(zumawirewestphotos/newscom)
Forget Biden — Palin’s taking on Obama in new ad
By Jimmy Orr | 09.03.08
Guns a blazin’, the McCain folks have had it.
They’re pretty much having a Greg Focker “meltdown on the plane” moment. They’re not saying, “I’ve had it with the checking-of-the bags conversation.” But they are saying, “We’ve had it with the vetting-of-the-Sarah Palin conversation.”
Steve Schmidt, aka “the bullet,” aka McCain head honcho, sent Politico an email this morning saying no more.
“This vetting controversy is a faux media scandal designed to destroy the first female Republican nominee for vice president of the United States who has never been a part of the old boys’ network that has come to dominate the news establishment in this country … The McCain campaign will have no further comment about our long and thorough process. This nonsense is over.”
Not only did they say ‘talk to the hand’ on the vetting issue, they launched a new :30 commercial that is not exactly a Christmas card from Wasila.
It’s a comparison ad starring the new almost-vice-presidential nominee. Comparison ads are standard. What’s not so standard is who Palin is taking on. Forget Biden. They’re going for Palin versus Obama, mano-a-mano.
The ad – creatively called “Alaska Maverick” – brags about Palin’s accomplishments in bringing about reform while standing up to special interest groups.
“While Barack Obama talks about change, Governor Sarah Palin has actually done it,” said the release announcing the new spot.
The spot goes:
The Journal (as in Wall Street) says: Governor Palin’s credentials as an agent of reform exceed Barack Obama’s.
They’re right.
She has a record of bi-partisan reform.
He’s the Senate’s most liberal.
She took on the oil producers.
He gave big oil billions in subsidies and giveaways.
She’s earned a reputation as a reformer.
His reputation? Empty words.
Watch the ad yourself here:
<< Palin’s make or break speech tonight | MainComments
2. CK | 09.03.08
That’s because she’s going to be the next President of the United States, when McCain develops full-blown dementia.
And let’s revisit those McCain attacks on Obama “Celebrity” status. Palin’s on the cover of Star, Us, and the National Enquirer. Who’s a celebrity now?
4. dan | 09.03.08
What did you expect…the media set the stage and Obama is going to pay the price. Please liberals keep it up…hateful liberal vitriol didn’t work the last two elections and it won’t work this time. But bless your hearts…keep the hatred flowing…it will bring republicans out of the woodwork come November.
5. Greg | 09.03.08
8 Years of Repulicans: Unnecessary War in Iraq, Bin Laden not brought to justice, economy destroyed, national debt rising, jobs lost, international reputation destroyed, thousands of US soldiers unnecessarily died, 600,000 innocent people have died in Iraq, and a long list of federal and international laws broken … and Let’s Have Palin MAKE IT WORSE …
I cannot imagine what it takes before americans change their minds and not vote for another 4 years of BUSH/MCCAIN?PALIN
6. Barbara | 09.03.08
Great article - I may be a registered Democrat but I agree totally with this ad. The personal attacks on Sarah Palin have gone on far too long and her daughter’s poor personal choices/actions do NOT reflect Gov. Palin’s governmental abilities. Most of the male government officials have worst “secrets of their own in their own closets” that voters overlook as they judge them on their work abilities - not personal “laundry” that someone digs up. Good for the Republican party’s chosing to get the attention back where it belongs in this presidential elections and off the irrelevant gossip magazines & personal bloggers turf.
7. Terri | 09.03.08
Great ad! This is so true and I am getting sick of the liberal media and their discrimination against women, and the horrible way they treated both Hillary, and now Palin. I don’t believe anything written in the media anymore, I just try to weigh the facts, which is based on what these people have accomplished. Actions speak so much louder than words.
8. davidm. | 09.03.08
“The McCain campaign will have no further comment about our long and thorough process. This nonsense is over.”
Funny, cause they haven’t really given any details to their vetting process in the first place.
10. mark 5.56 | 09.03.08
vetting?? Obama picked for VP a man that said of him:
“you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean”
so pretty much if Obama wins, the new name for the white house will be “uncle Obama’s cabin”
11. ericf | 09.03.08
Obama and Biden will need corks after she’s done reaming the 2 of them.
Why is a strong woman always a threat to the “machine”?
12. AdamL | 09.03.08
With Sarah Palin standing next to her preacher who wants Armageddon to reduce the world population to 150,000 people, any religion battle is off the table. Having a finger on the trigger and wanting the destruction of humanity is much worse than rhetoric.
13. Paul | 09.03.08
So, its a cover to launch their own attacks. More of the same. Palin attacking Obama? Sure, McCain sure can’t. Palin pales to McCain, what she gonna accomplish?
The point is the aganda stupid, the economy stupid. Its not more of the same stupid stuff from the Republicavemen. Stupid!
Republicans think they can just force people to believe them that vetting was done when it wasn”t that Obama is the issue when it isn’t. Why don’t they speak to American issues?
They do not understand them or even agree theya re issues. McCain/Palin is a ticket to more he*l. Enough already.
14. Lisa Green | 09.03.08
right ON. They are the ones who started to compare her to Obama. Correctly, she is taking them up on it.
15. Charlene | 09.03.08
You go, girl! The so-called forward-thinking liberals really are bottoming out badly, when it comes to supporting women in public office. They trashed Hillary terribly, and now, Palin! Unbelievable! I am a life-long Democrat, but I will be voting for McCain-Palin this fall. My grandmother was a suffragist and marched and suffered godawful abuse to earn women the right to vote. She has been dead for 20 years now, and would have loved to have see a women run for such a high office. I will be voting for Palin in the fall: Grandma, this one’s for you!
16. Rajah | 09.03.08
The Republicans keep harping abput Obama’s empty words, Who are they fooling>>…Their promises and words are more empty than anythong else. I do not understand, if someone remains MUTE ,can he or she be understood.We love using words, evne McCain keeps saying “My friends”….etc, I guess words are empty as the Republicans preach. They were praying for a storm during Obama’s speech, but eventually, the storm came in the form of GUSRAV,,,,Tonight Palin will make a speech, and he will use WORDS to prove her case…It will be nice if stood up there only gesticulating and don’t use words. Why is words empty, is the white folks are POOR speakers, and when the blackman speaks, millions flock to listen him When McCain speaks , he sound so boring that no listens but the faithful, blind republicans. These white dudes are really jealous of Obama, and most of all the bigot, racist ******* call Sean Hannity, who relly hates black people…………
18. Palin Pailin | 09.03.08
This is just a joke. Palin is about to come apart. How many “Americans” are members of secessionist political parties.
19. Marianne | 09.03.08
Obama can walk on water, he told the Germans what to do because everybody in Europe is stupid, He told the Europeans he is the second comming of Christ and he has all the answers to all the problems. They Europeans already praying.The general believe is that Obama is not playing with a full deck.
20. BJ Spanos | 09.03.08
If I were in the Obama campaign, I’d be saying, “Ouch! Got us on that one!” I don’t think McCain’s campaign is panicking. I think Obama’s supporters are panicking, which is why they are so negative and so virulent against Gov. Palin. I am saddened by all the nastiness and applaud Sen. McCain’s campaign for hitting back and hitting back hard. Keep it up!
21. Tim | 09.03.08
Everything from here on out is a waste of time. I will be watching the debates, but unless Obama says something ridiculous, he will get my vote.
There is nothing that McCain can do to make me think he is not the lying politician that he walks/acts/talks like.
A vote between the lesser of two evils, I’ll take the dark skinned man over the spoiled, out of touch, warmonger who makes dumbs decisions when it comes to VP/Oil/economy/war.
22. Bill | 09.03.08
This add says nothing about her requesting 8.5 billion in era-mark funds for Alaska. Her approval of the bridge to nowhere or the money for the bridge that was re-appropriated of other use. the 1.6 million she raised from oil contributions when she pushed to open the reserve up for drilling. Or would they have been sexist
23. rosie | 09.03.08
What is with the “Liberal” bashing? How eighties are you people? I’m a proud liberal thinker leaning toward McCain/Palin but get routinely turned off by “Liberal” finger pointing. Just who do you think the republicans are trying to attract here?
24. robert | 09.03.08
This is not a race for city council. This is a race for vice president of the US. In other words, you must be ready to step in as President at any given moment. The public doesnt know a lot about her so some questions are bound to come up. And there are some holes that she must fill in. No one cares about her daughter. They are mostly worried about her creditials only having served a year and a half as a governor of sparsly populated state and never in congress. Also there are some red flags about her ethics.
In her short political career, she was mayor of a small town in alaska. She had a dispute with the Police of chief that she admittedly fired for political reasons. She then had to face a lawsuit over this. For a lot of people this is just a little too Alberto Gonzales after 8 long years of Bush.
25. ROX | 09.03.08
I think there will be more Palin scandals to come….. Just wait and see! The Media should leave her child alone….. But she (Palin) is fair game!
26. Joe DeLuca | 09.03.08
Oh please, Barbara, quit pandering to the Republicans. The whole selection of Palin was a crass political move, made by a man that has a history of using women for his own ends.
