Rudy Giuliani had the misfortune to speak on a night when a major historical event followed: the emergence of Sarah Palin. But no one should minimize his contribution. It was probably the best-written and -delivered keynote I have heard in thirty-plus years of watching these things. For speechwriters and speech-watchers it had everything: vivid language, an organized argument, and humor.
But the key was the sense of fun and joy–yes, joy–that Rudy displayed. For those confused and disappointed by the result of his primary run, it must have been bittersweet demonstration of his political skills. Perhaps he has been liberated from the task of running for office himself in the long grind of a presidential race. He can do what he does best: display a delight in the art of politics beautifully executed.