Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska addresses a rally at Brush Run Park near St. Clairsville, Ohio, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008. The chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel concluded Palin unlawfully abused her power as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper. (Scott McCloskey/The Intelligencer/AP)
Post ‘troopergate,’ Palin still popular in Alaska, just not as much
Many Alaskans seem more upset with the McCain campaign's tactics during the ethics probe than with the governor.
By Yereth Rosen | October 12, 2008 edition
Anchorage, Alaska – It started in July as an obscure inquiry into Gov. Sarah Palin’s firing of a popular and much-admired public safety commissioner. But after Governor Palin was selected as the Republican nominee for vice president, the controversy known as “troopergate” – so named because Palin was accused of using her office to take revenge on a state trooper who was once married to her sister – ballooned into a matter of international interest.
The investigation, Palin critics said, belied her claims of being an ethics reformer and illustrated poor judgment by John McCain in selecting a running mate after so little vetting. But Palin supporters characterized the investigation as harassment orchestrated by Sen. Barack Obama’s Alaska supporters and as an unfair attack on the governor for her concerns about a former in-law she considered to unfit to wear a law-enforcement badge.
On Friday, a bipartisan panel of state legislators released a 263-page investigative report that concluded Palin had abused her power by summoning the authority of her office to pursue a personal grudge, in violation of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act.
“Governor Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda, to wit: to get Trooper Michael Wooten fired,” said the report, written by Steve Branchflower, a retired state prosecutor hired by lawmakers to conduct the investigation.
The report outlined a pattern of actions taken by the governor, her aides, and especially her husband to punish Mr. Wooten, a trooper who had committed a series of infractions in past years, including an illegal moose hunt, but whose disciplinary case had been closed before Palin became governor. It detailed a long-running campaign to mete out punishment to Wooten, sometimes for seemingly petty matters, such as driving his children to school in a trooper vehicle, a practice for which he had obtained his superiors’ permission.
Palin was within her rights to fire Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan because he, like any cabinet member, was an at-will employee subject to dismissal for any reason, Mr. Branchflower said in his report. But the evidence showed that Commissioner Monegan was sacked at least in part for refusing to give in to pressure exerted by Sarah and Todd Palin to fire the governor’s ex-brother-in-law, Branchflower concluded.
The Palins’ claims that Wooten posed a threat to the governor and her family were not credible, Branchflower said. “I conclude that such claims of fear were not bona fide and were offered to provide cover for the Palins’ motivation: to get Trooper Wooten fired for personal family related reasons,” he said.
Senate President Lyda Green, a Republican from Palin’s hometown of Wasilla, says the investigation shows a serious ethical breach.
“I understand that when you have a personal interest in something, it’s very tempting to do everything you can,” she says. “But there’s still that very, very fragile balance of power that has to be observed. This is probably a really good reminder of ways not to do business.”
Palin supporters had rejected the report even before it was issued.
“Our governor’s the best thing that’s happened to this state since I’ve lived here,” says David Boyle, an Anchorage protester who converged on the legislative offices the morning of the meeting in which the report was released. Like other Palin supporters who crowded into the corridors and then lined the sidewalk outside the building to chant the governor’s name, in alternation with “U-S-A,” Mr. Boyle wore a clown nose and carried a balloon twisted into the shape of a kangaroo – a slap at what he and his colleagues considered the circus atmosphere surrounding a “kangaroo court.”
The McCain-Palin campaign had a similar reaction after the report was released.
“Today’s report shows that the Governor acted within her proper and lawful authority in the reassignment of Walt Monegan,” said a statement issued by local campaign spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton, who was part of a public-relations effort that involved almost-daily “Truth Squad” news conferences condemning the investigation and the officials involved in it, including Monegan. “The report also illustrates what we’ve known all along: this was a partisan-led inquiry run by Obama supporters and the Palins were completely justified in their concern regarding Trooper Wooten given his violent and rogue behavior. Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact,” Ms. Stapleton’s statement said.
But if anyone has politicized the investigation, it was the McCain-Palin campaign, say several lawmakers.
“There’s near-universal disgust with what the McCain campaign has done up here to local people,” says state Rep. Les Gara, an Anchorage Democrat. “They needed to pitch a story to the Lower 48, and unfortunately, they had to twist the facts to do so.”
Many Alaska officials have come to the defense of Monegan, who grew up in a Native village near the Yupik Eskimo community of Bethel before launching a law-enforcement career in Anchorage, where he eventually served as police chief.
“I don’t want to get into a big political fight … but I cannot allow a fellow Alaska Native to have his reputation tarnished and used as a political football,” said Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, in a Sept. 27 opinion column in The Anchorage Daily News. “No one has done more to address the law enforcement needs of rural Alaska than Walt Monegan.”
As for legislative responses to the report, options are limited, says Senate President Green. The legislature is not currently in session, so a censure resolution seems unlikely, she says. It is possible that someone will use the report as the basis for a separate ethics complaint and an additional investigation in the future, but there is no crime charged, she says. Lawmakers may pass some bills to tighten controls over executive personnel matters, she says.
Representative Gara, for one, is not seeking any punishment. “I really just want an apology. I want those responsible in the McCain campaign to apologize to all the people they’ve tried to trash in the process,” he says.
The troopergate episode has contributed to some erosion in Palin’s once-stratospheric popularity in Alaska, according to local pollsters. Her in-state approval rating has dropped from a high of about 85 percent to 65 percent, says Anchorage pollster and political consultant Ivan Moore. “I can anticipate that her rating will drop off into the 50s, maybe even the low 50s,” Mr. Moore says. Still, Palin’s approval ratings remain high overall, and she has a stong base of backers – currently at 45 percent – who give her very high marks, he says.
The ethics woes for Palin may not be over.
At the same time that lawmakers on Friday were hearing Branchflower review his findings, a state Superior Court judge ordered Palin to preserve e-mails, dating back to the time she took office, that she sent and received on her private Yahoo account. That order came in response to an Oct. 2 lawsuit filed by a former Palin supporter who believes the governor and her husband have been using private e-mail accounts to keep their activities out of the public eye, in violation of state public-records laws and standard public information practices.
“Nobody in their right mind would ever think of using a private e-mail address to conduct state business consistently,” says the plaintiff, Anchorage activist Andree McLeod, a Republican who says she has become disenchanted with the governor.
Ms. McLeod says she does not know how many private e-mails contain government-related information. “What I do know is a secret government is a corrupt government,” she says.
Comments
2. npeebles | 10.12.08
Is anyone surprised that Palin is guilty of using poor judgment or mis using her powers. From day one, she has lied about Obam, lied about her daughter’s pregnancy and marriage. She is basically a dishones person.
