Yep that our girl. We are very proud of her. We are all voiting twice so she can win. I am not sure what happened to what his name running with her. Hopefully he is still on the ticket.

Genality? He's an asshole!

FISCAL CONSERVATIVE

Sarah Palin’s portrait as a fiscal conservative when she ran the city of Wasilla, Alaska, as its mayor from 1996 to 2002. However, the truth is during her 6 years as mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over 33 percent.

According to figures provided by the city of Wasilla, the operating budget for Wasilla went from $6,050,160 in fiscal year 1996 to $9,393,768 in 2002. That’s a 55 percent increase. But adjusted for inflation, it’s a 35 percent increase.

She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a recessive sales tax which taxed even food. Under Palin, property tax rates did, in fact, go down; and the sales tax did go up from 2 percent to 2.5 percent.

The huge increases in tax revenues during her administration weren’t enough to fund everything on her wish list though; borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? Or a new library? No! $1 million for a park, $15 million-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex...She also supported bonds for $5.5 million for road projects that could have been done in 5-7 years without any borrowing.

The fiscal year ending 1996 (when Palin took the reins), which showed the city’s long-term debt at $1.12 million, mostly for paving and sewer projects. The annual financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 — Palin’s last year in office — shows that the total long-term debt was $24.8 million. Long-term debt increased $23.7 million.

From $1.1 million to $23.7million – that is one large increase.

HOW HAVE THOSE PROJECTS WORKED OUT

WASILLA, Alaska — The biggest project that Sarah Palin undertook as mayor of this small town was an indoor sports complex, where locals played hockey, soccer, and basketball, especially during the long, dark Alaskan winters.

The only catch was that the city began building roads and installing utilities for the project before it had unchallenged title to the land. The misstep led to years of litigation and at least $1.3 million in extra costs for a small municipality with a small budget. What was to be Ms. Palin’s legacy has turned into a financial mess that continues to plague Wasilla.

“It’s too bad that the city of Wasilla didn’t do their homework and secure the land before they began construction,” said Kathy Wells, a longtime activist here. “She was not your ceremonial mayor; she was in charge of running the city. So it was her job to make sure things were done correctly.”

Litigation resulting from the dispute over Ms. Palin’s sports-complex project is still in the courts, with the land’s former owner seeking hundreds of thousands of additional dollars from the city.

Palin likes to say “Good judgment can make the difference between avoiding a crisis and managing a catastrophe.”

Indeed.

A PEA IN THE POD…..PALIN

I am a mother and could care less about her response to how she can do it all. I was much more interested in her response to Gibson's question about banning semi-automatic assault weapons. She defended them saying Alaskans are hunters. What do semi-automatic assault rifles have to do with hunting? Did Palin feel the slightest bit of sadness when people were gunned down at Columbine, Virginia Tech, or other massacres? We must have sensible guns laws. No one needs an AK-47.

ON SPENDING THAT HER BOSS JUST LOVES…NOT!!!

“Porky” Palin – hey, as it turns out, that pig does wear lipstick….wow!!!

After McCain said earlier this year that he won't "spend $3 million of your tax dollars to study the DNA of bears in Montana," Politico reports that as governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin requested millions of dollars to study the DNA of harbor seals, among other things (including research on the mating habits of crabs.)

Intelligent people everywhere are both amused and appalled that Palin, who claims she is conservative when it comes to earmarks, would request federal money for a project nearly identical to one that McCain has mocked. The earmark is yet another example of how McCain and Palin are "hypocrites and liars."

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/9/11/02449/9021

At the end of the clip, John McCain promises that he'll make the names of wasteful government spenders "famous."

Apparently, he kept his pledge: he picked one of them to be his veep.

“We’re not going to spend $3 million of your tax dollars to study the DNA of bears in Montana,” McCain has said during this year’s campaign, referring to a study he’s mocked for years of whether grizzlies need to keep their status as an endangered species.

Palin, meanwhile, has requested $3.2 million to be spent in part researching the “genetics of harbor seals,”

"Senator McCain said Governor Palin ‘learned that earmarks are bad’, but in 2008 alone Gov. Palin requested $256 million in earmarks for Alaska, and her state received more earmarks per person that any other state," said spokesman Tommy Vietor.

"The fact is that Governor Palin isn’t just good at getting pork projects, she’s one of the most successful pork barrel politicians in history."

OINK, OINK, BABE

She is eye candy... in an empty
box... i would be afraid if she ever
became president.

tell me how obama barrack HUssain is more qualified than palin?

gibson is obama lapdog.

As an educated, confident working Mom I am insulted with McCain’s selection of Palin for VP. Sure, she’s a smart and energetic woman. And she has every right to her evangelical religious beliefs, but no right to impose them on the general population of the country. She is opposed to Rowe vs Wade; she is opposed to birth control (she thinks abstinence works, DUH!); she is opposed to stem cell research.

Sen Biden has made the correct choice for a democratic country. His religion argues for life at conception, which he accepts, but for the country he supports the right to abortion, refuses to make it difficult or illegal but does not support government funding.

Beyond this stark difference, Ms. Palin’s evalengical rejection of evolution means she does not understand basic science; the entire evolution argument is supported by the rigorous application of the scientific method. But we need technology, based on science, to solve some urgent problems with energy, golbal warming, and overpopulation.

Consider the odds: at age 72, McCain has a one-third probability of not lasting four years, which means Ms. Palin will likely become the President of the United States. And she believes that dinosaurs were here just 4000 years ago, which is utterly absurd and a clear example of her failed thinking.

KRS

Palin did very well. Obama was never asked questions that tough by his liberal media lap dogs.

The liberal media is going to have to change their attitude. We are tired of you looking down on america. If you ever want our vote, you better learn some respect.

Clever move by Gibson. He had to re-establish his street cred with the GOP after performing a few random acts of journalism, so he asked a totally unjournalistic question: one that Palin is in absolutely no position to know the answer to. And in so doing, he shuts down a route to landslide that Obama might otherwise choose -- accepting Biden's resignation and appointing Hillary. That can't be done if it looks like Sarah Palin's idea. Mission Accomplished, Charlie.

I guess we can officially call it the "Straight Mock Express"
Just Say no to. Pork Barrel Palin and Earmark McCain

David, apparently we were watching different interviews! I don't think the objective of Gibson was to "win" anything, but Merely to get responses to questions. YOUR opinion relating to the questions asked and answered is strictly yours and quite frankly not worth anything. Ms. Palin did a creditable job answering Gibson's questions, which was all that she was suppose to do. Could she have done better? Perhaps. Could she have done worse? Perhaps

I know we're suppose to walk on egg shells around Sarah Palin.
After all she does eat moose burgers an all.

That being said - Sarah Palin is a joke - and a cynical insult toward the American people.

I think what Charles Gibson was able to do was show us that this was a very hasty move from John McCain to nominate Sarah Palin. She must have felt like a lottery winner and jumped at the opportunity without a second thought of what the job entailed. Now, just like the lottery winner, she’s feeling the sting of the taxes due from the total she thought was coming. The media may be too much in the end for her to win over.

Palin IS like most Americans, in that she is clueless, silly, poorly educated and unworldly.

The day we get an everyday American as president is the day that we are wiped off as a world power.

Get her back to Wasilla and into that igloo. We need a real vice-president candidate, not a political stunt.

basementfrog..........What can anyone say? Your a juvenile rendition of the proverbial turd in a punchbowl with no clue about Ms. Palin or the election in general. It's obvious you need to get laid but with your personality, no one would come close to you with the exception of some $20 street hooker. Good luck with your version of AIDS.

I'd vote for her anytime over that racist, poseur Obama. He espouses platitudes and is the “chosen one” of the press and some of the emotional masses. This article’s bigoted slant against Palin is another example of the media showing it's bias against her and other women in power. Hopefully, the voters will see this shabby "journalism" and egocentric "reporting" and give McCain and Palin the victory that they so deserve. McCain has proven his character throughout his ordeals and his courage in choosing a woman who has strength and intelligence. "Yada Yada Yada Obomba just talks the talk". BO, retire already and go into motivational speaking.

To paraphrase an old Steve Martin joke: John McCain and Sarah Palin will make American what it once was – a vast wasteland covered with ice.

Charles Gibson did not win anything. He showed the total bias of the media and I have lost any confidence I had of him being a gentleman. Has the media ever put Barack Obama on the same hot seat. Sarah did great and is a real person with real opinions and capabilities. I may not always agree with her but she is a female Harry Truman and you have not doubt that she is a very capable and courageous leader. My vote is for McCain/Palin and my prayer is to deliver the USA from the left side of politics.

Woe is us. We've become robotic ideologues - "liberals, this" "conservatives that." At the end of the day, we all love our kids, we want to be treated fairly, we love our country. We have allowed certain politicians to turn us into snarling monsters. The reality is about half of us will vote Democratic; about half will vote Republican. We're not going to change our votes no matter what the other party says. As usual, the election will be decided by a small minority of voters who don't vote consistently for one party or the other. The so-called "swing" voters are not ideologues.They may vote based on reason,or they may vote based on emotion, and the fate of all of us rests in their hands. These voters do not read what the ideologues write, or it they do, they mostly don't buy it. We will all find out how they voted after the election. For now, we're just like two gangs of junior high school kids engaged in a mindless tear-down session. If it makes you feel good, I guess that's something positive, but trust me, it is not going to change the results. In the final analysis it will be Obama against McCain. The VPs are just there for "color."

What all you Sarah boosters need to understand is this: Alaska is a welfare state. For every dollar they send to Washington, they receive back $1.80.
McCain and Palin can lie all they want and maybe win by doing so, but it will not change the fact that they both lie about earmarks and pork.

This is Legally Blonde come to Washington. I am a republican but I love this country to much to put a beauty queen a heartbeat from the presidency Hell No!!!!

Hottopics

What is voiting?

Marooon

What worried me most was when she said we should go to war with Russia if they attacked Georgia after we get Georgia into NATO. Is she kidding? War with Russia? Maybe she should run for Vice President of Georgia.

author fail. your confirmation bias weighs almost as much as your hubris.

America wake up and smell the pork!!
The rest of the world is laughing at you because of Palin.
Make a wise decision and don't elect McCain/Palin. It will be a disaster!

There are four (4) incarnations of the Bush Doctrine, and Gibson himself used a version which is not current. This was a gaffe by Gibson. Palin responded to the 4th incarnation while Gibson was not even aware that there were four versions.

The fact that Palin is against Rowe v Wade does not bother me. Rowe v Wade continued the tradition of stripping the states of their ability to serve their respective communities and furthered the Federal invasion of every other level of government. The fact that Palin served as a Mayor and as a Governor is more of a plus than the minuses of how well she did. She, at least, seems less likely to usurp local power and move it to DC. Obama, Biden, and even McCain, for that matter, have a habit of doing just that. The Federal Government is a government in our federal system, not the only government, and thinking that somehow it can force the cultures of Alabama and California to be identical is idiocy only a Federal politician is capable of.

Obama needs to wake up to the quiet part of the McCain message that many independents are listening to: disentangling the disastrous Federal bureaucracy from city, county, and state initiatives. The more invasive the Federal government gets, the more divisive an overall impact it will have on our Union. I don't care about my neighbor's life choices until I have to start paying for them. Everything Obama is proposing involves more government, more marginalization of democracy and subordinate echelons, more crushing of anybody who is not part of the urban machine, more people paying each others bills and opening the door to the friction that causes.

To be fair, McCain isn't exactly winning any awards for realism or humility either. The Federal bureaucracy is a voracious failure. It should be constrained to only those missions which only a national government can execute, not every charitable cause and social engineering effort California and New York might want to attempt. It's not doing well at those missions as it is: the borders are completely porous, foreign powers destroyed our buildings, and our international diplomacy framework is a mess. Why give the Federal government even more responsibilities it can fail to execute?

As for Gibson, he is consistent with most journalists these days. Not so subtly working his side while pretending to neutrality. What baffles me is how journalists got so arrogant as to believe only they can clearly understand the situation, and only the conclusions they have can be valid.

When "fair" Charlie interviewed Obama he spent most of the time asking him about his childhood and family. What a farce the mainstream media is in saying they aren't biased. They are so much in the tank with this guy they probably smell like his Gucci perfume

I hope they all get what they deserve a resounding push off the platform.

