The Obama-Biden attack on Palin's family?

Posted: Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:16 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Joe Biden, Sarah Palin

From NBC's Mark Murray
This afternoon, the McCain campaign issued a Palin fundraising solicitation for the joint McCain-Palin-RNC fund. (After this week, McCain no longer can raise money after accepting $84.1 million in public funds, but the Republican National Committee and state parties can.)

"I cannot tell you how special last night was for me and how enthused I am to be John McCain's running mate," Palin said in the email solicitation, adding: "Unfortunately, as you've seen this week, the Obama/Biden Democrats have been vicious in their attacks directed toward me, my family and John McCain. The misinformation and flat-out lies must be corrected."

Unless we're mistaken, neither Obama nor Biden nor the campaign has attacked Palin's family. In fact, Obama said this after it was revealed that Palin's 17-year-old daughter is pregnant: "I have said before and I will repeat again: I think people’s families are off limits, and people’s children are especially off limits. This shouldn’t be part of our politics, it has no relevance to governor Palin’s performance as a governor or her potential performance as a vice president. And so I would strongly urge people to back off these kinds of stories."

Reached for comment about the charge, RNC spokesman Danny Diaz cited a comment Obama's Florida spokesman made noting (incorrectly, it seems) that Palin supported Pat Buchanan, whom Jews -- at least according to this spokesman -- have called a "Nazi sympathizer."

But Diaz didn't cite a single Obama or Biden charge against Palin's family.

*** UPDATE *** Obama spokesman Bill Burton fires off this email in response to this story: “The only ‘flat-out lie’ is this ridiculous claim, and it proves that John McCain has wasted no time in teaching Sarah Palin the ways of the Washington he’s inhabited for the last twenty-six years. The continued dishonesty and divisiveness from John McCain’s campaign has made a complete mockery of the reform and bipartisanship he’ll boast about tonight, and it’s not the change we need to bring this country together around an agenda to create new jobs, cut taxes for middle-class families, and make us independent of foreign oil."

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Comments

Pay no attention to the facts see, just watch these smoke and mirrors . . .

We Won't Be Fooled Again!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

KP, California (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:22 PM)

You know, Pat Buchanan works with you guys, why don't you just ask him? I recall him saying she did support him, though.

Ken, Sterling, VA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:22 PM)

Andrea Mitchell needs to be suspended. And I know you won't print this. She was gushing over Palin having a special needs infant. There are alot of parents that have special needs children. Palin is not a champion for special needs children. How does a champion cut the special ed budget in their own state, that they are governor of, by 62%???? Sixty two percent. As a parent of two special needs children, I have to fight for everything I can get for them. I do not need a champion that is going to slash the funding.

ts mpls, mn (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:22 PM)

Gee...where have we seen this strategy before: repeat the lies over and over and over, and voila, they must be true. Unfortunately, over the last eight years, America seemed to confirm and buy into this stupidity. Eight years...enough!

tgriff, seattle (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:23 PM)

Look out here it comes GOP the real war is about to start.

John McCain's presidential campaign is threatening a lawsuit against the National Enquirer over a print edition story the tabloid ran today alleging that Gov. Sarah Palin has had an extramarital affair with her husband's business partner.

The allegation would normally be dismissed by political observers as the random musings of a supermarket tabloid -- indeed, the McCain campaign said as much in its statements on Wednesday -- except that the paper has built up a reservoir of legitimacy following its earlier reporting on the John Edwards affair.

In a statement to the Huffington Post, a spokesman for the paper, who promised a larger report next week, tapped into that pool of quasi-respect.

"The National Enquirer's coverage of a vicious war within Sarah Palin's extended family includes several newsworthy revelations, including the resulting incredible charge of an affair plus details of family strife when the Governor's daughter revealed her pregnancy. Following our John Edwards' exclusives, our political reporting has obviously proven to be more detail-oriented than the McCain campaign's vetting process. Despite the McCain camp's attempts to control press coverage they find unfavorable, The Enquirer will continue to pursue news on both sides of the political spectrum."

Capt. Smash Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:24 PM)

Crossdresser Giliuani & Ms Alaska Palin were mocking Obama as being a community organizer, yet who do you think helped in rebuilding cities a neighborhoods when a disaster strikes? Take New Orleans, the community is still rebuilding that city and community organizers are a part of it.

Paul, Miami, FL (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:25 PM)

Bunch of LOOSERS.

No McBushPalin!

TheDonald (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:25 PM)

As usual, lies, lies, lies!! Same old politics.

Obama 08

Judy in AZ (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:25 PM)

Well, what should we expect? Palin has already demonstrated that she thinks she can lie with impugnity! The bridge to nowhere, her behavior during troopergate, etc. It's almost pathological.

