Let hear the Republican comedy spin on this one.....

I can guarantee they will dance around the issue with statements like:

"Obama wasn't asked these questions" (He was and answered them intelligently)

"The media can not be trusted" (Even though it was a voter, not the media)

Congratulations to Katie Couric for her refusal to be intimidated by the GOP strategy AND tactics in regard to press coverage. "Gotcha journalism" is just its latest attempt to stifle a free press and a justifiably skeptical (about Palin) electorate. And thanks for reporting on this, David.

Their explanation of the "gotcha journalism" was worse than the comment. She's preparing for a test on issues that she knows nothing about. I don't care how she does with cue cards. I don't care how the debate comes out. I am done with Palin. To consider that she might have to step in as president is unthinkable. We don't need any mavericks with a hair triggered brain.

Sarah Palin is interviewing for the second highes job in the United States of America. I have interviewed for many jobs, not nearly as important and I have never been able to, say the questions were to hard, nor could I bring my parents to the interview to jump in before I said something stupid. Does anyone belive the foriegn leaders ar egonig to go easy on her? Does anyone think the the problems facing America are easy? John McCain can not pull up a chair and do her job if they win. She has to be able to walk, talk, and think for herself. I am concerened. I was an undecided voter and she has made up my mind for me. I think John McCain used his "attempt to canel the debate" card to early. He needs it for Thursday. I am sure right now he is a nervous wreck wondering what she will answer. Wake up America! Not since Dan Quale, has the office of Vice-President been such a comedian hot spot. Even "one shot" Chaney did not get as many laughs. I would be scared to death for Mrs. Palin to look over her back yard fence and have a conversation with leaders of Russia, or any other foregn country. There are great women who have had to deal with media attention daily. Sarah started her campaign comparing herself to Hillary Clinton. Sarah darling, you are no Hillary.

Whatever happened to unbiased journalism?

They funny part of this article is that they call Katie fluf and puff a journalist. She wouldn't make a pimple on a jounalist rear end.

72 years old bubba is becoming a child again. when getting a bad grade from teacher he blame the questions were too hard instead of lack of knowledge and preparation. Mccan needs to stay in nursing home.

72 years old bubba is becoming a child again. when getting a bad grade from teacher he blame the questions were too hard instead of lack of knowledge and preparation. Mccan needs to stay in nursing home.

The funny thing about this article is that they call katy couric a journalist. She would not make a pimple on real report's rear end.

What is clear from the current state of media reporting is how much they have been bought out by the biggest security threat our nation has. Why is Obama being support by both Hamas and the president of Iran?

So it's "gotcha journalism" when McCain and/or Palin make an off the cuff remark exposing her lack of knowledge or experience about foreign affairs, but naivety when Obama says a similar statement?!
McCain has gone from hero to self-serving whiner in the matter of a year. Sad.

i don't know whether to laugh or cry. this latest installment is right up there with the definition of "is".

we should really expect more from these people.

Wow, it sure would be nice to see Couric unleashed on Barack Obama! Is she like an attack dog that only focuses on certain "profiles" of people (ie. Republicans)? The reporter even mentioned here that her work is "good." The field of journalism and reporting is now completely unabashed at revealing their true bias. Objectivity and fairness are long gone. Thank goodness the American people are smarter than these elitist snobs give them credit for.

"...We will do what we have to do to secure the United Sates and her allies," Palin said.

United Sates? What on earth is that?

Oh God forbid anyone should ask Palin a legitimate question! If she can't handle a really painfully obvious question about foreign policy, get her out of there. The Mepublicans are so deeply sexist it's unbelievable. Unless Palin has a man there defending her it's "gotcha" journalism? No, actually, what it means is that the woman is incompetent and can't handle the job.

Eh, if you want to be taken seriously as a journalist, please edit your work. You're missing words, you misspelt President (Prseident) amongst other mistakes.

Thanks.

Why was Couric asking a Republican Congressman that question. Did she forget he is a minority party member. Ask Pelosi next time!

McCain can "cover up" all he wants, the truth is that his pick for VP was a careless one. One that cost him votes and is giving OBama supporters cannon fodder. McCain is used to dodging bullets though so he'll be a tough one to hit.

This nation is full of "gotcha" journalism, which is not journalism at all, but propaganda. Let's be real about this - Since McCain chose Palin the attacks on her have been fierce - but nearly (if that) nothing on Obama, who has NO RECORD, PRESENT votes, which means he doesn't take a stand that can be held against him - his 15 year record with "Rev. Wright" - visiting "57 states" (hmm, Islamic?) - his "Muslim" faith which was "corrected" by Stephanopoulos, (Obama claims he was never a Muslim but his brother said he was and produced a picture proving it), his 97% ''left" - his McCain ads that are blatant lies, etc.

It's always some one else's fault, isn't it. Let's face it, Palin is clueless. McCain needs to admit he made a mistake (yet another) in his extremely long career as a life long politician.

Palin is a better choice than the alternative side who believes we have "57 or 58" states. This is why there are advisors. One does not have to be an expert on any level; she just has to be able to consolidate information into a logical decision. I can name at least twenty presidents who were by no means an "expert" in an area of concern, and they did just fine. Quizlings and liberals... relax, it's almost over.

You should consider proof-reading your article. The errors are painful.

What was it Reagan used to say? Oh yeah, "there you go again." Come on Senator McCain-grow up and face the fact that Ms. Palin is a wannabe w/o any credentials for the job she wants (which appears to be President).

Will you be holding her hand for the debate when that "ol' meanie" Biden picks on her?

"Here is one last bit of good work yesterday from Couric"

Really?

Where are the first 'bits'?

McCain and Palin spanked her - good.

Why don't reporters quit trying to make Republican candidates appear as something they are not and just report on issues.
You want Palin to appear inexperienced for the VP job yet she has more expererience than Obama who's running for President. Does that make sense to you?
Sure doesn't to a common sense voter but then I'm not paid millions to try and influence folks just because I can.
It's about time the media got back to the basics of life and did the job they started out to do, report news not personal views.

What is lost in the so-called reporting vis-a-vis Sarah Palin is this: She represents the rural nature of America. You city folks have a way of talking that is rude and NOT representative of rural American sensibilities. Further, the urban-centric media displays contempt for any person or issue that is not couched in big city speak.

Sarah Palin has the same intellectual qualities of Abraham Lincoln. Now, do you metro-centric thinkers have any respect for his contributions to America?

jeeze

So they're saying "Gotcha Journalism" = a spontaneous question from a voter? Who is she that she is above being questioned? I think they're in the wrong country if they actually believe she's above repproach. Their will be no hiding Thursday night, unless they plan on pulling out of the debate.

The Media is determined to put down Governor Palin and questioning her qualifications. What qualifications does Obama have? Even Hilary Clinton said that all he has as far as experience was "a good speech". It's time we all focus on who will support our country and is for the people, instead of someone who is anti-America and is willing to sell us out.

"Gotcha Journalism"...you gotta be kidding me. This is what news outlets have been doing for hundreds of years. Ask a question, get an answer. If you screw up and say something stupid -- it is your fault for not thinking the question out throughly before answering. No one said you have to be quick with the responses. Just respond with something that answers the question asked, which is something Palin is not good at either.

It is really very very strange comment from Sarah Palin. I wonder how she could support McCain! To me, McCain selected her just to grab women voters and it's a shame of politics.

And I am worried about this duo of republicans - the world will be in more trouble with errotic comments.

Cheers to Couric for doing her job, and doing it well. Somebody needs to scrub the varnish of Governor Palin. The task of journalists is to get to the truth in an interview, to ask difficult questions, so voters can learn what these people who aspire to lead our country are made of. And we've found out that Sarah Palin is truly underqualified for the job. Thank you Ms. Couric!

The thing that bears mentioning here is that McCain interrupted Palin on at least two occasions during this interview ... if the nominee doesn't even have enough confidence in his pick to let her speak, what does that say? I'm definitely locked in to vote Obama/Biden, but that won't stop me from feeling kind of bad for Palin, lately. She's over her head, they know it, and they're using her like a puppet when she's convenient and shoving her aside when she's not. How is that progressive use of a female candidate?

It is a shame that the media is so biased for Obama - during and following the Presidential debate McCain was first mis-quoted by Obama regarding the statement McCain had repeated quoted Obama on as being naive.

Obama had stated that he as President would sit down with these blatently terrorist leaders with no previous concessions by those leaders.

McCain was right - Obama is naive and given the only art Obama has picked up in the Senate (the art of rhetoric) he attempted during the debate to insist that Kissinger agreed with him.

Even after McCain clearly clarified that Kissinger approved of sending aides to talk with those leaders - Kissinger did not agree that the President himself should be sitting with those terrorist leaders - the media still continued to back Obama and tried to make McCain appear to have lost that argument.

This is what happens when candidates, who supposedly are not influenced by PAC money or Lobbyists, resort to huge media corporations for their back-door campaign financing.

GOD only know what Obama will owe Ted Turner should he ever win the White House.

I just wish I could personally thank Katie Couric for telling it like it is.... What are they doing? Rather than worry about the country and the financial future of our grandchildren they muscle up defensive behavior in the name of getting themselves re-elected. To me that is not patriotism it is a down right shame. Shame on all who do not offer up their total existence to the preservation of our nation. Goodness what would our fore fathers have said about such behavior....

Quit pickin on poor Sarah just because she is clueless. There will be plenty of men around to get advice from when she becomes president like Dick Cheney. Look how well GWB did without any knowledge! Oh wait...

We are going to be in an all out world war with these two rabid politicians in the office. Please America, realize how angry these two individuals are and ask yourselves if you want this type of foreign diplomacy to represent all Americans. Why are McCain and Palin always on the offensive? Worst ticket EVER!!! (even worse than Bush jr.)

You may want to proofread better....

"I remember that Ronald Reagan was a cowboy. Prseident Clinton was a governor of a very small state that had no experience either."

I'm trying to imagine if Sarah Palin were a man, would McCain be interceding on his behalf in the same manner? Or, if Sarah Palin was a more robust candidate, would McCain feel he had to cover her answers so carefully? I think it's clear from this interview that not even McCain has much confidence in the independence of his running-mate. Thursday's debate ought to be quite telling.

As for whether this was "gotcha" journalism... well, it's simple enough to answer the question without trying to deflect it. A real "gotcha" would tend to beg the question, as in "So, how long have you been beating your wife?" But this was just asking Sarah to explain something she said, which presumably reflects her actual opinion.

And then Sarah parroting McCain and saying "Oh yah, that was gotcha journalism, you bet," only makes her look like she's playing along, following cues, and that she's just as aware as McCain and the rest of us that she's way over her head. She seems like she'd like to hide from it all and get back to the moose hunt, and who can blame her?

If McCain loses this election (and if it were up to me, he will), it's because he lies to us. He lies daily and continually.

In this case, for example, everybody know that Republicans in the House killed yesterday's bailout vote. Now McCain pretends we don't know that, (1# he blames Obama, and #2) he's trying to tell us Obama is politicizing this issue when it's plain as the nose on your face that it's McCain who is politicizing this issue.

Trust me, McCain, everybody is not as dumb as Sarah Palin. By lying to us daily like this you insult us. You insult our intelligence. Who do you think you're talking to? Maybe this crap is good enough for the NASCAR crowd, but I'm not going to vote for anyone who talks to me as if I were IQ-challenged.

Why don't you try saying something intelligent for a change, instead of stealing and then rephrasing Obama's message pretending it's yours?

Poor John, his party duped him by selecting what they really want in a president: a dumb, know nothing person to act as a front for that army of lobbyists and bueaurocrats who tell them what to do. Smile, shut up and show a little leg, baby.

Mr. McCain has lots of problems, but....

McCain supports Bush

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

McCain lies.

http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/325.html

VETS on McShame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MUY9S6iCvk

.....his greatest problem will be not being murdered by his own party so Palin, whom they like and trust as a go along mom, can take over as the front person..that pretty face like Ronnie or George W. manipulated by Cheney, Rumpfeeler, or the like.

Waaa, waaa... the big bad Couric asked them QUESTIONS! Darn them!

Thanks to the media, I don't have to vote this year. The media continues to pound negative commentary on Mcain and Palin, as they pet Obama.
The Liberals in the media will win by media endorsement of Obama

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/uselectionroadtrip/2008/sep/30/uselections2008

Republicans monkey-wrenching the vote

In 2008, 3.5 million newly registered voters many of them minority and young voters energized by the Obama campaign, promise to strain the system with long lines and overburdened voting machines. Since these new voters could tip the scales against McCain in several key states, the GOP is already employing some bizarre tactics to further suppress their participation. A few examples:

• Taking advantage of the economic crisis, the chair of the Republican Party in Macomb County, in the battleground state of Michigan, has plans to use a list of foreclosed homes to question the eligibility of voters, many of them low-income, minority, Democratic voters. Since they can be challenged if they are not "true residents of the city or township" in which they try to vote, "We will have a list of foreclosed homes and will make sure people aren't voting from those addresses," the GOP chair told the Michigan Messenger. (A law firm specializing in foreclosures houses McCain's regional headquarters, and its founder has contributed more than $100,000 to McCain's campaign.) Republicans may also raise foreclosure-based challenges in Ohio and a host of other cities and states.

