(Jake Turcotte)
Palin - vetted or not vetted?
By Jimmy Orr | 09.02.08
It’s Day 2 of the Republican convention, but hurricanes Gustav and Sarah have disrupted everything. Gustav - literally. Sarah - figuratively, as in McCain running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
Tuesday night’s theme is “Serving a cause greater than self.” But the media’s got a different theme: “Was Sarah vetted?”
No official word from Vegas, but oddsmakers just may make the media’s theme the favorite in this contest.
Perhaps it was appropriate that John McCain was asked about the vetting process at a firehouse today.
In attempting to put out what has become a media firestorm, McCain told reporters, “My vetting process was completely thorough, and I’m grateful for the results.”
Among the chattering classes, however, skepticism rules the day.
Headlines this morning range from: The Atlantic’s “They just didn’t vet her” to NPR’s “A look into the GOP VP vetting process” to MSNBC’s “Just how well was she vented” to Reuters’ pretty good summation of the week thus far with their “A perfect storm: politics, babies, bloggers, and a hurricane.”
But what set everything off - like a match to a barrel of gasoline was a New York Times story by Elisabeth Bumiller.
Bumiller wrote, “Republicans close to the campaign said it was increasingly apparent that Ms. Palin had been selected as Mr. McCain’s running mate with more haste than McCain advisers initially described.”
This led to a fiery response from the McCain campaign. The response, attributed to spokesman Michael Goldfarb, said Bumiller had “opted to make up her own version of events” in writing about the vetting process comparing her article to an Associated Press story.
“The AP quotes Steve Schmidt saying the campaign was prepared to send a “jump team” to the home state of whoever was selected for the second spot,” reads Goldfarb’s statement. “But Bumiller has her own version: ‘A Republican with ties to the campaign said the team assigned to vet Ms. Palin in Alaska had not arrived there until Thursday, a day before Mr. McCain stunned the political world with his vice-presidential choice.’ A Republican with ties to the campaign? How about a Republican on the campaign? It’s not as though the leadership of this campaign was unwilling or unable to talk to the New York Times, in fact, they were already on the record answering these questions.
“And Bumiller writes that Governor Palin “was a member for two years in the 1990s of the Alaska Independence Party.” Not true, and unsourced. Governor Palin has been a registered Republican since 1982.
“Ms. Bumiller, if you’d like to try reporting instead of writing fiction, here’s a link to our press line.”
The Anchorage Daily News however, spoke to a number of individuals from next-door neighbors, to former colleagues, to state legislators, to the FBI - all with the same story: No contact from the campaign.
“But in Alaska, it was hard to find anyone who had been contacted by McCain’s campaign,” the article reads.
“We’re not a very big state,” said a former Alaska Speaker of the House. “People I talk to would’ve heard something.”
Even overseas journalists are wondering about the vetting process. The Guardian asks, “Was Palin vetted at all?”
All this has led, the blog site “Talk Left” (a liberal blog site) to set up a pool asking visitors for predictions as to what day Palin will drop out of the race.
Drop out of the race? Well, certainly there is no word of that. And these things can flame out as quickly as they sparked up. But credit Reuters, once again, with summing it up well:
“John McCain wanted to create some buzz with his pick of Sarah Palin as his running mate — but not this kind of buzz.”
<< McCain brings in the dough | MainComments
2. erik | 09.02.08
People dont get it… I dont care about the kids judgment she 17!
It McCains and this Bumpkin pardon my french whos judgment that is in question. Really good idea?… Not unless your thinking about using this 17 year old for some votes which is even worse.. Because everybody knew this was coming out and more… So look why your taking sides and why because this is all part of the script… Its about manipulating the Pro-Life vote… you all should be proud… Keep church, a womans right to choose, and 17 year old girls out of politics… Which also means keep MCCAIN out of the white house
3. Bill | 09.02.08
Vetting? Did that include her past membership in The Alaskan Independence Party and doing a video for them in 2008 at the beginning of their convention supporting their positions? Their main goal? Secede from The United States. Alaska First! Hey, how much more patriotic can you get? Good job Mr. McCain, you questioned Barak Obama’s loyalty and now you have a VP who supports her states right to secede? Sorry Sarah, you can’t have it both ways.
4. Mr. Unite Us | 09.02.08
McCain didn’t do his homework. That’s why he graduated 5th from the bottom at Annapolis.
Article below raises serious questions about Sarah’s judgement
She put her baby and herself at risk.
Update: Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin welcomes son; introducing … Celebrity Baby Blog. « CBB Green Guide: Natural cleaning supplies for a healthier … Trig Paxson Van Palin weighed in at 6 lbs, 2 oz when he was born at …
http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2008/04/alaskan-governo.html - 262k
5. Jill Again | 09.02.08
Either he did vet her, and displayed poor judgment, or he didn’t displaying an alternate poor judgment. It’s a train wreck either way.
6. Billy | 09.02.08
Palin seems like a nice person, but this whole fiasco makes McCain look like a moron.
McCain changed his mind and then sent his people to vet Palin on Thursday and announced her on Friday… Why? Because he wanted to trample over Obama’s convention press.
He could have waited a couple days to make sure Palin was the right candidate. But he put politics first.
As a result, McCain made a bad pick, he rushed it into the media, and then was unable to deal with legitimate questions that voters have about his pick.
It all reminds me of Bush’s rush to war in Iraq. No thinking. Arrogant attitude. No backup plan. And now we all have to pay through the nose.
7. Billy | 09.02.08
Something new coming: Palin has ties to Jack Abramof. She hired his firm to secure millions in earmarks as mayor of her town of 5000 people.
