A little late to the party but I had to respond to #93 Anonymous. It is in the Governor’s power to fire her commissioners at will, and in the beginning I supported that. What is most concerning is when Troopergate first started Palin said she welcomed the investigation and she promoted open and transparent government. Then she hops on board with McCain and that all goes to shit.

And don't let her fool you, she doesn't really want to be VP. She wants to be president.

#236, Jayna, who raises the question:

Stupid vs. Muslim supporter??

And concludes:

I'll take stupid any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Your prejudice is appalling. Villianizing the term "Muslim," and anyone associated with it, is an excellent way to ensure the continuation of our wars and the culture of fear we allow every day to dictate the state of our military (our family members, my family members), our economy, and human rights across the globe.

How I hope that Sunday never comes.

After reading this, I'm thinking Couric could be the new Tim Russert. She fucking killed her. Can't wait to see it tonight: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/24/eveningnews/main4476173.shtml

Need some comic relief after watching this mess? Check out: http://www.TheGreatSchlep.com - Sarah Silverman is trying to get Jewish Democrats to schelp to FL to convince their grandparents to vote Obama!

Anyone who is to the right of the Green party in my hometown might as well as call themselves Hitler, that said, there many of what used to be called Fiscal Republicans in our city. They tend to be quiet(er) and are furious with the Religious Right takeover of the GOP. Some become Libertarians, some are like me, Democrats who tend to vote issue by issue.

I'm a liberal, by my parent's standards. I have absolutely no problem with gay marriage, abortion, or whatever social issue you have at hand. Your body, your life, your choice. I believe in more personal sustainability programs, alternative energy research, and teaching the world to compost. I'm a recycling Nazi and an avid free cycler. That said, I'm not a complete bleeding heart. I believe in personal responsibility. I believe in people not being a victim, expecting a handout, and for our government to take care of them like an uber parent figure. I get tired of having more and more of my money to pay for broken systems -- and am terrified of having my paycheck fund many of the socialist policies Obama wants to put in place. I've been a registered Democrat since my first election, but I think for the first time ever I will vote Republican in the fall.

I don't make a great deal of money, by Bay Area standards, and my husband runs his own small business. We are comfortable, but on a budget, we are busily paying off our two mortgages and are saving for our future. We don't live lavishly. We're not jetsetters. So when Obama talks about the "richest people in our country" being ANYONE who is making over a combined household of $250K, my eyes start to twitch. 250K? Are you kidding me? *That* is the cut-off? In a city where I am surrounded by multi-millionaires, my stomach tightens as I think how once again how the (upper to some) middle class has to bear the brunt of tax increases taken on by our Federal government. Our household annual taxes under Obama's plan will increase by another 40K a year. 40K. Do you know what that means for my family financially? And for what...socialism? Have we ever seen that work? Get real.

As a woman, I can't say anything positive about Palin except that at least it is giving McCain's campaign a boost in the polls. Like others, I too wish McCain had picked Lieberman. I don't like Palin, but don't think she'll do nearly the damage as the Obama/Biden ticket, and hope that her "handlers" can keep her under control while McCain is in office. She is probably eager to delegate her decisions to those who know what the hell they are doing. I see her a purely political move -- drilling in Alaska, religious right, and alienated Hilary voters. That's all.

My own real hope? That Obama is a *conservative* as I once thought he was -- he is no hawkish Democrat -- but if you look at his record he isn't nearly the liberal touted across the internet. Biden? Company man. The worst kind, too. Ugh.

Wow. That. Was. Very. Scary. She was clearly bluffing her way through that one.

The Palin/McCain ticket is dangerous, and many people don't understand why. One of the things that disturbs me is that both of them consistently voted to deny funding to women's clinics and teen pregnancy prevention programs. A lot of pro-lifers think that women's clinics and abortion clinics are one and the same, but they're not. For example, one of the organizations that suffered from this lack of funding is Planned Parenthood. I use Planned Parenthood for all of my well-woman care and any female-specific issues that come up, because they are much less expensive than the doctor's office that I was using and my insurance also covers them -- so I pay less out of pocket. The one closest to my house also offers mammography and ultrasound services, and if a woman is uninsured or low-income, they offer these things at low or no-cost. I'm probably not the only woman who uses Planned Parenthood as my primary care doctor. Deny funding, and you take this service away from ALL of the women that need it.
Affordable healthcare is already a problem in this country, and McCain and Palin will only make it worse.

Sidebar: We already know where Palin stands with regard to birth control and teen pregnancy prevention. All I know is that if I got pregnant at 17, my mother would have cremated me.

Similarly, there are some states where it is legal for a pharmacist to deny filling birth control pill prescriptions based on their personal or religious beliefs. Just like the fact that not all women's clinics are abortion clinics, not all women take birth control pills for their intended use. A friend of mine's mother, who is in her late 50s, is currently taking them to control some of the side effects of menopause. Denial of BC prescriptions is illegal in my state - but only recently became so. The Wallgreens in a town near me had a sign that stated that they would not fill birth control prescriptions for any reason due to personal beliefs. If McCain and Palin get into office, expect this to be the norm as opposed to the rule. They have both stated their desire to overturn Roe V Wade and further enforce their beliefs on the American people.

Aside from healthcare, one of the things that this country needs are alternatives to fossil fuel. Neither McCain nor Palin support this. So, if they get elected, one of two things (possibly both) will happen. 1, we will remain dependent on foreign fuel providers and 2, since Palin supports drilling in Alaska, we will have more of our natural landscape destroyed. Things like solar and hydrogen power are smart, and anyone who doesn't realize or support them, isn't.

And please don't get me started on how unethical McCain is. He left his wife after she became disfigured in a car accident, publicly took up with Cindy while he was still married to her and really hasn't done any hard work since - because she is wealthy. The man doesn't even know how many homes he owns! Some say that a candidate's personal life shouldn't be evaluated when considering them for office, and I disagree. What you do in your private life reflects your ethics and character. McCain clearly shows a lack of class, judgement and common sense. No way do I want him running the country -- and then dying in office and leaving his seat to a flake.

I generally don't get involved in political conversations because I hate getting yelled at for my innocent little opinions, but I do have to say this video is a little disconcerting. I don't think it proves anything one way or the other-- she's obviously not well spoken, and the fact that Russia is "right across the border" may very well give her foreign policy experience that we don't understand because we aren't from Alaska... it just seems she had no idea how to explain herself. "Well, they're right there," isn't a good enough reason, and she probably knows that, but if I were talking to Katie Couric in front of a camera I'd probably be stuttering and spitting out nonsensical syllables, so I almost can't blame her.

Her composure in that interview is clearly that of someone who is b.s.-ing.  I see it all the time in job interviews.  I remember it from college classrooms when students were called upon and clearly hadn't done the reading.  That doesn't ipso facto mean she's a stupid or even ignorant person.  But certainly indicates that she's unprepared and that's not a favorable trait in someone running for V.P.

But have you ever heard our current President speak?  It's the same thing - IF NOT WORSE - and we elected him TWICE.  And the thing about George W., he's not an altogether stupid guy either.  He's actually pretty smart in a cunning, non-academic kind of way.  And if Republicans have schooled the Democratics in one thing over and OVER, it's that qualification, experience, elocution, and integrity don't win elections.  Getting people to vote for you wins elections.

So being baffled that people actually support the McCain/Palin ticket and plan on voting for them is missing the forest for the trees.  As several commenters have pointed out already, voting is not a purely (or even MOSTLY) cerebral act.  It's emotional, visceral even, and Palin appeals to many Americans in a very emotional, visceral way.  I'm as anti-conservative as the day is long and even I find myself admiring Palin in a weird, primitive sort of way.  She's got chutzpah and women with chutzpah stir something in me.

And OMG if my paragraph breaks don't appear I'm going to be peeved in a very weird, primitive sort of way.

I think Melissa in comment 108 put it well... no person who would be great in office will ever run for it... It has turned into a slimy sort of business.... But, I do worry that as wonderful as Obama's ideals sound and as good of a speaker he is, that some of his ideas are pretty against the very things that make our country unique and great...
going to be a hard vote... is there an independant running???

There are plenty of people I can have beers with; I don't need my leader to be one of those people. I just want them to be smart. Since when is having smart leaders a bad thing?

Obama is smart. Very smart. That's what I want in a leader.

I can't watch the video because I'm at work, but if it's the interview clip I heard on the radio this morning, I would like to express my displeasure with the McCain campaign for putting her in this position, of having to defend some newly-invented aspect of McCain's political record. I agree, there are many ways she isn't right for the job, but I think the flubbing of this interview shouldn't be blamed on her entirely.

She is frightening. I think she was an eHarmony pick.

Seriously? OMG. That was... scary.

This is all I have to say....at least the person on the republican ticket, with no experience in foriegn policy, is the VICE president....

On the Democrat ticket, this very person is the PRESIDENT nominee...

That scares the shit out of me......

I find it interesting that whatever version of this is presented the answers are always the same. The Obama supporters replies start with an implied "Well Duh!" The McCain supporters replies all end with an implied "So There!"

She is nothing like me. I'm a 20something living in a big fucking city working as a freelancer with no health insurance and a shitload of student loans to pay off.

However, I'm from a small, conservative town where there are women "just like her." The kind of women who didn't like the smart, pretty girls because they would go on and do something significant with their lives. The kind who would stop your 16 year old self in the hallway because you were wearing a shirt that showed a collarbone and that was inappropriate (read: stupid shit that doesn't matter - education should be what matters).

By the way, my town also had hockey and the term "hockey slut" was coined for a reason. I'm looking at her daughter...

just curious you self righteous piece of crap, have you EVER heard Obama speak without a teleprompter? Now THAT is some scary shit!

