Palin: From PTA to VP nominee

I'm amazed at how polarized people are on Palin. What's the big deal? Conservatives love her, liberals hate her. I actually think that She and Obama are very similar in their core values. Forget all of the politics... they are both Christian, both have proved their commitment to those around them... she in Alaska, he in Chicago's south side. What the heck... if you watched him several weeks ago in that interview with Rick Warren, you would have heard him say "I think Abortion is wrong, personally", but he went on to say that he would support the constitutional right to it... and similarly, she is against same-sex marriage but did not support legislation in her state to ban it because such legislation was unconstitutional. People, don't be stupid. Sarah Palin is more like all of us than many would like to admit. As a conservative republican, I think McCain is more questionable by far than either Obama or Palin. I am a white male, and I've never been more exceited about an election... I like both tickets, for entirely different reasons. But all this obvious hatred towards Pailn in the media is simply rediculous. That part of the election is begining to wear on me. Remember.... checks and balances... checks and balances – even Carter, by republican standards a poor president, but fine Chrisitan man, could not take the country down.... it all turned around in good time. Ease up people.

Mccain didn't have anything to sell and republican party was already in a very bad shape. If you look at the primaries, it was all democratic who were in the news. I am sure many were not even aware of what was going on in republic convention in the primaries. And with the present disastrous situation of the country under the republican bush governance, Mccain surely needed something to change focus of american people from current broken destabilized debt situation and as well as democrats to something else. And thats where palin played in. Mccain took this chance of nominating her not based on her experience but hoping to shift people's attention which obviously worked for sometime for lets say 10% of the voters. But I guess now people are back to senses realizing the reality. If you have been watching her for past few weeks, you might have realized that she is good at speaking. But does that work ? As said by many last night, I wouldnt call my self an Astrophysist even though I see the moon every night I sleep.

I have considered myself conservative for many years. However, I can not vote for this woman. Unfortunately, her sarcism, spit & vinegar at the convention, coupled with the negative and largely spun MCCain/Pailin media campaign has totally turned me off to what my party has to offer.

It's sad to say, but I feel that Mr Obama and Mr Biden are the best thing going this time around.

I will vote for them

Mike

Palin is the only candidate all people, especially women, can relate with. I can't relate with McCain, Obama or Biden. The Democrats are using abortion as a scare tactic. Palin does not mix her personal views with her politics. Everything she says gets twisted by the Democrats. She stood up against someone in her own party. Good for her.

When I asked a female friend what she thought of Palin, she said "She scares me." When I asked her why she answered, "Women's rights will be set back 100 years." I replied, "You'll lose the right to vote?" She said, "No." "The discrimination laws will go away?" "No." "You will no longer have a right to equally for equal work?" "No."Then what scares you?" "She's anti-abortion." This is the whole issue liberal women seem to have with her. If abortion is the issue, then come out and say it. Don't make a blanket statement to hide the real reason. I then asked her "Why is it that if a guy kills a pregnant woman, he's charged with a double homocide but when a doctor kills the baby it's legal?" Her reply was "You must be a republican!" It so happens that I am an independent.

It is amusing to watch the left try so desperately to destroy this woman. For a 'party of the people' they certainly are showing their true colors: She isn't 'ivy-league' enough, she is 'common', she practices what she preaches, she is genuine and believable.... I could go on and on, but to me, she seems as though she would be the perfect candidate for a DNC profile, if only she believed in abortion. Since she doesn't, unfortunately, she must be destroyed.

The fact of the matter is, people identify with her, and she identifies with us. She is a normal person who has risen to great things, and will achieve something for the republicans that the democrats believed was supposed to be theirs; putting a woman in the white house. In the process, it has re-enforced what many Americans believed all along; the DNC is not quite as pro-woman as they would like for women to believe. After they stood by and participated in the destruction of Hillary, now they are having to turn around and do the same thing to another woman. The fact is clear, the DNC will destroy anyone who stands in their way; no matter who it is. If you want proof, read past posts from Obama supporters calling Hillary supporters (many life-long democrats) "racist" for not supporting Obama

I am personally thrilled with Sarah Palin, and no matter what the DNC does, so are droves of other Americans. The more the DNC tries to tear her down, the more people flock to the standard. Can't wait to see the October surprise that the 'elite media' come up with against Sarah Palin for this election. Should be entertaining to say the least....

