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EDIT/DISCLAIMER: This is not a pipe dream. Palin is currently being re-vetted. This information did not have to come to light. This is laying the groundwork for a possible withdrawal. It is only because of this that I felt it appropriate to post this.
—
This post is not meant to antagonize, divide, or irritate. If Sarah Palin remains our vice-presidential nominee, I’ll throw my full support behind her. But this is a highly consequential post, meant to persuade all readers that Palin, in the next twenty-four hours, has got to go. I felt that a post of this nature was finally safe to make now that it’s a real possibility.
Let’s go point by point:
1. Scandals and Their Implications
Between Bristol’s pregnancy — which makes her Dukakis-esque statement that she would not approve of her daughter having an abortion even if she were raped take on a special meaning — and Troopergate, which should have eliminated Palin from serious consideration in the first place, Palin’s misadventures are ripe for gossip-mongering and make us lose control of the narrative.
Worse, there are going to be a hell of a lot of mothers across the country that are going to seriously question whether it’s appropriate for a mother with a newborn special-needs child and a pregnant teenager to subject them to the campaign trail when they need her most. My own mother, whom I discussed this with earlier, was quite taken aback and appalled at her parenting decision. And the CNN poll released two days ago already showed that Palin actually hurt the ticket among women.
Do we really want to risk this if we don’t have to?
2. She’s Not Ready to Lead
After having had a few days to let it sink in, it really hit me: sure, the left is being hypocritical when they criticize Sarah Palin’s inexperience. But is that our best argument? “Gee, at least our vice-presidential nominee is better than Barack Obama!” Barack Obama is our new threshold for what’s acceptable? What happened to ‘ready to lead’? It’s a slap in the face to people like Joe Lieberman, Tom Ridge, Rudy Giuliani, and, yes, even Mitt Romney, who have strong records of accomplishment and are fundamentally ready on day one. McCain trashed his whole narrative by choosing Palin.
Do you want Sarah Palin potentially staring down Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Vladimir Putin? Kim Jung-Il? Don’t feed me any crap about how her state borders Russia. That is not foreign policy experience.
Fair enough, you might say, but isn’t it ultimately about vision? George W. Bush had vision, even though he had no foreign policy experience.
Fine. But it gets worse.
3. She’s an Intellectual Lightweight
One of the following quotes comes from Sarah Palin. Can you guess which one?:
A) “We are a nation at war and in many [ways] the reasons for war are fights over energy sources”
B) “[O]f course, knowing the situation we are in right now — at war, not knowing what the plan is to ever end the war we are engaged in…”
C) “We’d better have a real clear plan for this war. And it better not have to do with oil…”
Which one was it?
Trick question. She said all of them! Sarah Palin thought that the Iraq War may have been for oil. And she thinks that Ron Paul, moreso than the other candidates, is worth praising. Gee, that’s reassuring.
And our future #2 said, when asked about the surge: “I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq. I heard on the news about the new deployments, and while I support our president, Condoleezza Rice and the administration, I want to know that we have an exit plan in place; I want assurances that we are doing all we can to keep our troops safe.”
With her son in the military, while remaining politically active and a high-profile citizen, the most she knew about the surge in 2007 was that she “saw it on the news” and that she wanted an exit strategy?
She not only has no foreign policy experience, but worse, she has no foreign policy vision. Exit strategies, speculating that the war was for oil, and little attention paid to the news — this is our future vice-president?
4. Her Untenable Abortion Position
Will she moderate her abortion position? She hasn’t done it yet, even though the Internet is abuzz with it. And Palin is not one to ignore the Internet, as that was the reason that she revealed her daughter’s pregnancy to the world.
Abortion isn’t an issue. It routinely ranks ninth or tenth on priority lists of issues. So abortion isn’t an issue — until it is. When polls suggest that as few as ten percent of Americans support the same position as Sarah Palin does (which is to say: no exceptions), it’s time to moderate ASAP or commit political suicide.
She has not moderated yet. Do we even know that she will?
UPDATE, 12:14: Palin was once a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, which advocates secession from America!
UPDATE, 1:58: Need more? Read this.
UPDATE, 2:20: In the interest of fairness, read this as a rebuttal to my claim that Palin’s decision to run for the vice-presidency even though it would put her daughter through a celebrity circus was cruel. Do I think that it’s okay that Palin didn’t veto her daughter’s yes? No. But there’s the other side.
How To Do It
McCain can’t kick her out. To withdraw, Sarah Palin must come out with a statement that she has decided that, upon further reflection, she realized that she simply got caught up in the heat of the moment and made an impulsive decision. She must say that her family needs her most; that Bristol and Trig have to take priority over her political ambition.
The base has been excited. We can replace her with a candidate acceptable to the base. That’s fine. We can do that. We don’t have to make these record crowds and fundraising days be in vain. But Sarah Palin has to go.
This can happen.
This must happen.
We still have time.
We’re gonna take a hit either way: McCain’s judgment will be called into question when Palin leaves — this is true.
But if she doesn’t, say hello to President Obama and Vice-President Biden.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Alex you are absolutely ridiculous on this one. Do you understand that if she goes, McCain will have admitted that his judgement cannot be trusted? She is our VP and if she is let go we will lose.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:26 pm
You didn’t even read the piece, did you?
September 1st, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I can’t see this happening. The comparisons to Eagleton will be made endlessly. COmparisons to Quayle are more palatable (or even Ferraro).
September 1st, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Of course I did…no matter what it’s called it will be perceived that she was let go.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:28 pm
You’re an idiot, Alex. And you have no business referring to anyone else as an intellectual lightweight.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13062.html
September 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Great political conspiracy Alex – it’s not going to happen. Palin is on the ticket to stay.
And who is going to go whisper in Sarah’s ear to step aside? Rove? And who would be that ‘acceptable to the base’ pick that you seem to hold out as a knight in shining armor? Pawlenty? Guiliani? Romney? Ridge? Lieberman? No easy choices here.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I usually don’t go personal on these posts, but you’re an idiot. The second that the left starts throwing mud, you want to just give up! I am more proud to be a republican because of Sarah Palin as VP than I have been in years. The bottom line is that you don’t give her enough credit. You think that she’s just a frail little thing that will get spooked and fall apart. She’s built her CAREER on taking down old entrenched good old boys, and there is no one who fits that description better than BIDEN!!! She’s the Saraccuda, and you’re just willing to cast her out to sea. Shame on you and anyone who goes along with this acinine idea. McCain had better not do what you’re suggesting…he’ll live to regret it.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Sorry Alex, but you are wrong on this issue. Unless there is proof that Gov. Palin killed a hobo, then we have to keep her on the ticket.
Remember McGovern/Eagleton!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
If she goes, McCain’s judgement will be questioned. He didn’t give her enough time to think about it, etc. However, his judgement is being questioned already.
But the Bush/Rove copybook says that when under threat, attack attack attack. That’s the more likely route in this polarized electorate.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Idiocy.
Alex, I’ve often supported your views in the past, but this is so stupid it surpasses understanding how you could post it.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
The basis of your argument is ill founded and wreaks in personal issues of your problems with her, so maybe you shouldn’t vote for them.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
I am just amazed by all the stuff that has been coming out I knew about Troopergate. I was shocked about the baby, I was shocked about the secessionist Party, I was shocked that she was for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it and I was shocked she was for earmarks before she was against it. If she can whether this week, I say she was successful, but NEVER, EVER remove the VP. It will undermine McCain’s judgment and message.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
The other problem in this scenario is Palin. She clearly has national ambitions, even if these would have been better suited to 2012 (or 2016).
but if she backs out now, her national ambitions are over. Nobody would take her seriously in 2012, no matter what she said.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I think it would be better for the GOP to run a nasty campaign against Obama than removing Palin.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I am shocked that the Dems are trying to use a phrase that was akin to Kerry’s approval and disapproval to a war to show that Palin flipped on an issue involving a bridge…how stupid!!!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
It always come to abortion with you baby-killing loving assholes. Why even pretend? Just list number 4 over and over.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:37 pm
I am amazed at how easily spooked some posters and supposed GOP supporters are right now.
Obama = Rev. Wright; BAIPA; Ayers; Rezko; “Community organizer”; socialist; marxist ties a.k.a “Frank”; uncertain eligibility for office; celebrity; meglomaniac; ‘punished with a baby’; 143 days in office; running for Prez 2 out of his 3 years of time in DC; and on and on…
I still like our chances.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:38 pm
im really suprised that mccain had only met her once. doesnt that strike everyone as kind of weird? if a candidate knows someone very well, the i say they’re entitled to pick whoever they want. but it is so weird mccain picked her, when he hardly knows her at all.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:39 pm
All of this hand wringing is so detatched from reality and is an invention of the MSM. Palin is a strong choice, maybe the strongest and shrewdest selection ever. Even with these stories that no one believes and that no one is paying attention to, McCain is shwredly winning each day’s news cycle. The pick sucked all of the oxygen out of Denver and the GOP is unified. McCain also stands to gain all of the millions of PUMA voters.
Governor Palin – 10 years of executive experience/CIC of Alaskan National Guard
September 1st, 2008 at 11:39 pm
You people live in a bubble.
Do you understand how non-base members are going to react to her abortion position? To her non-experience? Do you understand how much this pick calls McCain’s into judgment?
Palin has an out, and she can take it. She’s not our nominee yet.
There’s that, and then of course –
You people are comfortable with this woman staring down Ahmadinejad?
With the fact that she has no problem subjecting her pregnant teenager to the media’s harsh spotlight?
With the fact that she thought that the Iraq War may have been for oil?
September 1st, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Jeremy – the Independence party of Alaska – more to it than that slanted ABC post. I’m more jazzed about Palin knowing that she has this strong states rights streak. Do a little due diligence and you will readily see that the independence party is all about AK states rights; more state control of the land now under control and off limits per the federal government, etc. The ’secessinist’ angle isn’t even in the independence party platform – rather, they call for a vote of the people about the issues. There’s really not much more to it than that.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Shrewdly winning the cycle!?
The only non-Gustav story of the day was the fact that Palin was not forthcoming about her daughter’s pregnancy!
That’s winning the cycle?!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:41 pm
McCAin withdraws Palin he would look like the biggest idiot, terrible judgement, fickle and the SoCons would be pissed, because they like her.
This is ridiculous.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Governor Palin – 10 years of executive experience/CIC of Alaskan National Guard
Look at you, counting her years as mayor!
Fine! Then Obama has 11 years of legislative experience!
Now he’s ready to lead, too.
Don’t you see what you’ve done?! We’ve killed our winning narrative!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:41 pm
23 – Did you READ MY POST?
PALIN should WITHDRAW. Not BE WITHDRAWN. It has to look like HER decision.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Alex…let’s be honest, one of the reasons we went to Iraq was because of oil…not the only reason but it was in the thought process. It is part of protecting our interests abroad.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Palin = Thatcher but with more executive experience (10 years).
September 1st, 2008 at 11:42 pm
“You people are comfortable with this woman staring down Ahmadinejad?”
You are a twit. As if your little-bitty nut sack would help you stare down Ahmadinejad.
Palin may just be Iron Lady II.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I’m trying to post a response and the spam filter’s eating it… if I can’t post it I’m going to be really mad.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
25…it will never look like her decision!!!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
#20:
Alex. My mother was a conservative Democrat who recently changed parties and is now a very moderate Republican. She is pro-choice and not necessarily opposed to gay marriage. She was thrilled when McCain chose Palin. The thought of a woman being the Vice President is exciting to the women of America.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:44 pm
You lose complete control of your bladder at the first burst of automatic fire and WE live in a bubble, Alex? Even if I were to accept your hare-brained non-reasoning on its face, what sort of bubble must you live in to imagine that McCain can allow the media to scare him away from his VP pick like a frightened little girl and go on to win a national election?
If he’s that easily spooked then I do not want him as my president.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Here’s the thing: those were all clear advantages for McCain before he picked Palin. Now? Not so much.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:44 pm
I’m going to try it in chunks:
Alex, why do you have to be really intelligent sometimes and a completely moronic asshole the rest? Palin is fine.