Hey, have you seen the clip of Biden talking about Roosevelt addressing the people on TV in 1929 during the Depression!??? Doubtful because NBC edited it! Go look on youtube you stupid piece of crap! Someone needs to tell Einstein Biden that people didn't have TVs in 1929 and Roosevelt WASN'T president.
Honestly, you are such piece of garbage, it is shocking!

So if you haven't already, please watch this brilliant portrayal of our future if the election goes badly:

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1831461

Palin is not the type of person I would like to have represent the US as vice-president, but, whatever, doesn't scare me. As PRESIDENT, on the other hand, which really could happen, I think she could do a lot of damage, her views are extremist and she seems inept- in the same ball park as George Bush.

As far as McCain choosing Palin to run with: political decision designed to get him in office. All the major candidates are doing it. He and Palin are NOT natural allies. But, if he chose someone like Lieberman who is a natural ally and it didn't mobilize his base and he DIDN'T get in office, it would be a moot point. He had to go with the choice he thinks would be most likely to get him elected. He obviously wasn't courting the likes of me.

I like McCain. I think he’s a good person and has done a lot of good during his political career. During this election, I was cheering for Hillary and think she would be a great president. BUT, now that she isn’t in the running, and McCain has moved his policy statements to the right and has selected a conservative, seemingly simple minded person, as his running mate, I’m taking it back with Barack! Oh, and I love Michelle Obama. She will be an awesome first lady.

Oh and if you want to see a swing song about Barack, check out my blog: http://authenticthreads.org/blog/2008/09/22/takin-it-back-with-barack-ja...

Heather, I can't tell you why anyone is so excited by Palin, but I'm surrounded by her supporters. I live in Wasilla and am a huge Obama supporter. The folks out here that support her just aren't looking too closely, methinks. I should add that I saw maybe 2-3 McCain bumper stickers on cars out here (he lost the rep. primary here in February to Romney). After the announcement of Palin as his running mate, this place exploded with Palin/McCain paraphernalia.

Obama supporters are having another rally in Wasilla tonight, wish us luck! It might get ugly out here.

It took me the longest time to figure out who she reminds me of...Is it Rosanna Rosanna Danna? Or is it Lily Tomlin's crazy secretary character in I-don't-remember-what-that-show-was...? Nope!

By George, I've got it! She reminds me of Mrs. Wiggins (spelling?), who was in fact, Tim Conway's secretary in those hysterical skits on the Carol Burnett show. (I know, showing my age!)

"Oh, my God, the Hell!" is absolutely right.
This almost-40-year-old is scared.
Really scared. But, Barack doesn't make me feel safe either.

This isn't answering the question posed by Heather, but I just had to say it. Politics aside, I find it so incredibly offensive when people refer to Sarah Palin as "retarded" (like comment #44) or "mentally disabled" or anything of the sort as they try to make the point that they think she is unqualified. As a family member of and advocate for the population being mocked, it's personally hurtful. In addition, making slurs like that really diminishes the speaker's credibility and detracts from any intelligent, fact-based arguments that they might have to present.

The reason why she is a crap VP nominee is because she simply does not know what she is doing. She knows that, too, which is why she brings up topics that are entirely IRRELEVANT. Her state being next to Russia has nothing to do with her in the upcoming election and nothing to do with her, in general. She is governor of a state that is 47th in population in the U.S. She is not a good candidate for those reasons, and more. She was chosen because she is an attractive women, probably the only big-time Republican female office holder. Texas borders Mexico, whoop de doo. If she can tell us WHY it is so great that she governs a state next to Russia, maybe we'll be more impressed. If her party wasn't forced to attack itself and its politics, maybe we'd be more impressed. If the people that supported Palin could eloquently explain why she is a good candidate, maybe I'd be more impressed. So far the only reasoning I've heard is this, seriously: "She's defends our borders against Russia and North Korea, and its the second biggest state in the country!"

Really? This is why I am not impressed by what the Republicans have going for them. All the Repubs I have met, and I say all and mean all, have met argument with complete irrationale. It doesn't make sense. They know it, but the sky could be falling and they'd still tell themselves the same thing every morning and be content and ignorant.

"148. Diggs said:

First off, #53 - the bailout is not socialism. This isn't a long term ownership of banking. Its not for the benefit of all citizens, we don't all get an ownership piece of these banks. This is straight capitalisim, these banks are going to be underwritten by the gov't, just like the communications, pharmecuetical and energy industries. Its a pillar of free market capitalism. ... "

Whaaa ... ? Is this really the Republican understanding of "free market capitalism" -- the government underwrites businesses with *taxpayer money,* the businesses get to go away and do what they want without regulation, and the taxpayers get nothing for it?! And that's a-okay?!

OH MY GOD THE HELL!!! ... If the government were giving away money hand over fist and calling it "welfare," letting individuals spend it at will with no restrictions, would that be a "pillar of free market capitalism" too?

Comment #148 is your explanation right there of why people support Sarah Palin. As a "post turtle" who is stranded, doesn't know anything about how she got in the mess she's in, how to prevent it, or how to get out of it, she really is just like them!

RE: #335

Heather, can your next masthead say "self-righteous piece of crap"? It's kinda catchy.

Thank you, #99, for addressing the comment made in #63. Whether they supports McCain or Obama, I'm sure they all would agree that saying that somebody was captured in war makes them a bad soldier is an awful, awful thing to say. [Sidenote: there is no "e" in McCain, and if you had ANY idea what you were talking about (you can't go to ANY website without seeing that name spelt properly) you would know that.] You have absolutely no right to judge whether or not John McCain was a good soldier or not, because the fact is that HE WAS a soldier. He sacrificed himself for the wellbeing of his country, and nobody completely horrible would be willing to do that. Atleast he doesn't sit at home reading blogs all day leaving comments using the name "McBooty". You are just the kind of person that gives Americans a bad rep! Finally, how could you say he WASN'T a good soldier? He was offered release during his time as a POW, but he declined because his troop was not offered release, and he refused to leave them behind. Whether or not his a good candidate for President, people need to acknowledge him as a good person and soldier.

I also agree with #99 about the title of the blog, I assumed it was a swing at Palin, I'm pretty sure we all did.

Thank you though, Dooce, for clearing it up, I guess your explaination makes sense as well. And by the way... I don't think anybody has the right to tell you not to write about politics on your Blog. It's yours, and they can all go give themselves swirlies.

That being said, I do support Sarah Palin, for all the same reasons as #93.

This clip was worse than I expected. I coach executive speaking and could puts lots of folks in front of Katie Couric who don't know beans about foreign policy or economics, and they would sound more astute and convincing than Sarah Palin. Unfortunately, a lot of interviewing skill is technique and gamesmanship.

I don't think she is any rocket scientist, but I think the campaign is doing her a disservice by not providing the right coaching. She's a rookie, to be sure, and it shows. The question is, though: Does America care?

I'm a moderate, who leans left. I liked McCain in 2000, because I didn't like George W. Bush. Back then, there was a difference.

I'm voting Obama this year, not because I think he's a savior, or that he'll fix everything, or that he can possibly live up to all the hype. Simply put, I think the country has swung too far to the right in the last thirty years, and needs a good shove back. It's gotten much harder to prosper here as a blue collar or middle class person, and that has everything to do with Republican economic policies.

I think the right loves Palin for several reasons: First, she shares their values. Right wing soccer moms love the idea of a recognizable person running things. Second, she pisses off the left. Seriously, lots of people on the right define themselves by what they're not, and they figure out who they like the most by how freaked out and angry the left gets. So, the more we complain about Palin, the more attractive she is to the right. Simple as that.

I think part of the reason Obama won the nomination instead of Clinton was because many people felt that Obama would be harder for the right to defeat. Clinton rallies people on the right as much as she does on the left. By choosing Obama, we got a mostly-unknown quantity who is attractive enough to voters in the middle that they want to find out about him. Sarah Palin is similar. She fires up the right, but she's an unknown quantity to the vast majority of America. And as the Veep candidate, we have less time to scrutinize her.

But everyone knows Hillary Clinton. Middle America has already got her defined in their minds, and many (if not most) of them would have voted against her for that reason alone.

Much of Palin's attraction to the right has to do with her strategic value, partly based on her gender, partly because any attack on her comes off as an attack on all the rest of white suburban soccer moms, who are tired as hell of being told that they don't know enough to run things.

But I'm a left-leaning moderate guy. What do I know?

I'm a former Democrat, turned right leaning independent. I'm socially liberal (pro-choice, don't care about gay marriage either way) and conservative when it comes to foreign policy and the economy.

I like Palin even though she doesn't have a whole lot of experience, and no I don't like her because she is "just like me" or "I can have a beer with her." Or some other crappy sayings people say to make themselves feel smart about the political choice they are making and thus basically calling the other side dumb. Also she is the bottom of the Republican ticket, whereas the TOP of the Democrat ticket has less experience than her. So I don't see how anyone can claim that experience is a deciding factor when choosing a candidate.

BTW for everyone who makes cracks about Palin's religion, Obama went to a church for 20 years with a racist and anti-Semitic pastor and yet only decided to part ways with him when it was politically necessary. So I would rather have a born again Christian who understands the difference between personal beliefs and being a representative of the people (Palin vetoed a bill that would deny same sex couples coverage, even though she disagreed on a personal level)than a person who doesn't have the conviction to stand up to a hateful pastor, instead making him his personal mentor.

