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Brent Batten: Gov. Palin fights back against her critics

By BRENT BATTEN (Contact)
11:12 p.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2008

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Florida delegation to the Republican National Convention is less than 30 percent female.

You wouldn’t know that, looking at the convention floor Wednesday night.

State Party Chairman Jim Greer asked male delegates to give up their floor seats to women alternates and guests during the speech of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the party’s first female nominee for vice president.

“When the convention looks down on Florida, they’re going to see women,” Greer said.

That maneuver will quickly be followed by the males delegates returning to the floor. Greer said he’s been told Florida will be featured on national TV during the roll call of states nominating John McCain for president. He wants Florida’s seats filled when that happens since there was some doubt as to whether the state would get to seat a full delegation, punishment for moving the state’s primary forward in defiance of party rules.

Palin has been the subject of criticism, even ridicule, from Democrats and pundits who question her qualifications to be first in line for the presidency.

Not surprisingly, she enjoys avid support among the hard-core Republicans populating the convention.

“I think it’s a brilliant choice,” said U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who represents eastern Collier County in Congress.

He said Americans will be swayed toward Palin as they learn more about her. “She’s just got to show who she is. When the American people learn who she is versus who left wing radicals are trying to make her out to be, they’ll be impressed.”

That message was repeated throughout the day Wednesday in the hours before Palin’s speech to the convention. “I am confident after the nation sees the real Sarah Palin, they’re going to say, ‘That’s someone we can relate to,’” said former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats, one of a litany of speakers who came to a meeting of the Florida delegation to stoke fervor for the McCain-Palin ticket.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, another of the speakers, said serving as a governor is the best training for serving as president. He also said the criticism Palin has endured relating to her family is out of line. “I have been amazed watching the media try to do a horrible thing to Gov. Palin,” he said.

Wednesday night, Palin began to fight back.

Speaking of her oft-derided experience as the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, she said, “And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities.”

Continuing the counteroffensive, she said, “I’m not a member of the political establishment. And I’ve learned quickly these past few days that if you’re not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country.”

It remains to be seen how Palin’s message will resonate with voters across the country but on the floor of the Xcel Energy Center, the crowd stood and cheered. In the section marked “Florida,” all of them were women.

****

Florida’s incoming Republican legislative leaders gave the state’s delegates to the Republican National Convention a glimpse into the future.

Local governments aren’t likely to like what they saw.

House Speaker Designate Ray Sansom of Destin said further tax cuts will be atop his agenda when the Legislature convenes in March.

That in spite of protests from local governments and school districts maintaining the last round of property tax reform has put them in an economic bind.

“History shows, when the economy is tough, you reduce taxes,” Sansom said.

Falling property values and dropping revenues from impact fees, attributable to Florida’s housing slump, have conspired to slash income of local governments.

Higher unemployment, high gasoline prices and the resultant drop in tourism could cut into sales taxes receipts, hurting state government coffers.

But Sansom said the answer is not increasing tax rates.

“There will be a lot of people talking about raising taxes. We will resist that,” Sansom said. “We’re going to be committed to Republican principles of reducing taxes.”

He promised, without specifics, to eliminate bureaucracy and redundancies in government as one way to meet the revenue challenges.

He doesn’t buy the argument that local governments and school districts have been deeply affected by the cuts, saying that school spending has only been reduced 2 percent in the past year, after roughly doubling in the six years prior to that.

“I don’t see why school districts need to raise their millage rate. Government shouldn’t expand itself when business is having to cut back,” Sansom said.

State Sen. Mike Haridopolos of Melbourne said, “There’s a difference between what you want and what you can afford. We look at our own (personal) budgets. We tighten our belts.”

With the outgoing leaders of the state House and Senate beside him and the men who will replace them next year — providing Republicans retain control of the Legislature — State Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer reminded reporters that they were the ones responsible for moving Florida’s primary date from March to January in order to give the state more clout in the selection of the party’s presidential nominee.

The move violated party rules and resulted in Florida only getting half as many delegate votes at the convention. But as it turned out, John McCain won in Florida and went on to win the nomination by such a wide margin the loss of votes didn’t matter. “Florida was relevant. These people played a major role in seeing Florida was heard.”

* * *

People from every corner of the country end up in Southwest Florida.

As it turns out, people from Southwest Florida end up in every corner of the country as well.

Glenn Clary, the state treasurer of the Republican Party in Alaska, lived in Lee County before moving away 30 years ago.

Clary was the youth pastor at Temple Baptist Church in North Fort Myers. Then he got a job as an associate pastor of Anchorage Baptist Temple. “I was loving Florida but the Lord just moves you. I fell in love with Alaska,” Clary said.

As a party insider in the home state of vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin, Clary offered some insights. The first is that she’s not a party insider. She was not part of the Republican establishment prior to taking on and defeating incumbent Republican governor Frank Murkowski in 2006.

