Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin went after the Democratic ticket repeatedly in her speech Wednesday night at the Republican convention. (Mary Knox Merrill/Staff)
With rousing convention speech, Palin becomes a force in McCain candidacy
Lukewarm before, conservatives are now ready to work for the GOP ticket, delegates say.
By Linda Feldmann | Staff writer/ September 4, 2008 edition
Reporter Linda Feldmann Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night.
Reporter Linda Feldmann
St. Paul, Minn.
They didn’t call her “Sarah Barracuda” in high school for nothing.
Normally, vice-presidential nominees don’t end up swinging the outcome of a presidential race, political scientists like to say. It’s the top of the ticket that nearly all voters base their decisions on. But this is a year in which a running mate – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the No. 2 to GOP nominee John McCain – could make a difference.
She has burst onto the national stage with such force, casting Senator McCain in a whole new light, that most engaged voters can’t help but have an opinion.
The question is, does Governor Palin help or hurt McCain’s chances? After her big speech Wednesday night at the Republican convention here, in which she delivered sharp rhetoric against the Democratic ticket and her critics and extolled her own virtues as a small-town, small-state executive and hockey mom, there was no doubt party regulars were enthralled.
“I pity Biden,” says Coy Morton, an alternate delegate from Charlotte, Mich., speaking of the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, Joseph Biden. “She’s going to tear him up.”
Mr. Morton, a retired crane operator, was worried that his party had been inching to the left – and that even if conservatives would still vote for McCain, they would not volunteer for him. But no more.
“I’m a leader in my township, and we now have boots on the ground we didn’t have before,” says Morton. “All the gals, right-to-life, home-schoolers, were going to vote for McCain, but they weren’t going to work for him. Now they’re going to work for him.”
But for all the conservative faithful who were thrilled with Palin’s address, at least one moderate in the hall wasn’t so sure.
“Right now, I’m not really liking the direction the party is going in,” says Ben Abrams, a senior at the University of Minnesota who attended the convention as a guest. “I caucused for McCain, after [Rudolph] Giuliani dropped out of the race. I viewed him as more of a moderate, but now I see him pandering to the right wing.”
As for independent voters and the overall shape of the race, it will take several days of polling for the full effect of Palin’s speech, and McCain’s Thursday night, to show any impact.
But one thing is certain: Palin’s speech will be discussed for days and weeks to come. In the five days between McCain’s introduction of her as his running mate and her return to public view, she ran a gauntlet of media scrutiny. Her record as governor and, before that, mayor of small-town Wasilla, Alaska, have been probed – and are still being examined. Her teenage daughter’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy, announced just days after Palin’s selection, heightened scrutiny of McCain’s vetting process. Her large family, including a baby diagnosed with Down syndrome, sparked a national discussion about working mothers.
On Wednesday night, Palin took the stage at the Xcel Energy Center loaded for bear – and ready to take on the traditional vice presidential role of attack dog.
“Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my home town,” she said. “And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities.”
She was alluding to Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama’s time in inner-city Chicago as a community organizer, helping low-income residents deal with issues such as housing and schools.
She also went after Senator Obama’s wife, Michelle, who once said that for the first time in her adult life, she was “really proud” of her country. Speaking of people in small-town America, Palin said: “They love their country, in good times and bad, and they’re always proud of America.”
And she went after Obama for one of his biggest campaign gaffes, a private comment during a San Francisco fundraiser that rural Americans are bitter and cling to their guns and religion.
“In small towns, we don’t quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren’t listening,” she said. “We tend to prefer candidates who don’t talk about us one way in Scranton [Pa.] and another way in San Francisco.”
The one unscripted aside in her speech may end up being the most memorable line. “You know what the difference is between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.”
Her willingness to show teeth in her first solo appearance on the national stage gave hope to many in the hall that the troubled Republican Party won’t go down in November without a fight. And to at least one mother in the crowd, Palin gives the party a voice of authenticity.
“I loved that she didn’t try to hide that she’s a mom, and that raising kids is hard, and that she didn’t try to make herself out to be something that she wasn’t,” says Amanda Ficek, a mother of three from Minneapolis. “I just thought she was so real. I’m inspired.”
Ms. Ficek says she’s not concerned that Palin would be a heartbeat away from the presidency, if her ticket wins.
“Do I think Joe Biden is definitely ready to run the country?” she asks. “No, I don’t really think he is either. So that just doesn’t scare me away. I feel like she’s the type who would get in there and figure it out.”
Ficek is another member of the conservative base who is now energized by the GOP ticket in a way that she was not by McCain alone.
“There’s a real possibility that [Palin] could be more important than a typical vice presidential candidate,” says John Green, a political scientist at the University of Akron in Ohio. In helping energize the party’s conservative base, she could be making up for a “perceived deficit” at the top of the ticket, he adds.
But what happens among more moderate, independent voters remains an open question.
Comments
2. Independent Voter | 09.04.08
Independent Voter -
A poll driven speech written by Schmidt and Rove delivered by their newest student Gov. Sarah Palin at the Republican convention.
Her attack with a smile means more negative ads.
Schimidt and Rove can’t spin a extreme-conservative on the issues into a moderate.
She will attempt to draw the Democrats into the mud and fight.
What is disturbing is the attacks on the media. We count on the media to ask the questions we can’t ask but we want to know about.
The Republican tactics against the media are McCarthyism.
This is a Democracy!
3. Sara | 09.04.08
Real Reason why McCain chose Palin : Sexist and condescending
PROOF:
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.
4. Sandy | 09.04.08
ATTENTION KMART SHOPPERS..if you love Jerry Springer and Maury Povich this confrontational perky woman is being offered by the GOP as a less-expensive alternative to Mitt or Rudy.
Read the label. Just because you’re bored with healthcare, economics and our painful wars does not mean that this cheerleader is qualified for the second-highest office in our country.
Suzanne Somers is cute, so is Sarah Palin; so get her a sitcom. Oh wait, she already has one…
5. TRS | 09.04.08
OK so she had a great speech writer and can give a smarmy speech. She’s also common with a twinge of red neck, low life. Imagine her interacting with heads of state. “Hey, Putin! What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull! Lipstick!” She actually said this in her speech. Have some class, Sarah Palin.
6. Charles Petersen Jr | 09.04.08
Obama and Biden should re-apply for ‘community organizers’ jobs NOW !!! Most certainly, they both will need something to do after the November election …
7. Gerald Frimann | 09.04.08
I really think we have seen God start the turning of a political race into a reality of christain Faith, morality and that Americans are behind thier Nation and not hiding behind speeches of making us the next third world nation…. MacCain and Palin I think it can be and will be done…….Palin is the Lords fire of rivelry to uproot untruth….
8. Gregory | 09.04.08
Oh what a surprise! The GOP Vice presidential nominee got a ‘rousing’ reception at the RNC! How unexpected that they would rally around their nominee!
That crowd would have given Scooby Doo a rousing reception if he was the nominee. Thats what they do, they rally. For good, bad, for ugly, the Republican faithful rally behind their leaders, like sheep, reason be damned. Like sheep. With guns.
9. excel | 09.04.08
A die hard Hillary supporter. Sarah is no Hillary. But I got to admit, her convictions are real. I truly dislike charlatans and masquerades.Obama, for political sake, is a Quayle. I cannot believe I will be a born again Republican because of this pretty barracuda.
Fellow Americans, vote. But vote for experience this time.
Let us send a message to the world we too know when we are wrong in our past mistakes.
