First thoughts: The show must go on

Posted: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 9:55 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
ST. PAUL, MN -- NBC’s Phil Alongi reports that the Republican convention will go forward tonight, and the theme will be “John McCain: The Person He Is.” There will be three major speeches: Fred Thompson will talk about his biography; Joe Lieberman will speak about “the person he knows”; and President Bush will address the convention via remote from the White House. Both Thompson and Lieberman will speak in the 10:00 pm ET hour, while the time of Bush’s remarks is still TBD. (Just to give you an idea of what the GOP convention was supposed to look like before the hurricane, Bush and Lieberman were scheduled to speak on Monday, while Thompson and Giuliani, who we guess is now speaking tomorrow, were part of Tuesday’s act.) By the way, appearing on “Morning Joe” this morning, Lieberman said this about having found out that he’s speaking tonight: "You're sort of like Mariano Rivera in the bullpen." Is he in the VP bullpen, too?

*** The Palin distraction: Judging by conversations we've had various delegates, it's clear Sarah Palin is going to be a big hit inside the Xcel Center. But if there's one thing she's done that's a negative that has nothing to do with the vetting process or her own issues like the revelation of her 17-year-old daughter’s pregnancy, it's that she's taken the focus off of Obama. It seems like it’s been a month -- though it's been just a few days -- that the RNC or McCain hasn't had a sustained attack on the Illinois Democrat. As we've learned this summer, when this campaign is about Obama, the race is a lot closer than when it's not about him. And right now, thanks to Palin, it's not about him.

*** Looking like an ordinary politician? On Monday, the papers were full of stories about how Palin was for the Bridge to Nowhere before she was against it. Also yesterday, we found out that Palin worked for a 527 group organized by Ted Stevens, who is now facing trial on corruption charges. Then came the news that she has retained an attorney for that Troopergate ethics investigation. And finally is today’s Washington Post story noting that Palin employed a lobbying firm to secure earmarks -- which are taboo in McCain World -- for Wasilla while she was its mayor. More than any new revelations about her daughter, the bigger drip-drip danger for the McCain campaign could be more signs that Palin begins to look like your average politician. If you think you’ve heard that that line before, you have. It’s how the Clinton folks tried to brand Obama during the primary season, to no avail. But if the person the McCain camp has branded as a outsider-reformer no longer appears that way, that could be a problem. It doesn't matter how well they explain away each little issue. It's the bigger "she's just another pol" picture that could make all the other issues regarding the pick become a problem.

*** The vetting process: When the campaign decided to surprise the world with Sarah Palin, it had to know it was buying a massive spin job. Our email boxes are now filled with explanations and attachments, and they have nothing to do with Obama or Biden or the Democratic Party. And while Palin's issues are ones the Obama campaign are largely staying away from, it appears the vetting process itself is what's going to continue to get the scrutiny. Was this reactionary pick when Charlie Black and Rick Davis talked McCain out of Lieberman? Did McCain get any true bonding time with Palin where he's comfortable with her in the way he is with the rest of his inner circle? By the way, it depends on your definition of vetting of whether you believe she was fully vetted. No doubt the legal vet was done; the question is whether a political vet was completed. Also, did Obama on CNN last night really attempt to blunt Palin's experience credentials by comparing his management of the presidential campaign to Palin's tenure as Wasilla mayor? That seemed like a stretch and probably only reminds folks of how little executive experience Obama has. Sure, Palin doesn't have a lot of experience, but she's running to be McCain's apprentice. Obama's running for the top spot.

*** Here come the talking points: Speaking of those emails and attachments… Last night, three days after McCain selected Palin as his running mate and also three days after many first learned of the “Troopergate” investigation in Alaska, the McCain camp finally released talking points over the matter to its general press list. The talking points: “Gov. Palin is an open book on this -- she did nothing wrong and has nothing to hide.” (Our question: So why did she originally deny that her office had ever contacted former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan about her ex-brother-in-law?) “Gov. Palin dismissed Monegan because of an honest disagreement over budget priorities -- that’s it.” (She and her husband didn’t also disagree with him that her ex-brother-in-law should no longer be employed as a state trooper?) “The allegation that Gov. Palin retaliated against Commissioner Monegan for not firing Trooper Wooten is cut from whole cloth.” (So why did Monegan have the impression that the Palins wanted Wooten dismissed?) And “Monegan stated that at no time did Gov. Palin, her husband, or anyone on her staff tell him to fire … Wooten. Monegan told the Anchorage Daily News, ‘For the record, no one ever said fire Wooten. Not the governor. Not Todd. Not any of the other staff.’” (But did anyone imply it?) The good news for Palin on this story: The trooper in question may not be of the highest character, and at the end of the day if she is seen as acting in a way that was protective of her family, she might get a pass. But it's never great for any national nominee to be dealing with any official investigation.

