Fading shine? GOP presidential candidate John McCain and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, at a rally in Columbus, Ohio, Monday. (Gerald Herbert/AP)
Doubts about Palin grow, even among conservatives
Some rough TV interviews have prompted some to ask if McCain’s running mate is ready.
By Linda Feldmann | Staff Writer/ September 30, 2008 edition
Reporter Linda Feldman explains why GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin needs a strong debate performance Thursday.
Washington
In just a month, Sarah Palin has gone from being the darling of the GOP to a major question mark hanging over John McCain’s candidacy at a critical moment in the presidential campaign.
The appealing, reform-minded governor of Alaska, whose surprise selection as Senator McCain’s running mate electrified Republicans at their convention last month, now faces questions from prominent conservatives over whether she’s up to being a potential president – especially at a time of international financial turmoil. All eyes will be on her Thursday night when she debates Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph Biden, a veteran senator from Delaware.
After some rough TV interviews and dead-on parodies of Palin on “Saturday Night Live” that have reinforced the questions, she risks becoming 2008’s Dan Quayle – the young Indiana senator plucked from obscurity for the GOP’s 1988 ticket, who never overcame early stumbles and a light-weight image. Mr. Quayle did not prevent the top of the ticket, George H. W. Bush, from becoming president. But the times are different: The bad economy, unpopular wars, and an unpopular president all slant the playing field toward the Democrats this year.
One by one, conservative columnists such as David Frum, David Brooks, and Kathleen Parker have come out against Palin, calling her in effect not ready for prime time. Among voters, polls show that initial enthusiasm for Palin has slipped, though the overall race remains competitive.
Still, the willingness of conservative opinion leaders to state their reservations out loud is striking, and may indicate growing doubts among Republican rank and file. “I think it does reflect thinking that is maybe said quietly,” says GOP pollster Whit Ayres, who remains a fan of Palin. But all is not lost, he says. “The proof is in the pudding, and we see the pudding on Thursday night.”
Perhaps the most striking conservative defector is Ms. Parker, a syndicated columnist who was initially enthusiastic about Palin but now believes the Alaskan should bow out of the race “to save McCain, her party, and the country she loves.” Palin, she wrote last Friday, is “clearly out of her league,” a conclusion she says she came to reluctantly after watching the handful of interviews Palin has granted.
The response to Parker’s article was fierce. “I’ve gotten about 8,000 e-mails,” she told the Monitor. “They range from angry to vicious to appreciative to ‘Thank God somebody spoke up’.”
Some readers are blaming her for handing the election to Democrat Barack Obama, and consider her a traitor. “My comment on that,” she says, “is that I do not work for the GOP, and otherwise I don’t think being a conservative means that we have to leap into the darkness.”
There’s virtually no chance that Palin will actually drop out, Parker says, noting that it would be assumed McCain had asked her to step aside.
The idea of dumping Palin is a “nonstarter,” says political scientist Jack Pitney of Claremont McKenna College in California. “If it ever happened, that would be the day McCain loses.”
McCain “would be entering McGovernland,” Mr. Pitney says, referring to George McGovern, the Democrats’ 1972 nominee, who dropped his first running mate, Thomas Eagleton, after it was revealed that he had received electroshock therapy for depression. Senator McGovern lost 49 states, though probably not because of the Eagleton controversy.
Some Republicans argue that the McCain campaign has mishandled Palin, saying she has been crammed with talking points, which at times come out a bit garbled, and not allowed to be herself.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who was on McCain’s running mate shortlist, faults the campaign for limiting her availability to the media. “Holding Sarah Palin to just three interviews and microscopically focusing on each interview I think has been a mistake,” Mr. Romney said Monday on MSNBC. “I think they’d be a lot wiser to let Sarah Palin be Sarah Palin. Let her talk to the media, let her talk to people.”
Romney still believes she brings positives to the ticket, calling her a “maverick” like McCain. “She’s a person identified with people in homes across America…,” he said. “She’s an executive and a governor, and that brings a lot to John McCain’s ticket.”
Palin now faces the political challenge of her career, going up against a seasoned Washington politician – Senator Biden – in front of millions of viewers on national television Thursday. On Monday, she and her family flew to Sedona, Ariz., for three days of debate preparation at McCain’s ranch with a team of veteran campaign aides and policy experts.
Republican pollster David Winston does not think it’s too late for Palin to remake her image. She had an auspicious debut in her well-delivered convention speech, he says, but remains a new figure on the national stage. “She was not well-known, so inherently every appearance is more noticeable,” Mr. Winston says. “It’s because she’s a woman. Everything she does is just more noticeable.”
Thus, Thursday’s debate is huge. “For a lot of Americans,” Winston says, “their understanding of Sarah Palin is going to come during this debate.”
Comments
2. Matt77 | 09.30.08
Vice presidential candidates should be chosen at least in part for their ability to run the country in the event of the president’s unhappy demise. That held especially true for the Republicans in 2008. John McCain is 72 years old. His father died of natural causes when he was 70. His grandfather died when he was 61. So, John McCain chose Sarah Palin. Does she have the knowledge, experience and judgment necessary to run the country? In light of his choice, does he?
3. Nancy Nash | 09.30.08
I have had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach ever since Palin’s choice as VP was announced. I have been a lifelong republican and you can be sure I will be voting for the Democrat candidate this time around. I might have voted for McCain otherwise - but this selection was an insult to women as we have seen many more wonderfully qualified women in places of power emerging in the past years. Do we want a hockey mom to be possibly our next president? Horrors!
4. whynot | 09.30.08
I cannot understand how John McCain thought this person was more qualified than Mitt Romney. I would have even voted for him had be picked Mitt Romney.
5. Ed Hayes | 09.30.08
I think that she will shock some people at the debates. In our high powered political system, it takes time to master the facts and be fully educated on all the policies involved. Nothing is simple, as we have all seen, about or economy, tax system, foreign policy and overall government. Sarah Palin does not lack the guts or shear determination to run our country in time of turmoil but she does have to get a position on key elements of the McCain campaign policy. I bet she is doind it right now and I think that she will bounce back well.
Tough time to have to step into the light and be more than just a shining face. I think that statement goes for both sides of the coin.
6. Ed Hayes | 09.30.08
I think that she will shock some people at the debates. In our high powered political system, it takes time to master the facts and be fully educated on all the policies involved. Nothing is simple, as we have all seen, about or economy, tax system, foreign policy and overall government. Sarah Palin does not lack the guts or shear determination to run our country in time of turmoil but she does have to get a position on key elements of the McCain campaign policy. I bet she is doind it right now and I think that she will bounce back well.
Tough time to have to step into the light and be more than just a shining face. I think that statement goes for both sides of the coin.
7. Jarrett | 09.30.08
Oh please - the presidential candidate on the Democrat side is hardly ready to take on the role of president despite his ability to speak fluidly. Palin at least believes in what comes out of her mouth which is refreshing in comparison to the Democrat candidate who will not say what is really on his mind. I have never seen such incredible scrutiny of a VP candidate with no accompanying scrutiny of the other side’s PRESIDENTIAL candidate.
8. rjomoma | 09.30.08
Sarah Palin has no business in this race. It’s ashame that the Republican party has filled her naive, backwoods cerebrum with thoughts and ideals of grandeur. She just flat out doesn’t have the chops - she’s not curious, worldly, intellectual, experienced or time-tested. A little higher education wouldn’t have hurt her either.
10. John Jones | 09.30.08
As a life long Republican, I am ashamed of the fiscal irresponsibility of past 8 years and now Palin. She claims to know foreign policy because Putin flies over Alaska to enter the U.S. airspace? Oh, please. She probably knows Santa too since he lives close to the North pole. It just show extremely poor judgment on part of McCain - lately a hallmark of Republican establishment boys.
11. John Jones | 09.30.08
As a life long Republican, I am ashamed of the fiscal irresponsibility of past 8 years and now Palin. She claims to know foreign policy because Putin flies over Alaska to enter the U.S. airspace? Oh, please. She probably knows Santa too since he lives close to the North pole. It just shows extremely poor judgment on part of McCain - lately a hallmark of Republican establishment boys.
12. sal | 09.30.08
beware, she will do fine at the debate.
Her note cards with 2-minute answers have been typed. She is reading them over and over, even practicing the laughs.
She has some haha zingers and some barbs to sling at Biden, all scripted.
She is ready to read her scripts, so DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HER. SHE WANTS THIS AND SHE WILL MAKE THIS GO HER WAY—-THE SHORT ANSWER FORMAT IS HER SPECIALTY.
WOE TO THOSE WHO THINK SHE WILL GET CLOBBERED. SHE WILL BE COY, CUTESY AND JUST A GOOD OLE HOCKEY MOM (who likes pagan witchdoctors, but that’s’another story…).
Be careful Biden, and focus on Mccain. Don’t be baited by her one liners—she didnt’ write them, her campaign did.
13. Jed Merrill | 09.30.08
I have nothing against Palin, but I agree with Mitt that she should be allowed to speak more freely.
And if the economy continues to worsen, she might consider stepping down and recommending Romney for the ticket, because we need him, and I think he would do wonders for the ticket and the electoral race. (Michigan, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, California, etc.)
14. Palin? Kidding right? | 09.30.08
Palin? wow this will be remembered as the MOST political pick of all time. Too bad it cost McCain the White House. GOP back to your parents basement and quit playing with yourself!! Children!
15. William Hofmeister | 09.30.08
Sarah Palin is still the darling of the Republican Party. We are getting tired of the “life long Republican who is now voting Democratic”. What hogwash. These are people who never thought of voting Republican in their life. The endless mindless attacks on Governor Palin by the lame media just enhance her status to us. By the way, she will come into office with as much foreign policy experience as Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, or George Bush.
16. Paul | 09.30.08
The word deleted from my post is a prominent theme in Jeff Foxworthy’s comedy act.
17. frank | 09.30.08
sarah the great example for anyone that is going into politics of what not to do if you do not study for the big examine.
18. John | 09.30.08
Jarrett - What comes out of her mouth is refreshing eh? Well, here’s a refresher for you on what she thought about the importance of the bailout -
“But ultimately what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the healthcare reform that is needed to help shore up our economy. Helping the—it’s got to be all about job creation too, shoring up our economy and putting it back on the right track. So health care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans and trade—we’ve got to see trade as opportunity, not as competitive, scary thing, but one in five jobs being created in the trade sector today—we’ve got to look at that as more opportunity.”
Excuse me?! Say what?! Healthcare reform to shore up our economy? Is there a bailout for the healthcare industry I didn’t know about? I feel so “refreshed” now … ahhhh!
19. Kara | 09.30.08
The real question is why the OBSESSION to destroy Palin. The liberals are all freaked out!!! They are just displaying their bigotry. Replace the word Palin with the word black or jew and see how it sounds. Not very nice.
20. Kriuk | 09.30.08
Was she there alongside Barney Frank, Christopher Dodd, Maxine Waters, Melvin Watt and on and on and on during the 2004 hearings on MORE regulation of Fannie Mae? No, she was not. That, in itself, is an enormous plus in her favor over Biden. She is intelligent; she can learn. McCain is not dead and looks perfectly healthy to me. Of course he could be assassinated by a sleepwalking leftwing idiot. You know, one of those who refuses to look at the record and political background of their president of choice and the true story behind our present economic problems.
21. Julie in VA | 09.30.08
Palin has the backbone that obviously most conservatives have lost…we need her, or has every conservative forgotten what it actually means to be a conservative??
This Republican is a proud (not flaky), college educated supporter of this Republican ticket.
22. frank | 09.30.08
Sarah is a very smart lady,she has passed every test possible for not being able to run this country.she deserves a lot of credit for that.
23. Pat | 09.30.08
I am a foreigner and not eligible to vote, but my choice is Palin. I was worrying about who would keep the comedy going after Bush’s Bushisms, but now I hope Palin is elected and provide us with 16 more years(8 as VP and 8 as Pres) of comedy.
24. John | 09.30.08
Pat - 16 more years? Your country better be prepared to send us monetary aid, if that happens. With 16 more years of Bush, our country will need every help it can get from other nations.
25. Linda | 09.30.08
Exactly, Mr. William Hofmeister. Palin has as much foreign policy experience as Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter or George Bush. AND WHERE DID THAT GET US? She CANNOT RUN THIS COUNTRY. In the name of the Lord, people who stand up for her are showing they are not seeing the REAL Sarah. She’ll set back women’s rights 50 years as well. I refuse to vote for McCain/Palin for that one reason alone, but add all the other inexperience of this woman and the TOO-OLD McCain further insures my voting Democrat.