In the end I like her because she seems like a politician who agrees with my own views on how government should be run and I admire that she has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. As others have mentioned there are many examples out their of Obama and Biden sounding stupid (Obama's famous 57 states gaffe), so her sounding less polished doesn't frighten me. I understand why others will not vote for her based on the issues they support, I don't however understand people frothing at mouth calling her crazy and an idiot.

I also want to mention that I find her accent grating, but again I don't think how a candidate sounds determines if I'm going to vote for them or not. Obama seems to be only eloquent when he is reading a speech, however it doesn't make like him/dislike him anymore.

If one actually ANALYZES actuarial tables, not "do" them as Matt Damon points out, you would see that McCain has a pretty good chance of staying alive for at least another 8 years, so no I'm not worried about McCain dying any time soon. Plus a bunch of other things Matt Damon quotes in the youtube video linked in the comments, comes from a satirical e-mail, written as a spoof on Palin, not things she actually believes.

I can't help you out with finding a Palin supporter, but I can say that I totally agree that this woman scares the bejesus out of me. I'm completely baffled that she's made it this far. The McCain campaign could not possibly be more transparent about trying to get her out of the VP debates. Biden would eat her alive (and I would celebrate).

@335

Oh dear. We should be scared of people like that voting.

#301 said it all! so she gives a shitty interview. . . joe biden keeps his foot so far down barack obama's throat that it's about to become obscene. the people who plan on voting obama ignore the fact that biden makes an idiot out of the whole ticket everytime he opens his mouth. there can be no dream ticket, we have to weigh the ideas put forth by each ticket, pick one, and hope like hell it gets better.

does anyone else out there realize that there aren't just two choices to this campaign? the libertarian party (which is a party officially listed on ballots!) has a candidate too!! http://www.lp.org/

also: there is another woman candidate for president: Cynthia Ann McKinney!! she's of the green party!

just because you don't agree doesn't mean you have to pick one of two!!

@Jayna (#236) - If you prefer stupid, you must be loving your current president. Likely voted for him.

It's twisted religious ignorance like yours that everyone should be afraid of. Do you honestly believe "Christian" is a better justification for atrocities?

As Mrs. Gump was fond of saying, "Stupid is as stupid does."

You prefer stupid? You're a idiot.

Oh also, my aunt came to visit us from England about 2 months ago. And they follow the election (as well as in the majority of Europe) just as closely, if not more closely than we do. She says that no one over there can wrap their heads around why there would be a competition between these 2. It is so obvious to all of THEM that Obama should be president.

We're fucked.

Honestly, I'm just scared shitless of having Barack Obama as a president. I'm so afraid that, as soon as he is elected, those crazies like the dictators of Iran and North Korea will start wreaking havoc on the whole world.
I also saw on Bloomberg television that if Obama is elected and goes forth with his economic plan, our economic system would be almost devastated. THey likened the damage to the Great Depression. This was NOT Fox news or another supposed conservative network. It was economic TV. That's scary.
I don't think she's any less inexperienced or less qualified than Barack Obama...and he's running for PRESIDENT. He is a better speaker though.
THe thought of him running our country with Nancy Pelosi by his side terrifies me.

.

Heather, I love that you are opening this up even though you know it will draw attacks. Hearing her speak frightens me too.

One of the hardest things about this election has been that my best friend and I are divided completely on this issue and it got a lot worse when Palin was picked because she thinks that Palin is great while I think she is a joke. One of the things I hear most often from her supporters is that she is a good woman of God, which is great, I love that she loves God so much, so do I, but that does not qualify her to be VP. She may be a great woman, a great Christian, a great mom but she is not a leader. Like so many others that have commented, I don't want someone just like me to run this country. I want someone better, more educated and more experienced and ready to make tough decisions. She does not garner faith in me that she has the ability to make those tough decisions.

I only have one thing to say in response to comments - at 93- you said - "This isn't Palin's greatest interview" - which made me laugh because she is being so sheltered she hasn't had much opportunity to interview and the few that she has done - she sounds just like this. Did you watch her first interview? The one with Gibson? She fumbled around like this at every question.

Verbal blunders happen, I know that, and I don't use them to sway my opinion. The issues are what matter so I take these interviews with a grain of salt. If I supported the views of the McCain/Palin ticket I'd probably be more forgiving of how badly she handles herself but I don't agree with their platform and I do not think she is qualified to be a leader especially during this tough period in our country. Her lack of interviewing skills just add to the distaste I already have for her.

I sound like that at 6am before I've had my coffee and my toddler is trampling me in bed as I try to squeeze in a few final moments of shut-eye while explaining to her why THAT HURTS MOMMY'S HAIR.

But the Vice President of the United States should NOT sound like that. Even if she is a Republican.

I don't choose my candidates based on who interviews well. I've researched the candidates, and have made the decision to support McCain/Palin because in general they support my conservative views. There is no one perfect candidate, but I'll bet (what is left of) my take home pay that at least the Republican ticket will not raise my taxes.

I think there are far, far, far worse choices than Sarah Palin. Having said that, the prospect of her being VP (or president... let's be honest, McCain will only live so long) doesn't make me want to vote McCain any more than I did a month ago. Which is not at all.

Also, does anyone think it's funny that she's so strongly pro-life but she kills animals for sport?

I am a McCain/Palin supporter, but I have to admit that clip was pretty bad. It shows she does not have the polish of other politicians and has not learned to think on her feet. She sort of looks like a dear in headlights. I don't think it shows she is "dumb". I challenge anyone on this Blog to sit for in interview with a major network and do better.

I am not a right wing conservative christian, in fact my religious views mirror yours (Heather) almost 100%.

The main reason I continue to support this ticket is because they frighten me less then the alternative. Yes, Palin is inexperienced, but she is running for VP. Obama has so little experience - I cannot find one real thing he has ever accomplished - and he is running for the top job.

I guess it boils down to: I know what I am going to get with the McCain/Palin team. McCain is an extremely experienced "moderate" conservative who HAD TO choose someone to appease the right wing nuts.

McCain has been a thorn in Bush's side for the past eight years - heck, he almost joined the Democrat party 2 years ago! He might actually manage to change the Republican party in the long run -- and get rid of the right wing religious psychos.

I have to laugh when I see people complaining so bitterly about the political posts on here..to that I have to say, HEATHER IS NOT YOUR BLOG PUPPET! SHE DOES NOT WRITE ON DEMAND OR TAKE REQUESTS! Go make your own blog so you can enjoy other people telling you what to write about all the time..

Palin is a joke - Obama/Biden 08

This will be in the dregs of the comments, but it is pretty obvious to me that despite what people say about their rationale for choosing one candidate over the other, it all really boils down to gut feeling. There are dozens and hundreds of passionate obama supporters who comments against palin are filled with fuck and idiot and ????.

Well thanks for that emotional outburst at your keyboard, but it wasn't helpful and it wasn't convincing. I am quite reactionary in my personality and frankly because I'm surrounded by upper class librals who trip all over themselves to say what an idiot palin is, how old mccain is and then follow that up with what kind of idiot would vote for mcacain/palin.

Also, I believe that heather was trying to open it up, but it is virtually impossible with the rabid, white, upper-middle class readers she has.

Palin appeals to people who hate politicians, who hate that the media jumped all over her family situation instead of dozens of other legitimate concerns.

Of course the staunch conservatives are going to vote for her and mccain and of course the staunch liberals are going to vote for obama and biden. What is left? The people that have made it so close in 2000.

guess what, we're still undecided and wild and crazy attacks on Palin as a person are not helping. If the media is smart, they'll ignore her. Seriously. They are pretty much ignoring Biden and he sticks his foot in his mouth about every other second.

This is a race between mccain and obama and after yesterday, advantage obama. nice move, nicely played.

and stop telling me mccain is going to die. that is a ridiculous reason to vote. i'm more worried about some crazy lee harvey than I am about mccain croaking.

I was really curious to see what McCain/Palin supporters said and I found #93 response quite interesting. The point that really upset me was:

93. Anonymous said: 4. Who cares if her daughter is pregnant?? I mean--really?? So is like 35% of the rest of the American teenage population. Her family is not immune to the problems that crop up from living in a trouble-filled world. What matters is that she is encouraging good decisions and supporting her daughter as she begins the difficult task of being a teenage mother. Good for her.

We don't care that her teenage daughter is pregnant, we do care that she hasn't backed down from a abtinence only sex education plan. I want a leader that is willing to admit when something isn't work and change it, even if it goes against their own moral/religious principles. Teenage pregnancy is higher than it has been in over a decade, maybe it's time we teach our children a comprehensive sex education plan. The astinence only education program failed Sarah Palin, her daughter, her family, yet she refuses to change course....that is a kind of rational is one that I will never understand.

Thanks for you post.

Hey- someone sent me a great email with an idea to encouraging everyone who opposes what SP stands for, and who knows what will potentially happen to reproductive rights in this country to head over to the Planned Parenthood website and make a donation 'in honor' of Sarah Palin. Even $5 is welcome, and will let the McCain/Palin camp know that we are out here, and we aren't going to stand by and let this farce take place.

www.plannedparenthood.org

If you put in her name, and the address of the McCain/Palin office:
McCain for President/Sarah Palin
1235 S. Clark Street
1st Floor
Arlington , VA 22202

in the 'in honor of' fields, they'll get a nice notification card from planned parenthood, and there will potentially be a nice sum going towards an organization that is working every day to fight for womens reproductive health and choice-

spread the word!

OMG....all I can say

393, if you are going to talk about a program, at least spell it right once. Also, it is very plausible that the rate of teen pregnancy is higher now because more girls are choosing the life of their child over a life changing procedure.

As an Alaskan who's been living under Palin's leadership for (almost) two years, I'd like to say thank you to those commenters who said they like our governor because they agree with her on social issues. I wish more people had your honesty.