But, then, so is John McCain. He dumped his wife, married a drug addict, and now wants to run a campaign based on smear tactics.
Listen, watch the Palin/Biden debates. Palin was like a deer in head lights. Until…..Until…. her fix kicked in. Apparently, Cyndi McCain shared her pharmaceutical and when they kicked in, Palin went “Damn right” “Golly Gee” ann just smiled all over the place
Poor Biden, having had children of his own, recognized that he was dealing with a crazed teen ager and just didn’t know how to handle it.
Very frustrating.
3. Jill | 10.12.08
You can spin it any way you want, but she did abuse her powers. Her husband was not the one elected, and he is clearly involved in inappropriate areas. And it’s hard to see Christian peoples bending the rules to fit the image of an idol that doesn’t exist. This woman should be universally condemned.
4. Snodgrass | 10.12.08
The report’s finding that Sarah Palin violated ethics law is troubling. Even more troubling is Palin’s delusional assertions that the report clears her of all wrongdoing.
5. DioDingo | 10.12.08
So, she abused her power. Shes up in Alaska and no one really cares what happens there since its not part of the lower 48. Now however she has been tapped to be part of the bulk of the country, we see that maybe we should all be looking deeper into the frozen north. Alaska has been in the news alot since there is so much oil/natural gas/fishing/tourism but as long as the lower 48 keep getting what they want they don’t care about how it happens.
I would think maybe Hawaii could be in a similar boat. If only Hawaii had something we needed or wanted…other then fish and beauty.
6. Sue Christsensen | 10.12.08
I am Alaskan and still love Sarah Palin. She is a breath of fresh air surrounded by men who have been in office far too long.
The trooper in question released his employee file. How about posting it?
And just so you know, I still feel Obama is the greatest threat to our nation. Ever.
7. Ann Wong | 10.12.08
Just what we need after eight years of Dick Cheney - another abuser of power. Sarah Palin runs the government of Alaska like the amateur that she is. She has prompted so many lawsuits and investigations in just a short two years as governor of Alaska. Her ugly, hate-filled speeches, and her ignorance - or worse, acceptance - of the potentially violent resulta of that kind of speech, bode ill for the unification of America during this financial crisis. What was the Republican party thinking to put up with this ill-thought out choice of McCain’s? I am grateful to the Alaskan citizens who have stepped forward to expose their governor’s malfeasance.
8. Campbell | 10.12.08
This was a staged political smear by the Democrats. But this little side show will not change the history of Obama. These political delay tactics are common during elections. We are talking about an individual who associates with an ex-domestic bomber, mentored by shady criminal types, promotes an organization that intimidates banks and commits voter fraud and is the member of a party who is directly responsible for the financial crisis today. Obama won’t even make public his birth certificate. People are that naive and buying into the smooth talker routine. Obama will tax you every time you take a cr*p. But kidding aside, do you want your children and your
grandchildren to pay for everyone else’s mistakes in life and lose their freedoms all at the same time. The Democrats did make an attempt at sidetracking but I think this election is far too important to base it on political gossip and hearsay.
9. John S. Bevan | 10.12.08
Our country has already gone through the current administration’s excessive use of public offices for personal gain. We do not need and cannot afford a Vice-President who is unrepentant in her use of the Office of the Governor of Alaska to pressure others to settle a personal score. Her actions were a violation of State law and should be viewed as such. She should be removed from the Republican ticket, as a demonstration by the GOP that it will not tolerate such conduct; and that it holds the Office she seeks in such high esteem that she is unworthy of occupping it.
10. David | 10.12.08
Palin would be Bush III even more so than McCain with her use of secrecy before she even get to the white. Good job starting early!
11. TimB | 10.12.08
How did a commission with 10 out of 14 Republican members become transformed into a “partisan-led inquiry”?
Even George Orwell would be impressed by the statements (and title) of The Truth Squad.
12. Germantown, MD | 10.12.08
This country is facing some REAL problems, but instead, we have to waste time dealing with the antics of an absurdly unqualified, not to mention UNETHICAL, VP candidate. She should leave her poor kids at home instead of exploiting them for photo ops because she can expect a lot more booing from crowds, just like in Philly. We see through you, Sarah and you’re a BIG PHONY!!!
13. blackantelope | 10.12.08
whether the republicans win or loose, you cant help feel that McCain decision to nominate Palin will come back to haunt the whole party. he has given her a chance to build a national base, she is far to the right and has a hunger for it. McCain seems to like to make quick and rash decisions. This one the worst.
14. Johann Wagener | 10.12.08
Glad to hear that Alaskans are still happy with 6-Pak Sarah as their Governor. Let’s all pray that they get to keep her!
15. lipstick | 10.12.08
She is just like Cheyney,that make a very good couple..
If she is elected,she will do the samething like VP.its scary.
Who can trust somebody like that,,,she is not trustable. at all.
16. bnuckols | 10.12.08
I imagine that the real trouble for Monegan began in May.
The Public Report on the investigation of Governor Sarah Palin describes a bizarre incident. Commissioner Monegan delivered a color photograph of the ex-brother-in-law, Wooten, in full Alaska State Trooper uniform, to the Governor’s office. He requested that the Governor autograph it and present it at the upcoming May, 2008 Police Memorial Day ceremony, for official use in AST offices. Monegan claimed that, although he claims he had been “pressured” to fire Wooten, he somehow did not realize that the Trooper in the photograph was Wooten.
Was this incompetence or a hostile and threatening act?
17. Skyview | 10.12.08
Palin is the new face of the Old NeoCon, sponsored by the Bush/Chaney Right-Wingers and forced on McCain, who will do anything for the nomination and support of the Right….The Legislative Report confirms that Palin is not qualified to be Vice-Pres, and that McCain lacks the level of judgment needed in a President…Further, McCain by selecting Palin confirms his moralistic attitude and his lack of morals, dating back to the Keating Five and coming to the Vike Iseman affair. Americans would make a grave mistake in electing McCain to the highest office in the land.
18. David | 10.12.08
What does it mean, Post Troopergate? That the news story, the investigation is barely completed, the facts not yet disseminated, and it’s post troopergate? I didn’t think that the csmonitor did whitewashes…???
Look up these terms on the net.
“Alaska Women Reject Palin rally” and see whether the title of this csmonitor article fits the situation.
19. Lawrence | 10.12.08
McCain sadly was pressed to cater to the forced pregnancy lobby when he selected this utterly unprepared, inexperienced and rather tainted running mate. Ms. Palin’s understated ethical lapses uncovered by a proper investigative agency are quite troubling, particularly since she appears to enjoy pointing fingers and overstating her own defective perception of reality.
McCain is a good man who did a terrible thing, and if Ms. Palin had any integrity whatsoever, she would withdraw now for the benfit of all Americans.
