Will Palin Get the Same Scrutiny Hillary Got?

We just have to do a better job of exposing this female> How about a hole in the woman's bathroom. You guys are sick. She is a governor elected by the people of Alaska. Whats all this about travel? How much does a two week visit to Europe tell one about Europeans. I lived there for four years and I do not know their political thinking. That is why Presidents have advisers.How many visited China before Nixon

Why isn't the main stream media doing a detailed investigation and reporting the widely distributed story that supposed "super" mom and pro life supporter Sara Plain at 8 months into her pregnancy risked the life and safety of her unborn baby who had been already diagnosed with down syndrome with a flight to Texas and that she placed the unborn in even further danger by again boarding a flight back to Alaska after her water broke in Texas to have the baby at a private hospital and then she returned to work three days later. This should be a featured story with time lines and opinions from obstetricians. Note that, supposedly, this birth was reported as "premature" yet the baby was reported to weigh about 6 1/2 pounds which is normally above the weight of a premature baby, fueling the debate that the baby actually belongs to Palin's daughter Bristol who had not recently bee seen by friends and that Bristol could have immediately gotten pregnant again, which though possible, is against the advice of most doctors. This is all coupled with the fact that Palin never looked pregnant and that the flight attendants on the plane from Texas to Alaska did not notice a pregnant woman on the flight nor were they alerted to the possibility of a medical emergency if the baby came while in the air. Many many people on various web sites wonder why this story has been in the news.

musing:

You lived in Europe for four years and do not know their political thinking? Why so incurious? In any event, your obvious willful ignorance of international affairs, is fine for you - but not for someone who may be President.

To the poster above, let's not leave too much thinking and responsibility to the president's advisers. Look where that has gotten us. No more ignorant puppets need apply to be anywhere near the Oval Office, thanks. Let's elect the smart one for a change!

In response the original post, I think we will see the mainstream media finally wake up, mainly since the ladies of "the View" have shown the way. (Thanks, Joy!)Journalists and pundits finally seem to be resisting the McCain camp's guilt trip for just doing their jobs. That said, I am not sure if we we will see Sarah held to the same standard as Hillary. That might just take more dedication and good sense than the MSM can muster at this late date. They were STILL talking about liptick and pigs on CNN today.

Some excellent points. When the GOP hits Hillary, it's to see if she's a truthful, competent candidate. When the Dems hit Palin, it's sexist. What a crock. Accepting a place on the ticket means having to tell us what your qualifications are, so we can make an informed choice come November. Oh, wait, maybe I just figured out why they're upset ...

I am convinced McCain had very little to do with the selection of Palin. Though he has overseen the complete ruination of his own formal and public pledge to keep the campaign respectful, I believe he has the best interests of the nation in his heart. Assuming he is still focused on improving the nation's health in general and restoring its international standing, he must be appalled that a campaign under his direction has tapped a person with such an obvious knowledge gap for such a high-ranking position. To me, it's reminiscent of Brown's FEMA appointment (from a horse racing background) and all the green appointees the Defense and State Departments sent to Iraq to run the CPA in 2003-4.

Obama's campaign should forget about experience and drive the messaging toward knowledge. It's one thing to repeat 3-by-5 card sound bites. You can't lead us to the future if you don't understand what's been tried before and where we are now.

Gibson should have asked Palin about the history of any important policy debate now ongoing - say, health care - and how she arrived at the positions she's so confidently taking.

Very truly said, Mr. Dionne.

I do hope that the Obama campaign will concentrate its fire on McCain for having recklessly and irresponsibly proposed Palin for the vice-presidency. Palin is clearly in far over her head, but none of this would have happened had not McCain plucked her from his sorcerer's hat after little or no vetting.

Let the press continue its exposure of Palin, including DEMANDING that she face the same kind of full-dress scrutiny in real (i.e., live) press conferences. But the Obama campaign has to avoid seeming to pile on her. Obama needs to hammer McCain for this horrible choice.

I disagree with your assessment of Gibson's interviews. He let her get off far too many hooks. But then, we haven't been shown a live interview, only edited segments--edited, I would expect, by the McCain camp. So I don't blame Gibson; he was trying to get just the few crumbs that Palin and her handlers would give him. Even so, those crumbs were damning.

The press has got to keep on this story. Where is Edward R. Morrow now that we really need his like?

The Washington Post is really comical these days. Do you realize that your front page consists mainly of hit pieces on Sarah Palin? She must really have you guys worried. She might derail your candidate's coronation. When are you guys going to go after the sleazy lobbying deals of Joe Biden's son? When are you going to do some research on just what Obama accomplished as a "community organizer?" When are you going to pick apart Obama's thin resume? Sarah Palin has endured more harsh scrutiny from the Washington Post in two weeks that Obama has in two years. You guys are so transparent! And you still claim that you are objective journalists. In the internet age, people can get information form other sources and your bias becomes abundantly clear.

The media, like everybody else, already knows what a flimsy candidate she is. And the media, like everybody else, already knows that McCain is running on his military credentials, his past "maverick" status, name recognition, and on his new found fidelity to Bush on the issues. For that is the way the media wants it; it's a habit after eight years of allegiance to the Bush White House, and it means giving a free pass to the heirs apparent of Bush's Iraq War agenda.

Umm....

How about if OBAMA got the same scrutiny Hillary got? You know, the guy actually running for President? Being Vice President is like being a third nipple.

But I think at this point, most Americans would be happy if Palin go the same scrutiny Hillary got. Instead, she's enduring the most ridiculous stuff.

Remember the story of the boy who cried Wolf? At the end, everyone ignores him when the wolf does come.

You're making a big deal out of this Iraq thing, and I think there's a difference between going to visit the troops and coming within 1/4 mile of the Iraq border for a ceremony, and being under imaginary sniper fire. I remember Sarah Palin saying several times that she went to Kuwait, to see the AK troops sent to Iraq. Pretty clear that she was saying she went to Kuwait, not Iraq.

The only people in the media I remember even discussing whether Kerry was in Cambodia during Xmas was Jon Stewart... Yet that was "seared", "seared" into his memory.

Meanwhile, the uncut transcripts from ABC show a much more reasonable Sarah Palin then the cut transcripts. Which is disturbing about the media, not Palin. http://marklevinshow.com/gibson-interview/ If you guys keep lying to us, we're going to stop trusting you. Oh, too late, we already don't trust you.

Meanwhile, "Want2Know", you just have your facts wrong, the media isn't going to follow up on any of the stuff you're selling because its nonsense. Her water didn't "break". If it had, she would have been having the baby right then not 3 days later you moron. She had some amniotic fluid leakage, she called her doctor, and her doctor told her no problem, come on home. It's exactly that kind of nonsense that is going to lose this election for the Democrats.

Dave,

The way I read it, you are the one who seems worried. Why are you defensive about Ms. Palin? You sound a lot like McCain's campaign, crying foul at every turn, as opposed to having confidence in your ticket. One would hope you are comfortable with your chosen representatives, and you'll look anxiously forward to Ms. Palin competently defending herself under the bright lights.

Watch the Biden/Brokaw interview from last weekend live on Meet the Press, during which Biden defends direct questions about the spurious claims regarding his son's work at the second biggest employer in Delaware. He's been willing to go out there and face the skeptics.

Ms. Palin should not be bothered, and neither should you, that she is facing media scrutiny. After all, we're all agreed she's the pinnacle of Republican executive acumen.

Questions should be is Obama ever going to get the same scrutiny Hillary got? If Sarah gives a speech will the MSM fawn all over her like they did Obama and forget that he never answered their question? Obama effectively changed his 20 year relationship with a racist Rev into an issue of race relations in America instead of why he participated in the hatred of whites instead of trying to get his branch of the church to stop being a black separatist branch.

Why doesn't Obama just stop the nonsense and agree to accept McCain's challenge and stand on the same stage with him and participate in Town Hall meetings? Obama says he wants to discuss the issues, well what better way to do it and be able to reach millions of voters at one time? What is Obama afraid of?

If the McCain Army of Deception have their way Palin would not. One can only imagine the furor Republicans would be raising now if the discussion was about Hilary or Barack. Hell, they don't have any dirt on Barack now, so they make it up and spew it out as though it is truth, with a straight face. I hope that McCain get his comeuppance, and that the fraud that is Palin explodes in his face and sink him.

Spot on, E.J.

Sarah Palin is a liar just like her boss, John McCain. They will say anything to get favoring rating from the polls. I am glad she has been exposed just from a single interview with the friendly ABC News Anchor. If Palin is frightened by Charlie Gibson or Wolf Blitzer, how can she sit and look Putin in the eye. No Palin, No Mccain, No Bush.

When we think of all the digging of Kerry, Obama, linton, it should be obvious that there needs to be a LOT more digging of this scary woman--and McCain's lame thinking.

Two points:

1. I consulted with a Clinton linguist who advised me on the meaning of "to" and various forms of "is". Palin said she went "to" Iraq. Clearly, she meant "up to" Iraq; she would have said "in Iraq". Furthermore, what "is" Iraq; as we know, Kuwait was, for a short time, "in Iraq" prior to the first Gulf War. Finally, those borders are still in dispute. Therefore, the Press is unfairly picking on Palin.

2. PUMA has informed me that any criticisms of potential female candidates is sexist. As a male you may not do this. Ever. No means No. Never. How dare you. You are not physically equiped to investigate or criticize a female candidate. They are in the zone of protection. You may ask Sally Quinn, however, to do so, so long as you pay her a premium for her time.

Wonderfully articulated! And although I do not watch The View (or even like it for that matter) I do respect the fact that they actually called McCain on his crap. Now if only the rest of the media would step up...

Why doesn't Obama just stop the nonsense and agree to accept McCain's challenge and stand on the same stage with him and participate in Town Hall meetings? Obama says he wants to discuss the issues, well what better way to do it and be able to reach millions of voters at one time? What is Obama afraid of?

You cannot be serious...this what we call a Red Herring. Some how you forgot, one of the debates, the Oct. 7th one, will be a Town Hall Meeting format. So please stop this foolishness....McCain and his team need to spend more time taking about the issues, education, economy, etc. and spend less time and less on the distractions...when Obama's speeches/campaign stops provide specifics like tax cuts for 95% of the American families, the McCain focuses on debate format or ads that lie, lie, lie...give me a break

Does the Washington Post editorial board have meetings where they discuss how they are going to get Obama elected? "Lack of experience" makes Obama a "fresh face" and the creator of "a new kind of politics" while WaPo treats Palin's arrival on the national political scene with derision and contempt. This election is really a watershed event in American politics. The national news media is clearly biased and has dropped all journalistic ethics in an attempt to get their favored candidate elected. The American people are wise to it and know that anything journalists say should be taken with a grain of salt. Journalism is now one of the least respected professions in America.

Now that The Post has fairly buried the MaCain campaign's lies about Palin's tour of Iraq and Ireland on its inside editorial pages, and online during the dark of night, I trust it will at least report on her daliances and intrigues with her husband's business partner, who's now trying to sequester the records of his divorce proceedings. Something fishy there. If it was a Democrat, mainstream media sharks would be in a feeding frenzy. Go Obama !

musing: Excuse me, but anyone running for office or seeking a public position owes explanations. The explanations are owed for what they do, do not do, say, do not say, how they say it.

So far, my opinion of Palin is extremely low, because she has yet to tell the truth. I also strongly resent that when it comes to her personal life, I am expected to either suspend opinion or agree with what she has done.

That is not how things work. Palin put some personal matters in the public arena. That was her decision. Now they are fair game. I question the judgment of a woman who gets pregnant in her forties; I question the parental choice of going to work 3 days after having a high maintenance infant, especially since judging by her daughter there is room to improve the parental skills. These, coupled with her petty and vindictive attitude towards those who disagree with her and obvious padding of the truth (actually outright lying in my opinion) raise questions about her fitness for anything.

Well said again, EJ. Democrats continue to be punching bags for lying, arrogant, corrupt, morally bankrupt, born-again right-wingers. When will we get serious? It's not like the stakes can get any higher.

It seems to me that journalists are doing their jobs, exposing the lies and corruption of the GOP (and Democrats), but that anyone not towing the right-wing noose find it hard to get published in any large papers.

So was it "hubris" when Obama decided to run for President after 143 days in the Senate? Why does the news media think that Sara Palin displays "hubris" in accepting the VP nomination while Obama's run for President heralds "a new kind of politics?" Isn't that a huge double standard? Sarah Palin is the chief executive of a state - the most popular governor in the entire country. She has much more reason to feel confident than Obama, who has never served in the military, never run a business, and has never governed a city or state.

Dionne,

You and the other Obama MSM surrogates are in a tailspin and you're grasping at straws trying to create negative journalism (if you can call it journalism) about Sarah Palin.

She's not the problem. Obama is.

Obama's the one who lies and you and his other surrogates let him get away with it.

Obama lied about Rev. Wright and his controversial sermons. On Olberman's show Obama said he did hear any and then the very next Tuesday at the Constitutional Ctr Obama says YES he did.

Obama lied about his relationship to Rezko. I've posted their ties together many times.

Ayers. Obama is now even going to the Justice Dept. to have an ad about him and Ayers stopped. Good luck. They go way back. And that mallarkey about only being 8 years when Ayers bombed the Pentagon. How old was Obama in 1995 when Obama had his first fundraiser in Ayers home, how about in 2001 when Ayers said in the NYT he wished he bombed more, or 2005 when Obama bought a house in Ayers neighborhood. Obama says their kids go to school together. One problem, Ayers are all grown up!

Obama's closest college friends, two Pakistanis. They now work in his campaign as his bundlers. Obama went to Pakistan when he was 20 with one of them and may have used an Indonesian passport. A lawsuit in US Federal Court is expediting Discovery and Depositions on Obama and Dean.

Then there's Iraqis Auchi, Alsammarae, Valerie Jarrett, Obama chief campaign advisor and Michelle's boss from Univ of Chicago, is Iranian born.

Need I go on? And here you are worrying about whether McCain's campaign said Palin stopped in Iraq or Ireland.

You and the other MSM are so steeped in the Obama goo, that you'll do anything to discredit Palin. And she's more experienced than your Obama. He's only spent 143 active days in the Senate. His career is unremarkable and his flip-flopping is legendary.

Obama and Rezko and Ayers and Wright and Frank Davis and Auchi and Alsammarae and Pakistani roommates and Iranian campaign chief. Do you notice a pattern?

When you and your "friends" get done in Alaska why don't you go to Chicago and do some real investigating!

The lady is good at that - not blinking when she lies - not blinking when she takes credits not rightfully hers . She took credit of vetoing the bridge to nowhere. Recently, in the interview with ABC , she even took credit from her son. The son made a decision to go into the army. He might choose or be chosen to go to Iraq. But she grasped the credit , saying “I sent my first born to Iraq”. Shame on you Panin, your son is not a 11 year old that you can tell him what to do. If you are so good at controlling the boy, how come you can not control your daughter?

Dionne is very concerned about Sarah Palin's "lack" of experience in foreign affairs. As if his hero Obama who is running for President has any!!!! How does it matter if Palin lacks this expertise? It is her experience in governance, holding positions of responsibility, track record of attainments and ability to learn that truly matter. She scores well on each of these criteria! Far better than Obama!

Palin appeals to the white conservative Christian crowd, more so women who identify with her. Her true value lies in her no nonsense attitude to life and ability to stand up to bullies of the left as well as big media. Her success in intimidating the Obama crowd as well as big media is evident from the shrill denunciation of her every move. Great news for McCain! Let Obama engage in a mud fight with the pitbull Palin. McCain will take the high road and win!

I guess E.J. Dionne and his colleagues in the MSM don't realize that the harder they squeeze Palin, the more voters will slip through their fingers. The MSM has completely lost its credibility on the Sara Palin issue with at least 50% of the American population. A lot of people will not listen to the MSM media anymore because of their initial smear attacks when she was announced as a VP candidate. Even worse, many people (like me) have now come to regard the MSM as a contrary indicator - anything that comes from them is automatically false and deceptive until proven otherwise.

Dave you are totally myopic.We have a right to know about the VP choice.A prime example is Dick Cheney.We need to find out what she is about by the same standards that we used on Hillary Clinton.

Palin's media-induced lustre is beginning to fade as more and more Americans begin to look past her appearance to who she really is and what she actually stands for. Do we want a foreign policy challenged Sarah Palin a heartbeat from the presidency? Do women impregnated through rape or incest wish to be forced to carry such fetuses to term? Do we want Bible-thumping, war-mongering, fear-producing, book-banning Sarah in the White House with McCain who sings “bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran".

As John Cole put it: "Sarah Palin is the distilled essence of wingnut. She has it all. She is dishonest. She is a religious nut. She is incurious. She is anti-science. She is inexperienced. She abuses her authority. She hides behind executive privilege. She is a big spender. She works from the gut and places a greater value on instinct than knowledge."

John Cole
http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=11290

The Bush Doctrrine
Glenn Greenwald - Salon.com
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/

I like French Fries. I wonder if I could be the ambassador to France?

I've got venetian blinds. Maybe I could be ambassador to Italy.

The nomination of Sarah Palin is an insult to the American people.

Some comments suggest that the Post and others should not focus on Palin. Yet, she has billed herself as a "Pitbull."

We need the Press to find out about Palin for the following reasons...

1. not one of the readers here know about Palin but for about 3 weeks. We were fed outlandish lies about the "Perfect" Sarah Palin during the RNC.
Comparatively, Do you remember the lies about WMDs in Iraq? The press slept trough it and we end up spending more than $80 Billion of middle class taxpayers money.
-not one of the readers here knew that Sarah Palin sat at her Church pew while an anti-Jew Pastor spoke there before the Press stated it.
2. Not one of the readers here knew that Sarah Palin spent 300 days of working from home and billing them as overnights to the State of Alaska. Thanks to the Press we know.
3. List continues on her hiring of her friends, bridge-to-nowhere, trying to ban library books, saying she visited Iraq when she had not, etc...

But yet some readers here want us to treat the "Pitbull with kid gloves. Our economy, our education prospects, our budget deficits, our morality, our healcare, our jobs, our foreign policy - our Americanism requires all of us to research a candidate presented to us in less than a few weeks to the general election. It is not about Sarah Palin the GOP VP candidate. It is about being properly informed. If she was a Democrat, the same people (hypocrites) would be all over her record.

Palin should be free to be checked out - inside and out just like everyone else running for major office. With McCain being the oldest ever to win the nominiation, plus with his brushes with cancer - it is MANDATORY that we look at the VP person too! It's highly possible that Palin COULD be our next president! Yet, the people in Alaska are not allowed to speak to the Media and all media calls to Alaska must be directed to the Gov's office - what's up with that???? What are they afraid may come out?

Someone mentioned Obama didn't get checked out - come on...you guys can't be serious with that one. That's too dumb for me to even comment on! The man was explaining his every move, decision - for MONTHS!

Lastly, Palin will not under go the same scrutiny that Hillary did because she's pretty, younger and the media is falling all over her and so is America. I say that AS a woman, it's sexist at it's best!

McCain and Palin are experienced agents of change. They want to change the Federal Government. Unlike Obama who wants to change the country, which doesn't need to be changed.

This whole article is SEXIST!!!

All men think that a woman has to prove themselves ten times more than they do! She really CAN see Russia from her state shores!

George Bush had barely more experience than Sarah Palin, and he has done just fine!

All men are sexist pigs.

Leave Sarah Palin alone!

one of the great untold stories of the Sarah Palin "appointment" is just how slavishly the right wing of the Republican Party and all the one issue (abortion/gay right/take your choice) supporters has stumbled all over themselves to embrace the candicacy of a woman with the thinnest of resumes.

Why?

Could it be because the neo-conservative and religous fundamentalists care more about theology than about governance? Could it be that they are willing to overlook an obvious lack of proven competence in exchange for religious purity? Or could it be that they are so blinded by idealogy they would put into office a woman who is on the record stating that "God" wants us in Iraq?
(BTW her explanation of this comment to Charly Gibson was a total fabrication and witout any basis in fact; otherwise known as a "lie" or something Jesus adised us against doing, so maybe "hypocricy" is another of her strengths!)

God save us, yes, God save us from a party which would be so cynical and craven to put this woman into a position to be a heartbeat away from the Oval Office.

This has reached comical proportions. Palin said she visited troops in KUWAIT (to vist troops fighting in the Iraq war), and it turns out - gasp - she ONLY went to Kuwait! LIES LIES LIES!

Palin's next big lie revealed tomorrow:

MSM: Did you go to work on the day of April 10, 1998?
Palin: Yes, why?
MSM: But I have a contact who saw you at the gas station, that very day!
Palin: Well, gee, I think I did stop for gas on the way home.
MSM: AHA - LIAR! You clearly didn't just go to work that day. How many other places did you go, and how many more half-truths have you spouted since?

The Republicans have to lower the bar for her, they did for Bush.

Men will vote for Sarah Palin in droves. She has my utmost respect and admiration. Sarah Palin's husband is the luckiest man on earth.

McCain has to explain to the Voters why he deserves their vote.

In relation to Palin a good case is being made that says she is an unsuitable VP.

If he believes in change rather than treating the electorate as mushrooms that should be kept in the dark and fed bull s--t then he should offer his answer very quickly without journalists having to extract his reasons.

Palin has shown that she is not a profound thinker and is not well informed about national and international issues. She has little operational know how on the ways and means that control government ooperations. Many of us think that she is a dud.

McCain has an opportunity to overturn the negative thoughts that millions hold about Palin. He can be responsible or irresponsible.

The night he finally defeated Hillary, Obama said that: "this was the moment when... the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal".

So, if E.J. and his pals at the WP are serious about holding candidates accountable for their words, they should ask Obama why he allowed hurricanes Gustav and Ike be formed in the Atlantic Ocean and hit the U.S.

America, I am a new voter and I just want to say - please vote for McCain/Palin because you truly believe that they will RUN our country the BEST! And make America BETTER. Do not turn away from Obama because he's half black either.

The McCain camp has run a very ugly campaign very different from the one he said he would run. Just because Obama won't do the Town Hall meetings is NO REASON whatsoever to use LIES and NAME calling like a 7 year old child who didn't get his way. That's not INTEGRITY.

I am an independent - and I want what's best for ALLLL America. I hope we will get it right this time and don't allow LIES or RACISM to stand in our way. Our future depends on this.

What we do know is the the Republican apparatus will abuse the First Amendment and cow reporters and journalists into going soft on Palin. This time these media folks need to ignore this effort and do their job. Report everything there is to know about Palin, good and bad equally.

Given the information dribbling out the last few days, I think most will be bad.

EJ The key is at what point the serious journalists--and there still are some--will recognize the exent to which they are being scammed, manipulated, and insulted by the McPalin campaign. The phony outrage will ultimately lose its impact because it is being expended on silly and trivial things--at least that is what I expect. Strangely, the beginning of that will be in the popular culture--such as the Tina Fey rendition of Palin on SNL last night. "I can see Russia from my house" should become an Obama campaign theme.
The main thing is that the lies are crude, transparent, and clumsy. Sooner or later, there will be a backlash--and all one can hope is that it will come soon enough to make a difference in the voting. But it will come.
The key might well be the Troopergate report that--when compounded with her history of cronyism and vindictiveness, as reported in the NYT--will provide the footing for addressing her character in purely policy terms. She is obviously a very superficial person, with neither the intellect, knowledge, or depth to serve in the office, particularly not when there's a real chance she could end up in the oval office. Once there, she could well put the capstone on the catastrophe that has been George W. Bush.
In any event, if the media coninues to be cowed and mesmerized, we can at least put to rest the myth of the liberal media.
Don't let up calling for the same kind of relentless scrutiny and treatment that Hillary received. Perhaps someone will recognize that the Republican slime machine has called "sexism" more times in three weeks than Senator Clinton did in 20 months.

It's the tabloid curiosity that most of us find most troubling. Just because some one is running for office or in public eye doesn't mean that that person's private and family life, nothing to do with his/her ability to do the public or official work, is open for brutal intrusion. Most of the mainstream media follows this most of the time, but there have been lapses.

It does, however, get a bit tricky when that 'official' person brings the private and family life in public, or emphasizes it in the 'official' business. There lines begin to blur.

Palin's family is and should be off-limit. She is the person chosen by McCain to run with him. When Palin says she admires Hillary Clinton, she (Palin) has to also look at how much close scrutiny did Hillary receive over the years.

If McCain didn't "vet" her adequately, it's the responsibility of the press to do the job for us. After all, she'll be a heartbeat away from McCain, if he gets elected. But this "vetting" should leave her children and family out.

Like many others, I find it creepy how Obama says that he is going to "change the country" and "remake the world." While that's nice rhetoric, it really boils down to bigger entitlement programs, war on the business community, and higher taxes. I am one of those who believes America is on the wrong track, but that's because of creeping socialism, dependence on government, and an ever-growing sense of entitlement among left-wingers.

What we do know is the the Republican apparatus will abuse the First Amendment and cow reporters and journalists into going soft on Palin. This time these media folks need to ignore this effort and do their job. Report everything there is to know about Palin, good and bad equally.

Given the information dribbling out the last few days, I think most will be bad.

It just "irks" you guys that a woman has come this far so fast.....

I agree she doesnt know a lot about foreign policy, but neither does BO.....

has anyone asked him about the Bush Doctrine? And on that note....which one? Even BO's favorite cable news channel MSNBC reported yesterday that there are several versions of it!

I am NOT voting for McCain/Palin but that is based on the issues not her reproductive organs.....

Dionne: You're such a biased hack writer. There's a big difference between Palin and Hillary. Palin didn't even say she went to Iraq, an unnamed aide to her said it. Unlike Hillary, who not only said that she came under sniper fire, she gave vivid details about it. Heck, even Sinbad called her a liar and I thought that he died in 1985.

EJ, You're lack of journalist integrity is apalling that you would try and throw this in acting like they're the same thing. I also like how you made it sound like the elitist media is not going after Palin...nice touch.

Actually, Sarah Palin has NEVER said she went to Iraq. The Boston Globe article is very clear about that.

On the other hand, Hillary LIED about sniper fire in Bosnia.

It's just laughable that E.J. Dionne is trying to spin it in such a shameful way.

You guys need to get a life.

I've noticed a lot of Repubs accusing us liberals of being worried about Palin.
Of course we are worried.

Remember we are the party of government.
We see an important and constructive role for government.
We want government to work.

We don't just want to win the election.

You really have some whiners here who do not want Palin subject to press scrutiny.

These persons probably did not even know anything about Palin before her selection on Sept, what, 3rd? Give me a break.

All they know is that they would like us all to believe what they (the McCain team) tell us. Pfff. What's their record so far on truthfulness.

Pitty, Pitty, Pitty.

All of these lies are a giant warning sign that things are not as they appear. At this time more than any other, we need trustworthy and competent individuals to steer our federal government. With the Wall Street meltdown, which even the Maestro says is the worst financial crisis in 100 years, it's just not going to do to have a hockey mom and a guy that doesn't know anything about the economy and relies on the economic advisors that got us into this mess.

The time for these stupid lies and smears is well over.

You really have some whiners here who do not want Palin subject to press scrutiny.

----

Come on. This wasn't a fair article. Dionne and Marcus are on vendetta to go after Palin. This is WP authorized "swift boating" by these two partisan hacks.

Given the obvious lack of qualifications of this candidate, isn't it time for the press to insist on the release of McCain's medical records?

Sarah Palin may be the Republicans new Bridge to Nowhere. Once her lies, evasions and radical ideas become better known it will be clear what an impulsive gambler John McCain really is. Talk about putting yourself before country, can he really believe that her being second in line to an aging president is good for our country! I don't think so, but he may have gone too far on this one!

jeannec

The Republicans have wrecked this country for the past eight years. McPalin's interview was proof she shares the same incompetency the current Republican administration has proved over the past eight years. Vote on the issues like education, health care, and the economy. Vote for real change, change we can believe in.

Vote Obama/Biden 08.

Gallup Poll (ending 9/13) - Just moved Minnesota back into the Toss-up column, from +8 Obama.

New Electoral Estimate: Obama 207 - McCain 227 with 104 Toss-up.

National Poll: McCain +2.3

Palin sounds like a real Bridge to Nowhere. From Barry O. +8 to McCain +2. Sounds like a real losing proposition.

Decent job EJ of trying to swing some attention to Palin's deficits. Rest assured that is being taken care of with or without your musings. The fact that the old media with it's lap dog styles are becoming very dated and boring. McCain is being handled. So is Obama. They are a product of the machine that is our ruling class today. Report on that - Anyone can write an essay about how unfair it was or is for some candidate that the people really had very little say so in nominating. It does not matter one whit who wins in Nov. It will be just more of the same. Just different ways to move us cattle along to the slaughter house. Why not look into the real stories behind the scenes. I dare you to, rather than opining on which woman is the wicked witch of east and which one is the wicked witch of the west. Believe it or not, some of us don't buy the story that McCain himself[?!] just picked someone out of the blue and didn't do his research. How patronizing of you to assume that we would believe such ilk. Kudos to all the media, left and right for making a good living, feeding out the party lines to the minions who are to simple-minded to care or even understand. The old news gang needs to retire or buck up against the their own handlers. But no one will , and off we go down the happy yellow brick road still looking for both courage and a brain.
Whistling more of the same, more of the same...............................

I am sure that sooner or later this little tantrum will be deleted. It might p!55 someone off.

Oh yeah, and do you really want a guy to be President who can't run a marketing campaign that can beat the Republicans> The Republican party is barely breathing and this guy can't pull it together with unlimited resources and run a competent campaign. it's really a joke.

Will Obama ever get ANY scrutiny?

When is somebody going to bring up Biden's past. It's like we don't even remember that he lied on his resume and plagiarized speeches.

And then there was the little incident when he told a group of reporters that he knew he was smarter than them. Pure genius.

He's a real giver, too. $300 a year.

Just how much time has Palin actually spent working. A June 29 story in the Anchorage paper appears to say that she took the whole summer off. "Stapleton wouldn't say exactly where Alaska's first family is right now, citing security reasons. But the Palins will travel this summer, and spend time fishing, and plan to return to Juneau this fall."

Has Obama picked a running mate yet? I've been looking over the news sites and I can't find anything. I'm interested to know who it will be. It will be fun to watch that person get raked over the coals like Sarah Palin has been for the past two weeks. Shouldn't Obama have picked his running mate already? I'm scanning the news for any hint of who it might be.

Mr. Dionne,
I watched Sara Palin on television say that she went to Kuwait, not Iraq.
The only deceitfulness here is with columnists such as yourself that dish out a daily dose of character assassination.

scientist1:

Some scientist. Obama's the one who hasn't released his medical records. All he did was submit a letter from his doctor. What's Obama hiding?

McCain released his whole medical record.

Obama still hasn't furnished his state senate records (I know the dog ate them) and his original birth certificate.

As much as I like Obama to win this election, I will not mind if he loses. This is democracy and if people (white working women) will vote for Sarah Palin because she is a white woman that is okay with me. We will see what happens. You live by the sword, you die by the sword.
Sarah Palin will be a fool's gold for those who make the claim 'she is like one of us.

Just go back to the first time McCain introduced her. He actually read her name off a cue card. He looked like he was struggling to not pronounce her name wrong. He was clueless about her then and must be kicking himself for getting into this problem now. The lies keep mounting. I can't expose her. You have got to circle your coworkers and do your jobs. Eight more years of this mess and we will all be goners!

Thank you SO MUCH for saying what needs to be said. This has been like "The Emperor's New Clothes"! Nobody will come out and challenge all the lies and truth-stretching that is going on w/ McCain/Palin.

I don't guess it will matter much--it would appear that most Americans, newly bedazzled by this person, are prepared to overlook anything at all about her--presumably because she represents the fundamentalist, conservative right wing in ways that exceeded their greatest hopes.

But at least it is good to know someone is trying to address the travesty that is occurring. Yes, things that occurred to Hillary possibly lost her the nomination. What they are saying about Sarah isn't seeming to make a dent in the hard-heads that are simply caught in the Palin trance.