Our only hope is McCain/Palin, please save us from the losers to the far left of the spectrum, the mass media and their "manchild" Barrack Obama

I'm glad that Sarah Palin believes in God because if she get elected, and somehow becomes president, God help us all. Russia is a nuclear power, and she said that she would consider war with Russia if they invaded Georgia.

Before you dismiss the fact that Sarah Palin is Commander of the Alaska National Guard consider this.
Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It's on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.
As governor of Alaska, Palin is briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism. Her exposure to classified material may rival even Biden's and certainly by far exceeds Obama's.
She's also the commander in chief of the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF), a federally recognized militia incorporated into Homeland Security's counter terrorism plans.
Palin is privy to military and intelligence secrets that are vital to the entire country's defense. Given Alaska 's proximity to Russia , she may have security clearances we don't even know about. According to the Washington Post, she first met with McCain in February, but nobody ever found out. This is a woman used to keeping secrets. She can be entrusted with our national security, because she already is.

"Listing Sarah Palin as Gov. of Alaska hurts the true interests of all polar bears, Alaskans, Americans and all other animal species on the planet!"

http://feww.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/hilarious-polar-bear-news/

Sarah Palin is a liar. Not only a liar but a bald faced liar. How can americans even consider voting for this woman. How can women see this liar as a positive roll model? Is that what women want? To be measured against an opportunistic liar?

She and McCain are still way above the OTHER choice.I had rather have Mr Bush (most powerful man in the world) than Obamer

I thought Charles Gibson did his best to treat her with the "deference and respect" the campaign insisted on. He, however, could not put words in her mouth; someone else did that and she followed the instructions best she could. But enough of her ill preparedness to lead and her ill informed ideas and opinions surfaced. In the defense of her by her supporters, they cannot offer one qualification. The general consensus across the nation is that she bombed. Neither one, McCain nor Palin, should be anywhere near the helm of this country. Their strategy is to focus on her personality and to hope the hype lasts through Nov 4. Perhaps it will for their base, but, hopefully, the majority of the American people will be more critical thinkers than they are being given credit for.

just so that everyone stops complaining that obama was never put in the "hot seat" from the media: remember that speech he had to give on race, a very tense subject in this country, on live national television?

and do recognize how sarah palin repeated several phrases because she was, for the most part, sticking to scripted answers from campaign advisers? and how the GOP exhibits a huge double standard by requesting that her religion be off limits despite the fact that the same "liberal" media that's attacking her confronted (rightly so) obama about his religious beliefs?

all of you republican dumb asses need to stop being brain washed by fox news and do some research outside of what rush limbaugh tells you is the truth.

Hey S. MacDonald:
I bet he can spell though, something you can't manage!

Oh. My. God. I know high school seniors who are more informed, any one of which would make a better candidate than her. Unbelievable. Another huge embarrassment for the Republican Party. Turns out the lady behind the curtain is really just Dan Quayle in lipstick. P.S. - Hey Sarah...Russia has "NUKULAR" WEAPONS. Might want to rethink that starting WWIII thing a little.

I can't believe how bias you people are. Talk about stupid comments in a negative manner. Duh, is this a bias interview? Are you people this stupid? Do you realize that this is exactly what the Founding Fathers had in mine as they set up the Constitution. We don't need any more lawyers in the Political Arena. Lawyers, oh me oh my.....
What has Obama ever done? Anything at all? U fools....

Republicans accuse the "liberal media" of giving Obama a free pass and attacking McCain and Palin. Democrats can't understand how McCain's self-contradictions and past words have not caused his own political self-destruction.

Voters believe what they want to believe within the confines of a tilt one side or the other from center. True Independents are rare -- most Americans vote within their routine belief system. We fill in the blanks and accommodate what we must.

When was the last time you switched parties in a general election?

Uh... B.O. has not been subject to this kind of scrutiny at all... he's escaped everything, being the darling of the media...

arah Palin's maturity, candor and strength as a person have shown her to be one of the only two grown-ups in this race: McCain and Palin are the only adults.

Obama is an infant who cries at the first shot at anything about him (like his ears... he chastized Maureen Dowd for making fun of his ears! How is such an infant to stand up to the world's most vicious leaders). Obama has no spine... he's hot air. Hey let's run wind generators on his speeches! That might solve the energy problem.

Biden (known widely as "Boo-Hoo") has no control of his emotions. He's like a 13 year old going through puberty. Maybe it's "man-o-pause," I don't know.

It is difficult to understand how people responding on this site who favor Palin overlook the serious problems in this country. Words can rationalize any perspective, you can even put lipstick on it. But more of the same economic policies, same war policies, same gun policies, same, same, same...are STILL the same...by any name. I am a woman with good critical thinking skills. I value life and resent the unjust war in Iraq that has cost almost a trillion dollars and too many lives. I would never have an abortion, but I resent those denouncing pro choice, but at the same time advocating war, war, and more war. It is time for real change - from gunslingers to good critical thinkers with the wisdom, courage, and integrity to say ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

So Gibson proved that Sarah Palin has limitations. We already knew that. We also know that she is still better qualified to be President than is the man at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Anyone with intelligence can assess that Sarah Palin is not ready to be President -- the single most important attribute for a VP. This was a terrible choice, and McCain showed what he'll bring to his administration if he wins. I am truly sick of incompetent administrations.

It will be a sad day for America if she were elected.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised by Zurawikik that this should be a game to be won and lost. The MSM is looking to trip up Palin any way they can to get "their guy" into the White House. This should be obvious to anyone who reads this drivel.

I wonder if Zurawik would have the same "fun" if Gibson had looked over his nose with his condescending attitude towards Hussein Obama and Biden.

It is sad what journalism has become these days and what passes for political reporting.

As a Pittsburgher, I am sorry that you people in Baltimore have to read this drivel. It's suitable only to be put in the bottom of a birdcage.

I don't understand why the people in both the liberal media and Hollywood can criticize their own country that feed them and gave them luxurious lifestyle in most cases. They should move to another country, Europe, Russia, or for that matter, one of the Islamic countries. I know they can find a lot of whole-hearted support in those countries.......more so than the USA. The more the liberals bark, the more they're going to lose votes. I, for one, who was going to vote for the Dems will now change my vote for the Reps. I love this country too much to allow a bunch of idiotic liberals ruin the place!

..."He had controlled and won game, set and match." What is that supposed to mean? Answer: Charlie Gibson is working on behalf of the liberal media.

I have tremendous respect for Charlie Gibson (I still do, his questions and attitude were clearly asked "under duress"). Unfortunately, liberals are their own worst enemies.

Well, Zurawik let's see what you have to say about Bill O'Reilly's interview of Barry Obama. How do you expect Barry to stand up against world leaders if he can't even get through an interview w/o drowning?
You will find it "fair and balanced" which you can not say about Charlie G. His treatment of Sarah was awful.
Also, I would like to know when the Baltimore Sun is going to publish the "official whitehouse released Bush doctrine"?
Oh by the way the electorial college map is starting to glow "RED".

Typical liberal media bias:

Gibson was out to embarrass Palin and expose her presumed ignorance from the word go. By contrast, when Obama referred to his "Muslim faith" on Sunday and did not correct himself, Stephanopoulos rushed in at once to help him and emphasize that the senator had really meant to say his Christian faith.

Or when Obama one day in Israel said Jerusalem is the un-divided capital and then the next day in another country said Jerusalem should not be under the control of Israel. I could go on but it is indeed pathetic that a man with no experience and "jaded" associations and history is getting a pass.

It will backfire...too many fair minded Americans realize that Obama lacks the experience but is not questioned about it. Simply amazing

You must be joking! ABC misquoted her for their own gain. As a democrat, I have decided to vote for the McCain, Palin ticket. You're pathetic. Misleading the public like this. Gibson was an ass. All you've done is solidify my vote. I'm tired of having the media's agenda rammed down my throat. People are waking up. It's over for Nobama!

Let me see he "won"?

He misquoted her to make it seem like she wanted a holy war.

He got the Bush Doctine wrong according to the one who coined the phrase.

He asked crude insulting questions about experience compared to "How does it feel to win..." for the Big Zero. Even in the face of polls showing people thing Obama doesnt have experience.

He was full of contempt and scorn.

Charlie is just an elite snob just like Barry.

Looks like Sarah may do OK. I think her main qualification for the job was that she had not had an abortion. That is why Rick Davis picked her IMHO.

A lot of nonsense about Gibson being so tough.

Let her off the hook numerous times--for example, why didn't he simply ask her, "Doesn't saying thanks but no thanks imply to the American people that you didn't take the earmarked money that you decry when in fact you took every last cent of it?"

Doesn't saying that you put a jet on Ebay suggest to the American people that you sold it on Ebay, when in fact you sold it for what? 500,000 less than the state paid?

Then he serves her a softball to hit out of the park--probably the thing that would most be remembered from the interview. Just couldn't resist, could he?--and looked stupid doing it, too.

With Palin controversial religious beliefs, other world leaders will not take her seriously. Her credibility will be questioned.

How about a world leader with Muslim beliefs, Buddhist, Hindu, or more mild version of Christianity will look at her with disdain. Is she going to judge a world leader by religious beliefs first.

Republicans talk about Country First!
Sarah Palin going to Think Religious First!

McCain had a entire list of better choice women VP. There are women not on the list is better choice for VP. Yet, Sarah Palin is the choice.
It a sad day in US when Evangelical Born Again Religion is going to pushed upon us and other around the world.

This woman scares me not because she is a pushy evangelical type, but because of her over confidence. . If were to go to war with Russia, she honestly feels like she would be on the winning side of the table. I think she actually believes this nonsense the Republicans have been feeding us for 8 years. I don't think she knows that nukes are EVERYWHERE and that stupid George Bush GED tough talk would blow up in her face, not to mention in our cities if she tried talking tough with Putin.
Maybe she feels like it's her job to bring on end times to help God out a little bit. . Just because we have NEVER had a war on American soil doesn't mean that it's out of the question. She gets off on power, anyone can see that, her ex brother in law saw that first hand. . . just frightening. What we are seeing is the beginning of the end for a great nation. Eight years of Bush has crippled us, and this nut bag looks to finish the job.

Palin may be the real deal. Strong woman. The VP position does not "complete" her (...Hillary). More will be revealed. I don't think the measure is whether or not Gibson won, but rather did she peform below, at, or above expectations? On that measure she delivered. I loved the un-PC-filtered question "can you serve as VP and raise a family". I actually don't have a problem with the question. But where's the PC Police? She is polarizing the base because real americans see the tactics, I'm telling you right now, people see right through it and it only inspires more support. One things for sure she is winning more votes and more support everyday. The Dems are lost, a party without a soul. It has rotted. They are the "anti" party, against everything and for nothing. They unite around blame and inspire with anger.

What is wrong with all of you? Sarah who is she? listen to her response... she has no clue about real life, what a Hypocrite to talk about life and advocate killing innocent animals for pleasure! Why on the earth you want such a "no brain-er" sitting over important decisions that can turn your life upside down? is 8 long years not enough to make the mistake we made twice? by trusting our future in the hands of a _____ president?
Think hard before you pick a team of errors and give them another 4 years to suffer even more... Did you not hear between the lines what she intends to do ? standing out of lives of people.. which means giving more power to rich companies to send your jobs far away... common wake up people .....
Bush....Sarah...MCcain !!!!!
Gosh... Not..Again !!!!!

Being a Hero is well...heroic, and deserving of my gratitude and respect. Being an everyday just-like-me mom is also deserving of respect. But it sure doesn't qualify a person to be a heartbeat away from leading the free world! And any one who thinks so, hero or not, doesn't have the judgment to be my president.

Quoted text: "As an educated, confident working Mom I am insulted with McCain’s selection of Palin for VP. Sure, she’s a smart and energetic woman. And she has every right to her evangelical religious beliefs, but no right to impose them on the general population of the country. She is opposed to Rowe vs Wade; she is opposed to birth control (she thinks abstinence works, DUH!); she is opposed to stem cell research.