It is not uncommon for these type of ethical lapses to later prove to be merely the tip of the iceberg. The fact that Ms. Palin refuses to acknowledge responsibility, apologize and move forward is quite revealing.
20. Sam Spade | 10.12.08
It’s like watching the same tactics used by the Bush administration. Someone does something to the displeasure of the leader and their reputation gets smeared. Valarie Plame anyone?
During speeches, winks and street language used to “connect” with the under educated. Same behavior to emulate a common Joe or in this case Jane personality.
Using private e-mails to conduct government business? This one has not been proved to be the case on Gov Palin’s part, however the Bush executive branch got caught using the GOP’s private e-mail system.
Straight out of the Rove play book.
21. joe | 10.12.08
I agree that a secret government is a corrupt go0vernment. What is really dangerous are Gov. Palin’s extreme political and religious views and most of the MSM is complicit to this danger by sitting on the fence so as to preserve their profits. Gov. Palin is the embodiment of the extremism that we see in other religions. What’s frightening is that she may bring on her view of the end times and consider herself as the Prophet.
22. frank | 10.12.08
who care’s.. is this really an issue, i dont think so. what is an issue is borack obama hasnt released any personal records,college records,medical history, certified birth certificate, and his history with cocaine, oh yeah his relations with radical extremist. those are issues , WHY?? because this is the person that will get into the white house and have axcess for private white house documents, those are issues. frankly he doesnt even qualify to be a police officer.
23. Randall | 10.12.08
It is just not fair that she would ruin someones career like that, and feel justified about it.
It is a sad day for Alaskans and all Americans.
Randall
24. Reuel | 10.12.08
Palin should be voted in for VP job.
When Daniel was thrown into the Lions den because of false accusations, he just need to remain alive to later defeat the enemies.
“God just shut the Lions mounths so that they could not harm him (Daniel)”.
Gov. Palin was persecuted for trying to do a good job. The so called “troopergate” highlighs TWO contrasting partues.
1. Palin’s (She was accused of being unethical).
Love babies, love sister, love father, loving family. Wanted safety, justice and performane. Requested for help (safety protection) for years but frustrated. No finanancial gains. Tranferred Public Safety Commissioner, did not sack him but he resigned. Kept the law. Exercised constitutional rights.
2. Her Enemies.
Hollis French et. al. (Obama’s gang.)
Rivary, pro-abortion, false accusations, protected bad trooper who harmed ex-partner, threaten to kill, tasered 10yo. Public Safety Commissioner did not care for people’s request for safety. Resigned on his own then still tries “political revenge”. Announced “OCTOBER Surprise”, talk of “impreachment” before investigations…But finally just a “cooked” report.
I will reject Obama & the evil people like Hollis French.
and Vote for Palin to become VP.
Check YOUR conscience. Pray about it.
25. alex | 10.12.08
McCain and Palin and all their assorted handlers, hangers on, and enablers, should all be tarred, feathered, and run out of town on a rail. They are nothing but a gang of low down, dirty rotten scoundrels. Charlatans, each and every damn one of them! I cannot wait to vote.
27. Anon | 10.12.08
I don’t buy this stuff about “Palin pushing Biden out of the media” because she is a rock star (at least to republicans). The liberal media is just trying to bash Palin as much as possible with every scandal they cam manufacture or exaggerate. The media likewise is going out of their way to avoid showing Biden’s gaffs. Just watch when something comes out about Palin (or supposedly comes out – or maybe just manufactured); it will stay in the news for at least a week (maybe two), and be reported repeatedly, sometimes ‘on the hour every hour’. When something comes out about Biden it might last a day, and be reported very sporadically at best. The media also goes back on Palin’s history as much as possible, but how much have we heard about Biden’s plagiarism, or embellishing his academic record. Some might throw in the excuse that those happened 15-20 years ago, however there are many young people who plan to vote this time (who never voted before) who do not know of Biden’s past. Should they not be informed as much about Biden’s past as Palin’s ?? (the media will go back in time 20 or even 50 years when it suites them).
Also, If Palin was guilty (of pressuring the commissioner to fire a rogue officer) I wonder how many would blame her if the media reminded people often enough (as they do for the Demi-Dems), that the officer threatened her family. I wonder what anyone, in a position to do something about it, would do if an officer of the law threatened them. What would anyone in a position of power do if someone trained with firearms, and a reputation for irrational and/or aggressive infractions threatened a family member directly?? The media tends to soft pedal that point.
28. DoTheMath | 10.12.08
It amazes me to see, again and again, that reports on the findings of this investigation quote the McCain campaign dismissing the investigation as “partisan” and “led by Obama supporters.” The reports then unanimously fail to mention that the legislative council which selected Steve Branchflower, a retired state prosecutor, to conduct the investigation consists of 10 Republicans and 4 Democrats.
Of course, the evidence should speak for itself - a veritable avalanche of testimony from myriad sources, many of whom were not considered by anyone to be anti-Palin (Tod Palin himself, for example); taped phone conversations; emails. In fact, the Palins’ defense seemed to alternate between claiming they hadn’t applied inappropriate pressure to claiming that their extensive efforts were necessary for protecting their family.
This episode shows the Palins considered their personal opinions and beliefs about how they should use the power of the governor’s office more valid than applicable laws. Ironically, Walt Monegan attempted to help the Palins by warning them that their behavior was inappropriate and would end up hurting them. For his trouble, he was fired and smeared. It’s good to see that Alaska officials are coming to Monegan’s defense and that a good many Alaskans disagree with the McCain-Palin campaign’s conduct during this episode and the campaign’s take on the findings of the investigation.
29. Jess | 10.12.08
all i can say is what a big upset it would be if obama won alaska!!!!! can someone in alaska please comment and tell what exactly palin is like and why or why u should or shouldn’t vote for her…. GO OBAMA
30. Joe | 10.12.08
I’m just glad Ms. Palin has almost no chance of becoming our Vice President right now. Does anyone even want to imagine what sort of pettiness she would engage in if given that much power?
31. David | 10.12.08
I always wanted to visit Alaska, at least once in my lifetime. Now, I no longer want to visit Alaska, because now I understand it is a breeding ground of people like Sarah Palin. That woman is a disgrace to rest of the women on this planet.
32. Tom | 10.12.08
I do not like power people who smear and back stab good people who no not do what they want. Palin is defaming a good man to become elected. In my book that is as sleazy as you can get.
