Wow, didn't take long for the Sarah Palin scandal to grow

[mactastic]

Of course it's not political. It's just a reflection of how awesome these people are that they Chose Life!

[beatzfreak]

Personally I stand with what Obama said. "I think people's families are off-limits, and people's children are especially off-limits. This shouldn't be part of our politics. It has no relevance to Gov. Palin's performance as governor or her potential performance as a vice president."

He think Obama is right and any one who makes it political has reach a brand new low in mudslinging. It was bad before but if you start attacking the childern you are a heartless person who a prime example of what is wrong with this world.

If any candidate makes this political I will say who ever the other guy is is the better choice.

So far, the only candidate in this race who has gone after someone's child is John McCain.

Remember this gem from him?

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."

[BoyBach]

an interesting take on the VP-selected (http://www.crosscut.com/politics-government/17341/About+Sarah+Palin:+an+e-mail+from+Wasilla/), by a housewife from Wasilla. It seems a balanced account although from someone who clearly is not a fan.


A housewife does a better job of telling the electorate the facts about the potential Vice President of the USA than the professional journalists. Sad times. :(

[iJohnHenry]

Don't you guys realize that all politicians are the same whoever they say they are for ?

Yes, but it's the theatre that enthrals them.

What other culture do they have??

[bitfactory]

So far, the only candidate in this race who has gone after someone's child is John McCain.

Remember this gem from him?

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."

This thread is hilarious.

My favorite part is how pious Obama is about Palin's kids getting dumped on (as well as the slimy Kos Kiddies 'fake baby story').

You know damn well those stories came from his camp and his surrogates. He sat on it for a while, then became 'the bigger man' by acting all offended.

The RNC needs to hit back hard (but truthfully) about BO's record. I've read a spec ad showing footage of Obama at the Kos Konvention with the 'fake baby story' scrolling on the bottom with the words, "Is this the change you really want?"

Perfect.

[yg17]

The baby story was not something pushed by Kos. It was never acceptable on their site and anyone who posted that garbage was dealt a pretty good punishment, usually a banning.

[obeygiant]

The baby story was not something pushed by Kos.

You're right, it wasn't pushed by the Kos, it was excreted, broke off, then plopped in a bowl of water.

[Iscariot]

Sweet evil Jesus, is it even possible to have an election campaign that's kinda sorta about the issues? Unless you're planning to elect Palin as Vice President Your Mom, that is.

I only worry that Bristol Palin is going to spend the rest of her life paying for her mother’s political aspirations and religious beliefs. Poor girl should be permitted to sort this out as she sees fit. As for Sarah Palin, I only care what her platform is, identity politics are virtually meaningless.

[Dagless]

They're not getting my vote.

[BoyBach]

The candidates were pressed on their stances on abortion and were even asked what they would do if their own daughters were raped and became pregnant.

Palin said she would support abortion only if the mother's life was in danger. When it came to her daughter, she said, "I would choose life."

http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/2006/governor/story/8372383p-8266781c.html


What a lovely, compassionate woman she is. :rolleyes:

[Pittsax]

Wow...just...wow...


From NBC's Michael Levine
As questions have been raised over how thoroughly Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign vetted Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the V.P. slot, it seems the McCain campaign was unaware of a video -- available online -- in which Palin talks about God's role in U.S. military action overseas, according to a political operative familiar with the situation.

The video, first reported by the liberal blog HuffingtonPost.com, is from a June Palin speech to the graduating class of commission students at Palin's former church in Wasilla, Alaska. While describing her family, Palin told students about her oldest son, 19-year-old Track, who is set to be deployed to Iraq this month with the U.S. Army. She urged students to pray “that our leaders -- that our national leaders -- are sending [soldiers] out on a task that is from God.”

She added, “That's what we have to make sure that we are praying for: that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan.”

“It's pretty uncomfortable stuff,” said the political operative, after watching the video online. “It's bad. It's really bad. … It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out.”

In addition to talking about Iraq, Palin also referred to God's role in her work as governor.

“I can do my part in working really, really hard to get a natural gas pipeline, about a $30 billion project that's going to create a lot of jobs for Alaska. … [but] I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that,” she said. “I can do my job there in developing our natural resources, in doing things like getting the roads paved and making sure our troopers have their cop cars and their uniforms and their guns, and making sure our public schools are funded. But really that stuff doesn't do any good if the people of Alaska's hearts aren't right with God.”

It wasn't all serious, though. At one point during the address, Palin praised the graduating class as “a bunch of cool-looking Christians.” Then she picked out one student in the crowd and said with a smile, “Ben, I don't know you well enough yet, but looking at you, I'm thinking, people are going to interested in Jesus Christ through you because of the way you look - this red-headed Sasquatch for Jesus. You look good!” The students cheered. “Times are really changin'. And with the times that change, looks even change.”

The seven-minute speech is posted on the Web site of Palin's former church, the Wasilla Assembly of God. But, the political operative said, the McCain campaign seems to have had no knowledge of it when Palin was announced as McCain's running mate on Friday.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/02/1327574.aspx

[Don't panic]

she looks worse and worse by the day.

didn't McCain say some time ago that his first and only criterium for selecting the VP would be "the most qualified to run the country if need arises"?
so, how did he settle on an inexperienced fundamentalist?
for being a "independent maverick" and "his own man" he caved mightly quickly to last week's threats from the religious right.
and now they own him, because she even moderate republican should be scared by her, let alone independents.

[BoyBach]

I predict a political train wreck.

[Don't panic]

now get ready for pastor-gate II, the other side:

a few jewels (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html) from sarah's pastor:

During the 2004 election season, he praised President Bush's performance during a debate with Sen. John Kerry, then offered a not-so-subtle message about his personal candidate preferences. "I'm not going tell you who to vote for, but if you vote for this particular person, I question your salvation. I'm sorry." Kalnins added: "If every Christian will vote righteously, it would be a landslide every time."

