Sarah Palin Forms a PAC

Politics • Views: 2,214

Andrew Malcolm notes that Sarah Palin has formed a Political Action Committee, in preparation for a Presidential run in 2012.

The surest sign yet that Alaska’s Republican Gov. Sarah Palin intends at least to be in position for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination contest.

Like others presumed to have their eye on the party nod — former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Arkansas ex-Gov. Mike Huckabee — she has set up a PAC — SarahPAC.

The creation of such a financial entity commits her to nothing. But such a political action committee will allow Palin to position herself to compete by legally collecting donations to travel and speak on her own behalf (Iowa is a long snow machine ride from Wasilla).

It’ll also permit her to raise and distribute campaign donations to like-minded GOP supporters seeking office. That could earn her some valuable political owsies come campaign time in the Hawkeye state, now less than 29 months away.

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360 comments
1 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:07:10am

The race for 2012 is on, but let's not forget 2010 is on the way there.

2 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:07:57am

SARAH!

3 karmic_inquisitor  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:08:01am

She should not have named it SarahPac.

"Pissed off, kicking ass and taking names PAC" might have been better.

4 karmic_inquisitor  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:08:24am

re: #1 Honorary Yooper

The race for 2012 is on, but let's not forget 2010 is on the way there.

That is what we need to focus on.

5 Jetpilot1101  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:08:43am
But such a political action committee will allow Palin to position herself to compete by legally collecting donations to travel and speak on her own behalf (Iowa is a long snow machine ride from Wasilla).

I think she'll collect a record number of donations. Conservatives are hungry for a decent leader seeing as how we have a total of ZERO in congress.

6 newsjunkie_ky  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:09:04am

Vote Republican in 2010, it's our only hope. That is if we make it to 2010.
I will vote for Sarah in 2012.

7 DeafDog  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:09:11am

It's almost comical how extended the political races have become.

Good thing we have McCain-Feigold to take money out of politics.

8 goddessoftheclassroom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:09:41am

I hope to see Gov. Palin again on the national stage. Now that she knows what she has to face, I imagine she'll be ready for it.

9 CIA Reject  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:09:58am

Interesting. It looks like she at least realizes that one of McCain's biggest problems was the fact that he shot himself in the foot by accepting public financing.

The media bias is something with which she will still have to contend, but it looks like she sees that public financing is a losing approach. Hopefully the rest of the GOP realizes this too.

10 Czarny_Smok  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:10:21am

Now this is something that I can look forward to! Here we have a real conservative, who ain't bad on the eyes either. But agree, lets now forget 2010, with the way things are going, the next few years will be rather interesting, although probably not in a good way.

11 Macker  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:10:27am

Please Sarah, kick БХО's ass!

12 jcm  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:10:41am

Turkey Farm PAC!
Get out of my way turkey!

//

13 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:10:53am

2012? I'm preparing for a run in 2020. I figure I probably need a trillion euro to make it work. Who's with me? /

Seriously, the more voices that get out there and start seriously proposing policy and how to deal with the mess inside and outside the GOP, the better.

The message sent by the GOP the past 2 election cycles has been a mess. Disaster is more like it. They need to clean house and to go back to basics.

Fiscal responsibility.
National security.
Economic independence.

The candidate who can put together a coherent platform based on those three concepts would have my vote.

14 Jed 1899  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:11:39am

Go Sarah!
We love you in the Adirondack Mountain's of New York!
Snowing hard here.

15 SpartanWoman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:11:46am

re: #3 karmic_inquisitor

She should not have named it SarahPac.

"Pissed off, kicking ass and taking names PAC" might have been better.

After McCain, I think people are shy of promising to take names or name names.

Who did McCain name? Nobody. Feh

16 goddessoftheclassroom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:11:53am

re: #6 newsjunkie_ky

Vote Republican in 2010, it's our only hope. That is if we make it to 2010.
I will vote for Sarah in 2012.


If I ever again hear a Republican say, "I'm not voting so i can teach them a lesson," I'll scream!

17 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:12:00am

Republican party to self-destruct in 5... 4... 3... 2...

18 Dasher  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:12:02am

HR1 (Pork Bill - Also called Stimulus) just passed the house on a vote of 224 to 172. Not a single Republican voted for the bill. Thank you Republicans.

19 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:12:21am

I love Sara, she's got a long road ahead of her.Between the war chest of The Obama ,propagandist msm to battle, and idolatry of the masses, phew, best of luck.

20 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:12:27am

America's not ready.

21 Lincolntf  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:12:39am

Where do I sign up?

22 SpartanWoman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:12:50am

re: #16 goddessoftheclassroom

If I ever again hear a Republican say, "I'm not voting so i can teach them a lesson," I'll scream!

That worked well, didn't it? These alleged Repubs make me ill

23 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:12:59am

re: #17 Walter L. Newton

Republican party to self-destruct in 5... 4... 3... 2...

Why?

24 DeafDog  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:06am

re: #13 lawhawk

The message sent by the GOP the past 2 election cycles has been a mess. Disaster is more like it. They need to clean house and to go back to basics.

Fiscal responsibility.
National security.
Economic independence.

The candidate who can put together a coherent platform based on those three concepts would have my vote.

What is the difference between Fiscal responsibility and Economic independence messages?

Or did you mean energy independence?

25 jwb7605  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:18am

totally OT:
The two guys in this video are my nephews.
I absolutely guarantee you they would join the PAC

My guess is Sarah/Todd have had similar experiences (maybe without the construction string problem, though)

26 Jetpilot1101  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:26am

re: #18 Dasher

HR1 (Pork Bill - Also called Stimulus) just passed the house on a vote of 224 to 172. Not a single Republican voted for the bill. Thank you Republicans.

That is the best news I have heard all day!

27 CIA Reject  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:30am

re: #16 goddessoftheclassroom

If I ever again hear a Republican say, "I'm not voting so i can teach them a lesson," I'll scream!

Yes, it's like using your face to break the other guy's fist...

28 Dasher  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:32am

re: #17 Walter L. Newton

Republican party to self-destruct in 5... 4... 3... 2...

I say they are on the fast track road to rebuilding ! Go Republicans ZERO votes on any spending bill going forward.

29 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:34am
30 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:36am

re: #20 Sharmuta

America's not ready.

Weren't many saying that two years ago about CBBHO? A year ago?

31 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:13:59am

re: #30 MandyManners

Weren't many saying that two years ago about CBBHO? A year ago?

But he has a penis.

32 jwb7605  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:14:17am

re: #23 MandyManners

Why?

I think he means the Republican Party as we know it.

33 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:14:54am

re: #29 buzzsawmonkey

I would have liked MoosePAC, as a hat-tip to Sarah's field-dressed moose and to Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Party.

That would've been a delicious way to mock those who made fun of her based on her experience as a hunter.

34 Jetpilot1101  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:15:00am

re: #31 Sharmuta

But he has a penis.

I thought he was a pussy.

35 goddessoftheclassroom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:15:08am

re: #32 jwb7605

I think he means the Republican Party as we know it.

Frankly, I would love for the current republican Party to self-destruct so a phoenix could rise from its ashes.

36 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:15:41am

re: #31 Sharmuta

So did Hillary.

/

37 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:15:44am
38 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:15:46am

re: #31 Sharmuta

But he has a penis.

Well, he can write his name in the snow.

How can we help defeat this nonsensical fear of vaginas?

39 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:15:51am

Just what the GOP needs, a ditzy creationist young-earther as their frontrunner.

40 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:16:07am

re: #32 jwb7605

I think he means the Republican Party as we know it.

I hope so.

41 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:16:11am

re: #35 goddessoftheclassroom

Frankly, I would love for the current republican Party to self-destruct so a phoenix could rise from its ashes.

We're still awaiting that in Illinois after George Ryan's fiasco as governor. Maybe with Blago, there's hope.

42 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:16:13am

re: #23 MandyManners

Why?

I would vote for her if she was the candidate, but I don't think she is right for the job.

Who's right for the job? I don't know, I'm not happy with the republican party right now.

I really think the party needs to start to reconstitute at the local and state level first. Maybe that will happen by 2010.

43 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:16:30am

Don't get me wrong, Lizards- I love Sarah. But she's up against the biggest Good Ol' Boys Club there is. They won't let her in.

44 SurferDoc  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:16:37am

re: #35 goddessoftheclassroom

Frankly, I would love for the current republican Party to self-destruct so a phoenix could rise from its ashes.

Zzaaap! Your wish has been granted!

Don't thank me. Thank a RINO.

45 tfc3rid  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:16:48am

Well, good for the House Republicans...

Bad for America... It's now up to our Senators... Filibuster? Doubt it...

Again, good for the House Republicans...

Who are the GOP Senator's to sell us out?

46 subsailor68  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:09am

One thing I'll bet is that Sarah will be more than ready for the MSM by then. She doesn't seem like someone who needs to get whacked more than once before she goes out looking for a 2x4.

47 JacksonTn  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:15am

re: #39 Cato the Elder

Just what the GOP needs, a ditzy creationist young-earther as their frontrunner.

Wow ...you were all over people last night about being rude ...

48 opnion  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:23am

Palin & Romney I get, but Huckabee?
He & McCain ganged up on Romney during the debates like two school yard brats. Voila, we got McCain. Didn't work out too well.

49 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:34am

re: #43 Sharmuta

Don't get me wrong, Lizards- I love Sarah. But she's up against the biggest Good Ol' Boys Club there is. They won't let her in.

it's up to us to knock the door down and carry her in....i'm up for it

50 kcladderman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:39am

re: #31 Sharmuta

But he hasis a penis.

51 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:39am

re: #43 Sharmuta

Don't get me wrong, Lizards- I love Sarah. But she's up against the biggest Good Ol' Boys Club there is. They won't let her in.

When you have a plate glass window you need to get through, use a large sledgehammer. It can, and it will happen. Just takes the right sledgehammer.

52 humpty dumpty was pushed  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:41am

Maybe she can raise enough cash to start the Conservative (C) Party! A 3rd party might be viable after four years of generating revenue. Wrap your mind around it, peeps.

53 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:46am

re: #32 jwb7605

I think he means the Republican Party as we know it.

I hope so.

54 Jetpilot1101  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:17:57am

re: #39 Cato the Elder

Just what the GOP needs, a ditzy creationist young-earther as their frontrunner.

1. She is not ditzy, just portrayed that way by the MFMSM.
2. She is not a creationist.
3. She is not a young earther.

If I am not mistaken, Charles had multiple threads discussing these issues and they were put to bed a LONG time ago.

55 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:02am

re: #39 Cato the Elder

So much worse than a blame America first, America created AIDS troofer lying charlatan.

56 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:14am

I perceive too much sexism and misogyny in the American culture to allow a female President from either party at this point in time.

That being said- good luck, Sarah.

57 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:34am

re: #37 buzzsawmonkey

Yes; precisely. And there could be a nice play on the "points" in her platform and the points on moose antlers.

How deliciously in-your-face!

58 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:34am

re: #48 opnion

Palin & Romney I get, but Huckabee?
He & McCain ganged up on Romney during the debates like two school yard brats. Voila, we got McCain. Didn't work out too well.

I'd like to see Huckabee on the sidelines in 2012. Might've had a better candidate than McCain without him this time around.

59 goddessoftheclassroom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:36am

re: #46 subsailor68

One thing I'll bet is that Sarah will be more than ready for the MSM by then. She doesn't seem like someone who needs to get whacked more than once before she goes out looking for a 2x4.

That's one of the things I love about her--she learns quickly and applies her knowledge. She can adapt without changing her principles.

60 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:40am

re: #40 MandyManners

I hope so.

See my #42, I mean most of the politicians IN the party as we know it. We need people in there who will get back to the roots of the party.

Right now, we don't have that. Look what happened before the election will all the handouts, watch what happens now, check in with your governors, right or left, they are salivating for the handouts.

No, we have to almost start all over, at the grass roots level.

61 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:43am

re: #47 JacksonTn

Wow ...you were all over people last night about being rude ...

Rude? I call it like I see it. A public figure has to stand the scrutiny.

62 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:18:55am
63 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:03am

re: #39 Cato the Elder

Just what the GOP needs, a ditzy creationist young-earther as their frontrunner.

DITZY? DITZY?

64 kcladderman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:03am

re: #43 Sharmuta

Don't get me wrong, Lizards- I love Sarah. But she's up against the biggest Good Ol' Boys Club there is. They won't let her in.

I for one am shit full of the good ol boys.

65 William  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:11am

Prefer Romney/Rice or Ridge/Rice.

66 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:31am

re: #61 Cato the Elder

lol, like the scrutiny 44 received?

67 rightymouse  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:39am

Newt Gingrich must be choking. He comes across as scared of her.

68 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:43am

re: #42 Walter L. Newton

I would vote for her if she was the candidate, but I don't think she is right for the job.

Who's right for the job? I don't know, I'm not happy with the republican party right now.

I really think the party needs to start to reconstitute at the local and state level first. Maybe that will happen by 2010.

She doesn't have to be the candidate in 2012 but, she could help shake things up.

69 Dasher  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:49am

I may have mis spoke. That was a preliminary vote to consider the bill. But went 224 - 172 as I said. Sorry

70 unreconstructed rebel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:19:52am

Now, here's an appeal for monetary support I might respond positively to.

