Sarah Palin - WHO and WHAT Does She Offer as VP of the USA?
Sorry guys. All I know is she's a past beauty queen, a sports broadcaster, has been governor of Alaska for 20 months, she likes moose burgers, . . . .HUH???? Seriously, is this a joke?  Reggie  August 29, 2008 8:44 pm · LinkShe's a good flip flopper!
Said last year she was FOR the Ted Stevens "Bridge to Nowhere and Alaska should get it built with the right people in Congress at the time
AND
(wait for it)
Today, said she was AGAINST it.
Hmmmmm, How you like them Flip Flops?
Stay Tuned, so much more to come!
She was picked for one reason and one reason only to help the McCain campaign. She has very little qualifications. Conde Rice has a lot more experience then Palin. This was a statigic move by the Republican party. If McCain wins she will be a heartbeat away from being the leader of the most powerful nation in the world.  Matt August 29, 2008 9:02 pm · LinkPersonally, I think she is useless and would like someone to argue the fact that she is worthy of being the VP of the USA. Very poor choice, in my opinion. Reggie August 29, 2008 9:30 pm · Link
What, a girl can't be pretty AND smart? I always thought Margaret Thatcher was pretty hot (-;  ianimal August 29, 2008 11:11 pm · LinkYes, this is an opposition blog, but there is a lot of information. It would be great if any Republicans or anyone out there could look through it and tell us what we got wrong. We wouldn't want to be that, would we?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/sarah-palin  EB August 29, 2008 11:14 pm · LinkWell I rather look at her for the next 4 years then the other guys  CJAugust 30, 2008 12:40 am · LinkAnyone who posts a link to the Huffingtonpost is a troll.  Barney August 30, 2008 12:45 am · LinkI'm sorry you think that way, Barney. EB August 30, 2008 1:01 am · Link
I'm not a troll. EB August 30, 2008 1:01 am · Link
I'm sorry, everyone, even responding to Barney at all is a bit trollish, because it takes the focus off of the original message and more along the lines fo "controversial and irrelevant or off-topic".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)
I'll try not to let it happen again. EB August 30, 2008 1:16 am · Link
The only way we can expect any sort of change in Washington DC is to elect people who have little experience in the world of politics!!! Isn't that why the democrats nominated Obama over the well seasoned (well atleast her husband was) Hillary Clinton???  Jersey Joe August 30, 2008 9:05 am · LinkEB she has a 80% approval rating as governor of Alaska. Has been in politics longer than Obama, is pro-life and has ran an won against a well entrenched former governor, Republican, who people was said to be corrupt. Now contrast this with Obama who's resume is community organizer and Senator, of less than 8 years. The US Senate has a approval rating with the American people of less than 30%. The answer to your question of what Sarah Palin offers is someone arguably more experienced than Obama, pro-life versus pro-choice like Obama and someone who has bucked the system and been a winner. drivebyAugust 30, 2008 9:15 am · Link
An African American inexperienced young politician selects an older, white seasoned politician.
An old white seasoned politician selects an inexperienced, young woman.
Can we make a true false chart on this?
SO the politicians are hoping to balance the choice by selecting minorities? women represent over 50% of the votes, Could partly be to sway a minority of feminists to vote republican, but us woman don't just vote for a woman, cuz she's a woman. We're smarter than that, boys.
Now will AA's vote for Obama just because he's AA? I'm not certain of the AA % of votes, but I'm sure it's quite high.
The selection was for woman to vote woman. I hate politicians. And something tells me guys will vote McCain because she's hot. lol Reggie August 30, 2008 10:01 am · Link
She also thinks we should be drilling for oil off the East Coast right now. Gustav would have less of an impact if we had oil coming into Newark refineries from off the Jersey Shore. Its pure stupidity to have one clump of oil rigs from both a security and enviornmental standpoint. She actually uses facts and not talking points to make decisions (i.e. save the whales and protect the earth)Everyone wants to do that, but do it wisely. $5 gas next month. Thanks Dems. Thanks.
They have wanted to drill in Alaska for years and now they have their leverage. So I'm guessing.... Won't be long now! Refineries all over Alaska and we will sell it to China. Boggles my mind. The rigs in the gulf don't sell to American companies they sell to Asia and South America. It shouldn't effect our prices, but somehow it does. Reggie August 30, 2008 10:15 am · Link
To answer the original question: she offers nothing. No experience, no foreign policy knowledge, doesn't appear very strategic or bright, in fact appears quite naive.
What she does offer is attention during the campaign. People will pay attention to McCain as he tries to win the election. They will talk about his ticket, just as we are doing now. In my opinion, she's not even worth talking about.
The whole media-driven process and government-media complex today sickens me. None of the four people on the two major tickets are the best this country has to offer.
It's the process that's broken. Until the vast majority of Americans wake up and see that, we are nothing more than prisoners. I don't believe that will ever happen. Americans themselves are too naive.  Rebecka August 30, 2008 10:24 am · LinkIf Palin was truly the President of this great nation it would be interesting. If we knew something would happen to McCain say in year 3 of his presidency would people still vote for them.
Do people have the same concerns with Biden?
McCain picked Palin to try to win the presidency not because she is the most qualified. Lets see if it works. Matt August 30, 2008 10:28 am · Link
Palin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Idaho, where she also minored in political science. Reggie August 30, 2008 10:35 am · Link
She offers the standpoint and hopes of I would bet alot of mothers in this country. She,along with Obama, offers a representation of the American Dream which according to Obama no longer exists in this country. She has done an incredible amount of things for a 44 year old woman and I have to applaud any woman who can raise five kids, hunt, fish, and run a town and a state. I am sure whatever she lacks in experience she could rapidly learn. And, she doesn't seem to be afraid to speak her mind.  Kate S. August 30, 2008 10:38 am · Link Sorry, I can't see it happening. Honestly, you put all of your trust in this woman as our president should McCain step down? There are FAR more talented, experienced and respected women available for the position, sorry.
