I hate to lob bombs here, let alone confuse my readers even more, but alas, the recent string of Palin interviews has been a remarkable let-down.
As someone who was ready to give Sarah Palin a second chance after her wonderful speech delivered in Hong Kong, I must say that I am walking away with little to be hopeful about after watching the batch of Going Rogue interviews. The book itself was only partially revealing; some issues were conspicuously glossed over — her shotgun wedding, for instance — while some genuinely had light shed on them (such as the early campaign press release about Bristol’s pregnancy). But then there were the endless interviews. Has the former governor taken time to train her impulses and gain some depth on the issues? This list, which goes in order from the least-cringe-worthy remarks to the most, should reveal why I have been highly disappointed by her recent showing. She is not anywhere near ready to take on President Obama.
10. “Obama’s got it all back-asswards.”
This wasn’t folksiness. It’s just dumb.
Remarking upon Obama’s economic policies, Palin stated: “Those are back-assward ways of trying to fix the economy.” Interviewer Barbara Walters replied: “You certainly have a way with words.”
The Politico had the story.
9. “My critics are lonely and need prayer.”
This just drips with bitterness. Try to imagine Ronald Reagan whining like this.
“These are probably some lonely people, some shallow people…and we need to pray for these people…”
David Frum is in Palin’s prayers.
Read all about this one here.
8. “The ‘lame-stream media’ is out to get me.”
I have a natural aversion to self-styled victims. Especially for a woman who’s supposed to be such a fighter, this is embarrassing.
Speaking to Sean Hannity on his radio show, Palin remarked that “some on the left, that lamestream media, they’re contradicting what I wrote in the book…Yeah, lamestream…They are contradicting those facts that I laid out regarding what Reagan had to say.”
Speaking of Reagan, he used a much more potent weapon than whining to defuse the bombs laid by his critics: humor.
The Politico covered this one.
7. “If you don’t agree with me by now, then I’m not even going to try to win you over.”
This was not the sign of a woman sure of her convictions. It was the sign of a politician who doesn’t know how to communicate with the public. Even conceding that there’s a good forty percent of the public who would never credit Palin with any smarts at all even if she penned the new Nicomachean Ethics tomorrow, there are certain things that an aspiring president just does not say — and one of them is “screw you.”
Palin’s remark to Greta van Susteren was this: “Well, for instance, the book is a good tool to get – hey, read the book, and if you still don’t like the positions that I take or if you don’t like who I am after reading the book, unfiltered through the media, then so be it. You know, I’m never going to win you over…I’m not going to try.”
David Frum — through me, through Aron Goldman — covered this the other day.
6. “The Newsweek cover was sexist!”
One thing that Sarah Palin has done extraordinarily well is reveal the latent PC nonsense in the right-wing base. The former crusaders against political correctness are now crying sexism at every turn.
Palin wrote on her Facebook: “The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now. If anyone can learn anything from it: it shows why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, gender, or color of skin.”
Live by the sword, die by the sword, madam! If Palin looked like Helen Thomas, she would never have been on the McCain ticket. Moreover, there is no double-standard. I know that it’s a ‘DC elitist’ magazine, but…
5. “I would consider Glenn Beck for VP.”
No comment.
4. “Let’s primary Lindsey Graham!”
Is she serious?
About center-right South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, Palin told Rich Lowry of the National Review: “His constituents may want to send him a message to say ‘shore it up’ and come back to some more commonsense, conservative ideals.”
3. “Israel’s settlements are required due to…population growth!”
There are many good geopolitical and philosophical justifications for Israel’s settlements. This preposterous explanation is not one of them. Here is what Palin said:
I disagree with the Obama administration on that. I believe that the Jewish settlements should be allowed to be expanded upon because the population of Israel is going to grow. More and more Jewish people will be flocking to Israel in the days and weeks and months ahead. And I don’t think that the Obama administration has any right to tell Israel that the Jewish settlements cannot expand.
That is an answer given by someone who literally has no idea what she is talking about.
The Jerusalem Post picks this apart here.
2. “India and Pakistan need to stop fightin’, ya know?”
A shockingly embarrassing BS answer. In full, the exchange with Greta van Susteren about India and Pakistan went like this:
SARAH PALIN: Geez, well, with India, we have to make sure that we’re working closely with India, the largest democracy in the world, such a strategic partner of ours. We have to make sure that India and Pakistan know that, Hey, the last thing that this world needs is conflict between these two countries. That’s the last thing that we need. In fact, they both need to understand that each other are not the problem, the Taliban is the problem.
OK, so her remarks are: conflict is bad. “Hey, the last thing that this world needs is conflict between these two countries. That’s the last thing that we need.” A little late for that.
1. “Has Katie Couric learned anything about Alaska yet?”
Ms. Palin can’t seem to decide whether she wants to concede that her interview was truly disastrous or whether Katie Couric was out to get her. Regardless, I don’t think that she understands that an interview with a candidate for the vice-presidency is not an exchange of ideas involving what the newscaster thinks about the candidate’s home state!
Talk to Alex Knepper at apkkib@aol.com
November 29th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Thanks for the early morning entertainment Alex. I’ll just address a few:
““I would consider Glenn Beck for VP.”” Mr. Huckabee for one also said the same thing. Where is your sense of tongue and cheek.
“1. “Has Katie Couric learned anything about Alaska yet?”” This is just one great example of how ignorant lower 48 journalists and media personal know so little about Alaska. These characters know more about foreign countries (which may not be much in the first place) than they do about Alaska.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:19 am
Wow . . . just wow! Nice compilation AK. If Palin’s presidential hopes weren’t dead before, this list captures why she will never be a serious contender. Couple that with the fact that Mike won’t be running (he is too fat now, he is happy as a clam as a 2nd-tier talk show host, etc.) and it appears that Romney has a lock on the nomination. But it would never be that easy. Unfortunately, I predict that some un/under-mentioned candidates will rise up to give Mitt a considerable challenge. Hopefully he still pulls it off.
BTW, is there some sort of “anyone but Huck or Palin” coalition? If not I want to start one.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Romney, a lock on the nomination? Um, yeah, I don’t think so. There’s a reason he’s been laying low lately. Does Mr. “I Like Mandates” want to come out and play?
Also, I don’t lump Huckabee and Palin together; they have similar cultural appeal but their ideologies are different.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:54 am
2. I hope some other credible people get into the race in 2012. Pence, Ryan, Cantor, Daniels, etc. I’m glad to seen Pawlenty in. We must send the message that neither Huck nor Palin are representative of the GOP.
Alex, good list. The other thing I think is a little strange is Palin asking Graham what the Bible says about Israel, Iran, and Iraq. Not necessarily that she asked, but that she didn’t realize what the ramifications of the question would be.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:56 am
3. Romney has not been laying low. He’s been giving speeches and interviews at his usual pace – in fact a few more.
He’s explained many times about his Mass health care plan. He’s not shying away from it at all.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Well, if I had to guess today, I’d say Rudy will run again, and of course, I’d support him.
Giuliani-Ryan would be the most freaking amazing ticket of all time.
I’m just looking for a good alternative to Huck-Mitt-Sarah.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:58 am
#2 has a point. The eventual nominee may be someone that hasn’t even been talked about yet, it is early in the process after all.
The fact that Palin would consider Glenn Beck for VP shows that she is fully within the Talk Radio Faction of the partty (the REAL RINO’s) and any consideration of a Palin candidacy for the GOP should end now.
Romney looks like the front runner, but being the frontrunner this early doesn’t work out too well in the end. Just ask Mario Cuomo, Hillary Clinton, or Rudy Guliani.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Palin did not want to diss Beck, who has been a great supporter. That’s all she was doing, folks.
She’s just not good at off the cuff questions.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:34 am
If she makes gaffes like this while playing ’slow pitch’, what will she do when the flame throwers start pitching?
November 29th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Way to concentrate on policy Alex.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:40 am
10 – She barely talks about policy! Have you read the book? A total of about twelve pages are devoted to policy. The rest is autobiography.
And some above are related to policy — India/Pakistan, Israel — both of which she was clueless on — and primarying Graham, which is a bonkers idea.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:40 am
OJ, do you not consider at least some of these to be embarrasing?
November 29th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I have read the book. but I thought Alex was all about policy. What do you disagree with Palin on substantively?
November 29th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Gee Alex I didn’t realize the list above constituted a book review.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Um, the interviews revolve around HER BOOK.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Well Conservative Republican, perhaps she should not have stuck her nose into the India Pakistan conflict, but wanting peace is not unique. Yeah it would have been better not pick a fight with Mr. Graham. However, he is an easy target and not popular in his home state. Overall, while the elite might be embarrassed, these statements are not embarrassing to mainstream Americans. I would not use the phase back-asswards, but it is now part of the American lexicon. There is much truth in what she said about Israel. So frankly, these statement are no big deal and are not gaffe-worthy to reasonable people. If one is looking for gaffe, I suppose that is a slightly different story.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:58 am
So this is a book review. Alex why are you so obsessed about Palin? Wht don’t youd do something usefuk like compare Huck’s, Romney’s and Palin’s policy positions and explain why one is superior to the other. I suspect you will find the three generally in agreement.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Palin doesn’t have any policy prescriptions. “Listen to McChrystal, cut taxes, and respect mainstream ordinary Americans.”
