Evening Anderson...

Glad to FINALLY have 360 back!

Cindy...Ga.

Anderson, great to see you back in the anchor chair! Sounds like a very interesting program tonite.

Hello Anderson, bloggers. Looks like this will be a bad year for hurricanes.

Good evening Anderson, Erica, and bloggers.

Pleeease, no more hurricanes!

Hellooo Anderson, Erica, and best bloggers!!!!!
I am back!!!! and Welcome back to AC360!!!!! missed ya!
my heart goes to South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi due hurricane and topical storm.

Anderson....who are you kidding? This Palin effect, as you call it, will go all the way to the end!!

Cindy....Ga.

Anderson, what is your feeling about the media pushing for media access to Gov. Palin?

I thought Campbell Brown's interview with McCain's spokesperson was good journalism. You go girrrl!

Shaney
Vancouver, Canada

How about this . . . Gov. Palin take questions from the media like all other candidates! Why are they keeping her from answering questions if she's so ready for this?

Yes I would love to see reporters interview Sarah...

Hi! Why isn't Palin taking questions from the press? She and McCain were out on the road today. No questions, a la Chelsea? What's the story?

I'm glad that Governor Palin is drawing crowds. I hope she talks less to reporters and more to the voters.

I think they are holding Palin back from reporters because of the way you all have treated her! Once that dies down then I'm sure she'll do interviews.

Cindy...Ga.

I thought McCain made a big mistake picking her, until I heard her speak. She's dynamite. Hillary must be pulling out her hair.

Everything Palin has said publically has been written by Bush speech writers. If it isn't written she can't say it! That's what is really going on!

Anderson, After how the media has treated the McCain campaign and especially Governor Palin and her family this past week can you really blame her for not giving any interviews right now? I can't.

Come on, what does everyone think about Sarah Palin?

Of course they are going to hide her from reporters, that is what they have been doing. For reporters to let her get away with that is a dirty shame.

McCain and his camp have been spitting hate, and whining about being treated unfair, and getting away with it.

You know it works both ways, they wont let you interview her, then you all (the news media) stop covering her.

Don't forget that Palin doesn't add to the campaign in any way from an economic issue standpoint where John McCain is weakest. Therefore, they are still the weakest on the economy. She's added nothing but that she's female.

I agree with bloggers, I do like to see Gov. Palin for interview as soon.

They're afraid to let Palin do interviews. They must not have much think she'd do well. I'd really like to see one.

This is why I do not trust the McCain-Palin ticket. Are they that afraid of the media? what is she hiding? If she can't handle the press how can she handle national security, the economy, or any big decision.

I've listen to different people today. Looks like Palin's popularity is growing on people. I've also heard a lot of jokes, I guess we will see in days to come, when the dust settles.

Keep em' honest – the tough questions are a must.

Shara Palin needs to be cornered on issues so does McCain.

I'd like to see you get to them.

Good evening everybody! Wow! What a game changing week this has been! 60 days left and we have ourselves a hot race to the finish!

Dear Anderson.

Palin is a red herring, concequentlly
I don't care one whit about her

Hey Palin has been on the scene for a week. She deserves a few days to get her bearings. Obama has been ducking debates with McCain for months.

McCain is scared to death of letting his cheerleader be interviewed by the media. I do not think she is as polished as they want her to be yet. She has not been brain washed totally yep. Right now she is being scripted by the McCain and Bush Campaign.

Who is Obama kidding? The dems have had control of congress for two years and have done nothing to help anything!

Cindy...Ga.

McCain Palin ticket doesn't have a clue into what middle America is feeling. Palin's address at the RNC was so nasty and vile. It has made me more determined than ever to support Obama.

I don't think the media went too far dealing with Palin. They'd do it to anyone. Look how nuts they went over the Rev. Wright story. That's what the media does. I do not believe Palin is special in that.

the longer Palin does not talk to the press.....the more frustrated I get. Get out of your bubble and do the work that a person running for VP does and don't cry sexism......it is nausating

I find that this no access to Gov. Palin to be totally chicken and very un-American. In my opinion this is just reaffirming Gov. Palin's inexperience. i really want too see the media go after ALL THE CANDIDATES, this is our responsibility as American citizens to question our government.

Yeah Obama, unleash hell in the form of Hillary R. Clinton. Palin is in for a dog fight with HRC on her tail.

Jo Ann, North Royalton, Ohio

I disagree. The media did not treat her poorly. She is a story and they want to find out the information just like everyone else. This is a simple tactic of brain washing with blame the media and only believe the words I say.

I don't think Palin was a good choice at all. Our possible next VP won't talk to the media? Lame.

Republicans are at it again. Seems that they can only skirt issues. I wish I could say that I'm not getting bored of hearing all about our national hero.... but I am. Still don't see anything with meat on them bones.

She has only been out to the public for a week, give them a chance.

I think that Barack should just refuse to take questions like Governor Palin. I mean why have any candidates answer questions. They should just be able to tell us whatever they want to without anyone challenging them.

Hi Anderson,

I agree with Candy that the Obama camp should stay on target linking McCain to George Bush. And when that camp claimed that McCain has no economic plan, I may have to disagree because a huge part of the speech last night involved McCain saying something about retraining workers who lost jobs.

Anderson right now I can see McCain dumping Palin for whatever reason he may choose to give the public but the real reason would be that she is taking the show from him and McCain is not used to playing second fiddle to anyone.

So when did snide remarks become endearing to Americans. That's all we got from Palin in her acceptance speech. And why is there no outcry over the fact that she won't talk to the media? Isn't that very telling as to her lack of knowledge about national issues?

The Dems have had Congress for two years and Reps had it for 8 years prior. They helped drive middle America into the ground. Just the reason we need new blood !

Anybody here think like me that this moratorium of Palin not speaking with the media sounds familiar? Sort of like 'We don't talk with enemies'? Seems like it will backfire enormously.

if obama had chosen hillary would anyone be able to name the governor of alaska tonight?