*** So no New Year’s Eve in Iowa in 2012? Little noticed yesterday given the Gustav coverage and the Palin kid’s pregnancy, but Republicans decided to take a step that will give candidates -- and everyone else, it seems -- a breather in 2012 and also perhaps increase the significance of the earliest primary states. "Delegates to the Republican National Convention cemented Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina yesterday as the first three nomination contests in 2012. The adopted rule declares that no state can hold its primary or caucus before the first Tuesday in March, except for those three states. They, in turn, cannot hold their votes before the first Tuesday in February, a stark contrast to this year, when Iowa held its caucuses on Jan. 3, New Hampshire its primary on Jan. 8, and South Carolina its contest on Jan. 19." The remaining question is whether Democrats follow suit. (Of course, they’re hoping that an Obama win will make calendar discussion re: 2012 moot.)

*** Also in the Twin Cities: The GOP convention hosts a conference call for reporters at 11:00 am ET. And Cindy McCain and members of her family participate in a ONE campaign event at the Minneapolis convention center at 3:15 pm ET.

*** On the trail: McCain is in Philadelphia, PA and Cleveland, OH. Obama is down in Chicago. Joe Biden is in Florida, where he holds town halls in Deerfield Beach and West Palm Beach.

Countdown to the first presidential debate: 24 days
Countdown to the vice presidential debate: 30 days
Countdown to the second presidential debate 35 days
Countdown to the third presidential debate: 43 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 64 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 141 days

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Comments

I’ll say what everyone is thinking… Barbie doll Sarah Palin is the worst excuse of a Vice Presidential nominee I have ever witnessed. Period! Hey John, it’s bad enough when you insult our intelligence on your own, but why did you have to bring her into this? If this is any indication of your ‘judgment’, then I say you lose that argument hands down. Do you really expect us to vote for ‘Barbie’ knowing she is a heartbeat away from the presidency? I hope every DEM and Obama supporter attacks you on this until Election Day and in terms Annie Oakley Palin would understand…fire for effect.

After 28 years of demonizing by wing-nuts, neo-cons, Limbaugh et al, I not only want to beat the GOP, I want to demoralize them.

Chuck, NY (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:02 AM)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the GOP vice presidential candidate, is being represented by an attorney in the investigation into the firing of her public safety commissioner.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/cvn_palin_troopergate

McCain you Dope as a Republican you gave this Election away.....Ohhhh well!

John Simmons, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:03 AM)

It’s nice to see the GOP exploiting Gov. Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy this morning. So typical when they have nothing intelligent to speak of.

Some bloggers went over the deep end this weekend. Have you looked lately at what the right wing bloggers did to Barack & Michelle? Did anyone in the GOP stand up against it? Did they stand up for what the right wing did to Senator Kerry? Did they ever defend President Carter?

No. They never do.

Yet I saw many, many democrats yesterday demanding certain bloggers to stop their nonsense about stupid rumors. And I’m happy to say, Senator Obama was one of them who asked that it stop. Which was the right thing to do. Did Pat Buchanan stand up against the lies and smears against Senator Obama? Did anyone in the MSM do it besides Keith and Rachel? No.

We have freedom of speech in this country. Sometimes we go too far - democrats, republicans & independents. It’s the internet for crying out loud. It is up to us as citizens to speak up and denounce it when we see it.

The question really is about Senator McCain. Does it not occur to him that we are fighting 2 wars? Does it not occur to him that he is 72 years old, and not 52 years old? He’s not even 62 years old.

He wanted to “shake up” the election? Perhaps if he had picked someone with a great deal more experience, and who was respected, he would have succeeded.

However, as we have all learned, the GOP isn’t about governing. It’s about distracting the American people from real issues. They do it every single election. And now they’re using Gov. Palin’s daughter. It is really despicable. She is a child herself.

