What others are saying about Alaska Gov. Palin being chosen for GOP ticket

Originally published Friday, August 29, 2008 at 11:08 a.m.
Updated Monday, September 1, 2008 at 8:20 a.m.

Excerpts from what others are saying about presumptive GOP presidential candidate John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate:

"She's exactly who I need. She's exactly who this country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of 'Me first and country second.' " - Republican John McCain introducing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden:

“We send our congratulations to Gov. Sarah Palin and her family on her designation as the Republican nominee for vice president. It is yet another encouraging sign that old barriers are falling in our politics. While we obviously have differences over how best to lead this country forward, Governor Palin is an admirable person and will add a compelling new voice to this campaign.”

•••

President Bush

President George Bush applauded McCain's choice of Palin in a statement released Friday morning. The White House statement credited Palin's "roll-up-your-sleeves" work ethic and principles as setting a positive example of the "spirit of America."

"Governor Palin is a proven reformer who is a wise steward of taxpayer dollars and champion for accountability in government," the statement read.

• • •

Sen. Lisa Murkowski

“John McCain has taken a bold step today in choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. Gov. Palin has risen to every challenge she’s faced, and her choice is historic for Alaska and for the women of America. Sarah brings a great deal of excitement to the campaign and she makes Alaskans proud. Gov. Palin understands and is a leader on the most crucial issue facing our nation today -- energy. Her candidacy will highlight Alaska's critical role as a state that can help meet our nation's energy needs through domestic oil and gas exploration and development. Sarah has built an impressive record as Governor of Alaska, and she will bring a valuable outside-the-beltway perspective to John McCain's candidacy. Gov. Palin is smart, energetic and her choice as the Republican vice presidential candidate represents a new direction in the race for the White House.”

• • •

Alaska Democratic Party

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin lacks the judgment and experience to assume the country's highest office, the Alaska Democratic Party said Friday.

"In the coming weeks, John McCain will have to explain why he believes Sarah Palin, the former mayor of a town of 7,000 with absolutely no foreign policy experience, is the best person to serve literally a heartbeat away from the presidency. Many Americans will want to hear Sarah Palin's views on the energy crisis, the economy, Iraq, and Afghanistan. She'll need to explain what experience she brings to solving these and other important challenges confronting our nation," said Alaska Democratic Party spokeswoman Kay Brown.

• • •

Alaska Republican Party

Alaska Republican spokesman McHugh Pierre noted that Palin ran for governor two years ago on a message of "change and new energy" and suggested that message is being welcomed by national party leaders. He said while Palin and Alaska Republican Chairman Randy Ruedrich have sparred in the past, the party has moved beyond disputes and is firmly rallying behind the McCain-Palin ticket.

"She's the best choice for McCain to bring energy issues to the forefront in this campaign," Pierre said, referring to the state's vast natural resources and potential as a domestic energy producer. "Not only are we an energy province, if you will, but we are in a situation now ... where they can bring these energy issues to the forefront and achieve success."

• • •

Alaska Rep. John Harris

House speaker Rep. John Harris, R-Valdez, said he expects McCain's pick of Palin will focus an unprecedented national spotlight on Alaska. He said the state has had some faces reach high on the federal stage — former Gov. Walter J. Hickel served as secretary of the Interior and Sen. Ted Stevens was once president pro tempore — but Friday's news carries Alaska's image to a new level.

"I think it's a great day for Alaska," Harris said, adding that while Palin may have relatively little political experience compared to other national political hopefuls, so does Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate. He said Friday's news indicates national Republican leaders must feel Palin has what it takes to lead the country if the need arose.

"Obviously, Senator McCain would have to feel that way or he wouldn't have picked her," Harris said.

• • •

Sen. John Ensign

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, released the following statement regarding the announcement of Senator John McCain's running mate:

"Senator McCain has again proven that he has the experience and judgment this country needs in choosing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate. Governor Palin's conservative reform credentials are rock solid and makes clear what we can expect from a McCain administration. I commend Sen. McCain for his choice."

• • •

Nick Stepovich

Nick Stepovich, a Fairbanks businessman heading to the upcoming Republican National Convention as a delegate, said the decision puts a brighter spotlight both on Palin and on delegates, who will be even more responsible for answering questions about the state, shaping its image and dispelling any potentially negative perceptions.

"I imagine our seats will be better," he joked, before saying, "It's a good day for Alaska, that's for sure. Whether you're a Republican, Democrat or independent, you should be very proud. We have a shining star that the rest of the nation can see."

