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The Backlash Cometh: MSM Op-Eds Make The Anti-Palin Argument For Obama
So, McCain made his ground-shaking pick, and the media jumped all over it, as was presumably his design. McCain won his news cycle - but now, these MSM outlets have had time to fully digest the pick and its ramifications - and are finding all sorts of odds and ends while unleashing its vetting grinder on Palin. If these editorials are representative of the campaign's new meme, McCain lost the election in the bargain.
Here's a collection of various op-eds around the country that are, on the whole, not very flattering to the first-term Alaska governor.
I believe this media reaction will be critical to the Obama campaign's strategy. They can just quote all this beautiful stuff here, and not have to get involved in hitting Palin directly.
Senator Straight Talk's judgment is being bashed in these, too. It's really beautiful when the media actually does its job and reports the truth, you know?
Happy reading!
The Denver Post:
“I served with Hillary Clinton. I know Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton is a friend of mine. You, Sarah Palin, are no Hillary Clinton.” Sorry to steal Joe Biden’s thunder, but we didn’t want to wait for the vice presidential candidates’ debate to say the obvious. Yes, John McCain, who argues with a straight face that Barack Obama’s 12 years in the Illinois legislature and U.S. Senate aren’t enough to qualify him to run for president, has picked a running mate who just two years ago was serving as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, population 5,470. In short, the presumptive Republican nominee, an Old Soldier in all senses of that term, drafted the political equivalent of the Unknown Soldier as his co-pilot. McCain’s pick of Palin jettisons his attack that Obama isn’t ready to lead and looks more like a desperate “Hail Mary” campaign tactic aimed at female voters.Detroit News:
…Palin, 44, with less than two years as governor and no foreign policy experience, can’t be sold as ready to step into the presidency if called upon. Arizona Sen. McCain, if he wins, will be 72 when he takes office, and the question of succession is likely to be a concern for voters.
Kansas City Star:
But as this newspaper noted earlier this week, the most important question in evaluating a vice-presidential pick is whether that person is prepared to step into the Oval Office. Palin, with no national political experience and only a couple years in the Alaska governor’s office, is a very tough sell for the Republicans on that score. McCain’s age — he turned 72 on Friday — certainly doesn’t help. The Republican presidential candidate has emphasized the importance of military and national security issues, and taken shots at Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama the Democratic presidential nominee for having only four years of experience in the U.S. Senate. Yet McCain now suggests that someone halfway through her first term as governor is “exactly who this country needs” only one step away from the presidency.
John McCain can forget about trying to make a campaign issue out of Barack Obama’s relatively thin foreign policy resume. In an effort to blunt Obama’s post convention momentum, McCain made history Friday by choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, the first woman to be nominated for vice president by the GOP. It is a risky move that stunned even some party leaders who fear that voters will have trouble imagining the former beauty queen as commander in chief, if it should ever come to that. The 44-year-old Palin, a former small-town mayor serving her first term as governor, has no experience in foreign policy.
Sen. John McCain shook up the political landscape Friday when he picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. At a time when the Republican’s biggest criticism of Democrat Barack Obama is that he lacks the experience necessary to run the country, it is a big risk that the second seat on the Republican ticket was given to a first-term governor with no national political experience. Palin, 44, is in her second year as governor of Alaska. She was previously the mayor of Wasilla, a town of 9,000. She is the least experienced major party candidate nominated for national office since Spiro Agnew, then the governor of Maryland, was picked by Richard Nixon in 1968. “If you are going to go after Barack Obama on experience … this pick makes no sense,” says University of Maine political science professor Mark Brewer.
As governor for less than two years and before that mayor of a very small town, she’s inexperienced enough to give fits to people worried about McCain’s health and longevity. McCain turned 72 the day he announced her selection. If something happens to him, she does not have time to grasp all the facets of the job, especially in the area of foreign policy… Her office also is involved in an investigation about the firing of a state public safety commissioner who refused to fire a trooper involved in divorce proceedings with Palin’s sister. In a small boon to Democrats, selecting Palin mutes future Republican attacks on Sen. Barack Obama’s inexperience.
Palin is not ready The Alaskan economy is nothing like the rest of the country because it is boosted by oil and natural gas development profits… It’s obvious that McCain’s choice for running mate is a way for the Republicans to look progressive by putting a woman on the ticket (although it comes 24 years after the Democrats nominated Geraldine Ferraro as their candidate for vice president) and appeal to the conservative wing of his party. It’s also obvious that McCain, if elected, is counting on surviving a presidential term.
The presumptive GOP presidential nominee’s pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the most risky Republican pick for vice president since George H.W. Bush tapped Dan Quayle as his No. 2. Ms. Palin, 44, has been governor for only two years. The office she held before that one was mayor of a town about the size of Midlothian. This is the person Mr. McCain, 72, would install a heartbeat away from the presidency. The Palin pick means the Republicans have ceded the high ground on the experience issue.
But the most important question Mr. McCain should have asked himself about Ms. Palin was not whether she could help him win the presidency. It was whether she is qualified and prepared to serve as president should anything prevent him from doing so. This would have been true for any presidential nominee, and it was especially crucial that Mr. McCain — who turns 72 today — get this choice right…In this regard, count us among the puzzled and the skeptical…Once the buzz over Ms. Palin’s nomination dies down, the hard questions about her will begin. The answers will reflect on her qualifications — and on Mr. McCain’s judgment as well.
Governor Palin’s lack of experience, especially in national security and foreign affairs, raises immediate questions about how prepared she is to potentially succeed to the presidency. That really is the only criteria for judging a candidate for vice president.
What happened to his insistence that a running mate be qualified to serve as commander in chief? …An even better example is George H.W. Bush’s choice of Dan Quayle in 1988. That selection, like McCain’s, was designed partly to placate restive Republican conservatives. Those are not persuasive precedents. In one respect, McCain is in even less of a position to gamble than were Mondale and Bush. His age makes it especially important that his running mate be prepared to assume the presidency at a moment’s notice.
In picking a first-term governor with no foreign-policy record, the Republican presidential candidate undermined his own central themes - experience and national security - and exposed the deep fault lines within his campaign…But the pick is hard to square with what Republicans have been saying all week: that Obama is too green to be president. Because Obama has bared his soul in a bestselling memoir and his decisions have been under a microscope for the last four years, voters can assess his judgment. Palin, in contrast, has next to no track record. Her ticketmate would be the oldest first-term president ever and has had health troubles in the past. McCain, meanwhile, is struggling to accommodate Palin within the logic of his campaign, which up to now stressed an existential threat from Islamic fundamentalism.
Hillaryites didn’t want a woman; they wanted that woman. If this is his attempt at wooing disaffected Hillary backers, he has sold all women short.
Political strategists say Clinton’s rank-and-file supporters will be tough for McCain and Palin to win. The ticket’s strong anti-abortion positions make them anathema to liberal Democrats concentrated in places such as South Florida…On Friday, she may have made her first official flip flop, saying that she opposed the so-called ”bridge to nowhere” that became a symbol of pork-barrel Washington spending. Yet in 2006, her spokesman told the Associated Press that she supported the project.
Another common concern: Palin’s perceived lack of experience, after less than two years as Alaska governor. Several voters said she’s not ready to take over the presidency, should something happen to McCain. He turned 72 Friday.
Franklin & Marshall College pollster Terry Madonna said that Palin’s personal story is an asset but that he would describe McCain’s pick in three words. “Risky, risky and risky,” Madonna said. “We just don’t know how she’ll handle the next nine weeks of campaigning, dealing with all these complicated national and international issues, debating [Obama's running mate] Joe Biden, and having every word scrutinized by an aggressive press corps.” The greatest unanswered question is whether putting Palin on the ticket will bring many Clinton Democrats into the McCain column. The Daily News reached five women who were Clinton primary-election supporters in a March poll, and none said Palin’s candidacy would change their vote.
Pittsburgh Tribune Review (money-losing right-wing rag published by Mellon descendant Richard Scaife):
The choice might undercut a theme promoted by McCain’s campaign. McCain has touted being more experienced than Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois. Palin is three years younger than Obama, 47, and younger than two of McCain’s seven children. Before becoming governor, Palin served as mayor of Wasilla, a city with fewer than 10,000 people…Democrats noted that Palin is the subject of a legislative investigation in Alaska over whether she forced out a top government official because he wouldn’t fire her ex-brother-in-law…”She is a risky choice,” said G. Terry Madonna, political science professor at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster. “Her record as a reformer and maverick is very helpful but how can she prep on so many national and international issues? She hurts the ticket because now the experience argument is weaker.”