26. Texas Doc | 09.30.08
After letting someone with little or no experience both domestically and internationally take the helm for 8 years, you can’t blame anyone for being overly skeptical of Sarah Palin. Bush is a disaster and McCain/Palin would only finish the GOP hit job on America. My Republican party right or wrong is what has nearly destroyed this country. The fact that they would knowingly push Palin to the fore only shows their contempt for our nation. Why do they hate America so much?
27. Margaret | 09.30.08
The great enthusiasm of the party base for Sarah Palin is genuine and deeply felt. I finally sent in my donation after her selection. I haven’t changed my mind. I think she is being “controlled” and misused. Her refreshing normalness is what makes normal Americans love her. She is “us on testosterone” — more confident, stronger, more centered, and more energetic than most of us ordinary types, but her values and experiences reflect ours.
God bless this terrific woman!
28. Pat | 09.30.08
John, My country is not rich to support USA for even a month let alone 16 years. BTW I live in US, though a foreigner. With the domestic education in shambles, US needs foreign skilled workforce. Should not be too hard to get a job here though.
I wondered why foreigners liked repubs. With strong local education foreigners lose their opportunities in US.
29. LB | 09.30.08
Palin will do TERRIBLE during the debate. The purpose of preparing for a debate is to practice style, delivery, hand gestures, etc…It’s not a CRAM session. If you don’t know who the leader of Pakistan is or the history of Russia and Georgia then I’m pretty sure you will lose the debate and I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT!!!
30. Leslie Whitelaw | 09.30.08
What does it mean that an amateur politician can “cram” for a week in preparation for a national debate against an opponent who has devoted a career to public life, and be seen as a credible candidate for the American vice-presidency. It boggles the mind. Add to this fact that she is a creationist, and likely lacks a basic education in many academic fundamentals, and it’s simply frightening. I agree with all those who say McCain has absolutely lied about putting “country first”. He has attempted to put himself and his cronies first, and I am appalled.
31. S. Rinehart | 09.30.08
As a lifelong Democrat who feels my party has gone on to someplace else without me, I am refreshed at the prospect of Governor Palin’s role in national government. She is the genuine article. Only those with PDS won’t see that. How many of our former Presidents were Governors before President?
Both Repubs and Dems. Stop drinking the kool-aid of uninformed bias being put out by an admittedly leftist press and check her out, and while you’re at it check out some actual facts about Sen Obama. This election is too important not to be open minded before casting your vote.
32. Katie | 09.30.08
Palin is going to chew him up and spit him out at the Debate, and I can’t wait to watch that. Anyone who is being scrutinized day and night under a microscope by the media will make mistakes, and they will be broadcast over and over again. She’s relatively new to this campaign and every day is learning what to do by trial and error. Just like most of us learn things. I think she is capable of making a great VP and shaking up the Dems and Repubs both in Washington. Obama is too liberal and lazy.
McCain/Palin in 2008!!
34. Carlin | 09.30.08
It is just frightening that this woman with no experience in national or international issues could be vice president of the US. I am thunderstruck that she has not been made to bow out gracefully yet. I thought that maybe she would stay in for awhile to help energize the GOP base then withdraw while the ultra right wing people got to claim sexism.
Palin as vice president is just a joke. I am horrorfied that the SNL skits come so close to the truth about Palin but there are still people out there that think she could handle the vice pres job.
35. Conservative | 09.30.08
Julie in VA - You bring up a good question: “Has every conservative forgotten what it means to be conservative?” The definition of what it is to be conservative, at least as far as politics go, does seem to have been forgotten. So, out of curiousity, how would you define ‘conservative’ and how has Gov Palin shown in her past service how she will restore it?
38. Keith | 09.30.08
Stand up for Chuck, C’mon, God love ya. FDR went on TV in 1929 and explained evrything. Stand up for Chuck, Stand up. And Govenor Palin isn’t qualified? C’mon stand up for Chuck, god love ya.
39. Dannell | 09.30.08
I think to choose a running mate on the basis of her gender is an insult to the gender, she is a refreshing woman but she and the party knows she is over her head
40. ahtajus | 09.30.08
As a professional woman, I find it incredibly insulting that ’sexism’ is invoked every time anyone criticizes Sarah Palin. She is incoherent. Perhaps this is because she’s been instructed by the McCain campaign to stick to talking points, perhaps the glare of the international spotlight is too much for her, perhaps she really is just unintelligent. But whatever the reason, our country, beset by financial turmoil and the threat of global terrorism, deserves a glimpse of who this person who so easily might become the leader of the free world truly is. I salute the conservatives out there who are brave enough to break with their party to characterize this woman for who she is.
41. Jeff C | 09.30.08
Only a moron would think this woman is NOT capable of running this country if need be. Obama is a socialist with ZERO leadership, Biden cannot even recall significant historical events, and yet all you “experts” are able to garner all the info you need about her from opinion pieces??? Simply stunning that this country has been reduced to the point that peoples opinions are swayed by bloggers opinions. Pathetic!!!
42. Deb | 09.30.08
I don’t understand why her involvement with the firing of the head Police Officer who wouldn’t fire her ex-brother in law has been stalled. She first said she would cooperate,yet she has done the opposite. Sounds like she will fit right in with the previous administration………. picking and choosing what rules she will follow, denying rights to those pesky citizens who challenge her, and using the shield of executive privilege to avoid being held accountable.
43. Tanya | 09.30.08
I like Sarah Palin. It is a fact Palin is the most successful Governor in America today, despite all the criticism she is receiving now. Look at the way the democrat Governor of Michigan has run her state compared to Palin. The governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm is so bad, terrible decision making. And all Grisholm can do is like all the democrats, blame President Bush for all their poor performance and decisions. People, its all about decision making, not snippits of an interview. I bet suffering Michigan wishes someone like Palin was running their state.
I like Palin because she is honest and truly cares about america and not just her party. When is the last time a democrat has ever been like that ? I hope she becomes our Vice President.
44. Sandy | 09.30.08
I think it is very strange this “why are they out to get poor Sarah?” or “this is bigotry!”
There are some legitimate concerns that need to be addressed. Can any of you explain away any of the following Palin issues WITHOUT resorting to “well the other guy did something similar!”
The main Palin selling point is that she is not a typical Washington insider. Yet, if she has all the issues that other politicians have, what makes her special, other than her inexperience??
1. Her response to the rape kits charged while she was mayor, was that it was an “insane thing to do”. Yet, it was done on her watch over a town with a population of about 7,000.
2. She accepted $25,000 in gifts from organizations and lobbyists. She admitted it, but the McCain camp insists that accepting those gifts did not influence her vote.
3. She hires not the most qualified, but her pals from high school. One example was the high paying agriculture position to a friend who said she liked cows.
4. She refuses to cooperate in an ongoing non-partisan ethics investigation that began BEFORE she accepted the VP, and she had initially agreed to.
5. If she was such a great mayor, why did she leave her city in debt when she allowed the sports center to be built on land they did NOT own. Title was in dispute, and rather than going through the legal process, she had them go ahead with the project. It ended up costing lots in legal fees and other expenses.
6. She showed incredibly POOR judgment when she choose to get on a plane and make the long flight back to Alaska when she went into labor. This jeopardized the life of her child and herself. It was also against the policy of the airline.
7. She supports a minister who actively pursues witches, and who singles them out. This may not sound like a big deal, but one Kenyan woman he signaled out was met by an angry mob, ready to stone her. The police intervened and she fled, driven from her home by the minster Palin supports. Just last May an Kenyan mob burned to death 11 people they believed to be witches. Most were between the ages of 70-90. People like Palin’s minister friend identifies witches, which can lead to violence.
8. Her performance on the recent interviews. That says it all.
45. jj | 09.30.08
Palin is a travesty. She has no business on the Rep. ticket. If she were really “Country First”, she would recuse herself because she is clearly unqualified and is hurting McCain’s chances. If she were really “Country First”, she would go back to Alaska, study foreign policy, read, think, ask questions of knowledgeable people, study the economy, then, if she still wants it, in about 8 years she can try again. But NOW she needs to go home. Please for the Country’s sake.
46. Mike | 09.30.08
God will ensure Palin comes out of the debate a winnter. She was sent from God and she will make sure we put a end to terrorism in the world. War with Iran, Pakistan, N. Korea might be a reality for the US to be safe again! She will ensure the next war is done right the first time. She has the executive experience our country needs!
Palin for President!
47. Terrance | 09.30.08
QUOTE: Nancy Nash | 09.30.08
I have had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach ever since Palin’s choice as VP was announced. I have been a lifelong republican and you can be sure I will be voting for the Democrat candidate this time around. I might have voted for McCain otherwise - but this selection was an insult to women as we have seen many more wonderfully qualified women in places of power emerging in the past years. Do we want a hockey mom to be possibly our next president? Horrors!
…………………………………………………………………..
At least be honest…..you’re not a life long Republican. You’re a chicken $hit liberal wrapped in a wanna be Republican cover. If you were a real Republican, the Palin choice wouldn’t be a problem for you. You would rather vote for old drunk, business as usual Joe Biden than to take a chance on someone fresh like Sarah Palin. What a loser you are Nancy. Go ahead and vote for your messiah Barack Hussein, you’ll regret it. What a following sheep you are….
48. palintologist | 09.30.08
i have no doubts that she looks like she could be on http://www.womenwholooklikesarahpalin.com LOL!
49. SarahBasherstakenote | 09.30.08
Sarah Palin is a phenom like Barack Obama, at least in some respects. Too bad fellow conservatives, the media, and the female cat-fighters who never find a fellow woman good enough for anything can’t see what she has to offer. There aren’t too many people anywhere truly well-equipped to deal with today’s issues. If she is missing some of the basics, I’m sure she’ll pick them up. She doesn’t fit anyone’s paradigms of what should be. That is why she is right for VP.
50. Rollo | 09.30.08
Yes I say we need someone of great experience, someone who has demonstrated great leadership, someone who can save us from our selves and let us prove we have turned from our racist ways. Someone who became editor of the Law Review without ever publishing a single paper before or after, someone who has shown minorities that it is possible to own a home, yes even a mansion, and even if you can’t afford it. (Thank you Rescoe). Someone who could sit in a anti American church and call its pastor his mentor without ever hearing the mans beliefs. Someone who takes care of his friends to the tune of $1,000,000 per day in Pork. I could go on as there is quite a lot known about this someone. I think the choice has to be clear. Someone who is well known or a little known Governor of a state of little import. Give me a break, call me a racist, I like Sarah and given the choices will vote for her even if she doesn’t amuse the pundits on Thursday.
51. Myron | 09.30.08
Miko Krause says: Who is Sarah Palin again?
I have seen versions of this “question” on a thousand blogs, i.e. someone pretending not to know the person who everybody is talking about. Why people think this is clever or funny is beyond me.
On Palin: She’s a train wreck.
52. Tracy | 09.30.08
I’m sorry but is it really too much to ask to have an educated President who is well read? Palin told Charlie Rose in an interview that her favorite authors were CS Lewis and a running expert. Come on! She went to 5 different colleges to earn a degree in Journalism? She’s been governor for only 1 and a half years?
What books has she read about world history, politics, business, management? Is it all on the job training for her? Or did she ever have to study anything? No wonder ALL of her speeches and interview one liners are repeated over and over and over making no sense in the big scheme of things. She has no world vision and no wordly experience.
Is it too much to ask for a potential president to have a degree in History, Law, or Political Science?
For all you mom’s out there who want someone just like you to be running the country, think about what you’re saying. This is the hardest job in America. Shouldn’t you have the education and experience to be qualified?
Palin has a very real chance at becoming President and that thought is frightening!
53. Bobo4bush | 09.30.08
Wow, I always thought the CSM was more of a christian paper. I didn’t realize it was a liberal rag. I just hope they go belly up like all the other trash run papers, after this Bailout fails again. And it is a ‘Bailout’ not a ‘rescue’. Call it what ya like, you can polish a turd, but it’s still a turd.
54. K L | 09.30.08
As a keen observer of the US election in the United Kingdom, I am totally perplexed as to how such a great and powerful nation such as America can put forward someone as ill informed on current issues as Sarah Palin.
I have read some comments here suggesting that it will just take time for Palin to learn the subjects and policies and that she will do just fine in the debate, but isn’t that missing the point?