Why doesn't the media point out that Obama has spent more time campaigning for president than actually serving as a state senator. I think that there is a need to fix a lot of issues within the country but not go off to any extreme like Obama is proposing. Obama plans to go back to the old Keynesian way of running an economy that were proved to be ineffective in the long run. Out of all the Nobel laureates at the university of Chicago who could teach him how markets work he still thinks that the government should take over. Just because his economic adviser works at the university it should be noted that Obama is a person with extreme views which could be extremely deleterious to the country(more so than mccain). It is a question of choosing the lesser of two evils.

Right on EJ. The holes in Sarah Palins claims are laughable. What is even more sad is how the Republicans have all chosen to turn a blinds eye to it. If this was a Obama or Clinton the media and the Republicans would have been all over them. The fact is the Republicans have RUN THIS COUNTRY INTO THE GROUND! They can't change that.

How low a blow "Anonymous" spews out when he mentions Sarah Palin takes credit for her son going to Iraq but can't control her own 17 year old daughter who is pregnant out of wedlock. Sir,apparently you have no daughters or you would not have made that rude comment. Any one can instill all the character and respect in their child...not to mention Christianity...and the same thing can and does often happen any way!
I honestly hope this never happens to your daughter(s) if you have daughters. Sounds like you would be the first at running your daughter down to the local abortion clinic instead of taking the higher road as Sarah Palin did
and never once thought of abortion. Her decision about her daughter's pregnancy tells me that she was and is willing to love her daughter as always and is very willing to love that grandchild now and once it is born. Some people are so "embarrassed" when this happens to a child of theirs that all they think about is themselves and what other people think. Sarah Palin and her husband did not choose the "easy" way out and for that I commend her and her husband.

Am I crazy?

That's the question I keep asking myself. My view of the candidates is so diametrically opposed to the vast majority of independents. I used to like McCain, but I guess I never really knew him. He seems like such a low life panderer to me now, and his pick of the wafer-thin, far right, truth-twisting Palin seems further evidence of this in addition to being completely unpatriotic (like choosing a trainee as the co-pilot of a jumbo jet). But the independents apparently think otherwise, flocking to Palin/McCain in droves for his supposed maverick-osity.

And then I remember that I had this feeling 8 years ago, and then again 4 years ago. And look where the country is now. And I realize I'm not the one who's crazy, a comforting thought until I realize what that means for the folks considering voting for another 4 years of Repubs.

The weirdest thing is the way she keeps repeating her lies even after they've been debunked. When it came out that Hillary's story was a fabrication she backed down from it, but Palin continues claiming she told Congress, "Thanks but no thanks to that bridge to nowhere." It's bizarre. The fact is that she supported it until Congress cut the funds, and even then she kept the money. She's lying. Repeatedly. It's about time the media started saying so.

McCain hasn't been much better. He also continues to repeat the bridge lie, plus he dishonestly accuses Barack Obama of calling Palin a pig and says Obama supported "teaching sex to kindergartners." All lies. All lies that have been conclusively debunked but which he keeps repeating.

Honesty counts, folks, and the Palin/McCain ticket doesn't even appear to know what the word means.

It seems that some of the posters to this site have the same ability to create alternative universes to support a point.

Specifically, someone said that the Boston Globe misheard the story. I just went to their website, and they quote the Palin group as saying they went into Iraq by a 1/4 mile.

Way to go Sarah. Just keep making things up, ask your posters to do it to, and we'll all stop even bothering questioning you.

Go Girl Go. Please Go.

If the right wing had nothing to fear about Palin and her record I can think of one phrase we'd be hearing from every corner of the lad:

"BRING IT ON!!"

Instead we hear about how people will now boycott ABC for the crimes Gibson committed against their girl who as manly men they feel the need to protect like a wolf protecting its cubs (so Palin can shoot them from a helicopter for sport.)

What I see is sexism of the most blatant and obvious kind and ti is all coming from the GOP and its supporters.

All McCain said in his speech at the convention was how he survived the POW camp.He detailed every agonizing detail!
Great! We really appreciate what he endured for the sake of his country. If that is the best qualification he has to be the President of the United States, well, all I can say is "God save America".Maybe, we should erect a monument for him instead!
And Sarah Palin... we are still getting to know where she came from!

They lied to us before (WMDs, torture, etc).

They're lying to us again (Bridge to Nowhere, Lipstick and Pigs).

How'd it turn out the first time?

Wanna do it again?

"Since we're talking about travel here, let's stay focused on the Clinton comparison: Is there one standard for Hillary Clinton -- a tough one -- and another, permissive standard for Sarah Palin?"

EJ, your sudden concern for Hillary Clinton is touching.

Where were you when the media (you included) had one standard fr Hillary Clinton -- a tough one -- and another, permissive standard for Barack Obama?

It's not just the lies. It's that they keep lying even when it's proved that they are lying. The bridge to nowhere. The pig in lipstick. Visiting troops in the 'combat zone.' Saying she never denied human activities played a role in global warming. Saying she was referencing an Abraham Lincoln quote when she said the Iraq war was a task from God. Accusing Obama of wanting to teach sex to kindergartners....

All those are things she and McCain are STILL saying!!! They are like children caught with cookie crumbs all over their faces while standing there and STILL denying they ate any cookies.

People say Obama supporters are scared. We are. All Americans should be terrified of the thought of those two liars in the Oval office. Whatever happened to the days when politicians only blatently lied about sex? Lie about sex all you want... but these two are ridiculous!

Governor Palin is harder to pin down than a greased Berkshire on a Slip 'n' Slide during a olive oil squirt gun fight. http://www.236.com/blog/w/will_durst/the_unkosher_candidate_8926.php
Nice.

If Obama ever got caught in even one lie they'd be talking about it for months. Shoot, they obsessed about Rev. Wright, something his minister had said years ago, for TWO MONTHS!

It's about time they started paying attention to the many lies already told by the Palin/McCain ticket. If they are held to the same standard Obama has been held to then the media shouldn't be talking about anything else for the next two years.

I hope every woman sees this gun toting woman for what she is. Just seeing the photo of her with her children by the side of the dead bleeding moose makes me sick.

What a bunch of whoooooie spewing here.
PaaaaLeeeessse! If the arrogant candidate from the other side would have just picked you-know-who these discussions would be irrelevant and non-existing. He should fire all of his handlers for mis-direction - Biden will be such a patsy and when he mis-speaks - look-out - because he will - but we won't hear about it because the liberal biased media will avoid reporting this to the people. This country deserves what Osama-bama will deliver to this country - socialism - bigger government... IN YOUR FACE government telling you when to breathe, eat, blink.
Bunch of ROBOTS that need the government to tell you all that "THE PEOPLE" can do much better without being told how,when,where.
You asked for it....you will get it! ENJOY the utter mess a socialistic government will govern you. Look at the Socialist governments around the world, Netherlands, Holland for example. No Welfare in Holland. You want a check - they find you a job - you may not like the job they find for you either - like building roads, etc.
If this is so wonderful, why are so many of them coming to America. Because we were FREE - those freedoms are eroding - government seems to know better how I can raise my family, manage my money, get education for my children. I am for LESS GOVERNMENT - SMALLER GOVERNMENT - not giving checks to everyone because they are not looking for work - who do you think is paying for welfare - the middle class does. You and me! Cast your vote for the socialist on Nov. 4th - don't look back though to those times when you had freedom to choose.

Go Sarah go! You're driving them bonkers! Thanks!!!!

Forget all the natter and chatter about Palin's prevarications and McCain's exaggerations. There's a very basic question we ask of all our national representatives that hasn't been addressed here regarding Ms. Palin. Goes something like:
"So, you want to run for office....have you ever been in trouble with the law?"

Palin plead no contest to a felony charge for operating an illegal drift net in 1993. The McCain campaign would like to pass this felony record off as equivalent to a simple traffic ticket. It was not, and it is not. How does the press justify letting Palin pass unquestioned about having a felony on her criminal record?

Nice Work. This is right on. Let's see if people want to face the facts or if they will make excuses for Palin or continue the exaggerations.

For those of you whining/crying about how the media is making a big deal about Palin's foreign policy experience remember that McCain and Palin made all the initial claims about her alleged trips. Further, remember that it takes more than advisers to make thoughtful, intelligent decisions. If I remember correctly, a bunch of moron Republicans were making the same arguments about Bush and his advisers back in '00.

Obama '08.

The author mentioned the beating Hillary CLinton took on the Bosnia story and ponders if Sarah Palin will get the same. He goes on to say that Charlie Gibson was much tougher on Barack Obama.

Clearly this male is way out of touch. The media has already been crucifying Palin in the same mean spirited and prejudiced manner that they did with Hillary Clinton.

Yet Barack Obama contiues to get a complete pass on all questions of his past - nobody mentions Rev. Wright, Trinity Church, or Father Flegler - just to name a few.

It is purely sexist as it is okay to be publicly malicious towards women but completely unacceptable to hold a man to the same level of accountability and abuse.

Come on WOMEN - WAKE UP! Civil Rights achieved a higher level of success because diverse individuals came together on one issue - equal opportunity for blacks. It is time for women to come together on one issue - equal opportunity for women. If we contiue to be so easily divided and controlled this kind of media mistreatment will never end and we will always earn less money while suffering greater prejudice and discrimination.

VOTE YOUR GENDER - scare the media.

You lived in Europe for four years and do not know their political thinking? Why so incurious? In any event, your obvious willful ignorance of international affairs, is fine for you - but not for someone who may be President.

Posted by: wonder | September 14, 2008 7:13 PM

I lived in Europe for four years, too, and never learned their political thinking. But then, I was only seven years old when I returned to the States...

I have picked up a few things along the way since. It's just not that hard to do.

It makes sense that news media are digging hard into Ms. Palin's background and experience more than the other candidates. They've already been vetted like crazy, while the governor has just fallen off the turnip truck.

Go Sarah go!

Keep lying for Supply Side Jesus.

Dems' hysteria is so fun to watch!!

j.a.m.,

What do you find so wonderful about Governor Palin?

This is a serious question. I'd really like to understand.

Thanks.

Palin is a nightmare.

When you embellish your resume, it means there isn't much there.

Since she is the most knowledgeable person in the US on energy matters, it is time for her to be questioned about it, to discuss it and to demonstrate what she knows. Shoudn't be too hard.

A vote for McCain/Palin is a vote for KLA and Al-Qaida terrorist.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=57678

j.a.m.,

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

IRAQ WAR update ..

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-violence-is-down-ndash-but-not-because-of-americas-surge-929896.html

palin came right out of northern exposure.

her executive experience was more like a part-time job!

it is absurd to even think she could be qualified to sit on the annapolis or baltimore city council... not even the mayor of these two cities.

Oh MY!!! Do we really want to get into all the felony records of our elite Senators and Congressman - Governors? The lists are long and DIRTY. Oh boy! The mud slinging would cover East to West SOLID. What a field day that would be. Wish we could get rid of the whole bunch and get some REAL people in DC that actually repesent "THE PEOPLE" instead on their special interests and lobbyists. Smaller Government - try working for a living - paying taxes - get off of the FREE TRAIN and start being a contributing member of society. Why should they - our government takes care of them just fine. Becoming the Welfare Country. Great!

Palin will become a liability to John McCain very soon.. I am curious to see the actual polling numbers by this coming Wednesday..the pollsters have been fudging the methodology for conducting the polls as Democrats are 11 million registered voters (and people identifying themselves as Democrats) ahead of Republicans..300,000 newly registered Democrats in Ohio alone..

I'm not sure why Palin is such a hero to so many when they probably had not heard of her two weeks ago and we still know little or nothing about her other than she gives a pretty good speech while crinkling her nose.

She's like a human Rorschach test.

The press was obnoxiously tough on Senator Clinton. Bet they regret that now, big time.

But Palin is not getting any more of a pass than Obama did. Nothing seemed to stick about Obama, nor did the media ever press him on much. Allegations went unchecked, whatever. Why is now the time to pick on Sarah. She is just as inexperienced as Obama.

Look, the truth is the choices just ain't much this round. But we gotta vote for someone. Might as well get a beauty queen in there!

After 19-23 months of campaigning you have people that say they still don't know everything about Obama. So how are they going to know Sarah Palin in 50+ days. If she would answer questions maybe we might be able to know something about her policies and views

Come on folks think. The Rove spinsters with their misreprentations, distortions and outright lies led you astray in the last two presidental elections and look at the results. The Republicans had total control of the legistrative process for seven years and they took yhe economy fro a

Now see how the story changed at the beginning of 2008:

Digital Journal
(Jun 15, 2008, Can We Trust Cindy McCain to Represent American Women?):

``While working at Mother Teresa's orphanage in the early 1990s, I stumbled upon the most beautiful little girl I'd ever seen,'' she said. ``She had a terrible cleft palate. She had problems with her feet. She had problems with her hands. She had all kinds of problems.``As only Mother Teresa can, she prevailed upon me to take this baby and another baby to the United States for medical care.''

The Sunday Telegraph
(Feb. 3, 2008, Cindy McCain: pills, ills, beer and the White House)

It was on a trip to Bangladesh in 1991 that she adopted Bridget. On Friday she recounted to voters in Missouri and Illinois how Mother Teresa persuaded her to return home with the child. "I just could not let her go. The only thing was, I had not told my husband. When I got back, he asked me 'Where will she go?' and I said: 'I thought she could come to our house.'

It was big of the McCains to Adopt Bridget, but they never met Mother Theresa, why did they have to lie about that?

``While working at Mother Teresa's orphanage in the early 1990s, I stumbled upon the most beautiful little girl I'd ever seen,'' she said. ``She had a terrible cleft palate. She had problems with her feet. She had problems with her hands. She had all kinds of problems.``As only Mother Teresa can, she prevailed upon me to take this baby and another baby to the United States for medical care.''

It was big of the McCains to Adopt Bridget, but they never met Mother Theresa, why did they have to lie about that?

Bert in RI: it is public knowledge that McCain chose Lieberman as his running mate. but the extreme wing of the RMC forced him to change. We don't know yet what the details were, whether he readily agreed to Palin or initially objected, strongly or otherwise. However, one thing is clear: if he truly had the best interest of the country in mind, he would have been a real hero and a real maverick and not caved in. I doubt anyone put a gun to his head, but they told him "this is who we have, take it or leave it." And took it he did.

TiredOfIt: Obama did not turn down McCain on debating together at town-halls. He thought it was a good idea. Obama simply wanted to negotiate the number of town-halls. The McCain People proposed 10 (not including the formal debates). Obama's people looked at the short time between the conventions and the election and said, we can't do ten. How about 3 town-hall debates and 3 formal debates? McCain never counter-offered.

My own theory is that the whole town-hall thing was a deliberate setup to paint Obama as refusing to debate. For one thing, asking for such a high number of additional debates just isn’t practical, and McCain knows it. Another reason I doubt the sincerity of the McCain's offer, is that with all the still accruing damage of Bush's two terms (and pre the additional "Reformer" charade, when the offer was made) I doubt the McCain people felt very confident McCain would come out on top.

In any event, I am looking forward to the real debates.

The author mentioned the beating Hillary CLinton took on the Bosnia story and ponders if Sarah Palin will get the same. He goes on to say that Charlie Gibson was much tougher on Barack Obama.

Clearly this male is way out of touch. The media has already been crucifying Palin in the same mean spirited and prejudiced manner that they did with Hillary Clinton.

Yet Barack Obama contiues to get a complete pass on all questions of his past - nobody mentions Rev. Wright, Trinity Church, or Father Flegler - just to name a few.

It is purely sexist as it is okay to be publicly malicious towards women but completely unacceptable to hold a man to the same level of accountability and abuse.

Come on WOMEN - WAKE UP! Civil Rights achieved a higher level of success because diverse individuals came together on one issue - equal opportunity for blacks. It is time for women to come together on one issue - equal opportunity for women. If we contiue to be so easily divided and controlled this kind of media mistreatment will never end and we will always earn less money while suffering greater prejudice and discrimination.

VOTE YOUR GENDER - scare the media.

Posted by: McCain Democrat | September 14, 2008 10:16 PM

*******************************************

Wow..how pathetic..Father Pflager made one appearance at the Trinity United Methodist Church that Obama is no longer a member of..Pastor Wright was invited to the White House by Bill Clinton during the dark days of the Republican witch hunt that ws the Monica Lewinsky scandal..

Your right wing talking points given to you by Sean Hannity aren't working..

Women are not stupid..they know what Sarah Palin is all about and real Hillary supporters will never support Sarah Palin..

I suggest that you take a look at the YouTube video of the recent antiPalin rally in Ancorage .. Palin drew 1,000 people to her rally that day..the antiPalin rally in front of the library drew more than 1,400 people which is unheard of in Alaska..and some of them are former Palin supporters..

The right wing radio host in Ancorage that called the antiPalin rally organizers "left wing baby killing maggots", has been suspended and we intend to see to it that he is fired...we are not putting up with any more right wing garbage..enough is enough..

It should be obvious to everyone now that McCain developed a strong skill set while in captivity all those years. Those were to present false information to his captors, and to lie, deceive, misdirect, and parse. He is still using those skills, however, no longer on his Vietnamese jailors, rather on the American people.

Do women realize that McPain-Palin will appoint justices to reverse Roe v. Wade? Our kids will be hunting the back alleys for illegal abortionists wielding coathangers. Nobody remembers? Is everyone as memory-challenged as good old John McCain?

George Bush is a vivid example of why there is a need to have intelligent, experienced elected VPs and Presidents. He is a rube who has made disterous mistake after disaterous mistake on domestic and foreign policy. His advisors have steered him into a ditch. Pailin is trying to fake her knowledge by memorizing note cards. What's really scaring is that her uneducated husband could actually become an advisor. I guess being a snowmobile racer and North Slope Oil Worker has prepared him to advise the VP. The hyppcrisy of white conservatives is laughable. You can be an uneducated, provincial and be qualified for a spot on the national ticket as a Republican. Yet, you question the experience of a Senator from Illinois who has excelled at every stop. Racism in any form is still racism.

And on and on and on. The Republicans are singing the same old song that got half the people(almost) in line with George Bush. He's Godly and determined and holds to his path. Gore was a liar, Kerry was a liar, wishy-washy, elite, and married a rich second wife. So McCain finished in the bottom five at Annapolis, but he flew his plane into a missile and stood up to torture, until he didn't, and then married a richsecond wife.. So once more lets elect the stubborn dummy(at least this one is not as dumb as the last one)and the first VP beauty contest contestant(She's so like us girls) and watch the same old stuff happen for another 4-8 years. Because Obama is too smart, thinks before he acts(mostly), and did well in school.And is probably elite. And the Chinese and russians will love it as we go the way of Lehman Brothers, Merril Lynch and the rest of the capitalists.

Wow...what a sick, sick world we live in. Reminds me of the old song "It's a strange, strange world we live in master Jack, no hard feelings if I never come back."

This Woman To Nowhere does not now and never will speak for me. I keep wishing for a huge backlash, but I'm not seeing it. On Saturday there was an Anti-Palin rally held by Alaska Women Against Palin in Anchorage. 1500 people showed up. Isn't that, like, half the population of Alaska? Every stae needs to organize such a rally .. TODAY!

EJ Dionne is totally correct in his article. Because Joe Biden failed to attribute a quote in one appearance in his bid for President in 1988, he was literally forced to bow out of that campaign. The media attention on that one small "nothing" was all it took.

Now, we have decended to the depths of flat out lying. The media are afraid to attack Palin because of the threats of bias by the right-wingers. What a farce. I ask that the media attack Palin like they did Biden. In fact, I saw a reference in the CNN program Saturday night to an EJ Dionne article that factored into the Biden attacks in 1988.

Palin has lied. There is no doubt in my mind. The facts are very plain.

A beauty contestant in a state where oil money subsidizes just about every aspect of government and populace is no real test for experience for a person running for VP. Her responses to Charles Gibson were very revealing.

The religious right position is not respected when the primary candidate is a patent liar. Actually, after his appearance on "The View," John McCain established beyond doubt his liar credentials as well.

My neighbor is a hockey. She hasn't traveled much and is active in the PTA. She also sold a few toys on Ebay and she's a great person. However, this does not qualify her to be a VP candidate. Let's be serious, to compare Palin against Hillary would be an insult to Hillary's qualification. We are in a deep economic crisis and engaged in two wars. We deserve to have smart, educated and experienced leaders. Palin reminds me of a dumber version of Bush. I'm afraid to imagine a world where she become the "Decider".

Let's see: She left Wasilla 25 million dollars in debt, she charged rape victims for the rape kits, she kept the money for the Bridge to Nowhere and continues to lie about her initial support for it, she charged the state per diem to the tune of 17 thousand, even though she was living at home... it's endless. Stay on her, she's an empty suit. We are just finishing up with one, and it's been a disaster.

flyovercountry51, you misread my question. I didn't ask about senators, congressmen or governors and their respective criminal records, though if you'd care to post a list with specifics about them I'd be most appreciative.

I asked why the press ignores a most basic question we ask of our leaders and instead focuses on less disqualifying issues.

Sarah Palin has a felony on her record, for operating an illegal drift net in a protected fishery in Bristol Bay in 1993. Plain and simple. Not a traffic ticket. A felony. I don't recall any other national executive candidate in living memory, successful or otherwise, with a felony record. And not a peep from the press. Why not?

It is obvious why McCain chose "unheard of " Palin. He thought that was the only way he could get Hillary's women voters.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures"!!
Does he think that women are STUPID?????

and we continue to tune into to your rants as the best source of bias MSM opinon on the web. Ok, well, top 3 anyway.

did anyone every mention you sort of write how you appear ? like a weasel

Posted by: Dave | September 14, 2008 7:32 PM
------------------------
Dave should read the Post and stop hanging around his snortin' and chuggin' buddy george bush.

Blah, blah, blah... whether you like her or not, she is definately making a positive impact on the Republican agenda. Better to focus on winning rather than on whinning. Sounds like a rehearsal for "why we lost again".

a critical thinker named Julie said:

"This whole article is Sexy!

She really CAN see Russia from her state shores!

George Bush had barely more experience than Sarah Palin, and he has done just fine!

All men are sexist pigs."

bush has done just fine, though he is a sexy pig.

hillary makes palin look like a pimped out gerbil in a hogsuit.

there is nothing of value to actually say about the entire state of affairs: america is doomed.

even the morons are right.

McCainDemocrat wrote:
"Yet Barack Obama contiues to get a complete pass on all questions of his past - nobody mentions Rev. Wright, Trinity Church, or Father Flegler - just to name a few."

Someone's been in a coma the past two years. The media obsessed over Wright for two solid months, and that was just something his Rev. had said a few years ago.

In this case we have a candidate who has been caught lying--repeatedly--and CONTINUES TO REPEAT THE SAME LIES EVEN AFTER SHE'S BEEN BUSTED!

Obama's past has been sooooo thoroughly examined it must have felt like a public colonoscopy. His grade school essays were trotted out for public discussion. His friends from the first and second grade were interviewed. His faith was questioned. His blackness was questioned. He was called a 'magic negro.' Rezko, Ayers, etc... people who he had merely come into contact with were dragged out for public discussion.

So spare me the whining about how unfair the media is being towards Palin. Whaaaaa! She's a liar who keeps on lying even after she's been caught and the press are being unbelievably gentle on her. It's time for the media to start doing their jobs and really pointing out the consistant dishonesty coming from Sarah Palin and John McCain.

Keep writing the truth, E.J. Maybe someone somewhere will listen. Ideally, it would be the American voter -- but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

How can people write so much about nothing?
Too sad and pathetic really.

What does it say about our country when McCain can run a mean-spirited, dishonest, and ruthless campaign and voters' positive perception of him and his ability to run the country go up? And, Palin, a newcomer on the national scene, from her first speech (written by a Bush speechwriter, not her own thoughts) is condescending and sarcastic - yet her positive numbers are through the roof? Have we become like the Romans, enjoying watching Gladiators tear each other up and fight to the death?

As someone who tries to live my life with honesty, fair play, and compassion for others, I feel dismayed that so many Americans are so uncivil and hostile now. There seems to be no collective sense of humanity. All you have to do is read these posts and the majority are nothing more than name-calling and fighting. What happened to productive disagreement and critical thought?

if palin is a convicted felon, and she can't vote....how could she be the tie-breaker for the US senate?

could her felony be a bright spot on her otherwise tarnished libertarian creds? i mean, here's a lady who will eat anything in her net........anything.

oil drums, heck lets make russian marimbas out of em.

when are we going to have SAT tests for candidates, mandatory pisstests, and polygraphs.......like UPS employees and the like submit to to get hired.

the elite are immune to the rules commoners live with daily.

From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/proposed-commercial-mac-vs-pc.html

Sunday, September 14, 2008
A Proposed Commercial: Mac vs. PC

(White background. Childlike piano music plays).

(A picture of Barack Obama appears against the background)

VO (Similar to voice of "Mac" character): Barack Obama is like a Mac.

(A picture of John McCain appears against the background)

VO (Similar to voice of "PC" character): John McCain is like a PC.

(Picture of a bank against the background)

VO: McCain likes the old economics, corporate welfare, and tax breaks for the wealthy of George W. Bush.

(Quick cuts: Picture of Countrywide Branch, Picture of Bear Stearns, Picture of IndyMac against background)

(Picture of Obama)

VO: Obama doesn't like old systems that crash.

(Picture of a Mother, father, son and daughter against the background)

VO: Obama thinks that when it comes to health care, every American should have the access and support they need.

(Picture of family fades to blank background)

VO: McCain is against these health benefits for children, families and the elderly. He believes that when it comes to access and support for health, it's an "ownership society"--you're on your own.

(Picture of a woman standing against background)

VO: For women, McCain talks a good game, but he is against a woman's right to choose, would repeal Roe v. Wade, and even voted against equal pay for women.

(Picture expands to show many women standing behind her)

VO: Barack Obama believes that every woman should be paid the same for the same work as every man, and that every woman has the right to make her own choices.

(Picture of George W. Bush)

VO: Barack Obama has called for an end to the distortions, mismanagement, and failed policies of the Bush Administration that have left so many families in distress.

(Famed picture of McCain hugging George W. Bush)

VO: McCain has agreed with George W. Bush 90% of the time.

(Picture of McCain)

John McCain. Do you really want to spend another four years with the same old system?

(Music outro. Fade.)

Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/proposed-commercial-mac-vs-pc.html

You're crazy to think her inexperience and her lies will become a big issue in this campaign.

Voters don't care. Voters are, as Bush said, sheep and they will follow the herd. Obama has been made out to be an elitist and someone who is not exactly like us. Palin has been made out to be one of us. That's what all this is about.

Palin is stupid:

* She didn't know what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were private corporations

* She kept saying "efficiencies" instead of "inefficiencies" in the second Gibson interview

* She didn't know what the Bush Doctrine is

* She says "nucular"

* Gibson had to explain to her about entitlements and government agencies

* She (and McCain) apparently believe that being able to see Russia from Alaska gives her "foreign policy experience"

* Two months ago, she said that she had no idea what the VP does

This person is NOT qualified to be Vice President of the United States. PERIOD.

Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin strongly supports aerial hunting of wolves in Alaska. Here's what that looks like:

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/8/31/22337/7183

Not for people with a week stomach.

What, when, where, why, and how...that's what I want to know. I don't care about mooseburgers... with or without cheese, lipstick...no matter the shade, or her crown...whether it was plastic or teflon...Give me the facts...specifics and details on their platform for America. If we allow this to be some 60's culture war, we all lose because we will have allowed the most important issues of our generation to go ignored. I'm tired of the babble. It's time for action and solutions without the B.S. filter.

Remember the time when all we heard was Obama's lack of experience?
All you need to run a country is ...BRAINS,and he plenty of that.
Wasn't it all these EXPERIENCED people who voted for this war which has cost this country nearly 5000 precious lives and trillions of dollars?
Wasn't it the INEXPERIENCED Obama who not only voted against it but foretold exactly what would happen with the different islamic sects?

That's why Obama talks about judgement, not experience. I don't care about Palins experience or lack thereof--I care that she doesn't seem tro be able to distinguish truth from falshood.

I'm tired of being lied to.

I'm tired of the same old fear tactics.

I'm tired of people who claim to love this country but only care about lining their own pockets and those of their friends.

There's no excuses or do-overs this time. Don't tell me about the Supreme Court, hanging chads or Ohio.

Either we get some change, or we get what we deserve.

Go to source for progressive Alaskan coverage of the Sarah Palin saga
athttp://mudflats.wordpress.com/

Yep Palin is just like one of us, the pathologically lying ones of us. McCain getting worked over on the view of all places has more of an impact than you think.

bloggod, I feel your pain. State office in Alaska, including the Alaskan governorship, is accessible to ex-felons upon completion of sentence/probation/parole, thus Sarah Palin's felony conviction didn't disqualify her there. You just have to be a registered voter. It's ironic that the Republican Party would embrace an ex-felon so eagerly and unflinchingly, considering their recent and current actives and attempts to disqualify eligible voters with less egregious criminal histories. It's shameful that our comprimised press plays 'eat the clock' and ignores this basic question of personal integrity that they ask of all other national candidates.

We are "worried" because there are a lot of ignorant people in this country that would actually vote Palin into office just like they did with Clueless Bush.

In a single interview, Governor Palin said the opposite thing:

"Government has got to get out of the way, in some respects, of the private sector, ... That's got to be the principal here, reform government, recognize that it's not government to be looked at to solve all the problems."

And then, a few minutes later:

"We have got to make sure that we reform the oversight, also, of the agencies, including the quasi-government agencies, like Freddie and Fannie, those things that have created an atmosphere here in America where people are fearful of losing their homes."

So when is the government suppose to get involved?

We now refer to lying as doing a 'Sarah Palin'!

The same scrutiny Hillary got? You mean how everyone on the left always assumed that the First Lady of Arkansas and then the First Lady of the US was always qualified to do anything she wanted no matter how little her real experience? The left was crazy over Hillary when she was married to a governor of a small, southern state. Palin actually is a governor.

Give Smart A Chance!

Well said Mr. Dionne. All your points are valid.

It's time to take it to the streets, people, if the conservative media continues to give a free pass to Palin and McCain (excuse me, McCain and Palin... that's how it goes, right?).

It's time to organize protests outside the major news offices in NY and LA. Simple letters to the editor won't do the trick. Controlled riots should get their attention.

Hillary Clinton, in 20 years of public life, was caught lying exactly once.

Sarah Palin, in less than two weeks, has been caught lying at least 3 times. Bridge to nowhere? Congress stopped that. Combat zone in Iraq? She was never there. Humans causing global warming? She DID deny that.

My god, everyone in America should read this. It's just the bottom line.

This election is a joke for Republicans. They've dishonored the country with this garbage.

McCain is a sad sad little man. I pray enough Americans get to read these kinds of statements from our press... or that little tyrant is going to be the leader of the free world. And Palin would be next.

As Matt Damon said about the new Hollywood Queen, Palin... It's like a bad disney movie... it's absurd.

"Hillary Clinton, in 20 years of public life, was caught lying exactly once."

Would that be the time she lied about someone shooting at her? That's a pretty darned big lie!

To check out the morality of John McCain, read the article at http://www.snopes.com/politics/mccain/carol.asp. Strange how history repeats itself. McCain double crossed his first wife, lied about it, made sure that the one he did it with was a rich beauty queen.....and now, ANOTHER beauty queen??? Come on, McCain is clearly blinded by the fact that Palin is pretty. Would he have selected a male running mate with the same credentials that Sarah Palin has?? I think not. Mayor of a town of less than 9,000 and less than two years of governing a state with less population than Wichita, KS. And during that time, if someone didn't agree with her, she got rid of them and replaced them with yes men. If she would ever get into the presidency, she could not possibly use that technique in dealing with Congress or with foreign world leaders. Perhaps she should have tried to be diplomatic instead of autocratic. Lack of foreign policy awareness in the prospective Republican pair is scary. Little or no awareness of the condition of the domestic economy is even more scary. Even Alan Greespan says that our country can't afford the tax cuts of the magnitude proposed by McCain without a corresponding reduction in government spending. Since the Ronald Reagan era, Republicans have run our federal debt into the ground. The last time we had a balanced budget was during the Clinton presidency. It will take the Democrats more than two terms in office to get our country back on the right track fiscally. And throughout that time the Republicans will blame anything and everything that happens on the Democrats. I can't believe that anybody in their right mind would think that the McCain/Palin ticket is the right choice in 2008.

