Palin: Swagger and lipstick, but not much foreign policy

Sarah Palin's speech at the RNC has endeared her to those seeking a "pit bull with lipstick" to head up McCain's attack strategy against a formidable (and honorable) Democratic ticket.

For those of us interested in responsible American leadership in foreign policy, there really wasn't any "there" there. I've culled a transcript of the speech for substantive elements related to foreign policy. That is, not empty talking points or jabs at Senator Obama, but affirmative statements of Republican governing philosophy and strategy related to foreign policy.

There's nothing new in the speech, but here we go:

1) McCain was in the military, her son is, too. McCain wants continued occupation of Iraq, where her son will serve.

"He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.

And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way."

2) Alaska has oil that can substitute for foreign oil.

"That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart...

With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.

To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas."

3) Negotiating with rogue states is inappropriate.

"Terrorist states are seeking nuclear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions."

4) Un-uniformed militants do not merit legal rights or protections.

"Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights?"

I'll let you all take her on in the comments....