McCain says Palin's background was thoroughly checked

McCain and his crew just forgot that the Left will make anything -real or not- into an issue. "Sarah's Down Syndrome baby is actually her daughter's"? Nice one, KOS, nice.

Sarah Palin is a person of exceptional character who has an approval rating of 80% in Alaska.

The latest (Aug. 30 - Sep. 5) issue of The Economist has a cover story on John McCain called: "Bring back the real McCain." It was published prior to McCain's pick of Palin. A couple of interesting excerpts:

"His choice of vice-president, expected on August 29th, will be crucial too, playing a bigger part in the voters' ultimate decision than Mr. Obama's selection of Joe Biden....

"But it is on domestic policy that Mr McCain has tacked to the right more disquietingly. Doubtless he feels he needs to shore up his support among the conservatives who mistrust him. But the result is that he could easily alienate the independent supporters who are his great strength. Mr Obama will sensibly hope to woo them away.

"Mr McCain used to be a passionate believer in limited government and sound public finances; a man with some distaste for conservative Republicanism and its obsession with reproductive matters. On the stump, though, he has offered big tax cuts for business and the rich that he is unable to pay for, and he is much more polite to the religious right, whom he once called “agents of intolerance”. He has engaged in pretty naked populism, too, for instance in calling for a “gas-tax holiday”. If this is all just a gimmick to keep his party’s right wing happy, it may disappear again. But that is quite a gamble to take."

"Two months remain before the election, more than enough time for Mr McCain to allay some of these worries. He needs to spend less time reassuring evangelicals that he agrees with them about abortion and gay marriage, and more time having another look at his tax plans. The old John McCain attacked Mr Bush for his tax cuts, which he said were unaffordable. The new John McCain not only wants to make the Bush tax cuts permanent, but wants to add to them by virtually eliminating estate tax (something that would benefit a tiny number of very rich families, like his own). He also proposes to slash corporation tax. People on middle incomes would see little benefit. Independent analysts agree that Mr McCain’s plans would increase an already huge deficit."

Yes, McCain has flip-flopped on just about everything that independent voters liked about him back in 2000. He makes John Kerry look rock solid.

yabits - You don't know what you're talking about.

The truth hurts, doesn't it Sarge?

The Economist, by the way, is considered to be a conservative journal.

McCain says Palin's background was thoroughly checked

Well, what else is he gonna say?

"Whoops" ?

Sarge. Alaska hardly represents the rest of the nation. Even most Alaskan's I know admit that they are a unique state with a culture that is very different than the lower 48. So who cares how popular she is in Alaska?

She's was a badly thought through ploy to snag some of Hilary's followers. One that was clearly not thought through enough as Palin's whole abstinance stance is very out of sync with Hilary's more modern and progressive stances.

She has not helped bolster McCain's stance and it is likely that in the long run her anonymity for most of us will work against her. Unlike Biden who will, without doubt, bolster Obama thanks to his stellar experience and bi-partisan appeal.

McCain represents more of the same. The only way he will win is if he can successfully play the "Fear Card". Thanks to our old rival Russia, this may be McCain's greatest hope. But once we get into the debates and once McCain's flip flopping Bush-ish stances come to brighter light, the numbers are going to shift away from him.

He has to pray for a war with Iran, escalation of a new cold war with Russia or a major reversal in Afghanistan to gain any edge to win.

Even then there is hope that Americans have learned the hard way that the Republicans are good at starting wars but very bad at ending them properly or taking care of the domestic issues at the same time.

"But his approval ratings are in the 30% range, and with polls making it clear the nation is ready for a change, the McCain campaign indicated there was no need for him to travel to the convention city."

HAHAHAHAHahahaha.... please don't come, Mr. Bush.. PLEASE!

sarge: it really hurts, doesn't it?

Liberals hate Palin because she is a 'Republican' woman. They feel threatened by a conservative woman who has strong beliefs. MSNBC, CNN, New York Times, etc. are going after her for the sole purpose of tearing her down. The hate is oozing out of the media right now and they are going after her daughter - something they would never do to Chelsea or Obama's kids.

McCain vetted Palin and he knew about her daughter's pregnancy. The Left has made disgusting attacks on Palin suggesting that her daughter is the mother of her baby. Obama has correctly seen that this is not a matter of public concern. He realizes the potential hazards of what is going on and the backlash that could occur because of the vicious misogynist attacks upon this woman. Liberals should take Obama's advice and stop attacking Palin's family. Her children and her husband have nothing to do with her VP nomination.

Liberals hate Palin because she is a 'Republican' woman. They feel threatened by a conservative woman who has strong beliefs. MSNBC, CNN, New York Times, etc. are going after her for the sole purpose of tearing her down.

Why is it that right-wingers resort to lying like this? Wolfpack cannot come up with a single example of how MSNBC, CNN, or the New York Times has gone after Palin's daughter. Few, if any on JT have put any creedence in the rumors regarding the newborn son, and have not repeated those rumors here, outside of an isolated case.

The real haters, therefore, are people like Wolfpack who feel the need to whip up these kinds of gross lies. This is a pattern that John McCain is very familiar with, since it was used against him by right-wingers in the 2000 race. And the lies spread about McCain in 2000 had to do with his fathering an illigitimate child.

What should be completely open for discussion about Palin are her character and her experiences via the decisions she has made. As Sarge (and any other taker) have completely failed to come up with a single example of a tough decision made by Palin, we have to turn to the character issue. Having a 4-month old infant with special needs and then entering into a full-time, high-stakes political campaign is not what I would consider a good decision by Sarah Palin as a mother.

Having a 4-month old infant with special needs and then entering into a full-time, high-stakes political campaign is not what I would consider a good decision by Sarah Palin as a mother.

If claiming that Palin makes poor decisions is an example of a "vicious misogynist attack," I think that Wolfpack and other conservatives should examine themselves as having a victim mentality.

Wolfpack: Its not about the kids. Thats why I disagree with Obama. Its about what they believe in but cannot apply to their own kids. If you can't teach your kid what you believe in, how can you preach to America and the world? The fruit of hasty vetting in the hope of winning Hillary girls. American women are far above that. They seek not just anything in a skirt. They seek ability to tranform believes into action and substance.

If you can't teach your kid what you believe in, how can you preach to America and the world?

CNN noted that it was young people who seemed most unsympathetic to the situation. In interviews with young people, one of them said, "If she [Sarah] wasn't able to successfully influence her own child, how will she be able to be an influence on others?"

Is this hatred "oozing" on CNN's part? Or is it just a news station trying to find out what ordinary people think about this?

If you can't teach your kid what you believe in, how can you preach to America and the world?"

Well, Obama has admitted to doing drugs. How is he going to teach people NOT experiement? Jessie Jackson, one of his main people not only had an affiar, but had a kid out of wedlock .... and he is supposed to be a preacher. How is that going to work? Rev Wright clearly dislikes whites and Hispanics, except for the those that are not American. How is Obama going to unite the country with teachers like Wright?

How do you know what Obama is going to try to teach his children and that they are not going to off the road?

The GOP would love to gain control over the narrative which they are not precisely because McCain did not vet her thoroughly. So with each new revelation there is uncertainty how the public will react. 17-year old daughter pregnant and soon to be married? Why that's an example of her convictions. Except most Americans would not want their 17-year old daughters to be in Bristol Palin's shoes.

When they tried to shift the focus to Governor Palin's public service tenure that yielded damaging revelations as well. It turns out she lobbied hard for federal earmarks while Mayor of Wasilla, which she left heavily in debt.

Wolfpack. The word Liberal may have had a very negative impact upon Ducacus. But I don't think anyone buys that as something dangerous any more. Just more doublespeak from a party afraid of change.

The issue with Palin is very simple. Is she suitable to take on the presidency if McCain expires before his term. Does he have the experience? Does she represent the views of mainstream America? Is she the right choice?

The bottom line is that even your party followers are not sure who she is, what she has done and what she is capable of. We all know very little about her. And her role in Alaska is hardly comforting with policies like Abstinance training when proper sex ed is clearly necessary to protect children from pregnancy and disease.

Americans need leadership that can take on and address very real problems in very realistic and sensible ways. We're tired of rhetoric, morality based pseudo-religious non-sense and poor leadership and decision making.

What we need is inspired leadership with a firm grasp on 21st century reality and the intelligence to represent a much broader spectrum of Americans. Someone who knows that uninformed teens will have sex despite the religious admonitions and that in doing so they will risk unwanted pregnancy or exposure to life threatening disease.