I mean — listen, I think her heart is generally in the right place, but her knowledge is so, so shallow.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Ohio you will have to take the daily Palin slammers on. I have to go to church.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Tell me about the depth of knowledge about Huck and Romney. Gotta go.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Well, this site is proving one of my suspicions: that Sarah Palin is the champion of the clueless who shroud their ignorance by railing against “elites” and “the establishment.”
She makes them feel comfortable and they would feel even more comfortable if by some mistake she became the President.
“Look! The Blind leading the blind! Now I truly feel like a part of America!”
I was astonished at the ignoramuses that voted for “hope and change” the last time around, but now we have to deal with an entirely different group of ignoramuses on our side who are determined to “vote their IQ” and thereby give “hope and change” 4 more years.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Alex…….Watch your back
There is no wrath like a woman scorned…..except that of her supporters…
November 29th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Oh Egg on face, if you really think that Mrs. Palin and the Palinites have that low an IQ, then you have more problems than we can help you with. As soon as the Anti-Palin camp proves that they have good judgment and can actually do something instead of just scream how stupid Mrs. Palin is (of the great state of Alaska) than maybe we will take you seriously.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Ohio Egg on Face has made very rational arguments, don’t you think? I hope we can increase our IQs to that level. As for losing with Palin–Obama 46-Palin 43. As for elite opinion, compare Rasmussen polls of politcal elites’ opinion and the opinion of the general public.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Jerald great argument.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:14 am
#23 Sorry, but the problem is that we can’t take your candidate seriously, nor can we understand how the twitterpated Palin groupies can refuse to discuss anything of substance about their candidate (Just following her lead I guess) while at the same time nit-picking over any and all minutia regarding Governor Huckabee or any other candidate for that matter.
It reminds me very much of love affair with Fred Thompson, but at least Fred could speak, write, and debate about the issues relating to governance of the United States with more depth than the oil slick on a mud puddle.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Palin’s not ready to be president. She doesn’t understand foreign policy issues and her understanding of economics is too shallow.
At least with a Palin-Beck ticket, the lower half really knows what he’s talking about on the issues that matter.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Yes, I am happy to follow her lead, she has proven to be at least as sharp as the other candidates.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Egg who is the “we” you represent?
November 29th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Alex who is ready to be president?
November 29th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Alex are you supporting Glen Beck for pres?
November 29th, 2009 at 10:28 am
#29 Everybody who thinks Sarah Palin is a nice lady, a person who is on our side, and somebody who has outstanding charisma, but somebody who refuses to accept that she has a lot of work to do to be ready for prime time.
And everybody who is getting tired hearing that Gov. Palin is ready for the Oval Office because she’s a “rock star” and so she deserves special treatment, a “pass” on being vetted while at the same time using techniques learned from liberals in their attempts to remove other potential GOP competitors out of her path.
“Go Rouge” my foot. If Sarah wants the nomination, she’ll have to get out on the field and score some points like everybody else.
And not whine and cry when she takes a hit.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Have you read Going Rogue? Where was the whining?
November 29th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Egg give me a list of who is and who is not ready for prime time. Tell me why the people who make the list are on it.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:33 am
#28 No. she has proven that she has more charisma than the other candidates.
She reminds me of a saying of my mother’s:
“It is one thing for people to think you are stupid, but quite another to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
November 29th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Egg so is your mother a person who is ready for prime time?
November 29th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Gosh, Grant, you’ve left like 38434 comments.
35 – Sorry to tell you, but your mother did not originate that phrase.
Anyway, there are a lot of people ready to be president. Let’s go back to 2008. Rudy was. Romney was. McCain was. On the left — Hillary was. Bill Richardson was.
33 – Going Rogue wasn’t particularly whiny; her whininess comes out in interviews.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:47 am
The only relevant person on your list now is Romney–what makes Romney ready to be president and why does that make him ready?
November 29th, 2009 at 10:48 am
#34 Grant, that is a nice request.
However, I labored diligently for months on end during the last cycle to explain why Fred Thompson was not a good candidate (and I like the guy) and to explain the greater merits of some of the other candidates.
Guess what I learned? It was almost a complete waste of time. The Fredheads were waiting for the advent of the Great Conservative Hope and were in no mood to hold a level-headed discussion about anything.
Fred was a God-send and everybody else were no-good, double-crossing RINOs or something or other and it was their duty as a patriotic American to villainize them anyway possible. Even though their candidate was a gentleman (Much as Sarah Palin appears to be a lady).
The blinders and double-standards employed were astonishing.
So, not this time around. There is truth in that saying about “Trying to talk to a brick wall.”
All I want is for Sarah to show her stuff and for Sarah supporters to be fair minded about the other candidates…….including dropping the “you RINO,” “Candidate X is an Establishment/Elitist so and so” defense. Of course, I want the same from other supporters as well. You get the idea.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:50 am
#37…LOL Alex……My mom quoted to me out of the Bible and Aesop’s fables too, and I never thought she as the originator of those either.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:53 am
#36 I’ll let you explain yourself to ensure I give you the right answer.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Egg you haven’t heard me attack the other candidates as RINOs or elitists. I think supporters of all the candidates have made some outrageous statements. My take is there is no such thing as being too dumb to be president. Anybody can do that job. It is policy that matters and any Republican is better than Obama on policy. As for Sarah, I think she is self-evidently pretty bright and capable. Republicans would do well to nominate a woman and someone younger than 60 years old. Her policies are close enough to Romney and Huckabee or any of the others so I have a hard time making a substantial policy distinction. The distinctions just aren’t worth the vitriol that passes for comment on this site.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Egg you seem to have a high regard for your mother’s comments, probably well deserved, and not for Palin’s comments. So I assumed you think your mother would make a better pres than Sarah. So if your mother is ready for prime time and Sarah is not. I assumed you would say so and why.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Sorry for the multiple comments Alex I know you are very careful to keep you comments on this site to a minimum.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:14 am
“Yes, I am happy to follow her lead, she has proven to be at least as sharp as the other candidates.”
Yeah? And how has she proven that may I ask? Changed colleges many times; some low grades in college, poor judgement, lousy interviews, poor debate performance, inability to speak extemporaneously with any depth of knowledge, chose to smoke pot; couldn’t handle governorship when times got tough, etc etc. Pray tell how she has proven she is as sharp!…and don’t tell me about the book written by her ghost writer….come up with something else please.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:17 am
#42….I’ll take a shot at your question.
Sarah can spit out some talking points and with more pizzazz than anyone, but that’s where it stops. As Alex is explaining, once you get past that, she is lost like a rudderless skiff in a storm.
No, not everyone is smart enough to be President. That says volumes about my problem with Palin supporters. Anybody can give lip service, but only a few rare individuals have the stuff it takes to formula a vision and implement it.
I’m not saying you have to have a Harvard degree. I’m saying you need to be smart enough not to need one and good enough to make it happen.
Look at Obama. He’s obviously a bright guy. He even has the prestigious degrees, has been a law professor at the University of Chicago (no Podunk U…that’s for sure). He is good looking, extremely cool, and a good if not great communicator.
But the guy cannot implement (thank goodness). Other than the fact that he subscribes to lame concepts, the guy just doesn’t know how to get it done, so he passes it off to other flaming liberals to mess things up even more. We are lucky he is so lame, but…
Do we want to risk putting in a Republican who is poor at implementation (getting things done) as Obama?
Do we really?
For example, take Rudy Giuliani.
The guy is not perfect.
I abhor what he did to his wife by dumping her for another women……Okay, so I’m a social conservative.
I don’t like his stance on abortion or gay marriage. But I also realize that fighting the Culture War by trying to legislate behavior is not a winning strategy….changing hearts and minds through education is the only real solution.
So, social issues aside….Rudy is a proven can do guy.
He knows how to get things done. He is really sharp. He is also quick witted.
He’s not perfect, his past isn’t spotless, and I don’t agree with him 100%.
But I think he would make a great President if we can get him to promise to stay out of the Culture War…….Something he might be more than happy to do.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Rich families don’t have to change colleges.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:19 am
I don’t take this post too seriously. One, Alex misquotes Palin in his headers…which I guess is good when you want to get your work googled, but it doesn’t mean much if you are attempting an honest critique. Two, how long could Alex actually stay objective, when his idol, Frum is out attacking Palin on a nearly daily basis? Three, this is really just a fluff piece that is designed to appeal to a specific crowd of web surfers who aren’t looking for substance…they’re just looking for some more, ridiculous, reaons to smear and make fun of Palin. Four, Palin posts are good for ad revenue because they generate lots of clicks.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Alex Knepper: don’t you have anything better to do this morning than trash the next president of this country.