I liked that Jeff Toobin was honest in his assessment of McCain's speech last night. That was much appreciated.

I love all of CNN's reporting, on, well, everything you cover, after all, you are the best political team on television, but Anderson, when will you be interviewing Palin?

I think Obama is hoping the voters have forgotten about the promises the Democrats have been making for the past two years. What have they delivered?

The McCain camp clearly doesn't trust Palin with the media – but how can they, she has no real experience with the media or on the national stage. I mean, we never heard of her just a week ago. I'm so excited to see her up against Biden....show's on.

I've been doing a lot of reading and research on each candidate. Although tax reform is a hot topic for most every American, and both candidates claim to have a superior plan, I can't for the life of me find the details of either of their plans. And I'm not only concerned about WHAT their plans are, I'd like to know HOW they plan to achieve said goals.

I find it hilarious. Mccain claimed that Obama campaigned like a rock star. Looks like they're doing the same thing.

The rains here in Wilmington, NC are getting heavier and the winds are gusting to about 35mph now in parts of the city.

Anderson how does 1 make a profit when you buy something for 2.7 mil and sell it for 2.1mil.Is this how Mcain will run the country by not able to do the deficit Math?......Michael in Seattle,Wa

Why would the Republicans want a VP that trumps their presidental candidate? I would not want the most talked about thing coming out of my convention being how great the VP is...........

Evening, Anderson. Look forward to watching the Trooper Gate Interview.

I don't think the media has treated the Palins badly. They're just reporting the facts.

What I really want is a debate where the candidates are only allowed to answer yes or no – nothing else. No dodging, no double talk – just yes or no.

Why are you guys waiting for permission to ask Palin questions? The Republicans have succeeded in making you second guess your work. Get an interview. If you can't ask her questions then make it plain to the public that she's avoiding the press.

She looks like his administrative assistant.

I wouldn't say Palin is dynomite, but seemed very comfortable at the lectern in front of all the delegates. She read her speech well for the most part. Now why can't she answer questions from the media? She can't do worse that McCain when asked off the talking points questions.

I hope you will not back down on examining Palins record....the country needs to know what she thinks about foreign policy, health care etc.

I would like to receive more (detailed) information , research and reporting concerning Ms. Palin's comment about "as VP, I will work for families with special needs" and just what she cut from the Alaska budget for families with special needs children.

If John McCain is so proud of his Vice President pick, then why is he afraid to let her talk to the national press?
Not ready for prime time Palin?

Sarah Palin's a Govenor!! Sarah Palin's a Govenor!! Well so was GEORGE BUSH, and look what we got! The WORSE president in our nations history!! High gas prices, loss of jobs and homes! millions without healthcare! Disrespected around the world!! NO MORE GIMMICKS!! The stakes are too high!!

All candidates need to talk about the issues. Stop the negative attacks on opposing candidates!!! Let's hear about the things that will make a difference in our lives...the economy, education, the war, ...

why is the gop afraid to let the press talk to palin?

It's very troubling that Sarah Palin is being shielded from talking to the press–what's she got to hide? How will she handle a debate if she can't even face reporters?

When Campbell Brown began asking fair questions about Sarah Palin the other night the McCain campaign got upset. John McCain then cancelled his scheduled appearance on Larry King. Tells me that he also is afraid to answer direct questions on Sarah Palin and who knows what else. Too much at stake not to ask.

This idea running out there that she is being "picked on" is just ridiculous. If they want to run her out on that stage and slam Senator Obama then she has to be held accountable for her remarks by the media. If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen!

Sarah Palin is way too conservative to draw the independent votes needed to win the election.

I don't understand why some people are so upset when the media questions her credentials and her record. Obama has been under the scrutiny for 19 months now. Just because she is a hockey mom and a moose hunter it does not mean the questioning should stop here. She claims she is tough – well, take it like a man!!!

Palin's hiding from the press is an indication that she doesn't have a clule about national/international politics. Who wants a person like this in line to lead our nation.

For those saying the media is treating Gov Palin so hard I have to say isnt she a big girl. This is for the 2nd top job in the nation. If she cant handle the American media how will she handle those " Evil " leaders she will have to deal with. Thanks and Good evening Anderson

I hope they let Palin talk to reporters soon. I can't make an informed decision by listening to her make speeches that she didn't write. I'm no where convinced of her qualifications. Real interviews would help.

I was disappointed in the RNC. It did not seem as if issues were talked about by the candidates.

I am very upset that John McSame does not value the VP position and has not picked someone with Knowledge of what of a VP does. This is not a joke. It is our lives, our kids lives!

I think Palin is being held back from reporters because in front of a live camera, there's no pre-prepared statements; which will likely expose her lack of in-depth knowledge of the issues.

I like Palin. I am anxious to see her and Biden's debate. Any thoughts on how that will go?

Gov. Palin's body language seems to indicate that she is eating up McCain's spotlight and is loving it...

Is there anyone going to insist Palin do the same personal one on one interviews with major networks or shows like Joe Biden is doing.

I don't like McCain's idea to cut taxes, I hate that cut taxes..... I like Obama's idea to keep going more taxes..... keep them honest!!!!
Thanks Tom Foreman!!!

The only thing that I got out of the Republican Convention that John McCain was a war hero and Obama is scary. Not one policy issue.

If the McCain campaign wants the media to leave Sarah Palin alone, why doesn't you all do just that....stop coverning them.
Call them on their on carpet.

Why are you surprised McCain has attacked the press? You have always pampered him. Now you are asking strong questions. You should know that if you cross McCain he will retaliate.

Give Palin her due, she just came on board and with time will be at the for front of all to have questions ask of her. She's one smart lady whose learning as she goes. Dont you think Obama is??

I don't care if Palin is ever interviewed. Just present the facts about what she has said that is untrue. Or are you taking your orders from the Maverick? Lies should be pointed out. Vett her like you did Obama.

