First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Nj — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:43:16 GMT

The GOP can go to HELL

There seems to be a question about Palins Baby.
Where did she get it or when did she have it???

There are alot of rumors this may be a HOAX. The down syndrome baby. She did an interview in Feb somewhere and made no mention of this baby....
THIS NEEDS ALOT OF INVESTIGATION

SPREAD THE WORD PEOPLE.....

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Lyn, MD — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:43:49 GMT

More Palin Drama:

That baby may not be hers, but actually her grandchild. Focus on the abdomen of the daughter in the green sweater and in the black/white print dress.

http://gov.state.ak.us/photos/PalinFamily_Outside_v01.jpg

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/v-gallery/story/339587.html?/news/alaska/v-enlarge/story/339587-a339583-t3.html

http://openthread.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/30/9336/15731/279/579413

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-69834

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

grace, san jose, california — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:49:52 GMT

So, John McCain, you and your new vp want to "drill, drill, drill" and believe that my children, the polar bears, even though they are drowning, are not an endarger species. Fine. Then, here I send a couple of my children, meet Gustav and Hannah. Go play with them.
Signed,
Mother Nature (is not nice to fool Mother Nature!)

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Eric, Salinas, CA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:50:08 GMT

Our country can't afford to have another idiot president who makes decisions from the gut instead of using brains. Oh yeah we have "Dunce" McCain, an academic bottomdweller who's brain is alzheimer riddled. He made his decision with his eyes and hopes that white males will look at his clueless flunky so that they're not listening to his ignorance.

One thing I haven't seen is what college did "Airhead" Palin go to and what were her grades? Come on MSM just how poorly educated is this new wicked witch of the evangelical christian lunatic fringe?

The Dumb and Dumber ticket won't be able to keep the MSM's attention for long before the MSM wakes up and realizes that they're losing viewers who are too intelligent for that kind of boring nonsense. Obama/Biden is a far more intelligent and interesting duo to cover.

The RNC Freak Show will be blown away by hurricane Gustav as more and more of their numbers bail out of the RNC dog and pony show. I bet lots of repugnant ones who were going to go to their convention are thankful that Gustav will save them from the major embarrasment of being seen with the Dumb and Dumber ticket.

Only Obama/Biden will bring back intelligence and real science back to the White House.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

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Robert,Fort Lauderdale,Florida — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:51:27 GMT

How ironic,that the GOP Convention is sort of ruined by the impending hurricane thats due to hit on the Louisiana,Texas,Mississippi or Alabama coastlines,remember that is percisely what they wanted to happen to DNC Convention.

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Rosanne — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:56:54 GMT

About Gustav and the GOP 's new compassion.John McCain has criticized Bush's handling of Katrina and said that he would have personally helicotered to closest army base to be on the scene.Does no one recall that he was with Bush celebrating his birthday while New Orleans drowned?
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/24/flashback-as-katrina-raged-mccain-celebrated-69th-birthday-with-bush/

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lOOKING FOR WHAT..AZ — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:58:11 GMT

Well, Leave it to the media to paint the negative first. The nation for sixteen months has been run into the ground. We have been pounded by the Washington self serving paper hangers which all are residing congress. Congress is controlled by the self serving agenda's, These paper hangers have wronged America, cut off the voice which put these self serving paper hangers in Washington. Not one of these self serving paper hangers has mentioned the positive ""Just how he or she is going to change this country! They have wasted millions and billions in the end to support the self serving agenda's! Again the peoples voice will be left behind, and you the voter shall struggle as like never before! Obama, 7 years of congress, McCain, 30 plus years fighting for his self served agenda.
Well, Mr.Media, Continue your path to feed on the negative, because there shall be plenty of failures and if the positive comes, won't ""YOU"" the Media be out of business???

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John Alexander,PA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:58:46 GMT

Time for a gut check!

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Brad, Denver CO — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:59:40 GMT

It's sick McCain is going to EXPLOIT New Orleans for photo ops when people are in danger of losing their homes. He is not a Senator from that state, he has no authority to assist in that state, and he offers nothing to the people BUT he'll be there to look concerned. What a media whore.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

LindaManningCantonOH48 — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:02:46 GMT

At least Hillary had 18 million reasons to get the nod and is by most accounts QUALIFIED to be Vice President and President if need be.

That Palin, with her staunch neo right wing views (she campaigned heavily for Pat Buchanan)and agenda would evoke Hillarys name and think that she could appeal to people who really believe not only in Hillary but the causes she so fervently fights for.