Who do you back for 2012? romney, huck, tpaw. c’mon proclaim it for all of us to see.
If you don’t have anyone then i suggest you get out of the way cause the Sarah train is coming.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:21 am
45 – you forgot to mention that in her time as governor she actually accomplished everythig she promised to accomplish when she was elected…but I am sure you knew that. A lot of her detractors tend to gloss over her record in Alaska.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Jerald I am a graduate of the U of Chicago myself. I can assure you graduation from there makes you no smarter than someone who graduates from the U of Idaho. As for being cool, a woman who can raise 5 kids while being governor is pretty cool. As for communication, look at her convention speech. Read her book. As for getting things done, take a look at the Alaska pipeline and the energy tax structure in Alaska.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:26 am
“Rich families don’t have to change colleges.”
Neither do poor families.
Do you have some kind of problem with people who have succeeded financially in life? Perhaps you’re on the wrong site!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Actually I’m doing quite well financially thank you. My point is Sarah switched colleges largely for financial reasons.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:30 am
53 Bull
November 29th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Anyway, why is Romney ready?
Well…he was the CEO of a company, he turned around the Winter Olympics in 2002, he was the governor of a large state for four years, he graduated at the top of his class at a respectable university. He’s also worn hats as an author, commentator, and, of course, father — just like Palin has as a mother. He’s also already run a full presidential campaign and is associated with the major players in DC.
Say what you want about his policies or his integrity, but he’s qualified for the job!
49 – I support Rudy Giuliani, assuming that he’s running again. Paul Ryan, if he runs, would be fantastic. If Eric Cantor were to attempt a run, I’d get behind him sooner than the rest of this motley crew.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Read her book.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
54 – You’re both right. Sarah said that she went to Hawaii at first to get a change of pace, but it was too drastic — so it was then back to Alaska because she missed home, then Idaho as a settling point. She said in her book that she went for five years total because she spent so much of that time working to pay her own way. “I remember a time when that was honorable,” she says.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
54 – this is one of the problems with the Palin-haters. They have lots of simple, accusations but when the facts get produced for them…they don’t believe them…because Sarah’s supposed stupidity is better for their narrative.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Rich kids like Mitt get all kinds of opportunities that others don’t. I’ll put Sarah”s work ethic up against Romney’s any day.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:34 am
For example, take Rudy Giuliani.
The guy is not perfect.
I abhor what he did to his wife by dumping her for another women……Okay, so I’m a social conservative.
I don’t like his stance on abortion or gay marriage. But I also realize that fighting the Culture War by trying to legislate behavior is not a winning strategy….changing hearts and minds through education is the only real solution.
Rudy actually opposes gay marriage (unfortunately, in my opinion). He supports strict constructionist judges. NARAL officially labels him as being against abortion rights.
He fought, against libertarians, to bar porn shops from operating in Times Square. He fought to cut off funding to a New York City museum that was displaying the infamous “Piss Christ” exhibit.
Rudy’s policies of economic growth and urban renewal paved the way for a reduced number of abortions. Romney, Huckabee — they might pay lip service to pro-life causes. But who actually got something done, on a practical level? Only Rudy.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:35 am
#43…Grant, my mom was a great lady. Thank you.
Anyway, you of course realize the setup of your question is erroneous, but I’ll bite.
My mother was a wise women and would have realized on her own that she did not sufficiently understand foriegn policy, governent, economics, politics, and other important areas necessary to be a good President.
She was, however, a good judge of character and would support people who did have the necessary skills, knowledge, and judgment.
She also was very independent, but would have died at the thought of “going rouge” as she was a unifier rather than a divider.
Now to answer your question: No my mother did not have the right stuff to be President and I would not have voted for her, but she would have been a great person for any President to talk to as a sounding board because she was a wise and excellent listener.
So you want my conclusion? Palin needs to either accept the fact that she has a long learning curve ahead of her and stop trying to take a short cut or she should accept the fact her skill set doesn’t match well with the job requirements and do what she is better fitted to do….which is still really great stuff I have no doubt.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Rich kids like Mitt get all kinds of opportunities that others don’t. I’ll put Sarah”s work ethic up against Romney’s any day.
What, are we hating on the rich now? Goddamn populists.
Mitt was born into money, yes, but he didn’t squander it. He made something of himself with the opportunities he was given. Why are you bashing him for that?
This is the populist ethos: work hard and be happy — but if you succeed, don’t show it! And don’t let your kids in on it, or we’ll bash them, too!
November 29th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Sarah climbed the ladder of success without Daddy owning the ladder.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:38 am
I don’t hate the rich, I’m just pointing out the obvious. Rich people {at age 18} get more opportunities than others.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:39 am
63 – My mom came from a very modest background and worked very hard to put herself through college, and now our family is in the Top 10% of income earners. I’m able to do a lot of things right now that others don’t get to — attend an expensive university, hit her up for money for new books, etc. I have not personally felt an impact from the recession. Should I feel guilty about that? Should I feel guilty about the fact that my mother worked her way up and is able to give me a stable foundation?
November 29th, 2009 at 11:41 am
You should be proud of people like your mother and Sarah Palin.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:41 am
64 – Well, I’m 19, and I couldn’t attend American University if my mom couldn’t take out the loans. Should I feel guilty about the fact that she’s got the financial background to be able to take out these loans for me?
This is obviously not the same as her having the money to plop down at will, but it’s still something that a lot of other people don’t get to have. Should I feel guilty about that?
November 29th, 2009 at 11:41 am
66 – But Mitt Romney’s not allowed to be proud of his mother and father? Give me a break!
November 29th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Sarah Palin stands up for people like you and also the rich. She seems not to have her judgment clouded by other people’s wealth. Sarah has pretty good amount of “lack of envy”. Many people I know don’t have that.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:44 am
alex knepper: spirited defense of romney i see. Geez i wonder why such a vicious vendetta against a little ol’ hockey mom.
Shhhhhhh, between me and you its a pipe dream dude. the libs want him to be our nominee, they are silently begging us to choose him. Once he is then the “magic underwear” nonsense starts to come out. Never mind romneycare.
Spend more time defending your boy, and quit trying to tear down the only true hope of our party.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Mitt can be proud os his father, but don’t tell me Mitt did all this on his own.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Sarah is doing exactly what she should be doing at this time. She is showing she has command of the issues as relating to Obama. What do you want her to do? Tell her plan for America today in 2009. She is selling books not running for any office. Don’t confuse the two. The first goal is 2010 after that then 2012 will kick into gear. As Rove said: She is saying and doing exactly what she needs to do right now. Later on if she decides to run than she will have to lay-out her vision for the country in more detail and how it would be best for America.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:45 am
AHHHHHHHHHH! i’ve been arguing with a teenager. Sorry kid, guess mom hasn’t fed you breakfast yet. good day.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:46 am
“Rich kids like Mitt get all kinds of opportunities that others don’t. I’ll put Sarah”s work ethic up against Romney’s any day.”
Mitt’s dad grew up in houses with dirt floors, so don’t throw this rich kid thing out at me. Mitt Romney put himself through college, and had a wife and kids during that time….they were taxed to make ends meet just like many of the rest of us. Quit playing the ‘rich kid’ card.
For you to act as if Palin has workedas hard in life at excelling as Mitt Romney is laughable. NOBODY works harder than Mitt Romney at excelling. Sarah seems to avoid it, especially when it comes to learning about the world and issues.
My 54 comment could have been more articulate!
November 29th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Where can I sign up to vote for Mitt’s dad. Oh yeah, he was brainwashed, I better be careful. Are you telling me Mitt pulled himself up by his bootstraps?
November 29th, 2009 at 11:50 am
70 – LOLOLOLOL. You think I’m a Romney supporter. LOLOLOLOLOL.
75 – What on Earth? No, I’m saying that Mitt Romney should not have to feel guilty because he was born rich.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I stand corrected, Mitt’s dad was not rich.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Grant…..My dad was an alcoholic……we had to get rid of him when I was 5. My mom was physically handicapped and I had to care for her from the time I was 12 (she was restricted to bed and a wheel chair).
I grew up on welfare and worked part-time long before I reached legal age to do so. I also took care of my socially retarded brother. I worked my butt off, was accepted to an excellent high school, put myself through college without relying on food stamps or student loans…You get the picture.
To me Sarah Palin looks rich.
So do I envy Mitt Romney?
Only in the fact that I know in my heart of hearts that he has done a whole lot more with the benefits he had then I ever could have…and he is still a nice person to be around by all accounts.
So let’s bury the populist hate on the fortunate folks….that path leads to socialism and communism.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:54 am
At the heart of populist hate is just envy.
Some envy can be good: if it’s translated into admiration, as in — ‘Wow, I wish I could be like that guy!’ — it can be about taking positive steps to make that happen.
But if taken too far, it turns into a motivation to tear the other guy down, rather than build yourself up.