Surely it’s not enough to have a candidate who, given time could learn about a subject or could possibly give all the right answers in the Vice presidential debate.
What surely America and the rest of the world want is someone that already has a keen grasp and understanding of the issues of the world both on domestic and foreign policy not just of America but the policies of other major countries.
As any good teacher will tell you it is not enough to make the pupils remember what you have said but it is much more important that they understand what you have said.
The interviews that Palin has done so far shows she clearly lacks the deeper understanding of many issues, so even if she manages to do well in the debate, we all know that it’s not because she has really undeerstood the subject matter, rather than she has remembered what to say.
If the American people wanted an automiton, why not just elect a robotic computer?
55. John McCain | 09.30.08
I think Sarah is still a terrific choice. Give her a break–she’s been on the national stage for a month. She will stumble a bit, as we all do, but she’s just what this country needs. My god, look how Biden, 30 years in the media and he is STILL fouling up. Can you believe he said Hillary would have been better than him. The guy is a wacko! Anyway, back to the campaign bus. See ya! Vote! Johnny Boy, the original Maverik.
56. madame M | 09.30.08
I think it is true that liberals are scared, and I think we ought to be. I have occasionally had friends who see fascism around every republican corner and I’ve never thought that. I may not agree with traditional republican responses, but I’ve never felt scared. Sarah Palin does indeed scare me. Book burning, threatening to use veto power to get their way (which they have both done) as if congress doesn’t matter and public opinion doesn’t matter, and glibly talking about the environment and reproductive rights as if they are a nuisance. Palin does scare me, and for the first time, I can look around the corner and see the possibility of a truly abusive dictator-like rule in America at a time when what we need is greater citizen empowerment and using everyone’s creative energy to solve things like global warming. Palin is smart, feisty, quick, attractive and a brilliant politician, but her politics are truly scary.
57. Amber | 09.30.08
Have we lowered the standard once again! I don’t care what political party you belong to, you can not honesty say that Sarah Palin is ready for the job. McCain is 72 years on and has been fighting cancer! God forbid if he kicks the bucket she will be put in charge. OPEN YOUR EYE AND EARS PEOPLE. Listen to how she answers or rather doesn’t answer the question about foreign and doemestic issues. Her interview with Katie Couric was a disaster, but it wasn’t just that interview it was the Gibson and Hannity interview as well. She is clueless and you guys out there are rooting for her because she is “one of us”. GIVE ME A BREAK! Iran, Iraq, Afganastan, Pakastan, Venezula, Bail out, education, .. I could go on and on about major issued we are facing. If she can’t answer question about these things why the heck are you saying she is ready. If some isn’t ready call it like you see it. There is a lot more at stake then just party politics. America is on the line !
58. John Law | 09.30.08
For awhile I thought I was sitting pretty with this election: I’ve never voted for a Republican presidential candidate before, but was really considering John McCain. I really think I liked him as much as Obama and was giddy in the knowledge that for once I like both candidates and thus can’t lose. Then McCain goes and picks an utterly inexperienced, ignorant, far-right embarrassment who is in no way suitable for or capable of the job. McCain has shown that far from being the maverick, he’s merely the coldest of cynical politicians, choosing the most shocking of the far-right crop to upset the conventional wisdom and thus get lots of press coverage. Well played, Mr. McCain, and thanks for showing us your true colors. You almost had me fooled.
59. Mike | 09.30.08
I’m disappointed to see so many unreasoned, hate-filled, demeaning references to this strong, independent woman. While Ms. Palin has not had the same amount of time to polish her presentation on matters such as foreign policy that Mr. Obama has, she has certainly produced a more distinguished record of reform, independent thought and action, and leadership than has Mr. Obama. While I welcome the comparison between Ms. Palin and Sen. Obama, especially as Ms. Palin has more time to prepare and refine her presentation on national issues (a process Obama has undergone for years), let alone comparisons between Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama, I am discouraged to see and hear so many comments that use epithets such as “hockey mom” that play to stereotypes that should be offensive to all women. Anyone who demeans a woman simply because she is a “hockey mom” certainly never had one. People seem to be resorting to the same tack they used against Clarence Thomas: if a minority disagrees with the liberal elite then he just must not be that smart. Surely we can do better than resorting to such tactics. Go Sarah!
60. AK mike | 09.30.08
‘Palin has the backbone that obviously most conservatives have lost…we need her, or has every conservative forgotten what it actually means to be a conservative??
This Republican is a proud (not flaky), college educated supporter of this Republican ticket.’
Does being a conservative mean raising taxes on oil to the tune of one billion dollars (a year after raising taxes two billion dollars) then, after she puts through both the largest general budget Alaska has ever seen, and the largest increase in state goverment spending in Alaska’s history, she then declares we have a huge surplus of money and we need to issue $1200 in ‘energy rebates’ to the people. Sounds like a ‘redistrabution of wealth’ to me. In a state that only taxes certain comanies (oil being the biggest of those) we as citizens pay no income tax. so her only record of being a conservative is in this lesson of taxing our biggest economic drive (by far) and clearly taxing well more than we need. Then to add insult to injury, she sends that money out again! we could have put that money in the economy and saved it so when our oil runs out, we would have a stable source of goverment income without taxing the people.
This is from a 14 year Alaskan resident. social liberal, fiscal conservative. I am not beholden to any one party and do often vote a split ticket. I have met palin on several occasions and trust me, as a person I like her. If you ever get to meet her in person please do. She is a wonderful human being. But that doesn’t mean I want to put her in charge of an economy on the ropes (that she can’t grasp) a dangerous world (that she throws platitudes at and hopes she remembered the right index card). She is a great individual but I knew the moment she was announced this would be bad. I did hope she would do better. I hope to welcome her back to Alaska. She has a grasp on our issues. I don’t always agree with her, but in my tenure here she has been the best governor so far (we have a long history of corrupt politicians…see the ted stevens trial going on now.)
If you want to know if this is the media being unfair, ask an Alaskan. Even with 85% approval in our state, more than half will tell you they don’t see her on a national stage just yet.
61. Edward | 09.30.08
I have been hearing a lot about Gov Palin, can she be president lately from my liberal friends.
I would like to say in recent history we have 3 great Presidents
Gov. George W Bush of Texas
Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas
Gov. Ronald Ragan of California
All three of these were Governors’ of states
All three had NO experience with international AFFAIRS but had good advisors.
Well one had an affair but it was local.
The point is this, does the character of a candidate have the capacity to make good decisions under the advisement of staff members. Does she have the same values for life as I do? Does she care for children as I do? Does she elevate environment over man? Will she seek balance?
Not one of these Governors has ever been really tested until you actually get into the executive office.
Don’t forget to apply the same question to their opponents.
I like Gov. Palin at least she will getting the advisement of the one person that really counts, God. Just because her terminology or speaking skills is not what we expect, this is not revealing that she is unable to make good decisions. If she has gotten as far as she has and is able to make great deals with oil companies that every Alaskan gets yearly revenue checks from the oil being pumped out of their lands. This seems to be a good deal for the people of Alaska.
62. Ricky G | 09.30.08
Julie from VA, you are an idiot. Neither Palin nor McCain are true conservatives. They are neocons. Sarah is far from a conservative. She is a Moral conservative, perhaps, but the morals of the republican party are actually a very miniscule part of their platform. A real conservative is Ron Paul. Real conservatism means less Government involvement in the economic market place, less involvement in foreign affairs, and less government involvement in domestic affairs (everyday life in America). The entire republican party has lost sight of these principles, your little princess Palin included. The only real difference between modern day democrats and republicans are social issues (a crutch republican politicians are very happy to fall back on.) Enough of this rant. Write in Ron Paul in 08.
63. Michael | 09.30.08
We all know that Sarah Palin is way out of her league and hdoes not have even a minimal understanding of any of the issues, (including energy, which the McCain Campaign touted her as an expert in). We also know that all she will do during her debate with Biden is regurgitate information that has been fed two her over the last few days. While she may manage to look half-way decent during the debate, we still know that her grasp of the issues lacks any amount of depth. This then begets the question, does the debate change anything? Palin is still Palin and will still be clueless even after the debate. Is the electorate so gullible that we cannot think beyond the debate?
64. Sophia | 09.30.08
I think Sarah Palin will suprise us on thursday she will be charismatic and well prepared. She has done well at all events, except for Couric’s interview, and that wasnt her fault,at all. The liberal monsters of the media are tryimng hard to destroy her .
The liberals should be scared of Biden and his famous bloopers.I think he is a joke!
Go Palin!
65. Dan Schramm Jr | 09.30.08
She should let her hair down and wear red lipstick for this one and distract everyone from paying attention to what is being said. She’s been out of her league on the issues so she might as well turn on the Miss Alaska Runner Up charm
66. Johnny Rudick | 09.30.08
There are mayors and there are mayors.
Remember Mayor Nagin who made no effort beforehand to put an effective evacuation plan into place in the case of disaster.
Instead of getting the school buses on line to run the routs for people who could not leave town when he had fair warning of approaching flood conditions he was too busy recovering items of his own.
Is this the same kind of standard you wish to apply to Sarah Palin?
FEMA obviously failed the people, but what about Bush calling the then governor of Louisiana asking her if there was anything she needed from the federal government and she coldly turned him down only to do nothing on her own.
All the failures from the local level up the Democrat leaders either didn’t understand the threat or failed to act.
Lets use the same standard on Sarah Palin.
67. K L | 09.30.08
“Just because her terminology or speaking skills is not what we expect, this is not revealing that she is unable to make good decisions” -Edward.
But it’s not really her speaking skills that people are concerned about, it her lack of understanding of several key subjects on the economy and Foreign affairs, If you watched the CBS Katie Couric interview, you’ll know what all the fuss is about.
As I said before it’s not how much Ms.Palin can learn that is important, it is how much she already understands that’s most important…and as has been revealed…that’s not a whole lot….for someone running for high office.
68. Tina F | 09.30.08
This is do or die time for McCain - Sarah better be ready on the issues (and yes, albeit regrettably, her attire).
69. Ann | 09.30.08
Cute is great, we all like cute BUT …
A lack of depth is mostly what defines Ms. Palin.
I’m sure Palin is fine at what she does. That doesn’t mean the woman should be a “heartbeat away” from becoming CEO of our country. Most people don’t believe she belongs anywhere near the White House. Yes, she represents a lot of great things - but people “idealize” the wrong things. So what that her glasses are widely copied? That she presents herself “fashionably?” Is that what is important? Isn’t it important that she really can identify with what’s going on in the country, in the world? She does come off looking like she needs to be “rescued” when she speaks. McPain had to come to her aid, and that makes him look like her protector. What message is that sending — she can’t defend her own views, she has to look up to him, her protector, big brother? They blame “gotcha” journalism for the inability to express views without looking uninformed, or like they are searching for the right words (been acting as though unfairly “targeted” — well, then quit targeting others with the smears!” Look at the fight the smears issues on the site — there are far many MORE smears against their opponent than there are related to her. If the non-Caucasian candidate had a pregnant teen in his household, oh the roar we’d HEAR!!!
Words ARE important. In some ways she states her issues well, and in most cases she doesn’t do it well; and most likely the reason she’s been kept under wraps. When the kid gloves come off (the coddling) how do you think she’ll fare?
There’s no comparison to Obama - she DOES NOT have more qualifications than he (does). She was FOR the bridge to nowhere, THEN against it. It just doesn’t wash. Some think bowing out would be more admirable. She could always focus her attention on something MORE important to most - her own family. They look like they could use a little of that Palin (factor). We should not only cringe, but be quite frightened at this pairing. The more I see, the more I cannot truly believe — only in AMERICA “
70. reza k | 09.30.08
My god I am terrified if Palin would ever become president. Just imagine over
300 million plus people depended on a hockey mom for guidance that might take us into World War III. I rather want Mccain than Obama…..and I rather have
a Mccain/Biden ticket than Mccain/Palin.
Please Mr. Mccain, for the love of your country, take her off.
71. arial | 09.30.08
The childhood fable “The Emperor wears no clothes” comes to mind when I read about intelligent conservatives who continue repeating that Sarah Palin is prepared and qualified to be a VP.
72. K L | 09.30.08
“I think Sarah Palin will suprise us on thursday she will be charismatic and well prepared. She has done well at all events, except for Couric’s interview, and that wasnt her fault,at all. The liberal monsters of the media are trying hard to destroy her” - Sophia
Sophia,one of reasons Palin seemed to do much better in her inauguration speech at the Republic convention was because she was speaking about things she actually knew about, i.e her family and her life story.
