(Jake Turcotte)
Palin’s make or break speech tonight
By Jimmy Orr | 09.03.08
No one better could have put Sarah Palin’s speech tonight in better perspective than the late legendary movie trailer announcer Don LaFontaine. Called the “king of voiceovers” LaFontaine could set up the story line:
“In a rough and tumble world where the enemy is everywhere — from CNN’s Campbell Brown asking questions of a spokesman to the New York Times’s Elisabeth Bumiller — the world awaits … and wonders…
MUSIC CHANGE to the William Tell Overture…
“Could a former beauty queen, now a mother of five from Alaska be the next Vice President? First she has to win the hearts and minds of a skeptical America.
“It’s the outrageous, feel-good movie of the year: “Sarah Goes to Washington.”
OK. Real world: Taking on the Alaskan establishment and wrestling away the top political office in the state after beating two powerhouse names was no small feat for Palin. The woman has shown she knows how to win and impresses people on both sides of the aisle for her substance.
But that hasn’t stopped political insiders and pundits from observing that the rising Republican star could have used a few more years of seasoning before running for the second highest office in the land.
Early or not, she’s got the spotlight now. And she’s had it since last Friday. It’s been five complete days since John McCain reminded the country why he’s been called a renegade, a maverick, a cowboy. By selecting the-then virtually unknown Palin, he made her the main subject of the GOP convention so far — and her speech tonight the most widely anticipated of the week.
Contrast this to five days after Barack Obama selected Joe Biden. The news of the day? Hillary Clinton’s “come back to the fold” speech, Montana Governor’s yee-haw fire-em-up oratory, and Mark Warner … does anybody recall what he said?
Politico asks this morning, “Can the GOP stop talking about Palin?” It’s not just the GOP, it’s everywhere.
A quick perusal around some of the major mainstream news sites shows the LA Times leading with, “McCain had criticized earmarks from Palin.” The New York Times has “Palin’s start in Alaska: not politics as usual.”
The Wall Street Journal leads with “GOP tightens VP image control.” The New York Post - in typical New York Post fashion - screams, “Shining knights - GOP defends damsel in distress Palin.”
The San Francisco Chronicle simply puts it “Spotlight on Sarah Palin.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer doesn’t lead with Palin - they’ve opted for Phillies coverage. This is understandable. It’s September and the Phillies are two games out of first and barring a meltdown from the Brewers, they’ve got to win the NL East to get into post-season action. Again, cut Philadelphia some slack. It’s September.
But in their election coverage, they’ve laid out the importance of tonight’s speech:
People watch tightrope walkers because they might fall and splatter on the ground, and when they reach the end of the line safely, there is a great release of tension. So it is with tonight’s prime-time acceptance speech by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, picked by Republican presidential candidate John McCain to be his running mate.
One of the most anticipated political speeches in memory will begin to answer whether McCain’s gamble on the unknown chief executive of a sparsely populated and remote state was wise.
But there’s no pressure.
Speaking to ABC News, Democratic strategist Joe Trippi puts it all in perspective
“All this controversy’s going to create a huge audience for her speech whether she walks out there and blows it or hits it out of the park,” Trippi said. “With every question, with every controversy the audience gets bigger so that when she walks out there — it could be one of the most dramatic moments of either convention.”
The question is, could the audience for Palin’s speech top Barack Obama’s 40+ million?
We’ll find out. She’s in the spotlight tonight at 10 p.m. EDT.
<< Palin - vetted or not vetted? | MainComments
4. J.Jay | 09.03.08
I haven’t heard her speak but my buddy did watch her nomination speech and according to him, she is a fine speaker. We will see what she can come up with.
5. jon | 09.03.08
Honestly, I’d like to know what Gov Palin actually knows, or understands, about domestic & foreign policy issues. Unfortunately, the McCain Campaign has denied Media requests for interviews with her. Why shield her, if she’s such a great VP choice?
So, to me, her speech tonight is meaningless. It says nothing about her, other than she can read programmed lines.
This whole Palin choice, and how they’ve hidden her, has pushed me to Obama.
I despise being treated like a dimwit, and it’s obvious the GOP believes the electorate to be dumb.
6. RCharles | 09.03.08
I hope she covers her extreme religious views, e.g., absolutely no abortions even for rape or incest. She and McCain will continue packing the Supreme Court with neanderthals that want to convert our country into a theocracy, where the federal government outlaws whatever they consider a sin, e.g., no abortion, no stem cell research, intelligent design instead of evolution, no gay sex (in or outside of marriage).
We have barely survived eight years of such misguided government action. Bush has pushed abstinence as the only solution to aids in Africa, provided zero family planning support, assigned ignorant religious hacks to supervise government agencies and incorrectly edit what scientists can publish.
Hopefully she covers her support for more and more of this so all the undecided voters can leave the speech knowing the future if she/McCain are elected.
RCG
8. angusj | 09.03.08
While the speech is important in that Palin could get stage fright on the night, it’s really just a matter of delivering someone else’s script. However, what’s really going to test whether she’s VP ready is how she handles the media on the campaign trail.
9. Ezra | 09.03.08
“Impresses people on both sides of the aisle with her substance.” Say What!? Are you talking about ‘both sides of the aisle’ in Alaska. Uh, gee, in Alaska they are so far to the right that the “aisle” is outside the building.
That, and her political beliefs, are the true story. Alaska has a population of 600,000. That’s the population of Milwaukee. It has no social services to speak of. It has no taxes. The government has a very limited roll. It’s mostly a proxy for the large Alaskan oil industry. And Palin, sure she’s pretty. And she’s got a cro-magnon belief system.
YIKES!
10. Curious Orange | 09.03.08
The repubes new motto “country first” is a blasphemy and a desperate attempt at self righteousness
11. Jay Robert Nash | 09.03.08
The American male is basically an upstanding, decent and courageous human being, but the left-wing males viciously mounting personal attacks on Sarah Palin and her children are cowards and the worst kind of lying scum.
Obama says he decries these attacks, but he fools noone in that all candidates read and approve of all releases from their campaign or they are not released. In this instance, I believe he approved of these attacks so that he could then denounce them to make himself appear noble while successfully implanting those unqualified negative attacks in the minds of gullible Americans–it’s called propaganda! If, indeed, he did not approve such attacks, then he has no control whatsoever over his own campaign and it is therefore logical to assume that, if he were unfortunately elected president, he could not control his own administration.
I am an independent voter who leans to FDR Democratic principles. This year, however, and somewhat in response to the insidious attacks against Sarah Palin, but mostly due to my deep respect for an American hero, who put on his country’s uniform and fought and almost died for that country (something the elitist academic Obama has never done), I will vote for my fellow veteran, John McCain, a great American hero, and his running mate, Sarah Palin, a great American heroine!
One more thing. If I ever personally encounter any left-wing fanatical male (just as repulsive as any right-wing fascist) attacking on a personal level Sarah Palin or any of her children, that male will get a deserving right cross to the jaw (and that includes any of those sneaking snakes at the NY Times)–and you can take that to the bank! I encourage every American man to do the same thing in preventing ANY woman or child from being kicked around or abused or they are not men who deserve to live in this land of the free and the home of the brave!
14. Jeremy | 09.03.08
I think you can tell the tone of the convention the Republicans have planned from that “Country First” motto; basically, more name-calling, more us-and-them and no new ideas, because let’s face it, their candidate doesn’t do new ideas, and the VP candidate is too busy with 5 kids and a grandkid on the way.
15. Jeremy | 09.03.08
To Jay Robert Nash:
Let’s summarise: Your answer to criticism is threatening violence. And you’re voting for a Republican because of his capacity to go to war, not because of his policies. How are you Independent?
17. Michael | 09.03.08
Nothing in her speech will change the fact that shes a far right looney.
The fact that McCain selected her for his VP without vetting her first shows that that he is unable to be trusted with the highest office in the land. Will you trust him to be informed before making the big decision to go to war if he cant bother to be informed about his VP choice?
The RNC knows Bush has screwed up the country so bad that they pretty much tried to keep him out of sight. Do you really want another 4 to 8 years of Republican control?
18. John | 09.03.08
Ooooh - so the big question is - Can she read a teleprompter?
Don’t miss this exciting event!
19. Robert | 09.03.08
It will be interesting because everything that she professes to stand for, she has actually done the opposite such as accepting and actually soliciting earmarks or asking for the help of Ted Stevens to get elected.
No matter what she says, she is set up the ultimate fall. It’s obvious McCain just wants to get through the convention and then decide to throw her overboard. The reason will be family values, i.e. she will resign to take care of her family and the state of Alaska.
