NVR Logo
McCain's VP, what do you think?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Save and Share Share
(Editor's note: The comments on this crashed about 9:30 a.m Friday, right after McCain's announcement. We were able to rebuild most but not all of the comments)

John McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, what do you think of the choice?

Remember when you look at the comments that this initially posted before Palin was chosen.
 -- A couple notes here, if you try to make this an attack on any person, your comment is going to be deleted.

-- Barack Obama supporters have a reader forum for their candidate also, so post the McCain comments there. The link is on this Web page.
-- Once the VP choice is named, this will remain as a place to comment about what you think of the choice and the tandem's chances in November.

--Dan
738 comment(s)

Common Sense wrote on Aug 19, 2008 11:51 AM:

" Sarah Palin. Hands down. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 19, 2008 4:00 PM:

" Hillary Clinton, and I bet she'd accept in a heartbeat (pun)... "

kevin wrote on Aug 19, 2008 4:28 PM:

" It better NOT be Liberman... "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:11 PM:

" Thompson would solidify the conservative base.... "

DinoSilver wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:54 PM:

" I vote for Sarah Palin as well. What an amazing lady. Not only is she an excellent Gov. - she recently gave birth to her 5th child while in office!!! She is the shining example for all working women everywhere. "

hear ye wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:16 AM:

" Palin would be a very intriguing choice. Despite not knowing a whole lot about her she seems like a respectable person I just happen to disagree with on most issues. "

Leah wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Sarah Palin hands down the best choice. Her addition to the ticket would make a big difference. "

kevin wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:15 PM:

" Sarah would add WHAT to the ticket? 2 electoral votes for Alaska?

The Florida governer, Crisp? could add something... "

cab e-girl wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:07 PM:

" I could go with Romney (since he seems to have a handle on economics), I also like Palin but I'm not sure she wants to be tainted by McCain.

Latest poll numbers from fairly reliable polling: (I did not include CNN (Communist News Network) or Fox News (Faux News for you Lefties) so spare me the left wing, right wing rhetoric.

1. Reuters/Zogby 08/14 - 08/16 41% Obama, 46% McCain
2. Gallup Tracking 08/17 - 08/19 Obama 45% McCain 43%
3 Rasmussen Tracking 08/17 - 08/19 Obama 47% McCain 46% "

Leah wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:58 PM:

" Kevin:

Are any of us really sure what any candidate for VP would bring to the table? The only obvious difference between Sara Palin and the other cadidates is she's a woman and she's young. I like her because she seems to be level headed, she's had executive experience and I'm pretty sure she'd be in favor of Drill here, Drill now, Pay less. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:01 PM:

" I don't know anyone who has ever changed their vote for President based on the VP choice..... Would you...??? "

plasticpinkflamingo wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 PM:

" Yeah, I thought Dan Quayle was a nice bright young feller . . . "

Christabelle wrote on Aug 21, 2008 6:24 PM:

" Romney is his best bet. The others are not known by the majority of those who go to the polls. He's smart and well qualified and I really wished he had beat ouf McCain anyway. If not Romney, McCain does not have prayer. As Paris said, "Wrinkly white haired dude" and I can only add: "with a nasty temper." "

kevin wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:01 PM:

" McCain made noises today like he WON'T pick a pro abortion VP, and that's a good start. Have to laugh at how desparate the Liberal media has been pushing for McCain to pick Lieberman! That's "proof" that that would be the WRONG choice! "

Common Sense wrote on Aug 22, 2008 10:29 AM:

" Kevin says: "Sarah would add WHAT to the ticket? 2 electoral votes for Alaska?"

-Sarah Palin's biggest advantage is that she appeals to conservatives, moderates, and independents...all at the same time. No other candidate, with the exception of Bobby Jindal, does. The libertarian and evangelical wings of the Republican party both like her. McCain can expand his voting block in both directions.

Other advantages:
1. She is a hard core reformer, willing to take on her own party to fight corruption.
2. She is the top government executive is a state that borders a key ally (Canada) and a key foe (Russia), requiring international skills way beyond the average state governor.
3. Her oldest son is serving in Iraq.
4. She lived by her pro-life principles by not aborting her fifth child, who she knew would have Down's Syndrome.
5. She provides a great opportunity for McCain to change his mind about ANWR.
6. For what it is worth, she led her high school basketball team to the state championship and was a beauty queen. This does not appeal to elitist liberals, but does appeal to middle America.

The list goes on. Google "Draft Sarah Palin" for a great website.

I would be very disappointed with a "safe" pick such as Pawlenty, or a "typical politician" pick like Romney. "

Selim wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:48 PM:

" Dwayne - Actually, the selection of a VP *does* help the candidate. Bush43's selection of Cheney "validated" him in the eyes of a lot of Reagan-era Republicans. It was saying to to voters "Look, I may not know who the president of Pakistan is, but THESE fellas do." Really, without him and Powell on board, the voters would have seen Bush43 as he really is and quite possibly could have changed the delicate balance in that election.

And let's be frank; it's in McCain's interest to nominate someone who is YOUNG, but not wholly incompetent (like Quayle). The age factor looms large over the McCain camp. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 22, 2008 3:51 PM:

" Good point, Selim, but I hesitate to think it changed any votes from Democrat to Republican...

If Obama picked a conservative Republican for VP I still wouldn't vote for him... "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Aug 22, 2008 7:05 PM:

" Dwayne - I compliment you on your honesty!

Nobody with a brain not in a 'persistent vegetative state' really believes that dyed-in-the-wool 'conservatives' are going to vote for Obama -- and all this guff about picking a 'centrist' VP running mate to get Republican votes is as dumb as...

McBush picking Joe Lieberman to get Democratic votes.

AIN'T A GONNA WORK !!!

Cheers! ~Ruff "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 23, 2008 5:21 PM:

" Hey, I'm open for VP but I just don't have the time for a part time job since I'm retired... 'Honey-do's' are eating me alive, ya know.... "

Napanee wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:26 AM:

" Romney, he has a strong stand on illegal immigration. "

Bill wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:06 PM:

" Remember you heard it here...... Colin Powell "

Leah wrote on Aug 25, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Senator McCain would prove himself a "Maverick", if he selected Sarah Palin; however, I strongly believe Mitt Romney will be the Senator's choice. I mean how would it look after his ad about Hillary receiving millions of votes, but not chosen? It'll be Mitt Romney. "

steve_hall12 wrote on Aug 25, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Hey, Romney is obviously his best bet.

He could lock up all of the lds (mormon) votes in the west. That way, Obama would struggle with those states, especially Colorado and Utah.

Romney will also easily win every debate against Biden. Did any of you ever see Romney in the Republican Debates? He was always clearly the smartest one.

He also has a strong stand on illegal immigration, and lots of experience with the economy.


Hey also, don't you think that McCainRomney sounds better than Mccainpawlenty? "

msinformd wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:33 PM:

" Kevin is right! "

hear ye wrote on Aug 25, 2008 2:21 PM:

" It would be quite funny if he picks Romney. These guys blasted each other during the primaries and the Dems could answer right back to the McCain ads using quotes from Biden and Hillary. "

Paul wrote on Aug 25, 2008 7:34 PM:

" Mit Romney is Sen. McCain's best option. Based on his achievments and successes he is the most qualified to be President among the three already in the race. It's a little early for Sarah Palin or Bobby Jindal. "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:59 PM:

" I expect the Republican VP choice to be Mitt Romney.

And I expect a fiery VP debate.

It is really too bad there are so many speeches and advertisements instead of debates.

Of course, I expect all the debates to be enlighteing, but I am not expecting the Republicans to get away with teenage beauty contest questions like 'Why Do You Love America?' instead of, shall we say slightly tougher ones like 'Do you endorse torturing prisoners?'

Another fruitful line of questioning might be 'Do you support taking away the US Bill of Rights on ONLY the President's Say-So?'

Or "Would You support a Supreme Court Justice nominee who thinks Americans have too many civil rights in a 'time of war'?"

~Ruff "

kevin wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:38 PM:

" hear ye, the difference is that in the Republican Primary NO ONE said that Obama had the qualifications to be President.