8. cta | 09.02.08
Why is Palin making such a big deal out of announcing this? As a parent of two teenage girls, we all worry about their choices, and any parent of a teenager knows of someone who got pregnant.
Unless she wanted to make a pro-life statement, using her daughter. Now that would be really despicable.
9. Captain Leadbottom | 09.02.08
Bill,
Did you read the part of the story that stated that Palin has been a registered Republican since 1982? Read before commenting.
10. reason | 09.02.08
The sexism of the liberal media is truly discusting. I find the whole treatment of this 17 year old to be beyond belief. Have you people no shame? Are you that vile? Amazing.
Go ahead, keep it up folks. You are doing the work Michael Moore did for conservatives last election cycle. It’s even better this time though. Liberals will forever be labled sexist after this. Sexism is the true legacy of the Kennedy’s and the hip hop generation.
Most americans find this whole nasty business by the liberal media to be just more proof of how out of touch democrats are.
11. Mr. Unite Us | 09.02.08
Disturbing Video.
This so called “Christian” prays for it to rain in Denver during Obama’s speech, then children are seen literally being
told to worship President Bush.
12. Rajah | 09.02.08
Did not vett this beautiful lady, , very poor judgement by McCain…..The old dude is suffering bouts of amnesia as he tries to defend his selection….Put him in the office and you will see how America is doomed….He will put every old fingers on the button, and missiles will be flying over the whole of America……….
13. Rose | 09.02.08
The incompetence all around is staggering. I’m sick of incompetent administrations. Can you imagine four years of this? “Country First” means don’t vote for McCain.
14. Buckeye Joe | 09.02.08
This is what happens when the media is caught by surprise and is unable to publicly-vet a potential nominee. Now, after the knee-jerk decision Senator McCain has made, Palin will be vetted by the media on a daily basis– everyday something new will come out– be it positive or negative. Essentially, we all know the skeletons of McCain, Obama & Biden, but really who is Sarah Palin?
It seems this is yet another reason for me to cast my vote with Senator Obama.
16. Steve Hardman | 09.02.08
We now see first hand how McCain makes decisions. And I would not want Gov. Who sitting across a table from Putin, or any other world leader, She can’t even keep her family house in order. She’s claims to be a good Christian, but like all the Republicans. that only applies to you and me, not themselves. I wonder how she really feels today about the fact that her 17 year old daughter was practicing sex when all the Gov preaches is no sex before marriage. The Republicans need to stop preaching to me and start beind responsible. McCain really does not “get it.”
17. james | 09.02.08
She was picked so that the GOP( McCAIN ) CAN PANDER TO HILLARY’S SUPPORTERS.How sad,what a micalculation.Hillary’s supporters wanted Hillary not SARA. (I can hear it now as IT would sound during the debates ie if she does not drop out by then.)
JOE BIDEN GOING” SARA, I KNOW HILLARY, HILLARY IS A FRIEND OF MINE. SARA YOU ARE NO HILLARY CLINTON”. AND CROWDS ALL OVER THE WORLD GETTING EUPHORIC.
18. No Longer for McCain | 09.02.08
It really is about John’s Judgement.
Poor vetting and rush decision to get news converage of new VP pick.
POOR JUDGEMENT POOR LEADERSHIP.
Picking of somebody he had met once before the interview, instead of picking from his close qualified candidates such as Lieberman. The man John wanted by his side, showed weakness and inability to make his own decisions.
POOR JUDGMENT AND POOR LEADERSHIP.
Initial choice to support Iraq in 2002 and continued support even after evidence came out it was an unjust and a mistake (there was no relation to AlQeida in Iraq). He would also stay there for 100 years.
POOR JUDGEMENT AND POOR LEADERSHIP.
He Jumps up and down shouting “Drill here Drill Now!” Although it is a fact that drilling will not make a difference for 7 years, its ok to start drilling I agree with that, but what about alternative plans to put america at the top of the energy world, instead of no hope and reliance on Oil for the next 30 years (not even taking into account the environment).
POOR JUDGEMENT AND POOR LEADERSHIP.
I am a republican at heart for things I want but this guy is a disaster in so many ways I would be really concerned if he gets into the whitehouse.
We need inspiration and leadership right now not John McCain.
h
19. O.P. Neon | 09.02.08
If the decision and the process were logical, why aren’t we focused on the issues for the well-being of this nation? McCain has led a life of opportunism, and seems to have been stuck at that stage. To say “Nation First” in a slogan, and attempting futile explanation after explanation (rather excuses) makes the mockery of the word “maverick”. Besides, they are all bad actors trying to portray themselves as mavericks.
The younger generations can only find disgust in these mediocre affairs of blinded politicians.
20. Jim Sweet | 09.02.08
Maybe John McCain isn’t understanding the use of the word ‘vet’; perhaps to him it’s the same as ‘pet,’ and in his mind he and Palin were able to engage in some pretty heavy vetting.
21. Topper | 09.02.08
Nope. Alaska is a very small place, hard to keep secrets around here. No business, political or other critical people who might have had useful information were called. This says a lot more about McCain’s lack of judgement than Sarah Palin’s lack of national and internatinal qualifications.
22. sam | 09.02.08
republicans are down right hilarious, they will defend this choice (since it was not thiers, unlike obama who was actually nominated) to the end. And when the defenses are harder and harder to make they get desperate, like oh she loves her family, shes real. And? does anyone care? I love my family, maybe i should be the next VP. They would defend a blind parrot at this point, because they know they have no choic.
23. Larry | 09.02.08
I think that McCain has a Thomas Eagleton problem on his hands. Speaks volumes about his judgement. Do we want this kind of vetting or lack thereof for future Supreme Court nominees?