I'm still waiting for someone to sway me towards favoring this decision. So far the responses have been, she's cute, can snowmobile, hunts and likes to fish. All the qualities I personally look for in a VP of the USA.
Reggie August 30, 2008 10:57 am · Link
"EB she has a 80% approval rating as governor of Alaska. Has been in politics longer than Obama, is pro-life and has ran an won against a well entrenched former governor, Republican, who people was said to be corrupt. Now contrast this with Obama who's resume is community organizer and Senator, of less than 8 years. The US Senate has a approval rating with the American people of less than 30%. The answer to your question of what Sarah Palin offers is someone arguably more experienced than Obama, pro-life versus pro-choice like Obama and someone who has bucked the system and been a winner."
Are you saying she has more experience than Obama? I don't care if the people of Alaska think she's doing a good job. There's a difference between running a town of 8,500 people, a state of 670,000 people to running a country.
She' also being probed in Alaska for the same corruption that she supposedly defeated.
Seems to me she might have took over the corruption instead of removing it.
I'm so glad NJ is a blue state. LOL
From NewsWeek below.
Happy birthday, Johnny Mac! You're 72 now, a cancer survivor, and a presidential candidate who has said on many occasions that the most important criteria for picking a vice president is whether he or she could immediately step in if something happened to the president. Your campaign against Barack Obama is based on the simple idea that he is unready to be president. So you've picked a running mate who a year and a half ago was the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, a town of 8,500 people. You've selected a potential leader of the free world who knows little or nothing about the major issues of the day beyond energy. Oh, and she's being probed in her state for lying and abuse of power. WCAugust 30, 2008 10:59 am · Link
Reggie you forgot, she can shoot straight. LOL
Maybe she won't be shooting anyone in the face. WCAugust 30, 2008 11:02 am · Link
 OK. This is why politics suck. They confuse people. I want a complete focus on what SARAH PALIN offers. Not comparing with other politicians, just HER pros and cons, period. I've done my homework on Obama. I can make the comparisons myself once I know the politicians. I want facts about Sarah Barracuda, and Sarah Barracuda alone.
She prefers Revlon over Cover Girl. And has a permanent bun on her head, like Alice from the Brady Bunch.
Reggie August 30, 2008 11:14 am · Link
 WC...You "don't care if the people of Alaska think she's doing a good job"...Alaska is right behind DELAWARE in population, so Biden is right there, but he's not an executive. He is a MEMBER of a 100 person group who are slow and bumble through things (yes McCain is a member of that organizaion as well). I supported Romney in the primary because he led a state, the olympics, and a business. I would rather see Mayor Lavery aas President than Obama. Popluation is irrelevant. Decision making ability is what matters.
Alaska is the wealthiest state in the nation (including their oil reserves). Lets talk about the issues.
Gov. Palin does not believe the police should take your weapons in a time of an emergency (Katrina), when you need them the most. She beleives in Health Savings Accounts. I have been to the doctor once in 8 years for being sick. I should have tens of thousands in an HSA for retirement. Why should I pay for other peoples bad choices (kids, no education, drugs, venerial disease, crime, etc) She believes in a strong national defense, not "slowing down future combat systems" like Obama said he would do. Personal responsibility needs to become the number 1 issue.
She sold the former governors JET. The former governor spent $2,692,600 on it. She got rid of most of her state trooper protection division. She is about fiscal CONSERVATISM, not spending like our governor. When did he eliminate some of his security. Obama and Hillery love their private jets. GOVERNOR PALIN FLIES COMMERCIAL MOST OF THE TIME!!
Obama stated at the convention that he would spend 150 billion on alt. energy, make health care available for all, and create more EARLY education and hire "AN ARMY" of new teachers and give them MORE MONEY. The more money we spend on education the less intelligent our children seem to be. Lets get back to individual responsibility, stop the government cradle to grave mentality. Vote for McCain/Palin.
It is very funny how Hillary Clinton clearly has more experience then Palin yet some of the women on this strand despised her. Now all of a sudden Palin is the women who could be VP and some women are changing their tune on this strand. Some Palin supporters on this strand say she is a women she will have a new perspective.
What this is showing is women who would not vote for Obama would vote for McCain and Palin and the women who supported Obama for the most part are not going to switch just because Palin is female.
Most women who supported Hillary supported her views which she closly shared with Obama. Palin and Hillary have not much in common. This means the Hillary women are not going to vote for Palin just because she can have babies. Women are a lot smarter then that. Palin is Pro life Obama is pro choice. So are women going to change who they support even if they do not support the views mentioned above.
Conservative Republican men would not vote for Obama just because he is a man even if the other choice was a female Republican presidential candidate.
Partisan politics rules the day.
Palin recently asked what does the VP do? She clearly has very little experience. She seems to be a great mother and a nice lady. Someone who could be fun to go out with.
Palin is leading a state that has half the population of Newark NJ. Alaska does not even have a million people. NJ has 8 million people Newark has around a million.