71 Earick  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:15am

SARAH... Now that is hope and change I can vote for!

Finally the GOP showed some backbone! Not one Republican voted for the bailout bill!

BO owns it! The Dems live or die with the stimulus!

72 OldLineTexan  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:15am

re: #5 Jetpilot1101

I think she'll collect a record number of donations. Conservatives are hungry for a decent leader seeing as how we have a total of ZERO in congress.

Ted Poe, R-Texas.

Back when he was Judge Poe, I sat on a jury in his courtroom. Of course, our Texas delegation also contains a few big negative marks...

73 jwb7605  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:19am

re: #43 Sharmuta

Don't get me wrong, Lizards- I love Sarah. But she's up against the biggest Good Ol' Boys Club there is. They won't let her in.

I could easily be wrong about this, but I think a lot of her problem came from the Good Ol' Girls club.
Those guys in the (OT) video I posted, and their fathers, and their uncles were all overjoyed when McCain picked her. Their mothers and aunts were also equally happy.

I noticed a lot more animosity from females than males, mostly "big city" ones.

74 opinionated  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:24am

Cart before the horse.

First she should actively participate in the Nation's issues and build up her bonafides.

What are her opinions on the stimulus package, on Israel in Gaza, etc. If, as expected the media doesn't give her the opportunity to be heard, she still needs to find a way.

It may be difficult to do from far off Alaska but it is nevertheless a prerequisite to her being taken seriously by the entire country.

75 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:26am

re: #47 JacksonTn

Wow ...you were all over people last night about being rude ...

And for things they had no way of knowing.

76 redstateredneck  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:29am

re: #3 karmic_inquisitor

She should not have named it SarahPac.

"Pissed off, kicking ass and taking names PAC" might have been better.


I like it!

77 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:30am

re: #64 kcladderman

I'm sick and tired of it too. But it's there, and rose-colored glasses isn't going to change it.

78 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:38am

What's a PAC?

/Caroline Kennedy

79 OldLineTexan  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:46am

re: #43 Sharmuta

Don't get me wrong, Lizards- I love Sarah. But she's up against the biggest Good Ol' Boys Club there is. They won't let her in.

Several of them. The MSM included.

80 aboo-Hoo-Hoo  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:20:58am

re: #31 Sharmuta

But he has a penis.

It's not the fact he has a penis, it's the fact it's attached to his neck.

81 subsailor68  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:21:06am

re: #59 goddessoftheclassroom

That's one of the things I love about her--she learns quickly and applies her knowledge. She can adapt without changing her principles.

I'll second that. I also loved the fact that, Tina Fey aside, she showed up on SNL knowing that she'd be mocked (even if they tried to make it look "good natured"). She came off looking better than those trying to mock her.

82 Lincolntf  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:21:14am

re: #31 Sharmuta

I think it's foolish and shortsighted to presume that America is "not ready" for a female Pres. (presuming that's what you meant). It also projects misogyny and prejudice onto millions and millions of Americans you've never even met.
I say that Sarah will have a very difficult time because of the wave of personal and political sabotage that engulfed her (and which would have been applied, perhaps less succesfully, against any similarily unknown male Republican) from the moment she was selected, not because of her sex.

83 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:21:41am

re: #73 jwb7605

I could easily be wrong about this, but I think a lot of her problem came from the Good Ol' Girls club.
Those guys in the (OT) video I posted, and their fathers, and their uncles were all overjoyed when McCain picked her. Their mothers and aunts were also equally happy.

I noticed a lot more animosity from females than males, mostly "big city" ones.

Yes- there's female misogyny too. See #56. It's not gender specific.

84 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:21:43am

re: #60 Walter L. Newton

See my #42, I mean most of the politicians IN the party as we know it. We need people in there who will get back to the roots of the party.

Right now, we don't have that. Look what happened before the election will all the handouts, watch what happens now, check in with your governors, right or left, they are salivating for the handouts.

No, we have to almost start all over, at the grass roots level.

Wasn't that what happened during the Carter Administration?

85 SurferDoc  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:21:45am

If Sarah is the woman I think she is, she will elbow her way past the good old boys with a smile on her face. Alaskan politics is littered with the bodies of politicians, many of them Republicans, who underestimated her.

86 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:02am

re: #69 Dasher

Oh, it'll pass and it looks like The Obama will not have the Rs to blame when things go wrong. Good!

87 jcm  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:07am

re: #42 Walter L. Newton

I would vote for her if she was the candidate, but I don't think she is right for the job.

Who's right for the job? I don't know, I'm not happy with the republican party right now.

I really think the party needs to start to reconstitute at the local and state level first. Maybe that will happen by 2010.

What every the hell happens we've got to Nov. '10 to get it in order.

The key as I see it is to pull classical liberal / conservatives back to the party. The number votes going to conservative 3rd parties, and those sitting out would have swing a lot of elections to the (R) column.

Kick the RINOs to the curb, restore the Reagan model and it can be done.

88 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:11am

OT: Really good piece:

Suddenly, Obama Has Muslim Roots

89 Jed 1899  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:15am

Sarah and Rush will be the savior's of the US, as we once knew it.
(pre sharia law)

90 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:34am

re: #78 Ben Hur

It's like, you know...you know? Like you know?

91 Who Watches the Watchmen?  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:34am

re: #27 CIA Reject

Yes, it's like using your face to break the other guy's fist...

Or setting yourself on fire so the other guy dies of smoke inhalation.

92 opnion  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:34am

re: #58 Honorary Yooper

I'd like to see Huckabee on the sidelines in 2012. Might've had a better candidate than McCain without him this time around.

Right, I don't think that Huchabee brings a lot to the party.
I would like to see Palin & Romney fight it out & then form a unity ticket.

93 Charles Johnson  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:36am

re: #54 Jetpilot1101

1. She is not ditzy, just portrayed that way by the MFMSM.
2. She is not a creationist.
3. She is not a young earther.

If I am not mistaken, Charles had multiple threads discussing these issues and they were put to bed a LONG time ago.

Actually, Palin is probably a young earth creationist. The church she attended definitely preaches this stuff, and she's made statements that leave little doubt she believes it too.

I defended her during the campaign not on the grounds that she isn't a creationist, but because she never tried to push her creationism into schools, and said specifically that she would not.

94 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:22:39am

re: #64 kcladderman

I for one am shit full of the good ol boys.

As is this guy. Enough of the "waiting your turn" crappola. It's McCain's turn!?! It's Bob Dole's turn!?! Gimme a fucking break. It's time competent people were chosen rather than those who think they are merely next in line. I don't give a damn if they are white, black, male, female, religious, areligious, as long as they are competent, and the best damn people we can put up for the job.

95 redstateredneck  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:23:17am

re: #86 vagabond trader

Oh, it'll pass and it looks like The Obama will not have the Rs to blame when things go wrong. Good!

I am thrilled that they found their balls.

96 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:23:24am

re: #78 Ben Hur

What's a PAC?

/Caroline Kennedy

Um, you know, it's a you know a group of you know uh people who you know give money to you know support a cause.

97 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:23:24am

re: #73 jwb7605

Most of her problems came from two places:

1) The MSM in the tank for Obama
2) John McCain figuratively throwing her to the wolves.

98 Jetpilot1101  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:23:33am

re: #93 Charles

Actually, Palin is probably a young earth creationist. The church she attended definitely preaches this stuff, and she's made statements that leave little doubt she believes it too.

I defended her during the campaign not on the grounds that she isn't a creationist, but because she never tried to push her creationism into schools, and said specifically that she would not.

Sorry I misrepresented you Charles. Thanks for correcting me.

99 Wild Knight  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:23:39am

re: #13 lawhawk

I figure I probably need a trillion euro to make it work.

Don't even joke about it. As it is, I'm having nightmares every night.

100 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:01am

re: #30 MandyManners

Weren't many saying that two years ago about CBBHO? A year ago?

We're still not ready for him.

101 goddessoftheclassroom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:17am

re: #82 Lincolntf

I think it's foolish and shortsighted to presume that America is "not ready" for a female Pres. (presuming that's what you meant). It also projects misogyny and prejudice onto millions and millions of Americans you've never even met.
I say that Sarah will have a very difficult time because of the wave of personal and political sabotage that engulfed her (and which would have been applied, perhaps less succesfully, against any similarily unknown male Republican) from the moment she was selected, not because of her sex.

Ok, here's my weird semi-conspiracy theory:

I think that McCain never anticipated the extent of Sarah's popularity, and it irritated him a little and his staff even more. I think that some of them would rather McCain lose and return to the senate than have Sarah stealing the spotlight as Vice-President, so there was some (at least unconscious) self-sabotage going on in terms of leaks.

No, I have no proof at all.

102 turn  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:17am

She's got my support and the turnwife adores her (I must add the wife is more captivated by Todd). I guess I'm prepared for the relentless attacks on her by the left over the next four years having had to struggle through eight years of Bush bashing. If I know women, even democratic women, they ain't going to tolerate the MSM bashing a women like Palin (Paglia comes to mind). This is going to be interesting to keep track of, stock up on popcorn Lizards. (Charles you should add Palin to the spellcheck dictionary, don't bother with Obama though).

103 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:32am

re: #95 redstateredneck

Because he has The GREAT EGG of POWER!

Like I said yesterday-one egg, no balls.

104 opinionated  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:34am

re: #88 WriterMom

OT: Really good piece:

Suddenly, Obama Has Muslim Roots

If Obama was a product, the FTC would investigate the fraudulent way it was sold.

105 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:40am

re: #83 Sharmuta

Yes- there's female misogyny too. See #56. It's not gender specific.

The MFM enhanced what little there was and created what was lacking.

106 DeafDog  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:43am

re: #52 humpty dumpty was pushed

Maybe she can raise enough cash to start the Conservative (C) Party! A 3rd party might be viable after four years of generating revenue. Wrap your mind around it, peeps.

As noble as this sounds, the lesson from Ross Perot & Company is that 3rd parties just don't work on the national level.

Putting cash there is just a waste of resources.

107 SurferDoc  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:24:50am

re: #94 Honorary Yooper

As is this guy. Enough of the "waiting your turn" crappola. It's McCain's turn!?! It's Bob Dole's turn!?! Gimme a fucking break. It's time competent people were chosen rather than those who think they are merely next in line. I don't give a damn if they are white, black, male, female, religious, areligious, as long as they are competent, and the best damn people we can put up for the job.

Yes, yes and YES!

108 ThinkRight  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:03am

She will never get the nod
But she is great for the Party
She is as conservative as Rush

109 jwb7605  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:08am

re: #74 opinionated

Cart before the horse.

First she should actively participate in the Nation's issues and build up her bonafides.

What are her opinions on the stimulus package, on Israel in Gaza, etc. If, as expected the media doesn't give her the opportunity to be heard, she still needs to find a way.

It may be difficult to do from far off Alaska but it is nevertheless a prerequisite to her being taken seriously by the entire country.


Those will come out in the PAC -- they have to.
Without some sort of PAC, you're right -- Alaska is too far off.
I view it as a way to get some National Publicity. Bonafides are bundled into national recognition.

110 redstateredneck  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:31am

re: #103 WriterMom

Because he has The GREAT EGG of POWER!

Like I said yesterday-one egg, no balls.

LOL! I missed that one yesterday.

111 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:32am

re: #88 WriterMom

Would like to know what those other Muslim countries are.What a phony opportunistic bs'er,the way librals prefer their idols.

112 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:40am

re: #82 Lincolntf

Right- because as a woman, I've never experienced sexism and misogyny in the workplace, therefore I couldn't possibly have any idea what I'm talking about when it comes to hiring someone for the top job in the country.

Thinking there is no sexism remaining in this culture is naive.

113 Kragar  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:47am

Romney/Palin has a nice ring to it.

114 turn  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:49am

re: #20 Sharmuta

America's not ready.


Give them four years of O and they'll do anything.
/

Seriously, Sharm why do you think that?

115 jwb7605  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:50am

re: #93 Charles

Actually, Palin is probably a young earth creationist. The church she attended definitely preaches this stuff, and she's made statements that leave little doubt she believes it too.

I defended her during the campaign not on the grounds that she isn't a creationist, but because she never tried to push her creationism into schools, and said specifically that she would not.

What he said.

116 Ringo the Gringo  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:52am

I like Sarah Palin....as the Governor of Alaska.

117 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:25:52am

re: #103 WriterMom

he has balls, their just in michele's purse

118 unreconstructed rebel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:26:00am

re: #85 SurferDoc

If Sarah is the woman I think she is, she will elbow her way past the good old boys with a smile on her face. Alaskan politics is littered with the bodies of politicians, many of them Republicans, who underestimated her.

Let's just hope that Alaska politics do not leave with that eau de Chicago smell.

119 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:26:11am

re: #75 MandyManners

And for things they had no way of knowing.

Not the point. The person in question prefaced her perfectly legitimate comment to me with "Are you blind or just stupid? Or maybe deaf, ignorant, illiterate and completely devoid of heart?"

Calling Sarah Palin as I see her doesn't come close to that, and besides, except for the "ditzy" part, which is a personal judgment, everything I said is true.