Sen Biden has made the correct choice for a democratic country. His religion argues for life at conception, which he accepts, but for the country he supports the right to abortion, refuses to make it difficult or illegal but does not support government funding.

Beyond this stark difference, Ms. Palin’s evalengical rejection of evolution means she does not understand basic science; the entire evolution argument is supported by the rigorous application of the scientific method. But we need technology, based on science, to solve some urgent problems with energy, golbal warming, and overpopulation.

Consider the odds: at age 72, McCain has a one-third probability of not lasting four years, which means Ms. Palin will likely become the President of the United States. And she believes that dinosaurs were here just 4000 years ago, which is utterly absurd and a clear example of her failed thinking."

An educated person? Really?!? Then why do your comments on this board sound like the seminary talking points from the democratic party? How does one portray themselves to be an educated person, yet miss-understand that not everyone shares on your unsubstantiated point-of-view regarding Biden? Is not Biden the person that stated Hussein Obama would have been better off if he choose Hillary? Is Biden Not the one that announced to an entire audience that a paraplegic man "stand up?"
Where did your education come from? How far did you get in Community College? What is your degree in, if you have one?
And, yes dear higher-education, Palin has an evangelical side to her; and...? Would you like her more if she turned away from her values because she was now a VP nominee? Hmmmm... no; that would not get your support. Should she hide herself and her values to gain your support? Hmmmm... don't think that will do it either. So, we are left with you and those mindless followers of the new, improved Jesus Christ that follow without question those that lead you into poverty and despair.

Educated!!?! That is laughable.

But then again, you did say your name was obama, followed by your opening line, "As an educated, confident working Mom..." Which is it? Are you obama, or a mom? Seems you dont even know who or what you are enough to decide who or what Palin is.

Educated??!?!!! HA!

If Sara Palin has to resign over trooper gate in Alaska does that leave lipstick on McCain’s face? ;)

It is Roe v. Wade. Get it right.

The problem is Congress in doling out our tax money the way that they have and do.

I have no problem for her fighting for trying to take care of her constituency if our government is going to give it out. They'd vote her (and every other politician) out of office if she didn't.

She was fulfulling the responsibility she made to her constituency.

David Z.

Apparently you are not a scientist yourself. Many scientists such as myself reject evolution, as it is simply the best current explanation for the origins of human life IF YOU ASSUME there is not a supernatural explanation. There is no scientific method, as you suggest, for theorizing, much less proving, that human origin is the result of nature as we know it.

It was so obvious that Gibson was trying to find any reason to dismiss Gov. Palin. He represented his peers in the media so well, that being a group of cry babies he is an ass as welll as the members of his profession she is sending them nuts, they cant get to her. too bad too sad.

ATTENTION fellow democrats! PLEASE stop posting on here pretending to be conservatives and Palin supporters. Your purposeful misspellings and poor grammar.... your attempt at hick-speak and country-bumpkin-ese.... your peddling of misinformation that has been so proven incorrect that even the mention of it seems too absurdly ignorant.... I mean, yes, the first time I started reading your fake posts I'll admit it.. YOU GOT ME! It was a great gag pretending to be crazy right wingers.. but upon further thought I think it is not becoming to make fun of people like that... even in satire. I hope no real conservatives or Palin supporters log on here and read these. I am sure they would not find it very funny.

How are Republicans all butt-hurt over Gibson's softball interview? It was a moderate interview with little difficulty. She has to get asked a few hard questions, like everyone else! And then they say "Has the media ever put Barack Obama on the same hot seat.[?]" Wasn't he just toe-to-toe with effin' Bill O'Reilly?
Well, get ready. She might have to be interviewed again! Can you imagine her on with Jon Stewert? He just slam-dunked Newt Gingrich. She's toast.

I can't think of anything to add, especially with smacdonald's excellent comment. I do notice a striking difference between the pro-palin and anti-palin comments. The anti-palins are pretty articulate while the pro-palins trend toward the hate-filled dunken crowd.
THINK ABOUT IT

Liberal's want to expose the small minded Sarah Palin, conservatives want to defend her from being exposed. Fact of the matter is, each "side" is going to stick by their candidate and ignore the reality that she is grossly underqualified. Doesnt matter what each one of you thinks, this election is like any other election, close, bitter and down to the wire. At least, we get to see a hot chick on TV this time. Waitaminnit, did I sound sexist?

I can't think of anything to add, especially with smacdonald's excellent comment. I do notice a striking difference between the pro-palin and anti-palin comments. The anti-palins are pretty articulate while the pro-palins trend toward the hate-filled dunken crowd.
THINK ABOUT IT

I used to think Charlie Gibson was a gentle soul. He was vicious with Palin. Bet he wouldn't attack Obama like that. Objective - no way! McCain - Palin have my vote. Obama cannot make decisions as noted by Rudy Giuliani. How come that point is ignored by the press??? The press makes me sick.

Assault weapon? What exactly is that? Do you know that there are as many definitions as there are laws against 'them'? 'Assault weapon' is a recently popularized term having little to do with how deadly a weapon may be. The fact is, an unmodified AK-47 was illegal before most people ever heard of an 'assault weapon'. Besides, there are hunting rifles which are much more effective at distance than a so-called assault weapon, and a shotgun is certainly more effective at close range than a semi-automatic rifle or handgun.

Not to shock you too much, but semi-automatic shotguns are legal in most states. In my opinion, they should be. Your assumption that the only weapons permissible are those used for hunting is wrong as a matter of law. Self-defense is a right conferred by the second amendment, recently affirmed by the Supreme Court.

The nomination of this woman is simply an act of desperate lunacy. I'll admit that I took a perverse joy in watching her "gee shucks" her way through an intellectual conversation - but it ultimately left me with a lingering feeling of... well... of terror.

Obama has been attempting to paint McCain as another George W. Bush for months - an attempt which hasn't really resonated for me, personally. McCain certainly isn't worth my vote - but he's no Bush. Palin is. A small-town (though Bush was, of course, not a small town guy at all on paper... just in intellect), small-minded imbecile - fundamentally incapable of understanding complex issues and properly pronouncing the word "nuclear."

What baffles me is the support she's getting from so many Americans. The idea that the people of this country would actually want someone so common - so paltry and dumb to be their leader... it boggles the mind.

Never has an entire society worked so hard to deify mediocrity.

If she (since McCain isn't the point of that campaign anymore) wins... I don't think I'll ever lose the feeling of shame I will have for my country.

As an independent voter, i like her. She seems to remind me of a good neighbor. Yeah, I know, is she smart enough to be vp because she didnt know of the "Bush Doctrine". I didnt know either, I looked it up on wicki, I think the guy was wrong with his answer. She hasnt earned by vote yet, put she definitely has earned my sympathy vote. Im still waiting to see if barak will shoot some hoop with me.

Quoted text: "What all you Sarah boosters need to understand is this: Alaska is a welfare state. For every dollar they send to Washington, they receive back $1.80.
McCain and Palin can lie all they want and maybe win by doing so, but it will not change the fact that they both lie about earmarks and pork."

Site your source, site facts, give votes, provide web-links to government sites providing details on spending.... give us something more than some half-cocked dim-witted comment on some pie-hole ass-kiss like this has benn.

Quoted text: "What all you Sarah boosters need to understand is this: Alaska is a welfare state. For every dollar they send to Washington, they receive back $1.80.
McCain and Palin can lie all they want and maybe win by doing so, but it will not change the fact that they both lie about earmarks and pork."

Site your source, site facts, give votes, provide web-links to government sites providing details on spending.... give us something more than some half-cocked dim-witted comment on some pie-hole ass-kiss like this has been.

Being generous, I'd give Sarah Palin an A at making Dan Quayle look qualified, and a D- in foreign policy. McCain is a joke for picking her. It was an act of desperation that puts the whole country in jeopardy.

Pig with lipstick is still a pig.... or

You can paint a barn purple... It's still a barn...........

Be smart America (for once).....

I'm surprised that so many women have gone from Hillary to Sarah. The first order of business of a McCain administration for these two would be to replace the retiring supreme court justices with Christian conservatives and have Roe V Wade overturned. They won't need a constitutional ammendment to accomplish their mission.
The women who sit out the election or switch to McCain will show the democrats who's boss. Their daughters, grand daughters, and great grand daughters will not have the right to choose.

Play video of Palin, “I told Congress, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' on that bridge to nowhere.”

Simultaneously play audio of Lyin’ Eyes by the Eagles,

“You can't hide your lyin' eyes, and your smile is a thin disguise. I thought by now you'd realize there ain't no way to hide those lying eyes.”

Now Tell Palin/McCain for President - “Thanks, but no thanks”

I have to agree with C Nelson. I'm pretty sure Palin will have a firm grasp of her responsibilities before Charles Gibson has a firm grasp of his.

I don't know where you got all that bull about national security briefings, blah, blah, blah. She had NO role in defence of Alaska....it is handled completely by the Federal Government. She is the technically "head" of the National Guard just as Bush is the "head" of the United States Armed forces. But she doesn't go out and give commands to the troops any more than Bush does. There is a commander to do that! She did deploy the Guard once to fight a fire. So if she wants to use that of an enhancement of her foreign policy--it sounds better than "I have foreign policy experience because you know--Charlie--you can actually SEE Russia from parts of Alaska!" LOL The Democrats really can't lose. Even if McSleaze and Caribou Barbie run enough lying ads to win in 2008, the country is going to fall apart and the Dems may not even need to campaignin 2012.

Poor Media Haters. They let their beloved newly crowned superstar, Ms. Palin, out for the first time to meet the Fourth Estate (the very people, like us, which we can choose to turn off at will by surfing or changing channels, the very people, like us, who simply are asking the questions all informed Americans would WANT and NEED to ask, if we were given the same access to powerful people). But then everyone with just a shade of red starts to scream the moment Ms. Palin opens her mouth. They cry FOUL, "what an asshole," "show her some respect!" etc. etc. etc. In WHAT respect, people? After all, Obama, Biden and McCain have ALL been under the broiling glare of the despised "Liberal Media" spotlight (the Fourth Estate, which represents everyone who would ask the same questions we all would, given the chance). Those politicians all have been vetted by the Mainstream Media and by its consumers (YOU) for nearly the last two years, especially during the primary season. Hate the Media? Change the channel, click to a different Web site, read a different newspaper -- but you would STILL ask similar question(s). Why? Because no matter what your stripe
you, too, want to know how YOU'RE going to put dinner on YOUR table after you just sent 50 of YOUR dollars to Alaska for oil that Ms. Palin spent how much money to get drilled ... and then used YOUR money ... on ... what, exactly, WOULD you ask her about YOUR future, for you and YOUR children that she has no problem sending to fight the Russians -- if YOU were Charlie Gibson? Hmmm? You can "fire" the Media any time you want; turn it off, find another source of information, go to the BBC. Look at what you did with George W. Bush -- hired him, then polled him down into the worst "approval ratings" in history. Nobody's telling you you have to trust the Media. But you're hiring two people for the most important jobs on Earth. If you trust the Media to do THAT job for you ... God really DOES need to bless America.

Palin is a pawn of the GOP. They are using a woman to attack women and this country and apparently she is failing to see that is being used to set back her own sex and this country into the 1940's. Her resume would fit on a post-it note with room left over for the text of the Constitution. As for McCain, do you honestly believe that during his years as a POW he didn't suffer from PTSD? Even members of his own party are fearful of McCain's finger on the "button." If he were truly the maverick he claims he is, he would have selected his first choice -- Lieberman. However, his choice simply shows how desperate he is to win because it is obvious that he is pandering to the religious right. And he is insulting the intelligence of women to boot -- he must think women stupid enough to vote for this ticket simply because Palin is a woman. Unfortunately there is a real bunch of dumb bunnies out there who actually think they are advancing the role of women by voting for this ticket.

They are both as scary as h-e-l-l-o. Even Cindy McCain's half-sister is supporting Obama and Palin's own mother-in-law is still undecided. That should tell you something!

Obama hasn't been on the hotseat ? Does Bill O'Reilly count Fox fans ?
Why does it seem there is this overwhelming need to overprotect Palin from the media ? She was asked questions about issues, she had an opportunity to answer about issues.

