What is it?

After Republican V.P. candidate Sarah Palin's acceptance speech Wednesday night, my office was a buzz with comments extolling her attractiveness. Then it seemed necessary for us to breakdown just what it is about her that attracts. My boss sent me the following from a political forum he frequents. I thought it hit the nail on the head:

"James" tries to define what we were wrestling with earlier:

Great speech, great delivery, great presence.

As far as I can see, she did what she needed to do. She defied
expectations, she got some powerful and effective hits in on Obama.
She got some good hits in on behalf of McCain, and also on her own
behalf.

She spoke clearly and calmly in a voice that is soothing and
reassuring and confident, without a touch of the grating bitchiness
evident in the voice of someone like Hillary Clinton. Far from some
air-headed, untested, unprepared beauty queen persona that the media
wanted to assume her to be, she spoke in a way that seemed neither
afraid nor arrogant.

As to her babe reputation, I’ll say that it goes much further than
that. It’s not just that she’s beautiful with her large, sparkling
eyes, gorgeous smile, perfect skin, and lustrous hair. It goes much,
much deeper. It’s the personality behind the looks, and how that
personality manifests itself in her features and bring them alive that
makes her a very powerful force.

Sarah Palin is an extraordinary communicator on the non-verbal level.
She radiates calm and poise and inspiration, all at the same time.
Frequently people of power or high social status exhibit what are
called "cathathetic signals"; things that indicate their awareness of
their importance, signals that are also designed to make the listener
aware that the listener is of less importance. Their ego manifests
itself in postures, expression, and tone meant to reduce the ego of
others. Think of the pompous arrogance of Joe Biden. Or even Hillary
Clinton. They think they are better than you, and they can’t help but
communicate it.

Sarah Palin communicates confidence and ease with power, without
exhibiting any of these signals whatsoever. NONE. What’s interesting
is that Obama tries extremely hard to accomplish this same goal, it’s
part of what makes him an uplifting and inspiring figure. But with
Obama it is not genuine; it’s very carefully managed and controlled
and there are times when he loses his grip on it and a less flattering
side of himself is revealed.

Personally, I don’t care much for McCain. And the campaign is still
very young. But if tonight was any indication I expect some amazing
things from Sarah Palin.