The party did support her, Clary said.

His assessment of Palin: “I think she’s going to make a very good vice presidential candidate. She’s an excellent campaigner. She knows who she is and what she believes.”

Palin is being portrayed by Republicans as a reformer. Clary said she lives up to that billing in Alaska. “She’s not the status quo.”

Comments

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Yoouuuuuuuuooooo hoooooo Mr. Diaz Balart...AS STUPID AS U THINK FLORIDA WOMEN R.....

We're NOT!!! U moron!

We don't agree with Putz Palin AT ALL.

We are ashamed of her, and her family.

We don't agree with the way she is choosing to run for a campaign, which contradicts American women in general....nomatter if U R Repubby, Dem. or an indy....WE HATE HER.

SHE REPRESENTS a minimal representation THIS NATION's wives, mothers, daughters, and children she hurts OUR VALUES and our families!

SHE VALUES her looks...and looks will get U no further than a centerfold in a nudy magazine.

Palin shoulda stayed there in dark Alaska!

The world laughs at her...along with U.S. mothers everywhere!

#1 Posted by beetlejuice on September 3, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Beetle, again I agree with you about parenthood. Palin needs to spend more time parenting. And her family is just as much fair game as any other... I mean after all, if one kid's barely legal, pregnant and unwed (is that statutory rape in Alaska?), counter that negativity by sending your son to Iraq to fight the good fight all based on a lie.

Mom's always put career ahead of family - contradictory to those family values that we hear are so important. Too little too late.

Hey, but at least we won't have to worry about our 2nd amendment rights. She's a lifetime member of the NRA, which I don't have an issue with.

I must defend Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart - he is truly a hardworking man who does look out for his constituents and has brought much Federal $$ to Collier County. Don't attack the man for one comment, after all, he is a politician. All he's saying is don't make rash judgements about someone before you know all the facts. Maybe he doesn't have all the facts yet either.

#2 Posted by wuncler on September 4, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank You beetlejuice.. I'm glad someone finally said it! You know if I said it I would be viewed as misogynistic...
I felt bad for the Repubs, for about as long as it took Phelps to win the 100m, then let out a big laugh when she was vetted.
Thank You, McCain. You have erased all doubts I have about who is going to win the election.

@junkyard dog. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH and man up! This man really praises Palin, he's so delusional!

#3 Posted by ZoeMarley on September 4, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

@ Tookie..

that was below the chops, but you're right.. It was funny as hel1 :)

#4 Posted by ZoeMarley on September 4, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought I would never feel sorry for Joe Biden!!The hateful liberal loser woman are out tonight.

#5 Posted by waldini202 on September 4, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Who would listen to an idiot that calls Downesyndrome retarded? Thanks for the wisdom Tookie . Palin is refreshing in this world of male dominated politics. So what if she has good looks? I recall so many ladies having heat flashes over JFK. What I saw was a regular family with problems like the rest of us. Palin not only looked good, she sounded good and she has balls.

#6 Posted by Bagpiper on September 4, 2008 at 4:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets listen to what Peggy Noonan, Ronald Reagan speechwriter, said about Palin:

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

Bring back Romney or vote for Obama.

#7 Posted by dooley on September 4, 2008 at 5:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would rather have a person running this country that ran a town and is a Governor verses a man who was a community organizer in Chicago and who can’t decide how to vote on any issue.

#8 Posted by weikosteve on September 4, 2008 at 6:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JYD, I agree with you. I liked the speech. I noticed that even some of the press seemed to like it. (shock) PBS cameras caught Bob Schiffer CBS commentator/pundit grinning ear to ear over part of the speech (nodding, and even clapping?)

Watched it mostly on PBS then switched around. Katie Couric had a great "misspeak" when she said something about Palin's speech calling her the Governor of Arkansas. What a slip! Maybe she was even a bit impressed (transferring her bias toward the Clintons)...Couric tried but failed to get her team to say something really negative after the speech.

Leftovers, you sound bitter. Too bad. I am an Independent. I don't fall into your pigeonholed concept of a "Republican"...few people do. Depersonalizing people makes it easier to dislike them, to say they are inconsequential or not worth your time or that all they say, think or do is counter to what should be done. It is a key concept when producing propaganda. We could do the same for Democrats...but that is pointless and inappropriate. If you don't like this ticket, vote for the other one. That is a right and I believe, a responsibility we all should take seriously.

I like Governor Palin. I think she shores up the ticket. I appreciate Senator McCain's service to county and believe this pair would provide the change which is sorely needed in Washington. I don't watch the political conventions normally, but am glad I heard Governor Palin do a great job.

#9 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on September 4, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wasn't sold on her speech. She seemed very nervous and unprepared. There were countless times that she was lip-smacking after sentences and her voice got rather pitchy. This was just an analysis on her presentation.