Months after hinting at possible damnation for Kerry supporters, Kalnins bristled at the treatment President Bush was receiving over the federal government's handling of Hurricane Katrina. "I hate criticisms towards the President," he said, "because it's like criticisms towards the pastor -- it's almost like, it's not going to get you anywhere, you know, except for hell. That's what it'll get you."

Much of his support for the current administration has come in the realm of foreign affairs. Kalnins has preached that the 9/11 attacks and the invasion of Iraq were part of a "world war" over the Christian faith, one in which Jesus Christ had called upon believers to be willing to sacrifice their lives.

During his appearance with Palin in June, he declared, "I believe Alaska is one of the refuge states in the last days, and hundreds of thousands of people are going to come to the state to seek refuge and the church has to be ready to minister to them."

[leekohler]

Do you even know what a strawman is? TV posited a unprovable statement and then sought to refute it with prejudice. Stick to the facts.

Excuse me, it is entirely TRUE that evangelicals and conservatives do this. Are you actually trying to say that they don't? Who would you like me to discuss? Limbaugh, Ted Haggard, Larry Craig? If you'd like me to go find quotes for you, I'd be more than happy. Do not go here with me- seriously. These people are hypocrites of the worst kind.

[njmac]

Book banning? :eek:
Time Magazine (http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1837918,00.html).

Stein says that as mayor, Palin continued to inject religious beliefs into her policy at times. "She asked the library how she could go about banning books," he says, because some voters thought they had inappropriate language in them. "The librarian was aghast." That woman, Mary Ellen Baker, couldn't be reached for comment, but news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor.

[63dot]

I know, pisses me off to no end. If it was Obama's 17 year old unmarried daughter who got knocked up, the religious right would be raising holy hell.

I am glad that some right wing christian leaders are remaining silent on this issue of teenage motherhood. Obama had a teenage mom, and Sarah Palin's teenage daughter is a mother to be. From what I can see, left wing christians have also remained mostly quiet on this, unless they feel their need for a political cheap shot is more important than their faith.

Many christians are not mature christians, and are tempted by the thought of using their left or right leaning politics and religion and make a soup out of it.

Our constitution, and just basic common sense, as well as history has shown that mixing the two does not usually work. Think Prohitibion and the mess that brought upon our country.

Christianity, especially since it emcompases members from all political parties is not on trial here, and neither are all the teenage mothers in this country.

By next week, hopefully, since time is short, both parties should start talking about the bigger issues of the economy, gas, environmentalism, offshoring, the war, and a few other major topics. Gay marriage, who that has a teen mom that happens to hold high office, and insane pastors on both sides who say idiot things should not be considered major issues. Palin's crazy minister and Obama's former crazy minister are not national issues.

[leekohler]

Book banning? :eek:
Time Magazine (http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1837918,00.html).

The rest of that article isn't exactly encouraging, but at least now I can understand why the religious right loves her so much. She's a nutjob.

[atszyman]

By next week, hopefully, since time is short, both parties should start talking about the bigger issues of the economy, gas, environmentalism, offshoring, the war, and a few other major topics. Gay marriage, who that has a teen mom that happens to hold high office, and insane pastors on both sides who say idiot things should not be considered major issues. Palin's crazy minister and Obama's former crazy minister are not national issues.

Have you been here for the last 4+ elections?

The day we have an election actually based o the issues is the day every baseball game begins with us singing our national anthem "Oh, Canada".

[Pittsax]

I am glad that some right wing christian leaders are remaining silent on this issue of teenage motherhood. Obama had a teenage mom, and Sarah Palin's teenage daughter is a mother to be. From what I can see, left wing christians have also remained mostly quiet on this, unless they feel their need for a political cheap shot is more important than their faith.

Many christians are not mature christians, and are tempted by the thought of using their left or right leaning politics and religion and make a soup out of it.

Our constitution, and just basic common sense, as well as history has shown that mixing the two does not usually work. Think Prohitibion and the mess that brought upon our country.

Christianity, especially since it emcompases members from all political parties is not on trial here, and neither are all the teenage mothers in this country.

By next week, hopefully, since time is short, both parties should start talking about the bigger issues of the economy, gas, environmentalism, offshoring, the war, and a few other major topics. Gay marriage, who that has a teen mom that happens to hold high office, and insane pastors on both sides who say idiot things should not be considered major issues. Palin's crazy minister and Obama's former crazy minister are not national issues.
I don't take issue with Palin's daughter being pregnant. I take issue with McCain choosing her as his VP without knowing everything about her. It seems like once people started actually looking into her past, a lot of unsavory stuff has come up. This shows either a) lack of judgement or b) lack of concern (or both), and THAT is relevant to this election.

[atszyman]

I don't take issue with Palin's daughter being pregnant. I take issue with McCain choosing her as his VP without knowing everything about her. It seems like once people started actually looking into her past, a lot of unsavory stuff has come up. This shows either a) lack of judgement or b) lack of concern (or both), and THAT is relevant to this election.

Very true. This is probably one of the biggest insights we get into the judgement capabilities of the candidates. They get to pick their running mate, the person who will have to run the country if something should happen to the candidate.

McCain and his staff either did a very poor job researching or they are playing some political chess game I don't quite understand with the VP pick. The more that comes out about her, the more McCain's judgement will come into question. There are rumors that he was pressured from the party elite to go this route which would ruin the narrative of McCain being an independent thinker. The more he tries to defend the choice the more his judgement will be questioned unless she knocks the ball out of the park with her speech tonight.

Tonight will be an interesting night.

[scotthayes]

The stories just keep coming. How can any one say they would not allow an abortion if their daughter was raped and became pregnant. That is just mind blowing.

[Pittsax]

Very true. This is probably one of the biggest insights we get into the judgement capabilities of the candidates. They get to pick their running mate, the person who will have to run the country if something should happen to the candidate.

McCain and his staff either did a very poor job researching or they are playing some political chess game I don't quite understand with the VP pick. The more that comes out about her, the more McCain's judgement will come into question. There are rumors that he was pressured from the party elite to go this route which would ruin the narrative of McCain being an independent thinker. The more he tries to defend the choice the more his judgement will be questioned unless she knocks the ball out of the park with her speech tonight.

