Sarah Palin walks with ABC's Charlie Gibson by the seaplane dock of their home on a lake in Wasilla. (Photo by Donna Svennevik/ABC NEWS via Getty Images)
by Mark Silva
The "Sarah, Sarah, Sarah'' Palinomenon: What a couple of wondrous weeks in American politics this has been.
Just when everyone thought that the "audacious" come-from-nowhere campaign of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama was a marvel of modern politics, the first-she-was-for-it-and-then-she-was-against-it "Bridge to Nowhere'' promoter, Alaska's Republican Gov. Sarah Palin, has redefined what is possible for the improbable.
Underlying the extraordinary impact that Palin has had on the sometimes-lagging and now-thriving campaign of the GOP's presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, is the fact that their party finally has gotten around to doing something that Democrats first attempted 24 years ago - nominating an unquestionably self-assured woman for the ticket staking a claim to the White House.
And Palin, in one of her debut series of national media interviews with ABC's Charlie Gibson, has suggested that perhaps Obama is kicking himself now for not tapping New York Sen. Hillary Clinton as his own running mate.
"I think he's regrettin' not pickin' her now,'' Palin quietly told Gibson, the two standing by the lakeside home that she and her husband built in tiny Wasilla, a seaplane tethered to the dock, in one of the various interviews aired last evening on ABC News' 20/20.
Palin's femininity - the "lipstick'' which separates the self-styled hockey mom from tiny Wasilla from the pit-bull - serves as a clarion call to women in America, who may be turning, by the measure of one poll or another, in the numbers of 10 or 20 percent toward the McCain campaign. It's also an alarm-signal to those women who worry that McCain and now Palin represent the biggest threat they have seen in years to the liberties which women have won in modern America. It's not only a matter of reproductive rights.
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Outside her lakeside home, Palin calls Alaska a "microcosm'' of America - though the story of the "burden'' that so many families bear today plays out on a "grander scale'' in some of the big cities where she' has been campaigning lately, she says.
Should John McCain's gamble - tapping a 44-year-old woman with relatively little experience on the national or international stage for a job that stands within a heart-beat of the presidency - prove to be an election-winner, somebody may indeed be "regrettin' not pickin''' the woman who once served as first lady, became the first to win a major party's presidential primary and now is relegated to the role of campaign surrogate for a ticket combating the PTA- and City Council-bred politician from Wasilla.
Instead of building a Bridge to Nowhere, Gibson notes, they bult a road to nowhere in the Akaska wilderness. Palin's unprecedented career path may be leading somewhere that none of McCain's rivals ever anticpated, or the perhaps temporary phenomenon of the surprise running mate who really doesn't have all the answers to all the questions that everyone wants to ask her, as Gibson has ably shown, could prove to be a political dead end.
"I was point guard,'' Palin says of her basketball days with the Wasilla Warrirors. Told that Obama, also a high-school basketball stand-out in his day, would be happy to play a round of "horse'' with his Republican rival, Palin tells Gibson: "That would be a blast.''
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Comments
As potential Vice President, instead of being concerned with the choices of Democratic candidates, Palin might also be "regrettin" a running mate who has issues with truth:
From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/hed-rather-win-election-than-tell-truth.html
Friday, September 12, 2008
He'd Rather Win The Election Than Portray The Truth
John McCain ran an honorable campaign in 2000.
He was beaten due to scurrilous dishonesty.
He's learned the lesson well.
He's hired those who did this to him.
And now, they are doing it again.
McCain has said that he would rather win the war than win the election.
In fact, as we have seen time after time this week, he would apparently rather win the election than convey the truth.
This approach brought us George W. Bush--and the dissembling, half-truths, omissions and distortions to come. And, so, it also brought us the tragic consequences that have followed for individuals and families across the nation and the world.
As Americans, we often have short memories and powerful impulses. We tend to act on the latter. This is why history can repeat itself.
Remember. Remember how driven by emotion many became in 2000. By impulse. Without thought. Remember the statements that were made. Remember the realities that followed. Remember.
You can feel what you feel now--anger, aggression, glee, without examination of the underlying truth--for a moment.
You will live with the consequences for years, decades to come--perhaps for the rest of your life.
Remember the thoughts and feelings that preceded these last 8 years.
Remember.
According to the non-partisan FactCheck.org (http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_mccain.html), McCain has strained the truth about health care. About small business. About education. About taxes. About corporate welfare. About energy independence. About free trade.
We've seen this before.
We were distracted from the truth in just the same way before.
And we've lived the consequences--for the past 8 years.
This is the way we need to change the nation: By realizing what is true, rather than realizing what emotes us for the moment.
Think.
Remember.
And act accordingly for your future.
Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/hed-rather-win-election-than-tell-truth.html
Posted by: Cara Prado | September 13, 2008 7:09 AM
Several nights back I watched David Gregory, on his program on MSNBC, interview an individual from one of the fact-check organizations.
This individual told Gregory that Sarah Palin had strong beliefs in the "right-to-life" and she practiced her beliefs.
He also indicated that he was unable to find any indications that she used her time or powers while in governmental service to forward her beliefs or impose them on others.