"Would he have selected a male running mate with the same credentials that Sarah Palin has??"

Mmmmmm, would the Democratic Party have nominated a white male with the same credentials that Barak Obama has?

If it people actually take the time to look at this supposedly qualified candidate for VP, they would realize that this is the biggest joke played on the American public yet. Qualified? She's the governor of a popular cruise ship destination. Her experience with foreign leaders consists of her being able to "see Russia from Alaska" ... her words, not mine. She hired her friends to public office, The head of agriculture got her $100,000 a year position because she "liked cows"... again, these are not my words. She tried to ban books from the library and then fired the librarian who wouldn't do it. Ditto when she didn't like the chief of police. Anyone happen to catch her interview with Charles Gibson on ABC? She had no clue what he was talking about and everything she talks about is brought back to something to do with Alaska... I'm sorry, is she running for VP of Alaska? Who Cares?!
The reason she is on the ticket is glaringly bright. She's a WOMAN and Hilary Clinton is not on the ticket. It's a deplorable tactic that assumes Americans are so gullable and easily led that women, who by the way, were not McCains strongest supporters, would be swayed to vote for him because there is a woman on the ticket. Seriously?
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing again women... I am one. I would love nothing more than to see a strong, qualified, intelligent, capable woman in office... this one.... I'm afraid she's not it. Please people...WAKE UP!!! America needs to change or I'm terrified of what the future holds... for all of us and so should you be. 4 more years of a policy that has crippled a country is NOT what America or the rest of the world needs.

I really am curious about one thing from all of you Hillary supporters who are so concerned about qualifications. Please tell me how someone who is either a.) deluded or b.) flat-out lying about dodging bullets on a runway can in anyway be qualified to be President? How could a whopper that big not be disqualifying? You that are not wanting to "count" a refueling stop in Ireland as actually "being" in Ireland -- how can you be upset about that, but rationalized away Hillary's whopper?

Sure. Try it.
McCain will be leading 60% to Obama 40%.

I been reading a couple of blogs and I find the discussion of Senator Barack's medical records not being advailble for scrutiny quite amusing. Obviously a majority of the GOP slept during the democratic primary. With this in mind Mr. Obama is in excellent health and has been recommended to continue his daily workouts and continue to increase his ruffage intake. Recommendation: Please do a search for Obama's Medical records release or go to the candidate website before harping that their is no transparency (release time 4/08). Although I think it is quite hilarious to be so anxious to review Sen. Obama's records when he is 47 and McCain is 73. Really do you not know the bell curve for aging. You should it is quite obvious, you dont have to be an academic to understand it. Increase in age= increase in chronic and acute disease. GOP base you are showing your ignorance. Tsk tsk.

It's about honesty and character and we're seeing that Palin has a lot less than the McCain camp is trying to portray; probably more though than McCain. Hope the media is not bullied by hypocritical Repubs who really don't care about sexism or just about any other feminine issues. They just want to win at any cost. They are dragging America down and many Americans are too lazy or partisan to see it.

I love how Palin's the "big story". Here's the news flash, Dionne. As long as you're talking about Palin, you've cut down any chance Obama has at winning. When was the last story anybody read about Barry O.? Not since the RNC has anyone uttered two words about him. And since then, he has gone up 8 to down 2. The WP is falling victim to their own game...they want to sell papers by feeding their liberal readership, so they attack the VP candidate.

Come on. Is this what we're debating? Whether Palin is qualified to be VICE PRESIDENT? Al Gore and Dan Quayle did the job and they shouldn't have been running Dairy Queen franchises. Where are they now? Quayle is off on some compound somewhere wondering where it all went wrong and Gore has retooled himself as the Green Guy, although he uses more energy then anyone else in the world, except David Beckham. But Gore's job as VP must have been pretty taxing, he had 8 years and never came up with the Green Movement. Heck, I heard more about Tipper than I did Al during those 8 years.

In short, WP, if you want Barry to win, focus on McCain not Palin. I know Ruth Marcus would be out of job, but at least he'd have a chance.

What's the old saying: go for the head, the body will follow. You've repeatedly hit the Republican ticket in the arm, which is not sustaining any real damage, only easily healed bruises.

Amusing to see you comparing Palin's vetting to Hillary's, but nary a peep about the utter and complete lack of vetting of any kind to be visited upon Senator Obama for the job he's presented himself for.

Were he to be subject to the same scrutiny, at least half of his supporters might see the light.

But the press keeps it all to themselves. Don't want to ruin that thrill up the leg, or interefere with "the light worker."

Krauthammer said earlier this week about Obama that never has the gulf between adulation and achievement been so great as it is with Obama. You can say basically the same thing about Hillary too. And add on the fact that she is so unlikable that Dems and Republicans alike that weren't on the Bill Train (and that's not the conga line that was going on in the Oval Office during the Clinton administration) wanted her to go down. The sniper fire was just further proof of why people were predisposed not to like her.

Yes, there is a double standard in the media that gives Republicans a free ride.

Here's some vetting for you about Barry O. that you won't read in the Washington Post.

He has two members of his staff advising him on economic issues that ran Fannie May into the ground. The first, Jim Johnson was Chairman at Fannie Mae until he had to quit because of a great loan he got from Countrywide (the same load Sen Dodd got too). The other was Franklin Raines who collected roughly $50M in CEO pay from Fannie Mae. Many attribute the current crisis to the fact that he had to restate earnings down nearly 50% (roughly $3B) due to his creative accounting.

Sounds like the guys I want making fiscal policy.

DEAR DJ

The skies are blue, the air is clean.

We can still wake up to the American Dream.

Sorry, to not buy into your swill,

But there is a swine lipstick dealer from

Chicago who always will.

Palin got less than 115,000 votes for governor in 2006 - the biggest vote count she has received to date.
That she hopes to attract with McCain the 60 million plus votes they'll need to be competitive on November 4th, after barely two months of resisting public scrutiny, and her saying she had no hesitation to join the ticket when asked - all this is scary.
Add to that her quoting (see Frank Rich http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/opinion/14rich.html?hp ) Westbrook Pegler, a 1950s columnist, without attribution, possibly without her personal knowledge - lines from one of our country's early red-baiters, a man who inspired Joe McCarthy in the 1950s - that she's quoting fascist articles more than 50 years later - what are her handlers thinking? - that they can keep her under their spell? That she's some kind of dupe, that no-one will do a little fact checking?
This is beyond plagarism, this is political fraud...

Nobody who has dreams of becoming US president should ever dream of getting a pass from US media. That included Clinton and should include Palin - and all other future aspirant to WH.

Having said that, I hope that Obama-Biden address important issues during their ongoing campaign trail that need urgent attention and talk about solutions to these complex problems at every opportunity: Education, economy (including jobs/wages, mortgage crisis, credit crunch, budget/trade deficits), Iraq War, Patriot Act including human/civil rights violations, child care, global warning, global trade, decaying infrastructure, healthcare, energy policy, research & innovation and the gradual, insidious decline of a great nation through ideological management, corruption and policies based on religion/superstition rather than logic/reason/scientific data.

In 2000, Dems portrayed Bush as the idiot that he is and post-presidential debate spin depicted him as a present-day Descartes bcse he managed to complete a couple of sensible sentences in the midst of all that rubbish. Palin is the governor of Alaska who is presumably capable of a decent speech/debate & Dems should not make the same mistake with her; besides, McCain is the one at the top of the ticket. Instead, O-B should focus on educating voters on why they should vote for them rather than why they should not vote for McCain-Palin (allow M-P to self-destruct under their own distortions & hubris) ...

... that is the way to get independent votes like mine.

TO TEXANIO: AND ANY OTHERS INTERESTED...

ELECTED FELONS IN D.C./PRISON SYSTEM/
Just google: Felony Records of Congressmen
OR here's a website to get you started on your wonderful enlightment of past/presently elected felons in our prison system and out......

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/record.xpd?id=110-h20070607-25

I, for one, am shocked to learn that Palin did not visit Ireland, as someone apparently said on her behalf at some point in time. Mr. Dionne is right: THIS IS A STUNNING REVELATION WHICH MAKES THE POST'S RECENT INVESTMENTS IN ALASKA INVESTIGATIONS TOTALLY WORTH WHILE. I hope the Post does not stop here, but further investigates whether Palin, who allegedly "smiled" through St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Walissa, was really faking it because she has no use either for the country of Ireland or its national symbols such as leprochans.

As we watched Sarah Palin on TV the last couple of days, we kept wondering what on earth John McCain was thinking. . . . . . . . . . . . . If he seriously thought this first-term governor — with less than two years in office — was qualified to be president, if necessary, at such a dangerous time, it raises profound questions about his judgment. If the choice was, as we suspect, a tactical move, then it was shockingly irresponsible.

It was bad enough that Ms. Palin’s performance in the first televised interviews she has done since she joined the Republican ticket was so visibly scripted and lacking in awareness.

What made it so much worse is the strategy for which the Republicans have made Ms. Palin the frontwoman: win the White House not on ideas, but by denigrating experience, judgment and qualifications.

The idea that Americans want leaders who have none of those things — who are so blindly certain of what Ms. Palin calls “the mission” that they won’t even pause for reflection — shows a contempt for voters and raises frightening questions about how Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin plan to run this country.

One of the many bizarre moments in the questioning by ABC News’s Charles Gibson was when Ms. Palin, the governor of Alaska, excused her lack of international experience by sneering that Americans don’t want “somebody’s big fat résumé maybe that shows decades and decades in that Washington establishment where, yes, they’ve had opportunities to meet heads of state.”

We know we were all supposed to think of Joe Biden. But it sure sounded like a good description of Mr. McCain. Those decades of experience earned the Arizona senator the admiration of people in both parties. They are why he was our preferred candidate in the Republican primaries.

The interviews made clear why Americans should worry about Ms. Palin’s thin résumé and lack of experience. Consider her befuddlement when Mr. Gibson referred to President Bush’s “doctrine” and her remark about having insight into Russia because she can see it from her state.

But that is not what troubled us most about her remarks — and, remember, if they were scripted, that just means that they reflect Mr. McCain’s views all the more closely. Rather, it was the sense that thoughtfulness, knowledge and experience are handicaps for a president in a world populated by Al Qaeda terrorists, a rising China, epidemics of AIDS, poverty and fratricidal war in the developing world and deep economic distress at home.

Ms. Palin talked repeatedly about never blinking. When Mr. McCain asked her to run for vice president? “You have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission,” she said, that “you can’t blink.”

Fighting terrorism? “We must do whatever it takes, and we must not blink, Charlie, in making those tough decisions of where we go and even who we target.”

Her answers about why she had told her church that President Bush’s failed policy in Iraq was “God’s plan” did nothing to dispel our concerns about her confusion between faith and policy. Her claim that she was quoting a completely unrelated comment by Lincoln was absurd.

This nation has suffered through eight years of an ill-prepared and unblinkingly obstinate president. One who didn’t pause to think before he started a disastrous war of choice in Iraq. One who blithely looked the other way as the Taliban and Al Qaeda regrouped in Afghanistan. One who obstinately cut taxes and undercut all efforts at regulation, unleashing today’s profound economic crisis.

In a dangerous world, Americans need a president who knows that real strength requires serious thought and preparation. – NYTIMES

Sarah Palin looked like a college freshman who had crammed for an oral exam. Her sometimes halting style, her all to often reliance on memorized one or two sentence platitudes, and yes, her bewilderment at what was Bush’s doctrine, made her look quite flimsy. . . . . . Nevertheless, she did reasonably well and earned a B+ – for a freshman. But was very, very unsteady for a VP nominee.

Senator Hillary Clinton must accept she is a looser and BHO doesn't need her
So Keep quite.
Take a long vacation .
Think millions of times why she was defeated by an new, inexperienced opponent.
The more she shows up, the more people has unfavorable felling to her.

TEXANIO - you want more Felons in Washington? -
here is another list to enjoy. There seems to be more Dems on the list, but hey, there are Rep. too. POWER is a dangerous thing to give some people.
Neither party should throw stones at their glass houses........

http://www.wwco.com/~dda/criminals.php

Sarah "Cruella De Ville" Palin sued the federal government to attempt removing polar bears from the endangered list. She supports shooting wolves from the air. Why is she so mean to animals?

Exactly, the repubs are trying to package Gov. Palin and sell her to the voters, plain and simple. Little by little more details will likely emerge about the Govenor. Her entire past and present will now be national news. I just don't think the McCain camp care and that's why they likely didn't care to much about the vetting, they saw a star for their show?? perhaps they were looking for style versus style and substance??

How many countries - besides Indonesia - had Obama visited before announcing that he was running for President?

Oh, I see...he visited some countries and gave a speech in Berlin AFTER he was pronounced the "presumptive nominee"!!

Perhaps we can send Palin to Berlin also - I bet she will draw an even bigger crowd!!

And, I am sure if she was to visit Berlin she would not ignore our wounded soldiers as Obama did. I am sure Palin would visit the Ramstein military base - Obama DID NOT!

I consider Palin to be more patriotic and vresed in foreign policy than Obama! That is a fact - I am not even sure if Obama knows what the Truman Doctrine is! I am sure Palin does!

Okay.

Let's talk about DECEPTION.. and Mr. Obama.

There are GAPS in his personal history, that he TRIES to cover up.

What are his actual IQ scores. None have been made available.

Just as he has DECEIVED the American voter about Viper Wright and his 20 year association with the man.

He would have us believe that he is and has been of superior intelligence.

There are no mention of scholarship names, of any of the following.

Obams's Occidental College records
Obama's Columbia College records
Obama's Columbia Thesis paper
Obama's Harvard College records
Obama's Selective Service Registration
Obama's Medical records
Obama's Illinois State Senate records
A certified copy of Obama’s Original Birth Certificate
Obama's embossed, signed paper Certification of Live Birth
Any Obama Harvard Law Review articles that were published (I have found one.)
Oabma's University of Chicago scholarly articles or publications.
I would like to see his national test scores, his grants, his scholarships, his
income tax reports for those years.

He makes no mention of WHAT scholarships he received.

He is being deceptive about his educational years, and how he was able to attend ELITE PRIVATE COLLEGES with only a B average in High School, and BEING POOR and BLACK.

Mr. Obama is being considered for the highest job in America, and he should provide the above as if he would be interviewing for that position in Corporate Amercian.

Coldcomfort notes above that Palin's comments on prayer bear no resemblance to Lincoln. Actually, the first time I read the full text of Palin's words (but before the Gibson interview), I thought immediately of Lincoln's second inaugural, wherein he (i) attributed the ENTIRE civil war, in all its costs, to the will of God, and (ii) encouraged his fellow citizens to seek out God's will. Palin was entirely within that tradition. And, and has been pointed out elsewhere, Gibson even spliced Palin's quote to omit the beginning and leave a misimpression. In all events, she explained herself perfectly well.

I agree, I don't think McCain had anything to do with the selection of Palin but he is surely enjoying the moment. I too through CG did a good job from staying away from certain issues that should have been asked. Like...why did she truly wait to tell her office that she was due? Is the baby her's or her daughters first child? Why did the convention speech written so she sounded like a pit bull? and why was the story lines fabricated?

We need to know the real Sarah not the disneyland sarah.

This clearly shows Sarah has no problem lying with a zinger and a smile on her face. This is more dangerous than Bush.

Dave naively asks: "Does the Washington Post editorial board have meetings where they discuss how they are going to get Obama elected? "

Last I heard, Dionne was an opinion columnist. When did he get upgraded to the editorial staff? Get a clue, folks, learn about how media actually operate. And FWIW, the WaPo's editorial board with Fred Hiatt presiding, has been solidly pro-Bush.

SHAME ON SARAH PALIN!
_________________________
Everyone in the USA and in the civilized world KNOWS that the Bush Doctrine advocates the right to ATTACK ANY COUNTRY that Bush BELIEVES has, or may have, now, or in the future "NO-CLEAR" WEAPONS of mass destruction, so help us God.
-LAUGHABLE: "In what respect, Chalie?"
-SHE NEED TO BE VETOED BY THE PRESS, else they WOULD NOT be doing their job. She needs to TURN IN her income tax records where we can see if she's got the "per-diems' of one full year she spent AT HOME, which is part of her "executive" experience.

Great shot Dionne! THAT should whack the kool-aid crowed upside their thick skulls with the facts. It won't. Sadly, they don't really care.

But I appreciate it! :)

McCain never released his war records:

Were all his plane crashes due to "neglect of protocol"?

Who will recover America if he crashes it?

Does an average joe still have a job had he behaved like McCain?

Quote:
1. Yes, Sarah Palin is being drug around in the dirt because she is a Republican woman and how dare the person call Sarah a Caribou Barbie! That is one of the most sexist comments, yet. Also, for the one who called her "trailer trash" that just shows to me that it is not the Republicans who are elitists but the Democrats.This should be very offensive to those whose homes are trailers and who don't make a six figure income.

2.It keeps coming up about the Bridge to Nowhere. Obama has ALSO been in favor of MANY things and then changed his mind....Israel/Pakistan...Russian/Georgia, etc. but NO-ONE dwells on that. In fact, he can't make a decision; he just goes with the flow after asking dozens of advisors. He is charmismatic, I will give him that but charisma isn't what we need. Some of you mentioned that McCain's heroism doesn't qualify him for the White House...well,okay then...neither does being a charismatic celebrity. Obama would be a great film star. He loves the spotlight. He's an eloquent speaker. I've heard that John McCain is not. Hmmm...someone who's become good at smoothly eloquent speaking probably has learned to make words work for him and twist them when necessary and people won't even notice.

3. I've noticed that some are comparing Palin's lack of experience and background to Obama. How come they are not doing the same comparison on McCain and Obama? Why is Joe Biden not the one that is being compared to her? At least, I have not seen much to that;maybe someone can fill me in on somewhere I could see this.

4. It seems Palin has so many sins in her life and McCain, too. Then,I guess the Democrats are without sin. They are presenting themselves as perfect. Too bad the voters are not nearly as perfect as Obama. In the Bible, there was a story about an adulteress that was getting ready to be stoned to death. Jesus told them "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." The Dems have done a great job of casting the stones and hitting Palin.

And, let's not forget the Democrat who was President, and even though I'm not a Democrat, he did a decent job of the duties in office, yet he was an adulterer while in the office that he was elected to, disappointing Americans, but in this whole election,no one, not even the Republicans (except this one) has brought that up;(which is right thing NOT to do)maybe, it is because we all have skeletons in our closet. Have you ever thought what would come out if you ran for office?

5. The newstands are full of articles tearing Palin down, but I've yet to see the faces of Obama (the liberal media's little darling) or Joe Biden on the covers presented in a negative way. I agree with one blogger who said that these publications are only ruining themselves. Let's do real journalistic reporting...report the facts, Jack on both sides, both negative and positive and let the readers decide. I would absolutely LOVE to see an article in a mag that compares Obama to McCain and in the same mag Palin to Biden, side by side on issues, skeletons in the closets, biographies, awards and honors....maybe in the form of resumes so the American public could compare and then at the polls hire the ticket they think would be the best for the job.

6. Finally, and then, I'm through. I understand it may be good to understand the candidates' views based on their faith but it is a little undeserving to undermine one for "praying" that God's will be done. Our country was founded on a faith in the One True God, The Creator and our laws and values were built upon the Christian faith, but now, it's not politically correct to be a Christian,no one must renounce their deep beliefs in order to please everyone. I couldn't see one bit of hatred in the video that has been circulating where she spoke at her church in Alaska. Praying for someone does not cause hatred or racism or sexism. Their beliefs in their faith did not say they hated gays,only that they would be praying for them. And, in the privacy of a church building, they may do whatever (within the law) that they believe. Now that Obama has disowned his pastor, no one has mentioned anymore about how that church shaped his views. They are afraid to because of the venomous rhetoric that came from the pastor's mouth. Does anyone know what Biden believes;have they gone to a church he attends or does he attend one? What about McCain? What are his religious values? So, then, why does that play into the equation with Palin? I could understand if she were part of an anti-government,hate religion. The most she could be convicted of in her faith is saying that she believes in praying to God, asking His will for the country. Go back in history to other presidents; many were men who prayed or sought God's will. At least, the great ones did.

Thank you, both Republicans and Democrats for letting me air my feelings. How, sometimes I wish we didn't have parties. I can't stand the division and hatred that ensues. Especially when we say "United we stand, Divided we fall." Let's just let each other vote our consciences or faith or whatever standard and quit yelling at each other. I really hope that people in other countries don't read our comments because it will show the United States are not so united after all. And...I will be praying for this election, that God will put in the candidates He wants (and, although I will vote Republican which is voting based on my faith) I know that whichever party gets in will be because God put them there "for such a time as this" and I will relax and support the President of the United States and respect the office.

Posted by: Gloria | September 09, 2008 at 01:43 AM

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/09/campbell-brown.html?cid=130091336

Senator McCain chose Gov. Palin mainly to energize the conservative base and to siphon off Senator Clinton's supporters. The key question in the selection process should have been "Is this person fit to take over as President from me?" The answer to this is "No," as Gov. Palin clearly does not have the experience for the job. Moreover, it seems clear that she was not vetted thoroughly enough, going by the number of "scandals" that are surfacing each day about Gov. Palin. Any of the others in the running (Gov. Pawlenty, former Gov. Romney, etc.) would have been better choices in this regard. Senator McCain has shown poor judgement and put himself ahead of his country. This alone should disqualify him from the Presidency. I hope the American electorate focuses on this and other substantive issues. The stakes are too high and the country is too far along on the wrong road for us to afford taking any chances.

Speaking about scrutinizing Palin let's scrutinize the media clowns who are obsessed with Palin...

Let’s Take A Look At Campbell Brown’s Family

By Dave Gibson (9/4/08)

A few days ago, CNN anchor Campbell Brown went on a very personal attack against Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. McCain campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds was giving Brown an interview, when she decided to place the focus of the conversation on the Governor’s 17-year old daughter Bristol, who is pregnant.

Brown said: “Tucker, though, this obviously putting this young woman, Bristol Palin smack in the media spotlight at what’s already got to be a very challenging time in her life. I mean, how do you respond to people who wonder why her mother would have subjected her to this scrutiny by accepting this high-profile position?”

Brown went on to say: “I recognize that in an ideal world, it would be private. You know, this is a presidential campaign. Nothing is private. The world is watching and if we, you know, as much as everyone might want to give this young woman her privacy, you know that’s not going to happen. And so you do risk putting her through an incredibly difficult process by accepting this job if you’re her mother. You can’t deny that, right?”

Well, this is obviously not an ideal world. Nor is it any longer a world in which the press gives legitimate, unbiased coverage to any and all candidates. This is in fact, now a world in which the press has decided to join the side of the leftist Democrat Party, and attack the Republican Party. Night after night, that same press ignores the fact that Barack Obama launched his political career at the home of unrepentant Weather Underground terrorist William Ayers, while attacking the parenting skills of Sarah Palin.

Since CNN’s Campbell Brown has changed the rules of the game, and it is now evidently appropriate for the mainstream media to question a candidate’s parenting skills and focus on the behavior of the candidate’s family...Then it is also fair to examine the behavior of those related to those members of the press who pose such questions.

In 2003, CNN’s Campbell Brown’s father Jim Brown served six months in federal prison, after being convicted of lying to a federal agent, during a fraud and conspiracy investigation involving Cascade Insurance Co. At the time, Jim Brown was serving as the insurance commissioner of Louisiana, a position which he was forced to resign after the U.S. Supreme Court refused his appeal for the second time. Brown continued that position’s legacy, as the two previous insurance commissioners were convicted of taking bribes and illegal campaign contributions from insurance companies, and still sit in federal prison.

So I would pose this question to Campbell Brown: Since the world is watching you...Do you think it is fair to your father to place this kind of scrutiny on him, since he is a convicted federal criminal? I mean, I know that it has to be painful for him. So don’t you think that you should have ended your journalistic career after he was convicted and resigned in disgrace? You want to be a good daughter don’t you?

We are currently seeing the most illegitimate campaign coverage in U.S. political history. We have seen so-called journalists become nothing more than cheerleaders for the left, and press secretaries for Barack Hussein Obama. In fact, I believe that the Obama campaign should have to list the glowing coverage provided by MSNBC as an in-kind campaign contribution!

I as a true conservative, now find myself in the unusual and uncomfortable position of defending the Republican Party presidential nominee. However, when the left-wing ignores major issues, and so alters their coverage to paint the Democrat as basically the next messiah, and stoops so low as to attack a child...I have no choice.

If those who often cheer for our enemies and hate this nation so much that they would refuse to report the truth as it relates to the success of our troops, as well as to the more than questionable past of Barack Hussein Obama, no one who loves this country has any choice but to support Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin.

Sources:
Let’s Take A Look At Campbell Brown’s Family
http://newsbyus.com/index.php/article/1440

CNN, John McCain's camp at odds following confrontational Campbell Brown interview
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/09/campbell-brown.html?cid=129044476#comments

From day one the right has been screaming at the left for challenging the Palin pick... give him a break, Obama has endured 20 months of attacks by the likes of you, most overblown and lies.... the Muslim thing, give me a break... your side has refined the art of lies and deception... the thing that gets under my skin is no matter when you are caught in a lie, you'll never own it or take responsibility, you're hypocrites to the enth degree. The problem I have with Palin as I get to know her more is she appears to have a "my way or the highway attitude"--for god sakes she is under investigation.... doesn't that give you pause you guys on the right? She immediately said "yes" to the VP spot without any careful consideration? Doesn't that give you pause you guys on the right? You want her in charge? I don't get it. Tell me something she's really got. Something that would sway me. Defend her unethical behavior so it makes sense to me. Defend when she openly admits that stretched the truth about the bridge to nowhere, yet still using it on the stump. She introduced herself as the reformer, but her record indicates otherwise. Defend her action so they make sense to me, give me something to prove she is ready for the VP spot. You can't, cause she's not ready and these times are must to serious to have her in the second spot. All you can to is attack the other side and say were a bunch of idiots. You make it impossible to have an open discourse.

I am so glad independents and undecided voters are choosing McCain and Palin. She was a great choice. They are surging in the polls. She appeals to many different types of voters.

It now looks like the congress may be up for grabs by the republicans also.

Who would have thought this a few weeks ago.

It is a true shame to see so much obfuscation of the facts here. Very simply, Sarah Palin is well qualified to handle the duties of Vice President and is clearly a true American with clear American values. Barack Obama is not only NOT qualified to be President, (for so many of the reasons already outlned in this thread) but there are so many aspects of his personal life and resultant choices that are either questionable or directly anti-American that it would not only be unwise, but also EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to install him as the leader of the free world and the head of our federal government.

Jimmy Carter tried to de-nuke the planet and that not only failed, but weakened this country in the process and we are now in a time where the only thing keeping us from converting to Islam or learning Chinese is nuclear power, Obama has the same misguided rhetoric, he didn't learn anything.

You'll notice in his recent Bill O'Reilly interview that he can't even hold his position on a proposed tax rate starting at 25%-28%, and finally settling on 20% with Bill after only 30 seconds of debate, this with a reporter! How is he going to handle a direct meeting with leaders that hate us?

I also see bit of the John Kerry waffling syndrome. Look at his NEW view of the surge in Iraq. This is a guy who would rather take a 'Bill Clinton tour of Europe' than visit our troops, a man who can't even place his hand over his heart for the national anthem.

I truly believe that he doesn't belive what he says. He cannot articulate any real plans, but stutters through answers to direct questions until time runs out, as seen recently at the Columbia University National Service forum. I do not see that he thinks well on his feet, I have often seen uncertainty in his eyes, and heard the same in his voice; I have not seen any true leadership in this man.

Voting present is NOT acceptable in Congress (not sure the actual number as it seems to fluctuate between 130 and 160 times) and certainly NOT a trait for a Commander-in-Chief. I unfortunately cannot believe in this man. If I traveled the country giving his speeches, those same poeple would want to vote for me,but I am an engineer, and that's the problem, being charismatic is not enough to fill this job, you have to be able to actually do it, and that, at the absolute highest level.

Barack Obama should scare the daylights out of every person that lives in America. Am I the only one who has absolutely no faith in this man???

A couple more thoughts on Mr. Dionne's column. First, Hillary spoke repeatedly of her Bosnia sniper story, using it to bolster her credentials. In the ABC interview, Palin mentioned only Kuwait and Germany -- not Iraq and Ireland. If there are references to Iraq and Ireland, they must be press clippings from one of the minions. Besides, how would going to Ireland bolster one's credentials, unless, like Hillary, one is showing off her ability to take a shot of whiskey.

Same for John Kerry -- he spoke in the Senate and elsewhere of the heartbreak he felt listening to Pres. Nixon on the radio denying we were in Cambodia while Kerry himself was actually there, in Cambodia. Turns out it wasn't true, and he probably knew it. Oops. Has Sarah Palin made any similar comments re: Ireland or Iraq -- like hey, I was there and saw or did X? I haven't heard any.

Finally, while we're talking foreign travel, let's not forget Barack's famous quip that he finds it positively embarrassing for Americans to be in France and not be able to speak the language. Turns out Barack has not been to France, either, and speaks no French. For the record, he's still embarrassed for his countrymen.

I agree with Dionne on one point: Team McCain seems a bit sensitive re: Palin's travel history. But it's a non-issue. We all know she is new to the international scene.

Obama is a Harvard law graduate, with honors.
-Sarah Palin went to one community college per year before she got a degree in Communication Arts, or something like that. Actually SHE MIGHT NOT EVEN have a B.A. (Bachellors degree even. That has not been verified. There's no video, record, nor mention of her "graduation" from ANY of the four or five colleges she attended.

By the way did I mention that Sarah Palin is runing for VICE president.

flyovercountry51, again you misread or misunderstand my question. I did not ask about a historical list of congressmen, senators or governors who have had personal legal issues.

My question is: why does Sarah Palin get a pass from the press regarding her felony conviction for operating an illegal drift net in a protected fishery in Bristol Bay in 1993. This is not a simple 'traffic ticket' type of offense as the Republicans' party claims. She plead down no contest to a _felony_ for running a rogue, open-water commercial drift net operation. Some call that poaching. What do you call it, flyovercountry51? Why doesn't the press even ask her about her criminal record? They've certainly asked everyone else running for national office about theirs, haven't they?

Speaking of double standards....

Ms. Campbell Brown & Jon Clown - as in Jon Klein - President of CNN, and the rest of the "24 hour media circus" had the audacity to question the fact that Palin's husband had a DUI, 22 years ago! But at the same time I did not once hear the above clowns grilling Obama about his "drug use" and other "extracurricular activities"!!!

Go Sarah Palin! Give some of these pathetic far-left-wing-liberals in the media the medicine that they deserve...Better yet, IGNORE THEM!

Like you have said in your "flash news" gesture to the obnoxious media...

"I am not going to Washington to seek your good opinion"!!

C' est magnifique !!!!!!

Hillary apologized/excused herself and acknowledged her lie, and even so she lost the race.
-Sarah IS NOT BEING SCRUTINIZED to the same degree that Hillary was.
-Sarah Palin is a cynic, as far as lying is concerned, because SHE KEEPS REPEATING THE LIES, even AFTER they have been demonstrated to be false, SIMPLY because that's all she's got.
-So, she's no more than a talking figurine that repeats only what has been permanently put in the mechanism.

As we watched Sarah Palin on TV the last couple of days, we kept wondering what on earth John McCain was thinking. . . . . . . . . . . . . If he seriously thought this first-term governor — with less than two years in office — was qualified to be president, if necessary, at such a dangerous time, it raises profound questions about his judgment. If the choice was, as we suspect, a tactical move, then it was shockingly irresponsible.

