David Mattingly
CNN National Correspondent
My interview request with Governor Sarah Palin was last-minute. I had a day in Anchorage while en route home from a shoot in Prince William Sound and wanted to talk with the woman who seemed to be on most GOP short lists for VP. She managed to fit me into her schedule between the time she registered one of her children for school and the time she was due in the office.
She arrived wearing sunglasses and a windbreaker. She drove herself to the interview location in a black SUV. There was no police escort, driver or entourage. She described herself as a “hockey mom” and certainly looked the part.
This was in early August and Palin seemed to believe she was a long shot. She thought Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue would make a good choice, and wrote herself off as someone who was “not one of the movers and shakers in the Republican Party” that would normally be picked.
Looking back, that was probably the main reason Palin was selected. She is a politician with a reputation for reform that was built about as far outside the beltway as you can get.
| WA |
August 29th, 2008 5:11 pm ET Whether she is a mover and shaker or a reformer I doubt will make any difference. She has little to her credit for the position of VP. And her friendly association to the absolute evil of society OIL and the knowledge that friendship with oil has given her cause to choose oil over the preservation of the Wastelands won’t sit well with Republicans or Americans in general! But it comes as no surprise as isn’t it just like McSame and Bush to make long lasting friendships with people who view Oil as an investment! |
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| David |
August 29th, 2008 5:14 pm ET The John McCain selection of Sarah Palin for vice president is nothing short of a slap in the face to the Hillary Clinton supporters and Democratic Party. Voting for a woman for the sake of voting for a woman is insulting to everything Hillary Clinton stood for. Hillary Clinton ran for the democratic nominee for President on a legitimate claim to the head of the party. It just so happen, that Barack Obama won over her. Sarah Palin is no Hillary. In the words of my next President of the United States: ENOUGH! |
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| Cindy |
August 29th, 2008 5:28 pm ET I think Palin was chosen because picking her would unite the Rep party since she has all of the conservative beliefs. And also because she isn’t in the “in” crowd of Washington. She isn’t afraid of taking them on either and has proven it by calling out corrupt people in her Alaskan government. Cindy…Ga. |
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| L. E. Burnette |
August 29th, 2008 5:40 pm ET Why do supposedly unbiased reporters, such as Bash and Costello, describe Palin as “anti-abortion rights”? Whatever happened to the non-partisan terms “pro-choice” and “pro-life”? When the media insists on showing a liberal bias, they unite the right-wingers and alienate moderate Independents like myself. |
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| Dixie Tienken |
August 29th, 2008 5:46 pm ET We of Lincoln County, Nevada think she ’s great choice & a good balance for the McCain ticket. She’s energetic, free thinking, young, smart, & not afraid to cut nonessential items from the budget. What more could we ask for & she’s not afraid to be a Christian Lady. |
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| sharky |
August 29th, 2008 5:52 pm ET Give me a break hockey mom we dont need a beauty queen hockey mom to be vp of this country. We need solid leaders, i see nothing about her that shows me that. I would love to know why you CNN, a place i count on is not talking about the fact that she is under investigation for abuse of power. Let us wake up America. |
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| Mark |
August 29th, 2008 5:52 pm ET Palin has a lovely life and has done great work in Alaska. I cringe at this deliberate choice, using a young woman who has a child with DS - McCain is trying to sway the women of this country and get the empathy vote. It wreaks of desperation on the part of Republicans. Did you notice the “Country First” poster on the podium? Sounds a little like a reaction to the Dems Convention which made it about us - the people of America. McCain’s whole campaign has just been reactive rather than proactive. |
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| Eric Gibson |
August 29th, 2008 5:52 pm ET Sarah Palin looks like Karen Walker of Will & Grace and I suspect as effective should she be called upon to fill the presidential shoes. McCain has HANDED the Democrats a win. Thanks! |
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| Florida Daryl |
August 29th, 2008 5:54 pm ET This is just so corny…and stale….. The Republicans are running their campaign like a huge corporation. America– don’t allow Republicans to use America’s nature (freedom and equality) against us. They did the same thing with 9/11. America was fearful…and rightfully so…BUT Bush decided to capitalize on our fears instead of our strenght and ability to endure. History was being made… not just because Hillary is a woman—or because Barrack is black. Wake up!! America is making history because we are calling for ground shifting change—and louder than ever. McCain just doesn’t get it…. he just doesn’t… realllyyyyy. This wont work because America wont let it this time. Eight is Enough— that’s too long! |
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| Chris |
August 29th, 2008 5:55 pm ET When Pat Buchanan was at his nastiest and most hateful, Ms. Palin SIGNED ON with his campaign — the fact that she had the chance to see what he stood for then, and said “That’s for me!” should chill your bones. |
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| Jodi Franks |
August 29th, 2008 5:55 pm ET An Insult to Clinton Supporters McCain’s pick for Vice President is an obvious case of pandering to Hillary Clinton’s former supporters. Nice try. Luckily, I have faith that these intelligent women have the wisdom to see through McCain’s tactics and will not vote away the hard-fought gains that women have made simply to have a woman on the ticket. Palin does NOT support the right of a woman to have control over her own body, and both she and McCain would appoint Supreme Court justices who represent the radical right and would overturn Roe vs. Wade. Palin, whose husband works for an oil company, still believes that we can drill our way out of our energy crisis. She wants to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling, despite the fact that it would devastate the habitat of many fragile Arctic species, despite the fact that sixty percent of the caribou-based diet of many indigenous groups comes from the wildlife that lives on ANWR, and despite the fact that the amount of oil in this National Wildlife Refuge is not large enough to have an affect on the global price of oil. McCain’s choice of Palin proves that he does not respect the intelligence of Clinton’s supporters who will not accept a right-wing substitute, merely because she is a woman and completely negates McCain’s assertion that he is a friend of the environment. Furthermore, it shows that McCain is a reckless decision maker who is willing to put the nation at risk with a Vice President who has no knowledge of or experience in foreign policy simply in order to pander to a group of voters who will never vote for a man at the top of the ticket that has agreed with the failed policies of Bush and Cheney 90% of the time. |
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| KJ Western, MA |
August 29th, 2008 5:56 pm ET As a Hillary supporter, I think the pick of Gov. Palin was brilliant! I love what this woman stands for. She has more experience then the Dem. pick- Obama. It also shows how stupid it was for Obama not to pick Clinton as her VP pick. It is a choice that I am afraid (as an Independent voter) that will cost him the election. I think either way the Obama party goes on this is tricky. If they are seen attacking her for being ill experienced. It makes them look stupid, as she has just as much if not more experience than Obama. (and she is a VP choice not a Presidental choice) They can not attack her as being young- as Obama is young. They can not attack her as a mother - as that will angry many Mothers through out the US. |
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| Jason M |
August 29th, 2008 5:56 pm ET Does anyone else see the selection of Sarah Palin as the absolute worst kind of pandering? If John McCain dies three days after taking office, which is possible at 72, this unknown, untested, and unqualified person would become president. Great, shes the Governor of Alaska. There are Mayor’s of cities with more people than the entire state of Alaska that are more qualified to be the second highest ranking official in the US. I’m a lifelong Republican, but this is the end of the road. John McCain sounds like a smart alec old man half the time, and his time past him by in 2000. Picking a young woman as a running mate does not change the fact that our country is in deep trouble and faces serious problems. Obama inspires people. While short on experience, he does have the ability to make the people feel hope, and that my friends, is something in short supply these days. |
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| Dennis |
August 29th, 2008 6:04 pm ET No posting of pro palin on here, only spiteful remarks are welcome. This is cnn the home of the chicago news network |
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| Pamela Biery |