27. kennym65 | 09.03.08
2 years ago, the economy was great, jobs were great, gas was below 2.00, then the democrats lied their way into the majority. Since 9/11, theres been no attacks on our soil, Bill Clinton,John Kerry,John Edwards,Teddy Kennedy,Al Gore, Chuckey Schumer all said Saddam Hussin was a threat to our country and need to be removed before he uses weapons of mass destruction. George Bush is the only 1 that had the guts to do it. So Greg and the rest of you lip quivering,teary eyed,voice cracking,hand wringing liberal cowards, get it right or get out
28. Palin Pailin | 09.03.08
… also, can’t wait for her academic transcripts to be released. Let’s see, McCain managed to be 5th from LAST in his class. And that was at a military college where having an Admiral father probably assures affirmative action rather than merit based entry.
Let’s hear where Ms Journalism Major at Idaho state landed GPA wise. Or, doesn’t it matter???
By God … the whole Republican Party is like “Revenge Of The Slackers”
29. Dave | 09.03.08
Now the Republicans have 2 “mavericks” on the ticket? After we have had 7 years of the most maverick president of all time. I don’t understand that after what maverick George W. Bush has done with this country, the American people are considering replacing him with 2 more mavericks.
George W. Bush’s biggest problem is that he is a maverick. He is the only one who thinks he is right. That is the greatest failing of a maverick. And now the GOP is giving us 2 more mavericks. I’m speechless.
30. D J Birmingham | 09.03.08
Good, bad, indifferent, Sarah Palin leaves me questioning how in touch she is with her children. My two sons and I talk about sex and the consequences. Not a mother just saying no, but rather right in their faces, are you ready to be responsible for a new little person? Married or not? Are you ready for the consequences of unprotected sex, AIDS, STDs, pregnancies. I am lucky that so far they have listened, but it is a two way street established when that child is in the womb.
I cannot blame Sarah Palin for her choice of life for her son Trig, I knew the risks of DS for both of my sons as an older mother. When I got the results of the genetic tests, I was thankful not to be faced with DS. I could no more have chosen to end those pregnancies than end my own life.
I do not know what this election will bring, but it does open all sorts of doors that I did not ever want to go through again. Regrettably women and children are the ones who always pay the price of ambition.
31. John Johnson | 09.03.08
The Democrats with the all out help of the Socialist Media reminds me of the tactics of the Old Soviet Union. Nothing can be to low to destroy your competion! If they gain power, whats next???? Answer: Gulags
32. ericmiami | 09.03.08
Gov. Palin is not giving her speech at the convention tonight. She is gutting a live moose, using nothing but her teeth. She will burn some books on stage, fire anyone on McCain’s staff who does not swear loyalty to her and she will force Cindy to divorce John.
33. t | 09.03.08
Hmmmmm
She has a record of bi-partisan reform.
Barely
He’s the Senate’s most liberal.
And what is she? The Governers most conservative.
She took on the oil producers.
Yes and took their money
He gave big oil billions in subsidies and giveaways.
Again, she’s no slouch when it comes to lobbiest, money, oil, killing polar bears, corruption, etc
She’s earned a reputation as a reformer
And a liar since she did support the Bridge to Nowhere until it became unpopular.
As a traditional Republican my party has gone over the moon for the religous right. It’s not my party anymore. I’m not voting Obama but I’m sure not voting McCain/Palin.
34. Ed | 09.03.08
4 MORE YEARS OF A DUMB president…This is why you can’t tell them apart…Read these top 10 McCain’isms….
10. “I was looking at the Sturgis schedule, and noticed that you had a beauty pageant, so I encouraged Cindy to compete. I told her [that] with a little luck, she could be the only woman to serve as both the First Lady and Miss Buffalo Chip.” –on the annual Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant, which features topless (and occasionally bottomless) contestants, Sturgis, South Dakota, Aug. 4, 2008
9. “We have a lot of work to do. It’s a very hard struggle, particularly given the situation on the Iraq-Pakistan border.” –referring to a border that does not exist, ABC News interview, July 21, 2008
8. “I am learning to get online myself, and I will have that down fairly soon, getting on myself. I don’t expect to be a great communicator, I don’t expect to set up my own blog, but I am becoming computer literate to the point where I can get the information that I need.” –New York Times interview, July 13, 2008
7. “I will veto every single beer, um, bill with earmarks.” –speaking at the National Small Business Summit, Washington, D.C., June 10, 2008
6. “We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.” –Kenner, Louisiana, June 3, 2008
5. “The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should. I’ve got Greenspan’s book.” –as quoted in the Boston Globe, Dec. 17, 2007
4. “You know that old Beach Boys song, Bomb Iran? Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran.” –breaking into song after being asked at a VFW meeting about whether it was time to send a message to Iran, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, April 18, 2007
3. “I think — I’ll have my staff get to you. It’s condominiums where — I’ll have them get to you.” –after being asked how many houses he and his wife, Cindy, own, interview with Politico, Las Cruces, N.M., Aug. 20, 2008
2. “Make it a hundred…That would be fine with me.” –to a questioner who asked if he supported President Bush’s vision for keeping U.S. troops in Iraq for 50 years, Derry, New Hampshire, Jan. 3, 2008
1. “At least I don’t plaster on the makeup like a trollop, to his wife, Cindy, after she playfully twirled his hair and said “You’re getting a little thin up there,” as reported in the book The Real McCain by Cliff Schecter
***** BONUS QUOTE: Talking about Brownie after Katrina…
MATTHEWS: If you were president, would you name somebody from the Arabian Horse Association to head FEMA?
MCCAIN: Well, somebody said no — well, at least no Arabian horses died.
35. Barbara | 09.03.08
Oh, for Heaven’s Sake! We should have a brief conversation about the person who may succeed John McCain, should he attain the Presidency and his health fail? I’m sorry they are fed up with the questions, but I have one teeny, weeny additional concern: can she handle Russia, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Venezuela, The EU, Mexican Drug Lords, Poverty here at home and abroad, a domestic economy in the toilet (for us small folks, anyway,) Climate Change (oh yes, it DOES exist,)and on, and on, drawing on her experience as a beauty queen, the mayor of a town of 7000 and governor of a State, population 600,000, for 18 months? What are her academic credentials, her business credentials, her administrative credentials, her knowledge of government, our Constitution, States Rights, Immigration, Privacy Issues, the Internet, - oh my, I think I need to breathe!!! Sorry McCain Campaign, put your irritation in your hip pocket and realize that you’re the folks who made the Office of the VP a VERY relevant position, and now you hand us a candidate whose creds are straw in a gale of wind. There are still lots of questions for you and Ms. Phalin - the problem is, you don’t seem to have any real answers, only spin.
36. JEROME GINSBURG | 09.03.08
Democratic logic. Palin is unfit for VP as she has no foreign policy experience. But Obama who also has no such experience can be President. But he has Biden.
37. dadahorse | 09.03.08
comparison:
palin — b.a. in journalism from univ of idaho. PTA parent, mayor of a town of 5,000, two yr gov of alaska (a state with a population smaller than most mid-size american cities). chosen as mccain’s running mate without being fully vetted
obama — b.a. in international affairs, columbia university, law degree from harvard, president of the harvard law review, community organizer, constitutional law professor, univ of chicago, 8 yrs state senator, 4 yrs U.S. senator, Foreign Relations, Environment and Public Works and Veterans’ Affairs committees through December 2006.[69] In January 2007, he left the Environment and Public Works committee and took additional assignments with Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.[70] He also became Chairman of the Senate’s subcommittee on European Affairs.[71] As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama has made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. currently democratic nominee for president of the united states. has visited with all major european leaders including pres sarkozy of france, prime ministers of germany and iraq, etc. has been fully vetted and chosen to represent his party after 25 national debates against major national political figures. fully outlined policies on education, healthcare, economy, foreign relations etc, etc, etc
no comparison really. obama is a tested word class leader. palin is a self-proclaimed backwoods provincial hockey mom
38. mutt | 09.03.08
Just wait until Osama has to speak w/o the teleprompter. You will see what a dope with no hope that he is. Don’t vote in a sleeper cell!
39. npeebles | 09.03.08
Palin has not been personally attacked
She just out right lied to McCain and he needs to be angry with someone
Palin has a very bad record with family
Somebody needs to vet her husband the way McCain did Michelle Obama
By the way, wasn’t it Palin who said Hillary Clinton was ‘whining’ when Hillary complained about the press
41. Grumpy | 09.03.08
Actions always speak louder than words. Who did “it” when they had the chance? McCain and Palin. Who faile to do “it” when they had the chance? Obama and Biden. So who are you going to trust to actually get it done?
43. kenneth | 09.03.08
exactly - how can you have “no further comment” about the vetting process, when you haven’t been able to comment at all?
44. JPA | 09.03.08
You gotta give it to the Republican machine. Despite their inability to offer solutions to the nation’s pressing issues–indeed their blatant aggravation of such–they still have a shot. They are very clever at distracting us from the issues, dividing and stealing from the opposition party, and whipping up fear and resentment. They can manage to denigrate and smear their opponent while bristling at any criticism of their own candidate(s). It’s uncanny. They know how to create the lowest common denominator and play right to it. But I think the Palin novelty will wear thin very soon and people will discover just how bad of a choice she is, and how this VP pick was was pure political pandering. It won’t work for McCain, even with some invigoration from the evangelical nutcases.