Hillary HAD to know when she praised McCain and dissed B.O. that her words would come back as a campaign ad.

Of course the Dems will use Romney's words against him, but they won't have much impact. It is the contrast of Hillary's words that make the ad so devastating... "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:03 PM:

" It's pretty obvious that it is going to be Mitt Romney.

Mitt is already out there telling us why McCain, who can't even remember how many houses he has and has a major economic advisor who calls all the folks losing their jobs and houses 'whiners' is right when McCain tells us the economy is sound.

Good luck with that, Mitt!

The debates are going to be fun, fun, fun!

~Ruff "

russ wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:54 PM:

" Mitt would slice and dice Biden and outclass him as well.

I don't think McCain is smart enough to pick Romney. "

kevin wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:32 AM:

" I have to admit, I like the idea of McCain running ads in the middle of B.O.'s acceptance speech. If he announces his V.P. tonight, all the better.

I like the "in your face" attitude! In years past, the Republicans always went on vacation during the Dem's convention.

When McCain is President, I hope he keeps the 'tude! "

leah wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:51 PM:

" Wait. Obama/Biden is only 6 points up in today's poll? Normally doesn't the candidate get a fairly large bump up, 10 to 12 points, during their respective convention? Oh my gosh. This is going to be much closer than I thought. I guess we'll get a better idea and be able to compare on Thursday of next week. "

kevin wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:58 PM:

" leah, this election is not going to be close at all, given the lame speech B.O. gave tonight.

McCain by a landslide... "

Sarahophile wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:02 AM:

" If McCain wants to win he will select Sarah Palin! "

leah wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:59 AM:

" Looks like McCain is serious. Sarah Palin is a great pick. Talk about change, no Washington insider Biden kind of VP for McCain. Wife, mom, business woman, Governor.... she's been my choice for a long time. I'm happy. "

cab e-girl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:12 AM:

" It's official, he has selected Sarah Palin. One of the few choices that allows me to vote for that ticket. "

TrickleDown wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:19 AM:

" Too funny....

McCain says "Obama lacks the experience to be president"

McCain is 72 years old today

McCain is to announce Sarah Palin today, who before her 2006 election to Governor of Alaska was a city councilperson?

Too funny "

plasticpinkflamingo wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:25 AM:

" If McCain really picks Sarah Palin, I may have found a good reason to support and vote for McCain. He is likely to be a one term president, she is a conservative/libertarian blend, and if she proves out, even Hillary won't be able to beat her in 2012. Obama will be left in the dust as the Hillary supporters will vote for Palin.

By the way, great timing on the part of the McCain campaign. No one is talking about Obama's speech last night. Finally the Republicans seem to have learned something about the media, instead of getting whacked all the time by the Democrat media cheerleaders. "

Normbc9 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:35 AM:

" The new McCain VP pick is probably a talented person but is a realtively unknown quantity to most of us. I sure am disappointed in the lackluster McCain campaign. It almost reminds me a an organization on tranquilizers. "

freeport56 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:11 AM:

" Barak who


GO John & Sarah! "

kevin wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:26 AM:

" You called it Sarah!

This REALLY puts Hillary in a bind. She has been working to undercut B.O.'s election so she can run again in 2012. Now she faces the prospect of running against another woman in 2012!

"It just isn't FAIR"....+ "

kevin wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:41 AM:

" Oh. So now the McCain VP blog is down? I didn't see the B.O. VP blog ever go down.

Bias! Discrimination! "

Rich wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:51 AM:

" Perfect choice "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:57 AM:

" Palin is a brilliant choice..... "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:12 AM:

" Whoa, not sure what happened here, but when I go to teh comments it shows "DB error: unknown error. If others are seeing this, we are trying to fix it to bring back the comments. If you're not seeing it, then it is my computer acting weird.
--Dan "

DinoSilver wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:14 AM:

" Sarah Palin - WOW! As she just said during her speech this morning - there were 18 million women who put cracks in the glass ceiling - she will push through those cracks to become the first female VP of the United States! The Republican party has just welcomed women back. "

3rdGenNapan wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:17 AM:

" I am surprised that McCain was this smart, and very excited. Sarah the Barracuda lives the life feminists promote. Sarah hunts, fishes, is a float plane pilot in a territory that is very dangerous for pilots, plays hockey and yet has been a beauty contestant, PTA mom, hockey Mom and feminine. Her rugged commercial fisherman husband also doubles as a house husband! She lives the life we were told in '60's and '70's women should be 'allowed to lead'. Meanwhile, she has attacked cronisim in both parties and prevailed, she refused that idiot bridge to nowhere Congress approved, As govenor she has given Alaskans an additional $ 1, 400 over their annual checks to compensate for their increased energy costs. She is realistic, fiscally conservative, she is the girl next door and a guy's 'buddy'........... and she has a proven track record of prevailing over that which is wrong in todays politics - in both parties. Go Sarah. "

Common Sense wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:19 AM:

" Told ya so. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:32 PM:

" Most of the comments appear to be back up, we are working to rebuild the rest of them.
Thanks for your patience. "

luv1mom wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:56 PM:

" McCain is running scared. He wants to win the presidency at any cost, with little thought as to a qualified running mate. He picked Palin for all the wrong reasons -wanting the female vote, a ticket that reflects the Obama ticket (younger/older). This isn’t a game of chess. She is probably the most inexperienced candidate I can think of. Let’s not be reminded that he is 72 years old, and if he should die in office, we would be left with a VERY inexperienced VP to fill his shoes. His choice is yet another Republican fumble. He seems even less credible now –almost laughable. We need a change, but not that change. Obama all the way!! "

plasticpinkflamingo wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:12 PM:

" luv1mom:
I would rather have a smart Palin than an empty suit Obama in the Oval Office any day.

Obama has proved that he is more interested in getting elected than making 'change', as evidenced by his selection of JB. He's was a Washington insider before McCain got there. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Aug 29, 2008 1:25 PM:

" I have to manually re-enter the comments from today. Problem with that is it will look as though the comments came from Me. I'll try to make it as clear as possible and re-post all the missing comments by 3 today
thanks for your understanding.
--Dan "

luv1mom wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:01 PM:

" plasticpinkflamingo: I do not disagree that Palin is smart. But the sheer tactic to select a woman just to get the female vote just confirms that fact that McCain should never be elected. He is a tired old politician practicing tired ol' politics. period. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Hear Ye wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:41 PM:
" When did she call secret service trained dogs? I want to read about it "

Gary Aldrich reported that as America’s First Lady, “[Hillary] had a clear dislike for the agents (U.S. Secret Service), bordering on hatred… Two Secret Service agents heard Hillary’s daughter Chelsea refer to them as ‘personal, trained pigs’ … The agent on the detail tried to scold Chelsea for such disrespect. He told her … he believed that her father, the president, would be shocked if he heard what she had just said to her friends. Chelsea’s response? ‘I don’t think so. That’s what my parents call you’ ” (Unlimited Access, p. 90). "

Sandra wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Trickledown....I think you need to add a foot note to your comment:
Obama Campain is NOW critizing Sarah Palin as being inexperienced and from a small town.... oh the irony
Who is Palin? wikpedia:
"Palin served two terms on the Wasilla City Council from 1992 to 1996. In 1996, she challenged and defeated the incumbent mayor, criticizing wasteful spending and high taxes.[6] The ex-mayor and sheriff tried to organize a recall campaign, but failed. Palin followed through on her campaign promises to reduce her own salary, and to reduce property taxes by 60%. She ran for reelection against the former mayor in 1999, winning by an even larger margin.Palin was also elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors.
Governor Murkowski appointed Palin Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, where she served from 2003 to 2004 until resigning in protest over what she called the "lack of ethics" of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders, who ignored her whistleblowing complaints of legal violations and conflicts of interest. After she resigned, she exposed the state Republican Party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich, one of her fellow Oil & Gas commissioners, who was accused of doing work for the party on public time, and supplying a lobbyist with a sensitive e-mail. Palin filed formal complaints against both Ruedrich and former Alaska Attorney General Gregg Renkes, who both resigned; Ruedrich paid a record $12,000 fine.
In 2006, Palin, running on a clean-government campaign, upset then-Governor Murkowski in the Republican gubernatorial primary. In August, she declared that that education, public safety, and transportation would be three cornerstones of her administration. Despite the lack of support from party leaders and being outspent by her Democratic opponent, she won the general election in November, defeating former Governor Tony Knowles.
cont. : "

Sandra wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:20 PM:

" "Highlights of Governor Palin's tenure include a successful push for an ethics bill, and also shelving pork-barrel projects supported by fellow Republicans. After federal funding for the Gravina Island Bridge project that had become a nationwide symbol of wasteful earmark spending was lost, Palin decided against filling the over $200 million gap with state money. "Alaska needs to be self-sufficient, she says, instead of relying heavily on 'federal dollars,' as the state does today."

