First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

the Pajama Pundit — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:45:50 GMT

Whose Republican Party is this -- John McCain's or Sarah Palin's?
******************************************************

Good question. You have to wonder how John McCain feels about Palin stealing his proverbial thunder...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

ts mpls, mn — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:47:16 GMT

an Obama campaign accusation that Palin was a Pat Buchanan supporter,

__________________

Correct me if I am wrong but wasn't it Pat Buchanan himself that said she supported him when he ran for president?

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

MIA in Miami — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:48:07 GMT

Oh Gawsh, please tell me Senator Obama is NOT appearing on "The O'Rielly Factor". NO, NO, NO, don't do it Senator, They have and still are trying to tear you and your whole family apart. That network is pure evil and corrupt. They receive talking points for the GOP. NO, NO stop before it's to late!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:48:34 GMT

I don’t necessarily believe the treatment Sarah Palin has received is “evil” - the word thrown around this morning. In some quarters, her treatment by some could be considered cruel. Sexist? Possibly.

But then Senator Obama was confronted with a great deal of racism. Was this evil? No. Cruel? Yes. Ignorant? Definitely. Racist? Overwhelmingly so.

To me evil is when you tell churchgoers that the war in Iraq is God’s will. That’s evil. There are thousands upon thousands of deaths of innocent people because of GWB and Dick Cheney’s lies. And Sarah Palin considers this God’s will?

To me a pilot who drops bombs on innocent people is not a hero. To me the heroes are the ones who go out and march and hold our government accountable for the evil we are creating in the world.

Evil is a president (Nixon) who threatens to bomb the Brookings Institution. There is tons of stuff all over the internet on Pat Buchanan which isn’t very flattering. Most of us ignore it. The same can be said for Joe Scarborough. We just ignore it.

DailyKos has some bloggers who were out of line. But they are not driven by talking points like the GOP. If they have any talking points at all lately, it is to attempt to stop those bloggers with the mindless gossip towards Sarah Palin, something the GOP failed to do when Barack & Michelle Obama were treated as though they were left wing racist crazies who were about to blow up our government.

I still get emails pushing this crap. And it is the right wing who is behind it. The Christian right wing, as well as supposedly intelligent people. They quite possibly don’t believe any of it. They just happen to be racists. That is obvious. And that is evil.

I don’t believe Jesus would like it. But I wouldn’t know. The Bible is full of hate. So I tend to stay away from it. I’ve always found that just trying to lead a decent life is the best way to go. And not be so judgmental of people. This is America. We should all feel free to make our own choices and be our own person. Not someone who has to go through life with the hypocritical churchgoers looking down upon us. That’s conformity. And most of us in this country will have no part of it. This is 2008 for goodness sakes.

If you want to live your life with religion, that’s fine. This is America. But remember, these compassionate Christian conservatives are no better than anyone else. They make mistakes. Big ones. Their track record proves it. They’re just never honest about it.

Keep religion out of our government. That’s how wars are started. That’s why hundreds of thousands of innocent people are dead.

This is America. As Chris Matthews so aptly put it - as Americans, we don’t feel this country is measuring up.

Religion is not the answer. Smart educated people in government is. Peacekeepers.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Andrea, New York City — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:48:46 GMT

The McCain camp is one huge mass of lies, bad decisions, ugly attitudes, and unsavoury accusations.

I would not waste my precious time on watching Palin's speech. Now she is REALLY scary. McCain was bad enough.

PLEASE do not vote for these people.

OBAMA/BIDEN: They put country first

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Bev, Los Angeles — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:50:41 GMT

BREAKING: Palin Business Shut Down by State

Tue Sep 02, 2008 at 02:48:00 PM PDT

The WaPo is now reporting that Sarah Palin and her husband were part owners of a business that was shut down by the state for noncompliance with state regulations:

State records show the business ran into trouble with Alaska's division of corporations business and professional licensing after Palin became governor of the state in 2006.

