Democrats respond to Palin, gently and not-so gently

How come the national media hasn't made more of the fact that despite the Palin's attempts to portray themselves as just folks they live so much better than most in their state?
Alaska National Census 2006
• Median Household Income: $59,393
• Per capita Income: $26,919
• Male full-time, year round, workers median income: $48,703
• Female full-time, year round, workers median income: $36,655
If you include the permanent fund dividend that Alaska distributes to its residents as a way of sharing oil tax revenues, the family made about $100,000 last year, not counting Sarah's $125,000 salary as governor.
In 2007, the median annual household income was $50,233.00 according to the Census Bureau.The real median earnings of men who worked full time, year-round was $45,113. For women it was $35,102.
Once again how do you make the elitist argument when you live so much better than the average person expected to vote for you? Not exactly living of the land up there in Alaska are they?

I could not agree more with Harry Reid based on the fact that I learned a long time ago that the thinking that created the problem, is not usually sufficient to solve it. And although John McCain is a "maverick", he is still mired in the Republican thought process, and has been there a looong time. Perhaps too long!

Palen's lack of foreign policy experience, has she looked at Obama's, give me a break! She is WAY more experienced that he is and she is the VP candidate.

It's not the job of the VP candidate to lay out John McCains platform, is this ALL they have?

Clearly Obama doesn’t want any part of Palin so he sends out women that didn't meet HIS VP standards to attack her. This speaks volumes of Obamas ability to lead.

Oh yes indeed. Sarah Palin is going to be a real problem for the Democrats, isn't she?

Time for the gloves to come off.

When she mocked community organizers -- that was Obama's first job twenty years ago and she compared it to her longest job which she held merely two years ago,

When she lied about her own record (she supported the bridge to nowhere, pursued federal earmarks, etc)

When her only idea was "more drilling" (something that even Bush's dept of energy says won't work)

that was when it become OK for the Democrats to take her apart. But she might do the job for them when she has to speak without prepared remarks.

This is "fighting back" ?? No wonder the Dems are considered too pussy-cat to deal with security measures.

How about if that Milquetoast Reid had said, "The young and ridiculously inexperienced moral hypocrite from the 47th smallest state of the nation has indulged in sophomoric rhetoric to attack a ticket that is easily head and shoulders more prepared for the next administration than hers.

Let's get this straight:: she favors bible teaching instead of science in schools, she is under investigation for abuse of power and perjury, she tried to ban books in the hamlet when she was mayor, tried to hush up an under-aged pregnancy, proving once and for all that even conservative christian families can't cope with abstinence only education. On top of all that, her husband once belonged to a separatist movement trying to get Alaska to secede from the union.

Not only is this 2 year governor not ready to assume any kind of mantel of leadership within the federal governmental, she can barely handle the small affairs of state of Alaska.

With dubious moral judgements, suspicion of abuse of power and perjury, and a medeval approach to science, this person, in my opinion, isn't suitable for dog catcher, much less one heart beat away from the presidency.

We only hope she isn't sitting in jail awaiting sentencing when the inauguration of Obama occurs next January".

Harry Reid, Democrat and Majority Leader is calling Sarah Palin " shrill " ?

Wow.... these male chauvinist in the Dem.Party are turning off thousands of women in the country by the minute with their sexist comments like this.

Go ahead. Call this capable Women's words as ..." shrill ".

Be my guest.

I've seen this mentioned before, but it can't be said often enough. When Palin says, "I said thanks but no thanks to the Bridge to Nowhere," that's a lie. When she campaigned for governor, she supported it. She changed her tune only when the political uproar over the boondoggle got going. So she was "for it before she was against it." Even then, she still took all the money -- federal money from all U.S. taxpayers -- and used it for other projects around the state. Alaska receives by far the most federal largesse (Republicans usually call it "handouts") per capita, thanks to the longtime influence of its powerful Republican Senators and House member (now thankfully out of the majority control of Congress) who dined at the porkbarrel trough despite "small government" rhetoric.

If Obama is good as he says he is why does he keep refusing to answering tough questions and he refuses to have debates with McCain at any location.

Why doesn’t Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius have poise and diplomacy to ask those Abortion question at a debate with Obama. (MR. Above my pay-grade)
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I have had it with you people pretending to be a member of the non-biased media! Be truthful Michael Kranish! You are a propaganda agent of the DNC!
If you are going to pretend that Governor Palin does not have the experience to be John McCain's running mate, in the same sentence you must mention the inexperience of Barack Obama! Governor Palin was the leader of a small city. Governor Palin is the leader of the largest state in the Union. So what about Barack Obama? He hasn't even led a Boy Scout Troop! But I'm sure if Barack and his fellow Democrats had their way, they would prefer having pedofiles running all the Boy Scout Troops in the United States anyway.

I am so tired of hearing the lies coming out of the communist-leaning Democrats! I guess its the only way they can fool the American people into voting for them!

When a boxer lunges in to strike someone they often expose themselves to a counterpunch.

Playing the victim based on gender is no different than playing the victim based on race.

Voting for an individual because they will be the first of a race to ascend to a position is no different than voting for someone to be first of a gender to ascend to a position.

Charging that someone is inexperienced opens up the inexperience in your own candidate.

Saying that Palin is to the far right, points to the fact that Obama is to the far left.

When the Press says that they are doing their due diligence to expose Palin's dirt, it begs the question why the Press didn't dig a little to find out more about Obama's ties to shady people.