Pat Buchanan, you were in government at very high levels. Joe Scarborough, you were a Congressman. I expected more. But you’re both real good at exploitation. No different than some of the blogging we witnessed over the weekend, none of whom I don't believe served in Congress or served in the White House in any capacity.

All you two are at this point are two GOP spin masters. No substance. Which is no different than what we have seen these last 8 years from the Bush Administration.

And John McCain’s selection of Governor Palin is appalling. Simply appalling.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:03 AM)

It' going to be a show alright. A complete circus. Troopergate, Babygate, Bridgegate, ect. Learn more athttp://twocanpete.blogspot.com/

twocanpete (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:05 AM)

Yes. Bristol Palin's pregnancy is pertinent to the national conversation. Her mother's new celebrity has made it public. Was the girl supposed to go into hiding to have the baby the way it's been done in the past? For years we've had to put up with conservatives forcing their version of moral values into the laws running our country and our lives. When the self-righteous fail to live up to their ideology, it's "just life"? Where's the congratulations to Jamie Lynn Spears on her teenage pregnancy and marriage? All we heard was how immoral she and her family was and how her hit show Zoey 101 should be cancelled because she was a bad role model for kids.
Personally, I want my tax money back from the Abstinence Only mandated education that has wasted millions of dollars and invaded the privacy of my family's decision making. Teach kids about responsible birth control and not to feel shame about what is a natural part of life. Thank God girls still have the right to make the decision to have the baby or not. If John McCain and Sarah Palin get into the White House, you can kiss that right good-bye.

Shari, 48 yr old full-time mom, Hudson, MA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:08 AM)

It seems to me that, even if you take out the personal and family questions relating to Gov. Palin (which is a good idea) that there are still a ton of lingering questions about her as a governor and, more importantly as a vice president. I think the vetting has JUST begun...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:09 AM)

Excuse me, but Obama answered a question that was brought up by Anderson Cooper. Anderson was trying to compare Obama's experience with Palin's bringing up that Palin had 1 1/2 years of executive experience. Obama did not voluntarily bring up any comparision between him and Palin. Anderson did not bring up the fact that McCain has 0 executive experience and is at the top of HIS ticket. Obama answered brilliantly because he has been running the Obama machine for the same amount of time Palin has been governor and he has more staff and a significantly higher budget.

SDunn (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:10 AM)

Palin could be the worst VP pick since Dan Quayle! Under ethics violation investigation for abuse of power, preggo teen daughter, creationist, global warming denier, anti abortion under all circumstances even to save a mother's life, fanatical gun lover, way too anti gay, would drill for oil in a cemetary if she could, former beauty queen contestant, hasn't governed/represented more than 1 million people in her lifetime, has a drunk for a husband, I could go on. And this, when McCain's VP pick is more important since she would be closer than a heartbeat away from presidency due to McCain's old age and health risks. Finally, how could we expect someone like her, a mother of 5 with a new born, to handle the stresses of the White House, and raise this tormented family at the same time?

McCain...what a disaster!

Obama/Biden

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:11 AM)

First Read: "When the campaign decided to surprise the world with Sarah Palin, it had to know it was buying a massive spin job."

The spin so far hasn't been very effective. All weekend long I've seen interviews with surrogates, in which a journalist would ask questions about her knowledge of, for instance, foreign affairs and get responses about how she's the mother of a soldier head to Iraq.

How many interviews have we seen in which the interviewer wasn't flustered by the incompleteness of the answer, but actually downright amused?

I'm sure the McCain surrogates will get better, but you can tell they right now aren't prepared to defend this pick convincingly, and you can also tell by their facial expressions and general demeanor they fully know it.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:13 AM)

Sure, Palin doesn't have a lot of experience, but she's running to be McCain's apprentice. Obama's running for the top spot.
******************************************************
I pick Obama's judgement over McCain's experience anyday.

Judge (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:13 AM)

So in John McCain's first presidential decision, he: 1) lets someone else tell him what to do, and 2) ends up picking someone with LESS experience than the man he's been criticizing for not having enough.

John McCain wants to win votes so badly, that he has decided to choose as his possible replacement someone who is grossly unqualified to lead this country. Does that sound like McCain put country or politics first?

Mr Eko (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:13 AM)

"...Palin worked for a 527 group organized by Ted Stevens, who is now facing trial on corruption charges..."