This refusal of the McCain campaign to let Palin speak with the media seems very familiar. Reminds me of 'We don't talk with enemies'. Seems the Repubs are simply afraid of disagreement or true investigation. Wow!

This country cannot afford another four years of the same old McCain and Bush issues. McCain will sell the USA to China.

Paul is funny, but very right.

McCain has never been an executive, headed a company. Does that mean Sarah is more qualified than he is? And being governor of alaska – less than a million people, no sales or income taxes, and oil money all around – no big deal.

Happy Friday, Bloggers! Wow – it was only Monday that we last blogged (I think!) but it feels like *forever*! Hope you have all had a good week – what a week it was

For God sake..Since when asking questions about your record is offensive? We don't who she really is. WAKE UP PEOPLE!

I think everyone's missing the boat tonight. Obama needs to focus only on the issues, not on Palin or McCain, and I think he'll have a better chance of being elected. Keep the voters focused and get the voters out.

Obama has been in the media for a few years now and people are still claiming they know little about him. How ridiculous would it be for those with doubts about Obama to jump on the Palin Bandwagon. And how ridiculous to cast your vote based on the number 2 person.

John McCain is anything but a Maverick. I guess he thinks if he says it enough people will believe it despite his record.

Has anyone ever heard Obama say when and how he will balance the budget, or will he just increase spending?

Jo Ann: it's hard to deliver when your bills are being squashed by the GOP all the time.

Please people please address the issues
instead of being sidetracked by Palin
McCain wants you to talk about her instead of the issues
Don't fall for it

This is an excellent election race. I look forward to the media providing "facts" in the next 60 days, since it is apparent that both camps are creating lies. Sarah Palin is clearly a smoke screen at the moment, please remove the smoke.

happy friday Erica.. always a treat to bump into you in cyberspace... lol

I know Palin is exciting but I hope people focus on the issues. To be honest I've never been more scared because I just feel like his age is a major concern.

I really hope the media doesn't let Sarah Palin off the hook..."we the people" have every right to know who she is and what she stands for.

Please, I haven't heard anyone talk about the highter education of Palin. "Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarden." Leader of the free world?

Hellooo Erica!!!
Happy Friday to you too!!!! and I agree with you!

Happy Friday to you too Erica!

Erica it was about to become depressing not blogging at night this past week. lol Welcome back.

Hey Erica!! Happy Friday Back...

Palin is running for Vice President of the US. We have 2 months before the election to figure out if we should vote for her. If the media can't interview her how can we make an informed decision. I don't see how you can make a decision based on her scripted speeches which were written by Bush speech writers.

I was charged by Sarah Palin!! The thought of her potentially negotiating peace treaties with Putin, made me break out my checkbook for Obama!

The only thing the Dems can do is link McCain to Bush, how original. That shows the brightness of that star.

Palin a rock star?

I'm going to obama's website and donating.....!

After such a nasty convention, I don't think McCain can even use the word bipartisan with a straight face. As for Palin.....I think she'll continue to be a rockstar for the Republicans but the Independents and Democrats will grow tired of her after they hear the same speech and same repeated zingers repeated a few more times.

After Wednesday and Thursday speeches how are people to believe what Sen. Cain said by asking people of all parties to come together? I agree with Mr. Gergen it makes one wonder how those hostile speeches reconciled what Mr. Cain said.

Palin is over powering McCain... he may be smiling at the moment but will not continue to be happy even if she gets him in office.

I agree with David Gergen regarding the campaign. It will be very tight right up until the end. It will be fascinating to watch, just to see who can energize their base more.

I don't think that Palin is ready for the media.

I think the next 2 months will be interesting. I don't know why the Dems are appalled at Gov Palin as David Gergen said. They aren't voting for her anyway. Sarah is the Republican choice and they're entitled to that choice.

I was leaning toward Obama/Biden but after hearing Senator McCain's speech I'm not so sure. Senator McCain has so much experience. And his wife has done so many wonderful things.

So much for reraching across the isle. Look at the stop he made in Michigan / sterling heights, all he did is to cater to the Upper Class instead of meeting with the working class of the state. I'm sure the rich people that he supports where happy to see him and his pit bull.

I'm also wondering why CNN isn't reacting more strongly to McCain's game of blaming the media. It's definately manipulation that hurts viewers, and I guess, the McCain group in the end.
Kim
Prince George, Canada

I hope they mention that the plane she said got rid of by putting on eBay did sell, but months later, through a broker and not for a profit as McCain stated today. Its little deceptions like this that will erode her support.

I don't think the media has mistreated Sarah Palin, I believe that since she is running for the second highest position in the country her background and her record should be open to scrutiny. and she should be available to the press and the public just like John Mccain is.

Trooper-gate is NOT the issue in this election. Good story for the National Enquirer but what the media should be making their number one issue is the McCain campaign's blatant refusal to allow access to the Governor to hold her accountable for her comments about Senator Obama.

Why does Sarah not speak to the press.. that's got to be the most obvious question ever.... she is not prepared. Get the GOP some more time to prep her and she will answer only those questions which are first edited or ok'd.

Samantha, she can't answer questions from the media because if it's anything not dealing with Alaska, she doesn't really no. Or it could be that McCain and the rest of the McCain camp wants to keep the fact that she wasn't thoroughly vetted away from the public.

I cannot wait to see Palin when she is not campaigning with McCain, not reading the same speech she gave last Friday when they "introduced" her. Let's see what she is really made of. She wants to be a Hillary knockoff, so let's see how she stacks up.

Look, I blame McCain for the media attention Palin has received, he pulled her out of no where and the media had to do a hurry invetigation on her it all just looks bad because it came out all at once. She should be answering questions right now, can't have it both ways "tough woman" and protected by a man.

I would like to know if as President a foriegn leaders asks her a tough question if she is going to refuse to answer? If so, isn't that really four more years of Bush?

An observation about Palin. It shows a lack of bravery to criticize the other party when you yourself are afraid to answer questions from people at a town hall meeting or from the press. Is it not suspicious that she refuses to say anything other than prepared statements?

