Palin Refuses To Say Whether She Would Be Part Of Executive Branch
Palin Refuses To Say Whether She Would Be Part Of Executive Branch
When Sarah Palin was announced as John McCain’s running mate, President Bush said that she “had the executive appearance and that’s what it takes to be a capable person…in the executive branch.” But like Bush’s own vice president, it’s not clear that Palin would consider herself to be part of the executive branch.
The Hill reports that it inquired with both Joseph Biden and Sarah Palin about whether they would consider themselves to be part of the executive branch in the next administration. The Hill’s Kevin Bogardus reports, “Sen. Biden (Del.) believes the office he is seeking is solely in the executive branch, according to his staff. But aides to Alaska Gov. Palin did not answer the question”:
[A] spokesman for the Republican presidential campaign did not answer the question. Instead, he e-mailed remarks Palin gave at a campaign rally in Golden, Colo., on Monday.
Palin did not say what branch of government she believes the vice president’s office is part of in those remarks. Instead, Palin said she and Republican presidential nominee John McCain had discussed what responsibilities she would take on as his second-in-command.
Dick Cheney, and his chief aide David Addington, have repeatedly tried to argue that the vice president is not part of the executive branch. Cheney, who has referred to his office as “a unique creature,” has tried to exempt himself from a presidential executive order designed to safeguard classified national security information.
Already, Palin’s handling the “Troopergate” probe has demonstrated a striking resemblance to Cheney’s penchant for secrecy. Palin is thwarting both a state legislature probe and a state Personnel Board investigation into the ethics scandal. Like the Bush White House, she is claiming “executive privilege” on e-mails from personal accounts. And just yesterday, her husband Todd Palin — following in the footsteps of Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten — said thanks but no thanks to a subpoena demanding he appear before the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
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Palin Refuses To Say Whether She Would Be Part Of Executive Branch
Thankfully, this is purely a theoretical question where she is concerned.
September 19th, 2008 at 5:12 amThat GD piece of paper – the Constitution – only gives you 3 options (thus, the 3 branches of government). Need more civics in schools apparently (and in DC).
September 19th, 2008 at 5:13 amThis is all clearly part of a pattern of deceit and secrecy. How exactly is she going to bring transparency and accountability to Washington, when she doesn’t want to be open and accountable for her own actions?
September 19th, 2008 at 5:27 amyou guys seen the movie Idiocracy? I highly recommend this one… its funny and absurd but not too far off base, even today, i dont see us too far from where the movie depicts us getting in the next 500 years. we already have a vice-presidential candidate who apparently won a wet t-shirt contest to get the job….this lady is dumb as a box of rocks and yet she still has a 40 percent approval rating because she claims to love guns and jesus? wow….
September 19th, 2008 at 5:32 amPalin prefers the title of Reichmarshall.
September 19th, 2008 at 9:56 amI’m thinking that she won’t answer because she doesn’t know exactly “what does a vice-president do?”
September 19th, 2008 at 9:58 amShe is a perfect neo-con since everyone on her staff including “first dude Todd” have ignored subpoenas just like the BushCo’s. I’m wondering if she is a product of “no child-left behing education” She is dumb
Well, in her defense, she did say she didn’t know what the VEEP does, other than bite the heads off of puppies and drink their blood… perhaps she’s still trying to figure it out.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:00 amdareme Says:
I’m thinking that she won’t answer because she doesn’t know exactly “what does a vice-president do?”
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Heh.. great minds, blah blah blah…
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I’m wondering if she is a product of “no child-left behing education”
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I’m getting more of an odor, if you will, of “home schooled” here.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:01 am@#2, po Says:
That GD piece of paper – the Constitution – only gives you 3 options (thus, the 3 branches of government). Need more civics in schools apparently (and in DC).
September 19th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Schools de-emphasized civics instruction AFTER the student rebels of the 60s and 70s used their understanding of the shape and function of Govt to challenge it…
it was a conscious decision, made at the top levels…
September 19th, 2008 at 10:06 amWell, that should help distance McCain and Palin from the Bush-Cheney administration.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:11 amYou know, it just occurred to me that the RNC doesn’t really have a big problem with its presidential ticket. I mean McNumbNuts and Failin’ Palin are campaigning together all over the country.
All it would take for the RNC to get out of the mess they’re in is a little aircraft deferred maintenance.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:12 amIf the Incontinence/Incompetence team win the election we’re doomed, doomed, doomed.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:17 amCheney is correct. He is a creature…Like the one from the Black Lagoon. Well…he’s a goon anyway…And a rightwing goon at that. And they’re the worst kind…
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September 19th, 2008 at 10:18 amThe Republic of Stupidity Says:
I’m getting more of an odor, if you will, of “home schooled” here.
I am leaning more toward images of Palin riding the “short bus” – that could explain why no one remembers her from her 19 years, sorry, 6 years of undergrad – it was all remedial.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:19 amCheney Light(weight)
September 19th, 2008 at 10:24 amI’m sure Palin will answer the question when somebody tells her what the “correct” answer is…
September 19th, 2008 at 10:24 amthis lady is dumb as a box of rocks and yet she still has a 40 percent approval rating because she claims to love guns and jesus?
