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Palin's Staffers Keep Her Away From the News to Avoid Being 'Depressed'

Posted by Katharine Zaleski, Huffington Post at 10:43 AM on October 17, 2008.


This is so Bush-like it's scary ... and kind of sad.

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A day after The Washington Post's Dana Milbank wrote about how the Secret Service is blocking press at Sarah Palin's rallies, it appears Palin's staff is blocking her from listening to the press. Palin revealed at a fundraiser last night that she is in an ever-growing media bubble.

"So North Carolina, I appreciate you all so much, who are here who already get it. You know, maybe I'm preaching to the choir a little bit here, but being here encourages me because I know that I'm not alone and I'll send this message back to John McCain also. At those times on the campaign trail when sometimes it's easy to get a little bit discouraged, when, you know, when you happen to turn on the news when your campaign staffers will let you turn on the news," she said, prompting laughter from the group. "Usually they're like 'Oh my gosh, don't watch. You're going to, you know, you're going to get depressed.'"

She added that while she doesn't always appreciate the way reporters portray the GOP ticket, she's been bolstered by the prayers of many of the campaign's backers.

"But yeah, sometimes you do get depressed watching what it is that they're reporting and the spin and some of the distortion of what our message is and what we stand for. Sometimes that, that gets draining," she continued. "But it's at events like these and our rallies that we are so energized and inspired and we know that we are not alone. We feel your strength and we feel the power of prayer, so many of you tell us that you are praying for us and praying for our country and that's why we so appreciate you being here."

Palin also attributed polling numbers to God. "We even saw today, thank the Lord," she said, looking upwards and raising her fist, "We saw some movement."

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Tagged as: campaign, palin, staff

Katharine Zaleski has been the News Editor of the Huffington Post since May 2005.


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saw the news today, oh boy...
Posted by: Lauren on Oct 17, 2008 11:08 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The last segment of DemocracyNow! today, "Smearcasting: How Islamophobes Spread Fear, Bigotry and Misinformation"

In the last few weeks, 28 million copies of a DVD titled “Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West” have been distributed in key battleground states. The film features graphic, violent images and makes comparisons of Islam to Nazism.

The DVD comes amidst concerns of increasing levels of ethnic and religious bias in US politics and the stoking of Islamophobia. We speak to Ibrahim Cooper of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Isabel Macdonald of Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting, co-author of the new report “Smearcasting: How Islamophobes Spread Fear, Bigotry and Misinformation.”


It is a scary story, right up her alley.

I hope Palin is at least watching DemocracyNow. How can she consider herself ready for office if she isn't keeping up on the news?

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» RE: saw the news today, oh boy... Posted by: robert.noll
IS THAT WHY SHE MISSED RUSSIAN DIPLOMATS SENT TO ALASKA TO DISCUSS ENERGY? HOW TYPICALLY STUPID
Posted by: stopthemaddness2 on Oct 17, 2008 1:30 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Is this why she missed a group of Russian Diplomats sent to her state (ALASKA) to discuss energy and oil plans? Well, heck, aw chucks gee ya know, she doesn't really read newspapers or the news now does she? She told us that when Katie Couric interviewed her. I am sure she was telling the truth in not being able to recall any news she reads. ("wink") ("wink") LOLLOLOLO!!!

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Ready Or Not-You Betcha'
Posted by: blackie4aces on Oct 17, 2008 2:32 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Oh yea, Palin will be just dandy in a confrontation with Vladimir Putin or Hugo Chavez. You betcha'. She'd better stock up on Prozac, because if she thinks the news is depressing, wait until some of these guys or their ilk get hold of her.

Fortunately that won't happen. If I thought the Republicans had even a remote chance of winning this election, I'd be thoroughly terrified; but they don't, so we all will be okay and I won't have to leave this country.

Satan's Neutral Corner
satansneutralcorner@yahoo.com

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» RE: eady Or Not-You Betcha' Posted by: dangerouslysane
» RE: eady Or Not-You Betcha' Posted by: Lauren
» RE: eady Or Not-You Betcha' Posted by: Malamute
Palin Ailin'
Posted by: ibolyap on Oct 17, 2008 2:45 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Depression is no laughing matter. But this excuse is the lamest. How did she ever get selected if she can't deal with the scrutiny? Why did she agree? Honestly, she is so out of her depth. But don't worry Ms Palin, it will be over soon and you can go back to Alaska and live the quiet life.