#10 Posted by schlogz on September 4, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

During Michelle Obama's DNC speech she stated the following: "The world as it is" and "The world as it should be." This is straight from Saul Alinsky's book "Rules for Radicals." Who is Alinsky?, Google him. She continues: "All of us driven by a simple belief that the world as it is just won't do and that we have an obligation to fight for the world as it should be."

Obama follows the teachings of the guru of left wing activism, Saul Alinksy. From "The American Thinker: "Obama had just graduated college looking for work. White leftists were looking for someone to recruit on the south side of Chicago. Obama was hired as a community organizer for the Developing Communities Project of the Calumet Community Religious Conference, built on Alinsky's model of community agitation, wherein paid organizers learned to "rub raw the sores of discontent." An Obama mentor states: "He was a natural, the undisputed master of agitation, who could engage a room full of recruiting targets in a rapid-fire Socratic dialogue, nudging them to admit that they were not living up to their own standards. Obama could be aggressive and confrontational. He probed with personal questions pinpointing the source of pain in their lives, tearing down their egos, just enough before dangling a carrot of hope that they could make things better." Obama's job as the agitator, according to Alinsky, was first to "bring folks to the "realization" that they are indeed miserable, that their misery is the fault of unresponsive governments or greedy corporations, then help them to bond together to demand what they deserve, and to make such an almighty stink that the dastardly governments and corporations will see imminent "self-interest" in granting whatever it is that will cause the harassment to cease." This method is labeled "community organizing," A confirmed atheist, Alinsky believed that the here and now is all there is, therefore had no qualms about assorted versions of morality in the pursuit of worldly power. He didn't coddle his radical acolytes or encourage their bourgeois distinctions between good and evil when it came to transferring power from the Haves to the Have Nots. Alinsky saw the already formed church communities as being the perfect springboards for agitation and creating bonds for demanding goods and services. Alinsky's "community organizing" model lead Obama to join Rev. Wright's congregation and subsequently lead him to Father Michael Pfleger, Rev. Meeks and Louis Farrakhan.

#11 Posted by LookingForLeaders on September 4, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mrs. Obama chose not to credit America, its founders, Constitutional framers, our troops, free trade, capitalism, or democracy. She could not speak to what she is not proud of, rather she chose to quote Alinsky. She paints America is a failed concept and "Barack is here to fix our souls." That is the thread that connects our hearts. That is the thread that runs through my journey and Barack's journey..."

Just wanted to make it completely clear, so that everyone understands the journey they with be on when voting for Obama.

#12 Posted by LookingForLeaders on September 4, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

they "will" not "with" in last sentence. Have small children over your shoulder wanting to know what the Walt Disney Ad, to the right of the comment you are typing, is and see how many typing mistakes you make.

#13 Posted by LookingForLeaders on September 4, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You folks are comparing apples and oranges when you compare OBAMA's experience with Palin's.

OBAMA is an ivy league educated candidate. He has weathered the storm of this election campaign where everything from his citizenship, ancestry, racial views, morals, religious beliefs, and business ties have been questioned. He has presented concrete ideas of the change he proposes (reversing tax cuts, bringing the troops home while maintaing our safety and security, addressing the economy, reducing the deficit, universal healthcare, providing affordable education, changing the image of AMERICA so that we can LEAD again) while Ms. Palin takes personal swipes at the candidates and the media and not sharing her plans for our future. Mr. Obama served in a state containing several cities (counties/townships..whatever) that are larger than Alaska.

The comparisons are apples and oranges concerning the two of them. The GOP should come with a plan and facts and not jokes as America cannot afford anymore "jokes". After the past 8 yrs we've had with your lead comedian (BUSH) we've had enough and "our" country is not laughing anymore.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

#14 Posted by Lemme on September 4, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

who say she have no skills?she a good comedian.

#15 Posted by jagv05652 on September 4, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought Palin delivered exactly what Republicans had hoped. I was worried that she would seem apologetic and soft, but really was quite the opposite.

I do find it a bit hypocritical that McCain keeps parading Carly Fiorina out to talk about how he is going to save jobs and build the economy. As CEO at HP here are a few of her accomplishments: cut 35,000 jobs, outsourced thousands of jobs to India, Taiwan, and China, sent $14 billion offshore to shelter it from paying corporate income tax on it, and was handed a $21 million golden parachute when she was fired by that company. In addition, while she was at the helm, the company's stock price went from $50+ when she took over in 1999 to $11 in 2002 and was at $22 when she left in 2005. It is now at $45+. If she isn't a poster child for what is wrong with corporate America, I don't know who is? If she was any good as a CEO, don't you think companies would be lining up to hire her? How in the world is she the top economic advisor to McCain?

#16 Posted by starttheinsanity on September 4, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

beetlejuice-sorry the world is laughing at you. You must be a blast to have around the house! Such hatred. Unfortunately you made no valid points as to why shes not a good candidate. All you expressed was hate.

