Jack & Jill Politics

(CNN) -- John McCain needs what Kinky Friedman calls "a checkup from the neck up."

In choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate, he is not thinking "outside the box," as some have said. More like out of his mind.

Palin a first-term governor of a state with more reindeer than people, will have to put on a few pounds just to be a lightweight. Her personal story is impressive: former fisherman, mother of five. But that hardly qualifies her to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.

For a man who is 72 years old and has had four bouts with cancer to have chosen someone so completely unqualified to become president is shockingly irresponsible. Suddenly, McCain's age and health become central issues in the campaign, as does his judgment.

In choosing this featherweight, McCain passed over Tom Ridge, a decorated combat hero, a Cabinet secretary and the former two-term governor of the large, complex state of Pennsylvania. iReport.com: 'McCain pick might be a gimmick'

He passed over Mitt Romney, who ran a big state, Massachusetts; a big company, Bain Capital; and a big event, the Olympics.

He passed over Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Texas senator who is knowledgeable about the military, good on television and -- obviously -- a woman.

He passed over Joe Lieberman, his best friend in the Senate and fellow Iraq Kool-Aid drinker.

He passed over former congressman, trade negotiator and budget director Rob Portman.

And he also passed over Mike Huckabee, the governor of Arkansas.

For months, the McCainiacs have said they will run on his judgment and experience. In his first presidential decision, John McCain has shown that he is willing to endanger his country, potentially leaving it in the hands of someone who simply has no business being a heartbeat away from the most powerful, complicated, difficult job in human history.

Is it just me, or has anyone noticed that when Begalia and Carville were interviewed that said things that could be construed as sexist and dismissive? Begalia said something about he didn't have time to run for VP when chided by CNN Journaless, "because he has four children to raise." I don't remember what Carville said, I just remember that his demeanor and attitude were very dismissive.
True, they were singing Barack's praises after the speech, I just don't believe they got over all that hatred in one day over one speech as spectacular as it was, in fact, that speech probably made them hate him even more.

I don''t think Hillary will attack Palin, in fact, she (by way of her surrogates) maybe helping to ignite women so that they vote the McCain ticket.

McCain Campaign Plays Gender Card?
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=WyDdTFg0GZA

Real Time Aug 29th - Tim Kaine interview
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=LB1mEuJmvFE

Go to this user's channel for the rest of the Aug 29th Real Time episode.

I read the comments about the Palin baby and I am a little suspicious too. I have a friend of mine whose daughter has Down's syndrome. Her daughter is a year old, though I met earlier this year. She shares her experience with me since talking about it has been healing for her--and initially she told me it was a very devastating experience for her. Her daughter was in NICU for over a month after she was born. She had some lung functioning problems---Downs Syndrome not affects the baby's mentally but physically as well. Her husband, who was due to deploy one week later, was allowed to forgoe his deployment because of the serious nature of their daughter's health. So it is odd to me that a mother who gave birth to an early-term child with special needs would be back at work in 3 days.

I am not trying to make this an issue, but it does raise some questions for me. My friend's daughter had feeding and sucking problems and other physical problems. And now at a year old, she does not sit or walk. Her muscle tone is very low and her eyes tend to move from side to side at times. And she expressed to me it is very difficult for her to leave her child in the care of others because she does have many needs that she cannot entrust to others at this point.

And she is doing the best she can, but she says it was the most devastating time in her life initially. She still feels overwhelmed at the scope of what Down Syndrome may mean for her daughter's future, but she is very active in support groups---they help her cope with the challenges.

I am personally amazed that Palin was able to bounce back to work after giving birth to an early-tem Down syndrome baby----it just seems so unlikely in my opinion. But, hey, who am I to judge.

Saw this on another blog:

# sm Says:
Yesterday at 11:10 am

I am from Alaska and most of use here believe that this is not her child at all. It is her daughter’s child.

Check out this pic of her taken when she was supposedly 7 months pregnant:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://m...

It seems even her staff was shocked when she announced that she was six months pregnant.They said there wasn’t the slightest indication that she may be pregnant. Btw, her previous pregnancy was 7 years ago.

Also, her water supposedly broke when she was in Texas for a conference but she flew back to Alaska to have the baby.

Finally, her daughter missed school for several months this year and was not to be seen anywhere in public. She was supposed to be suffering from mono.

She was seen in public over a month after this baby was born.

What a big liar Sarah Pailin is!

Thanks for your insight and for sharing your friend's experiences. I'm sure your friend appreciates being able to confide in you.

This only confirms that we're not imagining things when asking questions about Palin's baby.

parker404: ABSOLUTELY!!! :>) :>) But we'll see, at some point in time!! :>)

Monie: U R NOT judging! U R compiling FACTS and using your EXPERIENCES to draw LOGICAL CONCLUSIONS!!

That's how you do it!! :>) :>) YEAH!!! :>) :>) "virtual dap"!! :>) :>)

Your are right GreenLady, it does not seem logical. PERIOD. I am a mother of three boys and those first weeks after having a non-complicated pregnancy is exhausting--around the clock feedings--engorged breasts--hormonal changes--hell, I dreaded when those standard 6 weeks were over. So it is hard for me to imagine a woman going back to work in 3 days after giving birth to a pre-term baby with Down's Syndrome.

Most Down Syndrome or pre-term babies are hospitalized for a period of time---and most parents are doing around-the-clock duty at the hospital assessing the child's health and getting educated by the medical staff. She may very well be a strong woman, but I know they are some emotional hurdles that have to be experienced by someone in those circumstances. And even though she holds public office, the whole purpose of having a Lt. Gov is to act in the place of the Gov. when a situation arises. So I can't imagine why a woman would feel pressured to return to wiork in those circumstances. It just doesn't make sense to me, simple as that.

Monie: The phrase goes: What is done in the dark will come to light!! :>) :>)
Just waitin' :>) :>) The TRUTH WILL be told!!

God Bless your friend/her daughter/the whole family, including extended members; AND YOU, for you concern and CARING. :>)

Note to myself: Down's Syndrome is a genetic disorder involving a Trisomic Chromosome #21 configuration, when only 2 chromosomes ought to exist.

The apparent reason for the presence of 3 chromosomes is due to a phenomenon known as NON-DYSJUNCTION. Instead of 2 #21 Chrom. going into each of 2 cells during the mitotic process of a fertilized egg, 3 chrom. "accidently" go into 1 cell and 1 chrom. goes into the other.

Why does this "accident" occur? As egg cells get older [as in, as women get older], their chromosomes tend to become "STICKY" and, therefore, resist splitting as they should.

As women approach 30-something [usually 35-ish], the probability of the phenomenon of NON-DYSJUNCTION INCREASES by almost 50%. Hence, usually, there is a recommendation for an amniocentesis in about the 3rd - 5th months of pregnancy so that the karyotypes[a display of all the chromosomes of a cell -23 pairs] of cells may be examined microscopically.

Gov. Palin had the amniocentesis, from all accounts, during her 4th month of pregnancy. That's when the Trisomic #21 was discovered in her developing embryo/fetus.

QUESTION: Is the probability of having a DS child HIGH in women of her AGE group? YES

QUESTION: Is the probability of having a DS child in, say, a teenager.20-ish women LOW? YES But Not impossible.

Therefore, this information has to be factored in when considering WHO had the child. IMHO :>)

This is under the heading: MAYBE [chantels] we'll find out the answer to this "baby issue":

My MUSINGS as to how/what:

1. The child DOES belong to Mr. & Mrs. "Her Majesty the 1st Runner-up Beauty Pageant Contestant" Palin. REMEMBER: I'm musing! :>)

2. They will produce a "birth certificate" like Mr. Obama felt the need to post on his web site. Lawd! What this brotha has had ta go through!!! :>(

3. Some neighbor/resident/disgruntled family member is going to "drop that dime" on the "real deal"!!!

4. Some soul who cain't tolerate the Shrub economic situation ANY LONGER is going ta drop that dime to the Nat. Inquirer and get a "grip" for life!!! :>) :>) :>)

I'm jes musin'/sayin' . . . .

ENOUGH IS A ENOUGH!!!!!!!
Bush quietly seeks to make war powers permanent, by declaring indefinite state of war
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Bush_seeks_to_ins...

Mama-In-Law Palin not sold on Sarah for VP; Leans Toward Obama

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/republ...

"I'm not sure what she brings to the ticket other than she's a woman and a conservative. Well, she's a better speaker than McCain," Faye Palin said with a laugh.

wow, we already know that Cindy's family won't vote for the ticket. Also, Palin's husband and son are registered as independents.

Now an excerpt from a column by Mike Doogan.
*http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003844484

John McCain looked all over the United States to find the single Republican who is qualified to be, as the saying goes, a heartbeat away from the presidency, and he came up with Sarah Palin.

Really?

Sure, I suppose that many Alaskans are feeling a surge of pride that someone from our state has gotten a spot on the big stage. And most Alaskans like Palin. I know I do.

But let's be honest here. Her resume is as thin as the meat in a vending machine sandwich. I'm thinking being mayor of Wasilla doesn't qualify her. And she's less than two years into her first term as governor. Except for her high-profile gas pipeline legislation -- which I like a lot -- she doesn't have much to show. Oil taxes? Most of that work was done by the legislature. Ethics? Ditto. And her role in killing the much-touted Bridge to Nowhere? Talk about coming in after the battle is over and bayoneting the wounded.

And there's a growing sense that the government isn't running all that well, that all that's keeping the wheels from coming off is that 25,000 state employees show up for work every day.

The long and short of it is this: We're not sure she's a competent governor of Alaska. And yet McCain, who is no spring chicken, has decided she's the best choice to replace him as president if he should win and then fall afoul of the Grim Reaper.

Sarah Palin? Really?

Debating foreign policy with Joe Biden? What's she going to do? Hit him with her briefing book? If Palin has two thoughts about foreign policy, she's managed to keep them to herself. Ditto health care. National energy policy. Fiscal policy. You could make a long, long list, but I'll stop there. She's going to need a lot of handlers feeding her a lot of talking points, and she's going to have to hope that the discussion only goes about yay-deep.

She's also going to have to hope that the national media is as pliable as Alaska's has been. Palin doesn't like people criticizing her, and she's as competitive as any linebacker you ever met. If the campaign gets a little rough and tumble, that could be a bad combination.
***
Finally, the AP report from Dan Joling in Anchorage.
*

(AP) Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is a comely candidate with a reputation for fighting corruption, but lately her reputation within the state has been bit by allegations of mixing political and family business, and by mistreating one of the state's premier marine mammals.

Palin's catch-phrase of "openness and transparency" has been tarnished by revelations that staff members tried to have Palin's former brother-in-law fired from his job as an Alaska state trooper.

