(Jake Turcotte)
Palin pushes McCain staff aside as blame game begins
By Jimmy Orr | 10.26.08
Bill Clinton used Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” as his theme for the 1992 presidential campaign. If reports of strife between Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign hold water, then the Alaska Governor might want to tap into Fleetwood Mac’s library as well (assuming she wouldn’t get sued, which is a big assumption). Her campaign song? “Go Your Own Way.”
As most polls show Barack Obama pulling away from John McCain, there are rumblings and perhaps signs that Palin is pulling away as well.
They’re not my staff
No, it doesn’t appear that the Republican vice presidential candidate has any problems with McCain himself. But there are indications that she doesn’t necessarily like his staff or has any future intention of following them.
Perhaps she gave up on following them earlier. Aides to McCain cite recent examples where Palin took things into her own hands. In Colorado last week, she insisted on talking to reporters on a tarmac despite attempts by Palin staff to shut down the conversation. She also denounced McCain robo-calls. Before that, she was outspoken about her disappointment with the campaign decision to pull out of Michigan.
I’m done with ‘em
Supporters of Palin say she’s had it with the campaign staff.
“She’s lost confidence in most of the people on the [campaign] plane,” a Palin insider told Politico. He says she would like to further ignore staff advice and do things her own way.
But CNN reports campaign aides say she’s a selfish renegade.
“She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone,” said this McCain adviser. “She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family, or anyone else.”
Bad introduction
Palin has let it be known that she’s not happy with the way she was introduced to the public following her speech at the Republican National Convention. Her supporters say the real Sarah Palin is the one who electrified the crowd that night in early September.
Yes, she had a teleprompter at that event. But they say she’s a natural and if she was able to interact with the media from the beginning instead of being quarantined from the press for nearly three weeks, the results would have been different.
Perhaps this is true. The New York Times has a detailed story this morning that could back that — or at least demonstrate that McCain aides were impressed with how she handled questions even on issues she was unfamiliar with. The story, in discussing how Palin was selected as the running mate, recounts campaign manager Rick Davis’s reaction to how she dealt with the press.
One tape in particular struck Davis as arresting: an interview with Palin and Gov. Janet Napolitano, the Arizona Democrat, on “The Charlie Rose Show” that was shown in October 2007. Reviewing the tape, it didn’t concern Davis that Palin seemed out of her depth on health-care issues or that, when asked to name her favorite candidate among the Republican field, she said, “I’m undecided.” What he liked was how she stuck to her pet issues — energy independence and ethics reform — and thereby refused to let Rose manage the interview.
Not ready for prime time
The public, especially with her interview with CBS anchor Katie Couric, saw an uncomfortable, tightly scripted Palin who would - like a magnet - gravitate back to talking points instead of engaging in a real conversation. The series of interviews were cringe-inducing and gave Saturday Night Live an abundance of material.
Sensing a sinking ship, reports are that some McCain staffers in attempts to save themselves from being blamed for a McCain - Palin loss are beginning to point fingers. And in this case directly at the VP nominee, according to CNN.
“Her lack of fundamental understanding of some key issues was dramatic,” said another McCain source with direct knowledge of the process to prepare Palin after she was picked. The source said it was probably the “hardest” to get her “up to speed than any candidate in history.”
She is ready
That’s not the Sarah Palin the Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes knows.
“When I spent nearly two hours with Palin last year at the governor’s house in Juneau, I was struck by three things. She’s very smart, brimming with self-confidence, and not intimidated by the media.”
Properly vetted or not?
And further, if she is was as ill-prepared as some McCain staffers are saying, then it would suggest that she was never properly vetted — something that was angrily taken off the table for discussion by the McCain team six weeks ago.
But they can’t have it both ways. Either she was properly vetted or not. If she was properly vetted, then they knew what they were getting into. If she was not properly vetted, then they can only blame themselves for the selection.
This morning’s New York Times article would suggest the vetting was not as thorough as the McCain team had implied.
The following night, after McCain’s speech brought the convention to a close, one of the campaign’s senior advisers stayed up late at the Hilton bar savoring the triumphant narrative arc. I asked him a rather basic question: “Leaving aside her actual experience, do you know how informed Governor Palin is about the issues of the day?”The senior adviser thought for a moment. Then he looked up from his beer. “No,” he said quietly. “I don’t know.”
She would have done fine
Even if she wasn’t up to speed on the issues, many believe she would have been fine without the handling overkill by the McCain staff.
Had she been able to interact with the media as she innately knows how to things would have been different. At least Fred Barnes believes that.
“But [campaign advisers] simply didn’t trust her to perform adequately in those settings. She would need weeks of intense training and study. They were wrong, and at Palin’s expense. But they simply didn’t trust her to perform adequately in those settings.”
$150,000
As far as the media now go, she may be the most accessible candidate of the four. And controversy continues to follow her. Every time the McCain team tries to create traction, another controversy emerges.
The $150,000 clothing tab is the latest misadventure to hit the campaign. Speaking to Politico, an unknown supporter assigns blame to the campaign.
“It’s completely out-of-control operatives,” said the close ally outside the campaign. “She has no responsibility for that. It’s incredibly frustrating for us and for her.”
Regardless, she wasn’t afraid to bring it up this morning at a rally in Tampa. In fact, she seemed to revel in it.
<< Anchorage Daily News supports… Obama? | MainComments
2. Maureen Moore | 10.26.08
Just take a really good look at this woman and imagine her as PRESIDENT of the USA. Do I really need to say anything else? An out of control DIVA
who can’t get along with anyone and knows nothing.?????
It would be the end of the world. And I do mean the end of the world.
A satirical movie about the insanity going on could not possibly top the real thing. UNBELIEVABLE.
I gather this won’t be posted but constructive debate about the complete farce of Sarah Palin simply isn’t possible.
3. Kat Wynne-Roberts | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin seems to be in over her head. She’s rebelling as a defense mechanism and can’t seem to stay on track. God help her. God help America if the McKain/Palin ticket overcomes.
4. rolle | 10.26.08
You give this frozen north bimmo way too much credit for things unsaid, but only referenced as said by someone. In my experience, people are who they are…they don’t change there ways from one interview to the next, one person they talk to to the next. Palin is an Alaskan homebody who knows little of the world outside her safety zone. Her parochial views are not un usual for such an individual, but her attitude that she is somehow better than all the reviews (a legend in her own mind) is perhaps the most scary aspect of her rise to notoriety. God I only hope she returns to her shell up there in the frozen north after this spectacle of an elections culminates in the election of the chosen one, Barack!
5. noba Q | 10.26.08
Well, there may be someone that Sarah Palin may listen to much bigger than McCain, Palin, Obama, Biden..ALL. I know because I had to do it in spite of thinking I had learned so much in college. This was animated by Broadway actor primarily for youth to understand like me at the time.
Read excerpt in Pdf format, message, Testimony on site and see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp1xBUFjEB0
7. mavisdarling | 10.26.08
Palin can only stick to talking points. Even in her “good interviews” it’s obvious she can’t think fast enough, and is not informed enough to delve further past those talking points. She is woefully uninformed about national issues, her vocabulary is sophomoric, and I don’t believe she would have fared any better if they’d unleashed her sooner. She is out of her league in national politics.
Any man who has spent two hours with her, as Fred Barnes did, is most likely blinded by her feminine wiles. She plays that to the HILT. And you cannot tell me that she was kept in the dark about the designer wardrobe. Surely those clothes she was putting on herself had LABELS in them. Sarah was featured in Vogue Magazine and one of her idols is Ivana Trump, for goodness’ sake! Sarah knows her designer labels, I promise! She knew DARN well what was going on with the clothes.
It’s obvious that she sees herself in a much different light than other people do. Her main problem, other than her obvious lack of true intelligence, seems to be a personality disorder known as “narcissism”. Even an *armchair psychologist* can see that!!
8. rick republican | 10.26.08
what a crock! does she really think we’re that gullible? 10 days and counting. Fly home wasilla witch fly away!
9. Jay Wilson | 10.26.08
I am a Democrat who voted for Obama/Biden. That said let me say I can’t help but like Sarah and I do not like the way the media portrays her. She should be allowed to speak, to be herself. John McCain is as interesting as watching paint dry. He would be nothing without her. She does have a personality defect, she’s a Republican. I wish she was on our side.
P.S. The baby should stay on the bus with one of the family. Should not be exposed to all the germs of all those people.
10. Jim | 10.26.08
Palin lost when she stepped into the spotlight. She is finished nationally, and at the state level, Palin’s career is absolutely finished.
12. Funny | 10.26.08
Out of control Diva seems like a description quite applicable to the Obamanation. Greek columns and all
13. Dan | 10.26.08
John McCain, who has, in my opinion, always been an honorable public servant (his personal life, well maybe not so much, certainly not as honorable as is Obama’s). I supported him in 2000, but when he supported Bush in 2004 he knew exactly who and what he was supporting. Now he is trying to distance himself from Bush. This is shameful of him.
But more than that, this brave American, who showed his courage on a daily, if not hourly basis during his time in Vietnam, came up short when it was time to show courage in this election. The courageous choice would have been Lieberman. Lieberman would not have excited the far right, but would have been a powerful draw to the center. And, perhaps most importantly, I, even though voting for Obama for President, would have not lost sleep if Lieberman would have had to have stepped in the role of President.
At McCain’s most important time to show courage, politically, and for the good of the country, he failed. I am sad for him, as I genuinely like and respect this man, far above most politicians.
But, Sarah Palin is by no means Presidential material. She has neither the experience nor the mind for it. I have seen no evidence that she reads, studies, learns, and integrates knowledge in a way that produces wisdom. She is good at providing excitement, but excitement will not have much of an effect on Putin or the rest of the world.
14. V. Wilkins | 10.26.08
Instead of blindly liking her, do some research to see how she has climbed the political ladder, and then tell me if you still like what you see. I fear for our future if she becomes our V.P.
15. Matthew Bright | 10.26.08
Watching the Republicans engage in these bouts of recrimination must be like going to one of Michael Vick’s dogfights where all the pitbulls are wearing lipstick. What a guilty pleasure.
16. Cyndy | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin has MUCH more experience than Barack Obama. We need a REAL person in Washington — not another EMPTY suit.
17. Rollin Mandible | 10.26.08
Its pretty clear to anyone who listens to Palin that she simply doesn’t have a grasp of the complex issues facing the country. If you don’t understand the issues how can you manage them or pick the correct solutions? We just saw how another President with limited intellectual ability drove the country right into the ditch. Why would we want another GOP puppet to drive the country in a disasterous direction where only the wealthy benefit? Obama was right. George Bush presided over the biggest government supported transfer of wealth in history. Only problem was that when to economy was doing well driven by the productivity of American workers their contribution to America’s wealth was taken away and given to CEO’s and Hedge Fund managers and Oil companies with government help (tax reductions, subsidies, deregulation that allowed markets to be manipulated). Its time the other 95% of America shared in the fruits of our own labor. Talk about socialism. The GOP has presided over the biggest corporate welfare state of all time.
18. Dave | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is not qualified to be president. So she should not be the VP choice for McCain. Since he can’t make important decisions; I guess he lost my vote.
19. Joe | 10.26.08
By all means, let’s have more of the “real” Palin- a nasty, me-first know-it-all who knows about as much as George Bush knows, which is almost nothing.
It will be a pleasure to watch her “triumphant” return to Alaska, where they are ready for her, Democrats and Republicans alike.
Thanks you, John McCain, for the hit series starting November 5th: “Survivor-Alaska”.
This is going to be fun!
20. RThomas | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin strikes me as the sort of “leader” who is capable of attempting the dismissal of Congress, or removal of offending members, if there is a major disagreement between the Executive and Legislative branches. She does not understand the most basic ideas in the US Constitution, and deserves no place in the Federal Government.
21. LastAmerican | 10.26.08
I never thought I would live to see Americans begging to be ruled by socialists.
22. ronnyg | 10.26.08
Seriously, I hope Sarah Palin becomes a force in the Republican Party; it will keep the base happy and it will keep the Republicans out of power.
This woman has a tremendous ego, one so big that she really believed the hype herself. C’mon, it took her, what, five or six universities to get one degree?
Go back to beauty pageants, you phony!
23. greg | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is the most dumbest & weirdo person to be ever nominated for the highest office. Together wit Todd who belongs to a radical group wanting freedom for Alasks from USA form the most crooked team ever. The media and people should question Todd and Palin’s radical association. Ironically Palin talks of ‘Country First’. Does she mean Alaska or USA with Alaska in it.
Sarah and Tood are using McCain now as McCain tried to use them to get Hillary Voters. From now on it is Sarah and Tood’s scheme for separating Alaska from USA
24. mavisdarling | 10.26.08
Maureen Moore: You have no idea how many people have had that very same thought:
The end of the world as we know it… that’s the scenario if Palin were ever to become President.
25. Brooke | 10.26.08
Palin has so much more experience than Obama it is ridiculous that anyone even questions it. The issue is NOT experience, or people would not even consider Obama, who has so little. The question is that the liberal left is not excited about what Palin stands for, and therefore, they have looked for ways to discredit her in the eyes of the public.
Palin is very experienced and very able to be president. The people who say it would be frightening for her to be president are so ignorant of the truth about Obama. He was mentored by a communist (seven years, age 10-17; Frank Marshall Davis), his parents were communists, he has himself been a member of a socialist party, he associates with Ayers, Rezko, Wright, et al…and thereby shows that he has a lifelong association with communists, socialists, and terrorists. THAT is what is scary, and people are naive enough to believe his ridiculous rhetoric and vote for him.
It is scary that America has become this naive and vulnerable, and unable to think beyond their pocketbooks to see the fraud that is Obama. He is hiding his Harvard records, his vault birth certificate, his college dissertation, his medical records, and no one calls him into account. If he is elected, he will be above the law, a danger far worse than anything we have ever seen in presidential politics. He behaves already as if he is above the law and he is only a presidential candidate. He behaves distinctly like a communist in his attitudes toward questions he does not like (note Biden’s interview with the Florida news station and the subsequent canceling of an interview with his wife), and toward the law.
26. Oma | 10.26.08
Has anyone thought that maybe the person on the campaign trail is Tina Fey impersonating Sarah Palin? I can’t believe this woman has gotten this far.
27. Laura | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is anything but a farce. Disagree with her politics, her religion, her commitment to family, her policies but give us all a break on your pathetic and hateful assessment of her as a viable candidate.
She is a dynamic person with a fantastic record as a public servant. She is a bit flamboyant and attractive but do not underestimate and discriminate against her for that, it would be pathetic.
But then we live in the USA land of the free home of the brave and most of all media double standard.
28. svracer | 10.26.08
Can you imagine a woman with more executive experience than the three men in the race as president? People criticize her ability and do not mention Obama has 2 years in the senate and 2 years running for president as experience. I do not get the double standard!
30. Peter | 10.26.08
I think she was a bad pick for VP but I don’t think she ruined McCain’s chances. I think the economy would have done McCain in regardless
31. microsoftie | 10.26.08
When she first was announced, I gave her the benefit of the doubt and argued against the criticisms being lobbed her way. However, as time passed and we saw her engage Couric, Gibson and even Sean Hannity (who gave her all softballs) it was clear that she was way above her league. At that moment I made a choice to vote for Sen. Obama. First, because along with Sen. Biden and an impressive foreign policy team, I am more comfortable with him as President, than a possible Pres. Palin being led around by the same neo-conservatives that advised President Bush during the last 8 years.
32. C. Bautista | 10.26.08
All this backtracking and “if only they’d handed me better” nonsense is nothing more than what Palin has done to justify all of her mistakes. Look at her “Couric annoyed me” comments after her disastrous interviews. Asking to name what you read to stay informed or what Supreme court decisions you disagree with aren’t “gotcha” questions. There is clearly a reason why she wasn’t given more interviews — the woman is clueless! This is a person with a tremendously large ego plus the inability to admit mistakes, being embraced by the far right leaning members of the GOP, as “down home American.” Sound like any other recent politician we know? I refuse to fall for the same brand of thoughtless, egotistical politician being sold as an image rather than an actual CANDIDATE who has the capability to function in office. Just watch as they scramble to destroy Mccain as the votes go the other way in order to preserve their little pet for 2012. Hopefully by that time mainstream republicans won’t stand for another Bush/Palin type as a nominee. After all, there are plenty of smart, bipartisan republican men and women out there who could appeal to a broader spectrum of voters and represent the average concerned, thinking American rather than encouraging the devisive, hateful ones. No wonder non-extremist republicans and moderates and going to Obama in droves. They dopn’t want this to happen to their party either!
33. RW | 10.26.08
John McCain is not a real smart man himself (894th of 899 midshipmen in his graduating class at the U.S. Naval Academy), but even he knew Sarah Palin was not the least bit qualified to be president. This was simply a publicity stunt. Once again McCain rolled the dice and lost. She stole his thunder with her looks, and stole his campaign with her ignorance and desire to get attention. As a democrat I pray that Sarah Palin runs for president in 2012. It will be so much fun watching the other Republican candidates tear her apart in the primaries.
For those of you that don’t buy my comment that John McCain is not a very smart man I recommend that you ask him this question: Senator McCain were you not intelligent enough to handle the classes at Annapolis or did you just not take your all expense taxpayer paid education serious? I think either answer disqualifies him to be President of the United States. Either Senator McCain doesn’t have the intellectual capacity to be president or he blew off one of the most honorable, respected and sought after educational opportunities in the world.
34. David | 10.26.08
We live ina scientifically and technologically advanced society facing intense competition in these areas from abroad. The last thing we need is someone so intellectually challenged and incurious. We had such a person in Bush, but Palin takes tghis to a new level. Anybody that believes dinosaurs walked the earth at the same time as humans has no business being anywhere near the White House, diva or not.
35. John Arthur | 10.26.08
Palin’s lack of knowledge and understanding of important issues that confront our nation both domestically and internationally is alarming. I can not believe that she was elected as the governor of Alaska. It makes me think about the competence level of the other 49 governors.
She seems to have spent most of her campaigning time on dividing people and arousing their prejudicial senses. I am still not sure what she means by more “pro-american” parts of the country but my guess is that she means the white skin, blue eyes, blond hair second or third generation European immigrants and not the south american, middle eastern, indian and oriental immigrants. Sadly, she does not see America’s strength in its diversity and tolerance.
The most worrying part of all this is that she has a seemingly large pool of supporters that proudly claim “she is just like us, she is just like us!!!” If we decide to choose McCain/Palin, it says something about us as a nation. Every nation deserves their leaders.
36. Markh | 10.26.08
My God … do you read what you’re writing! What happened to American critical thinking skills? No wonder we’re in this mess … instead of a Walmart Mom, we still think its better to elect slick egotistical congressmen enamoured with power and selfish ambition? Heck with a Walmart Mom … lets elect more Barney Franks and Franklin “I don’t care who you give a mortgage to as long as I get my bonus” Raines.
37. George Q. Public | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin, in a speech in Tampa today, is now claiming her interview with Katie Couric came off so poorly because she was “annoyed” at Couric’s questions, saying the weren’t relevant and her answers showed her “annoyance”. Excuse me???
I WATCHED that interview with Katie Couric…the WHOLE WORLD saw that interview and others subsequent…and Ms. Palin’s only ‘annoyance’ REALLY is that she’s now been exposed for the intellectual, moral and political FRAUD that she really is because of that and other interviews…and her political future has been damaged immeasurably.
So, if this is her ‘going rogue’, my God what an idiot she truly is!
a) by bringing up the Couric interview again, she’s refreshed everyone’s memory of the agony of watching such an uninformed, ill-prepared and incapable person try to fake her way through a simple interview and questions that a Vice President (and possibly President) ought to be able answer as second nature!
b) by trying to lie about and revise the facts of what actually happened in that interview and blatantly lying about the kinds of questions actually asked of her, she’s now totally ruined whatever shreds of credibility she may have had to carry through for future after the election! All politicians ’stretch’ the truth…but this woman is a ’say whatever it takes’ liar who knows she can get away with much of it because she’s attractive and has the dimwit ‘Rush Limbaugh/Sean Hannity’ crowd that backs her, regardless of what she says!!
‘Going rogue?’…Look out John McCain!…you’re the next one she’s going to throw under the bus…just like she’s done to every other politician that’s ever helped her on her way up!
38. pro gus | 10.26.08
This ultra conservative, shallow, un-educated woman is outright scary as a choice for vice president or president!!! Her lack of knowledge, very narrow view of the world, a non-thinker, lack of intellect …..should I really go on more? She’s a perfect protender. It’s a pretty sad picture when she has been choosen to be a VP and now - the campaign isn’t over yet -thinking already how turn this to her own benefit. That’s the worst kind of politician. She’s clearly not for anyone but herself and her career.We don’t need no PROTENDER. Not now, not later, not ever….
39. Ed in Indiana | 10.26.08
Palin beat up the American bids for that 40 billion dollar pipeline and gave her support to TransCanada a Canada company. Now they say it may never happen. Also she give oil profits to the citizens of Alaska only, while sending lobbyist to Washington to get hundreds of millions of our tax dollars to fix their infrastructure. Use the oil profits to fix alaska and leave our tax dollars alone. Now she wants to freeze our spending projects after she has gotten all the money tey need for alaska.
The good parts of America get it!
40. Joe the drummer | 10.26.08
For a more objective account, please consult the world outside America for its opinion on Palin.
Obama Biden is here. Get on the train! before you are left on the bridge to nowhere.
41. Larry Patten | 10.26.08
“constructive debate about the complete farce of Sarah Palin simply isn’t possible.”
Your comment was not exactly leading to “Constructive debate” now was it? In our system there are checks and balances which make it very hard for any one person to bring the world to an end. It will take a Democratic President backed up by a completly Democratic House and Senate along with new liberal judges on the Supreme Court to do that. And the sad part is that we are getting close to just that scenario.
