Palin introduces herself to America with powerful, polished presentation
Published Thursday, September 4, 2008
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Stumble It!Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gave a powerful and polished presentation Wednesday at the Republican National Convention, introducing herself to the American public with a splash.
She faced enormous pressure and stood up to it with resolve. You would have never known that this was the first time she was addressing a national audience.
Palin drew enthusiastic applause from the GOP convention crowd in an address in which she went directly after Sen. Barack Obama, praised the career and candidacy of Sen. John McCain, talked about her family and her small-town roots, criticized the news media and described her fight against the “special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies and the good ol’ boys network” in Alaska.
She said the right reason for entering politics is “to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good and to leave this nation better than we found it.”
•••
PIPER PALIN: At one point during her mother’s speech, Piper Palin licked her fingers and rubbed her hand on the head of her infant brother, an unscripted highlight.
•••
ON THE RECORD: Charles Gibson of ABC put the question to Sen. John McCain about whether Gov. Sarah Palin would be ready to take over as president if necessary.
“Can you look the country straight in the eye and say Sarah Palin has the qualities and has enough experience to be commander-in-chief?” Gibson asked Wednesday afternoon in an interview broadcast on the evening news.
“Oh absolutely,” McCain said. “When I think people compare her experience, background and accomplishments — I mean ethics and lobbying reform in a state that was beset by the influence of special interests, cutting taxes, giving the citizens back money. I mean, she’s got an incredible resume, including a beautiful family and a wonderful loving, caring family.
“So I will think that over time people will compare her accomplishments with that of Sen. Obama and his are very meager,” McCain said.
“But he’s been vetted,” the ABC anchorman said, with 19 months of debates behind him across the country and elections in which Sen. Barack Obama received 18 million votes.
With Palin, the country has only McCain’s “say so,” Gibson said.
“Well, the people of Alaska have vetted her, that’s why she has the 80 percent approval rating, and again I don’t like to make these comparisons. She’s had positions of responsibility and authority. In all due respect to my friend Joe Biden, he’s never been executive of anything, nor has Sen. Obama.”
Gibson asked if McCain could say that he is confident that someone who had not traveled out of the United States before last year could deal with an insurgent Russia, the nuclear ambitions of Iran, an unstable Pakistan and the problems of terrorism.
McCain responded this way:
“Sure and one of the key elements of America’s national security requirements are energy. She understands the energy issues better than anyone that I know in Washington, D.C., and she understands — Alaska is right next to Russia — she understands that. But Sen. Obama’s never visited south of our border. I mean, please! So she’s experienced, she’s talented, she knows how to lead. And she has been vetted by the people of the state of Alaska.”
“And everybody knows energy is a key element in American strength and future,” he said. “She knows how to address that issue.”
(In an interview Sunday on ABC, McCain’s wife, Cindy, also mentioned the proximity to Russia as one reason why Palin understands national security. “Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia. So, it’s not as if she doesn’t understand what’s at stake here,” she said.)
Gibson mentioned many of the other VP possibilities and asked if Palin was the most qualified of all candidates.
“Of course, I think overall she’s by far the best candidate. ... I can look the country in the eye and say, ‘This is the person who will bring change to Washington and start working for you and on your side.’ This is what Americans want. They don’t want somebody who has frankly, necessarily gone to Harvard or an Ivy League school. She probably hasn’t been to a Georgetown cocktail party.
“But you know what? She represents everything we want to see in government and America — change and reform and ethics and taking on the special interests. That’s what people want today. That’s what she has to offer. ... Tonight’s performance, I think, will convince a lot of Americans, a lot of this other stuff is going to go away immediately.”
•••
GIULIANI TIME: “She’s already one of the most successful governors in America and the most popular,” former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said.
“And she’s already had more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket combined,” he said.
“She’s been a mayor. I love that. I’m sorry — I’m sorry that Barack Obama feels that her home town isn’t cosmopolitan enough. I’m sorry that it’s not flashy enough. Maybe they cling to religion there.”
“As far as I’m concerned, the first day she was mayor, she had more experience as an executive than Obama and Biden combined. Then she became governor. She’s reduced taxes; she’s reduced government spending. She’s encouraged more energy exploration.”
Other than the suspension of the 8 cent per gallon gas tax, which took effect Monday, I don’t know of any taxes that have been reduced.
In fact, the state enacted a record rise in oil taxes a year ago, and Alaska has not had a state income tax for more than a generation.
Government spending in Alaska has been increased, not reduced during Palin’s tenure.
