Graham Lowers The Bar For Palin: ‘Don’t Think It Matters’ That She Hasn’t Traveled Abroad
Graham Lowers The Bar For Palin: ‘Don’t Think It Matters’ That She Hasn’t Traveled Abroad
This summer, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and his surrogates spent weeks assaulting Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) for traveling to Iraq just once while a senator. “Sen. Obama has been to Iraq once,” McCain said, “this is about leadership and learning.” “Why is it that Senator Obama wants to sit down with the President of Iran, but hasn’t yet sat down with General Petraeus?” he charged in May.
It seems that new VP pick Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) isn’t receiving the same scrutiny for her thin foreign policy resume. On CNN yesterday, Wolf Blitzer asked Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) about Palin’s foreign policy background, particularly where she has traveled abroad. Graham didn’t know the answer but said it didn’t matter:
Q: Has she met with world leaders like you have, like Biden has? Has she really gone around the world and done any of those things?
GRAHAM: I don’t know where she’s traveled to…But it’s not meeting people that matters. You know, President Bush met President Putin. And I don’t think it matters just meeting people. You look at people’s judgment.
Watch it:
As ThinkProgress noted, Palin has never been to Iraq, failing a central component of McCain’s commander in chief test. Speaking with Time Magazine earlier this month, Palin expressed little substantive knowledge about Iraq policy, admitting that she does not know “what the plan is to ever end the war.” “Let’s make sure we have a plan here,” she pressed:
[My son] is 19, he’ll be gone for a year, and thats quite tough too, kind of on a personal level when I talk about, hmmm, the plan for the war? You know, lets make sure we have a plan here? And respecting McCain’s position on that too though.
In the interview with Blitzer, Graham said Palin’s experience in Alaska is sufficient for her to tackle the world’s largest country. “Gov. Palin took on Ted Stevens. If she can take him on, she can take on the Russians. Heh,” he said.
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You know McCain will run a third Bush term because he is running on the same platform, namely, keeping expectations as low as possible, so as to not disappoint anyone.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:38 amOK, so now it doesn’t matter if anyone travels abroad, it’s their judgment that counts – like how Palin wanted her sister’s ex state trooper fired, etc., etc. Great judgment there (but I suppose it’s in keeping with George W.’s as well.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:38 amI don’t support McCain or Palin, but do we really expect a state gov. to travel to Iraq, Frankly it is a bit of a stretch for a senator or congressman to make the trip. At least they have some input on the foreign policy decisions.
On the other hand the hypocrisy is out there. Talk about a pandering move to women and the religious right.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:41 amRepublicans may be dumb but they are accomplished spinners. Let their masters come out with anything, and even if they might personally disagree, they are always ready to sacrifice integrity to parrot support.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:42 amLet the turd polishing begin!
August 30th, 2008 at 11:48 amshe has a NEW baby, with DOWN’S.
THAT should be her focus.
just ask “Dr”LAURA.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:48 amOver at TPM they are reporting that, while mayor of Wasilla, Palin wanted a legacy sports field. After announcing, a developer scooped up the property. She tried to get it back through an eminent domain claim, and after failing in court, between court costs and the final purchase price of the land, Wasilla paid $1.7 million for a piece of land worth 1/10th that. The town is still digging out of the debt she left, with higher taxes and decreased services.
Sounds like the perfect GOP tool, and Rovebot, they were looking for!
PEACE
August 30th, 2008 at 11:50 amAnd how did Gov. Palin take on the Senator? Don’t Republicans hold a grudge against those who challenge them? It must not have been a hard challenge as Ted is squarely in her corner.
Indicted Alaska Sr. Senator Ted Stevens (R): “it’s a great day for the nation and Alaskans.”
August 30th, 2008 at 11:50 amYeah, and Alaska is real close up there to Russia, heh, heh.
Graham, you are such a loser. You with your brown nose are making a fool of yourself. What can you possibly hope to gain from this foolishness — are you being blackmailed?
August 30th, 2008 at 11:51 amkaty Says:
she has a NEW baby, with DOWN’S.
And that is not something that should play into this campaign at all.
But watch, we’re going to have POW-DOWN’S nonstop!
PEACE
August 30th, 2008 at 11:52 amOK, now the name of a link has been caught in the filter, and I’m awaiting moderation.
This is silly.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:53 amOther more qualified women were passed over by McCain because he was obviously more interested in her beauty queen qualiications.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:54 amAny woman who would fall for this blatant sexist move by McCain is not truly supporting women – it would be more in support of a male chauvenist.