20. mamacita | 09.03.08
No matter what she says, the evangelicals will believe her. Why? Because evangelicals believe in Adam and Eve, they believe God created the world in about a week, and they believe other ridiculous things like Moses parting the Red Sea. Science? What’s that?
So you see, we have a problem on our hands.
I do think the majority of Americans will see this for what it is… a grandstanding ploy by a sexist old man to exploit a pretty, younger woman. Some people will stoop to anything to get what they want. Gee, what else is new in America?
21. JLWesty | 09.03.08
Sarah is not just another politcal hack seeking power but a person who has stood up for what is right in the State of Alaska and then made it right as part of her campaign promise to Alaska.
Sarah is the only candidate with experience in governing at an executive level. All other 2008 candidates only talk about how they will govern when elected but these promises are not based on any experience in governing at an executive level.
Sarah deserves an opportunity to tell her story and share her ideas without the media constantly making news making attacks, instead of their job which is to ONLY report it!
I welcome Sarah’s participation in the 2008 political race.
22. Eddie | 09.03.08
Bill Kristol remarked that when Sarah Palin was told that the Democratic Media (ABC; NBC; CBS; CNN) and Non Undercover Democrats would try and destroy her, her response was:
What’s the difference between a Hockey Mom and a Pit Bull?
Lipstick
_____________________________________________________________________________
You guys on the left are just showing your bigitory toward Republican Women…
Go back to polishing your swastika’s…
23. Joan G. | 09.03.08
Because of her positions, the media smells red meat. Unlike the Obama issues with Wright, Ayers or others, the issues actually relate directly to her.
The media will demand one-on-one. A Fox interview will not suffice. If only Fox gets to interview her, then the other media will really pile it on.
25. robt | 09.03.08
Just so I can understand liberal “logic”; explain to me 1) how Kennedy can murder a young woman and be re-elected 25 times as a Democratic senator, 2) how Robert Byrd can serve as a kleagle in the *** and be the Democrats longest sitting senator 3) if a teenage kid of a Republican gets caught doing what virtually all teenagers have done - somehow her mother’s character, values, and ability to govern is called into question.
Is this the same “logic” that calls GWB a war monger when it seemed perfectly fine that Truman incinerated 300,000 civilians in an instant (Remember that liberal credo “the end does not justify the means”) while Kennedy and Johnson killed millions in Vietnam?
Is this the same “logic” that caused Obama to pick Biden who received less than 900 votes and was the first candidate to drop out the Democratic primaries yet walk away from Hillary who had 18,000,000 votes?
Is this the same “logic” that required the networks to run stories and air the photos of the underwear laden prisoners at Abu grab 100 times more than the stories regarding the decapitated civilian prisoners of Al Qaeda?
Is this the same “logic” that says “we must keep people from developing the wilderness so only I can use them when I camp and hike”?
Is this the same “logic” that says we must do everything we can to save some obscure snail that nobody has ever or will ever see but it’s perfectly fine to suck the brains out of unborn children in an effort to kill them and call it an a abortion?
Is this the same “logic” that says abstinence only sex education doesn’t work when virtually every girl who becomes pregnant had been taught endlessly about birth control meaning that that isn’t working either but you never seem to mention that in all your rants?
Is this the same “logic” that says liberalism is about individual freedom and the uncensored expression of one’s beliefs in an effort to make the country a better place but conservatives are ridiculed for practicing their own form of religion, expressing their opinions towards public education, the war, welfare, the death penalty, abortion, etc, etc, etc?
Is this the same “logic” that says health care is biased towards men yet men live on average 7 years less than woman?
Is this the same “logic” that espouses redistribution of wealth but never seems to get around to addressing investment of time, commitment of money, risk of losing everything, or endless liability?
Is this the same “logic” that demanded we not quarantine AIDS victims when the virus was first exposed in the early 80”s because it would be a violation of human rights, so instead 10’s of millions of additional people have been killed by the virus?
26. Lynne B | 09.03.08
They are writing the speech for her, that has been admitted by the McCain campaign, so her ability to serve as POTUS if McCain is unable to will be judged by the American people based on her ability to read off of a teleprompter? I’m very confused…
27. MarkP | 09.03.08
JUST WHAT WE NEED, A NUTJOB THAT YEARNS FOR THE END OF THE WORLD, SEES WAR AS GOD’S COMMAND, AND WITH ACCESS TO THE NATION’S NUCLEAR TRIGGERS. IF YOU PEOPLE ARE THAT STUPID TO VOTE FOR WW3 AND A NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST THEN YOU ARE BEYOND HELP!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE, YOU ARE VOTING IN A WACKO WITH A GLOBAL DEATH WISH!!!!!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html
QUOTES FROM HER PASTOR:
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.”
Kalnins has preached that the 9/11 attacks and the invasion of Iraq were part of a “world war” over the Christian faith, one in which Jesus Christ had called upon believers to be willing to sacrifice their lives.
He preaches repeatedly about the “end times” or “last days,” an apocalyptic prophesy held by a small but vocal group of Christian leaders. During his appearance with Palin in June, he declared, “I believe Alaska is one of the refuge states in the last days, and hundreds of thousands of people are going to come to the state to seek refuge and the church has to be ready to minister to them.”
28. chirs | 09.03.08
These Obama “cool-aid drinkers” are amazing. And what does Obama the empty suit know about foreign policy?
Man do you people know the what deductive reasoning is?
29. Daniel | 09.03.08
Wow, Jay Nash, you are obviously a Republican troll. I love McCain’s pick of Palin, it just makes it so much easier for me to canvas for Obama in UTAH. The funniest thing I’ve found is that it’s Republican (and Mormon) WOMEN who hate Palin by far the most. Probably because she is a neanderthal, and that pregnant child she has is really really hurting her in Utah. Not that my fellow Obamatriots and I can swing Utah, but we can try.
30. JIM | 09.03.08
first the dems went after clinton now Palin. the only thing they have in common is they are women..
the dems have prove they hate women… They are up to the same tricks, she should drop out…
Women more then baby machines that cook and clean.
31. GOrp | 09.03.08
Mrs. Palin is of the opinion that humans are not playing a role in global warming. A 17 sq. mile chunk of Artic shelf just broke off.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0246073320080903
Mrs Palin wants to teach “Creationism” in science class.
She is not a reformer in that she has organized as director a soft money 527 for indicted senator Ted Stevens. She is not a reformer as she has solicited millions of taxpayer dollars in earmarks from Congress.
She was for the Bridge to Nowhere before funding was withheld.
She has brought a sense of trailer trash life to american politics.
McCain could have found a dozen more qualified women to choose.
He could have chosen someone who did not satisfy the most Right wing base, as a real “maverick” should have.
32. Bob | 09.03.08
Come on media… Stop putting fluff pieces out and start actually interviewing these people and come back to reality. I am tired of the fluff pieces from both sides of the aisle but lately these articles on Palin are approaching the point of ridiculous.
From a disturbed independent voter…
33. molly | 09.03.08
Let’s see…the press can’t talk about Palin’s personal life (fine with me, and I hope Dr. Phil doesn’t show up), McCain’s team is ’shielding’ her from the press (no questions about anything apparently) and the press is being chastised for talking about any aspect of Palin’s political life (they’re attacking her!)…
This is way too reminiscent of the outgoing team who have stonewalled and silenced (tried to) critics and efforts to get at relevant information. And anybody who thinks this is treating Palin ‘like a lady’ should understand what a chauvinistic position this is - no woman who enters politics needs to be protected. Despite Palin’s take on choice, deciding to go into politics is a choice. Anybody who decides to go for it should consider themselves on equal footing and willing to take whatever comes with that choice.
34. Lynn | 09.03.08
Well, Jay Robert Nash, then you can join your right-wing, neo-Nazi, gun-toting Republicans and watch the world burn with the rest of us if they are elected, AGAIN. First, I have not seen any “approved” ads that personally attack Sarah Palin’s family or her children. The media is doing a fine job of that on their own, and no one can control them. Family and children have ALWAYS been off limits, and Obama denouncing these attacks IS noble, as he did not have to say anything about it at all if he did not want to. You are VERY noble though, offering and encouraging others to respond to people’s political views with physical violence. You represent everything that is wrong with the world, and the people who would actually elect more of the same to f*** up this country even more and make us even LESS respected in the world. It really makes me sick.