Also, the governor of the only state with polar bears has adamantly opposed listing the animals as a threatened species, despite strong evidence that global warming has devastated their sea ice environment off Alaska's coast.

And despite John McCain's claim Friday that Palin is a budget-cutter, the governor this year oversaw a 6 percent increase in Alaska's operating and construction budget, fueled by a revised tax structure and skyrocketing crude oil prices.

Dermot Cole, a longtime columnist for Alaska's second-largest newspaper, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, called McCain's choice of Palin "reckless" and questioned her credentials.

"Sarah Palin's chief qualification for being elected governor was that she was not Frank Murkowski," Cole said of her enormously unpopular predecessor, who lost favor with Alaskans in part because of unpopular budget cuts. "She was not elected because she was a conservative. She was not elected because of her grasp of issues or because of her track record as the mayor of Wasilla."

Her enormous popularity in the state took a hit this summer over her firing of her public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, a former Anchorage police chief.

State lawmakers launched a $100,000 investigation to determine if Palin dismissed Monegan because he would not fire the governor's ex-brother-in-law, Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten, who has been involved in a messy custody battle with Palin's sister.

In 2005, before Palin ran for office, the Palin family accused Wooten of drinking beer in his patrol car, illegally shooting a moose and firing a Taser at his 11-year-old stepson. The Palins also claimed Wooten threatened to kill Sarah Palin's father. Wooten was suspended over the allegations for five days in 2006 but still has his job.

Palin denied the commissioner's dismissal had anything to do with her former brother-in-law and denied orchestrating dozens of telephone calls made by staff and family members to Wooten's bosses. The investigation launched by state lawmakers is expected to take at least three months.

State Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage, said Palin's candidacy does not change the investigation.

"I think it raises its profile. I don't think it changes the steps you go through. It is what it is. You have to find out what happened," French said.

The investigator hired by lawmakers two days ago told the Department of Law it was time to schedule Palin's deposition, French said.

Getting to Know Her, Part II: Anchorage Reporter Expresses Strong Doubts About Palin

By E&P Staff

Published: August 29, 2008 7:45 PM ET

NEW YORK As related in a previous article today, E&P over the next few days will be presenting how Alaska newspapers and reporters view their Gov. Sarah Palin -- now John McCain's pick for his running mate. She has been a near-unknown nationally so it seems to makes sense to go to the people who know her best locally. See our Part I today, on a surprising editorial in the Fairbanks daily.

Also today, Gregg Erickson, columnist and reporter for the Anchorage Daily News, took part in an online chat at www.washingtonpost.com. He expressed some rather mixed views about his governor. Here are a few excerpts.

____
Baltimore, Md.: What are Governor Palin's three greatest strengths? What are her three greatest weaknesses?

Gregg Erickson: She is smart, vivacious and energetic; she tends to oversimplify complex issues, has had difficulty delegating authority, and clearly has some difficulty distinguishing the line between her public responsibilities and private wishes.

She is under legislative investigation regarding the last issue, the so-called "troopergate," in which she is said to have used improper influence to try to get her sister's ex-husband fired from the state troopers.

_______________________


Eagle River, Ak.: Morning, Gregg! I've suddenly being hearing a number of pundits credit Gov. Palin with stopping the "bridge to nowhere." This isn't how I remember it, though -- in fact, I seem to recall that she was initially in favor of the bridge. Could you clarify? Thanks!

Gregg Erickson: She did curtail state support of the "bridge to nowhere" connecting Ketchikan with its island airport. But contrary to her statement today in Dayton, OH, she didn't send the federal money back. It's available for use in other projects elsewhere.

________________________

Los Angeles, Calif.: It's clear from your responses that you don't particularly like her (I'm not speaking personally, but politically.) How do you explain her high approval ratings?

Gregg Erickson: I think she did a great job in taking on the oil industry, that has had a lock on Alaska politics since 1981 She is also stood up against the corruption in Alaska politics long before it was fashionable to do so. I think those things resonate with many Alaskans beside myself.

Her approval ratings are high--65 percent, or so--but down from 80 percent earlier in her term. Most Alaskan's haven't watched her as closely as most reporters or legislators. If you took a poll of reporters and legislators I expect her approval rating would be down in the teens or twenties.

_______________________


Washington, D.C.: Why don't reporters and legislators have a high opinion of the governor?

Gregg Erickson: It is clear that she has not paid much attention to the nitty-gritty unglamorous work of government, of gaining consensus, and making difficult compromises. She seems to be of the view that politics should be all rather simple. That often appeals to the wider public, but frustrates those who see themselves as laboring in the less glamorous parts of the vineyard.

____
Washington, D.C.;: You wrote: "If you took a poll of reporters and legislators I expect her approval rating would be down in the teens or twenties." What do they know about her that the general population does not?

Gregg Erickson: One example: The Republican chair of the Alaska State House Finance budget subcommittee on Heath and Medicaid says he can't find anyone in Palin's executive office who cares about helping bring that budget under control. He is furious with her about that.

_______________________

Wheaton, Md.: Why is she experienced enough to lead our nation as president if McCain were unable to do so?

Gregg Erickson: I have a hard time seeing how her qualifications stack up against the duties and responsibilities of being president.

_______________________
Washington, D.C.: What should we expect from her during the VP debates?

Gregg Erickson: I expect her to stick with simple truths. When asked about continued American troop presence in Iraq she said she knows only one thing about that (I paraphrase): no one has attacked the American homeland since George Bush took the war to Iraq.

_______________________



Germantown, Md.: Is it true that Gov. Palin is skeptical about global warming?

Gregg Erickson: Yes. Although she has not been outspoken about that. Alaska's national politicians have been allied with Sen. Imhoff, but have had to reverse course rather dramatically on that as the effects of climate change began to show up so dramatically in Alaska.

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/ar...

She is a idiot, anyone one who defends this asinine pick is a idiot and if my country falls for this dog and pony show, then we all are idiots .
Rant over

Sorry if this has been posted already:

Obama/Biden interview on 60 Minutes Sunday
Obama, Biden 60 Minutes Interview: Obama Explains Biden Pick, Reacts To Palin (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/30/obama-...

TruthSeeker: We're on the same pathway[look up thread! - "smooth response :>) ]

O-man knows how NOT to respond!!! :>) :>) CHECK! :>) :>)

Scholars: Palin Least Experienced Person On Major-Party Ticket In Modern Era

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/30/schola...

wait - I forgot to post my favorite parts in the article.

John McCain was aiming to make history with his pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and historians say he succeeded.

Presidential scholars say she appears to be the least experienced, least credentialed person to join a major-party ticket in the modern era.

“It would be one thing if she had only been governor for a year and a half, but prior to that she had not had major experience in public life,” said Dallek of Palin. “The fact that he would have to go to somebody who is clearly unqualified to be president makes Obama look like an elder statesman.”

This stuff just writes itself

The Anchorage Daily News is reporting that many of Palin's local colleagues, even Republican, were rather stunned by her being chosen as McCain's vice president.

State Senate President Lyda Green said she thought it was a joke when someone called her at 6 a.m. to give her the news.

"She's not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president?" said Green, a Republican from Palin's hometown of Wasilla. "Look at what she's done to this state. What would she do to the nation?"

Miss Alaska laughed along when a radio talk show host referred to this State Senator as a b!tch and a cancer. The Senator is a cancer survivor.

It is a BEAUTTTTTTIIIFFFUULLL day. Today again Palin said she opposed the bridge to nowhere and pushed back against earmarks.

Palin Repeatedly Professed Desire To Renew Federal Funding For ‘Bridge To Nowhere’»
During the unveiling of his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) tried to cast her as a “reformer” and “fiscal conservative.” She boldly claimed that with regard to Sen. Ted Stevens’s (R-AK) infamous “Bridge to Nowhere,” she told Congress, “Thanks, but no thanks“:

I championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. In fact, I told Congress — I told Congress, ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ on that bridge to nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, I said we’d build it ourselves.

It appears, however, that Palin is lying. As Bradford Plumer first noted, the Anchorage Daily News interviewed Palin during her 2006 campaign for governor. At the time, federal funding for the bridge had been stripped by Congress. They asked if she was in favor of continuing state funding for the project. “Yes,” she responded, noting specifically her desire to renew Congressional support:

Yes. I would like to see Alaska’s infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now–while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.

That assistance never materialized. When she finally canceled the $400 million project, Palin lamented the fact that Congress was not more forthcoming with federal funding. She said in a statement at the time:

Despite the work of our congressional delegation, we are about $329 million short of full funding for the bridge project, and it’s clear that Congress has little interest in spending any more money on a bridge between Ketchikan and Gravina Island.

Palin’s desire to have federal funding directed toward pet projects in Alaska, however, did not diminish. As recently as March 2008 — around the time she first met McCain — her special counsel, John Katz, wrote in the Juneau Empire that despite recognizing increased scrutiny of such spending, Palin was not “not abandoning earmarks altogether.” While McCain expressed high-profile disdain for earmarks, the Palin administration held that:

[E]armarks are not bad in themselves. In fact, they represent a legitimate exercise of Congress’ constitutional power to amend the budget proposed by the president.


http://thinkprogress.org/2008/08/30/palin-wante...

rikyrah: How's this for a "smooth" response? :>) :>)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/30/obama-...
Obama-Biden on 60 Minutes

On Palin: "she's an up-and-coming public servant."

Can I get an Amen on the "smooth"!! :>) :>)

Smoothest. Brother. Ever.

WAIITTTTT FOLKS It gets better. LOLOLOL Christmas came early. For you. :-)

2 Top Alaska Newspapers Question Palin's Fitness
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-mitchell/2-t...

Barack and Biden is in Dublin Ohio -- 10,000 on the field and thousands more outside the venue to hear them speak. AWESOME

FIRED UP! READY TO GO!

Come On D -- say it with me . . . . FIRED UP! Come On D - you can do it . . . . .

I was there. Over 26,000 were present!

WOW how was the experience jelana.

It wasn't my 1st time seeing him, but he was great as always.
The venue was not quite as confortable as previous venues.
My sister is a City Councilwoman here in Columbus, so
fortunately we always get good seats. Dublin is a suburb of
Colubus, Ohio. The secret service told us 26,000 were present.

Val: U R a Nut!!! LMAO!!!! :>) :>) :>) :>)

lol. I can't help it. This just shows the nation just how bad McCain's judgement is. beautiful.

val: YEP!! Cain't contradict that!! :>) :>) Enjoy your humor!!! :>) :>)

CNN just reported that there were 19,000 people there, and noted how impressive a crowd this was because there was also an Ohio State game today.