Her popularity proves Obama’s comments about how some of those who are frustrated and feel disenfranchised cling to guns and God. The superficiality of the Palinites is sad to see but understandable. The ship of state is sinking and these morons just want to stay on deck and admire the scenery.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:26 amDid she have to search five colleges to find one that would let her graduate without any civics courses?
September 19th, 2008 at 10:27 amCan someone please send Tity McGee and Oldy McDodderington some civics textbooks? Apparently there’s a shortage in Alaska.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:28 amsatirev Says
September 19th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I believe her claim to a college degree is shaky at best – easily concluded form the lack of critical thought process during any of her answers and reeks “high school” just like that of her husband. I see no difference whatsoever between them – and he admits he only “attended” college.
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You know how Obama’s claim to have been born in the United States has been challenged — to the point where the State of Hawaii record department has surrendered his original birth certificate to any number of parties to authenticate it as genuine? And even still, jerks like G. Gordon Liddy still allege he was born in Kenya and his Hawaii birth certificate is a Photoshopped fake.
Why has nobody put Palin’s college degree under a similar microscope? I realize that being a natural born U.S. citizen is a requirement for being President, and graduating from college is not, but it would be nice to know if Palin is telling the truth or if her resume is a pack of lies.
But hey — IOK(to lie)IYAR.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:31 amAnd just yesterday, her husband Todd Palin — following in the footsteps of Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten — said thanks but no thanks to a subpoena demanding he appear before the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
The Straight Jacket Express(TM) reports Mr. Sarah is merely invoking the “I’m fcuking the executive, privelege” :)~
September 19th, 2008 at 10:34 am> The ship of state is sinking
> and these morons just want to stay
> on deck and admire the scenery.
Yep, all because McCain decided to throw a wet-t shirt contest on the shuffleboard deck…Palin reeks of the smarmy high school principal attitude that I despise…the type of person whose too stupid to understand how little they understand, yet beleives that their modest successes in life have somehow made them into fountains of folksy wisdom..
McCain/Palin 08: vote plane cr$sh and trailer trash
September 19th, 2008 at 10:38 amsatirev Says:
I believe her claim to a college degree is shaky at best – easily concluded form the lack of critical thought process during any of her answers and reeks “high school” just like that of her husband. I see no difference whatsoever between them – and he admits he only “attended” college.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:25 am
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Unfortunately, critical thinking skills are no longer a prerequisite for receiving a college degree.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am> easily concluded form the lack of critical
> thought process during any of her answers
She probably f#cked someone to get her degree, but to be honest, even if she truly earned it, having one or more degrees doesnt necessarily mean much… look at Abu Gonzo, the dude is living proof that just because you went to harvard law school doesnt mean you have to be either competent, or, at the very least, even a decent liar..
September 19th, 2008 at 10:41 amsatirev,
Any idiot can get a Bachelors in Communications.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:47 amIs she part of the executive branch of Alaska? As governor, he claims to be so important to the state. Who’s doing the job of governor while she’s campaigning?
September 19th, 2008 at 10:47 amI’ve thought it was a mistake for progressives to underestimate Palin.
She’s not the unqualified, unintelligent parrot that many here want to paint her as.
But, we can agree to disagree. Maybe there’s no downside to pretending she’s a flash in the pan.
Bill Clinton had an interview on CNBC yesterday, and seems to agree that Palin is a strong candidate:
September 19th, 2008 at 10:49 am
More evidence of the extension of Bush/Cheney and of McCain/Palin’s lack of openness and transparency. What branch are they going to fabricate?
McCon-Pullin’ Fabric ‘08 America
September 19th, 2008 at 10:53 amPalin reeks of the smarmy high school principal attitude that I despise…the type of person whose too stupid to understand how little they understand, yet beleives that their modest successes in life have somehow made them into fountains of folksy wisdom
Lots of parallels between her and GDumbya.
GDumbya was born on third base and grew up thinking he hit a triple. When given the opportunity, he stole second base instead of running to home plate.
Failin’ Palin got to first on an intentional walk. Now she’s attempting to steal home plate without touching second or third base.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:55 amsatirev Says:
Sean, I killed that bridge!
More evasion….more lies….
But..but..she did kill the bridge, after it was already dead. I have a vision of Sarah Barracuda killing a moose. The moose is already dead and she walks up and shoots it. Then she claims that she killed the moose.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:56 am#backup Says:
I’ve thought it was a mistake for progressives to underestimate Palin.
I think it is a mistake for us to underestimate the stupidity of backup. It is a perfect example of how you can’t cure stupid.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:57 amsatirev Says
September 19th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I’ve noticed that her mouth is flapping aimlessly even when greeting people on the stump. Now she’s interrupting McKeatingFive mid-sentence with stupid remarks and I think he’s about to blow. Then she reversed the ticket all day yesterday. Even senile McPappy knows political decorum and is showing his embarrassment for her.
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Maybe we could get a twofer here. Imagine Palin committing a great faux pas AND McBluster throwing a tantrum on camera at the same time! Hey, it COULD happen…
Ironically, people I know (women) who were ready to embrace her are not calling her “toxic” and “total risk”. She’s clearly lost women according to the polls so now I believe we just need to sit back and watch the trainwreck come to it’s final resting place….into the GRAVEYARD OF IRRELEVANCE.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:00 amoops — that last paragraph on my post was satirev’s, not mine. Forgot to delete before posting. Need more caffeine…
September 19th, 2008 at 11:02 ambackup Says:
I’ve thought it was a mistake for progressives to underestimate Palin.