33. Ana | 10.12.08
I do not understand how Palin was allowed to have her husband use her office literally and figuratively for any personal matter. If she were a doctor at a Juneau hospital, would hospital administrators condone and consent to her husband coming into the hospital, using her office and phone to harass hospital employees? If she was a manager at McDonald’s would McDonald’s management condone and consent for her husband to come into her office, and conduct business to harass McDonald’s employees? If Palin was a police officer, would the police department officials let her husband come into the station, use the phones and office to meet and harass other citizens? This is a profound violation of use of power and position. What profound violence onto law that a spouse of an elected professional privileges himself with the right to use proximity as an entitlement for anything related to his spouses office. “Both” should be fired for such extreme abuse of office.
34. Linda Gomila | 10.12.08
It is my opinion that the media thinks Americans are stupid. The obvious bias toward the Democrats is fooling no one. Why don’t you treat the candidates equally, and not try to bias Americans to vote for Obama.
Here is a quote for you from the Bible “If it were possible, even the elect
would be led astray”!
Well, for my part, you will not sway me one way or another by your reporting.
Obama is being treated with white gloves, and Governor Palin and Senator McCain are being dumped on! Come on! Be Fair!
Thanks,
Linda Gomila
35. Tom | 10.12.08
She is bad for this country. If she can’t do things right in her own state, how can she do things right in this country. Mc Cain was a fool to pick her. He chose her to get Hillary supporters not because of the welfare of the american people.
36. Lew Warden | 10.12.08
Governor Palin should have never accepted the offer to run for Vice President. In so doing she has displayed a personal level of arrogance, ignorance and desire for power that far exceeds any executive skills she may have hidden. The McCain supporters that shoved Palin into the spotlight should be tried for treason. It is so irresponsible to place such inexperienced people in the position of such power, especially in the current state of world affairs, that it defies the imagination. We have already suffered eight years of arrogant decisions leaving us weaker as a country in the face of a growing threat from our enemies. Decisions that go against the very fabric of our Constitution coupled with over extension of our military power, a totally transparent southern boarder and now a shattered economy are, in my oppinion, acts of treason.
37. Theresa | 10.12.08
I am surprised that the people of Alaska are not smarter. Palin and McCain have been hounding Obama about his truthfulness, yet truth for them is wanting. She is neither smart nor qualified to be VP, much less as President should it occur. She’s a cheerleader who strives for power for power’s sake. I believe she is dangerous for our country.
38. Hilary Smith | 10.12.08
Elect Palin and Americans will be burnt at the stake. Thanks but no thanks.
39. Judy | 10.12.08
I don’t think we need a governor with a “small town” mentality where promoting your friends regardless of qualifications into public office, intimidation of public officials for personal agendas, secret e-mail accounts, etc., etc. are standard fair to become a national leader for the US. We have had enough of personal agendas and corruption, lies and misleading campaigns with the present Bush administration. We, as a nation, can not stomach more embassassment in the world. And, I would like to ask “just who is this Joe sixpack, anyway”? Does Governor Palin think the american people are just ignorant, beer guzzling, sports fans? If this is all she thinks we are then “she” is an insult to the American people. I would like to support “Christian” candidates who actually demonstrate “Christina Values” and I would like to be a Christinan lead country that demonstrates our Christian values to the world. The McCain/Palin ticket does not help with either of my concerns.
40. wolf | 10.12.08
I think, it’s sick, that any politician would abuse their power like Palin did, while claiming to be so self-righteous at the same time.
41. Truth Hurts | 10.12.08
Despite avowals he would not go negative, McCain has allowed his campaign to take a page out of past Republican playbooks by casting aspersions on Obama’s character and associations. So far, the experienced candidate — McCain — has acted more like a first-timer on the national stage, in contrast to Obama’s consistency and calm.
45. Mike Foster | 10.12.08
I don’t care anymore.. Palin has proved her amazing ability to be a nothing! “What do you read?” is a ‘inside Washington elitist question’? Give all of us a break and go back to watching Russia from the great 49th state.
46. Patriotic | 10.12.08
How come Obama get called anti-American buy guilt of association yet Palin allows a seperatist ( Her Husband who is a member of Alaskan Independent Party) not onlyto have access to her office and staff but also allows her husband to run his personal agenda in a governor’s office? If that is not dangerous to our country then what it is?
47. Hamar Nnelg | 10.12.08
How, exactly, can anyone prevent a public official from carrying on a personal life. If private email activity were used on “official” accounts there would CERTAINLY (and rightfully) be a HUGE outcry. So attempting to use the Palin’s personal emails, in an attempt by the opposition, to smear the Governor is about as LOW as one can get. What about privacy? If, indeed, there were a mention of, what might be considered, official business, it would most likely be just that “A MENTION”. I doubt that there would be any “discussion” of the Governor’s official business in such a manor. All married couples discuss the activities of each other during any normal day; public officials are no different. This is all just a political witch hunt. But… the Democrats must be a bit scared or they wouldn’t cry so loudly!!
As far as the attempt to fire the “Trooper”; he should have been fired by the Safety Commissioner BEFORE Sara Palin became Governor. The evidence of abuse of power is VERY clear, even from Ohio. Anyone who would use a Taser on a 10 year old kid should be FIRED FORTHWITH… unless, of course, the 10 year old was holding an AK47 and showed signs of using it. The fact that it was Todd Palin that lead the attempt to get the trooper fired does in no way, in itself, implicate, or even involve, the Governor (since it all started BEFORE she was Governor)
48. harvey Goolsby | 10.12.08
E-mails being sent via channels in an attempt to evade leaving a public record? deletion of e-mails” ? Is this not a pattern established in the current White House and offered as proper by the President.
49. Judy Holzman | 10.12.08
Hi I am for Governor Palin, I think she is doing a fine job. I hope she will be the next Vice President..I like what she says and what she stands for…I wish Governor Palin best of luck……. Judy Holzman
51. Eric | 10.12.08
Legal or illegal, this report made it clear that Palin put pressure on Walt Monegan and fired him, because he did not take the action she wanted him to take on her ex brother-in-law, for personal reasons. This may have not be illegal, but it was defiantly shows a lack of ethics. In fact, the ethics involved remind me of the Bush administration, where ethics did not matter and if a law did not meet their needs they find ways around it. Palin would be a return to this style of governance.
52. overdue | 10.12.08
And don’t forget this:
“The fires of **** are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government.”
That’s right, EARLIER THIS YEAR Ms Palin addressed a group who admires a man who, before dying in a freak plastics explosives accident, said that.
Volger, the former leader of AIP got blown up by plastic explosives in the early ’90’s.
And Todd Palin was in the group for several years.
And Sarah has spoken several times at their conventions.
Conventions calling for the secession of Alaska from the US.
How very patriotic.
