Alyce in #87...

Dooce does not write these kinds of posts "despite possible backlash."

She does this to create drama to get her page views back up.

To pay her mortgage. Buy food and such.

I like Dooce a lot in many ways but do you ever see her political posts balanced with an opposing view? No.

She is a brilliant marketer -- See, I think this is the 3rd or 4th comment I've left on this post. Page views!

But the upside, Alyce, is maybe some independants will read these comments, do their homework and realize that Republican is the way to vote on Nov. 4th. And that is good. Very good.

Speechless. Just speechless.

@ Natalie Jane 542. Just because you don't see Cheney doesn't mean that he doesn't have his hands in....well....EVERYTHING. Surely you know that.

For anyone looking for a break from the seriousness, please read posts 5743 & 574. Very funny.

For those of you claiming that Obama is a Muslim. Yes, that is racist behavior. You all believe this to be true about Obama because his skin is brown. You would have never even considered it was true for John Kerry*.

You've evolved enough to know that just saying you won't vote for a black person is not acceptable, so now you are hiding your biogtry behind religion. You are fooling no one.

I would vote for a Muslim President, Vice President, and Senator before I would vote for one of you for Dog Catcher. I love this country because I'm in the majority on this.

*If you want to go ahead and confirm that you are, in fact, racists, then please go ahead and write about how the idea of a anglo/caucasian Muslim is ridiculous.

#588 - 57 STATES??? HOW CAN YOU STILL VOTE FOR HIM? I would stay at home and rearrange my sock drawer...but I digress.

#530 is right on the money.

#509 rules.

#486 made some really good points I had never even thought of. I would rather the PM of Britain think our President was a douchebag and put some fear in the terrorists asses.

Oh my god the HELLLLLLLL!!!

#63-You need to leave America if that's the viewpoint you have on someone that fought in a war. That's disgusting.

I haven't made a choice. I'm waiting to watch the debate so that I can make an informed educated decision...unlike most of you, that only know our future president by the Daily Show or SNL. Come on.

I actually liked what both had to say. But I'm not voting for someone because I happen to read a website...and that person has very strong views. I feel like your pushing this a little hard, either way you decide.

And by the way, all of you that are so anti-republican? PLEASE DON'T VOTE!!!!! You can't even spell the names right for Chrissake!!!

I am a political moderate and a political scientist, and I agree that she comes off as unpolished and inexperienced in many of these interviews.

But I also think that when Obama first appeared on the national stage, he too had a learning curve and it got less scrutiny because it was so early in the campaign. When someone is thrust into the spotlight like this, no one would be tremendously poised.

It troubles me to see clips like this, but I don't think giving a good interview or speech is the most important or valid way to judge how someone would govern. And as for accessibility to the press, Hillary Clinton was more inaccessible than Palin during the primaries before she lost in the Iowa upset.

I think there are also gaffes and silly things McCain, Obama, and Biden have said recently (for example, Biden's comment about FDR going on TV in 1929, when he wasn't president then and there was no TV) that don't get as much play, partly because they don't fit into the media's storyline for the campaign.

Politics and campaigns are a tough business. Both sides make nasty ads, both sides hurl accusations, no candidate is gaffe-free and no candidate has said something they wouldn't like to take back.

I know that this is toward the bottom of the comments page and hardly anyone but Heather will read it, but I'm going to say my say anyway.

I am a Republican, and a very young one at that. I know next to nothing about this big bailout issue that's going on, but I believe that I'm up to snuff on the rest of the issues. I'm voting for McCain/Palin for A LOT of reasons - too many to list them all here. However, I will attempt to list why I like Palin without writing a couple of pages worth.

First, she is a true conservative - economically as well as socially. She killed the Bridge to Nowhere. She kept Trig even though she knew he would have some problems and that, in my eyes, speaks more about her character than just about anything. Second, I am tired of Ivy League lawyers with pretty words telling me that they're "just like me" and that I should vote for them because of that. Sarah Palin *is* just like me. She went to a state university, was a registered Republican at age 18, and she her church appears to be very similar to mine. Religion is one thing that liberals should NOT attack Sarah Palin on given that their Messiah sat in Jeremiah Wright's church listening to his crazy, America-hating vile that he spewed probably on a weekly basis.

Third, well, she's a woman who started small and has made it big. That gives me hope. I'm only 18 and wow. She's a complete inspiration to me. Politics really don't matter in this case. Republican, Democrat, Communist, Socialist... whatever. A woman is a woman and she has made a very important stride for the female gender. To those who say that McCain picked her just because she's a woman? I'm sorry, but I have to say I disagree. He picked her because she's a conservative. There's nothing more to it.

In case no one has noticed, or perhaps they have given the panicked outcries of rage across the lefty blogsphere, McCain has effectively united the Republican party. My dad who is quite possibly the cheapest man alive, went and donated a thousand dollars to McCain's campaign after hearing Ms. Palin speak. That's saying something. For once in my life, I'm not worried about walking into political science class and being attacked for my views. You know why? Because Palin has made it cool to be a Republican again.

Oh and BTW, those people who don't know anything about McCain/Palin mentioned in the comments, yeah, well have you walked on a college campus lately? Those kids are STUPID, let me tell you. And they have NO CLUE as to why they're voting for Obama, other than the fact that their favorite celeb is voting for him as well.

The main reason I'm not voting for Obama, aside from the fact that I don't agree with him at all... well, he's done nothing but tear the Democrats apart. I have never seen so many angry people in my life after Hillary Clinton lost the nomination. And then when he didn't choose her for his VP pick? Ha! He made it ten times worse, only because he was afraid he would lose his halo. Obama the Divider! I don't want that kind of man at the head of my country.

Welp, I can only quote my own blogpost:

Okay, George Saunders; alright, Tina Fey; that's enough, you two. You’ve had your fun—now it’s time to call it off, since you’ve officially pwned the McCain campaign. So much for your little game. You win! Funny, funny. Sighs of relief, nervous laughter, and congratulatory handshakes all round. Happy now? So can we get back to the real election, before the debates? Joke’s over, right? Right?!

I do not subscribe to McCain/Palin's "moral values." I am not a Christian. I haven't been born again nor will I ever be. I believe in the Constitution, not the Bible. This country should be governed by the Constitution, not the Bible. What scares me even more than the McCain/Palin ticket is the fact that there are people cheering for them. I guess they're the same people who gave us eight years of Bush & Co, with their immoral war, their immoral economic policies, their hideous appointments to the Supreme Court, their immoral response to Katrina and the catastrophe in New Orleans.

Thank you for speaking your mind, Heather. Some of your readers would rather you kept your politics to yourself. But not me. I think you're a patriot. I think we who are loosing sleep over the prospect of a McCain/Palin victory need to work hard and harder to make sure that does not happen. We need to speak out and speak up every day. Vote Obama/Biden!

John McCain and Sarah Palin won't turn us into a socialist country who makes nicey-nice with Iran and other terrorist countries.

There ya go. Plain and simple.

(Just wait Heather: When the chicago messiah is elected and he cuts our military like Clinton did, and you're hanging on to Leta for dear life when our country is attacked by those nice people in the Middle East, you'll be wishing Mr. P.O.W. and Mrs. NRA were in office.)

I read Krissi's comment, and I can see the pros of having Sarah Palin in office.

However, being on the border of another country does not necessarily give you foreign policy experience. That's like saying Californian Governor has foreign policy experience because it's next to Mexico (who we trade with, and deploy immigrants to), and now he has enough experience to run a country.
I also dislike her stuttering, it's a common feature for public speaking, but it's very...unsatisfying. It itches my nerves. I want a man or woman in office who can say what they're trying to say effectively and confidently.

I have a question for you Heather, do you think McCain's move to stop campaigning and to rejoin the other senators to solve the economic problems is a good move?
Especially since the Presidential Debate is tomorrow evening, and we still don't know if McCain will be joining Obama on stage.

Lastly, do you think that this move, is so that McCain can try to squeeze out of Palin's questioning?
By this I mean that McCain can say, "Americans need to see their presidential candidates talk out the issues of today. This is more important than the Vice President debate." And then propose that he and Obama talk over that television time effectively taking Palin away from a mic.

If I have phrased any of this incorrectly (or made any huge spelling or grammar mistakes), I apologize. I just threw up my mind from Physics.

I am voting for McCain/Palin. I supported the McCain campaign from the advent of campaign season, and I stand by him still.

So, why am I voting for either of them? Why am I even comfortable voting on the Republican ticket? Let me expound; I vote on issues, not on people. If I voted for a specific person, I would vote for Mickey Mouse over all of them. The notion that a perfect candidate exists to unite us all under one huge star-spangled flag is ridiculous, naive, and extremely idyllic.

No. 1: Economics

I like small government. No, I LOVE small government. I LOVE laissez-faire capitalism (some will argue this does not exist) because a big, bureaucratic government only leads to ruin. I think Republicans best support a free-trade system of Capitalism, which is what we need in order to remain competitive at all. The world is flat, and while the government is good at protecting its people, American business is good at providing a wage in a quickly changind economic landscape.

No. 2: The Welfare State

I dislike the welfare state to an extent. I understand and recognize the need to provide for others through programs funded under taxation, but where do you draw the line? I recognize that many liberals believe in the welfare state, but instead of understanding the true purpose, it appears that many liberals actually understand it to be a "nanny state" where the rich are obligated to transfer their wealth to the poor. The few people that hold wealth in this country are not responsible for taking care of the many that are poor. Should they pay fair taxes? Yes. Should they be obligated to pay thousands and thousands more than the average middle class person? No, their innovations, ideas, and perserverance earned them their money, and I have no right to ask them to give more than anyone else should.

3. Nationalized Healthcare

If someone can actually give me a substantial argument as to how this would improve health care for every single person in the United States, I might consider voting for the issue. However, the government is incapable of running social security, so is the government incapable of running a national healthcare system. The only method I would support would be subsidized healthcare through privatization. Government can't run medicare or medicaid, so why put everyone's health at such a risk?

4. Social Issues

Now, coming from a woman, please tell me how the equal pay for equal work idea is actually verifiable. If I apply to a job that a man applies for, and he and I have dissimilar applications, but his application is more fitting of the position, and both are hired, who should be paid more? We are doing the same work...so should I be paid as much as him even though I may be underqualified? Sure, John McCain sounded insensitive, but you know what? More and more women are getting educations while that is not true for men. I cannot even believe this issue is a campaign issue!

