Lawyer with Palin pre-deposition

Posted: Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:01 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Sarah Palin

From NBC's Savannah Guthrie
Palin will be deposed tomorrow by the independent investigator working for the Alaska personnel board. The interview will be under oath. Todd Palin will be deposed separately tomorrow.

Among the campaign staff and reporters traveling with Palin today was her personal attorney, Thomas Van Flein, who flew from Alaska to meet Palin, and traveled on the campaign plane this afternoon from Dayton to Pittsburgh. As evidenced by the gaps in Palin's schedule today (for "private meetings"), and the hefty white binder Van Flein carried under his arm, the lawyer is here to prep the Palins for their meeting with the personnel board investigator.

Coming 11 days before the election, the depositions are not well-timed for the campaign, which had to deal with a spate of Troopergate headlines two weeks ago, when the legislative committee issued its report on the matter. (It found Palin abused her power.)

NBC has learned that the investigator for the personnel board insisted the depositions take place now and the Palins, who, after all, initiated this investigation, were in no position to protest about the timing.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

McCain is 72. I think Barack is 48. Is there any reason to believe that Barack won't live as long as McCain? After all, He does make fun if his age.

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:30 PM)

But Ms. Palin says she was exonerated by the Alaskan legilsative committee made up of republicans as well as democrats and that they found her completely innocent. I don't understand. Why is the attorney for the personnel board deposing her when she did not abuse her power? This is so confusing. Or could it be that PALIN IS BS'ING EVERYONE!

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:32 PM)

From Obama's book "Audacity of Hope."

"I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."

Too much talking out of both sides of his mouth.
He is two people. Believe it and don't trust this
manipulator.

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:36 PM)

Sarah please comment on this. Ah..those clothes your sugar daddy bought for you?..

"Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack and
Quack, quack, quack, quack..quack quack quack..."

Thank You Sarah..
We're informed voters and
we approve this answer....

BJ, CA (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:36 PM)

We already know about Governor Palin and Troopergate, what more can the deposition show? For someone who presents herself as a average hockey mom, she has expensive tastes in clothes. Not that what she wears is that important, but stop the hypocracy about being a woman of the people.

Jeri Culberson, Sugar Land, Texas (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:37 PM)

Golly gee...I wonder what they'll wear!

DS, East Hampton, NY (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:41 PM)

Noting the constant lies Palin has told all during
her campaigning it is hard to believe she knows
the difference between lying and the truth. I do
know she will way whatever benefits her whether
she is under oath or not.
Question, who is paying for all the attorney
expenses, flights etc in all this?? The
Alaska taxpayers or the RNC? Would be interesting
to know.

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:42 PM)

Do we assume that she had an "elitist" attitude that she could manipulate the system and intimidate the panel? Kudos to those Alaskan civil servants for actually trying ot do their job.

Todd M (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:42 PM)

Ha! Busted!

DurangoSally (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:44 PM)

I'm gonna laugh my a** off when 'her' investigator comes to the same conclusion!

The problem was not that McCain picked a woman, it is simply that he picked this woman.

Roger, Wichita Falls, TX (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:45 PM)

So, this woman, who abused her power, seems to think that the VP job she is seeking has and should have more power than the constitution says that it does.

This is the person who is going to bring reform to Washington? This is the person who McCain picked to demonstrate that he puts 'country first'? Sounds more like 'Campaign First' to me.

Sherri, CA (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:48 PM)

Yup, he had to fly ALL the way to OH only for the two of them to fly back to Alaska so he can prep Sarah to LIE well while under oath in a $2000 DKNY suit!

chelle in FLA (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:53 PM)

"(It found Palin abused her power.)"

'Nuff said... well almost. I suppose if pulls a Cheney and shoots an Obama supporter, people will still vote for her...

My absentee ballot has already been cast. Obama for me.

P, CA (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:56 PM)

I hope the lawyer does not interfere with the process. she has already been found by an independent counsel that she abused her power. since she is under oath, I hope she tells the truth. if the find out she did not, pergery charges might occur. I know telling the truth is hard for her, but now she has to unless she wants purgery charges.

voter (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 5:57 PM)

Any chance that the travel expenses for the Palin children that were illegally charged to the state of Alaska (and the retrofitting of the books) will be included in the investigation, or would that need to be a separate one?

Carl Lewis (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:01 PM)

This will be very interesting.But I wonder that seeings though all she has been doing is lying is it going to make any difference if she's under oath? You get in a pattern about distorting the truth so much you can forget fact from fiction.Also where are her medical records? Didn't the taxpayers of Alaska pay for a TANNING BED? Does she suffer from depression? Why aren't the taxpayers of Alaska furious that they paid to fly&dine her childrenall over the country.I'm so tired of this,
OBAMA/BIDEN!!!!!

sandy Ct (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:09 PM)

Her Lawyer is no doubt "preparing" her just as McCain's team has for this entire fiasco. Why all the pretense,they found she abused her power and have done nothing about it, so why continue this? No matter what they decide she will undoubtedly be absolved of all wrongdoing and blame it on postpartum depression or something anyway.
Enoough of this BS
On With The Vote !!!!!