46. biff | 09.03.08
Why all the squealing? McCain knew this “Hail Mary” was all he had. Does he really expect that he can select a Veep who hasn’t been scrutinized by the public at all, (and, other than a name in the ether, was a virtual unknown to 99 percent of Republicans 6 days ago-despite this sudden case of undying love), and not unleash a firestorm of inquiry? If so, it just shows how out of touch the “Pre-television” generation can be.
47. NMvoiceofreason | 09.03.08
It is completely fair to point out Palin was a member of a secessionist movement, AND to quiz her about it. Did she believe Alaska should leave the rest of the states? Does she believe that now? It is entirely fair to quiz her about her being a member of the Dominionists. Does she believe that a government of a christian God should be established (a theocracy) in the US? If not, why did she work with them, worship with them? It is entirely fair to ask is she believes that a civil servant can use her official powers and position to retaliate against people she believes have wronged her family. Did she abuse her authority? Would she do it again? Was she for the “bridge to nowhere” before she was against it? And why when the vetting process went on for weeks, was hers less than 24hrs with no “boots on the ground” in Alaska?
It does not matter what the McCain campaign “Decrees”. It does not matter that the will no longer talk to news organizations that criticize them. It only matters as a question of simple civics and temperment. McCain and Palin fail on both counts.
48. Joe DeLuca | 09.03.08
Mutt, That Osama stuff is offensive, and ignorant. Please stop. It has been attested to by hundreds of people, all over the world that Barack is a well spoken man.
49. mark 5.56 | 09.03.08
I am still waiting to hear about the dem vetting process, I have not heard a word about if from either uncle Obama, or master biden
50. Jedeki | 09.03.08
kennym65:
What country did YOU live in two years ago? Obviously not the United States of America.
51. Big Pete | 09.03.08
“This nonsense is over”
No, the nonsense is just beginning! McCain makes a snap decision and grabs Sarah “who?” Palin as VP. The press finds out more about her in 5 days (and over a holiday weekend, too) than the McCain campaign did in the “vetting” process, which obviously was a joke.
Now the Republicans are whining about the horrible “liberal media” (funny how the R’s always play the victim) for pointing out the obvious and are making ridiculous claims about how her being mayor of a small town and Gov. of a small state (in terms of population) better equips her to be president than Sen. Obama’s experience. I guess they figure if you say it loudly and often enough, some folks will believe it.
Well, that’s your nonsense, if you’re looking for it. Obama is smart and capable, has run an excellent campaign (defeating the Dems power couple and everyone else in the field), picked a VP on the basis of qualifications, masterfully navigated and orchestrated his convention, capping it off with a media event seen by more people than any other acceptance speech in television history, and gets the big convention bounce he wanted.
McCain selects someone no one - including himself! - knows anything about, after meeting her once or twice, thereby shooting himself in the foot, then spends part of his convention week playing damage control as the press digs for details (which they do to EVERYONE, my dear Republicans, just ask John Edwards) and now is trying to foist off the idiotic contention that this person is presidential timber and was selected with that in mind, when we all know he picked her because he thought she’d appeal to the Republican base.
Which she does, because now the Republican base can play their all too familiar “we are victims of the big liberal media conspiracy” chin music and rally behind this person plucked from the frozen North and tossed (along with her family, God bless them) into the presidential campaign meat grinder. (But get away from the convention, the blogs, FOX News and other right wing mouthpieces and you’ll find most Americans seeing right through the whole thing.)
If you are rooting for McCain to be our next President, get used to this “gut instinct, to **** with the facts” style of decision making, with his subordinates playing damage control after the fact. That’s the real story here.
“This nonsense is over” - what a load of horse manure!
Folks, I look forward to the day when Republican rule of our great country - which has given us more problems, more misery, more debt, more incompetence and disaster than can be imagined - CEASES and we can say “This nightmare is over”!
52. nic | 09.03.08
“You go, girl!”
———————-
This phrase is getting as annoying as “red meat.” Please come up with a more fitting battle cry for whatever movement this is supposed to represent … nothing is more off-putting than cliche ebonics from 1992.
53. nic | 09.03.08
“Just wait until Osama has to speak w/o the teleprompter.”
—————
Just wait till Sara has to interview without 15 aids in the room to speak for her…
54. ZachJones | 09.03.08
Senator Obama’s Patriotism – What it means to this Navy Veteran. I hope you consider the following article: Senator Obama’s Patriotism - a Veteran’s Perspective
It is found at:
http://zachjonesishome.wordpress.com/senator-obama%e2%80%99s-patriotism-a-veteran%e2%80%99s-perspective/
55. tdub | 09.03.08
I always thought the Repubs were supposed to be the tough guys and gals, not the schoolyard whiners.
What in heaven’s name do they expect? 99% of the country knew NOTHING of Palin as of a week ago. Surprised there is an accelerated pace of news gathering on her (suspect) experience and record?
And as for the sexism charge. Pot truly calling the kettle black.
56. Ralph | 09.03.08
If George W can be the president of the country, why can’t Palin do it? Media is damn crazy.
57. Al, Boston | 09.03.08
Seriously, last time I checked all that was coming out of Obama on this was “leave her family alone” and “McCain is just like Bush.” Obviously, both of these are working as his bounce has him with an 8 point national lead.
The media is doing its job…Presidential candidates in the past have shown that they realize how important the #2 spot is, and that both sides go through a very extensive process to vet the candidate. Now, there are lies coming out of the McCain campaign…first Mrs. Palin had already disclosed the pregnancy, then it was only disclosed one day before McCain announced, plus there is a 12 person team going up to Alaska while Obama’s campaign did not have to do this.
I agree, don’t attack the family…but it’s also your vote, and if Palin’s family matters to you, it matters.
58. Matthew | 09.03.08
What I find so funny is that everyone on here assumes that Hilary was trashed not because of her policies and history but because of her sex. And the Liberal media is sexist? Take a good look in the mirror. You are confusing the fact that Hilary deserved to be trashed with the irrelevant issue that she doesn’t have a penis between her legs. How can anyone take her seriously when she was the champion of national healthcare for more than a decade and then as soon as she took office…surprise, there is no talk of national healthcare. She doesn’t stick to her principles and that is why she is not up for the democratic vote.
Palin… this politician is a passion play, make no mistake.
59. Josh | 09.03.08
Funny that the Republicans are now playing the sexism card… just because she is a woman does not mean that she should be free from inquiry. She is completely unqualified to be a heart beat away from the Presidency. Period. End of story. There was no vetting process, which is why the Republicans won’t talk of it. It was so amusing to hear the handful of Republicans trying to sound positive about McCain’s paltry pick, and even more amusing to hear people fictionalize her foreign policy experience - “Alaska is close to Russia” somehow equates LOL. This has nothing to do with her being a woman, and everything to do with McCain’s desperate attempt to breath new life into his campaign by picking someone that was sure to grab headlines. Nothing to do with putting Country First and everything to do with politics. His judgment, having met her only once before asking her to be VP, sending in a vetting team only after choosing her… this bespeaks of how he would run the oval office… by gut instinct alone… I want a president that will listen to all sides of an issue, before making a critical decision, not just play partisan politics and make slapdash decisions.
60. Paul | 09.03.08
The McCain campaign is playing the gender card big time. The media are attacking her because she’s a woman? The media are attacking her because she has little experience and the McCain campaign has been attacking Obama’s experience relentlessly over the past few months. They are simply showing how hypocritical the McCain campaign is acting. The McCain campaign can dish it out, but they can’t take it.
McCain has effectively thrown away the experience card. He can no longer say that Obama is too inexperienced to be President when his campaign has been saying that Palin is ready to be President. This shows how desperate his campaign is, not because he is playing the gender card, but he is playing the gender card at the expense of the experience card.
61. john | 09.03.08
To the Poster who wanted to know about Palin’s college grades:
I do believe everyone has forgotten about Joe Biden’s plagerism — I believe that was for his degree? …. it was once a big scandal, look it up.
62. McCain’s and Idiot | 09.03.08
Find one thing that Obama or Biden has said negative about her. This is all the media and last I checked Rupert Murdoch and all your republican friends own most of them. They have both said family and children are off limits. Looks like she is attacking first and will have to deal with the sweet **** kicking Biden delivers her, or will that be too hard for Repubs to take, a man beating up on a woman, how about a potential VP going against another potential VP.
63. Logic not required | 09.03.08
The Machine is as amazing as are the mice that follow the music it plays.
64. Wendy | 09.03.08
Republicans should learn from the lesson John Kerry taught us. You can’t win by being AGAINST something; you have to win by being FOR something.
Being against Barack Obabma, painting him as “different from us”, is not going to work. You will go down in flames.
As you should.
65. Blake | 09.03.08
They’re making a big mistake. I feel really sorry for what the Obama campaign is about to do about Sarah Palin.