Let's see if McPain can get 19,000 viewers of their convention next week.

McPalin won't even be able to get 19 viewers of their convention next week. McLame better get dressed up in a football uniform and Paris Palin better get dressed up in a cheerleader costume because that's the only way McPalin will get any type of attention.

lololololol

Hey D and all our military peeps,

I really want to know what you think our military men and women feel about McCain picking this woman who is literally "a heartbeat away" from being Commander in Chief of the US armed forces.

How do you think career military men and women like Colin Powell, Chuck Hagel, Petreus, Clark, etc feel about McCain's pick? How do think their female couterpoints in the military feel?

My guess: PISSED!

Speaking as a Vet I can say that this is scary. Has she every talked with the leader of any country? Alaska is next door to Russia, has she ever visited? Can she be president tomorrow? A female version of GW. Well probably not GW since she can put two words together, but still damn WTF! The manager at the Mall of America in Minnesota is responsible for more people than her (jest). Come on, this is got to be a joke right? The bad thing is how do you fight a woman? There is no winning. Biden better bite his tongue. This is a job for the women of the Democratic party anything else is going to seem sexist.


I think McCain is got a fetish for beauty queens. lol

karlewis: ". . . fetish for beauty queens." LOL! :>) :>) :>)

But to your point regarding the "female surrogates": Ladies - Show your claws!:>)

However: there is a TIME and PLACE. Mr. Obama is being WISE NOT to pounce 2 quickly. IMHO, they have to come out around a STRONG ISSUE (S).

Let's be patient!! :>) :>)

"The manager at the Mall of America in Minnesota is responsible for more people than her"......................ROFLMAO

....I'm guessing ...you're right!

She got BOOEEEDDDD from the republicans in Pennslyvania. RAOTFLMAO.

too funny

Prediction: Whoever the he!! is in charge of the Republican Party will force McAncient to drop this Tina Fey/Megan Mullally/Britney Spears-in-20 years doppeldanger before Thursday. We'll hear that little Trig has had a setback and mommy needs to spend more time at home.

I agree. that is what we will see. I predict that as well. lol

Hey...where'd you see that??

I saw comments on taylormarsh and huffington post that said she was booed when she tried to invoke Hillary's name again.....somebody, please...stop the bleeding.

Miranda: Band-aid????? :>) :>)

Repubs don't like Hillary...so that strategy might backfire if she continues to use it. Hillary supporters won't like Repub crowds booing Hill.

lol.

CNN TruthSeeker. She and John McCain just did their speech in PA today. Barack and Biden is on now. It was BADDDDDD. terrible.

lol and then the commentators tried to spin it and couldn't. She got booed lololol

First polls are in for the Beauty queen who wants to be VP
Since McCain threw a Hail Mary, to use football terms Penalty on McCain 15 yards for lack of common sense
Surprise? First Two National Polls Find Palin Gains LESS Support from Women
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/ar...

D - I am so sorry for the Repubs. It is badddd man badddddddd. LOL

val: LMAO!! :>) :>) :>)

Heh!

LOLOLOLOLOL YA'LLL Have to listen to her. toooooo funnnyyyyyyy

It's over, it is over.

I don't think people should be high fiving just yet. This race has had many unexpected twists, turns, and subplots. I need to see how the debates are going to go.

trust me TRW, I am going to keep working hard until the election is over but this is just too wonderful. RAOTFLMAO.

It was beautiful. Like a symphony BWAHAAAAAAA

Palin is on CNN now.

Obama Acceptance Speech Gets High Marks from Public:

PRINCETON, NJ -- Fifty-eight percent of Americans give Barack Obama's speech a positive review, including 35% who describe it as "excellent." Both marks surpass those given to the 2000 and 2004 presidential candidates, with the excellent ratings for Obama's speech 10 percentage points higher than any other recent candidate has received.

Sarah Palin and Glass Slipper

Stay away from the personal attacks, discuss only the records/issues! Obama said this Thursday night.

Jay - I read the above post and it referenced not talking about McCain's age and to refrain from asking the questons --Does Sarah Palin look like a president or Sound like a president?

I disagree. I have not read anything with anyone saying oh Palin is not qualified because she doesn't look or sound like a President. However, regarding age --McCain brought these questions on himself by selecting someone who has NO EXPERIENCE to be the VP of the United States. NONE We can't afford not to think about it. He IS 72, went through issues with cancer 4 times, he has memory lapses-- and so we are aware that he could not be around before he completes his term. This is particularly relevant because it leads to the question - who then would take over the country. His VP Pick Sarah Palin? Not an option.

This would not have been an issue if he selected someone who was qualified to lead this nation (i.e. Rommney, Pawlenty, even Liebermann) but a woman who had to ask "what does a VP do?" Gimmie a break. This certainly calls for us to ask the pointed questions. We are facing 2 wars, with a possible third (Afghanistan) and with issues in Georgia and Russia to expect citizens not to think about McCain's age. It also puts us in a position to dig deep to understand her character. "I opposed the Bridge to Nowhere" when she was for it. If you are going to play on the field with the big boys -- you better be able to take it. Especially if you may be the one that is responsible for determining the future of this country and how it impacts my kids.

What amuses me is that she is not spending time with her baby who has down's syndrome..... I went back to work because we had to pay the bills. I didn't go back until my preemie seemed to be doing well. How dare she leave a 4 month old baby to go on the campaign trail for a job she claims she didn't want in the first place.... As a mother, I am not amused. As a working mother with small children is she freaking serious?

well rorysmomma -- that is a personal choice for every woman so I can't knock her for that. She did what she had to do for her family.

Trying to figure out where to post this information, that I received from a friend yesterday.

I hope that it is REAL. I haven't learned how to evaluate the "authenticity" of some things, yet. :>) :>) But, I'm tryin' ta learn! :>) :>)

http://therealmccain.com/?utm_source=rgemail


http://bravenewfilms.org/posts/invite/49248

For me, at least this is a 'DISS THE DUDE" moment! :>) :>) :>)


KEEPING THE FOCUS ON "MCANCIENT"!!!!!! :>) :>) :>)

So, I've emerged from my research on Ms. Palin. Yes, the resume is thin. Seems to be a reformer of sorts, and willing to take on corruption even if it involves throwing her own party under the bus. Energy hawk of sorts. Has actually managed, and cut, her state's budget. NRA. Pro-life. Probably more a true conservative than McCain.

Okay. I can work with that.

And as I'm waking up (late start today), I read that the first attack on her is that her child with Downs syndrome "may/may not" be hers.

Now, I'll hammer her if she uses her child as a political prop. But for the left to use that as their first line of attack? Seriously? That's appropriate?

I guess families are no longer "off limits." Okay.

D,

I could care less about the family thing.

As I understand it you're a military man right? You can expound endlessly on military and FP matters (which you have on JJP). From what I can understand, you really like McCain's national security cred right???

Then can you seriously look anyone in the eye and say (that if GOD forbid something happened to McCain if he were to become President, and I don't mean death per se, let's say he somehow was shot like Reagan) you believe that Sarah Palin is qualified to take over.

To put it in another way, if something were to happen to McCain or Obama if either became President, Who would you want to answer that "3a.m. call"? Joe Biden or Sarah Palin? Please be honest, and no spin or talking points.

See my response to Val below; you probably were typing same time I was.

D -- if you read the posts below --you will see that I said we don't even need to touch the baby issue (no one cares that the child has downs syndrome) that is not the point. I must say I BELIEVE IT IS TRUE, but that is none of my business. She felt the need to protect her image and that of her family so again not my problem. However, as a person running for VP it calls to question her propensity to lie. Yesterday during her discussion she said "I opposed the bridge to no way. said thanks but no thanks." A quick google and we found she was all for the bridge to nowhere especially when she thought it would be funded by earmarks she said she opposes. Then the Troopergate investigation she is currently going through -- she said "I know nothing about phone calls to pressure anyone to get fired". Then when the tapes are produced she says well I knew about it but I didn't expect the person to make the calls. wtf? The question on this issue regarding the baby is she again lied to say she was pregnant when she wasn't. Now if she were a regular citizen or even just the governor of Alaska -- I would say not my problem. However she is running for VP of the United States. She is proving to be a liar on the National stage. We cannot afford that in the White House.

And as an fyi - if you did your reading this morning -- all information on Sarah Palin was removed this morning and they were updated to include Wikipedia. So you now see what the Repubs want you to see.

As far as the left using the baby as the first line of attack -- that is sheer BULLSHIT and you know it. Yesterday what was the lines of attack? NO EXPERIENCE. She asked "WHAT DOES A VP DO?" and she said "I haven't paid attention to the war in Iraq until my son signed up late last year.

So don't get all holier than thou on me. You have always called it like it is and I hope you continue to do that.

I don't give a crap about the baby thing either.

Her abuse of power; her stance on the issues; her being James Dobson in a dress is enough to make me never to want to see in office.

The baby thing - if true - illustrates the folly of the extreme "pro-life" position. The hypocrisy of it.

She doesn't have a whole lot of experience. I wouldn't say she has "none," but okay.

And, yeah, I printed off my info yesterday, before the scrub.

D: Is this a confirmation of the WIKI [Palin] "SCRUB"????

No, cause I haven't looked at it today.

I don't put it past my peeps, though.

D: Thank you!! :>)

Ok, just looked at it today. There's both additions and deletions, but it doesn't read any more pro- or con-Palin than my copy from yesterday.

let me not nit pick. Basically - reach out to your group D and ask for a "re-do". If for some reason McCain makes it into office, we at least want some one who can step in and be ready on day one. That is our point.

There are a lot of qualified people out there to include women - he needs to re-do this pick.

I think a re-do is a real possibility. Something tells me Sarah won't make it out of the convention on that ticket.

Wrong.
John McCain picked Sarah Palin.
Sarah Palin IS the VP.
Can you imagine the Republicans, at THEIR convention saying, "Oops, American people, our bad; we need a do-over."
I don't care how many they scream that Obama is liberal, they won't survive the backlash.
What backlash?
Late-night jokes, criticism from Republicans who didn't like the Palin pick, and will be seething over the "do-over."

But hey, at least the PUMA's will be happy (unless they actually do a do-over and the Republicans pick a MAN).

No, this is "change conservatives can believe in!!" as has been said.

Yeah.....um.....I don't see it.

Biden's gonna murder her. Hell, Hillary would bend her over and, well.....

Any combination of Pawlenty, Jindal and Palin....I'm down. But now? I'm just not that into her.

LOLOLOLOL

What experience does she have on a National level?

None.

What can I say?

D. you said earlier that the thought of a McCain/Hillary ticket would have you vote for Obama. What do you think of this one?

It pushes me to vote for McCain for president and Biden for VP.