In her speech, Palin said the Alaska budget is “under control” and the state has a surplus. She did not say that taxes and spending have been reduced.
She mentioned the “bridge to nowhere” and repeated the claim that she said “Thanks, but no thanks” to Congress and “If our state wanted a bridge, we’d build it ourselves.”
In 2006, while running for governor, she supported the bridge. When she canceled it a year ago, she said there was not enough money and “it’s clear that Congress has little interest in spending any more money on a bridge between Ketchikan and Gravina Island.”
Community Discussion
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Sarah did a masterful job in her speech tonight. She had poise, wit, confidence, charm, and a clear, articulate message.
As for taxes, Sarah has proposed eliminating the tire tax, as well as reducing business license taxes. She has also worked to reduce property taxes by increasing the amount of revenue sharing to communities.
And she has worked to suspend the Alaska gas tax.
Sarah also stood up to Big Oil, and the News-Miner, (among others) and insisted that Alaska's corruption laden PPT be tossed out and replaced with ACES.
Alaska has a finite resource- oil- that our Constitution requires be sold for the maximum benefit of Alaskans. We are really selling our oil, not taxing it.
The record surpluses Alaska has now are a result of the reform to our oil tax structure that Sarah instituted- with progressive rates- (and high oil prices) that can, and should, be used to build Alaska's infrastructure so that we can have a vibrant economy.
I can not imagine any other Alaskan govenor getting so much positive good accomplished in such a short time.
The icing on the cake is the sale of the State jet and the dismissal of the governor's cook.
This piece started very well and I was enjoying reading it...until the last 6 paragraphs or 'tid-bits'
then the whole thing become disjointed and it was hard without reviewing it to tell when Rudy's statement ended and Dermot's bias began...
maybe a proof-reader would help...after all - you guys are the "pros"
akGuy says:
"then the whole thing become disjointed and it was hard without reviewing it to tell when Rudy's statement ended and Dermot's bias began..."
I agree. Not very well-proofed.
bigMike says:
"Count how many new 'Fairbanks' Obama supporters comment on your columns."
Exactly true. Also interesting how one-dimensional these new commenters are -- no interest in anything but Obama (or, tearing down Palin).
Palin proved last night that she will do fine as the GOP Attack Dog. The most important thing about the Republican Convention are the number of speeches, included Palin's, that never ever mention the word "Bush." And basically that's what this election is about -- a referendum on the Bush presidency. If a majority of voters on Election Day think the last eight years have been good for America, Palin will be the next vice-president, and likely president someday. And if a majority thinks the Bush record stinks, Palin will come home and begin working on running again in 2012.
Oh no, don't ask critical questions of Palin's claims!
I thought the whole Piper incident hilarious and refreshing, thanks for commenting on that. As far as making critical claims on Palin's job as governor, it's good to look at, as it is always good to look at both sides. But if done again, please be sure to separate who is saying what. Maybe put "Dermot Time" at the head of the criticisms?
Joe, I think you are confused on socialism. I think that you are of the simplistic opinion he will "redistribute wealth". How do you think Obama will institute as you put it, socialism? In contrast, how do you think will McCain deal with long-standing "socialist programs" such as Medicare, Social Security, subsidies for US agriculture, subsidies for biofuels, subsidies for oil companies? Is awarding tax-funded contracts to private corporations operating in conflict zones, along our borders, managing our ports, building our refueling tankers not also a means of redistributing wealth? A concise definition of our current status is corporate socialism, or corporatism. Government influenced mainly by and mostly benefiting corporations while the rest of us beg for scraps. We can take the power (and money) away from the few by standing together and implementing programs we as a people control and manage. McCarthy might deride that notion as communism, but I think history has shown there is no such thing as corporate responsibility. We have to strive for something in between.
We should start a new political group, call it "Dermot-ology". Our leader will be Cole--King Zit.
I can't believe the News-Miner pays you for this crap. They could pick any random comment from this thread and have a better column.
I feel Sarah had a satisfactory script reading audition.
However, I felt her superb speaking abilities were toned down for the occasion.
If you get a chance, to see a re-run of her interview on CNBC (stock market news ch on Dish Network) you will see her true ability.
She was out standing in her, all Sarah, first speech last Friday.
Over all she seems to be able to get things done, while sticking to doing things benefit the vast majority of the population, hence an 80% approval rating.
She will do fine as long as she practices her religion on herself. And remembers how public opinion turned on President Bush and the Republican congress when they stuck their noses into the Florida right to life Terry Schivo case. Ms. Schivo had been brain dead for 11 years.