When people of the Press are asking for body fluids of Palin to prove that she is the mother of youngest child and when the Press prints accusations that the Down syndrome baby was mothered by the daughter and fathered by Palin's husband, you wonder where the line is drawn between a top tier news publication and a rag. Oh, also, why did the rag newspaper expose John Edwards’s affair before the main stream media? If the main stream media exposed this prior to Edwards sticking the knife in Clinton in the early debates, it might not have left the clean running lane for Obama (the media darling).

So Edwards was cheating on his wife who had cancer and the main stream doesn't cover it, his disgusting character isn't exposed and he has enough political capital to derail Clinton during the critical weeks prior to Super Tuesday. Where were the "care giver" critics who are concerned about Palin's family commitments when John Edwards decided to leave his post as the husband of a woman with cancer when he decided to run for President? Add onto that, he cheats on her. What does Chris Cofinis think of that? He attacks the tabloids, like it is they who cheated on the woman with cancer.

Every time Palin hit Obama, Obama and his people had led in with their chin. If Obama doesn't want to get hit, he should avoid making comments about rural people clinging to guns and religion. What do you expect people to do, not stick up for themselves and be ridiculed?

I don't think it is good to put an as kicker into office, but many in the Press need an attitude adjustment and need to get back to respectful and valuable journalism. Again, if you don't want the other team to put their bully-boys out on the ice, take off your Keith Olbermans.

I would prefer to see goal scorers out on the ice, and what we have to choose from is the figure skater Obama, and the brawler Palin. Let's see if McCain can put any points on the board for us.

That being said, we need to know if Palin hired a lobbyist to get $27M of pork. If Alaska's economy is 1/3 Big Oil and 1/3 Ted Stevens Pork, it is an economy that is totally offline the mainstream. I need to know more how she could have an 80 percent favorable rating and be corrupt as many left wing pundits say. I guess that argument twists on itself because Bush has a low favorability rating, as well as an even lower Democratic Congress. Could 80 percent of Alaskans be wrong? Do the main stream media think they are superior? Is she a religious wing nut or is she a true believer, you know the kind that actually step forward to defend our nation. "God" is in the first sentence of our Declaration of Independence, were the Founding Fathers religious nut-jobs?

The Democrats are scrambling. Gov. Palin is a force and she is fantastic. BIden should be worried when she debates him.
The liberals talk about her lack of Foreign policy experience....How about the empty suit Obama who has 143 days of being a Senator before he wanted to become President. Oh, he was a community organizer...Hehehehheh. Please. Obama has no executive experience and isn't qualified for much, let alone the Presidency.
I'm thinking the Democrats better nominate a better candidate.

Hahahhahah it is funny that an OBAMA spokes person has the BALLS to say Palin is not "Qualified" to be in the white house!!!! why don't you take a close look at Obama who is runnnig to be president, and he is defently NOT qualified to run a high school!!!! what a joke! McCain/Palin will win in 08 and there nothing they can do to stop that train!

this country's problems are so great and this country's population so divided that it is not surprisiing that the republican party with no real solution for our housing crisis, our energy crisis and severely damaged reputation abroad, has chosen as "Fred Thompson" clearly said the only member of the ticket that could "field dress a moose" to represent it's ticket as vice president. I guess those are great qualifications to take forward against all these great issues we face before us. But don't worry : america In a worse case scenario her "world champion snow moblie riding husband" can always add fresh ideas in solving our dependence on foriegn oil with an alternative form of transportation.

Michael, a Dem..eh? I couldn't tell!! People are starting to get scared.

I'm a Democrat. Sarah Palin's speech, despite its inaccuracies, was fantastically delivered. She not only energized the Republican base, she also energized the Democratic base---and I thank her for that. When us Dems kick her butt in this election, she's going to go flying back to relative obscurity in Alaska---hopefully, she'll actually build a record---instead of embellishing her current record.

People are starting to get scared....

Wow. Her speech was electryfing. The Democrats are in a bind, if they attack her experience then they are highlighting Obama's light resume.

On several occasions Gov. Palin compared her qualifications to those of Sen. Obama. She is not running for the Presidency. She should have been comparing herself to Sen. Biden but that would have shown the American people just how unqualified she really is. I cannot see her as an effective leader of the United States Senate. I was disturbed to see her blatant, negative references to persons who support pro-choice, gun control and gay rights. She came off as an out and out bigot.

The Dems are urinating themselves they are so frightened....bye bye Barack Hussein!

Let's see how Ms. Palin does in the debates, when she has to think on her feet instead of reading a prepared speech that no doubt she had little or no hand in writing.

Biden will chew her up and spit her out, if the Democrats are smart, and they go after her. This "don't be mean to her, she's a lady!" crap goes out the window when we're talking about being a heartbeat away from the most important job in the FREE WORLD.

Hillary was able to take whatever was dished out to her. Let's see if Palin can, too.

Message to Biden: Take off the gloves during the debates. Especially on foreign policy.

I agree with the Dem's analysis that Palin has minimal foreign policy experience and is right-wing on abortion. However, I'm voting for President. Obama has minimal foreign policy experience and is left-wing on abortion. While I am more inclined to agree with him on abortion (although I'd rather a more moderate view), I am most concerned about foreign policy. He doesn't have the experience or judgment and picking a VP with experience does not make up for his lack of it.

