Palin: She’s Not a Senator
[Guest post by DRJ]
The initial negatives on Sarah Palin focus on Troopergate, her teen daughter’s pregnancy, and her experience level and gender. Positives are that Palin appeals to the conservative base and could solve McCain’s “sizzle problem.”
For now, Palin’s experience is on the front-burner and that’s probably why McCain and Palin are focusing on their efforts to reform government. Each side claims they will be agents of change but I think American voters have doubts about all 3 candidates who are Senators. Congressional job approval is now 10 points lower than it was a year ago when it was at its lowest point in 10 years. The Senate is one of the most elite and insulated institutions in American politics so voters may be especially interested in a candidate who isn’t a Senator.
A message of change helped Obama gain the Democratic nomination but Senators like Obama, Biden, and even McCain are seen by many voters as the problem, not the solution. Choosing Palin could help McCain show he understands voters expect something more than Senators doing business-as-usual.
— DRJ
I fixed the 5th link. I’m having link problems tonight.
DRJ (7568a2) — 9/1/2008 @ 10:51 pmIt’s really odd htat when a female governor takes on her own state police to clean out drunken, wife-beating louts from the force the MSM ignores the background and concentrates on the procedure.
A form of “Name That Party” I guess. Good thing for Rodney King he wasn’t a Republican.
Kevin Murphy (0b2493) — 9/1/2008 @ 11:03 pmWhat this country needs is a couple of hundred thousand more Sarah Palins to run for office, even the liberal ones!
htom (412a17) — 9/1/2008 @ 11:23 pmThe left is now completely in fantasy mode, and it is an all-out and sloppy smear fest, similar to the competition over who could hate Bush the most.
But then it was never about Bush, and it’s not about Palin either.
It’s about greed at a level that blots out any standards or allegiances. Thought and logic are long gone.
Reformer, bringer of change? Check.
Not in the pocket of big oil? Check.
Executive experience? Check.
Gives money to taxpayers? Check.
Wow. What’s not to like? Oh.
Republican. Bzzzzt.
Never mind what we said we wanted.
Apogee (366e8b) — 9/1/2008 @ 11:25 pmI think you are right, Apogee, but I’m still disappointed by how many Senators are in this race. Three of the four candidates have been state or federal senators for the bulk of their political careers, indeed for most of their professional lives. I’m sure they’ve spent time thinking about the decisions they make but, let’s face it, their jobs mainly consist of talking and listening to other people talk.
What an amazing job description. If I were a headhunter helping a senator look for a job, I would have to conclude the best jobs he or she could hope for – other than running for further political office – would be working as a lobbyist, a TV anchorman, or writing a Dear Abby column. And that might be unfair to TV anchormen and Dear Abby columnists.
I understand senators’ work is important, that they spend time thinking about important problems, and that they have a big impact on our lives. However, there is little downside or accountability for anything senators do other than the possibility they will hurt their own careers.
DRJ (7568a2) — 9/1/2008 @ 11:51 pmDRJ – Like I said originally, many posts ago, I’ve met the woman personally, and was immediately impressed. It wasn’t a speech, it was someone who was present in the conversation and who clearly had a sense of command. My opinion of Mrs. Palin is based on that personal experience, the visible admiration of everyone else in attendance, and her outstanding record against corruption. Which leads me to your #5.
I agree with you, and especially about the accountability portion. A Governor is on their own, and is judged by their own decisions. Part of the difficulty for so many in identifying the true nature of Obama, Biden and McCain is just as you said – they all share in the victory and failure of the state of our country, and their individual accomplishments and failures are hard to separate out. Perhaps this partially explains the dearth of Senators who have gone on to the executive.
As for the TV anchor thing, expect McCain to yell at his co-anchor, Biden to make a tasteless racial or sexual joke on-air, and Obama to drool into the camera when the teleprompter malfunctions.
Apogee (366e8b) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:03 amOne other thing – part of the job description, for some at least, consists of bribing and taking bribes.
Apogee (366e8b) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:04 amIssues, Apogee, issues.
Anti-choice? Check.
Supports McCain/Bush economics? Check.
Supports McCain/Bush’s Iraq policy? Check.
Creationism should be taught alongside evolution? Check.
Former member of secessionist Alaska Independence Party? Check. (America first? Yikes…)
Potential ethical problems? Guess we’ll see…
…
Having said that, I do greatly appreciate how Gov. Palin has been willing to take on Republican corruption while rising to power in Alaska. Good for her on that. Palin seems like a charming, powerful and talented individual. But she’s also wrong on the issues that matter to the left.
Tom (305e11) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:05 amAlso, Palin’s approval rating is higher than Congress, the Senate, and GWB combined.
Apogee (366e8b) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:07 amI’m looking forward to the debates. I think that’s where we’ll learn the most about the candidates and their position on the issues.