At that point, the public saw President Bush and Republicans as a religious zealots (aka nuts) using their powers of law to foist their religious beliefs onto hundreds of other religious groups.
Also, those of us with along memory, recall 4 years ago anti-abortion political advs by the National Right to Life, pointing out there has been 48 million abortions in the US.
There are around 120 million national voters, of that-- more than 1/2 -- 65 million are women. Also, in prior national elections, the popular vote has split close to 50/50 between the Ds and Rs.
It is reasonable to assume: the 65 million women voters are split 50/50 between the parties. To get to nitty, gritty, very rude political fact of life: the 48 million women who have had an abortion are NOT ALL DEMOCRATS, they vote, and they are well over half the women's voting block! Also, they have friends, relatives, and mates who vote.
I have observed: "abortion" is a religion driven incendiary woman's issue and they become irrational at the thought of the state's womb police meddling.
Republicans beware:
It only takes 1 vote to loose an election!.
Had McCain handlers given Britney Spears (the previous American icon of White Trash--now replaced by Palin) five days of intensive practice, she could have also presented a "polished" speech.
A lot of Americans celebrate trash, and I don't know why. Thanks, Conserveys, our country is going down the tubes...and fast.
Dermot, I used to like your columns when you focused on local Fairbanks "goings on" and thought you did well. If you would keep your focus there you will do much better...just accept the fact that you're not capable of anything more without looking like a jerk. akguy's and BigMike's comments were right on.
So I guess the DNM and Dermot are supposed to be cheerleaders for Palin, just because they all three happen to be from the same state, is that it? She's governor of alaska and McCain's Trophy Vice, so she must blindly support her.
An opinion? From a columnist? Why Dermot you horrible, horrible person, how dare you have an OPINION on Palin that goes against the Radical Republican lemmings. You should be ashamed, thinking outside the box like that. Bad, bad Dermot for expressing an OPINION in a COLUMN.
You people who blindly support Palin just because she's governor are idiots. Use that lump that's 3 feet above your ass for more than a hat rack.
Bob, she lied or stretched the truth on various things last night, and I do not think it is unfair to call her on that. We love Palin as Alaskans, we admire her for the jobs that she's done and taken on, but that doesn't give her a free ride. No politician should get that, and all politicians should be heavily questioned. Statements about politicians should be questioned.
For example, she *did* support the bridge. Now she says she didn't. She says Alaska has a surplus, but it occurs to me that she isn't really directly responsible for that. In a similar frame, it isn't exactly fair to say that she defeated the Old Boys' Club in Murkowski: Murky rather shot himself in the foot (that isn't to say she didn't win the race, just that I'm not sure we elected her because she 'beat' Murks). She lowered taxes? Well, she suspended one, but that isn't quite the same thing. Giuliani says that she had more executive experience her FIRST DAY then Obama and Biden have combined. Even Republicans should look at that statement with a grain of salt: it is clear hyperbole.
Or McCain claiming that she'll be able to to deal with foreign policy because Alaska is close to Russia? Would someone like to tell the class when Alaska's state government has dealt with the Russian national government directly? More specifically, when has Palin? We might be slightly more aware of Russia's threat due to the military and various weapons stationed here especially during the Cold War, but the state wasn't in charge of that.
I'll tell you, honestly, I wasn't going to vote for McCain and Palin doesn't change that for me. I'm just trying to point out that she does have downsides, and that we shouldn't accept her qualifications without reservation. She has merits, of course, but that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't question things that are inaccurate or overstated.
She is nuts. She talks to God. And even worse God talks back to her. She ought to be in API. I didn't know we had a fruitcake for Gov until I saw that video of her running her mouth in church. I expected at any moment to hear her start speaking in tongues.
dog
DNM and Mr. Cole are not supposed to be cheerleaders for ANYONE. The reporting done should be unbiased and accurate. All opinion columns belong in the STAR or NATIONAL ENQUIRER.
BigMike - registered Feb 27, 2008. Constant shill for Republican party line despite origins in Oregon. Characterized by lack of creative thought. Often violent comments toward those who disagree with him, and is seized by jealous rage upon seeing baby carrots.
Actually monkey,
Mike is correct about our little philosopher and the religion element. Ummm, quite a few (how many tens of millions?) believe in organized religion and that there is a higher power. Saying Sarah Palin is mentally ill because of her belief of the same is repugnant and distasteful (and it should be to BOTH major party camps...thought it was??).
Very silly point of contention from that young'n.