10. Libby Smithdeal | 09.04.08
All I can say about Palin is it is about time that we had someone to fight for the people and not line their pockets first. I think Obama will set the womens fight for rights in this country back to cave men time. After all Muslim don’t believe women have soulds much less the right to vote! You women out there had better wake up or you will all be walking around in berkas with you heads down. Look how muslims treat their women! Don’t say Obama is not a muslim, regardless of what you see, he is one in his heart and intends to extend their power in this country if he gets elected. People don’t just change their religion over night. And he was not Muslim why doesn’t he go back to his American name of Barry. He is openly flaunting it in our face by going by the name Obama Hussian. I love Palin because she is from a small town, she understands the peoples needs and wants. What can you possible know about the lives of our Americans in a big city? There is too much diversity. It is time to take our country back, and with the help of Palin and McCain I think we will at least be on our way. And she would make a Great President if that should be needed, and what better way to get the experiance for that than to be Vice President. At least she has some experience. Not like Obama who changes like a camelion, the man doesn’t have a clue!
11. Laura Delaney | 09.04.08
Palin repeatedly mocked community organizers to the glee of her Republican audience. She claimed they lack the responsibility she had as mayor of Wasilla. This is another red flag to show that the Republican party just doesn’t get it. We relied heavily on community organizers after Hurricane Katrina when the Bush administration obfuscated their responsibility to assist with the devastation. Community organizers are working throughout this nation, in cities and rural areas, to find housing for the homeless, to keep people employed, to keep our streets safe. They do not deserve to be mocked.
12. JIM | 09.04.08
Before the mindless OHB cult, said experience was bad, and we should get away from the old politics. Change we can believe in. What change has OBH done in his 2 years in government?
Has he stop dealing with crooks like all other politicians. NO
Has he put the countries interest above his own. NO
Has he stopped selling out the interest of the country to large corporate, NO
Was he the first politician to write a book about himself, NO
Was he the first black person to run for the white house, NO
Then what change does he bring to us other then he is the first black to win the nomination. Other then this he is nothing.
OBH states he wants change and has done nothing and has no experience.
Sarah Palin has proved she is the Change we can believe in. she goes after politician in her own party when they a crooks. Fighting for what right and does not wanting hand outs.
This is the change that Sarah Palin, provides. She is the change the country needs.
14. Debbie Harris | 09.04.08
I loved her, loved her speech. If there’s any question about how she’ll handle herself….it was answered last night. As for balancing motherhood and politics, Rudy Guliani said it best…he’s appalled that the question is never asked of a man. GO RUDY….GO SARAH!!!
15. K. Patterson | 09.04.08
It would be so refreshing to have a vice president who was involved in running our country and is transparent, honest and without a secondary profit agenda, who will actually be seen by the voters rather than keeping themselves hidden to play oligarcal power and money games for personal and corporate gain. Palin is going to have the dems for lunch.
16. Dennis Foy | 09.04.08
Last evening as I watched our future Vice President deliver her flawless introduction speech; I was amazed at how unaffected she was and how confidently she present not only herself, but her
family, her roots, her knowledge of being underestimated and the opprotunity it presented. It was a beautiful thing to witness. Total control!
After the speech, I was shocked at what occurred on CNN. They did not know what to do. Rather then address what and how she had presented herself, they went on break. Wolf Blizer was tongue tied. He realized that his all-star line up of commentators were confused, befuddled. This illustrious group was caught off guard, they were expecting Dan Quail and were lock and loaded for the kill. Instead they were presented with a Trumanisque persona and they surrendered. Wolf Blizer suggested we watch the band; as they retreated and had to rethink and rewrite their bias opinion counter arguments. CNN WENT ON BREAK. That tells me that its over, she is the real deal and the democratic party is in disarray.
Their media attacked what they have always said was of the most cherished symbols: Women.
And it backfired on them. They tried to attack her experience; and that backfired on them. (I think one of my favorite Mayors put an end to that idea.) They attempted to pigeon hole her as hockey mom, and that backfired on them. What was the line? Lipstick = bull’s-eye.
I would expect over the next nine weeks to see the media focus its attention on any possible scandal that they can inflate, or create while she was Governor of Alaska. I expect them to challenge the past eight years of economic issues and President Bushs leadership. I believe it will be an attempt to refocus their position of attack, linking the McCain ticket to the previous administration. It too will backfire, as the party is no longer the party of George Bush. It is the party of John S. McCain; and John McCain has shown us two remarkable executive dicisions in this election cycle: He was right on the surge and he was right on Governor Palin. Its Done!
17. Chuck Raynor | 09.04.08
About time we get some fire in our briches. The only way to run this country is the way a women mans the house, and Gov. Palin fills the bill.
18. nathan rothschild | 09.04.08
Its about time this race was about the people, and pride in America. We as a country have allowed the race to be about special interest, who can get waht and how much, but we forgot that America is a great XCountry one we all need to be proud of. Finally after 12 years of drought a real person, who loves our Country and who is willing to fight to put the pride back in America has stepped forward.
I look forward to four years of MacCain and then 8 years of Palin, She has invigerated our great Country!!!
19. Alfredo Coy | 09.04.08
Anyone who denies that John McCain and Sarah Palin are anything less than a Godsend for our country has to be ill-informed or delusional.
This country should reverse all the liberal policies that have created generations of government-dependent Americans. As JFK exhorted, Americans need to do something for the country not take from it.
John McCain and Sarah Palin will put America back on the right track.
20. Tom H | 09.04.08
Politics has become a game of three card Monte. The feint by Palin is the new pretext for racism, “Not ready to lead.” Anyone who has captured the nomination on a national ticket is ready to lead in the eyes of everyone who counts: those who have agreed to follow! “Not ready to lead” is just a buzzword to give cover to those who would refuse under any circumstances to vote for a black man. It is not applicable to Obama or Palin or McCain. They are ready, as were all the candidates who now have been rejected.
The feint is a distraction from the “issue” — Where will we be lead? The contrast between McCain and Obama could not be clearer, and that is where the voter should focus. Do you think Obama is “not ready to lead” us out of Iraq by the end of 2010? Do you think McCain is “ready to lead” us to American forces in Iraq for 100 years (as in Japan, Germany, and Korea)? Readiness is not the issue; the proposed action is the issue.
For those who would vote exclusively on race, stop looking for an acceptable excuse. Admit your racism. You probably never were as good a person as you hoped to be, so your self-image is not really at stake.
21. bob | 09.04.08
A force?Old McCain needs it badly.He ll need clutches sooner.Which reminds me of the not so old statement:Who is leading the country?
President or Vice President?It seems to become an habit so may be we should change the constitution to please the lost and inept Republican party…
Anyway if you cant take the heat don t walk in the kitchen?
I would say she did not prove anything yet at all.
Talk is cheap and so far she is just a fairly good saleswoman.
Anyway who cares about Palin?
America has already decided.America dont want a clone of the GWBush’s regime. With those 2 that s exactly what you get with a bonus. A ******* from Alaska who like guns far right ideas and cant keep an eye on her own backyard….Are Republicans desperate or what? Yes they are…..give me a break….
22. Cliff | 09.04.08
“You know what the difference is between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.” That’s wonderful! Don’t pitbulls sometimes kill children? Even their owner’s children?
24. shelley | 09.04.08
Sarah Palin’s nomination as VP certainly brought me back into the fray! Her timing and presentation were impeccable and she “kicked butt” on the issue of experience for both Biden and Obama. She is demonstrably pro-life and pro-family…She understands energy reserves and capabilities better than most and she’s not afraid of a fight. She didn’t run for cover or hide her families’, “realities.” America could certainly benefit from having an advocate for the families dealing with children with disabilities. Brilliant, gutsy, refreshing move by McCain. I’m impressed.
