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Election 2008

I've Debated Sarah Palin More Than 20 Times -- Here's What It's Like

By Andrew Halcro, Christian Science Monitor. Posted October 1, 2008.


I know firsthand: She's a master of the nonanswer.
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Anchorage, Alaska - When he faces off against Sarah Palin Thursday night, Joe Biden will have his hands full.

I should know. I've debated Governor Palin more than two dozen times. And she's a master, not of facts, figures, or insightful policy recommendations, but at the fine art of the nonanswer, the glittering generality. Against such charms there is little Senator Biden, or anyone, can do.

On paper, of course, the debate appears to be a mismatch.

In 2000, Palin was the mayor of an Alaskan town of 5,500 people, while Biden was serving his 28th year as a United States senator. Her major public policy concern was building a local ice rink and sports center. His major public policy concern was the State Department's decision to grant an export license to allow sales of heavy-lift helicopters to Turkey, during tense UN-sponsored Cyprus peace talks.

On paper, the difference in experience on both domestic and foreign policy is like the difference between shooting a bullet and throwing a bullet. Unfortunately for Biden, if recent history is an indicator, experience or a grasp of the issues won't matter when it comes to debating Palin.

On April 17, 2006, Palin and I participated in a debate at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks on agriculture issues. The next day, the Fairbanks Daily News Miner published this excerpt:

"Andrew Halcro, a declared independent candidate from Anchorage, came armed with statistics on agricultural productivity. Sarah Palin, a Republican from Wasilla, said the Matanuska Valley provides a positive example for other communities interested in agriculture to study."

On April 18, 2006, Palin and I sat together in a hotel coffee shop comparing campaign trail notes. As we talked about the debates, Palin made a comment that highlights the phenomenon that Biden is up against.

"Andrew, I watch you at these debates with no notes, no papers, and yet when asked questions, you spout off facts, figures, and policies, and I'm amazed. But then I look out into the audience and I ask myself, 'Does any of this really matter?' " Palin said.

While policy wonks such as Biden might cringe, it seemed to me that Palin was simply vocalizing her strength without realizing it. During the campaign, Palin's knowledge on public policy issues never matured -- because it didn't have to. Her ability to fill the debate halls with her presence and her gift of the glittering generality made it possible for her to rely on populism instead of policy.

Palin is a master of the nonanswer. She can turn a 60-second response to a query about her specific solutions to healthcare challenges into a folksy story about how she's met people on the campaign trail who face healthcare challenges. All without uttering a word about her public-policy solutions to healthcare challenges.

In one debate, a moderator asked the candidates to name a bill the legislature had recently passed that we didn't like. I named one. Democratic candidate Tony Knowles named one. But Sarah Palin instead used her allotted time to criticize the incumbent governor, Frank Murkowski. Asked to name a bill we did like, the same pattern emerged: Palin didn't name a bill.

And when she does answer the actual question asked, she has a canny ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. For example, asked to name a major issue that had been ignored during the campaign, I discussed the health of local communities, Mr. Knowles talked about affordable healthcare, and Palin talked about ... the need to protect hunting and fishing rights.

So what does that mean for Biden? With shorter question-and-answer times and limited interaction between the two, he should simply ignore Palin in a respectful manner on the stage and answer the questions as though he were alone. Any attempt to flex his public-policy knowledge and show Palin is not ready for prime time will inevitably cast him in the role of the bully.

On the other side of the stage, if Palin is to be successful, she needs to do what she does best: fill the room with her presence and stick to the scripted sound bites.

AlterNet is a nonprofit organization and does not make political endorsements. The opinions expressed by its writers are their own.

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See more stories tagged with: debate, vice president, election 2008, joe biden, sarah palin

Andrew Halcro served two terms as a Republican member of the Alaska State House of Representatives. He ran for governor as an Independent in 2006, debating Sarah Palin more than two dozen times. He blogs at andrewhalcro.com.

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For NEW Alternet visitors: Sarah Palin is the Emperor of Alaska who wore no clothes...
Posted by: NoMcCainPalin on Oct 1, 2008 1:38 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Not that I want to see her naked, because I don't. It's just that I can't think of a better metaphor for a dimwitted hockey mom governor who thinks that gazing at neighboring Russia gives her foreign affairs experience. Or that humans hunted dinosaurs.

When applied to Sarah Palin, Hans Christian Anderson's famous "Emperor's New Clothes" story makes sense because it's a metaphor for MASS STUPIDITY -- in this case, the millions of Americans who believe Palin is qualified to be president of the United States.

Consider, for example, the opening paragraph of Anderson's tale:

MANY years ago there lived an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of grand new clothes that he spent all his money upon them, that he might be very fine. He did not care about his soldiers, nor about the theatre, and only liked to drive out and show his new clothes.

Is that not Sarah Palin, a former beauty queen more concerned about her appearance than her empty head?

Anderson's story went on to describe two con artists who figured out that the Emperor's vanity could be exploited by selling him nonexistent clothes.

Wrote Anderson, One day two rogues came: they gave themselves out as weavers, and declared they could weave the finest stuff any one could imagine. Not only were their colors and patterns, they said, uncommonly beautiful, but the clothes made of the stuff possessed the wonderful quality that they became invisible to any one who was unfit for the office he held, or was incorrigibly stupid.

That's us -- the American people -- if Sarah Palin becomes our vice president: incorrigibly stupid!

One more thing, NEW Alternet visitors. If you are an undecided voter, learn the truth about Insane McCain and his so-called "heroic" war record) by clicking on: Vote Against McCain (one of the HOTTEST anti-McCain sites on the Web)

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» RE: STEVE... Posted by: Quannah
Yeah but she's so hot!
Posted by: Tom Degan on Oct 1, 2008 2:52 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
No matter what happens tomorrow night, the GOP is going to spin this as a win. When they first nominated this twit to be second on the ticket, I couldn't believe it. "This campaign is over, baby!" I said aloud. Then I checked myself: J. Danforth Quayle. Twenty years ago, Poppy Bush nominated a man with all the gravitas of a department store mannequin to be second on the ticket - and yet he won that election! Never underestimate the eye-popping stupidity of the American people.