Sarah Palin is not a bad governor. (Keep in mind, though, that those 80% approval ratings came on the heels of her pushing through a bill to tack an additional $1200 onto our annual Permanent Fund Dividend check.) But she is not ready to be vice-president. I'd like to think I'd say that even if I agreed with her on (any) social issues, but I don't know if I'd be that strong. I might be one of those people insisting she's got foreign policy experience because we're kind of close to (the extremely sparsely populated part of) Russia. (For the record, you can't see mainland Russia from mainland Alaska. You can see one barely-inhabited Russian island from another barely-inhabited Alaskan island in the middle of the Bering Strait.)

I wish more people could say "I support Sarah Palin because I agree with her on important issues" instead of insisting she's a super-experienced maverick reformer.

And on the Troopergate thing? Listen, the Trooper is a loser. Everyone recognizes that. But that's not the issue. The issue was, originally, that she abused her power. Since her nomination, however, it has also become clear that her promises of "open and transparent" government were not entirely legitimate. She used a Yahoo! e-mail account to conduct state business so her e-mails couldn't be requested by the public under FOIA. That's dishonest, no matter how you spin it. And now the McCain campaign is running the state of Alaska and derailing a bipartisan investigation that was approved by a committee of four Democrats and eight Republicans prior to the nomination.

A lot of people up here think we should all vote for the governor because she's "one of us." Sure, as an Alaskan, I'd love to be able to vote for an Alaskan, and as a woman I'd love to be able to vote for a woman. But as a woman who values her reproductive rights, the dignity of her LGBT friends and relatives, and the separation of church and state, I can't do it. I wish I could vote for Hillary Clinton, but Obama it is.

By now, I am frustrated with the fact that this election has come to be more about "the first black president" or "the first female VP" than about the issues. Women have already reached top positions in other countries (Angela Merkel, anyone? etc.) The real achievement would be for a woman or people of varying races to run for president or VP and it being so normal that it wouldn't be such a major point of discussion or influence our decision. I am glad that having Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Sarah Palin as (vice) presidential candidates will most likely make it more normal for the next elections and we can get back to actually focusing on the real issues.

I live in a European country and can vote here, as well as in the US. I can tell you that I barely even know anything personal about the people running for offices here, but I do know how they plan to run this country and that is what I will base my decision on.

Please, inform yourself, have educated and respectful discussions and then VOTE! Thank you to everyone here who has actually answered the question respectfully, no matter who you are planning to vote for!

399 All pregnancies are counted, even the ones that are aborted so that is irrelevant.

I agree she looks stupid. Almost as stupid as Joe Biden looked when he mentioned watching Roosevelt on television during the Stock Market Crash of 1929.

I just keep soaking up as much legit information as I can find to make an informed decision. It's a tough year and I admit I have doubts in my choice sometimes. I agree with some of your views, but I just want to be well-informed. And so far on all the issues, I agree and am voting McCain/Palin. And not based on how they look while telling you about their views when being interrogated by the liberal media.

Oh My God

"THE SKY IF FALLING, THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!" screams the liberal. "I will just have to die or move to Canada if I don't get my way. Obama must become President, don't you conservative ingrates see that? Barbara Streisand, Oprah, and Matt Damon said so! Oh and don't forget Lindsay Lohan, miss 3x rehab herself, also supports Obama."

If God forbid something happens to Mccain, and Palin becomes President the world will not fall apart. There are other branches of the government that provide "checks and balances". We will be OKAY. She is not the sole decision maker.

Heather rather than posting video's (I don't see any of Biden acting like a jackass, and there are some, so that your conservative viewers can post dramatic comments about moving to Canada , or being scared "shitless" if Obama wins) why don't you post links to each candidates official site and then have a real debate on the issue (whew run on sentence). It is my understanding that issues are what we should all really be voting for. Not whether you like how hot a candidate is or not... As far as I can see in the comments (admittedly I did not read them all, as it started to get monotonous...I'm moving to Canada, kill me, shoot me, blah blah blah) she is being torn apart because people identify with her. God helps us all. Let's not look at the fact that liberals are voting for Obama because "then we can really prove that we are not racist, we made a black man President" (high five each other). Hillary was so much more qualified, but you all chose Obama...change my ass.

Tell me a government official that actually got into office and made a difference...oh yeah Sarah Palin...totally reformed government in Alaska, had a high approval rating, wow, my bad. She might not be so bad after all as it seems she get's things done. Doesn't just talk about change...

I do admit Mccain did make one mistake in choosing a hot running mate...women are jealous bitches and the claws will come out, and there is NO mercy when women feel like they are being upstaged by a hotter woman. That's why Hillary was a safe bet...she sure wasn't a MILF.

Whatever happened to no name calling or personal attacks?

God help you all if the Republicans get voted into office.
There is plenty of room here in Canada should that happen.
I will roll out the welcome mat myself.

Be afraid. Be VERY afraid. There is an interesting profile on her and great examples of her inarticulateness in this week's New Yorker.

I'm a former Hillary supporter and I can say emphatically that I would cut off my arm before I would vote for Barack Obama - he stood silently as his minions launched the most sexist, race baiting, unethical campaign I have ever seen. Is Palin, the most qualified VP ever, no. But am I insulted that the republicans want my vote - no and I bet the Southerners weren't insulted when Kerry picked Edwards (another highly unqualified VP) to try and appeal to them. I was sickened by the media's fawning of Obama (truly embarassing) BEFORE Palin was announced. The blinders are OFF, show me ONE interview where anyone asked Obama tough questions - one. And you know what makes me INSANE - the LIES that are continuing to get said about her - argue the issues but she didn't ban books, push creationism in school or promote an abstinance only policy in Alaska. And that ridiculous story about the rape kits - yes Wasila billed women's insurance companies (no women were not billed by the police department!) but before you get all outraged, Illinois TODAY bills women's insurance for their rape kits and so does a dozen other states - most Victim's Compensation Funds are payors of last resort. If there weren't so many LIES about Palin out there, maybe I would believe half of the criticism. And I'm with the poster above who wonders when $250K/ family became rich - Excuse the hell out of me for BOTH me and my husband having good jobs. Does anyone want to discuss the marriage penalty and how Obama's tax policy is UNFAIR to working women (The highest bracket kicks in at $200 for a single filer but apparently women shouldn't make more than $250K)!

This is why, in my opinion, she's being shielded from the press. She may not speak unless she's been told what to say.

BTW: Isn't part of her thing that she won't cater to lobbyists and special interest? Isn't she a proud hunter and lifetime member of the NRA (which as we all know is about the right to bear arms, and very big on hunting, so be it)? Isn't that a special interest group ? Isn't that a major lobbying group? Isn't that a conflict of interest (and contradiction)? Didn't she recently use state money for ads to "educate" the public on a wildlife issue, so that she could continue with aerial hunting plans? Am I the only one who sees the contradictions here?

So isn't she really saying that like just about every other politician, the only lobbyists they will cater to are the ones who share their interests, and they will ignore those lobbying for those issues they are against or could care less about?

Oh. And the gender card. You bet her gender comes into play. She's not being treated as a VP possibility. She's being treated as a woman. How often do we see presidential candidates hug their VP picks? Why not shake hands? And didn't one of the foreign leaders she just met tell her she's gorgeous? How appropriate was that, and how did her gender not come into play? She's a woman, and she's working it, which is fine. But don't throw that "sexism" word out there while you're working that feminine card to its height! If she were a man, no how, no way, would the above interview have been "okay", and now how, no way, would the public be so in awe of this choice.

To every one who wonders where all the Palin supporters are... Well, they simply haven't got the time or interest to try to argue with those who can't see her value. It just isn't worth it. But it's as simple as this: she's got something going for her or else all the dems/liberals wouldn't be so worried... and so ready to shoot her down. If she were truly incompetent, y'all would just be sitting back and smiling.

Excuse my typo - women shouldn't make more than $50K - I guess I shouldn't type angry. Oh one more thing - Can any Obama supporters explain why he hasn't released his class standing or transcripts from Occidental, Columbia or Harvard Law. We know he graduated with latin honors and according to my research in the 1990s between 70 and 90% of Harvard graduates received latin honors, so he's clearly not in the bottom 10% - what is he hiding?

I don't get it. If this were a job interview, she'd be out the door quicker than she could blink. She may be good at her job, but she appears like a dunce. If this is the way she represents herself on national TV, this is the way she will represent her country to the world. After eight long years of global ridicule, aren't Americans of all political persuasions finally tired of losing credibility due to this kind of ineptitude?

And to address the comment above my original comment. We worry because half this nation is boonswaggled into believing anything they are told by their leaders. She worries us because she's caught you all hook, line and sinker for no reason at all. We worry about the competency and thinking power of our nation.

Heather. Love that you posted with this. Saw it on utube today and was screaming in my cube at work. Learn how to speak woman before you let Katie Couric interview you!!!!

You and jon and Leta are so awesome! I love your blog!!! I've been reading it for a couple of years now. Thanks for all the laughs and insite on parenting.

ps- I think your husband is SO HOT!!! : )

Seriously...I feel the same way about Obama. They BOTH terrify me. What does Obama stand for? Change? Good hell. Neat Obama. You are an amazing speaker. Palin is hideous. Yeah, go hockey moms - whatever - THIS IS OUR COUNTRY. I am pissed I have to raise my children with these buttholes in charge. Moving to Mexico.

Steven Tyler for President!

Really?

You're all scared shitless? Come on now people, this is America, we still have a Congress and House of Reps. not to mention a ton of other Government figures to combat the VP and President. Look how many huge mistakes Bush made, we're all still here. Going through a hell of a time, but we are all still here.