August 29th, 2008 6:05 pm ET HEY CUTIE, COME STAND BY ME! McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate smacks of the worst kind of base reverse sexism—making a choice because of the convenient fact that she is a woman, perhaps able to inspire those disgruntled Hillary-ites, after spending most of the month seriously vetting several men for the job. I hope women everywhere see this move for what it is—more of the same familiar manipulation and objectification that keeps women down. Sorry Sarah, but I think you’re being used to portray McCain as something he isn’t. |
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| KJ Western, MA |
August 29th, 2008 6:05 pm ET Pandering sometimes works………… look at what happened at the DNC. |
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| Mauri |
August 29th, 2008 6:16 pm ET To those Hillary supporters who defiantly say they will NOT support Sarah Palin on the McCain ticket, I say you are not in the majority. I, for one, will vote for McCain and “the other woman.” |
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| Peach |
August 29th, 2008 6:17 pm ET Choosing Palin is a insult to women in my view . Does McCain think we’re stupid? She has very little political experience . Mayor of a small town with 6700 residents. And less than two years as governor. Who is McCain kidding? He is 72 years old and has had two major bouts with his health. Palin could be a heartbeat from the presidency. And as a working woman who raised three kids I can say we can’t do it all. I am highly offended that she would embark on a VP race which will take virtually 24/7 of her time leaving behind three young daughters and a newborn infant with downs syndrome. This does not speak well for the family values of the Republicans |
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| missy |
August 29th, 2008 6:19 pm ET McCain just handed the election over to Obama on a silver platter with his selection of Palin as a running mate. Bet she makes a mean chocolate chip cookie. |
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| suki |
August 29th, 2008 6:26 pm ET Governor of Alaska for 2 years and mayor of a town no one ever heard of - If this is the kind of judgement McCain brings to the table he is nuts - a trophy wife is one thing - she can’t become President but as a woman I am insulted that he thinks he can pick a woman and we should embrace him for forward thinking - I have supported Obama since 2004 and now more than ever I know why |
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| Daisy |
August 29th, 2008 6:28 pm ET It’s 3am in the morning and the phone rings in the white house, America is being attacked, who are you going to trust to make the the right decision: Sarah Palin, soccer mom or Joe Biden |
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| Emma |
August 29th, 2008 6:40 pm ET We are so concerned with experience all of a sudden. If Palin is not qualified to be VP, what makes Obama qualified to be President? Palin has two years of experience as Governor while Obama has two years of experience as a Senator. However, if you look at what she has done in her limited time in office, she has far more experience than Obama. I’m interested to see how the Obama campaign will attack this. |
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| Ann Bauleke |
August 29th, 2008 6:40 pm ET Where is the outrage? McCain’s pick is a mockery of the office and of American voters. It’s got Rove all over it. |
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| Jon B, Palm Springs California |
August 29th, 2008 6:40 pm ET Sad state of affairs. |
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| Mare M. |
August 29th, 2008 6:47 pm ET SHE IS A WOMAN MY AGE AND SHE HAS A FREAKIN BOUFFANT???? SHE’S NOT EVEN IN THE B-52s!!!! WHAT YEAR IS THIS? 1968? Get that throwback to a bad day at the local diner out of my face, off my tv set, and to a hairdresser. PRONTO. Seriously. That is just pathetic. |
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| Jeff in Los Angeles |
August 29th, 2008 6:50 pm ET I am blown away from the comments I am reading. People have been bashing Obama for months that they don’t know enough about him. A guy people have been getting to know for 19 months now on the campaign trail, yet after today’s announcement, they are now all “definitely” going to vote for McCain because he chose her without knowing ANYTHING about her. Kay Bailey Hutchensen said today, she doesn’t even know who she is. I find it very hypocritical that all of a sudden, because McCain announces a woman on the ticket, that they will just immediately vote for her, again without even knowing ANYTHING about her, other than she is a woman and a Republican. Seems very shallow and hypocritical to me. Which is it, do you want to know more about the candidate as you’ve been stating for months or not? If so, you need to look at the person and her record before making a judgment. Lets all hold our horses for a few weeks. Let the honeymoon period of excitement end for Palin, and then we can take a good look and see if we think she is qualified to be Vice President, and POSSIBLY President of the U.S. And don’t think Hillary women are just going to vote McCain now because he has a woman on the ticket. Once people find out how anti-abortion she is, they will think twice about electing a woman who will overturn Roe v. Wade. |
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| Susan |
August 29th, 2008 6:53 pm ET David: Everyone is entitled to their views on Governor Sarah Palin, but the personal attacks are not warranted. We seem to have lost our civility!!!!! You get what you give!!!!!!! Susan |
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| jack of all |
August 29th, 2008 6:54 pm ET I’ve been saying all along. That if McCain were to choose a female as his running mate that it would have been someone more with more notoriety and more gualified, as if they don’t exist! Condi would have been a more reasonable choice….but she is one out of a dozen others he could have chosen. Instead he goes for the beauty queen! I can’t wait for the pictures to start surfacing of Palin in her tiara and bathing suit. It’s so over for the Republicans! The only reason I can see that her choose Palin is that if he is elected, which now seems to be a long shot, that the oil drilling can begin in Alaskan protected land and offshore. Anyone see this? |
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| jack of all |
August 29th, 2008 6:55 pm ET LET THE OFF SHORE DRILLING BEGIN! |
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| Speechless! |
August 29th, 2008 6:56 pm ET No one should be surprised that McCain picked this lady, I mean the standards for VP that the GOP picks isn’t that high. Just look @ Dick! |
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| Steve - Hendersonville, NC |
August 29th, 2008 6:57 pm ET Mcain, your pick for VP is very strange, even for you. I feel it is an insult to Hilary for Sarah Palin to swoop in and take all the benifits of Hilarys hard work without having to pay any dues herself! And ask yourselves one question, if McCain died the first 6 months of his term, would you really want Gov. Palin in command of the free world, NOT ME !! |
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| Kelly |
August 29th, 2008 6:58 pm ET I’m so tired of working hard week after week, year after year and not getting anywhere-going backwards. I think starting from ’scratch’ with leaders who REALLY want to help the american people is quite refreshing and I look forward to it. FINALLY! I think what really counts is their experience in walking in MY shoes. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes. |
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| Barbara |
August 29th, 2008 6:59 pm ET this just proves to me that McCain is not capable of running the country. He may want to hand over his kids future to someone with little exprience, but I’m not. We are living in dangerous times and with our economy like it is, you would think he would have the intelgence to get someone who would have experience to run the us and relate to the rest of the world. This was just a slap in my face and my intelgence. Heck she couldn’t fill Hillarys shoes, and insulting her supporters like she did, using her words, hoping to sway them. Well she needs earn her way to the white house. She hasn’t earned nothing. I thought about voting for McCain, but not anymore. Thank you McCain for proving to the world and to the republicans out in the world your chosing a real unexperinced running mate. Why don’t you just say to the world here come and get it, US is here for the picking. GOOD SHOW McCain, But I’m not willing to waste my Vote, OBama is the man with real intelligence. McCain needs a straight Jacket. |
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| Greg H |
August 29th, 2008 7:02 pm ET How much is known on her views? I say provide Sarah Palin a chance and let her enlighten us as to her views. How much was known on Obama before he started running for President. If the selection was to solely obtain women voters then yes shame on the tactics of the Republican Party. How ever if it is to bring in change and outside source may be what is needed after 8 years of what America has been through. Is the theme for Obama change? if so McCain is differently thinking change. |
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| carl |
August 29th, 2008 7:03 pm ET you got to be kiddding. what is he thinking, mccain must have lost his mind. can’t believe he picked her. i know i want vote for him now, he’s stupid. |
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| carl |
August 29th, 2008 7:06 pm ET go obama go 2008 john mccain has lost his mind by picking her. he will lose in nov for sure. their’s no way she could be president. all i can say is everybody better vote for obama / biden. 2008 |
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| WA |