THAT IS SO RIGHT GOV SASBILUS! LET A WOMAN DEBATE THAT WOMAN AND HOLD NO PUNCHES AND SHE WILL GO BACK HOME . THE TEARS WILL FLOW SOON. I AM A WOMAN AND SHE IS NOT HILLARY!!

The Democrats have spelled nothing out in any of their speaches. What is their engergy policy? What is their plan for universal healthare? When are they going to learn that the government only gets in the way and that private industry is far more efficient, accountable and responsible in getting anything done?

173 days in the Senate for Obama versus 22 years for McCain? Give me a break!! There is no comparison- wake up people and think- DON'T READ ONLY

I am surprised by the way Democrats are reacting. They want me to believe that Palin does not have any foreign policy experience but then what experience does Obama have in that regards. My vote is undecided at this moment and is looking for solid ideas on how each candidate is going to deal with the different issues. I did not hear a whole lot of that last week in Denver, neither do I hear much of it at the GOP convention. Though Palin did talk a bit about the energy plan. All I got to say to the democrats, is there are many of us who are not going to vote for Obama just cause he claims to be the change that we need. He needs to spell out how he is going to bring about the change. He talks about universal health care; how is he going to accomplish it? would I a blue collar worker be picking up the tab for all his promises. I am sick and tired of promises, give us solid ideas. Democrats can claim they are the change, the current congress is dominated by democrats and they really did not do much to bring about any change.

The republicans also need to spell out their ideas as well but there is a bit of a comfort factor in the fact that McCain is someone who has taken some tough decisions in the past. But the past only carries him so far, he also needs to outline what and how he is going to accomplish things during his presidency.

The way I look at it the current Republican administration and the democratic congress failed. Democrats really need to stop insulting our intelligence by trying to say McCain's Presidency would be a third term of Bush's policies. If I go with that train of thought and lets say Obama wins this year and he totally SUCKS and Hillary runs for the post next time around should I not vote for her just because she might have agreed with Obama on certain decisions and they are part of the same party. Come on guys all Americans are not DUMB. I personally do wish there was a viable third option but unfortunately there are none and we have to pick between the two that is available. I for one intend to vote for the candidate that does the better job of explaining their ideas. And I hope America votes not based on emotion or party allegiance but based on facts pertaining to just the candidates....not their friends, not their family, or which party they belong to.....we want America to pull through these tough times we better get this right and do our part....God Bless America!!!

the "s" word? Are we trying to start controversy here? Thats not a solely female word, so lets not make it one ok?

Biden is 150% correct. It was all attack, no substance.

The two conventions are drawinf a very sharp contrast for me. The Dems promoted unity and bipartisanship to GET THINGS DONE. The Repubs are promoting themselves only and putting down any Dem leaning voter as unAmerican. How divisive.

Like Harry Reid's spokesman, I too can use the S-word to describe the Obama-philes after Palin's speech : they're SCARED !

Middle class is not needed in her speech; she's part of the middle class. Washington is completely out of touch with middle class concerns. She is making an impact on people due to the fact the she is one of us. We don't care about experience, we want someone that understands what we already know. Both parties are spending more money than we can afford. Both parties truly don't understand the concerns of the American people. Both parties spend too much time pointing the finger at the other side, like little children. Both parties are to blame for the state of affair in our country. The American people are going to vote for the representation the they feel most understands them. American's are tired of politician! We want honest representation. Change is a given: Representation is what we seek!

Sarah Palin is just the kind of religious-right partisan hack the country is so sick of. She demonstrates no ideas, no plans for dealing with the issues facing this country, brings nothing to the table but partisanship, aggressive smugness and ankle biting. If she and McCain get into office, we won't get an energy plan, at least not the kind we need -- what we'll get is more meddling in private life (think Terri Schiavo) and more pregnant high-school kids. Oh yeah, and the "other wars" we've been promised, soon to be followed by the collapse of the dollar and $10 gasoline.

Take her seriously? Darn right I do. Heaven help this country if Sarah Palin ever gets her hands on real power. She thinks she's on a mission from God, and people like that have spent the last decade making things miserable for the rest of us. Our whole system of government was developed to restrain self-righteous ambitious people with small minds and sharp teeth, just like her.

I love all this talk about how different the two parties would be in the White House, when in reality they agree on 98% of important issues. It's just that they constantly debate the 2% of differences and never talk about the basic assumption that is the true problem: a larger government, whether it's used for interventionist foreign wars that ultimately are anti-american, or to "drop money from helicoptors" to lazy people who refuse to work at home, is a bad thing. We need to stop over-taxing, stop over-spending, and stop pretending to be world's police while China and India take over the world economically. Ron Paul for prez baby.