I agree that the Democrats have not delivered on their promises, BUT the Republicans haven't done anything good either. There has never been a better time go get the third parties in. At least get them into the debates and let the people decide. That'll bring real change!

Palin has to be briefed on everything before they let her talk to media so she can have something to say without sounding like a dummy cuz she doesn't really know foreign policy answers etc

Honestly with if Joe Biden throws things out during the debate that Sarah Palin is not prepared for she is done

Anderson,

When will we see this so call soccer mom do real interview on AC360, so people can find out how brainless she really is?

Yes Palin ought to be questioned by the media just the same as any candidate ever is. A week ago we hadn't heard of her. If we are going to know how to vote, we MUST know how the candidate thinks!!!!

I will give McCain this: he's very very shrewd.....I am waiting for Palin to peel off her mask and for Hillary to appear before us....I wouldn't be shocked!

If Palin cannot take the heat from the press she should not be in this race in the first place. One thing Palin is good for though is raising money for Sanator Obama. Keep it up Palin you are doing great at bringing in more contributions for Senator Obama and that is a very good thing. This country does not need a self-described pitbull for VP but someone who understands the problems facing the country.

Palin knows how to make a good speech as we saw at the RNC; however, not a word was spoken about the issues. All she did was attack Obama. Is this all she knows how to do? I can't wait to see her in a debate with Biden.

i'm sick of all the covearge pn this palin person, obama is running against mccain not palin, she's not all that, mccain doesn't get it he never talk about the economy and i'm sick of all those tv ads

I must have miss something in Paylins speech. It was not orginal and all it did was down the other party and offer no plans to fix the problems that we have. Calling the other party names won't put food on anyone ones party.

Anderson, I think if the governor Palin investigation proves to be true that she used her political office to settle a personal family vendetta, I think this election is over for McCain.

Can't wait to hear the trooper

Gergin is right,

We 'folks" and 'friends" of the candidates want solutions!

I don't think talking to the media is irrelevant. Sarah Palin needs to talk to the media and answer tough questions. Why is there a double standard? CNN hold them accountable.

Gergen is right. The candidates should not be able to just get away with stating the problems they have to follow it up with solutions. That what is missing in many of the interviews with them.

Greg, trust me, every journalist would like to sit down with Sarah Palin but you cant force anyone to agree to an interview. The campaign will eventually make her available, and I look fwd to that day. I am intrigued by her and by her story; I want to know more about her and I'd have some very important, topical questions I'd like answered, as do many Americans. Of course, the biggest question is when can we ask all the other questions!

Sarah Palin stands firm on her persistent toughness. She sold the Governors jet on E-bay and fired the Governor's personal chef. If she is persistent as she says she is in cutting government spending, "if" elected, will she sell Air Force One and Marine One? Convert the Presidential limo fleet to Smart cars? Fire the White House Executive Chef and change the Whitehouse menu? Afterall, she stands firm on her convictions, right?

Isn't Palin already kind of out of the bubble if she's as exposed as she is and under the kind of scrutiny that she's under?

Of course they are limiting her access to press so they can prep her- Karl Rove at his best.

Isn't McCain / Palin suppose to be the ones to protect us from terrorist , stand up to big oil, change Washington and they are afraid of the media.........What a joke. She can't answer the questions HERSELF and McCain sure isn't a change.

Gergen is so right–that's the missing element with Obama-he talks about what at bad job Bush is doing–but doesn't give any examples on how he would fix the problem.

Lily, a few of the women I spoke with last night in Detroit said the same thing about questioning a candidate's record.

Palin has way too many things coming out of the closet, the MaCain campaign is using her as an attack "pit bull" with lipstick. I guess as long as she does that the issues are not that important to them. She has yet to speak about her stance on the issues.

I think MC Cain needs to talk about the mess we are in thanks to their party.

Great, after Cheney we need another pitbull in the V.P. slot and governing on a one way street.

I think it's just wishful thinking by the Democrats that Gov Palin will falter in interviews. I saw an interview on another channel, when she was in Alaska and I think she'll do an excellent job facing journalists.

Just what we need ... another govenor from an oil state!

I think that there is alot more that needs to be found out about this Sarah Palin, especially since she is one heartbeat away from the Presidency. This should make people very afraid.

What a joke Anderson, I saw the interview earlier and your reporter forgot the interview as about Palin's abuse of power and not the troopers problems. He forgot to ask if the Governor if she tried to get him fired, and did she get his boss fired.

I love how Palin claimed she did all those things for Alaska when many of them were already in the wroks before she became Governor

Why does Palin think it is OK to refer to herself and women as a female dog!!! How can any self respecting women agree with this.

Erica, good evening!
I guess the republicans will make her available for interviews after they are done grooming her, telling her what her platform is and she believes in!!! I just saw on CNN now what some of the legislators from Alaska think of her – she is a one way street; it's either my way or the highway!!! Great – that will go hand in hand with their "intent" to work across party lines!

I have noticed that her experiences haven't been pushed by McCain and I have noticed that Palin keeps saying the same speech she said at the convention, Do they not trust her to talk? Why no interviews? Its obvious that they planned this and to get the women vote because she is a woman is really a slap to me as a woman because I will follow her. NOT!!!!!!!!

I'll be happy to see reporters ask Palin why she is or is not qualified if in the same show at near the same time they ask the same qurestion of Obama

Hurricane Ike is big and bad for the Bahamas. I left on Monday because of Hanna which was just a breeze compared to what Ike is expected to do. I was living and working for Four Seasons Resorts on the island of Great Exuma and right now they are working furiously to evacuate the island before tomorrow night. The hotel has been closed since Monday and the staff of over 600 is being taken off the island. From paradise to peril...

Mike in Syracuse: Has anyone ever heard McCain say when and how he will balance the budget or will he just keep decreasing the taxes of corporations and the very wealthy?