Sarah Palin palling around with secessionists:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eniG9l_7its
53. hk | 10.12.08
Any continued support of Palin/McCain is evidence that the country’s educational system is in DIRE need of improvement. We need SMARTER Americans than those who could even conceive of giving Palin “high marks” for anything other than lunacy.
54. hercster | 10.12.08
Do I understand this correctly? The investigation was started in July long before Ms. Palin was selected by McCain? It is now being labeled as backed and promoted by Mr Obama’s supporters? Did they have a crystal ball back in July? Is there not a large contingent of Republican’s officially participating in the inquiry? Why do I have a hard time believing anything attributed to the GOP and particularly the McCain campaign?
55. Kuriakose Pulikeel | 10.12.08
Let Republicans blame OBAMA for this report. Even Though the investigation started way back before even McCain thought about Palin as a VP candidate and it was bipartisan.
However McCain-Palin-Republican Axis will say that all these were planned by OBAMA and democrats. They already said that the wall street/Financial crisis happened because of Democrats.
Americans should be concerned about McCain’s is capability to make good judgment in selecting people for different tasks, Sarah Plain’s commitment to ethical conduct( her first VP act may be to ‘fire’ Tina. Tina should be careful). Remember Bush and the eight lawyers! Regan and Iran contra! For the republicans these are all very ethical and patriotic acts. For them God is a republican and anyone else is evil
56. Bubba | 10.12.08
Is this the transparency we are to believe in? The only transparency Sistah Sarah is interested in is a glass ceiling. Not the one Hillary taught us to know and love. This is a ceiling of her own design. One that is self serving. It’s only purpose is to be the launching pad for Sarah Georgette palin’s legacy.
What McSarah doesn’t realize is, She is being used. She is of no more import than the 18 million “pawns” they hope to attract by making her the hood ornament on the Flip Flop Express.
Sarah was a big deal in Wasilla. Not so in Sin City. A barracuda is out of it’s league when surrounded by Great White Sharks. Now, They may allow her to think she is one of them, as long as she is stirring up the water and directing prey into their jaws…. But when her mission is accomplished, she will become a midnight snack.
57. lorax2 | 10.12.08
Typical Republican comment, “I have done nothing wrong.” They break the law, they bend the law, they commit immoral and unethical acts, but they don’t see anything wrong in their behavior. Such is the attitude of sociopaths and the ethically challenged.
59. Rob | 10.12.08
Palin is a liar….a pathetic little woman. The report says that she broke ethics law…yet she is in front of the American people saying just the opposite. How can she continue with bold face lies? Anyone that would continue to support her after this is obviously just as sick as she is. She needs deep therapy.
60. Angela | 10.12.08
The un-American tactics of the McCain campaign should not be tolerated in America that we know. If they can try to block justice in the Troopergate; what of big issues that will happen in the next four years. They will lash at the media to hide their misdeeds; they will sweeten ordinary Americans by “my friend, my friends.” Palin should APOLOGIZE to the people of Alaska. This is high time she comes up on a national stage and say she misjudged her parameters as governor. America wants to move on.
Wake up America and smell the coffee. We should not allow anyone to play games with us. We are losing money in retirement; the price of eggs has doubled; there is not enough moose-meat to takeover beef or chicken as their prices skyrocket; the price of college is rising; we cannot afford vacationing; we cannot keep the promise to our children to drive 3000 miles to see America because gas prices are above the increase of our salaries.
61. Daniel Kany | 10.12.08
To have the McCain/Palin campaign claim the Obama campaign is the side that has politicized the Troopergate investigation is bizarre. To not press for an investigation with potential for criminal charges would be irresponsible in the face of findings of illegal activity on the part of Gov. Palin and her unapologetic denial of that fact.
62. Tom Trail | 10.12.08
Perhaps what Sarah P. did was not agreeable to the liberals but in my opinion, it was the right thing to do.
Sincerely
Tom Trail
63. carolyn hardick | 10.12.08
I am curious as to how quickly Ms. Palins popularity disappeared; is the dislike really this deep and widespread for the Governor?
Are Alaskans also upset with the people arriving from the media and Obama’s campaign that’s descended upon the state, or as you said, is it limited to the McCain campaign?
64. nacnudbob | 10.12.08
PALIN: MS HUBRIS, USA
In its modern usage, hubris denotes overconfident pride and arrogance; it is often associated with a lack of knowledge combined with a lack of humility. An accusation of hubris often implies that suffering or punishment will follow, similar to the occasional pairing of hubris and nemesis in the Greek world. The proverb “pride goes before a fall” is thought to sum up the modern definition of hubris. In reference to someone being in hubrity: hubrity is a fulfillment of being hubristic or a continual behavior of being prideful. Victor in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein exudes hubris in order to become a great scientist, but is eventually regretting this previous desire. Faustus in Christopher Marlowe’s play Dr. Faustus exudes hubris, all the way until his final minutes of life.
65. Joe` | 10.12.08
Preverse her Yahoo account? For what? It’s been hacked and now has near zero value as evidence for anything. Was the Delta Alpha judge (a lib, for sure) sleeping for the past month?
66. hogorina@att.nett | 10.12.08
Sir:
Cannot believe that educated people even bother with something so limited to the intellectual log-rolling on the Palin issue.Appears that cut-rate
lobotomies are some what limited to the fact that the boss is the boss.
Indeed, an officer works directly for the state. If that individual cannot not be counseled, then out the door.
Life is not an even task under the jurisdiction of a local or state official. The public does not need to get involved with civil officers and their problems. Over the years I have witnessed this while being
involved with murder investigations,etc.,in a somewhat lesser degree.
The best policy is to learn self-control, take orders for good or bad.
67. Murray Stein | 10.12.08
It is bad enough that Palin abused her authority. And it is doubly bad that her husband was involved too.
The real tragedy is the farce the McCain campaign has made by politicizing a legitimate investigation, and in ruining a very decent public servant’s (Monegan)
reputation.
68. Syd | 10.12.08
I cannot believe this country where McCain is still considered a viable candidate. His judgment is lacking in selecting Palin! She is a vindictive, small minded and unethical individual. I hope the country see what she is and not vote for her. I am a Libertarian and was surprised to hear that she was one. Palin being called a Libertarian is as much as an insult to us as it is to the Republicans. She needs to be thrown out of office. Why does anyone think that she is qualified! She cannot even keep her daughter from getting pregnant!
69. mtatom | 10.12.08
If the Palin’s are willing to misuse their power to get revenge, they’re also willing to do “favors” for their friends–much the same way that the current administration has done. She’s not Governor material much less Vice Presidential.
70. Renegade | 10.12.08
Well, what do you expect coming from this women. And the GOP wants her as a VP.
Let me tell you what she lacks of: Clarity, Intelligence, Reasoning, Diplomacy, Charisma, Perception, And Willpower. All of these are required to be a VP. Even in leading a simple life such as ours are required.
