1. Emily, Brooklyn NY | 10.29.08

I’m tired of Palin bashing.
But I’m more tired of Sarah Palin herself. She is no innocent target. All women will not lose because one woman made herself appear frivolous in a very serious situation.

2. ben bona | 10.29.08

I watched Gore and Kerry get beaten up by relentless attacks on their character. Obama has suffered the same fate. And there are those that think this is the time to be a gentleman. Who was it that was going to put on the heels and take off the gloves? I betcha ya know. Well, the gloves are off.

3. Wag the dog | 10.29.08

Yes, it is sexist. She’s been treated terribly from day one.

4. Chris | 10.29.08

I think that this commercial says everything that everyone has been talking about….what if….I am a businesswoman and so embarassed by this whole ordeal. I do really wonder, what was John McCain thinking??

5. Jenny Ruth Yasi | 10.29.08

This ad doesn’t say anything bad about Palin at all. It is a neutral ad, just showing a typical image that we have of Palin, smiling and winking in her very typical way. If you like Palin, then this add shouldn’t sway you. But it is the knowlege that we all have of the idiotic accusations that she has been making that make us view this image of her and grimace.

6. Harry | 10.29.08

It wasn’t a knock at women, it was an ad against Governor Palin’s intelligence on issues of importance, not all women’s intelligence. People need to stop thinking that every bad remark about Palin is a bad remark about women, that’s what needs to stop.

7. sarah (a different one) | 10.29.08

Give me a break. Sarah puts herself out on the world stage, thinking she can run a country but if she can’t name a newspaper she reads, doesn’t bother to know how her runningmate has voted in the past, and can’t convey even the most general understanding of important economic and foreign policy issues…then its all completely fair she should be fried.

Palin and the republican party have insulted us. The public is NOT this stupid and they deserve better. The criticisms forthcoming are completely and absolutely legitimate.

8. Robert | 10.29.08

Yes it is sexist. But the campaign has launched sexist attacks on Palin from the beginning. What do you expect?

9. Alan G | 10.29.08

It’s unfortunate that Obama has changed course here. His prior response was fine. There was no need to change course. Although it’s my opinion that one can’t fault the ad for accuracy. Palin IS a nincompoop. It’s just not the time to bring this up in a negative way — not now with 5 days left.

10. michele morrow | 10.29.08

This ad does not demean sarah palin…she could be a man with the same qualifications and the Obama ad would mean the same thing as it means now.

11. Andy2 | 10.29.08

I don’t think that’s as big a slam on Palin as you imply. It’s critical of her background on the economy, that’s all. And I think that’s fair.

I agree with a lot of the comments about Palin being an exceptional woman, and to be admired for many things.

However, knowledge of national and international issues is unfortunately not one of them. She may be able to come up to speed by 2012 and be a formidable candidate, but today she is up to speed on Alaska and that’s about it.

O’Rielly like a lot of Palin supporters overstates the case, however, as if exaggerating her accomplishments will somehow tip the balance back to her favor. She has not turned out to be a good pick, but that is not a reflection on her as a person, only on what she knows.

12. Jake Davis | 10.29.08

Turn-about is fair play. They started it, we will finish it.

13. lucy | 10.29.08

What?? After Sarah Palin felt no guilt whatsoever lashing out at Obama with her unfair, deceitful, and racially tinged remarks?

Nope, she gets NO SYMPATHY from this progressive feminist.

14. tim stein | 10.29.08

Absolutely fair ,its true at least

15. v stake | 10.29.08

This is such a mean spirited commercial. Yes it’s sexist. And I can’t wait until this campaign is over. I’m sick of it all.

16. Karen | 10.29.08

I don’t see how this is a harsh attack on on Palin. It is a harsh criticism of McCain, but Palin has only shown doing one of her false folksy-charm moves.

17. volpine22 | 10.29.08

Fair.

18. Reid J | 10.29.08

UNFAIR. The ad is sexist. Case closed.

19. Ed Stone | 10.29.08

Questionable? McCain has been touting his economic plan and criticizing Obama’s as if McCain know what he was talking about. Palin calls Obama a socialist, and I bet she doesn’t even know what that means. Joe the Plumber said Obama’s comments was straight out of the mouth of Karl Marx, and he probably thinks Karl was Groucho’s brother.

Questionable? It’s the wisdom of the Republican party in selecting these two goof balls in the first place. If they had let McCain be McCain, they would probably win next week.

20. Tron | 10.29.08

It’s a cheap and sleazy attack on Palin. TOTALLY SEXIST

21. Sebastian | 10.29.08

If Palin would be “Joe Palin” nobody would care if people laugh at him……but she’s a woman so everybody now is angry because they attack a woman.

NO! They’re not attacking her because she’s a woman, they’re attacking her because she’s a joke!! I mean, I’m a Hillary supporter so you can’t accuse me of being against women; but Palin….she CAN’T be a VP. McCain is too old, if he dies and this woman is The President we will be doomed.

22. Palmer Woodrow | 10.29.08

The truth is she is a moron. Why is it women bashing?? We all think Bush is an idiot and I haven’t read one “stop beating up on men” article. Ridiculous. This is reverse sexism, expecting people not to hold her to the same standard.

23. Redsun | 10.29.08

I don’t think the premise of this commentary is true. Barack’s answer in the debate is as close to saying she is not qualified as it can be without offending anybody. He is just being slick willy(pun intended).

Right from the RNC speech, I was trying to find a reason to like Palin as a leader who can change the direction of this country. She has been completely devoid of substance. Relishes the attacks she makes, the pure joy of it just shows in her eyes. This is not something that is forced on her by McCain campaign. She absolutely loves what she is doing.

24. Bill | 10.29.08

(Yes we know Bill O’Reilly is the voice of civility.)

Palin has been shown she has no moral reservations in lying, smearing, and in appealing to the most vile, ignorant base of the Republican party. Has she said anything to stop the bigots at her hate rallies when they shout out racist comments?

Add to this her total lack of ability and qualifications for the office, and you think she should get a free pass?

25. Mark Dillon | 10.29.08

If the McCain quotes are accurate and not out of context (which seems to be the case), then it is a fair aid. It’s mood is not heavy or threatening, like the McCain’s fear-laden rift on Biden’s prediction of a foreign policy test for Obama. It does not attack Palin as a person, but as someone who might not have the economic credentials to fill McCain’s own criteria for VP. And it certainly is closer to reality than McCain’s “socialist” mantra. If this is as negative as all campaign adds ever became, we should consider ourselves lucky.

26. xyxysyxy | 10.29.08

I hope this ad infuriates the right and get them out to vote.

This is a vile ad. If this isn’t blatantly sexist then I don’t know what is.

If this woman was a democrat you would see the media in an uproar.

This ad is sexist and it’s wrong. Anyone who would stick up for it is already biased toward obama.

27. Leo | 10.29.08

“Mockery and vilification of women such as Palin should become just as taboo as race-based slams. Until then, women are the real losers.”

This is utter nonsense. Nobody criticizes Sarah Palin because she is a woman. She is a power greedy, narrow-minded, ignorant, lying republican politician (what else is new) and she is treated accordingly.

Why is it that when a man fails it is his personal failure but when a woman fails it is a blow to all women?

28. Retread | 10.29.08

Yes it is sexist. The democrats can do whatever they want. They get a free pass. They can claim racism when convenient but they are untouchable when they want to attack someone. This ad is a low blow. I’m tired of it.

29. Lesley | 10.29.08

I think this is an elegant and effective ad. I love how they use McCain’s own words.

30. Dorris Peterson | 10.29.08

I am a female Republican but I will NOT VOTE FOR PALIN. Just because Palin is a woman, it does not mean that we cannot ask legitimate questions about her ability and experience. People like O’Reilly have protected her in the media far too long. It is an insult to the American people that McCain chose such an unqualified person and then we are not even allowed to question this.

31. Andrew Bergeron | 10.29.08

I can’t understand how anyone can interpret this as an attack against women. If Palin’s husband were governor of Alaska and had the same track record with policies, political experience and interview performances you could swap out the picture of Sarah with Todd and run the same ad. Heck throw George W. in the ad; would that make it an attack against Texans? This is typical of the media and your general extremist to try to read between the lines and make something out of nothing. Sarah Palin is unqualified for the VP position regardless of her gender, that’s the bottom line.

32. my name | 10.29.08

Yuck. This is demeaning to all women. I’m not a Palin supporter but I’m tired of the crap she has to fend off. The Obama campaign needs to grow up! This is repulsive. UNFAIR.

33. jeff | 10.29.08

Well, she’s calling him a terrorist sympathizer, so playing a video of her winking in slow motion is hardly unfair.

Oh, and it’s good to hear you are going out of business. I can’t wait til the New York Times and the Washington Post go, unless they are ‘too big to fail’ haha.

34. TJ Weldy | 10.29.08

Given the limits of my reading on the subject, Ms. Palin does not have well established credentials in economic policy and these are McCain’s words . If he had chosen Mitt Romney, he would have provided a ticket that addressed his shortcomings. Instead he chose someone who has primarily a social portfolio in terms of policy expertise with little to bolster McCain’s admitted weakness in economic policy. I think this advertisement is fair, and makes a salient case, but is completely in line with political attack ads that McCain has done, discrediting, to some degree, Obama’s change message. It is an unfortunate ad in my view, not by virtue of inaccuracy, but by virtue of tone and demeanor of the ad.

35. Voter | 10.29.08

Who are you people fooling? If the same ad was used against Hilary Clinton you’d all be screaming sexism. Of course it is sexist.

36. Regina Mullen | 10.29.08

I strongly disagree with the notion that all women lose because Palin takes one on the chin.

She’s been let off the hook for some of the nastiest comments about Obama, darned near incites right wing racial violence at rallies,–but yet when she gets back the tiniest taste of what she gives, all of a sudden people are claiming she represents all women? And, worse, that women suffer because she appears in an ad unfavorably?

She doesn’t represent me. Not in the slightest, for in my life, rarely have I encountered such a narrow intellect. And, those I have are usually in comedy sketches about real people who have considerably greater intellect.

Palin backstabbed her own mentors on at least two occasions, makes things up constantly about her own experience and expects this country to lie down and take it like a moose, when she claims any sort of moral authority.

She gives a great speech, but that doesn’t make her in the least bit qualified to, as she would have you believe, use the “power” of the vice-presidency to tell Congress what to do. At least, with Cheney, monster that he is, there was a serious brain at work that demanded respect.

If McCain doesn’t admit his egregious error in selecting her, then every reputable and respectable Republican woman should simply turn her back to him at the next rally, –win or lose. Two words: “Elizabeth Dole” would have turned this thing around for him.

Palin has made her bed by playing up the MILF angle, so let her get a taste of what it’s like to be with the boys, when they stop opening doors and start treating you like one of their own.

37. cindy | 10.29.08

Sure is fair. With all the nasty sideways comments this campaign from both the lovely Palin and the stodgy McCain, it’s a reply to their 8th grade gossip antics. It’s pretty funny, too. Love it!

38. SJ | 10.29.08

She is dumb and that’s why she is being mocked and NOT because she is a women. I am a big fan of HILLARY CLINTON. If it is a women issue, why didn’t the press/media mocked her?? why not Nancy Pelosi? Bottomline - McCain selected Sarah to get women votes and it backfired.

39. Oregon MOM | 10.29.08

It’s with deep sadness that I look upon this “Dazzling Urbanite” and expect him to understand fairness, equality, and honesty. Wink wink… Women who vote for him can expect to walk ten feet behind him and keep their eyes down. Is it his ego that would lead him to assume that he knows everything? It’s a cheap shot at the expense of every woman who ever had a man, “dis” her because of gender. There is no substance in this ad, just meanness.
Oregon Mom

40. ruby cangro | 10.29.08

Sarah not qualified to be president if something should happen to John MCCAIN.hE LOST MY VOTE WHEN HE CHOSE HER AS SO MANY OTHERS WERE QUALIFIED

41. James | 10.29.08

It is fair to go after someones intelligence; intelligence is a requirement for the position. It’s a little cheeky, but it is logical, and not slanderous or hyperbolic. Palin compares Obama to terrorists. That is unethical. Palin deserves to be hit hard by the media if she is not ready and capable for the job, and it appears that she is not.

42. Andy A | 10.29.08

This is worst kind of sexism. No one mocks Palin for being a woman. They critize her and express their outrage because she is so clearly unqualified to be Vice President. Speaking out full force against a candidate so stunningly unprepared, incompetent and unqualified is not mocking, nor is it a personal attack. She is so incompetent and frightening as a candidate that even leading conservatives have come out against her! The mockery is really Palin mocking the majority of the United States itself. Grow up already. Most of us arent sick of mockery of Palin. We are sick of you all defending the undefendable. She may excite the “base” (especially as in “baser” base) and she may have celebrity star-power, but she is not a viable Vice President.

43. mitt | 10.29.08

Are we really that thin skinned? It seems that everywhere you look, someone is being disenfranchised, being held back, discriminated against, man against woman, white against black or whatever. When does it stop? Palin ,Obama , and Powell do not seem to be complaining of these issues being heaped upon themselves.

44. H. Palmer Hall | 10.29.08

I agree that it would be good if Obama’s campaign could ignore Sarah Palin, but… Sarah Palin has been particularly nasty in her speeches targeted at Obama. She has as much as accused him of treason and of hobnobbing with terrorists. Why on earth is the Christian Science Monitor attacking Obama instead of Palin’s vile and ill-informed attacks.

To suggest that responding to attacks from Palin with pointed responses is somehow contributing to the degradation of all women–to rape and other horrible things visited upon women–is to suggest that women should not participate in politics, that they are too fragile to participate in the rigors of presidential politics. That I do not believe.

45. G. Lowry | 10.29.08

“I think she’s a self-made woman,” he said to Letterman. “Reformed the state, went after her own party, put those people in jail, got the oil companies to give the folks some of these obscene profits they make.

Actually, having grown up in Alaska, I can tell you that Palin had nothing to do with getting oil companies to “give folks some of these obscene profits”. The permanent Fund Dividend checks derived from excess oil revenues have been given out yearly in Alaska for decades now. I received my first check when I was in 9th grade; that was 1984…when Palin was in 10th Grade.

46. Carl | 10.29.08

I guess I don’t get what the big deal is. This is pretty soft spoken ad.

47. z | 10.29.08

It’s not right, she deserves respect. But to get respect you first have to give it. she has disrespected her piers and has shown to be quite fork tongue. She is a very aggressive politition. Her campaign however has been very bad! but How can you NOT mock such a person as 2 faced as she, however the assault on her by everyone is just as bad!
I for one think people ought to think about the next election and how what we need to hear is what are you going to do and how? not how bad the other person will be. How am I supposed to vote for the best person when no one is offering even a understandable answer to any of our problems. It should not have to be vote for the lesser of 2 evils. I think they should allow as many people to run and not just 1 person per party. What if everyone who started this was going to be on the election ballot. who do you think would win?
just a thought!

48. atlanta1 | 10.29.08

the obama campain has made its stance clear from day 1 to your face they say how dare you question anything we do you must b racist then they run and plant adds everywhere saying mccains too old agism or palin cant do the job shes just a pretty girl sexism they attack her on behalf of her husband and the investigation then say you cant talk about michelle spouces are off limits its attack attack how dare you say anything against me and then attack some more they called her a racist for saying obama has ties with a terrorist which he does

49. Brian | 10.29.08

Jim, how is this a harsh or effective ad? I think the ad just falls flat, because I think the American people recognize that Sarah Palin has single handedly led Alaska to record state surplus revenues. The ad does not have any narrative or even scary music, so it fails completely. McCain says that he would rely on his VP for economics, and that choice is Sarah Palin. How is this harsh? Shouldn’t your analysis conclude that Obama’s ad is an epic failure or is this blog just another sly, sexist putdown of Sarah Palin.

Please explain.

50. Louie | 10.29.08

Of course the ad is fair: McCain’s choice of Palin as VP candidate was absurd on many levels, first among them her ignorance and inexperience related to nearly every national issue.

The ad does not attack women, or Palin as a woman–it attacks McCain’s judgment.

Wow, how refreshing to see Republicans discover feminism!

Too bad they didn’t cherish these values when their loony supporters were “beating the daylights” out of Hillary Clinton for the past 20 years. But what do McCain/Palin policies offer women aside from the forced delivery of incest babies and the opportunity to pay for their own rape kits?

O’Reilly says, “If you don’t like her, don’t vote for her. But you don’t have to beat the living daylights out of her. If you don’t like her, don’t vote for her. But knock it off…”

Does that apply to every candidate, Bill, or just the one that’s costing your party the election?

Does this mean one cannot critique a woman candidate as robustly as a male one?

Perhaps it simply means that O’Reilly is a hypocrite, and is protesting the fact that the American people have made up their own minds about Palin–and their take is a strongly critical one.

As for the wink: She chose to use it over and over in the debate.

Live by the wink, die by the wink.

51. Ruth Patrick | 10.29.08

This message is not directed at Sarah Palin’s intellect but at her lack of expertise in economics. Her degree is in journalism. How does McCain justify that choice regardless of gender? Obama is letting the facts speak for themselves.

52. Nixon | 10.29.08

What a bunch of whiny little crybabies. THAT ad is too tough?? Are you kidding me? After everything the Republicans threw at Obama in the last few weeks, and you think THIS ad is the one to single out as too tough?

Take Hillary Clinton’s advice (as she was played on SNL) and GROW A PAIR!!

You won’t even have the courage to post this submission.

53. Jeff | 10.29.08

I’ve got Palin-fatigue.

54. Alyson Love | 10.29.08

I think you’re correct when you say that the ad targets McCain’s decision to select running mate Sarah Palin. I disagree with the notion that it is a shot squarely at Sarah Palin’s intelligence. It’s a question . .. do you think McCain made a wise choice given his lack of expertise on the economy? Does she help him out there? And it definitely winks at the polls which say most people do NOT think it was a wise choice. The ad exploits the misgivings, the uncertainty that is already out there. But the ad says nothing about intelligence. It doesn’t mock her. It kinda mocks McCain, no? That’s how I read it.

55. Eileen A. | 10.29.08

Completely fair. It’s not about her being a woman, it’s about her not being ready. If you can’t stand the heat, . . .

56. Rachel | 10.29.08

Welcome to the world of politics. Woman or man, the media rains down hard, especially if you give the press as much fodder as Palin has. It’s difficult not picking on someone who is running for the second highest office in America and is as inept, self-righteous and demeaning as Sarah Palin has been. Look how well SNL has been doing with their ratings! People naturally laugh at fools and like it or not, Palin is a big buffoon. During a campaign rally, Palin talked about her earrings, jewelry, clothes and shoes! Now, I hear that one of her best friends has come out with a Sarah Palin calendar and hopes to buy a house with the profit. Palin would have done well to admit to herself in the first place that she is not presidential material and all this mockery would not have been necessary. Laughing at her is just too easy to do.

57. Shripathi Kamath | 10.29.08

Absolutely fair, especially since it is true, and poses the question you, the voter need to consider.

Do you want this incurious, unqualified politician, in charge of anything in the country? Do you want the guy who thinks she was the best candidate to replace him in case of an emergency, to be the President?

58. Renee Nichols | 10.29.08

No one said a word about the vilification when it was aimed at Hillary. Bill O’Reilly led the crowd. So I say turnabout is fair play.

59. AMINLA | 10.29.08

Palin is a big girl. It’s more a disservice to allow women to make harsh criticisms and then crying sexism when the tables are turned.

60. Cynthia Nast | 10.29.08

As a woman who works hard to be well educated and expert in my field, I feel this ad is fair. It is not an aspersion of Gov Palin’s character or native intelligence, but rather that she is not an expert in the economy as it relates to national matters. She has not had the years of study on the issues that Sen Obama has had, yet she might be president in as little as 3 months if Sen McCain wins and then dies from a heart attack. I find her lack of knowledge on the broad range of issues facing us today is relevant.

61. nic | 10.29.08

The double standard in this post is unbelievable. So it’s okay to create false “associations” and “discuss” them, but it’s not okay to question a candidate’s comprehension of domestic issues?

Your hypocrisy in mind-blowing. I’m sorry, Palin is way out of her league at the national political level, and it has nothing to do with the fact she has a vagina. Way to sound like a bunch of whiny, liberal dorks.

62. Kathleen M. Grover | 10.29.08

This is a fair ad. It puts no words in Ms. Palin’s mouth. It does not distort her ability, her education or anything else. Ms. Palin is shown making a speech during which she chose to wink–it’s not like the Gerald Ford tripping photo or a mis-spoken or mis-spelled word (think Quayle). I agree with the statement in the article that women are being adversely impacted by this election–but to a large extent Sarah Palin is responsible for that. She has demonstrated over and over and over again that she is not qualified for the position. I admire her for choosing to give birth to a Downs syndrome child and for trying to spend as much time with her kids as she can; however, she is not qualified for the job of vice president and her history in Wasilla and Juneau is appalling.
Just because she’s an attractive woman doesn’t mean she’s qualified. Just because she’s female doesn’t mean women should vote for her.

63. Alice | 10.29.08

It is entirely fair to question a potential vice-president’s ability to lead on economic policy. How is that a smear?

64. Josephine the Plumber | 10.29.08

I don’t ever recall seeing articles calling for the media and opponents to refrain from personal comments about Hillary, Condaleeza, Janet Reno or Margaret Thatcher. Why is Palin exempt?

And why not then declare a moratorium on personal attacks on men? We’re pretty selective, it seems, about what we consider sexist. It’s sexist if we aren’t supported for public office. It’s also sexist if, once we’re there, we’re subjected to the same treatment as men?

As a woman, I respect Sarah Palin enough to think that she can take it as well as McCain or Obama. I’m calling for equal treatment of all candidates.

An aside: I suspect that the “cute factor” might be at work. A coworker who supports Obama nevertheless confesses that when Palin winks, he thinks it’s adorable. Yuck.

65. Cat | 10.29.08

The ad is fair as can be. We do not need a beauty queen who trades on feminine charms as the Vice President and very possibly the President of this country.

Forget this “respect her ‘cuz she’s female” line. When did that hypocrit Bill O’Reilly get all hot and bothered about the sexist treatment of Senator Clinton? Hmmm… don’t recall that. Now, there is a woman of substance, an educated, strong woman, who had more than earned resepct. Nut *******, the right called her. Put her down for her looks. Heck, put her DAUGHTER down for her looks.

Palin is unqualified, it’s that simple. McCain’s choice of her was sheer pandering to the GOP base, whose disregard for women extends to letting them die in back alleys of botched illegal abortions. McCain/Palin would set women’s rights, women’s choices and general respect for women back 60 years or more were she to gain a position of national power.

I do not have to respect her because she shares my gender. The fact that her handlers and supporters have kept her shielded and asked for special treatment of her from the start says all we need to know about how much real respect they have for women.

Maybe she should stop relying on the old nudge nudge, wink wink to win over voters, you betcha, by golly. Then such malarkey wouldn’t make such an easy target.

66. Dan Blake | 10.29.08

After what Joe Biden and other Democrats have done with their economic knowledge and skills, I think I’ll take a chance on Sara Palin.

67. Sungodes | 10.29.08

Very fair so accurate

68. boredofitall | 10.29.08

You could probably read sexism and a general attack on intelligence into this ad. I’m sure the author of this article isn’t alone in his perception.

I didn’t ascribe those motives.
I just wandered off and Googled Palin’s educational background.
One semester of Business Administration.
Graduated in Journalism/Communication with a minor in Political Science.

No economics.

My conclusion: the ad squarely points out McCain’s faulty judgement.

69. JT | 10.29.08

C’mon…it’s a bit of a stretch to say that this is an attack on the Governor’s intelligence. Rather, I think’s it’s an ad that highlights her lack of experience (a topic that I thought was fair game in this election?)This was one of the party’s primary criteria in selecting the second half of the ticket and is accordingly fair game. For a non-partisan article, I find it hard to believe that the writer was equally incensed when Hillary was under media assault. Governor Palin was given a very specific role in the campaign — aggressive attack on the opposition’s character, and that role has led to a sizeable portion of the public becoming disenchanted with her. It’s a tough job, but she’ll recover.

70. Steiner | 10.29.08

I think the add is fair because it makes a fair point. Obama, during the debate, might not have remembered those quotes from McCain. But when you take the quotes, it makes the choice of Palin seem absurd. While there are disagreements over her intelligence, we know for a fact that Palin’s economic knowledge is limited and worse than McCain’s. So why would McCain pick her? Only for votes, not for usefullness.

About whether its unfair…I sometimes think it is, but you’ve gotta admit that she does set herself up for it. She’s an incredibly ambitious woman who you can tell wants to be President in the future from the depth of her heart, but she lacks an understanding of key issues such as Global Warming, anything scientific, the economy and foreign policy. She may be able to learn, but it was quite obvious from the interviews that she was a poor pick from McCain. She is simply not ready to be VP. And I think people are more poking fun at the fact that someone as ignorant as her could be running for one of the highest offices in America. It is a joke, and the point they make is fair. So I don’t think they’ve crossed the line yet.

The final point is that I’m beginning to see a nasty side to her character. Maybe I’m being unfair, but I don’t like the volume of lies that come from her mouth, coupled with her abuse of power. Her comments about ‘not blinking’ scare me, and her mockery of research into fruit flies (Drosophila) reveals her ignorance.

71. mavisdarling | 10.29.08

First let me remind you that Palin made rape victims pay for their own exams in Wasilla. Palin is NOT a feminist, she couldn’t care less about any woman but HERSELF, and most women don’t like her. She panders to men using her sex appeal. Some feminist!

Secondly, if Big Bad Sarah had her way, there would be race riots all over this country by now. She is TOTALLY racist and xenophobic; she has a simple mind that is ruled by whatever she thinks God tells her, and she has no idea the kind of hatred she stirs up. So, if she wants to run with the big dogs and do all that trash-talkin’ herself, she needs to take her licks.

The ad is relevant. It’s not some horrendous, vicious ad. It’s right on the money and Sarah deserves it. She is a hypocrite and a narcissistic liar. The Queen of Denial. The Queen of Denali!! I think the ad is pretty mild compared to some of HER attacks. This ad isn’t a harsh attack AT ALL! Not even! It’s TRUTHFUL! Get it? *wink* *wink*

I have noticed that the ones who think she is being unfairly attacked are MEN!! Wah, wah wah. Your wittle baby Sarah-kins prissy foo-foo is getting attacked. Wah wah. Boo hoo. Poor wittle Sarah.

72. Keeler | 10.29.08

She may be a legitimate political leader but the issue here is that she is not a -qualified- political leader.

I’m not sure where people get off assuming that criticism of Sarah Palin is always strictly about bashing women. Some may accept it this way and unfortunately there is no changing their minds, but I find nothing wrong with this ad. The point is very clear.

Some people make take it personally, but the issue all along has been that she is not a qualified VP. It’s that simple.

73. Simfar | 10.29.08

I had not seen the ad, and after reading this article I watched the ad with an open mind, and assumption it would be really harsh… but strangely, I didnt find it that way.

It does not attack Palin directly, its a criticism on Mccain’s judgement to pick her as VP.

Moreover it says in the end, its upto you to decide on 4th november, which is what Obama said in last debate, that american people get to decide this.

74. Steiner | 10.29.08

I think the add is fair because it makes a fair point. Obama, during the debate, might not have remembered those quotes from McCain. But when you take the quotes, it makes the choice of Palin seem absurd. While there are disagreements over her intelligence, we know for a fact that Palin’s economic knowledge is limited and worse than McCain’s. So why would McCain pick her? Only for votes, not for usefullness.

About whether its unfair…I sometimes think it is, but you’ve gotta admit that she does set herself up for it. She’s an incredibly ambitious woman who you can tell wants to be President in the future from the depth of her heart, but she lacks an understanding of key issues such as Global Warming, anything scientific, the economy and foreign policy. She may be able to learn, but it was quite obvious from the interviews that she was a poor pick from McCain. She is simply not ready to be VP. And I think people are more poking fun at the fact that someone as ignorant as her could be running for one of the highest offices in America. It is a joke, and the point they make is fair. So I don’t think they’ve crossed the line yet.

75. Christian Matschke | 10.29.08

Following the campaigns from a European perspective, I am somehow taken aback by your question. The way you describe the ad, I detect mild criticism and, yes, a little mockery. Does this ad push the hate button? I don’t think so. Does it show a lack of respect for Palin because she is a woman? Obviously it does not. I may be mistaken, but hate, over-aggressiveness and unfair attacks seem to be much more common with Republican contributions to this battle. Or am I missing out on something?

Best regards,

C. Matschke

76. Stephen Yeager | 10.29.08

Palin may not deserve the political bashing, but she does not deserve to lead our people. Yes, she brought programs to Alaska (through borrowing and unethical earmarking), but she obviously is not savy to leading the people, ($150,000 for clothing, talking about her jewelry on stump speeches, having her husband attend government meetings, having a daughter with a pregnancy, condemning a bothersome brother-in-law and a host of other troublesome issues). I think Republicans (I R One) are so intent on getting to the White House, that they are missing the point of a great VP… to lead the people. Shame on McCain.

77. Sulaiman Heru | 10.29.08

What was so traumatic about that? It didn’t question her faith, question her parenting or call her out of her name. What’s the big deal? All politicians have skeletons in the closet, you’ve just got to clean house before you run for one of the highest offices in the land. The proof is in the pudding as they say and nov.4th will tell all.

78. Peto | 10.29.08

You can’t blame Obama for the totally unqualified VP selection John McCain made. Barack would be doing us an injustice if he didn’t ask us to consider wehter S Palin is really qualified. After all the mud the other ticket has slung — this add is nothing but pointing out the obvious.

79. Purl Gurl | 10.29.08

Jimmy Orr asks, “Fair ad or not?”

Well, duh! No, Obama’s ad is not unfair; his ad is simply a slap across the face of all women of our world.

Mr. Orr, you are asking the wrong question. You should be asking,

“Why is our American mainstream media of such a misogynistic nature?”

I would think you would realize this masculine sexist treatment of Hillary Clinton and now of Sarah Palin, both enable and facilitate misogyny. A boy is insulting to a woman, another boy observes, “That’s cool!” He does the same, another boy also, then boys all over are engaging in masculine sexism. This behavior amongst boys is truly pandemic, as if a contagious disease, and misogyny is a disease, a mental disease.