She has challenged the state's Republican leaders, helping to launch a campaign by Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell to unseat U.S. Congressman Don Young and publicly challenging Senator Ted Stevens to come clean about the federal investigation into his financial dealings.

In 2007, Palin had an approval rating often above 90%. A poll published by Hays Research on July 28, 2008 showed Palin's approval rating at 80%,while another Ivan Moore poll showed it at 76%, a drop which the pollsters attributed to the controversial firing of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan."

While I do not agree with all of her views, I do have to say the woman has a set of cojones, appears to have ethics and honesty. She has demonstrated her willingness to stand against the "good 'ol boys", and do what is right. I think a moosehunting runner up beuty queen is a great choice as McCains V.P.
Let teh games begin! "

Sandra wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:27 PM:

" "Obama all the way!!"....HUH? Because he has soooooo much more experience than Palin, who is only the VP candidate, as opposed to a 2 year tow the line democratic senator for PRESIDENT? Come on now....you cannot have it both ways.
I think it quite remarkable that McCain chose this person, who well certainly shake things up in Washinton if given the opportunity. McCain had to know what he was getting with Palin. I say it is a very pleasant surprise. I thought for sure he would go with Romney.
This race is getting more interesting all the time..... "

savanna wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Sarah Palin is the "right choice", I've been waiting for an outsider instead of more of the same Washington corruption. She returned money for a bridge they didn't need, can you believe it? What a strong, articulate person. Yes,,, I think this is the "change I'm lookin for" "

ADark1 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:47 PM:

" Good choice, However I think the Repubs are still toast! "

ADark1 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:29 PM:

" ADark1 wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:43 AM:
" Common Sense wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:47 AM

"TrickleDown, even though I'm not particularly religious, thanks for highlighting the liberal anger toward Christianity. McCain can use all the help he can get. "

From what we've seen of the RR, he'd be MUCH better off w /out them! I think McCain needs someone who seems reasonable..then again, who's seen a reasonable Republican? That being said,Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, would be possibly his near best choice. Even if they have a bridge that goes nowhere! :) "

its an obvious counter to not having HRC on the Dem Ticket...I doubt it will work!

let the games begin! "

luv1mom wrote on Aug 29, 2008 3:38 PM:

" Remarkable that McCain chose this person . . . HUH? Pleasant surprise . . .? double HUH? Try an obvious last minute desperate move. Now what is McCain going to use since he obviously cannot use the "young and inexperienced" assault on Obama??? "

Sandra wrote on Aug 29, 2008 5:06 PM:

" luv1mom sats:"Try an obvious last minute desperate move."
Haha, you are funny. If you really think the republican party is that stupid, and did not consider exactly what they were doing, then I wonder about you.
I gotta ask, if the young and unexperienced thing is a bad ploy being used by the republicans against Obama, then why, oh why, are the democrats playing copycat with this tactic, using it agains Palin? You do not see the irony in this?
Personallly, I do not buy the inexperienced in government argument when applied to either side. I say hurrah for new blood. I am sick to death with politics as usual. Give me someone with substance who is willing to stir things up. Sarah Palin has certainly shown she is willing to do that with her successes in the areas of reform of her own pary, and her willingness to be bipartisan.
My opinion is still out on Obama....but looking at his 2 year record.....well he certainly seems to go along with what the democratic party wants, and I've yet to see any evidence of bipartisanship. "

cab e-girl wrote on Aug 29, 2008 5:59 PM:

" luv1mom- It's clear you were only going to vote for Obama, which is your right. But for people like me who are tired of the same old politics and empty suits on both sides of the aisle, it did make a difference putting adding Sarah Palin to the ticket. First and foremost, she has done her jobs well at all levels. Mom, wife, fisherwoman, councilwoman, mayor and governor. She is smart, articulate and she doesn't just accept the good ol boy's political regurgitation. She is not afraid to do the right thing, like returning money the state didn't need. She is a card-toting member of the NRA and manages to hunt and fly airplanes. To top it off she sets an excellent example for young girls and women everywhere. When faced with the reality of having a Down’s syndrome child, she made the right choice. This is someone I can relate to. Not only is she is the right choice; she is a very smart choice for McCain. "

kevin wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:07 PM:

" luv1mom said about McCains VP pick: "He is a tired old politician practicing tired ol' politics"

LOL. And B.O. (the "change" candidate) wasn't doing that when he picked a 30 year Washington insider as a running mate??

We see who is the REAL candidate of change! "

bob wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:08 PM:

" Hillery must be fit to be tied, she might need that shot with a 6 pack chaser tonight.
Someone get the prozac and a straight jacket, she just might go off the deep end and chock the @#$% out of Obama. So much for being first.

Adark1 forgot the ing

" Good choice, However I think the Repubs are still toastING! " "

Raven wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:16 PM:

" hmmmm...as everyone is patting McCain on the back.....I just want to point out that the first female VP candidate was a democrat..... "

Sandra wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:30 PM:

" Gee Raven, I guess you didn't see Sarah Palin's introductory speech? She beat you to it, thanking both Geraldine and Hillary for paving the way. Seems a pretty class act to me. "

freeport56 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:37 PM:

" and when BHO's hatchet boys denegrated Palin, they did an about- face an hour later.

Later that day BHO called her to congratulate her.

We all know where the class will come from in this campaign. "

kevin wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:44 PM:

" Yeah Raven, but the first woman VP WILL be a Republican... "

kevin wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:49 PM:

" The Dem's are running down Alaska for being too "small" to produce a qualified VP.


How small is Wyoming??


That worked out pretty darn well... "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:12 PM:

" bob wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:08 PM:
" Hillery must be fit to be tied, she might need that shot with a 6 pack chaser tonight.
Someone get the prozac and a straight jacket......"

Well, Bill Clinton, the convicted perjurer, Did his normal thing by looking right at the camera and doing what he was told to do to make sure that Hillary was still in reserve for the next election. He's had lotsa practice with his lies.

I'm sure that Bill and Hillary are both self-medicated about now, switching from crying in their beer to anger, and back again. It'd be fun to be a fly on the wall when they're alone to see what they really think about being dethroned.... Pure karma in action.... "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:13 PM:

" Dan Ross:

Thanks for putting the database back together. Have a great holiday weekend... (applause) "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 29, 2008 8:52 PM:

" Raven wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:16 PM:
" hmmmm...as everyone is patting McCain on the back.....I just want to point out that the first female VP candidate was a democrat..... "

Yeah, but she broke down in tears, and so did girlie-man Biden... We don't need someone in that position who cries when they get a mood swing.. Geeeezzzz.... "

hawkins707 wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:15 PM:

" How is that this story has already been bumped down from the recent news section on the website? "Discount days" at Mervyn's remains (which apparently seems to be a farce), but something of this magnitude gets bumped. Hmmm...what's goin' on NVR? "

Madison Jay Hamilton wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Karl Rove thought that Gov. Kaine of Virginia was not qualified for VP because he had only been governor for three years and had been a mayor of a small city. What must Rove think about the even less qualified Governor of Alaska? "

Raven wrote on Aug 30, 2008 3:25 AM:

" having fun watching people comes up with new explanations as to why Palin's vast experience doesnt matter....oh, she doesnt have vast experience....


who was it that said this wasn't the job for on the job training? "

a teacher wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:18 AM:

" Gee, I hope no one else said this, but...

