http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/09/why_obama_will_lose.html

TO BIG DAD RED:

IF YOU THINK YOU ARE GETTING FAIR AND BALANCED COVERAGE ON THE OTHER NETWORKS ASK YOURSELF. ARE THEY OBJECTIVE OR ARE THEY JUST SAYING THAT WHICH I THINK I WANT TO HEAR?  THEY HAVE DONE YOU A GREAT DISSERVICE BY NOT REPORTING THE TRUTH ABOUT OBAMA, VOTING RECORD, HIS ASSOCIATES AND HIS CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.  HE IS A CHICAGO THUG AND HE IS FINANACED BY THUGS AND HE CANNOT TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT HIMSELF NOR CAN HIS WIFE.  YOU DON'T DO SOME OF THE THINGS HE HAS DONE THEN TRY TO CLAIM THAT HE WAS UNAWARE.  BAD JUDGMENT, QUESTIONABLE CHARACTER AND DISENGENOUOS IN THAT WHICH HE SAYS IN ORDER TO GET ELECTED.

OBAMA NEEDS TO BE SCRUTINIZED AND HE NEEDS TO ANSWER SOME HARD QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS ASSOCIATIONS, HIS ACTIONS AND HIS SENATORIAL VOTING RECORD.  YOU PEOPLE IN MICHIGAN, IF YOU THINK THAT THE DEMOCRATS ARE THE ANSWERS TO YOUR PROBLEMS, ASK YOURSELVES WHO HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF YOUR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND YOUR UNIONS. MAYBE THEN YOU WILL REALIZE THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS NOT REALLY ANY KIND OF A FRIEND TO THE WORKING MAN AND TO AMERICAN INDUSTRY.

The fact that Fox News Network is taking the position of launching a series of all out assaults against senator Obama’s character is a sad day in journalism.  They should be ashamed of the immoral and unethical standards that their network displays on a continual basis.  What they must be made to understand is that as citizens we rely upon networks for their fair and accurate reporting of events and we will not tolerate anything less, especially when its over the top or maybe I should say as far right as Fox News Network is. If your views are the same share this message with others.   It is time to take a stand against Fox and look to other networks for fair and accurate news coverage.  

She did better but said "Cheney was a good VP"???  That's where she lost me

She did better but said "Cheney was a good VP"???  That's where she lost me

I think Sara Palin did OK...but she was so scripted with index cards that she fumbled over several answers (ex. McCain's position on the Bankruptcy law, the economy, & soundbites)..at one point, Sara totally avoided a question asked by the moderator and instead, went rambling on about jobs & energy....If Palin had to assume the role of Pres. and there were a crisis,...is she going to fumble through index cards to figure out what to do????...there were quite a few times that she avoided questions, she was not very fluid, and appeared to be fumbling through scripted que cards to find answers..she is nothing but a fillibusterer who tries to makeup for not knwoing anything outside of Alaska.....Palin needs to go back to Alaska and spend more time with her baby that needs her more than a career....maybe if she spent more time with her family, her daughter would not have become pregnant and forced into a "Shotgun Wedding" to a young man who specifically said on his website that he was not ready to get married, but only wanted to play the "Field" and have sex....what a disastrous position she is forcing her daughter into....Palin really is playing the role of McCain's "Bimbo" which is how she portrays herself....

I think Sara Palin did OK...but she was so scripted with index cards that she fumbled over several answers (ex. McCain's position on the Bankruptcy law, the economy, & soundbites)..at one point, Sara totally avoided a question asked by the moderator and instead, went rambling on about jobs & energy....If Palin had to assume the role of Pres. and there were a crisis,...is she going to fumble through index cards to figure out what to do????...there were quite a few times that she avoided questions, she was not very fluid, and appeared to be fumbling through scripted que cards to find answers..she is nothing but a fillibusterer who tries to makeup for not knwoing anything outside of Alaska.....Palin needs to go back to Alaska and spend more time with her baby that needs her more than a career....maybe if she spent more time with her family, her daughter would not have become pregnant and forced into a "Shotgun Wedding" to a young man who specifically said on his website that he was not ready to get married, but only wanted to play the "Field" and have sex....what a disastrous position she is forcing her daughter into....Palin really is playing the role of McCain's "Bimbo" which is how she portrays herself....

I think Sara Palin did OK...but she was so scripted with index cards that she fumbled over several answers (ex. McCain's position on the Bankruptcy law, the economy, & soundbites)..at one point, Sara totally avoided a question asked by the moderator and instead, went rambling on about jobs & energy....If Palin had to assume the role of Pres. and there were a crisis,...is she going to fumble through index cards to figure out what to do????...there were quite a few times that she avoided questions, she was not very fluid, and appeared to be fumbling through scripted que cards to find answers..she is nothing but a fillibusterer who tries to makeup for not knwoing anything outside of Alaska.....Palin needs to go back to Alaska and spend more time with her baby that needs her more than a career....maybe if she spent more time with her family, her daughter would not have become pregnant and forced into a "Shotgun Wedding" to a young man who specifically said on his website that he was not ready to get married, but only wanted to play the "Field" and have sex....what a disastrous position she is forcing her daughter into....Palin really is playing the role of McCain's "Bimbo" which is how she portrays herself....

I think Sara Palin did OK...but she was so scripted with index cards that she fumbled over several answers (ex. McCain's position on the Bankruptcy law, the economy, & soundbites)..at one point, Sara totally avoided a question asked by the moderator and instead, went rambling on about jobs & energy....If Palin had to assume the role of Pres. and there were a crisis,...is she going to fumble through index cards to figure out what to do????...there were quite a few times that she avoided questions, she was not very fluid, and appeared to be fumbling through scripted que cards to find answers..she is nothing but a fillibusterer who tries to makeup for not knwoing anything outside of Alaska.....Palin needs to go back to Alaska and spend more time with her baby that needs her more than a career....maybe if she spent more time with her family, her daughter would not have become pregnant and forced into a "Shotgun Wedding" to a young man who specifically said on his website that he was not ready to get married, but only wanted to play the "Field" and have sex....what a disastrous position she is forcing her daughter into....Palin really is playing the role of McCain's "Bimbo" which is how she portrays herself....

I think Sara Palin did OK...but she was so scripted with index cards that she fumbled over several answers (ex. McCain's position on the Bankruptcy law, the economy, & soundbites)..at one point, Sara totally avoided a question asked by the moderator and instead, went rambling on about jobs & energy....If Palin had to assume the role of Pres. and there were a crisis,...is she going to fumble through index cards to figure out what to do????...there were quite a few times that she avoided questions, she was not very fluid, and appeared to be fumbling through scripted que cards to find answers..she is nothing but a fillibusterer who tries to makeup for not knwoing anything outside of Alaska.....Palin needs to go back to Alaska and spend more time with her baby that needs her more than a career....maybe if she spent more time with her family, her daughter would not have become pregnant and forced into a "Shotgun Wedding" to a young man who specifically said on his website that he was not ready to get married, but only wanted to play the "Field" and have sex....what a disastrous position she is forcing her daughter into....Palin really is playing the role of McCain's "Bimbo" which is how she portrays herself....

I think Sara Palin did OK...but she was so scripted with index cards that she fumbled over several answers (ex. McCain's position on the Bankruptcy law, the economy, & soundbites)..at one point, Sara totally avoided a question asked by the moderator and instead, went rambling on about jobs & energy....If Palin had to assume the role of Pres. and there were a crisis,...is she going to fumble through index cards to figure out what to do????...there were quite a few times that she avoided questions, she was not very fluid, and appeared to be fumbling through scripted que cards to find answers..she is nothing but a fillibusterer who tries to makeup for not knwoing anything outside of Alaska.....Palin needs to go back to Alaska and spend more time with her baby that needs her more than a career....maybe if she spent more time with her family, her daughter would not have become pregnant and forced into a "Shotgun Wedding" to a young man who specifically said on his website that he was not ready to get married, but only wanted to play the "Field" and have sex....what a disastrous position she is forcing her daughter into....Palin really is playing the role of McCain's "Bimbo" which is how she portrays herself....

Fineman is a liberal nut that has never made a sensible statement in his life.  I have watched Fineman for years and still feel like vomiting everytime he opens his mouth.  He is a low class, liberal, nut that tries to sound important.  Palin could outshine Fineman in any discussion, but I don't think Palin would lower herself to that level.  Fineman thinks Palin should quit as the Republican VP nominee, but I think he has to look in the mirror and wonder why he has never stopped trying to be important.  When you are a nobody like him, it is impossible to pull yourself up to the level of real reporters and commentators.  If he ever compliments a Republican, he deserves a reward.  I would love to give him a reward.

Pitifull.  She's proven more than ever that she's a hack, and an insensitive, unknowledgable, condecending twit.

She didn't give one straight answer and was just out of her league.

Everything went back to energy, which apparently was the only thing she was coached on.  She was like a fish out of water.  Her hair looked good, though.

What a joke.  The rest of the world mocks us cause of her and with good reason.

She showed no understanding of important, complex issues and firther reinforced that she's not capable of running a city council, much less a country.

Joe was respectful, knowledgeable and remarkably articulate in relaying warmth, feeling, empathy and genuine concern for us middle classeers.

Failin' was just spouting out rote memorization and showed the world how clueless, tasteless and classless she REALLY is.  We expect this from Repugs, but stating she did well is a joke.  If the bar were set any lower, they'd have to bury it!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe shared a heartfelt family moment, and she couldn't even acknowledge it and went straight to giving her force fed responses drilled into her tiny little brain by her trainers about energy, Laska and Mavericks.

What a joke

abadreview--You wish what you said was true, unfortunately all of America is 80% against you.  Pali was hardly in a position to be condescending--she's young and she was respectful.  Her executive knowledge  is really rather vast--vast as her resource rich state.  She singlehandedly dealt with the oil companies in a way Obama would dream of.  She is tough but so sweet at the same time.  Just don't see what you guys don't like about her.  She is the real thing--pretty, smart, articulate, charming and well versed.  She is a quick learner (proved that as governor of Alaska) and did I say she is pretty and intelligent and lovely?  

I have found that ironically it is the liberal women, women who have said we can have it all, who hate her the most.  Perhaps it is because she is a success from humble beginnings without any free child care or other welfare programs they tout.  Perhaps it is because she chose to bear her little downs syndrome baby and they have already aborted theirs (or want to be able to kill their baby even without any kind of malady).  Perhaps it is because she deftly is dealing with her daughter's pregnancy without apology or angst--life is just life for Palin--challenges?  Deal with it and do so yourself.  Perhaps it is because while she blamed the government in part for the recent mess, she also urged Americans to live within their means and stay away from being part of the problem by borrowing way more than they can handle (the root cause of the melt down--Jimmy Carter and Clinton pushed banks to loan to these folks more than they could realistically ever pay--now we reap the whirlwind).

I love you Sarah.  I am a woman and a true feminist--for equality for the feminine and I applaud your commitment to showing us the best in our own feminine nature.  I love that you are strong and funny and smiling and positive.  I love that you aren't a whiner like Michelle Obama--the sour faced beneficiary of all the social welfare programs you have succeeded without (we don't need an affirmative action first lady who couldn't even pass the bar).

Sarah's back in town!!!!  Run for cover all you mavericks and mooses.

Could Palin have been any more condescending and inauthentic?  I guess that's what you do when you have no clue what you're talking about. Her executive knowledge is the equivalent of about 5 weeks of homework, fed to her by GOP strategists and aides. She doesn't even answer questions, she spins them around and suddenly she is talking about Alaska and her family. She is the master of the non-answer. Just like her Republican predecessors. NO MORE GOVERNMENT SECRECY. No more irresponsible leadership who cannot relate with the needs and ideals of the majority of Americans.

Obama/Biden '08!

*Unless you like the idea of nuclear war, and the downfall of America as a world superpower.

Well, there is no getting around what we all saw tonight! Senator Joe Biden, a Senator for 30 years, made Sarah Palin look like she had no clue as to what was going on (which is her true self). John McCain has put America's national security at risk by putting someone so naive and inexperienced on the ticket, especially at his age, with his health problems. I respect McCain's service to our nation during the Vietname war, but that's where my respect begins AND ends. These days, he's a crook, a dirty politician with no integrity, and by picking Palin, he has become the opposite of an American hero, he is a DISGRACE to the United States of America.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have the intelligence, stability, determination, integrity, and hinesty, to pull our nation out of the gutter that the Republicans have left us in. After 8 years of utter FAILURE, the GOP is out of chances.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

DO IT FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA.

OTHERWISE THERE MIGHT NOT BE ONE.

Todd Palin, the governor's husband, also refused to testify under subpoena,

Hey what if one of us middle class refused to testify under a subponena

we would be under the jail. BUT NOW palin husband said no,and nothing

has happened to him, Look like he will not . If they can get by with thing like

now just think what they will get by with  if she win's . OMG help us all.

I am just shocked by the spin and sound bites that we here and what we will remember.  Has anyone really forgot what the last 8 years have been like?  Remember 9/11? How about weapons of mass destruction, now the fallout of the economy? Change is way more then calling yourself a Maverick.

Breaking News: Uncut Footage of the VP Debates exposing who Sarah Palin really is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOAm9ZCCpqg

Did I hear her right  ( palin )  Did she say the middle class  would not hurt with there tax plan. Lets see her live on 600.00 every tow weeks.

Forget about the Pre-Spin, what about the debate. The debate is supposed to be questions and answers. I had to stop watching it. Regardless of who you support, the candidates never answer any questions. They simply take the Free Live TV Time to Stump Speech. Why don't the moderators stop the candidates from making continous stump speeches and simply answer the questions and let the American people know what they think and plan to do? I had to stop watching the smug smiles, the practised lines, the canned answers. This was not a debate, it was a commercial for toothpaste. Oh well, looks like its politics as usual. No real change here, just imagine when they are in the White House.

Watching the debate now.

Is Palin ever going to answer the questions fielded to her?  She's spewing soundbites that have nothing to do with what she's being asked.

Poo-yi, cher, both camps won that race weeks ago  --  my expectations couldn't BE any lower ...

Any thin Biden does is going to be construed as :sexist, condesending, etc, etc--They will justify Palin regardless--Let's face it!!

The Bridge to Nowhere could possibly end up metaphrically being the WHITE HOUSE!!!  Sad!

Weren't the Moderators for the debates picked over a year ago?  They just want another excuse to justify the lack of knowledge of Palin---McCain has poor judgement.  She is not ready to be a "heartbeat" away from running this country--I don't care what anybody says.  This is not "COUNTRY FIRST"!

Weren't the Moderators for the debates picked over a year ago?  They just want another excuse to justify the lack of knowledge of Palin---McCain has poor judgement.  She is not ready to be a "heartbeat" away from running this country--I don't care what anybody says.  This is not "COUNTRY FIRST"!

Weren't the Moderators for the debates picked over a year ago?  They just want another excuse to justify the lack of knowledge of Palin---McCain has poor judgement.  She is not ready to be a "heartbeat" away from running this country--I don't care what anybody says.  This is not "COUNTRY FIRST"!

Watch this !

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=1547&1547.donation=form1&autologin=true&s_src=6KY09WDC4F&s_subsrc=6KY09WDC4F_EKJ09D2b&JServSessionIdr001=u8rbn2gb13.app26a

Watch this !

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=1547&1547.donation=form1&autologin=true&s_src=6KY09WDC4F&s_subsrc=6KY09WDC4F_EKJ09D2b&JServSessionIdr001=u8rbn2gb13.app26a

Dick Cheney notwithstanding, and discounting the very slim chance that the "heart beat away" will become relevant an any first term, remember what the real job is that Palin and Biden are campaigning for. The vice presidency has been more a target for jokes and ridicule than a sought-after job. George Clinton, who became Thomas Jefferson's Vice President in 1805, called the job a "respectable retirement," after 18 years as Governor of New York. In 1848, Senator Daniel Webster turned down an offer to be Zachary Taylor's vice-presidential running mate, saying, "I do not propose to be buried until I am really dead." And John Nance Garner, Franklin D. Roosevelt's Vice President for his first two terms (1933-41), said the job wasn't worth a bucket of warm spit. (Actually, he used a cruder word than that.) John Adams, the country's first Vice President, famously called it "the most insignificant office." Al Gore described the job as that of "the nation's mourner," as one of his main functions was to attend the funerals of deceased world leaders and dignitaries. And McCain correctly stated that the constitutional duties of the job were to cast votes in the Senate in the rare case of a tie and to enquire every morning as to the health of the President, a fairly accurate description. In fact, from a Constitutional perspective, the VP has no other duties or powers. You hear it said in the news all the time: people vote for the top of the ticket.

The media is making more of it this time because they think it works for Obama by distracting from his own total lack of experience. Problem is, as both H. Clinton and J. Biden pointed out, with Obama, that lack of experience is out of control on day one. Indeed, as Biden stated when addressing Obama's total lack of qualifications, "the Presidency does not lend itself to on the job training." But Palin is not running for the Presidency, and according to Walter Mondale, the VP slot does in fact amount to on the job training. As Mondale, Carter's VP, once notably said when subsequently running for the Presidency, "I learned an awful lot as Vice President that I didn't know as a Senator."

A story or two about Biden's ties to the credit card industry are past due.

See also:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/55_say_media_bias_bigger_problem_than_campaign_cash

55% Say Media Bias Bigger Problem Than Campaign Cash

http://www.mediaresearch.org/cyberalerts/2008/cyb20080819.asp

Media Credibility Plummets, Just 30% Believe 'Most Trusted' CNN

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/51_say_reporters_are_trying_to_hurt_palin_39_say_she_has_better_experience_than_obama

51% Say Reporters Are Trying To Hurt Palin; 39% Say She Has Better Experience Than Obama

I've always been disappointed that Gwen Ifill is such a tool for the right-wing, corporate Republican Party. Accordingly, it's ironic to say the least that she's being accused of being in the tank for Obama.

It is rediculous to think that we are lowering our expectations for Sarah Palin - period. If she is to be a heard beat away from the Presidency, we need to raise expectations! If I were to advise Biden, I would recommend that he give short answers and let Sarah do most of the talking. She will do the rest, as in giving her enough rope...

Txjewel:  I grant you, John McCain was in the military.  Now can i assume that you voted for John Kerry in 04'?  I would like to point out that John McCain was not in a high ranking command in the military, so tactically he had no strategic experience in military operations.  Also, to be historically fair, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was an affluent, non-military man, and he did command the U.S. Armed Forces in the greatest military victory in history against the greatest enemy mankind had ever encountered.  

rossj - Good comments,  Thanks for the well though-out, comprehensive response.

I agree with many if not all of your points.

I am also not registered with either party.  As a matter of fact, I did a thesis in college about how partisan politics is destroying this country.  Get rid of the RNC, the DNC and let individuals run on his or her own records.  Give anyone that gets enough signatures public funds for the campaign and that's it.  

Seems, utopian and outlandish in this day and age, I know.  But why?

To those of you that made, thoughtful open-minded comments this afternoon, thank you.  

(You know how you are.)

To those of you that made hateful, sarcastic, unfounded comments about the other guy, I am glad you only get one vote.

Good night, all.

From a young person’s perspective who is voting in this election...I'm looking at personal experience also.  I come from a military family and he has military experience that most people don't have and an outlook that is different than others from being a POW.  US defense is important to me and I think as a President understanding he might make better choice in our defense of the US...as far as oil, money, stock market, health care, illegal immigrants… I really don't think any candidate has a for sure solution.