Masculine sexism is not an instinctive trait. Masculine sexism is a learned behavior.

You, Jimmy Orr, are an important player in our American mainstream media. Why are you not jumping up and down and loudly protesting all this rabid misogyny? I do not hear your voice out there in all this ruckus.

Look at your own media. Hillary and her pant suits! Sarah and her red high heels! Have not you noticed Obama is one of the worst dressed men of America? He almost always wears a black suit and white shirt. You know what is really annoying? Obama takes off his black suit coat, rolls up his white dress shirt sleeves then acts like of the working class boys! The man has no callus upon his hands.

Obama looks like a Nineteen-Fifties old spinster dresses him each day.

Why are you boys of the American mainstream media not commenting on Obama’s fashion?

Mr. Orr, you are asking the wrong question. You should be asking,

“Why is masculine sexism still pandemic during these modern times?”

Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation

80. dutch weismann | 10.29.08

Oh, shut up! The woman is a manipulative media dragon toting a eunuch husband and that poor kid around like props - SHE did this to herself - WE didn’t attack some politico with no reason. Awww - poor Sarah - ‘bs’Ms. Bloodworth, this isn’t about “women”…this is the ROVE / SCHNEIDER machine at work for pity and GOP votes. Rick Davis isn’t even bright enough to come up with this angle - and awww, it’s working! But what about US if the old geezer chokes ono a hot dog? Poor little $35 wedding ring then? Sarah then? Ha! No POOR US…

81. Dave | 10.29.08

Fair add. This is poilitics, has allways been poilitics, and nothing will change. Nothing has been an attack on Palins intelegance, but on her wisdom. Nothing a bunch of talking heads say on the matter will change that.

What the heck does women being raped have to do with it. Are they saying that if we don’t vote Palin, we support rape, where’s the logic is that?

Palin has had a few words to say about Obama, but since he’s a man, now it’s o.k.? I point out that she said “The Vice Prez gets to control the Senate.” Just like she thought the mayor gets to control what books are on the library shelves. She fired Wasila’s librarian when the woman disagreed. Took her lively hood, her source of food. Why? Palin throws tizzy fits. She has proven not to be more then a spoiled brat and a superstar at once. Her political career needs to end now. Not in a flashing ball of fire, but in a splat and nothing more. Fair Add.

82. mstpag8r | 10.29.08

you all are getting upset over this ad; however no one voiced this kind of malcontent when sen. mc cain called obama “that one”; which is and always has been seen as a derogatory slant at minorities……suck it up. Did yall say alls fair in love and war? well this is the war of love…..love of this country and all the people residing within.

83. Eric | 10.29.08

This is just plain sad. Palin is a sorry excuse for a candidate. I don’t care if she is from Mars, or Venus as the case may be. SHE IS A HORRIBLE VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. McCain pandered to his base and tried to sucker Hillary supporters.

I am utterly speechless that you apparently clueless individuals think this ad is a SLAM. Give. Me. A. Break. Have you not been watching the same ads I have?

Palin says Obama pals around with terrorists and stokes fears that if a black man is elected that “the blacks” will get their payback. And you choose to call this ad a slam? You are totally, absolutely, 100% clueless.

I got news for you - Palin does NOT deserve my respect. And I am not going to give it to her. But good luck with this line of thinking.

It’s really sad what America has become. As totally evidenced by the McCain/Palin campaign. What a total farce.

84. Sungodess | 10.29.08

Why was not harsh fo her when she was blah blah about Obama for two full months???

Double standard may be???

85. karen pizzolato | 10.29.08

HORRIBLE ….

86. Kate Alexander | 10.29.08

This ad does not rip Sarah Palin, it merely makes you wonder in what way she might be qualified under the terms John McCain himself set out.

A perfectly reasonable question.

87. Michelle - CO | 10.29.08

Why is that Sarah Palin can’t be touched? This is not just anybody, this is a person after the second highest office in the country, and a heartbeat away from being first in command. I am woman who is tired of hearing other woman cry “sexism in politics” because Sarah Palin’s qualifications have come into question. I’m sorry, but I don’t want a VP who thinks its acceptable to wink at the camera during a national debate. Anyone choosing to go into to politics is fair game, just because she is a woman doesn’t mean she’s untouchable. She certainly has not curbed her tongue about the opposition. Palin spews lies daily. I am glad Obama is finally attacking the other side, afterall they have been unashamedly bashing him for weeks.
Side note - I was Republican, but my vote will got to Obama on November 4th.

88. Winthorpe Jones | 10.29.08

After reading your article, I thought I was about to see an ad that’s quite critical of Palin. Imagine my surprise when not only was there literally no criticism of her, there was no exposition of her at all.

The ad reminds the viewer that McCain might be short on knowledge of economic issues and may need to rely heavily for it on his Vice President, and points out that Palin was his VP selection. It’s left up to the viewer to decide whether Palin was a good choice to meet that demand, and nothing else about her is stated or implied in the ad.

Did you accidentally present the wrong Obama ad to go with the article?

89. Don Patchin | 10.29.08

He doesn”t Know about ecominics….. what about the Keating Five?????? answer that.

90. C. Bautista | 10.29.08

I find it rather questionable to play the women’s rights card, bringing up scenarios of rape and attack, when Palin’s political career has a history of aggravating the very cases you hold out. Check out the facts — Wasilla, while Palin was mayor, charged sexual assault victims for their own rape kits. True, she did not begin the policy, but she was undoubtedly aware of it. As a person who is against the day after pill which is included in the kit, she chose to discourage women from reporting their own rape cases with a thousand dollar fee for the kit. She is also vehemently anti-choice, even in cases of rape and incest for underage victims. As a woman who strongly supports the rights of other women, do not play the feminist card in defence of Sara Palin. Women should be united, and if it is criticism of a fundamentalist female politician who promises them worse than nothing, let the conversation continue.

91. Albert | 10.29.08

Right on target! How can McCain choose this woman as a credible running mate? 1 in 6 chances that McCain does not survive 4 years…
I will vote for inteligence anytime!
Albert

92. paul | 10.29.08

It’s amazing that Palin is mocked for some of the things she’s said, when Biden say’s stupid things daily and people just ignore it! There is a mannequin dressed up like Palin hanging with a rope around it’s neck in West Hollywood and the police won’t make the homeowner take it down. Google the story. What would happen if it were Obama? The people would be in jail for a hate crime. This election has done more to damage race relations than anything I can think of in a long time. The reverse racism is disgusting, and appalling.

93. Gloria | 10.29.08

This amaze me; Obama has been somewhat shy about commenting on Palin until now. He too is entitled to his opinion of her and he made a statement. But how unfair is it for Palin to speak negatively about Obama, Michelle and the Democrats and it’s all politics. Should Palin not be mentioned because she’s a woman. Is it fair to call Obama a muslin, and accuse him of being unqualified, but you can’t mention Palin and all the bloopers she’s made. Palin set the stage for the media to attack her and all is fair in Politics right? Obama didn’t make the rules, he just play by them and Don’t give it if you can’t take it!!!

94. jane gordon | 10.29.08

Give me a break, this is not mockery, trashing, or disrespecting. McCain did those things to ME, when he selected Ms Palin as his running mate. What could he be thinking? What choice did he leave me? This has nothing to do with the misogyny that we’ve seen elsewhere, starting back with Hillary. The question Obama ad is posing is this: Can we trust our country to someone as ill-informed as Sarah Palin (or Joe Sixpack)? There is a difference between ill-informed and stupid. That is the question being asked of voters in this ad. This is not a smear or attack ad.

95. RapidRon | 10.29.08

Sure, sure–say ‘enough is enough’ and to ’stop it now’…

Why doesn’t McCain or Palin ever relent on their accusations and racially motivated speech and misinformation spreading? How come no one is telling them to ’stop it’. It is a part of politics, unfortunately, but for people to put such blame on the Obama campaign for releasing 1 commercial, you would have to be ignorant of the hundreds of commercials and comments of similar type released by the McCain/Palin ticket. Not only that, but Palin continuously makes misleading and hate-mongering speech at her rallies, smiling broadly when shouts of ‘kill’, ‘terrorist’ and ’socialist’ are screamed, regarding Obama.

No, don’t try to portray this woman as a victim now, because it is not only laughable, but offensive itself that she should be able to do all that she does, while due to this commercial you would run to defend her. I am of the opinion that the commercial portrays Palin as a mouth-piece and gimmick this campaign and NOT of the opinion that it is making her out to be an idiot from her brief portrayal. If you are of the latter opinion, you should check yourself that you aren’t simply looking for a reason to sensationalize this. That’s damn offensive to the intelligences of the American people who have been watching all the negativity from her, and really shows a lack in any semblance of fairness.

All and all, Palin has been attacked by many as a lying, zealous, and substance-less hate-monger on the campaign trail, incompetent in her inability and refusal to answer simple questions on policy. To say that the brunt of this rally against her is sexist is the creating of the most brittle of straw men. Go sensationalize something that actually makes sense.

96. friendorfoe24 | 10.29.08

I think that this article has some good points and some bad. Sarah Palin has taken a lot of verbal abuse this presidential campaign, but at the same time, Hillary Clinton was running and a lot of these same people felt that it was ok to say similar things. I feel that if you step into the spotlight of a national campaign, you should be prepared to have your past pulled out and things you say taken out of context. I feel that Sarah Palin is being put to the test in the same way any president or presidential candidate would be, with news and scandals and skits that make fun of them. It’s unfair to expect anyone to take it easy on a woman just because she’s running, I think that’s sexism in its own right. Sarah Palin is an example for sure, and she can stand up to all of this. I think that she’s doing an excellent job dealing with it and I don’t think anyone should take it easy on a woman just because she’s a woman.

97. Ryan | 10.29.08

How can anyone say it isn’t sexist? Of course it is. Debate on the issues, not these cheap ad hominen attacks. It is totally unfair.

98. Adam | 10.29.08

wah wah wah. So if the obama campaign points out that mccain is going to rely on palin for economic experience (which she has little of), this is sexist? And since when do we respect political leaders we disasgree with? Has anyone seen the (albeit deserved) hate on GW? I’m sure you have all said something negative about him but ooooo he’s a man so he can take it. If anything, people like that are sheltering her from reality. it has nothing to do with her being a woman. If a man did every stupid thing she did, he’d be called out on it and everyone would hop on the bandwagon. How about some actual equality?

99. Bonnie | 10.29.08

I saw the ad this morning and I didn’t think it was supposed to reflect on her intelligence at all. The ad (to me) made the point that McCain has a weakness (understanding the economy) that he planned to shore up with an experienced VP. Sarah Palin is not experienced in this area, so the GOP ticket is still woefully undermanned (or womanned) when it comes to repairing the damage done to our economy. The wink just underscores to me how McCain/Palin will simply continue down the economic path Bush laid - they have not articulated a real plan for dealing with this mess.

100. joe | 10.29.08

We want women in politics but we want them treated like saints. Stay out of politics if you want to be treated with respect.

101. Jon Humphrey | 10.29.08

I think Sarah Palin is a pretty smart woman. Just as I think Hillary is also.

Hopefully there will come a day when a woman will be President. Just as I imagine Barack Obama will most likely be our first black President.

It’s unfortunate to see all the woman bashing and race bashing. I would hope in the 21st Century we could be more sophisticated than cavemen.

102. Monica | 10.29.08

Yes, Palin has been beaten up by the media, however consider this…if they didn’t have the ammo they would have less opportunities to slam her. As for the “woman” issue, please recount for me how many Dan Quayle jokes we heard in his day? Palin may have done well in Alaska and as I woman I would love to see a Female in office, however I will take experience and knowledge over gender anyday. I just don’t think she is qualified to be in the White House. Maybe in a few terms, but not now. Don’t worry ladies our day will come.

103. Roger | 10.29.08

Yes, that’s a fair ad. Perhaps Palin does deserve more respect for what she’s accomplished, but that does NOT make her qualified to be President of the United States. McCain made the mistake of choosing a running mate that was an obvious attempt at taking in Hillary Clinton’s supporters. Palin is pretty, she’s personable and folksy. And she is singularly unqualified to hold the highest political office on Earth.

104. Tyler | 10.29.08

I think the majority of digs at Palin are less about the fact that she is a woman and more that she is unqualified and quite naive. It likely wouldn’t matter if she was a man, woman, giraffe, or butter knife, the jabs at her would be the same.

In fact, many of the things that people are saying about Palin, are things that people have said, or at the minimum thought, about George W. Bush as well. There seems to be more people wanting to attach gender to the jabs, than there is actual gender included in the jabs.

105. Fellene | 10.29.08

This ad is not ‘harsh’. And it does not slam Ms. Palin. It is all about McCain. Get over it.

106. barbara haberecht | 10.29.08

Sarah Palin should be judged as a candidate for vice president
regardless of her race or gender. The Obama campaign makes a valid point,
neither Palin or McCain has shown real insight or leadership on
economic issues.

107. Tyler | 10.29.08

Awesome, I wonder what took so much time to bring this ad out.

108. Eric Fournier | 10.29.08

I disagree with this article. There is nothing wrong with the Obama ad. The choice of Sarah Palin was a big strategic mistake. That has nothing to do with the fact that she’s a woman. She has clearly appeared unqualified, unprepared, and unfit for the job at several occasions. Again, that has nothing to do with the fact that she’s a woman. And it has even less to do with the tragic situation of women in this country today. Very poor connections there.

109. Mike Hunt | 10.29.08

What is so harsh about this ad? Nothing is said about Palin. She’s not called un-American, a socialist or accused of “palling around with terrorists.”

The ad doesn’t mention her bridget to nowhere flip flopping, her brutal policy against rape victims, her doubts as to whether climate change is caused by human activity, her nasty, semi-racist campaign rallies….the ad says nothing.

If you think it’s offensive, then it’s your mind that’s in the gutter. All the Obama campaign said is, given what McCain admits are his weakenesses (economic), does Gov. Palin fit the bill: you be the judge?

Funny how the McCain/Palin campaign can literally accuse Obama of being a threat to America but if the Obama campaign asks the audience to judge whether Palin is a counterbalance to McCain’s admitted weaknesses, all in a sudden it’s a “harsh ad.”

Pathetic.

110. Marlin McDarragh | 10.29.08

This campaign ad is effective and to the point. And her disingenuous wink is perfect. The ad could easily have been much harsher on McCain/Palin. Not only are both of them woefully unprepared and inappropriate to lead this country, Palin is an embarrassment to those of us that have a reasonable education. She does however have a very appealing message to the limited mental reasoning capacities of the Christian Right and moose-hunters throughout this great land. McCain/Palin - soon to be just a minor and curious historical footnote.

111. M. R. Dilts | 10.29.08

Absolutely a fair ad. Ms. Palin is turning up the heat on Mr. Obama and this is just compensation. She needs to EARN respect like anyone else. It is the other side of the double standard when a female candidate uses her gender as an excuse for being ignorant and uninformed. If she had a Y chromosome no one would be making excuses for her complete ineptitude and lack of qualifications. Think Dan Quayle! This has nothing to do with violence against women - that argument is an obvious and deliberate red herring.

112. Bill Ross | 10.29.08

This is unfair. She deserves respect - like her or not.

113. Cat | 10.29.08

I think it is a fair ad.

It simply repeats 3 quotes from John McCain and asks the viewer about his choice - period. It is designed to make the viewer think. Nothing wrong with that.

Yes, Palin has been given a hard time - but she is applying for a very important office. It is right to ask the voters to think about this major issue.

I am a woman - and I would expect to take flack if I didn’t do my job properly or well. I don’t expect favours from anyone.

In previous jobs, I have had security duties, some of which included the protection of high ranking officials as well as the public in an area normally reserved for men. I did my job well and got respect from my peers for doing so. If I had slipped up (not removing a knife from someone for example), then I think I deserve to be dumped on. In return, I expect high standards from others. I will not use the excuse that I am a woman in order to get an easy ride.

The only thing I would say is that the effigy issue is stepping over the line a little bit and I don’t agree with that. If you wouldn’t do that to Obama, then you shouldn’t do that to Palin.

However, everyone has the right to criticise if they feel that someone is not up to the job and say why. It is fair to point out genuine weaknesses that could jeopardise everyone else.

114. average american | 10.29.08

Why was it all right for the right wingers to rip Hilary Clinton apart but all of the sudden it’s hands off Palin. Sarah Palin has brought a lot of the disrespect upon herself by hiding from the media. The rare times she did interviews she came off as unknowledgeable and ignorant of national, political, and international issues. The people and the news media can only know and judge a person by familiarity with that person. She has not made herself available to the media in a way that is expected of someone who wants to be the Vice President of the United States. Don’t hide and then cry because people might have the wrong impression of you. The media are the eyes and ears of the people. Use them Sarah. Don’t hide from them.

115. R Greene | 10.29.08

She may be a lot of things, but an expert on economic issues she is not. In a time of prosperity she left behind a deficit in Wasilla. She has never been made to make any really difficult choices of a financial nature. By McCain’s own standards, she was not and is not the right person to be VP. This choice showed McCain remains a tool of the extreme wing of his party. Other than Romney or Rudy, the obvious choices if economics was the hole to fill, Gov Palin was pretty much one of the most untested of all his choices. It’s not a woman thing, it’s a reality thing.

116. Greg Nelson | 10.29.08

While I don’t approve mocking Palin, I think the point of this ad is that we are living with a troubled economy and that though McCain admits he doesn’t know much about economics, he did not choose someone as a running mate who brings that kind of experience. If he had chosen, for example, Meg Whitman or Carly Fiorina as his running mate, there would be no such ad — it has nothing to do with Palin’s being a woman.

117. Maargen | 10.29.08

As a woman, I do not beleive that women should be treated differently than men. I remember the lack of respect shown to John Kerry during his Preseidential campaign. I see disrespect and mockery of G.W. Bush constantly. I’ve seen and heard many lies and disrespectful comments about Barack Obama. Why is it that it is only the disrespect toward Sarah Palin that is so decried? If she were qualified for the position she was seeking, she would be accorded as much respect as Hilary Clinton. Palin supporters need to stop pretending that they think she is being disrespected because she is a woman. They know very well she is disrespected because she is unqualified.

118. Kevin Elliott | 10.29.08

I come from a country that was the first on earth to give woman the vote, I have been in USA for 2 years and do not have the right to vote. Frankly I am so surprised at your political ways it sadens me that America is selling itself as the leader of the “Free” world. You have a wonderful turning point in your history that should be celebrated. You finaly have the opertunity to join other democracies in the world that celbrate people on their merits not the color of their skin or the sex they were born. You have some good people who have a tough Job, they have different thoughts on how to get there. Frankly I was having fun watching a so called democracy trump up a “Free” election, but now have become very dissalussioned with what I have seen. All the candidates have lost a lot of peoples trust. The woman of this country should be outraged that they have been flung into a pre Iron Jawed Angels era where their opinions, concerns and ambitions have somehow been margianlised by one parties political ambitions. Each race group should be outraged at how they are gouped and classified into groups: Black people for Obama, White guys for Mc Cain, Hispanics for Obama. Surely it does not matter these peoples origins we should be concerned with creating policy for America not deviding the country inot groups. Saddly Obama (my candidate) has proved to be as bad as Mc Cain. He has devided the country down some pretty hard lines, it will only make the job harder on the other end. What bugs me is that niether of these men care about running the country (or sleeping in the bed they made), all they want is power. Sadly they have made a mockery of over 50% of the population, woman. All woman should be outraged that everything they fought for is being lost. Woman got the vote in USA decades after anyone else including black people, they have fought hard as a group to earn respect and now Obama and his party is making all woman look like they should stay at home in the kitchen. I say woman should not just give him their vote. If all woman voted for the independants where would these 2 power junkeys be.

I am proud of my American wife, she has done better in bussiness than me, has a better education than me and earns more than me. She is raising a family and holds her self to standards better I. So damn you Obama and your minions for degrading woman, you had so much support and if you would just shut up and do your job without degrading people you would have respect. But you are a woman hater my friend and it will come back to haunt you. Do you deserve the trust of America?

119. Bill | 10.29.08

Palin is vastly more qualified to be VP than is Obama to be POTUS. She has heldpjobs where she had to make take responsibility for her decisions and didn’t get to vote “present.” She has an open track record and has not sealed her records.

120. Jon | 10.29.08

I think it’s a subtle message that reinforces already held beliefs. She’s reading her talking points, looks up, and winks. It says nothing about her intelligence, it’s simply a clip. If you have doubts in her, it would make you remember her previous performance. If you have confidence in her, you might not understand the message.

With everything she’s been saying about the Obama camp, with its alleged ties to terrorists and socialism, you would think this very quiet ad would be relatively unnoticed. I think the media has let up on Palin since the excitement over Tina Fey and the subsequent parodies.

121. Jeanne | 10.29.08

I think the ad is fair.The mockery of Sarah Palin is not because she is a woman, but rather that she is totally unqualified to be a heartbeat away from being President. There are many Republican women who were better qualified to be chosen as a running mate, women who would not have to be coached on every issue and I doubt they would been treated the way she has been. Most Americans don’t think she is qualified to step into the Presidency and I think she should have had the intelligence to realize this herself.

122. Mavis Mathews | 10.29.08

I’m voting for Obama, and Palin’s divisive comments like “one of us” really bug me, BUT Sarah Palin is a woman and she has made it to become governor of state.

Women are jealous and men are turned on. Let’s be honest. She has a lot going for her.

You go, girl.

123. Ely | 10.29.08

Regardless of her gender, she has been put forth in a very dishonest way. With no press conferences at which to question her on the many topics that should be explored, we’re left with nothing more than a caricature. She has bathed herself in hypocrisy and seems to have a less than firm grasp of factual reality. That is not a comment on her as a woman any more than it is a comment on her as someone that wears glasses or as a Caucasian. Put forth a qualified, intellectually-curious VP, male or female, or expect to be torn apart. Didn’t Palin herself say Hillary needing to toughen up and not hide behind the fact that she’s a woman? Palin has been nothing more than a gimmick designed to pander to the far right, the ones that rely on ‘faith’ instead of logic. They have ‘faith’ in her. The rest of us have to look at her logically and then wake up screaming in the middle of the night with nightmares of her sitting in the Oval Office.

124. Kevin | 10.29.08

I think criticizing the credentials of a, frankly, marginally educated woman is fair game. This comes from a man who was raised by a single mom and believe women do not receive the respect they should and is completely intolerant of sexism. However, Palin rubbed my wrong from day one when she trivialized the work of community organizers in one of her first addresses to the nation. She has been found to have engaged in unethical behavior, appeared to believe there should be no proximity between questions and answers as shown in the VP debate, couldn’t name a news publication she reads, couldn’t name a supreme court ruling with which she disagreed, has a narrow minded energy policy, believes there should be no exceptions made for abortions in the case of rape or incest, etc… So, do I think there is merit in a precise critique of this woman? Or, do I think she does more to hurt than help womens’ rights? You betcha!

125. Mavis Mathews | 10.29.08

I’m voting for Obama, and Palin’s divisive comments like “one of us” really bug me, BUT Sarah Palin is a woman and she has made it to become governor of a state.

Women are jealous and men are turned on. Let’s be honest. She has a lot going for her.

You go, girl.

126. ReplicanEqual | 10.29.08

All I have to say is that I see Palin being attacked as a politician, not as a woman. If it is too much for her, then she is running in the wrong race.
I personnaly feel those women complaining about this being about sexism are the ones playing the gender card.
The McCain campaign is not pulling any punches in regards to attacking candidate Obama. Why should the candidate Palin be treated any different?
The problem as I see is the VP elect governor of Alaska is not prepared to be the VP in regards to true experience or skills. I have not seen any of the attacks commenting about her sex.
So everyone who is saying that the campaign adds should lighten up are definitely not doing women a favour in trying to prove they are just as tough as the men they are competing with.
And it has nothing to do with her sex (which I share) that has taken my vote away from the republican party and put me in the undecided and maybe sitting this one out. If I do vote tho, it will not be for Palin.

127. Toby | 10.29.08

Not being a woman, I can’t claim to feel an impact on my femininity from this latest attack on Palin. But I do not feel that this attack in particular has anything to do with Palin’s womanhood, but rather her leadership abilities.

The same cannot be said of other attacks launched in this campaign by, and against, both sides. For example, calling John McCain erratic is not necessarily calling him old, but I believe its an attack specifically designed to raise that thought in people’s heads. In the same light, saying Barack Obama ‘pals around with terrorists’ is not calling him a terrorist per se, but I believe it is a calculated line designed to remind people of Obama’s foreign heritage and minority status.

As far as Palin goes, some of the attacks regarding, for example, her wardrobe or her personal mannerisms (winking, etc.), may be designed to raise doubts about her being a woman. This latest ad, though, despite being harsh, doesn’t deride anything but her capability as a politician.

128. RB | 10.29.08

Sure, this is a fair ad. Our country is in a significant economic crisis. We need a President and Vice President who are trustworthy, educated and surrounded by educated people, to name a few of the requirements. Not someone who has been found to be in violation of a state law (troopergate) and has the audacity to say that the report found “nothing unlawful.”

Sure, there may be sexist folks who have put Palin under a different microscope than if she were a man. But consider this: what if Barack Obama paraded five children across the stage, following the debate, including a three month-old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter? Or met his wife in a bar and had a long affair while still being married to someone else? You don’t think there are millions of Americans who will not vote for him simply because of his race?

She is being scrutinized because she is taking on the 2nd highest office in our country.

129. G from NJ | 10.29.08

I agree that ‘bashing’ Palin should be off limits! Politically, I do not agree with her, however she dos not deserve to be disrespected. I believe the McCain campaign ‘pimped’ her by not allowing her to speak and showcase who and what she believes. This created the ‘ripple’ effect for media and America to jump on the bandwagon and do the same!

130. Dorman Shindler | 10.29.08

While it’s not good to compare one “wrong” to another, this ad doesn’t begin to breach the territory of meaness, lies and hate entered into by the Republican campaign, including words still spoken by Sarah Palin herself. And Bill O’Reilly is the LAST person who should set himself up as spokes person on how to be kind or behave in a civilize manner (anyone who has watched his show for more than a minute knows that). As Harry Truman once said: if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

131. scott johnson | 10.29.08

What a mockery you have made of the term “non-partisan”! This is nothing more than a thinly-veiled attack on Obama, using the age-old strategy of claiming that one’s political heroes should not be attacked (or even questioned?) because they “deserve respect”. Yet questioning politicians’ qualifications is the backbone of American democracy.

Are the attacks on Palin truly attacks on all women? If so, are McCains’s attacks on Obama attacks on all Blacks? This is simply ridiculous.

Obama’s advertisement is, to my mind, absolutely fair - it doesn’t take quotes out of context, but simply asks voters to decide if Palin was the right choice to support McCain’s ignorance with respect to economic issues. Just because Obama discussed Palin briefly in the third debate does not mean that she is now off-limits. He doesn’t say anything bad about her in the ad. Obama’s answer, despite what you claim, has not changed since the third debate - there, as in the ad, he asks voters to make up their own minds.

Maybe you should think about paying more attention to McCain’s unrelenting negative smear campaign.

132. Jeff Hudson | 10.29.08

The ad isn’t questionable. It is factual. It quotes McCain, and it shows Gov. Palin in typical form, winking and presumably droppin her g’s to make her anti-intellectual, folksy points.

The Obama campaign has been remarkably constrained given the tenor of McCain and Palin, who tolerate and arguably encourage their supporters to yell words like “terrorist” and “socialist” - who continue to repeat lie after lie in their stump speeches - who continue to practice the politics of division.

Good riddance on Nov. 4. And I hope Gov. Palin makes another run in 2012 against a qualified Republican candidate like Kay Bailey Hutchison or even Libby Dole. What, indeed, has happened to the Party of Lincoln? The Party of Ideas? The Party of Freedom?

133. Toby | 10.29.08

Not being a woman, I can’t claim to feel an impact on my femininity from this latest attack on Palin. But I do not feel that this attack in particular has anything to do with Palin’s womanhood, but rather her leadership abilities.

The same cannot be said of other attacks launched in this campaign by, and against, both sides. For example, calling John McCain erratic is not necessarily calling him old, but I believe its an attack specifically designed to raise that thought in people’s heads. In the same light, saying Barack Obama ‘pals around with terrorists’ is not calling him a terrorist per se, but I believe it is a calculated line designed to remind people of Obama’s foreign heritage and minority status.

As far as Palin goes, some of the attacks regarding, for example, her wardrobe or her personal mannerisms (winking, etc.), may be designed to raise doubts about her being a woman. This latest ad, though, despite being harsh, doesn’t deride anything but her capability as a politician.

134. Bonnie | 10.29.08

The only way women will lose is if Palin gets into the White House. Her beliefs go against all the women in our past who have fought tooth and nail for women’s rights to vote, to choose what to do with their own bodies and to be respected and admired for brains and dignity, as opposed to hair and makeup. She is not qualified to lead our nation. I wouldn’t vote for her to be vice president of my daughter’s elementary school PTA.

135. Rose | 10.29.08

I don’t find the ad offensive. As a woman I would have no problem having a woman as Vice President or President; however, I feel Sarah Palin lacks the education and experience to do the job. This position of leadership should not be taken lightly. I feel that is just what the GOP did when choosing Sarah Palin as a running mate. I believe the GOP was being disrespectful to their party. I have nothing against her being a Governor, she may do that well, but she is not ready to be second in command, let alone first in command. What does she really bring to the table? A wink? I find it ironic that the McCain ads question Obama’s experience. Not sure I understand their point of view on that. Don’t they realize that she has the least amount of experience and education than the others on the ticket. Just my opinion.

136. W. Johnson | 10.29.08

This is a great, highly-effective and perfectly legitimate ad. We’re talking about the person who is next in line to be President of the United States, and Sarah Palin must be judged on her qualifications for that job just like any other candidate, male or female. Ads like this are no more sexist than legitimate criticism of Barack Obama is racist. Palin herself is largely responsible for plunging the election campaign to the low level we see today. When I see and hear the ugly attacks and ridiculous insinuations leveled by Palin herself, I say she deserves to be answered in kind. If anything this ad is directed at John McCain’s judgment and lets Palin off easy.