Palin's daughter is not an issue for me. Palin's view on sex education is. Her daughter, sadly is just an example of what results we will see from dim minded solutions like abstinance training. Kids will exprience temptation and opportunity for sex. How the approach that will depend upon many factors. When that happens, what kids really will need is good solid and to be armed with information rather than moral mysticism to make their choices. Because like it or not, they will make those choices on their own regardless of whose kids they are or what upbringing they have.

Jessie Jackson, one of his main people...

This is a false statement. Jesse Jackson is not one of Obama's "main people." He has no place in the campaign that I have heard or read of.

Rev Wright clearly dislikes whites and Hispanics, except for the those that are not American.

There is no factual basis whatsoever for this statement.

Well, Obama has admitted to doing drugs. How is he going to teach people NOT experiement?

First of all, the only reason we know this is true is because Barack himself came out with it. People will listen to others who have "been there." In similar fashion, when her daughter was younger, Palin could have taken her to meet and learn from the heartbreak of young unwed mothers who have had to change the course of their lives due to an unplanned pregnancy.

The other revelation that proved difficult to explain was Palin's association with the Alaskan Independence Party.

Now I have a colleague form Alaska, someone I would describe as non-partisan, who dismissed it as simply a vehicle for Republicans out of power to battle the Republican establishment in power. Yet it looks really bad. I mean this is a party whose founding member, Joe Vogler, declared: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."

Above comment sounds like a disliker of color. But Palin's fine of course." Not sure what you mean. I wasn't really criticizing Obama, I was more or less criticizing the comment above mine. Shouldn't accuse without proof or knowledge.

The two should not be forced to wed... they are too young, and based on statistics it's very likely the marriage would end in divorce within 5 years... when they are all of 22. Instead, Palin should get with the times and admit to a sort of common-law marriage.

"McCain says Palin's background was thoroughly checked"

No it wasn't. This is yet another balls-up by McCain, but that's what we've now had to get used to. U-turns, temper tantrums, verbal gaffs - it's the John McCain Way!

SushiSake3; Do you think people are going to believe a respected war hero, or a guy with extreme liberal views who uses dubious facts to mock Palin and McCain daily.

I put my faith in the McCain team to be truthfull and patriotic, and to be totally honest at all times.

smitty: admit to a sort of common-law marriage." Isn't it a law in the sense if two people are together for x years they are considered married and thus receive death benefits and isn't that the only reason common law exists?

it's very likely the marriage would end in divorce within 5 years" You are correct and no, if they don't want to get married they shouldn't and I am sure her daughter will be taken care of unlike the thousands of un-wed mothers.

Sushi: What makes you sure it wasn't checked. I mean, how could he have not known she had a daughter who had an illegitimate kid (is there a better description that isn't so mean?). She wasn't hiding the fact, was she?

It is really pretty simple. If the Democrats think a person with less than half a Senate term is suitable material for President, they absolutely cannot object to a person with half a gubernatorial term being a candidate for vice President. All the talk about Palin being "a heartbeat away" from the presidency makes me laugh. Obama wants to BE the heartbeat.

I am amused by accusations of hypocrisy on Palin's part. Hypocrisy would be Palin arranging for her daughter to have an abortion, in contrast to the Governor's public position on the subject. What is happening now is a loving family trying to make the best of a difficult situation.

Finally, would a MAN ever be questioned on his readiness to be VP based on the size of his family or the age of his children? I think not. To question Palin's readiness on those factors is laughable gender discrimination.

"If the Democrats think a person with less than half a Senate term ( and let's not forget he's been running for president for half of that! ) is suitable material for president, they absolutely cannot object to a person with half a gubernatorial term being a candidate for vice president."

And yet they are!

DanManjt:

Well, what else is he gonna say? "Whoops" ?

He could've tried the Obama trick, "This is not the governor I knew five months ago."

Wolfpack:

Liberals should take Obama's advice and stop attacking Palin's family.

But that would leave them with nothing else to go on, and they have to stop people from liking Palin. God(!) forbid Americans see a woman as anything other than a bitter, baby-killing, feminist dominatrix.

yabits:

Wolfpack cannot come up with a single example of how MSNBC, CNN, or the New York Times has gone after Palin's daughter.

I just went to the NYT's website, and they have three articles on Palin's daughter.

In Political Realm, ‘Family Problem’ Emerges as Test A New Twist in the Debate on Mothers Palin Daughter’s Pregnancy Interrupts G.O.P. Convention Script

Oh yeah, they're respecting the Palin family's privacy all right.

And then there's the report from the Politico that Alaska democrats have released documents that include Sarah Palin's social security number (minus the last four digits), various home addresses, and her car registration. MTV, the "Rock the Vote" channel, has dug up all the dirt they can on Bristol Palin's fiance. What's next, articles about the Palin family dog and what it did to the neighbor's garden?

It's obvious that the Left sees Palin as a serious threat to Obama's "destiny". Just as Michael Steele was such a threat a few years ago that democrats went through his garbage to find his SSN so they could run his credit.

As Sarge (and any other taker) have completely failed to come up with a single example of a tough decision made by Palin, we have to turn to the character issue. That's a steaming pile of bovine scatology. You'll go after anything you can get.

Tough decisions? How about cutting her own salary as mayor? She quit the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in protest over ethics issues in her own political party. She publicly called Ted Stevens out on the investigation focused on him. She sold the jet her predecessor purchased.

Has Obama ever taken on the corruption in his own party? He's from the Chicago branch, after all, it's not like here's a shortage of targets. But then he wouldn't have gotten such a great deal on his house, eh?

Betzee:

The other revelation that proved difficult to explain was Palin's association with the Alaskan Independence Party. Now I have a colleague form Alaska, someone I would describe as non-partisan, who dismissed it as simply a vehicle for Republicans out of power to battle the Republican establishment in power. Yet it looks really bad. I mean this is a party whose founding member, Joe Vogler, declared: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."

Good luck with that. Palin never supported secession, and it's doubted she was ever a member. Obama and Clinton spoke at the Kos convention, a collection of extremists from the outer regions of the far left. It's not just their founder who said something controversial, the Kos crowd say outlandish stuff every day. It's not like Palin was a member of the Klan or worked with an unrepentant domestic terrorist.

smithinjapan:

The two should not be forced to wed...

Who says they're being forced to wed?

What I find intensely entertaining is that during the Democratic primary, they mocked Sen. Clinton with absurd accusations that "if you don't vote for Hillary, you are sexist." Now that the primary is over, we get this tripe, posted in seriousness:

Liberals hate Palin because she is a 'Republican' woman.

Here I thought elephants were supposed to have GOOD memories. Apparently that doesn't apply to the gop variety.

Taka

I just have to think how hard did they really searched for a Vice Presidential pick? I mean you're looking at a woman who has 4 children, one with specials needs and a daughter who is pregnant who needs the support of the family more than ever before.

Was this the best they could do in finding John McCain a running mate? < :-)

DS,

"Gender discrimination."

I suggest you call the ACLU for help! You funny.

Skip,

Shouldn't accuse without proof or knowledge.

You trying to put JT out of business?!?! ;-)

Taka

Hey Alan, how hard did y'all search for a presidential candidate? A slacker who has done nothing with his political opportunities but campaign for the next office, can't finish a sentence without a script, with connections to every extremist, wacko, and Marxist he could find ("Why can't you have normal friends!?"), and no executive experience. Was that the best you could do?

Taka313, SushSake3, yabits, smithinjapan and DantheMan know in their hearts that McCain and Palin are going to defeat Obama and Biden on Nov.4 and they are squirming like fish out of water.

I, for one, can't really question her choice as McCain's VP. Look at these vetting questions:

Have you ever paid for sex? Have you been faithful in your marriage? Have you ever used or purchased drugs? Have you ever downloaded pornography?

Hell, she may have been the only politician left, Democrat or republican!

Taka

McCain says Palin's background was thoroughly checked

As if.

The McCain campaign chose Labor Day, a day when few people are paying attention to the news, to announce three pieces of damaging Plain news:

1) Bristol Palin is pregnant,

2) Sarah Palin hired an attorney to defend herself in the Troopergate affair

3) Todd Palin, the governor's husband, was arrested for drunk driving in 1986.

Gee, ya think f McCain wonders what else we still don't about Sarah Palin...

Sure McCain had to throw a bone to the Christian Right whose got his party cahones in ransom. He chose to go with someone new and fresh. Someone who he doesn't have a past with -- cause you can bet McCain (like all real Americans) despises the Christian Right. As a bonus McCain brought a lot of attention and excitement to his campaign.

