What the Alaska media is saying about Sarah Palin
By Jimmy Orr | 08.30.08
While the media, pundits, insiders and know-it-alls continue to blab endlessly about the pros and cons of new McCain running mate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, there is a fair amount of blabbering going on up in Palin’s home state as well.
Surprised, shocked and stunned seem to be words thrown about most often in describing first reactions to hearing the news. In fact, Alaska’s Attorney General compared it to landing on the moon. Not Palin landing on the moon. Although if it polled well - and chances are the McCain team has already polled it - she’d be giving her speech next week from orbit.
Regardless, the headline of the day came from an article written by a disaffected writer named Alan Suderman in Juneau admonishing the national media for mispronouncing Governor’s last name. His headline, “Note to nation: Palin rhymes with Van Halen” sets the record straight.
“The most notable gaffe was the mispronunciation of her last name on television and radio,” Suderman writes. “Several pundits called her PAL-IN, instead of PAY-LYN (rhymes with Van Halen) as Alaskans call her. Even McCain’s spokesman, Tucker Bounds, got her name wrong.”
Other media commentary from the 49th state include:
McCain’s choice of Palin was somewhat surprising because she most definitely is not a standard-issue Republican. She worked with liberal Democrats in the Legislature to pass a multi-billion-dollar tax increase on Alaska’s oil industry. She went back to Democrats again to win approval of her natural gas pipeline deal, which bypasses Alaska’s major oil companies in favor of a Canadian company.
In fact, Palin is almost totally alienated from the Republican Party establishment here. She tried and failed to get rid of ethically compromised party Chair Randy Ruedrich; they’re not on speaking terms. In the August primary, Palin urged fellow Republicans to desert long-time Congressman Don Young in favor of her inexperienced and uninspiring lieutenant governor, Sean Parnell.
Most people would acknowledge that, regardless of her charm and good intentions, Palin is not ready for the top job. McCain seems to have put his political interests ahead of the nation’s when he created the possibility that she might fill it.
It’s clear that McCain picked Palin for reasons of image, not substance. She’s a woman. She has fought corruption. She has fought the oil companies. She’s married to a union member. These are portrayals for campaign speeches; they are not policy positions.
In a few short years, Sarah Palin moved from small-town mayor with a taste for mooseburgers to the governor’s office and now - making history - to John McCain’s side as the first female running mate on a Republican presidential ticket.
She has more experience catching fish than dealing with foreign policy or national affairs. Talk about a rocketing ascent.
Selecting Palin is a maverick move for McCain who isn’t known for lockstep marching with his own party. But Palin herself doesn’t march to the drum of anyone but Palin. She is a servant to what she believes in.
She believes in God and family and heralds her simple roots in Alaska. Raised in small towns by a teacher and a school secretary, she married young and had five children, the latest of whom was born in the spring with Down syndrome. Religious conservatives will welcome her anti-abortion stand.
Like so many Alaskans, I heard the news about Palin first thing in the morning, and wondered what crazy world I had woken up to. I also finally realized Lehrer wasn’t joking.
McCain pulled a stunt today, the kind I thought American politics had gotten past.
To me it looks like McCain, a politician I have long admired, chose Palin just to have a woman on the ticket.
Mat-Su Valley Frontierman (Wasilla)
Sally and Chuck Heath had no idea what they were about to learn today. That was before they got a call early this morning telling them to turn on the news. On the screen their daughter, Gov. Sarah Palin, was standing before a raucous crowd in Dayton, Ohio, accepting Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain’s offer to become his vice presidential running mate.
“I didn’t know,” Chuck Heath said in an interview at his home later Friday morning. “Sarah didn’t say a word to us.” The news has created national buzz over just who Palin is and has brought Alaska to the forefront of media reports across the country. It has also brought the media to the Heath home in Wasilla, where Palin’s parents were still adjusting to the news.
“On a one to 100 scale, it’s about 101,” Sally Heath said of her excitement level.
<< Sarah Palin: Is she ready to lead? | MainComments
2. Sog | 08.30.08
Wow, I got a bad case of deja vu. You must get your talking points from the same place Fox News does…
3. carl c | 08.30.08
McCain and the GOP are up to their usual political trickery. It’s obvious to everyone but they think the American people are stupid and will fall for their gimmicks. Hopefully, not this time.
4. Ron Page | 08.30.08
Who cares what her qualifications are? I like her! That’s the way the real world works and if you disagree it shows you’re living in a fantasy. If you don’t like someone because of race religion gender etc, that person could have five degrees from Harvard and you still wouldn’t promote that person. Believe that!
5. Audrey Butcher | 08.30.08
Sarah Palin is not a Hillary Clinton clone, but as behind the times as McCain is himself. Surely there is some other Republican woman with more qualifications and experience
6. Bob Soxx | 08.30.08
This is not whom you want to intrust with “pushing the button” should it come to that.
7. NYer | 08.30.08
Michelle Obama may as well go into the White House NOW and measure for curtains! What was McCain thinking!
8. Thoren | 08.30.08
The Alaskan political scandals Palin was elected to reform were all caused by Republicans. How it that good for the national Republican brand?
Was the timing of this quite bad with regard to the Republicans retaining Ted Stevens’ seat?
McCain has announced several times now during the election that he was making a joke. His VP choice is funny.
Palin I am sure is a good person but the Obamas represent a very strong, traditional, nuclear family whereas I am wondering who cares for Palin’s family, including her newborn, while she is 24/7 politics?
In addition to passing over candidates with greater qualifications like Ridge, Rice, and Romney, it’s true that McCain passed over Jesse Ventura and then still many more before reaching Palin.
9. P-Nut | 08.30.08
This just goes to prove how out of touch McCain really is on the problems we face and how to fix them. The selection is just a cynical ploy. I hunt, fish, and love pretty women. Mrs.Palin might make a nice date,not a VP.
10. PacificGatePost | 08.30.08
Sarah Palin is more than just another state governor.
She shook up Alaska to its political and financial core.
McCain has made a bold and telling move selecting someone with Chief Executive experience – the only one to have any - of the four running for the White House.
http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/08/mccains-renewal-sarah-palin.html
Her experience, as short as it is, speaks volumes for her character.
11. Emilio | 08.30.08
Once again, John McCain has shown that he truly doesn’t have the judgement and temperament necessary to lead this nation and I think the American people knows that and would render its judgement in due course.
12. RICHARD K. MUNRO | 08.30.08
Dear Friend: Today naysayers who know nothing about the career and character of Sarah Palin mock her. But McCain has studied her character and has obliviously been impressed. They both have similar philosophies. They both have the same favorite American presidents LINCOLN and TR. As a matter of fact Palin is a lot like TR in her courage and character.
Palin is an usual woman. She has the reputation to be as good a shot as Hemingway or TR himself.
Palin’s career of honesty and integrity is in fact Lincolnesque. Lincoln did not have great experience. He had NO executive experience and only TWO years in congress and few years as a state legislator. In fact, Obama –who has ZERO executive experience- has more experience than Lincoln.
But Palin has more experience than Obama. She has a solid record as a reformer and a populist and against the odds became the mayor of her home city, then ran for Lt. Governor with almost no money losing out only by 2000 votes. Then in 2006 she trumped the establishment Republican candidate in the primary and won overwhelmingly in the general election. She has the highest popularity rate of any sitting governor. And she has traveled and she has run small businesses.
But ultimately why did McCain pick her? Because he recognized a woman of strong character and values who believes as McCain does in the values of duty,honor, God and country. I wish her well and enthusiastically endorse her. Many young people and middle class people will support her because she is, like Lincoln was, a woman of the people. New York won’t care for her but I am certain the heartland will embrace Sarah Palin with great enthusiasm and affection. And why not?
She is one of us. God bless America! No one will runaway with THIS election. Obama-Biden will find McCain-Palin to be very competitive especially where it counts in battleground states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Nevada, and Michigan. There’s much more to American than New York and San Francisco
MAC and Palin are great….all the way in ’08!
Richard K. Munro
13. Amy | 08.30.08
So what if sarah Palin isn’t chock full of experience on foreign policy or anything else. McCain had to pull a stunt like this to get conservative Republicans motivated to do something. Maybe she doesn’t have the experience to be next door to the Oval Office, but I’d rather have a hockey mom who knows what’s important in life to be leading this nation than the folks on the other ticket. God only knows where they would lead us.
14. Franklin | 08.30.08
If he was so interested in having a woman (in his cynical attempt to attract Hillary voters), he should have picked Kay Bailey Hutchinson, who is actually fairly qualified for such a position. I would assume that Hillary voters were Hillary fans at least partly because of her experience and policy positions, not solely because of her gender. It seems unlikely that they would fall for this gimmick (someone who has no experience and the opposite positions of Hillary), but I guess we will see …
On the other hand, the fanatical religious right will probably love her, so it could “fire up the base” as politicos like to say.
15. lenscleaner | 08.30.08
“And of note is McCain’s interest in beauty queens.”
Why would anyone make that an issue or comment.- jealousy/envy?
16. John | 08.30.08
She’s a journalism major. If she wants her name pronounced with a long “A” then she should spell her name in a manner that promotes that pronunciation, otherwise she should shut up.
17. Alan Erickson | 08.30.08
God Bless these United States. I am bowled over by such a fantastic politician, just when I swore there wasn’t an ethical politician in the Land. Mrs. Palin looks to be the real deal…I would trust her more than McCain with the nuclear button. Our country deserves a nationally elected woman long before we need or deserve a rock star minority.
18. Vincent | 08.30.08
Choosing Sarah Palin was brilliant. A smart, tough, woman with principles that she’s not afraid to put into practice, both in office and in her private life, and someone who shares McCain’s prolife convictions and passion for reform. She will galvanize conservatives, attract moderates, and charm everybody. Attacks on Palin for any alleged lack of experience will backfire, since she has more executive experience than Obama. This a ticket with character, a ticket with a passion for reform, a dream ticket….a winning ticket! The leftists, the press, and Democratic operatives are understandably testy about all of this. Too bad for them!
19. Dallas Mike | 08.30.08
The more I hear, the clearer it becomes she being used by McCain as a token. With the gun nuts and far right religious zealots, it will probably work.
Everyone else will balk at putting Mrs Palin a hearrtbeat away from being the POTUS.
20. fred | 08.30.08
gee, kushka53, sounds like you are describing BO, although he is no beauty queen, SHE has more experience managing a large government entity. why do strong, intellegent, successful and pretty women scare you so?
21. Lou | 08.30.08
One remark John McCain made during his speech announcing Gov. Palin as his running mate keeps roaring in my head.
He said “She is just what I need for my campaign.”
I think that pretty much sums it up.
22. Nelon Ribeiro | 08.30.08
She sucks…
She was introduced as a very conservative, so I assume she is not proactive within the idea of having women making the same wages as man… or that she should be in the kitchen or taking care of the children while man go out and hunt…
PROVE ME WRONG AND i WILL BE HAPPY…
23. JC | 08.30.08
That baby isn’t even hers. She is covering up for her daughter. I guess her abstinence-only perspective didn’t work so well as perhaps telling the kid about condoms.
Now, with a mentally disabled child, she is going to run around the country campaigning for VP? If you choose to bring a child with special needs into this world, don’t you think you have the responsibility to stay home a bit and care for it ?
26. Steave Keith | 08.30.08
At age 60, I have experienced enough politicians to realize that integrity, decision making, problem solving, and willingness to listen, trumps Harvard, Oil and Liquer heirs, and people who only vote present. What’s to fear, we live in a country with a balance of power, the Congress, Senate, Exec Branch, and the Courts. If we are not afraid of a Black man without a record, and I’m not… The why would I fear a white woman with one.
27. berry | 08.30.08
I think it is time we remember that this country was founded, and the Constitution written, and the first governing was done by CITIZENS!, not professional politicians.
The rule of law can be enforced and decisions made, by sober minded people SERVING the interests of this country who are not professional hangers-on to the public trough, career politicians.
Hurray for Sarah! Hurray for the USA.
28. Don C. | 08.30.08
Reminds me of the many unqualified people the Bush Administration has appointed simply because they tow the party line. Women are qualified to lead, but McCain can’t seem to figure out which ones. Maybe he should get to know someone longer than one day before he chooses her as a running mate. McCain’s choice is abysmal.
29. Eddie Hamler | 08.30.08
Being a registered Republican for many years, I must admit that I was shocked when I heard the news. This time McCain has gone too far. This woman is in no way qualified to be President of the United States. She was obviously chosen to convince the women who supported Hillary to switch sides and vote for McCain. Even attempting such an obvious ploy is beyond foolhardy and creates serious doubts concerning McCain’s judgment. McCain will find out that this mistake will cost him the election. I for one, am voting for Obama. Although he is Black and doesn’t have the experience that McCain has, he is obviously much smarter and will make a much better President.
30. Ricky | 08.30.08
She’ll be ready for the 3AM phone call to order up a nuke strike on Iran, she’ll be up taking care of her 4 month old son becasue she’s such a good mom.
31. James Westphal | 08.30.08
I applaud the McCain’s choice of Governor Palin for the VP half of the Republican ticket. We need someone other than just another politician to be the new VP. She will shake things up in an ethical way and may keep McCain’s publicized temper in check.
I am as much or more confident in Gov. Palin’s abiliy to be VP and only a heart beat away from the Presidency as any of the Republicans or Democrats that have been considered for the VP or Presidential office.
Give Sarah a chance. She will do more for the USA than any other politician you could have hoped for.
32. SFCJohnston | 08.30.08
Wow. The Dems are sounding genuinely upset about McCain’s choice of VP. It reminds me of the Democratic reaction we witnessed when Republican administrations nominated minorities to the cabinet and supreme court.
33. Hillary_Dem | 08.30.08
I thought it was a gutsy move on McCain’s part. Looking forward to learning more about her to see if this Hillary supporter can vote for McCain/Palin. There are sixty “ish” days to decide. I encourage everyone to pay attention, make an informed choice, and excercise your right to vote regardless of who you ultimately pull the lever for.
She is a bit too conservative for me on some issues, but it may be worth it to have a pair in office who will work to end politics as usual in DC. I am not convinced that Obama can do it… Both McCain and Palin have shown that they can go against their own party and work across the aisle to get work done. I applaud them for it.
34. Han | 08.30.08
For those who say they will vote for her just because they like her. Is this the miscongeniality contest or a race for an office in the powerful country in the world? You may like very much as friend, but she is a heartbeat a way from making decision that may well affect your lives for the better or worst.
36. anna | 08.30.08
I am very upset with McCain. As an independent voter who was considering voting for him I’ll think I will vote for Obama now. I dont want someone so unqualified running the country if something bad happens to him.
37. C.R. Campbell | 08.30.08
Only time will tell us if this was the right pick. John McCain has gone with his instincts on this one. There is no middle of the road here she will either be a great VP or a lousy running mate that will hurt the ticket’s chances. I for one think it was a stroke of genius by McCain. I bet she turns out to be a solid performer on the campaign trail and a great VP.
38. Joe Michael | 08.30.08
Wow, the last time we had an unexperienced President and a well seasoned VP it worked out great. It was I think BUSH/CHENEY. Obama is a pawn who lost all the debates to Hillary and then was not strong enough to pick her. McCain would be a fool not to capitalize on this error by choosing a woman. And with McCain we have the experience at the top of the ticket.