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» RE: Palin Ailin' Posted by: Lauren
» RE: Palin Ailin' Posted by: umrayya
» RE: Palin Ailin' Posted by: Malamute
Who's getting depressed?
Posted by: bluepilgrim on Oct 17, 2008 3:01 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I should think it's more the people who listen to her and remember that she is actually running for the US VP who are likely to get depressed.

Help -- I've fallen into this weird dream and can't wake up...

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Who's getting depressed?
Posted by: bluepilgrim on Oct 17, 2008 3:02 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I should think it's more the people who listen to her and remember that she is actually running for the US VP who are likely to get depressed.

Help -- I've fallen into this weird dream and can't wake up...

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depressing for the GOP
Posted by: theVRWCwhodatesLiberals on Oct 17, 2008 4:46 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm one of the Republicans that is bumbed out but hanging in there. We are not the wigs! Please pass me the organic beer.

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» RE: depressing for the GOP Posted by: DR. LARRY MITCHELL
You know, it's like, aw, you know, praise Jesus (wink), you know?
Posted by: loxias on Oct 17, 2008 6:26 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"These terrible left-leaning, you know, news guys, om, oh yeah, you know reporters, keep taking our great plans for this, you know, nation, and making them seem, well kind-a bad, you know?"
"We just want the American public to know that we, you know, stand for principals. That's right, you know, education first. If we don't tell you, om, that black people are, you know, scary terrorists who hate America, om, you know, you might vote for, om, that one."
"God bless all you, you know, good, freedom-loving white Americans for, you know, loving Jesus.(wink)"
"Oh yeah. To all you, you know, middle-class Americans like me, om, well, it's gosh-darn time we weren't expected to pay for all the damage these, you know, liberal elites have done to our, om, nation, 'cause you don't seem to understand it's all about, you know, job creation."
"I mean, I'm glad you people, you know, understand that we can't let a bomb-maker be President!"
"Todd, did I have anything else I, you know, wanted to say?"

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THAT'S WHAT GEORGE BUSH DID
Posted by: VZEQICVA on Oct 17, 2008 7:09 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Avoided the news on television and didn't read newspapers. I would find it embarassing to admit that. ANNA

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"Oh,my gosh don't watch you're going to get depressed"
Posted by: sirios on Oct 17, 2008 7:37 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What's really scary is that it isn't only just like the bush administration, it is just like the american public. Stick your head in the sand and let our altruistic leaders take care of us. Well, they have certainly done that!

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The Machine Behind the Curtain
Posted by: Direct Democracy on Oct 17, 2008 7:49 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Richard Nixon was the last Republican to be allowed to call his own shots.

One thing you can say about the nazis, they learn from their mistakes.


FREE AMERICA

REVOLUTIONARY (DIRECT) DEMOCRACY

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Isn't It Amazing?
Posted by: weslen1 on Oct 17, 2008 7:59 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
They always say it's "God's" will when they are gaining some ground, but it's NOT when they're losing. With all the things that have happened to the Republicans the last 2 years, losing control of congress, then praying for "rains of biblical proportions to interrupt Obama's speech at the Democratic convention, only to have "God" send a HURRICANE to interrupt THEIRS, Palin riling up the fanatics with calls for Obama's life and McCain huffily saying he's PROUD of those people, Palin showing her complete ignorance and making both herself AND McCain laughing stocks, etcetera, you'd THINK they'd be hiding under their covers, waiting for the "WRATH OF GOD" to rain down on them. What a couple of fools they are.

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» RE: Isn't It Amazing? Posted by: dangerouslysane
» RE: Isn't It Amazing? Posted by: bookie
Palin is a litmus test for stupidity.
Posted by: USAFVeteran1966 on Oct 17, 2008 11:19 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
People who think she should be a heartbeat-away commander-in-chief have got to be the dumbest human beings ever born!