• Last week, a House committee held hearings on widespread discrimination against student voters who have registered in droves, a majority of them to support Obama. Efforts to discourage the youth vote have focused on the fact that many college students have two places of residence (school and their parents' home). One registrar in the county that is home to Virginia Tech warned new student voters that they could lose their insurance and scholarships if they registered using their school addresses (something that has never happened). Students at Colorado College received similar warnings, and in Michigan, the ACLU has sued to prevent the cancellation of voter registrations for individuals who get a driver's license in another state.

• Florida election officials have received dozens of calls from registered Democrats in the state, worried that there may be a problem with their voter registration. They had all received an official looking "Party Affiliation Voter Registration Card" from the McCain campaign, listing their name, district, and something called a "voter ID number" and identifying their party affiliation as Republican. Mailings meant to mislead or discourage voters are nothing new: In Ohio's crucial 2004 vote, some minority urban voters received fake voter bulletins that told Republicans to vote on Tuesday and Democrats to vote on Wednesday.

• For years, while Democrats complained of vote suppression, Republicans have countered with accusations of voter fraud, claiming that fake people, dead people, non-citizens, non-residents, and criminals are trying to vote. This largely mythological claim has nonetheless been effective in bringing about new barriers to voting in the name of preventing fraud. Just this year, the Supreme Court upheld an Indiana law that imposes strict photo ID requirements for voting. The law will disproportionately affect those least likely to have drivers' licenses, including the young and the elderly, poor people, minorities, and legal immigrants. In the Indiana primary in May, a dozen nuns in their eighties and nineties were turned away from the polls because they did not have valid photo identification.

Katie Couric is a joke.

This is a serious issue. If McCain & Palin think that getting tough questions (from voters) is uncalled for, why in the world are they running for the highest offices in the land?

This is a deadly seriously job that, once in office, is even less forgiving.

Will Putin throw out softballs? Chavez? Castro?

Couric has had to spend a lot of time getting back the type of audience and coverage that she got on The Today Show but an interview like this isn't the way to do it. The media needs to understand that they are only involved to ask the questions that we might ask and not try to belittle, wrangle or entice candidates. The idea is strictly reporting and factual reporting at that. I am hopeful that people will judge the candidates strictly by their stands, plans, and policies rather than on media or even what "hollywood" says.

Katie Couric is a joke.

It's unfortunate that Couric let's
her own personel views get in the way of consyructive journalism. I am ashamed of cbs and will discontiue with viewing thieir broadcasts and thier sponsors

I'm a Democrat who enjoys the reporting by Ms. Couric - but I thought her interview with Governor Palin really was rude and manipulative - Gov Palin hit it on the nail when she called it "gotcha journalism." This appears to be the pattern for all NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and CNN reporters now - don't be objective, go for "gotcha" ratings!

Experienced is what have you done, qualificafied is merely a requirements.

Experienced is what have you done, qualificafied is merely a requirements.

I wonder why McCain won't let Palin answer the questions herself. Perhaps he is afraid she will say something stupid again?

Wake up, all of you voting for McCain! Our country does not need your McCain votes!

I am not surprised that Palin and McSame would stoop to saying that the media exercised "gotcha journalism". When McSame was the "darling" of the media, he apparently did not feel that way. But the campaign has shown that MCSame whines when things do not go his way, but has th enerve to call Obama a whiner. Palin put herself out there as a "public person." Under tort law the medis has a right to expect intereaction from her.

Biased much? You really are enjoying cherry picking comments in order to achieve the appearance you want. This is why blogs are so worthless. There is no journalistic content nor is there any attempt at even an appearance of non-partisanship. So why not just declare for your candidate and run you blog for his benefit and be honest about the whole thing?

I think they should put Couric at the helm of Meet the Press.

It is not Sarah who scares me. It’s the alpha male grandpa who insists on thumping his chest in belligerence like an old chimp in the zoo.

He is a pathetic person. His angry and irrational temperament should instantly disqualify him from being anywhere near the nuclear trigger.

During the debate John McCain would not even look at his opponent. Do we expect him to negotiate with our allies or adversaries when they don’t always agree with him? To me, he comes across as hostile, impatient, sarcastic and lacking any respect for others- including himself.

Dangerous traits in a statesman. His eyes are getting more glazed and crazy looking every day.

I’ll take a clueless, good hearted Sarah any day over this angry, disdainful curmudgeon.

Viet-Nam Veteran
Khe Sanh 1968

Didn't the McCain and Palin campaign just use Couric in one of their negative ads? When they stated Obama was using a sexism remark towards Palin? Now they are really showing their real colors.

Katie is the main proponent of "gotcha journalism". While McCain was denouncing it she was stubborn enough to ask if Gov Palin was 'sorry'. That is the premise of 'gotcha journalism' and I didn't hear whether Obama was 'sorry' about his surge fiasco, or his betraying FISA vote. But that's Obamanation for ya.

Wah! Wah! Cry me a river..Katy asekd legitimate questions. There was not Gotcha journalism here. If anything, she proved that Sarah Palin is NOT up to the job. Also, why did she have to have McCain there to hold here hand? To keep her from saying anything stupid of course.

Yes, McCain treats Pilan like she is his little granddaughter, doesn't even allow her to answer the questions!! He says Katie Couric used "gotcha journalism" and Pilan, like the good little granddaughter, answers the next question with John McCain's phrase! Unbelievable!! The woman absolutely CANNOT think on her own!!

It's a shame that the talking point from McCain/Palin was "gotcha journalism" and not something that actually had to do with their political position.

No more "Gotcha" Education!

Give all students answers before every test...especially medical students who might someday make really important decisions.

"gotcha" dead right
Lets talk about shooting your own kind.MacCain is the king of that...
McCain although a nice guy and I do respect the man for what he has done and for what he is today but hey always on the defensive cant never address real issues.No results only sales rap....
2 gimmicks
McCain get defensive or he attacks Obama ,beside that nothing there....
Palin she is pathetic and not nice at all.
But hey in politic you are not hired to be nice but for your knowledge and immense capacity to deliver fully proofed results.
Mrs Palin has none of the above.....

Sarah Palin reminds me of the Coen brothers film "the Big Lebowski". In the film, Jeff Bridges character 'Jeff lebowski' has no mind of his own and only repeats what he hears from TV, movies, friends, enemies, and the radio. I saw this interview and it is disgraceful the complete lack of control Mrs. Palin has over her own voice. Even with the expert help of Sen. McCain sitting right next to her, she can't help but fire off contextually baffling talking points in a manner that shows no regard for dynamic or even common sense.

Katie is a political seauenty anyway....

Couric is desparate for some needed attention. CBS is struggling, and she is probably stepping down shortly after the McCain campaign. Perhaps Katie and Sarah and do door to door selling of the now famous Palin eyeware.

McCain is right. These "gotcha" journalists are TOTALLY wrong in using quotes to make legitimate questions to candidates. What we need is more channels like FOX where the (presumably conservative) candidate can be secure in the knowledge that the interviewer is ONLY asking/spoon feeding questions that can promote that person's campaign. I mean really, it doesn't matter if people are looking through emerald lenses or normal lenses - they're still able to see, aren't they?

I am so very tired of these crybaby republican candidates who epitomize the phrase "you can dish it out, but you certainly can't take it". This campaign has shamelessly degraded to reveal that McCain wants to be president more than anything else. It is "Candidate first" and the truth is not important.

Watch THE BEST POLITICAL COMEDY TEAM McCain and Palin!

You know, Mc Cain is right. There is a problem with the way everyone (the media, internet blogers and so on) reports the news now days. They only want to report sound bites that will stir the pot. I can pick bits and peaces out of any conversation and make it sound bad.

What I don’t understand is why Couric didn’t lay hard on Obama when he made his racist comment about TYPICAL white people. No one in the media ran with that. Yet they will drag a white woman through the mud because she said she would fit to protect out people.

I say the media needs to leave their opinions out of the news and report the whole story.
Who knows, maybe Obama didn’t say what he did the way the media let it come out. But we will never know because it’s too late.

Politics aside, you need to fire your copy editor for releasing this story to the web without spell checking manually.

Seriously, when journalists begin to misspell words, and sentence structures go awry, we need to fight to get it right.

Does any journalist out there remember the "good ole' days" when a your grade dropped by a letter, for every copy mistake?

Just plain sad.

McCain's mad that some quote expert asked Sarah Palin what she thinks about Pakistan and she answered. Since this moment of alleged "gotcha journalism" was brought to you by an average citizen's question, I guess we're all quote experts now.

Politics aside, you need to fire your copy editor for releasing this story to the web without spell checking manually.

Seriously, when journalists begin to misspell words, and sentence structures go awry, we need to fight to get it right.

Does any journalist out there remember the "good ole' days" when your grade dropped by a letter, for every copy mistake?

Just plain sad.

Finally, somebody in the media has the courage to ask the tough questions and to NOT let them off the hook when they try to ignore or evade the question. I'm not a big Katie Couric fan, but my hat is off to her for her tough questioning. Also, I found it extremely odd that McCain was by Palin's side during the interview. It seemed to emphasize that Palin is incapable of standing on her own two feet and that she needs constant help and counseling.

What a shameful time for our country.

One of our VP candidates (Palin) is so clueless that she has to be accompanied by a chaperone (McCain) during her interview so that he can speak for her, since she cannot be trusted to speak for herself.

And HE (McCain) sounds equally clueless and desperate. Hey McCain! You can't accuse a VOTER of gotcha journalism just because that voter wants to ask a candidate a legitimate question.

What a low point for our country.

So when it comes to asking Palin any questions no matter how you phrase it it is either sexist or "gotcha journalism." How can McCain defend Palin saying she is qualified when he has to sit next to her during an interview to protect her. If she is truly qualified then she shouldn't need grandpa by her side. And sorry John Boy, it was a voter that asked the question not a reprter. Once again McCain shows he is losing his mind. I sure wish journalists would have asked these tough questions during the run up to the war. Of course then the repubs would have cried fowl and claimed all journalists are not patriotic and support terrorists.

Katie at least has the obligation in the Edward R. Morrow chair to give an appearance of journalism.

Wait until Thursday night when a staunch liberal and Obama supporter, Gwen Ifill, gets to pose "neutral" questions to the Veep candidates. Since that only debate will greatly influence the election, expect the onslaught to make Katie's questioning look like one of Governor Palin's kids interviewing her.

Remember that the PBS reporter has no journalisticly neutral reputation to protect and a candidate to elect. I'm watching because I need the therapy of yelling at my television.

Katie at least has the obligation in the Edward R. Morrow chair to give an appearance of journalism.

Wait until Thursday night when a staunch liberal and Obama supporter, Gwen Ifill, gets to pose "neutral" questions to the Veep candidates. Since that only debate will greatly influence the election, expect the onslaught to make Katie's questioning look like one of Governor Palin's kids interviewing her.

Remember that the PBS reporter has no journalisticly neutral reputation to protect and a candidate to elect. I'm watching because I need the therapy of yelling at my television.

McCain needs a fresh approach to his campaign. He should do what the Bush Administration does frequently...fire his advisers and hire new ones that go along with his self-serving bias. This may sound cynical, but this might actually help him.

His current team is focused on making the candidates look different than who they are. Recall however, that people liked McCain for 'who he was' not 'who he has become' during this election cycle. I believe he was more electable in the 2000 race than he is today.

At this point his campaign seems dis-honest, fractured, confused, and plainly out of touch. This is what happens when you mix oil and water (McCain and Bush advisers).

I'm a Republican, but I've been voting Democrat these last two elections. I was fully prepared to cast a vote for McCain based on how he conducted himself in 2000. This new guy however doesn't seem remotely close to being transparent, uncorruptable, and an overall good leader. He's become a highschool cheerleader trying to be prom queen. (Perhaps that's why he picked a prom queen vice). I'm disappointed to say the least.

I seriously question his judgement for picking Sara Palin. I almost wonder if he spends more time picking out paint colors for his 12 houses than he did on his decision for Palin. It's pretty bad that he has to hold a joint interview with his vice-running mate to stave of Katie Couric.

The point of a vice-president is to handle tough situations in the event the president cannot serve. So if McCain can't serve, who will be there to defend Palin during voter questioning or news interviews? Better yet; if Palin can't even stand up to Katie Couric, how the heck is she going to work with Putin, Amadinejad, Chavez, and Castro?

I thought there was some underlying bonus to Palin, but it sad to realize that McCain picked her only to serve his chance to get elected and rally his voters based on arbitrary attributes, not based on who best to govern the country if he cannot serve. (And frankly that is highly likely given his age.)

I'm voting for Obama because he is honest, transparent, logical, and takes measured approaches to problems. (At least that's how I perceive it.) He didn't hide his past, he embraced it and wrote a book about it for all to read and analyze. He doesn't pull political stunts, and most of all he doesn't underestimate our intelligence as citizens, voters, and Americans.