#17 Posted by trehuger on September 4, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Hillary should change parties like Joe Lieberman did, she might stand a better chance. At least the Republicans have proven they aren't afraid to put a woman on the ballot.

#18 Posted by Pianoman8869 on September 4, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pailn shows she's a true politician by outright lying about the "bridge to nowhere" in her speech last night.

While campaigning for governor, she told the townspeople there that it wasn't fair that their project should be called "bridge to nowhere" and that she supported the effort. She lauded the efforts of Don Young who got the money for that bridge written into the transportation bill.

Then as governor, she quickly killed the project, but kept the $220 million in fed money for other things. As a small town mayor she was the first in that office to hire a DC lobbyist. And it paid off.

I sure hope people can look past the "family values" smokescreen here and see the scarey possibility that this person could very well be our next president. McCain is a fine man with an honorable record, but he's 72 years old and there are many debilitating illnesses that set in during those years.

#19 Posted by Bramble on September 4, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought her speech was nasty, pure and simple. Who is out of touch here? Belittling, among other things, community organizing was rude IMO. Getting people to get involved with the political process and what happens in their city, getting people to register to vote isn't useless or silly. Has she ever been to an inner city? Does she really think the south side of Chicago is "cosmopolitan"? It was so condescending. How many places has she been to in America?
She has only been governor for less than two years. How many budgets is it that she's balanced? What is it that mayors and governors "vote" for? Wasn't Bush a governor? Have any of the candidates ever been President or Vice-President? No. So it is safe to say that none of them have experience. A mayor is executive experience enough for the White House? So Bill Barnett is just as good a candidate? Come on. It is hardly the same and shouldn't be touted as qualification.
And who is it that plays hockey that I keep hearing about? The pregnant daughter? Or the other girls?

I'm an Independent. I'm a mom. (It saddens me that she doesn't care to spend her time with her special needs baby, as a mom I can't imagine giving up my baby for the sake of public office. Really, how much time will she be able to give him?) She doesn't speak for me as a woman. I kept waiting for some substance, but it was just fluff, rude remarks, and one liners.
Governor Palin capped an evening of lily-white hypocrisy and arrogance the likes of which I haven't seen for some time. I was already pretty sure I couldn't give McCain my vote, and now I know for sure. At the end of the day, the Republicans have had years to get it right. Their people and policies have failed time and again. There's got to be a better way.

#20 Posted by etcetcetc on September 4, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Palin's speech may resonate with the emotion and confidence of someone who talks to the world as if she is talking to a small town - because she's from a small town! - but the reality is she lacks the gravitas, foreign policy experience, and national experience to protect the welfare of 301,139,947

#21 Posted by dooley on September 4, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Jealous yet libbies?"

Based on some of the comments here, I would say yes.

Jealous of her speaking abilities, her poise, even her looks.

Most of all jealous of the fact that she still has more experience leading an executive branch
of government then the Democratic presidential candidate.

#22 Posted by mthalo on September 4, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tookie & the like - you sound like real trash - your ugly words merely convey your meanness and ignorance. I'm for Obama, but this vile talk is pitiful. Keep throwing up but shut up.

#23 Posted by jlanaples on September 4, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Palin's speech, regardless of who wrote it, contained a lot of detailed information to show some of the ways she represents the people she works for. Her influence in our government's economy is needed. She is a real person with a real family and real issues and she's handling them. We need real people in Washington now. Both Palin and McCain can state specific things they have done and accomplished. Obama can not. He hasn't done anything. How can so many people blindly follow someone just because he talks good? Anyone who critizes Palin because of her good looks, is obviously not attractive and jealous because what difference does that make? Poking fun at her youngest child is cruel and unnecessary also. This blogging has lost it's purpose. It's turned into a bunch of cynical people who apparently have nothing better to do than sit around and make fun of people. What happened to the "meat and potatoes" of the issues. It seems to be a lot the same bloggers who have nothing constructive to offer. Obama talks change, but what "change" is he really offering? All change is not necessarily good. Some are afraid that Palin is not qualified to be President in case something happens to McCain but what about Obama who is running for President. How in the world is he qualified? Palin is more qualified than he is. I find it ironic that the so called "unqualified VP" is an issue but an "unqualified President" is not? Somethings wrong with that picture.

#24 Posted by tcamp on September 4, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

re #7 by JunkYardDog........

reports this morning say that Palin's speech was written by McCain's speech writer......38 year old Joseph Chappel

#25 Posted by Canuck on September 4, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JunkYardDog, Please check your email associated with your posting name here. Thanks.

#26 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on September 4, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you like Obama, vote Obama. I don't like the ticket.

If you like McCain, vote McCain. I don't personally like McCain. But, Palin won me over. I will be voting McCain/Palin myself.