Point by point:
1. I think the campaign planned to leak the “scandals” right now when they would compete with Gustav, which they already knew was going to be a big story when she was picked. And I think most people still aren’t paying attention right now except us political junkies who overanalyse these sorts of “problems”. When people do start to pay attention, I think they’ll dismiss most of these things as irrelevant.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:44 pm
2. I’ve always thought the “ready to lead” bit was stupid, especially as a criteria for the job that “isn’t worth a bucket of warm piss”. And for people who care about that sort of thing, I think the Obama/Biden ticket is still more frightening. The top of their ticket is scarcely more qualified than ours, and the guy “a heartbeat away from the Presidency” is a left-wing nutso. Palin would still be better than either of them, even if she’s FAR from qualified, which I don’t think she is.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Sam, I like that. I think we need to start calling Governor Palin “Iron Lady II.”
Governor Palin – 10 years of executive experience/CIC of Alaskan National Guard/State neighbors Russia
September 1st, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Alex, after your nonstop support of Rudy and all of his PERSONAL/OTHER problems (and I can go on forever on the basta**), this post just basically tells me you’re dumb. I liked this website, but if DaveG, Alex et al are going to be pissy b/c their guys did not get elected/picked, then this site is no good. (Then again, I probably would’ve been the same way if the media would’ve dumped on Rudy. Okay, carry on then).
September 1st, 2008 at 11:45 pm
3. I’m no foreign policy hawk, so I like that she’s a little more open-ended than McCain when it comes to the war issue, and she’s expresssing views on the War that are more in line with many voters, especially those in the middle. It does NOT make her an “intellectual lightweight”… this woman rose from total obscurity to national prominence in a short without ANY help from lobbyists, connections to powerbrokers, family political dynasties, etc. She did it ALL from elbow-grease and good policies. That’s nothing to scoff at..
September 1st, 2008 at 11:45 pm
4. Her abortion position is a bit extreme, but she’s only going to be VP. And even if she becomes President, the only way she would be able to affect abortion in this country would be through SCOTUS appointments, and even then only if McCain dies, and even then the Congress that approves her appointees would be heavily pro-choice, so a staunchly conservative justice would be a non-starter. I don’t see that her abortion extremism is such a drag. And it helped tremendously with the base..
September 1st, 2008 at 11:46 pm
If Palin leaves or is forced to leave the ticket, then McCain’s first major decision will be painted as a massive failure, which doesn’t bode well for his Presidency or chances at winning the election. But all of this can be handled in such a way as to minimize the negative effect. We still haven’t really gotten to know Palin.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Alex,
You want her to go but you’ll back her if she stays?.
If she exit’s you can say hello to president Obama anyway.
If you really feel this way then the proper conclusion is the race is over, and this post is about later being able to say I told you so.
With all due respect, grow a pair.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:47 pm
McCain’s stuck with the pick, for better or worse.
All and all though, this does raise a slight red flag with me. My little issue is this… why would she accept the VP nod when she knew that her teenaged daughter would get slimed over this. It makes me curious to her ambitions. I’m not questioning her loyalty to her children, persay, but did she not know that this would be made an issue?
For those who don’t understand my reasoning, hear me out… Pretend you are a 17 year old teenage girl, and now THE ENTIRE WORLD knows that you were knocked up. Some on the left are going to peddle disgusting information about a teenage girl, who is going to have to live with it the rest of her life.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I had one more bit to post, but I got most of what I had typed. Sorry to post a million times. Fucking spam filter.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Yeah. Because no one would ever see through so naive and bone-headed a ruse. /bitter sarcasm.
And you have the gall to refer to anyone else as an intellectual lightweight?
Dude.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I used to enjoy this site, especially all of the polls that got posted here, but this trashing of Palin makes it not worth reading any more.
This is like the Clarence Thomas high tech lynching all over again, only some on our own side are joining in.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm
If Palin is removed the base will be more outraged at John McCain than when he threw in his support for CIR. McCain stands to lose alot by taking her off the ticket. By keeping her on the ticket there may be damage, but it won’t be that great because folks don’t spend all of their time focusing on a VP.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
You lose complete control of your bladder at the first burst of automatic fire and WE live in a bubble, Alex? Even if I were to accept your hare-brained non-reasoning on its face, what sort of bubble must you live in to imagine that McCain can allow the media to scare him away from his VP pick like a frightened little girl and go on to win a national election? If he’s that easily spooked then I do not want him as my president.
Are you kidding!?
This isn’t about “standing up to the media”!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
one conversation is weird…
September 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
For those who don’t understand my reasoning, hear me out… Pretend you are a 17 year old teenage girl, and now THE ENTIRE WORLD knows that you were knocked up. Some on the left are going to peddle disgusting information about a teenage girl, who is going to have to live with it the rest of her life.
Exactly!
People will think that she’s cruel.
And they’d be right.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I think that in her rollout the consensus was that she appeared strong, decisive and Reaganesque. We need to let her introduce herself. Plus, I firmly believe that her daughter’s baby is a winning issue for us as it humanizes her and allows America to see her as a mother and as a fighter.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:50 pm
She’s not even rolling herself out!
She gave her speech, she’s been on the trail, and now she’s in St. Paul, “taking a breather.”
Taking a breather?! Instead of being in Louisiana with McCain!?
It’s been three days since she gave her first speech!
Can you imagine Rudy, Lieberman, or Ridge “needing a breather”?
This is an utter farce!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
EDIT/DISCLAIMER: This is not a pipe dream. Palin is currently being re-vetted. This information did not have to come to light. This is laying the groundwork for a possible withdrawal. It is only because of this that I felt it appropriate to post this.
NO SHE IS NOT,
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/01/mccain-camps-detailed-review-of-palin-1/
September 1st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
I used to enjoy this site, especially all of the polls that got posted here, but this trashing of Palin makes it not worth reading any more.
Oh please. I’m in the minority and you know it.
This is like the Clarence Thomas high tech lynching all over again, only some on our own side are joining in.
!?!?!?!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
if palin leaves its over. she must simply preform well in her speeches and solidly in the debate. if she does that it will vindicate mccain.
the media is getting in some people’s heads here. relax. schmidt knew about all of this. don’t you see? the libs are overreaching and people are becoming protective of her. she is rallying more support to mccain then he ever could have managed on his own. more money, more volunteers, more energy. on wednesday, i guarantee she is going to get a long standing ovation for handling the media smears with dignity. then she fights back in her speech, taking on the smear merchants and impressing the crowd. just sit back and watch kids, show is just getting started.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:52 pm
CRUEL!?!?! ARGH. This is just too frustrating. I’m going to bed. I believe in McCain/Palin and am more excited to be a republican than I’ve been in six years. I’m just glad you’re not in the driver’s seat Alex.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:52 pm
52 — YES SHE IS.
http://thepage.time.com/2008/09/01/asked-and-not-answered/
September 1st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Palin is energizing the base and that is who helped Bush win over the top over the liberals Kerry and hairman Edwards!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
This is like the Clarence Thomas high tech lynching all over again, only some on our own side are joining in.
Yes Joel it has the same feel to it doesn’t it.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
CRUEL!?!?! ARGH. This is just too frustrating. I’m going to bed. I believe in McCain/Palin and am more excited to be a republican than I’ve been in six years. I’m just glad you’re not in the driver’s seat Alex.
If you had a kid and she got knocked up, you’d tell the whole world and plaster her face and pregnant body all over the media for your own political ambitions? You’re sick!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Don’t underestimate Palin. You don’t work your way up to be nominated as VP for nothing. The McCain camp is very shrewdly setting the expectations bar low so that Gov. Palin will overperform. Brilliant Pick.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Does no one have a problem with the fact that she thought that the Iraq War was for oil?
Can any among you really say that you think that she can stare down Ahmadinejad, given her total flippancy toward foreign policy and lack of insight or attention to war issues?
On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable would you be with her as Commander-in-Chief?
On a scale of 1-10, how ready do you think that Palin is to lead? 50% in the new CNN poll say that she is not ready to be president.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Right and ABC is telling the truth because they are so unbiased?
Here is who they are sending-
Steve Schmidt, a senior adviser, said the campaign always planned to send a “jump team” to the eventual running mate’s home state to work with the nominee’s staff, help with information requests from local and national reporters, and answer questions about documents that were part of the review.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Oh my God, Alex in 53, if you really don’t know about the Clarence Thomas thing then you really are a complete tool.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
59, at your age I would’ve thought you were above sexism. Your points are weak and unfounded…do you not understand the repurcussions?????
September 1st, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Nope Alex… Kick her to the curb and you lose literally tons of conservative support. I was tepidly supporting Mac for a few weeks before this. If he tosses her I personally will find it very hard to support him because of it. I agree with 45. Joel. I will not participate in a stupid decision like this. If Mac lets the media, the left and a few misguided people on the right to force him to do this, I can not trust the Maverick’s judgement. He has at that point proven that he seeks their approval. Period. Either he trusts himself or not. Sorry Alex but I think you are wrong on this. I do not want to sacrifice our principles or the goos Governor to appease you or the media. Palin or bust.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:56 pm
#63 he’s in college, he has no idea.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:56 pm
And Alex, those “vetters” are going to Alaska *specifically* to head-off attacks from liberal journalists and campaigners who are going up there to dig up whatever dirt they can find, not to vet her again because she wasn’t vetted properly in the first place.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Alex – you’re fighting a losing battle with the “Iraq War was for oil”… perception is reality and the majority of americans (rightly or wrongly) belive that oil played a part in the current operations in Iraq.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I thought Harriet Meyers had been a horrible pick by Bush.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:57 pm
On a scale of 1-10 Palin is an 11!
Spinal Tap
September 1st, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Alex, if any of those reasons you listed mattered as much as you’re suggesting, Obama would have never been nominated and Obama would not have an edge in the election. If we can take one lesson from Obama, it’s that your past doesn’t matter if you look good in front of the camera. Palin stays relatively gaffe free, we’re gonna have our first female VP.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Oh, and for perspective, Alex is 16 years old, right? I bring that up simply to put your comments in perspective for any new folks on here
September 1st, 2008 at 11:58 pm
#68, she’ll gain voters.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:58 pm
61, Alex don’t let your naivete show. And YES I would be fine with her “staring” down Ahmadinejad. 10!!!!!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
I think it’s probably too late, and she still has the potential to be an amazing leader.
What she needs to do is clarify and/or soften her views on sex and and birth control, pronto.
I think you folks should note that several of our women commenters, when this broke this morning, were appalled that a mother would not protect her daughter in this situation by not running. And they were SoCon women. Huck supporters, like “voter.”
September 1st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
She’s taking flack because she’s over the target!
September 1st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
With “friends” like these we don’t need Kos. Can someone explain to me why Alex was made a front pager again?
September 1st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
67: There is no dirt just snow and ice.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:00 am
I’d welcome Ahmadinejad getting scolded by Palin – he’s a straw man in Iran anyway and doesn’t represent the true political leanings of that country. That would be great to see him dishonored in such a way.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:00 am
jerseyrepublican,
I wouldn’t want my (hypothetical) teenage son’s dirty laundry aired all over the world either. If there was something hidden in the closet like that, then she should’ve turned it down.
A teenaged pregnancy, regardless of whether you are on the left or right, is not a blessing or a miracle, unless you claim to be the mother of Jesus or something… it’s something a family has to learn to deal with, and not under the scrutiny of every newscaster from NBC to Al Jazeera.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:01 am
Alex,
I agree with you on many issues, especially, if I remember correctly, the war. However, I respectfully think that you are being a tad sexist in your criticism of Gov. Palin. Maybe you cannot visualize a female commander in chief in the Thatcher mold. But imagine saying what you are saying about Reagan or Eisenhower or GHW Bush. Gov. Palin has more executive experience then all three of those men combined when they became President. It’s not fair to discount her only because she is a woman.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:01 am
You should all take it down a notch and realize that Alex has a point. The MSM is never going to let up on her. They smell blood and they will flog these stories every day under the election. What about the Troopergate investigation, being run by a Dem, which will deliver a verdict a few days before the election? What do we say about her involvement in a group that demanded that Alaska secede from the Union? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
I disagree on Alex about one thing, though. She should step down for family reasons, not because she made an impulsive decision. And then the McCain campaign should hit back hard at the press for being so over the top in attacking Palin and her family.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:01 am
Alex is a little college fag boy pretending he is a conservative. Ignore him and move on.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
A good out for Palin would have been to release that her 17 year old daughter was pregnant and that she was going to help.