Tonight will be an interesting night.
And another thing...everyone on the Right is saying that Obama has no right to criticize Palin's lack of experience, because they can throw it right back. Well, okay. But here's the rub: Obama (and his supposed lack of record) was chosen by the voters of the Democratic Party, who apparently liked him well enough to select him anyway. Sarah Palin (and her supposed lack of record) were chosen by John McCain.

[pseudobrit]

And another thing...everyone on the Right is saying that Obama has no right to criticize Palin's lack of experience, because they can throw it right back. Well, okay. But here's the rub: Obama (and his supposed lack of record) was chosen by the voters of the Democratic Party, who apparently liked him well enough to select him anyway. Sarah Palin (and her supposed lack of record) were chosen by John McCain.

Obama got a B.A. from Columbia, his J.D. from Harvard, taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago, put in time at a law firm working civil rights and neighborhood development, then won office in the state senate and served over seven years before winning his U.S. Senate seat.

Palin tried for a business degree at Hawaii Pacific College for a semester, then switched to North Idaho College before finally settling on a B.S. in journalism from the illustrious U of Idaho. After tinkering around in the family business, she became mayor of a 5,000 person town, where she ran up a $22M deficit from a zero balance, then became governor in December 2006.

[leekohler]

Obama got a B.A. from Columbia, his J.D. from Harvard, taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago, put in time at a law firm working civil rights and neighborhood development, then won office in the state senate and served over seven years before winning his U.S. Senate seat.

Palin tried for a business degree at Hawaii Pacific College for a semester, then switched to North Idaho College before finally settling on a B.S. in journalism from the illustrious U of Idaho. After tinkering around in the family business, she became mayor of a 5,000 person town, where she ran up a $22M deficit from a zero balance, then became governor in December 2006.

A Republican running a deficit? Who'd a thunk? :rolleyes:

[atszyman]

And another thing...everyone on the Right is saying that Obama has no right to criticize Palin's lack of experience, because they can throw it right back. Well, okay. But here's the rub: Obama (and his supposed lack of record) was chosen by the voters of the Democratic Party, who apparently liked him well enough to select him anyway. Sarah Palin (and her supposed lack of record) were chosen by John McCain.

Which is kind of the point I was getting to in a round about manner about as clear as an oak door.

The people, through whatever strange manner the party implements select the nominee, or at least have the illusion of some input into who they would like the nominee to be. The VP pick is our first big insight into the kind of judgement that they will bring to the presidency.

Considering that this is the person that will be in charge should they become incapacitated in some way, there is a lot of trust that voters have to put into the nominee to make this choice and depending on how Palin does tonight and what else might be uncovered, it can be particularly damaging to McCain.

[hulugu]

This thread is hilarious.

My favorite part is how pious Obama is about Palin's kids getting dumped on (as well as the slimy Kos Kiddies 'fake baby story').

You know damn well those stories came from his camp and his surrogates. He sat on it for a while, then became 'the bigger man' by acting all offended.

The RNC needs to hit back hard (but truthfully) about BO's record. I've read a spec ad showing footage of Obama at the Kos Konvention with the 'fake baby story' scrolling on the bottom with the words, "Is this the change you really want?"

Perfect.

Do you have prove that this story was connected to the Obama campaign? Or, is this more rumor-mongering drivel?

Also, DailyKos is an independent website!

[Prof.]

Is it just me or does Palin look like she's capable of blowing her lid and going all "psycho bitch" on the US? Seriously, she looks like she could have bigger balls than McCain and that's not a good thing.

[Sky Blue]

"Palin fired the whole state Agriculture and Conservation board in July 2007, ostensibly to save a mismanaged state-owned dairy, and replaced it with her usual gang of cronies.

As a result, the dairy lost more money than it had in twenty years.

The dairy, an Alaska icon, closed anyway in two months, taking hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional state money with it.

Millions of dollars in dairy equipment ended up, at a steep discount, in the hands of a local Palin ally, who now runs a remarkably similar operation with the help of a Ted Stevens earmark."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9...523/364/584429


The Palin/AIP videos have been taken down:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHFY1otOWjQ


Someone getting worried ...

[leekohler]

"Palin fired the whole state Agriculture and Conservation board in July 2007, ostensibly to save a mismanaged state-owned dairy, and replaced it with her usual gang of cronies.

As a result, the dairy lost more money than it had in twenty years.

The dairy, an Alaska icon, closed anyway in two months, taking hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional state money with it.

Millions of dollars in dairy equipment ended up, at a steep discount, in the hands of a local Palin ally, who now runs a remarkably similar operation with the help of a Ted Stevens earmark."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9...523/364/584429

Great! Sounds like another Bush! Isn't that what we want? :rolleyes: I cannot believe John McCain is this stupid. I knew he'd been acting strangely for the last few years, but my god!

[atszyman]

Great! Sounds like another Bush! Isn't that what we want? :rolleyes: I cannot believe John McCain is this stupid. I knew he'd been acting strangely for the last few years, but my god!

The worst thing he's done is defend the choice in the press. Now he's committed. If he had just shut up and let the stuff fly he could still divorce himself from this decision, but the defending of it would just be thrown back now. I can only see a few reasons that he picked her.

1) He was pressured by the party elite to put her on the ticket, which ruins his "I'm my own man" mantra.

2) He really thinks she's the best person for the job, which ruins his experience attacks.

3) It's a political chess move that has either backfired or has yet to completely play out.

4) He's gone senile.

I could give him #2 or #3 if she does really well at her speech tonight and nothing else negative comes out, #1 would be buried so far that we won't find out about it unless McCain loses and starts blaming people. #4 would explain a lot of his positions in the last couple years versus where he stood in 2000 and is probably the most scary since it could put Palin in charge much earlier than expected.

[Anuba]

Is it just me or does Palin look like she's capable of blowing her lid and going all "psycho bitch" on the US? Seriously, she looks like she could have bigger balls than McCain and that's not a good thing.
Indeed.