Sorry to see that she in this career path. As we all know or at least most of us, she was only picked VP because McCain wants to win the race badly. As most of us can all see, Sarah is not qualified for the VP position ,and of course, she and others differ.

I hope we don't see her as VP. This would be the best blessing to America.
Rick

While I don't agree with Zurawik's portrayal of the interview in win/lose terms, I do think that Palin is not ready for the second most important job in the country. Given that McCain is 72 years old and could very well have a stroke or pass away while in office, why didn't he take his VP decision more seriously? Running a country is serious business -- the future of our children, grandchildren, and our nation are at stake. There was a point when I was torn between what I thought were two interesting candidates --- McCain and Obama -- both mavericks in their own right. But this VP choice has made up my mind for me. No way, no how, no McCain in '08.

Oh, my goodness, now I know why Sarah Palin reminds me of a wide, heavy-jawed moose; she has eaten so many mooseburgers, moosesteaks, and mooseroasts that she has slowly transformed into a combination of a pitbull-and-a-moose lipstick caricature. Seriously, she has enough size in her jaw to pocket McCain in it!! She's already doing a good job, poor Johnny looks and acts like she is the headmistress with the ruler and he is the frightened and insecure schoolboy, fidgeting with his ring and furiously digging under his fingernails!! John McCain is proving himself as WEAK and HELPLESS by getting Palin to FIGHT his battles for him against Senator Obama!! It is McCain that is the candidate for president and NOT Palin!!

You know, the Palin issue could be used as a "litmus test" of sorts. I can see how die-hard conservatives would want to vote for McCain; they actually think - no wait, "believe" would be a better word to use here. They actually believe that Bush has done a great job with his eight years (I'm not going to go there). But the "any hockey mom for vice-president" crowd ('cause she's just like me!) is really out in left field (she may indeed be just like you; no offense, but I wouldn't vote for you either). This mind-set - that education and judgment don't seem to mater (how elitist!) - probably qualifies one for special recognition. Or to paraphrase Mr. Foxworthy "You may be a moron if you use that kind of reasoning."

I am all for fair and equal questioning of any and all individuals who choose to serve in the public forum. Historically, I have enjoyed Charlie Gibson for his "down-to-earth" delivery, however he is proving to be a puppet of the media machine. ABC News and Charlie Gibson owe it to the American viewing public to hurl similar undertones, overtones and hard hitting questions to Mr. Obama. The audacity of the media is amazing. How they can choose who they will support and who they will attempt to destroy is beyond logic or reason. Talk about huberous... Charlie is the personification of it.I am embarrassed for him.

If an empty can makes the most noise, she was quite full...of air.

She'll do quite well with folks who don't read or those that live in the woods...

One thing that Palin did prove is that Charlie Gibson has more limitations than than she. And she did it with a smile and without tricks or somke. The more the liberal media tries to disqualify Palin the more determined I am to vote for she and McCain.

" America..This is your future, wake up sleepy heads !! " ... Serious people, forget all the political mumbo jumbo and blah blah blah and break it down to its simplest form. Mccain picked Palin for one reason and 1 reason only, to benefit his chances of being the president. What does that tell you about him ? He is he going to be looking out for you the American people or himself ? ...hmmm wake up !! :).

I am disappointed by most of the post I have read. Where are the real issues? The parties and the Media have once again diverted the message from what is really important. Many Americans have no health care, do you think they care about soccer, pitbulls, pigs, or lipstick. My neighbors are losing their homes because of bad loans, high fuel cost, expensive medicines, and rising food prices. Do they care if Palin feels overlooked by Oprah. Really, GIVE ME A BREAK. If McCain/Palin can solve the problem, TELL ME. If Obama/Biden can TELL ME. I have to admit Bush has not made it easy for the Republican. How can you adopt the slogan change (mid -campaign) months after posing with Bush. That seem's to be wrong to me. Let's stay on point. I am tired of the rhetoric.

@rose: We don't seem to be capable of electing a competent administration. Anyone qualified to be the Chief Executive of the Federal Government gets weeded out in the primaries for not glowing with the mass-movement mirage of a vaguely beautiful future obtained through magic and without much effort.

On the other hand, Bush Senior had a great resume for serving in that position, and that didn't turn out so well either.

In any case, the sweeping social agendas Obama, Biden, and to a lesser extent, McCain, are calling for are not well-omened. This road may lead to the socialism the self-proclaimed intellectuals and journalists hope for, but then it will keep on driving straight through socialism and on to a nice, centralized, totalitarian government, with China as a great template. From each according to their ability to each according to their need, it's like a sophmoric narcotic.

Obama may sound wonderfully progressive now, but what happens when he decides your freedoms (and I mean that in the concrete plural sense, rather than the vague singular) are interfering with progress? Lots of people are already prepared to cheerfully chuck the 2nd Amendment, with portions of the 1st to quickly follow, and the rest of the 1st eventually... especially if you say things that are not nice.

I wish we could just chuck the fourteenth and put the Federal government back in it's place. Failing that, and a competent president, I guess I'll settle for a VP who might not believe they know how everyone else should live. That doesn't describe Obama, Biden or Hillary particularly well (or McCain either). That is a bit how Palin comes across though, a pit bull maybe, but not a self-proclaimed god and saviour.

It was so obvious that Gibson was trying to find any reason to dismiss Gov. Palin. He represented his peers in the media so well, that being a group of cry babies he is an ass as welll as the members of his profession she is sending them nuts, they cant get to her. too bad too sad.

I hope every liberal asshole will wake up and realize that Obama will destroy our country. The change he is talking about is for the people who cannot and will not help themselves. We have the best Medicare in the world...why the hell would we change it to be like Canada, France and England (of which nationalized medicare is failing). Check out the breakdown of who doesn't have medicare, most of it is people who choose not to pay for it, they can, but they don't, instead they get something that is shiny. It will also cover the illegals that are in this country, and before any liberal douche says my family was immigrants...I, being part Cherokee, had stake in this country long before you got here. As far as I'm concerned, let the small business owners and the rich keep more of their money, they are the ones that give everyone jobs. If you tax them more, then there will be less jobs. It's common sense. When the country was founded it was on the basis that the people had the power, not the government. Obama wants to make the government bigger and in turn, control you. Obama is a radical liberal, obvious by his short voting record when he actually spent time in Washington. I'm not saying I'm happy with the Republican Presidential Candidate either...this country is in for a rude awakening. Apparently everyone forgets about 9/11/01. We were united at that time...ready to take on terrorism...we have...and now liberals are condemning it. They didn't say shit when we were attacked.

For those of you who think that Sen. Obama hasn't been on the hot seat think again. He faced tough scrutiny from the media about his wife and Rev. Wright. Some of you need to think before you write because you sound really ignorant.

For those of you who think that Sen. Obama hasn't been on the hot seat think again. He faced tough scrutiny from the media about his wife and Rev. Wright. Some of you need to think before you write because you sound really ignorant.

People please wake up. This is not a game. This thing is serious. As Americans we have seen the worst eight years of our lives with Bush as President. There is no such thing as a maverick when it comes to what needs to happen in this country. I don't think that this woman knew much about anything before she was dragged into this election process. She is an insult to the intelligence of anyone with education. As an educated American I am embarassed by this talking head. The woman should be at home paying attention to her kids and husband, She is nothing more than a soccer mom who has no earthly idea as to what the office of vice president is about. The people who are changing their minds and thinking about voting for jer are thinking with their emotions based upon the fact that she is a woman .with a good percent of redneck values. I see this as what appeals to some of the people who can relate to her. There is no other reason that I can think of to support her. The real issues are not being discussed. We have so may other things to think about. John McCain and this woman will only put us in a much worst place than we are in already. She keeps saying that she is pro-life. I would think so after her daughter has obviously not been practicing abstenance. Trash is trash no matter how you look at it.Good luck with the shotgun wedding and the rest of the sad things that make this choice for vice president totally unacceptable. Sarah Palin Please Go Home!!!

Wow! I love how the media wins for Republicans. This reporter is typical. The media did not learn anything from 2004. They still think all us hillbilly's are just holding on to every word. Thank you libral trash talkers and the media. I love the sound of President McCain and Vice President Palin. Get used to it librals and media. All of you have earned it.

I just don't understand how these staunch supporters of Palin can go on about liberal bias in the media when her hypocrisy, if not outright lies, are a well-substantiated fact. Time and again it has been proven she’s distort or ignored her own statements and actions, and yet she is hailed by the Right-Wing as the second coming!

I have nothing against a woman in the office of VP, but there are tens of woman in political office who are far more qualified than his hollow, vindictive Bulldog — or should I say Terrier. “Lipstick on a Pig” — more like “Mammarys” on a Bull.

And another thing that astounds me is the total lack of substance in anything said of late from McCain or his running mate — it’s attack Obama every time, all the time.

This country is in a shambles due to the ignorant, reckless and callous policies of the present administration. It has sacrificed our freedoms under the facade of security; it has given big business free reign while it nickels and dimes the common person; it has cultivated a culture of corruption and greed and secrecy while undermining our health, education and welfare; it has thumbed its nose at the world and then pointed the finger when proven wrong.

For the past eight years it has been party first and country second, agenda first and country last. Instead of substance and action, we have gotten diversions and subterfuge; Nero fiddles while Roman burns.

And what does McCain/Palin have to say about it, “Stay the course”. Like a typical addict, they can’t see the obvious until you hit rock bottom, but why does the whole country have to go there with them??

obama undisputed facts:

Major senate accomplishment:

Co authored a bill with Russ Feingold to keep lobbyists from buying lunch for Congresspeople

20 years of Black Liberation Theology:
The premise of which is that all of the Black man's problems are because of the White man.

Major initiative: To make sex education available in schools to children ages 5 thru 8.

Dave | September 12, 2008 9:50 PM:

Please post sources so that we can verify your assertions. That would be helpful. Thanks.

Not sure if you mean me or another Dave. If me, please let me know what assertions you are referring to and I will try to comply. Thanks.Z

Lets NOT forget Obama and his wife's associations for the last 20yrs, it say's something about their beliefs and attitudes and how they might try to steer this country. I'm not willing to get an american history lesson from Trinity Church (Rev Wright) or Bill Ayers(wife too), Tony Rezco and especially from his wife, Michelle Obama.
I am a democrat and will probabally vote for none of the above (if I can write in Hillary's name I will) however, I think the backlash to Sarah Palin is disgusting, to say Obama IS more qualified than Gov Palin is absurd bordering on lunacy. Lets see , Mayor, then Govenor versus Community Organizer, state senator(voted present 160 times) and then Senator for 4 yrs(two of them full-time running for president). Its not difficult to see who has more executive .;experience. And she's on the bottom of the ticket. The democrats made a big mistake, Hillary should have been the nominee or at the very least , vice-president.

If you don't think Obama has been in the hot seat, go find the O'Reilly interviews on YouTube. Better questions, better answers.

Sarah Palin said nothing in the interviews of any substance. She didn't answer the questions directly. She talked around the issues. So, that's one reason I don't want to vote for her.

She was likable, attractive. Interesting to watch talking on TV. But that's not a good enough reason to be president, either. So, that's reason two for not supporting her.

Maybe I can vote for her because she "one of us"? I'm a working woman who grew up in small town Alaska and played on the basketball team in junior high school. I don't have kids but I will someday. My sisters and friends all do.

Nope, that's not a good enough reason either. I think she'd be more like the mom at my sister in law's kids' school who started dictating what all the other kids could eat in school, and threatening to sue.

She'd be fun to chat with on the sidelines of a hockey match, for sure. She'd be great fun in the parent cheering section.

But, I'd keep my husband away from her. And, I wouldn't let my teenage daughter go for a sleepover at her place, that's for sure!

Would she be someone I'd invite into my kitchen for a cup of coffee? The equivalent being Bush, the guy men would most like to have a beer with.

Hmmm ... I don't know. She doesn't seem like a friend of women, frankly. Didn't she tell Hillary Clinton to stop whining?

Um. Is this the same Hillary Clinton who's husband had sex in the oval office with an intern, while Hillary was in the same building??? And who still today, won't talk much about it? Now there's a woman I can relate to. How many of us have been there, done that, on some level?