However, i don’t hold Palin’s personal views against her, i am however concerned that she may think that the government gives her the power to force her views on others.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
Alex, seriously, please leave the GOP. We don’t need you. Just go.
We support Sarah (and we love her). She raised us 10 million in 2
days. Sarah Stays. You sir, need to get lost.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
The Iraq war was “for oil” in the respect that we didn’t want an unstable tyrant using oil money to buy weapons and export conflict, especially with oil-hungry neighbors ready to grab his territory if he weakened further. I don’t think that’s what Palin had in mindm though.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
For the record,
I am neither for nor against the pick, personally, but that doesn’t mean that Alex doesn’t have the right to criticize it.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
Don’t underestimate Palin. You don’t work your way up to be nominated as VP for nothing. The McCain camp is very shrewdly setting the expectations bar low so that Gov. Palin will overperform. Brilliant Pick.
I’m not underestimating her! She’s a smart woman, a quick learner, and a good governor.
She did not “work her way up” to VP. She was chosen as a pander to women and James Dobson.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:03 am
Please Kavon Take this guy off. He obviously doesn’t deserve to be on this site. I mean it would be fine but he embarasses us with his love of Romney.
BTW Alex-Palin is the what has revived and united our party, give it a rest.
MCCAIN/PALIN ‘08
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:03 am
“who have strong records of accomplishment”
Thats just what Sarah Palin has. It would make McCain look terrible to have her drop out. Plus, she draws huge crowds and will turn out voters. Maybe she is a lightweight, but hey, Dan Quayle was elected Vice President during the height of the cold war.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:03 am
87, Alex can criticize her all he wants. But he shouldn’t be doing it on the front page of this site!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:04 am
I imagine Obama meeting with high ranking foreign thugs and apologizing all day long to them. Then he’d probably stick his foot in his mouth afterwards. I don’t see Palin apologizing on behalf of Americans as she goes abroad.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:04 am
My cousin works for Petraeus, worked for Rumsfeld before that. He has made compelling cases for the war in Iraq, having spoken with him privately even before the War began. But *I’m* not even convinced that oil had *no* part to play. I don’t think the Bush administration deliberately misled us into war for oil, but they had to realise oil could be had.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:06 am
#93
We didn’t go in there to grab oil for ourselves. We went in to keep our enemies from exploiting it for use against us. That’s a huge difference.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:06 am
By the way Alex, seriously, why do you consider yourself a Republican? Because half the things you attack Palin for are bedrock conservative principles. If you’re pro-choice and anti-states rights the Democratic party is a better fit for you.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:07 am
Aha, now it starts. Alex comes up with points of varying validity, and people rush in to attack Alex (16 years old, etc).
It seems people have learned the lessons of Bush/Rove. If being questioned, attack like crazy, preferably the person asking the questions. That way, you don’t have to even answer the questions being asked!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:07 am
libertarianconservative,
That’s what this site is about. You get views from all sides of the party. That’s why I’m a front page contributor as well. He thinks it’s a terrible pick, then it’s his priority to say so.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
And he is right, she hardly ‘worked her way up to vp’. That’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard all day.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
Tommy, it’s not about the sex of the teenager it’s about the sex of the VP. If this was a male candidate then these questions and or concerns would not be as great.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
LOL #89 calls Alex a Romney lover. As if!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
Jr (#99) that’s rubbish. If it was a male candidate she wouldn’t have been picked. Her gender is not a liability, its an asset.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
I’m sure this one will be made public knowledge soon as well.
http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/09/01/todd-palin-received-a-dui-in-1986/
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
#99
If this were a male candidate, it wouldn’t be running for VP.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:10 am
Yay, Tommy is on. And bang on the money as usual. This site has many different front page posters, and you guys need to cope with it. It is legal to have a difference of opinion.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:11 am
There are some people on here that want to take me off of the site because I won’t march in lockstep behind Sarah Palin, who trashes our narrative and is not ready to be commander-in-chief.
Tommy, it’s not about the sex of the teenager it’s about the sex of the VP. If this was a male candidate then these questions and or concerns would not be as great.
Just two days ago, you people were criticizing me for overreacting to the New Republic because I called them sexist.
Two days ago, I’m called a wacky feminist.
Now I’m a sexist.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
Nonsense.
Do I think it was a wise choice. Not really. As Noonan said, it was a bit of a hail mary pass but, considering the republican position this year, not totally unreasonable. McCain knew about the pregnancy and trooper gate and none of the other stuff merits a withdrawal. The negatives that come with that (I know, Palin does it so mccain is not kicking her out — but that is a distinction without much of a difference) do more damage than benifit.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
If this were a male candidate, it wouldn’t be running for VP.
Word.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
Tommy,
I know you wanted Fred Thompson to be VP, and I am on record wanting the same (or Michael Steele) but can’t you see how brilliant the Palin pick is. McCain really surprised me with his judgement. It’s as if in one fell swoop he checked off every constituency he needed and energized the base – brilliant.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
JayPe nails it in 101. If Sarah Palin was a guy, she wouldn’t have even been mentioned as a possibility.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:12 am
1. She once was a member of an anti-American party.
2. She suggested that the Iraq War was for oil.
3. She is humiliating her child before the world.
DO NONE OF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 am
By the way Alex, seriously, why do you consider yourself a Republican? Because half the things you attack Palin for are bedrock conservative principles. If you’re pro-choice and anti-states rights the Democratic party is a better fit for you.
Being against abortion in cases of rape is a “core Republican principle”!?
And you don’t have a problem with Palin being a member of an anti-American party!?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
#109, sex has nothing to do with it. Jindal was on most people’s short lists on here and he is less qualified than Palin at this point.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
110:
1. BS… the Alaska Independence Party is about AK states rights… Step away from Kos and do a little DD on it… Maybe that can be a research assignment for you to look into the matter and then post a meaningful front page post with your findings.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
101, you can try to spin every post on this site if you want but in this particular instance her gender does play negatively against her in the minds of many of these posters.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
JA
I didn’t want Fred to be VP. He would’ve been a terrible match for McCain, even though he was my candidate during the primary. Maybe in my fantasy world, but in reality, he and McCain would not have made a good team… two old white guys, grumpy ones at that…
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
Before Gov. Palin becomes the next Mitt Romney (lots of heat and little light with bloggers screaming at each other like 5 year olds) how about we here what she has to say. 2 nights from now she will speak at the Republican Convention. How about we hold of on deification or condemnation until after she makes her case to America.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
The left sees an uppity conservative woman and they are out full bore to destroy her, just as they tried to do to Justice Thomas, and people on this site seem to want to help them.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
112 – Jindal was never even a possibility. He was a creation of the media.
And yes, I would be questioning Jindal’s ability to stare down Putin, especially if he was saying that he wasn’t interested in foreign policy and that the Iraq War was for oil.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
Alex,
I must confess. I am getting frustrated with the sexism exhibited here. Why not turn your guns on Biden and rally around Gov. Palin?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
#114, you’re just making that up.
I’ve been on record championing a woman pick, notably Meg Whitman and Sarah Palin.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
fucking filter
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
Alex, regardless of the merits of your arguments (which I don’t agree with, incidentally), Sarah Palin is on the ticket for better or for worse.
The flip-flop charge is one that will stick, guaranteed. It’s easy fodder for ads, it’s easy fodder for the media, and it’s easy to remember. It doesn’t even matter if the flip-flop is the right choice (see Mitt Romney, who was honest about his change of heart on abortion and still got pilloried for it), once it gets into the narrative, it’s permanent.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
Hey you, Alex, THE IDIOT! Yeah you the idiot. Okay, so you want Palin to exit the race and say she got caught up in the moment. But what will McCain say. Um, yeah, she was inexperienced and irresponsible and I guess THE FIRST MAJOR PRESIDENTIAL DECISION I MADE WAS INCOMPETENT!?
If Palin drops out, say hello to President Obama.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
WHAT????
Jindal is less qualified?? What are you smoking!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
Alex, the AIP is essentially the libertarian party. Not anti-American at all. And as for the war being for oil, she was right–are you really going to argue oil had absolutely zero to do with the war? Come on.
As for #3, there you go with the sexism again (or maybe you just don’t recognize that the Palin family is likely ecstatic about the new arrival). People knowing that you are pregnant is not “humiliation.”
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
#72 I was not aware of that, I might understand the nerves if it’s his first media goat rodeo.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:17 am
1. BS… the Alaska Independence Party is about AK states rights… Step away from Kos and do a little DD on it… Maybe that can be a research assignment for you to look into the matter and then post a meaningful front page post with your findings.
Here’s what it’s about:
Q: What is the Alaskan Independence Party?
A: An Alaskan political party whose members advocate a range of solutions to the conflicts between federal and local authority; from advocacy for state’s rights, through a return to territorial status, all the way to complete independence and nationhood status for Alaska.
Every serious party member is about independence.
State’s rights people are Republicans.
AIP members are secessionists.
Even if by some freak accident she wasn’t, she had no problem affiliating herself with those kooks.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:19 am
I must confess. I am getting frustrated with the sexism exhibited here. Why not turn your guns on Biden and rally around Gov. Palin?
Because it’s taken for granted that I loathe Biden.
I won’t rally around Gov. Palin because I’m not a mindless drone. I have serious problems with her, and it’s utterly disturbing to see none of you here concerned that she was a member of a secessionist group, thought that the war was for oil, admitted that she paid no attention — LAST YEAR — to foreign policy, and is humiliating her child in front of the world!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:19 am
#124, of course Jindal is less qualified. He’s only been governor for eight months, and thus far has a less impressive record as a reformer than Palin.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:19 am
Metro, what I am saying is if Sarah Palin was a male candidate, regardless of any credentials, and this story came out about a male VP candidate then it wouldn’t play negatively against the male candidate.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
OMG, can anyone imagine how badly McCAin would lose if Jindal decided to leave LA to run for VP during GUSTAV?????????? lol.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
As for #3, there you go with the sexism again (or maybe you just don’t recognize that the Palin family is likely ecstatic about the new arrival). People knowing that you are pregnant is not “humiliation.”
ECSTATIC ABOUT HER BEING A TEENAGE MOTHER???
JESUS CHRIST, YOU PEOPLE REALLY DO LIVE IN A BUBBLE IF YOU THINK THAT’LL PLAY WELL.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
People knowing that you are pregnant is not “humiliation.”
No, but it’s not something you want plastered all over the tabloids when it involves a minor in your family.
How many 17 year old girls, or boys for that matter, want the entire world to know that you been knocked up?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
#124, of course Jindal is less qualified. He’s only been governor for eight months, and thus far has a less impressive record as a reformer than Palin.
Hello? Jindal was a Congressman for years.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
#118
I gotta say, Jindal’s performance during this hurricane was pretty impressive. Did you see his rapid-fire press conference last night, before the storm hit?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
so can we please leave Alex off of Race42016!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
#129:
Gov. Jindal was also a member of Congress for 3 years (2004-2007) along with being head of one of LA’s state agencies before running for Governor in 2003.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 am
Alex – please stop with the AIP dribble…
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 am
Sarah Palin is on the ticket for better or for worse.
Bull.
She’s being re-vetted, and she is NOT our nominee yet.
We still have 36-48 hours.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 am
Oh yeah, forgot Jindal’s whopping three years in Congress.
Are you seriously going to argue that Jindal is more experienced than Palin and thus should have been seriously considered a VP contender? Please.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 am
138 – Yeah, please. It’s just like Ron Paul saying that what he’s REALLY about is the CONSTITUTION. No, he’s a kook that wants to abolish the Federal Reserve and withdraw from Iraq tomorrow.