39. Soledad | 08.30.08
She majored in SPORTS journalism and her parents were just as clueless as to why she started in politics in the first place. She was a beauty queen and intermittent sports reporter before entering politics in a town smaller than most major American companies. She became governor in a political vacuum created by the upheaval of Alaska’s widespread political corruption by Republicans. However, McCain has shown that he, himself thinks a young, fresh perspective is needed in Washington (strengthening Obama’s case and showing his campaign strategy as completely hypocritical). It’s great Republicans have finally put a woman on the ticket, but she is an extreme conservative of the right. It’s blasphemy that she mentions Clinton and Clinton supporters in her speeches as paving the path for her to what…push back the gains in women’s empowerment by taking away a women’s right to choose alongside a man who called his own wife a c*nt and suggested his wife enter a topless beauty pageant while he was campaigning. It seems like McCain has a one-tracked mind - the white house and chasing beauty pageant contestants (it looked like he was just checking out Palin’s butt at her acceptance speech!). No thinking democratic, no intelligent women rights supporter would be duped by McCain! And Clinton supporters are offended that McCain thinks women would be fooled by him or his party. Despite the attempts of political exploitation of Clinton’s candidacy by the Republicans, most democratic women support Obama/Biden as the team American needs to reclaim our pride, prosperity, and place in the world. Americans are smarter than the triviality of McCain’s campaign. He may be WORSE than Bush!
40. Richard McDonough | 08.30.08
Oh my goodness. But then again, as Mae West said, goodness had nothing to do with it.
I trust they woke McCain from his nap long enough to tell him whom they had chosen to be his inevitable replacement?
41. Wabisabi | 08.30.08
It is not fathomable to me that McCain actually thinks Hillary Clinton’s supporters would support this person JUST because she is a woman. I find her nomination to be an insult to Hillary Clinton and to most of us women. Out of 300 million Americans McCain thinks Palin is the second best person in America to be President of the United States? Astonishing. It’s the *platform*, stupid. Women think issues, not image.
42. Lee | 08.30.08
I get a real chuckle out of people saying she was only picked because shes a woman.
Two weeks ago my co-worker and I were discussing how she is the only Republican we can think of that we would like to see as McCains VP. 100% due to her policy stances. We only wished she weren’t a woman because we knew these kinds of snide comments would come up.
And we are in California.
43. Karpy | 08.30.08
How ironic that the same folks caught in endless orgasms over Obama are now screaming about Vice President Palin’s “lack of experience”. Other then being a part of organizing some obscure community program in Chicago, Obama as accomplished nothing. Being elected to the State, and then Federal Senate is a personal benefit, and cushy jobs free from the pressure of the responsibility or management. As a state Senator, he voted “present” 130 times. He has spent over a year of his two year career in the Federal Senate on the campaign trail. He cannot compete with Mrs Palin’s valid and impressive resume she has acquired actually performing in management in both the private and public sectors. How typical of the Liberal elites to denounce this woman even as she is far more qualified then their chosen One. The hysterical crys from the left confirm the brilliance of McCain’s selection for our next Vice President.
44. Roland | 08.30.08
McCain had few good options - pick someone to consolidate the religious-right base but alienate moderates, or pick someone to appeal to moderates but alienate the party’s religious-right base. He chose the latter, hoping that choosing a woman would make it easier for moderates to accept. However, I can’t imagine that the political center in this country will accept someone who (1) supported Pat Buchanan for President, (2) wants creationism taught in schools, (3) thinks global warming is a hoax, and (4) thinks it’s okay to hunt wolves by shooting them from airplanes. “Goldwater” and “Ferraro” come to mind at the same time, which makes the prospects for Obama-Biden feel like “Johnson 64″ and “Reagan 84″. Poor McCain.
46. Dennis | 08.30.08
Its not that McCain chose a woman…It’s that McCain chose this woman. I have been taking note of Sarah Palin for several months, she is the real deal. For the first time in my adult life, I am enthusiastic about a candidate.
47. Jack | 08.30.08
I actually think if Governor Palin was a man her credentials and history might be viewed in a more positive light by many people now bashing her.
I believe that, while Palin being a woman influenced McCain’s decision to some degree, the fundamentals had to be there and they were. Washington outsider, check. Maverick, reformer reputation, check. Proven track record, check (even with her relatively short political history, she has some significant bullets on her resume). Strong conservative to shore up the base, check. McCain had to counter Obama’s “more of the same” charges (amazingly, given McCain’s record), and he did. No different than Obama selecting a long-term liberal senator to counter the inexperience charge as far as I can see. Or does anyone really believe that Biden was selected because he’d make a great president if Obama keels over? Biden’s own presidential campaign pretty much puts paid to that notion.
So now I have to choose between an inexperienced but effective governor as vice president behind McCain as opposed to an inexperienced, ineffective (excluding the rhetoric) senator as president. Simple call as I see it, and I’m a long-time Democrat. I vote McCain.
48. Iamhappy | 08.30.08
I vote for what and who I feel is best for the country, and through our country’s actions and influences, best for the world.
What brings me up short here is the feeling that, from what I read and hear, the Republican Party has no tolerance for beliefs and endeavors that differ from their beliefs and endeavors. Even the word “tolerance” is despised.
The big picture, as I see it, involves taking the time to work together with those who have experiences and knowledge that one doesn’t yet possess.
Going in with a fixed set of beliefs means automatically marginalizing those of other faiths and visions and talents.
Sure, it feels good, but that may be less than what’s best for our country and the world.
I’m just sayin’ . . . there’s a lot of work to do cleaning up the mistakes of the past, learning about our nation’s needs, and listening to the rest of our world family.
49. ina, M.D., Ph.D. | 08.30.08
I see the conservatives here are talking about her being a great mom, an ethical person - really?
As a physician and a mother, I’m **appalled** that Palin has an SNK
(an INFANT to boot) and four other kids, and thinks that her commitments to those kids can be put aside at anytime if she suddenly gets called to be President.
I am NOT saying that women can’t work and be parents. Any parent, male or female, is doing his or her job as a parent to a special needs child if they’re willing to take on such an inflexible job. Palin continued a pregnancy and had a child *knowing* that child had a serious medical condition (DS isn’t just about mental problems). That child’s welfare needs to be her and her spouse’s FIRST concern if they want the child to have a chance at health and
happiness.
She made a commitment to that child by carrying the child to term,
and she isn’t keeping it. Even if her husband’s a full-time caretaker -
it takes two parents with a lot of energy to give even a
high-functioning child with similar issues a good environment and the best
opportunities. Lots of couples split over the stress. Nanny care
isn’t going a good sub in this situation; I’ve worked with lots of kids in
similar situations, and the medical problems alone are heartbreaking.
Anyone who can’t be responsible to their child (and don’t get me
started about the other four, and their needs in the face of having a special needs sibling) isn’t someone who should be trusted with
larger-scale commitments. Yes, all sorts of past candidates and
present ones have cheated on spouses, served divorce papers when their spouse
was no longer beautiful, blah blah blah, but a *child* - someone who
can’t yet take care of themselves and needs and deserves a parent’s
best…? How can she abuse that commitment?
Her actions don’t seem “pro-life” - more “pro-moi.” I feel sorry for her kids.
50. Marty | 08.30.08
Palin got a bachelors of arts in sports journalism from Idaho. That’s sports journalism folks!
McCain graduated with a bachelors from naval academy rank 5th from the bottom of his class.
Neither has advanced education degrees.
Biden has a BA University of Delaware in both history and political science.
He later received a JD from Syracuse University College of Law.
Obama has BA in International Relations form Columbia University.
He later graduated with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna *** laude from Harvard in 1991. That’s top of his class at arguably the best school in the country/world.
While at Harvard he was also president of the Harvard Law Review.
So if you owned a company which team would you hire to run it? If you had to chose who would sit at a table face to face with Putin, who would you chose?
51. No Longer for McCain | 08.30.08
I was a McCain supporter. His judgement is such a political stunt to try and get elected, while showing no judgement.
He has lost my vote and my respect.
I am now with Obama, at least he is showing intelligence he is his own man and has the ability to inspire people.
Lets face it this country needs some inspiration right now, McCain has just proved he won’t even follow his own values and just panders.
53. Grayskull | 08.30.08
As a life-long Republican, I am extremely dismayed, disappointed, and disgusted by this selection. Sarah Palin is the most irresponsible selection for VP that I have ever seen in my 50+ years of being able to vote.
John McCain’s age has to be taken into consideration at this crucial time in our history. While I respect that Mrs. Palin has views that represent a lot of my own, her sheer lack of experience is far greater than that of Mr. Obama or any other candidate that either ran for the higher office or was being considered for the VP slot during this election cycle. If he was so determined to take a woman, there are a multitude of able and qualified women in the GOP that would’ve fit the bill. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Olympia Snowe spring to mind immediately.
This represents irresponsibility at its highest possible level. Should the unthinkable happen to Mr. McCain if he is elected, can we as Americans really trust a 44-year-old woman, who has governed one of most sparsely populated states with an economy that does not even equal to one of New York City’s five boroughs? Just because she shares the social conservative values that a lot of us hold firm, the possible abolition of Roe vs. Wade is inconsequential in terms of impact when compared to the growing foreign policy issues that are arising in Russia and already present in the middle east. Lest we not forget the economy, while not on its on deathbed as some on the left side of the aisle claim, is in dire need of some work. John McCain is playing Russian roulette with the American people by choosing this woman when there is a distinct and very real chance that one day, she may be called on to serve and hold the high office.
Mrs. Palin herself deserves some of the blame. However, it is completely understandable how and why she would accept the offer and opportunity. Had I been in her position, I would not have been able to turn it down either. Very telling is that just a month ago, she is quoted as asking, “what does a VP actually do?”. Reading about the vetting process she went through is also telling as to how negligent Mr. McCain has been with this selection.
Mr. McCain has always had my respect for his service in both our military and in the public realm. However, this decision goes against not only the tenets of the Republican party, but is the most disgusting form of political pandering that I have ever borne witness to.
I will be taking a long look at Sen. Obama and his candidacy and while I have only voted for a Democrat once in my life (JFK), I may again have to pull the blue lever come November. While I do not agree with Mr. Obama and his idealogies on a variety of levels, he seems to have shown much more foresight and thought into his decisions on the campaign trail than Mr. McCain has. A hair-trigger is not something I want my President to have when dealing with the likes of Mr. Putin and Ahmadinejad should that ever be necessary.
John McCain, you have let not only your party down, but the entire country and every citizen that lives and that will be born during your possible term. Mrs. Palin seems like a fine woman and in time, may very well be ready for this job, but overlooking candidates that were far more qualified at this very serious moment in our nations history, has caused me to overlook you.
My vote may not be going to Barack Obama, but myself and my parishioners will not be voting for John McCain.
54. tony | 08.30.08
Amy says
“..God only knows where they would lead us”.
Amy, only god can help you now. What McCain is really assuming is the average American woman has an iq of 60. you should be feeling embarrassed but i’m feeling embarrassed for you now because you just don’t get it. Anyone who is considering to vote for McCain / Palin has to be completely deluded beyond redemption. Are you in the oil industry or something?
55. Bob A. | 08.30.08
This is the best thing that could possibly have happenned to ensure Obama’s election! John McCain: where is your judgement? Do you really think that Sarah should be a heartbeat away from being Commander-in-Chief? You scare me.
56. Henry Landis | 08.30.08
Naturally, the party hacks will suffer amnesia wth regard to the matter of Obama’s “inexperience”. What a pitiable, transparent grasping of straws ! My sympathy for McCain’s POW ordeal is used up, and I now feel both disappointed and contemptuous, as I believe countless american women do. There’s a distinct odor of Faust’s selling his soul to the devil here. So long John…it was nice knowing you.
57. Ricky | 08.30.08
Sarah Palin is obviously a capable woman. However, look beyond her meager experience for POTUS and think about things from her point of view. She literally only found out she was pregnant a year ago. Now not only has she given birth in her mid 40s to a special needs child, she has been tapped to be VP to a 72 year old man that has had cancer 4 times - all in under a year. When this woman looks in the mirror in the privacy of her bathroom, the disorientation about the bobsled ride that is her life has got to be unsettling, destabilizing, whatever. She is not at a stable place in her life - and I want a POTUS that is rock solid stable. You should too.
The best thing for Palin and the USA would be for her to follow McCain for a couple of months, get her GOP Gold Ticket stamped, lose on Nov 4, go back to Alaska, appoint herself Senator to take Ted Stevens place, and og to DC for four years. With THAT under her belt, she REALLY COULD be a LEGITIMATE President come 2012.
58. Rene | 08.30.08
berry, inform yourself a bit before you throw in your misleading opinion. Voting present in the Illinois legislature is the same as voting NO.
“In most legislatures, lawmakers vote either “yes” or “no” on bills, but in Illinois, senators and representatives can hit a third button for a “present” vote.”
“In Illinois, the “present” vote works as a vote against a measure during final action.”
59. EMD | 08.30.08
Regardless of her gender this person comes from Alaska, has been surrounded by lets face it fellow Alaskans pretty much her entire life, other than the 4 years of school in Idaho. She got her first passport in 2007 so the state could fly her to see the Alaskan National guard in Iraq. Other than that trip she had never left this country. She thinks Ivana Trump is Glamor and Culture??? She is I’m sorry to say a bumpkin.
Lets face the facts she has no business dealing in National issues let alone Global. Listen to her myopic viewpoints every time she has been interviewed previous to this. Shes probably a good woman and maybe even a better Governor for Alaska. But again please look and realize it took 115,000 votes to become Governor of Alaska. That’s a football game to the rest of America people. She is being used as a pawn and John McCain should really get clocked for this one. Just speaking what I see as the truth.
60. NH | 08.30.08
This is the end for Obama. I could not be more happy.
Everywhere I go, people who would not otherwise have voted for McCain are going to do so now.
Apparently McCain studied Palin’s qualifications and positions and saw that she was a great pick.
She is no ’soccer mom’ but very smart and has chased out many a corrupt male. Anna if you don’t want someone with ‘little experience’ then you would not be so foolish to vote for Obama… what experience does he have? NONE. He never even won a contested election!
And I would like to remind you that foreign policy is easy — one only need to do one thing and that is, FOLLOW THE US CONSTITUTION AND KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF OTHER COUNTRY’S BUSINESS. IT’S CALLED NON-INTERVENTION WHICH IS WHAT BUSH RAN ON IN 2000.
That is the true Republican way, the way of our founders.
I hope she can convince McCain to go one further and get rid of the Federal Reserve, the IRS and the DOE, all ILLEGAL.
Now let’s not talk about the Democrats who have an old unpopular hack for VP whose campaign manager was just jailed in NH where he garnered 648 votes, and someone who is a blatant racist and totally inexperienced for President, and who is being managed and manipulated by the enemy!
61. D A | 08.30.08
Sarah Palin is quite well qualified because she is a leader with good judgment. Frankly, I think government “experience” is a detriment. I’ll take any ordinary American over a career politician. We need more like her. Too bad she was not on the top of the ticket. Everyone else running, except Chuck Baldwin, I say is over qualified.
62. Warren S | 08.30.08
Wow, McCain must have envied the Bush Senior choice of Dan Quayle. This was probably done to reward the social (Christian) conservatives. We just had 8 years from a President that appoints people as a political payback or because they are friends. We need a President that will choose the best and most qualified person for the job. Makes you wonder who McCain will appoint to his cabinet, doesn’t it???