IndieVa- Thank you for the comment.  Of course there are inaccuracies going on with McCain and Palin.  However, I think there is a stark contrast between them, although, it doesn't make it right to have inaccuracies on any side.  But, when you start saying someone is Muslim with the reference to terrorism to scare folks, that does cross a border.  To imply that someone wants to teach your kindergarten kids comprehensive sex ed is disgusting.  Both sides are taking liberties with records, but, I haven't seen any of the "boogeyman is gonna get your kids" tactics used on McCain.  

I can appreciate and respect anyone who wants to support McCain/Palin based on their own beliefs.  I respect people's right to disagree.  Rational coversation based on facts is always welcome.  

As far as the VA and Universal Health Care-  The Va is horridly underfunded and regulated.  If our country would stop spending millions on animal DNA analysis,  sending multi million dollar probes to the outer galaxy, trying to get to the moon *why?*, etc we would have money to take care of our own people.  Granted the war is divise, but, if we spent that money on our own people, we wouldn't have a problem.  And as far as I know, no one is trying to make health insurance a single payer issue.  Will it be perfect? Nope.  Very few things are when they first start and are underfunded because we need to know frog DNA.  I am actually a very conservative person who doesn't identify with one party or the other.  If this was the John McCain of 2000, I would be supporting him.  There is plenty of blame to go around for both Dem and Repub parties.  I don't buy the lot of finger pointing from either side.  

And as far as the debate goes, I think Sarah Palin is very shrewd and will prove a lot of folks wrong tonight.  Will her performance change my mind on John McCain?  No.  I am voting for President, not Vice President.  So, IF John McCain were not to live out his presidential term, it wouldn't matter because I am not voting on her.  I am voting on him.  Just as I am not voting because of Biden.  I am voting for Obama.

Txjewel:  Non-combative question, just an honest inquiry; how does McCain have more experience than Biden? Specifically.

I agree Palin is unknown, but Obama was also when he was first placed on the democratic ticket.   Obama has just had more time in the spotlight and more time to work his voters.  McCain & Biden have WAY more experience than Obama...McCain has WAY more experience than Biden & Obama...and McCain, Obama & Biden have more experience than Palin.  So what do you do?  Personally I think Biden has a hot temper and Palin needs to brush up on her political issues.  

Why does everyone insist we invaded Iraq for oil?

Seriously, where do you get that?  CNN?

Typically the same people blame the administration for the high gas prices.

Do you see where I am going with this???

If we invaded Iraq for oil, why wasn't gas $0.99 a gallon the month after they dug Saddam out of his hole?

Because it doesn't work that way.  We invaded Iraq because Saddam was slaughtering his own people and ignoring 10 years worth of UN sanctions.  The price of gas has sky rocketted because speculators have driven the cost of a barrel of crude through the roof!

Has this administration made mistakes in this war?  Absolutely!  No argument.

Is GW a pigheaded blowhard that refuses to ever admit a mistake.  Sure.

But he is not personally responsible for every bad thing that happens in yoru life!

He just isn't.

Please stop believing everything you see on TV people.  I have more faith in you than that.  I really do.

To the use of the phrases "christo fascist" and "brainwashed by religion" - those are just plain offensive.  You are most definitely in the minority in this country when you feel that way.

Fishfortruth:  There's also "disagreement as to wether global warming is real or myth.  I'll leave it to you to decide wether any decent is a negating factor in science.

To the debate though, it seems apparent that the supporters of Palin are trying to beat the expectations to the dirt, not the media.  Most of the media has been expressing the opinion that Palin is quite formidable, but needs to rise above the vague generalities that she has shown to be her pitfall.  I have heard no one "write her off".

Palin is being criticized because she has not done a single press conference, has done very poor in her few interviews, and is not well known at all. Why is it that people are surprised people are cynical about her? She is kind of scarry no? She is applying for a fairly important job. Her family stuff is off limits I agree but her lack of knowledge and experience is totaly valid.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY VOTERS THINK THAT IT IS GOOD THAT WE ELECT PEOPLE WHO ARE "LIKE US". I WANT SOMEONE WHO IS FAR ABOVE  AVERAGE, BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS WE ARE FACING ARE FAR ABOVE AVERAGE. IF THAT MEANS SOMEONE IS AN "ELITIST", THEN OK. THE AVERAGE PERSON LIKE ME HAS NO BUSINESS RUNNING THE FREE WORLD. AMERICA NEEDS TO WAKE UP AND GET WITH THE PROGRAM.

mrzoid:  Which view of carbon dating does the scientific community "fundamentally" accept?  If you google carbon dating, you'll see that there is disagreement.  

But aren't we getting off the subject?  It's supposed to be about the debate.  Both candidates have strengths and weaknesses, but the media has written off Palin.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see.  

The radical right?  Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfel, Rove, Palin, and, yes McCain sold his soul in '04,

christo fascists who believe we invade countries because it's God's will (oil had nothing to do with it), ........

Guesswhat:  I have no problems with your personal religious beliefs, that is an area in which people hold faith.  I personally believe that faith can be a disservice to people because it frees them from the process of investigation, but thats me.  Now, as far as Palin; I couldn't care less about her religious beliefs, totally irrelevent to this election.  My problem is that she seems to have very limeted applicable knowledge on the most pressing issues that face our country in this century.  I forgive McCain his personality, and while i think he is fundementally wrong on most of the issues, at least he knows about the innerworkings of said issues: the economy, national security, global trade, global relations, energy policy, and civil rights.  Palin appears to be little more than an empty vessle, just producing whatever she has been tutored on, in terms of national issues, each time she speaks.  Great motivational speeches, hollow personal insight.

time to finish some testing at work, but one final thought...

female american is competely right in what was said earlier regarding criticism when you're in the position of pres.  i wonder how long ppl will love obama once he gets into office?...and if he has to deal with a real crisis, God forbid.  happy voting!

mrzoid,

i'm sad you didn't respond to my post.  i need attention.  gosh.

actually i just want someone to answer why my beliefs can't be tolerated?  i mean, i'm not trying to push them on anyone, so...why can't i be left alone to them?  but actually, what i'm gettin to is...why is Palin being criticized for what she believes, because it's different and people don't understand it...?

HEY "BLACKCOURT" GO FORCE YOUR FANTASIE BELIEFS ON OTHER HALFWITS , JUST BECAUSE 90% OF AMERICANS ARE BRAINWASHED BY RELIGION DOSEN'T MEAN WE WANT A NUT RUNNING THIS PLACE. KILL ALL BABIES WHAT THE HELL DO I CARE THEY AINT MINE............HOW DO U LIKE THEM APPLES BUDDY!

you're very welcome!  i'm with ms. guess in thinking that you don't have to be rude to people on these things because we're all in this together.  whomever gets elected is going to be the President of all of us and we're all just going to have to live with that or find another country, so there's no point in putting others down just because you can.  I have agreed with pretty much everything that you've posted thus far mrzoid and I just wish that more people would think the way we do...with logic and not with feelings when it comes to politics, because they're going to get hurt every time.

you're very welcome!  i'm with ms. guess in thinking that you don't have to be rude to people on these things because we're all in this together.  whomever gets elected is going to be the President of all of us and we're all just going to have to live with that or find another country, so there's no point in putting others down just because you can.  I have agreed with pretty much everything that you've posted thus far mrzoid and I just wish that more people would think the way we do...with logic and not with feelings when it comes to politics, because they're going to get hurt every time.

Plus man, i dont know everything. There's lots of topics i have no knowledge of; i mean you ask me about a piecost, and i've got nothing.

Palin has already revealed her lack of knowledge and qualifications.  Whatever comes out of her mouth won't be hers; they'll be her handlers' words.

Thank you miss american:)

Whoa, Aidan0325, cold shower man, cold shower; perhaps you should backtrack through my posts, i think you'll get some perpective into my posts.

ok...aidano325...maybe you should read all the comments before you jump on people.  mrzoid was the one saying that he wasn't and it shouldn't matter if he was or not.

Okay, mrzoid - know-it-all that you are.  Prove that Obama is muslim.  Show us or tell us with facts; not just your big mouth of stupidty.  

Sarcasm yes, i'll accept that.  Hey though, I'm part of the Daily Show Generation, sarcasm is my style.  How many fundementalist christians do i know? Ever been to West Michigan? I know that being in an area with a good cross section of them is like.  Is it not reasonable to call into question the rationality of people who interpret the bible literally?  Noah gathered all the animals of the world and put them onto a boat? The earth is 6000 years old?  Pharoh releases the Jews just to have god pull the puppet strings in order to punish him and the jews somemore?  I'm sorry, but i just use those literal interpretations as fodder to call into question the logic of certian arguements.  Not to say that the message of christianity isnt great, "golden rule" ad nauseum; but i hope you see the point of my "put down" tactics.

Okay, mrzoid - know-it-all that you are.  Prove that Obama is muslim.  Show us or tell us with facts; not just your big mouth of stupidty.  

Okay, mrzoid - know-it-all that you are.  Prove that Obama is muslim.  Show us or tell us with facts; not just your big mouth of stupidty.  

Why are we trying to figure out what Palin is going to say in the debate ?

This seems dumb to me,  Watch the debate first and then I'm sure if you dont like her no matter what she says you still wont.  Just say:  "I dont like her because Obama is in your dreams at night" and be done with it !

I myself am from Texas, people from the south have accents so an accent does not bother me.

the people in the Fargo movie had the same accent its from Norwegian Dialects,  the Southern Accents are from Irish and African Influence.  

Someone's Accents doesnt mean *** about their intelligence,  People from the Northeast pronounce everything like RR at the end of a word Ex. Russer instead of Russia.

Ofcourse most people discussing an accent someone has are probably ignorant anyways

I thought this debate was about who would be the best vice-president and, potentially the best president if the need arises.  I'm sorry, but if your candidate is so unprepared that she can't do this, how in the world can she function in the meatgrinder that is Washington politics?  If she loses, she loses and no excuses need be offered.  What are spinners but people who are trying to bend what we saw and heard to their own ends?  If Biden talks too much, let him suffer the consequences. I think, in the world outside of the beltway, spinners are called con artists, aren't they?  Let the spinners shut up and let the voters decide without them.

mrzoid, it doesn't make me feel any differently...thanks for asking.  what do you mean "when you believe that obama is islamic"?  i said muslim/whatever.  i don't know what he is...is anyone what they say they are?  people say stuff just to "appease" the masses nowadays...all i'm saying is, whatever he is, i'm suppsed to tolerate it, so why don't people "tolerate" me, however i may be, whatever i may believe, DIFFERENT as i may be?  after all we have freedom of thought...right?

I,m not putting you down but just requesting civility.  You respond with sarcasm and that's really a form of a put down.  Your free to respond however you want.  I wonder how many fundamentalist christians you know.  I'm not a fundamentalist, but am a Christian, and don't find your posting very accurate or realistic in your portrayal of fundamentalist.

"The Radical Right"

What is that axactly ?

Her grammar is horrible...I think Alaska is just a cold version of Texas...and I'm from Texas. She cannot put together a complete sentence. She is W! and it's going to show.....Hey Joe....hush.

No matter who the journalist is, they should treat both sides equally.   If not it is not a fair interview.  In regards to Ifill, her book sales could be dependent on whether Obama wins or not.  Both candidates in the debate should be treated fairly.  I would not give Obama the same importance as Moses is to the parting of the Red Sea.  He is a johnny come lately to the black political scene.  Most polls are showing the American public is now aware of the media bias.  People will always be unhappy with the media.  The American public, however, is entitled to a free and objective press.  We have propagandist not journalist for the most part,  This is unfortunate.  We deserve better.  Both sides of the political scene should ask for an impartial press.

Guesswhat:  Its not a leap of faith to assume that you were a fundementalist christian.  I guess i should have left the door open for you to be a Zoroastrian, you know just to be fair.  However, if you choose not to believe in commonly accepted science, i assume you are on the fringe of society; when you believe that Obama is Islamic, that just confirms my assumption.  Just out of curiosity, how does it make you feel that it is looking increasingly likely that you are about to have a "Muslim" president?

Come on man, you are trying so hard to get Obama elected, is the best you got?

John Loves Peace: The difference in the debate will be the lack of follow up questions.  Palin gets in trouble when she is asked for specifics or to elaborate, not from the initial vague responses.

i really could care less about carbon dating.  if i don't agree with it, oh well, please just tolerate it.  i'm tolerating people who believe whatever they want, so i expect the same in return.  if i'm expected to not care about/tolerate Obama flip-flopping about being a muslim/whatever, then why don't people lay off Palin for what she believes?  some people don't understand what she believes ESPECIALLY if they're not Christians, they just go off of what they hear about speaking in tongues, or whatever it is that she believes/does that people are so inflamed about.  i really don't get it...

wow, i didn't have to say i'm a Christian and you assume it...cool.

ps-- paproudmom, yeah you know, i don't get all the hatred in these discussions either.  it's crazy.

paproudmom:  where was the put down in that post?  Is it not fair to retort with an equally valid question or request?  That seems pretty evenhanded does it not?  I would also cite this post as an example of not responding with a put down. Huh?

How is Palin going to do any better in a debate then she did being interviewed? She's either going to give answers that are too short and really vague or answers that are too long, vague, and impossible to make sense of. She has shown that she has no grasp of the details in any area of the federal government! She's a female Dubya! Three or four days of prep isn't going to make up for being a complete deer-in-the-headlights VP candidate that has zero business being in the position she's currently in!

I hate to say this, but it looks like the Radical Right managed to force a "Valley Girl" down McCain's throat before they would rally behind them.   I cannot think of a single person I know who could not tell another person what magazine or sources of information they used to gather information, upon which they based their opinions.   Somehow, I recall George Bush II saying the same thing, that he did not read newspapers or magazines, as he had his own advisors to give him the information he needed to know. Just as Bush and Cheney, she has her own preconceptions, and is unable to see merit in any other position,  Becasuse of that,  the Bush administration will go down in history as being the most disasterous one in  the history of the United States.  He wanted to go to war, so he chose to ignore anything which was opposite to his view.   Information was suppresed, and we went to war.   He was for deregulation, so we had deregulation, which has  led the country down the road to financial disaster, regardless of the repeated warnings which were raised two and three years ago which "W" chose to ignore.  Just like Bush, Palin is simply is not qualified for the position of  President of the United States, should McCain become unable to serve.    

Thanks IndieVA!

ok...you all are making me hungry.  where are the brontosaurus burgers???

Ok, on the discussion of the Katie Couric interview.  Replace Couric with Sean Hannity and replace Palin with Obama.  Let's for arguments sake say that Obama answers as Palin did.  The Republicans would be calling for his head and saying Hannity didn't ask the "hard, tough" questions.

As for the two who keep blogging a question, followed by an answer, followed by "game over", keep it up.  Neither of you impress me as there is no substance to these posts.

 As for the debate, no "special treatment" for either candidate.  If either are treated with kid gloves, then the debate is worthless.  As for Ifill

1)  The book is about black politics in America.  How can someone write about that without writing about Obama.  It would be like writing about the parting of the Red Sea without mentioning Moses.

2)  Despite the call of the media being "liberal", over 80 percent of all radio and television stations are owned by Republicans.  That must mean that Republicans are liberals.

3)  Can Ifill be unbias?  Having listened to several (but obviously not all) of her interviews, I believe she will be professional without letting any personal feelings enter into the debate.  A good journalist does that.

 The fact of the matter is that some of you will NEVER be happy with either the media or anyone who disagrees with your way of thinking.  Such a pity that you will never grow to be the best person you can be.

 When the presidential race first started, I researched every candidate on both the Republican and Democratic side.  I found out things I liked about each candidate as well as finding out things I didn't like about each candidate.  There will never be a "perfect" candidate.  But some of you talk as if there is.  Tell you what.  When GOD runs for President, let me know and we'll talk.

 I also don't listen to the "talking heads".  When I watch the debate tonight, I'll be watching C-SPAN, a station that does not have those so-called "political insiders" spinning how the debate went.  And for those of you who adamently against my views, save your breath.  Unlike others here, this will be my only post and I will not be back to look for reactions to my post.  Like it or hate it.

 I will say this much though.  I have read some intelligent comments here, from both sides of the fence.  But if those comments include insults or show any kind of hatred toward either candidate, then realize I AM NOT referring to your posts.

 just a few individual comments.

Blackcourt - You make me realize how important it is to have an education.

Dolphin - I enjoyed your "I'm confused" post.  After reading it, I realized just how true that is to most narrow minded people.

Oldefarte - this comment you made:  "FORTUNATELY, those of us in the center are actually gonna decide this election, so do us a favor and give us a fair debate and a chance for an honest assessment of the candidates."     How right you are.  Most people associated with either the Democrats or Republicans made up their minds a long time ago.  Very few of them will change at this point.  Its those undecided moderates who will decide who wins.

mrzoid does not seem to be able to respond without a put down.  Of course christianity has flaws as it is composed of humans who are flawed.  

VERY good point, PAproudmom!

Guesswhat: Carbon dating is fundementally accepted in the scientific community; but for the sake of arguement, google "christianity flaws", or go ask Jeeves if dinosaurs roamed the earth next to humans.

Those who are reading these comments have ask the question, why all the hatred?  It seems many have to demonize any who don't agree with them.  Can't people just agree to disagree.  Why do people have to attack others just because they hold different opinions, views, or preferences in candidates.  It really makes people sound immature.  

1) Ifill announced her book WELL before the Republicans agreed to her moderating the debate.  How curious that the objections to the moderator crop up at the same time fears of Palin's poor performance originate.

2)  The republican Congress (Bush) increased our debt (to other countries) from $2 trillion to $7 trillion.  Right now every single person in this country owes $30,000.  How many people are in your family?  Multiply it by $30,000.  That's what we owe to other countries.

3)  The republican Congress spent more money - EVEN ADJUSTING FOR INFLATION - than any other Congress in history.

4)  The republican Congress met FEWER times than any other Congress in history.  Our country is 230 freakin' YEARS OLD.

mrzoid, maybe you didn't understand me.  google "carbon dating flaws" and you'll find out what i'm talking about.  nope, science isn't scary.  

Wow, Bigsky.

Your post is inaccurate from start to finish.

guesswhat:  Fish? Thats your rationale? Fish?  Ok, because they dated something back millions of years and had not found a living specimen for the 50 or so years they've been paying attention, that doesnt make them extinct.  The majority of the earth is uninvestigated because it is deep sea, no one knows what is down n the depths of the oceans. I'll tell you this though, no one has found a dinosaur roaming through inner-brazil.  Carbon dating is bs huh? But the "Noah's Ark" story seems perfectly reasonable to you.  I am sorry, it must be a scary place this planet earth, what with all of it's voodoo the educated call science.

<Strong>I don't know about anybody else, Sarah Palin and the Republican Party remind me of a story I once read as a child in school, the story was called "The Emperors New Clothes".  I say this because she parades around spewing out rhetoric against Democrats like there is no tomorrow, and speaks during interviews like she knows what she is talking about and worse yet, like the interviewer is supposed to give her the answers to the questions she is being asked.  She often looked in her interviews as if she were silently asking, can you give me a hint? She in essence is running around the campaign trail saying look at me, look at me, aren't the clothes my new found friends and fans have gotten me just the bomb? Happily and in some cases deliriously, do the Republican faithful admonish her with praise and adoration, not even once declaring that the Empress has no clothes on, instead, they let her prance about only because she draws more people ready to be fooled in to a rally than John McCain ever could.  The Republican leadership has yet to admit the truth of her only three interviews, that the empress has no clothes on, meaning, Sarah Palin is not quite as bright as they all thought or hoped she would be through massive preparation and sequestering from the electronic news media,  the press and anyone else that was not either Republican or a GOP sympathizer.  While the rest of the world tries desparately to point out the fact that the Empress has no clothes on, the Republican Party and its faithful followers continue to live in denial.<Strong>

To rossj,

You make some good points.