Now both tickets can claim to be beauty and the beast. "

jwk wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:31 AM:

" The lefties are already going nuts trying to dis Sarah. Bottom line, It was a Great choice. She is far more qualified than Osamabama, Hunts, Has Governed, is a Member of NRA and frankly is far tougher than the milk toast candidate!! WIsh the ticket was turned around. Talk about change, compare her to the 30+ year Liberal Old School Politician Obama picked and there is a distinct chance of a New Era in the Govenrment with a fresh new Conservative woman. Bet Hillary is boiling about now!! If American's are willing to put their thinking caps on, The Fat Lady should be warming up her voice as we speak!! Right ON! Right on "Fly Boy".. "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:09 AM:

" Actually, jwk, I don't think Sarah Palin needs any 'dissing' at all. She's just... irrelevant.

I've hunted, and owned guns, but I don't think that is relevant to being VP or President. It's interesting that she eats moose, but irrelevant.

I don't consider membership the NRA (or MoveOn) as relevant to being the VP or President. There are a lot more Americans than membership in both those groups combined.

Don't the Republicans have anything better to offer the American people than yet more 'talk tough with a bad strategy'?

I already know Obama can be rhymed with Osama... but I haven't forgotten that the Bushites haven't captured or killed Osama Bin Laden with SEVEN YEARS to get the job done.

I thought Jon Stewart had an interesting take on Republican self-styled 'patriots' who 'love America... but hate most of the people who live in it'.

This year it is more blatant than ever that McBushite-Republicans try to win votes by ranting about how terribly lacking in courage and moral fiber the majority of Americans are.

Millions of folks are tired of hearing how morally supperior 'conservatives' think they are than the rest of us.

I'll admit like Abe Lincoln did that you 'can fool some of the people ALL the time', but most Americans have caught on to the Republican playbook now.

And, as Barack Obama says "NOT this time!"

Yes, we can... throw the Bushites out!

~Ruff "

kevin wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:19 AM:

" The Dem spin today seems to be "women are not going to vote for a woman just because she is a woman".


So why are so many blacks voting for B.O. just because he is black? (And we have all heard them on interviews saying this over and over...) "

a teacher wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:01 AM:

" On the plus side:

She is one of these young conservative republicans, more willing to talk compromise, more willing to listen,more realistic

Her son is going to Iraq, so at least she understands that our little "adventure" in the middle east has consequences tah affect her.

She's a mom.

She seems to be her own woman.

She seems to "walk the walk".

On the negative.

The scandal where she tried to get her brother in law fired has to give one pause. The executive branch is in charge of law enforcement and should be above personal vendettas.

18 months of being Gov. of Alaska is not much of a resume. Say what you want about Obama's experience, but at least he has been giving years of thought about being president and what he would do if elected. What's Ms. Palin been thinking about for the last four years? Does anyone know?

She doesn't have much gravitas. She hasn't really established herself as a person to be respected.

In the long run I don't know if Ms. Palin will prove to be a good choice for McCain's VP. If he picked her with the hope of picking off some of Ms. Clinton's supporters, it shows he is truly out of touch. Clinton's core supporters may be bitter, but the prospect of more Scalias on the Supreme Court will ultimately keep them from voting for him. "

fourmaplesoutback wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:04 AM:

" For the first time in my 25 years as a voter, I am switching tickets based on VP's. I voted Obama in the primary but am switching to McCain. While Obama makes great speeches on change, he and Biden propose no real change (other than the end of GWB-which the Constitution gets the credit for changing). I want change, and think McCain/Palin have the greatest chance to effectuate change in the cesspool of Washington politics. "

Napasnapper wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:06 AM:

" Reason number two why the Republican ticket will win. She alone, is a better choice than either Obama or Biden. I betcha Hilliary has steam coming out of her ears. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:06 AM:

" Raven wrote on Aug 30, 2008 3:25 AM: ".....who was it that said this wasn't the job for on the job training? "

Bill Clinton said that about Obama during the primary.... "

common sense wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:01 AM:

" Sarah Palin and Barack Obama are about the same age, but Governor Palin has run a state and a town and a commercial fishing operation, whereas Senator Obama ain't run nothin' but his mouth. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:58 PM:

" Raven wrote on Aug 30, 2008 3:25 AM: ".....who was it that said this wasn't the job for on the job training? "

I had it wrong... Joe Biden said that about Obama during the primary.... "

kevin wrote on Aug 30, 2008 2:07 PM:

" I STILL haven't figured out just what a "community activist" does. Who signs the paychecks?

Sounds like one of those things you put on a resume when you haven't been working and need to "fill in the blanks"... "

upvalleygal wrote on Aug 30, 2008 2:15 PM:

" Has America fallen asleep or are we stuck in mass denial?

What kind of mother would leave a baby after 3 days of giving birth and her additional 4 childern in the care of anyone else - family member or not. I just cannot reconile how the party that attempts to make a case for their strong family values would not see the conflict here.

I thought her nomination was a 'joke' that the media was pulling. She has no credentials that offer much experience no matter how you might want to 'spin it'.

Plus, I do believe that the VP position is important as this person can be an important confidnnt to the President while he serves our country. "

Hear Ye wrote on Aug 30, 2008 3:11 PM:

" If I were to believe some of the "logic" being thrown around in here I would have no choice but to believe Palin is more qualified and experienced to be President than Jon McCain. It's hilarious "

misfit wrote on Aug 30, 2008 3:41 PM:

" She might make a great vice president...who knows. But, there is NO WAY she can make a good president if something should happen to Grampy. "

Raven wrote on Aug 30, 2008 4:01 PM:

" no dwayne, you had it right....McSame said it in an interview in July "

ADark1 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 5:53 PM:

" kevin wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:15 PM:
" Sarah would add WHAT to the ticket? 2 electoral votes for Alaska?

The Florida governer, Crisp? could add something... "
.....

Hmmmmmm could it be I'm seeing more flip flops then McCain? And BTW kevin, if you'd notice, I'd picked Sarah back in June...guess us Dems don't have a clue! "

wyngyrl wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:18 PM:

" The selection of Mrs. Palin concerns me for several reasons. First, I think she was chosen simply because she is female, not because she is qualified. That is an insult to women's intelligence and a blatant political manuever. Second, the V.P. is, as has been said in the media, "one heartbeat away from the presidency." John McCain is 72. A robust 72 yes, but he will be facing the most stressful and demanding job on the planet. The reality is, he should have picked someone who could step into the Oval office at a moments notice. I do not believe Sarah Palin is qualified to do that.

Yes, she has been a governor for the past 18 months. But the population of the state of AK is 670,000. The SF Metro Bay Area has 7,200,000. AK is also 70% white, has few non-English speakers, is not troubled by illegal immigration, and is geographically & culturally separated from the lower 48. AK has no personal income tax and no sales tax. State revenue is almost solely provided from the petroleum industry, which is so lucrative that rebates are often provided to the residents. In other words,she may be a good governor there but the situations cannot translate to running the entire country.

There are simply too many drawbacks and it makes me question McCains judgment and decision making. Even tho I'm a middle aged female, I will not be voting the McCain/Palin ticket and can only hope that intelligent caring citizens will prevail in Nov. "

common sense wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:49 PM:

" I love the way liberals are falling right in to the McCain trap. You can tell the libs are in a tizzy by the completely different responses coming out of the Obama camp (compare the initial Obama response with the subsequent back-pedaling by Obama and Biden later in the day).

Go after her for experience, it only highlights Obama's lack thereof (and Palin has much more executive experience as Governor of Alaska...Obama was only a "community organizer", which apparently means "Rezko Money-Laundering Coordinator").

Go after her for foreign policy, and again, it only highlights Obama's non-existent foreign policy record. At least Palin has dealt with next-door neighbor Russia.

It's about time we had a woman as Vice President of the greatest nation on Earth! "

kevin wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:18 PM:

" What makes me think that wyngryl wasn't voting for McCain regardless??