5. Experience

I hate this argument, especially as an educated, twenty-five year old woman transitioning between roles. Experience in terms of years of work is NOTHING compared to the actual strength or relevancy of the work you PERFORM.

The difference between one ticket and the other? Palin has executive experience. I understand the video makes her look like an idiot and Tina Fey is really funny, but seriously: She makes decisions that either harm or benefit the entire population of her state. And while that state carries a small population, look at all she did for it as Governor. Look at her influence, her record for change, and her tenancity.

- - -

I commend anyone that decides to run for the presidency or vice-presidency on their bravery. They run a gauntlet everyday as millions of uninformed and apathetic non-voters throw mud at either side.

It appears this election is an upgraded popularity contest of "let's see who can better make a fool out of the other's ticket." Seriously, all I want to hear is how you can make my life better and the life of those I care about, too, while aligning with those issues important to me. I don't care about a Bridge to Nowhere that doesn't exist. I don't care about private family matters. I don't care about how sexy or handsome a candidate is in a poll.

I care about whether or not your stances match my stances, and from there, I will make the best decision I can.

Bravo #271 I agree wholeheartedly.

RON PAUL FILL-IN 2008

Well, shit. I could've saved myself the time, searching youtube on the appletv and just come here. You had exactly what I was looking for.

I have to say, I was in the Harvard/Yale area last weekend and just smiled at all the Obama signs.

I wear my Obama button into my bosses office whenever we have a meeting, just to get into a debate.

I didn't read all the comments so I don't know if anyone else has caught this: Obama has been in the US Senate for FOUR years, not two. He was elected in Nov 2004.

If the hubby and I vote the Republican ticket this year (and yes, we are lifer registered Republicans but we despise Bush), it will be for one reason only: because Congress will continue to be controlled by the Democrats for the foreseeable future, and we like the idea of having Congress and the President from opposing parties. It has the potential of slowing down bad proposals. McCain's tax plan, for example, is dead on arrival should he be elected. Speaker Pelosi has already said "Over my dead body" and she has no incentive to work with him after such a nasty campaign.

And for the Republicans who are shouting about socialism if Obama becomes President, may I remind you about the Republican passage (the President AND Congress) of Medicare Part D and No Child Left Behind, among others. THAT is big government intervention, which is apparently how socialism is defined these days, and that was ALL Republican. And it's President Bush who wants his unfettered $700 billion bailout with no oversight by Congress, the courts, or agencies. THAT is socialism.

So the socialism battlecry doesn't hold water.

A few months ago I was on edmunds.com, looking at car reviews. Just for kicks, I checked out the reviews for Hummers. I figured they would be HORRIBLE because hey--Hummers suck, right?

Instead, I was shocked to find that Hummers had user ratings that were on par with the Hondas and Toyotas I had looked at. But whereas the Honda and Toyota owners raved about meaningful and important things like their car's fuel efficiency, reliability, and resale value, the Hummer reviews were all like--

Pros: Turns a lot of heads. Comes in cool bright yellow color. You can take up 2 parking spaces.
Cons: They stopped making this model

Sarah Palin is the Hummer of politicians.

I LOATHE Obama. If he mentions change one more time without actually telling us what that chnage is, I will puke. Why isn't Biden getting any attention? No one cares. They do care about Palin. Obama's first mistake was not putting Hill on the ticket. That cost him a lot of votes. I'm a democrat throwing the Dems under the bus like they threw Clinton under the bus. McCain-Palin 08.

And let's take 2 random minutes out of your blog and judge that, shall we?

i'd be *REALLY* curious what she thinks about this story. since, you know, global warming isn't real, and all that kinda stuff. "i dunno."

Barrack Obama only has 143 days of experience. Name ONE comany where you can be the president in 143 days.

despite everything, i do very much appreciate #301's comment; thanks.

1) I'm pretty sure A-2 (#271) is my cousin b/c I got that same message about a week ago.

2) What in the hell did she say? Or, what was she trying to say? I'm all about listening to interviews but that was so..."well you know."

"108. melissa said:

...

Also I like the Dooce better when it spares us the thinly veiled endorsements via photos of dog with husband in obama shirt. ..."

Melissa, if I was an American, registered to vote, and had a weblog, I too would voice my opinion and support for whoever it was I was backing For The Win.

I like "the Dooce" no matter what she is posting - thinly veiled or otherwise.

Back to politics.

McCain scares me just as much as George Jr did, and Palin scares me even more. That woman is the equivalent of your average TV evangelical priest, but without the knowledge required to convince millions of people to part with their hard earned cash on toll free numbers.

The fact that she could be running a country, or even representing a country, that my country has close alliances and trade agreements with scares the living shit out of me.

I can see her lobbying to have prayers made compulsory in all State Schools, banning condoms and the pill, making abortion illegal federally, and then wondering why suicide, pregnancy, backyard abortions and sexually transmitted diseases explode in America.

The woman is a fucking moron, put in a position that should be untenable to anyone that loves their country, and hopes for it to regain it's place of respect and trust from the rest of the world - the respect and trust that the Republican Party has destroyed with George Jr, and wishes to continue to make a mockery of with John "I can only concentrate on one problem at a time" McCain, and his sidekick, Sarah "Moose shooting is fun" Palin.

Because she's smarter than Biden (who also announced that 10,000 people died in Kansas City due to Hurricane Ike -- the total was actually 7):

Meanwhile, what does Joe Biden think about all this?

“When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn’t just talk about the princes of greed,” Biden told Couric. “He said, ‘Look, here’s what happened.’”

The stock market crashed in 1929, while Hoover was president. FDR became president in 1932. Television wasn’t introduced to the public until a decade later. Dumbass.

(Hot Air has the video.)

Reminds me of the "It goes to eleven" scene in Spinal Tap.

Leann: I'd like to feel sorry for Palin too but she is a grown-up and as they say, if you're gonna piss like a puppy than don't run with the dogs (national politics).
I want to hear real answers from Palin, like the ones Katha Pollitt asks.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080929/pollitt

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah...please keep talking. It's just so darn entertaining.

For an equally uncomfortable performance, check out the transcript from her first time fielding questions from the pres corps:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/25/palin-takes-questions-fr...

A vice presidential candidate should not have a problem answering softball questions intelligently.

Let's talk sound bites - here's the Democrat's VP candidate's take on what to do in a financial crisis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTBZHf6WyG0

Too bad Franklin Roosevelt wasn't president until 1933 and TV wasn't available to the public in 1929!

I'm sorry aimee, what part of CREDIBLE didn't you understand??!??!??

Pebbles I have never wanted to see Dooce throw-down on a commenter like I want to see her do to you.

Why are you here if you have such disdain for her?

Seriously.

Your tantrum has been fun to watch but grow up and go home.

Okay, Sean, you've Sean that you are a racist now!

Do you really think a Palin supporter is going to willing subject themselves to be trashed by this group of readers. Come on.. Some of them have at least that much common sense. Nice try!

Oh Heather! I think you have every reason to be concerned. Did I not just see Laura Bush saying last night that Sarah Palin didn't have any experience in foreign policy. As part of the country that borders the USA (Canada), I am certainly watching the lead up to the November elections. Our polls say that Obama would win here too in our upcoming elections (go figure!)

There is way to much focus on the breadth of foreign policy experience on all of these candidates. None of them really have any. Having meetings with foreign leaders does not constitute experience. Senators don't hammer out deals. Senators receive briefings. That goes for Governors as well. The proper role of our civil servants has been largely ignored for a long time. The President does what he/she believes is the right course based on the suggestions of those with actual foreign experience, those whose job is actually dealing with the international community.

All the obsession with Palin is such melodrama. The VP is a largely symbolic post. I suppose you could obsess over McCains mortality, but Obama hasn't exactly been that forthcoming with his medical records. Things are not always what they seem. Has he had his appendix removed? He could be a walking time bomb.

Focus has been lost. Biden and Palin are a sideshow.

Just saw on Fox News that the top Hispanic fundraiser for Hillary has defected to the McCain side. His words?
"Obama has done nothing. He's actively courting the Hispanics and he has done nothing to help us, ever."
Even his own party members are jumping ship. I understand the state of things right now in our country leaves alot to be desired, and I know it's the popular, celebrity thing to do to be a democrat, but damn, people...you gotta do your research. McCain is about as non-conservative as you can be without having your Republican card revoked. People compared him to Hillary CLinton last year...now he's some right wing conservative loon? I don't think so.

Well the President of Pakistan thinks she's hot or in his words beautiful but whatever - and was very excited to hold her hand for the pic ops - so there's our foreign policy expert - be pretty and make all the boys fall in love with you - lol.

I agree exactly with #288 Suzy.
I was first attracted to your blog because of your clever edgy dialogue. It became obvious that you have many "issues" which is interesting, except for the political ones. I do not share your political views and am not comfortable with them being shoved at me. Like Suzy, I will hit "X", unlike Suzy, I will NOT be back tomorrow...........

Oh, I really really really want to wade through all these comments, but i got slayed at OH MY GOD THE HELL!

snort.
(I love Leta. Just remember to be careful when controlling those attributes you want in your adult child. You could have added that you know many more worse words, and that if she is really good during the rest of the mall trip, she could learn some of them, too.)reported

#674 - kind of.

"Dodi" makes a great point. I have friends who were willing to vote for McCain in the past, but no longer. Somehow he's magically transformed into the great scourge of 08'. What changed? Nothing changed, there just didnt exist the Obama cult.

When did we lose sight of the proper role of politicians. I already have one dad, thats quite enough. We don't need more paternalistic morons trying to run our lives. Used to be, an adult was responsible for his/her own actions.

Change is not something forced upon us by a civil servant. I think theres another word for that.

Just checking, but did Bush ever say that he had foreign policy experience just because he was the Governor of Texas in 1994? Weird times we are living in. Seriously, I don't want "someone like me" running the country. I am the Hillary supporter that McCain would love to have, but I can't relate to Palin at all. Not even because we both are women. I will admit to admiring the guts it must take to take on her current position in the political realm and I will give her a respectful "you go girl" for that, but I can't say that I relate (on any level) to her point of view.

While I am not a Palin supporter, let me tell you why everyone I know is voting for her: she's a Christian. And that's all. While I live in the Bible Belt and realize that my experience is not everyone else's, everyone who I've asked about why they support Palin can offer me no more than that. "Palin is Christian and will vote Christian interests"-which means anti-abortion, pro-gun and what they perceive to be pro-family. However, not one of them has made any comment about Palin's, or McCain's, domestic and foreign policies.