Of this you can be certain: tomorrow's debate is must-see TV. Think of it as Gidget debating Adali Stevenson

Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
Palin For President

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» RE: Yeah but she's so hot! Posted by: ChicagoPaul
» RE: Yeah but she's so hot! Posted by: surfreality
» RE: Yeah but she's so hot! Posted by: Quannah
» RE: Yeah but she's so hot! Posted by: jacobtoo
» RE: Yeah but she's so hot! Posted by: libdem123
The VP debate has already been RIGGED to give her the edge.
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 1, 2008 3:41 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Now what if every average Joe or Jane were given such easy job interviews?

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Palin?
Posted by: The Old Hippie on Oct 1, 2008 3:43 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
 
When asked, she could only name one Supreme Court Case - Roe vs Wade -

She is the epitome of American Christians...

Here is a favorite quote for them...

“The national government will maintain and defend the foundations on which the power of our nation rests.  It will offer strong protection to Christianity as the very basis of our collective morality.  Today Christians stand at the head of our country.  We want to fill our culture again with the Christian spirit.  We want to burn out all the recent immoral developments in literature, in the theatre, and in the press — in short, we want to burn out the poison of immorality which has entered into our whole life and culture as a result of Liberal excess during the past years.”

  — Adolph Hitler - Taken from The Speeches of Adolph Hitler, 1922-1939, Vol. 1,
Michael Hakeem, Ph.D. (London, Oxford University Press, 1942), pp. 871-872.


A few explanatory links...

“If You Doubt They Share Boards of Directors, Then Link To. . .”
“Can’t Say We Weren’t Warned”
“How To Create An Angry American”

 

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» RE: Palin? Posted by: Tom Degan
» RE: Palin? Posted by: jacobtoo
» RE: Palin? Posted by: roncypert
» RE: Palin? Posted by: EdinIowa
» RE: Palin? Palin only, NOT. Posted by: bobtr900
» RE: Yeah! Posted by: Cybershaman
» Cybershaman Posted by: bobtr900
Sarah Palin hot? I think not!
Posted by: drfun on Oct 1, 2008 3:43 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
You better get your eyes examined if you think she's a beauty. Yes, I've heard the I'd do her, by the jerks that would do most anything, that's why they are so stupid.

Her lack of substance is why most men and many women identify with her, as they are just as ignorant of the issues as she is. Go GOP! (Greed & Oppression Party)

Her complexion is from a tanning booth she had installed in the governors mansion. Though she paid for it, she had the state pay for the upgrade to the electrical system for it.

She claims special need parents will have a "friend" in Washington, when she voted to reduce funding for programs in Alaska and McCain did so at the federal level.

She was for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it and kept the earmarked money for other projects.

She needed a city administrator for a city of less than 6,000 people while mayor, receiving a SUV as municipal duties and charged the highest per-diem expenses as both mayor and governor.

Left the city of Wasilla with over $2 million in debt and though she did build a hardly used rec-center on litigated land, she didn't see the need for the city to have a sewer system, causing much ground water contamination.

Even though she claims to be a "Christian", she became pregnant before marriage, with her daughter following in her footsteps, while slashing funding for un-wed mother programs in Alaska and McCain did the same at the federal level also.

Thinks the life of a child should be brought to term even in cases of rape and incest. And if she really did fly from the lower 48 to deliver a baby in Alaska just so the birth certificate would say so, is being an irresponsible parent and reckless endangerment of a child.


Palin blast's away with an automatic weapon at "God's" creatures from a helicopter, what about Thy shall not kill? Or does that just apply to the lies and deceit of the War Of Terror where she thinks that General Jesus is out to kick some Arab booty in the latest "Crusade" against Islam?

She sure is no "Bull-dog" wearing lipstick, but a pig wallowing with the "Elite-Keating 5 McCain" gutter-trash campaign to keep Washington running just the same as it presently does.

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Sarah Palin
Posted by: Don Quixote on Oct 1, 2008 4:05 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I agree with Mr. Andrew Halcro 150 %. Americans show little wisdom voting for Sarah Palin. But what kind of wisdom may mainstream Americans show after one century of education by the men behind the curtain in Zeitgeistmovie.com? Still, since both foreign and domestic policy are going to be identical with either candidate, since politics is made by the men behind the curtain in Zeitgestmovie, and US elections are just entertainment, I hope Sarah Palin will become Vice-President. She will make for great entertainment.
I am eager to hear her in a debate about creationism in schools if one congressman asks her how did God manage to make the world in exactly 6 days, not one second more, and not one second less, if He made the day the third day. He probably bought a Swiss stop-Watch before starting creation. I know why God had to rest after the 6th day. His last job was really tough, create women like Sarah Palin left Him exhausted.

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» RE: Sarah Palin Posted by: jacobtoo
» RE: Sarah Palin Posted by: EncinoM
OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER
Posted by: HPipe on Oct 1, 2008 4:38 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If you read the transcripts of the Carter-Reagan debate, Jimmy Carter trounced Reagan. If you watched the debate and witnessed Reagan’s folksy matter and his voice intonations-------the rest is history. The Conservatives want to canonize Reagan but history has shown that Reagan was no better that a C+ president with a cavalier disregard for the US Constitution.

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» There you go again... Posted by: Beached Whale
Abraham, Ben, Thomas, Franklin, John F., Andrew, oh and Sarah
Posted by: dodger on Oct 1, 2008 4:43 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Our forefathers put so much time and attention into the Constitution of the United States, its philosophical underpinnings, and its political realization. It's an insult to them to propose a candidate who thinks foreign policy is living near russia and visiting Ireland for a refueling constitutes foreign travel. Benjamin Franklin lived in France during the formative years of our democracy. He spoke french and was involved in our early foreign diplomacy efforts. Meanwhile, the economy melts down and the current president, also not famous for his smarts, is over his head with one of the biggest meltdowns in American history, due to his policies. From the perspective of the europeans, these candidates are laughable, insulting, dangerous.

WANTED: Vice President. Doesn't have to have any experience. Must be attractive. Funny. Self deprecating. Apply at Republican Headquarters.

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Biden can connect as well as Palin...
Posted by: motorchickd on Oct 1, 2008 5:13 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Biden can connect as well as Palin... He does it all the time because he is a regular kind of guy. So, when she answers as she will, Biden can both answer as a regular guy six-pac guy AND actually answer the question. After all, he's had to listen to plenty of congressmen and women just like her in the Senate. They are called republicans. It's all they have after all. No Facts, No Math, just Fuzzy Answers.