The AIP is filled with secessionists. Be serious!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 am
Jindal, the congressman turned gorvernor and head of his state health department for 10 years???? What the hell??? Jindal’s not really qualified to be VP, but Palin is no more qualified, by that standard.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:23 am
Are you seriously going to argue that Jindal is more experienced than Palin and thus should have been seriously considered a VP contender? Please.
NO!
Neither he nor Palin should have been!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:24 am
Before Gov. Palin becomes the next Mitt Romney (lots of heat and little light with bloggers screaming at each other like 5 year olds) how about we here what she has to say. 2 nights from now she will speak at the Republican Convention. How about we hold of on deification or condemnation until after she makes her case to America.
I was totally vindicated on Romney.
He has no interest, he said, in being in a McCain cabinet.
There was an article yesterday in the Boston Globe saying that he plans to run in 2012 if McCain loses.
The Washington Post said that he never even received a second round of vetting in the VP process.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:24 am
Before McCain picked, it was gneerally felt that Jindal & Palin (and to a lessor extent Crist, given he was AG) were too inexperienced, but they had great potential and would be given a serious look at in 2012.
Can people please not try to re-write the record?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:25 am
75. Read Beldar’s blog today entitled “A timely Palin family history regarding the competition between privacy and political possibilities” where he discusses this issue.
http://beldar.blogs.com/beldarblog/2008/09/a-timely-palin.html
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:25 am
Palin has been fairly explicit about her own feelings on abortion. That doesn’t mean she intends to force those views on anybody else.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:26 am
This is ridiculous, anyone who believes that Palin should “withdrawal herself” is either ignorant, naive, or an Obama shill with nothing better to do than stir up trouble. Who wrote the book “Crazies to the Left of me, Wimps to the Right?”
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:27 am
The thing that scares me about the AIP is that the Clarks (the husband and wife who run the thing) seem to be talkers. They’re Ron Paul types who are interested in gaining support for their cause, no matter what the casualties might be. They’re probably proud to have had Palin among their ranks since it shows (to them, anyway) that their ideology can make it to the top levels of government, and seem to be willing to give that kind of info to anyone who asks. I expect to see one or both of them on TV in the coming days or weeks.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 am
Alex, did you read the WaPo article detailing how McCain ended up choosing Sarah Palin? You think that they weren’t aware of any of this before the decision was made?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:30 am
I can’t believe we’ve come to this. Deliberating over Palin and Jindal’s experience? Speculating on issues such as conception. Dame it folks, the election is in two months. Get on board. Focus on how dangerous Barack is for this country.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:31 am
#148: That would be Bernie Goldberg.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 am
They’re Ron Paul types
So’s Sarah Palin. She loves him. She thinks he’s cool. “You go!” she says of him.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 am
Alex you’ve dug yourself a deep hole and nobody is going to throw you a rope.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 am
Alex, did you read the WaPo article detailing how McCain ended up choosing Sarah Palin? You think that they weren’t aware of any of this before the decision was made?
If they didn’t, they’re foolishly impulsive.
If they did, then that seriously calls their judgment into question.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 am
154 – Dug a deep hole?
Because I have an unpopular opinion?
Good grief.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:35 am
#154,
Agreed, Alex is all on his own on this one.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
Logically and only using logic, not emotion… explain the coherence of a belief that sometimes abortion is ok. Either it is OK all the time or it is not. Everything else is intellectual fraud with yourself.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
If he takes her off the ticket now I’m not voting for him. It’s as simple as that.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:39 am
You know what pisses me off most about your opinion Alex, its so easy. Its so easy to second guess the decisions of a candidate. You can always say you were right if he loses, especially when the odds are all ready stacked against him. Fine, you think Palin was a bad pick and it will cost us the election, than so it is written. But to advocate that we throw this election away because of it, is ridiculous.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 am
The Trooper Scandal: Sarah Palin wanted a state trooper fired after he threatened family members and tasered her nephew. Big whoop. This doesn’t even begin to compare to your boy Rudy’s numerous abuses of power.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:43 am
I think saying Palin was cruel to run for VP, because her daughter was pregnant, is being judgmental about a personal familly matter we know nothing about. Its quite possible the girl wanted her mother to take the job offer, afterall wouldn’t you feel terrible if one of your parents turned down one of the biggest opportunities of their life because of a personal mistake you made? That type of thing could haunt you, and give you guilt for a long time, while the media pubicity is only temporary. I am sure the Palins have had private discussion about this, and its the height of arrogance and judgmentalism to assume the bad in Mrs. Palin.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:43 am
If Palin goes I may just sit on my hands this November, the selection of her got me excited about this race again and for McCain to go “whoops sorry guys i’m going with Lieberman” or whoever would really piss me off.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:45 am
Romney= biggest flip flopper in political history
Pawlenty= lame and weak
Lieberman= minus millions of evangelicals
yeah, lets see who fills the gap if Palin exists.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 am
#164 I was a Romney supporter never saw him as flip-flopper but i’m not going to re-fight th e primary all over again.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 am
So you think “pulling the plug” on her will be ok with the people who donated all that money to him this weekend?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 am
I really have no interest in attacking anybody personally on this site… But I’ll just say it’s pretty funny to watch a bisexual 18 year-old male criticize the parenting decisions of a successful mother of five.
It should go without saying that the Palin family has a better understanding of the situation than any of us nimrods on R42008.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 am
Alex, I don’t know if your solution is the right one, but I have to say, I don’t think McCain can get out of this one. This has all happened in ONE DAY. Throw in Troopergate, and it’s a full-blown catastrophe, no matter what the reality is.
Palin has been a disaster, thus far.
Romney, 2012.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 am
#164
You better get ready for the numerous Palin flip-flops to come if she stays on the ticket.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 am
Everyone on here that has been in hysterics in disagreeing with Alex, please do me and Alex a favor:
Re-read his entire post and look for things to agree with. Don’t give a second look for things to rebut again they have almost all been stated, but feel free to continue to type them if you insist. I have problems with this article and they’ve already been stated.
But Re-read his post. If you disagree with a point move on to the next one without getting angry until you can see at least a few of his bullet points have merit and a lot for us to be worried about.
I love Sarah Palin and I hope we can move past this. She is against gay marriage but she signed into law benefits for gay employees of the government she is running. So I bet she can likely modify her views on this and we can get back the momentum we have been gaining for victory. At the same time I am not against another VP.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
Is it safe to accuse Alex of cutting and running on McCain/Palin simply because today was a rough news day for her? I mean most of the stuff mentioned is trivial at best.I doubt seriously that Gov.Palin ever desired for Alaska’s seccession from the Union.Bristol’s pregnancy should be a non issue and I commend Senator Obama for his statement on saying family and especially children should be off limits.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:54 am
I think saying Palin was cruel to run for VP, because her daughter was pregnant, is being judgmental about a personal familly matter we know nothing about. Its quite possible the girl wanted her mother to take the job offer, afterall wouldn’t you feel terrible if one of your parents turned down one of the biggest opportunities of their life because of a personal mistake you made? That type of thing could haunt you, and give you guilt for a long time, while the media pubicity is only temporary. I am sure the Palins have had private discussion about this, and its the height of arrogance and judgmentalism to assume the bad in Mrs. Palin.
Her job as a mother is to tell her child ‘No, I am not going to expose you to this. I’m not letting your excitement get in the way.’
Do you think that I’m the only one thinking that!?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:55 am
Is it safe to accuse Alex of cutting and running on McCain/Palin simply because today was a rough news day for her? I mean most of the stuff mentioned is trivial at best.I doubt seriously that Gov.Palin ever desired for Alaska’s seccession from the Union.Bristol’s pregnancy should be a non issue and I commend Senator Obama for his statement on saying family and especially children should be off limits.
Trivial!?
It’s trivial that she thinks that the Iraq War might have been for oil, that she undercuts our entire narrative, that she’s going to be looked at as a bad mother, that she holds an extremist abortion position, that she admitted herself that she pays no attention to foreign policy, that she was a member of a party filled with secessionists..?!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:56 am
Whatever happened to Kristopher? He’d inject some much needed sanity into this thread. He already posted this link which should calm a lot of fears and doubts:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ikFkim0OhsFnxtqQ8p4I0kcyFYqgD92U8ET00
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:57 am
All these stories about Palin now are your usual type of election story, that nobody’s going to pay a ton of attention to, yes it’ll probably be a drag, just like all the other canidates baggage. Right now we’re just dealing with usual political baggage, yeah some of it might be bigger baggage, but ultimately it stills falls into that category and will be filed in the voters minds with all the other campaign baggage. However, Palin withdraws and you have an extremely huge story. It’d be like the second time in history that its ever happened. So McCain would have traded a box of ordinary ( maybe somewhat bigger than usual)baggage, for history making record size baggage. This seems like a really bad plan.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:58 am
Kristofer was probably smart enough to give up. I’m getting pretty close to doing the same…
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 am
We should’ve picked Rudy, whose kids hate his guts and have made it known they won’t vote for him.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 am
It’s insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but if Mac were to drop or “informally drop” Palin, I’d be lodging a protest vote with Barr. Talk about nuclear flip-flopping! He chose her for good reasons, now get out there and tell the world what they were! There’s no point in playing limpish “defence!” Either he stood by his choice or not!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:01 am
My feelings about this pick are so conflicted… I think so many of the posters telling Alex to just shut up are defeating the purpose of this site. Aren’t we SUPPOSED to mull over political decisions and air our feelings about them? It’s not wimpy – that’s a stupid, infantile accusation – it’s just being thoughtful and critical. I was lobbying (on this site, anyway) for Palin for months. I was thrilled that McCain picked her. Now… not such much. I love the woman to death and feel genuinely touched and inspired by her, but no one can honestly say that this has gone smoothly. McCain’s #1 responsibility is to keep Obama from becoming president, and this pick, I think, has jeopardized that.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:02 am
To follow up on my post in #179 (thank you, spam filter…)
That said, I think Alex is COMPLETELY NUTS for suggesting that Palin leave the ticket. Regardless of who severs the tie, it will be interpreted as McCain dumping her and we’ll drop ten points. Tons of Republicans will sit out the election. I probably would just out of sheer frustration. I’ve got a lot invested in this election, both emotionally and monetarily, and if McCain pisses on all that by shoving her off the ticket, then to hell with him.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 am
The link in 146 needs to be on the front page. NEEDS to be.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 am
“Her job as a mother is to tell her child ‘No, I am not going to expose you to this. I’m not letting your excitement get in the way.’
Do you think that I’m the only one thinking that!?”
No, but I think its quite reasonable for Gov. Palin to think that it would do much more emotional harm to her daughter, for her to have live with having kept her mother from advancing. The point is you don’t know what the feelings of the daughter were or what the thinking of the mother is, so you shouldn’t be judging them.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 am
Alex, if you do not understand the ramifications of your suggestion then you do not fully understand the political arena that is todays politics. I respect your views because you have been a vital, reasonable poster in the past but to say we still have 36 – 48 hours until she is elected the VP nominee then I guess we still have 48 – 72 hours before McCain is the Presidential nominee and if this ludicrous suggestion of yours were to become reality then I hope the delegates will second guess their votes.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:08 am
McCain’s a stubborn SOB. He didn’t spend months deliberating over his veep pick to just toss her to the wayside a few days later over a few minor scandals. Especially when he was aware of those issues before he made the choice.
Sarah’s not going anywhere. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the McCain camp isn’t leaking all of this out there on its own — over a holiday weekend when everybody aside from political junkies like us is more concerned with Gustav and the start of college football.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:09 am
You spineless fool. The left would do the same with Jindal or any other VP. I am behind her 100%.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:09 am
You spineless fool. The left would do the same with Jindal or any other VP. I am behind her 100%.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:10 am
“The left would do the same with Jindal or any other VP.”
Ding ding ding!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 am
Sarah Palin is a terrible choice — once again, I appear to be in the minority. That’s the bad news — and it’s pretty bad. Worse than that, she does not appear to have been vetted very well or — even worse — McCain wasn’t paying attention to the results. The good news is that VP choices typically don’t matter, unless you make them the focal point of your argument.
So, no, Palin should not withdraw, stop trying to make her over into Margaret Thatcher, don’t reduce this to a pro choie vs. pro life issue, social conservatives need to resist the temptation to introduce ideology and morals into the fight, start concentrating on McCain — which is where most voters are looking — and go with the flow.