67. Mark | 09.03.08
Republicans say leave her alone. Fine. The double standard is that the same Republicans spent coutless legislative hours and taxpayer money (your’s and mine) trying to get Clinton impeached over a much less important personal matter - the Lewinsky affair. Why do Americans have such short memories?
68. Melina V. | 09.03.08
ironically, I was a McCain supporter…since this Palin has hit the scene I will NOT vote Republican. My husband is now voting Obama and so will I!
69. Robert | 09.03.08
With one simple five minute speech, Hillary could put this to rest and send palin back to Alaska as the know nothing fraud she is.
70. Sara | 09.03.08
so how can it be that Obama does not work across party lines if he voted for George Bush’s energy plan?
71. Neckisch | 09.03.08
I have not heard any Dems question Palin’s anything! I have heard the Rep. say what the dems are saying.
72. Manchurian Canidate | 09.03.08
Sleeper Cell?
Didn’t Bush insinuate that McCain was a sleepr cell under Chinese control?
I love the politics of “Fear”
Vote for the canidate who will protect you from the Boogey Man!
73. New Yorker | 09.03.08
Why do republicans insist that dumb is cool? Why do they brag about being simple C students? How about having someone smart in the white house, just for giggles. The last time we had an educated President we had a balanced budget and gas was $1.55 / gallon, and we could even prosecute terrorists in our legal system guided by the constitution. You’d think the cons would appreciate that at least.
74. Bob | 09.03.08
OMG, the USA is so funny. Its like watching a cheezy soap opera. I cannot beleive that you are not waking up to the fraud and poor policies that republicans have.
75. david | 09.03.08
All this talk of vetting is funny, they make it seem like any possible negative on a republican should immediately disqualify the person, were democrat’s get a free pass. I almost chocked when I heard someone bring up a dui of Palin’s husband from 20 years, like this should disqualify her. Were Obama writes in his book that 20 years ago he was snorting cocaine, and they praise him for his honesty. So, here is the comparison, a woman’s spouse had a single dui 20 years ago, so she is not qualified to be vice-president, but Obama snorted cocaine, and that has no bearing on his ability to be president, talk about being two faced and sexist. the dems should be ashamed of themselves.
76. Steph | 09.03.08
No kidding, I can’t wait to see how well she does with no aides around her and on stage opposite Joe Biden. Just as another poster said, I want to know exactly what in the last ten years she’s done that qualifies her to deal with Russia, Iraq Iran China and every other country she knows nothing about. Someone please tell me? Tucker Bounds couldn’t tell Campbell Brown last night any decision she made with regards to the deployment of the National Guard, though the republican party keeps touting that as experience.
Obama has been on the National stage for four years now, and was teaching constitutional law, was president of Harvard Law Review, and an Illinois legislator before this woman ever left the PTA. The truth is that the republican party is freaking out right now and they know John McCain just handed the Dems the election.
77. Jim R | 09.03.08
Palin cares about America and life. Democrats want things to get better but they have never figured out that their way is the way to death. And democrats think giving poeple the choice to kill their children is a great thing! If Obama is elected he will make daeth easier for us all!
78. T961585 | 09.03.08
This woman’s track up from a common citizen to a government reformer in Alaska is the stuff of legends. It’s like one of those Old West stories. Although she is not Ivy League educated, it does not matter.
Just watch her speech tonight.
She will be a modern and female version of Theodore Roosevelet. The liberal blogosphere has branded her a “pro-creationist, anti-abortion, far right-winger” but looking at her public record as a governor, she never made her personal views into active policy while in office. And actions tell us much more about a person’s character than words.
Her blue collar roots and work with Alaskan Democrats to fine her own party’s corruption tells us she can bag a corrupted Republican as well as a bull moose. How many corrupted Democrats has Obama bagged?
79. Dom | 09.03.08
I hate to do this, but…
Ha Ha Ha Haw!
That’s for all the trolls pretending to be discontented Liberals
and new Palin pals.
This little trick has Rove written all over it.
80. demoshe | 09.03.08
IS MC CAIN A PERVERT OR JUST A NORMAL GUY WHO WILL ENGAGE IN THIS KINDS OF LEWINSKY SCANDALS IN THE WHITE HOUSE? I HAVE EVIDENCE!!!!!!!!
IS MC CAIN CHECKING OUT MRS. PALIN’S BEHIND…
CHECK IT OUT ON YOU TUBE…FOR REAL..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qUVQDmLf7s
81. Fred | 09.03.08
We should all look at the facts.
Obama-Biden will bring change.
McCain-Palin will probably bring us mostly more of what we’ve had for 8 years - and an even more conservative US Supreme Court.
We can either spend more money on the military - or use it on something non-military such as domestic spending.
As for the Alaska Independence Party - I suspect folks from Alaska, such as Sarah Palin, have a whole different outlook on life and the world than many people in the lower 48.
Fred
82. Richmondman | 09.03.08
So much whining by Republicans, yet so little time. The ultra-liberal FOX NEWS continues to pound the poor little hottie from Alaska. Make no mistake - The McCain/Palin ticket represent FOUR MORE YEARS CHENEY/BUSH. McCain isn’t such a maverick that he can afford to disagree with the Christian Right. He cow-towed to them on Palin, he will do the same when it comes to Supreme court Justices. Roe v Wade will be a litmus test for potential justices for McCain/Palin. A vote for McCain is a vote against women, a vote isolationism, and a vote for more corporate plundering of American’s wallets.
83. Jim R | 09.03.08
Maybe we should vet you? I remember America was once a land of truth but now we are selfish we just want everything our way. If we would stop fighting and be willing to do the right thing we would be a great country again. Its never right to do wrong.
84. david | 09.03.08
“51. nic | 09.03.08
“Just wait until Osama has to speak w/o the teleprompter.”
—————
Just wait till Sara has to interview without 15 aids in the room to speak for her…
” Nic nic nic, you should watch CNBC, where she was recently interviewed about oil reserves and drilling in alaska, before she was the vp pick. She speaks extreemly well, and can easily hold her own. she is very bright and articulate, without talking down to you.
85. Dan in the Woods | 09.03.08
I can’t believe that in an effort to defend their hasty selection against any and all criticism, the Republicans are enthusiastically glorifying and encouraging teen pregnancy. Don’t they care about our kids? Is a political game worth ruining lives over?
86. Hans | 09.03.08
First of all, we, as a nation, should be insulted whenever any politician, regardless of party, thinks they can sway our thoughts with a 30 second generalization. I am not saying that “liberals” are not known to do this, but this tactic, just in case its not noticed, is typical of “conservatives” (though not ALL conservatives) who think that citizens are easily fooled into thinking that real issues can be ignored with irrelevant or misleading generalizations. What impresses me about any politician, who we are voting to lead us, is when they stay clear of petty attacks and they focus on how they will lead the country. McCain, you missed your chance. You could have picked Marilyn Musgrave! Snicker.
87. ericf | 09.03.08
Where’d the National Organization of Women go? Odd that they won’t stick up for one of their “OWN”…
Wasn’t the DEM mantra…a woman can have a family, and a job, and have it all?
Well I guess that was a lie.
88. david | 09.03.08
“84. Hans | 09.03.08
First of all, we, as a nation, should be insulted whenever any politician, regardless of party, thinks they can sway our thoughts with a 30 second generalization. I am not saying that “liberals” are not known to do this, but this tactic, just in case its not noticed, is typical of “conservatives” (though not ALL conservatives) who think that citizens are easily fooled into thinking that real issues can be ignored with irrelevant or misleading generalizations. What impresses me about any politician, who we are voting to lead us, is when they stay clear of petty attacks and they focus on how they will lead the country. McCain, you missed your chance. You could have picked Marilyn Musgrave! Snicker.
”
You mean like doing nothing but preaching change, without ever really saying what that is. Ohbama, has done nothing but preach change, for the sake of change without saying in substance.
89. Joe Dee | 09.03.08
To #15 Charlene: You go ahead and vote for McCain/Palin, and your grandmother will turn over in her grave…duh! Are you that smitten as a result of Hillary’s loss? Do you remember the main reasons she lost to Obama? Lack of capitalizing the use of internet, overlooking caucus states, etc…
Would your grandmother be proud if you lost the right to choose what to do with your body instead of the gov. choosing for you. How about equal pay for equal work….McCain’s against it…..hope you’re not a union worker (we’re not too popular w/ the GOP shhhhhhhh!!!!).
As for your new hero she doesn’t think sex ed in the school (apparently family too) is a bad idea?!?!
Seems your new bud also endorsed Alaska secceeding from the USA…..well, so much for patriatism….who da thunk?!?!
90. david | 09.03.08
Here is a good peice by Glan Beck,
The issue:
“Sarah Palin”
What the liberal whiners say:
‘John McCain just gave us the election! Sarah Palin is NOT ready to be commander in chief, and she’s just one heartbeat away from the Presidency!’
‘Her experience can’t compare to Joe Biden, who has been in the United States Senate for 35 years!’
‘And, I see that she’s just another gun-toting, war-mongering nutbag, like all the rest of you conservatives!’