This is because when the economy is bad, they don't blame the politicians, but say "it's God's will. We have to trust the politicians because God gave them to us. We're not supposed to question them" (that is a direct quotation). The war in Iraq is God's war because Bush said we should be there and he's a Christian and God put him in office. Lewis Caroll couldn't even follow this line of logic, this line of reductive foreign policy and almost non-existent domestic policy (that doesn't involve injecting religion into every aspect of the government.)

I am not insinuating that these people are unintelligent...many of them are in fact quite intelligent. The evangelical vote is very powerful because it perceives Palin as the wrecking ball that is going to bring down the wall between church and state. That is something that I think is not being adequately addressed in all the lipstick/hockey mom/MILF brouhaha.

On behalf of people living in other countries (who can not vote, but will still be affected by the outcome of this decision) I urge those of you who can vote to do so and to do so responsibly. This woman could be the president! That is a horrific thought. For all the people who say "she's just like me" ummm no offense, but I probably don't want you running a country either.

#687 Jacalhou
Just an FYI - Palin isn't running for president, therefore, we aren't voting for her.
And being Christian has nothing to do with it. How stupid are you?

Democrats forget that they used to love McCain.

jacalhou...How exactly is she supposed to knock down the walls between church and state? Would that be with the magical Supreme Court powers that she doesn't have? Or maybe her amazing ability to control the minds of Senators, and just write her own legislation? I heard that she has a third eye, and I don't think that its being adequately addressed.

To be honest, none of these boneheads are really qualified to run our country... but I guess if I'm going to have to choose the "lesser of evils" I'll pick the guy who seems to hold the same views on domestic issues as I do -- Obama '08.

Oh, and FYI... Alaska is 58 miles from the edge of mainland Russia and the two countries are separated by very cold water... not a road or a land border. I live closer to Mexico than Palin's state is to Russia (and I'm married to a native Mexican), but that doesn't make me a foreign policy expert on issues with Mexico or anywhere else.

And finally, last time I checked this was Heather's blog and she can post whatever she damn well pleases. If you don't like it, don't come here and certainly don't "waste" your time posting a response. That makes YOU a bonehead.

#384 (Michelle)

I am from San Diego and still live within an hour from the border. I agree that living near Mexico doesn't make me an expert on foreign policy. However, if someone asked me if say, Jerry Sanders or Arnold Schwartzenegger had experience with foreign policy, I would have to say that they do (in terms of Mexico). I seriously do not get the argument that *everyone* who lives near a border must have the same foreign policy experience as Sarah Palin (ha ha ha, snicker snicker) - unless you are a *governor* of the state, why would you?

I'm a moderate Republican. I am not the biggest Palin supporter, because we differ on a number of political views (pro-life being the main one), but it drives me *bonkers* how so many people want to focus entirely on the fact that she's a woman, she's a mother (and all of her supposed shortcomings there - mainly complaints from liberal working women about how Palin went back to work so soon, or how could she work with a special-needs infant at home. Just imagine if I suggested the same about them), she made a mistake while speaking, she wears too much makeup, they don't like her accent, on and on and on.

If you read the facts about what she has and has not done politically, and you still don't like her political views, then don't vote for her! It's that simple. But I am plain tired of the sexist bashing she's getting, and the arguments against her that hold no water (let's talk about Biden and Obama's interview flubs, if that's the main issue you have against her).

Heatherrrrr come onnnnn. Of course you are not genuinely interested in hearing from Palin supporters. Your post essentially says, "Look, this woman is a cartoon character, but please indulge me as to why you could possibly support her while I pretend to look interested but secretly try not to laugh or gawk at you."

I am a Hillary-turned-Obama supporter. But I am also an Alaskan. Do I think Sarah Palin has the experience to be vice president, and possibly president? Of course not. Do I think she was chosen for any reason besides her chromosome and her squeaky-clean evangelical appeal? No. But I have met her and I understand why people (who do not share your political views) like her and want to support her. She represents a new kind of politician, much in the way Obama does, who has not been wrapped up in corruption, in the "game," so to speak, of many of our current politicians. She's done some pretty great things for Alaska and in 2007 her approval rating was over 90% (in a pretty cantankerous, hard-to-please State). She's cleaned out her own party. And she has always put the interests of Alaskans first, not the party's. So as someone who has been following her politics for years rather than months, you need to know that she is more than this caricature being portrayed by the media.

And that's my problem with your post. I agree with the essence of it, and I think Palin would do best to focus on Alaska, but aren't you getting sick of people being summed up by bad interviews and sound bytes? George Bush is not a good president, but it's for reasons beyond his pronunciation of "nuclear" or because he said that "Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country." And so much of our nation has just given up on voicing their opinions in a meaningful, original way and instead just offer a link to a candidate sounding dumb.

Turning a politician into a joke is taking the easy way out, and it discredits all of the people who support them as fervently as you support Obama - and for real reasons, reasons that make them shake with anger and passion, reasons that they will picket for, reasons that they might go to war for. And just because you don't share these views doesn't mean that anyone who finds value in Sarah Palin is Mr. Magoo.

My criteria for president, for what it's worth. I consider myself pretty moderate, taking some issues to the left and some to the right, but this...this is the thing that gets me most.

Whoever is in office needs to wrap their mind around the fundamental separation of church and state. I am all for letting individual religious groups decide if they want to recognize issues like gay marriage, abortion, birth control, stem cell research, ect. But make no mistake, the Bible (because in this country, especially my neck of the woods, it's the Christians who seem to have the most trouble with this) has NO BUSINESS dictating our legislation. If a religious group doesn't want their practicioners to partake or participate in something, so be it. But that does not mean that a law should be passed preventing everyone else from doing so.

Oh. My. God. She sure doesn't think very well on her feet...and she's had weeks to come up with an answer to the question Katie asked. Wow. Definitely not what I expect from the leaders of the free world.

sorry. i know this isnt my little playground .. .but i just saw captain dumbass' comment & it literally made me LOL (& i never use the LOL acronym either) ... my brother says something similar all the time ... 'i'm scared. somebody hold me.' makes me giggle. that's all. and sorry to the other readers out here who are GENUINELY interested in doing their political rants as well as reading the others political rants... but most importantly sorry to dooce b.c i just used her blog to comment on something completely irrelevant.

I made a comment earlier and was discussing this with a girl friend tonight and thought of something else.

Sarah Palin is everything ignorant and wrong with American society but that is just my personal opinion that I have a right to, and I will say again....I cannot risk this ding bat being my husband's commander-in-chief.

I had a brilliant thought though. I registered my son for hockey today, I am a mother of 4. I plan to run for president! I am an Army wife with 2 loooong deployments under my belt so I am certainly qualified. Oh and I have fabulous boobs. Now all I need is a retarded child to use as a sympathy accessory and I will be set! :-D

My point in reposting is this thought....If a man stammered through an interview like she did with Couric and could not give any decent answers....well we would all be ready to crucify him. The president of Pakistan oggeling all over her was just SHAMEFUL! He wouldn't treat Connie Rice that way would he? Of course not! Why? Because she commands authority and respect and in a nut shell...she knows her shit.

@Rachel Walls, Though I do not share all of your views you wrote the best post out of this lot so far. Really well said. Bravo to you, Rachel.

For the few of you who have dissed Obama's economic plan as socialist, please explain to me how it's socialist. Perhaps you don't know what socialism is. Or perhaps you're not familiar with Obama's economic plan. True, the tax is increasing for the top 0.1% of the population (9.1 million plus), but that money is not going anywhere to create a social-welfare state. Rather he plans on investing this in areas that will benefit everyone in this nation, including alternative energy, scientific research, and infrastructure. This not only benefits our country in the the global political economy, but also creates more jobs for those most disadvantaged by the economic crises without giving them any freebies. Plus, contrary to popular belief, he is NOT in support of creating a nationalized health care system where, as McCain put it, "a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor."

I may sound pro-Obama, and I am, but everything I've written is in an attempt to get voters to actually understand the issues and make an educated decision. Hey, if you're all about saving $700 less with McCain then you would with Obama, then go for it. I am absolutely against socialism of any kind, so I can assure you Obama's plan does not fall under that label. In fact, most economists in support of laissez-faire economies are in support of Obama's plan and consider it the most realistic. McCain's plan is tried and wrong.

One other thing I urge people to consider is that no candidate is perfect--they never can be agreeable with 100% of your viewpoints. Thus, as an economist would say, you've got to make a trade. Prioritize what is most important for you. Ideology won't get you anywhere. Social liberalism is the first step to economic conservatism.

BTW the last time I checked my history book, George Washington and a number of our early presidents didn't have the qualifications you all are looking for...that goes for both sides. So where are we at? Simple...The American people need to start being "We the People..." instead of allowing our government to trash the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. So educate yourselves..complain...demand changes be made. Otherwise the checks and balances will be gone before you know it. One thing to keep in mind...keep the separation between Church and State.

Is Sarah Palin qualified? No.
In reality is any of the candidates? No.

Anything can look good on paper and many can BS their way through an interview. That is what this election is...You have two people interviewing for a job. We are their employers.

So get out there and vote for whom ever YOU feel is most qualified for the job. If you don't, you can't bitch about it later.

Is this a family site?

You have got to be FUCKING KIDDING ME!!

And she doesn't speak for me - NOR DOES ANYONE ELSE - on Abortion issues.

There, I've said it

Those in Washington who are consider "qualified" scare me just as much if not more. Biden is the creepy uncle who hugs you too long at Christmas dinner.

Just saying I am glad we looked out of the norm for a new option. Not sure she is the answer. But I like the concept of an outsider shaking things up.. And no I don't consider Obama and outsider. He knows the game and secret handshakes..

If we had the same access to our presidents as the media has now, half would not go down in history as great as they were remembered. Is this progress?

Dooce, why is it this clip that annoys you so?

I mean, face it, Palin is a hardass. Obama does not have a ton of experience in dealing with "foreign negotiations" either. What is the point of this banter?

Issues? These are distractions.

The SF (Observer, is it?) just endorsed McCain/Palin. I think that anyone who thinks that Obama will pull a quick & immediate exit to this fatally flawed war (which Hilary Clinton, John Kerry, et al supported at the onset...and Dubs did not fudge the intelligence, it was what was available, and conspiracy theorists really are nutz...so that's my take upfront on that topic).

