Pentagon eyes Palin event in AK

Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:10 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Sarah Palin

From NBC's Jim Miklaszewski and Courtney Kube
Now that Palin is the GOP vice presidential nominee, the Pentagon is struggling with one of her upcoming events

Palin was long scheduled to speak at the deployment ceremony for the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska on Thursday. Her son will be among the soldiers preparing to leave for Iraq.

However, candidates are strictly forbidden from campaigning on military installations. Candidates can appear at events on installations when they're in an official capacity (as governor, as senator, etc), but they cannot solicit votes or money on a base.

Fort Wainwright announced weeks ago that the event would be open to the media and to the public, but now the Pentagon is considering closing it to media to avoid any appearance of taking sides in the presidential campaign.

For now, the event remains open to media and Palin is scheduled to speak. The Pentagon is working with Palin advisers to ensure they understand the rules about what she can and cannot speak about (she can speak about the deployment, about the war in Iraq, etc), and that they understand that she must maintain neutral behavior.

Palin also may speak during the deployment ceremony, but she cannot conduct any press availability on the installation -- she can hold one right outside the front gate though.

A senior defense official says that Palin will appear as both the governor and as a mother of a soldier. "This is not a campaign event," the official said, "she will be there for her official duties as governor."

The official said this is no different than when Obama visited Iraq and Afghanistan on a congressional delegation trip. "Candidates can visit a military installation," the official said, adding, "they just cannot campaign on the property." Asked if this is similar to Obama's canceled visit to Landstuhl, the official said, "No, that is a military hospital, their strict privacy rules supersede the campaign restrictions."

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Comments

since when do the rules apply to republicans? besides, it sounds like one of the big restrictions is no talking to the press. that should be a problem for palin.

jill (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:17 AM)

Oh gosh, the Republicans would never exploit our soldiers and the war for political gain. Heavens, heavens no. Gosh no.

Ruth, Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:20 AM)

Sarah Palin Allows Child Abuse To Go Unreported
The whole “Troopergate” scandal involves Governor Sarah Palin trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired from his job as a Alaska State Trooper. One of the allegations was that the trooper tasered his 11-year-old stepson — Sarah Palin’s nephew. Well, that 11-year-old is now 17, which means this occurred in 2002 when the trooper and Sarah Palin’s sister were still together. When Sarah Palin began her vendetta of getting this man fired — after relations between him and her sister turned sour — and brought the taser incident to light, it was 3 years later in 2005.

So Sarah Palin allows this child abuse to take place for 3 years before raising a stink about it, now that she’s on ill terms with the trooper?

She has broken the law which mandates anyone in an official capacity to report child abuse/and or neglect in a timely manner. Failure to report is a crime

Barbb2 (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:22 AM)

Sorry Chuck and colleagues, this is a repost of my post hastily posted previously. The article to the story is at the bottom.
"You can put lipstick on a pig," Obama said during a campaign stop. "It's still a
pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change. It's still going
to stink after eight years."
Obama's camp also noted that McCain once used the same phrase to describe Hillary
Rodham Clinton's health care plan.
=================
The McCain ad:
Obama's one accomplishment?
Legislation to teach "comprehensive sex education" to kindergartners.
Learning about sex before learning to read?
=======
Now, tell me Chuck which is worse, the remarks by Obama and the subsequent demand
for an apology from a fastidious McCain campaign, or the dishonorable, character
assassination of McCain's lying ad? Obama should never apologize for such petty & harmless remarks until McCain apologizes for disgraceful ad attacks. Enough of the double standard
for those cry baby McCain folks.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26633775/

Jim, NYC (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:22 AM)

"This is not a campaign event," the official said, "she will be there for her official duties as governor."

Oh, so she's going there to see if she can snag some federal funding out of the military budget for some Alaskan boondoggle?

Or will she be trying to sell a C-130 on ebay?

By the way, is it true her ebay seller name is "oinker"? I saw a set of china embossed with the state seal of Alaska listed and that was the seller.