Please do not continue the personal attacks Gov. Palin. Try to be constructive if you can.
42. Kevin Wier | 10.26.08
You’ve got to be kidding me. People fear Palin as a President? I fear Joe Biden. The man’s a gaff machine. Can you actually imagine him on a sensitive diplomatic mission? Please….
The countless “unnamed” sources that were used to put this piece together speaks volumes. Cowards speak off the record. Cowards also USE off the record comments as the sole information sources of articles.
Let me make a comment from an outsider. The McCain campaign is among the worst managed Republican campaigns I have seen in my adult life. I rates it even worse than the Dole campaign, which was inept at almost every level. McCain deserves to lose this one. He has never engaged on the issues. They’re still trying to theme everything around taxes. Instead, take a look at my 401K which is off 40+% and tell me how you’re goign to reign in the hedge fund managers who proped the entire stock market up using 10% leveraged purchases. THAT would strike a chord with me.
Tell me how you plan to cut taxes when we are spending nearly a TRILLION dollars to bail out the entire financial and insurance sectors of our economy.
You can tell me you’re going to cut my taxes until you’re blue in the face, but isn’t that just as irresponsible as taking out a home equity loan when you have an interest only mortgage? That’s why our economy is in the tank today.
43. mathue | 10.26.08
I guess what is really striking for me is that Palin seems to come off as an affable Dan Quayle-ish person. Having seen how effective Quayle was I find it odd that my party has decided to go with Palin. Cheney is a VERY strong VP (And admittedly, Gore wasn’t as bad as Qualye) and replacing him with Palin puzzles me no end.
44. Webby | 10.26.08
The monster has tasted and yum, yum, she likes. Your own plane, a personal wardrobe staff, every creature comfort taken care of at the snap of a finger. Walking on stage to crowds applauding you, your kids going to the top schools with secret service protection. You really don’t even have to think too much, you have a personal staff that will write everything you say, that will tell you where to be and when and suggest what to wear. Never worry about forgetting that friend’s spouse’ name, or kids-it will all be scripted for you. You will belong to the ages. Ah, to be a republican hockey mom [wistful sigh]
45. George | 10.26.08
After the election, will Palin use her new national constituency to form a conservative third party? Will a third party that is cleansed of corrupt business connections succeed?
46. Brad Clure | 10.26.08
Check out this about “The Weekly Standard” for a little perspective. I quote from here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weekly_Standard :
While all these hand-wringing Freedom Forum types talk about objectivity, the conservative media likes to rap the liberal media on the knuckles for not being objective. We’ve created this cottage industry in which it pays to be un-objective. It pays to be subjective as much as possible. It’s a great way to have your cake and eat it too. Criticize other people for not being objective. Be as subjective as you want. It’s a great little racket. I’m glad we found it actually.
47. Franklin | 10.26.08
Palin, McCain, Biden, Obama… it doesn’t matter, we’re screwed either way. At least the empire is coming to an end. Hopefully the process isn’t too painful.
48. Kate | 10.26.08
This can be looked at in a different way. At least she didn’t parade her daughter onto the stage in satin and spaghetti straps. I still adore Sarah Palin. She’s not a diva. She’s one of us.
49. Sue | 10.26.08
Sara Palin is the first real person to run for political office in the last hundred years. I wish people of the US would wake up and realize she is exactly what this country needs and not more of the traditional politicians who say what you want to hear and do nothing once elected.
50. Rebecca | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin Gave Birth, at the end of Apri, 2008. REMINDER : it takes quite alot of time, energy and effort, to handle a newborn baby, four other children, a husband, and a high-powered job. She is over-extended and no doubt short-changing her immediate family and newborn, to gain whatever access to knowledge and power she has recently received. She does not represent “traditional motherhood”, only the typical grasping for more and expecting others to take up the slack that busy working women foist on society, so they can “get ahead”, and “be in the limelight”. She is extremely ambitious, for herself, there is no question there.
51. Rockin Bob | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is the real deal! She’s intelligent, good looking with a professional appearance, and experienced more that the two lunkheads the Democratic party is trying to force onto US citizens. It seems that because of this the liberal democrats are jealous and fear her tremendously. It’s true, because if it weren’t they wouldn’t need to come up with all of these desparate, stupid remarks about her.
We Americans need to stick with true Americans to lead us! Not some lazy Illinois senator who is probabaly corrupt just like the rest of Illinois politicians, along with a VP candidate that reminds one of Odie in the Garfield comic strips. VOTE MCCAIN/PALIN so we don’t have to go through another 9/11.
52. JimBo2 | 10.26.08
Funny, Sara Palin is not smart enough to be president, But Joe Biden is….
Maybe Joe should learn a little history, and learn to keep quite. Even Obama has told Joe to shut up. Joe is not who I want as VP either. Well that leaves me to who for Pres…
Easy choice: a proven leader, not a self starter who has done nothing. We don’t need more government; we need more power to the people. Vote for a real future, no a change we don’t know about. John McCain. John McCain voted to support Bush policies 90 percent of the time. True enough, but by the same measure Obama has voted with fellow Democrats in the Senate 97 percent of the time. The other 3% her voted present.
53. Gav | 10.26.08
It would seem to me there is an excessive amount of attention given to three of four minor associations Obama has in his past as if these (Ayers,Davis,Wright) were the sort that would actually define his character. I bet Obama has associated with a lot more people in his time than these three and yet we hear little about his ‘positive’ associations. which are bound to plentiful for such a worldly man.
I have associated with many socialists and theoretical terrorists in my time - and indeed have at times been quite friendly with them personally. Yet they influence my viewpoint not on iota.
The same for Obama methinks. He is an extreme moderate, not a moderate extremist.
54. Steve in Austin | 10.26.08
All this is just jockeying for post-election Republican Party leadership. Looks like the insiders know they have already lost. I personally hope Palin becomes a party leader so they can sink further into the minority.
55. Gillian | 10.26.08
Palin is a fraud, a puppet hand-picked by elitist GOP leaders to manipulate uneducated women and voters who supported Hillary Clinton. Nothing more. She has a blatant disinterest in scientific fact, foreign affairs, economics, and just about anything else she doesn’t think she already knows. This woman would never, ever get past a Republican primary, chiefly because your leaders wouldn’t be nearly as nice to her as Obama has been. I know it gets conservatives all red in the face when Palin is actually scrutinized (sexism! bias! elitism!), but you need to own up: you are so blinded by partisanship that you refuse to see that this woman is not qualified to run the USA. Her experience running a state with population smaller than San Bernardino is not a proper qualification. The largest newspaper in Alaska has outed her as the joke she is. She doesn’t have anywhere near the knowledge, temperament, character, curiosity, experience, or ability to lead the most powerful nation in the world. She will destroy our alliances and lead this nation to inevitable collapse. She is twice as dangerous as George Bush. We don’t need another ignorant cowboy to guide us through serious times in the nuclear age.
56. Brian | 10.26.08
Ooohhh… Fred Barnes was impressed by her ?!? I am too, and I’m sure in person she’s even more impressive, but Sarah Palin as president ? Even George Bush pays attention to his advisors. Sarah would do whatever she thought was right.
59. Nancy | 10.26.08
I agree that so much of the rhetoric facing Palin would never be an issue if she were a man. But it is the mere hypocrisy of the image she puts forth, and the reality of her actions that make it a footnote at all. I could care as much about her outrageous wardrobe as I do about McCain’s $5,000 shoes except for the fact that she has repeatedly attempted to portray herself as an “Everyman (and woman)”. Okay, she’s planning on returning the clothes or donating them after the election… but I can’t help but suspect that wasn’t her initial plan since she bought her seven year old daughter a Louie Vuitton purse! More importantly though, I get so frustrated by people trying to defend her as having more “executive experience” than Obama. Obama represented more people when he was a state Senator than she did as a mayor. And now as a Senator on the federal level he represents more people than the population of Alaska! Palin may be the governor of the largest state in the union, but it’s the second smallest in terms of population. I have nothing against Palin as a human- I certainly advocate for qualified women to be given the same consideration as men… but I don’t think we should just shake off the reality that this woman is simply not qualified for this post, just because she has been selected. We are Americans, and we should revel in our ability to make an informed choice.
60. Rockin Mom | 10.26.08
Rockin Bob: I feel I am an intelligent professional - Mom - Engineer - worked for the same company for 20 years - well dressed (but I don’t have $150,000 to spend on clothing, makeup, etc. and never have!) - but that does not make me Vice President material. Wake up and read more information. We need someone as a VP who knows what a VP does (run the Senate? - give me a break)
61. Quinn | 10.26.08
Interestingly enough, Obama and Biden have said very little that has been critical of Mrs. Palin’s character or competence. The public and the press have seen for themselves her deficiencies. Things are what they are and we have seen Mrs Palin for what she is. We neither need nor will accept some politico’s interpretation of what we have witnessed with our own eyes and ears. Mrs. Palin in not competent to be VP much less POTUS.
62. Double Standard Dem | 10.26.08
I love how all the dems on these websites talk about Palin’s experience for the VP slot, and seem to have no trouble voting in someone for the PRES position who has LESS experience!!! Then again, they are the same people looking for the handout from his tax plan and medical plan, etc…
Let me break it down for the person who works hard everyday - If you could vote for CEO of your company, would you elect someone with < 4yrs experence??? No. logical people would laugh at the notion. Come on America, stop voting with your emotions and start using your brains on this one…Biden is already trying to warn people about Obama’s pending failure of his first “test” in office…
63. Probe | 10.26.08
What kind of president would each candidate make? Look how effective each has been at managing a national campaign. Obama was the one-time underdog who by almost all accounts has waged an incredibly successful effort. The biggest challenges to emerge (Jeremiah Wright, etc) have come from areas outside his control. McCain on the other hand has made blunder after head-scratching blunder, with no apparent strategic vision. Now we have in-fighting. This does not induce confidence for me.
64. RJ | 10.26.08
The only way Palin is getting in to the Oval Office is with a tour pass. You are about to see the biggest Democratic landslide since 1964.
Republicans got their wish in 2004 and re-elected Bush who has trashed this country in 8 years. As President Obama said “Bush dug us a hole & McCain carried the shovel”.
Thanks again for the Palin pick, it’s the gift that keeps on giving to the Democrats.
Obama/Biden 08
In America, anybody can be president. That’s one of the risks you take.
Adlai E. Stevenson
1900-1965
American Lawyer, Politician
65. Fred Plumber | 10.26.08
Re experience: I was the president of our local neighborhood association, and as such my “constituency” was larger than that of Sarah Palin when she was mayor of Wasalia. The popuplation of Alaska is less than that of San Francisco (and many other medium-sized American cities). Put another way, Palin’s vast “experience” is about the same as the mayors of Portland, San Francisco, Cleveland, and other medium-sized American cities, and like those mayors, she has no real experience at the national level.
66. Guy | 10.26.08
Brooke irrationally wrote: “Palin has so much more experience than Obama it is ridiculous that anyone even questions it.”
Brooke, it’s time to get serious about managing our country. Palin has no experience on the national scene. No experience with foreign policy decisions. She has never been in a position to contribute to national economic policies. She had a nothing-special education. As recently as last year, she herself admits she did not know what a Vice President does.
Meanwhile, she claims she is against spreading the wealth when Alaska taxes oil companies and spreads the wealth to citizens.
She has claimed to be an independent, smart, “hockey mom.” Yet she now claims she had no knowledge of the clothes that she put on her own body, and that she was being manipulated.
She claims to be a Christian moral person yet eloped and had her first child out of wedlock.
It’s time to be real. Look at her deeds, not her words. You may change your mind.
67. Pat | 10.26.08
After reading most of the comments, I still agree with Joe the Plumber. Obama’s idea of “sharing the wealth” does seem a bit on the socialist theme. McCain/Palin have a much sounder platform. I sure could use some of the shared wealth, as I live on SS only at age 68. However, I firmly believe that taxing the small businesses etc, will cause more people to be out of work. Sarah has helped Alaska prosper, and if given a chance, I think McCain and Palin can do the same for us. It seems to me, that the higher the polls say Obama is, the worse the stock market seems to get. So, maybe its time to stop all the mudsling, and find out what each candidate really stands for. I know this is a free speech country but the slander on both sides is out of hand. Time for everyone to GROW-UP.
68. texanrme | 10.26.08
Thank goodness for the fact that the “W” era is coming to an end, and the reign of the GOP. I supported the impeachment of Clinton, as I now support the impeachment of George W. Bush. Clinton was found not guilty enough to prosecute, but we are still waiting for Bush & Cheney proceedings. Palin and McCain will be tried in the November election and if justice is served we will hear little to nothing from either of them again and we will live happily ever ever after.
69. JM | 10.26.08
To the people defending Palin:
You keep saying she has so much experience at governing a small state and a small city, and that is fine. But the real question here is does she have the intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills to be president? It’s not just about how long a candidate has worked as mayor/governor/senator/whatever but also how intelligent they are, how capable they are of making important decisions, and how much knowledge they have on important issues. I have seen no evidence that Palin has any of these critical skills. I have also seen no evidence of her having any interest in important economic and foreign policy issues before running as VP.
At least Obama all of his thoughts and ideas down in his books before running, so we have a clear idea where he is coming from and we know he is a critical thinker. If Palin had some time on the national stage before being selected, if people had seen some evidence that she was interested in national issues, then maybe you could use the argument that her experience as mayor/governor qualifies her to be president if something happened to McCain.
Unfortunately, Palin supporters don’t seem to get it that the country is looking for more than a person who has experience working for the government. We are looking for a leader who can solve tough problems too.
70. Josephine Johnson | 10.26.08
I absolutely cannot believe all the “hate” directed toward Sarah Palin and Joe The Plumber (for just having the absolute gall to ask a question of “The One”. Have we become a nation of elitiests? Look at the financial crisis we are experiencing in our country right now. Who and what lead us to this point in our history? Greed for one. Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Alan Greenspan–there is definitely enough blame to go around. Congress has lost touch with average citizens and our needs. But we love these people. What we cannot understand is a Sarah Palin or a Joe The Plumber. People with no hidden agenda. People who tell the truth. American history teaches us that our forefathers envisioned a Congress of lawyers, plumbers, farmers, etc.–
the so-called common man. No wonder we no longer have representation–it’s the “millionaire’s club”. Can anyone explain to me what experience Obama has? Community organizer. You should be afraid, be very afraid of someone who does not allow the voters to know who he is, how we was educated and how he became wealthy. Also, connect the dots as to his associates: Ayers, Reverend Wright, etc. Radical/Liberal. In this country voting is a privilege and you can vote your convictions. Heaven help us with Obama, Pelosi, Reid. First, Obama does not have the qualifications to be our President and should he be elected there will be “no wealth to be shared.”
71. JM | 10.26.08
To the people defending Palin:
You keep saying she has so much experience at governing a small state and a small city, and that is fine. But the real question here is does she have the intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills to be president? It’s not just about how long a candidate has worked as mayor/governor/senator/whatever but also how intelligent they are, how capable they are of making important decisions, and how much knowledge they have on important issues. I have seen no evidence that Palin has any of these critical skills. I have also seen no evidence of her having any interest in important economic and foreign policy issues before running as VP.
At least Obama all of his thoughts and ideas down in his books before running, so we have a clear idea where he is coming from and we know he is a critical thinker. If Palin had some time on the national stage before being selected, if people had seen some evidence that she was interested in national issues, then maybe you could use the argument that her experience as mayor/governor qualifies her to be president if something happened to McCain.
Unfortunately, Palin supporters don’t seem to get it that the country is looking for more than a person who has experience working for the government. We are looking for a leader who can solve tough problems too.
72. IM GIbson | 10.26.08
She is a self serving, get by on her looks in lieu of intelligence hypocrite
who needs to spend more time taking care of her disfunctional family. She’s just like McCain who is just like Bush, she would/will never admit she’s made a mistake no matter what it cost.
73. Blast | 10.26.08
Mark my words, Palin will be the new face of the Republican party. She will be assigned a tutor to feed her what she “needs to know” for her next run for President in 2012. I shudder to think what kind of populists she represents will bring to the White House.
74. Oregon4Obama | 10.26.08
we already know she is no good for America, but now she thinks she is too good for her own campaign????
Im glad we are seeing this side of Palin now so we can write her off in the future…..
She let all this “popularity” go to her head and it will cost McCain everything…..
76. Kasie | 10.26.08
Oh my goodness!
Sarah Palin is now trying to go her own way and defy
John Mccain! Does she know she is only days away from
the election? She has hurt John Mccain so much and I bet
he wished he picked Mitt Romney.
What a mess!!!
Go away, Sarah Palin. You don’t compare to Hillary Clinton.
I would NEVER vote for you Sarah Palin in 2012.
If Hillary Clinton runs, I feel SHE (NOT YOU!) deserve
to be the FIRST female president.
You, Sarah Palin, can go audition for “America’s Top Moron”
77. BudinOK | 10.26.08
I believe we all should vote Independent this time around. Let’s send a message.
78. Reg | 10.26.08
For those who do NOT know, the Weekly Standard is the magazine of the Project for a New American Century - the neocons who gave you the War against Iraq in all its illegality and inhumanity. Bill Kristol is the founder of the magazine as well as PNAC, - and his support for Palin is so blatantly an attempt to ensure his global supremacy ideology in a future Palin run for the Presidency. What an embarrassing and frightening thought.
79. Richard | 10.26.08
Why doesn’t the Christian Science Monitor just post Obama/Biden advertisements on their website? Any objective reader can tell that their election articles either show Obama as the answer to all problems or show McCain and Palin as poorly as they can manage.
Why does Palin have such a high approval rating as Governor? Maybe she actually does know what she’s talking about. She seems pretty intelligent unless reporters are around to “interpret” what she is saying.
Considering the economy, neither Obama nor McCain have experience or anything great to say. However, increased taxes will slow the economy. McCain will be a better Commander-in-Chief and will support pro-family legislation more than Obama, who has as liberal abortion views as any politician in Washington.
80. Roberto | 10.26.08
Any True American that speak their mind.. right or wrong IS an American. Sexism, Racism or Politicsm should NOT can NOT let Americans to stop being a moral beacon for the world. Our country USA is grounded on people that trust that hard work and the blessing of our Lord GOD will bring the bounty for ALL.
81. Seth | 10.26.08
I watched the video. For a potential VP entering the home stretch, her speech was surreal. Yakking on about her second-hand clothes shopping and cheap accessories - while completely dodging the economic crisis - is a desertion of duty. It’s not what I expect from a serious VP candidate.
She may be great at “thrifty-nickel” shopping, but she’s either clueless about the bigger picture, or deliberately avoiding it. Neither are commendable.
82. Izzy | 10.26.08
Palin is a fraud and a corrupt demagogue like the right wing of the Republican party. We are the laughing stock of the world if we keep voting for stupid, ignorant and uneducated morons. No wonder this country lost its leadership if all we can sent to Washington is Palin and McCain. I hope that after they lose the election we will never hear from Palin again. What a joke the Republicans have become. Vote for Obama/Biden.
83. RobinL | 10.26.08
This not-very-nice Hockey Mom simply does not belong on the national stage. Apparently, we’re not dumb enough to fall for this one after seeing the Country go to ruin in the hands of another not-so-nice Joe SixPack. Give us a break, will ya, doggonit!!
84. registered Independent | 10.26.08
How can the Dems claim that Palin isn’t ready to be the President when Obama has far less experience and probably far less ability?
86. Redneck | 10.26.08
Go Sarah Go Sarah and God Bless America.You are real clever and dont let anyone tell you you are not. We love you.
88. Chris D | 10.26.08
McCain asserted that when he chose Palin that she was a Maverick like him. Now that she is asserting herself, she is now called a “rouge” by McCain’s handlers; McCain flip flops faster than John Kerry did.
89. William Worth | 10.26.08
The bottom line: Fred Barnes would support and bolster Dino the Dinosaur if he took a far-right conservative slant as he. Palin has shown herself over the course of the campaign to be no more than your typical Alaskan Republican, who abused the powers and twisted her influence for favor of her family, friends, and church members. With all due respect this is a “hockey mom” (hardly!) who- with her husband- has raised a son who turned into a meth dealer and user and a daughter who parties and now is carrying an out-of-wedlock fetus. HARDLY a person- or a family- I want representing my country! She has demonstrated ignorance, stupidity, inflexibility, and bigotry in her speeches and positions. Her responses to questions, level of ethics, and radical religious views no longer match with course the citizens of this nation have had to endured 12 of the past 14 years!
90. Truthfairy | 10.26.08
Sounds like a great partnership for running the country, a great VP pick with A1 OK chemistry with the presidential candidate…a bit like a cute, cutesy cuckoo in the nest.
Perhaps that’s why the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska’s leading newspaper, today endorsed Obama/Biden.
91. GetReal | 10.26.08
I have no problem with Palin as Vice President. Her national experience may be low, but Obama has no governing experience AT ALL. But I guess if you are good looking and can speak publicly that’s all most people need to vote for someone with no ideas but allot of talk. I have no problem with Palin as President,but I vote for the MCCAIN/Palin ticket. Obama just talks. No proof of walk. Mccain and Palin in Washington!!!
92. aleks | 10.26.08
What a moron. Hillary, I didn’t support you in the primary but I’m offended on your behalf that this silly girl is supposed to impress your supporters.
93. ChrisH | 10.26.08
So are we to understand that, since the “real Sarah Palin” was the one we saw on convention night, that the “real Sarah Palin” is just a script reader? C’mon people; you’ve got to find something better than that. Ouch.
94. VegasForTheVote | 10.26.08
Dems, stop wasting time and get out and VOTE early!
Unless we turn out in landslide numbers the Repubs and their rich slimebag lawyer buddies will steal this election.
Get out and vote, and make double sure that your touch screen vote doesn’t flip to McCain after you press Obama.