I was appalled by the church video of Palin as well. I distrust anyone who claims to know God's will. I distrust anyone who would claim that abstinence only sex education works when they have a pregnant teen. I distrust anyone who thinks that we should teach the garbage myth of creationism in our school systems. I distrust anyone who would give such a misleading speech (took on the Good Ole Boys club? Hardly... Lowered taxes - outright lie... etc etc etc).
And, BigMike, I've been posting anti-religious, fundamentalist bashing stuff on this website since shortly after they opened it up for comments. And, YES, I have some SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THIS INVISIBLE MAN IN THE SKY that you refer to as God.
I did have to chuckle about selling the Jet. And, the pitbull with lipstick joke was funny. However, do we really want a pitbull as 2nd in command of the country, or do we want a statesman?
**** VOTE OBAMA ****
icarian --
If someone who talks to (and hears from) an invisible person that can NEVER in any objective sense be proven to exist can't be described as mentally ill, I don't know who can.
Personally, I gave up having an invisible friend when I was a young tot. Apparently some never grow up that much.
It's sad really.
Even more sad when you actually internalize the fact that a potential future leader of the free world talks to an invisible friend and worships a multi-millenia old book of myths and legends written by men who had IQs barely on a par with current day grade schoolers.
Actually, it is far more than sad - it is downright scary!
SlyArcticFox,
We, as citizens, believe fair representation, or at least, unbiased factual reports should be the core of all media outlets. Opinions are like the asses you say we sit on, everyone has one. Point is, when news organizations slant their views to favor one political argument over another, they destroy the very code of journalistic ethics they claim allegiance. If Dermot wishes to continue to be the laymen's Tom Bodet of the interior, fine, but he shouldn't claim he is a journalist in one breath, while claiming security behind the title of a columnist in the other. In regard to the latest Alaskan news story wonder, Dermot is way out of league with his industry colleagues, but more, his remarks are being looked upon by the outside, lower 48 world as a representation of all Alaskan residents. This is not the case.
Now, since the News-Miner is a for-profit entity, they can choose to go whatever direction they want, so long as they know that if they push their agenda too far, the backlash could be severe. Less revenue, less readers, less of a service to this community. I ask each of you to make that choice because it really is the only choice that the powers behind the Cole curtain understand, ... money. Let's not tolerate slanted journalism, even in the form of column quips and bizarre loyalty. Let's advocate Dermot's column be repositioned in the Opinion section where it belongs.
Thanks for your time, I shall now return to sitting on my @$$, join me, won't you?
Cole,
I understand you as a flip-flopper. Just this past weekend you scolded Gov Palin on her qualifications to become our next Vice President. After last night's speech you decide to agree with the majority of your readers.
Make up your mind, you are either for or against Palin!
I am no journalist, however can definitely take you on
in writing for this column of yours that lacks any substance.
Next your going to tell us you are against Stevens.
Retired Vet
Cole, you ever going to report on Ashleys Bidens Obstruction of Justice Charge ala all the dirt digging on the Palins?
What does an Obama plant look like? Are the flowers pretty? Big Mike, sorry bud, but some of the most vociferous Obama bashers on here are from out of state. Those of you here who have succumbed to Palinism--the belief that it's ok to give her a free ride b/c she's Alaskan or b/c she's a governor or b/c Hillary got a free ride....oh wait, I'm confused, Hillary didn't get a free ride. People like you were saying things like "if Hillary wants to play with the big boys, she should be prepared to face big boy questions." Turnabout is fair play, and questioning the experience and more appropriately, the judgment, of a candidate is the job of the voter.
OK, so there has been an overabundance of Palin articles in here lately. But what about a near disasterous propane leak in the Railroad Industrial area on Wed Sept 3rd at about 1:30 PM??? Part of the Industrial area was shut down and businesses in the area were notified. But nada here. What gives?? It made the evening news on TV the same day. But nada here! What a terrable disservice to the residents and businesses of Fairbanks
mikey has to guess allot because he doesn't know very much.
Palin I didn't need to see or hear to truly know how vile she is, but I just watched McCain speak and I'm amazed at the amount of support he has given that I've heard better speeches from guys trying to sell me a used car, and at LEAST half of the spectators there looked either very disinterested, bored, angry or just in utter despair, the other half looked like they were in some type of maniacal fit induced by "happy" drugs, it looked like a very random and almost riotous event (scary).
It was pretty funny when a woman weilding an Obama/Biden sign ran down one of the isles screaming "O-BAA-MA" or something and secret service somehow managed to rip off her shirt whilst confiscating her evil Obama/Biden 2008 sign she , lol, "smuggled" into the midst of allot of bewildered and confused looking McCain/Palin supporters, hilarious!