And I'm sorry, I don't think McCain is gonna die. Sorry. That man lived through 5 years in a torture camp, where most of us (including me), would not even live 5 hours.

Remember back when Ross Perot was running for President and everyone was freaking out cause they thought if he won, he'd die, and that moron VP would become President?
Last I checked, Ross is still alive and kicking.

People need to stop panicking.
I agree completely that she is underqualified and TOTALLY comes across as someone who has a lot to learn. She's new at this, what did you expect? You can't start comparing her interviewing and speaking skills to Biden, the man has a shitload more background, cause he's old and been around the block! She's young and wet-behind-the ears.

Geez.
Look at all the people who swore up and down that they would move to Canada if Bush was re-elected. Where are they? Still in the US. Because no matter what happens in this election, we are still all in it together. And we'll all be in it together the next 4 years, and the next...etc.

I give you credit Heather, for speaking on what you believe, but trust me, no need to panic.

Obama '08!!!! WOO!
www.catsforobama.com

Two things as a conservative that I would like to point out about the hate wave towards Palin from liberals.

1) If she is unqualified (I'm not saying one way or another) then by any objective measure Obama is equally or more unqualified, and he is on the top of the ticket. Being an eloquent speaker is not in the constitution as a prerequisite last time I checked.

2) There have been several governors that became president with zero foreign policy experience and did just fine (depending on your political view). Including Clinton, Reagan, FDR, Carter and probably a few I missed.

P.S. Our politics may be different Heather but I have many liberal friends and grown ups hould be able to pull in the claws and have civil discourse as we often do. I am so sorry that you where the recipient of your own personal hate wave for expressing your opinions.

My mom taught me that if I don't have anything good to say that I shouldn't say anything at all.

Well, here's something good: Her lipstick matched her blazer really nicely.
( I'm the type of girl who really likes that, so I noticed. )

Other than that she is a complete knob job.

I don't know why but I have this sneaking/nagging thought that keeps running through my mind that she'll just have McCain assassinated and take over and THAT scares the shit outta me.

By Palin's logic, I should have a shot at playing in the NBA because Michael Jordan lived in the town where I grew up...

Proximity does NOT equal experience.

Heather,
Love that you put this out there! Listen, Internet, some of you elected a guy twice (!) either because you could (A) relate to him or (B) would like to have a beer with him. See where that got us? Right in the flippin' middle of the biggest shit sandwich the universe has ever seen. And, oh yeah, everybody outside our borders hate us. I couldn't care less she's a hockey mom or folksy or whatever other relatable bullshit you want drink down like cult Kool-Aid. She will have the nuclear codes. Think about it.

Now if Samantha Bee were running for vp . . .

Hugging Palin? OMG the horror! If you google it, they will come... democrats, republicans, arabs, kings, queens, men, women... all doing the nasty... hugging!

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/410...

#344, Andy,
So you are saying that if your wife were, God forbid, raped you would say “Well, honey you know our beliefs. I guess we are having a baby!”?!?!? Cause that’s what good ole Sarah would say. I unfortunately did go through that, by my stepdad no less (would Sarah call that incest as well?) and I CRINGE to think how things would have been different for me if Sarah and people like you were running things. As well, I wish people would quite with the 80% approval rating. Honestly, her state has barely over half a million people. Having 80% of the population agree with you is like having 1% of the population agree with you in another state like California, or Texas. And “Palin supports our military”, are you saying Obama does not? Or how about Biden who ALSO has a son in the military? I am not even going to touch your earmarks statement since that has been pretty much picked over by people much more political than me, who have proven just how many earmarks she did take as mayor. I am not at all for people pushing their beliefs on other people; however I do think that Palin supporters such as yourself need to come up with something better if you want people to understand your “like” for this unintelligent, inexperienced crazy woman.

Last weekend, I had a really amicable conversation with a conservative who said he wasn't excited about the GOP until her selection. We talked for nearly an hour and I understood that he liked her because she loves Jesus and hates abortion and believes that Iraq was involved in 9/11. Thank God I carry the 9/11 Commission's book in my car so he could read the words of James Baker, George HW Bush's Secretary of State, to clear that up.
I feel like the Palin pick was a hasty decision by McCain to fire up the convention and maybe pick up a few Hillary strays. And truthfully, if John would've picked a moderate, he might would have. But, Hillary supporters see more of themselves in John than they do in Palin. This selection was a gift to Obama because it fired people like me, Hillary campaigners, up for him. I mean, we are on fire. With each member of the media that suggested that Sarah Palin was like Hillary, we up our emotions on the shelf and got behind our guy.
I feel like the McCain campaign is trying to put off tomorrow for two reasons:
They know that with Obama's recent jump in the polls that a good performance by him tomorrow will sleigh John,
and they hope to reschedule tomorrow for the date that Joe is debating Sarah, thus bumping it from the schedule.

The only thing that scares me is voters. I'm still waiting for someone give me a reason why Palin scares them besides the fact that she is a Republican. She is the head of the Alaskan National Guard and they patrol a border. Why the hell is everyone scared?

And just because it kills me every time I hear it...

She did not "completely reform" our state government. She complained about one corrupt official who was using state time and equipment to do the business of the Republican Party. It was a brave thing to do and the right thing to do.

The FBI weeded out the rest of Alaska's corrupt politicians, who were selling their votes to an oil services company. Sarah Palin had nothing to do with that.

Also, she has not built or secured a gasline. She has given $500 million to a Canadian company to research building a gasline. The deal does not guarantee a gasline will be built.

A lot of people extol the "great things" Gov. Palin has done for us. Please be aware that her popularity is due in part to the fact that she followed an extremely unpopular governor (with one of the worst approval ratings in the U.S.) and has spent the entirety of her tenure focused on the gasline issue -- leaving other problems by the wayside.

This month the residents of a remote Alaskan village were told to leave their homes because the village could no longer afford to buy fuel (No fuel = no electricity, no heat). The governor's office issued no statement and appears to have offered no assistance. Meanwhile, Alaska leads the nation in rape and child abuse. These are not the priorities of the Palin administration.

Again, if you support her because you agree with her stance on social issues, that's your prerogative. But please look into her record before you glorify her accomplishments.

To speak to the McCain/Palin supporters who have intelligently and civilly given their viewpoints in these comments: many, many thanks. It is refreshing to see people on either side engage in debate without name-calling and mud-slinging, and it takes real courage to do so in a forum that generally disagrees with you.

That being said, I would like to address what many of you cite as an important (in some cases, the most important) reason for you to support Sarah Palin: religion. In the name of full disclosure, I have to admit that I am not and never have been a religious person. However, I do believe in the separation of church and state, and the First Amendment and Supreme Court agree. How, then, do you see her religion as being a central qualification to run this (supposedly) secular country? I am not judging, I am genuinely confused. I would love to hear your thought processes on this subject.

It is amazing that she has gotten this far.

But hey, she has ovaries, and so do I, so...
I'm supposed to vote for her?

um...

thanks but no thanks.

I think someone already said this but I'm from Texas so I have foreign policy experience just because of the proximity...right? I mean, oh my God, even George Bush wasn't stupid enough to use that logic when he was running for president. I don't care if this lady is "pretty!" I'd rather have an ugly genius running the country than this idiot with $400 glasses and a bouffant beehive. Seriously? Seriously! We can not let this happen! I do not want someone "just like me" running the country! There is a reason I'm not running the country, and that is because I have no fucking idea how to! I want someone like Clinton, who was a Rhodes scholar, has foreign policy experience, is well-educated, knows how to hire people to cover the things he can't, etc. I do not want someone who looks like my neighbor who makes jello molds for the PTA meeting. Oh. My. God. I'm legitimately horrified that she could be a heartbeat from running the free world.

I won't comment on my feelings toward either of the candidates or their running mates, but I really think that people like Sarah Palin because she makes them feel like they could be vice president. They could run for city council, they could be mayor of a town of 7000 . . . they could eventually be a VP candidate. Right? I mean, if she did it . . . why can't they?

I think many average Americans can relate to her and she makes them feel like the position is less distant than McCain, Obama or Biden make it seem. Many of us watch that clip and cringe, but just as many watch the clip and see someone like them . . . running for vice president.

For better or for worse.

Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

*sniffle*

wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Hearing her talk? Just made me dumber.

I think that she was chosen as VP candidate to distract from all the crucial issues. She wasn't chosen to bolster the vote of the gals in heels and support hose who were going to take their toys and go home after Hilary didn't win. It's deeper and more cynical than that... It's about distracting from the larger issues with someone who so obviously divides her own friends and party. I think we should stop talking about her and talk about the larger issues. Why are the Republicans bailing out companies with tax dollars and crying for "smaller government"? Why are private company losses being publicized and yet profits are privatized?

I haven't read the comments to this post, but I think that McCain can take a Metamucil-enriched dump on the Constitution and people will say "What a Maverick!". The bottom line is that choosing Palin was a nod to the religious right, that he is one of them.

I was a huge Hillary supporter and it boggles my fucking mind that some women who supported Hillary now support Palin.

Anyway. People vote their morals. And apparently McPain is in sync with them.

#409 Ade, you said it perfect
#442 Pebbles you rock!

McCain/Palin 08 (whine all you want, it's going to happen)

Oh, just wait to see how you feel as a small business owner when Obama does take office.................holy shit, its gonna hurt!

Sorry, Heather. This election is between a guy who has only talked (never really done anything) and a guy who has actually done stuff.