120 Tats66  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:26:11am

Ill be very interested to see how this goes, but this announcement also gives perhaps the world's most powerful propaganda machine, the American National Media, alot of time to condition the average American, who, lets face it, remains gullible, to its virulent, anti-American, anti-anything not liberal stance.

And besides, c'mon, just how popular is she one the "Arabic street"?
THATS what's important ya know.

/do I really need the sarc tag?

121 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:26:11am

re: #85 SurferDoc

If Sarah is the woman I think she is, she will elbow her way past the good old boys with a smile on her face. Alaskan politics is littered with the bodies of politicians, many of them Republicans, who underestimated her.

I envision several prone males with heel marks on their backs.

Yeah, I'm thinking of Stokely Carmicheal.

122 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:26:18am

Yesterday's Palestinian attack ...
Raw video of IED attack and ambush on IDF Unit :

123 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:26:25am

re: #87 jcm

What every the hell happens we've got to Nov. '10 to get it in order.

The key as I see it is to pull classical liberal / conservatives back to the party. The number votes going to conservative 3rd parties, and those sitting out would have swing a lot of elections to the (R) column.

Kick the RINOs to the curb, restore the Reagan model and it can be done.

But, in my opinion, that's can't happen. The soul and moral compass of the party has been lost, and although there are us out here who know better, know how to fix it, know what needs to be done, we are not going to be able to make a dent in it. Not this soon.

I think we have discovered how much money, power and influence it takes to sway a party away from it's moral base.

Welcome to the new United States.

124 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:26:43am

re: #113 Kragar (proud to be kafir)

Palin/Bolton sounds even better.

125 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:27:00am

re: #114 turn

Give them four years of O and they'll do anything.
/

Seriously, Sharm why do you think that?

Because I have eyes!

126 CIA Reject  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:27:22am

re: #91 Who Watches the Watchmen?

Or setting yourself on fire so the other guy dies of smoke inhalation.

LOL! I gotta remember that one!

127 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:27:32am

re: #93 Charles

Actually, Palin is probably a young earth creationist. The church she attended definitely preaches this stuff, and she's made statements that leave little doubt she believes it too.

I defended her during the campaign not on the grounds that she isn't a creationist, but because she never tried to push her creationism into schools, and said specifically that she would not.

For me, it's the same as Romney's being a Mormon doesn't mean he'd promote bigamy.

128 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:27:40am

re: #124 WriterMom

Palin/Bolton sounds even better.

Lipstick & The 'Stache. I love it!

129 unreconstructed rebel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:27:42am

re: #124 WriterMom

Palin/Bolton sounds even better.

Ding!

130 Kenneth  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:27:56am

Meanwhile, as Obama shift focus to Afghanistan, Iraq is still important

The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Army Gen. Ray Odierno, called Iraq a "fragile state" in briefings he gave VIPs late last year. His mission, according to documents given to the Daily News, has been to "reduce visibility" of U.S. troops in Iraqi cities as local forces take charge.

In other words, make G.I.s scarce targets.

"He's concerned it could fall back" - that the past year's progress could be reversed - one U.S. official said.

Intelligence officials also say the fight in Iraq has shifted dramatically from battling a decimated Al Qaeda in the Iraq Sunni insurgency to countering Iraqi Shi'ah agents acting on Iran's behalf.

"The [Iranian] Islamic Revolutionary Guard, or Quds Force, continues to train and arm terrorists and supplies more terrorists in Iraq," a military officer in Baghdad recently told The News.

Ackerman said Iraq is being absorbed into a "regional proxy war with Iran."

"The President has inherited a plateful of inedibles," he added. "But he can't ignore it."

Retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey recently wrote after visiting the region that Iran has "significant covert resources in Iraq," and warned any hasty U.S. withdrawal will "imperil" gains there.

131 opinionated  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:28:09am

re: #116 Ringo the Gringo

I like Sarah Palin....as the Governor of Alaska.

I think she would be of help to our side as a US Senator.

132 opnion  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:28:13am

re: #97 WriterMom

Most of her problems came from two places:

1) The MSM in the tank for Obama
2) John McCain figuratively throwing her to the wolves.

Oh yeah , McCain stiffed her. When the MSM & Dem pundits made her a national pinata where was McCain? She defended him all over the place.
I know that the VP is something of a planned lightening rod, but this was way over the top.

133 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:28:15am

re: #89 Jed 1899

Sarah and Rush will be the savior's of the US, as we once knew it. (pre sharia law)

God help us all. If this is what passes for keen political thinkers in out party, we are in trouble.

Why don't we just look to American Idol for a candidate (wait, the Dems already did that).

134 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:28:17am

re: #100 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

We're still not ready for him.

But, not because he's African-American.

135 VegasRick  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:28:20am

re: #78 Ben Hur

What's a PAC?

/Caroline Kennedy

Um..you know...like, ummmm you know, ummmmm.....uhhh, like, you know......ummm, like......you know.................................

136 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:28:32am

Fine- tell me what makes you folks think sexism isn't prevalent.

137 CIA Reject  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:07am

re: #94 Honorary Yooper

As is this guy. Enough of the "waiting your turn" crappola. It's McCain's turn!?! It's Bob Dole's turn!?! Gimme a fucking break. It's time competent people were chosen rather than those who think they are merely next in line. I don't give a damn if they are white, black, male, female, religious, areligious, as long as they are competent, and the best damn people we can put up for the job.

AMEN! This nonsense of putting somebody up there just because of seniority has got to stop. It gave us Clinton, and now it's given us BO...

138 Oh no...Sand People!  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:07am

As long is it isn't McCain, Paul, or Huckabee... I'm almost up for anyone. Fine. Bring on Palin.

139 saberry0530  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:09am

re: #123 Walter L. Newton

But, in my opinion, that's can't happen. The soul and moral compass of the party has been lost, and although there are us out here who know better, know how to fix it, know what needs to be done, we are not going to be able to make a dent in it. Not this soon.

I think we have discovered how much money, power and influence it takes to sway a party away from it's moral base.

Welcome to the new United States.


Congrats are in order there Walter, You broke 10K in comments!

140 Lincolntf  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:10am

re: #112 Sharmuta

Who thinks that? Not me.
But thinking that it's so pervasive that the freest, fairest country on Earth won't vote for a leader because of her genitalia strikes me as foolish and shortsighted. In fact, I'm pretty sure that Hillary would've beaten McCain in the general election, and we could already have proven ourselves "ready" had Obama remained in the Senate.

141 newsjunkie_ky  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:12am

re: #71 Earick

SARAH... Now that is hope and change I can vote for!

Finally the GOP showed some backbone! Not one Republican voted for the bailout bill!

BO owns it! The Dems live or die with the stimulus!

Have they taken the vote?

142 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:34am

re: #124 WriterMom

Palin/Bolton sounds even better.

As much as I like John Bolton, a politician, he is not. I envision his job as cleaning out the Augean Stables of the State Department. He'd be the best SecState we've had in decades.

143 subsailor68  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:38am

re: #123 Walter L. Newton

But, in my opinion, that's can't happen. The soul and moral compass of the party has been lost, and although there are us out here who know better, know how to fix it, know what needs to be done, we are not going to be able to make a dent in it. Not this soon.

I think we have discovered how much money, power and influence it takes to sway a party away from it's moral base.

Welcome to the new United States.

Well, Walter, you may be right. But as you've probably figured out, I'm pretty much an optimist. I'm hoping Michael Steele can work some magic over the next two years.

He's bright, he's classy, he's smart, (uh oh, there's no other way to end this) and doggone it, people like him.

:-)

144 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:54am

re: #90 WriterMom

It's like, you know...you know? Like you know?

Like her or not, Palin has 18 years experience in politics.

She's won and lost some.

She was a mayor and a governor of a state - that's like being the PM of a country in Europe.

Kennedy couldn't even handle getting APPOINTED.

And I'm sure she was belittling Palin during the election.

Was tougher to do than she thought.

145 kcladderman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:29:58am

re: #127 MandyManners

For me, it's the same as Romney's being a Mormon doesn't mean he'd promote bigamy.

Or Obama being a commie and not promoting... Oh wait. Never mind.
///////

146 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:30:04am

re: #106 DeafDog

As noble as this sounds, the lesson from Ross Perot & Company is that 3rd parties just don't work on the national level.

Putting cash there is just a waste of resources.

Yep. All it would do would be to split the GOP. Both (all?) wings of the GOP must come together and hammer out a new platform, which means that both (all?) wings will need to give up something.

147 DeafDog  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:30:10am

re: #97 WriterMom

Most of her problems came from two places:

1) The MSM in the tank for Obama
2) John McCain figuratively throwing her to the wolves.

I think her biggest problem is the katie Couric interview. For whatever reason it was bad and is now emblazoned on the American pysche. She needs to prove that the interview was bad and that she is more substantive. It's a big job.

I think she should put 2012 on the side burner and spend a few years proving herself.

But what do I know? I would have give the same advice to Obama in 2008.

148 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:30:20am

re: #112 Sharmuta

{sharm} all of us women have.....America is ready for a Lady as President and we can make that happen. i'll vote for the conservative male/female but i think Sarah will be ready for the office in 4 yrs

149 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:30:25am
150 kcladderman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:30:40am

re: #131 opinionated

I think she would be of help to our side as a US Senator.

At least a mover and shaker in the party.

151 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:30:53am

The best complaint letter ever?

152 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:30:54am

re: #93 Charles

Besides, she can always claim she was in the ladies room, simply wasn't paying attention, or didn't attend church that week (s). It worked for the potus.

153 vxbush  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:14am

I would like to see Bolton in any position where he would have the authority to kick some government idiots to the curb.

154 humpty dumpty was pushed  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:21am

re: #106 DeafDog

Perhaps you`re right, but I don`t feel representation from either party right now. As to my votes, the national candidate I felt compelled to support went down in flames while my regional choices fared pretty well.

155 Wild Knight  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:33am

re: #142 Honorary Yooper

As much as I like John Bolton, a politician, he is not. I envision his job as cleaning out the Augean Stables of the State Department. He'd be the best SecState we've had in decades.

Mmm... quite an image. The assorted nasties of the world cowering before Bolton girded with a lion skin and whacking great club in his hands. Fits the image.

156 subsailor68  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:35am

re: #149 buzzsawmonkey

But is he clean and articulate?

LOL!

157 ThinkRight  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:41am

re: #148 phoenixgirl

{sharm} all of us women have.....America is ready for a Lady as President and we can make that happen. i'll vote for the conservative male/female but i think Sarah will be ready for the office in 4 yrs


She is more ready now than Obama is

158 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:47am

re: #143 subsailor68

Well, Walter, you may be right. But as you've probably figured out, I'm pretty much an optimist. I'm hoping Michael Steele can work some magic over the next two years.

He's bright, he's classy, he's smart, (uh oh, there's no other way to end this) and doggone it, people like him.

:-)

Thank you Stewart.

re: #139 saberry0530

Congrats are in order there Walter, You broke 10K in comments!

Shit, I'll bet that puts me in a higher tax bracket!

159 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:47am

re: #117 phoenixgirl

he has balls, their just in michele's purse

.... and here I thought Hillary had the testicle lock box ;~)

160 Oh no...Sand People!  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:54am

re: #151 Ben Hur

The best complaint letter ever?

I laughed alot during that one. I dig the humor.

161 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:31:56am

re: #124 WriterMom

Palin/Bolton sounds even better.

I can hear the MFM and cocktail circuit howling now.

162 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:32:21am

re: #148 phoenixgirl

What makes you think America is ready for a female CiC?

163 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:32:44am

re: #152 vagabond trader

Besides, she can always claim she was in the ladies room, simply wasn't paying attention, or didn't attend church that week (s). It worked for the potus.

she wouldn't lie about that. that's the difference between the two

164 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:32:47am

re: #151 Ben Hur

Hilarious. Totally hilarious.

165 OldLineTexan  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:33:03am

re: #152 vagabond trader

Besides, she can always claim she was in the ladies room, simply wasn't paying attention, or didn't attend church that week (s). It worked for the potus.

Oh, gosh, I know I FERVENTLY BELIEVE EVERYTHING I ever heard a pastor/visiting minister sat at MY church.

/sarc tag for the impaired

Sheesh, I guess I'll write her a letter and ask...nevermind her record. Records obviously don't count anymore.

166 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:33:05am

re: #136 Sharmuta

Fine- tell me what makes you folks think sexism isn't prevalent.

It is prevalent but, I don't think it is a wide-spread as the MFM made it out to be.

167 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:33:41am

And by the way, much as it's my considered opinion that Palin would be a disastrous candidate, I was far more against the ridiculous "candidacy" (read: elbowing her way past the line) of Ms. "I don't know what I'm doing, but I've got the right last name" Kennedy and her arrogant move to be the next dynast of that insufferable family.

I'd rather not have Palin as president, but if she can do it, I'll give her as much support as she turns out to deserve.

168 opnion  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:33:48am

re: #88 WriterMom

OT: Really good piece:

Suddenly, Obama Has Muslim Roots

He was enrolled in Indonesian Public School as a Muslim. He took koranic studies. Further people there recall him attending Mosque with step dad Lo Lo.
I do not question that he is now a Christian, but it seems counter intuitive to argue that he was never a Muslim. You could argue that he never made the choice, but neither do baptised Catholics, etc.