Oh wait though I forgot, I'm just a mindless woman and Governor Poulin DOES have a vagina - just like Hillary and me. hmmmmmm- let be think about this...

I DID - for about 3 seconds and you know what-

-Sarah Palin is definitely no Hillary Clinton.
-This selection of a grossly under qualified ex beauty queen with a machine gun - has actually galvanized my support of the Obama/Biden ticket. (something I never thought would happen).

To think when the GOP does do something which should be historic and an achievement for women everywhere. They have to forever soil the process by choicing someone 100% for Political purposes. Someone, who makes for a nice image and photo-op but is seriously out of her element, a potential National Security risk and grossly underqualified with some legal issues to boot!!!

Now many will say Obama doesn't have the experience either McCain has said in a thousand times (probably not that much anymore)- the thing is millions of VOTERS think Obama is suited to be President. Most would agree that like him or not that Joe Biden was a responsible selection and that he would be ready on day one (as they say).

Even the Mccain campaign admits she needs to learn- check this quote out by one of McCain's top advisors Charlie Black-

“She's going to be learning national security at the foot of the master for the next four years, and most doctors think that he’ll be around at least that long,” said McCain’s top advisers, making light of concerns about Mr. McCain’s health.

-first off the visual on this is a bit scary and the statement itself has sexist overtones.

-I'm assuming that while Palin is groveling and beholdant at the 'foot of the Master' - he'll have Liebermann whispering the answers in his ear?

-What exactly are the other doctors saying his chances of making it 4 years are? 75-85% or so?

-God forbid something does happen will this self admited eager student be ready and versed to deal with the intricacies of running American Foreign policy???

I think this statement says it best-

"The selection criteria for a vice president, by both parties' definition, is the ability to immediately and effectively assume the responsibilities of the presidency. That's a critically important criteria given McCain's age and health. Can you imagine this self-described soccer mom negotiating with Putin or Maliki or whomever is in power in Iran or China or North Korea? Working with NATO? Serving as commander-in-chief in a time of war? Has she ever met with any of our allies? Has she ever visited a foreign country? Does she have any understanding of economics? Has she even walked down Wall Street? How does being a mayor of a town of 8,000 or so and then serving a 2-year-stint as head of the country's smallest-populated state qualify her for these tasks"? KS. Denver.

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Unreal — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:02:58 GMT

An opportunity to "not look like Bush?" Please. The coward GWB is not showing up in MN because even HE realizes the depths to which he has sunk. And Karl Rove is calling the shots in the McCain campaign. Anybody who thinks this is not Bush III has been fooled by the PR machine again.

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Florida Independent — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:03:23 GMT

Baby Mama Drama: Paulin's Kid

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/30/121350/137/486/580223

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Pat, Boston, MA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:08:47 GMT

The headline of this election (if true) is that Rush Limbaugh gave a thumbs down to John McCain's first two choices as his running mate. That's right, Rush Limbaugh.

And the story goes that John McCain is a maverick. Correction: John McCain WAS a maverick. Somewhere in time. But who knows where or when. He's tied to the far right conservative base. That's as un-maverick as you can possibly get.

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Ginger Rulz, Chicago, IL — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:14:46 GMT

Last week, Sen Obama challenged all Americans across partisan lines to face the hard challenges, take responsibility. For Sen McCain to follow that message by casting a former model from Alaska with 2 yrs experience for his VP?

News flash to the Rove casting team: Ms Palin comes across as extreme-weird to regular gals: the hair, the tone of voice, the family choices, the guns, all of it. Too much drama, so little thought.

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Eight Is Truly Enough — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:15:39 GMT

I for one am glad that, as you all are putting it, the "Obama-Biden" media well has slowed to a trickle. Guess that gives all you talking heads plenty of time to focus with a fine-tooth comb for a change on McCain, his judgement, temperment, "maverick" abilities, and oh yes...that "brillant" move of putting his answer to Hillary Clinton up for proper vetting and scrutiny. Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden's work is underway and they've put their cards on the table for America to dissect so they deserve and have earned time out of the spotlight which is what McCain's always been jealous of anyway. Now is his chance to be the "rock star". LOL Now he's got the buzz and attention he desires so lets just see what it uncovers shall we?