95. Terri | 10.26.08
To # 84…
Obama is a Harvard educated attorney, constitutional professor, state senator, community organizer and US senator. How can you say with a straight face that Palin has more qualifications than he does? Obama has also run and managed the best campaign ever in the history of modern politics. He didn’t do so either by running a dishonorable campaign like McCain. Please put partisanship aside and give credit where due.
I early voted for Obama, my son and daughter voted for the first time ever for Obama, their friends are voting for Obama, my mother who recently became a naturalized citizen is voting for Obama and so are her friends.
96. Incredulous | 10.26.08
She does realize that Wal-mart launched the whole trend to sell America’s manufacturing infrastructure out to the Chinese, doesn’t she?
It’s precisely because of Wal-mart–and Republican economy policies in general– that so many of the same lower middle class whites Palin and McCain pander too no longer have decent-paying jobs.
97. Baba | 10.26.08
“VOTE MCCAIN/PALIN so we don’t have to go through another 9/11.”
You better check your timeline on this one, Bob. And the sleazy Rove tactics don’t work anymore, BTW.
98. baz | 10.26.08
Gov Palin lost me, when she kept saying she had Foreign Policy experience, because Russia was close to Alaska.
It has nothing to do with *handling,* she’s an incurious, highly ambitious, actress, who is very comfortable lying.
If she gets anywhere near Washington, this Country is toast.
100. Baba | 10.26.08
“Mark my words: Obama ‘08 = Great Depression II ‘09″
Another time line check; who exactly has been in charge for the last 8 years?
102. Beth | 10.26.08
At least Sarah Palin knows that Roosevelt was not President in 1929, and that Television was not in existence - unlike Biden, who is constantly making huge gaffes.
Personally, I’d love to see a Walmart mom as President. Y’all are just awfully snobby, don’t ya know?
And I’m serious.
103. RickatSea | 10.26.08
It is appalling, the right wing defenders of Palin and propagators of anti-Obama lies. The GOP is a dead party. I voted GOP all my life but stopped in 2000 (I voted for McCain in the primaries!) The party has now degenerated into some kind of McCarthy-Nazism. Imploding in on itself with nothing left but hollow sound bites of dogma-speak. Unbelievable. Just read some of the above comments. Watch Fox news. You either follow the party line or the media should hunt you down for being anti-American. Someday the GOP may return to its senses but until then GO OBAMA!
104. Mave | 10.26.08
I really think experience is less of an issue here than intelligence and character.
Obama is both shrewd, knowledgeable, and thoughtful; neither McCain or Palin strike me as such. Their academic credentials bear out my impressions about this. On character, both McCain and Palin have been cited in ethics violations by their legislatures, McCain because of his close association with and activity on behalf of a man who precipitated a major financial crisis, Palin because of her own acts while attempting to have a relative fired from his state job. Obama, on the other hand, has been vilified for things people did and said when he wasn’t even around; his interactions with suspicious characters did not involve any wrongdoing on his part. McCain and Palin have been rudderless, even incoherent in their message and victriolic in their comments about Mr. Obama. He, in contrast, has stayed on message, proclaiming it consistently and clearly, and his negative comments have been directed towards McCain’s lack of positive message.
In a way, experience matters, but only in that experience at doing the wrong things is not, in my estimation, a recommendation for high office.
105. weiji2001 | 10.26.08
This article reveals the most essential fact, which is that Palin sticks to her own pet issues and doesn’t let others advise her.
We’ve had 8 years of Bush doing just that: sticking to his issues not listening to others, which has led the country into this quagmire we find ourselves in. Do we really want someone a step away from the presidency to continue in that mode?
106. Jon F | 10.26.08
Go ahead and try to say something negative about Palin. It just proves that Obama is not qualified to be President. That is why she was chosen. To point out how unqualified Obama is.
107. wm | 10.26.08
To get a glimpse into the ability of each candidate’s executive ability take a look at the organization of their respective campaigns. Obama’s run a campaign for 2 years that has been extremely organized and disciplined internally and nationally. And… how about the disorganization of McCain’s campaign?
This is how they see the world, how they inspire people around them and how they are as managers. To my mind… these are all qualities of Leadership. No more needs saying. It’s just so obvious.
Then I look to get a glimpse into how each thinks…
Obama always looks for common ground and for what’s workable. For example, his comments on Abortion and Choice. To hear him say that there is no resolution in either side trying to prove the other side wrong and to look for where they agree — to lower the number of unwanted pregnancies — shows an intellect that can see into issues and find what’s workable that moves the whole issue forward without increasing the ideological ferver.
This gives me hope for the future. I’m sick of ideologues of any flavor. I want intelligent debate and real problem solving, not recrimination.
All I’ve heard from McCain and Palin are sour thoughts. I haven’t seen anything that points to their ability as critical thinkers and problem solvers.
108. nate | 10.26.08
Palin made the burst onto the political scene with more excitement than we have seen for a candidate in my lifetime, and i am 29 years old. Not to mention the fact that she’s not even at the top of the ticket! She is a fresh face and speaks her mind and there are many if not a mojority of americans who are desperate for that kind of leadership in political office instead of the carefully scripted socialistic rhetoric of B H Obama and J Biden. With 15,000 at a rally in my city of 180,000 people you can be sure that she has a future in politics in this country if she so chooses once she is out from underneath the shackles of her current political handlers.
109. Stan | 10.26.08
I am a liberal democrat and I honestly believe that Palin is telling the truth when it comes to her wardrobe. When it comes to everything else… I don’t see a lick of truth behind her plastic smile
112. RW | 10.26.08
Rockin Bob,
You wrote “Sarah Palin is the real deal! She’s intelligent”, do you have any facts to back that up? I guess you were busy doing “REAL AMERICAN” things when she did her television interviews.
Let’s just look at the most basic thing about Sarah Palin & John McCain. Neither of them had good enough undergraduate grades to get into Harvard Law School. McCain finished 894th out of 899 midshipmen in his class at the U.S. Naval Academy and would have washed out completely without influence from his grandfather the Admiral and father the Captain (at the time). Palin darted from scholastically low ranked schools taking six years to graduate.
Being a Republican is not George W. Bushes big problem and is not why he has screwed everything up he has touched. Being a spoiled rich kid with a “C” average achieved with professional tutoring is what DubYa’s problem is.
We have had enough of spoiled rich kids with “C” averages like DubYa, Dick Cheney, Carl Rove, John McCain, and Sarah Palin running things. I think its time we let Barack Obama an “A” student have a shot. Remember Bill Clinton a Rhodes Scholar used diplomacy to avoid war, balanced the budget and left us with a surplus, while George lied to us to get us into a protracted war, eavesdropped on U.S citizens, tortured prisoner, ran our economy in to the ground, failed catch or kill Osama Bin Laden, and left us with the largest deficit in our country’s history (I could add more but you already know it).
113. Lucas | 10.26.08
If you want to find out how Sarah Palin became Mayor of Wasilla in 1996, please read the article entitled Mean Girl. It is all well documented here. http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/09/23/palin/
“Even though Palin knew that John Stein, her mentor and incumbent Mayor, was a Protestant Christian, from a Pennsylvania Dutch background, her campaign began circulating the word that she would be “Wasilla’s first Christian mayor.” Some of Stein’s supporters interpreted this as an attempt to portray Stein as Jewish in the heavily evangelical community. Stein himself, an eminently reasonable and reflective man, thinks “they were redefining Christianity to mean born-agains.”
She is running the same type of character assassination game that she did in Alaska.
As for “experience”- it has been all bad. She promised the citizens of Wasilla that she would cut costs. Instead she had to hire a City Manager because she had no clue anout how to develop a budget. Her main achievement was leaving the small town with a $15,000,000 debt when she left office.
As Governor she signed a deal with a foreign company to study the “feasibility” of building a gas pipeline. She gave them $500,000,000 for the project which in reality will probably never be built. “The 40 billion dollar pipeline to nowhere.” Now she is under investigation for the fraudulent bidding process in which one of her staff was a former lobbyist for the company that got the bid.
114. Santa Fean | 10.26.08
Palin is part of the far right wing of the Republican party. Anti-everything except religion and war. Less government? See Bush. Less regulation? See Bush. The old Republican party is dead and good bye! Will the Republicans finally see the new face of America? It is NOT Rush/Sean/BillO ! When McCain loses you can blame the right wing nuts for the loss of middles America. As an independent there is no way I could vote for McCain/Palin. Obama is not my first choice but he is a far superior choice than the “old” Republicans…McCain/Palin. Clearly!
Also….do you finally understand why we hated Bush for the last 12 years? He makes messes and leaves it for others to clean up. His legacy is one of shame!
115. Stephanie | 10.26.08
As a professor of American National Government and International Relations…I can assure you that my freshman students have more knowledge about the US and the world than Sarah Palin. She is less capable than Bush. Her transcripts read like an interview with a schizophrenic tossing out word salad. If she were a democrat I would feel the same way. Dumb is dumb…it does not discriminate.
116. nprev | 10.26.08
Er…easily, Independent. Palin has zero intellectual ability, and Obama has an abundance of same. (That of course makes him ‘an elitist’, since the whole Conservative movement has focused on Joe Plumbers and the vilification of anyone who does real good at that there book learnin’ for far too long now.)
Okay, let’s throw out experience. If OJT is required for learning the job, then Obama/Biden’s got the ability to do it. McCain could do a possibly adequate job, but not gonna roll the dice & bet that he lives long enough to ensure that Palin doesn’t have to assume the role…uh, uh, no way. I’d trust her to guide me through Wal-Mart, but not to be the chief executive of a superpower. We’ve already had one incompetent at the helm for (inexplicably) eight years…enough already!!!!
117. aleks | 10.26.08
102. Beth | 10.26.08
At least Sarah Palin knows that Roosevelt was not President in 1929, and that Television was not in existence.
***************
Did you type that with a straight face? Over two months into running for VP and she doesn’t know what the VP’s role is. She can’t name or summarize a Supreme Court case beyond Roe, or cite the name of a single newspaper, even though she reads every last one of them. You think Palin knows that TV wasn’t around in 1929? She probably thinks it was around 4,000 years ago, along with dinosaurs.
118. Russ | 10.26.08
I always hear not enough experience. Is there a set time when you should have enough experience? Why does Obama have enough experience? Biden? McCain? Look at the state of the country now. We are in the mess up to our necks because our lawmakers have “experience”? What makes her a Diva? Because she has a air of confidence about her? She’s an airhead? Why? explain yourself, don’t just say it. She stumbled early on in the campaign. Who wouldn’t, being placed in the national spotlight so suddenly?
The hypocrisy of some of you people is shameful.
Personally I’d rather have someone in the White House that had common sense.
119. Tim | 10.26.08
The stupidity and know-nothingness of the average American conservative is staggering. Simply off the charts.
Leave aside qualifications a second (e.g. Harvard educated, constitutional law professor vs. community college educated small town mayor who didn’t even have a Passport till 2007) and just compare them in debate or talking to the media.
Then get back to me on who is better qualified to lead the nation.
120. MB | 10.26.08
Palin is a joke but she’s not dumb. She’s going to get rich from this though. Just wait for her Fox “News” program and her co-host tole with Rush Limbaugh or some other crackpot.
As for executive experience coming into the White House… she has less than George W. Bush and we all know how well that’s served him. Just like you can’t coach speed in sports, you also can’t coach someone who just isn’t all that intelligent or curious about the world.
121. just one comment | 10.26.08
I am amazed at the American public, and liberal media. We are facing crisis after crisis and all I hear is one personal attack after another. I see people voting for Obama because he is “Cute”, when did we get so weak minded as to place our vote for someone because of their looks.
I hear comment after comment about the lack of experience that Palin has, yet she has accomplished more in her short life than most of us will in three life times.
Remember people she is as experienced as Obama, and please answer me this, what has he done in his time as a Senator? Both are weak in experience, it is that simple.
America needs to wake up, we are in need of a leader, yet I haven’t seen a true leader yet, not this election, nor in the last election. What has become of the true leaders that can capture us by displaying alot of common sense, which is lacking more and more in politics now-a-days.
Either they change their stance to capture votes, or they stumble when attempting to explain where they stand, with all appearing to be afraid of just saying “This is how it will be”. I do not trust any of them, and no matter how the election goes, i will be able to stand back and say “I told you so” to all of you, because trust me folks, they will not honor their commentments.
122. Curt Keller | 10.26.08
who is “very comfortable lying”
How moronic. She represents what 99% of women are, honest, hard workers, picking up after mens messes. Please, if we had more women in office we would all be a lot better off, and I am a male chauvinist.
123. Mave | 10.26.08
79. Richard | 10.26.08
“Why does Palin have such a high approval rating as Governor? Maybe she actually does know what she’s talking about. She seems pretty intelligent unless reporters are around to “interpret” what she is saying.”
Two points.
1. Palin’s approval rating is because she did what she and McCain are now condenming Obama for suggesting - spreading the wealth. She gave every Alaskan a “refund” check (aka oil dividend check).
2. The less reporters “interpret” Sarah Palin, the more confused and ridiculous she sounds. Frankly, I work in the words business, and Palin has done more to butcher our language in the last 10 weeks than I’ve heard from potential speakers in the last election cycle.
124. Richard Hed | 10.26.08
“I never thought I would live to see Americans begging to be ruled by socialists.”
Neither did I, but take heart, George will be out in January.
125. Sheesh | 10.26.08
It is insane that so many claim to be so knowledgeable about Palin, when they don’t really know anything beyond what the media has fed them.
This article, and more importantly the anti-Palin comments that seem to dominate it, are an example of how the Democrats are hypocritical when it comes to the politics of hate. They decry racism and sexism, but are just fine with hate speech of the “partyist” sort.
126. McGreen | 10.26.08
The possibility of Palin stepping into the presidency tipped the election to Obama from the get go. Her only base is the religious right wingers - they are an important part of the republican party but they aren’t willing to compromise and keep the moderate republicans and any independents happy.
I’m glad to see this go down, the republicans make a huge mistake when they embrace the cult of personality for this anti-intellectual, anti - big city person.
They need to regroup and rethink their core values, americans are not going to elect a party to power who thinks so many of us are anti-american, unpatriotic.
128. Cyndi | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is not running for President…and quite honestly, if she were…she would do a heck of a better job than Obama. She’s no dummy. So she doesn’t interview well. YET. Give her time. She is a smart woman who has accomplished much and has people personality. She is professional, classy and I think the world leaders will enjoy conversing with her.
129. Cary Hatcher | 10.26.08
Palin speaks like she’s talking directly to you and not full of “political hype” — at least since the debate. I think they tried to turn her into something she wasn’t, and she’s realized that won’t cut it with today’s voters. Clinton was “just a governor” when he ran for president. Talk about two-faced. They’re all for women’s rights — except when it’s a conservative woman. We need someone who is dedicated. All those “educated” people who are in Congress haven’t done us much good. I want someone who isn’t part of the Washington and political hierchy. I want someone with good common sense to get our country back on track.
130. Chern Lai | 10.26.08
She’s a dangerous female version of George Bush unilateral go-it-alone attitude.
131. ryan | 10.26.08
Seriously though, Palin is the laughing stock of this entire nation and the world at large. I have not had a single conversation with even one republican, (and I live in a republican dominated area and have open civil debates with them frequently) who has shown any real pride or confidence in this horribly shallow, blatant fundamentalist, stupid VP pick named Palin. They are embarrassed of her, the republican party is embarrassed of her. I am embarrassed of her. If she were to actually become president, good god, I can think of nothing so frightening. She is the epitome of what has gone so wrong in this nation. We are a nation of intellect, of innovation, of debate, of compromise, and of common good. Mccain and Palin are stuck in the Rovian/Bush world of neo-conservatives whose values are on their way to cultural extinction. They live in an America that thinks ignorance and fundamentalism and False Pride are values to be respected, they are not. I will never give a woman like Palin the opportunity to “tolerate” me. But I will give a man of superb intellect and logic and rationale my vote to lead this nation that is finally showing a glimmer of hope after so many years in a dark dark place. President-to-be, Barack Hussein Obama, it is an absolute pleasure to meet you and you can count on my vote. Stupid VP pick Palin, please go away.
132. Mave | 10.26.08
Nate in 108,
I think America is looking for some brains behind the fresh face. So far, Obama’s is the fresh face that seems to have more to it that a new look.
133. The Magster | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin will not shrink back into history. No she’s found her spotling LOVES it. She’s looking into leading the Christian Coalition for 2012. Watch out for this lady. Our only saving grace is that her problems back in Alaska will hold her back. The McCain campaign was ill run -from the start. THIS is the mark of a person who can run an administration or not. Barack Obama has run his campaign in a smart way. He’s continued to be cool and even handed. He has a lot of challenges ahead of him - the wars, the economy, the environment, healthcare to name a few - but he also has some people in this country who STILL believe his a muslim..unbelievable. I, for one, am proud to have voted for the Obama-Biden ticket and will breathe a great sigh of relief when this administration finally leaves office. It’s been a long time comin’!
134. commoner | 10.26.08
It amazes me that Republicans just disregard some of their brightest party members and supporters. The really bright ones have come out in support of Obama because they see what a shambles their party is in and they truly care about putting their country first by having leadership that actually has a plan. It takes intellectual integrity to rule and Gov. Palin seems to be inconsistent in that department; among other things, the recent findings by her own legislators regarding her abuse of power in her administration is a good example of a lack of intellectual integrity. America does not need a person with such a simplistic world view and such childlike behavior. Obama08!
135. Kurt | 10.26.08
Palin is too ambitious to play second fiddle to McCain. The in-fighting doesn’t give anyone confidence in their ability to lead. How are we supposed to believe they can get along for four years if they can’t get along for two months? Palin is the true maverick, but not in a good way.
Palin is all about Palin. She has angered her own party in Alaska which is why AK Republicans were intent on persuing ethics violations in an election year.
136. Kurt S. | 10.26.08
Sarah Connects with the real world who want to work and grow America.. But not not the liberals who want to live on Welfare and SSI and take a part of the pie that they never work for. Just move to Cuba for a week or so and tell me how much you like the socialist life style.
137. LaughingCow | 10.26.08
“carefully scripted socialistic rhetoric”
nate, please. why don’t you have an original thought instead of just quoting the party line. you want to talk about socialism and “spreading the wealth around”? what do you call that tax cut in alaska where each family got something like $1200. i’d call that speading the wealth around, wouldn’t you?
138. akmom | 10.26.08
It’s obvious that she sees herself in a much different light than other people do. Her main problem, other than her obvious lack of true intelligence, seems to be a personality disorder known as “narcissism”. Even an *armchair psychologist* can see that!!
____________________________________________________________________________
Good point. Wasn’t it wacho how she kept saying that she was cleared of all wrong doing with the Troopergate investigation? Can she read? My goodness. To lie point blank. Must be delusional.
139. facts don’t lie | 10.26.08
The leftist media has a voracious and viscious appetite that will never be satisfied - expensive clothes, cheap clothes - it doesn’t matter. All the media divas, Hollywood divas, democrat divas - their main problem is sharing the stage with somebody else who doesn’t share their values. BTW, have you seen how fat Oprah is? Deosn’t matter, she’s one of them so they can all pretend with impunity that she’s an fountain of wisdom and Joe Biden is interesting to listen to.
If Obama wins, I’m looking forward to all the leftists squirming in their own vomit for the next 4 years.
Let the show begin
141. A Bush Democrat in Austin | 10.26.08
It seems to me that the qualities one needs to be President are:
1) an understanding of the constitution and a committment to uphold it;
2) enough respect for other nations and their cultures to ensure peaceful coexistence;
3) an intellectual curiosity
142. registered Independent | 10.26.08
To #94…
It sounds like you are only trying to justify your party affiliation. Be an independent thinker.
Obama is an excellent orator, but that does not qualify him to be President. Ms. Palin has more actual experience, so please do not attempt to say that he is qualified and that she is not. No one with a working brain honestly believes that.
143. Rennie Stennett | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is the future of the GOP. With that understood, the GOP is dead. With the long overdue death of the GOP a reality, this is great news for America and the rest of the world.
144. John | 10.26.08
Who cares about the wardrobe of Palin, it’s getting donated after the election anyway. How about a little investigative journalism?? Gee, what a novelty. If anyone really cares about the origin of the sub-prime crisis, they need to look no further than the dem party back in the 90’s, who pushed Freddie and Fannie to make loans to unqualified buyers (who, by the way, make up the majority of forclosures today). Oh, and who was one of the attorneys representing ACORN when they accused and sued Freddie and Fannie of racially discriminating against unqualified borrowers? Can you spell Obama? Don’t believe me? Do your own homework!! The media would rather vilify Palin because it requires no work on their part and it permits them to ignore the real issues. BTW, watching Barney Frank get outraged over this housing mess (on TV a few weeks ago) is the height of hipocracy. He’s the one who originally told us that making these loans was good for the economy, was great for previously unqualified homeowners and that everything would ultimately be OK. What a crock! Another BTW, Obama wanting to “spread the wealth around and make it fair for everyone” … isn’t that socialism?? America, work hard and be successful so you can support those who won’t and aren’t.
145. crockett | 10.26.08
EXCUSE ME….McCain/Palin are STILL in this race for the Presidency. You reporters are so devious and decietful as usual!
First you promote the polls, which anyyone who knows anything about politics and the media knows how the polls can be manipulated to fit any one particular agenda. You have to know which state or area of a state to go to, and who to look for and talk to, in order to get the answers to the particular questions you want. No rocket science for that!
Then you attack the “wardrobe” issue which shows how low you will go. Hummmm wonder why you feel it so neccessary to get the voters mind OFF who they must go to the polls to vote for in the first place. But since you have brought up the cost of things in a campaign that sounds ridiculous not to mention COSTLY, REMEMBER, it wasn’t that long ago when Bill and Hillary Clinton held up a whole airport because they had to get much needed “makeover” haircuts….holding up air traffic and planes on the runway…costing how much???? Look into your “old files”…you’ll find the story. That is if you are not prejudice!But then you must be becasue I have found no mention of it in any of the “wardrobe ” articles!