‘She has a down-syndrome baby…how can she possibly manage her responsibilities as a mother AND vice president?’
‘Well, what do you think about her 17 year old daughter getting PREGNANT, not exactly a conservatives dream, is it?
Your winning, logical, reasoned arguments
1. As the chief executive of her state, she is better prepared, and has more experience to bring to the presidency than the man who heads the democratic ticket, who had only a year in the U.S. Senate before he started running for president.
2. I thought Washington was broken and we were looking for change? It seems to me that you can’t get much further from Washington than Anchorage, Alaska.
3. Well, this “war-monger” has a son enlisted in the Army who is being deployed to Iraq on September 11th. Now, BOTH members of the Republican ticket now have, or did have sons in this war. I’d say they’re pretty heavily invested in it, wouldn’t you? Who does Obama have in it? What’s HIS military record? I’m sorry, maybe “community organizer” on the South Side of Chicago qualifies?
4. Excuse me? Aren’t you the “women can have-it-all” and “do-it-all”, people? Now all of a sudden, you’re saying she needs to be barefoot and pregnant at home with the kids?
5. I’m sure that’s not anyone’s dream for their children. But unlike Obama’s stance, that if it happens to his daughters, their way out would be abortion because, he “doesn’t want them punished with a baby”. She is doing the responsible thing…marrying the father, and having the baby. Besides, I’m not sure with Obama’s family tree and upbringing the way it is, you really want to get into this discussion.
91. Creamsykle | 09.03.08
This is what Palin wants to teach our children in public schools
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPYuo12hY4
92. david | 09.03.08
Obama, was in the senate for just over 200 days, when he announced he was running for president, so 200 days in the senate, qualified him to be president, then 150 days as govenor of a state, should qalify for the vice president possition. Obama says managing his campaing staff of 2500 counts as experience, I believe there are 77,000 state employees in Alaska, last math class I had said 77,000 was a lot more them 2500
95. Mark | 09.03.08
LOTS OF STUFF COMING OUT NOW ABOUT HOW SHE HAS SPENT MOST OF HER LIFE ATTENDING A CHURCH THAT IS OBSESSED WITH HOLY WARS AND END TIMES!!!! DON’T GIVE HER “THE BUTTON”.
FOREIGN EXPERIENCE? THE DESIRE TO SEE THE WORLD GO UP IN A FIREBALL TO USHER IN THE SECOND COMING IS NOT A GOOD ANSWER.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k84m2orSOaM&feature=related
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html
PALIN HAS MUCH BIGGER CHURCH ISSUES THAN OBAMA, AND SO DO WE IF MCCAIN/PALIN ARE ELECTED.
96. Hank | 09.03.08
What a bunch of fairy tales. How about adding:
Abstinence works
Obstruction of her Ethics Inquiry is okay
Banning books is her right
Seceding Alaska from the United States is just fine
God is gonna get her. Not her god that sent us to Iraq.
97. Jerry | 09.03.08
Reference Greg # 5 comments. What planet are you living on. Oh, now I’ve got it, you’re living on the planet of overfed liberal bias. I think it’s the new planet find by the mars lander. Grow a brain and think for yourself instead of quoting the liberal talking points. You sound intelligent but your vitriole describes just another liberal fed, low intelligence, type. Too bad, if you’d try thinking instaed of quoting, you’d learn so much more.
98. Rob Brown | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin’s a breath of fresh air. Sha more experience then Obama and if the worst should happen, would make a great president. Obama is an eloquent
speaker but no substance. After a recent Obama really they asked twenty people
in the audience how Obama would effect change. They all ha the same answer.
“I don’t Know”. That should tell you something! I am a registered independent.
99. Anita Hales | 09.03.08
And NONE of you picked up on the fact that Wasilla was misspelled (Wasila) in the article!
Why is everyone so afraid of an Alaskan woman from a small town. She may not have done everything perfectly and she’s made some people angry with her decisions BUT she’s at least REAL!
She screwed my city out of a much needed bridge to “no-where” but she does what she believes in.
100. Moe | 09.03.08
Actually, Palin SUPPORTED Republican Sen. Ted “The Internet is not a big truck” Stevens’s “Bridge to Nowhere” _before_ she came out against it! And that’s McCain’s favorite pork example (and from a Republican colleague, no less)!
Worse, she got her town of 9,000 some $3,000 PER PERSON in earmarks. And Alaska kept the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ money even though they didn’t build the bridge! Mind you, this is a state where they PAY you to live there all year! In 2007, people got $1,654 each, even though they’re sucking up more federal money per person than any other state! Talk about welfare states!
And Palin didn’t “stand up” to the oil companies, she took maxed-out donations from them! Except that they weren’t direct donations, the company set up a “special bonus program” to give money to people who donated to her and then all the executives gave money to her on the same day.
But don’t take my word for it:
http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/sep/01/palin-lobbyist-ties-include-oil-firms/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Permanent_Fund
And lest you think Wikipedia is wrong, here’s the official page on the permanent fund, which was established in the Alaskan state constitution:
101. jim | 09.03.08
OK enough of the rhetoric. The bottom line is that if you read the records of the politicians involved, (except Palin, she basically has none), no educated, well read person could vote for McCain. Not that they have been perfect, but Obama’s and Biden’s records and positions support the working class and the United States in a more positive and productive way.
102. Jerry | 09.03.08
It amazes me how people who have never met Sarah Palin, nor done any meaningful research on their own just follow the media hype by the liberal press, and think they have enough information to make a good judgment call on Gov. Palin or any other candidate. If you’re like that you are just plain lazy. Do your own homework instead of letting the media bias pursuade your vote. It’s far too important for our country. Some of you are like sheep being led to the slaughter, because you refuse to believe anything but what a biased press wnats you to believe. You’ve got a brain, try using it!
103. Nathan | 09.03.08
Seriously. I thought the Dems were dead in the water until McCain pulls a little political trick and then cries about having to answer questions. Same old double standard. This is the first time I’m not voting Republican.
104. David | 09.03.08
Oh My! Just a heartbeat away from the presidency! What if Biden collapses and Obama has to take over? Obama, with no experience in anything, would have to rely on his “A” in public speaking to deal with Putin, et al! OMG!! Clearly Obama would make a very weak vice president.
105. Fred Moolten | 09.03.08
The ad in question is typical of politics, but with an interesting twist. The ad has artificially darkened Obama’s skin tones in comparison with his normal appearance as shown by all outside sources.
Explicitly, the message is “Vote for Palin and McCain because they’re better.”
The subliminal message is “He’s black. You don’t want one of those in the White House, do you?”
106. Ed G | 09.03.08
When every American votes this November there is one question that each of us need to answer first.
If Senator McCain becomes President and something happens to him while in office, do you really want someone who has NO Foreign knowledge be placed in a position to make critical decisions that will impact the 200,000,000 men. women and children?
With all the world turmoil in Russia, Iran ,North Korea, and the middle East of which Gov.Palin has NEVER been exposed to,how will she be in the position to make the right judgement.
Senator Obama has visited and spoken with the US Allies.
Will Gov. Palin be able to respond to the 3 AM call without hesitation?
Don’t turn this election into a popularity contest. The future of this country is at stake. THINK…THINK..
107. James | 09.03.08
As American’s, we should understand by now that politicians will be politicians. Obama picked Biden becuase he wanted the undecided voters to know he has strong foreign policies with his campaign. McCain picked Palin to get the undecided women votes. They are both playing the game. But Greg posted earlier, “8 Years of Repulicans: Unnecessary War in Iraq, Bin Laden not brought to justice, economy destroyed, national debt rising, jobs lost, international reputation destroyed, thousands of US soldiers unnecessarily died, 600,000 innocent people have died in Iraq, and a long list of federal and international laws broken.” I believe in the facts. That is why we have to give Obama a chance. And on a side note, don’t vote for McCain solely because of abortion so that you feel better. Did Bush make abortion illegal? No. He just completed one of the worse 8 years of presidency. So think about the other “bigger” issues of this next presidential nomination.
108. parker | 09.03.08
18 … another LIE the paperwork has been produced always and only a Republican
110. PJE | 09.03.08
McCain needed a homerun with his VP pick and it turned into a strikeout!!!
Being a republican, there is no way I can vote for a hockey mom who’s claim to fame is a mayor of a backwoods town.
111. Barbara | 09.03.08
I still believe that Obama is our next best hope for a great change. I would like everyone to think about all their sons and daughters that have just become doctors or lawyers or any position just out of college and they are ready to start their career and what should we say to those who will say well lets not go to them because they don’t have enough experience…how will they ever start their careers??? They don’t have other doctor’s to lean on or more experienced lawyers to ask their opinion…give me a break…
I like to have hope and Obama inspires many people all the power to him!!!!!!