A Feb. 11, 2007 letter to the governor's business partner advises that the car wash had "not filed its biennial report and/or paid its biennial fees," which were more than a year overdue.

The warning letter was written on state letterhead, which carried Palin's name at the top, next to the state seal.

On April 3, 2007, the state went further and issued a "certificate of involuntary dissolution" because of the car wash's failure to file its report and pay state licensing fees.

How can this woman be trusted to run the U.S. government if she can't even run a carwash in Anchorage with plenty of help?

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Weather Channel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:50:50 GMT

Here comes Hurricane Sarah liberals!! And she's a Category 5!!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Jen,MI — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:51:44 GMT

The gender card:
“This vetting controversy is a faux media scandal designed to destroy the first female Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States....."
News for the McCain camp...this is about her and her politics..not her gender.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Dee Dee Dawns — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:51:46 GMT

Things that don't mix: Liberals, and self made powerful women.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Michelle Zee — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:51:54 GMT

The republicans sold us the Iraq war and now they are trying to sell us Palin.

I find it appalling that America has grilled Obama for 18 months and here comes Palin and we are supposed to trust her with our economic interests and the security of our country? I don't think so!

Really??? We know less about Palin than Obama. I can't believe the republicans are pulling this stunt. I will say it again, she is not ready on day 2!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Midwest smalltown voter, Missouri — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:51:55 GMT

Well, my first thoughts on this whole matter of Palin and the pregnant daughter are also my first thoughts on McCain picking Palin. I believe McCain picked her to whooo womens voters...Hillary voters specifically..but Hillary voters are pro-choice..
Now, Palin chooses to go forward with the nomination of the VP...I see this as a grab at women Pro-Life voters..I guess my question is.....did she think that maybe her daughter being outed on national TV would help or hurt the campain....My guess she thought, well, Im pro-Life, my daughter will keep the baby, this is a fantastic way to show voters I mean business on the abortion issue. After a few days of thought on this, I see it as dragging her daughter through the mud so she can be a VP. What a sacrifice. I would not do that to my family or a fragile daughter. Would you? So much for family values. As for picking a president, I went to both websites, read their position on the issues and made a decision...I will be voting for the family values ticket, the ticket that will give middle and lower class families a fighting chance..I will vote Obama/Biden and be proud to do it!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Spin till you drop! — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:52:36 GMT

How can they deny she's a Pat Bukkkanen supporter when PB has been bragging about it all week??? Man they are desparate.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Nashville_fan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:52:37 GMT

I have one fundamental problem with John McCain and the Republican Party.

I can’t trust them because they lie.

That’s not my opinion, that’s a fact.

They lie about the reasons for going into war. They lie about their opponents record (still telling those tax lies every chance they get). They lie about their own record (still selling Gov. Palin as against things she is for).

Democracy cannot survive if it is based on a lie, and no amount of wrapping oneself in the flag and/or the Bible is going to change that.

The hypocrisy of the Republican party was on display with Fred Thompson’s speech last night –criticizing Barack Obama for using a teleprompter – while using a teleprompter. Accusing Barack Obama of being a celebrity, while being a celebrity. Fred tells a great story – but the problem is the Republicans always do. It’s the reality of their failed policies that is the problem.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

iowan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:53:37 GMT

This vetting controversy is a faux media scandal

Anyone else concerned that this person has not been interviewed by a single member of the national media? That she was only interviewed for the job the day before nominated? That the R party is basically hiding? That she believes God will guide war efforts (in a speech in June)? That McCain so thoroughly either does not care about 'country' or so badly wants to win that he will swallow this choice by his 'advisors' (who does own John McCain by the way)? And, finally, that Brokaw gets frightening close to Chuck during those close-in shots--are ya ok Chuck?

