republican brand.  Here’s the evidence: a brand makes a promise--hers is reform.  A successful brand delivers on the promise--see the former Alaska Republicans now out of office or in jail.  A valuable brand creates trust--she will compel voters who would not have voted for McCain to reconsider.

Brands establish themselves by offering an alternative to other choices.  In Palin’s case it was the promise of honest Republican governance rather than crony Republican governance.  This was a clear choice--some would call it a position--that gave Alaska voters a real reason to vote one way or the other.  They made the right choice and if there is any state where this same sort of positioning is could be reprised, it is Illinois.  The result would be the same.

It’s my sense that the social facets of Sarah Palin’s political personality are not the reason she’s captured our imagination although they do help conservatives identify with her.  Rather, it’s how she stood up to entitled politicians--even in her own party--who believe the taxpayers exist for the political class' convenience.  She has given Illinois Republicans hope and demonstrated a process by which we could recapture our party, first, then the statehouse.

A real reform strategy is available to honest politicians of either party but Palin’s example gives Illinois Republicans the model they need to reestablish their brand.  Ambitious elected officials--and their rivals who seek office--will see Palin’s political success and imitate her strategy.  All they need do is make a promise to root out corruption or cronyism and deliver on that promise.  That shouldn’t be too hard; the political landscape in Illinois offers plenty of targets.  We'll see if there is the courage.

Ralf Seiffe advises business start-ups and product launches from Chicago, Illinois and is a political analyst and columnist for the Illinois Leader and Illinois Review.

Webmaster Contact:  Alynn Patzer alynn11111@aol.com