It was bad enough that Ms. Palin’s performance in the first televised interviews she has done since she joined the Republican ticket was so visibly scripted and lacking in awareness.

What made it so much worse is the strategy for which the Republicans have made Ms. Palin the frontwoman: win the White House not on ideas, but by denigrating experience, judgment and qualifications.

The idea that Americans want leaders who have none of those things — who are so blindly certain of what Ms. Palin calls “the mission” that they won’t even pause for reflection — shows a contempt for voters and raises frightening questions about how Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin plan to run this country.

One of the many bizarre moments in the questioning by ABC News’s Charles Gibson was when Ms. Palin, the governor of Alaska, excused her lack of international experience by sneering that Americans don’t want “somebody’s big fat résumé maybe that shows decades and decades in that Washington establishment where, yes, they’ve had opportunities to meet heads of state.”

We know we were all supposed to think of Joe Biden. But it sure sounded like a good description of Mr. McCain. Those decades of experience earned the Arizona senator the admiration of people in both parties. They are why he was our preferred candidate in the Republican primaries.

The interviews made clear why Americans should worry about Ms. Palin’s thin résumé and lack of experience. Consider her befuddlement when Mr. Gibson referred to President Bush’s “doctrine” and her remark about having insight into Russia because she can see it from her state.

But that is not what troubled us most about her remarks — and, remember, if they were scripted, that just means that they reflect Mr. McCain’s views all the more closely. Rather, it was the sense that thoughtfulness, knowledge and experience are handicaps for a president in a world populated by Al Qaeda terrorists, a rising China, epidemics of AIDS, poverty and fratricidal war in the developing world and deep economic distress at home.

Ms. Palin talked repeatedly about never blinking. When Mr. McCain asked her to run for vice president? “You have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission,” she said, that “you can’t blink.”

Fighting terrorism? “We must do whatever it takes, and we must not blink, Charlie, in making those tough decisions of where we go and even who we target.”

Her answers about why she had told her church that President Bush’s failed policy in Iraq was “God’s plan” did nothing to dispel our concerns about her confusion between faith and policy. Her claim that she was quoting a completely unrelated comment by Lincoln was absurd.

This nation has suffered through eight years of an ill-prepared and unblinkingly obstinate president. One who didn’t pause to think before he started a disastrous war of choice in Iraq. One who blithely looked the other way as the Taliban and Al Qaeda regrouped in Afghanistan. One who obstinately cut taxes and undercut all efforts at regulation, unleashing today’s profound economic crisis.

In a dangerous world, Americans need a president who knows that real strength requires serious thought and preparation. – NYTIMES

Sarah Palin looked like a college freshman who had crammed for an oral exam. Her sometimes halting style, her all to often reliance on memorized one or two sentence platitudes, and yes, her bewilderment at what was Bush’s doctrine, made her look quite flimsy. . . . . . Nevertheless, she did reasonably well and earned a B+ – for a freshman. But was very, very unsteady for a VP nominee.

Quote: Jake Lewis wrote: "I don't recall Mrs. Brown asking the same tough questions regarding Obama's lack of foreign policy experience, his drug use, his ties to domestic terrorists, to explain how he purchased a $1.5 million home (yea...middle class) on a state legislature's salary, his refusal to vote ya or na while serving in the state legislature, or why in his 3 1/2 years as a senator he has not sponsored one important piece of legislation? Oh! I understand now...he speaks well."

Posted by: Jake Lewis | September 04, 2008 at 01:43 PM

BINGO!!

Dear Jake Lewis, you hit the nail on the head! But Ms. Campbell Brown and Jon Clown - as in Jon Klein - President of CNN - have been listening apparently to Nancy Pelosi.....they are NOT going to question their "Chosen One" - "God's Gift to America", as Nancy Pelosi refers to Obama!

Can you imagine if Senator McCain had said that Sarah Palin was "God's gift to America"? They would be reminding him about the separation of Church and State!...

Source:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/2008/08/29/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-sarah-palin.html?msg=1

Sarah Palin was a marijuana smoker, as everyone knows, because she has admitted to it.

I am so glad independents and undecided voters are choosing McCain and Palin. She was a great choice. They are surging in the polls. She appeals to many different types of voters.

It now looks like the congress may be up for grabs by the republicans also.

Who would have thought this a few weeks ago.

It was legal at the time.

Smoking marijuana, under-age?
-It being legal? Alcohol is legal, yet being a drunkard has nothing to do with it being legal or not.

Where is Obama's REAL birth certificate EJ?

The REAL question on voters' minds is why wasn't Obama vetted and why is Palin receiving more scrutiny than Obama who is running for President and not Vice President?

Since Obama is running a commercial mocking McCain for not using a computer, here is a list of things Obama has never done:

Never run a business
Never served in the military
Never commanded troops
Never balanced a budget
Never written a federal law
Never refused an earmark
Never lowered a tax
Never won an election in which the "field wasn't cleared" of opponents
Never heard Rev. Wright say anything controversial
Never united anything including the Democratic party
Never produced a real birth certificate
Never released medical records
Never released IL state Senate records
Never explained his long term relationship with unrepentent domestic terrorist Bill Ayers
Never had multiple bones broken leaving him unable to raise his arms over his head making it virtually impossible to operate a keyboard for any length of time

ht
http://ignoretalkingheads.blogspot.com/

The mother of all flip-flops!!

Iraqi surge exceeded expectations, Obama says

LANCASTER, Pa. - Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said Thursday that the escalation of U.S. troops in Iraq, which he had opposed, has succeeded in reducing violence "beyond our wildest dreams."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26550764

And check this out... This latest revelation by Mr. - this is above my pay-grade - Barrack Obama - comes in less than 24 hours after Sarah Palin stated in her speech that her opponent [Obama] never mentions the word "victory" except when he talks about his own campaign!!

Does the man think that we are stupid and do not remember his daily flip-flops about every issue on the table? Or does he think that we are so naive not to realize that he just listens to what the other side or the media says and then flip-flops according to where the wind is blowing?!

Come on Obama - the American people have already figured you out...When the heat is on, you start flip-flopping left and right - right and left!

Let's see now if Campbell Brown takes notice of this flip-flop by her "Chosen One"!... She is so pathetic - so far she has not mentioned a thing!!!

Question: Could Obama be suffering from "multiple personality disorder"???!!!

Most Americans experiment with alcohol before they are of age, and if she was 'underage' then she was a minor and that certainly cannot be held against her. Furthermore, how do you know that she was an abuser???

Mc-Cain WAS NOT BORN in the USA, as required.
-He was born in Panama, which IS NOT a State, NOR a territory of the USA. Panama is a sovereign country. He is getting a "free pass" on this.

You are being kind. McCain LIED and continues to LIE. He is a liar, and I cannot see how anyone would put a man who has compromised his integrity and honor into the White House. I guess McCain supporters don't care because they are probably used to lying and think it's just fine. McCain is probably less qualified to run for President, than Palin is for VP.

Yup, as it turns out there are MANY decisions that are above Obama's paygrade like all of the decisions of President of The United States, and apparently at least 130 decisions in the Senate too.

One poster wrote,
"Men will vote for Sarah Palin in droves. She has my utmost respect and admiration. Sarah Palin's husband is the luckiest man on earth."

Yes, all those men who voted for Bush because they wanted to have a beer with him will vote for Palin because they want to have ____________ with her.

The worst part about Palin's lack of understanding of foreign policy, the Bush doctrine, etc is that it demonstrates her total lack of interest in these issues. Just like Bush.

We are experiencing a global financial meltdown and John Mc Cain picks ....
Where is the man's intelligence? Where is his honor? This man is so reckless with America. Lies, that is all they can offer America is lies.

McCain was born to Americans, that makes him an American. Obama's birth however seems to be in question.

She never said she was in Iraq. The campaign said that. She is still a virgin according to me. Why is it so much scrutiny on the vice president and not on the president ticket?

The answer to the question of why Palin gets a pass on prevarications where Hillary didn't is contained in Howard Kurtz' article: Rush Limbaugh thinks Palin is a babe. Fred Barnes: "very pretty governor." Stephen Sprueill: "solidly conservative (and ridiculously good-looking)." Joe Klein: "To start with the obvious, she's attractive."

Peggy Noonan (before she decided Palin was a cynical disaster): "this beautiful girl."

Salon: "Large numbers of Americans think she's hot." Slate: Dreaming and fantasizing about Palin,

Donny Deutsch, my personal favorite for animal metaphors: "She's sexy. Men want a sexy woman... Women want to idealize about a sexy woman. . . . She's a lioness. . . . Women want to be her. Men want to mate with her."

Even Wonkette: "the hottest governor in all 50 states" and "my total girl crush" but we expect this from Wonkette.

No one ever called Hillary "hot."

The spectacle surrounding Palin is completely demeaning to women who take their careers seriously. It's not a 24-hour news cycle; it's 24-hour sexual harassment cycle. But Palin is the type of woman who revels in this.

The 3:00 AM call to the White House...

If Obama bin Biden answers that "3:00 AM call to the White House" he would forward it to...the United Nations!!!!

Is this what you want America?

Do not vote left-wing-liberal Obama bin Biden to be our next Commander in Chief. It took 3 statements by him to kind of condemn (he still did not even come close to it) Russia for invading a democratic and sovereign country....And, this while Senator McCain, Senator Clinton, our government, and ALL our allies - blasted Russia's invasion of Georgia! Even China turned its back to Russia on the Georgia issue despite the fact that the Russian leaders - Medvedev (Putin's hand picked puppet) and Putin himself were courting China's support on the Georgia conflict!! Ha-ha!

By the way - for those who conveniently forget it - Obama is the one who is running for Commander in Chief (top of the ticket) - not Palin!!

It's Sarah Palin words that she was a marijuana smoker, not mine.
-What do you mean by "an abuser"? How can one tell?
-Can you prove that it did not affect her mental health?
-At best, it did not get rid of her twisted views of reality, it it did not cause it.

Want2know- It is NONE of your or anyone else's business about Sarah's decisions regarding her pregnancy decisions. That is not about the campaign, that is her own private business and she DID NOT endanger her baby's life. I have had 6 children and no one has the right to tell me whether and how I should not do you have a right to judge any mother no matter who she is in her child bearing decisions. BTW; There is nothing wrong with flying home after your water breaks. You water breaking is not an endangerment to your baby! Get a life!

the media holds great responsibility for the woeful lack of real information, knowledge and critical thinking of the US public. Unless they go after truth, when so much is at stake, they also hold responsibility for the aftermath of a mccain palin ticket, which could put this deceitful, opportunistic, hater, Sarah Palin, one illness, let alone death, from the power of the presidency. Think it over media people, either you work for truth, or you work for potential destruction far beyond nine eleven. Get real. This woman is a nightmare (and yes, if S Palin were male, I'd say worse, you can bet on it.) She needs to be outed at every turn.

Palin gets the base riled up, McCain doesn't, so that seems to fit with the modern GOP mindset more than seeking the most qualified or respected politicians. After GWB and Dan Quayle, are you surprised?

It's 3 AM and the Red Phone rings.
-McCane is too ill to answer and Sarah Palin is shooting wolves from Ariforce One.
-Karl Rove (who should be in jail) is in charge of the politics of the nation.

I don't know, how can one tell if someone is an abuser? Could you tell? And if so, can you prove that it DID affect her mental health? She seems to be doing very well, not like all of the dope smoker stereotypes...

EL- Have you not read any of Obama's books that he wrote? He snorted Cocaine! And you are going to judge anyone of that era? Clinton smoked pot too! Get a life!

I would not make the same mistake I did 4 years back. Republicans have consistently shown dishonsty. The mainstream media is fond of republicans. But majority voters are with democrats, this time. The media might invent any no. of stories about Palin and supress that is inconvenient to them. But the voters are not fool. Its time we call a spade a spade and dump McCain and elect Obama for the sake of good governance and change for good.

EJ, this nonsense about Palin's trip to Kuwait (that's right -- she has said she went to Kuwait, NOT Iraq, as you and others are now claiming) is just an effort to get people to take their eyes off the ball -- that is, that Gov. Palin is far more qualified to hold the office of the presidency than is Barack Obama. Obama has accomplished NOTHING, other than to build a brief record of being a liberal extremist.

You (liberals) have lied up one side and down the other about Obama's record. The Sex Education bill -- you have ALL claimed it was about "protecting children against predators". Read the freaking legislation. It isn't about protecting children from predators -- it is about explaining how not to get pregnant, how not to get HIV/AIDS, now well various forms of contraception do and don't work, all done in an "age appropriate" manner.

You tell me how a person discusses avoiding pregnancy in an "age appropriate" manner with a four-year old.

We're sick of it. Just like Bill Clinton before you, lies roll right off your tongues without you giving it a second thought.

Liberals: Please stop the lying.

I doubt that we will ever again see Palin being interviewed by anyone outside of Faux news, Limbaugh, Coulter, O'Reilly, Hannity... she will be kept away from anyone who doesn't pant at the sight of her (except maybe Coulter).

We will probably have to wait for the VP debates for her to be asked a serious question. By then she may have all her answers memorized.

Re: Campbell Brown and the rest of the media clowns

Quote - Joyce of NC wrote:
Campbell Brown- Ditto the above. I'm so glad to see that someone else is saying the things I've been thinking. Some in the media are saying that Palin was "shrill" last night. Campbell Brown DEFINES the word "Shrill" and Soledad O'Brien defines the word "mean." They're both rude AND mean. Hafferty is disgusting. They are all a disgrace not only to journalism, but to themselves. I never watch their reports. I've been tuning in to them, though, over the past week to see what the other side is saying and knew I'd be sick about their lop-sided coverage of Sarah Palin. But then I took heart last night after Palin's speech. The liberal press was almost speechless. That was a real kick. I say - Go Sarah! Posted by Joyce of NC.

To Joyce of NC:

Joyce, you hit the nail on the head! Governor Palin gave the left-wing-liberal media the medicine that they needed! It was about time that someone - an accomplished and intelligent woman like Palin - replied in "kind" to the "24 hour tabloid news circus"! And, the best is yet to come!!

To the above list of utterly rude and mean spirited left-wing-liberal media clowns - Campbell Brown, Soledad O'Brien, Zack Hafferty led by Jon Klein = Clown president of CNN, I suggest that they enroll in a "Swiss finishing school" to brush up in good manners! Their disgusting behavior only shows their character and non-existent moral values.

It would be a great omission if to the above list we did not include another rude and obnoxious left-wing-liberal clown - Keith Olberman of MSNBC!! Keith Olberman defines the word "idiot"!

To all media clowns: Get used to it as the best is yet to come!!

Sarah Palin, tu est intelligent...tu est magnifique!!!

P.S. If anyone can think of any more names of media clowns please keep posting them...They all need to be exposed - once and for all. They did the same thing to Clinton - enough is enough - we will not just sit and watch "news for dummies" by clowns like all of the above!

Source:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/2008/08/29/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-sarah-palin.html?msg=1

Palin is the last gasp of cynical republican politics, after pulling W. out of the Texas Governor's office, Palin is a natural progression, McCain has mortgaged his integrety for his ambition and the proof is in the Palin pick. I for one am greatful that Palin is on the ticket as it puts it all out in the open. "abstinance only" advocate got pregnant before she was married...just as he daughter is doing now, reformer that is blinded by her own abuses of power as they are personal rather than for money, somebody who has the gaul to cite being able to see Russia from her state as a foreign policy credential.

tired critique, I think your name says it all.

The McCane people keep playing the POW card.
-They are not saying he "can't type" because of 'damage' from being a POW.
-So, he CAN'T even make a phone call??
-Of course he can. His initial statements is he does not KNOW, not that he could not use one.
-The McCain campaign exploits people's kind hearts in order to take advantage of them. Wake up people.

Here is the big problem with your inane discussion regarding the qualifications of Sarah Palin. Obama has less experience. He's simply unqualified for the position, but John McCain, everyone concedes is qualified to hold the office.

I love the assymetrical argument regarding the guy who is running for President against the woman who is running for Vice President. Obviously Obama is unqualified and the more he points out any deficiency she may have in his mind, it just emphasizes his lack of ability and qualifications.

The Republicans are correct in their observation that the difference between the Presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket hasn't actually done anything except run for office and their VP candidate has actually made real decisions. It gets more and more interesting. It is laughable that the people attacking Palin are attempting to do so in the same way they attacked Hillary.

This is why women like myself are going to vote for McCain. First, he actually has the qualifications to hold office. Second, he selected a very talented, capable woman who is running for office. Third, the media marched us off to war in Iraq and are complicit in making HORRIBLE decisions for the public. So we will make our own.

The more you pick on Palin, the worse Obama's numbers will get. People are sick of the stupid media and the fools who backed Obama to begin with.

In the end the Democrats will be saying to themselves over the pick "It was the experience stupid." You can't make a resume for Obama, so tough luck on this election. Next time, pick a qualified candidate.

Frankly, I don't think Palin could endure any further scrutiny; her paper-thin character is already laid pretty close to bare.

I'm uninterested in knowing the particulars of her intrigue - she's an unethical thug and, by extension, a potential criminal.

No White House for you.

Does anyone belive that this country will be a safer place with Obama/Biden?

Now we find out that Palin had a tanning bed installed in the governor's mansion. No big deal, but akin to Edwards' $400 haircut. And could raise other issues. (Story is in progress)

http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield/palins-tanning-bed-the-evolution-a-story

DUH! does anybody think wapo will MAKE a BIGGER DEAL?

It was Obama that claimed Executive experience because he supposedly has been running his campaign all by himself...right? How does that qualify? Who would believe that?

To all the racist people out there that keep judging Obama on his experience, loyalty, race and qualifications. I have only a few questions. What makes you more of an American than anyone else? To me, your points are stupid and not worth reading. The most important thing to me is to see an America free of all the bigotry and bias. Nobody's perfect. I don't think you have to be white to run a country. To be quite honest, America's not your country or mine anyway! Your so-called founding fathers stole it from the indians. So before you call yourself an American, think about that. I believe that a true American has no color. So stopping all the hating and stop trying to be the modern day KKK. His mother was white and his father was African. So what, he's not a hundred percent caucasion! Are you? You don't think that over the years your family tree didn't swayed a little to other side a few times? If it didn't, why were so many black women raped during slavery? Hey, I'm glad to finally see someone that has experienced being on both sides of the tracks. We're not looking for forgiveness for what the slave owners did to our people. We're looking for respect and a fair shake for everyone. That's it.

John McCain fought in Viet Nam be himself and the PTA President will take over after his health fails. It is so funny that the sharpest candidate, Obama is trashed as "Elite" because he went to "Elite" school. I guess both he and his wife are "Elite" school because they went to "Elite" school. Was Michelle Obama "Elite" when she grew in Southside Chicago? No, she was one of those "poor children growing up in the horrible neighborhood". Hmmmmmm, double-standard in America continuing well beyond 400 yrs.

Best one I have heard yet....

Say didn't Sarah Palins husband get a DUI 22 years ago...

Yea I think so...hey isnt that about the time Obama was doing all that blow.....

Campbell Brown: "Why did Palin subject her daughter to this scrutiny?"

Campbell Brown, baby...You are an obnoxious partisan Moron!!!

Next time, wash your mouth before speaking about Palin. Perhaps we should talk about your "daddy", should we?

Sources:

Who is Campbell Brown

Wikipedia: Campbell Brown
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campbell_Brown
HillaryClintonForum.net
http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=27154

Palin Sexism Watch Blog:
http://palinsexismwatch.blogspot.com/2008/09/campbell-brown-why-did-palin-subject.html

Darryl- You are not reading Obama's entire tax policy! 95% are not going to be taxed?

Who are you kidding?

I am one that makes good money as a small business owner. I now have to hold off creating new jobs because if Obama wins I won't be able to hire more people. That will mean less jobs! When you tax me more, I have to hire less, and lay off people.
What is in it for me to work my a#@ off to pay for all those that won't better themselves and make more money?

The rich in our country already pay a 38% tax and Obama wants that to be 50%. The rich in our country and the corporations in our country have the second largest tax in the entire world!

I am already doing my calculations to see how little I can make so I won't have to be in that tax bracket. Maybe I can lay off some more people, work less, make less and then pay less in taxes without all the stress. Hmmm, sounds like a plan many small business owners are figuring on.

Let's see. If I make over $250,000 in a year, you see, that is with people working with me. My tax would be 50%. So I would only get to keep $125,000. Hmmm, for all that work I could fire my employees, go find a job that pays $125,000 and keep more of my money.

So much for helping the economy! When all the 'rich' people move you can all go and work for the government but they will be broke because the rich will all take their money somewhere else!

When you punish the rich by increasing their taxes it will be the middle class and the poor that will be effected because the higher taxes cause companies to charge more for the food, gas, all the things you buy in a store. SO don't think that you are going to escape the taxes. IT trickles down to everyone else.

Take some classes on economics. If you want to be a socialist- move to Europe and stand in line for your doctor for 5 months!

"Welfare Country" : haha what the hell is Social Security and Medicare

John McCain fought in Viet Nam be himself and the PTA President will take over after his health fails. It is so funny that the sharpest candidate, Obama is trashed as "Elite" because he went to "Elite" school. I guess both he and his wife are "Elite" school because they went to "Elite" school. Was Michelle Obama "Elite" when she grew in Southside Chicago? No, she was one of those "poor children growing up in the horrible neighborhood". Hmmmmmm, double-standard in America continuing well beyond 400 yrs.

John McCain fought in Viet Nam by himself and the PTA President will take over after his health fails. It is so funny that the sharpest candidate, Obama is trashed as "Elite" because he went to "Elite" school. I guess both he and his wife are "Elite" school because they went to "Elite" school. Was Michelle Obama "Elite" when she grew in Southside Chicago? No, she was one of those "poor children growing up in the horrible neighborhood". Hmmmmmm, double-standard in America continuing well beyond 400 yrs.

Smitty, I didn't notice any racism on this forum until you just brought that up, but since you mentioned it, why did The Obama family spend 20 yrs going to a church run by Jesse Jackson style racist, and only disassociated themselves once it was politically convenient, that is to say, once the truth was made known to the world?

Musing said,"We just have to do a better job of exposing this female> How about a hole in the woman's bathroom."

Musing would have been more correct had he/she signed his/her drivel Dithering.

We plan to have a candidate for the second highest office in the country exposed. She is asking us for our vote, so we are asking her for her views on political philosophy and the extent of her knowledge on public affairs. So far what we've been asked by the Repugnicans is to buy a pig in a poke.

I don't think I'm interested.

Ahaha...ha!!!!

Campbell Brown Suddenly Concerned Over 'Lack of Experience'

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2008/08/30/campbell-brown-suddenly-concerned-over-lack-experience

"he treated Palin as a serious person who presumably had something to say beyond index card briefings about policy. That’s the opposite of sexism."

treating somebody differently because of their gender IS sexism. the opposite of sexism is treating both genders equally.

Obama spent 12 years as a tenured law lecturer in Chicago university after being the first ever black president of Harvard Law review and being top of his class.

He did spend three years trying very hard to improve the plight of people in the South side of Chicago while McCain was buying more houses to forget about, he was in the Illinois legislature for 8 years and then the US federal congress.

Palin is a journalist after attending 5 or 6 colleges in 6 years, being a bikini babe on the way and then stuffed up being the mayor of a town of 6,000 people before lying to become governor and then selling the plane at a loss and being paid to live in her own home.

Give us a break the children who want to think with other parts of their anatomy.

Palin is a dumber model of Bush with less experience than the plumber.

Well said E J, look forward to your next interview in Australia.

I wonder though when the MSM are going to grill McCain over the obvious lie exposed last week? You know the one I mean don't you? We saw a very fit McCain walk on his own two feet, raise his arm high and salute twice at least after he was released by the VC two years before the fall of Saigon.

Even in Australia we know the lie of "I was so tortured I couldn't even walk", so how about it Washington Post?

Why was he and the others so fit, why were they released before the fall of Saigon when others were not, why did he lie about the extent of his injuries, why was he ever considered a hero for bombing innocent civilians to bits from thousands of feet in the air?

Why did the VC treat him so well when 3 million Vietnamese were slaughtered in places like My Lai where Calley was the scapegoat and only got 4 years of light labour?

Come on, I am Australian and we were the only suckers to join the US in that madness and we are still suffering the effects of agent orange while Vietnamese are still dying.

Tell us all why you think McCain the lying windbag is a hero.

You liberal idots go ahead and put this woman down (most of this you do not have a clue if it is really the truth) and elect Hussein Obama then sit back and watch our country go to pot. You bunch of liberals have about as much judgement as my pet dog has.
If we pull out of Iraq like Hussein says I say Iran will be in Iraq in no time flat. We better elect a president who knows how to protect our freedom and it certainly is not H. Obama. Obama's tax plan scares me to death also.

I grew up on the Southside and racial relations were always strained because of Farrakhan, Jackson and their ilk. I would find it hard to believe that Obama would not have been exposed to the same ugliness that I witnessed and grew up in. That certainly makes it difficult to decide about those things as a kid, but he decided to associate himself and his family with that kind of rhetoric once he was old enough to make those decisions on his own... as I said, political convenience.

It's OK and permitted, in the USA, for a woman to pop as many kids as she can and wants.
-The issue is I would not hire Sarah Palin as a live-in made (even though I am a millionaire) simply because she could not do the job!
1. Five kids, one is need of special care.
2. A pregnant teen-age girl, ready to increment the troop count.
3. The teen-age husband of the teen-age pregnant girl.
4. The baby the teen-age will pop.
5. The husband, or "First Dude".
-That's quite a troop, isn't it? That's why I would not hire her, because SHE SIMPLY COULDN'T DO the job.
-NOW, the White House VP or even P job requires AVAILABILITY, on top of Good Judgement, Foreign Politics view and insight, Experience as an honest leader who DOES NOT abuse power, as a minimum. NONE OF THOSE does Sarah Palin have.

Dave- Thank you! You are brave to stand up to liberals who are so nasty against everything decent. Obama has less experience than Sarah. He tells of how he turned down a big wall street job to work for $12,000 as a community organizer and says that he expects all young people to do this too! He wants you all to work for the government for $12,000 to $19,000 a year. But what he did not tell you is that while he is being a community organizer his wife was making $120,000 a year in the Chicago hospital and gave herself a raise 3 years later to $320,000, hmmmm, the year Obama ran for the senate. Please! They are no more for change than any other politician! He looked the other way as Chicago was entrenched in corruption!
I guess one spouse can work as a community organizer while the other is actually paying the bills!

There is an asinine quality about the remarks by UBwiz. What qualifications has Palin got and how does selling a plane for a loss make her more experienced that a constitutional law professor with 12 years in state and federal congress?

If you are so dumb you buy the McCain swill then you are probably so dumb you think Bush is a genius.

He was a governor, look where that got us all.

JMcC said Obama would do anything to get elected. Well, as we can see from the past week the truth. omit Obama name and replace it with McCain. Since he lost in 2000 he has done nothing but position himself for this election. I don't trust McCain, his judgement or his truthfulness. Just by the people he has running his campaigne. LIES,LIES,LIES.

McCain falsely claims, in an ad I saw: "I KNOW how to win wars!"
-Well, HOW MANY HAS HE WON?

WOW! It's amazing how selfish people get when it comes to helping humans ( Katya, I made $250k looks like more taxes )! Realize, that GOD only gives you as much as you can handle. Realize that as you have a business and are blessed to be drawing an income that GOD may take everything away for you to realize when people are in need, so be careful. I would like for everyone to just look around your house and decide what things YOU MADE and what YOU BOUGHT. At some point everyone has to realize that HUMANITY is one big tribe that rely on one another. Helping the unfortunate is part of humanity! We share! ( Remember Kindergarten, first lesson )

If you truly believe that having a family and a job are too much for a woman to handle when you don't even have the slightest idea about what her husband's role is or any knowledge of the support system that the family has, then I guess you are saying that YOU could not do it no matter what support system YOU might have. So, since YOU would not be capable of handling it, I guess YOU shouldn't try.

Quote: "Take some classes on economics. If you want to be a socialist- move to Europe and stand in line for your doctor for 5 months!"
Posted by: Katya | September 15, 2008 1:23 AM

And, they can also work overtime and get paid straight time - in most socialist European countries employers do not obey the law regarding overtime! I know this to be a fact... I have come to this great country of ours from Europe!

Even in Europe, people are realizing how disasterous the left-wing-liberals have been and there is actually a drastic shift to the right, ie. Sarkozy (France), etc. We would be CRAZY to vote the left wing liberals in office here - in America!!

Natasha, your posts are well thought and informed. Keep encouraging the readers with the truth.

-OIL is behind Bush's EIGHT YEARS of misery for the nation.
-OIL is behind the McCain/Palin ticket
-OIL is the driving force for the war in Iraq (and Iran). "Weapons of mass destruction" was only a lie to instill false fear on us.
-It's NOT "the economy, stupid" as they say. It's the war in Iraq that's got us all in poor economic shape. Just look at the costs!
-It's that we don't want Eight More Years of OILigarchy and its magnatesm, because its being in BAD shape DOES NOT MEAN that it can not get worser.

This woman is a danger to individual and personal freedoms and choices, not only in the US but to the world. The spin placed on her experience is unreal and her lack of knowledge about the world, the domestic issues that should be the guiding agenda concerning this election--seem not to be discussed. The idea that she would ask the question about banning books is a red flag, but then Rowe's people were quick to plant the fake book list to throw people away from this danger. But how quickly she lies should make every conservative stand up and demand truths for isn't it truths that the conservatives demand from every one? This conservative does demand truth and will not vote for someone who has so many questions surrounding her....I believe that she is a great danger.

HUSSEIN OBAMA, Wow that was not a smart comment. DID you know that most African Slaves original religion was Islam ("BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA II"; [THAT WAS HIS DAD'S NAME])? What are you implying? Hey, read up on the First Crusade, and tell us what happened there. Did you realize that Muslims helped develop trade in this country with Africa and Mid East ( look at the signings of D o C and various governmental paperwork at the time ). You count with Arabic ("1...9") and Egyptian ("0") Numerals. The first university structure truly came from Memphis and Wasset in Africa were Archimedes, Pythagoras went to learn mathematics. Please read a book!!!!!!!

"Take some classes on economics. If you want to be a socialist- move to Europe and stand in line for your doctor for 5 months!"
????
Well, tell THAT to our neighbor here who's back from Iraq, NOT in one piece, and THE type of medical treatment he is getting: NONE!

The U.S. only derives about one tenth of its oil from Middle Eastern sources, the 20% that Japan imports from there and the 30% that Europe imports should be the reason they are concerned. Seems unlikely that seeking to secure our country from terrorist threats by responding to 9/11 and deposing the regimes of those governments that support, nay, SEEK our destruction AND support terrorism would be more the reason that we needed to step foot into the desert.

"Hussein Obama" NAME being a problem?
-What a crooked argument. Perhaps the name of those who make it might be "Jesus", "Mathew", "Mark" and THAT makes them "good people" or increases their merits.

hillary is very impreesive ande eloquent.
sarah is the opposite-shallow,calculating,manipulative,ruthless,vindictive, deceitful,secretive, and at times contemptous toward the law and constitution.

mccain at 72 is outdated in his ideas and throws temper tantrums.his bad grades from childhood to the presenr reveal a basic lack of thoughtfulness and learning ability. his learning curve is slow when the financial system is in crisis and the ecoonmy fragile. add confusion,memory loss and very poor judgement and irresponsibility-as was the case in his decision to hire palin.

mccain is uninspiring and being overshadowed by an inexperienced 'celebrity' palin,who cheated alaska on her expense reports and is being investigated for troopergate.he is regretting having hired her.if he has any integrity or credibility left,which is very doubtful, he should dismiss sarah and hire another vp.

after republicans called people racist names like 'macaca' a couple of years ago,mccain running a dirty campaign filled with lies,distortions and racism

JT- I believe in God and God does own everything but he never said that I am supposed to be socialist or a communist. I am a capitalist and proud of it. Capitalism instills creative thinking, inventing, creating jobs and companies. My mother had to run away from Stalin and give up everything they owned because they owned companies and land. I know what it is like to live under socialism and communism from my relatives and I also lived in Europe for 4 years and have been to many other countries.