DRJ (7568a2) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:14 amNot to fence with you, Tom, but let’s use your rubric on Senator Obama, shall we?
Anti-choice? Obama sure wants to approve heartily of any form of pregnancy termination, sure enough. Including partial birth abortion. You sure do win that one, Tom.
Supports McCain/Bush economics? Starting to sound pretty similar, as oil prices settle down and that dreaded recession doesn’t quite arrive to help out the Democrats. Except for the raising taxes thing. How about that five dollar a gallon gasoline line of his, by the way?
Supports McCain/Bush’s Iraq policy? What about that whole anti-surge thing? Or bombing Pakistan? Hmmm. Not much of a peace candidate after all.
Creationism should be taught alongside evolution? Number one, neither Palin nor McCain have stated that (did you actually read what Palin said, or just Kos’ summaries?). Number two, has Obama been superdirect on this subject? And keep in mind that TCC has been selling afrocentric creationist books for years (that was the church, remember, that Obama attended for a couple of decades).
Former member of secessionist Alaska Independence Party? Nope. But there is that whole pesky Wright and Ayres business. The Ayres business is particularly vexing.
Potential ethical problems? Hmmm. Rezko comes to mind. Haven’t heard much about that recently. And anyone coming out of Chicago politics isn’t precisely squeaky clean. Are your sure you want to go that route?
All I am saying is that you need to be fair about this. Obama has worked so hard to avoid being specific that he is beginning to fray around the edges.
The debates will help things out. Of course, I would prefer that they be without, um, er, uh, TelePrompters.
Eric Blair (642d37) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:27 amWow: Sarah Palin is about to become a grandma – but …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn7UzxXv8p4
metro1 (5037af) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:35 amYou make excellent points. Merely being a senator does not qualify one for the job of president. With few exceptions, senators excel at nothing beyond grandstanding, blowing hot air and making zero decisions. The thought that we might have had *4* of them on the 2 tickets was terrifying.
Palin is upsetting a lot of precious applecarts. Good!
Peg C. (48175e) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:38 am“Troopergate”?
I thought was what they called the time when the Cigar Shover was using AR state cops to summon potential female knob polishers for him when he was feeling a little frisky and felt like getting some strange in his hotel room.
(Although I preferred the term “Trooperquiddick”.)
Dave (d51df8) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:42 amDave – ROTFLMAO!
Peg C. (48175e) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:44 amTom 12:05am – But she’s also wrong on the issues that matter to the left.
So it makes sense then that she’s running as a Republican. Thanks for that.
Also, I was not aware that the left was in favor of corruption, as this is an issue that Palin is oh so right about. That’s got to be frightening to a great many of our more ‘connected’ politicians.
Hey, so much more! You know who’s also in favor of the McCain/Bush Iraq policy? Yup. Good old Joe Biden and (latecomer) Barack Obama:
Barack Obama believes we must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in. Immediately upon taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending the war. (Wow! And here I thought Patraeus was trying to stretch things out) The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government.
You also realize that her view of Creationism in public schools is:
She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum.
Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.
“I won’t have religion as a litmus test, or anybody’s personal opinion on evolution or creationism,” Palin said.
As for the Alaska Independence Party, you might want to read up a bit on Walter Hickel, who was elected Governor of Alaska in 1990 – 94 as an AIP party candidate. Not so fringe. Also, Hickel was responsible for convincing legislators in DC to support the Alaska statehood act of 1958 – pretty uncharacteristic of a ‘separatist’ group to support a candidate for Governor that helped them gain Statehood in the first place.
Hickel supposedly ran as AIP because of GOP politics closing him out. Apparently, the Republicans have had a problem in Alaska regarding cronyism. A problem that Palin, who left the AIP in 1996, seems to have a handle on.
As for your scabrous ethical problems hint, I’d personally like to see politicians cracking down on bad cops and the bureaucrats who protect them.
Oh, I forgot, the left is in favor of corruption.
That explains a lot.
Apogee (366e8b) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:57 amapogee, those are great corrections to read… One thought about the trooper scandal: (though I agree, the Governor should be interested in firing bad cops)…
A huge point of controversy in the troopergate scandal is merely that Governor Palin was surprised that the trooper hadn’t been fired. She wasn’t demanding a firing, just saying ‘Jeeeeez, you know he tazered his kid and drinks beer while driving patrol cars and threatens to kill people, and he hasn’t been fired!?! That’s amazing!”
And of course, that’s a pretty normal reaction to have. The governor can’t fire these people, but she does have power over other people who can, and noting that she’s surprised they aren’t doing their job correctly (and they aren’t if they don’t fire cops like that) doesn’t seem scandalous. It’s been interpreted to be code for “I as governor direct this person be fired.” But that’s similar to saying that I directed the cop to be fired because I, too, am shocked he wasn’t fired, and would have expressed it at the time. Just because a Governor lacks the power to do something doesn’t mean she can’t have an opinion on it. Palin also remarked that Iraq needed a better strategy early on, which obviously was an argument for something like the surge. That doesn’t mean she gets credit for implementing it.