She didn't just WORK for the 527, she signed the corporation papers as one of three directors.

pedestrian (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:14 AM)

I take issue with your comment that Obama does not have executive experience. I agree that this campaign has proven that Obama has leadership skills and has managed the campaign exceedingly well. Yes Palin is running to be second fiddle but WHAT IF MCCAIN DIES ON FEB 1, 2009. Sorry for shouting but no one seems to get this.

farah (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:14 AM)

Biden will blast the "GOPVP" to Hello and Back
Gov.Palin your about to meet the Smokin' Joe Biden..

Obama/Biden'08

BJ, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:15 AM)

it is looking more like monica goodling all over again. in picking gov. palin as his surprise(and well vetted?)vp choice, sen. mccain has shown his lack of respect for the office itself, should he be elected president, but also the american people. of months of criticizing sen.obama for his lack of experience, and joking about his age and the disinformation about possibly running for only one term, he has picked a person with no national security experience whatsoever. in doing so, unlike his campaign slogan of putting "america first," he has decided to shore up his base, which is fine; but let's have some honesty from the "straight talker."

sbv creswell, oregon (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:16 AM)

Check this out. Pretty damning: http://suchandrika.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/sarahpalintrigmyspace1.jpg

joe (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:16 AM)

Recapping Palin's Secession Scandal
by georgia10
Tue Sep 02, 2008 at 08:54:06 AM EST
If you spent yesterday at a Labor Day picnic rather than at the computer, you missed the story that broke here regarding Sarah Palin's 1990s membership in the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP).

Note I said Independence not Independent. It's not just an "independent" party--it is a party whose explicit goal is to have a vote on Alaskan independence.

So, without further ado, what we know so far (all the information, and much, much more can be found here, here, here, and here):

As user Liz Arnett first informed us yesterday morning, the AIP is a political party in Alaska whose motto is "Alaska First." It's goal is to have a vote on Alaska's state status so that Alaskans may decide whether the state should secede, become a territory, become a commonwealth, or remain a state.
The AIP has what most Americans would qualify as radical views on the relationship between the federal government and Alaska, including a belief that the federal government should be dissolved if gun rights are ever abolished or curtailed, a belief that the federal government is in breach of the Constitution, and complete opposition to environmental regulations and public ownership of Alaskan land.
Yesterday night, it was is confirmed that Sarah Palin and her husband were members of the AIP at least in 1994. Indeed, Palin reportedly attended the AIP convention.
In 2007, the Vice Chairman of the AIP, Dexter Clark, not only referenced Palin's membership, but also said that since she joined the GOP, "she is pretty well sympathetic to her former membership." Clark also goes on to discuss the need to "infiltrate" the major parties.
In 2008, Palin recorded a message for the AIP's annual convention, stating that Alaska has "a great promise to be a self-sufficient state" and encouraging them to "keep up the good work."

From DailyKos, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:16 AM)

I'm not concerned that her daughter is pregnant, though the hypocrisy of her "abstinence only" education is staggering..

I am more concerned with all the dirt about her dirty politics that is surfacing about her.

The McCain camp can complain all they want about this coverage of her. But he picked her knowing there would be speculation o'plenty. I don't know if he knew how much dirty laundry she had or cared..

This coverage of her pales in comparison to what Obama has gone through with the fake emails, attack ads, accusations.

So..McCain camp and GOP..Grab a straw and suck it up!! You started the mudslinging..Only difference is most of these stories about Palin are TRUE.

Kim W, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:17 AM)

Also, I've seen the McCain surrogates try to compare Palin to Obama, in terms of experience and readiness.

Well, I happen to have a pretty good memory. Not great, but pretty good. I remember December 2006 well. That month, we all were wondering who from either party was going to run for president.

On the Democratic side, most of the attention was focused on Clinton, who was the pre-frontrunner, especially with Warner's announcement he wasn't running.

But everyone also had a little attention on Obama. Would he or wouldn't he?

The funny thing is I don't remember anyone asking that question about Palin on the Republican side.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:18 AM)

While you may consider Obama's running of his campaign to Palin's experience as Governor a stretch, I don't. I have making this point for a long time. He has run a campaign that includes many more staff and volunteers than the population of Alaska. He has started this organization from scratch, and has raised and wisely spent an enormous amount of money, and kept the entire operation running smoothly. This is executive experience, and coincidentally has been for the same amount of time as Palin's term in office. In addition he has received more votes than the 115,000 that elected her as Governor.