It is entertaining how people try to justify why she could be president if something happens to McCain. Matt August 30, 2008 11:45 am · Link
Lucky Alaska! We sure could use her in New Jersey! cbelAugust 30, 2008 11:55 am · Link
Newark has nowhere near a million people; it has less than 300,000. ianimal August 30, 2008 12:08 pm · Link
Matt, The 9 or 10 women that I know that were strong Hillary Supporters absoloutly despise Obama because of the way he traeted her on the campaign trail!! The fact that he never considered her for VP spot even made them angrier!! These people claim to be voting for McCain in the general election!! Jersey Joe August 30, 2008 12:24 pm · Link
Jersey Joe- If that is the case, these women should not be voting. You pick the politician who best represents your ideas, views, morals and ethics. If these women you speak of are voting for McCain out of spite, shame on them for abusing their right to vote. Reggie August 30, 2008 12:29 pm · Link
If that is the case why have the election. McCain has already won.
Obviously you have not been looking at the polls. Obama is finally going up and Hillary women who are moderate to liberal are now on Obamas side since Clinton made her speech at the Democratic convention.
McCain picked Palin not because she is the most qualified, but to try to win an election. It was a move they had to make. It is a gamble.
People who are conservative will love Palin. Peole who are pro choice and are moderate to liberal will not vote for a McCain Palin ticket.
Evangelicals energized by McCain-Palin ticket
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/cvn_palin_evangelicals Matt August 30, 2008 12:30 pm · Link
I went to McCain's web site thinking I could find out more about Sarah, NOTHING but the speech she spit out the other night! Where are the facts? Why is this so much to ask for?
http://www.johnmccain.com/about/governorpalin.htm Reggie August 30, 2008 12:43 pm · Link
Matt, the only poll that counts is election day!! Jersey Joe August 30, 2008 1:13 pm · Link
Matt...Why do you attack the population of Alaska? Delaware is the next state above Alaska in population (Joe Biden).
Matt...You said "It is very funny how Hillary Clinton clearly has more experience then Palin"...Could you make a clear point on how she has more experience?? Being a senator for a few years compared to actually RUNNING something since the 90's are not comparable. Being the wife of the President doesn't count as experience either.
Kate S.- I can't figure out if what you wrote was meant to be a joke. Please tell me you were being cynical in your post, and everything you say was meant to make us laugh. Rebecka August 30, 2008 4:55 pm · Link
Or me laugh, sorry - won't be presumptuous and speak for others. Rebecka August 30, 2008 5:00 pm · Link
Compare Hilliary with Sarah - BIG difference.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY)
Current Office: U.S. Senate
Current District: Junior Seat
First Elected: 2000
Last Elected: 11/07/2006
Next Election: 2012
Party: Democratic
Background Information:
Gender: Female
Family: Husband: William
1 Child: Chelsea.
Birth Date: 10/26/1947
Birthplace: Chicago, IL
Home City: Chappaqua, NY
Religion: Methodist
Education:
JD, Yale University, 1973
BA, Wellesley College, 1969.
Professional Experience:
Attorney, Rose Law Firm, 1976-1992
Faculty, University of Arkansas Law School, 1975
Author
Former Staff Attorney, Children's Defense Fund.
Political Experience:
Senator, United States Senate, 2000-present
First Lady, President Bill Clinton, 1992-2000
First Lady, State of Arkansas, 1978-1980, 1982-1992.
GOVERNOR SARAH HEATH PALIN (AK)
Current Office: Governor
Office Seeking: Vice President
First Elected: 11/07/2006
Last Elected: 11/07/2006
Next Election: 2010
Party: Republican
Background Information:
Gender: Female
Family: Husband, Todd
5 Children: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig.
Birth Date: 02/11/1964
Birthplace: Sandpoint, ID
Home City: Wasilla, AK
Religion:
Education:
BA, Communications/Journalism, University of Idaho, 1987.
Professional Experience:
Media
Utilities.
Political Experience:
Governor, Alaska, 2006-present
Former President, Alaska Conference of Mayors
Former Mayor/Manager, Wasilla City
Former Council Member, Wasilla City Council. Reggie August 30, 2008 5:03 pm · Link
Sorry Rebecka - I meant every word. As a Catholic mother who is pro-life and believes that every American has a right to carry arms and who would welcome a breath of fresh air in stuffy DC where a heck of alot of experienced people have really messed this country up - not only the Republicans but the Democrats - I really like her. Kate S. August 30, 2008 5:16 pm · Link
Palin has no confidence in herself as a VP (as SHE HERSELF clearly stated), so how can those considering to support her have any confidence in her? She's no where near the caliber of the other candidates. In comparison, those in favor of Sarah Palin would be in favor of Katie Couric, Connie Chung or Mary Tyler Moore. They are great women (one fictitious to make a point), but not proper choices to run the most powerful country in the world. Reggie August 30, 2008 5:44 pm · Link
Reggie, really you have great points but all this doesn't matter, you're making too much sense, all it counts is that she is religious, and great mother, that is all, as long as those issues will lead this country nothing will ever change. It's funny how no one is talking about decaying infrastructure but they talk about religion, shouldn't this be personal issue? MartyAugust 30, 2008 5:56 pm · Link
Reggie, right on.
Kate S. - you can like her. I don't believe that makes her qualified to be one (very possible) heartbeat away from being Commander in Chief of the United States Military, and to lead this great nation in a very important time in hitory - one of globalization, domestic economic downturn, collapsing social security, and take on the biggest healthcare crisis in any first-world country today.
You say: "She has done an incredible amount of things for a 44 year old woman and I have to applaud any woman who can raise five kids, hunt, fish, and run a town and a state. I am sure whatever she lacks in experience she could rapidly learn."
Give me a break. Sorry, but this makes me laugh. I really wish you were being cynical. Rebecka August 30, 2008 5:58 pm · Link
John K I think being the wife of the president allows one to see what the president does.
Most people who are married share most activites together and share experiences.