63. Angie | 08.30.08
I hope McCain doesn’t win as it would be terrible if she became president. Another former Governer with little experience and fundmentalist beliefs taking control of the White House. George Bush didn’t work out so well. That said I think she would be better than GWB but that aint hard.
I do like McCain and Obama though as people.
64. theresa | 08.30.08
McCain cannot even make a wise choice for a running mate. How the heck will he be able to run our country.
He just handed over the election to the Democrats. What an insult to women. He must think that women will vote for her just because she is a woman even though she has no experience.
I really believe Michelle Obama has more qualifications to be a vice president and potential president than Sarah.
65. John D. Froelich | 08.30.08
Evidently, she has shown that she can learn quickly and has a good character.
She’s got my vote!
66. Deborah | 08.30.08
She (Sarah Palin) reminds me of Frances McDermott’s police chief character in the offbeat movie FARGO. Somehow I can see her roaming around Washington with a hat with ear flaps.I only wish she would take some elocution lessons from McDermott and get her voice down a few octaves. But you know, in the end, who found the body in the wood chipper and cracked the case? You just never should underestimate a northern woman.
From,
A Hillary supporter with a fertile imagination.
67. TBrown | 08.30.08
Obama won a state position by taking advantage that no one was running against him, after he got 3 people running in the race throw out for registration technicalities, then he went on to run as the Senator of Ill., Were he blundered into another race were both parties members got into trouble and the Republicans brought in Keys ….who didnt even live in the state, another free pass. 120 days later he runs for president??? Are the Dems nuts?
Obama, if you look at his resume, hasn’t accomplished anything! He says his wife balances his check book!
Palin has run a city and a state, along with being commander and chief of the National Guard….Obama..did drugs for 10 years of his life.
68. heidi | 08.30.08
If Obama is elected and, God forbid, get asassinated, and Biden has another brain anuresym (he had 2 in 1988)then guess who becomes POTUS?? Pelosi!
Sarah is a doer, not a talker like the rest of the yahoos. She is the only one with experience actually running things. She’s smart, organized, a fast learner, and retains her femininity, unlike Hillary who is neither male nor female.
Reagan rising perhaps?
69. Cliff | 08.30.08
Everyone is so clever and ironic in their remarks. And I suspect everyone knows nothing about her. Senator McCain’s vp pick may well turn out to be a disaster; however, the lady deserves the opportunity to make her case in the next couple of months. Until she does, the remarks above are of little value.
70. Peorgy Tirebiter | 08.30.08
Wow. Commenters at the illustrious CSMonitor are even stupider than those at the Washington Post.
72. JamesB in KY | 08.31.08
SO GLAD WE DON’T have HILLARY running.
We don’t need her in the race, since she put up with Bill’s antics, and is still married to him.
At least McCain picked someone who will shake up things, and not put up with the “good old boy” politics.
I don’t care if she was a beauty queen, at least she didn’t sit on a couch smoking pot and snorting coke like Obama.
73. bj mac | 08.31.08
Did you people even read the comments by the newspapers in Alaska?
The pick is a joke and an unfortunate one for Gov. Palin. She appears to be a very nice person but a vice president she ain’t.
It is laughable that the republicans are trying to spin this as legitimate …it is a ridiculous choice which is why so few can editorials believe it.
Mccains first decision?…unbelievable…who the **** is running this country…its frightening!
74. treetracker | 08.31.08
Olympia Snow, Kay Bailey Hutchinson or even Elizabeth Dole would have been more intelligent picks…but then judgement isn’t McCain’s forte. Hope she’s a quick learner ’cause the issues - you know those that McCain is avoiding discussing - are much bigger in D.C. than they are in Alaska. I like her spunk and personality, but seriously this is truly silly. There are many more women in the Repbulican Party that are much more informed.
75. Katie | 08.31.08
A note to the person who suggested that Gov. Palin spell her name in such a way that promotes the pronunciation that she wishes to have associated with her name: The vowel-consonant-vowel construction of her name is a very clear and direct marker of it’s pronunciation. In a v-c-v pattern, the first vowel is long. That’s basic phonics, my friend. Even my 7 year old knows that.
I am thrilled to see a real woman, with real-life experience, being brought forward on the Republican ticket. My mother-in-law has always said that being a wife and mother makes her over-qualified for any job she might be offered. Believe it! If a woman can run a family and a state, she can be the vice-president.
76. Fred Watkins | 08.31.08
I’d vote for her, but not her running mate, the man can’t even remember how many houses he owns.
77. Adrie | 08.31.08
Cheerleader in Chief Barbie and her made for TV Disney movie is less than inspiring. What was McCain thinking? That any woman would do? I’m so offended.
78. retrobee | 08.31.08
Great - more articles demeaning a tough, reform-minded, woman leader! Palin has had several years of executive leadership experience - at which she has excelled. (Plus another couple of terms as a city council member). The fact that she was a popular mayor of a small town for two terms shows she understands the issues that affect people’s daily lives and effectively works to make their lives better. And she stands up to government corruption! Why isn’t Obama being criticized for being a devoted father of small children? And what about Obama’s complete lack of foreign policy experience (besides his recent campaign tour of Europe)? He’s the one running to be the commander in chief! As VP, she’ll have a chance to learn about foreign policy in detail from a leader who’s had a lifetime of experience with foreign policy issues. (By the way, to kushka53: Who cares if she was a beauty queen? She did that to pay for college. So what if she’s smart, tough, and attractive. Did we hold those qualities against Kennedy or Reagan?)
79. Ron | 08.31.08
I guess there are a lot of people who worry about their lives. Why should we put the decision on the hands of a senile , arrogant , old man who doesn’t care diddley squat what the rest of us think. He made his choice, now in November we get a chance to make ours. She is so far to the right that she is almost falling off the edge.
80. Jude | 08.31.08
Wake up people, behind this smiling gun slinging beauty queen mom, is someone who would not hesitate to take any of your rights away, if they were not aligned with her principles. And she doesn’t mind running you over to do it. Bad move Mr. Mc Cain. Have you watched the look on Cindy Mc Cain’s face while looking at Palin? Check it out.
81. Fred pohlman | 08.31.08
What do I have to say about this? Hey John, Don’t worry about a thing, go back to your nap! Rove, Charlie Black and the good ol’ boys with take care of everything!… Actually It could have been much worse! I’m surprised he didn’t go with Ann Coulter
82. D A | 08.31.08
To Marty, It’s documented that Biden cheated his way through law school. I can’t defend McCain either, but degrees only go so far.
In this age of lying about wars and money and not following the constitution anymore, we need someone with some common sense left. Unfortunately Obama, Biden and McCain have already been polluted by the system. God help us with Sarah Palin. Or pick another party’s candidate like Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution party.
83. Lou | 08.31.08
As for who takes care of Gov. Palin’s 4 month old baby while she is campaining, it seems to be her older daughter since the baby is traveling with the campaign
crew on the bus! Is there something wrong with this picture?
On the note about how she has fought corruption in Alaska, it’s a fact that she is cuurently under investigation (as of July of this year) by the Alaska State Ethics Commission on a charge of abuse of power.
Maybe John McCain didn’t know about that one since he had only met the woman only one time. Well, so much for judgement. As for experience, how does a term as mayor of a small community and less than 2 years as Governor manage to add up to more experience than 3 terms as Illinois State Senator, 2 years as US Senator, member of 7 government committees and 9 sub-committees including Veterans Affairs, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Homeland Security and Government Affairs and Chariman of The Subcmmittee on European Affairs?
This woman says she doesn’t have an opinion on the Iraq war because “with all I have to do I just haven’t had time to think about it”!
Is this the person you want to see as Vice President of America?
84. David Krause | 08.31.08
To all you Republicans saying great things about Mrs. Palin: get a grip!!! Do you realize that John McBush is 72 years old and just might not make it till the end of his first term. That would leave us with Mrs. Palin as president. Good God what a disaster that would be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
85. M Dallstream | 08.31.08
I am thrilled that McCain chose Sarah Palin! Aside from the fact that she’s a gutsy woman with strong values (and the only person on either ticket with Executive experience), she doesn’t carry the negative Washington ‘baggage’ that everyone else on McCain’s ’short list’ and Obama’s VP choice has. I think the McCain campaign made a great choice in Palin and the announcement brilliantly trumped any positive effect of the DNC.
What a great time to be a Conservative Republican!! Go McCain & Palin!!!
P.S. Whoever said Trig is her daughter’s baby, think again. How could anyone fake a pregnancy or fake going into labor when they’re already in a public office?!
86. Sue Christsensen | 08.31.08
Sarah Palin has worked and made changes. Obama has given “change” lip service. They are both junior in experience but Sarah will learn from veteran McCain. What will Obama learn from Biden?
I am thrilled with the choice.
Except for a few years in the Senate, Hillary had no real experience and 18 million voted for her to lead the country!
87. GaryB | 08.31.08
Re:> 38. Joe Michael
“Wow, the last time we had an unexperienced President and a well seasoned VP it worked out great. It was I think BUSH/CHENEY.”
I’m sorry, but your logic is flat. In 2004 Bush was by then very experienced and he was still a complete disaster…mainly because he’s just not smart. In the same way, Bush *didn’t* *raise* *taxes* … like most republicans over the last 3 decades, he just overspent and so as a result, our currency has lost 41% of it’s value. That IS a tax on ALL your wealth, not just this year’s income.
Obama is smart, I’m voting for intelligent leaders.
88. WCF3 | 08.31.08
From a “Registered Republican for many years” in an previous post:
“I for one, am voting for Obama. Although he is Black and doesn’t have the experience that McCain has, he is obviously much smarter and will make a much better President”
“Although he is Black…”??? Pretty much sums up the republicans…
Glad you can see past the fact he is Black (with a capital ‘B’ for some reason) and decide he is a better choice. Grow the **** up; try reading a book or two. Folks like you are too simple to be allowed the vote.
89. steve c. | 08.31.08
That’s some vetting process McCain has–one meeting and two phone calls and she’s in! This isn’t even about Palin, it’s about McCain’s awful judgment. If he’s trying to prove he’s a maverick by selecting a woman running mate, that’s really his way of saying woman don’t deserve the position unless a man who is willing to take a chance picks them. He obviously bypassed a lot of women who have better credentials.
90. T. Dukester | 08.31.08
I don’t believe experience is in the least the foremost issue.I believe political experience on the national stage only further corrupts the individual[because you either play or you pay]. Thats this countrys’ problem,career politicians are too entrenched in the same old game.Most all of our career politicians have lost their common sense and have turned their backs on what is truly the right thing to do for this country. We need fresh old school principles and values to take this country back and salvage what is left of a once truly great nation, dependant and beholden to no one! The liberal socialists need to be put in check! So I welcome her emergence on the big stage. We need change alright, just not the kind we’ll get with more of the same.
91. Jay Bean | 08.31.08
All this chit chat about not being qualified has got me wondering, what exactly makes someone qualified? Spending years in the senate doesn’t make you qualified, you could’ve gotten jack shi* done, it’s all on paper. In her two years here she has helped rebuild this state’s creditability on the local level, more than the last governor could’ve done in his two terms.
92. Jim | 08.31.08
So when Palin runs up against a tough, unyielding head of a foreign nation, what will she do, body check them into the boards?
93. Philip | 08.31.08
I’m not an American but I follow the antics of Americans for entertainment, often shaking my head in wonderment, saying; “Those Americans are crazy!” The only nation in the world, apart from backward Myanmar, still sticking to imperial measurements!!
I respect Mr Mc Cain’s choice, he is a shrewd guy - if I was an American citizen I would have voted Republican - I love boldness.
Obama doesn’t impress me at all - he reminds me of a slick used car salesman selling lemons.
94. Jan Elizabeth | 08.31.08
Palin became governor because 100,000 Alaskans voted for her. Barack had 80,000 in the stadium for his acceptance speech. Palin does not represent the majority of Americans. Her executive experience is limited to two years in office for a state of 300,000. It’s like saying the owner of a local computer repair shop can run Microsoft. Please….don’t tote her executive experience. And since when is being a hockey mom or on the PTA a qualification for being VP?
95. Ernie Ager | 08.31.08
No one, but NO ONE should vote for John McCain, in view of the fact that he is 72 years old, has had malignant melanoma and has handpicked a totally unqualified person for the vice-presidency. She is an absurdity that defies description.
96. Ben | 08.31.08
This is why i am sick of democracy…….We need facism and a dictator…..and i’m not joking and tryin to connect this to bush….we need a leader like the Roman empire…….we dont need a senate or house bc they dont work…………
97. Joel | 08.31.08
Berry,
You said: “I think it is time we remember that this country was founded, and the Constitution written, and the first governing was done by CITIZENS!, not professional politicians.”
Really? There was nothing ordinary about the founders of our country. These were nearly all highly educated, landed gentry or wealthy merchants. They therefore had disposable time on their hands, and - coincidentally -both the inclination to duty and a great deal of talent. They were, in that disposable time, “professional politicians”. They created and ran a country. It was their main pursuit. They did it full time. Benjamin Franklin was both the Post Master General and an ambassador. It took quite a lot of his time. He was a pro. Or in the words of today, “a Washington Insider”. Yeah - let’s get rid of people like that!
98. Robert Jueneman | 08.31.08
It certainly isn’t the reaction to the choice of a minority appointment to the cabinet or Supreme Court that is the problem. Many Democrats came very close to choosing a woman, vs. a “half-white” man, as their candidate.
No, the real problem is the obvious lack of experience and credentials of Sarah Palin, and this choice was mad by a 72-old who has decried Sen. Obama’s experience! At least Barack has a law degree from Harvard, where he was Editor of the Harvard Law Review, one of the most prestigious legal publications in the country. And following that, he taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago, prior to serving as State Senator and then U.S. Senator. Compare that to Sarah’s experience in the PTA, and as mayor of a small town (9000 people) in Alaska, plus two years as Governor.
She hasn’t been vetted, and there are some serious charges about “Troopergate” that need to be investigated.
But the fact that she believes in Creationism, and rejects the lessons of science over the last 300+ years is the final straw, as far as I am concerned.. America does not need another know-nothing, overtly religiously President or even VP. Jimmy Carter was bad enough, and George Bush has been far, far worse.
Mike Huckabee is a sincere, likable individual, but absolutely dead wrong in his philosophy, in my opinion, and so is Sarah Palin. And by the way, I’m not yet entirely comfortable with Sen. Obama and his faith-based programs, either.
Fighting against the Taliban/Al Quida theocracy is bad enough, but fighting against an evangelical Christian theocracy would be even worse.
99. Frank | 08.31.08
Yet another “Chauncey ‘Chance’ Gardiner” from the GOP.
This is how our nation got James Danforth “Dan” Quayle as VPOTUS.
100. markc | 08.31.08
fred, your attempt at a witty burn would have been more effective if you had spelled “intelligent” (of all words) correctly and if this woman were actually particularly attractive. as for intelligent, we have yet to see. maybe she’ll surprise as being something more than than a grievously cynical novelty pick.
i hope she shows us something, because i want to vote for McCain, but i’m having trouble believing that he looked out over all the possibilities open to him and found her the best qualified for the job.
101. Conky | 08.31.08
This is my first comment on this website and I must say there are certainly some well-thoughtout opinions being posted. As well as a few that aren’t so insightful but this is to be expected too.
