'Incredibly supportive team'
The Palin family . . .
Suite talk: Life in the section of the Hilton Hotel where Gov. Sarah Palin's large family is holed up is a hive of activity centering around the Queen Bee, who frequently exchanges cheek kisses or holds hands with her husband, Todd.
• • The upshot: "The governor and her husband are an incredibly supportive team who always keep each other in check," a Sneed source said. "If she is looking for a missing page of her speech, he knows just where it is, and vice versa. One or the other will be saying 'don't forget to give the baby a bottle.' "
(AP file)
• • The buckshot: Levi Johnston, 18, who is the fiance of Palin's pregnant daughter, Bristol, 17, now occupies a separate bedroom in the Palin section. His name is not registered at the hotel. Described as quiet and stunned by the hoopla, "Johnston easily fits into the Palin family," the source said. Bristol's name is tattoed on Johnston's ring finger.
• • The backshot: Shortly after breast-feeding the baby, Trig, and putting their youngest daughter, Piper, to bed after Sarah Palin's speech at the RNC on Wednesday night, the Palins came down to the hotel lobby and thanked everyone on the staff for being so helpful. She signed autographs and posed for pictures. She was wearing a black cocktail dress and looked beautiful, a source said.
• • Speechshot: Gov. Palin, who ad-libbed during her boffo address at the convention center, reportedly charmed Bush speechwriter Matthew Scully, who helped her write her script.
"Scully said she was one of the easiest people he had ever worked with, and the most enjoyable," added the source. He was amazed with her great sense of humor.
• • The staffshot: The Palins are having a matter of adjustment; neither is used to the huge staff now surrounding them. "Mrs. Palin cut back on most of her staff in Alaska, so they are trying to adjust," a source said.
• • The Palin tour: Palin's speech was so successful, the GOPpers are wondering whether to send her on her own campaign trail separate from McCain. That's what the Republicans did when first lady Laura Bush's approval ratings were sky-high, compared with those of her husband, President Bush, during the last election. When Palin does travel, she will be accompanied by President Bush's adviser Tucker Askew.
• The big question: Will Palin accompany McCain to a Monday fund-raiser at the Chicago Hilton?The first dude speaks: Todd Palin, the hunk husband of McCain veepmate Sarah Palin, spoke his first public words since his wife's nomination at a tribute to John McCain's wife, Cindy, Thursday morning at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis.
• • Quoth Palin: "Is it just me or do things move quick around here? Just a few nights ago I was on the North Slope working the night shift and here I am today."
• • Advise 'em: "When my wife starts talking about reform, corruption and making government work for the American people, it's best to move out of the way."
• • The clothesline: During the luncheon, Cindy McCain stated it was refreshing to be on the campaign trail with Todd because she wouldn't have to compare notes on what to wear.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Although former New York Gov. Rudy Giuliani's speech at the RNC went twice as long as planned, it was such a hit he's been asked to serve as the top GOP surrogate speaker for the next 60 days.
• • Translation: Sneed hears he will be everywhere McCain and Palin can't travel.
• • P.S. The Palin intro video, which was pulled because of Giuliani's overtime ad-libbing, was aired Thursday night before McCain's speech.