25. Tammy | 09.04.08
Althoug her delivery was great, her sneering manner at Barak were somewhat inappropriate considering her lack of experience on the National stage. On a global stage that sneering may not be what we need at this particular time and dealing with the various leaders. Sarcasism is rooted in feelings of superiority. We have had that for 8 years. 6 of that 8 with a Republican congress…Time will tell but she has a lot to learn and that lipstick on a pit bull will only get her so far. Sooner or later she will have to answer for her short record as mayor and govenor. Her mouth might be her biggest deficit.
26. regina everett | 09.04.08
palin hit a home run , and if the women of america do not stand together
and vote for Mcain/palin we will never have any rights
27. leonard ferran | 09.04.08
Watch out Obama Bin Biden. You now have a pit bull on your rear and it appears she’s not afraid to get a little liberal goop on her bite.
Go get’em Sarah and good luck.
You have this registered Democarats vote.
28. McCain is a panderer | 09.04.08
Rousing speech? I guess if you’re into hate-filled rhetoric then yes, it was. Kind of like how Hitler could really get a crowd going with his hate speeches.
It’s amazing that she ridicules public service, takes pride in ridiculing it, and the GOP crowd actually eats it up. Ask all of the people whose jobs Senator Obama saved in Chicago if they think that he should be ridiculed for that work. He left Harvard near the the top of his class and could have raked in a fortune in any high-profile law firm of his choice. Instead he chose to work for almost nothing so that he could help people. Palin thinks that’s something to make fun of. I hope our country doesn’t go down that path.
29. William | 09.04.08
Sarah Palin was great.I am an independent who is pro-choice but her character as well as that of McCain overide this single issue of disagreement for me.McCain and Sarah Palin have had real tests of character that Obama cannot begin to match.He is an opportunist fraud.They are the real deal.Obama has manifested his poor judgment a number of times:in Rezco dealings,his Wright & Ayers assocations,his wrong decision on the surge,most notably. He is the least prepared to be president of any candidate in many decades,at least.His ignorance is also a big problem.Not knowing that Russia has veto power regarding any action the UN might take against them in relation to Georgia is inexcusable for a would-be president.His inexperience is dangerous for all of us.
30. Coventina | 09.04.08
I guess the Christain Monitor would like her huh. What a surprise.
4 more years of drilling 2000 acres in the Alaskan Reserve?? Teaching Xtian stories in public school?
This has Taliban written all over it, it could happen, it is not funny.
But I guess readers of this might like the idea.
Go Obama!!! We need you and your wisdom. No more red necks in the White House!!
31. Maria | 09.04.08
I’m a moderate and I will not vote for McCain/Palin. She may be able to deliver a speech but that was hateful, condescending, mean-spirited, and insulting…and what happened to the issues that are important to Americans? It appears to me that this is a party stills stuck in the past fearmongering, attacking the candidates, the press, and many of the good citizens of the USA. The Republican Convention may be a success for the far right, but if all you can do is to pander to them then you are not looking out for the rest of us.
32. Oliver Moore | 09.04.08
Gov Palin has shown that she is charismatic and equipped with superb oratory skills. As for experience, I hope that the media will finally realize that a Governor has to make “The buck stops here” decisions unlike any Senator who gets to vote with his party herd. As for depth of experience, Sen. Clinton was elected to the Senate with no experience. Her one assignment in government–health care reform–was botched badly. Seven years later she is ready to be president? Romney was a one-term Governor–he has two years on Palin and no one in the media questioned his readiness to be president. And Giuliani is just a mayor.
33. Oliver Moore | 09.04.08
Gov Palin has shown that she is charismatic and equipped with superb oratory skills. As for experience, I hope that the media will finally realize that a Governor has to make “The buck stops here” decisions unlike any Senator who gets to vote with his party herd. As for depth of experience, Sen. Clinton was elected to the Senate with no experience. Her one assignment in government–health care reform–was botched badly. Seven years later she is ready to be president? Romney was a one-term Governor–he has two years on Palin and no one in the media questioned his readiness to be president. And Giuliani is just a mayor.
34. David P | 09.04.08
I would use the typical sports analogy cliche and say that she hit it out of the park, but since she is a proud hockey-mom, it would be more appropriate to say that she scored a hat-trick.
I’m very impressed. I think McCain made the pick he needed because he doesn’t have a shot at winning the White House if he doesn’t satisfy the conservative base. Frankly, the fact that she turned down a couple hundred million dollars of federal money is enough for me. I don’t believe any of the other candidates would have even considered that option in the same circumstance.
35. Speechless | 09.04.08
As a Republican, it time for me to take a stand. When Obama, SPEECH WRITTEN BY HIM, ignites 40 million in a powerful display of class and vision. Republicans say, “It’s just a speech. Words.” Okay, I brought that. Started repeating those very words. But when an unknown politician who just recently got her passport, ignites her our OWN BASE with powerful words written by Bush’s speech writer, she becomes the future. What makes her WORDS different from Obama words. Further more, what makes her inexperience different from Obama’s inexperience. I’ve been using the “inexperience” defense to debate my Dem friends. Well I can’t use that anymore!!! Thanks. NO ONE IS BUYING WHAT YOU ARE SELLING!!!! EVEN YOUR OWN BASE! It was a great performance. One that forces me to scream…”IS THIS THE BEST WE CAN DO!!” These old tactics will not win the White House. Come on!!! Enough already. Get serious and PLEASE start showing the American people what our party truly stands for. This is ridiculous bordering insulting…get real. Or is it TOO LATE? Obama takes on Fox. McClain cancels CNN. You are giving me absolutely no material for my neighborhood debates. NOTHING!!! I guess like most Republicans…I’ll stay way from the water cooler. Can’t debate what my own party is doing.
36. Graham Glover | 09.04.08
Sarah Palin is great! What else can I say? She’s strong, has good values, loves America, is positive, and is capable. When I first learned of McCain’s choice last week of a woman, my immediate thought was that this was politicing. Of course to some degree it was, but then when I saw she’s actually the Governor of Alaska, I figured she’d probably be okay. One must actually be a capable person to run a state. That she’s a hunter told me she’s cool. Since then I’ve become increasingly impressed. Her speech last night was spot-on. She looks like a hero to me.
In November, either McCain/Palin or Obama/Biden will win. Period. If you’re able to vote, you’re a part of the selection process. If you don’t vote or if you vote for a spoiler candidate, you risk getting a president you don’t want. John McCain and Sarah Palin stand for this country and its ideals. A vote for them is a vote for America.
37. jodi | 09.04.08
Congratulations to John McCain for picking an exceptional VP. Sarah Palin was fantastic in her first speech. I think both Obama and Biden are in for many surprises now. I noticed that within minutes of her speech Harry Reid was depicting the speech as “shrill” and unlike the DNC, Democratic elected officials and civil rights advocates, the Republicans came right out against this sexist behavior. Rudy also showed disgust with the sexist questions about how Sarah could handle the job with 5 kids and wondered why no one questioned Biden being a Senator and raising 3 kids. This Republican ticket is unlike any other. There are many issues that women face and abortion rights is one but despite the scare tactics from the Obama camp, there is no way, no how, that any Republican President can appoint a conservative Supreme Court Justice while there is a majority of democrats in the Senate …..simply because the Senate must approve a SPC by majority……Roe v Wade will stand. Do not fall for DNC or Obama camp “talk” as the reality (unlike Bush)is this Republican ticket is far better for the country. I heard democrats talking after the speech and wondered why they failed to listen as they claimed to have not heard any plans for creating jobs……..but I heard Sarah say they intended to drill for oil and gas as well as wind, solar, nuclear power and others……….to do this creates many jobs…..making the pipeline and laying the pipeline or manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels……all this is American jobs which are not replaceing jobs we now have……they replace our dependence on foriegn oil and they replace jobs of foriegners over seas. There are problems with this ticket in that Republicans fail to understand the need for stem cell research but now we will have a Mother of a down syndrome baby……and just maybe things will change. In any case the election of McCain/Palin will show the DNC that failure to nominate the most electable candidate simply because she is a woman named Hillary will result in an election loss for Democrats……..same would be true if the most electable candidate was a woman named Sue or Mary or Denise or Jodi
VOTING McCAIN/PALIN 2008 and HILLARY 2012
39. Westexacan | 09.04.08
She read her speech very well. It is very scary that this woman could be the president of the United States of American in one heart beat. It was very sad to watch them pass that poor ill baby back and forth so the tv cameras could see them. Stay tuned more will come out about that woman from alaska that will make your toes curl up. She is power hungry.