The downside is that there most certainly will be more and more unpleasant little things in McCains New Girl;s past that will come dribbling out in the next few weeks.

All in all, my editorializing aside, Palin's debute has not been smooth.

Sucker.

folks,

This is a very hard election. If you don't vote for Obama, you are racist. If you don't vote for McCain, you are anti-elderly and you are sexist because he has a woman VP.

So, I am gong to accuse you all of all three.. you didn't put up Richardson like you should have.

Palin never supported secession, and it's doubted she was ever a member.

Ah, but Todd Palin was (in the immortal words of Joseph McCarthy) "a card carrying member" of the AIP until 2002. Given the outrage over a single remark by Michelle Obama, I would expect the Right to immediately question his patriotism!!!!

Indeed, I shudder to imagine the storm of (self)-righteous indignation even the whiff of an association on the part of a Democrat with a secessionist party would ignite on the Right.

I do not believe that the left is banking on the daughter. They could go after

her lack of exp, her association with Ted, Her association with the bridge to no where her lack of Washington experience, her firing of Monegan, her hiring her lawyer on Alaskas dime,

The list keeps growing and growing, now I wonder how muc of a good job good old Mc did on cecking her out?LOL

This is getting better and better, btw how many days has it been since he selected her? LOL

No good old Mc is not losing his Liberal mind he lost that a long time ago.

Yeah, republicans are really known to love gays. Tell me more WhiteHawk.

I just think she's got enough on her plate as it is. I guess if you want to farm out your special needs child off to other people than, okay.

And I'm sure that her husband will be dropping his big union pipeline job to take care of the kids. < :-)

DanMan, You forgot the wolf culling thing. That is seriously uncool. As a former hunter who comes from a part of the country where gun racks are standard equipment in all cars and flannel is considered semi-formal, I can say with great conviction that she won't win over a lot of sportsmen with support for aerial killing. That kind of thing is for killers, not hunters and not anyone who has any concern for animals whatsoever.

Taka

I am amused by accusations of hypocrisy on Palin's part. Hypocrisy would be Palin arranging for her daughter to have an abortion, in contrast to the Governor's public position on the subject. What is happening now is a loving family trying to make the best of a difficult situation.

Sorry, ignore that last post.

I am amused by accusations of hypocrisy on Palin's part. Hypocrisy would be Palin arranging for her daughter to have an abortion, in contrast to the Governor's public position on the subject. What is happening now is a loving family trying to make the best of a difficult situation.

Your analysis is correct as far as it goes, but it doesn't go far enough. The hypocrisy is being against abortion while supporting abstinance-only education, which has been proven to increase the incidence of STDs and unwanted prenancies.

just have to think how hard did they really searched for a Vice Presidential pick? I mean you're looking at a woman who has 4 children, one with specials needs and a daughter who is pregnant who needs the support of the family more than ever before.

Was this the best they could do in finding John McCain a running mate? < :-)

Now, change that sentence around to read "You're looking at a MAN who has 4 children, one with specials needs and a daughter who is pregnant who needs the support of the family more than ever before".

Would that EVER be an argument against his candidacy? I think not.

46 percent of our work force is made up of women. Many of them with children.

It's been an interesting week on conservative radio.

Guys like Hugh Hewitt repeating how he and a lot of middle aged males and political junkies in particular are overwhelmed at the national reaction to Palin. So many women so pleased. It's not just conservatives.

And with the escalation in attacks that have followed revelations that Gov Palin's child has special needs, that her relationship with her in-laws was less than perfectly cordial, and that her teen daughter is pregnant have come a different kind of reply from women all across the country to the Dems, to the liberal media and to the little gremlins blogging at sites like DailyKos:

"The more they attack her the more I feel they are attacking me."

Todd Palin was (in the immortal words of Joseph McCarthy) "a card carrying member" of the AIP until 2002. ..I would expect the Right to immediately question his patriotism!!!!

To hell with the Right and questioning Todd Palin's patriotism. There is no question.

Until six years ago, the man was anti-American.

anti-American. Until his wife began her real political career. So we know he is not only un-patriotic, he's an opportunist.

The ideal Republican.

My apologies, my previous post to DanMan should have been to JoeBigs.

Sorry for any confusion.

Taka

Taka

Hmnmm. Can't say I know too much about that. But I'll take your word on it.

Awwww, I fweel hwurt...

sargie: "Taka313, SushSake3, yabits, smithinjapan and DantheMan know in their hearts that McCain and Palin are going to defeat Obama and Biden on Nov.4 and they are squirming like fish out of water."

Hehehe... we always know for a fact who is going to win once your predictions have come out; and now it's painfully clear to your righty buddies on here that Obama is going to win it -- you're predictions are always wrong.

What's more, I doubt very much that many on here are directly objecting to Palin's inexperience; what we ARE doing, since I have to spell it out again, is poking fun and making sarcastic remarks about McCain flip-flopping on the 'inexperience' argument he's been making no Obama since day 1, by taking on someone with LESS experience than even Obama. You see, it's the opposite... YOU have no right to comment on Obama's inexperience at all without nullifying your own beliefs in Palin and the judgement of McCain. We, on the other hand, have EVERY right to point out McCain's hypocrisy in his choice, as well as Palin's in hers.

Skip: Yeah, that's more or less what a common law marriage is; basically being married and receiving all the benefits a spouse does/can. What I'm saying is that they should give a run at co-habiting before jumping to the wedding vowes. And if you think they're not being pressured into marrying, you would be wrong. If they boy decided he didn't want to get hitched at 17, while the girl would definitely be taken care of, it would be another scar on Palin's 'family values'. So, naturally, shot-gun wedding is in her best interests, as well as that of the party's. I think that is a mistake and will lead to divorce in a very short time.

As for the DUI her husband got way back when, it's just utterly bogus that that's even being brought up. Who cares? It was ages ago, and happens to many. If Palin herself had the DUI, and it was recently and she skipped out on paying the penalty or something, I can see it counting as legitimate 'dirt', but as it is it's just hogwash.

Smith

No kidding. 'Sarge' is just like a bizarro divining rod....

mar4eo: "46 percent of our work force is made up of women. Many of them with children."

So, what's your point? Are you actually foolish enough to believe that just because a woman is in the running for VP that ALL of said women will suddenly vote for her? I'm willing to be a FEW, a very small few, will vote for McCain/Palin solely on her gender, but those people are finicky and vote on a whim anyhow, like a religious nut voting for someone simply because they share the same religion, etc. Again, people who wanted Hilary for pres. or VP are not simply going to jump ship and go to the Republican side... and a few do for that reason alone, well, they're dumb enough to deserve McCain/Palin as their leaders.

That was McCain's ploy, and now his campaign is coming crashing down around him with these allegations and investigations that they 'thoroughly' checked out beforehand. Hahaha.

Thanks again for giving Obama the election.

DanMajt and Smith; I always find Sarge`s posts very informative and straight to the point, so i disagree with both of your assumptions.

Palin has no skeletons in her closet, so she does not have to worry.

However there is going to be big news concerning Obama`s ability and judgement, coming just before the elections.

He will fall worse than Mondale, so much for the MEssiah, hahaha.

"McCain says Palin's background was thoroughly checked"

McCain: Gun enthusiast? Staff: Check. McCain: Slush-lover? Staff: Check. MCain: Uterus? Staff: Check. McCain: That should do it. Oh, wait. Shorter than me? Staff: Check.

They thoroughly vetted her. Next time they should use a doctor instead.

What's more, I doubt very much that many on here are directly objecting to Palin's inexperience; what we ARE doing, since I have to spell it out again, is poking fun and making sarcastic remarks about McCain flip-flopping on the 'inexperience' argument he's been making no Obama since day 1, by taking on someone with LESS experience than even Obama. You see, it's the opposite... YOU have no right to comment on Obama's inexperience at all without nullifying your own beliefs in Palin and the judgement of McCain. We, on the other hand, have EVERY right to point out McCain's hypocrisy in his choice, as well as Palin's in hers.

Whether their experience is comparable is a topic for discussion. Some may think that time in the Senate (basically a big boy's club) pales in comparison to actually being in charge of a State. Executive experience vs. legislative experience. Actually making decisions vs. being part of a committee.

Also lost in the argument is that Obama wants to be PRESIDENT. The most important job in the world. The standards required should reflect that reality. So, the Obama supporters need to pull in their horns and compare apples to apples, namely McCain and Obama.