Envy in its most advanced political stage is socialism. Progressivism is getting there.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I didn’t say Mitt should feel guilty–I said he had a silver spoon in his mouth compared to Sarah Palin. What college he attended wasn’t necessarily due to his later success in life. Nor is it particularly relevant to the question of who should be president. Otherwise, Washington and Lincoln should never have been elected.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Many thanks to Alex Knepper for sharing these hilarious Palin punchlines. Palin proteges have also added funny lines in these comments. All in all, lots of great humor here-
November 29th, 2009 at 11:59 am
80 – If it isn’t relevant, why on Earth did you even bring it up?
November 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Marco–condescension –what i expect from many anti-palinites.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Grant, BYU has very low tuition, fees, room and board. When you graduation valedictorian of you class at BYU, you don’t have to pay nearly as much to go through Harvard. A perfect SAT score didn’t hurt anything either I am sure. Like I said, Mitt works his tail off for his educational opportunies. Mitt didn’t accept much, if any of his father’s help through college from what I understand.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Well, now.
Can we come up with a similar list of Obama or Biden utterances? of which there are many? For purposes of ease, I will give you two.
As to Obama, how about his “jumping to conclusions” on the matter of the police officer in Cambridge, after saying “he didn’t have all the facts?”
As to Joe Biden, how about his comment that “we need to spend money to save money.”
And, by the way, Charles Gibson knew less about the “Bush Doctrine” than Sarah Palin.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Alex you may have missed that it was one of your guys who brought it up. I just defended Sarah’s education since it is representative of millions of Americans in her social strata.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Sam, this is not about OBAMA. 99% of the people agree he is a terrible president, that he was not prepared to be POTUS, and that he is an extreme liberal, so let’s not try to change the subject…we agree there.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
BYU would have been mighty expensive for Sarah Palin. Also Harvard gives scholarships based on need so Mitt’s grades would have allowed him to pay plenty in any event.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
85 – Of course we can come up with a similar list.
But we all already know that Obama and Biden are nitwits.
“Gosh, well at least she’s better than Obama!” — Yes. She is. I’d vote for her if it came down to Palin vs. Obama 2012.
But I’m hoping we have a better alternative.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
87 – Exactly. This is such a stupid argument…
Palin could say she wants to eat babies and these people would go “Well, doesn’t so-and-so eat babies, too!?” — OK, and both are wrong!
November 29th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Alex Palin is against killing babies-how about you–don’t start down that road. Speaking of stupid arguments[or should I say examples].
November 29th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Do you have the IQ of a toaster? Do you actually think that my point was that Palin likes to eat babies? It’s a hypothetical example meant to illustrate how Palin’s hardcore backers act.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
In the fact of that list, how can Republicans risk giving Obama a second term by supporting this joke for President?
Are you all on drugs?
For the record, I support whomever can beat Obama. Palin is closer to my views than Pawlenty, but he’s the most electable and she is the least.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Metro, if Rudy did run again, as it seems he will, would you support him?
(And then Paul Ryan for VP?)
November 29th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Absolutely. His problem it not general election electability, but rather primary electability.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
people waiting in line since yesterday to get a few seconds with Sarah.
wanna take bets about the lines when mitts book comes out 3/10?
November 29th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Grant, at the time Palin was going to college, BYU tuition, fees, room and board was only about 2K per semester…..like I said, very inexpensive.
Alex, would that be a four holer, or a two holer on the toaster IQ equivalent?
Grant, I found it troubling that Palin had to deliberate about whether or not to keep the baby when she found out that it woul be a Downs baby, and that she did not discuss it with her husband.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
panchita!!… really couldn’t care less about how long book signing lines are. Rock bands have even bigger crowds, but they aren’t qualified for POTUS either.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
96 – What is your point? People wait in line for ten hours to see Britney Spears, too.
97 – An upside-down one-slot rusty toaster that isn’t plugged in.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Israel’s population IS growing due to immigration. So, what’s your real problem with what she said? Frankly, if a population isn’t growing, there is no need for new housing. Why don’t you compare Israel’s internal growth to their external growth? There are some charts out there if you really cared to know the truth.
Furthermore, on India-Pakistan, Sarah was pointing out the mutual advantages of these two nuclear powers aligning against a common enemy. I don’t think I’ve heard many people articulate that simple obvious truth.
The cringe-worthy part of this whole Going Rogue tour is the insane amount of scrutiny Sarah Palin is drawing compared to anybody in recent memory. The AP didn’t conscript 11 fact checkers for Obama’s memoir, or Bill or Hillary’s. In fact, it’s arguable they fact-checked those books at all.
So, if Sarah Palin is so cringe-worthy, why do you care so much? And if she is not allowed to mention any of this scrutiny without being a “whiner” in your book, would you be more content if she rolled over and played dead?
Sarah lives in your head rent-free. Everything she says will be “cringe-worthy” in your book. Your essential opinion on Sarah Palin is shared by the moonbats: “Sarah, sit down and shut up.”
Problem for you all: Sarah is not gonna sit down and shut up. Nor are her followers.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
GG #88-”BYU would have been mighty expensive for Sarah Palin.”
Do you have any f-ing clue what you are talking about? BYU’s tuition (even for non-Mormons) is the least expensive of virtually any school in the country. In fact, it is 1/2 the cost of what Sarah would have paid as a non-resident at U of ID.
You are quickly becoming one of the biggest douchetards on the site, and this is the first thread I have ever seen you post on. Don’t make assertions unless you can back em up.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Oh, good grief.
People who don’t frequent Race often are probably very confused.
RecoveringDemocrat — Overall, I like Palin. Her ideology is overall fine, and she can be a force for good if she uses her power well. So far, she’s not doing that.
Anyway, you’re just repeating Sarah’s ignorance. Israel’s population is growing, but the settlements aren’t needed to handle the small growth that Israel is experiencing. Furthermore, Sarah said that “more and more Jews” will be flocking to Israel — what the hell? That’s just…not true. I mean, there’s just nothing to it. It’s not like there’s something she could have meant but just was a little off on. It just makes no sense whatsoever. She’s totally ignorant about Israel.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Walters then goes “Even if it’s Palestinian land?”
Someone who is well-versed on the issue could have said “Well, remember Barbara: it was an Arab-initiated war in 1967 that led to the loss of this land, which could have been part of a Palestinian state anyway if the Arabs would have accepted the original 1948 partition or the Barak deal in 2000. It is unprecedented that a nation be asked to treat its aggressors with as much sympathy as Israel is being demanded to, especially after it has done so much already in being so accommodating.”
November 29th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
But Sarah just looks flustered and goes “…I believe that Israel should be allowed to expand its settlements.” Why? Because she doesn’t KNOW ANYTHING about the issue.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
103 Alex, yes, she could have said that, except she wouldn’t have the foggiest idea what it said if she read what you wrote. She has no since of history whatsoever. Sarah has some good attributes. She was a good point guard, is very pretty, and likeable, except when she is whining. But presidential material, not even close!!!! She MIGHT, and I repeat MIGHT be able to get elected president of the local PTA around here, but I’m not so sure of it.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
““Gosh, well at least she’s better than Obama!”” The sad part is that many do not actually believe this.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
OJ, not many on here would like Obama better, hardly any! But we want to put up our best person, not just someone better than Obama.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
ConservativeRepublican … Way to double down on misogyny! Sarah might be able to get elected president of the local PTA? How about getting elected governor of Alaska, which according the Wall Street Journal is the 4th most powerful governorship in the U.S.? If for no other reason than to shut up the sexist pigs, I hope Sarah runs and wins.
All this intense criticism/hatred of Sarah Palin is truly mind boggling. She hasn’t announced that she’s running for anything. Until then, all you patronizing know-it-alls could be directing your brain power to more productive ends, no?
Oh, and just for your amusement I found another cringe-worthy quote from Sarah:
“I really see events trending in a very positive direction between India and Pakistan,” she said in the Indian interview, “in part because of the shared sacrifice, commitment, and understanding that now exists about the threat that organizations of terrorists pose to both of your countries and to the safety and well-being of your people.
“And so what Pakistan is doing is, in my view, very important, as Pakistan tries to stabilize your democracy so that you can build on development. …But the constant threat from the internal terrorists is one that has to be dealt with in order for Pakistan to grow and flourish.”
Can you believe Sarah said THAT?
Oh wait, that was Hillary Clinton, our Secretary of State, saying essentially the same thing Sarah said in her interview with Greta. Hillary wasn’t even particularly eloquent, either. But you don’t give a damn, do you, because you demand more from Sarah than anyone else currently in the political realm.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
ConservativeRepublican … Way to double down on misogyny! Sarah might be able to get elected president of the local PTA? How about getting elected governor of Alaska, which according the Wall Street Journal is the 4th most powerful governorship in the U.S.? If for no other reason than to shut up the sexist pigs, I hope Sarah runs and wins.
All this intense criticism/hatred of Sarah Palin is truly mind boggling. She hasn’t announced that she’s running for anything. Until then, all you patronizing know-it-alls could be directing your brain power to more productive ends, no?