I sometimes think that the McCain campaign advisers really think that the American People are sheep. Perhaps they buy into the philosophy that, "A person is smart, but people are stupid." Well...their hubris is going to bite back during this elections rebuke. Bring back true Republican ideals (Isolationism, fiscal conservativism, and minimal government) and I'll be back. You know it's gotten bad with the Republican Party when I'm voting for a Democrat to shrink government.

president is spelled wrong.. just an FYI! Thank you for posting this!

I think McCain is insulting. Let Palin handle the press her own way or can't she?

What the heck? It seems the McCain strategy has nose dived into "gotcha politics." If you/your running mate gets tripped up in their own spin, they blame the party that calls a spade as such.

I'm sick and tired of this cowardly behavior and can't wait for this election to be over!

The real "Gotcha" would have been if Gov. Palin asked Katie; When you decided to be anchor of a prime time news show, what did everyone say about your performance? Were you ready??

The real "Gotcha" would have been if Gov. Palin asked Katie; When you decided to be anchor of a prime time news show, what did everyone say about your performance? Were you ready??

Awww whats wrong John you cant let your little hockey mom answer her own questions.

I am sorry but if this shows that she is no where ready for the VP slot then I do not know what does. Is he going to answer all her questions that she may get from Foreign leaders should they get into office.

McCain was not thinking of "country first", when he picked Palin for his running mate.It's just another cheap polictical move by the crumpy old man!

Like most of America, I'm sick of these big groups putting people in positions that are obviously way over their head and beyond their skill level, just because they think adding a woman to the bill will revive their failing interests.

I'm talking of course about CBS naming Couric as the Evening News anchor. Her ratings have been circling the drain ever since, and now sadly it seems her only talent as a broadcaster may be to stir up controversy. She's heading down the Connie Chung path and I fear its only a matter of time before we see her perched atop a piano.

I do not watch CBS Evening News specifically because of the liberal partician view portrayed, instead of REPORTING the news. I did watch the interview. I think the liberal press definetly has an agenda to ellect the cadidate of the liberal press' choice, instead of presenting fair and balanced interviews, so the Amecian people can make up thier own mind about who they want to represent them as president. I watch FOX news from here on out. The press has blown it with me. I am conservative with values. I cannot trust them to them the truth; good bye ABC, CBS, CNN,NBC,&PBS!

McCain/Palin are using the culture of victimhood to buffet any criticism against Palin and her inability to articulate issues. Poor Sarah, it is the "elite, liberal media's" fault that she can't form a coherent statement about any issue except moose meat. I live in Alaska where her popularity ratings have dropped 20% since she decided to run as the VP. There is a collective cringe each time she is interviewed. Sarah is great at broad generalizations, but little else. The public’s expectation of her is now so low that even if she says something half-way cogent, she comes out ahead. Perhaps that was the plan along; knowing that she is clueless about international issues—force the voters to expect little from her and feel sorry for her and perhaps they will vote for her—well the stupid ones may.

Wait, McCain and Palin complain that "gotcha" journalism is unfair but they run ads saying Obama and Biden don't suppor clean coal based on a remark Biden made in a back-and-forth with a person in the crowd? So what's McCain's standard? That it's unfair when it happens to him but fair when they do it to Biden? Really, practice what you preach. If you don't think these gotcha tactics are fair, then don't use them in your OWN campaign ads.

Katie is a failed journalist... she has ruined CBS Evening News... Her only tactic and claim to fame is to play "gotcha" journalism! She is a toad stool and everyone knows it! Thats why the left CBS News in droves!

Ignorant tool!

you guys need to spell check your work - this is highschool writing

I am so disappointed in people. Couric has joined the ranks of other trash journalists. Dig for dirt. That's all they want to do. Don't let the interviewee just be themselves and let the audience hear what they have to say. No, Couric couldn't stand up to any kind of journalistic oath and be neutral. She showed her colors, alright. And it's not red.

Gotcha Journalism? What, asking them to own up to what they said?
Couric didnt take that quote out of context.. its what she f'ng said!!
Palin continues to prove she is an idiot, and so is McCain for backing her.

I am very surprised with all the media attention focused on Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in regards to returning US soldiers from our wars no one has the guts to say it like it is that John McCain is not able to being president because he is suffering from advanced PTSD. Not only that. But when I see him walking it is as though he is about to stumble. Remember Yuri Andropov, Konstantin Chernenko and how they looked like? To me John McCain looks similar..

The Republican Party like the communist party in the old Soviet Union lost power from being corrupt. Is this what is happening in the US with the GOP republican party? The democrats are on notice Washington needs to change.

we should not be surprised...The hallmarks of the McCain campaign media strategy are as follows:

Hallmark 1 - Diversions at moments when Obama would steal the limelight (Berlin-Celebrity, Post DNC Analysis-Palin - who was a campaign decision, not a governing decision)

Hallmark 2 - Attacking the media establishment to strike at the foundations of truth in societty...creating an environment of I say versus he says. This is a very systematic tactic aimed at inoculating his deceitful and often debunked statements and advertising.

Hallmark 3 - With doubts he raised about media credibility hanging in the air, the McCain campaign is now able to launch salvos of heavily repeated distortions and lies through statements and ads. Messages are repeated often, and with impunity....the more the message is used, the better retention of those messages will result. His consistently debunked lies about Obama's tax plans is one example. In a recent survey, almot half of americans still misinformed Obama will raise taxes for those earning less than 250,000. The fact that such a critical detail in the electorate's choice for presidency is misrepresented to such a grand scale is frightening.

Gotcha journalism huh? They never want to take any responsibility for their positions, ideas, and public statements once they face the scrutiny of the voters. So McCain and Palin have to look for some culprit they can blame for the fact their ideas and policies fail.

Palin responses on issues have been incomprehensible and inarticulate. When a lack of thought and ability is clearly evident from Palin's own words, it does not do any good to blame "liberals" or the "media establishment" or "gotch-ya journalism" for what is evident. That's so lame and who needs 4 more years of finger-pointing dimwits who refuse to take responsibility for the outcomes of their incompetence?

Regarding Couric "who seems to be at the center of every big story these days" Whatever! Couric is a typical Liberal who isn't a journalist, just a Conservative basher.

Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates should be able to answer supposed "gotcha" questions. If they are going to represent the whole country to the world, I want someone who can take the pressure, think on their feet and give an educated and informed answer.

Grover Domingus

you really should crawl in a hole before November. You should be embarrassed you signed your name to your comment.

In all this talk about Sarah Palin's readiness, please let us NOT FORGET there is an enquiry against her in Alaska that she is stonewalling ever since she became the VP candidate - does she have the strength of character?
Shouldn't we care about that more? Why isn't the media asking her about this?
Please sign this if you care-
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-the-alaska-troopergate-cover-up.html

Katie is on her way out and she is trying to shore up her job. She should be apologizing for badgering the Govenor and then lying about Kissingers position on preconditions for Presidents negotiating directly with Iran. The media has got that so wrong that Kissinger actually called CNN and later went on FOX to set the record straight. He is against it. But that doesn't stop Katie, her media pals, and Obama for repeating the lie. The media wants Obama elected and will do anything to make sure it happens. That is why they are dumpster diving in Alaska when they should be covering real news.

Please pass this list of prepositions on to Palin. Remind her not to end her sentences with them.

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

The Democrats are siding with President Bush and his supposed "failed policies" on the largest transfer of financial power to the government in our country's history. We are supposed to allow congress to make this decision over a weekend? Once again the biased media including Couric and yourself are being allowed to spout opinions rather that facts. Your job is to relay facts not inject your slanted opinion into our news.
And secondly, your editing in this article is atrocious. Take some pride- use your spell check.

Their grasping at straws...

They're grasping at straws...

McCain's desperate grappling for something to grab onto is getting sillier by the minute, isn't it? I'd laugh if it weren't such a tragedy to see McCain keep sinking and sinking.

And the excuses from the conservative talking heads on Palin is just mind-boggling. Could they possibly make Palin look even weaker. “She’s losing her self-confidence.” “She’s over prepared.” “She needs someone around her who knows her.” SHE’S A WOMAN, NOT A LITTLE GIRL ON THE PLAYGROUND!

This is embarrassing. We don’t need the first woman to rise to this level to be carried and ultimately be a catastrophic failure; it hurts ALL women.

What the heck are these Palin apologists thinking? They’re just multiplying people's doubt. How WEAK is she? Cripes! Can't she even manage the words coming out of her mouth?

As if McCain wasn’t making a fool of himself all by himself, he’s got this ridiculous, pathetic woman needing so much deference, group therapy, and pity.

This is the stupidest reality show I've ever seen, because the entire premise of the show isn't plausable - that McCain/Palin expect to lead the free world. No one would buy that story line.

Their definition of "gotcha" seems to be "questions we don't have a canned answer for." People, if Katie Couric is too tough for them, how are they supposed to stand up to people like Venezuela's Chavez? Part of the reason for interviewing them is to see how well they think on their feet. Not at all appears to be the answer. Do they think they're going to get a warning before a crisis? Terrorists are not going to call and say "we're going to attack the Pentagon next Tuesday at 10:00 - be ready."

Hi, just got back online and hundreds of comments -- great comments like this. I am going to burn rubber here and try to get in the flow. But it is astounding when you go back through this interview that could not have been more than 3 minutes, and see that everything from McCain and Palin is a complaint about "gotcha questions" or "gotcha journalism." And you really do have to wonder about guy like McCain embracing victimhood this way -- or maybe he just thinks there is no he can falsely blame except the press. Fascinating to watch, though. Thanks. Z

No matter how well she is coached for Thursday's debate or if they manage to make her look at least semi-competent in upcoming interviews, it is still just window dressing. She is no more ready to be a "possible" President than I am. Can anyone seriously picture her in conferences with world leaders and negotiating treaties?? You have got to be kidding.

Dear JM,
Gotcha journalism is not the problem, your runningmate SP is the issue. She is neither intelligent or experienced enough to be in the #2 position for this country. The only way you'll get elected is if we collectively all take stupid pills on Nov.4.

Palin is not ready for the job.

Perhaps Couric will grill Obama too? Like why would someone espousing so much about change make a statement to the effect that Paulson should be kept. Paulson is a member of the group responsible for this current 'mega' crisis. He should be fired, and tried for lying about the conditions of our financials when reporting to the very people charged with protecting Americans from just what is now being delivered as a threat. Maybe she can quiz Democrats how they can claim so much about their non partisan politics in getting this bailout plan accepted when every other word they speak is partisan politics.

Couric and Democrats speak as if the bailout MUST be done, not IF. I am one citizen that has requested my representative to vote NO to the bailout, and I am reading and hearing from others who are of the same position. It is NOT a given that this has to be done.

I am a registered Republican, I have very seldom ever voted for a Republican, but you can well bet that I am being persuaded away from the Democratic party by their behavior. Nancy Pelosi makes me almost as ill as GWBush.

It amazes me that the American people cannot understand that just because the fox guarding the henhouse ate all the chickens is no reason to give the fox more chickens.

Fire the whole lot of them! It is not written in stone that we cannot survive without thieves, liars, and traitors to run our business.

jp

McCain camp says journalists shouldn't question their public comments about Pakistan? Should they question Obama's comments about Pakistan?
What's the problem? If your candidate can't answer basic question about policy or even be held responsible for what they say in public then maybe you should find a different candidate.
There is nothing "gotcha" about it. What are journalists suppose to ask, what Palin's favorite recipe is??
Straight talk?? More like straight spin.

"...last bit of good work from Couric..", are you kidding me??!! Katie Couric is a sneering, disrespectful embarrassment to journalists, conservative and liberal alike, and women everywhere. Kris C.

And last night, in an interview with “CBS Evening News,” Biden misspoke when he told anchor Katie Couric that today's leaders should take a lesson from the history books and follow former President Franklin D. Roosevelt's response to a previous national financial crisis.

Declared Biden: “When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'”

What's wrong with that, some might ask?

Well, for starters Republican Herbert Hoover was president when the stock market crashed in October 1929. Second, Roosevelt didn't take office until four years later. And, not to be picky, but there were also no televisions in use at the time. Radio was Roosevelt's favored medium.

Where was Katie?? Too busy gushing over Joe to know some basic history???

Sarah was a SUPER choice for John McCain. Looking forward to her debate with "gabby". GO SARAH!

Katie Couric did an excellent job on her interview. Kudos to Ms. Couric. She gave us an opportunity to really see that Ms. Palin is not capable of being vice president. Gov. McCain has made a bad choice. Will he defend her in office if she can't handle the pressures and the responsibilities of a vice president? Just imagine what would happen if she had to step in and become president. We need to think about who is best qualified and who can be a strong leader for our country. McCain and Palin just doesn't show enough confidence in themselves. So, why should we?

So I guess that "gotcha" journalism is the "junk" science of 2008. A way for the republican party to muddy the water and generally confuse the electorate if they do not like the FACTS as reported.

The nation is sick and tired of gotcha politics and Couric is one of the worst. Asking Palin to name peices of lesgislation was outragous. McCain's efforts to change what is wrong in Congess is as long as your arm. The most recent being cosponsoring a bill to look into lending practices which he warned were a looming disaster in 2006 was killed by the Democrats. Obama stayed out on the trail instead of getting directly involved. In the recent crisis again McCain put the country first and tried to help, Obama always puts himself first and is terrified of any risk. That is why he voted present 147 times in the senate so nothing could ever come back to haunt him. This is not playing smart politics, he does not have an ounce of courage and it showed again this week. His call me if you need me was arrogant again.