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Cindy — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:15:53 GMT

Tell McCain that his temperament is not right.He is hypocrite, he does not care one bit about the people of new Orleans, last time they got hit by Katrina, he was celebrating with Bush his birthday. The world saw how the Republicans treated the people of America, letting them die. McBush will setroy what is left of America, all he cares for is his pocket. He is no Maverick. Obama/Biden 08

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Treebranch, OH — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:16:32 GMT

Yanno, most people think this race is a huge game, but for me and my family, it's as real as it gets.
My husband is an Autoworker and we are in danger of losing everything.
I just can't see America chosing somebody who will continue to ship jobs overseas and doesn't seem to care.
I go to sleep at night crying because my husband has been laid off most of this year, and I just don't know how much longer we can possibly hold on.
My son fought in Iraq for this country and I feel like in return we are just being ignored and stomped on.
I just don't know what will happen to us if McCain wins this election.
I'm more scared than I've ever been in my life.

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Amy, Boston — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:17:30 GMT

Our choice for our Commander and Chief should be based on Judgement and Leadership. Even before McCain made his VP choice we knew he was lacking in both these areas and now it is confirmed. He picked a woman to put himself first with the thought that women in this country are stupid. Palin is nothing more than a trophy pick. People need to remember Obama said his choice would have to be someone he could entrust our country to should something happen to him. Truly good Judgement, charecter and a Leader!
There should be no more questions on who is ready to be our President.
MCCain & Palin what a joke!
I will not be watching the GOP Circus.
Obama/Biden 08!!!!!!!

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No Reckless McCain — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:19:58 GMT

Why are republican talking heads comparing Sen.Obama's experience to that of Gov.Palin? The difference: Sen.Obama decided to run for the Presidency and participated in over 20 debates and got 18 million voters. So Sen.Obama has been vetted and in essence was chosen by the people. That is democracy.

Gov.Palin was picked for VP by one man. Nobody knows anything about her or her positions, apart from the fact that she is a hockey mom. She might be a fine person but she has not been vetted by McCain or by the people. If she ran for Presidency herself like Sen.Obama and won the nomination it is different.

All this choice shows is McCain's judgement and his reckless behaviour.

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EHJ Tampa, Florida — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:21:04 GMT

I never want to hear "the liberal press" again. GE parent company has Tom Brokaw (Republican) host MTP with Andrea Mitchell (Republican) Mike Murphy (John McCain best friend and Republican) and Maria Bartiromo (I am going to guess Republican) all on to whitewash this ridiculous pandering choice of McCain's and actually paint it as a good choice when it is clearly an insane choice! Doris Kearns Goodwin was the only one there who made sense.
Have we gone through the looking glass in this country?? Black is white and night is day. Democracy is dead if we don't have unbiased reliable information. With newspapers briskly dying we rely on tv more and more and tv gets less and less informative and more a spin device.
Sarah Palin may be a charming person, but so is my Aunt Nancy, and neither of them is prepared to be one heartbeat away from the presidency.

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Billy Ray, Mobile, Alabama — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:21:05 GMT

Very, very scary decision making on the part of McCain. He seems to be exhibiting signs of dementia with this pick.

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wanna know — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:21:50 GMT

Was Palin vetted?

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Jill Reno NV — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:28:08 GMT

Someone Should tell Bush and the Replubicans that the damage is done from Katrina. Theres no way to undue it. Remember the pictures of John McCain being given a Birthday cake by President Bush as Katrina was tearing apart New Orleans.
Having lived in the Disaster of the 7.2 Earthquake. These politicians need to stay away from the areas and let the people do what they need to do. YOur motorcades and walk arounds take us much needed Police and fire personel protecting you.
MCCain Palin quit making this part of your political campaign. Show the class of Obama/Biden and stay informed at a distance and let these poor people get ready.
God Bless all of them and Pray this is not as bad as Katrina.
Good luck La and Miss.

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Vivi Shelby County Tn — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:32:03 GMT

Why don't posters stick to the issues, and avoid personal attack on a mother and her baby? Such attacks are a new low. I applaud McCain for doing what the Democratic Men's Club couldn't.

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Linda Duran, Rockwall, Texas — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:32:39 GMT

A person should earn his or her position on a national ticket. This can be earned with votes--as Obama and McCain have done, or it can be earned with years of experience and expertise as Joe Biden has done. Though Governor Palin seems like a fine young woman with a good mind and lovely family, she had done neither of the above to earn her position.

She does have the correct anatomy, though, and as a woman who has admired Hillary Cliton for years, I find the pick a little insulting.

Additionally, I worry about her readiness in other ways. She was so excited to be in PA because, "It's always good to see another part of the country." Forget another part of the world. And we want her to deal with Putin? This is absurd! When asked about the investigation taking place in Alaska she says, "It's cool." It's cool? Are you thirteen?

To think that John McCain would make such a rash decision with so little real vetting is scary. His decision making process is more worrisome than the actual pick which on its face seem ridiculous.