More rhetoric, time to talk about the issues at hand. The ones that are either going to lift this country out of it's slump. I applaud the fact that this country is moving forward in regards to women and other races other than caucasian are able to reach for their goals and dreams. However, I feel Governor Palin missed the mark and just attacked for the sake of attacking. How about some substance. I am sick of empty words and promises.

john mccain chose palin as a running mate only to try and get the hilary voters.
lets talk about the background check he did on her, did he realize that she has a three month old child with down syndrome and now wont have time to be with the child for a long period of time. did he realize that her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. the same thing you conservative arrogant idiots jumped all over jamie lynn spears about. teenage pregnancy ruins lives. barack obama is a real leader you cant become a leader, you are born with the traits necessary to lead people. we dont have time for palin to gain experience in washington dc. Obama has Joe Biden, who may have the most foreign policy experience of any member of the senate, as his VP. Thats responsible, and not just picking someone to get the votes. You cannot seriously believe that McCain wanted Palin to be his VP choice this whole time, if Hilary was the Democratic Candidate, Palin would still be unknown governing a state that has less people than Boston and Pawtucket combined. Give me a break with that crap about McCain being a serious threat to the democrats. The man has had cancer twice, I would never wish for anyone to die, but there is a strong possibility he could relapse and then Palin would be president. Are you kidding me? If Obama were to pass, a qualified member with foreign policy experience and a great nmber of years in the sentae would take over in the form of Joe Biden. Who do you like in that argument. THINK YOU CONSERVATIVE IDIOTS. BTW who are we to tell a girl that she must have her child, even if it has come from rape or incest. Thats just being completely insensitive. The girl would not have chosen to have a baby that way. Another example of why Palin is just completely ridiculous.

Well said frankjcapp! If people want to stay out of the middle ages, then they will have to vote for Obama. If they don't, well then, I'm moving to Canada before I'll call Palin VP!

I agree with Robert Wade. The press and the democrats are harping on the so-called non-experience of Palin and she is the VP candidate. What about the the Big "O" ? He IS a Presidential candidate, for Christ's sake..!! Forget about "what if" something happened to a Presidential candidate. Here the Big "O" is young and mostly nothing will happen to him. What experience he has???? What? Why isn't the press highlighting that?? Instead they are praising him.!! Hypocrites..!!!

Talk about Journalistic Ethics.!! Journalistic Ethics my foot..

George Bush's 8 years in the White House have so lowered the bar and watered down expectations for the highest political offices in the land that someone like Mrs. Palin now pass for acceptable and qualified! The best thing one of the Texas Republican convention delegates could say about her qualifications is that she's a Mom. Wow! This country is in deep trouble, and now personal plumbing can trump intelligence, experience and skill.

The Republican National Convention was last night, not the Democratic. Every issue was covered....effectively. Turn the VCR off so you don't get confused watching Democratic re-runs. If the Clintons provided such effective Healthcare reform, then why is it still an issue? Not that healthcare is not a necessary issue to be dealt with but nothing will make the democratic party happy. (Biden made mention of it this morning in his response to the VP acceptance speech.) You want answers to the war, when you get them immigration becomes the important issue and when that is addressed then oil becomes the issue when that is addressed then taxes. The list will go on and on. Dem's will never be happy and will continue to have to make up issues to TRY to discredit Republicans.

I found Sarah Palin's speech to be right on target. Finally! There's a candidate that understands not just me but the American people. I never felt it was lip-service, but a record of accomplishment. I was somewhat undecided, but now I'm enthusiastic about the McCain/Palin team.

Yes, it's frightening to think that Sarah Palin could be a heartbeat from the presidency. Less than two years of gubernatorial experience and the pleasure of leaving Wasilla, Alaska 22 million in debt after inheriting a budget surplus as Mayor.

Barack Obama had the courage and insight to oppose an 'illegal war' against a country that hadn't even attacked us. His educational background speaks for itself. President of Harvard Law Review and a graduate of Harvard Law School, Columbia University and Professor of Constitutional Law at University of Chicago. Seven years as an Illinois State Senator and four as a US Senator equals 11 plus years of beyond 'local' politics. To me he has the intelligence and background to gain any and all experience he needs.

Eight years of right wing extremism has left this country in shambles not seen in a long time. The leadership, or lack thereof, has been insulting and incompetent. I will not risk this great country's future in the hands of the party which has made this mess.

As usual nothing positive from the Globe on the GOP.. and hey... nothing negative on the democratic ticket and their blunderbuss decisions (or lack of)... surprise... surprise. This paper and the NY Times is a joke.

I concur with those who have responded about experience. Gov. Palin is not running for President - no matter how much more experience she apparently has than the Democratic Presidential candidate. I thought her speech was as inspirational as any given by McCain's opponent - though felt it was also delivered with a great deal more sincerity. Critics suggesting that her first speech, which was intended only to introduce her to the American people (which it did nicely), lacked substance cannot possibly be blind to the fact that the Democrats choice has delivered dozens upon dozens of speeches in the past year and still I have not heard any specifics about his plans to bring change. I don't want a rhetorician in the White House, nor do I want someone who lacks experience at the helm of this great country in difficult times.

That being said, I can appreciate the wisdom of the more experienced candidate in selecting a running mate whose viewpoints, opinions and experiences are different enough from his own that it complements his resume and offers a voice in Washington for all of us who feel as though it's been a long time, if ever, that we've been heard. Gov. Palin's speech last night answered any question I may have had about who she is and her credentials as a vice presidential candidate. I look forward to hearing more about Sen. McCain's plans to address domestic and foreign policy, as well as those of his adversary.

Sarah Palin put the fear of God into the Democrats last night!

To quote Keith from an earlier post: "So what about Barack Obama? He hasn't even led a Boy Scout Troop! But I'm sure if Barack and his fellow Democrats had their way, they would prefer having pedofiles running all the Boy Scout Troops in the United States anyway."