August 29th, 2008 7:08 pm ET DAVID: Great Comments enjoyed. Cindy: Maybe you could write a book on Bush and McCain’s more human qualities, or maybe It Wasn’t Their Fault Our Economy is Failing or the World Sees Us As Power Hungry Parasites! Sure either would be best sellers. Everyone loves Fiction! |
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| Libby |
August 29th, 2008 7:13 pm ET I think that choosing Sarah Palin seems to be a ridiculous decision. This is a decision of a gambler, not of a reasonable Presidantial candidate. Her choice is an insult to Democrats and Hillary Clinton personally. Just because Mrs. palin is a female, does not mean that she is an equivalent of Hillary for Republicans. And that Hilalry’s female voters will automatically vote for Palin. This woman is strictly against any abortions (even resulting from rape), she is a disgrace to modern women. She does not make a good impression as a bad speaker. She has no political experience, and apparently had never traveled abroad. |
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| Uma, Liverpool, UK |
August 29th, 2008 7:13 pm ET People who are sore about Senator Clinton’s having lost the nomination, are sore because an experienced, educated, long-term social-justice, civil-rights, education, and health-care activist, lost the nomination. Alaskan ’soccer-mom’ and Governor of a State with a miniscule population… who was TWO when Senator Clinton was finishing her BA from Wellesley College? LOL This silly girl (whose extremist Christian fundamentalist views, like McCain’s, exceed Dubya Bush’s) is simply funny! She started her political life by winning a beauty pageant in a town of 7000. Isn’t that twee? Thanks John, for trying too hard, to not be McSame, by tapping another white, old, man. You tried so much too hard, you’ve virtually gift-wrapped this election. Barack Obama started his political life the way I did: by having an international background and upbringing, which OPENS a child’s mind. He started by being brown in Hawaii, where there are so many races and shades of skin, that being biracial was no stigma. He did learn about the stigma… a bit late. I lived in NYC. I REMEMBER the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — though I am actually 4 months younger than Barack Obama. My parents followed the Civil Rights Movements, closely. Senator Bobby Kennedy was OUR Senator. What early-life experience does Sarah Palin have, that was formative for her, as a person in the world? Nil, evidently. She actually SUPPORTS drilling for oil in the Alaskan Wilderness and Nature Preserve. She obviously missed the ‘ecology’ movement we had, on the Mainland, in the late ’60s. Oh, right. She was also four. Wow. A heartbeat away, huh? This girl (a pejorative term — to be clear — as I have been a feminist since I WAS a girl) and her ‘experience’ might appeal to those people whose imaginations do not extend to the possibility of John McCain actually dying in office! Fortunately, even Republicans are not usually that stupid. Christian extremists, like ALL religious extremists, are stupid, by definition. |
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| Peter |
August 29th, 2008 7:15 pm ET What’s up with all these people arguing that Palin being very light on experience is ok because she’s only running for the VP spot? I think the VP candidate should be just as qualified for president as the Presidential candidate himself. That’s why I’m happy that Obama chose Biden. If anything were to happen to Obama we will have a fantastic VP to accept his responsibilities. |
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| Gdz |
August 29th, 2008 7:17 pm ET “That not [reform] we can believe in” Republican Veepwatch: The “Grave” Reaches Out To The “Cradle”; John McCain Places Alaska Governor Sarah Palin A Heartbeat Away And Alaskans, including myself, are just as stunned as most other Americans at this selection. I genuinely believed that what chances she actually ever had died with the onset of the scandal unleashed beginning with the firing of former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. Then she compounded that error by hiring former Kenai Police Chief Chuck Kopp as Monegan’s replacement without properly vetting him; he turned out to have had a past as a sexual harasser, and he also resigned, under fire. And many Alaskans remain strongly critical of Sarah Palin’s Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) as well as her legislatively rubber-stamped decision to select Trans-Canada to build the pipeline, even though Trans-Canada, by their own admission, will not begin construction until 2015, AFTER their Canadian gas lines are built and AFTER the value of Alaskan gas is weakened by the expected flood of Canadian gas. |
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| Cher |
August 29th, 2008 7:27 pm ET I am tired of the political game and people chosing running mates or voting just because a person is of a certain race or gender. What about electing someone to office who is best qualified to run this country? |
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| Jan |
August 29th, 2008 7:29 pm ET Watching Sara Palin’s acceptance was so unbelievable, surrealistic. It was like “Saturday Night Live” — live. It was like Tina Fey. accepting the nomination. Five children!! A baby!! How can any woman worth her ’salt’ — accept this nomination?? What are her values?? I need to know!! As a woman, I am insulted. There are VERY limited creditionals to back this up - especially highlighted with his - question over Obama’s experience! She is a heartbeat way - beside the oldest candidate ever! This seals my decision on experience and McCain’s judgement. This has become SCARY. McCain’s judgement is erroneous on the War and now proven with this choice of a Woman as a mere puppet to attain votes. Maybe once he had good judgement, clearly he has lost it. He is out of touch. |
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| mekonnen |
August 29th, 2008 7:30 pm ET this is a shame for the republicans unexperianced?what was mccain had been saied for the past few months?very elementary tacktic to take clintons women vote.is this the best they can do? |
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| LK |
August 29th, 2008 7:33 pm ET I asked a close friend of mine who is a native Alaskan on what his take on this since I never heard of Sarah Palin. In is own words, “she has been a good governor but im surprised cuz 3 years ago she was a hockey mom (no political experience) i dont know why they would choose here cuz she literally has zero experience. she is pretty good to natives , but terrible on environment issues and resource issues, . We really need our governor right now with big stuff going on here and she will be away on the campaign trail”. |
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| Judy, Pottstown, PA |
August 29th, 2008 7:33 pm ET When I first heard of who McCain picked I thought-who? Then I thought why? When I really started thinking about the why I started to get really mad. I am a 29 year old female, mother of 2, and I work as a full time scientist in the pharmaceutical business. So I’m a mother and a career woman-two things I have in common with his VP pick. Based on that does he really think I’m going to vote for her? I mean does he really think women are that mindless and that we’ll just vote for a woman just for the sake of her gender alone? He must because I haven’t read yet on what qualifies her as a VP. The last time I checked the VP would need to be ready at a moment’s notice if something were to happen to the POTUS. She hardly seems to have any qualifications. All I have heard about her today is that she is a hockey mom with a lifetime membership to the NRA. Can she even name the head of state of Iraq, Iran, Russia, or Afghanistan? |
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| Laurie, Northern California |
August 29th, 2008 7:34 pm ET I agree with Jason M. This is just McCain’s way of pandering for the Hillary Clinton supporters. This woman has such little experience it is frightening. McCain is an old man and could die of melanoma or a stroke or many other things. He is not in good health. Just because his mother is still alive does not mean that he shares all her genes. His years of smoking could also cause him to have serious illnesses and even death. Being a governor of a small state like Alaska does not give her the foreign experience she needs. At least Barack Obama chose someone with a lot of foreign policy experience. Joe Biden has far more experience than Gov. Palin. She is a very beautiful woman and probably very intelligent but this is not a beauty contest this is a serious election with serious consequences. This is just a total joke on the part of McCain. |
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| Lisa Hemenway |
August 29th, 2008 7:34 pm ET I am still in a state of disbelief that McCain has chosen a woman govenor from Alaska for his VP. I am a Hillary supporter who is supporting Obama. I assume that McCain is trying to get the vote of the Hillary supporters that are still on the fence about Obama. It will not work! McCain is 72 years old and needed to choose a VP that is experienced to take over this country. He met this woman on one occasion and he cannot know her well enough to make this crucial decision. I really believe that McCain’s decision will help the democratic ticket. |
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| Lucy |