I agree with those that are able to recognize the fine character and sheer potential in Sarah Palin. She is clearly a person who will make a big and positive mark in US politics. Her moral and ethical positions are what make her most attractive to me. Plus she just seems to “get” how business is done which is also so extremely important.
I live in Chicago and am far too familiar with corrupt politics and politicians from here. Frankly, Mr. Obama is no reformer but just another guy taking kickbacks from the Rezko types of this world. It bothers me greatly that the main stream media seems to have put on blinders when it comes to Mr. Obama and gives him a pass on so many clearly dirty and questionable deals he has been a party to.
I wish McCain and Palin all the luck in this election. They have my vote.
102. Chuck Cardiff | 08.31.08
It doesn’t seem to bother Democrats that Obama is not up to the top job. Seriously, do 141 days in the U.S. Senate and some time spent ******* around in the Illinois legislature qualify a man to be POTUS? Gag me with a spoon. At least Palin has run a state. Obama has never run anything. But Oprah Dopes are impervious to logic.
103. LI girl | 08.31.08
WELL considering that John McCain thought that Putin was the president of Germany, Barack Obama is my obvious choice.
104. Suba Teacher | 08.31.08
Thanks all the same, but I’ve absolutely no problem intuiting the correct pronunciation of Sarah Palin’s last name. Having diligently explained how to pronounce Ms. Palin’s name, could the U.S. broadcast media and especially the national political establishment now learn and commence using just one English pronunciation for the country of Iraq?
105. heidi | 08.31.08
As most of you will agree I’m sure, some of the dumbest people in the world are the ones with the most impeccable advanced academic degrees. To combine those with a sly, self-serving, cunning, high energy level individual as we observe in Obama makes me fear for this Republic if he wins. He has never demonstrated any courage in any position on any subject in his life as far as we know. Plus, Biden totally destroyed his credibility trying to puff up Obams’s resume.
Sarah will be a most welcome breath of fresh, unpolluted air.
106. eric b | 08.31.08
Palin is just as qualified as Obama if not more so.
She has served as a mayor,although a small town it was still executive experience. Obama served as a state legislator in Illinois, with no major legislative accomplishments. Obama has no executive experience. Advantage Palin
She served on the commission overlseeing the Oil & Gas industry in Alaska, what is Obama’s experience with the Oil & Gas industry. Advantage Palin
She served successfully for nearly two years as the governor of Alaska, Obama has served as a US Senator for nearly four years. Again executive experience trumps legislative experience. Advantage Palin.
Overall I think the only reason people favor Obama’s experience is he is a man and she is woman. The same sexists that kept down Hillary are trying to hold down Palin, and by that I mean the media and the Democrats.
107. Dhyana | 08.31.08
Palin is very much qualified to be VP. As a Democrat who is dissatisfied with the nomination of Obama, in part because of his thin resume, I would prefer to vote for the Democratic ticket if it was turned around, i.e., put Biden on top and the apprentice at the bottom. Under our current choice, I will vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. Go McCain!
108. Daniel | 08.31.08
WE are prepared to elect the most negative attitude candidate but we run down a mother who has done so well in her state. Shame on sons and daughters born to mothers. Can somebody give a speech without teleprompter. Words
109. KJ | 08.31.08
Lets see, she was a mayor of a town of 9,000 people. She is the governor of Alaska for little over 18 months. McCain bumped into her twice before he picked her for VP. McCain does have good and solid judgement…………….NOT…………Has someone checked him for Alzheimer?
110. P! | 08.31.08
Uh…jamesB in KY? She admitted to smoking pot herself because it was legal in Alaska. If you’re gonna talk out of your dupa at least get your facts right.
Personally, I’m appalled that a woman who should have been on bedrest considering she knew that she was having a high risk pregnancy was flying across the country AFTER her water broke for her youngest child who has Down’s Syndrome. The majority of airlines won’t let 7-8 month pregnant women even on their flights and most everyone who’s pregnant should know that the risk of infection rises exponentially the longer it takes for delivery after your water breaks. I keep hearing about what a good mother she is and how special this pregnancy of hers was but what kind of good judgement was that?
Don’t even get me started that she openly admitted that she wasn’t even paying attention to what’s going on in Iraq and her other son is going over there?
She’s absolutely unreal. What was her qualifications? That she’s pro-life? None of that seems very much to me.
People wonder why Old School!Republicans are getting tired of the current batch and this foolishness is why. I won’t vote for another Republican again until they throw the social conservatives under the bus where they belong.
111. Roy | 08.31.08
anna | 08.30.08
I am very upset with McCain. As an independent voter who was considering voting for him I’ll think I will vote for Obama now. I dont want someone so unqualified running the country if something bad happens to him.
—————————————————-
But it’s OK to put in the #1 guy with even less experience?
112. vikki | 08.31.08
Well, does this not tell the story. . . McCain is about McCain! Think about it. After this kind of (scary) move, how could anyone trust what he will do when we need good sound judgement in the moment. Talk about sheer madness! He has ridiculed the position and his ticket. Choosing Palin for his running mate is insane. No way, no how, NO MCCAIN!!!!
113. DJ | 08.31.08
Keep in mind that as Governor she deals with foreign policy all the time where it relates to Alaska’s to neighbors, Canada and Russia. With a state that could be sitting on one of the largest oil reserves in the world, she has had to deal with a lot of political issues related to that. She also doesn’t really care what anyone thinks of her politics. She will do what she feels is right based upon what her constituents want. As for having the means to push the button if it came down to that or accepting that 3am phone call, I suggest you watch an episode of Deadliest Catch. See what Alaskan fishermen deal with and what decisions they have to make. Life and death decisions are nothing new to Ms Palin. I think its about time we had a person of her background in the White House. She may only be number 2, but I think she will easily be able to step into the big shoes if required. I was going to write in Mickey Mouse for president this election because I did not like either candidate. But with the selection of Ms Palin, I will be voting for Mr. McCain. I feel she will help Mr. McCain lead this country in an entirely new direction that will once again make us the world leader we once were.
114. bj mac | 08.31.08
Shrewd guy?
he met her once briefly and talked to her on the phone twice
thats shrewd?
i would say that’s senility
115. Paul | 08.31.08
Wow what alot of Cry Babies are all you Obama supporters that scared of real CHANGE at least we know What’s going to Change. And when this Woman say something it happens. Obama is going to change WHAT?…His Underware,shoes,limo drivers what? Oh he hopes to chang his address it is all Hot air smoke and Mirrors… All he’s done is put on a good show. Who cares if he is black, minority and had a tuff life (Harvard grad)…don’t even go there with me. I am Native American So shut up get back on the boat and take them who brung you with you. You got nothing on my people. This is real change and you turkeys just can’t handel it.
Go McCain Go Palin (Married to Eskimo) Real Americans
116. Ricky Lightning | 08.31.08
Palin is just not ready for the national stage. Check out the link below. If this starts to get around major news outlets, true or not, the amount of scrutiny she’ll be objected to won’t be pretty. McCain made a mistake in trying to pander too much.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/121350/137/486/580223
117. Shriney Keener | 08.31.08
He graduated from Dixon High School attended Eureka College, a small liberal arts institution near Peoria, Illinois. He majored in economics and sociology.
So if you owned a company, Marty, I guess you wouldn’t hire Ronald Reagan.
118. Mike | 08.31.08
Sarah= (S)anity (a)nd (r)eality (a)re (h)onesty. 16 years in politics.The Annointed One and his magic bubble only has 1 year actually working in the Senate and 2 years running for President. While he was running,Sarah was working and doing her job so well she has the highest approval rating for a sitting Gov. 80%!
Spiro Agnew had less experience. Before him I dare most reading this to even remember the names of each VP back to Roosevelt.
What qualities do we want as an example of American life that the President and VP should represent? Honesty,integrity,compassion,valor, candor and grace. Sarah,if she doesnt have these qualities sure does a good job of appearing as though she does.
If Ronald Reagan could run a country for 8 years, try and tell me she couldn’t.
The O bomb is a balloon living on hot air,rising ever higher, but full of nothing. If he is elected and we have a govt run by Reid,Pelosi,Obomb and Biden?
Like Lyndon Johnson and wonderful welfare,every loafer and his brother will find new ways to siphon something for nothing.
Promise all elepants peanuts and all donkeys hay if you want to get elected.
119. Dan G. | 08.31.08
What makes a person qualified for running the country? Is it having the experience to sidestep issues with grace? Is it the ability to spend record amounts of money on a campaign? Is it the learned ability to launder lobby/campaign money? Is it being able to promise, not deliver and then have the art of convincing people forgive you? Is it the ability to have stealth powers to flip flop?
America needs a good honest American. We need someone with some common sense. We need someone who isn’t afraid to do what’s just. We need someone who is really in touch with the people.
Sarah Palin has the gumption to work to make America better. I believe she’s a person America can TRUST to do a great job. I wouldn’t be the least bit afraid to have her as president…even if it would ever get to the point of “pushing the button” as someone mentioned. I think I would trust her ten fold over Obama/Biden.
The campaign from this point on should be interesting. I think well find Saran Palin is an excellent choice. God Bless America!
120. Tim | 08.31.08
Palin is more qualified than many that have held the office. Our last two Presidents were former governors. Many of our Presidents weren’t all that educated (Palin is educated, just making a point here) and none of our Presidents have gone through the pain of child birth, let alone five times. Also, as far as qualifications to be President are concerned, a case can certainly be made that the position of governor is much more akin to President than Senator is, that’s why so few Senators have been elected to the Presidency at all. Also, experience level required for vice president is much lower than that for president because VPs can receive on the job training for a time before they will likely be needed to fill any role. Obama has a low experience level right off the bat, so you can expect Joe Biden to be running the foreign relations of an Obama administration, while a Sarah Palin will be given time to learn the ropes of foreign diplomacy while she is engaged, as many VPs are, in holding down the domestic issues which she is already accustomed to dealing with through her gubernatorial position. And since when does a woman need to agree with every position of NOW to be allowed to break a glass ceiling, give the lady a break here.
121. Chuck Cardiff | 08.31.08
Reading the post above from the “registered Republic” who says Obama “is obviously much smarter,” I get a creeping feeling that reminds me of Jimmy Carter’s victory over Jerry Ford. I voted for Carter largely because I thought Ford was a dufus. And I am sure that Carter had a higher IQ than Ford. But Carter was naive, trusting, lacked knowledge, and was a total failure as president. Obama, if elected, will be exactly the same way. Both men have the same delusion — that intellect without knowledge and experience can carry the day. Well, it can’t. A highly intelligent but ignorant person (like Obama) is a catastrophe.
123. jim | 08.31.08
If most of the people who know her in Alaska think she is terribly unqualified, how can any of us contiguous Americans who don’t know her think she is? What planet are you people from? This is an utterly ridiculous choice by a rash man who thinks service is synonymous with pandering. It is downright reckless and demonstrates nothing less than contempt for the American people. In an election that could determine the future of this country and this planet such a choice shows either amazing detachment or carelessness or both.
John, if you love your country more than yourself, how could you do this? This is clearly all about your ambitions not the country’s. Your ego could exceed Bush’s. Or are you two just flat out incompetent or even worse? If you die John, we’ll be left with Palin running the free world, but I guess you don’t need to worry since you will be elsewhere and your family will be divvying up all your houses. You are shameless!
Note the nervousness and even fear of this commentator has nothing to do with the prospect of McCain/Palin being a powerful ticket that could defeat Obama/Biden by virtue of their relative strengths. It is their incredible weakness that frightens me. If by some calamity they win the election, this country which I do indeed love, will be in some serious, serious trouble. Please Americans do not listen to those that told you what to do in previous elections. Look at how your loyalty has been repaid. They believe they can play you like a piano. Make your own music. Save the country for your children and grandchildren, not give it back to them. If your leaders are so righteous, how could they be so wrong about their boy Bush? Remember your ballot is secret. They need not know who you really choose.
125. Mark Fender | 08.31.08
Run John run. Run Sarah run. See John run. See Sarah Run. See Obama bend over and kiss his *** good-bye.
126. Mark | 08.31.08
I think McCain’s choice is great, since I’m fully supporting Barack Obama. She was booed today when she tried to take on Hillary voters with her disingenuous praise for her and Ferraro.
127. Will Dufrane | 08.31.08
George W. Bush was a governor from a state that acutally had some inhabitants and look where that has gotten us. No more need for rookies. McWar got damn near every issue wrong as sidekick of Bush so no going for the Republicans this time lets try something different and maybe get it correct. YES WE CAN. SI SE PUEDE. No Way No How No McCain or Palin however you pronouce it is sill taking choice away from women and too the right of Rush Limbaugh.
OBAMA BIDEN in 2008!
128. Isaac | 08.31.08
Palin was doubtless an intelligent choice for McCain, especially at a time when the mainstream Republican establishment is treading on thin ice.
As an American citizen, every one of us has the duty, however, to consider this question before we cast our lot in behind McCain:
Would you want Palin to be Commander-in-Chief of our nation, with the significant powers that position brings, not only for our domestic law but even more importantly, for our international relations?
At a time in which America is facing unprecedented unpopularity in the world (really a mild world to describe it), when the Russian President has just declared that he wouldn’t mind a “second Cold War,” when the Taliban is returning in Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda’s leader has yet to be brought to justice despite 7 years of Bush’s attempts, when Pakistan–our politically unstable nuclear “ally”–is facing turmoil and renewed tensions with India, when China’s economy is growing at a rate SIX TIMES that of the United States and when, not to mention, our own economy is in shambles due largely to the ideas of people like Phil Gramm, who happens to be a major advisor to McCain’s campaign on economic policy… is this the time we want to elect someone who was issued her first passport in 2007?
Obviously you are going to be drawn to vote for someone whose values you share. But think about this. What good does it do to share your leaders’ values, if your leader is inadvertently steering the country toward economic woes and military disaster, domestically and for the rest of the world? Think outside your own narrow existence for a moment and consider the ramifications of electing a policy that is almost exactly the same as the policy which has guided this nation for past 7 and a half years.
Please THINK and READ before you vote.
129. CLM | 08.31.08
Let’s start cutting her just because she’s female. Put any male in regardless of his intelligence, ability or experience and that’s fine right? Yeah, as long as it’s a male. Why where did this thinking come from to begin with? I’d be willing to bet for every male president (ALL OF THEM) there was a woman who might as well have been vp…
Given the choices of a black male trying to make a name for himself and McCain, well, if it’s down to vp’s, I’ll go with Palin over Biden any day.
130. Robert | 08.31.08
C’mon people wake up. Hillary got a few years in the Senate??? First Lady for 8 years. McCain knows he’s in deep doggydo and is grasping at straws. I am sure his VP choice is a fine woman but get rational. Biden with his experience, it isn’t even in the same ballpark. The women of this nation will see thru this Republican smokescreen and actually vote for the Dems because they truely support womens initiatives. The party of Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy will, I repeat will, straighten out the Bushwacked policies of the last eight years. I look at it this way, Cheney has more time real soon to straighten out his aim and get his arrogant nose out of our nations business. After 7 years we’ll finally have someone to actually focus on Bin Laden, instead of creating “a fine litle war” to help the “ME” administration of Bush-Cheney get reelected.
131. Sam Kurdi | 08.31.08
I am an Obama supporter, but I’ve always liked John McCain and considered voting for him. I could live with a John McCain as president — but not with Sarah Palin as president.