Oh, and just for your amusement I found another cringe-worthy quote from Sarah:
“I really see events trending in a very positive direction between India and Pakistan,” she said in the Indian interview, “in part because of the shared sacrifice, commitment, and understanding that now exists about the threat that organizations of terrorists pose to both of your countries and to the safety and well-being of your people.
“And so what Pakistan is doing is, in my view, very important, as Pakistan tries to stabilize your democracy so that you can build on development. …But the constant threat from the internal terrorists is one that has to be dealt with in order for Pakistan to grow and flourish.”
Can you believe Sarah said THAT?
Oh wait, that was Hillary Clinton, our Secretary of State, saying essentially the same thing Sarah said in her interview with Greta. Hillary wasn’t even particularly eloquent, either. But you don’t give a damn, do you, because you demand more from Sarah than anyone else currently in the political realm.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
conservative repub and alex knepper don’t care about the long lines awaiting Sarah. wah wah wah wah they cry. why can’t my beloved mittens attract such attention wah wah wah. mommy get me my bottle wah wah wah.
Sarah must be doing something right if she is able to annoy the likes of you two.
Palin 2012 (whether ya like it or not)
November 29th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I’d love to dump Lindsey Graham. Stupid little punk.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
No Obama has got it completely wrong, on every conceivable issue
one can think off. She was trying to be charitable to those who libel her so, hate the sin love the sinner, Yes they are out to get her, so much so some people here are still repeating their lies. The Newsweek cover, along with Reuter pic from the campaign
taken from an unnatural act, with only one complimentary pic, casting
the tea party movement as the enemy.If people are willing to accept lies as truth, I don’t know what to tell you really. Israel is founded on Aliyah, from 1880 on, technically all of it was Syrian Egyptian or Jordanian territory at one time or another. You noticed Lindsay all of a sudden, got some guts before Holder after that statement, she chipped in to both
McCain and Graham’s campaign, yes
she does show dissapointment on occasion.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
ConservativeRepublican … Way to double down on misogyny! Sarah might be able to get elected president of the local PTA? How about getting elected governor of Alaska, which according the Wall Street Journal is the 4th most powerful governorship in the U.S.? If for no other reason than to shut up the sexist pigs, I hope Sarah runs and wins.
LOL! Now we have the PC police on the right.
Can you believe Sarah said THAT?
Actually, as I read it, I was impressed with it and was shocked that she said it and was unaware that she gave an interview to the overseas press — and then you told me it was Clinton and I was irritated because you got my hopes up. Damn you!
November 29th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
conservative repub and alex knepper don’t care about the long lines awaiting Sarah. wah wah wah wah they cry. why can’t my beloved mittens attract such attention wah wah wah. mommy get me my bottle wah wah wah.
…I call him Mittens. Don’t you dare take that from me.
I can’t stand Romney. I would sooner support Palin than Romney.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Palin is, was, and will always be, a joke.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
the 10 cringe worthy moments can easily be cut and pasted from du, huffpoo or kos. all lack the requisite intelligence to discern the keen and cunning mind of Sarah Palin.
one would think that obama would have taught you how appearances can fool you. beautiful words, well modulated phrases and a soothing voice. look where thats gotten us.
Sarah speaks to the heart of this great country which is common ordinary working folk. She fights for what she believes and smiles through all the attacks.
Keep on hammering away though, it just makes Her stronger.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
115. you liked the crease of obama’s pants though didn’t ya big boy.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
all lack the requisite intelligence to discern the keen and cunning mind of Sarah Palin.
Are you a troll?
one would think that obama would have taught you how appearances can fool you. beautiful words, well modulated phrases and a soothing voice. look where thats gotten us.
Well, one thing’s for sure: she sure doesn’t have beautiful words or a soothing voice.
Sarah speaks to the heart of this great country which is common ordinary working folk.
Ah, class warfare.
Keep on hammering away though, it just makes Her stronger.
Capitalizing Her? What, is she a god now?
November 29th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
**This is now the featured article at FrumForum.com**
November 29th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
ahh yes now that romney is no longer the frountrunner Alex needs to nit pick on palin.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I have been exceedingly fair to Palin. My reviews for Going Rogue were neutral-to-positive, highlighting the good and the bad. When she had a good interview, I said so. I praised her Hong Kong speech. I sport a little Palin button on my messenger bag sometimes, depending upon my mood. Today, I am examining the negative aspects. I’m not a hagiographer, and Sarah is not a saint.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Alex you can’t deny that palin is now the frountrunner . these “cringe moments” come from a person who is nit picking more then a liberal. everthing you just listed is just nitpicking and not relevent. the Reality is palin is filling the vacuum and her numbers are improving.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
lets see a top 10 positive moments then.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
By the way AK if this is how you support a candidate please don’t ever support Mitt!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
“don’t ever support Mitt!”
why would anyone support someone with zero charisma.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
123. Good idea! How about a top ten list on Palin – from the last week or so.
Come on, Palinites – find 10 things that Palin did well this week, and one of them cannot be crowds.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Alex, your continued insistence that Palin “come clean” on her “shotgun” wedding is insane. You wanna wager a guess how many male politicians impregnated their spouses (or girlfriends) pre-marriage? (And how many of them paid for abortions?) Are you gonna demand full reproductive disclosure as a requirement of holding office? What a joke.
As for the Hillary Clinton quote, Conservative Republican, if I hadn’t told you it was from Hillary you wouldn’t have known. The point is, the message was identical. You just hate Sarah Palin. And yes, your infantile comment relegating Sarah to the PTA … WAS sexist. If a man had done what Sarah did in Alaska, I will tell you what: He would be the GOP establishment darling (akin to Tim Pawlenty or Bobby Jindal).
I became a Republican in 2004 after 16 years voting for Democrats. I became a “Rogue Republican” on Nov. 5, 2008, when the Republican establishment and McCain hacks decided to throw an inspiring female VP candidate under the bus to cover their own sorry asses.
As far as I’m concerned, as currently constituted, the GOP stands for Grand Old Patriarchy … And I hope Sarah Palin kicks ‘em in the groin.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
It is true that Frum’s blog[s] have not been successful, but let us not bring his deceased mother into the conversation, especially in a negative light. – Senior Editor
November 29th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Rudy and Sarah have a very good relationship and would be very compatible on a ticket together,but I think Rudy should be at the top. He has the credibility to carry her into the office VP where she can improve on her own credibility.
Sarah gave a great speech at the convention,but Rudy gave a terrific one too!
He would have made a great president.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Here’s one Romney supporter who would not be too terribly disappointed if Rudy became POTUS.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
127. Palin is the one who decided to talk about personal things, including her elopement, so it’s natural to wonder why she didn’t mention that she was pregnant, and that it precipitated the marriage.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
My take is that Palin sat on a couch and opened her journals and just talked. Vincent wrote it down. Palin even thanked her for getting the words on paper.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
That’s right. I don’t think Palin wrote the book at all.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
1. Sarah Palin helped the Red Cross in Richland, Wa., shatter previous records and raise $45,000 in its Turkey Trot 5K.
2. Sarah Palin announced she would donate all her royalties from the upcoming stop at Fort Hood to families of the victims there.
3. Sarah Palin became only the fourth politician in history to occupy the #1 spot in the USA Today Best Selling Book List. (Joining Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Colin Powell). She also soared to the top of the NYTimes best-selling list.
4. Sarah Palin won praise from a liberal NYTimes blogger for her graciousness toward Levi Johnston.
5. Sarah Palin won extensive praise from liberal Gayle King on MSNBC for being a genuine, likeable person with tremendous appeal.
6. Sarah Palin gave one of the most succinct critiques of the “war tax” while being interviewed by Gretchen Carlson on Fox & Friends.
7. While visiting Fort Bragg, Sarah Palin called Obama out on his dithering in Afghanistan, and the next day he announces he had made decision.
8. Sarah Palin stopped the tour bus to visit with supporters in Roanoke, Va., who were camping out over night in freezing temps.
9. Sarah Palin gave an interview to her local television station urging state legislators not to lose their enthusiasm for making the pipeline project a reality.
10. Sarah Palin told Barbara Walters she would rather “write” than become a talk show host.
11. Sarah Palin destroyed Steve Schmidt with savvy and kindness: “I guess I really disappointed him, even though he was in charge of the vetting.” LOL
12. Sarah Palin smacked down David Letterman. “I don’t want to boost his ratings. But I do want him to sell my book, so I hope he keeps it up (bashing her book).”
November 29th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
10 Reason why palin is the frountrunner for the nomination.
10. Charismatic, young, and good looking .
9. Solid conservative, and a clear alterative ( people know what she stands for.)
8. does very well in Debate format just look at her 2006 debates when running for gov , and she did well against biden.
7. She knows how to give a good speech.(that can get you far these days)
6. Loyal following that will wait days in line to vote for her giving close to 95% turnout in primary states.
5. 61% of a americans think palin was treated unfair by the press.