Juan (4cdfb7) — 9/2/2008 @ 3:09 amNot that truth and honesty matter a bit to Repubs but for months McCain has been attacking Obama for lack of experience. Now he nominates a woman who has precious little. So was he serious about the importance of experience or was that just a lot of bull? Well the answer is obvious. But to Repubs it doesnt matter. Anything goes in the quest for power.
So vote for McCain the Maverick who votes 90% of the time with Bush and hope you enjoy the continued unemployment, inflation, deficits, the deliberate destruction of cultural unity, economic divide, blatant cronyism, senseless war, and attacks on science and Constitutional law. (But hey Bush never got a BJ while in office and the gays cant get married and Repubs are such moral people, so I guess its ok)
What is most funny is to hear McCain and crew complain about the culture of Washington and promoting the politics of change! I guess they are running against their own policies of the last eight years. But truth is just a tool to be used as convenient and then put away if the situation requires. Their idea of change is nothing but old wine in new bottles.
Unfortunately what is also obvious too is that Repubs, in today’s party, care more about power than country and as G Mitchel said ” They will destroy the house in order to rule over the ruins!” Amen. They have shown that over and over.
Why do Conservatives Hate America so much? Why do they disrespect Vets and think their lives so cheap? Why do so many of them support a war they send others to fight and then refuse to pay taxes to finance? Because basically Conservatives of today are not like traditional conservatives. They are hateful nasty people with an agenda of war overseas and deliberately created divisions hear at home. Its always some enemy. Blacks, women, Muslims,Environmentalists, Liberals.. they need an enemy to hate so they dont have to think or deal with facts. They exploit every fear imaginable as they wrap themselves in a flag and talk their empty rhetoric about Blessing America, family and Christian values and love of country. And as far as vets, they tell us they support them but we all know the treatment they get when they differ from the party line. Ask Max Cleland.
And for that matter ask the widows of 9/11 how much concern these wonderful folks had for them when they demanded more than Bush cardboard answers to the circumstances surrounding Bush negligence just before 9/11.
So now they are nominating a woman who is totally unfit and a man who both supports Bush and opposes him. Love Bush or hate him McCain is your man! A loyal Republican and a Maverick who will restore the integrity of government that was destroyed somehow even as his party controlled both houses of congress and the Presidency! You really ought to read the book “1984” but of course that sort of thing only applies elsewhere.
But I am wasting my time. Logic is not something that you care about and neither is truth.
Well try this one on for size “By their fruits yee shall know them” If you had any eyes you could see the fruits of this administration but you dont so you can dismiss that as the ravings of just another nasty liberal.
VietEraVet (543dfe) — 9/2/2008 @ 5:06 am“Now he nominates a woman who has precious little. So was he serious about the importance of experience”
Point of interest for you lib: McCain did NOT nominate Palin for President … and she has more experience than BO
Lord Nazh (899dce) — 9/2/2008 @ 5:31 amI see the Kos kids are weighing in. VEV is just another hate the GOP hack who can’t see anything in their blind hate.
PCD (5c49b0) — 9/2/2008 @ 5:50 amAnybody see a “Trig Palin” on this list?
Just asking.
David Ehrenstein (961ad1) — 9/2/2008 @ 6:49 amVietEraVet – Why do Conservatives Hate America so much? It wasn’t McCain or Palin’s spiritual mentor of 20 years who said “America is the greatest sin against God.” It was Obama’s spiritual mentor father Michael Pfleger: the same father Pfleger who campaigned for Obama in Iowa last year.
ROA (f7cdf8) — 9/2/2008 @ 7:09 amI love the “experience” issue that lefties try to raise. I’ll take the experience of our VP candidate over the “experience” of your Presidential candidate any day of the week.
O! is not qualified to be president and was never properly vetted by the MSM or the democratic party primary voters. Indeed, O! is less qualified to be President than Palin, he has less accomplishments in life and less experience and his personal history has never been properly explored or investigated. Here is why:
* He was an affirmative action admission at Harvard law (he has not released his college grades, LSAT score, or law school grades yet – which indicates that he was not a stellar student that had the grades to get into Harvard absent affirmative action);
* He was an affirmative action pick onto the law review (again, he did not grade-on or write-on to law review so he could only get on to law review through some kind of affirmative action);
* He has not accomplished anything as an elected official (name one important piece of legislation he has authored);
* He’s written no published articles to demonstrate academic ability;
* He admits in his books that he purposefully sought out Marxist mentors and teachers in college, indeed one of his major mentors in life was an avid Marxist.