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Progressive Business
Posted by: Progbiz on Oct 1, 2008 5:13 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
AH is precisely right about SP. I hope JB gets it. she has recognized that he has all this experience, so no point in parading it. His task is to decide which segment of the viewing audience he can sway..not the hard core R. they are there to cheer her on and connect emotionally. His competitive advantage is that he is fatherly and calm and can make a key segment, probably the female independent voters, feel safe and secure especilly now as all around us is imploding. Perhaps he should quote Yeats' lines
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

He should come across as the best that have indeed conviction that all will be well and keep painting McCain as the worst.
Progbiz

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» RE: Progressive Business Posted by: PandaBear
Biden needs to say it out loud: "One of us may have our finger on the nuclear button"
Posted by: Jasonix on Oct 1, 2008 5:15 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Biden should, of course, show policy expertise. But since that won't matter to some portion of the populace, he should also state the crux of the Palin affair simply and with verve: "At the end of the day, the question about vice presidents is this: which of us do you really want to have his or her finger on the nuclear button? There's conflict with Russia, Iran, and Pakistan brewing. At least two of those countries already have a nuclear arsenal. That, ladies and gentleman, is the bottom line. Which of us do you want across a table from Vladimir Putin?"

If debates allowed candidates to show video clips, Biden should show Dimitry Medvedev, Russia's president, and say, "This is the #2 in Russia. I'm ready to sit down with my Russian counterpart in tense negotiations. You, Gov. Palin? I don't think he'll be as nice as Katie Couric."

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Different how?
Posted by: talkville on Oct 1, 2008 5:38 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"And she's a master, not of facts, figures, or insightful policy recommendations, but at the fine art of the nonanswer, the glittering generality. Against such charms there is little Senator Biden, or anyone, can do."

Especially: "the glittering generality"; the guilded, the polished, the creative and created, generality.

MSM 'host' of the 'debates': non-questions; our very politic politicians: non-answers; our popular masses: non-thinking and in search of 'happiness' as it means to each. Not many will even watch, much less listen or think about it at all; either by necessity they gotta get going to work as best they can or they're doing ok and would rather catch a good show or play a video game or two or maybe the latest movie. Most of the un-employed have more urgent things to attend to. Most of the un-insured have to make preparations and such. Most of the homeless are looking for the warmest climes available. Even the 'glittering generalities' will sprinkle upon a dismally small proportion of the people.

What's so different about Sarah Palin? She's just a rule desperately seeking an exception. Here in the USA, concrete particulars and cases are worse than the plague. Glittering generalities are much more salable commodities.

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» RE: Different how? Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: Different how? Posted by: boing007
» RE: Different how? Posted by: jacobtoo
Quayle with lisping lipstick
Posted by: QCao009 on Oct 1, 2008 6:06 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Tom:

Your analogy is excellent. There is however one small problem: Quayle served to make Georgie 1 look better in comparison. Palin has actually made McSame look worse. In the latest interview with Couric, she turned over to him every time she lost her confidence and started stuttering.

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BLAH, BLAH, BLAH
Posted by: VZEQICVA on Oct 1, 2008 6:36 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Biden has his work cut out for him, no question about it. He admittedly talks too much himself. But he KNOWS what he's talking about, Palin does not. The difference between the two will be apparent. Biden, the wizened up older guy and pretty Sarah will suddenly take on the image of an assistant or secretary. She can't avoid that image. That's still how much of the world will view the pair. Gwen Ifill is smart but Sarah is facing another woman. The structure here is unique and will make a difference to Palin. Her inexperience will show big time. There's no way to avoid it. Biden's knowledge will shine and Palin's lack of same will finally show. Thanks, ANNA

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waynep
Posted by: waynep on Oct 1, 2008 6:49 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I have seen a video of a significant part of a round table type debate that was referred to by the gentleman quoted in this article. She did fine, and in just the manner described. I do not know that she will implode, because I do not know that she will be pressed. It is a difficult situation as it is the moderator that really needs to push for ANSWERS to the questions vs. pre-memorized sound bites. Questions that should be ask will not be ask, that we can count on. One that will not be ask that I would like to hear the candidates respond to is what do they know and think about the Christian Dominionist movement. Biden might well not know. Palin might well say that she does not know, but that would not be true. And if YOU do not know, particularly if you consider yourself a mainstream Christian, you need to get on Google and go to work on a bit of research...and follow the trail right back to Wasilla! Save yourself the 10 bucks you were going to spend on that horror movie, and get your scare right on the internet!

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Questions for Ms Palin:
Posted by: surfreality on Oct 1, 2008 6:50 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Why did you try to fire the librarian?

Should creationism be taught in public schools?

You say you are a fiscal conservative; yet your small town of Wasilla had no debt when you took office and when you left office Wasilla was $22,000,000 in the red. Explain please.

When did you decide "The bridge To Nowhere" was no longer a good idea? Why did you still support the road that led to it?

Is America a more prosperous and secure nation after 8 years of Republican rule? Why or why not?

What countries border Iraq? Afghanistan? Are we winning the war against Al Qaeda? Why or why not?

Do you believe the government should be in the student loan business? The retraining American workers business? And should the government give tax breaks to businesses that outsource jobs? To businesses that import skilled workers?

In the last 25 years America has recreated another "Gilded Age"; not since the end of the 19th century have so few Americans controlled such a large percentage of American wealth and resources. John McCain's favorite President, Theodore Roosevelt, challenged that status quo then. Is this a problem today? Why or why not; and if so what do you recommend America do about it?

How does John McCain's plan to tax employer provided health insurance help the American worker and his family? Do you support Medicare?

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» RE: Questions for Ms Palin: Posted by: akbirdwm
Really?
Posted by: mainspark on Oct 1, 2008 6:50 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
On April 18, 2006, Palin and I sat together in a hotel coffee shop comparing campaign trail notes. As we talked about the debates, Palin made a comment that highlights the phenomenon that Biden is up against.

"Andrew, I watch you at these debates with no notes, no papers, and yet when asked questions, you spout off facts, figures, and policies, and I'm amazed. But then I look out into the audience and I ask myself, 'Does any of this really matter?' " Palin said.