169 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:33:52am

re: #145 kcladderman

Or Obama being a commie and not promoting... Oh wait. Never mind.
///////

LOL!

170 unreconstructed rebel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:34:10am

re: #162 Sharmuta

What makes you think America is ready for a female CiC?

After Bubba & The One, the Pentagon will have no trouble with Sarah.

171 Oh no...Sand People!  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:34:16am

re: #162 Sharmuta

What makes you think America is ready for a female CiC?

At this point I would even take an illegal immigrant for CiC...

/not intended to diminish the idea of a female Prez.

172 Who Watches the Watchmen?  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:34:38am

Cue PDS 2.0 in 5...4...3...2...

173 lostlakehiker  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:34:43am

The Obama administration would have to melt down in epic style for Palin to have a chance.

She's smart, she's good looking, she's got relevant executive experience, and she's conservative. But what then? The nation is not in the mood for bans on fetal stem cell research, nor for textbooks that call for examining the strengths and weaknesses of evolution or other basic scientific facts. She doesn't have any experience on the international stage. She might secure the GOP nomination, but that would be an empty prize for a nominee who cannot draw from the middle.

174 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:35:05am

re: #147 DeafDog

She needs a little media training, because the MSM give her no wiggle room and forgiveness. For comparison, remember the Obama-Sans-Teleprompter videos? Such an idiot, babbling along incoherently. Her team just needs media training with emphasis on aggressive, badgering LEFT WING asshole reporters coming at her. A real bootcamp. That's not hard to find.

175 Who Watches the Watchmen?  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:35:11am

re: #171 Oh no...Sand People!

At this point I would even take an illegal immigrant for CiC...

/not intended to diminish the idea of a female Prez.

RACIST NIRTHER!
/

176 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:35:35am

re: #166 MandyManners

Mandy- I've seen misogyny on this blog towards our new first lady. It's disgusting. What do her clothes or butt have to do with anything? These are the little things that are part and parcel of a larger issue.

177 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:35:41am

re: #153 vxbush

I would like to see Bolton in any position where he would have the authority to kick some government idiots to the curb.

Mustache tracks on their backs.

178 Kenneth  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:35:49am

In no particular order, I look the look of a Petraeus/Palin ticket.

179 SurferDoc  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:36:16am

This, right now, is her test. She will either rise above the MSM and Dem hose job and become a viable candidate in the next for years or she will not. She is smart enough and has all the charisma anyone could ever want. The road map is obvious: Bone up on world affairs, become credible on policy, build grass roots organizations, stay in the news in a good way, and keep moving forward. It is on her. I think she can do it.

180 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:36:17am

Wonder if Sara has an egg of power.

181 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:36:25am

re: #168 opnion

He was enrolled in Indonesian Public School as a Muslim. He took koranic studies. Further people there recall him attending Mosque with step dad Lo Lo.
I do not question that he is now a Christian, but it seems counter intuitive to argue that he was never a Muslim. You could argue that he never made the choice, but neither do baptised Catholics, etc.

Just a question, point of understanding. Did he ever say he wasn't a Muslim THEN, or that he didn't receive Koranic training?

I can only remember him saying he wasn't a Muslim NOW, and basically was mum on what bearing his schooling had on his youth.

182 vxbush  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:36:31am

re: #177 MandyManners

Mustache tracks on their backs.

ROTF! Exactly.

183 tfc3rid  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:36:39am

re: #162 Sharmuta

What makes you think America is ready for a female CiC?

We have a female CinC on 24... I mean come on, the only reason we were ready for an African-American President was because of David Palmer on 24...

/sarc

184 nyc redneck  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:36:39am

she knows what she is up against now.
and she won't have mccain trying to muzzle her.
she did great when was her down to earth conservative self.
and the way o is going to muck things up, will cause a lot of people to gravitate to someone like sarah palin.
voters will NOT be looking for another phony nuanced empty suit.
the platitudinous messiah game will be over.
sarah has a great chance to become potus.

185 Oh no...Sand People!  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:36:43am

re: #175 Who Watches the Watchmen?

RACIST NIRTHER!
/

LOL!

186 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:09am

re: #168 opnion

I just think he really hit the nail on the head...the whole campaign was based on him denying his roots, and VOILA now he is POTUS, and it's all huggy-huggy I love my Muslim roots stuff.

187 pat  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:22am

re: #88 WriterMom

OT: Really good piece:

Suddenly, Obama Has Muslim Roots

Very good piece. Typical MSM calling the shots. Even for McCain.

188 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:31am

re: #176 Sharmuta

Mandy- I've seen misogyny on this blog towards our new first lady. It's disgusting. What do her clothes or butt have to do with anything? These are the little things that are part and parcel of a larger issue.

True, and I've perpetrated a lot of the slurs against her style but, that does not mean that this nation is not able to vote for a woman.

189 AuntAcid  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:43am

re: #4 karmic_inquisitor

That is what we need to focus on.

focus?... I'm in the mood for some serious "navel grazing".

190 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:45am

re: #180 vagabond trader

Wonder if Sara has an egg of power.

She has five great kids! She obviously had more than one good egg of power.

191 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:49am

re: #176 Sharmuta

Mandy- I've seen misogyny on this blog towards our new first lady. It's disgusting. What do her clothes or butt have to do with anything? These are the little things that are part and parcel of a larger issue.

I think a lot of those comments have come from our female posters. We all know that men never notice what a woman has on ;) !

192 Natasha  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:50am

To be honest, I would prefer Sarah Palin as C in C. A no-nonsense woman of character is so much better as The Boss than some effeminate arugula-munching metrosexual shyster. I do think the military is ready for a female C in C. Already have a female 4-star. From personal experience, I can say that it is less about gender than it is about performance.

193 Nevergiveup  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:37:58am

18:18 France: Israeli troops fired warning shots at French diplomat in Jerusalem (AP)

Personally I think they were new raw IDF recruits without adequate fire arms training and aim yet?

194 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:38:14am

re: #162 Sharmuta

What makes you think America is ready for a female CiC?

In 1980, would you have thought the UK ready for a female PM?

195 NYCHardhat  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:38:26am

When she wins Sharm, we want you to smile.

196 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:38:30am

I've asked with sincerity what makes anyone think America is ready. It would be nice to have a sincere answer.

197 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:38:39am

re: #183 tfc3rid

We have a female CinC on 24... I mean come on, the only reason we were ready for an African-American President was because of David Palmer on 24...

/sarc

I'm ready for a robot Nixon President, thanks to Futurama.

198 lostlakehiker  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:38:53am

re: #151 Ben Hur

The best complaint letter ever?

I'd eat it. Curious George will put anything in his mouth that hasn't actually made him sick already. Why not me?

199 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:05am

re: #192 Natasha

Betcha the military would have more respect for her than what they have to salute now.

200 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:07am

re: #176 Sharmuta

Mandy- I've seen misogyny on this blog towards our new first lady. It's disgusting. What do her clothes or butt have to do with anything? These are the little things that are part and parcel of a larger issue.

And, I would be equally as mocking of a First Gentleman who dressed badly as I have been of WAB.

201 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:13am

re: #196 Sharmuta

Because there is nothing American women can't do.

202 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:15am

re: #194 Honorary Yooper

In 1980, would you have thought the UK ready for a female PM?

I knew a Thatcher comment would come- how many women has the UK elected since?

203 SurferDoc  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:30am

re: #180 vagabond trader

Wonder if Sara has an egg of power.

She gave birth with them and has some left over.

204 unreconstructed rebel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:37am

re: #194 Honorary Yooper

In 1980, would you have thought the UK ready for a female PM?

The biggy that the UK had going for them is that for two of their greatest eras, a queen occupied the throne.

205 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:39am

re: #201 WriterMom

Because there is nothing American women can't do.

Except be President, you mean.

206 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:45am

re: #193 Nevergiveup

18:18 France: Israeli troops fired warning shots at French diplomat in Jerusalem (AP)

Personally I think they were new raw IDF recruits without adequate fire arms training and aim yet?

It was just a training mission to teach the Frenchman how to surrender.
/

207 Lincolntf  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:49am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I already did. Minus Obama, Hillary would already be President. I suppose I can't prove that, but nor can you prove that we are "not ready".

208 Opilio  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:53am

re: #127 MandyManners

For me, it's the same as Romney's being a Mormon doesn't mean he'd promote bigamy.

The LDS church officially ceased condoning poligamy 119 years ago. Few people seem to acknowledge that.

209 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:39:55am

re: #192 Natasha

effeminate arugula-munching metrosexual shyster.

LOLOLOLOL killing me...hahahhahahahahahaha

210 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:00am
211 DeafDog  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:01am

re: #154 humpty dumpty was pushed

Perhaps you`re right, but I don`t feel representation from either party right now. As to my votes, the national candidate I felt compelled to support went down in flames while my regional choices fared pretty well.

As southpark brilliantly parodied, all campaigns for president are between a Giant Douche and a Turd Sandwich. It's just the way it is because that's been proven to be the only way to build national coalitions. You could never get someone to agree with you all the time on all issues.

212 Kenneth  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:10am

re: #186 WriterMom

At least when he's talking to Jihad TV News. When he's talking to "ordinary Americans" (ie. bitter Bible clinging racists) Obama will revert to the,
"that's not the Prophet that I knew" stance.

Intellectual Consistency is not so important for the One.

213 NYCHardhat  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:13am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I've asked with sincerity what makes anyone think America is ready. It would be nice to have a sincere answer.

Sincere answer: The country elected a mixed race POTUS. We are ready for a woman.

214 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:13am

re: #205 Sharmuta

Nope.

215 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:27am

re: #142 Honorary Yooper

As much as I like John Bolton, a politician, he is not. I envision his job as cleaning out the Augean Stables of the State Department. He'd be the best SecState we've had in decades.

The country needs fewer "Politicians" and more stable cleaners .... Just look at the leading congressional republicans throwing Rush under the bus because he said he wants Obama to fail in his socialist connivances.

216 turn  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:27am

re: #125 Sharmuta

Because I have eyes!

Yeah I should have used mine to read on before asking that question. I caught your sexism and good old boy posts up thread. That may all be true but Hillary nearly got the nomination too. I'm not suggesting Palin, or for that matter any other candidate, would be a shoe-in but I don't think being a women would necessarily doom your chances. That is all ....

217 jcbunga  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:36am

The fact is, there are no conservative leaders.

Any in office now are either not conservatives or have presided over the Frenchification of the country. They have all failed.

I'll vote for anyone who abides by the Constitution, rolls back spending, and understands and employs Reaganism.

4" spike heels are nice, too.

218 NYCHardhat  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:46am

re: #205 Sharmuta

Except be President, you mean.

OMG!

219 newsjunkie_ky  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:40:54am

re: #184 nyc redneck

she knows what she is up against now.
and she won't have mccain trying to muzzle her.
she did great when was her down to earth conservative self.
and the way o is going to muck things up, will cause a lot of people to gravitate to someone like sarah palin.
voters will NOT be looking for another phony nuanced empty suit.
the platitudinous messiah game will be over.
sarah has a great chance to become potus.


I agree. And, like Rush, if the 0 continues to take America down a socialist path, I hope he FAILS.

220 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:41:06am

re: #179 SurferDoc

This, right now, is her test. She will either rise above the MSM and Dem hose job and become a viable candidate in the next for years or she will not. She is smart enough and has all the charisma anyone could ever want. The road map is obvious: Bone up on world affairs, become credible on policy, build grass roots organizations, stay in the news in a good way, and keep moving forward. It is on her. I think she can do it.

I want the party to reconstitute at the grass roots level. Putting Palin or anyone in office just to pal around with the moral idiots that are rampant in the party is a waste of time.

The party HAS to be cleaned out first on the local and state level. If this takes some time, so be it, but if we don't do it, we're screwed.

The best test of what I am saying, just sit back and watch what the Republicans in office now do in the Congress and House. Watch their votes. And pay attention to what handouts are coming back to your states.

You are going to see that those already in power are not going to be acting much like conservatives.

No one woman, or man is going to be able to be thrown into that nest of idiots and do anything about it.

Start in you own community.

221 WriterMom  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:41:13am

re: #211 DeafDog

all campaigns for president are between a Giant Douche and a Turd Sandwich

That is so funny I am gonna die...hahahhahahaa. That's like HAMAS versus FATAH. I gotta remember that.

222 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:41:13am

re: #202 Sharmuta

I knew a Thatcher comment would come- how many women has the UK elected since?

It has less to do with gender and more to do with ideology.

223 Oh no...Sand People!  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:41:21am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I've asked with sincerity what makes anyone think America is ready. It would be nice to have a sincere answer.

Margaret Thatcher comes to mind.

Though skin color is irrelevant to me, if I have to take it into account, I would guess that skin color is a bigger obstacle than gender. Obama showed that skin color isn't an issue. I really doubt that gender will stop anyone.

224 Erik The Red  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:41:30am

Thanks Sharmuta for the idea lets see if it works. Look at my new icon....