Is this really what we've come to? Hate-mongering and ignorant insults because people in this country have a different view than yours, Keith? Despicable... but so typical of the far right. The hyperbole is inexcusable -- if we don't all fall in line behind the conservatives, then we want pedophiles to lead Boy Scout troops?

Can we just calm down and have rational, intelligent, NON-personal discussions about the issues?

I had been a Boston resident but now I live in London. The view from Europe is exasperation that someone with such limited world view would be a candidate for vice president. She's probably not a bad person to be governor of Alaska but thrusted onto the world stage, she would probably be hard pressed to name the leaders of France, Spain and the United Kingdom..., and those are the easy ones.

Cynically Laura Bush claims Palin has foreign experience because Alaska is the closest state to Russia. Now the phrase is being repeated by delegates at the RNC. This would be laughable if it were not sad and tragic - the narrow mindedness. It's almost like saying one should have a Harvard degree because they lived in triple decker on Mass Ave near Harvard Square.

A former Bush advisor David Frum has spoken out against McCain's choice in interviews on British news stations. CNN caught Republican analysts' off handed comments about the bad choice. Although the rank and file are cheering Palin at the RNC it seems that there is some dissension within the party. Hopefully some responsible centrists Republicans will look hard before they vote in November.

Barack Hussein Obama was in the Senate for 143 Days (when the senate was in session) then he commenced a exploritory committee.
143 Days my friends.
Community organizer, State Senator and voting PRESENT.
No, my dear friends he is not as qualified as Gov. Palin.
Obama should drop out and let Clinton run. At least Clinton is experienced.

I'm reading the first 38 posts, and am amazed at the sheer number of pro-McCain responses.

This is MA ... boston.com is a MA forum. I seriously doubt that there are this number of people so vehimately FOR the McCain ticket. This will be the last state that would think about teaching creationism, the last state that would tolerate banning books in a public library (unless they're about gay families, of course).

So, how is it, come mid-day, there is this level of support for McMoose ???

This is a Rovian tactic -- they have deployed 1,000+ volunteers to go to forums such as these and post Pro-Republican spew, trying to seem like all the "locals" are FOR McMoose.

Except they over play their hand. Like here.

Per Sam (Post #32) - "did he realize that she has a three month old child with down syndrome and now wont have time to be with the child for a long period of time."

Hey Sam - did you ask the same question of Joe Biden when his wife and child were killed in a horrible accident? Why don't you have the kahunas to ask Joe why didn't he forsake politics and take care of the rest of his family in their time of need? Instead he went right from the hospital room right to the Senate chambers. Why don't you ask him what kind of Dad was he? You are so two-faced and SEXIST it's nauseating.

Biden was right. How are Republicans going to help the middle class? I don't think I've heard one thing about that all campaign. "Lower taxes" won't help a family who just lost a house. Obama has offered more answers than McCain has.

And I'm tired of the argument that it's okay that Palin isn't experienced because Obama isn't experienced. The GOP's whole argument for this campaign was that they had experience.

And I'm tired of McCain being so great at foreign policy... What has he done? Being a POW doesn't give you foreign policy experience. He says he knows how to win wars... what wars has he won???

You people on here who say that you haven't heard what Senator Obama is planning to do about the issues clearly aren't listening.

In his acceptance speech last week, he stopped and said, "Here is my plan for change. Listen up America. I'm going through it point by point, and I'm even going to explain how I'll pay for it all."

Then he went on to explain everything! If you don't know what his plans are, you're not paying attention.

It is absolutely hilarious hearing Republicans talk all this nonsense of "executive leadership"! George Bush had this "executive leadership" that they are talking about, and look at him.. Foreign policy experience? They have Palin, who got her first passport in 2006 and has only been out of North America once in her life, and they have John "Maverick" McCain, who is only a maverick when it comes to sending our troops to war on other countries.. The ONLY foreign policy experience that John McCain has is on war!! Sorry John, I'd rather have a peaceful world than World War III...

Could not agree more with Lance... we all appear to be missing the fact that Obama lacks the experience to be president himself, and has yet to articulate how he is going to "fund" his changes in government policies.

To "typical american citizen": You really think Palin is middle class? Just wondering, what percentage of the middle class owns an airplane? As she said in her speach, as Governor she got rid of her government jet. But what she didn't say is that she didn't need it since she has her own airplane.. I guess going by what John McCain said, that if you make under $5 million a year, you are middle class, maybe she is in the middle class.. However you and John McCain are probably the only people in the country that feel that way..

Palin spoke lines that were sarcastic and condescending -- just what we've come to expect from Republicans and their speechwriters. There was very little substance, it was mostly snide remarks that derided Obama and Biden -- spoken to an audience that appeared to be mainly rich white people who think that talking down to others makes them superior, by a person who sounded every bit like a small-town mayor equipped with all the experience necessary to, well, continue being a small town mayor. She compared herself to Harry Truman (a Democrat) ?? HA !

Obama and the Dems spoke of unity and bipartisanship -- what this country REALLY needs to overcome our problems. For the Republicans it was more of the same hate speech they've been pushing for the last decade. Thankfully this country can choose peaceful accord and unity by voting Democratic.

Yup, Sarah Palin convinced me. She has way more executive experience than any of the others running, including John McCain. Only she has been a mayor and a governor, so I guess she is the right person for the top office. Oh, wait, she is running for VP. Hmmmm, how does that work? Oh, and I guess we better rescind Lincoln's and Kennedy's presidencies too while we are at it. They had no executive experience either.