For the exception of Bill fooling around with Monica I think Hillary a Yale graduate and big time lawyer had a pretty good understanding of what the president does. Being a two term senator from New York does gives you some experience.
Biden was a senator since 1972. He deals with things with American foreign policy. In fact he is one of the heads in the senate dealing with foreign policy. He does not govern Delaware. Palin governs a state that has under a million people. NJ has around 8 million.
Palin seems like a nice lady, but I am unsure what real qualifications she has to be president. If McCain wins she could become president very soon.
Maybe she would be a great president. Time will tell.
McCain clearly picked her not because she was the best Republican for the job, but maybe she can get some Clinton Voters. Problem is her views are the opposite of Clinton. If you are pro choice you are not going to vote for a pro life candidate. matt August 30, 2008 6:09 pm · Link
Please help me, she reminds me of Leave It To Beaver's Mom. OMG. Reggie August 30, 2008 6:27 pm · Link
Seriously folks, what was McCain thinking? With all of the better qualified and vetted choices he had before him, WHAT was he thinking?
Of course, Palin HAS competed in beauty contests in the 70s and 80s, AND she DOES has a journalism degree from the University of IDAHO (!!!).
Oh, and she served on the PTA, and was the mayor of a small village (NOT a City!) that makes Hackettstown look like NYC (I've been there - think "Northern Exposure").
180,000 people, (the average size of a single precinct in inner-city Chicago) voted for her for governor, a part time job (it's true - look it up), in the state of Alaska (where governing is so different it might as well be a foreign country). Absolutely, she would make an EXCELLENT commander and chief when the old man kicks it. I can see her breaking bread with Putin or Medvedev already! I can see her negotiating nuclear proliferation matters with Iran.
I am all for soccer moms. I've know some very smart ones. I even know a couple of soccer moms with college degrees and community leadership on their resumes - one of whom is hoping that maybe McCain will tap her to be Secretary of State.
I am sure she is a very capable and smart woman. The truth is, that is exactly what this is all about - - her being a woman, and the opportunity the McCain campaign thinks it presents to them to energize the ultra-conservative and disgusted Hillary supporters. The irony is, women angry regarding Hillary Clinton's not being on the democtratic ticket are FAR TOO SMART to fall for this type of maneuver.
Most amazing to me is that anyone could think that McCain is playing with a full deck after the realization that he made this decision after only a single 2 hour meeting with Palin.
This is like a bad script from a cancelled ABC television show.  texaskeystone August 30, 2008 6:58 pm · LinkI like her, too. She looks to be a very good governor. However, in business I've seen people promoted beyond their capabilities. I think she's been chosen because she may bring in votes, not because she's qualified to be VP, and heaven forbid, president, if anything happens to McCain. And why being pro-life qualifies her is beyond my comprehension. cbelAugust 30, 2008 7:01 pm · Link
I rarely talk about religion, and could care less about her family...I do care that she stood up to corrupt republicans and got rid of that era in Alaska.
Obama never stood up to Mayor Daly or any of the corrupt Chicago politicians.
She has more Executive experience than Obama and Biden put together. I think there are far better republicans than McCain and Palin, I completly agree, and I can't stand Senators and Congressmen running for president. Its a position for Governors and Mayors.  John K August 30, 2008 7:13 pm · LinkMcCain has less experience then Biden. Biden has been in the Senate longer. Neither has been gov. This can go on and on.
It shows that if you are a democrat and want change you will vote Obama if you want less change and you are a Republican you will vote McCain.
If one said you want to stay in Iraq, you are pro life, you support oil drilling anywhere you are for McCain. If you want out of Iraq, you are pro choice and you want to explore alternate fuels and support tax breaks on Hybrids you are for Obama.
Palin it seems has done nothing to change people's minds on this forum.
Between the 4 candidates she clearly is #4 in who most people would feel comfortable leading our great nation. Obama, McCain and Biden all could do it. You might not agree with them, but they can get in the trenches with terrorists. Matt August 30, 2008 9:18 pm · Link
I think it would be McCain or Biden could lead the country with Obama and Palin coming in last. Kate S. August 30, 2008 9:26 pm · Link
I like that fact that she has taken on some many people while in different offices and forced them to resign or fired them.
Some of those that were forced to resign were indited or about to be indited.
Wasn't that one guy funnling money into some guys re-election fund? CJAugust 30, 2008 10:42 pm · Link
LOL!!! Are you guys familiar with the website JibJab? Humorous and light political site, they have animated cartoons where you can put your image in it- really cool and funny. I like this particular cartoon- they way they portray Obama on a unicorn and everything is wonderful, lol
http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables/1191...in#/teaser/1191 Reggie August 31, 2008 9:08 am · Link
Yeah, she needs another 10 years experience and then maybe...
But it doesn't matter. Ronald Reagan, the great orator, was just that. In his youth he was a radio announcer for baseball games and sometime they would loose the game feed. He would just makeup the game. Ronald Reagan was not intelligent, and you don't need to be -- look at Bush Jr.
A good cabinet is all that is needed for the President today. Problem is that the cabinet gets its own agenda and implements it when you have someone like Bush.