August 29th, 2008 7:35 pm ET Wow, what a strange choice from McCain. I do feel that he is pandering and attempting to bring women into his camp. How strange that he would pass on Christy Todd Whitman or Candoliza Rice, two well know Republican woman with loads of executive experience. Honestly, should something happen to McCain in office (like second term Reagan when he started showing signs of senility) How our country feel ’safe’ with such an unproven person? The fact that she is a woman is totally overshadowed by the fact that she was chosen purely because she is a woman and not for her experience, reputation or ability. It is truly shocking how much Senator wants to win this election, not because he wants to serve our country, but because he believes its his last shot. I really wanted a reason to vote for McCain and his choice for vice president (and his reason for doing it) has made my decision easy. Senator Obama and Senator Biden -you boys get my vote!!!!! I will gladly wait 8 years to vote for Senator Clinton for president. |
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| Anne C |
August 29th, 2008 7:37 pm ET Oh my gosh! |
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| Anne C |
August 29th, 2008 7:38 pm ET Meant to say DO NOT speak first and get facts later. |
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| Juan Ortez |
August 29th, 2008 7:39 pm ET An excellent choice by Sen. McCain. Gov. Palin is a formidable vice president candidate. Gov. Palin has not just talked about alternative energy, she has acted by advancing a natural gas pipeline. Gov. Palin has more executive experience then Sen. Obama and Sen Biden combined. Gov. Palin has demonstrated true change to government ethics and status quo, not just lip service. Gov. Palin has a history of standing firm on moral issues. |
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| lampe |
August 29th, 2008 7:39 pm ET David and Jodi: I hate to inform you, but this is not a slap in the face of the HRC Supporters. We already got a real big one from Obama and The DNC. I think McCain, is showing everyone just how he is going to change the way things run in Washington. I think she is a wonderful pick. Since the Dems. can’t seem to get their heads out of their asses. I think McCain, has opened the door for women, to break right threw that glass ceiling. I was and will always be a Clinton Supporter, but this year, I will vote for the only Party that respects the accomplishments of women. McCain\Pa;in 2008 The Only Party of Unity. |
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| Bobby |
August 29th, 2008 7:42 pm ET This is the first thing that McCain has done right. With his selection of Gov. Pallin, he just put himself in the White House. Congratualations Mr. President. |
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| Brenda Harris |
August 29th, 2008 7:45 pm ET WOW with Palin we will turn the whitehouse into the roomper room and a convalescent home for Mccain all at the same time. |
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| ADaniel |
August 29th, 2008 7:47 pm ET I totally agree with KJ’s Western, MA post and apparently Hiliary Clinton does too. While Hiliary notes she doesn’t think the |
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| liz ny |
August 29th, 2008 7:48 pm ET McCain did this only to win Hillary supporters. David it’s interesting you got to interview her before her knowing she was the VP pick. Bet there are many more interviews to come |
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| Maureen M |
August 29th, 2008 7:50 pm ET I have been impressed with Palin since seeing her interviewed on tv several months ago. I didn’t know she was being considered as VP, but think it is a positive choice. I am tired of white men in power doing nothing or making idiotic laws. This women has intelligence and a ton of common sense. This country needs more of that. And if you think McCain would make this choice just to get female votes, I think that you are wrong. Kudos to McCain. I keep an open mind until election day. I hope everyone can do the same. Especially the chauvanistic pigs who refer to her as a soccer mom. |
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| Anika Eden Chant |
August 29th, 2008 7:55 pm ET Sarah Palin is cute!! But is she ready to lead or breast feed? It’s like John McCain fell asleep, like Adam, and when he woke up, there was Sarah Palin. Remember it was Eve that got the whole world in trouble. She “is” a soccer mom. Bless her heart. She has 5 children. So, can she handle the weight of the free world as VP and then as President if it came to that and still mother her small children? Where will she pump her milk? What is the rationale behind this choice? Is Senator McCain trying that hard to win or trying that hard to give the election away? I’m confused. Is he trying that hard to duplicate Barack? Well, imitation “is” the highest form of flattery. And by the way, Hillary Clinton’s people wanted Hillary not a substitute. Is it that Senator McCain is so set on the “win” that he’s forgetting the purpose? People’s lives are at stake. Well, we are still scratching our heads over this one. I guess a POW, with all of his due respectful high honor, does not a president make. |
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| shenygirl |
August 29th, 2008 7:55 pm ET I was appalled by Palin’s disingenuous comments regarding Hillary Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro. Was she actually trying to compare herself to these women? I don’t see Palin as a role model for women or women’s rights. Her minimal experience is questionable and I have also noticed that nothing has been mentioned about her educational background. She obviously does not have a law degree or I am sure that would have been mentioned. Does this women and the Repugs actually think that the Hillary supporters are going to jump on the bandwagon for McCain because of Ms. Palin? I never thought that being a “Hockey Mom’ would quality a women to be Vice President and or President of the United States. |
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| Chandra |
August 29th, 2008 8:02 pm ET I love the comment Jodi Franks made. You hit the nail on the head. If they are letting anyone run for VP of the US I would like to put my bid in. What I don’t understand is why people like McCain and Palin aginst abortion but for guns? Doesn’t that sound hipocrital? We don’t want precious life to die but we want a gun to kill someone. |
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| Chandra |
August 29th, 2008 8:06 pm ET If Palin is campainging for the VP who is keeping her kids? If my 4 month baby had downe syndrome I would be spending time with my baby. The good ole boy system is alive and well in both parties. And this selection of VP did not solidify anything. It just proves the McCain is an old senile coot. |
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| Chandra |
August 29th, 2008 8:07 pm ET Jason M. I agree. I think McCain would have been a better choice in 2000 as well. |
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| Maria |
August 29th, 2008 8:11 pm ET I have been a registered Republican for over 37 years; however, I am smart enough to know when it is time to wake up and make a change. For the first time I have watched the Democratic convention and was inspired about what Barak Obama had to say. Although to many he does not have the experience, he is the first candidate in a very long time who can actually relate to the real people, not the ones with a silver spoon still hanging from their mouths. All politicians make promises, but few hit home with their words. I personally had my reservations about Mr. Obama, but when I listen to him speak I hear someone who is sincere about the words coming out of his mouth. When he shakes someone’s hand and speaks, he demonstrates honesty. I am tired of listening to people who don’t have a clue about the real people who are actually going through difficult times. Barak Obama may not have the experience in Washington that McCain may have, but he has experienced with what truly matters, REAL LIFE. Just because you have a masters degree it does not get you common sense and in the real world you need it. People need to start realizing that life is not just about the talk, you better start walking. What impresses me is not how many years of experience you have, is what you have done in the time you have devoted to the public. When I researched Mr. Obama, I see someone who has worked hard to make a difference not just talk hot air. Let all of us remember that action speaks louder than words and the real experience is about real life issues. We have big problems at home and we need to start here. The combined experience of Obama and Biden is exactly what we need. When I look at Obama, I see an energetic person full of life and ready to tackle the world. That’s what we need in the White House, someone who is going to rolled up their sleeves and get to work. Someone who may not have the years of experience, but has the determination to make it happen. I have worked in the professional field for many years and have met so called professionals with many years of experience who can’t take a walk to the corner without making huge mistakes. Let’s understand the difference, just because you have the experience it does not make you an expert. Obama has what it take to make it happen and that’s why for the first time I am voting Democrat because I see something in Obama that I have not seen in politics in a very long time. |
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| Linda Jassim |
August 29th, 2008 8:12 pm ET As a strong Hillary supporter, I was shocked to hear a woman’s name this morning for GOP V.P. It just got me mad because it felt so manipulative as a way to get Hillary Dem votes - I was for Hillary because of her lifelong policies and the issues she stands for. When I read about Palin’s policies I was sick - what a reactionary - sorry John, won’t get my vote! |
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| Crystal , Mississippi |
August 29th, 2008 8:21 pm ET I find it very insulting that Mccain would chose a women just on the fact of gaining Hillary supporters. The one problem being that these women voted for a message that they believe in not the women. They may have been upset that she didn’t win, but to pick a woman just because is sad. |