She do has a little bit of Charisma which she uses to divide and inspire hatred and anger within her supporters. If it was up to her, she’ll lit up this country in flames. I would not be surprised she starts handing out slingshots, stones, and guns to her supporters.
71. Richard Bentley | 10.12.08
I wasn’t aware that the people of Alaska shared the extremist views of Governor Palin. But perhaps I am wrong, if the general opinion is that she’s the best thing to happen to the State of Alaska.
72. tom | 10.12.08
She abused he excecutive poewr. What more needs be said? When She comes back to Alaska on November 5th, she will even more more self centered, more mean spirited and will show her true side.
Which we in the lower 48 have already seen.
73. glen r. | 10.12.08
This is another example Of conservative karl rovian tactics. lies and deception, apparently, are not sins if christians are commiting them (and they don’t get caught).Few conservatives will even argue the fact that karl roves tactics are sleazy but tolerating such underhanded political manipulations is tatamount to admitting “sure rove is satan, but he’s our satan”. I’m sure of one thing and that is that hitler only preserved power by managing to cloak the truth and to hide cabinet level deception and the parallels between his propaganda ministries known tactics and the smear tactics of rove, palin and their ilk are obviously born of a similar mindset and I’m shocked that our wimpy media elites haven’t the temerity co call them out on it.
74. jefflz | 10.12.08
I guess she thinks being found guilty of a violation Alaska State Ethics provisions for abuse of her political power while in office is being “cleared”. More Palin doubletalk - but we are getting used to it.
75. lamont cranston | 10.12.08
I thought McCain picking a Republican already under investigation for corruption showed his amazing time management skills.
76. dom | 10.12.08
The stuff you have to overlook to continue supporting Obama. Several things here.
For one, enough with the ‘TrooperGate.’ Come up with a different name for this event. TrooperGate was already taken by Bill Clinton back in the day when allegedly he had state troopers facilitate bimbo procurement. Right wing talk shows have suggested TaserGate here.
The admitted ‘low-power’ tasering, that’s what got me. Any clown joker use of non-lethal force should carry at least a 30-day suspension, if not 45. That way someone could better choose ahead of time between not being a clown joker and not missing or falling behind mortage payments.
Come on, get real here. Wooten attracted a lot of bad publicity for Alaskan state troopers. But what happens in real life? Police close ranks around even worse. That’s how it is, whether you support Obama or McCain, it’s called camaraderie. And what’s Monegan going to do as lead dog, reopen investigation into one of his own, when union rules closed the book on it? Naw. Cover story “I was pressured, Sarah Palin twisted my arm behind my back, boo-hoo-hoo!
Alaskans aren’t as tough a breed as I thought. Monegan can’t seem to handle ‘pressure.’ What did Palin do, have all his office and computer equipment removed and leave him sitting on the floor with a coin-operated telephone? Naw. Monegan got e-mails, and had to hear First Dude out on the matter.
Number two, make sure either someone else is present when someone threatens you, or get it on tape — better yet, video.
Speaking of political pressure, I wonder how many state employees in states with either democrat or republican governors are feeling ‘pressured’ to vote one way or the other to hang on to their jobs. That’s real life too, it’s called patronage. You may be appropriately registered as a democrat or republican, but how secure is your actual voting record against hacking by political hacks?
Also, if you’re a woman involved in a potentially-violent domestic dispute, don’t necessarily expect the National Organization for Women to take interest. The Constitution provides for equal protection under the law, but advocacy groups aren’t bound by the same principles.
Eighty-five percent approval rating down to 65%, sounds like The Empire Strikes Back. Sarah Palin must have really upset the status-quo Republican apple cart in Alaska — good for her!
But perhaps the most important thing to consider now is whether there really is more to the story of Palin’s Yahoo e-mail account being hacked, other than the current cover of a no-harm-done by a computer geek son of a democratic mucky-muck.
77. wendy moreau | 10.12.08
I just ask anyone who is truly interested in truth, regardless of party affiliate, to GOOGLE this …palin steve stoll. Please, whatcha got to lose?
78. Scott | 10.12.08
The spin Palin and her cronies have put on this is sickening. Read the actual report, http://www.ktuu.com/Global/category.asp?C=81466, and see for yourself how a dedicated public official was directly leaned on to further the Palin’s private vendetta.
How Palin can say she was “cleared of any wrongdoing” when the report’s first finding says she “abused her power” is astonishing. Her ability to tell boldfaced lies makes her well suited to follow Dick Cheney.
79. David | 10.12.08
The McCain/Palin administration will be just like the Bush/Cheney administration. Do whatever it wants, and when told something they have done is illegal, insist that they have done nothing wrong.
What scares me the most is that if she becomes President (1 in 4 chance if McCain is elected President), she would not see any problem with Todd calling meetings in the Oval Office with the head of the FBI, Secretary of State, or Director of the CIA, to ask them to check into Palin family personal matters.
80. Nancy Reyes | 10.12.08
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month…one of the major problem those of us who worked with abused women faced was the tendency of the criminal justice system to dismiss pushing, hitting, and threats of violence as a “private matter”.
Tasering a 12 year old, even as a joke, is felony child abuse…and threatening parents of one’s wife with violence is a potentially serious matter for a gun carrying policeman.
One longs for an investigative reporter to dig up the facts, but Palin’s family’s actions seem not to be a “feud” as much as the actions of a frustrated family to try to get the state police commissioner to take domestic violence by a policeman against her family seriously…
81. Kris | 10.13.08
So, when are we going to find out what the plan is for those hidden emails. As I understand it, they’re just saved, at this point. Will it take a separate suit to see them reviewed and, perhaps, publicly disclosed? Thanks.
83. Don | 10.13.08
After having read the entire report, I am amazed that the state legislature of Alaska pursued this matter at all. How many taxpayer dollars were wasted investigating this mess? If what is contained within the report passes as a complete, fair and unbiased account of what occured with the firing of Monegan, than Alaskan’s should worry about a lot more than Sarah Palin’s conduct!
However, I can also understand Alasakan’s being upset with the way Mcain’s campaign changed the tone of the investigation. Palin should never have allowed the campaign to throw up walls and use other questionable legal tactics to stall the investigation. It reminds us of how tired we are of Washington politics.
As for Ms. McLeod … oh give me a break. She just appears, at least on its face, to be yet another nut who sees evil intent hiding behind every rock.
85. S | 10.13.08
Being a Bangladeshi myself, I wonder how Mr. Mccain manage to ‘adopt’ a Bangladeshi child because adoption of Bangladeshi children by foreigners are not allowed by Bangladesh laws.