Obama may not get much done, but I can't see casting my vote for McCain now. I don't care that she is a woman, but her views on abortion and teaching "creationism" in schools is not for me. JayAugust 31, 2008 9:55 am · Link
Reggie: Loved it! What a circus we're in. cbelAugust 31, 2008 9:59 am · Link
I don't care for our choices. Gotta pick the better of the two crapola options. I was hoping McCain would pick Rudy, a not so conservative republican, for those of us who are independent. I would have gone the McCain way if that were the case. Why do the republicans feel the need to be so stiff? No way now! Maybe Nader! lol-I KID! Reggie August 31, 2008 10:06 am · Link
I know cbel! Isn't that cartoon hysterical! I love Obama in the disney-like cartoon... living in a fantasy... Reggie August 31, 2008 10:07 am · Link
I don't know, cbel. I could have done without Bill telling Hillary she was close but no cigar. (even if it was to see Obama riding through Bambi's forest on a unicorn)
Jay - I very much agree that a cabinet can run it, but would say that was Reagan's situation, not Bush Jr. Cheney is running things, which is why there have been so many people stepping down from the Bush Jr cabinet over the years.  GC August 31, 2008 10:29 am · LinkGC: I don't mean I loved all the messages. It's just that we're in a circus atmosphere and I have to laugh sometimes, because we're in troublesome times and I don't know who has all the answers. cbelAugust 31, 2008 11:30 am · Link
Oops! Obama living in a fantasy? I sure don't agree with that. I think he has visions that a lot of people aren't ready to accept yet. I wish it were different. Neither candidate is perfect, but I believe in Barack's philosophies. And if Ron Paul could just be brought into the picture! Well, I guess I can dream. cbelAugust 31, 2008 11:42 am · Link
Correct GC. Cheney was on the commitee to search and screen VP candidates for George Jr. But guess what, old Cheney-boy elected himself and Jr agreed. So VP Cheney was sort of the exception...
Ron Paul would have been good, but if any of you watched ianimal's vide link on another thread you can see why he didn't have buch better than a snowball's chance in hell to get elected. JayAugust 31, 2008 11:55 am · Link
I'm with ya, Cbel! I accept his visions and would truly love to see them become a reality. I've become soooo accustom to promises made, giving us hope, then after we fall for their BS and elect them into office they do nothing (reminds me of my ex boyfriend, lol) Hopefully that's another part of the "CHANGE" Obama is constantly referring to- keeping promises once elected. He paints a beautiful picture, that's for sure!
Can Obama get us started on the right path? Let's hope.
GC- A very good point, the administration, "the team" our president puts together is very crucial. This information should be required before voting occurs- who will be in your administration. Reggie August 31, 2008 12:04 pm · Link
Not sure who I'm voting for yet but I'm sure more information on the candidates' positions will be coming out soon enough. Lets not put Palin down just yet. Its too early. Who can say what experience is right for a President or VP? Being a senator or a governor or a mayor? I see it just like the way we become parents. We can never say we've got experience until we become one. In the end, we rely on our own personal values, beliefs and integrity. That is what may look for in the end.
I like most of McCain's positions when he was in the middle of the political spectrum but wont like it if he's going to be pulled to the extreme right. Like where did he get the idea that middle class are those who earn up to $5 million? That was the first time I heard him ever say that. Maybe Palin would bring him more down to earth. Obama's vision seems to be a breath of fresh air. Some say he's not realistic or too much of a "rock star" with no substance but sometimes its the Vision of the President that makes a big difference. We need goals, we need challenges. Some said we could'nt land on the moon but we did. I've voted Republican because the Dems haven't really come up with a good candidate. Obama may be the change but I don't agree with some of the Dems' platforms. Abortion for instance. Its not a matter of religion, but our culture should value life in all shapes or forms. On the other end, Republicans haven't been good with the economy. We shall see what issue comes towards the forefront...more to come as we get close to the election. Michelle - undecided voterSeptember 1, 2008 2:03 am · Link
Cbel - just for the record, I did understand entirely what you were saying as a matter of some humor no matter how you felt either way about any of the portrayals towards either candidate.
I don't necessarily agree with *any* of those "messages" either. What I liked or disliked was strictly a matter of the creativity of the satire. GC September 1, 2008 12:42 pm · Link
Here's what Newt Gingrich had to say in praise (or defense) of McCain's choice of running mate on Fox News yesterday:
1. She is experienced in governing.
He failed to mention 8 of those years were spent as a town councilwoman for home town with a population of 6,700 people. (Heck, several of my friends serve on town councils!)
She was Mayor of that same small town. By comparison Hackettstown, NJ, has a population of about 9,300 and the Mayor's job is part-time.
She has been Governor of Alaska for less than 2 years. Gingrich fortifies his defense by noting the population of Alaska is comparable to that of Arkansas. I wonder if he thinks the population density and demographics of those two states are comparable!
2. For two years she served as head of the "National Guard."
Mind you he didn't say she served in the National Guard...and failed to mention that every Governor is the head of his or her state's National Guard or whether or not she every had to actually call out the National Guard for her state.
3. After that he said she was "talented." He verified this by saying: (I swear I'm not making this up)
She plays the flute.
She played on her state basketball team
She got a scholarship for being second place runner-up to Miss Alaska
Her dad is a Science teacher
Her husband is a Labor official
He went on to say the people who would criticize her small town experience are engaging in "Big East" thinking. Well, Newt, somebody has to do it. Why not the East? What about Chicago? Detroit?
You can tell a good leader by the people he (or she) places around him. They understand their strengths and weaknesses and put people in places that will help them lead. As far as I'm concerned, Obama showed sound judgment and made a "management decision" taking what is best for the country into consideration.
McCain's decision was strictly political thinking only about what will get him elected. Seriously, is this who we want running the country if John McCain cannot finish out his term? Heck, Hackettstown's mayor is probably more qualified (he's a lawyer) than McCain's choice (her degree is in journalism) but he unfortunately lacks the necessary plumbing.
