Top Five Political Communication Moments of 2008

Not surprisingly, the list comes from the historic 2008 election.

5. Barack Obama's Nomination Acceptance Speech. Sure, it looked lofty and transcendental with its open air stadium setting and fake Greek columns, but the speech and its delivery showed a pragmatism and toughness that the public was waiting to hear from the candidate.

4. John McCain's September 15 statement about economy. During the heart of the Wall Street meltdown, McCain stated: "Our economy, I think, still, the fundamentals of our economy are strong." If I'm not mistaken, Obama may have referred to McCain's line in a speech or two....

3. John McCain's Campaign Suspension Announcement. McCain either panicked or tried to get too cute. Either way, it made Obama look more presidential.

2. Barack Obama's Election Night Victory Speech. It had absolutely no impact on the election, but, in terms of sheer historical significance, the Grant Park address was undeniably powerful and capped a juggernaut of national emotion. And it was most made possible by....

1. Sarah Palin's interview with ABC's Charlie Gibson. Yes, the Governor's sit-down with CBS's Katie Couric got most of the attention and Palin's performance with Couric produced numerous damaging moments. However, Palin's inability to demonstrate to Gibson any genuine understanding of the Bush Doctrine was the beginning of the end of McCain's comeback. The Couric interview confirmed voters' doubts about Palin; the Gibson exchange confirmed the media's doubts about the VP nominee. Everything that came after Gibson, including the feeding frenzies about Couric and Neiman-Marcus, were amplified because the press, concerned about the consequences of an unprepared president, revoked Palin's benefit of the doubt. As a result, Obama was the only change agent left in a change election. Game over.

Goodbye 2008 and Happy New Year!