The folks who have been embraced should not be called "conservative"---conservative is if you wear white and blue shirts, don't like change much. These folks are EXTREMISTS---and it's scary. They are not representative of Christianity, nor of religious tolerance, nor of wise husbandry of the resources of the planet, nor of 'conservative' use of military or political power. These folks who John McCain (leaving aside his own, many faults) is in bed with are little less than American Taliban. God help us.

(And, Chuck, clue us in on Brokaw's crush on you.)

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

farah — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:54:10 GMT

why isn't it a bigger deal that Todd Palin was a longtime member of AIP and it is clear that Sarah herself has been sympathetic to them. Why isn't this a question? You people in the media need to stand up to the bullies in the mccain campaign. McCain made an irresponsible decision and he needs to pay for it.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Obama/Biden 08 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:54:12 GMT

How can McCain "be his own man" when instead of picking the VP he wanted, Lieberman, he pandered to the right and picked someone who shouldn't be "a heart beat away from being president?

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

twocanpete — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:54:37 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
GOP Rockstar? This woman can't carry a note in a bucket. Come on folks, if McCain wanted someone with 'street cred' among conservative he should have picked Mike Huckabee.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

MI Chick — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:54:58 GMT

[[Tonight, that will change when the GOP rock star of St. Paul -- Palin -- takes the stage.]]

Does anyone see the irony in this? Isn't this what the repubs were using in their rallying cries against Obama? Now they have their OWN "rock star" and everything's OK?

Oh, the hypocrisy...

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Lisa — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:55:22 GMT

Why is he pushing back? He did a lousy job and it shows and I believe it will show tonight when she speaks. I think it's awful we have not heard from this woman on any issues or anything else since she accepted the invite to run with McSane. They are trying to tame her the Repub way which is sick

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

William Druckman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:56:46 GMT

Lets just write up the review of Palin's speech now before she gives it. A home run. Could not have been better. Did everything it needed to. Gloria Borger and Andrea Mitchell give it an "A". Kristol gushes speech was Reagan like. The moose eating, gun loving, prolife babe did it all. Scarborough says it changed the whole dynamic of the race. Bet you most of what I wrote is said.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Treebranch, OH — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:56:47 GMT

We've already been introduced to Palin, and she didn't make a great first inpression to say the least.
I wouldn't have her over for dinner.

As for Thompson, It was painful to watch, he stuttered and stammered all the way through.

I'm imbarrassed for Republicans.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

BJ, CA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:56:49 GMT

Hillary supporters can see right thru this
Gov. (PHONY PONY) Palin...no real substance just party lies and lies and no real issues that help youth and woman's issues...Just look at messes in her prefabricated life..When we first saw Gov. Palin, I thought I was watching the BIO channel..how scripted and from out of nowhere...
She ain't no "Golden Nugget"..more like post digested switch grass..(cow pie)..

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

NM Ray — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:56:57 GMT

A Great Question: Can a College Graduate Communications Major who previously worked as a sportscaster read the words from a teleprompter that were written for her by a Republican speechwriter who she never met?

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Stephen Missouri — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:57:04 GMT

Palin was a bad choice and McCain knows about it. Isn't ironic that the Republicans are running on a one man platform rather than as a party??? So this whole thing is about McCain...

Give McCain credit, if he looses this election, he will definately have destroyed his party once and for all. Bush wrecked it...McCain may well finish the job.

No way, No how, No McCain. ENOUGH!!!!!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Jimmy CHICAGO IL — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:57:15 GMT

Has anyone noticed that when you you take a quick glance at the gian campaign sign in the background at the Repug's convention, it reads like "McPlain". And that just about sums it up.......McPlain.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

SSSS — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:57:40 GMT

Stop Sexism, Support Sarah

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

MSierra, SF — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:58:04 GMT

Does Sarah believe in evolution ?
Does Sarah believe in Creationism ?