Linda from Texas.

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Janna, Lynbrook, NY — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:34:08 GMT

Palin uses her baby with Down Syndrome like a prop from central casting. She governs a state with less than adequate special education. What kind of mother is she

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smark — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:34:34 GMT

Yeah, god listened to the prayers of the neocons hoping for a rainy night in Denver last Thursday. Their prayers were answered. dubya and darth are prolly relieved they don't have to go the RNC and say nice things about george mcCain and barracuda sarah. dubya needs time to contemplate where in the Library at SMU he will place his contribution 'My Pet Goat' and the photo of the Katrina cake he and george mcCain enjoyed while New Orlean drowned.

Cancelling the convention (because Gustav will get more MSM coverage than the RNC) will be billed by the repugnant party as an heroic gesture. Pshaw!

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McCains stopped the Media in its tracks — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:35:41 GMT

LMAO the media is stunned, voiceless, Palin has put joe biden in his place when joe voted against the alaska pipeline that suppys 15 million barrels of iol a day to the America... I just hope the lawyers for MSNBC, are ready for slander lawsuits to be filed against matthews and oberlamn when they start slandering Halpin and her downs syndrome baby agin MSNBC will be afraid to post this.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Murgatroyd, Umpqua, Oregon — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:35:57 GMT

There will be a public vetting process where the Press will scour the minutes of the Wasilla, Alaska city council meetings to discover that Palin's experience as mayor was deciding issues that do not qualify her for President. There will be direct comparison and contrast to Obama like " while Palin was a fisherman, Obama was teaching constitutional law."

McCain thought that there would be superficial comparisons that would allow his team to claim that Palin is as experienced as Obama, but a more detailed comparison will occur.

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SUE MSNBC — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:37:41 GMT

MSnbc knows that they are posting untrue slanderous sites here. Are your lawyers ready to defend u

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Jen, Twin Cities, MN — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:41:14 GMT

The convention will be held next week or...not at all. Logistically you cannot book an entire city - contracted - have the Xcel Center what did they say last night.....lay six miles of cable on a whim. It takes planning. The groups that have booked space after the convention have a right to be there too, they also have reserved seats on planes and have business to conduct. Gee guys, the world will go on.

All these hotels are used: http://www.gopconvention2008.com/news/Read.aspx?ID=521
I base my 20+ years as a meeting planner when I say, no way did all of these hotels contract an additional week just in case there was a natural disaster. I doubt seriously if all 50 states allow payment of hotel rooms not used on their per diem and I doubt if all airlines are all of a sudden going to move aside booked passengers to allow all the delegates to move their reservation.

Wondering if McCain went south during a disaster before he became the official candidate? I don't recall him showing up at the shelter I was managing.....hmmmm.... nope, he was eating cake:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/24/mccain-and-katrina-ravage_n_98470.html

Can we please not forget that Katrina hit Mississippi harder than it did NOLA, twas the levees that made the issues afterwards (yeah yeah I know because of the hurricane and yours saying not to hundreds of years of use?). God bless the people of Mississippi and Alabama and what they had to go through with Ivan and then Katrina. You had to see the bikes, clothes, tvs in the 100' trees for yourself.

Back to MN, The Minnesota legislature has passed HF 3986 and SF 3642, identical bills that say, “During the 2008 Republican National Convention, holders of an on-sale liquor license may remain open and may serve alcohol until 4 a.m. each day.”

Yummy! I guess they'll have to hold an emergency session to move this if the convention doesn't happen.

Did see our gov on Meet the Press, darn I missed it. And its curious that Alaska has been on the tongues of Minnesotans for a few weeks now with the negative Frankin ads for poor Norm. Poor Norm, please go back to NY where you are from....and take your ethics with you.

</soapbox>

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Serious Female Voter — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:42:16 GMT

The President of my son's PTA is responsible for more people than live in the town where Sarah Palin was mayor. With all due respect, the whole state of Alaska has a population less than most large American cities. She's charming and a Supermom and all that, but God help us -- The Ann Coulter-wannabe Homecoming Queen Governor of wacky Northern Exposure? A hearbeat away from the presidency?

No thank you

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Eleanor Lopez, Dennis, MA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:44:42 GMT

One woman is NOT as good as another. How insulting to Hillary supporters. Hillary EARNED her place at the table with a top-notch education, working on policy while in the White House, has traveled all over the world meeting with heads of state, and has been a highly respected Senator. Now a pretty, younger woman has been moved ahead of her. She is the antithesis of Hillary in all policy issues: she thinks global warming is a hoax, wants to take those pesky polar bears off the endangered species list, is against abortion even if the woman was raped a victim of incest, wants to teach creationism in school, and knows nothing of global issues, the economy, education or the intricacies of foreign policy and Iraq. She is NOT and never will be Hillary. We are furious and will do all we can to defeat McCain and his beauty queen.