John McCain has described national security, defense, the war in Iraq and the war on terror as “the transcendent issues, the most important issues of our day.” So who did he choose for his running mate? Someone who has zero acquaintance with those issues. The first and last question to be asked about a potential vice president is: Is he or she prepared to take over immediately as president? Barack Obama’s choice of Joe Biden gave that matter the priority it deserves. The question is even more important for McCain because he’s 72 years old and has had serious health problems. The chances are considerably higher than usual that his vice president would have to step into the Oval Office without notice…this decision mocks McCain’s seriousness on the issues that are supposed to be his strength. It tells us that he puts his own political fortunes above the safety of the nation. McCain has done a lot of things for his country. He should have done one more and picked a running mate who makes a plausible commander-in-chief.
New York Times (Gail Collins):
He was looking for someone who was well prepared to fight against international Islamic extremism, the transcendent issue of our time. And in the end he decided that in good conscience, he was not going to settle for anyone who had not been commander of a state national guard for at least a year and a half. He put down his foot!…I do feel kind of ticked off at the assumptions that the Republicans seem to be making about female voters…The idea that women are going to race off to vote for any candidate with the same internal plumbing is both offensive and historically wrong.
AP (Ron Fournier - yes, THAT Ron Fournier!):
She is younger and less experienced than the first-term Illinois senator, and brings an ethical shadow to the ticket. Just 20 months ago, she was mayor of Wasia, Alaska, a town of 6,500 where the biggest issue is controlling growth and the biggest annual worry is whether there will be enough snow for the Iditarod dog-mushing race… Palin’s lack of experience flies in the face of GOP charges that Obama is not ready to be commander in chief. McCain himself has said he was determined to avoid a pick like Dan Quayle, the little-known Indiana senator George H.W. Bush put on his ticket in 1988 in a choice that proved embarrassing…But, as McCain suggested himself, his 72nd birthday is a reminder that age and experience matter.
Boston Globe (Peter S. Canellos):
McCain will have a hard time persuading people that he chose the most qualified person to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Palin, at 44, has been governor of one of the nation’s least-populous states for just two and a half years.
TIME (Amy Sullivan):
It appears Sarah Palin was picked not just for her appeal to women voters but also to please social conservatives. If so, this could be Harriet Miers redux. And that didn’t work out so well the first time.
Chicago Tribune (Andrew Zajac):
John McCain may have some work to do with Republican Party pros regarding his selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate if the underwhelmed reaction of former Maryland GOP Gov. Robert Ehrlich is any indication… “I gotta go digest this choice,” he mumbled to a couple of acquaintances.
ABC News (Jake Tapper - yes, THAT Jake Tapper!):
Palin doesn’t exactly scream “experience,” which is McCain’s main argument against Obama. For a decade she was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, which has a population of approximately 8,471, which the Obama campaign says is less than 1/20th the size of his former state senate district. Palin has been governor for two years. Some might argue that in terms of experience she makes Obama look like Robert Byrd. In July, Palin told CNBC’s Larry Kudlow that “as for that VP talk all the time, I tell ya, I still can’t answer that question until, until somebody answers for me ‘What it is exactly that the vice president does every day?”
TIME (Mike Murphy):
McCain’s mighty and oft-swung Obama swatting hammer of experience has been instantly changed from steel to rubber. VP examination stakes are a little higher for McCain, will she pass the ready on Day One test with less than two years in a (small) statehouse? Former full Colonel in the Pat Buchanan brigades...
Washington Post (Robert Barnes and Michael D. Shear):
When he ended months of speculation Friday, McCain did not laud Palin as immediately ready to take over, which he once said was his highest priority for a running mate.
Chicago Tribune (Mark Silva):
When Obama was looking at Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia as a possible running mate, Karl Rove, the “architect” of President Bush’s election campaigns, dismissed his experience - a governor for three years and mayor of 103rd largest Richmond. We’re not sure where Wasilla ranks.
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Comments (168)
Wow. Rec'd for the work alone and fact you nailed the formatting on your first attempt.
The Boston Globe writer you linked actually gave Gov. Palin a years too much experience as she has only been in office a little over a year and a half, and he mistakenly stated 2.5 years.
August 30, 2008 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Damn, I missed that. Would've pointed it out. Thanks for the catch.
August 30, 2008 7:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting that nobody seems to know just exactly how big Wasilla is -- the figures there range from just under 5,500 to 9,000 (and the Pittsburgh paper punted with "under 10,000").
I guess it depends on whether you count the bears and the mooses.
August 30, 2008 11:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
One of my biggest questions is this: how the hell does a mayor of town with the population of approximately 8,000 people raise the resources to run and win a statewide governor race? I mean, every indication is she has some enemies in her locality and her own party is not supportive. Where did she get those resources? I know Alaska isn't that big, but it still costs a pretty penny to run a campaign, especially for a prior unknown without an established financial base of support.
August 31, 2008 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
No one points out that she was a part-time mayor, either. It has a police department and a library, which we know because of her LibraryGate scandal (of, if the good people of Wasilla had succeeded in their mayoral recall effort, we would not be in this position today), but no school system. If you're not managing a school district, it's hardly mayoral experience at all, is it.
August 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
No one notes her mayoral position was part-time. Wasilla has a library and police dept but no school system.
Oh, if the good people of Wasilla had succeeded in their mayoral recall effort, we would not be in this position right now.
August 31, 2008 1:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good points all, but unfortunately the hard fact remains that McBush benefits by having everyone talking about ANYTHING but him.
Same story with GUSTAV.
Can someone tell me why the heck McBush is planning to visit Jackson, MS today?
It's easy to figure out. He wants everyone to talk about the hurricane for the ENTIRE Repub convention.
It's not going to work, but what else can he do?
McCain is pathetic to an extreme.
August 31, 2008 1:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's why we should keep reminding people that Palin is another Bush: She's a global warming denier. She'll fight anything that reduces our dependence on oil because Alaskans get paid for the oil drilled in their state.
We also need to use the issue of Gustav to remind people why the GOP's desire to decimate the government hurts us all:
* Do you want a minimalist government if a natural disaster hits your town?
* Do you want the money to maintain the infastructure of your state vetoed in favor of military spending and corporate handouts?
* Do you want funding for first responders slashed in order to lower taxes for the very rich?
* Do you want the National Guard fighting in Iran, Iraq, Afganistan and Georgia all at once, when the next flood or earthquake or forest fire threatens your state?
* If you lose your home in a disaster, do you want the government to side with the insurance companies when they deny your claim, then tell you they won't help you either, because you're just a whiner, looking for a "handout?"
Gustav is the perfect example to use to remind people why we need a functioning, funded government. Remember, the "ownership" society means "You're on your own."
August 31, 2008 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Damn, that is a lot of bad press. I'm cautiously optimistic that this won't work, but it is possible that she isn't as weak as she seems.
If she was, I cannot understand why they'd choose her.
August 30, 2008 6:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
The question isn't her strength or weakness. It's quite possible that she could end up being the first female POTUS someday, especially if her reformer cred holds up.
The question you ask is critical - as is the ansnwer. Why did they choose her? My guess is that your "they" is actually just McCain himself. Which is why the "judgment" argument will be so devastating in the weeks to come.
August 30, 2008 7:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
"they would choose her", urbanash, because they are idiots.
McCain is a pampered old fool and his 'evangelical' puppeteers have one track minds about controlling the reproductive decisions of strangers. You are talking about a very old man who may be entering dementia who sings songs about bombing people.
August 31, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
They chose her because she seems like someone you know, someone you've met.
Of the four people running in this campaign, the one most people will feel the most comfortable with is her. She speaks the language most families speak -- carpools, hockey practice, trying to do right by your kids. And you add to that she's a governor who went back to work rather than sit around on maternity leave (they're interpretation, not mine), that she's established she will make hard choices, because having a Down's baby is a hard choice, and she's apparently unafraid. She's going to play well when speaking to the morning shows, and she's going to look good on the cover of People. She's going to feel like a friend, even if you disagree with her.
The best example of this is Mika -- the MSNBC co-host with Scarborough (i can say her last name, but can't spell it). She was aghast at the pick when it was announced. As angry as a newsperson should let herself be. But when Palin finished speaking, there was a shift in her tone. She's an Obama supporter -- has been all along -- but there was a since of familiarity she spoke about. Like she could relate to her mom-to-mom.
Remember the first idea of Bush -- he was someone you could have a beer with, while Kerry/Gore weren't? The country -- at least for the last two election cycles -- wants people who are like them. They don't want people who are smarter, more polished, more impressive. They want someone they feel comfortable with. Someone who they feel really understands them. They may be impressed with Obama, or Biden, or even McCain, but none of those men makes anyone feel they are just like them.