137. jenny | 10.29.08

I have long pushed woman’s rights. Trying to live my life as an example to my daughters that women’s rights is about equal opportunity for women and freedom of choice. I also lived in the Middle East for 7 years and have witnessed first hand wide spread gender suppression. I do not have to give Sarah Palin my respect just because she is a political candidate just as I do not have to give respect to a male candidate just because he is running for a government office. I give respect to people who deserve it. I have read extensively from many different sources about all the candidates and find Sarah Palin’s positions appalling to me. Gee, she can call Obama a terrorist and condone violent comments during her rallies but please don’t question her intelligence. How more sexist does that sound?

138. Harbinger | 10.29.08

“Women are regularly being raped as they cross the border into the United States.” Really? By whom? “Bloody, broken women haunt the emergency rooms of hospitals.” Let’s see, they enter this country illegally, getting raped along the way, I guess, then haunt the emergency rooms of our hospitals - which they wouldn’t be doing, of course, if they hadn’t been raped. This is absurd to the point of being insane. Our Constitution and fundamentalist religion are like oil and water, nor does science fare any better than the republic in this born again BS. We’ve had eight years of this garbage, and the point is that Ms. Palin is manifestly unfit for the office of U. S. Vice President.

139. Edward | 10.29.08

East-cost and West-coast Democratic States are bankrupt.
Now Democratic party wants to bankrupt the entire country?

140. Frank Simpson | 10.29.08

It’s a completely fair ad and tame compared to the majority of what has come out of the McCain campaign. Sarah Palin hasn’t been shy about using cheap shots and outright dishonesty. In many ways she makes Karl Rove seem like a boy scout. None of the criticism of Palin is an affront to women in general.

141. MizGriz | 10.29.08

Let’s just be honest here, I am a woman and I take offense to the notion that Sarah Palin represents all women. She doesn’t represent me or any of the thousands of women I have met across my lifetime. Unfortunately, she deserves all of the negativity that she receives. She has incited hatred at her rallies, she has attacked Obama mercilessly without merit and she is overwhelmingly unqualified for the position she seeks. I am glad that the media is calling her out on her awful attack dog tactics. Not to mention, she’s the new dog on the block. The media did the same to Obama AND the media did not hesitate to cover the character assault he has endured since she joined the ticket, thereby proliferating it. Please, she is not some little defenseless lady who’s being beat up by the bullying liberal media. After all, she is a self-described pitbull.

142. PJC27 | 10.29.08

After the hateful lies that come from her mouth I think this is pretty damned mild. That woman could use a good back alley beating.

143. Reality Czech | 10.29.08

Look, we’re talking about putting an overconfident ignoramus (one who thinks dinosaurs and cavemen were contemporaries) a 72-year-old heartbeat away from the Presidency. This is not about misogyny, it’s about reality: she is nowhere near qualified to be President. And just incidentally, any feminist (and I am one) who considers putting Sarah Palin in a position to appoint a Supreme Court justice had better be ready to kiss Roe v. Wade goodbye. I, for one, am not. And I, for one, feel no obligation to soft-pedal my criticism of a candidate who repeatedly broadcasts the idea that Barack Obama, a U.S. Senator, consorts with terrorists or that it’s “socialism” to advocate a tax structure that has the rich pay more than the middle class — like the one we already have. She’s a lying, narcissistic moron who should be nowhere near the Oval Office, and that’s a fact.

But to put this item in perspective, just read Mr. Orr’s bio: “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.” ‘Nuff said.

144. Lisa Barber | 10.29.08

Women in politics must be prepared for political and personal jabs, just like men. Women do not need to be “protected”. In fact it is paternalistic to suggest it. If they cannot stand the pressure they should not be in political foray.
That being said, I love the Obama ad!

145. Michael Mazur | 10.29.08

This is nothing. Up here in Canada we have just finished our 3rd election in 4 years and this year’s election was nothing short of cutthroat.

To me this ad just drives the message home. I guess I’m just used to it coming from a country where politicians spend more time accusing each other of scandal and fraud than they do governing our country.

We even had an add this year with an animated bird crapping on the opposition leader’s shoulder as it flew overhead. Now that is too far.

Good luck next week America! Go Obama!

146. Arizona | 10.29.08

The American people will stop pointing out the flaws of the Republican candidates logic as soon as the Republican candidates stop using flawed logic. I expect the Republican supports will do the same in return. However, is it to much to ask that a Presidential candidate act Presidential? Is it to much to ask that someone should be qualified for the position they seek? We have seen the damage affirmative action can do. Let’s not use affirmative action to elect our President.
I would vote for a Presidential candidate that expresses the knowledge and intellect the position requires regardless of age, gender, religion, marital status, race or sexual orientation. The criteria of knowledge and intellect appears to be a reasonable standard to evaluate the candidates by for myself.
Your mileage may vary.

147. CK | 10.29.08

That’s a very polite ad. Too polite. Palin would prove more tragic for this country than Bush if she were to take office after McCain. Country First? McCain sold his country out when he chose this flashy idiot - and all for a few votes.

148. Mike King | 10.29.08

If the ad is “Harsh” it’s only because of the viewer’s perceptions. The statements are fact and not opinion. It’s the obvious conclusion which is “Harsh”.
Logically, if the ad is repulsive or even considered negative it is only because those with that opinion also feel their conclusion as a depreciating illumination of a fact.
Obviously, those who would like to avoid economic expertise ala Palin or worse Pres. Palin, are not the audience offended. The ad is statement of fact with an obvious conclusion.
Those who cry unfair, “Harsh” or negative, need to define why these are valid labels using the purely logical focus preferred by true conservatives. The rebuttal to any valid label claim is that “If one agrees with McCain and feels Palin is adept at national-international economic issues or, barring economic insight, that she would be an excellent choice for President.” - then what’s negative or “Harsh”?
Fellow Americans who plan to vote for McCain, consider this - What happened to straight-talk, a square-deal and a steady hand looking out for the middle-class?
Logically, be very, very honest with yourself - we only have two choices and we are already embarrassed with McCain-Palin - or else the ad would be just fine.

149. David Meyer | 10.29.08

Let’s see. It’s okay to call Obama an Muslim even though it’s clearly false. It’s okay to call him a socialist, even though nothing he has proposed is socialistic. It’s okay to allege that Obama is for sex education for five year olds, even though it’s a lie. But gee golly whiz, don’t say anything about Palin’s qualifications and gross inadequacy because she’s a woman. Something is wrong with this. Clearly the Democratic campaign has been cleaner and more issue oriented than the Republican campaign. And clearly the pit bull has been Palin. So we are just supposed to play nice with her? NOT!

150. Luciano | 10.29.08

Obama is going to win this by a land slide, so I’m not sure what the need is to re-emphasize Palin’s lack of chief executive credentials. No matter what side of the aisle you are on, the majority of people agree that Palin is out of her league and is not up to snuff to take the reins of the presidency.

Personally, I think that Obama may have this fear that the election will be yanked from him somehow; that he will be denied what is rightfully his. Like Chris Rock said once, “When you are black you are always a day late and a dollar short.” Looking at history objectively I can see why he would feel the need to really hammer home his points.

151. Greg Simsar | 10.29.08

I think you’re missing the point regarding the ad, the ad is aimed at McCain’s decision making ability, his ‘choice’ of Palin, not a ‘rip’ of Palin as you put it. It simply suggests Palin is not an expert on the economy - which I think all would agree she is not - so I don’t think its fair to compare this to the other questionable examples you list. But to that point as well - I think the anger directed against Palin stems from her clearly stated criticism that many of us are not ‘real Americans’ or even ‘un-American’ - which are at its root is divisive and actually hateful -whether its coming from a man or a woman. It does not excuse hateful responses to Palin - we all should be better than Palin in that regard - I at least I try to be - but division and hatred beget the same unless we can rise above it.

152. Ariel | 10.29.08

Palin does not deserve our respect just because she is a woman. Respect is earned. Palin’s hypocrisy and divisive statements make people angry. It was Palin dividing the country with her “real America” statements. It was Palin even more than McCain who was “sowing the seeds of hatred and division” reminiscent of segregationist Gov. Wallace that Rep Lewis cautioned about. It was dangerous, irresponsible and deliberate. I do not respect Palin.

153. Bryan | 10.29.08

In general, I don’t like negative advertising and yes, this is somewhat negative. Though you could argue that this is a dig aimed at Palin’s intelligence, I see it more as a message inviting the viewer to draw their own conclusion as to whether the combined Republican ticket has the requisite understanding of economics (obviously, a certain conclusion is suggested).

I agree with Tyler regarding the mockery directed at Palin — it is directed at the person, irrespective of gender. I believe that by now the majority of reasoning Americans have concluded that she lacks the intelligence, experience, and ethics (troopergate, inappropriately charging Alaska for her children’s travel, etc) to be qualified to be the leader of the free world. Being qualified to assume the Presidency is the only critical requirement to be Vice-President. To have the audacity to seek a position of such monumental importance that you are so clearly unqualified for is extraordinarily irresponsible and is deserving of derision.

154. Indiana Voter | 10.29.08

This ad is on point and there is nothing unfair or underhanded about it. It is factual and makes several important points, namely (i) McCain’s recent positions about his qualifications on the economy, (ii) his judgement in choosing advisors to help him out (remember Phil Graham) and (iii) the qualifications and talent (or lackthereof) of those he relies on.

I suggest that the author of this article have a beer and go on a vacation.

155. Jason | 10.29.08

Is the media really mocking Palin because she is a woman? I have read plenty of negative articles about Palin, and to me it appears that the majority are complaining about her actions or public statements. One could argue that showing a picture of Palin winking in this ad is calling attention to the fact that she is a woman as an answer to the question “his choice?”. However, it could equally be argued that the reason she winks in the first place is to inject her looks into the decision-making process for who should be president/vice-president. I believe that if George Bush winked incessantly at the camera, or if Dennis Kucinich kissed Henry Kissinger on the cheek, these actions would get mocked by the press.

156. ts | 10.29.08

I disagree with the premise that the MSM or this ad have done a disservice to women. The ad aims squarely at Palin’s competence to be vice president and McCain’s decision to choose her. I agree, however, that a disservice to women has occurred. Colin Powell and other prominent republicans who’ve argued that Governor Palin is not ready for the VP job are not being sexist or attacking women by pointing this out, and neither is the ad. It is a valid point. It is appropriate for the dems to criticize McCain for choosing a running mate who has given more than ample evidence that she is not ready to be VP. This article blames the messengers and the message. But, in this case women lose because McCain passed on many competent female choices for the position and instead pulled a stunt that backfired - on him and on women. IMHO fault lies with McCain and his campaign - not with the dems or the press (including csmonitor).

157. Davie Maswodza | 10.29.08

Why is it that when people are losing they have a scapegoat , the media. We have heard it before. Enough, just admit that you were outsmarted. If it were the other way, a weak Obama everything will be fine. I smell a rat-Racism.

158. Chris T | 10.29.08

What a crock - she is in politics. She can take pot shots at others but no one can shoot back? In the famous words of Ms. Rosevelt - GROW UP. I dont need a wishy washie wannabe running second place for the most powerful country in the world. If your going to say something, be prepard for the FREEDOM OF THIS COUNTRY to allow us to say if we disagree or not.

Dont give me this “she’s a girl” **** either. I was taught to not hit women, and never have, but that doesnt mean you stand there and let her cut em off.

She chose her profession, she needs to stand up and defend her comments. Right wrong or indifferent those comments might be. You reap what you sow..she deserves everything she gets as she opened the can of worms herself

159. Curt Hill | 10.29.08

There is NOTHING unfair about this ad. I’m voting Obama. From my perspective, anyone who feels creationism should be taught as science and on equal footing as evolution is out of touch with reality (and, I know this view angers alot of people). Further, her advance in Alaska, from what I understand, has come with considerable collateral damage. She frightens me in what I consider to be her ignorance, her apparent vindictiveness and her obvious divisiveness. This has nothing to do with her being a woman. Please let the accusations of sexism rest - they are NOT there!

160. Miller | 10.29.08

The ad is fine. It says nothing derogatory. It leads the viewer to make his or her own judgement. Your article is way off base. As to harming women, McCain hurt them by his choice.

161. Mary | 10.29.08

The ad is fair. This is not about disrespecting women. The ad poses a valid and essential question about McCain’s cynical and reckless choice of a person who might have to take over the office of President one day. And let’s not forget, Palin has used her gender as a mask for her superficial understanding of the world and most of the profoundly important issues facing this country since she first walked onstage, winking and spewing cutesy vitriol. She herself brought up the pitbull with lipstick image….If the message in the ad is delivered in a simple and harsh way, well, that’s the way this game is played, especially since the McCain-Palin campaign reset the rules of the game and dragged the level of discourse down to such a low and frightening level. Since the first toxic innuendos were splashed around by this campaign and picked up so easily by so many people, suggestng that Obama is a ‘pal of terrorists’, a Muslim (and so what if he were?) and all the other sneering, nasty, small-minded and fear-mongering stuff, the Obama campaign has displayed remarkable restraint and dignity. This is not just some of their own medicine - the ad is good and makes a powerful point.

162. George | 10.29.08

I believe the Karl Rove republicans are good at slinging mud, when it comes back at them they start screaming foul. FOX news and the hound dogs lie,cheat, and distort the truth. when the truth catches up to them, they start screaming liberal media. They don’t see my America, they see the America they can sell, if they truly loved they wouldn’t trying to bring it to its knees with a costly war, selling our future to China and Saudi Arabia. America needs to wake up and see what Bush and the Republicans did.

163. Ken | 10.29.08

All is fair here, you live by the sword and you die by the sword. Gov. Palin has made a mockery of the political process with her incessant lies. She stands there as the attack dog smearing her opponent and distorting her record. She goes on and on about Bill Ayers, while she sleeps with a member of a secessionist party that she addressed and endorsed just a couple years ago whose leader condemned the United States in stronger language than Jeremiah Wright. To give her a pass because she is a woman here is pure balderdash. If She were Dan Quayle with her record of corruption spewing the attack lines would we be told to hold back for the sake of the mentally challenged? The real question you should be asking is how low a bar are we going to set and accept for our leaders? If there has been a blow the the status of women here, it is on the Republicans. A vast majority of women I know said when the got a good look at Sarah Palin that this was going to set the women’s movement back thirty years. This was before she was being skewered buy the pundits, comics and pols. The sin that caused this was the cynicism of John McCain’s choice to run her, full stop. Cynicism, by the way, was how Mike Murphy and Peggy Noonan were described it in their candid caught off mike comment following her selection. This ad is a perfectly acceptable ad, it makes the point that McCain’s word can’t be trusted because he apparently is not listening to himself.

164. Teri Sharp | 10.29.08

Sarah Palin has spunk. Remember what Lou Grant told Mary Richards in the first episode of the Mary Tyler Moore Show? “Mary,” he says, “you’ve got spunk. I hate spunk!” That breakthrough TV show about an independent career woman debuted 38 years ago, but spunky American women are still intensely disliked. The double standard for men and women just never seems to go away.

I may disagree with Palin’s stance on some of the issues, but she doesn’t deserve to be hung from a rope in California as a Halloween decoration or attacked in this ad from the Obama campaign. I’ve been pretty impressed with the Obama marketing team until now. This ad is enough to send undecided voters to the McCain-Palin camp.

165. Steven Rosenstein | 10.29.08

I watched the Obama commercial, and I am not sure I understand how it denigrates women. *Anyone* who was McCain’s choice for Vice President, if they had as little comprehension about national and global issues and the nuances of diplomacy that Palin professes she has, would have fit right into the final scene of the commercial, regardless of their gender. The ad was not about gender or men vs. women. It was about competency… and the lack thereof.

What we seem to lose sight of when we talk about Palin’s gender, is that the issues which our next President and Vice President will face cut across *all* sociometric lines. When you occupy those offices there are no passes for being female or black or gay or any of the other characteristics we try to use to differentiate (and discriminate) between human beings.

As President you have awesome power and responsibility, and you are measured by how effectively and wisely you choose to use them. Image it is October, 1962. Russian nuclear missiles were uncovered in Cuba a few weeks ago, and more are headed for that island. Now imagine Sarah Palin sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office planning our nation’s response. At this moment, are you concerned with the President’s gender, or with her predilection toward aggression and confrontation which could very easily touch off a nuclear holocaust?

It is unfortunate that Ms. Palin is seen as the quintessential Woman, but it is no more valid or fair than if Dan Quayle were seen as the quintessential Man. Her gender is not and should never be at issue. One only needs to see how uniquely unqualified Palin is to occupy the office of the President to know that every other measure, gender or otherwise, is meaningless.

166. Evan | 10.29.08

Being pretty and folksy and a good mother may get her elected but they are not qualifications. The wink in the ad represents that. Sarah Palin is wholly unqualified. She is proven to be: unethical, corrupt, dishonest, ignorant, unintelligent and a religious extremist. She is running for a very important office and should stand up to scrutiny and criticism; that’s not abuse it’s a requirement.

A fair example of a qualified Republican woman would be Condoleeza Rice. She has the complete qualifications and experience to be Vice President or President. I don’t want Ms. Rice to be president because I disagree with her on the issues but she’s qualified.

167. Myles | 10.29.08

The director of Women’s Watch Inc. is completely correct when she says that women are the real losers here, but it is not because Palin is so maligned.

Quite simply, Palin is treated so harshly because of her astonishingly arrogant belief that so much power and responsibility should be given to her. What does she have to qualify her for the job, other than ambition? And since when is ambition a virtue anyway?

The economy is in turmoil, the world hates us, and such a powerful and diverse country is never easy to run to begin with - and yet we should elect another grinning moron? This is not about sexism, this is about competence, and yes, intelligence. Although I personally preferred Obama’s message of hope, I would have been content to have Hillary as president. At least she has the requisite competence and wherewithal to handle the job of president.

The real problem here is that Palin is being treated with kiddy gloves: “Oh, be gentle with Palin, she’s a /woman/”. So what? If someone wants such a high profile public office, they’d better be prepared for the public to judge their actual (or at least potential) ability to perform that job.

Women are the real losers here because their potential role models are being held to a different standard. So instead of women rising above the rest by talent and competence, and thus becoming excellent role models to younger women, we are to have this belligerent, aggressive simpleton for our children to look up to? No thank you, and I applaud the media for every sentence that puts her back in her place - which in a rational society would be little more than the anchorwoman she used to be.

168. Elizabeth H. | 10.29.08

I am a staunch Republican and this reflects my feelings exactly! How could McCain choose her?

169. D. James | 10.29.08

I think the Ad is on target. There may be a few over-the-top anti-Palin commentaries, but, frankly, Palin has clearly demonstrated that she knows way less than a vice presidential candidate should about both national and international issues. For her to claim Alaska as a microcosm of the U. S. or proximity to Russia as international relations experience is a joke. She has brought negative commentary on herself by persistently presenting as fact campaign rhetoric that is demonstrably false and by promoting fear and hate of Obama in her followers (a moments thought brings to mind Joe McCarthy and …). Most of us are intelligent enough to recognize that the problem is Palin and NOT, generically, women.

170. Faisal Vali | 10.29.08

This is a reasonable ad - it is a strong attack on Mccain (a rather weak attack on Palin). It raises doubts about Mccain’s overall decision-making - not so much about Palin’s overall intelligence. It juxtaposes Mccain’s admission of needing advice from his VP regarding economic matters with his choice of a person who is ill-equipped to advise him in that sector. Say what you will about Palin as a politician, she is no economic expert. But she can be quite charming - Mccain chose charm over economic acumen - this is what the ad is saying - he put politics first.

People who view this as an attack on Palin (which it is, but a specific attack about her lack of economic policy experience) are losing sight of the real message - it is a weak and fair attack on Palin - but a much harsher attack on John Mccain - a fair attack nevertheless (considering the tone of this political season).

As for the director of women’s watch - I have to say that I agree that Palin merits respect (as everyone does) - and I agree that *gender-based* mockery and vilification of women such as Palin should be as taboo as “race-based slams” - but the director should be clear in stating that *non-gender-based* vilification or mockery of Palin should be frowned upon as much as *non-gender-based* vilification of anyone else - no more, no less - saying otherwise or clouding the issue by saying all attacks on Palin or women should be taboo, does not seem fair.

And as for OReilly - if he was consistent about his criticisms and reasoning - I’d pay him more attention - but he is willing to castigate a mother who lost her son to the war when she exercises her right to protest - and he does little to protect the many deserving others from unfair or uninformed attacks from the media when they are getting beaten up (the arabs) - yet, for once he has said something that shows some empathy - and while the media should report objectively on Palin - and the satirists should satirize her (and everyone else) if she does something (un)worthy of satire - but I agree with him that the media should “not beat the living daylights out of her”. Having seen a few of OReilly’s unjustified venomous tirades - I only wish he too would heed his own advice in this regard - it might help him get off his self-righteous horse

171. Maseer | 10.29.08

Absolutely fair!

172. Kelly Cockrell | 10.29.08

It’s not that she’s a woman that people are attacking her. It’s that she is a silly woman. Whether or not she reformed Alaska and made it better (which is debatable), she uses her sexuality to be powerful and that is insulting to women every where.

173. Roger | 10.29.08

This is a fair ad. It’s hypocritical to accuse Obama of being harsh or unfair when Palin routinely accuses Obama of “palling around with terrorists”…and inciting hatred at her rallies with her supporters shouting “kill him” and “terrorist”.

As for the Jeremiah Wright association…I think Palin’s association with Witch Doctor Rev. Thomas Muthee is even worse. This is a woman who claims to embrace the words of Christ but incites hatred…and race baiting bigotry.

O’Reilly is the biggest hypocrite of them all. Where was his defense of Hillary Clinton when his own network attacked her routinely? He was too busy piling on unfair attacks of his own.

“If you don’t like her, don’t vote for her. But you don’t have to beat the living daylights out of her. If you don’t like her, don’t vote for her. But knock it off,”

This should have been applied to Hillary Clinton as well.

As for O’Reilly’s opportunistic concern for women being raped and attacked? He conveniently chooses to forget that on his radio show on Aug 2nd 2006, he suggested that 18year old Jennifer Moore, who was raped and murdered had it coming to her because of what she was wearing:

“She was 5-foot-2, 105 pounds, wearing a miniskirt and a halter top with a bare midriff. Now, again, there you go. So every predator in the world is gonna pick that up at two in the morning.”

So in regards to O’Reilly….one word…hypocrite.

174. leonard schwartz | 10.29.08

Palin is a great politician (gets elected).But she is not equipped to be vice president nor,God forbid,president.We have seen what an intellectually challenged faith based chief executive accountable to no one & not limited by any rules,constitutional or other otherwise,can bring to this country.Please,NO MORE!!!!

175. matthew christin | 10.29.08

I am truly astonished ANYONE still thinks politics is a bloodless sport. The Republican Party has, for the past twenty years, turned politics into a slimey mudhole, where anything is permissible. Women, children, damn them all if it will get you elected. From Willie Horton to Max Cleland, the republicans have shown they have no shame. But wait, Sarah Palin is a women! Now this matters! BS. This is anything but new, and no, I am not outraged anymore. I am numb.

176. RanStar | 10.29.08

1. Kathleen M. Grover> Said>Just because she’s an attractive woman doesn’t mean she’s qualified. Just because she’s female doesn’t mean women should vote for her.—-And just because obama wears a suit doesnt mean hes qualified…………………

177. Joe the citizen. | 10.29.08

So it is always acceptable for Sarah Palin to say negative things about Obama and Biden but unacceptable for Obama and Biden to point out her deficiency. Unfortunately, Russia or Iran will not treat her as a woman if she ever, God forbid, becomes a president. If she can’t take the heat she needs to get out of the kitchen…it’s not too late.

178. Lora | 10.29.08

I believe the ad is very fair. I am amazed that people feel offended by this Ad. What makes it different from Sarah Palin’s continuous and disrespectful Ad on Obama.
Thanks Jeanne, I believe there are more qualified Republican women. If McCain chose Palin, he will have to live with his choice.

179. Arizona | 10.29.08

33. Bill |

“Palin is vastly more qualified to be VP than is Obama to be POTUS. She has heldpjobs where she had to make take responsibility for her decisions and didn’t get to vote “present.” She has an open track record and has not sealed her records.”

Every natural born citizen of American over the age of 35 and who has lived in the United States for at least 14 years is qualified to be the President. After those requirements are met comes the decision of the American public as to who they want to lead the country. I will chose a Harvard degreed constitutional expert and foreign affairs expert over a un-coordinated multimillionaire and a secessionist.
Your mileage may vary and I hope it does as that is what makes this country great.

Reference link http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/presrequire.htm

180. RadianChalant | 10.29.08

Women want equality and so the Obama campaign treats her like it would any VP candidate. If there was a man as McCain’s VP running mate, Obama’s campaign would treat him the same way. It is like when a little brother and sister start shouting at each other and the parents tell little boy not to yell at his sister. Tell the little girl not to yell at the little boy. Palin beats Obama down daily and he should leave her alone? Are you nuts? Fair is fair. A male VP would probably not spend $150,000.00 on clothes, hair and makeup while telling regular people that I’m one of you, a Joe Six Pack. Get real. By the way, Joe the plumber should finish helping John McCain’s campaign down the drain. Barack for President.

181. Clarence Wisdom | 10.29.08

I would comment but I believe the women on this site has said it all. Yes it’s fare and timely.

182. Alexander | 10.29.08

Wait.. so Palin can spread all kinds of slander against Obama but when he finally fires back with an ad against her he is sexist and mean and a male-chauvinist pig? Obama has taken so much **** from the angry Republicans its about time he targeted their farce of a Vice Presidential nominee.
But don’t mind my rant, because apparently I’m not part of the ‘real America’, according to Palin.

183. Ninch | 10.29.08

So many here say the ad is “fair” and then go on to further disparage Palin. What a bunch of sexists. How about comparing Palin’s economic experience directly against Obama’s? How many business administration classes did Obama take? What does Obama’s law degree have to do with the economy? How many government budgets has Obama overseen? Actually, alongside Obama, Palin has a lot more going for her in the economic arena. Obama would be NOWHERE without his team of economic advisors.

184. Curt Mangino | 10.29.08

Politics ain’t beanbag. Do you think women should run for office but not be subject to the same pointed criticisms as male candidates? Obama was hit with the “celebrity” ad, but overcame it with his knowledge of the issues and his demeanor. Palin is facing exactly the same criticisms - all charisma and little substance - but doesn’t have the experience or knowledge to effectively combat it. The ad is not only fair, it is a necessary and commendable part of the political process.

185. Earlaiman | 10.29.08

Hey, “Quick Draw McPalin,” shoots from the hip and kills mooses with a single bullet.

It’s she and her people who chose the image, they can live with it.

The economy, “Sure, no sweat! I run the family on a balanced household budget!” (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

186. David | 10.29.08

and this misogynist wants to be president?

187. Clara Peller | 10.29.08

How is this knocking women? So if McCain picked a man whom people judged as incompetent and the ad ran: “…His choice?”… and showed his male vp, that would be sexist? Am i wrong here or does it seem like any criticism of Palin or Hillary is labeled as misogyny but smearing male politicians (as has always been done) is “just politics”?

188. FadingFast | 10.29.08

Oh, pleeeze! Palin is not being parodied or attacked because she’s a woman. It’s because she’s a right-wing nut job that no one outside the so-called Republican base thinks is remotely qualified to be POTUS. The referenced Obama ad doesn’t attack Palin, it rightfully questions McCain’s judgment.

189. Sharon | 10.29.08

Oh please…. the same criticism of Palin would be happening whether she was a man or a woman. To say that, because she is a woman we should lighten up, is ridiculous. The sexist attitude that a man can take it (like the slams by the Republicans that Obama is a Muslim terrorist sympathizer), but a woman can’t, is the worst sort of bigotry.

190. Tom | 10.29.08

She IS an idiot. Remember, she couldn’t even name a supreme court case or define the job of VP. She’s just a device that McCain used to appeal to the female vote, and attacking her intelligence is not only acceptable, but should be expected, as it should of any candidate. Anyone that tries to say attacking her is an attack against women is creating a big ball of ****. Should we instead leave her unquestioned and unaccountable for her decisions just because she’s a woman and might have her feelings hurt? No, we shouldn’t. If we want to prove that a woman deserves to be in a position of power, then she will have to endure the same scrutiny that men do. She is an idiot, and disclosing the facts of her record are more than appropriate.

191. Glenn Lightner | 10.29.08

Yes, of course this is fair.

Is hanging an effigy of Palin in Hollywood reasonable? No, it is not. Is bringing to light the fact that John McCain believes he has shortcomings in the area of economics, and will depend heavily on his VP for advice reasonable? Of course it is.

This is not about putting down women. This is not even about putting down Sarah Palin. This ad is about John McCain’s choices. He needed a VP with extensive economic experience, and he chose someone who is not likely to be able to fill that gap. Nothing against her. She is a bright woman who will probably go far in her party, but she was not the right person for the job.

192. cep | 10.29.08

This is not a “personal” attack or a gender-based attack- it’s about her qualifications. How would that not be fair? Even if it were a direct attack on her intelligence (which it’s not), that’s part of her qualification for vice president, and would absolutely be fair to address.

193. wes | 10.29.08

she’s an ordinary woman so we should leave her alone? That’s fine then maybe you shouldn’t be running for office. She connects and we feel for her. I remember a number of personal attacks from conservatives on Janet Reno and Hillary about their looks and other factors that have nothing to do with politics. Another example of the elitist rights do as I say not as I do tactics.

194. Madeline Bechtold | 10.29.08

I am a woman and I would like to say that I would be trashing Palin whether Palin is from Venus or from Mars … Palin is an idiot. I don’t see how anyone can say she “merits respect”. Should I respect her for recklessly positioning herself to lead our country, if need be, despite a woeful lack of qualifications?

195. mvr | 10.29.08

Suppose he’d picked some equally unqualified male candidate. How would the ad differ. If it wouldn’t it hasn’t got anything to do with gender.

196. Mina Cyrillo | 10.29.08

As a Liberal, I don’t like negative ads at all. On the other hand, is what is portrayed a lie? Is it false? Does it somehow reinforce the notion that all women are somehow less capable or is that this woman is not capable. I don’t see it. Sarah Palin has proven herself to be the perfect attack dog - throwing all caution and any semblance of fairness to the wind. She’s inflamed audiences with her divisiveness. As an insult, you could have change her picture with one of Dan Quayle and made the same point.
Are we being bigots or sexist when we treat a woman or a black man differently? Was it wrong to say Dan Quayle wasn’t prepared to be President because he couldn’t spell potato?