Wyoming has LESS population than Alaska (522,000) and is 96% white. That didn't seem to slow down D*CK (stupid filter!!!) Cheney from being a great VP! "

Raven wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:32 PM:

" well in any poker game I would play for our nation, I would take 7 years in a state legislature and 3.5 years in the senate over about 6 years as a councilwoman and mayor of a town of less than 9,000 and 18 months as governor of a state of less than a million people.

her ballyhooed natural gas pipeline has me wondering why she decided upon a Canadian company for it....and the reports she tried to have a state trooper fired because he was in the middle of a messy divorce with her sister are troublesome...but I will admit to like one thing she did as governor, getting a windfall profits tax passed on oil companies operating in Alaska..


and I wouldn't use Disk Cheney as an example of what comes from small states for anything, much less as a future VP....Cheney has done damage to this country that will take decades to repair..... "

Hear Ye wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Ha ha if Cheney is the indication of what we can expect from her than the Dems are looking even better than I thought. "

wyngyrl wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:32 PM:

" Kevin, whether or not I was considering voting for McCain is irrelevant to this discussion. The point I am trying to make is that he has selected a running mate who is spectacularly unprepared to assume leadership of the worlds largest super power. She seems like a very nice person, but the fact that she would even accept the nomination, given her background, seems either extreme hubris or naivete. Neither of those is positive.

She holds a bachelors degree from Idaho - not what you'd expect for a world leader. She has lived in small towns her entire life, which is pleasant but not mind expanding. She has five children, 4 of whom still need a great deal of parenting. She has a disabled infant who will need a great deal of parenting!

I feel like this taking a co-worker or co-PTA member and offering her the White House. It's bizarre and I can't believe McCains advisors actually let this happen. As for November - bring it on! "

TrickleDown wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:46 PM:

" My favorite Sarah Palin number of the day: 909

This is the number of votes Sarah Palin got in her mayoral victory for the city of Wasilla trouncing runner up John Stein's 292 votes. "

TrickleDown wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:52 PM:

" From Sarah Palin's speech on Friday morning:

''If you want change in Washington, if you hope for a better America, then we’re asking for your vote on the 4th of November.''

Wait, isn't it your party who has the office of president right now? Is Sarah Palin saying that Bush isn't doing a great job? If she is, then is voting into office someone that has voted with Bush almost across the board change? Perhaps one of McCain/Palin's vocal supporters here could explain what this line means. "

Sickothis wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:05 PM:

" Consider this perspective: approximately the same number of people that live in Napa County voted to make her governor of Alaska. More than 10 times more people live in the Bay Area than in all of Alaska. Palin said this a month ago, "But as for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day? I’m used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration. We want to make sure that that VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that we’re trying to accomplish up here for the rest of the U.S., before I can even start addressing that question." State Senate President Lyda Green, a Republican who has often feuded with Palin, remarked, "She's not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president? Look at what she's done to this state. What would she do to the nation?" She opposes abortion for rape and incest victims, supporting it only in cases where the mother's life is in danger. Alone among the candidates in the 2006 gubernatorial election, Palin said in a televised debate that she supported teaching creationism alongside evolution in public schools. Another Palin quote: "When I look every day, the big oil company's building is right out there next to me, and it's quite a reminder that we should have mutually beneficial relationships with the oil industry" "

TrickleDown wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:27 PM:

" Here is a great, direct quote from Palin’s speech with McCain on Friday: And I’ve championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. In fact, I told Congress, thanks but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, I said, we’d build it ourselves.

This “bridge to nowhere” and Palin’s efforts to halt funding gets no less than three mentions here in this forum:

3rdGenNapan: she refused that idiot bridge to nowhere Congress approved,

Sandra (quoting wikipedia, which she has before derided…see June 3, 2008 Obama/McCain discussion): After federal funding for the Gravina Island Bridge project that had become a nationwide symbol of wasteful earmark spending was lost, Palin decided against filling the over $200 million gap with state money.

savanna: She returned money for a bridge they didn't need, can you believe it?


Hmmmm….let’s see what the facts say. CNN reported on 09/22/2007: Under mounting political pressure over pork projects, Congress stripped the earmark -- or stipulation -- that the money be used for the airport, but still sent the money to the state for any use it deemed appropriate.

So, the facts clearly state that Congress stripped the earmark and it wasn’t Palin’s doing. Does this make Palin a liar? And, no, she did not return the money, as much as savannah would like to celebrate Palin for doing…an easy mistake to make with Palin’s own speech implying that she said no to the funding (her saying no meant that they gave her the money anyway that she could use however she saw fit).

Darn those pesky facts!!! "

zinjanthropus wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:37 PM:

" Hey, stop looking at that silly celebrity guy in his silly football stadium full of admirers and look at me! See, I'm standing next to a beautiful woman. She's a former beauty queen you know. She's not a celebrity though, like that guy. Hey wait, don't look at him, keep looking at me! "

ADark1 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:46 PM:

" I'd like to welcome wyngyrl and luv1mom to the fray..You GO GURLS! :)

Keep fighting the fight, Raven, SickoThis, Hear ye, Ruff,Trickeldown,misfit and the rest of you...I'll be preparing one rather long list of awards and trying to get a few more surprises for BM2 so I'll poke my head in once in a while..

When Dan puts up the new thread I'll respond basically there...


Lets get ready to rumbleeeeeeeeee! "

ADark1 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:51 PM:

" I'd be remiss NOT to mention A Teacher! Teach! The Awards committee is working on a lifetime achievement award for you as its GOT to seem to be a lifetime here in the trenches! Hang in there we're gonna get you more help...and a ruler for some knuckles! :) BTW welcome to zinjanthropus .... "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:11 PM:

" (Theme from Jaws playing in the background)
Y'all are gettin' skeeered, ain't ya, by a girley....

Me thinks you protesteth too much... (snicker)... Yer giving yerselves away... "

noblindershere wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:35 AM:

" yes upvalleygril, what new mom would take on the role as VP? She is clearly very full of herself to have a baby and then let someone else raise it. I'm a proffessional mom with two young children and I'm taking time off so I can actually raise my own children. She goes against everything the conservative party preaches about family, how is she a good pick? I feel sorry for her children. Great that a woman was given this opportunity, but would have been a better pick in a couple years...give her some more experience in an executive office and some time with her little one and come back in a couple years. Nice try McCain, but a little raw. Her eagerness to take on the big boys is admirable, but were talking the world MIss, not Alaska companies. "

a teacher wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:44 AM:

" Scared of a girl, nah, she's just what the doctor ordered.

You know why magicians usually have pretty assistants? To distract the audience while the master pulls an Ace from up his sleeve. "

Joe B wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:46 AM:

" Shows how far you have to go to separate yourself from Bush & Co, I like her. But this is just a maneuver by the old guard. The wolf needs to attract some sheep. "

jwk wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:30 AM:

" Osama Bin Laden was in custody on two occassions and offered up another time. Slick Willy did NOTHING as usual that he might need to make a decision on and risk his legacy. Oh he has a fine Legacy though doesn't he? Just like Clintoon, Osamabama will not take any action on anything unless the pollings numbers look good for them!! Again, 9/11 should of never happened!! You think anybody on The Milktoast Leftie side would go after Osama?? Sodamn Insane would still be terroizing the world had a Demo been in Office. But at least the Dem's did TALK about getting him for a year or two prior to "W" taking action. Talk is real cheap. Just Words???What happened to the party of Change-Change-Change?? Looks like the Same old worn out crap "Demo Boilerplate" as usual this year... "

freeport56 wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:31 AM:

" a teacher-

that scandal you are talking involved her former brother in-law making death threats against her father while an Alaskan State Trooper. making death threats is a crime and she wanted him gone. When the Head of the State Troopers refused, she fired him.

