Palin with Couric.

[gmboy95]

True, he has been around alot longer. You can't say though, that if Palin said that, it would have been the end of her as vp?

Maybe...but that is because she has no political capitol built up. Accomplishment buys you a few senior moments....ask bob dole

 

[Mickeyistheman]

Now how come the Palin supporters won't answer my question that I posted.

Do you honestly feel that after tonights interview with Katie Couric she is ready for this job ahead of her?

 

[Chris2597]

I do think she can do the job. I think the problem with SP right now is that McC team isnt allowing her to be SP. I say let her go and speak her mind, let her be the vp candidate. I feel that her speach at the rep convention was very strong and this katie couric interview she looked beaten down. My observation tells me that she is very uncomfortable not saying what she wants to say and being so careful with every word.

 

[Uncle Remus]

I do think she can do the job. I think the problem with SP right now is that McC team isnt allowing her to be SP. I say let her go and speak her mind, let her be the vp candidate. I feel that her speach at the rep convention was very strong and this katie couric interview she looked beaten down. My observation tells me that she is very uncomfortable not saying what she wants to say and being so careful with every word.

I agree with ya, the big dog Republicans are a li'l uneasy about lettin' her say what she wants to say.
She's so ill informed about issues they don't need the polls to slide down any further.

 

[Chris2597]

I agree with ya, the big dog Republicans are a li'l uneasy about lettin' her say what she wants to say.
She's so ill informed about issues they don't need the polls to slide down any further.

I have a different take on it. I think she has a lot to say about the issues and has alot more knowledge than she is being given credit for, including her running mate. I think she probably has ideals more in keeping with what most Americans feel and should be given some freedom to be SP. However, TPTB are afraid to let he have her say which is a big mistake. she would endear people to her just as she did at the convention.

 

[IDoDis]

I was cringing with embarrassment at the beginning when Katie repeated/reworded her question about Rick Davis and Sarah hesitated (long) and then repeated the same answer:

"Again, my understanding is that he recused himself from the dealings with Freddie and Fannie, any lobbying efforts on his part there. And I would hope that's the case..."

It was as if she was coached to give this answer and could not come up with even a different way to answer. I feel bad for her in some ways because I know she's an educated woman and has really come a long way by being a governor and now has to suddenly be a potential leader of the country and know everything about everything. Her biggest mistake was not telling McCain "No" she was not qualified to be VP.

 

[debbieandroo]

Now how come the Palin supporters won't answer my question that I posted.

Do you honestly feel that after tonights interview with Katie Couric she is ready for this job ahead of her?

I'd like to answer your question, as a Palin supporter. I will admit that I haven't seen this interview and hope to do so very soon. My comments will be based on two points made in this thread.

First, I do respect those who are concerned about Palin's lack of experience. And, according to one segment of the interview ['let me get back to you on that one...'], I can see how this could not inspire confidence. So, yes, I totally understand this criticism!

But I'd like to think of this in a different way -- as a manager, occasionally I give interviews to hire new staff. We have requirements for each position yet, at times, we will interview people who have comparable work/educational experience even if they, for instance, don't have their master's degree.

In our interviewing process, we understand that we might use technical language that isn't well-known outside of our field and it is enlightening to see how interviewees answer those types of questions. Some try to talk endlessly without saying anything to cover up the fact they have no clue how to answer [that would be my choice ]. Some actually admit, albeit in a nerve-wracking situation, that they don't know the answer - 'can I get back to you on that?' Is this a deal-breaker for me? No -- in fact, I find it refreshing. Sure, if this was the answer for every question, I would have serious questions as to this person's suitability but for one, I would have respect that this person could admit not knowing the answer to every question.

My second point is in the next post....

 

[TLSnell1981]

come on mike....you dont think i cant see a gaffe when I see one....Joe biden is a good public servant who has a level of experience light years beyond palin, even you can admit that, right?

....and he's a democrat!!!!! He always gets an excuse and a pass.

 

[debbieandroo]

The other criticism was levied at her dismissal of polls as a means to govern. Frankly, I'm delighted! Has anyone noticed just how polls change? How they can be manipulated? How only a few that are polled seem to speak for the many that are unpolled? What kind of way is that to govern?

Yes, I would rather have seen her enter the national stage in 2012, instead of 2008 - four years can do a lot. Still, she blows me away. Some Palin supporters have commented that she is the type of person they would like to hang out with because she's just like them. For me - I'm so glad that she is not like me! Instead of just fussing and fuming about the world around her like I do, she went out to do something about it - against many who told her she couldn't do it. She didn't have a big bankroll or an influential family/friends but she had/has drive, determination and accessibility.