35. Rajah | 09.03.08
Jay Roberts, you fail to realise human values from moral values…..the fact is that Sarah did not display her responsibility to her daughter’s awareness of sex education and how to abstain from certain things which may have serious consequences to her life….She goes out there and lecture to other people about how they must live their lives and then she herself failed to instil those same principles to her own daughter.She is chosen as VP, but people will have to talk about, regardless pf what you say or how mad you get. She us running gor VP abd naybe President if the old man dies , so I think she should be thoroughly investigated. If you threateb people like Bush and the republicans do, then I will be willing to challenge, becuz you are a moron…
36. Karen Smith | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin’s has more experience than the EMPTY SUIT running as the democratic nomineee.
Obama supporters can be classified as following:
Coward, Loser, Liar, Homosexual and Black.
37. Audrey Butcher | 09.03.08
Will Sarah Palin’s teenage pregnant daughter be holding her special needs baby again?
38. Yvonne Moy | 09.03.08
Mrs. Palin
I am hoping to address you as Mrs. Vice President come Jan.
DO not let anyone say anything to you about your daughters pregnancy, she is not the first girl to become a young mother.
The ones who will look down on her beware they have done something in their lives far worse than becoming pregnant.I am praying for Bristol.
39. Ana | 09.03.08
Is she going to bring the birth certificate for most recent cild with her? (No record of the birth on the hospital’s wensite).
A resolution of the trooper ethics charges against her?
A statement that when she was major of the very small town only 5,000 people lived there, not the 9,000 she currently claims?
An explanation of why she broke the city’s budget with her special projects and wanted the city libarian fired because she would not remove books from the library that Sarah Palin disagreed with?
Paperwok to explain why she supported the ‘bridge to nowhere’ when the funds were available and turned against the project only AFTER the funds were withdrawn.
Why she has consistently fired experienced staff and replaced them with friends and political allies?
No, she will probably wave the flag, spin generalities, spout false femininism and pledge to reform the Republican party and drive out the “Old Boys” who chose her to be vice president (not McCain - he accepted her only 48 hrs before the PR deadline!)
Amazing, scary - Wake Up America!
40. Susan | 09.03.08
Palin is a great speaker. The misogynists in the democratic party and the liberal media is setting the bar so low, she will clear it with ease.
The beginning fo the end starts tonight for Obama.
41. Bud | 09.03.08
Hey, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism! I can hunt and fish! I’ll be here if you need me.
If the stupid people who elected Bush still don’t understand their mistake, there are still enough stupid people to elect McCain.
Oh, she’s a good speaker, well that doesn’t count for ANYTHING with the GOP, right? Because Barack is a good speaker.
Last night the GOP spokesmen, along with flat-out LYING about Obama’s tax plan, stated that she obviously has more experience than Obama, as if that were true. Does a beauty queen from Wasilla know more about the federal government than a former constitutional law instructor become United States Senator? In the Republican fantasy world where the invasion of Iraq is justified by the “war” on “terror” - no doubt.
42. John Chang | 09.03.08
16. Karen Smith | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin’s has more experience than the EMPTY SUIT running as the democratic nomineee.
Obama supporters can be classified as following:
Coward, Loser, Liar, Homosexual and Black.
________________________________
Karen, I agree with you 100%. The dimwits among us (Americans) have flocked to obama.
43. Susan | 09.03.08
Hey Judy,
Lets not get into a debate about who’s words are being used. Biden ripped of a speech from a politician in England, and Obama was borrowing lines from Deval Patrick during the primary. Remember the line, “that’s change you can Xerox?”
44. jj | 09.03.08
This whole thing is a joke….a condescending pick to satisfy the ignorant prtion of America….which unfortunately was 51% of the Country 4 years ago. Go out to the middle of Montana, go into a snowmobile shop and ask a random woman there if she is ready to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency in 7 years…..is that a bad way to pick our next leader???? Oh….but Palin is an excellent choice huh. McOld would have been better off picking a box of laundry detergent saying “it’s going to help me clean up Washington”…it wouldn’t have been any more of a joke.
45. John | 09.03.08
Her accent and voice sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Admitted or not, Sara Palin is going to turn a lot of men off. Sexism is bone deep.
46. Mary McCurry | 09.03.08
Gov. Palin is a very intelligent and articulate executive who is able to speak publicly using both specifics and eloquence. Her public speaking abilities are easily accessed online using Google. She is also capable of speaking without use of script or teleprompters as was witnessed last Friday when she spoke in Dayton, Ohio. More importantly she has the background and experience from which to speak to a wide audience of citizens of both parties and genders. She has been a very strong and courageous and effective leader as Governor of Alaska doing more in her first two years than many in a lifetime. I wonder how long we will be able to solicit genuinly honest and good leaders in government if we continue to trash everyone and their families publicly and privately. It is such a deterrent to quality civic leaders and we are only hurting ourselves. I look forward to hearing Gov Palin tonight and much more for years to come. MCCAIN/PALIN ‘08 !!!
47. Dave | 09.03.08
You guys are just unhappy because your socialist boy Barry Hussein is not in the spotlight anymore, and is on the way out. Palin could govern blindfolded with both hands tied behind her back better than Obama could with a full team of experienced advisors, since about he has ever done is vote “present” in the senate and blow off a whole lot of hot air.
“HOPE” is not a plan.
The DNC will realize it’s collosal error in choosing Barack come Novemember, and America will see Obama for what he is - a flash in the pan.
48. JJike | 09.03.08
McCain did not have much of a choice in picking this VP candidate. It is the republican machine calling the shots. The likes of KRove etc.
Palin was picked by big oil. This model has worked for the repubs. A weak president, strong VP backed by big oil. Come on, not too long ago every hardcore Repub hated J. McCain. Now they like him cause they can call the shots thru Palin…
McCain = Bush = Puppet
Palin = Cheney = Big Oil
49. Zigzag | 09.03.08
My favourite part about “Jay Robert Nash”’s rant was decrying “right-wing fascists”…and then, in the same paragraph, attempting to recruit vigilantes to suppress criticism of the ruling party by violent means. And then spouting off nationalistic propoganda.
Seriously, I think my irony detector just exploded.
50. billy | 09.03.08
She is getting brain washed for her debut. She will say what the speech writers want her to say NOT what she wants to say. So, we still won’t know her. Will they put her under lock and key after the speech or when she is asked about something she said will she use the standard, ” I don’t recall”
I’m and independent and think this is a weak ticket but believe anyone is better than Mrs. Lieberman’s little boy, Joey
51. R. A. Davis | 09.03.08
Nobody wants to say it, but McCain’s selection of Palin was not just a political masterstroke. It’s also a clear message that McCain has left the GOP’s neocon reservation.
This is not gonna be politics as (yawn) usual. Going generally unreported are some heavy background issues–nothing to interrupt the ballgame, mind you, just trivial stuff like a looming US economic meltdown, articles of impeachment, and World War Three.
Wake Up And Stay Tuned.
52. jerry | 09.03.08
I feel sorry for her (Palin)…
anybody remember back in “91 was it
when that gang of old generals Kidnapped
gorbachev and then they held that joint
press conference and that one old skaMMER
who was the leader of the pack, doing most of the talking -
his hands were shaking so Bad
al the way up to the shoulders
now maybe he had some kinda disease (shaking disease)
but i’d like to think that he was
Scared Shitless and just couldn’t
contro;l himself cuz he knew at that
moment that he/they were doomed…
Palin might have more personal ambition
the need to succeed ala condy rice (the war criminal
condee rice) but i don’t give her a snowballs chance
in **** of convincing anyone of anything
especially voting for mcCain…
And i hope “They” diG up the Real Dirt
on that lady - and expose her for what she really is…
can you say Eagleton…
they’ll prob’ly have to make an emergency change
in october for Lieberman…
good luck mcCain - i hope you don’t take a single state
53. Sue | 09.03.08
She is against abortion , what about abondenment ? Having friends with disable children, they require time and love. Who will care for her new infant, that baby needs her love and attention, not a nanny. Like she will have time to be that mother. This feels like an afternoon low budget movie with a ****** ending. He is old, She is young with NO experience. It is sad. We are looking like all politics and not caring about the people. How can McCain think she can run our country. It was a slap in Americas face………. I am still in shock.
54. Lauren | 09.03.08
If tonight is anything like last night “God Help Us”. I couln’t help thinking looking out at last nights audience, a sea of “white faces”, all they needed were “flap hats and a rifle” and they would all look like an audience of “Elmer Fuds”!! What has happened to our country, no wonder we are the laughing stock of the world.