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pedestrian — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:46:02 GMT

"The McCain camp knows they have a fine line to walk, needing to show compassion and leadership while also not trying to look like they are taking some political advantage."

Uh, if so, that would be a first for them.

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Karen, Charleston, SC — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:47:49 GMT

After Obama's acceptance speech, where he challenged McCain to focus the contest on the issues facing America and not the small stuff, McCain's response is to select Palin?
I'm insulted. And I'm disappointed. After Obama's speech I was looking for an exciting race - for a higher level of discourse where the candidates take on the issues, meet American citizens, get to know their concerns, and become better fit for office by doing so.

But this is as if McCain watched Obama's speech and scrambled for a scapegoat. Palin is already being eaten alive by the press and the blogs. She will certainly provide the gaffes and errors necessary to turn the McCain campaign into a joke. While I do not think McCain is the best choice for president I had hoped this campaign would be meaningful, that Obama would win on his merits and take office having demonstrated that he was selected as the best of two worthy candidates.

Now McCain is no longer worthy of any more consideration than I am.

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Cynthia L Valdes — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:48:48 GMT

The proposed Republican ticket is Fantastic! For President, a senior citizen who cannot remember how many houses he owns,is not especially knowledgeable about world geography, wants to keep our forces in Iraq for a hundred years(even if the Iraqis want us out),thinks he can solve all world conflicts by sending the Marines(whether we have any on hand or not),favors tax breaks for Big Oil companies and tactlessly jokes that the Middle Class average income is 4 million dollars. For Vice-President the Republicans have selected a gun-toting, moose hunting, anti-abortion, anti-environmentalist, ex-beauty queen celebrity whose political experience is limited to have been PTSA president, mayor of an Alaskan town with a population of 6000 and governor of Alaska for less than 18 months. But, oh yes, I forgot to mention, she advocates drilling for oil in the beautiful wild-life sanctuary of Alaska and by the way, she is also anti-gay. This is a ticket made in Right -Wing Republican heaven. So, if you think that the last eight years were Great Years for the USA, vote for the Republicans in November. But if you are hurting from the reckless policies of the Republican administration of the last eight years and you are aware our country stands at the edge of an abyss, THINK, before you pull that lever in November.It has been said'"A country DESERVES the leaders they ELECT. Our country doeasn't deserve four more years of disaster.

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Willis, TX — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:49:13 GMT

DNA -- One word needs to be put in play for Palin -- DNA!

Rumor has it that Sarah is NOT the mother to baby Palin -- but rather her 17 year old daughter!

Sarah says she was attending a conference in Arizona when her water broke and instead of heading to a hospital -- she boarded a plane and flew to Alaska! Any woman who has had a baby knows that once your water breaks your baby could come at any moment and you would not want to jeopardize that birth by NOT going to the hospital!!!

Sarah's decision to fly home makes sense ONLY if she is covering for her daughter!!

DNA is needed!

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Terry, Great Plains — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:49:29 GMT

Thinking that McCain/Palin going to Miss. to look Presidential and that this will have everyone forget Katrina is ridiculous. Photo ops will not replace the shame of Katrina. I know from my expereinces with Katrina. All McCain is is a panderer. He chooses a running mate that has more moose than people in the state and has NO experience in national government. We do not need another Bush/Cheney. Obama has been vetted by going through the primary process. Palin and McCain is a shotgun wedding put together out of fear of a loss of an election. John
McCain country second or third.

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Rodham Democrat — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:50:01 GMT

Chuck - I have 5 important questions for Gov. Sarah Palin:

1) What does Sarah Palin think about John McCain leaving his first wife to fool around with the model Cindy McCain?

2) When Sarah Palin thanked Gerry Ferraro & Hillary Clinton in her introductory speech Friday, why didn't she thank any Republican women? Was she trying to imply that Democrats are responsible for progress, even for Republicans?

3) Most importantly, Sarah Palin praised Hillary Clinton, but was it genuine or merely a way to manipulate the emotions of us Hillary supporters and score points for her man, Sen. McCain?

4) If Sarah Palin really admires Hillary, then why did she call Hillary a whiner in March when Hillary refused to drop out of the race?