24. JIM | 09.02.08
O MY GOD, we have a women for VP.. and she is a real person with a family and a personal life that is not the typical fake BS that Obama, Bush, and all the others have. GOD HELP US. We might see some results from Sarah Palin. She is the change thats needed
25. Mark Kern | 09.02.08
It just goes to show that the Republicans know where they stand in this election at this time. If they believed they were on a strong base McCain would be choosing someone like Ridge or Lieberman, instead he goes for a person no one has heard of and that has absolutely no national experience. The following statement is so true - “Politics is a lot like driving. If you want to go backwards put it in R. If you want to go forwards put it in D!”
26. Joanne | 09.02.08
I love how Palin and the right wing press are applauding Bristol’s ‘decision’ to keep the baby and marry.
I’m sorry….decision? You mean she had a choice?! Well, that sounds like pro-choice to me! Why didn’t Palin and the press call it like it is: they’re forcing her to have this child. And, if the boyfriend’s MySpace page is to be believed it’s pretty much at gunpoint. And he sure isn’t the upright, church-going good boy gone wrong that Palin campaign would have us imagine.
Gotta love those family values. Oh, and those abstinence classes…
27. Joe | 09.02.08
You see, there’s a problem with terminology here. When McCain said he “vetted” her, he was talking about having her talk with his campaign’s veterinarian. He didn’t mean they were checking into her background.
It’s an easy mistake to make. So please stop questioning his judgment. He was a POW! Of course he has good judgment!
28. Dan | 09.02.08
There are a number of qualified Republicans, both men (Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee) and women (Dole, Hutchinson, Snow), that McCain could have chosen to be only a heartbeat from the Presidency. But he didn’t pick any one of them.
There is only one person qualified to raise Twigg Palin, 4 months old, and take care of an unmarried pregnant teen. That should be Sarah Palin’s focus.
Plus: she’s just plain not qualified. Any number of mayors, county executives, and county supervisors in the US govern more people than are in Alaska, and they have done so longer.
30. Anne K | 09.02.08
Dear friends,
So many people have asked me about what I know about Sarah Palin in the
last 2 days that I decided to write something up . . .
Please see for yourself how well she was vetted:
http://disqus.com/people/a729da2a2292152d75de24c828088960
31. The math doesn’t work | 09.02.08
Bristol’s pregnancy was revealed after a string of rumors suggested that Mrs Palin’s five-month-old baby son was actually her grandson. Part of the speculation was fueled by Bristol’s absence from school in and around Trig’s birth.
The Palin family said Bristol was not in school because she had Mono. Are we now to believe she got pregnant while home with Mono?
Has anyone “vetted” this part of the story?
32. Larry Lewallen | 09.02.08
Yet another failing for McCain. This really shows his lack of judgement. He picks a church lady for his VP spot, but, opps, the 17 year old is pregnant. Not to worry though, she will be marrying the father. To bad that didn’t happen first. By picking Palin, he is no longer able to say that Obama lacks the judgement and expereince to lead the country. After all, should he get elected, and die in office, Mrs. Palin will become president. I’m not sure I want her to be getting that 3:00 AM wake up call.
Also, as far as the evangelical thing goes, her kid coming up pregnant pretty much negates that. Can you imagine what the national discussion would be if Obama had a 17 year old and she became pregnant? Everyone is treating Ms. Palin and her family nice because their white; and, she looks like a church lady.
33. Senata Mental | 09.02.08
Palin is just another ultra-right wing Republican, born again who passes judgement on the “sinful” until they happen to be in her own family, at which time similar pronouncements from others become “inappropriate and off-limits.” Welcome to the land of Larry Craig and so many other hypocrites with feet of clay. How can anyone be surprised by the “do as I say not as I do” attitude of these holier than thou phonies anymore?
34. Ron Tuttle | 09.02.08
I couldn’t care less about the particulars of her daughter or her husband. Her participation in a group that wanted to separate Alaska from the rest of the US is over the line of acceptability. This is close to sedition.
35. Joshua A | 09.02.08
The Republicans are in trouble, First Ron Paul gets blue balled by his own party, Then Huckabee & Romney get passed over by the Moose Hunter???
They then use the Hurricane as an excuse for small crowds & lack of interest in there convention. Theres more people outside protesting then inside!! LOL Tonight George W is speaking, McCain is being supported by Bush??? I dont think this looks good!
36. Tim | 09.02.08
Here is a question that I’ve yet to see asked.
Precisely who is the person that made this choice?
It is certain that McCain had not only preferred other candidates - Lieberman, Ridge - and that he did not even know Palin except for one meeting some time ago, which was surely not to discuss VP possibilities.
Did one of his closest advisers suggest her? I think that is highly doubtful.
How about Karl Rove? That seems more likely.
Or, maybe, James Dobson.
Was she hand-picked by the leaders of the religious right, rendering McCain little more than their puppet in his desperate hope to be elected?
That is something I think people ought to know.
37. Bob | 09.02.08
If she was properly vetted, believe me, McCain would have immediately put these items on the table at the outset of his VP pick rather then have it leak out piecemeal as it has. McCain’s desperation endangers us all with this last minute shoot from the hip decision. Palin’s desperation endangers her family as well as her country. Five months pregnant and not yet married. Do I sense some reluctance here? No child deserves the shotgun wedding Mom has imposed upon her. Palin is heartless and simply not fit to lead.
38. john | 09.02.08
required reading:
—————
Palin has much to prove
Alaskans can cheer, even while wondering …
Fairbanks Daily News Miner - Published Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sen. John McCain’s selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate was a stunning decision that should make Alaskans proud, even if we wonder about the actual merits of the choice.