This vice presidential pick is ridiculous. How will she know what to do in Iraq should McCain pass away? how will she handle Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran? how will she help the Israelis and Palestinians make peace? How will she handle another financial calamity like the recent housing crisis?
This is not McCain being a maverick, its McCain being irresponsible, McCain thinking that his constituency are the right wing conservative Republicans and evangelists rather than the entire American people.
Ridiculous.
132. Gary | 08.31.08
I for one can’t wait for Sarah “Baracuda” to take a bite out of Biden and send him whimpering back on his train to Delaware. The Mccain/Palin team is what America is all about…unconventional, creative, gutsy, self reliant to name a few attributes. It is this kind of approach to politics that we have needed for many years. Do we want to become another United Kingdom or France? I want people who are not afraid of what others think, can spit on their hands and get something real accomplished for America and legal Americans. Once again America will have the opportunity to show the rest of the world how it’s done.
133. Mark | 08.31.08
Obama talks about change and wrote a book about change. Meanwhile, he just shows up at the Senate and votes the party line.
Palin has actually governed at the local and state levels as a chief executive. She’s made real changes.
Palin is the only candidate of the 4 (O, Biden, Mc, Palin) that knows anything about true change.
Obama and the others are mere politicians.
134. McEver | 08.31.08
Wow, its amazing how all of you actually believe she has more experience. She was a mayor of a town of 7,000 people, she’s only been governor for 2 years, which is no experience. Besides that, the VP’s duty is to reside over the Congress, and seeing she has only completed terms at the local government level, she has no idea how Federal politics work, much less Federal Legislature. I can’t wait until the VP debate, Biden will crush her into the ground.
135. LM | 08.31.08
I, like the majority of the US population, know very little about Palin. I’m trying very hard not to jump to conclusions. But my gut reaction, like so many others, is that this is a mere gimmick.
To those who say they want an outsider to combat the corruption in DC, well, McCain couldn’t have found anyone more “outside” the system and still be involved in politics. But I honestly believe you have to know and understand the system to be able to effectively fight it. How many times has Palin even BEEN to Washington?? How can she possibly understand how to reform it, in addition to multitude of vice-presidential tasks she’ll be needing to assume?
She seems like an extremely charismatic and engaging person. While those traits are imperative for the campaign trail, they aren’t going to ensure she can effectively govern as vice president. And what I’ve read about her brief gubernatorial experience isn’t helping to reassure me.
I think this will backfire in McCain’s face.
136. StevePR104 | 08.31.08
Folks:
Please look at comment #68. Cliff’s absolutely nailed it. Palin deserves the chance to be judged on her merits as she will be during this campaign. I’m going to vote for Obama/Biden, because I think they’re better for the country…but for goodness’ sake, why do we have so many people here so filled with venom?
Criticize the choice if you wish, praise the choice if you wish…but I’d like to think we’re better than lowering ourselves to hateful, personal screeds. And apparently, I’m wrong about that.
I was right, however, about a theory I’ve held for years: “We get the government we deserve.”
137. vee | 08.31.08
Can I get picked for the VP spot; second most powerful position of the free world? Sounds exciting! I can learn on the job. I am a female, went to school, some executive experience, and grandchildren to boot. Sounds like I am just as qualified as Palin, if not more. Oh, I forgot, I need to be just as crazy as McCain. NOT!!!!
139. glinteye | 08.31.08
BAH!!
To the person who wrote that we should remember that America was once run by ordinary citizens rather than paid politicians, and therefore “hurray for Sarah Palin,” I say BAH!
To her I point out that we have always tried to choose representatives who were exceptional thinkers and that we’ve respected proven experience.
Palin is no James Madison, no George Washington, no Ben Franklin, no Thomas Jefferson, etc., etc.
Why do so many Americans, especially amongst the Republicans, want to choose representatives who are ordinary rather than extraordinary? Should we not choose our best, choose those who understand complicated problems and are talented at resolving them and improving the already adequate?
140. nc_bred | 08.31.08
Gov. Palin makes the late Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) look like a bleeding-heart liberal, and he himself was about 15 notches to the right of Attila the Hun.
141. kgamble | 08.31.08
Boo Hoo!!! She’s so inexperienced. How can she possibly be on the republican ticket being so green??? HELLLOOOOOOO???? and who in the flying fig is Obama?
A senator, true… but the majority of his votes in session were simply “present”! This man has no experience what-so-ever yet everyone wants him to be commander in chief??? Give me a break!
Time for a fresh face and a new opinion!
142. P! | 08.31.08
Palin: 20 months as governor of the 3rd least populous state in the US, before that a part time mayor and city councilwoman for a town of less than 9,000; Obama: Senator for the 5th most populous state in the US for a little less than 4 years where he has written 890 bills and cosponsored 1096, before that state legislator for again the 5th most populous state on the country for 7 years where he sponsored over 820 bills, was a community planner before that for the third largest city in the country, and taught constitutional law for 12 years at the University of Chicago Law School
Oh yeah, that’s equal. *eyeroll here*
143. Dan de Leon | 08.31.08
You might not like McCain’s choice of his running mate, but so far I have heard no complaints about how she takes care of her family while she tackles her job of running Alaska. On top of that she is trying to clean up corruption in the state. I wonder how many women, or men for that matter, can do that?…Now, consider the alternatives– a presidential candidate who, according to the media, has not helped a half-brother in Kenya; who promises “Change” but picks a tired, old Washington politician for his vice-presidential candidate–someone whose votes seem to tally with the wishes of the credit card companies in his state. They say he is well-versed with foreign affairs since he has worked with or run that senate committee for years. Maybe that’s why our foreign affairs standing is in such a mess… As they say, it takes a woman to clean everything up..
144. LM | 08.31.08
I, like the majority of the US population, know very little about Palin. I’m trying very hard not to jump to conclusions. But my gut reaction, like so many others, is that this is a mere gimmick.
To those who say they want an outsider to combat the corruption in DC, well, McCain couldn’t have found anyone more “outside” the system and still be involved in politics. But I honestly believe you have to know and understand the system to be able to effectively fight it. How many times has Palin even BEEN to Washington?? How can she possibly understand how to reform it, in addition to multitude of vice-presidential tasks she’ll be needing to assume?
She seems like an extremely charismatic and engaging person. While those traits are imperative for the campaign trail, they aren’t going to ensure she can effectively govern as vice president. And what I’ve read about her brief gubernatorial experience isn’t helping to reassure me.
I think this will backfire in McCain’s face.
145. DJ | 08.31.08
KJ, if your going to compare Palin to anyone, compare her to Regan. Regan was an actor who became governor who became president. Palin is a mom, fisherman, union member who became mayor who became governor who will become vice president. If an actor can go to being one of this nations greatest presidents, then why not a mother. Who has the tougher job. An actor or a mother. As a mother you must deal with hostile takeovers, diplomatic squabbles, angry mobs, wars of attrition, battles of will, budget issues, national depression, hate, greed, you must be able to negotiate a suitable settlement to even the most heinous of deals. A MOTHER is just what this country needs. She has the experience to help us domestically get back on our feet and stand proud and tall again. She will add to her already considerable foreign experience as time goes by.
146. P! | 08.31.08
If McCain was serious about adding a woman to the ticket, he could have picked Kay Bailey Hutchinson. At least she’s qualified to lead if something happened to McCain. Palin’s experience couldn’t fill a shampoo cap.
147. Erik | 08.31.08
With the tremendous troubles the new president is going to deal, how someone could honestly accept in their heart that an individual who has governed 683,478 people for less than two years as the best vice presidential candidate. That is not considering the fact that Senator McCain is 72 and has had already four bouts of cancer. Further when does executive experience matter. Ask yourself if you believe George W. Bush’s executive experience helped America. Obama is a Senator of a state with a population of 12,852,548 (5th largest in the US).
Bottom line is you vote for President not Vice President. One of the leading factors in determining who we vote for is the candidate’s judgement. Do you think Senator McCain’s judgment is presidential with his selection of Governor Palin? God Bless you if you do.
148. Jones321 | 08.31.08
I read comments to the tune of “who cares of her qualifications, we need a conservative to put the country on track” or “we need to keep the “liberal socialists in line”. What new direction do we expect Palin or McCain to take our country? We’ve had 8 years of politics dominated by the christian faith, family values, and social conservatives. All things, on paper, which look great. But there are other things going on in this country and within the Republican party (such as special interests) that have gotten us to a place where we are not better off then we were 8 years ago. I just wonder what we’re trying to hold onto here, and if people are blocking out what the “other side” has to say out of habit rather than reason. I voted by habit the last 2 elections and this time I’m finally ready to keep my mind open.
149. Kent | 08.31.08
Chuck: Then wouldn’t a less-educated, less-experienced, person like Palin be an even bigger catastrophe should (likely) something go wrong with McCain? And doesn’t the choice of Biden as an advisor and partner help to add experience if Obama uses it(as he indicates he will)?
Palin is a deal-breaker for anyone who has a free-thinking bone in their body and cares for our constitutional republic! She doesn’t even know what the VP does, and thinks Alaska being “close to Russia” counts as foreign policy experience. yup! Amazing. I don’t believe it - what was wrong with Huckabee?
grrrr.
150. OBAMA 08 | 08.31.08
I would love Sarah Palin to bake me cookies but not help run this country. Like Obama said…we are better than that.
This whole “executive experience” argument is ****. She is unqualified and I’m excited to see how apparent that becomes during the debates
151. markc | 08.31.08
Rosa, Condi’s past co-ownership of a house with another woman indicates to some that there might be a little something in the closet, and i don’t think Republicans are quite ready for that level of “maverick” thinking. other than that, Condi would be the ultimate answer to Obama.
152. kay | 08.31.08
Questions to all of us
1) It is fact that McCain is old and what if he dies? Will this Beauty Queen will be able to step up to REPRESENT us all (I don’t mean Alaska, I mean United State of America)?
2) Clearly McCain pick Palin to WIN the election (try to replicate a Hillary image) but does McCain wants to just WIN base on the image (conservative, no abortion.. etc) or the real substance?
3) Palin tries to give everyone an image of “Conservative American, a hockey mom” who really value family and tradition. If she really value family and really conservative… she should take care the younger son who need her the most!! Who is going to take care her infant son when she is going to those conferences? Nanny or other Hockey mom or her husband? Very sad to see this because her younger son’s condition is TOTALLY being used for political reason. Yes, she has courage and belief to give birth to her young son BUT her plan and priority is not to take care her son or family. She use her kids and family (even husband) to package her value and try to win everyone trust (please think twice and deep. you will know what mean contradicting) honestly if her kids are older, her story will be more persuasive.
153. Ralph Munson | 08.31.08
Comparing Sarah Palin’s experience to Bush is comical, especially when you look at the last Democrat that was President. Clinton was just a governor too as was Reagan and many other presidents. At least we don’t have to worry about Sarah chasing skirts like Clinton.
I am surprised that so many people are so worried about McCain’s age. If you worked in health care you would realize that he isn’t old compared to so many others these days. I wouldn’t be surprised if in the future you wouldn’t be able to collect social security until you are over 72.
154. Patrick | 08.31.08
This latest move by McCain is bizarre. He would be totally irresponsible for picking a vice president not qualified to be the next president who could lead this country and the free world. I assume he expects to win therefore how on earth does he justify someone with as little awareness and experience as Palin?
I have no doubt she has done a good job as governor of Alaska for 18 months but surely there are others more qualified and with a lot more approval for the job than her. How could you possible afford to risk it?
Unless of course picking Palin is simply a stunt to get him elected and for the next 4 years she is never expected to set foot in the White House.
Either way his judgement must be seriously questioned. Irrespective of anyone’s political inclinations.
I’m still shaking my head at his cavalier attitude with Palin for his selection. Does he really get it??
155. sickofit | 08.31.08
OMG! Get a load of yourselves. This really is a nation of whiners!!! If you don’t like her politics, don’t vote for her. All the rest is pure BS.
157. tony kodra | 08.31.08
People are constantly saying that Sarah Palin has no experience. SO WHAT! look at the mess our EXPERIENCED POLITICANS have gotten this country in. GIVE ‘EM **** SARAH!
158. McEver | 08.31.08
Also, I’d like to note, what a bunch of hypocrites the Republicans are… a week ago they were attacking Obama for being so inexperienced, now they are defending their VP, who is even less experienced, on the account that “she has done good things”.
159. Erik | 08.31.08
Wake up people.
Compare Apples to Apples and Pears to Pears.
For you who need a lesson it is Obama to McCain and Biden to Palin.
We are not voting for Palin for president.
Well actually maybe we are considering how old McCain is and his continued health issues. 
160. Pringles | 08.31.08
“In fact, Palin is almost totally alienated from the Republican Party establishment here.”
The reason for this is that the Republican party is utterly and totally corrupt in Alaska… and Ted Stevens isn’t the only Republican on a national level that is charged with corruption.
161. Da | 08.31.08
I think it is funny that people are talking about her lack of experience.
Read her resume - she has more experience then Obama - really put them side by side… Obama has never held an executive position - he has never been in charge. She has at least been a mayor and a governor.
Who isn’t qualified here? Obama wants his first executive leadership position to be the highest one in the entire world? Now THAT is reckless. (But technically it WOULD be change…)
162. An Alaskan | 08.31.08
Palin has been under investigation for a misuse of power in this state for several weeks - prior to McCain’s announcement. She said that neither she or anyone on her staff had put pressure on one of her appointees to fire her former brother in law. Turns out one of the conversations with one of her staff was recorded, so that was proven to be inaccurate at best. The jury is still out, so to speak, on her integrity and understanding of the proper use and misuse of her power in office.
She was elected easily due to major snafus by the incumbent, not necessarily because of her great political skill. Just an Alaska perspective.
163. Interloper | 08.31.08
All of you are LOSERS. ALL of you. Who could care less about political pawns in this bought and sold world?
164. Liana | 08.31.08
I for one would like to see how she’d hold up during a year long primary campaign. Hillary did. Would Palin? Hey, for one, she wasn’t even sure what a VP is supposed to do. Do you think she would fill up stadiums by giving speeches? Would she know what button to push if she had to make tough choices?
There is no comparison to Hillary, and no comparison to Obama. She is being given a free ticket to step 10 when everyone else went through all the previous 9 steps. Based on what? Being pretty and being a “mom”? Britney Spears is a mom too, and she used to be pretty.
165. CaliMom | 08.31.08
This blog is the most interesting thing I’ve read all day! What a great example of the division our entire country is facing at this time. But that is the essence of the two-party system, is it not? In my lifetime I have survived the leadership of seven US presidents. I have seen horrid and brilliant decisions made by each one. It can only do us good, as a country, to all become more passionately involved in the government of this great land. We will survive Obama/Biden….or….we will survive McCain/Palin (rhymes with Van Halen!) I suggest we use all this fired-up enthusiasm to not only voice our opinions about this presidential election but also to take greater notice of our local governments and leaders. America is only as great as her people…that’s us, folks!
166. Conky | 08.31.08
If Obama and Biden weren’t the #1 and #3 most liberal voting senators in the USA then I might be tempted to believe their message of “Change”. http://www.nationaljournal.com/voteratings/sen/lib_cons.htm?o1=lib_composite&o2=desc#results
How’s that quote go? You can fool some of the people Obama/Biden but you ain’t fooling me.
167. jessica lauren | 08.31.08
What next….Hannah Montana as Secretary of State?!?
….the Jonas Brothers for the Supreme Court?!?