Or, as Dick Cheney would say, "So?"

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» So? Posted by: Artkansas
What is different this time
Posted by: AthenaAwakened on Oct 1, 2008 6:54 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think Palin will do what she has always done. She will nonanswer questions. But the difference this time is that she will nonanswer questions on a national stage with Tina Fey et al. mining the resulting transcripts for material to parady. This time she will nonanswer questions that will be picked apart on every cable and broadcast news show and in every oped page across the nation. The question for Palin is whether her adorability factor will be remembered by voters or the ensuing commentary of others.

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Squid Pro Quo
Posted by: Direct Democracy on Oct 1, 2008 7:03 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Check out the footage of her as a sportscaster. I can't help but ask myself, "OK, Sarah Palin got the GOOD job. Who got the BLOW job?"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv

/artsandliving/style/features/2008/rhetoric/gallery.html

FREE AMERICA

REVOLUTIONARY (DIRECT) DEMOCRACY

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» RE: Squid Pro Quo Posted by: jacobtoo
Working Mom just trying to do the right thing image
Posted by: jeffreytaos on Oct 1, 2008 7:03 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Images, its all images, Sarah knows about images,The best thing that could happen is for her to become nervous and flounder on stage while Biden tries to ease her worried mind. But, that's not likely to happen. She may even come out of the gate on the offensive. what's in Bidens dirty laundry bag????What evil voting is he guilty of.. funding for planned parenthood, gay marriage support???? get real... this isn't going to be an intellectual debate, she is pandering to the christians that fear living in a modern world, but love the toys!, sounds like a lot of guilt ridden voters to appease! Yes, she drove an SUV and what of it? She can touch people with I am an American and blah blah blah...who cares if we sell "OUR" oil? She thinks the oil belongs only to the people of Alaska...Biden should talk about Alaska as a Global Heritage Site, Un approved, and how resources belong to all americans, and how healthy policy is made through careful decision making, and save the democrats from the heat on the bailout, a botched operation by the financial demons of wall street. By the way, I have not checked my stocks today, have they declined a second day in a row????????

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Working Mom just trying to do the right thing image
Posted by: jeffreytaos on Oct 1, 2008 7:03 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Images, its all images, Sarah knows about images,The best thing that could happen is for her to become nervous and flounder on stage while Biden tries to ease her worried mind. But, that's not likely to happen. She may even come out of the gate on the offensive. what's in Bidens dirty laundry bag????What evil voting is he guilty of.. funding for planned parenthood, gay marriage support???? get real... this isn't going to be an intellectual debate, she is pandering to the christians that fear living in a modern world, but love the toys!, sounds like a lot of guilt ridden voters to appease! Yes, she drove an SUV and what of it? She can touch people with I am an American and blah blah blah...who cares if we sell "OUR" oil? She thinks the oil belongs only to the people of Alaska...Biden should talk about Alaska as a Global Heritage Site, Un approved, and how resources belong to all americans, and how healthy policy is made through careful decision making, and save the democrats from the heat on the bailout, a botched operation by the financial demons of wall street. By the way, I have not checked my stocks today, have they declined a second day in a row????????

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"ability to connect with the audience on a personal level."
Posted by: jimidee on Oct 1, 2008 7:43 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I have watched her try to connect with Charley and Katie on a personal level, with dismal results. I don't think she is going to charm Gwin much either, with her winking, twinkling bimbo/hick shtick. She seemed unaware that Katie was laughing at her under her breath, and just kept on diggin' when she found herself in a'hole. Her ability to charm Alaskans may be beyond reproach, but apparently, we here in the contiguous states have a different standard.

Sarah, I think that when you try that stuff in the debate, that it may come right back at'cha!

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Maybe it is just me,
Posted by: roncypert on Oct 1, 2008 7:56 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
but Sarah Palin REALLY reminds me of Snow White's wicked stepmother.

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Palin
Posted by: sunlakedude on Oct 1, 2008 7:58 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I tend to think that this debate is going to be a little different than anything Palin has done up to this time. I certainly hope that the moderators and Biden are not going to let Palin get away with all her wordy nothingness. I have rarely heard anyone say so much while saying so little of substance. Come on! While being interviewed by Katie Couric she couldn't even name one magazine that she reads after claiming that reading magazines is how she gets her information about what is going on in the world. Like George Bush she seems to lack curiosity about anything that is not in her little world.

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» RE: Palin Posted by: roncypert
Well let's just HOPE the moderator doesn't let her get away with it.
Posted by: weslen1 on Oct 1, 2008 8:05 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Whoever the moderator is going to be he should not let her get away with non-answers and every time she starts one he should stop her dead in her tracks and ask for specifics. Biden sure won't be let off the hook with a bunch of fairy tails.

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Sara Palin and the nuclear button
Posted by: Don Quixote on Oct 1, 2008 8:06 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sarah Palin is the perfect person for the nuclear button. She will never push the button right or the right button. we would be safer than with anyone else.

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LIAR, LIAR -- Palin's pants suit on fire!
Posted by: NoMcCainPalin on Oct 1, 2008 8:06 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted on AOL News this morning:

Palin's Russian Remark Draws Scrutiny

By MARTHA MENDOZA

AP

(Oct. 1) - Gov. Sarah Palin cites vigilance against Russian warplanes coming into U.S. airspace over Alaska as one of her foreign policy credentials. But the U.S. military command in charge says that hasn't happened in her 21 months in office.

Enough said.

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Zarathustra
Posted by: johngary on Oct 1, 2008 8:08 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Thanks a great quote!!

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Spaceheads
Posted by: LeeAnnG on Oct 1, 2008 8:15 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I was in a doctor's office yesterday, and Fox "news" was on. (Why oh why do so many doctors and businesses have their waiting room TVs turned to Fox???) I was attempting to read The Nation and tune out the rightwing noise machine, but bits of it drifted through.

After awhile, I heard a conversation started by a man who declared himself to be 75 years old. He first stated that he had a friend with a much better idea for the bailout: give $450,000 to every American family, make them pay back $25,000 in taxes, and force them to spend the rest in a given period of time. I think his idea was about 6 months. That would, in his view, take care of their mortgages and stimulate the economy.