Are you implying that there are no false statements flying around about McCain/Palin?  Of course there are.  Such is the state of American politics today.  I would not include "Obama is going to raise taxes on the middle class" as one of the false statements.  Stop believing everything you see on TV and do the math.  No way $800billion in new spending (pre-bailout) gets paid for without rasing taxes.  No way.  

With regard to socialism in our government today.  You are right.  We have lots of it - welfare being a big example.  We even have socialized medicine today.  The VA and Medicare are socialized health care systems.

So my question is this: If we have had 70+ years to get the VA and Medicare right and they are so badly broken why do we think we can socialize healthcare for everyone and get it right.

Just thinking out loud.

For what's it is worth.  I am a conservative who is NOT a republican and who used to work on Capitol Hill for....wait for it.....a Democrat.  

Shocking I know.  

When did the evil take over my mind and soul?

Wish I knew.

: -)

Everyone take a deep breath and stop being so vitriolic.

Blackcourt - Clearly you must have researched the sources for your accusations.  Why not provide them and save us all a lot of time.  The real truth is anybody can say anything on these forums, but the reality is ,without documentation, it means nothing.  So why not provide your sources?  Since you seem confident in their accuracy, you must have them at hand.  

Or is simply easier to just say anything in the radical right "Rovish" way, and say it over and over, without ever proving any accuracy, and attack anyone who suggests that perhaps the "facts" might be questionalbe.  WMD's?  Mushroom clouds?  Association with 9/11?

Dumplin- The answer is D) All the above.  All the things that were listed have all be debunked.  Obama is not a Muslim.  Obama did not write a bill for comprehensive sex ed, but rather, a bill designed to teach kids about sexual predators and "bad touch" which gave the parents the ability to say no they did not want their child in the program.  Obama wants to LOWER the tax on people making under $250,000 a year and raise taxes on corporations that outsource their jobs to overseas and raise taxes on those that make over $250,000 a year.  McCain wants to cut taxes to business and the wealthy.  As far as Obama wanting socialism, it's already here.  We have police, firemen, libraries, roads/highways, SOCIAL security, etc.  I know you are just being a wise crack, but, thought it was well worth the time to show how foolish  you are.  

The number one reason why people go bankrupt is from medical bills.  Not because they aren't paying or wanting handouts, but because even with insurance, they can't cover their medical bills.  If we had real health insurance that didn't try to screw people out of benefits, we wouldn't be in the economic mess we are in.  I hope that you or your family never have to watch a loved die slowly because they can't afford health care.  As a health care professional in a hospital, it's all too common.

I see a pattern of dishonesty about Sarah Palin.  To begin with her smile is phony, practiced and it’s one that only a suck up Republican would love.  She talked about how she, single handedly she would have people believe, stopped the bridge to nowhere, saying “thank you but not thanks”.  Correspondingly, she failed to mention the fact that the road to nowhere is still built.  As Governor, she had all the power needed to stop the building of that road.  She didn’t even try.  Her touted concern for tax payers is nothing but a whiff and a puff.   Also, she is under investigation in Alaska and she is not cooperating with the investigators. How is that for leadership, example setting and good citizenship traits?  McCain, in supporting her is showing that he learned nothing from the Keating Six.

Palin has a special needs two year old son, who has a right his parents’ full and undivided care, time and attention.  A loving parent would have had to think long and hard before accepting McCain’s offer.  Palin, in her words, gave the offer little if any thought before accepting it.  She, in effect then, gave the rights of her special needs son very little if any consideration at all.  She is letting McCain, in effect, cannibalize the care, time and attention due her son in order to advance his seventy-two years old political ambitions. That McCain would even ask her says something ugly about his decision-making abilities and judgment.  That Palin would accept such an offer, likewise says something ugly about her decision-making abilities and judgment.  And, they are headed for the White House?  

If Palin became Vice President, she could very easily succeed to the Presidency due, in part, to McCain’s age.  That’s a statistical fact.  She, as her actions are currently demonstrating, feels that she is above the law.  She will appoint attorneys and judges based upon their avowed political persuasions, further politicizing the justice system as begun by Richard Nixon.  Almost dismissive of her son, she will be in a position where we will be making life and death decisions about the children of others.  Maybe she can treat her children any way she wants.  But Americans should not put their children at the disposal of Sarah Palin’s decision making and judgment under any circumstances.  John McCain could have made a much better choice; however, he chose her.  This demonstrates so clearly, how little he really thinks of his country and America’s children.  They deserve better.    

How convenient that you did not put the WHOLE title of the book in the article.

The book is entitled: “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.”

What if she leaned conservative and wrote a book about the "Age of McCain"? I think your views would change dramatically.

It seems that Palin's best attribute is she elicits 'low expectations' that are easy to exceed.  The last thing we need is a Presidency with low expectations!

y

n

not sure how old it is, if i'm being honest.  buuuuuut, not sure i believe that it's MILLIONS of years old.

now please, someone go on a rant about how SCIENCE has proved this and that.  please, i really need to hear it...

So now the McCain camp says a debate of the issues is not a fair way to judge Palin because "she is one of us."  Okay.  So how should we judge her?  The job of VP requires one to have at least basic knowledge of the issues, or I would hope it does anyways.  If Sarah Palin is "one of us" and so does not have basic knowledge of the issues then she is not qualified for the job.  Period.  

If the qualifications for the job of VP of the USA, number two job in the country, were simply to understand the common person, than I missed a big career opportunity.  This argument is so preposterous it's hard to believe anyone with a brain isn't insulted by it.

mrzoid...i'm a chick...and no it's not far-fetched.  guess you never been to glen rose, tx.  carbon dating is bs by the way.  they've dated fish as being extinct for millions of years, then found live ones.  oopsy.  dino discussion dropped.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws&feature=related

Obama visited 57 states during the primary.

Alaska must be 58 and Hawaii 59???????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omHUsRTYFAU&feature=related

Obama can't count on his fingers with a microphone in his hand

Uhhhhhhhhhhh.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThEAO0lt4Dw&feature=related

What language do they speak in Afghanistan?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae-Ak9WuUio&feature=related

How many died in Kansas?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjO8Qc5s1fY&feature=related

Biden watched Rosevelt on tv in 1929.

grammom- Apparently I didn't make myself clear, because when I said "my needs" I meant the needs of the general population...as in what will make the USA better as a whole, not just what the press thinks will look good.

bbrock- I am sorry for the typo, I did mean to say health problems and not heart problems, you are absolutely correct.  However, the men looking at her figure was intented for another's comment whom obviously is less than happy to see any woman in a role of political seriousness.  Though I'm not sure why is scares men so much to possibly see a woman in office.  Are you all really that scared that we have PMS and push the little red button?!  If you are, maybe you should be nicer to your significant other!

As far as the "average American not knowing what they need," that's true.  Everyone on here has stated time and time again that most American are uninformed and uneducated and don't want a "simple" person running the country.  Why do you think we have a low voting rate?  It's not because Americans don't care who the President is...just ask anyone on the street and they'll tell you their opinion.  It's because the average American is either working in the fields, raising a family, or doing something more productive with their time than sitting around watching the debates all day.  ** For anyone who reads this, the above statement is not to say that those people are not educated or informed but simpley have more day to day things to do with their time.**  If you truely believed that 100% of Americans are informed and ready to vote, or even 80 or 60% then why don't they???  No one wants to look stupid or sound dumb but most Americans are not ready to vote let alone run the country and I fully agree with you, as I have already stated, that it should be someone who is out of the ordinary (Eisenhower, Reagan, etc.) to run the US.  But unfortunately we're going to have to take what we can get on this one and hope for the best.

Who knows...maybe one of them will be the next Eisenhower.  We won't know until it happens.

guesswhat_imconservative - do you believe in witches or witchcraft? (y/n)

do you believe dinosaurs walked the earth 4000 yrs ago? (y/n)

do you believe the earth is 6000 yrs old (y/n)

Guesswhat:  No sir, it is aas far fetched as it gets.  All politics aside, Dinosaurs and Human beings never roamed the earth at the same time; I reference you to the procedure of carbon dating.  No more conversation on this topic please, for the sake of all on this board, no more dinosaur talk.

On television today a Democratic operative pointed out that when Obama holds a rally 25-30,000 people show up, whereas when McCain holds one he only draws 10-15,000.

The Republican spokesman replied, "That's because McCain's supporters are at work."

Someone please explain to me how the media can set up tonight's debate to favor Biden.  Both candidates have equal air time with no participation from the audience or any other outside influence.  It's aired live with no editing.  Nobody even knows what questions will be asked.  They say what they say and the people decide.  How does the media influence this?

Stupid comments like that should not be posted without some information backing it up.

Posted By: mesdmd (October 2, 2008 at 3:32 PM)

McCain is an absolute hypocrite when he says America first. His choice of Sarah Palin is an obvious ticket/ candidate first. It has become apparent that she is way over her head as a vice prsidential candidate. It is a scary thought if god forbid she would have to assume the position of president. Is this McCains judgement of America first?

This Palin is scary thing is bunk.  One loses credibility when they say "I'm Scared".  Suck your thumb then you child.

Dream about Obama and you'll feel better !

I have been a republican all through out my life who believes market always get it right but seeing last few years, I think some moderation is required from the government.

This is a time when we want a president/vp who will make decisions that will make future of my generations secure. I was ecstatic when Palin was selected as she represented change, women, executive of a state but listening to her and then seeing her record has greatly disappointed me. I don't think she is ready to be VP or President for that matter. I recollect listening to Bobby Jindal from Louisiana another governor like Sarah but unlike her he was highly accomplished. He turned down VP as he think he needs to be governor for next two terms, take his state to the next level and not opportunistic like Sarah, who being with no experienced jumped gun. Her track record of using her internal friends/family for promotions, misusing power to revenge against her relative and being a idiot in prime time TV have made us and my fellow church friends to not vote for her or republicans this time.

I think I will be committing sin if I vote for her. Bible says that we need to be responsible, not misuse power and I won't misuse mine either.

I don't want to burn in the fires of hell as I know I will if I vote for ignorant, Liar, egoistic Palin.

oh and also, dolphin3323, come to TX if you wanna see human and dinosaur footprints side-by-side.  it's not as far-fetched as you think.

oh and also, dolphin3323, come to TX if you wanna see human and dinosaur footprints side-by-side.  it's not as far-fetched as you think.

Hi ladies. Look at your drunk 14 year old drunk daughters and tell them they shouldn't be drunks when the Vice-President of the United States is a spokeswoman for Cindy's Beer empire.

A total lack of

Oh hell. I give up. What is the point? My parents taught me not to hang with liars. My vote is going to Obama.

McCain/Palin ( No class/All lies )

I find it Ironic that people are more interested in a young fellow still trying to find what his way and what his core beliefs are (Obama) than a man who's grand dad and dad were admiral 4 stars each in the navy, who's dad went away in WW11 and didnt come back for four years, who's mom is 96, who was a pilot himself and a POW for 5 years and is sort of an old school republican from the Senate,  Who has seen way more countries, life experience in general is way more interesting than a Latch key kid from Hawaii.

Grammom - are you worried about her answers to these questions?

How old is the earth?

Did man and dinosaurs walk the earth at the same time?

Do you believe in witches or witchcraft?

etc,etc

nobody is persecuting her for her beliefs - we are simply worried about where she is coming from and what is going on in her head. We as free americans might just be a little concerned about anotherr bible toting know it all who knows the answer to everything before even hearing the question.

McCain is an absolute hypocrite when he says America first. His choice of Sarah Palin is an obvious ticket/ candidate first. It has become apparent that she is way over her head as a vice prsidential candidate. It is a scary thought if god forbid she would have to assume the position of president. Is this McCains judgement of America first?

Izme:  Its a speech pattern tick that he uses while he puts his words together; McCain uses "my friends", Palin uses a prolonged silence, and Biden just jumps head first into a sentence with reckless abandon.  However, when the words come out, there is no debate as to who is the most eloquent and intellegent, Obama.

SO ROSSJ. WHAT OF YOUR POINTS ARE INCORRECT?

Blackcourt wants to know has Obama introduced even one piece of legislation.  Here are some and it's not all by any means:

NOTE: The information presented here is derived from thomas.loc.gov, but in some cases may be out of date.

The status of Obama's bills and resolutions as noted in the below table is in accordance with thomas.loc.gov. Introduced in the Senate (IS) refers to bills pending approval in committee. Reported to the Senate (RS) refers to bills that have received favorable report in committee and may be placed on the calendar for vote. Approved by the Senate (ATS) describes bills which have gained approval.[4] Govtrack links from this column provide updated status, summaries, and full text of the bills.

Type   Number   Title or description   Status   Notes

109 S. 1180 SAVE Reauthorization Act of 2005 IS [5]

109 S. 1194 Spent Nuclear Fuel Tracking and Accountability Act IS  

109 S. 1426 Drinking Water Security Act of 2005 IS  

109 S. 1630 National Emergency Family Locator Act IS [6][7]

109 S. 1638 Hurricane Katrina Emergency Health Workforce Act of 2005 IS [8][7][9]

109 S. 1685 To ensure the evacuation of individuals with special needs in times of emergency. IS [10][7]

109 S. 1770 Hurricane Katrina Fast-Track Refunds for Working Families Act of 2005 IS  

109 S. 1920 Renewable Diesel Standard Act of 2005 IS [11][12]

109 S. 1975 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2005 IS  

109 S. 2045 Health Care for Hybrids Act IS [13]

109 S. 2047 Healthy Communities Act of 2005 IS  

109 S. 2048 Lead Free Toys Act of 2005 IS  

109 S. 2125 Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act of 2005 RS [14][15]

109 S. 2149 STEP UP Act of 2005 IS  

109 S. 2154 To provide for the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Rosa Parks. IS  

109 S. 2179 CLEAN UP Act IS  

109 S. 2201 Federal Aviation Administration Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2247 Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Efficiency Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2257 Hurricane Katrina Working Family Tax Relief Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2259 Congressional Ethics Enforcement Commission Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2261 Transparency and Integrity in Earmarks Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2280 STOP FRAUD Act IS  

109 S. 2286 Equality for Two-Parent Families Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2319 Hurricane Katrina Recovery Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2348 Nuclear Release Notice Act of 2006 RS  

109 S. 2358 VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2359 Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2441 Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act IS  

109 S. 2446 American Fuels Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2484 Protecting Taxpayer Privacy Act IS  

109 S. 2506 Healthy Places Act of 2006 IS  

109 S. 2984 FILL UP Act IS [13]

dolphin3323,

thanks for all the fun facts you mentioned earlier--"subj: i'm confused".  particularly the relevant ones like how Palin's husband got a DWI back in the day and his voting registration *yawn*.  you forgot to mention that obama used to do drugs.  does that make him responsible?  or what...you didn't know that?

i'm just sayin...

kthxbye

THE MEDIA HAS ALREADY SET THIS UP FOR BIDEN TO LOOK GOOD AND PALIN TO LOOK FOOLISH.  THE RULES OF DEBATE ARE IN BIDEN'S FAVOR AND THE MEDIATOR IS AN OBAMA SUPPORTER. GIVE ME A BREAK

gammom- Ummm, until almost two years ago, congress was controlled by the Republican Senate for 12 years.  Eventhough they do have a majority, they are not fillibuster proof nor do they have the power to override a Veto.  Is it ALL Republican blame?  Of course not.  But, if you are going to say it's the Dem's fault for being in control, please use some common sense and a little knowledge.  The Republicans had congressional control for 12 years before losing it.  Let's just keep the facts up front.  We have too many false claims flying around ala Raines is advising Obama.  Obama is a muslim.  Obama wants sex ed for kindergarteners.  Obama is going to raise taxes on middle class.  Obama wants socialism. *By the way, for those of you worried about socialism, you are a little behind.  We have socialized components in place that have been there for a very long time.  You are buying into the whole "socialism" scare tactic just like the "communist" scare tactic.  Frighten people and they mobilize.  But sorry, we already have many forms of socialism in our country already.*

Let's see....when Obama doesn't have a prompter in front of him, his favorite line is Uhhhhhhh, Ummmmmmm, Uhhhhhhh, Ummmmmmmm

You have to give the Republicans credit for not having the 'unknown" on the top of the ticket!

I am more inclined to agree with mrzoid in the thought that it probably was Alan Greenspan, but queenie you need to remember that the majority in Congress is Dems not Reps.  The President can't do anything with Congressional support as well as the President can't do anything with them.  It is no one party's fault even though the media tries to spin it to whatever they think America is complaining about that day!  And as for the importantance of "the earth is 6,000 yrs old, etc." yes that is important to a certain degree, but just because she's not smart in one area doesn't mean that she's not smart in others.  I have never known a Biology major to know all about Phillosophy, or a Matt major to know all about Art...but it should be about how you will run our country and not who you know!  

Because I love this country, and because there is still a chance that we may see a "President Palin", I sincerely hope that this woman does considerably better than I expect her to do.

As for the "one of us" argument, Barack Obama is the first Presidential candidate that I can recall in my 56 years that I would like to have a beer and conversation with.  Most of the others have been just a little too ordinary for my taste, though I did like Eisenhower pretty well.

This debate has turned into a p.r. stunt for Gwen Ifill's upcoming book. Wow, I think that Ifill will be the winner in this one.

queenie (October 2, 2008 at 3:03 PM)

Blackcourt - I think the republicans are absolutely responsible for this crisis - we had a balanced budget when they took over.  All law changes enacted by Bush et al. benefited the big financial companies and allowed them to eat the rest of us alive with fees, outrageous interest rates, etc.  What could and should have been done was that republicans should have for once considered the impact their new laws made on the people of america and now just how their stocks went up with the profits.  This entire crisis is the karmic response to their greed.  

Hey,  When you say "they took over"  who are you talking about ?

It was a Republican Congress the entire time Bill Clinton was president ?

So when you say "they" you must be referring to GW.  However look at the expenditures that happened.  9/11. Iraq, Airline Security, Afghanistan, Katrina, Anthrax, Homeland Security .

All these things cost alot of money !   What "greed" are you talking about ?

You are just throwing words out their.  People like you could care less about the Nations budget and you probably dont even know anything about it !  You just want something to refer back to and say hey it was good then,  even though thats not the case !

Oh please! Here we go again. The McCain camp wants to place the blame on the media yet again,and now they're dragging a well respected journalist into the fire. I don't see them mentioning the biased Tom Browkaw, who even called the McCain camp to personally assure them about his loyalty to them. He is obviously biased. Just because Gwen is writing a book on black politics, doesn't mean she's pro-Obama, that's meerily an assumption.

It's obvious that the McCain wasn't taking this campaign for President seriously. They honestly thought after 8 years of power, that they could come in to this race with lies and silly ideas.

Now, unfrotunately, there are a lot of ppl who vote based off this "Joe Six Pack" BS, but I say let 'em screw themselves. Keep voting for this style over substance idiots, and enjoy your cardboard box you'll be living next year.

I didn't see anyone complaing or questioning white moderators this year or last year.

dolphin 3323 -   This IS America for God's sake.  It was founded by people who wanted freedom of religion AND freedom from political opression.  The personal religious belief only matters if it INTERFERES with the decision making process.  Just think what the U.S. would be like if none of us could practice our own religion? or not practice any?  and not have freedome from being dragged out into the street by the hundreds and executed or tortured for our thoughts? Remind you of any other countries in the world?  

This is to the poster, female american:  

Thanks for advising us on using our minds to vote for the best candidate, I think that's what us more informed and mature voters are doing.

You should get your facts straight:  McCain doesn't have heart problems, he has had cancer.

American men and Americans in general do look at more than Palin's figure.  That's become painfully obvious the past few weeks.