She’s not the unqualified, unintelligent parrot that many here want to paint her as.
Keep polishing, backup.
But go back and read what Clinton actually said, rather than how you appear to have filtered it. He said she is an “effective candidate”. Candidate, backup, is not the same as “qualified” to hold high office. Maybe you’d like to address those qualifications. Or maybe you’d like to address the issues that face the country (thanks to Republican incompetence, for the most part) and how Palin or McCain is suited to handle them.
Or maybe you’d like to take a less-filtered look at her authoritarian ideology.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:04 am> She’s not the unqualified, unintelligent
> parrot that many here want to paint her as.
And you’ve come to this conclusion how? By the fact she claims she has experience with russia because her state is closer to them than any other state? Because she didnt know that Fannie Mae was a private company? Because a month before she was picked to be VP, she didnt know exactly what it was that a VP actually does? Because she had to hire a manager to do her job for her when she was mayor? Because it took her 6 different schools to get a 4 year degree? What exactly is it about her that makes you think shes qualified to be president?
( snip bill clinton saying semi-nice things about her )
ever heard of the phrase “d@mming with faint praise”?
September 19th, 2008 at 11:09 ambill clinton isnt exactly known for publicly condemning people, even the enemy…if you have alot of examples of him doing so, please post them..
Before 1980, when the conservative movement and Republican Party began its drive to become a cult, conservative leaders actually had some touch with reality and less with a desire to deceive.
I can only say that my experience is there for the people to consider; Senator Kennedy’s is there for the people to consider. As he pointed out, we came to the Congress in the same year. His experience has been different from mine. Mine has been in the executive branch. His has been in the legislative branch. [Richard Nixon - Sept. 26, 1960]
I think the debate over experience is misplaced. It’s judgement which should be the main point to consider. Palin obvioulsy would carry on the same vindictive, deceptive, dishonest, ideological, un-American and secretive horror we have endured under Cheney/Bush.
McCain shows daily that he is a doddering old fella who wobbles in and out of reality.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:10 amSeems like a straight forward question requiring a straight, knowledgeable answer reflecting the dual roles of the VP. This plays into the new game ‘interpretation’ plaguing Republican administrations across the country (and Alaska). They can set the terms of their involvement in accountability even when they do not have a role. Todd Palin should be treated as any citizen, Alaskan or American. You don’t just decide what legalities to obey. Arrest him now.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:11 amoh, and backup, i wonder what you think of Palin filing a complaint against herself, then trying to withdrawl that complaint? the sign of a smart person with lots of foresight?
September 19th, 2008 at 11:13 amDoes she even know what the three branches of government are?
September 19th, 2008 at 11:14 ambackup Says
September 19th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I’ve thought it was a mistake for progressives to underestimate Palin.
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You have a valid point, and you’ll notice that nobody in the Obama camp is underestimating her.
It would be easy to dismiss her as having all the depth of a coffee spill, but that could be politically fatal.
Nobody is comparing her to Franklin Roosevelt when it comes to statesmanship, but the fact that she has popularity can’t be discounted.
Another hazard of painting her as an idiot is the Dan Quayle Syndrome. When Quayle debated Gore in the veep debate in 2000, Gore cleaned Quayle’s clock, but Quayle got awarded with a “better than expected” verdict from the press because the bar had been set so low for him. A bar set low for Palin could produce the same result for her when she debates Biden.
Yes, many of us are dismissing her as a cross between Barbie and Chatty Cathy. But Biden is taking her seriously, and rightly so.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:23 amtaotebjp Says:
Does she even know what the three branches of government are?
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You have to be more specific here… what sort of tree are we talking about?
September 19th, 2008 at 11:28 amCool, a fascist in wolfskins. It’s Dick Cheney with tits and religion.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:28 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
It would be easy to dismiss her as having all the depth of a coffee spill, but that could be politically fatal.
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And half the substance… and you’d be Right. On. the. Money.
What’s really creepy here is the fact that it’s now Obama V Palin, for all intents and purposes. McCain has become irrelevant, even though he’s still the GOOP’s POTUS candidate. I keep reading accounts of small crowds when McCain is campaigning alone, and when Palin is w/ him, the crowd starts leaving as soon as she’s thru talking. I’m surprised John’s ego can take it.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:32 amHere’s a look at how the press (ie, Charlie Gibson) has scrutinized Palin vs. how they question Obama (side by side):
http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=29535
If you’re objective, the bar has seemed to be raised for Palin (which is absolutely appropriate for someone a heartbeat away), but where is the scrutiny for Obama who would be president day one.
Palin has held up better than most predicted here a couple of weeks ago. She still hasn’t done many interviews and the debate will be very telling.
But, so far, she has alluded the significant gaffes that many in the press seem to anticipate and/or hope for. Under much more scrutiny (albeit, for a very brief period) than Obama, Biden, and even McCain.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:38 amGreat — another Cheney. Only not even 1/10th as smart.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:41 amThe more I read this stuff the more I’m convinced the Republicans don’t want to win this election.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:47 amSince when do Americans not have to answer a subpoena?
