2008.09.27
The Sarah Palin Bubble
I won't waste time discussing Friday night's presidential debate, because I have a strong inkling it didn't change anybody's mind.
Let's talk about Sarah Sweetheart (as in America's newest sweetheart). She was conspicuous in her absence from the debate. Everyone, including Average Joe Biden, put in an appearance. Of course, GOP'ers immediately smelled conspiracy and contacted CNN to ask why Palin wasn't interviewed. Wolf Blitzer noted that CNN asked but was rebuffed.
The McCain campaign pretty much keeps its veep nominee in a bubble. When she ventures out, she's scripted to the gills, which doesn't inspire confidence in her ability to have an original thought about the pressing matters facing the country. The campaign's protective shield is understandable because, to put it delicately, their candidate is not exactly hitting it out of the ballpark when she has to speak off-the-cuff. I don't like speaking publicly, either---which is why I didn't select a career and job that depends on my (in)ability to speak for my supper.
The ability to handle Katie Couric in an interview doesn't equate with whether McCain's running mate can run a country, if called on to do so. But it does give insight into whether she has a clue, even if she can't articulate it. Candidly, my fellow Americans, the newest Sweetheart isn't looking good on either front.
s
As a columnist and former supporter recently said"Shes out of her league"
Comment by Larry — September 27, 2008 @ 9:17 am
Too bad you missed the debate Shanna. Was it because you know Obama is weak on international affairs?
What I saw was a 72-yr old senator simultaneously engage and deal with this week's financial crisis and then kicked some liberal tail. Face it - McCain looked stronger and sharper than the left expected. There is no substitute for experience and fortitude.
Jim, I saw the debate. in fact, I watched it twice. But this entry isn't about the debate.---s
Comment by Jim — September 27, 2008 @ 9:40 am
Hi Shanna,
My husband and I saw Palin's interview w/Couric and my husband got a headache trying to understand what she was trying to say. My opinion is that she thinks she is running for "Miss Alaska" again.
Here are some shows on which you will never see Palin:
(1) Any of the Sunday morning news shows;
(2) "The View" on ABC.
You will never see her on these shows all for the same reason - she will have to answer questions.
Comment by Pat W. — September 27, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
Yes it is her time to show what she have or lacking.
One can only wonder why Bill Clinton gives her so many compliments, maybe he's looking for a possible position at the White House.
Maybe Gardener?
Comment by Static Lines — September 27, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
The Maverick has no real choice other than to gamble on maintaining the Palin Mystique until November 4.
Comment by Ms. Goldenwillow — September 27, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
Ms. G is right; there's no turning back now. I believe Palin is smarter and a better leader than she appears, but when conservative women start questioning her credentials like they have late this week, the ticket is in trouble. The election rests upon her debate, and if she's prepared, she should be able to hold her own with the CHEATER who finished 76th out of the 83 graduates in his law school class. Just looking at that guy gives me the creeps. He's either had a botched plastic surgery around his right eye, or he has an evil mind that involuntarily shows through. Either way, he was a poor choice. I still can't figure out whether he's FOR or AGAINST coal-burning plants in the US. I guess it depends on what audience he's addressing. Shameful. If Obama wins, let's hope he stays healthy for eight years, 'cause he's got a moron backing him up.
Comment by Mike — September 28, 2008 @ 4:01 am
Pat W:
None of the presidential candidates would be safe appearing on the view, as they could easily get caught in the crossfire of that bunch of no-minds. When Paris Hilton has to correct the panel on whether commission of a misdemeanor takes away voting privileges, you know you're not dealing with a bunch of Oxford grads. Biden could probably use a visit to Dr. Phil, though, as "therapy" might help him with his "hoof in mouth" problem.
Comment by Mike — September 28, 2008 @ 4:08 am
Static:
About the only White House position Slick Willie would be interested in with Sarah as Veep would be "missionary."
Comment by Mike — September 28, 2008 @ 4:33 am
I see the funniest performance by a VP candidate since Dan "You're No JFK" Quayle coming up. Caribou Barbie will be exposed for the lightweight she is. Even her own backers in the conservative movement are starting to see the light.
Comment by Shaun — September 28, 2008 @ 10:05 am
Palin is a female version of Dick Cheney. But if she shoots someone in the face with her moose rifle they won't be able to apologize for being in her way.
Comment by Roger Barr — September 28, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
I believe in Governor Palin. She has my vote as Vice President. I believe she has the ability to do the job if called upon and for sure she is no Cheney. Remember the little Senator (store clerk) from Missouri in 1944?
Comment by George Stone — September 28, 2008 @ 2:33 pm
The morbid sense of American Conservatism: Wanting John McCain to succeed in order for him to succumb...just to be replaced by Sarah Palin. Conservatives...beware of what you wish, for it is not in the best interest of a stronger and safer America.
Comment by Bobby Buck — September 28, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
The first part of this is for Mike:
Hi Mike,
I read your response to my comment with great amusement. First, I would hardly call Barbara Walters a "no mind". Second, none of the current panel have a law degree. The last person on the panel with a law degree was Starr Jones. Anyway, it wasn't the "panel" Paris corrected, but Joy Behar, a single member of the panel. Third, I really don't think Paris Hilton is stupid. It's part of her act as an entertainer.
