UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - What can be made of Governor Sarah Palin's speech? A local expert weighs in on the importance and of message's delivered Wednesday night.

David Habbel - a former democratic strategist and current professor at Utica College - says Governor Sarah Palin's speech was impressive.

At the same time, he echo's a mantra the McCain campaign sticks by, saying "great speeches aren't everything. "

Habbel says Palin needs to establish stances on foreign policy - especially Iraq. In June, Palin told a church that she believed sending troops to Iraq was a task that was from God.

Aside from that, Habbel feels Americans have little to go on at the moment.

He says Palin seems appealing to Hillary Clinton supporters, but must demonstrate her experience.

"The central theme in the Republican campaign has been that Obama's not qualified," Habbel said. "I'm not sure the speech addressed the issue that she is as qualified as Obama."

While criticism of Senator Barack Obama centers around his lack of executive experience.

Habbel says the fact that Obama has been outspoken in his opposition for the war in Iraq has many convinced he has at least thought about the issue.

As for Thursday night's speech, Habbel doesn't feel as though McCain will need to work to unify the Republican party, as Barack Obama he feels, had to work for unity of his own party, last week.