I do have to point out an obvious fact, there is no valid comparison between Biden and Palin.  Joe Biden has years of experience and is a diplomat.  Hell, he's the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  What has Palin done beside become governor of a state with less than 700,000 people?  Rhode Island has more people than that.

You're projecting when you say "on average, Americans don't know what we need".  You probably don't, but the rest of us do.  That's why they allow us to take part in a Democratic process and vote.  Obviously, our opinions count for something.  According to your "logic", no one knows what the country needs because they're not in politics.  There are places that subscribe to this "logic": China, Russia, etc.

Also, what is with this mentality that being the average American is a good thing for public office?

Our leaders, need to represent what is best in our society, not what is average.  I don't think I'm fit to run this country and neither are most people that I know. I don't want to live in a world that has average people running it.  I want better than average people running things.  That way I know were improving our society.  Leadership requires many attributes that go beyond mere intelligence.  Leaders have to have the best total package.  And in Palin's case, there is far too much that is negative to come close to balancing what little good she has to offer.  Governor of Alaska, fine. Vice president, hell no!

Valark:  Thats the problem right there; the president doesn't have alot to do with the economic fundementals, its the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.  The thing is though, when things are going well, the Pres. takes undeserved credit; so you have to take the undeserved blame when things are going badly.  Its like McCain suspending his campaign to go save the bailout; he had no power in the process, but he was seeking to get credit, so when things went belly up, he had to take the criticizm.

queenie - there we go again.  Thinking the president is King or a dictator.  The mostly Democratic Congress for the past 8 or more years is what wrecked the budget, and passed legislation - laws.  Even if the President vetos something the Congress has enough votes to pass it anyway.  Things have been going downhill since the Clintons' administration - and yes, the apostrophe is in the right place!!!

When has it been a bad idea to have a President that is smarter than the average American?  I keep up on news, (Newsweek, The Statesman Journal, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, People (gulity pleasure), Time), but I can't profess to understand the nuiance of world affairs.  I don't think there are many out there that understand or would even know how to write a bill for Congress.  I don't know international law.  I want someone who has had an education or experience to facilitate what I don't know or understand.  This whole idea of "Joe Sixpack" running the country is ludicrous.  If we were going to elect based on that premise, then the Blue Collar Tour guys would be a better pick.  I am glad Sarah Palin has her faith.  I am glad John McCain has served for many, many, many years.  However, it's their behavior and policies that have me concerned.  Are any of these candidates perfect?  Not even close.  They are human beings.  But, when I look at a candidate, I want someone who is even tempered, someone who doesn't appear to be flying off the handle, someone who can say "good job" to someone who has ideas different than themselves, someone who the world looks at and can see an ally.  I don't see any of these things in Palin or McCain.

"The truth is the president has little to do with economic policies or the economy itself"  - wcor242

Wow, finally someone who understands.  Even with this being obviously true with all the events that have happened over the past 18 months, there are still poster after poster and (heaven help us) voter after voter who do not understand this.

Hello IndieVa:

I was actually thinking of bigoted liberals, but point taken. Bigotry can cross all religious and political lines.

female american -  Someone who just fits "my needs"??  That's the problem.  We've been voting for years now for someone who fits "our" needs.  How about voting for who's best for the U.S.A.?  Oh, yeah, I forgot, there isn't anyone ...

It certainly is relevant if the VP candidate thinks the earth is 6,000 yrs old, or believes in witches and witchcraft, or thinks men and dinosaurs walked the earth at the same time.  The public really needs to know this - we really need to know this.

Blackcourt:  Who do i think is responsible for the current economic crisis?  There are many players, but fundementally and primarily, Alan Greenspan.

Blackcourt - I think the republicans are absolutely responsible for this crisis - we had a balanced budget when they took over.  All law changes enacted by Bush et al. benefited the big financial companies and allowed them to eat the rest of us alive with fees, outrageous interest rates, etc.  What could and should have been done was that republicans should have for once considered the impact their new laws made on the people of america and now just how their stocks went up with the profits.  This entire crisis is the karmic response to their greed.  

I think all these mistakes on her interviews were just an act so that when she debates togninght she will actually look some what smart. I don't belive she is ready to be VP or President not evern a 6 pack VP,  She is as dumb as they come when it comes to Geography or History and I don't like her jokes they are crule and bullish. I will not vote for McCain just because there is a women on his ticket, McCain just does not get it is not the women but the substance that counts.

Before Palin was nominated, the Reps were complaining that Obama got all of the press. Now they are complaining that Palin gets all of the press.

She's a light-weight, with a large lack of experience. Admit the obvious.

My Comment is Does it matter ?

Does it Matter who wins the election,  The truth of the matter is Americans are very self centered, materialistic and wanting help help help for everything they cannot or dont want to do for themselves.  Just like this 700 Billion Bailout.  "Some Americans wont get college loans".

Who cares,  so we are suppose to give up our freedoms so people can have college loans,  How spoiled we have become.  A weak nation who uses Illegal Immigrants to clean their homes,yards and cars,  who cant go without Cell Phones or Cable TV for more than a day,  Who wont exercise, who eat too much and spend far too little time with their kids.  We dont save any money,  and we admire the dumbness of entertainment and pictures of stuff on the internet.  Americans dont understand and dont want to understand economics or common since all they want is whats the laziest way to get money in their pocket without getting out of their chair.

Regardless of who wins,  this stuff will not change,  we can all feel good for a few days when our supposed leader wins and then back to mediocridy we will go.

The truth is the president has little to do with economic policies or the economy itself as we can see right now !   Electing a president should not be about what they can do for us but what type of example and leader he will be.   He has the Bully Pit to set examples.    Yes, whether Palin makes a good speech or Biden blows us away with knowledge my vote will be for McCain because I believe he would set a great example for my kids and that is more important than more handouts from the government or being friends with Europe.

Thanx

Thank you glassone83.  Great to see there are others out there who feel the same. I would love to see a "political bail out package" offered by our government.

Thanks for the positive comments and allowing me to see I am not alone in my hopes for our great nation and all the people in it.

If only Obama had chosen Hillary as his running mate, this debate would have been historical, instead of, probably, embarrassing.

gaylealstrom.com

JMK50 - where has Obama shown that he makes clear-cut decisions?  He has charisma, he is popular, he is young, goodlooking, nice family man, socially conscious - reminds us of Kennedy AND MLK Jr.  But clear-cut decisions?  Voting "present" is anything but clear cut. He's no more capable of being president than a junior senator or congressman.  On the other hand, McCain a Maverick????  If that were true, he'd have re-registered as an Independent, and realy shown that he's not a clone of GWB.  I'm asking for a write in ballot - I'm not sure who I'm voting for, but it won't be either of them.  Wasted vote? maybe, but not any more wasted than either one of them.

Hye Marky,

Thanks for the assumption that Conservatives do want to be bigoted!

Appreciate being painted with that brush!

Hye Marky,

Thanks for the assumption that Conservatives do want to be bigoted!

Appreciate being painted with that brush!

Hey deeppeace: Did you know that Obama reads most of his speaches, including his acceptance speach, from a telleprompter?

deeppeace: No.

Game Over

God: Do you think you can defy me, the true and living God who loves you?

dolphin3323: Yes

GAME OVER

I would love to see some impartial journalism just once.  A previous poster already mentioned the once sentence about Biden versus the several paragraphs about Palin.  How about his mention of Ifil's book.  It is not entitled simply "The Breakthrough"  The title is "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama"

Let me ask the Democrat supporters a question... who do you think is responsible for the current economic crisis we are facing?  Who do you think could have AND should have done something to prevent it from happening?

For over 35 years I have been an unbending liberal democrat. I am a fierce supporter of Barack Obama. For over 25 years I have been an unbending Christian. I am a fierce supporter of Jesus Christ. I have been in the presence of people who speak in tongues, have been healed by prayer and have experienced other manifestation of the Holy Spirit .  I am university educated in the sciences, am not stupid and can think for myself  . The  thought of Sarah Pain in the white house is painful and terrifying . My point is that it is wise not to make assumptions about someones personal faith as it pertains to politics. That would be bigoted and no liberal (or Christian) wants to be that.

"Hey Blackcourt - document your Obama accusations regarding Fannie and Freddie."

Document them?  Its a matter of public record.  Do some research... or do you always make uninformed opinions.

Typical democratic answer here... can you prove it... oh... you can...

Normally I hate reading these blogs because they all appear to be rantings with few basis (if any) in fact.  However, Bsklang posted the most thoughtful comments I've scanned this election season.  I am an African-American woman who voted for Pres. Bush all four times he ran for office (twice as governor and twice for president).  Unlike many other African-Americans I did not vote for Bill Clinton either time.  This election cycle I vowed to vote for the Democrat even if a cat was on the ticket because I just don't think this country can afford 4 more years of Republican policies.  I am a very informed voter; I vary my news sources because I know spin so I'm always turned off by the name calling, double-standards and mis-leading statements from both parties.  I was completely turned off by how dirty the Clinton campaign stooped - and the fact that they have been extremely poor losers just reinforced every negative opinion I've ever had of them.  

When I was younger I voted "people" and "personalities."  Now that I am older, I vote issues and I wish our political leaders would stop appealing to the electorate as if we were dumb.  There are those of us who deeply care about this country and frankly, could care less what labels people wear.  We have difficult challenges that not only impact us and our lives but impact the world and if Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama dispensed with politics and really ran on issues, it would go a long way toward insuring we are truly an "educated on the issues" electorate.

Nononesense:  Well in that regard i copmletely agree with you.  You seem to be missing the reality of the situation though.  There is very little news anymore, there is predominately commentary.  MSNBC, CNN, FoxNews; all of these stations are pure commentary, not news.  They are nothing but opinion; curse of the 24 hour cycle, where the "news" is entertainment based for the purpose of ratings.  The major networks still provide real unbiased news, at 6:30 e.t., for a half hour a night.  Once the "news" became a money making endeavor, boom, instant corruption of the journalistic process.  It's sad, but true, if you want news, watch PBS.

Oh, and by the way, if I hear one more candidate dropping her/his "g"'s at the end of an action, like "fishin'" and "votin'" -- I'm going to scream. Palin does this repeatedly. Is this an affectation among politicians to appear like "every man" and appeal to the lowest common denominator - attempting to seem "real" and "down-to-earth"?

I hope Biden doesn't stoop to this ploy. Or maybe it's Palin's normal way of talking. That won't impress anyone of our overseas allies, nor will her abysmal academic and professional record.

McCain should be ashamed of himself. He is posing a serious natoinal security threat by staying in the race and now introducing this marble-head.

It's so funny to watch the Straight Talk Titanic crash into another iceberg tonight as "Simpleton" Sarah has to debate Joe Biden on issues.  I am now wondering who the real comedian is, Tina Fey or Sarah Palin.  Is she some kind of masochist going back to Katie Couric for more punishment with questions she can't answer coherently.  So funny the grumpy old man is now whining about Gwen Ifill even though there has been plenty of places where her book has been promoted and announced.  Trying to kill the moderator before she ever asks questions.  They had to make Gwen dumb down the debate style to fit their clueless candidate.

If "Simpleton" Sarah can't play with the big boys in the big leagues then she should push the ejection button on her VP candidacy.  She had better perform up to the standards of a VP and if she doesn't then she ought to be smart enough to bail out now before she makes an even bigger fool of herself.  Joe Biden is going to wipe the floor with her tonight.  I'm sure the Dumb and Dumber ticket already has their ads up saying she won.

The media and McCain camps can spin this whatever they like.

Just think - Palin can might "win" this debate because she can smile and complete a "simple" sentence - mind you simple, not compound.

Country First - McCain-Palin - talk about an oxymoron if ever there was!

NO MCCAIN, NO PALIN, NO WAY, NO HOW!

Well then I suppose you're calling yourself uneducated and uninformed olderwiser, because us "ordinary" people can be that way.  If you actually read what I said instead of stopping half way through because you got your little feelings hurt, you would know that I am not sure which way I am voting yet.  Although I will not make the same mistake that others are making and vote for a person simplely because I think they are just an average jane or because I think they're the best thing since sliced bread!  I won't be voting for someone because they're younger, or older, or have been in politics longer...I will be voting for someone who best fits MY needs, as well as I believe everyone should.  Just because you are older does NOT make you wiser and the younger generations are starting to figure that out be actually paying attention to the debates, which is what America needs.  Informed voters amke better decisions and I hope that older or uninformed people don't sway those who are actually paying attention.

Palin & Mccain do not get it. Palin does not understand most of the topics she is asked to comment on.  Katie Couric is not aggressive toward anyone. When, did a simple question become "gotcha journalism"?

I was actually waiting for McCain to select Mitt...He is a great, solid guy. Intelligent. It would have been a powerful ticket but Palin makes me cringe every time I hear her now. Her over confidence, lies and lack of common sense makes me shudder. I am only worried about the state of my country and future of my kids.

She should quit and McCain should get Mitt, it will bring some sensibility and my vote, McCain, please drop Palin and select Mitt, you will get my and other conservatives votes.

I AM NOT VOTING FOR MCCAIN - PALIN TICKET but would vote for MCCAIN- ROMNEY

Like I said before,

Posted By: kruss (October 2, 2008 at 1:33 PM)

I have been a republican all through out my life who believes market always get it right but seeing last few years, I think some moderation is required from the government.

This is a time when we want a president/vp who will make decisions that will make future of my generations secure. I was ecstatic when Palin was selected as she represented change, women, executive of a state but listening to her and then seeing her record has greatly disappointed me. I don't think she is ready to be VP or President for that matter. I recollect listening to Bobby Jindal from Louisiana another governor like Sarah but unlike her he was highly accomplished. He turned down VP as he think he needs to be governor for next two terms, take his state to the next level and not opportunistic like Sarah, who being with no experienced jumped gun. Her track record of using her internal friends/family for promotions, misusing power to revenge against her relative and being a idiot in prime time TV have made us and my fellow church friends to not vote for her or republicans this time.

I think I will be committing sin if I vote for her. Bible says that we need to be responsible, not misuse power and I won't misuse mine either.

I don't want to burn in the fires of hell as I know I will if I vote for ignorant, egoistic Palin.

Seems the only thing Palin really IS good at is SEX and baby-rearin'

How the hell this makes her a serious candidate for VP this year, vs. Hillary Clinton who was eminently QUALIFIED by any standards, is just really an insult to all women in the USA and in the world.

The SCUM of the GOP thought this one up; they deserve to be BEATEN this year and never again reelected until they come up with some smarter, savvier and more polished candidates. Neither McCain nor Palin fit the bill -- and Obama and Biden are supremely gifted and highly regarded throughout the world.

McCain is POW with an addled brain, who should be talking seriously with that rat-bag-hair-do of a wife about retirement.

The truth and ethic I am referring to is this:  Jounalists once reported the truth, not thier own bias. All stories had to have a source that could be proved. Not so any longer. The news is as politicized as our politicians.

In our own country we can no longer believe not only our politicians, but the reporters who report on them. We have made the job of journalism glamourous. The media is percieved as infallible, when in reality they are out for ratings, fame and money. To do that they resort to sensationalism and creating fear and yes smearing for their favorite candidate.

Politicians will always lie...it is part of their job description. It was journalism that helped ordinary Americans once see the truth. Now...they work for the politicians and perpetuate thier lies.

The Biden-Palin Debate Pre-Spin -

"SARAH" will treat Biden like a little boy needing discipline.

"SARAH" will scold the "GAFF" prone Robert Culp "I SPY" look alike act alike loose cannon.

The real October surprise will be that "SARAH" has been turned loose to say and do as she pleases.

Joe Biden can't help himself he was born with his foot in his mouth.

At the end of the debate Joe will remove his foot from his mouth, look at it and see thet it looks like a laced up boot made of moose skin (instead of a shoe) with the inscription on it reading "SARAH"."Boots are made for walking" but you (JOE) can take this boot and shove it.

I love this McCain line about "Gotcha journalism".  Haha, Katie Couric is too aggressive for Palin?  That's the "gotcha journalism"?  Mabey Johnny Mac should have watched the Bill O interview with Obama; that might give a little perspective to the whole claim of "gotcha journalists".  Also, if Obama went on Bill O's show, shouldn't McCain go on Olbermann's show?  That seems fair doesnt it?

This will be the mother of all debates. The bar is as low as it can get.

Novel idea, female american, that we should keep trying ordinary dunces until we find one that really can be president, a real ordinary every day kind of person. Not some educated and informed person who is not a real ordinary every day kind of person. We never really know what is in those millions of votes, do we?

All about Palin's shortcomings.  Kept looking for another page to see Biden's.  Not surprisingly, there was none.  It's almost as if to say, "Yeah, I'm backing Obama/Biden and trashing McCain/Palin.  What of it?"  

OOPS!  Barak forgot to exhibit character AGAIN

Here is a quick look in to 3 for mer Fannie Mae executives

who have brought down Wall Street.

         Franklin Raines was a Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at

Fannie Mae.  Raines was forced to retire from his position with Fannie

Mae  when auditing discovered severe irregulaties in Fannie Mae's

accounting activities. At the time of his departure The Wall Street

Journal noted, ' Raines, who long defended the company's accounting

despite mounting evidence that it wasn't proper, issued a statement late

Tuesday conceding that 'mistakes were made' and saying he would assume

responsibility as he had earlier promised. News reports indicate the

company was under growing pressure from regulators to shake up its

management in the wake of findings that the company's books ran afoul of

generally accepted accounting principles for four years.'  Fannie Mae

had to reduce its surplus by $9 billion.

    !   &! nbsp;Raines left with a 'golden parachute valued at $240 Million in

benefits. The Government filed suit against Raines when the depth of the

accounting scandal became clear.

http://housingdoom.com/2006/12/18/fannie-charges/

<http://housingdoom.com/2006/12/18/fannie-charges/>

<http://housingdoom.com/2006/12/18/fannie-charges/>   . The Government

noted, 'The 101 charges reveal how the individuals improperly

manipulated earnings to maximize their bonuses, while knowingly

neglecting accounting systems and internal controls, misapplying over

twenty accounting principles and misleading the regulator and the

public. The Notice explains how they submitted six years of misleading

and inacc! urate accountin! g statements and inaccurate capital reports that

e nabled them to gr ow Fannie Mae in an unsafe and unsound manner.'  These

charges were made in 2006.  The Court ordered Raines to return $50

Million Dollars he received in bonuses based on the miss-stated Fannie

Mae profits.

        Tim Howard -  Was the Chief Financial Officer of Fannie Mae.

Howard 'was a strong internal proponent of using accounting strategies

that would ensure a 'stable pattern of earnings' at Fannie. In everyday

English - he was cooking the books.  The Government Investigation

determined that, 'Chief Financial Officer, Tim Howard, failed to provide

adequate oversight to key control and reporting functions within Fannie

Mae,'

        On June 16, 2006, Rep. Richard Baker, R-La., asked the Justice

Department to investigate his allegations that two former Fannie Mae

executives lied to Congress in October 2004 when they denied

manipulating the ! mortgage-finance g! iant's income statement to achieve

management pay bonuses. Investigations by federal regulators and the

company's board of directors since concluded that management did

manipulate 1998 earnings to trigger bonuses. Raines and Howard resigned

under pressure in late 2004.

        Howard's Golden Parachute was estimated at $20 Million!

        Jim Johnson -   A former executive at Lehman Brothers and who

was later forced from his position as Fannie Mae CEO.   A look at the

Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's May 2006 report

<http://www.ofheo.gov/media/pdf/FNMSPECIALEXAM.PDF>

<http://www.ofheo.gov/media/pdf/FNMSPECIALEXAM.PDF>   on mismanagement

and corruption inside Fannie Mae, and ! you'll see some inte! resting things

about Johnson. Investigators f ound that Fannie Mae h ad hidden a

substantial amount of Johnson's 1998 compensation from the public,

reporting that it was between $6 million and $7 million when it fact it

was $21 million.'   Johnson is currently under investigation for taking

illegal loans from Countrywide while serving as CEO of Fannie Mae.