Talking about issues that she fully doesn’t understand is a whole new ball game.
And let’s not forget there won’t be a partisan Republican crowd cheering every word she utters.
As I have said before, regardless of whether she does well or not at the debate, the truth is already out there, Palin doesn’t really understand the issues.
73. leapblog | 09.30.08
For any Republicans STILL wondering what the difference is between Barack Obama and Sarah Palin given their short political resumes, here goes: Barack Obama was selected as the Democratic Presidential candidate by the American people. Sarah Palin was selected by just one individual - John McCain.
That’s it.
Republicans like to say that Barack Obama has not endured the same kind of scrutiny as Palin by the media, but there is nothing that could be farther from the truth. He has been THE headline in every publication and on every website for the last 20 months. His voting history, questionable political ties, religious background, education, and relevant experience have been pored over again and again and again. In short, he has been FULLY vetted. The Americans that support Barack Obama know what he brings to the table and they have deemed him worthy of the office of President of the United States of America.
Palin, on the other hand, was virtually unknown until two months ago, and it appears that the McCain campaign is doing everything possible to keep her shielded from the media. McCain should be proud of his selection, but his actions state otherwise. The American people are not stupid. They recognize the fact that she is being kept on a very short leash and they are logically asking themselves - WHY? We deserve to know who we are electing to one of the highest offices in this great land. If you don’t think so, then you should ask yourself if you are really a fan of the democratic process and a true American at heart.
It is frustrating to see your candidate’s name dragged through the mud repeatedly, especially when they represent so many of the ideals that you hold close - millions of Americans who support Barack Obama can sympathize with you. BUT if you think that McCain can cruise into office with a VP as UNKNOWN as Sarah Palin on his ticket - especially when you consider his age and medical history - then you are being naive. Keep your fingers crossed that she does better in her upcoming debate than she has in her last three interviews. I will be silently cheering for Biden.
If you are STILL wondering - who is this Barack Obama guy anyway? - spend 20 minutes online and find out for yourself. Despite what you hear about the ‘liberal’ media, there are plenty of unbiased news sources out in cyberspace that will give you the information you are looking for.
Have a good day!
74. chappie | 09.30.08
She will need more than Steve Schmidt and Rick Davis… she will need divine intervention: (She is quite bewitching)
75. zuki | 09.30.08
I’m still not over her lies about the Bridge to Nowhere and the Earmarks she is supposedly against. Lies, lies, lies. I don’t care how she does in the debate, because I don’t believe a thing she says.
Palin refuses to cooperate with her bi-partisan abuse of power investigation in Alaska (8 republicans, 4 democrats). Of course, before she was the vice pres candidate, she agreed to “cooperate fully”. And, what about her husband Todd, who ignored a legislative subpoena a week or so ago? Are they above the law already?
I have never seen a candidate less ready to be VP, or president, god forbid.
Pitbull? More accurate…. Palin is another George Bush, and the reason we are in the PITs is because of the GOP BULL. (thanks, to whoever thought that up.)
76. hottopics | 09.30.08
“John McCain’s campaign is putting pressure on the organisers of the vice-presidential debate tomorrow night to go easy on Sarah Palin amid growing alarm that faltering performances in recent days have made her an object of public ridicule”.
Senator McCain you had a chance to chose Mitt Romney but you did not - and now you want to free pass. Are you kidding me??????
77. hottopics | 09.30.08
“John McCain’s campaign is putting pressure on the organisers of the vice-presidential debate tomorrow night to go easy on Sarah Palin amid growing alarm that faltering performances in recent days have made her an object of public ridicule”.
Senator McCain you had a chance to chose Mitt Romney but you did not - and now you want to free pass. Are you kidding me??????
78. Amy Shoenfeld | 09.30.08
What a lot of nonsense and what hipocracy. Totally disengenous article. Obama was a Community Organizer two year senator and he is qualified to be president? How come we have not read about his heavy smoking which he quit just prior to his bid for presidency. His lips are blue!!!!!!
79. Rick Mave | 09.30.08
This election’s a wash. Time to be the maverick to John McCain. Time to pull up the ladder, let Obama win. Regroup lighter, stronger, faster for 2012…Romney 2012.
80. Roof | 09.30.08
I’ve voted Republican all my life. I was going to vote for McCain.
McCain chosing Palin wasn’t an issue, until I seen her couple of interviews.
Palin appears too extreme, plus easily confused.
I took a careful look at their voting records. Everyone should do this. Especially consumer issues.
I’m voting Obama, there’s no doubt about it.
81. 2opengovernment | 09.30.08
Regardless who will become P/VP in the election, we need policy advisors and think tanks to be real, and not just schills for $. Some of the think tanks are pretty lame. Debate and oversight are going to be needed.
Open government and people getting and staying involved is going to be the only way through the next cycle.
82. Roof | 09.30.08
In response to Edward #62.
Do you really think GW Bush was a great President? This was a joke, right?
I guess that’s why you want the McCain/Palin ticket. More of the same.
83. Debbi Atkinson | 09.30.08
Please, let her speak more to the media then it will be confirmed without a doubt what an incredible booger-eating-moron she truly is.
84. michael | 09.30.08
she can just go on the offensive, and repeat talking points like a parrot.
If she does she will be viewed as a success;…….. by those that would elect a horned toad as long as it croaked Bush/McCain/Gingrich/Gramm/Falwell.
85. matthew christin | 09.30.08
I liked her in the movie Fargo, but I’m not so sure she would be a good VP.
86. Kali | 09.30.08
Sal @ 12 - you are exactly right.
She will shine in the dumbed-down format. Underneath will be the blathering fool, but it will not be apparent.
Sarah Palin is the Ted Baxter of politics. This at a time we have genuine issue to address.
87. VOA | 09.30.08
McCain claims with a straight face that Palin is the best VP choice in history! How can you trust this man?
McCain claimed he solved the financial debacle, but he caused it! How can you trust this man?
Remember the Keating Five–Kick the plutocats out of the executive office!
88. Bran | 09.30.08
If McCain had Mitt Romney now when the Wall Street is shaking — he would fare much better!
89. Dallas Mike | 09.30.08
“allowed to speak more freely”…??? Huh?
Interviews are an example of her speaking freely….reading a speech from a teleprompter is not.
“Herself” is way in over her head.
90. Steve Kirk | 09.30.08
Strange way to run a railroad. It seems to me that the best way to ensure a vice president from either party is capable of running the country in the absence of the elected president is to have the runner up nominee to take the position. Not only will the choice be popular among the party but it can also prevent disasters like one unfolding here for the Republicans, but it could be worse for McCain, in that case he could be facing Clinton and Obama.
91. Richard Donaldson-Alves | 09.30.08
The polls have not included the huge young base - the base that has demonstrated their preference for the candidate who thinks carefully before charging off blindly, blindly selecting someone to be his stand in, someone who he knew nothing about - preference for the candidate is honest - preference for the candidate who has a better grasp of what the young element of the population are feeling. That candidate is certainly not our septuagenarian.
92. Moderate Voter | 09.30.08
Was Geraldine Ferraro qualified in 1984 to be VP? Six years as congresswoman from Queens, NY.
Was John Edwards qualified in 2004 to be VP? An unpopular senator who was never going to be re-elected, and incumbent senators have a difficult time losing, so he must have stunk.
And was Joe Biden qualified in 1972 to be a U.S. Senator? Do you libs know what Joe Biden’s elected experience was in 1972? He was a county council member.
Barack Hussein Obama: socialist tax and spend liberal, but far more socialist than any you’ve seen before!
93. sj | 09.30.08
The bottom line is she is not an educated person. A president needs to understand highly complex issue: the global economy, constitutional law, climate change, the history of world conflicts, social customs of the foreign leaders they have to negotiate with…. Sarah Palin can barely finish a sentence let alone analyze critically the issues of her day. She talks about “good guys” and “bad guys” as if the world were a children’s book!
Barack Obama was a professor of constitutional law, whose mother pushed education so hard all his life he wound up at Harvard Law. Those who vote for Sarah Palin because she seems so “like us,” beware: most of us are not equipped to lead the free world. Sorry, but it’s true. While Obama was hitting the books she was entering beauty pageants. Education matters!!! (Sorry, folks, but I’m a public school teacher!)
94. Unisex | 09.30.08
I want you all to notice how many women support Palin just on this blog. Don’t get me wrong I am advocate of Women’s Rights and The Women’s movement but let’s be honest with ourselves. Don’t vote for McCain/Palin
ticket just because she is a women. Vote for them because they are qualified for the position. You would give a job to firemen because he/she can actually save your life. Yes you would. Is Palin qualifed to be a vice president. Thats for you to decide on Nov. 4th.
95. cc | 09.30.08
I’m white,Male,live in Dallas and am gonna vote Palin..Hooray for a gun toting hocky Mom..Heck Yeah.So are most of my friends..Welcome to the White House Girl..:)
97. Steven Rinehart | 09.30.08
McCain better dump her. He has forgotten difference between a president and Hue Hueffner.
98. Gene | 09.30.08
I do not trust her interviews with the media.. cause i have read the transcripts and they are highly edited.. The media is biased and is trying to make her look bad when she is the perfect person for VP.. or even president. Can’t wait til the debates.
99. Amy | 09.30.08
<>
Every one of the African-Americans and Jews I know could come up with more coherent explanations that the train wreck that is Sarah Palin.
McCain needs to release his medical records, because his VP pick suggests senility.
100. Brian | 09.30.08
It was one bad interview. The MSM have been waiting for something to jump on. Obama’s gaffs were vertually ignored espeically the 57 states remark. The mainstream media have not even called out the inconsistencies on his Muslim faith.
101. Roger | 09.30.08
she needs a McExorcism to lose the brainwashing she has been posessed with during her “GOP handling” drills this past month. Could it be that attending 5 community colleges didn’t give her the academic rigor to pass the tests? Couldn’t be any worse than W with his “brownie” nicknames for all the dignitaries and buddies. Sarah can get back to, y’know, just being one of the guys (albeit one who is somehow convinced she is channeling God’s will, she’ll start numerous wars at the same time, W in a skirt she is). Ramblin’ Sarah, and old man McCain’t– recklessly stumbling this way and that– come on, who’s with us now — Country first, after lobbyists that is. Drill baby drill, nuke baby nuke, and dam the Polar Bears too, if they somehow were to win. Vote like your life and the future of our nation depends on it.
102. Peta | 09.30.08
There is something scarier than Palin becoming VP. How many other Palintypes would McCain appoint to positions of responsibility?
103. just the facts mam | 09.30.08
I am not a Republican or a Democrat. I am an American sick of people who cannot separate a Party from our Country. I voted for Carter, Regan, Bush Senior, Dole, Gore, and Kerry. I did not particularly like any of them but they seemed like the best choice at the time. In retrospect they probably all were except Carter who was an extremely honest, religious, incompetent leader. I feel bad for our country when 30% of the population still feels George W is doing OK. Those people obviously have very low expectations.
Sarah Palin is right in his mold. She is going to learn on the job? Give me a break. No one is that bright. It is an extremely complex world and the President must deal with it from the get go. The VP is not a training job. The VP must be ready to step in. Hooray for hockey moms. We need more of them loving and caring for their families. Doing all the wonderful things they do. But that is no preparation for going head to head with Putin, Al Quesada, Corporate Executives or any other worldly, often truly evil, or at least strongly amoral people. Sarah Palin needs to go back to Alaska were she may truly do some good and stay off a world stage she is woefully inadequate to handle. My vote was for McCain but he has so disappointed me with this critical personnel decision that I will have to go with Obama as much as that pains me. At least he picked a VP that knows more about Russia than it is next to Alaska.
104. LuAnn Weis | 09.30.08
I agree with Nancy Nash! I was leaning towards McCain (a slight lean); however, after the choice of Sarah Palin, I was insulted as a woman. He did not pick someone to offset his weaknesses like Obahma did. Then again she is younger and better looking than him. Is that the Republican’s way of choosing a VP candidate? I am so insulted with regard to how the Republicans view the voters.
105. fingachoppa | 09.30.08
What a travesty for our great nation…..that a bimbo like Palin could even be proposed as a VP candidate never mind actually chosen! If anyone saw any of her interviews lately and still entertains the notion to cast their vote for the Republican ticket I fear for our country. What will it take to convince the American people that McCain will do ANYTHING to be president including pander to the religious right by selecting the pathetic governor of Alaska who actually said that she believes dinosaurs and humans inhabited this planet at the same time. I am sure that the GOP will claim debate victory as long as she doesn’t spit up on herself.