Anderson, Hurricane Hanna is now about 180 miles SSE of Wilmington and we are having heavy rains with winds at about 22mph gusting 34mph.

Anderson – now that you've gotten some of the facts about Palin's administration, you can't just drop them. Bring them up everytime McCain or Palin tries to tell the story differently. Really hold them accountable.

I think we should just let Judge Judy solve this Troopergate issue. It would be all over in 30 minutes!

Anderson – I heard the death toll in Haiti is now over 500.

Thank you Anderson for actually checking the facts about Palin. It could also be mentioned that she did work with lobbyists to get a great deal of money for Alaska while McCain claims they would fight against them. My question to Ed Rawlins would be, if Palin is indeed "ready to step in on day one" why then is she not ready to face reporters?

I think it's more important that Palin attempted to sell the private jet and it ended up being sold. I just think it's sort of silly to worry about how it was sold. She saw that it was a waste of money and got rid of it.

My prayers are with the people in the path of the storm.

I hope that Hanna is not too bad for the people in South Carolina

Yikes! They'll barely have time to recover from Hanna before Ike hits...I hope everyone is evacuated.

Hello everyone - great to be back on AC 360 and to read your comments again. Also pleased that many of you think Sarah Palin should sit down soon for interviews with the national press corps. I am a big believer in candidates for office answering questions, including tough ones. After all, they are asking us to entrust them with an enormous amount of power and responsibility; in a democracy, it is essential that voters have a chance to inform themselves fully about the candidate and the candidate's views, understanding and commitment BEFORE the election, not after. For better or worse - sometimes for worse, usually for better - reporters in a free society are the ones best positioned to have in-depth interviews with candidates. So, yes, Sarah Palin - just like the other candidates - owes it to voters to sit down for interviews with journalists. Would welcome your thoughts.

Anderson will you be going out in this Storm Hanna or Ike

Wow! that is so scary for David Mattily!!!!!!! I hope he is doing ok durning topical storm in Carolinas!

How can you taser a child!

I am still waiting to see where Palin stands on the issues and whether she lines up with where I stand on the issues.

who tazers a step-son? Honestly ,who are these people?

He tasered the stepson, but the kid was asking for it.......................
Hmmmn, why doesn't the media get ahold of that kid???

Time to buy more batteries and canned goods for Ike! This is getting nuts!

Wow, he tasered a 10 year old, and admits to illegal hunting. Looks like we should really believe this guy.

Anderson,
Are you going to Carolinas to coverage topical storm Hanna?

I'm enjoying Randi Kaye's report, different opinions on Sarah Palin as governor, jet not sold for profit that's funny actually. I can see why everyone wants to know more about her, but it's hard for your heart not to go out to someone under media scrutiny, esp. a candidate, you wish them the best.

Hanna's a powerful storm even as a cat 1, looked and sounded pretty strong in David Mattingly's report. Hope he stays safe.

EJ: if that's true....OMG...those poor ppl...Haiti is as rural as Myanmar.

If this trooper story is true and she becomes President, our Justice Department is over for good

Anderson, Palin doesn't really matter. What this election truly is about is the people (Barack Obama administration) against the corporations (John McCain administration). Plain and simple. Everything else is window dressing.

Anderson you are the most fair reporter on t.v. – especially in regards to the election news!

I agree with David Gergan, as ususal he is right on in his comments. Sarah Palin should sit down with the national media and answer the tough questions, before the election. To not do so, looks like she is hiding something

David Gergen, I'm sure Gov Palin will give all of you interviews. Hold your horses. Then, You'll probably get complaints that she's getting too many interviews. Such is life.

I agree with you Mr. Gergen. What I am concerned about is this Trooper thing. Now she has hired an attorney, so how long is that going to hold up things? I guess we won't know until after the elections .... and I think that is terrible!

David Gergen well said; thank you.

Pitbulls are not as mean and nasty as Sarah Palin is.

Hey Ken – I'm up in Pender co. and we are getting some pretty serious gusts up here! Hang on and stay dry!

Mr Gergen, like always -very well put. Also, when the advisers from McCain campaign are saying that Sarah Palin does not have to speak to the media, she will speak to the american people, what does that mean? Do they forget that the people in the media are voters also? And didn't they say they would like to be the party for everyone, regardless of their party affiliation? Well, then somehing does not add up.

I think that Palin should certainly talk to journalists. She said that she will be working for "us" in Washington, so in that sense the citizens of this country are her bosses and she needs to sit down and answer some questions for her job interview. True, she is the #2 on the ticket, but she would be next in line for the presidency. She needs to prove to us that she would be able to deal with leaders from around the world. Everyone else that was running did plenty of interviews. If she can't handle the media how can she handle Putin? I just think this is another conservative tactic to keep us from focusing on the real issues.

David,
First a note of thanks for your service with several Presidents. I really appreciate your input into this whole thing. I agree that Palin should interview...right away. That way, we can here what kind of chutzpah she really has now, before she's prepped. Of course, it seems that Rove has a bit of influence here and she will likely get a heavy crash course before that chance comes. She claims to be more experienced than Obama, and he interviewed right at the start, right? So, why can't she? Or am I just being sexist? The same is the same, right?

David Gergen, I agree with you 100%. At the very least, Sarah should sit down for an interview...unscripted of course. We want to know what she is really made of. Do you think that there will be a different standard because she is a woman? I believe in equal treatment for all...men/women.

David Gergen,

I agree completely. Candidates owe it to the voters, to communicate
their agenda's and solutions to difficult, complex problems through the mass media, not just 'town halls.'

The McCain camp is playing childish games while Americans are facing very serious concerns for our country and the future.
That's not putting the country before his election.

Palin=Major Buzz......i think that is Exactly what they are going for....they def. Need something to bring attention to their campaign....or than him being a War Hero...which is def. respectable...and honorable...But they have beat this in the ground!