Frankly, the two national polls out today — CBS with Obama +8 and USA Today/Gallup with Obama #7, as well as the CNN, Rasmussen and Gallup tracking polls, seem to suggest that neither VP pick has much bearing on voters’ decision.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:13 am
If McCain dumps Sarah is there any way the delegates could remove McCain from the ticket and nominate someone else?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:14 am
Reading this article made me wonder if Alex is an adult. I get the impression he is about 12 years old.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 am
#170 I’d re-read it if it wasn’t mostly hysterics itself.
Btw taking an MTV cut from palin on super tuesday praising multiple candidates and stretching that into endorsement of every Ron Paul policy is a big stretch. Alex might want to remember that a good chunk of the base doesn’t neccessarly disagree with Ron Paul on every single thing.
Oh and yes you can bet on her taking some policy positions that are different then past comments someone might dig up – a couple “clarifications or flip flops” are coming for sure they always do when you hit the national scene.
-Night.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 am
Alex, if you do not understand the ramifications of your suggestion then you do not fully understand the political arena that is todays politics. I respect your views because you have been a vital, reasonable poster in the past but to say we still have 36 – 48 hours until she is elected the VP nominee then I guess we still have 48 – 72 hours before McCain is the Presidential nominee and if this ludicrous suggestion of yours were to become reality then I hope the delegates will second guess their votes.
Say hello to President Obama if the Palin pick goes through.
In the end, everyone was happy with Sam Alito.
In the end, everyone can be happy with Palin booted.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:16 am
189, Look I doubt McCain’s even considering this, while he might not be able to win with her, it’s very improbable that he could win after dumping her.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:16 am
Hey guys, be nice! Alex might have a point!
So far, Mr. Barack Obama is ahead of Mr. John McCain in the electoral votes column by a score of 297.9 to 240.1 according to http://www.fivethirtyeight.com. Yikes! Also, it gives Mr. Obama a 64.9% chance to win, and a 49.3%-47.6% lead in the popular vote. With the news regarding Mrs. Sarah Palin’s daughter becoming pregnant, things aren’t looking so good for “Hogan.”
Or should I say…McCain is looking a little PALIN the face!
Maybe Obama was just BIDEN his time!
Nyuck nyuck nyuck nyuck!
http://palindrone.wordpress.com
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
Alex, lube your hinges before they come off. When in US history has a party change Veep choices — ever!! Much less on the basis of some wild-eyed 24-hour news cycle in a campaign lasting 65 times that long — and let’s not even mention the sublime hypothetical that such a change resulted in election victory.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
Excellent post. Very valid arguments. I see a bigger downside to keeping on the ticket than the ramifications of choosing another VP. She could just say – “I’ve change my mind – I decided I don’t want to be VP anymore” – she’s a woman – does she need a reason?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:19 am
“Say hello to President Obama if the Palin pick goes through.
In the end, everyone was happy with Sam Alito.
In the end, everyone can be happy with Palin booted.”
There’s one big diference, the base was against Harriet Miers. The base is overwhelmingly for Palin. McCain dropping Palin could make his fall after his support of CIR, look like slide down a little kids slide.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 am
#195 – “When in US history has a party change Veep choices — ever!!” About as often as the VP pick has been a inexperienced 44-year woman who just had a down syndrome baby four months ago who doesn’t stay home enough to teach her daughter how to have responsible sex.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 am
“In the end, everyone can be happy with Palin booted.”
—
Wow you really don’t understand the difference do you?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 am
McCain dumping Palin would be like bungie jumping without the bungie.Not a good idea
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
#195
Eagleton – 1972
That is the only one I can recall.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
“she’s a woman – does she need a reason?”
—
LOL Now that I laughed I’m really going to bed.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 am
#201: And how’d that turn out for McGovern?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 am
Don’t you guys see the problem with trading a handful of bad news stories that aren’t any worse than Obama’s garbage with a epic historic nagative story?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 am
Cheapskates in this argument are the ones failing to propose an alternative pick to Palin. Come on, weasels, out with it!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:27 am
This blog cracks me up. The economy is with out a doubt the main concern of the election and there is not a single person running for President or VP that understands the economy. We are doomed. Even the illegals are leaving.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:27 am
1. Scandals and Implications: Alex goes to American University, pretty much the gayest university on the East coast. I went there for a time, but realized I had to transfer to ensure the spread of my seed.
2. Not ready to blogg: Alex is eighteen years old. He’s never voted in a primary or a general before this one. I understand that he thinks that elections must play out in all certitude and perfection as possible, but this kid is just freaking naïve
3. He’s an intellectual lightweight: Um, he’s advocating that the nominee dump his running mate moments before the nomination. Nuff said!
4. His untenable Palin position: just because he doesn’t like Palin’s position on abortion, makes her unacceptable to the Republican Party and the voting public.
Update 12:14: Alex was recently a kid in high school, a crowd that advocates down with homework and up with mini skirts!
Update, 1:58: Need more, read this: http://badera.us/hostedimages/middle-finger.jpg
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 am
Palindrone, FiveThirtyEight.com is a huffpo poster. I could care less what he/she/it says. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/17/what-happens-if-obama-and_n_107529.html
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 am
#204 – Sarah Palin story is making Obama’s story look good – I have a hard time seeing Sarah Palin as the Commander-in-Chief. I have a hard time picturing her standing up to Putin. She makes Obama look presidential.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 am
Anyone who believes Palin should be removed from the nomination should go over to Daily Kos and read the comments posted on this same subject.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:34 am
“I have a hard time seeing Sarah Palin as the Commander-in-Chief. I have a hard time picturing her standing up to Putin.”
Then you sir underestimate the lady.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 am
My joy in a Sarah Palin pick is now turning into a concern. I hope things improve quickly. Where is Sarah Palin?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 am
Quite. Time to pull the plug on Alex Knepper.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 am
Oh and this statement, “In the end, everyone can be happy with Palin booted.”, shows extreme political stupidity. You must be living in some kind of bubble totally isolated from the base. Spend a little time listening to rush, and a little time on Redstate. If McCain dumps Palin, the talk radio world and the blogosphere will turn on him like a pack of angry and hungry wolves, and John McCain will be left alone to be torn from limb to limb by the left and right.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 am
“Quite. Time to pull the plug on Alex Knepper.”
Can we have a floor vote on that?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:38 am
I’ll first the motion.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:39 am
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:39 am
“About as often as the VP pick has been a inexperienced 44-year woman who just had a down syndrome baby four months ago who doesn’t stay home enough to teach her daughter how to have responsible sex.”
Yeah I guess you’re right. I mean considering that parents have complete total control over what their allmost adult kids do, its totally her fault what her daughter does. You’re not being judgmental at all.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:40 am
Alex, you worry about Palin’s lack of foreign policy experience? How’s that?
The only US “foreign policy” is “do whatever Israel says”. Anyone can accomplish that…..!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 am
Who left the dog door open and let the Jew bashers in? Be off, Jew basher. Be off I say!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 am
Recipes people, RECIPES!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 am
Dotan #217 I stand by my statement. I would have been excited with Romney as president.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 am
Word harder for his candidacy next time. To post your laments on blogs does not count.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 am
#216 I’ll second the motion and cast the first vote. Need picture id to vote?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 am
Oh and this statement, “In the end, everyone can be happy with Palin booted.”, shows extreme political stupidity. You must be living in some kind of bubble totally isolated from the base. Spend a little time listening to rush, and a little time on Redstate. If McCain dumps Palin, the talk radio world and the blogosphere will turn on him like a pack of angry and hungry wolves, and John McCain will be left alone to be torn from limb to limb by the left and right.
Yeah, just like everyone was so upset with Sam Alito.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 am
Christian Heritage Week?
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 am
I have a feeling Alex is imagining how he would have felt if he had had to come out while his mother were running for VP when he says Palin is being cruel to her daughter…
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 am
I personally am glad Alex is here and voiced his opinion. I vigourously disagree with his post but I would perfer to hear it from him and not Slow Joe Biden during the debate.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 am
Who would even take the post of VP after all this? It would be political suicide!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:51 am
“Need picture id to vote?”
Naw all those in favor of Alex losing his front pager privliges say aye!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:51 am
I have a feeling Alex is imagining how he would have felt if he had had to come out while his mother were running for VP when he says Palin is being cruel to her daughter…
What the hell? She made a poor decision and got pregnant. I didn’t choose to be gay.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 am
225, Okay read this slowly so you get it this time. Harriet Miers was strongly opposed by the base, Palin is strongly supported by the base.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 am
thats it. Aye
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 am
225. Alex Knepper Says
Not quite Alex. The right was totally against Meirs and totally for Alito. Bush dumped someone the right disliked and pivoted to someone we liked. Dumping Palin would be dumping someone the right likes for someone… well we do not know at this point…
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 am
aye
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 am
I’m not saying you chose to be gay, but I’m saying that an unpleasant adolescent sexual revelation in the national limelight is probably more frightening to you than it is to others because it’s something you can imagine more vividly than most of us…
Bristol Palin is fine.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 am
Stop with the Alex bashing – your like a bunch of democrats here – you can’t out debate – so you just attack. His points are valid. I’ve voted in every election since 1984 and I have always voted republican – I always felt the republicans had the stronger candidate – this time I don’t care much for either choice.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 am
One of the things the right hates about McCain is that they think that he’s too influenced by the media, this would prove it to them.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:56 am
The whole gay thing should not be an issue. Alex you are a smart guy. I just think you are wrong here. I promise I wish you the best:)
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:56 am
Ok so neorep04 posts the middle finger and then votes to remove Alex for expressing an opinion. ironic
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:58 am
#240, lighten up,its for the laughs
but I guess it could be offensive to grandma’s, since i’m sure you’ve never seen one before
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:59 am
Not quite Alex. The right was totally against Meirs and totally for Alito. Bush dumped someone the right disliked and pivoted to someone we liked. Dumping Palin would be dumping someone the right likes for someone… well we do not know at this point…
I already said that the replacement pick should appeal to the base.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:59 am
Maybe I just find it offensive not funny.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 am
I’m not saying you chose to be gay, but I’m saying that an unpleasant adolescent sexual revelation in the national limelight is probably more frightening to you than it is to others because it’s something you can imagine more vividly than most of us…
Well, yes, I can imagine that more vividly, perhaps, but it has no bearing on my argument, here. Does it help me to use such an argument? Maybe, but I’m not going to make it.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:01 am
It could be worse. What if Romney were our candidate? Or what if Rove had foisted Romney on Sen. McCain like he had tried to do? Yikes. Talk about a disaster. We really dodged a bullet on that one.
Right! At least Palin isn’t Romney.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:02 am
“I already said that the replacement pick should appeal to the base.” The base is still going to be angry that McCain destroyed the political future of one their icons.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:03 am
whither, Race42008? I loved this blog to death. I have become completely disillusioned with Alex’s absurd argument to dump the first female member of a republican ticket. Goodnight
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 am
“Right! At least Palin isn’t Romney”
Romney/Palin what kind of ticket would that have made? Also Alex your loathing of Romney is old now I don’t know very many conservatives who have not come to respect the man.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 am
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 am
247 – Oh, please. I represent no one but myself. Go sign up with Matt Miller’s 100 Blogs for Palin. We represent two different ends of the Palin spectrum.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 am
Romney/Palin what kind of ticket would that have made? Also Alex your loathing of Romney is old now I don’t know very many conservatives who have not come to respect the man.
Anecdotal evidence, anyone?
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 am
I think Gov Palin is the closest to Reagan I have seen since his Presidency and I hope McCain keeps her. Palin or bust!
Would Reagan have said of the Iraq War: “This war had better not be for oil!”