106. Keekib | 09.30.08
Sarah Palin is unintelligent and has no business being on the ticket. I’m a registered independent and Obamma is getting my vote. McCain really screwed the Republican party up when he chose Palin. Sure, the announcement was exciting at first-because nobody knew her-but now it is just downright scary to think that she could become our VP. She should go back to Alaska to educate herself and consider this a trial run. She’s already made McCain lose. You’ll see.
107. Randy Peters | 09.30.08
If she were to become VP Letterman and Leno will have a field day for the next few years. It would make it so easy for them and any other comic looking for easy material. The woman is a complete idiot. Real hillbilly trailer park trash. Then there’s her senile running mate. An old angry man. A bitter old angry little man with Napoleon syndrome. What a ticket. An angry bitter man and ‘Deliverance’ kin.
108. small town girl | 09.30.08
I’m a woman who grew up in the late 50s and early 60s. My mother opened a business in 1963 and was a success. My mother-in-law was a professor for 32 years.
Sarah Palin is a slap in the face to all the strong, independent women I admired; smart women who fought more battles that Palin can imagine.
Sarah Palin has set women back 50 years.
My husband came home with this suggestion for Biden Thursday night. It made me laugh out loud.
Governor Palin, I know Dan Quayle.
I served with Dan Quayle.
Dan Qualye is a friend of mine.
Governor Palin, you are no Dan Quayle.
109. small town girl | 09.30.08
Oops .. the third Quayle should have been Quayle … typing too quickly and not proofing before hitting the “submit comment” button.
110. small town girl | 09.30.08
I’m an idiot … Qualye should have been Quayle. No more coffee for me after dinner.
111. Montana Mama | 09.30.08
“ As democracy is perfected, the office of President represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
H.L. Mencken 1955
112. jean | 09.30.08
Friday morning we will all have a clear perspective on this… But what amazed me last night is that John McCain tried to compare Ms. Hockey Mom to Bill Clinton — yes he was the Governor of Arkansas, a much larger state in population and revenue than Alaska… and oh, did John forget that Bill was a Rhodes Scholar??? He didn’t go to five different third rate colleges to get an education. That Bill raised an extremely thoughtful, charasmatic daughter who didn’t come home pregnant at 17. That Bill actually could articulate clear thoughts in gramatically correct sentences. Personally, Bill Clinton’s moral values need something to be desired, but his dedication to public service, gifted ability to lead, and incredible intelligence are NOT to be compared with the white trash hockey mom from Alaska. Ms. Sarah Palin is NOT qualified. And has anyone else noticed she has an “edge?” When she doesn’t like the question, she gets very mean and defensive. Should those of us with passports feel guilty after the way she answered Katie’s passport question? I didn’t come from a rich family who handed me a backpack and sent me off after college graduation…and she is not the only one to work more than one job and raise a family, but I have a passport and have taken whatever opportunity I can to get out to see the world… there are some hidden issues she is personally struggling with that clearly come through when she is put on the spot.
113. RML | 09.30.08
Even if Palin does great in the debates…that doesn’t make her qualified for Vice President or President of the United States. Palin is a slap in the face of all of those qualified Republican women with demonstrated capabilities to knowledgeably lead this nation. McCain showed poor judgment selecting her no matter what the spin machine says.
114. Mack | 09.30.08
Why would anybody vote for McCain/Palin? He is old and could care less if we get into a war with Russia. She is to dumb to know that, but she would push the button because McCain couldn’t lift his arm high enough to do it himself. We need a thoughtful president who might not be perfect, but who THINKS with reasoning before he does something rash. It was obvious from the first debate and the selection to Palin that McCain thinks like BUSH. They feel it in their gut that it’s the right thing to do. How stupid could you be. That is why we are in Iraq now because of this idiotic cowboy mentality.
115. Michael | 09.30.08
Believe it or not But I to am a Republican but will not vote for John McCain. Not only is Sarah Palin an idiot, but I have to question his judgement as a President for choosing her. People will say I ma lying, believe what you want, but we all know the truth. President Bush and John McCain has ruined it for us Republicans for the next 8 12 years.
116. K L | 09.30.08
“I do not trust her interviews with the media.. cause i have read the transcripts and they are highly edited.. The media is biased and is trying to make her look bad when she is the perfect person for VP.. or even president. Can’t wait til the debates.”- Gene.
Highly edited hey to make her look bad?
If Palin could give a concise answer to her question instead of irrelevant and non specific verbage then perhaps she wouldn’t be so highly edited!
The media doesn’t have to try to make her look bad, she’s doing a fine job of that all by herself!
117. jefflz | 09.30.08
Palin was a McCain gamble that seemed to pay off at first. But a lot of chickens have come home to roost. She was not properly vetted. He hardly knew her. No one knew her. She was a splash in the controlled environment of the Republican convention. On her own, she has become a liability to McCain and to which ever party he claims to be with at the moment (Pit Bull Moose Party ?).
118. Katee | 09.30.08
Sandy - You watch way to much TV! You are a robot repeating what you are hearing in the Liberal news. They don’t seem to get any facts straight. GET A BRAIN!
119. Charles Hansen | 09.30.08
Come on give Sarah a chance. She appears to be a bright, wise woman. Most importantly she is a practicing Christian. We need her in the White House along side of John McCain. Put her in the White House, let her serve us. I don’t believe we will disappointed.
120. paul | 09.30.08
The Republican party used to have ideas. Now they have resorted to personalities. She is the best we had? No way.
121. JoeCool | 09.30.08
Remember, this is the United States of America, where millions of people watch professional wrestling on TV and think it’s real. Of course people will vote for Sarah Palin no matter how stupid she looks doing interviews. It’s all about being entertained, not about running the country.
122. LeviGoldstein | 09.30.08
Eight years of George Bush and now we have ANOTHER idiot in the pipeline?!! What is wrong with this country?
123. HiloBob | 09.30.08
If Biden doesn’t shred her like Mozzarella the Democrats don’t deserve to win.
This woman is like the college freshman that hasn’t gone to class and crams all weekend before finals week.
I taught high school for almost twenty years. I saw that ooops look and the probing questions and subsequent faking it like the first Couric interview more than once.
Let her take care of Alaska with a population the size of Fort Worth Texas and money gushing out of the ground. She can still handle that.
124. Brian | 09.30.08
Give me a break! I have always voted Democrat! The Democratic ticket in this election is a joke! I dont agree with everything the Republicans are promising, However I do think Palin will shock the world on Thursday and Biden will be stunned. I would vote Democrat again if Hillary was on the ticket. Obama is not ready to run this country with Biden! With Hillary as the VP and Bill backing her this country would be much better! If not McCain & Palin get my vote.
125. Kevin Mc | 09.30.08
Damn the media. How dare they actually quote the candidate? They should allow the McCain campaign to pick and choose which quotes are appropriate. They should provide all questions in advance.
Their bias comes through in the way they ask pertinent questions, allow the candidate to answer and share the results.
It’s so unfair.
126. RedAmerican1 | 09.30.08
All Americans would be regret if they elect Brack Hussain Obama and Joe Biden on November 4. The Democratic ticket is just two great talkers (or big mouth speakers) and tell me what accomplishments they have achieved during their careers? Come on, Senator is a national hero and reformer wheras Gov. Palin is an executive Governor, and by any standards the Republican ticket is much better for the country than the Democratic one. Don’t be fooled by those smooth talkers!
127. Kevin Mc | 09.30.08
cc says… “Hooray for a gun toting hocky Mom”
Maybe we are living in the “end times”, if being a hockey mom is qualification for the second highest office in the land.
I, under no circumstances, want a president like me. I want a president who is someone I aspire to be. I’m not a total idiot, but I am unqualified to be president.
That said, I could have answered Couric’s questions better than Palin. At the very least, I would like a VP who has some interest in the world around her, has thought about national and global issues and maybe has read a newspaper a few times.
It doesn’t seem like too much to ask…
128. dom | 09.30.08
Wow, a lot of doubts and fears flying around these days.
As someone voting McCain/Palin in November, I have doubts also, but no fears.
I doubt Obama will be able to net gain 60% of the Hillary vote. And also in the presidential election, I doubt Obama will be able to win those states he lost to Hillary during the democratic primaries.
Tick, tick, tick — that’s the sound of the clocking running down to November 4th. POUND, POUND, POUND — that’s the sound of Obama supporters’ hearts beating faster, and faster, and faster — in fear, apprehension, and worry.
So overt and covert Obama supporters, keep on posting your fears and tears and doom and gloom about Palin until that which you REALLY fear most comes crashing down on you in November — enough of your OWN LIBERAL KIND rethinking, rebranding, and stranding The One.
129. geek | 09.30.08
I am amazed when people blame the media, editing or bias for shortcomings of their pet candidate or personality of the moment.
No the interviews where not highly edited, Governor Palin is just not well informed.
The notion or opinion that she is Presidential material beyond naive or denial it shows a huge lack of judgement and that is a reflection on Senator McCain. This is a person who had to go to 4 separate schools and take 6 years to graduate from college and that speaks loudly.
Look, this is not the early 20th century where having a decent education did not matter. The world is much more complex as are the issues. This is not elitist position, it is a fact that a quality education helps in making sound decisions.
There were always questions about President Bush’s intellect and if you look at the mess this country is in from Economics to the War it is totally a reflection on the President. You can blame the Congress or Pelosi or anyone else for that matter, but he is the President.
There is no way that Governor Palin has the background, experience or education for the position of President and saying you like guns, hunting or are pro choice does not cut it. I can train a parrot to say those words. The fact that she has more than once stated that Alaska close proximity to Russia is relevant to foreign affairs is a joke and anyone who defends that is just plain stupid.
130. adam h | 09.30.08
For those of you who think that we’ll “be shocked” by her (in a good way) during the Thursday night debates, I can assure you that she has managed to set the bar _so_ low that I’ll be shocked if she manages to produce even a modicum of proper English grammar.
If you, on the other hand, are of the group that believes that she will shock us in a bad way, then prepare, my friends, to be shocked.
It’s hard to even fathom how this lightweight has become a contender to the throne.
Dear John (McCain),
What were you thinking?
131. Florida | 09.30.08
I am angry! There are so many intelligent women in this country and McCain chose Sarah Palin. How did this happen? This highlights his strategy and decision making ability. I am an educated female in the Unites States of America and I WILL NOT vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. This was selfish PR stunt and she needs to be removed from the ticket. Her interview with Katie Couric was an embarassment to this nation. Unfortunately Thursday’s debate is going to seal the deal for the democrats.
Former Republican voter
132. mksyed | 09.30.08
Republicans can fool some people sometime ,but they can not fool all people all the time. Of course John Mccain is in his Biggest ” GAMBLE” of his life. His VP ” Sarah Palin ” will surprise everybody,every voters this thursday like she did ABC,Charls Gibson and CBS,Katie Couric. Mccain Campaign are trying to hide her as much possible. But can she hide herself from Senate 36 yr.veteran,chairman of Foreign relation of senate and in front of media and millions of audience and voters. We are waiting to laugh???
133. HawkinCA | 10.01.08
Why won’t McCain and the Republicans let her get out in front of the media and public and answer questions? If she was truly who so many on the right claim her to be why would they not turn her loose? It’s pretty obvious. She is clueless.
134. Jerry van Rossum | 10.01.08
It is so funny that when someone disagrees with our views we blame the media. Ever since the advent of talk radio, we have found new language and regulations to deal with anything we disagree with–left wing main stream drive by media. Then we as sheep mouth the words. It is not becoming to anyone to use such diatribes as methodical maneuvers in circular arguments used by talk radio jocks.
If you like Governor Palin–fine say so and why you belief this to be true. Do not use arguments that do not fit. the media is not out to get Governor Palin. Personally I find her quite humorous. She is the epitomizes the evolution of our politicians. Only able to speak in short bursts of prepared talking points. When asked an intelligent question, they will try to go to their talking points and wonder why no one beleives them.
If McCain -Palin are not elected we will have nothing funny on Saturday Night live or late night television. And by the way the liberal press would have nothing to complain about if they are not elected and the only news to watch would be Fox news. SO I hope they are elected at least for the humor of it all.
Oh if this seems rambling it is probably because the media is out to get me.