Precisely, Palin stood up to Sen. Ted Steve… What? He endorsed her for Governor? Whoa! That’s like standing up for Ted Stevens. But there is little difference in the world of republic party politics where John Bush OPPOSED the 21st Century G.I. Bill then accepted the Presidents congratulations for working on it.
She’s a perfect fit. She has experience abusing her power as Governor of Alaska. She even signed Alaskan style executive orders to cover up her crimes.
This couldn’t be a ticket for the republic party’s servants!
August 30th, 2008 at 11:55 amGregor got there first, but…
“Republicans: Lowering expectations since 1980.”
August 30th, 2008 at 11:55 amKrazny Says:
I don’t support McCain or Palin, but do we really expect a state gov. to travel to Iraq, Frankly it is a bit of a stretch for a senator or congressman to make the trip. At least they have some input on the foreign policy decisions.
On the other hand the hypocrisy is out there. Talk about a pandering move to women and the religious right.
——-
How about Canada? Anywhere? How about having an opinion on matters (the most transcendent issues of our time?).
August 30th, 2008 at 11:58 amWingnuts will just say, with the Google, she can visit most any place on the planet, so why does she have to be a political jet-setter?
August 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pmTo the experience argument:
Barack Obama took part in a historic 20 month campaign and was nominated by his party. He then picked a VP with 30 legislative experience, who also ran for president.
Would anyone have supported a 18-month Gov. Palin in the republic party’s primary?
The life expectancy of an American man is 76 years of age. That would mean McCain, who already has serious health implications, wouldn’t make it to the end of his first term. I am not ready to have Mrs. Palin looking into the eyes of anyone.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pmAs Samantha Bee says vote for her she has a “fun pouch” Insane McCain panderer extraordinaire
August 30th, 2008 at 12:03 pmYeah taking on Ted Stevens is exactly like taking on the Russians..
August 30th, 2008 at 12:05 pmSenator Graham, what are your thoughts on her position on gay rights and same-sex marriage? Would they affect you in any way at all?
August 30th, 2008 at 12:07 pmLook, Palin is simply…unqualified. (That is 100 degrees beyond inexperienced.)
And that McCain picked an unqualified, albeit engaging person, who is one feeble heartbeat from the presidency if he should win, speaks volumes about his judgment as to how he will protect America. He won’t. Just like Bush he is making political choices one after another, rather than choosing what is best for our nation and our earth and our grandchildren. This man frightens me even more than GWB/Cheney.
“Drill drill drill, Bomb bomb bomb”….is no substitute for judgment, knowledge and diplomacy.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:07 pmCharlie Black, long time McCain advisor, told the New York Times about concerns over Sarah Palin’s inexperience: “She’s going to learn national security at the foot of the master for the next four years, and most doctors think that he’ll be around at least that long.”
Well, I for one would like to hear from the rest of the doctors, the ones who don’t think he’ll be around at least that long!
If McCain were elected, and either died in office or was determined to be incapacitated, Palin takes over. According to the Presidential Succession list, the Speaker of the House is next in line. Does that automatically mean that the Speaker becomes the V.P.?
Since this is a very real possibility should McCain get elected, I’d really like to know because, call me crazy, I could see a scenario where the GOPers tried to place their own man into the V.P. slot.
PEACE
August 30th, 2008 at 12:09 pmWould they affect you in any way at all?
What are you implying Wayne? There might be some pate’ on that grahamcraker?
August 30th, 2008 at 12:10 pmAnd Wolf, being the crackerjack journalist he is replied “Would you say the same thing if Sarah Palin was a Democrat”? Not likely to happen with Blitzer who is one of the rights biggest water carriers.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:13 pmspencers mom Says:
katy Says: she has a NEW baby, with DOWN’S.
And that is not something that should play into this campaign at all.
why not? SHE HAD A NEW BABY WITH DOWN’S!!!
i think jason @ C&L said it very well (MY edits [])
POLITICALLY INCORRECT STUFF TO FOLLOW!
Anyone remember Cookiegate?
That started when HRC, back in the day during the first Clinton race, made an off the cuff remark about not being someone who stayed at home making cookies. OY! Such a fuss! How dare she dis momapplepiesacrificesupplicance!
Flash forward: This Alaskan governor who, while governing a state (granted not a highly populous or seemingly complicated one), gives birth to a Down’s Syndrome child. AND REMAINS THE GOVERNOR! Now, either governing this state doesn’t take much effort, or stepping down to take care of a special needs child isn’t so important, isn’t a family value.