'...The Tree of Life
Blog of Jonathan A. Eisen, evolutionary
biologist, Open Access advocate, Professor at UC Davis and Academic Editor in Chief of PLoS Biology.
Sarah Palin on EvolutionCreationism
Well, it seems McCain has further embraced an anti-science agenda with his pick as Sarah Palin as his running mate.

The
Science Bloggers are a bit up in arms over this. I think there is some
hope that she/McCain will drift back to the middle on this at some
point but they both now seem to fall in the camp of the Intelligent
Design supporters. It is the "independent" streak both do seem to show
occasionally that gives me hope that if they do get elected, they will
not be as tied to the ID supporters as they will be during the election.

Anyway, here are some things I found on the web about Palin's evolution views:
NewMiner.Com: in response to written questions in a 2002 election ...

Q:
The education section of the Republican Party of Alaska’s platform
states “We support giving Creation Science equal representation with
other theories of the origin of life. If evolution is taught, it should
be presented as only a theory.” Do you support this position? Why?

A:
I support this plank in the Republican Party’s platform. I believe
society can have healthy debates on scientific theories, so equal
representation of creation and evolution shouldn’t be an offense.Anchorage Daily News in 2006 reported

The
volatile issue of teaching creation science in public schools popped up
in the Alaska governor's race this week when Republican Sarah Palin
said she thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the
state's public classrooms.

Palin was answering a question from
the moderator near the conclusion of Wednesday night's televised debate
on KAKM Channel 7 when she said, "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid
of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in
our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."Most other
thigns I have seen are rehashing these two stories in some way. If
anyone has any other detail I would love to see it....'

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Nj — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:59:38 GMT

This is a JOKE and a sham.
With all these scandals the McCain people want to say its the MSM???
IFZ THIS WERE OBAMA AND HE HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS AROUND HIM THE RIGHT WING WOULD BE ALL OVER THIS>

I want to know when the MSM breaks her CHURCH GATE???
Now that is SCARY

WHAT A JOKE. At what a joke the MSM is now becoming. They are now backing off instead of doing their jobs.
Get some balls people. SHE IS A JOKE

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Gretchen Wilson, NYC — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:59:39 GMT

Palin absolutely has more experience then Obama. She has more experience then Biden in many many areas. Biden does surpass Palin though, in giving long boring speeches. Palin has also made it in a mans world. She rose to be Governor of Alaska?!? Now if that's not a "Mans World", I don't know what is. Now she's taking a lot of flak, mostly from liberal men. Liberal men like to talk the talk about "equality" and "equal rights" and "equal pay". Now here's a woman that doesn't need liberal men to talk for her, and these liberal men are angry because of it. Sarah Palin doesn't need a man to fight for her, she can do it better herself.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Tell us, BHO — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:59:48 GMT

How large was the town where Obama was a councilman?

How large was the city where Obama was mayor?

How large was the oil and gas commission Obama chaired?

How large was the state where Obama was governor?

STOP SEXISM, SUPPORT SARAH!!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Roberto Huezo, Nurnberg, Bavaria — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:00:01 GMT

Dems don't have to attack Palin. She can do that good on her own. In the last couple of days I have heard/read things about Palin that would immediately would disqualified any man, or for that matter any woman not in this election year. I will try to list them, please feel free to correct/comment on them:

1. She is under investigation for firing an official for not firing her brother-in-law
2. She is a member of the Alaskan movement for a separate state of Alaska
3. She has made a speech using God's name in vane. She claims the Iraq war is God's Will as well as the laying of a pipeline through Alaska
4. She doesn't know what the job of the vice-president is and someone should explain it to her
5. Her 17 year old daughter is pregnant and unmarried
6. Her husband has a DWI
7. Her political experience is less than 2 years old
8. She is the commander-in-chief of A national guard unit
9. The largest group of people she has represented is roughly 9000

Did I miss anything? If these points are facts (give or take a couple of details) then we should really ask ourselves if:

1. McCain knew all of the problems and still made the decision, then his process of reasoning and decision-making are not good-enough for the presidency
2. McCain didn't know all or some of the problems and still made the decision, then he made it to surprise us all, but probably right about now, he is sorry he did that. She is not good-enough for the presidency

Either way McCain blew it. The first most important decision on his candidacy and he blew it.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:01:04 GMT

Too bad the RNC didn't do a better job of vetting this shameless smear that is "Wicked Witch" Palin before we're getting the truth about her. Stop acting like limp wristed conservative lunatic fringers now that we're finding out how despicable this "Airhead" Palin is. You've spent deacades trash talking us liberals so now it's payback time!