Susan W., Fort Atkinson, WI (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:19 AM)

What would Republicans have said if Obama had a 17 year old daughter who had gotten pregnant?

The issue of Palin's daughter being pregnant is more about values and teaching within the Palin house. Did this occur because the parents aren't around enough to spend time with their daughter. Is this because of teaching abstinence (which survey shows does not work). Are the two children really in love and wanting to get married or is this a forced marriage which will end in divorce and put another child on welfare.

Can someone please explain why Palin has more experience than my local mayor, the mayor of a major city,... Does this mean that the mayor of Detroit is ready to be President? (Detroit borders and foreign country, his Police force is almost as large as the Alaskan National Guard and involved in more action, his budget is bigger than Alaska, he is under investigation as is Palin,...)

James, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:19 AM)

So funny that "Adulterer" McCain must now go on defense to explain his clueless decision to pick the worst possible running mate he could have ever picked. If this is the kind of decision making we can expect from "Dunce" McCain then we can't afford to have this mental midget to control our future and fate.

It still comes down to how incompetent this "Airhead" Palin is. She's so for abstinence only sex education and she utterly failed to keep her teenage daughter from getting pregnant at too early an age. We taxpayers can thank her for yet another Welfare Mommy we'll have to support. She has proven that when it comes to reproduction she's no more intelligent than a female dog. Yeah female dogs can pump out the pups without a thought and so can "Airhead" Palin. She's the perfect reason why we need intellient sex education, responsible family planning and birth control and to protect a woman's right to choose if she wants a baby or an abortion.

Anyone who believes in creationism should never be allowed to hold public office nor should they be allowed to vote. Anyone ignorant enough to think that The Flintstones was a documentary instead of a cartoon to entertain kids is not intelligent enough to vote or run for office. We have one such idiot in the White Houzse now and just look how he's screwed everything up so badly.

Only Obama/Biden will bring repsonsible birth control and family planning back to the White House and protect a woman's right to choose.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:19 AM)

Okay, Here's the Real Truth!!!
1) The storm is the reason for the delay but, NOT for the reasons they gave. They have never, ever cared about the people of New Orleans because they never rebuilded that city and it past issues it within the last 3 years.

2) No one wants to hear Mr. Bush's mouth about how well the country is doing.

3) Many of the Repug Senators and Reps whose seats are up for grabs will not be attending.

4) Many of the Republicans will not be attending (because they are upset at those the V.P. choice).

5) The many problems of the V.P.

6) And last.....It hard to beat what was delivered last week by a very classy group of people....

And some says she better than Senator Obama..... Okay, if they won ...you would have to hope that Senator Mc Cain makes it through the term with his 3 wars....Because if he doesn't, guess who will be managing your country along with her already busy schedule.

The Real Truth!!! (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:20 AM)

The vetting process SHOULD be examined by the press AND commented on by the Obama team, if only his surrogates. Mcinsane jumped to this woman at someone's (who's I wonder? Some powerful Man-In-The-Shadows?)urging, and and said "full speed ahead, damn the vetting process." What he got was what he got. I find it disgusting but not particularly surprising that McCain, who has sold out nearly all his former principles in the past few years in his overarching ambitio to be president, should also betray the American people by choosing someone who, if McThusalah drops dead, will be COMPLETELY out of her depth as President. He's leaving us defenceless in the hands of an unexperienced neophite. It's unforgivable.
I could care less if his daughter got knocked up, only in that it is a result of Palin's public policy that "abstinence only" classes be taught in schools. Tenns like to have sex, and their hormones are more powerful than some teacher or preacher'swords. So when that happens, and they know nothing about ways to prevent pregnancy, they get...you guessed it, PREGNANT. And if they DON'T have the support of a loving family, don't have money to have and raise the kid, don't have other essentials, they may decided the best course is...you guesed it, an ABORTION. Sorry, Gov. Palin, nature has its own truths, and some of them are damn harsh.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:20 AM)

He went from one extreme to the other
NICE

This is how he would Govern people
SCARY

Nj (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:20 AM)

Moreso than Babygate and Troopergate this NEW revelation about Sarah Palin's admitted longtime Membership and Recent Speech to the -

AIP- that's the ALASKAN INDEPENDENCE PARTY - who's main goal is to SUCCEED from the 'lower' 48.