40. Thomas | 09.04.08
Wow, it sounds like princess memses was visiting last night. Who does this woman think she is? Maybe Sarah should stay home with her family and let Obama handle the reforms in Washington.
Obams/Biden ‘08
41. jim page | 09.04.08
I am very glad and pleased that the GOP has strict moral and family values.”Democrats have none . They teach sex education. They have no family discipline or good examples. they have premarital sex,they have teen pregnancies and wedlocks”Yes,Ms Sarah Palin ,the bad Democrats! Be very careful you may be talking about yourself,the GOP and Hypocrisy.You lied to us on the day of your introduction.Yes, “I said no thanks to the Federal gov’t for the bridge to nowhere”Do you still standby it?Did you or didn’t you take the money.Weren’t you for the bridge?Were you involved with group 527’s money and senator Stevens? Know he has been indicted.Nothing attests to your pregnancy and Trig’s birth.At 44, you just delivered a challenged child,with all the stresses and emotions and yet you could go to work 3 days after delivery,while your 16 year old daughter was at home, 5 months from shool with Mono.Can you or someone explain all this ?Sarah,come clean with us!We are all praying for Bristol.We hope she has an uncomplicated delivery and a healthy baby in 3 or 4 months.
42. O.P. Neon | 09.04.08
Gov. Palin represents the establishment. A carefully crafted, designed entry is as dramatic as a movie presentation, where the person is being handled by PR experts and does not reveal the identity as a leader of and for the people. Just as they claimed time and again, such speech is a speech. The forces of proven failure, this establishment who prepped up Mrs. Palin, for the last 2 terms, plus a decade or two of republican controlled congress is responsible for the complicated mess, and now the wolves in sheep’s clothing try to convince the people to try and solve those problems. What they really want is power, opportunism and distraction using shallow tactics. Amazingly, their refusal to accept responsibility is popular within the crowds that ensures incredible level of incompetence, horrible mistakes, and damage to America. Does Mrs. Palin’s image reassure us trustworthiness in McCain’s team based on what is seen so far? The answer is simply, NO. These folks have no moral fabric; preach one thing to the world and do another. Palin’s personality and approach to communicating with people paralleled that of G.W. Bush; in this regard, she and McCain are also similar. This is not the future that America desperately needs.
43. Sharkman | 09.04.08
As an Independant who has leaned Republican for the last 12 years, I found myself this year distanced from the RNC and leaning Democrat. So, I watched the speech and those leading up to it last night. Today I’m back in the center. Gov. Palin saved my vote but the party still has a way to go to actually get my vote.
From here I’ll be expecting the parties to focus on their plans for Security, The Economy, Energy Independance, Catastrophic Health Care, Social Security, and the Environment.
Negative ads will drive me away - RNC/DNC please take notice!
44. Richard Schladen | 09.04.08
Many large counties in the U.S. have larger populations than Alaska and Palin has not served two years as governor. Her education and experience in the world outside of Utah and Alaska are insignificant. Obama and Biden are serious scholars and public servants.
People may like Palin. I like my next door neighbor very much but I would not choose him to be my doctor, lawyer or physician. For edample, my physician was one of my favorite students but I was careful to make sure that she was qualified before I chose her to be my doctor. Good government leaders should be determined by competence not likability.
45. Richard Schladen | 09.04.08
Many large counties in the U.S. have larger populations than Alaska and Palin has not served two years as governor. Her education and experience in the world outside of Utah and Alaska are insignificant. Obama and Biden are serious scholars and public servants.
People may like Palin. I like my next door neighbor very much but I would not choose him to be my doctor, lawyer or physician. For edample, my physician was one of my favorite students but I was careful to make sure that she was qualified before I chose her to be my doctor. Good government leaders should be determined by competence not likability.
46. Curious Orange | 09.04.08
this so called “pit bull’ is more like a titmouse
Glad to see less of the blasphemes “country first” signs
Nationalism is a scary road for a free society
47. UnAmerican | 09.04.08
Often its the big state, or urban politicians who are out of touch with the rural citzens. In Palin’s case it’s the other way around. In what way does Palin coming from a small state (Alaska) have to do with the rest of the country? In what way does the fact that she was a “moose hunting mom” whatever that means, have to do with the rest of the country?
48. NoBO | 09.04.08
Obama should start looking for a good surgeon because
Sarah just firmly inserted BOTH of her feet in his
incompetent, condescending, inexperienced “community-
organizing” backside !!!!
49. Margo | 09.04.08
My family and I throw a huge party during the Republican Conventions. My friends and family were very disappointed last night with our party. The Republicans sounded like angry beast attacking the Dems. Let’s not forget that the Dems had a very peaceful convention which the issues were discussed. Half of my guest got up and went outside on the patio. They said they couldn’t take anymore of is. This has never happened in all of our years of throwing these parties. Palin is a beautiful women but I didn’t like how she attacked Obama. I felt that she should have focused on the issues. Palin came off very snobbish and harsh. I have been a Republican for over 17 years and am starting to question if I should vote for McCain and Palin. The last couple of weeks I was angry at my co-workers who were Republicans because they were switching over to Democrats. I think, I might be joining them….
50. Jeremy McGuire | 09.04.08
As a politician, she makes a very good commedienne. After a brief introduction, her speech devolved into a series of two-liners that ridiculed without illuminating. She was energetic, to be sure, but after the fire is dimmed one realizes that there was very little of substance there. Mean-spirited politics that depends upon character assassination is so Twentieth Century!
51. Jerry | 09.04.08
Governor Palin hit a home run, in the very first at bat. This woman is a woman after my heart. She is fiesty to say the least. And she was so adept at just side-stepping Biden and going for Obama’s record. She showed me she’s not content to just debate Joe Biden, but she’d love to get Obama in the ring. On the other hand Obama has run hard and fast from every offer to join McCain in town hall meetings. This soccer mom is “taking it to em, boys.” As a male, I couldn’t be prouder of any candidate. You’ve got my vote Sarah. Jerry
52. D. E. Decker | 09.04.08
Ms. Palin’s speech was refreshing and energizing - it was good to hear someone running for office that has her head on straight and understands what makes this country great, and it isn’t more big government as Obama would like us to believe.
53. Dave Potts | 09.04.08
McCain has what, a one in three chance of living another 8 years? And the best the GOP can give us as a veep is this shrill, empty headed fundamentalist?
54. Tom Tighe | 09.04.08
Palin delivered the speech very well. She delivered it exactly as written and scripted by McCain’s campaign writers with probably zero input from her. The hours of rehearsing with McCain’s compaign staff paid-off. But one huge question remains, “Where’s the meat?” If there was any substance to the speech I missed it due to the thick covering of sarcasm.