Not sure I can do that in VA, though....

What about the evidence this pick provides against McCain's judgment???

If you are so appalled, why don't you blame the person who made the choice? Sarah is not at fault here. She got an offer she could not refuse. Aren't you appalled that your hero would place you in the hands of someone so unprepared?

Aren't you appalled that people like Dobson would not vote for McCain, but he becomes acceptable because he's chosen Palin!? What of Dobson's judgment? These are the people who gave you Bush. They are now poised to complete America's destruction.

Not that you really have a stake, but believe me that America will be just fine.

C'mon D. Surely, you can see farther than that.

LOL.

Sorry, I know this is kind of painful for you.

This sucks. I almost would prefer Lieberman. We wouldve lost, but damn.....

I meant she opposed the bridge to nowhere

"and willing to take on corruption even if it involves throwing her own party under the bus. Energy hawk of sorts. Has actually managed, and cut, her state's budget. NRA. Pro-life. Probably more a true conservative than McCain."

D - do you really believe this? Look at the commentary from the people in Alaska.
But aside from all that what about the jihadist and terrorist you were hell bent in fighting? What -- no longer an issue? Do you think she can stand up against Putin? or can go to Afghanstan as commander in chief?

I haven't seen any objective commentary in opposition. All I've seen in the case against Palin is that "she's corrupt!" and "that kid may not be hers!"

Your second question: Yes, it's still an issue. And no, I'm not sure if she's the best person for the job. I'm having trouble writing a coherent support piece for her, and I know that if I can't justify her to myself, I damn sure can't to anyone else.

Granted, she wouldn't be the commander in chief. But, in all fairness, if something were to happen to McCain, could she step up and carry on? Ideologically, it seems so...realistically, I'm not sure.

S was right yesterday, in part. Palin is the conservative version of Barack Obama in 2004: untested, unproven, unknown (and I know I'll catch hell for saying that).

The fact that you're not sure she's not the right person for the job is indication of dishonesty. Surely you can think of at least one person, more qualified in the Republican party right off the top of your head. Surely, Palin was not on your mental list of possible VP candidates.

Yet, here you are trying to rationalize her selection.

If you've read anything that I've written today, you'd see that I'm concerned about her selection.

Speaking of, where are you voting at?

Here, I'll make it easier for you.

Take Obama and McCain out of the equation (that's the premise behind "ready to lead" in terms of the vice-presidency right). Obama or McCain are no longer able to perform their duties. Amadinajhad(?) is still working towards nuclear power, hell, worse case scenario, Russian decides to invade the rest of the former USSR states and begin an all out war in Eastern Europe. A call is made for some form of US assisstance, who do you think is better equipped to handle that call or putting it another way, for whom would you feel more comfortable answering that call? Joe Biden or Sarah Palin? No rationalizations, no explaining, just gut reaction!

No comment? LOL.

Ok, yes, Palin is inexperienced compared to Biden. I'll concede that. In terms of the shit hitting the fan, I'd feel more comfortable with him.

No judgement dude. Thx for you honesty. I actually think that when the "newness" of this pick wears off, more national security voters would agree with you. Unfortunately, obama can't say that, but, the MSM can. It's up to them if they want to repent for some of the shoddy journalism they did during the run-up to the war, and the way some of them have conducted themselves during the campaign

Actually D,

It really does seem like you are trying to rationalize her selection.

You said:
"in all fairness, if something were to happen to McCain, could she step up and carry on? Ideologically, it seems so...realistically, I'm not sure."

Then you said:

"S was right yesterday, in part. Palin is the conservative version of Barack Obama in 2004: untested, unproven, unknown (and I know I'll catch hell for saying that)."

Either you think she is, are she isn't. Comparing her to Obama does not answer the question. As you said, realistically, she probably isn't, so by trying to compare her to Obama you are trying to rationalize her inexperience even if it doesn't fit the reality.

Isn't that what you Repubs say the "Obamaphiles" do in regards to Obama?

"Speaking of.."

...I don't recall saying anything about voting.

What are you getting at, D.?

Yup, yup. You are going to catch hell for that last statement. Look, I get that McCain's your candidate, and I am not knocking the fact that he has been in the Senate for 26 years--so he certainly has more experience on the national scene than Obama. But leaving that all aside, where has he been tested and proven? Seriously. I'm not trying to be an ass at all, I just don't see it. And before you respond, please don't include his time as a POW. I respect his service and what he went through, but I still don't understand how that makes him more qualified than the next person to be President.

See to me, this whole election is going to come down to a gamble. As far as I know, neither McCain or Obama knows what it is like to be President. Neither McCain or Obama have executive experience. Neither McCain or Obama have been tested and proven (?). And, no one can give me a clear idea of how you pass the commander in chief test.

And as far as the comparison with Palin and Obama. Give me a break. Since and before he has been in the senate, Obama has been prescient on Iraq, Afghanistan, the mortgage crisis, and nuclear proliferation. He is a constitutional scholar and a civil rights lawyer. He has worked in communities hardest hit by economic downturn, and as a state legislator he knows first hand the impact that federal legislation has on the States. So while this may not be enough in your book---I'm not seeing how Palin stacks up to Obama.

And lets forget Obama for a moment...what about Biden; since this is VP v. VP--can she even hold a candle to Biden? As it stands, if you want to talk about the experience argument, the Obama/Biden ticket has a combined total of 40 years of national experience while the McCain/Palin ticket has a total of 26.

I'm not gonna touch Biden vs. Palin. What can I say?

Far as McCain vs. Obama: I don't knock Obama's accomplishments. But McCain-without even going the POW route-knows what it's like to not only lead men and women, but an organization as well.

Why do I say that? In the military, there is nothing that garners more respect-or hatred-than command responsibility. A commanding officer basically tells his people that regardless of how they feel about him personally, that if they can trust him, he'll do his damnedest to keep them safe and bring them all home.

That's my commander in chief test. I'm putting my life and that of my family in your hands; convince me that you'll keep me safe, and at worst, don't make things worse for me or them.

In McCain, I see that he will. Hell, in Biden, in a nod to his experience, I see that he will.

In Obama-and Palin-I can't say they will.

You see confidence in McCain as a leader?This is a man who was 5th dumbest in his class.He thru his own recklessness crash 4 aircraft and manage to get shot down in the 5th one.This is a man who left his wife after she waited and raised their kids 5 years for a rich younger women 20 years his junior. Oh by the way did I say he committed adultery which is a crime in the military.This is a man who help cheat billions of taxpayers hard earn money to benefit Charles Keating.And according to your logic this a man that we can respect and have confidence in as a leader.You just cant make this up.

What were McCain's accomplishments in the military? I mean, what did he do exactly? I've read his bio, but the years between 73 and 82 are pretty vague. Other than being a POW, exactly what is notable about his military career?

To me, what's notable is the fact that's he's held command. That's an enormous responsibility that's unequaled in most places on earth.

For the hardcore military types here who'll say that Kerry did too, there's a huge difference between leading a boat crew of a few men and a aviation squadron of a few hundred.

McCain's command was in Florida but you have a point I mean with the alligators and all.Kerry led a crew of men into a combat zone where one stupid or reckless decision could cost them all their lives.So I see the difference if I live in wingnuttery land

FYI, my problem with Kerry was that he didn't have one consistent opinion.

I respected his service, and didn't make my statement to lessen it.

Maybe if you dhimmicrats had run Clark, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

What's Obama's military experience again? Oh, wait......

You was the one who tried to compare the records and I quote
"For the hardcore military types here who'll say that Kerry did too, there's a huge difference between leading a boat crew of a few men and a aviation squadron of a few hundred."
Now I understand that you think you get put a statement out there and most people wouldn't know the difference. But there are some of us who try to tell the truth and that's what the right cannot tolerate the truth.You have your narrative McCain war hero and the beauty queen well she is a hockey mom and you expect people to just accept that bovine excrement and wave the flag.No one said Obama was in the service what we are saying is the who has the judgement.Obama said back in 2003 what a clusterfuck Iraq was going to be if we invaded.McCain when his wee wee wasnt getting hard looking at beauty queens couldn't wait to get his rocks off on invading Iraq.And for what, was 4000 lives worth it billions wasted, bin laden making more videos than Michael Jackson.That is something you wont or cant understand it judgement but like the next President BARACK OBAMA said "you people take pride in your ignorance.

Can you link to this information please? Honestly, I am not finding anything that provides any details on exactly what his accomplishments were other than he was a POW. If just being in charge of a squadron is all there is, nevermind...what was extraordinary about that opposed to every other squadron leader? There has to be some site that gives more details, but I'm having no luck finding one, including the official McCain site.

It's just my opinion, based on my respect of my commanders while I was
in uniform.

My perception; that's all.

I dont believe any of us said we think Palin is corrupt. I see nothing that says that. But if you interpreted that from the articles you have read . . . well

The issue with Troopergate - her ex brother in law got into it with her sister and she did what came natural (however she used her position as governor to push the situation). The abuse of power is what is being investigated.

The kid may not be hers - is a dialogue we are discussing and is not an agenda any one of us is actively pushing. This is infomation we got from Alaskan locals.

The objective commentary happened yesterday to address her lack of experience. We haven't found anything concrete to research her stances on national issues because she has none with the exception on her concepts on energy and big oil as it relates to Alaska which boils down to drilling.

My take on Troopergate is that she is at least cooperating with the investigation. She strikes me as the type of person that if it's determined that she did something wrong, she'd take whatever licks are given. She seems that.....um...principled(?).

This thing on the kid....well, I've said enough on that.

The locals must not think too badly of her: she's sitting on an 80% approval rating.

actually - her approval ratings is in the teens.

See my above posts from the local media and politicians both Dem and Republicans.

Yes...and I'm a Nigerian prince. There's this bank account full of money that I'll share with you if you send me your credit card nu...

When was that approval rating survey taken? If I'm not mistaken, it was before "troopergate" was ever public.

July '08.

Not that it matters much, but an article I read said that it has dipped to 65% and that among other legislators and reporters, who have been following her since she got into office, it would be in the tweens (based on her effectiveness).

Also, another article I read, while acknowledging some of her accomplishments, also indicated that she is a poor executive, i.e. fails to grasp complex issues, doesn't know how to delegate authority, and blurs the line between personal/public matters (they were referring to troopergate).

Hell, that's better than the Congress and Bush combined, I think.

She's a newcomer. I acknowledge that.

D - I love you too.

Difference in Palin - Obama said with confidence ask me anything on foreign policy. And he could answer D. Even if he had some slips but he had a command of the issues and he can credibly meet with the leaders to discuss the issues.