No Alaskan politician has risen to such national prominence before. The closest was former Gov. Wally Hickel, whom President Nixon chose as Interior secretary in 1969. Palin is truly a remarkable figure, a person carried forward to enormous fame by the times and her personal charm and principles.
Alaskans and Americans must ask, though, whether she should become vice president and, more importantly, be placed first in line to become president.
When a candidate for president picks a vice presidential running mate, that partner ought to have more qualifications than “She’s not from Washington.”
McCain offered that justification Friday morning for his decision. There was a lot more, of course, about the governor’s “grit, integrity and devotion to the common good.” But after cataloging her basic decency and compassion for the common man, what was there? “She’s not from Washington.” No doubt about it. In fact, as the governor herself acknowledged in her acceptance speech, she never set out to be involved in public affairs. She has never publicly demonstrated the kind of interest, much less expertise, in federal issues and foreign affairs that should mark a candidate for the second-highest office in the land. Republicans rightfully have criticized the Democratic nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, for his lack of experience, but Palin is a neophyte in comparison; how will Republicans reconcile the criticism of Obama with the obligatory cheering for Palin? Or will everyone just be forced to drop the subject? That’s not a comforting possibility. Although no one has the perfect resume and experience isn’t everything, it is an important quality to weigh. Palin, if elected vice president, would ascend to the presidency if anything should happen to McCain, who turned 72 Friday.
(more)
http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/aug/30/palin-has-much-prove/?opinion
39. Hal E. Burton | 09.02.08
If Palin was vetted, McCain’s judgment must be questioned.
How did he NOT anticipate this controversy?
40. mta | 09.02.08
Sarah Palin’s past membership in the Alaskan Independence Party: Sarah Palin made a choice to belong to a party that’s major objective was to separate Alaska from the rest of the U.S. This means, in turn, that Palin’s membership was an implication of her wilingness to renounce deny her own United States citizenship.
Mr. McCain had his first face-to-face interview with her on Thursday and offered her the job moments later…..
This is for the VP spot, you don’t just rush this pick, this is someone who would could maybe run the country and this was how much we check on her????
The issue is not pregnancy annoucement of her daughter, that is family issues, BUT the way she was chosen and what she stands for is not family issues and should be looked into…..
41. Jo Hillocks | 09.02.08
I had heard that lawyers were sent to Alaska to question Palin, and did so for “many hours.” It seems to me her answers would have been what they wanted to hear—one-sided and incomplete. She certainly would not have given out anything negative about herself and her governance. And that’s called vetting??
42. Joshua A | 09.02.08
Didn’t Sarah Palin want Alaska to Seperate from the USA in her former party?
43. tourist | 09.02.08
Of course she was vetted. Everyone on the McCain team thought it a great idea to select someone that was on the eve of their own investigation as it gives them experience they’ll need in the Bush-like administration McCain wants to set up. And the former beauty queen status certainly gave her a leg up. Now, she’s no Harriet Miers, but she’ll do in a pinch if looking for a female subordinate. Moreover, she has a shotgun wedding coming up in the family which will no doubt make the cover of the Enquirer. Better yet, she’s touting that she was once an independent. Oooooooooooooooooooooooohhh - brave words. Kind of maverick like. And best of all, she continues to have child after child closing in on 50. Now, that’s a woman!
44. John | 09.02.08
What was John McCain thinking? Did he know anything about Sarah Palin before he chose her to be his VP?
It sure doesn’t seem like it…
46. Richard | 09.02.08
I wish someone would ask McSame the straight question “On what basis did you decide that Sarah Palin was more qualified to be one heartbeat from the presidency of the US than Ridge, Rommney, Palwenty, Lieberman, Crist or any of about a million other people?” Do we really want to wake up one day and find someone whose only experience is running a PTA, a very small town and a state with a population smaller than most major cities trying to run the country because the old man has died?
47. RONPAULGUY | 09.02.08
One comment included sedition regarding the Independance Party. Sedition? Shows what idiots some readers are.
And on that subject, maybe Alaska WOULD be better off as an independant state. The USA was all for helping to force Russia to let states become independant. There’s a huge double standard.
Palin was hired to protect and defend her state. She has done that well. Too bad she has to have a running mate like McInsane. We can only hope his health allows Palin to be president.
Perfect Match for Pres? ———— Paul/Palin
Whoa, we cannot allow there to be an honest government, now can we?
48. Carlin | 09.02.08
McCain needs to dump this woman fast. Get her to withdraw before she can do anymore damage. She is an embarassment and its not just her pregnant daughter. If McCain keeps her, maybe he shouldn’t be president afterall.
49. bill peck | 09.02.08
so long john mccain. he had my vote until now - no longer. i think he is somewhat incompetent
50. John | 09.02.08
I listened to an interview with a mainstream media insidier this morning on a local left-wing radio talk show and it was pretty clear that the main reason why the meanstream is convinced that McCain didn’t vet Palin is that they didn’t see it coming and if he had properly vetted her, they would have. I think the media just doesn’t take surprise very well.
51. Franglais | 09.02.08
Just go on youtube and search “sarah palin independence”
Even if she was never a member, her speech at their “convention” is a mindblower.
52. dan | 09.02.08
Gee did Obama miss this in his vetting of Joe Biden, obviously Elisabeth Bumiller of the NYT’s did. The liberal media is in the tank with Obama so I personally don’t give a rat’s a$$ about what they think, or anyone that would quote them.
Ms Bumiller didn’t make any mention of this now did she.
http://delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/NEWS/80824009
The more diatribe the liberal media spews the more energized the republicans become so keep on spewing.