Good job Katie. MSM is our voice. I was so happy that you didn't let McSame intimidate you. You know that McSame disrespect women and this is a prime example of him using women to his advantage. He knows that Palin has no knowlege of foreign an domestic policies, and yet he lets her continue her path to failure.

Vote for President Obama and VP Biden.

>

Uh, exactly how many world leaders and other countries are concerned about rural America or place its needs/concerns before those of their own people? Few, if any.
- How many Americans live in cities verus rural America? That is why is its RURAL.
- How many world leaders had NEVER been out of their own country before the age of 43? Few, I bet.
- How many world leaders are laughing at Americans for allowing the Republicans to nominate Palin? Many, I bet.
- How many world leaders had never held a full-time job before the age of 45? Whoops, that was George W. Bush.
- How happy are the comedians and pundits that Palin is around? Ecstatic, is more like it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRmB93McZeI
Cut and paste this great video regarding the financial crisis and McCain's role! Already removed from youtube! Unbelieveable!

It is not a matter of "gotcha journalism"but rather "gotcha McCain and Palin"

Gov. Palin was probably an efficient mayor. Her governing Alaska might be a little more questionable. Let's take encouraging bounty hunters of innocent animals and support of off shore drilling and increasing the pipeline and taking polar bears off the endangered list. But her credentials far surpass these issues. Imagine how savvy she must be on foreign affairs with her trading negotiations with Russia" Why you can actually SEE Russia from a distant island of Alaska! WOW! She is a proponent of war, the more the better..we'll show them, Sarah.

In my eyes, she is totally NOT PREPARED and way out of her league to co-lead (or scariest of all LEAD (Yikes!!!) this, or any
other country (or even some states). For the first time in my life, have never been so scared of what could happen. Reagan's term which had a major role in our current situation (bailouts +) BY CAPITALIZING ON GREED.

As a Christian, (Palin fooled that she follows the doctrine), my feeling is that religion has become even more, a man-made, messed-up set of rules. This may be a lesson by God that we shouldn't bite off more than we can chew".

Another bleeding heart liberal who wants to do her part to help to see the United States surpass all the frightening BS, deception, and disgrace to us and the world,

Janina

P.S.It's hard to believe, but is there a chance for regaining hope?

I think the questions were fair and if the arguments that Obama doesn't get asked the hard questions he's been vetted for the last 19 to 20 months. Palin who I have respect for has not been vetted by the public or the media.

I honestly think Pawlenty would have made a better pick.I don't have any confidence in the McCain/Palin ticket. Look how they have carried and handled themselves thus far.

I love that some on these posts are referring to Couric's attack dog style. It's hilarious and should help bolster Couric's cred as a serious journalist. In reality, she took it so easy on Palin and still exposed her. Get real, Palin was a disastrously bad pick and even most republicans know it.

Hi, Thanks forn the comment about the comments about Couric's interview style. She was focused, professional and forceful without being rude or obnoxious. She deserves high praise for not being intimidated by McCain when he tried to be intimidatiung. He caught himself, when he said he should let Palin speak for herself. But if you look at the bite just before than, he addresses Couric likes he's a senior officer talking to a subordinate from the press office who did something to displease him. But Couric is tough, and she stayed on course with her questions. Good for her. Z

Unfortunately John McCain comes across as Governor Palin's "handler" instead of his running mate. He won't let Governor Palin speak for herself until he vets the question with Katie.

As far as I can tell, "gotcha journalism" is a new catch phrase for anytime a candidate is caught making an uninformed remark or contradicting themselves or their party's position. That used to be called hypocrisy.

Katie keep up the good work and keep asking the tough questions that we regular Americans want you to ask. It is good to know you journalists aren't afraid to be agressive. Thank you.

I think Democrat voters across the country are mis informed. They feel Palin is hurting the Republican ticket. However your' own presidential canidate has very little experience himself. The difference between Obama and Palin is; Obama has had more time to study. That is all. He has no foreign experince. Climb up in your trees and cry Obama..! Only one more month, and we will come and cut your trees down.

Even if Palin does have more "experience" than Obama, she sure doesn't sound like it. That's the difference between the two. She may have this so-called experience, but it only does good in Alaska... not for the whole United States. Obama and Biden haven't complained about questions they have been asked, so why are the Republicans complaining? Because they are afraid of her opening her mouth and saying the wrong thing. That's why they hardly let her even speak to reporters.

I'm a Journalist--a real one who reports the facts...only the facts. Couric needs to go back to morning TV. It's not "gotcha" journalism because that would imply a purpose. She's biased and she doesn't even try to keep it a secret. Katie--Why am I not hearing about any of J. Biden's blunders? Why can't you factually lay out both the McCain and O'Bama plan? It's not hard. There's a lot of people out there who are voting based on things like race and messaging. Show us the substance of both candidates. The state of our economy dictates that neither one of them will be able to do half of what they are promising. O'Bama slightly admitted it in the last debate. Watch it again. Back to the point: Couric is shameless. By-the-way: So is O'Reilley...in case you were ready to throw the "Right-Wing Fox Baby" card.

Republicans ought to be furious that John McCain would belittle his party and his country by choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Is McCain going to have to be sitting next to Palin whenever she meets with anyone if she is elected VP? McCain is so afraid that Sarah will say something she really feels. If he is so worried, why did he pick her or why doesn't he replace her. Republicans will risk their country first to get their ticket to win. You cannot tell me that even after hearing Sara's responses to voter's and reporter's questions they can honestly say she is ready for the job. I hope half the people running this country are not that stupid.

Hi, he won't be able to sit next to her Thursday night at the debate, and most of Amertica I would bet is waiting to see how that works out. Thanks for the comment. Z

I fail to see how "gotcha journalism" seems to be any different from regular journalism. Someone says something, someone reports it. If it was out of context than Palin should have said so and put it into context, but frankly, if you up and say "we should launch attacks into pakistan" then you have every right in the world to get your chops busted on it. Defend yourself! If you can't, how can we expect you to competently lead our country?

It's amazing how many catch phrases the McCain/Palin ticket has been able to make so popular. "Gotcha" journalism is by far my favorite so far. Let's think about it. "Gotcha" in a lie. "Gotcha" in finally telling the truth. "Gotcha" in not knowing what your talking about. What's wrong with "Gotcha" journalism if it answers our questions? That voter was asking a serious and important question and Palin answered it. That voter got his answer. For McCain/Palin to say that that was not really her answer.......... Oh I get it. It's opposite day in the McCain/Palin camp. Well anyway, Let's get Gotcha Journalism 101 in our schools.

Republicans are waving goodbye to their party.
Bush cry's wolf about the economy. McCain crys wolf about the war.
Palin crys wolf about anything she doesn't want to talk about and they all want poower. In what way are they qualified to do anything????

Vote for anyone but the Republicans.

Republicans are waving goodbye to their party.
Bush cry's wolf about the economy. McCain crys wolf about the war.
Palin crys wolf about anything she doesn't want to talk about and they all want poower. In what way are they qualified to do anything????

Vote for anyone but the Republicans.

Palin is running for Vice President(with very little experience ?) Obama is running for President(with very little or no experience) Katie Couric is running for her life(job wise). CBS, NBC,ABC are all running for ratings. The major networks no longer report the news, they attempt to make their own. To call the majority of TV anchors Journalist is to put down Journalism. Most are "talking heads" who "report" what they are told. McCain/Palin do not have all the answers. Obama/Biden do not have all the answers. McCain has much more experience than "The Great Orator" Obama. Pretty words and long flowing speechs do not make up for experience. Senator Obama's path has been paved for him by others and for the most part, been paid for by the Taxpayers. Organizing groups to "work" the system and promote Socialism are one thing. To be the leader of the Greatest country in the world is another.{apologies for misspellings/grammer]

apparently, McCain and Palin haven't been told what "gotcha journalism" actually is. It's telling that palin would use the words without fully understanding the meaning of the term.

The funny thing about this article is that they call Sara Palin a politician. She would not make a pimple on real politicians rear end.

Fixed.

Have we quickly forgotten that it was Palin, herself, who confidently issued the invitation to play "Stump the Candidate"?

Just keep asking the hard questions, Katie. If they can't answer them straight, we'll take note.

It was a Republican who ushered in the first Great Depression and it will be a Republican which ushers in the second. Hoovervilles will be Bushvilles. Better buy a tent and be ready for it.

OBAMA '08!

Just play the blame game, where ever it stick that's where it stays.

Well Lets see liberal media strikes again... lets ask Obama why he is still linked to the people of questionable radical ideas. The links to the housing slum lord in Chicago and allegiance to his buddy that wished he had blown up the trade center.... That is the real question. and why does he change his mind so MANY times... Where are those questions even the libreal minded should be asking instead of throwing their head in the sand or looking the other way...

hey - what's all the fuss about? havent we just just had 8 years of a leader who can't control what's coming out of his mouth, doesnt have a clue about foreign policy - or much else. oh yeh... but look where we are

"They funny part of this article is that they call Katie fluf and puff a journalist. She wouldn't make a pimple on a jounalist rear end.

Posted by: jesse | September 30, 2008 11:31 AM"

And, yet... She managed to expose a very important side of both Republican candidates and put them both on the defensive.

"What is lost in the so-called reporting vis-a-vis Sarah Palin is this: She represents the rural nature of America. You city folks have a way of talking that is rude and NOT representative of rural American sensibilities. Further, the urban-centric media displays contempt for any person or issue that is not couched in big city speak.

Sarah Palin has the same intellectual qualities of Abraham Lincoln. Now, do you metro-centric thinkers have any respect for his contributions to America?

jeeze"

So we talk "rude and NOT representative of rural American sensibilities"(proper english), and know more about foreign policies then her, and that makes us bad?

They won't ask Obama the tough questions because that would be racist.

"Sarah Palin has the same intellectual qualities of Abraham Lincoln."

Pappy, you have GOT to be kidding...

They won't ask Obama the tough questions because that would be racist.

Am I Sarah Palin? I am under 45 years old, I love the outdoors,
I am a dedicated hunter, I am a Republican reformer, I have taken on the Republican Party establishment,
I have many children, I have a spot on the national ticket as vice president with less than two years in the governor's office.I am lambasted daily as unqualified by liberal media, etc. No I am Teddy Roosevelt, in 1900.

Oh...another bias interview??? bias media??? Wait a second, I remember how much Kathie Couric had to struggle when she got this anchor post at CBS, her rating went down..and etc....
Doesn't she have empathy towards Sarah? Aren't they struggling in the same boat? If Kathie Coric think she is doing well, I'm sure Sarah will do well as time goes by.

The only part McCain forgot is that the inexperienced one in his example was the presidential nominee, not vice. Going by his example, he will lose.

Roman,

I laughed at your last statement about "you know it's bad when you're voting for a Democrat to shrink government."

I know what you mean. I am a Republican, and I voted for Bush twice. But the Republicans have done everything they ever said they were against (it's called being major hypocrites), and I can't trust them.

At least with the Democrats, you know what you're getting. I will be voting for Obama, too.

And also, "Pappy Cole" above who said that Sarah Palin represents the "rural nature of America" and that she's being attacked by "urban-centric media" because she did so terribly in the interview, is wrong. I live in rural Ohio--the nearest town is 10 miles away. I am surrounded by barns, chickens, horses, tractors, and bales.

And Sarah Palin DOES NOT REPRESENT ME. AND I DO NOT AGREE WITH HER.

I am sad to see that this country has become so ridiculously partisan that debate is beyond unintelligent. It’s either “My team is smart. Your team is dumb.” or fanatics talking about God instead of talking about what America needs to survive beyond “the coming”.

Find a philosophy before a philosophy finds you.

After 9/11 much of the world was prepared to rally around the US.

Look at us now. With increasing globalization we are voluntarily jeopardized by an isolationist doctrine. Thats not a Republican/Democrat issue, it’s a departing from what America was founded on issue.

The people who built this country were positively smart. And not in a “homey”, “main street”, or “backwoodsy” manner. No. Even those with that particular brand of charm were exceptional thinkers, communicators and politicians. From the founding fathers who wrote a far different Constitution than the one we are using currently, to the captains of industry whose hard work is being undone through rampant mismanagement by greedy and shortsighted “leaders”.

If we continue to have the worst education in math and science we will be forced to lock down our position in other ways. And by “our position”, I mean the position of the most elite financial interests and the military industrial complex that drives the world economy. Which by the way is increasingly related to math and science.

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

This audio is perhaps the most important speech ever delivered related to the state of our current Union. I fear many of those reading will listen and have no idea what the significance is, or how it relates to us today. In fact, no offense intended, but I guarantee it. And I guess that makes me even sadder.

The understanding of world power, and open airing of thought counter to the industrial complex would put a bullseye on Kennedy in the highest echelons of world power. Stop there. No conspiracy nuts need apply. Listen to the speech and try to remember

Again, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxnpujfanUM

Nobody has had the guts to try and address this giant pink elephant that is still in the room. I wonder why. Oh, I know why. Because we are uneducated in comparison to the nations we would compare ourselves with. Which brings us to today.