Go Sarah, do not tolerate criminal behavior from the ranks of law enforcement. I love the fact that all you libbies are underestimating her. She is 3 times the man any of you are! "

14obama wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:26 AM:

" Dan,
Isn't that what they do during a political campaign is attack their opponent ? It would be unreal Not to do so.
Lest I get deleted I won't go there. I will say that Palin is the best choice if one wants to be defeated. Bad,bad choice ! "

Sandra wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Trickle down...I have absolutely derided wickepedia as not to be used for the "only" source of info....but that does not mean it only has lies....my point on wikpedia is that research should not END with wikpedia. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to clear that up for you. If you can disprove anything in my post...please go for it.
Now about the bridge to nowhere... see next post... "

Sandra wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:43 AM:

" From Transportation watch:

"Despite the work of our congressional delegation, we are about $329 million short of full funding for the bridge project, and it's clear that Congress has little interest in spending any more money on a bridge between Ketchikan and Gravina Island," Palin said in her statement. "Much of the public's attitude toward Alaska bridges is based on inaccurate portrayals of the projects here. But we need to focus on what we can do, rather than fight over what has happened."
The governor made the decision "simply because the project wasn't a prudent use of state funds," said Palin spokeswoman Sharon Leighow.
Canceling work on the bridge will free up about $36 million in federal funds that may be used on other Alaska transportation projects, the governor said.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R), the daughter of the former governor, criticized Palin's decision.
"The community of Ketchikan has made safe and reliable access to the airport a priority for over 30 years. When the State of Alaska requested resources to build a bridge, the Congressional Delegation worked hard to secure funding," the senator said in a statement issued Sept. 21. "It is unfortunate for the people of Ketchikan that the state has chosen to reprioritize its support of this project."
But Lois Epstein, director of the environmentally oriented Alaska Transportation Priorities Project, was pleased with Palin's move. "We think it's a good, fiscally responsible decision to look at this project, which is a mega-project. But there are also other mega-projects in the state that need some additional evaluation," Epstein said. "

Seems to me another smart decision from the moose hunting, beauty contestant, Governor of Alaska.

Darn those pesky facts! "

Sandra wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:57 AM:

" Noblinders here...what a tirade with no proof to back it up. How do you have any idea what her plans are for the care of her children? My husband and I both worked full time and were eqaul caregivers to our children. I know other families who are traditional, in that the mom provides most of the care, and others where it's the dad. AND still others where it is daycare or nannies. If you criticize Sarah Palin in this way, you are also criticizing most of America.

What strikes me is the venomous attacks coming from the democratic party...what a panic they must be in. "Pretty assistants....distract the audience ....no experience....sorry for her children...What kind of mother would leave a baby after 3 days of giving birth" ( not 3 days...check again)...What a bunch of nonsense....
It's a really good thing that the democratic party is above dirty politics, isn't it? "

Sandra wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:04 AM:

" Hey Freeport...The more I find out about MHB (short for moose hunting beauty)...the more I like. It is especially interesting to se the desperation in the attacks coming out against her. It is even more enlightening that when you look at the real story behind the shallow attacks that they dissipate like the hot air they are. "

MyWrites wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:20 AM:

" For all his lack of experience Obama put together one of the finest election teams we have ever seen. While McCain and Hillary were giving $1,000 to $10,000/person elitist fundraisers and going broke, Obama was soliciting $50 checks from the rest of America and has $100's of millions to work with.

How did he do it? He's smart, people! Of course our conservatives here will never allow him any other title than "SLICK...".

Conservatives always seem to support wealthy candidates, they like to equate wealth with success (Dems are pretty good at it too) but if the proof is in the wallet, seems like you Cons should be supporting Obama!

And I wish Governor Palin good luck with her bipartisan ethics investigation back in Alaska. It will be interesting to find out if there is any interference with the committee's attempts to gather information. Quite frankly it sounds like she is even less qualified to lead than our current prez was in 2000.

Does it bother anyone that now the only way McCain can come up with enough cash will be to accept it from the hands of the same powerful individuals, lobbyists and corporations that he claims to be immune to? "

Joe wrote on Aug 31, 2008 1:26 PM:

" She's hot!! She has that sexy librarian look to her. "

common sense wrote on Aug 31, 2008 1:31 PM:

" Sarah Palin was not flown to Ohio in a charter jet for the big announcement...she ran as part of her morning workout. "

elb wrote on Aug 31, 2008 2:01 PM:

" Kevin, You asked; "So why are so many blacks voting for B.O. just because he is black? (And we have all heard them on interviews saying this over and over...) "

I would like to remind the America people that Obama is not "just black". He is, rather, very much 'black AND white', but the media and his own campaign supporters seem to be very much downplaying the white part.

As a white woman, I am offended that he seems to speak so little of this aspect of his life and seems to place, instead, more of an emphasis on his 'blackness' as though this is somehow 'better'?

If a white candidate was to place such an emphasis on their being white... well, now that certainly wouldn't sit well with people, now would it? So why is it that so many are getting away with promoting Obama's blackness? "

musikluvr wrote on Aug 31, 2008 2:40 PM:

" I have never seen the liberals so worried! The dems selected someone for VP who dissed Obama in the primaries. Now he likes him? Sorry folks, this country ain't that dumb. "

winemd wrote on Aug 31, 2008 4:56 PM:

" I don't know enough about Sarah Palin to know whether she will be an asset in the campaign, but she seems very ethical, even when it comes to her own party. This is a good sign. I find it interesting that the two presidential candidates chose someone who has a lot in common with their opponent. Obama chose an older white man with lots of experience and is an "insider", and McCain chose a newcomer who is part of a group underepresented in politics. LOL about "beauty and the beast."

I would like to welcome everyone to this message board who is getting involved, and not just those who agree with me ;-). The boards are very enlightening, especially when it comes to local political issues. This is a great way to learn more to make an informed decision. "

freeport56 wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:07 PM:

" It was a good strategic move. Everyone is worried about taking the Hilary supporters and poopoos Governor Palin's Executive experience. He would rather take twenty years to become uber-bureaucrat, unlike his candidate for President.

They will attack her, use the experience thing, and fall flat on their faces. They will be arguing against their own candidate and his real lack of executive experience. Her small town , I have been to the farmers market there, is like any other small American town. It has issues that require leadership to solve. As Governor, she is the head of the Alaskan National Guard and has been to Germany to visit her wounded troops. Sen. Obama has never visited wounded troops. He cancelled his trip to shoot hoops in his hotel.

You want to adjust your agruements after she hits the circut, she will floor you. "

Raven wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:08 PM:

" okay...let me see if I understand this, so now he isn't worthy because he doesn't mention his race?... I am scot-irish, does it make me less Irish because I identify with my Scot ancestry more? "

common sense wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:19 PM:

" Sarah Palin once carved a perfect likeness of the Mona Lisa in a block of ice using only her teeth. And she will cheerfully pry your Klondike bar from your cold dead fingers. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:26 PM:

" Hillary (the Clinton's) got thier butts kicked by a black man and 'another woman', again. Hillary should be used to that by now.

Personally, I'm tired of hearing of their convicted perjurer nonsense. You can't believe a thing that they say.

It's time to go for honesty and straight-talk, instead of the BS from a convicted liar and philanderer. Let's go for integrity for a change, instead of the slimy false notions of the Democrats....

You want "change"...???...!!! Be prepared for a huge and devastating surprise, and it won't be a good thing... "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:31 PM:

" Raven wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:08 PM:
" okay...let me see if I understand this, so now he isn't worthy because he doesn't mention his race?...

The entire Democratic party has been afraid to say 'no' to a black man, and that's the only reason Obama has gotten as far as he has... He's an empty suit that only speaks in generalities, and avoids specifics, for good reason....He has none...

God save us if the Bush-haters vote for this idiot in 'change' clothing.......... "

elb wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:31 PM:

" Raven,

Now, now... that is not what I said, and if you look again, carefully, you will know that.

I did not say he wasn't mentioning his race. On the contrary, he and his wife and his campaign seem to be placing quite a bit of emphasis on the fact that he is a "black man," which is interesting to me when he is in fact, very much a "black AND white" man.

Why the emphasis on the black, while neglecting the white? If Obama is truly about the word "UNITE" then why has he segregated his own race within himself, even?

If McCain were talking about his "whiteness" the way Obama and his campaign talk about his blackness... Well, there would be trouble in political paradise, for sure! "

common sense wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:02 PM:

" Queen Elizabeth II curtsied when she was introduced to Sarah Palin, and when the French heard she was coming to Europe, they immediately surrendered. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:05 PM:

" common sense wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:19 PM:
" Sarah Palin once carved a perfect likeness of the Mona Lisa in a block of ice using only her teeth. And she will cheerfully pry your Klondike bar from your cold dead fingers. "

I cannot wait for the VP debate.......