53. Steverino | 09.02.08
Total Lack of Judgement. The mom allows herself to get pregnant at a risky age and delivers a downs baby. She “teaches” her daughter to “just say no” to sex. On the sexual front, Palin shows very poor judgment. When my daughter learned how to drive I didn’t think “just say no” to accidents was good enough, so I insisted she wear a seat belt too. Just in case. By the way, Palin was in favor of the bridge to nowhere before she was against it. And she kept the money! Now she’s following “quick draw” McCain down the flip flop highway.
54. The man | 09.02.08
The press needs to get over itself, they love to set up this kind of guessing game controversy. Little wonder that most of the guessing is coming from as liberal a corner as the NY Times. Sad that the other media outlets are afraid of looking like they might be behind the curve on this and perpetuate the conjecture.
She will not leave the contest and it is absurd to think so, or is it more of a case of wishfull thinking among liberal bloggers.
The shelf life of this story will be a few nano seconds.
James Carville said the best choice for a VP pick is someone who makes the campaign manager for the opposite team throw up. McCain must have accomplished that, why else jump on such a non issue as his vetting process. For crying out loud.
55. Bonnie | 09.02.08
It looks like Obama’s paid blogcult has thoroughly immersed this blog, spitting out words like ‘forced’ and ‘membership’ based only on Obama’s talking points, pretending they actually know something about Sarah Palin.
I thank John McCain for the unintended consequences of his choice of Sarah - - to show me and others the hatred on the left, a reason I will never vote for a Democrat again. But I also thank John McCain for this woman that will perhaps finally shatter the glass ceiling once and for all.
56. John | 09.02.08
I am almost speechless at the absurdity of it all. I was the mayor of a town of 1000. Plus, I’m an arrogant *******. Does that make me qualified to be VP? Oh, no, that’s right. I’m an atheist, so no.
Time to test Johnny for Alzheimer’s, I’m afraid. Can’t wait to see Ms. Palin’s medical records as well, to help clear up some of these unthinkable questions being raised by the evil lefty bloggers. Oh, wait, we don’t dare question her, she’s a Republican/Alaskan Independent Partier.
I did enjoy reading the insight from one of her neighbors here: http://disqus.com/people/a729da2a2292152d75de24c828088960/
57. MSK | 09.02.08
If this old man makes spontaneous decisions like the one he did when picking Gov. Palin as his VP, then I sure don’t want him making Presidential decisions in the White House. Poor, poor choice by McCain. This does nothing to secure Hillary’s 18 million supporters. The McCain train is coming off the tracks ……..
58. Frank | 09.02.08
If Sarah Palin can’t keep her kids in line, how can we expect her to be a national leader? The choice of Palin is a great example of Senator McCain’s poor eceutive skills. I certainly don’t want a president that makes this kind of screw up!
59. M. Tobias | 09.02.08
How could the McCain campaign submit this kid into this maelstrom.
They have to accept total blame for doing this.
It is so unfair to the kid and her boyfriend.
Does he really want to marry her?
Probably not. He is 18 yo.
60. M. Tobias | 09.02.08
This pregnancy thing has got to go to back burner.
There are far more important and cogent reasons to dissmiss this nominee.
Lies about the “Bridge to Nowhere” 2) Director of the Ted Steven’s 527, 3)Troopergate abuse of power, 4) the AIP membership
Why does the American press go for the Trailer trash story?
61. Mike | 09.02.08
I doubt Mr. Obama would have passed any vetting process. Have a good look at those skeletons will you!
I’m willing to hear her out and not fly off the handle. I choose to make my own decisions thank you very much. If she pans out in my mind not to be the Maverick that Mr. McCain says she is after I have given her a chance then I will vote another way. However, until then I refuse to be whipped into a frenzy.
62. Billy | 09.02.08
Really… who cares about her daughter’s private life.
I am more worried about what all this says about McCain.
troopergate
lobbyist ties
bridge to nowhere flip-flop
Plus, the McCain campaign has ginned up this bogus story about how Palin has been in charge of combat troops in Iraq!!!!
63. Margaret | 09.02.08
It’s time for Gov. Palin to drop out of the campaign for the good of the Grand Old Party. The lady has far too much baggage in tow.
64. Deb | 09.02.08
Republicans–Be informed voters — Listen to Palin’s video for The Alaskan Independence Party for yourself. http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/the_alaska_independence_party.php
You’re guy has terrible judgement, and he just showed U.S. all!!!
Officials of the Alaskan Independence Party say that Palin was once so independent, she was once a member of their party, which since the 1970s has been pushing for a legal vote for Alaskans to decide whether or not residents of the 49th state can secede from the United States.And while McCain’s motto — as seen in a new TV ad — is “Country First,” the AIP’s motto is the exact opposite — “Alaska First — Alaska Always.”
Lynette Clark, the chairman of the AIP, tells ABC News that Palin and her husband Todd were members in 1994, even attending the 1994 statewide convention in Wasilla. Clark was AIP secretary at the time.
“We are a state’s rights party,” Clark — a self-employed goldminer — tells ABC News. The AIP has “a plank that challenges the legality of the Alaskan statehood vote as illegal and in violation of United Nations charter and international law.”
(As reported on CBS website) http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/02/politics/animal/main4407224.shtml
Obama has Far superior judgement…AGAIN!
65. Margaret | 09.02.08
It is time for Gov. Palin to decline the office of vice-president for the good of the Grand Old Party. The lady has far too much baggage.
66. aw | 09.02.08
PTA vs ACORN..
we all know PTA (that is the beginning of the RNC VP choice’s political beginning)..
but ACORN (which is the political beginning of the DNC POTUS choice)..