Loretta Lynn, North ,Louisiana (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:10 PM)

If the findings are negative, the same as with the Troopergate findings, it should be all over for McCain/Palin. Of course, there are always people will continue to vote for idiots and liars who also happen to agree with their beliefs, so nothings really over until the last vote is counted.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:12 PM)

O what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive. Yes, Sarah this is catching you at a most inconvenient time. Don't be a true Repbulican and lie in the deposition. Be a maverick and tell the truth.

eagle1776 (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:18 PM)

I am so mad about Palin using part of the $150,000 dollars that americans gaver her to buy a $4,000 Louis Vutton purse for her sever year old. How can anyone allow her to hold public office.

nadeem (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:18 PM)

McCain couldn't find someone ethical to choose as his running mate? I know ethics is in short supply in the Republican party, but there must have been someone?!

G. Smith, Clovis, CA (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:19 PM)

why does palin need to be prepped by a lawyer? All she has to do is tell the truth to the investigator. WHY does she need to be prepped by a lawyer or does "being prepped" mean to learn all those elitiste ways NOT BE HONEST, just answere honestly .

thats a fact jack (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:20 PM)

wow, her cases keep getting more and more interesting......hmm, what about it! a criminal on a vice-presidential ticket! No wonder why wants the power to "get in there with the senators and make some good policy changes with the all peoples and 'em...."

OBAMA O'ever!

steve, nj (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:22 PM)

This is an example of a poorly timed and irresponsibley managed campaign. The Mccain/Palin campaign actually thinks they run a smear campaign on character, race, and patriotism. The problem is every time they throw smuck, it gets blown back in their face. It would be refreshing to me if the Mccain/Palin ticket could just recognize that there is a real economy problem in this country and could come up with some fresh ideas. They just don't get it, first of all they don't believe there is a real economy problem, else they would'nt spend $150,000 on Palin's family wardrobe. Secondly, Obama doesn't need to do anything, because Mccain/Palin will find a way to self destruct.-- Obama/Biden for President!

Mike Powell, Tampa, Fl (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:23 PM)

SOUNDS LIKE OUR UNITED STATES IS ON IT'S WAY BACK. UNITED WE STAND AND DIVIDE WE FALL. THAT DO ANYTHING SAY ANYTHING POLICY IS ON IT'S WAY OUT. YOU BETCHA" THAT LAST SENTENCE SARA'S IN NO POSTION TO PROTEST SOUND GOOD TO MY HEARS. OUR CHILDREN ARE WATCHING AND THEY NEED TO KNOW IF YOU DO WRONG YOU NEED TO ANSWER AND NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW.

RUTH SMITH WAUSAU WI 54403 (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:24 PM)

Maybe the fact that the investigator "insisted the depositions take place now" shows a small ray of hope that the fix is not in...

Ok, who am I kidding?!?! The Personnel Board, whose future livelyhoods Palin holds in her hand, will be hard pressed to find against her. None of which should matter as the original investigation found her guilty of abusing her power.

Two investigations...talk about wasteful spending.

Melissa, East Tennessee (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:27 PM)

Well it is about time my fellow Americans that the wheels of justice are starting to roll slowly forward. Palin has been ignoring her court issued subpoena for a long time. She then bluntly lies to all the nation, that she was innocent of ethic violations, and did not abuse her powers as the Governor of Alaska. Even after the final report came out, and clearly stated that she had. This is extremely pathetic for any individual running to be VP of our country. Her personal conduct is immoral, and her denying it, is irresponsible to the citizens of our country. Palin will probably try to lie and deny about any violations on Friday. Whatever she may say after this investigation. Do not believe my fellow Americans! If she can lie at the drop of a hat. She will have no problem smiling, and being untruthful to the investigator as well. I wonder if she will wink at the investigator to?

Rock, Janesville, Wisconsin (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:27 PM)

hey if the rethugnutz want to spend $150,000 on clothes for palin that is their decision and if rethugnutz contributers do not mind then I don't either. if Alaskan taxpayers want to spend thousands of $$ flying palins kids around the country and putting them up in rich elitist hotels that is their decision, wether or not palin should or did pay taxes on that $$ for her kids is up to the IRS, if the AMERICAN people want that kind of people elected to high office it is their decision, I for ONE DO NOT.

thats a fact jack (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:31 PM)

tick tock tick tock.......

