Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Marsha Blackburn
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Xcel Energy Center
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Last night, for the first time in a long time, millions like me whispered to themselves, "thank God, someone finally gets it." We heard a voice that spoke with the accent of real America, not the washed-out, mainstream TV-speak that sometimes soothes the soul, but never solves the problem.
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We met a woman who, with the bravery that only the mother of five can summon, said "thanks but no thanks" to the good ole' boy earmarks.
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And, it's an honor for me to quote those constituents I heard from today when I say "It's about damn time!"
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To all the gray suits in the booths, who had their backs turned last night facing Washington, on behalf of the great gals in this room, I tell you -- "listen up boys!"
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As a wife, mother, business woman, and public servant; neither Governor Palin nor I need you to tell us what our limitations are, or when we might have taken on too much or reached too far.
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Every working mother knows the value of action over deliberation and decision over debate.
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Tennesseans already know and respect John McCain, and love his "straight-talk" and unyielding sense of honor.
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Last night my NASCAR dads fell in love with our hockey mom.
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We are the gun totin', God fearin,' flag wavin' Americans who are excited to see two crack shots on the ticket with the status quo in their sights.
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We know the only place Senator Obama wants to drill is your wallet.
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Leadership is not about creating perceptions, it's about creating results.
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And leadership is honed and tested on Alaska's frontier, on the deck of an aircraft carrier and in a dark, squalid cell in Vietnam.
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Last night, when I saw John and Sarah on the stage, I saw the brilliant spark of leadership catch fire illuminating the path to a brighter tomorrow.