I so enjoyed the Daily Show and Colbert Report last night as they ripped the wicked witch good. I especially liked that Jon Stewart had Brian Williams of NBC News on. I was so gratified that Jon Stewart told Brian what most of us MSNBC tv viewers wanted to tell the bigwigs at MSNBC, that is to stop this nonsensical arguing between commentators and get on with the news. I always like watching Brian on Jon's show, the two make some funny comments together.

Only Obama/Biden can save us from the madness that is the Dumb and Dumber ticket.

Go Obma/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Heidi Johns, Beloit, WI — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:01:11 GMT

Palin pick reminds me of "Wag The Dog". It seems to me that it's all smoke & mirrors and no substance. Not one word from any of the Republicans yet regarding the economy. I'd like a job where the economy doesn't effect me.

Quit the song and dance- focus on the issues- the people that you supposedly represent.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Ron Indiana — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:02:07 GMT

It's easy to watch and listen to the mindless screams and shouts at the GOP convention. But let's take a closer look. The vetting process is a big deal. Why? Because there still may be something in the weeds that has yet to be uncovered. McCain sends lawyers and operatives to Alaska. Why? The slow down the investigation so the results of that investigation are not made public at the end of October, an October surprise! Have you ever noticed that all investigations find somethig, sometimes a little something. But it will require spin.

Will Palin withdraw from the race? Depends. Obama hit 50% in the Gallup polls and McCain has not broken 46%. If Obama's numbers keep rising, Palin, stock will lower. Then there is the baggage:
Troopergate
Bridge to nowhere,
Alaska secession (Pat Boston wrote about the importance of this issue.
Director of 527 for Stevens.

Clearly she is a target rich environment for the Obama campaign. I suspect Biden will look forward to debating her.
So, will she withdraw? Depends how she does fielding questions from professional journalists. When you scrape away all the glitter, she is out of her league. The odds of withddrawing is 50-50. The odds of her bringing down the ticket is 90-10. The Hail Mary pass fell incomplete.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Todd — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:02:12 GMT

The Republicans: If you don't have anything good to say, make it up.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:02:15 GMT

Palin better watch out. Her arm may also be in a cast if John thinks she stealing away his thunder. He's got quite a temper (seems to be with woman)........just ask Cindy how she obtained her cast. Rumor has it by shaking hands.......yeah, right.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:02:28 GMT

Early this morning, McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds announced that the campaign today “will launch a forward leaning effort to counter the shameless smears that have prevailed during Governor Palin’s introduction to the American voter.”

----------------------------------------

What shameless smears? Why don't you just admit that you didn't properly vet this candidate and you screwed up because you don't know the first damn thing about her?

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Nashville_fan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:02:44 GMT

Dear John McCain:

This election is about ME, not Sarah Palin.

Her gender, her family issues, and her "experience" don't trump MY medical bills, MY energy bills, MY house value dropping.

THE DEBACLE that the Republicans have made of the economy and foreign policy over the last 7 1/2 years will not go away because Sarah Palin is a woman.

This election is NOT about Sarah Palin.

What is McCain/Palin going to do for America?

So far the answer is play the victim and whine.

No more drama . . .