Now you are trying to take a little, if any, information you MAY of heard to write a story you THINK you know. Your AGENDA….to try and cause division in the McCain camp i.e.staff towards Sarah Palin. She is not a puppet like Obama. She has an intellegent mind and is able to speak for herself. She is not afraid to speak what she knows is truth. She will make America a great Vice President and you must know that too…thus the attacks. Perhaps you may know also that the “PUMPED UP POLLS” are mis-leading and that scares the pants right off you News Media!
146. Gitana | 10.26.08
John McCain gambled big time with the hopes of the republican party. If they thought they could put a young, attractive, woman who happens to be a govenor on the ticket to attract Hillary Clinton voters because Obama chose Biden instead of Hillary were very mistaken. The McCain campaign insulted the intellegience of ALL women who actually are knowledgeable enough about the issues that currently plague our country and are active in staying informed. If you weren’t insulted then you really aren’t paying attention.
148. akmk | 10.26.08
McCain forgot who he was when he tapped SP for VP. Palin is a chameleon that can be anything at any given time.
The steady hand, steady heart, and trusted leader is Barack Obama.
Senator Obama exemplifies family values. He honors his parents, grandparents, and his extended family in Kenya, Kansas, and Hawaii. He has been married to one beautiful woman for sixteen years and has two delightful young daughters. He’s worked in communities to better the lives of children, teenagers, and families. He respects women and works to uphold their rights. His economic proposals are designed to help and lift up working families. He has detailed plans to make health care more available and affordable for all families. He has his own Christian faith, but does not impose that faith on others. He leads by example, with integrity and compassion.
In recent debates, Obama has outlined clearly his economic priorities. Invest in diverse energy sources; invest in fuel-efficient automobile technology; invest in American jobs; invest in small businesses and the middle class; provide tax-relief to 95% of American individuals and families; invest in Head Start and in students pursuing higher education; invest in preventive health care. He’s done his part in this campaign, letting us know who he is and what he stands for. Across the miles from rural Alaska…
149. chris | 10.26.08
If Palin is the “future” of the Republican party like some have suggested, the GOP is truly approaching its death.
Obama/Biden 08 country first.
150. Dan McClain | 10.26.08
If the preposterous Palin ever resurfaces, fear not. Just try to hold down your nausea. She, being of a Pentacostal background will continue the steady march to the extreme right. That, my fellow country men and women is NOT where the majority of Americans are. Therefore, she will be successful in pandering to the evangelical types and the GOP base and loose again. She’s toast.
151. older-citizen | 10.26.08
I can’t wait to hear Michael Savage on these current turn of events. He seems to have pointed in the right direction that the McCain proplems stem from his Republican party director-man in charge who was once (maybe still is ) a Democrate. Both parties aren’t so very different you know and they don’t mind exchanging the power every few years. We really need a NEW PARTY THAT IS FOR THE PEOPLE .
152. Scott Littleton | 10.26.08
The LAST thing we need at this point is a potential president who believes that humans and dinasaurs walked the earth together less than 10,000 years ago. Palin’s rabid and utterly absurd fundamentalism alone disqualifes her. And if you add to this the rest of her extreme, right-wing social and economic ideas, she would be an absolute disaster should she ever find herself in the Oval Office. Thank God Barack Obama is so far ahead in the polls. Otherwise, given McCain’s advanaced age (although I’m three years older than he is!), I wouldn’t sleep a wink until November 5.
153. Dems = recession | 10.26.08
Clinton, recession in 2000.
Pelosi, recession in 2008.
Think about it!
155. Danb | 10.26.08
What a supercilious self effacing mooseburger she is. I’m not at all for McCain, however he picked her out of obscurity, and this boor has the unmitigated gall to rogue!!! If she would only realize she is clueless, I might be concilliatory, but this nobody actually believes that she could have changed the campaign. Wow!! In 9 more days back to the obscurity of Alaska sitting near her hearth, binoculars leveled at Russia, and protecting our air space. She had her 15 minutes of fame, and now she will merely be a notation in the Guiness Book of Records, for the most “alsos” in one sentence. YOU BETCHA ! wink. wink.
156. Franko | 10.26.08
There were a lot of low cards in the possible VP hand. That the campaign would go out and find this woman doesn’t say much for the political futures of “Plastic Smile” Romney or that other hillbilly.
157. Web Smith | 10.26.08
It’s hard to believe that the Republican party actually picked McCain as their candidate. It just shows how out of touch they are.
It’s not hard to believe that McCain picked Palin as his running mate. He never was the brightest coal in the barbecue.
Palin was an attractive choice when no one actually knew her. Her cheerleading speeches are devoid of substance and are growing older by the moment.
158. Frank in New Orleans | 10.26.08
I could pick any poli-sci student out of any college in this country who could give far more superior and knowledgable answers about anything than Ms. Palin. What an embarrassment for America!
159. Mike | 10.26.08
You want to know what’s even scarier than Palin as VP? Obama as President. You think our economy is in shambles now……just wait. Watch the stock market on the 5th of November if Obama is elected.
160. john adams | 10.26.08
Can someone explain to the rest of us the big deal of spending 150K to dress up a VP candidate when Obama spent MILLIONS dressing up his plane and removing the AMERICAN flag off the tail? It’s all disingenuous distractions on the DEMS side. God help America if BHO gets in.
161. Blue voter Red state | 10.26.08
The Republican Party is in disarray. It has become splintered between Social conservatives and Fiscal conservatives and has no REAL leader for either.
Here’s hoping they still don’t have one by 2016! They certainly won’t by 2012.
162. dawn timmerman | 10.26.08
Remember when we were kids we had “Do-overs?” Thats what I want right now. This is one bad scarey election. There is not any real faith in any of the canidates if you read about their credentials and history. This is not the first time we have been faced with this. I have been back and forth on my decision so many times it makes me tired. Once again I am going to vote against someone being president, not because I have a little faith in who I am voting for. Palin has my vote for being the scariest. When the dust settles I forsee some problems for her coming out of her home state. We are all to blame for this because we have for years voted because of a single issue instead of who would be right. We think about guns, christians make me want to scream, and then there is the economy which hasn’t been this bad since the 30’s. We have been sold out and we are responsible because we chose them as canidates. Yup…Do-overs.
163. casey monfils | 10.26.08
Brooke, are you on drugs! To think that Palin is good for anything more than laugh on Saturday Night Live is absurd. It’s enbarassing for the female race that that’s the best the GOP could come up with.
164. A Bush Democrat in Austin | 10.26.08
“We The People” have the following fiscal situation:
1) $8Trillion in direct government debt; 2) $1T in FHA/VA mortgage guarantees; 3) now $1.5T in FNMA / FHLMC debt; 4) $5T in FNMA / FHLMC mortgage guarantees; 5) $1T in guarantees for the commercial paper market; 6) $3T - $5T in bank short-term guarantees 7) a social security system that will move into a net deficit within 5 years and with over $10T in unfunded liabilities; 
unfunded medicare / medicaid liabilities that exceed those of social security; and 9) an annual federal deficit that will exceed $1T within 2 to 3 years.
Does anyone have experience dealing with a situation like this? My vote goes to the candidate who demonstrates a greater intellectual curiosity, relies on the advice of qualified and capable confidants, and has enough respect for our democracy to focus his campaign on issues rather than personal attacks.
In my opinion that candidate is Barack Obama.
165. Ed | 10.26.08
Legally speaking, Palin can still be removed from the campaign at ANY TIME by McCain up until the swearing in ceremony should he win. Miss Pentecostal Diva Pants needs to remember this fact.
166. Bill | 10.26.08
I notice how all the dems can do is personally attack her. Isn’t that what they claimed the republicans did to their boy of fortune John Kerry in the last election.
What’s even scarier is someone who is on the top of the ticket on the dem ticket with just as little experience, except BO’s had 20 months to hone his double talk. I bet if SP had as much time she would be just as slick as Mr. Obama.
And every time Joey makes a gaff, it’s just Joe being Joe. Well hope the world leaders realize that when he makes one of his famous remarks. BO will probably win, and it will be 4 years of Jimmy Carter policies again saddled up with some of ole Bill’s ideas. So he will decimate the military again (as Bill did, and I know firsthand being in the military during the entire Clinton admin and then some) and then when he finds himself in a tough situation he’ll be scratching his head and wondering what happened while Joey is off making stupid comments and getting us in deeper.
Only good thing is it will probably only be 4 years of this inexperienced phony before we get a chance at indentifying a hope for a real leader….and no I am not thrilled with Senator McCain either, but it’s the lesser of two evils.
167. not happy | 10.26.08
Why can’t the Dems seem to stay on issue? Stop attacking McCain/Palin and focus on how Obama is qualified to be our next President.
168. Miklos | 10.26.08
Having a “fresh face” and “speaking one’s mind” are good for television actors, not for (vice-)presidents. While there have been actors turned presidents, the hard times facing the world require, at the helm, people of intelligence, foresight and vision as well as pragmatism, calm and energy. Palin hasn’t any of these qualities.
169. MIke of Atlanta | 10.26.08
I’m of the deep suspicion that when the McCain campaign announced that all the clothing would be donated to charity that Palin and her family probably weren’t aware. I have a feeling that the idea of donating the clothes was created AFTER the media found out the clothing bill.
I can imagine the kids: “What, we have to give all this back? Why? WHY? NO!”
Sorry, Palin family, it’s almost midnight, the coach and horses WILl turn back into a pumpkin and mice, AND the prince isn’t a prince at all. He’s a senator from Arizona, and his wife owns the castles.
Everyone gets fifteen minutes of fame. Consider this next week to be minute number 15.
I’m not saying that to be mean. I’m simply trying to help you understand that pride can set you up for a huge fall. The Bible says it, so it’s true.
170. Kurt | 10.26.08
I hope the GOP is stupid enough to be thinking about rolling out Palin again in 2012. That would be great news for the Democrats.
172. ahappyspark | 10.26.08
Aptitude Aptitude Aptitude….very important…The democratic ticket has it hands down, and only some Americans are even undecided about that. The rest of the world thinks we are all daft not to see how inept the Republican party ticket is. A good soldier does not automatically a president make. Now the Govenor….again…why the discussion? FYI, Roe v Wade did not change even during the Bush years, my fellow Christians. The whole world has lost respect for us. And that, my friends, is a national security issue.
174. Brown Eyes | 10.26.08
Distractions, distractions, distractions. In spite of all the stuff that has happened and has been reported by the media, she remains poised. I can’t help but like her.
175. Launcelot DuLac | 10.26.08
Palin is not McCain’s biggest problem: McCain is. Although he has drawn the short straw, in terms of the timing of this particular presidential bid (with Bush’s low standing, the economy, etc.), it was up to him to do his best with the situation. What he has shown, in his melodramatic flight to Washington to work on the bailout, threat not to appear at the debate, choice of Palin (over far more knowledgeable possibilities), is that he cannot respond to a difficult situation in a way that instills confidence in his ability to handle such situations in the future.
It is unfortunate that the man whose honorable demeanor elicited such admiration 8 years ago is now the butt of jokes. But it is almost entirely his own doing.
His choice now is whether to continue down the path he’s already following–to focus on trying to tear down Obama and distract the public from his shortcomings–or to try to regain his honor. It is to his and our detriment that he seems to have chosen the former.
176. Gee SUM | 10.26.08
This is what it comes down to. Core republican issues being discussed for five minutes times the number of people in attendance! What a WASTE….Go on Sarah…Tell us about your panties too. We are interested because that is what America Needs right now.
177. Ty | 10.26.08
I don’t think Palin is dumb, I think she’s smart but ill-informed. It shows when you gotta B.S. on interviews. With the right information and experience, she can be pretty deadly. Having said that, it’s a shame that she spends more time talking smack than tackling the issues…it’s truely a sad thing nomatter how much knowledge or experience you have. Experience can be over played at times…and some of her claimed experience are so B.S…like when you call a trashman a “sanitation management engineer” (no offense to sanitary workers). Not much different than us jazzing up our resume. Palin is just too junior when it comes to this scale of politic. All of the smack and question dodging talks really makes her a wanna-be politician more than a worthy presidential candidate. It’s a shame that they hold her to a script. I would like to see how unleashed just to be more fair so she can’t say she didn’t do well because they held her back.
178. Ron Pogatchnik | 10.26.08
With few exceptions, it appears the comments on the site are mainy those of empty suit socialists who are begging for the “Slimball” Obama to save them from the world they created. You fools, your guy has it in the bag. Stop with your hate, get a life. 4 years from now you will be begging for new,”inexperienced blood” to undo the damage the Dems are surely going to create. Palin may be all of the things you freaks claim but she is smarter than all of you put together!!
179. Quintin Jordon | 10.26.08
I am not so sure she is ready for the Vice Presidency. She seems to have a control issue that is not going her way. I believe she thought she was going to be able to control her campaign as V.P. as she did her governorship. As we can see, this is not the case.
Is she a Diva? I am not sure, but I see a lot of someone being a control freak.
It is one thing to be prepared and confident, but a control freak is someone that is neither.
180. crockett | 10.26.08
THE POLLS, THE WARDROBE, THE STAFF
This is all hillarious! The News Media needs to have their own “Book of Gossip.” In this day and age they will make millions.
First you start with “The Mighty Polls” as if they are “God’s honest TRUTH.” Anyone who knows anything about “the Polls” knows that they can, OH YES and ARE manipulated! You go to the right state, the right area of the state and ask the questions you know will produce the answers you are looking for and wala… you have a poll showing this or that. That’s child’s play.
181. Mike | 10.26.08
The fact that this woman was ever even considered as a VP candidate underlines the most dangerous threat to humanity today: the surging anti-intellectual movement in the United States. The world’s most powerful country is increasingly controlled by simple-minded, selfish, ultra-religious, xenophobic, violent sheep, and as they see their power diminished by Chinese, Middle Eastern and European growth they will continue to promote war and waste.
Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to your country and all Americans should take a long, hard look at how this terrible state of affairs came to be in your homeland.
182. Lee Cooper | 10.26.08
I am not a Palin supporter. However, let’s not blame her for McCain’s failure to rally his party and the country. Colin Powell said it best. McCain ran too much of a negative campaign and picked the wrong vice-presidential candidate. McCain needs to take responsibility for both decision, and ultimately loosing the presidential election. Palin should go back to Alaska, read up on International Affairs, Belt Way Politics, and resurface in four years with a better track record.
They should also let her keep her $150,000 wardrobe. She deserves it.
183. Vanessa | 10.26.08
I hope they keep her around for 2012 too, because four years won’t be enough time for the Dems to clean up the mess the Repubs have created. Her presence will guarantee re-election!
184. Mickey7 | 10.26.08
She had nothing to do with the clothes? Is she an adult or a child? Could she not have said “I don’t think this is a very good idea in the midst of a recession while people are losing their homes?” Did they hold her down and force the outfits on her? She apparently complained about the quality of her costuming on SNL, a report most people have already heard, so she is only fooling herself if she thinks the public will buy her bogus “I had nothing to do with it” baloney.
Sometimes being ill-informed doesn’t matter. If you’re the VP it matters a lot. Her one and only policy speech demonstrated an unconscionable ignorance about science and medical research. Enough of this fraud. I don’t think she is stupid–just shallow as the day is long. That makes her unqualified for ANY office, much less #2 in the country.
185. Jaye | 10.26.08
Nate… are you having fun copying talking points from pro-McCain-Palin flyers? It’s clear that this is how your opinions are formed, since you can’t even spell simple English words, such as MAJORITY and SOCIALIST. Not to mention that it’s quite noticeable that you pained yourself to include Senator Obama’s middle initial with obvious connotations having nothing to do with Obama’s positions.
What’s noticeable also, is that I see plenty of references to Senator Obama’s positions on the issues by folks on all sides of the fence, whether real, exaggerated or imagined. However, I’ve yet to see a McCain-Palin supporter actually detail any real policies that they are in agreement with.
Why is that? Because Palin “speaks her mind,” but its clear there are no ideas there, and McCain’s issues are hellbent on fattening the pockets of rich fat cats. It’s quite funny that most of you are middle or lower class and very rarely has the Republican ticket offered any policies or ideas that directly address your needs. Can you cite anything other than “Palin’s so cute, and speaks her mind”?
Have you actually studied her or McCain’s track record, background and history for that matter, other than flyers they or their supporters have given you?
186. Rick | 10.26.08
So, get all your friends and go vote Obama / Biden this coming November 4th. Put Pain and McCain out to pasture!
;-]
Another republican American for Obama / Biden ‘08.
187. DeAnna | 10.26.08
It seems to me that we are celebrating the entropy of socialism. So many are blinded by “change” that they are head strongly encapsulated in rhetoric that will bring about our democratic demise! Shame on that philosophy! Vote as you may and suffer the consequences!
188. Denise Oliver | 10.26.08
Are you kidding me? Is this what we are talking about now? It’s very apparent that Governor Palin is getting advice from Elizabeth (from the view). It appears Ms. Palin is campaigning to become a talk show host. But I’m not sure that she is qualified for that position either. How Senator McCain could have selected Ms. Palin is beyond belief and now the rest of the country is seeing that too.
189. John Kooms | 10.26.08
The Republican party is getting carried away with their dumbing down policy , first Bush and now Palin . The woman has an ego and is extremely confident because she is that dumb ,ignorance is bliss after all . To say that she is in any way qualified to be Vice president ( or President ) of the United States is absolutely ludicrous . And hey Adams # 138 , what did you think Obama and his campaign ( and reporters ) would be flying in , a Cessna two seater ? And what is McCain and Palin flying in hmmmmmm ? Instead of imitating a parrot and repeating everything you hear , try using your head and thinking for yourself . Sheeesh !
190. Joe Mickey | 10.26.08
The Bottom line at this point in the Campaign, the focus should be on issues, not only America, but America needs a constant and broad discussion and education on China, India and our future global challenges.
Palin as a choice has reduced the discussion to her new found celebrity.
No, she is not qualified and she is a terrible distraction in what should have been an important national discussion leading up to Nov. 4.
191. Jack-o-Lantern | 10.26.08
“Sarah Palin has MUCH more experience than Barack Obama.”
wait for it… wait for it…
BWAAAAAAAA HAAAA HAAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!
oh my god oh my god, I needed a good laugh. Thanks, Cyndy.
192. Mary in MD | 10.26.08
I watched the Palin campain rally today and was disgusted by Elizabeth (The View) rhetoric. The charge that any discussion of the Palin Clothes Gate is sexist is just ridiculous. There are real issues here and trying to classify them as sexist is a diversion from the real issues.
The GOP ticket leader, John McCain wrote the laws against party’s funding personal items for the candidates. This ticket and the GOP epitomize the old saying - do as I say, not as I do. The GOP criticized John Edwards for the $400 haircut until they were blue in the face. But the biggest hyprocasy comes from Sarah Palin. She presents herself as the “average Joe” and we are supposed to vote for her because she understand “us”.
193. Jonathan | 10.26.08
I note a clear difference in the tickets, and am voting for Obama/Biden. Nonetheless, I have enjoyed Sarah Palin, appreciate her charm and facility with the media (good object, bad object, what matter?) and am disturbed by the abuse heaped upon her. Apparently, she does represent a constituency, and should be respected for that. Might we all reconsider using our political candidates as cartoon figures locked in perpetual strife over good and evil? We’re all pigs wearing lipstick, even Vice President Cheney (remember him?). Even myself. It’s really a part of my mind.
194. James Abbey | 10.26.08
I’m much more concerned with Palin’s connection with the ultra right in Alaska Independence Party these folks are one step away from the 90’s Militia’s. The fact that her “first Dude” husband belonged to this secessionist party for a number of years hits home the point of the level of involvement by Palin and company. Such secessionist sentiments were and are one of the corner stone of the right wing militia’s . So here a question if the McCain Palin wins and Palin moves into the number one position will she implement these secessionist idea’s?. Amazing how such extremist can worm their way into mainstream politics. No matter how you look at it she just a militia mama wanna be.
195. Bob | 10.26.08
I really don’t see the “Muslim Science Monitor” publishing anything derogatory against the Obama constituency, must be a closed society….
196. Bill | 10.26.08
Palin said to Charles Gibson during their interview (paraphrasing): “I bet he (Obama) is now regretting not picking her (Hillary)”. I bet McCain is now regretting picking Palin. If McCain can’t unite his own campaign staff and VP candidate how is he going reach across the aisle to unite Washington, or the rest of the country?
197. Sandy | 10.26.08
This is for all the Republicans saying “just wait, in four years, things will be horrible with Obama.”
You’ve got to be kidding me. Look around you! Look at the stock market, look at unemployment, look at the health care system. Things are already horrible, and will continue to get worse before they get better, regardless of who is elected. I love how people are already trying to blame eight years of colossal mistakes by a war-mongering, financially irresponsible Republican administration on a Democratic candidate who hasn’t even been elected yet. To all of you hypocrites, I have one thing to say: YOU ELECTED BUSH!!! TWICE!!! Your political opinion lost its credibility long ago.
198. S.D.Zolonz | 10.26.08
Most of these comments as far as I Can SEE are by “FLAMING LIBERALS” .Thank G -D for people mlike Pres.Bush and V.P. Cheney!!
Gov.Palinn is one GUTSY woman that tuis country NEEDS!Not the snake oil salesman and his bunch!!
don z fl.
199. Ron Aaron | 10.26.08
What is so sad to me is McCain’s refusal to acknowledge how ill-prepared Palin is the assume the Presidency should something happen to him. She is in over her head. And she doesn’t even know it.