Biden has got to be shaking in his boots, because he already knows that Palin is armed...!!! Haaaaaaa........ "

Hear Ye wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:33 PM:

" I've been following his campaign fairly close and I'm not a aware of this emphasis on him being black. I see it in the media, though. He talks about his mother and grandma quite a bit "

a teacher wrote on Aug 31, 2008 7:15 PM:

" FreePort: Perhaps you are right, perhaps not. There are two sides and an investigation.

Joke: Bringing in Clinton8 years after he left office. I see you're living up to your name.

ELB: Obama doesn't down play his roots. He constantly talks about his mother and grandparents, all white. The media won't leave it alone though. It seems to me that if one parent is black and one is white that you have equal claim to either race. Not in America, however. To me that is the ludicrousness of racism. He can claim to be African American since his father was actually an African.

As for all the "liberals in a tizzy" we are hearing from some of you. All I've heard from people is "HUH!", what is McCain thinking? That and the sound of hands rubbing together in glee. "

common sense wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:08 PM:

" McCain's VP trumps Obama, the head of the ticket.

-City Mayor trumps "Community Organizer".

-Alaska Governor for a couple years trumps Illinois senator for a couple years.

-Sarah Palin got a natural gas pipeline approved, something nobody else in Alaska was able to do in the previous 3 decades. Obama has accomplished NOTHING.

-Sarah Palin led the crusade for reform in Alaska, crushing corruption in her own party. Obama got his house thanks to convicted felon Tony Rezko.

Bottom line...even McCain's VP is more qualified to run the country than Obama.

Sarah Palin could even take Obama on the basketball court...I'd love to see that! Go get 'em, Sarah! "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:15 PM:

" Barack Obama threw his ailing grandmother who raised him under the bus today.
Obama equated her with the racist anti-Semitic "G-Damning America" preacher he chose for himself and his family- Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, a bank vice president, and grandfather, Stanley Dunham, a salesman, lived in a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Honolulu and helped raise their grandson along with his white mother until he graduated from high school. (Washington Post)

Both Dunhams were upset when their daughter Ann married Barack Obama Senior, particularly after receiving a long, angry letter from the graduate student's father in Kenya who "didn't want the Obama blood sullied by a white woman."

On March 18, 2008, in his speech on race and the controversy surrounding comments from his former pastor Jeremiah Wright, Obama stated that his grandmother confessed to him about "her fear of black men who passed by her on the street," and he would cringe at her use of "racial or ethnic stereotypes."

In over a year of speeches, I don't recall Obama talking about his grandmother who raised him and that she was ill- not once. I don't recall any special trips over to Hawaii to see her.
That doesn't say much about the young senator. "

TrickleDown wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:16 PM:

" Sandra: You, unfortunately, left out a few choice lines from the article you quote. In fact, a paragraph just previous to the lines you quoted was this:

'''A national outcry prompted Congress to remove the earmark designation for the bridges--which came to be known as "bridges to nowhere," a nickname coined by Keith Ashdown, vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based Taxpayers for Common Sense. However, Congress did provide the equivalent funding to Alaska to be used for transportation projects of the state's choosing.'''

So, again, Palin's "thanks but no thanks" line is misleading at best as is very clear by reading the posts in this forum about her dealing with the money, sending it back, etc.

And.. wikipedia is a dynamic forum. It has improved its accuracy since you quoted it now stating with respect to the bridge:

'''In 2006, Ketchikan's Gravina Island Bridge, known outside the state as the "Bridge to Nowhere", became an issue in the gubernatorial campaign. Palin initially expressed support for the bridge and ran on a "build-the-bridge" platform, but later decided to use the bridge funds for other projects. Palin directed state transportation officials to find the most "fiscally responsible" alternative for access to Ketchikan's airport. Although Alaska kept the federal money, Palin stated that Alaska should rely less on federal funding. Palin now claims that, "I told Congress, thanks but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere."'''

Definitely much more accurate now, so though your post was not "disproven", and it was the most accurate mention of the bridge on this forum to that point, however it was not entirely accurate and the wikipedia entry's accuracy has increased since. "

MyWrites wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:43 PM:

" elb wrote:

"I would like to remind the America people that Obama is not "just black". He is, rather, very much 'black AND white', but the media and his own campaign supporters seem to be very much downplaying the white part."

Elb, How does he appear to you, 50/50? Top half or bottom? Maybe left side or right? Based on his appearance, what part of a bus do you think he would have been forced to sit in during the 1950's in the South? You seem more obsessed with his color than he apparently is.

And musikluvr I haven't noticed that liberals are so worried. Actually they seem rather energized and confident. You should quit watching FOX News where they have been predicting that the "Democrat" Party unity was going to explode like a grenade during their convention - didn't happen - they unified just like Howard Dean said they would months ago!

I don't think we will see many female Democratic voters going over to McCain but I do predict there will be a significant reversal within the Republican Party who will vote for Obama, just like all those Demos who went over to Reagan in 1980. I have listened to an astonishing number of conservatives I personally know who are so fed up with politics as usual and the Bush administration, they are committing to Obama.

I have to agree with you musikluvr, apparently "this country ain't that dumb." "

MyWrites wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:12 PM:

" Dwayne wrote: "He's an empty suit that only speaks in generalities, and avoids specifics, for good reason....He has none..."

Go to his website, Dwayne and educate yourself. Lots and lots of specifics.

Dwayne also wrote: "God save us if the Bush-haters vote for this idiot in 'change' clothing.......... "

Hmmm...idiot huh? That's why he graduated numero uno at Harvard Law School. And McCain graduated where in his class at the Naval Academy? #394 of 397 - brilliant! And W's stellar performance at Yale - oh, brother...

Say Dwayne, how did you do in school? "

elb wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:13 PM:

" Mywrites,

Nice spin there. As clever as your response was, you know well and good that is not the point I was making and or asking others to consider.

And for the sake of the thread I am not going to keep repeating myself, either simply because someone chooses to distort my point(s) already made. "

orangeplow wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:27 PM:

" Has anyone asked how she is going to veep with a 5 month old down syndrome infant? Sorry, but a baby, especially with downs, needs 24 hour care and nurturing in order to thrive and overcome some of the maladays of that condition. Either way, she will neglect either her job as vp, or her kid...so much for being the party of "Family Values" "

Raven wrote on Aug 31, 2008 11:36 PM:

" and how did he distort it elb....you are complaining that Obama isn't saying he is white often enough for you?...or that the media isn't saying he is white enough for you....what are you saying? "

Hear Ye wrote on Sep 1, 2008 1:05 AM:

" Elb-


Actually I think he nailed your point perfectly. Most people identify with the way they are perceived by others. Not to mention you were wrong to begin with. "

jwk wrote on Sep 1, 2008 3:21 AM:

" I Think Sarah finally put the Demo's over the edge! What a breath of NEW fresh air with substance and character. She is also a Hottie and I know she could woop Osamabama at The Bowling Lanes too!! She's more of a Man than BO... "

XMAN wrote on Sep 1, 2008 3:31 AM:

" Sounds like Sarah Palin may be the lefties worst nightmare. What I see the Obama supporter postings saying here is, "I don't know much about her so she must not be very good." By the time November 4 gets here, you'll all know plenty about gutsy Sarah Palin. That I promise. "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Sep 1, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Ooooh, the Republican-enablers make a mighty wind for Sarah Palin, saying the choice is a game changer.

However, the polling says NOPE!

And actual common sense (vs the ersatz pen name) says NOPE!

Let's face the facts for a moment, hsall we?

Every one still on the Republican Pep Squad was going to vote for McCain anyway in spite of all their protestations of 'independence', yadda-yadda. Even, 'kevin', who openly professes to dislike McCain, but would vote for him anyway, hasn't changed position because of Sarah Palin. I'll allow as how 'kevin' might be happier about voting for McCain that he was before, but his vote is NOT changing.

And on the other side???

And, as far as I can tell, no one who was going to vote for Barack Obama has changed their mind because of Sarah Palin.

For all of the wind energy released - Sarah Palin is NOT going to be relevant to winning the election about 60 days away.