Yes, Sarah Palin did a good job delivering her speach...but then again, it was just a speach. She did not even write it, it was rehearsed, and she did not have to answer any questions.. And even so, she still was unable to discuss any real issues or give any qualifications.. All she really did was attack the Democrats.. She definitely fit right in with the Republican fashion: criticize the democrats, don't talk about the issues, and try to scare the country into voting for us.. I can't wait to see her in actual interviews or debates.. I will bet anything that the Republicans will not let anyone interview her without providing a list of all questions to be asked beforehand.. It would be a disaster for them if she actually has to speak without being told what to say...

She needs to go home and take care of her 5 children. Maybe one of them wouldn't be pregnant at 17 if she spent more time worrying about her family. I have an idea for all the Republicans, try practicing family values instead of preaching them. "Country first" does not mean spending 10 billion a month in Iraq, nor does it mean giving tax breaks to the rich and leaving the middle class to fend for themselves.

Republicans Attack Washington Elite.........Ummmmm, Washington Elite ??? That would be the Republicans who have controlled the White House for the past 8 years with an obliging Congress for 6 of those years. During that time, we've been attacked, never found the mastermind of that attack, invaded a sovereign country with no ties to the terrorists who attacked us, saw terrorists stream into Iraq hell-bent on killing our soldiers after we failed to protect the Iraqi border, had over 4,500 of our bravest young men and women massacred, watched our global influence slowly ebb, watched billions of dollars a month seep into the sand of Iraq........and you want to give those same people ANOTHER 4 years in the White House to carry forth GWBush's failed legacy ??.........Gullible Republicans were fooled once in 2000, fooled again in 2004, and now apparently want to become certifiable ignoramuses. Go ahead folks........tell GWBush that his 8 years were a success by electing another Republican neocon wingnut.........I am disgusted with Republican smears even as they take NO responsibility for the last 8 years....the most damaging 8 years in the history of this country.

Ok, let's play a game. Take your most qualified paticipants and put them up against eachother... McCain vs. Biden... McCain wins on character, experience, and leadership skills... Now we are left with Palin vs. Obama... Palin wins hands down as someone with more experience. Just look at what they have done... Mayor vs. Community Organizer... I'd say Mayor has more responsibility, Govenor vs. Senator... The gov has at least governed... What has the senator done besdies run for President since in office? Sorry folks, I'm an independent, and when you look at this objectively, even in the best case scenario as I have laid out above, McCain / Palin gets my vote. Cut and dry, no competition. Vote with your head all, not with your emotions... It's our country we are talking about leading, not a Suburb of Chicago...

Sarah Palin seems more interested in starting a culture war than uniting this country. I disliked her curling lip and her speech that literally dripped with the tactics of Rove.

I was disturbed by her mockery of community organizers. Concerned citizens who work to improve this country are the backbone of our democracy. Without community organizers women in this country wouldn't have won the right to vote.
And, while she didn't speak about foreign policy, she had the audacity to mock Americans who have fought to end this administration's practice of torture--something that has caused us to lose respect in the eyes of the world.

Most importantly, she didn't even mention the real issues--the economy, education, the housing crisis, the environment, healthcare. She also didn't talk about how she's against teaching sex-ed to teenagers, she doesn't believe in global warming, she has tried to expand aerial gunning of wolves in Alaska (including pups), and how she tried to fire a librarian in Wasilla who wouldn't ban books in true George Bush fashion.

I'm frightened to think of how her views (and lack of them) would play out if she was president--and with McCain's health problems, she could end up in that role.

America doesn't need a pitbull with lipstick as our VP--we need a person of intellectual gravity and substance.

To All You Palin Supporters: Stop pretending this girl is someone she is not! Yes, she does have "leadership experience"... IN ALASKA. What does she know of national politics? international politics? Are you all really as dumb as Cindy McCain?? Do you really think that being Governor of the closest state to Russia qualifies her to be VP? SHE HAS NO EXPERIENCE AT ALL DEALING WITH ANY ISSUES OUTSIDE ALASKA!!! I would take a Senator over a Governor any day. As President, Obama will know how to deal with Congress, because he came from Congress. What does Palin know about the issues that are important to our whole country? NOTHING!! What does she know about working with Congress?? NOTHING!! Just admit it, McCain was way off on this pick..

If all the candidates(presidents and vp candidates) and trhe press would concentrate on the issues rather than trying to dig up dirt on each other, then the voters could make a rational choice.
They all look for "one word" in their comments and try to make a holy war out of it.
I am a Democrat, and personally, I like her. I find her refreshing, blue collar type.

Kate Kate Kate... You sound like an Alaskan with an ax to grind... Obama is intelligent, no doubt about that! How else could he have gotten this far without any experience... I think he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. He has been handled well... Is handlers put him on stage at the last Dem Convention, and even I was impressed with his speech, his eloquence, his ability to get people excited... Yes, great handlers indeed! Here we are, only one convention later and tehre he is, back on teh stage, impressing the heck out of everyone who listens, but unfortunately, again, he still has no expereince to be president. Yes, he has been handled quite nicely!

Boris, you're only part right. The shrill and short-sighted Sarah Palin is going to be a real problem for the United States of America, not just Democrats.