DanMan, Gov. Palin supports aerial killing of wolves to keep the wolf population at bay, so that the wolves, in turn, don't harm the caribou population. I can understand this. Animal population control is something I grew up with in rural Minnesota. However, so was a sense of morals toward the animals. Although I've never done it, I believe it safe to say that shooting from a stationary position is far easier than from an airplane, meaning a one-shot kill is easier to accomplish. Other advantages a stationary position affords is that if the animal is wounded and not killed, you are in a position for a second shot, thus minimizing the animal's suffering. Aerial hunting provides far less opportunity for the animal to be put out of it's misery if wounded and not killed because you have to make a second pass and may not find the animal, leaving it to suffer.

Call me weird, of all the things I have read about Gov. Palin, some of which I liked, some not, THAT is what really left a bad taste in my mouth. Taka

Palin is a decent woman ,who would make a great leader.

There isn`t a decent debate on here though, just lefties trying to put the woman down with tales and false scandals.

Well it will not work liberals, the woman is already respected, and has won millions more votes for McCain.

Liberals hate Palin because she is a 'Republican' woman. They feel threatened by a conservative woman who has strong beliefs...[Obama] realizes the potential hazards of what is going on and the backlash that could occur because of the vicious misogynist attacks upon this woman.

Maureen Dowd identified the implications of the "sexism card" correctly:

Hillary cried sexism to cover up her incompetent management of her campaign, and now Republicans have picked up that trick. But when you use sexism as an across-the-board shield for any legitimate question, you only hurt women.

Taka

Now that's what I call a full vetting ;)

Still, its most likely that, considering how a whole bunch of our countrymen have this irrational thing against hunting, I reckon most hunters are just happy that she is one of them, ah, you, uh... Y'know, what I mean.

I like hunting, its just that I suck at it. I mean really suck.

Dr James Dobson went on Dennis Praeger's nationally syndicated show a few days ago to inform listeners that he has changed his mind and decided he will support McCain after all.

I don't know much about the man - except that liberals hate him, they hate his mission and they hate the demographic he speaks for.

How many votes are we talking about?

Liberals hate Palin because she is a 'Republican' woman.

Republican will suffice.

Until six years ago, the man was anti-American. anti-American. Until his wife began her real political career. So we know he is not only un-patriotic, he's an opportunist. The ideal Republican."

Hold on Dan. There are issues with that even in the Obama camp. And, I thought being an anti-American is cool.....

aday: And I'm sure that her husband will be dropping his big union pipeline job to take care of the kids." How much do you think he could be making at a union job in Alaska?

Guys, let's see something. Everything you all are throwing on this lady can really be bounced back... Can't you/we find any real dirt?

Every objection to her by many of you would be flipped to the T if she had been a dem..

At least I can state my objections to Palin are: She lives in Alaska. She says she is religious; let's hope she isn't. She lives in Alaska.... who lives in Alaska? Her husband rides those dog sleds... that's cruelty to animals She is a bit too good looking to be a woman politician She lives in Alaska..

Do people in Alaska know they are Americans?

So, the Obama supporters need to pull in their horns and compare apples to apples, namely McCain and Obama" Yes, you are right but when you list McC and O up against one another, you will notice that most of the important issue outside the war are basically not much different.

The real haters are the liberals - NOT the conservatives.

Just look at the differences in the protests and the DNC and the RNC. At the DNC, no damage, fights, etc. Meanwhile, as the RNC was put on hold to focus attention on N.O. and the coming hurricane, the liberal protesters selfishly continued their crying and vandalized several businesses and structures. Real mature.

They have no respect for anything but their own agendas - which goes right along with their pro-abortion stance as they have no respect for the sanctity of life - only their own selfishness.

To top it off, they get rabidly pissed when this is pointed out becasue they have no argument with any merit against it - it's plain sad but true.

Levi Johnston, an 18-year-old high school ice hockey player, has been the subject of intense media attention in the US since it was revealed that he was the likely father to 17-year-old Bristol Palin unborn child.

Johnston describes himself on his MySpace page as "f---in redneck" who likes to snowboard and ride dirt bikes, but "I don't want kids", according to US media reports.

"I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some s--- and just f---in' chillin' I guess," he wrote before his MySpace page was removed. "Ya f--- with me I'll kick [your] ass."

Too bad they didn't check this future White House man's MySpace page.

Palin's daughter should have nothing to do with the campaign, nor the decision to vote for or against the ticket.

However, if you look on msnbc politics website, they have a poll asking whether or not the news of her daughter is relavent to the presidential campaign. 35% strongly agree and 18% agree.

Yet, since msnbc is a raging liberal hotspot, the people who voted "strongly agree" and "agree" are the same morons that thought President Bubba littering the Oval Office's carpet with his DNA (oh, and LYING to the entire world about it) should have nothing to do with his being presient.

Liberals and their own agendas - that's all it is...

"obviously was too busy to give her daughter the birds and the bees story"

So kids automatically DO or DON'T DO what their parents tell them? You, obviously, have ZERO children.

"She has no business putting her lust to be the first woman VP above her family like that."

Uhhh, I believe she was contacted first. Don't think she applied for the job. It's not Wal-Mart. But so what if she wants to be VEEP? Now women shouldn't work if they have kids?

Oh, by the way, 2,000 B.C. called - they'd like their cave wall painter back.

I read all the comments. But what I really would like to know is on November 4th, how many of you think McCain/Palin will beat Obama/Biden and by how much?

Impossible to say. My opinion would most-probably be swayed by my hope.

The DNC just finished, the RNC is still going, there have been no debates yet. Too many uncertains.

Right now, gut feeling - I think McCain/Palin can pull off a sqeaker in Nov. if she can match up to/beat Biden in the debates. Johnny C. has worlds of experience over O-man, so not worried there.

cracaphat - Get ready for Vice President Palin.

Joe Lieberman, the Democrat vice presidential nominee in 2000, just gave a great speech supporting McCain/Palin:

Lieberman said that while Obama was voting to cut off funds for troops in Iraq, McCain took the unpopular position of supporting a surge in troops. "Because of that, today, America's troops are coming home, thousands of them, and they're coming home in honor."

prague - I think it's going to be a landslide for McCain/Palin. And I think Hillary will be back in 2012!

Definition time!

Anti-American: someone with a nationality other than US citizen who hates the US. E.g., the victims of our predatory socio-political meddling in other countries.

Un-American: a US citizen who hates the US. E.g., Republicans.

"Un-American: a US citizen who hates the US. E.g., Republicans."

Oh. My. God. Are you insane? Far-left liberal Democrats, if ANYONE, are the un-American ones. THEY are the ones who protest, cry, and vandalize in the name of their personal freedoms and selfishness against the government - the AMERICAN government.

Whatever happed to decent Democrats like JFK? Remember, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what YOU can do FOR YOUR COUNTRY"?

My, my how things change. The Democratic party is in such a state now. I pity you. Well, not really.

Sarge and the rest of the GOP supporters. Change is coming and it does not include having McCain in office. I guarantee you that once it comes to discussions of policy and plans to correct the issues in our nation, John McCain will not be able to hold his ground.

The debates will be very telling. And the momentary balance shows that the jury is still out as voters wait to hear tangible solutions to their very real problems.

You wont be able to play the fear card this time through. McCain had better have some real viable answers to the problems facing the working classes. So far he can't seem to even acknowledge that there are problems.

Your VP selection is quite pathetic overall. A failed ploy to get the female vote. But she's stock full of issues that under attack will render her very undesirable as a potential president.

Get used to it. Change is coming. And you can join in, get out of the way or be run down by it. Choice is yours. But Americans want change. And McCain does not represent change.

JapanHusker, sorry to disappoint, but I'm quite sane. Join me?

Republicans have traditionally wanted to conserve old political standards so much that they are practically trying to rejoin England.

What makes America a great country is the Constitution, and more specifically the Bill of Rights.

THAT was the thing that set us apart from other nations of that time, and that is something the Republicans have been in the forefront of destroying.

By no means are the Democrats innocent, but they have dirty hands where the Republicans have bloody hands. The level of destruction is far greater by the Reps.

Trying to promote a rabid, religious fruitcake like Palin to a position as important as VP is only slightly less offensive to the American ideal than allowing an evil, ruthless businessman like Cheney to squat in that office.

This Palin is a real Jonah, however did they get her on board??

It is really pretty simple. If the Democrats think a person with less than half a Senate term is suitable material for President, they absolutely cannot object to a person with half a gubernatorial term being a candidate for vice President.