55. John | 09.04.08
To Margo:
I was glad to read your post. I like to think of myself as independent but confess that I haven’t been able to vote for a republican since George the first, whom I still admire greatly. Your sentiments about the negative tone of the whole convention compared to what I thought was a positive tone for the democrats was exactly how I felt, but thought I was being biased. I’m still trying to figure out my vote, I admire and respect Sen. McCain, but he took a turn too far right with the Palin pick and the tone of the convention has been a turn off. So good luck with your decision.
56. TW Stone | 09.04.08
Hi CSM:
I troubles me that everyone seems to hitch their wagon to the “heart beat away” idea. If as a rational adult, I were to buy into the thought, what if. . . then I’d be really more terrified of what would cause such an event. I don’t believe John McCain will have life ending health complications in his first or second term. It could happen that either presidential candidate could fall victim to any number of events from terriorism to transportation accidents. In that case that an international event would happen - a three AM event, then we’d all be in a real jam, not just the vice president. I believe in GOD as a Christian, and my faith allows me to move forward with confidence and assurance that all will be as He sees fit, Gods will is as it will be. WE all fail to have faith when we play this silly “what if” game ~ and the nay sayers would like us to believe the McCain Palin ticket is not ready in such an event. I believe that my choice would still be McCain Palin, over the alternative, give the lead by committee examples we have seen through the big “zerO” Obama approach to reality of hopes and dreams based on big government and higher taxes.
57. M.O. | 09.04.08
In the past few days I learned something. I learned that for all the claims of my grandfather’s party to be representing “everyman,” what they really hold is nothing but contempt for anyone outside of Boston or San Francisco. The Democrats need to cut the ultra-left off, permanently. They are not going to win elections with self-absorbed prigs denouncing everything that represents America. The ultra-left went after Mrs. Palin with all the hatred of white supremacists, and along the way they assaulted people who have children early, those who do not value graduate degrees above all else, women who dare to leave the kitchen when they have more than the acceptable “two” children, people in small towns, hunters, fishermen, and about everyone else that doesn’t subscribe to their eugenics-based hatred of the ordinary family. At one time, the Democratic party represented labor, blue-collar men and women, small towns, etc. Now it is the party of the childless, dog-worshiping, black wide-frame glasses wearing, Prius-driving “culturally aware” elitist (they should just go ahead and sell all those things as a package: The CULTURALLY AWARE GIFT SET - free if you attend a liberal arts college with “pro-choice” women who want to stab you if you have a child!). Most comical of all, this election was about to sound very bipartisan, if Mr. Obama had had his way. But, the McCain campaign pulled a stroke of genius, and turned it back into a culture war, like it was with Kerry and Bush, when that self-absorbed Massapoofetts prig lost by nearly 5 million votes.
58. David S. | 09.04.08
After hearing Sarah Palin’s speech I think she is more than qualified to be President of the United States. She is the ONLY speaker I’ve heard so far that actually sounded presidential. Barak Obama did not. Did you know that the teleprompter went out in the middle of her speech, live on national television? Sarah didn’t miss a beat. Despite the viscious media attacks she and her family have been receiving, Sarah came out and delivered. Thats the kind of composure we need in a president. Not someone who responds “thats above my pay grade” when asked a difficult question.
59. Erik | 09.04.08
As a Democrat, I loved Palin’s, Guliani’s, and Romney’s speaches because I love watching the Republicans dig their own political graves.
60. David | 09.04.08
Why is is that the Govenor of Alaska in completely unqualified to be the Vice President, but the governor of Arkansas is eminently qualified to be the President? Yes, the speech was funny. But it drove home valid points about Obama’s lack of executive experience and inability to make a decision (”Present”). If the GOP VP nominee has more executive experience than the Dem’s Presidential nominee, that says more about Obama than Palin. It also says truckloads about the thoughtfulness (or lack thereof) on the part of Democrat voters. If the Dems want the GOP VP to be vetted more, they should apply the same standard to their own presidential candidate. Except as a “community organizer” (whatever the heck that is), Obama has NO executive experience–none, zero, null, zilch, zip, nada. And he had proven his lack of experience and decision making ability by simply voting “present” hundreds of times. Voting present so many times can mean only one of two things: either 1) Messiahboy can’t make a decision, or 2) he’s hiding something. If you have a better explanation for failing to do your job as a highly compensated United States Senator I’d love to hear it. The people of Illinois should be ashamed of this guy. Wonderboy is pulling home a very nice Senator’s salary while not taking a stand or doing anything. The state if Illinois getting ripped off!! They should elect someone who is going to do something, take a stand, make a decision, be a man. “Present”—what is that???!!! Sarah Palin is more of a man than Barack Obama ever dreamed of being. The democrats have no answer for her.
62. elephant stampede | 09.04.08
Republicans jump off the ship and save the country! I’ve been a Republican for years, but the party has disappointed me time and time again. Palin is the worst choice ever made by a presidential candidate. With so many other choices out there I can only wonder why McCain pulled this stunt - a very poor decision. My vote is going to be with Obama.
63. Kara | 09.04.08
I love how the Republicans having a woman VP running has made so many Democrats revert back to 1950’s-style mentality: “Who does this woman think she is? Maybe Sarah should stay home with her family and let Obama handle the reforms in Washington”
Why shouldn’t OBAMA stay home with his family? Sorry folks, the “female should be at home 24/7″ argument doesn’t quite cut it in today’s world.
64. sharon | 09.04.08
As a Jewish female registered democrat from NY, no one can be more surprised by the enjoyment and excitement that I felt watching Palin speak last night. For the first time in both of these conventions, I felt like I was hearing a real person speak. Yes, she and I differ on several issues yet at least she had the guts to say what she really believes.
I also felt like she not only showed great wit but also a significant amount of emotional intelligence and calm, characteristics that must be possessed by anyone that may need to lead people through crisis.
Though the thought of voting for the McCain/ Palin ticket causes surges of guilt, I have been swayed to at least read more about the issues and the republican views. Unlike most people, I will make my presidential decision based on real information not gossip or how someone looks or just because I have always been a democrat.
I look forward to learning more….
65. Johann | 09.04.08
In her speech, Sarah Palin referred to Democrats as worrying too much about whether someone had read a suspected terrorist their Miranda rights while the country is under a terror threat. This, in itself, shows scant regard - not unlike the current administration - for the cherished legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty”.
A little bit later, she refers and makes quite a deal about John McCain’s time in the “Hanoi Hilton”, confined to a tiny cell, tortured and having “seen evil” at the hands of his North Korean captors.
It must have been a really hard time for him, and getting through it tells much about the man’s courage and character, for sure.
But wait…
The North Koreans are not the first nor the last nation to do that to enemy combatants, surely?
I cannot help but wonder whether the “enemy combatants” (if that be the case, should not the Geneva Convention as well as the American Bill of Rights apply?) and terror suspects (innocent until proven guilty, or guilty until proven innocent?) locked up in Guantanamo Bay and other secret locations by a Republican administration, humiliated and tortured by security forces for information or revenge, feel very similarly about their experiences at the hand of their American captors?
Or do the same moral principles and judgments not apply if committed by Americans against non-Americans? Is it only evil when North Koreans commit such actions, but not when Americans do?
As a principle, should the American Bill of Rights not also apply the dealings of American official (and “unofficial”) bodies towards all people, whether they be American or not, or whether such dealings take place in the USA or not?
Clearly, Republicans seem to think not.
This scares me. Deeply.
Voting for this crowd should be considered as making voters morally complicit in the way the administration deals with people in places like Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere.
66. Maxwell | 09.04.08
I can’t believe that the American voter would stoop so low to vote the Elephants in for another term - regardless of bringing in Palin to perhaps try to get the Hilary buzz vote.
Remember folks, the Republicans have sold your country to the highest bidder: Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Agri, etc.