..if you don’t know about ACORN.. please!, educate yourself..!
68. mcnorman | 09.02.08
Sarah Palin is a woman who is meeting today’s demands. The phrase “working mother” is redundant. For women, it is all too clear. I think that some would prefer her to be barefoot and pregnant? Those days are soooo over!
Who has a perfect family? This young woman is 17 yrs old. She is dealing with HER choice as she sees fit to do so. It is afterall HER choice. In case you have forgotten, Bristol is not running for VP. She also has a mind of her own.
Palin is fine. If you infer that she is not a decent mother, than I have to ask why on earth is she referred to as the Mother of Alaska?
Now, let’s get back to who has executive experience and who does not.
69. Deb | 09.02.08
THere is so much videotape of Sarah contridicting herself on virtually every issue.
Roll the tape:
July she “doesn’t know what a VP does” …
In her statement after being selected, she claims to have told the Federal Government “Tahanks but no thanks for the Bridge to no where…if we want a bridge we’ll build it ourselves…”" BUT just 2 years before she was bragging and claiming she couldn’t wait “soone than later” to start construction of the birdge that she got State Reps to Congress to get “special funding ” (Can you say earmarks) for…(Yeah she’s going to clean up earmarks for sure, huh????
She is proving to all of U.S. she is NOT mature enough for the 2nd job!!! Especially when McCAin may not finish — Can you beleive he thought someone so naive could be suitable to women with brains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We don’t vote with our female parts .. but maybe McCain was thinking that the beauty queen (the second in McCain’s world –wife, VP, hmmmmm?) would get the men’s vote — they think with strange parts from time to time….
70. Rodney Lamprey, jr. | 09.02.08
Palin was chosen at the last minute because the evangelical christians that are running McCain disapproved of his first choices of Sen. Lieberman and Tom Ridge because they did not fit their religious criteria. Romney was never considered because he is Mormon. Palin was chosen for her evangelical Christian views, and only for that. Gov. Palin’s ongoing abuse of power scandal, and her abstinence taught preganant daughter are irrelavant to the religious extremists running the campaign. It is very disturbing that McCain can’t control the pick his own running mate. Lieberman did a fine job of reminding McCain of what country he was in and correcting his foreign pollicy gaffes, but he was disallowed because he is a Jew. The Romney supporters should move to Obama, since the Democrats don’t despise his religion like the Republican leaders.
71. jefflz | 09.02.08
The issue for voters is not the very personal problems being faced by the Palin family. The real problem is that we don’t know Palin at all, and apparently neither does McCain. He had to look down at his cheat sheet to get her name when he introduced her. He spent about fifteen minute in total speaking with her prior to the announcement of her candidacy. His decision to go along with this candidate speaks worlds about McCain’s poor judgment. Palin has not been thoroughly vetted and this is a serious error for McCain to have made. If as claimed, McCain knew about the poor kid who is pregnant, as totally irrelevant as that is, he had to also have known there would be a huge media storm distracting from his campaign. He really doesn’t get it!! Is this the best the Republican Party has to offer?? A lightweight, anti-choice, creationist, anti-animal, anti-environment, pro-oil candidate who won her limited fame on right-wing talk shows? In these uncertain times following 8 years of gross mismanagement by Bush/Cheney, Palin and McCain must be rejected if the United States of America is to regain its economic strength, and its self-respect in the world at large.
72. Jay | 09.02.08
The Grand Odd Party is better at vetting capable U.S. Attorneys and senior military officers out of office than fund-o-mentalists in their party.
Palin’s past relationship with the Alaskan Independence Party is just plain goofy. It’s a “state’s rights” party that wants to succeed from the Union. Echos of the nation’s racist past.
McCain has my respect on so many levels, but he just made my decision to vote fort he competition so much easier.
73. Andrea | 09.02.08
Geeze Louise, this woman is busy.
AIP (Alaska Ind. Party)gate
Babygate
Troopergate
More firings and abuse of powergate
Bristolgate
head of 527 Bridge to Nowheregate
Lobbyists tied to Abermoffgate
NOW, she has a CAR WASH gate, yup, that’s right! She didn’t pay her taxes on her car wash in Anchorage, and she sent a letter 9refusing to pay) on her Governor’s stationary. Look, I saw a report on her from July about Troopergate, done by a local Alaska TV station about her notorious abuse of power, not just this one, there are LOTS of them!
Good grief, she is one busy person. But gosh, she believes Iraq is God’s will, and if we all have to go down fighting, that is God’s will also.
Where did he dig her up! She should be on Jerry Springer
74. Kathy | 09.02.08
I feel sorry for the daughter, having a mother that would decide to put her own career before her daughter’s privacy and well being. Did she think people wouldn’t be voyeuristic and throw figurative stones? If not, she sure isn’t ready for Washington.
How would you like a school district superintendent running for VP? Let’s make a comparison
From State of AK website.
Sarah Palin–Governor of Alaska about 2 years
Previous experience–mayor of small town, active in community politics, mom, moose hunter
State population– 670,000
Employees–couldn’t find this
Voter registration languages found on their website–English and Tagalog
From Wikipedia
David Brewer III–Los Angeles Superintendent of Schools, about 2 years
Previous experience–former Navy Vice-Admiral who served as head of the Navy’s Education and Training Division and was in charge of the SeaLift Command.
District enrollment–694,000 (this doesn’t include the families/community members he deals with
Employees–45,473 teachers 38,494 other employees
Student handbook languages found on their website–English, Spanish, Korean, Armenian, Chinese, Russian, Polish and Vietnamese
The LAUSD school construction program rivals the Big Dig in terms of expenditures, and LAUSD cafeterias serve about 500,000 meals a day, rivaling the output of local McDonald’s restaurants.