God never said that the GOVERNMENT decides what to do with my money. I give to charity, a lot. I tithe to my church much more than Obama does with the 4 million he made last year! I tithed more on my 250K than he did on his 4M!

SO it is selfish that I don't want to continue to work my a#@ off so that I can pay for those who are free loaders and who don't want to work? I am supposed to work to support all the pork barrel spending the government does?

Excuse me, how much of my money would you like?

Do you think it is fair that I pay a higher percentage in taxes just because I made the decision to create a business? You are not talking about GOD, you are talking about entitlements, hand outs and socialism.

I believe in paying my fair share, but 50% is not my fair share! A flat tax for everyone across the board is fair.

I have been homeless. I was abused by a man for over 20 years, I had to run away with 5 children and hide in the back of a car. I never went to the welfare lines! I worked from home taking care of my kids and working on a business that makes money.

SO don't call me selfish until you have walked a mile in my shoes!

I did not choose to become a burden on society, I chose to rise from my ruins and make something of myself. I am not a victim of what happened to me. I realized it was not my fault that I was a victim but it was my fault if I chose to remain one.

I did not go on welfare, I worked with my brain, I did what I had to do to make money to raise my kids without any support from my abusive x or the government. IF I can do it, so can everyone else.

What you are speaking of is not about God but about communism. The redistribution of wealth and then you call me selfish because I might want to become like those who make less money so I don't have to work as hard only to see the government take my money in taxes.Hmmm, sounds like someone else may be the selfish one that is getting upset that I may no longer contribute.

"The U.S. only derives about one tenth of its oil from Middle Eastern sources, the 20% that Japan imports from there and the 30% that Europe imports should be the reason they are concerned. Seems unlikely that seeking to secure our country from terrorist threats by responding to 9/11 and deposing the regimes of those governments that support, nay, SEEK our destruction AND support terrorism would be more the reason that we needed to step foot into the desert."
-THIS IS FALSE. With the money we are spending for the Iraq War, we could be buying ALL of the oil production of SAUDI ARABIA for EVERY SINGLE day of this six years.
-Besides, it's NOT necessarily THE AMOUNT of oil, BUT THE QUALITY. The oil from the M.E. is of the very best quality, meaning LESS cost to refine it and MORE profits.

Truth... what's that?
Question: how do you know when McCain or Palin are lying?
Answer: When their lips are moving. McCain is promising change. How about telling the truth for a change? Hmmm

The media made a big deal about whether John Kerry, when he served in Vietnam, did or didn't cross the border with Cambodia. Why doesn't Palin's relationship to the Kuwait-Iraq border deserve at least as much attention?

That's not the Kerry/McCain-Palin discussion I'd like to see get attention. I'd like to see some attention as to whether McCain or Kerry served more heroically in Viet Nam. McCain getting shot down by a SAM near a Viet Cong village, where the Viet Cong civilians saved him from drowning and turned him over to their authorities who imprisoned him for 5 years doesn't really sound as heroic as what Kerry did in Viet Nam, and yet Kerry got slimed as anything but a hero in the last election, even when the congrast was with the AWOL national guardsman Bush, who was safe and sound in the US for the entire war.

Thanks for pointing out the big reason I couldn't stomach Hellary I'm sure her life is constantly in danger but lying about the snipers thing was too Bush like for me to take. I'm sick of lying psycho's. I want to hear more about Cindy McCains mob connections because that is one the media seem delighted to ignore. Is John McCain the mob candidate for President? We know he's the Military Industrial Complex candidate. Just how scummy can you be a still have a fighting chance of being President?

Hillary is hated and feared by the Right because she's educated. Palin is admired because she's "plain folks." There's your double standard. The Right is deathly afraid of critical thinking and erudition, but in love with predatory ambition.

Have you noticed how she says "I told congress thanks, but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere" with the exact same intonation every time. I'm not sure she's human.

We all know it isn't the name, its what it represents, and there is a known history there, which points directly to ANOTHER mysterious, underlying question about the man that carries the name that we have no answers to.

Natasha- That is because the liberals and the socialists here have no idea what it is like in Europe. I know a man who just pulled out 4 of his teeth in England because the pain was too much to bare and the only dental opening was still 4 months down the road.
I know people from England who came to this great country to escape the socialism there. Now Germany and France are trying to figure out a way OUT Of their failed socialist experiment.

I don't believe the people here really have a clue what they are asking for when they want more government and more welfare and more social programs and more and more, it is socialism. They won't know that until it is too late.

Even the President of France sounds more "patriotic" toward America than the left-wing-liberals here and on the Obama campaign trail!!!

Listen carefully... this was a most remarkable speech indeed.

Video:

NICOLAS SARKOZY: French President's Speech to U.S. Congress

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlt2GE4EYo4

When people's money pay for FAILED mortgage companies and banks, either in real-time, or by FUTURE DEBT, and millions of people are being duped out of their money and their houses, what do you call that system?
-It's not about "socialism" or "capitalism".
-It's about Bush's FAILED economic and foreign policy, and nobody in his right mind wants four more years of the same shame and misery.

I saw this on a discussion board and was wondering if any one else saw it somewhere else: Obama has had **** for seven years now. It is not life-threatening but that is the reason he kept his medical records secret!

(I am keeping the name of the disease secret so as not to spread a rumor if it is just that)

Actually, the media was also incredibly soft on Hillary, probably because Obama was. Nothing about her commodities trading fraud was ever questioned by the media. Nor were there any questions about White Water, the Rose Law Firm records that "went missing," Vince Fostter, etc. Had she been a nominee? The GOP would have all those out there on the table.

I agree with your premise -- that the media is afraid to make a big point of Palin's lies and that they did make a big point of some of Hillary's lies. But, IMO, the media never came close to being tough on Hillary. Let's not reinvent history here; they let all her most serious personal issue slide.

As a matter of fact the highest quality oil is West Texas Intermediate, oil from the Middle East in fact requires more processing and the OPEC standard is based on a blend of OPEC nations. And, once again, we are not in Iraq for Oil... Furthermore, profits are being driven by one main factor, speculators, and secondly by OPEC capitalizing on the current global situation. Additionally, the Saudi's are trying to keep up the production levels that OPEC was trying to cut in order to keep global markets stable, although they will do their best to keep the $100 mark.

"saw this on a discussion board and was wondering if any one else saw it somewhere else: Obama has had **** for seven years now. It is not life-threatening but that is the reason he kept his medical records secret!

(I am keeping the name of the disease secret so as not to spread a rumor if it is just that)" -Daniel-
----------
We need to be more worried about the Bush real disease that has us in this bad shape, and the further spreading via McCain and Palin.

Maybe the paid Neo-Conjob posters here don't see the relevance to the stream of half truths, twisted facts and outright lies the McCain campaign and Palin have been spewing or maybe they really don't care as long as they win the election.

Ok, so let's accept for a moment it was Bounds or one of his minions who actually said Palin had visited Iraqi, well did they simply fabricate it or did they get the information from Palin? I know I read it in at least a couple of press releases. Only a handful of people know the absolute truth and don't expect them to answer any time soon. Regardless, it doesn't speak well for the McCain campaign in my view.

The issue for me is the pattern which has emerged and which began with Palin's very first address in Ohio that Friday which seems so long ago. She misrepresented just about every accomplishment she claims. By the end of Saturday I had substantially debunked almost everything she was claiming, just by reading online versions of the local papers in Alaska. Say what you wish about the papers there, but in large part they have been shown to be correct as now verified by the major news outlets.

To those who say well she is just the VP, every Vice Presidential candidate needs to be and should be scrutinized as if they were running for president. What a foolish notion to hold that the Vice Presidential candidate and their views are irrelevant. Of course they are, are you blind to history? Statistically the odds aren't so long this person, the Vice President, will be called to server as president. Let's take a quick tally of just the past 60 years: Truman, Johnson and Ford. Hmm, maybe the odds aren't so long after all.

I don't care what Palin's gender is and were she male I would demand exactly the same accountability for her claims. I would also feel exactly the same that here we have a person with an isolated view of the nation and of the world. Memorizing facts by advisers doesn't give someone an understanding of international relations and diplomacy and living in and being governor of a state which has Russia as its neighbor does not qualify as foreign policy experience. I believe either that was the most absurd and cynical comment Palin made in the interview or the most clueless, either way it doesn't bode well for this country.

As for all thoughts who bring up Ayers, Wright, etc., this has all been dragged through the mud repeatedly. Don't you think the Bush administration would have set the Justice Department on Obama if there was anything to any of this? The only place you will find a connection is on Neo-Conjob web sites and blogs but they live in an alternate universe just as much as the left wing ones do.

I have no party affiliation, I'm and independent although John McCain has lost all respect I held for him by his own actions, even before selecting Palin. The choice of Palin has simply validated the conclusions I had already reached, McCain so desperately wants to be president he has sold out whatever principles he had to that end. McCain decided to put his ambitions first and country last.

Just a little info from http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm
Sarah Palin on Abortion

* Rejected sympathy for Down's Syndrome son, as gift from God. (Aug 2008)
* Opposes stem cell research. (Aug 2008)
* Every baby is created with a future and potential. (Aug 2008)
* Safe Haven bill: allow surrendering newborns without penalty. (Feb 2008)
* Adoption is best plan for permanency for foster care kids. (Oct 2007)
* Pro-life. (Nov 2006)
* Choose life, even if her own daughter were raped. (Nov 2006)
* If Roe v. Wade got overturned, let people decide what's next. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes use of public funds for abortions. (Oct 2006)
* Pro-contraception, pro-woman, pro-life. (Aug 2006)
* Only exception for abortion is if mother's life would end. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Budget & Economy

* Control spending by request if possible; by veto if needed. (Sep 2008)
* $7 billion savings plan for education & transportation. (Dec 2007)
* Reduced general fund spending by $124 million. (Mar 2007)
* Aim to reduce general fund spending by $150 million. (Jan 2007)
* Firm believer in free market capitalism. (Nov 2006)
* Coordinate state tourism marketing but no additional funding. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Civil Rights
* Vetoed bill denying benefits to gays, as unconstitutional. (Aug 2008)
* ADA brings expanded freedom to Americans with disabilities. (Jul 2008)
* Recognize Juneteenth to celebrate the end of slavery. (Jun 2008)
* HIV/AIDS among Alaska Natives is public health crisis. (Mar 2008)
* Recognize Martin Luther King holiday. (Jan 2008)
* Comply with same-sex partner benefits despite disagreement. (Dec 2006)
* Marriage only be between and man and a woman. (Nov 2006)
* Value our cultural diversity. (Nov 2006)
* Prefers term "anti-rural" to "anti-Native". (Nov 2006)
* Special legislative session on same-sex health benefits. (Nov 2006)
* Ok to deny benefits to homosexual couples. (Aug 2006)
* No spousal benefits for same-sex couples. (Jul 2006)
* Top priorities include preserving definition of "marriage". (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Corporations
* Governor must act as effective CEO on behalf of Alaskans. (Nov 2006)
* Encourage small business growth by reducing business taxes. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Crime
* Establish "FBI Day" to support fighting global crime. (Jun 2008)
* Register sex offenders; & investigate internet sex crimes. (Jun 2008)
* Victims' rights are critical to "justice for all". (Mar 2008)
* We are tough on crime and beefing up law enforcement. (Jan 2008)
* Collect DNA samples from felons. (Jun 2007)
* Gang members on probation must wear electronic monitors. (Jun 2007)
* Maximum sentence for first-degree murder by police. (Apr 2007)
* If legislature passed death penalty law, I would sign it. (Nov 2006)
* Strong public safety presence, via police, courts & prisons. (Nov 2006)
* Death penalty for adults who murder children. (Oct 2006)
* No special hate-crime laws; all heinous crime is hate-based. (Jul 2006)
* No expansion of gambling in Alaska. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Drugs
* Highway fatalities down because of strict drunk driving laws. (Aug 2008)
* Maintain alcohol sale database; bar giving alcohol to minors. (Jun 2007)
* Questions cruise ship gambling, under casino gambling ban. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes legalizing marijuana, but meth is greater threat. (Aug 2006)
* Smoked marijuana when it was legal under Alaska law. (Aug 2006)
* Top priorities include gangs & drugs; they harm family life. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Education
* Teach creationism alongside evolution in schools. (Aug 2008)
* Supports teaching intelligent design in public schools. (Aug 2008)
* 294 Alaska public schools progressed under NCLB. (Aug 2008)
* School debate should focus on accountability. (Jan 2008)
* Committed to providing strong education, including morals. (Jan 2008)
* Budget funds education, but will to work is also critical. (Jan 2008)
* Court ruling against NEA: state adequately funds education. (Jun 2007)
* Fully fund K-12 and support early funding of education. (Jan 2007)
* Supports $20 million needs-based aid for U. Alaska. (Nov 2006)
* Forward-fund K-12 schools to allow better planning. (Nov 2006)
* Supports charter schools, home schools, & other alternatives. (Nov 2006)
* Target early education programs to at-risk groups. (Nov 2006)
* Alignment between parents, teachers, schools, & business. (Nov 2006)
* Faith-based materials ok in homeschooling. (Nov 2006)
* ABC method: back to basics, plus patriotism & ethics. (Nov 2006)
* Supports parental choice for what is best for their children. (Nov 2006)
* Don't push school boards on creationism but allow discussion. (Oct 2006)
* I believe we have a creator; and many theories of evolution. (Oct 2006)
* Support charters & home schools; not private school vouchers. (Oct 2006)
* Let parents opt out of schoolbooks they find offensive. (Jul 2006)
* Parents know best, about school spending & school age. (Jul 2006)
* Pledge of Allegiance with 'Under God' is good enough. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Energy & Oil
* Produce more of our own oil & gas, for national security. (Sep 2008)
* Gas pipeline:history's largest private-sector infrastructure. (Sep 2008)
* More pipelines; more nukes; more coal; more alternatives. (Sep 2008)
* Claimed major triumph: $500 million subsidy for gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
* Global warming affects Alaska, but is not man-made. (Aug 2008)
* Resource rebate: suspend AK 8-cent fuel tax for one year. (Aug 2008)
* Gasline Inducement Act: 1,715-mile natural gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
* Commercialize Alaska's North Slope natural gas. (Aug 2008)
* Appointed an Alaska oil and gas commissioner. (Aug 2008)
* To win, GOP must push energy independence. (Aug 2008)
* Agrees with Obama on more Alaska oil & gas production. (Aug 2008)
* Windfall oil profits tax prevents investment. (Aug 2008)
* Lift moratorium on offshore drilling. (Jul 2008)
* Convinced McCain to drill offshore; not yet on drilling ANWR. (Jul 2008)
* Exxon-Mobil should pay $507 million for Exxon Valdez spill. (Jul 2008)
* Unlock ANWR; we're ready, willing and able to contribute. (Jun 2008)
* Energy relief plan: $100 per person monthly, for oil & gas. (May 2008)
* Bush is right: drill ANWR & develop our own supplies. (Apr 2008)
* Fully fund for the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office. (Feb 2008)
* $250M for proven alternative energy, including wind & hydro. (Jan 2008)
* Gas pipelines are approved if they meet Alaska's needs. (Jan 2008)
* National energy policy not an either/or proposition. (Nov 2007)
* Fund cellulosic biofuel research in Farm Bill. (Oct 2007)
* Submitted legislation to build natural AGIA gas pipeline. (Mar 2007)
* Stranded Gas Development Act no longer applies. (Nov 2006)
* Get ANWR open. (Nov 2006)
* Chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. (Nov 2006)
* Pursue gasline plan that is best for ALL Alaskans. (Nov 2006)
* Met with producers and employee groups for pipeline deal. (Oct 2006)
* Firm start date as part of gasline incentive offer. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes natural gas reserves tax--it's not earned income yet. (Oct 2006)
* Analyze potential costs associated with climate change. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Environment
* Opposed protections for salmon from mining contamination. (Aug 2008)
* Sue US government to stop listing polar bear as endangered. (Aug 2008)
* We must encourage timber, mining, drilling, & fishing. (Jan 2008)
* Wolf predator control is important for subsistence hunters. (Sep 2007)
* Feds shouldn't list beluga whales as endangered. (Aug 2007)
* Provide stability in regulations for developers. (Jan 2007)
* Convince the rest of the nation to open ANWR. (Jan 2007)
* Fish platform: "Resource First" philosophy. (Nov 2006)
* Rail provides critical link for business development. (Nov 2006)
* Supports "Roads to Resources": subsidized access to mines. (Oct 2006)
* Don't duplicate effort in monitoring cruise ship emissions. (Oct 2006)
* Don't amend AK constitution for rural subsistence fishing. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Families & Children
* Special-needs children will have her as a friend & advocate. (Sep 2008)
* 17-year-old unmarried daughter is 5 months pregnant. (Sep 2008)
* Praised by pro-life groups for keeping Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008)
* Recognize the vital role of family child care homes. (Mar 2008)
* Opposes explicit sex-education programs. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Foreign Policy
* Peace Corps strengthens US ties abroad & enriches US at home. (Jan 2007)

Sarah Palin on Free Trade
* Trade important to Alaska, but keep Alaska residents first. (Sep 2008)
* Allow wineries to ship by mail within state. (Jun 2008)
* Exempt Alaskan cruise ships from customs rule changes. (Dec 2007)
* Record-high exports; growth of 12.6% since last year. (Feb 2007)

Sarah Palin on Government Reform
* Shook up the good-ol' boys network with major ethics reform. (Sep 2008)
* Vetoed nearly half a billion dollars in wasteful spending. (Sep 2008)
* Supported infamous "Bridge to Nowhere"; now criticizes it. (Aug 2008)
* Individuals make better decisions than government. (Aug 2008)
* Fight "bridge to nowhere" and all earmarks. (Jul 2008)
* VECO scandal & Stevens indictment shows need for GOP cleanup. (Jul 2008)
* Comprehensive ethics reform: change politics as usual. (Jul 2007)
* Presented comprehensive ethics bill in early 2007. (Mar 2007)
* Sell previous governor's jet on eBay--it's impractical. (Dec 2006)
* Attended numerous debates & did not avoid any unnecessarily. (Oct 2006)
* Supports state funding for Gravina Island bridge. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Gun Control
* Hunts and fishes, as did her father. (Aug 2008)
* Hunts as much as she can; freezer-full of wild game. (Aug 2008)
* Supports ending D.C.'s 32-year-old ban on handguns. (Jun 2008)
* Lifelong NRA member & champion of right to bear arms. (Feb 2008)
* Supports Constitutional right to bear arms. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Health Care
* Signed up as organ donor; Alaska leads the states. (Apr 2008)
* Health care must be market-and business-driven. (Jan 2008)
* Take personal responsibility for personal health & all areas. (Jan 2008)
* Doctors should manage health care, not bureaucracies. (Jan 2008)
* Personal responsibility & choices key to good health. (Jan 2008)
* Flexibility in government regulations to allow competition. (Nov 2006)
* More affordable health care via competition. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Homeland Security
* Focus on fighting Al-Qaeda terrorists, not on reading rights. (Sep 2008)
* Strong military and sound energy. (Aug 2008)
* Armed forces, including my son, give us security and freedom. (Jan 2008)
* Ask all candidates "Are you doing all you can for security?". (Oct 2007)
* Visits Kuwait; encourages Alaska big game hunting to troops. (Sep 2007)
* Obligation to support our troops, even if criticizing war. (Jun 2007)
* Proclaim "Loyalty Day" to reaffirm loyalty to America. (Apr 2007)
* Promote from within, in Alaska's National Guard. (Nov 2006)
* Let military personnel know how much we support them. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Immigration
* OpEd: Palin is sick to death of this immigration nonsense. (Mar 2008)
* Address jointly with Canada the border security challenges. (Jan 2007)
* Immigrants want more vocational training & senior assistance. (Oct 2006)
* Took no action on Alaska's "sanctuary cities". (Sep 2006)
* Tightened restrictions on illegal alien's drivers licenses. (Sep 2006)

Sarah Palin on Jobs
* Alaska Construction Academy: 2,520 students learn skills. (Aug 2008)
* Leverage job-training dollars thru voc-tech curriculum. (Nov 2006)
* Focus Workforce Investment Board on vocational careers. (Nov 2006)
* Praised the Red Dog zinc mine for bringing rural jobs. (Oct 2006)
* Department of Fish and Game is under-funded. (Oct 2006)
* Unions should get member permission for political donations. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Principles & Values
* Small towns produced Harry Truman as V.P.; and produced me. (Sep 2008)
* Signed up for PTA; then ran for City Council; then Mayor. (Sep 2008)
* OpEd: shores up McCain as a conservative AND as a maverick. (Sep 2008)
* Before selection, questioned role of vice president. (Sep 2008)
* Miss Congeniality in statewide beauty pageant in 1984. (Aug 2008)
* Star high school athlete in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. (Aug 2008)
* Gained political prominence as a whistleblower. (Aug 2008)
* Trounced incumbent governor in 2006 on platform of reform. (Aug 2008)
* Fired controversial state trooper for threatening family. (Aug 2008)
* Voted "Miss Wasilla" in local beauty contest; eloped at 24. (Aug 2008)
* Husband left oil job to avoid conflict; now works for BP. (Aug 2008)
* Husband is part Eskimo; won Iron Dog snowmobile races. (Aug 2008)
* Investigated for firing ex-brother-in-law in custody battle. (Aug 2008)
* Studied journalism; ran for office to make a difference. (Aug 2008)
* Religion: non-denominational Bible-believing Christian. (Aug 2008)
* Independent prosecutor probing Cabinet firing. (Jul 2008)
* Replaced Public Safety commissioner based on lack of results. (Jul 2008)
* Denies all allegations in Department of Public Safety affair. (Jul 2008)
* Declare a National Day of Prayer in Alaska. (Apr 2008)
* Leadership is a responsibility to prepare for tomorrow. (Jan 2008)
* The Bible has profoundly influenced America. (Oct 2007)
* Recognize America's historic and founding Christian heritage. (Sep 2007)
* Top priorities for AK include ethics & balanced budget. (Mar 2007)
* Decries "politics as usual" of attacking opponents. (Nov 2006)
* Endorsed by Sen. Ted Stevens. (Oct 2006)
* Endorsed by United Fishermen of Alaska (commercial group). (Oct 2006)
* Fight for freedom of religion and freedom of expression. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Social Security
* Fund the Seniors Longevity Bonus Program. (Nov 2006)
* Home-based assistance more cost-effective than institutions. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Tax Reform
* Raising taxes hurts small business and hurts jobs. (Sep 2008)
* Elected mayor based on tax cut promise. (Aug 2008)
* As mayor, cut property taxes & increased sales tax. (Aug 2008)
* $60M annually for municipal revenue sharing. (Mar 2008)
* Eliminate taxes that inhibit business. (Jan 2008)
* Repeal "nuisance taxes" including the tire tax. (Jan 2007)
* Mitigate impact of new $50M annual cruise ship tourism tax. (Oct 2006)
* No income tax; no taking the people's dividends. (Oct 2006)
* Would support a seasonal sales tax, but no income tax. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Technology
* Supports $130M in research investment in U. Alaska. (Nov 2006)
* Efficient transportation system is vital to our economy. (Nov 2006)
* Alaska needs a state funded highway program. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on War & Peace
* We don't know what the plan is to ever end the war. (Aug 2008)
* Wants exit plan; also assurances to keep our troops safe. (Mar 2007)
* We have not been attacked since 2001; so support our troops. (Oct 2006)
* I support the mission of our troops in Iraq. (Oct 2006)
* Our troops in Iraq keep us safe at home. (Oct 2006)
* I support President Bush's efforts to stop terrorism. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Welfare & Poverty
* EITC moves thousands of welfare recipients into workforce. (Jan 2008)
* Recognize Salvation Army and encourage charity to them. (Nov 2007)
* Funding for faith-based initiatives is adequate today. (Oct 2006)

Palin has been entirely truthful about her international travels.

She says she's been to Kuwait, Mexico and Canada. That's it.

Now if someone else in the campaign said she's been to Iraq, that person was mistaken, not Palin.

Palin said she put the governor's jet on Ebay. She never said she sold it there. Again, Palin told the truth.

Overall, Palin has as much experience as Obama.

Palin's run a city.

Palin's run a state. Her approval rating is over 80% -- highest in the nation.

Obama's run absolutely nothing.

Oh Yeah, I remember Maverick. It was a TV show in the 60's about an Arizona cowboy, kinda like Rifleman. What a joke McCain is. So unprepared to lead our country. So reckless. So desperate. Lies and distortions of truth will not get you elected, Maverick (LOL)

Conservative is a dead word might as well call them fascist's and be honest. The word conservative is a lie. I thought conservative meant things like neither a borrower nor lender be seems like conservatives like McCain have no problems borrowing. From our great grandchildren. Is anybody certain McCain isn't one of these apocalyptic Christians too?

"saw this on a discussion board and was wondering if any one else saw it somewhere else: Obama has had **** for seven years now. It is not life-threatening but that is the reason he kept his medical records secret!

(I am keeping the name of the disease secret so as not to spread a rumor if it is just that)" -Daniel-
----------
We need to be more worried about the Bush real disease that has us in this bad shape, and the further spreading via McCain and Palin.
-THAT disease does have a name and it's caleed GREED, and it has already caused more than 4000 American's DEATHS in Iraq, and many thousand badly injured, PLUS thousands more of Iraquies and of other countries, PLUS those deaths and injured in Afghanistan.

Didn't Palin go to a Junior College for most of her Education? I heard she graduated from an open enrollment university. Education in her case is not important, is that correct? Bush bought his grades from Yale, didn't he? He's still the dumbest Prez ever. McCain may have some cognitive issues for sure. He isn't too bright, correct? Ditto heads are pretty uneducated folks right? Is there a pattern to American Politics that we could generalize about?

Everyone has forgotten how mean-spirited Obama and his campaign were to Hillary. Did you forget that she was winning?!! And that she would be the nominee had there been a recount in Florida and Michigan, which Obama and the hyper-liberal (Dean, Pelosi) blocked??!!

It's only been a couple of months since Obama poisoned Hillary's image. How quickly everyone forgets.

Honestly, would you fly with your family on a 767 being co-piloted by someone who had only ever flown a Bush Plane while the pilot is a senior citizen with a serious medical history and has lost every plane he has been given? Is that what America is actually considering? Tell me it isn't so. You better ask the question because your family's future is at stake.

Hey Mark I live in Erie Co NY. it's bigger than the entire State of Alaska put that in your pipe and smoke it instead of that crack you're smoking.

HOW WILL PALIN FACE HARD POLITICAIN LIKE PUTIN ? HE WILL CHEW HER UP.

HOW WILL OBAMA FACE HARD POLITICAIN LIKE PUTIN ? HE WILL CHEW HIM UP.

HOW WILL PALIN FACE HARD POLITICAIN LIKE PUTIN ? HE WILL CHEW HER UP.

HOW WILL PALIN FACE HARD POLITICAIN LIKE PUTIN ? HE WILL CHEW HER UP.

Good call Cashman, Obama is just a bush pilot.

Good call Cashman, Obama is nothing more than a bush pilot.

HOW WILL PALIN FACE HARD POLITICAIN LIKE PUTIN ? HE WILL CHEW HER UP.

Oh E. J., she did visit Ireland to get a gas nozzle up her backside - sorry, refuel. Now she knows Ireland well because she felt it in the rear.

Ya she's got an 80% approval rate she just did this huge welfare check thing giving away tons of money which for some Reason I guess the Palin family double dipped on could that be the reason the Palins don't want to release their tax returns?