I did the math and discovered that $700 billion divided by 350 million citizens is only $2,000. If one figures that there's an average of 4 people in a family, that still just comes to $8,000. (I did this math several times manually and, being very surprised at the low number, I plugged it into Excel to be sure.)

So, anyhow I was alerted to the fact that this guy was probably not the brightest bulb in the marquee. His next comment confirmed my suspicions. He said that he didn't like any of the candidates until Palin was selected.

And then, to top it all off, he said, "And Obama. Well. I still think Obama is a Muslim."

On another recent occasion, I was waiting for my car to be inspected, and, sure enough, guess what was on the TV in the customer waiting room? Yup. Faux "news." Again, an older man (I'm 61, and he was considerably older than I am) announced that he supports Palin and that Obama is a Communist. Specifically, he said, "That's right. That's just exactly what he is - a Communist! Not a patriot!"

Some how that sums it all up. People who support Palin can't do math, and they think Obama is a Muslim. Or a Communist. Maybe a Communistic Muslim or Islamic Communist. Take your pick.

Even though Bush was "elected" twice (and he really wasn't), I still have a hard time believing that there are enough hardcore spaceheads in America to vote for McCain/Palin. I sincerely hope I am not proven wrong.

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» Bailout rebate Posted by: BlueTigress
» RE: Spaceheads Posted by: sunlakedude
» RE: Spaceheads Posted by: bobtr900
» RE: Spaceheads Posted by: peskyfly1
It Might Work in Alaska
Posted by: Shankari46 on Oct 1, 2008 8:23 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I doubt that technique will work down here. The average American does not live out on a tundra hunting reindeer with no radio or newspapers to read. If she avoids the answer, she will get nailed. Remember the Katie Couric interview? That was just hideous. I know she's counting on the supposed utter stupidity of the average American, but I think that expectation might bite her in the rear.

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» RE: It Might Work in Alaska Posted by: boing007
she will be 'folksie', putting lipstick on Ollie North, morphing into Dan Quale before our eyes
Posted by: foreverhope on Oct 1, 2008 8:38 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
ARRRGGGGGG....we actually have to LISTEN to her Thursday, better get my tranquilzer meds refilled to day. Like Moira said, our ears will be bleeding before she is done.

There will be lots of dead air time while she sorts out her retort, has to answer, when she is finally cornered and has no choice, she will mindlessly ramble on and on and on. Man! That girl can talk shit like no one I've ever heard! All that lying, mockery and how really STUPID she is, and how stupid their campaign managers are, will be glaringly obvious. Good! let's finally get to the vetting every candidate for president deserves, more importantly the VOTERS need and deserve.

Paylin will fail to be elected in November which we can count on in my opinion, the best polls are showing ENORMOUS support for Obama in every demographic except the angry white vote which the dems have NEVER carried in any election. If Obama never does one more thing he has woken this country up, shook out the dem party or vetted the dem party, which it needed, and his remarkable grass roots campaign has registered MILLIONS of new voters, he hardly gets any credit for that. It will be discussed more when the election is over, after he WINS.

So having lost she will sign a contract with FAUX. Remember Ollie North? Paylin is more or less this generation's Ollie. Paylin is Ollie with lipstick in high heels, but Ollie was a bit smarter.

McCain is going to have a stroke before this is over.

And then there is Quale. She is worse than Quale, I never thought I'd think that about anyone, but there are historical similarities with GHWB's (the first Bush) White House. Neocons like Stinky Dick et al took control of the president George Herbert Walker Bush, sank their teeth into the conservative party and together with the religious right making it so SO much worse and more dangerous than anything the country has ever seen. Paylin is Cheney's choice, I'd bet money on it!

So back to the first George W, with a very very VERY supid clue-less VP (Quale), so they could do literally, just as it's been over the past eight years, whatever they wanted, trading arms from Latin America in exchange for hostages for instance.

Does it feel as if history is more or less repeating itself? That's cause it is. Cheney is the one, others talk about the genious of Karl Rove, it is Stinky Dick that is behind just about every decision for the past 8 years including this campaign and who would be the VP decision. I'd be willing to bet the last person McCain talked to right before he released 'his VP selection' we would find it was Cheney. Cheney makes Rove look like the tooth fairy.

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Andrew thinks Alaskan debates = Vice Presidential?
Posted by: helenwheels on Oct 1, 2008 8:50 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I feel for this guy, he got trounced by Palin mostly because of the setting they were in. I've read Alaskan bloggers who say they feel awful they fell for the "charm" and that now they know her, it can't happen again. I think the guy writes from a place of concern but also I think he needs to believe she's good because she beat him.

The "non-answer" tactic didn't work with Couric or Gibson, and don't think Ifill will let her get away with it, either.

All Ifill or Biden have to do is let her look how she really is: Vain, vindictive and vapid. All they need are a couple of legitimate questions. If you think Palin can just act cutesy, or snarky, and win the debate, you're crazy. It works for speeches, not debates or interviews.

Shouldn't be hard for professionals. Andrew just got bamboozled by the fact she was new meat & popular - this was before all her scandals, lies, and bad governing came to light. We have that information now.

What worked in a small venue like Alaska ain't gonna cut it against a life-long pro like Biden, or against a world-class commentator like Ifill: Ms. Mooseburger's in the big leagues now.

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» LOL! This is going to be GREAT!! Posted by: foreverhope
Don't be afraid, Joe Biden...
Posted by: grindermonkey on Oct 1, 2008 9:13 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Imagine her in her underwear with a paper bag over her head.

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Tick, tick, tick...a note to my fellow dems
Posted by: foreverhope on Oct 1, 2008 9:46 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Biden's biggest and only problem will be keeping the grin off his face. Really this is so ridiculous it boggles the mind. She couldn't even give ONE newspaper she has read cause she's read "all of 'em" , so she says. I can't wait to see SNL this Saturday. Tina Fey is so right on with Sarah it is the best in SNL history IMO.

I know some of my fellow dems are scared and/or worried about losing this critical electoin, you are traumatized and I don't blame you. But someone on Alternet said some time back, it is like helping Tinker Bell, "I do belief, I do belief...." We need to believe too, and it will happen. When you feel most depressed turn that negative energy into positive energy, put a big smile on your face, get ahold of your local democratic party and throw yourself into this campaign.