So, no, I am not choosing to vote for her because she is just like me. And, no, I am not choosing to vote for her to be extraordinary - I am choosing her to do the job of the Vice President. Are there any applicants who, on paper, are more qualified? Perhaps so. Is she the applicant who, despite her lack of specific qualifications, can get the job done? I believe so.

Mickey - I hope this answers your question and again, I haven't seen the interview.

 

[Chris2597]

I'm not a rabid Obama fan, trust me on that. He is the most inexperienced presidential candidate we've seen in awhile. But he's very bright, and I do believe that we need to go in a different direction. I'm willing to give him a shot.

And yes, Biden has put his foot in his mouth about ten times in the past month. But he's also very experienced and very bright.

McCain is unfortunate that his weakest topic (the economy) just happens to be in major-crisis mode 40 days out. Had he chosen Romney or Ridge, I may be voting for him given the mess we find ourselves in and their strong economic experience.

So yes, each of those three candidates all have their issues....

But Sarah Palin isn't in the same category....she's just a nightmare. She's like a shell with nothing inside. Maybe she'll be ready in 4-8 years for this, but she's clearly not ready now. Her answers are so shallow....no depth to anything she says at all. Far too many long pauses...and then she reaches back and finds a talking point.

Biden's biggest problem during the debate will be not to beat her up too much.....he'll look bad if he looks like he's picking on her.

I had a very similiar thought (your thought about SP, mine about Obama)about what 4-8 more yrs of experience would give to Obama. I think Obama would have been a very good VP, learning along the way to take over in 4-8 yrs, ready to lead our nation. I would have to give consideration to him if he were the VP running mate to a very experienced Presidential candidate. Obama has so little experience it is frightening and he is asking for the vote for the highest office in our governement. At least with McC we have a very good chance that he would be the president the entire 4 yr term, with a VP that was learning and becoming ready to lead over the course of 4 yrs, with Obama we know that we WILL have an inexperienced person in office.... I wish we were comparing the VP's experience for both sides, instead of the lack of experience that one of the VP candidates has vs. one of the Presidential candidate.

 

[Chris2597]

The other criticism was levied at her dismissal of polls as a means to govern. Frankly, I'm delighted! Has anyone noticed just how polls change? How they can be manipulated? How only a few that are polled seem to speak for the many that are unpolled? What kind of way is that to govern?

Yes, I would rather have seen her enter the national stage in 2012, instead of 2008 - four years can do a lot. Still, she blows me away. Some Palin supporters have commented that she is the type of person they would like to hang out with because she's just like them. For me - I'm so glad that she is not like me! Instead of just fussing and fuming about the world around her like I do, she went out to do something about it - against many who told her she couldn't do it. She didn't have a big bankroll or an influential family/friends but she had/has drive, determination and accessibility.

So, no, I am not choosing to vote for her because she is just like me. And, no, I am not choosing to vote for her to be extraordinary - I am choosing her to do the job of the Vice President. Are there any applicants who, on paper, are more qualified? Perhaps so. Is she the applicant who, despite her lack of specific qualifications, can get the job done? I believe so.

Mickey - I hope this answers your question and again, I haven't seen the interview.

Well said!!

 

[disneyjunkie]

She did a great job. Was wondering where all the Palin bashers were today? All of the ones saying.."where is she?" Why won't she do the news shows or interviews?

You have never, ever, ever, ever answered why you think Obama is more qualified?

You never, ever,ever, ever, told us why you think SP did a good job in that interview with Couric.

When I read your OP, I wondered if there were two interviews. The interview I watched was awful. Maybe I missed an interview or two.

Can you provide a link to the interview you watched?

 

[elan]

I have a different take on it. I think she has a lot to say about the issues and has alot more knowledge than she is being given credit for, including her running mate. I think she probably has ideals more in keeping with what most Americans feel and should be given some freedom to be SP. However, TPTB are afraid to let he have her say which is a big mistake. she would endear people to her just as she did at the convention.

How do you know she has a lot to say? Maybe she doesn't. She didn't seem to during her interviews.

How do you know her ideals are keeping with most Americans?

Her convention speech was written by a speech writer. She just read the words. The few interviews we've seen are HER words.

 

[HakunaMatata2]

Interesting to see so much criticism. Seemed that she offered as much on the economy as Obama does on a daily basis and he is running for POTUS.
He does a lot of talking, but has no solutions. He does all the campaign talk depending on which group he is seeing, but offers no plan, just talk.