135. James | 10.01.08
from cc @87
“I’m white,Male,live in Dallas and am gonna vote Palin..Hooray for a gun toting hocky Mom..Heck Yeah.So are most of my friends..Welcome to the White House Girl..:)”
That pretty much sums up the mentality of your standard rootin’ tootin’ republican voter. Way to really think about your choice cc.
136. mksyed | 10.01.08
Palin might have energiged GOP base somewhat, but real “Sarah Palin” raised huge question “is she fit to be VP or President of USA”.Answer is definitely “NO”. she already proved it in her interview with ABC and CBS. We are waiting to see what she says this time. My vote is already “Final” . she will not change anything.
137. A Real Republican | 10.01.08
I can’t believe how many posers there are in this thread.
The facts are that this is yet another media attack on Sarah Palin. The fact that the author has neglected to mention she donated $250 to both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton proves my point (look up the author at opensecrets.org).
Sarah Palin has energized the base with her enthusiam and convictions. She has run the biggest state in the union for the last two years along with a family of seven. The Democrats and the Media have sent hordes of people searching high and low for dirt and finding nothing there there.
Sarah is the only ONE of the FOUR with ANY EXECUTIVE experience. I feel a whole lot more comfortable with her on the ticket than any of the other 3. I am not the only one who believes this (though I wonder if my post will be published though after reading at the ‘fairness doctrine’ statement below.)
138. truthtopower40 | 10.01.08
Gov. Palin is unquestionably the least qualified person to be on the ticket of either party in my lifetime — and I am nearly as old as Senator McCain. It is not really a question of her experience, though the fact that she has only been mayor of a very small town and governor of the smallest state in the union in terms of population does raise a question. But if she were a highly educated person who had read widely and studied and thought deeply not just about the issues of the day but also about history, the place of America in the world, and different ideas about solutions to the problems we face I would certainly be prepared to give her consideration. If she had shown a deep intellectual curiosity about the world around her that would be a point in her favor too.
139. Brock | 10.01.08
I’m also writing in Romney.
http://www.writemittin.com
bethemaverick.blogspot.com
140. lincolnsghost | 10.01.08
Food for thought….
One of Lincoln’s earliest statements on the subject of his faith came in 1846:
“That I am not a member of any Christian church is true; but I have never denied the truth of the Scriptures; and I have never spoken with intentional disrespect of religion in general, or of any denomination of Christians in particular….I do not think I could myself be brought to support a man for office whom I knew to be an open enemy of, or scoffer at, religion.” [July 31, 1846]
141. Joseph | 10.01.08
The interviews have been absolutely atrocious.
McCain should ask someone like Romney to step in if he’d like a chance at not losing this election.
143. Walt Willis | 10.01.08
I was raised in the home of a Republican County Chairwoman. As a schoolboy, I campaigned for Alf Landon, Wendell Wilkie, and Thomas Dewey. But on May 5, 2005, I changed to an independent. The Republican party now belongs to the deep pockets of the oil and other major industries. I also read Molly Ivens book, Shrub. Should be required reading. And I suspect one of the holdups on the crisis is that not enough earmarks and loopholes were written in when speed was involved. The under the table siphoning off of funds wasn’t a big enough part of 700 billion dollars. As far as our president is concerned, any of his recommendations should be a signal to go the other way!
144. Dolores verges | 10.01.08
Let Sara talk she gives answers even if she doesn’t know what she is talking about she seems to be on guard all the time give her enough rope and she’ll hang herself she does not respect others and thinks people are stupid
145. John Kooms | 10.01.08
You people and ” she is refreshing “, “the Couric interview was not her fault ” , ” The liberal monsters of the media are tryimng hard to destroy her ” etc. , please do us all , yourselves included a favor and do not vote , you geniuses gave us Bush two times and now look at the country . We are talking about the Vice President of the United States of America , one heart beat away ( MCCain’s ) from the Presidency of the United Sates of America … if MCcain should win . This isn’t a cutie pie contest or electing the Prsident of the local PTA or a time for on the job training . I could go to the local high school or college and ask a cheer leader to run for VP , she agrees and then wings it in the interviews and debates having not one clue what she is talking about , this is Sarah Palin . Vice President or Prsident of the United States ?GET REAL !
146. hfw | 10.01.08
A prominent journalist said it best: it’s not that Palin doesn’t know the answers; the real problem is that she doesn’t understand the questions.
I would think it obvious that anyone whose knowledge is limited to that gained during prepping for the debate doesn’t have an adequate grasp of the issues to serve well. Debate prep should be about strategy and style, not about material covered in intro poli-sci classes.
While unedited transcripts will make even a qualified person “sound” bad, watching the debate with Katie Couric was painful. Couric was firm but gentle. As others have commented elsewhere, we made fun of Dan Quayle for his verbal pratfalls, but we were still able to understand the points he was making.
Our world is in far too much disarray to elect anyone on the basis of charm. Really, what would happen when Palin meets with world leaders? We need people with a solid education and history that prepares them to think on their feet and communicate clearly.
147. Richard McDonough | 10.01.08
My goodness, Gene. This woman is a travesty and the press should have refused to even acknowledge her.
She embarrasses the country before the world and is physical proof of the incredible inadequacy and cynicism of John McCain, as well as the bankruptcy of the party he runs for. This is the stuff of sit-coms, not of a natioanl election.
148. Connie Chamberlin | 10.01.08
For those of you who blame the ‘liberal’ media for making Palin look bad, isn’t that also what do you said about W? Give me a break. Bush has done plenty to make it apparent he really is as incompetent as many of us were afraid he was.
149. Katharine | 10.01.08
It’s dangerous that both sides are pinning everything to this debate. Even if she pulls it off after weeks and days of prepping, she is clearly not qualified for the job. But you can bet the McCain, a gambling man, is putting all his eggs into this basket now, and they will make sure she shines on Thursday. Will that mean we should all concede that she is Vice Presidential material? Not on your life. One debate does not make for the experience, judgement, and clear headedness needed for the job. Despite his occasional gaffes, Joe Biden is a compassionate, intelligent, knowledgeable individual who is clearly more qualified in every way. The two latest actions by Palin that make me sure she is a disaster: 1. She would not in any way admit, in her second interview with Couric, that she stumbled or blew it in her first. Instead she took papa McCain along to support her. There is a stubborness and arrogance there hidden under the veneer. 2. Her comments like ‘I remember Joe Biden’s speeches from second grade.’ Then, asked by Couric if that isn’t a snarky ageism, she smilingly lies, ‘Oh no, its a compliment, I mean, he has been in the senate for many, many, many, years…..’ She is the epitome of the High School cheerleader who would split you up the middle with a cute smile on her face. I teach students like this. They are lacking in a basic compassion and underlying nastiness that I don’t want in Washington.
150. mark | 10.01.08
I would have preferred an Obama Palin debate. Let the 20 month governor face the community organizer. Meanwhile, the two old experienced Senators could provide an informed debate. The two youngsters are just not ready for prime-time.
151. msles | 10.01.08
I believe that many republicans are missing the point on Sarah Palin. Her presentation is not being criticized, at least not mainly her presentation. She has not given coherent answers to basic policy questions put before her. I don’t mean polished. Articulate. Eloquent. I mean, she does not give answers that make any sense at all. Health care reform and the bailout? Because it’s about jobs creation? That was the most glaring example, but the other interviews were just as bad, and they were softball interviews. Either she can’t think very well, or she does not care enough about us to give us answers to make an informed choice in this election. Neither option is acceptable.
I am saddened that so many people believe that it doesn’t make a difference. This world is currently more dangerous and complex than it has been since many of us can remember. In the month of September alone, the world has changed dramatically. And republicans are worried that her feelings might get hurt if she is asked a difficult question? After the performances of John McCain and Sarah Palin this month, there can no longer be any question in any thinking individual’s mind. If you care about this country at all, you will vote for Obama or a third party candidate. It’s that simple.
152. Leslie Brooks | 10.01.08
When Sarah Palin reads a speech written for her by Bush’s scriptwriters, as she did at the Convention, that is Sarah being Sarah, according to McCain’s explanation of why she’s a laughing stock now after seeming such a good idea before. When she’s asked a question about policy, or what she reads. and has no idea, or when she answered a voter’s question with an
an answer that didn’t fit in with the McCain platform, then she’s “overprepared” and she’s lost her natural and honest self. I bet she is more herself when she’s reading from cue cards - she was a weather girl after all, which is sort of like being a newscaster, but with less responsibility. She must feel right at home with a teleprompter. But Sarah Palin thinking on her feet will only get her and us in trouble. It’s an insult to Americans to make her a potentially President of the United States just to win an election. Who really rules and would make that decision? We all know it wasn’t McCain - he hardly knew her and he wanted Lieberman. She’s been handled by Bush operatives since she came on the team. Watch out for an earpiece at the debate, and maybe for the duration….
153. BobbyV | 10.01.08
When asked what major newspapers she read, Mrs. Palin couldn’t name one. This, together with her inability to name one decision of the SCOTUS other than Roe v Wade, is sufficient grounds to disqualify her as a credible VP. And that McCain can tell the American people that she’s qualified to lead the country tells me that he’s thrown off whatever ethics he once possessed and is now driven solely by his will to power.
154. Scott Vaughan | 10.01.08
Palin is as qualified to be president as Obama. That is to say, she is not qualified.
155. Tracy | 10.01.08
Bush mangled language and appeared to be glaringly stupid in the 2000 debates and he still won - twice. The American people often prefer mindless reality shows over quality programming.
156. Brian Wilson | 10.01.08
Terrance,
you quoted Nancy, someone who claimed to be a lifelong Republican, yet said she “might” have voted for McCain had Palin not been selected as Vice. You called her out on that. You then called her a loser and a “chicken $hit liberal.” Unreal. You are a Republican first and an American second. Judging by your reaction to an innocuous comment, you believe America should just do away with liberals. Do us all a favor and move to China, Russia, Turkministan, etc. There are any number of places where your political intolerance would better suit your host country’s political scene. Were time travel not an issue, King George’s England would have been a superb place for your base, servile attitude. How decidedly unAmerican your attitude is.
158. Doug S. | 10.01.08
***** V-When you asked “When asked what major newspapers she read, Mrs. Palin couldn’t name one.”, you should consider who the heck reads “major newspapers” anymore? I sure don’t. The MSM (e.g., the media for the masses) is so consistently biased towards flashy headlines (after all, they are in the business of selling “news” and they need to catch people’s attention) that I no longer assume they are providing accurate information.
We all should take advantage of the web and find the info for ourselves.
One thing I wonder, is it actually legal for a sitting head of government (Ms. Palin IS, after all, the Governor of Alaska) to give endorsements? In just Anchorage, there are four different papers (see http://www.usnpl.com/aknews.php). To which one should the Governor give free advertising?
159. Doug S. | 10.01.08
Interesting. Why did this website edit out Bobby-V’s name in my previous reply?
160. Lacy | 10.01.08
After reading the above comments, I am struck by the anger evident in so many of the republican supporters. Where is the rational discussion and exchange of ideas between opposing philosophies that makes for good decision making? Who is the “liberal elite” they keep yelling about? I can agree that the press appears to be biased and perhaps too left leaning, but as a rational adult, I can state that fact without using foul language or making bigoted, derogatory accusations against people with whom I disagree. Angry people never benefit or learn from the sharing of opinions when focused on yelling insults. Calm down, use your intelligence and have an open mind.
161. joebloww | 10.01.08
OMG. This thread of comments is truly depressing, particularly here in CSM. There is just too much whining and name calling. Liberal this, conservative that. Do you hear yourselves? The whole liberal/conservative name calling banter is fabricated by the media for sensationalism, and repeated by the politicians to force people to take sides by appealing to American bigotry.
Whether they are “conservative” or “liberal”, they’re both politicians, and therefore they’re both rich elitist liars to will say/do anything to keep their cushy job in Washington, lining their pockets with lobbyist gifts while they claim to be working for us.
Stop giving in to the bigotry within you, and choose someone who is not going to make things worse in the next 4 years than this last bunch of crooks has in the past 8. We had a balanced budget 8 years ago, and now we’re in economic turmoil. Obviously the Republican method made the elite very rich, but the majority of the country is suffering.
You cannot continue to stick your head in the sand and just choose by the label that you want to be associated with. Please educate yourself before running your yap about the candidates, and be enlightened by what you learn. Then vote with a clear conscience, rather than just joining the lemmings in the rush off the cliff, like you did 4 years ago.