That's why they chose her. She's pretty. She's firey. She's accomplished enough. And most importantly, she's relateable. The MSM, and Olberman and Madow and Matthews can roll their eyes all they want. This pick is dangerous to us. Very dangerous.
August 30, 2008 7:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
The whole point of all these editorials is simple.
The rapidly forming CW is that Palin can't possibly be ready to be POTUS.
And the corollary to that CW is that any POTUS candidate who would make someone with Palin's resume the #2 on the ticket deserves to have his/her judgment called into question.
Palin is dangerous ONLY if Obama's camp hits her directly. If the attacks stay focused on McCain - and history shows that voters vote based on the #1 slot more than the #2 - I don't think McCain can seriously justify this pick, especially as the media gives her their own special vetting.
August 30, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
The media will vet Palin. Obama needs to concentrate on McCain. Keep hitting him. It was his bad choice, not hers. And it does look like McCain is rattled. The DNC convention was a surpising success, his big speech was a hit, and Hillary and Obama made up. McCain is rightfully worried by last week. This is the first panicky move by a nervous McCain.
August 30, 2008 9:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Given McCain's tendency to go ballistic, this is an excellent opportunity for Obama to get under his skin. If McCain seems rattled now, wait till he gets hit with a series of ads highlighting these editorial comments. The coup de gace will be bringing them up in the first debate. Obama does not need to criticise Palin directly- all he has to do is reference a half a dozen key editorial comments. If asked if he thinks she's unqualified, he can say that she does not inspire confidence in the most informed segment of the American public, and then cherry pick comments from the most conservative editorials he can.
August 31, 2008 1:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
I might be worried about all that if her voice weren't so damn annoying.
August 31, 2008 8:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
I truly think they chose her in a panic.
The houses gaffe ruled out Romney. Karl Rove ruled out Lieberman and Ridge (and Ridge was my biggest fear). They saw the Democratic convention was a wild success and that McCain couldn't steal the news cycle by naming any of the people on his short list. They knew their convention would not get the coverage or interest that the Dems got and saw hurricane Gustav threatening to steal even more coverage away from them. It truly was a hail Mary pass, and while we shouldn't help them win the expectations game by expecting her to be a drooling idiot; we also shouldn't cower in fear of the genius of Karl Rove.
The best thing is: all those GOPers have to scurry back home and scrub their convention speeches, removing all the lines about how experience is the only thing that matters when choosing a president.
August 31, 2008 2:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know, sometimes it is what it seems. I recall after OJ murdered his wife, his supporters would say things like "would he really be so stupid as to leave all that evidence behind?" Uhm, yeah. Sometimes it is what it is. We can't presume competence or intelligence. We don't even know how many people he consulted on this pick or how long he took to make up his mind. He admits that he makes fast decisions that are often wrong. Just great.
August 31, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ya' Know, that's the first time I've ever seen a diamond(?) encrusted flag lapel-pin. (Pic on the Tampa Bay Tribune).
Also, did you notice that the immediate effect of this choice is that these articles are unanimous in questioning John McCain's age as a serious issue. Every single one noted that at his age, it is likely McCain won't survive the presidency(or might not, not guaranteed to, etc.).
Whoo hooo! Obama didn't have to play the age card, McCain played it on himself!
(Great roundup BTW!)
August 30, 2008 7:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
That was an exact point I made in another blog. Although Palin is the female George Bush (politically that is a good thing) McCain did 2 things.
1. Took experience off the table
2. Brought his age back to the forefront.
August 30, 2008 10:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely!
Obama has been careful not to mention McCain's age for some very good strategic reasons. Now every mention of Palin brings up the fact that McCain is 72 and not in the best of health.
Was Johnny so stupid that he didn't think this would happen? Maybe, and that's telling.
Add that to the brewing ethic scandal, which if it gains traction can sink her, and McCain has just defeated himself.
August 31, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Free press this bad (and likely to get worse) for Barack Obama's (putative) opponent ought to put the Democratic Party's ad-budget people joyfully in mind of Ben Franklin's adage: "A penny saved is a penny earned."
Grandpa Simpson McBush has just saved multiple millions of pennies for the Democrats who now have only to sorrowfully (and inexpensively) point to the deluge of daily newspaper articles lamenting (truthfully, for a change) the declining mental capacities (never much to begin with) of old Mr. "noun, verb, and POW" who wants so much to play commander-in-briefs but can't remember where he misplaced his diapers.
August 30, 2008 7:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry I couldn't recommend this a hundred times. Great work! TPM should put this on the front page of the site. Did I say it yet? Great work! Really.
August 30, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
No can do. The MSM is the evil enemy, remember? :-)
August 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
p.s. I also learned in teh blogosphere that if the corporate lackeys running those newspapers don't like something, chances are it's good for teh people and it's dangerous to their status quo. U can help bring down those bastards by electing teh people's princess, Sarah. :-)
August 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wonderful work, thanks!
When I can hold my leftie paranoia at bay, I'm inclined to think this pick really is just as dumb as it looks. Quayle was an inspired choice by comparison.
August 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Quayle was, indeed, an inspired choice: at the time, there were increasing indications that Bush was quite involved in Iran-Contra. Putting a lightweight in play effectively put Q between Bush and the threat of impeachment. It worked, and it only took twenty minutes for me to realize it.
August 31, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
If they're doing their jobs for once, we have to leave it alone and let them do it. A backlash to the backlash is inevitable, if only because we've had one to everything this campaign. If the backlash to the backlash is to ugly comments from Obama or liberal blogs/commenters, the back-backlash (backlash lash?) will come from the MSM. If they, and we, lay off, it will come only from the far right and will thus be less dangerous to us.
August 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
More seriously, thanks. For my taste, there's no better blog post than sharing a good compilation of professional media, especially one like this one that shows a trend.
August 30, 2008 8:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. Thanks for compiling these! I'm scared shitless, and not because I think she helps his ticket. I think she hurts his ticket but the thought of that woman assuming the office of our President is horrifying.
August 30, 2008 8:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great post. Nice to see the MSM showing some sanity. She enthralls their base but they were in line already and insults Hillary's folks that we welcome to join us...
If I line up Palin beside Hillary (who I am NOT a fan of) even I run for experience, competence, toughness and intelligence.
I definitely want my daughters to emulate Hillary not Palin,
August 30, 2008 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
If the Democrats didn't have Foreign policy, the economy and 8 years of Bush to talk about,they could ride the Palin pick all the way to November
August 30, 2008 8:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love you for this - thank you so very much.
Thank you thank you thank you!
I've been ready for a nice long rest in a white room for the last day and a half, listening to people darkly predict our doom because of McLame's ultra-double Rovian twist secret plot in making her Mclame's VP or else sighing with all the cynicism of their 20 some odd years of life about how very stupid American voters are.
I really thought I had gone down the rabbit hole when I heard this pick - and then when people started taking it seriously -
well, I began to wonder what was wrong with me - there's nothing serious about his choice except the seriousness of the mistake McLame has made.
August 30, 2008 8:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because I am obsessive when it comes to the Veepstakes, I found myself looking around for female running mates for McCain back in May. (At that time, I was thinking in terms of him trying to counteract a possible Obama/Clinton ticket.)
For me, it really came down to three people: Meg Whitman, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Sarah Palin.
Palin was actually the first on the list that I discarded. Why? Lack of experience - which is always the first thing you look for in a Veep.
Whitman's run a multi-billion-dollar company that helps a lot of people make extra money, so that's decent economic cred. But, I found that her business dealings had a few rumored skeletons, and I figure she wouldn't survive vetting. (This, of course, was before "houses" - and if you think Romney's rich, check out Meg's bankroll!)
I really thought he'd go with Hutchison - which would have been a much more serious pick with HRC hard-cores, IMHO. Yeah, she's pro-choice, but McCain could've argued that he had someone who doesn't agree with him down the line and would be an important voice in his discussions.
Palin just smacks of desperation - and I have serious doubts as to how thoroughly she was vetted.
August 30, 2008 9:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whitman was even more of a no-go than Fiorina. Fiorina is an incompetent wanna-be spymaster, but Whitman is well known for staying just on this side of the law. It's not a coincidence that since she took over EBay they've basically made their money by turning a blind eye to fraud and the very-gray markets, collecting commissions and fees til the cows come home on the volume it generates.
August 31, 2008 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hear ya, Tena. I was staring to think *I* was losing my marbles-not McCain. The only thing I can think is this is some kind of performance art...
August 31, 2008 2:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
I love you for this - thank you so very much.