I love this country. I am not moving out & apparently, neither is Alec Baldwin. But, we do need to deal with issues that are at proportionally high and potentially catastrophic levels. And, I don't believe more entitlement programs are the answer. Capitalism works, when used in the original progressive party, the GOP (Southern Dems were the conservative slave owners when the GOP formed to abolish slavery and move toward civil rights--the originators of what the left has embraced as their own form of progressiveness), but not with this current clusterfuck, of course. This country has so much potential...but Katie Couric and Chuck Gibson are not the sources for objective information. And, even so, she answered the question honestly...and then there's the whole Obama's lacking in foreign negotiations...or whatever Katie said).

Did you see Sarah Silverman's clip...funny, poignaint, of course...but helpful to Obama, or issues oriented not really.

McCain and Palin, nor any other candidate will ever be able to do away with safe and legal abortions either...if that's what terrifies you (& Pink, incidentally). There may be a push toward more resources for actual terrified pregnant women. I think everyone can agree that abortion is a difficult subject...and there are adoptees that are passionate about things as well. And, even though they are highly critizied, there are Christians whose spirituality lead them to believe something different about what is technically a fetus, than an athiest would believe...I mean, seriously, who is being less tolerant here? The book banning and church and state issues in education are hyperbole at best.

That's how I break it down. I'd be interested to hear how you break down the issues.

Just MHO.

Wow,Pinar there are so many things wrong with what you just said. First of all you seem to be confused on what Socialism is. It doesnt necessarily mean Stalinism. What it does entail is large scale income redistribution. Taking my tax money and enlarging Medicare and Medicaid , and enlarging Social Security, this is redistribution to people who don't pay taxes. It's a fairly simple concept. Giving more state control over the medical community is a step toward nationalization.

The government cannot create jobs. Any money they use to "create" jobs is tax money, meaning it comes from our pockets, which means it cannot be spent on supporting existing business and give them the ability to expand and create more jobs. Its called the "broken window fallacy".

Your claim that "most economists in support of laissez-faire economies are in support of Obama's plan"
is utter nonsense. No Austrian school economist's support it.

painful. The VP debate is going to be pure entertainment. I agree, they actually found someone less articulate than Dubya. how in the hell?

Does anyone else think McCain is using the economic crisis as an excuse to bail on the Pres debate?

So, we should hold Biden to the same standards then, right? The following is a direct quote from the AP:

"When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened,'" Barack Obama's running mate recently told the "CBS Evening News."

Except, Republican Herbert Hoover was in office when the stock market crashed in October 1929. There also was no television at the time; TV wasn't introduced to the public until a decade later, at the 1939 World's Fair.

To Khrystan - #38...there was more to the interview...it got worse.

Great. It's just a matter of time before she invades Canada what with all her proximity-based foreign policy experience.

Hell in a hand basket.

Your Tax Bill Will Tell It All
heather
I find your wit extrodinarily entertaining, but i disagree with your poitics. im not bashing, i see both sides of republican/democrats. both are lying, cheating, stealing politicians. my comment is not so much about this link, but one from a few weeks earlier where you suggested that if people need your money through higher taxes to make their lives better, then please, take your f-ing money.

simple question: On average, how much extra money do you send in each year with your taxes? its legal, you can do it, and you can choose to not have any returned either (they ask you right there on the form how much you wnat returned). If you think the government (the same government, by the way, that brought you the Post Office, the TSA, $300 hammers, the DMV, and the lovely court system) is really effective at combating poverty and helping the less fortunate, why wouldnt you send them more?

I am guessing the answer is zero. If it is, I think you are faced with a simple and profound choice: either put your money where your beliefs are and start volunteering for a 40%+ tax bracket, or do some soul searching - you may be more of a conservative than you think. Not all of our policies are bad (many are, but like you its the lesser of two evils when we are really honest), just they sound harsher. I beleive longer term they work better, just that our microwave/ADD society lacks patience to see them through (as our 4 year old daughters are often evidence). I hope you read this, I think you are a good person, and I think you are honest enough to seriously consider these ideas.

Sarah Palin reminds me of Miss Carolina. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALIARHHLII&feature=related
Good on you for sticking to your beliefs, and being so open about it.

First I must say that I am not a McCain/Palin supporter. Personally I wanted Hillary, but this choice is no longer an option.

I know many around me who will be voting for the republican party, oh not for beliefs or even for their political stance. No ignorance is in abudant around here....cause they are choosing to vote republican cause of race. To me one of the saddest and most unexcusable reasons.(Sometimes I question where my own beliefs came from. Since my own parent's share values that I find myself ashamed of.)

I am in agreement with all of the above who believe that a VP representive should be one of more substance. It's just sad when VP's are chosen in hope to gain the popular vote of women.

236. Jayna.

Wow...way to be a COMPLETE bigot! No need to wonder why the rest of the world looks down on us.

I think she and George W. had the same diction coach.

I'm appalled by the number of people in this thread decrying Obama's church.

Palin's church welcomed a speaker from Jews for Jesus who claimed that the violence in Israel was divine revenge for not believing in Christ. Palin's church prayed over her to protect her from witchcraft. To date, Palin has neither denounced her church nor resigned from it. Obama has done both.

Everyone running for president has things in their past that reflect poorly on them. Every presidential candidate is a highly compromised individual.

But those touting Palin's religious credentials should acknowledge that, if Obama's church was hateful, Palin's is equally so.

Furthermore, please be humble enough to realize that not everyone in this country is a Christian. We are Jews and Muslims and Buddhists and atheists and more. That's why we have separation of church and state--so that everyone has an equal opportunity to practice and enjoy their own beliefs. Making laws based on any holy book is not in keeping with the principles this country was founded upon.

Dear Internet,

Thanks to all of you who have made, civil and intelligent posts about why they are voting Republican. I'm a *cough* liberal and have been, like Heather, very puzzled as to why someone would vote for McCain. And, although I remain unconvinced that a Republican win in November would do anything to help this country, I am still happy to at least better understand the motivation behind a McCain vote.

What worries me about this election is the grandstanding and lack of discourse, not only between the candidates, but their supporters, without a view of trying to understand either side.

Thanks for opening up your blog to this Heather.

My 80 year old mother has never discussed politics with anyone. The selection of Sarah Palin has incensed to her a point that now she is willing to speak her mind. She's also not a big fan of Dude Todd.

Honestly, every other guy I talk to thinks she's hot, what a reason to vote. This is not high school ASB here.

Next -- I have several advanced degrees, have traveled, subscribe to the NYT, read non fiction and was in the ASB, however, I do not think that I am qualified to be Vice President. However, I'm thinking there are a hundred thousand moms in middle America driving the car pool, stopping at the store for some tyson's chicken tenders for dinner and then rushing off to pampered chef show, with a tiny glimmer of hope that one day they could be VP, because they can juggle all that crap and look hot.

Seriously.

I have to say the "If I wanted politics, I'd read a political blog" people are scaring me a bit.

Even if Dooce wants to be pigeonholed into "Personal Blog" territory, and I don't know that she does ... What do y'all think politics is about, exactly? If you have children -- heck, if you're alive and breathing -- it behooves you to care about your own security, your own health, your own financial well-being, your own rights. It doesn't get much more personal than that.

I can picture it now... all the kick ass reporters standing around the water cooler making jokes about their next Palin interview. Get rid of Palin's (er, Bush's) speech writer and it is seemingly all down hill. Kinda like the first - oh shit - drop on a roller coaster ride.

Bush doctrine, what's the Bush doctrine? Please oh please tell me Charlie because I'm looking stupid here! LOL

And... Your title is perfectly reasonable! She is running for VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. If she is going to sound that stupid in interviews she deserves to be treated suchly.

I cannot WAIT for the VP debates... cannot wait. I see a great supply of chopped liver in our future.

I hope the Presidential debate happens tomorrow night and I HOPE - SOMEHOW - the "Keating 5" comes up!

why SP should be VP:
1.best looking VP ever
2.knows 23 different words for snow
3.great glasses
4.can shoot a gun
5.can shoot a moose
6.can skin a moose
7.moose jerky for all
8.rides a snowmobile
9.can point to russia
10.has the skills to become a news reporter

Wait a second. I just noticed something. Look at how many of the Liberal comments are just 2-liner snarky, crude quips and how many Conservative comments are long, respectful, relatively emotionless arguments with actual points. Doesn't that suggest that as many Conservatives who are voting purely from a religious zeal point of view that there are as many Liberals voting out of a close-minded, fear-based, media-fueled point of view? Just an idea.

Heather, look at how many thoughtful Conservatives read your very liberal blog. Yes, that says something wonderful about YOU, but it also says something wonderful about them. I doubt that any of these snarky Liberal commenters would open their minds enough to read MY blog-- my Mormon, somewhat conservative/somewhat liberal blog. I highly doubt they have the maturity and intelligence to read a blog that doesn't cater to their every belief. I bet these are the same commenters who always take the same 2 sentences to gush at how perfectly wonderful you are. I love your blog and I DO think you're a wonderful person but I don't bow down to you. I wonder what you think of the readers who do. It would make me ill if I were you. And I certainly wouldn't count their opinions as being on my side if I were you. If they had something substantial to add, wouldn't they do so? "Scares the shit out of me." ALONE is NOT a point. It could be a reflection of a mental illness for all I'm privy to know!

Again, Heather, I love your sincerity and earnestness. I hope these comments help you to understand your family's point of view, even if you don't agree and that there won't be any contention over politics anymore. I hope they're sympathetic to your sincere beliefs.

Best wishes.

. . .

YOU can just rock me to sleep tonight, damnit Dooce!!!

Sorry, Heather, but I think 701 is onto something.

And George Washington? Leading during a VERY different era. Anyone being the first president is going to look good after they're done!

#148 Diggs: I really appreciate the fact that you wrote about your reasons for supporting McCain/Palin. Unfortunately, the "great advisers" argument was one I posed when Bush was elected the first time -- my mother voted for him, and I thought he was pretty ignorant/dumb, but I was hopeful that he had surrounded himself with wise people who would help him. I was completely unprepared for just how terrible their advice was.

Also, if you watch the entire interview with Couric, Palin could not answer one question comprehensibly. I know she's had training/prep already, and I was shocked that she wasn't a quicker study. Isn't that supposed to be her strong suit?

Not trying to be snarky, but I'd love to discuss this.