If I was running the McCain/Palin ticket I wouldn't grant an interview at this time either. She doesn't OWE the media a thing, especially with the manner that they have poked and jabbed her in the last week. She does owe the American population her stance on the issues of importance. Somehow though, I don't think an interview will center on the issues of importance.

Why are so many of you rushing to conclusions when you don't even really know this woman.

I think that every media outlet should delve deeper into Palin's record. The true facts about her background needs to be shared widely and as often as she speaks her exaggerated experience. Actually, in some circles her claim to fame could even be called lies. Keep her and anyone else who is running to represent us honest.

David Gergen! You have been my favourite commentator of both conventions!!! You always state the truth ans say what needs to be said!!

David, just because Palin hasn't been made available when the press wants it, doesn't mean she won't be. You guys need to chill out.

David,

The other candidates have sit down many to times with the national press corps; Palin should so the same ASAP.

Gregory is right it is about Obama and McCain and Obama should focus on this and not deal with Palin. He should send his own pit bull (Biden) after her, But then of course he will be accused of sexism

How many female voters will support someone like Palin who apparently needs to take a crash course in foreign and domestic policy before she can even talk to reporters. This is not a role model for women.

Sold the plane for a profit? It could be argued that with the depreciation from the time they bought the plane that they sold it for more than would be expected and therefore considered a profit.

Any car I have bought was never resold for as much as I paid for it.

It's interesting...is she energizing the GOP b/c she's a woman or because she represents their core beliefs than McCain does?

Women will vote for people who believe in what THEY BELIEVE in. Hillary Clinton & Sarah Palin are literally two polar opposites. I question someone who would think a woman would vote for someone only because they share the same anatomy.

Yes EJ,
That is so sad for Haiti, that is so awful to see!!!! I saw this on CNN this morning the streets are overflooding.......

If she leaves it to others to tell her story...she deserves the story she gets

Sen. McCain is being overshadowed by his running mate. This campaign has managed to hide their canidate behind a face, and thats it. We know nothing about Gov. Palin, nothing. The stratergy was to get someone we know nothing about and in the short election period hit some spots and hide her. Kinda like a movie propme. Drop teasers til you want to see the movie. Create a buzz and hope you fall for it. Sickening.

Emma, the point is that she lied about how she sold the jet. Good that she sold it, but bad that she lied. Strike one. McCain and Lieberman lied about Obama's tax plan. Strike two. Palin lied about Obama's 'no law' and 'no bipartisan work' record. Strike three. If you can't trust someone to tell the truth, how can you trust them to run the country?

I agree with Neil. This is so transparent. Yea Palin read a teleprompter and made a funny. Let's move on and get to the point. I would love to sit and talk with her. Or better yet let her hold a Town hall meeting that is something I would pay to see. Real Women would rip her to shreds.

It is not about personality to me. It is about TRUST. Who do you trust to do the right thing?

Well, if she doesn't want to talk to the media, lets do as MIke says, and leave her alone. At least if she isn't talking, and we aren't paying attention to her, then we can talk about the issues with Mr Obama.

If the "powers that be" allow Palin to engage in media interviews they are taking a big risk of her being exposed for her exremist views and her lack of knowledge of the economy and world affairs.

Right on David. I hope the Dems don't blow it by getting distracted from the issues. They win on the issues.

But if Gov. Palin does not engage the press and fill in the gaps on some of her positions then the blogs and the rumors are going to crush her, just like the rumors about her daughter.

McCain's purpose in picking Palin has been served. He got through the convention with very little attention being paid to Bush or his disastrous record. What I would like to know is how McCain started a hurricane.

Listen people can try and make excuses, but Palin should have already spoken to the media. Here is a person that could be the President of the United States that most of us have never heard of. There are plenty of questions that need to asked and answered.

I think every one should give this woman a few days a to settle in and get out and meet people that will be voting for her, then she needs to sit down with the media.

Mike from Syracuse,
Why can't the press have access to her. If it was anyone else like Hillary you would say differently. If she is going to be a potential VP then we have every right to find out about her. After all, Hillary was slammed all the time but that was ok!!!!!!!

While I appreciate the interview with Palin's brother-in-law, I too am wondering why he would chose to go public with it as it didn't seem to clear his good name. What do you guys think?

I believe she is memorizing foreign relations policies, a quick history lesson before taking interviews. I am a mom of 3 and I am firmly against Sarah Palin.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I watched Governor Palin today with John McCain and she said the exact same things she said at her acceptance speech Wednesday night. It makes me wonder what else she is planning on speaking about or is it going to be this same over again, and again, and again. I wonder why no one else commented about her speech and that it was the same.

I'm tired of Palin sounding like a parrot and a robot! Every appearance that she makes is totally scripted and fed to her.

I want the press to persist and do their job and start griling Palin on the REAL issues...not chewing on MOOSE, not hockey, not on how great it is being a 40-something grandma or hunting...the REAL issues.

this mc cain/palin ticket will be like a flare – real bright for a while and then explode and fall back to earth

How long before John McCain gets tired of being upstaged by Sarah Palin?

It's been a week already. If she's not ready to sit down with the press eight weeks before the election to talk about her stance on policy issues, she certainly isn't ready to be the VP.

She has a journalism degree...you would think that of any of the candidates she might be able to sit down and talk at least briefly.

If people would leave Sarah palin alone long enough to realize what she has done for the national guards and how she will clean up congress then they will realize what a vice president she would be for this country.

You went after Obama for nearly 20 months...20 months. This woman has now refused to answer questions from the voters!!!! We want a VP... not a self serving ,foot stomping, pretty face who can read a prepared speech.Do your job, get some answers and refute some of her claims.. This is her job resume ,not an acting audition.

The republicans pick Sara palin just because of her gender and that is not going to help them. that is not what we need. what we need is help.
maria
Atlanta,Georgia

I wish everyone will get back to whose running for President of the United States and not the Vice-President.

The Palin pick is a political carrot. Americans know nothing about her and the reporters of this "free press" nation should examine her thoroughly. she maybe a hearts beat away from the presidency and Americans know nothing about her.

