GOP orchestrated delegates' comments about Palin

Look at that headline. This freaking country is like Soviet Russia more and more each day.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Alaska delegates to the Republican National Convention got a strong message this week from Republican officials as the media swarm kept bugging them about Gov. Sarah Palin: "STAY POSITIVE when talking with reporters."

The one-page "Republican National Convention Talking Points" sheet provided to them added: "No one is better suited to deal with the largest issue on voters minds: Energy." If reporters asked about indicted Sen. Ted Stevens, it advised the delegates: "As long as he does not receive jail time, he is legally capable of serving."

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Despite the fact that the Republicans met in Minnesota to nominate John McCain for president, there was more discipline than straight talk at their convention. Day after day, it was hard to find anyone who wasn't offering the same lines, and as delegates and officials headed home Friday, they were confident that they could answer any question about Palin or anything else quickly and cogently.

The message effort proceeded on several fronts. Party officials participated in daily conference calls with top Republicans and discussed the "line of the day," usually how to discuss energy, McCain's record, the economy or national security. Surrogates then talked to the news media and delegate meetings.

On the convention floor, the national party on Monday gave all delegates blue pocket cards listing party principles, with quick responses to constituent and media questions.