162. joebloww | 10.01.08
Oh, and Palin would not make a good VP or P. I’m sorry, but that’s just the truth, regardless of name calling like hockey mom or whatever else. She just doesn’t have what it takes, and she certainly doesn’t represent the people of America.
163. Chuck | 10.01.08
“Some rough TV interviews ” ??
IT’s ALL TV Interviews !!!
ALL
ALL
ALL
She HAS to Go !
164. kevin | 10.01.08
Palin is an end-time pentacostal fundamentalist born-again Christian with an extremely religious view of the world, which by the way she believes is only 6000 years old and mankind walked with the dinosaurs. She is not a person we want anywhere near the nuke button. I am amazed at how supposedly rational Republicans are defending her. SHE IS A HEAD CASE and has NO BUSINESS being on a national ticket!
OBAMA 08 - thanks John, you just handed the election to us. Please, let her speak more, I like watching trainwrecks.
165. TONY STAR | 10.01.08
She is more ready than the “Pretender” thats for sure….
The slanted news ….Hollywierd….and all its cronies really are afraid of her and are doing everything they can to derail a great leader for her state and our country….If you think this is American Idol we want as a president you need to rethink your values…I want people running that are proud of our heritage and our country not someone who does not want to even wear the American Flag ….Are you serious…A guy that I watched on Letterman a year ago and he did not even have the correct answer to how many people it took to over-ride a Presidential veto if I heard him right ….A guy who said something about visiting all 58 states.
This is the best???
Heck I could do better that I promise the American People
http://www.news3online.com/index.php?code=480L7ToQ02MK5dnW91P9
166. Wayne | 10.01.08
If the president was limited to the duties and authority outlined in the Constitution she would be qualified.
On a recent rip to Alaska many people were critical of Palin. No one I spoke with supported her.
All I heard at a meeting of Republicans the day after her speech was how great she was. I didn’t watch the speech but I read the transcript. I was not impressed. People at the convention were caught up in te moment. According to a delegate the party had hacks walking the aisles telling people when to cheer. She and the party are banking on her celebrity. Something they excoriated Obama for earlier in the campaign.
The fact that she sid the war is a task from God is reason to reject her.
167. McPalin | 10.01.08
Liberals focus the “Experience” question on Palin because they really do not want it focused on Obama. Obama spends a few days in the Senate each year. Palin runs a state 27/4/365. Also, those reading CSM should not forget Obama’s opposition to the Born Alive Act.
169. J. Glass | 10.01.08
Palin’s selection as McCain’s V.P. is not only an insult to our intelligence as a country, it is an insult to the great men and women who have served our country since its founding. Think of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Wilson, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Kennedy, and then picture Palin in the Oval Office. Unfortunately she is not McCain’s joke on us; she is proof that McCain acts before he thinks–not a quality I want in a president. We need to see his medical records ASAP (as in BEFORE the election).
170. John Pedler | 10.01.08
In Europe we have - I think I can say after a good look around - great fear of Madame Palin. It is not true to say Mme Palin has as much foreign affairs/military/security experience as Carter & Clinton for example. Carter had studied these matters seriously when Governor, Clinton was a Rhodes Scholar with great international experience. Mme Palin, to go by her remarks to date,does not even seem to have had a serious interest in world affairs and so formed any mature view of our world today.
True George Bush was lamentably lacking in such experience and chose Cheney, and Rumsfeld - whose hands on experience of these subjects was second to none. What did we get from them? The Iraq war with its disastrous worldwide consequences not only political and military but financial too - that war with its overall price tag approaching $1 trillion (borrow all the way) is a very significant element in today’s financial meltdown.
No$:- “experience” does not automatically qualify for the presidency and commander-in-chief: McCain - the Vietnam veteran - voted for the Iraq invasion although many warned that it risked one more “Vietnam” - and not just one but two more because it involved Afghanistan languishing as Bush’s unfinished business. And that is what has happened - the next president has two potential “Vietnams” to avoid.
Yet McCain was the one politician who might have stopped that war if he had spoken out against it. Yes - he had experience but the way he used it disqualifies him as US (and no 1 world) leader. Is he the man to successfully avoid those two potential “Vietnams”? For more see our: http://www.dipconsult.eu
172. Chas | 10.01.08
I had thought that what our republic needed after the last eight years was a thoughtful, traditional and possibly intellectual conservative to guide us through the complex global transformation now occurring that we are missing as a country. I hoped that such a person could lead us toward a deeply needed transformation into a new century. As a person whose politics are eclectic rather than partisan, I wrote to Chuck Hegel asking him to consider running for President and I still think that, in retrospect, John McCain would have been a better choice in 2000 than was Bush. But he got screwed by his own party’s conviction with the magic pony show. What we have now as representative of conservative “thought” in the US are these:
1) At least be honest…..you’re not a life long Republican. You’re a chicken $hit liberal wrapped in a wanna be Republican cover. If you were a real Republican, the Palin choice wouldn’t be a problem for you. You would rather vote for old drunk, business as usual Joe Biden than to take a chance on someone fresh like Sarah Palin. What a loser you are Nancy. Go ahead and vote for your messiah Barack Hussein, you’ll regret it. What a following sheep you are….
2) Wow, I always thought the CSM was more of a christian paper. I didn’t realize it was a liberal rag. I just hope they go belly up like all the other trash run papers, after this Bailout fails again. And it is a ‘Bailout’ not a ‘rescue’. Call it what ya like, you can polish a turd, but it’s still a turd. (is this like lipstick on a pig? … pity the poor stereotyped turd.)
This is Conservative thought!?
Palin may be able to present well in public and crinkle her nose in that cutesy cheerleader, beauty queen way and she will likely debate with a string of neato sound bites and fun little quips that keep all of us Americans titillated, but we have reached a point where some intellect and some recognition of the complexity of the world is required and our problems will not be solved by sound bits and fundamentalist thinking. George Will knows this as do other self identified conservatives like Andrew Bacevich, and David Brooks. McCain’s choice was irresponsible.
173. Sea Ration | 10.01.08
I think that Governor Palin will hold her own against Senator Biden in the upcoming debate. It’s always refreshing to hear someone state their beliefs and stick to them. The media has been nitpicking on her since she was announced as the candidate. I don’t see or hear any questions being addressed to Senator Biden about how his helicopter was forced down t the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. The impression left is that it was forced down by hostile fire, when in fact it was a weather related delay. Imagine the field day the media and Saturday Night Live would have if Governor had made such a statement about being forced down.
174. Alfred | 10.01.08
Lots of rumor about Sarah Palin : all negative
No rumor for lots of money for Obama Husain for his presidential campain- from Muslim contrys -/ milions and milions dollars/
What is this? Why is this?
This is for Muslims money?
Islam not let you change religions -/only kill/
Why Muslim not kill Huseins? -He is his men!
I wait for all best from Sarah Palin!
175. msles | 10.01.08
Sea Ration, What are her beliefs and how is she sticking to them? She is literally not saying anything coherent. Sticking to making incoherent, gibberish sound bites is now considered an opinion? I can appreciate liking her. She is likeable. BUT she has not demonstrated sufficient brain power and grasp of relevent issues to be in charge of the same. Stop worrying about her being picked on. She can handle that. Worry about the irreversible damage she can do to our country due to her ignorance on issues that truly matter to Americans and the world.
176. MDN | 10.01.08
Thank you Tony,
The world will soon be flat, again!
Did you know how badly Christians
are being treated around the world?
Just ask them they will tell you.
Because That’s what they’ve been told.
Welcome to the 21 century and a bold new
Theo-ideocracy.
177. Candace | 10.01.08
we shouldn’t expect a governor to know anything about US foreign policy, the economy, or be comfortable with television interviews.
178. Jacob | 10.01.08
It’s irresponsible how so many of we Americans look for a candidate we can identify with on a personal level. Talk about extreme narcissism. In fact, for the evangelicals who vehemently support her, they should view the “likeablility” part of Palin’s campaign as sinful. When people push Palin for this reason, it’s no different than people who voted for Bush because they felt they “could sit down and have a beer with the guy”. If we’re saying that we want a person who could potentially lead our country to be like us, that should scare us to death since 99+% couldn’t handle the job ourselves. We’re saying we would rather have someone cool/unqualified than responsible/perhaps not someone we would normally socialize with. This is what disgusts me about people accusing Obama supporters as playing a popularity game, because Palin supporters love playing it more, only much more blatantly.
179. MDN | 10.01.08
The only people and I mean the only people,
that will defend this vice presidential pick
are those that believe in the End times.
They WANT to start WWIII, to usher in the
second coming so “THEY” can go to every lasting
peace. Thus proving “THEY” were right and every
body else is wrong! Time for the human race
to grow up and really see the purpose for OUR exs-
istance.
“Dear God, save us from the people who believe in you.”
180. suzy | 10.01.08
I love Sarah, because she’s like… you know, a real strong woman… and she’s great! I mean she’s a mom and she’s really neat and like she’s super qaulifyed! I just think she’s the best! She also goes to church all the time and that’s like real important too when you gotta talk to the Russians and all the other communists out there. She’ll be able to loook deep into there souls and just know when they aren’t tellling the truth… She just the best and I love her so much, I named my puppy after her!!!
181. Hunter James | 10.01.08
I assume that most of the above commentators are sticking to St. Paul’s injunction to the effect that women are to bow down to their husbands saying Yassuh, boss. Yassuh. In order words, that they are indeed to be treated like chattle slaves.
182. Mike | 10.01.08
Ms. Couric asked Sarah Palin specifically which newspapers she read.
Palin couldn’t answer.
The dumbing down of America is now complete.
I am glad to know there are at least some true conservatives left out there, who understand the difference between legislating social issues vs principle.
183. Nashor | 10.01.08
117. suzy | 10.01.08
I love Sarah, because she’s like… you know, a real strong woman… and she’s great! I mean she’s a mom and she’s really neat and like she’s super qaulifyed! I just think she’s the best! She also goes to church all the time and that’s like real important too when you gotta talk to the Russians and all the other communists out there. She’ll be able to loook deep into there souls and just know when they aren’t tellling the truth… She just the best and I love her so much, I named my puppy after her!!!
Suzy,
Learn how to spell the word qualified. You are obviously clueless and uneducated.
184. Zach | 10.01.08
KARA- Liberals trying to destroy Palin? Why would we do that when she’s doing all the work for us…lol
Everytime Palin opens her mouth, she does two thing..one, she removes all doubt that his is not quaiified and two, she makes it harder and harder for her supporters to defend her and in turn makes the supporter seem dumb as a doorknob! Ya’ll know shes not qualified. Do whats best for the country and not reward the same party with 4 more years after they jacked up the last 7 and 3/4.
185. Abhijit | 10.01.08
I like hot dogs. But just because I like hot dogs doesn’t mean I’m going to vote for governor whose state has the lowest per capita hot dog consumption in the union.
186. midge | 10.01.08
in response to 20. Kara | 09.30.08 “Replace the word Palin with the word black or jew and see how it sounds. Not very nice.” i don’t think you understand the concept of bigotry, this comparison makes no sense.
Palin is not a word, it is a name. the difference is when you replace palin with black or jew you are being a bigot because you are making general sweeping statements about a group of people. questioning one person’s intelligence, one person’s capabilities, the personal preparedness of one particular person for a particular job, that is not bigotry. that is questioning the qualifications of a person who is supposed to act as our leader. we are allowed to do that. it is ignorance like yours that shuts down open democratic discussion, this idea that we must accept the word of the GOP that she is qualified and cannot question their judgment. sounds like a dictatorship and scarily, it also sounds like bush. these criticisms are particular to palin as an individual, they are based on what we have witnessed straight from the horse’s mouth and they are legitimate. she can’t even tell us which specific newspapers she reads! that is not bigotry on my part, that is a FACT.
187. Babs | 10.01.08
I am a woman who has typically voted Republican.
Not because it was my Party, but because I compared the two who were running and felt I was voting for the best.
I am voting for Obama this year.
I am embarrassed that people would think that voting for someone ‘like them’ is good enough for them.
I don’t want someone just like me running my country.
I want someone BETTER than me (and I think I am an intelligent person).
Please all of you Palin supporters, open your eyes and ears and see what Palin is saying in these few interviews and tell me if you honestly believe that this woman should be a heartbeat away from the Presidency?
I would not vote for her just because she is a woman.
Give me a smart, knowledgable, experienced woman and I may but just being a women is not a good reason.
Aren’t you the least bit upset at McCain for giving to you as your choice?