Just my two cents :)

#27 Posted by RainMan on September 4, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There are pictures of our Florida delegation "before" and "after" the switch...this is really rather disgusting.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/
Posted by Jennifer Liberto at 11:59:31 PM on September 3, 2008

#28 Posted by chrysf56 on September 4, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So give up seats to women so that others can falsely believe that you care about women's right? Typical GOP strategy. The crowd at the convention was totally homogenous. Typical GOP crowd. The speech did not even mention the economy and the struggles that people face. Typical GOP speech. The GOP's only tactic is to play on our differences, and they do a good job at it. I'm not sure it's going to work this time around. People are fed up. What's clear is that the GOP is really bad at governing. The party has lost one of it's main tenets, responsible governing.

#29 Posted by SmartyPantsIndependent on September 4, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Palin has more experience and she is running for VP than Obama who is running for president

#30 Posted by NeezDutz on September 4, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#31 Posted by etcetcetc on September 4, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sixwhitehorses - she is NO Margaret Thatcher, the only thing they have in common is the word 'conservative' - IE Margaret Thatcher was head of the 'Conservative' party, Palin is part of the 'Republican' party who say they are 'conservative'. That is as far as it goes. Margaret Thatcher had a PLAN, I have yet to see that from Palin, other than the 'anti-abortion' issue. Margaret Thatcher had great respect from world leaders - those same world leaders have never heard of Palin. Thatcher NEVER claimed to be a victim, despite the attacks from tabloids, or from the leader of the 'Labor' party at that time, Neil Kinnock. Thatcher was a trained Barrister so she was extremely able to handle a debate, without crying foul. Thatcher - a CONSERVATIVE - voted to decriminalize homosexuality, and to LEGALIZE abortion. She also had plenty of foreign policy experience.

I could go on, but I know Thatcher quite well, and Palin is so far from being Margaret Thatcher. It's laughable to make that comparison.

#32 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#33 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sixwhitehorses - it hurts you doesnt it that you just compared your new Saviour to a conservative woman who helped legalize abortion - I mean, that's your pet issue isn't it attilla???

#34 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tookie, you are a disgrace! But a true reflection of your party affiliation.

#35 Posted by GOPman on September 4, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sadly, at the age of 75, Margaret Thatcher began suffering from Dementia - something that was only publicly revealed one week ago. She is only a two-term Presidency older than McCain.

#36 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Elle - thanks for the link! That is funny! I can't beleive the things that get said when nobody realizes the mic is still on LOL!

#37 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Palin's speach was briliant just brilliant brilliant brilliant.

Landslide victory McCain/Palin 08'

#38 Posted by celtic99 on September 4, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

a 44 year old female who gets pregnant is a nut case, and she has the birth defect child to prove it

anyone who has 5 children in this era is unconcious of the overpopulation of humans and how we are destroying the planet, its species, and resources

she's also a fundamentalist tongue talking Pentacostal who gets her advice from her invisible friend while in a frezied religious trance...

Pentacostals teach abstinence, and we all the studies demonstrate, as does her daughter, that sex education works, preaching abstincece to horny teens does not

basically she's a power hungry hypocrite without a grip on reality..

#39 Posted by prometheus on September 4, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#40 Posted by NeezDutz on September 4, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#62... You again.......go away , you blog crap. Remmber it was you bashing the dead girl Tia in San Carlos. Now according to you a healthy woman at 44 is not supposed to have children. You blame her childs disablity on her age rather than a chromazone match that is entirely genentic...your a God hating evil ass, wish I could see your twisted face. You spoke of the dead girl Tia and her love of God and stated that is why a drifter freak killed her.....if five children is bad, I guess you were an only sick tormented child.

#41 Posted by Bagpiper on September 4, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This lady Sara Palin speaks for volumes for the real families in this land, not the perfect picture that others want you to see. She is youthful with different ideas, Biden is old hat, DC insider and that is the only reason Obama took him on. Palin has just as much experience as Obama........

#42 Posted by Bagpiper on September 4, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#62 is a disgrace to human beings. I suppose if everyone stops having children because of the issues you state that the world will be better. No, that's called EXTINCT. Older women can have very healthy children. Children are beautiful. Obviously you don't have any which is why you are probably so miserable.

#43 Posted by tcamp on September 4, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#64, that poll is bogus.
I tried to vote and the "numbers and letter" to validate the vote were never showing; therefore not recording my vote.. I think I have ann idea why ;)

#44 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)

Wow, prometheus, just exactly how many hours a day do you spend in line at Publix? You're a tabloid quoting machine. Ever thought about going on Jeopardy?

#45 Posted by almasonlybar on September 4, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sixwhitehorses, like I said.... I KNOW the reason why its NOT working ;)

Get this now: Palin "streches" the truth.

http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/story/...

#46 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lol - poll is not working!! neez - bet you didnt bother to read the user comments under that poll did you?