168. Walt | 08.31.08
Palin does exactly what a running mate should do to a ticket. She strengthens it by bringing iron clad conservative values. A point which the aisle crossing McCain lacked.
169. Pedrioa | 08.31.08
To all those attacking Palin’s integrity on the issue of motherhood:
Would you really care if a man were running and his wife had just given birth to a child with special needs? My guess is no. You would probably throw your support behind him as fast as you could (as long as he lined up with your ideology). Even if he were your political opponent you probably wouldn’t question his commitment to his family. Cause… Well it would be kinda tacky.
The Palin family is set up as the progressive, feminist movement would want. Now, those same people are attacking Palin because she lets her husband change the diapers and cook while she runs an entire state ( a feat Obama has yet to accomplish).
170. Mike M | 08.31.08
Sometimes the truth is impossible to suppress. Richard K Munro’s comment was meant to be in praise of McCain’s choice, but his little Freudian slip cuts to the heart of McCain’s folly. Richard K Munro wrote:
“Dear Friend: Today naysayers who know nothing about the career and character of Sarah Palin mock her. But McCain has studied her character and has obliviously been impressed.”
Oblivious indeed. Not to mention reckless, arrogant, pandering and condescending. This is not a man with the judgement to be president.
171. sisyphus | 08.31.08
A simple CFO/CEO job at a 1 - 5 billion $ company would have required a more extensive vetting. McPODubya met her only once! Does this guy get the real deep problems this country is in?
Debt overload that threatens complete collapse of banking and currency. Unending war that threatens to take away the wealth of the country and hand it to Contracters.
Mindboggling wealth disparity that has the middle class clinging to just “values” instead of a credibile size of the economic pie.
Energy - Peak Oil issues that threaten the whole premise of onward and upward.
Climate change issues that threaten life on earth.
Pension/Medicare and other fake promises made ..
and you met with this person once?
172. Chuck | 08.31.08
Palin was only recently elected governor of Alaska, and now she seeks to abandon her post with hopes of becoming Vice President leaving all of the things she promised to accomplish in Alaska undone. Whether she is appropriate for the job of VP or not, it is unethical for her to leave the post of governor of Alaska so soon with so much undone that she promised to do.
173. allen bean | 08.31.08
Ms Palin has had virtually no contact with
Jewish people in America. In fact, most Alaskans still use the term
“to jew someone down” as part of their every day vocabulary when
speaking about bargaining at the store….so I guess Ms Palin has a
huge storehouse of inherited antiSemitic fixations based not on hatred
but on ignornace. Ask her what she thinks of Jewish people someone? I
am sure he only knows about 3.
174. Sarah | 08.31.08
If we are going to vote by anatomy, let’s think of it like this:
Vote for someone who has a brain.
A comparison between Palin and Hillary is ridiculous and frankly sexist in its mere suggestion.
Think before you vote. Exercise that most valuable organ of yours.
175. nights | 08.31.08
personally I think the emocrats are running scared. She’s a much better canadate with more experience than obama. clinton was elected to the presidency with on a governorship behind him so it’s evident tha its all gender biased on the democratic side.
176. Roy | 08.31.08
The community leader from Chicago is no better to negotiate than Ms. Palin with the rest of the world. Incedentally, much of the world has moved beyond the sexist attitudes we seem to have in this country. The rest of the world, which the libs seem to hold up as an example, are fine with a woman in the top spot. By the way, it’s pretty presumtive to assume she’ll be unqualified because McCain will die. Better check who will be your #2, if Biden were to die. In 2012, after McCain serves one term, Palin will have the experience to be elected, even against Hillary, no chance for lib speak or a QUALIFIED Black man until 2020. By then, I’ll be far too old to care, if at all.
177. Homerhoid | 08.31.08
I had the pleasure of living in Alaska for most of Palin’s career. I like Sarah. She was quite well placed in Wasilla. She is simply unqualified for this work as she was and is unqualified to be Governor. Indeed, she didn’t even know what the VP does every day. The only person I’ve ever heard of who is less qualified for this job, including Dan Quayle and Spiro Agnew.. would be John McCain and perhaps The Beer Empress. Well, maybe Britney and Paris.. ok, that’s four. But John would not be at the top of that list.
178. Roy | 08.31.08
It’s funny to see how many folks on here are weighing in on Palin and why she is not competent. And why would any of you have any idea what the job involves? Any former VP’s hanging around that can tell me?
Is it arm wrestling, speeches, basketball, visiting troops, meeting with political cronies, salmon fishing, more speeches? What______________
179. dom | 08.31.08
Wow…
Listen to all the screaming and moaning because now there are two beauty queens running, Obama for Pres, Palin for Vice Pres.
At least Palin is a FORMER beauty queen, and hung up the tiara.
I’d rather have experience up front calling the shots, teaching the back-up how things are done and what to look out for, rather than vice versa, epecially if that experience has the ability to step outside the box, like McCain did with choosing Palin.
The cries of ‘inexperience’ on the part of governor Palin is another example of how a lot of women currently have to go the extra mile and do a better job than men just to be considered ‘equal’ - and still get passed over for promotions to managerial positions.
The only downside to McCain picking Palin is if she holds her own during VP debates with old white guy Biden, and gets a few good body shots in.
Imagine that, a woman becomes mayor of a small town, then governor of the state, completely upsets the apple cart of the established party, and along the way cranks out a bunch of kids with one guy, whom she’s married to. Then she becomes VP candidate shortly after cranking out the last kid, and ends up sticking it to a democratic retread in the VP debates on national TV.
That’s going to grate the old boys club raw, and intimidate the so-called feminists.
But I think a lot of men and women under 30 with much higher expectations for better things for themselves are going to look at that say, “Yowza!”, and their votes will more than offset the loss of the above.
180. Drea | 08.31.08
Joe Michael.. the problem is no one knows for how long? God forbid.. but even during the campaign McCain had a scare with blemish on his face. And had to have removed because of his history with cancer. He was totally irresponsible in making her his VP at this time in HIS life and OURS. We need reassurance at time like this not skeptism. This is no time to be “edgy” as they call it. I need backbone, no how, matizis, our nation is in trouble and the rest of the world knows it to!
182. Mike M | 08.31.08
4. Ron Page | 08.30.08
Who cares what her qualifications are? I like her! That’s the way the real world works and if you disagree it shows you’re living in a fantasy. If you don’t like someone because of race religion gender etc, that person could have five degrees from Harvard and you still wouldn’t promote that person. Believe that!
***************************
I felt I had to reply to this one. Do you know that we’re in two wars. Do you realize that Israel wants to bomb Iran. What about our relations with Russia after Bush decided to poke around in their backyard. Then you got Pakistan and the Palestinians. You do realize that our troops lives are on the line and she don’t know squat about foreign policy. I think your the one living in a fantasy. It’s obvious you have no Idea what your talking about.
183. MargaretO | 08.31.08
Wow! Some of the comments here are as insane as McCain’s pick.
To those who are disrespecting Obama - you are obviously not really looking or reading actual facts about him. Too many of you saying the same words I’ve heard over and over from McCain voters. The teleprompter, voting present, less experience, yada, yada, yada. Totally untrue and very telling about your grasp on what’s real and unreal. Barack is such a departure from the typical Chicago political machine that you love to toss around. He is truly a change from that. He has written and passed significant legislation. He writes his own speeches and he gives a darn good talk all the time without a teleprompter.
To those who are disrespecting Palin - I guess we will have to see what pans out as this is all so new. I don’t know yet what’s true or untrue about some of the wild claims about her. I suspect some of the same tactics are being thrown out to disparage her as the anti-Obama/Biden supporters are doing.
She’s pretty and seems likable but how smart she is, time will tell. Her credentials aren’t all that impressive and if you are serious, you have to admit that. She was mayor of a podunk town. My uncle Jim was mayor of a podunk town for 8 years and I can tell you, he wouldn’t be capable of being President even though he doesn’t have an enemy, as everyone likes that man. Some of the facts that I do know are when she left the mayor role, she left the town deep in debt. She is a very green Governor, who still hasn’t really learned that job, yet. From what I can tell, she hasn’t been so much of a reformer as much as she has been a whistle blower. She hasn’t been there long enough to really prove reform. There are a lot of people in the Southeastern part of the state that aren’t very happy with her since she reneged on many promises to them. ie the Bridge to Nowhere - she was for it before she was against it then she tried to get more Federal money for it. Her popularity rating had already dropped from 80% to 60%.
Personally, I don’t want my President and VP to have any more ties to big oil companies and states with oil and that’s the biggest negative, to me.
Sarah may be a fine woman, wife and mother, but so are Barack Obama and Joe Biden, fine men, husbands and fathers.
To try to disparage someone based on lies is just not right.
Tell the truth for your sake and your country’s sake. Sleep well.
184. Mike M | 08.31.08
4. Ron Page | 08.30.08
Who cares what her qualifications are? I like her! That’s the way the real world works and if you disagree it shows you’re living in a fantasy. If you don’t like someone because of race religion gender etc, that person could have five degrees from Harvard and you still wouldn’t promote that person. Believe that!
***************************
I felt I had to reply to this one. You do know that we’re in two wars. Do you realize that Israel wants to bomb Iran. What about our relations with Russia after Bush decided to poke around in their backyard. Then you got Pakistan and the Palestinians. You do realize that our troops lives are on the line and she don’t know squat about foreign policy. I think your the one living in a fantasy. It’s obvious you have no Idea what your talking about.
185. JD | 08.31.08
If there are poor republicans in the herd, then they need to be thinned out, I have no problem as a republican to see that happen. Why not use a Canadian company if they offer the best deal, and the pipeline is going over some of their land anyway. In the long run it’s better business for the US oil companies to know their bids have to be competitive. As far as Obama goes all he had to was say present to become a co-sponsor on those bills, and the only things he’s had the final say on was if he was going to have fries with that burger at the senate cafeteria.
A governor in charge of the largest, most strategically important state of the country, in regards to defense and oil, is worth far more than 2 of Harry Reid’s rubber stamps in the senate.
186. John | 08.31.08
Obama sat in a church for 20 yrs but was unable to recognize the teachings of his pastor? How smart is that? Or perhaps it is disingenuous.
He launched his campaign in the house of Bill Ayers, yet did not know what this person stood for? How smart is that?
Obama thinks he is smart enough to fool enough of the population to get elected, what a waste. His voice sounds hollow like he’s an actor. I’m already dead tired of listening to Obama’s voice, it has a sepulchral drone to it. Biden is notoriously disingenuous, he’s at the top of most untrustworthy Senators.
Palin on the other hand sounds genuine. And that is refreshing, that is what we need in Washington.
187. Jim | 08.31.08
McCain is nothing but a liar like Bush. He wants to drill in Anwar not because he thinks it will lower gas prices, it’s so he satisfies his Big Oil companys that sponsor his campaign. He opposes getting rid of tax breaks for the big oil companies that have had nothing but record profits. And has brought in over a million dollars for his campaign from Big Oil. Who knows what other motives he has. It seems that Bush/Cheney had a fixation on Oil and now McCain as well. Do you know what gas prices were before Bush was elected? $1.80 a gallon. Are you guys even paying attention here? Bush is an oil man. Halliburton ring a bell? We attack Iraq why? Oil. Where does McCain want to stay for 100 years? Iraq. Now McCain selects the governor of the biggest oil state in the country? Do you have to have it slap you right in the face, before you see what’s going on? If McCain is elected things will only get worse. He’s in on this Oil scam along with Bush. It’s seems pretty obvious to me. All we will see if we drill in Anwar are the same prices we have now and if it even does make a dent eventually it will a decade or so from now. Obama has agreed to leave drilling on the table, but at least he has the honest enough and sense enough to know that alone will not solve our Energy problem. And if it doesn’t solve the problem, why take the risk of having it cause even more problems to our ecosystem? Do we really want to drill off the coast of Florida? How many Hurricanes go through there every year? Sounds like a huge disaster waiting to happen to me.
188. Jim | 08.31.08
By the way, the only loonys here are the ones that don’t believe in Science (Republicans), but use it everyday of their lives to survive. Yes, I’m sure the world is ony 2000 years old, dinosaurs are not real, evolution is BS, and global warming is nothing but lies. More of the same cowardess of Republicans denial of the truth. They can only handle what they want to hear. That’s why Fox News has an audience. Let’s face it Republicans don’t believe in Science, so they don’t beleive in Truth. They have to go to church all the time, because they know they are the biggest liars on Earth. They even lie to themselves. How many nuclear bombs did Reagan invest in when he was President? Sure like to use science don’t they, they just don’t believe in it. Wake people you better get educated before you ruin our country, but continuing to vote these goons into office.
189. Larry | 08.31.08
> Why do so many Americans, especially amongst the Republicans, want to choose representatives who are ordinary rather than extraordinary?
For the same reason that I would fight tooth and nail against “professional” jurors. We should be governed by our peers, not our “betters,” and most especially not those with some sense that they are better. We celebrate the ordinary man rising to the top, the boy raised in a log cabin and with a lowly education but extraordinary character becoming President. Power corrupts. We want leaders who are not corrupt, and thus leaders with a limited, yet reasonable, exposure to power are often preferred. It’s a balancing act.
I for one am not all that happy that three of the four names in the race are Senators, nor that two of them have been there for decades. What has Barack Obama has done to entrust him with the executive power of the most powerful nation in the history of the world, or to be the Commander in Chief of the most powerful military in the history of the world? Judgment? What judgment? Does it all come down to “I disagreed with going to war in Iraq?” That seems to be his moment of glory, his pinnacle of judgment. Impressive indeed, that, given that he was in no position to have any particular knowledge, wasn’t a U.S. Senator, wasn’t privy to any briefings or intelligence. However, I am among the large majority of Americans, not to mention Congress, who agreed at the time, and unlike others for whom hindsight is 20/20 and who don’t shy from presentism, I would still agree given what I (or Illinois State Senator Obama) knew then. That “judgment” doesn’t particularly impress me. Oh yes, he is a gifted orator, an artist of soaring rhetoric. Bravo. Obama and corruption? Rezko? I live in Chicago. I know the politicians here. Obama endorsed and supported the Toddster. He is a shameless party hack. I don’t want anybody who swam the waters of Illinois Democratic Party politics to lead this nation.
My discomfort with McCain is at least tempered by his long record of doing what he thinks is best, not popular. Oh, those exceptions the liberals like to point out? Ever hear the phrase that the exception proves the rule? And at least McCain has climbed a cursus honorum of sorts. He and Palin, the only two of the four with any actual executive or command experience, have my vote. Not that it will matter much in Illinois, unfortunately.
Larry
190. Jim | 08.31.08
By the way, the only loonys here are the ones that don’t believe in Science (Republicans), but use it everyday of their lives to survive. Yes, I’m sure the world is ony 2000 years old, dinosaurs are not real, evolution is BS, and global warming is nothing but lies. More of the same cowardess of Republicans denial of the truth. They can only handle what they want to hear. That’s why Fox News has an audience. Let’s face it Republicans don’t believe in Science, so they don’t beleive in Truth. They have to go to church all the time, because they know they are the biggest liars on Earth. They even lie to themselves. How many nuclear bombs did Reagan invest in when he was President? Sure like to use science don’t they, they just don’t believe in it. Wake people you better get educated before you ruin our country, by continuing to vote these goons into office.