        Johnson's Golden Parachute was estimated at $28 Million.

        WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

        FRANKLIN RAINES? Raines works for the Obama Campaign as Chief

Economic Advisor

        TIM HOWARD?  Howard is also a Chief Economic Advisor to Obama

        JIM JOHNSON?  Johnson hired as a Senior Obama Finance Advisor

and was selected to run Obama's Vice Presidential Search Committee

        IF OBAMA PLANS ON CLEANING UP THE MESS - HIS ADVISORS HAVE THE

! EXPERTISE - THEY MADE T! HE MESS IN THE FIRST PLACE.   Would you trust the

men who tore Wall Street down to build the New Wall Street

Interviewer: Sarah - do you believe that everything in the Bible is (literally) true.

Palin: yes

Game over

How's this for objective and non-biased journalism? Mike Huckabee has been given his own show on Fox "News".  Oh thank you fair and balanced media!! Nothing like a former GOP primary candidate to give an unslanted narrative.  Keep yapping about the media boys, keep yapping.

Republicans should be worried: Palin  Ask the question to other senior Republican   Would you REALLY want her to be president if  McCain was taken ill??? And PLEASE From a simple house wife The NEWS and ALL of the media,   we are not as dumb as you make the country out to be...I don't want a women that states she knows about foreign affairs just because see can see Russia from her state.  I can see Canada  but that does not make me know what the hell is going on over their.... Your news reports,  keep asking what she should say.    Rep. seniors  sen.  want her to keep it  simple so people will like her.  WHAT THE HELL she is NOT running for homecoming Queen.... We what answers to our real problems......

PA Proud--

Objectively speaking, Obama crushed McCain in the debate. All polls of undecideds had him win by about 20%, Polls of overall voters had him win by similar margins. And national polls taken since the debate have trended strongly for Obama.

I was among the undecideds who switched after seeing McCain's nasty performance vs. Obama's professional bearing and command of the facts and issues. The pundits who called it a draw were wrong--as the American people have clearly stated, Obama won hands down.

Joe six pack knows a lot about pootin, too.

I agree: The media is not doing it's job and has not for some time.

If the men of America would actually look at something other than Palin's figure, they might understand that she may not know all the political terms or have gone through the motions like Biden, but she at least is the closest thing America has had to an "average American" in office for quite sometime.  Now, with that said, I'm not voting for her just because she is a woman and in fact may not be voting for her at all even though I usually vote Republican.  Anyone can say anything about Bush they want and we all make fun of him for being "stupid" (myself included), but you don't know what you'll do until you're actually put in the situations that the President is placed in.  I am also on the younger side and have been told my the media and news headlines lately that "my Generation" is all voting for Obama, but I'm not so sure if that's what America needs either.  We all knew that going into this election it was going to be between anyone who stepped up for the job and not someone who had been waiting in the wings, as in previous elections.  I don't know if either candidate can get us out of the hardships we've fallen into, but whoever does become President will try his best to do what he thinks is right...and that's all they can do.  

I personally feel like I need to vote for the best VP because I don't think either candidate will make it.  I hate to be negative like that because I can see the good in both of them, but McCain with his heart problems and Obama being compared to MLK, Jr. (who got assasinated) is not very promising!  So I am looking forward to the debates tonight to see how the VPs measure up to what the American public needs right now, not what they want.  On average, Americans don't know what we need.  Let's face it, we're not the Treseaury and we don't know what goes on behind the scenes, unless you're a political figure.  As a person who has a BA in History it's been proven time and time again that history repeats itself and it usually repeats the bad things and all we can do is try to learn from our mistakes the first time around and how that they don't come back to haunt us.  I'm sorry if someone finds what I'm saying offensive, but this is meant to be honest and make people REALLY think about who they want to vote for based on what's important to them...not image or hopes and dreams.  We have to vote for who each of us thinks is the strongest candidate and if you're a person who's trying to pursuade others to vote the way you do just because and not giving the people any details as to way you want someone in office for the real person they are and not some fake, scripted person then I do believe that you are doing our country a great disservice.

Nononesensehere:  Truth and ethics?  They got shipped off to Iraq.  Time to bring em home, not leave them over there "fighting for victory".

The media is not doing it's job.  It has not done it's job for  some time.

I am going to use the words of a very intelligent man. "When I was in college I was a Democrat and as I got older I became a Republican, and today after everything I have seen in politics I have become and Independent." I am not here looking for an argument about who should or should not be VP or P.   I have faith and confidence in who I am voting for.  I have been all my life interested in a good debate as this is how opinions and views are changed among the "thinkers" of the world. Personaly as a hard working, tax paying American I am saddened by what has happened to both candidates in this election.  This has truly turned into the kind of political circus that seems to be getting worse with every election.  I think for the sake of our country we need to require every candidate to be hooked up to a lie detector while answering questions in a debate. And I hope that we can get back to debates and avoid the 1st grade name calling. I am waiting for one of them to stand up and call the others mother a name.  I do believe a candidate should be "like me" and also think if someone else feels they want  a candidate who is "smarter" than them than that is their choice as only they know how smart they are. Wisdom is not always having every answer but knowing where and how to get the answer.  When I say "like me" I mean honest, hard working, and filled with compasion for those both to the right and the left of me. And strong enough to admit when I do not have all of the answer, but willing to work hard for my employer to get the job right.

Happy Voting to all.

A couple responses to Blackpost's earlier post:

1. Technically we are not a "democracy". We are a "republic".  As a result, the majority does not rule. If it did, we would have never had the last eight years of George Bush. In our republic, as citizens, we elect representatives to make choices for us.In 2001, this took the form of the Electoral College, which selected George Bush as President, even though the majority of voters had selected Al Gore.

2. Read your history before you claim that slavery didn't have majority support. As a matter of policy, it did. While there might have been a majority of private citizens who opposed slavery, as a republic, the majority position was that slavery was an acceptable, if distasteful, practice.

Hey Blackcourt - document your Obama accusations regarding Fannie and Freddie.

I am tired of all the deomocratic media hype. I don't even believe I live in this country anymore. what has happened to truth, to ethics?

If gwen Ifill had any ethics or sense of them she would be stepping down herself. But Noooo.. she'll lose some money on her book that way.

This bailout is rediculous now at this point. Has anyone seen the pork barrel spending attatched to it in order to get some representatives, mostly democrat, to vote on it??

If Obam is elected I fear for us all. I for one do not want to live in a socialist country, where those making policy are the only ones who profit.

"Dahan - thank you for calling out blackcourt."

Why are you too worried you'll be wrong if you discuss the issues that are truly at hand here instead of concentrating on how well someone talks?

Can someone who supports Obama please give me one piece of legislation that he authored or even co authored over the last three years.  Just one.  The man is a born follower.  He tows the middle without giving answers to anything.  He has "plans" to spend your money for you... because he thinks he knows where it is most needed better than you do.  The man can't even speak without a teleprompter.  This is exactly the type of "leadership" this country needs?  Please.

Condy Rice was not expected to have LOW STANDARDS...nor was she not expected to hold

her own on the WORLD STAGE....why the KID GLOVES wih PALIN...HILARY was not treated

differently during her debates than her MALE counter parts...why is the MEDIA RALLYING behind

Palin and also DEMANDING BIDEN to "BE GENTLE WITH HER"  what kind of CROCK is this.

I would not give my business to a BUTCHER..BAKER..or CANDEL STICK MAKER...who did not

know their job very well....LOW EXPECTATION from PALIN....means the WORLD will now have

LOW EXPECTATIONS of this NATION....that is STUPID...all to get McCain elected?????

Bottom line:  Obama is going to win based on a few "crazy predictors" of elections.

1) Obama's halloween mask is selling 2-1

2) Obama polls higher in the "who would you rather have a beer with?" question

3) Obama is taller (taller candidate wins twice as often)

Our country is crazy, but oddly predictable people.

Spin is only spin when the media fails to do it's job and call it out as such.

McCain's campaign is desperate and it shows.  I'm so tired of his whining and blaming the media for his own inability to run his campaign, his erratic behavior, and poor choices.  I've tried to hold out until Nov. but, it's pushed me to the edge.  I'm going for Obama.  McCain's personality would be disastrous for this nation.  He's clearly shown he's a gambler and hot head, the last thing we need right now.  He admits he "goes with his gut" and doesn't look back (does this mean he doesn't learn from past mistakes?).  I think I prefer someone with the intelligence to make clear, well-thought through decisions.  Obama has shown he has this ability.  McCain's choice of Palin shows that he does not put "country first" and is willing to put the country at risk for his own political gain.  It terrifies me to think of her being in charge if another 9/11 happens.  I cringe when I hear him state, in a matter of seconds, that now is not the time for blame and then attacks blames Obama.  McCain's thought processes are just not coherent.  

Whew, one decison finally made!

Not all journalist called the debate a tie.  Many "claimed" Obama won.  Even the ones  who called it a tie "claimed",  in their great brilliance,  that a tie for Obama was really a win.  Please!  Then they set the stage, after the debate, by interviewing "undecided" (really pro Obama) voters and surprise Obama wins.  Then they spin and spin and spin.  If he really won why the need for such spin.  I went from station to station listening to the same talking points.  I guess the democratic party handed them out to the journalist (propagandist).   If they are not on their payroll they really should be.  Then liberals declare that this is fair.  

ejackson... the problem is that these "educated" people as they lead you to believe have been sucking the American public dry since politics became more about appeasing the corporate dollars that were coming in than it did about what was best for the American public.  But you go right ahead and vote for Mr. Obama... and while you are standing there in the booth you just remember that he received the second most hand outs for Fannie Mae and Freddi Mac over the last ten years... and he was only there for three of them.  You can take that to the bank... if its still open when you get there.

This inane babble about expectations really shows where political analysis has landed. Endless blather about Sarah Palin's ability to just stick to her personal stories, rather than answering truly important questions about the economy, Iraq or healthcare, and how that can help her. Help her? Is this some sort of ridiculous game among the Chris Matthews  or Chuck Todds of this world? Why can't they just judge her by her credentials, her statements and her judgements. It is obvious the "king has no clothes",but the talking heads continue to pursue equitable positions for her. "Biden's got to be careful not to be too aggressive...too "know it all" . WHY???? Will a majority of those who are now favoring Obama suddenly flip to McCain because Biden seems "mean?"It is perposterous logic.  How about the millions who have watched the Katy Couric interviews and have already seen what they need to see...that she is a disaster. But the spin goes goes on from the political analysts, as though a single memorized line will somehow transform this election...bring Sarah back to her virgin status,just like at the Republican Convention! What ridiculous drivel,that doesn't help anyone understand this election. And the media wonders why people out there look at them with a juandiced eye.

Would Gwen Ifil be a "problem" for anyone if she were white?  Let's stop playing the race card here and use the book as an "excuse."  No one raised an eye with a white moderator during the presidential debate.  The woman is a professional and all this nonsense about the book is unjusitifed.  Who is to say that what she says about Obama in the book is good?  Also, why would she jeopardize her entire professional career and reputation which she spent a life time building for one night where she is just the moderator - she's not a judge or jury. If she were white and was writing the same book this would not be such a big deal because people would assume that person could be objective.  Now why not Gwen Ifil?

Im saying she goes over 5 with "Maverick", and under 14 with "Alaska".  

I agree rta545... whatever hapened to unbiased media coverage?  He talks about Biden's short comings for all of one sentence and spends the rest of the page talking about what he belives are Palin's short comings.  At least we don't have to worry about what side the media is taking up for... now the only thing we need to worry about are the zombies who believe everything they see on TV.

For those of us tottering in the middle (in my case, right of middle, but still open to a reassessment), this political commentary is getting old.  I was never a big fan of Biden in the Senate, but I've found his efforts as the D's VP choice to have been both comforting and even ingratiating.  I'm no big fan of Sarah Palin, but I thought she did a great job, in her debut speech, of countering the incredibly negative coverage of her that ensued in the wake of her selection.  I thought she handled the Gibson interview adequately (the "Bush Doctrine" question being frankly a tad dumb, given the multitudinous iterations of some so-called "Bush Doctrine" - as near as I can tell, the REAL "Bush Doctrine" consists of stumbling and bumbling from one crisis to another...).  I thought the Couric interview was disastrously bad, then again, I can't personally imagine being obliged to actually talk to a non-starter like Katie Couric.  AND yet all of that is largely irrelevant.

Let's drop all this "expectations" talk and pre-debate spin and say what we should REALLY hope, namely that BOTH candidates (either of whom might actually end up as President) do well, because our future may well end up in their hands.  Then, instead of sitting there with our partisan agendas, waiting for that "gotcha" moment or embarassing gaffe by the other side, let's hear what they have to say and judge how they present themselves, without regard to where some paid pundit or other has "set the bar".  The ability to cite the case of "Ollie's Chicken Barbeque v. US" (as an example of Fed'l intrusion into areas traditionally reserved to the states - now ya' happy, Katie?) is less important than an intelligible discussion of judicial philosophy, which I want out of BOTH candidates.  The ability to outline the concerns emanating from Wall St. and to intelligently discuss our options to control and fix the problem is more important than knowing if it was Merrill's or Lehman's CEO who pocketed that $160 Million performance bonus.  Hopefully, the moderator (who brings a whole host of doubts to the debate) can rise above her own, parochial interests and give us all a decent chance to evaluate the candidates on the points and issues that matter.

FORTUNATELY, those of us in the center are actually gonna decide this election, so do us a favor and give us a fair debate and a chance for an honest assessment of the candidates.  

Dahan - thank you for calling out blackcourt.

Why is it all of a sudden a bad thing to be well educated? Yes she may speak like you and have a similar life story but you are not qualified to run the country. Would you trust your doctor if he was not well educated? I don't think so. The President is charged with caring for the entire country not just one person. Wouldn't it make more since for them to be educated?

McCain should have picked Hillary; she doesnt puss around being "Joe Six-Pack", no sir, she goes hardcore "Whiskey Bob"in it.  If my VP is going to be a drunk, i want one that can go toe to toe with the vodka blooded Rooskies.

I'll take the over tonight on how many times she says, "Ya know," and "Umm".  I'm pretty sure even a sports journalism education included a course on public speaking.

The argument that Sarah Palin represents "Joe Sixpack" is reason enough not to vote for her.  We have had "George Sixpack" for the last 8 years and look where that got us.  I personally don't want a president who brags about being a C student or who graduated near the bottom of his/her class.  Would you want your doctor to be at the bottom of the class?  Probably not.  Being president is such a complicated job, we better have the person from the top of the class.  Bragging about not liking to read or admitting not knowing about economics after 20+ years as a senator ought to raise some huge red flags among the voting public.

What a bull *** story, even written bad, could tell what side Mr Fineman is on again.

"You probably say you love America, but you sure don't seem to like the principles it's founded on."

Just a brief little excert from Dahan's response to one of my posts.  The ignorance on display in the rest of it is astounding.  Dahan... you do realize that in a democracy... majority rules.  Perhaps you are a minority and have been watching the media fight your battles for so many years now that you forget that the needs of the many out weight the needs of the few.  Just because the MSM is quick to take up arms for the poor defenseless minority does not mean that that is what is best for everyone.  Your example of slavery is about as far off base as you could go... there wasn't a majority who believed that slavery was right.  They were a minority... that is why the practice of slavery was abolished.

Back to the quote that I made... I love America... but I don't love the crooks that are running it.  I love America but I refuse to vote for a man whose sole purpose is to make the government bigger and to have the government tell you what is and is not right for you and your family.

Subject: I'm a little confused

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....

If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're 'exotic' and 'different.'

Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, you're an American story.

If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, and you're a maverick.

Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.

Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, then you're well-grounded.

If you

*   spend 3 years as a community organizer,

*   become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review,

*   help register 150,000 new voters,

*   spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor,

*   8 years as a State Senator of a district of 750,000 people,

*   chair the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee,

*   spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people,

*   sponsor 131 bills,

*   and serve on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and  Public Works, and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any  real leadership experience.

If your resume is:

*   local weather girl,

*   4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town of 7,000 people,

*   2 years as governor of a state of 650,000  people, you're qualified to be a heartbeat away from the  presidency.

If you have been married to  the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, left yourill wife, and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

If you teach responsible, age-appropriate sex education, including the use of birth control, you erode the fiber of American society.

If you staunchly advocate abstinence-only education, while your teen

daughter ends up pregnant, you're responsible.

If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in  a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner  city community, then gave that up to raise a family, you don't represent America's family values.

If your husband is called  'First Dude', has a DWI conviction, didn't register to vote until 25,  and was a member of a group that advocated secession of Alaska from  the USA, yours is the quintessential American family.

OK, much clearer  now.

Somebody...anybody...please help me out.

Since Ifill is in the tank for Obama.  What questions can she ask Palin AND Biden to show her support for OBAMA.

What question can she ask, that could sway, an Independent like me, to cast a vote for OBAMA?

????????? ANYBODY????????

I could care less if someone from the FOX network was the Moderator.  I would be more worried about the Candadite answers for me & my fellow Americans.

This is hilarious ... go to www.palinbingo.com to print out your Palin Bingo cards for tonight's debate.

OK, I've read all of the comments and now it's my turn.  First, Sarah Palin herself:

Ignorant? No, of course not.  She's just incurious.  She KNOWS what she knows, but doesn't know how much she doesn't know, and I think that's probably quite a bit.

Stupid, Dumb? NO.  But not as fast on her feet as she should be.  She seems so afraid of giving a wrong answer that she locks up.  That's indicative of not understanding the material enough to craft an answer if the question is asked in an unfamiliar form.

Joe Six-Pak?  OH PUHLEASE!  She's the Governor of a State and has an actual worth of over $1.2 Million.  That ain't Joe Six-Pak territory and she know it!  What a scam!

Convention Speech?  That was a speech written for her by William Cristol.  She read it with amazing inflection and passion, but the words meant nothing to her.  Also, revisit that speech listen to her accent.  Now, explain to me why suddenly she channeling Marge Gunderson, the sheriff in the movie "FARGO".  Another scam!

Now, the interviews:

I live in Washington State but have only a rudimentary understanding of my neighbor, Canada's, government.  I certainly wouldn't think that was Foreign Policy experience even if I could see Canada from my front porch. If I were asked about the Bush Doctrine I would have "gone off" about what right did GWB to invade a sovereign country without provocation.  If I were asked about the Supreme Court I probably would have mentioned both BUSH v GORE and Brown v Board of Education (yin yang).  If asked about magazines and newspapers I would have tossed out a few, Newsweek, Autoweek, Road and Track and the NY Times (online) and Portland Oregonian.  See, easy if you DO read, but hard when you freeze up.  "All of them" is an absurd answer by any measure...do you know how many magazines and newspapers are published just here in the US.

I believe even I, an aging retired fart with some tendency toward Progressive wonkiness who's only had a passport for 10 years and only visited seven foreign countries could have done better than Sarah Palin did.  And I wouldn't trust myself within 3000 miles of the Vice Presidency.

As for tonight's debate:

Gwen Ifill is a professional.  She is writing a book.  The book will be a collection of chapters about the rise of African-Americans in US politics.  One chapter will be about Barack Obama.  There is no way she can write on the subject without including him.  Kwitcherbitchin'

The subject of the book has been well known since July, long before the debates were scheduled and the moderators were approved by BOTH parties.  What is YOUR problem?  McCain doesn't feel there will be any discrimination against Palin, why do YOU?