225 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:41:54am

re: #208 Opilio

The LDS church officially ceased condoning poligamy 119 years ago. Few people seem to acknowledge that.

I was dredging up the stereotype.

226 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:42:03am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I've asked with sincerity what makes anyone think America is ready. It would be nice to have a sincere answer.

I don't think America is ready for Sarah Palin. I do think the right female candidate could easily take the White House, especially given that the same people who say we're not ready for that said the same thing about Obama.

Turning the question about, why do you think we're not ready?

227 Natasha  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:42:16am

re: #199 vagabond trader

Betcha the military would have more respect for her than what they have to salute now.

Indeed.

228 OldLineTexan  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:42:26am

What kind of dye is used to cover up Muslim roots?

/

229 tfc3rid  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:42:32am

Phil Gingery was on Laura Ingraham this morning and was talking about his comments regaridng Rush being taken out of context.

Gingery said he will be on with Rush today.

230 lostlakehiker  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:42:48am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I've asked with sincerity what makes anyone think America is ready. It would be nice to have a sincere answer.

You might take response 194 as sincere. This country is, and has been for some time, ready for a woman who is twice as good as any man on offer. If we're lucky enough. Mostly, we won't be. Then the question is, are we ready for a woman who's marginally better than the other guy?

Yes, if she can catch some luck. Obama didn't beat out Hillary because no woman can win, he won because he had a sharper team. They focused on winning caucus states and they had a far better fundraising operation.

No iron law of American politics requires that the next woman choose a clueless campaign manager and be a virgin to internet fundraising.

231 Erik The Red  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:42:51am

re: #224 Erik The Red

Thanks Sharmuta for the idea lets see if it works. Look at my new icon....

Failed I'll try again.
Morning /Afternoon Lizards

232 Spare O'Lake  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:42:53am

Wasilla is the home of the Iditarod.

233 nyc redneck  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:43:26am

re: #20 Sharmuta

America's not ready.

america might be ready after the harm o causes.
we are in for some sobering moments. that could make way for clarity.

234 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:43:27am

Women and minorities only exist if they are Democrats.

235 jcbunga  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:43:44am

re: #229 tfc3rid

Phil Gingery was on Laura Ingraham this morning and was talking about his comments regaridng Rush being taken out of context.

Gingery said he will be on with Rush today.

I was misquoted.

The last refuge of the motor mouth.

236 yesandno  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:43:50am

re: #101 goddessoftheclassroom

Ok, here's my weird semi-conspiracy theory:

I think that McCain never anticipated the extent of Sarah's popularity, and it irritated him a little and his staff even more. I think that some of them would rather McCain lose and return to the senate than have Sarah stealing the spotlight as Vice-President, so there was some (at least unconscious) self-sabotage going on in terms of leaks.

No, I have no proof at all.

I think you are correct. At the same time, I think Cindy McCain was probably pulling for her.

237 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:44:14am

re: #162 Sharmuta

What makes you think America is ready for a female CiC?

i don't think conservatives would vote solely on gender and or race. i think conservatives vote on values. i think the majority of
Americans are decent people who aren't concerned with the packaging but with the product.

238 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:44:22am

re: #196 Sharmuta

My only reply is that modern country's have had female leaders. Seriously, you think that places like India, Pakistan, Israel,Germany, and England are more enlightened regarding the ability of a woman to lead effectively?

239 SurferDoc  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:44:40am

re: #220 Walter L. Newton

I want the party to reconstitute at the grass roots level. Putting Palin or anyone in office just to pal around with the moral idiots that are rampant in the party is a waste of time.

The party HAS to be cleaned out first on the local and state level. If this takes some time, so be it, but if we don't do it, we're screwed.

The best test of what I am saying, just sit back and watch what the Republicans in office now do in the Congress and House. Watch their votes. And pay attention to what handouts are coming back to your states.

You are going to see that those already in power are not going to be acting much like conservatives.

No one woman, or man is going to be able to be thrown into that nest of idiots and do anything about it.

Start in you own community.

Walter, I agree with you entirely. Sarah Palin will have to find her way through the mess you describe so well and become part of the solution in order to succeed. Her record includes having cleaned out some of the mess in the republican party in her home state. That encourages me.

240 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:44:53am

re: #202 Sharmuta

I knew a Thatcher comment would come- how many women has the UK elected since?

I'm sure there are a fair number of female MPs, and let's not forget who is the figurehead of the state. Ditto for The Netherlands and Denmark.

The US may be more ready than one thinks for the election of a female president. Who, a year ago, would've thought a dark-skinned man such as Obama could be president?

241 unreconstructed rebel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:45:42am

re: #237 phoenixgirl

Americans are decent people who aren't concerned with the packaging but with the product.

That said, please explain Obama to me.

242 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:45:48am

re: #223 Oh no...Sand People!

One- one woman in a different country. I don't accept that answer.

243 tfc3rid  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:46:04am

re: #239 SurferDoc

I agree that the party needs to rethink what it is all about...

I have once again offered to put my name on our local ballot to run for any office where a Republican is not on the ballot.

244 Kenneth  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:46:07am

Iraq War Update: Fight Shifts From AQI to Iran's Agents

some policymakers now see the Iraq war as simply one battlefront in a broader conflict. No, not the “Global War on Terror” waged by ex-President Bush. A new war.

“This is rapidly becoming a regional proxy war with Iran,” argues Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens), chairman of a House Foreign Relations Committee’s panel on the Middle East and South Asia. “The big threat is, was and will remain in the future, Iran.”

“We’re definitely trying to fight Iran’s influence in Iraq,” agreed a U.S. intelligence official.

Today, violence in Iraq is way down compared to a year ago. With the Sunni-supported Al Qaeda in Iraq on the ropes, the U.S. military now routinely issues statements about operations targeting Tehran-backed militias such as the “Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq criminal network,” which they allege gets cash, training and weapons from the Iranian Quds Force, and the “Katai’b Hezbollah,” described by the U.S. as a “surrogate of Iran.”

While the U.S. has patched together a fragile and imperfect truce of sorts between Iraq’s warring factions, “if there was a political implosion, or security deteriorated, it would be a serious breakdown,”

Well isn't that funny? During the election campaign the Democrat politicians and their media hacks constantly denied Iran was meddling in Iraq. Now, all of a sudden, it's a new "regional proxy war" with Iran.

Change!

245 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:46:18am

re: #240 Honorary Yooper

Not American, so I don't accept your answer.

246 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:47:26am

re: #226 Cato the Elder

I don't think America is ready for Sarah Palin. I do think the right female candidate could easily take the White House, especially given that the same people who say we're not ready for that said the same thing about Obama.

Turning the question about, why do you think we're not ready?

Because I saw the depths of sexism in 2008 in this country. It's deep, and needs correcting before we can elect a woman.

247 rawmuse  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:47:44am

The Democrats react to Sarah Palin like Dracula does when being shown a crucifix and sprinkled with holy water, so that ain't all bad.

God save us from these "moderate" Republicans, you know the ones that are greasing the skids for Obama even as we speak.

248 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:47:52am

re: #238 vagabond trader

My only reply is that modern country's have had female leaders. Seriously, you think that places like India, Pakistan, Israel,Germany, and England are more enlightened regarding the ability of a woman to lead effectively?

Yes.

249 yma o hyd  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:48:14am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I've asked with sincerity what makes anyone think America is ready. It would be nice to have a sincere answer.

I think its not a question of America being 'ready' - its a question of a female candidate being convincing in her politics.

I mean, c'mon, if staid, backwater Great Britain was able to be 'ready' for a female head of state in 1979, never mind all those others (disregarding political colour here)like Golda Meir, Indira Ghandi, , Angela Merkel, Mrs Bandaranaike and assorted female heads of Bangladesh, then wtf do you think the modern Americans can't be?

Its not as if there was no old-boy power network in those other countries in the 1960s and 1970s!

250 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:48:28am

re: #238 vagabond trader

My only reply is that modern country's have had female leaders. Seriously, you think that places like India, Pakistan, Israel,Germany, and England are more enlightened regarding the ability of a woman to lead effectively?

Were it not for The One descending from the clouds astride his magic unicorn, we would likely have a woman President now.

251 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:48:59am

re: #250 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Were it not for The One descending from the clouds astride his magic unicorn, we would likely have a woman President now.

I don't.

252 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:50:05am

Obama's roots are showing!---->

253 eschew_obfuscation  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:50:27am

re: #173 lostlakehiker

The Obama administration would have to melt down in epic style for Palin to have a chance.

She's smart, she's good looking, she's got relevant executive experience, and she's conservative. But what then? The nation is not in the mood for bans on fetal stem cell research, nor for textbooks that call for examining the strengths and weaknesses of evolution or other basic scientific facts. She doesn't have any experience on the international stage. She might secure the GOP nomination, but that would be an empty prize for a nominee who cannot draw from the middle.

The nation may not be in the mood for embryonic stem cell research bans, but there's no evidence that anything will come of that and there IS evidence that adult stem cell science can produce results largely obviating the need for ebryonic stem cell work..... beside that, embryonic stem cell research has never been banned..... only federal funding for it has been.

Palin has not called for any ID or creationist propaganda in schools and has specifically said she would not.

Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, GWB, and BHO all had no foreign policy experience at the start of their terms.

254 rawmuse  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:50:38am

ACORN is getting 4(+) BILLION dollars today to do with what they will.
And some MODERATE Republicans are voting YES.
Wrap your minds around that one, please.

255 kcladderman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:50:58am

Putting Palin or anyone in office just to pal around with the moral idiots that are rampant in the party is a waste of time.
Down dinged you just for that line.

256 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:51:07am

My stars! Even bringing up misogyny among women gets women upset, and they don't want to listen. This is a serious problem, imo, and thinking like Pollyanna isn't going to change it.

257 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:51:14am

re: #245 Sharmuta

Not American, so I don't accept your answer.

You don't have to. I'm only showing what is. As I said before, I think you underestimate the American people on who they think could be presidential material. As it was, McCain's numbers only grew after Palin was nominated as VP, while BHO promised to be further to the Left than Hillary Clinton. That tells me it's more about ideology than race or gender.

If it was all about race and gender, then we'd have had McCain/Huckabee vs. Edwards/Biden (or some such thing). Ideology trumps everything else.

258 humpty dumpty was pushed  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:52:32am

re: #211 DeafDog

Lmao! I asked for the McTurd sandwich but the kids put a giant douche in my take-out sack.

259 turn  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:53:10am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I've asked with sincerity what makes anyone think America is ready. It would be nice to have a sincere answer.

I'm and American male and I'm ready.

260 Natasha  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:53:10am

After the amorphous, vapid commie amoeba we have in charge now, the next President's gender will be of no concern to the voters. There will be much bigger issues for them to worry about.
And yes, like Rush, I hope the Metro Robin Hood fails miserably. Although, there really is no need for "hoping". Socialism has a 100% fail rate. Failure is a given. Mheh.

261 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:53:12am

re: #239 SurferDoc

Walter, I agree with you entirely. Sarah Palin will have to find her way through the mess you describe so well and become part of the solution in order to succeed. Her record includes having cleaned out some of the mess in the republican party in her home state. That encourages me.

No, I don't agree with what you say. The foundation is damaged. If she is in there, and we haven't fixed the foundation, we will be undermining ANYONE who tries to run as a Republican presidential candidate.

Let's take a break from all this and fix the foundation.

262 opnion  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:53:21am

re: #181 Walter L. Newton

Just a question, point of understanding. Did he ever say he wasn't a Muslim THEN, or that he didn't receive Koranic training?

I can only remember him saying he wasn't a Muslim NOW, and basically was mum on what bearing his schooling had on his youth.

Yes he did. He was interviewed by Steve Kroft on 60 minutes & denied ever being a Muslim.

263 Honorary Yooper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:54:01am

re: #256 Sharmuta

My stars! Even bringing up misogyny among women gets women upset, and they don't want to listen. This is a serious problem, imo, and thinking like Pollyanna isn't going to change it.

Misogyny very much exists, but it is not as pervasive as some like to make it out to be. I've run into plenty of misandry, personally, which is more pervasive than people like to think.

264 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:54:02am

re: #254 rawmuse

ACORN is getting 4(+) BILLION dollars today to do with what they will. And some MODERATE Republicans are voting YES.
Wrap your minds around that one, please.

Er, the party is broken?

265 J.S.  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:54:10am

re: #181 Walter L. Newton

Walter, please, you're not gettin' how chicago style politics works? Look, you let your underlings do all the lying for you. Soo, it was the MSM hacks who'd start screaming "He ain't no Muslim and Never, Ever was One! How dare you, you vicious monster, for suggesting he's Muslim! ! " etc, and/or accuse anyone who brought up anything connecting Obama and Muslims as "RACIST!" Do you recall this?

266 formercorpsman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:54:41am

re: #251 Sharmuta

I have to tell you, I don't shy from talking light politics with patients, or anyone else.

The most rabid, knee jerk reactions to Palin have been from the middle class, soccer moms, bar none.

Just like the BDS out there, the MSM decided they would frame her VP candidacy, have the idiots react Pavlovian, and develop national opinion.

These are the same types who claim they want the ceiling broken.

267 kcladderman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:56:05am

re: #251 Sharmuta

I don't.