4. BIG CROWDS.
3. soical networking (facebook twitter)
2. FOX NEWS gets caught up in the palin comeback ratings and she will own the network for the most part going in the primary season.
1.The Media gives her unlimited FREE press.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Martha … You really don’t do much research do you? Sarah Palin was a journalism major, and one of the things you might learn about her is that her copy editors at the local news station said her copy was always clean and well-written. She herself has stated that she loves to read and write, that she has had a love affair with the written word since her youth, and everyone in her family says the same thing about her.
I truly don’t understand all you people.
You’re like the grinch who stole Christmas. You can’t stand Sarah’s happiness and success. She’s done nothing to harm you, and yet you seethe with condescension and anger.
Thank god there are some people who GET IT.
I guess if a female politician reveals anything personal about her life, they also have to submit to a public gynecological exam as well. Let’s just put Palin’s next pap smear on You Tube. I’m sure that would satisfy some of you.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
“ahh yes now that romney is no longer the frountrunner Alex needs to nit pick on palin.”
How has it been established Romney is not the front runner? Despite teh 24/7 Palin love fest, Mitt still lead in the last poll against Obama, and the gamblers are still saying he has the best chance for the nomination.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
127, seems to me you’re still a Democrat. You’d like the GOP to divide so your socialist buddies can keep taking this great nation under.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
the gamblers picked hillary clinton to win too…
November 29th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
“the gamblers picked hillary clinton to win too…”
Oh, ok, thanks for proving to us that Palin is now the front runner.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
What in the heck is ’sexist’ about a statement pertaining to the PTA? Are you ’sexist’ enough to think that all PTA presidents are female, or what? My point is that if she were running in our little small town for PTA president, based on her abiities to articulate positions, I’m not at all sure anyone would be impressed enough to elect her. I, btw, love women, and love to see them succeed. My biggest question about Palin is why is Michelle Bachman not the conservative female favorite. She is very pretty also, and can state positions many times better, and actually seems to know something about the issues.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
134. The things you listed do nothing to indicate Palin is presidential material.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
136. Yes, I’ve heard all that before. but it does not show in anything that comes out of her mouth. I think if she sincerely has a love affair with language, it would be more obvious.
I don’t have a problem with Palin’s success and happiness. I do have problem with her wanting to be president because she’s the least qualified of anyone being talked about, and the most narcissistic. Aren’t we are all too painfully aware of that bad combination?
I don’t care about her physical issues, other than to wonder why she did not release her complete medical records as she pledged to do. Why didn’t she, if she has nothing to hide? As a healthy mother of 5, just like Palin, my medical records are pretty ho-hum, and certainly nothing to keep secret.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I’m not taking sides in this fray but I have two points to make:
1. A lot of people going Alex for posting this story. Most are accusing him of being anti-Palin as if he’s always hated Palin and always been a Romney guy. As a long time reader of this site I’m informing you that you are wrong. Alex has NEVER liked Romney. Alex has done a chapter by chapter review of Sarah’s book. He also, about two months ago wrote the post “How Sarah Palin Made Me a Fan”: http://race42008.com/2009/09/26/how-sarah-palin-made-me-a-fan/
You may not agree with him about Sarah, but I wouldn’t dare accuse him of being one sided.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
ConservativeRepublican,
Romney is the establishment pick.
Palin is a charimatic grassroots powerhouse in progress. The gamblers pick Romney only because it’s hard to beat the esablishment pick, but palin is one who has proven in the past SHE CAN beat the esablisment pick with ease.
Hillary Clintion was the establishment pick and was defeted by a charimatic grassroots liberal.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Wow.
I’m not a Palin supporter but most of you sound exactly like Daily Kos and Huffington Post commenters regarding her.
Again, wow.
Alienating and smearing fellow Republicans is indeed a WINNING
formula. Congrats.
November 29th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
145, uhhhhh, we’ll see about that my friend!
November 29th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Forgot to add my #2:
To Grant Gormley in regards to BYU: First of all BYU is not an expensive school by any means, especially in the early ’70s. Nor was it difficult at all for a young man to enroll in it, it was by no means prestigious. In fact Romney was accepted at Stanford and later chose to go to BYU instead. Why? Because his girlfriend and future wife was going to attend there. Later they got married and rented a basement apartment for $70 a month.
Not only is BYU not expensive but as a private school two-thirds of the tuition for LDS Church members is subsidized by the church. It did not take any silver spoon to get to go to school there. My own father attended in the 60’s and he was a dirt poor farmer from Idaho, and not even a good student either.
So what did Romney do when he got to school there? He became Valedictorian and graduated summa cum laude. Sometimes being wealthy can get you ties to get into big schools, but it was not necessary for BYU. Nor can wealth help you achieve Valedictorian status. With that kind of resume he had no problem getting into Harvard graduate school where he graduated from both the Law school and Business school at the same time! For the law school he graduated cum laude and for the biz school he graduated in the top 5% of his class. He was also named the Baker Scholar.
Key point here: he was neither given much from his father, and his education accomplishments are his own. His father didn’t hold his hand trough college and make him excel at everything as he did.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
146. I don’t think anyone smears Palin around here all that much. It’s mostly just the cold hard facts.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
“all that much”
lol
November 29th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
yes martha, those facts are pesky when it comes to Captain Rino’s oh so impressive conservative values.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I am that rare fence-sitter regarding Palin. When I talk about her negatives, I get accused of being a liberal, a sexist, or someone trying to lynch her. When I talk about her positives, her haters tell me I’m drinking the Kool-Aid.
It’s f’ing impossible to have a rational discussion about this woman, which is one reason that we need a different nominee.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
REally low of you to call a strong three legged stool conservative a RINO! I thought you were better than that!
November 29th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
152. I’ll buy that.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Sounds like Mitt has all the credentials of Bill and Hillary Clinton. I don’t cast my vote based on college resumes and i don’t demean those who didn’t go to Harvard.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I’m new here. Will someone please give me a list of RINOS followed by a list of non-RINOS for clarity.
Thank you in advance. It makes it so much easier to debate when we agree on fundamental definitions.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Alex rational discussion doesn’t include namecalling. When I was 19 I was very smart and couldn’t believe how dumb other people were. As i got older i was amazed at how much those dumb people had learned.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
When you are through defining who is a RINO, please define who is and who is not up to the job.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I’ve spent 3 hours watching a football game and I come back to this continuing conversation. The Obama people must love us attacking the hell out of each other.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Martha you have always been very fair to Palin.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Yeah, Grant, you’ve been so good at promoting unity and all.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
159, Grant, they must link to this site as often as possible.
Wake up, Republicans! Come together!
November 29th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
“I don’t cast my vote based on college resumes and i don’t demean those who didn’t go to Harvard.”
Neither do we. We also don’t demean those that did exceedingly well there an insinuate they only got to go there because there daddy had money….did you see Nate’s comments about that $70 per month apartment?
November 29th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
… or say bye-bye to the White House again in 2012.
Your choice.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
We all can’t have Huckabee or Kennedy family money.
Can we?
November 29th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
http://tolbertreport.com/2009/11/29/huc … ntial-run/
Tolbert Report wrote:
Huckabee Leaning Against a 2012 Presidential Run
Appearing today on Fox News Sunday, Gov. Mike Huckabee debated health care reform with Howard Dean but he also indicated for the first time that he is currently leaning against running for President in 2012. Huckabee cited several factors that will be influencing his decision.
Host Chris Wallace showed several polls from Iowa and nationwide showing Huckabee leading the field of 2012 hopefuls included Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney. Wallace then asked Huckabee “why wouldn’t you run for President in 2012?”
“The reason I wouldn’t is because this Fox gig I have right now is really really wonderful,” said Huckabee. “It is easy to say ‘Oh don’t you just want to jump back in it.’ But jumping into the pool, you have to make sure there is some water in it. And there is a whole different deal between some folks taking a poll and whether there is the financial support.”
He went on to say regarding the chance of him running again, “It is less likely rather than more likely just because I would have to see that the Republicans would be willing to united behind me. The last time out my biggest challenge was with the establishment Republicans.”
He also said that he would be watching the 2010 congressional elections and the result of these would weigh heavily in his decision whether or not to run.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
“Wake up, Republicans! Come together!” we will after a healthy primary debate.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Some have noticed the stool to go a bit soft at times. Jus’ sayin’.
November 29th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
167. Keepin’ it healthy is the problem.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
MarkG, you have to be more specific than that. Mitt was the most conservative candidate in 2007/2008, and hasn’t changed one iota from those positions. He is rock solid conservative on foreign policy, economics, and social.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
when you sign on to government run health care… your fiscal conservative values kinda go out the window.
plus Captian RINO does not know where he stands on abortion… (there goes the social conservative values)
so all Romney has left is neo conservative values left to talk about… ? Afganistan seems to be the only thing he wants to talk about these days.
so at most romney is 33% conservative and 66% moderate.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I don’t understand why Palin supporters have such disdain for other candidates, they have infantile disrespect for supporters of others.