Let's see... evangelical Christian, rabidly pro-life, lifetime NRA member, wants schools to teach creationism, travelled abroad *once* in her life (after turning 40!), categorically denies all evidence of global warming... hell yeah she's scary.

If a person like that tried to get into politics in Europe, she'd be leaving town in tar and feathers. She's exactly the kind of American that makes Europeans scratch their heads and wonder what the hell happened to some ex-Europeans who got on a boat to North America and settled there. How did they go collectively insane, to the point where we can barely recognize them as our own species, let alone our own race and heritage? Was there some mutation or freak inbreeding accident? How can they be technologically advanced, yet stuck mentally in the 18th century?

The most surprising tidbit about her, however, is that she was a runner-up for Miss Alaska. I'm surprised because this means there was actually more than one contestant.

[Sky Blue]

Palin's church says Jews deserve to be victims of terrorism

"Brickner also described terrorist attacks on Israelis as God's "judgment of unbelief" of Jews who haven't embraced Christianity."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13098.html

[it5five]

Interesting note on that: Palin was in attendance that day. She did not object to what he said.

It'll be interesting to see if the media makes a circus out of this little tidbit. Compared to the Wright/Obama coverage, especially with Obama not even being in attendance during that "controversial" sermon, you would think the media would report non-stop on this story until the election.

An unrelated video, but still horrifying/hilarious: pray for a natural gas pipeline: nutjob part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1vPYbRB7k&)

[leekohler]

Interesting note on that: Palin was in attendance that day. She did not object to what he said.

It'll be interesting to see if the media makes a circus out of this little tidbit. Compared to the Wright/Obama coverage, especially with Obama not even being in attendance during that "controversial" sermon, you would think the media would report non-stop on this story until the election.

An unrelated video, but still horrifying/hilarious: pray for a natural gas pipeline: nutjob part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1vPYbRB7k&)

Given how they've jumped on her already, I'd say it's almost a sure bet they'll hound her mercilessly.

[atszyman]

Interesting note on that: Palin was in attendance that day. She did not object to what her pastor said.

It'll be interesting to see if the media makes a circus out of this little tidbit. Compared to the Wright/Obama coverage, especially with Obama not even being in attendance during that "controversial" sermon, you would think the media would report non-stop on this story until the election.

But IOKIYAR. Especially if you are behind in the polls and reporting these things would put them further back.

It's no fun to cover a blow out and ratings are low if it's obvious who is going to win...

On a side note I can see one political chess move that could yet be pulled, I'm not sure how well it would work though. If Palin decides that the job, or media scrutiny is going to be too much for her family, she could withdraw and the GOP could claim that it was due to sexism in the media, you know, the same sexism that cost Clinton the nomination.

Given all the negative news I'm not sure that people would buy that it was the media's fault that the poorly vetted VP pick had to withdraw and it would still reflect badly on McCain's judgement.

Edit: It appears I might be right (http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/03/mccain-backers-accuse-media-dems-of-sexism-with-palin/) about something for a change.

[Mindflux]

http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/mccain-palin.jpg

[Sky Blue]

McCain had criticized earmarks from Palin

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-earmarks3-2008sep03,0,6145252.story

Three times in recent years, McCain's catalogs of "objectionable" spending have included earmarks for this small Alaska town, requested by its mayor at the time -- Sarah Palin.

Now, McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee, has chosen Palin as his running mate, touting her as a reformer just like him.

McCain has made opposition to pork-barrel spending a central theme of his 2008 campaign. "Earmarking deprives federal agencies of scarce resources, at the whim of individual members of Congress," McCain has said.

But records show that Palin -- first as mayor of Wasilla and recently as governor of Alaska -- was far from shy about pursuing tens of millions in earmarks for her town, her region and her state.

[mactastic]

Seems that Ms. Palin isn't exactly being as forthright as so many of our righty friends here have been claiming. They told us she was cooperating with the investigation into Troopergate, unlike the unconscionable "Hussein Jr." who was stonewalling attempts to get to the bottom of the Rezko affair.

Well, now it appears that not only is Ms. (redacted) Congeniality asserting "executive privilege" to put the investigation into the hands of a panel of loyalists, the McCain campaign team is trying to get the report to be issued by the investigation pushed back a few days from the late October deadline to -- you guessed it -- AFTER the election.

You'd think that if McCain properly vetted her, and he knows she's got no issues that can hurt him, then he'd want the report out BEFORE the election to clear her name...

He also appears to have nominated someone who has a pastor problem, as well as a loyalty to the United States problem. I eagerly await all those who paraded through here on their high horses telling us that Obama should have denounced his pastor the minute he heard his sermons now tell us that Palin is suspect because she didn't immediately denounce her pastor.

And also to explain to us why someone who is affiliated with a secessonist group with the motto "Alaska First" should get to serve with a man who's campaign motto is "Country First".

...her speech tonight...
According to the McCain campaign, the speech Palin will give has been in draft since before she was even selected. It is currently being "tweaked" to be "less masculine".

IOW, it's not her speech. It's the McCain camp's rendition of what they think certain critical voter demographics want to hear.

[atszyman]

According to the McCain campaign, the speech Palin will give has been in draft since before she was even selected. It is currently being "tweaked" to be "less masculine".

IOW, it's not her speech. It's the McCain camp's rendition of what they think certain critical voter demographics want to hear.

All the more reason to watch. If the speech is good and she can deliver it believably and make it sound like hers, well, more power to her. If it is only mediocre or her delivery fails, they might try to use the "it wasn't her speech" excuse, which of course would bring up the question of, "why didn't she work and prepare her own speech?"

I love fall in an election year...:rolleyes:

[MacDawg]

People react to things differently... the very reasons most on the board do NOT like Palin are the very same reasons that others do...

Link to article (http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0908/DeLay_to_media_Keep_it_up.html?showall)

DeLay to media: "Keep it up"

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has a message to reporters scrutinizing John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin: "Please, media, keep it up."

DeLay, speaking on a Politico/Yahoo/Pioneer Press panel in St. Paul on Wednesday morning, said the tough coverage has done something for McCain that the maverick could never do with his own party.