113. Alex | 09.03.08
Oh please…women take your heads out from between your legs. This is not about who has a vagina and the hysterics of persecution that follow any woman who pokes her head out of the kitchen. “You go, girl”?? - people (women) say that to an untried politico who wouldn’t know how to “walk the walk” if she was led by Fred Astair, who is against birth control information, environmental protection, wants to re-open the devaststing Roe-vs-Wade, is (though “not into the old-boys network”, ha!) an avid supporter of the NRA - the greatest old-boys network known to man/woman), wants to forcfully insert her version of “Christianity” up the aft-area of every citizen????? Wake up, people - Palin is simply a manipulative pawn of the GOP machine. By the way…I am female so cak back the feminist rants in response.
114. David | 09.03.08
I expect McCain/Palin to carry on in the 8-year tradition of Reagan/Bush41. We will all be glad to get rid of Bush43.
115. kirk | 09.03.08
The anger and upset must be from a lack transparency in their vetting process.. maybe because, just maybe…there really wasn’t any.
Well except for the the fact that shes a FEMALE candidate from ALASKA. Think about that closely. I’d make the same choice too… if I wanted to win.
As much integrity as she has shown in her few… well uh… couple years in office, it seems, just in my opinion, she was picked as a ploy for election, given her JUST enough EXECUTIVE experience to make her argument on the national stage… if I were female, I’d be offended and NOT just looking at my own ambition as an excuse for historical change.
This from a life long republican…Me. Also, raised by a single mom at 15 years old and ALL her girlfriends… My mother received her masters and a BA by the times she was 24.
116. Dennis | 09.03.08
To Fred
Lets talk facts.
Your “We can either spend more money on the military - or use it on something non-military such as domestic spending.” has me thinking.
What did Clinton do with all the money that was NOT going to the war? Did he improve the 9th ward in New orleans? Did he imporve the South side of Chicago? Did he improve anything? Where did all that money go? Democrats always preach change, help for the poor, etc. Problem is I have never seen the results. Seems like the ulimmate scam to me. If you want the samo samo, vote for the democrats who always talk the talk but never walk the walk.
117. MikeNVA | 09.03.08
I’m a Christian coming out of the “woodwork” this November to vote Palin / McCain!
118. citizen | 09.03.08
I’ve tried and tried and tried to find something about Obama that can inspire me to believe in him. But just when I was beginning to hope, he received Oprah’s endorsement. Oops. Can’t trust that. Then he’s gonna give Al Gore a prominent place in the cabinet or something. Oops. Strike two. But what was the other choice? Hm. Maybe just not vote at all. Or write in my dog. The idea eased my conscience. So, realizing obama will probably become the next president, I tried to study him, albeit difficult to do via television sound bites. But every time he spoke I heard him say nothing. That bugged me. I drifted in and out of the convention. Still, nothing. Which you’d expect from the GOP: nothing. But it’s the dems who scream Change! Sorry, I’m just not understanding the difference they bring. Besides that, anybody who allows Sheryl Crow to torture the people with her music, has lost my vote. Obama= total fake.
then just when almost all hope was gone, here comes Palin. Ah! Someone to vote For! A real person, not a plastic robot repeating the same script. Easy choice. Obama will still probably win, in which case there’s expatriation. Have a friend in Thailand. Says it’s all booze and bikinis. Which is really all that matters. So… please, Barack. Give me a reason to expat to Thailand. Cool.
119. Kitty Gambler | 09.03.08
In the last four years, Senator John McCain has skipped more Senate votes and committee meetings than any other member of the U.S. Congress. How come that ongoing lack of experience never gets reported?
120. Chris | 09.03.08
Response to #65 and several others referencing the Clinton Impeachment. It was based on alleged perjury committed by a sitting President. Not an affair. “it depends on what the word “is” “is”…remember that gem as he bit his lip? Clinton is a smart man and a savvy politician but too much like my ex brother-in-law…womanizing, smarmy turkey who is a great liar. Let’s not play revisionist history.
121. Leah | 09.03.08
Mean Nic, I was only 2 years old in 1992. I might be outdated and stupid and full of red meat, but at least I’m not pregnant.
122. Jane | 09.03.08
In answer to #31 - “…what will the answer be? Gulags?” Hey! Where have you been these last five years? We’ve already got them in the various black holes, prisons and Gitmo. The democrats don’t need to set them up, they inherit them and thousand and thousands of detainees.
123. david | 09.03.08
“105. Ed G | 09.03.08
When every American votes this November there is one question that each of us need to answer first.
If Senator McCain becomes President and something happens to him while in office, do you really want someone who has NO Foreign knowledge be placed in a position to make critical decisions that will impact the 200,000,000 men. women and children?
With all the world turmoil in Russia, Iran ,North Korea, and the middle East of which Gov.Palin has NEVER been exposed to,how will she be in the position to make the right judgement.
Senator Obama has visited and spoken with the US Allies.
Will Gov. Palin be able to respond to the 3 AM call without hesitation?
Don’t turn this election into a popularity contest. The future of this country is at stake. THINK…THINK..
” So Ed, if Governor Palin takes a quick media trip to the mideast, will she then be qualified, think about what you said, Obama has don’t nothing more then this, and he has no record, because for nearly ever vote he has ever made it has been present. becuase he wanted nothing that could be counted against him, he has no real record when it comes to voting, he only has speaches about how others voted wrong.
124. Concerned Carolyn | 09.03.08
I believe that Sarah Palin was vetted far more extensively than Obama has ever been. In fact, the mainstream media has bent over backwards to cover up his associations with unAmerican and unpatriotic people and totally ignored his liaisons with murdered church choirmaster, Donald Young. Also they have ignored reports from Lary Senclair about his tryst with Obama in 1999 where they used cocaine and indulged in gay sex while Michelle was at home with the new baby and pregnant again. And yet even a totally untrue rumor about John McCain or Sarah Palin is trounced on as if it is gospel. When the democratic party goes down because of the conspiracy that has been put over on the American people by the mainstream media, Obama thugs and the DNC, we will know to look no further than msnbc, cnn, abc, cbs, thank you.
125. Mike | 09.03.08
Palin was mayor of a town of 6500 less than two years ago (aka Mayberry USA). I could not have been more disappointed in McCain’s pick for the future of America. Lets face it McCain is no spring chicken and there is a real chance that Palin could go from Mayor of “tiny town” to President of America in under 2.5 years. Talk about a disaster waiting to happen.
126. Leah | 09.03.08
“Palin cares about America and life. Democrats want things to get better but they have never figured out that their way is the way to death. And democrats think giving poeple the choice to kill their children is a great thing! If Obama is elected he will make daeth easier for us all!”
I have to say something about this person’s statement. When I can vote I’ll vote democrat but I’m also a Christian. I think abortion is usually the wrong choice. But I also think that all the people who have been killed because of the Iraq war when we count the people living there with our own soldiers, too…well that’s not being pro life, is it? It looks to me like right now the people who are choosing “the way to death” are the people who think it’s ok to invade another country and mess it up and get lots of people killed because they decided to go there in the first place. I don’t get why so many people here in the US choose one thing to vote about-abortion. There are lots of people being killed and we should admit we were wrong, and we should end this killing.
127. elizabeth | 09.03.08
I say enough also- enough to everyone who insists that asking personal questions of a leader is mean,cruel,or unnecessary. The “issues” of the economy, the War, education- Alaska has some really poor results by the way, health care- aren’t going to be addressed by just the discussion of the possible solutions.
128. Mike | 09.03.08
Palin was mayor of a town of 6500 less than two years ago (aka Mayberry USA). I could not have been more disappointed in McCain’s pick for the future of America. Lets face it McCain is no spring chicken and there is a real chance that Palin could go from Mayor of “tiny town” to President of America in under 7 years. Talk about a disaster waiting to happen.
129. GRY | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin’s husband does not want to be part of the United States. I think she better explain how she can be with a man who doesn’t love his country.
130. cmoney | 09.03.08
I read a lot that people should leave her family alone. However, Palin wants abstinence-only sex ed in schools. If she wants to determine the futures of other’s families with this obviously ineffective method, then her family should be made a subject in this election.
131. Sara M | 09.03.08
Real Reason why McCain chose Palin : Sexist and condescending
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apdFC-vh6Ng
Also his poor record of voting against equal pay for women and opposing Equal Roles for Women in the Military
should be the business of American women voters.
132. Sara M | 09.03.08
Real Reason why McCain chose Palin : Sexist and condescending
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apdFC-vh6Ng
Also his poor record of voting against equal pay for women and opposing Equal Roles for Women in the Military
should be the business of American women voters.
133. tai hunter | 09.03.08
Political “Christians” are psycho!
Palin = American Taliban -
“What you see in a terrorist — that’s called the invisible enemy. There has always been an invisible enemy. What you see in Iraq, basically, is a manifestation of what’s going on in this unseen world called the spirit world. … We need to think like Jesus thinks. We are in a time and a season of war, and we need to think like that. We need to develop that instinct. We need to develop as believers the instinct that we are at war, and that war is contending for your faith. … Jesus called us to die. You’re worried about getting hurt? He’s called us to die. Listen, you know we can’t even follow him unless you are willing to give up your life. … I believe that Jesus himself operated from that position of war mode. Everyone say “war mode.” Now you say, wait a minute Ed, he’s like the good shepherd, he’s loving all the time and he’s kind all the time. Oh yes he is — but I also believe that he had a part of his thoughts that knew that he was in a war.”