And what’s up with Rove being on t.v. but not being able to appear before congress? And Miers?
Palin and her husband will fit right in with the crooks that run the Republican party.
Who’s voting for these people?
>You have a valid point, and you’ll notice that
>nobody in the Obama camp is underestimating her.
I think we’re probably all using the word “underestimating” differently.
I dont underestimate her ability to sway idiots with her faux “middle class hockey mom” demeanour and her very, very modest “good looks”. since politicians are usually downright ugly, even being mildly porkable is a plus for a politician, especially amongst the “i want a president id like to hang out with” voters. hopefully, all these troopergate machinations will catch up to her and people will see through her facade sooner than later..
when it comes to estimating her intelligence or ability, on the other hand…well..its obvious this lady has little of either and so i think any almost any estimate is probably going to be an overestimate.. i’ll bet anything palin hopshoteched from school to school so she could take advantage of special rules for transfer students which allow her to earn a ..chiggerrigged degree which she probably couldnt have earned from spending all her time at a single institution..
September 19th, 2008 at 11:48 amMcCain on ‘the view’.
http://infidelsarecool.com/2008/04/10/video-john-mccain-on-the-view/
Obama on ‘the view’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPTl4s_xIDY
I know it’s the view. But, what’s it going to be are we going to give a puff piece platform to both candidates, because it’s a puff piece show. Or are we going to ask hard hitting questions because these candidates are vying for arguably the most important job on the planet.
Either answer is okay. But, giving one a pass and grilling the other, doesn’t seem like a rational answer.
The American people aren’t stupid. They can see the bias. With the scrutiny and hardball directed at Palin and McCain from the mainstream media, eventually, even lukewarm Obama supporters will start to wonder why we’re not asking the questions of Obama that we’ve been so adamant about putting to Palin and McCain.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:58 ammissmolly. your post around #46 is right.
you get it.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:01 pm>but where is the scrutiny for Obama
>who would be president day one.
Hahahahahahah. Haaahaaha. Dude..Obama preacher said “g#d damn america” in the middle of an hourlong sermon and it got played over and over.
campare this to the near zero coverage of
Palins preacher whose said in his sermons, amongst other things, that Jews deserve the violence that they have coming to them, and all kinds of other kooky things. He was involved in some group that stoned a woman to death in africa for being a witch. Hes penetcostal. They handle snakes and speak in tounges. If obamas reverend was involved in such a religion you can bet we’d be seeing a 24/7 non-stop expose about it..
Care to compare the scrutinty thier respective preachers have got and care to explain why none of the frightening things Palins preacher have said have been played over and over again?
September 19th, 2008 at 12:02 pmChocolate Jesus.
Palin’s first interview after her selection as the running mate. The mainstream media tees it off for Charlie Gibson.
Here’s the link again. Take a look at it and ask yourself. Why do they ask all the specific international questions of Palin and not Obama. Why do they charge Palin of conceit and not Obama. Why do they misquote Palin and not Obama.
http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=29535
Take a look at the questions, my friend. The answers are there and obvious.
People see the bias. And more and more skeptism about the double standard will turn to public outcry.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:04 pm>The American people aren’t stupid.
> They can see the bias.
Your posts are getting stupider and stupider dude. Bias? From who? The media who obssessed for weeks and weeks about reverend wright before they realized nobody cared anymore?
September 19th, 2008 at 12:04 pmI dont know sh$t about “the view” but if im correct, its a womens show, isnt it?
John Mccain is wholly hostile to womens issues, from the right to choose, to the right to equal pay for equal work.
Does it really not make sense that someone who is wholly hostile
September 19th, 2008 at 12:07 pmto womens issues isnt going to get treated as nicely on a womens show?
Cheney has already promised her his man-sized safe.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:07 pmoh and lets not forget Palin did a commerical for the AIP, whose founder said he hated the american government and that the fires of hell were nothing compared to his hatred for america. her husband was a card carrying member of this organization. are you really trying to tell me that if obama had done a commerical for such an organization or that Michelle Obama were a member, that we wouldnt be hearing about it day after day? how much have you heard about Palins involvement in this radical racist separtist group from the media?
September 19th, 2008 at 12:09 pmAnd the debates are coming.
It makes sense for all sides to try to lower expectations.
Biden should praise Palin as strong, Palin vice versa, and McCain and Obama, the same.
For the reason missmolly shares around 46 about the relative win if you only beat expectations.
But, grilling McCain and Palin now (and recently) and taking it easy on Biden (has he even been interviewed?) and Obama; is short sighted.
If you put these candidates side by side in a debate – it’s much more difficult to give one a pass and grill the other.
So, in that setting, who’s been better served? The candidate that’s had more scrutiny or the ones that haven’t?
You probably want to make the argument that Obama has been scrutinized and Palin hasn’t. I’ll listen to it, but it doesn’t show from the Gibson interviews, or Obama’s treatment on the view, etc.
And again, Obama’s the top of the ticket, Palin’s two. Where are the interviews of Biden? Does anyone care about what he thinks? Does that serve him well for his upcoming debate against Palin?
I guess we’ll see.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:10 pmBackup – I think you’re not getting it. You’re making assumptions about what we believe about Sarah Polecat (sp?).