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 am
The media did call Reagan a light weight after all
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 am
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOIU!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:12 am
“Would Reagan have said of the Iraq War”
It’s possible that Reagan would have never gone into Iraq I mean he did pull troops out of Lebanon after the bombing of the Marine barracks.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:13 am
You realize that Alaska is the least densely populated state of all the 50 states in the U.S.? I live in a county that has five times the population of Alaska – and shares an international border – you have to have more political skill to get elected as the Tax Assessor in my county (San Diego) than you do to get elected as Governor of Alaska.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:15 am
I would organize a chapter of Republicans for Obama before I would ever vote for Romney.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:15 am
Prtobably not Alex but I do remember Reagan arguing that Vietnam was kinda stupid because we could turn it into a parking lot if we wished. It seems kinda like it maybe a similar argument. after all we could have done the same in Iraq. Besides… I guess I will break a taboo. It is in a way about oil. If we did not care about oil would we be in Iraq instead of Rwanda, Zimbabwe or Tibet? Sticky wicket here…
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:17 am
Besides Alex.. who would replace her and appeal to all of us? I can’t think of another…
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:18 am
There’s more to experience than the size of a population. For one thing the vast amount of land in Alaska likely makes it harder to govern not easier. Also in our federalist system of government states are semi sovereign. So there can still be more to it even if it’s smaller than a smaller unit of government somewhere else.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:20 am
I agree with you on many issues, especially, if I remember correctly, the war. However, I respectfully think that you are being a tad sexist in your criticism of Gov. Palin. Maybe you cannot visualize a female commander in chief in the Thatcher mold. But imagine saying what you are saying about Reagan or Eisenhower or GHW Bush. Gov. Palin has more executive experience then all three of those men combined when they became President. It’s not fair to discount her only because she is a woman.
Woah! I just saw this!
Hello!? Eisenhower!? He was a general!
Bush had a ludicrously high amount of experience.
Reagan had true vision.
Sarah “war for oil” Palin does not.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 am
Prtobably not Alex but I do remember Reagan arguing that Vietnam was kinda stupid because we could turn it into a parking lot if we wished. It seems kinda like it maybe a similar argument. after all we could have done the same in Iraq. Besides… I guess I will break a taboo. It is in a way about oil. If we did not care about oil would we be in Iraq instead of Rwanda, Zimbabwe or Tibet? Sticky wicket here…
Rwanda!?
What possible connection does Rwanda have to Islamic terrorism!?
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 am
Do your tax assessors fund, organize, equip, and deploy mixed National Guard infantry and Inuit extreme cold weather path finder units to protect the US’s only potentially hostile frontier, because, as you probably know, our Russian brothers and sisters have claimed the entire polar ice sheet, an ice sheet contiguous with Alaska’s northern border? Because that’s what the Governor of Alaska has to do among other things. Alaska has military formations and military requirements that no other state has.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:22 am
Besides Alex.. who would replace her and appeal to all of us? I can’t think of another…
Ugh, who knows?
If we’re gonna do the Hail Mary crap, just throw Carly Fiorina on the ticket.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:22 am
Do your tax assessors fund, organize, equip, and deploy mixed National Guard infantry and Inuit extreme cold weather path finder units to protect the US’s only potentially hostile frontier, because, as you probably know, our Russian brothers and sisters have claimed the entire polar ice sheet, an ice sheet contiguous with Alaska’s northern border? Because that’s what the Governor of Alaska has to do among other things. Alaska has military formations and military requirements that no other state has.
Name me one freakin’ interaction that Sarah Palin ever had with Russia.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 am
I have my problems with Palin, and if I was picking the VP, probably would not have picked her. But for McCain to dump her would be political suicide.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:24 am
No, no, no!
Not McCain dumping her!
SHE needs to pull out.
It’s political suicide to KEEP her.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 am
#260 – Her political experience is not only thin – it’s not very deep. What does she know about inner-city problems (other than teenage pregnancy issue). The problems in Alaska are unique to Alaskans.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 am
“Ugh, who knows?
If we’re gonna do the Hail Mary crap, just throw Carly Fiorina on the ticket”
You have problems with Palin’s experience, but would dump her for Fiorina who has NO government experience, and got fired from her last job??!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 am
Look at these pathetic responses.
“She’s better than Obama, at least!” Oh, goody!
“Her state borders Russia!” Oh, please stop this.
“She was commander-in-chief of the National Guard!” No, really. Stop it.
By the way, MORE: She used earmarks and used to support the Bridge to Nowhere!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 am
267, As if people can’t see through that.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:28 am
You have problems with Palin’s experience, but would dump her for Fiorina who has NO government experience, and got fired from her last job??!!
I was being facetious. I love Fiorina, but she’d make a pretty terrible VP choice.
She’s a brilliant surrogate, though. At least she’s been through the media rounds.
Seriously. I’d be more satisfied with freakin’ Kay Bailey Hutchison at this point. Palin is an unmitigated disaster.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:29 am
271 – Or she could say that she didn’t reveal her pregnancy to McCain before Friday. If it’s true. Which it may be.
Then it’s not McCain’s fault.
Sure, it’d kill Palin’s career.
But that’s her fault.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:29 am
Talking about Hail mary passes, your idea is like sending one of your tackles out to tackle the receiver before they catch the ball.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:30 am
Not to mention 8 years as the governor of one of the largest and most diverse (in every way) states, or close association with the National political scene for 20 years.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 am
“Seriously. I’d be more satisfied with freakin’ Kay Bailey Hutchison at this point. Palin is an unmitigated disaster.”
Yeah sure dumping Palin for a pro-Roe canidate is just going to over real smooth with the base.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 am
Alex, The idea is where do we intervene. Rwanda was mentioned because after WW2 we swore there would be no geonocide ever on our watch but Clinton kinda ignored that. I am not saying he should have done any one thing but that is kinda a ball dropped. One tribe slaughtered another, I personally think we screwed up because we were in a logistical postion that sucked and the UN screwed up. It was one ethnic group against another. Just as Iraq was for many there, one religious group against another. After WW2, we promised never again. That has my support. We can not ignore the world just because it has Islamic violence vs other kinds. We are either all in, not in or erecting silly bounderies. please ignore me if you wish but This seems silly to me.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 am
277 – I have no idea what on Earth that has to do with your original point, which is that if the Iraq War wasn’t for oil then Clinton should have been in Rwanda..?
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:42 am
Sorry it took me so long to come around, Big S!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:48 am
#279
Eh, whatever. Maybe there really is a huge, hidden cadre of socially conservative voters who have been waiting in anticipation of … Sarah Palin?
The again, maybe not.
It was apparent from the start of all of this that she’d be very popular with a certain section of the Republican party – a section that I fear is not big enough to make up for the losses that are likely to occur in the political center.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but: I think even Huckabee would have been a wiser choice.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:50 am
Sorry, I’d still prefer Palin to Huckabee.
It was apparent from the start of all of this that she’d be very popular with a certain section of the Republican party – a section that I fear is not big enough to make up for the losses that are likely to occur in the political center.
Right.
Off to bed. Looking forward to seeing more aftermath in the comments section later on.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:56 am
I asked Frank Luntz on Monday if the focus group he conducted of Minnesota swing voters was aware of Sarah Palin’s position on abortion.
His response: “Yes, they heard about it, and it turned them against her.”
To those who want to see Palin remain McCain’s running mate, and proceed to become Vice President, I cannot stress enough how critical it is to the viability of McCain’s candidacy that she promptly tweak her stance on the issue; clarifying that, while she, personally, opposes abortion rights without exceptions, she would never seek to impose her own beliefs upon other girls and women who were impregnated as victims of rape and/or incest. Failure to do so will undoubtedly, and most unfortunately, result in a stillborn McCain/Palin ticket come November 4.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:58 am
My best to you Alex. I guess we are arguing such different ideas that we do not understand each other. I wish you the best and will withdraw from this thread. All I will suggest is that you understand that Reagan is a real hero on the right and that Mrs Palin is pretty close to him on her positions and attitude. I will not try to argue any more. My best to you Alex.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 am
OK – I found this on a lefty Alaskan blog, but it’s too funny not to link here.
Real or fake?
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 am
You are 100% right Alex.
What a weird choice she was. Makes me scared that McCain may become our President I’m afraid to say.
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 am
Troopergate Update!
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:36 am
I would have hired an attorney, though.
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:56 am
It is the liberal news media are doing the story. Hope it will go away.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 am
This is a good post, Alex. It’s well-thought out and you make some very good points. You are going to take – and have taken – a lot of heat and personal vitriol for writing this, but sometimes the truth just hurts.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:50 am
New story out about how the McCain campaign fully vetted Sarah Palin and knew abotu her baggage before she was picked. This leaves very little room for McCain dumping her – as if he had any in the first place. http://apnews.excite.com/article/20080902/D92UERH00.html
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:56 am
Alex.. Hell No.
MCCAIN PALIN 2008!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:11 am
[...] Time to Pull the Plug on Palin posted on September 2, 2008 at 8:11 am [...]
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:15 am
Alex, so if the Governor is dumped as you recommend, then what?
The next VP candidate will also be racked over the coals by the Rats and then what? Do you recommend a second dump?
Ok, Dump #2 and find a 3rd VP candidate and on and on.
Stick with Palin, our next Vice President!
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:26 am
Despite the protestations saying otherwise, they didn’t vet her. I’m not saying they didn’t do some vetting, but certainly not in the traditional sense.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:27 am
#292
Dude.
C-SPAN?
Hittin’ the big time!
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:38 am
omg, now we find out that miss pro-abstinence only had a hurry-up marriage her own bad self. great – the Clampetts go to Washington.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:44 am
You guys are going nuts over nothing. This is all part of the process. She’s here to stay and picking her was a brilliant move by McCain.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:50 am
All this silly trashing of Mrs. Palin is only making her stronger. For people who claim to be so sexually liberal, what on earth is so unique about a 17 year old having a baby. This is supposed to be new? I guess these Liberal live squeaky clean lives.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:55 am
This thread is a good example of the Republicans battered wife syndrome. If the liberal media (predictably) beats up on a Republicans that threatens their agenda, many Republicans are the first to dump that Republican and come groveling to the media, begging forgiveness and searching for an alternative that is less threatening to the media’s leftist agenda.
Now’s the time to fight for principle, folks. The MSM isn’t going to like any true conservative, anyway. The appeasers on this site need to get a backbone!
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:59 am
Don,
“omg, now we find out that miss pro-abstinence only had a hurry-up marriage her own bad self. great – the Clampetts go to Washington.”
So being against sex before marriage, and thinking that two people who produce a baby without killing it ought to be married is just backwoods hickdom? This is the sort of snobbery of which Doug spoke on another thread. I’m just grateful that their are still parts of this country where your Hollywood values don’t prevail.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:59 am
Ugh!
This isn’t about “fighting with the media”!
There’s a time and place for that; now is not it!
The media, after all, shape the narrative, and — psst — just a tip: some of the criticism is valid!
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:59 am
#298
The issue isn’t the daughter or the baby. Nobody (well, almost nobody) wants to see the Palin family suffer – especially some kid who got dragged into this political arena. The issue that will arise is Sarah Palin’s views on reproductive choice – birth control, sex ed, and abortion. Those are fair questions to ask, and if Sarah Palin’s defenders insist on denouncing any such question as unfair to Bristol Palin, it is they that are using her as a political football, not us.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:00 am
Alex,
Well, then keep appeasing the media. And here’s a tip for you. They will trash any candidate who is not a liberal. Appeasement only makes them stronger!
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:03 am
To those of us on the right side of the culture war, and recognize the reality of life in 21st century America, Palin’s response to this family crisis is both courageous and right. It gives us more reason to like her, not less.
At least we know we are not faced with another phony charlatan. She’s walked the walked.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:05 am
Alex,
Since you are at the convention, maybe you could get a chant going….
“CUT- AND- RUN!”
“CUT- AND- RUN!”
“CUT- AND- RUN!”
“CUT- AND- RUN!”
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:08 am
Oh, so it is all of a sudden our business what the Palin’s think about BC, sex ed, what ever else ed?