55. Cathy | 09.03.08
I, for one, look forward to hearing what she has to say. I can’t imagine being in the cross fire of this country’s viscious media and bloggers and maintaining the professionalism, decorum, and ability to agressively stand for what she believes is right for her country and family as this woman has. I don’t know who has written her speech, but I seriously doubt that she has had nothing to do with it — just as I seriously doubt Obama entirely wrote his own speech. Let’s just see what she has to say and stop attacking each other in the meantime. We are supposed to be a unified and strong nation - not just a bunch of political side-takers bashing the life out of each other online.
56. Deborah Thorsson | 09.03.08
To Jay Robert Nash:
Do you care about the policies each represent or just the personal issues?
57. jj | 09.03.08
Yeah, this woman is a fine example of wholesome American families….leave your husband and 4 kids in hopes of running off to D.C…..she has a 4 month old (maybe it’s her daughter’s) and a 17 year old pregnant child and a husband that works on oil rigs in Alaska….are they going to pack up the whole family (including the sudden addition of their ******* soon to be son-in-law)like the Beverly Hillbillies and move to D.C.???? My god, we really are trying to make this Country a joke to the world aren’t we? This would be a bad television sitcom and some people are planning to vote for it…..ugh, maybe one day the entire Country will be like Alaska…..very very vacant.
58. Mrniceguy | 09.03.08
I am still doing my homework, but I have to say, I like her. It is not often I hear of a Gov. or national politician being a mavrick, taking on big money to do the right thing. Our national debt is out of control largely due to pork barrel spending and misguided legislation. I am not happy with many Bush decisions. I know McCain has voted with him 90% of the time, BUT, the difference, that 10%, is all the major stuff.. I mean, those were the votes that could change someones life style, or even life. I just can bring myself to vote for Obama, with only 143 days of experience in the senate.. no achievements to speak of.. and many questionable friends, some of who are convicted felons.. This is no joke, I can’t see putting another dirty deal maker in the White House.
59. Rei | 09.03.08
Let’s pre-cover a few myths from Palin’s speech tonight:
“I’m a PTA mom…”
No, you were a PTA mom for a few years when Track (your eldest) was in elementary school.
“… a hockey mom…”
For a few years as well.
“… experienced…”
My high school had over half as many people as Wasilla had residents. And you didn’t even really run Wasilla; you had a city administrator for that. The programs that you insisted on, however, did manage to turn Wasilla from a city of no debt to one over $20 million in debt. Even during your (very brief) stint as governor, you were only in charge of as many people as the mayor of Fort Worth, Texas.
“… a reformer…”
Probably the most brazen claim. You accumulated more scandals during your time in elected office, from Troopergate to Mat Maid to firing people for supporting other candidates to trying to fire a librarian for refusing to ban books (and on and on and on) than anyone could possibly cover by the time of the election. You were so successful at lobbying for earmarks that tiny Wasilla gets almost as much money in federal earmarks as Boise. You were Ted Stevens’ PAC chair, and took money from the same convicted VECO exec. You were an initial champion of the “Bridge to Nowhere”, and only changed your tune when it became politically expedient — but then you kept the money for the bridge. Oy, I could go on for ages!
60. Chris | 09.03.08
Levi Johnston is a pedophile who lives in Alaska. This is Levi second child, his first was with a 13 year old girl. True republican family values.
What a wonderful choice McCain made. Palin is a real deal, just like us: her husband arrested for DUI, her brother in law arrested for shooting his 11 year old son with a stazer gun, she fought against protecting polar bears so more oil pipe lines could be created in the wilderness, she sought special pork barrel deals for her community, she pretended to be pregnant to hide her first childs pregnancy and claims its her first child (if you’ve seen the pictures on the internet it is obvious who the mother is and it is not Mrs. Palin), she tried to use her power and position to get family members jobs with the state and she was the member of a party that worked to have Alaska secede from the United States.
Jee, she’s just like me….not!
61. Karolyn | 09.03.08
Jay Robert Nash: You have no proof regarding Obama… shame on you. You are promoting violence on your own ‘gut feeling’and acting like the fanatical male. You give the Independent voter a bad name.
62. Jeff | 09.03.08
I bet $100 that she doesn’t discuss ANY policy points or ANY of her political positions. The speech was written for the VP before she was even selected, so most of it is going to be standard attacks on “liberals” and Obama, with some recent additions to fill in her “maverick” and “corruption fightin’ ways”, along with the story of her humble upstart. In other words, its going to be a speech with no substance.
63. Vera | 09.03.08
Jay Robert Nash,
I am not a left wing fanatical male, and I refrain from making personal attacks on either Sarah Palin, her family, or her children.
The key issue for me is this: is Sarah Palin ready to be President of the United States?
George W. Bush is our 43rd president. 10 VPs have needed to step into the role as President due to natural death, assassination, or resignation. That’s a 1 in 4 chance, not even counting McCain’s age OR health.
Now let’s consider age and health. John McCain is 72 years old. He’s had 3 melanomas. Per an expert, “The chances that Vice President Sarah Palin would have to take over from President John McCain if they were elected could be as high as 40%, since McCain has about a 20% chance of dying in office, and a much higher risk of becoming disabled from a variety of conditions, including a stroke or Alzheimer’s, both diseases which can impair judgment and where the risks increase very rapidly with age,” notes Professor John Banzhaf of George Washington University. “These figures do not include his increased risk of death from his multiple bouts of deadly melanoma skin cancer, a condition which could reoccur, and which recent research shows also increases the risks of developing other types of cancer.”
So — is Sarah Palin really qualified to run this country? Do you want to take a 40% gamble of it happening?
I, for one, say not. Absolutely not.
64. JohnQPublic | 09.03.08
It may surprise some to know that the average American voter is not likely to be mislead by all of the far left bloggers out there or by the liberal media onslaught against Sarah Palin.
When Obama went to Germany to read a teleprompter speech designed to appeal to America’s critics it backfired. This attempt will too.
65. Bob C | 09.03.08
What deseves reading is the accounts of capture and treatment. His injuries were the result of a bad egress from the plane. The farmer that saved his *** was ignored by McCain for his enitre career.
He “Was” singled out for special treatment as he was recognized as an Admirals son. He was to be used for propaganda and was to some extent. No one has said he lifed a life of luxury, but he was given special treatment.
His account of it is one of extreme torture and the harsh treatment, somewhere in between is the Truth.
Some of the Viet Nam Vets against McCain know for sure and their stories or often burried.
66. Preston Jewett | 09.03.08
To Jay Robert Nash
You are going to vote for someone for an important political office simply because of an act of heroism done 30 some years ago and because the choice for VP is being questioned? If the Republicans win for these reasons American deserves all it will get under another Republican administration.
67. john | 09.03.08
In the first real decision of what could be John McCain’s presidency, he bungled it.
… looking more like Bush everyday.
68. Wayne WW | 09.03.08
Jay Nash
Hmm, so you like to expose the propaganda, yet fall into the same trap we do every four years and divide ourselves not on issues, but on petty disagreements? Is it necessary that every President have fought in war? If Obama stayed poor, you would say, “Work it out and improve yourself.” Yet if he does that, then he is an academic weenie? Is there a middle range college you would think would have better served him? How uninspired and unambitious is good enough for you? Being shot down isn’t a prerquisite for leadership, merely a function of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have never voted for a democrat in my life, and i don’t know who i am voting for yet. i do know, however, that I am tired of my rights being infringed, my treasury being raped, and my contemporaries being maimed and killed for resources that are only need because we never developed a comprehensive energy plan.
69. Barry Hudson | 09.03.08
You people jut don’t get it. This is the first time in history where a real person is nominated for a top office that is not a Beltway snob. She is you and me. Facing everyday real problems that some/most families try to hide as your dirty little secret. She believes in the rights of the unborn and her daughter is proving that. Would her having an abortion make her a better person to the Democrats? I hope not. Joe, the long time Beltway guy, is there choice. He is there to advice Obama on what he needs to know and say as “business as usual.” I have seen reports that although George Bush is not the best, the Congress has a MUCH lower marks than him. Whether Republican or Democrat, most don’t get it. The American people can’t find leaders to run our country and the business of the country. We all know that those people stay in PRIVATE Business because of three things: 1. The microscope that they would be under 2. Most company people don’t get shot at the office 3. Sorry to say, the money they receive for the work that they do.
Here is Obama, just as the speech of the other Joe said, a very intelligent guy, who might be a leader in the future. At least he hasn’t borrowed a gun and got a new hunting coat (with the ticket still on it) yet to go Goose Hunting.
If I hear one more person say, I am voting for ????, because they are the lessor of two evils, one more time.. well, what I am saying…. it will continue to happen again…. because everyone is the same…. until now.