Thank you thank you thank you!
I've been ready for a nice long rest in a white room for the last day and a half, listening to people darkly predict our doom because of McLame's ultra-double Rovian twist secret plot in making her Mclame's VP or else sighing with all the cynicism of their 20 some odd years of life about how very stupid American voters are.
I really thought I had gone down the rabbit hole when I heard this pick - and then when people started taking it seriously -
well, I began to wonder what was wrong with me - there's nothing serious about his choice except the seriousness of the mistake McLame has made.
August 30, 2008 8:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent compilation, thanks for the hard work!
I hope we can quickly pivot to the "What the hell was he thinking? Is this how he makes all his decisions?" angle.
August 30, 2008 9:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rec'd and appreciated.
I have scanned through a lot of commentary and blogs today checking reactions. There are the occassional women who just want to vote for a woman no matter what and he may gain a couple of votes that way. There are a few conservatives excited about this pro life, exciting, fresh face conservative.
However most of what I read were people shocked, dumbfounded, or angry about this choice. By my read he has lost more votes than he will gain. Many angry men and women who can't believe that he made this choice. He may have very well sealed this election for Senator Obama by making this VP pick.
August 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
O I think we've won this bitch - o yeah.
August 30, 2008 9:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am stunned that McCain would put us, the citizens, in such peril with this woman at the helm. I'm angry that he is willing to risk my children for this election. Really angry.
August 30, 2008 9:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is a lot of bad press.
But this is genuinely a terrible, no, disastrous choice.
Rec'd
August 30, 2008 9:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for all the effort you spent putting this together for us. Good job!
:-)
August 30, 2008 9:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Either Sarah Palin has talents and skills we were not aware of”, or “John McCain fell down and hit his head”.
Alaskans React
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/local-reaction-to-the-palin-bombshell/
August 30, 2008 9:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
nice
August 31, 2008 4:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fantastic job compiling these!
Interesting that some of the harshest editorials came from papers (WaPo, etc.) that probably would have endorsed him in November, had he made a sane pick. With this pick, I would be shocked if anyone other than the WSJ endorses him for Pres.
Cable news must be thrilled though, since it gives them something "dramatic" to talk about.
August 30, 2008 9:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dude. That was awesome. I'm in awe. Holy shit. I've been looking all over at different publications' analyses of Palin, but you compiled it all right here. And it screams of negativity. McCain got what he deserved. Palin is a ridiculously horrible choice, and I truly hope McCain and the GOP pay dearly for it.
August 30, 2008 9:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great job & Rec'd. Now about that 17% favorability gap between men and women....
August 30, 2008 9:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Then why do you guys keep whining that the press is pro-McCain?
I told you. This isn't 2000.
August 30, 2008 10:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Before you dislocate your shoulder patting yourself on the back, remember this: it took a move as horrendous as Palin for McCain to get hammered like this.
August 30, 2008 10:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, the press really has been slanted in fovor of the Republicans this cycle...its just that this pick is SO awful that even THEY cannot ignor it.
August 31, 2008 12:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Spot on! It will be hard for astute voters to swallow the GOP VP pick. Palin's family will struggle with the microscope that is coming.
August 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
As much as I HATE the Washington Post [I only wish I could cancel 50 more times after canceling initially], I've got to give them credit for cutting directly to the chase:
This is a two-fer: McCain's bad judgment + Palin's lack of experience.
She's the female Clarence Thomas.
August 30, 2008 10:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for all that work! Wow, that's a whole lot of negative going into the convention.
August 30, 2008 10:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
The timing of the hurricane is rather perfect for the convention; no one will notice empty seats, and there cannot be the inevitable comparisons with the Democratic convention. Why? Because they'll cancel the Republican convention.
August 31, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
They're scaling back Monday's convention activities already, per the NYTimes... A built-in excuse that makes the two conventions impossible to compare.
August 31, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just for the record Wasilla isn't even in the TOP 10 of biggest cities.............IN ALASKA. What the hell does Karl Rove have to say about that.
August 30, 2008 10:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
i think he has said, and will likely repeat: "she was mayor of the 2nd largest city in alaska"
August 31, 2008 4:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
I cheated and gave you another "recommend" after already doing it once before. This amount of shoe-leather work deserves to stay at the top of the Recommended Readers Posts for a week.
August 30, 2008 10:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
It stopped the Obama made the greatest speech of all time news. It also stopped all the talk of Grampy McSame.
That was all this pick was meant to do, buy time, hope that something....anything...will come up.
August 30, 2008 10:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
True enough, but if it stopped the press talking about Obama's very impressive address, it was only to start them talking about McCain's appalling lack of judgement in his VP pick, so I'm not sure it was a net gain for them.
August 31, 2008 12:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
True enough, but if it stopped the press talking about Obama's very impressive address, it was only to start them talking about McCain's appalling lack of judgement in his VP pick, so I'm not sure it was a net gain for them.
August 31, 2008 12:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, but I read one comment online today by a Hillary supporter who was leaning Obama saying that his speech last night had almost won her over, but what tipped the scales was the news the following day of McCain's Palin pick, which insulted her. So it may have worked to Obama's advantage that these two events, which have so much power to influence votes, unfolded back to back.
August 31, 2008 2:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, that's a lot of testimony. I think I'm feeling the spirit.
But seriously, the natural question this editorial consensus raises is can the pundits reach one conclusion and the electorate another? If I were in a charitable mood or if Palin were a Democrat, I would conceive a Frank Capra like narrative of Sarah Palin Goes to Washington - a naive saint who somehow nows better than the encrusted establishment. Just a thought.
August 30, 2008 10:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow! All in one spot! You covered every liberal paper in the ol'USA! The sad part is, they have never carried an election! The MSM has been in the tank for Osama for the last year. They threw Hillary under the bus. Now they are aiming at Sarah. Guess what? The trust of MSM is as low as Congress, which is 20% lower than Bush. The people will decide this one just as they have the last two. Ha! No impeachment, Cheney is free, Rumsfield walks and the papers are still whining. Ha! The people keep electing winners! It's been the people all along!
August 30, 2008 10:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Every liberal paper? Really?
You mean, like the Pittsburgh Trib?
Or AP's Ron Fournier?
Or the McCain-endorsing NY Times?
Or ABC's Jake Tapper?
Yeah, you're right.
And I didn't even see Charles Krauthammer (that noted bastion of liberal ideology) rip Palin today.
August 31, 2008 12:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wow! All in one comment! The "librul media" nonsense, the endlessly clever Osama/Obama switcheroo, the phony "Dems threw Hillary under the bus" concern trolling (hilarous, coming from right wingers), and the characteristic stupid-arrogant gloating combined with the tired "still whining" taunt.
You're beautiful, "OldSarg"! You can pack a lot of poop in a very small baggy. Superb job!
August 31, 2008 3:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
great Job, Boyd! BYW, her is Steve Clemmons's take on the Palin pick:
August 30, 2008 10:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Impressive list, thanks for the assembly work!
But if we are realpolitik, we note that this is Labor Day weekend, and quite slow news-wise. Moreover, next week, the GOP convention kicks off.
For those who think the GOP doesn't know what it's doing consider:
a) McCain didn't disappear during the Dem Convention week -- despite some very major stories (Clinton v Obama, what will the Clintons say?, PUMAs, etc.)
b) On the day Obama was nominated, McCain captured some of the news cycle away from a hugely historic event with this "little ad".
c) On Obama's huge night, McCain teased people with will he/won't he leak the VP selection name. Thus, the night was not owned by the Dems
d) Immediately the next morning, McCain at very least splits the front page with Obama -- a very difficult thing to do given the immensity of Obama's speech (location, historical context, oratory, etc.)
e) And now the huge negative fallout comes during one of the slowest times of the year.
f) The fallout will further be under more GOP control when they have their convention -- and that becomes the huge news story.
Students of campaigns should take note: the McCain camp is just as good at precisely commanding the storyline as the Obama camp.
This campaign is beginning to pick up real drama: it will be exciting to see what the Dems do to dent the GOP on their convention week.
Ironically, given the very long campaign season, this is one of the most exciting races to the White House we've had in a long time (and not just in terms of who-wins-it suspense).
Don't get me wrong: I would have much preferred a very boring campaign where Obama just rolls into the White House.
August 30, 2008 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Should we really be really worrying about McCain stealing a news cycle. This was only to be expected since the Republican convention tails the Democrat convention and that McCain hadn't picked a VP candidate. Also, the pick of a relatively unknown person naturally calls for more news time to fill the vacuum of Palin's identity.