Stinky Fish/Lipstick Pig '08 (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:22 AM)

This is most definitely going to be a campaigning opportunity for her. This is a clear exploitation of the deployment ceremony. However, we have learned since her introduction to the public, that this woman does not care who or what she exploits.
The media will fawn all over her as a mother sending her son off to war and then the campaign, along with Charlie Gibson will use this to their advantage. What about all the other mothers, wives, fathers, and children who are watching family memebers leave? She in no way represents those people.
Joe Biden's son was headed for Iraq as well, however, we did not see any exploitation of that by Senator Biden.
That is the difference in character right there.

Olga, Oswego, NY (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:24 AM)

Palin wants her family left alone, but she wants to make seeing her son off a campaign event, even though it's against Pentagon rules. Since they wouldn't let Obama see woundd soldiers with press present, they should hold firm on Palin. If she wants to go in as a mother, fine; as a candidate, no.
And since the Bush admin doesn't like us to see soldiers coming home in boxes, let's not see them leaving, either. This should be a family thing ONLY.
Let's finally have some decorum here.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:25 AM)

Why allow the media to be there? Close it for God sake, or, agree to allow pictures of Palin's son coming home in his flag draped coffin. If you allow her to exploit his service for the campaign, that you have to show the consequence of the war.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:25 AM)

Just another case of conflict of interest by the repugnant ones. "Sinner" Sarah has no military experience and her do nothing job as the head of Alaska's military doesn't give her any military experience other than playing cheerleader for murdering brave soldiers in Iraq.

So sad that the GOP - Grand Old Pedophiles are against having repsonsible sex education taught in schools in order to teach young children to avoid pedophiles. Why does the GOP hate young children while protecting pedophiles? It's obvious that "Sinner" Sarah failed miserably in teaching her wayward daughter about abstinence because abstinence only sex education is a complete failure and she is a failure of a mother.

Only Obama/Biden will protect young children from pedophiles by pushing for responsible sex education in schools for young children.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:25 AM)

So, it's okay for Palin to receive attention and press coverage for speaking at a deployment ceremony (on 9/11 no less) but if Obama wanted to visit injured troops in Germany without the press--well, that's just wrong.

Liars, all of them.

so sick of republican games (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:26 AM)

If Palin is not your typical politician, she should not speak at all at this event....of course, you know she will, and she will make it a big campaign speech, and then later either deny she spoke, or deny doing anything wrong, saying she was wearing het Governor's Hat that day. Palin is a big lipstick wearing lying pig!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:27 AM)

Pull the plug, Pentagon. Palin should be there as Governor of Alaska only. Press and campaign officials verboten!

JW Mathews, Manchester, VT (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:28 AM)

*****************Off Subject**************************
Why are the Democrats surprised people are moving away from their candidate? I have heard nothing but Ellietieest comments and remarks from the Dems for some time now. I know many here in Michigan who are feed up with what they see as the DNC feeling they are owed this election. and now that its not looking so sure they blame the American people who are suppose to vote for them. We also see that the media is totally in the bag for Obama.

No Room In the DNC for me (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:29 AM)

In 1987, Joe Biden ran as a Democratic presidential candidate. When the campaign began, Biden was considered a potentially strong candidate. In September 1987, the campaign ran into trouble when he plagiarized a political speech by the then-leader of the British Labour Party. It was also alleged that, during his time as a law student at Syracuse, Biden had plagiarized a law review article. Biden said it was inadvertent due to his not knowing the proper rules of legal citation, and Biden was permitted to retake the course after having received a Failing grade.

When questioned by a New Hampshire resident about his grades in law school, Biden had inaccurately recollected graduating in the "top half" of his class when he actually graduated at the bottom of his class, 76th from 85. Biden also claimed that he had attended on a full scholarship, and had received three degrees. In fact, he had two majors, History and Political Science, and received a single B.A. degree, and had received a half-scholarship based on financial need. When confronted with these revelations, Biden withdrew from the nomination race on September 23, 1987. (Source - Wikipedia.org)

WHO IS JOE BIDEN? WILL THE REAL JOE BIDEN PLEASE STAND UP?