While I really enjoy your writing skills, I'm not sure exactly why I'd want to hear about your political opinions. If you're serious about wanting to have a discussion, why not start with a post that doesn't try to make fun of someone (like a video talking about 57 states or something) and then claim you'll be fair.

You're just trolling. It's worked 72 times now.

Wow, that didn't make any sense.

When we have women as smart and talented and awesome-full as Tina Fey and Lisa Nova (http://www.blogtv.com/People/lisanovalive), HOW is Sarah Palin the best we can do?

You know, I already commented earlier, but I keep thinking about the posts where people give you shit about deviating from your typical blog posts, and it pisses me off.

What, just because you're a "mommy blogger" you can't write about anything outside the sphere of endearing and funny family/pet stories?

How dare anybody chastise someone for writing what they want on their own web site. That's just idiotic. Dooce.com is a personal blog, not a site beholden to the principles of its readership or obligated to mirror and reaffirm their beliefs. Don't like today's post? Don't read it. Get over yourselves.

Shitfire.

Sounds lost ..thank god she can see east from the west

I had to turn it off half way through because I was so embarassed for her. I would never vote republican anyway, but I am SO not voting for her.

I have no idea why people have gone ga-ga over Palin. But then again, I have no idea why people are so duped by Obama. But McCain, or whoever is running his campain, is a gosh darn genious. They totally stole the spotlight from Obama, and now the libs are pooping themselves.

Whether she's qualified or not isn't the point. Whether Obama is qualified or not isn't the point. Take a bunch of voters who vote for the candidate who is telling them what they want to hear, mix with politicians who will say whatever it takes to get elected, and it's a match made in heaven.

So, Heather, Obama is telling you what you want to hear and you eat it up with a spoon, yet you can't understand why people are so drawn to Palin?

Actually, the "inflate your tires" idea is based on science. The Department of Energy estimates that 1.2 billion gallons of fuel were wasted in 2005 as a result of driving on under-inflated tires. Fuel efficiency is reduced by 1% for every 3 PSI that tires are under-inflated.

Further, based on McCain's age and the actuarial tables available online, he has a just over 14% chance of dying during his first term in office.

I'm English and have lived in England my entire life but like many other people living here i'm incredibly concerned about the upcoming U.S. elections because obviously the outcome will affect my life, our lives, and the lives of every single person on this planet because of the great influence America has on the world politically, socially, financially and environmentally. But, ultimately we have no choice or voting force to be able to affect the outcome of the impending election.

I'm frightened that the world will have to endure another term of extremist right wing backwards republican views that we have all fought so hard in Europe to irradicate. I'm frightened that the American political new right will halt forward progression altogether and bring the whole world back to crawling on its knees and living in caves. And I for one would very much not like to be living in a cave with Palin any time soon.

The rest of the world will have to deal with the consequences of this Election but tragically we do not have the power to affect it.

So anyone out there who feels themselves more strongly affiliated with the Democrats - I beg of you - GO VOTE!

Go vote for me, the people I know, and all the other people in the world that would want your vote.

"Sarah Palin, becuase of her state, has no more say in national security than the Govenor of Iowa."

Or a Senator from IL.

Also, poor spelling doesn't really help me to see the "Palin is so stupid" argument.

So I live in NY, which is right next to Canada. That means I have foreign policy experience too! Sarah Palin should pick me for VP if McCain croaks!

Pardon me while I go vomit.

I know who Sarah Palin is because she is telling me--she hunts and owns guns,needs more experience with foreign policy, she challenges people including her own party boss, she loves her country and this is not a recent phenomenon, She does not support abortion but has no interesting in wasting her time challenging the amendment that does, she is not afraid to say who she is...she loves her kids, husband, and Alaska--and maybe she will even go out of her way to go after someone who hurts those she loves. I like her. This is not a great interview---but all of the candidates have had interviews like this one.
The big news is we are going to have CHANGE. Thank Goodness. We may have a strong qualified African American man with strong enthusiasm and fresh opinions leading our country, or we may an unquestionable patriot and a strong women for the first time as vice president of our country--frankly...I see a lot of positive growth here!
Until election day I will focus on the potential both candidates can offer, on election day I will leave my liberal or conservative guilt at home, head to the polls and vote with conviction, confidence and my heart. Go American people.

Honestly, I don't think Sarah Palin has clue as to what foreign policy means. When Katie asked Ms. Palin why her statement about comparing Alaska to Russia enhances her foreign policy credentials, I just love her response:

'It certainly does, because our next door neighbors are foreign countries, they're in the state that I'm the executive of.' WFT?

And my next favorite:

'You know, Putin what's his head comes into the air space of the United States America...you know, they're right there, right next to Alaska.' Again, WTF?

Is this for real? So help me god (and I'm atheist), if this woman becomes our next vice president I'm going to CRY until my eyes BLEED.

So Heather, what's wrong? are your ad sales down or something?

Seems like you are being a troll, once again.

Well, it goes like this. Sarah Palin is a curiosity, and that makes her interesting. I'm voting for Barack, but a part of me is silently cheering for Palin. Sure, things are padded, she's being sheltered from the media, she's inexperienced, the Trooper Gate thing's unresolved, and then her Russia stuff. But she's a woman on the rise, and because she lacks solid experience and also is very much an outside the box thinker, she's an easy target. Scary, yes. But . . . I think she's capable of great and surprising things. Unfortunately we'll only know when we see these things in action. Meanwhile all we have is her pregnant daughter, Down baby, family values, some interesting moves she made as governor, and not much else. In other words, she's easy to pick apart. But I'm curious. My intuition tells me that she would do great things in office, if given the opportunity. I can't cast my vote based on intuition, but I can stand back and watch and marvel at this very interesting woman.

#466 Yoyoman
I loved your post and agreed with it all, except one point: Obama IS NOT a good speaker! Have you heard him speak without a teleprompter? It is downright scary! The guy does not have one thought in his head. uhhh...uh....uhhh...You almost (I say almost, but not really) feel sorry for the guy. He is just ridiculous. But even more ridiculous are the sheep that follow him. Pitiful!
Other than that, I totally agree with what you wrote so well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4OV8p-dKc

now this is some funny stuff. Here is the truth about Obama. Oh yeah, he is just brilliant.
This is just down right scary!
What a freaking moron he is!

While I'm mostly a Republican, I was in shock when he selected her. I believe he was going for the "let's get a woman in the office" theme, trying to grab some more supporters. While I will probably still vote Republican because of issues like abortion etc., he's making it insanely painful to do so. He should have picked Romney with some actual experience in financials, something this country could use at the moment.

I just pray it's a quick 4 years.

I am not going to get into the reasons as to why I'm voting for McCain/Palin because I feel like it is MY vote and MY decision and that it is a very personal decision. That being said, I do have to agree with something that #334 said that I never actually thought about until this second.

If a homosexual was running for president, how many homosexuals would vote for him/her for NO OTHER REASON other than the fact that he/she is homosexual? Just because somebody has a bad interview and stumbles a few times doesn't make her a bad candidate. The "drive-by media" (as Rush Limbaugh calls it) is ENTIRELY left-wing and they haven't even showm the American people an unbiased approach to ANY of the Decison '08 coverage. How many African-Americans out there are voting for Obama when they know NOTHING of his ethics/values/plans for this county? There are plenty of voters out there plainly basing their decision because they want a black president.

To #445 Anon: You are absolutely right- I stand corrected :) (DOH!). I honestly had no idea that so many of our American polticians hugged. I guess I just noticed it more with all the Palin hugging, but now that you had me Google (fact checker), I will take my hugging comment back (#436). Telling her she's gorgeous was still a bit out of line, and you know she's working that woman angle (we all do at some point- it's a powerful thing ;)). Go ahead and work it. But don't turn it back around when you think your opponent is using it against you.

Someone here also mentioned her being the only possibility of us seeing a woman as a (V)P (in our lifetime). They probably thought the same thing when Geraldine Ferraro was picked by Mondale in the mid-eighties (I think it was the '84 election- I was a little kid, so I had to hunt this factual delight down during my fact checking, but that was still in my lifetime). I'm a woman. I'd be cool with seeing the right woman in the #1 spot-and I hope I could say that same thing if I were a man. I smiled when I first saw his pick was a woman. Then I heard who she was, and stopped smiling. The more I invetsigate, the more I'm convinced he made a very bad decision. Maybe something fantastic will delight me about her. So far...

She may be a fantastic mom and wife. I believe she probably is. Good girl. So are millions of American women. That doesn't qualify them to run the country and be responsible for 300+ million lives. Again, not a Dem. or Rep., and can respect people of both parties. I'd have felt more comfortable with Hillary as Pres. And yes, there is a possibility of Palin becoming President, and anyone voting who's not considering the VPs this year are in denial. Biden might not be pefect either (he doesn't freak me out, though), but Heather's post is about Palin.

As for casting a vote only because of one issue and one issue alone: No disrepect intended, but I feel that's a very narrow view and risky vote that could come back to haunt you on every other issue you choose to overlook. Yes, that particular issue may be very sensitive and very important, and I understand the passion people have surrounding whatever it is they hold dearly (especially the whole "life" thing-no matter what side of the fence you're on, the ending of *any* life should not be taken lightly). But I cannot limit my vote to one issue.

This is why I am looking at all 4 of them very closely. None of them are perfect. Some have more strikes than others. I realize that for the most part,they make few to no decisons completely on their own. But they're the leader. They matter. They have pull. My future WILL be affected.

Did you read the complete Charlie Gibson / Sarah Palin interview, without the edits?