Elise (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:35 PM)

The findings of the last enquiry were a speculation that the personal differences with Monegan with regard to Wooten probably added to the decision to fire him. The governor was allowed to fire him and she gave several reasons for doing so. Wooten is still employed. Monegan was shirty about the jet being sold and sharing the plane. Complaints about Wooten were made through the correct procedures and thier was some fear for Palin's fathers's adn generally for the Palin's safety! The trooper had taisered Palin's nephew and been drunk on duty etc. R$eally this does not reflect badly on Palin but the press would make one think so!

ushi Llanelli Wales UK (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:35 PM)

See, the universe does have a way of working itself out.

Tracy (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:44 PM)

The truth will set you free insincere Palin and disingenuous first dude-free to go back home and stop abusing fellow Americans...

Sheila from Texas (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:49 PM)

This witch is teflon. she doesn't need a lawyer. she'll be fine. She'll just keep repeating that she did nothing wrong and eventually 1/2 the world will be hypnotized and everyone will forget that anything ever happen. You gotta love her!

kathy, charlotte NC (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:49 PM)

She can 'go down' like the self-serving, racist, lying, white female affirmative action VP pick that she is. SHE and her Wasilla KLAN had a field day and went HOG WILD on their $150,000 dollar NEIMAN's SHOPPING SPREE. She will be able to give the Louis Vuitton Bag she bought her 7 year old and give it to her teenager to use for her expected bundle of joy.

Frannie (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:51 PM)

Another McCain campaign strategy backfiring. It was the Republican Party attorneys recommendation to open the second hearing to quell the first one. All their attempts to scuttle the investigation have failed. The process of justice is moving forward in Alaska despite a maximum effort to divert attention to the Tropergate matter. The more the lawyers attempted interfere, the deeper the pain became for the McCain campaign.

Lou R (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:54 PM)

Nah, Nah, Nah, Boo, Boo!.....Tell the truth Sarah!

But maybe, at this point you have forgotten what the truth is, afterall you've been hanging around McLiar!

Also, it's not the deed that gets ya', it's the coverup!

Such behavior from a woman who has had hands layed on by the crazy Kenya Minister. Sarah, forget the lawyer, just call the Kenya Minister. He will protect ya'.

Deny! Lie! Coverup! You Betcha! Wink! Wink!

That One, San Antonio (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:56 PM)

Wow, this could be heavy stuff.
Will Palin be by herself or will her campaign manager be a part of the deposition?

Donald Lawson (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:00 PM)

Sarah Palin is in automotive terms, an "Edsel". She was hyped as some reformer and "maverick" but has shown to be little more than an empty suit. (An expensive suit nonetheless)
McCain's judgement was flawed to pick her, and her baggage continues to weigh heavily upon the ticket.

Elvis Aaron Hemphill, Greensboro, NC (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:12 PM)

PLEASE THROW PALIN BEHIND BARS AND THROW AWAY THE KEYS
AND TAKE MCBUSH WITH Y'ALL!!!

james, greenville, s.c. (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:15 PM)

Why does a plain talking TRUE & REAL AMERICAN patriot need a lawyer to carry a white hefty binder??? Looks like it's again (hood)winking time for Ms. Lipstick

bayravin (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:28 PM)

Hahahahahahahahaha you got what you asked for. If this isn't a sign that she is infit for office... Even the people she appointed are saying lets let America see this candidate for who she really is...

Truth hurts, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:29 PM)

So a defeated Palin can get home to Alaska in time for her impeachment hearings?

G'Obama (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:31 PM)

If Sarah Palin is truly innocent, then she should have no fear of an under oath deposition or it's timing. It troubles me that she is being coached b a lawyer prior to her deposition. Only the wealthy elite have that option available to them.

Scot, Dubuque, IA (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:35 PM)

This is a bogas investigation, this Alaska personnel board is appointed by Sara Palin and she has the right to fire them. She has already had a hearing by the legislative committee, which she refused to face or talk too. Palin was found to have abused her power.. Wonder if her seven year old daughter likes the 4,000 purse Sara bought her with part of the RNC's 150,000 they spent on clothes for the Palins

Matt Virginia (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:36 PM)

Both palin and hubby need to take a lie detector test and have it published. She has proven herself to be a liar already.

Sidney, MO (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:15 PM)

Ohhh, this is so rich. This horrible, unethical woman's own behavior has finally caught up to her, and just in the nick of time for the rest of us.

Good BYE, republicans..lol

Joe, MN (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:21 PM)

Simply put, the Palin's are fraudulent. I rest my case.

WB Mark (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:39 PM)

I am amazed at the insipid stupidity which spews from Palin. Two weeks and then she is Alaska's problem.

Her Brain Froze Over (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:41 PM)

Palin supports domestic terrorist. Do we want to elect a proterrorist. She is unAmerican. I will not support anyone who supports terrorist who bomb American civil targets and feels the murder of women and children is Ok as long as the bomber kills in the name of Christ. You can vote for McCain not me.

austin (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:05 PM)

Man, there are so many nails in mccain's coffin, aren't we tired from hammering them yet... NAH, this is fun.
VOTE PEOPLE!

Joe, CA (Sent Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:06 PM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1587045