My evaluation…. Sarah, is the first person that really is what people want. Yes, she has made mistakes. WE ALL HAVE. Yes, her children are not perfect, but either are yours.
Obama is not NEW and Different. Socialism, Capitalism, and even Communism in their purest forms are not bad. It is when they mix it up with other “isms” that make it bad.
Open your heads and NOT your hearts in this case. We need real people to lead. Someone you would not be scared to sit down and have a cup of coffee, iced tea, or a cold beer. That is the real American… not the SUITS that propose to lead us.
70. Robert Johnson | 09.03.08
I was raised Roman Catholic and they endores abstinence. I guess all this hatred is addressed at my church as well
71. Mishkin | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin was once a sportscaster and should be able to flawlessly deliver the words of the speechwriter. But we should not confuse the words that come out of her mouth tonight with the inner workings of her own mind. I expect more distortion of the truth. Like when she claimed she told the federal government she did not want the bridge to nowhere, even though she lobbied for it. Or maybe she will explain how she cleaned up corrupt Alaskan politics, even though she ran a 527 for Senator Ted Stevens and hired an attorney to push back her deposition, in her own state’s ethics investigation of her alleged abuse of power until after the election. When she says country first, does she mean Alaska with the United States of America. After all, she appears to be associated with a secessionist group, of which her husband was a member and she addressed this spring. I believe our first Republican president fought against secession of our last Republican president was very into running out the clock on subpoenas and ethics investigations.
72. Cathrine | 09.03.08
I believe she’ll have some input into what was written and I’m sure she’ll deliver it fervor. However, I am interested to hear what she has to say, and find out more direct information about her experience.
Her family and her working outside the home means nothing to me, nor does the fact that she is a woman. It’s about the best person for the job isn’t it? It’s about being Commander in Chief if something should happen to McCain or Obama, isn’t it? “Commander” has no gender.
That being said, shame on you Jay.
73. Rei | 09.03.08
Oh, I forgot a couple::
“… devoted mother of five children…”
Not all of your children live with you. You’re lucky you have the extended family that you do.
“… believe in small government…”
Wasilla underwent its greatest government expansion under your watch (with tax revenues up 38% during your tenure, and you *still* went into major debt)
74. Clif | 09.03.08
Jeremy,
Why doesn’t anyone question whether men can handle children and a career? Joe Biden was considered a big hero after his wife died and he went to washington every day. No one asked Jimmy Carter how he would care for Amy, Bill Clinton how he would care for Chelsay or JFK how he would care for John Junior.
You sir, are a sexist.
75. Wayne WW | 09.03.08
To R Charles
Preach on brother. The theocrats are incessant and will try to control everyone who is different than them. There are a million ways to reach the finish line of life. I wouldn’t want to hang out with people all cloned in the image of Hagee or Falwell. Ughhhhh. Get out of my personal business. It is hard to take the freedom message to heart when you are only free to conform to a craped out and faulty ideal.
76. June B. Cater | 09.03.08
As a great-grandmother who is also an Independent, I view McCain’s of Sarah P. choice with a jaundiced eye. I am family oriented and also retired career gal and also great grandma… I say what has she really accomplished in human terms? And if you listen to her speech with a keen ear, you will hear a flat nasal voice which is rather unpleasant. As one sensitive to the sount of the English Language spoken in pleasant listenable ways, she flunks. Both Michelle, Hillary and Barack are far better. Oh yes, She knows how to look good and put herself accross–oh yes. And she knows it. But this can women a uneasy and watchful.. And what of her husband? Is he around? Deceased? Inanimate? No one has mentioned him and surely divorce is something she would eschew. Does he have any views, ar are his views simply “Palin” before her glamour and forcefulness? So far, she has achieved nothing for humankind to my knowledge which would make me respect her in human terms. Professing religion is something anyone can do who wishes to without even knowing what they are taling about. But giving out compassion? Love for humanity? Where is that???? Many agnostics are better at it. Of course I will listen. ;But I do not expect to be impressed.
77. Jerome Thomas | 09.03.08
By nature, I tend to afford troubled people and families the benefits of all doubts. Ms. Palin’s family dramas would be easily dismissed in the vacuum of ordinary familial anonymity. But Sarah Palin’s last-minute selection, Baby Gate, John McCain’s abreviated vetting of her, the piecemeal disclosures and her party’s seemingly desperate rush to rationalization are troubling, especially in the context of the possibility of her becoming president of the United States. Her selection puts lie to John McCain’s claim of Barack Obama’s lack of experience and Republicans’ absurd assertion that Palin is “more experienced” than Barack Obama and Joe Biden. It is obvious to the most casual observer that John McCain’s reputation as a maverick springs from the same myopic, dismissive and impulsive arrogance as George Bush’s self-description as “The Decider.” Predictably, evangelical leaders, right wing pundits and so-called Christian conservatives fall into hypocritical lock step to defend McCain’s train wreck of bad choices, suspicious motives and practical and moral values. Both McCain and Palin’s family histories are spotty. Sordid may not be too strong a word. Right wing attacks on Barack’s race, religion, cultural origins and political accomplishments reveals the McCain camp as duplicitous at best and evil at worst. Barack has remained above the fray. His demonstrated family values and qualifications to be our President are impeccable. To vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin over Barack Obama and Joe Biden would rank as an insult to real American values and substance - both familial and political - and perpetuate Republicans’ relentless assault on this great country. - Jerome Thomas
78. Rich in the Heartland | 09.03.08
I love it. Palin has stolen the show. Obama who?
I hope the hapless left keeps up the attacks.
I didn’t realize that the dem’s think that women shouldn’t have important jobs (you guys forgot the barefoot and pregnant part).
Oh yeah, speaking of pregnant, I didn’t realize that dem’s don’t have personal problems and that their children are all perfect (even the ones they hide away. Right John? Right Jesse?).
I don’t know if Palin is the best choice, but it seems to me that as a working mom with a number of family challenges she is more like America than any other of the candidates including McCain.
79. Felton Evans | 09.03.08
I wonder if her pastor will be vetted. I wonder how many women really know how she feels about things that matter to most of them. I wonder if Obama’s daughter was going to have a baby if the Dobsons and the Rushes and the Lou Dobbs and the Hannitys would be so understanding. Or would they say (if you cannot run a family how are you going to run a country. And what about sex education.
80. Gordon | 09.03.08
To Jay Robert Nash
How gallent of you to ride to the defense of Gov Palin. Of course you didn’t mention that she willingly threw her 17 year old daughter to the media just so she could advance her political career.
Also I don’t remember you standing up and defending Mrs. Obama when the right wing was spreading lies about her patriotism.
You are a hipoctate Mr. Nash. A hypoctate.
81. Preacher | 09.03.08
To Judi: Sure Obama wrote his own speech–it’s the same words we’ve heard from him for the last 20 months!
82. Jim | 09.03.08
Jeremy,
The “country first” motto had no attacks in it.No name calling, no us vs them in it. It has a ring of authenticity to it. Everything about McCain’s life over the last several decades has demonstrated that he cares about country first- even when it’s hard and even when members of his own party disagree with him. He has gone against Republicans on several occasions. I may not agree with everything he says but at least you got to give him credit. He doesn’t wait to see which way the political wind blows to make a decision. If he sees a good idea he’ll support it whether it comes from the Democrat or Republican party. Obama’s empty motto of “Change you can believe in” however, rings hollow. ANYBODY can say “I’m different!” “I’m not like all the others who spout empty promises and BS!” “I will give you the moon and the stars and magically make the world a better place!” “I will end American dependence on oil in 10 short years!” “I’ll give you health care for free and anything else we can think of for free!” “Oh, and I’ll do all this while cutting your taxes and creating more jobs and, and, and,… like,… like… it’ll be better!”
Did you listen to Obama’s speech? It had 3 parts, but part 1 and 3 were in opposition to one another. Part 1 he railed against Bush and the Republicans. He was angry.He was partisan. Then in Part 3 he talked about how he would “Change” the tone of Washington politics; how he would rise above the partisanship.He’s going to be the model of getting along with both sides of the aisle. He can’t have it both ways. In part 1 he said all the same traditional, old ideas that nearly all Democratic politicians have said for decades.And he excelled in his bitter, partisan delivery while doing it! HOW IS THIS CHANGE? John McCain AND Sarah Palin have both demonstrated a contempt for wasteful spending and a penchant for doing the less popular thing if they believe it’s right for the country. When has Obama sacrificed something that cost him political capital,let alone his freedom?He voted “present” 130 times in the Senate!Is this really leadership?Is this “change you can believe in” or is it doing the politically “safe” thing?