The only thing I really worry about is that the meme that McCain makes bad or reckless decisions will be lost even though that's exactly what his VP choice demonstrates.
August 30, 2008 10:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. Except he didn't "steal" a news cycle. The MSM had already given this one to him days before it happened. They actually interrupted Democratic Covention Coverage and a speech to spend about twenty minutes discussing the fact that Informed Sources Tell Us That John McCain Had Decided. Turns out, he hadn't. They just wanted to toss a stinkbomb, but, still, this cycle was promised, signed, SWAK, and delivered, long before he chose Palin.
August 31, 2008 10:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
You're right, but I would argue that despite the fact that it's Labor Day weekend, the overwhelmingly bad press and consensus on Palin being a horrible choice will follow McCain through the convention.
Palin now has to genuinely prove herself to the electorate. And if she falls in the least bit flat, she's going to get derided by the press, and that will be what the Convention is remembered for.
The fact that certain sources are now saying McCain and the GOP are considering getting rid of the Convention and instead holding a huge fundraiser for Hurricane Gustav, while a very kind gesture, is going to hurt McCain badly if they do it.
I don't expect they will, but if they don't, and don't postpone the Convention until later, Gustav landing around the same time is going to damage them horribly.
McCain/Palin goes into the Convention with a negative mandate. They're going to have to astound the entire electorate, pundits included, in order to come out of it looking good. And after the success of the Democratic Convention, that looks like a very, very difficult task to accomplish.
August 30, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Politico now reports that McCain may deliver his acceptance speech...
...wait for it...
...by satellite.
Can someone get Dubya to show up at McCain's location with a sheet cake?
August 30, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Strictly speaking, so did Obama.
I don't understand this point.
August 30, 2008 11:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama delivered his speech live to 80,000 people, and over 40 million people nationwide.
Remember on night one of the Democratic Convention, after Michelle's speech, when Obama showed up on a satellite feed? That's how McCain might deliver his acceptance speech to the Convention. Quite a bit different if you ask me.
August 30, 2008 11:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point.
The night WAS owned by the Democrats as evidenced by such large numbers. That's why I don't see clearthinkers' point (c).
August 30, 2008 11:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I dunno about you, but I watched mostly on CSPAN. However, every time I flicked to the cable stations someone was mentioning whether McCain would violate protocol about announcing his candidate, etc.
In other words, on the biggest night the Dems had in a while (and the ratings bare THAT point out!), McCain was able to find a way to insert himself with something compelling enough that the talking heads kept bringing it up.
August 31, 2008 4:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree about the difference -- but my point is that what does "satellite" do for me? It's just a way to move the signal around! Why is this significant?
If McCain were launched into space -- restrain the obvious joke -- and delivered *that* by satellite, then I can see the news worthiness of the story.
August 31, 2008 4:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
They mean that he won't actually be at the convention itself, but in another location. Probably the gulf coast.
August 31, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
The point is that the GOP convention is going out of its way to avoid negative association from Gustav. There's even talk about turning the whole thing into a big "service" event. Bush is now not expected to make an appearance.
I'm not all that old, but I don't ever remember actually seeing a major-party convention where the incumbent's party didn't get an appearance from said incumbent.
And I don't get your claim that Obama, who was standing in the middle of Invesco Field as scheduled on Thursday, delivered his acceptance speech by satellite. Can you expound on that?
August 30, 2008 11:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
How do you think the news feeds made it all over the country (and the world)?? By satellite!
August 31, 2008 4:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
Aw, c'mon. Don't be obtuse.
Obama made his acceptance speech LIVE AT THE CONVENTION. The difference between that and the proposed remote acceptance scenario for McCain seems brutally obvious to even the most casual of observers.
August 31, 2008 5:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually YOU are the obtuse one. My point is this:
What is the big deal about McCain delivering a speech via satellite that deserves such a big announcement? The Obama's stadium speech was also carried to your cable stations via satellite.
Clear? Sheesh.
August 31, 2008 10:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Your point is clear - and utterly invalid.
McCain is talking about giving his speech by satellite - from the Gulf Coast. Never mind that his Secret Service and press entourages require local officials' attention that will likely be needed to deal with damage, refugees or both.
Aside from that, what better way to draw attention to your horrible Katrina photo-op with Bush than to turn around and put himself in the middle of the Gulf? Pandering much, anyone?
August 31, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your point is clear - and off base. And, as I've responded to it, as have others, nothing further will be gained by discussing it. So, finis.
August 31, 2008 3:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
By satellite from the Gulf Coast. Basically he's using Hurricane Gustav for political purposes. Pretty shrewd/cynical.
August 30, 2008 11:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's not the first time... Katrina was used by Obama on Thursday night! ;-)
August 31, 2008 4:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not particularly worried, just pointing out that there is some method in the madness. It's interesting to watch if you are a student of these things.
August 30, 2008 11:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for all of the thought and effort invested in posting this report. I really appreciate it. I've also "dugg" it so that it will be available for others.
Like so many others, I've also lurked behind numerous news and blog sites since yesterday to gain a better sense of the general reaction to the McSame/Palin ticket. IBy my observation, the general consensus, at least among, the reader comments in Alaska and the lower 48 is that Palin is an affirmative action-like choice made for no other purpose than political expediency. Even among the Alaskans who support Palin many say they feel sorry for her because they feel she's being used and that she's out of her league.
Thanks again for this excellent posting.
August 30, 2008 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tina Fey...I mean Palin is extremely unqualified. I hear that McBush's campaign is now screening all of the speeches for their convention to make sure they don't go after Obama to hard on the experience issue. So I'm wondering what will they talk about?
August 30, 2008 10:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
They'll have to lubricate the speeches with oil.
August 30, 2008 10:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you really think that's what they are worried about? Experience? Obama has oceans more experience with Ayers or Wright or Community Action. palin is only experienced in being a business owner, on City Council, Mayor and Governor. damn! Osama has her trapped!
August 30, 2008 11:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's really low-quality trolling. You're slipping.
August 30, 2008 11:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can't. Stop. Laughing.
August 31, 2008 2:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dayumm! That is hilarious! I can smell the desperation over the internets!
August 31, 2008 3:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fine work, Boyd. Nothing to add except "Yipppeeeee!"
August 30, 2008 11:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well done, many thanks! Now, folks can focus on McCain! Palin will be having some interesting times confronting a skeptical MSM.
August 30, 2008 11:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Kudos and thank you.
August 30, 2008 11:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Long time TPM reader and never had time to join. But as I read this downpour of joy on Grampy's choice out loud to my husband, he jumped off the couch like he was hit with a bolt of lightening. "I know why he picked her!" Then he laughed at his own cleverness for several minutes before composing himself and sharing his insight with me. "He needed someone to enter into that biker beauty contest that he was sure could win!"
Wish my first post could be more intellectual and erudite, you'd with a PhD, I could manage it, but, good lord, what a godsend.
August 30, 2008 11:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
OUTSTANDING post!!!
May I repost it at http://tpzoo.wordpress.com after it rolls off here? I will credit your hard work!
Bravo!!!
August 31, 2008 12:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Johnathan Martin over at Politico reports that he received the following from Dem. sources in Ohio:
Yeah, I had a feeling this would happen.
August 31, 2008 12:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
The point here is not Palin--it's not the fault of the recent ex-mayor of Wasilla, AK that she has zero foreign policy experience.
This is about McCain's judgment, and his character. McCain's willingness to just jettison his promise to pick a ready, clearly qualified candidate-- and then, even more, to turn around and pick somebody with NO demonstrated capability in the area he's insisted is the only one that matters, national security--well, that's either staggering cynicism, or campaign panic, or intellectual and ethical faithlessness, or all of them....
Most voters' bottom line is going to be that this decision shakes their confidence in McCain... makes him look, basically desperate and foolish.
I bet the poll spread is in solid double digits by mid-September.
August 31, 2008 12:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
"I am stunned that McCain would put us, the citizens, in such peril with this woman at the helm. I'm angry that he is willing to risk my children for this election. Really angry."
KateO has it just right. I have the same feeling sitting on my couch staring in disbelief at the TV. This is a visceral reaction that goes beyond the "politics" of wooing Hillary supporters,energizing the base, setting traps for Obama, and all other perceived benefits of choosing Palin.
That McCain using the slogan "Country First" and hammering Obama on putting ambition before country would jeopardize our national security for his personal gain is the central point, it is the 500 lb gorilla in the room.
He is toast.
August 31, 2008 12:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
What is this woman thinking saying yes? Surely, she knows that she is waaaaay over her head. Does she think she can debate Biden? Talking points alone compared to Biden's extensive knowledge and thorough responses are going to be very embarrassing for her.