Why don’t they let your farmers grow hemp for example? It has over 25,000 uses. Why are they ***** when it comes to using cannabis for medication?
Don’t you guys get it? They neither care about you nor your environment (see Kyoto). Kick em out of power.
Let’s see how the American public digests this one. Suffice to say, it was said public that unleashed Cowboy George to the world. Will they smarten up THIS time?
Only time will tell.
- Max (aka MaxTheITpro & proudly Canadian)
67. Kelly | 09.04.08
Sarah Palin was a great choice for VP. She is challanging the media and the Democrats. What is true is that she is being vetted more than Obama. Obama does not have any experience. He states he is a community organizer but the projects he worked on are either bankrupt or boarded up. What happened? Has the press done any research? No. He was a State Senator but voted present over 100 times. The few bills he worked on he didn’t intitate them he was part a a group. Of course there is the horrible bill he was part of that wouldn’t give medical care to an infant that was born alive after a botched abortion. Then he gets elected to the US Senate and says in one of his first speeches that he wouldn’t run for president and then turns around and starts running for president. He only served for less than 2 years before running for president and has not really accomplished anything of real meaning.
I am supporting McCain and Palin. I hope everyone will look at the issues and realize that anyone can give a good speech but who has really accomplished anything in their careers. When you answer that question the only answer will be John McCain and Sarah Palin.
68. Mike | 09.04.08
This is politics. I wonder why people are surprised when opponents of Obama highlights his inability to lead or express their view point. It is considered to be negative and on other hand when Obama sites some inexperience issue with John McCain/Mrs. Sarah Palin and makes any negative comments about McCain it is received as viewpoint on issues. Welcome to Politics, if you have not debated anytime in your lifetime, yes you will find all these things strange but in professional world this is very normal.
I found it very very strange that in the world of Politics, people want to hear everything good about one candidate and out rightly ignore the other candidate. This is not Democracy and I see media playing major role in building public opinion against one candidate. I am not a Democrat or a Republican.
Sometimes i feel that public makes up an opinion based on media ratings, opinions and have no time to analyze by themselves. The election is the most important thing of anybody’s life and public should switch off these Newschannel to get their view and not view impacted by these so called experts in politics.
69. GuyBlaise | 09.04.08
Sarah Palin’s speech last night at the Republican convention was a big slam against Barack Obama. Compared to the McCain ad on TV, her attacks against Senator Obama were both sharp and and smooth. Once again she did not offer any substance about how to improve the economy, health care, and the war on terror.
Definitely, compared to John McCain, Sarah Palin has a unique style of attacking her opponents. As the pygmies of the equatorial forest of Congo say,”Lightning sent by a witch is more dangerous than that sent by a warlock.”
http://guyblaise.com/
70. Charlette | 09.04.08
The REAL reason why McCain chose Palin:
http://www.newsflavor.com/Opinions/McCain-Hijacks-Christianity-Via-Palin.240929
McCain Hijacks Christianity via Palin
71. Sandy | 09.04.08
How mean, snide, and sarcastic she was. But this is evidently what appeals to christians/republicans. Policies be damned. She demonized community organizers - people who work with the poor, the homeless, the jobless, the families in crises. All because this is Obama’s background. Of course, those church people who do charity work at just saints here on earth.
Pit bull may be the right comparison but you know most people don’t want to be around a pit bull because they’re scarey and you never now when they’ll go for your jugular. McCain better watch out.
72. Bonny | 09.04.08
Not a fan of Palin. Her “tough talk” was uninteresting and unoriginal. Sure, she wanted to make a case for her experience. But the republicans should be careful in saying that Obama/Biden have no executive experience, as McCain, a senator himself, has none, either. She was putting a lot of effort into making a point that doesn’t really mean anything, just hoping people would bite and hang on.
And the pitbull joke, ugh, not that clever, and frankly, kindof scary.
Finally, as John Stewart pointed out last night on the Daily Show, Palin made a statement that it was “Bristol’s decision” to keep the baby. Doesn’t “decision” imply “choice”? Apparently she wants her daugter to have a choice but doesn’t extend that the rest of American women.
Overall, she’s a little too “overprotective mom” for me.
73. Jeff Okey | 09.04.08
Libby Smithdeal is one scary American full of hatred and ignorance. God would not support you in your rhetoric against others. You give Christianity a bad name! The Muslim religion is just as legitimate as any other religion. Perhaps you should move to the land of bitter where you belong.
74. Tim | 09.04.08
She did well on the speech but can she and the Republicans afford to belittle and alienate the urban areas and big cities in this country. I mean really; mocking community work — this offended me as an active person in my community. I was all for her but now I see a novice who may not understand the people who live in urban areas. Sad.
75. John Glenn | 09.04.08
Obama’s clever rhetoric is electrifying and unifying while Palin’s “pitbull with lipstick”speech was in stark contrast very divisive and failed to address any of the core issues bar energy which is obviously her only forté (drill, drill, drill ). Where was the substance ? Education, healthcare, employment, economy … the wasted budgets and energy security that she claims to want to tackle in Washington were simply railroaded by championing Iraq as a success - but at what price ? Thousands of innocent lives, military lives and casualties and trillions of US taxpayers dollars. This is a shameful corporate and moral fraud on a massive scale ..
76. jaycee | 09.04.08
A letter from someone who has known Sarah Palin since 1992
From: http://www.washingtonindependent.com/3671/the-reform-candidate
This is a balanced and fascinating chronicle of Palin’s public service. I would strongly recommend that both conservatives and liberals read this. If fiscal conservatives think that she will help McCain get the economy because of her ‘executive’ experience you really NEED to read this. She left Wasila, a town with zero debt prior to her tenure as mayor, 22 million dollars in debt. Yikes. A McCain/Palin administration would truly be third term of Bush when it comes to a tanking economy.
The veep selection process demonstrates that a McCain vote in November is a vote for Captain Chaos. From Cowboy Bush to Chaos McCain. Run in the opposite direction America.
77. Eric in the Red | 09.04.08
Palin has shown that she can read a speech someone else prepared from a teleprompter and little more. The only voters who will be swayed are those who superficially look at personality and not underlying issues such as: McCain’s refusal to provide aid to people suffering in the mortgage crisis, his pledge to further reduce corporate taxes, his non-sensical energy policy which puts “drilling first” (while new drilling can’t realistically occur for at least 3-5 years), and for his refusal to adopt a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq, in contrast to almost every political body. Palin represents just an extension of McCain’s non-thinking narrow mindedness. Hopefully, there are enough intelligent voters who are not easily fooled.
78. Aimee S | 09.04.08
Sara Palin is a small mined, religious zealot! She cares nothing for the environment, woman’s rights, education, health care, the economy, etc. She would be a slap in the face to all American people if elected. Nuclear Power? More drilling? What the ****? When we, as Planet, are rich w/ free sunlight, wind, and wave power that could provide jobs and stimulate our failing economy.
Sara thinks its a good idea to drill for oil ( curse of the dinosaurs, oh wait she thinks the earth was invented in a week- hey let’s kill more civilian’s in the middle east or destroy more fragile eco systems and further melt the planet in search of the last remaining reserves of the ancient Sun, oooh that’s some real forward thinking there Sara!!!!), funny how right after the her speech last night the RP raised 10,000,000. for the RPC .Do you think there were any OPEC execs. in her audience? How about when the camera was scanning her crowd of supporters, not one African American, Hispanic, Asian American in the whole audience. Who was she talking to? A perhaps hooded secrete society.
There’s never been a female Imperial Wizard of the ***- perhaps she’d be more comfortable filling these shoes.