This is new territory and I don’t like the ad. But, it’s not because she’s a woman. I dislike all negative ads and don’t think the Barack Hussein Obama campaign should be stooping to the McCain and Palin campaign’s level. He’s a greater person than that and his ideas are far stronger. Payback for Palin will come one day; we Liberals need to rise above them.

197. Josh | 10.29.08

The funny thing is; she’s more ready to lead the nation than Obama.

198. twu | 10.29.08

How the author at the Philadelphia Inquirer has the gall to bring up the issue of rape in defense of Palin is beyond me. Alaska has the #1 highest rate of rape per capita of any state in the union and a similarly high rate of domestic violence, yet Palin did nothing at all to address these issues, slashed state funding on them, fired Monegan because he tried to get more money to address sexual abuse issues, and didn’t do a thing when Wasilla’s victim pays rape kit policy came to light.

And the truly sexist thing about this all is that Palin wouldn’t be such a sensation if she wasn’t attractive. People wouldn’t be so forgiving and protective of her. Remember that first SNL skit that contrasted the sexism towards Hillary vs. Palin?

If Palin wins, it is a loss for women and feminism because she will take her anti-women policies to the White House and leave us with this take-home message–you can succeed as long as you’re hot and flirt with the boss.

199. Joe T | 10.29.08

This ad is an attack on McCain’s judgement, not an attack on women. It’s absurd to try to cast this as sexism in any form - aren’t we, media or not, allowed to judge a woman on merits, to hold Palin to the same standards and criticisms as anyone? If McCain’s running mate were a man who came across as poorly prepared for the vice presidency as Palin, the same attacks would have come from the media. Women ARE treated differently than men in many areas of American society, but for the highest offices in this nation, we should NOT treat a woman candidate any more gently than a man.

200. James Huet | 10.29.08

Well national politics can be tough and if Mrs. Palin is offended by this she needs to take a closer look at Mr. McCain ads. Completely fair.

201. Slate | 10.29.08

Why do you even have to ask. Of course it’s sexist. They’ve been sexist to her all along. In this race, if you even raise any opposition to Obama you are labeled a racist. He is off limits. Meanwhile, charges of sexism and ageism abound from the left.

Obama’s supporters are hypocritical. And this ad is just more proof of that.

202. Stop Whining | 10.29.08

Just how is this ad not fair? Is anyone disputing that McCain said these things? Is the video of Palin winking not on the record?

Does the “Director of Women’s Watch Inc.” have a name? Is it Helen McCaffrey? (great work of citing, Jimmy Orr) From her rantings it appears that Helen McCaffrey is the freakish morphing of far-right feminism, and her op-ed piece reeks of the same fear-mongering we have been force-fed by republican liars for the last 8 years.

Stop whining. Showing Palin winking is not disrespectful. The reason that so many people rip into Palin has nothing to do with her being a woman and everything to do with her being an idiot. Think back 20 years and look how people ripped into another idiot who was a VP candidate. Except, of course, that idiot got elected.

If you like Palin then vote for her, and if you don’t like her then don’t vote for her. We don’t even need Bill-O to tell us that. Just stop whining, please.

203. Mark | 10.29.08

At least Obama did not have to dig back decades and invent issues and then try to make them relevant to this election.

204. Robert | 10.29.08

After watching the video, I can not agree with the assertation that this was a shot a Palins intelligence. Implied is a lack of experience in the area of economics, an area where McCain has expressed he has a deficit.

If it is not experience (and not implying Palin does not have experience) McCain was after when he chose his VP, rather personality and looks, I would think that this is much more insulting to women than this commercial.

205. Noel Freedman | 10.29.08

To paraphrase Wm. Shakespear: Of Pelin, some think she’s a saint, I am far less awed, in fact I see right through her, she’s a fraud.

206. KLJ | 10.29.08

Dan Quayle was equally ridiculous and who cried for him when he was picked on so ruthlessly? Or how about George W. for that matter. **** even Palin is picking on him.
I will be passionately opposed to anyone who wants to give gender specific criticisms but I feel as strongly about gender based defenses. She is an inept politician who is way out of her league, period.

207. May H. Berg | 10.29.08

It is not sexist to point out his admitted lack of economic understanding. McCain’s campaign has been run poorly and the selection of Palin will impact the country most should something happen to him. Palin, mayor of 11,000 people, stuck the town with $14 million dollar hockey rink! Frankly it would be sexist not to attack his poor choice & her shallow way presenting herself with winks and joe six pack remarks. Republicans must get real…they attacked Hillary’s ankles, Edward’s hair, & even Obama’s good name.

Sexist? NO. McCain and Palin are over their heads and Obama’s ad simply points it out.

208. CP | 10.29.08

Obama is being critical of Palin’s experience…at least she has the role of Governor of a state. Here is a fact, throughout all of the US Presidential elections only two sitting Senators were ever elected as a President. One was JFK. Most elected to office of the President were Governors. That’s because Senators have far less Executive experience. So of the 4 candidates running for office this election, only one holds a position that has been historically viewed as more prepared for President. You may not like Palin, but based on 200+ years of elections, Governors still hold more sway in elections. Once again, most readers lack the common sense to study the facts.

209. Annie | 10.29.08

It’s a typical smear job done in the finest Democratic fashion. Obama supporters do not care who they damage. They feel so embittered, so wronged, so angry — they will say or do anything to get their candidate in office. It’s a disgusting ad.

210. gutenburg | 10.29.08

Someone said that Obama has been studying economics for years. Yes, He believes in marxist, socialist economics - that is what he studied. Our founding fathers would be greatly dismayed at the bashing the Obama is doing - and McCain too.

RON PAUL knows real economics - He should have been the Republican choice!

211. Trucker | 10.29.08

Who asked the Choctaw Nation? How come Indians get to vote in our elections but we can’t vote in theirs? Sounds racist to me!

212. Dave | 10.29.08

The new ad is not a shot at Palin.
And the so called attacks on Palin are not about her being a woman, they are about her intelligence (or lack of) and self-righteous attitude.

Do I hear a perceived whine?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Y8FKAsxmk

213. Paul | 10.29.08

Any coward willing to blast at moose from a helicopter should be able to handle a bit of of the truth.

214. Rose Smith | 10.29.08

My answer to that is that PALIN is the one who is making women look bad all over the country. Her ignorance, arrogance and machismo are a lot more like a man than like the rest of the women in this country. SHE MAKES US LOOK STUPID (can’t name one newspaper) SHE MAKES US LOOK ARROGANT (”I’m quite ready to be (Vice) President of the United States”) SHE MAKES US LOOK MACHO (she hunts and kills Bambi and Rover.)

Yes, women are the REAL losers AS LONG AS PALIN IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

215. Scott Smith | 10.29.08

I completely disagree with this article. How long was she on the national scene? 7 weeks? How long was Clinton on that same stage and attacked on a regular basis. Come on if Hilary was the nominee it would have been an all out onslaught on her. You can even put them in the same room as far as experience. Palin a mayor 0f 6000? 6000 are you kidding me and that gives her what qualifications. She has almost never traveled outside the US, has questionable ties to the succession group whos members helped fund her, is the only pair of candidates in the HISTORY of our nation that are going into this with ethics violations, troopergate, cronyism when in office and havent we already done that with Bush, is so far right in the pro life pro choice debate she scares almost all of us, cant remember what newspapers she reads but all of them she says, puts the election in gods hands, is part of a radical church that believes in the rapture and that the earth is a few thousand years old, church that helps people who are witches, doesnt believe in evolution, cant answer a straight question because she truly doesnt know much, charges the state when her kids travel, ect….
come on dont lay off because I find it AMAZING that the republicans think she is the future - REALLY??? thats the best you have? WOW that is scary and I love it also because it shows the rest of the country what you shining star is …PS… Obama is our shining star and he showed it in 2004 and he will be the next president and Palin is your future…lol

216. john u | 10.29.08

It’ just a rehash of the bashing Hillary Clinton got (including from O’reilley by the way)and she was immenently more qualified than Sarah Palin.

217. Bob Masters | 10.29.08

Even if McCain/Palin were not lying about Obama and distorting his words, position, policies and truth every time they open their mouths this ad still would be fair. It uses no distortion, no fabrication, but simple facts. And it does not contradict what Obama said during the third debates. She is a capable politician and she does excite the base. He did not say she is “smart” or “intelligent”. And too bad for the base if such person as Palin can excite them. I guess there are too many of Hanneties and Limbaughs on the radio. It is time for people to wake up and live their dreams, not in their dreams.

218. lauren prince | 10.29.08

I think the article is making a bigger deal than it needs to be — its not sexist. its stating that she is not qualified. this is no different from the McCain’s ads…

219. Int | 10.29.08

Suppose that I am a male manager of a very small store, I am intelligent and college educated. I am a happy, kind person, husband and father. Everyone speaks well of me.

Then someone picks me as a VP candidate.

There has nothing to do that I am a good person to the fact that I am not the best choice to run as a VP or eventual President.

If someone treats me hard or ask me a though (presidential) question and I can’t respond it.

It would not be bad if someone points out my inadequacy for the Office.

Also, please look at how at Fox News are always criticising Obama many times with truncated and out of context information.

Why O’Reilly does not “knock it off” with is critic and misleading to Obama.

It is not a secret that McCain and even Bush have also inconvenient friends.

Obama has not taken out any personal issues of McCain.

The unfair criticism of the “spread the wealth”.
Right now, as the electoral-vote site says, the richest people are taxed more than the poorest and the poorest receive the most benefit. Isn’t that some kind of spread of wealth?

With all the money expended in the war and in the bailouts, ANY candidate WILL HAVE to increase tax. So saying, as McCain says, that if is sure that Obama will raise tax is a no brainer bet because he would also (HAVE to do it) if he wins.

Thanks.-

220. Douglas W. Reynolds, Jr. | 10.29.08

Make hash while the sun shines, Mr. Orr. If I were to see this commercial on television, my interpretation of it would NOT be that it was an attack on Sarah Palin–about whom I know little or nothing, in common with almost everyone else in the lower 48; but that Barack Obama has recognized–as we all, including John McCain, should have long ago–that John McCain knows little or nothing about economics, and he probably knows even less about Sarah Palin and what she knows or does not know about economics. Does this article contribute anything whatsoever? Perhaps not.

And the real question is, do we want yet another of the manifestly dim bulbs the Republicans have been offering us for eight long years already lighting our still blind path into the Twenty-First Century? Sex, perhaps even unfortunately, seems to have nothing to do with it. What would Geraldine Ferraro say? Probably something more stimulating, anyway.

221. ohionforobama | 10.29.08

the McCain ads accusing Obama of not being ready to lead have been bruta unending attacks.

this ad makes no acusations at all, but quotes McCain admitting his own shortcomings, and stating his need to rely on his vice-president.

And then it shows who he made as his choice.

Palin was not chosen for her expertise or abilities to lead. She was chosen to counter the Hillary mania, and to try and win votes through her charms and looks and persona. It wasn’t her track record or political capabilities, but her potential to motivate a base and get votes that got her the nomination.

McCain outsmarted himself by choosing this candidate and then trying to play the “inexperienced” card or Obama/Biden. His choice of VP backfired.

222. Robert David STEELE Vivas | 10.29.08

What everybody is missing is the original intent (create a unifying team, pick a candidate that was youthful, exhuberant, a woman with a strong back) and the horrible mess made by the Bushie campaign staffers that settled into VP Operations three months before she was even picked. McCain has been badly hurt by these fools–including one Rick Davis whose ego put a briefing from him on how to win the election (on the McCain site when you click strategy), instead of McCain and Palin discussing a strategy for America.

I personally have the strong feeling that McCain has been set up and does not realize that he is the pre-selected loser, and that all the money that Obama (who broke his word on taking public financing) is mostly illegal. Obama is still concealing core facts on his birth, his Muslim upraising, his criminal connections, his record at Columbia (if indeed he actually graduated from Columbia, no one can produce a transcript or any sort of record).

My bottom line: Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air, she has a record of both learning quickly and surrounding herself with no nonsense people. I fear she paid to much respect to the jerks they surrounded her with. I would have drop kicked them out the door and told McCain we needed a new set with more respect for the public than these fools.

We’ll see. McCain could still win, and the fact that he is dead even when Obama has become the “House Negro” and clearly taken huge contributions disguised as individuals (whose names he will not release, the last thing he wants right now is for everyone to realize he is bought and paid for.)

I review books on Amazon. Non-fiction books. From where I sit, Obama stinks to high heaven–not as a man, I think he is brilliant and has enormous potential–but because he has chosen to go along with the last act in electoral threater. America is no longer a Republic. Most Americans don’t even know what a Republic is….and that’s a wrap.

223. Preaching to the Choir | 10.29.08

This article is preaching to the Choir and the Choir is singing right back. This phenomenon is called GroupThink; in a way, GroupThink refers to the inability of a group of individuals to think independently outside of the group itself. The ideology that permeates the group permeates its members’ minds, and the members are unable to discern this. It’s both fascinating and disturbing.

I expect the following responses, if any: an excuse on how this is not groupthink, which in itself would confirm my comment; a hate-attack on my comment, labeling it any number of categories, not excluding elitism, ignorance, or even racism; a defense of Obama, which is irrelevant to this comment; further hatred toward Palin; no response at all, which may indicate that some are in fact open-minded and able to consider a different point of view…

Here’s to our soon-to-be President-Elect John McCain!

224. anne | 10.29.08

As a woman and a feminist I have to say I don’t have very much respect for Palin. I think she reinforces negative female stereotypes and I think the way she combines her religious beleifs with policy would limit women’s options both economically and in regards to civil rights. I don’t know of one woman who beleives otherwise. I suppose Ashley Todd might be an exception.

And I think questioning Palin’s intelligence and capability is spot on. It seems she is not only unqualified but would certainly do more damage than good. I personally don’t think either Palin or McCain are very well balanced mentally.

225. Bob | 10.29.08

Good ad IMO. Much more high road than the McCain adds against Obama.
By the way - O’Reilly telling us to ‘knock it off.’
What a pugnacious bag of hot air he is. And he has a foul mouth to boot.
He gives Irishmen a bad name. Though Hannity is just as much a blowhard.

226. Hannah | 10.29.08

Completely sexist. They’ve reduced her to an object, not a person. If this isn’t sexism, I don’t know what is.

227. JJ Hitt | 10.29.08

Fair? You betcha!

228. JP | 10.29.08

Sarah Palin is arrogant, ignorant and supremely unqualified for the job, but she deserves special treatment because…she’s a woman.

This line of reasoning is brought to you by Billy O’Reilly and the Republican Party.

229. Jeromy | 10.29.08

Completely fair. Respect for Palin as a woman, as a mother, as a governor does not mean that you can’t question her readiness to be vice president. Questioning whether she is a good choice for the office has nothing to do with her being a woman. It’s about her not being right for the job. Anyone who has seen her interviews, which were mostly done with kid gloves, has ample reason to laugh/cringe at the thought of her being in the White House.

230. goodrepublic | 10.29.08

Since when does an attack on one person (which in this case is McCain’s judgment…not Palin) become all inclusive to that person’s gender/age/race/ethnicity/religion/etc?

Face it 527s exist. And while I applaud McCain in 2004 denouncing these types of organizations, I’m saddened to see he has taken a “hands-off” approach this time around.

Campaigns are about shaping the narrative to serve a party’s agenda. The Republicans will try to shape it to their advantage by denouncing the same tactics they are deploying.

By the way, since when is quoting O’Reilly relevant to any discussion?

231. Cie Kay | 10.29.08

Where was your indignation when my candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton, was attacked day after day? And why should I feel any sympathy for Gov. Palin, a woman who does not represent ME as a woman? Her abhorrent views on abortion, evolution, censorship, and the environment offend me deeply. She seems to relish in particular the violent destruction of animals, i.e the machine-gun shooting of wolf cubs. Male or female, I could never support such a person as a candidate for any public office.

232. laurie | 10.29.08

Oh, please. Palin was chosen not for her skills or talent or intelligence but because she’s a Barbie doll. Does anybody imagine for one second that she’d be the Republican VP nominee if she looked like Jeane Kirkpatrick? Or Madeline Albright? Or Hilary Clinton for that matter?

I’m glad Obama called McCain on it. The woman is an embarrassment to every intelligent and informed female on the planet.

233. apesca | 10.29.08

The disservice done to women was putting a vacuous anti-intellectual on the ticket. Sarah Palin stands as an insult to all intelligent and hardworking women, and to put her on the national stage as a role-model for our children is unconscionable.

234. lessard | 10.29.08

I’m a woman and I have worked in a male dominated industry all my life. Palin is simply unfit for the VP role and pointing out that fact has nothing to do sexism or discrimination. Equality means Palin gets the same treatment as the others and is measured by the same measuring stick for the criteria for the job. The sexist is McCain for choosing her, and anyone who lets her off with on her incompetence ’cause she is a woman. McCain should know this if he knows the military so well…

235. salem | 10.29.08

Palin has not only sought the bullseye, she has demanded it. She has shoved her way into the spotlight, and arrogantly yelled at us to look at her. We did. So did Obama, finally. And she failed in EVERY respect. Good for Obama. Palin has called him every name in the book, has insulted him and his family and has INSISTED that you and I should hate him. we don’t. Instead, we find great respect and admiration for him…..and PROFOUND distaste, dislike and pity for her. Palin DEMANDS that America devalue education and intelligence. She tells the news media every day that those intelligent and educated citizens deserve ridicule. Enough. When this country declares intelligence, intellect, and education to really be our enemies…..then we are finished.

When smart people are designated as the ENEMIES of the US, our days as a super power are numbered. This idea that intelligent people are to be scorned is frightening….much like the Hitler days.

Note to Palin: ignorance is NOT bliss. go get an education, get informed and see ya in about 20 years…..

236. jcao219 | 10.29.08

Yikes! Fair!
yay for Obama, nice ad!
Obama 08 if you want the Economy to be good

237. bc | 10.29.08

This is ludicrous. Is the woman made of glass? To assume so is the real insult. The ad is simply saying, here’s McCain’s choice. Do you think she’s up to the job? And it leaves the unstated assumption (”We don’t!) up to the audience to flesh out based on what they’ve seen and heard of Ms Palin, from her own words and from what they already know of her history.

The desperation displayed by those who see the ad as crossing some sort of line is pitiful.

238. Anonymous | 10.29.08

It is absolutely a fair and legitimate ad. What’s not fair is all the play on race and ties to terrorism that Palin has said about Obama. I think Obama’s ad is very tactful and is a much more sophisticated way of pointing out the differences of the candidates than the way Palin and McCain have been going about it. Furthermore, at least there is substance with Obama’s ad’s. There is only crude and tactless attacks with no substance with McCain and Palin’s ad’s.

239. There is no other choice but OBAMA | 10.29.08

This is a fair ad. There is no mud-slinging, just facts. Who winks, says “Ya betcha ya” and gives a shout out during a debate? Oh that’s right, SARAH PALIN. McCain your an idiot for choosing such a running mate. The sexism is with his campaign strategy.
Palin is opposed to sex education, but her teenage kid is knocked-up and we invite and pay for the babies daddy to be on stage at the RNC?
McCain you think because you choose a female running mate that I would vote for you because I am a women? Your wrong! Palin is a nasty person that will take down anyone that does not agree with her and her views, her actions have already proven that.
This is who we want second in command? Excecutive experience??? McCain brags about Palin being the most popular governor in America? Who lives in Alaska, anyway? Don’t we pay people to live there and doesn’t Alaska have the highest suicide rate? WOW, I would really love to be the most popular governor of a state with the highest suicide rate in America.
Palin sits with world leaders and all she can do is smile?
Palin says she is like one of us, but she allows the RNC to spend $150,000 on clothes for her and her family.
Why does McCain not allow her to speak off script? Is it because she does not have enough experience to know what she is talking about unless she has advisers telling her what to say?
McCain is worried about Obama spending money, but isn’t McCain attempting to follow an administration that has spent the most money in American history?
Palin talks about special needs kids like she was the first one to have a child with a disability. Give me a break, millions of families have taken care of their special needs children even before Palin came along. Why don’t we look at her record. I believe she cut funding for special needs children in the state of Alaska, oh but that was before she had a child with special needs. Funny how things change when it is at your front door.
It isn’t SEXISM it is just plain SCARY that someone like Palin actually has a chance to become second in command. And GOD forbid something would happen to McCain. COMMANDER IN CHIEF? Well it’s a good thing she can watch Russia from her backyard!

240. AryeDirect | 10.29.08

I would take the question a bit further.

Senator McCain’s choice of how to run his campaign has been disastrous. His choice of running mate equally disastrous. The question begged by those choices is this: Would Senator McCain (if elected) run the country with any more expertise than he has shown so far?

The answer does not bode well for John McCain. It bodes less well for our beleaguered nation.

- Arye Michael Bender -

241. Mark A | 10.29.08

Jimmy Orr, you are clearly one of the many people in this country who are so desperate to carry on the lies of the Republican Party that you can’t see this ad for what it is: a legitimate, if pointed, questioning as to how a woman with Sarah Palin’s limited regional experience, widely questioned ethics and, yes, subpar intelligence could even have been picked by the McCain camp to be in a position to possibly run the country. Hillary was on the receiving end of perhaps the most mysogynistic campaign in the history of America (with Bill O’Reilly one of the greatest offenders) and you dare to say that this ad is unfair. This woman is being legitimately questioned about her experience and judgement and the clear answer to anyone with any critical thinking skills is: she is unqualified as a person, not as a woman, for the position of VP.

242. Sean A | 10.29.08

To quote Amy Poehler. “I’m an animal and i’m bigger than you.”

243. Richard Clementine | 10.29.08

Let’s see, Mr. McCain is going to rely on a person (forget that she is a woman for a moment), who had a GPA < 3.0 and went to 4 different schools to finally get a B.A. in Journalism?

We have debt and foreclosures all around us and this is who he will rely on for economic suggestions?

This isn’t about sexism, it’s about who is right for the job!

244. Louis | 10.29.08

As for the attacks on Palin herself being inappropriate and influenced by her gender, does anyone remember Dan Quayle and how he was treated? Under similar circumstances (he was arguably only slightly more qualified than Palin), Qualyle was the subject of continuous ridicule during the campaign and it continued while he was in office. His political career effectively ended with his nomination for VP.

Ms. Palin is a key element in one of the most important elections in recent history, and should not be treated any differently than anyone else in that position. If women want equal treatment, they will need to accept all forms of equal treatment when they get it. Looks like progress to me.

245. Barry | 10.29.08

On Palin, even numerous prominent conservatives have said very clearly they don’t think she has the knowledge or competence to be Veep (which after all is the backup President slot).

And as far as attacks, give me a break - when you have Palin herself calling Obama a Socialist and a terrorist, then I don’t think she needs to be treated with kid gloves in return. The magnitude of the insults are not even comparable.

246. Susan Acq | 10.29.08

The ad it totally fair. Not a single word of it is untruthful. Each and every voter will have his or her turn on Nov. 4th to voice whether or not he or she truly feels that Sarah Palin is qualified to be on the ticket. I, for one, know my answer and it’s a no-brainer….Gov. Palin is not qualified and is not remotely close to being qualified.

247. ConservativeDem | 10.29.08

I’m sorry, I’m just not buyin’ it. Sarah Palin is a woman. She was chosen to bring the votes of women to McCain’s campaign. She has failed to deliver, not because she’s a woman, but because she accepted an untenable position for herself. It’s quite obvious what she was doing with her wink during the Vice-Presidential debate, namely avoiding the tough questions, the tough issues and the tough discussions. Now, I’m supposed to feel sorry for her for the treatment she gets for her blatant lack of respect for the grave issues this country is facing.

If she had said anything noteworthy over the last couple of months since her nomination, perhaps there would be more to use than just her “wink”.

I don’t think Palin deserves my respect, as I believe she has outrageously used the mere fact that she’s a woman to obtain a position for which she knew she was not qualified, and in fact, for which there were many other women much better qualified. I do think, however, she deserves what she gets.

248. Oliver | 10.29.08

Like 95% of the people above I believe this ad is fair.

In the debate Obama did not mention Palin’s qualifications on the economy. The campaign’s message that she is not well versed on the economy does not contradict with Obama’s answer at the debate.

Palin drew a lot of criticism to herself by not being able to answer utterly basic questions like “what newspapers do you read?” Don’t blame the media for her own inabilities.

I do think she’s intelligent and a capable politician. I don’t think she is qualified to be McCain’s backup on the economy. And I especially don’t think she should be shielded from media scrutiny. She is a politician. Own up.

249. SKM | 10.29.08

All of the criticism I’ve heard of Palin (including this ad) have had to do with the fact that she’s unqualified. I haven’t seen a single Obama ad say “don’t vote for this woman,” or “she’s unqualified because she’s a woman.” Quite frankly, Palin has brought alot of this on herself by having trouble publicly addressing serious political issues in an intelligent manner.

To draw a parallel that might put this into perspective, how is public perception of her significantly different from that of Dan Quayle 20 years ago? Obviously the intensity is higher in this campaign than in any in recent memory, but the theme is the same: Palin is not nearly qualified to be President, just as Quayle wasn’t in 1988.

250. Mave | 10.29.08

This brings up again the point I’ve made repeatedly about Palin: she has pushed people’s view of women back 40 years. She is ill-prepared for the post she vies for. She is hypocritical, inept and sometimes downright dishonest in her political conduct. She has consistently traded on her female-ness to get out of tough situations and woo voters. When people criticize her faults, she cries sexism. She makes women in positions of power look incapable, and reinforces all the old mysoginist attitudes of the 50s and 60s.

If Hilary was in Palin’s place, it WOULD have been sexism for her to be pilloried. Hilary is a woman who acts like a real woman - feminine, yet strong, knowledgeable, able to stand on her own two feet and take her licks if they are fair ones. Palin, in deep contrast, is a lightweight and doesn’t deserve our respect just because she is female.

251. Mary | 10.29.08

Are you kidding me?? ***?? I have been hoping someone would rip this unqualified woman, she HAS called Obahama everything under the sun, except what I truly beleives she want’s to call him, and showing her winking is an insult????

252. Jennifer Lomeli | 10.29.08

It is women not men who are most disappointed with McCain’s choice of Palin as his running mate. The majority of intelligent, well-educated women, whether they run a business or a household, do not view Palin as the woman to represent them. A woman as President, or Vice President, is a goal for many of us but it is imperative that it is the right woman NOT someone who borders on a caricature. To be a liberated woman is to be judged with the same criteria as men with the best candidate prevailing. A man with Palin’s mannerisms and lack of political sophistication would never have been on the ticket. Male political pundits telling women what they should be offended by is the worst sort of parochial, “we’re looking out for you gals” behavior. Palin is not unintelligent but she is smarmy and power hungry. Her desire to potentially run for the White House in 2012 says more about her ego and drive to be a “rock star” than about truly working for the good of the country.

253. ali | 10.29.08

vividly true and absoutly relaistic ad

lie does not have any legs and it can;t go longer.

i guess that is the truth and now its american people time to open the eyes and do what seems rite. we should not repeat the mistake we have done in the the past twice!

254. Jack | 10.29.08

This is a cheap shot? Dang, conservatives/the GOP can surely dish it out, but are extremely sensitive when they have to take it. Someone once said, “if you play with fire, you’ll get burned.”

255. Sapphire | 10.29.08

I watched the ad and think it is shrill. They don’t need to pile on. It’s demeaning. And unfair.

256. Katy | 10.29.08

True fairness is to not patronize Palin with kid-gloves. Additionally, she certainly has let everyone know that she has canines of her own, re: her best known prey species: Trooper Wooten and the Wasilla Librarian.

That she allows the highest paid members of the campaign to be her own make-up artist and hair-stylist, let’s me know that she’s supports the pressure for women to look like perfect dolls. If she can’t see the poor strategy in that, let alone the misogyny, then please keep her as far away from our White House.

Now let’s ask if Obama had a pregnant unwed teen daughter what the Republicans would say? What if it Obama went to 5 colleges, some of them community colleges? What if Obama was 896 out of a class of 899 (McCain)?

Keep the kid gloves off. She’s throwing punches and the rules are Equality.

257. Brian | 10.29.08

I think there is a bit of a subliminal attack through this ad. I think that they chose that particular clip of Palin winking because it creates a bimbo-esque image. It’s subtle, but I do think it’s there. With that being said, it is completely fair to argue that McCain does not have much of a background in economics and neither does his running mate.

258. Kim | 10.29.08

The Obama ad is not in the least disrespectful of Palin. It merely points out what McCain said vs. what he did, using his own words and the image of Palin–the person McCain chose as his running mate. Palin came into this election and made a great first impression when she read her script at the RNC convention. From that point forward, whenever she’s actually been allowed in front of reporters, her lack of ability to coherently answer questions and form complete sentences is astounding! Although I am tired of the “same old politics” in Washington, I KNOW I do not want another administration that is a laughingstock in the world! Quite frankly, I’m embarrassed both for and by Palin! I’ve even wondered whether John McCain decided he doesn’t WANT to be president, so he brought Palin onboard to solidify his defeat. (Honestly, with the disgusting mess that’s been left by the previous occupant of the white house, who could blame McCain for not wanting to have to try to clean up after Bush?)

The bottom line is Palin is not qualified and John McCain made a very poor choice. He and she would both have earned respect had Palin withdrawn from the race early on when her lack of qualifications became apparent. Instead, John McCain is now living with the consequences of his decisions. McCain should have chosen someone like Elizabeth Dole–well respected and she already possesses the proven ability to represent this country in a dignified and professional manner.

“Jealous” of Palin–not a chance! If women in business or politics want to be taken seriously, they need to come in even better prepared than a man would have to for the same job. Instead, Palin came in giving her winks and talking like a “hick from the sticks” (”you betcha”). I know from experience that she’d never have made it in the business world acting like that!

259. Kristin | 10.29.08

After everything she has been saying about Obama since she was selected,I wouldn’t be upset if they beat the snot out of her. That was an extremely fair ad it had nothing to do with her being a female. Even prominent republicans are voting for Obama on account of McCain selecting Palin because they feel shes not qualified and the negative campaigning they are doing.