Debra, Miami (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:26 PM)

MSNBC I will keep posting until you actually print me. Why aren't you posting my comment. Chuck Todd and Andrea Mitchell made it sound like Sarah Palin would be recognized by people like me (who have special needs children) as a leader. Well you are wrong!

I am a mother of two special needs children and Sarah Palin is NOT an advocate for special needs children. Before you make such a statement Chuch Todd and Andrea Mitchell why not speak to a few of us who have special needs children. Sarah Palin has never done anything for special needs children. In fact, I've read that she's actually cut spending on special education in Alaska. Advocates for special needs children know that we need more funds allocated to the special needs programs not taken away.

I think you would be hard pressed to find one parent with a special needs child out there that would support anyone cutting funds for our special education programs.

I don't need someone who can sympathize with my situation in Washington. I need someone who actually would do something to help my children. That person is most definately NOT Sarah Palin. Parading your baby on the stage of a 'Political Show' does not make you an advocate.

This is a very serious issue and for some of us in this country very personal. Don't trivilize with your political nonsense. Report the facts - what has this women done for special needs children that would make me want to vote for her? NOTHING.

MSNBC you do not speak for ME!

I will keep posting till you publish my post. This is the most important issue for me.

Miri (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:26 PM)

More dirty lies from the GOP. We see what they are doing, its pathetic.

Why did Palin have a 5 month old Baby with special needs out in a large noisy convention hall for several hours and up to 11pm last night ? Why was the baby passed to and fro throughout the evening ?

What a sick use of her child as a prop. Meanwhile she cut the budget for special ed in Alaska 60%. Why is the msm not reporting on this lie ?

PATHETIC.

Alex, Philadephia, PA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:28 PM)

Well hell, why start telling the truth now. This has been the conduct of the Republican party since June. It would be painful for them to do a 180 now.

Can you remember back when this was labled as a civil campaign from the straight talk express.

Straight talk my ass (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:28 PM)

One of the first questions at the VP debate to Palin should be, "In a fundraising email, you claimed that the Obama/Biden Democrats had made viscious attacks against your family. Can you give the American people a specific example of this?"

Mary, MI (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:28 PM)

these people are natural born liars and anyone who appeals to your darkside is evil!

Alison, FL (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:29 PM)

How many times do we have to tell you????? Republicans do not have any idea except telling lies!!! They do not have any economic, social, or international solutions for the next four years. So, they just keep trying to win the whitehouse by telling lies. Why don't McCain and Palin tell us for a minute what they are going to do for this country if they wish us to vote for them!

McCain and Palin - You make me sick! I am tired of the old washington politics.

Vick, VA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:29 PM)

Just saw this post by "Sleek" on HuffPost. Gotta share.

"Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor."

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 2:27

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You liberals really want to continue on this path of Obama being some kind of god?

Char DeFruer, Columbia Missouri (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:30 PM)

One thing about this woman--she never lets the facts get in the way. Did the MSM see the same speech I did? She basically read a bunch of one-liners and then awkwardly stopped at times for applause. Wish the MSM would say on air what they say when the mic is off.

Palin lies--Soldiers die! (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:30 PM)

The misinformation and flat-out lies must be corrected.
*****************************************************

i agree. so apologize for distorting the Obama/Biden camp on Taxes, experience, and apologize to their families for all the negative words your convention has thrown their way, and start making your platform on the issues instead of the fear and smear campaign.

http://horneddevil.proboards98.com/index.cgi#general

Tzalaran (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:30 PM)

Only one team is showing any class in this campaign: the Obama-Biden team. The American people are well aware that the attacks- and yes, some, (though not all) are very unfair- are NOT coming from the Obama camp. That has been made very clear.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:30 PM)

Sarah Palin is an insult to her gender. Somebody should tell her we can see McCain's lips move when she talks.

ARealWoman in Philly, PA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:30 PM)

Vick, VA (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:31 PM)

What more vicious attack could be made against her than to claim that she once supported Pat Buchanan?

That's even worse than being called a neglectful mother who allows her special needs child to be used as a prop by the Republican party.

C'mon Sarah, pitbulls don't whine.

McSic'em (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:31 PM)

From the Politico.com:

'...Why the media should apologize

By ROGER SIMON | 9/4/08 12:15 AM EST

Sarah Palin gave a really good speech. Why go beyond that, asks Simon.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On behalf of the media, I would like to say we are sorry.

On behalf of the elite media, I would like to say we are very sorry.

We have asked questions this week that we should never have asked.

We have asked pathetic questions like:
Who is Sarah Palin?
What is her record?
Where does she stand on the issues?
And is she is qualified to be a heartbeat away from the presidency?