There is nothing "refreshing" about the thought of Palin being in such a powerful position in this country. McCain's choice of Palin, with virtually no vetting just affirms my suspicions that he is showing early symptoms of dementia. He really doesn't get it. Choosing Palin over many other possibilities that were actually qualified was an attempt to grab the Hillary supporters. His attitude towards women and his assumption that they would put so little thought into their vote reveals his true sexist beliefs. The only people I have found that "love" Palin are the same ones that wouldn't think about tuning in for any of the Democratic convention, or spend 15 minutes visiting Obama's web site to educate themselves about his positions on the issues. But they probably haven't visited McCain's either. They consider themselves informed because they listen to Rush every day. Before this campaign I considered myself an Independent. And although I don't agree with all the policies of the Democratic Party, I am quite sure that if McCain/Palin are allowed to run this country, we are all doomed. They both scare the hell out of this 60 year old, professional, white female that wants a better America for my two grandchildren.

Five former American secretaries of state have just met, and their key point of agreement is that our White House leaders should be well-informed about the world situation, indeed downright educated about it. So, if an educated man like Barack Obama just makes the cut, what shall we say about McCain, nearly last in a Naval Academy graduating class of 500? And what shall we say of PTA hockey moms and small-town administrators?
Hey, guys, gimmy a chance! I want those who run my life in Washington to have a true grasp of world politics and of our insanely complex economy!

Sarah ran for Governor and won with only grass roots support. Anyone who thinks she is in the pocket of the Republican Party has not researched her.

Sarah simply does what she thinks is best for the people of this state, and that is why she has an 80% approval rating. She is unlike any politician I have ever seen or studied, and with a Political Science Degree–I have studied many.

Previous to her selection my coworkers and I talked about how she would make a great V.P. but we figured that Alaska was too far removed from D.C. and McCain would pick Romney or Palente. What this decision has shown is that McCain is the one thinking outside of the box, and America will be better for it.

we will never know what palin knows or does not know as mccain will not let her take any questions. she needs to do this isf she wants to be taken seriously. my gut feeling is that she does not know enough to be questioned by a competent reportershe needs to come lean on this troopergate affair instead of hiding behind her theory of the democrats hijacked it. not believavle.

I would hate to think of her being the President should God forbid anything happen to John McCain. I keep praying for the best choice to be made and our world is upside down

A quote by Abraham Lincoln is "If you want to know the true nature of a man, give him power." That pretty much speaks to the true nature of Palin. I don't trust her. I also don't trust a person who wears their religion on their sleeve (as Bush did before he was elected) during their campaigning. "I am blessed," and "If God wants me to be VP...thy will be done" talk - sure is mixing God and State. Shouldn't someone nix Palin on playing Mother Superior Palin who Talks in Tongues. It is most frightening to think of someone having the power of a VP and possibly President waiting for God to speak to her (with tongue, without tongue, next to person speaking tongue) concerning the fate of our nation.

Again, we've seen what Palin did with her power in Alaska. Hence, her true nature.

Palin is a pathetic choice for a woman. It appears that McCain has given her the responsibility to focus on Obama rather than put his plan and intention forth regarding what they will offer this country. As a woman I am insulted as there are many that is well deserved of the position of VP. This is truly pathetic and I am embarrased!

So let me see if I understand her view on abortion, so if her own daughter were raped, she would have her daughter have to baby? hmm she and I don't see things eye to eye, and thats alright, now onto the wildlife in Alaska, I understand over population, but for what reason would she pay $150.00 for a severed back leg from a wolf?
I knew nothing of this woman, and then all the sudden there she is plastered all over the tv, I have listened to her and on so many levels she and I will never agree.
No my mind is not made up yet on who I am voting for, but I will not rush to act, it's my right I take that seriously.

We would be very blessed to have someone like Sarah Palin as VP. She is truly an inspiration and a breath of fresh air.

I want to know more about Palin and her accomplishments. For instance, I hear about a gas pipeline that she wants the state to build. If it is such a good idea then why haven't ConocoPhillips and BP signed on?

How about an evaluation of her initiatives as Governor? Or for that matter, as Mayor? Starting to build the sports center before owning the land says her enthusiasm overrides good judgement. The sports center sounds like a good idea badly executed.