260. FJM | 10.29.08

We mocked Dan Quayle then, we can mock Sarah Palin now. It’s not about her gender at all; it’s about her lack of qualifications, and McCain’s poor judgement in selecting her. How is that not fair game, just because she is a woman?

261. William Post | 10.29.08

B. Hussain Obama was in the US Senate for a whole year before launching his campaign. This qualifies him to be POTUS? He’s an empty suit if ever there was one & a dishonest one at that.

262. Carl | 10.29.08

This ad is completely fair. The ad raises questions about McCain’s judgment and Palin’s experience and ability for the job. Experience and qualification for the job are fair play no matter who is running. I don’t remember GOP pundits restraining their comments about Hillary Clinton, yet Clinton has far more experience and ability than Palin. So why are these same folks crying foul when legitimate questions are raised about Palin? Double standard? Absolutely.

263. usapatri8 | 10.29.08

It’s difficult to believe that the McCain campaign can successfully pull in the Hillary want-to-be voters and the dinosaurs-never-existed voters in one swoop! It was the ultimate mistake, and if the GOP or Palin believes this is the future, they have another thing coming — losing in 2012, 2016, etc. — losing in landslides!

Forget the Crusades. Endorsing hate and Christian jihad is not what Jesus teached! Who would Jesus bomb anyway?

264. David | 10.29.08

Let’s just quote Democrat hater **** Morris on the whole issue….

**** Morris (November 5th, 2007 on Hannity talking about Hilary Clinton’s equally ridiculous claims of sexism): “When a woman wants to be President, she shouldn’t complain based on gender…(mockingly) I’m gonna take my toys and go home cause the big boys are picking on me…what happens when the boys in the middle east, or the boys who run Russia, or the boys who run China start picking on ya’. Are we gonna have the Presidents of the Unites States saying ‘the boys are picking on me’? This is what Hilary always does. When ever she gets under fire she retreats behind the apron strings.”

Or let’s quote Palin herself….

Palin says, “When I hear a statement like that coming from a woman candidate with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or, you know, maybe a sharper microscope put on her, I think, man, that doesn’t do us any good. Women in politics, women in general wanting to progress this country. I don’t think it’s, it bodes well for her — a statement like that.”

She later adds…”work harder” and “prove yourself to an even greater degree that you are capable.”

What does she know?

265. Brandon | 10.29.08

It is fair to me, but better yet it is jovial instead of mean spirited. Reminds me of that video, ‘The Onion: Obama Runs Constructive Criticism Ad On McCain’.

266. John Marshall | 10.29.08

As the Founders knew and acknowledged, democracy can only exist when people are capable of making good political decisions. As citizens and voters, we all depend on the quality of political diaglogue to make well-educated decisions. I’m not alone in thinkng that the last eight years have lowered national poltical discussion tot he level of People magazine and Tom Clancy novels. If we are going to improve the quality of the political dialogue in the Untied States, then we need to agree on what constitutes quaility dialogue.

The fact that an ad is clever, or is critical of an opposition candidate, or uses the opponents own words against him, or is effective, does not demean the political dialogue. What makes an ad “unfair” (to the electorate)is if well-informed people would consider it untrue, or if it appeals to a base theme, such as racism, which intelligent people beleive doesn’t have aplace in American politics. Granted, intelligent people will always disagree about such matters, but in recent years even the people who produce the ads don’t believe what they say. Karl Rove and James Carville are cynics. If they didn’t sell you Presidents,; they’d sell you cigaretttes, and then laugh about it.

With that in mind, there is nothing wrong with this ad. Apparently, even John McCain agrees that econcomics is not his strong suit. Would anyone contend that Sarah Palin is a heavy weight, or compensates for his admitted lack of knowledge? Her winking at the camera is a frequent and distracting habit, and is clever way to emphasize that she is not an economics heavy weight. It should be clear that he picked her for reasons other than her ability to compensate for his economic policy knowledge and understanding. Does anybody really doubt this? And doesn’t his willingness to sacrifice his choice of a vice presidential running mate to political concerns say something about the depth of his commitment to “Country First.”

I wouldn’t say this about all Obama ads I’ve seen, but the only problem with this one is that the author of the article doesn’t like the message. But that doesn’t make it unfair.

267. Kahi’Kea | 10.29.08

“Fair” is used so loosely when it comes to politics.

It’s two faced for an inexperienced presidential candidate to call a VP candidate inexperienced. To me it is a mirror ad, don’t think about my inexperience just hers.

268. Duncan | 10.29.08

100 percent sexist. An unfair attack of Sarah. Completely.

269. Kate Cooper | 10.29.08

Making this decision about womens’s rights is so totally ridiculous. There are many other women who are far more qualified to be president/vice - presindent than Sarah Palin. she was picked because she would be a big media draw period. She like Clarence Thomas this is a facade pasted on racism and sexism by the GOP. Looking like diversity when exercising policies that degrade both women and people of color. Let’s stop the charade and make the choice that will truly benifit the majority of people, not just make empty gestures about sexism.

270. festinog | 10.29.08

This is tiresome. Attack her and you are accused of sexism, do nothing and you give her a card blanche to make her “pals around with terrorists” comments.

The critique offered in the ad is all about how qualified she is to deal with the current economic crises. To attack it on the grounds that it is sexist belies an extremely narrow world view, and downright lack of perspective indicative of a sad lack of intelligence.

271. Brian Benton | 10.29.08

A vote determined by the content of a political add, is an ill informed vote. Adds are meant to influence and persuade in 30 second bits. There is no room for truth, or at least any meaningful argument that has any depth to it.

The best way to choose a candidate is to look at past voting records. This can not be done for candidates with no or very little voting record, so then voters must rely on party values, and the platforms provided by the candidate. It is much easier to vote for or against an incumbent, which often means voters typically vote for one candidate only because they dislike the other.

Don’t listen to either party’s TV adds, or internet spots. Look at their policy’s.

272. Nathan Campbell | 10.29.08

Both Governor Sarah Palin’s intelligence and temperment are very much within the realm of public discourse, and even contempt, not because she is a woman, but because she seeks the office of Vice President. Senator Clinton received vicious attacks (Mr. O’Reilly wasn’t such a defender of women then) yet accepted them as inherent to the position she saught. As any observer of American politics no doubt knows, every aspect of the candidates lives is examined, fair or not. Palin is no different; not any worse or not any more unjust. Is she qualified? must be the question asked when discussing Governor Palin.

273. jessica noel | 10.29.08

She ain’t no Cleopatra! Cleo was a cunning, strategizing, and wiley woman who held power in a place where truly few women have held such power. Eventually, she lost, but how gracefully!
This Palin lady, ok, we can’t say she is a complete ignoramus, but do we really want the vice-president to hold only a Bachelor’s Degree?? She is no cunning, wiley, and strategizing vizen. She’s a winking, marmy, traitor to women’s freedoms and liberation from sexuality-based popularity. She hopes to seduce the country to vote for her. Well, wink on, my lady. You goin’ DOWN!!!
I voted for the Black guy.

274. JH | 10.29.08

It’s not about her being a woman. I wish people would stop playing that card. Being a woman myself, I would still NOT vote for Palin. If I ever had a doubt in my mind about Obama, McCain ruined my vote for him when he chose Palin as his VP running mate. She has no experience. Atleast Obama has some experience (yes, not as much as McCain), but he has Biden! And for her to make the comment about giving the VP more power …….. seriously?

This message is from a Pro-American

275. Ann C | 10.29.08

I always wondered why Obama is not responding to the misleading lies of Palin. May be he ignored that dumber. But atleast now, he gave a small glimpse about McCain’s poor judgment about selecting Palin. This old man never has a plan. His whole plan is to tell negatives about Obama’s plan…..Atleast Obama has a plan…Mcain doesn’t answer any of the questions regarding how he’s going to lead…Any question about Sarah’s capability is answered as She is his soulmate and Todd is a tough guy. What kind of answers are McCain giving out? Is he really capable? I fear, or is his VP soulmate ready? Anyways McCain approves all messages in his ad. Atleast he does that:)

276. Ron | 10.29.08

Who are all these Obama trolls? Of course it is a sexist ad. It goes against what Democrats are SUPPOSED to stand for.

277. Mave | 10.29.08

29. paul | 10.29.08

said, among other things . . . .

There is a mannequin dressed up like Palin hanging with a rope around it’s neck in West Hollywood and the police won’t make the homeowner take it down. Google the story. What would happen if it were Obama? The people would be in jail for a hate crime. This election has done more to damage race relations than anything I can think of in a long time.

—————————————————-

Paul, I agree with you that this is an appalling situation and that the homeowner should be forced to take it down. I strongly oppose this kind of violent imagery, regardless of the target, and like the students earlier this year, the perpetrator should be reprimanded.

However, I find that story more a case of sexism than racism. That man is not denigrating Palin’s race, but rather her sex. While I feel this Obama ad is a fair comment on McCain’s judgement in picking someone who is too inexperienced regarding economics to help him out, I don’t agree with the kinds of foolishness that man in CA is perpetrating. That is really sexism; the ad is not.

278. Dan | 10.29.08

I’m not sure what commercial you were watching when you wrote this article, because the commercial you have linked on this page is not an attack at anyone’s intelligence except that of John McCain.

This is absolutely about McCain’s obvious admission of his lack of knowledge on the economy, through his excuse that he might have to rely on his VP for economic expertise, and then clearly the huge disconnect between that and selecting Gov. Sarah Palin, who left her little Wasilla with millions of dollars in debt.

Please try to be more realistic with your analysis.

279. c earl jr | 10.29.08

Hey, if you’re gonna say we have to support her because of how women are treated, then you gotta deal with the racial angle that’s she’s played up and how that stirs up hatred and the potential for violence as well…

If she’s gonna play with the racial fire, then she deserves to get burned with the gender fire…

Who will pay the price ultimately…? No the ones making the comments, as is typical…

280. Helen | 10.29.08

Palin is under educated, under informed, vastly naive, and alarmingly ambitious. She ignites the worst in the Republican Base while expressing doctrines that actually disempower women. If she is elected Vice President, and McCain relies on her, it will be the blind leading the grumpy to a dismal future for America.

281. Myssa | 10.29.08

ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? With all of the very personal attacks Palin has made on Obama and now, people dare to suggest, aw, they are being too hard on her???????? She is an extremely poor choice for VP, and of course, for President in any kind of future. She happens to be a woman. I am a woman, too, but she is one of the last women in America I would ever consider worthy of leading our country. It is MUCH WORSE to me for her to be treated any differently JUST because she is a woman.

282. BRIAN | 10.29.08

whats funny to me is that you can replace palin with the word obama and 90% of the comments would be just as, if not more, accurate.

283. India Turner | 10.29.08

I don’t understand it. Palin isn’t being attacked for being a woman. That would be unacceptable. Everyone running is being mocked, vilified, taunted, ridiculed and badmouthed. That’s the de rigeur style. I find it reprehensible and unbearably cynical, but I think it’s another kind of sexism to protect a woman from it exclusively, simply because she’s a woman. Americans are sexist, racist, segregationist in every way imaginable (old from young, intellectual from non-intellectual, religious from atheist, rich from poor, and on and on). Our idea of melting pot seems to be that we allow for diversity, but we don’t embrace it. Because of this, McCain gets it for being old, Obama for being black and young, and Palin for being pretty, a woman, ineloquent and inexperienced. As it stands, our process of election goes pretty low. It’s painful to watch and it isn’t “fair” towards anyone. Everyone can use some protection and kindness, not just Palin.

284. Mave | 10.29.08

54. Mavis Mathews | 10.29.08
wrote. . . .

Women are jealous and men are turned on. Let’s be honest. She has a lot going for her.

————————————————

YOu know, not really, at least on the jealous part. I think a lot more women are embarrassed and disgusted by Palin’s presentation of herself as a woman. Modern women who seek positions of power don’t trade on their sex and expect to get breaks, exemptions, or lower bars in their interactions with others. Regular women expect other women to be at least as capable and competent as they are. Palin is obviously underqualified and self-deluding. The best she might get from the average woman is pity.

285. Suzanne R. | 10.29.08

The ad is about McCain. He’s a one issue candidate.
I read the resume and Palin just isn’t that impressive as a person. Alaska isn’t middle America; its an isolated and odd place.
If Palin is big guns, its unfortunate that she undermines her own stature by dumbing herself down. She used a beauty contest to get school money; too bad she couldn’t get it on acedemic standing. That’s the resume.

286. Tony | 10.29.08

OBAMA has less experience then Sara Palin, but people are ignorant. So much for change, He is going to tax Billion dollar bad bad Corporations, like where you work and people who make over 250000 thousand dollars , namely small business. Like your restaurants and chain stores ect. Think about it!….That should help the economy. Fools, higher unemployment! Think about it! Are you people that ignorant?? Listen to what he says! Chain reaction will give us satisfaction in destroying this country!

287. Bailey Mel | 10.29.08

I try not to judge others. Voting is a rare exception. A vote is a judgment.

I perceive each candidate as a candidates, not as a man or woman. With so much information available about Sarah Palin I believe that she does not lack intelligence. As with any other candidate I see her in terms of her knowledge, understanding, perspective, approach to problems and her interaction with others,

To me, Ms Palin seems relatively ignorant compared to other candidates. She strikes below the belt more often than her opposition and the majority of values she projects are in conflict with mine. In my judgement it’s frightening to think of her as the commander and chief. In my opinion she is totally unqualified.

On the other hand I feel slighted by all the fun made of her. I think Joe Biden has a W.C Field quality about him but in this area he is almost totally ignored. Perhaps the difference is because Ms Palin is a more exciting person?

288. Hemi | 10.29.08

I’m a little confused. Sarah Palin wants to run her mouth about Obama palling around with terrorists, but as soon as someone says something about her, it’s lay off. She has the nerve to say Barack Obama is Anti-American when she’s palling around with separatists in Alaska. I’m getting real tired of listening to this she a woman nonsense. If you want to play with the big boys and dish it out, you better be able to take it.

289. T Hughes | 10.29.08

I live in Alaska. Let’s look at the Governors real REFORM record.
1- She has had nothing to do with putting corrupt Alaskan politicians in jail. The FEDS are doing that on their own.
2- She hasn’t forced the oil companies to give money to Alaskans. We have been earning revenue from big oil for more than 25 years, certainly without her help.
3- She hasn’t forced ethics legislation. She only signed the bill the legislature wrote for themselves.
Calling Palin a reformer may sound good to the far right, and makes for a good political fairy tale, but the facts do not support the fantasy.

290. Judi | 10.29.08

The ad is completely fair. Not one word about Palin. The effect of the ad depends on the viewer’s personal opinion of her. The way Palin coarsely disses Obama every day of the week, his campaign has every right to really slime her if they so choose, but they don’t because that is not their way. She deserves a good trashing from Obama, she has it coming. An eye for an eye…

291. LoriDD | 10.29.08

The director of Women’s Watch talks about women being raped as they cross into the US as an example of why we should respect Palin - yet Palin would force these women to give birth to those rapists’ children!?!?!

My ex is voting McCain because “Obama’s black and Palin is hot” even though I reminded him that in ‘98 we had to terminate a 6-month pregnancy because my son was severely, life-endingly deformed and my doctor told me that he was in constant pain due to the lack of amniotic fluid. Palin would proudly force my son to endure 3 more months of pain only to die upon birth. Leave those heart-wrenching decisions up to women and their doctors! They do not take those decisions lightly!

Then I had a special needs daughter born in ‘00. Believe me, any normal loving parent DOES NOT go back to work when their special needs child is 3 days old! And I was “just” a marketing specialist, not the Governor, nor running for VP.

This woman, and her husband, do not have their priorities in order. It is not that hard to give birth. It is much harder, and much more important, to actually RAISE your children. I feel so sorry for the Palin children.

292. JJ | 10.29.08

Fair.

And I think you missed the more interesting angle, which was the timing. McCain has given Obama’s crew a choice of ammunition. They’ve had the lead so they haven’t been forced (like McCain) to try everything. They could pick and choose.

They dropped this one at exactly the right time. I think I saw the first 40 or so comments above all say “fair.” That tells you something, both in substance and timing.

293. Gary | 10.29.08

Too bad John McCain hasn’t made ads with all of the anti-American rhetoric that Obama has been saying over the last several years. There are videos and audio available for many of his socialist comments.
The main stream media has never ventured to air this information. The country seems prepared to elect a man to the highest office in this country and knows so very little about his beliefs. That is beyond ignorant.

294. JP17 | 10.29.08

This ad is not fair. I’ve seen only one or two ads this political season that were fair. Unfortunately politics and life are not fair. The people that told us life was going to be fair lied to us. The fact is the ad asks the question of John McCain’s decision making ability especially when he has made statements about his difficulties in economics. He chose Mrs. Palin….

295. Nancy Blumenthal Mann | 10.29.08

Fair is fair. And this ad is fair!

Yes we can.

296. George | 10.29.08

She’s more qualified than obama to run the country….and all this crap….lol

297. JP17 | 10.29.08

India Turner gets it!

298. Bob | 10.29.08

It was a real treat to read these comments! I had begun to believe that my fellow Americans had become unthinking sheep that just followed the rest of the herd. How refreshing to find that we still have some real thinkers who are able to listen to, or read something, and reach a totally logical decision about what they have read, or heard. I do not believe that even by the wildest stretch you could find anything negative in this ad. It utilizes simple, well known quotes that a candidate has made and asks a simple question regarding his choice of running mate. It reaches no conclusions. YOU make the decision!

299. Joanna B. | 10.29.08

I guess no one told O’Reilly that we aren’t voting for Sarah Palin. **** probably do a write-in for her when he finds out she isn’t running for President…
She is an embarrassment. Can anyone really see her at a G8 summit,or speaking at the UN, or managing any kind of crisis that might hit us? NO WAY. The woman is completely inarticulate, ill-informed, deliberately ignorant, and is not a suitable person to represent our nation to the world. The world in general has a low opinion of the U.S. and if she were to be in any high office it would get much worse! The winking…oh, where do I stop! She does, as another person said, bring the mockery on herself. She herself is a caricature of a person.
And I am NOT John McCain’s friend.

300. fred | 10.29.08

People are faulting McCain for his selection of an “unqualified” running mate, well, I am faulting the American people, in advance, for their selection of a totally unqualified president, Obama.

301. Patricia | 10.29.08

I think it is sexist to give Palin a break based solely on her gender. I don’t recall people complaining about making fun of Gore or Quail because they were men. I also don’t think it is necessarily sexist to say that Palin should be focusing on her family in it’s time(s) of crisis rather than running for VP of the US. I said the same thing about Edwards when he was running for the Democratic nomination while his wife battled cancer. Sometimes politicians make themselves (or just are) easy targets. Sometimes people should back off from their work life to deal more effectively with their personal life - BOTH areas suffer when people don’t. Gender does not have to be the deciding factor in whether national politicians get criticized in these areas. Common sense should be.

302. JoJo | 10.29.08

Her home state’s major newspaper gave their endorsement to Obama. That says something, doesn’t it?

303. Jarkeer Lasseter | 10.29.08

Absolutely its fair… nothing sexist about it. If you notice when ever the Democrats go after the republicans we spend a few weeks trying to answer the question of is it fair or not.

It was fair for her to call him a terrorist and go after him with no fear… at least give him the courtesy of caller her inexperience and Mccain a flip flopper…

I mean hes only calling them like he …. and I see it.

304. Ian Johnson | 10.29.08

Whaaa. I’m running for number 2 in the world and I can’t get by on my sassy charm, and overt neocon pandering.

If a man spewed the nonsense she emits he would be ridiculed just the same.

With a drug addict son, a preggers teen, and a child with downs syndrome, she should cool her ambitious jets, and focus on her own brood.

305. Susan | 10.29.08

All this is at a time when women are regularly being raped as they try to cross the border into the United States; bloody, broken women haunt the emergency rooms of hospitals; and abuse and disrespect for women and girls is rising faster than bank bailouts. That is the atmosphere in which people, including women, choose to attempt to destroy a woman who is a legitimate political leader.

Blah, blah, blah…the old “women as victims” schtick. This is politics. If she can dish it out, she better be able to take it.

306. Amado | 10.29.08

To call Palin insufficiently mentally sophisitcated to deftly handle the role of the Leader of the Free World (or to imply it) is NOT to say that women are insufficiently mentally sophisitcated to do so. To critically examine national political figures in the run-up to a major election is fair.

“Poor” Palin is “being savaged by the media” (read: examined critically) not because she’s a woman, but because she is sigularly unqualified to be Vice President (not to mention President).

It is fair for us to examine that question, and a steadily increasing number of people are coming to that conclusion. And it is fair to question McCain’s judgement for picking such a poor running mate.

307. sebastian wood | 10.29.08

This is not sexism in play here, more like “Dan Quayle” syndrome.
As Americans we can sense when someone is completely unprepared for the job,if something should happened to the primary candidate. The criticism should be heaped on McCain’s door,but we won’t do it since he was a prisoner of war. Thus
everybody is after this poor women, who I granted is knowledgeable about
energy and gas but a total vacuum on everything else.

308. MikeJ | 10.29.08

Do you want this incurious, unqualified politician, in charge of anything in the country?

Who are we talking about here? Obama or Palin?

309. Joy to the world | 10.29.08

Oh I see from the disclaimer, you post what you want people to hear. I’m sure that the vice president is not going to be the only one with input when the economy is in question on how to handle it. Cut the fat and cut the big government. That is what Palin is saying. Something wrong with that???

310. John | 10.29.08

I am not sure why the media still will jump up in arms to defend someone who has 1) declared that small towns are “pro-American” in comparison to large cities, and 2) held up sexist stereotypes by playing up her cutesy, folksy attitude when avoiding answering a question. The ad aptly points out the McCain-Palin lack of economic understanding in a sharp, clear manner, while simultaneously addressing this schtick Palin pulls every time we try to look for answers. I would appreciate if the media would vet this up-coming candidate in the same fashion they vetted Clinton, Obama, and McCain.

311. James Padgett | 10.29.08

Sarah Palin does have a good relationship with someone who is quite well versed in the economy - G O D. She is humble enough to recognize her need to seek his wisdom and does so on a regular basis. Do the others? When they lack the moral discernment to see the need to stop murdering 1.3 million babies each year via abortion (which comes to 3562 per day and 148 per hour), it seems doubtful that they do.

312. Grace B. Johnson | 10.29.08

who cares what bill o’reilly says about palin? he’s just stumping for votes for mccain under the guise of being a journalist

313. Mave | 10.29.08

89. Ninch | 10.29.08

So many here say the ad is “fair” and then go on to further disparage Palin. What a bunch of sexists.

———————————————–

Really. Like, READ the comments, will you? Note the disparagement is directed towards Palin’s “HUMAN” qualities, not her female ones. You may argue your other points about Obama vs. Palin (though at least Obama has the good sense to “get knowledge” from experts, unlike Palin), but at least recognise that the negative comments about Palin are judgements of her personality, character, and behaviour, not her sex.

314. Chachi | 10.29.08

Hillary is mocked because she is a woman.

Sarah is mocked because she’s an idiot.

315. Pete Johnson | 10.29.08

Palin has more experience at running goverment than Obama, who has fulfilled a full 173 days in Congress, and she’s running for VICE President. Her being female has no significance - she has more exerience than he does and is not running for President. You people biting on Obama’s line of change amaze me. He’s telling you straight up he’s going to raise your taxes and you are not hearing it. He’s telling you straight up he’s going to concede in Iraq and you could care less. He has hung around some of the most shady characters in America and your not seeing it. I can only shake my head in total amazement.

316. Jenny | 10.29.08

The AD is fair. John McCain made a stupid choice. She is NOT at all qualified.

317. Reality_Check | 10.29.08

Poor poor Republicans … under Karl Rove elevated vile dirty tricks and personal attacks to levels never before seen in American politics and now they want us to shed crocodile tears when it comes back to bit them. Boo hoo hoo.

The ad is 100% true and accurate. Palin doesn’t get a free pass just because she’s a woman. If McCain had picked a male VP who was as clueless, inexperienced, vain and unethical as Palin, the media and the public would been equally critical, deservedly so.

318. johnny smith | 10.29.08

That tells you about the aupacity of the minds of democrats, the median and the mean of the intelligence index in this country are really down,

you tell them that having companies pay more taxes will only transfer those taxes into the products and services to the consumer, at the same time decreasing employment,
they tell you yes we want to charge companies more taxes.
they dont understand that they will have to pay it in higher prices.

Biden and Obama say it’s the Bush admin, if that was bad then why make it worse by taxing more?

at Least McCain came back to Washington to see if he can do something,
he saw people drowning and he was trying to help,
Obama sat on his high horse being the dum guy he is, and now he’s saying he was more composed than McCain, he wants people to confuse stupidity with being more composed.

Palin tells them to work out a plan for energy, the democrats want to talk about Don Qixote wind power that does not produce more than one percent of the energy in this country, of course she knows more about the economy than the billions of knockle head democrats,
they just talk nice,
talk to them about nuclear energy, they obfuscate the subject by talking about reprocessing, other countries reprocess fine.

that’s the tragedy of democracy, you get the most common denominator, the worst in this case, in brain power and intellect.

so the majority of the people are going to elect a well dressed, well spoken demagogue that has no experience, with Biden putting his foot in his mouth saying that he does’nt know how did the economy get here, mostly the democrats in congress, and congress wanting to look nice and get elected, letting the mortgage crisis get out of hand.

Let’s say McCain and Palin have about ten times as much experience as Obama and Biden.

319. W Shick | 10.29.08

Mr. Orr, have you not checked FactCheck.org recently for unbiased reports on Sarah Palin and her incendiary (Kill Him) speeches? Most of the harangue from S. Palin is greatly spin meistered, from her or her handlers, and much of it is false. She deserves what she gets in response.

The Obama ad asks fairly if she is qualified; did she meet John McCain’s own vetting standards. After going through five years of college and several different junior and state colleges, she has no economic credentials, and that is what he said he needed help in. He does, as witness his performance during the bailout proceedings. Sarah didn’t help here, so she is not a fit choice for his own requirements.

After looking over the 100 plus replies, have you counted the “fair” vs “questionable” and “harsh” responses? Despite your experience, I think you and O’Reilly have some serious reorientation to think about. IR Republican, but voting for Obama.

320. Alex | 10.29.08

I’m with the majority of people here. It doesn’t say anything bad about Palin as a woman, just as a VP candidate. The fact that the ad ends asking the voters to make their own judgement speaks volumes to the differences in the two campaingns. She gleefully came out swinging at Barack Obama as un-American and anti-American and didn’t expect to get hit back? Why is that? I hardly think that a self-proclaimed “pitbull in lipstick” should feel remotely bruised by the ad, unless it speaks to the truth that she is woefully unqualified to round out John McCain’s weakness in understanding economic policy. I guess the truth does indeed hurt.

321. Randy Slovacek | 10.29.08

I hardly think this is harsh. If she doesn’t want to be portrayed as a “smile and wink” candidate I suggest she not smile and wink. She chose to display those affectations. This ad doesn’t attack her as a woman.

I’m not sure I understand the criticism - is Palin exempt from critique because she’s a woman? That sure didn’t play in Hillary’s case….

322. Clay | 10.29.08

Fair would be to call her Bush in a skirt. She and Bush remind me of the spoiled kid in grade school who always thinks he/she is a genius and everyone else is mean to them. The winks, the snotty comments, the self-entitlement (it’s legal for me to gouge Alaska for playing mommy at home…) and just like Bush she leads by phoning it in. Just like Bush she would never be able to handle foreign leaders because they would make a fool of her if they spend more than 5 minutes talking to her.

Why hasn’t anyone mentioned the fact that the COST of the oil TAX revenue that she bribes her constituents with is passed along as higher gas prices… paid for by all of us in the lower 48.

You can’t begin to be harsh enough on this woman. She a moron and a sleaze. Mac’s choice is nothing more than brown-nosing the religious-rights.

323. Mave | 10.29.08

124. Preaching to the Choir | 10.29.08

Commented didactically:

I expect the following responses, if any:

——————————————-

Very thorough list of potential responses you gave there. However, none of your comments negate the fact that the so-called sexism is really just a very accurate assessment of Palin’s inability to be vice president. The ad highlights McCain’s poor judgement in selecting Palin, and does so without trading on anybody’s sex.

324. Abdul Conteh | 10.29.08

Bill O’Reilly is an overt but subtle supporter of the GOP and unfortunately in this case, he does not know what he is saying. However, lets not lose sight of what’s at stake here. Whether male, female or hemaphrodite, Palin is just not ready for the vice presidency portfolio!!! I would rather opt for an apprentice who has maneuvered every possible obstacle and still manages to stay ahead than one who has time and over again buckled even in the most favourable setting. Stop the petty politics of race and sex, it is about that time we used a telescope rather than a microscope because the real losers at the end of the day will be us!!!

325. Pamela | 10.29.08

You said it best, Helen. Palin is “under educated, under informed, vastly naive, and alarmingly ambitious. She ignites the worst in the Republican Base while expressing doctrines that actually disempower women.”

She is extremely divisive, when what we need so very desperately at this juncture is unity.

For an example of a strong, capable, intelligent (oh, and yes, she’s pretty too) woman governor (and one who supports women), look to Jennifer Granholm of Michigan.

As to Palin - fire away. She can’t go back to Alaska soon enough for me.

326. The Bear | 10.29.08

Completely fair. The wink at the end was a nice touch. This has nothing to do with women. It has everything to do with her being completely unqualified.

Of all the amazingly intelligent and qualified women McCain could have chosen, he chose her. That’s not good judgment.

327. DTS | 10.29.08

This is plain and simple. This represents poor judgement on John McCains part……Hmmmmm.

328. lochmonster | 10.29.08

The past election has seen all kinds of disgraceful practices like swift boat politics where there have been TV ads that take a candidates record of bravery and heroism and completely flip it on its head and make completely false claims, where entire books can be written that are filled with lies designed to smear a candidate. Even in this current election there have been ads (on both sides) that throw out everything from half-truths to flat out lies. Against this backdrop, you are complaining about an ad where every statement is completely true, and whose underlying point (that Palin knows squat about the economy) is pretty much undeniable to anyone with a functioning brain cell? Come on, even die hard want-my-babies-and-my-guns republicans know that economics is not her strength, they are voting for her despite of this weakness (and many others). And Palin being bad at economic issues really is the only claim this ad makes – it says nothing about intelligence. What you felt when you saw the ad does not qualify as what the ad is saying.