5) If Sarah Palin is such a reformer who stands up to her party, why did she stand back and let her Republican Party trash Hillary when Hillary dared to revolutionize the role of First Lady and take a strong policy role in her husband's administration? Why did Sarah Palin stay silent when her fellow Republicans criticized Hillary's weight and appearance? Why didn't Sarah Palin jump up to defend Hillary when her talk radio ditto-heads, Rush Limpdick & Peon Hannity, slandered Hillary w/ dishonest attacks when she dared to run for the Senate? Where was Sarah Palin then?

To me, Sarah Palin is a fake & is not worthy of any respect from Hillary supporters.

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Libratine — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:50:53 GMT

McCain is a votes FIRST and COUNTRY LAST kind of maverick. He is RECKLESS with the security of the American people and he is DANGEROUS. He is also an opportunistic USER callously feeding naivete to the wolves. Palin, those who support her ideals and those who don't deserve every bit better. She herself said she didn't know what the VP does and knows nothing about our policy in Iraq. Honestly, if a MAN said that he and the presidential candidate would be sunk both by MSM and the public. I'm sorry, but the kidd gloves NEED TO COME OFF!!!!

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Vivian Beals — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:56:37 GMT

How can you hide pregnancy for 7 months and your daughter is away from school for 5 months. This sounds very fishy. Some good reporter needs to investigate. This could be huge story!!!!!

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Lynn — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:58:25 GMT

Stop with the Palin baby remarks; it's uncalled for and rude. Not to mention, I don't think it's coming from "Liberals" at all. As an Obama supporter I find it very hard to believe that those remarks are written by my fellow supporters.
For months, the argument made has been that Obama supporters are rude, viscious and hateful. Funny how that behavior has never been exhibited at the many events, caucuses and primaries I've attended.
Think about it folks, Obama draws in 10s of thousands of people at his events and you've never heard of an uncontrollable crowd. And don't say it's because of biased media, cause that argument is overplayed and old. Don't say it's because of security, because the security at his events has been questionable to say the least.

This baby smear against Palin was started to garner sympathy for Palin and rally women. Don't buy into it!

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katiec Pekin, IL — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:59:19 GMT

Imagine the pubs are having a hard time filling the
seats for the convention.
Even Bush and Cheny are bowing out on the pretext
of caring about our country.
Mccains pick for vp shows his total disregard
for our country and the people in it.
ENOUGH!!

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formerly of NY — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:59:55 GMT

An article in the paper this morning stated that McCain picked Gov. Palin to reinforce his "maverick" image, that he didn't like being the face of "experience." In other words, Sen. McCain vainly chose his public image over country....and wasn't he going to put Country First?

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Kozicka — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:01:07 GMT

McCain must be loosing his marbles. This woman has neither education nor any knowledge in critical areas of science, technology, finance or, law.
It is bad enough that she does not have a passport, but does she even know America?

Of course, in Alaska where you have 50 men:1 woman a beauty queen can win most elections. Pray, pray...

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Look Out Cindy Lou !!! — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:03:15 GMT

So, we're starting off with lies... Well, she will fit in good with mcSlime when he talks about his false POW days...

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/v-gallery/story/339587.html?/news/alaska/v-enlarge/story/339587-a339583-t3.html

His "TRUE" record as a POW will never see the light of day, buy apparently her lie about her pregnancy has.

E*N*O*U*G*H already !!!

No More Lies ! PLEASE !!!

Also... Cindy better watch her old fart of a husband. Did you see the way he was checking out paline's behind?

Dirty OLD troll !!!

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Kay T, Orlando, fl — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:05:35 GMT

Can I just say something a little off the subject but I just finished watching Meet the Press and I have to say Tom Brokaw ain't no Tim Russert. Tim Russert would of gutted Gov Pawlenty. Now don't get me wrong, I like Mr. Brokaw but I sure Tim more then ever.

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Ellie, Aurora, CO — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:06:10 GMT

Perhaps those right-wing religious folks should take a message from a Katrina-like hurricane disrupting the RNC convention. Many prayed for rain at Obama's speech last week, and it turned out to be a perfectly beautiful day.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

May GOD BLESS you. — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:06:17 GMT

So the Republicans were "praying" for this HUGE rain storm to come down on the Dems 'big night out'... Well, GOD is teaching you a little lesson...

May GOD BLESS the citizens of the GULF region.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

May GOD BLESS you. — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:06:28 GMT

So the Republicans were "praying" for this HUGE rain storm to come down on the Dems 'big night out'... Well, GOD is teaching you a little lesson...