This is not someone who should command a nuclear arsenal. DEAR GOD! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!! She sounds like a bloody satanist!
War=Peace, Death=Life, Slavery=Freedom - New Republican Motto
134. indydave | 09.03.08
Lord Have Mercy!
What Vetting ?? this is a last ditch effort to save his VP before she ‘resigns’ and goes back to the north pole.
McCain is running on the failed policies of Bush ?!?! and then he picks a cute but completely unprepared Alaska Gov who has way more problems than her preg 17 year old.
This is absurd. McCain has just lost, unless the media begins to ***** for him again, the presidency.
Every indy and moderate with a brain can see 2 things from all this:
1 mccain showed no discretion whatsoever in this pick
2 he was shamelessly pandering fro the disaffected clinton vote.
ps
we know that Mccain is having to pay folks to troll around the net to push his campaign, seems like 80% of these replies are from his payroll.
135. tom | 09.03.08
If the situation in America wasn’t so critical this whole affair would be excellent material for a comedy. Palin’s political affiliation and history aside, she will get votes for McCain if there’s nothing more to discredit her. The GOP may actually turn this to their advantage as they have no equal when it comes to diversion and disinformation. The Democrats have to do a better job on being unequivocally clear as to how they will start to make changes and not get caught in the empty slogans trap.
Perhaps the best strategy would be the tactic they haven’t stuck with consistently, emphasis on ending the war as quickly as possible and reitterating the 10 billion dollar monthly cost that goes with it, the federal deficit and the squander of the surplus left by the last administration(where did all that money go by the way? To the war in Iraq?),
No accountability for all the companies shipping our jobs overseas and the corresponding high unemployment rate, the fact Osama Bin Laden has never been caught yet over four thousand U.S. soldiers have given their lives for no good reason and over a hundred thousand Iraqies have died as a direct result of an inept, misguided and foolish invasion of a country that posed no threat whatsoever to America, and lastly that all facts point to serious economic hardship in the near future(except to the wealthy)unless radical changes are made.
These changes won’t be made if the Republicans get back in office and up to this point they have offered absolutely no solutions. All they have done is place the focus on the Democrats, via their amazing spin machine, and claim it is the Democrats who have nothing to offer but empty slogans! This is not a one party country. They had eight years to make this a better country and they have failed.
If they truly cared about America they would come up with something better than the same old scare tactics, denial of any problems, casting themselves as patriots protecting our country and the high brow morals and low class lies they are known for.
136. citizen | 09.03.08
At least McCain has far better taste in women than Bill or Barack. No argument which convention boasts the cutest chicks. Mile High? Sour-pussed, yucky, dry, and robotic. Saint Paul? Fresh and fertile and vibrant, and by golly, downright pretty. I like a man who ain’t afraid to admire a fine *** when he sees one. Life’s short. Too short for repetitious rhetoric. Too short to not catch those fleeting glimpses of beauty when they blow by you.
138. Cubby | 09.03.08
Yay, I’m glad we’re down to the ne’ah, I’m cooler than you campaign, now we’re really going to get somewhere. Did I really wait to be a grown-up just to hear this?
139. dylan | 09.03.08
You want to fix washington? There’s only one way–bipartisanship.
For over 30 years John McCain has voted with his heart–neither consistently liberal or consistently conservative. Thats a fact. Double check it if you dont believe me.
Sarah Palin shut down corruption when Randy Ruedrich and Gregg Renkes. She challenged Ted Stephens to come clean about the ongoing federal investigation into his financial dealings, and she joined the effort to unseat Republican Rep. Don Young, who engineered the Bridge To Nowhere idea, a big time pork barrell spending project.
On the other hand, you have Obama and Biden–the first and third most liberal voters in the senate, respectively. And thats a fact. Double check it.
If you want the people in washington to work for US again, they need to work with EACHOTHER again. John McCain has done it in the past, and Sarah Palin has stood up to big crruption in her own party. Barack Obama and Joe Biden have just gone along with their party and what their party has told them to do for the entirety of both of their careers.
If you want real reform, you should vote for the people who have demonstrated it in the past, repeatively.
McCain/Palin08
140. gooseguy | 09.03.08
My local letter carrier is more prepared to be president than Palin. Go back to Alaska, take care of your state, take care of your underage pregnant daughter, take care of your little sick baby, take care of your much-put-upon extended family, who have been covering for you while you’re out here on the campaign trail with Johnny Boy.
The McCain campaigns sez “talk to the hand” on this issue, because they have nowhere to go on this issue. If they could just get everybody to shut up about it, they wouldn’t HAVE a problem, so that’s what they’re telling the press to do: sit down and shut up.
UnAmerican.
141. citizen | 09.03.08
And please explain the 20% who are not on the payroll. Yeah. You know? Palin has inspired me to care. To my disdain, because there’s lots of stuff I’d really rather do than get hooked on political nonsense. Legalization of heroin and made free to the public is a more healthy proposition than politics. But… so it is… So… I’m a super cynical son of a ***** who is voting for Palin. Tell me, oh open-minded and cosmopolitan torch-bearers of tolerance: who am I? Profile me. Please. Certainly you know people. Because Barack knows people. Certainly he does. Okay. Done. Screw politics. Blech!
142. dorthy | 09.03.08
this gender bias has got to end
in America, a man with young children
never hears ‘ what about your kids’
I am a democrat,
suddenly finding myself
leaning to Palin’
143. Max | 09.03.08
What’s amazing is how the conservatives weave their own narrative ex nihilo; 24 yrs after the Democrats REALLY made history with the first woman on a major party ticket, they are finally catching up. Then, when Palin and her personal life starts exploding on the national scene, they can’t handle it and cry sexism rather than face the fact that McCain stepped in it by choosing her. These people are so thoroughly twisted it’s shocking. It was refreshing to hear the uncensored true thoughts of Peggy Noonan and Mike Murphy on Palin. Everyone should hear it:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/peggy-noonan-mike-murphy_n_123647.html
144. Edna | 09.03.08
For God’s sake Americans. Look at what Russia and China are doing. We will have the III World War soon and you are even considering electing this Palin and McCain. He is seen as dumb and senile and she as Britney mentality all around the world. Obama earned great respect already. It is selfish and ignorant to stick to republicans because never was America as weak as during republican rule and Europe needs you now that Russia is breeding at our throat. Please forget the racism”, Obama and Biden will bring the economy on its feat. If America doesn’t stop with costly wars and declining economy, the world is going to ****. DO you ever think of consequences for the world when you vote on some stupid ideas like abortion and who was POW and whose name sounds foreign and shitt like that. There are priorities and survival is number one. No time for little things. America is the only country that did putt democracy in practice; we need you now more than ever. You need to unite around democrats now. Obama/Biden and Hillary as secretary of state will bring US back again.
Friend from Austria (not Australia :))
145. THE curiousblack | 09.03.08
oh wow, cotton hill selects peg bundy with gun, hill bundy ‘08, and al in his alaska man cavewondering why his daughter’s gaiing so much weight again. too bad mccain is about to put some more people under the trailer for their “hot mike words” to boot. by the way, reformers don’t keep the money.
146. perspective | 09.03.08
wow y’all are off point abit.
1. A strong woman should be able to defend herself/character without resorting to crying ‘misogyny’ or about how the ‘boys’ run the show.
2. The only question about her that matters is would the people of the US or the republicans really nominate someone who supports the right of states to Secede? Abe Lincoln settled the last argument about Seceding states with the civil war.
3. Experience is releative to a point, and so is judgment.
4. Conservatives havn’t answered the question of what kind of mother leaves her infant son in the care of others to pursue a political career, or what effect thats had on her daughters behavior.
147. THE curiousblack | 09.03.08
my GPS (God Powered Satellite) is saying you can’t lead me to Jesus because you have no idea who or where He is.
148. Jo | 09.03.08
I would really like to know how anyone thinks that Palin as a V.P. was wise in the grander scheme of things.
She threw her daughter under a bus by accepting the nomination and putting her career and ego first.
As much as I believe a woman can handle the position, I would rather it be with a FEW less distractions; pregnant 17 year old daughter, son going to Iraq, possible scandals back in Alaska, and who knows what else. I would be concerned about anyone in that atmosphere. If she says these things won’t affect her then she has her priorities mixed up.
With all due respect, McCain is up there in years and already has troubled health. The V.P. should be perceived as “Potential President” and I do NOT see her as President, let alone have confidence in her as a V.P.
In general, what disturbs me most about the Republicans is that I haven’t seen anyone speak for them who is not blatantly sarcastic and snide about the Democrats. It borders on schoolchild tantrums. The Democrats do make comments now and again about the Republicans but with nowhere near the “Ha! Ha! My President can beat up your President … oh. Wait” attitude. Grow up, stop being so narrow-minded and immature and speak intelligently about where you want to take the country!