This next part is for George Stone:
Hi George,
First, that "store clerk" from Missouri wasn't a "store clerk", but the owner of the store. Second, he was a student of history, but I don't think he had a college degree. Third, you can learn a lot by reading a variety of books, I suggest you try it sometime. Fourth, Sarah Palin doesn't even know that the Pledge to the Flag was written in the mid-1800's, and the bit about "under God" was added during the early 1950's. The current Pledge barely resembles the original. Palin stated on a religious survey prior to being elected gov. of Alaska that if "under God" in the Pledge was good enough for Thomas Jefferson, it was good enough for her. Fifth, I can't believe that she is the best the Republican party can offer up as a VP pick. When conservative talking heads and columnists start calling for her to step aside, the Republican Party should start paying attention.
I suggest to both Mike and George that you stop thinking with your little heads and start doing some research with your big heads. Here's a non-partisan link you can start with factcheck.org
This post will be my last word on the subject. Your opinion doesn't matter to me anyway. I only posted because I didn't think Palin "handled" the interview with Couric so much as she embarassed herself and her ticket. Remember, if Palin wants to play in the big leagues, she's going to have to learn to hit the curve ball. Have a great week and be sure to watch the VP debate Oct. 2, unless Gov. Palin fabricates some excuse to back out.
Comment by Pat W — September 28, 2008 @ 8:19 pm
As a proud, conservative woman I am pleased to see a woman on the ticket. Had Obama chose the popular Mrs. Clinton, this would definitely be a difference race. I do feel that as far as credentials go, I would prefer a candidate that had actual experience running a state which is the closest you'd come to having experience running a country. If you look at the choices for "backup" presidential position Biden vs. Palin...that is a no brainer.
Comment by Joy Herring — September 29, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Yes, we are all pleased to see a woman on the ticket.. just not this particular woman. Hillary, according to Bill Clinton's comments on The View, Larry King Live, and the Today Show this past week, did not want the VP position.
I'll be very interested to see Palin in the debates to see whether or not her years and years and years of experience as a governor enables her to articulate to all conservatives and liberals in a fashion that proves she has a brain... one that is not made of straw.... oh, if she only had a brain!
Comment by Di — September 29, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
Hey, if Bill Clinton said it on The View, it's gotta' be true. "I did not have sex with that woman, Ms. Lewinski!"
Since he was the "first black president" in the eyes of the Liberals, I wonder if that adult "prodigy," Whoopie, licensed him to use the forbidden word, since it's OK for her and her friends to use it as they please.
As for brains, at least Sarah answers with honesty (a new concept in Washington, since the theme of the campaign is CHANGE) as compared to her plagiarizing and silver-tongued counterpart who, despite his knack for CHEATING, finished at the bottom of his law school class. Palin has worked for what she got, and if given the chance, she'll do it again and be ready if and when the time comes.
As for the sexist innuendo by Pat W, it doesn't even merit a response.
Comment by Mike — September 30, 2008 @ 2:16 am
Give Palin credit she held her own against Biden, those that she defeated for the seat of Governor of Alaska said :
"She clearly has a very canny ability to connect with people". Former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles, a Democrat whom Palin defeated in 2006, about the dozen times he debated her.
Andrew Halcro, former Alaska state representative and a Republican who ran for governor as an independent in 2006, reckons he debated her about two dozen times.
"She held her own by, in a number of those questions, not answering the question".
And still she defeated her opposition including the Original Governor that stated a bridge to nowhere. it is my thought she did good and bested her opponent. In short what i am hearing is people crying over spilled milk.
All Biden did was stole a play from the "Clinton Play Book" blame everyone else except no responsibility.
Comment by Backlash — October 3, 2008 @ 10:53 am
11.1 million viewers for FOXNEWS -- Largest audience in network's history...
10,685,000 viewers for CNN...
MSNBC averaged 4,412,000....
Here are the watchers and their choice....
{{{{DRUDGE POLL}}}} WHO WON THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE?...
BIDEN
28% 150,547 the Old Guard
PALIN
70% 371,607 **** "DA Winner"!..Pit Bull Sara!..
NEITHER
2% 9,946
Total Votes: 532,100
Just the facts Mamm!
Comment by Backlash — October 3, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
Although she proved she can stand and talk at the same time, I think the Katie Couric interviews were more revealing.
Even more revealing was the fact that McCain dropped out of Michigan the very next day. Also on Friday, another round of massive job losses were reported.
And what's up with all the winking? Is that her way of saying, "pay no attention to what I say, just how I say it". Just as I said previously, just a lightweight.
Comment by Shaun — October 4, 2008 @ 6:52 am
Palin spoke clearly unlike Biden's Used Car salesman pitch.
I like people to be straight forward not I'll tell you this baby can get 100mpg to a bale of hay.
Why was Biden using his middle digit finger to rub his fore head he did this act 3 times during the debate, something Obama did when speaking of Hypocrite Hillary.
Even thou he didn't loose his famous temper he did show his contempt of MS. Palin which she showed this "malcontent" nothing but respect....
Comment by Backlash — October 4, 2008 @ 11:58 am
Backlash:
I agree Biden is a lying b*****d, but I must have missed the part where he showed disrespect for our candidate. I was very surprised by his being able to conduct himself as a gentleman throughout the proceeding. He was obviously well coached in my opinion to hide the real Joe. And while I believe Sarah's inexperience shows at times, her ability to prepare that well in just a week following the disappointing interview with Couric is very encouraging and shows she is a "quick study". The only real problem with the interview that I can see down the road is that we're probably stuck with Katie doing the evening news another year or so before she floats into oblivion as a roller derby or professional wrestling emcee.
Comment by Mike — October 5, 2008 @ 1:44 am