Now we have to sit back and wait to see if the American people are as stupid as Gingrich (et. al.) think they are. DIYSeptember 1, 2008 6:09 pm · Link
DIY...How long has Obama been a U.S. Senator?? And how much of that time has he spent campaigning??
Also, what happened to his wifes salary when he got elected? It tripled. Then the hospital received a $1,000,000 earmark. That is exactly what McCain is fighting. No more pork barrel spending.
Almost Recalled As Mayor... Directed Fundraising For Indicted Senator's 527... Troopergate Scandal... Calls Iraq A War For Oil... Admits She Hasn't 'Really Focused On Iraq'... Alaska National Guard General: Palin Plays No Role In National Defense...
just google any of those headlines EB September 1, 2008 6:43 pm · Link
Here is Governor Palin "delighted" to be supporting the Alaskan Independence Party:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwvPNXYrIyI
According to the akip dot org:
The Alaskan Independence Party's goal is the vote we were entitled to in 1958, one choice from among the following four alternatives:
1) Remain a Territory.
2) Become a separate and Independent Nation.
3) Accept Commonwealth status.
4) Become a State.
It looks like this Republican is contemplating Secession. I wonder what Mr. Lincoln would have to say about that?
"Plainly, the central idea of secession, is the essence of anarchy."
Abraham Lincoln
Source: March 4, 1861 - Lincoln's First Inaugural Address
That's the only one that I could find after a few minutes of googling, but the topic is the essence of the Civil War. There are lots of books about that. I suggest Team of Rivals, Obama's favorite book. It would be good to at least know what we are talking about. EB September 2, 2008 7:31 am · Link
Sarah Palin's brother in law was a state trooper. When he wasn't fired by his boss, Governor Palin fired his boss.
Google Walt Monegan
"Wooten was not a model trooper," Monegan said. "On the other hand, the allegations pre-date her election. So, there is some issue about whether it was truly motivated by public safety concerns, or it was vindictiveness."
Washington Post, August 30 (click on my name) EB September 2, 2008 7:42 am · Link
"Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, considers Palin "extremely responsive and smart" and says she is in charge when it comes to in-state services, such as emergencies and natural disasters where the National Guard is the first responder.
But, in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, he said he and Palin play no role in national defense activities, even when they involve the Alaska National Guard. The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations."
click on my name for Associated Press article from "1 day ago" that I copied this from EB September 2, 2008 7:48 am · Link
In an interview with Maria Bartiromo in business week,the Governor says:
"We are a nation at war and in many [ways] the reasons for war are fights over energy sources..."
"Drilling in Alaska is going to be a matter of life and death."
click on my name
she can also be found interviewed by Bartiromo on CNBC:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/26462569?__...og*&par=RSS EB September 2, 2008 8:00 am · Link
Why did new Mayor Palin fire the police chief and librarian of Wassila?
Palin said in letters she wanted a change because she believed the two did not fully support her administration.... Palin refused Friday to detail her complaint ... saying only that "You know in your heart when someone is supportive of you."
"Wasilla librarian keeps job," Sitka Daily Sentinel 2/3/97*
http://edgeofthewest.wordpress.com/2008/08/30/may...hiavelli-watch/ EB September 2, 2008 8:06 am · Link
I wonder if she'll get Alberto Gonzalez to come back. EB September 2, 2008 8:07 am · Link
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin began building clout in her state's political circles in part by serving as a director of an independent political organization organized by the now embattled Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens.
Palin's name is listed on 2003 incorporation papers of the "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.," a 527 group that could raise unlimited funds from corporate donors. The group was designed to serve as a political boot camp for Republican women in the state. She served as one of three directors until June 2005, when her name was replaced on state filings.
Palin's relationship with Alaska's senior senator may be one of the more complicated aspects of her new position as Sen. John McCain's running mate; Stevens was indicted in July 2008 on seven counts of corruption.
Palin, an anti-corruption crusader in Alaska, had called on Stevens to be open about the issues behind the investigation. But she also held a joint news conference with him in July, before he was indicted, to make clear she had not abandoned him politically.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008..._of_embatt.html EB September 2, 2008 8:13 am · Link
Do you like talking to yourself EB? ;)
Seriously, we are all very much aware by now that you don't like Palin. How about starting a thread stating the benefits of your desired candidate instead of spending so much time knocking down the other guy.
Facts speak for themselves. What will your candidate DO to fix things? justintimeSeptember 2, 2008 1:29 pm · Link
I see the winking icon after your first sentence so I will not take it seriously, but I don't like talking to myself. Even if no one replies, someone is reading it. And will read it in the future. And their vote, and their conscience is what matters. That's why this is a public message board. A free media is available and I have posted link after link to it. If not you, then someone will look at it and be able to make up their own mind. If not, I have done my best and I will not be hiding in a corner with regret that I did nothing when Putin comes in with tanks and occupies Alaska and decides to start drilling wihout any kind of debate, in a hypothetical future.
As for another thread about my desired candidate that I started, there's the Hackettstown Life one about Joe Biden on August 27th. It's still on the front page. Check it out.
I do post on another blog. I post a lot. Years ago, it was a lot of so-called moonbat, nutjob, whacko, it's not fair kind of stuff. But not anymore. Click on my name to go to it.
As far as wedge issues, I can see pros and cons on every side. I know what I will and will not do in my private life, but screaming and yelling and making someone else feel guilty because of something I am sure they already regret is not how it works.
I would be willing to bet that Obama and Biden would keep the courts open and these things could be aired out in a way that was intended by our forefathers. If McCain is elected, and Palin later becomes President somehow, God Forbid, I think she should be more worried about making sure that the Supreme Court building stays open and the process remains available to people. We can't do that if we get invaded, or if a terrorist attack happens or if someone in FEMA doesn't agree with one of them and gets fired and the next person isn't up to speed on how it works before another catastrophe happens.