* he’s done nothing courageous in his life, not even taking a courageous stance on any legislation (indeed, he voted “present” on almost all controversial bills in the IL state senate);
* he’s never sacrificed anything for any cause;
* he’s never accomplished anything outside of elected office.
* the man is as empty a suit as exists, with no real proof of intellectual bona fides nor even a consistent set of policy ideas (he switches his stances 180 degrees within weeks of taking a stance based on polls).
* He went to a church for 20 years where hatred of white people was routinely preached and hatred of America was routinely preached.
* he worked closely with and was friends with an admitted and unrepentant domestic terrorist – Bill Ayers (and others);
* he voted against criminalizing the killing of babies that were born alive when he was in the Illinois State Senate;
* He has a shady financial relationship with convicted felon Tony Rezko.
What exactly is it about this admitted cocaine dealer that the left finds so great?
Great Banana (e66874) — 9/2/2008 @ 7:11 amI will never accept the words “equality for women” out of the mouths of any liberal Democrat or journalist again after this disgraceful display to smear Sarah Palin.
bio mom (a1e126) — 9/2/2008 @ 7:12 amThe Obama campaign seems to impaling itself on the Palin nomination.
As I’m typing this, Obama is being interviewed by Anderson Cooper about Gustav. Anderson’s last question was how he would answer those who say that Gov. Palin, as mayor of a small town and Gov. of Alaska, has more experience than he does. He didn’t miss a beat. He smiled and said Palin’s town of Wasilia, Alaska had 50 employees. His campaign has 2500. The town’s budget is about $12 million a year. His budget is 3 times that per month. He cited the legislation he’s passed on emergency management post-Katrina and that many recommendations he made were adopted and are being put in place as we speak.
That’s from Talk Left in a thread creating a pool on when she will withdraw from the campaign. Obama here is comparing himself to Palin in qualifications. First, he is the one running for president. She is running for VP. Two, he does not mention that she is governor now. Three, he claims that he is running his campaign. I would be willing to bet that his staff doesn’t see it that way. Let him get off the teleprompter and we’ll see who is running who.
He will not be able to resist the temptation to run against her when he is running against McCain. That mistake will be fatal if he cannot stop himself. One more bit of evidence that he is not ready.
Mike K (2cf494) — 9/2/2008 @ 7:29 amIn other words we hate you, Sarah.
Mike K (2cf494) — 9/2/2008 @ 7:36 amIt is hysterical to watch the lefties try to deal with Palin. They are doing what they do because they are who they are and now we can all see them for who they are! As Flounder said in “Animal House” “This is GREAT!” Keep going MSM, keep going nutroots, all your doing is sending more people to the right! McCain-Palin in a landslide!
J. Raymond Wright (d83ab3) — 9/2/2008 @ 8:03 amMike – Unbelievable. Did Obama really make a comparison between managing a political campaign and being mayor of a town as why his experience trumps Palin? What a BUFOON!
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/2/2008 @ 8:12 amDoes anyone think it’s any of their business? Is it your business, David?
Pablo (99243e) — 9/2/2008 @ 8:24 amDavid #21,
That’s because you’re looking at the wrong place. Trig is a Nexus-1 synthesized by Karl Rove in his secret laboratory in the Himalayas with an incept date of April, 2008. He is a Send-The-Lefties-On-A-Snipe-Chase model.
nk (21731d) — 9/2/2008 @ 8:36 amComment by Great Banana — 9/2/2008 @ 7:11 am
“What exactly is it about this admitted cocaine dealer that the left finds so great?”
He must deal great shit!
The Great “O” = Oakland!
Another Drew (dbf36d) — 9/2/2008 @ 8:52 am#28 Not only did he compare running a campaign but he lied about her experience. The state of Alaska has 15,000 employees and a budget around 12 billon. Not even Obama’s campaign has that many employees although his 300 coaches on foreign policy probably exceeds hers considerably.
If he keeps throwing himself on that porcupine, he will start to look foolish. He can’t afford that.
David E lives in his own universe where false rumors never die.
Mike K (2cf494) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:29 amTrig is a Nexus-1 synthesized by Karl Rove in his secret laboratory in the Himalayas with an incept date of April, 2008. He is a Send-The-Lefties-On-A-Snipe-Chase model.
Comment by nk — 9/2/2008 @ 8:36 am
Will be laughing about that all day. Good one!
no one you know (1f5ddb) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:34 amTo me, the whole “experience” business really doesn’t carry a lot of weight in either direction. Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld had arguably more foreign policy experience than any two men in the world, yet they still managed to create the biggest foreign policy cock-up in the history of the country.
Also, FDR and Lincoln were relatively inexperienced when they took office (especially Lincoln), and did pretty well.
So I think it doesn’t really count against either Palin OR Obama that they haven’t very much experience. More troublesome is that I can’t seem to find anything where she expresses a coherent opinion on Iraq:
Does that make any sense? If anyone else can find something more coherent, please let me know.