Let's talk real issues Kate. 1st, to be openly honest, I am voting McCain, why? He seems least likely to get in the way. Let me explain

What is the government going to do about:
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Education
- Environment
- Economy

Their answer is Programs, Programs, and more Programs. Governement is good at 2 things, 1) invading countries (we are good at that and I say bring home all the troops but that is a seperate post) and 2) spending our money. Now the government does not create money as a business doese, they do not earn, they do not have to answer to a boss. So who pays for those programs whether they are good or bad. I won't directly says Obama, I make 50K, so he said I will get a tax break. AWESOME. However, I work for an owner of a 125 person company, he is that evil top 1% who hired me in May. That is right, evil man gave me a job. He is going to pay for it if Obama gets in. So if he has to pay more taxes, and his business has to pay more taxes, and his investments get taxed more....what is he going to do to make up for lost income? Lower my salary? Cut back on spending? Cut back on hiring new people like myself? Oh yes Obama is not going to raise taxes on me, but I am going to feel it alright. So is every other person who works for a privately owned company or small business.

As a woman, I have to say that the possibility of having a woman in the White House is an exciting prospect. However, looking at the woman who could possibly end up there, I'm embarassed for women all over this country. I have read several articles describing Palin as a "feminist." Yet, on core issues like abortion, her position is that of an 80 year old man. Not supporting the right to choose, especially in cases of rape and incest, is just plain backwards for a woman. I don't care what your personal opinion is on whether abortion is right or wrong... why you would want to push your own beliefs on the entire country is beyond me. Let's ask Palin how she will feel when one of her daughters is raped and ends up pregnant. Does she really want to force her daughter to carry that sick reminder for 40 weeks, suffer the mental anguish, and ruin her life? I should hope not. If she does, what kind of parenting is that? "Shhhh, honey, it'll be OK... just bring this evil baby into the world so there can be a permanant reminder of the most horrible thing that could happen to you." Seriously, what is that? On a similar note, I question the Palins' decision making in general. They have a baby who requires more attention than most babies. They have a 17 year old who is about to become a mom. And they have decided that they want to make this kid go through her very private matter in front of the entire country, rather than to allow her to stay in their little isolated town in Alaska? I have to hope that if McCain and Palin are elected that the Palins are provided with a family therapist to help their kids deal with the ramifications of their parents' choices. I feel so sorry for all of the Palin kids, and not just because they have ridiculous names.

In Manley's response when he says, "failed bush-Cheney policies," is the lower-case of the b in bush coming out of Manley's release? Or is it a misquote on the part of Foon? I don't see a [sic] there so I'm guessing it's a misquote on the part of Foon. Can we please, please, please have someone take a minute to edit these articles?

Keith says:
"If you are going to pretend that Governor Palin does not have the experience to be John McCain's running mate, in the same sentence you must mention the inexperience of Barack Obama! Governor Palin was the leader of a small city. Governor Palin is the leader of the largest state in the Union. So what about Barack Obama? ...
I am so tired of hearing the lies coming out of the communist-leaning Democrats! I guess its the only way they can fool the American people into voting for them!"

Perhaps neither side is telling the whole truth. However, don't believe what Keith says, because it's not the whole truth either. "Small city"? Sorry Keith, but Wasilla is not a "city." Look up the word - a city is "a large or important town," neither of which describes Wasilla. Leader of the largest state in the US? That might be clever-sounding Keith, but hardly worth comparing to even being Governor of South Dakota (no disrespect intended), which has more people than Alaska. Wouldn't most reasonable people say that the Governor of, say California or New York or Pennsylvania, has more "executive experience" and more responsibilities than being Governor of Alaska?

I find it funny that anyone (democrate or otherwise) would really believe that McCain is going to be another "W". Remember how Bush couldn't stand McCain because he was his own man and voted what was best for the country and for the party. The DEMs say that McCain voted 90% with Bush. When did Bush have a vote in the senate? Maybe they mean that McCain voted with the Republican leadership in the senate 90% of the time. In today's politics that is a maverick!

What about Obama? How often did he vote with Reid and Pelosi? I wonder if the number is below 100%.....when he voted at all. That isn't leadership, that is followship. Is that what America needs?

I think it is a good strategy and makes perfect sense to let democrat women go after her. If Hillary wants to support Obama, this is her chance to shine among democrats- go after Gov. Palin

I have no issues with anyone openly supporting a candidate and because of that support trying to find fault with the others. But I find it sickening that most of the comments condemning Palin on this forum are hypocritical.

1) Some of you claim she does not have any experience esp. with regards to foreign policy but you are so excited about Obama --- Please explain to me and others what experience Obama has in this regards??

2)Some of you claim she has connections to the oil industry so she is not worthy to be VP --- Her husband worked for BP sometime back and that makes her evil??--- So does that mean anyone who has ever worked for any oil company or owned a gas station or even worked at one cannot be elected to office ---again clarification on this matter would be nice

3) She is a mother and needs to be with her kids --- so only women who decide to not have kids can run for office??

4)Supposedly she was condescending ---Now I did watch a lot of the speeches during the Democratic convention and If I recollect correctly they did take tons of swings at the republicans and McCain. Biden did take some swings......now if you go down that path be ready to deal with the aftermath....thats all she did

Like I said in my previous post ---- As an independent I am getting tired of democrats acting like I supposed to vote for Obama just cause he is going to bring out some change (he claims he is) --- am supposed to just believe in him and take him at his word when I don't have anything in his past that proves to me he would.---I am not going to make up my mind on which candidate I vote for till mid Oct. ---- before that I hope to hear some real plans from both candidates --- I for one am not ready to vote for a someone based on hollow promises --- think I have dealt with enough car salesmen --- 4 yrs is a long time and I am not going to be using my vote to vote for someone without any experience if he is not able to present a definite plan ---- some of you might fall for his oratory skills---but then realize you might be signing up for Russian roulette. ---- If the democrats are not able to prove that they can bring about the change I will vote for the safe choice which is definitely McCain.