Now, I don’t know that Dad isn’t the stay at home sort. I don’t know how this all works out. BUT FOR F[]CK’S SAKE! We CRUCIFY Hillary for not baking cookies, and the party of the fantasy of Ozzy and Harriet doesn’t have a problem with a CAREER woman not stepping down to be the caretaker? Of a special needs child? I’m smellin’ hypocrisy.
I speak for my Uncle Jackie. He had Down’s Syndrome. My grandma sacrificed her life to him. I speak for a dear friend whose life change completely with the birth of her Down’s Syndrome daughter. Forget career. Attend to the child.
I don’t say that anyone MUST. I don’t say that anyone SHOULD. But for f[]ck’s sake, if ANYONE should, given the conservative fantasy of what constitutes the American family, shouldn’t it be a republican? Or does the fantasy only matter when it is convenient? HOW DO YOU GET TO HAVE THIS BOTH WAYS? How are some people condemned for not being the right sort, of not sacrificing everything for family, and some people given a pass?
but, then again, maybe the alaskan rumors could be true, and the REAL mother WILL take care of the child… but we all know that’s a big load for a 16yr old…
August 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pmspencers mom Says:
Charlie Black, long time McCain advisor, told the New York Times about concerns over Sarah Palin’s inexperience: “She’s going to learn national security at the foot of the master for the next four years, and most doctors think that he’ll be around at least that long.”
Sarah is Luke Skywalker?
How can Obi Wan McCain show her the proper use of The Force, when he’s already on the dark side?
And where’s my box of thin mints?
August 30th, 2008 at 12:18 pmshe has a NEW baby, with DOWN’S.
-Katy
There are rumors in Alaska that her son may actually be her grandson.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:18 pmMr Graham,
That was a yes or no question.
The answer is no.
And by the way, you are a lousey tap dancer.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:19 pm“John Kerry”,
Normally I would just flag you, because you don’t like to engage in thoughtful discussions, but I’ll go out on a limb and ask you a simple question. Take alook at this picture, and tell me which woman in this picture looks pregnant, the one on the far right or the one second from the right?
http://media.adn.com/smedia/2008/03/09/01/687-3504039.standalone.prod_affiliate.7.jpg
August 30th, 2008 at 12:20 pmI read an interesting article on Sarah Palin last night. It puts her into perspective and answers some unknowns.
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/what-is-mccain-thinking-one-alaskans-perspective/
August 30th, 2008 at 12:21 pm“To the experience argument:
Barack Obama took part in a historic 20 month campaign and was nominated by his party.”
Exactly; I don’t see why this argument is thrown back in the faces of the republic party water carriers.
Obama ran a hard-fought campaign through the caucuses and primaries, and rallied the support of his party as an underdog to the point of convincing the country’s democratic voters that he *is* qualified and *is* ready and able to be president–to the point where the entire democratic establishment gave ringing endorsements for the man, in front of a cheering crowd of over 80,000 people and 38 million television viewers.
Clearly, he has established his credibility and capability with his party.
mcsame cynically *personally anointed* his chosen #2, an individual steeped in the corrupt politics of one of the smallest states (in terms of voters, population, and economy) in the country, who would never have passed the smell test if exposed to the same kind of public vetting and approval by actual voters, based on the tranparent–and misguided–political machinations of the rovian machine.
To try to draw comparisons between the levels of experience of Obama and palin is to compare apples and oranges; Obama was chosen by his constituents; palin has been elevated by a cynical kingmaker.
There is no doubt this will blow up in the faces of the republic party; My question is, how will the republic party react to this resulting repudiation?
August 30th, 2008 at 12:25 pmspencers mom,
“According to the Presidential Succession list, the Speaker of the House is next in line. Does that automatically mean that the Speaker becomes the V.P.? ”
No. The Speaker becomes President only if both the President and Vice President are unable to serve (due to death or disability). They do not all “move up” one slot. (The Secretary of Agriculture doesn’t move to another Dept, and so on.)
Should the President die or resign, the Vice President would become President. If the new President should have to step down, the Speaker of the House would become President only if there were no one sworn in as Vice President. And Congress would have to approve of any Vice Presidential replacements.
And if Palin should step down after receiving her party’s official nomination but before the election, McCain could then choose whomever he wanted as running mate, but that candidate’s name might not appear on the ballots if it’s too close to Election Day (which ought to be a federal holiday, BTW, so write your Congressman about that!)
August 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pmThere are rumors in Alaska that her son may actually be her grandson.
Here’s the link to a local newspaper article that supports one aspect of this –> http://www.adn.com/front/story/336402.html
Add to that the fact that her 17-year-old daughter was out of school for a “protracted case of mono” during the period preceding this child’s birth.