#47 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"It was a joke, the whole year long 'investigation' of him," Palin wrote in a Feb. 7, 2007, e-mail, according to the Post. "This is the same trooper who's out there today telling people the new administration is going to destroy the trooper organization, and that he'd 'never work for that b****', Palin'.)"

http://www.adn.com/troopergate/story/...

#48 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's so nice to see that the Republicans are taking the high-ground and keeping family and parenting issues out of the campaign. And, it's such a shame that the Democrats apparently aren't smart enough to do the same.

Because there is a substantial case to be made that Barack & Michelle Obama are equally "bad parents", by the Democrats' own definitions.

Who was watching after their children while he was out "organizing" neighborhoods in Chicago, or while she was out working for the hospital?

Who is watching after their children while they chase their tales around the country on the campaign trail?

Haven't they abandoned their children to their relatives so they don't have to be bothered with them while stumping?

Will they move the same relatives into the White House to look after them then, too, if daddy gets elected President and if mommy runs around playing First Lady?

If they cared for them at all, Michelle would quit campaigning with hubby and go stay with the kids like a good wife should, right?

That argument works both ways, Democrats. Keep it up and you'll wind up alienating a lot of potential "undecided" voters, particularly those who fall into the category of "career parents" and keep hearing themselves getting called "bad" for having both a career and a family.

#49 Posted by Pianoman8869 on September 4, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And how is she a 'Washington outsider'? She worked OBO Pat Buchanan during his campaign - they don't get more 'ol-boy' than him (now THATS what I call a poor judge of character!)

#50 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For all you right wing people out there Stephen Colbert summed it up best for you; Your ticket should read Palin/Romney. Did you even want to vote for Mcsame before he attached a evangelical onto the ticket? I want substance from my government not tax cuts and corporate control. I also laugh at the comment earlier about the founding fathers, they are rolling in their graves in response to what your Bushy has done to the Constitution. You want more government control of our lives morally, but claim to want less. You screw warrants, torture people, hold them without trials. You feel it is OK to start wars, kill innocents and laugh at the collateral damage. Your right wing agenda make me sick. If Jesus were alive he would throw you out of the temple.

#51 Posted by Caliban on September 4, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who else has Palin pressured?

"Back in 1996, when she first became mayor, Sarah Palin asked the city librarian if she would be all right with censoring library books should she be asked to do so.

According to news coverage at the time, the librarian said she would definitely not be all right with it. A few months later, the librarian, Mary Ellen Emmons, got a letter from Palin telling her she was going to be fired."

http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/story/...

#52 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Caliban - if Jesus were alive he would not be ALLOWED in their temple - he'd arrive not in a car, but on the back of the Democrat's logo. He'd be forced to sign a contract to 'tithe' so that 10% of his income could be put toward his Pastor's private jet. He'd be turned away for being poor and failing to pass the plate. He'd take the downtrodden along with him and they'd be called a 'gang'. He'd help those that are sick or misguided, but the Evangelicals would call them 'poison' for asking for help. He'd have the wrong 'image', and be considered an embarrassment to the 'righteous' congregation. In this day and age, Jesus could arrive to church but be turned away at the door.

The church is not the way it used to be. Church and State used to be separate entities. True churches are so hard to come by these days. There are still a few remaining that are not judgmental, and if anybody finds one, let me know.

#53 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Michelle Obama at the DNC, quoted the man who offered this dedication for his book, the same book which inspired the model of the "life's journey" Barack and she share.

"Saul Alinsky in his dedication to his own book, Rules for Radicals: "Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins -- or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom -- Lucifer."

We should not award Barack our country as his "kingdom".

#54 Posted by LookingForLeaders on September 4, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#83, funny how you you forgot to put the link to the quote you're referring to. For those of you interested it's found here: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread...

It points to a catholic forum. LOL. Aren't the catholics the ones who preach that you shouldn't have sex before getting married.
Illuminate me, what do they say about Palin's daughter is she connected to Lucifer also?

#55 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the usual twisted logic of the spinmeisters, anyone who runs a lemonade stand for three days has more exeuctive experience than two United States Senators and is therefore more qualified to be vice president or president of the United States!

And anyone who gives a snarky, arrogant, demeaning speech is capable of being our vice-president or president.

Riiiiiighhhhhht.

#56 Posted by Bramble on September 4, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#41

Compare Obama and McCain? Easy to do. McCain is rightfully credited for his sacrifices to the USA and we all (liberals) acknowledge that. But the problem with him is he has no new plans for America. Mr. McCain goes out of his way to say he's promoting change and his differences from GWB but he plans to continue the same tax cuts for the rich, continue the same war which is destroying our economy, continues to try to scare folks into thinking "country first" when Bin Laden is still making threats, our resources will continue to be squandered in the same failed war, the status quo. How is this any different?