While personally I think that the Mccains did a great job by saving the two little girls lives, I would like to know if they have had taken necessary permission from the government of Bangladesh and obtained ‘guardianship’ from a family court of Bangladesh. (Please see US state department’s website for information about necessary rules and formalities: http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_334.html
Can anyone give us some information about this?
86. Alex Baran | 10.13.08
The 44-year-old Alaska governor is a fitness fanatic. I read at http://www.projectweightloss.com/index.php how much she runs and … wow! Looks like this runs in the family (no pun intended), taking into account her parents were track coaches.
87. Tammie | 10.13.08
Sarah Palin is so sad! After the Katie Couric interview, is anyone shocked that she abused her power? Remember the line she gave….”What does the VP do anyway?” Well, under McCain - Abuse your Power! What else?
John McCain and Sarah Palin are desperate that’s why they constantly LIE!
Palin thought, “What happens in Alaska, Stays in Alaska”. She got it mixed up with Vegas!
88. Deirdra Scott | 10.13.08
Sarah Palin is a person who is taking Barak Obama to task for not telling the truth? She has prevented her staff from being able to speak freely about what they know about this “troopergate” fiasco and her quest for America to know who Obama really is…she should take her own advice, in fact, her own ethics are being called into question…guess the pot can’t call the kettle black, huh? My question is this: How can Sarah Palin think the American public will follow her lead as VP and possible President of the U.S., when her own child who should know and reflect the values of her parents, goes out and gets pregnant (where’s “safe sex” in this equation?)and is marrying before graduating from high school…is this the leadership to which we’re supposed to look? If Palin can’t influence her 17 year old to follow a certain road then how can Palin expect to influence world leaders or even the American public to follow her lead??? Talk about character flaw, lack of judgment and a problem in the values/morals in her home!!!
89. Valdar | 10.13.08
“Compliance with the code of ethics is not optional” is one of the best lines that I have read lately, and so very true. I question how Sarah Palin can show her face to the great people of Alaska. How can she look them in the eye? How can the people of Alaska ever trust her again? How can she face her family, her friends and her supporters? How can Sarah Palin smile and pretend that she has not told so many, many, many lies to the American People but worst to the people of Alaska. Sarah Palin should consider removing her name from the GOP ticket and stepping down as the Governor of Alaska. But she will not for she adores the crowds and the lights of Hollywood on her. But the bottom line is that one is ethical or one is not and now it has been proven that not only is Sarah Palin not ethical she is attempting to entice hate among the crowds as she continues to spew her lies. Perhaps her pastor should cast her into the water to see if she floats or sinks.
90. florence woodson | 10.13.08
Don’t you people (Palinistas) get it? Sarah Palin is the most scary politician
I’ve witnessed. More importantly, she is a narcissist, a sociopath, an opportunist and a racist. The truth is not in her. It’s easier for her to lie than to tell the truth. Has it been confirmed that she returned the “gifts” that were given to her as mayor? Why did she build her house without a building permit? PEOPLE STOP BEING SO GULLIBLE. IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.To paraphrase Michiavelli-People are so silly and yield so quickly to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always suffer one who will be tricked.
Narcissists have to have a narcissistic supply in order to thrive. You idiots who support her have created a monster!!! Copy this blog and look it up when it all comes out–she is crazy!!!
91. leap2three | 10.13.08
Ms.Palin is beyond parody. She is completely out of her league and not worthy of the position of vice president (or president) of the United States. The Republicans have become a laughing stock here and around the world because of this improperly vetted and under-experienced “candidate” that has been thrust upon us. I am incredulous and am looking forward to marking my ballot for Mr.Obama today and getting on with the business of healing our wounds and resurrecting this country!
92. Bluedog Alaska | 10.13.08
I encourage everyone who believes Palin to read the investigator’s report and decide whether she stepped over the line or not. (See http://www.adn.com) The most interesting thing to me is that she and Todd continue claiming that their only concern is that they were afraid of Wooten’s “dangerous” threats to their family. If that’s so, why did she cut her security detail in half? As the investigator noted, why is it that Todd, in his many contacts with the troopers, almost never mentioned being afraid but rather focused on how he didn’t think Wooten had the right character to be a trooper?
Someone suggested posting the original troopers’ report into Wooten’s actions. By all means, do. You’ll see that the Palin/Heath family was just about deranged in this divorce/custody battle. Wooten allegedly threatened Sarah Palin’s father; the troopers asked her why she and her sister didn’t call 911 and instead waited weeks to inform their dad of this so-called deadly threat. Palin said she didn’t think Wooten would actually carry anything out. There is much more (including getting Track to listen in on a phone call to see if Wooten confessed to having an affair).
But the part that shows how nuts they were is their complaint to the troopers that Wooten tried to get out of a $5 fine for unsecured garbage! This is the kind of **** our troopers have been wasting their time on for years. Nobody claims Wooten is a saint, but the Palins are exaggerating his actions greatly. And the point is, he was investigated and disciplined. The Palins just didn’t like the outcome, hence their attempt to force Monegan to do something illegal.
And FYI, Steven Branchflower, the investigator, was hired by the Legislature because he IS a Republican. The only smearing going on in this state is by the McCain/Palin campaign.
I’m looking forward to a recall election myself. I guess we’ll have to include Todd, since he spends at least half of his time sitting in the governor’s office with his own phone. (See pg. 45)
Look here for the original troopers’ report and findings:
93. JACKIE BOO | 10.13.08
I saw an interview with this trooper ( her ex brother in law) he was a total moron and admitted to tazering his own son, then said “well I probably shouldnt have done that? “
94. DameAlys | 10.13.08
“No one has done more to address the law enforcement needs of rural Alaska than Walt Monegan”–this says it all. The Alaska Native population forms about one-fifth to one-sixth of the total Alaska population nowadays, but the needs of rural Alaskans–most of whom are Alaska Native–form an overwhelming challenge to state social services, including law enforcement. Palin’s cavalier removal of an Alaska Native of Walt Monegan’s stature and reputation among Alaska Natives shows her to be not merely insensitive to Native concerns, but a classic instance of the sort of problem that faces Natives in getting redress for their most pressing and particular concerns.
Julie Kitka, the spokeswoman quoted here, is a member of a well known, highly and widely respected Alaska Native family, and if she speaks in this disciplined but forceful way, then it follows that she speaks for a very substantial number of the Native population. Given Julie Kitka’s statement, there is every reason to assume that by pettishly and maliciously enacting revenge on Walt Monegan for refusing to violate protocols in place for disciplining a state trooper, Sarah Palin has sent a message that has been received, loud and clear, by the Alaska Native community: “Read my lipsticked lips: your needs do not count.” The contempt of clueless, insensitive so-called leaders is nothing new to Alaska Natives; it is a shameful commonplace.