"The media has done more for John McCain in the last two days than he’s done for himself in the last year and a half," DeLay said.

"Trashing her is waking up the sleeping giant, and the sleeping giant is Republican women," he claimed.

Asked after the panel if the media-bashing by Republicans was a way of creating a common enemy between McCain and conservatives who had been reluctant to embrace his candidacy, DeLay said: "Exactly. You got it."


Woof, Woof – Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[Anuba]

Edit: It appears I might be right (http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/03/mccain-backers-accuse-media-dems-of-sexism-with-palin/) about something for a change.
Sexism my ass. It may still be an issue in America, but people all over the world are criticizing McCain for his poor judgement. And here in Europe we are no strangers to women in power. Thatcher in the UK, Merkel in Germany, Bruntland in Norway, Halonen in Finland... it's not about Palin being a woman, it's about her being an incompetent moron.

The real insults to women's intelligence are...

A) ...to pick Palin as VP over much more competent, qualified and experienced women (and men), presumably because they weren't as pretty

B) ...to imply that she should be let off the hook easily because she's a woman

C) ...to think that women are so shallow that they will embrace her as the new Hillary even though her views are diametrically opposite to hers

[mactastic]

People react to things differently... the very reasons most on the board do NOT like Palin are the very same reasons that others do...

Link to article (http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0908/DeLay_to_media_Keep_it_up.html?showall)



Woof, Woof – Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif
He can excite the base all he wants, but if he turns off independents and moderates in the process -- as all the polling I've seen lately is showing -- he can kiss the election goodbye.

[MacDawg]

He can excite the base all he wants, but if he turns off independents and moderates in the process -- as all the polling I've seen lately is showing -- he can kiss the election goodbye.

And that is the risk he is taking... he is counting on the hope that he can hold them and she can bring home the bacon with the conservatives. It will be interesting to see whose strategy holds... Obama took his risk with Biden the Beltway insider and the antithesis to his change message... and McCain with Palin.

Woof, Woof – Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[Ntombi]

Sexism my ass. It may still be an issue in America, but people all over the world are criticizing McCain for his poor judgement. And here in Europe we are no strangers to women in power. Thatcher in the UK, Merkel in Germany, Bruntland in Norway, Halonen in Finland... it's not about Palin being a woman, it's about her being an incompetent moron.

The real insults to women's intelligence are...

A) ...to pick Palin as VP over much more competent, qualified and experienced women (and men), presumably because they weren't as pretty

B) ...to imply that she should be let off the hook easily because she's a woman

C) ...to think that women are so shallow that they will embrace her as the new Hillary even though her views are diametrically opposite to hersExactly. There was some sexism in the way some of the media covered Hillary's campaign, but that didn't lose her the nomination. There are REAL ISSUES being talked about in the Palin coverage, and so far the only sexism is in the way people talk about her looks. That argument is their desperate attempt to divert attention from the real she's a horrific candidate.

He can excite the base all he wants, but if he turns off independents and moderates in the process -- as all the polling I've seen lately is showing -- he can kiss the election goodbye.

Yep. Let them bring their base on board all they like, as long as independents pay attention and run far away from this nutter.

[mactastic]

And that is the risk he is taking... he is counting on the hope that he can hold them and she can bring home the bacon with the conservatives. It will be interesting to see whose strategy holds... Obama took his risk with Biden the Beltway insider and the antithesis to his change message... and McCain with Palin.

Woof, Woof – Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif
All evidence is pointing to McCain losing the middle with his Palin pick:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2824964341_5df0bcf1d8_o.png

[MacDawg]

All evidence is pointing to McCain losing the middle with his Palin pick:


And as you said in the other thread... most Americans are just now starting to pay attention... so we shall see... it should be an interesting couple of months

Woof, Woof – Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[Cleverboy]

An unrelated video, but still horrifying/hilarious: pray for a natural gas pipeline: nutjob part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1vPYbRB7k&)She's just crazy about Alaska. Hey... watch how she answers a question about being prepared for the Vice Presidency...

http://www.drudge.com/news/111770/why-palin-alaskas-close-russia
The reporter, Kyle Hopkins, asked, according to the transcript posted today, "Are you ready to be President Palin if necessary?"

"I am ... I am up to the task, of course, of focusing on the challenges that face America," she answered, and that was all she could say on her behalf on this question. Then she abruptly shifted to how her candidacy would help Alaska. "And I am very pleased with the situation that I am in, when, when you consider the situation now that Alaska will be in.

"And that is Alaska, and Alaskans will be allowed to contribute more to our great country and they'll be allowed to do that because I -- if we're elected -- will be in a position of opening the eyes of the country to what it is that Alaska is all about and what Alaska has to offer. So, I am happy to and very honored to be asked to do this. I know it's going to be great for Alaska."

Who said the woman was against earmarks? Actually, it seems like she sees herself as an Alaska earmark. Can you imagine Tim Kaine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_GswLnSIII) answering the question like that (same amount of time as Governor of Virginia as Palin has served as that of Alaska), if he were picked for VP? --But replace "Alaska" with "Virginia". No. Of course not. The Presidency is not about your state. It's about your COUNTRY. It seems really clear she has a priorities problem. It's a shame her speech isn't going to be about what SHE has to say, but about how she delivers the words given to her. At least there's that though.

Why is it great for her to be Vice President? Well, because "I know it will be great for Alaska." :confused:

~ CB

[bobber205]

Wow. A new low.

I just heard a Republican pundit say:

"While Obama was Senator did he do anything comparable to Palin as Mayor? No."

:rolleyes:

[iJohnHenry]

The day we have an election actually based o the issues is the day every baseball game begins with us singing our national anthem "Oh, Canada".

You say that like it's a bad thing??

But, contrary to your belief, we do not have much better luck voting on "issues" as you do.

We feel we are a great country in which to live, in spite of our leaders, not because of them.

Many of your own voted with their feet, and love their adopted home now.

[gauchogolfer]

Check out this from the Huffington post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/peggy-noonan-mike-murphy_n_123647.html).

Hilarious.