Also, this totally undercuts McCain’s whole argument against Obama. So far, we’ve heard that we can’t vote for Obama because he doesn’t have enough experience (and he’ll raise our taxes, which is a lie), yet he nominated someone for VP with, charitably speaking, about the same amount of experience as Obama.
And her kids have nothing to do with any of this business; I don’t care what kind of crazy scandals they’ve got cooking. The crotch-sniffing media should keep their grubby little mitts off a 17-year-old girl. Kudos to Obama for declaring them off-limits.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:35 amAdmitted cocaine user. Just like the current President.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:37 amObama: no decision-maker; no courage; less experience:
Sarah Palin has government executive experience. She has lots of experience actually making decisions – as Mayor, Commissioner, and then Governor. She’s been in elective office since 1992.
Barack Obama has been in elective office just since 1997 – and always as a legislator. he’s never had to make executive decisions in a government administration like Gov. Palin.
So Sarah Palin has five (5) more years of experience in elective office than Barack Obama.
And Obama often could not muster the courage to make even a legislative decision – he frequently voted “present.”
See here
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/01/obama_campaign_defends_present.html
metro (6905f0) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:39 amNo Russell, the President has never admitted being a cocaine user. One who over-indulged in adult bererages, Yes; but cocaine, No!
Your are perfectly entitled to your opinions, but not to your own facts.
Thank you, for your participation.
Another Drew (dbf36d) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:43 amAL:
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:48 amWell, one thing is for certain: either our friends on the left are really scared out of their wits by Governor Palin, or we are going to lose, lose, lose!
Unfortunately, I do remember the Thomas Eagleton affair . . . .
The original Dana (3e4784) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:49 amRussell, it seems she wants to boost America’s revenues via oil production. And those oil profits? They’re taxes imposed at the wellhead. So this
is incorrect.
Pablo (99243e) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:56 amExcuse me, Bush has only said he hadn’t used cocaine after 1974 and refuses to answer any other questions. My mistake.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:57 am#40: Call it oil taxes then. The main point was that there is no sales or income tax in Alaska, yet there is still so much money there that it’s much easier to run the government.
The point stands.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 9:59 amIIRC, there is no sales or income tax in NH either.
Another Drew (dbf36d) — 9/2/2008 @ 10:02 amHave they been forced into BK by such fiscal incompetence?
So now Russell has powers of prognostication that only he possesses. We also can tell that Russell can paste nonsensical texts (in place of actual thought) – congrats, your beclowning continues apace.
Dmac (874677) — 9/2/2008 @ 10:03 am“…yet there is still so much money there that it’s much easier to run the government.
The point stands.”
This is getting more hilarious by the minute – now Russell pronounces his observations as brilliant. Tell us, Russ – do you look in the mirror each morning and tell yourself what an awesome person you are, and that your intellect is all – powerful and all – knowing? Do you then kiss your mirror after the appropriate self – ass – kissing is complete?
Dmac (874677) — 9/2/2008 @ 10:06 amDmac…
Another Drew (dbf36d) — 9/2/2008 @ 10:09 amI would think that it is very difficult for Russell to see himself in the mirror;
unless, of course, he’s had a window implanted in his abdomen.
Russell – Are you suggesting Anonymous Liberal has any credibility?
Being governor of Alaska in not like being governor of other states? You mean she does not have to deal with a legislature, different state departments, state employees, federal incurions into state authority, etc., etc.
Put down that bong Russell.
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/2/2008 @ 10:14 amRussell has his talking points down pretty well. Leave him alone. School starts this week and he will be too busy then to post comments. Let him pontificate from that list they gave him at the students for Obama meeting. Be fair.
Mike K (2cf494) — 9/2/2008 @ 10:26 amIt’s easy. What I have is a bong installed inside my own asshole with a mirror on the near side. Then I can accomplish all my daily tasks without anything more painful than cracking a couple dozen vertebrae.
I raised a point–namely, that being Governor of Alaska is quite easy compared to most of the other states. From that, I learned that 1) I think I am really smart, 2) I kiss my own ass and 3) I smoke too much pot. Learn something new every day.
It is true that NH does not collect sales or income tax. However, they are not as flush with cash as Alaska. Being as there is no one from NH on the national ballot, I fail to see what that has to do with anything.
No, I was saying from a fiscal standpoint, the Alaska Governor has almost no problems. Sure there are many logistical responsibilities–but the state has fewer people than Austin, TX.
It’s interesting to see you guys tie yourselves into knots arguing that Palin is really experienced. I’d say her and Obama are about sixes, while he is much more tested on the national stage.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 10:59 amRussell-
Obama said in accpetance speech that he would go through the budget line by line and cut wasteful spending.
Palin did that with the state budget already. She cut the budget something like 13% through the line item veto.