Whos investigateing this? (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:30 AM)

What, a Republican using the military for political advantage? Who would ever dream of such a thing? Only McCain/Bush/Palin, that is who.

Bob in Tallahassee (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:30 AM)

As long as she follows the rules, who cares if she speaks.

using this as a stump would show extremely bad judgment and taste, but that hasn't stopped this campaign before...

http://horneddevil.proboards98.com/index.cgi?board=iduspolitics

Tzalaran (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:30 AM)

Can we highlight the line where "people are working with her, so she knows the rules"...this woman doesn't know anything and has to be coached to walk out her door. So, if elected, WHEN something happens to John McCain, who will be running the country? The lobbiests coaching her? She isn't ready for a simple OPEN press conference and we are to believe she is ready to take over POTUS at any moment??? The bigger questionis, Are these the types of decisions we can look forward to with McCain? All of the Lies, Lies and more LIES! This is nuts!!!

Kristi, NE (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:31 AM)

And who runs the pentagon??
More breaking rules, policies and throwing it
in our face.
The power of the republican party is frightening
and criminal.

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:31 AM)

She will go anyway.....she's a Republican....they do what they want to do...opposite of what's right......say what they want to say....opposite of what's the truth.
It is my prayer that God protects her son and all the troops that are in harms way.

Praying (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:31 AM)

OBAMA wants sex education for Kindergarteners?
What is he thinking.

Bill, Newark DE (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:32 AM)

We will see if the current Republican administration can hold itself accountable and enforce the rules.

I smell a rat (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:33 AM)

"Palin also may speak during the deployment ceremony, but she cannot conduct any press availability on the installation -- she can hold one right outside the front gate though."

While I have little faith her speech won't be campaign related, it's impossible for it not to be, just as it would be impossible for any similar speech by Biden not to be seen as a political function. However, there is no need to worry about Palin using the event as a press availability, she's only been interviewed by the hard nosed reporters at "People" magazine, and her first, and so far only sit down interview is with Charlie Gibson, who's not known as a hard hitting journalist. Except for the hit job he did in the last Obama Clinton debate, but I doubt that Charlie will show up in the interview. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that ABC agreed to limit the area of questions in exchange for the interview.

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:33 AM)

OMG

Nashville (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:34 AM)

It seems to me the Bush/Republican controlled Pentagon is bending over backwards to bend the rules for Palin,unlike it did for Obama. Sounds like racism to me.

Cheryl Wilson (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:35 AM)

Let's see what really is going to happen. She did not follow the Iraq war and now she worries. Not to be trusted all she has given us is half lies and half true details. Not a good example for us women.

Betsy (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:35 AM)

She had better not say one word about Senator Obama or Senator Biden.
She can stand there and give her little speech while mccain oogles her rear-end!

He can't keep his eyes off her back-side! The old nasty,vile varmit is having the time of his life watching her butt while his wife stands behind him!

HaaaaaHaaaa ~ Palin has to hug fishy fart everyday! Yuk! (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:35 AM)

Please MSNBC, don't let this event deteriorate into another media circus that distracts us from IMPORTANT ISSUES, even though the McCain campaign will surely wrap it up in God, country and the American flag!

Gail, TN (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:35 AM)

HaaaaaHaaaa ~ Palin has to hug fishy fart everyday! Yuk! (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:36 AM)

McCain is using Palin as an image improver for his campaign, so basically a prop. She's more attractive, younger and doesn't have a direct connection to Bush. The Obama camp need to lay it on her. They're definitely going to play the sexism card, so what. If I were the Obama camp I would lay on the attacks to Palin and continue to connect McCain to Bush. WHEN they play the sexism card and say he's being too tough on Palin, I would tell her to get out the kitchen if she can't take the heat. I would also contrast her to Hillary if Palin tries to play the victim, and I would tell the women of America that they need tough leaders that can take the heat of running a campaign and the White House, and winning the war against terrorist. If she wants to play rough and tumble with the big dogs, then let's rumble. NO MERCY for MCSAME and FAKLIN.