May GOD BLESS the citizens of the GULF region.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Leahsez in Alabama — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:08:29 GMT

It is more than obvious that the commentors of First Read only watch MSNBC, Palin is an absolutely brilliant pick, I am 51 white female that actually had a little compassion on Obama a year ago, now as I watch "ALL" the networks covering this election MSNBC and its commentators are so pro Obama it's disgusting,and pretty obvious there is no well rounded viewing by the readers of this blog. You watch MSNBC or CNN and they can only call Palin a Mayor- She is the Govenor of Alaska, beat an incumbent, slashed the budget, cut her own salary, the list goes on but you won't hear any of that on MSNBC OR CNN or on FIrst Read---why is that??

Like I said when Obama first appeared I was drawn to many things he said, but as time went on I realized that his approach to the government is to enlarge the government, sorry that is not for me, I am very happy to see an african American receive the Nomination. I grew up in a very democratic household-50 year union father- but Obama has no business as POTUS. I don't agree with everything McCain stands for but from what I see of Palin I am enthsiastically on board. Biden against her- she'll clean the floor with him as only a woman can do. COngress of whom Biden has been a part of for 36 years and Obama has served actively for 140 days before running for office is the true problem with the economy of America. Palin has my vote and my confidence. If you believe obama is ready after his brief experience she is more than equal to him.

McCain/Palin 08
excited to vote this ticket
Do you have the nerve to print this blog First Read
or is it to conservative for you????????

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Sherri, Charleston WV — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:09:54 GMT

..........saw Bush on CSpan briefing from somewhere in the Hurricane Central Warroom..........my first question to him would be

Pres. Bush, at the last New Orleans impending weather disaster, you chose to stay vacationing at your ranch in Crawford TX, followed by a birthday cake photo op with Sen John McCain at a local airport. What has changed in this period of time that compells you to be where you are today?

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

lauren, boulder, co — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:10:07 GMT

Yes the irony of the fact that they prayed for the DNC to be rained on and are now dealing with a hurricane is an interesting coincidence (if you believe in that).
Seriously, I pray that everyone will be safe and that everyone in our country will help all americans regardless of party, race, or religion)affected by Gustav to get through any issue/damage that arises.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Christine, Hadley — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:11:28 GMT

I'm not so sure having the Palin reveal and Gustav's pending landfall turning the attention away from Obama-Biden is a negative. They exit center stage on a high note and the critics get their rebuttals cut short. Can't microanalyze every perceived misstep for days on end. Obama and Biden get to start stumping on the ground with the local citizens without the media pundits having paled the impact or message. And Gustav reminds everyone about the horrible response three years ago and no matter what Bush & McCain do THIS time, no one will forget that they were sharing cake while an American city drowned.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Tired of the kids glove treatment — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:15:12 GMT

I'm sick of hearing about how "soft" or "careful" the Dems need to be when attacking Palin. SCREW THAT! Do you think dictators that may threaten us will go easier because she is a woman? No. She needs to go through the same scrutiny as any other candidate. Equal rights - right?

I am a well educated and successful woman. I don't expect to be treated differently and definitely don't expect our potential VP to be either.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

JB — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:15:44 GMT

"Attention to the Dem ticket is nearly nil. They are getting plenty of local coverage during their initial tour and will get some major play on "60 Minutes" tonight. But since the announcement of Palin and the strengthening of Gustav, coverage of Obama-Biden has slowed to a trickle."

right. because the corporate media in this country can't follow both tickets at the same time, apparently. I mean, i really don't think its too much to ask. Just because something new happened doesnt mean that older stories suddenly become irrelevent or less important.

Plus, i know "equal time" is no longer official policy but is it too much to ask in the most important election we've had in a quarter of a century that you follow BOTH CAMPAIGNS?

I guess it is.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Biased, AZ — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:20:18 GMT

Split screen, Well, its black or white, Which one are or "have you been watching""?? The hype this election has been the Media, Negative and biased, The poorest of Poor reporting than has ever been done in history! Morals and the quest always to destroy who ever, feeding frenzies which thrive on the negative, even now they make their""Media"" assumption of the negative towards the weather and the residing President. Incited useless articles with low life context, utterly revolting to what America stands for! But there is no stopping the Media and the ALCU along with the Naacp, For that would be offending civil rights, Horse bunk!!!!

We should be praising those who are AND HAVE THE COURAGE TO RUN TO BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT! bUT IS bUTT! LOW LIFE CLAIMS AND EXTENDED FALSE PROMISE FILL THE INCITED MINDS OF THOSE WHO SHALL VOTE!!!

