compiled scripting language

would it be possible to convert a scripting language like Python or Ruby so that it compiles directly to machine code? if so would it be as fast as Pascal/Delphi? would it be possible to give languages like Python the option to declare types statically to override the dynamic typing?

Yes. Psyco already does that: it takes portions of code that are repeatedly executed and compiles specialized versions of them to machine code. Also, search for Pyrex on your favorite seach engine.