If he wanted a woman, are you telling me that she is the absolutely most intelligent, experienced, knowledgable person out there in politics right now.
Read about what the Alaskans are saying about her.
They agree that she is out of her league.
Are you only ranting and raving about how wonderful she is because she is a Repubican?
That reason is not good enough for us right now.
We need to pick someone who is actually intelligent and has the ability to help us through some of the toughest times of our recent history.
She doesn’t know history, she doesn’t know current affairs, she doesn’t know about the economy, she doesn’t read a newspaper, she doesn’t read books, she must not have watched the Presidential debate or she would have known McCain’s stand on issues.
What does she do beside what she has told us that she is proud of (hockey mom and moose hunter)?
God help us if Palin (and McCain) are elected.
188. Tony | 10.01.08
I appreciate the clarification some have made as to the takeover of the GOP by the Neocons. This is, and should never be referred to as conservatism. It is the policy of robber barons, and is what is responsible for the disgusting shifting of wealth in this country. Michael Moore just wrote that the top 400 people in the US own more wealth than that lower 50% of the country… nearly 1.6 Trillion dollars, that expanded by 700 BILLION under Bush.
Real conservatism, as envisioned and written eloquently about by found Edmund Burke, is about legacy. What options are we leaving our great grandchildren, who, notably, are not here to vote for their interests? They will have an unending level of debt to recover from, and virtually no social infrastructure left to support them as they bear the weight of the rich upon their backs. The rich must just think they’ll be able to pass money down to keep THEIR children from facing such harsh realities.
This is not news. Listen to to the neocons and they brazenly lay out how the saving of the rich will float all boats, and how the government is evil. Norquist wants to bankrupt the government so that continuous military presence is what keeps order. These heartless b*stards are trying to take us back to feudal times.
Palin and McCain are just part of their plan. They are cynical enough to know that most people of faith and/or aligned with the GOP are similarly “uncurious” as the illiterate current president, the pathetic McCain, graduating 894 of 899 in his military class, and Palin… sheesh.
C’mon people. It’s likely that nobody that has written here has benefitted from the Bush agenda, and neither will they if McCain/Palin get in.
What you should save for your memoirs though is how you screwed over your progeny for the next few generations.
189. Mary Lang | 10.01.08
You know what I think? I think Sarah will be rigged up
with a hidden microphone in her beehive doo and she’ll
be coached as the debate goes on. I don’t trust any
of her so-called ‘handlers’ to do otherwise.
190. Claudia | 10.01.08
No one needs to be told by any “elite liberal media” that Palin is unqualified, she does it herself every time she opens her mouth.
If she were a man - a la Dan Quayle, or worse - the uproar would be no less. If she were a qualified woman, McCain would have done himself a favor, and he might be leading in the polls right now.
Whatever this woman says, if she’s a bust at the debate, it will all be the fault of left wing media elite.
Give me a break!
191. Lynn | 10.01.08
Attention Palin supporters: The presidential election is not a popularity contest. You are not voting for your high school class president, or head cheerleader. Palin is Bush in a much more attractive and charismatic package, but just as clueless, inarticulate, dogmatic and dangerous.
Have you been asleep the last 8 years? Are you happy with the shape this country is in after 8 years of the Bush regime? If so, vote for McPain/Ailin’ and enjoy 4 more years of the same. These “Mavericks” are in bed with Big Oil just like the current administration and you will definitely not see any progress on weaning ourselves off of fossil fuels (not only an environmental and financial issue, but a national security issue).
As for Palin’s vast experience, how hard do you think it is to be governor of a state that is wealthy from oil revenue and has a TOTAL population of fewer than 700,000? Obama’s Illinois Senate district had more people in it. Her biggest challenge is where to spend all the oil profits they rake in.
Please grow up, be responsible citizens and pay attention to the REAL ISSUES, which are myriad, complicated and have global ramifications.
192. Kim | 10.01.08
Sarah Palin is a disappointing choice for the VP candidacy. Unfortunately, the GOP has decided to cater to the extreme right wing of the party instead of trying to shore up their moderate and independent voters. I am a republican based on economic conservatism, but I also believe that government should also keep out of personal life as well. Unfortunately, Sarah Palin’s religious beliefs enforce too many of her myopic actions as mayor and governor. Her anti-abortion stance even in the case of rape and incest are horrifying to me, she wants rape victims to pay for their own rape kit, she believes creationism should be taught next to evolutionary theory in SCIENCE classes (but then again we are talking about a woman who thinks that dinosaurs and man coexisted only 6000 years ago- clearly her science classes failed her), she believes in book banning (and apparently will fire you if you don’t agree with her), and most horrifying is that she believes that the Iraq war is “God’s task.” I”m tired of the GOP catering to this insane crowd of evangelicals! I would have liked to vote for John McCain, but I simply cannot bring myself to do so because I do not want someone as uneducated as Sarah Palin to represent me to the rest of the world. This really isn’t an issue of liberals versus conservatives. It boils down to whether or not she is intelligent enough to represent one of the highest offices of our nation. She isn’t.
193. Not a Doctor | 10.01.08
The person who graduates first in the class at medical school is called the valedictorian; the person who graduates lst is called, “doctor.”
“McCain, graduating 894 of 899 in his military class,” not that I like McCain but this means nothing. The person who graduated first in the class was called Ensign. So was number 899 and everyone in between.
194. Joe | 10.02.08
psssst. . . , Lynn and Kim. . . , I can guarantee you than Palin has absolutely no respect for Bush; he has governed way too much like a Liberal Democrat for her. (Why do you think he has failed?) If you’re going to compare her to prior Repubs. ., at least be truthful about what you’re feeling. ., ummmmmm. ., maybe she resembles Reagan to you??
Yes, masquerade your true feelings as much as you want. But, conservatives know what you are unwilling to admit. She’s the second coming of Reagan.
Get ready. ., your October Surprise is just around the corner. Do you think she is brave enough to out Obama for whom he really is? Do you think she might throw all of Obama’s dirty laundry right onto the table in the middle of the debate, making everybody gasp?
Maybe she isn’t that stupid after all.
195. Drs. William K. Gelok | 10.02.08
I hope this Palin-nonsense will soon be over, im not even interested in seeing her yelling at that subdebate, unless for fun, but theres no fun detectable here.
196. John the Revelator | 10.02.08
This Palin conversation would be pointless if it weren’t for the fact that actuarial mortality models show a 1 in 5 chance Palin would have to assume the Presidency if McCain were elected. It gets even worse during a second term.
197. Tony | 10.02.08
Two follow up points… The issue of McCain being 894 out of 899 IS a valid one. many of us took the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) in our younger years. When I took it my friend and I scored the two top scores in the recruiting station’s history… his perfect, I missed one out of over hundred or two questions. it was the easiest test I ever took. I asked the recruiter what that qualified me for, and he said engineer on a nuclear sub… the highest threshold for scoring. Then I asked what percentage was the low end on the test for that qualification, and he said 80 or 85%! I mean, asking whether the catalytic converter in your car was attached to the engine or the glove compartment were the kinds of questions.
The military has, necessarily a low threshold of education, and ranking at the bottom of the class is a VERY scary deal.
Second point: If the GOP and McCain research any or all of their important policy decisions as well as they did this Palin character, they deserve to be thrown out of their party. Republicans should do this and revolt. There are important positions that real conservatism must present to balance some of the more ungrounded policies of us liberals, and the pure incompetence of the GOP ticket should be something all conservatives take to heart.
198. NancyAnne | 10.02.08
McCain wanted Lieberman but was told he wasn’t acceptable to the base. He only met Palin once, she was considered a rising star in the Republican party, loved by the right, and he certaintly couldn’t have predicted that she would be this bad. McCain says he often acts from his gut and worries about details later, and I believe him. This was an error in judgement. As one McCain supporter said, it’s not that she gives an answer that is questionable on fact, but that she doesn’t appear to understand the question. She strongly reminds me of George Bush; she doesn’t attempt an answer to the question that was asked but to hold off giving one by injecting a lot of non-sequiters and platitudes into her response. She’s been cramming for days at McCain’s ranch but couldn’t tell a questioner the name of one newspaper or magazine out of the many she said she had read. She’s just not a curious or informed person. McCain is not the person he was in 2000 when he was sharp, humorous and rarely made a mistake of fact. There’s good reason to worry that at 72 we may need to rely on the Vice-President this go around.
199. Lynn | 10.02.08
psssst… Joe… if I had any respect for Palin, I might care whom she respects. And gee, maybe you’re right… if she is the second coming of Reagan, then I am scared. Today’s Wall Street meltdown has its roots in the Reagan presidency and his holy crusade of deregulation.
I’m afraid the Rove Express, starring Rush Limbaugh, just pushed Palin to the front of the line because they knew that she would excite their non-thinking base and, should she ever become President, would be the perfect dependent, Neo-Con puppet replacement for Bush. (Note to McCain: if you’re elected, hire a food taster.)
Can you tell me why, if she is the ghost of Reagan come to life, more conservatives (i.e. Parker,Will, Krauthammer, et.al.) aren’t on her bandwagon?
200. Woodsman | 10.02.08
Your choice for President cannot be based on the running mate. I have read so many people who have said they wouldn’t vote for McCain because of Palin. That just blows my mind - You will change your mind because you feel the VP pick is not qualified but you will vote for the most unqualified presidential candidate we have ever had. Someone said that just being a strong woman doesn’t make her a qualified candidate. The writer said there were plenty of more qualified women than Palin. I don’t disagree with that. But, you have to apply that same theory to the two candidates for President. I said it before and I will say it again. If Obama were a white man he would have never stood a chance to get his parties nomination. Being a minority does not make you qualified either - especially to be Commander and Chief. There are plenty of other qualified minorities as well - Powell, Rice, etc. I look at it this way: One party has an under-qualified and unexperienced presidential candidate that is running on his ability to move people and speak well with a very well experienced vice presidential running mate along side him - and the other party has a highly experienced presidential candidate with a lesser experienced VP running mate who was picked to counter the Obama frenzy and has the ability to move audiences in her own right. The choice is clear, and while the vice presidency is an important job, the important choice here is who will be Commander and Chief! John McCain is who this country needs!
201. mike4romney | 10.03.08
Mitt Romney will be needed for this wall-street mess and Palin will step aside to let him be V.P. for the good of the country because she loves America.
202. Tony | 10.03.08
Woodsman… it would be helpful if you or any of the lockstep republicans spent 30 seconds substantiating these worthless soundbites. I suppose the current president was qualified? Going AWOL, life of drugs and alcohol, failed businessman, beneficiary of political favors for every office he ever got… Just face it. We’ve been buried under endless evil and incompetence for 8 years, and now we are supposed to FEAR someone like Obama because of fiscal or experience reasons? Obama has tons of experience that comes to bear whenever he speaks about the issues. McCain and Palin either can’t answer a direct question, or their answers are all too revealing that whatever experience they have, it hasn’t prepared them to run the laundry at the White House in a competent way.
Stop the Madness.
203. Bilkat | 10.07.08
This entire McCain/Palin thing has really discouraged me. He was not thinking he simply picked a uterus…and after the last 8 years, it needed to be better…i can honestly say, McCain/Palin will not get my vote. Especially after how negative he has gotten this last week…I am shocked at his actions and admiting in the press, “I have to go after them personally b/c if I continue to talk on the economy, I will loose” SERIOUSLY…that is your answer?
204. Rene | 10.11.08
You need good eyesight to be a pilot. You need many years of training to be a doctor. I think most people would agree that you need at least a very good education and an above average IQ to be a candidate for the leader of the free world. Palin has neither. Mitt Romney had both these qualities and real world business experience to boot. History will record McCain’s choice as a massive blunder. Watch for “Palin” to enter the general vernacular for “unqualified ambition”.
205. Effogsillible | 10.23.08
Hello! You bring out the best of my small cable I have a nice joke. Why are cowboy hats turned up at the sides? So three cowboys can ride in a pickup truck. I want to have a good time, Tell me something interesting 
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
Leave a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. The comments feature is a forum to discuss the ideas in our stories. Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.
Tip: Do not write a novel. Keep it short. We will not publish lengthy comments. Come up with your own statements. This is not a place to cut and paste an email you received. If we recognize it as such, we won't post it.
Please do not post any comments that are commercial in nature or that violate copyrights.
Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.
1. elaygee | 09.30.08
How this fundamentalist flat earth wanabee got onto the ticket is mind boggling.