It's the Republicans who first played the inexperience card, so the Democracts don't have to justify themselves on this one. The strong Democractic argument is that if Palin is experienced enough to be veep, then Obama is experienced enough to be POTUS. Game, set, match.

"By no means are the Democrats innocent, but they have dirty hands where the Republicans have bloody hands. The level of destruction is far greater by the Reps."

Really. I love how the libs in control, along with the media, try to, for example, spin the number of U.S. soldier and Iraqi civilian deaths in Iraq as some mind-boggling number. I love even more how the most uneducated Americans (libs) buy into such spin.

If you truly want a lesson in reality, why not check how many U.S. soldier and innocent civilian deaths were recorded under the Clinton administration - WHEN WE WERE NOT EVEN IN A WAR?

Your tiny, manipulated brain probably cannot even fathom the number of civilian (mostly children) deaths tied to the the bombing of numerous pharmaceutical factories under the Bubba admin. Got a hunch where?

"The level of destruction is far greater by the Reps."

I think NOT. Check your history. Check to see just who was in office when most of the major wars and conflicts the U.S. has been in were started. Then check the number of casualties. Whose hands have more blood?

tkoind2 - You could not be more wrong about McCain and Palin.

"( in the upcoming debates ) John McCain will not be able to hold his ground"

That would be Barack Obama.

"Your VP selection is quite pathetic"

More like, quite excellent.

Get ready for President McCain and Vice President Palin.

Statistician - "how ever did they get her on board??"

McCain has a good eye. Taka313 can confirm that. Hee!

"The real haters are the liberals - NOT the conservatives. Just look at the differences in the protests and the DNC and the RNC. At the DNC, no damage, fights, etc. Meanwhile, as the RNC was put on hold to focus attention on N.O. and the coming hurricane, the liberal protesters selfishly continued their crying and vandalized several businesses and structures. Real mature. They have no respect for anything but their own agendas - which goes right along with their pro-abortion stance as they have no respect for the sanctity of life - only their own selfishness. To top it off, they get rabidly pissed when this is pointed out becasue they have no argument with any merit against it - it's plain sad but true."

Wow. All that fertilizer and me without a farm.

"Liberal protesters?" The ones that caused the problems were very acurately described in a video supplied by marforio (thanks again for the hook-up yesterday by the way, I felt like I was reading my sister's diary or something) as anarchists, not liberals.

Taka

Same thing. :-D

Yeah Lieberman was on Q NOT

" Natural disaster 9/11 Freudian slip I guess

Obama is eloquent but not ready, two minutes later Palin is the proper pick for VP.

What a joke I want my hour back with interest.

Nat'l Review's Jim Geraghty has summed it up best:

"In 72 hours, the media has subjected Bristol Palin to more scrutiny than they've given to Barack Obama in two years."

Anybody overseas who wants an absentee ballot for the November 4th election can visit the following Web sites, www.fvap.gov and www.fvap.com, just in case you didn't know.

JapanHusker. Neither party is innocent. I don't think anyone with a grasp of history knows that. Don't fool yourself into thinking that the Democrats and left leaning people writing here are any less aware of history. I'm not a democrat or a republican. My political views are not married to any party. I just believe that people have a right to decent lives and in all my years I have never seen the GOP do much for the normal working family. But I have seen them do an awful lot for the priviledged classes.

But the real question is not the past. The real question is who will do more to address the immediate needs of the American people. McCain seems to have trouble evening understanding what those problems are. He keeps coming back to protecting us and playing on our fears.

What Americans want now is relief from a bad economy, security for their jobs, health care, education, roads and bridges that don't fall in and their families home safe instead of off fighting some poorly led war.

McCain has nothing to offer for these needs. Obama and the Dems do.

Fair enough. I never once said that the Repubs are totally innocent.

And I agree, the economy and other social issues ARE very important ones now. However, though Obama has flamboyantly said "I'll do this, I'll do this, and I'll do this". He has not put forth one shred of detail on HOW he will do anything. Big words; big dreams, but not much substance.

Don't get me wrong, though totally on the opposite ends of the spectrum, I actually like Obama's message of "change". But in all honesty - I don't think he can get it done.

Which begs the question then, if he gets elected and cannot get his promises done, what, exactly, will he do?

Change has to start somewhere. If we keep voting for the same old plan then nothing will ever change. At least Obama is talking about change. And the people in the nation are equally inspired to pursue change.

Now the challenge will be to get congress to cooperate in making change happen.

Even if we just make progress on the economy and healthcare it is worth the risk of getting him in. I think a leap of faith is warranted over hiding behind the failed status quo.

Heh, who did the "vetting" for gawd's sake?

Let's get real here - the Republicans have selected a bottom-of-the-barrel candidate who was barely anyones first pick who has way over-hyped military experience that has little if anything to do with sensible management of an economy.

Said candidate has chosen a pretty face but ultimately unsuitable candidate to be his VP after overlooking far more experienced candidates that, unfortunately or maybe not, the red meat gnawing Republican base would have rejected out of hand.

It seems clear to me the Republicans are simply backing the last man standing, a man who hardly any of them wanted in the first place.

If that's not desparation, tell me what is.

japanHusker - "And I agree, the economy and other social issues ARE very important ones now. However, though Obama has flamboyantly said "I'll do this, I'll do this, and I'll do this". He has not put forth one shred of detail on HOW he will do anything. Big words; big dreams, but not much substance."

But what about McCain? All he seems to want to do is pour billinos more dollars into Iraq. He's running for the presidency of America, not Iraq!

SushiSake3; let us see you deride the party of decnecy and high morals, when we rout Obama at the election.

Why you spout this continual abuse towards Palin is beyond me.

If McCain says she is capable for the job, well, that`s good enough for me buddy, because i trust the guy 100%.

Sarge - "John McCain will not be able to hold his ground"

When the man doesn't have a policy to speak of except ones that benefit not America but Iraq, McCain's going to flubbing all over the place when he's not robot-like reading words from the teleprompter about policies he didn't formulate.

DS said:

If the Democrats think a person with less than half a Senate term is

I know many of you Republicans have trouble with math (I think it is because Bush required Fuzzy Math as part of the "No Child Left Behind" program). Obama was sworn in as a senator on January 4, 2005. On January 4, 2008 that made 3 years. That was well over 7 months ago. A senate term is 6 years. "[H]alf a Senate term..." is 3 years. 3 and 7/12 > 3. Oh in case they did not teach you in Fuzzy Math, that ">" sign is the operator meaning "is greater than."

Japan Husker, ''Don't get me wrong, though totally on the opposite ends of the spectrum, I actually like Obama's message of "change". But in all honesty - I don't think he can get it done''

Tell us what substance McCain has given you with his regard to ''protecting you'' from your fears which he keeps on drumming into our ears

If Palin was thoroughly vetted, then McCain obviously wanted a VP candidate with the baggage that Palin brings to the party. I'm not sure why he would want that, but he did and now he's got it. I think, however, that this says more about McCain than it does about Palin.

I think McCain is rolling the political dice here. And I think that's an indication that he's a gambler and that he may be willing to roll the military (bomb-bomb-bomb, etc.) dice and the economic (not his strong suit) dice as well. I don't think we need a president who would be willing to forward hail-Mary aggression or oh-what-the-heck financial policy.

I personally do not think that Palin is a good exemplar of family values. I think she has too many children, showed poor judgment in electing to have a Down's syndrome child, and possibly shows poor judgment if she has insisted or pushed her child to have a child and to marry. However, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of these things and they fall within the domain of personal and private decisions regarding one's family.

Obama has said these topics should be off limits and I agree with that. I think that the claim that Palin shows good family values should be met with a simple denial. Let those who claim that she is an exemplar make their case if they can.

McC72. They can't answer that. They don't know either. His views are too transient to grasp.

From what I can see he is promising to be strong agains perceived enemies. So potential war with Iran, possible cold war with Russia and more Iran and Afghanistan fiascos.

If we want safety, we need changes in how we deal with the world. And that meand dialogue, not guns.

tkoind2; McCain is not scared when it comes to foreign matters. If Iran needs liberating it will be because it is absolutely the correct choice.

Palin would back him all the way, she sure won`t appease our enemies like teh cowards, Obama and Biden.

"However, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of these things and they fall within the domain of personal and private decisions regarding one's family."

There isn't, you're right Sez. But I fail to see how taking on the 120 hour plus week you'd expect of a vice-president, however, will have anything to do with family values in regards to looking after all those children, especially an infant with special-needs.

Heh.

The panic.

It's 24-7 Palin.