Then, Palin’s water supposedly broke while she was speaking at a conference in Texas. She stayed there and gave a 30-minute speech. Then she boarded a plane to return to Alaska on a 10-hour flight.
I hope the media is all over this story. The issue is not a teenage pregnancy. The issue is an elaborate cover-up and dishonesty.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pmBesides, why would McCain be “desperate”? Most Republicans run well behind their Democratic opponents in the summer; McCain gained enormous ground on Obama and was ahead in polls of likely voters before the convention.
JK, try a little honesty for once. One poll showed McBush to be ahead. The remainder showed him still behind. And the polls that count (statewide polls resulting in an electoral college tally) McBush has never come close to being ahead.
But, expecting honesty out of a “hit and run” troll is a little too much to expect. From now on, I’ll just ignore this idiot troll’s posts.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pmAccording to Michael Savage kids with Down Syndrome just need to be told to knock it off.
Here is an interesting article in the Seattle PI about the religious right. I think his choice is mostly to assuage them
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1131ap_cvn_palin_evangelicals.html?source=mypi
DidHeJustSayThat Says:
That is true since Canada is one of the largest trading partners with the US. I think she could have stepped across the border. She could have an opinion, but I don’t think the republicans like uppity women.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:28 pmSpencer’s Mom,
I believe if the president dies, and the vice president becomes president, s/he can appoint whomever she wants as the new vice president.
When Spiro agnew resigned, Nixon appointed Gerald Ford as the new VP, bypassing and dashing the expectations of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller.
Ironically, when Nixon Resigned…the new President Ford appointed the jilted Gov. Rockefeller.
The speaker of the House, a democrat, never got close to being president….but if both Pres. and VP are gone….they would be next in line.
My sincere hope is that Sen. McCain never gets even close to the oval office, and that this succession scenario is fantasy.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:29 pmThis experience issue of Palin’s is a real problem for McCain. It makes his past implications of Obama’s inexperience hypocritical. It also looks like a last minute sellout of his main criteria that his VP pick be ready to be the President.
However, if Democrats dig to hard on Palin’s experience, it will cause people to reconsider Obama’s. Objectively, the experience levels are very similar.
Barack is the most inspirational person I’ve ever seen. But in terms of experience (and only experience) it would make more sense for Biden to be on the top of the Democratic ticket with Obama as the VP nominee.
If McCain were elected, it’s possible that he could die before inauguration or sometime shortly after. It is possible. But, I believe that many voters may assume some period when a cabinet would be in place and the initiation of policy before that possibility. Thus, enabling a less difficult transition for a relatively inexperienced VP.
With an Obama Presidency (again, only considering experience) that assumed period of time, does not exist.
Additionally, Democrats may be tempted to counter that Obama has been vetted by the American people with 18 million votes and Palin has not. That’s true, but it’s not apples to apples. When this point is made, Republican’s can charge that Biden was also vetted by the American people and dismissed, when you consider his meager support in the primaries.
The inexperience charge against Palin is a double edged sword. Painting her as an extremist with her creationist views and hard line on abortion might yield more fruit.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:30 pmbackup Says:
However, if Democrats dig to hard on Palin’s experience, it will cause people to reconsider Obama’s. Objectively, the experience levels are very similar.
Only a troll could say that with a straight face. Four years as mayor of a “Burg” (not even considered a town) and 18 months as Governor of a state with a population of 650,000 doesn’t even come close to comparing to Obama’s experience. Anyone with an IQ of better than room temperature will understand that. So, backup, I guess that leaves you out.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:34 pmLarry Mahnken has a thoughtfull approach to Gov. Palin, which is worth checking out:
The Right Way To Approach Palin’s Inexperience
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/55459/0337/792/579925
Obama needs to apply the same criteria to Governor Palin that he applies to himself, namely, that it’s not how much experience you have, but whether you have the judgment and knowledge to do the job better than your opponent. He should come out very explicitly say that Governor Palin’s experience is irrelevant, what matters is her ability to be the leader of the free world.
It will take the issue off the table not just for Palin, but for Obama. The election will have to take a different direction, and at this point that looks like a definite positive for Senator Obama.
Not only that, but dismissing her inexperience actually raises the bar for her, while calling her inexperienced lowers it. If she were to come out in the debate and actually appears reasonably knowledgeable about foreign policy to the average American, calling her inexperienced beforehand would help her. But if you say it doesn’t matter, then she’s going to be compared to Joe Biden, not a low expectation.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:39 pmWhy would he put a small-town mayor a heartbeat away from the presidency?