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| Rose from Southern California |
August 29th, 2008 8:31 pm ET I don’t want to be mean but Sarah Palin needs to go back home to Alaska. Being a Governor for almost two years doesn’t make her more experience then Obama. And being a women doesn’t make any differents either… Hillary Clinton has more experience in one little figure then Sarah Palin have in all her hands and feets and then some. Oh, by the way I am a Hillary supporter and I will be voting for Obama for sure now! Sorry, McCain I think you blow this vote. |
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| Will in California |
August 29th, 2008 8:43 pm ET Now there is finally a person with governing experience on any ticket. A youthful, gun-toting, former beauty queen, and successful soccer mom-type who leads an entire state, not to mention being a conservative who believes in the core, wholesome values that has helped build America, yet still is tough enough to stand up against big government and special interest groups. Is she the modern-day Annie Oakley of government who, with Maverick McCain, will help reform the government and establish fiscal responsibility in the government finally? At the DNC convention, speakers stated about working from the top up, instead from working from the top down. Why then, is the Illinois senator, with no governing experience, a presidential nominee, when Sarah Palin has successfully lead an important state, fought against the bullies of special interest and reduced wasteful spending? Being governor is more credible and qualified to be president than a single term senator. Just look at how many governors and senators were president. Whites who vote for a black man for president due to some sense of white guilt, while blacks vote for people of the same color, is more insulting to intellectuals than women voting for a woman for president. |
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| kld |
August 29th, 2008 8:51 pm ET We need someone like her to make things happen. No ties to DC! That is an asset in my opinion. No more talk Obama! McCain will make change happen. As for everyone who thinks she cannot handle it if something happens to McCain. She is a mom of 5 kids, do not underestimate the power of a working mother. |
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| Joanne Hagen |
August 29th, 2008 8:52 pm ET Would fishing rights be different if Todd Palin was 1/4 Native American as opposed to 1/8? There is a discrepancy. I know he based his commercial fishing business around the rights of Native Americans. |
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| Jan from Wood Dale IL |
August 29th, 2008 8:59 pm ET Not really knowing much about Sarah Palin, I read what some of the Alaska newspaper blogs said about her, as well as some of their articles. For a woman who has been a governor for a short period of time, she certainly seems like a woman of action. Palin has signed into legislation to use a share of the profits that Alaska has received from the tax paid by the oil companies to issue $1200 energy rebate checks to its citizens. Have any of your governors done that? Palin is also suspending the state gasoline tax of 8 cents per gallon for the next year. Palin has also pushed through the legislation to get the Natural Gas pipeline built, which will help create a lot of jobs in Alaska. Regarding her lack of national security background, I checked the bios of Gov. Mitt Romney and Huckabee, who each ran for president and they don’t have any experience in those areas. I checked the bio of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, one of the media’s picks for McCain’s VP nominee, and couldn’t find any national security experience in his bio. And for those who think this is McCain’s bidding to win over some Clinton supporters, more power to him. Why should the Grand Old Party be a boy’s club in this day and age? I think this political race just got a whole lot more interesting. |
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| Deanna-California |
August 29th, 2008 9:08 pm ET You’re kidding me…McCain, I’m a woman that would never vote for Patlin who is a beauty pageant with no brains, just cutie pie smiles and phony beliefs…and his wife was a beauty pageant winner, and he picked one for his running mate! He is a dirty old man!!! She has no qualifications, but she’s cute, that all and that’s why he picked her! We’re not stupid McCain! You Hillary people should see through this!!! I want honest people for my choice, no window dressing, like they always do…GO_OBAMA/BIDEN! Take the idiot McCainaics and trash them! |
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| shenygirl |
August 29th, 2008 9:17 pm ET As a Hillary supporter and now a strong supporter of Obama, McCain and his followers need to know that women voters are intelligent and informed on the issues. Most of the women I know would not be interested in anyone, male or female who is opposed to women’s rights, namely, a person who is anti-abortion, and opposed to gun control. I would like to know how the family values crew, who incourage stay-at-home moms, are able to justify a mother of five with a baby that has DS, traveling all over the country campaigning. Is this a good example of family values? A Michigan Democrat |
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| EJ (USA) |
August 29th, 2008 9:27 pm ET This pick by McCain is just hilarious. A wee bit desperate and an obvious insult to many Hillary supporters. Palin over Romney, Ridge, and Huckabee? Yeah right. Romney is probably beside himself. He was probably the best pick - but hey - I am 100% for Obama so McCain’s pandering terrible pick is only good for Obama & Biden. |
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| Jessica |
August 29th, 2008 9:27 pm ET Let’s put this in perspective. Alaska’s population of 670,000 is that of an urban city like Austin, TX or Memphis. The whole state of Alaska pales in size to cities like New York which has over 8 million or cities like Chicago which has almost 3 million. So Alaska is comparable to a small city and Pralin is comparable to a small city mayor. Great Judgment John McCain/Karl Rove! |
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| Sue |
August 29th, 2008 9:35 pm ET After being a republican for 25 years, I am so glad that I am supporting Obama! The pick by McCain today was an embarrassment to the party. So many qualified picks and he choses this person??? Is this a joke? |
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| Jessica |
August 29th, 2008 9:36 pm ET If you are a Hillary supporter and you think the selection of Pralin is brilliant and you like what Pralin stands for !! Then you must be an idiot because she does not stand for anything that Hillary stands for. What an idiotic statement. |
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| Baxter |
August 29th, 2008 9:48 pm ET Yes McCain has to be a puppet! who for meeting a person one time in ones life you can remember? They think that women are stupid! Women voted for Hillary because of her husband and her being a first lady! they are trying to steal votes by playing on the emotions of women! Ladies don’t fall for it! your smarter and stronger then that! |
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| Ann |
August 29th, 2008 9:52 pm ET What a hypocrite!!! After month’s of slamming Obama’s for his “lack of experience”, this is the best that McCain could come up with for a VP candidate. Is he serious??? What an insult to all women! Is this his idea of a shell game? Swap out Hillary and you get Palin? His candidacy is precarious at best due to his age and medical record. Is this country to rest easy knowing Palin is a heartbeat away from becoming President? No way! P.S. As a mother of 4, it is very saddening to me that Palin thinks it even appropriate to take on a role such as VP with a newborn with special needs. |
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| Jo |
August 29th, 2008 9:52 pm ET I was totally shocked with McCains pick of desperation. If Palin has all these polical aspirations she should have thought of that before she had five kids. You CAN NOT run this country and raise five kids. What a stupid decision on the part of McCain and Palin. Americans don’t let her do this to her kids. |
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| Mark |
August 29th, 2008 10:07 pm ET Who the hell is Sarah Palin? |
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| KJ |
August 29th, 2008 10:09 pm ET To DAisy: To answer your question- I would take Palin- everytime! And right back at you………….its 3AM and we are under attack… who do I want answering that phone call- Well……I wanted Hillary but I will take McCain or Palin over Obama. |
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| Mike |
August 29th, 2008 10:12 pm ET Governor of a state with less populace than the city of Los Angeles. Best choice for V.P. HELL NO!! |
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| Mike in NYC |
August 29th, 2008 10:14 pm ET Maureen M wrote: “I am tired of white men in power doing nothing….” Palin would probably take exception to that statement. She’s white herself and, I would guess, proud of it, unlike liberal whites. Not being an embittered feminist, she probably wouldn’t think much of gratuitous male-bashing, either. I like her because she’s a strong white woman! |
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| Jonah |
August 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET she’s spunky. she’s perky. Biden, you 2-faced wimp, watch out. Sarah’s gonna each your lunch. Obama’s speech last night, who cares? |
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| George |