[mactastic]

Karl Rove (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/08/29/vp-picks-karl-rove-swings-and-misses-big-time/) on Sarah Palin... I mean on Tim Kaine:
With all due respect again to Governor Kaine, he’s been a governor for three years, he’s been able but undistinguished. I don’t think people could really name a big, important thing that he’s done. He was mayor of the 105th largest city in America. And again, with all due respect to Richmond, Virginia, it’s smaller than Chula Vista, California; Aurora, Colorado; Mesa or Gilbert, Arizona; north Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada. It’s not a big town. So if he were to pick Governor Kaine, it would be an intensely political choice where he said, `You know what? I’m really not, first and foremost, concerned with, is this person capable of being president of the United States?
For once, I agree with Karl.

[Cleverboy]

And about that media conspiracy?
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/bookman/entries/2008/09/03/palin_victim_of_media_conspira.html
Fortunately, we have a similar set of circumstances to compare against the Palin case. In March of 2007, John Edwards decided to continue his presidential campaigning even after his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The reaction will sound familiar. Not only that, but the media THEN proceeded to kick the EVERY LIVING CRAP out of Edwards, when news of the "affair" broke out, even though apparently, this is a "private life" issue. I'm sure we had a fair amount of kicking in this forum too, regarding Edward's goof-up. Palin is only the victim of herself. She didn't have to accept the offer. Kay Hutchinson or Olympia Snow would have been a MUCH more bullet-proof choice for McCain. Instead, he lept to someone who had bullet-points he'd find advantages to push. The whole "scandal" thing started due to obfuscation, oddities and an ongoing criminal investigation. If these elements, there would BE NO MEDIA STORM.

While I never questioned whether Edwards should continue running, with a wife with cancer... others did, and asked him many times. A Down-syndrome NEW BORN BABY? Yeah, that's a huge consideration for someone. I personally thought it was IRRESPONSIBLE of Edwards to run, while hiding an affair. Personal life does matter. And meanwhile, her public policy conflicts are being given mostly a free-ride due to indignation over the scandal.

~ CB

[Anuba]

Check out this from the Huffington post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/peggy-noonan-mike-murphy_n_123647.html).

Hilarious.
Ha! That's gotta hurt.

Still, I'm starting to appreciate the entertainment value we're getting out of Palin. She makes Desperate Housewives look like a snorefest. It's been nearly a week, yet new details are still emerging by the hour!

[bobber205]

I'm more concerned on whether or not she's good in bed...

;)

I'm kidding.

[Cleverboy]

Ha! That's gotta hurt.
Still, I'm starting to appreciate the entertainment value we're getting out of Palin. She makes Desperate Housewives look like a snorefest. It's been nearly a week, yet new details are still emerging by the hour!
Yikes... talk about taking a hit to the teeth, read this exchange with McCain's campaign advisor. Smidt didn't even try to wriggle... he just stumbled and sat down.
Sen. GRAHAM: I think governors--having been in the Senate, probably. Governor Palin, I think, really compliments what John wants to do. John has looked at Washington as broken, and it's not nothing--something new to him. I was one of 14 senators who voted against "a bridge to nowhere." I was scared because I knew what was going to come my way. The governor of Alaska said no to the project.

COURIC: But didn't she initially say yes to the project?

Sen. GRAHAM: Yeah.

COURIC: So doesn't that kind of drive a hole into that argument?

Sen. GRAHAM: I think--I have earmarked. I confess on national TV. This has been a journey for Alaska and the country. She's seen what's happened in Alaska. John's seen what has happened in Washington. If you wanted to pick somebody that had a record of change and would tell their own party things they didn't want to hear, she's the best pick John could have made. She's a lot like John.

COURIC: But she did have a change of heart of that bridge to nowhere, correct? I mean, let's just set the record straight.

Mr. SCHMIDT: She did. And let's be clear. She killed it at the end of the day. It's OK.

COURIC: After initially supporting it, that's all. I think we should set the record straight on that.

Mr. SCHMIDT: There's no--there's no--there's no question that that's--that that's the case.

Sen. GRAHAM: Yeah.If that isn't a CLEAR flip-flop in the presentation of that fact, I don't know what is. They need to be embarrassed for themselves everytime they try to misrepresent that. "At the end of the day", please. More like, "After everybody went home".

~ CB

[mactastic]

Well, to be fair, she was happy to promise full and complete cooperation to those investigating her Troopergate problem. And by full and complete cooperation, she means lawyering up, stalling for time, and asserting executive privilege.

Kind of like how opposing the Bridge to Nowhere means supporting it first, then spending the earmarked money elsewhere anyway.
http://infectedtube.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/palin-nowhere.jpg
She was for of it before she was against it...

[Cleverboy]

I thought the same of Obama. No sooner did he say that it was a mistake to grant an interview with his children, than we're seeing his kids take the stage at the DNC, making them a talking point. Translation: "Don't talking about my family, unless... unless its POSITIVE and ON-MESSAGE!"

So, here we have the GOP engaging in the same BIZARRE dance of contradiction. "Back off the Palin family. This is a private matter!" --Except... except when its not.

Analysis: GOP contradicts self on Palin family
Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gwVVaTDmEnfey52iYOpLi3LBvxWAD92VI7QO2
Huh? The Republican message about the Palin offspring comes across as contradictory: Hey, media, leave those kids alone — so we can use them as we see fit.

If you doubt this scenario, consider this: On Wednesday morning, a teenage boy from Alaska stood in a receiving line on an airport tarmac, being glad-handed by the potential next president of the United States — because he got his girlfriend pregnant. TV cameras were lined up in advance. The mind boggles.

"Either the children are out of bounds, and you don't put them in the photo ops, or you don't complain when somebody wants to talk about them. You can't have it both ways," said John Matviko, a professor at West Liberty State College in West Virginia and editor of "The American President in Popular Culture."

"Right now, it looks like they're being used by the campaign more than the media are using them," he said.These are two young people figuring out how to get through a difficult personal situation. Under normal circumstances, they would be allowed to do so unbothered by global scrutiny. Talk about a teenager's worst nightmare.
But one big obstacle stands in their way: Sarah Palin.