Bet you $1 we’re having the same conversation in 4 years.
In God we Trust.

What amazed me is that she needed McCain there to defend her. Like a dad who's trying to help his daughter buy her first car to make sure she doesn't screw up. She can't stand on her own without a babysitter. They don't let her speak anymore.
Gotcha Journalism reminds me of 'fuzzy math' back in 2000. Oh, the math was good, but "fuzzy math"was a great way to cover what you don't know.

If for no other reason, you need to be accountable for your screw ups. I would have much more respect for her if she said "I meant was that I would do what I needed to do to put america first" Admit your screwed up, your human, but these two point fingers everywhere else. If you would admit your human rather than making excuses I'd have much more respect.

But I have none for these two.

How dare you expose our VP candidate's gross inadequacies!!

Here is what I don't understand: All you people with such opinions and attitudes, is there any reason why you can't at least spell properly and use reasonable grammar in your comments? "Let hear the", "they call katy couric a". Hell, the actual article isn't much better either.

um, palin cant handle katie couric, mccain cant handle the view, meanwhile obama allows bill o'windbag to throw as many balls at him he wants and hits them all, maybe not where you want them, but he stands in there and doesnt whine like Complain & Whalin'

I can't believe someone used Edward R. Murrow and Katie Couric in the same sentence. Katie isn't even close to the same league as Murrow. Likewise, she could never fill the shoes of Tim Russert. He is missed. I think he would have been able to stick with facts and keep both sides of the isle in check. Katie is an over-paid pretender.

I live in Arizona and John McCain's outbursts of anger and obsenities are quite well known. And, as a POW it makes sense that he might well have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). That has always been a concern to me. (I am a Republican) But, the erratic behavior (one position one day and opposite the next) I have seen from John McCain, and the way he tries to twist everything has destroyed any trust I had of him.
As for Palin, it's clear that she is not ready for this type of position and it is clear to me that the only reason John McCain selected her was his own political interest and her selection is not in the best interests of the country.

The Democrats may have the "liberal media", but the Republicans have voting irregularities and the Supreme Court, so it all comes out in the wash. Stop your whining about a biased media and go watch FOX News.

...In other words, McCain and Palin are complaining because Couric got them.

It looks like the reader responce in your newspaper beats any reader responce in the LA times by about 50-1.

It is nice to see that other Americans are a little more interested in what's going on in our country than the jaded, mis-connected people of Los Angeles, who are more concerned with Brittanny Spears than with own government.

Maybe I should get out of L.A.

Why the other reporters from: CNN, ABC, BBC, NBC etc. don't interview Palin? as Citizens, we have the need to know how much she knows and how capable she is, she might say that she is an astronaut just because once upon a time she was in Cabo Cañaveral, FL and she saw one of our spaceships. We don't have to believe all she says. We have to confirm it!!!

Even when you buy a pair of shoes you try them on. I don't care if she is friendly or not, I want to know if you really posses the knowledge to do the job.

I thin the fundamental of her knowledge are a complete BS

McCain put winning the election first by selecting Palin. He's not ready for Prime time. You can blame the journalist, the media, the world and eventually the voters. How much to we have to give up to make Palin look and sound intelligent. Just can it-- game over.

Totally agree with you Marcus...good points. Thanks. Kathie Coric shouldn't forget how much she had to struggle when she got this job.

Posted by: Marcus | September 30, 2008 12:54 PM

Palin is running for Vice President(with very little experience ?) Obama is running for President(with very little or no experience) Katie Couric is running for her life(job wise). CBS, NBC,ABC are all running for ratings. The major networks no longer report the news, they attempt to make their own. To call the majority of TV anchors Journalist is to put down Journalism. Most are "talking heads" who "report" what they are told. McCain/Palin do not have all the answers. Obama/Biden do not have all the answers. McCain has much more experience than "The Great Orator" Obama. Pretty words and long flowing speechs do not make up for experience. Senator Obama's path has been paved for him by others and for the most part, been paid for by the Taxpayers. Organizing groups to "work" the system and promote Socialism are one thing. To be the leader of the Greatest country in the world is another.{apologies for misspellings/grammer]

Totally agree with you Marcus...good points. Thanks. Kathie Coric shouldn't forget how much she had to struggle when she got this job.

Posted by: Marcus | September 30, 2008 12:54 PM

Palin is running for Vice President(with very little experience ?) Obama is running for President(with very little or no experience) Katie Couric is running for her life(job wise). CBS, NBC,ABC are all running for ratings. The major networks no longer report the news, they attempt to make their own. To call the majority of TV anchors Journalist is to put down Journalism. Most are "talking heads" who "report" what they are told. McCain/Palin do not have all the answers. Obama/Biden do not have all the answers. McCain has much more experience than "The Great Orator" Obama. Pretty words and long flowing speechs do not make up for experience. Senator Obama's path has been paved for him by others and for the most part, been paid for by the Taxpayers. Organizing groups to "work" the system and promote Socialism are one thing. To be the leader of the Greatest country in the world is another.{apologies for misspellings/grammer]

Why the other reporters from: CNN, ABC, BBC, NBC etc. don't interview Palin? as Citizens, we have the need to know how much she knows and how capable she is, she might say that she is an astronaut just because once upon a time she was in Cabo Cañaveral, FL and she saw one of our spaceships. We don't have to believe all she says. We have to confirm it!!!

Even when you buy a pair of shoes you try them on. I don't care if she is friendly or not, I want to know if you really posses the knowledge to do the job.

I thin the fundamental of her knowledge are a complete BS

Katie Couric is very desperate for attention. She is a "has been." I never watched her before, but I was stricken at her venomous facial expression. Then, to ask Sarah if she "was sorry" was the height of condescension.

The media will decide the election because, unfortunately, most Americans will not think on their own.

They funy part of this artikle is that they call Katee ffluf and ppuf a journaless. She wouldn'ot make a pimpie on a jounalist rear and...

All you people who say that you will watch Fox News exclusively because you are conservative. Shame on you. Do what most intelligent people do and watch one channel that agrees with your views, and one channel that does not. QUESTION your beliefs. Read(or watch) things that you don't agree with. Question WHY you don't agree with them. If you only watch Fox News, you are missing out on important news(Baby Mama? Not biased at all... Is Briston gonna be on Fox News as a Baby Mama?) I am not saying the other stations aren't biased, it is obvious they are. Keith Olbermann is just the liberal Bill O'Reilly of MSNBC. But if you watch Papa Bear, also watch Olbermann. Have balance in your life. Question everything. Know why you believe what you believe. Do not be content with coasting through life with your head in the sand. Become informed, make an informed decision. If your informed decision leads you to become a Republican, good for you, just be able to defend WHY you are a Republican. Same if it leads you to become a Democrat. Personally, I hope it leads all of you to become Libertarians(but you better be able to defend that too.)

Couric shows great maturity in these interviews. She is unflapable and sticks to the question until Palin shows that she is either unable or unwilling to answer.

I used to think Couric was a lightweight until I saw her next to Palin.

Let me get this straight. The same campaign that latched on to Obama for that innocent "lipstick on a pig" remark, which MCCAIN HIMSELF had used repeatedly in discussing policies, is now yelling about "gotcha journalism" because Palin was caught voicing an incredibly stupid opinion that could lead us into another useless war? Show a little respect for the intelligence of the American people, for the love of God.

I wasn't as distrubed by Palin's answer to a voter, as much as, McCain sitting in on an interview with her obviously jumping in to protect her (himself) from the inquiring minds of the American people. It makes me think he'll lock her away after the election and just send her out to represent him at various heads of state funerals. Hey Sarah, heads up on this trickery.

... ha ha ha ha... don't the Republican's know, if they want a fair interview they need to have Rush L. ask the questions. :P ha ha ha ha. (keep in mind...Pallin can indeed see Russia). What a unique qualification.

McCain has turned into a giant child. He's 72 and i honestly think he's becoming senile. It's over. He has repeatedly made dangerous decisions to gamble on winning the election at the expense of the good of the country. Palin as vp is totally dangerous. Im a lifelong republican, but im switching over to Obama on this one. He at least uses his mind. McCain picking Palin and his bailout drama queen charade show that he's lost it and he doesn't give a crap about anything but getting elected. He's a dangerous, over the hill, hot-headed doofus. I used to think he was great

McCain has turned into a giant child. He's 72 and i honestly think he's becoming senile. It's over. He has repeatedly made dangerous decisions to gamble on winning the election at the expense of the good of the country. Palin as vp is totally dangerous. Im a lifelong republican, but im switching over to Obama on this one. He at least uses his mind. McCain picking Palin and his bailout drama queen charade show that he's lost it and he doesn't give a crap about anything but getting elected. He's a dangerous, over the hill, hot-headed doofus. I used to think he was great

Some of these comments that blame Couric for the answers, or should I say "non-answers" by Palin really frighten me. You CANNOT blame Katie Couric or anyone else if Sarah Palin cannot give one answer to a question. Her answer about Alaska being the protector against Russia? Seriously. I routed for her in the beginning, but have cringed after each and every interview I have seen with her since. She is a big set back to women and John McCain should be ashamed that he was talked into bringing someone with so LITTLE knowledge into his race. Country first? If that was true he would have spent more time evaluating her and understanding her to bring her into the potential to become president.

Some of these comments that blame Couric for the answers, or should I say "non-answers" by Palin really frighten me. You CANNOT blame Katie Couric or anyone else if Sarah Palin cannot give one answer to a question. Her answer about Alaska being the protector against Russia? Seriously. I routed for her in the beginning, but have cringed after each and every interview I have seen with her since. She is a big set back to women and John McCain should be ashamed that he was talked into bringing someone with so LITTLE knowledge into his race. Country first? If that was true he would have spent more time evaluating her and understanding her to bring her into the potential to become president.

I'm glad to see Katie Couric getting so much coverage!

McCain does not seem to be completely aware of one of the purposes of journalism, and it is with confidence that I can say that had he been aware of the purpose of "gotcha journalism," he may have thought twice before attacking Couric.
There is a distinction to be made between two kinds of journalism. Couric is serving the American people with (an attempted) unbiased Q & A with McCain and Palin, during which it can be thought that it is a matter of journalistic integrity for her to particpate in "gotcha journalism," otherwise, who is going to enable viewers to see discrepancies in McCain/Palin communication and standpoint?
The other side of of journalism would certainly be to report on the facts, and then sit back and let McCain and Palin use the time to run at the mouth and use the media outlet available to cover up their mistakes, indescretions, and blunders.

"WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING" SOUNDS LIKE A LITTLE KID
these are very serious times and it behooves our "journalism" folk to grow up and stop talking like jr highschool.
stop talking about if they look uncomfortable or the make is off, it just makes you look like morons.
important things are overlooked. ie
i wouldn't buy vitamins from someone who only had 163 days experence. if your kids dr started school and only had 163 days experience would you go to him. not likely.
casey purvis

The democrats must be worried. They wouldn't be giving Palin such a hard time if they weren't.

By the way, what community functions has Obama organized anyway? I didn't hear of any experience that impressed me Friday night.

Anyone can speak well - why I had a 98 average in Public Speaking in college. Maybe I should run for president.

It is amazing to me the amount of apologists there are here.

1. Obama not being asked questions doesnt make Palin's answer better

2. Obama Lying doesnt make Palin or McCain,s lies "the truth"

3. Palin is not qualified to be Vice President regardless of Obama's experience level

The 1st job of a potential President during the campaign is to pick a person that can step in and run the country should something happen to the President. Palin was wrought with controversy, full of lies and incredibly unqualified for the position. MCCAIN PICKED FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY and for no other reason. The republican party has been in charge largely for the last 6 to 8 years and the country is in shambles. If they didnt create the problems in your view they certainly didnt solve them. I'm not saying the Democrats could do a better job but I just dont get how some people can be stupid enough to be bent over for 6 to 8 years and then vote for the same thing they have been fed for that time period. Palin being picked shows how truly stupid we are as a nation.

Essentially we are saying that its ok to screw us and take advantage of us and lie to us and steal from us for 6 to 8 years..as long as just before election time you give us a down home folksy person who rips out dim witted catch phrases like "fuzzy math", "hockey mom", "small town values", Etc....

All we need as Americans is someone who we feel is like us and so what if a candidate passes over PHD's, experienced senators, experienced Governors, and literally hundreds of people more experienced who actually know something about foreign and domestic policy, as long as the person he picks gives good sound bites, looks the way we find appealing, and chants USA! USA! USA! into our bleeding raped for the past 8 years bum holes.

Too funny!!! Couric treated her with KID GLOVES and is now being criticized for GOTCHA journalism???

Your Republican'ts are DESPERATE!! PALIN CAN"T answers questions on the fly without sounding like a fifth grader. This is not about Couric.

This conversation should be about WHY PALIN was chosen to be a rally horse when she has no substance. McCain is the architect of his own demise here.

No to McPalin!! The cagey vet and the beauty queen are loosing steam...

Why does the party of "Personal Responsibility" always blame the media (or someone else) for their failures?

