http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i2mbV902zm-BHxQP1NtuEAuoPqkQD92UER2G0The only truly unscripted things were the news about Palin's attorney and her daughter's pregnancy. Yet even the management of the latter situation was calibrated — both to kill rumors that Palin's youngest child was actually her daughter's, and to emerge when most of America, including TV's leading anchors, had their eyes fixed squarely on the Gulf Coast. What's more, the Palin family's conservative-friendly response presents a useful subplot for the GOP base.
"It locks in that we're the pro-life, pro-family party," said Scott Reed, a Republican consultant close to McCain.Finally, the script retooling helps McCain avoid having to match Obama's public show. A key question — how could he match Obama's eloquence and charisma? — has been neutered. Now, McCain doesn't have to match his rival. Instead, he can focus on his favorite, ostensibly apolitical theme — dedication to a cause greater than yourself. <...>
But the connection between pre-election politics and post-election policy is forever flimsy. It's as gossamer as the bond between script and reality during convention week. Everyone likes a good show, but the real world is the one we have to live in. Whatever randomness it might serve up.
Will it work?