200. Clearsky54 | 10.26.08
I agree with #9 Jay Wilson. I voted Obama/Biden, but I can’t help but like Sarah Palin. But the problem is, as others have pointed out, what is likeable about Palin: being “folksy,” (whatever the heck that means), a “Walmart Mom,” buying clothes from her favorite “consignment shop,” etc., while making her an appealing “normal” person… simply does not translate into readiness to be President of the USA. The larger tragedy is that people across the country who are “identifying” with her, and thinking “she’s just like us” or “I’m just like her” are missing the point.
201. Amazing | 10.26.08
How can questioning the professional merits of a public official be called “personal attacks”? I understand those who support Palin but for the love of god, when your candidate continues to create gaffs in public (twice on the question of what is the role of the VP!!), is called on the carpet for not living up to her standards of being an everyday “hockey mom” (hypocrisy at its finest) and decides to start turning on her own Presidential running mate?! I think it’s time to take a hard look at reality…no matter how painful.
Oh,and I really like how those of you who can predict the future with such clarity about an Obama Presidency. Where were you when we needed a prediction eight years ago…before Bush/Cheney were given the office of President?
202. flex | 10.26.08
I have nothing against Gov. Palin, however, as President you must beable to answer tough questions. She will not have the luxary of deciding what questions to answer. She has no true knowledge of the issues that our country is facing. As a veteran for 25 years, I do not beleive Gov. Palin has what it takes to be Commander-in-Chief when it comes to military affairs. I am a republican nd I am disappointed in the way McCain Campaignhas been ran, stick to the issues and Sara be part of the team and not an individual. Your job is to support McCain not your own political interest. I am voting for Obama because of Gov. Palin. McCain should have chosen a better running mate for VP.
203. Chris | 10.26.08
It says something about our politics when “campaign manager Rick Davis’s reaction to how she dealt with the press” is “What he liked was how she stuck to her pet issues — energy independence and ethics reform — and thereby refused to let Rose manage the interview.”
Something has gone completely awry. Should we really be congratulating candidates based on their ability to *dodge* the press?
204. Beth Chan | 10.26.08
All these negative comments about Sarah Palin, omg bless your souls! You guys have been brainwashed by the subjective media, OR you’re all just jealous because no mater what, she’s still a star!
205. laurie | 10.26.08
Just what the world needs. A completely uninformed, anti-science fundamentalist who’s “brimming with self-confidence” running the good ol’ US of A.
Wait. Doesn’t that sound like the last eight years?
206. Johann Wagener | 10.26.08
Give Sarah enough rope and she’ll surely take herself (and BOG JOHN MCBUSH) down in nothing flat! Talk about a loose canon! She says the $150,000 wardrobe belongs to the RNC and forgets that the real owners are those poor slobs who wrote checks to the campaign! A total airhead! She babbles about nonsense that has little or nothing to do with what goes on in the world; focusing only on herself! No doubt a DIVA! She goes over big in slapstick comedy and that’s where she should aim her career towards.
207. Laughing at GOP | 10.26.08
@178. Ron Pogatchnik
It’s going to be a long eight years for empty-headed conservatives like you. Enjoy. 
Will Palin be back for a run in 2012? When that time comes, Dems can only hope that the GOP has the brains of Palin, and the decision making ability of John McCain.
208. D. Grant Haynes | 10.26.08
Careful, Jimmy!
I believe you may have fallen under Palin’s spell too.
I do not doubt Sarah Palin is quite charming and personable. She has gotten where she is using those wiles.
But it becomes painfully apparent when Palin is on camera in a give and take with reporters that she has no depth of knowledge about anything. Further, she does not have the capacity to think quickly on her feet and wing it for a response either.
Both Palin, this nation, and the world should be spared the pain and embarrassment her presence in Washington would inevitably bring.
We’ll be generations living down George W. Bush’s plodding ineptitude. We don’t need another such embarrassment.
D. Grant Haynes
209. enough doggoneit | 10.26.08
Everyone seems to judge Sarah Palin by experience. Noone even mentions Obama’s lack of it. It is strange that the nation seems to think that Obama’s experience as a Community Organizer makes him qualified for President of the United States. There is no comparison between Palin and
Obama.
210. Steve247 | 10.26.08
Have to agree with #130. Palin is nothing more than “W” in a skirt
What a scary thought! If McCain/Palin win, the far right would get exactly what they have always wanted. The end of the world!
211. Joe | 10.26.08
Personally, I think it shows incredibly poor judgement on the part of McCain to pick Palin as a running mate. It is akin to putting a horse judge in charge of FEMA.
212. Richard | 10.26.08
Palin has endured intense, non-stop trashing by the mainstream media, including the Alaska Daily News, who are on the Obama Campaign Staff. Obama has been granted a pass on every controversial issue that has arisen including, but not limited to, his alliance with William Ayers, Rev. Wright and Louis Farakahn, who are all America haters. Obama lies about everything and the press never questions it.
Perhaps it the “affirmative action” mentality that has been prevelant for years. One has to look not too far back to the days when Colen Powell was making his way up through the military. He graduated from West Point with a ‘C” average and was promoted, not on his genius or ability, but on the basis of “afffirmative action.” He was promoted by Presidents Reagen and Bush while in the military based on “affirmative action.” You may recall there was plenty of laughter from those in the military that knew Powell when he received the promotions.
Obama is like Powell. The media has granted him a pass on every issue. They do not call it “affirmative action” but that is exactly was it is.
Joe Biden make a gaffe every day. The press smiles and say that just the way he is. If Palin makes a gaffe, it’s headline news for days.
Win or lose, when this election is over, the public will someday respond with scorn against the media for leading them down the path of negativity against Governor Palin. The Alaska Daily News should hold its head in shame for being a part of underserved attacks against the Governor. Governor Palin has done more for Alaska in the last two months than all politicians have done for the last twenty-five years. Alaska should proud of their Governor. If elected, they will even more proud because the county will benefit from her experience, work eithic, zeal, integrity, intelligence, and willingness to reform government.
213. Linda Elsen | 10.26.08
I find it hard to believe she can be a Mayor, Govenor, television reporter, and a hunter, husband helper and have any real family time with her kids. Her world seems to rotate around herself. I do not like a woman who hunts down wolfs, elks, grisslys by plane or helicopter that is against Alaska’s state laws. Then to offer $150 a foot even for baby wolfs to me is sick. $150,000 for wardrobe, $22,000 every two weeks for makeup artist only tells me I am correct about her devotion to herself. But it is the frequency of lies she tells, and her firing of all govenor staff and refilling with high school friends. I do not trust this woman and I definitely would not want her in the White House at all. Sarah does not care about the American people, Sarah cares about Sarah.
214. iloverocknroll | 10.26.08
Lots of misspelled words. Don’t you bloggers proofread your comments? Palin is a national joke. I think McCain picked her on impulse. I hate to think how he would handle any kind of crisis. He’s too rash-obviously doesn’t think things through. While I’m no fan of Obama’s, he will be better prepared to handle the mess the next President will inherit. It will be challenging to say the least. I do respect McCain’s views on the Middle East while Obama’s are vague. That bothers me, but the mere possibilty of a Palin presidency scares me much more! In addition, the prospect of putting two more ultra right wingers on the Supreme Court in the event a couple of the current ones retire is unacceptable! Obama in ‘08.
215. James Malgore | 10.26.08
“167. not happy | 10.26.08
Why can’t the Dems seem to stay on issue? Stop attacking McCain/Palin and focus on how Obama is qualified to be our next President.”
Anyone else see the irony here? We keep hearing “Obama is a socialist” from the McCain camp, without anyone actually telling us why McCain would be different and/or better. For that matter, anybody who proposed spending 300 billion dollars on TOP of the $700 billion dollar bailout shouldn’t be calling anybody a socialist.
216. Britney | 10.26.08
I fear if Palin gets in the VP office. We have been under republican rule for too long. The republicans have been basically running congress for a long time and our country has been driven strait into the ground. I hope that, with this next president, our country can begin to see a little light at the end of this dark tunnel we are in.
Now as for Palin, I personally can’t stand her. If we were to vote McCain into office, we would basically have a woman with a brain the size of a pea a breath away from office. >.<
217. scootmandubious | 10.26.08
The interesting thing is that somehow there is a myth that Palin is much revered in Alaska.
I offer 2 pieces of evidence to dispute that myth, today alone.
First, the Anchorage Daily News today endorsed Barack Obama for president. The editorial included this little nugget:
“Few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth.”
Meanwhile, at the Juneau Empire, an Alaskan pundit referred to Palin as “the real Bridge to Nowhere,” and wrote the following:
“By now the world knows Palin is an expert at swishing around, color coordinated, with her makeup and mooseburger and mean-spirited commentary. We can only hope people realize she’s a pretty atypical Alaskan, one who is simply skimming the gravy off our hard-earned Alaskan mystique to mix with her varnished nonsense.”
I have more highlights from both pieces and links to the sources at:
http://scootmandubious.blogspot.com/2008/10/latest-alaskan-press-not-pretty-for.html
218. Shelley | 10.26.08
Sarah may not be ready to be VP right now…but give this gal a few years and I bet we see her in national politics again-she is the super star of the Republican party conservatives. They love this woman.
219. Tom | 10.26.08
I can’t wait to VOTE FOR SARAH PALIN IN 2012! There are still more PRO-AMERICAN people in the USA than there are ANTI-AMERICAN people!
220. I scoff in the face of danger | 10.26.08
Why must everyone degrade someone else? Because you are no better than the person beside you and you try to make yourself higher then the rest. As far as her sticking to her talking points .. I challenge all of you to go back and listen or read the debates. OSAMA didn’t make anything great in his discussions, why? (yes, I spelled OSAMA). Why didn’t he saying anything spectacular? Because he has stuck to his talking points the whole time. America needs to get away from the Dem or Rep party and get back to the way the country was designed. READ the Constitution, Read the Bill of Rights. This country offers you freedom to practice your religion, but if you insist on wearing a garb and get a license or go into a bank, you must remove it, if you don’t like it, go somewhere else to do your banking or driving. I could go on and on, but why .. no one really ever reads these comments ..
221. NO Bama | 10.26.08
NoBama talks a good game, but he is out for himself. Talk is cheap when you get raised by whites and get a freebie education - and then make race your deciding issue.
222. Shana Zadrick | 10.26.08
Palin will go down in history as the worse vice presidential pick ever. And it’ll be true. Obama will serve two terms and be remembered as one of the best presidents this country has ever known. He’s already got my vote. The Republican Party needs to reinvent itself, and Sarah Palin’s views won’t be a part of the “new” party that emerges. After making a fool out of herself her, she’ll return to Alaska, where she’ll finish out her term as governor, then fade into obscurity. By 2016 (Obama will serve two terms) no one will know where to even find her. Thank goodness. She is not only a danger to our country, she’s a joke.
223. abby0802 | 10.26.08
Palin’s egoism is no surprise. The ex-beauty queen’s acts and attitude as mayor and then governor were very indicative of her smug self-righteousness. It’s her way or the highway.
No wonder the Anchorage newspaper supports Obama.
She is only a pale reflection of who SHE thinks she is.
224. Duncan Stuart | 10.26.08
McCain’s campaign lost its mojo the moment his team selected Palin. It signalled three things. One: the campaign managers were running the ship, not MCain. Two: With the invective style of Palin speech that electrified the convention, the McAin camaign was about to go back on its promise to run a positive campaign. Three: it signalled a party that has lst its way and is at war with itself. McCain and Palin come from two different planets. For these three reasons the wheels came of the straight talk express. That’s a shame for a fine man like McCain. But to have Palin thining about 2012, well that’s not a shame, it would be a calamity.
225. lorax2 | 10.26.08
The McCain campaign has crashed and burned even more times than “Crash” McCain has crashed fighter planes. He has reversed policy even more times. First the evangelicals are “purveyors of intolerance” then they are his best friends. First he is against torture then he supports Bush’s “enhanced interrogation techniques.” The economy is in great shape, No, it’s not. I have to suspend my campaign. No, let’s start it up again. Now Sarah Palin is out of control so he is getting ready to throw her under the Straight Talk Express bus. Ultimately, the final impression that McCain and his campaign leaves with us, is that of confusion, chaos, double-talk, double-down risk-taking, and erratic boughts of anger. Is this the kind of leadership we need for the next four years?
226. KRJ | 10.26.08
Nate, who said, “Palin made the burst onto the political scene with more excitement than we have seen for a candidate in my lifetime, and i am 29 years old.”
Good for you, although you sound more like a 16 year old who just discovered a new rock band. Palin may have made a “burst”, but it was Obama who not only burst onto the political scene but who has made his run to continue to grow.
When Palin has 100,000 at a rally and has a campaign that is organized and admired by all, then come back and ooh and ahh about Palin. I won’t hold my breath.
227. hyper | 10.26.08
I am starting to think the Palin pick wasn’t as bad as the handling of her. When ever she goes off message John McCain can simply say “we are a team of mavricks of course we aren’t going to agree on everything.” (which he has said) But by shielding her from the media they only reinforced the fear that many people had about her not being ready.
My point… you can’t blame Palin if McCain loses. The blame should go to McCain for how he suppressed her.
I have a feeling there will be some interesting books written after the election detailing what happened behind the scenes with this campaign.
228. Dingo | 10.26.08
Assuming McCain and Palin do not get elected I would agree with #33 that she should never try to run for president in 2012 unless she wanted to be carved into Moose-meat and be rejected with even more venom.
But she would still need a public stage where her primary talent, in showmanship, could flourish. I don’t think she would like politics for much longer anyway, because I don’t think it would solve her hidden problems of living in denial.
#33 suggests constructive procedure and I agrre with that. I think she belongs in the movies as a leading lady. but she would need an angel to fund her start in it plus some orthodox, unorthodox, screen writers to bring out the best in her,in her first movie, as well as an appropriate story line, try to kill two birds with one stone.
229. Green Berets for Obama | 10.26.08
It is painfully obvious that Sarah Palin is not capable of being VP or President. To put it in simple terms,she is just not smart enough. She displays a tremendous arrogance along with her ignorance. Those that defend her “experience” are missing the point, Obama is by far more CAPABLE than Palin or McCain. McCain at best is a mediocre intellect while Palin is clearly sub-standard. Obama is brilliant. It’s not hard to see that he is head and shoulders above those two mental migdets. How many of you that call him an empty suit could even get into Harvard, much less graduate with honors ? The statements about “a real person” are so stupid, every person is real. If you want to argue against Obama, fine, but at least use something that’s not an “empty soundbite”.
231. Dave | 10.26.08
At the end of the day it’s not the clothes, the gaffes, or the experience. We make fun of all of that because its too scary to think of the real issues we stand to lose - what makes us American - our freedom. This election is about Supreme Court seats. Whether you are for or against abortion, prayer in school, privacy - all of these will come to the court in the next four years. Two seats on the Supreme Court are going to be up for grabs (Ginsburg and Stevens). Alito, Scalia, Robert, and Thomas’s decisions are clear. Cases will be heard, and we need voices of reason on the court.
It baffles me that the conservative right - not just the religious right - is against government but at the same time wants to control such private matters over individuals (women’s rights, individual rights, freedom from religion in our schools). Decisions like these, made by a government, are the laws our forefathers fled from.
Obama wants to provide better healthcare to the poor and he’s called a socialist. Sounds like McCarthyism to me.
232. Kathy | 10.26.08
160. If you would do some research, we might all be better off. Obama refurbished an American Airlines plane, as do all politicians, to show that it is his campaign. Look at pictures of John McCain’s.
Turns out the plane belonged to American Airlines and the flags are a part of their trademark and had to be removed. Did you happen to notice that Obama’s logo has a flag? There is also a flag next to the registration number to show the country of origin. Amazing what you can find out when you are not jumping to conclusions and trying to sully someone. Sorry to spoil your fun.
233. a guy from fresno | 10.26.08
HEY PEOPLE… it’s NOT us and them, it’s just US.
It’s not the democrats, or the republicans, or the ‘liberal’ media, or the washington ‘elites’, that got us into this mess.
It’s just US, get it?
234. dustiam | 10.26.08
Is Sarah Palin likely to retreat to Alaska? Not when she is able to draw large fervent crowds to speeches and dinners that generate significant dollars for conservative causes. Palin’s character has a special element–people like her candor and will continue to support her, even when she may err. Both Palin and Obama have die-hard supporters, no matter what kinds of attacks are made against them.
Apparently Palin has agreed to mute any statements that might disturb McCain and his advisors, even when she is considerably to the right of McCain. I strongly suspect Sarah Palin will sound a lot more coherent when she becomes free to employ new advisers such as Pat Buchanan and Alan Keyes.
Palin has been boiled, roasted, fried, and barbequed by commentators who can’t imagine that she will ever grow into the formidable adversary that is her destiny. In another two years, re-read the above comments again, and laughingly throw the many pieces of debris into the dustbin of flawed judgments of the past.
235. Bert | 10.26.08
1st, Joe the Plumber, if in fact you grossed $280,000 a year, by the time you take all the business deductions for expenses and depreciation, your net might be around $70,000 or less so your taxes wouldn’t be increased. 2nd, for Gov. Palin if in fact she is such a maverick she should have said right at the beginning, let me be myself. As for the comments about experience, look at what experience has done for this country so far. Hopefully the next President will have the ability too have smart, intelligent advisers that he will trust to give good advise and that he will listen too. 3rd, to The AMERICAN People, remember these elected officials are OUR Employees, so after the election, call or write and tell them to take care of this country and us before they give $BILLIONS$ for foreign aid and tax cuts for big business.
236. John Carpenter | 10.26.08
” If reports of strife between Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign hold water… .”
I likeplaying the “If” game.
If pollsters behind the scenes are really massaging the data because they don’t have a model that comes close to
accurately assessing the novel variables and their effect on voting behavior of a black american on the top of a presidential ticket, the most charismatic republican candidate since Reagan on the bottom of the republican ticket,
the worst economy since the Carter years, and the threat of global Islamic extremism, then maybe McCain is actually in a dead heat with Obama.
It’s possible pollsters are adlibbing, isn’t it? About 10 days ago AP/Yahoo had Obama way ahead in a poll that had
44% of it’s respondents unemployed and a recent Harris poll suggested 30% of the voting public was undecided.
One thing is for sure: Sarah Palin has gotten into more heads in three months than Joyce Brothers, Dr. Ruth, and Dr. Phil have in there entire careers.
237. Rando | 10.26.08
Everyone is fascinating with Sarah Palin including me. Her crowd is larger the McCain. We need her for free entertaining. I even watched the episode of Saturday night live even though I dont vote for her. I like to read about her or at her rally because its so funny, fascinating and enetrtaining. Its like a free comedy show. Its travelling comedy show. We need Sara Palin.
238. americanpie | 10.26.08
I just love watching the right squirm, moan, shout and point fingers in by what all accounts is as monumental as the Financial melt down. Keep spewing your venom and ignorance your true colors are becoming all to transparent to the American public. We all knew you people where ignorant Uneducated bigots and now we see it coming right out of the horses……… mouth. As Nelson says Ha ha !
239. R Lamb | 10.26.08
It was hard to believe that anyone who has spent any time in political life — and she certainly has — could come off so dismally under Katie Couric’s grilling.
It was even harder to understand why, when the Campaign had someone who is comfortable with the press — she’d been a TV personality herself, for heaven’s sake — they sequestered her for so long and seemingly muzzled her with a speak-by-the-script-only command when they finally turned her loose for Katie to savage. By withholding her from the media and the public for so long, the Campaign built up expectations. Everyone was waiting; the focus became much more intense and her every syllable was noted.
It was like the curse of the too-big-buildup introduction of a mediocre stage personality or speaker — a performer’s nightmare.
What happened?
Ms. Palin just had to be more knowledgeable than she came across. And, as the article points out, if she really wasn’t, then shame on the Campaign team and McCain.
She’s a strong personality who is apparently a successful governor; she certainly has an excellent first-hand grasp of energy issues.
A lot of people have probably been turned off by the revelation of some of her more extreme positions. Saturday Night Live has not helped her with Tina Fey’s mocking characterization.
But the beginning of the end of the public love affair with Ms. Palin seemed to be those Couric interviews. Such a profound disconnect between the successful and effective governor that she actually is and what came across as an uninformed person lacking in political curiosity and background.
And that is what is so hard to fathom.
240. 8181k | 10.26.08
People should stop saying Palin doesn’t have experience. Because her supporters automatically respond with “she has EXECUTIVE experience!” as though that is some super force multiplier that trumps Obama’s legislative and academic experience.
What people should instead say is that Palin doesn’t have KNOWLEDGE! There is no way this can even be argued. Her one supposed strength that McCain tries to tout is that she is an “expert on energy”. If anything, she is an expert on how to increase the royalties her state receives from oil production. I’m not diminishing that experience because it has served Alaska well and I believe oil companies should have to pay to extract crude. However energy is more than just oil. In any case, when compared to Obama’s vast and very detailed knowledge she is definitely out matched.
A good example was when in Debate #3, McCain brought up some trade deal with Columbia out of the blue, but Obama responded with some details that he knew about that, he already had an opinion on the issue which he had formed on his own. It was not a campaign issue at all and its unlikely that he had practiced a response to that.
You don’t want someone in a position of power who is not curious about the world and does not seek knowledge on their own. Their advisers can easily manipulate them just like Cheney & co. manipulated GWB.
241. Salman | 10.26.08
Hey Guys,
I think she would be perfect to be the VP of the USA just like Mr.10%, the biggest crook now is the president of Pakistan who came to power with bush’s blessing. I think the world is now controlled by idiots and thugs. With financial turmoil and brain deads given a leadership role, no wonder this world is coming to an end. Go Sarah Palin!!!…I would love to see you table dance in oval office lol…
242. Adam | 10.26.08
I read somewhere When Palin was mayor one of her friend said to her, that one day she will be Governor of Alaska and to that Palin replied “No,I wanted to be a President”.