August 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET How many people voted for Mrs Palin in the Alaskan election? How many people voted for Obama plus Clinton? How many people selected Mrs. Pain? |
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| gretchen |
August 29th, 2008 10:15 pm ET i am voting for McCain..why? because experience DOES matter. and now his choice for VP has even more experience than Obama..gotta love it ! watching all those old boys on CNN..spinning their wheels..OMG! he picked a woman.* quick..find dirt on her ! anything..find something!* lmao and voting for the Presidential candidate with the most experience !! McCain !! |
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| T. Tsuji |
August 29th, 2008 10:16 pm ET This is the first I’ve been excited about the Presidential campaign at all! McCain could not have made a better choice. Liberals are just in the “sour grapes” mode right now. |
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| Angela Lund - New Hampshire |
August 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET The one thing that I am seeing on tv that is really really angering me about the coverage of Sarah Palin is: Can you see her as President of the United States? She’s the MOTHER of 5 CHILDREN…. my answer to that question is a RESOUNDING YES… I don’t know much about her other then what we are hearing today… but I am a mother of 4… Bill Cosby said it best in his ‘Himself” video… Its much more challenging if you are the parent of more then one child… if something is broken in a room the one child is the only one in the room, duh …that child did it!! Try that with 2 or more suspects. I seriously asked myself this question I am a first time voter at 44 yrs of age… I asked myself could I run the country…. honestly I feel that I could. The economy is basically money coming in and money going out…. we do that daily with our checkbooks (on a shoestring I might add) Could we deal with foreign problems? Well Russia needs a verbal spanking obviously. Add in some incentive to behave (taking away privileges works very well in children) I feel I could do that. National security would be a problem for me… however isn’t that why they have advisors who are 4 star Generals? Isnt that what they are for? Anyway I think a mother of 5 kids is eminently qualified to run a country! I am still undecided on who I am voting for… Obama got to me last night I will admit…. But now with Mccain choosing this particular woman and the more I learn about her the more intrigued I become. |
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| KJ |
August 29th, 2008 10:17 pm ET Wow….. I did not realize that the Dem.’s were so scared of a beautiful, smart young woman. I think their strong reactions show their weakness. Cracks in the glass ceiling are getting larger. My state traditional goes Dem. but my state also voted very strongly for Hillary Clinton……….. it will be nice to see this state possible become a toss up state. |
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| Susan Long |
August 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET I am the older suburban independent mom and I don’t think Palin is qualified to be VP ( the potential to be commander-in-chief). I am definitely voting for Obama now |
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| lampe |
August 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET For all you women, making these evil comments about a woman, what in The Hell Gives You That Right. I don’t care if you won’t vote for her. You just go right on sitting on your hands, and waiting for The Dnc, to think you are worthy of running in any Presidential Campaign. What they did to HRC, was a disgrace, if that is how you want your daughters and granddaughters to grow-up thinking their not good enough, then you go right ahead and vote for The DNC Chosen-One. If The Republican are ready to give any woman a chance, then dammit I’m going to be on that train. EJ (USA), the only reason you don’t like her is because you have a big—– on for Michelle NOBAMA. |
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| daryl |
August 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET I’m a republican and I’m going to change my status first thing tomorrow morning if I can. I think McCain has lost his marbles. This woman is nobody of substance and if I wanted to vote for nobody, I would vote for Obama. At least he talks the talk and walks the walk. McCain is acting very much insane to have a strange woman in place to become a president that nobody knows, not even himself. It shows just how much he cares about America when he can do something like this. I’m ashamed of being a republican. My heart is very heavy after bush blew it and McCain has gone crazy. Wow! |
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| Abby |
August 29th, 2008 10:20 pm ET Go, right ahead, John. We’re not that dumb. |
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| Jan Raimer-Cunitz |
August 29th, 2008 10:21 pm ET I’m an independent female catholic voter and I am ecstatic about this choice. Up to now, I had thought I would be voting independent in the upcoming election. After today, I’m comfortable that Palin will solidify the pro-life stance that many of us feel is still an issue worth fighting for. |
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| lampe |
August 29th, 2008 10:21 pm ET OH! and by the way. What the hell has Obama, ever run? Please don’t say a great campaign, because we all know Axelrod, and Michelle runs that. And don’t even try his home, because Michelle wears the pants in that family. I won’t vote for him to run for DOG-CATCHER. |
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| barb bear |
August 29th, 2008 10:21 pm ET Palin….. |
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| TW (Texas) |
August 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET We the people are tired of politicians. Clinton, Bush, Obama and Biden. Palin is a fresh face for Washington who will be able to relate to the every day American. I think she would be a great president. and I’m a man. It is time for a fresh change and even better that she is a woman. |
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| Jerome Johnson |
August 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET Again the McCain clan under estimates the inteligence of women and the American public. How dare they assume that women would allow themselves to be used by such a transparent ploy to deliver their votes just because the Republican vice-president is a woman. Women are not that shallow |
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| sara |
August 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET …and now were hearing from the Republican pundits that we’re sexist and divisive for criticizing her. WOW….it’s so nice to see how compassionate they are now……where was all that compassion when they were trashing HIllary the last 16 years. The fundamentalists are elated…..that should scare everyone. |
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| John |
August 29th, 2008 10:25 pm ET I wasn’t excited about the GOP race until now. Obama is running on change but the change he offers is a mystery, he has yet to define it. Sarah Palin has made a huge change in her home state and will bring that fight to national politics. So while Obama touts change, she has a proven record of change. Whats important about that is she didn’t fight Democrats to bring about change, she went after her own party on behalf of the people of Alaska and we need that attitude in Washington. A proven record of fighting on behalf of the people regardless of party. Great choice John McCain, not on behalf of the Republican party but on behalf of the nation. |
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| babs |
August 29th, 2008 10:25 pm ET I am appalled at this strange woman trying to take away Hillary’s supporters. I was a Hillary supporter and I would never vote for a woman just because she IS a woman. Does McCain think we’re weak imbeciles or what. Do that man not realize that we have heads with brains in them. Do he really think we can be bought like a woman of the street? He needs to be taught a BIG lesson ladies, and I believe we can give it to him. All those for Hillary, let’s give McCain and his “other” woman our butts to kiss. |
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| max |
August 29th, 2008 10:27 pm ET This is a political ploy that puts the spotlight on McCain’s campaign. It’s not taking in the consideration that this person could step into the Presidency and that’s scary. |
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| sarah, pa |
August 29th, 2008 10:28 pm ET Clinton has more experience than Palin and Obama combined. Experience argument needs to end. The ISSUES need to be front and center. Tell me something that Obama said last week that will make a difference? Sarah |
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| James Dylan |
August 29th, 2008 10:29 pm ET You can’t find anyone farther outside Washington than Palin; geographically or ideologically. She is a reformer and just resolidified McCain as one. The courage McCain showed with this pick is just what this country needs. What did Obama do? He was forced to pick Biden despite the many negative things he said about Obama because of his lack of expirence. And I can’t agree more with those who think this election is over and said so when Obama won the nomination. But look at it this way, we’ll have a chance to vote for Clinton in 2012. |
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| RCT |