Can this campaign PLEASE be about issues? Nothing is so easy to invent and built through media and ads as "personality" or "character". It's an image projected by the campaigns. Policy positions, on the other hands, are facts and speak for themselves.

I think McCain stumbled into Palin's "success" (and I use success loosley) for his campaign. I think he did it to spite the Republican party. Where he gained with Evangelicals, I believe he lost those level headed Republicans.

Palin needs to speak with reporters. If she doesn't it'll look like a Bush/Cheney move. More of the same. We don't like what you say so we don't give you access.

It seems that most journalist are missing the point that is not Obama vs. Palin. She has completely outshined John McCain. The Repubs were looking for their saviour and they have now found that in Palin.

Hmmm... anyone else feel like their comments are a little slow to post tonight? Or is it my beloved laptop?

I think the reason Palin hasn't spoken to reporters is that the republicans are trying to build false suspense about her!

Anderson,honestly sarah palin has been lying about her so called achievments and very soon people will find out what a person she really is.

I feel that we are creating a situation that is ultimately dividing us as a nation. That is what the Republican are trying to do.

When you come out the gate like a raging bull like Sarah Palin did this week, it's surprising to see her hide behind the campaign and not come out and talk to the press or have town meetings with every day people representing all view points. Come on ... she's a big girl and can handle it...right?

I am an independent voter who was undecided until the MCcain campaign became so nasty. I think they have to be careful about turning people off. People you can depend on to get out to the polls care about the issues. I think this goes to the character of a man.

Tara Wall is wrong I don't think most women identify with Palin. I spoke to women today and she is not like anyone I know. She is an opportunist.

PalIn not granting any interviews right now? Who put the
muzzle on the pit bull? this just reeks of the bush administrations
arrogance of not being straight with the american people.
and showing the inability to address our concerns about her record.
somehow the straight talk express has taking a detour.

Anderson. This election is all about the economy. Palin/McCain brings nothing to the table. They call Omaba and elitest, what about the McCain's? He wants to talk world affairs and is forgetting about America. Campbells interview was spot on.

I noticed Sarah Palin is not creative enough to have new "one liners". When she was allowed out she repeated the same negative comments line for line. I feel the McCain Train doesnt want her to comment the wrong way on the issues they havent decided on

It is not your laptop Erica, they are porting very slow

John McCain and Palin are using a tatic to keep Palin from interviews.It's as if the press has been mean to her,but the real reason is they don't know yet how she'll answer. I believe she's weak on many issues.

No, Erica, they are very slow to post. I want to see my comments! LOL

Erica, it's taking forever for comments to post.

Erica,
I have one problem too..... my internet is so slow too...... I have hard time post my comment.

Yes Erica, the comments are going in tonight like a lame turtle.

The media is making Palin a celebrity, and the media is now tearing her down. Just report the facts about her record, quit knit-picking.

She should do more interviews, but when you have "reporters" asking stupid questions about whether a Govenor is capable of being VP...I dont blame her if she is selective in who she conducts interviews with.

I think that people are spending too much time on Palin. I do not care about her or her family. I need to know what they are going to do for me and my family! I watched the conventions and Palin and McCain did not address anything that they will do for the working middle class.

Can someone please tell me what McCain plan to do to help the working middle class?

I agree with David, Obama needs to get this BACK TO THE ISSUES. The issues, and his promises to bring change to them, are what got him the nomination, not talking about Sarah Palin.

When are we going to get back to talking about the real issues that affect the future of this country? The media is caught in the headlights with Palin who the Republicans have just flushed out of the Alaskan forest to divert our attention.

The discussion regarding the sale of the governor's jet was misleading. The point is that the jet is a waste of the government's money and she sold it. Furthermore, do you have any idea what it costs to maintain that jet. Also, if the jet was on the government books for less than she sold it for the state did make money.

Erica, yes it is slow!!! It's my first time on the blog so I thought It was just me!

Anderson,
When did a mayor of a small town become qualified to be president of the country. Palin should not get upset when questioned how she can run the country when she is having difficult time controling her daughter. She is not in line with the majority of the country, when it comes to real issues of the country. Lets get real!

How is it that Sarah Palin is "clearly out of the main stream "as Hilary Rosen says when your show states just a bit later that she has HIGHER favorable ratings than either Obama or McCain!!???

How dare the Republicans shield Palin from answering questions from the press, or the audiences for that matter, other than ones that involve her family situation. If she is not ready, shame on John McCain.That is what one gets when one drafts an inexperienced candidate.

this whole thing about the media is crazy. if she wants to play with the big boys she needs to stop cryin and get in there and make her points. obama said the children are of limits, she is not one of them, or is she

Erica – When you asked the 8 ladies about Gov Palin being a role model for their daughters......
all I had to do was look at the faces of Gov Palin's daughters. They are truly proud of her.
Very interesting interview....could've had some "older women" on the panel...perhaps Grandmother's raising their grandchildren!

Erica. You are so right. That campaign was way too nasty. I was completely turned off to it. Every four years the republicans seem to use fear to get people to vote for them. I hope this election Americans wake up.

I find it offensive for the republicans to think that because I am a woman they think I will vote for my gender and throw my beliefs out of the window. Like David Gergen said, it solidifies my belief that Obama should be the next president.

I have been following all the Palin discussions and the pros and cons of your moderators, but there is not very much background from a normal persons perspective – what does the husband do? don't the kids have to be in school?

No it is a little slow. I was thinking the same thing. i guess so many of us are fired up and have so much to say tonight.

Are you kidding me about Palen having appeal. She comes across to me as very mean spirited. This is one middle class volleyball mom who won't be voting McCain-Palin.

They don't want Palin talking to the media because she doesn't know anything else outside of not Alaska...

We need to know who Sarah Palin is. We have to depend on the media to be bold, and unbiased and speak the truth to the American People. Our lives may depend it. Keep them honest Anderson!