I'd love to have a cup of coffee with Condoleeza Rice, however. She too sacrificed her own reputation for a ridiculous male. (Bush) She really did duke it out with the boys club while national security advisor, taking on the likes of Rumsfeld and Cheney. As a Russia expert, maybe she can tell me how Palin can say Russia's attack on Georgia was "unprovoked".

Speaking of those two women ... neither Clinton nor Rice may be "one of us". And like Palin, they are certainly "no angels". Still, if they were in the Oval Office, well ... it wouldn't be an insult to women. And it wouldn't be a farce. I'd trust them to be the leader of the free world.

Palin performed really well. Gibson was under a lot of MoveOn.org pressure to be an ass in the interview. He gave them and the Obama people what they wanted without being too, too terribly unprofessional. Since there is no one official definition on Google for "Bush Doctrine", Gibson could have simply used the term that everybody else outside of the State Department uses, "Bush's war strategy." Regardless, Palin is really fast on her feet, has a platform that appeals to all Americans, except the left of left, and she is a better VP pick than the King of Partisan Politics, Joe Biden.

"May I call you 'Charlie'?"
May I call you 'witless'?

I would voter for her over McCain, at least she has balls.

STill, 20 months as governer? Ya right, just as bad if not worse than Obama.

Man we need a good third party this year.. Those liberals (from both side) suck.

I would voter for her over McCain, at least she has balls.

STill, 20 months as governer? Ya right, just as bad if not worse than Obama.

Man we need a good third party this year.. Those liberals (from both side) suck.

Putting Sarah Palin on the Republican ticket is an insult to the American people and shows utter contempt for the office of the Presidency.

How can Republicans say with a straight face that Palin has the education, knowledge, experience, wisdom and intelligence necessary to be at the helm of our nation?

I, for one, would love to see Gibson interview Obama, sans lollipops, thank you, the man gets sugar-coated enough as it is, and ask BHO: Senator, you signed a pledge commiting to accept public funds for your campaign, until you thought you could raise more money otherwise. You belonged to an ethnocentrist churchfor 20+ years, until it became politically unwise. You promised to get the troops out of Iraq in 16 months, until you "refined" your position to "whenever prudent". You wanted to raise tax on the rich, until you realized these are the folks who actually create jobs. You thought the world would be a better place if you met with our enemies, until you were made to realize pre-conditions are not such a bad idea. You did not want to drill for oil, now you would drill a little bit. But, folks, there will be lipsticked pigs flying before any of these questions are asked, let aloned answered unspinned. Give me Palin and her bridge to nowhere. At least we know why she changed her stand. No lipstick required.

For the guy from Europe... I am from Europe too.

I saw the interview and I knew something was wrong with it.

Well, here it is:

1. The interview as it was presented on ABC at 6:30 PST it was edited. There were answers from Palin that were removed by ABC so she would look weak or unsure about her answers. Also, they putted one of her answers after a different question from Charlie so it would like she didn’t answer the question. At 10:00PM Thursday night they replay the interview without the cuts. THERE WAS NOT COMPARASING!!!!! She responded VERY WELL to all the questions, and she knew when to avoid a strait answer (about Israel for example) and when not.

2. There is not such a "Bush doctrine". This is a nick name used by some people from media to describe certain positions from Bush. There are at least 4 positions from Bush that media called "Bush doctrine":

One, as Charlie said, is the preemptive strike. But this "doctrine" was used by greeks with hundreds of years before Christ, so it was not something invented or used by Bush for the first time in the history.

Another one is to help the countries from Middle East to become democracies, which Palin was talking about in her first answer about the “Bush Doctrine”.

Another one is to consider the countries that are hosting or supporting terrorists equally responsible and targetable like the terrorists. From here the concept of “axe of evil”.

And there was another one that I don’t remember right now.

Charlie looked like an idiot with the question about the “Bush doctrine”. He just tried to catch her in her own words. Also he didn’t define the question. There is not such a Bush Doctrine because nobody defined it.

Just because Palin didn't give the answer that Charlie expected, because he had another view about the "Bush Doctrine", it doesn't mean that she answered the question wrong.

She actually answers it right, because one of the 4 “Bush doctrines” that Charlie was talking about is the one that Palin answered.

ALSO, Charlie said that Bush defined the doctrine of preemptive strike in September of 2001, which is not true. This concept was used to attack Iraq, which was later.

I recorded the interview and I watch it today multiple times. Charlie was disgusting. When Palin was answering the questions, he was rotating his leg like he didn't care about her point of view. He just tried to catch her. He didn't try to find out what she thinks about those issues or to have a conversation with her. This was more like “Let me prove to everybody how stupid you are.”

There where at least three questions that, regardless of the response, could’ve been used by the media against her:

1. If she had second thoughts when McCain proposed her. If she would say yes, the left media would say “See, even she recognized that she’s inexperienced or unsure about the job”. She responded with no, and now the left media is accusing her that she’s too arrogant and proud.

2. If she would support the Israel to attack Iran. If she would say yes, she would be accused of being ready to go to war too easy and would also offend the muslim countries. If she would say no, she would be accused that she doesn’t support Israel. She responded brilliant by saying we can not second guess israelies intention to defend themselves.

3. If it’s legitimate to cross over in Pakistan and attack the talibans there. If she would say no, then she is too weak. If she would respond with yes, that means she doesn’t recognize the suzerainty of another country. She responded very well by saying that we have to do whatever it takes to stop those terrorists.

The best example of how one of her answers was reinterpreted by the media is the answer about NATO. If Georgia and Ukraine would be accepted in NATO and Russia would attack one of them, does that mean we have to go to war with Russia?, asked Charlie. If she would say no, it would mean that she doesn’t know what and how NATO works. She responded with ”perhaps yes, if they ask for our help”, which is exactly according to the NATO agreement, and now the media is saying that she wants to go war with Russia.

The hypocrisy and stupidly of left media from this country is just off limits. They just want to destroy this woman with any price.

Now, after I watched the first part of the interview without the cuts, I have to say that Sarah Palin was brilliant. Charlie...? A disgusting and disgusted person. You could see that on his body language, his attitude and the way he asked the questions.

Sorry, but this is not journalism.

WWE is the most watched cable TV show in America! Doesn't that tell you something about the "average" American? Sarah fits right into that population. Hopefully they will be preoccupied watching the overweight bozos throwing themselves around a ring and not go out an vote!

What limitations?
There is nothing untruthful in her answers. She did killed the "bridge to nowhere". It is appalling that media & liberals are still hell bent to misrepresent the truths?

On Guns. Palin is just practising the freedom as stated in the 2nd amendment of the constitution allows. Why are Obama's supporters trying to "mock the constitution"?

McCain-Palin 08

heyyy prez Bush was fundraising in Oklahoma today for McCain...as Hurricane Ike barrells down...what about raising funds for the evacuees and victims dude.
Oh and Palin has said that Hillary shouldnt whine about the media...huh huh huh

McCain is an old fart, he's so frikkin' old! and Palin is supposed to fix that? she's horrible! a vote for McCain is a vote for more of the same. I hope as many young people as possible come out and vote for Obama, because if we don't, it's just going to be Bush term three, picked by all the old white people out there in "real" america (which sucks btw, who the hell wants to live in Iowa or Nebraska).

To that guy who said the Wasilla budget grew 35% inflation adjusted when she was in office. It's true, but misleading.

He didn't account for POPULATION GROWTH. One thing not in Palin's favor is that Wasilla really is a small town.

1996: 4600 people
2002: 6311 people

About a 37% increase in the time she was in office. The city budget was basically flat or shrank relative population growth. We also have no idea what services the residents were demanding, but we do know their property taxes fell over the same period. And the budget would likely include any additional debt service on the sports facility-- But the town now has a sports facility.

As far as long term debt, that's how all cities pay for their infrastructure. Google "long-term debt " Your town does the same for schools, stadiums (yes, every major sports stadium), etc. It issues bonds. Same reason you didn't pay for your house in cash. Your mortgage is long-term debt. And when the mortgage is paid off, you own the house and you want to live in it while you're paying it off. It's not like she blew $15 million dollars. The city wanted a sports stadium which people are happy with and she got it built. My guess is just like parks in our neighborhoods, it increased the property values and desirability of the area, though someone else will need to confirm that.

Here's a link to the population figures.
http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/new-unit-measurement-wasilla

Sarah Palin's responses were incoherent and downright ridiculous. How could anyone argue that this woman is qualified to be vice president? Or, God-forbid, president? When you listen to Obama you can tell that he is intelligent and can clearly and succinctly make his points. Anyone who argues that Palin is better qualified than Obama is truly delusional. Intelligence should be high on the list of qualifications and Palin is clearly not very bright. Do we want this woman representing our nation to the world?

Hey Zurawick,
Did we watch the same interviews? Or am I going to have to discuss your proximity to the Washington elite, for which you may be beholden? Palin won all 3 rounds and beyond. Let me start with what you call the lollipop at the end. Gibson mumbled the question about Hillary Clinton. Palin answered. Wouldn't you think Gibson would folo up with a question about Palin's remark in the past about Clinton's whining? Gibson even referenced it during the 20/20 show...during a promo? Gibson often and repeatedly questioned Palin in a staged monotone manner, I believe, to -act- as if he was the older uncle or professor-like figure. Why not jump on her on occasion when he saw contradictions? Instead, he sounded like a rushed, uninterested, or ill-prepared interviewer who couldn't wait to get to the nearest Alaskan beer stube to justify the inconvenience of having to travel so far for a news story.

Hi, You would be surprised how far little Baltimore is away from the Washington elite. Just ask its members what they think of us poor little peasants from the provinces. I'm kidding. I get your point, and I do Washington TV talk shows so I can't claim total immunity. Thanks. Z

Sarah did a great job with her interview with Gibson. She is going to make a great Vice President.

I don't agree with her on all subjects... but she is wired right and I am confident that she will be very good for this nation.

Could you please tell me how, as members of the GOP and "reformer mavericks." McCain and Palin, faced with a Democratic House and Senate, will ever be able to "help" anyone? How will they be able to pass any policy, when it is steadfastly against what their colleagues will stand for? Palin's been running against the "Good Ol' Boys Club", hoping to be the head of the Senate, when the "Good Ol' Boys Club" is run by Senators. How is she going to have any real influence at all? Sure, symbolically, you can vote for McCain/Palin. But I am not predicting a reversal, as far as the House and Senate are concerned. They may win, but they have no chance at getting anything done. "Save us," as some poster wrote? Sure. It won't be any different than before.

Ronald Reagan once over crammed (thanks to being pushed to do so by a campaign adviser) for a debate against an opponent for the presidential candidacy...Reagan sounded very confused, defensive, flustered. That only happened once. Palin sounded very similar on the first interview night. Her second night was much better. But her interview on the first night in its complete transcript makes her answers about Russia sound much better than the editing ABC made. Check it out and see what you think.

http://marklevinshow.com/gibson-interview/

I am in Europe and it is plain unbelievable to watch how you Americans are taking seriously this woman Palin. She may be a nice person but she is a complete JOKE as a vice presidential candidate. Jeez... this is definitely the end of America as a world power. Wake up before it gets too late.

Is there a reason why only one of the four candidates is being scrutinized in this fashion? I don't believe the bar has ever been set so high for a Vice Presidential candidate.

