Sarah Palin's Alaskan voice and mannerisms have been fodder for satirical portrayals ever since she came into the national spotlight when she gave her acceptance speech at the 2008 Republican Convention.
Palin's accent was described as "very Fargo" by the McCain campaign's former strategist. So did comedian Robin Williams.The Swamp: Sarah Palin's Accent Explained (September 18, 2008) Palin's accent is considered an asset by the campaign because, according to several Republican strategists, it sounds as if she is an "outsider," a voice that "doesn't sound like Washington."Politico: Palin's Accent Takes Center Stage (October 1, 2008) On the other hand, Democratic strategist Dennis Johnson described it as "a little grating."Politico: Palin's Accent Takes Center Stage (October 1, 2008) Some bloggers and columnists question if Palin's Minnesota-type accent is an authentic "Alaskan accent."ChicagoTribune.com: What kind of accent is that, anyway? (September 18, 2008)
Palin Accent Satire
Video: Conan O'Brien: More Altering Sarah Palin's Voice (Time: 0:42)
References
Fast Facts
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Mark McKinnon, former McCain campaign strategist
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Alex Castellanos, Republican strategist
"This in an original voice that doesn't sound like Washington"Politico: Palin's Accent Takes Center Stage (October 1, 2008)
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Anna Bosch, linguistics professor
"Palin's voice quality is a little bit...abrasive...It is kind of shrill"Politico: Palin's Accent Takes Center Stage (October 1, 2008)