 

[tedhowe]

I DO know that a bachelor's degree in broadcasting (is that what it's in?) definitely does not qualify one for a career in politics.

I won't call her names though.

I don't think she's qualified for the job. But, I"m not going to call her names.

I don't know... a bachelor's degree may very well qualify you for a career in politics in the 21st century.

What it DOESN'T do is qualify you for a career in GOVERNMENT.

Sadly, the divide between the relevant skillsets of those two seperate, but intertwined careers, continues to grow.

 

[dvcgirl]

I had a very similiar thought (your thought about SP, mine about Obama)about what 4-8 more yrs of experience would give to Obama. I think Obama would have been a very good VP, learning along the way to take over in 4-8 yrs, ready to lead our nation. I would have to give consideration to him if he were the VP running mate to a very experienced Presidential candidate. Obama has so little experience it is frightening and he is asking for the vote for the highest office in our governement. At least with McC we have a very good chance that he would be the president the entire 4 yr term, with a VP that was learning and becoming ready to lead over the course of 4 yrs, with Obama we know that we WILL have an inexperienced person in office.... I wish we were comparing the VP's experience for both sides, instead of the lack of experience that one of the VP candidates has vs. one of the Presidential candidate.

Obama has as much practical "world stage" experience as I need to feel comfortable. He's very educated and highly intelligent. He's got very good instincts on the big issues and he's smart enough to surround himself with good advisors. Furthermore, I think he's humble enough to step back, be objective and possibly *change course* on an issue and not just sticking it out....no matter what. That's George Bush, and I'm very fearful that is Sarah Palin as well. Sarah Palin has *just* enough knowledge and experience to be dangerous.

Obama was also smart enough to choose someone with far more foreign policy experience than he had to compliment his ticket and off-set his weaknesses......same as George Bush did.

McCain chose someone specifically to shake up his campaign as he was losing and he knew it. He needed a "pop" and he got it, for sure. It was a brilliant *political* move, but the more we all get to see Sarah Palin, the more respect I lose for John McCain. It's clear that they understand now who they have in Sarah Palin.....and why they don't want her out there doing interviews. She's incredibly unprepared and it's obvious that she can't even make it through an interview.

When asked for specifics on how John McCain stood up to the Wall Street corruption she couldn't provide an answer, she stumbled and finally reached back for a talking point....."He's a maverick....pragmatic....takes shots from the other party". I was horrified....she couldn't provide an answer on how John McCain supposedly stood up to Wall Street corruption during the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression. How is it possible that she could not have prepped for that question? McCain has been running around for days talking about standing up to Wall Street. Finally she caved and said something about getting those answers and getting back to Katie.

Listen, I get it if you like Sarah Palin because she's pro-life, or because you're a Christian Fundamentalist. I know plenty of people who base their entire vote on that alone. I don't *understand* that, but I respect it.

But you can't take your fondness for a person like Sarah Palin and turn that into an argument that she's in any way prepared for the day to day duties as Vice President, and certainly not as President. When you do that, you lose all credibility and just reveal yourself as a rabid member of the Conservative Base.

I think she's probably great for Alaska. But our world and our current issues are far more complicated than the ones that Alaskans face. Alaskans seem to really love her and so I will hope and pray that Alaska gets to keep their beloved Governor.

 

[tedhowe]

I had a very similiar thought (your thought about SP, mine about Obama)about what 4-8 more yrs of experience would give to Obama. I think Obama would have been a very good VP, learning along the way to take over in 4-8 yrs, ready to lead our nation. I would have to give consideration to him if he were the VP running mate to a very experienced Presidential candidate. Obama has so little experience it is frightening and he is asking for the vote for the highest office in our governement. At least with McC we have a very good chance that he would be the president the entire 4 yr term, with a VP that was learning and becoming ready to lead over the course of 4 yrs, with Obama we know that we WILL have an inexperienced person in office.... I wish we were comparing the VP's experience for both sides, instead of the lack of experience that one of the VP candidates has vs. one of the Presidential candidate.

As an independent voter (who, as I've said has decided to vote for Obama in November) I have to comment on these types of posts.

I keep seeing people trying to compare Obama to Palin in terms of experience.

Yes, they both are very light on the type of experience that is historically important to the job of President, but there's a very important distinction in my mind.

Obama was selected through a rigorous, prolonged process called the primary election season. Millions of people looked at and evaluated his experience and decided that, even taking that into consideration, he was the man they wanted for president.