August 29th, 2008 10:30 pm ET Choosing this woman as v.p. nominee is like choosing a bus driver to pilot the space shuttle. She has no experience, education or intellectual ability even close to that needed to do the job. She is an amateur and a novice. Clearly the Republicans put winning the election before the national interest. Don’t believe the McCain campaign’s story that this decision was made last week. It was made last night, after Obama’s terrific speech. The campaign realized that it would not beat Obama on the experience issue alone, and made a desperate attempt to grab enough women’s votes in PA, MI and OH to squeak by. Shameful and frightening. |
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| Perplexed! No outraged |
August 29th, 2008 10:31 pm ET I have been a card carrying Republican all my life. I just destroyed the card AND the check that McCain asked for by August 31. I am incredulous. What is he thinking? Where are his advisors? Does he really think that we going to fall for this? He himself just voted for Obama/Biden and so will a lot of us, I should think, who will be leaving the Party since the Party seems to be leaving us. A heatbeat away? Come on, Senator McCain, do you really think that we are going to fall for this? No way!! |
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| Mike, NJ |
August 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET The Maverick has struck. The truth is she is a briliant choice. A portion of Hillary Clinton’s supporters were behind her because she is a woman. The may not have been the only reason, but it was the first one. Palin is a normal person. Regarding experience, no education is harsher than to be in the White House. No one has the experience to be President until a second term. However, McCain just took his own primary argument off the table. He will have a hard time arguing the experience card, with Palin at his side. His words will call his own judgement into question. This is a good portion of his message. |
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| Lori Sullivan |
August 29th, 2008 10:32 pm ET One thing came to mind when I first heard of Gov. Palin’s nomination. Bush’s unfulfilled desire to open the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Now I just heard on Anderson Cooper 360 that Bush supports McCain’s choice for VP…Hmm? Does little Georgy have a new project he wants to start after he leaves the Oval Office? What do you think about when you associate the words Alaska and the Republicans? |
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| Al |
August 29th, 2008 10:33 pm ET All I can do is shake my head in amazement and befuddlement. It is like the the cards have flipped. McCain, who has run as the “Security” candidate, has picked someone who has no experience in international policy. He has no backup. Obama has been criticized for his age and lack of experience. (She’s younger) Obama found Biden, who fills the void in all of the things his opponents say are lacking and is available to give sound advice. Palin fills no void should McCain kick the bucket. If McCain thinks he will appeal to Hillary’s supporters, he obviously still does not know Hillary’s supporters. Palin will not appeal to them because she does not represent their agenda. Running a state with a huge land mass but a small population for about two years is not the same as running a country with billions. How many times has she been in the lower 48 other than going to college in Idaho and attending some govenors meetings? She’s been to Iraq but has she ever spoken with other world leaders? Does she know anything about national security or intelligence? And what does she really know about the needs of the people of the south, the north, the east, or the west? In the cities and surburbs? I know I don’t feel “secure” with this choice. In fact, I think I am insulted. I have to wonder if, after last night, McCain decided he wanted to vote for Obama too and did this to destroy his own campaign? |
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| Veronica Young |
August 29th, 2008 10:33 pm ET She may be a wonderful mother but we do not know anything about her. It is surprising to me that the Republicans have discussed the experience of Barack Obama, but we have seen him during a long campaign first to obtain the Democratic Nomination and we will see it during the rest of the campaign. Plus he has history as leader of the Harvard Law Review, working with people in Illinois and in the Congress as well as . But the point is this was a major point in the view of the Republicans and now it is acceptable because she has been governor for less than two years and a HOCKEY mom! It is just surprising to me how the Republicans change their views and no one calls them on their flip flops. This was THEIR concern and now it is no longer a concern? That is extremely surprising to me. |
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| Bill |
August 29th, 2008 10:34 pm ET Liberals just crack me up……. Scared to death; arn’t you? The Rep VP is more qualified than the Dem’s Pres. candidate; don’t blame you all from being afraid. It is obvious that not only is CNN biased towards Democrats. Their viewers are too..so don’t get to inside yourself thinking that everyone is against McCain/Palin. It’s not the case. Tune in to Fox news for a more balanced assesment than you are hearing on CNN. You all should really try to look past that dem retoric. It’s so condesending to people that can think for themselves. McCain/Palin in 2008!!!!! |
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| Marlene Nelson |
August 29th, 2008 10:34 pm ET What an insult for McCain to think that Hillary supporters voted for her merely because she’s a woman. We supported Hillary based on her 35 years of consistent excellent public service, her character, admiration we have for the Clinton family, and the list continues. We like Hillary because she’s pro-choice; because we see the passion in her regarding health care coverage for all. The fact that she’s a woman is just a bonus. To think that McCain elected a female vp to attract Hillary’s 18M supporters is a total insult to our political intelligence. I am one of Hillary’s support who is deeply hurt because she was not selected VP and I am slow to come around and support my party. However, at the end of the day we are one democratic family. |
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| jivajen |
August 29th, 2008 10:35 pm ET Is this some kind of sick joke? A beauty queen hockey mom governing a tiny tiny state (come on people research the population of places she’s served). The right-wing spinners are talking like she did real things in real places not who-ville in a tiny little snowflake. |
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| jean simeone |
August 29th, 2008 10:39 pm ET What a stupid choice. I am a female who would have voted for Hillary. After she lost, I was undecided on Obama and was considering to cast my vote for Mc Cain. After this stupid move, I made up my mind . I will vote for Obama. By the way , I am an independent. How dare he think we women would vote for just any woman. Hillary was and is a brilliant and highly experience woman. |
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| lucylle |
August 29th, 2008 10:41 pm ET i believe what Mccain is doing is stupid and insulting putting a woman whom nobady really know but that prove that Obama is ready for be our president ,because if the case that he does not have enought experience and judgment what says to put a woman much younger and without any experience out of alaska ,what Mccain did today show me so clear that we need something new ,fresh , no the same old politic ,they will do anything to be elected. so please go Obama |
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| Demetria Nelson-McNaulty |
August 29th, 2008 10:43 pm ET Is John McCain serious, happy to be a democrat! |
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| gonzalez |
August 29th, 2008 10:46 pm ET This speaks volume to John Mccain’s lack of judgement and confusion of 21st century challenges we face. If the tactical reason is to lure the women vote, especially Hillary supporters, once the dust settles, women will be insulted and appalled. Second, when the hypes receeds , one fundamental question wil put the race in perspective: if by an unfortunate event Mccain is not able to serve, can you imagine Pulin taking over the enormous responsibility of the presidency or manning the red button? Mccain first executive decision and he batched it. Had Obama made collossal blunder, it would have sunk his candidacy. |
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| barb bear |
August 29th, 2008 10:46 pm ET Jessica nailed it, Alaska is the size of a medium sized town. |
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| elaine w |
August 29th, 2008 10:50 pm ET I was one of the women on the line, but I can tell you now that the line no longer exists. I think it is GREAT that women have been able to take such a part in history this year. But I am insulted that John McCain thinks that I would vote for him because has chosen a woman running mate. Clearly, he does not get it. These two women can not even be compared to each other in the political arena. Does he really think that we cast our votes just because she is a woman? I believe he thinks we are shallow. The dumb blonde joke went out with his Hilton-Spears ad. I just watched a moment in history that sickened me. This woman was clearly just a stepping stone for McCain. His respect for women is more obvious now than ever. He has impressed me less in the past 3 weeks than ever. I wanted to see 15 minutes of her blowing her horn not his. It truly became clear to me what her position is. Watch how he conducts himself with people. Very cold. No real warmth. I saw this with the young woman in Phoenix. A student with true excitement had the opportunity to introduce him at her school. When he walked out, I wanted to just reach out and bop him on the head. He gave her little to no acknowledgement of a thank you. (Oh by the way thank you) does not count. How can you tell us that you are interested in we the people when you treat them so coldly. P & VP are important to me. He has lost my vote. I think you will find we are way above you on the scale Mr. McCain. Oh yes by the way, I am not a feminist. I am a woman who is interested in the future of my children and my grandchildren and you never will get it. Long after this is over you will still be asking yourself what was it? |