I wish Dr.Thompson was still around to see this, more likely he'd rather be where he is at (I wouldn't blame him either).
Hmmm. Guess we can't support Obama either, since he also believes in God. Sounds to me like he either believes in God (and thus deserves our mistrust on one end and the booby hatch on the other), or he is such an accomplished liar that he was willing to utterly live the lie and attend Church, be married in Church, have his children baptized etc....
So. Obama is either a lunatic or a liar, and Sarah Palin is just a lunatic?
Huh.
At least Obama didn't have to BUY a divorce from his ex-wife, if he even has one, like McCain DID (he had to pay Carol's medical bills for the rest of her life before she would sign papers, and apparently she had no complaints about it either)
McCain's own friend is quoted as saying- he was disappointed at "Carol's disfigurement" (from a serious car accident), met cindy- a young, beautiful, RICH woman and everything else is history I guess.
Cindy also ripped off some recipes WORD FOR WORD DIRECTLY from Rachel Ray's website.
Anybody that votes "McPalin" is voting for the demise of our great nation.
sorry, Cindy McCain ripped of Rachel Ray's recipes and try to PASS THEM OFF as HER OWN on the McCain website. (I didn't finish that part in my previous post)
99712,
McPalin / demise of our nation. Melodramatic one aren't you. That isn't even rational thought...you do realize that such scare tactics (either way quite honestly) are bewilderingly childish? Not even for sure what to say to that since you are (obviously) so close minded.
Are you now going to be one of those Democrats that swears they are moving to Canada if their candidate doesn't win the election?
Let me know how that works out for ya.
Newsreader,
Glad you feel that way (I don't really care about your personal view since I am apathetic towards religion--your being atheist doesn't offend me). Sorry.
However, all four primary (Pres/VP) candidates believe in whatever higher power they want to (Christian in all cases as I understand it). The fact that they actually practice and engage in religion where they have a belief in an afterlife would disqualify your candidate (and his mental capabilities) just as it would Sarah Palin. Do try make rational thought about this subject if you choose to comment. Can't have your cake and eat it too on this one.
I feel like I'm talking to five year-olds on this website sometimes. Do your parents know you are on the internet?
You sir are STILL AN IDIOT!
Then that makes two of you, huffy. Debate the issues, resorting to name calling is Obama-ish, .... lol, couldn't resist!
Amazing, for months all you people wrote was how we need a gas pipeline and development of natural energy resources in Alaska. Not one person bother to mention one of the primary roles she will play if McCain is elected, energy development.
huffy,
Who and what discussion are you replying to? This is your first post in this thread. Since it is your first post in this thread, it would be "You sir are AN IDIOT". Whomever that is...
Dermot,
Other than the taxes, what do Alaskans get for the oil that is taken out of the ground here? She reduced property taxes in Wasilla also. Finally, the $1200 resource rebate was a direct tax refund to the residents. It wasn't much compared to the 16K that the state takes in per resident, but that is more than any previous administration in Alaska has given the people. In your defense, the ACES petroleum tax plan effectively increased the residents' payments to the state three fold and for that so far we have a budget surplus, the PF went up a few billion, and promises by our legislators to fix our energy problem. I just don't have a lot of faith in our legislators to follow through effectively without a strong people's advocate in the executive seat.
Big Mike:
I've been here so long I know what the school tax is. Do you?
Now boy, if you talk to God and he answers you, you need to be locked up too.
Society considers them to be lunatics.
Big Mike: Are you aware that queenie read those lines off of a teleprompter? Those weren't her words, some speech writer made 'em up for her to parrot back.
icearian, you repubs are consistent I'll give you that much-
You people like to MAKE THINGS UP (like I've said before), SIDESTEPPING my point to throw cheap, boring, over-used terms.....do you people get everything you write from the same source because you can't say anything without it being approved by your lord republicans? or are you guy's just NOT creative in general?
icearain claims that I am "close minded" and am "moving to Canada when my politician doesn't get elected".
I never said anything close to that, and besides you don't even know me at all, much less enough to say I'm "close minded", since when are the repubs all hip and "free thinking"? lol, what a joke.
Obama/Biden 2008 (It'd be Paul/"whoever" but America isn't smart enough for that, obviously)
she is an opportunist from Wasilla.
After reading the above comments, I feel ill. People, this country was based on the firm belief of god. Now, and I believe, because of the outright distain for faith that there is a higher power, this country is tanking.
I feel sorry for those that are so embittered that they have nothing to look forward to when they are done on this rock.
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