Katie Couric without question is a joke. She has been one of the most partisan reporters this country has ever seen and she makes no apologies for it. She has not one subjective bone in her body. She's has no shame.She is just a mouthpiece for the political left

It is amazing to me the amount of apologists there are here.

1. Obama not being asked questions doesnt make Palin's answer better

2. Obama Lying doesnt make Palin or McCain,s lies "the truth"

3. Palin is not qualified to be Vice President regardless of Obama's experience level

The 1st job of a potential President during the campaign is to pick a person that can step in and run the country should something happen to the President. Palin was wrought with controversy, full of lies and incredibly unqualified for the position. MCCAIN PICKED FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY and for no other reason. The republican party has been in charge largely for the last 6 to 8 years and the country is in shambles. If they didnt create the problems in your view they certainly didnt solve them. I'm not saying the Democrats could do a better job but I just dont get how some people can be stupid enough to be bent over for 6 to 8 years and then vote for the same thing they have been fed for that time period. Palin being picked shows how truly stupid we are as a nation.

Essentially we are saying that its ok to screw us and take advantage of us and lie to us and steal from us for 6 to 8 years..as long as just before election time you give us a down home folksy person who rips out dim witted catch phrases like "fuzzy math", "hockey mom", "small town values", Etc....

All we need as Americans is someone who we feel is like us and so what if a candidate passes over PHD's, experienced senators, experienced Governors, and literally hundreds of people more experienced who actually know something about foreign and domestic policy, as long as the person he picks gives good sound bites, looks the way we find appealing, and chants USA! USA! USA! into our bleeding, raped for the past 8 years, bum holes.

"Couric asked Palin about a statement the candidate made over the weekend that the U.S. should launch attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan to "stop the terrorists from coming any further in."

In that comment, Palin seemed to voicing the same position McCain had attacked his opponent, Barack Obama, for stating in their debate on Friday."

So what.......She was talking to people off camera and not advertising or threatening a nation, simply suggesting a possible method to curb the terrorists.........while Obama was speaking in a live televised
debate where one expects the world was watching and noting the Obama intended threat to Pakastan. There is a great difference here. The real problem is the media has been promoting Obama since the start of the primary and while taking such a comment out of contex for Sarah Palin this same media ignores the Obama threat and ignores the fact that Biden claims President Rooselvelt went on TV to explain the depression to Americans in 1929......and he just forgot that Rooselvelt was not elected untill 1933 and we did not have TV in 1929 or 1933. Americans need to get a grip. Obama has done nothing but mislead the people. Obama will be fighting in Iraq for years to come while claiming inorder to win the primary that he would remove all troops immediately upon election........not true and he has now said he would begin to remove troops after 16 months but fails to inform you that he is just relocating the troops to Afganastan as well as the next war he seems to be starting in Pakastan. Obama also claims you will pay less taxes but fails to inform you that the business owners will cut jobs or at least hours to cover their expense in taxes. The result is that you will pay less taxes because you will work less and earn less per week. Get a grip Americans. Curic is a useless reporter.

McCAIN/PALIN 2008 and HILLARY 2012

The Couric interveiw was not GOTCHA journalism any more then it will be GOTCHA debates next Thursday.... As for her being a Christian I cannot judge but I can tell you that a woman who leaves her children in pursuit of earthly glory and temporary honor while they are young and really need a MOTHER better have a good reason because those chickens will come home to roost one day ....

It is amazing to me the amount of apologists there are here.

1. Obama not being asked questions doesnt make Palin's answer better

2. Obama Lying doesnt make Palin or McCain,s lies "the truth"

3. Palin is not qualified to be Vice President regardless of Obama's experience level

The 1st job of a potential President during the campaign is to pick a person that can step in and run the country should something happen to the President. Palin was wrought with controversy, full of lies and incredibly unqualified for the position. MCCAIN PICKED FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY and for no other reason. The republican party has been in charge largely for the last 6 to 8 years and the country is in shambles. If they didnt create the problems in your view they certainly didnt solve them. I'm not saying the Democrats could do a better job but I just dont get how some people can be stupid enough to be bent over for 6 to 8 years and then vote for the same thing they have been fed for that time period. Palin being picked shows how truly stupid we are as a nation.

Essentially we are saying that its ok to screw us and take advantage of us and lie to us and steal from us for 6 to 8 years..as long as just before election time you give us a down home folksy person who rips out dim witted catch phrases like "fuzzy math", "hockey mom", "small town values", Etc....

All we need as Americans is someone who we feel is like us and so what if a candidate passes over PHD's, experienced senators, experienced Governors, and literally hundreds of people more experienced who actually know something about foreign and domestic policy, as long as the person he picks gives good sound bites, looks the way we find appealing, and chants USA! USA! USA! into our bleeding, raped for the past 8 years, bum holes.

THIS PAIN/MCAIN TICKET IS THE BIGGEST SCAM EVER PULLED ON THE AMENRICAN WHEN YOU HAVE NO CREDENTIALS,WHAT IS LEFT? ATTACK THE MESSENGER.THE ELITIST PRESS.IT MUST BE SEXISM. IT MUST BE BIAS. WHAT A SHAM!I HOPE THE AVERAGE VOTER SEE'S THROUGH THIS JOKE ON THE AMERICAN PUBLIC! THE ROVE BOYS RUNNING THIS CAMPAIGN CERTAINLY HOPE NOT!

It is amazing to me the amount of apologists there are here.

1. Obama not being asked questions doesnt make Palin's answer better

2. Obama Lying doesnt make Palin or McCain,s lies "the truth"

3. Palin is not qualified to be Vice President regardless of Obama's experience level

The 1st job of a potential President during the campaign is to pick a person that can step in and run the country should something happen to the President. Palin was wrought with controversy, full of lies and incredibly unqualified for the position. MCCAIN PICKED FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY and for no other reason. The republican party has been in charge largely for the last 6 to 8 years and the country is in shambles. If they didnt create the problems in your view they certainly didnt solve them. I'm not saying the Democrats could do a better job but I just dont get how some people can be stupid enough to be bent over for 6 to 8 years and then vote for the same thing they have been fed for that time period. Palin being picked shows how truly stupid we are as a nation.

Essentially we are saying that its ok to screw us and take advantage of us and lie to us and steal from us for 6 to 8 years..as long as just before election time you give us a down home folksy person who rips out dim witted catch phrases like "fuzzy math", "hockey mom", "small town values", Etc....

All we need as Americans is someone who we feel is like us and so what if a candidate passes over PHD's, experienced senators, experienced Governors, and literally hundreds of people more experienced who actually know something about foreign and domestic policy, as long as the person he picks gives good sound bites, looks the way we find appealing, and chants USA! USA! USA! into our bleeding, raped for the past 8 years, bum holes.

See the problem is, it's hard not to ask someone "gotcha" questions when they don't know the answer to anything. It seems as if no matter what anyone asks her she gives the worst answer possible...

What do "conservatives" (there is barely a real conservative in the bunch) want Couric to ask?

"How man kisses do you give your son every morning?"

"What is your favorite way to cook Moose?"

"How much do you love your gun?"

She is a public official who could potentially be a 76 year old with the most stressful job in the world's pulse away from Executive control of our country, before the next election rolls around.

Not being able to answer questions about the policy she supposedly supports is alarming to the utmost level, and having to have a babysitter there to check what she s ays is just staggering.

By her logic, ever citizen that lives in Alaska, Texas, Maine, New York, or any other state that borders another country has sufficient foreign policy experience to be president?

There is no possible way to defend Palin on this, and any one who tries is so blinded by party loyalty that they would follow them to the poor house, the prison cell, or the grave. It's frightening...

The Conservative American Christian and other sectarian voters, I believe will determine the next US President.
Coupled with the votes from women, white-working class, blue-collar workers, small-town people, and the
Latinos. If these groups constitute the
majority of the 17% independent voters, then Senator John McCain will
win decisively in this election. Go McCain-Palin ticket!

I AM PROUD TO SAY I HAVE VOTED FOR OBAMA/BIDEN! I don't need to hear any more to determine the best candidates for President and Vice President via their education, resume, political views, etc. John McCain needs retirement; Sarah Palin needs to go back to eating mooseburgers!

I find it amazing that many GOP backers are aiming Katie's questions at being aligned with the Dems. Whether or not this is true is not the issue here. She asked some very obvious questions, and Palin answered them with an obvious lack of knowledge and experience. Worse yet, she cannot even defend her own answers. Both she and McCain can only answer back with the propaganda that the GOP has been feeding us for the last number of months. For a moment I thought McCain was on to something when he chose Palin, and now it is confirmed, but not with what I thought. He made a decision on a whim, and a poor decision at it. We already have a gun slingin religious leader in place right now, but at least (despite his absolutely poor decisions) he has some intelligence and knowledge. I hate to see someone as selfish as McCain, and someone lacking common sense like Palin, in the white house.

boo katie

boo katie

Katie Couric's liberal attitude is what bothers me. Not her questioning style. As a journalist she needs to remain unbiased.

I have lost tons of respect for her inability to do that.

...is "gotcha journalism" a popular phrase, or did they make it up in the car on the way to the interview ? I wouldn't be bothered if someone accused me of something that didn't exist,either.

You would think at this level of government a person could answer questions directed at them without assistance (excuses). If you checked even Alaska voters are immensely concerned..

What is lost in the so-called reporting vis-a-vis Sarah Palin is this: She represents the rural nature of America. You city folks have a way of talking that is rude and NOT representative of rural American sensibilities. Further, the urban-centric media displays contempt for any person or issue that is not couched in big city speak.

Sarah Palin has the same intellectual qualities of Abraham Lincoln. Now, do you metro-centric thinkers have any respect for his contributions to America?

Pappy Cole, I'm sorry that you feel intimidated by "big city speak." But I'll never, EVER apologize for being intelligent, having an education, or being able to understand complex issues and ideas.

Clearly, anyone who does so intimidates and scares you. Perhaps you can enhance YOUR education so you can speak from a position of power, instead of railing in infantile anger at all them there smart people being edumacated.

Comparing Sarah Palin to Abraham Lincoln is the biggest, ugliest insult I could ever imagine for President Lincoln.

Now that is just "Palin" stupid.

Very clever. And I love the emails I have been getting from such notables -- dead or aline - as Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dole and Vince Foster. I have so many questions for Vince. When the onslaught of comments slows, I will be back to you, Vince. So many Clinton era "secrets" we can unravel. (Now you know I am a political junkie.) Z

John, your ship is sinking. Tell Palin to start bailin'.

John, your ship is sinking. Tell Palin to start bailin'.

Gotcha journalism? I thought Palin was asked a question by a voter? Since when are voters not allowed to ask legitimate questions of people running for public office on possible roles and responsibilities of the office?

Wow! What does this say about the McCain camp? It says that they made a huge mistake having Sarah Palin as the VP candidate and won't admit to it. Instead, they blame others and try to shift the discussion from how unqualified Sarah is to how "unethical" it is for journalists to ask questions that voters want answered.

Come on, John! You're better than this!!! Eight years ago, I would have voted for you because you were a "maverick." Now, you're just another pandering politician, trying anything and everything to get elected. What ever happened to the "Straight Talk Express." It seems to have been renamed the "Bull S*#t Express."

The Couric interveiw was not GOTCHA journalism any more then it will be GOTCHA debates next Thursday.... As for her being a Christian I cannot judge but I can tell you that a woman who leaves her children in pursuit of earthly glory and temporary honor while they are young and really need a MOTHER better have a good reason because those chickens will come home to roost one day ....

Wow Gotcha Journalisim. Pointing out the information that is incomplete and incorrect coming out of a persons mouth. Need more of it. Keep up the good work. I mean if Katie Couric has you in a "gotcha moment" your in a sad state of affairs. Great Job Katie. P.S. Maybe they mean I finally gotcha to talk to someone.

"No," McCain insisted back, "she was in a conversation with a group of people talking back and forth, and I'll let Gov. Palin speak for herself."

And again, McCain stepped in to defend his running mate.

"This is not the first time I've seen a governor being questioned by some quote expert,"

Seriously, is he TRYING to make her look weak by holding her hand throughout this entire process?

And this whole "gotcha journalism" excuse just comes across as a lame defense for being unprepared.

John McCain needs to stop rewriting reality before people start thinking he has alzheimer's.

Couric was a very few months back rumored to be fired from her position at CBS isn't it amazing how much credit and so-called fame you can get from gotcha politics not being a reporter. Remember Katie what you sow you eventally reap!!!!!!!!!

Couric was a very few months back rumored to be fired from her position at CBS isn't it amazing how much credit and so-called fame you can get from gotcha politics not being a reporter. Remember Katie what you sow you eventally reap!!!!!!!!!

Rumored, my Friend. That is one of the the things I admire about Couric: the way she withstood the heat of such rumors and kept her head down and did good work -- that is now being recognized. Z

Couric has mastered the art of cheap journalism because she really never had the ability or opportunity to be a true journalist, so the "interview" has turned into the SNL gotcha quotes that are baseless in fact and substance. If they can't get Palin dirt on lipstick or a John Edwards number than Couric attempts to turn an off the cuff statement into a world class political snafu. I think Couric should stick to what she is good at at examining her own colon instead of showing it off.