#163 Sarah: I actually did watch the entire interview, which I'm sure was slightly edited, but not in any way that could possibly have created the almost incomprehensible things Gov. Palin said. I actually found her comments about the economy and the bailout to be even less comprehensible than those about foreign policy. In fact, I have reviewed it several times, using the transcript to help me, but it only makes it marginally better. She does not really answer a single question posed, but repeats phrases which often have nothing to do with the topic at hand. When asked about the bailout, she responds by taking about tax cuts and the health care plan. Everyone in the U.S. should be made to watch/read the ENTIRE video to see just how serious the problem is.

If anything, above all this back and forth name calling and what not, I wish our number one priority as voters was to separate church from state and choose the candidate that is most qualified. I'm a registered Independent and after McCain chose Palin as his running mate, I seriously did a double take. I get people feel comfortable with someone they relate to, but we're not talking president of the PTA. We're talking leader of the free freaking world! I'm not saying Obama is waaay more qualified than Palin but you can't call governing a state that has roughly a population of 626,932 enough experience to run an entire country! I'm from Los Angeles, we have a population of 9,948,081. Ummm? LA is a city remember, not even a state. If you wanna throw out facts of how qualified Palin is, research the counter facts that might actually help in making a more informed decision on qualification. It's just sad to see the state of our wonderful country. Sending billions of dollars to fund a war that's killing innocent people while the economy goes to sh*t.

oh and there was a comment waaay up high that said "What's not to like. She has the liberals in complete hysteria (see nearly all comments above). :-)"

fyi, that's not a good thing. people shouldn't fear their government. this nation wasn't built on it.

Natasha, #753, interesting observation how conservatives do tend to be more open-minded and willing to listen than "liberal thinking" ones.

And Aimee, I admire your resolve and passion to get the other side of the story out there. I've got a lot of friends, half D, half R and they're all good people but the D's do seem to be sheltered inside the left wing media - so thanks for putting those links up.

P.S. I'll vote Republican but I support gay marriage, because I as Palin, am not about to judge.

matt damon ...sandra burnhard...lindsay lohan...the more I hear from hollywood (and it seems like Obama--like clinton before him--just kow tows to hollywood)
the safer i feel voting mcccain/palin. Really,who does matt damon think he is?

Obama is hollywood's puppet on a string.

I'm always confused by people who want "less government" but who also want to make abortion and birth control illegal. Isn't that the worst case of "more government?"
I grew up and live in Canada (though I was born in Montana) and while we have our own "Bush-lite" in Stephen Harper Canada seems to so far be able to keep church and state seperate without thinking we're a country with no values.

Re #741: "Palin's church welcomed a speaker from Jews for Jesus who claimed that the violence in Israel was divine revenge for not believing in Christ. Palin's church prayed over her to protect her from witchcraft. To date, Palin has neither denounced her church nor resigned from it. Obama has done both."

First off the preacher who blessed Palin was a visiting preacher from Kenya, the reference to witchcraft is a reflection of his cultural understanding of evil and Palin's "acceptance" of this blessing is her being respectful of this belief, not necessarily an endorsement. What is she supposed to do, start ranting she does not believe in witchcraft and storm out?

As a Jew, I really dislike Jews for Jesus because I think their practices are unethical when it comes to converting Jews, however I don't begrudge Christians for having opinions about Israel that I don't agree with. Simply because their beliefs come from the Bible and have no consequences on me as a Jew. Yes, they try to convert Jews, but they don't try to blow them up or blame them for economic/social vows inciting anger and violence in their communities. The pastor you are referring to(again) was a visiting pastor, not someone who is close to Palin or was her mentor for twenty years and who she looked on as a "father figure" as Obama did with Wright.

I would understand if Obama left his Church after a few years, but 20(!)? Oprah was a member in the early 1980's but realized it wasn't a place for her. Why is Obama, a person who is supposedly post-racial didn't have enough resolve to see hatred and race baiting at its purest form?
By disavowing his Church when he did, Obama proved to the typical career politician.

However, most importantly, I think Palin's actions speak louder than words. Palin supports Israel, Obama pays lips service to who ever he is speaking to at the moment. The famous promise of a united Jerusalem to AIPAC on day and a total denial of the promise the next day. I want a leader who will stand by his convictions no matter who is he is speaking to.

I like to think that McCain is one of the good guys. Heh. He really has bi-partisan leanings. He knows that it's time for the Repulicans to leave office--Palin is part of the plot to ensure that this happens. But then I'm Canadian.

Wow. I've been at the hospital the last week with my mother and have missed much of the news, including this interview. After watching this excerpt I decided to print out mom's request for an absentee voting ballot and one for my son who will be traveling that first week of November. If we don't want to end up with another 4 or 8 year fiasco, we need to get out there and vote and help others that might not otherwise. Moving to Canada if McCain is elected won't be far away enough... another planet might be safer.

holy crap. i did not understand a single word she's saying.

It is so sad I can't even say anything funny. I'll just say when I showed it to my husband, he seriously thought it was some kind of a joke.

I wish.

Hey, I'm on your side. I can't figure it out either. Here's my rant, posted before yours, on my view on the issue.

www.ivblogz.com/wedlocked

Wow. If anything, reading all these comments has illustrated that no one party has a lock on 1) intelligent supporters, 2) crazy people, or even 3) good spellers.

First of all, look around. Aren't we all taking it for granted that we can even be having this kind of discussion without looking over our shoulders for people coming to take us away because they disagree with us? I know it's trite, but that's why our country is great. Yay! Let's discuss!

Me, I'm conservative, I guess, if I have to wear a label. I'm also pro-choice (not pro-abortion, but I don't want anyone legislating what my choices should be), pro-gay marriage (again, keep your laws off my body), and pro-individual (don't tell me where my money has to go). I also want a clear separation of church and state, and frankly think that a good leader should be able to lead with little or no mention of their own religious beliefs, whatever they may be.

I'm also voting for McCain/Palin and I like Sarah Palin. Not because she is just like me (although in a lot of ways she is) but because from what I've heard and read she is a good manager and she fights hard for her constituents. Sure, she took that money for the bridge, but wasn't that her job, to do the best she could for Alaskans? She's governor of the largest and arguably most strategic state we have. Isn't that worth something? And she did it with 5 kids? That's almost worth it to me, right there. How can you survive with 5 kids and NOT learn management skills?

Why are we assuming that if you work your way up through the PTA,etc., that you're not executive material? As an MBA I know lots of high-powered corporate executives that some of my fellow PTA moms would put to shame. So if you're a mom you can't be capable, decisive, efficient, and strong on the issues? I watched that Gibson interview and inwardly quailed when she answered that she was pro-life. But then I cheered when she clarified that just because that was her personal belief, it didn't mean it would be national policy. Really, has a VP ever swayed national policy?

So the big issues I'm voting this ticket for are 1) national security (because my goal in life is never to have to protect my children from someone who wants to kill them; yeah, I do want the terrorists to hate our Prez), 2) Supreme Court Justices who adjudicate based on strict Constitutional interpretation rather than their own personal beliefs, and 3) I'd like to see some shake-up in our corrupt, big govt. system (take the IRS down!).

So there you have it.

Bat.Shit.Insane.

I always like to read the comments before I comment, to make sure I'm not repeating, but I can't make it to #781, sorry :)

I'm a Republican child, with "Conservative" written into my ancestry. Well, I'm thirty and this is the first year I refuse to categorize myself as a Republican and I truly consider the McCain/Palin ticket to be a joke.

Palin is "just like me" so we should vote for her?? Are you kidding? I'm not running to be the President for a reason... I'm not capable to lead this freaking country and neither is Palin. I grew up down by the border of Mexico so does that make me an expert on Mexico and immigration? Uh, hell no.

I love women, I am one after all. HOWEVER, I do not think a woman should rule over my husband or the entire country, for that matter. What happens in the White House when our VP (God forbid she be our President) has "monthly" issues or menopause? Suffragettes beat the crap out of me, I don't care, we women have too many issues to bring into the White House.

Now, about support of Palin: my parents love her because she's a fireball. What woman isn't when they've lived their lives killing and skinning animals??

My sis-in-law and brother love her because they think she's going to make some great changes in supporting teenage pregnancy (both of them had babies when they were teens). So, let me get this straight: Palin doesn't want safe-sex taught AT ALL, her teenage daughter gets prego out of wedlock and - BOOM - now she's an expert on teenage pregnancy and she's going to make changes for the better? Doubt it.

}i{

Nice work, Armstrong.

Controversial topic.
Wide range of responses.
Your site nets a nice boost in volume.
Helps increase your ability to bring home more bacon -- something Coco-the-fart-machine appreciates, I'm sure!

A few of these folks answer your question but most need a Time Out for disobeying your rules. Didn't you say no name calling and no insult hurling? Maybe they need one of your patented throw-her-over-my-shoulder-transport-her-outside-squat-so-that-my-face-is-about-a-centimeter-from-hers-and-inform-her-that-what-she-just-did-was-totally-unacceptable moves.

Then again, name-calling seems to be part of the business--doesn't provide solutions, but is part of the game.

Yes, the Palin clip is bad.
Simply put: She's not a speaker.

However, the McCain/Palin ticket is probably not a Disaster In The Making simply because Palin can't speak without a teleprompter. On the other hand, her weakness in public speaking is one mark against her in the Leadership column. It's likely that we could put together a long list of things she can't do well which would provide plenty of reasons she is not qualified. In fairness, we could do the same for Biden.

I'm not voting for McCain/Palin. They are a couple of politicians saying the words they believe will produce more votes. In the other camp Obama/Biden are doing the same thing, so I won't be voting for them either.

Where are all the Good Leaders?

hey,
evil liberal here. read way too many comments and saw no supporters. If you were an evil republican, i would probably not read you. (the evil thing is a family joke; my parents pretty much feel the same way as yours even though they are atheist, pro-choice, vegetarians)

I am neither Republican nor Democrat- because- both parties are so certain that they have "the answer" and that scares me to death, especially when people start getting really angry about it.

I mean really? One side or the other is going to solve all the world's problems? One side is right and the other is wrong? How is that possible?

What exactly are we going to accomplish without some sort of unity?

When I vote, I try to pick the candidate I hope will do the best job he or she can, someone who is at least respectable and quazi- honest. For instance, I loved Bubba, despite his indiscretions, because he was passionate and seemed to really love people. He even had a modicum of humility.