Just as the 'Democratic Disunity' PUMA binkie was passed from one Republican-enabler to another for weeks and positively worn out by the media during the Dem Convention, the Sarah Palin 'Game Changer' binkie is the new Republican comfort appliance to replace the old one.

I am actually far more interested in how many seats the Democrats are going to pick up in the House and Senate.

And... Sarah Palin isn't going to make a measurable difference there either.

~Ruff "

kevin wrote on Sep 1, 2008 9:11 AM:

" This is from John Dickerson at Slate:

"In the two and a half months since Barack Obama won the nomination, he's been trying to convince Hillary's supporters—but his standing with them has gotten only worse. Roughly 30 percent of Clinton voters say they won't vote for him, and this is not a one-poll anomaly. The number is the same in the Pew, ABC, and CNN polls. That's as bad as it was during the heat of the Democratic primary."


It will be very interesting to see how that number has changed in the new polls.

And does anybody know what a "binkie" is? It's not in my dictionary... "

Sandra wrote on Sep 1, 2008 9:25 AM:

" Trickledown...you now criticize because I did not quote the article in it's entirety? This is a blog...limited to 300 words. I am too wordy as it is. I sighted the sources so people could look for themselves. Your post inferred things from a very slanted perspective. I think people should have a more complete picture. Once thay have the "total" picture then the points you bring up are just not as valid as you would wish them to be. There is more to the story than meets your eye. I have found that most of the oppsition raised to Sarah Palin is pretty much taken from moveon.org....now there's a reliable source of info. My research is to more direct sources. Wickepedia had some accurate info all in one place. But if you go to earlier sources on this info. you get a more complete picture, untainted by personal opinion. There is a reason the woman has a 70% to 90% approval rating as govenor of her state. The bridge funds were not "Usable" by the state without putting HUGE amounts of state money into the project. A project full of over runs and passed deadlines. Once federal funding did not come through to totally pay for the bridge, Palin did return the Bridge funds, and used other federal funds to do other needed projects. This makes good sense to me. "

TrickleDown wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Sandra: Where, please tell me, did you find that Palin returned the Bridge funds. That statement is definitely not true.

Unfortunately your analysis of Wikipedia is completely wrong. The first person that enters information is not the most correct. The most correct information tends to arise as more editors have touched it as slanted statements tend to work their way out. The wikipedia post, as it exists today with additional references, is much more accurate than the "truth" you would like to believe from your first post taken from wikipedia.

My point about the paragraph you left out is that even your source agrees that she did not return the money (as you incorrectly believe and state). Even your source of facts disagrees with you.

None of my information comes from moveon.org. CNN is not moveon.org. Looking at your link and quoting it back is not moveon.org. The fact is that Palin supported the bridge during her run, changed her position when it was labeled "bridge to nowhere" and got bad press (where is the republican chant of flip-flopper in this case?), then kept the money that was still given to Alaska to use at the state's discretion...and that is exactly what she did, contrary to the picture that you and other republicans would like to paint. Facts are facts. "

Raven wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:23 AM:

" so.....certain that wikipedia is such an undiased source....both NPR and the NY Times have a story with the following lil tidbits about how unbiased wikipedia can be regarding Palin......

Beginning at 2 a.m Eastern time on Thursday, a Wikipedia user with the name YoungTrigg began an overhaul of the article, adding compelling stories about her upbringing, including that “she earned the nickname ‘Sarah Barracuda’ because of her intense play” as point guard for her high school basketball team and that she and her father “would sometimes wake at 3 a.m. to hunt moose before school.” and it goes on with how political details were added...and regarding the famous bridge...see how some of her Repub allies in alaska feel about the story of her support or lack of it for the bridge ...seems they have issues with her version of the story

go to the NYtimes site and check it out....makes for very interesting reading "

common sense wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:25 AM:

" Don't sweat TricleDown, Sandra...her only line of attack is to accuse people of either cherry-picking or plagiarism. Standard Daily KOS tactics. I guess that is what you have to do when you can't win on the issues.

I tried to point out the "Comment guidelines" to her (TrickleDown) previously, but she could not find them. Does everyone else see them next to the "Join the conversation" text entry box at the bottom of the screen? "

Raven wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:27 AM:

" kevin...take a look at polls for LBJ supporters after JFK got the nomination...Reagan supports after Ford was nominated...kennedy supporters after carter was nominated....romney and huckabee supporters......this happen with every campaign season....when their are challengers...and it changes as the election day looms near.....nothing new, nothing to get excitedabout...esp when the most vocal of the PUMA group was a repub who donated 500 to Mccain in 2000... "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:35 AM:

" "kevin" - your vote isn't going to McCain just because of Sarah Palin as McBoosh's VP choice, even if you now feel better about it.

Your vote has not changed, and unless lightning strikes you down, or the scales fall from your eyes, (miracles can happen - see Saul of Tarsus in the New Testament) you will vote 'conservative' Republican in November.

I openly admit that my vote is unchanged by the Sarah Palin VP choice. My vote was also unchanged by Obama choosing Biden although I'd have preferred several other others.

I'll be voting for Obama as sure as I drive a hybrid car and enjoy an occasional latte.

If you want to 'catapult the propaganda' that millions of pro-choice women are going to suddenly vote for the die-hard forced-birth McPalin ticket... please be my guest... I can always use another Republican Laughing Point.

Even if so very many Republican enablers can't remember what last week's McBoosh catechism was... we do.

So how about this new McBoosh idea that there are no uninsured people in America? Yep... there's a McBoosh campaign mercenary who will say just about anything to get another McFour more years of McBush corporate welfare.

Too bad McBoosh/McPalin is losing by 11 points in the NVR 'unscientific' poll as I write this.

Nowadays, there just simply NOT enough people "dumb enough to believe Republicans" in America anymore.

Thank God for Small Favors!

~Ruff "

Sandra wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:21 AM:

" Kevin, a "binkie" is a brand name of a pacifier used to soothe crying babies.
And I would like to say to all of the male Sarah supporters who keep saying she is "more of a man than ...", You should know she is more woman too..... "

Sandra wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:29 AM:

" I am getting a little tired of this type of question..."Has anyone asked how she is going to veep with a 5 month old down syndrome infant?"...It seems to me democrats are speaking out of both sides of their mouths when they infer she is a bad mother, and cannot handle the job because she is a mother. There are "MOTHERS"all over this country doing fine jobs with their families and working too. How do they manage this?...well aside from being women, which in and of itself answers the question ;) ....they also have the support of their familes, which includes their husbands if they are married. Last time I looked men are very capable of nurturing their children. I would expect that her husband will step up and do his part, if he isn't already. I guess it only takes a village if you are not a republican nominee? "

winemd wrote on Sep 1, 2008 12:43 PM:

" binkie=pacifier "

wyngyrl wrote on Sep 1, 2008 1:41 PM:

" Oh my goodness! Beauty pageants, trashy in-law problems, and a pregnant unwed teen... was McCain having some kind of weird premonition when he compared Obama to Britney Spears? "

dellasumbrella wrote on Sep 1, 2008 2:12 PM:

" I have no interest in tearing Sara Palin apart. I don't really care that she was for the bridge before she was against the bridge. I don't care that she has 5 children (anymore than I care that anyone has 5 children and contributes to overpopulation which the earth can ill support), or that she is a working mom (who can probably afford effective childcare for her children if she needs), or that she's a woman, or that her 17 yr-old daughter is pregnant (although as a representative for the party of abstinence, I hope it's been a reality check for her). I would care if I knew that she takes the same position as Bush on protecting blastocysts(which has prevented effective stem cell research). I care that she sounds like she puts Alaska, not Country, first (drill away!) I care that she opposes abortion in the case of rape and incest, and that she thinks creationism should be taught in science classes (because that's just an absurd position, no matter what anyone says). I think if she were to become default president, we would be at risk of a Supreme Court that puts religious tenets ahead of personal rights and freedoms. And that's just plain scary. But in those respects, she's really no different than most other conservative Republicans. As a VP pick, she has stuff to say, whether I agree with it or not, and she's as engaging as Seinfeld's girlfriend. I do think Obama & Biden have more substance (and more specific proposals for running the country) than McCain/Palin. Anyway, it'll be an interesting watch. And