What were her duties as a mayor of a town of about 5500? I see it as a symbolic position rather than having any real power or authority. It’s like being class president in those towns.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:40 pmA Biden-Palin Debate should be interesting. I wonder if Biden will be painted as some evil old man as he shreds the young governor.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:41 pmFailin’ Palin’s experience with furriners consists of trying to kill a moose which may have been in Canada once.
McCain/Palin ‘08 = Boris & Natasha ‘08.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:45 pmHowever, if Democrats dig to hard on Palin’s experience, it will cause people to reconsider Obama’s. Objectively, the experience levels are very similar.
Some might. I think the Obama campaign is going to focus on McCain’s [lack of] judgment and his unstable temperament which is demonstrated perfectly with this VP pick.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:47 pmBilbo, I agree that Palin is relatively inexperienced (although she has a good record in Alaska and 70-80 percent approval ratings as governor).
Obama has run an outstanding campaign. What other accomplishments and experience does he have?
August 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pmIf McCain were elected, it’s possible that he could die before inauguration or sometime shortly after. It is possible. But, I believe that many voters may assume some period when a cabinet would be in place and the initiation of policy before that possibility. Thus, enabling a less difficult transition for a relatively inexperienced VP.
Backup’s saying the American people would extent the political honeymoon the press usually gives to a new president. But knowing McCain will likely tap as many Bushies as possible his first days in office, this is a huge point for democrats to make. An inexperienced staff would make many ham-handed errors – but a staff of ex-Bushies would most-likely be rejected by voters.
There can be no “change,” with the same back-room players in place as there are now, could be the theme.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pmIt all comes down to this comment from Toms link above….I agree.
Obviously the answer is no.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pmObama has run an outstanding campaign. What other accomplishments and experience does he have?
See my point? What would Palin do as president, would be the counter. Would she surround herself with the same inept people as Bush?
August 30th, 2008 at 12:51 pmWhen the republicans defend Palin’s inexperience by mentioning Obama’s, it removes McCain from the debate, which wastes his POW credit card, and places his running-mate in the uncomfortable position of having to reassure voters of McCain’s ability to carry out his duties as president – and putting them on the defensive.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:01 pmBilbo, I agree that Palin is relatively inexperienced (although she has a good record in Alaska and 70-80 percent approval ratings as governor).
I think her approval ratings are high because every other republican in the state is corrupt but she may soon join her fellow republicans.
Obama has run an outstanding campaign. What other accomplishments and experience does he have?
His education; helping disadvantaged citizens to petition their government for grievances – community organizing; his time in the Illinois legislature; and his time in the U.S. Senate.
Palin was a beauty pageant contestant, the class president Wasilla, and the governor of a state with less people than most cities.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:02 pmbarfly. You make a good point. I think that’s a good strategy.
Here’s my point. If McCain has one thing over Obama, it’s experience. He’s old. He’s been around alot longer than Obama.
Now think about this: What sense does it make for Obama and Democrats to emphasizing the importance of experience?
That’s what they are doing now. They are saying that Palin is a bad choice due to her lack of experience.
If history is any guide, the VP candidates don’t traditionally matter much in election outcomes.
So in November, you’ll have experienced McCain standing next to inexperienced Obama after months of Democrats telling us how important experience is – in an attempt to discredit Palin (who will probably be of little consequence in November).
All I’m saying, is that perhaps there are more productive questions to raise about
August 30th, 2008 at 1:07 pmPalin, than her experience.
“She’s going to learn national security at the foot of the master for the next four years, and most doctors think that he’ll be around at least that long,” – Charlie Black, big McCain buddy.
At McCain’s feet? Memo to Sarah: that good old boys’ club you said you were never a part of? It just acquired you.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:08 pm(H/T The Atlantic)
Badger Says:
I believe if the president dies, and the vice president becomes president, s/he can appoint whomever she wants as the new vice president.
And this is how the GOP will install the person of their choosing.
McCain steps down due to (too numerous to list) and Palin appoints whomever she’s told to, then steps down, probably due to family issues, and we wind up will an installed government.
My tinfoil hat is getting really uncomfortable today…
PEACE
August 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pmI think the best way to go after Palin would be her extreme hard right views. Point out that she and Bush are in the same corner.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:10 pmJKTroll. Pathetic as usual. Just to take one of your non points at random why would McFossil be desperate? Because he has patterned his campaign after the maiden voyage of the Titanic? Because comparing his stupidity, lack of eloquence and bad judgement to Obama overall is like comparing Stephen Hawkins with that kid that cant pass his remedial algebra test? Because Bush has PROVEN that republicans not only cant govern but dont CARE and the country is about as likely to elect another one as they are to grow wings and fly to the moon? All of those reasons
August 30th, 2008 at 1:11 pmOne notices nobody’s mentioned that, afaik, prior to his installation as Presmadint, the furthest the Chimp had ventured afield was Mexico? I’m sure the Cooter from Wasilla has at least visited Canada. So, she’s equivalently prezidunshul on that score anyway…
August 30th, 2008 at 1:12 pmNow think about this: What sense does it make for Obama and Democrats to emphasizing the importance of experience?