329. Angela Creighton | 10.29.08

OMG, this is one of the best response blogs I have read in weeks!!!! You people are stating your opinion and keeping it calm and cool. (mostly) I wish your attitudes were contagious to both the left & right!

330. mavisdarling | 10.29.08

Absolutely FAIR ad. If she wants to run with the big dogs and be the mean nasty pitbull who almost incited race riots, then she needs to take her licks too. And the ad is very mild. I love the music. Very effective ad; true and actually tactful, and I say it’s ABOUT TIME! I don’t see how anyone could say it’s a HARSH ad. That’s nuts.

331. Thomas Ellis | 10.29.08

Here we go with double standards, yet again.

Sarah Palin can smear Obama repeatedly, charging him with “palling around with terrorists” because he served on the board of a Chicago charity with a distinguished professor of elementary education who 30 years earlier was a wild young radical. But when Obama simply lets us deduce the obvious–that Palin is trading on her good looks (by winking) and that she is not the least bit qualified in economics (or anything else) to compensate for McCain’s self-acknowledged deficits in that sphere, all of a sudden, these same snarling, vicious, mean-spirited Republicans cry foul.

Give me a break!

332. Johnny Mac | 10.29.08

Talk about reaching for straws; the ad is fair and to the point: Palin is a bad choice that shows McCain makes bad choices. No bashing of women or Joes or anyone but J McC.
The real bashing is being done by the Republicans with their lies, misrepresentations, and misdirections and the ones getting hit are the voters. O’Reilly is shamelessly forgetting his mistreatment of Hillary and other democrats. His arrogance and bullying show him for what he is: a big mouthed demagogue.
And the writer of this article is just stoking the embers.

333. Stan | 10.29.08

When people say Palin lacks experience, what they are really saying is that she doesn’t talk in a harsh voice, doesn’t wear pantsuits, has a quaint accent and hasn’t been on TV as much as Obama. She has been a governor. Obama has not. She has run a business. Obama has not. She has experience with the oil and gas industry. Obama does not. She has had the guts to fight corruption–even among her own party. Obama can’t even come up with one example of where he differs from his party. Hillary Clinton claimed being first lady entitled her to be President. Obama’s schtick is that he’s an inspirational speaker–as long as no one is allowed to ask questions. It’s not about experience. It’s about Obama worship and Bush demonization. And a woman, no less a woman who dares to act like one and has actual children that she is seen in public with, is an easy target. Where’s Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live? With all his millions and most of the media rooting for him, the amazing thing is that Obama is not ahead by a landslide. He’s a likeable guy but so so so liberal that its too much of a shock for America (remember, a lot of American votes when to Bush. Twice).

334. Pamela | 10.29.08

Sorry Sarah, if you can’t take the heat– get out of the kitchen. McCain showed supreme disrespect for the American people. He is elderly. He’s had cancer. It is quite possible that the stress of the Presidency would do him in. He had the audacity to pick Palin as his running mate, a woman who as mayor allowed her city to bill rape victims for their rape kits. I worked as a emergency room physician for ten years. For seven years, when I was on call I did rape exams. The women had been raped, beaten and terrorized. They had dirt and grass in their hair. They had frequently been abducted and subsequently left in unfamiliar places. My county is too civilized to ask a victim for payment for her kit. Palin is marginally intelligent. Her lack of knowledge about global warming and her insensitivity regarding the need for the protection of endangered species (polar bears and beluga whales) speaks volumes about her lack of readiness for the office. The fact that McCain has risked leaving the country in her hands shows contempt for the citizens of the U.S. Our deeply loved country is in extreme danger. We need the best and the brightest to fend for us. Sarah Palin has been afraid to face a press conference. How could she ever protect us? Shame on you McCain.

335. Karen | 10.29.08

This ad does not mock Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin mocks women by choosing to utilize such trivializing gestures as a wink while purporting to convey a serious campaign message. Sarah Palin mocks the efforts of serious women by not knowing the things she should know in order to run for high national office. Sarah Palin mocks women by appealing to those who believe they do not have to educate themselves before they can lead. Sarah Palin does not appeal to people on the basis of her qualification for the office she seeks; she appeals to them in spite of her qualifications and based only on her gender and personality. That is not the deal that true feminists want. They want to be recognized for their hard work and their achievements, not solely on their ability to charm an audience.

336. chandra | 10.29.08

How would find yourself when your (a lady)Boss or your Junior is giving you a wink while explaining her point of argument in a Company meeting;or for the matter,your wife winks at her neighbour when discussing the financial situation of the country; or again,you try a Palin-wink while giving reasons why you were fired from your job ?
The answer is-pathetic and gross.

337. Maureen | 10.29.08

The whole tone of this election has been despicable, but the Republicans invited the outrage over Sarah Palin’s candidacy by assuming that just because she was a woman, she would appeal to women voters who had supported Hillary Clinton. I saw audacious headlines proclaiming, “Sarah Palin is Everywoman,” at which I was revolted. It is as demeaning to be put in a category of “all women voters” as it is to be lumped by race or ethnicity. Sarah Palin has been skewered because she is not a good-enough candidate for the highest public office in the land, and because many Americans have had enough of incompetent, narcissistic, and least-common-denominator leadership…..eight years, in fact.

338. Pyper | 10.29.08

How could that possibly be viewed as an unfair ad?

There’s no name calling. There’s no dishonest character assassination taking place.

That ad has a message and is executed in a completely classy manner.

What makes this article so hard to comprehend is the fact that the McCain campaign and especially Palin have been so aggressive and distasteful in their attacks of Obama.

Obama’s so called attacks are about the differences in each candidates policies. That’s fair game and how political combat “SHOULD” be waged.

McCain’s attacks are aimed at attacking Obama’s character, patriotism, loyalty, and nationality. The disgusting part is that they’re not truthful in any way. They’re simply a lame attempt to manipulate they’re own base. It’s as if the McCain people believe that the amount of dumb people greatly outnumber the intelligent and has simply decided to manipulate those intellectually-challenged members of our society by feeding them half-truths and blatant lies that feed on their fears.

When Obama supporters express their fear in McCain, they talk about things like Roe v Wade or a neverending war in Iraq. Fears that are justified based on McCain’s own words.

When McCain supporters express their fear in Obama, they talk about him really being a terrorist or a communist or a socialist. None of their fears are actually based in reality.

McCain talks a lot about putting his country first. It’s sad that those aren’t more than just words with him. His campaign hasn’t just been poor and erratic. It’s been dangerously divisive. His followers are so riled up in fear and hatred that I almost expect an assassination attempt on Obama’s life. If that happens, that blood will be on the hands of John McCain and Sara Palin.

339. Lou | 10.29.08

Given the ratio of anti-McCain/Palin to pro-M/P feedback I’ve seen on this site, I doubt my comment will see the light of day. But just in case: It appears that all of you Obama voters will have a chance to see your “change agent” in the oval office. As you see “The Ruling Party” slowly take away your rights and freedoms to the pursuit of happiness guarranteed by our constutution by the “Change administration” (praised by Fidel Castro as “progressive”) you may then appreciate what you could have otherwise had. Best of luck folks, we’ll surely need it. Now, let’s see how this site will deal with my freedom of speech

340. BH | 10.29.08

I am very concerned by the hate and personal malpractice towards Palin from comments in this blog. Are these for real? Are we really a loving nation? You would never know it by reading this garbage.

Obama keeps calling for change and bringing this nation together. You would never know it by his supporters who wrote these ugly and hurtful thoughts.
It is time to clean up our thoughts as a nation.

If you were one who wrote a response here, would you be proud enough of what you wrote to read it to your children? If not, you may want to stop the stinking thinking, and shed the hate, and leave the attacks behind you. Boomarangs have a way of coming home, get my drift?

If this is what Obama and his supporters stand for I am not turning to McCain,
I am running to McCain!

341. Susan | 10.29.08

Why didn’t McCain choose Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who headed the Senate Republican Conference, and is currently chairwoman of the Republican Policy Committee? She has proven that she can handle big issues. It’s because Senator Hutchison, although still attractive at 68, is not a pageant queen, and respects the dignity of public appearance (no winks, no dumb colloquialisms). The GOP put Palin on the ticket because of her “naughty librarian” draw to the younger men. They were also going for the disenfranchised Hillary supporters, and (to my surprise) were somewhat successful.

Women will not be seen as the equals of men until they stop using their gender as a shield when things don’t go their way. The Vice-Presidency is a long way from Wassila, Alaska; these are the big leagues, and Palin needs to stop being so “gimmicky”.

The sad truth is that people don’t see that electing a nonwhite president will shatter barriers for everyone. Electing yet another old white guy with a pretty secretary perpetuates the idea that only white men can be president. Don’t get me wrong - I would like to see a female President one day, not a female VP. Women have been second best long enough, and Palin’s lack of knowledge (of the VP powers/responsibilities) reinforces the stereotype that women can’t compete in the big leagues.

342. Pambie | 10.29.08

Call Obama a Socialist, question his patriotism, INCITE small-minded people???!!! That’s OK? But to show her WINKING is somehow disrespectful?

No, it was WRONG of John McCain to pick such a blatantly ambitious, woefully unqualified and painfully uneducated woman as a running mate. And it was wrong of her to wink at me during the debate. I shuddered when she did it then … I’m still shuddering.

For a truly qualified, capable, intelligent female governor, look to Michigan’s Jennifer Granholm, who is helping to turn around the state after it was raped by John Engler and George Bush.

343. Morethanfair | 10.29.08

The ad is far from unfair to Palin, or to women in general.

When an ad is produced which calls into question her ability to make rational decisions based on her hormone levels at any given time during a month, then that would be unfair.

I keep waiting for a political ad to be made where video of leaky faucets are shown with a voice-over asking the question: “Who will she call when she has a problem with her plumbing at four o’clock in the morning?”

“will be Joe the Plumber?”

Now that kind of ad would be really unfair.

344. Kurt | 10.29.08

I find it interesting that the democrats can defend this. If it were the other way around they would be outraged. Women everywhere should be proud of Sarah Palin. She is more qualified to govern than Obama or Hillary. What qualifications does Hillary have? Liberals think she is a God. Sarah Palin has actually governed, which is more than can be said for Obama or Hillary.

345. r. beyer | 10.29.08

All’s fair in love, war, and politics. Conservatives have called Obama a socialist, and implied he is a communist. So what if he is! Socialism and communism are not bad or evil forms of government. What is wrong with taking from those that have enough, and giving to those who don’t have enough. Americans have tried a constitutional republic for over 200 years, it’s time for a change. Liberty encourages initiative, industry and rewards hard work, and risk taking. We have seen where that has gotten us. I don’t have the courage or desire to compete with those that want to take risk and work hard, why should I be punished for that? We need a president who will appoint supreme court judges to set aside the ridiculous bill of rights and constitution. Americans are ready for freedom from choice, we want socialism, and we deserve change, I encourage you all to VOTE for OBAMA, he is the best chance we have for the changes we deserve and shred the hated U.S. Constitution and Bill Of Rights. GO OBAMA

346. Kim | 10.29.08

It isn’t fair at all. The media has been awful to Sarah Palin. I’m a Democrat and voting for Palin just because of how terrible my party has been to her. I’m sickened by it.

347. lisa | 10.29.08

I think the ad is fair. It doesn’t portray Palin as a woman, but as an person who is not qualify for the job. If Palin wants to be respected, she should show her quality and ability to handle current issues….not just “screaming” “Hey, respect me because I’m a woman. Whoever criticizes me is sexist.” I’m a woman, I’ve seen Palin’s interviews and debate, but sorry….she doesn’t get my support because she is not qualify for a VP position.

348. Deef | 10.29.08

Can anyone believe that someone who drifted through five different undergraduate institutions and eventually got a degree in journalism is qualified as an economic advisor? Come on. Economics is a specialized discipline that requires real training — McCain didn’t have it, and was right to admit that — he just didn’t pick a VP who’s going to give him any help with it. Of course this is fair.

349. John | 10.29.08

It’s absolutely fair to go after Sarah Palins glaring lack of knowledge and intellect. This person might end up being President and we deserve the best. It’s sexist to suggest that she has to be handled any differently than the men in the campaigns. I think that in many ways McCain has used her sex as a shield. He can use her to attack,meanwhile any attack against her is automatically unfair. if she can attack then she’d best be able to take her lumps too. The “hands off” approach from the Democrats toward Palin until now allowed her free reign to spew her hate and lies unchecked. It’s about time that she be treated fairly and slammed like the rest of them. Ms. Palin has been exposed as a hypocritical fraud. She faces more ethics charges,also last night it was revealed how she gave jobs to unqualified campaign donors and childhood friends. She’s not who she claims to be and it’s high time the truth came out about her. The blogs slam her because she is absolutely incapable of the office she’s running for and the media is too scared to flat out say it. It’s insane that this has gone as far as it has.Palin has proven to be a pathological liar,too many lies to rehash here. How about claiming that the ethics report exonerated her, for one ? How stunning that she can deny reality like that and not a peep from the media. It’s like an episode of the Twilight Zone. I for one am shocked that this fraud is being perptrated on us and that there aren’t protests in the streets. Palin in the Whitehouse ? Just incredible !

350. dottydo | 10.29.08

I watch the Obama ads to see how he is spending money that he should have given back to Fannie and Freddie, to put some walk in his talk.
This ad and his 1/2 hour sales pitch just solidifys the Image of King Ding Obama, who wants all of us to give. Some give ….some take in the new society of priveledge exsisting only in Obama land.

351. Kim Minu | 10.29.08

This is completely fair. How can you sit there when she spews venom at Barock. Palin has only shown herself to be full of hot air when she actually done interviews and did you notice, she stopped doing them. That may have been the best move by the McCain campaign. She would have sunk his ship definitely by herself.

352. Andrea | 10.29.08

Very Fair Ad. This is not about women, but more about whether or not the VP nominee is qualified, which Palin has so far failed to prove. As a woman, I will feel more apprehensive if Palin gets voted into the White House.

353. Barry | 10.29.08

If it was STEVE Palin instead of SARAH, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. Palin is unqualified and is a bad joke. Picking Palin as your crucified martyr is not only misguided, it insults Hillary Clinton and women of real ability. Think of Hillary debating Sarah and cringe.

So Sarah’s the governor of Alaska. She’s great at managing her socialist regime; the resources of Alaska belong to the Alaskan people so the government up there takes $1500 (IIRC) per person out of the oil companies’ revenue and “spreads the wealth” around. Then she has the audacity to rail about the progressive income tax system of the United States? Jeez, folks; you should understand that most of America can’t even stomach her.

354. revpad | 10.29.08

I’ll think a little more of her when she releases her medical records like she sais she would. Gender issues aside, voters have a right to know whether a potential VP, one who is a 72 year-old heartbeat away from being President, is physically fit to serve.

355. Independent | 10.29.08

No one said this is a loving nation. No one said life is fair. Everyone tries to idealize society and have a utopia. The US is not a utopia and never will be. Take a step back and think about it for a second… No one goes running to defend criticisms of Obama or McCain, but everyone feels like they have to backup Palin… Why? Because women are weak. Physically, emotionally, etc. If they weren’t, you wouldn’t see anyone needing to try to support Palin through the criticisms. I could just see a woman president… 1st time PMS comes along, we’ll be firing off nukes at the 1st person to cross paths with us! I say keep bringing on the attacks on Palin!

356. james | 10.29.08

I think it’s absolutely fair. Any candidate knows that they can expect some criticism and this is really not very harsh at all. The criticism is totally fair as Ms. Palin is no expert on the economy and Obama has a right (maybe a duty?) to point that out. Further, the focus is more on McCain’s bad judgement at missing an opportunity to pick someone who fills his gaps of knowledge (as Obama did) instead of someone to primarily rile and enthuse his right-wing base.

357. Steve | 10.29.08

I dont like any democrats at all. A Obama Presidency will be a big mistake. How can Obama say he is quailifed to be president and he only has 1 1/2 years more experinence that Sara does. Does that quailify you. Trust me…the democrats that voted to tax social security and give it to illegals, with the majority of democrats that they will enjoy we will have the worst presidency since Jimmy Carter. What does Obama stand for…..anything you want him to as long as he gets your vote.

358. Sanjoy Das | 10.29.08

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have been far too fair on Sarah Palin, who has been constantly lying about Obama “plling around with terrorists”.

Besides, I think the whole world knows right now that Sarah Palin is both ignorant and unethical, unfit for any administative position

359. aileyfromCA | 10.29.08

Of course it’s fair. It’s a statement about McCain’s judgment, but if it were about Palin, so what? She spends her days attacking Obama, and her attacks are a tissue of lies. In contrast, it is ‘fair and balanced’ and accurate to point out that Palin is uninformed and incurious about policy issues and will add no value to our government or our lives. I am a republican woman, and am insulted by McCain’s choice.

360. noFascistsin WhiteHouse | 10.29.08

Well hurt,
Using this moroonic yard stick of palin having governed, she has more experience than the top of her ticket. Yeah, being major of wassillia prepares you for the white house. I haven’t heard diddly from the right wingnuts during the smear campaign by mccain. And how come so few people know that mccain made statements against the United States when in captivity? Is this where his expereince to win the war comes from?

361. G.R. | 10.29.08

Sarah is a big girl and I have no doubt she will take care of herself in the future no matter what or who is ruling. My question is when “that one” brings about the “change we need”, who will take care of you, who voted for him, and protect you when he won’t?

362. Q | 10.29.08

I think Jimmy Orr (author of the article) blew this way out of proportion. The ad clearly quoted McCain stating his weaknesses. Saying he would need a VP to help make his weaknesses stronger. (which is fine.. I’m not against team work) Then the ad showed Palin, his choice which doesn’t really fill the shoes that McCain left there to be filled. Nowhere in that ad did I see a bash at Palin, or women. It simply stated that she isn’t a good fit for the VP role.

I don’t think McCain and Palin combined have gone through the “bashing” as they want to call it that Obama has gone through. I get mail and phone calls at my house all the time paid for by the GOP talking about Obama being a terrorist, etc… etc… you all heard the rumors and accusations. Maybe if the GOP spent more time on their campaign and plans instead of trying to scare America they might be a little further in this campaign.

I don’t worry about what Obama is going to do as president, but how non-Obama supporters are going to react in result of the GOP’s scare tactics.

363. Lynne | 10.29.08

I’m a woman and a feminist and part of equal rights means being treated just like any other candidate for office. Most candidates for office do get attacked by the other side - they also actually talk to the media without whining that they aren’t being nice enough or that the questions are too hard. Palin said Obama “palls around with terrorists” compared to that, Obama’s “attacks” are extremely mild. If she can’t take it, she shouldn’t dish it out. And if she thinks she should be exempt from political criticism or negative political ads because she’s a woman then maybe she shouldn’t be running for office. I don’t recall Hillary pulling that sort of stunt and she had plenty of people criticizing her. It’s not criticism of Palin that is setting back women’s rights it’s the fact that an unqualified beauty queen with no intellectual curiosity whatsoever, who thinks rape victims should pay for their own rape kits, is running for high political office while whining “please don’t diss me, I’m a girl!”

364. Abba Ricky | 10.29.08

The add is quite commendable in pointing to McCain as an irresponsible character that knows what is right for the country but did the opposite because he thinks that is the way he can lure people into voting for him. McCain camp surely believes that Americans are so dumb that they can easily be carried away by the vain attraction of a female celebrity into casting their votes for him and forgetting their economic, health and education concerns and financial woes. Of course he must have convinced himself that all Americans are like himself who is easily carried away by attractive celebrities like the ones he irresponsibly used in his celebrity ad attacks against Obama, and for which he deservedly received a public disgrace from Paris Hilton that effectively brought him low. One could not but wonder what if McCain as POW in Vietnam had been blackmailed with girls by the communist govt. say in a sex scandal sort of? That could mean a life sentence for him, and as a prisoner of that past he may remain a puppet of his captors for life, and could, if elected president, compromise American vital interest to keep that past secret secret. If that is truly the case the hard evidence of that secret past could easily be used by McCain’s captors to help other friendly third countries. We can still remember how, in 1987, the Soviets used their girls to blackmail US Marines and were thus able to bug a new US embassy in Moscow before it was completed.

Why is McCain soft towards Vietnam and against his fellow Vietnam war veterans over the MIA? How well did McCain captors treat him to merit his sympathy and support? Did they help him find “celebrities” to satisfy his sexual appetite and secretly took his photos which would cause him grave embarrassment if published? Maybe McCain is still hiding some truths about his POW years, and he needs to come out and say it all for American people to hear. How far did McCain go to collaborate with his captors? Why did they offer to set him free when they stood to gain more using him as a bargaining tool, a collateral sort of? Why did McCain refuse freedom when that could have enabled him to go and arrange and do something to help rescue other POW, or to, at least, rejoin in the war efforts against the enemy to prove his patriotism and heroism? Was McCain playing safe by choosing to remain captive and enjoy the protection of the enemy rather than risk being killed by them? Is McCain truly free now, or still a prisoner of some sorts, say, prisoner of conscience (POC), of his past (POHP)? McCain the war hero may turn out to be a mere paper tiger, a puppet of his captors still. Maybe for life.

365. Slim | 10.29.08

This article is absolutely ridiculous. Those posters trying to tie it in to sexism are way off base. It’s not a slam on her intelligence, but it SHOULD be. Sarah Palin is a dunce,that much is obvious. That’s not anybodys fault but hers. When you choose not to learn anything about the world and the way it works, you can’t just show up one day and pronounce yourself ready to run the most powerful nation on earth. Do you think you can do it ? Well then, prove it ! Palin has so far proven nothing but that she’s an ethically challenged liar,and ignorant to boot. I’d like to know more about the cronyism charges in Alaska,is it true that her head of Agriculture got the job because they are friends and she likes cows ? Even her self proclaimed area of expertise ,energy, she’s been shown to know little about. I don’t automatically respect her or anyone,respect is earned, so far she’s earned contempt and derision. Her sex has nothing to do with it. These women who are crying sexism are clueless,no one cares what sex you are ,until YOU bring it up.

366. Jeff | 10.29.08

As Colin Powell pointed out so elequently, there are MANY very qualified Republican women that Senator McCain could have picked as a running mate. Governor Rell of Connecticut comes to mind as a highly intellegent, experienced, knowledgable, and impressive chief executive with a proven ability to heal a fractured government in the wake of the disgraceful fall of her predecessor and, as the Republican governor of an overwhelmingly Democratic state has been an amazingly effective leader. Linda Lingle of Hawaii is an equally impressive possibility, and why would one chose Sarah Palin who clearly has no knowledge of international affairs or domestic policy over someone like Senator Collins of Maine, the ranking Republican member of the Senate commitee on homeland security and governmental affairs, a member of the subcommitee on federal financial management, and an obvious leader in bipartisan cooperation?

I’m sorry. The Obama campaign is right. Senator McCain’s choice of Governor Palin was a cheap political trick. It has backfired. I actually had much more respect for Senator McCain prior to his making such a crass, offensive, dangerous, and stupid political choice.

This attack ad is valid.

367. Will | 10.29.08

In my experience, the ad poses a fair question, is Pallin qualified to take command of this country. It also points to the McCain’s choice; I believe he was pandering to those Democrats that were Hillary supporters. In my experience this tactic has backfired on McCain. However, I find exception with Republican politics as usual. The Republicans sling mug and then cry foul when the very mud they have slung is on their own high fashion ultra suits. Let me be blunt folks we ALL just got handed a 700 billion dollar bill. To bail out the very jokers who ruined our economy! Our taxes WILL go up no matter WHO is president.

I believe not just Republicans or just Democrats but WASHINGTON has been out of touch with what we as Americans are suffering under egregious and onerous policies built by a government that has been overrun with Big Corporate Carpet Baggers.

I would suggest we all join together and take this country back from special interests. Let’s once again be “By the people, of the people and for the people.” Or perhaps restated, “Throw the @#$@’s out.”

If Washington wants to bail out the failed moneyed few. Let the Washington Fat Cats pay for it out of their pocket. Not mine or my children’s pockets.
Lets all stay on task here and fix this mess Washington has handed us folks!

368. DoTheMath | 10.29.08

I can’t believe this ad would be singled out for criticism after everything we’ve seen this year. It consists almost entirely of first-hand material from McCain and Palin - his words, their unaltered images. The only possible reason it would suggest to anyone that Palin is unqualified is that we already know she’s unqualified.

Do a little experiment. Imagine that we all know Palin is well qualified. Now watch the ad with the idea that it’s a McCain-Palin ad. It works fine, with the possible exception of the wink. If you think the wink makes her look unqualified, why did she do it several times during the Vice Presidential debate?

369. Willie in Kansas | 10.29.08

I think Sarah Palin is an American Icon, I am glad to see her on the GOP ticket. However, is she ready to be President, NO. Not yet anyway. I personally believe in the sanctity of life, balance budgets, and 2nd Amendment rights. When a person who is to be President is not ready, the stock market plummets, your home is foreclosed, you’re laid off with no chance of getting a job that pays the same wages or more, and your kid is in some foreign land dodging bullets for the seventh or eighth tour of duty (until he/she loses his/her mind). As a veteran of the Iraq War, I have great admiration for Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin, however they haven’t articulated a coherent solution for America. Mr. McCain I don’t believe has the base knowledge to decide on good economic policy. Our economic situation is dire indeed. Mr. Obama has shown that he knows, understands, and has laid out a tentative plan to repair much of the damage that the last eight years have done. The restructuring of the American Economy is going to be as painful as the Reaganomics Era, no matter who is going to be the next President. We are in the worst shape we have been since the 1930’s and 40’s. Mr. Obama is the better choice, due to his vision, and judgment. On issues of life and guns I can make my own choices without the gov’t telling me what to do.

370. Johnny | 10.29.08

I see nothing wrong with this ad. It has nothing to do with Sarah Palin being a woman. It’s fairly tame compared to many other political ads. In fact it doesn’t even say a negative thing about Palin. It just shows her winking and you get to fill in the blanks yourself. Unfortunately for her even Joe Sixpack knows that you need to do more than look good and wink to be second in command of the United States of America.

371. Karl | 10.29.08

Dan - pull your head out of the sand. It is the republican party that got the US into this mess. I suppose living with Peter Pan and the Easter Bunny inside your head is comforting.

372. Elizabeth | 10.30.08

The ad is more than fair! After watching Governor Palin for weeks slinging mud at Senator Obama including outragous lies, it’s about time! Pointing out Senator McCain’s acknowledged weakness on economic issues and questioning her ability to provide any assistance, let alone leadership at a time when our economy is in shambles is a service to the American people. No one questioned her intelligence, it’s a matter of knowledge and wisdom which seem to be lacking. I believe men and women deserve to be treated equally in politics and elsewhere and that includes political ads. If you don’t like the heat, stay out of the kitchen! Hillary was a great role model here and elsewhere!

373. Karl | 10.30.08

People for McCain - Palin need to pull their heads out of the sand. It is this very party that got the US into this mess. Why would anyone want four more years of the same? Vote for OBAMA-BIDEN on November 4th and let us be part of history in the making.

374. Karl | 10.30.08

This is downright tame compared to the things from McCain and Palin. Questioning her readiness to be a VP is nothing like questioning Obama’s religion, faith and insinuating that he is ‘not like one of us’.

The difference between Republican attacks on Obama and this ad? They have been downright personal on issues that are not particularly relevant to the country right now. Whether or not Obama once spoke to a ‘washed up terrorist’ as McCain calls him has no bearing whatsoever on the important issues today, mainly the economy. Questioning his faith is just out of line, you wouldn’t do it to anyone you know so why would you do it in public in front of millions of people? Religion is simply one of those things that you don’t discuss.

What does Obama attack in this ad? Palin’s readiness and experience to be McCain’s second in calling if he dies, an issue that is not personal and is very, very relevant to the country. They don’t get personal in this ad, they don’t suggest that because Palin is a Christian so she will ruin the country, they don’t suggest that Palin is ‘not one of us’ so she will ruin the country. If you think Palin is ready to be a potential president of the US then fine, vote for her on November 4th, the ad did say it’s your choice. But Palin’s inexperience is well known and no amount of folksy goodness can cover up her lack of experience. It’s time to ask yourself do you want substance or style for your leader.

375. Ann | 10.30.08

This is downright tame compared to the things from McCain and Palin. Questioning her readiness to be a VP is nothing like questioning Obama’s religion, faith and insinuating that he is ‘not like one of us’.

The difference between Republican attacks on Obama and this ad? They have been downright personal on issues that are not particularly relevant to the country right now. Whether or not Obama once spoke to a ‘washed up terrorist’ as McCain calls him has no bearing whatsoever on the important issues today, mainly the economy. Questioning his faith is just out of line, you wouldn’t do it to anyone you know so why would you do it in public in front of millions of people? Religion is simply one of those things that you don’t discuss.

What does Obama attack in this ad? Palin’s readiness and experience to be McCain’s second in calling if he dies, an issue that is not personal and is very, very relevant to the country. They don’t get personal in this ad, they don’t suggest that because Palin is a Christian so she will ruin the country, they don’t suggest that Palin is ‘not one of us’ so she will ruin the country. If you think Palin is ready to be a potential president of the US then fine, vote for her on November 4th, the ad did say it’s your choice. But Palin’s inexperience is well known and no amount of folksy goodness can cover up her lack of experience. It’s time to ask yourself do you want substance or style for your leader.

376. Vesadi | 10.30.08

“YOU BETHCA IT’S FAIR!” If this makes you cry, cut your recess short and go hide in the locker room.

377. jean ohio | 10.30.08

I am a woman,and have to agree with most of you. I don’t feel anyone is against Palin because she is female. like most i don’t think she has what it takes to be v.p, or president if something were to go wrong with Mccain. If you remember Mccain didn’t choose a vp until after Obama made his choice. I honestly think he chose a woman, after Hillary’s loss. Beause he thinks a woman will get him elected. And Palin’s wink wink blink blink is out to excite the men and get their vote. I hope they just see another attractive lady, use the common sense God gave them, take a hard look at our country, and the condition it is in and do the right thing. Heck you can see an attractive lady everyday. …and that is my opinion. wink….wink…

378. sandman | 10.30.08

It’s fair. This “day-in day-out mockery of Palin” wouldn’t be possible if she wasn’t so spectacularly unqualified for the office of vice president.