We have asked mean questions like:
How well did John McCain know her before he selected her?
How well did his campaign vet her? And was she his first choice?

Bad questions. Bad media. Bad.

It is not our job to ask questions. Or it shouldn’t be. To hear from the pols at the Republican National Convention this week, our job is to endorse and support the decisions of the pols.

Sarah Palin hit the nail on the head Wednesday night (and several in the audience wish she had hit some reporters on the head instead) when she said: “I’m not a member of the permanent 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.”...'

Why are they HIDING Sarah Palin from tough questioning ?
What are they AFRAID of ?

If you can't stand the heat........

GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN !!

MSierra, SF (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:31 PM)

The latest electoral college polls:

http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/2008/general-election/electoral-college-results.html

Ron Jeffers, Arizona Independent (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:31 PM)

As usual typical lies and deception by the Republican Campaign. I am just one of millions of Americans fed up with them and their ways . invite me on Countdown and I promise you I will speak for the majority of Americans who want to see an honest goverment before I leave this earth !!!

Dan A Colchester Vt (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:32 PM)

It is so comical watching the CNN Circus Clowns from last night and Moring Joe and his Flip Flop crew this morning attempt to say this PTA Lady’s Speech was as great as Obama 2004. You don’t believe it just like Mike Murphy, Peggy Noonan and Ben Stein didn’t. Her speech was boring and failed flat.

But what this does say about Political Pundits like Anderson Cooper, John King, Campbell Brown, the Morning Joe Crew, David Gregory, and the Hot Mic Republican Pundits, is that they care more about the Republican Party than what is actually best for America. While else would they sit there with their mouths close while John McCain touts around a woman who is beyond unqualified?

Senator Obama had an opinion on the Iraq which turned out to be correct
The PTA Lady, believes the act was from God

Senator Obama said we should have gone to Afghanistan
The PTA Alaska State is next to Russia

Senator Obama is a Constitutional Lawyer
The PTA Lady has a degree in journalism.

The PTA Lady preaches family values
Senator Obama practices them

Senator Obama as we have seen is respected by Foreign Leaders around the word
The PTA Lady just got her Passport in 2007

Seriously News Media the speech was not good and it doesn’t matter how you all try to spin this, you will not be able to convince the rest of us who actually watched the speech otherwise.

JW (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:32 PM)

More false accusations against the Obama campaign. Seems to be all the Republicans can do.

And they do this after Obama came out and genuinley, honestly defended the idea that Bristol was off limits...it seems those silly Republicans can't give him credit for anything...

Drew, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:21 PM)

They think they can just feed the American public lies. I think many more Americans are tuned in this election and I hope it backfires on them.

Andy, Oklahoma (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:21 PM)

“I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message”

Cost of Cindy McCain’s dress at the opening of the Republican National Convention: $300,000

Cost of Mit Romney’s tie clip: $50,000 (I made that one up)

Calling a man who gave up a six figure salary to work as a community organizer on the south side of Chicago an elitist?: PRICELESS

If you want real change & reform, vote for Barack Obama & Joe Biden, if you want more of the same, Vote McCain/Palin

Alison, FL (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

If Obama did not want to bring up Palin's family situation then why is he commenting on it at all. The more he say's "I think people's families are off limits..." the more the media brings it up. The best thing to do is let her family alone and not even bring it up.

Andrew, Wichita, Kansas (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

This is exactly why the McCain/Palin ticket scares me to death. They use fear, hate, and lies to attack any one they don't like -- and never apologize when they are proven wrong. Yet they take the smallest slight and turn it into mountains of complaints. I believe the media should continue to "vet" Sarah Palin, since McCain demonstrated his complete lack of respect for the American people by selecting her days before the convention so we didn't have the opportunity to learn more about her. Now he is complaining because we are trying to learn more about her! I hope and pray the media continues to do its job and find out the REAL story of Sarah Palin, one the McCain party is hoping never comes to light (if they are even aware of it). I think you will find that this woman is very, very scary, and as an American I would be ashamed to call her my Vice President.

Ann, Tucson, AZ (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

Exactlly how low, (the little Pit Bull with LIPSTICK) can this woman go. (Falin.) She is under investigation and it goes on and on with her lies. Once a liar always a liar...

Luka, Eau Claire, Wi. (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

I just hope that the news media keeps the record straight from now on.I listened to the governor Palin's speech last night I was on the fence but after hearing that speech last night which turned me off I will be voting for Obama. What surprised me the most was how the comments after the speech were so high I heard nothing about the issues and what McCann would be doing for our country lets keep issues the main focus PLEASE..