All I can think about is how old John McCain is and how terribly close Sarah Palin really is to becoming president. Sure she can read a teleprompter, and I’m sure she makes a mean moose burger, but other than that I can see very little that would qualify her to be president of the US. Todd Palin’s refusal to cooperate in the trooper gate case back in Alaska conjures up memories of the lawless Bush administration. I can’t see our country going through 4 more years of the same. I’m sorry I just can’t support this ticket.

I have watched all of the news and articles on both parties and the more negative comments I hear about Palin the more I am convinced that she is the way to go. She is an average American that understands what most average families goes through. Everyone wants to say that she does not have enough experience to run as V.P. But how does being a senator give you any more experience? In all US states, the governor is the chief executive of the state and runs the executive branch of the government. He or she is the commander-in-chief of the military and is responsible for managing the state budget. Furthermore, the US constitution states that the governor of a state is allowed to fill vacancies in the state's two Senate seats. A senator does not have half of the responsibilities of a governor. Yes, the United States has about a million times the responsibilities of a State. But being in that role helps you organize, understand and execute what needs to happen. She is a breath of fresh air to the Republican Party and maybe this is what they need. Plus isn't this a presidential race between Obama and McCain? To many people make it sound like she will be the president but they should step back and realize who will make the ultimate decision.

The last time I saw such an irresponsible, reckless nomination was when Geo. W. Bush selected Harriet Meyers as a Supreme Court Justice. The difference is that, within a few days, Harriet had the good sense to withdraw her name.
joe

I understand why Mccain chose Palin-he wanted to get the Hilary voters. I do believe he should have chosen more wisely. I am insulted by all the hype on her looks, glasses, clothes, hockey-mom criteria....we are talking about the second in command of the free world. Her interview with Charlie Gibson really shed the light on just how NOT prepared she is for this job, she may be right for the PTA VP but not the USA VP. It was an embarrassment that she looked completely lost when talking about the Bush Doctrine (I am sorry but I would EXPECT a person running for such a position to know and understand a very important doctrine pertaining to the safety of our nation) and all of her other answers seemed either scripted or memorized. I think she is about ready for this job as I would be....NOT.
She is so ultra-conservative that it is insulting to women. I don't think she is a good mother wanting to leave a special needs child under one year old with a nanny and a teen daughter who is pregnant.....
Not to mention her views on hunting, on stem-cell, on drilling, on guns, on abortion.....
OBAMA BIDEN '08
All we are asking for is an intelligent President THIS TIME.

All of these people that are upset about Palin is also the same people who complained about high gas prices but use there cars so much that they are willing to pay $10.00 a gallon. The U.S. needs to step up and start drilling. Our practices in drilling in the U.S. are much more superior and safer than anything overseas. But, all of the Dem. want to not drill here but somewhere else and destroy a place with no environmental concerns. It is sad to see a group of people so narrow minded that believe helping the world is not a good thing. When I see a liberal women complain about Palin and what she stands for but says she is willing to pay what ever the cost is for gas because she has to go to work, that is sad. Lets vote for Obama and Biden and then when you are not allowed to protect yourself or your family from harms way, remember who you voted for. As far as saying that she would not support abortion if her daugther was raped and got pregnant is not true. She has enough sense to allow her daughter to make up her own mind and make that decision for herself.

Bailout Plan = Federal Reserve Act of 1913 (2008 amended)= no reserve requirements????....

The abilities to be articulate and to have mastery over the nuances and subtleties of oral communication should be a MAJOR prerequisite for a VP candidate. So should the ability to put forth a carefully constructed, factually grounded argument. Palin definitely needs a tremendous amount of coaching in these areas. Of the two VP candidates, Palin stands out as the more ludicrous, absurd, empty-headed and careless. Couple this with our knowing absolutely nothing about her. Is she a Young Earth Creationist - does she believe the earth is 6000 years old? Seriously, I'd like to know. As Matt Damon said, do you really want someone who believes dinosaurs existed 4000 years ago to have the command codes to our nuclear arsenal?

As a woman, I am embarrased by her.

The thought that she will be representing us to the world if McCain is elected is terrifying. I'd much prefer someone who has more conversational depth than a barbie doll.

