The Hiller Instinct: Palin Talking Points

Somehow, she must assure her party's base she's a conservative who deserves their support...and persuade moderates and women she's a serious candidate who deserves their votes.

It's a challenge bigger than Alaska. Here are four tips that could help.

Above all, Palin must be herself--whoever that is...because, the truth is, we don't know. Tonight, she should tell us, in a genuine way.  Palin also needs to be more Maverick than Mom. McCain picked her because he thinks she's a reformer, not because she's a mother...so her speech should focus on her political life. Not her life at home.

But she has to say hello to Levi Johnston--the teenage father of her unmarried daughter's child--who'll be in the crowd in St. Paul. She can't ignore him; but she shouldn't talk about him for too long.

With all respect, I think Sarah Palin should say a prayer before she gives the speech. The stakes are enormous, and she can use all the help she can get.

If Palin succeeds, the Republicans will regain some of the energy her selection originally generated.  If she fails, John McCain will wish that Hurricane Gustav packed a big enough punch... to blow away her speech.

I'm Andy Hiller, and that's my instinct.