Yes, she has asked the media to "respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition." Yet Palin has packaged herself as a PTA member and "hockey mom" — culturally loaded terms calibrated to evoke appealing images of middle America, the middle class, exurbia and strong 21st-century family values.

Using one's relatives as accessories in the political arena, however, can have its pitfalls, despite John McCain's remark to ABC News on Wednesday that Palin has "got an incredible resume, including a beautiful family." Candidates open themselves to charges of hypocrisy if they demand the ability to boast but reject the attention that can ensue when the road gets rougher.

~ CB

[Thomas Veil]

Given how they've jumped on her already, I'd say it's almost a sure bet they'll hound her mercilessly.Oh, yeah. And they won't be "picking" on her, as DeLay suggests; they'll be legitimately criticizing her lack of experience, her goofy comments, her background.

She's just crazy about Alaska. Hey... watch how she answers a question about being prepared for the Vice Presidency...

http://www.drudge.com/news/111770/why-palin-alaskas-close-russia
Can you imagine Tim Kaine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_GswLnSIII) answering the question like that (same amount of time as Governor of Virginia as Palin has served as that of Alaska), if he were picked for VP? --But replace "Alaska" with "Virginia". No. Of course not. The Presidency is not about your state. It's about your COUNTRY. It seems really clear she has a priorities problem. It's a shame her speech isn't going to be about what SHE has to say, but about how she delivers the words given to her. At least there's that though.

Why is it great for her to be Vice President? Well, because "I know it will be great for Alaska." :confused:

~ CBAsk not what you can do for your country; ask what your country can do for Alaska.

Sheesh. :rolleyes: This is like the third dumb comment I've heard from this supposedly great debater.

Well, to be fair, she was happy to promise full and complete cooperation to those investigating her Troopergate problem. And by full and complete cooperation, she means lawyering up, stalling for time, and asserting executive privilege.Her lawyer's now asking the investigation to be transferred from the legislature to the state Personnel Board. Yeah, you're gonna see a lot of stalling, a lot of switcheroo.

And then there's this:

Hot mic catches GOP strategists trashing Palin pick (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/03/hot-mic-catches-gop-strategists-trashing-palin-pick/)
Posted: 08:15 PM ET

From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

(CNN) – Prominent Republican analysts Peggy Noonan and Mike Murphy became the latest victims of an open microphone Wednesday, caught after a segment on MSNBC trashing John McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Noonan, a Wall Street Journal columnist and former speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, and Murphy, a campaign strategist and onetime aide to John McCain, can both be heard expressing disbelief with the pick of Palin after they apparently thought they were in a commercial break.

“I come out of the blue swing-state governor world, Engler, Whitman, Thompson, Mitt Romney,” Murphy said during the mishap which has since been posted on YouTube. Murphy later flatly says of the pick, "It's not going to work."

Noonan is heard going even further, saying of the presidential race, "It's over."

"I think they went for this — excuse me– political bulls–t about narratives," Noonan also said. "Every time the Republicans do that, because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at, they blow it."

[NT1440]

anyone watching the convention on msnbc?

its official, now even Mccain himself thinks shes got the foreign policy chops because "Alaska is close to Russia"

[pseudobrit]

Ask now what you can do for your country; ask what you country can do for Alaska.

Cut her some slack on that one. She has to run for reelection there in two years.

[bobber205]

anyone watching the convention on msnbc?

its official, now even Mccain himself thinks shes got the foreign policy chops because "Alaska is close to Russia"

Please tell me he was saying that with a **** eating grin?

[solvs]

Instead, it appears the project was publicly maligned and was short of funding from Congress.
And worse, they kept the money they did get (http://www.democraticcentral.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2524)!

I'm guessing he now finds the Palin family blameless... nay, even heroic for their decision to support their pregnant teenage daughter and her decision to raise her baby...
You would be guessing correctly, as pointed out by the Daily Show, he did just that.

an interesting take on the VP-selected (http://www.crosscut.com/politics-government/17341/About+Sarah+Palin:+an+e-mail+from+Wasilla/), by a housewife from Wasilla. It seems a balanced account although from someone who clearly is not a fan.
emphasis is not on the scandals but on the person.
Combine that with the other one from Mudflats that's also being sent around blogs and via e-mail, and this could really hurt her.

I know, pisses me off to no end. If it was Obama's 17 year old unmarried daughter who got knocked up, the religious right would be raising holy hell.
I said that a couple of pages ago. ;) And someone actually said it was just a strawman. Because the GOP would never do that, even when they constantly do.

if you start attacking the childern you are a heartless person who a prime example of what is wrong with this world.
I can't speak for everyone else, but for some of us, we're not attacking the child herself. We're criticizing the policies that allow such a thing to happen. Namely, the abstinence programs Palin supports, and also bringing to light the abortion issue. Palin also uses the whole "family" image to be relatable, since we don't know much about her, and if there are issues with her family life, as there appears to be, it speaks more about her than it does her Daughter. She's the one who made it and issue, then their campaign released the info to the press.

If any candidate makes this political I will say who ever the other guy is is the better choice.
Obama never has, though the GOP certainly has, not to mention what was talked about above from McCain's "joke" about Chelsea's looks.

My favorite part is how pious Obama is about Palin's kids getting dumped on (as well as the slimy Kos Kiddies 'fake baby story').

You know damn well those stories came from his camp and his surrogates. He sat on it for a while, then became 'the bigger man' by acting all offended.
First of all, how could he have been sitting on anything? This all just happened, like, right after McCain picker her. Then the McCain/Palin camp themselves released it. Something they supposedly knew the whole time, but picked her anyway. You of course have no proof Obama said anything, but make wild accusations in the same way Kos did, who you're calling slimy. Even though it wasn't actually Kos, but a post on their boards, which was removed and the users who kept bringing it up banned. But no, use it to slam Obama, despite he himself saying we shouldn't be talking about it, because, shock, he actually wants to talk about the issues. Something the other side doesn't because they know they don't have much. Spare me.