The other point I would mae is that if Obama wants to revieew the budget line by line and eliniate wasteful programs, he should stay in the Senate. Congress passes spending bills, so what he said he woudl do as President is actaully his job today. Furthermore, there’s no Presidential line item veto, so he actually could not eliminate one wasteful spending program. Perhaps the Constitutional scholar needs a refresher course.
I’m sure that VP Palin would love to work with Senator Obama on next year’s federal budget. If he’s as smart as they say, he’ll learn something from her.
MartyH (52fae7) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:03 amRussell,
You are the myopic one here. There are plenty of other states that raise plenty of cash via taxes, but they overspend, and do not control themselves.
California and Florida could have a tax windfall if they’d allow offshore drilling, but the Democrats in both states won’t allow it. Think legislature before you sound even more like a self absorbed fool.
PCD (5c49b0) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:04 amIt’s a matter of public record, pablo.
I love it when Mike K gets desperate.
David Ehrenstein (961ad1) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:04 am“It’s interesting to see you guys tie yourselves into knots arguing that Palin is really experienced.”
Russell – It’s interesting to watch you guts tie yourselves into knots trying to figure out ways to attack Palin that don’t cast further light on the deficiencies on the guy at the TOP of your ticket. After all, the democrats managed to nominate the only one of their major candidates who has a chance to lose to John McCain and have to live with that choice.
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:12 amRussell…
Another Drew (dbf36d) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:13 amTry this: Wyoming doesn’t have IIRC either a sales or income tax too. Plus, they get extraction revenue from both coal and oil. They still manage to keep the intrusion of government into the lives of their citizens at a very low level, just like Alaska.
Perhaps what you object to, is government not attempting to micro-manage the lives of its’
subjectscitizens?Is that it?
Are you just a closet Fascist?
Where is the next scheduled meeting of the Obama Youth?
Have they settled on a design for the daggers yet?
Look at all the attention Russel’s getting. Kind of like Paris w/o panties.
Russel wrote:
#40: Call it oil taxes then.
But didn’t Obama propose taxing big oil to make up revenue shortfalls? Is Russell against taxing big oil?
So, Palin runs against an entrenched political machine, wins, shows executive experience by running a state with responsibility, taxing big oil like B.O. promotes, cuts unnecessary expenditures, has an 80% approval rating, and puts corrupt politicians out of office or under indictment.
Russell’s explanation: It was easy.
Yeah, Russell, it was. For you.
Apogee (366e8b) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:34 amNo other state has anywhere close to the amount of cash that Alaska does. It’s a tiny state with the largest oil field in America–Prudhoe Bay. Eighty per cent of their revenue comes from the petroleum industry. In what other state can you get checks for about $2000/year just for living there for 11 months?
Let me be more clear: I’m not objecting to the way Alaska is run. Hell, if I were governor, I’d probably do much the same as Mrs. Palin. I’m just saying that it’s one of the easiest governorships in the country.
And I assume by “intrusion of government” you mean low taxes, not warrantless wiretapping, signing statements, or extraordinary rendition of American citizens.
Fascism? WTF are you talking about?
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:45 amI’m just saying that it’s one of the easiest governorships in the country.
Being in charge of the first line of US defense in ICBM attacks that requires multiple security clearances is easy?
Who knew?
Paul (ac3cf3) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:56 amwarrantless wiretapping, signing statements, or extraordinary rendition of American citizens
Links with proof?
Paul (ac3cf3) — 9/2/2008 @ 11:58 amIf Palin was on the top of the GOP ticket, I would vote for her over Obama and his failed ideas and lack of experience. She has the right ideas and better experience. I’m not sure that failed community organizer translates very well into President of the U.S.
Great Banana (e66874) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:15 pmSigning statements ????
WTF ????
Do you know how the government works ? Do you know the difference between “whereasses” and “Resolveds”?
You better get someone to explain those talking points. You sound like a fool.
Mike K (f89cb3) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:16 pmI’m scared of Sarah Palin 🙁
Chuck Norris (899dce) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:22 pmYou know what’s easier than being Governor of Alaska? Being a community organizer. Being a state Senator and voting “present”. Being a US Senator.
Pablo (99243e) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:32 pmNational defense:
When I was talking about “intrusion of government,” I was expressing confusion about what that meant to Another Drew, because of Bush’s numerous problems with civil liberties, including warrantless wiretapping, signing statements, extraordinary rendition of American citizens, and habeas corpus. To the best of my knowledge, Mrs. Palin has expressed no opinion on these issues, though she apparently tried to get some books banned at her local library in Wasilla.
So what is “intrusion of government?” Taxes?
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:35 pmI’ve been quiet of late, probably should remain so, but will offer my views anyway.