This is a lot Dave- maybe use some- just for some rality checking
by Jim Hightower
It was not my intention to be writing about Sarah Palin, since
everyone with a laptop, a No. 2 pencil or a red crayon seems to be
covering that beat. But then came the pundits:
"She's a populist," gushed Karl Rove on Fox TV. Weird, since this
right-wing political slime and corporate whore loathes, demonizes,
mocks, fears and tries to destroy real populists.
"Perfect populist pitch," beamed CBS analyst Jeff Greenfield right
after Palin's big speech at the GOP fawnfest in St. Paul. In his less
infatuated moments, Greenfield surely must realize how ludicrous his
comment was, since once, long ago, he co-authored a book that had
"populist" in the title, so he has at least had a brush with the
authentic people's movement that the term encapsulates.
So they made me do it. Karl, Jeff and other pundits who are rushing
to place the gleaming crown of populism atop the head of this
shameless corporate servant -- they are the ones who have driven me to
write about Palin. Someone has to nail the media establishment for its
willing perversion of language, American history and the substance of
today's genuine populism.
Palin might be popular, she might be able to field dress a moose, she
might live in a small town, she might enjoy delivering "news flashes"
to media elites, she might even become vice president -- but none of
this makes her a populist. To the contrary, she is to populism what
bear is to beer, only not as close.
You want a taste of the real thing? Try this from another woman who
hailed from a town (smaller than Wasilla, Alaska) and was renowned for
her political oratory:

Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the
people, by the people, and for the people, but a government of Wall
Street, by Wall Street and for Wall Street. ... Our laws are the
output of a system which clothes rascals in robes and honesty in
rags. ...That, my media friends, is populism. It comes from Mary
Ellen Lease, who was speaking to the national convention of the
populist party in Topeka, Kan., in 1890. In a time before women could
vote, Lease traveled the countryside to rally a grassroots revolt against the corporate predators of her day, urging farmers to "raise
less corn and more hell." She didn't need to brag that she was a pit
bull in lipstick, because her message, idealism and actions made her an actual force for change.

America has been blessed with populist women ever since, including
such honest and insistent voices as Ida Tarbell, Mother Jones,
Dorothy Day, Rosa Parks, Rachel Carson, Karen Silkwood, Barbara
Jordan, Molly Ivins, Barbara Ehrenreich and Granny D. Measure Sarah Palin against these.
Populism was and is a ground-level, democratic movement with the guts
and gumption to go right at the moneyed elites. It is unabashedly
class-based, confronting the Rockefellers on behalf of the
Littlefellers. To be a populist is to challenge the very structure of
corporate power that is running roughshod over workers, consumers, the
environment, small farmers, poor people, the middle class -- and
America's historic ideals of economic fairness, social justice and
equal opportunity for all.
"Populist" is not an empty political buzzword that can be attached to
someone like Palin, whose campaigns (lieutenant governor, governor and
now Veep) are financed and even run by the lobbyists and executives of
Big Oil, Wall Street bankers, drug companies, telecom giants and other
entrenched economic interests.
Populists don't support opening our national parks and coastlines to
allow the ExxonMobils to take publicly owned oil and sell it to China.
Palin does. Populists favor a windfall profits tax on oil companies
that are robbing consumers at the pump while milking taxpayers for
billions of dollars in subsidies. Palin doesn't. Populists don't hire
corporate lobbyists to deliver a boatload of earmarked federal funds,
then turn around and claim to be a heroic opponent of earmarks. Palin
did. Populists favor shifting more of America's tax burden from the
middle class to the superwealthy, while opposing another huge tax
giveaway for corporations. Palin doesn't and doesn't.
Another thing populists don't do is sneer at community organizers, as
Palin did in her nationally televised coming-out party. Indeed,
populists of old were community organizers, as are today's. They work
in communities all across our great land, putting in long days at low
pay to help empower ordinary folks who are besieged by the avarice and
arrogance of Palin's own corporate backers. Since the governor likes
to put her fundamental Christianity on political display, she might
give some thought to a new bumper sticker that expresses a bit of
Biblical populism: "Jesus was a community organizer while Pontius
Pilate was governor."
Environmental justice groups, ACORN, living wage campaigns, the Bus
Project, clean water efforts, union organizing drives, PIRG, Fighting
Bob Fest, Jobs with Justice, Apollo Alliance, United Students
Against Sweatshops, the Evangelical Environmental Network, clean
election initiatives, stopping mountaintop removal, USAction,
community supported agriculture, Campus Progress, local business
alliances, Citizens Trade Campaign, Wellstone Action -- these are but
a few of those doing terrific community organizing today. They embody
the vitality of modern populism, doing the essential grunt-level work
of democracy.
What gives Palin any legitimacy to denigrate that? She embraces none
of these causes, instead supporting the rich and powerful whom
grassroots folks are having to battle. She's a plutocrat, not a
populist. Big difference.

****
Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker
and author of the new book, "Swim Against the Current: Even a Dead
Fish Can Go With the Flow" (Wiley, March 2008). He publishes the
monthly "Hightower Lowdown," co-edited by Phillip Frazer.

© 2008 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.
View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story

Thanks Dave, I am familiar with Hightower from my days as TV columnist at the Dallas Times Herald in the late 1980s. In fact, we were on panels together from time to time as I recall. I knew Molly Ivins, too, as she was a columnist at the same "evil corporate giant." In fact, she did some of her best writing for that theDallas Times Herald and the other "evil corporate giiant" in Fort Worth. Now how does that work in the critique you are urging me to embrace? Why do these totally evil American newspapers have a history of hiring folks like Molly Ivins, paying them a nice salary and publishing their work? Oh I know, it's all part of the false consciousness conspiracy of the power that be. Right? Or am I missing something in this simpleminded analysis that ignores what it cannot explain. Thanks. Good to hear from you again. I hope you keep reading and writing zontv, but despite the huge volume of comments and dialogue here, I am committed to a civil conversation in this blog. I know you are as well.Z

Hey David, I hope you check back here later. It is the only way I could reply to your second message. You were right: I couldn't publish it. I could have edited it and published it, but I felt it would have left readers wondering what it was you were referring to. But I promise I am not editing or censoring, and when I do have to delete something I tell the person why. But I think you sent that along with a good idea that it might not make the cut because of its potential to offend a whole group of people. But I enjoy the back and forth, and I am glad you checked zontv out.Z

"Gibson won rounds 2 and 3 ..." Gee, I'm sorry, I thought it was an interview, but apparently it was a debate with Gibson representing the Democrats as the media always do. As for Zurawik's cheerleading ("He had served the public well ..."), just more of the biased nonsense we're used from the Sun.

Hi Jim, Thanks for the comment. I have to admit as a voter, I was quite surprised to find out that the vice presidential candidate did not know one of the cornerstone doctrines on foriegn policy of the President of her own party. I have Gibson's questioning to thank you that. That is what I mean by serving the public. And I am always happy to have the chance to exchange views in a civil manner with big fans oif the Sun like you.Z

Palin said that as Governor her responsibility was to seek earmarks, and suggests strongly that as VP her job will be to deny them.
This woman is quite unqualified to be VP or President. She is a total idealogue and moron.
(I dislike Biden as well)
For a President to function, and get votes in Congress, the President has to deal. The President has to give in order to receive. If McCain/Palin are elected, with a Democratic Congress, they will get no legislation through, unless they give on some issues.
So, if you want stagnation in Washington, vote for McCain/Palin

Posted by: Tom Randolph
"When was the last time you switched parties in a general election?"

In 2004 I was a registered Republican but worked for and voted for Kerry due to the massive failure of the Bush admin.

In 2008 Ire-registered as a Democrat to vote for Mr. Obama in my state's primary. I am donating $$ and working hard for Mr. Obama. We cannot, CANNOT, afford four more years of Bush-equivalent government; there's not enoough room here to list all the Bush failures that will be continued, even expanded, under McCain. And God forbid Ms. Palin should become President; at a minimum she will take the women's rights in this country back to the 19th century.

RCG

What's up with Charlie Gibson...That was not an interview..It was an interrogation. I am a 57 year old democrat from Wi. I will be voting for McCain/Palin. Omitting the first sentence of the statement and twisting around the truth of her exact words...sickening. The left media is ruining Obama's chances...of course he is doing a good job of that too.Charlie Gibson..Your career will go down the tubes after that one and you and ABC should be ashamed of yourself

Hi Peggy, In a democracy, I think it is the job of the press to interrogate the candidates in an effort to give citizens the best information on which to base their votes. Civil yes, we should always be civil. Nice-nice and deferential, no-no. That is the way in which the press usually winds up failing the pub lic by being too nice to politicians and leaders. PS I am from Wisconsin, too. Grew up in West Allis outside Milwaukee. Thanks.Z

She is absolutely an embarassment. Palin is unqualified. Period. End of sentence.

What I loved about Charlie Gibson was the fact that he tried to trip her up on the question about the Bush Doctrine...She asked him "what part Charlie"? He didn't even know that there are four parts to the Bush Doctrine. You need to do your homework Charlie if your going to be a smart a$$ Ha, Ha Ha I loved it!!!!

None of these questions have ever been asked of Hussein. She pulled it off and is an excellent choice for VP

You people are so ignorant...you didn't even see that ABC had cut out most of her response in the interview.. How is that unbiased reporting? Sorry, ABC has now joined the ranks of National Enquirer and Star. Totally unprofessional people and most untrustworthy reporting..

Hi, actually if you check back to a post I did on Thursday here, you will see a discussion of ABC News having the ability to edit and mix these interviews. Please check it out. Thanks.Z

This was not journalism...this was a witch hunt...ABC is too liberal for me..I'll never trust their reporting again.

It's amazing that so many people still don't understand the difference between journalism and opinion ...and that David is allowed to have an opinion when writing about things like ... like ... oh, say for example what he thought of the ABC Sarah Palin interview.

I am deeply disapointed in John McCain. He has lost my vote by the irresponsible choice of his running mate.

Ms. Palin is a semi educated beauty queen who learned to answer those hard questions asked by the judges in the Miss Alaska pagent. She does not have the background to lead. I'm tired of hearing about her so called executive experience. She simply does not have the intelligence and advanced education to understand how the world works.

The terrible negative ads approved by McCain were the last straw. He promised us a clean campaign and has reneged on that promise.

I'm leaning toward Obama because his extensive education in constitutional law means he will understand, uphold and defend the constitution. That's important.

Ms. Palin, on the other hand, took 6 years in as many schools trying to achieve a BA in journalism. While Obama was working hard for the people in the inner city she was a sportscaster.

I'm also thinking about some of the third party candidates, so my mind isn't totally made up, except that McCain won't get my vote.

If McCain wasn't so old, with a beat up, sick body, maybe I wouldn't worry so much about who the vice president will be. But the fact is, Palin could start WWIII with her ignorance, and the only part of the constitution she knows is the second amendment.

Here's the situation as many already know. It was painfully clear that Gov. Palin is not ready to be VP and it was painfully obvious she's no where near ready to be President.

But she's not the issue. The real issue here is why McCain chose her. Did he not realize that she's not qualified and this is just an indication of his poor judgment? Or did he chose her because it was a political move where he was obviously putting politics and his own ambition to win over the needs of the country? No matter what the answer, it points to why I'm worried about a McCain Presidency. Seriously worried.

Now what will happen is the Republicans will herald this as a triumphant interview and they will viciously attack anyone that says otherwise. They will call it a political and sexist attack because they will try to divert the content of this issue into something that is a non-issue. Will it work? Unfortunately I'm not sure. From most of the comments on this board I don't think it will but some of the other comments have me worried.

The country is facing serious issues and we need a strong and competent Administration to get us out of the incredible mess we're in at the moment. We need a completely new direction. Yes some of the things we need to do will be tough. If I need to realize a tax increase under Obama-Biden then so be it. I will welcome that increase as long as it means we'll get our country back and take care of those in real need; and especially those that helped and are helping to defend our nation. McCain-Palin will not take us anywhere we haven't been already.

"The President has lead with great clarity and I think he's done a great job leading the country don't you?" -- John McCain

"The President and I agree on most issues, there was a recent study that showed I voted with the President over 90% of the time higher than even most of my Republican collegues" -- John McCain

"Fact is that I have agreed with President Bush far more than I have disagreed, and on the transcendent issues, the most important issues of our day, I have been totally in agreement and support of President Bush.." -- John McCain

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnb2IrsU1Cg

I was a Dem...but the Democratic Party now, is a disgrace, They lie, cheat, make up rumors. They couldn't even pick the more qualified candidate to run for president, much less the VP spot. What is the problem with them? Now what? Joe Biden is going to come down with some sort of illness and they'rw going to toss Hillary Clinton crumbs and have her run as the VP. I say too late boys..you missed your chance. And that's like grasping at straws. But, nevertheless, this will be the biggest mind changer yet for Hussien. He has back tracked so much since the nomination...I personally still don't understand what his convictions are. Is it transendence, race...WHAT?

Obama is totally lost without a teleprompter and his speech writer, of course. The forum the other night with McCain and Obama was a joke. McCain went first,,,and when Obama got up there, he pretty much repeated what McCain has just said. Obama did the same thing to H. Clinton and when she said something about it...she was chastised by the media. He has no thought process for himself. He's the Dems puppet. He is no LEADER.