Well I do believe Clinton would have one also. That is water under the bridge.
If Sarah Palin along with Michal Steele can get the conservatives to try retake our party then I say go for it.
Walter is correct about the local and state too but I think it needs to be a three pronged attack. Local sate ans federal .

268 DeafDog  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:56:09am

re: #174 WriterMom

All true, but that interview was a political disaster. It's not golf - she doesn't get a do-over.

Undoing the damage done will take hard work.

269 vagabond trader  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:56:22am

re: #248 Sharmuta

No sale here. In the year 2009 I do not believe in American female victimhood. If this were 40 years ago, yes, it would have been ridiculous to consider a woman potus.It will happen in your lifetime.

270 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:57:02am

re: #246 Sharmuta

Because I saw the depths of sexism in 2008 in this country. It's deep, and needs correcting before we can elect a woman.

OK, fair enough. But I think a large part of the virulence manifested last year was because of Hillary's buzzsaw voice, her general arrogance and the holdover distaste for both Clintons that was found in both parties. Not so much because she is a woman. As for Palin, her being a woman didn't really hurt her among Obama voters, because they wouldn't have voted a McCain ticket no matter who was number two.

Are you saying that sexism cost McCain/Palin a large part of the potential GOP vote? That was not my impression, but correct me if I'm wrong. I thought it was McCain's piss-poor showing that did them in.

Again, I don't think she's the right candidate for the times, but I'm by no means convinced she couldn't pull it off. And then she would be my President.

271 SurferDoc  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 8:59:53am

re: #261 Walter L. Newton

No, I don't agree with what you say. The foundation is damaged. If she is in there, and we haven't fixed the foundation, we will be undermining ANYONE who tries to run as a Republican presidential candidate.

Let's take a break from all this and fix the foundation.

Who is going to do it and how? And how would Sarah Palin competing for a nomination over the next four years interfere with that in any way?

272 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:02:30am
273 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:04:20am

is America free from misogyny? no. is America the least misogynistic nation on earth? yes. have misogynistic nations elected females to lead them? yes. so why wouldn't the worlds least misogynistic nation be ready for a female president?

274 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:05:08am

re: #266 formercorpsman

I've not once excluded women from being sexists.

I'm just the messenger here. I'm pointing out what I see. I see deep seeded sexism and misogyny. So please shoot me.

275 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:05:12am

re: #271 SurferDoc

Who is going to do it and how? And how would Sarah Palin competing for a nomination over the next four years interfere with that in any way?

What do you mean, who's going to do it? That statement in itself proves to point what I am saying, the foundation is broke. We are the foundation and we have to fix it.

Because. it's going to take more than four years to fix this party. I don't even think there are enough really interested people who care about fixing it. How do I know that. Because there are people who are asking "Who is going to do it and how."

276 Bubblehead II  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:07:27am

re: #196 Sharmuta

I America ready? I honestly don't know. But if in the next 4 years she shows that she has more than a basic understanding of World issues, a responsible domestic policy and is fiscally conservative, I think that she may have a chance.

277 J.S.  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:08:37am

re: #256 Sharmuta

I also believe it's "a problem." I believe up-thread I read someone characterizing Sarah Palin as "ditzy"...This plays into the stereotype of the stupid, scatter-brained female. And the MSM played on this theme throughout the campaign -- and particularly devastating was that Fey impersonator, who, once again, played up the stereotype (most notably the claim that as an Alaskan, "Palin could see Russia from her front porch" and this gave her added "foreign policy" credence,etc.). I think there are deep wells of prejudice which the enemies (MSM) of Palin can easily draw upon (and they have done this), and it will be an extremely difficult, up-hill battle to overcome (and I do have doubts as to whether or not it's possible) -- how does one overcome the slander of being "ditzy"? Once branded in this way, how do you combat it? (I think a similar problem exists with Bobby Jindal -- but there it would be the MSM drawing upon underlying racist stereotypes about East Indians in combination with evangelicals...I suspect comics are salivating at the prospect.)

278 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:08:50am
279 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:10:25am

re: #241 unreconstructed rebel

That said, please explain Obama to me.

timing, the economy crashed as a result of failed democratic policies, mccain was a weak candidate only bolstered by his choice of Sarah as his running mate. mccain should have either never made the stupid promise to suspend his campaign over the economic crisis or kept the promise and then not voted for the bail out. oh, mccain feingold......

280 redstateredneck  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:13:10am

re: #277 J.S.

"Palin could see Russia from her front porch"


Who are ditzy are the people who actually attribute that quote to Sarah Palin. Just as those who thought George W. Bush said "misunderestimated".

281 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:13:21am
282 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:15:46am

re: #274 Sharmuta

I've not once excluded women from being sexists.

I'm just the messenger here. I'm pointing out what I see. I see deep seeded sexism and misogyny. So please shoot me.

Nobody wants there to be a shooting, Sharmuta. Your opinion is certainly a plausible one, but from my perspective, the right woman candidate would certainly get my vote, hands down, over any less qualified macho bozo Y-chromosome blowhard.

The right candidate. I happen not to think that's Sarah Palin, but she could prove me wrong (she's got four years to do it), and I could easily change my mind.

It'll be interesting to see which GOP grumpy old poops and good ole boys toss their hat into the ring next. Could be that I'll even vote for Palin in the primary if the party can't come up with something better than Huckabee, Romney or Jindal.

I anxiously await further developments. But I also hope we're not in for four years of non-stop campaigning. It would be nice if we could face 1010 first without focusing on 1012 for 208 straight weeks.

283 formercorpsman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:20:07am

re: #274 Sharmuta

I actually had a lengthy response, but I just lost it to a mis-stroke of a key.

I never implied you left females out of your equation.

At least 50% of the public did not vote for Obama. I know my vote became enthusiastic when she was named as the VP.

I think you are not giving credit to enough of the people in this country for feeling, and acting the same way I did.

284 SagamoreGal  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:30:15am

Sarah, if she decides to run in 2012, will win the Republican nomination in a landslide. However, to not get creamed in the general election, she must definitely take up residence temporarily in one of the lower 48's larger cities after she leaves the Alaska statehouse in 2010; go on a massive media blitz in NY and D.C. ; start working with a variety of moderate and conservate "think tanks"; write more than just her memoirs;and delve into Republican party history to more than just Ronald Reagan's era. She should leave her "speaking in tongues" church behind and maybe go back to her Catholic roots. She could also remain very visible by signing on to be a national leader with a group like the Special Olympics. Building bridges with the Kennedy family probably wouldn't hurt. I'm hoping that she's pushing for the really big bucks from the sale of her memoir rights to be able to move her family to the lower 48 after 2010.

285 medaura18586  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:32:38am

By and large, I think sexism is much more prevalent in the West than racism. But that, by itself, is not saying much, because the latter is fading by the minute. Gender roles, as opposed to racial stereotypes, are deeply ingrained in culture and lifestyle, not to mention biology. The treatment of women, even in idealized form, be it in literature, cinema, religion, or popular culture, gives us obvious clues. Women's treatment of themselves, the fact that most of us wear makeup and high heels, is indicative of the different normative standards applying to each gender.

Some of it is men's doing, but I think most of it is our own doing. In university I had virtually no female friends. I couldn't find any girls willing and able to discuss serious ideas on an elevated intellectual level: whether it was physics, mathematics, literature, philosophy, politics, you name it. I was nearly the only female in nearly every non-physical activity that interested me. The silliest conversations I have ever unintentionally eavesdropped on were among girls. By law of large numbers, I think women in North America are less intellectually stimulating than men, and the primary reason for that is that they hold different standards and priorities for themselves. Perhaps they think that being perceived as ditzy makes them more attractive to the opposite sex, in some perverse way. But this is my observation.

Of course, I am not prejudiced against any woman in particular, and although I do believe that sexism is much more alive than racism in this country, it is also my hunch that Americans' desire to prove to themselves that they aren't sexist trumps their innate (largely subconscious) sexism. I think being a woman would help rather than hinder, any presidential candidate's prospects: she would get more attention, more media coverage, and potentially, gentlemanish treatment.

As for THIS woman being contemplated, I would vote for Obama over Sarah Palin every day of the week. I would likely vote for any Democrat over her. There isn't a single thing I care for in Palin, and besides, I wouldn't want an anti-abortion-choice, young-earth creationist, and anti-intellectual populist to be the first woman POTUS. There likely would never be a next one, after her.

Just my 2 cents.

286 kynna  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:35:47am

re: #285 medaura18586

You obviously know nothing about Sarah Palin so, of course you'd vote for a democrat. You probably always vote for democrats because you're pathetically ill-informed.

287 J.S.  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:35:56am

re: #280 redstateredneck

Indeed. There was a video clip here (i believe shortly after the election) and some fellow was doing on-the-street interviews and asking about Sarah Palin. And, these individuals were repeating that line about Russia and truly believing that it was said by Sarah Palin (not Tina Fey), and that was why they wouldn't vote for Palin -- "cause Palin's ditzy." (I wonder if the MSM/enemies, etc., didn't learn how to do this from the George Bush years? Constantly characterizing Bush as stupid, etc. (?)) I knew people who utterly, utterly detested Bush "'cause Bush is stupid." etc.)

288 VioletTiger  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:40:08am

re: #114 turn

The liberals and MSM will use any weapon that they can get their hands on. Sexism is handy, and doesn't generate the outcry that racism does. Hey, even other women piled on Sarah. We've got a long way to go before we beat it.

289 Charles Johnson  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:41:18am

Four years is a long time, and things could happen to change everyone's opinion. Barack Obama was barely on the radar in 2004. But I have to admit (at the risk of my karma suffering a hit) that I'm not very enthusiastic about Sarah Palin as a Presidential candidate right now. I think she did rather poorly in this last election on several fronts, especially on scientific issues, and I strongly disagree with her support of the marriage amendment.

290 VioletTiger  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:42:41am

re: #272 Iron Fist

I think a Rudi/Palin or a Romney/Palin ticket may have had a different result. McCain was the problem, not Sarah. Rudi or Romney would never have allowed some of the crap that went down.

291 medaura18586  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:42:47am

re: #286 kynna

You obviously know nothing about Sarah Palin so, of course you'd vote for a democrat. You probably always vote for democrats because you're pathetically ill-informed.

I have never voted in my life, but will likely be able to by 2012. I will invariably vote Democrat as a matter of principle should the Republican candidate be either Palin or Jindal.

In South Park language: I hate Democrats; but I really f*cking hate Social Conservatives.

That's that.

292 kynna  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:44:04am

Personally, I don't think Palin's got a chance to win against the disinformation campaign and the dunderheads who believe it. I also think she's going to be attacked by the 'old boy network' in the Republican party and that, frankly, makes me more sick than anything. So those two machines gunning for her at the same time will take out her chances for election, IMO.

Obama will win in 2012 because the GOP will throw Sarah Palin to the dogs and nominate someone uninspiring like Romney or Huckabee because it's 'his turn'.

But, as long as Palin becomes a power-player, though, I think she has a chance to make a positive difference. And the GOP can bite me if they continue the way they have.

For people to still believe the things they do about her ... sheesh. It speaks a great deal to how incredibly successful the MSM's 'scorched earth' campaign against her was. And how dim much of the voting public is.

And that's why Obama is president. Yay! ////

293 wiffersnapper  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:46:05am

Go Sarah!

294 J.S.  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:46:25am

Might also note, that I believe the MSM (along with CNN) is just waiting for that "tell all" book by Palin. (I really do fear a disaster is in the making...but, again, we will have to wait and see. But if the MSM attacks the book as viciously as they did Palin herself -- and there's a weak counter-response, well, I don't see how she can survive, politically.)

295 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:48:09am

re: #291 medaura18586

crossing fingers you won't be able to vote in the USA

296 kynna  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:48:14am

re: #291 medaura18586

I have never voted in my life, but will likely be able to by 2012. I will invariably vote Democrat as a matter of principle should the Republican candidate be either Palin or Jindal.

In South Park language: I hate Democrats; but I really f*cking hate Social Conservatives.

That's that.

Why hate someone for their beliefs if they don't force them on you?

Palin supported the marriage amendment, as Charles pointed out. I disagree with that stance, but it's not like she's alone in it. And she's actually proven herself to be someone who, when presented with new facts, is willing to keep an open mind. Not in a flip-flopping manner either. In an honest way.

She never forced her pro-life views, her thoughts on creation, her stance against abortion, her Christianity -- any of that -- on anyone in Alaska. And yet she somehow is condemned for her beliefs anyway.

Meanwhile, I get to pay for coerced abortions overseas because it goes along with President 0's beliefs. Who's the social fascist again?

297 Land Shark  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:48:57am

re: #289 Charles

While I happen like Sarah Palin a lot, I agree with you and think it's way to early to get on her presidential bandwagon. I think she's a good conservative, but I'd like to see her do a better job of explaining and articulating conservative principles. I think Mitt Romney is further ahead of her in that department. Right now he's my front runner, unless Fred decides to run again. If he does, I hope he makes a more serious attempt than the half-hearted campaign he ran in 2008.

298 Amer-I-Can  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:51:21am

re: #28 Dasher

I say they are on the fast track road to rebuilding ! Go Republicans ZERO votes on any spending bill going forward.