August 31, 2008 12:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think McCain might have begged her to be on the ticket. I honestly think he was about to choose Lieberman before he saw Hillary and Bill at the Dem Convention.
August 31, 2008 1:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
If this isn't the post of the year, its at least the post of the summer...
Nice.
August 31, 2008 1:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
While I don't think that Palin will help McCain win, her selection completely changes the situation in Alaska. We had a shot at both Ted Stevens' and Don Young's seats, and some of the state races were looking good. Now, the elevated Republican turnout will wipe all of that out. Even Ted's conviction won't be enough to offset the Palin effect. She's like some kind of Lady Jesus up here.
Somebody ran over my Obama sign last night. I've reinforced the sign with a cinder block, and tomorrow we're going to surround it with husky shit. Looking forward to a rough couple of months.
August 31, 2008 1:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you so much. Your hard work is the first glimmer of hope in the last two days that the world has not gone completely haywire.
I have been feeling like I was losing my mind. The Republicans are so good at controlling the talking points that for the last two days all I have heard is how Ms. Palin has more experience than any of the candidates on either ticket. She is the only one with executive experience, the only one who has held the veto pen, the only one who has served as a commander-in-chief, etc., etc., ad nauseum. I have not heard one Republican party member question the qualifications of Palin to assume the presidency.
Kay Bailey Hutchison initially seemed surprised and less than enthusiastic, but by last night she was on point and quoting the party line - She (Palin) is the only one of the four that has any executive experience.
(Oh my, I just heard the RNC ad questioning Obama's experience and quoting HRC. "Should we elect the most inexperienced presidential candidate of our times" On CNN this ad has run 4 times during their re-air of the McCain Revealed special. Can this be for real?)
I am at least relieved to see the print media is asking questions. So how much influence does the religious right - Dobson and others - talk radio, and the NRA really have?
She is going to be very likable to the non-politically obsessed and add to that the narrative coming out of the Republican party and FOX News highlighting her executive, energy and cost-cutting experience, her Iraq-bound son, her solid "Christian Conservative" values, not to mention being a NRA member and gun enthusiast. What more could the constituency she is being sold to want?
To tell you the truth I am truly frightened and I am angry that McCain has so little concern for his country that he would be so reckless in order to win an election. What has happened to this man?
But again thank you for providing a glimmer of hope!! This could turn me into an activist because the stakes are just too high.
August 31, 2008 2:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Next...
August 31, 2008 2:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
???
August 31, 2008 2:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry. Meaning, "next lame GOP VP "candidate"/Eagleton redux/shite/performance art" pick...
August 31, 2008 2:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
The choice of Palin gives lie to the RNC Convention motto of "Country First." The choice of this novice was political, first, last and always.
Her foreign policy experience probably consists of going to the International House of Pancakes in Wasilla (they have one), and the town's two Chinese restaurants.
And while I support a new mother's right to return to work ASAP, this woman just gave birth to a special needs baby. I have a brother with Down Syndrome, and I praise her for completing the pregnancy. But I know from my family experience that she should be home with her child as much as possible, providing the extra care and patterning that Down's babies need. Not campaigning 18 hours a day and shaking ten million hands. If Trig were a healthy baby, that's one thing. But Down's kids do have special needs and special challenges.
McCain put politics first in choosing Palin. And she put her special needs baby second in accepting.
August 31, 2008 2:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for doing the heavy lifting by pulling all of these op-eds together. It is heartening and good to see some truth. My only fear is that the MSM will, of course, be inclined to point out the obvious. The true test will come in the next 2-3 weeks, most importantly the time during and immediately after the convention, when we'll see how many of these op-ed writers and their newsrooms "come around" on Palin and declare her acceptable and a good choice, someone Americans should consider supporting.
The truth is so obvious they have to pay it lip service, but once the heat dies down a bit they'll very slowly roll out their cockeyed version so it isn't obvious at first and then it gets to the point where their opponents actually start debating on the ridiculous, tacitly adding credibility every time they question it like it's a serious, viable alternative.
I'm cynical, I know. But I bet it happens.
August 31, 2008 3:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
All the more reason to write your OWN letter to the editor damning McCain.
August 31, 2008 3:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is still hard to get reliable data surrounding Gov. Palin. She was a two term Mayor of Wasilla but it appears that they may have been 2-year terms. My Atlas shows the population of Wasilla as 6,375 using 2000 census data. The population of Alaska is roughly the same as metropolitan Omaha, NE. It is a pretty big step up from governing 600,000 to 300,000,000 -- like 500 fold.
She does have one thing down pat, however. She knows how to get rid of her political opposition or a pesky former brother-in-law. Abusing and using the levers of power has been quick and easy. She is a regular Dick Cheney with training wheels.
August 31, 2008 4:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
And the good muckrakers at TPM have now found this.
August 31, 2008 5:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Theone718, you are brilliant!
August 31, 2008 6:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great job compiling so many newspaper articles! I am impressed.
Good to read that so many different people agree on two things: 1)Palin is inexperienced, 2)McCain is old. The conclusion: She is a HUGE risk for the country.
August 31, 2008 6:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, unfortunately being "old" typically isn't an impressive talking point as most people won't use it consistently. For example, many people here who have talked of McCain's age have also talked of Hillary running in 2016 when she is 69 years old!
Now... "Inexperience" is something that has a lot more meat to it.
August 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
You too can be Vice President of the United States - and sooner than you think!
If McAttack wins, I wonder what the criteria might be for lesser federal positions such as Secretary of State, Defense & Treasury. Conservative DA's in counties across the country should start polishing their resumes immediately. One of them could be the next Alberto Gonzales.
August 31, 2008 8:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Prediction: after Sarah Palin's Introduction video at the GOP convention, the MSM will be singing an entirely different tune.
The initial negative reaction will be followed by - wait for it - Everybody Loves Sarah Palin! She will not attract many socially liberal Hillary supporters and may even drive some of them that may have been considering McCain away. The voters Sarah Palin speaks to most directly is those Reagan Dems - social conservatives, bread and butter liberals. They are going to be strongly attracted to a candidate that understands their clinging to god & guns and is one of "them." Obama & Biden need to keep hitting home that while Palin may be relatable, they have real plans on healthcare, foreclosure, tax cuts that will have a direct impact on their lives, while McCain's economic plan is pretty much four more years of GWB.
August 31, 2008 9:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are probably right. Same as it ever was...
August 31, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just so. From today's wires:
Whole story here: http://tinyurl.com/6l5w5p
Remember: this is a political party where a lot of the base went for Huckabee -- who openly talked of rewriting the US Constitution to be consistent with "God's language".
August 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've said this before, so forgive me if it's redundant.
My wife is a Repub. She was very lukewarm about McCain -- probably wouldn't have switched, but there was a chance she might vote BO.
Now she is excited to vote for him. telling her friends all about Sarah. Made her a friend on facebook and the next day had had a couple of hundred of messages others sign up, all talking about how great Sarah is.
I've said before about how relatable Palin seems to be. She won't get a person who reads TPM to switch, but she will bring out a lot of people who might have stayed home. And she is a contrast to the "otherness" that the McCain camp has been insinuating - a way of saying "see, she's just like you." In an election that is going to be as tight as this one is, that's frightening.
August 31, 2008 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep. As surely as night follows day. Between that working class accent and the low expectations, combined with the looks, one speech that isn't terrible will be all it takes to turn the yakkers around.
August 31, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I wanted to ask you this, dijamo, because you've been an eloquent and gracious defender and supporter of HRC (me, too), at the same time you've actively supported BO since the primary season ended.
Does this pick make you angry at Obama again for not choosing Hillary for VP? It seems like to me that we left a large card on the table, and McCain picked it up and ran with it. Had we ended up with Obama/Clinton, McCain would have been forced to go with Romney or Pawlenty, neither of which would have generated any buzz or potential recruits.
I'm not trying to rehash the issue, I'm just wondering what another hardcore HRC fan thinks about it now.
August 31, 2008 1:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks Matt and I always appreciate your comments as well.
I always wanted Obama / Clinton because that would be the best ticket to win, but I was never really enthusiastic about Hillary as VP. It would be a step down from her unless Obama was to trust her with real substantive responsibility.
I am angry that Obama chose a ticket that makes this election much closer than I'd like it to be, but I'll get over it as soon as we win. I'll be grateful to have Hill in the Senate pushing the agenda on universal healthcare etc. If he doesn't win, that ager will carry over to 2012 and beyond. I'd mark the VP decision as the moment he had a chance to unify the party and land a knockout blow to GOP, but decided to go a different route and lost the election in the process.