The RNC needs to hit back hard (but truthfully) about BO's record. I've read a spec ad showing footage of Obama at the Kos Konvention with the 'fake baby story' scrolling on the bottom with the words, "Is this the change you really want?"
I'm sure that'll work just fine with the base. Even some who don't know Obama slammed it. But most people are wondering what Palin stands for, and the more they find out, the more they don't like. If we want to play conspiracy theories, how do you know the GOP didn't put it out there so people would stop talking about the actual issues? We know they put the real Bristol story out there after sitting on it in the beginning. They've been hitting Obama with a ton of things already, but it is things like this. Nothing about the issues. How about they start talking about that for once. If things like what you just posted is all they have, they have nothing.

Sweet evil Jesus, is it even possible to have an election campaign that's kinda sorta about the issues?
It's partially about the issues, as these are the issues Palin wants to talk about (or doesn't in some cases (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/02/palin_slashed_funding_to_help.html)), but no, not really. The GOP doesn't really have anything else though. So they hit Obama with all sorts of ridiculous things like his ex Pastor (while ignoring the GOPs) and that he won't wear a flag pin, even though he will and that wasn't his point, as some sort of proof he's UnAmerican or something. Then when it's their guy (or girl in this situation), they cry foul. Surprisingly, it works more often than not. Which is why they keep doing it. And as we see above, no matter how many times Obama speaks out against it, it's still all his fault. McCain's ok though, because even if he says it, it's perfectly fine political discourse because IOIYAR.

now get ready for pastor-gate II, the other side:
It would be nice, if only because turn about is fair play, but now it's going to be called a personal matter. Just like with Palin's Daughter. Or with a Republican cheating, like McCain did, even while Clinton or Edwards are ok, and things even liberals will berate them for.

Palin's Pastor: God "Is Gonna Strike Out His Hand Against" America (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-blumenthal/palins-pastor-god-is-gonn_b_124417.html)
Web Site With Speeches and Sermons From Palin's Former Church Shuts Down as Religious Views of Candidate Face Scrutiny (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/website-with-sp.html)
PALIN'S PASTORS (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_09/014517.php)

Book banning? :eek:
Time Magazine (http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1837918,00.html).
Sadly, some people like that about her.

By next week, hopefully, since time is short, both parties should start talking about the bigger issues of the economy, gas, environmentalism, offshoring, the war, and a few other major topics. Gay marriage, who that has a teen mom that happens to hold high office, and insane pastors on both sides who say idiot things should not be considered major issues. Palin's crazy minister and Obama's former crazy minister are not national issues.
They shouldn't be national issues, but they are. And as I said above, the GOP doesn't really have much else. What else are they going to go on? So the best they can do is hit the Dems over whatever they can, even if it's not really an issue. And the Dems will let them, and let them create the narrative. Even when most of the country agrees with them on most of the issues. The GOP has had years to do what they want, and it hasn't worked out so well, so now they're going to try again with McCain, the rebel who isn't, and pretend they can fix what they broke by doing the exact same things. While the Dems are left defending their patriotism and saying the Iraq surge worked and that we should drill for oil, so people can think there's no difference between the 2 sides, and vote for the old white guy and the soccer Mom they already think they know.

Palin's church says Jews deserve to be victims of terrorism

"Brickner also described terrorist attacks on Israelis as God's "judgment of unbelief" of Jews who haven't embraced Christianity."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13098.html
Interesting note on that: Palin was in attendance that day. She did not object to what he said.

It'll be interesting to see if the media makes a circus out of this little tidbit. Compared to the Wright/Obama coverage, especially with Obama not even being in attendance during that "controversial" sermon, you would think the media would report non-stop on this story until the election.

An unrelated video, but still horrifying/hilarious: pray for a natural gas pipeline: nutjob part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1vPYbRB7k&)
Those are good ones too, though we'll see if the "liberal" media picks them up or if IOIYAR.

People react to things differently... the very reasons most on the board do NOT like Palin are the very same reasons that others do...
Commentary: Republicans fearful over McCain's Sarah Palin gamble (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4662774.ece)

They aren't the only ones. I'm sure some will still like her. Even after they actually get to know her. But we'll see how well that plays with the moderates they'll need to win. So far, as shown, not so well.

Karl Rove (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/08/29/vp-picks-karl-rove-swings-and-misses-big-time/) on Sarah Palin... I mean on Tim Kaine:

For once, I agree with Karl.
He doesn't, as now he's defending Palin for the same reasons. Flip flopping as O'Reilly did. I'm shocked I tell you. Shocked.

And about that media conspiracy?
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/bookman/entries/2008/09/03/palin_victim_of_media_conspira.html
I love that they're playing that, blame the media (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/mccains-new-palin-strateg_n_123527.html). It worked at first. Even when McCain first did it. The media likes to go out of it's way to comply and prove you wrong, but it can also backfire. Which it's starting to. Just like it did when Hillary tried it, and we all know how well she did with it, right up until she lost.

Palin Accuses 'Obama/Biden Democrats' of Attacking Her Family, But Campaign Can't Name One (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/palin-accuses-o.html)
AP Claims Liberals' "Belittling" Palin -- With No Evidence (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/ap-claims-liberals-belitt_n_123615.html)
Giuliani: Palin Scrutiny 'Unfair' and 'Indecent' (http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/09/03/giuliani-palin-scrutiny-unfair-and-indecent/)

And 2 articles that defend the vetting McCain apparently didn't do himself, the second one firmly tongue in cheek:

The Scrutiny of Sarah Palin (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/opinion/07pubed.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin)
Why the media should apologize (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13143.html)

And in news everyone should have expected:

CBS Poll: Palin Remains Unknown Quantity (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/03/opinion/polls/main4413191.shtml?source=mostpop_story)
Even after Sen. John McCain named her as his running mate on Friday, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin remained an unknown quantity to most Americans. Sixty-six percent had no opinion of her in a CBS News poll conducted over the weekend. In polling completed on Monday and Tuesday, sixty percent still had no opinion about her.
That's not great for them, but probably the best they can hope for at this point.