This is boardeline treason and far more important than the continuing Baby Drama you be the judge-
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/1/4231/18477/878/581881

JRyanCantonOh (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:20 AM)

News Flash! This just in from a FLY who was on the wall when McCain and Steve Schmidt decided on Palin a week ago today: - Schmidt: "Sir, we are tanking with our right wing base. We need a real hard-liner for VP." - McCain: "Did you know I was a POW?" - Schmidt: "Yes sir, but the VP pick - we need a Pat Buchanan type, red meat person." - McCain: - "Ah, red meat, I love to BBQ." - Schmidt: "Yes sir, we also need to try to get all of those angry Hillary backers to come over to our side." - McCain: "Didn't Hillary get the nomination?" - Schmidt: " Um, no sir, Obama won. But, sir, I talked to my mentor, Karl Rove, and he has the PERFECT solution. Sarah Palin." - McCain: "Sarah who?" - Schmidt: "Sarah Palin, the new Alaska governor." - McCain: "But we need someone from the U.S." - Schmidt: "Alaska IS part of the U.S." - McCain: "Oh, right. Guess I had a 'senior moment' there. Ha!" - Schmidt: - "Anyway, sir, how about Palin? We'll put out the word that you two are 'Soulmates' which will really please our right wingers. And women ALWAYS vote for other women so she'll get all of those angry HRC voters, too." - McCain: "I see - it's a TWOFER! We get the base AND the broads! Brilliant!" - Schmidt: "But we have to move fast, sir. No time for vetting. We have a short window here. So you call Palin, and we'll arrange a quickie meeting." - McCain: "A quickie? Oh, no, no, I don't think Cindy would approve. Have I told you about my time as a POW?" And the rest is history....

MB (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:21 AM)

The selection of Sarah Palin as VP should bring scrutiny to John McCain's judgment. No rational argument can be made that this woman is ready for national exposure.

We have already had Bush "going with his gut" to make decisions and look at the mess we are in. We don't need to do that with McCain as well.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:21 AM)

Don't agree with your (Chuck's) comment on the relevancy of the Obama campaign as experience. As an independant voter, there are limited things that I can watch in real time, and how campaigns are run is a fairly major one.

In 2004, Kerry's campaign scared me off of strong support for him - he seemed uncomfortable with the level of consistency and organization needed, and the decisions that he made were at times erratic. The past two years, I've marvelled at Obama's campaign - the choices that he made in leadership, the calculations financially, the consistency in presentation and direction. As a businessman, I'm hugely impressed.

Obama has run that campaign for essentially as long as Palin has "run" Alaska - and if we look at the results of her tenure, than I most certainly want to look at the results of his.

Gary from Dallas (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:21 AM)

The GOP and McCain handled the convention very well. It doesn't erase Katrina, but at least McCain and his campaign showed an ability to think on their feet in being able to pare down yesterday's schedule.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:21 AM)