Unfortunately our country is full of biased people who will go to extraordinary lengths to do us all harm. The reporters make handsome salaries. They no more care about the American people than they care about candidates they pretend to interview. As long as they can trash talk, our progress as a nation is in jeopardy! The success of our democracy DEPENDS on unbiased journalism! If people don't take a stand to demand accountable, fair, intelligent, thoughtful, professional integrity in the media and everywhere else, we're done for.

hahaha, McCain 08, Clinton 12... you fools, we won't make it to 2012 with McCain asleep at the helm.

To MissS: If you want to be taken seriously, you need to spellcheck. Should it be "misspelled" instead of "misspelt"? You could also use a lesson in punctuation.

Posted by: CASEY PURVIS | September 30, 2008 1:22 PM

The democrats must be worried. They wouldn't be giving Palin such a hard time if they weren't.

By the way, what community functions has Obama organized anyway? I didn't hear of any experience that impressed me Friday night.

Anyone can speak well - why I had a 98 average in Public Speaking in college. Maybe I should run for president.

Casey, he's been a professor and served on state senate, he's also currently a member of the foreign relations committee. You're focused on maybe a year or two of his early adulthood and using that to anchor your case for his experience.

In any case, a homeless man should be allowed to be president if he has views the people agree with, experience or not, the presidency is open to all Americans, it is the American dream. Don't belittle it.

Katie Couric....what do you expect from someone with an agenda that has a lower approval rating then Nacny Piglosi and the rest of congress?

Who cares!

http://www.deathbydemocraticparty.com

How will she ever handle "gotcha" questions from foreign leaders? She really scares me!

I don't mind when an optimist says, "The glass is half-full", and I don't mind when a pragmatist says, "The glass is half-empty."

What bothers me, is that class of people that looks at half a glass of water, and says, "OH MY GOD!! SOMEONE DRANK HALF OF MY WATER!!!! I'M SUCH A VICTIM! I'M SUCH A VICTIM!!!!!!"

That victim mentality sets me off when people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton do it, and that's exactly how the McCain campaign sounds when they claim "gotcha journalism." I don't want that in a president. I want leadership, not crybabyship.

Katie Couric's just trying to save her job, no wonder CBS is in last place.

Any claim of legitimacy that McCain had was lost when he crossed over to the dark side and embraced the "agents of intolerance" he once decried and adopted Karl Rove's campaign style, that he once decried. He made a Faustian bargain. To seal the deal, he became more and more Bush; same financiers, same masters, same policies, and same disregard for the truth.
His impaired judgment and impulsiveness is demonstrated by his choice of Palin. Does anyone really believe she is ready to lead the free world?

McCain was in bad physical shape to begin with, four melanomas later, his choice of Palin is an insult. He will do and say anything to get elected and when it is pointed out, he attacks the questioner.

When you are interviewing for a job that may make you the most powerful person in the world, no question should be off limits.

Are you sorry? Have you learned from your mistakes? Did Adam and Eve have a pet dinosaur? Were you personally vindictive when holding a public office? Are you sorry now that you didn't teach your kids about safe sex? What about evolution?

KC's questions were the very least we would expect from a responsible journalist. KC did not humiliate Palin, she humiliated herself. (Actually, I think she may have been coached by the same person who coached her for the Miss Alaska Beauty Pagent. She may not have won but I'm sure she put up quite a fight)

To put this person anywhere near the White House is to risk taking this country for a ride on the bridge to nowhere.

Conservatives can't take their own medicine, when Obama had the spotlight, you were all bitching that the media was in the tank for him, despite all the bad coverage he was receiving as well (don't lie, you touted Wright constantly for an entire month and still use maybe 6 minutes as your basis.) Now that the shoe is on the other foot and McCain is in the spotlight, but taking heat you want to cry foul or worse, "gotcha" politics.
Face it, McCain is flailing in the face of a mounting October surprise that's not in his favor.

Stupid people don't belong in the White House, the last 8 years should be proof enough of that fact.

"Gotcha" to tell the truth - only the Right Wing terrorist would spin telling the truth to the American people as some type of trickery - Palin should keep to avoiding answering the American's questions (just like Cheney) and McCain should take a few more days off to think about how he can blame the Democrates for all the problems his administration has caused - that seems to be what they do best - I haven't heard any solutions to our countries issues from the Republicans only blame to others

same comments as the great one, the obamassiah and he is'nt called to the table.

Wheres the same emphasis on "57 states" of "my muslim faith"

God (not Obama) help us all! We need it .

http://www.deathbydemocraticparty.com

If you are a public figure (and last time I checked the Vice Presidency was a public office), you must be able to answer the tough questions--whether you like them or not. The press is not always fair, but they are great at pressing candidates against the wall. THAT IS THEIR JOB. If you need to be chaperoned (as Palin obviously did), you are probably not ready for the VP spot. Maybe Palin would be better off if she had been allowed to talk to the press occasionally.

If Palin thinks Couric is tough...and she wants to be Vice President, a heartbeat away from the Presidency and whines about Katie Couric...?

It is always amazing to read how worked up people get over some stuckup TV journalist and her abilty to ask questions that the guests are not prepared for.

hate Bush all you want, hate Palin all you want.

but don't be bottel fed by this liberal agenda filled media.

If people would just stand up out of there fox hole and realize that we are fighting agains ourselves while the economy goes down in flames. Its not the president, is not the VP is not republicans its the prick neighbor that baught that $500,000 house and didn't pay a dime on the mortgag, and now expects the government to get him out.
Everything that goes up must come down.
Includeing Barack Hussein Obama II

After 8 years of GW Bush, our country and world are in great need of repair. We need leaders with experience, intelligence, leadership and concern for the ecological needs of our country and planet.
I really can't see how anyone could support McCain and Palin. McCain's voted with the Bush Administration 90% of the time and will just continue moving our country to self destruction and Ms. Palin is an inexperienced, not-so-intelligent right wing extremist who doesn't care one bit about the environment or wildlife. One can just imagine what could happen to our country under her pathetic leadership.
I really don't understand those Americans who voted for GW Bush and are now supporting McCain and Palin. The current Republican party doesn't care about the environment, wildlife, healthcare, those Americans making under $250,000, education, our relationship with other countries and so much more. These Republican voters are either REALLY selfish or REALLY stupid.

Obama has the support of terrorists because they want an idiot and an old man rather than someone with the stones to make their life miserable world wide. This is called misdirection and is a widely used tactic through out history when using the ignorance of the masses to win your objectives.

Morton Redner - you are IQ challenged if you can't see through Obama's rhetoric.

Neither one of these candidates will be a good president. If you think McCain is lying then you have to think that Obama is a liar also. There have been as many instances where Obama has been caught in a lie.

At least McCain is willing to take a stand on something. Obama can't quite decide on anything.

I get so tired of the slanted media!! All they are after is the "Gotcha Journalism". They are all just trying to one up the other one on who can get the best gotcha.

People talk about Obama's lack of experience, but they ignore his demonstrated better judgement. Like selecting a VP who is capable of leading the nation if necessary, instead of one who cannot string two thoughts together without losing track of the first one.
Palin is, by anyone's good judgement, frightening. She does not understand the Constitution (but if Katie were to ask her if she's actually read it -- highly doubtful based on what she has stated so far -- it would be called Gotcha Journalism); she does not understand what foreign policy experience really is; she is in the race only to appease the evangelical faction of the Republican party who would stay home and not vote if Lieberman was the VP choice. She is very, very obviously not the best person the Republicans have to offer for the VP position. Every Republican except the evangelicals has to agree to that. So what does that tell us about the quality of the decisions we can expect from this "maverick," who can't even stand up to the bullying right of his own party?

What a waste of time, focusing on something like this. Barak said the same thing, and had to pull back. I watched all the interviews in their entirety, and only if you are predisposed to hate Palin, was the interview as "bad" as the elite media is making it out to be. To me and many other reasonable people, Palin appears to have sound judgement, good character, and very good communication skills that will be come only better with more time on the national stage. She will become a more confident policy wonk in time. Obama is doing the same thing, and only has a few months head start. Hillary owned him during the debates on the issues. Its just that he had the anti-Iraq-war get out of jail card. Just a few months ago, he made during the debates an undeniably definitive policy statement that he would meet face to face with global thugs like Kim Jong Il, Fidel Castro, Akmadinajad (sp), and more. Now, he pragmatically, has pulled back from that statement. He also said he would invade Pakistan. In fact, they all would, if it meant capturing Bin Laden. All you ideologues should cease your hollow attacks, and take a reasonable view of the bigger issue like the economy and make your decision. Dems have their own gaffe machine in Biden, and no one bats an eye.

If "gotcha journalism" means real tough questions about our world, and if the potential leaders of the free world are asked these questions, then i for one am all for it. It is a right for us voters to know our candidate for better or worse. Mccain and Palin cry and complain a little bit too much about having to answer real tough questions. Complaining about a question from a voter, from the guy who is the champion of town hall meetings (meetings where voters ask the candidate questions), is very disheartening. Send McPalin back to Arizona and Alaska.

The ventriloquist and his dummy.

Oh, wow," Z said, declining further comment. Thanks. Z

All candidates should be able to form sentences and answer all questions from any of the media, liberal or conservative. There are no "gotcha questions" for a person running to be president should something happen to the president. Palin could tap dance, dress down a moose, comfort her unwed daughter, run from the troopergate investigation,sing and answer all questions Thursday. Just means she knows her answer better. She doesn't show she even understand the can answers. She's no Hillary or Kay Bailey. She is an embarassment to all women all over the world. There are no thoughts behind the answers. She can't talk, she an idiot. She cute, sweet, and reads very well. She is a jounalist people. If you can't vote for a black man with a funny name Barack Obama, with a white mother and black father. He has a degree in international relations, law degree, and on the ground training helping poor people. If you're still angry about the gun and clinging comments that you let the Republican redefine for you then they fed it to you and you swallowed. I do cling to my gun and my religion. So..........I'm not offended by the truth. If you in small town America can't bring yourself to vote for a black man. Just don't vote. McCain and Sarah are a threat to humanity.

We go through this charade every four years, believing everything that the candidates promise, laughing at the candidates for saying something stupid or cringing in horror when you find out that your candidate slept with a beauty queen or smoked but didn't inhale.

It all comes down to who you think will do the least damage. I didn't like Clinton...he was a clown but at least he left office with a balanced budget. But that wasn't because he was smart....oh yeah he sounded good but hey remember the intern? His experience before becoming president....governor of arkansas. You better think about it before you pull the lever for a fence riding, religous extremist, I'm a muslim no I'm not, wildcard.

"What is clear from the current state of media reporting is how much they have been bought out by the biggest security threat our nation has. Why is Obama being support by both Hamas and the president of Iran?"
Posted by: Change Voter

Nice comment change voter! Did you know that it's not just Hammas or Iran that would like to see Obama win? Other countries and organizations would like him to win. The reason is because Obama advocates diplomacy rather than flexing mussle. Bush and McCain do not advocate peace talks for which I am confused why Palin has Henry Kissinger as a foreign affairs advisor because Kissinger also advocates diplomacy with Iran and other entities hostile to the united states. Do some reading, who knows you might become president to.

After 8 years of Bush, beginning with Bush stealing the election from Gore, and then continuing to break the laws & constitution as well as defy common sense, we have now seemingly become immunity to stupidity. It took Palin going on Couric for people to notice. How could people not see through her immediately? Her lack of education, curiosity, basic knowledge and common sense was obvious.

Marcus - Well said.
Simple and basic - the majority of the media, whether it be television, radio, newspapers etc. is biased. I hear our candidates being ridiculed, their integrity being challenged without basis, over-the-top sensationalism that harms family members and has nothing to do with the candidates qualifications (Palin's pregnant daughter). Unfortunately, the very powerful media, at least in California, is from the left and you really get a whiff of it when all of "Follywood", Ca, goes to work. Every movie and TV personality gets on the band-wagon. The late-nite talk shows have no shame - they will use the slightest information and twist that information into a side-show just for ratings and to promote their candidate (usually Obama). The news, for the most part, has lost it's purpose - to deliver unbiased facts to the people. They have no ethical bearings and, for the most part, do not truly serve the people. Fine example, Couric interview, Letterman, etc.

Additionally, after reading some of the above blogs: Some of you must spend a great deal of time tuning into the media Your words and thoughts are just a repeat of last night's or last weak and tasteless propoganda.

Hi thanks for the comment. But i could not disagree more. The press in the persons of Charles Gibson and Katie Couric have served this democracy so well by showing the limitations of Palin. Viewers who saw the intervioews with her saw a very different candidate than the one the GOP image-makers tried to create. Press and People 1, Image-makers 0. As for Lettermen, in a democracy that guarantees freedom of expression, one of the primary jobs of commedians and other commentators is to behave exactly as Letterman and Tina Fey are now doing in holding aspects of candidates up for examination and, in come cases, ridicule. Don't scapegoat the press for doing its job -- and doing it well. Thanks. Z

Psst! Don't tell old man McCain, but invading another country is kind of a difficult thing to keep secret....