Anyone who has lived in Alaska, and who has known and respected the peoples of its large, varied Native community, will immediately appreciate how much violence such a message of contemptful dismissal does to Native sensibilities. It is nothing less than a mortal insult. And Sarah Palin knows this perfectly well: she’s no newbie rube, just arrived from the Lower 48; she has lived virtually her entire life in Alaska. For her to behave as she has may not play particularly badly in the United States, but in Alaska, at least among Natives, it comes across as a virtual obscenity.
Sarah Palin should not enjoy a second term as governor; indeed, it would serve both justice and the cause of moral rectitude if she were immediately impeached and removed. She has shown, by her unjustified, if narrowly “legal,” punishing of an effective, respected, and prominent Alaska Native law enforcement official, that she is unfit to govern a state that hosts, among its citizens, a high percentage of indigenous native peoples. Her wanton display of pique, her abuse of trust in her performance in office, her outrageous abuse of the power of the governor’s office, expose her for the shameless power-monger that many have always thought she was. It is time for her to exit the political stage–nationally, and in the great state of Alaska.
95. Barbara | 10.13.08
As a resident of Maassachusetts, it’s commomn knowledge that Alaska has the highest substance abuse rate in the couintry, but are all of you on meth? This woman you elected has an intellectual capacity of a flake of snow! She talks like she’s on meth. We are laughing hysterivally at all of you! How could you elect this person as dogcatcher much less govenor!!Can’t wait til you take her away from us…far, far, far away to Alaska!
96. DukesRocks | 10.13.08
Sarah Palin is dimwit, she took the VP job knowing she would possibly be impeached for abuse of power. Any person who thinks she is being unfairly judged, well lets just say, I have a bridge to sell you in Alaska. Think about it, Todd was heavyly involve in Alaskan government decisions, he spent half of his time in her office and was known as the first gentleman (LoL) among other govenment worker. Then you have the issue with her using a public email address (hotmail or yahoo) to conduct government business (Stupid). Don’t get me started on her interview skills. This girl is the dumbest government official I have seen in my life time. This is what I think, she is so stupid she needs the first gentleman (Todd) to help her with official decisions, she knew she was going to lose the investigation, so she took the VP job to boost her political career. People now see her for who she is. A PTA mom and nothing more.
97. usathink | 10.14.08
We LOVE Sarah in Alaska. You all let the media twist your brain if you want. We know the truth! In Alaska we believe anyone should have the right to protect their family. What do you think would happen to you if you shot a moose illegally, drank a couple beers in a police car, threatened to kill someone, violated a restraining order, etc…? Would it be O.K. with you if a police officer gets away with these acts and all of a sudden you are the guilty one? Think about it. Really!
98. Nat Paw | 10.14.08
I think that Christopher Hitchen’s (about as right wing as one gets) said it best in his recent column in Slate:
“Last week’s so-called town-hall event showed Sen. John McCain to be someone suffering from an increasingly obvious and embarrassing deficit, both cognitive and physical. And the only public events that have so far featured his absurd choice of running mate have shown her to be a deceiving and unscrupulous woman utterly unversed in any of the needful political discourses but easily trained to utter preposterous lies and to appeal to the basest element of her audience. McCain occasionally remembers to stress matters like honor and to disown innuendoes and slanders, but this only makes him look both more senile and more cynical, since it cannot (can it?) be other than his wish and design that he has engaged a deputy who does the innuendoes and slanders for him. “
99. Sweet William | 10.14.08
I don’t care what people think, though I do value what they know and Palin knows nothing. When I look in her eyes, I see the back of her head. She is a lightweight from a welfare state that would never have made it in politics in the lower 48. I can only hope that after November she goes back to her igloo, sits in the dark, and continues to pray for the end of times.
100. Max | 10.16.08
McCains biggest mistake is Palin which just fueled the negativity campaign because she had nothing else to bring to the table except her fighting and fiesty personality. He needed substance and credibility which she doesn’t have. Palin is just a closet full of soap operas and exterior glamour and who needs that to get into the white house?
102. Carolyn | 10.16.08
I cannot understand why Sarah Palin wants to drag all those kids around the country with her. Everytime I have seen her it looks like all the kids would rather be home in bed. The youngest girl is always trying to get her mother’s attention about something and Sarah seems not to notice. I cannot understand how a mother would want to subject the children to all that. It seems a little selfish to me. Maybe she would want to do this in 8 years or so when the children are a little older, of course by then there may be a couple more kids.
103. jmillsap | 10.17.08
Reading these responses makes me take note. Voters (and non-voters) in the USA seem polarized over McCain/Obama campaign. Everyone acts like they know better than their adversary. Reminds me of the Arabs and the Israelis. That conflict may never end. While so many of us in America are busy fighting each other on whose right, out country has been going down the toilet. How does McCain or Obama become a “uniter” if we are so enmeshed in our bitter squabble. These are both good men. Palin and Biden are also good people. Seems to me that McCain or Obama will probably lead the country in a better direction that we have been ‘led’ in the past 8 years. Like John Lennon said “Give peace a chance”. No matter who wins, we need to come together or our beloved country will continue to reap the consequences of its division of our people. We condemn politicians of ‘negative’ campaining, yet look at these responses. Are we not guilty of this also. When you have to pump up your candidate by trashing the opposition, we all lose… in my humble opinion.
104. SJS | 10.17.08
To the commenter who perpetuated that myth that Obama hasn’t produced a birth certificate: Have you ever heard of snopes.com? It’s an urban legend website that investigates rumors. Obama HAS produced a birth certificate - he was born in Hawaii. Even if Obama hadn’t been born in the US that doesn’t automatically disqualify him for American citizenship. McCain was born in Panama, did you know that?
105. Valdar | 10.18.08
“Compliance with the code of ethics is not optional” is one of the best lines that I have read, and so very true. I question how Sarah Palin can show her face to the great people of Alaska. How can she look them in the eye? How can the people of Alaska ever trust her again? How can she face her family, her friends and her supporters? How can Sarah Palin smile and pretend that she has not told so many, many, many lies to the American People but worst to the people of Alaska. Sarah Palin should consider removing her name from the GOP ticket and stepping down as the Governor of Alaska. But she will not for she adores the crowds and the lights of Hollywood on her. But the bottom line is that one is ethical or one is not ethical and now it has been proven that not only is Sarah Palin not ethical she is attempting to encourage hate among the crowds as she continues to spew her lies. Perhaps her pastor should cast her into the water to see if she floats or sinks.
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1. joni davis | 10.12.08
Not true. Just read Craig’s list blogs at Politics and utube. Alaska is sick of her.