Obama/Biden '08/'12

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Kate, ME — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:02:55 GMT

ts mpls - I believe you are correct - Pat Buchanan has said several times that she supported him. She seems like a great person...but definately not the best choice for VP

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Todd — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:03:20 GMT

The Republicans: If you don't have anything good to say, make it up.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Pat huntington NY — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:03:34 GMT

Lieberman lied in his speech - Obama did, in fact, work with republicans to get nuclear weapon bill passed.

Thompson lied in his speech - Abraham Lincoln, not Obama, was more inexperienced when he ran for president, and more liberal given the politics of the day. Lincoln only had about 6 years in Illinois State Senate, followed by one term in the House, and failed US Senate run...compared to Obama's 8 years in Illinois Senate, followed by 4 years as US Senator, all preceded by extensive community service.

The Republicans are Lying out of both sides of their faces because they have no record to run on, and no facts to smear.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Anne, Pittsburgh — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:03:53 GMT

Rachel Maddow was reporting on Troopergate a week before Palin's selection. At least someone out there was paying attention to her possibility of being picked as VP before the fact.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

MK, Minnesota — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:03:56 GMT

Is anyone out there possibly buying this about all her experience as an executive of state with less people than many US cities. A small town mayor?

Ain't Illinois, Ain't Delaware, Ain't the US Senate. Get a clue.

What executive experience does McCain have then? He's the top the ticket. If the US Senate doesn't count then I guess McCain just concede the top spot to the Wasilla Mama.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

g`pa — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:03:56 GMT

Alaska is a Good place for Sarah Palin, -- Leave her there. We have had enough of the Holy Rollers running this country.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

stephanie lacy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:05:17 GMT

it was pat b. himself who said that palin was a supporter of his/the secession party...not a democrat. question: why don't you guys at masnbc tell the truth about this? but, peprhaps that would be too much like right, as my great grandmother would ahve said....it would also force you to counter some of the lies from the gop camp or ask real questions; the only saving grace for msnbc is keith and his guests who do seek to accomplish what you guys are supposed to be in business to do...chris matthews is the worse.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Moderate Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:05:24 GMT

The lack of a serious vetting process for Palin demonstrates further to me, that McCain is willing to do anything and play up any token to become Presient! His choice in Palin is irresponsible at least and, perhaps, even dangerous.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Matt — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:06:10 GMT

Palin has a tough task ahead of her tonight. The delegates will go crazy, but she has to focus on image rehab with the press and moderates.

http://www.political-buzz.com

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Chritine, Denver, CO — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:06:11 GMT

“Sen. McCain picked his governing partner after a long and thorough search..."
*****************************************************
Okay - so she was thoroughly vetted (?) Are the Republican's saying that even after the 27 million in earmarks for her town of 6,000 made possible by her hiring of a lobbyist that has ties to Jack Abramoff; her heading up the 527 group for the indicted Ted Stevens; her continued support of said senator; and her involvement in the fringe Alaskan secessionist party that she was still the best choice for vice president??? That is just sticking to the political facts - not taking in all the other baggage (pregnant daughter, polar bear and wolf issues (the Republican's wouldn't have as much of an issue with that.), etc. Since they are pushing back so much on the background search that seems to be the next obvious question to ask!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Rojer, RI — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:06:28 GMT

The righties want the media to become palin cheerleaders...everything about her life is fair game just like it has been for clinton or obama...just because she says shes a righteous kind of gal don't make it so...not by a long shot

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

pat huntington ny — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:06:31 GMT

Palin is a scarier female version of Bush.

If she's VP, America, be very scared, as you just voted a beauty Queen as your VP, and probable president, as McCain is very old.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Joe, White Bear Lake, MN — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:06:37 GMT

There is no [T]hunder, per se, for Palin to steal from McCain -- they are both DUDS! I get sick just listening to them speak.

It was so interesting (and enlightening) to hear interviews with Republican women voters this morning on NPR explaining why they will not be voting for McCain -- because he showed such poor judgment and picked someone with absolutely NO experience.