Click on my name to find my journal. Watch out if something makes sense in your mind. Defending me on this board might open you to a little personal attack. But, if you can overcome that adversity now, you might be able to overcome something more serious in the future. I don't know.
Obama and Biden will let the process work the way is supposed to. They will listen to the opposition and they will, and have been trying to, explain what they are doing and why they are doing it. They encourage each other to cover their "blind spots" and they will work as a team. Karl Rove called Biden a doofus yesterday, and when a reporter asked him if he could call him Senator Biden, he said that we can call him anything we want.
I will be proud to vote for Senators Hussein and Dufus. And I'm open to arguments defending McCain and Palin. Feel free to post all you want in this board or elsewhere.
Maybe we could go out for coffee somewhere...
I'm serious about this. EB September 2, 2008 2:37 pm · Link
Sorry to disappoint EB, but you won't find me defending any of the two-party politicians, neither dem or repub. IMHO, all of the energy, bandwidth, hot air talking about Obama and McCain is unproductive. They both want generally the same things, two sides of the same coin if you will. Neither talks about the core, foundational issues, I suppose because they think the general population is too ignorant to understand how government works or how it could be better.
I want to know the facts, not the fluff. Who's going to tell it like it is? justintimeSeptember 2, 2008 3:25 pm · Link
Actually, I agree with you on that.
I hear Obama promise the world on Thursday, but he didn't inspire anyone to help him like JFK did with the moon landing.
Lincoln and Reagan were great storytellers, too. I don't know that Obama has ever told a story over well.
But the thing is, I bet Obama would listen to me if I were in a room with him on that. I doubt that McCain or whomever would even let anyone with an opposing viewpoint on that. We all have weak points. And we have two realistic choices, now.
I believe I stayed within the bounds of the topic when I posted all of those different stories. I regret being so aggressive in some of the posts. It has bummed me out all day at work today just thinking about it.
I guess your comment asking if I like talking to myself kind of hit home, because I may have lost some credibility years ago and I finally feel like I am saying something worth saying and, well, no one's listening. I'm getting better, though. Many people who know me have been telling me that.
Anyway, sorry. I had a flashback for a moment there.
Even if Obama isn't able to fix things himself, I just feel like he's calling out to the best in each of us. And when I heard Joe Biden talk about his father's advice, it woke me up quite a bit. I have been bereaved for a long time.
I think one of the most core foundational issues is hope.
What were you referring to?
Thanks
EB EB September 2, 2008 7:30 pm · Link
Are they doing a youtube debate? Maybe we can do something as part of the Hackettstown Life Forum. We can all agree on what issues are most important to us, ask the questions and submit it. Or we can all meet somewhere and record each of our most important issues/questions and enter them separately. Something along those lines. Help me out, cuz this seems like a good idea. I could be wrong. I have been before! :-)
I'm just trying to think of how we CAN have our voices heard and get our questions answered. Justintime's right. We can sit here and go back and forth with no results or actually try to do something about it. Reggie September 2, 2008 7:47 pm · Link
 Andy Warhol would be so proud:
15 mins of Fame is your 15 min Interview for VP in 2008.
Who wants to be the next VP?
"The New York Times: "A series of disclosures about Gov. Sarah Palin, Senator John McCain's choice as running mate, called into question on Monday how thoroughly Mr. McCain had examined her background before putting her on the Republican presidential ticket." In addition to the news that Palin's 17-year-old daughter in pregnant, "it was learned that Ms. Palin now has a private lawyer in a legislative ethics investigation in Alaska into whether she abused her power in dismissing the state's public safety commissioner; that she was a member for two years in the 1990s of the Alaska Independence Party, which has at times sought a vote on whether the state should secede; and that Mr. Palin was arrested 22 years ago on a drunken-driving charge."
"At the least, Republicans close to the campaign said it was increasingly apparent that Ms. Palin had been selected as Mr. McCain's running mate with more haste than McCain advisers initially described... "'They didn't seriously consider her until four or five days from the time she was picked, before she was asked, maybe the Thursday or Friday before,' said a Republican close to the campaign. 'This was really kind of rushed at the end, because John didn't get what he wanted. He wanted to do Joe or Ridge.'" "
Wow. The media is really digging. A DWI 22 years ago? Again, it would be nice to know what they can do for US and what their friggin game plans are for the country. I still want it required to know who will be in their administration. Reggie September 2, 2008 8:05 pm · Link
WOW! That was out of the NYT???? wow. That's surprising, I figured the post! The New York Times is the only paper I trust. Can you provide a link to this entire story? Thanks for the info, Edd. Reggie September 2, 2008 8:08 pm · Link
EB I am reading all of your posts so keep posting.
justintime its no worse than your irritating posts about eduaction!
I like all the info so keep it coming.  Christine September 2, 2008 8:14 pm · LinkAgreed, EB, keep posting. My comment was intended to be sarcastic (your initial interpretation was correct). Without listening to and understanding opposing view points how in the world can we grow as individuals? Keep 'em coming.
Christine, hmmm, irritating posts about education? I think there was some sarcasm during those posts, but overall I think they were clear and concise and based on facts. As you've probably figured out, I'm open to debate and discussion but I do certainly have strong views about what's wrong with this country. IIRC, no one was able to factually dispute anything I stated. True? justintimeSeptember 2, 2008 9:05 pm · Link
EB: regarding your 7:30 post, paragraphs 4 and 7, one of the reasons I admire Barack Obama is that he doesn't call himself "the decider." Some people portray him as someone who sits on the fence and can't make a decision. I see him has contemplative, listening to all sides. I've always enjoyed respectful debates on this forum. I perceive Obama as one who respects the opinions of others even if they don't match his own.