191. Flyblown | 08.31.08
I am another watching the next choice of leader of the free world closely, from afar. On a rainy Sunday I have reviewed hundreds of articles and hundreds and hundreds of posts about Sarah Palin going back to May this year. There are many people who predicted, and supported, her nomination as VP. The common thread of the derogatory posts here, and elsewhere, is surprise at her being tapped on the shoulder. You should have seen it coming.
The timing suggests that McCain gambled on Hillary failing to gain nomination for either position. That shows good judgement in itself, however the really good judgement his team displays is making “experience” a central issue. Palin, as I keep reading from left-leaning reaction, fails this test yet she has more executive, (and effective), experience than Obama, Biden and yes, McCain himself. You have fallen into the trap, on day one, let alone not recognising her broad appeal as a real person with a real family.
This choice allows McCain to run to his only real strength, the maverick who will effect real change in Washington as opposed to the guy who talks the talk but chooses….Biden. And for all those who think foreign policy experience is important read Kissinger’s 1994 book “Diplomacy”, a masterpiece of theoretical knowledge, and then figure how Kissinger Assoc.’s L. Paul Bremer blew up Iraq. Character counts for everything, I think Palin would handle Putin.
However you choose, America is a greatly admired country and despite what you might read, the majority of the rest of the world wish you all the best.
192. TI | 08.31.08
I would follow a charismatic captain to the ends of the earth, and gladly give up my life for her. In the After, we’ll laugh about the days we emblazoned our names across the sky.
Or I could go with the safe choice, and live the rest of my obscure days like a timid mouse.
193. Fred-K | 08.31.08
What a great contest this is turning into! The loud cries of pain from the anti-Palinites of both parties tell me that McCain has done a great job! Charges of inexperience cut both ways, and will hopefully lead (finally!) to a national discussion of what experience and skills REALLY counts! Are Governors or Congresspeople better prepared to govern and “answer the 3AM phone”? Are mothers in politics shirking their parental responsibilities but not dads? Are fancy advanced degrees and honorific job titles but no documented results more important than a basic education and documented management results? Is the vague “nuanced speech” better for gaining clear understandings with foreign leaders than the very clear “plain talk” in the Teddy Roosevelt/George Patton style? McCain has opened the door, now it’s our job to walk thru and get the discussion started!
Me? I’m behind McCain/Palin! The tax implications of an Obama win on this retiree are just too devastating to contemplate! Flame on, John and Sarah!
194. Van Tilman | 08.31.08
The Gospel truth? Sarah Palin was selected by McCain’s polling experts, who found the published national polls are seriously understating Obama’s strength in the November election. That is, the standard samplings fail to reflect dynamic movement out there in the real world. The “swing” states are not swinging McCain’s way; long-time Western Republican strongholds trend Democratic. An aroused Black population and an inflow of young-to-middle-age professionals and well-educated white collar workers have put some Southern states into play for Obama. . . .
What, then, could the beleagered flagbearer of sinking Republicanism do? Roll the dice and hope a fresh feminine face can persuade millions of fickle women–along with staunch Libertarians and drifting Independents–that McCain’s evident shift to the Right is simply tactical.
In short, the selection of Sarah Palin was designed to stir uncertainty. To obscure real issues. To create conditions where new propaganda might prove more fruitful. Well, John, you made quite a splash, but hardly muddied the waters. Political redemption can come only after you return to the Senate and play maverick again.
195. Melissa | 08.31.08
Gov. Palin’s executive experience is in running a state whose population is approximately the size of Austin, Texas. That means her job as governor is in many ways simply a mayor+ job.
So I wish folks would quit acting as if she had the kind of experience one gets from being the governor of a state the size of Texas–oh wait, we elected a guy who was governor of Texas and all his experience as Governor sure has done the United States a lot of good over the last eight years.
So maybe executive experience isn’t as important as having a broad base of knowledge about how the Federal government works, crafting a well thought out and wise policy about international and national affairs, demonstrating a strong commitment to upholding the rights provided by the constitution (Obama just happens to have a degree in Constitutional law), in having the ability to work across party lines, instead of making everyone in your government mad at you (which from all the newspaper accounts I’ve read seems to be what Palin has been doing in Alaska, and not just with the “corrupt” members of her legislature; she’s even about to undergo an investigation for abuse of power).
Obama and Biden trump her in experience. Obama and Biden both have spent their adult lives after college dedicated to community and public service.I trust them to help us extricate ourselves from this economic morass that we are currently in. I also trust them to bring back our standing on the international front. Obama will be a terrific president, and heaven forbid, if something should happen to him, Biden can step in without missing a heartbeat.
196. Flyblown | 08.31.08
Jim,
Your views are obviously heartfelt and I respect that, however, an oil speculator I know has benefited to the tune of $1.3bn this year, partly on the environmental constraints of U.S. policy, so might it not be smart to increase local production at the same time as fostering alternative fuels to lessen “The Great Satan’s” reliance on Middle East oil.
I lived there Jim, they are not our friends.
197. Jack Evans | 08.31.08
I cannot believe how vicious, nasty and any other adjective that discribes the Loony Left. It would make absolutely no difference who McCain picked, they would have gotten the same treatment. When I read the various blogs, I find it is the loonies who use the insults, ****** words to make their point, which they do not have. If he had picked Jesus Christ, they would have the same disgusting comments.
We were very impressed and surprised at Sarah’s nomination. CBS said she was nervice; They must have been watching it through their foggy lenses and poor quality speakers. She was very confident in her speech. My wife, who cannot stand all the political shenanigans was inpressed for the first time in her life. I would far rather have Palen at the button then the Rock Star. The only thing of note on his resulme is he made a great speech at the Democrat convention 4 years ago. Wow, that is some qualification. Over 150 years ago, there were famous debates (Douglas /Lincoln Debates who don’t know what a history book is). Douglas was considered the better debater (he was long winded) but which man made the more memorable statements.
I say go girl and what is wrong with having an attractive woman on the ticket?
198. David Krause | 08.31.08
McCain needs to change his nickname from Maverick to DESPERATO… McBush once said Senator Obama would rather lose a war in order to win the election. Well look who’s calling the kettle black. McSame would rather win the election than pick a qualified VP…. Case closed.
199. Mike | 08.31.08
Experience to run government? Ranting about a women who has been in State government from the bottom up as though she can’t lead is like saying Arnold of Caleefornya will do a lousy job if elected to a State with a higher GNP than 40% of the worlds countries.
Seems to me Arnie had no high education and was a dumb bell but alas,like Ronnie before him,is weaving magic in the Golden State!
Now if Arnie can run Caleefornya and Ronnie could end Communism,can’t Sarah attend a few state funerals and compliment other heads of state when promted to? If everyone thinks McCain is going to die in office it wouldnt make a difference if he picked Michael the Archangel to be his VP.
Gee,his Mom is 96 and looks more alert than Joe Biden…….. Sorry,maybe its just me,but I’m optimistic that ole John is gonna make it to 76 and Sarah will grow like an Orchid in the job. After 4 years of on the job experience,who do we think we’ll vote for in 2012? Hillary or Sarah?
200. Dan O | 08.31.08
If she can face down a moose, she can bring to heel any blowhard foreign or domestic. She’ll skin them alive.
The reason the democrats are all in a tizzy about Palin is the fact she’s a better representation of the traditional Western manly values than those two limp wristed Eastern dandies the democrats nominated. Democrats are pi**ed that she’s a better man than both of them.
Besides its obvious, who would you trust to be able to bring the meat and potatoes to the table? If push gets to shove and you had to depend on Obama, Biden or McCain to exercise the manly arts we’d stave to death.
With Palin I know I’m eating tonight.
201. Tabitha L. | 08.31.08
As a moderate Republican woman I expect two things from a president: keep us safe and don’t tax us to death. With his selection of a VEEP with zero foreign policy experience, McCain has lost not only my vote but also those of my friends. We were McCain fans who totally trusted him to put his country’s safety over winning an election. We were wrong. We’ll be voting Libertarian in the fall.
202. Anne V. | 08.31.08
As a libertarian Republican with great respect for John McCain, I’m very disappointed. The choice seems to violate so many conservative principles.
A few questions for the McCain camp:
– Was Palin truly the most qualified person you could find?
– Since she was chosen for her identify, rather than her qualifications, how is this different from affirmative action?
– McCain correctly recognizes that this is a very dangerous world. How does this choice help keep America safe?
– Is it responsible for a 72-year old man with health problems to put a neophyte “a heartbeat” from the Presidency?
– The Convention theme this week is “Country First.” With this choice, did John McCain truly put his country’s interests ahead of his electoral prospects?
Fortunately, the Democrats can be counted on to attack Palin and create a backlash against themselves. So maybe McCain may be proven right in the end. Still, it is troubling and disappointing for a party that prides itself on its principles.
203. Gwen Lebec | 08.31.08
McCain barely had 2 hours to talk to this woman before selecting her as his VP. The saddest thing is that it has been long clear that he really wanted Joe Lieberman as his VP, which would also be a bold attention getting move that would shake up politics. Yet McCain was quoted as saying that he had to recognize that Lieberman “wouldn’t fly” in GOP circles. If a man vying for the job of being the most powerful leader in the world can’t even choose his own VP for that difficult job, what chance does he have standing up to other nations? Watching John McCain disintegrate before our eyes has been the saddest aspect of this whole political season.
204. Ally G | 08.31.08
Putin was handpicked by old and ailing Yeltsin to be a prime minister, knowing full well that if he resigns and leaves Putin to administer the country in his stead for the rest of the term, Putin will have a much easier time to get reelected as president afterwards. So it’s clear Yeltsin meant Putin to helm the country from the very beginning and resigned early for that very purpose.
The question is, why did he pick a nobody with no executive experience? Sure, Putin was KGB trained, which meant he had excellent education and discipline (you had to have a very high IQ to make it in that system), but he wasn’t the only one like that. So what did Yeltsin see? What did he base his judgment on? And how could he throw this inexperienced political “puppy” into the Kremlin din? I mean, Russia in those days both economically and politically was utter mess, a Wild West, and to survive the power struggles required incredible guts.
So how did Yeltsin know Putin would survive and thrive? And he didn’t even know him that well personally. I’m saying all this not to compare Putin and Palin, the situations are different, the people are different, the countries are different. But I think this is a good example that proves never ever to underestimate that intangible quality called “character”. And ultimately it’s Obama’s character (everything else being a distant second) that’s so magnetic to so many of his supporters. So why shouldn’t that same quality be the only reason for people to be drawn to Palin?
I don’t think she’s really that much into victimhood over women being discriminated against, which is what makes her appealing to me.
She will address injustice when she sees it (e.g. benefits for gay employees), but she truly doesn’t make her own gender an issue any more than Obama doesn’t make his race an issue.
Which is why I don’t think her being a woman is the main reason she was chosen. She was chosen because of her abilities and her integrity and her guts that mirror those of McCain’s and “are exactly what he needs”. That she’s a woman is an added bonus that may or may not pay off.
To correct previous posters, she does NOT believe that there is no global warming.
Rather, she does not agree with the mainstream beliefs about the REASONS for global warming, namely, that it’s man-made. What exactly she believes I don’t know, but possibly that it’s created by intensified sun activity.
205. Jim | 08.31.08
Flyblown,
What do you mean that Oil is going up because of Environmental constraints? What constraints? There are very few, and the ones we have are there for good reason. I agree with you, the Middle East are not our friends, the very reason we need to stop using gasoline ASAP. T Boone Pickens even knows it and he’s a life long oil man. I like his plan. We should start using our own Natural gas for a while, and then move to electric, solar, etc. Drill more oil? We already are at our max. Prices are going up for one reason only, we are getting gouged by the Middle East that like you say are not our friends. When we get out of Iraq & Afghanistan you will see. Gas Prices will go back down. Another thing that irritates me. We were attacked on 9/11 by hijackers from mostly Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. So where do we go? Afgahnistan, because supposedly our great Intellegence tells us that there is where Bin Laden is. Then our Intellegence tells us that Saddam has WMDs and we need to go to Iraq, which was wrong also. Next where are we going? Iran? WHAT? What countries were we attacked by again? You know what this is starting to look like to me, and believe me I’ve never been a conspiracy theorist, but starting to look like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan want us to weaken the countries on their borders so they eventually can take them over. One world government plan you think? Now even Russia is trying to merge with Georgia, while our govt talks tough to make it look good to us Americans. You know what I think, I think our government is selling us out.
Palin has absolutely no experience and the whole argument that Obama has none is just a big lie. He has been a Senator for 12 years, but everytime some Republican gets on TV they say it went from nothing to US Senator and Presient. BIG LIE!!!! LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE. You people are losers. I have to laugh evertime I see some beat up junker of a car with a Republican bumper sticker on it. Wanna be elitest that fall for the lies of the rich. Republican are nothing but big rich liars that will stop at nothing to have more money, more power, and more exploitation of the poor and weak minded. Like a said John McCain picked Palin for his runnning mate for is own perverted enjoyment of exploiting you idiots that will vote for him because she’s a woman and a beauty queen. You can’t fool me. You can fool some, but you can’t fool me I have close to a genius IQ.
You know what else, this Palin is an animal, you are right. Typical Republican. She hunts, she’s a beauty Queen, now all of a sudden VP of the US. She’s absoltuely ruthless. You know what probably happened. McCain met here twice right? She probably slept with him, and now she’s blackmaied him in to making her his running mate. McCain’s own wife used to be a beauty queen too right? Are we’re going have fun, fun, fun until American People take the keys away!!!
206. Mark | 08.31.08
McCain chose Palin because he figured that since she had 5 children including a new born she wouldn’t mind changing one more pair of diapers since Cindy was getting tired of it.
207. Dan Roberts | 08.31.08
All this about the correct pronunciation of Sarah’s last name…
Did you notice that she pronounces the work nuclear the same way our current president does: “nucular” ???
208. Ted | 08.31.08
I liked Barry Obama and his speech and I am a Democrat but something about this women Palin rings true! She has a presence of honesty. Barry had shifty eyes in that religious Saddleback forum and I squirmed watching him since he didnt seem to be able to look that minister with a head on-straight face. I liked his speech on the last night of the convention but then thought about it. Lots of promises and no solutions.
209. eric b | 08.31.08
The founding fathers were amazingly inexperienced, George Washington had never commanded more than 200 men before he was selected as the General of the Continental army. Thomas Jefferson was only 33 when he wrote the declaration of independence, Alexander Hamilton was very young less than 30 during the War of independence. Maybe you should read up on your history before you spout off that ****. John Adams was one of the most experienced and he was in his early 40’s during the revolution, an amazing mind yes but Palin could still prove to be his equal.
210. Mt. Tater | 08.31.08
I am truly fed-up with what appears to be ‘paid bloggers’ spinning the DEMS hateful attitudes.
After a while you get the idea they think we conservatives are really that stupid. We are just laughing out loud at some of your ridiculous comments.
Palin is a talented woman. She does not have to be a Hillary to be competent.
She was elected Govenor of one of our states….and holds one of the highest approval ratings.
She is ethical and has a successful family life.
Please give yourselves a break…go drink some BO/JO kool aid and then start again.
I’m really tired of your ‘party line’…you are all so petty and disrespectful. But I guess it’s a living. Are you sure you’re getting equal pay?
211. Jim | 08.31.08
Mt. Tater,
No I’m not a paid anything. But if people get paid to do this I would sign up. Thanks for the tip. I should be because I would put your heroes Limbaugh, Hannity, and the rest of them to shame. Why because I speak the truth. The ditto heads just like to hear what they want to hear and disregard the rest. Isn’t that a song lyric?