Palin said - not her thing. Wasn't interested until her son signed up for the war. And what did she want to know -- "that there is a timetable". When asked in an interview yesterday -- "do you feel ready to be a heart beat away from the Presidency?" Her response was "Absolutely ,Yup, Yup."

Not an option. Not an option.

Family Off limits huh you crack me up.The way the right has went after Democrats families for years You people keep amazing me with your ignorance.I guess you forgot about McCain joke about Chelsea Clinton's parentage.Your peeps on the right accuse Hillary of murder and we wont even talk about your sides attacks on Michelle Obama.Now as someone who is very pro military aren't you the least bit worried that your vice president hasn't given much thought about Iraq.Hell just about everyone on this site has given thought on Iraq.Says much about republicans values on putting country first.After you all stop drooling because she is a "hottie" maybe Palin should be asked have she ever read the Constitution much less understand it.

Come on, now. This doesn't seem a little low to you?

The kid's all of what, 4-5 months old? Chelsea Clinton's a grown damn woman. So is Michelle Obama.

Do you realize the type of hell that can be created by opening this door? We have all seen what the fringe elements of the right wing can come up with....and believe me when I say that this is NOT a line of attack the left wants to continue on.

For the most part, liberals have held the high ground in this election. You just ventured into the gutter.

D. No one is smearing her daughter or that baby. However, this discrepancy illuminates the extreme viewpoint of the Religious anti-choice movement. If she lied, it speaks to her ethics.

If Palin is believed to have pressed for a man to be fired from his job for revenge...it speaks to her ethics. Republicans are the ones who claim the moral/religious high ground. They seek to impose their impossible religious standards on society at large. It is absolutely appropriate for society to question their morality.

Yeah, of course not.

Er, Chelsea was a child when McCain made his crude joke. Bridget was a child when Rove smeared her.

With Palin's extreme anti-abortion views, and religious fanaticism; it's plausible to see how she could hide a teenage pregnancy.

The conflict with so many religious "pro-lifers" is they make monuments to life, yet they are deeply ashamed of the mechanisms of life(sex). Therefore, what would an extreme anti abortionist do with a pregnant teenage daughter? They would compel her to have the baby, but would hide the pregnancy, and lie about it, to avoid shame.

Add that to pictures of the average height Sarah looking decidedly UN-pregnant when she was supposedly 7 months along.

Add in the odd behaviour of returning to work only 3 days after birth...where a high risk, 44 year old birth mother would be kept in hospital for at least 3 days.

Add that to her staff not knowing she was pregnant until very late. One would think she, being for family values would have announced it joyously.

Add that to her getting on a plane for an 9 hour flight after her water supposedly broke and she was officially in labour. What mother of a downs syndrome baby would take such a risk?

It doesn't add up.

Add in the fact that her daughter was taken out of school for over 6 months with "Mono" during mom's pregnancy. This doesn't pass the smell test at all.

I tought that girl looked awfully robust in the shots I've seen of her. Maybe the breasts of a nursing mother?

Coming from you, that's no surprise.

Yeah?

Ok, tell me what I'm going to say next?

No clue.

Though I'm sure it'll be out of far left field. Pun intended.

D, are you serious?!? I co-sign with Val. Most of the time, you are not hesitant to tell it like it is on both sides, so don't stop now. I don't think her family should be attacked AT ALL. But if it comes out that she is lying about aspects of her family, then that goes to her character. And people should blast her for it, or at least ask questions about it if its true. So no, its not about the baby, its about her and her choices.

And are you really going to sit there an justify attacks by a) your candidate on a teenager (Chelsea was a teenager when McCain made the joke about her, but even if she wasn't, so what), and b) on Michelle Obama? Really, are you going to do that?

Everyone's missing my point here, I think.

No, I'm not justifying any of McCain's jokes, or the attacks on Michelle Obama by elements of the right wing.

In a moment of neutrality, I see your/Val's point about this story speaking to character. Okay, that's a legitimate question; I can concede that.

But the rest of the right wing isn't gonna see it that way. They're gonna see it as an attack on her and her child, and be ready to go to war over it. For all the talk about taking things out of context, the potential consequences of perpetuating this-the possibilities of where it could go-are horrible.

THAT'S my point. This is a huge, dangerous can of worms to open up. Let's be honest: conservatives have had a lock on this type of behavior. Liberals, not so much. And I hope to God that I'm just overreacting or jumping to the worst case scenario...but I do not see this ending well for anyone.

Ok, when you put it that way, I can see your point. But then you understand why people are upset because there seems to be blatant hypocrisy going on.

Just as recently as last week, I believe the GOP in TX put out an untruthful ad about Obama's brother. Calling into question his character because of the differences in their lifestyles. So I think what many people on this site and others are saying is, if there is something fishy about her story, and she blatantly lied to the American public, why shouldn't that be pursued?

Do I think that people should go after her for sport? Absolutely not. That is pathetic and desperate. But when I heard that her water broke, she hopped on an 11 hour flight, and then went to work 3 days later, it left me scratching my head. Red flags were raised. So if it comes out that that the story is not true, or she was trying to hide something about her family, why shouldn't that be called into question? She offered the information to everyone--people didn't hound her for it.

So if the right wing has complaints about it, it just goes to show that they feel they can use lies and innuendo to attack Democrats, but if Democrats or others raise legitimate concerns about a Republican candidate, then all of a sudden, its totally out of bounds. That's bullshit and I'm tired of it. First it was McCain's POW defense, and now its the fact that Palin is a woman.

This whole thing is effed up in my book.

Completely effed up.

Washington's (state) GOP did worse.

Someone smarter than me is gonna have to figure out how to raise that issue so it doesn't seem like liberals are picking on a mother of a child with Down's (or as y'all like to say here, "noun, verb, Down's"). Cause right now, that's how it's playing.

Personal attacks never end well.Did you go along in 2004 when the republican convention mocked John Kerry's service by lying about his record and wearing band-aids.The right always talk about values and service and then destroy anyone who is against them who live the values the right talk about.This story is unseemly but it is the right who wrote the rules.Even on the networks they repeat the rights lies that Obama is a Muslim he is not one of us.They print covers calling it satire denigrating Obama and his wife.In the rights zeal they spent over 60 million to prove Clinton got a blow job.So your protestations would have some merit if the right had any honor.

Is your running the GOP playbook gonna help anything? Is turnabout being fair play really gonna benefit anyone when it's all said and done?

It hurts when the shoe is on the other foot

You haven't seen one person from Obama's camp, not a surrogate, hell, not even a surrogate for the DNC, not one commentator, even allude to this story. Its been in the blogosphere where it originated from bloggers who live in Alaska, in Wasilla no less, who are familiar with this family. Any woman with the slightest of instincts know something is amiss with this story. A woman's water breaks and then she boards a plane without even being seen by a physician first?? Are you serious? Do you actually want anyone to think you are dense enough to believe that blatant-ass lie? And heaven forbid, if its not a lie, her kids need to be taken away because mommy is UNFIT.

Just like the right put words in someone mouth. No one and I repeat no one is attacking the child. The baby or her daughter what I am pointing out is that story just doesn't hold up. I am a father of 3 and after each birth my wife didn't go to work after 3 days.My son was born at 27 weeks and later diagnosed with autism in his first 5 months when he was in intensive care my wife was going thru some medical problems on her own and I had to quit my job to be there with him. Now you going to sit there and tell me that Palin story is plausible. Maybe its the moose burgers she eats where she can give birth to a special needs child get right out her bed put in the hours to care for said child and run the government.Well lets not even question her any further she is truly cue the music WONDER WOMEN!!!!!

Those moose burgers pack a mighty punch!

But you know just as well as I do that it's going to be seen as a liberal hit job on a mother. Looking at some of the right wing sites, that's exactly how it's being played.

I'm not passing judgement on the story. For right now, until PROVEN differently, it is what it is.

The ONLY point that I'm trying to make is that I know where this is going to go. Someone on, say, Free Republic is going to put out a rumor about one of the Obama children. Of course, it won't be true, but it will spread like wildfire. You know it, I know it. And the Obama camp-campaign AND supporters-will let loose with cries of racism, and convienently (sp?) forget the fact that y'all went after Palin's family with the exact same fervor that you'll see from my side.

I know my party's misdeeds. I know what we're capable of, even better than most of you do. The direction this is going is not a road you want to travel. There is no good ending here.

I'm gonna pull from that quote I sent you a few days ago: I am begging, pleading, with tears in my eyes, DO NOT perpetuate this. There are plenty of things to attack Palin on that are legitimate. For you all to go after her like this....I'm telling you, y'all can't win that fight.

We aren't going after her with the story about the baby. That is a non-issue because it doesn't affect us. Her being VP with no experience does.

Now, we all searched the Internet to find out about Sarah Palin. This is one of the topics that came up multiple times from Alaskan websites. The National Enquirer is already researching this subject and is expected to report it within the next few weeks. Nothing for us to do because it will be brought out whether they want it or not.

The issues are enough.

Given the great work they did on the John Edwards story, I have every confidence the National Enquirer will get to the bottom of this. It's amazing they've become a semi-reputable news source.

dj: My prayers go out to you and your family!!

God Bless the Child!!! :>)

Exactly! No one is buying this story because its too ridiculous to buy. Seriously, her water breaks so she boards a plane?? She flies back to have a special needs child, then goes to work 3 days later?? huh?? No one even knew she was pregnant until the 7th month?? And she just "carries small?"....not if pictures of her pregnant with her other children are any indication. Something about this story is JUST NOT RIGHT.

OK so can someone point me to the info on the baby that you are talking about just so i can reach my own conclusion. I don't intend to spread it. If there is any truth I will leave it to others to expose.

ruthdfw: Me 2. I haven't SEEN it. :>)

Palin '08 = Bush '00
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-shrake/pali...

It was all a fiendishly clever trap. Those who criticized Bush for being dumb and a poor speaker inadvertently helped elect him. Because once everyone picked their jaws up off the floor, the Bush campaign and its many surrogates could go over to the "beer drinkers" and say, "See? The white-wine drinkers are making fun of this average guy, George Bush. They're making fun of YOU, too! You'd much rather have a beer with the guy that can't talk so good, wouldn't ya?"

Let's be smart this time and show nothing but respect for Governor Palin, and not fall into the trap of calling her names and ridiculing her, but firmly and politely decline her kind offer to become our next vice president.

TruthSeeker: Good find!!! :>) :>) :>) ". . firmly and politely decline her offer to become our next vice president." Love it!!!!! :>) :>)

has anyone seen the cover of People that has the Mccain/Palin families? Why isnt the little girl they adopted from bangladesh also on the cover with cindy.....