Look it, I for one do not drink much or eat much beef (but, I still eat well) for health reasons. However, I do not want to ban drink or beef, because it might be right for others. Yes, we Conservatives care about a few social issues. All of a sudden, it seems that the Libertarian have a hang up about social issues.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
The Palin pick could help him here.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
They told the kids they were going to Ohio for their parents’ anniversary. Bristol Palin DID NOT KNOW she was going to be on the national stage like that. As a parent, I find that unconscionable.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:11 am
Right on MWS, it is funny how all these Liberals and Libertarians are blaming Mrs. Palin for what her daughter did. Oh, I forgot, Liberals and Libertarians have purfect children who never ever drive drunk have sex and so forth.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:15 am
#309
We’re not blaming Sarah Palin for anything – we don’t know what kinds of choices were made, or by whom in that family, and wish them the best of luck with their choices. We just don’t want Sarah Palin making any such decisions for us, as her record indicates she would like to do.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
Look people – this baby is a gift from God, just like Trig. God chose to impregnate Bristol Palin at this time for whatever reason – it’s all part of his plan for the Palin’s and for our country. We should rejoice at this gift from God and stop treating it like a disease. Blessings to the Palin family.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
What I find incredible is how some people can so easily overlook Rudy’s divorces and philandering, but start shrieking hysterically if the parents of a child get married. Now, I may not be as sophisticated as some of those big city guys with the manicured nails, but that seems kind of backwards to me.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:20 am
294, Well, if Dailykos says than it MUST be true.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Test, I cannot post my comment
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:29 am
Anyway, since I cannot post my comment, I just respectfully ask everybody to look at the whole picture.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:29 am
It’s time for true conservatives to rally around a family who made the right decision- to protect and defend the right to life.
Do we support women who make the right choice? Or do we cast them off as pariah and send the message that if you get pregnant, you’d better kill that baby…. or else….
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:31 am
New Rasmussen is out –
Obama -48
McCain – 43
Leaners:
Obama -51
McCain – 45
A bunch of polls have come out recently – does this site post polls anymore?
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
Also, new Time/Deageo Poll:
Obama 48, McCain 39.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:34 am
Nah. All Palin all the time!
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:34 am
*Diageo
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:35 am
I have to think McCain isn’t even seriously considering doing what Alex is sugesting. It the type of dumb political move that a sleep deprived college student would think up, but not one that a professional politician would.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 am
just saw this topic this a.m.; w/o time to read every response – the premise of this topic to pull Sarah’s nomination is completely and absolutely goofy.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:44 am
Sorry to get into this so late.
A desparate choice from the start. Vetted or not, did it matter. If they vetted her, they made a choice to go ahaead even knowing this. More likely, they did a poor job and much of this is a surprise. The air is our of the bubble for the Indies and Moderates. You can’t build any confidence in a new personality when this noise is going on. And uncertain people don’t make electoral choices; they remain “undecided” until they just stay home.
All of the noise from Obama’s summer campaign (Ayers, Church, Europe, etc.) stalled his support at 46%. This noise will stall McCain at 43%. That’s the way it will end as long as the noise continues.
So, McCain is stuck with his choice. If he has her “withdraw” he looks like an idiot. If he keeps her he looks like an idiot. Not ready to lead. Experience counts for nothing. Audacity vs. impetuousity.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:02 am
I think it’s time to pull the plug on Alex. Too much nonsense is posted on the main page of this site.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:08 am
#323 – Well said – it is audacity vs. impetuousity – experience counts for nothing – not ready to lead (Obama) vs. not ready to lead (McCain).
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 am
Alex, I think my comment is trapped in your comments filter for some reason.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:09 am
I’m thinking she’ll look more like Thomas than Miers in the end. She’ll punch back soon, and hard.
Oh, and McCain can’t pull Palin in any way shape or form and hope to be president. Not going to happen. Alex’s agitating for it only hurts, no help whatsoever.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:17 am
#311 – “God chose to impregnate Bristol Palin at this time for whatever reason – it’s all part of his plan for the Palin’s and for our country.” Put the Kool-Aid down and step away – you’re a danger to yourself and to your fellowman with that kind of ridiculous thinking.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:29 am
It is going to take more then what has transpired to dump Palin. At this point it isn’t even close to that point. You can’t spin your way out of this thing with “her family needs her most; that Bristol and Trig have to take priority over her political ambition.” That isn’t going to fly and McCain will look like a desperate politician with poor judgment and this election will be lost. So, suck it up and hope that Palin makes a GREAT speech tomorrow and her debate with Biden goes well. If she performs well then she will be a help to this ticket and all this crap will be considered trivial and she will continue to excite the base and help with voters not previously availible to McCain.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:30 am
Catch 22…
if palin leaves the ticket, mccain might as well too since he is f’d, no way he can win…on the other hand, no i don’t think palin is up to the job…say the ticket wins and mccain chokes on a turkey bone thanksgiving week-end, thus palin becomes president from day 1, is that a good thing?…this is more like a cotton candy pick, looked good before eating it. Now i do love the women pick, mccain should have picked heather wilson, that would have rocked or i think he should have gone with romney, the table was really set for him to get picked and mccain was catching up, didn’t need to throw the hail mary. Yet, now I guess if palin left the ticket, mccain would need to pick Joe and hope obama really messed up on the trail…people on the right would need to support lieberman cause it would be that or obama. Or maybe mccain could pick another women. My advice to palin might be to withdrawl, college coaches change their mind about switching jobs all the time, i think she and her family would be better off staying in alaska, she could serve two terms, run for senate in 2014 and maybe sometime down the road run for prez but right now, don’t think she is ready…Now i’ll take my words back if palin hits the speech out of the park but it still feels jesse ventura-ish, i’m not sure a speech does it though.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 am
And we don’t know Heather Wilson would have had troubles too?
Really, this is as much about Palin being unknown and people seeking to define her as anything else. We knew this was going to happen, time to move forward.
And yes, I do think she’ll be ready should McCain choke on that turkey bone. I have a lot of confidence in her.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 am
http://www.intrade.com/
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
HMMM…well after reading david brooks column, its more apparent romney should have been picked…granted brooks doesn’t like romney so he didn’t name him but romney fills the void brooks was talking about + he helps in the most states…Michigan is ripe to get picked by repubs this cycle and you got COL, NV, and Nhamp…palin might be like the lottery winner you read about, sweet to win the lottery but than it sometimes doesn’t turn out so well…now again maybe palin will be a will hunting type for the political world so who knows…
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Bite me!
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:45 am
A big problem with the GOP in recent years is the lack of backbone. Many on this thread, including it’s author, show the kind of spinelessness which makes me want to bolt from the Republican Party. If Palin gets bounced from the ticket, I’m staying home this Nov.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:55 am
Thomas (#331) is correct and there is a rush to define her and many in the GOP are too ready to pack it in after the first predictable jabs come from the MSM and the Dems. She has a chance to define herself to America and prove she is ready to be president by making a good speech and doing well against Biden. America looks past Obama’s lack of a resume and they will do the same for her if she defines herself to America as intelligent, articulate, and ready to be president. Having fellow Republicans calling for her removal does not help her bring that narrative to the American people.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:58 am
I don’t think dems could argue heather wilson isn’t up to the job compared with palin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Wilson
Yet, she did lose her senate bid and you got the firing scandal but hey if dems were gonna pick on her, it might have helped mccain more…as for having no backbone supporting the ticket of palin, blind loyalty is dumb too and spineless, i think right now its reasonable to think palin might not be up to the job…she can prove folks right or wrong but that’s kinda of alot to ask…there really shouldn’t be any issues if the person is up to the job before voting for them.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
I can’t believe McCain and Palin went ahead with this. Yes, a teen pregnancy is a family matter, but YOU CHOSE to make it a NATIONAL TALKING POINT!!! THAT IS DISGUSTING! As a parent, I would put my child before seeking the Veep slot. And if I was McCain, I would have compassion on this child instead satisfying one’s political goals. If there were so many good choices to chose from then why this? Upon reflecting about it, this is making me outraged. McCain put politics over family.
This was a horrendous decision. Is this example of things to come with McCain? This is worst GW! Sorry I am mad, but the this was horrible and I am outraged that McCain willfully did this!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
Watch the Dems attack McCain/Palin with this retort:
Politics First (over family)!
And it would be 100% true they BOTH knew it would damage and hurt Bristol to go ahead. There were many other choices. Why WILLING put this child through such suffering! It’s disgusting! It’s uncaring! It’s craven and cruel. Yep, this was a boneheaded selfish decision. McCain and Palin put politics over Bristol privacy and well being.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
All I know is Susan Estrich was on Fox and Friends this morning saying she’s pretty sure that around 33% of Hillary voters will jump over to McCain now. Somehow, I don’t think that would be happening with any other VP candidate. Y’all need to go take a walk or something. Everything will be ok.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:20 am
GOP FIRST! (OVER FAMILY) NO THIS IRREPAIRABLY DAMAGES THE GOP FAMILY VALUES BRAND!!! THEY WILLFULLY MADE A TEENAGE GIRL THE CENTER OF A POLITICAL CONTROVERSY. MCCAIN HAD THE POWER TO SPARE THE CHILD! HE HAD OTHER CHOICES LIKE MARSHA BLACKBURN. HE PUT POLITICS FIRST OVER THIS GIRL’S LIFE. IT’S DISGUSTING. MCCAIN LOST THIS ELECTION! I AM SO MAD!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:24 am
you nut-jobs better pay attention to the American public. There is a growing anger among voters of what is perceived as attacking a working class mother. Why do you think Obama has asked his supporters to stop. read the comments to newspapers. http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/veb/archives/147662.asp?from=blog_last3
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:29 am
No, you guys are misreading it. I don’t care what the indy voters think at this point. I care about the GOP brand. THEY WILLFULLY MADE IT AN ISSUE. They either ignorantly thought it would be ignored by the media or willing put this girl in the media’s crosshairs. Both scenarios are irrepairably damaging to the party’s reputation. I can’t promote the GOP as the family values party when my candidate for President is willing to put his political goals over the well being and happiness of a 17 year old. HE HAD OTHER CHOICES AND HE INSTEAD CHOSE TO PUT THIS GIRL AT RISK! It makes the whole GOP a craven hypocritcal political party.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:32 am
I am so mad at McCain! He is a bonehead for an executive! This is far worse than GWB! GWB atleast got his VP pick right! And GWB has NEVER undermined the family values brand of the GOP! This is so calculated, heartles and craven. McCain is showing me his colors as an executive and it is disgusting/Nixon like!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:34 am
If Palin is forced from the ticket, we might as well all go home and stay there through Nov. Kavon might as well start up “Race42012,” because this campaign will effectively be over. Ultimately, dropping her from the ticket reflects badly on McCain’s instincts and his judgment. Obama and the Dems will be all over him from now until Nov. over this and this alone.
We either stay behind Palin, or go home.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:35 am
Angry! Mad! Furious! I had time to think about it and I am so so so angry at McCain! I can’t support this man at this point! I just can’t. I don’t see Obama putting his party over his family. I just don’t. Yes, his views are screwed but he is atleast showing more integrity than McCain. I may have to just vote my conscience and voted 3rd party! And I am a reasonable GOP voter.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:38 am
We don’t know what conversations the Palin’s had about this decision. It’s quite possible the girl wanted her mother to run for VP – I mean who would be happy knowing one of their parents turned down a big opporturnity because of a mistake you made. We really don’t know what’s going on between the Palin’s so let’s quit being so judgmental of a situation we don’t know about
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:38 am
And good if McCAin looses! He can’t afford 4 more years for a doofus as President! I want the GOP brand to be representative of its principles. I don’t want the brand to be party over family values. Supporting this ticket would be just that! I don’t want this man making executive decisions that imperil other people’s families or my family for political gain. He has shown that 100%! He should not be elected if you have a conscience!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
This girl has been around politics and the spotlight since she was born. Grow up people. She’s not 12…she’s of legal age for consent and made an adult decision and now she has to deal with the adult consequences of that decision.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
They said they both knew about it before the decision was made! So they are either lying about when they knew or they are the ultimate craven politicians. DISGUSTING!!!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 am
What parent would willfully accept the Veep position knowing it would bring shame to one of your children?
I don’t know any normal parent who would do that! I don’t know a normal caring politician unlike McCain who would allow that too! This is poisoin to the GOP brand. We are hypocrites if we support this behavior. Our standards are worthless!!!!!!!!