Just a little info from http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm
Barack Obama on Abortion
* 1990: Wrote law article that that fetus cannot sue mother. (Aug 2008)
* FactCheck: Abortions HAVE gone down under Pres. Bush. (Aug 2008)
* Ok for state to restrict late-term partial birth abortion. (Apr 2008)
* We can find common ground between pro-choice and pro-life. (Apr 2008)
* Undecided on whether life begins at conception. (Apr 2008)
* Teach teens about abstinence and also about contraception. (Apr 2008)
* GovWatch: Obama's "present" votes were a requested strategy. (Feb 2008)
* Expand access to contraception; reduce unintended pregnancy. (Feb 2008)
* Rated 100% by NARAL on pro-choice votes in 2005, 2006 & 2007. (Jan 2008)
* Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
* Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases. (Aug 2007)
* Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion. (Apr 2007)
* Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters. (Oct 2006)
* Constitution is a living document; no strict constructionism. (Oct 2006)
* Moral accusations from pro-lifers are counterproductive. (Oct 2004)
* Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill. (Jun 2004)
* Protect a woman's right to choose. (May 2004)
Voting Record
* Supports Roe v. Wade. (Jul 1998)
* Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
* Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
* Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
* Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
* Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
* Sponsored bill providing contraceptives for low-income women. (May 2006)
* Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
* Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)

Barack Obama on Budget & Economy
* Latinos & blacks are hardest hit by housing & gas crises. (Jun 2008)
* A different economic approach vs. McCain's 4 more years. (May 2008)
* Can't do anything at home with $12 billion a month on Iraq. (Feb 2008)
* Protect consumers with Credit Card Bill of Rights. (Feb 2008)
* More accountability in subprime mortgages. (Feb 2008)
* Bush stimulus plan leaves out seniors & unemployed. (Jan 2008)
* Voted against limiting credit to 30%, because 30% too high. (Jan 2008)
* Account for every single dollar for new proposed programs. (Jan 2008)
* Help the homeowners actually living in their homes. (Jan 2008)
* Bankruptcy bill pushed by banks &. (Jan 2008)
* Capping credit card interest rates at 30% is not enough. (Jan 2008)
* Lack of an energy policy is a financial burden. (Jan 2008)
* Release people in bankruptcy due to health care problems. (Jan 2008)
* I opposed both the 2001 and 2005 bankruptcy bills. (Jan 2008)
* Accountability and oversight over the financial markets. (Jan 2008)
* Modify some of the fraudulent & predatory lending practices. (Jan 2008)
* Bush & GOP dug budget hole; need years to dig out. (Dec 2007)
* Save $150 billion in tax cuts for people who don't need them. (Dec 2007)
* Take China "to the mat" about currency manipulation. (Dec 2007)
* Rejects free market vision of government. (Oct 2007)
* Regulate financial instruments to protect home mortgages. (Aug 2007)
* Government regulation needed for when markets fail. (Aug 2007)
* Return to PayGo: compensate for all new spending. (Oct 2006)
* Bush's economic policies are not working. (May 2004)
* Supports federal programs to protect rural economy. (May 2004)
* Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
* Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
* Get minorities into home ownership & global marketplace. (Jan 2001)
* Require full disclosure about subprime mortgages. (Dec 2007)
* Reform mortgage rules to prevent foreclosure & bankruptcy. (Feb 2008)

Barack Obama on Civil Rights
* Has stood together with Latino leaders for last 20 years. (Jun 2008)
* Hate crimes related to the immigration issue is unacceptable. (Feb 2008)
* People want to move beyond our divisions. (Jan 2008)
* 2004 DNC speech merged "heritage" with "diversity". (Dec 2007)
* The politics of fear undermines basic civil liberties. (Oct 2007)
* 1980s boss predicted Obama would be heir to MLK's voice. (Aug 2007)
* Racial equality good for America as a whole. (Jun 2007)
* Put the Confederate flag in a museum, not the state house. (Apr 2007)
* Muslim heritage gives Obama unique influence in Muslim world. (Oct 2006)
* No black or white America--just United States of America. (Oct 2006)
* Gays should not face discrimination but should not marry. (Oct 2004)
* Forthright on racial issues and on his civil rights history. (Jul 2004)
* Defend freedom and equality under law. (May 2004)
* Politicians: don't use religion to insulate from criticism. (Apr 2004)
* Miscegenation a felony in 1960 when Obamas practiced it. (Aug 1996)
* The civil rights movement was a success. (Aug 1996)
Affirmative Action
* Keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day's work. (Aug 2008)
* Apply affirmative action to poor white college applicants. (Apr 2008)
* Fight job discrimination to give women equal footing at jobs. (Feb 2008)
* Remove discriminatory barriers to the right to vote. (Feb 2008)
* Benefited from affirmative action but overcame via merit. (Dec 2007)
* Include class-based affirmative action with race-based. (Oct 2007)
* Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act. (Aug 2007)
* Blacks should infiltrate mainstream to affect change. (Aug 2007)
* Commitment to diversity by CEOs is advisable. (Mar 2007)
* African-Americans vote Democratic because of issue stances. (Jul 2004)
* Supports affirmative action in colleges and government. (Jul 1998)
Gay Rights
* Opposes CA Prop. 8, one-man-one-woman marriage. (Jul 2008)
* Being gay or lesbian is not a choice. (Nov 2007)
* Decisions about marriage should be left to the states. (Oct 2007)
* Homosexuality no more immoral than heterosexuality. (Oct 2007)
* Ok to expose 6-year-olds to gay couples; they know already. (Sep 2007)
* Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands? (Aug 2007)
* We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions. (Aug 2007)
* Legal rights for gays are conferred by state, not by church. (Aug 2007)
* Disentangle gay rights from the word "marriage". (Aug 2007)
* Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights. (Aug 2007)
* Gay rights movement is somewhat like civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
* Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage. (Jul 2007)
* Pass ENDA and expand hate crime legislation. (Mar 2007)
* Opposed 1996 Illinois DOMA bill. (Mar 2007)
* Supports health benefits for gay civil partners. (Oct 2006)
* Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
* Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
* Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
* Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Aug 2007)
* Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
* Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
* Ending racial profiling is part of fight for justice. (Jan 2001)
* Sponsored bill for special-needs evacuation plans. (Sep 2005)
* Sponsored bill for a Rosa Parks commemorative postage stamp. (Dec 2005)
* Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
* Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
* Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Dec 2007)
* Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)
* Reinforce anti-discrimination and equal-pay requirements. (Jan 2008)

Barack Obama on Corporations
* We still need corporate ethics & vigilant government. (Jul 2008)
* Cap the farm subsidies for Fortune 500 companies. (Dec 2007)
* End tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas. (Aug 2007)
* Hold corporations responsible for pensions & work conditions. (Aug 2007)
* Tax incentives for corporate responsibility. (Jun 2004)
* Close tax loopholes for US companies relocating abroad. (Jun 2004)
* REAL USA Plan: Reward companies that create domestic jobs. (Jun 2004)
* Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
* Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
* Prevent money laundering by disclosing corporate owners. (May 2008)

Barack Obama on Crime
* Job training for ex-offenders, to avoid return to crime. (Jul 2008)
* Reduce recidivism by providing ex-offender supports. (Feb 2008)
* Ban racial profiling & eliminate disparities in sentencing. (Feb 2008)
* Have a civil rights division enforce laws fairly and justly. (Jan 2008)
* GovWatch: No, more young black men in college than in prison. (Jan 2008)
* Lack of enforcement sets tone for more hate crimes. (Dec 2007)
* Legislated protecting police detainees during interrogation. (Nov 2007)
* Pushed Illinois bill to videotape all capital interrogations. (Oct 2007)
* No extra penalty for gang association. (Oct 2007)
* Works on ex-offender laws because it could have been him. (Aug 2007)
* Need justice that is not just us, but is everybody. (Jun 2007)
* Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment. (Oct 2006)
* Videotape all capital punishment interrogations. (Oct 2006)
* Passed 150 laws to toughen penalties for violent crime. (Oct 2004)
* Restrict police entry rules, to protect our civil liberties. (Oct 2004)
* Death penalty should be enforced fairly and with caution. (Oct 2004)
* Death penalty should not discriminate by gang membership. (Oct 2004)
* Battles legislatively against the death penalty. (Jul 2004)
* Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation. (Jul 1998)
* Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)

Barack Obama on Drugs
* Look at needle exchange; and expand treatment. (Feb 2008)
* Fight to rid our communities of meth. (Feb 2008)
* Expand drug courts; help prisoners with substance abuse. (Feb 2008)
* 2001: questions harsh penalties for drug dealing. (Oct 2007)
* Not first candidate to use drugs, but first honest about it. (Oct 2007)
* Do not lower drinking age from 21 to 18. (Sep 2007)
* Experimented with cocaine but turned down heroin. (Aug 2007)
* A "secret smoker", especially around reporters. (Aug 2007)
* Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school. (Feb 2007)
* Admitted marijuana use in high school & college. (Jan 2007)
* Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair. (Oct 2006)
* Understand why youngsters want to use drugs. (Aug 1996)
* Require chemical resellers to certify against meth use. (Sep 2007)

Barack Obama on Education
* Invest in early childhood education and higher education. (Aug 2008)
* Fight for social & economic justice begins in the classroom. (Jul 2008)
* Merit pay ok if based on career instead of a single test. (Apr 2008)
* Evolution & science aren't incompatible with Christian faith. (Apr 2008)
* Supports charter schools; it's important to experiment. (Feb 2008)
* Children's First Agenda: zero to five early education. (Feb 2008)
* $4,000 college tuition for 100 hours' public service a year. (Feb 2008)
* Put billions of dollars into early childhood education. (Jan 2008)
* Need after-school and summer programs with good parenting. (Jan 2008)
* Get parents re-engaged in educating the children. (Dec 2007)
* We need a sense of urgency about improving education system. (Sep 2007)
* Nationwide program to reconstruct crumbling school buildings. (Sep 2007)
* STEP UP: summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged. (Aug 2007)
* We left the money behind for No Child Left Behind. (Aug 2007)
* Pay "master teachers" extra, but with buy-in from teachers. (Aug 2007)
* Sends kids to private school; but wants good schools for all. (Jul 2007)
* Supreme Court was wrong on school anti-integration ruling. (Jul 2007)
* Incentives to hire a million teachers over next decade. (Jun 2007)
* Pay teachers more money & treat them like professionals. (Jun 2007)
* Cut banks out and add $4.5 Billion to college loans. (Mar 2007)
* Public school system status quo is indefensible. (Oct 2006)
* More teacher pay in exchange for more teacher accountability. (Oct 2006)
* Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education. (Jun 2006)
* Sex education needed to help children discuss molestation. (Oct 2004)
* Provide decent funding and get rid of anti-intellectualism. (Jul 2004)
* Address the growing achievement gap between students. (May 2004)
* Will add 25,000 teachers in high-need areas. (May 2004)
* Supports charter schools and private investment in schools. (Jul 1998)
* Free public college for any student with B-average. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
* First Senate bill: increase Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100. (Aug 2007)
* Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
* Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)

Barack Obama on Energy & Oil
* Drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. (Aug 2008)
* More Alaska oil & gas leases, plus new gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
* GovWatch: $150B for electric car batteries & new technology. (Jun 2008)
* GovWatch: Supports nuclear power if it's clean & safe. (Jun 2008)
* GovWatch: Opposes Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste storage. (Jun 2008)
* Gas tax holiday is a classic Washington gimmick. (May 2008)
* Voted for failed IL gas tax holiday & learned from mistake. (May 2008)
* $150B investment over 10 years to reduce oil usage by 35%. (May 2008)
* Figure out how to sequester carbon and burn clean coal. (May 2008)
* GOP right on cap-&-trade: guidelines instead of bureaucracy. (Apr 2008)
* Raise fuel efficiency standards to reduce long-term demand. (Apr 2008)
* Reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. (Feb 2008)
* FactCheck: Self-contradictory on Bush's clean-energy plan. (Jan 2008)
* Reduce the consumption of energy and be more efficient. (Jan 2008)
* Aggressively address accelerating climate change. (Dec 2007)
* Fuel efficiency and Middle East stability help on fuel costs. (Oct 2007)
* Nuclear power ok if we safeguard against waste & terrorism. (Sep 2007)
* Explore nuclear power as part of alternative energy mix. (Jul 2007)
* Cheney met environmentalists once; but Big Oil 40 times. (Jul 2007)
* Cap-and-trade carbon emissions; raise CAFE standard. (Jun 2007)
* Stop sending $800M a day to Mideast dictators for oil. (Mar 2007)
* Wants Detroit to build more hybrids & use more ethanol. (Oct 2006)
* We cannot drill our way out of our addiction to oil. (Oct 2006)
* 3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror. (Jun 2006)
* Cap-and-trade is more specific on reducing greenhouse gases. (Jan 2006)
* Conserve, develop alternative fuels, increase efficiencies. (Oct 2004)
* 20% nation's power supply from renewable sources by 2020. (Sep 2004)
* 20% renewable energy by 2020. (Jul 2004)
* Invest in alternative energy sources. (Jun 2004)
* Increase CAFE to 40 mpg. (Jun 2004)
* Tradable credits for renewable energy. (Jun 2004)
* Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply. (May 2004)
Voting Record
* Passed tax credit for installing E85 ethanol at gas stations. (Feb 2008)
* Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency. (Sep 2004)
* Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
* Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
* Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
* Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
* Sponsored bill for tax credit for providing 85% ethanol gas. (Apr 2005)
* Sponsored bill to notify public when nuclear releases occur. (Mar 2006)
* Sponsored bill raising CAFE by a 4% per year until 2018. (Jul 2006)
* Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
* Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
* Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)
* Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards. (Jan 2008)

Barack Obama on Environment
* Willing to suspend ethanol subsidy to keep food prices down. (May 2008)
* Genesis teaches stewardship of earth: sacrifice for future. (Apr 2008)
* Regulate animal feeding operations for pollution. (Feb 2008)
* Will end the notion of Yucca Mountain nuclear storage. (Jan 2008)
* Promote green technologies and fuel efficiency standards. (Dec 2007)
* Organized inner-city recycling; fought environmental racism. (Oct 2007)
* Reduce mercury and lead to protect community health. (Aug 2007)
* Protect the Great Lakes & our National Parks and Forests. (Aug 2007)
* 1985: Organized asbestos removal in Chicago housing project. (Aug 2007)
* Passed lead abatement & 24 other laws in IL Senate. (Aug 2007)
* Give Katrina contracts to locals, not to Halliburton. (Jun 2007)
* Health Care for Hybrids proposal for fuel efficiency. (Mar 2007)
* Scored 60% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
* Three months working on minority students recycling. (Aug 1996)
* Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
* Tax credit to remove lead-based housepaint. (Nov 2005)
* Establish commission to examine Katrina response. (Sep 2005)
* Sponsored health impact bill for environmental health. (Apr 2006)
* Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)

Barack Obama on Families & Children
* Help families with paid sick days and better family leave. (Aug 2008)
* Parents provide guidance by turning off TV & video games. (Jul 2008)
* Teach both abstinence and contraception to teens. (Apr 2008)
* Expand flex-work & Family and Medical Leave Act. (Feb 2008)
* Parents should control what's coming over the airwaves. (Jan 2008)
* Restore dream of making children's lives better than parents. (Dec 2007)
* All kids should learn about sexual abuse. (Jul 2007)
* FactCheck: 'Sex Ed for Kindergarten' means 'age-appropriate'. (Jul 2007)
* Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line. (Oct 2006)
* Sponsored bill banning high lead levels in children's toys. (Nov 2005)

Barack Obama on Foreign Policy
* Engage Russia regarding nuclear proliferation. (Jul 2008)
* Learned privilege of being American by living in Indonesia. (Jul 2008)
* Majored in international affairs based on living abroad. (Jul 2008)
* Moral obligation to intervene in Darfur to avoid spillover. (Jul 2008)
* Jerusalem as joint Palestinian-Israeli capital is ok. (Jul 2008)
* Meet with Cuban leaders only with agenda of US interests. (Feb 2008)
* Cuba: Loosen restrictions now; normalization later. (Feb 2008)
* Important to undo the damage of the last seven years. (Feb 2008)
* Never negotiate out of fear, and never fear to negotiate. (Jan 2008)
* Ok to postpone Pakistani elections, but not indefinitely. (Dec 2007)
* Pakistan crisis: secure nukes; continue with elections. (Dec 2007)
* President must abide by international human rights treaties. (Dec 2007)
* Obama Doctrine: ideology has overridden facts and reality. (Dec 2007)
* China is a competitor but not an enemy. (Dec 2007)
* Willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Kim Jung Il & Hugo Chavez. (Nov 2007)
* Wrote 2006 law stabilizing Congo with $52M. (Oct 2007)
* No Obama Doctrine; just democracy, security, liberty. (Oct 2007)
* Invest in our relationship with Mexico. (Sep 2007)
* Strengthen NATO to face 21st-century threats. (Aug 2007)
* $50B annually to strengthen weak states at risk of collapse. (Aug 2007)
* No "strategic ambiguity" on foreign policy issues. (Aug 2007)
* At college, protested for divestment from South Africa. (Aug 2007)
* Increased aid to Republic of Congo. (Aug 2007)
* Visited largest slum in Africa, to publicize its plight. (Aug 2007)
* My critics engineered our biggest foreign policy disaster. (Aug 2007)
* China is a competitor, but not an enemy. (Aug 2007)
* Meet with enemy leaders; it's a disgrace that we have not. (Jul 2007)
* No-fly zone in Darfur; but pay attention more in Africa. (Jun 2007)
* Europe & Japan are allies, but China is a competitor. (Apr 2007)
* Palestinian people suffer-but from not recognizing Israel. (Apr 2007)
* FactCheck: Palestinian suffering from stalled peace effort. (Apr 2007)
* U.S. needs to ameliorate trade relations with China. (Mar 2007)
* U.S. funds for humanitarian aid to Darfur. (Mar 2007)
* We cannot afford isolationism. (Mar 2007)
* Protested South African apartheid while at college. (Feb 2007)
* Focus on corruption to improve African development. (Oct 2006)
* Supports Israel's self-defense; but distrusted by Israelis. (Oct 2006)
* Visited Africa in 2006; encouraged HIV testing & research. (Oct 2006)
* Never has US had so much power & so little influence to lead. (Jul 2004)
* US policy should promote democracy and human rights. (Jul 2004)
* Sponsored aid bill to avert humanitarian crisis in Congo. (Dec 2005)
* Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations. (May 2007)
* Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO. (Jan 2008)
* Condemn violence by Chinese government in Tibet. (Apr 2008)
* Sanction Mugabe until Zimbabwe transitions to democracy. (Apr 2008)

Barack Obama on Free Trade
* Strong labor, safety, and environmental standards on trade. (Feb 2008)
* More Transition Assistance for displaced workers. (Feb 2008)
* Enforce environmental & labor provisions in trade agreements. (Jan 2008)
* Enforce existing safety laws against Chinese products. (Dec 2007)
* NAFTA needs to be amended. (Dec 2007)
* Stand firm against CAFTA for labor & environmental standards. (Aug 2007)
* Congress subsidizes megafarms & hurts family farmers. (Aug 2007)
* People don't want cheaper T-shirts if it costs their job. (Aug 2007)
* Amend NAFTA to add labor agreements. (Aug 2007)
* Reinvest in communities that are burdened by globalization. (Jun 2007)
* Insist on labor and human rights standards for China trade. (Jul 2004)
* Fair trade should have tangible benefits for US. (Jun 2004)
* Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
* Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)

Barack Obama on Government Reform
Click here for 52 full quotes on Government Reform OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.

* Eliminate government programs that no longer work. (Aug 2008)
* FactCheck: Worked with McCain on ethics, but bill fell apart. (Aug 2008)
* Lobbyists & special interests have strangle-hold on agenda. (Feb 2008)
* Consistently in favor of more disclosure around earmarks. (Feb 2008)
* Created a publicly searchable database on earmarks spending. (Feb 2008)
* Need a government that listens to the people again. (Feb 2008)
* Give D.C. the opportunity to elect its own representatives. (Feb 2008)
* Shine light on federal contracts, earmarks, & proposed bills. (Feb 2008)
* Bad idea to over-classify information. (Dec 2007)
* Bush's signing statements are a clear abuse of prerogative. (Dec 2007)
* Public submits policy ideas on Obama's "My Policy" website. (Oct 2007)
* Create "Google for Government" to track government spending. (Aug 2007)
* Prayer can't prevent disasters; good policy can handle them. (Aug 2007)
* Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
* Half of us don't vote; time for taking it back. (Jun 2007)
* Bush administration has done "great damage" to U.S. (Mar 2007)
* Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
* Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights. (Oct 2006)
* Electing US Senators empowers people: keep 17th Amendment. (Oct 2004)
* People are really ready for a message for change. (Jul 2004)
* Campaign race baiting works in both directions. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Finance Reform
* GovWatch: Promised public financing, and then retreated. (Jun 2008)
* AdWatch: I opt out of broken public campaign finance system. (Jun 2008)
* GovWatch: No, McCain & RNC don't get much money from PACs. (Jun 2008)
* Ended corporate jet travel subsidized by lobbyists. (Feb 2008)
* Never took money from federal lobbyists or their companies. (Jan 2008)
* No lobbyist money; no PAC money; fund campaigns instead. (Jan 2008)
* Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless. (Nov 2007)
* Reduced cost TV ads for candidates; $85M presidential limit. (Oct 2007)
* Ok to take $5 donations from drug company employees. (Sep 2007)
* Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)
* 1998: First law passed, 52-4, stripping legislator perks. (Aug 2007)
* 2004: Used state money for seemingly political mailing. (Aug 2007)
* No "bundled" money from federal-registered lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
* Campaigns last too long & cost too much. (Aug 2007)
* Doesn't take PAC money or federal lobbyists' money. (Jul 2007)
* People know his "bundlers" because he pushed disclosure law. (Jul 2007)
* FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
* First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
* FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
* Hopefund PAC pushes government to honor sacred commitments. (Nov 2006)
* Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money. (Oct 2006)
Voting Record
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama cast 130 "present" votes in IL Senate. (Jan 2008)
* Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
* Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
* Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
* Election reform is #1 priority to prevent disenfranchisement. (Jan 2001)
* Sponsored bill criminalizing deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
* Sponsored resolution rejecting photo ID for voting. (Sep 2005)
* Sponsored bill to post earmarks on the Internet. (Jan 2006)
* Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
* Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)

Barack Obama on Gun Control
* Ok for states & cities to determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
* Respect 2nd Amendment, but local gun bans ok. (Feb 2008)
* Provide some common-sense enforcement on gun licensing. (Jan 2008)
* 2000: cosponsored bill to limit purchases to 1 gun per month. (Oct 2007)
* Concealed carry OK for retired police officers. (Aug 2007)
* Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
* Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
* Bush erred in failing to renew assault weapons ban. (Oct 2004)
* Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
* Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)

Barack Obama on Health Care
* Give more help to those denied a life of dignity & respect. (Jul 2008)
* Guaranteed health care for anyone who needs it. (Jul 2008)
* End-of-life self-medication ok; euthanasia by others not ok. (Apr 2008)
* Hillary's plan must either be enforced, or leave out people. (Feb 2008)
* The problem with health care is about affordability. (Jan 2008)
* Subsidies to people who can't afford care--not single payer. (Jan 2008)
* Bring GOP & Dems together to make haelthcare affordable. (Jan 2008)
* FactCheck: Reducing obesity would save $18B, not $1T. (Dec 2007)
* Reforms in prevention and drug price negotiation save money. (Dec 2007)
* Tackle insurance companies on reimbursement system. (Oct 2007)
* Help young people deal with the cost of medical education. (Oct 2007)
* Morally wrong that terminally ill must consider money. (Sep 2007)
* FactCheck: Correct that insurance lobbying cost $1B. (Sep 2007)
* National smoking bans only after trying local bans. (Sep 2007)
* Reform failed in '90s because of drug company lobbying. (Jul 2007)
* Take on insurance companies; drive down health care costs. (Jun 2007)
* Address minority health needs by more coverage & targeting. (Mar 2007)
* Health care tied to balancing costs and taxes nation wide. (Jun 2006)
* Allowing seniors to bulk purchase will save taxpayers' money. (Oct 2004)
* Allow prescription drug re-importation. (May 2004)
AIDS
* Use whatever works with AIDS, including teaching abstinence. (Apr 2008)
* We need condom distribution to deal with the scourge of AIDS. (Aug 2007)
* Homophobia prevents talking about HIV/AIDS. (Jun 2007)
* Got tested for AIDS, with wife, in public, in Kenya. (Jun 2007)
* Curing AIDS must be all-hands-on-deck effort. (Mar 2007)
* Lead global fight against AIDS. (Jul 2004)
Universal Coverage
* Ban insurance companies from discriminating against the sick. (Aug 2008)
* AdWatch: My plan costs $2,500 less per family than Clinton's. (Apr 2008)
* FactCheck: Unclear if Obama's plan costs less than Clinton's. (Apr 2008)
* Universal health care means anyone who wants it can get it. (Feb 2008)
* Insurers are happy to have a mandate; issue is affordability. (Feb 2008)
* Voluntary universal participation, like in Medicare Part B. (Feb 2008)
* Mandating kids' insurance ok; mandating adults has problems. (Feb 2008)
* Young adults up to age 25 can be covered under parents' plan. (Feb 2008)
* My plan does more than anybody to reduce costs. (Feb 2008)
* My health plan does not leave 15 million people uncovered. (Feb 2008)
* Adults will get health care as they can afford it. (Feb 2008)
* AdWatch: punishing uninsured families doesn't make sense. (Feb 2008)
* FactCheck: Hillary's plan does mandate; but so does Obama's. (Feb 2008)
* No one turned away due to illness or pre-existing condition. (Feb 2008)
* Buy private insurance via National Health Insurance Exchange. (Feb 2008)
* Against enforcement mechanism for mandating insurance. (Jan 2008)
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama favored single-payer, despite denial. (Jan 2008)
* FactCheck: No, US costs are not twice as much as others. (Jan 2008)
* AdWatch: Pressure insurance & drug companies to change. (Jan 2008)
* FactCheck: OPPORTUNITY to insure all, but no GUARANTEE. (Jan 2008)
* AdWatch: Don't make it illegal not to have health care. (Jan 2008)
* Being poor in this country is hazardous to your health. (Dec 2007)
* Problem isn't mandating coverage, but affording it. (Nov 2007)
* FactCheck: Coverage plan might leave 8.5 million uninsured. (Nov 2007)
* Cautious incremental plan offers choice & subsidy. (Nov 2007)
* Added 20,000 children to Illinois healthcare. (Oct 2007)
* Government healthcare like members of Congress have. (Sep 2007)
* Increase competition in the insurance and drug markets. (Aug 2007)
* National Health Insurance Exchange for private coverage. (Aug 2007)
* Health plan cuts typical family's premium by $2,500 a year. (Jun 2007)
* Give people the choice to buy affordable health care. (Jun 2007)
* National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance. (Apr 2007)
* Employers are going to have to pay or play. (Mar 2007)
* Need political will to accomplish universal coverage. (Mar 2007)
* Healthcare system is broken without lifetime employment. (Oct 2006)
* The market alone can't solve our health-care woes. (Oct 2006)
* Focus on the affordability of a broad healthcare plan. (Jan 2006)
* Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary. (Oct 2004)
* Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few. (Sep 2004)
* Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported. (May 2004)
* Ensure access to basic care. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
* No need to mandate coverage; just let people afford it. (Jul 2007)
* Voted NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
* Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
* Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
* Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
* Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
* Increase funding for AIDS treatment & prevention. (Jan 2001)
* More funding for Rx benefits, community health, CHIPs. (Jan 2001)
* Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)
* Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn. (Apr 2008)

Barack Obama on Homeland Security
* Islam in 1970s was not opposed to West & rule of law. (Jul 2008)
* Go after al Qaeda but also shrink pool of potential recruits. (Jul 2008)
* No torture; no renditions; no operating out of fear. (Apr 2008)
* Pursue goal of a world without nuclear weapons. (Feb 2008)
* Al Qaida is stronger now than in 2001 as Iraq distracted us. (Jan 2008)
* Colleges must allow military recruiters for ROTC on campus. (Jan 2008)
* Rebuild a nuclear nonproliferation strategy. (Jan 2008)
* No presidential power for secret surveillance. (Dec 2007)
* No holding US citizens as unlawful enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
* Congress decides what constitutes torture, not president. (Dec 2007)
* No torture; defiance of FISA; no military commissions. (Dec 2007)
* Restore habeas corpus to reach Muslims abroad. (Dec 2007)
* Human rights and national security are complementary. (Nov 2007)
* Don't allow our politics to be driven by fear of terrorism. (Nov 2007)
* 2006: Obama-Lugar bill restricted conventional weapons. (Oct 2007)
* Judgment is as important as experience. (Oct 2007)
* If attacked, first help victims then prevent further attacks. (Oct 2007)
* America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions. (Sep 2007)
* Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell. (Aug 2007)
* 2005: Passed bill to reduce conventional weapon stockpiles. (Aug 2007)
* We are no safer now than we were after 9/11. (Aug 2007)
* Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus. (Jun 2007)
* Homeland security must protect citizens, not intrude on them. (Mar 2007)
* America must practice the patriotism it preaches. (Mar 2007)
* Protecting nuclear power plants is of utmost importance. (Mar 2007)
* Personal privacy must be protected even in terrorism age. (Mar 2007)
* Get first responders the healthcare and equipment they need. (Mar 2007)
* Need to be both strong and smart on national defense. (Oct 2006)
* Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules. (Oct 2006)
* Battling terrorism must go beyond belligerence vs. isolation. (Oct 2006)
* Going after Al Qaeda in Pakistan is not Bush-style invasion. (Jan 2006)
* Rebuild the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (Jan 2006)
* We are currently inspecting 3% of all incoming cargo. (Oct 2004)
* Increase funding to decommission Russian nukes. (Jul 2004)
* Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available. (Jul 2004)
* Balance domestic intelligence reform with civil liberty risk. (Jul 2004)
National Service
* Expand Peace Corps and AmeriCorps to 266,000 slots. (Feb 2008)
* Put forward a national service program. (Jan 2008)
* Give 18-year-old women opportunity to serve. (Dec 2007)
* Register women for draft, but not for combat. (Jul 2007)
Veterans
* Unacceptable to have veterans drive 250 miles to a hospital. (Feb 2008)
* Improve veterans' mental health treatment & PTSD benefits. (Feb 2008)
* Support veterans via the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act. (Aug 2007)
* Address the deficiencies in the VA system. (Jun 2007)
* The cost of the Iraq war should not shortchange VA benefits. (Jun 2007)
* Make sure the outpatient facilities work for veterans. (Jun 2007)
* Comprehensive plan for our veterans healthcare. (Mar 2007)
Voting Record
* FactCheck: Promised to repeal Patriot Act, then voted for it. (Jan 2008)
* Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
* Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
* Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
* Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
* Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
* Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
* Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
* Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
* Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
* Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
* Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
* Establish global strategy to defeat al Qaeda. (Feb 2008)

Barack Obama on Immigration
* America has nothing to fear from today's immigrants. (Jun 2008)
* We need comprehensive reform, like McCain used to support. (Jun 2008)
* Recognize the humanity of immigrants: Todos somos Americanos. (Jun 2008)
* GovWatch: Anti-immigrants fuel xenophobia, but 45% increase. (Jun 2008)
* Encourage every student to learn a second language. (Feb 2008)
* Need to look at different aspects of immigration reform. (Feb 2008)
* Have border patrolled, surveillance, and deploy technology. (Feb 2008)
* Increasing the legal fees on immigrants is not helping. (Feb 2008)
* Deporting 12 million people is ridiculous and impractical. (Feb 2008)
* Immigration raids are ineffective. (Feb 2008)
* Solve the driver's license issue with immigration reform. (Jan 2008)
* Immigrants are scapegoats for high unemployment rates. (Jan 2008)
* Support the DREAM Act for the children of illegal immigrants. (Jan 2008)
* Health plan: not enough resources for illegal immigrants. (Jan 2008)
* Illegals shouldn't work; but should have path to citizenship. (Dec 2007)
* Don't deputize Americans to turn in illegal immigrants. (Dec 2007)
* OK to provide government services in Spanish. (Dec 2007)
* Comprehensive solution includes employers & borders. (Nov 2007)
* Undocumented workers come here to work, not to drive. (Nov 2007)
* Support granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
* FactCheck: Lightning IS likelier than employer prosecution. (Nov 2007)
* Illegal immigrants' lack of ID is a public safety concern. (Oct 2007)
* Immigration system is broken for legal immigrants. (Sep 2007)
* Reform must include more border security, and border wall. (Sep 2007)
* Sanctuary cities show that feds are not enforcing law. (Sep 2007)
* Pathway to citizenship, but people have to earn it. (Aug 2007)
* Let's be a nation of laws AND a nation of immigrants. (Aug 2007)
* Do a better job patrolling the Canadian and Mexican borders. (Jun 2007)
* Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship. (Jun 2007)
* Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants. (Jul 1998)
* Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
* Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
* Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
* Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
* Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
* Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
* Comprehensive immigration reform without amnesty. (May 2005)
* Sponsored bill paying fair prevailing wage to guest workers. (May 2006)
* Provide funding for social services for noncitizens. (May 2006)
* Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

Barack Obama on Jobs
* Fight attacks on workers' right to organize & strike. (Feb 2008)
* Focus farm programs on family farms, not giant corporations. (Feb 2008)
* Paying more at Wal-Mart is worth it for having US jobs. (Dec 2007)
* Give public safety officers collective bargaining rights. (Aug 2007)
* Chief co-sponsor of IL ENDA, against gay job discrimination. (Aug 2007)
* Chicago's Soldier Field stadium construction created jobs. (Aug 2007)
* Pres. candidates can afford minimum wage; most folks can't. (Jul 2007)
* Make the minimum wage a living wage. (Jun 2007)
* Burdens of globalization are placed on the backs of workers. (Mar 2007)
* Owes unions who endorsed him; that's why he's in politics. (Oct 2006)
* Working full-time should mean enough to support a family. (Oct 2006)
* Overrode federal overtime rules and raised the minimum wage. (Sep 2004)
* Make sure that African-American men have access to jobs. (Jul 2004)
* Fund Trade Adjustment Assistance for service workers too. (Jun 2004)
* Increase IL minimum wage to $6.50 an hour. (Jun 2004)
* Tax cuts for the rich do not create jobs. (May 2004)
* Obama will strengthen unions and workers' rights. (May 2004)
* Voted NO on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
* Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
* Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
* Sponsored bill allowing an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
* Match minimum wage increases to Congressional pay raises. (May 2006)
* Extend unemployment compensation during recession. (Jan 2008)