You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth, but if you want the truth, watch this video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2740987755232169561&ei=dxC7SJvwJJOKrgP25tjADA&q=zeitgeist+pt+1
Zeitgeist the Movie Part 1 - “The Greatest Story Ever Told”
212. Jim | 08.31.08
Then when you are ready watch the rest of it. It’s information you might not know about. It has opened my eyes and it will probably open yours as well.
213. bluecollarbytes | 08.31.08
I’m wondering if Obama could offer up an example, just one, where his judgment as US Senator is on display? I can think of several in which he Changed positions, moving to the Right. OK. Go back in time to his days as a community-agitator, or Rezko’s personal rep in Illinois. Anything there that stands out? It’s funny listening to some whine that Palin is to inexperienced for VP when her Democrat opponent Barack Obama has done nothing but fill some shoes as a Special Interest politician. He rode to power on his bi-color, refined manners, and tele-presence. If his days in Illinois were so earth-shattering, so politically unique, where ARE those RECORDS? Someone, quick, name AN accomplishment of Obama’s, besides those 2 self-congratulatory books he wrote about himself. Sarah Palin’s accomplishments stand on their own. I bet there are plenty of Records available as well which back up this obvious fact.
Democrats get especially steamed anytime an “uppity Negro” {Clarence Thomas}, or an “Aunt Tom’ {Condi Rice} undercut their endless doom & gloom message of racial oppression. I expect this Palin pick will upset Democrats every bit as much for the same reason. Palin undercuts what Democrats have been saying about ‘women, and the men who keep them down’. Democrats have no special hold on women. Democrats have no unique hold on “experience”. Now they don’t even have the First Female U.S. Vice President in American History. Hillary Clinton’s got to be loving this. It’s going to open 2012 up to another run by her. Hey, she warned you all that Obama couldn’t win the national election.
214. Tillie | 08.31.08
hahahaha! …”Obama reminds me of a slick used car salesman selling lemons” My feelings exactly Phillip!
215. Jim | 08.31.08
bluecollarbytes,
Thank you for verifying, and confirming for everyone exactly why McCain chose Palin. Because she’s a woman and so Republicans can possibly have the first Female VP. But this female is not the one. This is just out of desperation. The man knows he’s beat. He saw the convention, and I don’t think anyone that watched that convention thinks The RNC will be better. It was perfection. The RNC will be a good laugh to watch though. Will have George W and the gang. Yeehaw. This hurricane at least gives Republicans an excuse not to even have it. By the way, you do realize that Democrats had the first VP nominee way back 1984. 24 years ago. Wow was it that long ago. I will give it McCain he is one of the most Democratic Republicans there is. It’s the only reason he even has a chance. But he’s missing one thing, truthfullness. I see no passion in McCain. Where’s the passion? Why not because everyone knows Republicans have screwed this country up and McCain cannot solve it because he’s on the wrong side. We had good times during Clinton, we’ve had nothing but bad times under Bush. It’s that simple. We are going to see a Democratic congress and a democratic Presidency so we can finally get some work done and make the changes we need, without the corporations making all the decisions. He’s doing this for his own vanity, power and wealth, the same reason Bush attacked Iraq, vanity, power, and wealth. I’m getting sick of this argument over Palin. It’s a terrible decision, it’s upsetting, and let’s just say McCain will not die ok and she will just be there. It doesn’t matter. If McCain gets elected nothing good will happen. We will have a Democratic congress with their good ideas and correct beliefs and then we will have McCain that will veto all the good bills like Bush did. We trusted Bush on the War in Iraq, gave him the benefit of the doubt and he betrayed that trust. Do we want to trust someone that deserted his ex-wife in her time of need, so he could marry a millionaire. Shows alot about his character I think. Like I said before, he doesn’t care about you, he cares about his self. He even admitted it. I got to tell you one thing if McCain is elected, I’m either moving to Canada, or this country is going to have it’s self a civil war. It’s that simple.
216. Realist | 08.31.08
The comparisons between the two presidential teams (Obama/Biden v. McCain/Palen) on these blogs are for the most part people defending their beliefs and opinions. Yet it is the PROCESS — right or wrong — that will determine the outcome of this election. Not opinions on blog sites.
Presidential elections are an opportunity for each of us to consider the qualities we believe to be most important when choosing the leader of one of the most powerful nations on earth. Given that we are such a large and diverse country — and that there are so many challenges facing us — it’s no surprise that these criteria vary so widely among us.
It’s what those of us in the advertising world call “subjective.”
At the end of the day, Palin may or may not have the qualifications, skills and wisdom to serve in the role of VP, or even President. Only time will tell. The same is true for Obama. There is no crystal ball.
Even so, it is incumbent upon each of us to gather whatever information is available on each candidate and make a fair and informed decision, even though in the end our decision will be based on our own “subjective” criteria. If we can all accept that, and respect each other’s individual views, experiences and choices as the process plays out — and avoid judging each other — we will be a better, stronger nation for it.
OOne thing I will say in defense of Obama is that he has had to stand up to 19 months of scrutiny by the media and attacks by all those whose interests he threatens. He has had to cross the country going to town halls and community centers and high schools and living rooms to make the case for his experience and leadership abilities to any American willing to listen. This is as it should be. So far, he has 18 million hash marks in his column. It’s a good start.
If at the end of the process, the MAJORITY of Americans place their vote with him, it will be because he has made his case according to the long, arduous presidential selection process we have established.
If Palin can undergo the same level of scrutiny, and persuade enough people across our vast country that she has what it takes to be 2nd-in-Command, then again, our democracy will award her the role she seeks.
McCain apparently believes that two months will be enough time for Americans to size up Sarah Palen and arrive at a sufficient comfort level with her ability to step in as president should the need arise.
If Palin & McCain are good enough to make their case in 60+ days to a MAJORITY of Americans, then they will prevail. And those of us who don’t agree with their positions will have to work with our local representatives to get our views represented under their administration.
Democracy in America. Don’t you love it?
217. lynn | 09.01.08
Good words, Realist. by the way I was thankful for 4 wks and 3 wks off after my kids were born, when my husband took off to help me. I don’t understand going back to work after 3 days after a long flight. Here is a link about Palin’s husband that I just keep laughing at, except it is sad sexism and not very funny. And I feel sorry for Todd too. http://www.videospider.tv/Videos/Detail/4161389528.aspx
218. Campbell | 09.01.08
Three days ago the AP presented a half dozen Alaska newspapers with all positive reviews of Palin. This is the other half.
219. Cameron Phillips | 09.01.08
At first, the governor of Alaska seems an very unlikely choice. Even after some reflection–very unlilkely. I live in north Idaho, where Ms. Palin grew up, attended community college, and later graduated from the University of Idaho (a broadcase journalism major). I know lots of women who impress me as being much better qualified to be VP,
But politically, it’s a “can’t hurt, might help” choice, because McCain can’t find enough voters on his own to get elected. And, if we disregard Dick Cheney, how much harm can a VP do, anyway?
220. Ma Kettle | 09.01.08
While every right thinking American embraces the notion that “all men are created equal,” the mere presence of certain female secondary sex characteristics does NOT automatically render each and every woman on the planet the equal and equivalent of Hillary Clinton.
Does John McCain really believe that there are 18 million disaffected Hillary supporters still out there who are going to flock to his camp because he has selected Sarah Palin?
Is Mrs. Palin, a first term governor of an under-populated state the one person out of the entire Republican party who is best prepared to assume the mantle of the presidency in the event of his untimely demise?
What meaning could one possibly attach any longer to the oft-intoned mantra that Obama is a threat because he is untested, unproven and lacking in vitally necessary experience? John McCain is a four-time melanoma survivor who at 72 years old is the eldest candidate to ever aspire to the office.
Sadly, he’s at least an even bet to expire in the office were he to be elected, leaving a President WHO? suddenly holding the peace and security of the world in the balance in her one arm while juggling a four month old infant child in the other.
When the democrats are calling McCain’s judgment in question in the face of his attacks on Obama’s lack of experience the old codger seems determined to hoist himself by his own petard. What was he thinking?
This seems like a desperate fear-fueled, impulsive reaction to an obviously successful Democratic convention or a cynically motivated, calculated play at deceptive gender politics. In either event it does not presage well for astute, honest and enlightened leadership were he to be elected.
221. AKborder | 09.02.08
Are you people kidding me? Mcain’s choice was obviously an attempt to pick up the bitter and jaded Hillary supporters. I feel sorry for our nation when something so transparent and political can be seen as legitimate.
222. Conservative | 09.03.08
I am a lifelong conservative. For years I have worked for and contributed my money, my time and my energy to the Republican party. I was shocked hearing the news that Senator McCain had chosen Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Governor Palin is a 44 year old woman with five children, four of whom are at home under the age of 20 and her most recent delivered baby is not even six months old yet.
Why has Governor Palin shuffled off her responsibility onto others? Why isn’t she carrying her own infant son around instead of relegating it to her other children?
Whatever happened to family values? Her six month old baby needs her at home yet she’s working as a Governor in a State with a population of over 600,000 people. All of the Palin children need their Mother at home. Who’s watching them? What part of conservativism says it’s okay to sign over the responsibility of parenting to someone else?
Part of our societal problems began when Mothers were told that they could do it all, have it all, call the shots, break the glass ceiling and lead major corporations. All that was required was for Mothers to let go of their parenting roles, place their children in the nearest daycare, or if budget allowed, hire a nanny or allow their children to raise themselves, to become latch-key kids.
223. phylosopher | 09.04.08
Pedrioa @169:
Since you seem to know soooo much about the Palin’s domestic arrangements, perhaps you can share what happens when Todd goes to his job on the oil fields (for weeks at a time), or, in his offtime, out on his commercial fishing boat? Bristol will be caring for her own family and perhaps completing her hs diploma. Will it fall to the 14 year old to care for that special needs child and her seven year old sister?
Save a family - send Sarah Palin north to Alaska.
224. MM in AZ | 09.04.08
This self proclaimed hockey mom allows her ambition to equal that of John McCain. Wanting to be president does NOT qualify one to lead this nation. It terrifies me to think that the mayor of a town of less than 10,000 and governor of a sparsely inhabited state thinks she is ready to take that 3 a.m. call if the need arises.
Having failed to teach her daughter abstinance, Palin is now ‘running’ off and leaving her year 17 year old to deal with what is probably the most critical issue in her young life. Sarah Palin, you are needed at home. You are abandoning your daughter during a pregnancy that she must now face under the glare of not only the US, but the world. Since you made snide remarks about Senator Obama having been an organizer, perhaps its your turn to organize your own family.
225. Sue Christsensen | 09.07.08
Obama made it perfectly clear in his book From Audacity of Hope: ‘I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.’
He refuses to recite the Pledge of Alligience yet he wants to lead the worlds strongest military. Exactly who will he target during a wind storm?
How would Obama have responded after September 11, 2001? The “political winds certainly shifted in an ugly direction” that day.
We will never know about his response to past evil. One thing is absolute. His written word tells us exactly where he will stand.
I know how McCain and Palin will respond if “the political winds shift” again. Our nation will be much safer in their hands.
226. tb | 09.13.08
Republicans need to take a long hard look at the McCain tactics anything but country first! And as far as being a ticket of change It strikes me funny how he can talk out of both sides of his mouth at the same time when many of Bushes people and supporters are on McCains ticket. First off he has a multitude of lobbyists working right in his organization, the lobbyist for Georgia for one. Also his close buddie and economic guru Phil Gramm…..yes the same guy that came on tv and called us a bunch of whimps for complaining about our economy which caused McCain to temporarily distance himself from Gramm….if you really want to know who might become our next treasurer if McCain wins the election it’s this same Phil Gramm….the guy who during my research found to be the culprit that has caused our subprime mess find out more and google foreclosure Phil or google Phil Gramm and the subprime mess you can find out the nasty details. This republican ticket will do anything to take over this election with the help of the same corrupt inept individuals that have been running this wonderful country of ours into the ground. Yes Palin might be a star for now but neither McCain or Palin are qualified. Anyone that puts down community service is not looking out for the best interest of our citizens, we need MORE community service. Bush and his merry band of corrupt friends have caused havoc and are destroying our country….mismanagement is an understatement!!!! They are controlled by big business and was’nt it Bush that said the Constitution is nothing but a piece of paper! How can McCain use the same lies and tactics as Bush if he is running on country first and he is a so called maverick. Now he’s throwing Palin in there to stir things up while he lays back and laughs about how gullible we are and this will surely get him the votes he needs and if this does’nt work then they will do whatever they need to steal the elections again…whatever it takes!!!! that’s what they’re really running on! Wake up america for if you vote republican it will surely be 4 more years and possibly worse. I can see women’s rights going down the drain along with animal rights and environmental rights. And before I forget don’t you think it strange that when Bush came into power oil was about $20 a barrel and once he deregulated the ICE EXCHANGE where commodities are traded it shot up to $148 during his presidency especially after goldman sachs and morgan stanley said it would go up to $150 a barrel and who do you think have interests in the exchange…..goldman sachs, morgan stanley and the oil companies. Do’nt you think it strange that some time ago the us oil cos were buying up a lot of their own shares at the time I could’nt figure out why well now I think I know. The oil companies made the biggest profits in history. You can find more info if you just googl perhaps 60% of today’s oil price is pure speculation. go to http://www.andrewhalcro.com and look at Palin requests talks with oil executives. You will find out more about what has really been going on with her and the so called pipeline in alaska…the truth! Now I’m just a dummy and I do some research and no way no how will I vote republican this ticket is a very dangerous one in my opinion from spending hundreds of hours on yahoo finance (to see what is going on with the economy) reading the wall street journal, listening to the republican spin doctors and hate mongers such as shawn o’hanity and you know the rest. Recently I found Air America and am very impressed with the Tom Hartman show he is very informative and not a spin doctor so over the past 3 or 4 weeks that I found him I have gained a wealth of knowledge along with going to google for information including local news in alaska. So there you have it….my opinion.
227. Tammy Richmond | 10.04.08
Ms. Christsensen: You need to get your FACTS CORRECT. Obama is TRUE American and DOES believe in reciting the Pledge of Alligience. He is NOT a MUSLIN but a christian. Are you that stupid to actually believe that United States of American WOULD ALLOW someone who is MUSLIN to RUN FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITIED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!
228. Sue Christsensen | 10.06.08
Obama ‘explains’
Hot on the heels of his explanation for why he no longer wears a flag pin,
presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama was forced to explain why he
doesn’t follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.
According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171,
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
‘As I’ve said about the flag pin, I don’t want to be perceived as taking sides,’ Obama said. ‘There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.’ If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.’
Well, if Obama “might” and doesn’t want to be percieved as taking sides, then he should NOT be leader of a free nation! I want a president that is on my side. And I want a vice president that will back him up. One that is a good shot is a plus.
From Obama’s own pen he has already chosen a “side” and it ain’t for the USA.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. kushka53 | 08.30.08
With all due respect, I don’t want a soccer mom, er, make that a hockey mom, as the Vice President! She’s more qualified for the town council. It’s embarrassing for the nation.
And of note is McCain’s interest in beauty queens. Both Palin and his wife were one. Totally non-threatening types, unlike other very qualified professional Republican women whom McCain avoided, uh ignored. This goes to his real nature.