99% Honest: I asked the same question which prompted me to ask some MSM commentators [via e-mail] to ask "McAncient" the next time they "see" him.

Also, the staffer from People Magazine stated last night, that she/they had been working on that cover for at least 2 weeks/2 months - I'm not sure, I know that she said 2 something and that she/they were sworn to secrecy!!!


BIG DISS to Romney, Pawlenty, etc!!! :>) :>)

because she unfortunately does not meet their criteria of being a beauty queen. http://bigheaddc.com/category/bridget-mccain/ and would probably play out right to the "hard working " American base.

I meant she would not be received well by the "hard working " American base. Especially when she "looks" more like a muslim than Obama. she would undercut their subliminal messages.

To "hard working Americans" brown skin equals Black. Period.

exactly. which is why she is safely away at school and not stumping with the McCains.

Scholars Question Palin Credentials

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/13001...

At what point do children with Downs' Syndrome develop the appearance that is common to all people with Downs'? Does Trig Palin have that look yet? From what I saw of yesterday's pictures, he's an adorable little boy. I couldn't tell whether he looks like he has Downs' yet, though.

parker404: In Down's Syndrome, the appearance of the "appearances" will vary [epicanthic eye folds, rather "flat" appearance of the back of the head, etc.]

Here's the Wiki description [hopefully, "unscrubbed" - see my post re the alleged "scrubbing" of Palin's Wiki information :>) :>)].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome

God Bless the child.

We all know the media, from newpapers to the television all have an overall referendum against Obama. I just can't believe the blatant double standars we have seen.

It is amazing to me that Sarah Palin comes on board yesterday and immediately pundits know her enough to call her a maverick, reformer. And yet, Obama has been a Senator and campaigning for the past 18 months and pundits tell us "He's new to the national scene, the American people just don't know him--does he share our values?"

It is amazing to me Palin actively has an investigation surrounding her abuse of power--which seemed to not garner enough attention on yesterday but Obama has had to renounce, repudiate, distance himself from anyone who simply knew his name and were considered controversial.

It is amazing to me that people like Karl Rove and other pundits dismissed Tim Kaine as a poor V.P. choice (who was also Lt. Gov before becoming Gov) but yet trumps the "executive experience" of Palin for serving 1.5 years of the 47th largest state in population---even claiming she's more qualified than Obama and Biden put together--- if that's the case, she needs to be on top of the Repub ticket since McCain himself has no "executive experience."

I heard one commentator claim Obama "attacked" McCain in his acceptance speech--even though Mcain has mocked Obama and his supporters in ads and has factually misrepresented him and his policies.

It is amazing that John McCain can be called a "foreign policy guru" even though he has been corrected by colleagues for his gaffes, edited by new organizations when he was factually wrong, and reckessly says "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" and jokes about killing Iranians with cigarettes.

I am amazed that John McCain's own female supporter on video ask "How do we beat the b-tch(Hillary Clinton)" while John Mccain laughs ---but yet his campaign proclaims "Hillary was mistreated, a woman has a place on this ticket and yes, we want your vote."

I am amazed that pundits talked about the supposed "non-vetting" of Hillary for almost two weeks after Biden was selected but barely mentions a word about John McCain meeting Palin just once befor this week, and not even "vetting" her at all--supposedly the campaign is sending people to Alaska today.

I've always known politics was dirty, campaigns were manipulative and crafty. But I will say, as much as I am hopeful about Obama's historic run, I am also disillusioned at times at the outright hypocrisy of certain elements of American dialogue , media and culture.

I hope we are all motivated for "Change" and "Hope." It is time to work as hard as ever!!

Co-sign. My thoughts exactly. Its not so much about Palin. Its about the unequal treatment. Look, I don't want to turn this into a "Obama is the victim" game, but this is pure BULLSHIT. Obama had to go through hell and back to prove he was worthy enough to be a candidate--and still does. Every single thing that he has done in the last 18 months has been under intense scrutiny and questioning. For people to sit back and give McCain a pass on this choice is breathtaking. It really is. I just can't believe that this is what it has come to.

monie: Yeah buddy!!! :>) :>) From the '60's - "RIGHT ON!!" [complete with the arm/fist in the air movement!!] :>) :>) :>)

this warrants a post on DailyKos. Great job

Fantastic post. You are spot on with this.

6 things the Palin pick says about McCain

1. He’s desperate. Let’s stop pretending this race is as close as national polling suggests. The truth is McCain is essentially tied or trailing in every swing state that matters — and too close for comfort in several states like Indiana and Montana the GOP usually wins pretty easily in presidential races. On top of that, voters seem very inclined to elect Democrats in general this election — and very sick of the Bush years.

McCain could easily lose in an electoral landslide. That is the private view of Democrats and Republicans alike.

Get the rest here:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12997...

John McCain is unfit to be POTUS and amazingly, he found a running mate unfit to be VPOTUS
http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/82113/4...

The man trap.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08302008/news/colum...

Look for McCain to now focus on 'Reform"

Sarah Palin's political career is a case study in taking on the big boys. She has a record of fighting the status quo, cronyism and earmarks within the Republican party.

The public wants change. This pick demonstartes McCain is serious about changing his party and the way we do business in Washington. It also shows that McCain will put the issues of energy independence and wasteful government spending at the forefront of his campaign.

Obama/Biden is a ticket thatt is deeply rooted in the corrupt, patronage politics of Chicago and inside the beltway, wasteful 'pork-barrel' spending.

From Illinois State Senator and Obama mentor, Emil Jones to lobbyist Hunter Biden and credit card giant MBNA,

McCain has a well established record of crossing party lines and challenging his own party and the president. The McSame meme will not stick.

Governor Palin's credentials as an agent of reform exceed Barack Obama's. Mr. Obama rose through the Chicago Democratic machine without a peep of push-back. Alaska's politics are deeply inbred and backed by energy-industry money. Mr. Obama slid past the kind of forces that Mrs. Palin took head on.

Obama/Biden talk the talk.
McCain/Palin walk the walk.

S,

I'll pose the same question to you that I posed to D,

Can you (or anyone else who was bashing Obama for not having FP experience or National Security cred) seriously look anyone in the eye and say (that if GOD forbid something happened to McCain if he were to become President, and I don't mean death per se, let's say he somehow was shot like Reagan) you believe that Sarah Palin is qualified to take over.

To put it in another way, if something were to happen to McCain or Obama if either became President, Who would you want to answer that "3a.m. call"? Joe Biden or Sarah Palin? Please be honest, and no spin or talking points.

I finally figured out who Independents are, just a bunch of uninformed superficial idiots with know core principle. According to Rasmussen, Sarah Palin made a huge first impression with Independents, but unimpressed with Joe Biden. This country is a joke. We're in two wars and a recession, and some Americans are willing to put our security in the hands of someone who not only has NO foreign policy experience, but hasn't expressed any views or interest in foreign policy. America has become a bad sit com.

They're decision averse... ;-) Sort of like Nader voters. They know very well voting for Nader is not a decision... because he can never win.

Probably something to do with a gambling reflex. They can't quite warm to the KNOWN Biden so the NEW and UNKNOWN thing doesn't require a decision, just reflex.

The country wants a change in leadership away from partisanship and reform in Washington. Who best represents that change? It's sure isn't Joe Biden.

We are our security, both domestic and national, in the hands of either Barack Obama or John McCain.

Alaskan Reaction to the Palin announcement
Reaction from the state fair to the announcement that Gov. Palin will be McCain's running mate.

Senator Murkowski -- "I guess we thought because she was not included in the vetting process she was not in the running. How wrong we were."

http://community.adn.com/mini_apps/vmix/player....

Not vetted....my goodness.

Reckless McCain.

Val: I thought I heard a flavor - as long as she's a WHITE woman- . . .
?????

Again, "McAncient" thought that a "vet" was where you take your pets to be treated!! :>) Whew!! :>)

.Again, "McAncient" thought that a "vet" was where you take your pets to be treated!! :>) Whew!! :>)
-----------------------------------------------
McCain sure didn't mean the Veterans of the Armed Services since he received a grade of D on veterans issues

dj: Say that!!! :>) :>) :>)

The Fully Vetted Sarah Palin
http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/sarah-pali...

I'm curious to hear more about this son/grandson issue. Palin's claim to have gone back to work 3 days after giving birth is troubling. I have a 9 month old, and was barely able to use the bathroom or shower three days after giving birth. I could not even imagine running a state at that time. As Governor, why couldn't she work from home for a few weeks before going back to the office?

Also telling is this idea that her water broke while she was out of state and she flew ELEVEN HOURS so that she could deliver in Alaska. Any parent knows that when your water breaks, it is time to get to the hospital immediately. Even if you have a long labor after your water breaks, the mother needs to be off her feet and preparing to deliver at once, not traveling in an airplane. In the case of a high risk pregnancy of a 44 year old woman with a baby that is already known to have Downs, ANY medical professional would have insisted that she go under a doctor's care immediately after her water broke.

Also, I thought it odd that the baby's sister was holding him onstage yesterday, not his dad.

OMG! I just thought of something as well ...

I've had three children and my doctor always ... always told me that it was not advised to fly on a plane or travel in the last trimester of pregnancy (especially the closer you get to your due date), because labor is a spontaneous thing, most times you either give birth before your due date or somethings after. It's rarely exact. Also, don't quote me on this ... but isn't it true that, each airline has guidelines for women flying in latter stages of pregnancy?

A long flight from Texas to Alaska that late in pregnancy ... doesn't seem on the up and up.

Exactly, and why would she take the risk..especially with a special needs baby coming. I would think her doctor would have warned against travel even more sternly in her case.

Exactly, parker404. Your water breaks, you know your baby has Downs syndrome ......and you get on a plane????!!! For an 11hour flight???!!!

Something fishy is going on up there in Alaska.

See my comment to Miranda right above.

TruthSeeker: " . . .something FISHY. . . . " LOL! LOL! :>) :>)

That right there tells you something is SOOOO not right here. Your water breaks, you go to the nearest HOSPITAL, you do not get on a plane. This story will not hold, it just won't.

Not only that but instead of going to a hospital in Anchorage when she landed, a hospital well equiped to deal with special needs deliveries, she went to a small hospital 45 minutes away near the town where she was the mayor.

The Daily Kos Article about the issue:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/121...

This story bothers me a lot because the exact same thing happened with a close friend of mine in high school. She was gaining weight then one day, she was gone.....to mysteriously live with an aunt who was supposedly "sick" for 5 months....then her mom has a child when no one knew she was pregnant?? The rumor persisted, but died...and 5 years later the truth comes out. It was horrible. This would absolutely be worse than troopergate or her lack of qualifications or whatever. This would just be beyond the pale in my book.