He stated that they had found that several members of the Alaska legislature had requested that she call the legislature into special session to address the laws regarding abortion rights in Alaska, which are among the most liberal in the United States, and she refused.
After watching this interview I was greatly relieved.
Posted by: Joe Jankovic | September 13, 2008 7:14 AM
Should the GOP win, I have no doubt, sooner or later, all of America will be "regrettin" McBushs' pick.
Posted by: bill r. | September 13, 2008 7:29 AM
Being a voter- I don't think Hillary wanted to be his running mate and deeply believe others turned him down also which we will ever know-o
On this blg some one mentioned will Biden last-
A very good question-
Posted by: LOAM | September 13, 2008 7:57 AM
Silva painstakingly points out Palin dropping her "g" in some "ing" words but he has NEVER mentioned how Obama does the same thing whenever he addresses black audiences. Other newspeople have done so but hero worship is difficult to overcome. Gibson was the loser in this exchange with
a condescending Washington elite attitude, his looking down his nose through half glasses, and his huge mistake on not knowing that the Bush doctrine has 4 parts and that Palin was right in asking him "which aspect?" See that reported here?
Didn't think so. (It's in the Drudge Report). Gibson personified the mean-spirited out-of-touch Washington news media who obviously are stricken by the sight of a strong woman who's kicking the heck out of the "O'biden" ticket.
Posted by: Darnell | September 13, 2008 8:03 AM
As Silva describes Governor Palin "the PTA- and City Council-bred politician from Wasilla".
Why doesn't he ever describe Obama as "community organizer from Chicago's dirty political machine"?
Posted by: Terry | September 13, 2008 8:35 AM
Darnell, I couldn't have said it better! Gibson looked like an Idiot and sounded like and Idiot on several of his Gotcha questions! What ever happened to the old Interview without trying to trap someone? Why has Obama not been quized like this? Gibson should call her and appoligize for looking like and acting like a BUFFONE (sp)!
Posted by: henry | September 13, 2008 8:44 AM
Did anyone in America know what the Bush Doctrine was before ol Charlie asked Sarah what it is? Ol left wing Charlie was trying to set her up. I hope she doesn't go on The View with those left wing snakes like McCain continues to do. They slather all over Obama and angry Michelle whenever they show up. All of the people on The View at this time are nobodies or has beens
and no one gives a rat's a-- about their view. Sarah Palin hasn't had 18 months to get grilled on every subject like Obama has. In short order she will make Obama look like the flim flam man that he really is.
Posted by: Phyllis Avery | September 13, 2008 8:51 AM
"Silva painstakingly points out Palin dropping her "g" in some "ing" words but he has NEVER mentioned how Obama does the same thing whenever he addresses black audiences."
Posted by: Darnell | September 13, 2008 8:03 AM
Yes Darnell, I noticed that too. And that Silva can't hide his sense of panic about Obama's upcoming loss in November. But I give him (Silva) points for soldiering-on. For example he tries to scare us by suggesting that McCain/Palin "represent the biggest threat they have seen in years to the liberties which women have won in modern America."
As if McCain will be our emperor and can overturn Roe v.Wade by fiat... as if he actually wants to if he could.
Stop playing dumb, Mark. It's unbecoming.
Posted by: MJ | September 13, 2008 9:00 AM
Palin may drop her 'g' on 'ing' words but at least she is not stupid enough mocking her opponent for not using e-mail because of his injuries suffered while a 'guest' in the Hanoi Hilton.
How dumb can you be to not take 5 minutes on Lexis to find out it's painful for McCain to type on a keyboard.
What's the next ad from Obama? An ad that says McCain can't even tie his own shoes so how can he run a country?
Axelrod and company are sure a bunch of elite idiots.
Posted by: MU78 | September 13, 2008 9:19 AM
Axelrod and company are sure a bunch of elite idiots.
Posted by: MU78 | September 13, 2008 9:19 AM
Yes "common" folk make great leaders.
Posted by: bill r. | September 13, 2008 10:05 AM
MEEEEOW, Mark !
I can assure you with the comments you and your cohorts make in the MEDIA you are fueling enough fire to keep this going strong for much longer than 'a couple of wondrous weeks' ha ha ha.
Posted by: Keep dreaming sweetie | September 13, 2008 11:11 AM
You forget>THIS INTERVIEW WAS UNCONDITIONAL, the begining was the only part I thought was BELOW A LOW BLOW... if they had attacks they should have waged them at her directly and then listed all the items they listed off so she had a chance to COMMENT TO THEM, it's pretty chicken shit to interview someone who is willing to answer anything you want to talk about and you skip that and place that BS on at the begining of her being interview.
THAT WON'T SIT WELL WITH MOST AMERICANS.
Posted by: CHEAP SHOTS | September 13, 2008 11:16 AM
I saw the Gregory interview also and it was refreshing to find that Sarah Palin did not use her political offices to promote her personal views.
One can be for right to life and follow one's beliefs and try to legislate and make others follow the same beliefs.
Posted by: Pat H | September 13, 2008 11:17 AM
Just keep up your elitist snark. You are losing Obama votes. And yourself readers.