It was a simple decision McCain and you fubarred it. Royally!!! You could have picked Marsha Blackburn and it would have been fine! BUT NO YOU WILLFULLY DID THIS TO A 17 YEAR OLD!!! DISGUSTING!!! I CANT VOTE FOR YOU IN GOOD CONSCIENCE!!! THIS IS PARTY OVER FAMILY!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
Okay nowandlater…I think we get it, you do not approve…we scratch one vote off of the McCain side.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:48 am
Not to mention I’m not really sure how Bristol is shamed, she’s 17 years old and she’s having a baby…worse things have happened in the world.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 am
Should Palin have resigned from being Governor as well because her daughter got pregnant?
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
No because the Governor of Alaska does not merit 24/7 national cable attention of a presidential cycle. The media attention in Alaska is so sparse compared to running a Veep that it is like comparing an anthill to a mountain!!!! There is nowhere where this child will not be harassed. She could have had a relatively normal life but now it is impossible.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
She is not a child, she is 17 years old. She is old enough to drive, next year she will be old enough to vote and die for her country.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:56 am
With all of the bashing that Palin has received from the left, I believe a nerve was struck.
McCain will have to stick by her now or look like a fool. And really what does it matter if her daughter is pregnant?
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
#89 – What????? Love of Romney??? Well, that’s hilarious. I completely disagree with Alex, but he does deserve to state his opinion here. Not that he hasn’t ticked me off in the past, but I decided I needed to get real. And haven’t you people thought that perhaps Sarah’s daughter might be as strong and gutsy as her mother and decided she could she weather this nonsense? McCain won’t go back, and he shouldn’t.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
This is pure delusion. You boot the first woman on a GOP ticket because her daughter, not her, her daughter, got pregnant months before the selection, and you’re looking a McGivern landslide loss. The moment McCain’s team admitted Mac knew about this beforehand, Palin became set in stone. I wouldn’t vote for McCain if he kicked her off at this point, and no Alex, no one is going to believe that silly, contrived “well, I told the McCain campaign that she was pregnant, and they said it’d be nasty, but oh boy, it’s pretty nasty, so I guess I’m backing out”. Voters would laugh the McCain team out of the election, and he’d be forced to pick another woman, just to avoid killing the Republican Party for a generation.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
I AM BEHIND SARAH PALIN 1000%. THIS REVELATION ABOUT HER DAUGHTER HAS HILLARY CLINTON AND HER CLINTONISTAS ALL OVER IT. OBAMA’S HAND ARE NOT CLEAN EITHER. THEY CAN’T ATTACK MRS. PALIN, SO THEY ATTACK HER DAUGHTER. I THOUGHT THAT OBAMA WAS GOING TO RUN A CLEAN CAMPAIGN WITH NO NEGATIVE ADS. WELL SO MUCH FOR THE TRUTH. HILLARY CLINTON YOU ARE DISPICABLE. IF SOMEONE DID THAT TO CHELSEA, YOU WOULD BE ALL OVER THEM. HILLARY TELL US ABOUT THE ABORTION THAT CHELSEA HAD SINCE YOU ARE SO CONCERNED WITH FAMILY VALUES. TELL US ABOUT HOW YOUR HUSBAND LIED UNDER OATH WHILE HE WAS SITTING PRESIDENT. THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS THE LOWEST OF THE LOW AND NOW THE LIGHT SHINES ON YOU HILLARY FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU REALLY ARE AND HOW LOW YOU WILL STUP TO STAY IH POWER. THAT IS ALL YOU CARE ABOUT POWER!!!!! OBAMA YOU ARE A LIAR. YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS AND YOU ARE PRETENDING THAT YOU DO NOT.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:13 am
nowandlater…do you like anyone???
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
nowandlater,
This coming from a guy who flitted from angry outbursts denouncing Romney (because he would bring your precious Mormonism under scrutiny), while embracing Huckabee, to angry outbursts denouncing Huckabee, because he wasn’t fair to your precious Mormonism, to angry outbursts denouncing those denouncing Romney on the grounds that they were probably opposing him because of Mormonism, to a guy who embraced Rudy, and embraced Romney, and embraced Huckabee, in a big choral procession. You’re spectacularly inconsistent. Governor Palin is not a slave. Her life did not end the moment she had Track, and it shouldn’t have to end because Bristol made a mistake. Nonetheless, no one would have blamed her had she declined; but no doubt Bristol wouldn’t hear of it. Family is awfully important. But, country and service are equally important. It’s her God given right, and perhaps her God given duty, to serve her country to the best of her abilities, as the situation arises, and to the extent that it doesn’t wreck her personal life. Some 1850’s style conservatives might think this situation an unmitigated disaster. Most of us don’t. Most of us see a loving family surrounding Bristol and a support network that is only likely to grow bigger if Palin is successful.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
And let me clue you in on why these folks are going after Sarah Palin; because she’s not a member of their privileged. She’s an outsider with a funny name, and funny ideas, and funny habits, and yes a funny religion. You’d think you of all people would understand that.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:29 am
I guess we are completely past the point of polls, right? If anyone was looking, you would see that, after six polls all showing a fairly significant bounce for Obama, RCP has an AVERAGE of 6.0 for Obama.
Why? Because Obama’s base — Hillary voters — are starting to coalesce around him. Do you understand what that means? Sarah Palin means zippo. Social conservatives would have voted for Pawlenty — most of them would have voted for Romney (although not all) — all of them would have voted for Huckabee — none of them would have voted for Lieberman/Ridge and many of the fiscal conservatives wouldn’t have either.
So they trot her out to evangelical sections where they shout “Sarah Sarah” — the same people would have shouted “Mike Mike” if Huckabee had been picked. They are voting an “issue” — singular issue — family traditions and pro life — not a candidate. They do NOT represent the entire base and, more importantly, they do not represent independents or Hilary voters.
Folks, Obama achieved what he had to do at his convention. Will McCain??? That’s the question you should be debating.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
http://hotair.cachefly.net/images/2008-09/palin-voting.pdf
Since been a republican since 82.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:39 am
I read this over the weekend, and I just wanted to say, I completely agree with Alex on this pick. Palin is a walking GOP disaster in the making. The media was shredding Republican surrogates on Monday night across the board. It’s a complete cluster-!
But then, I said it was a horrible pick before all this unvetted stuff came out.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:53 am
For those who have done it here, please quit name calling. For the poster who accused Alex of being a Romney-lover: hahahahahahahha.
Alex, you are an extremely intelligent young man, very politically wise. You evidently feel strong enough to swing at what ever may come to you, and perhaps Palin’s daughter feels the same way. She may well be like her mother, a fighter. The Socons may admire her for standing up for her daughter’s right to raise her child, and others may identify with a mother in what is now a real-life situation for many parents today. At any rate, McCain should stick with her. I will.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Wow Alex, you’ve really shown the measure of your stupidity this time. Am I reading HuffPost, DailyKos, or Race42008? I can’t tell.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I will admit that the MSM has been in a feeding frenzy over this. They’re throwing out a lot of speculation and random bits of information, ALL of it designed to cause scandal because that is what they do best. There’s been NO real investigative reporting at all- how could there be when McCain caught them all by surprise? As Gergen rightfully pointed out on CNN, this is what happens when there is a surprise pick. McCain should have rolled this out sooner. And she should be out giving interviews. But think about what would have happened had the press heard about Obama like this? He’d never have survived all that information being brought to light in 48 hours. Never. JA Pruce is right- this “crisis” is created by the media, and it will pass.
Let’s see what the VP has to say. I trust McCain AND the RNC has done its homework. But, I will tell you this- if they throw Palin under the bus without any SUBSTANTIVE evidence of wrongdoing, the Republican party will be toast. Plain and simple. Social conservatives, blue collar people and women will never forgive them- it’ll be worse than the PUMAs, by far. This is its chance to reform both itself and the national government. And that, my friends, is worth the risk.
Furthermore, Palin could well be our best shot in 2012 to run against Obama. If she’s dumped now, that will not happen. I think we all need to wait and see how things shake out after the convention.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Ya know, this site used to be one of my daily blog visits…but this post alone has completely removed any sense of legitimacy it may have once had. :bookmark deleted:
Best of luck.
Out.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
#370… agreed. Whoever allowed this crap to be posted from this moron just gave me one less site to look at for coverage of this election.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
#370 and #371
Wow. I’m not alone in my thoughts.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
[...] colleague, Alex Knepper, over at Race42008.com, has written a post demanding that we jettison Palin post-haste. He calls those of us who defend Palin “tone-deaf”. Let me address his [...]
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Stay around guys. Plenty of front-page posters are defending Sarah. Alex is just in full blown panic mode; probably he’s taken a poll of his college friends, and determined Palin is unsellable.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Rudy’s standing up for Palin:
http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2008/09/giuliani-asks-m.html
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Good find Lucy
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Alex, What a borish booby you are turning out to be.
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
You know, the next time someone says the Liberals don’t allow discussion I’m going to bring up this post. There was a time that you could voice differing views on this site without it degenerating into name calling. Not anymore. It started with calling people “Rombots” and went downhill from there.
Alex voiced a different opinion and instead of an intelligent rebuttal it quickly became name calling and (almost) cries of traitor.
Me? I don’t like anyone this election so I’m sitting out. Palin doesn’t impress me at all, but then neither does McCain. I’m not going to call people names because they don’t agree with me though.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Well,
I’m out too. The filter deletes almost everything so its a total waste of time.
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
When one loses an argument then one tends to make it personal. I think I am seeing that from some of the regulars here.
Sarah Palin has been neutered when talking about family values. Here’s the most recent example:
http://townhall.com/blog/g/3bea7e8d-8719-4619-839f-18fe644fe6fe
This will not go away. Her career on speaking about family values is in the tank
Again, what kind of FATHER or what kind of Parent would knowingly bring their child into the cruel media spotlight. For me, not one with the judgement necessary to be president. This putting one’s ego or party over love of family.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:04 pm
How in the hell can you say Sarah Palin can’t talk about Values now?? SHE’S LIVING IT!!!! How many abortion loving liberals have you heard make the argument of, “Oh yeah… those conservatives are all about being “Pro-Life” until it’s their daughter that gets knocked up, or it’s them that’s pregnant with a handicapped child, and then where do their values go??” Well Sarah Palin’s haven’t gone anywhere and she’s living out her values in the face of the most intense scrutiny that can be imagined. What a strong woman and courageous fighter. Shame on all of you northeastern social libs who want to come in here and try to use this as an opportunity to politically assasinate her because she’s not one of your own like Romney or Rudolph.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
*%?$!@* spam filter!
Just finished getting caught up on this thread, and first things first.
Alex, I heartily disagree with you on this one, but keep posting. I’d rather have reasoned (if somewhat hystrionic) disagreements on substance than…
Nowandlater, your 50 posts in 2 minutes blaming Sen McCain and Gov Palin for the media frenzy is tortured reasoning along the lines of “She deserved it for wearing those clothes!” Are we to start blaming victims of crimes (and while this media attention is not criminal, it’s an unjustly cruel attempt at political advantage from the media).
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Finally, for all of you calling for Alex to be yanked as a front page poster (and worse, thrown from the Rep Party), grow up. He’s not sold on Gov Palin and outlined sensible (but wrong) reasons. He’s seeking a political solution he thinks is very unlikely to work, but is better odds than he thinks keeping her would provide. Your rude postings are more worthy of spoiled children, and with how far behind we are, we can’t afford it.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:41 pm
You are retarded.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:49 am
Alex,
The shear number of replies to your post (could this be a R42008 record?) should show you that your analysis is wrong.
This is my first time ever responding here, and I’ve been reading for since the site was born.
Palin will amaze the nay-sayers nationally the same way she did in Alaska.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 am
[...] I am strongly displeased with Governor Sarah Palin, for reasons outlined in my Race42008.com piece “Time to Pull the Plug on Palin”, which has also been picked up by C-SPAN and is one of the most responded-to articles ever [...]
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
How stupied do they think we r ? I cannot believe they r really trying to pass the infant Trig off as Sarah Palins son, It’s so obvious that he’s her grandson. You can even tell the daughter is breastfeedin!