I don’t think any of us believe that she’s not charming/charismatic. She is both. Nor do we deny that she is smart. She is certainly smart — but I describe her kind of smart as “low cunning” – in other words, she is expedient in the extreme, and effectively recognizes what she must say and/or do to get what she wants.
And then, to go along with her low cunning and expediency, she is apparently not at all burdened with a conscience or a set of morals that rule her behavior, because she has made it quite clear that she will do whatever it takes to get whatever she wants.
Expediency.
Lack of morals.
Cunning.
Charismatic.
In other words, the perfect Republican candidate.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:17 pmMany thanks to Chocolate Jesus for suggesting the movie “Idiocracy.” It’s not the best or the funniest movie in the world, but it’s a must-watch considering the moronic tenor of this election.
I think “Backup” should definitely see Idiocracy. Anyone who thinks Sarah Palin has been vetted or challenged more than Barak Obama has during a grueling 18-month campaign definitely needs to sit through at least one viewing of idiocracy.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:20 pmOne thing I forgot (but I’m not running for office). What’s up with the six colleges in five years? Let’s get her transcripts please. Unitl Bush (the blighted) transcripts were open for inspection.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:20 pmI thought we couldn’t possible elect anyone dumber than Bush. Let’s hope this country doesn’t.
>What is Obama’s position on the AIG bailout.
Dunno. At least he knows that AIG isnt (or at least, wasnt) funded by the american taxpayers. Thats more than I can say for your darling vikodin valkyrie…..
September 19th, 2008 at 12:21 pm>John McCain has three thousand pages of medical records PER >DAY
sorry, I think that number is actually about three hundred PER DAY…still.. an incredible amount..
September 19th, 2008 at 12:22 pm>Take a look at the questions, my friend. The answers are >there and obvious
Obama has been interviews a thousand times during the presidential race. It only makes sense that people arent going to ask him questions that have already been answered dozens and dozens of times. You harp on specific interviews and act like they’d occured in a vacuum. They havent. Look at the history,look at the context. Obama has shown up on O-reilly TWICE. When do you think Palin will have the courage to go be interview by Rachel Maddow? So what do you say about coverage of Obamas preacher versus Palins? And what about Palins involvement in the radical separatist group AIP that publickly proclaims their hatred of america? thoughts?
September 19th, 2008 at 12:23 pmi think an honest assesment of palin’s intellect is that shes about as cunning as a well trained dog. if thats was passes for “intelligent” these days, so be it.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:27 pm>but it doesn’t show from the Gibson interviews, or Obama’s >treatment on the view, etc.
right, we all know that the only information the media gives people about a candiate is from interviews. (rolls eyes)
once again, the view is a womans show, john mccain is against everything women have struggled for, so its hard to fathom how he’d be questioned as a hostile witness on that show..
September 19th, 2008 at 12:29 pmShe was smart enough to poison the lake her own house sits on.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:30 pmChocolate Jesus. You make a good point around #65.
He has been running a long time and maybe some of those questions have been answered.
McCain has been lambasted for his stands on the current economic situation here. But, he has taken positions. Apparently, when you’re president, it’s not an option to simply vote present.
What is Obama’s position on the AIG bailout. It’s in the news, it’s significant government policy. Has he been asked about it? Where does he stand on the issue?
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/obama_supports_the_fed_the_aig.php
September 19th, 2008 at 12:34 pm>And again, Obama’s the top of the ticket,
> Palin’s two.
John McCain has three thousand pages of medical records PER DAY for the last 20 years. Are you the only person who doesnt realize that McCain has almost certainly been diagnosed as terminal and that he will likely succumb to cancer by the end of the decade? Did you ever stop and wonder why he allowed a carefully selected group of reporters to thrumb through his medical records at the rate of 20 pages per minute before yanking them back? The guy has cancer, just from looking at his pallin deathly appearance, its obvious he wont last much longer, and everyone in the room except you seems to have figured this out by now..
September 19th, 2008 at 12:37 pmbackup Says:
So, in that setting, who’s been better served? The candidate that’s had more scrutiny or the ones that haven’t?
You probably want to make the argument that Obama has been scrutinized and Palin hasn’t. I’ll listen to it, but it doesn’t show from the Gibson interviews, or Obama’s treatment on the view, etc.
And again, Obama’s the top of the ticket, Palin’s two. Where are the interviews of Biden? Does anyone care about what he thinks? Does that serve him well for his upcoming debate against Palin?
Your entire argument is fallacious, backup. If Palin has been “scrutinized” more thoroughly in the last two weeks than either of the Democrats, it might be because no one knew anything about her all prior to that, right, while Biden has a long legislative record that easily defines his opinions and ideology, and Obama has been interviewed, scrutinized and a n a l y zed for, what, two years?
As Chocolate Jesus has tried to explain to you, you’re looking at the last two weeks and completely ignoring the last year or more.
If McCain and Palin are getting criticized more than Obama and Biden in the last few weeks by the press, maybe it’s because McCain and Palin have been persistently LYING over and over again, even when the lies have been thoroughly refuted. Is that really the behavior you look for in your “leaders”?