She could also, due to her salesman’s skills, be a top double wide mobile homes distributor. This would be a better fit for Sara Palin.
79. Chad | 09.04.08
I have one thing to say to everyone… Grow the F@#% Up! Half of you apparently believe that McCain was in Guantanimo Bay with a pair of jumper cables in one hand and siphoning oil with the other! While high-fiving George and shooting baby seals. What the F*&#$# is wrong with you people? Are you so blinded by your all consuming hate that you believe half of the propaganda that you vommit forth every chance you get? I don’t like him myself but I don’t buy into all the propaganda that either party is putting out. If half of us would’ve taken the time to sift through the facts and form our own opinions, then gotten off our fat duffs and actually voted in the primarys, we wouldn’t be stuck choosing between Rumpelstiltskin and Pinocchio. That said, Obama is just a kid, and no amount of outrageous, fairy-tale promises with “free” healthcare sprinkled on top can change that. He’s never even led a boyscout troop, or belonged to one for that matter. I would vote for Adam Sandler before I’d vote for him! So I guess McCain gets my vote, if for no better reason than the mountains of life experience he’s got over baby faced Obama.
80. Jose | 09.04.08
I like this outsider, Governor Palin for her straight talk. She is a very active person with full energy in getting things done as a public servant, not outdoing others for personal ambitions. She does not intend to be in power for long so she wants her kids to grow up, not as governor’s kids, but like an average American without a personal chef. She let go of her chef.
81. Aimee S | 09.04.08
I would like to respond to #64 comments, do you know who Pat Bucanan is (google him)? Did you know that Sara Palin was his staunch supporter in the 2000 elections- do your homework before you go throwing around your vote.
82. Paddy Rao | 09.04.08
(:-
Eleven score and twelve years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all republicans are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great war on abortion, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war on abortion. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those republicans who here gave their voices that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave republicans, vociferous and voiceless, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the truth seekers, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored voices we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these republicans shall not have been vociferous in vain—that this nation, under a Christian God, shall have a new birth of freedom, a birth that begins at the moment of conception—and that government of the republicans, by the republicans, for the republicans, shall not perish from the earth.
83. JM | 09.04.08
Was it just me or did her speech kind of lack substance? All this proved to me is that she can read reasonably well from a teleprompter. I didn’t really learn anything new about her, nor did she clear up any of the issues I already have with her.
84. Shootingsparks | 09.04.08
The Jewish Zionists fawning over Palin in the major national media outlets is startling. How the narrative can somehow be that Sarah Palin somehow has proven her readiness to lead our country in any capacity due to her performance given reading a sppech written by NOT HER…NOT HER WORDS..
Imagine her if you will as Karl Rove’s ventriloquist dummy.
Zionist controlled media weaves a fabric of nonsense… How Palin thinks anyone is fooled by the story that that down-syndrome baby is hers, and not her 17 year old daughters first baby is astonishing, given the STARK photographic evidence provided in Alaskan media outlets..
neo-cons, or rabid lying Straussian Zionists trying to ham-handedly trick the gentiles with this nonsense wont work this time.
85. Marylyn Ponder | 09.04.08
Finally, someone who represents me! I loved every minute of Sara’s speech. She gives me hope that there is a way for this great country to continue being great. Send Joe Biden back to the Senate and send Obama to a liberal university where he can write more memoirs from an ivory tower. Maybe the president of Iran will want to stop by and visit him.
86. M Labera | 09.04.08
If she is so proud of being an American, then why did she belong to a political party in Alaska that wants to secede from the Union ?
87. Alf | 09.04.08
I was previously unsure about who I would be voting for president, but in the past week I have become absolutely sold on Obama based on recent actions by McCain. McCain, in an arrogant attempt to show to the world his status as a “maverick,” has picked a VP in such a reckless and contradictory manner that I, and I suspect I’m not the only one, has lost an enormous amount of respect for McCain as a decision-maker.
It’s been documented that McCain’s top two choices before Palin were Sen. Lieberman and Gov. Ridge of Pennsylvania. The only problems for the GOP base with those two would have been their pro-choice stances, but wouldn’t the “maverick” in McCain push his critics aside and take a risk with those two? Guess not. If anything, Gov. Palin is proving to be a desperate and hackjobbed pick as it’s being revealed that two weeks ago no one in the McCain campaign had even heard of her. This shows signs of recklessness more than independence, a trait we’ve become too accustomed to these past 8 years.
Gov Palin’s speech, full of hate and negativity and clever one-liners, didn’t do anything to soothe the concerns of Americans who are under hard economic times, or have relatives in the military on God-knows how many tours of duties by now, or those seeking a higher education or better way of life. It was a speech from an era where blame is shifted to the other side and the audience is hypnotized into some weird twilight zone where suddenly, Republicans had nothing to do with the failures of the past eight years. Romney’s speech only added to this confusing argument. Also, her cheap shots against community organizers was enough to make me cringe. I don’t want a candidate that will tell me how “liberal” Washington is and how they’re the root of all evil. I want a candidate that will inspire me to believe in the beauty of our dreams.
But this election is still about two men, Obama and McCain, and their VP choices may best serve as a reflection of their character and judgement. I was dissapointed that Sen Obama hadn’t picked someone who could potentially electrify his campaign such as Gen. Wesley Clarke or Sen. Clinton, but I’m starting to think that he had more wisdom than any of us previously though. I’m not yet sold that Biden, or even Obama for that matter, would be among the greatest presidents ever but this campaign’s persistence for class and careful judgment could prove superior. Sen. McCain’s VP pick, on the other hand, as I’ve already stated, is worrisome considering the details surrounding it that we are just beginning to realize.
On a final note, there’s the issue of sexism, which has reared its head again. A review of McCain’s record on women’s rights will be enough to prove that he’s no big friend of feminism or women’s rights in the workplace. But his choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as VP is such a blatant cheap shot at winning those Hillary Clinton supporters that I can’t help but think the real sexists here are McCain and his campaign. Not the outright women-should-stay-home-and-raise-children sexism, but a subtle sexism in which they think that they can win over and fool women by putting up “one of their own” on the ticket. I hope this trickery blows up in their faces. Ask yourself this: Would Sarah Palin be the VP choice if she was a man? It’s the question no one wants to talk about, but should.
Smear politics, quick one-liners, vicious anger, reckless decisions, a disregard for basic rights…the GOP is digging it’s own grave in grand fashion. If the Democrats lose, it’ll be a bigger upset than the Patriots losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl. Only this upset could be much, much scarier.
88. TheNoid | 09.04.08
In responce to #81.
What’s wrong with #64 and what the #$%^ does Pat Bucanan have to do with anything? Is SHE Pat Buchanan? Or are you grasping at straws? Seems like most people are complaining and going on about people in her life, Not the woman herself. How many of us don’t know a screwball or aren’t related to one? You people seem to think that candidates should be spotless, which is easy for Obama because he’s not done anything. No experience at doing anything, hence, a perfect record, 0 for 0! He’s not been around long enough to to be linked with any crazy people. (What’s that? His old preacher he swore by is a crazy racist?)
OOPs!