September 1, 2008 1:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I couldn't disagree more, djamo - she appeals to the Religious Right.
Fiscal conservatives who loved Reagan are voting Democratic these days.
August 31, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I couldn't disagree more, djamo - she only appeals to the Religious Right.
Reagan loving fiscal conservatives are voting Democratic these days.
August 31, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good analysis, and we definitely need to consider her upsides that you mention. I think, though, that Palin doesn't work, for a number of reasons.
(1) I think the voters she will appeal to most were voters that were only voting for McCain anyway (i.e.: pro-life, pro-gun). Yes, she does provide a boost in enthusiasm - which shows up in short-term fundraising and maybe volunteer GOTV-type efforts. But to independent voters and first-time voters for whom abortion and gun rights aren't driving issues, Palin is simply not Presidential material. There are a LOT of women at my job who fall into that category, regardless of age. They were buzzing about Palin on Friday. However, the buzz was, "McCain's old - if he dies, is she ready to go?"
(2) I can't remember a Presidential campaign that has changed its meme midstream and come out on top. That's exactly what Palin does for McCain. Experience is no longer the driving topic - rather, it's McCain's age and judgment.
(3) I think there's no chance she was vetted with anywhere near the depth they'd normally use. Josh Marshall has covered a lot of anecdotal evidence to that effect. The fact that McCain's website had NO bio info on her for at least a day is further evidence.
(4) McCain's violating two major principles of Veep selection: pick a candidate who is ready on Day 1, and make sure the pick is clean. The only reason he would do this, in my opinion, is that he thinks the race is a loser if the pre-convention track is maintained.
August 31, 2008 6:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
My sister has run her own business for thirty years. That gives her more executive experience than all of them.
August 31, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
"I'm cynical, I know. But I bet it happens."
I think you're cynical because we've seen it before. I am too, and I'm also waiting for the MSM to let this sink in a bit and begin treating it as though it's not outrageous.
I can only hope this time the media can stay on point and maybe for once, realize that this is not a reality show!
August 31, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey All - This campaign won't be won in the comments section, it will be won by getting out the vote. It's easy, fun, doesn't take a lot of time. Phonebanking is especially easy and very, very useful in building a focused get out the vote. Come on! Step away from the keyboard! Go to the Obama website and find your local organization! Volunteer! Go from "Yes we can" to "Yes we WILL".
August 31, 2008 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hunh, so it looks like Obama was pretty much right when he said that these folks cling to God and guns, because that's basically Palin's resume.
August 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hunh, so it looks like Obama was pretty much right when he said that these folks cling to God and guns, because that's basically Palin's resume.
August 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
That pretty much sums it up. McCain chose winning an election (even though he won't) over what is best for the country. Obama picked a very strong addition to his already strong ticket, and most importantly, someone who could take over the presidency and run the country if something were to happen to him. McCain, on the other hand, would rather put the nation at risk with a complete amateur, which is even more reckless given his advanced age, his history of cancer, his family history of heart attacks, and him already showing many of the classic signs of Alzheimer's. Looks like his horrible judgment isn't just confined to foreign policy, energy policy, economic policy and green speech backdrops.
http://www.thepersonalispolitical.com/search/label/Sarah%20Palin
August 31, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
That pretty much sums it up. McCain chose winning an election (even though he won't) over what is best for the country. Obama picked a very strong addition to his already strong ticket, and most importantly, someone who could take over the presidency and run the country if something were to happen to him. McCain, on the other hand, would rather put the nation at risk with a complete amateur, which is even more reckless given his advanced age, his history of cancer, his family history of heart attacks, and him already showing many of the classic signs of Alzheimer's. Looks like his horrible judgment isn't just confined to foreign policy, energy policy, economic policy and green speech backdrops.
http://www.thepersonalispolitical.com/search/label/Sarah%20Palin
August 31, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is great. At least the print press is calling McCain on putting politics before America.
I'm not seeing much of this on TV though.
August 31, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is great. At least the print press is calling McCain on putting politics before America.
I'm not seeing much of this on TV though.
August 31, 2008 12:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
That pretty much sums it up. McCain chose winning an election (even though he won't) over what is best for the country. Obama picked a very strong addition to his already strong ticket, and most importantly, someone who could take over the presidency and run the country if something were to happen to him. McCain, on the other hand, would rather put the nation at risk with a complete amateur, which is even more reckless given his advanced age, his history of cancer, his family history of heart attacks, and him already showing many of the classic signs of Alzheimer's. Looks like his horrible judgment isn't just confined to foreign policy, energy policy, economic policy and green speech backdrops.
http://www.thepersonalispolitical.com/search/label/Sarah%20Palin
August 31, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
You left out my favorite -- Charles Krauthammer:
"The Palin selection completely undercuts the argument about Obama's inexperience and readiness to lead -- on the theory that because Palin is a maverick and a corruption fighter, she bolsters McCain's claim to be the reformer in this campaign. In her rollout today, Palin spoke a lot about change. McCain is now trying to steal "change" from Obama, a contest McCain will lose in an overwhelmingly Democratic year with an overwhelmingly unpopular incumbent Republican administration. At the same time, he's weakening his strong suit -- readiness vs. unreadiness.
The McCain campaign is reveling in the fact that Palin is a game changer. But why a game changer when you’ve been gaining? To gratuitously undercut the remarkably successful "Is he ready to lead" line of attack seems near suicidal."
August 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for the great compilation of editorials!
As bad as this pick is for the country, though, I think it may prove to be very smart politically. Besides dominating the political debate in the short term, Palin has instantly delivered the passionate evangelical and gun activist base to McCain, with money, volunteers, etc. They can make a big difference in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, and Colorado.
All is not lost by any means, but the fight will actually be tougher now. I agree with others that Obama and Biden need to ignore her and keep slamming McCain. And we need to step up our volunteering and donating for Obama.
August 31, 2008 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Someone tell me how to get a pic to put up as my avy please.
August 31, 2008 1:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for doing the work to get all this quotes together into one place. It makes great reading.
Lets not forget that when she was a small town mayor she was almost recalled--for the same type of abuse of power that is now being investigated. She fired the chief of police and the librarian because they supported her political opponent. Sounds like she has a convenient approach to ethics: they're for other people.
August 31, 2008 1:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boyd - Thank you so much - You must have been up all night working on this.
Here's what Jonathan Martin over at Politico quoted from mcsenile on the Palin selection - It's both frightening and hilarious: "John McCain, in his first television interview since his shocking vice presidential pick, said that he saw in Sarah Palin "a partner and a soul mate." As I wrote before, I guess it was love at first sight! Where's Cindy?
http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0808/McCain_Palin_a_soulmate.html
I got in a lot of trouble with "clearthinker" on Friday night when I said the photo of mcsenile next to palin reminded me of some old man with "trophy wife three", but really - What was "gramps" thinking when he picked her. Although Cheney is a monster, Bush did select someone with "experience".
Now we have the hurricane and their convention, but I would think that Obama/Biden really hits hard during and after the convention. I would expect they have all this already prepared. I volunteer at a senior center, holocaust survivors, WWII veterans (a few) and widows, many die-hard Republicans. Not one of them said they would vote for mcsenile - They are all on board for Obama/Biden. That's all we talked about yesterday after they had breakfast. Not one of them wanted to talk about anything else. So many of the seniors I was with yesterday were much more articulate and knowledgeable than mcsenile - It was striking.
August 31, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for doing the work to get all this quotes together into one place. It makes great reading.
Lets not forget that when she was a small town mayor she was almost recalled--for the same type of abuse of power that is now being investigated. She fired the chief of police and the librarian because they supported her political opponent. Sounds like she has a convenient approach to ethics: they're for other people.
August 31, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aug. 31, 2008 - 12:52 PM EST
I've been on the fence...leaning away from 'more of the same'. (Over the last 8 years I've learned that the vice president can make a difference.) But I've delayed my final decision waiting for McCain's vp choice.
Even after reading the above op-ed, I'll continue to lean that direction until I learn answers to the following:
1. Why is Palin being given credit for turning down the 'bridge to nowhere'? What did she have to do with the decision making...or was she just responding to what was inevitable?
2. Did the 'clean-up' of Alaskan politics actually happen as a result of something she did? Or did it just come to a head under her watch?
3. Her husband is associated with 'BP' oil. Is the 'clean-up' of Alaskan politics related to winners and loosers of oil contracts? And is BP a 'winner' or a 'looser'?
4. Being the governor of an oil rich state (a state that sends Alaskans rebate checks instead of taxing them) with a population of less than 1 million people (about the same number of people as the District of Columbia) doesn't seem like the real world to me. What happens when Palin wakes up in the real world?