Nearneshka, MN (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:39 AM)

The Bush Administration is amazing. They accused Obama of trying to campaign when visiting the troops and that was against policy, therefore no press. If that applies to one side then it therefore should apply to the other. So the only option is to disinvite the press. One must wonder though if the cronies that made Bush that now run the McCain campaign can actually follow the rules?

CA Woman Not For Palin (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:39 AM)

Yeah, the Pentagon would never DREAM of taking sides in a presidential campaign. Just ask them.

When Obama wanted to visit the wounded in Germany, without the press corps, the Pentagon found a reason to further restrict who else could accompany him.

When Palin wants to wave the flag in front of the press, that's just fine. Of course, there will be no wounded in attendance.

Everyone sees how that works, right?

JC from IA (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:39 AM)

One thing for sure, we know for sure she won't be taking questions from reporters.

62 white female for Obama (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:40 AM)

So long as she doesn't have Mark Salter write her speech (like the one that she read off the teleprompter at the GOP convention) and doesn't make any verbal references to lipstick, let her talk.
BTW, when is she going to be allowed to speak to the general press. I don't count Charlie Gibson as he'll only throw softball questions her way. I want to know how she can claim being against earmarks when her record shows that "as an executive" her requests are 10X that of Obama's.

Steve, Fair Haven, NJ (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:40 AM)

This morning on Fox apparently Megan McCain said that her father uses the lipstick on a pig line himself which we already know but coming from her it sums up what Obama just said. "Spare me the fake outrage."

MSNBC take down your stupid vote poll. You should be ashamed of yourself.

American Voter (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:40 AM)

I'm not clear on how DOD draws the lines between gubinatorial/citizen attendance and campaign exploitation.
As a mother and Governor, she should surely attend as planned, but I'd find any publicity of it another disturbing exploitation of the troops for Republican political gain. Palin should be held accountable for any media coverage, including you-tube videos and cell-phone snapshots.

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck ...

TheNest, VA (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:40 AM)

What's the difference between GW Bush and Palin? - Lipstick

Mark, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:40 AM)

I saw a report yesterday that claimed that Sarah Palins son was involved in a crime,he was caught cutting the brake lines on school buses and was given a choice.Do the time or join the military.Does anyone know anything about this,not that it would get reported.Is the Ice berg using this as a political stunt.Are folks in Alaska hooked up to the net,i havent seen anyone comment one way or another on there Gov.I heard that the Bombers campaign has sent hordes of staff to Alaska to quell any info that might question there Lipstick Queen?But don't worry,after a week in the fresh air, the clean water ,and all those mountains and trees they will be running back to the comfort of there beltway,ahhh concrete thats better!

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:42 AM)

And Gov. Palin AND her husband are in VA campaigning.
Is the son with them? I spent the week with my daughter before taking her just to college. Why the hell aren't they with their son? Change advancing one's career? Usually a stupid question, but
who IS watching the kids? And why is anyone introducing Todd and his snow thing? Is he running for something?

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:42 AM)

"Understand the rules"? You've got to be kidding! Republicans can't comprehend the meaning of the words! If Palin speaks with the media there, it will be one big campaign circus. For the sake of the families that truly care about and are mourning their sons and daughters being sent off to an unnecessary and unjust war, let's keep the media out of this event!

Sue Dubya (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:42 AM)

Hey FR, someone needs to fix the date on the political calendar on the front page of First Read. Inauguration Day is January 20th 2009, not 2008. If only it were this past January and we already had President Obama.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:44 AM)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ch_X55vBDc
She could take off her lipstick and pretend to be somoeone else. Check out the cute video.
http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/

twocanpete (Sent Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:44 AM)

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