149. THE curiousblack | 09.03.08
Hey, i said God and Jesus, my wife and i did not abort and i dont lie in church, by the standards I see here, I’m not a good christian because if my daughter got drunk or pregnant at 16 i would not lie to the nation and say i’m proud of her actions just to get a vote, nor would i try to force her to marry some rube knuckle dragging demi ape (course by now he might be dead) and the same goes for my son. he should be married before it comes out of his pants too. then i can say with a straight face and mean it that i’m as proud of my kids actions as i love them!
150. David J | 09.03.08
That’s not Palin taking on Obama, she probably on saw the spot after it was finished! That’s a very highly-paid sophisticated ad agency taking on Obama. Hope she’s up to the task! It’s a long way down from that new perch she’s sitting on!
151. David J | 09.03.08
Sorry, that should have read, “she probably only saw the spot.”
I’m cute but I can’t type.
152. Hans | 09.03.08
Is it me, or should Kramer, George and Jerry be in McCain’s little party, along with Sarah “Elaine” Palin?
153. NMvoiceofreason | 09.04.08
Sarah Palin gave a GREAT speech tonight. Anyone who underestimates her will be sorry.
That said, let’s talk about the real issues. Does she believe that “Scooter” Libby should have been pardoned? Will she argue for or against pardoning other officials convicted of crimes from the Bush administration? Does she believe that a Presidential pardon can excuse Bush or Cheney from being tried for war crimes in the International Court in the Hague? Will she remove the Constitution from the shredder in the VP’s office and glue it back together? Which right, specifically as a strict constructionist, does the 9th amendment protect (Justice Scalia may be used as a lifeline if needed)? Which ideals and tactics are different between Reagan’s “Evil Empire” and the current administration? Does the word “shall” as used in the Constitution confer a mandatory duty? Are Executive branch officials ever required to testify before Congress, or is all testimony on a voluntary basis only?
Do you believe that God has ordained the apocalypse and that we must all lay our lives down for Jesus? Do you believe that a minority of Americans can dictate laws which we must all obey? Do you believe it is right for minorities to be protected by the law, even if it disadvantages the majority? Do you believe in the rule of law? Name five examples in your life where a court decision has produced the “correct” result. Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s Exxon Valdez decision? Should all judges be lawyers?
Do you believe that everyone guilty of violating the FISA law should be prosecuted for their felonies until and unless they can produce the FISA warrant that approved their collection/dissemination? Do you believe we should have secret courts? Do you believe the Attorney General should issue secret opinions? Do you believe that secret courts are unconstitutional?
Which countries are the most critical? Which countries can we safely ignore? Can we look the other way when genocide is being committed? Do our treaty obligations have the force of law?
These questions should be asked of any and every candidate.
154. Ben O | 09.04.08
Palin is decent, hard working lady who is a role model to every American. Unfortunately, she’s not running for President, John McCain is. The way this add is put together, leaves the impression as though this is a Obama vs. Palin election. This is a dangerous move by McCain that might blow up in his face.
I want to here McCain and Obama not Palin or Biden. I want to here McCain and Obama speak about equal pay, the economy, energy, ending the war that’s costing us $10 Billion a month, modernizing our military, and veterans benefits.
Enough of this character attacks that’s always only a dash of truth and doesn’t help the discourse.
156. Mr. Unite Us | 09.04.08
Paylin just paid Transcanada $500,000,000 to sign a multi- billion dollar pipeline deal that they are not required to build.
157. citizen | 09.04.08
Well, let’s just suppose that all the fears about Palin have sound basis. Let’s say we could peer into the future and an eventual Palin presidency has taken America into a dark and dank theocratic bondage that robs individual independence far more than any conservatives’ nightmares could consider with an Obama Administration of say, eight years.
Very well. Unfortunately, the Obamans and/or the media who have been made to APPEAR as though they favor an Obama victory, do not help the worst case Palin scenario by the way they appear to view small town people and communities. If McCain somehow manages to pull off an upset, it will be because of this.
I know this. I live in a small town. We have at least one of everything and every type of person, in some cases more than four. There may be petty differences between us within this community, but, not unlike a family that squabbles, there will be a very mutually supportive setting aside of differences and joining together when there looms a threat, or even a perceived threat from beyond.
And that’s what the Obama campaign APPEARS to be encouraging.
Now, let’s say that all the reported Palin indiscretions are completely true. Small town people like me, even though some of us do not own guns or bibles, will forgive those transitory human transgressions far far FAR quicker than snide condescending insults from someone or someones who, whether they are or are not, are Perceived as Elitists, Eastern whatevers.
So they better figure out a really good strategy that will assuage the slight that a lot of small town citizens feel pouring out of the Obama camp. Because even if Obama wins, he will enjoy few friends in small town america.
Atheists live in small towns too. Their neighbors might be hard core pentecostals, or moderate methodists, or catholics; we have a sizable population of mormons in this town, and I personally find mormonism among the top ******-up religions there can possibly be. But I will join hands with my mormon neighbors in this case. A lot of us will join hands. Because we feel like we’re being attacked for no good reason.
Again, this becomes a particularly disturbing idea if it turns out we are being duped by Palin’s storm of popularity. If Obama really is the one we need now, then they better get to work on some better persuasive strategies and they better step on it.
158. Deborah J. | 09.04.08
It has been hilarious to watch Republican men like Tom Ridge and Orrin Hatch expressed their concern about “sexism.” It’s the first time I’ve heard any Republican man ever utter that word. (Did you hear any of them advocating for the selection of a highly qualified Republican woman, like Kay Bailey Hutchison, Elisabeth Dole, Olympia Snowe?! Nope. Silence. Not a peep.) The women who are falling for the Palin story obviously have not bothered to look into her actual record of “accomplishments.” She told you about her vetos, but what she failed to mention is that she has vetoed programs for unwed, pregnant teens, as well as for special needs children. She told you she was the mayor of a small town in Alaska (pop. 6500 at the time she served her term), but what she failed to tell you is that she left it with a budget deficit. She told you that she wants to educate children, but what she failed to tell you is that, while mayor, she tried to censor books in her local library. Pro-life? Tell that to the polar bears and the wolf-cubs. Further, if you are a victim of rape or incest, or your own life is at risk from your pregnancy, she still wants to deny you the right to choose an abortion. Her own mother-in-law has stated that “she is just a beginner” and “is not ready to be vice-president.” My overall impression of her speech: same old lies, same old smear, same old negativity. Zero substance. But, at least now we all know why her nickname is “Barracuda.”
159. citizen | 09.04.08
If Obama has any hope of being forgiven by small town americans as quick as small town americans will forgive Palin’s possible indiscretions, then Obama’s got lotsa kissin’ to do.
160. Paul Madden | 09.04.08
I think it is unfortunate for the future of the United States when people, such as 105EdG think that the fact that Obama has spoken with “U S Allies” qualifies as having “Foreign knowledge.”
161. David J | 09.04.08
He does have a degree in International Relations. Does that mean he knows everything? No. But he’s off to a far better start than most.
162. JT | 09.05.08
HAHA ( DIRECTED AT “CITIZEN” )
PALIN DISSED COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS AND MANY COME FROM SMALL TOWNS…………….
STALIN OR PALIN????
BOOKS ARE FOR KNOWLEDGE PALIN GET IT!!!!!!!
“Those who would trade in their freedom for their protection deserve neither.”
- BEN FRANKLIN
SINCE MCCAIN DOESN’T UNDERSTAND LIBERTIES HE SHOULD NOT BE PRESIDENT PERIOD.
163. JT | 09.05.08
“Those who would trade in their freedom for their protection deserve neither.”
-BEN FRANKLIN
HEY MCBUSH/PALIN-BUSH, HAVE YOU SEEN THIS QUOTE BEFORE?
They should call Palin the NAZI wanting to ban books from the library!!
164. Ed Pipkin | 09.07.08
I am a Registered Democrat who has taken the time to read, listen and watch what Obama has offered forth. I have come to the conclusion that there is no way that a rational and educated person could even consider voting for him. Throw Biden into the mix and we have no difference - politics as usual.
Anyone who has listened to Obama more than once surely must be aware that he is simply telling simple minded people what they want to hear and has offered forth no real solutions to anything…Except getting himself elected.
Biden simply steals other peoples words…kind of like a parrot.
A silver tongue might be a gift, but it serves only oneself. I am voiting for McCain/Palen….at least we have a chance, and I believe that both are actually SINCERE and not necessarly selfserving.
165. Mike | 09.08.08
THANKS GREG!! I couldn’t have said it better. “8 Years of Repulicans: Unnecessary War in Iraq, Bin Laden not brought to justice, economy destroyed, national debt rising, jobs lost, international reputation destroyed, thousands of US soldiers unnecessarily died, 600,000 innocent people have died in Iraq, and a long list of federal and international laws broken … and Let’s Have Palin MAKE IT WORSE” I can’t wait to see the debate between Biden and Palin. Palin will have to do more than look good. She will have to talk about the issuse and what her party will do to fix the mess we are in and the Republican Administration started. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!
I cannot imagine what it takes before americans change their minds and not vote for another 4 years of BUSH/MCCAIN?PALIN
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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. jim | 09.03.08
they are right, obama voted in 2005 to give special tax breaks to oil companies as part of george bush’s energy plan, while mcain voted against it.