I didn't realize at what lengths the McCain camp were going to distance themselves from Bush at the repub convention - his appearance uniquely by satellite was telling enough, but I hadn't realized that they had timed it for the Dubya address coming to an end just as the US TV networks were switching to live convention coverage...

Obama is better than McCain. McCain's girl is better than Obama. Biden is this and that, all are fat..

You guys remind me of east coast and west coast rappers...

look, do any of you think you are going to convince the next guy on JT to swing their vote?

Heh. The panic. It's 24-7 Palin.

I agree. But really, who's panicking? We just had a thread that had 100+ posts about the RNC and I was the only person on the entire thread who even mentioned what happened at the RNC.

I take it back, maybe you aren't panicking, but...you ought to.

Your party's message went no where on day one. Day two provided a Democratic turn-coat and the world's most exciting piece of plywood.

Did you watch ol' Fred Thompson's speech? Compare the reaction and enthusiasm shown toward his speech to any of those at the DNC.

Right now, I think the only the Democrats have to really worry about is that the McCain campaign has now shown that ethics, morals, restraint and respect mean absolutely, positively nothing to them. They just hired tucker eskew.

Senator McCain has just jumped the shark. Candidate McCain has shown us that winning is far more important than being the better man.

Democrat and republican alike should be a bit worried about that.

Taka

Why doesn't JT put anything out on the other parties and candidates for President?

JapanHusker: we're STILL not in a war. I realize that familiarity with the US Constitution is not something Republicans concern themselves with (beyond the 2nd Amendment), but you really should pay a little bit of attention to who actually has the power to declare war.

Well, who legally has the power. Since BushCo have abandoned the pretense of acting legally, an argument could be made that they "actually" have the power. And that sucks.

White Hawk writes:

I just went to the NYT's website, and they have three articles on Palin's daughter...Oh yeah, they're respecting the Palin family's privacy all right.

None of the articles you mentioned has anything resembling "going after" the mother or the daughter. There is nothing resembling the "hatred" that you accused them of. The three articles are fair and balanced.

As for respecting the privacy, that was pretty much shattered by Palin's agreement to accept the spot on the Republican ticket, as much as by her own revelations about her daughter's condition. The fact is that Americans are discussing this issue, as they should be and as is their right to do.

When you present your candidate in a manner of something out of a Lifetime movie, people are going to check the facade for cracks. And there certainly appear to be quite a few with Mrs. Palin. That appears to be the way Americans have played politics for quite awhile now. The only example of hatred I see is that of the conservatives' reaction to getting a taste of their own medicine.

The Obama-bashers here like to shriek that Sen. Obama is an "empty suit." "He has no plan!" "(insert random hate here) __ "Hussein" Obama." If the man has no policies and no plan, I would think that the McCain campaign would want to focus on his perceived weakness, his lack of policies.

Not so much.

*Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain's presidential bid, insisted that the presidential race will be decided more over personalities than issues during an interview with Post editors this morning.

"This election is not about issues," said Davis. "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

Davis added that issues will no doubt play a major role in the decisions undecided voters will make but that they won't ultimately be conclusive. He added that the campaign has "ultimate faith" in the idea that the more voters get to know McCain and Barack Obama, the better the Republican nominee will do.*

Sen. Obama's campaign manager, parried nicely.

"We appreciate Senator McCain's campaign manager finally admitting that his campaign is not in fact about the issues the American people care about, which is exactly the kind of cynical old politics people are ready to change."

Taka

Tough decisions? How about [Palin] cutting her own salary as mayor? She quit the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in protest over ethics issues in her own political party. She publicly called Ted Stevens out on the investigation focused on him. She sold the jet her predecessor purchased.

Cutting the mayor's salary was not a tough decision. She made a campaign promise that she would do it! Once she won the office, it would have been a tougher decision had she chosen NOT to cut it.

Resigning from the AOGCC could qualify as a tough decision if it wasn't so opportunistic. First off, if a person is ethical -- and I believe Palin is that -- why does resigning in the face of endemic unethical behavior have to be so tough? Isn't it what we'd expect ethical people to do when they can't change a situation? Secondly, the timing has her polishing her credentials for the governor's race. This is hardly the stuff of Profiles in Courage.

Palin was for Ted Stevens before she was against him.

Naruki,

I realize that familiarity with the US Constitution is not something Republicans concern themselves with (beyond the 2nd Amendment)

Wrong.

I realize that familiarity with the US Constitution is not something Republicans concern themselves with (beyond the 2nd Amendment and skipping over the 1st)

Fixed.

Palin would back him all the way, she sure won`t appease our enemies like teh cowards, Obama and Biden.

And I'm hoping that, after the election, Sarge(Schultze) and Col(Klink)America will start to share what they've been smoking with the others.

Taka,

"Did you watch ol' Fred Thompson's speech? Compare the reaction and enthusiasm shown toward his speech to any of those at the DNC."

We-eeeell, he did mention 9-11 plenty of times. And McCain's veteran status. Anyone would think Rudy himself had returned from the presidential race-grave.

Mrs Palins speech today will most likely be better. I'll be watching with interest...

Madverts,

We-eeeell, he did mention 9-11 plenty of times.

So, they canned rudy 9-11 but had Fred read his speech. Yep, this party is ready to lead us into the future.

Taka

No offense

Yep, this party is ready to lead us into the future.

Seems the party that is in control right now isn't really doing a good job either.

http://www.pollingreport.com/CongJob.htm

Sail,

http://people-press.org/report/426/democratic-partys-favorables-rise-congress-still-unpopular

Back at'cha. ;-)

Taka

I don't get the "Democrat congress approval rating" argument for the minute.

Surely they're dealing with the mess Bush Co left them in after 4 years in control?

The only thing your average wild-eyed republican fanatic has going for her/him at the minute is that when Mr Obama becomes president, they can blame everything on him as the democrats attempt to pick up the pieces after the Bush Co train-wreck....

tkoind2 - "who cares how popular she is in Alaska?"

Typical liberal attitude - small/less populous states aren't worthy. Well our Founding Fathers ensured that they are taken into consideration.

Taka313 - "Obama bashers here like to shriek..."

You've been hangin' around Adverts too long.

Adverts - I hope you do watch Palin's speech. Perhaps you'll realize that McCain is one smart cookie for picking her.

yabits:

None of the articles you mentioned has anything resembling "going after" the mother or the daughter. There is nothing resembling the "hatred" that you accused them of. The three articles are fair and balanced.

I knew you were going to post that. The articles don't have to be attack pieces, that's for the Kos crowd. All they have to do is ignore the privacy request, which they're gleefully doing. Even your Chosen One, Obama, has spoken and said the kids are off limits. So why are the articles continuing? What is there to report about a teen pregnancy that many Americans haven't already seen in their neighborhood, kid's school, or church? Nothing, of course, except using the daughter's pregnancy as leverage against Sarah Palin.

This is hardly the stuff of Profiles in Courage.

I don't care if the decisions aren't tough enough for you, the point is that she's made more executive decisions -and tougher ones- than your presidential nominee.

Palin was for Ted Stevens before she was against him.

Actually, she still stands by him. See doesn't see him as the embodiment of evil, as unhinged Leftists seem to see all Republicans, she wants him to clean up his act. Very compassionate, really, and quite the contrast to Obama's tendency to throw everyone under his campaign bus, including the man he once could no more sever himself from than he could his own grandmother, the typical white person.

I see my 12:07 post remains unchallenged, and my original post at 07:52 remains true.

Oi, sarge, when you can put away Bushmills like Taka, I'll consider coming to your coming of age party.

I don't doubt Palin is smart (well, ignoring all the shrieky fundie christian nonesense anyway). Sadly, she isn't experienced enough to be on the McCain ticket in light of his advanced old-age, and she was only chosen to be there as a bone to the very same christo-fundies, heh, only now her under-age daughter has a bun in the oven out of wedlock, and their are even doubts about the origins of her other newborn daughter....

...IMO, and obviously in accordance with your un-canny nack at the old Prediction lark, McCain is doing what Bush Co have done to the pooch for the last 8 years in choosing Mrs Palin as his running mate.

I only wish those on the left who have been holding up the fort at JT for so long could be here in the states to witness the demise of the GOP. They are finally the laughingstock of this nation as they have been in the world for years. Unfortunately the world has also had to fear the NeoCons rash behavior.

Surely they're dealing with the mess Bush Co left them in after 4 years in control?

No, they're not.