83. Lauren | 09.03.08
Chris, I am not for Sarah Palin or McCain but would like to know how you know Levi Johnston had another child with a 13 yr. old?
84. GCarlisle | 09.03.08
Those who are quick to judge Governor Palin should look long and hard at their choice of candidate.
What experience does your Presidential candidate have in foreign affairs, economic policy, overseeing a bipartisan system ……….
I do give credit to Mr. Obama ability to give a good speech, but what has he done other than just that…….. He has and led you down a primrose path by telling you what you want to here. What actual credibility are you basing his ability to make these proposed changes and at what costs?
Those lashing out at Governor Palin inexperience should reconsider their Presidential pick and those who judge her character are ……!!!!!
85. Tom - PA | 09.03.08
[quote]Honestly, I’d like to know what Gov Palin actually knows, or understands, about domestic & foreign policy issues.[/quote]
What does Obama Know about it? Amount of time served in the US Senate John McCain - 22 YEARS; Obama - 173 DAYS
[quote]Wednesday, September 03, 2008 Time On-Line
Foreign policy experience — or rather his lack of it — has been one of the chief arguments used against Barack Obama in his run for the Democratic Presidential nomination. In endorsing his rival Hillary Clinton this week, the Des Moines Register called Obama “inspirational,” but worried that “with his relative inexperience, it’s hard to feel as confident he could accomplish the daunting agenda that lies ahead.” Clinton herself has criticized Obama sharply for his suggestion that the four years he spent living in Indonesia as a child helped him develop a world view and gives him credence on the world stage. “Voters will judge whether living in a foreign country at the age of 10 prepares one to face the big, complex international challenges the next President will face,” Clinton, the former First Lady who has spent seven years on the Senate Armed Services Committee, told supporters Nov. 20 in Shenandoah, Iowa. “I think we need a President with more experience than that.”
[/quote]
86. Steelcity36 | 09.03.08
As an independent voter I was squarely on the side of Obama especially after he shored up his lack of experience with the selection of foreign policy czar Joe Biden. He addressed his lack of experience with someone who could offer advice and praise or criticize his viewpoints. He accepted Biden into his circle as a cohort somebody who would be listened to and not just an empty office.
McCain selected an individual that shares his core beliefs and is a polarizing public figure. She is someone who doesn’t have the experience on a national level, but understands the executive role in government as opposed to the legislative role. She knows how to take a stand and stick to her decisions. She isn’t a Mitt Romney or Rudolph Giuliani but she has the ability to be with some guidance.
Over the last two days I have listened to the harshest, most mean spirited criticism I have ever heard in modern politics. It literally is making me sick to my stomach to think that the Press and to a point the Democratic party would stoop so low as to bring a 17 year old girl and a downs syndrome baby to the forefront of a Presidential election and also question the abilities of a woman with a family to hold the 2nd highest office in America. The giddy nature of the reporting and discussions is unforgivable. I am ashamed that American Politics has become so slimy and disgusting.
Good luck to Sarah Palin! I am still an undecided voter, but I for one am pulling for Sarah Palin to hit one out of the park tonight! This election should be decided on the issues of the day and not the life of a 17 year old pregnant girl, the ability of working mothers to be successful in the workplace, someones association with their minister or how they purchased their house.
87. Robin Landseadel | 09.03.08
Sarah Palin will not truly be tested till she’s without a script. Like she’ll be in the upcoming debate with Joe Biden.
Till the time she has to answer questions directly, her involvement in the Veep game is just another distracting bit of “Reality TV.” Judging from remarks made by the Governor of Alaska so far, she ought to fold like cub scout tent in Katrina once she’s confronted by real reporters like Amy Goodman or Bill Moyers.
89. Marlies Epton | 09.03.08
It is a sad day in our country when a candidate for VP is chosen to help the “party” win — what about the country and its people? So called “intelligent” analysts/Republicans have called McKain’s move “brilliant”. I think we are being more divided amongst ourselves than ever. Please, God, let Obama be president, then there is a chance we might actually recover.
90. Barry Hudson | 09.03.08
To Jerome and others
Do you remember as a kid, you know, before you became so brilliant, and all you cared about was having fun? You remember that game when you whispered to a friend something and by the time it got thru 10 kids, the answer had changed from a pig, to a spotted cow, or whatever?
That is what ALL of you don’t understand….. SPIN it all you want…. Sarah is this. Obama is that. Johnny Mac is JUST a war hero…not a leader. Listen to yourselves PEOPLE. STOP, TAKE A BREATH, and think what you are saying. OUR Country has real issues and problems. Our own MEDIA talks bad to others around the World. WE are hated…..not because WE are Democrats or Republicans. People from different cultures JUDGE us or perceive us as ????. Yet millions want to move here. Go Figure!
The best example of this is on the WEST COAST…. California people move to other states and take their ideas with them…. more states hated this….now Oregon, Washington, and Nevada have started to become them.
This is exactly what is not happening with our government . The good old boys from both Parties have had it there way for MANY years and we let them.
Yesterday, the Washington Insiders HATED SARAH, not because she is Republican or Democrat…..my God….How dare her….SHE IS NOT ONE OF US.
91. Chris | 09.03.08
What a wonderful choice McCain made. Palin is a real deal, just like us: her husband arrested for DUI, her brother in law arrested for shooting his 11 year old son with a stazer gun, she fought against protecting polar bears so more oil pipe lines could be created in the wilderness, she sought special pork barrel deals for her community, she pretended to be pregnant to hide her childs first pregnancy and claims its her fifth child (if you’ve seen the pictures on the internet it is obvious who the mother is and it is not Gov. Palin), she tried to use her power and position to get family members jobs with the state and she was the member of a party that worked to have Alaska secede from the United States.
Jee, she’s just like me….not! But at least she smokes pot.
92. Stephanie | 09.03.08
I am appalled that the right wingnuts might actually attract enough voters to win the election! Sarah Palin represents most everything I detest, except for family and I think she’s not too great at that. I’m a strong Christian, but
I don’t want conservative evangelicals pushing their agendas down my throat.
I’m voting for two fine CHRISTIANS in November: Go Obama/Biden!!
93. jim page | 09.03.08
They say McCain is marverck so he picked someone he had met just once.That is what Marvercks do . They act on impulses Not on sound judgment or logic. He or his base saw the Democrats had not picked Hillary with her 18 million suporters. This was an opportunity they couldn’t miss. “We can not let these 18 million votes, mostly women go to waste. Let’s select a woman, to fix the Democrats. Any woman will do, if even she is against anything Hillary Clinton and supporters stand for . It won’t matter with them. Thewy can’t tell the difference . They will just vote for any woman.”John are wrong again this time as you have always been. Do you think we are fools ?You have voted 90% with Bush in all his mismanagement over the last 8 years. You are against womens’rights. You want to overturn Roe v Wa. You are against equal pay. You are against social service funding. You tout yourself a military man but did NOT even vote for the current GI bill. Do you care about veterants, the soilders you and Bush sent to the unnecessary war?They don’t even know where to sleep as you insensitively confess you don’t know how many houses you have. You have fooled us enough with your POW story and your privileged past. You can’t fool us this time.Your lack of judgment in picking Sarah Palin shows what you really mean. “Not country first”.But anything so you can be a president. Say simply,Heck with country, John McCain first !
94. DC | 09.03.08
I tend to agree that Gov. Palin may not be the best candidate for VP, but here’s my problem, she’s a **** of a lot MORE qualified than Sen. Obama.
95. Eddie | 09.03.08
Ana and Lauren Respectfully,
Ana… You are an Idiot. If she was a liberal woman on the Democratic ticket you’d be doing High Fives. Just admit the Double Standard.
Lauren… You are a Bigot. I don’t know if you are African-American, but what I do know that other than Jews the most Despised people in the Mainstream African-American Community are African-American Republicans. Which is Funny because it was the Democrats who Destroyed the Nuclear Man/Wife/Children Black Communities…
96. Sam | 09.03.08
Fellow Republicans Let us face the fact. There is an error in McCain choice of Palin. Let’s be sincere with ourselves and start praying for palin’s family. Palin’s has five children to take care of, The last one has down syndrome; one othe girls is impregnated by an hockey boy, she is still fully responsible to her husband (she is 44); Her other kids still needs direction and attention. For God’s sake there are many other qualified members of the party that can be chosen. Well; lets all start praying for her.