List of famous teenage parents
Tag it:?*At the age of 13, Lady Margaret Beaufort gave birth to her only child, who later became Henry VII of England.
*At the age of 18, William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. Their first child, Susannah, was born within six months.
*Sacagawea, translator and guide to Lewis and Clark, gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, while on expedition, and traveled with him to the Pacific Ocean and back. Although Sacagawea's exact birth date is unknown, she was probably 17 or 18 at the time of the birth.
*In 1917, 17-year-old Kamala Nehru gave birth to her daughter, Indira (later prime minister of India).
*Child actress tuned diplomat Shirley Temple was 19 when she gave birth to her first child, Linda Susan, in 1948.
*Maya Angelou, an American poet, memoirist, actress and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement became pregnant at the age of 16 and gave birth to her son, Guy Johnson, who also became a poet later in life.
*Country singer Loretta Lynn had four children in her teens and was a grandmother at 29.
*Oprah Winfrey gave birth at the age of 14 to a baby who died in hospital weeks after it was born. Oprah has said, "I would tell no one until I felt safe enough to share my dark past,” Oprah said in the February issue of O magazine. “The years I was sexually abused, from age 10 to 14, my resulting promiscuity as a teenager, and finally, at 14, my becoming pregnant".
*Author Beverly D'Onofrio, whose autobiography Riding in Cars with Boys was adapted into the 2001 film of the same name, was 15 years old when she gave birth to her son Jason in 1961.
*Linda Lee Cadwell, wife of Bruce Lee, gave birth to her son Brandon shortly before her 20th birthday in 1965.
*Anna Nicole Smith had her first child, Daniel, when she was 18.
*Pop singer Marcia Hines, who later became a judge on Australian Idol, was 17 when she gave birth to her daughter Dohnyale "Deni" Hines in 1970.
*Bollywood actress Dimple Kapadia gave birth to her daughter Twinkle Khanna in 1974, at the age of 17.
*Australian actress Carla Bonner, best known for her role as Stephanie Hoyland in the hit soap Neighbours, was 18 when she gave birth to her first son Harley in 1991.
*Manju Warrier, Malayalam actress and wife of the actor Dileep, was 19 when she gave birth to her first daughter Meenakshi in 1999.
*Pop singer Fantasia Barrino, winner of American Idol 2004, was 17 when she gave birth to a daughter named Zion Quari' in 2001; in 2005 she released a controversial song about single motherhood entitled Baby Mama.
*Taylor Hanson, a member of the pop band Hanson, was 19 when his 18-year-old wife Natalie gave birth to their first child, a son named Jordan Ezra, in 2002.
*Singer and actress Solange Knowles was 18 when she gave birth to her first child, Daniel Julez Smith Junior, in 2004.
*Yulia Volkova, of the controversial Russian pop band t.A.T.u., was 19 when she gave birth to her daughter Viktoria Pavlovna in 2004; she had spoken publicly about having an abortion the year before.
*Asia Nitollano, who joined the pop group The Pussycat Dolls after winning a reality tv show, was 17 when she gave birth to her daughter in 2005.
*Oscar-nominated actress Keisha Castle-Hughes was 17 when she gave birth to her first child, a girl named Felicity-Amore, in 2007.

ron, newport beach, california (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:21 AM)

maccain had no bonding time with Palin. he only met her once. you can tell he is not comfortable with her by that wiered look on his face, and the way he Gawks at her when he is standing with her. she has no experience except being mayor of a small town and gov. for a year & a half. "she is no Hillary Clinton."

ge`pa (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:21 AM)

It's about time First Read addressed the issues regarding Palin. I think they should also report that, when asked, Palin said she really hadn't thought much about the war in Iraq. Do we want a VP (who would be more likely to become President than any other ever has) who hasn't really thought about a war that is costing thousands of American lives?

62 white female for Obama (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:22 AM)

Does McCain himself have any "executive" experience?

Just askin'.

Kate, Boise, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:23 AM)

Heard on MSNBC this morning on Morning Joe that John McCain WANTED Joe Lieberman for his VP. He HAD MADE UP HIS MIND and told his advisors last Sunday, August 24, that Lieberman was his pick. BUT - CHARLIE BLACK, his top aide, said oh no,no,no, the GOP convention would BLOW UP! So what did the MAVERICK MCCAIN do? Did he STAND UP TO CHARLIE BLACK and STICK BY HIS GUNS???? No, he caved and made a hasty pick of Palin. HOW can we expect McCain to stand up to world leaders if he CAN'T EVEN STAND UP TO A POLITICAL ADVISOR???

Tina (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:23 AM)

I think you're missing the biggest story: Palin was a member of an Alaska secessionist group. Either she was a member out of political expediency or she actually wanted Alaska to leave the United States. Neither looks good.

Gretchen (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:23 AM)

I don't know that it's "fair and balanced" to say that Liebs is in the "VP bullpen." I somehow don't see McCain is the McGovern type, which would mean that Palin is no Eagleton. But still... After Biden's selection, the news was all positive for Obama; the news has not been so for McCain. In fact, it has seemed more to drive home the point that McCain is allowing Obama to drive this election. And Obama is, in turn, making the election about McCain. McCain even gave Obama more talking points with this than he would've with a pick like Romney or Huckabee.

Let's face it: the Palin pick was a desperate attempt by McCain to pull in the base of the GOP. To do so, McCain sacrificed a whole bunch of independents who were still considering him. Biden puts people at ease with Obama; can the same be said about Palin for McCain?

Brendan D, Niles, IL (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:23 AM)

****** Palin's 'executive experience'.... ********

She was a mayor (of a town the size of some high schools)...yes. But the 'managing' of this tiny kingdom was done by a city administrator...after Palin was nearly recalled.