It is unfortunate that the first female VP nominee from the Republican Party has so many negative issues. The issues I refer to are not surrounding her family. These issues are what I make of her qualifications from watching the news reports. This is a year we are making history on all sides. I have no doubt that Gov Palin is a wonderful mother and civic activist. I have nothing against her personally, but I do not care for the thought that she could possibly be the President of the United States. Anyone running for the VP position has to be able to step in the Presidents shoes at any moment. I am concerned she will be lacking in this ability. She is so busy insulting Sen Obama and Sen Biden, that she has not taken the time to do her homework. She should be studying to show she is up to date on current affairs and the workings of our government. She should be aware of national concerns and be able to verbalize her thoughts specifically. Gov Palin has such a sarcastic attitude like someone playing a game. This is no game and we need serious candidates.

I recently had the biggest job interview of my life where I was up for a big promotion. It was for a job I was and am quite ready for. During the interview I did exactly what Sarah Palin has done in these television interviews: I froze up. I had answers and I could not communicate these answers during the interview. Watching Sarah Palin with Katie Couric was excruciating not just because it was so embarrassing for her but because I was picturing my interview and it went exactly the same way. So I can relate. I still feel I can do the job, probably better than anyone that was up for it. Did I deserve it? Heck no!!! I bombed. It happens, you move on. You don't do it again. It seems to be a consistent trend for Gov. Palin. This is not a position you can ever bomb on. She has to step up and answer some questions. I'll be the first to say its eay to lose your place when the spotlight is on, but when you want to be the Vice President of the United States of America the spotlight is never brighter. Lets get serious here and acknowledge the fact that She is not ready.

I think the biggest thing that bothers me about Sarah Palin is how the media has deliberately set her up to fail. Yeah, she doesn’t know as much as Bidden in foreign policy, but I also believe that a leader doesn’t have to have an ivy league education to be a good leader. Because she doesn’t interview well doesn’t make her stupid.

I felt that Palin really connected with the American people in the VP Debate as well as in her speech at the Rep. Convention. Tonight during the VP debate, she came across as a very passionate, genuine spokesperson for the "all American dream". I do not believe that Biden presented enough information about real change. Though he did better than I expected, I think both he and Obama are much better at criticizing the Bush administration rather than boast of what their administration would do. They talk of change but rather than focus on details...they want to keep pointing back. No one is arguing that the Bush administration has failed the country. The Republicans aren't even arguing that fact. Duh? We all want change. However, Americans want change that is beneficial to them. Americans want to restore their reputation among the world, ensure their freedoms, and be able to support their family adequately. Many Americans feel that liberals want to push their agendas and call it "progress". I want someone that will represent me, a working mom from middle class America with strong American values. I am convinced more than ever that the McCain-Palin ticket will represent my true American values, morals, and ethics. Though I also believe the media will continue to try to spin this for the Obama-Biden campaign. Thank God that we can make our own opinions rather than rely on the media to tell us what to think.

I am also amazed at how negative the media is about the fact a woman is running in the VP position. Not only a woman, but a woman with a family. She should stay home and take care of her children right? That is what the media is saying. I say, why don't all woman stay home who have children. After all, according to the media, a woman cannot have a meaningful career and take care of their family right? Why stop there, why not take away our rights to vote, after all, we are women, our brain has to stop if we have children. We aren't smart enought, driven enough, and don't have the right physical build (a male build) so we should just let the media tell us that we need to vote for Obama-Biden.

I am ashamed of the American Media. I am voting for McCain-Palin, mainly because the media has twisted everything they can against Palin. So she must scare them, and the Good Old Boy network that the media and most of Washington is tied to.

Gov. Palin has not answered a single question since she was chosen to be McCain's running mate. I don't know where she stand on any issues. I don't know what kind of magazines she reads. It does not have anything to do with the fact that she is a woman, mother, or any of that. If she is not experienced enough to be in the VP position, then she's just not ready. And she has clearly proven to me that she is not ready. Maybe she should go back to being the Governor of Alaska. I'm sure there was someone more qualified to fill the Rep. VP choice. The Rep. party should be ashamed of themselves. In a time when the economy is weak and all screwed up, they elect a 72 year old man, who they don't even have faith in that he will make it through the entire 4 years if elected, as their nominee for the most important position in the world. Then he picks someone not qualified as his running mate. This is not a joke people. Times are serious. People are losing their sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives in a senseless war. Homes are being foreclosed. The price of everything is going up except wages. Come on. I'm tired of this. Education is shot to hell. No more. No more. No more.