Hey #1 Davo-

Hmmm, the Palins are really living the high life. Let's see, is $125k as a GOVERNOR really out of sorts with what GOVERNOR'S make? To be exec of the state, what should be her salary? Hmmm, how far, in ALASKA, do you expect $125k (I assume that's gross, so no taxes out yet) to go for her family of seven? I believe the Obamas grossed over $1 million in 2007, for a family of FOUR. What's the typical income for a family of four in Illinois? Think the Obama's have incomes that are represenative of their followers? Think the type of downtrodden Barack pledges to fight for earns close to that of he and his wife? And Mrs. Obama's meteroric rise in pay working for a what- hospital? Aren't hospitals typically non-profit? Isn't her salary over $200K? I think its as much if not more than the salary for the President of the United States? What has she done lately, invented a vaccine or something? Sounds like pretty profitable jobs she and Barack seem to have landed- sounds pretty elitist to me.

Cathy, you do realize he declared himself to need to be with his family but then your john McCain and other senators told him to join and he was sworn in bedside at the hospital. Anything else? Btw I'm a girl so about me being sexist...
Get your facts straight, and step your game up and thanks for voting the worst president into office for the past 8 years, your intelligence is so high hahaha

Ah the anonymity of the internet. You've got to love it. Good times for all. I wish Bill Hicks was still alive. He would have a field day with this. Actually all his stuff is still pretty relevant today as it was 18 years ago. Everyone should do themselves a favor a listen to him. Lighten up people. Your life is too short to get this fired up about politics. Think of all the effort you just spent arguing for or against people you've never met or know very little about. Go do something more productive.

Sadly Hilary is out of the race, I feel with her background and experience and views on many issues were right on. This country needs a change badly I truly felt she was the one to do it. She had the words and the experience to back it up. Obama has no such thing he graduated from Harvard LAW so he is excellent at proving points on important issue whether they are the truth or all lies, that is his specialty he can convince many people, a lawyer a lier a salesman and everyone buys it. With that sad, yay!!! Palin another chance for women!! But she is against abortion are you kidding me?? Does she know she is a woman? How can she be against abortions!!??? She shuts down every feministic belief that has ever existed by feeling this way. So I am so undecided I don't even want to vote if Hiliary is still on the ballod I'd vote but now that she's out, so am I!!!

Yeah, this is about Palin ... but it's also about the last 8 years. Here are some highlights:

"Go *uck yourself"
Mission Accomplished
My Pet Goat
The secret Energy Task Force meetings with Cheney
Katrina
"You're doin a hell-of-a-job, Brownie"
Buck-Shot Lawyer
"I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family."
"Bring it on"
"The jury's out on that" (concerning evolution ... what jury ... where ??!!)
"They misunderestimated me"
The Dollar has dropped 41% since Bush was president
4500 troops killed in a war of choice
No WMDs were found in Iraq
There was no Al Qaeda in Iraq until the US Invaded
Swift-boating politics
McCain (according to Rove) had a black baby
Doubled our national debt (8.2 trillion)
$1 trillion annual trade deficit (most with Asia, $220 billion with just China -- just last year
Torture
Secret Prisons
Abu Ghraib
Failure to take care of returning veterans
Warrantless spying on American citizens

Seriously ...

That was the first 8 years. These republicans CANT run on their record. It's virtually a criminal conspiracy of incompetence and malfeasance. They have to shift the pointing figure.

If the Bush Administration represents "experience", then I want to go find the least qualified individual in the USA and appoint him CiC and President. Even a 10 year old could make better policy decisions than those made by this group (and ALL republicans are complicit) of incompetents of biblical proportions.

Lots of people talking about experience. A lot less people talking about judgment.

Do you all really want it to get WORSE than Bush? Palin definitely represents a scarier version of the policies we have suffered through and will pay for for many years. She is just like Bush and is hungry for starting new wars as soon as God whispered it in her right ear. She despises the expansion of a green economy because she wants to get wealthy from oil drilling, already is waiting to buy up all their stock. She is just an opportunist with some really backward belief system which would keep our country locked into the downward spiral it is in while the rest of the world finds real solutions to problems, too bad our country is filled with idiots who vote for Bush twice and are all excited about this crazy right-wing nutcase.

Hey TONNIE,
Wait just a minute. Obama should NOT have woman go fighting his battle's, what does that say?? He didn't want or need Hillary, oh but wait, now he has another woman he can't stand up to and now wants Hillary and the Gov. of Kansas (who I laugh everytime I think of HER being considered an Obama VP contender!!!) fighting his battles for him.

Everyone keeps talking about Palin doesn't have the experience, HAS ANYONE LOOKED AT OBAMA? and he is going to be President! He talks of himself as an agent of change, BUT WAIT! He chooses a Washington insider of over 30 years as his VP!

Watch out, this game is not over yet!!!

GO McCAIN and PALIN!!! 2008

Shirley