Perhaps you missed my post:
When the republicans defend Palin’s inexperience by mentioning Obama’s, it removes McCain from the debate, which wastes his POW credit card, and places his running-mate in the uncomfortable position of having to reassure voters of McCain’s ability to carry out his duties as president – and put[s] them on the defensive.
This is political chess. The dems are thinking moves ahead.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:12 pmtrooll @ 12:14 says:
And let’s remember that Obama is running for the top job, while Palin’s running for VP.
[and is the same breath, this:]
Unfortunately for the critics, this argument doesn’t hold water, either. All four principals are running for the highest executive position in the federal government — indeed, the position in charge of the entire executive branch.
oooh… talk about shooting oneself in the foot…
ah hahahahaha!
August 30th, 2008 at 1:13 pmspencers mom.
My initial impression of Palin is that she has fought the corrupt establishment in Alaska (her own party republicans), passed an ethics reform bill and helped kill the $400 million bridge to nowhere pork project.
I’m not so sure that she does what she’s told.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:14 pmIf history is any guide, the VP candidates don’t traditionally matter much in election outcomes.
But we have historical precedent, with a candidate of HIS age.
That’s why this VP pick matters like no other. We are into unknown political waters, and no one can predict how voters will decide the issue.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pmI don’t think so. according to wikipedia, ford nominated rockefeller as vp (over geo. hw bush), and he was confirmed by the senate.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pmTroll Kerry’s longest post ever!
August 30th, 2008 at 1:15 pmAll of it a variation on Palin is the best VP ever and we’re gonna win and things are awesome!
Methinks the trollie doth protest too much…
Krazny Says:
I think the best way to go after Palin would be her extreme hard right views. Point out that she and Bush are in the same corner.
____________
W/ this mess, it’s kind of a pick-n-choose what you go after…
Palin admitted a couple of months ago she didn’t even know what the VEEP is supposed to do, but in her defense, she might have just been referring to the PoD, Cheney, on that one.
She also said she really didn’t know anything about Iraq, or what McStain’s position on the situation was. What did they do, pick her name out of a hat?
McStain, on the other hand, apparently settled on her as his running mate after ONE phone call, if he actually made the choice, which I personally doubt.
I mean, he left deciding his own platform up to other people… talk about being the Next Deciderer…
One of his spokepeople yesterday admitted, she knew NEXT TO NOTHING about Palin after this had all been announced… and McStain has already come out and said, “Yep, she’s ready to be POTUS”… does this mean Johnny Mac is stepping aside? The GOOPers seem to be framing this as an Obama Vs Palin race now…
Jeebus, is this a Presidential election, or a pilot for a fall sit-com on Fox?
August 30th, 2008 at 1:18 pmbackup Says:
I’m not so sure that she does what she’s told.
___________
She also admitted she has no idea what the VEEP’s job is and one of McStain’s own spokespeople publicly said she knew NOTHING about Palin…
Again, what did they do, pick her name out of a hat?
August 30th, 2008 at 1:21 pmbackup Says:
“… and helped kill the $400 million bridge to nowhere pork project.”
But she kept the money for the State of Alaska anyway. No wonder she has a high approval rating.
Palin is just a distraction. No way she’s still on the ticket come November.
PEACE
August 30th, 2008 at 1:21 pmAnd I would additionally say that any republican who didn’t think the combined issues of a truly elderly president, coupled with what is in essence a boutique choice for vice president, would be salient to the political debate is either intellectually corrupt, or horribly niave.
Obama’s pick for VP was never as important as McCain’s, for exactly this reason.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:22 pmbarfly. I see your point. We see it from different angles. I disagree. By highlighting a negative (inexperience) I think it would be okay for the unaffected to be off the radar.
Imagine the McCain camp making the charge that Biden, after 25 years, is too entrenched in Washington politics to be capable of bringing fresh perspective.
In that scenerio, I wouldn’t mind being Obama, ignored, while the two establishment types make the case of why I, the relative newcomer, should be the president.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:22 pm67. The Republic of Stupidity Says:
Again, what did they do, pick her name out of a hat?