Don't be scared, be happy. Be HAPPY and PROUD, even GRATEFUL, cause kids, this is as good as any election gets!

And we have a once in a lifetime candidate to be proud of, thank you God. More than a candidate, Obama is a statesmen. It is remarkable to me that he is here at this time in our history when we desperately need someone with exactly the leadership abilities Obama offers. Europeans and the world understand, and believe me they are holding their collective breath and praying we get this right. The future of the world is literally at stake. We absolutely MUST get this done, and we are the ones that have to make it happen. As Barack says, it is about US not HIM. It isn't about us, it is literally on the backs of our children and grandchildren and what we do now will change history for the better or for the worse. It is up to us.

This is as good as any grassroots campaign gets, our country has never seen anything like this. It is democracy in action. Remain positive as Obama is, win hearts and minds as Obama does every place he goes. Buy your Obama/Biden tee shirts at MyObama.com. and oh yeah, say your prayers. We have a great candidate, we are so lucky I am filled with hope. But we have about 33 days.

tick...tick...tick...SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET OUT THE VOTE!

Yes we can.


The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.

~Abraham Lincoln~

*********

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» Only a wee bit off Posted by: foreverhope
Couric is bewildered; Biden will be on fire
Posted by: heyhick on Oct 1, 2008 10:10 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
While public commentary 'warns' Biden to be mindful of the lady, setting up a straw-woman that must be accepted for who she is, and not confronted or criticized, Hickmen counsels another course.

Palin has had more than a month to show that her appearance from relative obscurity to national fame is deserved and that McCain's choice was wise. She hasn't, and his wasn't.

Mr Biden should show his stuff, and call out her lack of stuff. He should bulldoze any moderator that would stand in his way. He should point out that the next closest qualified person on the stage is not Palin, but the moderator, Ms. Ifill.

Mr. Biden must not play to a draw, because a draw he loses. Mr. Biden must respectfully identify the threat the country faces from another admistration that acts on gut, ignores facts, is dis-interested in discovering facts, and holds a world view that while shared by many Americans, is not a world view that can move America forward (face it, it has not).

For the McCain moderates who may appreciate the shoot from the hip style of our over hyped hero, (not to diminish the hero or his service, but how does his heroship fit with those that dove on grenades, rushed machine gun and flame throwing bunkers? Sorry for continuing the tangent, but would not the Viet Cong just release him ahead of others and say that is what he wanted, if their's was a morale play? And was McCain 'off mission' when he was shot down? If McCain's service is hero worthy, and maybe it is, we must erect a wall with the names of all our prisoner heros.) it's time to face some facts: McCain may be a maverick, but he hasn't led. In all his years in congress, he has garnered few followers. Where are the ideas (oh...Palin)? McCain, and lately Palin, continuously claims he knows how to win a war. Really? McCain's won a war before? O.K., he supported the surge. Unfortunately, the generals who called for a surge from the beginning weren't listened to. Where was McCain then? Where was his filibuster in the senate demanding the generals be listened to before the war began and before the senate votes? Oh yeah, "I know how to win a war" McCain was with the "the Iraqi's will welcome us with flowers" crowd. Furthermore, Bush had just whipped him, and sent him over to those America firsters, the evangelical radicals hell bent on ending God's human experiment. The love thy neighbor crowd, as long as your neighbor is a carbon copy of yourself. That anti gay marriage crowd that has apperently distilled gay love as a threat to hetro love and marriage (view distilled as paranoid,and probably in most cases STUPID). The home school crowd who believes that professional educators are a bad idea and are not needed in the classroom (they might talk about dinosaurs and neanderthals).

PLEA to moderates and independents, don't be fooled again. It hurts all of us.

PLEA to Biden. End the Palin charade.

PLEA TO ALASKA. Demand your governor back. Throw her a parade. Put her out on that isolated island to stand watch for Putin.

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» Really a brilliant post Hayhick Posted by: foreverhope
American electorate in a nutshell
Posted by: northerner on Oct 1, 2008 10:40 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
But then I look out into the audience and I ask myself, 'Does any of this really matter?'

Palin may be as dumb as a bag of hammers, but...

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» I don't think so Posted by: foreverhope
Why didn't Couric ask Palin to name one magazine she reads?
Posted by: Garvagh on Oct 1, 2008 11:00 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Palin's mastery of the nonanswer was on display with Katie Couric asked what magazines she read, and not a single magazine was mentioned in the "just run the mouth" response.

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SP Interview Generator!
Posted by: morticia on Oct 1, 2008 11:16 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is fun, also sobering.

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Thanks for the strategy, Andrew
Posted by: DaBear on Oct 1, 2008 11:38 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm loathe to see what Biden will do with it, if he even reads stuff that is.

In the mountains where I grew up we had a way of dealing with rich people like Sarah Palin who gave non-answers... we burnt down their barns and we put sand in their gas tanks. Then we gave non-answers as to our whereabouts that night...

Seems to me, these kinda rich people just need a little below-the-belt treatment. They've been jamming sticks up our asses for years and we just wait around for a debate to give 'em a come-uppance? Uhuh. It's time to start giving these queen bees and alphas a bit of humiliatin' where it counts.

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She's a master of the non answer!
Posted by: bobtr900 on Oct 1, 2008 11:40 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Yes she's a master of the non answer. Of course she is. That's because she is a combination of dumb, poorly educated and very manipulative. Sarah Palin is a perfect example of the Peter Principle at work. She personifies that concept. She has risen ABOVE the level of her incompetence.

I know people like this, but they are senile. And others believe them and believe in them despite their demonstrated incompetence because their bodies still function so well, while at the same time their brains are senile. This is what mindless people do.

And Sarah Palin is and will continue to do it. She is not senile but might just as well be. She believes what she wants to believe, irrespective of the facts. Palin is a perfect example of those parents who always tell their children that they can be anything they want to be. Well intentioned parents do that to encourage their children and to get them to open up their horizons.

But some parents go way too far in pushing that belief. I worked with parents who held to such notions despite all of the facts. When a child has a learning disability they cannot be anything they want to be. In those cases, it is incumbent upon those parents to inject some reality into the situation. Most parents do that, a few do not. They themselves are deniers of reality and the facts and continue to believe their hearts, despite the facts.