Frankly, I’m surprised she managed to be elected governor.

379. independent99 | 10.30.08

There have been many statements made by Palin before she was nominated for the VP role that she later flip-flopped on. There is plenty of video footage out there to show this. Go to http://dailysource.org/palinvideos and you can see some of them. They have a lot of video footage of interviews and speeches.

380. David | 10.30.08

What slow moving video of Palin winking? I watched the video below your post and Palin’s wink looks real-time to me. The only thing degrading going on here is McCain’s choice of a running mate. He didn’t choose her on merit. He, or his handlers, chose her because their calculations told them she would help his ticket. Their calculations were wrong. Just like the calculations that McCain used when assessing the fundamentals of our economy a few weeks ago. I think you’re making much ado about nothing.

381. Tim Jenkins | 10.30.08

I dont understand how anyone can seriously vote Palin, I was reading she voted to make rape victims pay for the “rape kits” seems like her economic policy would be to “make the people pay” while its not saying much for morals…. have some compassion for gods sake. out.

382. Pete | 10.30.08

This ad is not sexist at all.

Sarah Palin tried to use sex by winking, and she got called on it.
Totally inappropriate for the international stage.

She’s NO WHERE NEAR READY and clearly does not understand how someone vying for such an office should present themselves.

383. Anita | 10.30.08

The only person doing a disservice to women is Governor Palin. I cannot believe that McCain would pick a women who has so little respect for the women’s movement, and so little dignity that she’d strut around and wink like the VP position is a high powered cocktail waitress.

I’d love to see a woman in the White House, but not Palin. I’m disgusted to think that daughters around the country may look to her as a role model given her behavior and obvious contempt for intelligence and knowledge.

384. Maureen | 10.30.08

I found the ad fair and effective. It’s classic politics to quote your opponent and then demonstrate his/her inconsistencies. By the way Lou, hard to imagine what rights and freedoms an Obama administration will take away from us that could possible compare to the evisceration of our civil rights under the Bush 43 administration.

385. peggy | 10.30.08

As a staunch feminist, I find the words and attitudes in this ad to be offensive, but I’m talking about the words and attitudes of John McCain and Sarah Palin, not Barack Obama. How is it insulting, offensive, or SEXIST to use John McCain’s own words and Sarah Palin’s own posturing? Just because Palin is cute and cutesy doesn’t make her qualified to shore up McCain’s self-admitted short-comings. Actually, I thought this ad was very soft and very late in coming; Sarah Palin has done nothing but sling mud and cry fowl if anything is asked of her. How on earth can she expect to run for the highest position in the land (which she admitted today she wants) if she’s unwilling to take questions from reporters, can’t stand up to scrutiny from her opposition, and cries ’sexism’ after belittling other women for being whiners?

386. Judy | 10.30.08

Definitely fair. McCain chose a candidate who doesn’t even know the duties of the position she’s seeking. It reflects poorly on him.

Palin has been handled with kid gloves by the Obama campaign. She has torn into him repeated with innuendos and false accusations. He’s been mum on her connections with the Alaskan Independence Party, her ethics violations, and her lack of knowledge on what a vice president even does.

If she wants to be taken seriously, she needs to act vice presidential instead of like she’s still competing in a beauty pageant.

387. Eileen | 10.30.08

This is not a harsh ad. The Daisy Commercial was a harsh ad. This is completely fair.

Palin, whatever her other merits may be, is considered by NO ONE to be an expert on national or international economics. Considering that the economy is the number one concern of the vast majority of American voters, I think McCain’s choice is incredibly disrespectful, bordering even on contemptuous, of the American public.

But hey, this guy surrounds himself with people who tell us that the country’s economic problems are all in our head.

388. Gil Gamesh | 10.30.08

The thrust of this article is so disingenuous it’s unbelievable.

Palin labels herself a “pit bull” and a “barracuda”, but her political opponents are supposed to lay off her? If they don’t support her or otherwise treat her with kid gloves, they’re being detrimental to all women?

Give me a break.

When Palin’s candidacy was announced I had reservations, having seen her on the Charlie Rose program in October 2007, where she came across as a relative lightweight capable of little more than cheerleading for fossil fuel energy initiatives and . Anything else appeared to be over her head. Still, as a supporter of feminist causes I was thrilled. As I told my more liberal friends, it’s not when liberal women run for and win office that their victory will be complete; it’s when conservatives become pro-feminism, and run for and win office that their victory will be complete.

The fact of the matter is, it’s Sarah Pain herself who is harming the cause of women. She’s aligned herself with a party that has traditionally said that “a woman’s place is in the home”, if not specifically the kitchen. Just ask Phyllis Shlafly, who’s still around. She’s aligned herself with a party whose doctrine is “do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.”

Ultimately, there is no way to reconcile this self-contradiction. There is only rationalization.

389. Kyle K | 10.30.08

It’s a fair ad.

My problem with it is that I wonder how effective it is. It’s an ad that seems aimed at people that have already made up their mind.

For someone who has already decided on McCain/Palin or is on the fence, the ad depends on the viewer stopping and thinking about what the point of the last scene is. If someone’s already decided, they’ll take it as a slam; if they’re on the fence they need to put 2 and 2 together.

It would have been better if the last scene was Palin gaffing an economics question.

390. Bruce | 10.30.08

This ad is entirely fair and doesn’t seem to me to be about Palin as much as it is about McCain’s decision to choose her when it contradicted his own words. To be perfectly honest I was leaning towards McCain until he picked Palin. That sealed the deal for me and although I don’t entirely support Obama on many things, he is an intelligent and thoughtful person whose judgement seems at least sound and that is in stark contrast to both McCain and Palin.

391. Jeff | 10.30.08

If she runs in ‘12 she should consider the democratic ticket. There it doesn’t require much expirience to be qualified for the presidency.

392. Webb | 10.30.08

Well, Kurt, W governed too, so I think it’s pretty safe to say that doesn’t make one qualified to be president.

393. Jack | 10.30.08

The advertisement is fair. He is not making fun of Sarah Palin in any way. The ad states a FACT: she has no experience with FOREIGN POLICY or ECONOMICS whatsoever. I totally disagree with people when they make fun of Sarah Palin for the wrong reasons. I believe she is a very committed woman and she has certainly done a lot for Alaska. She has experience with political issues as she is a Governor but certainly not with the two issues mentioned in the add. Issues that are very important for the next goverment!
Certainly Hillary and Obama have a lot more to experience, just google it. They’ve travelled to the middle east and other countries. They’ve met with leaders of different parts of the world, they have by far more experience than Sarah Palin. and dont get me started in their economic experience…..

394. madeline | 10.30.08

I strongly disagree with the idea of pulling gender into this. The overwhelming majority of the criticism I’ve heard about Sarah Palin is that she is inexperienced, under-qualified, or has unpopular opinions. These are all valid concerns. I’m deeply offended as a woman whenever people seek to coddle her, or any other woman, based on gender. In order to be seen as equal, we must be prepared to be treated equally. Palin shouldn’t automatically gain our respect simply because she’s a politician and a woman. She should have to earn our respect. In my book, simply obtaining power is no reason to respect someone, regardless of their gender. There are still so many challenges facing women throughout the world, and invoking their tragedies to manipulate women into silencing their complaints about the Vice Presidential nominee is completely tasteless, and detrimental to the feminist cause.

395. Ben Piper | 10.30.08

The ad is fair. It uses the facts of McCain’s words, his own summation of his weaknesses. And then, gives us the fact of what he did to address this acknowledged weakness.
If Palin was the economic equivalent of Mrs. Rice in foreign policy, the ad wouldn’t exist. The ad does not target women. It targets a poor choice.

396. Wendy | 10.30.08

No woman should be proud of Sarah Palin. She ran against a corrupt Govenor in AK and then proceeded to spread corruption. She sold that jet _at a loss_. She was investigated and found in violation of state ethics laws by pressuring for the firing of BiL (though in actually firing the commissioner she merely skirted the edge of an ethical violation). She used state money to stay in her own home. She’s flown her kids around the country on state money. When mayor, the state passed a law to outlaw forcing rape victims to pay for their own rape kits, the evidence gathering tool used to collect DNA from the attacker. Hers was the only town that did this deplorable act. The decreasing majority of Alaskans that love her do so simply because of her socialist view of how to manage state oil companies. If she wasn’t spreading oil wealth, they wouldn’t like her. While mayor, she hired a lobbyist for the town to bother Ted Stevens and got millions of federal dollars for the city (earmarks). She now derides federal “earmarks” for Autism research involving “Fruit Flies in France” while pledging to increase spending for autism research. Not only is she corrupt, but she doesn’t know what she’s talking about and will she’ll say literally anything to get elected. This is someone who shoots from the hip and hopes for the best. I mean, it was bad enough when Hillary stopped pushing for health care reform when Bill was president after she received millions from the insurance companies, but even Hillary looks like Honest Abe when compared with Sarah.

397. Theeditorsbiasisshowing | 10.30.08

Considering that at least 20 of my comments have not been posted by the editors of this site on this issue, indicates the editors have made a decision that the ad is fair. The choice of responses to allow to appear here just reinforce the editor’s opinion.

398. Rich | 10.30.08

I’m embarrassed to see the ad. It’s a horrible cheap shot

399. Kathy | 10.30.08

If this ad says a lot about McCain’s choice of VP, what then does it say about Obama’s choice? Joe Bidem claims, “he’ll be in on every high level meeting with Obama.” To me Biden’s statement is an admission that Obama needed someone with experience to *babysit* him 24/7/360. Obama was in the senate for only 143 DAYS before he decided to run for President. That’s similar to the kid in the mailroom deciding he’s ready to be CEO. I suggest everyone take a long, hard look at America’s current crop of CEO’s and see how well that’s turned out.

400. Keith | 10.30.08

Interesting political ad. Fair yes. Does it miss the “might” in the last of McCain’s quotes. Well yes. So I look to the old adage “Deeds speak louder than words”. Palin, governor, mayor, sports announcer, book keeper, a varied background indeed. The LA Times had a lot so say about her being the commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard, http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-guard6-2008sep06,0,4238012.story. As to Biden, Obama can only say “well thats Joe”

401. Hagrinas | 10.30.08

I find it shameful that people would make fun of Palin, just because she is a woman. That’s no reason to question her qualifications and make fun of her, the way we did with Dan Quayle.

402. Michelle | 10.30.08

THe ad is absolutely fair. I wouldn’t even call it negative. There is no ominous voiceover and the music is actually pretty upbeat. It’s a factual outline: 1) the economy is a critical issue in the campaign; 2) John McCain, by his own admission, is not as strong on the economy as he is on other issues (like foreign policy); 3) the person he chose as his running mate has no tangible economic experience; 4) Are you comfortable with this team given those facts? This ad would not be possible if John McCain had picked someone like Mitt Romney to be his running mate. That has nothing to do with the gender or intelligence of his running mate and everything to do with the areas of her expertise.

If watching the ad gets you in a lather because you feel Sarah Palin’s intelligence is being attacked, perhaps that says something about your own fears and insecurities regarding her actionable intelligence when it comes to the economy?

403. Deni | 10.30.08

Of course it’s fair! Hey, she’s the one who decided to do all that winking!

404. NMAIF | 10.30.08

I have seen a LOT worse ads against both male and female candidates. This ad doesn’t try to make her look bad (B&W, image smudged, etc). I think I would have chosen one of the “rabbit in headlights” shots of her.

405. Ranting | 10.30.08

Respect for a woman (or Palin) has nothing to do with whether the choice of her as a VP is good or not.
Asking her to to run for Vice President is like asking McCain or Obama to go work as a programmer in Microsoft…
Plain simple truth is not that Palin is independent, rogue-ish, maverick etc etc.
Plain simple truth is, she was appointed and not she HAS to play her part and do all she can to ambitiously make the most she can while she’s there. She has NO choice!
But American voters… YOU have a choice, and if you think she’s not ready just dont vote her/McCain.
Negative ads, media, opposing campaigns, internal bickering within…these are all part and parcel of the job.
Use your brain and good decision making my dear fellow Americans, cos ultimately… your vote is what counts.

406. STEVE FRIEDERANG | 10.30.08

I’m a huge Obama fan. Which is to say I have great hopes for his Presidency and that he has the character and intelligence to back his ability to bring people together. I will say I felt a hard twinge when I saw this ad. Governor Palin has been rude, often crude, harsh and offensive. She has stood by and said nothing when people in her audience have been incited by her own words to yell “kill him” in reference to Mr. Obama. And yet, when asked in the last debate if she were qualified, he held back when I would have probably have let loose. One class in economics. I believe four colleges to amass enough units for a B.S. in journalism. But Barack was a gentleman — not just because she’s female, because it would be easy to lash our at McCain’s education too. Obama hasn’t ever done this.

And I have to agree with those who see this at aiming at McCain’s problem with judgment. This would be a really really close race if he had chosen Romney, for example. The error in judgment was not only in not choosing a more educated V.P. when he himself had squandered much of his own educational opportunities with his free ride at the Academy. The error was in not seeing the financial crises coming when obviously Obama and most others did.

But after all of that, I think the ad could have made it a little clearer that the problem is with McCain’s judgement as Congress said of him in letting him off the hook in his barely legal dealings as a member of the Keating Five, Seantors who protected Charles Keating’s illegal destruction of thousands of people’s retirement pensions. Obama has never mentioned McCain’s written and spoken confession in Vietnam (I would have done the same — so this is not a putdown, but if someone had called me a terrorist during the campaign I might have lost my cool and brought this up). Obama has also never said anything about McCain’s poor judgment regarding his divorce of his wife to marry a rich and ten years younger woman.

So as tough as this campaign has been and although the Oboma campaign has not been perfect in this regard, there has been class at least 70% of the time in the face of all the mud that has been slung at him. I think this is what this country needs and I think Obama will need the support of the Governor and soon probably senator from Alaska. So I hope he makes it clear that he was speaking of McCain’s values and judgment and not of Palin’s shortcomings.

In the next four years Palin could return to school and shore up where she is weak. She is very smart and very articulate. if it weren’t for how she spends 90% of her time putting people down, I’d say she is also a great role model for her faith — that too can improve with maturity. I can say these things because she hasn’t called me a terrorist. Obama can hold back, and has because he simply has more class and maturity than anyone who has run for the office — maybe ever.

407. Kevin | 10.30.08

I do, in fact, find the ad fair. It asks if Palin is ready to serve in the capacity that will be needed; something that is a valid question based on her experience.

I am supporting the McCain ticket, but certainly feel that this ad is in the appropriate realm for a presidential campaign.

408. Marguerite | 10.30.08

ABSOLUTELY FAIR AD! Amazing how it is acceptable for Palin to spew inflamatorily degenerate remarks about Obama “palling around with a former terrorist”,all under the facade of questioning Obama’s judgment in chosing ‘appropriate’ associations, but it’s not ok for Americans to question McCain’s judgment in chosing an appropriate VP. Both are professional associations, but the VP slot is infinitely more important. The repeated ignorance Palin shows is more than fair game to examine. In fact,it is our duty to examine her BEFORE we vote. For example, her ignorance on the importance of the fruit fly. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/todd-palmer-and-rob-pringle/in-case-you-werent-scared_b_138089.html. That she is a woman has nothing to do with being properly vetted by the citizens. Btw,Quayle’s stupidity was also publicized. And just because Obama said she is a capable politician only means she knows how to connect w/people, draw crowds, & stir base emotions. It does NOT mean she has the necessary qualities for a Veep position.

409. fruf | 10.30.08

Obama for CHANGE! watch full version Obama infomercial video on CNN web site: http://cnn-election.com/index.php?q=Obama-infomercial-video (video 36 min)

410. Lisa F | 10.30.08

I find the ad completely fair and effective. The beauty of living in America is that we can express our opinion without being labeled a “hater”. I have been open to both parties and have done research during this election, reading many news articles along with the reader comments to better understand the candidates. From what I can see the central theme of the Republicans out there is that if you do not support Gov. Palin you are jealous or hate her. This narrow minded view is utterly ridiculous and insulting. We can all come to our own conclusion based on the candidate’s performance and even integrity. Gov. Palin should be held to the same standards as any man or woman running for office, that is just fair not sexist. It seems that her backers believe it is absolutely fair game for her to attack her opponent, yet cry “sexist” when criticism is put her way. Believe me, she is a tough enough to step over all those in her path to get to where she is now. Whenever she is faced with tough issues, she plays the blame game (ie. “gotcha” questions from the MSM, I was annoyed, I’ve been wearing these clothes for weeks and had no idea they were designers, wink, wink). So those are the examples we have to work with to come to our own conclusion and opinion, of anyone, whether female or male.

411. John | 10.30.08

The ad is very obviously meant to criticize Palin’s intelligence while leaving just enough benefit of the doubt for Democrats to say that it isn’t.

And of course she deserves the derision she’s getting — she’s a politician. This is her job, and if she could do it properly she would never have dug herself in as deep as she is now. The media is just giving up on her because she’s made their job too easy. This game isn’t fun anymore. That fact says more about Palin than it does about sexism or anything else.

412. for josephine the plummer | 10.30.08

first of all all them women you named are much more qualified then this dumb SARA PALIN. Another thing, her record shows how badly she can use power. Only for being GOV. we can see what see has done, don’t you have mind to thing simple thing? this kind of person is very dangerous for the nation. Another issue of energy, she gave out that to the company she worked for? she put so much restrictions that the bidding can go to only TransCANADA. WEll for your kind information, TRANSCANADA estimated 23 billions dollars while PALIN consultant estimated 40 billions..wow that company who will work they are willing to give you lower price but no, why? so 17 billion dollars she can put in her pocket? Another thing there is no guarantee that pipeline will compete or not? no time limit? This is you called qualification? one more who brought the name JOE the plummer in picture during the debate? its john not obama and if u hear McCains speech at crowd, he blames obama that he put joe in controversy, they both can do anything to get ellected.

413. John | 10.30.08

After giving this fair consideration I think it is sexiest of you to bring gender into this. Palin’s abilities are completely separate from her sex. Attempting to associate her failures as a candidate with her gender is not fair to anyone me the reader, women, or anyone else. I think you should consider a retraction.

414. Samantha Richards | 10.30.08

In other words you’re telling me Palin can dish it out, but she can’t take it. Remember how nasty her comment was about community organizers? Do you recall two days ago, Palin stating Barack Obama was unqualified and she could do a better job than him. She even lied by saying Sec. Albright agreed with her. Last week she took several shots at Joe Biden. These Women Rights organizations want to be treated equally, well they’re treating Palin the way they would treat a man. Forget all this nice stuff. If she wants to sling mud then let’s sling it. I love the ad, it makes you think about having her a heartbeat away from running this country. SCARY. Now who’s unqualified? Palin is clueless on how to run this country.

415. Steph Chiesa | 10.30.08

This ad is not only fair, it’s desperately required. The FOX / GOP combination has been misleading the American people for long enough, and at least here’s something in the media that isn’t at all falsified or exaggerated. Well done democrats.

416. Will Brealey | 10.30.08

The ONLY SEXISM is on the part of those who think PALIN CANNOT BE CRITICISED because she is a WOMAN!

417. Yes it is | 10.30.08

This ad is perfectly fair. You can’t hide behind a shell when it comes to an election. This woman has been hiding and has been hidden from the media.

This masks her obvious ignorance on all issues that she would need to deal with in office. This includes economics.

McCain made his decision to select Palin because she is a woman. Period. He didn’t select someone who was right for the job who just happened to be a woman. If you believe otherwise you are really lying to yourself.

This woman would NOT make a good President. Yes, that is what we’re voting for. The, odds supporting, possible next president of the USA.

418. Mike Ford-Emmaus, Pa | 10.30.08

Obama has been called everything from gay lover, to muslim, to terrorist, to marxist, to socialist (by the way we’ve had a “socialist” tiered tax system since 1913)- and now you right wingers want us to feel bad about Ms Palin- she is poorly qualified and deserves far more scrutiny than a little jab and a wink- also it was great of her to betray John McCain on the eve of the most important moment of his career- thankfully she will fade to black shortly with all the other “Miss America Pageant Winners” of the past…

419. drm | 10.30.08

The ad merely quotes McCain on his need for economic guidance, and then asks you to question Palin as his choice of adviser. You make your own judgments of Palin from there on in. Seems reasonable to me.

420. Jon | 10.30.08

are you serious? is this a joke? as a concerned citizen and American, of course it is important to ask if the VP is qualified to take over. After all, that is one of their duties, if heaven forbid, the need arises.

The first decision that a potential president makes is that of choosing their VP. This first decision, tells you a lot about them. McCain chose Palin although he didn’t know her, had never worked with her, and she has zero qualifications for the VP position, never mind the POTUS.

The ad presents all these questions and asks the voter to decide. It is fair and considering all the name calling and mud-slinging that McCain’s campaign has engaged in - especially the despicable racist undertones - it isn’t even in the same universe of political discourse.

How can one be so biased to write such an article and ask such biased questions? It reminds me of the famous, “have you stopped beating your wife” example

lol

For once, THINK about your country. Don’t fall into the trap of emotion. Arm yourself with knowledge. Get the facts. Then vote.

God bless the USA!

421. PUN-dit | 10.30.08

Bottom line: If she can’t take the heat of politics, she should get back in the kitchen.

422. PUN-dit | 10.30.08

If she can’t take the heat, she should get back in the kitchen.

423. Rick Cain | 10.30.08

McCain had a long list of potential running mates to choose from, some of them women. How he came up with Sarah Palin is a mystery. I for one believe that the neoconservatives in his party sandbagged his campaign by recommending her. They hate McCain, because he’s not one of them, and they are willing to let the GOP go down for their failure to succeed pushing the Neocon agenda during the Bush years.

424. Felipe Romero | 10.30.08

Supporters of Sarah Palin neglect to consider our next President will not only have to manage the nation but also play a leading role in international affairs. If the inarticulate, provincial George Bush was an embarrassment compared to the likes of Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Angela Merkel, Nicolas Zarkosy, Jan Peter Balkenende and other leaders of the free world, then should McCain die in office and Sarah Palin become President, she would be a total joke.

Palin’s experience as PTA president, mayor of a small town, (pop. 5,000), two-year governor of a sparsely populated state (pop. 500,000) doesn’t quite cut it; nor does her hockey mom, beauty queen, academic disadvantaged, religious fundamentalist, folksy, persona do much for her presidential, world-leader image. Then there are the pending concerns that are likely to escalate into media-fodder scandals should she take office—her abuse of power, her pregnant daughter’s shotgun wedding, her involvement with the Alaska Independence Party, her allowing the First-Dude to meddle in government business, and other issues about her personal life and character that would no doubt crop up over time.

Barack Obama, of course, is no bargain either. As a one-term Illinois senator and two-year U.S. senator, his experience is scant, but, at least, by serving in a various Senate committees, he has acquired some inside knowledge on national and international affairs.

John McCain, to be sure, was the better qualified candidate. Had he picked Joe Lieberman or someone else of equal stature as his running mate, he would now be double digits ahead of Obama in the polls. Sarah Palin did energize the lowest common denominator of the conservative base, but in so doing, she has alienated many undecided voters who would have made the difference on November 4. Joe Lieberman may be short on charisma, but by dint of his knowledge and unblemished record, he would eventually have won over the conservative base and most undecided voters as well.

Also, the fact that McCain allowed his staffers to foist Palin on him sight unseen (clearly, she was not on his short list) betrays a lack of leadership. He might yet win the election, but if he loses, it will be largely because of Sarah Palin.

C. Navarro (a Nader supporter)

425. Joe Strazzere | 10.30.08

Fair? You betcha!

426. Nicole | 10.30.08

I can’t believe that we’re discussing whether or not this is a fair ad. Were the smear ads McCain put out about Obama fair only because he’s a man? Sarah Palin shouldn’t get special treatment simply because she is a woman and this ad doesn’t even come close to the vileness I’ve seen from the other side of the aisle.

She is not qualified when it comes to this nation’s economy and McCain said himself he may need to rely on his VP choice in the economic arena. There is nothing wrong with questioning her credentials. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do before we decide who would be the best choice to run our country?

427. Ping | 10.30.08

The ad is completely fair, McCain’s choice for the position of VP is someone that most people didn’t even know anything about till they announced the choice for VP was Palin. If Palin has to give McCain advice on the economics of the USA, what does Palin really know about running a world power in the midst of a recession? I would think Palin is not the best choice for VP at this time in history. God help the USA. If you love the USA then get out there and VOTE for a better America.

428. Sean | 10.30.08

First, does the Director of the Women’s Watch group know Sarah Palin’s stance on pushing for women who have been raped, to pay for their own rape kit when they enter the hospital? I think it is worth noting.

Secondly, the ad is fair WHEN you put it up against attack ads aimed at Obama AND McCain - that should end the debate right there. Sexism and Racism exist in politics (I wish we could move beyond it). What I find interesting is that the Republican Party wants to cry foul and speak out about sexism; however, they had no problem with Sarah Palin using her sex appeal (e.g., a wink here, a wink there)to stir up excitment around their presidential ticket. We don’t see MOST women politicians behave in the manner Sarah Palin has. I feel little sympathy for her because she willingly accepted the Vice Pres. bid and also willingly used her sex appeal to try and appeal to voters

429. chris | 10.30.08

Interesting nice how the shrill Bill O’Reilly talks about leaving a political candidate alone. The republican/conservative/right wingers always attack, with fox as their mouthpiece, but when it comes back at them it’s “Oh, hey come on, leave us alone!” O’Reilly isn’t news, he’s a tv version of the opinion column. Why do people put their faith in opinion instead of truth? FOX: As biased as they come.

430. me2 | 10.30.08

Ad is 100% fair. She has no problem dishing out the nasty remarks but when someone dare questions her she cries foul.

431. John Switz | 10.30.08

This article is so slanted as to be ridiculous. For instance:
Regarding the rabid partisan O’Really who said:
““If you don’t like her, don’t vote for her. But you don’t have to beat the living daylights out of her. If you don’t like her, don’t vote for her. But knock it off,” he added.”
=====================================
Using this standard: If Palin doesn’t “like” Obama, then she should just not vote for him and stop lying repeatedly about him. She should stop stirring up hate.
=====================================
Then:

““Agreement on issues is not required, but Palin merits respect.”

If that is true for Palin, then Palin should show the same respect for Obama and the truth. She does not. She is a liar and a hate monger. I DON’T owe her respect, when she acts in a manner that doesn’t deserve respect.
=================================
Then:

“Bloodworth-Thomason said that even though she disagrees with Palin politically, she is dismayed by personal attacks. “It’s made me angry, and it’s made me angry on behalf of women,” she said.”

I’m sorry but: I don’t care what gender, if you are a hypocrite attack dog, I don’t feel sorry for you when you whine about getting kicked back when you bite.

I’m sick and disgusted with politicians that use hate, fear, divisiveness and lies for personal gain.

Her gang claims to be “Patriotic” while they attack their neighbors with vile lies. How can you be a “Patriot” when you attack and ridicule your own fellow countrymen. It is pure selfishness and greed.

432. Jane | 10.30.08

I would have voted for McCain if he picked a running mate that I would feel comfortable running this country. He did not.

This is a fair ad and one which nails the issue at hand.

433. Michael Huppman (Folsom, PA) | 10.30.08

Let’s be honest, John McCain has run the the most smears, questioning Obama’s associations, calling him a socialist and a Marxist. The choice of Palin goes to McCain’s poor judgment, and she’s fair game (as is Biden). Lookm at what has come forth since her selection…a maverick she is not!!

I don’t think the ad would have been run if McCain and Palin hadn’t been so brutal over the past few weeks.

434. John | 10.30.08

I’d have to agree with:

“221. Theeditorsbiasisshowing | 10.30.08

Considering that at least 20 of my comments have not been posted by the editors of this site on this issue, indicates the editors have made a decision that the ad is fair. The choice of responses to allow to appear here just reinforce the editor’s opinion.”
================================

My comments were a reasonable disagreement with the article, and it was censored.

This isn’t open discourse, only a whine session from one side.

435. Rick | 10.30.08

Women will be the real losers if we give more respect than is deserved to an unqualified women. Women will gain respect when competent women hold high office. Women would lose respect if Palin were to hold high office. The add does a service to women.

436. Philip | 10.30.08

UNFAIR.

437. Jonesy | 10.30.08

It is not that Palin is a woman that upsets the nation, it is that Palin is not the brightest crayon in the Capitol Hill bunch…And it shows.

There is nothing untruthful or derisive about this ad. The ad is only pointing out that which is painfully obvious.

It is only the oblivious who are willing to blindly support a candidate because they chose a female running mate.

You are not telling me, that of all of Republican women in various places of office, that Sarah Palin was the top pick.

The ad doesn’t speak one word against her qualifications or her intelligence, what the ad does do is point out the fact that McCain has plainly stated his areas of weakness….In this, he chose a running mate who has also claimed weakness in those same areas.

If you are having trouble in physics…Are you going to chose a study buddy who has the same issues that you do? Or are you going to choose someone who is strong where you are weak?

Specifically, when Obama chose his running mate, he did not choose someone just as inexperienced as himself (i.e. Hillary Clinton, not saying that Hillary is not qualified, but saying that her qualifications are almost equal to those of Obama)…He chose someone who could pick up the slack in areas where he is lacking.

438. Steve | 10.30.08

Considering McCain has put out ads attacking Obama’s experience, choices and associations, I think this is 100% fair. Obama isn’t attacking Palin because she’s a woman, he’s attacking her because she has only a very basic understanding of economic policies. “We’re gonna get in there and reform government” is a statement, not a plan. Obama was held under the same criticism earlier in the election and people didn’t come out and say he’s only getting attacked because he’s African-American.

McCain wants us to judge Obama based on his association with Ayers, why is it a problem that Obama wants us to judge McCain on his CHOICE for VP. Obama didn’t CHOOSE Ayers to be on the same committee as him. Don’t dish out what you can’t eat.