243. John C. Kimbrough | 10.26.08
I have a lot of respect for Sarah Palin but she is imperfect just as we all are a human beings. None of us are perfect as human beings in all things. I do not think that she should be in a position where she could or would lead the United States. The U.S. and the world just as too many problems these days. I can not understand why John McCain would have thought that she would be a good vice - presidential candidate. Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney would have made his chances stronger and provided the U.S. people with a choice that had some substance to it and woud have had some workable answers to running the country.
244. steve | 10.26.08
McCain/Palin ticket has to be one of the worse in history of politics. They are liars….make accusations without proof….are so arrogant that they think they can call anyone and everyone on something and demand proof. They spent their whole smear campaign discussing nonsense that voters did not want to hear, yet, Republicans wonder why they are down in the polls. McCain should of tried honesty as a tactic but for a Republican to do that, they would have to go against everything the Republican platform has stood for these past eight years.
Guess what, McCain, we were taught well by Bush Scare tactics that got us into a war we should not be in, so to use those same scare tactics to win votes tells me your strategists are either idiots or you think the public is stupid enough to fall for Bush scare tactics once again. This time the only thing we were scared of was eight more years of the same.
245. Olddog | 10.26.08
I’m glad to say that Ms. Palin is fast becoming a moot point.
Not a has been, but a never was. Singlehandedly bringing McCain’s campaign to a grinding halt. I know of few learned individuals who can imagine her replacing McCain as POTUS without cringing and breaking out in a cold sweat.
So his soon to be famous choice of Palin is gonna always be remembered as the end of his political career. It will be studied,…and people will try to figure it out for years to come. Obama had a much harder job ahead of him towards the presidency before McCain flipped out. Now He’s all but won and no matter what you say or do,…He is our next POTUS!
246. Shaamex | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin reminds me of a female George W. Bush. The similiarity is frightening when you boil it all down.(Big States) It could be why John McCain was so attracted to Sarah.(Beyond the Physicality) Both have that lush factor going for them. But it looks pretty bad when the party winds down. George couldn’t control his gun toting/potty mouth VP. It looks like McCain is having trouble getting Sarah back on the S.T. Bus.
247. just a military woman | 10.26.08
Please submit your guesses here.
Which international terrorist group will be the first to “test” Mr. Obama once he is elected? Who will be the second? Third?
We’ve been safe here at home the last seven years thanks to Mr. Bush’s efforts. Lord knows that Mr. Clinton didn’t do anything positive in that area during this failed reign.
Be worried folks, be very worried, as it does look like Mr. Obama may win on Nov 4. Be worried, just as Mr. Biden is worried.
248. KathyJ | 10.26.08
212. Oh Richard! Colin Powell never went to West Point. Do you just make this stuff up???? And how amazing that you were right there in the midst of everything when they were “laughing” at his promotions. You must be a very important person. Lying does not become you or anyone.
249. Chad | 10.26.08
68% of the men and women who fight for the freedom of this country want McCain/Palin so that in and of itself is good enough for me, not to mention the other issues in which they are aligned with me.
250. Wu Ming | 10.26.08
Why is it that Republicans don’t like smart people? Their presidential candidates (with the exception of sweet George Bush Sr, who knew better than to go into Iraq with no exit strategy) for the past thirty years have been people who don’t read.
If you think we were right to go into Eye-raq (as you probably pronounce it if you do), name the countries that surround it and their religion before you read further.
Hey, guess what– that turns out to matter! Even if our army could WHUP Saddam’s army!
Being smart is actually an important quality for a president. What does Sarah Palin know about the rest of the world, beyond the fact that bananas and Dior handbags come from somewhere out there?
Sure, the governor of Alaska has executive experience. So does every small business owner, PTA head and scout leader. But is Sarah Palin curious about the world beyond her nose? Not a scrap of evidence shows she is.
I can’t help liking her. I bet she’s fun at a party. But deciding U.S. foreign policy questions? Convincing our allies abroad to support us? Ordering U.S. troops into battle in countries she couldn’t find on a map?
Vote for someone smart this time, America! It makes a difference.
251. ushi | 10.26.08
Palin did not do a good job in Couric’s interviews. If somebody asked me what papers I read in a manner as if she thought I did not know how to read, I think i would be too angry to answer. Probably most of the papers are bought in each day to the Alaskan office and probably quite a few are on the plane for the campaign. I will sometimes choose a different paper because it has more interesting articles rather than a love of the paper/ journalists/ editor.
Actually I read a heck of a lot of papers online and research areas of interest further through google. I do not think that quizzing somebody is appropriate when they have a job of presenting policy.
Obama has been campigning for the presidency for a few years now, Sarah is new to it but she has improved over the past few months. Sarah has plenty of experience in governing, shaking things up, reform and getting things done but her history adn contemporary history of the politics of US is not the same as a senator’s who works on that level…so what.
She is not going to be a professor lecturing on the subject. The brainless morons who can support a scrambled brain like Obama who is brainwashed with communist ideas after being a drug head have the audacity to call Palin a pretty parrot. No way is she parrotin, this new gal clearly has her own mind.
252. Slicer | 10.26.08
How much do you guys think your bloginteract.aspx McCain Points will be worth after the election?
253. Rich | 10.26.08
205. YES! Sarah IS a star! But, so is Brittney Spears. Do you think that Brittney would make a great Vice President or President, too?
221. “Why must everyone degrade someone else?” Did you read your own openning line before you refered to Senator Obama as ‘Osama’? McCain is going to lose this election because his supporters can’t help themselves to these kinds of ridiculous attacks. Obama is taking the high road all the way to the White House and it wouldn’t have been possible without your help in building the low road.
254. rckstrdave | 10.26.08
Charm, good looks, and enthusiasm are not qualifiers for the second highest job on the planet. She believes dinosaurs and humans lived together 6,000 years ago. C’mon.
255. Rick | 10.26.08
Jay Wilson,
If the baby stayed on the bus how can they use it as a political tool? Silly silly you.
256. concerned american | 10.26.08
I am afraid of Sarah becoming VP or POTUS and that risk is too high. Her record strongly suggest that she has abused her power in Alaska (see current investigation), her attitude of the VP position mirrors Cheney’s constitution violating stance (see VP debate) and her small town mayorship and small state governorship don’t make her ready to lead the nation. I can’t believe those folks who think Obama doesn’t have enough experience want to elect someone who has even less practical experience. It’s not just the years you’ve served, it’s what you do during those years. Explore a day in the life of mayor of Wasilla or Gov. of Alaska. And what national level crisis has she handled?
Obama has climbed the ladder in the expected and respectable fashion on both the state and national level for a well-rounded education in how government works. But he has common sense and a freshness we haven’t seen since Kennedy. Palin is too much about being a maverick and hometown. She doesn’t project the character and dignified strength that we need to restore respect with the world right now. We’ve had a “maverick” in office for eight years. Look where that’s brought us. I don’t want someone who is good at dodging questions and who goes into homey tangents to avoid answering (actions lauded at VP debate), and yet who isn’t enough of a self-proclaimed maverick to buck the script and exhibit her intelligence by talking freely and competently to reporters if campaign directors have her too coralled for comfort. That just tells me that she’s in over her head, will not be forthcoming as VP or POTUS and will rely on feel-good platitudes to divert attention from the state of the nation.
IMO She should have had enough wisdom and love of country to recognize that she’s not ready yet and refused the position or at least stepped down after the AK and vetting controversies came up.
257. Hawthorn | 10.26.08
Palin is a good example of why you are better off picking your running mate from among your primary challengers in the current election or a previous one. No amount of vetting can substitute for battle testing in a national campaign.
Try to imagine Gov. Palin entering the Republican Presidential race back in late ‘06 or early ‘07. Imagine her standing up in debate against Romney, McCain, Thompson, Paul, Huckabee et al. I think it’s fair to say they would have shredded her all over the auditorium - at least at first. And she would probably poll in the single digits - as Biden did. Any family scandals, Troopergates etc, would have been unearthed and kicked around by her opponents, without the nominee’s protection she enjoys now. The “ultra” voters would not be hers alone, but split with Huckabee and Paul. She would probably have dropped out by Super Tuesday.
However, if she did stay in at least that long, she’d be a tested candidate with no further surprises and her own national staff. Then if McCain picks her, the ticket is unstoppable.
Instead, she gets picked from the weeds - a ringer on the short list put there by neocons with midlife crises - and you get this mess.
John should have been smarter, but that’s really the point. He’s not always smarter. Nor would he be as President. They say you prove yourself in the campaign. I’m afraid it’s true this time.
258. Absolutely Amazing | 10.26.08
How can you criticize this woman who has demonstrated real leadership ability as Governor. Why is she not qualified to govern when her senior opponent and presidential nominee has only served on a neighborhood committee in Chicago ? Seems like Obama’s qualifications should be criticized instead of Sarah Palin ! If Obama gets in, I think we will be hard pressed to get him out before the 4 years are up. It would be total disaster for our country, especially with the economic problems we are facing now.
259. lipstickpig | 10.26.08
Finally, American citizens are engaged in thoughtful discussion and rigorous research of the evidence necessary to back their claims which lead to informed decision-making concerning potential leaders of the United States. The recorded evidence of Sarah Palin’s speeches, interviews, and actions speak for themselves. It is just and fair that those incidents be used to evaluate her character and ability to lead. To render a judgment that she is not prepared to be VP is not unfair, bigoted, or uninformed, but, rather, a natural conclusion based upon the evidence she herself has allowed us to inspect by virtue of her own words and deeds. Indeed, if the special committee appointed to investigate the firing of a commissioner finds her behavior suspect and has convened to determine if she abused her powers, certainly ordinary people have the same right. And we shall, we have. Many have concluded that she is not worthy.
Should we vote for an individual who “speaks his/her mind? What would that sound like if she is speaking to a leader of a country who may be a potential threat? What is the difference between “speaking one’s mind” and “a thoughtful, diplomatic statement”? Either she knows what the job entails, or she doesn’t. Which one of those statements she uttered should we believe? It also troublesome that she could not name a Supreme Court Decision other than the one Katie Couric brought up. She would have to talk to people from other countries where English is not the native language. If she can not utter a comprehensible, intelligent group of sentences strung together in real meaning-making, how might they mistranslate what she says? Let’s face it, the “ing” ending is a functioning suffix in English.
Finally, where does she get off criticizing McCain’s decision to not campaign in Michigan, dishing his robo-calls, taking the leash from around her own neck? McCain knows he made a mistake. Who’s in charge here? She is arrogant, unintelligent, spiteful, vindictive and ill-prepared to be responsible for the fate of this country. Hopefully, after the election, the people in Alaska will let her return.
260. carl sand | 10.26.08
I will glad when this whole election mess is over,and all the ding bats can get back to there chat rooms,and all the crooks can go back to congress,and start slurping up there pork again.Every one wants some one with experience to run for officeI just wish We could bring back the founding fathers,a bunch of farmers and every day honest people with commen sense who had there countries well fare at heart .They wrote a constitution and formed a government that stood for all these years.Now the last three generations of our leaders have screwed it up.What a bunch of intelectual idiots.Cato
261. Tania | 10.26.08
Well said. Self-professed “soccer moms” belong on the field, not in the White House.
262. Wisconsinite | 10.26.08
“Palin is very experienced and very able to be president.” What is Palin herself trying to talk herself up on these boards? Don’t you have something better to do? Aren’t there any more clothes left at Neiman-Marcus?
263. Hawthorn | 10.26.08
Quote: “If Obama gets in, I think we will be hard pressed to get him out before the 4 years are up.”
What, exactly, is that supposed to mean??
264. Wisconsinite | 10.26.08
“Palin is very experienced and very able to be president.” What is Palin herself trying to talk herself up on these boards? Sarah, don’t you have something better to do? Aren’t there any more clothes left at Neiman-Marcus?
265. Dem In Idaho | 10.26.08
Lets see, refuses to listen to anyone, stubborn to a fault, can’t get along with anyone, not very knowledgeble, REMIND YOU OF ANYONE? McBush/Palin soon to be just a bad memory.
266. Marjorie J. | 10.26.08
I was around when Harry Truman was in office. Seems to me he made some good decisions when the buck stopped at his desk. I believe Sarah Palin’s most important qualification for the Presidency, should that even occur, is the same thing that qualified Harry Truman - good judgment. Would you say that the United States Senate has shown good judgment recently? Sarah looked out for her constituents in Alaska and her approval rating reflects that fact. Our economy is in a precarious position. Who were our Senators looking out for? Their approval rating must be at an all time low. Yet no one is questioning the presidential qualifications of the three Senators in this election. Are we showing good judgment?
267. James | 10.26.08
Palin is a dolt, pure and simple. I don’t care how self-confident she might normally be and whether her ‘flubbing’ of interviews with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric were out of the norm or not. The simple fact is, they happened and they revealed her remarkable degree of ignorance.
There is nothing in Sarah Palin’s background throughout her entire life to indicate she is something other than ignorant. Everything in her background points to a combination of a high level of self-confidence, a will to ‘be somebody’, and a complete void in the area of intellectual curiousity and open-mindedness.
As such, she is exactly the wrong person to have a heartbeat away from the Presidency. She is George W. Bush only worse and even more uninformed. Anyone who thinks what she offers is ‘leadership’ should be committed to a mental institution.
268. candace | 10.26.08
The media are just a bunch of gossiping fools! Sarah Palin is a beautiful lady inside and out. It’s too bad they’re so blind not to see it (oh, or is it just plain jealousy). I think the rest of America does, at least the one’s who vote with their heart and not their foolish minds. Go Sarah, America supports you!
269. Tree | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is probably the most intelligent and self assured of the 4…period. Wake up America or are you all just too jealous of the fact that she has made her career on her own as opposed to Mr. Obama who is backed with billions by some very suspect people? Or are you all jealous because she actually works for a living? I repeat….WAKE UP AMERICA!
270. cool chic | 10.26.08
Palin is more qualified than the on the job training Obama.
Palin manages over 25,000 employess as the Govenor of the largest state.
She was the chairman of the Oil Gas and Energy Commission for Alaska and a mayor. She built the largest energy Alaska pipeline. She balanced the overburdened budget of the state and created its first surplus. She also gave tax money back to every resident from Oil revenues from the state.
She speaks plainly yet with a sharp understanding of the issues.
271. RepforObama | 10.26.08
I am a republican and am voting for Obama just coz of the Palin selection. What an irresponsible and ridiculous choice by McCain.
272. Rocking Tool | 10.26.08
Rocking Bob,
You say vote McCain so we don’t have another 9/11.
Have you forgotten who was running the country when that happened?
Did you read the 9/11 report or any of the hundred of books written that exposed the bush administrations in ability to secure our country?
Turn off the Faux news and learn to think for yourself.
273. SlidenCyder | 10.26.08
I moving out of the country if McCain and Palin win. McCain is a fossil and will probably kick the bucket in the next couple months then we’re all screwed with Palin as President and her finger on a nuke. No joke I’m really moving if they win. Who is with me?
274. Shaun | 10.26.08
Actually, I’ve been a disgruntled republican, and see nothing in Mccain, but Palin is really changing it for me - for 2 reasons, she’s got real values, and also - I’m so disgusted with the whiny hysterics of the media and the liberals attacking her - I’ll likely vote repub just as a counter to these mad dog liberals attaking this fine person.
276. DUNCAN | 10.26.08
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.
277. Hope | 10.26.08
Check this out!!!! TALK TO SARAH PALIN http://www.palintalk.com its automated but sounds real. she will answer your questions about whatever, foreign policy, national security, the economy whatever.
278. Oklahoma senior | 10.26.08
McCain has a rich trophy wife and now he has a trophy VP pick….to impress his old boy friends. He has simply figured out a way to get Palin out of the way, in Alaska. She did cause problems for big oil companies, after all. She has been used. It obvious.
279. Last Hope | 10.26.08
God help us if Obama gets elected. It appears that everyone who supports him turns a direct BLIND EYE to the foundation that this country IS based on, the Constitution. I am not that happy with Mcain either however, Obama’s ideas are rigtht out of the comunist manifesto, and he is not trying to hide any of it. “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs”. It didn’t work in the USSR, and it will not work here. His “Plan” for “Change” is pure and simple socialism. May God help us all!
280. Ben Dover | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is probably the smartest person ever to run for office.
She’s way smarter than Harvard-trained, law review editor types that the Eastern elites fawn over. She has similar pedigree: a college degree from the esteemed University of Idaho with a degree in journalism.
281. FingersCrossed | 10.26.08
Brooke (see comment #25): “Experience” isn’t the real question. Intelligence is. Palin wouldn’t recognize a logical thought process if it slipped into her ridiculous hair-do and bit her on the scalp. You say: “The question is that the liberal left is not excited about what Palin stands for, and therefore, they have looked for ways to discredit her in the eyes of the public.” The liberal left — and the moderate right, as you’ve failed to notice — haven’t had to look for ways to discredit Palin. She’s provided plenty of discredits all by herself. She’s ignorant, uneducated, contemptuous toward non-Christians, narrow-minded, intolerant, laughably ill-informed and woefully inadequate to be the leader of the free world.
282. Ken | 10.26.08
If you had Barack Obama vs. Sarah Palin then we could compare apples to apples…. There is nothing in terms of experience, wisdom, or positions that he truly stands for….Potential VP Palin has executive experience in a government position….she is just as articulate as Obama just with a different style. There is nothing new about Obama’s proposals…same old democratic party Rhetoric about the middle class…. I’m part of the middle class and don’t buy the democratic rhetoric…. Republicans are pretty much the same with their rhetoric but at least Palin is believable…. If Sarah Palin doesn’t have the credentials to be a VP….then name the woman that will? Could you imagine a Condeleza Rice - Sarah Palin ticket! Now that is executive and diplomatic experience….. Wow! Colin Powell shame on you!
283. House Blend | 10.26.08
#178
Hey, Pogatchnik. Excuse me?
“Slimball”
“fools”
“you freaks”
Take your own advice: stop the hate and get a life.
284. Cerena | 10.26.08
What I find fascinating is that the story that the Obama camp banning a TV station for an interview with Biden has been supressed by the biased media. Here we have a story that has to do with freedom of the press, freedom of speech, something that basically screams against the constitution, yet nowhere is the mainstream media reporting. Bias? Heck yes! Scary? Oh yes…but then again this election is being won by millions of dollars invested in a savvy media and PR campaign.
If you want to research this story search for Florida TV station banned Biden. Yes, they banned the station because this reporter asked questions. Stupid, I thought that was their job.
285. Glen | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin would do well as a Fox TV anchor than VP.
The attacks on her attire are not sexist. It is women like me who wear designer labels that are saying the use of campaign money at Saks and Nieman Marcus was wrong. For a woman who depended on thrift stores in Alaska as She cannot sustain making purchases for her family of 7 at those stores. Period. It is winking while toalking to Joe B. that will call sexist. Trying to use sex as a tool to distract your opponent. On the other hand, when she is attacked she plays the sexist game.
Here is the winner… Salvation Army http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-palin-wardrobe-salvation-army,0,1990771.story
So the Salvation Army is ready to take the wardrobe bought with stolen money?
286. Jack Vast-Binder | 10.26.08
I guess this means that we should all vote for McCain/Palin because: but for a few dull minded campaign operatives everything is AOK for eight more years of GOP rule.
Really, with eight days to go can’t the CSM and NYT give this nonsense a rest? Let’s focus on issues and positions. (PEOPLE and COSMO will be more than accomidating in taking up who wears what and who is mad at who.
287. Bill | 10.26.08
Watching from Alaska, this is classic Palin. Sarah makes a mess, then throws everyone who tried to stop her under the bus.
Lower 48-er’s… read up on her history as an “executive”. For conservatives, it’s especially chilling.
288. Dylan Voltaire | 10.26.08
Palin has a nice job at CBN waiting for her. It’s easy: no thinking, all talking points.
OBAMA/BIDEN ‘08
289. JLFul;ler | 10.26.08
I want to know why Barry Obama won’t let us see his Columbia Univesity transcripts and provide a list of the radical Marxist-Lenist socialist groups he belonged to there and his socialist friends he hung around with and was indoctrinated by. If he hasn’t anything to hide why does he continue to refuse to let us see what he did there?
291. Connie | 10.26.08
Just when you thought the last 7 1/2 years could not get worst, Sarah Palin, shows up. Incredibly frightening.
292. thrasher | 10.26.08
I always find it amusing lately all the anti-socialist talk, these must be people who got stuck in social studies class watching grainy films on communism, or they are not informed about the world around them and definitely never left the country before, we are one of the few countries left that DON’T support socialism, and gee dont ya know? where also one of the few that don’t have universal healthcare for our people on the “mainstreets” communism and socialism are NOT the same thing socialism actually works, dont believe me? research it. the countries with it also have some of the healthiest most content people and some of the best living condition. if its sooooo bad why do most of the countries using it have it better then most americans?????
293. Eric | 10.26.08
And what qualified Reagan, his acting career? No. Character is the only qualification that really matters. We need leaders who do what is morally right, without trying to define “truth” themselves. Any candidate or voter who shares a hint of this view is promptly labeled, dismissed, and tossed through the media shredder. I do not care how many countries our leaders can name, and how many times they have been to where, and how much money they promise. If a candidate has no moral compass, nothing else matters. Study history for proof. Wake up America!
294. donald | 10.26.08
Don’t you guys realize that the Dems are petrified of Palin-petrified. They feel that if Palin is still standing after the election-regardless of who wins-Hillary is done-forever. The dems believe that the first women President or even V.P. will be woman from the democratic party. They apply this absurd standard to Palin and look at the people in office.
295. Tonksmom | 10.26.08
Double standard? Does she not remember the unholy stink over John Edwards’ $400 haircut? Shouldn’t that have been a warning that we might not like the $150k wardrobe either?