What if the baby started coming on the flight? Was she just gonna squat and push it out in the aisle? Why would she risk a down's syndrome baby coming without medical professionals around?

It just doesn't add up.

I would think that the pilot wouldn't fly the woman. It is not the airline policies to allow that. Birth is not something a white woman could do without a whole bunch of professionals around her.

Heh

I read somewhere that Miss Alaska hid her pregnancy from the airline staff. Probably wasn't too difficult since she wasn't pregnant anyway.

Interesting comment since my pre-teen daughter always holds my infant daughter. Is there some meaning behind who holds the baby? This is a legit question.

Of course there's no meaning behind who holds the baby, and in a large family it's to be expected that the older kids will help out with the youngers. It just stood out to me when seeing the Palins yesterday (before hearing any rumors about the baby) that big sister was holding the very young infant on stage for a long time, and there was no interaction between the baby and his daddy.

The fact it "stood out" to you is your intuition. Things just didn't look right. It's not that there's anything wrong with her holding the baby, it seemed strange to me too....she was holding him like a shield...and I noticed it too.

Sort of my frowning about that story above where I replied to Miranda. It just didn't add up.

I'm just learning abut this late Saturday night and I remebered thinking when I saw her that she had really full breasts and was a little thick around the middle.

djchefron - I don't think we would be helping Obama's case if we got into the
'the baby belongs to her daughter" discussion even if it is true. We would be better off to focus on her lack of experience on the national level and how she was not ready to lead if something happens to 72 year old McCain.

I dont particularly like the tone of this information either, but I've read this on countless sites now and its originating from bloggers in Alaska. If this story is remotely true, I would be more upset about this than I am about her lack of experience. Its one thing to not be ready for the responsibilities of the VP, its another to have your daughter caught up in some web of lies because of your freaking career.

Ok, I admit I haven't gone to that link above. But I gather they're saying the child is really her daughter's, right?

Well, something jogged my memory....I was reading one of the links posted here, where Palin attended a women's event, I think. The person telling the story asked her about her children, but later said she didn't know that Sarah was 7 months pregnant at the time. Later an aide of Sarah sent a message that Sarah had not mentioned it at the time but wanted her to know as a courtesy.

The story bothered me. I thought, a woman 7 months pregnant is showing a lot....and other women don't miss that stuff. There are some women who don't show much if they're tall with a long torso and if it's their first child. But, a 5th child would show a lot, at 7 months. How didn't anyone notice she was pregnant???? Why wouldn't she mention it immediately when asked about her children. The aide said something about her having not announced it yet......YOU'RE 7 MONTHS PREGNANT AND HAVEN'T ANNOUNCED IT YET???

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems weird to me.

This is the first I am hearing of this story but I love it. I don't care if it is true or not.




Does this make me a bad person?

:-0

Lilytiger: Many people are joining you. :>) There is just a lot of tension and emotion in this race and it is expressed in varying forms!! Soooooo NO!!! :>) :>)

no just human

Lol!....I won't judge you Lily.

Palin went back to work 3 days after giving birth to a special needs child.......there is no woman in her right mind, on this planet, that isn't raising eyebrows at this story.

3 days?? I don't know about the States, but in Canada women stay in hospital 3 days for uncomplicated births.

Jesus...if this is true...this will blow things out of the water for McCain.

If it is true, and Palin still accepted VP....she is guilty of political malpractice on the order of John Edwards....but more importantly to expose her daughter to this??!!

And McCain! If this is true.......he is instantly disqualified.

Returning to work 3 days after giving birth is poor judgment not befitting of a President of the United States. Period.

parker404: I'm jes sayin' . . . . that mother BUFFALOES, CARIBOU, BEARS, SEALS, WALRUSES, etc. "drop" their babies and get right back in the game the next day!

Maybe that's how some people roll in Alaska! [NO disrespect to Alaskan women. I'm really jesting.]

Actually, I had not heard this information.

AGAIN - NO DISRESPECT MEANT.

LOL.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-22-...

3 days

Even if it the claim is as false as the Obama is a Muslim story, let's put it out there. We can leave to Obama to take the high road.

my sense is it is probably true but we don't need to go there. There is enough to for us to focus on her lack of national and foreign policy experience and the fact that she is 100 percent on board with McCain ie do away with Roe vs. Wade etc.

If this is what the opposition comes down to, McCain made the wisest possible choice, and in the process exposed the opposition in a way that could never have been possible with any other running mate.

Well we would ask her about the VP but according to her she has no ideas on what the office does meaning she has never read the constitution which spells out the duties.We would ask about her foreign policy but again according to her on the one issue that is on the minds of Americans Iraq she hasn't thought about it.So we can also ask her on why when she mayor in a town of 6000 with a budget of 3.9 million she thought it was wise instead of investing in the infrastructure she built a 15 million dollar indoor ice rink in Alaska that left the town in a deficit that they had to raise sales tax to help pay off the debt.But that's republicans for put people in positions they are not qualified for, run up debt like there is no tomorrow and then skedaddle out of town when the bills come due

GO DJCHEFRON!!!!!!

That is what I'm talking about. We could even ask why she lied on her first speech to the country on her opposition to the bridge to nowhere when it is documented that she supported it.

Obama/Biden 08

sarah got a gun
hope you dont my me stopping by, have a safe and blessed weekend

rdb: Thank you!! Congrats on your 2009 nomination! :>) :>)

Thank you!

I am just loving the posts here today.

O happy day, indeed.

Republicans in general and McCain in particular are idiots
McCain Campaign Sending Investigators to Alaska to Check Into Palin’s Troopergate: Did these idiots not vet her?
http://firedoglake.com/2008/08/30/mccain-campai...

Interesting. However, if she was vetted this might have been prevented. I'm cynical enough to believe its just the repubs going to apply a litte "persuasion" that its a non-issue and to drop the matter.

It's high time someone teach McCain how to use the Internets. Troopergate would have shown up on a Google search.

I wonder what's the process for a running mate being dropped before the election?

rethugs don't care about that sort of thing...

Naw...I think he chose her against the advice of his strategists. I think he did it on his own, 'cause he's a punk, and it's more important to needle Obama and the Democrats about the Hillary drama, than to make a responsible decision.

He has given America the finger.

Truth, people are saying the baby issue doesn't pass the smell test, well the fact that McCain picked her doesn't pass the smell test for the following reasons:

1. She was being investigated for ethics violations before he picker her;
2. She has publicly lied about her support of the "bridge to nowhere and it is completely discoverable;
3. She has no knowledge of international affairs, she was never interested in the war and since becoming interested, has asked for a timetable when McCain insist that we be there indefinitely, even after Bush has succombed to the timetable. (Don't forget the way McCain derided Romney about the timetable and now he picks a mate who wants one-come on).
3. She is on the record for saying she doesn't know what the VP does when there are probably grade school students who could tell you what the VP does; and
4 The baby story which is more than likely true and could be uncovered easily by anyone with money to spend

It just doesn't seem plausible that he would select a candidate with this many known or discoverable negatives. Lack of experience and ignorance in areas of matters vital to the well-being of the American people aside, this selection in and of itself, does not pass the smell test. In fact, it is quite funky and makes me wonder what John McCain has planned for later.

I agree. I was thinking the speech pushed him right over the edge. Either that, or they're up to something.

I think they're up to something.

TruthSeeker: Co-signing!! :>) :>)

Hey folks,

Let's keep our eyes on the mission at hand. And that is to get Obama/Biden elected. Here is a diary of a guy in Italy who watched Obama's acceptance speech at 3am his time, and has decided to share his experience.

He also posted these photos that will remind us how historical that moment was to us. Please, do not let anyone steal your joy. Something my mother tells all the time. Do not let anyone steal the joy you felt that night.

Don't be distracted. Let's get to work.

more photos

Texas: Amen!! :>) :>) Glad I kept my "choir robe" on!! :>) :>)
"Don't let anyone steal your joy!" YES!!! :>) :>) :>)

Great post!! THANKS!!! :>) :>)

Thanks, those are great!

Thank you so MUCH!!!!

Thanks Texas girl. Hope you don't mind me posting this on other sites to stay on track.

Thanks again for the reminder.

Fired Up and Ready to Go!

McCain VP Sarah Palin's Messy Scandal
KTVA News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0CL9Gx-lHI

GOP VP pick Sarah Palin laughs at woman senator being called a "bitch"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKkydrUnBZE

the best advice for obama is to stay away from direct attacks on experience and rather, keep hitting the mccain has bad judgement and temperment theme. the woman is a gimmick. is that good judgement? mccain is the one who is not ready. actually there is a chance she might be more ready. but we know he isn't. make it about mccain. ignore the woman. mccain is the risk. that was the best part of his speech. keep hitting it. mccain would be the disaster. it works because it is true. let hillary go after the woman.

Agree. The experience argument is a double edged sword. I've been managing people at companies for over 20 years, and the other day someone at work made the comment that I have more executive managerial experience than Obama, and arguably a better resume making me more qualified to be president! My resume - graduated with honors from undergrad, ivy league law degree (with honors), top law firm, sucessful executive in Fortune 100 companies for years.

I responded immediately that that comment was crazy, but after thinking about it, it started to make sense if you just compare resumes. On the other hand, I could not hold a candle to Obama and Michelle when it comes to giving speeches. Oh well, maybe I can rule the world in another life.

...sucessful executive in Fortune 100 companies for years.

Ok, since I'm feeling charitable today, I'll give you some advice:

That line is it right there. You spent YEARS doing the same damned thing. Why is that, Father of Six? Why would you - with all your supposed brilliance - spend 20 long years doing the same damned thing? Why have you spent 20 years in hackery hell?

Have you written a critically acclaimed bestseller?

Have you run a 300+million dollar campaign and grass roots organization?

Can you write a 40 minute speech that can move 38 million people?

Can you personally produce anything that would generate enough interest that people would pay $4000 to get a "free" ticket to see you speak?

Can you master the comma?

Why do you sound so bitter - despite your stated acomplishments?

If it is the world you seek to rule...then quit your hack job, and find yourself.

...and please, please, fuck off.

Damn.......you slapped his azz into a coma. I hope he wakes up in time to go back to his little rat race on Tues....thank goodness for the holiday. Oh well, he's been doing the same thing for two decades, probably won't even be missed....maybe the sleepy time will do him some good.

TruthSeeker: Let me know when I may arise!!! :>) :>) :>) I only live to laugh and to appreciate you quick wit and wisdom!!! :>) :>)

STR8 - LAWD HA'MERCY!!!! :>) LOL! :>) :>) :>) :>)

STILL LMAO! :>) :>) :>)

Well, I think I got a little carried away.... but what the hell.

no - you didn't

Choosing a VP is the first decision as President, and look what John did.