I will say this, the past few months of the presidential campaigns has really brought out your true colors, backup. No more pretense at being thoughtful and even-handed, but now you’re far more open about polishing the turds as fast as you can. Your persistent dishonesty has emerged into the full light of day.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:39 pmOf course she didn’t answer. She doesn’t know!
She can’t see the branch from Alaska.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:42 pmMany have asked Palin directly about her flip flop on the bridge. That’s very appropriate. Many characterize her claim that she told the government thanks but no thanks, as a lie.
McCain is questioned about his ads as being dishonest. The questioned him on the view and characterized his ads as ‘lies’.
I get it.
But, McCain was at Saddleback and was asked what he considered rich. He joked that the income level of 5 million was what he considered rich. It was a joke. He was laughing. Everyone in the room knew he wasn’t being serious. He immediately predicted that the quote would be taken out of context.
He was right. Obama stood up in front of 80,000 in Denver (many millions around the world) and repeated the lie that McCain thinks that 5 million is the threshold to be considered rich. He was not joking. He wanted to use the quote, taken out of context, to imply that McCain’s out of touch. But, it was dishonest. Obama knows it.
My point is not directed at Obama. Politics is like that. McCain does it. Palin does it. And Obama does it.
But, we call out McCain for it. We call out Palin for it. Has anyone called out Obama? The clip may be out there. I’ll concede it, if it is. Somebody in the mainstream media, asking Obama about the claim during the DNC speech, when Obama knew it was a dishonest claim about a quote taken out of context.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:44 pmThis is true – incredible as it appears.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:54 pmThe pastor whose prayer Sarah Palin says helped her to become governor of Alaska founded his ministry with a witchhunt against a Kenyan woman who he accused of causing car accidents through demonic spells.
Palin’s got nothing but praise for the guy.
“As I was mayor and Pastor Muthee was here and he was praying over me, and you know how he speaks and he’s so bold. And he was praying “Lord make a way, Lord make a way.”
“He said ‘Lord make a way and let her do this next step. And that’s exactly what happened.’”
Her June 8 speech was to mark the graduation of students from the Wasilla Assembly of God’s Masters’ Commission, which, as Pastor Ed Kalins explains, believes Alaska will be the refuge for American evangelicals upon the coming “End of Days”.
Backup – there is no way in bloody HELL that 5-podunk-colleges-in-4-years-Bachelor’s-in-journalism Sarah Palin has as much experience or is as qualified as Harvard-law-degree-Constitutional-scholar Barack Obama.
That’s just plain bullshit. Give it up.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:59 pmgummitch. I concede the argument that Chocolate Jesus made about Obama being interviewed over two years. Maybe most of those questions have been asked.
I appreciate Obama for a lot of things. He’s better on social issues. His presidency would help sooth strained relations with the rest of the world, from the Bush administration. He’s the best communicator I’ve ever see. I’m agnostic and I want an even widely separation of church and state, than we have today. Although I support conservative ideals of expanding domestic energy production (oil, clean coal, nuclear), I don’t trust them to really pursue renewables, like I would Obama.
But, I think Obama made a mistake by not choosing Hillary. I think Obama has been getting a relative pass from the main stream media. I question more and more Obama’s experience. I do think it is comparable to Palin’s despite the links that you have giving me. I’m concerned about increased spending (Bush spent wildly, but I haven’t heard Obama charge that he wants to spend less). I’m concerned that Obama wants to increase taxes in a time of economic down turn.
I think McCain has had a record of bi-partisan work. He has a good record on earmarks. I think Palin was a wise choice (politically), regardless of whether I disagree with some of her positions. And I think that although you can poke holes in some of McCain’s economic positions, he seems more willing to take more definite stands on issues than Obama does.
I’m very interested in watching the upcoming debates. I believe it will be the best opportunity that we have to filter out most of the partisan spin and compare apples to apples, in a more objective arena.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:00 pmBackup: “But, we call out McCain for it. We call out Palin for it. Has anyone called out Obama?”
Of course they’ve “called out” Obama. Annenberg Fact check took those statements apart. And, as far as Fact Check is concerned, the Obama campaign has had a few zingers, but the McCain campaign is literally built on lies.
Let’s review: Obama’s past affiliation with a church was a big, big issue. Palin’s church, in which people pray for the “end times” and see their state as a “refuge state” hasn’t been an issue. Obama’s wife had her patriotism challenged for some offhand statements, while Palin’s husband has been a card-carrying member of a secessionist party that doesn’t see Alaskans as Americans. Again, not seeing Alaskans as Americans doesn’t seem to equate as “unpatriotic.” Obama has taken much criticism for his affiliation with Rezko and yet it’s somehow just a “political stunt” to expect Palin and her people to follow Alaskan law and testify in the “Troopergate” scandal.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:05 pmThat woman has no comprehension of the contiguous States and the lives of those of us who live in them. She’s the product of a fantasy-bubble of wilderness and welfare where people have been making up the rules as they go for 150 years, and happily flouting any rule they didn’t happen to agree with. She may in fact be well-suited to her native climate, but she is, in no credible way whatsoever, qualified to so much as comment on the “the rest of the Country’s” business.