296. McHeadCase | 10.26.08
OK, Sarah….you have had your 15 minutes of McFame on the world stage. Come November 5th, please give back the clothes, get on a plane and head back to the mooseblind with your assault rifle to wait for Bullwinkle!!!
297. Hemi | 10.26.08
I blame John McCain for all of this. I’m not to fond of Sarah Palin, but I can’t lay any of this on her shoulders. It’s not her fault she’s not ready to do the job. All John McCain cared about was winning this election. He thought he could pick up Hillary’s voters by picking a woman. (And he says Obama will do anything to win an election.) This is a perfect example of how he’d run the country. Everything with McCain is about how can we scam the American people. His whole campaign has been nothing but lies about Obama. The day this thing turned in Obama’s favor was when McCain went on The View and said Obama wants to teach Kindergarten Children about sex. That was the day his credibility went right down the toilet. Thank God we don’t have to put up with McCain for the next four years.
298. blip | 10.26.08
That’s the problem with living in a bubble…
You start believing your own hype.
A month in the national spotlight, and she’s already suffering from hubris.
299. Jeff | 10.26.08
Senator McCain said he would select a vice presidential candidate who could assume the role of president on day one should something happen to him. According to insurance actuaries Senator McCain has a one in three chance of dying in office. Then why pick Palin? No way is she ready to lead this country. Before her selection as the VP nominee she did not even have a passport. How can she be ready to interact with world leaders? She has never even traveled outside of the US.
300. Citizen | 10.26.08
I will vote for Obama, even I’m not so sure he’ll be the best but there’s no doubt in my mind I won’t vote for those idiots who distroyed this country in last eight years. Now blaming somebody(Bush) and saying I’m not him is just a shame (He’s a coward not a hero). If Obama wins and I hope he will,he won’t be in the peasent situation taking over this mess. No matter how well he will do it still may cost him reelections. Also knowing his opponets (Republicans). You have to remember one thing with Clinton and a setup with Lewinsky. Everybody knows it was a set up but it almost cost him a Presidency and now Bush started a war based on lies (biological and chemical weapons in Irak and Sadam’s connections with Al Kaida - both of this happened to be a lie and he’s not even behind a bars). Don’t let them continue to do what they did ti this country and to the people here. Already not you only but your children, grandchildren and possibly grandgrandchildren will be paying for their stupity .
301. Cele Aguirre-Bravo | 10.26.08
What America needs is not the thermal energy of candles that can always be smothered by selfish desires when the will of the dominant few in charge of government and the economy temporally reigns. History has clearly pointed out that the American people and their true leaders have always known how to recognize the flame that never dies, in fact the fundamental soul of this nation and the mere foundation of its past, present, and future. Apparently, the light of this flame shines on the path of Senator Obama; clearly it is not the thermal heat of chaos that brings economic and environmental systems to ever higher levels of disorder.
302. Rich | 10.26.08
It’s very sad that Sarah Palin was selected as the VP nominee. If it is not apparent to you as to why, no words will convince you otherwise. It can only be described as the dumbing down of America. She is an insult to the intelligence of the american voter.
All Sarah Palin needs is a blonde wig and a song sheet to “Happy Birthday Mr. President”.
Mitt Romney was the obvious choice.
A Reagan-Bush ticket it is not.
303. Quakin N Boots | 10.26.08
I’m worried! Throughout history various countries have dominated the known world, rising and declining — Greece, Rome, Great Britain. The USA has been rising since WWII. Is this the beginning of the end for the US. We have begun to exalt ignorance! Joe Six-pack, indeed. Are we now choosing our leaders because they duplicate our ignorance and support our prejudices? Will I soon be reading “The Rise and Fall of the United States of America”?
I’m really scared of Joe the plumber — who isn’t even licensed!!!
304. candace | 10.26.08
Response to #273 - Hmmmmm, wonder why we have never had another attack on America soil since 9/11? Is that the Bush administration fault, too? I’ll tell ya I can honestly say I have felt very protected thanks to the Bush Administration.
305. Jim | 10.26.08
Outstanding video of Sarah. She does have what we need in america. People that Know what is going on in our families and the world. She does have executive experience which is more than eeeore and big ears has to their credit.
And they went and attacked JOE THE PLUMBER what kinda of american would do that to JOE THE PLUMBER. These are the folks that are suppose to support working americans not try to tear them appart.
306. John | 10.26.08
If McCain dies in office, the white house would do what Al Qaeda is doing with Bin Laden. Noone would know he’s gone for at least a few years.
307. Parks | 10.26.08
We all have the ability to be president. It is our right. What everyone seems to forget on this site is that there really isn’t a “qualification” that makes a good leader. That is what is wrong with America today. Everyone wants to know how you look on paper without really knowing if the person is real or not. Why do some get promoted over others? The mortgage crisis was being run by people who had no knowledge of how things worked but knew it paid well. Does anyone really ask the boss what is going on in the office or do we ask his secretary? That is the unfortunate, realistic way things happen. Sarah Palin was thrust into the spotlight and has acted as she should. If you were asked to be VP what would you do? I don’t think “shut up and color” is what any of us want. That seems to be what she was asked to do. Is she qualified? Well if you are able to read this and you are a citizen, then you are qualified. Stop looking at the resume and start looking at the person. America needs that more than ever.
308. James Cooke | 10.26.08
Mark my words after Obama and the liberal elite Democrats in Congress mess up the country even worse than Bush, the American people will be ready for a real Republican, not a phony like McCain.
Whether that Republican is Sarah Palin remains to be seen. One thing is for sure te future of the GOP lies with the ideas of Ron Paul who wants the Repubicans to return to its Goldwater-Reagan roots of limited government.
309. Charles Lopez | 10.26.08
Palin has been the mayor of Wasilla Ak., This is just a wide spot in the road in
a wilderness state. The GP of Wasilla was about the same as a lemonade stand
at times square.
The people of Alaska take care of themselves.
I lived in a native village, we did not have roads.
The only way in or out was Float plane or boat.
The Governor has nothing to do with the majority of
people in Alaska.
It takes less than 100,000 votes to become the Governor.
Palin is a Joke in Alaska
310. Marc | 10.26.08
My only worry about this election cycle is that America has become so polarized that objective rational discourse is no longer possible. The Devil can be in the ticket and hard-core party liners are still going to vote for him, real issues be damned! Only in “Real America”…
311. Lillian | 10.26.08
Palin is an alarming option for VP, even moreso for President. I know nothing of her personal character - agree she is charming and engaging - just like Bush was at the beginning of his first campaign. But what she’s shared of her politics thus far don’t sit well with me.
As for the claims that Barack Obama is a socialist - the recent $700 Billion dollar bail out plan is socialism.
As for the fears for the constitution - I am more concerned with the McCain/Palin ticket’s perception of the role of the Vice President. Not in charge of Congress, not there to do anything more than vote in the case of a tie and step in should the president pass on during their administration. That’s in the Constitution - all I’ve heard Palin say is that she wants to expand that roll, over and over again.
312. Bud | 10.26.08
Oh Lord.
If I wasn’t voting for Obama before, I sure am now.
Sincerity and Palin don’t travel together.
313. Kerri | 10.26.08
To the people saying the stockmarket will tank on the 5th, who’s fault is that? McCain’s for calling Obama a socialist when he is nothing of the sort. It really is all-out all-in politics by the Republicans that they should fade into history for it.
314. Crazy | 10.26.08
I can’t believe reading all this democratic crap…Why does everyone think Obama (Obiden) has sufficient qualifications to be president? What has he REALLY done? What background does he REALLY havE??? You people are crazy…socialism is not the answer…
315. Dave | 10.26.08
Gov. Palin understands the values of America and she understands the challenges everyday Americans face in their private lives. She represents middle America. We don’t need anymore Washington insiders representing us and leading us to the shipwreck we are approaching. Gov. Palin is the right choice for America.
316. Barbara | 10.26.08
So many comments, and God bless America that we can all agree to disagree. Whoever wins, the job is immense with all of the mistakes made in the last 8 years. Yes, Palin knew the clothes were expensive, so saying she was no part of it is a bit of a lie; I would know when I’m putting on a $50,000 outfit (as if I could EVER afford it). I could say I was made to do it, but come on now, today’s voters are smarter than that.
Yes, the campaign hoped she would take the place of HC votes, but they predicted wrong. A woman, just any woman, isn’t who is needed to clear up the mess America is in.
We need someone who loves America more than power, who loves his family enough to want the same for our families as his, someone who isn’t owned by big oil or big business. I don’t care if they are purple, and sleep with each other. Just do your job, which is to run the country, and keep our friends in other parts of the world our friends.
We don’t need to go it alone; interdependency is what counts in today’s world. We need them, they need us. Feel sorry for Palin? She will be back. Hopefully, she will now go back to Alaska, help her daughter through the birth of the baby, and take care of her baby and state.
I find it interesting that those who oppose gay lifestyles still find it OK that Palin/spouse are running around the country, while others take care of the baby and the other children. Family values…???
God bless America and the choices we have. Let’s all pray that we use common sense and not bias and personalities for choosing our leadership.
317. JP | 10.26.08
Sarah Palin is good looking and aliens brought Obama to be president. I am confident of this.
318. mich | 10.26.08
Palin is not so unusual. Republicans in the west, northwest and midwest spout the bizarre rhetoric we hear coming from her. This has been going on for decades. They parrot the lies, fallacies, falsehoods verbatim that they pick up from the fringe websites, partisan radio shows, etc. The tremendous crowds she gathers are the uneducated people the ones who perpetuate the racism, the divide, the ones who are anti-education, reject intellectualism, reject the complex, multilayered approaches to serious problems. What these people and Palin don’t realize is that the educated Republicans know this is all just show to garner votes; whatever works. They certainly don’t want serious politicians spouting this silliness in public. But Palin missed the memo. She seriously believes all that rhetoric because she was raised around it, all her neighbors, classmates, etc. thought that way. She really hasn’t a clue that her talk is unacceptable in the high society that she wants to travel in.
319. ChuckInWichita | 10.26.08
How refreshing it is to sit here and read all these validations of my initial opinion of this woman.
All I needed to hear was one sentence roll off her lips to know she was a really scary choice. Even my wife agreed.
I even made the observation that it appeared Todd was really running the show. The two of them need to return to Alaska where they’re obviously better suited. I want to wish them well.
320. changeforall | 10.26.08
Eight years of a downward spiral for this country? The loss of international standing? Lives lost for no good reason? A heedless, needless war? Bin Laden still at large after killing over 3,000 people for no good reason? People suddenly homeless while CEOs get millions in severance pay? No jobs, no gas, no money?
What’s wrong with you people who support McCain? How can you not see what has happened to this country? Exactly what does it take for you to say “enough?!? Or, aren’t you suffering like the rest of us?!
321. RB | 10.26.08
quote…..“When I spent nearly two hours with Palin last year at the governor’s house in Juneau, I was struck by three things. She’s very smart, brimming with self-confidence, and not intimidated by the media.”….end quote
A three attribute test after a two hour meeting? Must be how JM vetted her for VP (and possible president).
Come on! What was the Republican party thinking! They lost my vote.
322. Independent American | 10.26.08
I am an educated free-thinking American in my late thirties and I find it somewhat humorous that the word “Socialism” is thrown around with such negative connotations. In reality, socialist theory supports most of the core components/ideas of our society that we hold dear and fight so hard to preserve. Egalitarian (Equal) principles, which are endorsed within socialism, are the cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence. We should always promote human rights over capitalistic materialism and we are now writhing in the tragic consequences of laissez-faire capitalism! As a whole, I believe the American people are ready to try a new economic system that will level the playing field a bit.
Barack Obama is the candidate that I think will do the better job of standing up for the core principles laid out in Thomas Jefferson’s famous document and our Constitution. Only time will tell…
323. JP | 10.26.08
I think Palin will work towards all the neo-conservative ideals that George Bush got caught up in. I think we should all take a moment and decide if that’s where we want to be. Think wedge issues, Us or them, black or white, you know all of the preconceived answers to difficult questions that the neo-cons like to ask. I think the world is bigger than black or white. You are smarter than that. Break free from this bondage and use your mind!
324. Conny Langer | 10.26.08
If anyone still has doubts about the ethics of Sarah Palin, check with the Wasilla Public Library. A hockey mom is not what this country needs in this time of economic crisis, as well as the foreign problems that abound. However, since more people vote for American Idol than for the President of the United State, I have great concerns for the future of this country should McCain/Palin win. Re clothing purchased by the Republican Party, if she is naive as she pretends then do we really want her in a position of power? Trust me, a lady knows designer clothes - especially when she reads the labels!
325. Marc | 10.26.08
To all those right-wing conservatives talking about socialism, could you please explain what the following passages mean?
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” - (Acts 2:44-45 KJVR)
“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” - (Acts 4:32 KJVR)
“Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” - (Acts 4:34-35 KJVR)
Pure capitalism as good as some may want to make it is not God’s idea; it’s just another human invention. God meant for Israel to have a “theocracy”, not any kind of human-invented kind of government.
326. Dweeberella | 10.26.08
To #248…
Actually, Clinton took every precaution to successfully protect us from planned attacks by terrorists during the Millenium. In contrast, when President Bush was alerted to upcoming red alert security conditions prior to 9/11, he went on vacation for weeks and told the CIA chief to quit bothering him.
327. Olivia | 10.26.08
Palin is Palin who Mc Cain want to change her into Jacky Kennedy.
Problem is Mc Cain, his judgement is questionable. I don’t trust a guy 71 year old to do something for me.
President job is bigger than him. He was built to be Warrior!, not a President.
328. Subliminal Voice | 10.26.08
If you ever take a look around and see nothing but what you would call elitists… then it’s time to get up off your bum and get with the times.
329. Barbara | 10.26.08
Boy !!
There is venom in this thread.
Just who of the person’s posting here would have the courage to re-place this very intellegent Lady? I think this very bright Lady is doing a really good job,being on the campaign circut with a family in tow. She’s not only bright; she’s a down to earth woman and yep; human. She is jumping some very high hurdles out there, and the media is making sure they raise the bar just a little higher every chance they get.
She might not have an expert’s answer on some of the questions, but she is just beginning. Give her a little slack.
The republican party might not win this election, but hey come on everyone! This lady has at least answered the bell in this struggle. Give her some credit ya’ll.
330. Poligar | 10.26.08
If Ms Palin had been a male, ‘he’ would have been hounded out by the Press and the public long ago - may be the Party would not have even considered her as a running mate.
332. scribe | 10.26.08
I would have had more respect for Gov PALIN if she had turned the VP offer down. She is clearly not ready for the big leagues. At best she is a good minor league pospect. I must admit she is a better campaigner than JOHN McCAIN. But sinse both of them are tied to the neocon/republican machine that has all but destroyed this great country, neither of them is worthy of being elected.
333. Scott | 10.26.08
Two words prove that Sarah Palin is not capable of serving as Vice President of the United States:
Yahoo E-Mail
334. Pat Horrocks | 10.26.08
The privilege of registering to vote must be accompanied by the responsibility to vote. Yes, we have had better choices of candidates over the years and in that respect the Party power brokers have let us down. Yes, we don’t like standing line for two hours to vote but will endure rain and cold to be at a baseball game for over five hours. But for all of you that say why bother this time around, you will have to live with other peoples’ choices that you might very well not like. I would also like to point out that the wardrobes of the male candidates are every bit as expensive as Gov. Palins if not more so. $800 suits are not out of the question in today’s world. Ask the woman about issues not her shoe size. It shows the disdain that men have for women in general and it is time to call a halt to it. My granddaughter will be Presidnt one day because women finally took over the political choices from the male turnips.
335. Mook | 10.26.08
Obama lacks any substantive accomplishment in his 47 years, save this run for the POTUS. He was a relatively unaccomplished IL state legislator and unremarkable US senator who never challenged his party’s power structure. Palin’s resume is also light, but in addition to being the most popular governor in America, she has earned a very noteable achievement that has been virtually ignored by the media - her work on ethics law while a member of the Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission. She took on her own party resulting in indictments and convictions of several Alaska govt figures, then ran against Murkowski who had tried to silence her and she won. She put her political future on the line against the good ole boys network and won. Obama has nothing in his vacuous background to compare.
337. Vote Libertarian or Obama | 10.27.08
She created a false image. It was burst. She is not a reformer or a fiscal conservative. She gives jobs to her friends, pushes officials for personal matters and hides her crazy religious history. McCain wanted her for demographic reasons to attact religious nuts and sore Hillary losers.
338. Josie | 10.27.08
I can’t believe it. I watched the video, and all she talked about was clothes, what she was wearing, what she wore yesterday, for the entire video. Is this her range? Didn’t sound like a VP nominee. She sounded like some movie starlet on the rise.
Give her the nuclear code if McCain’s melanoma does him in? Yikes.
339. Anita | 10.27.08
If, we’ve voted for Gore or for Kerry would they be finishing ther Presidency w/ twenty some procent of approval? With Gore maybe we woulld have a cleaner planet but I still like it better than paying for bombs in Irak. Lets not make same mistake again.
340. Jackie | 10.27.08
I would like to share this tid bit I found while researching Palin when she first came on the scene as VP pick by McCain.
Her executive experience is questionable.
Legislators at the state level, have said repeatedly that when they are in the governors office for a meeting about state, Todd Palin sits in on these meetings, Palin plays with two blackberries and after 30 minutes is off in her own world somewhere.
Palin is absent on matters of the state so much that Alaska state legislators had buttons made that said “ where’s Sarah?”
On the other hand, while researching “that one” the junior senator for the state of Illinois I found that after two years in that position he is ranked as the 11th most powerful senator in the country, right after John McCain who has been in the senate how many years?
Look at the records, not the words, and without a doubt you will see who is fit for President, and to be honest, I had never heard of Joe Biden either, but he has a rather decent record himself.
It helps in these times of turmoil to have two people in the white house who have the respect of individuals on both sides of the senate, as well as respect of world leaders.
For me the choice is easy, I don’t want to fight fight fight, and I don’t want to drill baby drill.
I am one American that is willing to work hard, and work with others to rebuild this country.
341. JJ | 10.27.08
Quote: “One tape in particular struck Davis as arresting: an interview with Palin and Gov. Janet Napolitano, the Arizona Democrat, on “The Charlie Rose Show” that was shown in October 2007. Reviewing the tape, it didn’t concern Davis that Palin seemed out of her depth on health-care issues or that, when asked to name her favorite candidate among the Republican field, she said, “I’m undecided.” What he liked was how she stuck to her pet issues — energy independence and ethics reform — and thereby refused to let Rose manage the interview.”
__________
I watched that interview, which is still online, when it aired a year ago. When when Palin’s candidacy was announced I sent a link to it to several people, because I was shocked that anyone who had showed herself to be such a lightweight would be tapped for VP.
What Davis sees as “refusing to let Rose manage the interview”–his job, by the way, and one he does on behalf of the viewing public better than anyone else in his profession–was really her inability to see the world in terms other than that provided by a simplistic locale-based bias.
342. sybredeth | 10.27.08
LAUGH
Barrack Obama was a Senator for 180 days before starting his Presidential campaign.
Sarah Palin has YEARS of experience more than Barrack Obama…but Democrats will overlook this completely just to make cheap jabs.
If it hasn’t been said before to you then please allow me: Shame on you Democrats.
343. John Q. Public | 10.27.08
It appears that Gov, Palin is the only person who doesn’t get the joke she has become.
344. Webby | 10.27.08
I am so glad that I do not have to vote for a President in US. As a bystander outside of US, I am glad I am watching this drama unfolds. Wait, let me grab my pop corns.
345. Christopher | 10.27.08
Is she running for Goodwill Administration or for Vice President of the United States? We all have to buy thrift clothes since the republicans took control 8 years ago…
346. JimC | 10.27.08
How would Fred Barnes know if someone is smart? He is one of the dullest tacks in a box of very dull tacks. He probably thinks Rich Lowry is smart.
Perhaps Sarah will start a breakaway party. She could call it the American Party of God. To keep from employing the educated elite, they could bypass the CIA and FBI for the US Postal Service to provide security for the homeland. Wouldn’t really matter anyway.
Bozos like Barnes, Lowry, David Brooks and especially Karl Rove (Pigpen I think is what Laura Bush calls him) would be perfectly suited as senior strategists for such a clown show.
348. John A. Broussard | 10.27.08
Don’t sell Palin short. She’s intelligent, ambitious, pragmatic and very appealing to many people. Her problem is that she is woefully uneducated. By that I don’t necessarily mean formal education. She doesn’t read, and apparently lacks the native curiosity to look into matters that don’t immediately interest her. Given some rigorous intellectual training, she could be a formidable political figure twenty years from now–or even sooner. And her fundamental pragmatism might make her adopt philosophical views that right now don’t appear useful to her in getting ahead politically.
349. Idahed | 10.27.08
Actually, I was thinking “Lying Eyes” would be a good theme song. “The city girls just seem to find out early how to open doors with just a smile.”
You can certainly make the argument she’s not a “city girl”, but you cannot overlook the fact that she’s leveraged her good looks well beyond her knowledge.
Perhaps the sadness of it all is 1) that good looking people often get more credibility than they deserve and 2)that there are so many people who see the business of managing our country as a team sport.
Now…I have to say that after watching the desperate attempts to smear Mr. Obama not stick, I am beginning to gain faith that our country may be rising above the Republican FUD factor (as in Elmer Fud (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) that has so long been their game plan.
Perhaps this will be the election where many of these political animals realize they are social dinosaurs, not worthy of our admiration, not good role models for our children, and not worthy of our votes.
Perhaps it’s time to evolve to something new. After all, once you have survival and reproduction nailed down, what else is there? Helping each other?