_____
HERE’S how McSame’s Harriet Miers broke thru:
http://www.slate.com/id/2198949/
Pathetic.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:25 pmSo in November, you’ll have experienced McCain standing next to inexperienced Obama after months of Democrats telling us how important experience is – in an attempt to discredit Palin (who will probably be of little consequence in November).
I think it will be lack of judgment and unstable temperament vs. good judgment and temperament.
McCain has spent 30 years in Washington and he’s on the wrong side of every issue. Palin has no experience and she’s in agreement with him. What does this say about McCain?
August 30th, 2008 at 1:26 pmThere are rumors in Alaska that her son may actually be her grandson.
The whole story smacks cover-up of an incestuos pregnancy.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pmbarfly Says:
And I would additionally say that any republican who didn’t think the combined issues of a truly elderly president, coupled with what is in essence a boutique choice for vice president, would be salient to the political debate is either intellectually corrupt, or horribly naive.
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Or flat-out stupid, barfly, don’t forget the stupid… and painfully desperate, too.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:31 pmI disagree. By highlighting a negative (inexperience) I think it would be okay for the unaffected to be off the radar.
Who’s unaffected? The guy actually running for president?
Or the person likely to replace him in office, given his age, and medical condition? We all remember when he introduced his mom on TV – but she didn’t experience five years of torture, and his cancer could easily return, once the pressures of the office start to grind on him. Short of assassination, there’s little chance Biden will replace Obama, but the same can’t be said of the republicans.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:31 pmRandomChaos Says:
There are rumors in Alaska that her son may actually be her grandson.
The whole story smacks cover-up of an incestuos pregnancy.
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Then by golly, she is perfectly suited to represent the GOOP!
August 30th, 2008 at 1:32 pmbackup Says:
In that scenerio, I wouldn’t mind being Obama, ignored, while the two establishment types make the case of why I, the relative newcomer, should be the president.
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Good Dog, this is an asinine argument.
Stop digging.. you’re already in too deep a hole.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:33 pmImagine the McCain camp making the charge that Biden, after 25 years, is too entrenched in Washington politics to be capable of bringing fresh perspective.
I think the case would be hard to make for the McCain camp because the republicans have been in the majority controlling legislation while the Democrats including Biden were in the minority.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:36 pmOr flat-out stupid, barfly, don’t forget the stupid… and painfully desperate, too.
I can smell the desperation.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:37 pmjonny Says:
HERE’S how McSame’s Harriet Miers broke thru:
________________
Yeah, I read parts of that earlier…
“WE DID IT!!!!!!” crows Brickley’s latest entry on the Draft Sarah Palin blog. “I’ll have a lot more later, but needless to say I am positively elated.”
So are we Adam… this might be the last stone needed to keep the SS GOOP sitting on the bottom for years to come…
Sink… a verb. Sinking, sank, sunk, sunken, sitting on the bottom…
***glub… glub…***
August 30th, 2008 at 1:39 pmand perhaps the second question, would john mccain have picked a woman if Hillary had never entered the primaries? lord no.
has anyone asked palin if she’s heard the one about the rapist gorilla?
August 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pmSo Palin took on Repub sed Stevens from Alaska and if she can do that she can take on the Ruskies ????!!!!!
Jon Stewert best beware that the Republicans are beginning to compete with him.
Yeah, Palin took on our Conservative Ted Stevens that the GOP is defending with everything it can.
Is there any better place to hide as a corrupt Conservative republican than under the guise of being the same corrupt conservative republican as thesanitation crew for its party?
Isn’t this the same trash Bush did with Alberto in the Justice Dept?
Lindsey’s GOP slogan;
” Yes, we clean our own cesspool by selecting the Turds we can’t protect anymore As a cost savings to the taxpayers and our big donors “.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:41 pmIf McDepends wanted to garner the female vote, he should have picked a woman that had more qualifications and experience………..Like Graham.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pmbut, but…i thought the vp’s office wasn’t in the executive branch…?
August 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pmBeen to Iraq hell I wonder when she was last in Europe let alone the middle east . I think dems should be clamoring to see he passport
August 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pmher
August 30th, 2008 at 1:45 pm#73
katy Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
i hope it’s still there when you get to it, ’cause this picture on huffpo is absolutely so incredible
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
on the far left, you have the [maybe] mom, and looking as such (why did she turn that way?), and on the far right, you have the sl[]tty pose… and who stands out, up front? miss cow chip herself!
or should i say, UNcredible…
August 30th, 2008 at 1:48 pmCan’t wait for the VEEP debate.