97. Mike | 09.03.08
After this last couple of decades and after reading through all of this, it shows me more then anything that the republicans and democrats are killing this country. It’s like some sort of sport with you people and “Our Team” has to be the winners. Problem is one wins the white house and the other wins the senate/house and nothing gets accomplished. Business as usual.
This country needs more recognized partys then anything else. A two party system is just not working. It’s not a game it’s our lives, so lets just do what’s right and needed, not for which party they run for.
98. LowlyWise | 09.03.08
Careful, everybody, don’t pick on Mrs. Palin too much! You know how Americans like the underdog. Even if they create it by making it first the scapegoat.
If I had any interest in Gov. Palin, it was permanently turned off by the NYTimes article last week that showed her on her office sofa, across the back of which is draped a very large grizzly bear pelt, replete with bared-fangs head. On the coffee table in front of her is a fiberglassed king crab. Good grief!
It’s bad enough that she appears to be less than successful as a mom (but my kids would say the pot shouldn’t call the kettle black). It’s appalling that she wants to drill for oil in the ANWR, and according to some reports has started to do just that, no matter that it’s illegal. It doesn’t bode well for her executive skills that she arbitrarily hires and fires and pushes the envelope on executive privilege. But what really sticks in my craw is this: she approved a big, illegal hunt of protected wolves. You can read more at this URL, and I suggest you sign their petition to stop hunting polar bears while you’re at it: http://www.defendersactionfund.org/
This outrage has gone unnoticed by the press, and I intend to call attention to it on every blog I can, and perhaps call it to the attention of individual reporters.
99. LowlyWise | 09.03.08
Garry Wills in today’s NY Times (September 3) reminisces about 1972, when George McGovern ran for president as the Democratic nominee. Two weeks into the campaign, it came out that Thomas Eagleton, the v-p nominee, had sought hospitalization and therapy for mental problems. Never mind that Mr McG was “1000 per cent” convinced of Eagleton’s fitness, the press and dumbo public hounded the Democrats to the point where McG had to ask him to withdraw from the ticket. Wills recounts this in detail, then speculates about whether something similar might, or ought, to happen with Palin.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/opinion/03wills.html?ref=opinion
100. DBW | 09.03.08
I have to say, being an independent, the left wing media and bloggers are a real turn off. There is so much hypocrisy in these articles attacking Palin’s experience for VP, when Obama’s experience for president is questionable. Of course the right wing bloggers are also a turn off too but they don’t control the media. McCain is as close to the center that independent voters will get.
101. Alan | 09.03.08
The Audacity of BS from some of you guys is ridiculous. You make up all kinds of things to just win the election - how do you know that Barak wrote his own speech, or that Palin did not? One thing I have really come to despise in my 52 years, is a liar. If you bloggers want some credibility, you need to get some integrity. Just state what you know, and be forthright about your true motivations. In days past that was called “civil discourse” - you should give it a try.
As far as Palin’s “radical” views on abortion, contrast that with the Obama position that it is fine if a 9 month baby gets a spike driven into his brain in order to “meet the requirements” for an abortion rather than live birth. To clear this up, all media outlets should run a video of that procedure for all to see during primetime - can you hold your lunch through that? If so, you are probably in the wrong country. Mass infanticide is not going to bring good, as you guys like to say, “karma” to this people. I will take a baby protector over a baby killer any day.
Speaking of country, if you are not an American citizen, keep your blogs about our politics to your miserable self. I will return the favor and allow you to serve your despot unimpeded.
102. jj | 09.03.08
I see one of the IGNORANT MASSES stated about Palin, the snowmobile salesperson, “She is you and me”….NO, SHE ISN’T…..speak for yourself country bumpkin. Lets look at what she REALLY IS:
1) a “mother” that supposedly popped out a child 4 months ago (even though it is one heck of a coincidence that her 17 year old supposedly got pregnant exactly one month before Palin supposedly had her baby but the facts have been muddied up real nice). So, we have a “mother” that is ready to abandon her 4 month old child to hit the road for herself…but that is a true Republican, it’s all about “me”.
2) The former mayor and governor of a town and State that has the population of a small inner-city school. Wow, I guess that means there are literally thousands of people as qualified as her to be VP.
3) A token, plain and simple, if she had a peepee she wouldn’t have been looked at once, let alone twice, as a candidate.
4) A disgrace, making a 17 year old marry her loser boyfriend to make her daughter’s pregnancy “more acceptable” to the ignorant public eye. After, god willing, she loses this election you’ll find a small story online about her daughter’s boyfriend suddenly “out of the picture”.
5) a ME ME ME person…she is going to leave her blue collar oil rig working husband with a 4 month old in Alaska….or is she going to pack up all the youngins, climb into a big ole SUV with the boyfriend, pregnant teen, oilrig hubby, infant, and other kids in tow Beverly Hillbillies style and “move on up to D.C.”????
This Country has become the LAUGHING STOCK OF THE WORLD with the most embarrassing president in the nation’s history for the last 8 years….and repubs want more of it. There is only ONE THING that Palin brings to the table….and that is 4 years of great fodder for comedians that have lived on GW jokes for the past few years….so at least comedians would prosper from her existance.
103. Connie Wilson | 09.03.08
What about the bias shown in the “Us” magazine portraying Palin with the topic “Scandals, lies, pregnancy”, while an earlier issue showed Obama hugging his wife with the topic “Why he loves her”. Come on media- bring it on. I am a Republican woman who is thrilled with the selection. It’s about time we have a non-Washington type running for president.
104. salmo | 09.03.08
If nothing else, this has exposed the liberal as the haters that they are. They claim peace, love and tolerance but espouse hate. They are condeming Palin without actually learning about her. They do not have mind of their own, they only know what they are told. When asked to be logical, the start calling people names. Oh well this will just galvinize the right and move the center to the GOP for this election.
105. Deborah J. | 09.03.08
Palin is more qualified than Obama? Are you crazy? During the 18 months (NOT 2 years)that Palin has struggled with her role as Alaska’s governor, and her approval ratings have continued to drop, Obama has been the executive of an impressive and successful nationwide campaign, with a 50-state strategy. He has been vetted by the American people and has amassed more than 18 million votes. The total population of Alaska is roughly 700,000 people, of which less than 14% voted her into office. Even her mother-in-law does not think she is qualified to be VP. Both the Achorage and Fairbanks dailies have published editorials opposing her as the VP candidate. The Fairbanks newspaper called McCain “reckless” in choosing her. The President of Alaska’s State Senate (a Republican) has stated that Palin ” is not ready to be governor. How could she be ready to be VP or President?” And, “Country First”? Palin is affiliated with the Alaska Independence Party, which advocates secession from the U.S. Take a good, long, hard look at her record. It’s deeply disturbing.
A make or break speech? To paraphrase the Republicans, it is ONLY a speech!
106. Tracy Miller | 09.03.08
Dems have shown themselves to be the most evil, sexist, cut-throat marxists on the planet and it is backfiring even as they rub their evil little hands together.
They’re scared with good reason. Someone from the ranks actually made it the old fashioned way instead of jockeying for position on a career as a politician and the fact that she, her family, her values, and yes, her problems are ALL authentic is killing them.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
107. Amused in DC | 09.03.08
I think that anyone on the democratic side who is criticizing Governor Palin’s speech content should take a break and ponder the plagiarist and babbling “borrower” who is running for vice president on their ticket.
108. ColPash | 09.03.08
Joe Vogler, founder of the American Independence Party to which both Sarah Palin and her husband once belonged, said that he had “no use for America and its damned institutions.” This is extremism, and Sarah Palin should denounce it in her speech tonight. I’m betting she doesn’t, just as I’m betting she won’t come clean on her record on earmarks or her opposition to sex education that isn’t abstinence based. Speaking of which why are all these so-called Christians like James Dobson winking at teenage premarital sex? If Bristol were a welfare mom and her child was on AFDC you’d all be outraged but I guess this is okay because Levi will probably end up in some government patronage job. And as for the “gallant” Jay Robert Nash: Sucker punch me and I’ll kick your ****** Republican ***.
109. mary abrams | 09.03.08
Obama did not write his own speech as previously mentioned. Look on FoxNews.com and you will get your answer. I hope Palin asks Obama how he will raise two kids if he is president and what he will do if one of his daughters become pregnant. It has no bearing on whether she can run the country. Seems like his wife has been the one running the household while he has been campaigning and no one has said anything about that. Everyone is human except Obama. He thinks he is the next Messiah and alot of people think is is the anti-Christ. Obama bin laden is who he acts like. Why does he consider himself to be the first black presidential candidate anyway? If others came before him, then would he choose black or white? His mom is white but he denoces the white race. You want him to be the next president???