David Brewer III has had a distinguished career heavy on leadership and getting results, and I admire his achievements and contribution to society and our country. However, even all this doesn’t qualify him to be on a presidential ticket of any party. Voters wouldn’t consider a district superintendent as qualified to lead our country; they shouldn’t consider a governor with even less experience and fewer people depending on her as any more qualified. If Guliani isn’t qualified, after running a city in the millions, how could Sarah possibly be considered? As a Hillary fan, I desperately want to break this glass ceiling, but only with someone qualified. Obama camp, you’ve won my vote by default.
75. Frank | 09.02.08
This sounds like a bad episode of Jerry Springer. That’s what happens when you pick someone from the sporting goods aisle of Walmart as your VP…
76. Chris | 09.02.08
WOW…
Why isn’t anyone pointing out that she was a leader in an independent party that was trying to get Alaska to secede from the Union?
When Mrs. Obama said she was proud of her country for the first time, the republicans jumped all over that questioning her loyalty as an amercian. Sheeeet this gal is trying to divide the United States and no one says a word, just focus on the kid…believe me there is a lot more to focus on that is far more damaging and everyone is ignoring the more important things.
77. Re Khufu | 09.02.08
Must see, must read:
Make your own conclusions after watching Palin’s speech and reading the article about her church:
PALIN EXCLUSIVE: IRAQ ‘A TASK FROM GOD’
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html
78. Tabitha L. | 09.02.08
I carried a placard during a demonstation for McCain in the South Carolina primary of 2000 and was crushed when he lost to Bush. However, the calculated cynicism of selecting the untried and geopolitically unsophisticated Sarah Palin as his running mate–thus putting electability over the safety and security of families all across this nation–has sickened and angered me. This is not the maverick I campaigned for in 2000; this is a desperate old pol who would sacrifice anything and everything to get to the Oval Office.
79. Charles Nickalopoulos | 09.02.08
It is almost inconceivable that anyone would vote for Barak Obama, but stranger things have happened.
80. State Of Snakes | 09.02.08
This year’s election may be settled in the swamps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gf-hfyAf2M
It’s a State of Snakes!
81. Kate Rayner | 09.02.08
I’ve been following your election process from Australia. The way I see it is that Obama should have chosen Hilary no matter what. I think that would have made his position unassailable. McCain has made the only choice possible - vetting or no - to give him a chance in this election. I continue to watch with great interest.
82. T961585 | 09.02.08
Obama touched on an idea about gun ownership that people need to consider. The second amendment has a completely different effect and meaning for people in rural Montana (or Alaska) than for people in the inner cities.
Similarly, one can view religion in the same way for its endemic population. The sentiments of its congregation are only reflected in the church. The inner city church of disenfranched may give “Angred at America” sermons while the rural, traditional values-based church may give ultra-nationalistic sermons.
In this light, Palin’s preacher is just preaching to the choir when he urges congregants to blur their church and state agendas.
Now, I’ve read a great deal of negative posts in this forum, labelling a sizaeable part of our fellow Americans in all forms of condescending ways. The liberal blogosphere should learn from Obama and find common ground. Obama has tried to appeal to the likes of Sarah Palin rather than completely dismiss them because he knows that they are sophisticated enough to be won despite fundamental differences. It’s ironic that some people have no problem trying to find common ground with foreign powers but can’t with their own fellow Americans.
Painting someone in a negative light can always backfire and Obama may not need to do it himself for the court of public opinion to hurt his standing.
83. dave | 09.02.08
As an Obama supporter, I am just enjoying the circus Palin has caused. Normally my side gets hit with non issues and “controversies”. Its about time the hard right wingers get a taste of what baseless character attacks and rumor mongering feels like. With all that said, Obama supporters should follow our candidates advice and leave families out of this. Now the AIP, troopergate, bridge to no where, policy views, and past associations to Abramoff are fair game.
No matter what happens this election, the past few days have been very hilarious to me and I will be almost sad when things calm down again.
84. jade | 09.02.08
A Showdown in Alaska!
Palin revealed a recording of one phone call by her of staff, Frank Bailey. In that call, Bailey complained that there had been “absolutely no action for a year on this issue” and said that Palin and her husband were frustrated that Wooten was still a state trooper. Palin has also acknowledged that her administration had made more than 20 calls to the Department of Public Safety regarding his brother in law, Wooten. But said, at no time did I authorize any member of my staff to do so. “Wooten had nothing to do with Mohegan’s firing.”
In July, 2008, the state Legislative Council — a bipartisan group of lawmakers – chose a special counsel for the investigations. In addition, democrat Sen. Hollis French, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee was selected to oversee the investigations. Now (after being picked as VP), Palin challenges that the Legislative Council has no statutory mandate to investigate her. She says the matter should be in the hands of the Personnel Board, an independent agency composed of members appointed by her (the Governor). Also says she is too busy to be questioned on subject at this time. She prefers this to be done after November elections. She does not want an October surprise. What is she afraid of?
Senator French said, if Palin does no comply, subpoena will be considered.
85. Gerry | 09.03.08
What’s even more scary is that Sarah Palin believes that our military is “doing the work of God” in Iraq. I’d like to know where she got this knowledge from - she seems to know an awful lot about what God wants. Now add to that the sermon she attended two weeks ago in which the speaker said that the terrorist attacks on Israel were judgment against Jews for not becoming Christians. Of course Obama can’t comment since he had his own problems with his pastor - but if this is what’s coming out after only 5 days then there must be some pretty frightening skeletons in her closet. I really hope she’s not representative of “Christian values” in this country…I find her views and the views of those she associates with to be completely disgusting.