A CITY ADMINISTRATOR!!!!!!

As a governor, she's been there just 18 months....That's not doing as much 'administrating' as it is doing plain old training. (And she took a trip to Kuwait right after she became governor??? Really???? It had nothing at all to do with her job. The National Guard does not operate under the governor when they're called to overseas duty.)

*******Obama trumps her GREATLY in legislative experience and in foreign policy...And as far as administrative experience, the management of his campaign has been more than adequate to convince most Americans.

******Palin's lack of legislative and international experience are NOT 'made up for' by her thin administrative resume.

***********

jmp, northern MN (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:23 AM)

Palin is a huge problem for the GOP...if John McCain WASN'T enough! I predict she will withdraw from the ticket in a few weeks (I also predicted Wes Clark would be the VP pick, so take it for what my predictions are worth!) :) Intelligent woman will see through this GOP pandering and NOT rally behind Palin. Even the Republican doctors where I work are saying they think McCain has Alzhemiers because of the Palin pick! Did MCFossil just hand the keys to the White House to Obama????? Obama/Biden '08

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:24 AM)

The media discuss that it is up to Palin to show her strength now and could win or loose it for McCain. BUT what happens if McCain has health issues or continues his less than 100% campaigning time (taking weekends off) then the media will ask the right questions - is Palin ready to be President on day one or day two? What is her experience with a real crisis? What has been her biggest crisis as Mayor or Govenor?

David St Louis MO (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:24 AM)

Before the good republicans break their arms patting themselves on the back about the fact there has not been any terrorist attacks since 911 they should realize that it was their fascist cowboy diplomacy that caused 911 in the first place.

MK,MO (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:24 AM)

If Paliin hadn't tried to keep secrets from us we would not be upset. McCain people need to quit whinning because us bloggers are telling the truth. Palin has tried to much her views on the Alaskan and now the American people.
If we follow the McCain surrogotes, Palin has more experience than John McCain. WOW she has run a state for 18 month. She was still getting started the last 18 months makes of breaks a governor.
I still cant believe as a mother she had put her family especially her daughter thru all this for her career. NO REAL MOTHER would do this to their kids.

Jill mother of 4 (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:24 AM)

MK,MO (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:24 AM)

what a bunch of bull on this criticism of Palin's vetting. WHERE WAS THE MEDIA ON OBAMA'S VETTING? Dare say, had that been done instead of the media swooning and slobbering all over him, he would NOT be the nominee today.

Palin vetting. Where was Obama's vetting? (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:26 AM)

JAKE TRAPPER AND BEN SMITH REPORT

Sarah Palin was a member of the Alaska Secessioist party

First read refuses to cover it?

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:26 AM)

Tonight they will put back on their Republican hats. That = rah, rah, 4 more years of bad management, lies, bully tactics, poor international relations, worse economy, and continuing stories about a vice president who few know, is not wildly popular in her home state, does not know what a VP does or is for, has no international experience and does not even have a passport, and is the one who would be president when John McCain's health dies or his dementia grows unhideable. His VP choice clearly signals how he makes decisions. More wars? More gut decisions? Welcome to 4 more years of cowboy government.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:26 AM)

why is the MSM not covering the Ron Paul convention in St. Paul. We heard endless discussion about the rift that was not a rift in the Democratic party, but the Republicans actually are having duel conventions and noone is talking about it!

Sean Whitworth Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:27 AM)

Keep going, keep going, you're almost there...

Good work so far, gang. But we're still waiting for the big one- Palin's previous membership in the AIP. This group's mission is reportedly to work for the secession of Alaska from the U.S. The founder (Joseph Vogler) is reported to be buried in Canada because he REFUSED to be buried under the American flag!

Doesn't sound like a "Country First" approach to me.

And could someone remind Joe Scar that his initial (honest) reaction to the Palin pick was exactly right. He spent the weekend getting his Republican-shill talking points down- and is now 180 degress away from where he was last week- but our memories are far better than some of those in the GOP leadership. Very disappointing, Joe- you should have stayed with your gut on this one.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:29 AM)

Does John McCain have the judgement to be commander in chief?

Peter, Denver CO (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:30 AM)

Where are the stories of hockey mom rasising taxes to build a hockey rink that still is costing the government?

John McCain (Sent Tuesday, September 02, 2008 10:30 AM)

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