110. Tropunlim | 09.03.08
To Jay Robert Nash:
Sarah Palin is a hypocrite because she supports abstinence except in the case of her own daughter. And if I ever see you, I’d love to see you try to hit me.
Go america.
111. john | 09.03.08
This election will either redeem or destroy America, McBush voted againist the MLK holiday at the age of 50, threatened Russia with violence and chose a VP after a 15 minute interview, he stumbled on the nomination. c’mon idiots wake up! Bush rigged the 2000 election, scared you into a second term [terror alerts: green, orange, red, BS]. Just look the issues, it’s so simple, policy wise the GOP will keep things the same, they havn’t even denied it.
112. Sharon | 09.03.08
How can Tropunlin label Palin a hypocrite because SHE “teaches” abstinence, yet her DAUGHTER chooses not to follow that teaching? This is exactly why I rarely ever read these type posts. Sounds like Tropunlin needs to go back to 6th grade and learn the true meaning of a hypocrite. They were probably smoking weed and missed English class that day.
113. john | 09.03.08
Hey Mary..
Obama has two and she has five and a grandchild on the way. Unrelated: the woman is a Radical and weather you like it or not America is very diverse and you have to at least have the appearance of being tolerant.
114. Juliette Vaucaire, Esq. | 09.03.08
I’m a lifelong democrat and feminist. I supported Hillary. Now I’m for Sarah. It is sad to see all of you fellow democrats blind folded by partisanship… All of you are attacking a woman who will be our next president (after McCain’s one term). She has galvanized public opinion in just a few short days… She’s a great speaker! She’s a maverick! She’s a great woman! And I’m thrilled that one of us has finally made it to the top. It was time! Never another season of silence! Godspeed Sarah!
Juliette Vaucaire, Esq.
115. KMH KMH | 09.03.08
The bottom line is that Sarah has electrified the GOP and women as a whole.
The hysterical paranoia from left wing bleeding heart namby pamby Democrats is proof enough that this woman scares the living **** out of them.
Women are moving toward Palin in astounding numbers and has Obama on the run.
116. Chris | 09.03.08
I could care less about Palin’s daughters pregnancy, whether or not she should work or not as the VP having children. All I care about are her views on this country and its policies. I’m very excited about Palin’s speech and contray to many I doubt her speech was written prior to her being selected. Secondly I also doubt it will lack substance as Obama’s speech did. Mrs Palin actually has a record to talk about, regardless of the Lefts attempts to degrade Palin’s experience she has made executive decisions. So what if she was the only the mayor of a small town and the governor of Alaska. Does that make her decisions any easier? I doubt it! Neither Obama or Biden have ever made life or death decisions on the fly, I’m not saying Palin has either but she has made decisions that affect the people of her states lives. I suspect her speech will be more to the point and less about broad brush strokes, she actually has examples of her experience to discuss. Obama’s speech was filled with the same old hope and change change and hope no substance. We are all so lucky to live in this country and I hope that McCain and Palin can pull off a win so our country doesnt start to resemble mother russia. As it would under Obama’s socialist utopia
117. RON | 09.03.08
PALIN LOVES AMERICA, OBAMA SPENT 20 YEARS LISTENING TO HATRED OF AMERICA BECAUSE HE FEELS THAT WAY.
118. mark | 09.03.08
Frankly, I don’t like either of the two candidates. I don’t trust them. Just 8 years in this country, and I’m already sick of both extremes, left and right! This country needs a smart woman at the top for a change, a real change! I’ll vote for Sarah. And I look forward to seeing her running for the president next term!
119. james bush, esq | 09.03.08
This is just plain scary, people voting for a sex rather than experience. Here’s some news America, when foreign leaders are considering their relationship with this Country and we send a snowmobile shop owner with 18 months experience governing moose and bears, no matter what his/her gender, we, as a Country, will look like much bigger fools than we have for the past 8 years. God help America and it’s ignorant media-crazed fools.
Values? This woman has values?????? Yes, a woman that has an infant and a pregnant teen at home running off to D.C. and forcing her daughter to marry another child to make her pregnancy look more acceptable to the foolish voters shows some real family values.
120. Ma Kettle | 09.03.08
You go, girl! Give ‘em heck, Sarah! Bash those neo-Marxist media types right where it hurts. How can anyone even DARE infer that this woman is not the single-best prepared and qualified Republican on the planet to be Sen. McCain’s VP choice? Her resume clearly indicates she’s more than ready to stand a heartbeat away from the oval office and fill in the top spot when it will all-too-likely be required of her. Besides, she’s just like us, right? Who among us doesn’t enjoy shooting the occasional moose from a speeding snowmobile, plunging into an icy river and catching a hurtling Chinook salmon bare-handed, grizzly bear style? Besides, those Obamas don’t share our values and are alarmingly different, even “elitist,” huh?(Code words “secret Muslim”, “angry black woman”, Angela Davis clone and “uppity” may be substituted as needed here.) Anyway, those little Obama girls are way too cute and wholesome looking to be real, don’t you think? What hockey team have they ever played on? And I’m willing to bet you a pound of my best caribou milk mozzarella that THEIR mom has never wrestled a polar bear or even skinned an arctic wolf for that matter. Sarah is the spitting image of every June, Jane or Jean Doe in America!
Let’s hear it for those good old fashioned “family values” and climb on board for one heck of a sleigh ride across the “bridge to nowhere”. In fact I’m so giddy about all this I think I’ll just do the can can all the way to Ketchikan!
121. Biggin | 09.03.08
Wow! You all really underestimated this woman on her speech tonight! Looks like your in bad shape now.
122. T961585 | 09.03.08
Blogging is not tied to truth and accountibility like REAL journalism.
Instead, you win your hits (=$$) on SPIN SPIN SPIN! As long as you create a good controversy or take a spectacular position, you can bring an audience.
I am sure it was not the intention of news agencies to BECOME the news. But often this is what has happened since the internet age. Blogging sites often beat the REAL news to the sccops but we also tend to get sensationalistic half truths about candidate’s lives.
I saw the webpages by DailyKos before they were taken down. At least you’ve got some sense of decency here at CSmonitor. You can’t imagine what goes through a web page editor when he thinks he can drag a DOWNS baby through a political gauntlet just to discredit his mother.
123. Mom | 09.04.08
Wow…. I think the polls will be interesting tomorrow! Sarah kicked butt AND took names!!!! She is brilliant.
Why are you Hussein supporters comparing her experience to his… compare it to John’s he is the presidential candidate and a darn fine one at that… at least we don’t have to fear that he will suck up to terrorists like Hussein plans to.
124. MOM | 09.04.08
I wouldn’t let Palin babysit my kids let alone make decisions about their futures.
McCain is absolutely condescending and insulting with his pick. His regime (not hers–she is not the presidential candidate as so many are forgetting) is looking to be as anti-woman and child as they come, dressed up as a suburban mom trained to smile and read off teleprompters.
Responsible parents will stay away from the McCain-Palin ticket. They’ll give your kids religion (something that should be the parents–not the government’s job), but education, time with their parents and access to health care is going straight down the toilet.
126. Dawny | 09.04.08
Thank goodness I saw this article – this am. I thought, am I living on another planet? This woman could be running our country if god forbid McCain’s skin cancer reoccurs. She has NO SUBSTANCE to her speech but bash the Obama camp. Obama made points but he didn’t bash, between her and Guliani (sp?) I was disgusted, no class and all lies. Sorry, but Sarah needs to fact check before making a speech and she sounded like she was running for the PTA not the VP. I am insulted that because I personally liked Hillary that the Republicans feel any woman would do, she and Hillary are Ying and Yang – I liked Hillary’s views NOT Sarah. Besides, what did Sarah say she was going to do for our country and economy last night? Oh wait, she didn’t, she said how great McCain was, how bad Obama was and how she got rid of a private jet when she first came on board in Alaska – she reminds me of Reese in Legally blonde only Reese was more intelligent!
This is bad, very bad!
Off my soap box.
PS I don’t care about her family life, I want to know what her plan is and she told me everything I needed to know last night. I just prey the rest of the country isn’t as ignorant as she lead us to believe she was. Harsh but how I feel.
Article that echos my thoughts:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check
127. Betty | 09.04.08
Interesting? No mention of the investigations back in AK! Or her husband’s membership (or her involvement) in the AIP secessionist organization. Only attacks on Sen. Obama and belittling being a community organizer.
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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. ericmiami | 09.03.08
She’s not giving a speech tonight. Instead, she will gut a live moose using only her teeth. That should make everyone forget all those nasty little rumors.