Not bad traits when you have to negotiate with world leaders. This may seem simplistic to some, but so be it, it's where I'm coming from. cbelSeptember 2, 2008 9:41 pm · Link
Oops! paragraphs four and EIGHT. cbelSeptember 2, 2008 9:44 pm · Link
I just posted a new topic about a news channel and it was posted for a few minutes and then disappeared. Is this common here? It was not offensive or anything. DALSeptember 2, 2008 9:49 pm · Link
EB said "I think one of the most core foundational issues is hope.
What were you referring to?"
The Constitution, mostly. You know, that law-of-the-land that is bent, twisted and manipulated on a daily basis solely for the benefit of special interests.
We were all taught in school about the separation of powers, the checks and balances that keep those in power in check. But we were not taught that those divisions have eroded so badly that the lines between the three branches are barely visible. We have a judiciary that legislates from the bench, judges that rule based on their own emotions and not on how laws are written. We have a Congress that is run by lobbyists, that passes legislation that contains mostly bribes and pork for congressmen who will only vote for legislation if there is something in it for them personally. We have an executive branch that is out of control, creating laws, even though the branch has no Constitutional authority to do so, and ignoring those that it opposes.
We get bogged down in the details of the ~symptoms~ of the problems we face but what we should be addressing are the ~reasons~ why we have those problems in the first place. See http://perotcharts.com/ for a good example of the type of information that SHOULD be being discussed. But the major players won't utter a word or, if they do, it's a candy-coated description of what needs to be fixed.
To me, the foundation is the nuts and bolts of how our government works. Having a better understanding of how things work will be guaranteed to make you reconsider your positions. justintimeSeptember 2, 2008 10:13 pm · Link
New York Times Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/us/...amp;oref=slogin
ALSO TO NOTE:
Among other less attention-grabbing news of the day: it was learned that Ms. Palin now has a private lawyer in a legislative ethics investigation in Alaska into whether she abused her power in dismissing the state's public safety commissioner; that she was a member for two years in the 1990s of the Alaska Independence Party, which has at times sought a vote on whether the state should secede; and that Mr. Palin was arrested 22 years ago on a drunken-driving charge.
Edd
thanks for the positive feedback, everyone
I have grown just from getting through whatever it was that got me upset up there.
As far as the supreme court goes, I don't understand how it is "legislating from the bench" when it doesn't go the GOP's way, and then they pick intensely conservative justices like Alito, Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, etc and it's fair and balanced. Could you explain it to me, please?
How's that for a debate question? EB September 2, 2008 11:02 pm · Link
Did I ever say that the Supreme Court is fair and balanced? No way, and I never will.
The problem is that rarely does the Supreme Court rule based on the Constitution. They pay it lip service, sure, but most rulings are typically twisted one way or the other to achieve a partisan result. Take the Kelo ruling for instance - the SC ruled that it's OK for the government to take your property if it can be better utilized by someone else. No where in the Constitution does it say that the government can take your property, give it to another for their own benefit! The limits are stated specifically yet the SC says that taking your property and giving it to another for their profit is in the best interest of society. Read between the lines and the net result is more taxes collected by the government. You know how the government hates "underutilized" properties! No taxes there! justintimeSeptember 2, 2008 11:26 pm · Link
I wasn't trying to quote you. That was my best way to express my understanding of the issue. I put the word GOP there, and my mind was trying to think of the right thing to say, and the Fox News slogan came up into my mind.
That is an interesting argument. It sounds like a good one. I had heard of that issue, but i didn't know the word Kelo. Thank you. Who was it, Kelo versus who? Was the argument you quoted Kelo's argument, or the other side?
this seems to be a bit about the decision
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v._N...rt.27s_decision
I have no idea what I'm takling about, but it sounds like each specific case is dependent on proving that some variable is "conceivable", "independent and legitimate" and " genuine, not hypothesized or invented post hoc in response to litigation."
I'd like to see examples of what in those cases fit those definitions, and how they get determined.
Oh well, this is much better than ranting and calling someone a fascist, and then being called a nutjob and going about my day upset which used to happen a lot. EB September 2, 2008 11:45 pm · Link
New London, I didn't edit out the question "Kelo versus who" before I posted the last message. EB September 2, 2008 11:46 pm · Link
WOW Sexy A WOMAN with a GUN.
She has my vote. CJSeptember 3, 2008 2:49 pm · Link
Thanks for the NY Times link, Edd! Reggie September 3, 2008 8:22 pm · Link
She was super tonight. Loved her and Guiliani's speeches. She was over the top. Even CNN anchors that are usually liberal said she hit it out of the park. BRAVO to her.
They've definitely got my vote. WaitaminuteSeptember 3, 2008 11:37 pm · Link
3 words liberals are going to need to learn:
Madame Vice President
It's over... I can't wait to see her eat Joe Plagiarist for breakfast in the debates. ianimal September 4, 2008 12:05 am · Link
And mine, too.  Copygirl September 4, 2008 12:07 am · LinkMine too! petartistSeptember 4, 2008 12:21 am · Link
RNC ......They wowed us!!!!!I can't wait to hear more from her. Pet LoverSeptember 4, 2008 2:08 am · Link
I LOVED her! And she was right on with her comments. Hey, Guiliani was at his best.
Palin/Guiliani in 2012 ! Who's with me!? ;)
Oh, I can hear the liberals typing away and trying to dig up dirt to try to smear her now. What a threat she turn |