88. ronashco | 09.03.08
great choice we love you Sarah. A real American woman who can wear a dress, not some marxist lesbo in a pantsuit. When the marxist muslim and the loud mouth with the oversized dentures are defeated in a landslide in November we will love you even more.
89. Kenny Hott | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin was raised up by God to be nominated as the next vice president.
Surely if God could take a shepherd boy named David and make him king of Israel, He can surely can give her the wisdom and the ability to be a vice president. Even if she had to step in as president, people forget that a president has a cabinet with people to help he or she rule that are given wisdom to them by God. Furthermore she was also was raised up by God to speak out against abortion which is one of the greatest sins of the US.
Just because the US laws says abortion is legal does not make it legal in the sight of God. The US is being judged by God for this sin of murdering innocent babies. I wonder how many people who are pro-choice would have wanted their mother to have aborted them. I would think not many yes to that question.
90. Kenny Hott | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin was raised up by God to be nominated as the next vice president.
Surely if God could take a shepherd boy named David and make him king of Israel, He can surely can give her the wisdom and the ability to be vice president. People forget that a president has a cabinet with people to help rule that are given wisdom to them by God. Furthermore she was also was raised up by God to speak out against abortion which is one of the greatest sins of the US. Many men in office had the opportunity to speak out against abortion but did not. A baby is made in the image of God and abortion is destroying that one made in the image of God. Just because the US laws says abortion is legal does not make it legal in the sight of God. The US is being judged by God for this sin of murdering innocent babies. I wonder how many people who are pro-choice would have wanted their mother to have aborted them. I would think not many yes to that question. Faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for all people in regards to the judgment of sin that must be dealt with to be able to enter into Heaven. Aborted babies are issued directly into Heaven for they are not able to hear the gospel of the Jesus Christ but are covered by His shed blood on the cross. Because of God’s mercy, grace and love for those created in His image, helpless aborted babies are saved into heaven.
91. ken | 09.03.08
All the sudden the media is soooooooooo concerned about “vetting”. What about NONE of that vetting of the Dem’s choice not for Veep but President. A person with known ties to Aires and a terrorist group responsible for plotting if not actually trying to bomb the pentagon??? Oh I see It just doesn’t matter when its on of your guys does something or is involved with somebody amiss. Barack Obama has been foisted upon us by the media and we are all racists if we even DARE ask a simple question. We are all watching how your attacking with a giant double standard. Nobody’s gonna believe @#*%@ of what you got to say because your all losing credibility. Typical Elitist’s.
92. The man | 09.03.08
Some You tube links posted here were meant to attack Palin by showing a connection between her and the AIP. In reality what she is doing in these videos is reaching across the aisle to a competing political party, one that has some followers in Alaska.
You should watch the video before trying to use it to prove your point, *******.
This is one of the reasons McCain picked her, she has and will reach across the aisle, which is what American needs. We don’t need more of the Palosi/ Reid partisan poison that dominates the current congress. Maybe Obama could fix that and get congress working for Americans again, but McCain has already proven that he can and it sure looks like Palin is the kind of politician that can as well.
93. Gideon Emelogu | 09.03.08
The picking of Parlin undermines McCains’ assertion of putting the country first. At 72 with cancer, does he really think that American people will be safe in the hand of a soccer mum, who has not even given thought to what is going on in Iraq? Amongst all the candidates in the Repubican party, is this all they can afford? If McCain trully put this country first and needed Hilary’s vote to win, why didn’t he pick Hilary as the running mate?
94. jim | 09.03.08
I love watching all these libs on this board going on and on about palin as a bad choice with no experience yet they will vote for a man who has not even served a full term in the senate for president. Is a pregnant 17 year old daughter really a disqualification for vice president? If you want to talk about children why not talk about how both her and mcain have sons in iraq. We can vet all day, does anyone here know how palin took on corruption in her own party and has an extremely high approval rating in alaska? When is the last time you heard any politician do that? How tough on ethics do you think obama is when he made his career coming through chicago, the notorious mayor daly political machine? All these little personal attacks mean nothing, the fact is palin is a pro 2nd amendment, prolife, and pro energy politician, and happens to be a young, attractive candidate, which is why the left can not stand her.
95. Ken | 09.03.08
Oh - one more thing - is she the real life Peggy Hill from King of the Hill - Hank Hill’s wife? She’s a dead ringer - weird.
96. vincent | 09.03.08
I watched with my own two eyes: When asked a very simple question: When does a child begin to acquire rights? Obama answered he did not know and “it was above his pay grade”. There are two explanations for his answer:
a. He does not know. In this case he is clearly not intelligent enough to be president.
b. He does not want us to know what his answer is. Think for a minute. Even if you are completely pro-choice you would answer the question something like “at birth”. This is extremely scary because it shows he is beyond pro-choice. It shows he has no respect for our Constitution which guarantees life and liberty to all people. There is no exception in the Constitution for newborns.
In fact, he voted against a law which would ban partial birth abortions. A procedure where the baby is taken partially outside of the mother’s body and its skull crushed. If this does not make your skin crawl, I feel sorry for you.
Further, he voted against a law which would provide medical care for children born as a result of a botched abortion. This is why Obama answered this question this way. He does not know how long a child born as a reult of a botched abortion can live without medical care.
Obama is clearly a man without a conscience.
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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. Sid Trevethan | 09.02.08
In the end one is always free to disbelieve - regardless of what the truth may be. The vetting process was detailed and nothing new has come out since - regardless of your choice to listen (or not) to those who know.