I think Gov. Palin is a breath of fresh air for our Country!
She is exactly what this Country needs!!
She is down to earth, been there, done that kind of person....I love how confindent she is, you know she means every word she says, it's not just the political words everyone else seems to spill out of thier mouth.
I also love her passion for her Country and the rights of the American people. She see's the "muck" in Washington... where most politicians get lost in it!
I stand behind her on all her topics..including education......
I think between her and McCain they make a GREAT team and McCain has the military background to defend our Country where Obama wants to "sit and talk" to everyone..Come on...let's face it...Obama (who thinks he's the second coming) needs a reality check on "dangerous people"....

I really can't comprehend how and why Americans are drawn to Sarah Palin.....yeah...she is a character! She is an embarassment to women! She is insincere and arrogant! She is INEXPERIENCED...as she has shown repeatedly thru media interviews.....the real Sarah Palin is the Sarah Palin we came to know about on the Katie Couric interviews.....too confident in herself.......but really full of air! She is out of her league and no matter how much you rehearse her and inject her with knowledge, she is NOT fit to be a Vice President......she is simply inexperienced and too arrogant to be in public service. I am a woman and I am NOT drawn to her...............

How is it that people thought Sarah Palin met expectations since she did not answer the questions that were asked? Why did Gwen Ifill allow her to say whatever she wanted to when she wanted to say it. I was very disappointed that Ifill allowed her to pass on questions that she had not been coached on by the McClain campaign.

Sarah Palin is waaaaay out of her league!!!!!

Stop making up lie's folks!! Gov. Palin has answered every question she was asked. Palin is the best thing to happen to the Nation in years! Don't forget Folks Mr. Obama was a unknow about this time last year until Oprey's big Money and exon's gas company put Obama on the map! Gov. Palin and McCain a real leadership to Save this dying country that the democrat let fall into deep lows. The democrats have been in control for two years and did nothing but right a open check-book for Bush!! The democrat love Bush and try to hide behind him. Education is problem because the democrat won't vote for it!!

Send a Big Statment this Year to the Democrats and vote for McCain and Palin!!!

The people who love Palin are the same 25% who think George Bush is doing a good job.Thank god her 15 minutes are over.

reading these comments I can't help but wonder about HOW many party strategist hopefuls and assistants (from both sides?) are desparately and covertly trying to spin this forum. can I really believe all these "ex-democrats now for McCain" users or other strikingly average names, zealously trying to change their writing style from posting to posting, yet adhering to a prescribed message? maybe it's just my conspiracychosis, though.

Palin is a refreshing bonus in this election. She has gotten a bad rap deliberately from the Liberal Media and it only makes us want to vote for her and McCain even more. The press has stooped to sleezy reporting and it is plainly seen. We love this ticket and is best for this country. I have no doubt that she is the best VP McCain could have selected. She represents the ordinary hard working person in this country. We don't live Hollywood elite lives. The Liberal Media doesn't have a clue. We are sick of the sleeze they report and we also vote against that and will show our support by the media we listen to and the ones we don't. That is why more people watched Fox News than any other. CNN, NBC, and MSNBC have not been fair and we all know it and so do you.

Palin with no doubt was vetted far more than Obama was and that is so plain to see. Obama is not experienced enough to be president and who he surrounded himself with should tell us his character. Now, this is what should scare enough of you. I also have no doubt that who McCain and Palin have surrounded themselves with all their lives have been honorable. McCain and Palin will do so much good for this country. I am so excited about this ticket. McCain is very smart and he proved that when he really put a lot of thought in his VP pick. He could not have picked a better person than Palin. She represents us and we can relate to her. Biden was chosen only to attempt to make people believe his years in the Senate would be switched to Obama's. It doesn't work that way. Obama doesn't have a fourth of the experience that Palin has.