We haven't had any candidates like that in years. But- this year I really feel that both McCain and Obama are people who deserve our respect, even if we don't agree with their policies. They both seem to have, because of their own hardships, what "W" lacks altogether. Empathy for their fellow man.

Before Palin was chosen, I was on the fence. She is not, however, a person that I feel I can trust or respect and therefore I can not justify voting for McCain. Her presence has sort of sullied what has been a fairly civilized race.

I am not an American but have been following the politics for the past few months, as like it or not, we all do get affected by what goes on in the White House.

What I really want to understand is why do people want someone who is really like them as the VP? Don't they want someone a little bit smarter than them? If I thought that anyone like me could run a nation, I would rather run it myself.

Heather,

Thanks for giving your opinion. What some people don't seem to realize is that it is YOUR blog. I myself find it refreshing that you have an opinion. Why do people think that you shouldn't post your political view? That you should only post what they want you to post? That is absurd. Kuddos to you for sticking to your beliefs.

On to more important dialogue: While Sarah Palin may be "pretty", she is not qualified to be VP or President. Has it escaped the attention of everyone that EVERY SINGLE poster from outside the United States is hoping that Obama wins? Does this say anything to anyone about what the rest of the world thinks about the current administration? While in Europe this past summer, all I heard was that "Why the hell do you guys have that loser in the White House"?

I am dumb founded at to why women are not up in arms about this obviously political ploy. Please go to www.womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com for views from not just liberals, but from Republicans too.

Thanks,

Diana

As an American living abroad, I'm always asked to explain US politics. I'll tell you that I haven't had such a hard time discussing the US since the Iraq war broke out.

Hearing her claim to be experienced in foreign policy because Alaska shares borders with foreign countries sounds about as intelligent and justified as someone claiming to truly understand racism or prejudice because they "have a (gay/black/handicapped/etc) friend".

Doesn't work for me at all.

So this clip and post brought up a few things:

First, enough with the "approachable" argument for Palin! My next-door neighbor is approachable, but I don't think I'd want him in charge of the freaking country. And since when did "approachable" become a necessary qualification for President?

Second, by Palin's argument because I live in southern California and frequent Mexico often, I must be a leading authority on the US's foreign policy with our Southern Neighbor, let alone that my spanish sucks.

Not so sure she's the lesser of the 2 evils.

"Partisan people believe their own lies." David Brooks.

A poster way back in the 300s already listed all the fabulous things Palin has done for her state. Here are some practical reasons why she's a good pick:

Reason # 1 Palin is a good pick: She's revived McCain's campaign and given him a real shot at winning. Biden did the same for Obama. People--and by "people" I mean partisan Dems"--were relieved when Obama went with someone with lots of experience. Mark Shields said it was the first time in as long as he could remember when a VP pick actually "enhanced" the ticket. Hmmm...what do you suppose he meant by that? All I know is that after Obama picked Biden, Dems stopped fretting so much about attacks based on Obama's inexperience. And don't believe it when people say he's an "outsider." So he lives outside the Beltway and isn't as rich as the others--so what? He's as much of an insider as McCain, just about as old, and has more power than anyone one of us commenting here....except perhaps Ms. Heather herself, who we all know is the most powerful woman on the Internet. Power means more than wealth--Biden's an insider for sure.

Reason #2: She's a REAL outsider and, eloquence and experience before the national press aside, she does have a lot to say for average working families. No, she has not been well groomed for these interviews with heavy hitting reporters (unless you are looking at her hair and makeup alone), and perhaps part of her problem is that she's freaking out a little and viewing the press as an enemy rather than as a messenger of the people. (Note: It's kinda hard to like the press when they so overwhelmingly support your rival) Heather, I heard you once on a radio show talking about politics, and you were none too articulate yourself. That doesn't mean you are stupid and don't have valuable ideas about "the way things should be." Palin's no different in that regard--but she does have a hell of a lot more experience than you do. Palin's getting some bad advice and is being too guarded in these interviews--she should just say, "Hell, I don't know a damn thing about international diplomacy, and that's not why McCain picked me. But I'll figure it out." Foreign policy is McCain's passion--he's not looking for a VP to fill that role.

Reason #3: Anyone with five kids and enough energy left over to run a state must truly be Wonder Woman.

None of this, by the way, means that I am voting for McCain/Palin. I could list three good reasons why Palin is a terrible pick, but that's not what you asked for. Plus I think you already have an opinion on that. I'm waiting for the debates. I don't believe Obama/Biden's lies anymore than McCain/Palin's.

I haven't watched the video yet, because I don't want to disturb my roommates, but I thought I'd add a little more Republican support.

To be honest, I'm not a massive Palin fan. I think the pick was mainly political, to appeal to women, the religious right and to balance the ticket. She seems like a nice enough women - those who have said they think a lot of support stems from her "one of us", hockey mom image are on to something. But is that necessarily a bad thing? A lot of voters choose based on candidates' personalities, not the issues.

I think McCain is the better pick for president - he has the experience to back up his claims, and his emphasis on serving a cause greater than yourself appeals to me. Palin will not be another Cheney. Really, all she has to do is make the odd speech and try not to screw up too massively. I know a lot of concern stems from McCain's age, but I don't think that's a massive handicap - although that could be because my father is 75 and so I see what men that age are capable of, rather than stereotyping them as doddery and losing their minds. One wonders how much pressure Palin would be under to resign if the worst did happen and McCain died in office.

y'all should watch www.zeitgeistmovie.com

I watched this on CNN and just couldn't believe it. As an Aussie the American President and government has an impact on us becase of our close alliance. No way do I want this woman to get in as VP. Scary, scary.

When people say things like, They serve the same God I do, how far away is that from a theocracy? I'm Christian (and an observant one at that), but I take NO comfort in their sharing my faith--I don't want to live in a theocracy. (see: Iran). The President is elected to protect and defend the Constitution. This is not the same thing as a Bible.
I don't know about you, but I have Jewish friends and Muslim friends and atheist friends; they have just as many rights as citizens as I do.
And I cringe when events like the Saddleback Church "interviews" take place. What about similar events in a synagogue or a mosque?

Responding to the comments where people would vote for her because "she's just like us": if people ARE tempted to vote for McCain/Palin because "she's just like us" or because they like the way she looks in her cool glasses or just because she's a woman, then THAT scares me more than Palin herself. Because it screams volumes about the level of intelligence of a certain segment of our population, that they'd rather cast their vote like it's a popularity contest for homecoming queen instead of for the top office in our country. And having selected her in the first place says a lot to me about McCain's judgment; I used to give him credit for more intelligence but now I have my doubts.

I'm an expat living in Paris and you'd better believe I registered to vote long-distance this year. And my vote's not going to THESE people. They scare the living SH** out of me.

And she's not "just like me", I'll tell you that right now. The only thing I have in common with Palin is having a uterus. Otherwise, she doesn't speak for me and MY America.

In response to #38 I believe, who said maybe there was more to her interview ... there was indeed .. but it was just as terrible and awkward to watch. Basically she has about 3 sentences that she was told when asked about situations and beyond that she doesn't know what to say. She doesn't answer a single question that Katie asks her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP12aNzocSc

In response to "Republican" in # 14 who said "I have been a Republican my entire adult life. I feel the VP selection was done for political reasons."

Shouldn't those political reasons include "qualified for the job?" Does McCain think we're stupid enough to buy into this? It's almost insulting to me that he would pick a woman just to even out the balance, gain Hillary supporters, or for whatever reason, and expect me to just say "Oh, alright. Girl Power!"

It's not just a McCain presidency we're considering, the Palin vice-presidency is just as important-- any vice president should be chosen for SMART political reasons, not using "trying to pile up the votes" as a political reason.

The super-conservative preachy Right are ecstatic to have a hypocrite to hook their wagons to. Relieves all their collective guilt for being humans who make actual mistakes. It's a lot more comforting than having someone "perfect" in office that would just put the pressure on for them to continue preaching and practicing "holy perfection."

That said, I, too, am scared of her. And her hair. I'm scared of her hair.

Democrats want change. They don't want the same old same old. So McCain gets someone who is not good ol' Washington, like Biden is, and the liberals are all up in arms. Personally, I love Palin. She isn't your typical hard ass women trying to prove how tough she is. She is a woman acting like a woman running for VP. I think she is more capable of running the country than Obama. Just remember, he is at the top of the ticket and she is at the bottom. No one is comparing McCains experience with Obamas and that is who is running against each other.

The thought of Sarah Palin being president is scary for almost 90 % of US and the DUO McCain and Sarah running the shots scares the hell out of many around the world too.

"this is clearly an example of why they are not letting her talk to the press more because it appears as if she has no idea what she's talking about."

This is exactly I think what is going on. I haven't heard her that much as she should have. I reckon if Hilary Clinton would have been chosen by Obama then she'd be all over the press.

On the other hand we see Palin not given that many opportunities perhaps she is restricted for a good reason and this video seems to tell us what that reason is.

John.

WTF? That clip is just terrifying to me, it also makes me ashamed of a huge percentage of the american population.

I only got through about 215 comments on here before I had to stop because my head was spinning.

#52: "We vote for who our friends vote for, or whom our parents don't vote for."
While this may be true for some people, this is definitely not true for me, & for alot of people I know. I have plenty of friends who are Republican, or friends who are Independent & going with Mccain/Palin... I am a staunch Obama/Biden supporter despite what any of my friends/parents vote for. I am not throwing away a crucial vote simply because I want to do what my friends are doing.

#93: "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." -- that's great that her daughter made a DECISION to keep her child... a right that Palin would deny women if she was in charge.

#108: "Also I like the Dooce better when it spares us the thinly veiled endorsements via photos of dog with husband in obama shirt." -- I agree with whoever counteracted this comment... Dooce has never been shy to talk about her support of Obama... nothing is "thinly veiled" here.

#123: "Please go back to talking about hitting snooze and how fucking wonderfully irritating your family is...if I need political insight, I'll just turn to the eighty channels that broadcast their own bias opinions." -- Maybe I blacked out & woke up in some alternative universe, but I'm pretty sure this is Dooce's blog... no one else's. If she chooses to write about a blouse she bought or a gift she received, great. But if she chooses to write about who she is supporting as a presidential candidate, why the hell shouldn't she? This election is a HUGE thing, & a big part of alot of peoples' lives.... why should she pretend it's not going on? This blog is about HER LIFE & she should write about ANYTHING she wants. This isn't the first time she's mentioned the election so if you are so turned off by it, maybe you should've gone elsewhere back then.