I would add--all politics is local. The testimonials Sarah Palin elicits at each stage of her life and level of her career are much more positive-- widespread and heartfelt--than any offered up by the Obama campaign. Perhaps that is because Sarah Palin didn't set out to be a career pol.
Posted by: BackyardConservative | September 13, 2008 12:28 PM
Phyllis Avery:
No one in America knew what the Bush doctrine was. You've got to be kidding. After we made this pre-emptive military invasion against a country with a 3rd rate military force.
This shows how uninformed the GOP flock is. People aware of reality and who really love their country will definitely be voting Obama-Biden.
Posted by: John A | September 13, 2008 5:06 PM
Why do people keep making the argument that "most people didn't know what the Bush doctrine was"? Sarah Palin is not running to be "most people", she is running to be a heartbeat away from the most powerful position in the world. She should have known, and would have had she paid any attention to the news. She looked like a moose in headlights. Furthermore, some of her answers and tone regarding Russia and Iran were naive and, at times, frightening. Her answers were pretty canned and she did not at all convince that she had any deep understanding of what she was talking about, above what they spoonfed her over the last week. Charlie Gibson's interview was not at all overly incisive and could have been much worse for her.
One part that really bothered me was when he asked if she had a second thought about taking the VP offer, about her ability to do the job, and she said flat out no, never. As someone who has responsibility for the lives of dozens of individuals every day, I can't believe she never second guessed her abilities. If you don't take pause to consider the enormous responsibilities that may be thrust upon you, coming from the position of governor of the 3rd smallest state, then either you're an idiot or you don't fully comprehend the responsibilities, or both. Echoes of the hubris of W.
Posted by: jvc | September 13, 2008 5:43 PM
Now, if Phil Gramm had said that the Bush-McCain Republicans were " whiners ", he would have been more accurate than his initial statement, of " a nation of " whiners ". I have never heard so much whining. they should have called the Republican Convention, at the Whine Cellar !! Quit the whining, ladies and gents and discuss the issues, defend the indefensible, the Bush-McCain Republicans, past 8 years' record !! Try as you might, it's a bridge to nowhere !!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALONE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | September 13, 2008 6:51 PM
One part that really bothered me was when he asked if she had a second thought about taking the VP offer, about her ability to do the job, and she said flat out no, never. As someone who has responsibility for the lives of dozens of individuals every day, I can't believe she never second guessed her abilities.
JVC 5:43
Why should she second guess herself. She is a confident person with strong abilities. She answered like anyone would taking this position.
I guess you're going to sit this one out.....they asked Obama early on if he is ready to lead this country from day one. HE RESPONDED>YES.
Posted by: OH REALY | September 13, 2008 7:24 PM
" Regrettin' "
A rustic goes to Washington. Sounds like a scene out of 'Deliverance'.
Posted by: C. Morris | September 13, 2008 9:10 PM
LIBERALS ARE LOSING THEIR TEMPER. WELCOME TO DESPERATE OBAMAWONDERLAND. BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO SHAMELESS PEOPLE RUNNING FREE. SARAH PALIN IS THE HISTORICAL CHANGE AMERICA IS BEEN LOOKING FOR. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. OBAMA IS A POOR OPPORTUNIST. HE FAILED TO CLOSE THE DEAL WHEN CHOSING BIDEN AS A RUNNING MATE INSTEAD OF HILLARY. MILLIONS OF AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT A GOVERNOR, A MOTHER OF FIVE, WITH ONE SON IN IRAK AND A DOWN SYNDROME BABY DESERVES OUR RESPECT AND OUR CONSIDERATION. ANY ATTACKS ON PALIN WILL BACKFIRE. NO MATTER HOW IMPERFECT THIS WOMAN IS, SHE NEVER SURROUNDED HERSELF WITH DESPICABLE PEOPLE LIKE JEREMIAH WRIGHT, BILL AYERS, TONY REZKO. TONY REZKO IS IN JAIL WHILE OBAMA ENJOYS HIS MANSION WITH THE EXTENDED GARDEN. AMNESIC LEFTIES, FAR LEFT ACTIVISTS, MOVEON.ORG FOLLOWERS AND LIBERALS, MAKE SURE YOUR UNDERWARE ARE CLEAN BEFORE CLIMBING THE TREES TO PREACH, HONESTY, DIGNITY AND MORALITY. DAVID AXELROD & FRIENDS SHOULD KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER LET PUTIN & MEDVEDEV OFF THE HOOK. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER LET AMADINEJAD ATTACK ISRAEL. SARAH PALIN GOVERNOR OF ALASKA AS A VP IS A CLEAR RESPONSE TO THE MONSTER AMADINEJAD WHO WANTS TO SEND ISRAEL TO ALASKA. THE MORE IGNORANT, NAIVE AND DEPENDENT PEOPLE ARE, THE MORE THE DEMOCRATS' BUSINESS GROWS. IGNORANCE AND MISERY AS ASSETS AND SOURCE OF PROFITS! NO THANK YOU! Max
Posted by: Max | September 13, 2008 11:55 PM