Exactly! Let the Dems dangle on the hook and be totally responsible for the financial spending. When it blows up the conservatives have a big I" told you so" ready.

Now, if we could just do something about those RINO's..... hmmmm

299 kynna  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:53:51am

re: #297 Land Shark

While I happen like Sarah Palin a lot, I agree with you and think it's way to early to get on her presidential bandwagon. I think she's a good conservative, but I'd like to see her do a better job of explaining and articulating conservative principles. I think Mitt Romney is further ahead of her in that department. Right now he's my front runner, unless Fred decides to run again. If he does, I hope he makes a more serious attempt than the half-hearted campaign he ran in 2008.

I think Fred's too old and Romney doesn't have a chance against Obama. As horribly as he's going to do and as rough shape as this country will be in, the candidate opposing him is going to have to be a superstar to get any traction. The press is never going to let it slip they made a mistake, so the campaign will be the same as 2008.

I don't think Palin has a chance. She's taken too many dishonest hits and too many people have their opinions set in stone. I think she will definitely be learning more about foreign policy and federalism in the next four years. I foresee her being exactly the person this country needs to bridge gaps. But, unfortunately, I see the media again attacking and attacking and demanding she 'go back to the kitchen where she belongs'.

300 pbird  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:57:22am

re: #31 Sharmuta

But he has a penis.

Unfortunately you might be right, but in four years even that might not matter.

301 medaura18586  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:58:06am

Remember what happened to the Whig Party over the issue of slavery?

Its reincarnation as the Republican Party has inherited certain reactionary elements of the Whig political philosophy that might dictate the GOP's undoing:

The emphasis on orderly procedure, deference to leadership, reverence for authority, de haut en bas populism, predisposition toward government largess, public works, and fiscal incontinence (manifested in Big Government Republicans).

I am personally done with patch-up solutions and compromise candidates. Any victories they might enjoy comes at the long-term detriment of the party's future. Unless there is a drastic shift of attitude toward science, social/sexual/reproductive mores, immigration, and an elucidation of free-enterprise friendly ideals (basically a transformation along Classical Liberal lines) I will fight the Republican Party on every level.

Unless it can become the Party of the Enlightenment, it needs to die, so that a new political/ideological force may fill the vacuum.

302 VioletTiger  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 9:59:54am

re: #291 medaura18586

I have never voted in my life, but will likely be able to by 2012. I will invariably vote Democrat as a matter of principle should the Republican candidate be either Palin or Jindal.

In South Park language: I hate Democrats; but I really f*cking hate Social Conservatives.

That's that.


Fundamental problem for conservatives and republicans:
For liberals and democrats, there is no such thing as 'too liberal'. They even love their crazies.

For conservatives and democrats, there are different degrees--you can be too conservative or not conservative enough, and a troubling lack of acceptance--divide and conquer.

There is little chance you will agree on every point, but the concept of the lesser of the two evils has to come into play. I may not agree with some of the issues, but as long as they are not forcing their views on me, I can deal with it. Otherwise you end up with a BHO.

303 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:01:29am
304 formercorpsman  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:03:16am

re: #289 Charles

I actually prefer discourse.

Obviously, I have not been shy in trying to respectfully express my opinions as it relates to my positions.

A couple of months ago, I made my argument, outside the realm of religion, as it relates to the marriage issue.

I think what is really interesting, especially watching the VP debate, it was pretty much equal as to the democrat or republican position on this topic. IIRC, Biden was pretty firm in saying their ticket was not for it.

Whether right or wrong, the social cons get left solely holding the ball on this. I think the data shows, it actually encompasses more than this political faction though.

I truly try to respect all opinions, debate earnestly, and stick to what I think is right. I am not for it, and I liken it to how we have come to debate creation versus evolution. All of the ramifications we see with wedge issues, I see with the special interest groups behind this.

I am totally convinced it will not stop here. If history is any indicator, the marriage will not stop there. It changes legal precedent with respect to what defines a family, who can enter a marriage arrangement, and broadens the classification which I think could not escape the polygamous argument. We already have the judicial on a multitude of occasions thwarting the legislative on this very topic.

As for fiscal conservatism, once this precedent is changed, is has exponential ramifications monetarily.

I'll wait to see where we are in 4 years. Hopefully, it might still matter at that point, if we have any leverage left at that point as a country.

305 medaura18586  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:07:35am

re: #296 kynna

Why hate someone for their beliefs if they don't force them on you?

Palin supported the marriage amendment, as Charles pointed out. I disagree with that stance, but it's not like she's alone in it. And she's actually proven herself to be someone who, when presented with new facts, is willing to keep an open mind. Not in a flip-flopping manner either. In an honest way.

She never forced her pro-life views, her thoughts on creation, her stance against abortion, her Christianity -- any of that -- on anyone in Alaska. And yet she somehow is condemned for her beliefs anyway.

Meanwhile, I get to pay for coerced abortions overseas because it goes along with President 0's beliefs. Who's the social fascist again?

I am talking about Political SoCons, of course: by definition, those who would try to shove their social agenda down Americans' throats. No one's personal beliefs are any of my business.

Sarah's stance on the marriage amendment is enough social fascism for me to be turned off. I know that she has not been very active in Alaska on her social agenda, but perhaps she couldn't afford to be. In my experience, morally condescending religious fundamentalists rarely resist the urge to dictate moral perfection to the masses once they have to power to. I would never want her in a position to appoint Supreme Court justices.

Had she been a staunch free-marketeering fiscal conservative, it might have mitigated my view. But that's not even a redeeming quality I may expect from her: She was for the infamous Bridge-to-Nowhere until the project became too unpopular, and I will never forget her populist rants on "the greed in Wall Street" to be blamed for the financial mess we're in.

No can do.

306 mattm  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:12:03am

Sarah! Sarah! Sarah!

307 Land Shark  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:14:28am

re: #299 kynna

You're correct, of course, about the dishonest hits Palin has taken. But I think McCain's overall weakness as a candidate, especially the way he never attacked or took advantage of Obama's liabilities, had a lot to do with the GOP's defeat in the elections. Whoever emerges as the GOP's front runner for 2012 will need to show more backbone and be willing to get down and dirty and exploit The One's many weaknesses.

I also agree the media will again try to savage Palin, hopefully she will grow some in statesmanship by then. I think she could be a formidable candidate, time will tell.

I think it's way too early to say who has and who doesn't have a chance against Obama. There's a lot that can happen between now and 2012, or even 2010. I think Obama is going to screw up big time more than once. Will the GOP finally grow a pair and seize the day? Stay tuned.

308 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:16:37am
309 medaura18586  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:16:58am

re: #302 VioletTiger

Enough people deferring to the "lesser of two evils" argument leads only to complacency. Republicans don't thrive in a complacent environment. They need to be challenged, and they need to learn a lesson: people are not going to put up with their B.S.

It's what we see regarding the "stimulus" and bailout packages: the "Me-too-but-less" attitude: "Democrats plan to waste 1 trillion of your money; we only want to waste 200 billion. Aren't we great!"

That's no way to lead. Being the lesser of two evils ought not to be good enough to get anyone into power.

310 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:18:46am
311 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:20:17am
312 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:21:16am
313 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:22:18am
314 Optimizer  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:28:41am

Realistically, our dear Sarah's resume WAS a bit thin this last go-'round [insert obligatory comparisons to the other members of both tickets here]. By next time, she'll have a decent level of experience being a governor, but there's still the matter of becoming more of a national figure. Remember the fuss about foriegn policy experience, etc.

We have seen governors from small states win the contest (Carter, Clinton), but I have to wonder if the more realistic path for Sarah to enter the White House doesn't still involve her being the VP first. Let's remember she's still pretty young, as these things go.

On a side note, I wonder if she'll stick to her principles a little better this time, and take on the Global Warming Alarmists this time around. Maybe by four years from now the public will be sick of shelling out for to fix a problem that obviously doesn't exist. Hell - when it gets painful to pay for, the public develops denial for problems that DO exist - what chance will AGW stand when everybody's out of work?

315 akak  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:30:42am

Hopefully people are already working on 2010, almost as important.

316 Optimizer  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:31:08am

re: #134 MandyManners

But, not because he's African-American.

You mean "biracial"...

317 Charles Johnson  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 10:45:15am

NOTE!

I'm going to need to restart the MySQL server, so we'll be offline for a few minutes. Don't panic. We'll be right back.

318 Optimizer  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:21:48am

Here's a thought: If BHOs policies result in a major terrorist incident during the next couple of years (which it very well could), maybe our guy Guiliani will suddenly find himself in the limelight again, and recognize a strong VP running mate when he sees it.

Not that I'm hoping for that to play out, mind you.

Anyway, a LOT can happen in two or three years.

319 Noam Chumpski  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:37:56am

Oh... Dear.

I like Palin, but I don't need for her to run again.

320 kynna  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:41:16am

re: #305 medaura18586

I am talking about Political SoCons, of course: by definition, those who would try to shove their social agenda down Americans' throats. No one's personal beliefs are any of my business.

Sarah's stance on the marriage amendment is enough social fascism for me to be turned off. I know that she has not been very active in Alaska on her social agenda, but perhaps she couldn't afford to be. In my experience, morally condescending religious fundamentalists rarely resist the urge to dictate moral perfection to the masses once they have to power to. I would never want her in a position to appoint Supreme Court justices.

So she has never actually exhibited a tendency to force her personal views in the place where she actually had the power to do that (extremely popular in her state -- why couldn't she 'afford' it?) and still, her views and some bad experiences you believe you've had are enough to say you will never vote for her ever, ever, EVER *foot stomp for emphasis*.

She went against many factions when she started cleaning house in Alaska -- at a time when she probably truly couldn't afford to ruffle feathers. She did it anyway. Because the corruption was hurting the people she represents. Ah. Wouldn't that be a nice thing in the White House?

Had she been a staunch free-marketeering fiscal conservative, it might have mitigated my view. But that's not even a redeeming quality I may expect from her: She was for the infamous Bridge-to-Nowhere until the project became too unpopular, and I will never forget her populist rants on "the greed in Wall Street" to be blamed for the financial mess we're in.

And it has not occurred to you that she was required throughout the campaign to adhere to McNastyoldman's POV? Likely, if freemarketeers like yourself (yeah, right) politely and respectfully inform her of the spots where McCain had it exactly wrong, she's going to listen. Just like the Bridge to Nowhere issue. She listened and, when she was in a position to know all the facts of the issue and the damage it was doing to The People She Represents, she changed her mind. And I believe that is exactly how she explained it. Which is a damn sight better than 'I was for it before I was against it'.

No can do.

I agree. I doubt that you can.

321 kynna  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:43:40am

re: #307 Land Shark

I agree. A lot can happen in 2 - 4 years. I am only looking at the pool now and I see nothing that will work. I adore Michael Steele, but to nominate him would be roundly blasted as 'pandering copy-catting' and he would be media-lynched like Palin.

So, I'll keep an open mind. I just want the McCain dregs to leave so someone with some allegiance to this country might have a chance.

322 Wendya  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:52:42am

re: #102 turn

If I know women, even democratic women, they ain't going to tolerate the MSM bashing a women like Palin .

Leftist women led the charge against Palin.

323 Wendya  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:55:02am

re: #309 medaura18586


That's no way to lead. Being the lesser of two evils ought not to be good enough to get anyone into power.

Uh-huh... well,
Welcome to reality.

Please, come join us.

324 Martinsmithy  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:56:31am

I think the comparison with Margaret Thatcher is instructive. Thatcher, when she became PM in 1979, had been in parliament since 1959, had been a cabinet minister for four years in a previous Conservative party government, was a graduate of Oxford university, was a professional chemist AND a barrister, and had been leader of the Conservative party for four years.

Sarah Palin has a record of accomplishment that doesn't even come close to Thatcher's.

And Margaret Thatcher would have eaten Katie Couric and then Joe Biden for lunch.

Sarah Palin is not the answer for the Republican party in 2012, IMHO.

And Sharmuta is right - women have a tougher time in U.S. politics - after all, look at the lightweight politician we just elected as our President. It will take a woman with the credentials of a Margaret Thatcher to become our first female President. And I pray that this woman will be a conservative republican, not a liberal democrat.

325 CapitalistTool  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 12:07:09pm

Dudes!

Is this really that hard?

[Link: www.sarahpac.com...]

326 Bill Dalasio  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 12:23:18pm

I've notice a good many posters have identified misogyny as the biggest hurdle Gov. Palin would face with respect to the Republican establishment in a potential presidential run. While I won't discount sexism entirely, I don't think it would be the only, or even the dominant obstacle in a potential Palin campaign. I'm inclined to believe that class presumptions would play a much greater role in the Republican establishment giving Gov. Palin the cold shoulder. I mean, would there really have been any questions regarding McCain's pick had he selected Kay Bailey Hutchinson or Christie Todd Whitman as his VP candidate?

Put bluntly, the Republican establishment, like the establishment in general, seems to view Gov. Palin as the "wrong sort". She talks funny. She wasn't in anyone's college graduating class. She doesn't travel in the right social circles. And worse still, doesn't seem to understand that this makes her "lesser".