• • •

Cindy McCain

“The experience that she comes from is with what she’s done in the government. And also, remember: 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.”

• • •

First lady Laura Bush

“We know what kind of women Alaska produces. We know how tough and strong she is."

Community Discussion

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  1. AKhusky
    8/29/2008, 11:31 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    Once more the Newsminer has chosen to censor the news. I can't help but notice the Newminer has chosen to publish only those comments that are supportive of the choice to nominate Sarah Palin as the GOP Vice Presidential candidate. For everyone one of these, there is one that thinks the choice was a bad one. Why not post some of those comments as well?

  2. tracylv68
    8/29/2008, 12:05 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    " YOU GO GIRL!!"
    I think this is just awesome, for her, her family, and for us as a country. We need a change and she is the one to bring to the table with her no BS approach and no " Good Ol' Boy" system. She's not afraid to buck the system which really needs the shake up.

  3. DenaliGuy
    8/29/2008, 12:08 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    AKhusky- -Of course the DNM is happy with this choice; they have proven themselves time and again to be in favor of big oil and against Palin...this removes her from the state political scene and allows a return to status quo...which is what the DNM wants for its own special interest groups; BP, Conoco, etc.

    Ive liked most of what Ive seen from the Palin administration, I really dont want to see this and believe she needs to "stay home".

  4. DavidS
    8/29/2008, 1:12 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    From the Golden State to the Land of the Midnight Sun: A hearty thank you for an awesome candidate! More excutive experience than Obama(who has zero), more accomplishments than Obama, has made more CHANGES than Obama. Obama /Biden insiders and "party-line" men. McCain/Palin both Mavericks, don't "toe the party line", looking out for the country, not the special interests.

  5. MEL1776
    8/29/2008, 4:39 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Actually the DNM seems strongly against Palin and McCain. D. Cole's article was against her.

  6. smap99712
    8/30/2008, 8:15 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    AKhusky
    You consider the Alaskan Democratic Party's statement supportive?

  7. crosswind
    8/30/2008, 8:23 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    "What others are saying..."
    It appears the D's are going to try to use the Trooper Wooten issue against Palin and the McCain/Palin ticket. "For the record" former Commissioner Monegan is quoted "no one ever said fire Wooten. Not the governor, not Todd, not any of the other staff. What they said directly was more along the lines of 'this isn't a person that we would want to be representing our state troopers'" From what I have heard about Wooten, I agree. Over the years I have had numerous contacts with the Alaska State Troopers. Without exception I have found them to be highly professional, courteous, and dedicated to their duties. I would not want to have to see a Trooper in civilian dress in a bar aggrssively bullying a patron and then flash his badge saying "you should know who I am". This guy appears to be a hot tempered bully. His public and domestic problems, including threats against his wife's family, justify the concerns.
    For Hollis French, a political party flack with an undistinguished lackluster record as a prosecutor, to bring an unwarranted, expensive, attack on Palin is despicable.

  8. tok242
    8/30/2008, 4:57 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Wasn't George Bush a maverick too? Just checking.

  9. grover_alaska
    9/1/2008, 1:09 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Below is a really rational video about how Obama's followers think McCain made a bad choice in Palin.

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=thmueS0ngA...

    I jokes, there is nothing rational about it. Make sure no children are in the room should you decide to view it. It really does not do much for the Hollywood group. Makes them seem like maybe they don't think well enough to put together rational statements about why Palin should or should not have been chosen.

    This is why I would like to see more educated rational discussions out of these threads- all the hysterical name bashing and useless banter gets people no where. Absolutely nothing useful was said in this video.

    Alaskans for Educated Discussions.....

  10. Yukonjohn
    9/1/2008, 2:43 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Hey DenaliGuy, You and my little lady feel the exact same way!! She thinks she needs to finish the job she was elected to. She also thinks that all this crap that is going on is media driven and should not be happening. It has nothing to do with the facts, just sensationalism. Hope you have had a good weekend Buddy. I get back to town for good on the 12th. We will be down soon after that!! Promise!!

  11. justasking
    9/1/2008, 6:54 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    First lady Laura Bush

    “We know what kind of women Alaska produces."

    Sarah's daughter Bristol?

  12. allhaileris
    9/1/2008, 7:19 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Get a clue. Check out the first story on the top of the DNM home page:

    Today's top news
    Lead story
    Palin disclosures overshadow GOP convention opening

    The reality is that there's no shortage of media types and Obobbleheads speaking against Sarah. Some of you would use a hatchet to remove a fly from your friend's forehead. Anybody can report the same old crap.

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