PERHAPS McCAIN CHOSE A WOMAN VP CANDIDATE ONLY BECAUSE HE KNEW THERE WOULD BE A WOMAN MODERATOR FOR THE VP DEBATE.  HE WAS DEPENDING ON PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT! OH, THE CUNNING OF THE MAN!

Hey, that makes as much sense as YOUR complaint...

Any guesses on the over/under of how many times Palin says the words Maverick or Alaska tonight?

The Republicans have to defend the Palin choice for if they don't then they offer criticism of the genius they put in office for the past 8 years.  They clearly don't care about the intelligence of their candidates.  They pick and push a dumb cowboy and succeeded and now look what's become of our country.  Now they pick a woefully ignorant and religiously extreme woman for VP and think they're doing America's women a favor.  News flash:  America is in turmoil and on the brink of economic disaster at the hands of your Republican cowboy who probably has trouble with long division and now you expect a majority of Americans to vote for basically the same thing because she's a nice looking woman?!  Horrifically offensive!

I'm watching the VP debates with the sound turned off and the Closed Captioning On - just to see the captioners try and keep up with the Palin doubletalk. Should be fun!

I find the whole thing quite sad when the bar has been lowered so low that an ant can jump over it. One minute she is the great women the next well she dosen't represent 80% of the women ( black, brown, white blue collar, working women). I just hope her preperations is not parrotiing McCain that was pretty bad the last time she was allowed to speak on her own. Then there is the lack of knowledge. When we have some very talented and intelligent women in this nation Sarah dose not make this list. I here it from my wife, mother and six sister who are embarrassed by her and angry. I think I'm going to watch this in my bed room were its' safe.

Ifil is as good a working journalist as you'll find today, and I have no doubt but that she will play it completely fair, while holding both of them to the standard to be expected of someone seeking the position for which they are applying. But just by making the allegation, Ms. Ifil now is likely to go easier on Gov. Palin, even if only sub-consciously . But of course, the conservatives knew that when they raised the issue.

um DUMPLIN:  Is that why the opinion polls all showed Obama winning the debate, yet the media all called it a draw?  What evil bastards those media people are!!

The reason taht we are in trouble is because we are governed by the same people for decade upon decade. Of course they have the bank of historica facts but no time or brain capacity for new ideas. To them the future is the past knowledge and by implication oour past in our future. It is  because of this implications that Biden has no more rights to goern, and mind you so McCain except that the old man has always gone against the current. As fo Obama, I find the man to be no better than Quale except for his color which agitates and moves our fellow black country men

THIS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF HOW THE LIBERAL MEDIA TRIES TO DECIDE WHO IS GONG TO WIN OR LOSE A DEBATE.  SPIN EVERYTHING, DON'T GIVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THE CREDIT THAT THEY CAN MAKE UP THEIR OWN MINDS. THERE WILL BE THE PRE-SPIN, THE POST-SPIN AND OF COURSE THERE IS THE MEDIATOR WHO IS COMPLETELY OBJECTIVE. SHE STANDS TO MAKE A LOT OF MONEY IF OBAMA WINS THE ELECTION BECAUSE OF HER BOOK, BUT SHE IS COMPLETELY OBJECTIVE.  PALIN WILL DO FINE AND BIDEN WILL MAKE A FOOL OF HIMSELF.  ALL PALIN HAS TO DO IS BE HERSELF, BIDEN HAS TO HIDE HIS REAL SELF, JUST LIKE OBAMA DOES.  BUT OF COURSE, WE CAN'T EXPECT THE LIBERAL MEDIA TO DO ANY REAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING ON HIM AND HIS ASSOCIATES. PLEASE. DON'T EVEN TRY TO CONVINCE ME THAT KRUSS IS A REPUBLICAN.

izme:  America's not watching anymore?  Is that why Kung-fu Panda took in more than McCain has for his campaign?

To me the question is how low is the media's bar for Sarah Palin?? Will the commentators evaluate her as they would have someone like Mitt Romney, for example? Or will they judge her against HERSELF??! Will her recent gaffes with Katie Couric, Charlie Gibson, etc. be the "Palin Standard" she will be measured against? I certainly hope not. This is very, very serious. Sarah Palin has a higher probability than most VP nominees of becoming President Palin if she and McCain are successful. With his age, cancer history, and paternal family history of sudden heart attacks Palin should be judged accordingly. If she does slightly or even moderately better than her dreadful Couric appearances that is just not good enough. She must be held to the same standard as would any other Republican. If she is protected and excused by the media that will be shameful. Judge Sarah Palin as you would have  judged Mitt Romney or Tim Pawlenty or Kay Bailey Hutchison. Don't  simply judge her against her recent weak performances. Chuck Todd of MSNBC has said that one third of all Vice Presidents go on to be President. Palin should be evaluated in this context. Is there any real "there" there??? Or is she just someone who will be crammed full of facts and figures, but who has no depth on these important issues?

Bravo kruss!!!  It really does my heart good to hear someone voting with their heart AND their head.  It hurts when people use their voting power without using their power of research and intelligience, thank you for your uplifting comment.  

Howard  Fineman  is  right:   Gov. Palin  is  a voice  for  the  average  American.  This  is   exactly  the  reason  why  she  does not  want  to  look  too  smart.  She  uses  the  plain  language  of  Joe-the-six-pack!  She  is  smart  enough  to  know  that  this  is  where  the  votes  are. She  speaks  not  the  elaborate  nonsense  jargon  of  those  who  put  America  on  the  brink  of  disaster!  I  admire  Mrs. Palin  for  her  uncommon  intelligence  and  I  wish  her a  successful  debate1

Hey,  G_lish61, some Hollywood people were intelligent at one time in their lives, but living in that enviroment must cause brain damage, maybe it's in the water. Hollywood is so hard up that they now make movies for each other to watch and give each other awards. America just isn't watching anymore.

Sarah Palin high off her ass (it's the only explanation) on the campaign trail:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRkWebP2Q0Y

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z75QSExE0jU

Dahan – well said. I believe in God but cannot stand when his name is used to spread hate as Blackcourt has been doing on this blog.  It amazes me how someone who is so quick to pull the religion card acts as if that makes them better than everyone else.

I have been a republican all through out my life who believes market always get it right but seeing last few years, I think some moderation is required from the government.

This is a time when we want a president/vp who will make decisions that will make future of my generations secure. I was ecstatic when Palin was selected as she represented change, women, executive of a state but listening to her and then seeing her record has greatly disappointed me. I don't think she is ready to be VP or President for that matter. I recollect listening to Bobby Jindal from Lousianna another governer like Sarah but unlike her he was highly accomplished. He turned down VP as he think he needs to be governer for next two terms, take his state to the next level and not opportunistic like Sarah, who being with no experienced jumped gun. Her track record of using her internal friends/family for promotions, misusing power to revenge against her relative and being a idiot in prime time TV have made us and my fellow church friends to not vote for her or republicans this time.

I think I will be commiting sin if I vote for her. Bible says that we need to be responsible, not misuse power and I won't misuse mine either.

I don't want to burn in the fires of hell as I know I will if I vote for ignorant, egoistic Palin.

I'd like to know why me, a 56 year old highly educated and experienced victim of our poor economy can't find a good paying job in my area of expertise and an an unexperienced, moderately educated woman from Alaska can fall into a powerful and influential opportunity that she is woefully unprepared or qualified for without (apparently) even trying?

Even if McCain had the poor judgement to make her his chioce for the VP candidate, shame on her for accepting it when she should have known and admitted that she is out of her league.  I don't want either one of them running the country.

Joe Biden drunk on the campaign trail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TBNeNHHXEY

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

Sarah Palin didn't break anything.  Shes a Gov., thats happened many times before.  She didnt have a hugely successful run at a parties nomination for President.  She isnt the first woman to be nominated to the VP candidate slot.  So what has she actually done? Except lower the standards and set the movement back of course.

In this Debate, there is no competition, clearly Joe Biden is the appropriate candidate to serve as VP AND our President if Heaven forbid, something should happen to Obama.  Palin is NOT VP material or even Presidential material b/c she lacks knowledge in ALL aspects of politics and government.  I feel sorry for her every time she is interviewed b/c she does not sound intelligent at all - she's flying by the seat of her pants (or skirt).  Clearly McCain made a poor choice in choosing his VP and I can understand the Republican party's concern about it.  I'm a woman, and a Democrat, and as much as I would LOVE to see a woman VP or better yet President, Palin is not it.  I am a supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton and she s/h have been our next President, I do not like Obama but I support the Democratic party and will vote Democrat in the election (although I still feel strongly about writing Hillary's name on the ticket - as do quite a few people).  I'm sorry Palin, in my opinion Tina Fey could do a better job than you.  Besides, you are not a Bill Clinton - he had more education and political experience before he stepped into the White House, there is not comparison b/n the two of you.  And one more thing, women should be able to have the freedom to live their lives the way they want w/out a Bill or government breathing down their necks and keeping them under their thumb (Roe vs. Wade)  - I certainly am not going backwards to become a "Stepford Wife".  I'm not anyone's puppet, I have a brain and can think for myself w/out the help of someone telling what to do...... besides, a beauty queen is not what this Country needs in foreign affairs (that may sound harsh but it's the truth).

I am totally dumbfounded by the number of woman who think if Palin is on a ticket that wins, that we have broken through the glass ceiling. We need a woman that is intellegent and strong, and I don't mean a weight lifter ,but a woman that any one of us wishes we could be as great as. Palin is not that woman and she, in many ways represent the stereotype that a lot of older men, and some who aren't that old either, who think a woman should be spunky and cute and fun and propped in the corner as window dressing. When McCain shared an nterview with Katie, he wouldn't let her talk. Why? Because he thinks woman should only say what they are told to say. Her speech at the convention was written for her, her canned answers are straight the McCain's play book. Do you really think this is a woman that you want history to show as the example of where woman finally got to in 2008? No, the glass ceiling hasn't been broken, no the right woman hasn't been at that milestone yet, but lets not make matters worse my voting for the candidate just becasue of gender when she is embarrassing so many woman because she isn't the best of our gender but simply the one that happens to be there at this time.  

Awww, the night Palin get's to really show herself to the world. Even with the very friendly debate rules, she's going to flop. You can't fake it for that long. She'll keep rehashing her talking points, and then she'll throw a put down or two out there. She'll start sounding ridiculous towards the end. Sad. Sad that someone that is so clueless has as much of a chance to become president as she does. And people wonder why things are so bad now.  

Izme, it seems you know little about Hollywood.  We have some of the smartest, competent women in this town.  So smart that they know that sex sells to people like yourself who fall for it hook, line and sinker - hence your comments.   You and Sarah minnow wouldn't last in this town, fish food and bait that's what you'd be.  Aren't we SMART!

Katie Couric cracked the glass ceiling and took a BEATING! She was treated like a Bimbo for years. Any woman who dares break that ceiling can expect to be treated in a horrible fashion. I admire Geraldine Ferraro, Hilary Clinton and  Sarah Palin for taking a hatchet to it. It will be great to see Sarah shatter it!!

"In what respect Charly;)?"

Im sorry, but shes a ditz.  She may be fine for allocating the funds from the oil companies through Alaska, but shes a ditz nonetheless.  Deal with it.

thank you Dahan.

It seems very obvious to me that the "Palin Pick" by McCain was a very big mistake to begin with.  He picked this relatively unknown, attractive female Governor to upstage Obama for him not picking Clinton to be his running mate.  Well, Palin is no Clinton.  Infact, Palin can't even shine her shoes.  As an zealous Hillary supporter, I am concerned that the Republicans can be so shallow as to think that throwing any woman in the position would pull women voters.  Are we so dumb?  As for Senator Biden, I actually think that if Obama did not pick Hillary, he had better pick Biden.  Biden was very good in the Presidential debates, I enjoyed him.  And felt very comfortable with his stance and his responses.  He is informed and experienced.  It's just ashame that he won't be able to show his full talents, as he has to treat Gov. Palin with kid gloves.  What kind of debate is this?  He didn't use kid gloves with Senator Clinton, she was treated like one of the boys.  None of the candidates showed any REAL regard for her gender.  They tried their best to mop this woman up and down and she refused to be defeated.  So why must we be so careful with the knowledgable, qualified and experienced Gov. Palin?  What does this say about this Republican VP pick, when we must be very very careful and set the bar so low in a public debate for one of the highest offices in the land, heck in the world.  My recommendation to Governor Palin is, "If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen."

Blackcourt states "dolphin3323... so you don't like her because she isn't afraid to hide her religious beliefs?  You do realize that the VAST majority of people in this country believe in God right?  Oh you didn't... well I'm glad I could help you understand that.  Game over."

Actually, the problem is that she wants to push her religion on others. What if she were Muslim? Would you be such a big backer then? Ready to follow her as she set up Sia Law when she became president? I think not. She just happens to believe what you believe so you think it's OK to force those religious beliefs on others. You are a pathetic hypocrite.

Also, so what that 90% of people believe in God? Why does that matter? The Bill of Rights is set up specifically to stop people like you from using the "mob rules" way of dealing with a diverse number of people. "Hey! white people are the majority, dontcha know, and most of them think slavery is fine! Those who don't? Ta hellwitcha!" Just because a majority thinks something doesn't make it right. There are more people who believe in Islam in the world than Catholicism. Should we then elect an Islamic leader for the world? Or, would you rather have someone who is tolerant of other's views? You see, you argue from the vantage point of privilege and majority, never thinking of others. It's sickening.

Your ignorance and hate filled mind are painful. Your certitude of your convictions more so. Your desire to foist your ignorance on others the ultimate sin.

You probably say you love America, but you sure don't seem to like the principles it's founded on.

Interviewer:  Sarah - do you believe in ghost.

Palin: yes

Game over

Good point, blackcourt, .....for a minute I thought you were describing Hugo Chavez. Apparently, if a political leader buys enough influence from organizations like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, he will become the dictator, a control who owns a home and where everyone will live. Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Also, google Keating 5, then come back and let me know if one of the candidates is squeaky clean; i havent found that to be the case...... ever.

Well thats original... a democrat who can't answer a question.  Ever take a stance for anything in your life or do you always blame the other person?

I've seen some of the interviews with Palin.  She by no means was harassed, grilled, ambushed or however all you Palin supporters would like to characterize the debacle.  She was asked simple questions about her stance on very important topics in order to let Americans know where stood on many issues since most of America does not know.  She completely fumbled those questions and didn't even really have a grasp of the issues being presented.  If you're running for vice president, at least have a rudimentary understanding of the issues you're supposed to be resolving.  Katie Couric, by the way, is one of most reputable journalist in the industry and is by no means a 'gotcha' or 'hack' journalist.

Also, it doesn't matter if she is intelligent, witty, or just like many other Americans that are unlike myself.  You have to be able to handle pressure and understand the issues at heart.  Even if you don't have an absolute answer, you have to be savvy enough to craft a response to make it seem as if you have a grasp on the issues.  It's not only about intelligence, it's about knowing how to use it.  Imagine cracking under pressure and looking incompetent amongst foreign dignitaries and world leaders - it would only serve to drop our image even further than what the Bush administration has accomplished.  True, more experienced politicians have had their answers to these questions refined over the years, but that only means she shouldn't be here since she doesn't have that relevant experience to draw upon.  Obama may not have the most experience as far as politicians go, but man he sure can respond to the issues convincingly and with passion.  

We cannot allow Palin or McCain step into office,  They will plunge us into another dark age!

Dolphin3323... can you explain how the universe was created?

Dolphin3323: No

Game over.

Well thats original, a Hitler reference.

mrzoid... so none of us on here are smart enough to line our own pockets with corporate dollars by voting for legislation that will help those corporations?  Mr. Obama has been in the Senate for 3 years and he's received the second most hand outs from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over the last ten years.  Imagine if we allow this guy to be in office... imagine what kind of hand outs he is going to receive.  Imagine what he is going to do once this bail out passes and the government has control of the country's investment banks.  These people want the government to be able to tell you what do to in every aspect of your lives.  Hitler was elected democratically too.

You know, for being such a whiny little punk about everything in this campaign, McCain sure does talk about how tough he is alot.  I guess the VC took all the toughness out of him.

Hey, reneekuhl, are you saying that all of us regular Americans are dumb little lambs that can't think for oursselves. We have a nation of very intelligent individuals who had to TELL our legislators what to do to get the stock market operating again. The legislators were totally STUMPED! They are LAWYERS, not economists. It took a former military guy, McCain, to tell the legislators that we needed a surge to succeed in Iraq. Our legislators are LAWYERS, they don't understand military issues. We need to get those LAWYERS out of Washington and put people in there that are EXPERTS in military issues and economy.

Vote for US in Nov.

Interviewer:  Sarah - will all non-christians go to (your) hell.

Palin: yes

Game over

People on here want to talk about Palin's belief in God as a negative to her campaign... yet they are worshipping at the altar of Obama every second that they can get.  It is amazing to me how many people just dont' get it.  He can talk... nobody denies that... but he has never once taken the lead on any legislation... he has never once taken a stand on his beliefs.  The only thing that I've seen him say concretely... is that its ok to kill babies.  Thats just the kind of President we need... a baby killer.

Grassroots Americans to run this country?  That is the epidemic of ignorant thought that screws this country over.  Here's a newsflash, which reasonable people understand: YOU ARE NOT SMART ENOUGH TO RUN THIS COUNTRY, REGARDLESS OF YOUR SELF-WORTH!  For that matter, neither am I, but I am well aware of that reality.  We don't need to dumb down the Presidency, we need to smarten it up.  Get over yourselves, your cute as a button VP pick, and your "Did I mention I was a POW" old man, because none of you are worth the lead slot of the Republican party, much less the country.

So let me get this straight. Couric's  questions were ok for Joe Biden but inappropriate for Sarah Palin. Can you spell double standard?

For those who believe a VP's "qualifications" for office are measured by only the number of gaffs they make, then its either time for a history lesson or a good mirror.  If roasting Palin fis order for poorly chosen phrasing or short-sighted comments (not forecasting how they would be played out in the media) then, please, make a BBQ pit for Joe Biden.  His career is a laundry list of arrogant ("I'm fairly sure my IQ is higher than yours"), racist-sounding (7-11 comments), lying (making up his background...stealing entire speeches, now being "shot down" in Afghanistan) commentary and gaffs.  Using this measure, then neither Palin or Biden...but especially Biden is qualified to be VP.   Best we come up with a better measure, else nearly everyone in public life is "unqualified."  

Hey Howard,

Nice of you to conveniently omit the last half of the name for Ifill's book.  It's not "The Breakthrough" but rather "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama."  

And media wonders why people think they're in the tank for Obama...

Renee... sorry you weren't able to understand the answers that these people have given.  I know I didn't have much trouble comprehending any of the answers that they have provided.  Perhaps you want someone who can just talk a good talk instead of someone who can walk the walk.  I mean what exactly is Obama doing about saving this economy that makes you think he is such a valuable leader?  Telling everyone that he'll be out on the campaign trail should they need him to make things look good?

Thank you Mr. Fineman. Someone who recognizes this is exactly that SPIN. Let the chips fall where they may. And please people, if Sarah can't take it like a man let her stay home and be a women. She does not get it both way from me. Been there lived it and I am alright.

Men are SO afraid to see the glass ceiling come crashing down! The thought that A WOMAN can make international decisions and could even potentially beocme President is so frightening to them that they feel they have to paint her Sarah Palin as a "Red Neck In High Heels."

America wanted CHANGE, they are about to get it! YES WE CAN, LADIES!!!!