Both Palin and her supporters can’t tolerate any kind of criticism at all, and Palin brings a lot of it on herself….If she decides to run for president, she’s going to have to learn how to take it and so are her supporters, you can’t expect a free ride.
I think the victim thing is getting old…She uses the victim card to cover for her mistakes, and she’s making women look bad, you know the old stereotype, and the thing is she doesn’t need to do this…..she should be celebrating the fact that she’s a women that has made it through her strengths and hard work.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
AK???? What a bunch of lies…go back to c4P you idiot!
November 29th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
what lies?
Romney tossed prolifers UNDER THE BUS so he could win in MA, and then thought it would be fun to pass Govt run health care….and you think hes a conservative?
November 29th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
AK: #167
I would love to see Romney debate Palin, he would have her head spinning. But of course if he made her look bad, her supporters would call him a sexist and there would be another chance to play victim. Poor old’ Biden had to walk on egg shells.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
That is totally false….how do you live with yourself?
Have you seen what the pro life groups of Massachusetts have said about Mitt Romney???????? What an idiot!!
The Mass. plan is not government ran. It is a private plan. It just helped get all but 3% of the people insured. The amount of money the goverment forks out for health care has only gone up by 88 million per year, 3/10ths of 1% of the budget. It also constitutes only 1.2% of the budget. WOuldn’t other states love to be able to say that about their expenditures as a percent of budget, and don’t they wish their health care had grown that slowly?
You’ve been over in lala c4p land way too long and drank all the kool aid they serve over there.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Mitt will treat her with respect, but not pull punches on the issues. He doesn’t believe in affirmative action when it comes to the most important job in the whole world.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
explain this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4
November 29th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
AKReport,
If someone came on here and spouted things about Sarah that you knew were absolutely false — oh let’s take the true parentage of Trig, for example — how much credibility would you give them?
November 29th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Do you have any idea how ancient that is? Did you not support Reagan of Buwh 1? Reagan evened signed pro abortion legislation while governor…Mitt fought it all the way, and did so successfully.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
just healthy debate we all know these things will come up in 2012. romney’s line of a attack will be her lack of qualifications. Palin’s line of attack will be his lack of conservative values.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
anyway heres my state by state projected leaders going into Dec. 2009
http://republicanrankings.blogspot.com/
November 29th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
the libs are bashing each other re Obama more than what is happening here, e.g. he’s not progressive enough–it’s all good vetting that the media will eventually do in much more detail
November 29th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
This thread started as an attack on Palin–see Gov Rick in #2. All the Palin people have done is defend her. Now conservativerepub says the Palin people are being divisive.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Grant: You missed my key point. My only point in posting things about BYU was that it doesn’t take rich family money to get in, because that is exactly what you were accusing him of. Your response: I don’t choose people based on their college resume. Well, you certainly seem to hold it against them. Accomplished people are bad. Foolish.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
This thread isn’t vetting, its trashing.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
184 – You are being divisive. You attacked Romney about being spoon fed everything. I have said nothing about Palin. EVER.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
What’s “backwards” for me is the view some seem to have on here that Palin somehow deserves every Republican’s support unless they can justify to their satisfaction why they don’t support her.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Grant- You also seem to miss the fact that Alex is (was) a Palin fan and that he hates Romney.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
186 – If Palin and her supporters can’t handle this level of “trashing”, she and they certainly wouldn’t have survived the 2008 primary had she been a Pres candidate.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I have nothing against accomplished people. I think both Romney and Palin are accomplished. I just resent the initial comment that Palin is unworthy because she attended more than one college. Both should be judged on who they are now, not who they were at age 18.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Nate–read the early parts of the thread–I haven’t attacked you. I actually haven’t attacked Romney. I only pointed out that his background is different from Palin’s. The early attack was that Palin attended multiple colleges.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I like Palin, but I’d support Romney or Guiliani more given the complexities of the office, commander in chief, international issues, etc. I think Palin could be good at something like Energy secretary for now.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
I’ve read what Alex has said about Palin in this thread. Is he really a Palin fan? I have seen some of the earlier threads where Alex was more forgiving of Palin.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
AKREPORT – Romney stomps Huckabee in florida last time, but you give the state to Huckabee. BOth of them still have the same positions, and most would agree Mitt will get a least half of the McCain vote, so how do you figure that is a Huckabee state?
I have no idea how you figure some of the states you have as Palin are going to her.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Hamaca–Palin fans don’t expect everyone on this board to support Palin–I assume many, like me, get tired of people calling her dumb. I don’t think any of the candidates of either party are dumb. At least no dumber than any of us who respond on this board.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Grant, then maybe you should try talking to her about filling her head with the knowledge it takes to be POTUS. Don’t attack those of us who have observed she is far short of being able to run the country and control the world.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
be the most powerful person on earth that is*
November 29th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
196 — thanks for the clarification–I agree the name-calling is silly, unproductive, and juvenile (as are many posters on many sites). It will become a reality, however, as the election gets closer.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Florida leans huck only because Marco rubio supports huck.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
197 — it takes more than knowledge to be successful as POTUS. I’m sure a good list of capabilities needed would be extensive.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
And does Marco Rubio support Huck because Huck supports Marco Rubio?
November 29th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Conservative Republican–as I said before, I don’t think it takes much knowledge to be pres. We all have knowledge about different things. I think Huck would be knowledgeable about religious matters. I think Romney would be knowlegeable about matters involving large businesses. I think Palin would be knowledgable about energy. They all have strengths. I don’t think any of the three have much knowledge about foreign policy–they will need advisors for that. I hope the pres has common sense and conservative principles–that graduate of Eureka College did ok.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I base my projections on Natl frountrunner Polls,Past winners,homestates,endorsments,and voter base demographics
Romney’s voter base is largly Moderate,Mormon,and Esablishment (next in line) voters.
Huckabee’s voter Base is socially conservative, Baptist, (65+)in age, and from the south.
Palin’s voter base is Northwest Libertarian, rural farmland, Hunters, male, unmarried secular conservatives .
November 29th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
119 – and again you proved me right.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Interesting map of projections, AKReport. I wonder how they add up in terms of Electoral College votes.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Everybody has to take this post with a grain of salt. Alex has proven, in the past, that he can be objective, BUT he has also proven he can be very oportunistic and his 119 post proves it. He wants to be a professional pundit and this site and these types of articles will get him invited to the DC cocktail parties he so wants to attend. I am sure by 2012 he hopes to be writing for a different blog or even have his own.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
206, don’t you mean delegates?
November 29th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
A subset of Rombots tend to be aggressive in tearing down anyone they think could be a serious challenger to their guy. It’s nothing new.
At this moment, I’d say that Mitt would have a problem. The populist, anti-elitist, anti-establishment, anti-Beltway mood in the country at the moment works entirely against Mitt, despite how great he may be.
Some Rombots recognize this, and they thus spend a lot of time arguing against the populism and everyone who would obviously benefit from the mood. To no avail, I would imagine. There’s no conceivable way that Ivy League, NE Corridor, party establishment Romney could front the Tea Party parade. At all. Period. And constantly decrying the parade as idiotic, unwashed, knuckle-dragging rabble will only worsen Mitt’s potential should the public mood shift.
The current administration is full of Ivy League insiders throwing taxpayer-backed lifelines to Wall Street execs and such. If you can’t admit that this is a problem for Mitt, then you are clearly, and most definitely, a Rombot.
* Caveat: The current populist mood may change entirely before 2012, being displaced by more pressing problems of a different, as yet unforeseeable nature.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
What’s wrong with being a bit opportunistic? Even if it were the case that he has the particular career path in mind that you describe, wouldn’t that make him even more concerned about what he posts and that it be a legitimate perspective?
November 29th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
208 — I most likely do–thanks.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
209 — I don’t disagree that Mitt faces those challenges. It doesn’t mean I can’t think he’d still be among the best qualified for the office. My guess–is that his experience at Bain, where he took no prisoners while tearing down and building up companies, is indicative of an attitude that there are no sacred cows. I think he’d apply the same criteria for government bureaucracy and decision-making for the other aspects of the responsibility. Of course, I have no way of knowing for sure, but past decisions are often good indicators of how someone would handle future challenges.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
MarkG, a very large segment of Romney supports are tea party goers. If you don’t believe me go to committedtoromney.com and ask who all has been to a tea party…nearly everyone has.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
All I can say is if the GOP stays with the Ohio plan palin has the best chance to win the nomination.
it’s talor made for sarah’ voter base. http://bp1.blogger.com/_4u9lzZ9sqJk/SCYGlIrtkQI/AAAAAAAAAHM/-O3IAEBarPs/s1600-h/Ohio+Plan.gif
November 29th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I don’t believe Palin has a prayer for the nomination no matter what plan they use. According to the latest polls, only approximately 27% of the voters feel she is qualified to be President. Her favorables amongst Republicans and Conservatives are not even a little bit indicative of people wanting her as the candidate.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
that 27% number will change a lot when she does well in debates.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
213: ConRep, that may well be the case. But it doesn’t mean that the majority of Tea Party folks are easy for Romney to win over. I’d suspect that they aren’t. If you think otherwise, we’ll have to agree to disagree.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Is that 27% of all voters or just Republican voters?