That should be as plain to understand as a stop sign to anyone who’s graduated Third Grade, and the fact it isn’t is the most troubling news of all.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:08 pmgummitch. Sorry, I couldn’t figure out how to use the link. But, yesterday, Bill Clinton comes out and suggests that Palin shouldn’t be underestimated. I said a similar thing 3 weeks ago:
Is it really partisan dishonesty? Is it dishonesty from Bill Clinton, or is it just a different view than yours.
You should disagree with me. But, chalking up a disagreement as dishonest, is easy, but often, not accurate.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:15 pmbackup: “I question more and more Obama’s experience. I do think it is comparable to Palin’s despite the links that you have giving me. I’m concerned about increased spending (Bush spent wildly, but I haven’t heard Obama charge that he wants to spend less). I’m concerned that Obama wants to increase taxes in a time of economic down turn.”
- Obama’s first legislative job represented more people than the entire state of Alaska. He not only authorized lots of legislation, but some of it was “maverick” legislation that went up against the state’s legal and police establishment. In the US Senate, he went against people in his own party to help bipartisan ethics reform and he worked with republicans to craft “loose nukes” legislation.
- Obama’s plan only raises taxes on people making over $250K a year. Everyone else gets a break. McCain’s plan, by contrast, actually taxes medical benefits afforded by employers which amounts to a tax increase on 158 million working families. The mainstream media has absentmindedly forgotten to mention this.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:15 pm49er. I understand if you want to dissect my post from 3 weeks ago. My point was that she shouldn’t be underestimated.
Would you also dissect what Bill Clinton said yesterday (after the benefit of 3 weeks to take a better look at it):
PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: No, she’s a– she’s an instinctively– effective candidate. And with a compelling story. And– and I think it was exciting to some– that– that she was a woman. It was exciting that she was from Alaska. It was exciting that she’s sort of like the person she is. And she grew up in a– came up in a political culture and a religious culture that is probably well to the right of the American center. But, she didn’t basically define herself in those terms. She’s basically said, “Look, this is where I’m from. I’m not gonna impose this on you. This is what I wanna do that I think we can all be a part of.” So, she handled herself very well. So, I– no, I wasn’t surprised. I think that– you know, I disagree with them on a lot of these issues. And that’s why aside from party affiliation, that’s why I would be for Senator Obama and Senator Biden anyway. But– but, I think she– I– I get why she’s done so well. She– she’s– it’s a mistake to underestimate her. She’s got good in– sorry– intuitive skills. They’re significant.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:15 pm49er dem. has someone asked Obama in an interview about it?
September 19th, 2008 at 1:16 pmbackup: “On the energy issue, she’s strong.”
She has recently demonstrated in a softball interview with Hannity that she doesn’t even know her own state’s percentage of our nations energy or oil and gas supply. McBush errrr McCain recently said she “knows more about energy than anyone in the United States.” Does that sound like hyperbole to you, backup? Shouldn’t she know that Alaska represents 3.5% or our energy production, not 20%?
September 19th, 2008 at 1:18 pmbackup: “I don’t support tampering with Roe v. Wade. I think that would be a mistake.”
Palin isn’t supporting “tampering with R v W.” Her position is that abortion should be illegal even in cases of rape or incest. That puts her in line with about 10% of Americans on opinion so she’s an extremeist by definition on that issue.
backup: “She has been selling the idea of drilling ANWAR for a while and is convincing on the benefits, the ability to drill ecologically responsibly, and the national need to do it.”
Ecologically responsible??!! It’s been documented that as Mayor of Wasilla, she was responsible for making their beautiful lake essentially a “dead lake.” You can’t fish there anymore and the safety of swimming in it is in question. Are you arguing that a politician who gets the worst ratings from all environmental groups is going to be “ecologically responsible??!!” Nice try.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:26 pm.
So, Palin still doesn’t know what the V.P. does…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oro2Yh9HoEM
(watch from 1:55)
… But she does know that being V.P. should benefit Alaska.
.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:32 pm“How is Todd Palin any different from the rest of us?”
He’s an insider on Sarah Palin, literally & figuratively!
sorry, couldn’t resist!
September 19th, 2008 at 1:43 pmA Quote:
“Sarah Palin is not ready to be Vice President by any stretch of the imagination and the Republicans know it. They are scornfully mocking us and are waiting to see how stupid and gullible we are, they have polished another turd and are serving it with a straight face. If America’s undecided independent voters buy this pig wearing lipstick, we deserve a government of the stupid, by the stupid, for the stupid.”
Enuf said!
September 19th, 2008 at 1:57 pmbackup, I believe Obama was challenged about his ads during his Bill O’Reilly interview. I think going on O’Reilly’s show demonstrated guts.
Now, when will McCain or Palin go on Rachel Maddow or Keith Olberman’s show for an interview and if not, why not? Are they chicken shits? If they can’t stand up to Rachel Maddow, how do you expect them to stand up to international adversaries?
September 19th, 2008 at 1:58 pmSince that Fact Check was published on September 8, new information has come to light. The Pastor of a church in Wasilla insists that Palin specifically sought to remove “Daddy has a Roomate” and “Pastor, I am Gay” from the Wasilla library. He claims Palin agressively sought to ban the books from the library.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:01 pmbackup, no need for me to “dissect” what Clinton said because I agree with him except on a couple minor points.