#197: "The political commentary on this site and on Jon's as well have made me want to stop reading. If I want to read about politics (and I do), I will go to a political blog." and "I'll pay for my own health insurance, thank you very little." -- first off, if you dislike it so much, then go ahead... stop reading. I'm not the first to say it & I won't be the last, but this is someone's PERSONAL BLOG. It just so happens to have hundreds upon hundreds of fans & committed readers, but it is still HER blog. It's not up to you or anyone else what she writes about. I personally am glad that she is involved & paying attention to politics & this very important election. Secondly... good for you that you can pay your own health insurance! Really! It must feel pretty good. Meanwhile, those of us who cannot afford it are forced to choose whether we can afford to pay medical bills AND rent this month. There has been many a time when I have foregone a doctor's visit because I needed FOOD. My work does not offer much help with health insurance & I simply cannot afford to contribute $80 out of every single paycheck to still have to fork out several hundred dollars in co-pays. And I obviously am not alone.

#214: "Setting my endless adoration of you aside, I do agree with 99. Your "oh noes" doesn't sound like a warm invitation to those who may have a different opinion from yourself." -- You may have just scrolled by it, but Dooce DID clarify that she was not poking fun at Palin, or at Palin supporters: the title of this post was meant to poke fun at HERSELF in a way, for once again opening the floodgates of political opinion, even after the onslaught she got the last time she did it. She was not discouraging anyone!

Whew.

I'm just amazed that people will watch just over a minute of an interview and conclude that someone is illiterate, or inexperienced, or only being voted for because she is 'like me'. That's just silly no matter what political party you are in. I could go out and find a 1 min 18 second video of Obama that makes him look less than great too. Or McCain, or Biden.
You can base your vote on whatever you want to, that's what is great about this country. But I, personally, am going to pick the candidate that is most in line with my beliefs on taxes, abortions, the economy and so forth.
The suggestion was made that this is evangelicals against every body else. I take exception to that. Being a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim or any other belief system is OF COURSE going to shape your view. Most Repubs are Christian...big shocker, and so what? So are most Dems, if you break it down, because that is what the majority of America is composed of right now. Will that always stay the same? Maybe, maybe not. It's not particularly important. What is important is finding the candidate who best fits the qualifications you, a free American, are looking for. If that's Palin, great. If its Obama, fine too. Back it up and go vote.

To the Republican commenters: so much for NOT name calling/hurling insults...

Everything I have read thus far and what is happening with our ecomony reinforces me to:

Vote OBAMA

I am truly afraid for this country if he doesn't win this election.

Well.. I was willing to maybe just come back another day, as I said in my post earlier that I do not come here for this type of content. After seeing your husbands post... Fuck you both. You will not be shoving your opinions down my thoat whether we agree on any of this stuff or not.

Former Long-time reader

I agree with 298 and 301. I am voting for McCain/Palin.

I saw a photo eariler that showed the candidates with their running mates during the national Anthem. Everyone but Obama had their hand upon their heart. Obama had his hands by his sides. Pictures speak thousands more than words can ever say.

I've read the first 300 comments, and no one mentioned Obama's speech where he very passionately talked about African-Americans who suffer from asthma and don't have access to breathalizers or inhalators...
Look, we can throw all mud at the candidates but that's not going to solve anything.
I don't like Obama, I don't like Biden.
I like McCain. I like Palin.
But I'm voting McCain/Palin not because I like them but because the party's ideals are more in line with mine. I don't vote for the people I like. If I did I'd be writing in my mom's name for President! (By the way, she'd probably do a darn good job!)
Sometimes I do vote for the lesser of evils. There are plenty of issues I disagree with when it comes to McCain, not the least of which is a big one in my book: immigration and our borders.
But we can't vote for someone 'cause he's black, or 'cause she's a woman. *I'm* a woman and I'm NOT qualified to be Vice-President. My ex-brother-in-law is black and he's MOST DEFINITELY NOT qualified to be President.
Vote issues and ideals, people! Our votes will help keep this great country of ours running, and will help it remain great. I don't want the US to become some third-rate nation. That's another reason I'm voting McCain/Palin - I'm voting for a man who loves this country, loves what it stands for, and who wants to see it remain the great country it's been, and I don't get that from Obama. I don't see the patriotism and loyalty to the US and to its people that I want to see in our President.
And by the way, Hillary as President??? OMG. I would be embarrassed to have her at a conference of all the leaders of the free world, screaming at the top of her lungs in that shrill voice - more mud, anyone???

In response to Colleen:
"I may be young, but I don't want someone "just like me" to become president. I want someone smarter, better educated, and capable of handling ALL the stresses that the job entails. Someone who took 6 years and 6 schools to get her bachelors degree doesn't really fit that description.
And a man who wants to suspend running for president because of a crisis in one sector of the county doesn't strike me as someone who is capable of running the ENTIRE country for 4 years.

Obama/Biden 2008!"

I was in a meeting yesterday and when man said something similar that stuck with me. He said that he's spent the last eight years knowing he was smarter than the man "running" our country and that he didn't want to go another four years thinking the same thing. It's time for change.

WHEW! Well, at least we all now know where Russia is (said 32.5632 times!)

I'm glad I moved to Scotland.

I can't believe she scares people. That just amazes me.

There is only one qualification for Vice President: being qualified to be President. She isn't even close.

If she would hang her own daughter out to dry, knowing full well what the press would do with the pregnancy story, I wouldn't trust her with a gerbil, let alone the country. She will do anything to further her political career.

I will be voting McCain/Palin in the upcoming election. I know you don't want to hear "because i'm a Chrisian"...but it's a good reason. Do you really want OBAMA, a glorified motivational speaker running our country??? Sure he is great speaker and hansome man but that does not mean he is qualified to run the county. I'm sure every one of us has went to a job intervew NOT completely qualified for the job but if given the opportunity you would bust your ass to learn what you had to do to get the job done.

"She does have executive experience. She's the ONLY one who has it. Go be mayor of a small town...not to mention Governor of a state...then come tell me she's not experienced "to be a heartbeat away" from the presidency. Uhhh....YES SHE IS. She's the only one who is! Executive power is a TOTALLY different beast than legisilative."

But by that logic, that means someone who was president of their high school GLEE CLUB has executive experience.

It's a question of scale. She was mayor of a town with only 6,000 people in it. I grew up in a town that size, and I knew three of the people who were mayor -- and the only one of them I consider being fit to run for a national office doesn't want the job. The other two simply wouldn't have been up to the task.

Incidentally, thank you for actually making a reasoned argument, though.

Part of the problem is that the average Republican won't vote for anyone they see as too intellectual.

Last night Keith Olbermann floated the idea that the Sarah Palin pick is a Hail Mary pass, and that the Republicans will continue to make these crazy decisions every couple of weeks until the election, forcing the media to forget the last crazy decision while they put the new crazy decision through a vetting process until the next crazy decision. Rinse. Repeat. Until Nov. 4th.

Republican voters are being played. The people who run these campaigns are infinitely craftier than voters.

Ok I will admit first of all I am rushing kids out the door so I haven't had a chance to read through all of the comments but I am a Palin supporter so let me try to briefly say why:
- Is the whole we border Canada and we can see Russia thing ridiculous? Yes of course but to be fair how many Governors have foreign experience? Very few. But let's face it Russia is resurfacing as a threat and she has had to deal with them somewhat. And Biden's foreign experience? He admits he has very little.
- I think she is tough and well-spoken. I feel that being criticized does not change her statements and opinions and I like the fact she doesn't give a different answer depending on who is doing the interview.
- I like the fact that she isn't a Washington go-to-girl. Does she have some things to learn? Of course. But I truly think she's capable of it.
- If we're going to compare VP picks and their speaking gaffes well Biden has had his share - just the other day he spoke of Roosevelt jumping on the TV stations to comfort people after the 1929 stock market crash. First of all Roosevelt wasn't the president during that time and the only TVs in existence were in labs. He also gave a long drawn out speech on the evils of coal use until the Obama staff had to tap him to remind him that Obama's official stance was pro coal and anti big oil. Or the fact that Biden admitted that he was probably not the best VP pick. He is also "Just a heartbeat away" from the presidency.

OK I will be back to read the other comments and huge kudos to Heather for opening up an intelligend discussion

I was able to stomach exactly 43 seconds of the interview before having to shut it off. I am embarassed for this woman, and I am insulted that politicians would expect me to vote for their party because their VP candidate and I both happen to be X-X chromosome buddies. I was on the fence before but appointing Palin has put the last nail in the coffin as to whom will receive my vote.

My 3 year old daughter was watching TV last night when Sarah Palin came on. She pointed to the TV and screamed, "I LIKE her a LOT!" Unfortunately most voters have the same 3 year old mentality, voting with their eyes, not their minds.

Screw McCain AND Obama. I say JED BARTLET FOR PRESIDENT! :P

I don't have a clue how I feel right now... perhaps doomed is a good description. America is a county full of incredible, talented, intelligent individuals who are capable of thinking in terms of cause and effect. There are so many of these people in our nation! Why then are we never represented by such a quality person- one of the highest caliber? Probably because they know that they can live successful productive lives in other fields where they won't have to sell their souls and degrade their morals. I have always understood that anyone who dreams of being a politician when they grow up is someone who I do NOT want representing me. I want a businessperson, scientist, an engineer. Am I alone here?

Anyway, along with your post this morning I also came across this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws

Let it serve as an example that everyone says dumb stuff- your Palin clip, as well as the Obama one I just posted would almost be funny if it wasn't our BEAUTIFUL NATION at stake.

God bless our country.

Perhaps he should have chosen Couric.

#786 - Emmy: I couldnt' even get past your first couple sentences. Based on your logic, Heidi Montag from The Hills would be a great VP candidate.

"She's young, attractive, conservative christian..."

Not voting FOR anyone in this election. I am voting AGAINST Obama. He is scarier than downhome daisy will ever be.

Well, I was going to comment, and then I read much of comment #301, and I have to go puke.
Here's a great quote, edited just slightly cuz I'm anal about grammar and punctuation, from comments on a recent post of Jon's: “…I want my president to have studied law, to be smarter than I am, to have traveled to more countries than I have, and to believe in global warming… and evolution, and want to talk to enemies instead of using silence as a 'punishment.' I want a Rhodes Scholar, an arugula-eating, basketball-playing parent with an equally-intelligent and worldly partner, who thinks about his/her kid’s future with every decision they make… someone who consistently takes the high road, and focuses on the issues… Call me a damned elitist.”