All I hear from the pro Palins are the same talking points they were taught on their local AM radio station. Obama has been on the hot seat, if not how is it these things you make mention of , Revf. Wright, Ayres , wife , Flanagan are even in the public discussion>

Your right Patrick. So many people don't understand the difference between journalism and opinion ...So why is Charlie Gibson's claim to fame as a journalist? I can assure you he wasn't well versed on the Bush Doctrine..period. Otherwise, he would have answered her question "which part Charlie"? I'm sure most of the liberals on this post had no idea what that doctrine was.

Must be the Miss Alaska training - I cannot tell you how annoying Sarah Palin was when she gazed, repeatedly, into Charles Gibson's eyes, saying, "Charlie". That is SO junior high school! It was impossible to concentrate on anything she said. Wonder if she also puts vaseline on her lips OVER her lipstick and props up her boobs with scotch tape, as the contestants do.

Hey George Sampson: Your comment "I am in Europe and it is plain unbelievable to watch how you Americans....." Us American's?
Mind your own business-you must be writing and reading this stuff while waiting for your brain transplant that you have to wait 12 months for because of your socialized health care system.
We American's can disagree on many issues like this but at the end of the day we will still band together to save your sorry ass when called upon to do so. And yes, even rebuild your countries and leave as we always do.
Some of you refer to this as imperialism.

Wow. The culture war continues. Or really, it seems more like a time-warp war.
Some people in this country want to grow. Not just in their pocketbooks. But emotionally, culturally, intellectually, spiritually. I can tell by these posts...that there are others who do not.
I understand the fear of moving forward. Moving beyond anything we've ever done before as a people, as a nation. Because that means change of a deeper kind. And truly, that's the kind of change we're talking about in this election.
For those of you who are afraid to move outside your comfort zones and join the rest of us in the 21st century, I sincerely wish you well. But just know: This is a change you cannot stop. No matter how many times you refer to Harry Truman.
Blessings.

Mary Pitts,
I'd suggest you refine your post; it didn't quite dupe me!
Wishing you well, oh ye former "Dem" (wink wink)...

Hey Guys'

She Is Running For V.P., NOT The Presidency.........
If you are so bias not to see the smear going on, well then choke on it. Bahama is NOTHING BUT a "community race card player," You Suckers, never learn do ya?

We don't need any more lawyers running this country. Where do you think that all the problems started? HELLO????
NO MORE LAWYERS, NO BAHAMA...
Bye the way, I'm keeping my guns now for sure to protect you AND me. Seeing that you can't protect yourself. White Guilt? I think so. I'm Black Also.

You got to love this woman of women. Cut em all to the bone, darling.

Get the citizens off the backs of the U.S. government. END entitlements, now! All but military and corporate ones.

The most important examples of entitlement programs at the federal level in the United States would include Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, most Veterans' Administration programs, federal employee and military retirement plans, unemployment compensation, food stamps, and agricultural price support programs.

Make the citizens pay for their own health care so corporations can get out of that burden and stay competitive.

Make the citizens pay for their children's education and get these costs off the government's back. People need to be responsible for their own breeding habits.

And just because she's the governor of Alaska doesn't mean she needs to know what they are to cut the to zero. In fact, it only show how little importance they have to the American people.

The free ride is over America, Palin is coming...yahoooo...

Jerry,

I am european, but you are so right.

Question?

Why do you think Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, Iran and other would like Obama to be president of the United States of America?

Think twice before you answer.

What is the problem people have with her answer about defending Georgia after it becomes part of NATO? That is exactly why NATO exists, and Biden and Obama would agree with her. NATO was formed for the collective security of its members; all members of NATO are expected to defend each other. It's a requirement of membership.

Republicans can never take the blame for anything! The last 8 years is proof of that. Sara Palin did not have a scripted speach in front of her this time and it really showed. However, Republicans will blame it all on Charles Gibson. It was not Palin fault she could not handle some basic questions about what kind of Vice President she would be. What a typical Rush Limbagh like reaction to this interview. Rush, Hannity and the rest of the conservative talking heads have taught Republicans that it is so much easier to shift or deflect blame for republican failures on others. Nothing is ever their fault. The economy, the mortgage crisis, unemployment, Iraq, inflation is all someone elses creation. Never mind the fact that republicans have been in charge of all components of government the last 8 years. They will blame the democrates because they had a one vote majority in Congress. They don't want you to know that they have either filibustered or had Bush veto any changes proposed by the democrates. It is time to vote out the irresponsible republicans from the White House, Vote out the obstructionist republicans from the Senate, and anywhere else you can boot them out from. Unless you are happy with the state of our Nation. Vote for a new direction. Vote out the failure and incompetance of the Republican party.

I shall be straightforward; I’ve not ever in my time on this earth felt the compulsion that, upon viewing an article and the proceeding comments, (which I hold to be a cheap and easily accessible form of entertainment) felt upon myself a great compulsion to leave, upon any medium, a mark of thought or opinion. I found myself unpleasantly surprised however that, having read through the transcript of the interview and then through the contents of the responses by various parties of that mysterious trinity, Republican, Democrat, thou elusive Independent, tentatively (and perhaps incorrectly) known as mainstream America, I discovered that the majority were impertinent, hollow, and with the rare blessed exception irrelevant.

Before I delve irreversibly into this age-worn field of mud and **** (I cannot call it an ocean and may the moderator forgive me for calling a spade a spade) I feel that it is owed to you, preceding poster, a succinct justification (which I fervently hope you shall not interpret as terse) of my latter declaration. First I shall list but a few names: Hottopics, Damaris, Southern Gal, KathyS, Neil B, many others, secondly I shall voice this, “Profanity is the last refuge of the illiterate.” Want not to insult but if a case does call for vulgarity make it a point not to be blatant. Of the second, though there were perhaps fewer however still equally disconcerting, I shall not name all suffice to say that many comments concerned themselves not with the issues discussed in the interview or the interviewees ability (or inability) to answer them but rather how they perceived said interview was conducted and to whose benefit, which would be acceptable if not for the fact that the words ‘liberal media’ are thrown around with more enthusiasm than an energetic birthday child who beats upon a helpless piñata with a metal baseball bat. Finally, the third might be considered redundant as it is only rendered true by the violent ranting and ‘mud-slinging’ by previous posters, perhaps it would be fairer to say that the aforementioned posts are all rendered irrelevant by their unbridled viciousness and lack of, for no better word, point.

My, perhaps long-winded and overly vague, rebuke finished I feel it possible now to dredge forwards and lay plain my thoughts upon this article. Let it be known that I cast myself as neither a Republican a Democrat nor even an Independent; I defy those constraining terminologies and shall simply refer to myself as a man whom holds his own beliefs and regularly his tongue, though not today as you can well see . I have in my time voted both Republican and Democrat and can with all honesty say I’ve not unduly judged a candidate based on an ill-conceived prejudice of character or upbringing, I base my opinions on the words and actions of the candidates and their (some would say this is unjustified) staffs. Though I have already made one lengthy digression I implore that you would hear a second shorter one. Disregard if you will and for the moment, the rest of the campaign, the other candidates and their own private scandals of past and I urge you to focus solely on this milieu, nothing else.

Eloquence eludes me so I shall simply state what I feel in my mind is a fact: Palin is unfit for command and has convinced me so by word and action. I hate to admit that I was convinced of this conclusion quite suddenly within the opening moments of the interview by Palin’s response to Gibson’s first query which in so many words amounted to this: “Did you take the time to think this decision through?” Her garbled response, “not to blink”, amazed me with its arrogance and I was instantly struck with the notion that, worse than not giving the decision ample thought, she thought so much of herself so as to dispel the idea that any thought was necessary.

To address her comments on God and missions derived of, before which I am compelled (despite my Catholic upbringing) to disclose my bias towards evangelicalism, I find this distressing in the utmost. Disregard for the moment whether or not she meant those words literally or if they were, as unlikely as it seems, to be a simple slip of the mouth and realize that the rest of the world would see absolutely no difference. If she did not commit this trespass intentionally it means she is careless with her words and thus comparable to Bush, if it was not a mistake then she should be clumped together with the same fanatics that she herself claims we must wage war on. As for the war I shall make no comment either for or against as this is not the subject of this article. I laugh for a moment at my own hypocrisy; I feel a near inexorable need to bring to the much cited table her views on creationalism. Alas this is not the time or place. Or perhaps it is but I have barred myself from it.

For Palin’s next three comments, that of National Security, Russian relations, and Israel I feel they are sufficiently similar to combine into a single summary. She takes a respectable aggressive stance as one must always do with a bully and make no mistake that is what Russia is however, unlike the bullies of your respective schools they will not turn tail and run if confronted, only halt and glare fists clenched, unwilling to throw the first punch but ready to deliver a furious torrent once the first is thrown. In the unfortunate case of Georgia it is quite naive of Saakashvili to think that we would come to his aid militarily and quite foolish of Palin to verbally pledge to do so should hostilities erupt in the region again. I shall not delve any deeper into that matter other than to say that as a superpower we have too much to lose over what is relatively speaking, a nobody in the international world of politics. Palin’s inability to see that demonstrates, to me at least, her lack of understanding in the strengths of both countries. Furthermore her, I am not sure what to call this, mentioning of Russia’s borders being visible strike me as insensible and distracting and as an answer to Gibson’s question simultaneously laughable and horrifying. As for her thoughts on a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran I shall quote her, “I don’t think we should second guess…” a phrase which she mentioned several times and which to me signals a stubborn refusal to check upon oneself and one’s allies, a disposal and contempt of mea culpa.

Now it is 02:32 and though I have not run through all the questions I feel it is time to bring this to a close. Before I do however I would like to address one topic that seems to be of much heated debate, whether or not Gibson was ‘hard’ on Palin, whether or not the ‘liberal media’ as it is called, threw her tough questions. I am proud to say that yes what Gibson asked were difficult questions and to answer them required an extensive knowledge and understanding of the past, the present, philosophy, politics (Guess what I have to do ) and a myriad of subjects which it became more and more apparent as the interview went on that Palin did not possess. You should not condemn Gibson because he asked her difficult questions that revealed her intellectual limitations you should thank him. And on that unceremonious comment upon which I could surely expand (though I’d rather you the reader expand for me) I bid you goodnight, adieu, adios and до свидания

-Andrei

PS feel free to rebuke

And to Barbyrah.....I wasn't trying to dupe you...You're already duped...why waste my time?

The Democrats keep harping on the last eight years. Well your Democratic Congress has been in there the last two!! And what has happened? Thank God, some of the Dems quit drinking the Kool-Aid for a day, when they voted on the surge (that Hussien was against). Obamanation "Defeat and Retreat" I say: "NEVER"

In the last two years the majority Democratic House and Senate have almost destroyed our country with their decisions.. The highest unemployment rate, highest gas prices ever, plumeting housing market, are you kidding me? Do the timeline....Congress wites legislation and passes it..the President merely enforces. Look that up in your fourth grade History book.

i do not understand why at the end of the column, they said game, set, match. this was designed to be an interview on principals etc. not a put down. the opponent has had no executive experience to the point where he could not even manage a taco belle. is that what we want running the country? i haven't heard the democrats say anything but generalities. its pitiful that our nation thrieves on bs and not substance. it is easy to be a problem lister but very difficult to be a problem solver. he could't manage a taco belle.

The McCain Campaign is putting out some very stupid statements that
Obama is regretting not having picked Billary as his VP choice. The
real reason why that came out is because the McSame campaign has to
grimace every time the results of their incompetent vetting of the
Tinkerbell Chihuaha comes out in the news. Like this one, in the NY
Times. *8P

Once Elected, Palin Hired Friends and Lashed Foes

WASILLA, Alaska — Gov. Sarah Palin lives by the maxim that all
politics is local, not to mention personal.

So when there was a vacancy at the top of the State Division of
Agriculture, she appointed a high school classmate, Franci
Havemeister, to the $95,000-a-year directorship. A former real estate
agent, Ms. Havemeister cited her childhood love of cows as a
qualification for running the roughly $2 million agency.