Smokin Joe will smile and charm her to death. While he slices her liver out and feeds it to her.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:53 pmFrom Bilbo’s link about what Alaskans think about this.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:56 pmhere’s a feminist’s view on the choice.
this article, calling the choice “perhaps the worst such choice in American History” and an “unthinkable disaster” suggests to me that mccain/palin will promote palin more to the soccer mom crowd and punt (no pun intended) on the experience question, saying she’ll surround herself with experienced advisors or something like that.
August 30th, 2008 at 2:00 pm“Gov. Palin took on Ted Stevens. If she can take him on, she can take on the Russians. Heh,” he said.
I’m amazed at the lack of Viagra jokes after a line like that.
August 30th, 2008 at 2:01 pmbronco214 Says:
“Gov. Palin took on Ted Stevens. If she can take him on, she can take on the Russians. Heh,” he said.
I’m amazed at the lack of Viagra jokes after a line like that.
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I’m already tired of hearing about Palin… this whole thing is a little too Viagravating…
August 30th, 2008 at 2:06 pmTo the brain-dead troll John Kerry: You could at least credit the source of your babble, instead of trying to take credit for it (you know a troll has hit a new low, when they have to plagiarise prattle from another moron).
Second, Sarah Palin more qualified than Obama and Biden combined? Since when granting a huge subsidy to a Canadian oil company counts as foreign policy experience?
That argument is as ridiculous as the idea that Palin has foreign policy experience because Alaska is, you know, right next to Russia. Seriously, what are you on?
August 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pmwhy the gun totin’ 4 wheel drivin’, can only think with their little head winger males will vote republican, in droves…
mcLECHER’s VP choice
and why he picked her…
August 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pmvia C&L: JANdeWIT Says:
The question is: “why didn’t John McCain chose Paris Hilton?
WOMEN WHO BEAT SARAH PALIN ON HER WAY TO THE TOP!
August 30th, 2008 at 2:24 pmExecutive experience?
August 30th, 2008 at 2:50 pmPalin has more executive experience than McCain..
The word, “LIGHTWEIGHT” best describes her.
August 30th, 2008 at 3:02 pm#backup Says:
Obama has run an outstanding campaign. What other accomplishments and experience does he have?
Graduated Harvard Law school at the top of his class.
Consititutional law professor for 10 years.
Highly respected community organizer for years.
8 years in the state legislature of a state where the major city, Chicago, has more citizens than the entire state of Alaska.
Four years as a Senator.
Yeah, that really sounds like a thin resume to me.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pmFred Says:
But bear in mind that the 90% approval rating came from one of the most conservative, and reddest-of-the-red states out there. And that approval rating came before a series of events that have lead many Alaskans to question the governor’s once pristine image.
From Bilbo’s link about what Alaskans think about this.
That 90% approval rating was shortly after she took office. Since then her approval ratings have plummeted to 67%. I know that still sounds high, but considering the fact that Stevens is still pulling high numbers even though he is totally corrupt, it tells you more about the people who live in Alaska than it does about Palin.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm“Gov. Palin took on Ted Stevens”
Ah and Im sure Wolf Ditzer, ever the inqusitive reporter, then asked Graham Cracker “well if she took him on, why did he just endorse her..”
August 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pm> What other accomplishments and
> experience does he have?
Having the good judgement to see that bringing “dumbocracy” to Iraq would basically be turning the keys to one of the most oil rich countries over to the islamic republic of iran. You know, the guys uncle Ronnie and daddy Rumsfeld wanted saddam to gas?
What good is all the “experience” in the world if someone has terrible judgement? So far, john mccains biggest claim to fame is that he couldnt avoid enemy fire. He apparently doesnt understand islam well enough to even know the difference between sunni and shia.
All the experience in the world cant compensate for terrible judgement.
August 30th, 2008 at 5:58 pm#83 MCMetal Says:
If McDepends wanted to garner the female vote, he should have picked a woman that had more qualifications and experience………..Like Graham.
**Actually From what I’ve seen. If McCain’s choice was to present a skirt in 3 inch heels to pander out the female vote it wouldn’t be Lindsey Graham.
I believe Rudy Guliani has been known to wear a skirt and heels. And he has more experience.
At public service, that is. Palin may have more experience at wearing the skirt and heels.
August 30th, 2008 at 7:06 pmMy goodness! this exactly what we want to go through again someone being VP or Prez who has no concept of the world.She has only gone abroad twice,the guy who sits in the WH now only once.Maybe these Repukes just think that the world consists of Germany,England, France,Suadia Arabia,Israel,China,Venezuela ,Iraq & Iran.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:43 pmNo, Senator McCain, we were asking if Gov. Palin has travelled abroad, not if she has travelled as a broad.
August 31st, 2008 at 10:01 am