Palin's parents may be that way. She has clearly risen above her Peter Principle, her level of incompetence. George Bush's parents very likely did the same thing. Lil' George, due to a variety of factors, was and is a poorly functioning human being. But like some parents they keep pushing and hoping for him to do better. But he never does better, and NOW they know, or should know.

They blame all of this on Cheney. But Cheney got away with perpetrating this mess because their son, Lil' Georgie, is such an incompetent. They should have realized this, at least, by junior high school, and finally they do; maybe, hopefully.

GWB is a marginal person, of marginal intellect, of marginal character and posessing a marginal education. But he is an extension of them and their way far over the top ambitions for him and for themselves. They produced a screw up. The sooner they realize it, the sooner they can exercise whatever power they have left on their other errant children. Actually they have produced an entire family of screw ups. Jeb is well along on his own destructive path; and this nation will pay for that. I have no doubt. But then I am assuming Bush's parents are reasonablepeople; possibly a false assumption. Mayhap they got exactly what they wanted.

There are actually people in these United States who continue to say America was not attacked under George Bush. So what in the hell was 9-11. In addition, Bush's Dept. of Energy demonstrated that it is quite easy to attack America. They attempted to 'attack' America by bringing suitcase sized nukes into the nation via our very porous borders and they were successful in all eight attempts. And the Pope wants unlimited immigration, btw. Exactly what is he setting us up for, and why?

The point is that Palin and her band of idiots are and will continue to be the very ones saying these kinds of ignorant things, and quite likely for the next fifty years. They are driven by ideology, and not the facts. IOW, the facts get manipulated by their ideology. Some of it is done intentionally and some of it is done stupidly and even innocently. That is what blind ideology does to ones mindset.

The world based on myth and fantasy, wants and desires, is the world according to Sarah Palin. It is also the world according to the Republican party, the wealthy and their religions.

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re-answer her answer
Posted by: mwd on Oct 1, 2008 12:01 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Biden should say, over and over, "in case anyone missed it, Governor Palin didn't answer the question. The question was... ...And here's an actual answer."

And he could say, "Governor, I love my country, too, and I have family values, too. I have a son in Iraq. I've been married for 500 years and live in the same house, yada, yada..."

And then say, "So I know something about family values and patriotism. I've served my country in the Senate when I could've made a whole lot more money as a lawyer for DuPont. And so, here's MY answer to the problem of education...etc, etc..."

he should do this over and over and over, drilling into people's heads that she is not answering...

And by the way, Biden is no slouch at nonanswering, he's just not as folksy..

And no offense to the writer of this article, but this ain't Alaska...folksy nonanswering will only go so far ....i hope.

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» RE: re-answer her answer Posted by: VZEQICVA
Palin is more qualified than Biden
Posted by: leafsong1 on Oct 1, 2008 12:12 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
For the same reason that Obama is more qualified than Hillary; Biden and Hillary voted for the Iraq war and Obama and Palin did not. It's not your experience, it's your judgement.

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master of , IM SORRY I DON'T GET THE QUESTION?
Posted by: sirios on Oct 1, 2008 12:39 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Master of the non answer? people surely you have not been watching tv lately or were half asleep when palin came on. She comes off as a stammering nervous school girl .

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Palin May Not Be Ready For Prime Time
Posted by: cherylholmes on Oct 1, 2008 12:46 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
but Tina Fey IS and now because of Palin, she'll have a lot more job security! SNL's ratings will skyrocket!

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This is how the debate will play out
Posted by: jeffrey7 on Oct 1, 2008 12:46 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The joke will be the debates on Thursday.

I'm looking forward to that one. A loose cannon versus a post turtle. I'll bet Biden will say he put the turtle on the post and if Obama wants to take it down he'll have trouble,then Palin will ask 'What's a turtle?' Then Biden will tell her 'it's the thing smarter than you',at which point Palin will go off on a rant about being 'in a POW camp for 5 years and wished she had a turtle',McCain will burst in screaming 'You stole my catch phrase','In 5 years I wish I had a catch phrase, but I had none in my cell.' Palin will leap across the stage at McCain screaming 'Tell me what a catch phrase is!!' Biden will say 'I did'nt believe anyone with that much junk in the trunk could move that fast!' Mccain will retort 'In 5 years I wish I had junk in my trunk' Then Obama will pop out and say 'Did I mention my father was a goat herder?' McCain will call out 'If I had a goat in my cell...' He'll be interupted by Palin wailing " What's a goat POW and how can they use a cell phone?' Then Obama will yell ' My Mama was white!!' Biden will yell ' Fuck You! You can't have my baretta." taking a wild swing at Obama,missing him and knocking McCain over into a swoon and he'll say,as he's coming to, ' I spent 5 years in a... OH MY GOD WHAT A HUGE ASS!!' Palin,in shock,will kick McCain in the face turning circles trying to see her ass crying 'What huge ass,I don't see a huge ass,Was he talking about my ass? Yes I support the Bush Doctrine! Obama '08!!' Then Obama will hop on the mic and say 'Did I mention my father was a goat herder?' At which point the moderator will say 'Time's up Thank-you for tuning in.'

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Palin & Another Beauty Queen, NOT
Posted by: cherylholmes on Oct 1, 2008 1:02 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Palin IS Miss SC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww

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If Palin's So Great at Avoiding Questions
Posted by: Jim Shaw on Oct 1, 2008 1:25 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
How come she came off looking like a complete fool in the Couric interview?

COURIC: You've cited Alaska's proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?
PALIN: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land -- boundary that we have with -- Canada. [...]
COURIC: Explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.
PALIN: Well, it certainly does because our -- our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They're in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia --
COURIC: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?
PALIN: We have trade missions back and forth. We -- we do -- it's very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where -- where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is -- from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to -- to our state.

Smooth

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Sexy Sarah Sixpack
Posted by: foreverhope on Oct 1, 2008 1:36 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Although, one could easily argue she's one can short of a sixpack.

;-)

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» 5 cans short Posted by: hurricane hugo
» RE: 5 cans short Posted by: foreverhope
parrotuya
Posted by: parrotuya on Oct 1, 2008 2:26 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
That's just great! Palin is a female version of Bush. Maybe she will be more concerned about hunting and fishing instead of the economy and the environment. Never mind that, due to overfishing, there won't be any fish left. But as long as the gov't doesn't take away our guns, we'll be OK.