Apparently Republicans can't perform badly because there is a left wing conspiracy. Truth is Palin thought she was walking into a celebrity interview about baking cookies with sweet little Katie Couric and was totally unprepared. She punked herself. Katie just gave her enough rope to hang herself. But Palin will be more prepared tonight to do well enough. But it worked out fine for George Bush who was vague but down to earth enough compared to Al Gore in their debate to win the popularity contest.

in response to libertyfirst:  You seem to relate that you have read Ifill's book by the statement you made .... that is amazing since the book has NOT even been released yet, scheduled for January 2009.

Another puzzeling observation: a blogger stated that Palin was SMART to not answer Katie Couric's questions because they were traps .... give me a break. Is not answering a sign of intelligence and experience ?  I think not.  How difficult is  "what do you read on a daily basis?"  answer: " all of them" and she couldn't even name one. What would help Palin, is to be honest with what she knows and does.  We all know that pumping up a resume will bear light someday.  If you say you did and can't , that false creditation.

McCain was making a tactical move with Palin and unfortunately I do not think his stradegy is going to work.  I feel empathy for Palin.  Her future political career just might have been compromised due to her acceptance.

Interviewer:  Sarah - do you know anyone who speaks in tongues.

Palin: yes

Game over

Expectations for Palin are so low now, thanks to the Republican spin machine, that if she manages to pronounce her own name right, some people will think whe won the debate.

In order to lead a country, you have to have a knowledge of it's policy and be able to demonstrate that knowledge by answering questions about it coherently. It's that simple. Bush couldn't do it. Sarah Palin certainly hasn't proven she can do it yet. Karl Rove is insane. I don't want a president who is "one of us". I want a president who knows what to do when the economy dies, or when a terrorist has a nuclear weapon, or at least is able to pronounce the name of the President of Iran.

Are you trying to tell me that all the ivy league lawyers in Washington are competent? Oh please!! The more lawyers we get in Washington, the worse the government has gotten. We need grass roots Americans to run this country. We could do a much better job than the "Yale and Harvard" elites. They just don't live in the same situations as the average American....They Just Don't Get It. They are disconnected and enjoy the high life style at the average American's expense. Let them go back to the civilian work work world and walk in our shoes for a while. Let them pay their own expenses instead of using our hard earned tax dollars. They will have to fill their own cars with expensive gas paid out of their own pocket. They will have to opt to drive through McDonalds instead of paying for their meals out of their tax payers expense account. They will have to pay their own rent..... and on and on.

Biden has been living off of the tax payer for 26 years!! He Has to stay in Washington, he is too old to look for a real job.

sickoftherepub... No you'd rather have a guy who doesn't make any judgements or decisions at all.  Way to vote for leadership... at least he can give a good speech.

Quote:   Sarah Palin was too smart to fall into Katie Couric's "trick questions". If Sarah had named any publication, it would have been spun. If Sarah had named any Supreme Court case, it would have been spun. If Sarah had named any of McCains accomplishments, it would have been spun.

She was virturally in a "no win" situation. She was too smart to fall for all of that. She is nobody's dumby.

izme, you really must be smoking some weird stuff if you think she was just outfoxing Katie, the truth is she did not read any publications, didn't know any of the Supreme Court rulings.  Hell she even stated in a interview before she was nominated that she didn't know much about Iraq, because it didn't really interest her.  That's who you want for a VP??

Lets do some math here... Palin 80% approval rating as Governor of Alaska... Biden's Democratic Senate has a fabulous 13%.  Woohooo.  I know who I want to represent me.

sickoftherepub... so someone who can spell... unlike you.

Lets vote in someone who has never taken a stand on anything in his entire life.  Thats exactly what this country needs.  Forget leadership... this guy can give one hell of a speech.

Palin has been type-cast as Tina Fey's caricature of her; she will not overcome this in one ninty-minute debate, especially as truth be known, Palin is not ready for prime-time.

MC Cain is  a vandicative, nasty and a lying old man. His  poor choice of VP proves that  he has very poor judgement. Not the guy we want as a leader.

dolphin3323... so you don't like her because she isn't afraid to hide her religious beliefs?  You do realize that the VAST majority of people in this country believe in God right?  Oh you didn't... well I'm glad I could help you understand that.  Game over.

If Biden doesn't hammer her tonight and use his knowledge and experience to show what a dolt she is, it will be a huge mistake.  Yeah, he's a pompous blowhard.  But now is not the time to lay off and hope that he looks like a bully and she's just 'a small town gal who relates to Joe Six Pack'.  Enough with the same kid gloves mentality that has doomed Dems in the past.  He needs to expose her for the gimmicky fraud she is.  

Sorry guys, I don't want an ignorant, not intelligent person to run this country ! I want someone who is highly intelligent, highly educated and who has  the wisdom to lead this country back to the right track. Palin is now the laughing stock of the world because of her ignorance. She is an uneducated redneck in high heals.  

Could someone please ask her to spell POTATO?

sickoftherepub... if I'm not mistaken George Bush has around a 125 IQ and graduated from Yale.  I'm sure that you have niether of those accomplishments on your resume.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bdl-wXB9do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMqrc3k4kPQ&feature=related

Will Obama place another big juicy one on Jill Biden after the debate tonight?????

Interviewer:  Sarah - did dinosaurs walk the earth 4000 years ago.

Palin: yes

Game over

I have some grave concerns when I read what Americans deem to be good qualities of the vice president and president. Deeming Ms. Palin to be an exceptional choice because she's an "ordinary Joe" is tantamount to saying that you want to watch your local high school football team play the New England Patriots so that it's not only the "elite" athletes who get to play the game. Representative government is predicated on the concept that the best and brightest can lend their knowledge and expertise to decision-making. I don't look down on those who come from or live in humble circumstances. I count myself among them. The office of President presents problems that "Joe six-packs" like myself are inacapable of solving.

No the woman is not smart !  Uncurious people are not intelligent and this is what she is.. Igonrant and stupid, She is Bush in high heals !

My comment is simple, when asked about a Supreme Court decision that is NOT Roe v. Wade, how hard is it to pull out the Dred Scot Decision, didn't we all have grammar school history?  I remember the capital of Alaska is Juneau from fifth grade.  Seriously.

Palin reminds me of Admiral Stockdale, Ross Perot's running mate some years ago.  An honest but comic figure.  She doesn't know things I learned about in high school.  Of course, she's a quick study and the moderator is an Obama fanatic and all that.  President Sarah Palin.  The words doth run trippingly from the tongue.

Hahahaaa... Watch this ! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#26982522

So, what makes the over prescribed Hollywood crowd's opinion worth even considering. They are SO confused and have a very demeaning opinon of women. They think that women are sex objects. They can't grasp the idea that a woman can be SMART.

Kelt- you have got to stop watching Fox News- they have come up with a laundry list of dirt on Palin. And smart and-oh big cough- well spoken- are words never to be associated with Sarah Palin. The Democratic Party has seen major momentum in the past few weeks, check the polls- I can assure you, the only thing we fear about Palin is the disastrous affect she will have on our already damaged country.

The fact that Sarah Palin does not the background regarding what she stands for is plain ignorancy. It's almost as if she's taken a stand as a Republican and therefore their political ideologies because "that's what she was raised to do" and she saw it as a way to get ahead politically. In her interview with Katie Couric she was asked whether she believes Personal Privacy is inherent in the Constitution. Her answer, "Yes". Well unfortunately for Mrs. Palin, this issue of Personal Privacy being inherent in the Consitution is the basis for the Roe v. Wade debate. Those in favor of Roe v. Wade (i.e. not Sarah Palin) believe this personal privacy IS inherent in the Consitution. Those oppossed to Roe v. Wade, and those who wish to overturn Roe v. Wade, therefore negate this issue of Personal Privacy as being inherent. As this is the fundamental basis that backs the Roe v. Wade issue, how can she say she believes Personal Privacy is inherrent but also oppose Roe v. Wade? Talk about ignorant.

Oh and Sarah, what paper did you say you read??? Many of them? Can you name one? Oh, all of them...Great!

One last note...I think it's great she's "one of us" and can relate to the everyday person. However, I think that's a weak argument for supporting the VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This is a country founded on ideals and beliefs fundamental to the the rights of every American. They need to be understood both theoretically and practically in order for the person responsible for upholding them to do so successfully. And that is something Sarah Palin lacks...Greatly!

I don't blame everyone for not wanting Sarah as VP.  Who would want someone in that position without lobbiest in their pocket ( oops I mean purse).

Like Biden maybe has at least 35 lobbiest putting extra bucks in his pants, giving him the extra cash for vacations in Scranton or Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.   Poor Sarah would have to settle for staying in Washington and talking to all those people from other countries.

How can you say that Ifll is NOT in the tank for Obama when her book goes far beyond profiling Black candidates but is filled with overt admiration, flattering commentary and alike about Obama? This isn't "spin" -- it's simply fact.  And the fact that the press is so damn defensive regading their supposed "neutrality" in light of salient, in-your-face evidence of bias, only further undermines their credibility.  We all know the script by heart now... Creating scandals, dogged questioning, presumptive headlines and bylines regarding those mean-spirited rascalian Republicans is nothing more than tough-minded journalism. While selectively ingnoring the problems, faults, conflicts of interest, and hypocrisies of the Democrats -- the party of populism and goodness...well that is called being fair, taking the high ground -- just performing a main stream journalistic service.  Ifll is no exception.  Of course, she'll be fair.  She's a journalist!  

To put it simply, Palin was a political pick designed to fire up the conservative base. She was a nice fresh face for about a week. She opens her mouth and you realize she is an empty suit. When pressed for details on any subject, she can't respond except with a litany of impossible to understand blather. I was watching highlights of her '06 governor''s debate when her condescending opponent insulted her to no end to be specific on what she supports. Other then defending her dignity from his pitbull attack, she again didn't answer the question he posed her. Whether its Couric, Gibson, Hannity or Biden, this woman brings this entire country down to a laughingstock of the world, if we unimagineably put her a heartbeat away from the presidency.

ON THE JOB TRAINING?? SHE COULDN'T HOLD DONALD TRUMP'S COMB ON THE APPRENTICE.

Hey izme, I don't want "one of us" in the white house.  I want the cream of the crop.  I want "the best of the best".  I want someone smarter than me, not somebody dumber than me.  We had that with W and look where it got us!

It's time we had someone with real intelligence as president.  That was true for Bill Clinton and it's true for Barack Obama.  McCain, on the other hand, was in the bottom of his class and Palin went to 6 different universities to cobble together a journalism degree (and still she can't tell us where she gets her news?).

If McCain gets elected and dies and Palin takes over, the US will be the laughing stock of the world.

It is not a question of left or right...Simply said she is ignorant of the facts and is not ready to take over from McCain when the time and the moment comes.......This eventuality scares me and the voters should consider it when they vote their concious.....It is alarming to have a president whose international experience is based on seeing Russia from the window of my house in Alaska.

izme, are you kidding me?  I may not be able to talk as much about issues as some politicians, but I'm not running for Vice President!  Don't you think we should have someone who can actually understand the world, economics, and politics to actually carry out the work?  Palin is not qualified, even one iota.  

And just quit with the "Washington Elitism".  I think I WANT someone smarter than me making decisions at that level.  I know I certianly want someone smarter than you!

To izme: I am an AMERICAN- and Sarah Palin does not talk like me, think like me, act like me- she knows nothing about me. She is really only in touch with a small group of Americans. I can assure you, the only thing that has me crying is the prospect that she could be seconds away from the Presidency. All of the candidates have children, they all pay for school, they all have mortgages- where are you getting this crap that she is the only one. Obama was raised on food stamps and Biden came from a working class home, what makes them elitists, because unlike Palin that they are capable of cognitive thought? Just because she thinks and talks slow does not mean she is ready for such a huge position! Come November I am voting for America and Americans, and myself- I am voting for someone like me- I am voting OBAMA!!!

Interviewer:  Sarah - how old is the earth.

Palin: 6000 yrs.

Game over

Sarah Palin was too smart to fall into Katie Couric's "trick questions". If Sarah had named any publication, it would have been spun. If Sarah had named any Supreme Court case, it would have been spun. If Sarah had named any of McCains accomplishments, it would have been spun.

She was virturally in a "no win" situation. She was too smart to fall for all of that. She is nobody's dumby.

Oh will you all give me a break!? The expectations for Palin are so low that anything better than a complete disaster will be proclaimed a victory by Repubs. As a beauty contestent she was/is used to this cramming - and she is good at it. She will present herself well. Her Bush advisors will give her some good one-liners that you will love.....and they will be said in her folksy Alaskan accent. Biden will treat her with kid gloves. And the format is skewed in her favor....shorter answers and not free-flowing as in the presidential debates. Don''t worry repubs....for you she''ll do just fine. All you will see is the myth. You will all breathe a sigh of releif and joy.

Sarah Palin is what Americans have been crying out for. We want someone who isn't schooled in the "Washington rhetoric". She talks like us. She gets stumped like us. She hasn't been using the "political terms" for 26 years! She pays a mortgage like us, she pays for college education for her kids like us, she has tough family issues like us, she made tough life choices like us. She hasn't been baptized in the "Washington Elitism."

Sarah IS CHANGE. At long last we will have "one of us" in the White House!!

Let's clean house in Washington and get rid of the "ivy league" crown who have no idea what it is really like to be an American citizen. Let's start putting our own in office.

Vote for US in Nov.

Hahaaaa... whatch this ! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#26982522

Interviewer:  Sarah - do you believe in witches or witchcraft.

Palin: yes

Game over

Governor Palin is a good choice for VP. Shes young inspiring and invigorating to the Republican conservative wing. Since she joined the ticket the bloom came off Obama's rose and the entire Dem ticket lost momentum. Shes just what the liberals fear most: a smart and well spoken conservative to whom middle America can relate to. Where is the dirt in her past? The media is coming up with nothing to help Obama and company!

Interviewer:  Sarah - have you ever witnessed anyone speaking in tongues.

Palin: yes

Game over

Sarah Palin is ignorant. She doesn't read newspapers and she doesn't know anything about what is going on in the world, or the finance world or the economy. She is plain stupid.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#26982680

Interviewer:  Sarah - do you believe creationism (or whatever you want to call it) should be taught in public high school science class.

Palin: yes

Game over

As an ex-Progressive I am disgusted by the behavior of the LEFTIES for a change.  NOT only have they surpassed the RIGHTIES in nastiness and sexist personal attacks aimed at SARAH PALIN, they now have resorted to cheating, just as the RIGHTIES have done for the past 8 years.  

I am the first to insist that if your opponent plays dirty, you "outdirty" them to beat them.  I resent losing all the time.  But, one can play hardball without resorting to sexism, personal attacks, and smears based on lies.

Now, to outdo themselves, Democrats have managed to get a moderator for the VP debate who stands to benefit financially by the outcome of the election.  Not only this, but she is the same color as the population, 96% of which supports and is voting for OBAMA.  

This is crazy - it is not fair, it is morally incorrect, and I find it akin to CHEATING!

One thing I never stood for is CHEATING.  We don't have a case of a regular election - I believe the whole thing is rigged, with the weakest of the candidates being forced into office by a select few who stand to gain power by having weaklings in the White House.

There is no question in anyone's mind that tonight's debate is rigged - and obviously so.  The question is why is this allowed to continue?

Interviewer:  Sarah - Do you believe in evolution.

Palin: no

Game over

Excellent analysis. The only thing you missed was the McCain camp insisting on changing the format of the VP debate format. The commission caved and the format is more Palin friendly.

I worry about a Presidential Candidate who would choose his running mate without a  careful and thorough investigation, just to one up the establishment in DC, and get the Christian vote.  To give Sara Palin the benefit of the doubt, she may have great potential, but she is far from ready to take on the role of second in command of our Country.   Further, I have to question her committment to family.  She knew her daughter was pregnant when she accepted the nomination, and didn't think twice about the pain and anguish the child could be under during the campaign.  That alone would be reason to doubt her ability to make an intelligent decision.  Thank goodness Obama put an end to it immediately by insisting that family be off limits.  McCain's knee jerk decisions are going to cost him dearly.

Interviewer:  Sarah - did dinosaurs walk the earth 4000 years ago.

Palin: yes

Game over

I think Chris Matthew's observation is perhaps the most cogent as it pertains to her preparedness. To paraphrase, he asked if we are comfortable with the idea that her ideas on foreign policy and economic issues that will be relevant to her leadership will have been formulated by the same neoconservatives that have been deciding these issues for the last 8 years. For better or worse, aren't we better off electing those who have formulated their positions over years, adjusting them when new information is presented? If we don't, the surface level understandings that Governor Palin is likely to articulate tonight will not help her to serve her country as vice-president or president when situations of great complexity present themselves.

I love it. Blame the media. Blame the Eastern elite. Blame the Congress. Blame Obama. Why don't Republicans ever blame themselves. Who was it again who voted for the current admin. 2 times. Are you kidding me.

Keep up the good work, Howard.  Your analyses are incisive and perceptive - and I agree with all.  I predict that Palin is finished whether she holds her own or not tonight.  I believe that even with her massive ego, her instincts are telling her she's in way over her head, and she really just wants to go back to Alaska and rule.  Accordingly, I predict she will sabotage herself how ever unconsciously, but she will.  And I also think that like Icarus, she flew too high and got melted down by the sun, falling to earth with a thud.  When she returns to Ice Land, she will have been so thoroughly exposed that all the illusion of greatness she managed to create will have been abraided away, allowing Alaskans to see her for the shallow hack that she is.  Her political career is OVER.

Pam San Francisco

I am tired of all of these spin about debate and it's out come.

Sarah Palin has not appeared in "meet the Press" neither has she faced any serious interview to determine her readiness for the top job in the world ( VP or President)

We should ask ourselves from the answeres she gave to those soft ball easy " let's -get-to-know -you" questions she has been asked so far, how did she look? absolutely CLUELESS!!

Is this what Americans want? She just doesn't cut it.Period!!

Just a note to 4Carol.  Your right there is also a "gotcha".  Would love to see it applied to Obama or Biden.

"The real Sarah Palin" at the convention was READING.  Almost anyone can read from a teleprompter, especially with time to rehearse.  We will see 'the real Sarah Palin' tonight, when she has to extemporize in response to questions she hasn't seen yet.  I'm calling the pizza guy.  I don't want to leave the TV for a minute.

Just think, McCain pulls this B-S withRussia and we get our asses NUKED. Good luck America. I could care less about her and all the lies.

Who cares. Palin will only be debating herself. What is the truth and what is not the truth.

Marion Jones was just released from prison for lying.

She wants to become VP of our country on lies. Put her butt in jail too.

Someone for your daughters to look up to.

Everything she has done according to McCain is a work-in process or lie.

Remember the snake in the garden. I don't want me for Vice-President or President. I want a person who is smarter than I am and who has shown the determination over years to prepared him or her self for the office of President of the United States.

I see many posters are weiry about Sarah Palin's ability to be Vice President and if you did watch the interview with Katie Couric ,it was uncomfortable, regardless of whether Katic had an agenda or not. The fact is Gov. Palin was selected by Senator McCain. What does that say about him?!

For the sake of TRUTH Palin was not wisked off to SEDONA! the "ranch is in CORNVILLE, Eghad that sounds HORRIBLE, It's so much nicer to LIE. Where the Hell is CORNVILLE.?......about SEVEN MILES FROM SEDONA

In the words of Syndrome, "oh this is just too good." Let Palin self implode. Biden doesn't have to say much. He just needs to stick to what he knows and it's gravy baby.

Don't underestimate Palin.  She is not a hillbilly who fell of the trunip truck yesterday, although the media and the left are more or less proclaiming her to be just that due to their deep hatred of her.   And, take George Will.  There are not many arrogant, elitist, know-it-all persons like him.  If you don't have the intellectual capacities as he thinks he has, you are apparently only good for the scrap heap. Grant it, Palin has made some unfortunate comments, but she is no dummy.  She will do very well in the debate tonight and surprise everybody.  But don't ask George Will about it.  He will have nothing good to say no matter what.

