Did Palin's Speech Rally Democrats, Too?

By: Scott Conroy
Topics: Sarah Palin

By all accounts, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's address before the Republican Convention Wednesday night went over swimmingly with the Republicans' conservative base. But it appears to have had a similar effect on the Democratic side.

CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic reports that the Obama campaign confirms it has raised over $8 million since Palin's speech last night and is aiming to break $10 million by the end of the night.

Early on Thursday morning, Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe sent an email to supporters urging donations of $250 or more to "clarify" to Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin that "community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies." Both Giuliani and Palin mocked Obama's post-collegiate stint as a community organizer in Chicago during their speeches to the RNC.

Thursday afternoon, A Republican official told CBS News that the Republican National Committee had raised "well over $1 million" since the speech. McCain's campaign is no longer able to raise money directly, since the Arizona senator chose to accept public funds.

Scott Conroy
Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.
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by ajbuzz September 8, 2008 1:13 AM EDT: Sarah Palin might be new to the national scene, but she has a history in Alaska politics, and, if elected, expect more of the same. Inform yourselves! This is a must-read: http://community.adn.com/adn/node/130537; Reply to this comment


by tverde2 September 7, 2008 9:48 PM EDT: The quality and substance of the comments posted here only reinforce my belief about the erosion of the serious-minded CBS news consumer. Firing Dan Rather and replacing him with Katie Couric was the last nail in what had been the greatest news source in American broadcasting for my entire life. The "freepers" who try to post their folksy political opinions are hoping to appeal to the lowest common denominator of American intelligence, a.k.a. CBS audience. Well the public is smarter than you think, as evidenced by CBS news ratings hitting rock bottom.; Reply to this comment


by jperry64 September 7, 2008 4:29 PM EDT: I love those who do knee jerk reactions. The media bias shined through and the sneering comments jsut go to show that they are not for the people just for themselves. If you were open minded you would go out find the information that is out there and make up YOUR own mind and not go with the party line. I am a independant and feel that Obama will be President of this country but not now at this time. He will be ready in a few years and we will have more that Chicago political records to go by. So at this time I am in McCain''s corner and say turn the Maverick loose and watch the chaos in Washington as he beats them all over the head. I look forward to that very much.; Reply to this comment


by rlaurann September 7, 2008 10:02 AM EDT: Oh! It did serve to rally the Democrats!!!to push just as hard as they can to see that the Republican ticket is defeated by the widest margin ever this year. It is DISGUSTING and an insult to the US and Americans to have her on a political ticket to occupy a major political office. Democrats should UNITE to FIGHT AGAINST PALIN! She is not a political lightweight, she should be nothing but a political vapor.; Reply to this comment


by rodneyt74 September 7, 2008 6:47 AM EDT: Lets see.. Palin.. 6 years of college to get 3 year degree in Journalism. Shouldn''t that mean she can talk to press?? But she can''t even do that.. She can read a speech, but at a rally she can''t even field questions from supporters.. GEEZZZ and she is suppose to be able to step in to POTUS.. give me a break..; Reply to this comment


by dkbab4349 September 6, 2008 1:56 PM EDT: Has anyone managed to go to Alaska to find out what Alaskan think of Palin? Come on 60 Minutes - give us some facts to work with and a variety of opinions from Alaskans to help us find out who the real Palin is. Is her government really transparent? Does she really work for the community or those who fill her pockets for the next election? Is she in touch with her community or is she really pushing her right winged religious agenda? Is she really pro-life or does she also support the death penalty?; Reply to this comment


by cartecce September 6, 2008 1:45 PM EDT: i think that most of you people who think mrs moose palin is all that she is not telling anyone what she will do for the american people.and that old mcsane.; Reply to this comment


by cg37102006 September 6, 2008 12:34 PM EDT: I was planning to vote for Obama-Biden before either of the conventions, so Palin''s fluff filled diatribe against Obama didnt sway me. But it did take me from neutral to sell on her. Stay in Alaska and play with your kids, Mrs Palin. Leave the running of the country to others.; Reply to this comment


by barefootboy9 September 6, 2008 11:22 AM EDT: I just received this email from a friend that worked with me and we both are retired. I have been wondering who he would be backing and knew he was a Reagan man but didn''t know till this morning. This guy is a well educated man and he is not an Uncle Tom as many of you would say.

Barefoot,
I know this is going to surprise you but I don''t like Obama either but I think McCain is the lesser of the evils and besides he has a pretty running mate.
Barefoot, my wife is still fat and sassy, so she''s doing OK! Me, I''m doing great still pursuing my many hobbies and enjoying every minute of it. Also old Johnson is backing McCain. He said most of his Church will be voting for McCain.; Reply to this comment


by smurfcrusher September 6, 2008 2:30 AM EDT: "I think she is a breath of fresh air. I was not going to vote, but I believe we really have someone who might be able this time to get ir right, however the only real change can be made when we get rid of all the old timers in the Senate and house and get term limits in. Get new blood in their and have real reform on lobbyist and we will see real change"

Posted by pmccollough

She''s pretty! God clearly must be on her side. He talks with her regularly. I can hear the ringing in her pretty, hollow skull.; Reply to this comment