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This is Real Folks
Posted by: skyeyesds on Oct 18, 2008 4:48 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I can't get the pic. I seen on tv yesterday of all the anger that was going on at Palins rally. The people waiting in line. Hatred and it is coming to the point there could be a riot. Why do people have to be like this. Why can't America be as one? Be united? That is what made me stand up and take a hard look at Obama. He "BELIEVES" we can build a bridge to peace.For the first time I actually heard someone willing to talk with our neighbors and enemies to get a better understanding as to how our world can be a better place. Once the other countries see we are not arrigant any longer we might, just might get our RESPECT back. God Bless American and Our Troops. Go Obama

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» RE: This is Real Folks Posted by: Lauren
» RE: This is Real Folks Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: This is Real Folks Posted by: ThinkToVote
» RE: This is Real Folks Posted by: Malamute
» RE: This is Real Folks Posted by: sasquuatch55
Maverick gone Silly-Putty
Posted by: www.suekatz.com on Oct 18, 2008 5:01 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is so accurate, unfortunately. Palin and Cheney have in common a belief in the need for a very powerful vice-president who leads from the rear. Palin and Bush have in common that their real running partner (and soulmate, as McCain says) is god. If the woman can't even decide when she watches the news, the Republican machinery must be very happy about her public image of confident stength and her private pliability.

Sue Katz, author
Thanks But No Thanks: The Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin

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» RE: Book Burners for Palin Posted by: Lauren
» RE: hate speech Posted by: Lauren
» RE: hate speech Posted by: Lauren
» RE: Maverick gone Silly-Putty Posted by: VZEQICVA
Jon/A
Posted by: JonA on Oct 18, 2008 7:25 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
ANNA, I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED YOUR COMMENTS. MY WORD TO YOU... IS KEEP IT UP. WE NEED MORE THOUGHTS LIKE YOURS TO ENTER THE MINDS OF THE READING PUBLIC. YOU ARE APPRECIATED.
JON/A

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» RE: Jon/A Posted by: VZEQICVA
This should show everyone...
Posted by: QuestionAuthority on Oct 18, 2008 7:49 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This should show everyone that the McCain/Palin White House will be EXACTLY like George W. Bush's Administration. Government by happy crap and PR release.

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Sad, but funny and a little scary because he's right...
Posted by: QuestionAuthority on Oct 18, 2008 7:51 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
John Cleese: Michael Palin No Longer the Funniest Palin on Earth:

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/103511/

John Cleese comments on Sarah Palin.

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What CAN they be thinking?
Posted by: ThinkToVote on Oct 18, 2008 8:48 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This belief that I keep seeing evidence of in the McCain-Palin crowd - the one that says 'I'm entitled to whatever I want, while anyone who wants something different is evil and subject to the wrath of my God,' just throws me for a loop. I have seen zero proof that God has picked a side in any conflict - be it a schoolyard confrontation between a bully and his victim or a Presidential election or a war - in human history. Why would anyone be ignorant enough to think not only that God would suddenly begin taking sides but also that God would choose his (or her) side? The combination of hubris and pure ignorance is stunning.

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SARAH
Posted by: fg on Oct 18, 2008 1:15 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
She's dumb as shit.

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» RE: SARAH Posted by: tap17x
Ok, I'm officially scared now
Posted by: MartianBachelor on Oct 19, 2008 9:49 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
--Because all the so-called liberal/left/progressive media fear-mongers keep telling me to be scared about virtually everything, to perpetually cower like a timid, frightened child.

The relentless spectacle of so many Democrats and feminist types suggesting that "Sarah Palin is not a woman," or "anyone who supports Sarah Palin has the IQ of a tampax", etc., etc., has been both ugly and fascinating to watch.

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Don't like the news, don't read it.
Posted by: BobNoxious on Oct 19, 2008 12:13 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Bury your head in the sand.

This is typical to Repugs. The RNC runs almost entirely on ignorance. They love ignorant people. Close-minded folks who discount everything that conflicts with their narrow, angry views. No matter how obvious.

Eight years ago, it was "McCain has an illegitimate black baby." Ignorant Repugs ate it up.

Now its "Obama is secretly being a Muslim." The same ignoramuses eat it up.

"But it's at events like these and our rallies that we are so energized and inspired and we know that we are not alone." said Palin.
LOTS of ignorant folks, convinced to vote against their own best interest.

(sigh)
There should be an IQ test to register to vote.

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Palin
Posted by: LibAnne10 on Oct 19, 2008 1:12 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think when she has time to reflect on the last few weeks, she is smart enough to realize what she has done to provoke such strong feelings from so many people. She has the potential to make a come back on the national stage and carefully craft a new image of a disciplined, conservative and intellectual politician. I just hope that Americans won't forget her true colors.

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