This Dem - controlled Congress is the least accomplished in US history because they are deliberately putting off dealing with any major issue until the election, which they think will win them the presidency and senate majority. Historically they have fairly good reason to think it is their turn. But what they are doing is reckless and in very bad faith. Gas hits $4/gallon and Speaker Pelosi refuses to even allow legislation on drilling to be tabled. They want to abolish the secret ballot in unionized workplaces and though they basically control the mainstream media, academia and the three major networks, they intend to impose a new "Fairness Doctrine" applicable to each but transparently meant to muzzle talk radio. They can't compete in the marketplace of ideas so like the totalitarians they are and so revere they seek to silence the opposition rather than let the democratic process be left to the people.

Oi, Adverts - "she ( Palin ) isn't experienced enough"

She has more executive experience than your boy Obama.

By the way, I know you know that McCain and Palin are going to whip Obama and Biden in the debates and on election day. It's just a matter of how bad.

As to the title of this topic, The Washington Post has just published an article stating that Palin was only subject to an extensive interview ONE DAY before the pick was made.

The detailed questionnaire that all prospective candidates were supposed to fill out did not contain details of Palin's daughter's pregnancy, husband Todd's DUI, Palin's fishing without a proper license/ID. Those details were only provided the day before the final choice was made.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/02/AR2008090203462.html

How do you define Mrs Palin having more experience than "my boy" Senator Obama? I distinctly said that my critisism of her in-experience was due to 4 time cancer victim McCain's advanced old age - if he snuffs it, her finger is on the button.

An exuberent youngster with a time-served senator and a change from Bush Co is what America needs. Not an old bod that voted with the Worst Pesident Ever on over 90% who picked a veep he didn't really want as a bone to the fundie right...

The articles don't have to be attack pieces, that's for the Kos crowd. All they have to do is ignore the privacy request, which they're gleefully doing.

Most people would regard "going after" someone "oozing with hatred" as you claimed in your original post as an attack.

And so you made a false accusation against the NYT, MSNBC and CNN. Par for the course.

Yabits,

Heh, the truth will come out and the republican ticket will implode under it's own elephantesque weight.

Mrs Palin, whilst no dount apt at her duties as governor of Alaska, was not picked for her merit. Her middle-aged good looks aside, she was nominated as a last ditch effort to recuperate disgruntled HRC voters, and to satisfy the fundie christian right that whilst McCain is an infidel, they still can find fundie bliss in knowing there is a faithful to the sect on the ticket...

SezWho

I agree. Palin is not a the kind of mother I'd want for my children. What we supposedly know about her:

1) She jumps on a plane while in labor. 2) Her 17 year old gets knocked up.

Bad. Period. If my daughter gets pregnant before she graduates college, let alone high school, I am a failure as a parent. Yes, its that simple.

But there's more. It get's worse

Palin -- because of her Right-wing 'pro-life' blinders -- will not only do her best to make sure that (force) her daughter to have the baby. Though I disagree with that, its not beyond the pale. What is beyond the pale is Palin is gonna do her best to make sure that (force) her daughter to keep the marry they boy and keep the baby.

This is absolutely unforgivable.

"Family values" my @ss.

And y'all about Experience.

Here's a riddle:

Lanky one term Senator from Illinois who grew up all over the place. Wants to be president.

Lincoln.

You Republicans make me sick.

I expect no honor and even less shame.

Its not what I expect. Its the Dems not hammering these scumbags on their supposed strong points of "family values" and "security."

Bad. Period. If my daughter gets pregnant before she graduates college, let alone high school, I am a failure as a parent. Yes, its that simple.

Your a parent that tried his best and is just another human being as flawed as we all are.

You Republicans make me sick.

Though if that is the attitude you would instill in your daughter, really can't say much to that.

Dan,

Given enough rope (and they've had miles of it), they'll end up being seen by all for the hypocrites they are. McCain should have had the guts to choose the veep he wanted, not the quick fix they thought it would be bringing in Mrs Palin....

DanManjt,

I think even the best of parenting cannot guarantee an untroubled child. So I tend to give Palin a little leeway. Nonetheless the constellation of family problems, if I can call them that, seem to argue doubts about how good an example of family values she is.

"Your a parent that tried his best and is just another human being as flawed as we all are."

A parent "educating" her/his horny teenager that "abstenation" is the best form of contraception shouldn't be allowed to have kids...

I'm sorry, but the abstenationists haven't a pot to piss in on the sex-education issue...

"I think even the best of parenting cannot guarantee an untroubled child. So I tend to give Palin a little leeway. "

Of course. It's just the leeway is removed for me when the "education" has been abstenation.

"McCain should have had the guts to choose the veep he wanted"

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Heck, Adverts, you'd say that no matter who McCain chose.

He did choose the veep he wanted. You can tell he really wants her, just by watching the youtube video Taka313 posted a link for. Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck!

A parent "educating" her/his horny teenager that "abstenation" is the best form of contraception shouldn't be allowed to have kids...

Agreed...Much better to teach a horny teenager to take on the whole damn football team and make sure she was on birth control.

Think before you post Adverts.

Sailwind

I believe in responsibility, not original sin. My flaws are not at issue; my duties as a parent are. Its not rocket science: run with the scissors down. look both ways before you cross the street; don;t drink and drive, don't do heroin, ever. practice safe sex or don't do it.

Taking responsibility for teaching your kids is a family value. I simply cannot believe I am having this discussion with you.

As for despising Republicans, you better believe it. Republicans have shat all over a lot of things I hold very dear, a lot of things that are very dear to me.

And I hate them for it.

No, sailwind - teach your horny teenager that whatever they want to do in their new advernturist sex-lives as we all did, to do it responsibly. i.e explaining the dangers of std's and the fact that you really mess you life up having kids too young, and expalin the different ways to protect your child and their partner. Not "abstention".

Heh, and you dare give me the homily on thinking before I post?

Moderator: All readers back on topic please.

I agree with Sarge; The liberals will complain about whoever McCain picks.

Palin was a great, brave choice , and she has wonderfull morals and i support her 100%

sarge, for you viewing pleasure:

http://archive.japantoday.com/jp/news/260648/all

Also, sarge, insiders say that McCain wanted Liberman as his running mate.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/americas/2008/vote_usa_2008/7595245.stm

col,

" and she has wonderfull morals "

Not "high" morals anymore? Heh, she put the pipe away or what?

SezWho

A little leeway? Why? People are responsible for their actions.

I don't care who you are: teenage pregnancy is bad. Palin and her husband skrewed the pooch three ways.

1) they did not raise her right, because they raised her Right.

Abstinence only does not work. Its not responsible to preach that nonsense to your 'kids' Yes, its that simple. I

2) it really is not to teach that crap in school, which is what Palin wants for your kids and mine.

And 3) its the same crap that pushed Palin to force her unwed, 17 year old daughter to have the baby, and marry the boy her knocked her up.

Three strikes, yer out.

Leeway? Yeah, I'll show her and her ilk the way to door.

Madverts; As usual you jest in a childish manner. Palin has very high morals , and is a great role model for all women in the US.

Asshe is our next vp, perhaps you and your friends could show a more respect to this lady.

"DantheMan - "Yeah, I'll show her and her ilk the way to ( the ) door"

The door to the White House?

Telling my daughter she can breed like rabits doesn't seem like a real good idea either.

Relevance? No one, other than the Mormons and the Catholics, preach that.

Responsibilty..........Means telling your daughter not to have sex until she is ready to handle the obligation and all that comes with it, and that also means being pregnant. It's that simple.

I think you are correct -- with the important caveat that is what you teach your children (girls and boys) before they go through puberty. That is the basic good from bad morals parents instill their kids before the kids can reason.

As the kids mature into and through adolecense, then we appeal to their reason and their sense of right from wrong.

Palin -- The Reproductive Right -- is dead wrong on two counts:

fist, they instill the wrong right from wrong.

second, they stop there. Instead of using Reason to maturely nuance the basic good/bad, they just rationalize their stupid myths.

sailwind,

At least have the integirty to apoligize for your font of mis-placed rage... :D

Also sarge, heh, and finaly on-topic, yes I do think Mrs Palin was chosen as McCain's running mate from www.lastminute.com

Once again, it was meant as a bone to the fundie right that doubt McCain's christian fundieness, and a pale attempt at grasping the dis-enfranchised HRC voters - and the women vote, if they weren't all included under Hilary tha is.

Adverts

Yes, McCain had to feed the salivating Right.

But don't forget, McCain like all good Americans, despises them almost as much as I. Because he has a long and acrimonious past with most if not all of the 'agents of intollerance'

Which is probably why he choose little known Palin. No history.

And no Palin wing of the Republican party.