As a solitary voter I can't do much. My vote barely counts. But as Vice President of the United States a person can make a real difference. I think I'd like to have a person in there that is smart enough to know when she's being played for a fool.
August 31, 2008 1:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
lisast -- when I first saw them together, all I could think was, "He looks like he's running with his daughter."
This is great! Thank you for putting all this together - it makes me feel 100% better. I've been sick these past couple of days thinking that the press would just swallow McCain's version of the truth as they have before and give this woman a pass. It is wonderful to see that I was wrong.
I guess they were counting on that accommodating press, but instead, they have unwittingly supplied the MSM with a shiny new toy to bat around for the next two months!
August 31, 2008 1:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Repeat after me....
A Maverick nominee,is still GOP!!!!!
Nothings changed.
August 31, 2008 2:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
You left out my favorite -- Charles Krauthammer:
"The Palin selection completely undercuts the argument about Obama's inexperience and readiness to lead -- on the theory that because Palin is a maverick and a corruption fighter, she bolsters McCain's claim to be the reformer in this campaign. In her rollout today, Palin spoke a lot about change. McCain is now trying to steal "change" from Obama, a contest McCain will lose in an overwhelmingly Democratic year with an overwhelmingly unpopular incumbent Republican administration. At the same time, he's weakening his strong suit -- readiness vs. unreadiness.
The McCain campaign is reveling in the fact that Palin is a game changer. But why a game changer when you’ve been gaining? To gratuitously undercut the remarkably successful "Is he ready to lead" line of attack seems near suicidal."
August 31, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
You left out my favorite -- Charles Krauthammer:
"The Palin selection completely undercuts the argument about Obama's inexperience and readiness to lead -- on the theory that because Palin is a maverick and a corruption fighter, she bolsters McCain's claim to be the reformer in this campaign. In her rollout today, Palin spoke a lot about change. McCain is now trying to steal "change" from Obama, a contest McCain will lose in an overwhelmingly Democratic year with an overwhelmingly unpopular incumbent Republican administration. At the same time, he's weakening his strong suit -- readiness vs. unreadiness.
The McCain campaign is reveling in the fact that Palin is a game changer. But why a game changer when you’ve been gaining? To gratuitously undercut the remarkably successful "Is he ready to lead" line of attack seems near suicidal."
August 31, 2008 2:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fairbrooks - Thanks for the comment. I just keep telling myself to have faith in Axelrod, Plouffe, Daschle and the entire Obama operation, including strong supporter John Kerry, Chris Dodd, the former Republicans, such as Susan Eisenhower (who gave a great speech at the convention last week). Once we get through the Republican convention and the hurricanes I would think "all hell will break lose".
In the meantime, mcsenile's selection I feel has very serious national security implications. Reagan was already into dementia the later years of his second term, at least in my opinion and I think this has been discussed in MSM over time. I would think this must be under discussion within the Bush administration. Gates, Secretary of Defense, perhaps thinking about this. What about Chuck Hagel John Warner, Olympia Snow - all Republican members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. What about members of Pappa Bush's cabinet - Schlesinger, Scrowcroft, even Kissinger. I can't imagine Palin is going to be around much longer in this election.
August 31, 2008 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
all obama and biden have to do is quote mccain if questioned about palin's readiness...just simpy say, by mccain's own measuring stick, she is not qualified and promptly thank mccain for flip flopping and once again agreeing with obama on yet another issue-- judgment trumps years in washington.
August 31, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
all obama and biden have to do is quote mccain if questioned about palin's readiness...just simply say, by mccain's own measuring stick, she is not qualified, so such a blatant flip flop could only mean one thing--that once again mccain is agreeing with obama's superiour judgment on yet another issue-- judgment trumps years in washington.
August 31, 2008 3:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
double posting is all the rage on tpm....geesh...humble apologies..
August 31, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just had the most wonderful realization about McLame choosing Sarah -
Can y'all imagine how pissed off Joe Lieberman is?
O my god - it's too funny! LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!
August 31, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is the Ron Paul event next to the convention still scheduled?
It's so sad about Tim Russert - He would really destroy her - She wouldn't last until the VP debate. I'm not sure how tough Gwen Ifill will be on Palin. (Ifill is scheduled to be the moderator for the VP debate.)
After CNN gets done with it's hurricane coverage perhaps they could re-run the series I believe they did a year or two ago on Dementia / Alzheimers. Also, in her religion, do they believe in exorcisms, has she ever seen demons - Like that story about Bobby Jindal? Or was she just into beauty pageants and such.
August 31, 2008 3:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would hope the folks at MoveOn.org are pouncing on this – I have not had any emails from them in several days. I envision an ad such as:
“She’s his “soul-mate” but is she ready to face the tough challenges facing this country here and abroad. At least get something up on You Tube. I do not watch Fox but is there a video out yet on McCain's "soul-mate" comment? Or have they already taken it off air???
I was too sick after this news to watch Stewart & Colbert Friday, but it was great and of course can be viewed online.
Looking at her, I first thought Palin might be in line as trophy wife 3, as Stewart commented. But doesn't she look sort of like an RN - Can you just seeing her pushing his wheelchair down the halls in the dementia unit? (I could say worse but will leave it.)
August 31, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Breaking News at CNN: RNC suspends most activities for first night of convention - "Rick Davis said Republicans would meet in an abbreviated fashion, conducting only what was necessary to constitute a convention, such as calling the convention to order, receiving a report from the credential committee and adopting the party platform...Tomorrow’s program will be business only and will refrain from any political rhetoric,” he said. "
So, will this give the Republicans more time to meet in private and get Palin off the ticket and mcsenile off to assisted living? He's looking worse by the day. What's meds is he taking besides the Ambien?
August 31, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
He WAS an inspired choice, because at the time, more and more information was coming out about G.H.W.B.'s ties to Iran-Contra. Choosing a doofus, in effect, put said lightweight between himself and prospective impeachment. It worked, and it took only twenty minutes for me to realize it.
August 31, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ooof - my comments keep getting "hip-checked" by the server! (No, I'm not a hockey mom.)
Republicans are scaling back the convention for Monday, making it impossible to compare it to the success of the Democratic convention. Very lucky.
August 31, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ooof - my comments keep getting "hip-checked" by the server! (No, I'm not a hockey mom.)
Republicans are scaling back the convention for Monday, making it impossible to compare it to the success of the Democratic convention. Very lucky.
August 31, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
There is a posting at KOS that is absolutely dissgusting - if you were not disgusted enough by Palin - that Trig, her "son" with Down's, is actually her grandson.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/121350/137/486/580223
This is really "Enquirer" material and may not belong on TPM, but there are numerous photos of both Palin and her teen-age daughter (who was pulled out of school with "mono" for somewhere between 5 - 8 months) during the period Palin was supposedly expecting this child.
August 31, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Many of these editorials note McCains age. His mother is still very alert and active so be careful.
That said, his 5 1/2 years in POW camp probably can be said to have taken another 5 years off his life and health.
John McCain's an American hero. He just should not be president.
August 31, 2008 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ooooo be careful.
You know how many times I've read that in the last week?
Be careful of what? We are in charge - there's nothing to be careful about and I'm sick of this bullshit. It's an attempt to hem us in and make us worry about being politically incorrect so the Repugs can control the dialogue.
Well fuck that.
There is nothing to be careful about. McLame is ovah. He sealed that with Palin.
So take your stupid bloody "be carefuls" and stick em - I'm sick of em.
August 31, 2008 6:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
So McCain has his very own Harriet Myers...
Do they never learn?
August 31, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
AP's Fournier is wrong (what a surprise!) about Palin being Mayor 20 months ago.
Palin left office to run for Lt. Gov. and lost in the Primary. She was not serving in any office until she was elected Governor and took office December 4, 2006.
Depending on how scrubbed her Wickipedia page is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin
The current Mayor Dianne M. Keller has served from October 2002 to the present.
http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=51
August 31, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks Matt and I always appreciate your comments as well.
I always wanted Obama / Clinton because that would be the best ticket to win, but I was never really enthusiastic about Hillary as VP. It would be a step down from her unless Obama was to trust her with real substantive responsibility.
I am angry that Obama chose a ticket that makes this election much closer than I'd like it to be, but I'll get over it as soon as we win. I'll be grateful to have Hill in the Senate pushing the agenda on universal healthcare etc. If he doesn't win, that ager will carry over to 2012 and beyond. I'd mark the VP decision as the moment he had a chance to unify the party and land a knockout blow to GOP, but decided to go a different route and lost the election in the process.
September 1, 2008 1:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
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