Obama has intellect, character and vision. Unlike Palin, Obama spent 18 months being vetted by the American people to get to where he is. Palin, well....she spent that time strong arming officials to fire someone she didn't like from local law enforcement. It sound like the christian right wants to place a "puppet" close to the Presidency so she can force John McCain to do their bidding. I hope the country is smart enough not to let that happen.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Hey, Joe Biden --- "where's the beef?" in your speech — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:06:59 GMT

THE BIG DEBATE ---- JOE BIDEN versus SARAH PALIN.

In the debate, Listen Carefully to JOE BIDEN ... He has a well-deserved reputation of the most
long-winded oratory that says ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. ------ HE WILL NOT SUCCEED IN THE DEBATE WITH THAT TACTIC.

As the little lady said the last time Biden ran for president .... "JOE, WHERE"S THE BEEF?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Moderate Republican for Obama — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:06:59 GMT

Lieberman just plain lied last night. I am not even a Dem, and I am furious at him. As as the Dems secure enough votes in the Senate, then they should kick him out.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Houston — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:07:35 GMT

I agree with Obama that Palin's daughter shouldn't be an issue. There are REAL problems with this candidate. Some of them are covered in this First Thoughts article.

But one big problem that the press hasn't picked up on is that Palen is an anti-science extremist. She denies global warming is caused by human activity and who thinks creationism should be taught in schools.

With the critical importance of science to our economy and with global warming on the verge of being a real crisis, do we really need someone like Palen in the White House?

BTW: It looks like "push back" is the new buzz term of this election in the media. Sometimes it's the Democrats who are described as pushing back against something, but mostly it's the Republicans who "push back."

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:07:55 GMT

I LOVE how the party of the status quo, the old (white) boy's network and Old Values is now a maverick crying crocodile tears at the sexism Palin has been encountering, and isn't O so shameful? Not bad for a party so sure they'd have a white male that the original acceptance speech had to be emasculated for Palin's use. Neither Palin, Mclame, Obama or Biden has a day's worth of executive experience, unless you include Palin's family, which...well, never mind. These supposed "smears" are only the media's attempts to fill a vacuum of knowledge about Palin that Palin's handlers themselves have created. So stop the whining, guys!
I watched last night a sea of white faces and missed the diversity---like REAL America in the REAL 21st Century!!---of the Dem convention.
Let Rudy speak, and we can count the times he says "9/11", sort of like counting license plates driving when you're bored...No doubt Rudy will try to scare us into voting for The Great White Grandfather to protect us, just as every Repiglican speaker has. It gets old, guys. We're not kids afraid of our own shadows.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

BJ, CA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:08:27 GMT

Hillary supporters can see right thru this
Gov. (PHONY PONY) Palin...no real substance just party lies and lies and no real issues that help youth and woman's issues...Just look at messes in her prefabricated life..When we first saw Gov. Palin, I thought I was watching the BIO channel..how scripted and from out of nowhere...
She ain't no "Black Gold Nugget"..more like post digested switch grass..(cow pie)..

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Frank Krajcovic, Colorado Springs, CO — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:08:53 GMT

John McCain thought that Joseph Lieberman would be the best Vice-President for the country. Apparently he let himself be browbeat out of that decision by Karl Rove and others, because it would “Destroy the Republican Party.” He chose Sarah Palin instead, at the last minute, without completely vetting her. What this says about McCain’s ability to change the way things are done in Washington is beside the point. What it shows is that in this most important of decisions, MCCAIN PUT PARTY ABOVE COUNTRY!!!

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

David, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:09:04 GMT

Pat Buchanan has repeatedly stated that Palin was a big supporter of his when he ran for president.

First thoughts: America, meet Sarah Palin

Cliff in NH — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:09:15 GMT

Why is there no serious coverage of the serious questions about Palin? I am watching Morning Joe right now -- where is the discussion of her extreme AIP views and Dominionist/AOG religion?