As for the economy, I mean health care reform in South Africa, geography is important, it's all about job creation, you know, world peace, uh and I'll get right back to ya!

p.s. I know there are nude pictures of Palin snorting coke and acting crazy out there, Democrats get with it and find those pictures!

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Correction on Quote Attributed to Palin
Posted by: sallyride on Oct 1, 2008 3:27 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Quote attributed to Palin by mistake (wonder why?):

"The human body consists of the brainium, the borax, and the abominable
cavity. The brainium contains the brain. The borax contains the liver and
other living things. The abominable cavity contains the bowels, of which
there are five: a, e, i, o, and u."

Actual source: Fifth grader's essay on the human body

CALL PBS and demand that they conduct the "Debate" as a debate, not a free-for-all. Make both debaters answer the questions, not futz around. DEMAND they control the answers and not let Palin salivate to "the people".

PLEASE don't faulter - Act Now!

She's obviously off her meds.

America is the only nation in history that has gone directly from barbarism to decadence without the usual interval of civilization.
— Georges Clemenceau

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» RE: contacting PBS?? Posted by: foreverhope
FT. Detrick
Posted by: blackjack on Oct 1, 2008 3:34 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
When I returned from my tour in Viet-nam my last three(3) mounths were served at Ft. Detrick. It was Wounderful Duity(Died and went heavin). And as a young man we were free on the week ends.At that time Baltimore had a place Called the BLOCK that was where all the sreip Bars were. There was a Striper at one of these Bars that could have passed For Palin. I was at Ft DETRICK in 68.

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» RE: FT. Detrick? Holy Cow! Posted by: foreverhope
ANSWER THE QUESTION.
Posted by: EJW on Oct 1, 2008 4:47 PM   
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That's all I want. For repubnauts to answer direct questions with direct answers. It's the height of RUDENESS not to. If they don't understand the questions they should say so.


SHUT THE F**KERS DOWN!!!!!!

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St. Sarah
Posted by: kattfish on Oct 1, 2008 6:12 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Has everyone seen the picture of Palin practicing for the debate? It's an outdoors photo, complete with a creek in the background, her standing behind a "pulpit."

I have a good caption for that photo.

Her, addressing the dude playing Biden:

"I get it already, don't worry, I'm gonna go to that debate and "field-dress me a Biden, I mean a Bison. Oh, I made a funny, I'll get back to ya!"

I should send this to Bill Maher, I'm sure he could do a better job with this one, hey the punch line is there already ;o)

Katt
"The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it always to be kept alive." (Jefferson)

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Strange!!
Posted by: bobtr900 on Oct 1, 2008 6:30 PM   
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It may seem strange to say this but if McCain/Palin get elected it may not be all bad. I'm thinking back to when Quayle/Bush were elected. We had a lot of fun watching Dan Quayle prove what a dunce he was. This same scenario will take place with Palin/McCain. Lots oflaughs.

Other scenarios seem likely to occur. The religious right will look more ridiculous than ever. Though I should not be so pleased about that I just cannot help it. We lefities have been so dumped on by the hate coming from the RR's(Religious Right) that we deserve to have some comic relief. This began under the Reagan administration and continues to this very day. Exactly how popely is the Pope (my religion) going to look with Sarah Palin representing him and his gang of fundies.

How ridiculous is Dobson, Robertson, Franklin Graham(not Billy Graham, I'll feel sorry for him, he is no longer one of the radical religious right, near as I can tell and therefore gets my respect) and their fundie crew of screaming banshees.

Another McCain/Palin scenario that will be deserving of our gufaws will be the reactions to those two and the entire Rethug party by the rest of the world.

And how silly are the pompous neocons going to look with Sarah and John at the helm and saying stupid things. Krauthammer, Kristol and Cheney will look more oafish than they already are.

Of course there will be laughter if America and the world even survives these two. When McCain dies and Palin assumes the presidency either Jeb Bush or Lynn Cheney will be her veep. Further fun and disaster will then ensue. America should be well into WWIII (Middle East) by then and looking to WWIV with Russia.

Also by then many more Americans will be dead fighting the wars of the Fascist Big Business and the religious wars of the RR's. Of course the RrR's will bethinking all of this is the work of Palin's god but it qwill really be her and all of them doing all of the torture, killing and destruction. And all the while we, the little people, will have no say in stopping any of the ensuing catastrophe being perpetrated by this cabal of evil, this satanic group of people.

And finally before we fall into the abyss, before the Event Horizon occurs, before the final tipping point takes place, the Bilderbergers ( the Bush family, the Pope, the oil company royalty and the royalty from some other companies like Rupert Murdoch and the telecoms such as AT&T) will enter the scene and make us and offer we cannot refuse. It will be an offer where they will take our liberties and freedoms and give us some measure of peace, however small and a meager existence.

Given that we have lived with the horrors of the Palins and their RR's for so long most people will very sadly and reluctantly accept the Bilderberg offer of a controlled peace. Some people will not accept the offer, instead they will become occasionally hunted bandits and militia groups who, if they do not bother the powerful too much, will be mostly ignored and left to live in the wilds. They will be the new gypsies. Other than the latter, all of the others will experience an unending death of their human spirit. A stifling, zombie like and stultifying existence will be all that the masses have left, with nothing to look forward too. There will be no better life to look forward to, there will only be a life, such as it is.

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Hello, where am I?
Posted by: wildbill on Oct 2, 2008 12:20 AM   
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Did I just walk into an adaptation of Jerzy Kosinski's book/movie Being There, with a female in the lead role?

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Palin should win the debate by telling personal interest stories
Posted by: Right Wing Psychoholic In Denial on Oct 2, 2008 4:13 PM   
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It's in the title

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Comment on Debating Sarah Palin
Posted by: ElleJ28 on Oct 2, 2008 4:30 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think the American voter has become aware of what is important. They are much more intuned with what is going on with the economy, enviornment, war in Iraq, health care, our standing in the world, loss of jobs. All these things are paramount to the American voter since most of them are in the 95% of the voting public. These are perilous times and I think they feel that serious people are needed to solve the problems facing us today. I don't think Sarah Palin will elevate her standing with the American people by side stepping questions with empty rhetoric. This won't work. Not this time. Americans want answers.

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