89. Mom in Virginia | 09.04.08
Eight presidents have died in office (out of 43). None were as old as John McCain or had had four bouts of skin cancer as he has. I’m scared to death that we’d have President Palin very soon if John McCain is elected. She has no experience or record on national or international affairs. All her political positions are based on her religion or the platform of rhe secessionist Alaska Indepence Party (she and her husband are closely linked to this lunatic fringe group)
I say to her what she said when she lied about the Bridge to Nowhere– “thanks but no thanks”
90. A teacher from Alaska | 09.04.08
Governor Palin is deceptive and the sarcasm she showed in this speech is indicative of how she deals with anyone who disagrees with her or gets in her way. If McCain is elected, you will see her colors eventually. Her town received just as many earmarks as any place else in Alaska when she was mayor, and she was not really the determining factor in whether or not Alaska got money for the “Bridge to Nowhere” - and in the end, Alaska still received that money so NO, I repeat NO federal funds were saved, it just didn’t go to build that particular bridge. I hope those of you in the rest of the country will take the time to really look closely at her record - her whole record - and her policies. She has been a pretty decent governor, but the thought of her as a VP is highly upsetting. She is not the dream candidate except for those who want to dislike the Democrats - her positive attributes are not as strong as you may think. Her high ratings? Well, anyone gets high ratings when every single person in the state is receiving an extra $1200 this year added to the PFD. (Since the PFD is going to be about $2000 this year, that will be about a payout of about $13,000 for a family of four) The extra $1200 is money needed to help folks with rising energy costs, but it is obviously making everyone really happy right now. Don’t think that will be possible from the White House.
91. Shirley Freeman | 09.05.08
Did Obama ever attack corruption in the “dirty politics” world of Chicago? No, he joined in the hypocritical smear campaigns and dirty bedfellows to get his support and get a win, whatever it took.
Did Sarah Palin attack corruption in her own party? YES! The Chair of the Republican Party in Alaska ended up with a $12,000 fine after investigation, and another official resigned after his corruption was brought to light by Sarah Palin.
She’ll be a proud and worthy member of John McCain’s ‘Straight Talk Express’. Too bad Obama is so driven to win that we can’t be sure of the truth of whatever he says: he began his campaign by misrepresenting Hillary’s insurance program and mislabeling her campaign ‘old, broken Washington’. I doubt if ‘her Washington’ was any older than ‘old, dirty Chicago’ where Obama learned to excell in its dirty tricks. If you want more of the same old political self-interest, vote Obama; if you want to clean up corruption, and have elected officials working across the aisle for the American people, not for themselves, vote McCain!
92. future_primitive | 09.05.08
I see this as a crucial and troubling moment in American politics.
The mainstream media can’t seem to get past the “horse race,” gender, and “Jerry Springer” aspects of the Palin nomination. Who is the father? Will she blow the speach? Please. A small amount of legitimate coverage of this candidate will reveal another side of Mrs. Palin. Her record as a mayor and governor reveal two salient facts.
One. She is a ruthless, self serving “barracuda” who will not hesitate to marginalize, drive out, and punish all who oppose her politically, even to the point of abusing her powers of office.
Two. She is an old school, hard line, social conservative, who holds positions that a large portion of the US population would consider unreasonable or even fringe right wing.
This is not “Ronald Reagan in heels.” This is Dick Cheney in a dress.
Between the unfocused media coverage of Mrs. Palin, and the rush to judgement of many low information voters in swing states, a candidate that raises red flags for many moderates and liberals, will garner plenty of support from the uninformed middle and galvanize evangelical right through her divisive and partisan rhetoric.
Sarah Palin marches in lock step with James Dobson, Donald Wildmon, Tony Perkins and the whole cast of “Christian soldiers” on the far right, who are all for a domestic culture war, and a global war on Islam overseas.
A narrow McCain victory could put her a heartbeat from the leadership of the free world. We are in dangerous waters.
93. future_primitive | 09.05.08
I see this as a crucial and troubling moment in American politics.
The mainstream media can’t seem to get past the “horse race,” gender, and “Jerry Springer” aspects of the Palin nomination. Who is the father? Will she blow the speach? Please. A small amount of legitimate coverage of this candidate will reveal another side of Mrs. Palin. Her record as a mayor and governor reveal two salient facts.
One. She is a ruthless, self serving “barracuda” who will not hesitate to marginalize, drive out, and punish all who oppose her politically, even to the point of abusing her powers of office.
Two. She is an old school, hard line, social conservative, who holds positions that a large portion of the US population would consider unreasonable or even fringe right wing.
This is not “Ronald Reagan in heels.” This is Dick Cheney in a dress.
Between the unfocused media coverage of Mrs. Palin, and the rush to judgement of many low information voters in swing states, a candidate that raises red flags for many moderates and liberals, will garner plenty of support from the uninformed middle and galvanize evangelical right through her divisive and partisan rhetoric.
Sarah Palin marches in lock step with James Dobson, Donald Wildmon, Tony Perkins and the whole cast of “Christian soldiers” on the far right, who are all for a domestic culture war, and a global war on Islam overseas.
A narrow McCain victory could put her a heartbeat from the leadership of the free world. We are in dangerous waters.
94. frank | 09.05.08
Just want thank the republicans for their convention. It prompted me to get off my Democrat behind and send $s to the DNC. I’ll be sending more in the weeks to come.
95. Gregory | 09.05.08
You know whats sick?
When a candidates 16 year old gets knocked up by her highschool boyfriend, but instead of keeping it private, as they’ve been demanding of the entire nation, they drag the kid with her little belly already showing and her p e t r i f i e d boyfriend onto the largest freaking stage in the country to face the cameras and get some votes.
What kind of a mother would do that?
96. Bill | 09.07.08
Palin’s speech was written by someone else. It’s not as if the self-proclaimed Put bull with lipstick was speaking her mind. Oy, she rehearsed it, repeated it over and over and finally managed to read it on the monitor. So what? Ms Congeniality learned how to do that years ago… What is so extraordinary about that? People who insist on praising her are either hypocritical or not very clever. Republicans have been so phony about the Palin pick:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrG8w4bb3kg.
And this is worse:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/04/jon-stewart-hits-karl-rov_n_123852.html
Someone wrote “at least she says what she thinks”. Well, if you read the news on a regular basis, you’ll be surprised as how the pit bull with lipstick is phony! By the way, she is giving Christians a bad name. Watch the news and you will figure it out!
97. George | 09.07.08
God is fair and righteous. Neither Christian Sciences Monitor nor The Pit Bull with Lipstick and her fellow Republicans can put God in a box and use him like an object. That leads me to say that you have delited a comment I posted here because I disagreed with you. But I shall keep on posting until you leave this comment up. Can the conservative Christians handle the thruth?
98. Alan | 09.07.08
You have delited my comment too. From now on, I shall pray everyday that God exposes the truth about Palin, the Christian Sciences Monitor and the Republican party. As much as you think that you are the only “REAL” Christians, God has created all of us and has no favourite. You can delete messages all you want but watch this space. Because from today, you guys and I are engaged in a spiritual warfair! Let’s God be the judge!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/04/jon-stewart-hits-karl-rov_n_123852.html
99. Helen | 09.08.08
You call yourself Christians and think it’s ok to insult others? Is that what the Bible teaches you? We must have a different Bible because the God I worship is a God of love, mercy and compassion - among other POSITIVE characteristics.
100. Josh | 09.08.08
Thank you Teacher from Alaska for your insight on Ms. Palin. I hope that you are not one of the educators that Mr. McCain is planning to dismiss.
101. Mary | 09.16.08
The Christians are praying for this country, and especially for Leaders with Christian values. Stand up, please, for John McCain and Sarah Palin. We don’t need to be represented by anyone who isn’t proud of our Country. Nor do we need anyone without moral values. Let us all continue to pray that our choice will be God’s will.
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1. Yel Raven | 09.04.08
She said what? She was a pit bull with lip stick?
This is serious she is trying to steal Pet Owner Votes!
Democrats are courting all Republican and Independent Pet owners!
We will not concede Talking Dog fans!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCYaw5tGYAs
We will not concede Funny Cat fans!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTasT5h0LEg
Change we can believe in
Vote Obama/Biden ‘08