439. erika | 10.30.08

I think it is fair but very immature. Does Obama have to go to this level to win? is he that desperate?

440. arbutus1440 | 10.30.08

Come on. Why is the article based on the talking points from a piece of McCain propaganda? The ad’s fair (because it’s an AD for Pete’s sake), the article’s not (because it’s supposed to be news). Of course McCain’s camp is going to find something offensive in an Obama ad. That doesn’t mean it’s actually offensive. A vast majority of Hillary supporters support this ad, so why does the link to this article claim Hillary supporters are condemning it? I guess your next article will present some MoveOn.com video as a factual assessment of McCain’s campaign?

I sure hope that after the election the spotty journalism in the Monitor will recede again.

441. goodrepublic | 10.30.08

Just because pundits and the Republican party keep telling their base Obama lacks the experience because he hasn’t held an “executive” position, doesn’t make this false statement a fact.

If you apply the same standards to McCain, then you’d have to also say he lacks the necessary “experience” to lead this country because he hasn’t had any “executive” experience. If that’s the Republican’s logic, then Palin should be running for President. Sorry, THAT scenario has been played out and it hasn’t worked well for ANY of us.

442. Mary Thompson | 10.30.08

I can only say that, just like w/ Condi Rice, you know women are “arriving” when we are held to the SAME standards as a man. She (Palin) is the one who brought sex into it when she says “hockey mom” “pitbull, lipstick” and “gloves off, heels on”. If you want to pretend she’s not a woman, fine. She STILL not qualified to run the gov’t. Chris Rock recently said in his stand up routine that you know the playing field is level when “black people are allowed to suck”. He was talking about sports but used it as a analogy to society. That goes for women, too. I end where I started: Condi Rice.

443. Mike | 10.30.08

With enough money you can do, and write, anything. The democrats are buying the election with money from all over the world. It’s a shame they believe tearing down a strong, capable woman is the way to do it. It’s not about Palin at all. It’s about the politics of destruction, and yes, sexism- and doing anything to become elected.

444. Arizona | 10.30.08

John | 10.30.08

“The ad is very obviously meant to criticize Palin’s intelligence while leaving just enough benefit of the doubt for Democrats to say that it isn’t. ”

I agree with most of your opinion in the previous post. My opinion differs with the word intelligence in the quote above. I would of used the word qualifications.

As for the posters commenting that we should give Gov. Palin a break because she is a woman are the ones being sexist. The posters commenting on her qualifications are not being sexist.
Don’t believe me? try google or any number of search engines using the term “sexism”. Please understand you will need the reading comprehension level of a 6th grader. No offense, just fact.

Your mileage may vary.

445. Kitty | 10.30.08

absolutely agree w/ most other commenters…aside from the fact that she’s now playing with the big “boys” and open and harsh criticism is standard fare for anybody who participates in the arena of national politics or any powerful leadership position (and women who have been there know this); it is surprising to me that considering the general silliness of her stage presence, comments and overall political positions she has not been lampooned more and more harshly..the only one who has gotten away with it up to this point is Tina Fey and I think unfortunately it’s only because she’s not overly toxic in her portrayal and Clinton is also pariodied…so after viewing this ad I certainly don’t think it’s too harsh at all…it uses McCain’s owns words and a notably unnarrated clip of Palin to makes it’s point…it’s hugely effective and definitely true to my mind and hopefully will give undecideds and McCain/Palin supporters pause…also, O’Reilly is the one being the sexist pig here because he is “protecting” her for no other reason that I can see than because she is a woman; a classic, but unwelcome response from males who do not believe that women can defend themselves; I think this is offensive but I also think he has a crush on her

446. Zee | 10.30.08

Are you kidding? What ad are some of you people watching. Of course it is sexist. Look at the ad! Look at the treatment Sarah Palin has received. Who cares if you agree with her or not — she is deserving of respect. I get so tired of Democrats attacking her just because she believes in something different. Allow her to have opinions. We don’t have to go for the jugular just because you see something differently. The attacks on her have been despicable.

447. AGHEDO TOMIWA | 10.30.08

Wisdom is the princial thing; she deseves what she got

448. Sherry | 10.30.08

Criticism about a candidate of ether sex is fair game at this point. Why is it our society allows campaigns to slander and insult each other on slanted accussations. Palin has spent weeks creating division and hatred towards Obama. Why is anyone questioning motivations of sexism when Palin is insulted? She is not vice president or presidential and I would completely lose confidence in anything our Great Country is about if she gets near the White House.
I am a woman and would love to have a female in the White House, it is important to me that that woman will be one that I can be proud of for her decisions and wisdom…not one learning as she goes

449. lee | 10.30.08

Also, it’s important to remember, that she chose to wink and the wink affected every male of every age that I know. She defined how she wanted to be recieved with those winks…and no, this is not a: “you should’ve seen what she was wearing, your honor” argument; she can absolutely be dismissed as fluff on the merits. last thing: check out the “Alaska Permanant Fund Dividend” and you’ll see that the state of AK has been sharing oil dividends since 1976. So, unless Ms. Palin started the program when she was 14 years old, she is not responsible bringing this to the people of AK. http://www.pfd.state.ak.us/index.aspx

450. Susan V | 10.30.08

Helen nailed it:

Palin is “under educated, under informed, vastly naive, and alarmingly ambitious. She ignites the worst in the Republican Base while expressing doctrines that actually disempower women.”

She is extremely divisive, when what we need so very desperately at this juncture is unity.

For an example of a strong, capable, intelligent (oh, and yes, she’s pretty too) woman governor (and one who supports women), look to Jennifer Granholm of Michigan.

As to Palin - fire away. She can’t go back to Alaska soon enough for me.

451. Tangog1rl | 10.30.08

I guess after reading the *90%* of these comments, that don’t think Palin is being subjected to unfair treatment, we can assume that this gender card playing doesn’t work…yeah! Obama/Biden 2008!

452. Max | 10.30.08

I disagree with the notion that criticizing Palin hurts women. Why shouldn’t we be as demanding of her as we are our male politicians? To give Palin a free pass BECAUSE she’s a woman, I think, hurts women.

There are many capable, qualified, and impressive female politicians out there. And they will continue to make their presence known. So, when they do, they will merit everyone’s support, and it will be great for women to see a political figure like that.

But letting Palin skate by on her gender alone, ignoring the awful politics she espouses, hurts women more than if there were no female VP candidate at all.

453. Jason in Oakland | 10.30.08

Bill takes the cake. He has **** Morris on, time after time, leading up to and during the primaries, and they eviscerate Hilary to the point of practically calling her evil incarnate, amid fits of their smirks and giggles. I hope the place reserved for Bill is plenty warm.

Sarah Palin IS being judged on her merits. She’s NOT qualified.

454. Tracey S | 10.30.08

This ad is absolutely fair. The woman did it to herself with her silly comments, winking and yacking it up like some school girl ready for the debates. McCain was truly foolish for picking the least qualififed person he could find. Sarah Palin is a joke. Let he go back to Alaska, but please keep her there this time.

455. sungodess | 10.30.08

Rashid Khalidi should sue her for defamation

456. RapidRon | 10.30.08

Sure, sure–say ‘enough is enough’ and to ’stop it now’…

Why doesn’t McCain or Palin ever relent on their accusations and racially motivated speech and misinformation spreading? How come no one is telling them to ’stop it’. It is a part of politics, unfortunately, but for people to put such blame on the Obama campaign for releasing 1 commercial, you would have to be ignorant of the hundreds of commercials and comments of similar type released by the McCain/Palin ticket. Not only that, but Palin continuously makes misleading and hate-mongering speech at her rallies, smiling broadly when shouts of ‘kill’, ‘terrorist’ and ’socialist’ are screamed, regarding Obama.

No, don’t try to portray this woman as a victim now, because it is not only laughable, but offensive itself that she should be able to do all that she does, while due to this commercial you would run to defend her. I am of the opinion that the commercial portrays Palin as a mouth-piece and gimmick this campaign and NOT of the opinion that it is making her out to be an idiot from her brief portrayal. If you are of the latter opinion, you should check yourself that you aren’t simply looking for a reason to sensationalize this. That’s damn offensive to the intelligences of the American people who have been watching all the negativity from her, and really shows a lack in any semblance of fairness.

All and all, Palin has been attacked by many as a lying, zealous, and substance-less hate-monger on the campaign trail, incompetent in her inability and refusal to answer simple questions on policy. To say that the brunt of this rally against her is sexist is the creating of the most brittle of straw men. Go sensationalize something that actually makes sense.

457. hottopics | 10.30.08

Will Sarah Palin ever release her medical records?

458. Chad | 10.30.08

There’s so much to read between the lines here, you could make a novel the size of War and Peace!

First, excellent ad. This doesn’t bash Palin so much as it underscores McCain’s judgment in picking her. Not that she is bad; she’s a governor for crying out loud - so she must have some smarts about her (yea, even W was a governor and I don’t think he’s as dumb as he’s been made out to be. Stupid and arrogant, but not dumb.)

McCain’s choice in picking a woman was not and should not be the issue; it was the choice of picking one SO in the dark and out of tune with what’s going on in the world. He had plenty of BETTER choices and would actually have made this campaign different. It is obvious, now with the things coming out and the dissension in the ranks, that she was NOT properly vetted and was used only as a plot.

The ad is fair; she’s a politician and any politician must know that this scrutiny comes with the territory.

459. gc | 10.30.08

fair enough. i saw it as being about mccain more than palin. anyway, how far would a male vp candidate get winking at the camera? let sarah be sarah and the voters will decide.

460. obvioustroll | 10.30.08

Senator McCain indicated he needed to have a Vice-President capable of handling weak points in his own experiences. He also had been attacking Senator Obama for lacking experience in key areas.

He then picked a person with less credentials than Senator Obama. He picked someone unable to handle press conferences and they hid her away from any detractors and minimized her ability to interact with reporters.

If anyone has been sexist or insulted her intelligence it is the McCain campaign and the right wing reporters. The moment Governor Palin was challenged on her experience, qualifications, or abilities they rushed to either get her out of public view, or they attacked the person bringing up the issues.

Unable to answer a question about a Supreme Court decision other than Roe V Wade? “Gotcha journalism!” Unable to answer any “Maverick” moves by her running mate? Same.
Completely saying the opposite of her running mate, or making absurd claims? Sexism.

Some of the same people said that Senator Clinton was being a pansy and it certainly wasn’t sexism to call into question her qualifications are now screaming how unfair it is to go after Governor Palin.

When Governor Palin parades her family wearing those nice new clothes paid for by taxpayers in front of a crowd (that helped pay for them to travel there) gets mad when people bring up family as a weak point, it is telling. It is okay to use your daughters and sons as assets in an election. However, pointing out the fact that Abstinence Only education failed her daughter and she advocates it is somehow out of line.

This reeks of hypocrisy at the highest level.

This also reeks of a very poor decision made by Senator McCain. Now imagine two or three Supreme Court Justices appointed by this man. Or worse yet, imagine a 72 year old man with a family history of heart disease, a body abused by torture, and a cancer survivor being in office with someone who was only picked as an effort to energize a group of radicals into voting.

Senator Obama picked a good statesman as his running mate. The chances he will be rash or pick very poorly for the Supreme Court are minimal.

461. Bruce | 10.30.08

So if Obama criticizes a woman it’s sexist? I guess if he criticizes McCain it’s ageist? And if McCain criticizes Obama it’s racist?

462. Tim | 10.30.08

It’s embarrassing to see women like the director of NOW and Women’s Watch, Inc. expressing outrage at Obama for what they consider a personal attack on Palin. If that ad is considered a personal attack, these women have lost the perspective of what this presidential campaign is about. Sarah Palin is not qualified to be vice-president and John McCain made a mistake picking her for his vice-president. It is Obama’s responsibility to make that glaringly apparent to the American people. Some of us seem to have trouble understanding what’s at stake and which side we should be standing on.

463. Mike | 10.30.08

So let me get this straight - Govenor Palin can state that a person is a terrorist, a socialist, stating they will destroy the country, etc… but if someone call into question her intelligence, honesty, record as govenor, foreign experience, etc… that person is being a sexist?

The ad was well done, pointing out Senator McCain’s decision to select a person that is clearly not ready to become the President. (yes Govenor Palin that is one of the two duties of a VP). Why is it sexist for the Obama campaign to ask the same questions about Palin that the McCain campaign is asking about Obama? “People in glass houses…”

Is a crook less of a crook because of their gender? Is a genius more of a genius if they have XX vs XY chromosomes?

464. anonymous | 10.30.08

I saw O’Reilley on Lettermen, and yes there was applause when he stood up for Palin, but it was sparse. As you will recall, earlier in the show Lettermen had polled the audience by applause whether they supported Obama or McCain. Obama’s was louder. By comparison, the applause for Palin was less than McCain’s. A lot less. As for her treatment, well you can not take on the role a “pitbull with lipstick” and expect people to turn the other cheek. I agree with the Obama decision to defer directly criticizing her during the debates - but given her gaffes, and mis-statements, it is richly deserved. If women are to be taken seriously - they have to be treated equally. If you say stupid things, you should be held accountable, there is no free pass. Having said this, I don’t believe Palin’s treatment has been bad for women. Palin has served as a counterpoint to Hillary Clinton. Unfortunately, Palin turned out to be ill-equiped to take on the heavyweight aspects of campaigning in the lower 48. There were suitable Republic women McCain could have tapped. Regrettably for him - he made a very poor choice. And now he is paying for it. Regrettably for Palin she got into something that was way of her head - she probably realizes it, and using it for what it’s worth in the future.

465. Ginger | 10.30.08

Sorry Tim I disagree with you on SP’s qualifications, she is more qualified than obama is to run for president.
For those of you that vote for the demo putzes…. get ready for social reform that will ruin out country. He and his wife are so anti-American it is an “obimination” that he is running. Reminds me of someone from Revelations………………..

466. Obama ‘08 VOTE!! | 10.30.08

The ad is fair.
The main concern with Americans today is the economy. This ad expresses points that McCain has admitted he would rely on his VP choice for economic advice/help.
The choice being Palin makes no sense for his campaign.
The election is over, it’s done. Get over it republicans, no prayer in the world is gonna save you now.

467. marsha | 10.30.08

Palin brought this on herself by being exceedingly unknowledgable and by using winking as a debate skill. To attack her is not an attack on all women and to suggest so is an effort to avoid well-deserved criticism. Indeed, women have arrived when they too can be debated, argued, and adjudged on the basis of their actions and words. I love women in power, but not simply becuase they are women. First, they must be accomplished. And sorry to say, she is not fit for the national stage, and no amount of winking will make me change my mind. Adult women should not baby-talk or wink unless they are talking to tots or puppies.

468. HZS | 10.30.08

If anybody is sexist, it would be Palin herself. How dare she stand there in the debate and keep winking at me (all of us). She was flirting with all of us. she threw her sex right out there. can you imagine if Biden did that?

469. Lucy | 10.30.08

Excuse me??? All of the name calling of Obama; all of the negative comments by Palin and McCain………..is not this a fair playing field? If she were a man it would be okay, right Bill????

I am an independent white woman who thought about voting for McCain in the beginning but to vote for someone who shoots wolves from airplanes; believes that the world is what? six or seven thousand years old; does not believe in teaching our young people about safe sex; this is not someone to be admired or is anything close to admirable. As a professional single mother whose only child is now serving a second tour in Iraq I am insulted by Sarah Palin!!!!!

470. anti-ginger | 10.30.08

Sorry Ginger, I disagree with you. Palin can’t put a sentence together without someone first writing it out for her. Mccain turn out to be a puppet for the RNC.
And if you mean social reform like FDR did. Great.
Revelations? which part? I’m sure you will miss quote it.
The ad is great. All the quotes had sources and dates to them. Don’t see Mccain doing that.

471. Brenda | 10.30.08

Let me ask all of you Palin bashers a question, how many of you here are the Governor of a state in America? Any of you? How about Mayor, Senator, President of a large company? Anyone? Then you should not throw stones at a woman who governs the state of Alaska. These comments smack of jealousy and irrational hatred. She’s proved she’s smart to get where she has and to take on members of her own party. She’s just not as media-savvy as some Washington insiders and east and west coasters and thank God because I find that refreshing. I am quite impressed with Sarah; she’s smart, witty, determined, beautiful and I admire a woman like her. It’s about time we have someone like her to look up to. I just don’t get all the Palin bashing that has gone to another level, very extreme and venemous. Either you like her views or you don’t but good lord, move on and leave her alone.

472. Pro-Palin | 10.30.08

I find this ad offensive, not because it attacks Palin but because it attacks the integrity of all women! Senator Obama had a chance to pick a woman who is much more qualified than Biden. Biden himself says, and I quote, “Make no mistake about this, Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be Vice President of the United States of America”. Why would a man who knows what it is like to be judged for what he is instead of who he is surpass the opportunity to demonstrate otherwise? One word: Sexism!

Now McCain picks a woman and Obama has the audacity to say that she’s not qualified because of the limitations McCain admits about himself. I like to see humility in a candidate, something I have never seen in Obama, and with that I’ll say this for Senator McCain. Senator Obama, Senator McCain has forgotten more than you even know about economics, foreign policy, the American dream, and the responsibilities that comes with being the most powerful man or woman in the world! You have failed to make me afraid, my friend, because honestly you play on fear not hope nor change. I watched your 30 minute ad and all I heard was your trying to play on my fear. Shame on you! America is the greatest country in the world and any American who says otherwise or subtly leads one to believe otherwise does not deserve to be President of the United States. I will not be fooled.

Sadly, sexism happens behind corporate doors where we have to prod and fight to expose it; Obama picks a man over a woman, a man who is less qualified than the woman and we women sit and say nothing! Then he has the audacity to judge McCain for doing otherwise! His message is subtle and slyly made but I am not deceived. Wake up people, Obama chose someone less qualified and makes this choice right in front of our eyes, not behind closed doors. He makes it without any caution or respect for all that we and our mothers have fought for. Then he has the arrogance to remind us of this act and blasts Senator McCain, a Great American Hero, for choosing otherwise! I am not hypnotized by your words Senator Obama. I am not so easily fooled. Shame on you Barack Obama and shame on any woman who isn’t outraged!

473. Susan D | 10.30.08

This ad does an exceptionally good job of framing the issue it raises: if John McCain stated that he would benefit from a Vice President with experience in economics and policy related to the economy because he himself lacks sufficient expertise in that area, then why did he pick a running mate who blatantly lacks that expertise? Palin has a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
She lacks any further higher education and there is nothing save her short tenure as Governor of a state with a smaller population than the city of Boston (after being a mayor of a town with a population of 8500 people) to recommend her. It is rare to find executives or leaders of institutions who do not require higher degrees of learning and experience to qualify for their positions. Palin lack the credentials to be president of a university, never mind president of the United States. Actually, she isn’t qualified to teach elementary school under No Child Left Behind.

So: if McCain was looking for expertise, he shot frighteningly wide of the mark and any ad that reveals that is ok with me. I love especially that it is silent.

474. Jeff R. | 10.30.08

Typical of the Republican disinformation campaign - the Soviets during the Cold War used similar obviously ridiculous, outlandish claims and bald face lies.

475. Chris | 10.30.08

Of course its fair. Democrats have lost elections because they haven’t been tough, organized or able to raise money. Republicans’ have never been shy about being tough, organized and able to raise money. Now that Democrats have a black, little known candidate who comes from behind because he is tough, organized and able to raise money , the republicans suddenly want this to be sen as a vice. Just hypocrisy and sour grapes. The democratic learning curve is about to show itself to be complete and the Republican smug hold on power is about to show itself to be complete, nothing unfair about it. This has nothing to do with Sarah Palin Being a woman. McCain played to the “base” of his party which would have been good eight years ago ( when Bush did it) when they were 50% of the party. The base of the republican party is now 15-25% of the country, and will be shrinking as time goes on. The Republican party will need to find a new base or it will become irrelevant.

476. Woman in Charge | 10.30.08

Let there be no “CutseyPie” in the White House. Palin puts women back 5 decades on the road to being taken seriously. She winked at us 3 times during the debate. She apparently believes that we are stupid enough to think that’s cute. Can you imagine having a President wink at you during a State of the Nation address? She sticks with cliched sound-bites and winks at us as if she’s blowing smoke up Joe the Plumber’s trouser cleavage. This is what the Republican Party thinks of us. Talk about elitists! The way they speak to the Nation is an insult to our collective intelligence and I’m sick of it.

477. Barbara Allen | 10.30.08

I just love the fact that if you believe in the right to LIfe, makes you an enemy of women! How women on the LEFT are so entertaining, but there will never “SOCIAL JUSTICE” in America as long as the youngest of us are given a bare essential, TO BE BORN. Then we can talk about the rest of your issues like equality. If a baby does have the right to live he/she (for you women LIVE, they don’t need the rest of our Rights. I laugh that she scares you enough to tear her down while supporting women who Kill all 5 of her kids because she’s depressed!

478. Arizona | 10.31.08

426. lee

Thank you for the link.

479. J. Zamudio | 10.31.08

The ad is solid - it is to the point. If Governor Palin had any sense of introspection and humility, she would have declined Senator McCain’s offer to be his running mate. Clearly, she has chosen personal ambition ahead of the country’s best interests. As General Colin Powell said, the job of the vice president is to be the president. Given the level of offensive and divisive rhetoric that she has engaged in, she should consider herself lucky that her opponents chose to either ignore her, or respond with civility.

This ad is overdue. Well done.

480. Arizona | 10.31.08

451. Barbara Allen | 10.30.08

I just love the fact that if you believe in the right to LIfe, makes you an enemy of women! How women on the LEFT are so entertaining, but there will never “SOCIAL JUSTICE” in America as long as the youngest of us are given a bare essential, TO BE BORN. Then we can talk about the rest of your issues like equality. If a baby does have the right to live he/she (for you women LIVE, they don’t need the rest of our Rights. I laugh that she scares you enough to tear her down while supporting women who Kill all 5 of her kids because she’s depressed!

I believe the issue of abortion is a large issue for many people including the those who participate in the action itself. I Also believe that like other large issues in life there is a cause and effect. I think that if we try to reduce the causes that we can reduce the effects. If individuals where more educated and more confident in there abilities and circumstances, then we can dramatically reduce the amount of abortions. The effect of society on those who are poor and scratching from day to day does contribute to the rate of abortions. If you truly want to save the life of a baby, then I feel obligated to tell you that you can by helping society. Instead of arguing over sacrificing one life for another, please help to save both lives.

My apologies if what I said offended anyone. It is not my intent to offend.

481. Chuck | 10.31.08

Enough, already!!! This woman has in a nutshell, called Mr. Obama a terrorist, a socialist, and an elitist which we all know is code for ‘uppity n****r’! For those of you who are offended by this comment, just think about this for a minute. How is it possible that a man who grew up in a blue collar family, who is the embodiment ‘pulling yourself up by your bootstraps’, puts himself through Harvard Law, then CHOOSES to go to the South side of Chicago as a community organizer at the age of 26, saying no to instant wealth, is elitist??? Has John McCain or Sarah Palin ever even been in Chicago. And I don’t mean the suburbs, I mean IN Chicago. I have yet to see McCain or Palin visit the inner city of one decent sized urban area, and Obama is elitist??? Back to Palin, she has hurled as many insults at Mr. Obama as she can and you get angry at him because she can’t handle Katie Couric?!? Wow.

482. Lilly | 10.31.08

The ad from the Obama camp that was referred to is so mild compared to the personal and ridiculous attacks on Obama by the McCain camp and to the incendiary rhetoric made by Palin during her rallies. The rallies that she has led were dangerous and racist and that doesn’t seem very “Christian” to me. The “attacks” are a result of the lack of real intelligence demonstrated by Palin herself. However, it was McCain who is responsible. His poor judgement put her in this position where she is not prepared nor qualified to be on the national stage running for such an important position.

No experience can prepare someone for the office of the Presidency of the most powerful nation in the world. Only real intelligence and judgement can guide one to doing a good job. Neither Palin nor McCain have demonstrated that they have these skills.

483. Wayne Washington | 10.31.08

There was a time when we chose as a nation to DISAGREE without being DISRESPECTFUL.

If we continue to load up our mouths, and without respect let them RUN.

Will we run without respect for each others’ lives, and load up a GUN?

IF YOU ARE TRULEY AGAINST THE WARS ABROAD… THEN DON’T START ONE HERE!

Show some respect for one another. Attack the issues, NOT EACH OTHER!

484. Teresa | 10.31.08

I can’t believe the comments on this blog. I just wonder if we are all watching the same ad. It isn’t attacking McCain at all. IT IS ATTACKING PALIN. It might as well say she’s an idiot.

I am an Independent. I will vote for Barack Obama. But the hatred showed to Sarah Palin is despicable.

The people who say this is a “fair shot” need to reevaluate.

This Independent Barack Obama supporter says it is sexist and repulsive.

485. John | 10.31.08

I submitted a comment yesterday that made the point that an aging war hero by the name of General von Hindenburg chose an Austrian Corporal he despised to be his running mate in order to rally the base and get elected. Hindenburg then died of old age, leaving the Presidency to his running mate. The rest is history.

Other comments I read that did make it to this page alluded to Obama being a figure from revelations. My comment, which was not posted, tried to make the point that there are consequences to whom you choose to lead your nation, as shown by history. Ultimately it is history that should tell us what to watch out for. Europeans paid the brunt of Hindenburg’s error in judgement, we should take advantage of the lessons provided from their misfortune.

486. Frick | 10.31.08

Take off your partisan hats for a minute. When Obama is attacked for his economic policies, he is attacked for his economic policies. They aren’t personal attacks.

Like it or not, he wants to redistribute wealth. He wants to take money out of people’s pockets who are successful and give them to people who aren’t. Bottom line.

In his spirit of “fairness.” Well guess what? Sink or swim people. Don’t look to the government to fix your failures.

Cowboy up. Quit relying on people like me to make up for the fact that you didn’t work hard enough or you didn’t plan well.

As for this ad, you betcha it’s sexist. Go after Palin for her policies. Don’t attack her personally.

487. dara | 10.31.08

As a woman, I have been deeply offended by Obama’s ACTIONS throughout this entire ordeal. His supporters are as equally disrespectful. How dare, Obama, or any of his supporters, refer to Palin as anything less than a very respected and successful GOVERNOR? She has made more decisions in her career that have benefited her state than Obama could press the “present” button on. It amazes me how vile Obama and his supporters are. Truly amazes me. This democrat has already voted for McCain and Palin, the ONLY two left that are worthy and qualified to run this country.

488. D. Edwards | 10.31.08

sink or swim? What a humanitarian you are. Why not just say, “why don’t you all just go away or die?” So, if one gets laid off three times during the past 7 years, it’s their own fault? If the company you work for drops health insurance, that’ syour fault. Oh, what a pompous, ugly attitude you have there. Yeah, the USA, land of sink or swim. If you suffer, lose your job, your savings, if you get ill or your children get ill and you all die off, who cares, as long as I’m a success. Because that’s why life is all about. Clearly you define the finest the human race has to offer.

489. geedafotus | 10.31.08

I think more people should read what her father, a former science teacher says about her. Then many of you just may change your mind about her inteligence and her drive. From the time she was in the forth grade she would read the newspaper from cover to cover. She is a quick study and very determined to succeed….He says when she makes up her mind there’s no stopping her. In sports, in politics what ever she trys she continually proves eveyone wrong.

490. geedafotus | 10.31.08

I keep hearing the same old tune that attacks on Obama are racist. I have heard nothing from the McCain side that has ever mentioned his race at any time. All I’ve heard is he’s not qualified, which he isn’t, and he has bad judgement in his associations and friends. He also has a very liberal voting record and has made socialistic statements in his interviews, his books, and on the campaign trail. So what is racist about the truth?

491. Isaiah | 10.31.08

People are reading so much into this ad that they assume that it is an attack on women. Why? Is it because it shows a woman winking? Because it implies that Senator McCain is so inexperienced on economic policy that he would have to rely on whomever his vice president would be? Is this what makes this an explicit attack against women? I honestly do not know how one could come to this based on the content of this ad, but as a supporter of women’s rights and equality, I just do not see it. Judging this ad against some of the slanderous content that has been spread by both McCain and Palin really does not even come close to comparing. For any who judge this ad as sexist, please give me a good reason why, because I really just do not get it.

492. johnny smith | 11.01.08

I was right yesterday by saying that Obama did not have a clue about how to confront the ecnomic crisis, check the article on what Bill Clinton revealed today: http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/30/clinton-suggests-obama-uncertain-economic-crisis/

493. Curious Orange | 11.01.08

If the poor women can`t take it she shouldn`t be dishin` it out.
Bill Orielly is a hypocritical bully who should retire on the millions karl rove has made him.

494. Campbell | 11.01.08

The maverick in Palin and McCain is really the American in all of us who still believe in this country and the American way of life.

495. GOPFTL | 11.01.08

Bill O’Reilly relinquished the right to tell anyone to pull punches a long time ago.

You reap what you sow. That’s Galatians 6:7-9 for those of you who can’t seem to keep religious discourse out of politics.

OBAMA-BIDEN ‘08

496. keinemal | 11.02.08

Sexist? McCain’s own words get 2/3 of the airtime. The offending bit is a simple clip of Palin winking. Should it have been a clip of her in hunting gear with shotgun in hand? Oy veh ist mir! It does not matter which clip of Sarah Palin the Obama campaign chose to use. The message would be conveyed by any video clip of her: John McCain does not know a whole lot about economics and might rely on his VP for advice on the subject. Here is the person he chose for that job. Do you think that she knows enough about economics?
Personally, I doubt that she does.

497. Okie from Muskogee | 11.04.08

Sexist? Yes!!! Alice Paul and Lucy Burns faught for a purpose to get women the respect we deserve. Look, now we are able to have real jobs and the right to vote and speak our opinions. You may feel that McCain made a bad decision, but oh well, it was his decision. So it is alright for the reports to speak badly and ask questions to Palin like “So how does it feel to be hated by women all over America?” Thats like asking a chicken about how they feel about Kernal Sanders. Is it right NO? The questions the reporters have asked Palin have been HIGHLY inappropriate, disrespectful, and uncalled for at the most part. We need to start focusing on other things that bashing a women who is trying to do more with herself.You don’t have to believe in the Government, but believe in your country and I feel Palin is the country.