I wonder to what extent the panel believes Sarah Palin's good looks are contributing to her initial approval rating. If Sarah Palin looked more plain, do the panelists think she would rate so well?

I am more interested in the issues than your family business. Family business is not what is going to help our economy – it will be tackling the issues head on. Let's get down to business!

I think Palin has set women seeking high office back many many years. Not a professional person at all. No sense of decorum or respect for fellow humans.

I'm so glad Obama has stayed classy. He and Biden are a dream.

I think Palin is a joke. The campaign is pulling her strings like some sort of bad attack slinging puppet. They won’t let her talk to the media, they won’t even let her go out on the campaign trail by herself (she could say no comment for herself). Palin is just hiding behind McCain until she can cram for that commander and chief test. I just hope when the media finally get to talk to her they have a couple of surprises for her that won’t be in her “bag of responses”.

Does McCain and Palin have something to hide? I think they are afraid their lies are going to catch up to them. So the only logical thing to do is hide her from the media and cry wolf on sexism. It's a sad day when women have to fall backwards so they can cover-up the tough questions.

I do not think the media is being harder on Palin. She is the self-proclaimed hockey mom and has put her personal life in the spotlight. As a 30 y/o woman, this is the first election that has inspired me and moved me, and that is because of Obama. Let's not let Palin take focus off the real issues that affect people outside Alaska.

A McCain spokesperson said today that they will keep Palin away from interviews unless it benefitted the campaign. I thought that he was running this campaign for the benefit of Americans. And that means Americans should know how Palin would handle herself under pressure.
So much for "America First"!!!

excellent press coverage on Palin!! Please insist on an interview with Palin- I don't think she can handle it.

Erica, very good interview with the Moms. It's nice to hear what these women have to say instead of only pundits.

Frankly, im a woman and i'm not moved one bit by Sarah Palin because the first time she spoke on wednesday, I was looking forward to meeting her and hear what she will do as VP and what she brings to the ticket but she got up there and acted like a typical republican with only attacks and "her sarcasm" was just downright condescending. Now, im going to tune more into the debates to hear more about what Obama can do for the economy because Sarah Palin totally turned me off the mccain ticket. Her ego in my opinion is worse than obama and mccains together.

Just saw the female focus group on Palin. The reason why people are asking the questions they are is because Palin and the McCain camp has basically told us that those things are all she has to offer. Make her a hockey ref, but not the Vice President of the United States. If they focused on the issues, they would have to acknowledge that she can't handle them, and they don't want that.

Just a comment about how we can't say anything that may sound sexist towards Palin....Did you notice the campaign buttons on the Delagates the other night? They couldn't have been more sexist...and The Republican Party produced them.

McCain should have gone for a more moderate choice for VP. The Evangelicals wouldn't have even considered anyone but McCain because of the abortion issue.

Erica-
2 of 8 women on the panel said they felt comfortable with
Sarah stepping in as President if something happened to McCain. Scary.

If Sarah Palin does not have the courage and the knowledge to deal with the US press, how can she be expected to deal with foreign heads of state?

If everyone who wants to describe Ms. Palin as having "executive experience" from being Governor of a sparsely populated state and is somehow more experienced from only 2 years as Governor then both the years Senators Obama and Biden combined, from that logic she should be equally more experienced than Senator John McCain and he has been there for 26 years!

Oh, Anderson. Palin is exactly what the Christian right wants! That, along with her gender, is why she was picked. The Republicans cannot win without the Evangelicals. And Palin has it all, in their eyes.

If the media is accused of being sexist, then the McCain camp is also. Otherwise why the photo op of Sarah Palin with Cindy McCain and Laura Bush (instead of her husband, the "1st Dude") during the convention?

I think Sarah Palin is a dishonor to all Women voters in this country. First, she is not the person that she wants everybody to believe that she is. Second, She as governor of Alaska took more pork and ear mark funds in the history of Alaska. Third, Everything that She and McCain said about Barack Obama was a lie. Fourth,the State plane that she sold was sold not on ebay but through a broker for a lot less the State paid for it. Everything that she has accomplished was for her own benefit.

I watching your show and I agree with some of the women on Erica's panel. I don't think she is ready for the position of VP. I feel if her or MCCain can tell me if or not to have a child, I have the right to question her.

I am amazed at the quality of the posts tonight. No matter which side you're on, you have to admit that people are engaged in this election and want some honest answers from our politicians.

Saracastic Palin made my mind up for me. Obama in '08.

She is out of touch with an array of mainstream issues. She hasn't traveled this country enough to be in touch with mainstream issues. Being extreme prolife is not mainstream.

Gov .Palin needs to be able to take it, if she is going to dish it out.She came across very nasty in her speech.That was a turn off.
She will have to sit down and be interviewed sometime .I am interested in seeing that!!!!

I'm sort of surprised that a state trooper who tasers his stepson, kills a moose illegally and drinks in his patrol car gets a five day suspension.

Didn't get to say that earlier.

Why isnt Palin answering to questions like other candidates? I tell you something does smell fishy with the reps, and am guessin we'll never find out, not at least till they are in the white house cos americans are somewht to shallow and inward lookin to see through obvious political manipulation. Its a tough world out there and she simply is not at all suited for global politics.

Hi anderson:

When you are referring to "Evangelicals" are you referring to whites or all evangelicals. I'm a black baptist pastor who is as much interested in the race but not in favor of the GOP. I feel like GOP and Evangelicals are synonomous............not so my friend.

What about that?

There's good reason for the McCain campaign to be afraid of immediate media access to Palin. I still find it laughable that Cindy McCain and Hawaii’s governor were trying to create an impression that Palin had foreign affairs credentials due to the proximity of Alaska with Russia.

Please get this website out to the people.

http://www.grizzlybay.org/SarahPalinInfoPage.htm

Palin hasn't even been out of the US in her entire life. Maybe Cindy McCain should have been tapped for VP – even she is more qualified.