OBAMA opposes all of this which is why he will be elected. Did I read a MCain campaign person was quoted as saying its not about the issues but the personality of the persons running? This is not a popularity contest.. BUT McCain would lose that too.

You're right.. it is NOT about Palin. It's about OBAMA and McCain. But what are we hearing.. how great Palin is, how conservative she is, how GOD helped her get a pipeline, how she preaches abstinence but doesn't practice what she preaches. McCain is using her and thinks AMERICA doesn't see his feable attempt at sexism. PLEASE.. we're not naive and we'll prove it at the ballot box in November.

Now, can I get my apology????

#57 Posted by Lemme on September 4, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny how as soon as the straw person is taken out of the argument the righties go back to more of the same, NOTHING.

#58 Posted by Caliban on September 4, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ryu - it's not "Democratic powers that be", it should read "Democratic powers TO be"!

#59 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All you jealous Libs,,,, get ready for a LANDSLIDE victory in Nov. Ha Ha Ha Ha.

#60 Posted by GANAK1 on September 4, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cutthroatliberal,

I never thought to make that comparison, merely wished to suggest that Barack is out-of-touch with reality and should not be rewarded for the same; though since you brought it up, lets consider what you must be thinking:

Condones through inaction the daily slaughter of children playing in front of their homes were he lives in Chicago. (Remember, not only has he never with any genuine resolve stood up for these children, he can not bring attention to these killings, as the 2016 International Olympic Selection Committee members would fear visitors being murdered in and around the Hyde Park area of Chicago)

Does not want to offer medical attention and basic infant care to infants (as Barack would phrase it, "accidentally") delivered/born alive and viable during late term abortion procedures, "as that was not the intent of the birthing mother".

Maintains an almost twenty plus year close friendship with a domestic U.S. terrorist, who has never expressed sorrow for the U.S. citizens his terrorist group killed.

Which figure or personality comes to mind who would enjoy and be sympathetic to the character traits of person described above?

While anyone who reads our discussion can arrive at their own conclusion, I have no experience or history with Lucifer, and as such, I can not make a specific statements of similarity between Barach and Lucifer. Therefore as to your comment #84, I have not expressed hate toward anyone.

#61 Posted by LookingForLeaders on September 4, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When I read the Anne Kilkenny email about her, I assumed it was a clone of Republican tactics by Democrats. Unfortunately, the email really is a report from someone in her home town. The more I read, the less I trust this woman's veracity.

Anne Kilkenny: Are we witnessing the birth of an urban legend?

http://fairlyconservative.com/the-rac...

#62 Posted by chrysf56 on September 4, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looking for Leaders,
Who wants to bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran?
Who wants to make health care insurance more out of reach for working Americans?
Who want to increase our federal deficit directly increasing inflation by cutting more taxes for corporations?
Who wants to make the supreme court the Vatican West?
Who wants to turn the U.S. into just another third world country with no public education or middle class?
Who has a medicaly diagnosed anger management issue?
Who condones the slaughter of innocent children by cutting law enforcement budgets and allowing assault weapons bans to sunset?
Who approves $1billion in Aid to Georgia when the U.S. is going broke?

#63 Posted by Caliban on September 4, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

of course it is rigged fearisfailure, it has to be if McCain is in the lead right?
All of AOL is against Obama, that has to be it, yea that's it.

#64 Posted by NeezDutz on September 4, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#95, That email is the first comment on this website. A must READ.
http://www.washingtonindependent.com/...

CLAIM VS FACT
•“Hockey mom”: true for a few years
•“PTA mom”: true years ago when her first-born was in elementary
school, not since
•“NRA supporter”: absolutely true
•social conservative: mixed. Opposes gay marriage, BUT vetoed a bill
that would have denied benefits to employees in same-sex relationships
(said she did this because it was unconsitutional).
•pro-creationism: mixed. Supports it, BUT did nothing as Governor to
promote it.
•“Pro-life”: mixed. Knowingly gave birth to a Down’s syndrome baby
BUT declined to call a special legislative session on some pro-life
legislation
•“Experienced”: Some high schools have more students than Wasilla has
residents. Many cities have more residents than the state of Alaska.
No legislative experience other than City Council. Little hands-on
supervisory or managerial experience; needed help of a city
administrator to run town of about 5,000.
•political maverick: not at all
•gutsy: absolutely!
•open & transparent: ??? Good at keeping secrets. Not good at explaining actions.
•has a developed philosophy of public policy: no
•”a Greenie”: no. Turned Wasilla into a wasteland of big box stores and disconnected parking lots. Is pro-drilling off-shore and in ANWR.
•fiscal conservative: not by my definition!
•pro-infrastructure: No. Promoted a sports complex and park in a city
without a sewage treatment plant or storm drainage system. Built
streets to early 20th century standards.
•pro-tax relief: Lowered taxes for businesses, increased tax burden on
residents
•pro-small government: No. Oversaw greatest expansion of city
government in Wasilla’s history.
•pro-labor/pro-union. No. Just because her husband works union
doesn’t make her pro-labor. I have seen nothing to support any claim
that she is pro-labor/pro-union.