If anyone thinks Palin got the nod for any reason other than the fact she has a vagina, you are crazy. The repub's thought that if they brought in this farce of a woman that no one knew anything about, they might get away with one.

If you vote repub because of your own personal belief system, fine. If you vote repub this time because of Palin, you are stupid.

Our economy is in the crapper. Why should we keep the same party in office? Too long with the same political party in office is not healthy for the country. We need change to keep up with the rest of the world.

Can someone please let the other countries know that we are not all gun toting, bible thumping good ole boys? I want someone who is going to let me live my life, to my choices, save the environment for my kids and maybe allow me to buy a tank of gas for less than a house payment.

Is that too much to ask?

While we God Damned Socialist Liberal Canadians wait to vote in our own election (ABC - Anyone But Conservatives) - I can't help but sigh when seeing #93's comments, especially:

"1. She's good people. First off, she's a born-again Christian. The single most important thing in my book. And I like her. I like her values, her principles and her personality."

If being a Christian means that you're a follower of Christ, then I think that you should consider that not all those who would call themselves Christians are "good people". Prime example #1: Judas. I'm pretty sure that there are even people in your church who would call themselves Christian but who you wouldn't want running the country.

My own father voted Conservative last time around because Stephen Harper, our current Prime Minister, seemed to be more "Christian" than the rest of the candidates. I fear that now my father is going to throw out his hip kicking himself because it would seem that being a Christian isn't enough to make you a good leader or a good person.

Please, America, don't vote for someone because of their religious views. Vote for them because they are a competetent, well-educated, highly intelligent and most importantly, won't embarrass you in front of the rest of the world for the next four years.

Canadians don't really need any more ammo for making fun of your leaders, eh? We've got enough material making fun of our own.

I thought the funniest comment by her was (in regards to foreign countries being our neighbors that we heard her say 1 million times):

"They're in the state that I'm the Executive of."

What the heck??? Eek, she DOES sound like one of those beauty pageant contestants who really don't know what the heck they are talking about.

I have to agree though, it seems like they edited that and it wasn't in Sarah Palin's favor.

I lived for a time on the Canadian side of the US/Canada border so I think that makes me an expert on American politics and you should elect me as President. Thank you. :)

And Sarah's view on abortion? She let her daughter choose (she actually said that it was her daughter's choice) to have her baby, but wants to take that choice away from everyone else's daughters. I don't want to see young girls killing themselves and/or injuring themselves because they made a mistake. That's what would happen if the abortion laws were changed. There are already young girls out there who are so fearful of telling their parents that they're pregnant that they hide the pregnancy and have the baby all alone in a bathroom stall with zero medical help. That's pure terror for a young girl. I don't wish to see this country go backwards and turn against women and young girls in this way.

I still have no idea what is so scary about this interview? Are these untrue statements? No. Did we get only a snippit of an interivew? Yes. Sarah doesn't scare me. I don't think she's the best choice, and I am not jumping up and down about her, but she doesn't scare me. Al Gore's idiocy bother me far worse, as a vice presidential nominee.

oh the poor dear.

if she and her cohort win you can rest assured that canada will have beds, blankets and (spiked) hot cocoa waiting for you all. you don't deserve another four years of moronic leadership. come north, friends, and run from the madness. for heaven's sake, we may have conservatives here but they're nothing like your conservatives. sheesh and dang.

Palin was selected to balance the ticket, while I don't agree with many of her positions, I can see why she was chosen.

I instantly understood what she was talking about when she said her governership of Alaska gave her some political/policy experience and insight to Russia. The state of Alaska and Russia are extrememly connected through the business of oil, and most Americans have very little understanding of the business of energy, oil and how it drives world politics. I believe Sarah Palin does. The fact that her comment was taken as laughable by many Americans shows me once again, how little most people know about a very important issue in all of our lives.

She is not well spoken in the clip at all, and shows her lack of experience. But I am not voting for Sarah Palin for President and she is not running. Sarah Palin being "a heartbeat away" is certainly not enough to make me change my mind and vote for Obama. In fact, I would guess that most of the people that can't stand the idea of Sarah Palin being VP were going to vote for Obama anyway, and this is just one more thing they can disagree with McCain on. Obama's choice of Biden did the the same for me...reinforced my original decision. Like you wonder how I could vote for anyone with Sarah Palin on the ticket, I wonder how anyone could vote for two lawyers who have excelled at maintaining the status quo for all of their polictical (in some cases very short) lives and both without any true leadership experience.

And in fact if you want to talk about scared....the thought of having JOE BIDEN "a heartbeat away" is truly frightening. So let's compare the two of them. Joe has all the experience in giving interviews and being polished and he still sticks his foot in his mouth half the time.

Just my two cents. I think Obama is going to win the election but Palin will have nothing to do with it.

I wonder if you’re trying to understand evangelical conservatism. I don’t think it’s comprehensible unless you ascribe to that political philosophy. As the only Democrat in my family of staunch Republicans I, too struggle with this. Basically it comes down to fundamentally different viewpoints and philosophies.

Most people do not fully fit within their party’s platform. Rather it’s a case of choosing your most important issues. Many Republicans have chosen abortion and gay rights as their issues. I agree that those are important moral issues; however, racism, poverty, the criminal system, and The Bush Doctrine of preventative war are also moral issues.

Fundamentally, we are all willing to some point or another to hold our noses and vote for who we consider to be the better choice, which could be the reason for Palin’s support. I believe that even Republicans are clamoring for change but change that still includes a Republican president. McCain has a “reputation” of being a maverick but Palin holds tightly to evangelical conservatism which energizes that part of the Republican base. My advice to you is stop trying to understand it. I’ve been trying to convince my relative of the wrongness of their political views for over 15 years. It doesn’t work and makes me crazy.

I also believe that Palin’s appeal comes in part because she is a woman. Many of my Republican friends are excited about being able to vote for a woman. Regardless of my personal feelings about Palin, I’m excited the Republican Party crossed that line.

The main reason to vote for McCain-Palin . . . 80% of the French want Obama to win. What better indicator is there?

Oh dear god.

I'm a native Californian, living in Japan teaching English right now, and I don't have consistent Internet connection yet, so I haven't been able to actually hear Sarah Palin speak...I've read articles about her from my office, but hadn't seen any clips of her until just now.

And not to brag or say I should be Vice President, but if proximity is the main component needed for foreign policy credentials, then...I went to school in San Diego (on the Mexico border! I can solve the immigration crisis!) for three years; studied abroad in Dublin for a year (I'm an expert on the EU!); and now live in Japan (I have access to all the growing South Asian markets, and insight on how to curtail North Korean nuclear proliferation and China's bid to become the next world power!). Basically...

Please, oh please, let's just elect Obama/Biden and be done with it.

#81 - Steveo.

BRAVO and well said. I am with you 100% People want change? Better ditch the dem's and the republicans. They're ALL out to line their own pockets, regardless of the "regular" people.

Picking Palin as his running mate indicates that McCain is unfit for the office he seeks.

I am not so vain that I need to be able to "see myself" in my leader. I want someone BETTER than me to lead this country.

And another thing, aren't Republican women outraged that McCain didn't pick a woman like Kay Bailey Hutchinson to run with him? There are better, more experienced options for him. Why isn't anyone talking about the kind of snub this is to women who have soldiered in the Republican trenches for years? Palin is the ultimate trophy wife.

Finally, considering that many of us are parents, can you imagine talking on this responsibility when you have five children, one of whom is a 4-month old special needs child? Irresponsible. I am shocked and incredulous.

Jumbalaya Jerry!! Jumbalaya!!

I think Seinfeld lines are appropriate for various reasons in 99.9% of my conversations, especially political conversations. They're funny even out of context, but in context, they're hilarious!!

Palin's clip was taken out of context. For every one that makes Palin look like a doofus (and I'll agree, she looked like a big ole doofus in that one), I can find one of Obama and Biden looking stupid. According to Obama, we have how many states?? Was it 57???? If I posted just that clip on my site, people would think he's an idiot. Well, I DO think he's an idiot, but not just b/c of that stupid comment. And based on Biden's votes (or lack thereof) in the primaries, most of you democrats think he's an idiot too.

Unlike many people, I'm making my decision based on lengthy research from many sources, not just a clip from a Katie Couric interview and certainly not just from the network news. The media has done a crappy job with this election. They are so far up Obama's ass they can see his uvula and the networks go out of their way to skew the news in favor of the libs. It makes me sick. Even sicker then jumablaya. Blech!!

I think the Palin pick was purely political in much the same way that the Biden pick was. The ONLY reason Obama picked Biden was b/c he knows he lacks foreign policy experience and experience in general. You can't get any more "inside the Beltway" then Biden. Obama knows he's weak in experience so he picked Biden. So please stop acting like republicans are the only ones who make decisions based on politics. You people can't honestly think libs aren't guilty of doing the SAME things that cons do...BOTH parties will say and do ANYTHING it takes to get them elected.

And for the people who are threatening to move out of the country if your candidate (McCain and Obama alike) doesn't get elected - REALLY? Are you REALLY serious?!? B/c if you are, then I say go for it. The less idiots we have living here, the better. But I think it's just an idle threat, just like people threw out during the last election and it makes you sound like a 5 yr old. The grass isn't always greener on the other side and every other country has problems too. We are all blessed to have been born in America and if you can't appreciate how good you have it here, then by all means, move out. Meanwhile, the rest of us will enjoy our freedoms and everything this country has to offer, and we'll continue to try to make things better by concentrating on the congressional elections, which can TRULY make a difference in this country. And we'll continue volunteering our time and money to causes which help people, rather then letting the government take all our money to do it for us more expensively.

BTW, Heather, have you given any more thought to starting some kind of philanthropic group to help the people you so desperately want the government to help? Just curious how much time and money you give to the causes that you're demanding the government force me to give to. But I imagine it's tough to fit that in between your many vacations/trips, extensive shopping and all your business ventures, right???? See, before you started demanding that I give my money (when Obama raises taxes) to the causes you want me to, I loved that you did all that. But now that you're demanding I spend even MORE of my money to support other people, I want to know what YOU'RE doing to help those people. Maybe if you and people like you did a little more, Obama wouldn't demand I give so much of my money to him.

You've heard some of the idiocies Biden has said, right? The man is a moron.