Will Sarah, and her line of lipstick, drop out of the race after this debate? After reading both sides of the political spin and relevant issues, I believe she really should go back to Alaska.

The BS radar needle goes off the scale whenever hacks like Fineman[who has a chair memorialized for him at Keith Olbermanns COUNTDOWN],begin to speak of an ''impartial''media.

This is garbage. Infill will pull the lever for Obama,this much is certain. So will Totenberg and Lehrer. As to NEWSWEAK ,its Obama-Uber-Alles approach in its role as Press Secretary,does not even make it worth reading while subject to a long wait in a dentists office waiting for your molar to be filled. I suggest ''Bicuspid Monthly''instead.

Hate to tell you this..Fish..., but there are always "gotcha's" in politics; and if she can't handle these mild ones, she's down with the Titanic!!

This just shows how McCain would run his White House, loose cannon.

The info has been out there since June that she was writing this book, it was in the AP news. It was also noted again in August. Freaking Google her name and you can see she is openly writing a book.

I guess since he did not vet Palin, and did not study who would moderate the debate, this shows more of his lack of leadership and focus.

By him saying ANYTHING about it now only goes to cloud his lack of foresight and leadership to run a campaign let alone this country.

Some people complained because when Biden stated that Roosevelt was president in 1929 and discussed his talking on tv, Couric did not even point out that he had the wrong president or that tv was not available in 1929.  She however would grill Sarah over and over on a point.  There is nothing wrong with grilling Palin, but let's at least be even-handed about it.  Both should be given hard interviews and unfortunately this is not the case.  If the democratic candidates and their views are so strong can't they withstand some challenge?  I guess they really are not that strong.

I still want to know what it is exactly that the GOP and Ms. Palin are hiding regarding the investigation in Alaska!

How anyone would even think of voting with her with this still hanging out there and her being just thrust on the scene a few weeks ago, is beyond me!!

Until this is released, I, personally, wouldn't vote for her if they paid me.

She shows herself as ignorant, not stupid, on almost all of the important issues to America; and with hiding this, it just makes her all the less trustworthy!

With the bar so low, there is almost impossible Palin can do badly at this debate.

Unfortunately Glen Ifill now has to be tougher on Biden just to prove she is not biased.

For me it does not matter much at this point because I know BEING CRAMMED WITH TALKING POINTS AND ONE LINERS DOES NOT RESULT IN SAGE DECISIONS IN THE FUTURE.  

The true Sarah Palin has been clearly displayed through her media comments thus far.  

REbootGuyl and fccFh are so out of touch with America.  They really don't  know or understand Joe Six Pack.  It is assumed that smart, educated people think only as they do.  This could not be further from the truth.  I'v talked to many smart, educated, and people who are well-rounded that do not hold positions remotely similiar to the nonsense they peddle.  The snotty and condescending attitude displayed just shows how superficial and out of touch with the real world they are.  Maybe Joe Six Pack is a misleading description.  Many of these Joe Six Pack's run small businesses that employ most of America.  Also as a college graduate I have met many people in college that could not think for themselves.  I know people without a college degree that are very bright.  Stop stereotyping others it is sickening.

I cannot believe that there are some here who are still trying to blame the media for simple minded Sarah's responses to simple basic questions. I can't believe that some here are trying to cast Katie Couric as some gotcha reporter. For christs sake, she was asked a simple question on a claim she had made about having foreign relations experience because of Russia's proximity to Alaska and she botched it with and an answer to nowhere. I mean she was asked a simple question about a claim she had made and she could not answer it intelligently and its the media's fault and its Katie Couric going after her in an unfair way. Please people get your head out of the sand and be for real, geez.

Its going to be a verbal dance.  Sarah spinning around the questions, and Joe tip-toeing to avoid looking like hes being "mean" to her.  Either way, it's going to be frustrating and awkward on both sides.  What is already making my skin crawl though, is the way McCain will no doubt unload his prickish comments afterwards.  Say what you want about Obama, I dont hear him spending a majority of his time talking about how his VP pick is being treated, or mistreated as it were.

With the bar so low, there is almost impossible Palin can do badly at this debate.

Unfortunately Glen Ifill now has to be tougher on Biden just to prove she is not biased.

For me it does not matter much at this point because I know BEING CRAMMED WITH TALKING POINTS AND ONE LINERS DOES NOT RESULT IN SAGE DECISIONS IN THE FUTURE.  

The true Sarah Palin has been clearly displayed through her media comments thus far.  

RebootGuy1, I completely agree. The majority of America cannot relate to her- the majority of America is not Joe Six Pack. We are smart, educated people that are actually aware of the issues not only facing ourselves, but the planet. Most Americans do not have a teenage daughter knocked up by some redneck and are actually proud of this. People please, this is not a Lifetime special, this is for real- this woman could be in control of our lives. Keep the Spears family out of Washington.

So let me understand this correctly - if Palin represents Joe SixPack, then she plans on governing while drunk?  Or governing while ignorant (NOT stupid - ignorant), because Joe SixPack is too consumed with the trivia of everyday life -- getting the kids ready for school, working two jobs, trying to make ends meet at the gas pump and grocery store, and worrying over which celebrity is heading into rehab or how cute their latest baby is.-- to learn about the issues and what's important in running the country?  I've never understood why people want people like themselves running the country - I want people smarter than me running things.  Didn't we learn enough from the last 8 years with a C student President and a ratcatcher (House Speaker Tom Delay) running the government?

Gov. Sarah Palin will do just fine with tonight debate.Most media want to potrayed her as a dumb candidate. Probably the outcome of tonight debate has already been written, just need to be published.

I would like someone to explain to me why Plain is a good debater. I watched those clips of her gubernatorial race and all I heard was semi-witty catch phrases and gotcha comments that rarely even vaguely answered the question presented to her. She tells story after story of her down-home life style, and the simplistic way she speaks reaches out to people, I get that. But what I do not get is why people let her get away with it- she does not ever, truly answer the question. I feel that the only reason why she has won these past debates is simply that she did not let the fact that she entered them unprepared and without a strong understanding of the issues hamper her condescending tone and responses so that she came across as in-tune and in-touch with the problems facing her constituents. Just because she has a strong backbone does not mean she is intelligent or even remotely aware of the problems facing America. And just because she is Joe-Six Pack does not mean she knows how to help Joe-Six Pack, it just means she can empathize with them.

On the note of Biden having to go easy on her so not to sound sexist, what is that? Why should he not go hard on her? They are both fighting for the same position, and no mercy should be shown.

My greatest concern is that no matter how much "cramming" she has done..she is not prepared to assume this high administration post. Her inability to be fluent on national concerns  is evidence enough of her lack of preparedness, otherwise Trade/Techical Schools will be offering a 3 month course....Intro to Presidency 101

I think it is interesting that "Foreign Policy Experience" is of such importance in this debate.  How much Foreign Policy Experience did William Jefferson Clinton have?  Being the Governor of Arkansas does not make one an expert.  Does Sarah Palin have the intelligence necessary to learn?  Look at the knowledgeable and experienced people we have in the Congress.  They (both side of the aisle) with GWB's leadership have us in two wars, heading toward bankruptcy, and in teh middle of a financial crisis.  And yes I mean both sides of the aisle.  Both parties have made a career of re-electing themselves, no matter what the cost or benefit to the country.  They, along with the American people's "Me-first attitude" have created this meltdowm.  What I want to see is : Barack Obama and Joe Biden stand up to the Democrats and say , "you must put the couontry first".  If they will not "discipline" their own party, there will be no Change.  If they cannot or will not do that, I will take my chances with McCain, who knows how to tell the Republicans to "go to Hell" along with Sarah Palin who IS intelligent enough to learn the job.

The negative spin on Palin is largely media motivated.  She did give some vague answers in her interrogations, I mean, interviews.  But make no mistake, she has a brain and can use it if given a chance when the "gotcha" principle is not applied.  Also, I don't see anyone digging up any dirt on Biden or Obama, I'm sure there is some.

As a Republican, I was a little embarrassed by Palin's performance. But here is what I believe to be true:

*it has been the goal of the media, in fact, to embarrass her

*we all know she's not dumb

*the record shows she's been an effective governor of her state and is highly regarded

*the other three candidates have all been on the national stage a long time and have had their answers to all such questions in hand for a long time

*she appears to be a person of core integrity and firm beliefs.

So I still give her the benefit of the doubt and say, "Go Sarah!  We're pulling for ya."

Although this debate will be great entertainment, it will not alter the fact that Sarah Palin  -- no matter how much data has been crammed into her head this past week or how well she may do -- has no real knowledge of foreign affairs and is hopelessly unqualified to step into the presidency if necessary. Do you think the world is going to say, we'll wait for you to catch up Sarah and put this crisis on hold?

McCain has put her in an awful position - she is totally out of her league.

The one thing that bugs me more than anything else about the Palin pick is the condescending and contemtous way republicans view women.

Just like they insulted the intelligence of blacks by selecting Clarence Thomas to the supreme court, thinking that just because Thomas is black he would be accepted by blacks as a genuine move by republicans to ingratiate themselves with the black community. They did not take into consideration that Thomas was virtually opposed to everything the civil rights movement was all about, that he was opposed to equal employment opportunity acts, and education priviledges for blacks, things that are very dear to blacks.

Here again they assume that women would accept Sarah Palin simply because she is a woman despite the fact that she stands against everything the women's rights movement was all about, against Roe V Wade and against everything the feminist movement is about.

Are republicans this out of touch with reality or do they really think that any black or any woman would satisfy the yearnings of their respective constutuencies? Are they just daft and ignorant of these issues or do they just have a low esteem of the intelligence or individuality of women and blacks in teh USA. It really puzzles me what really goes on in the heads of republicans, do they really know how insulting it is to women, to select simple minded Sarah to represent the aspirations of the many intelligent women in America or to select an uncle Thomas to represent the aspirations of many intelligent blacks in America?

Yes - this is a tough one for Palin -- but  I wouldn't count her out. This site has good balanced analysis on tonight's debate: http://dissentingjustice.blogspot.com/2008/10/like-moose-caught-in-headlights-how.html

The part I don't get is why we are supposed to relate to a woman from the state least like any other. Alaska is more like Canada than Kansas. Just because she has an accent and goes hunting she is like me. Please. She may be a great Governor of Alaksa I have no idea but that is the state least representative of the rest of us. Anyway when did it become a bad thing for the people running the country to be well educated? I don't want my VP to have a Bachelors of Journalism from University of Idaho. For Christ's sake I have a better degree than that.

"...a cluster of conservatives, led by George Will, who were mortified by her apparent lack of knowledge."

Those of us who aren't George Will or conservative are mortified by her apparent lack of knowledge, too.

Palin is not one of us. Please do not insult my intelligence or that of any other American!

THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO OBAMA IS THE ILL-ADVISED AND HASTY INCLUSION OF PALIN IN THE GOP TICKET, WHICH IS NOW DOOMED TO SURE DEFEAT. BUT LET'S NOT BE TOO HARSH ON HER AND SHOULD ENJOY HER WHILE SHE LASTS. SHE HAS ENLIVENED LATE NIGHT TV AND IS A GODSEND TO PUNSTERS. THIS ELECTION WOULD HAVE BEEN TERRIBLY DRAB IF MCCAIN DIDN'T PLUCK HER FROM OBSCURITY, HIDDEN UNDER ALASKAN SNOW!

..........................Palin is similar to Bush in that he was a deceptive candidate when he was campaigning in year 2000. Bush was calling himself a "Compassionate Conservative" and he turned out to be anything but compassionate to the people of America.....he gave us 8 years of hurting us in so many ways. They were saying in 2000 that Bush was a guy you would like to drink a beer with but he turned out to be an arogant and domineering egotist. Palin is being sold as "The Gal Next Door" and a Hockey Mom that you would be comfortable with also.

America must look at the wrong directions Bush took us on and the many blunders he has made and realize that Palin is a Bush Protege. Bush pushed religion on us with his Faith Baised Religious Medling into our lives.....Palin will do similar things because she is a obsessed Religious Fundamentalist who will try to push religious thought on us and into our ways of life.....Palin is  the darling of the Far Right and she wants to please them as John McCain's Public Relations Aide........Think of policy and not how cut she is, think of her inexperience and how she is so much like Bush with politics!!!

Hi Howard. I often see you on MSNBC. I always like your comments. Thank for the article.

Palin is really qualified for president of PTA.

I think it does not matter to much at this point if she wins or loses. The damages are already done to the tickets. Repulican base love her to death no mater how she does. They love her without any good reason. Just like they did love George W Bush. Palin is a famale version of BUSH.

Palin in not running for the Heart beat away job, but  Obama is. Palin has moe experience than Obama. Obama was a community organizer and one of his jobs to secure loans from Connie and freddie for the poor side of chicago, those whom could not repay hence part of the problem. Whos his economic Advisors?  old connie and freddie CEOs.

Palin has the same amount of foreign experience, as Obama and Bill Clinton when he was runninghis first term EASY to forget? Lets talk about Mccain If Palin Experience as Commander in Cheif of the Alaskian Nat'l guard. The bucks stop here Gov. type job way surpasses Obama how much more ready is John Mccain. Obama has had only 144 working senate days McCain 22 yrs. Obama does not have a clear voting record.Why? He just voted Present most of the time. Why? No one around to tell him what to do. As president Is he really ready to make final tough decisions? his Past does not reflect this.  MS Clinton reminded the people this over and over and over again.

Or was she just playing politics? Too as Obama ,Biden and the rigged Vp dabate

Ifill should ask the following question to Palin:

"As Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace of the United States of America, where do they go?"

Palin would certainly know the answer to that, and her supporters can no longer complain of bias!

.

IT IS PERFECTLY REASONABLE THAT KATIE COURIC ASKED SARAH PALIN ABOUT SUPREME COURT DECISIONS, AS SHE DID JOE BIDEN AND BARACK OBAMA.  SO LET US SEE . . .

(1.)

Sarah Palin when asked could not name a single Supreme Court case other than Roe vs. Wade.

(2.)

Joe Biden graduated from University of Delaware with a double-degree in "political science & history".  He later received his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.  As a Senator he has initiated several laws directly challenging the Supreme Court, to include the "Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act" of 1994 (aka Biden Crime Law), and the "Violence Against Women Act" of 1994 (VAWA), which contains a host of tools to fight violence and procure funds to fight gender-based crimes.

(3.)

Barack Obama is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he served as president of the Harvard Law Review.  Obama practiced as a civil rights attorney before serving in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. He taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004.  Some of the laws Obama introduce, co-sponsored or supported are Energy Policy Act of 2005, Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act, Secure Fence Act, Nunn-Lugar & Coburn-Obama Transparency Act, Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007, State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Sarah Palin is not qualified to be a single heartbeat away from President of the United States.

Enough said!

Say, what happened to the "Reply" buttons?

On Topic:  Again. Palin was an attempt to win over the disenfranchised Hillary supporters.  A poor attempt at that I will say.  Her answers on her recent news interviews are pathetically embarrassing.  If you don't know an answer, then please just say so rather than BS-ing your way through it.  The average viewer is not THAT stupid.  Well...maybe "Joe-Six-Pack" is, but not the average person.

BTW...McCain should stop making jokes.  Saying -you have always aspired to be a dictator- while running for President of the US, is not a smart thing.

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By limiting her exposure to the public except at scripted Republican events, the handlers from the McCain campaign have already confirmed what many suspected: Gov. Palin is not qualified to be the next Vice President. The two interviews with Couric and Gibson were not reassuring, but not devastating either. Maybe she can govern Alaska, where so much oil money and so few residents make life easy. For the present, her performance at the debate will probably be good enough to satisfy the Republican base; bad enough to delight  the Democrats; and not enough to change the liberal media consensus that she really is not ready. For Biden, because this debate is seen as such a mismatch, the downside is huge if he stumbles or bumbles. Not only will the Republican media gloat, the liberal media will pile on too. He has less to win and much more to lose. He is the one who should be worried.  

We should be talking about MORE RELEVANT things. America we need an explanation for this report from the Guardian in the UK: "Revealed: oil-funded research in Palin's campaign against protection for polar bear". Please go The Guardian on-line and you'll find this. Pass it on! Why is the MSM not talking about it? THIS IS SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS! One more reason to support the Obama-Biden ticket!

PLEASE READ AND SHARE: REPORT ABOUT SARAH PALIN FROM THE GUARDIAN (UK)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/01/sarahpalin.climatechange

UPDATE: Greenpeace website talks about this too, link here:

http://members.greenpeace.org/blog/exxonsecrets

Gwen Ifill has a substantial financial stake in this as her future book is worthless if Obama loses and she concealed the book from the debate commission. Based on her deception and bias; she has probably already given Biden the questons so even if she appears to be even handed she has rigged the debate.

We should be talking about RELEVANT things. America we need an explanation for this report from the Guardian in the UK: "Revealed: oil-funded research in Palin's campaign against protection for polar bear". Please go The Guardian on-line and you'll find this. Pass it on! Why is the MSM not talking about it? THIS IS SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS! One more reason to support the Obama-Biden ticket!

PLEASE READ AND SHARE: REPORT ABOUT SARAH PALIN FROM THE GUARDIAN (UK)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/01/sarahpalin.climatechange

Just a thought...check Palin's ears/earings for transmitter plants to ensure her responses aren't being whispered in her ear from somewhere offstage.  I'd be a little suspicious if she wears her hair down and over her ears!  Again, Just a thought!

SURLEY NO ONE IS AS DUMB AS SHE APPAERD TO BE ON CBS MAY BE AN ACT BUT IVE BEEN AROUND 82 YEARS AND I DONT THINK ITS AN ACT 201BS

She said "I am a hockey mom" and that is literally true. Hockey moms, of course, argue for their kids, regardless of right or wrong.

Hey, but this is no hockey game, and  the country is certainly NOT BUYING that being a "hockey mom" are enough qualifications for vice presidency. But that's exactly what McCain is sending to the debate.

The Republicans are pathetic all the way up and down the ticket.  Palin is a train wreck.  If it weren't for Fox, Bush and Cheney would have been impeached by now and we'd already have a Democratic President.

OMG, check out the Fox "Fair and Balanced" News guy who asks the crowd in a diner in northern Pennsylvania for a show of hands of support for the Presidential candidates.  After no one lifts their hand for McCain and a whole bunch for Obama, the dude declares the place is split.  Apparently realizing how stupid his comment is, he then concedes the audience maybe "favors" Obama but then repeats Pennsylvania is a battleground state as if to say the crowd's vote reaffirms that.  I don't know how anyone who works for Murdoch can call themselves a reporter, as if they actually report facts as opposed to just make up trash about Democrats and reasons why Republicans are ten times better than they really are.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#26982579

PS  The bit about Orally's latest the liberals are Nazis accusation is funny too.

Biden is not one to be bullied and let the perpetrator get away with it, although he does have a gentlemanly soft spot. I say go ahead and bully her. Go for it Joe!  Give her what she gave Maureen Dowd from the NYT and other free press agencies. Give her a run for her money and the First Amendment. Ask her sans the 2nd Amendment if she can even recite the others. Ask her what the Preamble is....ask her what the Bill of Rights are....ask her what they mean to her...ask her if she realizes the gross similarities between the McCain/Palin ticket and Hitler's ticket in the 30's (economics and all)...She's going to attack everything negative you ever did and rebuild your resume. I say do it right back. Prove Heather Malllick of CBC right.  Joe there is one thing you have that she'll never have, and that is class.

Howard, there is a really easy solution. The media does not declare Palin the winner after the debate simply because she showed up and maybe did not make a major mistake, but actually hold her to some kind of standard.