Nancy Benton , Farmington,NY (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:23 PM)

I was eagerly waiting to see who this person (Sarah) was. I try to keep an open mind to make an educated decision based on my own personal experience. Obviously she had minimal input to the speech she read last night and her delivery was OK at best. They say that first impressions are usually correct. If you take into consideration her body language, ease of delivery of such a raunchy speech, and most important her eyes, this is a person not to trust. The first night of the convention had a theme of “America United” (not our party vs. theirs.) Last night was so divisive and destructive that one can only come to the conclusion that John has picked the low road and is showing his true colors. This political mess we can refer to now as the republican ticket, will no doubtable continue with its violent character assault/ campaign against Barack. Their positions don’t need to introduced to the American Public. All we need is to review the Bush plan to know the direction this sleazy team will take us. NO THANKS!
The truth will be exposed when the candidates square off during the debates empowering Americans to make a decisive movement towards Change We Need.

I CAN”T WAIT…. I CAN”T WAIT…. I CAN”T WAIT…. I CAN”T WAIT….

SuperD Newberg OR (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:24 PM)

I know Michael Vick likes Pit-bulls. I wonder if he has any money left to donate to her because I don't think he can vote.

2erudite4u South Carolina (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:24 PM)

She is going to be a loose cannon for the Republicans.

Bob, NYC (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:24 PM)

Of course they could not cite any attacks from Obama or Biden. This is because there were none, Sen. Obama came out right away against this type of attacks, but this is what the republicans do. Who cares if it is a lie and proven to be false, if you say long enough and loud enough there are people who will belive it. We need to wake up and take this process back before it is to late. No more hate, no more lies, no more fear, no to Mccain/Palin.

Paul, Latham NY (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:25 PM)

Ummmm. Its the serrogates, stupid. Obama does not have to say anything when he has MSNBC saying it for me. Obama does not have to say anything when the blogosphere will print any rumor about Palin.

Brian (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:25 PM)

How can Palin afford to be out of town,state and the country with five children. Who is raising her children?

Cathy, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:25 PM)

Pit Bull Palin is all about lies and distortion of the truth. Thank you, First Read, for placing the truth in your blog, otherwise, the Obama campaign will be misrepresented yet again.

Oh happy day when this wretched RNC convention is over and we can move on to the real political news, not just regurgitated propaganda from a hateful party.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:26 PM)

No that is true... Obama, Biden nor the campaign has attacked Palin or her family, but their followers have... which, unless I forgot how to comprehend, is what this part "the Obama/Biden DEMOCRAT" of the statement means...

Yo Yo Ma, Dallas, Texas (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:27 PM)

Spin, Spin, Spin... the McCain campaign will say and do anything to distract the voters from the real issues. They are trying to get sympathy votes because poor, poor Sarah is being picked on. She is a pit bull, no way anyone is picking on her. What's true is true, she has alot of questions to answer and it doesn't look like she is going to do anything except change the subject or make groundless attacks on Biden and Obama.

Kathy (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:28 PM)

Klondike Barbie has nothing but thinly veiled lies to hide her serious ineptitude and unsuitablity for the office of VP or POTUS. She should go back to beauty pageants, at least when she was second fiddle there, she EARNED that spot!

P.S.: did she really analogize herself to a bulldog...I think that's totally sexist!!!!!

David P, Ohio (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:28 PM)

More BS from the Repukes.....SAD SAD SAD......

Matthew, Bloomfield Hills Mi (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:29 PM)

This statement just shows that she will try to run a smear campaign, and to be honest America is tried of the same old bashing. Can we just have the issues please!! Not try to make the other person look bad so that you look good.

Nicole, Dayton, OH (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:29 PM)

Tell me Chuck are you guys at first read Barkys mouthpieces . Why do you always jump in feet first to defend every little thing about Obama, I know you cant jump in head first cause you heads are already so far up his ass you are oxygen starved.

Truthteller (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:32 PM)

And after Obama was so graciosu about her tabloid-trash family,
Palin went ahead and took a nasty swipe at Michelle in her speech ('We're ALWAYS proud of our country').

Palin is SCUM!

Bea (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:32 PM)

I guess if she says it often enough, her ignorant base of supporters will believe it. This woman out and out lies.......NOT what we need (AGAIN) in the White House. Eight years is ENOUGH! Obama/Biden '08.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:32 PM)

Palin is just another GOP liar. Feeding redmeat to the GOP who only care about their own selfish monies interests and/or forcing their religious dogma on their fellow Americans. McCain now lies so often it is hardly noteworthy.

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:33 PM)

Same old Repub gameplan. Say it, repeat it, repeat it again & again until it sounds true!

Kind of like the Mike Huckabee method of counting votes.

Obama/Biden '08/'12

Roger G. Kuehler, Wichita Falls, TX (Sent Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:33 PM)

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