#65 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mmmmmm...The Naples News has finally found someone in their Republican Party to love. They didn't really like Rumpelstiltskin, I mean John McCain, but they think Caribou Barbie, I mean Sarah Palin is Yummy!

Against abortion even for rape victims, thinks man had nothing to do with global warming, thinks the war in Iraq is a directive from God, was a member of a secessionist movement in Alaska, would ban books from public libraries.....and on and on.

After she resigns from the ticket, she should move to Naples, she would fit right in.

#66 Posted by 12gauge on September 4, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

L4L - try again - in reference to the children born alive bill - THERE WAS ALREADY A BILL IN PLACE FOR THAT!! They are already protected, Obama KNEW that, but obviously you didn't.

#67 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

neezdutz - where did i say it was rigged? I said it did not work - the user comments underneath it told you that! Its a shame you overlooked it when you posted the link LMAO!

#68 Posted by fearisfailure on September 4, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tookie... some things you might want to consider:

Back in February, Obama plagiarized word for word a speech previously used by Deval Patrick, a democratic candidate running for governor of Massachusetts.

Additionally, Obama has numerous speech writers. Jon Favreau is his head speech writer, as well as Adam Frankel and Ben Rhodes, among others.

Perhaps you should do some research before you decide to post a future comment.

#69 Posted by Bonita_Native on September 4, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i typically don't care what bloggers say. It didn't work for me either 1-2 times, had to do with my cookies but what ever.
Even here, everyone is arguing but nobody is changing their opinion/stance. i just put things every once in a while and let people make their own conclusions.
Nobody is going to move from their stances.
I like the McCane/Palin ticket

#70 Posted by NeezDutz on September 4, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can more people please suggest the removal of comment #2. The comment about the baby is way out of line.

#71 Posted by mngator on September 4, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sarah Palin is the love child of Ronald Wilson Reagan.

Let's have a DNA test.

#72 Posted by celtic99 on September 4, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I completely agree with you, NeezDutz. Citizens have every right to support any candidate of their choice, and most people likely won't change their minds based on these blogs. My only concern is that a lot of people fail to do thorough research on candidates and make their decisions based on rumors or misguided assumptions. I only wish that people would spend as much time learning about the candidates as they do blogging about them.

#73 Posted by Bonita_Native on September 4, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There will be a lot of news about STpALIN these days. I just cant wait to hear it all.

#74 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's true Bonita

#75 Posted by NeezDutz on September 4, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tookie, you personify the type of person I am referring to. Once you call a baby an "incestuous little potato", you lose all credibility.

Moving on to your less vulgar comments, it is true that you cannot receive a copyright on a dictionary. However, you can have intellectual property rights on a speech. Once you organize words into a cohesive order, signifying originality and creativity, that body of work becomes copyrightable material. How do you think that authors are able to hold exclusive rights on books?

#76 Posted by Bonita_Native on September 4, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wasn't Stalin a socialist?
I guess that's a good example of what you said Bonita

#77 Posted by NeezDutz on September 4, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wonderful job by Palin! Obama has been grooming himself all his life for the JOB. It is ALL about HIM and not the American people. Palin is about service from the PTA to being governor of the state of Alaska. It was a breath of fresh air to finally hear a strong powerful women speak and not be ranting about HER rights! Palin stands for all women and is the best representation of what a real women is that I have ever seen. Move over media moguls we don't need you anymore!

#78 Posted by iryshqueen on September 4, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jimboaw- Ny Times almost a good search for true information

Tookie--keep toking

Elle- you forgot to add Gov of Alaska under experience

CTL- go back to sleep until after the election, you bring stupidity to every thing you do.

Caliban-- change the "C" to a "T" and that about sums you up.

beetlejuice-- will someone kill that bug already

leftovers- your comments about sum up your screen name in O Hussien's choice in VP

etcetcetc--balance a budget, Nobama has already voted over 80 times to increase taxes. Is that how it is done, not in my book.

smartypants- more was covered in the GOP convention than just using the word "Change"

And yes please ask for comment 2 to be removed

#79 Posted by Bnboatn on September 4, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#115, Stalin a socialist? If thats true than Bin Laden is an islamic reformer lol
I suggest spending some time on world history and politics.

Oh, and go ahead put some poll in here from AOL but make sure it works this time ;)

#80 Posted by Elle on September 4, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#108 KOOKIE is a SHOCK Blogger.

#81 Posted by celtic99 on September 4, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#121
"Socialism in One Country was a thesis developed by Nikolai Bukharin in 1925 and adopted as state policy by Joseph Stalin."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialis...
I hate facts, they ruin debates

#82 Posted by NeezDutz on September 4, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)