MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
Posted: Thursday, September 4, 2008 3:37 pm

At her coming out party, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin accepted her party’s nomination to be Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) running mate in November’s presidential election.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to – whether they be Democrats, Republicans, Independents – are very impressed by what she did last night,” said Ira Brody, Tennessee Republican delegate. “Let’s face it. She’s a governor of a state and you don’t get there by being a buffoon.”

Palin stirred up the crowd of Republican delegates, by introducing herself, explaining her background in life and politics and holding no punches against Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama, his running mate Sen. Joe Bidden and even the national press corps.

“She spoke from the heart and with vision,” Brody said. “When she spoke of her children that was a very moving moment.”

The historic evening was capped by the official nomination of McCain as the party’s presidential candidate.

“I voted for John McCain last night,” Brody said, adding every Tennessee delegate voted for McCain, because former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who won the state, released his delegates and endorsed the Arizona senator.

Brody especially enjoyed former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani’s introduction of Palin.

“When he’s relaxed and able to speak from his heart, he does a really great job,” Brody said.

The Republican National Convention continues tonight with McCain’s acceptance speech.

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.