When Clinton made his remarks, the story about Palin’s management style, her habit of following personal vendettas and certainly her stated desire to remove certain books from the Wasilla library were not common knowledge. Clinton also did not know at that time that Palin would break Alaska law by not cooperating with the legislature and not honoring a court-approved mandate to testify.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:03 pmAnd please, backup, before you reflexively lurch to the “partisan inquiry” card, know that the legislative council asking for the inquiry was made up of 10 republicans and 4 democrats.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:05 pmYou know if it was just some average Joe Smoe saying no thanks to a court order they’d have his arse in jail. How is Todd Palin any different from the rest of us? When do we get to pick and choose what laws apply to us?
September 19th, 2008 at 2:08 pmThe bottom line for you, backup, is that Palin is exhibiting the same kind of style as Dick Cheney – not honoring lawful requests by the court; not allowing certain people to question; harboring the same strange view of the position which is out of line with virtually every constitutional scholar in America.
If you like Dick Cheney, then I can understand you supporting Palin – she’s a neocon and a classic “wingnut.” And, she would be a heartbeat away from the office next to a 72-year old man with a history of melanoma.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:11 pm“How is Todd Palin any different from the rest of us?”
The neoconservative philosophy is as elitist as one can get. They are above the law. They “make their own reality.” Certain “special” people have more rights than others. The wealthy take huge profits and socialize their losses. Losses? The hoy palloy can pay for those.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:13 pmYet there are folks out there ready to line up and vote for Palin, without question. Frontier Barbie has more question marks plastered on her than the Riddler, yet mindless conservatives (you know, those who can’t think for themselves, so they let Fox News and Rush Limbaugh think for them) want to vote for her, regardless. “Oh, she looks just like my daughter.” Sh*t like that.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:20 pm49er. Clinton made those remarks yesterday.
And here’s a fact check of Palin’s ‘book banning’.
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_palin.html
We should all take a harder look at what’s passing for ‘common knowledge’.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:26 pmSince that Fact Check on September 8, the Pastor of a church in the Wasilla area has claimed that Palin did indeed want to ban two books from the library. They were called “Daddy has a Roomate” and “Pastor, I am Gay.”
And, what exactly is the point of citing Bill Clinton’s remarks? How about the fact that Sarah Palin lies repeatedly on the stump. She never told congress anything. She never said “thanks, but no thanks.” Nobody in congress ever heard her say that because they scuttled the bridge earmark before she ever took office. Why does she continue to repeat the lie and why are you not concerned with a candidate who will continue to repeat a lie after it has been shown to be a lie?
September 19th, 2008 at 2:48 pm“Instead, Palin said she and Republican presidential nominee John McCain had discussed what responsibilities she would take on as his second-in-command.”
Palin, with her hardcore fundamentalist religious beliefs (kinda like Monica Goodling, who violated the U.S. Constitution and perverted the Justice Department), would be appointed by McCain as Evangelist-In-Chief.
Vice President Cheney was/is creepy and corrupt.
A Vice President Palin would be doubly creepy and corrupt, with a rigid, right-wing al Qaeda-like twist thrown in.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:49 pmWhat a sexist, horrible, mean, (did I say sexist already?) question to put to Sarah. Wasn’t it enough to engage in “gotcha” questions like “Do you support the Bush Doctrine?” Do you actually expect her to understand how the federal government is laid out under the Constitution??? Puh-lease…. If that’s the sort of silly information you think is important, why don’t you just elect a Constitutional law professor or something!
September 19th, 2008 at 3:30 pmTP, when you say she had executive “appearance”, do you mean “experience”? BTW, love your new headline.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:43 pmhey backup. Nobody is saying books were banned. The concern would be why the f uck a mayor or anybody else would be asking about how to go about it and whether or not the librarian would be :onboard” if the “need” to ban should arise
September 19th, 2008 at 4:18 pmLeave her alone, it’s a personal decision and the government should stay out of it. It’s none of our business whether she considers the VP to be part of the executive branch.
September 19th, 2008 at 5:16 pmthat’s just stupid
September 19th, 2008 at 5:52 pmdbadass. I concede your point about nobody here is saying that books were banned. but, where the charge is today is remarkable weak to the initial claims of book banning.
And 49er. I also see your point. I was watching part of Palin’s interview with Hannity. He asked her about the bridge to nowhere. I expected some backtracking, but she stood by her story.
I think it’s evident that her initial claim that she refused the bridge outright has been successfully refuted.
She initially wanted the pork for Alaska, the bridge became unpopular in Washington, and she opposed it when it didn’t have any traction any way. And she kept the money for other projects. She can say she opposed it (eventually), but attempting to use that issue as her signature in a battle against earmarks, is a mistake, that everybody is getting.
I think that she would have been better off, explaining at the outset that she initially was interested, but eventually decided not to support it. And wants to fight government waste in the future.
Her unwillingness to back off the claim will become more expensive as the campaign goes on.
September 19th, 2008 at 6:55 pmSo much for all that vaunted “executive experience”, then. What a waste of her obvious talent!
Too bad this wasn’t fully understood during the vetting process.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:11 am“not a part of the executive branch”
meaning
“above the law”
that way no criminal charges,
or any wrongdoing can be charged against her, in a legal court of battle..It may just be slipped under the rug,
or she can get away with whatever she pleases..
great…
September 20th, 2008 at 5:40 pmanother one….