The sad irony is that in terms of ability, Gov. Palin seems to have said establishment at a notable disadvantage. In terms of generating donations, crowds, or excitement, the '08 election would have been an all-out route had McCain chosen a member of the Republican establishment. In terms of actual governance, I'm hard pressed to make a case that the Republican establishment has done a particularly bang-up job.

327 Eclectic Infidel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 12:36:20pm

There's a conservative troglodyte from KSFO talk radio who thinks that it's a brilliant idea for Palin to run on a ticket with Jindal in 2012. I'm not sure I can think of a better way to sink the final nail in the coffin of the GOP other than maybe a Dan Quayle/Jindal ticket.

328 Eclectic Infidel  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 12:37:20pm

Oh, my bad. The conservative troglodyte from KSFO is none other than Brian Sussman. He used to be a sports announcer/commentator in the Bay Area.

329 foxsecret  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:03:23pm

re: #26 Jetpilot1101

YES! I'm proud of those House Repubs, let's see what the senate Repubs do.

330 foxsecret  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:05:56pm

re: #326 Bill Dalasio

That is one obstacle Reagan overcame, the establishment. Reagan did overcame it by going over their head, directly to us. Sarah can do the same. this time she has no baggage for being part of McCain's campaign.

Go Sarah!

331 foxsecret  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:19:35pm

re: #324 Martinsmithy

I think the comparison with Margaret Thatcher is instructive. Thatcher, when she became PM in 1979, had been in parliament since 1959, had been a cabinet minister for four years in a previous Conservative party government, was a graduate of Oxford university, was a professional chemist AND a barrister, and had been leader of the Conservative party for four years.

Sarah Palin has a record of accomplishment that doesn't even come close to Thatcher's.

And Margaret Thatcher would have eaten Katie Couric and then Joe Biden for lunch.

Sarah Palin is not the answer for the Republican party in 2012, IMHO.

And Sharmuta is right - women have a tougher time in U.S. politics - after all, look at the lightweight politician we just elected as our President. It will take a woman with the credentials of a Margaret Thatcher to become our first female President. And I pray that this woman will be a conservative republican, not a liberal democrat.

I disagree to an extent. Sarah fills the void that conservatives yearn and she would be a great candidate. Though her experiences are dwarfed by Thatcher's, Sarah has moved up in politics on her own. She had no husband as a president to ride his coattails. She does not have the MSM to give her free publicity. She took on the political machine in Alaska and trounced them. She is a good example to live by(yes, I know she some family issues) but who doesn't? Were smart enough to look past that. AND she has well defined ankles that Hillary envy's.

To this day I know she is more experienced the Obama.

Obama never had a real challenger because his Chicago style politics wiped the field clean of any competition(except for Hillary).

He went from street agitator to senator just like that! then ran for president. Now he is attempting to usher in a flood of socialism while calling conservatism(lesson from Saul Alinsky).

So, Sarah does has what it takes and has taken down a lot of moose in the past, and there's plenty more in Washington. If the Republicans want to have fun in 2012 they can say whoever votes against Sarah is a sexist. Throw it back at the liberals!

332 Ayeless in Ghazi  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:34:57pm

re: #324 Martinsmithy

And Margaret Thatcher would have eaten Katie Couric and then Joe Biden for lunch.

So true. Republicans need to find someone they don't have to be making excuses for all the time, instead of dreaming of a 'fairer' world in which everyone will play nice with their candidate, or buy the excuses when they don't.

333 kansas  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:37:57pm

Oh boy. 4 years of Sarah bashing.

334 descolada9  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:38:03pm

Good to see that Sarah has her eye on the prize. In the meantime, we really need her working with the grass roots for 2010 and in getting out the message that goes against the establishment RNC that cares more about cocktail parties than for the Constitution. Just like Reagan in his runs for the presidency, there will be the elites in the party who will do all that they can to derail and trash her. And that's before the DNC and the MSM go after her with all guns blazing.

Sarah, best of luck to you, refine your image, refine your interviewing and speaking styles and read everything you can get your hands on for the next four years, especially when it comes to foreign policy and economics.

335 fredo malmstein  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:45:34pm

Sarah Palin is a joke. True Republicans know it, and her continued involvement in any politics is a distraction to the party. She needs to go away so that the party can focus on what it needs to do to compete in 2012.

336 fredo malmstein  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:46:31pm

re: #334 descolada9

Refine your image? You can make gold out of shit.

337 fredo malmstein  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:52:36pm

CANNOT make gold out of moose shit. Sorry.

338 Ayeless in Ghazi  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:55:03pm

re: #285 medaura18586

As for THIS woman being contemplated, I would vote for Obama over Sarah Palin every day of the week. I would likely vote for any Democrat over her. There isn't a single thing I care for in Palin, and besides, I wouldn't want an anti-abortion-choice, young-earth creationist, and anti-intellectual populist to be the first woman POTUS. There likely would never be a next one, after her.

Just my 2 cents.

Wise words! I am wondering just how little self esteem the republican movement must have right now to be considering such a proven political turkey as Palin with such seriousness. Do they really think this is the best they can hope for? Gawd.

339 phoenixgirl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 1:55:53pm

re: #335 fredo malmstein

oh you mean the "country club" "blue bloods"?

340 code red 21  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 2:15:51pm

re: #338 Jimmah

Wise words! I am wondering just how little self esteem the republican movement must have right now to be considering such a proven political turkey as Palin with such seriousness. Do they really think this is the best they can hope for? Gawd.

Do you have any suggestions?

341 kyleb  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 2:16:28pm

I fear the MSM has successfully tainted Palin. The base will come out in droves for her, but she'll need a chunk of the clueless "undecideds" to win, and those are just the type of fools who'll be swayed by SNL skits. I love her to pieces, but I want to win.

342 Wendya  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 2:17:59pm

re: #324 Martinsmithy

And Margaret Thatcher would have eaten Katie Couric and then Joe Biden for lunch.

Actually, Thatcher had quite a few stumbles when she started moving up in politics. It took her a while to find her voice.

343 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 2:30:51pm
COURIC: Why isn’t it better, Governor Palin, to spend $700 billion helping middle-class families struggling with health care, housing, gas and groceries? … Instead of helping these big financial institutions that played a role in creating this mess?

PALIN: Ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health care reform that is needed to help shore up the economy–-Oh, it’s got to be about job creation too. So health care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions.

Great. Tax reductions include reducing taxes. Moving right along...

She can spend the next four years memorizing rote responses to every possible inquiry, but someone whose off-the-cuff, unscripted answer to such a simple question is as incoherent, fumbling, nonsensical and beside the point as that one has no business within a thousand-mile radius of the White House. Palin may have charisma, but she's a mental midget and in no way up to the job of President. The Democrats must love the news that she's running - in fact, I'll bet the DNC funnels a big chunk of money to her through front organizations. She would be Obama's dream opponent.

People may wish to see in her a female Ronald Reagan, but that comparison is an insult to Reagan.

344 OKCubsFan  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 2:48:55pm

I'd much rather see Romney, Jindal, or Paul Ryan as the front runners in 2012. I could care less about Palin.

345 Maui Girl  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 3:00:47pm

re: #74 opinionated


It may be difficult to do from far off Alaska but it is nevertheless a prerequisite to her being taken seriously by the entire country.

It's not like Alaska is on another planet. Please. I get that crap from people coming here thinking we're so out of it because we happen to live in the middle of the damn Pacific.

346 Ayeless in Ghazi  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 3:37:37pm

re: #340 code red 21

Do you have any suggestions?

Yes - Arnold Shwarzenegger ;)

Seriously though - forget about Palin (and Jindal) if you care about your party's future viability. Nothing would delight the Dems more than to see the republicans putting their energies behind a Palin/Jindal ticket.

347 drool  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 4:02:21pm

Kyleb,

Sarah did that all by herself.

She wasn't ready for prime time.

348 theheat  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 5:04:53pm

re: #346 Jimmah

Ditto, triple underscore. If only Arnold was a viable option. Sigh.

If it's a Palin/Jindal ticket, only the farthest right of the GOPs will get excited, and that's not enough to carry the majority. It will be death by their own hand. Again.

349 woodstock  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 5:31:48pm

The Republicans Party is dead!

When you run someone like McCain as a candidate for the Presidency nobody is going to take you seriously. They should change their name to the "Deadwood Party" because it is 90% RINO and most of the Congressmen are just hanging on because the lobbyists treat them well and the earmarks keep the folks back home voting for them.

Sarah Palin is a good leader for Alaska and she would make a great candidate for President for a new party. She has ZERO chance of being nominated in the GOP "Good Old Boys Party".

Sarah should not try to drive a dead horse, she needs a new party with conservative ideals.

Of course this is assuming the country survives Obama lama ding ding and that we have more elections after 2010.

350 RexMundi  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 5:32:42pm

Palin the moronic kook is about as worthy of the presidency as "Kato" Kaelin or Paris Hilton. If she's the best thing the Republicans can offer, it's going to be 8 years of Obama.

351 keymaster  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 5:55:48pm

According to this [Link: query.nictusa.com...] it seems it is official that Sarah is planning to run in 2012.

352 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 6:58:57pm

re: #285 medaura18586

You speak MUCH truth!

353 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 7:00:08pm

re: #324 Martinsmithy

Thank you for that vote of confidence.

354 rabidfox  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 7:56:04pm

re: #94 Honorary Yooper

Enough of the "waiting your turn" crappola. It's McCain's turn!?! It's Bob Dole's turn!?! Gimme a fucking break. It's time competent people were chosen rather than those who think they are merely next in line.

Gave you an upding. If it were possible, I'd give you ten more. But we're preaching to the choir here.

355 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:31:21pm

re: #226 Cato the Elder

Turning the question about, why do you think we're not ready?

Because of the deep seeded misogyny I see from both men and women.

Let's start with the men. We have a President who advocated equal pay for women, and then paid his female staffers less than their male counterparts. That's shameful pandering, and the tip of the iceberg. Let's be honest- we've come a long way, but it's still a male dominated society. To tell the truth though- I think it's men who have come further in stopping sexist attitudes, but there is still room for improvement.

And why is that? Because women help perpetrate patriarchy. And then there's the issue of female misogyny. Just read this thread- I didn't see anyone really come to my defense on that- certainly not another woman. Discussing it with women makes women uncomfortable, because they know they're guilty of it. We don't support our sisters. I could write an entire book on the matter, but it's already been done. And for all the times I've discussed this on LGF and promoted this book, do you think I've had one woman come back to me and tell me she's read it? If they have, I haven't seen it.

Medaura mentioned quite a few things on which I agree. Women do not value their intellects. In fact- women tend to shun other women they perceive as more intelligent then them. This conditions girls to dumb themselves down. If she's smarter, prettier, or "different" a woman is shunned, belittled, smeared by her sisters. Gets a promotion at the office? Why- she must have slept her way to the top. And women who think they have to flash their titties to get ahead actually hurt their sisters. That's not empowerment- it's self-degradation. I could go on and on, but Dr. Chesler covered the bases for me.

356 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 28, 2009 11:41:45pm

re: #272 Iron Fist

This is full of so much straw, we could have a jolly bonfire.

NO WHERE have I said I'm entitled to a female President. NO WHERE have I said Sarah cost McCain the election. What I have said is this society isn't ready for a woman President.

I'm on record as having said Hillary wouldn't win the nomination. Likewise, if she had, I didn't think she'd win the general election. Know why? Because it was my opinion this country wasn't ready for a female President. I'm not being inconsistent in my opinion- quite the opposite, and it has nothing to do with what woman you offer up as an example. I don't believe we're ready, and I'm sorry if that's upsetting to some people, but I feel it's the truth. I think women have their work cut out for them and until they start looking at how they treat their sisters, that ceiling will stay in place.

I also want to point out that it doesn't matter to me what the gender of a candidate is. What I'm simply stating is my perception of the remainder of our society. I don't think it will get better by subscribing different positions to me so you can rant about what you think I'm trying to say, nor will it improve if we ignore and dismiss my point out of hand.

Even if women do break the ultimate glass ceiling sooner rather than later, these issues are still prevalent in our society. They should be looked at and dealt with because it's the right thing to do to treat women with respect and dignity- from both men and women. Just because you treat women with respect doesn't mean the problem's solved.

357 JimV  Thu, Jan 29, 2009 5:47:45am

I voted for Sarah last time. McCain just came along for the ride.

358 JimV  Thu, Jan 29, 2009 5:49:29am

re: #346 Jimmah


Isn't that what the Dems were saying about the Messiah in the early primaries?

359 AmericanParty  Sat, Jan 31, 2009 1:06:33am

Charles, its the Cyclone State not the Hawkeye state!

360 Colonel Panik  Sat, Jan 31, 2009 8:09:27am

Boy, some of you have really swallowed the MSM kool-aid about Sarah Palin.
She's a creationist! (debunked here on LGF)
She's anti-science!
She's a ditzy cheerleader!
GMAFB!

Question: What is the ONLY National Guard unit on permanent active duty?
Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard.
Question: Who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Question: What U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Question: What U.S. governor had a higher classified security rating than either Democratic candidate prior to the election?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Question: Which of the four candidates was the ONLY one with any executive experience?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska


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