Barack Obama on Principles & Values
* Ordinary people found the courage to keep the promise alive. (Aug 2008)
* The Ownership Society really means "you're on your own". (Aug 2008)
* Measure progress by observing how ordinary people are doing. (Aug 2008)
* Our government must keep the promise of America. (Aug 2008)
* Fulfilling America's promise means individual participation. (Aug 2008)
* To John McCain: We all put our country first. (Aug 2008)
* The Republicans make a big election about small things. (Aug 2008)
* The American promise is our greatest inheritance. (Aug 2008)
* We have to demand more from ourselves. (Jul 2008)
* GovWatch: Wears flag pin to deflect anti-patriotism critics. (Jun 2008)
* I revere the American flag; I don't refuse to wear flag pins. (Apr 2008)
* FactCheck: Yes, refused to wear a flag pin, last year. (Apr 2008)
* Actions can be seen in 20 years of my public service. (Feb 2008)
* Suggesting that I plagiarized Deval Patrick is silly. (Feb 2008)
* Wouldn't be running if I didn't think I was prepared. (Feb 2008)
* Don't seat MI & FL delegates; they're based on non-campaign. (Feb 2008)
* FactCheck: Ranked most liberal in Senate, based on 99 votes. (Feb 2008)
* The Clinton years were undeniably better than the Bush years. (Jan 2008)
* Turn the page on the failed politics & policies of the past. (Jan 2008)
* FactCheck: Obama praised GOP for having ideas, not GOP ideas. (Jan 2008)
* Objected to Republican ideas; did not compliment them. (Jan 2008)
* Made the right decisions that were not politically popular. (Jan 2008)
* Ran for Congress in 2000 & lost. (Nov 2007)
* Gave away all Rezko "boneheaded" donations to charity. (Nov 2007)
* 2 years older than JFK when JFK ran for president. (Nov 2007)
* On "inexperience": he wrote policy books that media ignores. (Oct 2007)
* Don't know if life beyond earth; focus on life here on earth. (Oct 2007)
* Registered 150,000 young Chicago area black voters in 1992. (Oct 2007)
* Criticizes voter cynicism from decades of disappointment. (Oct 2007)
* Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
* The Plan: Raise Obama's profile, including African adventure. (Aug 2007)
* Assigned RFK's Senate desk; invokes RFK regularly. (Feb 2007)
* Hopefund PAC donated $500K to Democratic Senate candidates. (Nov 2006)
* Convention speech understood country yearns for unity. (Oct 2006)
* Post-1960s politics more about moral attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
* Americans dislike partisanship--not solution like Dems think. (Oct 2006)
* Enlist the American people in the process of self-government. (Jan 2006)
* Unflinching progressive but ok to downstate conservatives. (Jul 2004)
* Be strong or be clever and make peace. (Aug 1996)
* Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Themes
* We're more decent & compassionate than last 8 years. (Aug 2008)
* The destiny of all Americans is inextricably linked. (Aug 2008)
* ¡Sí, se puede! Yes, we can!. (Jun 2008)
* Go beyond the divisions so that the government can work. (Feb 2008)
* Life experiences taught me how to bring people together. (Feb 2008)
* People understand we must bring the country together. (Feb 2008)
* I have shown the right judgment to lead. (Feb 2008)
* Labels like "most liberal" prevent problem-solving. (Feb 2008)
* Overcome politics of demonizing opponents. (Jan 2008)
* Focus on Iraq, revising presidential power, and healthcare. (Dec 2007)
* If you join me I promise you we can change America. (Dec 2007)
* Resounds with American theme of overcoming burden of history. (Nov 2007)
* Cultivates comparison to Jack Kennedy. (Nov 2007)
* Campaigns assiduously in black churches. (Nov 2007)
* Viral video "I Got a Crush on Obama" by Obama Girl. (Nov 2007)
* Community politics: merges Alinsky & political activism. (Oct 2007)
* Apply lessons from both Goldwater and McGovern. (Oct 2007)
* Invites supporters to join him on "This Improbable Quest". (Oct 2007)
* Resolve "most electable" vs."most progressive" by being both. (Oct 2007)
* Turn the page: invite GOP & independents to join in agenda. (Sep 2007)
* Seen as both critical outsider and establishment insider. (Aug 2007)
* People have an urgent desire for change in Washington. (Jul 2007)
* A "hopemonger", having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
* Washington can change if we say: Yes we can. (Mar 2007)
* Replace partisan bickering with politics of hope. (Feb 2007)
* On cover of Time magazine, about his book & presidency. (Oct 2006)
* Portrayed as a multiplier instead of a divider. (Oct 2006)
* Progressives should recognize common morality with religion. (Oct 2006)
* "Audacity of Hope" to change politics to reflect common good. (Oct 2006)
* Seek common ground, not a moral crusade. (Oct 2004)
* Offer real hope-not blind optimism-to the American people. (Jul 2004)
* I'm living my parents' dreams and the American dream. (Jul 2004)
* Greatness based on Declaration of Independence, not military. (Jul 2004)
* We are one people all defending the United States of America. (Jul 2004)
* Want common-sense solutions, not liberal-conservative labels. (Jul 2004)
Past Campaigns
* Campaigning on change from the bottom up that King stood for. (Jan 2008)
* 1990: Elected Law Review president with conservative support. (Aug 2007)
* State Senate opponents disqualified on technicality. (Aug 2007)
* Lost campaign for US Congress against Bobby Rush in 2000. (Aug 2007)
* Senate 2004 campaign theme: "Yes we can". (Aug 2007)
* 2004: Won Senate seat against Alan Keyes, 70%-29%. (Aug 2007)
* Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)
* Ryan quits Senate race amid sex scandal allegations. (Jun 2004)
Personal History
* GovWatch: "Worked his way thru college" meant 2 summer jobs. (Jul 2008)
* FactCheck: Took Rezko's donations, but never represented him. (Jan 2008)
* "Dreams From My Father" is an archetypal search. (Dec 2007)
* Obama REPRESENTS something; doesn't have to DO anything. (Dec 2007)
* Won Grammy for recording "Dreams from My Father". (Nov 2007)
* Real estate deal with felon was "boneheaded" but ethical. (Oct 2007)
* First major politician of the post-Baby Boom generation. (Oct 2007)
* Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 2007)
* High school jock--played football as defensive lineman. (Aug 2007)
* Goal as youth: Leave the world a better place. (Aug 2007)
* Planned on presidency since well before 2004 Convention. (Aug 2007)
* Dreams from My Father originally about Harvard Law Review. (Aug 2007)
* Favorite authors: E. L. Doctorow & Shakespeare. (Aug 2007)
* To understand Obama, understand Hawaii's cultural mix. (Aug 2007)
* Father was first African exchange student at U. Hawaii. (Aug 2007)
* Met Michelle Robinson at law firm; married in 1990. (Aug 2007)
* A reformed smoker but occasionally burns one. (Mar 2007)
* Traces ancestry to Jefferson Davis, President of Confederacy. (Feb 2007)
* Personal story is basis of political desire to unite. (Feb 2007)
* Greeted as hero on visit to ancestral Kenya. (Feb 2007)
* Father died in car crash before Barack got to know him. (Feb 2007)
* Born in Hawaii; lives on Chicago's South Side. (Nov 2006)
* Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him "Barry". (Oct 2006)
* First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
* Mother attacked for playing with a black girlfriend. (Aug 1996)
* Poverty of political organizers was proof of their integrity. (Aug 1996)
Racism & Race
* Rev. Wright and flag pins re distractions from real issues. (Apr 2008)
* FactCheck: William Ayres never killed anyone with bombs. (Apr 2008)
* Clinton earned a great relationship with African-Americans. (Jan 2008)
* Intertwined search for father and racial identity. (Dec 2007)
* A Bound Man: inner turmoil of 1960s black nationalism. (Dec 2007)
* Rooted in African-American community but also more than that. (Dec 2007)
* Embodies smothering racial power in individual democracy. (Dec 2007)
* More influenced by his race than public perceives. (Dec 2007)
* In college, rejected multiracialism for black identity. (Dec 2007)
* Whites sense that Barack grants them "benefit of the doubt". (Dec 2007)
* Fans see Obama as opportunity to vote for redemption. (Dec 2007)
* Balancing "challenger" for blacks & "bargainer" for whites. (Dec 2007)
* Bradley effect: black candidates poll above actual votes. (Oct 2007)
* Veiled racism in dismissing Obama as "unqualified". (Oct 2007)
* Catching a cab, no one questions he's "authentically black". (Jul 2007)
* Issue of race has given Senate a black eye. (Mar 2007)
* Candidacy taken seriously despite his race or because of it? (Oct 2006)
* Convention keynote speech highlights party's black targeting. (Jul 2004)
* America's race and class problems are intertwined. (Aug 1996)
* Biracial heritage has caused identity crisis. (Aug 1996)
* There is some hope of eventual reconciliation between races. (Aug 1996)
* Racism wasn't merely the cruelty involved, but arrogance too. (Aug 1996)
Religion
* FactCheck: Did not say "I will stand with the Muslims". (Aug 2008)
* GovWatch: never a Muslim, but school listed him as Muslim. (Jun 2008)
* I joined church to commit to Christ, not to Rev. Wright. (May 2008)
* In hard times, people take refuge in traditions, God & guns. (Apr 2008)
* I am a person of faith; and I reach out to people of faith. (Apr 2008)
* Blacks are angry; but I dissociate myself from Rev. Wright. (Apr 2008)
* Religion is foundational; not clinging nor elitist. (Apr 2008)
* Rev. Jeremiah Wright helped bring me to Christianity. (Apr 2008)
* Exposure to Islam taught me that Muslims can partner with us. (Apr 2008)
* I am a proud Christian who believes deeply in Jesus Christ. (Jan 2008)
* Despite attack email, pledges Allegiance & uses Bible. (Jan 2008)
* Attends church with press, to dispel rumors that he's Muslim. (Dec 2007)
* Joined church that emphasized a "Black Value System". (Dec 2007)
* Madrassa myth perpetuated by false email & fabricated story. (Oct 2007)
* Uses prayer to take stock of his moral compass. (Oct 2007)
* Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square. (Sep 2007)
* Active in the Trinity faith community. (Aug 2007)
* Carries Bible on campaign trail, & refers to it weekly. (Aug 2007)
* Embrace Christ as an ally. (Mar 2007)
* Source of his book title "Audacity of Hope" was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
* Raised secular, but with working knowledge of world religion. (Oct 2006)
* Baptized as an adult in the Trinity United Church of Christ. (Oct 2006)
* Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values. (Oct 2006)
* There's a call to evangelize in politics. (Apr 2004)
* I'm a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
* Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)
Voting Record
* Biggest mistake was intruding in Terri Schiavo case. (Apr 2007)
* Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
* Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
* Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
* Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
* Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Barack Obama on Social Security
* Raise cap on payroll tax for 3% of earners over $102,000. (Apr 2008)
* Raise $97K cap on payroll tax exempting earnings under $250K. (Apr 2008)
* Must capture new revenue; no new Social Security Comission. (Apr 2008)
* Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security. (Feb 2008)
* FactCheck: Removing $97,500 cap would be $1.3T tax increase. (Nov 2007)
* Cutting benefits & raising retirement age are wrong answers. (Nov 2007)
* The wealthy should pay a bit more on the payroll tax. (Oct 2007)
* Privatization puts retirement at whim of stock market. (Sep 2007)
* Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security. (Aug 2007)
* No privatization; but consider earning cap over $97,500. (Jul 2007)
* Stock market risk is ok, but not for Social Security. (Oct 2006)
* Raise the cap on the payroll tax on wealthy individuals. (Jan 2006)
* $2000 tax credit for Working Families Savings Accounts. (Jul 2004)
* Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)

Barack Obama on Tax Reform
* Tax cut for 95% of all working families, not corporations. (Aug 2008)
* Tax cut for middle class and relief to struggling homeowners. (Jul 2008)
* Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit. (Jul 2008)
* GovWatch: didn't vote to raise taxes 94 times; at most 54. (Jul 2008)
* I'm running against failed policy of profligate GOP spending. (May 2008)
* I will raise CEO taxes, no doubt about it. (May 2008)
* Under Bill Clinton, rich people didn't feel oppressed. (Apr 2008)
* No tax increase if earning under $250K; tax cuts under $75K. (Apr 2008)
* Raise capital gains tax for fairness, not for revenue. (Apr 2008)
* Tax cut for seniors and those making $75,000 a year or less. (Feb 2008)
* I'm not bashful about it: wealthy will pay more taxes. (Jan 2008)
* Stimulus package: $500 tax cut, & Social Security supplement. (Jan 2008)
* Restore progressive tax; close loopholes; relief to seniors. (Oct 2007)
* Trillion dollar giveaway: the Paris Hilton Tax Break. (Oct 2007)
* Reduce Bush tax cuts to pay for health care & other programs. (Jun 2007)
* Estate tax only affects the wealthiest 1/2 of 1%. (Oct 2006)
* Specific tax relief for families making $75,000 or less now. (Jan 2006)
* Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class. (Jun 2004)
* Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore. (Jun 2004)
* Last thing we need now is a permanent tax cut. (Jan 2008)
* Voted YES on increasing tax rate for people earning over $1 million. (Mar 2008)
* Voted NO on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset. (Mar 2008)
* Voted NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
* Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
* Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
* Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
* Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
* Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
* Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
* Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
* Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)

Barack Obama on Technology
* Incentives for next-generation broadband in every community. (Feb 2008)
* Increase funding for math and science research & education. (Oct 2007)
* Airlines got into trouble after deregulation. (Oct 2007)
* Organizes campaign events via MySpace.com and FaceBook.com. (Oct 2007)
* JFK inspired with space program; now same with energy R&D. (Sep 2007)
* Increase funding for basic research; expand broadband access. (Aug 2007)
* As Senate freshman spoke out on Katrina ramifications. (Aug 2007)
* $42B more in university-based R&D. (Oct 2006)
* Invest on transportation and clean coal technology projects. (Oct 2004)
* Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)
* Close digital divide with high-tech training. (Jan 2001)
* Ensure net neutrality: no corporate-tiered Internet. (Jan 2007)
* Create online database of science & math scholarships. (Dec 2007)
* Website for competitive federal awards. (Jun 2008)
* Overturn FCC approval of media consolidation. (Mar 2008)

Barack Obama on War & Peace
Iraq War
* You don't defeat a terrorist network by occupying Iraq. (Aug 2008)
* I will only send our troops into harm's way when necessary. (Aug 2008)
* $10 billion a month spent in Iraq should be spent in the US. (Jul 2008)
* President sets Iraq mission; Generals then implement tactics. (Apr 2008)
* President sets Iraq mission; give generals a new mission. (Apr 2008)
* $2.7 billion each week of Iraq spending is unsustainable. (Feb 2008)
* Humanitarian aid now for displaced Iraqis. (Feb 2008)
* FactCheck: Overstated displaced Iraqis; actually 4.2 million. (Feb 2008)
* The Iraq war has undermined our security. (Jan 2008)
* Iraq is distracting us from a host of global threats. (Jan 2008)
* End the war, and end the mindset that got us into war. (Jan 2008)
* The Iraq war was conceptually flawed from the start. (Jan 2008)
* Title of Iraq war authorization bill stated its intent. (Jan 2008)
* Get our troops out by the end of 2009. (Jan 2008)
* No permanent bases in Iraq. (Jan 2008)
* FactCheck: No, violence in Iraq is LOWER than 2 years ago. (Jan 2008)
* Congress decides deployment level & duration, not president. (Dec 2007)
* Surge strategy has made a difference in Iraq but failed. (Nov 2007)
* Leave troops for protection of Americans & counterterrorism. (Sep 2007)
* Hopes to remove all troops from Iraq by 2013, but no pledge. (Sep 2007)
* Tell people the truth: quickest is 1-2 brigades per month. (Sep 2007)
* No good options in Iraq--just bad options & worse options. (Aug 2007)
* Be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. (Jul 2007)
* We live in a more dangerous world because of Bush's actions. (Jun 2007)
* Case for war was weak, but people voted their best judgment. (Jun 2007)
* War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment. (Apr 2007)
* Open-ended Iraq occupation must end: no military solution. (Apr 2007)
* Saddam is a tyrant but not a national security threat. (Mar 2007)
* Iraq 2002: ill-conceived venture; 2007: waste of resources. (Feb 2007)
* Saddam did not own and was not providing WMD to terrorists. (Oct 2004)
* Iraq War has made US less safe from terrorism. (Oct 2004)
* Invading Iraq was a bad strategic blunder. (Oct 2004)
* Democratizing Iraq will be more difficult than Afghanistan. (Oct 2004)
* Never fudge numbers or shade the truth about war. (Jul 2004)
* Set a new tone to internationalize the Iraqi reconstruction. (Jul 2004)
* Iraq war was sincere but misguided, ideologically driven. (Jul 2004)
* Not opposed to all wars, but opposed to the war in Iraq. (Jul 2004)
* International voice in Iraq in exchange for debt forgiveness. (Jul 2004)
Trouble Spots
* McCain says he'd follow Laden to hell; but not to his cave? (Aug 2008)
* Iran is biggest strategic beneficiary of invasion of Iraq. (May 2008)
* Military surge in Afghanistan to eliminate the Taliban. (May 2008)
* Take no options off the table if Iran attacks Israel. (Apr 2008)
* Two-state solution: Israel & Palestine side-by-side in peace. (Feb 2008)
* Al Qaida is based in northwest Pakistan; strike if needed. (Jan 2008)
* No action against Iran without Congressional authorization. (Dec 2007)
* Iran: Bush does not let facts get in the way of ideology. (Dec 2007)
* Meet directly for diplomacy with the leadership in Iran. (Nov 2007)
* Committed to Iran not having nuclear weapons. (Oct 2007)
* Iran military resolution sends the region a wrong signal. (Oct 2007)
* Deal with al Qaeda on Pakistan border, but not with nukes. (Aug 2007)
* Military action in Pakistan if we have actionable intel. (Aug 2007)
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama said invade Pakistan to get al Qaeda. (Aug 2007)
* Focus on battle in Afghanistan and root out al Qaeda. (Jun 2007)
* Bush cracked down on some terrorists' financial networks. (Jun 2007)
* Iraq has distracted us from Taliban in Afghanistan. (Apr 2007)
* Iran with nuclear weapons is a profound security threat. (Apr 2007)
* We did the right thing in Afghanistan. (Mar 2007)
* We are playing to Osama's plan for winning a war from a cave. (Oct 2006)
* Al Qaida is stronger than before thanks to the Bush doctrine. (Jan 2006)
* Terrorists are in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran. (Oct 2004)
* Problems with current Israeli policy. (Jul 2004)
* Engage North Korea in 6-party talks. (Jul 2004)
* Use moral authority to work towards Middle East peace. (Jul 2004)
Voting Record
* Voted to fund war until 2006; now wants no blank check. (Nov 2007)
* Late to vote against war is not late to oppose war. (Jun 2007)
* Spending on the Cold War relics should be for the veterans. (Jun 2007)
* Would have voted no to authorize the President to go to war. (Jul 2004)
* Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
* Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
* Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)

Barack Obama on Welfare & Poverty
* Still denying decent wages, good benefits, & fair treatment. (Jul 2008)
* AdWatch: Fought for workers from college thru Senate. (Jul 2008)
* GovWatch: Welfare laws he "passed" were federally mandated. (Jul 2008)
* Cut poverty in half in 10 years, with faith-based help. (Apr 2008)
* Create 20 Promise Neighborhoods in high-poverty cities. (Feb 2008)
* 1980s: Director of the Developing Communities Project. (Oct 2007)
* Stop Fraud Act: full disclosure in subprime lending. (Sep 2007)
* Engages people of faith on all aspects of his public service. (Aug 2007)
* Saw dire poverty as a child in Indonesia. (Aug 2007)
* 1985: Launched project to give voice to disempowered. (Aug 2007)
* Ownership Society is another term for "Social Darwinism". (Aug 2007)
* Community organizer on Chicago's South Side. (Feb 2007)
* Black churches minister to social needs out of necessity. (Oct 2006)
* Welfare receipts know how to become successful but need help. (Jul 2004)
* $100M increase in IL Earned Income Tax Credit. (Jun 2004)
* Inner city problems are the painful truths. (Aug 1996)
* Exorcise the ghostly figure that haunts black dreams. (Aug 1996)
* Develop a strategy to eliminate extreme global poverty. (Dec 2007)

As long as you Palin-supporters are so active here, would someone please explain Palin's answer to me?

GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions, particularly in the last couple of weeks, does the proximity of the state give you?

PALIN: They're our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.

In what way does that even begin to answer the question?

Even here in Australia I know she never said she went to Iraq. If the Democrat were not worried about her none of this garbage would raise its ugly head. If I was a Republican I would be excited about the furore Governor Sarah Palin has got the whole Democrat party into. When reporters have to raise such absolute nonsense as this article raises then they have no question of substance.I can understand why Joe Biden does not worry the Republican party as Sarah Palin worries the Democrats.

Makes no sense?
Ready without a blink of an eye to lead this country but cant handle a press conference?

Sure Keep fooling yourselves but guess what
Celebs can even handle those.

Had to go up to Alaska to Campaign for those crucial votes???

We get it Republicans can do it to weeeee.. Please do not vote for this ticket it is a disaster ready to happen and everyone knows it. Thats why she cant answer Questions on her own accord. Her qualifications now seem to be a breathing talking body.

Didn't Palin go to a Junior College for most of her Education? I heard she graduated from an open enrollment university. Education in her case is not important, is that correct? Bush bought his grades from Yale, didn't he? He's still the dumbest Prez ever. McCain may have some cognitive issues for sure. He isn't too bright, correct? Ditto heads are pretty uneducated folks right? Is there a pattern to American Politics that we could generalize about?
================================
Sarah Palin still needs to be vetted for even a Junior College degree, BUT right now, she is taking a CRASH COURSE on "Vicepresidency for Dummies".

A pig in a poke

Meaning: An offering or deal that is foolishly accepted without being examined first.

Origin: 'Don't buy a pig in a poke' might seem odd and archaic language. It's true that the phrase is very old, but actually it can be taken quite literally and remains good advice.

The advice being given is 'don't buy a pig until you have seen it'. This is enshrined in British commercial law as 'caveat emptor' - Latin for 'let the buyer beware'.

It is pretty obvious that this woman, Palin, will do anything even grossly lie to get ahead. However, the whole truth will come out and will further embarass the McCain campaing!!! Nothing is new when it concerns the dirty games the Republicans play, they just play dirty.....

jade/indy for mccain -

How was Obama disrespectful to Hillary? If anything I strongly feel it was the other way around. She played the fear card with white, middle aged and senior voters shamelessly to her advantage. In fact, just the way the Palin-McCain campaign is now doing. You can't win on issues, win on fear.

For full discloser, being non party affiliated as I am means in my state I cannot participate in the primaries so I voted for none of the above and had no particular leaning one way or the other.

Lets be real about this, Palin on her introduction to the American people(all forty million),lied numerous times. We all know that now and we will probably know a lot more before all is said and done. The big problem is John McCain and his handlers for not vetting Palin, or for trying to put one over on us. It's time the American people got angry as hell, and are not going to take it any more. The only way to do that is to stay focused on the issues, and stop being distracted,which is exactly what they want.I think it's obvious to most by now that we don't need a "CHATTY CATHY" in the White House that they can wind up and tell us anything they want. Whatever happened to Jonn McCain and "PUT THE COUNTRY FIRST"?

* FactCheck: Abortions HAVE gone down under Pres. Bush. (Aug 2008)
-----------------------------------
And FATALITIES and crippling of our soldiers, and of those who WERE NOT ANY THREAT TO US have INCREASED by the THOUSANDS due to war in Iraq, and so has the Nation's misery.

This talking point that the press is worried about Palin is hilarious. Are you guys getting paid by the post? When you're a liar, even a timid press has to eventually call you out on it.

ps. You need to tell your masters to come up with different talking points for you to post to editorials rather than straight news stories. It doesn't quite translate.

Hey Not Jumping to Conclusions where is the one for McLame?

Joe C from Austin -

You should just ignore most of them, especially the ones who do the long copy and paste from Neo-Conjob web sites and blogs, they get paid by the post. The same couple of people are all over the WP blogs. Even when they change their ids, it is still obvious who they are.

The Democrats keep pushing this 'What if McCain dies' story, well 'What if Obama lives'? I would feel much safer with President Palin.

As an interested outsider watching this fascinating election I hope I’ve got the issues right…I’m sure someone without any bias will correct me if my analysis is a bit wrong.

The Republican Party has nominated John McCain to replace a Republican administration that he says is wasteful and is a ‘business as usual’ group of Washington insiders. He has been a part of the Washington inside for decades and not really made much fuss except to complain about candidate funding.

He delivered an acceptance speech that was almost identical to the one that George W. Bush delivered in 2000, promising change, an end to cronyism and a cross party administration. This being the one that gave the world Dick Cheney and the Neo-Cons.

John McCain has chosen a running mate who was quoted as saying that you don’t need to be an expert on foreign affairs to control foreign affairs. Is it true then that the USA doesn’t need an expert on finance to run the department of Commerce, an expert on transport to run transport etc? If you end up with a group of theologically driven ideologues running the Nation then that’s what you’ve got in Iran.

She says that it would be OK to engage in a global nuclear war with Russia to defend Georgia. Has she ever heard of Mutually Assured Destruction? A global nuclear war (and there can be no other between the USA and Russia) would destroy most of the cities of both the USA and Russia and would also wipe out the Georgians who are being defended, as well as most of Europe. The planet would be rendered inhabitable for hundreds of years in a nuclear winter and most of you and me will be dead from radiation sickness. Is this the grand plan to bring about the mythological ‘Rapture’? If so then no-one has asked my permission to take this step.

Why is it that there is so much focus on personalities rather than party politics? Surely leaders must be judged on their capacity to make complex decisions and not just have a set of beliefs. Nothing in the world has ever been changed simply because someone believed it should be changed, you actually need skilled planning and implementation.

I eagerly await the Right to blast me as not having the right to comment on internal US affairs (bit like the Chinese do) and the Left to blast me for not being ideological enough.

Our soldiers would not be dead if the people so concerned with killing them had any humanity. War is not one sided.

Dave: Obama has been being grilled and attaced by Hannity, et al, for more than a year. nothing new to say.

musing: none of the travel matter a bit. McCain dropped the whole experience thing when he picked her. the problem is that Palin keeps making bogus claims about her experience. I don't care that she hasn't been to Iraq, it's no big deal. Just don't make up a visit that didn't happen.

tiredofit: so Obama should agree to the town halls so that McCain will stop his despicable ads? that's blackmail. I couldn't believe that was McCain's defense to his attack ads. he practically said he was retaliating.

Anonymous: even Karl Rove said McCain's ads were over the line, and McCain has lost his convention bounce in the polls largely as a result of the fact that people are finding the McCain attack ads enlightening as to McCain's complete lack of integrity.

"Take some classes on economics. If you want to be a socialist- move to Europe and stand in line for your doctor for 5 months!"
????
Well, tell THAT to our neighbor here who's back from Iraq, NOT in one piece, and THE type of medical treatment he is getting: NONE!

Posted by: El Mugroso | September 15, 2008 1:52 AM

Reply to El Mugroso:

Hey Smartie, I am proud of all of our men and women in uniform and respect heroes like your neighbor and heroes like John McCain!!!

Military service in this great country is "voluntary" - no one put a gun on anybody's head to join. What were they thinking when they joined? That they will just be getting paid to sit at a base - at all times - while also getting free tuition and other benefits? In the risk of sounding insensitive to our wounded soldiers, I will say this, "I am sick and tired of the myth that we send our young people to die". I am sorry, but no one has sent anybody to die...our servicemen made that decision when they joined the military.

I have had relatives, who died fighting side by side with American heroes during WWII - of course perhaps you may have never even heard of "D-Day" or perhaps you may have never visited the American cemetery in Normandy...

Go McCain-Palin!!!!!!

Not Jumping to Conclusions -

Nice list, now how about also providing the sources? Anyone can post anything and claim it to be true. And I don't mean from a Neo-Conjob blog either.

I know for a fact some of her "accomplishments" were actually Democratic proffered legislation. Some where to against her desire but the State of Alaska would have faced law suites otherwise, and many of them are legislative initiatives which many if not most of the lower 48 already have on the books.

You might want to do some digging into the Pipeline to Nowhere. Her buddies up on the North Slope have her over a barrel on that one. TransCanada will never end up building it under the current deal she negotiated.

Sydney, you do understand that the Obama has also stated that he would approve of Georgia's induction into NATO right? If Georgia is a member state of NATO, then by definition we would be by there side in their defense of aggressors. Sarah Palin has stated that she is of the beleif that Georgia should be a member state of NATO, so I guess that means that Barack Obama would be willing to insitute MAD also then wouldn't it. Unless of course you have a quote from Palin about nuking Russia, and I'm certain that you don't.

The press is in the tank for McCain, with apologies to EJ D. I am sorry, but this has been a comedy act...

You people realize that she is against birth control right?

So, enjoy having a night out with your wife of x amount of years, knowing she might get pregnant the same time your college kid is..

I am 50, on the pill, 6 kids and one grandbaby on the way. My husband sorta kinda drifted towards McCain until Palin's speech. He is in my court now, asking me if our daughters were on the pill and if were still paying for it, than he looks to me and said "Uhm yeah, I don't think we need anymore kids"

I am going to open a black market with the pill and condoms people. Hear Ya Hear Ya, get them cheap here. OMG< Get real people. She is one cancer mole away from being the PRESIDENT. For god sake.

Tokyo2nite wrote:

And FWIW, the WaPo's editorial board with Fred Hiatt presiding, has been solidly pro-Bush.
------------------
I'm not one to post in these blogs, but I read this quote from Tokyo2nite and I just about fell out of my chair. There has been nothing pro-Bush or pro-Republican written in the the past 8 years.

Palin wouldn't tell this lie and Biden would plagiarize it into one of his speeches.

Natasha, good point, I guess that if I took a job as an infantryman, or a tank commander, or a gunner, I should be expected to do my job. Hmmm... AND I volunteered for it!

I have had relatives, who died fighting side by side with American heroes during WWII - of course perhaps you may have never even heard of "D-Day" or perhaps you may have never visited the American cemetery in Normandy...

Go McCain-Palin!!!!!!

Posted by: Natasha

------------------------------------------

Yeah well, my father was a Purple Heart recipient and nearly died in WWII and he was one of my heroes. He thought McCain was a phony and couldn't stand the guy.

Whether someone volunteered, is a member of the National Guard or was drafted in an earlier and probably so to be time, they deserve the best medical care this country has to offer. There is no imaginable or justifiable excuse for the treatment many of our vets are receiving when they come home from Iraq. His neighbor's story is far from an isolated event.

Military service in this great country is "voluntary" - no one put a gun on anybody's head to join. What were they thinking when they joined? That they will just be getting paid to sit at a base - at all times - while also getting free tuition and other benefits? etc. -Natasha-
==============================
"It's voluntary" is a LIE. Many of us got drafted into the foolishness of the Viet-Nam war and several of my direct acquaintances and friends DIED THERE. It was MANDATORY DRAFT.
-On the other hand, Bush, the "commander in chief" just sits on his but and "gives-up" playing golf "as a sacrifice for the Nation" while over 4,0000 young lads have DIED and THOUSANDS have been crippled in response to a War BASED ON LIES.

I can't believe I just read a "post" from a 50 year old using "OMG" in it.

Anon, it is a shame that you lost friends in Vietnam, but this is not Vietnam. There is no draft and has not been for a long time, this standing army IS a volunteer army, and they CHOSE TO ENLIST.

Sydney, you do understand that the Obama has also stated that he would approve of Georgia's induction into NATO right? If Georgia is a member state of NATO, then by definition we would be by there side in their defense of aggressors. Sarah Palin has stated that she is of the beleif that Georgia should be a member state of NATO, so I guess that means that Barack Obama would be willing to insitute MAD also then wouldn't it. Unless of course you have a quote from Palin about nuking Russia, and I'm certain that you don't.

Posted by: truthseeker

-------------------------------------------

Well except you omit one salient point which even Bush, Cheney and Rice know, the Georgian president provoked and flung the door open for the Russians. Sure they were just looking for an excuse, and he gave it to them. He was warned and he still did it. Would you push the button under those circumstances? Unfortunately now the Georgian people suffer from the acts of someone who I fear is a fine example of Palin's restraint. No, not a shred of proof, just intuition. What about McCain? He's made himself irrelevant, its the Palin-McCain ticket now and he knows it.

I'd rather wait 5 months than never see a doctor because it'd bankrupt me.

You know, there's a really easy way to settle all these questions about whether Sarah Palin knows anything or has enough experience/talent/ability to be one of our country's (and one of the world's) leaders.

She could meet with real reporters in a real press conference and answer questions that she hasn't spent two weeks "studying" for. Every other leader in the world does this, and the smarter, better ones do it regularly. It's part of their job. They don't demand to be treated with deference. News flash: We're not their royal subjects. And neither is the press. Journalists ask questions on our behalf. When politicians refuse to talk to reporters, then they're refusing to answer to us. I sincerely doubt that anyone gives a fig about her kids now. She's given us plenty of other things to wonder about.

If Sarah Palin doesn't have the skills, the courage, or the knowledge to undergo something so fundamental as a press conference, then why on earth would we elect her as part of this ticket? Would you buy a car you haven't driven and don't know anything about? Would marry someone that somebody else picked out for you? Would you REALLY elect someone as a leader of the free world without bothering to find out more about her record, her ideas, her background?