You can agree or disagree with that distinction, but it was the wisdom of the electorate that put him in this position. Questionable, to be sure, but that's the way the wisdom of crowds works sometimes.

Palin, on the other hand, is in her position because of the decision of one man. John McCain made the decision to put Palin in the place where she is today. The responsibility for that decision lies solely with him.

If you fell she is inexperienced, then you only have John McCain to blame for that fact.

To me, that was the day I really started to question McCain. They say that the choice of running mate is the first presidential decision that a candidate makes, and in my opinion, as we are learning now, McCain put politics and his campaign first, not the country.

 

[dvcgirl]

As an independent voter (who, as I've said has decided to vote for Obama in November) I have to comment on these types of posts.

I keep seeing people trying to compare Obama to Palin in terms of experience.

Yes, they both are very light on the type of experience that is historically important to the job of President, but there's a very important distinction in my mind.

Obama was selected through a rigorous, prolonged process called the primary election season. Millions of people looked at and evaluated his experience and decided that, even taking that into consideration, he was the man they wanted for president.

You can agree or disagree with that distinction, but it was the wisdom of the electorate that put him in this position. Questionable, to be sure, but that's the way the wisdom of crowds works sometimes.

Palin, on the other hand, is in her position because of the decision of one man. John McCain made the decision to put Palin in the place where she is today. The responsibility for that decision lies solely with him.

If you fell she is inexperienced, then you only have John McCain to blame for that fact.

To me, that was the day I really started to question McCain. They say that the choice of running mate is the first presidential decision that a candidate makes, and in my opinion, as we are learning now, McCain put politics and his campaign first, not the country.

Very, very well said tedhowe.

And I completely agree with you on your feelings about John McCain. I voted twice for GWB (and I've said in the past that now I truly regret that second vote, but not the first one). I can only say in my defense that Kerry was an awful candidate. In hindsight, he couldn't have possibly done any worse than "GWB Term 2".

But as a fiscal conservative who considers herself an overall moderate. I always liked John McCain. I did see him as someone who would reach across the aisle and try and get things done. If he was running as a Democrat with Joe Lieberman as a running mate I'd probably vote for him in a minute.

But in choosing Palin he was looking to accomplish two things. He needed to shake up the race, and he needed a rabid conservative. He got those two things, but what he didn't get was someone who is even remotely ready to be the Vice President, let alone the President.

To see this man, who I once respected greatly, sit in an interview and answer that Sarah Palin is "absolutely....absolutely" ready to be President in a moment's notice. Well, I know that he doesn't believe that, not for a minute. I know that *all* politicians will pull out all the stops to win, but when you compromise the safety of this nation by choosing someone like Palin, you go down a bunch of notches in my book.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

I do think she can do the job. I think the problem with SP right now is that McC team isnt allowing her to be SP. I say let her go and speak her mind, let her be the vp candidate. I feel that her speach at the rep convention was very strong and this katie couric interview she looked beaten down. My observation tells me that she is very uncomfortable not saying what she wants to say and being so careful with every word.

You do realize that the speech she gave at the Republican convention was also carefully scripted by the McCain camp. Those were no more her words than anything we have heard from her.

She is not being allowed to speak because of the fear of the Republican party that she might show her true colors.

 

[mikedevilsyanks]

As an independent voter (who, as I've said has decided to vote for Obama in November) I have to comment on these types of posts.

I keep seeing people trying to compare Obama to Palin in terms of experience.

Yes, they both are very light on the type of experience that is historically important to the job of President, but there's a very important distinction in my mind.

Obama was selected through a rigorous, prolonged process called the primary election season. Millions of people looked at and evaluated his experience and decided that, even taking that into consideration, he was the man they wanted for president.

You can agree or disagree with that distinction, but it was the wisdom of the electorate that put him in this position. Questionable, to be sure, but that's the way the wisdom of crowds works sometimes.

Palin, on the other hand, is in her position because of the decision of one man. John McCain made the decision to put Palin in the place where she is today. The responsibility for that decision lies solely with him.

If you fell she is inexperienced, then you only have John McCain to blame for that fact.

To me, that was the day I really started to question McCain. They say that the choice of running mate is the first presidential decision that a candidate makes, and in my opinion, as we are learning now, McCain put politics and his campaign first, not the country.

So basically you are saying that Obama is ready to be Pres, because he ran through a rigorus campaign? And Palin is not qualfied to be VP, because Mccain put her in the spot?

Listen, she worked her way to become governor. NO one handed her that position.