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| Sharon from Michigan |
August 29th, 2008 10:52 pm ET I have long been a prolife advocate–albeit I think that means more than being against abortion. I have also been a volunteer worker with children with Down’s Syndrome. I cannot understand how a woman who just gave birth to a child with very special needs (and a very young daughter, Piper) could put a campaign for the Presidency above the needs that her children have. It is my understanding that her husband also has a career, and isn’t Mr. Mom. Do social conservatives and Evangelicals think this is a good thing??Many moms have to work, but it doesn’t appear that Palin is one of them. It is wonderful to have women shattering the glass ceiling, and making a national “splash”. I would rather Sarah Palin would do so AFTER she raises her youngest son and daughter. |
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| Will |
August 29th, 2008 10:52 pm ET was both surprised and excited that John McCain chose Palin to be his running mate. People are always talking about McCain’s age but there’s nothing like having an attractive woman by your side to make people forget that. I think the Republican ticket has stolen the thunder away from the Democrats. And there’s the excitement of seeing history in the making as well. Some say, she is not qualified to be a “heratbeat” away from no. 1. Well, I think she has a lot more experience than the guy who is running for no. 1, Obama. On CNN, someone commented that millions through the democratic process selected Obama to lead the Democrats while one person was responsible for selecting the VP candidate for the Republicans. So, now it’s no longer experience but popularity as qualification criteria? Make up your mind. |
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| Will |
August 29th, 2008 10:53 pm ET I was both surprised and excited that John McCain chose Palin to be his running mate. People are always talking about McCain’s age but there’s nothing like having an attractive woman by your side to make people forget that. I think the Republican ticket has stolen the thunder away from the Democrats. And there’s the excitement of seeing history in the making as well. Some say, she is not qualified to be a “heratbeat” away from no. 1. Well, I think she has a lot more experience than the guy who is running for no. 1, Obama. On CNN, someone commented that millions through the democratic process selected Obama to lead the Democrats while one person was responsible for selecting the VP candidate for the Republicans. So, now it’s no longer experience but popularity as qualification criteria? Make up your mind. |
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| Mary Greene |
August 29th, 2008 10:53 pm ET Give me a break! John McCain just insulted and is probably saying Hilliary’s supporters are stupid. As it once was said in a debate by Lloyd Bensen, “You are no Hilliary Clinton.” Shame on you John McCain, you are 72, probably not in the best of health and you pick a soccer mom to run our country if something happens to you. These times are too perilous for you to select someone that you meet for one time which proved that you do have bad judgement when you could have picked, R. P. L. H. |
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| betty |
August 29th, 2008 10:58 pm ET Being a woman from Peoria Illinois, I can guarantee McCain’s tactic to woo women votes by putting a woman in the VP slot is the worst thing he could have done. He looks more pathetic now standing next to her. To assume that women wanted ” a woman ” no matter who on a ticket is ridiculous! I was a Hillary Clinton supporter and still am. But, I will be voting for Obama. I once thought McCain was courageous in speaking up against other Republicans. Now, I think he just followed the expedient path. I respect Obama for not choosing Hillary to get the women vote. He has more integrity! As usual Republicans are using the end to justify the means - the White House! |
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| Gilbert Moore |
August 29th, 2008 11:00 pm ET This is not the best way to sell Palin to HRC supporters it manipulative, deceitful and insulting, Hilary got 18 million supporters because she is Hilary not because she is a woman. By the way, when I saw Palin today I thought I saw Britney spears’ “older sister” |
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| Ann |
August 29th, 2008 11:01 pm ET HELLO PEOPLE: Let us be REAL for one moment; By Picking the Gov. of Alaska for VP he single handedly set the womens rights movement back 40 years. This woman was NOT choosen for her credentials or even her experience. She has a BA in Communications-that is is and not even from an Ivy League school. In addition the only experience that she has comes from the most remote and disconnec ted; but pain sakingly beautiful state in America. Whose beauty and ecosystem will only be damaged when McCain (if elected) begins to drill off shore. AND….I have yet to understand how people (especially McCain) can say that Obama cannot cross the aisle and be bi-partisan when he has crossed bigger social barriers to get where he is today……and lets talk about his experience….Bush is President and look what a long way experience brought his while running this country..to the worst it has been in over 60 years! America is an awesome country but gone are the days that America has the luxury of acting and reacting to the rest of the World like we are the Big Brother and the only ticket in town…we need to work on ourselves at home and then we need to mend the broken relationships across the globe-I truely believe that McCain cannot accomplish this goal. War is not always the answer you cannot Bully respect out of the other nations…in my opinion McCain is still stuck in ANN-40 yr old wht woman from GA. I am a typical middle class citizen and I am PRO Obama! |
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| Gilbert Moore |
August 29th, 2008 11:01 pm ET This is not the best way to sell Palin to HRC supporters it is manipulative, deceitful and insulting. Hilary got 18 million supporters because she is Hilary not because she is a woman. By the way, when I saw Palin today I thought I saw Britney spears’ “older sister” |
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| Annie Kate |
August 29th, 2008 11:04 pm ET I’m really disappointed McCain didn’t go with Romney - hopefully Romney could have turned our economy around. Maybe Romney will get a cabinet post where he can help do that still….but to say I’m disappointed with McCain’s choice doesn’t even begin to describe it. Annie Kate |
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| Bridgette O'Neil |
August 29th, 2008 11:06 pm ET As a woman and a Democrat, I am insulted and angered by John McCain’s VP pick of Sarah Palin. The fact that he chose the VP primarily because she is a woman is an insult to my intelligence. The equal rights movement is based on the empowerment of women. An integral part of empowerment is the ability to think and act freely not as a monolithic group. Truly independent women will see through this façade and vote for a president/VP based on the issues and one’s governing ability. I am a supporter of Barack Obama. I also recognize and admire Hillary Clinton’s contributions to the Democratic Party and to the Country. Her position on universal healthcare and women’s issues is unwavering. If it were not for Barack Obama running at this time, I most definitely would have supported Hillary Clinton-NOT because of her sex, but because of her stances on the issues and her ability to govern. It angers me that Hillary Clinton or someone of her caliber may not be the first female President, but instead someone who is a right-wing conservative who is riding the coattails (coffin) of an elder statesman and who doesn’t value the sanctity of choice, equality, human rights, environment etc may. For those Clinton supporters who are considering voting for McCain based on his VP pick, please consider that you are not only undermining women everywhere, but also you are also undermining Hillary Clinton and her message. |
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| Jasmine |
August 29th, 2008 11:08 pm ET A Journalism major, beauty queen of a small town with 20 months as a Governor of a state with a population of a mid-sized city………. Come on America. I don’t care if she is a “Hockey Mom” or Mother Theresa, she is not qualified to be the Vice President of the United States of America. Sarah Palin, as a woman, I ask you to stick to your day job, develop your resume and creditials for the next 5-10 years (except for the oil drilling part) then run for, o I don’t know, perhaps the Senate? |
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| Julie San Diego, CA |
August 29th, 2008 11:11 pm ET Nice. Now playing in theaters, the sequal: Fargo 2 - Police Chief Marge Gunderson goes to the White House. You guys earned your pay tonight. I didn’t count one eyeroll. Just when we think things can’t get any sillier… |
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| Joy - Dayton, OH |
August 29th, 2008 11:14 pm ET Finally, something to get really excited about! The thing I like the most is that she has not been tainted by the Washington scene. She is a breath of fresh air. |
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