McCain is asking us to trust him on his impulsive blind date. That alone tells me his judgment is terrible. But the unceasing string of flat-out lies, exaggerations, distortions, and evasions large and small that have undeniably emerged from the Palin/McCain campaign in the past two weeks tells me that we're dealing with a paper cut-out doll with a doctorate in BS.

And frankly, I'm insulted as an American that I'm expected to shut up, not ask questions, and not wonder why they're hiding her away and whether she can handle herself in anything beyond a pep rally and an interview during which she trotted out canned answers, confusing doubletalk, and some statements that just plain did not make sense. As an Alaskan, I'm just flat-out embarrassed.

The McCain campaign is clearly afraid to let Palin off their leash. Any reasonable person, no matter what party, would surely wonder what they are so afraid that we will find out.

And comparing her press treatment with that of Clinton, Biden, Obama or even McCain is just plain stupid. Anyone with a brain has had the past year, even two years, to do some reading, some listening, some research, and some thinking. Don't tell me that the charade we're now asked to accept is anywhere near that level of scrutiny. It's beyond laughable.

Up here in Alaska, we have LOTS of questions we'd like her to answer--truthfully, that is. She promised Alaskans a transparent government, and she promised us that she would cooperate with the Legislature's investigation of Troopergate, and now she's refusing to cooperate and she's all lawyered up. She's withholding 1100 emails based on "executive privilege," some of which were copied to Todd Palin, whom we did not elect. He was just subpoenaed. This whole affair has nothing to do with the trooper; it has everything to do with abuse of power. Do you really want an elected leader who uses her office to carry out personal vendettas?

But if you're fine with your elected leaders looking people right in the eye and lying to them, then Palin's for you. That's one part of her record that is transparent. So just close your eyes and vote.

Quote: "As long as you Palin-supporters are so active here, would someone please explain Palin's answer to me?

GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions, particularly in the last couple of weeks, does the proximity of the state give you?

PALIN: They're our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.

In what way does that even begin to answer the question?"

Posted by: Joe C from Austin | September 15, 2008 2:25 AM

Reply to Joe C from Austin:

If you knew anything about geopolitical issues you would have understood her answer. Of course, what she meant is that due to the proximity of Alaska to Russia (yes you can see Russia from Alaska) our Defense/military contigencies up there are different than in any other state.

I am sure she was not about to reveal sensitive "top secret" - national security related information to Charlie Gibson, you and, me! Her answer - as stupid as it may have sounded to you - was most appropriate. Unless of course, you wanted her to tell you what she knows - I am sure as the Governor of a State like Alaska, which is in Russia's backyard, she knows and does a heck of a lot more than the average left wing liberals can even comprehend. Half of them can not even find Russia or Georgia on the map - let alone judge Palin's answer about Russia.

Hey Smartie, I am proud of all of our men and women in uniform and respect heroes like your neighbor and heroes like John McCain. -Natasha-
-------------------------------
I'm glad you have the respect. But no one is interested in whether you have it or not, at this moment.
-It's about sanity of judgment, decency, and truthfulness of the candidates that propose to lead this Nation, and those who do not have the will to abide in those values, may have the the right, but certainly not the respect, and those who follow the blind who are leading the blind end Nowhere. Just like the bridge.

Whatever happened to the Airline shorts in 9/11 it would seem to me that stock transactions would be traceable what ever happened the wrong right people maybe Bush's relatives or what?

I believe that is exactly what Obama did right? He first exacted a 'moral equivalency', and then, since he had no idea what to do in that situation as an American president should, he said that the U.N. security council should handle it!! Of course as EVERYONE now knows, the Russians have veto power there. So once again Barack Obama voted 'Present'. I think 'Out to Lunch' would be more like it. And NO, I would not be pushing the button, and it is obvious what the new old guard in Russia is trying to do there and its NOT okay. Putin and his cronies are pissed that Gorbachev wanted to give freedom to his people that they had never known and this is just one of the many steps they are willing to take in order to save face and increase power, etc, etc... everything that true Kremlin Communism is all about.

Tired of uneducated losers posting messages...

Hey, uneducated left wing liberals - do you even know what the "Truman Doctrine" is? I am certain that McCain and Palin do, trust me....

otherwise you are in for another big surprise - the best is yet to come from Sarah Palin!!

History 101 for the uneducated left-wing-liberals led by "geopolitically" inept and clueless "Campbell Brown, CNN Family & Friends"

History Lesson #1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmQD_W8Pcxg

History Lesson #2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU8bbgzfJu8

Truthseeker: Anon, it is a shame that you lost friends in Vietnam, but this is not Vietnam. There is no draft and has not been for a long time, this standing army IS a volunteer army, and they CHOSE TO ENLIST.
.....................
"Voluntary" is only a word. "Choice" is only a word.
-Many of the enlistees come from poor families who have no economic way to college and have no jobs, or are duped by "bonuses". And, on bonuses, there's a major news investigative report showing the case of at least one crippled soldier from Iraq who has been asked, in writing, to return a prorated portion of bonus given to him for enlisting, on the basis that "He did not complete his contract".
-That's the Bush shame of which we do not want four more years.

Signing off, thank you all for a very colorful exchange, keep it up, and keep thinking, this is just a small part of what makes America great.

"I am convinced McCain had very little to do with the selection of Palin."

I think this is where the meat is. On the View he seemed genuinely surprised when they asked him why he put his name on those ads when he knew they were lies. He replied that Palin hadn't taken any earmarks after becoming governor. You will notice that during the Gibson interviews Palin wiggled out of the earmark lie by changing her tune to that she didn't "abuse" earmarks. But McCain, one to two days later, was still on TV denying she even took earmarks.

I got the feeling that maybe, just maybe, he doesn't know that they are lies. Like Bush in the "Angler" story today, that McCain is being kept in a bubble by his handlers and knows only what they choose to feed him,and that he's just not quite sharp enough anymore to grasp his situation.

Why is this a problem? Because his handlers are the same people running Washington right now! If he can't run his own campaign, he can't run the country. It really will be Bush III.

So why did they choose Palin? Anybody read the Angler series in Wapo? The president was only stopped from assuming dictator powers by the threat of mass resignations at Justice. But they've now packed Justice with political cronies, and you can be sure that McCain's AG will be hand picked to be a lackey much as Gonzales. If McCain is doddering enough to think Palin never accepted an earmarks as Governor with Palin as the biggest cool-aid drinker they could find, who will stand up for freedom?

John McCain is to be commended for his survival as a P.O.W. I do not think this makes him qualified to be Commander in Chief - I think he is more likely to be brain damaged, broken, and mentally ill. His demeanor supports this.
Sarah Palin is the scariest person I have been exposed to since George Bush in 2000 or the boogey man at six. She is reaching back into dark pasts for Americans and women. I am an aware, involved and socially active progressive woman, and I am shivered by the times.

hawki123
Palin was soooo accepting of her daughter's pregnancy, she banished her to live with her sister. Word is she was furious and in fact did kick her out.
Come on folks. Stop talking about this non-event. She is so patently not suited to be stand-in to the presidency. And yes, Obama is up to the job of being president! Why? Becaue he is intelligent, thoughtful, well-informed and a credit to the USA. He is a constitutional expert and has bothered to stay informed on the major issues facing the country and the world. Be proud of him! Palin couldn't even be bothered to be as well-informed as your average citizen - has no idea about what has been going on in Iraq, except that it is a task from God. For heaven's sake the woman is hearing voices. Please don't elect another lunatic.

Watch it people somebody did a backtrace and invaded my computer now I got to wipe it and start over there's some scummy stuff going on right here.

THE BUSH DOCTRINE FOR DUMMIES, according to El Mugroso
==================================
Even Charlie the interviewer didn't quite get it right, so here it is:
---------
Everyone in the USA and in the civilized world KNOWS that the Bush Doctrine advocates the right to ATTACK ANY COUNTRY that Bush BELIEVES or is lead to believe, has, or may have, now, or in the future "NO-CLEAR" WEAPONS of mass destruction, on the basis of there being a threat to our national security, so help us God.

What an Obama presidency means...

1) Driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.

2) Affirmative Action expansion and enforcement.

3) Surrender to terrorists in Iraq.

4) Tax hikes acorss the board on people of all income levels.

5) You can't provide the best health care for all Americans ("as good as congress gets") without dramatically increasing taxes on all Americans. Proof that Obama is a liar.

What an Obama presidency means...

1) Driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. -Mark-
-------------------------
That's not true as far as Obama policy.
-BUT, it is true that if they drive to work, it'd be in the public interest for safety reasons that they have a drivers license and meet the requirements, including insurance. As to taxes that build our rods, they do pay them. Why force more problems where there's more than enough?

You know with a couple of hundred thousand liberals moved up to the welfare state of alaska they could take it over like the Republicans did.

Both Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin got the Russia - Georgia issue right. Obama DID NOT! (see video).

If Obama becones President, I see Russian troops invading...Alaska!

Video:

Obama Fails on Russia Georgia Conflict

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSIpU9eJwBc

Hey Mark you haven't died from a crack overdose. The Terrorists are in the White House go get em boy.

Sarah Palin, in fact, wanted (and may still want) Alaska to separate from the Union. She and her husband were members of a separatist party. Of course that's very interesting to OIL magnates who are now backing her.

Putin wants Obama to win! Does that tell you anything? Obama's foreign policy is similar to Jimmy Carter who had the worst foreign policy of any post WWII president. He left our people in Iran being humiliated and tortured to no end, hmmmm, Reagan had that situation under control in no time. And the rest of the world for that matter! My family is free because of Reagan and they were enslaved by Stalin because of FDR's weakness and both of them playing chess with my family's country.

Take some history lessons too! Natasha, thanks for your enlightening and correctly asserted positions on socialism and where this country is headed. People like you are more American than many who hate our country that were born here. Welcome to America, let us keep her free!

El- check factfinder before you spread your lies. Sarah was never wanted Alaska to separate from the Union. That is a lie and a false statement. Check your facts before you spread rumors. Even on ABC, the left wing media, said this was not true about her!

Reply to all left-wing-liberals, who are are posting nasty comments about Sarah Palin's University of Idaho degree:

Here we go...

Obama bin Biden education:

Besides Harvard and Columbia Obama has also been educated in..."Muslim Studies"!

He attended "Muslim" school, in Indonesia, where he was registered as a MUSLIM!!

Btw, Osama bin Laden's siblings were also educated at... Harvard!

So-

Thanks, but no thanks.... :-)

No way, no how, not a chance... no Obama bin Biden!!!!

Mark wrote: What an Obama presidency means...

1) Driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. - Well Mark, since prior and current administrations have been completely ineffective at keeping them out of the country, you think they should drive around while your kids are on the road without a license, without being able to read enough traffic signs to pass the permit test? Without sitting for an exam? How much uninsured driver coverage you got? How much more are you willing to pay in taxes to pay for border agents to vet the motor vehicle bureaus in every state?

2) Affirmative Action expansion and enforcement. - JGee Mark, the Wall Street Journal did a big spread of affirmative action in college admissions a year or two ago, and I wondered why until a friend explained to me that if college admission is required by law to depend on academic record only, George Bush and John McCain and the other mediocre children of monied families won't be getting into their legacy schools anymore. And what's good for rich republicans is apparently what's good for the country.

3) Surrender to terrorists in Iraq - Mark, someone forgot to tell Gen Petraeus that. BBC "Sep 11, 2008 ... The outgoing commander of US troops in Iraq says he will never declare victory there, adding the US faces "a long struggle"."

4) Tax hikes acorss the board on people of all income levels. Well Mark I could tell you about the policy analysis showing Obama's plan cuts more taxes than McCain, but why insult your intelligence. We owe our souls to the Chinese, our treasury is bled dry, we have invested a pittance in the research needed to make us energy independent, our infrastructure is aging rapidly, our financial institutitions seem to be lining up one by one to commit hari-kari.....in what lala land do you not see that someone's going to have to pay for it? If Obama is elected Pres the Congress will tip back over the Repubs, and vice versa. Between the Pres and Congress you can bet your sweet patootie that the little guy will bear the brunt no matter who is in the White House, and if you don't believe that I've got this bridge to nowhere that I'd like to sell you.

5) You can't provide the best health care for all Americans ("as good as congress gets") without dramatically increasing taxes on all Americans. Proof that Obama is a liar. Well Mark, I am indeed happy for you that you have adequate health care to meet your needs...today. My employer took away the "out of pocket" maximums in our coverage this year for all but the most expensive plans having a $2200 deductible. So, after working almost 30 years, if something big happens to me or my family, we will now owe 20% of infinity. But I don't see the US having a Canadian system, I see us having a British system - side by side private and public health care, so that people who want to opt out of the public health care and go to private hospitals with no wait have the freedom to do so.

El- You give the president way too much power. Our country does not have a dictator. Our country is run by checks and balances that is why we have a house and congress. Congress is the power in the US and Congress happens to be controlled by left wing liberals for the past 2 years.

"If you knew anything about geopolitical issues you would have understood her answer. Of course, what she meant is that due to the proximity of Alaska to Russia (yes you can see Russia from Alaska) our Defense/military contigencies up there are different than in any other state."

Posted by: Natasha

-------------------------------------------

And if you knew anything about the difference between the State of Alaska's responsibilities and the Federal Governments responsibilities, you would know she has almost zero, nada, nothing to do with the defense/military contingencies there. You're making stuff up and you know it (I hope).

You're a paid Neo-Conjob poster and not a very good one at that. You just post things about Obama which were debunk many months ago. But since you get paid by the post, so what, right?

Please do check facts. Palin's HUSBAND, belonged to the Separatist society. She was only an invited speaker to one of their conventions. Having just watched two conventions it seems unlikely they would not invite speakers unless they were kindred spirts, but her name appears on no records as a member of this group.

As far as the book banning, then Mayor Palin asked about a book called "Daddy's Roommate". She was told by someone who had not read it that it was not offensive or inappropriate for you children facing such a life situation. It was suggested she read the book before she passed judgement on it, but replied that she did not need to read it to know it was inappropriate. There were "hypothetical questions' about books not being in the library and the possibility of picketing the library. The librarian was fired, but reinstated after public outcry. No books were actually banned.

Quote: "Sarah Palin, in fact, wanted (and may still want) Alaska to separate from the Union. She and her husband were members of a separatist party. Of course that's very interesting to OIL magnates who are now backing her."
Posted by: El Mugroso | September 15, 2008 3:35 AM

Reply to El Mugroso:

STOP spreading rumors that you read in Obama campaign emails and some sleezy internet sites. Your comment is as true as some "photoshopped" Palin photos, which are circulated by Obama sleezy campaign staffers.

El Mugroso -

No she isn't, she may hold those sentiments, but she was not a member. He was, but she wasn't. I wonder if the "Fisrt Dude" would be allowed to sit in on National Security Council meetings should the Palin-McCain ticket win? He's an ever present figure around the Governor's office and the Alaskan legislatures have a quip they ask themselves, :What would Todd do?" Seems you get two for the price of one with Palin.

Reply to El Mugroso:

STOP spreading rumors that you read in Obama campaign emails and some sleezy internet sites. Your comment is as true as some "photoshopped" Palin photos, which are circulated by Obama sleezy campaign staffers.

Posted by: Natasha

---------------------------------------------

Why should he when you keep posting the same from sleazy Neo-Conjob web sites and the Palin-McCain campaign.

Do as I say and not as I do?

What time is it in Southeast Asia?

Paid Neo-Conjob poster warning!

It is really sad that it took a British newspaper to set the record straight. Our own media clowns have not done anything to let the public know that some sleezy photos of Sarah Palin, which are circulated on the Internet by left-wingers - Obama supporters are in fact FAKE!! Our media clowns have have embarrased us in the eyes of the rest of the World!

Sarah Palin photoshopped...

The Sunday Times - London, UK

Sarah Palin in pictures and video

By Nico Hines

Photoshopped! A familiar refrain and a common tool for mocking the political elite - with Sarah Palin, however, it can be quite tricky to work out which of the pictures in circulation are real. (story continuous here)

The Sunday Times - London, UK
http://timesonline.typepad.com/uselections/2008/09/sarah-palin-pic.html?OTC-widgets&ATTR=tolblogs

patriot -

AIP isn't a "society", its a political party.

Actually, wasn't the thread of this blog why is Palin getting off pretty much scot free for lying?

On Sept 11 she told her son's unit they were going to fight the terrorists who killed and celebrate the killing of thousands of Americans. In the context of the day and the entire speech, it is clear the reference meant they were going to Iraq to fight the perpetrators of 9-11. But if you examine her actual words, she only made the link by parsing the words, not the words themselves. The woman is a natural George Bush - parsing words to make lies in context, but not being able to prove the lie when you take the words out of context. Imagine if your teenager did it (but mom/dad I never said there would be parents at the party, I only said the parents would be home, its your fault you did ask if the party was in a hotel room - I never lied to you, you have no right to say I lied to you)

Natasha -

What proof do you have it was in fact a "left winder - Obama supports" who did it? Is it any better or worse than the smears which have been spread by the "right wingers - Palin/McCain - Neo-Conjob" supporters? They are all equally wrong no matter where they come from, just like you being a paid Neo-Conjob poster spewing lies here is wrong.

oh brother

Well, we certainly know how much speakers at a political convention are likely to disagree with the party who invited them to speak, don't we. I bet there's video of her speech somewhere, although like those 1600 emails of hers about troopergate, it may have conveniently disappeared.

Quote: "Why should he when you keep posting the same from sleazy Neo-Conjob web sites and the Palin-McCain campaign.
Do as I say and not as I do?
What time is it in Southeast Asia?
Paid Neo-Conjob poster warning!"
Posted by: Oh brother! | September 15, 2008 3:59 AM

Reply to Oh brother:

My sources are posted. Perhaps you may want to be more specific which comments you consider to be rumors. So-

You mean what time-zone in America! None of your business...really! (it is obvious you did not read my earlier comments - plese do - you can learn something!)

patriot -

Yes, I found it rather interesting that Palin and her inner core used personal (i.e. not state provided) email accounts to conduct "business". So much for transparency.

For those who think it comes from a left-winger blog or web site, you can read it for yourselves at www.adn.com and several mainstream (well you do claim they are all biased so maybe they don't count) news outlets.

If you want a classic example of cronyism just take a look at Palin's appointments. Makes old GWB look like a piker.

The focus should be on Steve Schmidt and his sleezy brainwash propaganda.
Expose the fraud ! Palin, McEcho are run by Schmidt. But who runs Schmidt ?

The New York Times:
--------------------------
Alaskan Independence Party officials released a statement Monday saying that Ms. Palin had been a member for two years, from 1994 to 1996, information included in reports in The New York Times and other news outlets.
--------------------------
Ms. Palin’s political philosophy is also often compared to that of Walter J. Hickel, the former Alaska governor and interior secretary in the Nixon administration who was re-elected governor on the Alaskan Independence Party ticket in 1990. Mr. Hickel, a big backer of Ms. Palin, re-registered as a Republican in 1994.
-----------------------------
Here's a video of Sarah Palin addressing the Alaska Independence Party Convention, in YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwvPNXYrIyI
Her husband was a member and Sarah is a sympathizer.
-These are NOT El Mugroso's "rumors".

Natasha -

Yes I did read them and I did learn something and it speaks leagues about you. You still haven't convinced me you are in the US, in fact you never said you weren't. You simply answered with a question. Kind of like Palin does. Nor that you weren't a paid poster.

Most your "sources" are weak and biased at best. I have no desire to get my "facts" from either right or left wingnut sites and blogs. I'll stay in the middle myself.

El Mugroso -

The statement from AIP was debunked, again her husband was, but she never held membership in AIP.

Campbell Brown; Shsss baby!...Palin's daughter pregnancy is none of your business...BABY!!!

Campbell Brown of CNN is a disgrace to serious journalism.

Quote: "Jon Klein, president of CNN, has issued a statement in support of Brown's interview. "Campbell Brown did what journalists do," Klein said Tuesday evening. "She asked fair and important questions in a respectful way and was simply trying to get a straight answer to a straightforward question." Jon Klein, President CNN.

To Jon Klein, President of CNN:

I am not surprised with your idiotic statement. You have the audacity to call Campbell Brown's utterly rude behavior, "respectful"???!!! Either you think that we are stupid or you must be smoking something funny, or for that matter you yourself do not know the difference between "polite" and "rude" and the difference between "calm and collected" and "neurotic-psychotic" behavior.

Yes, Campbell Brown is a neurotic and rude anchor lady - this is not the first time she has been rude to her guests. Perhaps Mr. Klein=clown you were better off having done your own homework in "VETTING" Ms. Campbell Brown. She is a disgrace to serious journalism together with Mr. Hafferty!

With the exception of a few anchors and correspondents, whom I have always respected (and who keep you still in business) such as John King, Christian Amanpour, Candy Crawly, etc. the rest of your "pretty faces" are "knuckle heads" who - I repeat - are a disgrace to serious journalism.

I prefer to remember the good old CNN that you have destroyed, Sir.

No wonder why - for example - BBC World News and BBC America are increasingly more and more in demand by American households. The fact that most satellite services and cable operators offer BBC World News instead of CNN International - offered only to 6 million households in the US a country the population of which is 300 million should tell you something Sir - that more viewers prefer BBC over CNN!!

I am very glad that the McCain campaign pulled the McCain interview from the Larry King Show at CNN. I am also very happy that the McCain campaign has informed the CNN circus network that they will no longer answer any questions by your staff concerning Governor Palin's private family life or any questions by you regarding her vetting, which in the final analysis is none of your business. Senator McCain and Governor Palin are doing the right thing to ignore you CNN! They are not going to allow you to treat Governor Palin the same way you treated Senator Hillary Clinton during her campaign. Alleluia, it is about time somebody has the guts to tell you off CNN - Long Live McCain!

In the mean-time, I suggest that you put Ms. Campbell Brown on some tranquilizers or better yet - FIRE HER!!

Shame on Campbell Brown and Jon Klein's=Clown CNN! Leadership starts at the top! And, your top advertisers are taking notice CNN - trust me!

The PRESS need only ask two questions:

1. Do people in the lower 48 know their taxes went to Alaska anyway, whether the "BRIDGE" was or was not built? Makes no difference...We still got soaked for 400 billion that went to Alaska !

2. Do people know that much Palin claims were not her decisions but were taken out of her hands, much as Bush and his inexperience gave Cheney all the power.

As I understand it, the PLANE was sold to a Palin insider for a loss to Alaska.

Just one more question...If Juneau, Alaska is the state capital and 600 miles from Palin's hometown, and she spent 300+ days there in Wasilla and billed the state per diem, and she was only Governor 22 months....she either wasn't on the job much of the time...or where are the records of the costs of her traveling back and forth???

El Mugroso -

No she isn't, she may hold those sentiments, but she was not a member. He was, but she wasn't. I wonder if the "Fisrt Dude" would be allowed to sit in on National Security Council meetings should the Palin-McCain ticket win? He's an ever present figure around the Governor's office and the Alaskan legislatures have a quip they ask themselves, :What would Todd do?" Seems you get two for the price of one with Palin.

Posted by: Oh brother! | September 15, 2008 3:56 AM
=========================
Two for the price of one?
-Heaven forbid this fake bargain-
Palin's husband has been subpoenaed in the ON-GOING case for her abuse of power, and part of the reason is that he was getting "c.c.'d" (being sent copies) of administrative e-mails to his personal account.

Natasha-

As much as I think most of the CNN reporters and correspondents are a waste, I actually thought Brown asked very pertinent questions and it was obvious Bounds was being evasive. The Palin-McCain campaign is the one that tried to release this under the radar on a holiday weekend and it backfired.

Now the Neo-Conjobs are trying to smear her by bringing up her father? Where's the relevance in that? What has that got to do with anything in the interview. Bounds is a weeny, sleaze ball, liar, all he needed to do was give a straight answer, but he couldn't.

Gee, you're making out pretty well this morning, how much have you rung up so far?

Natasha -

Yes I did read them and I did learn something and it speaks leagues about you. You still haven't convinced me you are in the US, in fact you never said you weren't. You simply answered with a question. Kind of like Palin does. Nor that you weren't a paid poster.

Most your "sources" are weak and biased at best. I have no desire to get my "facts" from either right or left wingnut sites and blogs. I'll stay in the middle myself.

Posted by: Oh brother! | September 15, 2008 4:23 AM'
========================
No one speaks for me but myself, and I do not speak for anyone but for myself. I own no sources, and I do not aim to convince anyone, but do hope that those who can see, see and don't get deceived by the greed of others, or their own.
-Those who do not want to see is a separate issue, for one who does not want to see if even worse than one who has no eyes.

She's a book burning freak who shouldn't be a candidate.

El Mugroso -

I don't think even the paid Neo-Conjob posters believe what they post. Maybe it's kind of like the people who work in call centers trying to scam old folks of their savings. Somehow they have the ability to do something dishonest and despicable at work, yet can rationalize it and sleep at night. I couldn't do such a think myself

Quote: "Natasha - Yes I did read them and I did learn something and it speaks leagues about you. You still haven't convinced me you are in the US, in fact you never said you weren't. You simply answered with a question. Kind of like Palin does. Nor that you weren't a paid poster.

Most your "sources" are weak and biased at best. I have no desire to get my "facts" from either right or left wingnut sites and blogs. I'll stay in the middle myself.

Posted by: Oh brother! | September 15, 2008 4:23 AM

Reply to Oh brother!:

Once again - no specifics... Oh, I see...you consider the LA Times or the Sunday Times, UK - right wingers...In that case, I consider the New York Times a... left winger!

Please stop harassing me as to my location, etc. It is really none of your business. Thank you and have a good night!

This woman must be properly vetted by the media. And it will be grossly hypocritical if Palin does not get the same scrutiny that Hillary Clinton received. Is there one standard for the Republicans and another for the Democrats.

Unfortunately, the media has done a poor job recently and is as guilty as the Republican party in stoking the flames of the culture wars and of the entertainment value of little distractions instead of focusing on major issues. They've lost their credibility, so who is left as the arbiter to get to the facts and decide. It's becoming my opinion, regardless of the facts, is just as your opinion. The moral relativity inherent in some of the debates swirling around Palin as VP candidate is frightening.

When someone like Karl Rove, the master of obfusication and lying and spin, calls on people to grow up and be adults, I just laugh. Pot/kettle/black?

Who will be the grownups in this campaign. I love your editorial and long for truth and an end of the hypocrisy, but how? When? You know there is already a double standard and it doesn't seem to make a difference. But thanks for writing it anyway. Someone has to stand up for what is reasonable.

Natasha -

What's their to argue about the New York Times being a left leaning paper? Of course it is, but they do still have the means to produce some factual pieces.

The Sunday Times hasn't been without its sloppy reporting, nor has the LA Times. Some people would rather find the truth by checking multiple sources rather than accepting political dogma.

Wow! I'll bet you'll really rake in the dough today! Do they pay on number of posts, length of posts or both?

The press got duped on the Iraq War.
-They MUST NOT this time, on the character, qualifications, and capabilities of the parties' nominees.
-Whoever gets duped by lipstick on a pig can be rightfully be called a fool-

False facts about Sarah Palin - In today's Guardian Newspaper in London, they also say that she never visited Russia - that she only looked at it from the plane in the sky! (www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/15/uselections2008.sarahpalin), best John Tucker

Governor Sarah Palin: A breath of fresh air!! Thank you Senator McCain !!

Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air indeed! I am supporting her not just because she is a woman but because I believe that she has the guts and the smarts to shake up some Washington "empty suits". And, there are plenty of them!

Go Saraaaaaah! And do not worry about the rhetoric that you are not ready to be "Commander in Chief".... Obama is running for that position and does not have any executive experience or your guts to cross partylines. He accuses Senator McCain for having voted 90% of the time with the Republicans but what Obama is not telling us is that he has voted 97% of the time with his buddies the Democrats.

Obama speaks of all these "miracles" that he will perform once elected but he has failed - for a year now - to tell us how he is going to pay for it! I do not know how on earth he will reduce taxes for 95% of Americans as he promises and pay for the rest of his "miracle change" without blowing up the national deficit to quadrillions!!! All his speeches (rhetoric) sure sound impressive however he is not telling us something that we have never heard before by every politician who runs for President! Have you not heard any candidate in the past not promising good schools, good roads, more money in your pocket, less crime on the streets? Hey, we have heard it before!

Do not be afraid of the Washington status quo Sarah Palin! They will attack you plenty but that is because they are worried that you will shake things up! Trust me, they are not really worried about what will happen to the country if you have to become Commander in Chief should something tragic happen... 90% of Washington politicians do not even know what the Truman Doctrine was - let alone being experts for example in Eastern European geopolitical issues! Is anybody trying to tell us that all previous Presidents had a degree in Political Science or Foreign Relations? Yeah sure...I am going to laugh!

We need a hands on "outsider" to shake up Washington. The National Security and safety of our country first requires a real "patriot" in office with great judgment, who will surround herself with an excellent team. Sarah Palin is a true patriot, she has demonstrated excellent judgment during her career, and she has the guts to bring real change!!!

I am Natasha and approve this message!!

Quote: "False facts about Sarah Palin - In today's Guardian Newspaper in London, they also say that she never visited Russia - that she only looked at it from the plane in the sky!"(www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/15/uselections2008.sarahpalin), best John Tucker

Reply to John Tucker:

Palin never mentioned that she has visited Russia.

I read the article - it has absolutely nothing to do with a trip to Russia. Perhaps next time you should read more carefully before you quote sources.

The rest about her other trips we have already heard from our media circus - the... "24-hour-news-for-dummies" networks.

Natasha, your faith and belief is childlike and truly inspiring, but truly naive.

I would venture to say that yes, 90% of politicians in Washington D.C. do indeed know what the Truman Doctrine was. Do you? I worked on the Hill and believe me, most congressional staffers and their bosses have a very good grasp of foreign policy issues. Most staffers have at least a masters degree from some reputable university or they wouldn't be hired as the competition is so stiff for jobs. Even the lowliest secretary has at least a B.A. from a very reputable University.

Anyway, that's off the point. Please cite some evidence of what makes you believe Sarah Palin can shake up Washington when she has only shaken up Alaskan politics to her own personal benefits.

She has lobbied and accepted earmark funding, she was for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it, she is guilty of hiring cronies and friends like anyone else in Washington. I actually think she'd fit right in the D.C. scene.

Upon orbit eight of the planet complete, the voiced mannequin will be crowned, not "Miss Congeniality", but "Mrs. Nowhere" and the one of name like shrub will no longer and one in contrast to the shade of the abode will be in command.
....................
-I am Nostradamus and know nothing-

Palin was the choice of ONE very impulsive man who did not know her, and did not take time to know her. His Party enthusiastically rubber-stamped his action.

Now the Press is trying to do what McCain campaign failed to do.

The mainstream press was relentless on Hillary Clinton (the tabloids and blogworld, savage), and she dealt with all that scrutiny. She and her husband complained about sexism, and the press may have backed off a little but the scrutiny did not.

The tabloids and the blogworld do not spare anyone, and the Clintons weren't spared either. That's what happens, despite condemnation of trespasses.

Remember what they did NOT do to Obama ?

For a position a heartbeat away from a President, a relatively unknown on a national scene is going to be more rigorously scrutinized than many others who have had national exposure, briefly or for long. Quite justifiable, but the children should be off-limits.

Such are the occupational hazards of public life ! And why many talented people shun it (very unfortunate).

LA Times Blogs - Posted by: Anita A. | September 05, 2008 at 02:14 PM

Quote: "I never in a million years thought I would be adding my own comments, but here goes it. First off, I am not committed to any presidential party as of yet, therefore, I am not partial to any one side. Second, I believe for the educated obvious reason, that those who congratulate Ms. Brown are those who undoubtedly do so on a partial basis.

This, Ms. Brown/Tucker situation is not about the questions and the alleged unprepared response of the Republican party, and this is not about the Republicans "running from CNN." I watched the entire segment unfold and I was appalled. I kept thinking, out loud, as Ms. Brown kept hammering her questions in the interruptive fashion that she continued, "would you just shut up and let him talk."

I was really wondering what CNN would be thinking of this disgrace, of Ms. Brown's host