Obama is the one who really scares the shit out of me for 145 reasons and rising. He is bad, bad news for America.

http://obamawtf.blogspot.com/

-Jannie

My mother loves Sarah Palin. I really don't think she has the attention span or desire to learn anything in particular about Sarah, but she has performed her little Malcolm Gladwell "Blink" and has given Sarah the thumbs up.

By way of introduction, I am 48 and the oldest of 6 children. My Mom gave birth to me when she was 16 years old and she lives in rural Nebraska where she has one of the best jobs in town, working in the executive offices of the local egg packing factory. A few years ago she was nominated "Community Volunteer of the Year" and her picture was on the cover of the newspaper. She is super friendly, a hard worker and even though she quit high school when I came along, she has since racked up a bajillion credit hours at the neighboring college.

I asked her why she liked Sarah and she asked me, "Aren't you ready for a woman to be in the white house?"

Yeah, I thought to myself. But I didn't know that you cared so much about it. In fact, I thought further to myself, why did you hate Hillary if you are so interested in seeing a woman in the white house?

I am convinced that my mom is much like many, many other voters. She desperately wants to be a part of the political conversation. But in reality, beyond the sound bites on Bill O'Reilly, the conversation is exhaustingly dull and packed with shades of gray that are amazingly difficult to explain even when you've been teaching congressional law for 11 years at one of the finest universities in the world.

My Mom wants to feel like she counts, she doesn't want to be made to feel stupid. Bottom line, I think my mom doesn't feel intimidated by Sarah Palin.

Come on, Dooce. Admit it. Even before you were the Dooce you had women who couldn't like you. You were too much for them.

Those Republicans are brilliant, they picked someone my mom could look at and say, "I like her. She's cute. I think I'll try my hair like Sarah's."

www.successinthesuburbs.com (coming soon)

The fact that she can't put a sentence together is scary enough. But what is really scary is that she thinks Alaska has trade agreements with Russia. That's against the constitution.

Then again, who needs to know the laws of the US to run it any more?

If McCain/Palin take the White House, I've got a spare room in my apartment here in Canada for a couple of you. Must like cats, free health care, overly polite people.

HOLY EFF. No. Really. Wow. Does anyone know how to say idiot in Russian?

holy shit! did she eat paint chips as a child?

wow. i'm scared for your country.

Here is an opinion from across the pond. I believe that it is shared by many people here. In the UK, we are obviously interested in the elections.Part of it becuse of all the ties between the two countries and the other part is more of a "restoration of faith" if you like. There is no denial that President George W. Bush managed single handed to enforce the general perception that people in the states have very low IQ score. Please do not be offended by this I personally do know it is not true.A president of the most powerful country in the world should be of the best and highest quality and not a moron or an intertainer. So people in here, and I believe across the world, are waiting in anticipation for what the land of the free has to offer. And I really do have doubts that Ms Palin is all what you can offer. You guys have actors that pretend to be the president and pull it better than the real life candidates!!!

First off A-2, well said.

Everyone needs to read some Lincoln and Reagan on this board and realize that it's NOT the GOVERNMENTS job to take care of everyone and that is our problem.

As a libertarian I'm not a fan of either presidential candidate really. McCain would be strong on national security, which is what will get my vote ultimately, b/c if we aren't secure not ONE of the other issues on the table even matters because we will be too busy fighting off Al Qaeda in our own streets to even bother about the national deficit or healthcare.

Having said that I can't understand why someone would vote for Obama. I'm not a racist so anyone thinking that can just stop. All leftist beliefs aside, I don't believe can make decisions that are good for the country and I seriously question his allegiances, plain and simple. He won't wear a flag, put his hand over his heart(at least until he caught major flak for it), or show any sign of symbolic respect I mean WTH? Obama says it's more patriotic not to and that "dissent is patriotic". Hm. What exactly is it about the US he holds in such contempt? The man came from out of NOWHERE and he also can't even prove he's an AMERICAN citizen (the Hawaiian birth certificate he produced has been pronounced a fake over and over). Anyone remember the stink over Arnold Schwartzenegger(sp?) running for pres? Shot down. Fast. he wasn't born here.

He is also a Muslim and I absolutely do not believe that this is the point in our history that we need a Muslim president. Radical Muslim's have used our institutions against us for YEARS. Remember the pilot that flew a PLANE into OUR Twin Towers? Yes, he went to flight school here. Several others were rejected from their flight lessons b/c they didn't want to learn how to land and this made their instructors a little wary of their intentions. We are also educating them in our Universities. So, knowing this these things I think it's completely INSANE to put this guy in office. Maybe if we knew more about him it would be different, but we don't and it's NOT. It was Einstein who defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." So, yeah I guess I'm calling all of you Insane.

And Sarah Palin. Yes, she doesn't have a lot of experience on a global scale that cannot be argued and I think it's a mistake of her campaign to assert that she does. But she does have experience making decisions in the best interest of the people she serves, just on a smaller scale. And she does have brains and she doesn't take much crap from anyone. I like that. I just think that she is in public service for the RIGHT reasons and won't be afraid to back those reasons up. She isn't some super rich girl from an oil family or some overgrown frat boy born with a silver spoon in his mouth, she is real and I think she sees the crap that goes on in Washington and sees an opportunity to start to change that. And let's face it, Congress runs the show up there anyway and very few show up at the polls to put that bunch corrupt, lobbyist dick suckers in office so can we really complain about the current situation this country is in? WE need to clean house.

Anyway, I might piss you off that I called you Insane, but thats the breaks. Sitcks and stones, ya know? Just trying to get your attention and make you THINK!

My husband, my father, my male cousin and I were all discussing her lack of qualifications, and after a moment of silence, my husband (!) said "she is hot, though" to which both other men immediately started nodding their heads and "uh huhing" in agreement. Sadly, some men will be voting with their penises.

if we elect ONE MORE president on the basis of,

"i like him/her"

or

"he/she's good people"

or

"he/she is just like me"

i swear i'm going to lose my mothereffing mind.

i don't want someone "just like me" performing surgery. frankly, not smart enough. i don't want someone "just like me" as my pastor. not pius enough. i don't want someone "just like me" on the olympic team. i've been a sales professional for two decades and i wouldn't even hire ME to do that. i've met plenty who are even better.

president is maybe the most important job in the world. i expect a lot from that position. someone educated. articulate. exceptionally accomplished. curious. courageous. visionary. prudent. and someone WAY the @#$% smarter than me. brilliant even.

although i'll give mccain props on all of those (but he loses me on policy), palin still has a lot to prove.

that we are a society that increasingly wants to elect someone based on likability is just testament to our own narcissism.

i'll take my brain surgeons "elite" thank you. i'll take my presidents the same way.

#458: Biden is also pro-life... he just doesn't believe in forcing HIS PERSONAL RELIGIOUS BELIEFS down other people's throats. Given all the other more serious and pressing issues we're facing right now, I can't understand why anyone would vote on that issue alone. I'm not slamming what you believe, in fact I respect it---I don't agree, but I respect it. But as diverse a country as we are, people on your side must respect that there are different views---people that don't believe in your god or the teachings of your church and shouldn't be made to abide by what is a purely subjective position.

can i ask the same of you? why do you think obama is such a good choice? i haven't decided yet on either but he does the same shit gnawing thing to me that she does to you...

SCARED?? Heather, play fair and show these IDIOTIC videos of your wannabe leader:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-l2f7TWZjs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-l2f7TWZjs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njy-5X2huFQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O4lcBbdt9I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU2Yv-rnJEo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMlOKvTZcqM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnjzX9FthO4&feature=related

I appreciate you asking for "the other side" and I was all set to be a part of the discussion but I read through the comments and now I have a stomach-ache. It seems like most of your readers just want others to agree with them. They seem set on trying to make those who don't agree feel stupid and inferior. It makes me feel ill.

What I heard "blah blah blah. Such as..... Canada and The Russia... blah blah blah... some people in our nation don't have maps.... blah blah. Such as."

To anonymous who said:

""Sarah Palin, becuase of her state, has no more say in national security than the Govenor of Iowa."

Or a Senator from IL. "

The difference is that Obama never claimed to have national security experience because IL is kinda close to Cananda. Palin did.

@301. Krissi. How can you agree with McCain/Palin on abortion when THEY don't even agree on abortion?

I must praise 271 for the comment that makes the best point so far on this page. Obama is a scary option too. He talks TOO well, which means he Lies too well, when at least Palin over there will have a hard time bulshitting on public television, you can at least count on her for being honest lol

@521 - no idea how it is pronounced, but here's how it is spelled!

?????

********** #311 *********

If you are making $250 k to 603k per year than you taxes WILL NOT GO UP! Google this fact! If you make more than 603K a year, then yes they will go up, but if you are making hat much, then you have enough!

Bush has taken entered into several wars and was a sleep at the wheel (as were democrats) while the credit markets crashed. We don’t have the luxury of constantly cutting taxes anymore. We may all need to pay more taxes soon. Our national debt is 11 Trillion, the annual deficit is 400 billion and growing and all of this while our current GDP is 14.5 Trillion.

At what point do you say we need to fix the debt crisis in this country for our kids and grand kids? Some may say we need to reduce spending and I agree. I also agree we can’t be the police for the world and survive. We WILL go the way of Roman Empire if we don’t get our own backyard in check.

I teach high school Debate and if even my freshmen got up and spoke like that, I would tell them to go back to their research and try again when they won't make themselves look like idiots.

I'm a Republican. I don't like McCain or Palin. I don't like Obama or Biden. Any advice on someone ELSE to vote for? I'm sick to death of voting for the "lesser of two evils" instead of someone that I wholeheartedly support.