350. kael | 10.27.08
I really like Sarah Palin, and as I keep saying about George Bush and every president, it is not us who will decide who was a great president, it will be the history books. With that said, if McCain does become president I suppose it will be the history books and not the media who will decide if Sarah Palin was qualified to be V.P. The media who have acted like the thought police in this election, telling me who to vote for, and who not to. There isn’t a day I go on Yahoo News and see link after link of negative articles about McCain or Palin … I’m actually a pretty liberal guy, but I’m an American first. I want to live in a country where I have a choice about who will become the leader of the free world. How many elections have you seen where five year olds scream the names of a presidential contender? Why does either side think the other side is evil when they just have a different point of view. Economist have had, and have no idea what either of these guys will have on the economy, so lets face it, everyone who votes in America votes based on a gut reaction. You’re not a genius for voting for Obama, or not an idiot for voting for McCain … You’re simply an American who believes in the system enough to get out there and have a voice. And if you have decided that Palin is an idiot, just ask yourself how many states are YOU the governor of?
351. OBAMA08-12 | 10.27.08
Wow..I can now see that the only smart people left in America are the ones who truly see Palin for what she is..an insult to America and the world. Yes americans, there is a world outside of the US and guess what? You need those countries as your allies. Palin would only hurt those alliances. Gee people, WAKE UP. Have an independent thought. You can draw a parallel between the “conservatives” and the evangelical right wing..they believe everything you feed them without asking questions, without thinking critically. ASK people, THINK!!!!!!
352. Miron | 10.27.08
what took you so long! this little 150,000.00 dollars issue was good to clear.
353. DingDongthe PalinisGONE | 10.27.08
..oh and btw, those saying that socialism and stuff is bad, look at countries like Sweden, Spain, Germany..they have superior education and health services, much better than the ones in the US and guess what???? Those countries have similar platforms than the ones President Obama is proposing.
354. TOCS | 10.27.08
It’s easy to see which way this WEB site leans.
It’s also easy to see who didn’t pass government 101 in the matter of first socialism then communism in the downfall of a nation.
As far as sincerity, does anyone really believe that SlidenCyder (274) will actually move out of the country if McCain-Palin win? I wouldn’t bet on it, would you?
Sigh.
355. DJS | 10.27.08
Looks as if Palin has hit a nerve with you Intellectual Liberals (I don’t really believe you are intellectual though I’m absolutely sure you believe you are). She really scares you. I have never seen such mean spirited comments as these and coming from those who care so much for their fellow man (as long as they think like you do). World politics is no different than playground politics. You either give your lunch money to the bully or you stand up to him. Conservatives will stand up no matter the outcome. It’s principle. Liberals will call their mommy to take care of the bully for them. They have no principle. They stand for nothing so fall for anything. Palin has all the experience and wisdom needed to be President. Common sense is far more important than intellect and I have yet to meet a liberal with common sense. I just wish she was at the top of the ticket.
357. karen | 10.27.08
Obama was not originally my choice. McCain had my vote until he selected Palin. McCain put the best interests of the country aside in an effort to get more votes, and that’s just not right. If he cared about the country, he would not have selected someone as blatantly unqualified as Palin. I really want to see a woman in the White House — but not Palin — she’s an idiot and she’d only drive our country into disaster. GO OBAMA
358. Sandy | 10.27.08
It amazes me that the Dems keep claiming the last 8 years have been bad. If memory serves me right we have only been having economic trouble in the last year.
Could this possibly be traced to the Democrats in Congress? No one was whining when they were living the high life and maxing out their credit cards and all of a sudden you need a savior to help you out of the mess you have created for yourselves.
To many unanswered questions about Obama and he silences anyone who dares speak out against him. Why?
359. Chris W | 10.27.08
It strikes me as sad that after nearly 8 years of George W. Bush to prove that being folksy and charming doesn’t make one a world leader, John McCain turned around and picked Ms. Palin for her charm and folksy appeal. This cynical move to energize the “base” of the Republican party. This is not putting country first. That is obvious and it is that theorm which will see McCain end in obscurity.
On the other hand, the press is blowing the clothing thing out of all balance. Palin is right that the clothing is stage dressing for the election which for at least 20 years has been a media event. Women especially are judged based on the clothes they wear, and that is not Palin’s fault, is it?
360. Rennie Stennett | 10.27.08
I feel very good knowing that the GOP is finally a thing of the past. Palin was/is the GOP’s last hope of retaining relevance. I am very pleased to see the GOP being destroyed. With the GOP gone, America and the rest of the world will prosper. Rest in peace, GOP.
362. dullard | 10.27.08
You need not blame Palin for being who she is, or McCain for selecting her. Blame the GOP faithful. If McCain had his pick Joe Liberman or Tom Ridge would have been the VP, and like them or not, they are qualified. But the GOP faithful threatened a floor fight at the convention if McCain picked a pro-choice VP. So the 29% of the country that are the “true believers” got what they wanted, and it pleased only them. Its no coincidence that the percent of people that approve of Bush’s job also approve of Palin. They are the same people.
In the end, its not about this campaign anymore. The recriminations are going to be more about the GOP deciding what it stands for.
363. New Yorker | 10.27.08
If the McCain-Palin camp needs a Fleetwood Mac theme song, SWEET LITTLE LIES would be very apropos!
364. Olddog | 10.27.08
See ya later Sarah! Don’t let the door smack you in the ‘Neiman Marcus’ on the way out! Go back to Alaska and face charges for your roughshod method of getting your way. America doesn’t need you and you’re not really something special like you’ve been told. Go back to your church and get them nasty ‘devils’ cast out again. Trade those expensive glasses in for some insight and judgment. Watch the news without looking for stories about yourself. Learn humility and work on your humanity. You are lacking in charactor and this is your ‘TIME OUT’.—————————————–
Yeah, SEE YA LATER, Sarah!,………….
365. Sam | 10.27.08
She is a moron. Everyone knows it. Miscalculations of a campaign don’t account for her innate stupidity. I bet her wardrobe costs more than 150,000. I hope Palin does not get further involved in politics. There are already enough ignorant, stupid, snobbish, fakes out there.
366. Will | 10.27.08
Can’t believe the republican party has become so gullible, as to possibly elect a silly woman like Palin who might someday be in bunker running our country telling generals where to send those young soldiers and without her $150,000.00 wardrobe. Now, that sounds like “Caddyshack”!
368. Moonbeam | 10.27.08
It’s not just Dems voting for Obama; it’s any patriot who believes that a woman who is proud to say that she worked on the budget of the State of Alaska in her kitchen with just one staffer and her unelected, unqualified, unpatriotic husband has NO business in any governmental office, much less being President of the United States. I can withstand four years of Obama, but not ten minutes of Palin. I’m a Barry Goldwater republican and a laissez-faire capitalist and I think that those who are lecturing Democrats about socialism and how they should be ashamed should themselves be ashamed … if/when you can make a convincing argument, that’s one thing, but to insult others is just a waste of everyone’s time. If you want to live where everyone has to vote the same way, go live in a Muslim country. Progressive taxation is not socialism, for one thing, and if you really wanted an end to the tax nonsense from both parties, you would call for a flat tax and be done with all exemptions and write-offs. McCain should never have chosen such a horrible and frightening VP candidate, and he did do it just to please women (who he apparently thinks are stupid) and religious nuts who want the freedom to shove their beliefs down everyone else’s throats and are taking over the Republican party to do it. Anyone who complains of socialism and then votes Republican in this election perhaps should truly be ashamed - of total hypocrisy.
369. lobotomyphil | 10.27.08
First, I’ll start by saying everyone who supports Palin simply because she claims to be a “WalMart Mom” or thinks she relates so well to the average American- you deserve exactly what you’d get if the “average American” somehow became president.
Why are people against elitism in politics? The average American is completely uninformed and ignorant. I don’t want a moron in any position of power. Then I’d be getting someone like 25, 48, or 205 (no offence) as - definitely - VP, and, eventually - most likely - president. I embrace elitism in politics because people in power SHOULD be smarter/better off than the rest of the country. (If for no other reason than it makes us look good overseas.) Also, simply because someone is intelligent, charismatic, etc doesn’t mean they cannot relate to the average American. You don’t have to *be* something to understand it.
That said, I must bring up how the McCain campaign, once Palin was chosen, showed their intentions. They were purposefully throwing away all chance of winning. I hope this sounds familiar to SOMEONE, it’s the same thing Democrats did in 2004 with their fantastic choice of John Kerry. This is just a lot more obvious, because Kerry publicly attempted to win and McCain is so blasé about this whole deal. Palin doesn’t understand she is only VP choice because of the publicity she would generate. SHE IS BEING USED! Just not the way everyone assumed.
Obama will win. I predicted the win of the Democratic candidate before that candidate was even chosen. I just wish it’d been Hilary. After eight years of Bush, there’s no way another Republican would be voted into office. What a beautiful cycle…
I’m a 19 year old female who is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I’ve sided with Republicans on most issues, so I’d have to say I’m probably more Republican if anything. Palin does not represent Republicans. THANKFULLY. I’ve listened to her talk, and anyone who says she is intelligent loses my respect completely. She relies on her looks and throwing out buzzwords in irrelevant, incoherent sentences. And she’s not very good-looking, anyhow! Lower standards for politicians, I suppose.
I wish Nader had pushed his campaign a little harder this election. He probably wouldn’t have gotten much media coverage, anyhow, with Palin hogging the cameras and Obama’s (sometimes unsettling) charisma.
370. Osame | 10.27.08
Looks like the lies are coming out, Obama’s healthcare is bad for nearly everyone
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122506862956370705.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
McCain is not affecting Medicare, if anything he is going to make it better than Obama will http://www.newsweek.com/id/164796
Under Obama the fine print says it all about his tax plan. You will pay more even Joe Biden has told you so why don’t you listen? In 2011 the Bush tax breaks will expire for all Americans this will mean higher taxes for 2 years under Obama.
And as this article shows Palin is more than qualified for the position and can interact with people just fine on topics. Life is not scripted people do you want someone who can only read a teleprompter or script.
And all media outlets and Joe Biden agree, under Obama the nation will be at risk, why do you think Cuba, Iran and other nations that have hated the US want Obama to be elected, because he is not ready and they feel they will be able to put the US in its place.
Who’s like Bush - Obama: 1. War planned for Pakistan. 2. More of the economic play and stipends and pork that has eaten the world economy. 3. Will appoint Powell as Sec. of State, didn’t he make enough trouble for Bush?
We need McCain someone who will take action work with the countries around the world to get the economy back on the right track, who will cut the fat in Goverment not grow it. Who will keep Americans safe from harm.
Democrats for McCain
371. cal | 10.27.08
Ms Palin appears to be a consummate actress, the type who has fooled those around her for decades that she can really read.
If she was smart she would have known the $150k of clothes and accessories on the back of “Joe 6-packs wife would be public knowledge in milliseconds and deeply resented by Mr & Mrs. Joe 6-pack. Her attempts to claim ignorance and “nah my Fault” would be laughable if it wasn’t related to so serious a matter. Her continuous attempt to cover up her lack of knowledge of work affairs and any country outside USA is very disturbing. Would you like a coronary bypass performed by someone who has just thumbed through toe text?
If there are gods, America had better start asking for their help if McCain and Palin get elected; especially when the Cheney/Rumsfeld in the background pulling the strings.
372. tring | 10.27.08
I have to laugh at the kool-aid drinking bloggers who repeat exactly what the press writes. Have bloggers ever heard of plagiarism? Most if not all of those expressing comments had not even heard of Gov. Palin prior to her nomination as VP, yet they act like they know all about her in just a few short weeks! Could it be that the believe everything they read and accept it as truth? With this knowledge in hand they then go about trashing someone who they honestly don’t even know. Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Unfortunately, they are going to take the rest of the country right along with them. I pray for America.
373. George Douglas | 10.27.08
Obama, if elected, will appoint very liberal supreme court justices. Americans won the right to continue their gun ownership rights by a recent vote of 5-4 by the Supreme Court. With one appointment of a liberal judge to replace a conservative one, we will lose the right to keep and bear arms. Also, on Fox News this morning, it was revealed that a House committee controlled by Democrats is considering having the government take over control of all 401K accounts next January to manage them. They would also repeal the tax breaks on 401Ks. Those are two examples of what an all Democrat government would look like. Sarah Palin, the most popular governor in America, a hunter herself, and a brilliant free spirited woman, would never allow that to happen.
374. lorax2 | 10.27.08
Forget Governor Palin. “Crash” McCain has shown poor judgement and erratic behavior his entire career. He blew his opportunity at the most prestigious educational institution in the U.S., the Naval Academy. He crashed his first plane and his last plane. He has switched positions almost daily. He is against evangelicals, they are “purveyors of intolerance.” No, he is with them and wants their votes. He is against torture. No, he votes for Bush’s “enhanced interrogations,” including Chinese water torture. Let’s close GITMO. No, let’s have kangaroo courts (the Military Commissions Act). The economy is sound. No, it’s a crisis. I am suspending my campaign. No, I can win. I am the frontrunner. No, I am the underdog. Bush is good. Bush is bad. I voted 90% with Bush. No, I am a maverick. I was against bailing out Wall Street before I was for it. I am socialism - except when it comes to nationalizing banks and insurance companies. Crash McCain is a disaster. He crashed his first campaign for President and is now crashing his last. Thank God he is self-destructive so visibly so we can all see how he would mismanage the country as he has mismanaged everything else.
375. going2hope4better | 10.27.08
To 356 - Democrat are mean-spirited?
Palin forced rape victims to pay for the police forensic rape kit!
(no other victims of other crimes are forced to pay for other forensic kits in Alaska).
Furthermore, she expects rape/incest victims to have full term pregnancies regardless of what is right for the victim.
That is not just mean-spirited - that is downright cold-hearted.
And let’s not forget shooting loads of wolves from helicoptors and then finding their orphaned young and killing them off too in very remote areas.
Hmmm ….
You should watch Dr. Strangelove - because that is what is going to happen if Palin becomes president.
376. jonjon | 10.27.08
Beth said:
“At least Sarah Palin knows that Roosevelt was not President in 1929, and that Television was not in existence - unlike Biden, who is constantly making huge gaffes.”
————————————————————-
I doubt that most Americans when know when FDR was president, or who actually was president in 1929, or when the television was invented (by the way, it did exist prior to 1929, just not in a commercially available sense). Do you know any of these things? I doubt it, so please go back to watching Oprah and leave the political debate to the grown-ups.
Biden may have the occasional foot-in-mouth moment, but of the 4 major people on the campaign trail, Palin is the only one who seems to lack any sort of intellectual curiosity or foresight; I want people in the White House who exhibit some sort of measured prudence, a quality I think she lacks more than any major party candidate in history (Bush and Hoover included).
377. Seth | 10.27.08
New Yorker @ 364 said:
“If the McCain-Palin camp needs a Fleetwood Mac theme song, SWEET LITTLE LIES would be very apropos!”
I take my hat of to you New Yorker.
Other great songs off the Rumours album:
“Second Hand News” (perfect for consignment store shopping)
“Dreams” (as in, “Dream on, Sarah!”)
“Never Going Back Again” (to Alaska!)
“Don’t Stop” (puttin yer foot in yer mouth)
“The Chain” (that ties me to that loser McCain)
“I Don’t Wanna Know” (Anything! Period. Okay?)
“Oh Daddy” (won’t you buy me a Vuitton handbag)
“Gold Dust Woman” (You were gold, but turned to dust)
378. McCain’s Health Care is Bankrupt | 10.27.08
@371. Osame
McCain doesn’t care about fixing health care. He came up with a “plan” because the Democrats made health care an issue.
* McCain’s health care plan would take the health care tax break away from employers and give it to employees. (But you still need a job, right?)
* Under the GOP, employers receive tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas.
* The U.S. economy has lost 159,000 jobs in September–in one month!
* What good is a TAX CUT of $5,000 when you don’t have a job? No job means no income to tax. There’s no cost to McCain for making this concession.
* If you lose your job you lose your benefits under McCain’s plan.
* And McCain has no plan to create jobs–in this country, anyway.
All McCain is interested in doing is once again giving breaks to corporations and employers at the expense of workers. Under his plan employers don’t have to provide you with health care benefits. That isn’t a solution to health care, it’s more of the same Republican bullsh*t.
379. mandate 08 | 10.27.08
If you listen closely, you can hear the low, embittered whine of conservatives on the verge of irrelevancy. 
380. Beth Donovan | 10.27.08
I think that George Washington would roll over in his grave if he thought that going to Harvard is what qualifies one for the Presidency.
Jimmy Carter was a really smart guy - and an awful president. The economy was REALLY screwed up then. I know, I graduated from college just as he took office and the economy swirled down into practically nothing. He turned off Christmas Lights all over the country to make us more energy independent - didn’t work, at that time, I believe we were dependent on other countries for about 15% of our energy.
Obama does not know the first thing about working hard and earning a real living. No lawyer does, unless he/she worked thru law school.
The guy has never held a job for any length of time until he realized that being a politician is pretty damn easy work.
Also, running a campaign does NOT prove that someone can run a country.
Obama does not ‘manage’ his campaign. His campaign manager does - maybe Axelrod should be running for Pres?
When it comes right down to it, the bulk of the people here who are pro-Obama are Coastal snobs.
That kind of arrogance is exactly why Kerry lost in 2004. It will be exactly the reason when Obama loses.
382. Keating, cheating FIVE | 10.27.08
What this story means: John McCain has terrible judgment.
“Country first.” Hello? Country first is picking a qualified candidate. The GOP continues to put *politics* first.
Change we need.
Change. we. will. have.
Vote.
383. Need to Know | 10.27.08
The woman thinks the Flintstone’s was based on a true story. You want someone like that in control of the nuclear launch codes?
384. Rockin Bob | 10.27.08
For Rocking Tool 273,
I do think for myself, that’s why i’m not democrat! Anyway, you could do yourself a favor and not be brainwashed by Obama and the Media! It’s people like you that believe everything you read and then are an expert on nothing but the propaganda you’ve read. You may as well join a cult! That’s what Obama is leading at this moment. I hope he doesn’t ask you blind followers to jump off of a cliff! Again, McCain is not Bush and Sarah is way more experienced that Obama. Except the truth and vote McCain/Palin unless you want “negative” CHANGE instead of improvements.
385. Trisha S | 10.28.08
Some of the comments I read above sound pretty much like mudslinging I’ve heard professional politicians do. I thought the general American didn’t need to stoop to that. I am concerned about the information I’ve heard on Obama’s religious loyalties and wonder if there is a hidden agenda on his part. I don’t know as much as others do on campaign topics, but I do know that I have good instincts and I feel very uncomfortable each time I see him on TV or in the newspapers. Palin could not be, as one writer above put it, a moron. I doubt the writer of that comment could come close to accomplishing as much as Palin has at this point. I’m grateful to her that she is willing to step up to serve. She may need more experience, but I see in her a willingess to work for what’s right. She and McCain get my vote.
387. Ann Shannon | 10.28.08
To “registered independent” and all those who say Obama has no executive experience:
Obama has shown masterful leadership and executive capacity over the past 2 years in putting together and directing the quality control of an extensive grassroots, 50 state campaign organization. Political pundits on both sides of the aisle have marveled at its depth and complexity and point to the fact that there has been nothing like it in the history of our political life.
And he has done it while maintaining a calm dignity and grace, respecting the dignity and intelligence of the electorate the entire time. Rather than follow the McCain/Palin campaign into new orders of sleaze and slime and institutionalizing Gutter Politics, Obama has consistently taken the high road. He has walked the walk AND talked the talk, focusing on the issues rather than character assassination.
Obama offers us a welcome contrast to the Republican modus operandi, which goes for the low road with the intensity and focus of a heat seeking missile.
388. Ann Shannon | 10.28.08
The real issue of the 2008 (and the 2004) Presidential campaigns has been the reliance on gutter politics by the Republicans — the media’s failure to call them to account for it.
Republicans continue both direct and indirect slanderous assertions, their debased and debasing reliance on sleaze, innuendo, and inflammatory distortion, ad infinitum — even after their sound-bytes have been debunked.
The media needs to take them to task, each and every time they fall back on this, and insist on a higher standard. Playing to the unhinged fringe and unleashing the forces of hate and divisiveness as a primary political strategy will inevitably lead to violence, as we have seen this week with the arrest of 3 men planning to kill 88 black school children, behead 14 of them, and assassinate Obama.
The Politics of Denigration has no place in our political life… and the media needs to hammer away at this as campaign issue.
389. A Bush Democrat in Austin | 10.28.08
# 355
1) Playground politics? I think Democrats were in office during WW II and did a pretty good job of standing up to the bully.
2) There is a difference between standing up to the playground bully and being the playground bully. Conservatives are the playgroung bully.
390. trueblue | 10.29.08
this will be a rout - Obama will win in a landslide!!
most people don’t buy the slimy red herring strategies of the conservative republican movement.
391. Ramesh | 10.29.08
I am surpraised still there are some Palin fans left….:-)
We could elect a TV news reader instead… at least she might be able to name few foriegn leader..:-)
392. Chris Brooks | 11.05.08
McCain is a good guy, but by no means an effective leader. He never did know which side of the aisle he belonged on. Sarah Palin was true to her own principals despite the fact that her handlers may have been her worst enemies. When it comes to Gov. Palin, the GOP should be taking notes, not pointing fingers
393. obg | 11.07.08
This is my first time on this website and I was shocked at the amount of emotional, angry responses posted. Very few people made constructive comments, either pro and con, that generated reflective thinking on my part. The preponderance of vitriol for Palin surprised me. Is this site a dumping ground for angry democrats?
It is now post-election, and I hope this ugliness can be set aside. Obama said he is open to dialog. I hope that means he will be a consensus builder and will set an example we can follow.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. jos | 10.26.08
Yeah, right, Walmart mom. Gimme a break. I don’t want a Walmar mom to be my VP. I want someone that is knowledgeable to address the challenges we face.