November 29th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
She’ll do terrible in the debates….all she has going for her is low expectations.
MarkG: I talked to lots of people at my teaparty, and quizzed them. Most of them were already supportive of Romney, and those that weren’t were positive toward him, and easily persuadable.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I should rephrase 217.
Even if all Romney people are Tea Party activists, it does not logically follow that all Tea Party activists are Romneyites.
The former could logically still logically comprise a minority of the Tea Party activists.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
all voters, about 35% of Republican believe she is qualified, and less than that believe she would be an effective president.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I wouldn’t argue that MarkG, but I do not think many of them have much of a problem with Mitt..unless they are in the blogging world.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
““India and Pakistan need to stop fightin’, ya know?”
Hmm. She is absolutely right Alex. That is the root cause of the problem in Afghanistan. And solving root causes solves problems. Is it possible? who knows? But she was asked what else could be done. It was an insightful answer that debunks your view that she doesn’t understand things.
Personally, I think Palin is way ahead of you, and your attitude seems to be if you don’t understand or he says, she is wrong or stupid.
Somehow I wonder if you will ever find what you are looking for in any figure. Tought about running yourself?
November 29th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Those 10 cringe-worthy moments are no such thing! How ridiculous.
I’d agree that Palin should improve, but that list is up there in nuttiness with Frum’s “secret sexual signals” comment.
Birds of a feather …
November 29th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Hey Conservative Republican, I’ve got an idea for you. Why don’t you try to replace Michael Steele as chairman of the RNC. Then you could pass a special rule that will stipulate that Sarah Palin cannot run for president ever. Until then, STFU! Sarah has just as much right to run or NOT RUN. And we, her supporters have every right to defend our choice for the party. Sarah will have to make her case to the American public just like she did with Alaska voters, 70% of which are registered independents. And yes you are f****** sexist. Michelle Bachmann is pretty, too, huh? You love women? Why don’t you name the top three accomplishments of your favorite GOP candidates (including Bachmann), and I’ll bet you that they don’t compare to what Sarah Palin accomplished as governor of Alaska. Go on, we’re waiting … those great executive accomplishments of Huck, Romney, Pawlenty. We know Huck pardonned the most criminals in the history of the United States, including apparently the man who shot and killed four cops today, but aside from that. We know Pawlenty couldn’t win re-election to save his soul, nor could he carry his own state in a presidential election. And we suspect Romney hasn’t made a peep lately because he has nothing to add to the healthcare debate, seeing how he supported a similar disaster in Mass. We’re waiting …
PTA, indeed.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
in the CBS poll 56% of republicans think she is qualified, and im not sure what poll had her at 35% qualified with republicans.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
# 226 some of comments by people here are completely made up.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Stop quoting those old polls on Palin, people. You’re really missing something extraordinary. Since the start of her book tour, her favorabilities are way up, coinciding with Obama’s free fall among independents. Sarah holds her own against the rest of the GOP.
Rasmussen has Palin’s overall favorability with Republicans at 80%.
Here’s how she fares among registered voters:
Fox News/Opinion Dynamic Favorability Ratings (Nov. 18)
http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/111909_PalinPoll.pdf
Sarah Palin 47%
Mike Huckabee 45%
Newt Gingrich 38%
Mitt Romney 38%
Rassmussen poll against Obama (likely voters):
Obama 46%
Palin 43%
Fox Poll (among independent registered voters):
Obama’s F/UF 34/51
Palin’s F/UF 49/38
This after a year of more scrutiny in one day before breakfast than Romney has received in the last year.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
RecoveringDemocrat,
There’s no doubt Palin is a star, and that most republicans like her well enough.
Palin is going to have to improve her game to be considered a serious candidate. Alex is right, her interview performances this week have been poor. They all went easy on her. Some moments have been excruciating. She does not instill confidence that she knows much of anything, or that she has any ability to lead, or find solutions other than to mention Reagan every other sentence.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:19 am
Yes we get it, Martha, in your eyes she can do no right, her anti corruption efforts, her management
of the state, her efforts on the pipeline, her prolife feelings, common sense conservative convictions, none of that counts for you, and on top of that, she’s
a bad parent. Were you always this
shrill, bitter a person. You belong on the huffington post or kos or mudflats
November 30th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Ah, the shrill, bitter accusation–an old, tired one at that. Seems that RecoveringDemocrat and narciso think Palin can do no wrong and that anyone who suggests she’s not perfect and has areas to improve to be a legitimate challenger to Obama should be silenced. Martha made what was a lucid, reasonable assessment. Save the attacks for comments such as that she’s stupid, dumb, etc.–those are the types of comments that are unhelpful and juvenile. You guys should be above that.
I think Palin has a great chance at getting the nomination. I have to agree, however, with those who say that at this point in time, she may not be the best the Republicans could put forward to challenge the current administration. Maybe that will change in time, maybe not.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Maybe so, but I don’t see an argument that is being put forward,
polls on the upswing, the right
convictions on the major issues
are important. Otherwise you get
a candidate the base can’t stand, and the media then conveniently abandoned. Maybe this attitude made sense a year ago, when the future was a little more cloudy
November 30th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I have read Sarah Palin’s book, and I agree with post# 60 that she is pretty
shallow on the issues, and likewise compounded by her many interviews. She is not ready to be president. I do agree that a Giuliani- Palin ticket will have a better chance of ousting Obama and the failed Democrats!
November 30th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Not sure that Palin’s book was intended to be a “Why I should be President” piece.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:50 am
234 – I agree with you there. This is the problem with the left and the Palin detractors on the right and on this site. They are refusing to admit, or even acknowledge, that this is just a small stepping stone to Palin’s, possible, future Presidential candidacy. The purpose of this book is to clear up any misinformation the nation may have about Palin…that’s it. It is her side of the story. She performed a brief overview of her position on policy in her book. She talked about policy, when asked, in the interviews she did the past two weeks. Too many commenters have a neverending double-standard and ever evolving expectation of Palin that the other possible candidates do not have to endure.
What I would like to see is a comparison between her policy positions, that Palin spoke of in the interviews, against other possible candidates positions on the same issues. I would have to bet that neither Romney or Huckabee has been asked, or spoke about India’s relationship with Pakistan, or why Israeli settlements should be allowed to expand. Where is this information? Why is Palin being held to a higher standard than the other candidates?
November 30th, 2009 at 10:28 am
It’d be an interesting exercise to have each candidate paraded out and asked the same list of policy questions while the others were back in a sound-proof room waiting for their turn so they wouldn’t have the benefit of hearing the others’ responses. I’d love to see that.
I think the reality is different, though. Yes, Palin is going through questions and critique that others are not. Same thing happened to Huck on his record as governor. Same thing happened to Mitt with respect to his religion. Same thing happened to Obama with respect to his former pastor. Same thing happened to Hillary with respect to whether Bill would be in charge. Part of the process is that those who get to ask the questions will often hone in on perceived weaknesses. Perceived by whom? It doesn’t matter as unfair as that may seem.
People want to know how a prospective POTUS would handle extremely difficult situations–both domestic and international. Often times these situations will be “unfair” to the U.S. or the president. Are the perceived weaknesses going to be an issue here? Better to find out now rather than later, hence the series of questions that seem, and perhaps are, unfair and inconsistent.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Rudy Giuliani would be a much much better Potus than Romney! The former is eyeing
2012, stay tuned , guys!
November 30th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Without the benefit of knowing much about the lesser known prospective candidates, I think the country would benefit most from a Romney/Giuliani Presidency given the issues our government is currently facing. However, I think a Giuliani/Romney ticket would stand the better chance against Obama/Biden.
In the primary, if Palin puts as much effort into campaigning as she is into her book tour, she’d have a great chance at getting the nomination. If she’s going to be President some day, I’d rather see her go through a stint as Energy Secretary, then Vice-President, then President.
The geographic issues of a Pres/Vice Pres ticket have always fascinated me. It would seem that rational voters would want the best and most competent pair regardless which part of the United States they happen to come from. But, voters are clearly not the most rational people out there.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Glo, I am a huge Giuliani supporter. I wouldn’t be more happier if there is a Palin/Giuliani ticket…or even Giuliani/Palin ticket. Either way I would be ecstatic and they would probably be unbeatable!!!
November 30th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
jersey republican, I am likewise a huge Giuliani supporter. I agree, that a Giuliani-Palin ticket would probably be unbeatable against an Obama-Biden& failed
democrats. Perhaps , you might recall when Sarah followed Rudy at the 2008
Republican convention. They both wow’ed the crowd!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
240 – the best night of the convention.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
primary lindsey graham