The big deal over trooper gate seems mostly be coming from a blok she took out in the gov race. a car dealer/blogger that can’t get over the fact he got his handed to him and lost to (possibly), a woman. Douch bag, reminds me of that Cyrus guy around here and his vendetta over the judge.
NV does not have an income tax either, they get their money from the casino tables!
*****
Personally I’m excited over the prospect of Palin as VP. Not only is she easy on the eyes, she seems like a very above normal person as well. Not afraid to get her hands dirty and for sure not afraid of entrenched politicos. That may well be her greatest strength!
Pres and VP debates are about as revealing into somebody as looking in the mirror. Way too contrived, practiced and canned to be of any real value. Though I’ve a feeling Palin will do very well and especially if certain questions are asked.
*******
It’s probably a good thing the daughter is getting married as at least the “shotgun wedding” ritual can remain intact. There are way too many unwed mothers in the country today, as well as way too many live in,BF/GF, births as well. There is no need to further sacrifice this young lady as some sort of martyr to the cause. I wish them well.
I still do not think it’s any of governments business at any level, what a woman does with her own body, there is nobody on earth better qualified to make certain decisions than herself!
To those that think it is, then stop those folks packing iron in their bodies, and painting themselves with graffiti and such, GAWD what a disgraceful display we are all subject to put up with from time to time. (Just a thought).
TC (d16524) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:43 pmRussell –
To me, the whole “experience” business really doesn’t carry a lot of weight in either direction. Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld had arguably more foreign policy experience than any two men in the world, yet they still managed to create the biggest foreign policy cock-up in the history of the country.
— In which case, no need to say anything more about it.
Also, FDR and Lincoln were relatively inexperienced when they took office (especially Lincoln), and did pretty well.
— So much for that idea. Oh, and FDR was elected to the New York State Senate twice, was Asst Sec of the Navy during WWI, and was elected Governor of New York twice.
So I think it doesn’t really count against either Palin OR Obama that they haven’t very much experience.
— So drop it, already!
More troublesome is that I can’t seem to find anything where she expresses a coherent opinion on Iraq
— Watch her speech on Wednesday.
Also, this totally undercuts McCain’s whole argument against Obama. So far, we’ve heard that we can’t vote for Obama because he doesn’t have enough experience (and he’ll raise our taxes, which is a lie), yet he nominated someone for VP with, charitably speaking, about the same amount of experience as Obama.
— It “doesn’t carry a lot of weight”, and yet you can’t STFU about it.
And her kids have nothing to do with any of this business; I don’t care what kind of crazy scandals they’ve got cooking.
— Good! Now you can STFU about that as well!
The crotch-sniffing media should keep their grubby little mitts off a 17-year-old girl. Kudos to Obama for declaring them off-limits.
— You have put yourself above the other people from the left side of the aisle that visit here. Hopefully it will stay that way.
No, I was saying from a fiscal standpoint, the Alaska Governor has almost no problems. Sure there are many logistical responsibilities–but the state has fewer people than Austin, TX.
— That’s right; it’s a ‘starter state’. Newbies go there to learn the job and then get promoted to running a real state. The fact that 22 other states can fit within its land area means nothing; only the population figure counts.
It’s interesting to see you guys tie yourselves into knots arguing that Palin is really experienced. I’d say her and Obama are about sixes, while he is much more tested on the national stage.
— Your words: “the whole “experience” business really doesn’t carry a lot of weight in either direction.” Live by them, die by them.
Let me be more clear: I’m not objecting to the way Alaska is run. Hell, if I were governor, I’d probably do much the same as Mrs. Palin. I’m just saying that it’s one of the easiest governorships in the country.
Icy Truth (80b4e7) — 9/2/2008 @ 12:51 pm— And that is a pathetic – if one slam doesn’t work move on to the next one and if that one doesn’t work just make something up – attempt to belittle her accomplishments.
Palin as reformer?
I don’t think the GOP will be sticking with that story much longer.
jpe (08c1dd) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:29 pmWhat’s hard about being governor of Alaska? It’s not like one has to deal with fiscal crises; rather, the toughest question for the governor seems to be how fat a check to write to each citizen.
Or, in Palin’s case, how much federal pork spending to squeeze out of the Congress.
jpe (08c1dd) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:31 pmWell, it’s certainly harder than being a US Senator for 147 days…
Scott Jacobs (a1c284) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:35 pmSo…..it’s not hard. You’re conceding that there’s little-to-no practical value that would confront the governor of a larger state that isn’t awash in oil money and federal handouts (via Palin’s best pal Stevens).
jpe (08c1dd) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:40 pmWhat’s hard about being governor of Alaska?
jpe, if you read the thread, you’d know I crushed this line of argument in #57.