Excellent article. The press should stop covering the McCain campaign until he openly allows interviews with his running mate, instead of just standing beside her.

She should be allowed to speak for herself openly. She should be able to answer questions from the press.

I say if she and McCain don't believe it's important to allow the press to have open access, then the press should simply stop providing coverage.

Conservatives and definitely most justified in asking for the replacement of Mrs. Palin at this time.

I just watched your interview with the guy from Temple College that asked Sarah Palin about Pakistan and he was called a “gotchya journalist”. He was also asked if he was playing stump the candidate. Didn’t Sarah Palin ask to play that game at a recent rally where a reported asked a direct question about Iraq and she side stepped the answer saying that she would be happy to play stump the candidate anytime? On a side note any American citizen should be allowed to ask questions of any candidate anytime as ultimately we are hiring them for the job of president and any employer is allowed to interview its applicants.

It is so sad that Palin needs Mccain to sit down with her for a second interview so that she doesn't put her foot in her mouth again. If McCain kicks the bucket who is going to babysit her then? If they get elected I'm moving out of this country!

LETS GO BARACK!!!!!

I'm pretty surprised at DZ's glib attitude on this. It's great to have support for your candidate, but in this case I think you're missing a bigger point. Couric's interviews are little more than personal slam pieces that not only have no journalistic value, but lower the bar for her entire profession.

I know this is an Op-Ed column and you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but ask yourself this: If someone from FOX News was being so reckless with your candidate, would you be so quick to defend their professionalism?

Hi, I am not at all clear as to what you mean by Couric being "reckless" with the candidate. In an earlier comment, I explained exactly how I think she is being precise and almost surgical in her focused questioning. And I have to tell you, her interviews with Palin have the greatest kind of journalistic value: offering citizens information and insight into candidates who are seeking their votes. Thanks. Z

First, thanks for your response (no need to post this one as I see you've got your hands full). Just to clarify, I believe Couric is being reckless because she is exploiting a candidate's personality flaws for personal gain. Obviously Palin gives a bad interview, but that doesn't necessarily translate into being a bad candidate. I'm sort of old-school on journalism, and I always subscribed to the Fred Friendly 'paint an objective picture' philosphy. Couric isn't making any attempts to be objective, but simply magnifying Palin's least appealing characteristics . By abusing her 'power of the editing room' she's inciting others to judge (all candidates) based on soundbites and not substance.

Hi, thanks. This is provocative, so I am happy to respond. How about the interviews Friendly produced for Edward Murrow with Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy? Were those part of what you described as "painting an objective picture"? There was tremendous editing and selection with those. Also, I have to say, I do not think Couric was much involved in editing yesterday. I would guess she barely had time to sit down and ask the questions, as she ran from one story to the next. And why wouldn't what she did with Palin be as objective as what Friendly did McCarthy? Thanks. Z

The insanity of Sarah Palin's nomination to run as an old man McCain's VP is too much like one of those Disney family films. The trouble is that when I stop laughing at the ditzy hockey mom's wacky antics, I am suddenly overcome with dread that instead of a funny happy ending like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" that we may be facing an "Apocalypse Now."

This Pittbull is so ridiculous...
How can you even think about letting someone get in VP position that is always whining about her treatment and being misunderstood..she can't even do a damn interview without bringing the old guy in to save her ...Pittbull is uneducated, ego driven, self serving, arrogant and a sissy..
I never thought I would consider leaving the states ...but if she gets in there I think it may be good time to travel abroad for a couple of years...she will never be my president...I find it difficult to believe that Republicans are allowing this to continue...

If Palin keeps showing us how clueless she is, pretty soon she will be sitting ON McCain's lap during interviews and her voice will come out much like a man's voice. I can't wait.

First question for Palin at the debates: Are you wearing an earpiece?
Hello Ricardo, I never thought of that. Z

coming from the other side of the pond, it seems you yanks??? R raver illiert

A curious voter asked a question. OK. so what. She answered it. McCain is making things harder for her. She now looks Incompetent. What was he hopping to do there give her moral support. He spoke for her which looked bad for her. I guess if he would have spent more time getting to no her in the first place he would have to be setting in on her interviews. The Rep look Pathetic.

Couric is such a dxxxxxxx. I guess this is why no one wathces her "news" broadcast, or is that really a newscast by a broad?

Palin is pretty weird and creepy, I bet she makes funny snorting noises in the bedroom..

Obviously I'd be foolish to debate TV history with you, but to me there is a big distinction between the Palin interview and the McCarthy show. See It Now was an investigative show and was essentially taking McCarthy to task for his actions. Couric has done no investigation, uncovered no corruption nor discovered any graft. She's merely tossing out a series of hypothetical situations and letting her grope her way through them. It's like so much 'when did you stop beating our wife?' Clearly Palin is not skilled at handling the press, but is that really news?

I can't help but notice the horrendous spelling and grammar that is being used by those that are trashing Palin. Could this be some indication of their own intelligence?

All that McCain does now is blame anything and everything on Senator Obama. He says in one breath that we should all work together in a bipartisan way and not worry about blame. Then the next minute he is blaming Senator Obama of something stupid he McCain did himself. Katie was just as intense and surge, surge, surge when questioning Senator Obama. So It looks like she is working to get her reputation back.

It is interesting to me that if McCain has so much confidence in Palin that he felt the need to talk for her as much as he did. If she is going to be his backup shouldn't she be able to take the heat that comes with such a public position on her own or is this really just his ways as combating the criticism on his age?

Palin will come out the new gold nugget of　the Yukon and America will be the richer for it;.

Who of her critics have negotiated a billion dollar pipeline to make America energy independent?

Why was Couric so uninterested of energy independence?

ACK! NOE! THE LIBERALZ ARE MAKING JOURNALISM ON ME NOW! WHINE WHINE!

I'm John McCain and I approve this whine.

ps. only the truth has a liberal bias ;)

You know all you ignoramus' defending Palin by comparing her lack of coherent responses to Obama's and Biden's gaffes just don't get it. I could forgive her for making mistakes, but it's not her mistakes but her lack of knowledge and logic. She sounds like a complete moron every time she opens her mouth!!!

Dennis "Chief" Jansen wrote:
What is lost in the so-called reporting vis-a-vis Sarah Palin is this: She represents the rural nature of America. You city folks have a way of talking that is rude and NOT representative of rural American sensibilities. Further, the urban-centric media displays contempt for any person or issue that is not couched in big city speak.

Sarah Palin has the same intellectual qualities of Abraham Lincoln. Now, do you metro-centric thinkers have any respect for his contributions to America? jeeze

Jeeze, "chief" rural America is not DUMB as a door knob!!! Sarah Palin is no Abraham Lincoln. You wanna talk about rude and contemptuous, how about her RUDE AND CONTEMPTUOUS, MEAN, ARROGANT AND SNOTTY attitude she displayed when she responded to Couric's question about overseas travel. Instead of just telling the truth - she couldn't afford it as a young person, then got married, had kids, had to work - there is nothing shameful about that, many of us are (were) in that situation. But she had to speak scornfully of those who did travel, making it seem like only spoiled rich kids got to do that stuff. Some people handle their inferiority issues by putting other people down. Yeah, she sure is virtuous and humble and representative of rural America

Palin merely lacks experience with national media pirahanas. That's why McCain is being protective. This isn't about journalism, nor is it about the issues. It's about sound bites. We all complain about politicians who play politics, and yet when one comes along who is not part of the game, we shred her. Didn't anyone watch "Mr. Smith goes to Washington?" We need fresh blood, yet when it is presented, we go for the kill. We get what we deserve. I've lost respect for Couric.

Posted by: stephan king | September 30, 2008 12:06 PM

I'm a Democrat who enjoys the reporting by Ms. Couric - but I thought her interview with Governor Palin really was rude and manipulative - Gov Palin hit it on the nail when she called it "gotcha journalism." This appears to be the pattern for all NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox and CNN reporters now - don't be objective, go for "gotcha" ratings!

Liar - you're a Republican. Only Republicans complain and whine when their candidates are questioned. Was the young man that asked Palin a question
also a "gotcha" voter? Is asking Palin what newspapers, magazines she reads "gotcha journalism"? I thought the old pit bull wanted to play stump the candidate?????? I guess she didn't mean herself?

I have to say that Palin has disappointed me. However, I do believe that as Vice President, she will be a quick study. McCain is the most expereienced for the job and is, the dead ringer for me, a patriot. Again, so is Palin. I don't find much comfort in her lack of knowledge, but I do think she is smart and McCain will lead her to the promise land. After all, is Cheney a genius?

Hi, actually I am pretty sure Cheney has a Ph.D from the University of Wisconsin. Not that it makes him a genius -- not by a long shot. But I am guessing he would do a little better on the question of what newspapers and magazines he reads. Thanks. Z

Obama talked about his tactics and stance on foreign policy in an interview while Palin spoke about it in a coversation with a small group of voters. The former venue lends itself to world wide knowledge, while the latter only comes up when a "gotcha" journalist brings it up in an interview. Katie Couric has been old news for a long time so now she's out there being petty and insulting respectable people to bring some light back to her name. Unbiased journalism is dead. Katie Couric could take a page from McCain's book and stop being so self serving.

Someone please tell McPalin to just shut up! She is comletely useless and seem to be contributing to be helping the democrats everytime she opens her mouth.
She is completely clueless !

It's the ignorance stupid!

If she could simply answer cogent questions (oops, sorry for using a "big" word all you Republicans out there), the press wouldn't be swarming on her. Poor, poor Republicans! It's all the LIBERAL media's fault right? Don't pick on us, we're Republicans! We don't have to answer your questions, because...well because we're Republicans...

What arrogance! Just answer the questions and QUIT YOUR WHINING!!!!

I think it is funny that repubs keep talking about Obama not having any experience and Palin have tons of experience. George Bush has the most experience of anyone right now and it is pretty clear he is not prepared to be president. Experience means absolutely nothing. Judgement is the true teller of being prepared. Experience is just a catch word used when one has a history of horrible judgement.

To Chip: All that ire! When people get as angry, insulting, and defensive as you are of your position, it typically means they don't want to admit (or even consider) another point of view. Wasn't the liberal movement begun to combat those with closed minds and fixed dispositions? Yes. Now, the movement is corrupted by some people who refuse to be objective, think for themselves, and delve a little deeper on an issue rather then accept what they are told.

An interviewer is supposed to be neutral, polite, and address issues. However, a hostile interviewer can definitely manipulate the wording of a question and their demeanor so as to put the interviewee off balance and influence how their response is perceived. I'm not saying Governor Palin is the most polished example of a government insider, but that's what many people like about her. Without becoming insanely angry and vindictive, try to think how someone could govern the Nation's largest state, attain a

For the other poster that mentioned something about experience not being important, would your opinion be different if Obama had been a governor of a well run state for the past 5 years? I assert that if Obama was a successful governor, then his experience would be touted as a tremendous asset. Since he doesn't, you try and downplay it instead of reconsidering your position. Also, how do you get the thought that "Experience is just a catch word used when one has a history of horrible judgment."? It's not good to redefine words when you want them to mean something that they don't. Experience is actually "a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing something." Experience, therefore, IS a desirable asset. I don't see how there is room to disagree, but I'm sure you will, instead of really thinking about it.

"Couric was again focused and forceful in her questioning: 'Gov. Palin, since our last interview, you have gotten a lot of flak. Some Republicans have said you are not prepared; you're not ready for prime time... And I'm curious to hear your reaction.'"

The answer Governor Palin should have given to Couric:

"Well, you know, Katie, it wasn't that long ago that many members of the journalism profession, both print and broadcast, claimed that you weren't ready for prime time either, and they claimed that your employer, CBS, has the low ratings to prove it. I'd like to hear your reaction to that, but I understand that you've already given it: you cried 'sexism!' Do you regret saying it, or do you still abide by that excuse?"

The Main Stream Media - MSM - are leftist flunkies and crypto-marxists, completely in the tank for "The One." No vetting of Barry Soetoro, a/k/a Barack Obama, was done by them whatsoever. Similarly, the 14 lies that Joe Biden seamlessly delivered during the VP debates will get no coverage by the MSM, which continues to prattle away at how "well prepared" he was, and how "substantive" his responses were. They knew he was lying, but they'll never call him on it -- just as they know of, but will not report on, Obama's involvement with Fannie Mae and the Democratic party's backing of leftist social-engineering schemes like the Community Reinvestment Act, whose forcing of banks to make risky loans that they otherwise would not have made lies at the heart of the current financial crisis.

Palin could position herself even more consistently as a maverick by adopting a strategy of sidestepping the MSM completely in favor of alternative and new media: talk radio, cable television, and the Internet. There's no reason for her to waste time with the MSM since they obviously despise her...not because she doesn't read ideologically muddled trash like the New York Times and the Economist; they despise her for who she is: an attractive, right-wing feminist. The MSM could deal with an ugly right-wing feminist; they could deal with an attractive left-wing feminist; and they could deal with an attractive right-wing non-feminist. It's the combination of the first three that infuriates them.

I mean, who really cares what buffoons, popinjays, and mountebanks like Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, Charles Gibson, and Katie Couric say?