Local Reaction to the Palin Bombshell.

Alaska State Senate President Lyda Green (R): “She’s not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president? Look at what she’s done to this state. What would she do to the nation?” (Green is from Palin’s home town of Wasilla.)

Alaska House Speaker John Harris (R): “She’s old enough. She’s a U.S. citizen.”

Alaska Democratic Party Chair Patti Higgins: “In this very competitive election for them to go pick somebody who is … under a cloud of suspicion, who is under investigation for abuse of power. It just sounds like a pretty slow start to me. We need a vice president who can step in if, God forbid, something happened to John McCain. I don’t think she’s someone who is ready for that 3 a.m. phone call.”

Randy Ruedrich, Alaska Republican Party Chair: Not giving interviews.

Andrew Halcro, local blogger who ran against Palin for governor: “This shocking choice says more about McCain’s desperation than it does about Palin’s qualifications”.

and my favorite…

Alaska State Representative Mike Doogan (D): “Either Sarah Palin has talents and skills we were not aware of”, or “John McCain fell down and hit his head”. He also called the prospect of Palin potentially needing to take over as President”pretty scary.”

This needs to be made into an ad!

I agree, esp. with the comments of the republican leaders in Alaska. If they don't think she is qualified and they at least know who she is....

John McCain came in 4th place during the Republican primary. His disregard of the US Constitution trumps his service. The National media has said Sarah and McCain are both Mavericks. A maverick in Washington wouldn’t have voted lock step with George Bush. To be a maverick republican in Alaska all you have to do is not be indicted or sitting in jail for selling your vote. For all the inexperience or judgment questions I have on Palin’s policies, she’s too good for him. You can put all the sugar on a turd pie that you want….John McCain will still be a turd pie.


http://progressivealaska.blogspot.com/2008/08/s...

Great article from Alaska on Palin -- a must read. http://mudflats.wordpress.com/

Is it me or was anyone able to find details on legislation or policy issues? I searched the government websistes and found nothing. The few documents I found was created today. Any luck?

http://google.state.ak.us/search?gov=yes&sort=d...

for Palin

Here is her position on Foreign Policy
http://images.dailykos.com/images/user/28416/Pa...

RAOTFLMAO


Thanks djchefron lolol

Good morning JJP Family.


I am feeling good. Yesterday started off with me being pissed because McCain was such a jerk that he would select someone that could not take over the country if he fell out within the next four years (72 with two bouts with cancer) simply because he was interested in winning and not in making sure our country is secure.

After the day went on and after reading the material available on line and looking at Palin's work history (or lack of) and read articles written by Alaskan sources (newspapers and bloggers) I was tremendously pleased. I can hardly wait until next week to see the happenings.

Obama/Biden will win in November but this race will certainly be great to watch.

i don't know val. first of all mccain is not ready to lead the country so it is no surprise he can't pick a vp since that is part of what leading the country entails. second the truth is immaterial in big brother's domain. this woman is catnip to the "hard working, hard working white voters" who i fear barack will have trouble with "again". like i said hillary ain't done redeeming herself. the good news for her is...she gats another chance. if she works hard and helps us win i might still forgive her sack of shit behavior in the primary . ....my original point is /was...WATCH OUT FOR PALIN"S TANYA HARDING APPEAL!

http://rodonline.typepad.com/rodonline/2008/08/...

I co-sign 100% on this!

i am quite disturbed by yesterday. the elevation of this everyday mom into the fray fills me with fear that many of the themes of the battle with hillary will be back. she is a true trojan horse. seeing the excitement and breathlessness that the dana bashes of the world covered this story yesterday was so frustrating. they were all excused from acknowledging the 40 million viewer speech. it also displays how hillary's pandering and encouraging racism during the primaries has been destructive going forward. here it is. the trojan horse in the form of a hillary look a like. a facist with a hillary mask. hillary better get her butt to work.

From The Trail, Wapo:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008...
Evangelicals Heap Praise on Palin

Focus on the Family appears to be leading the charge!!

Hmmmmmm!!

HEY!!! When I "tested", it was stated that the page moved. So I typed in the "heading' and it came up. ?????

rikyrah: Baratunde interviewed someone from "What About Our Daughters", soooooo, I took a little walk and found this thread:

McCain Brilliantly Aims Directly At Obama's Weak spot. . Pits the Ambitions of Blacks vs Those of White Women

Then she has this audio where she explains her reason for saying this.7 min.]
1. I'm not saying that I am voting for McCain, I'm just recognizing his strategic move.
2. She will be on "radio" on Monday to have a discussion about her post.
3. She said that she's getting a lot of "hate" e-mails, but she is deleting them!!
4. She said that people should not spend too much time on this. She also said don't underestimate Palin & don't engage in put downs! Talk about her ISSUES!
5. She made recommendations to get INVOLVED in the campaign, even to the extent of going to other states -Georgia, Louisiana, etc. where people are hurting, etc.

REMEMBER: I don't know this person/site. :>) I'm sure that some JJP'ers do.

That's it!! I love this "field trippin' stuff"!! I tell you that I didn't know that this "other world" existed.! :>) :>) :>)

This comes under the heading: "Pass Me that Bottle of Whiteout!"

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?st...
Palin's WIKIPEDIA Entry Gets Overhaul

So here I am, a novice, haulin' my gluteus over to Wiki to gather some "TRUE" info. on Palin and now NPR is reporting that her page has been "scrubbed" of unfavorable information, i.e. 1). the brother-in-law issue, 2) participation in a beauty pageant and 3) going hunting at - you got it- 3:00 A.M.!!

Seems as if ONE person with the "ID" "Youg Trig [her baby's name] was the person making the changes on Thursday-the day before her VP announcement [in preparation for the "searches" that were anticipated on Friday.]

NPR was reminded by a WIKI spokesperson, that making changes on yourself is a "NO, No!"

Well! Well! Well!! Is anyone else as SHOCKED as I am??? :>) :>)

p.s. The "audio" has the full story! :>) :>)

This comes under the heading: "They're Back!!" :>)

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EDWARDS_...
John Edwards to Emerge From Seclusion For Speech

Here's the reported schedule:
-Sept. 8 - Hofstra Univ. in NY; No Elizabeth
-Sept 23 - Salem State College in Mass.; Elizabeth is scheduled to accompany him
BUT, they will NOT talk about the affair.
-Oct. - Univ. of Illinois

Well! What can he/they say and who will believe him/them???

IMHO, it's too early. I would just sit this one out!!

I'm jes sayin' . . . . . . . :>)

Again, hope this isn't a duplicate:

http://www.newser.com/story/36105/putin-us-spar...
Putin Suggests U.S. Provocation in Georgia Clash

MOSCOW — As Russia struggled to rally international support for its military action in Georgia, Vladimir V. Putin, the country’s paramount leader, lashed out at the United States on Thursday, contending that the White House may have orchestrated the conflict to benefit one of the candidates in the American presidential election.

Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin of Russia during his interview with CNN on Thursday in which he assailed the United States.


Mr. Putin’s comments in a television interview, his most extensive to date on Russia’s decision to send troops into Georgia earlier this month, sought to present the military operation as a response to brazen, cold war-style provocations by the United States. In tones that seemed alternately angry and mischievous, he suggested that the Bush administration may have tried to create a crisis that would influence American voters in the choice of a successor to President Bush.

“The suspicion would arise that someone in the United States created this conflict on purpose to stir up the situation and to create an advantage for one of the candidates in the competitive race for the presidency in the United States,” Mr. Putin said in an interview with CNN.

He added, “They needed a small victorious war.”

Is he just askin' . . . . ???

On the real: This situation is very COMPLEX! I surely don't get it! :>)

Found this interesting:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/gop...

The GOP campaign for the White House is looking more and more like the screenplay for an unproduced Goldie Hawn film from the 1980's, a Goldie Hawn film expert said today.

Davis Logsdon, who teaches at the University of Minnesota's School of Film and is considered the world's foremost expert in the cinema of Goldie Hawn, said that in choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate Sen. John McCain was taking a leaf from an unproduced Hawn vehicle from 1984 titled "Contestant in Chief."

"In the screenplay, an evil presidential candidate chooses the American he thinks is the least likely to catch on to his nefarious plans to destroy the country," Professor Logsdon said. "Enter Goldie, a former beauty pageant contestant, small-town mayor and hockey mom."

In keeping with the formula of Goldie Hawn movies in the 1980's, "She turns out to be smarter than she looks and exposes her running mate on national TV, becoming President herself in the process."

But Professor Logsdon cautioned that in the case of this year's GOP ticket, life will probably imitate art only up to a point: "In real life, if Gov. Palin becomes President she will most likely ban abortions, destroy wildlife habitats and blow up the world."

Elsewhere, Gov. Palin said she was looking forward to the vice-presidential debate, or as she called it, "the talent competition."

What can we say??? "Talent Competition"!?

Hope these are NOT duplicates:

Palin Pick Leaves Bruised Feelings
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008...
By Anne E. Kornblut
DENVER -- Though it was high in shock value, the Palin pick left bruised feelings among the short-list contenders who were not picked -- and infuriated some Republican officials who privately said McCain had gone out on a limb, unnecessarily, without laying the groundwork for such an unknown. Two senior Republican officials close to Mitt Romney and Tim
Pawlenty said they had both been rudely strung along and now "feel manipulated."

"They now know that they were used as decoys, well after McCain had decided not to pick them," one Republican involved in the process said.

Democrats quickly absorbed the Obama talking points. Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar, of Colorado, said it demonstrated a "lack of judgment" on McCain's part.

Even some former Clinton supporters said Palin would not automatically draw disenchanted women voters -- and would face fierce pushback from the Obama campaign over her conservative social views.

"I know Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton," Debbie Wasserman Schultz said in a phone interview with NBC.

But Howard Wolfson, the former Clinton communications director, said she could peel away some votes.

There is more; but Romney & Pawlenty felt "USED"!!

Does this mean that they won't be VIGOROUSLY campaigning??

I'm jes askin. . . . .

Michelle got a bounce of her own:

From Rasmussen

now is viewed favorably by 55% of voters and unfavorably by only 36%

Michelle Obama's Convention Bounce

The MSM hasn't reported on Cindy's estranged sisters. Nobody's asking about why Bridget is not in family campaign photos.

Last night I hear Gergen getting ready to take the bait with Palin, saying they should question her because nobody knows what her positions are. 8 weeks to go and they're ramping up for a frenzy over Palin, when it's John McCain, and his insipid wife who hasn't been vetted yet.

rikyrah: Yaaaaaaaa!!! GOOD NEWS!!! :>) :>)