This election has destroyed and broke the nation back! So, the Media will have its feeding frenzy for the next week. They will incite opinion, negative context to the letter, compare as to incite the negative and bias all which resounds towards the positive!!

Split SCREEN?? Biased is more like the truth!

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Sandra, Tennessee — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:21:53 GMT

What is this talk of Palin grandchild as opposed to fifth child? The pictures seem to support this theory. Seems like this should be denied by Republicans party or explored further.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Paul Theis; Milwaukee, WI — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:22:05 GMT

In an AP article (about a Republican governors' association conference?) "in July or August of 2007," Palin was quoted as saying she liked Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson for president in '08. [Source: Eric Dondero, Houston-based host of a Libertarian-oriented radio talk show (available at blogtalkradio.com), air date 1/4/2008]. I do not think many Hillary Clinton supporters would agree with Palin on her presidential preferences.

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Amy, TX — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:24:53 GMT

The Palin decision, more than anything else, 100% proves that John McCain is just like Bush: decisions based on emotional gut reactions to events, without deliberation or consultation.

No more cronyism & reactionism -- America deserves better

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

danielle,hillsborough,nj — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:27:06 GMT

AS a stalwart Obama supporter i often have conversation with my mom who is an independent voter over 50 white suburban woman. (if i said her real age she would disown me!)She asked me what i thought after she gave her opinion. She said she is insulted that McCain thought putting any woman on ticket was the answer to Hillary. Mind you she was away this weekend and not watching the media coverage. So I would like to say on behalf of my mother John McCain. . . Sarah Palin a pro-life,NRA member,who believes creationism should be taught in schools YOU ARE NO HILLARY CLINTON!

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Rick,Ky — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:27:20 GMT

The New York times along with several other's reported that Barack's acceptence speech was watched by over 40,000,000 ( 85,000 live)people. The Historic nature of this has been cartooned off to the back pages as Mccain announced his running mate, ( a woman who no one outside of Alaska know's) who look's like she come's straight out of the movie " Teaching Miss Tingle" with a squeaky little voice who does'nt know what the Vice President's job is.

Corparate America, owner of the the MSM & the GOP have stuck a Huge Middle Finger up at the American people & said "Screw You". Corparate America has again shown " The Black Man" the back of the bus !

John McCain in his sick Demented mind has told the Women of this country what he think's of You. He think's that Hillary's camapign was ONLY about your Vagina. In his Demented way of thinking ( Cindy as Miss Buffalo Chip) he has shown his True Color's as to what he think's of Women, as if 75 % of women did'nt already know.The Stepford wives ( some, not all) of the GOP will fall into line like Zombies & vote for this Unknown, who is a heartbeat away from being President.

Some poster's have said that Mccain was paying back the GOP for his treatment back in 2000 with this pick.Will we ever know if that's the case? All i know is that Palin strikes me as Incapable of handling world affair's with her Cheerleader like speech Friday.What kinda Judgement does this woman have, when in all her knowledge had to know that having a Baby at her age, made her more likely for her baby to be born with Down Syndrome ? Get Real Indeed !

Are we as Stupid as Corparate America think's we are? I DauuuuuuuuuuuM sure hope that's Not the case. If we are, God help Us !

Even though we come her to post our views on 1st Read, this bunch ( owned by Corparate America)of 1st read's socalled Journalist, show us on a daily basis that they think we're Stupid by wanting us to Post about what Oprah thought about Barack's speech.

This probably won't get posted as my thought's have been put into File 13 for sometime now.Maybe it will, maybe not, but one thing's for DauuuuuuuuuM sure " I Aint Stupid"

We can't stand 4 more year's like the last 8 year's !

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

jds, slc, ut. — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:28:50 GMT

I think democrats should lay off the rumors that it's not Palin's baby.

That's kind of a slimy subject.

No reason to get into personal matters.
I'm more worried we could actually see this neophyte in office.

A scary, reckless decision from McCain.
He skipped over many other women republicans whom are qualified.
Why?

First thoughts: Split-screen convention

Mil — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:31:05 GMT

I can only see one way for McCain to back out of this now…

Palin would suddenly ‘decide’ that she is needed by her family, her son in particular, and her state and simply cannot be veep. Then McCain would get to pick a new veep and all of the things that Dems said about Palin would be flipped back over and used against Obama.

Risky, but if I were advising McCain, I’d likely be pushing for that very scenario.

But thank goodness I’m voting for Obama. XD

ps: How long until the McCain/Palin ticket gets called the Beauty and the Beast ticket?