In short, he got his cake and can eat it too.

Or so he hoped....

I like her and the skeletons exposed so far don't bother me. What I don't understand is why the press isn't showing what a Jesus Freak she is.

For everyone who points out her association with Buchanan, they don't understand how in the tank for Israel the JF's are. Catholics (Buchanan) and JF's (Palin) are Christians cut from an entirely different cloth.

Dan,

Heh, I've already put money on both McCain and Obama being closet atheists. The fact that religion causes all this shrieking and is propelled to the fore-front of US politics in this day and age is shocking.

Complete seperation of church and state is the way forward. And it would bug the hell out of the salivating nutters on the far right.

But yeah, I reckon McCain has driven the final nail in his coffin with this latest blunder - worst fro him, I don't believe it was his idea.

Madverts; do you really think a country could function with the church being ever present? The church does great things for society, and helps and save smany unfortunates.

Palin is a god fearing christian, which makes her a great person to be our VP.

yabits:

Most people would regard "going after" someone "oozing with hatred" as you claimed in your original post as an attack.

As usual, you move the goal posts when proven wrong. Oh well. Perhaps that's why you don't set criteria up front. Between that and limiting the outlets (NYT, MSNBC and CNN are the only outlets that matter?), you do your best to limit any substantive debate. In any case, I think most people would also regard ignoring requests for privacy and not leaving the daughter out of the campaign as a form of attack. Especially, as I noted before, there is no legitimate reason to focus on her other than to use her as leverage against her mother.

Funny how the Left is banking on Palin's daughter being pregnant wrecking McCain's chances... and forget that one of Dick Cheney's daughters is a lesbian. I've also noticed that the Left has stopped complaining about McCain's lobbyists since the Biden pick. Is that because they know one of Biden's sons is a lobbyist? Why didn't Obama just pick Hillary and guarantee the support of her voters?

The pick of Palin is sad in three ways for me. First it's blatant pandering to try to get some of the Hillary contingent's vote. Second, the overwhelming need to put a pro-life candidate on the ticket is annoying to pro-choice independents. McCain is already pro-life why not balance that and give us some re-assurance that canning Roe Vs. Wade won't be an administration push. Third she has no experience and no substance. I called a friend of mine in Alaska for his take which is as follows: She was elected governer because her opponent was corrupt and had fallen out of favor. As a former beauty queen and mayor she had enough name recognition in the Anchorage area to win the state. He also said his take was that she's a "sponge" (his words) that absorbs whoever she is politically allied with and has no real political convictions of her own. McCain should have picked Lieberman for the fact that they are long time friends both unloved by their parties and could run on a real "political outsider" ticket. Beyond that Lieberman is pro-choice one of the few areas he and McCain differ on.

Usaexpat,

Good post.

Is it still physicaly possible for McCain to drop Palin and go with Liberman? Bit of a filp-flop I know, but the current choice seems to be doing more harm than good...

I said christianity, Whitehawk. And there are plenty of nasty things happened to homosexuals because of being homosexual in America, trust me.

" I don't suppose you were critical of Palin for letting her baby with Down's Syndrome be born instead of aborting the imperfection, were you?"

Isn't there some doubt that it is actually hers? And no, if the choice had been to me, the child would not have been born. It is, however, another reason I think her accepting the potential veep spot is totally in-appropriate.

Not only does she have a special-needs infant, but she also has an under-age daughter who is up the duff and in need of her parents.

Perhaps you can tell me where the real values are here?

Call me crazy, but if it were me, I'd be looking after my family instead of applying for a job that would have me doing 120 if not more hours a week.

Whitey,

"A recent report by the San Francisco-based Community United Against Violence bears out Falik's assertions. It found a rise of 11% in violence against the gay, lesbian and bisexual community between 1990 and 1991 in San Francisco. Nationally, between 1988 and 1991, these hate crimes have risen 161%. "

http://www.greenleft.org.au/1993/125/4910

Madverts:

Isn't there some doubt that it is actually hers?

Yes, but no legitimate doubt. Just accusations from some Kos nutters.

And no, if the choice had been to me, the child would not have been born.

But I thought you were against all killing of any kind, including death penalties and self-defense.

Not only does she have a special-needs infant, but she also has an under-age daughter who is up the duff and in need of her parents.

She also has a family that helps with the load. Maybe it's only right-wing conservative families that help each other, because the idea never seems occur to those on the left. Also, I understand that the age of consent in Alaska is 16.

"A recent report by the San Francisco-based Community United Against Violence bears out Falik's assertions. It found a rise of 11% in violence against the gay, lesbian and bisexual community between 1990 and 1991 in San Francisco. Nationally, between 1988 and 1991, these hate crimes have risen 161%. "

In San Francisco?!? You mean there are still heterosexuals left in San Fran? Okay, I'm kidding, but I'm surprised that any of the tolerant, peaceful leftists occupying San Fran would turn violent against their homosexual neighbors.

I'll take some time to read the article, but in the meantime, answer me this: What happens to people in this country who physically attack homosexuals for being homosexual? By comparison, what happens in many Islamic-based countries to similar people? Is there a difference in laws regarding violence against homosexuals?

You already know the answers, don't you?

John, that is a barefaced lie, and you know it. "McCain says Palin's background was thoroughly checked." If so, why were the FBI in Alaska doing mop up when all the details came to light? If he lies about Palin, just think of how many lies he'll tell. Impeach McCain!

Relevance? No one, other than the Mormons and the Catholics, preach that.

Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi ?

usaexpat: "The pick of Palin is sad in three ways for me. First it's blatant pandering"

It is not. It's simply a brilliant choice.

Anti-choicers keep bringing up the "Oh, I guess the liberals would have her abort her baby just because it had Down syndrome?!" What I haven't heard anyone say is that it's somewhat irresponsible to have kids at 40-something years old. The risks are exponentially greater, especially for defects like Down syndrome. Maybe she should have shown some of that world class judgment and used birth control (oh, I forgot. God says that's bad)... should have had her husband snipped after 4 kids. Does Jesus hate vasectomies?

McCain and Palin knew what she would be up against.

We have all watched it, for five long years.

Democrats like Dick Durban and John Murtha attack US soldiers and compare them to Nazis.

Joe Biden and Harry Reid both declare the war in Iraq lost.

Obama calls the surge a failure.

On the floor of the same Senate where she voted for liberation of Iraq, Hillary Clinton calls General Petraeus a liar.

And an openly partisan media enables and encourages all of this.

What made people think that 'liberals' and 'progressives' wouldn't go after children or even the unborn?

Checked by who, Joe "I'd sell my own mother for a bag of cool ade" Lieberman?

lets breakdown sarah ben judah hur into her component parts . . .

On guns she is charleston heston Mentally she is dan quale 0n religion she is huckabee Politically she is george bush On energy she is dick cheney On womans issues she is anita bryant (look it up)

When asked about the VP job a few weeks ago she replied she didnt know what the VP does.

Only the republicans would pass off this candidate as qualified for the job.

zurc. Even some Democrats agree with Charlton Heston. You don't know anything about her mental state. Many Americans are open to the idea of drilling for oil in Alaska. Have you ever been there? Do you know what the VP does? Do you know when people tell a joke?

The fact that Palin is getting attacked so much, shows that a lot of people here are scared.

heston went batty towards the end. But he did drive up membership in the facist NRA who shill for gun manufactures while guns kill 15000 per year in the US.

I have been to alaska many times. Palin supports dumping in the cook island. Do you know where that is?

I know what the VP does, Palin does not. She was not making a joke, mccain is pulling a joke on the country in nominating her for the VP role. Just like bush did with qualye.

I am scared yes, that Palin could be president if mccain kicks off which is very likely.

Here is some news on Palin that you didnt know. She is on the dole like so many repubs who are in government office . . .

ANCHORAGE, Sept. 8 -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has billed taxpayers for 312 nights spent in her own home during her first 19 months in office, charging a "per diem" allowance intended to cover meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business.

This Story Palin Billed State for Nights Spent at Home Footing the Bill Travel Authorization - State of Alaska The governor also has charged the state for travel expenses to take her children on official out-of-town missions. And her husband, Todd, has billed the state for expenses and a daily allowance for trips he makes on official business for his wife.

Palin, who earns $125,000 a year, claimed and received $16,951 as her allowance, which officials say was permitted because her official "duty station" is Juneau, according to an analysis of her travel documents by The Washington Post.

The governor's daughters and husband charged the state $43,490 to travel, and many of the trips were between their house in Wasilla and Juneau, the capital city 600 miles away, the documents show.