Paul (ac3cf3) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:41 pmWell, I don’t think it’s quite that easy. However, it is true that Alaska receives $1.87 for every dollar they pay in taxes, and Mrs. Palin, as mayor of Wasilla, employed the lobbying firm of Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh to get almost $27 million in earmarks for Wasilla (that’s about $4000 per person). She also supported the infamous bridge to nowhere before it became a huge boondoggle:
In related news, Mrs. Palin was also director of Sen. Ted “series of tubes” Stevens’ 527 group, before he was criminally charged, of course.
Mrs. Palin does have some decent reformist credentials, but in a state as corrupt as Alaska, you don’t get to the top without a few favors.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:45 pmPaul – what kind of control did Ms. Palin have over the US defense? Did she have operational control over bases? What kinds of military and/or defense policy decisions did she make?
jpe (08c1dd) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:47 pmPaul, read #63. The governor is not involved in national defense.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:48 pmYeah, her best pal whose cronies she put in jail shortly after being appointed to the commission overseeing the oil and natural gas rights of Alaska. Have you actually read anything on this issue before you decided to come on and start bloviating away?
“So…..it’s not hard.”
Oh, yeah – a complete piece of cake, no question.
This is funniest tactic yet we’ve heard today – the state has so much oil revenue, anyone could be Governor.
Why don’t you move immediately up there and dazzle the local populace with your brilliance, then? After all, there’s going to be a big vacancy there soon, and since any idiot can do it, you fit the bill.
However, I’m thinking that said locals would more likely pull out their 12 gauges and blow your elitist/snob arse away at the first opportunity.
Dmac (874677) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:53 pmThe governor is not involved in national defense.
Russell, go read the link I provided in #57. The Governor is indeed involved in national defense.
Paul (ac3cf3) — 9/2/2008 @ 1:56 pmPaul – what kind of control did Ms. Palin have over the US defense? Did she have operational control over bases? What kinds of military and/or defense policy decisions did she make?
If you read #57 and clicked on the link provided, jpe, your questions would be unnecessary, further proving you didn’t bother to read it.
Paul (ac3cf3) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:00 pmThe link seems to be = just a few vague claims and a linked pdf that has nothing to do with the post.
I assume that that link was the strongest case to be made that Palin got some kind of valuable experience from the AK governorship.
jpe (08c1dd) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:04 pmYou’re wasting your time, Paul – these guys haven’t read anything on the issue, they’re just Trolling for dollars:
http://city-journal.com/2008/eon0831ls.html
This woman just about pissed off anyone who was originally involved in her political fortunes in Alaska – by contrast, The Messiah’s annoyed no one at all here, since he was bought by the Daley Machine many years ago.
Dmac (874677) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:06 pmThat’s a pretty funny city journal article: “She championed fiscal responsibility, cutting pork in the form of capital projects as well as larger symbols of waste, such as the infamous “bridge to nowhere” sponsored by Republican senator Ted Stevens.”
That was obviously written pre-vetting.
jpe (08c1dd) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:13 pmGee, you think? But what about the other points that have refuted your inane statements, TrollBoy?
Dmac (874677) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:21 pmPaul, did you read the link I provided? The one where the actual commander of the AK National Guard was interviewed: “But, in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, he said he and Palin play no role in national defense activities, even when they involve the Alaska National Guard. The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations.” The AK National Guard, by the way, has about 4000 members.
According to Global Security, “The governor commands AKNG while it is not in active federal service.”
I read yours, and it provided no such details.
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:22 pmPaul, did you read the link I provided? The one where the actual commander of the AK National Guard was interviewed:
And where would that be? I just checked every link you provided on the entire thread. I saw no such interview.
So where is it? If I missed it, please point me to it.
I read yours, and it provided no such details.
Did you miss this?
Which renders this irrelevant: “The governor commands AKNG while it is not in active federal service.”
If Biden can claim foriegn policy experience simply because of briefings, so can Palin.
She also runs a state that borders two different nations, one of which we keep under close scrutiny because of recent events.
Paul (ac3cf3) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:50 pmThe link seems to be = just a few vague claims and a linked pdf that has nothing to do with the post.
Sorry, I didn’t realize that you are incapable of comprehending that link and the PDF.
Paul (ac3cf3) — 9/2/2008 @ 2:54 pmLink. Paragraph 19:
Russell (da1856) — 9/2/2008 @ 3:01 pmWell Russell, if all that is true, you have nothing to worry about since the VP has no role in National defense acivities either.
Another Drew (dbf36d) — 9/2/2008 @ 3:07 pmFrom a democrat perspective I can understand why Russell and jpe would think serving as Governor of Alaska would not be difficult. Democrats see the government as the solution to all their problems and if the government has enough money to spend there should be no problems. Simple. End of story. I believe Russell is an academic(Correct me if I am wrong Russell) and has never managed anything so is completely talking out of his ass here. Spending money is not tough. Spending money effectively is difficult and something democrats have historically been unable to do.
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/2/2008 @ 5:10 pm