If Palin had integrity, she would claim her lack of foreign policy experience rather than dismissing it. All that she needs to say is the truth: she is not experienced in foreign policy, but is a real voice for the majority of Americans. That's a claim that the other candidates have a hard time making and it's an important point to most voters. However, politicians are despicable, as she is. She's stooping down to the same level and instead of making real points, she's throwing out political jabs crafted by her campaign. She's not refreshing in anyway; the only role that she will play in the executive office is of a puppet.

It's scary to read that after the VP debate Americans still support Palin...she comes across un-educated, ill-spoken and an air head! Do you really want a VP that speaks in ridiculous phrases like 'Say it ain't so Joe..' and I represent the 'Joe six pack...' and 'I want to give a shout out....' PLEASE people wake up...this woman is NOT qualified to be a heartbeat away from being president. I am a woman and would love nothing more than to see a woman in such a role, BUT I want it to be a woman that is well qualified, well-spoken and well educated....

Identify with her??????
NO THANK YOU!

The more I hear Sarah Palin speak, the less likely I think it is that Obama will appoint her to the United States Supreme Court.

The Wall Street "fat cats" should be at least as accountable as a football coach. If they don't win games they are fired and not left to drive the organization into the ground. Someone steps in to say enough is enough. Where are the checks and balances in these situations ? Truely, I believe they should be held financially accountable to suffer some losses in this situation. Why should they walk away? Continuing in the same manner when others have to adjust their lives to support the complex mess they have made. The government has placed laws to stop this behavior in business so does this mean these laws don't apply to banks?

I really dont like her. She is dumb as a nail. She makes no sense when speaking because she doesnt understand the question and issures.
She promotes hate rallies, and doesnt difuse the racial tension in her rallies. She actually has promotes hatred and racist remarks of Barack Obama and put fear into unsure people about him. Is this what a smart business women does to win a race? She has nothing to offer "this great nation"...
I listen to her and really think she is a disgrace. Just look at all the women in the Republican party who support her are angry and full of hate. '
Palin also had the nerve to even imply that some parts of the County are more American! Then she tries and I repeat TRIES to re-word what she meant. She meant exactly that. Is this the type of person you want in the white house? A racist, hateful, angry and down right stupid?
My orginal vote was for McCain but because of her I WILL NOT VOTE FOR McCAIN!

Drew,

Sounds like you've passed the CNN indoctrination! The beginning of your report is almost believable, It's as if your bosses made a decision to 'start the baby reporter' off softly. However, Sarah Palin and others who start at the local level do not just 'fall into' anything! I've worked in that capacity and it's is actually much tougher than anyone like you, wet behind the ears, could fathom. Governor Palin has so much more vested in her service to the public than Joe Biden ever has. And your hit job with the taped interview so backfired that I am certain you have just sealed thousands of votes for the campaign! Many thanks!

A professional journalist wouldn't take another journalist;s written article and distort it. I saw bits and peices with your interview with Gov Palin and pulling stunts like this with her isn't going fly.
Second you should issue a retraction for this incident. What were you thinking? Those of attacking VP Palin are seriously making a critical mistake.

Drew Griffin is disgraceful in his ambush of Sarah Palin by misquoting Byron York's story.

I intend to write all CNN advertisers and let them know precisley how absolutely dishonest CNN is as a news agency until you issue an apology for such ambush story telling.

Trust me, I am in the public relations and advertising business.

Be responsible, retract or your advertisers will hear about it.

Governor Palin represents more American woman than Gloria Steinham, Nancy Pelosi, Rosie O'Donell, Joy Behar and Barbara Walters ever will.

She is the real deal.
I actually like the fact that she is not from the Georgetown circuit. She is the only candidate that has not been a part of Washington during the past eight years. I find it funny that Obama/Biden argue for "change", when they are a part of the problem.

But, most importantly, I enjoy watching the ultra-liberal feminists squirm.

Sarah Palin wants to run this country , that is really sad, She can not run her own home. Please, lady go home.

Sarah Palin was the victim of some of the dirtiest, left-wing, lying, smear tactics ever conceived. Such tactics can only be thought up by someone with no conscience. These same morally void people are the ones helping the one you voted for...so think about who's side you are truly on.

Gov. Palin doesn't deserve the treatment she received from the media. This reporter Drew Griffin does not provide us with the truth. He and his team manipulate the truth to their benefit. There is no fair and balance reporting with this group. I have stopped watching his reports.