Ms. Havemeister was one of at least five schoolmates Ms. Palin hired,
often at salaries far exceeding their private sector wages.

When Ms. Palin had to cut her first state budget, she avoided the
legion of frustrated legislators and mayors. Instead, she huddled with
her budget director and her husband, Todd, an oil field worker who is
not a state employee, and vetoed millions of dollars of legislative
projects.

And four months ago, a Wasilla blogger, Sherry Whitstine, who
chronicles the governor’s career with an astringent eye, answered her
phone to hear an assistant to the governor on the line, she said.

“You should be ashamed!” Ivy Frye, the assistant, told her. “Stop
blogging. Stop blogging right now!”

Ms. Palin walks the national stage as a small-town foe of “good old
boy” politics and a champion of ethics reform. The charismatic 44-year-
old governor draws enthusiastic audiences and high approval ratings.

I still love how all you Obama supporters say that she isn't qualified for VP. What about Obama, he has less qualifications. He knows nothing. He is the pawn of the left.

I am so sick of hearing that she is not qualified. With her credentials, she is more qualified then Obama.

I am also sick of hearing that she would be a heartbeat away from being president. Well, Obama would be that heartbeat, right out of the starting gate. And if Obama were to win, then Old fuddy duddy Biden, would be a heart beat away.

And to all who support Obama, ask yourself this question. WHY?????? Because you want him to make history. WHY?????? Because Oprah wants him to make history. WHY????? Because Puff Daddy wants him to make history. This really secures my vote.

MCCAIN/PALIN 2008!

When I think of Hussien being asked questions, by the news media, forums, debates ...or anybody! John McEnroe, the tennis player, always comes to mind shouting "ANSWER THE QUESTION"!!!!!!!! Also, try answering in your own words, not someone elses (remember Hillary?) he always tried to repeat and copy what she had just said...and he flubbed that up too. She even brought that up to the media herself...and they said she was a whiner.

Has anybody even thought for a minute...that if anything happened to the Pres. or the VP, while in office, that Nancy Pelosi would become President. OMG.....and you're worried about Palin? What idiots!

Try as you may Larry, your not going to be able to discredit her. Hussein has thirty people in Alaska trying to do just that. I think they are a little bit more qualified than you. They have been there since she was nominated trying to dig for dirt on Gov. Palin.....and the biggest difference between you and me is: Dig, dig, dig for dirt on Palin..ha, ha. Whereas, I'm "DRILL BABY DRILL"

Chris,

Let's add Hamas, Al Qaeda, oh, and all of our wonderful people in Hollywood, you know, the place of make believe. The latest of which in the news, Pamela Anderson, yeah, there's someone to look up to.
Like I'm going to vote for the same people all of the degenerates of the world want elected? Sorry but I'll vote with my own mind.

Let's not forget about poor J. Biden. The Obamanation Team had no choice in selecting Biden. Anyone else would have totally upstaged Hussein. And since he's so full of himself, that would never do. Don't get me wrong, I sort of like Biden...he's funny. We all wait in anticipation as to what he will say next. Who needs SNL when you've got Joe Biden?

Jerry....you are so right. I almost forgot about that bimbo P. Anderson. I still haven't gotten over Matt Damon's statement. I can hardly contain myself, just waiting on Paris Hilton, Linsay Lohan and that mother of all mothers, i.e. Brittney Spears to endorse Obama.....their opinions will certainly convince me to vote Democratic

Neil B. said: Palin IS like most Americans, in that she is clueless, silly, poorly educated and unworldly.
Take break Neil..take your meds, do as the doctor says and quit looking in the mirror so much.

The only reason for all this hate (where have I heard this directed before?) is Sarah Palin has drastically tripped up barack and barack and joe are reduced sophmoric name callers. Americans that were on the sidelines see thru all this media bias and when someone is treated so disrespectfully they take it personally. They know character and they know liberal bias. Ol` Ben Franklin (gibson) asked her repeatedly about Israel......hey charley get a grip NO ONE can know all the intricacies of each and every conflict by the way when is ben going to do an interview with that idiot biden? of course he will insist on seing the questions beforehand.

Sarah Palin is the biggest JOKE in political history. This is what John McCain, 72 year-old four time cancer sufferer, thinks of the American people. How dare John McCain put the American people in jeopardy with this clueless bimbo as a "political stunt". Palin was patheitc on the ABC interview. The GOP is trying to "school" this woman w./ a B.A. in Journalism from Idaho Univ. on "foreign policy" in 60 days? Appalling. Sarah Palin cites so far that she "IS READY", and when asked about her "foreign policy experience" she replied, "I can see Russia from my home in Alaska." This whole thing is a charade, and it speaks to John McCain's complete and total LACK OF JUDGEMENT.

Could we all just take a deep breath, try civility, stop the continual polling and focus on the real issues facing our country? Think about who has demonstrated effectiveness and intelligence in his or her positions to date. Our beloved nation is in peril economically and from others who wish us harm. Name-calling, innuendos and half-truths are hurting us all.

The jokes, the ludicrous remarks, the disrespect, and the disgraceful attitudes have all been originally conducted by the Democratic Party. They started this obscene behavior. This is when I questioned my loyalty to the Democratic Party. Their second strike was "Defeat & Retreat" . Never again! As a young woman I saw that with Vietnam...the spitting on the soldiers, blaming them for a war they didn't start..the whole nine yards. Their third strike was not picking a more qualified candidate such as Hillary Clinton for the VP position. Especially, when she was more qualified than Barrack Hussein Obama for the Presidency. No..the Democrats have finally raised their dangerous, monstrous head. And intelligent people are finally seeing it. Again, the intelligent people are finally realizing that since the majority Democratic Congress has been in office, they have done more damage to this country in the last two years, than Bush could ever hope to do.

LoriS...you make me laugh...your funnier than J. Biden.......And you don't think Obama's nomination's a farse...............yeah.....right!

I find it very disgusting to see people repeating Dem talking points about Palin that aren't even true. She does support contraception other than abstinence, her personal CHOICE is against abortion, etc. Palin is actually a moderate and she wouldn't have the highest approval rate of a governor in the US if she wasn't!

So Charlie "won." Was that his purpose. I believe it was, and it showed him to be a jerk, Would he question Obama in the same aloof way?

Someone in one of the posts earlier stated that Osamabama couldn't even make a decision...I disagree. He has made many decisions....he just doesn't stick with any that he has made. He has changed his mind more than anyone I have ever seen..I just can't keep up with him...Very wishy-washy person. He tried to defend his bedbug buddies, Ayers and Resko..He then disassociated himself from them, especially when Resko went to jail. Good move Hussein. He defended his preacher, until he couldn't prove that Rev. Wright wasn't a racist and that the government did, in fact, give black people aids, as quoted by Rev. Wright. I'll give him a little credit...that only took him twenty years to make up his mind on those topics. One week he's saying one thing, then he hears Palin or McCain say something...he changes his mind and a little bit of the wording and then he repeats and copies what McCain has said. Umm um, ugh, ugh, theoretically and scientifically he has no experience AT ALL

Someone wrote:
"I am so sick of hearing that she is not qualified. With her credentials, she is more qualified then Obama."

Only in the United States of America is a Columbia Univ. graduate with a Harvard Law degree (and editor of the Law Review)possibly considered less qualified than a "graduate" from University of Idaho with a degree in either communications or journalism...and graduating after attending a bunch of other schools, as many as 5.

I would have respected Charlie's interview if he hadn't obviously bought into a lot of left wing talking points about Palin, anti-choice, anti-contraception, etc. Then the interview was edited to make her look more extreme. She is actually very moderate. As far as the Bush Doctrine, Charlie got it wrong according to experts on the subject while most political journalists say they couldn't answer that question either. Normally, I really respect Charlie, but this time, he dropped the ball by trying to confuse personal CHOICES with policy mandates.

With each passing day, the liberals get more and more crazy, and more and more nasty.The dispicable Dems did an ad on McCain and how McCain doesn't know how to work a computer? What Obama and his followers refuse to recognize is that during McCain's stint as a P.O.W. and the torture sessions he endured while his arm and clavicle were broken, his wounds healed in such a way that prevent him from getting his arms up any further that about his elbows, hence the reason he grimaces when he waves at people. The man can't even comb or brush his own hair because of the limited range of motion of both his arms, which is the reason he's pretty much incapable of actually sitting long enough to type on a keyboard without a great deal of pain. I thought the attacks on Palin were pretty bad, but Obama has resorted to an absolute NEW LOW in attacking McCain.

Mary Pitts wrote: "Try as you may Larry, your not going to be able to discredit her."

No one has to discredit her, she did it herself. Anyone who wants to overthrow Roe vs. Wade is against women; anyone who opposes sex education is ignorant themselves (she can't even learn from her own daughter's experience); anyone who rejects evolution and believes dinosaurs were here 4000 years ago is rejecting the very science that gave us all modern technology, the same science derived technology we need to become competitive again and solve energy and global warming problems. Oh, yea, she doesn't believe we are causing global warming. She's a throwback to the 18th century.

Sam

Larry wrote: "No one has to discredit her, she did it herself. Anyone who wants to overthrow Roe vs. Wade is against women........."
Wrong! Where are your sidekicks Moe & Curly?
She stands for real truth and justice for women.
If anything, an overthrow of Roe vs Wade will protect women. That is mothers and their babies-male and female. We also have a law in the Maryland that supports the notion that if a pregnant woman is murdered the perpetrator is charged with double homicide. When you in all of knowledge of all things can tell me without a doubt when beating heart officially becomes a human, I will look at it subjectively. When it is considered viable? Even a baby born to term is not viable. It can not live on it's own without it's mother taking care of it. Planned Parenthood is one of the largest lobbyist in Washington and are worse than any other crime organization in this country. They hide behind non profit status but spend millions lobbying for the wholesale slaughter of our greatest resource-our children. Until you can tell me without a reasonable doubt, I will continue to choose the life and protection of a child.
The pro women/pro choice crowd have shown this country what they are really made of this election season.
Unfortunately for you the best swimmers must have been at lunch when you where conceived but it was decided that they'd keep you anyway.
Lucky for you?

DEAR CHARLIE, WHY DON'T YOU ASK THE SAME FROM BARRACK OBAMA~~~~ABOUT EXPERIENCE?

143 DAYS OF NOTHING~(BO) BARRACK OBAMA

FROM THE TIME (BO) WAS SWORN IN AS A UNITED STATES SENATOR, TO THE TIME HE ANNOUNCED HE WAS FORMING A PRESIDENTIAL EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE, HE LOGGED 143 DAYS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE SENATE. THAT'S HOW MANY DAYS THE SENATE WAS ACTUALLY IN SESSION & WORKING. AFTER 143 DAYS OF WORK EXPERIENCE, OBAMA BELIEVED HE WAS READY TO BE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD....143 DAYS. WE ALL HAVE TO STARTSOMEWHERE. M THE SENATE IS A GOOD START, BUT AFTER 143 DAYS, THAT'S ALL IT IS ~~_ A START.

Sam: I personally don't believe in evolution. However, I will concede to the fact that you make a great argument for evolution...since it is quite obvious you are still evolving. And before you try to convice me or anyone else about evolution you need to do the research..Many, many many scientists are still not convinced about evolution....So, bottom line is..the jury is still out on that one.

Let's see......six years executive experience......143 days preparing for a campaign----------six years executive experience......143 days preparing for a campaign------------six years executive experience......143 days preparing for a campaign .................naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!

Sam: she never said she would like to over-throw Roe v. Wade. Her PERSONAL OPINION is she does not approve of it. McCain has already said that it would not be overturned. My own personal opinion is that I hope she will push for some moral guidelines. Like.........Maybe not ripping the baby from the mother's womb at seven months of pregnancy and leaving it gasping for breath on a table. And watching it die a slow death. Animals are treated better. But, then again, that's my own personal opinion...not policy

You don't need to worry about the president as much as you need to worry about that Democratic Congress..pay attention people. You learned this stuff in school. The Congress are the ones in charge. The Congress are the ones that have gotten us into this mess. Take your time and really look back over the last two years. Ask questions..seek out a History teacher and ask them if you are unsure. But for goodness sake, do your own research.