So... just seeing her picture and hearing the reports... it was clear that this privelidged, myopic, self-satisfied, small-minded ex-beauty queen (I'm sure there are ace beauty queens, but the stereotype of high-school social tactics is, alas, well deserved)... but listening to her. I'm just appalled (with two p's). Couldn't watch the whole thing.

I really wonder sometimes what people are thinking. Or if. This person isn't qualified to be a small town mayor. And I so pity her children. I'm sure she means well, in that tiny heart of hers. But she's just an idiot.

Fine. Let her go live her life, and me mine. But the difference is nobody thought to nominate me as VP to enhance their chances. It's just ludicrous.

Well. I guess the cut & paste job from the free translation website didn't work. It looked right in the preview!

442. That was quite an impressive tantrum. You even threw in Obama's middle name which is the point bigots fall on when they have nothing else. No one here is quite stupid enough to believe that wasn't your intention so don't try.

More points for calling Dooce a moron in all caps. My child could take temper tantrum throwing lessons from you. Seriously, that was impressive.

FOR KATY -

I suppose my response to this post was a bit insensitive. I'll accept that. I grew up Christian and I have rejected that religious choice and have instead found a different path after much study. I am very well aware of the prevalence of the Muslim faith throughout the world.

I, like you appear to, believe strongly that most of the evil and horror in this world is done in the name of religion - all religions - not just one. Some of the most violent, ignorant, extreme, dangerous people I have had the displeasure of meeting have worn their crosses and flaunted their Bibles with great pride.

My fear of Obama being a vocal Muslim supporter in the world we currently live in has nothing at all to do with the majority of those who choose the Muslim faith. Instead it is a fear of the message his vocal support sends to the extremists. That message will be amplified and distorted as it reachs their ears. That is in no way the fault of those who are Muslim and NOT extremists. I just think Obama needs to tread a bit lightly on that topic.

I don't support Obama. That is my choice.

I don't support Obama stating publicly that he will "stand with the Muslims" when we are in a very dangerous world climate because of those Muslims who are extremist and who will see that statement as an invitation to use violence against America if Obama were to be elected into office. Again, my choice.

It DOES NOT, however, make me stupid, ignorant or an asshat. With that said, I apologize to you for not being more careful with my comment on a public forum. My intent was not to attack or belittle anyone who does not see the world like I do. I only wish you would have given me the same respect.

That was almost painful to watch....it was almost as if Katie Couric were talking to a 5 year old...ouch!

My opinion may not be worth much.
I don't think (even though I love ya) your opinion is worth much either.
How about we trust Bill Clinton on the issue.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/12/mr-clinton-ques.html

However, since you asked for my point of view. Here it is.
She is not very experienced. We agree.
She is running as vice president.
I'm not choosing between her and Obama.
I'm choosing between Obama and McCain.
If the overwhelming question is foreign policy experience (and don't forget track record on the foreign policy issues) than this is not a contest.

So why all the ripping on Palin, Dooce?
To again quote a Democrat and a feminst this time, "Talk about condescending."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09042008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/a_femini...

To sum it up. Foreign experience is not her strong suit. Driving liberals raving mad is!

I have always been a Republican. This year, especially, in light of the last eight years......I was willing to give the Dems a listen. I have been leaning "Obama" for awhile now but as we've learned more about Palin - what in the h*ll were these people thinking - were they really so desperate as to "one up" Obama and the non-Hillary factor......, to risk everything????

What sealed the deal for me however, was yesterday - that whole fiasco, McCain's tail-tucked retreat and his transparent excuses - for skipping Friday's debate. McCain's ducking out of the debate to me, has summed up this whole mess. He and Palin are trying to sneak into office before, (they hope), the rest of us find out that they have absolutely no business being there!

The video above is .......well - I'm just dumbfounded as to how my fellow Republicans can continue to make excuses for either of these two candidates, McCain and Palin. All I can say is they must still be drinking the Kool-Aid.

I am a caucasian, Republican, 46 y.o. female and I assure you, I am voting for Obama!

That was painful... but not as painful as the amount of "ummmm's" in an Obama interview.... it's a game in our house... "Count the "Ummm's".

Here's what I notice from these comments so far... most of you who will not be voting for Sarah Palin use name-calling and belittling remarks about her, which says more about you than it ever will about her.

McCain / Palin are so going to be in the Whitehouse.

And you guys can't stand it!

But instead of looking into what's wrong within the Democratic party you blame the other side.

Wake up.

Interesting -- Heather asked why people think she's QUALIFIED, and no one has really answered that, just why they'll vote for her, which, hello -- not the same thing. I can't personally answer it, because I don't think she IS qualified. Unless to be a Sunday School teacher, perhaps.

Poor Aimee. Aimee. You can't be serious.

#575 anon
you stupid libs have YET to tell how Barry Sotero (I mean Barack) is qualified. That has been asked over and over for the past year!

Heather, in all fairness, please take Aimee's post at #505 (video of Obama not being able to put together 5 words to make a sentence) and put it on your front page tomorrow. It's only right for everyone who watched the Palin clip and said, "I'm so embarrased for her," or "that sums up why I'd never vote for her" to see it. Frankly, I'm surprised you say the things you do with clips like that Obama one floating around. He is far worse at public speaking than she is, and he didn't have some has-been-news-ratings-sinker trying to prove she's got balls interviewing him.

I actually wanted to listen to Katie Couric more than Palin. It was less painful. And that is saying A LOT!
-Beck
By the way, I live in Alaska, and I did not and would not vote for her...EVER.

This is an incredibly important election taking place at a crisis point in our economy. We should all be talking about this major decision on our blogs, in the office, and with friends and neighbors. I'm glad you've chosen to write about this in addition to your regular content. It's affecting all of our lives. I think McCain is treating Palin like a wind-up Barbie doll. If she has a brain and is qualified, then stop shielding her from the media and get her out there and talking. Well... that's what I THOUGHT until I saw this clip... now I understand why she seems to be under a gag order. It's embarrassing.

Oh lawd, Miss, you gonna git us bof' in trouba!

Although I follow it daily, I will be glad when this election is over.

Another military family for Obama. Many of the men fighting and dying alongside my husband were members of the Iraqi army and they were all Muslim. I'd welcome any of them into my home, proudly.

We've just suffered through eight years of a tough talking former governor who seemed likable. We not more afford to go down that road than we can afford a man who voted with him 90% of the time. Please. Enough already. Enough.

For #383:

"The two candidates' plans would have sharply different distributional effects. Senator McCain's tax cuts would primarily benefit those with very high incomes, almost all of whom would receive large tax cuts that would, on average, raise their after-tax incomes by more than twice the average for all households. Many fewer households at the bottom of the income distribution would get tax cuts and those whose taxes fall would, on average, see their after-tax income rise much less. In marked contrast, Senator Obama offers much larger tax breaks to low- and middle-income taxpayers and would increase taxes on high-income taxpayers. The largest tax cuts, as a share of income, would go to those at the bottom of the income distribution, while taxpayers with the highest income would see their taxes rise."

From A Preliminary Analysis of the 2008 Presidential Candidates' Tax Plans (Full Report)
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/url.cfm?ID=411693

To all commenters who have said something along the lines of "Sarah Palin has chutzpah, moxie, spark," please look at her more closely. Sarah Palin has hubris, arrogance, smugness...the only thing that gives me hope is that old saw: "Pride goeth before a fall."

Considering her family situation, her inexperience, and her possible future as VP or even President of the United States, she should be spending her church time not being protected against all forms of witchcraft (I believe Gawker.com has that video), but on her knees in humility, praying for guidance and wisdom.

If clarity and eloquence (and for that matter experience) were a prerequisite we would not have had to endure the past 8 years. So sad. Calgon, take me away. I am praying that the Dems overcome this nightmare.

#537 THANK YOU!

Random thoughts:

At least she wasn't on TV describing Roosevelt's appearance on television after the '29 market crash.

I am amazed that the most offensive vitriol about Palin is spewing from women.

McCain was a sailor, not a soldier. He was flying a jet aircraft when he was shot down in Viet Nam. Infinitely harder to use than a computer, I might add.

You can cover everything Obama has accomplished in the Illinois senate (I vote Present!) and the U. S. Senate (member for almost four years, running for president for three) with your hat, and still have room for his two books, a missal from his church, and his campaign contributions from Fannie and Feddie) However, he did go bi-partisan to endorse a joint resolution honoring Rosa Parks. Groundbreaking, eh?

He's pointing his finger at the GOP for the mortgage meltdown, but anyone who can read knows who signed the deregulation bill (although he wasn't wearing a blue dress with a spot on it at the time), and who opposed it (some Navy jet-jockey, y'all). The same folks should also know who predicted (in 2005) exactly what happened to the mortgage market (damn, that jet keeps circling back).

Finally, anyone who can read also should know that Charlie Gibson's understanding of the Bush Doctrine was off by at least 3/4ths. There is NO official Bush Doctrine. The term was coined by Charles Krauthammer, and eventually consisted of four parts: Pre-emption, treating terrorist-harboring nations as terrorists, support of democracy around the world, and the right to unilateral action in the war on terrorism. Granted, she probably should have known that, and didn't. But, did any of the 400+ commentors dissing her know that either?

I'll take a plain-speaking everywoman any day over an orator with a good teleprompter, questionable associates, and a way to divert every question he's asked.

Palin scares you? Obama frightenes me to death. I won't vote for a cult of personality.

AMEN to comment #537!!!! Thank you for taking the time to post those important URLS..

And Aimee, whoever you are (interspersed in comments here).... you go girl. I love you.

So Heather, is this what you wanted? Wonder what your sponsors are thinking right about now..... hmmmmmmmmm....

Like I said, stick with kids, dogs, photog and design....