by Jill Zuckman
PITTSBURGH -- Sarah Palin, the Republican nominee for vice president, sat for an interview with the Tribune in which she spoke at length about her advocacy for children with special needs, such as her own son, spoke of the double-standards that women confront in politics and spoke of that party-financed campaign wardrobe of hers.
"Certainly there's a double standard,'' Palin said. "But I'm not going to complain about it , I'm not going to whine about it, I'm going to plow through that because we are embarking on something greater than that, than allowing that double standard to adversely affect us.''
Asked about the wardrobe, for which the Republican National Committee reported paying more than $150,000 and pledges to donate to charities when the campaign is finished:
"That whole thing is just, bad!'' Palin told the Tribune. "Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are.
"The clothes that were loaned to us during the convention. And I don't think it was anywhere near...What did they say... $150 grand? It wasn't anywhere near that. Those are not ours. We give those back, those go to charity or they'll be auctioned off or whatever. That's not even my property. So to be criticized for that, that is not who we are."
See the report on the Tribune's Sarah Palin intervew.
And see the transcript of the interview here in the Swamp:
Q: Do you think that the federal government has not been doing right by families with kids with special needs.
SP: "We can do better. And the federal government can play a very appropriate role in making this country a more welcoming country to those children with special needs to really make manifest our commitment to these children to provide them with equal opportunity with education, equal opportunity as they grow up to good employment and a chance to contribute and be quite productive and fulfill, and I think we can do a better job than where we've been.
Q: The federal government promised in 1975 to pay 40 percent of the cost of educating children with special needs. Are you nervous about making good on that commitment given how expensive it would be?
SP: "We have a $3 trillion federal budget and we're looking at a miniscule amount of money in the grand scheme of things here. And it is a matter of prioritizing the dollars that are already there. Not necessarily asking for more funding, but re-prioritizing dollars that are existing in federal budgets today, and then allowing some of that to trickle down to our states and allow the states to prioritize also according to the needs in our individual states and how they feel best to, to provide services to special needs children.
Q: So, are you saying other things might not be funded in order to fund this.
SP: "Out of $3 trillion I'm sure there are efficiencies we can find all over the place and allow that reprioritization that I believe needs to take place. And it needs to take place again so we can make manifest that commitment that we have to provide opportunities to special needs children and special needs adults also. That is what I want to usher into Washington, DC, that spirit of inclusion in our society and recognizing that these children are not a problem, they're a priority. Ushering in that good heart of America. One way to do that is by prioritizing budget.
"But it's not all about the money, it's not all about budgets, it's about that spirit of acceptance and embracing that diversity that is in the world with children who are special, they're a little bit different from the norm, and that diversity is good and for us it's exciting and it's a joyful challenge."
Q: You have people with special needs coming to your events, people in wheelchairs, how does that make you feel to see those faces in the crowd
SP: "I see, especially in the parents' face, I see a sense of finally, finally we have someone who understands and will make this commitment to assist. Todd and I have been in this position ever since our nephew was diagnosed with autism, he's 13-years-old now. And when he was 2 and a half, Karcher was diagnosed with autism. It's been near and dear to our heart, trying to do all that we could. As governor, I was able to secure additional assistance of funding for our students with special needs in Alaska. It was a good boost that we gave there. But Todd and I have always had this mission within us to reach out and to try to help our families who had special needs. And then when Trig came along, it was Ok, now, even more of that connection that we have to these families. These families are coming to these rallies and it's such a great appreciation that they're showing to someone who is promising that they will have this friend and advocate in the White House who will help them.
Q: Some advocates for people with special needs have questioned whether you could fully understand their issues considering you have only had Trig for six months. Do you feel like you have more to learn about the issues?
SP: "Everyone has more to learn about the spectrum of issues we're talking about today. But again, Todd and I have been greatly concerned and aware of children with special needs as a result of our nephew, Karcher. We're very close to him and my sister, Heather, and her family. And my sister is the mother of Karcher, so it's been these years of showing that concern. So it hasn't just been five months. I think the significance of the last six months now has been that Trig, for us, how do I explain it? He's been part of, what has been in our heart all this time in desiring to assist these families with special needs.
Q: Heard about your speech the other day about women. Do you feel like you've been held to another standard?
SP: "I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race. Do you remember the conversations that took place about her - say superficial things that they don't talk about with men, like her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that, that's a bit of that double standard. Certainly there's a double standard. But I'm not going to complain about it , I'm not going to whine about it, I'm going to plow through that because we are embarking on something greater than that, than allowing that double standard to adversely affect us. We're embarking on this mission that we are on to reform government, put government back on the side of the people, get this economy back on track and bring to light the opportunities that we have for all of our families in this country, going back to our families, too, and especially with children with special needs.
Q: You have amazing campaign crowds and yet still people are saying 'is she weighing down John McCain.' How do you feel when you hear that or when you see pollsters asking that question.
SP: "I think that those reporters asking those questions should come to some of these rallies and ask some of those in the crowd why it is they are enthused about - and it's not me personally that they are coming to see that they would be excited about - it's what I represent, representing hard working, every day, American families who have... Every family has their own challenges of course. Our challenges and our joys just happen to be out there in front of everybody to see and to relate to, so it is what we represent. That's what people are there to, I think, show their enthusiasm for.
Q: Do you see the special needs issue as one that, regardless of the campaign, you will make your issue.
SP: "Absolutely. There is purpose in all of this, and there is opportunity for greater needs to be met than just with my own family and in my own state. Yes, I will continue to be an advocate."
Q: There are also issues about what happens when the parents get old that is not in your speech. Is that something you will address later.
SP: "Yeah, and personalizing this also, my sister, Heather and I have talked a lot about this. It kind of makes me cry thinking about it. When Karcher was first diagnosed, Heather knew that for Heather and Kurt, her son karcher was going to be her life.
"She's kind of put her career aside - she still works full time - she'ss kind of put career aside so she can nurture and teach and help Karcher. But she has asked to, I remember she asked with tears in her eyes, she says, what happens when Kurt and I, though, are elderly, then what happens to Karcher? Because he is autistic, his story, this is the story of millions of Americans right now, because of the prevalence of autism. I relate it to my own personal life, but I see it all around America. With more and more children being born with autism, this generation so affected, what does happen now when their parents can no longer take care of them. Collectively, as humanitarians, that is where we do unite
"And government can play an appropriate role in that assistance. So that's what I want to work on, also. Especially with autism. We need to strengthen the National Institute of Health. There needs to be funding there. If reprioritizing it is the answer, we'll do that, reprioritizing funds to make sure we're researching everything about autism and trying to find out what it's cause is and what we can do to help these children and then again, its humanitarian, how we can help these families.
"Todd and I are very blessed. We have a large, close-knit, strong family, a good network here. But we realize not every family has been blessed with this large network and we want to reach out and help them, those who do not have the aunties and the uncles and the grandmas and the great-grandmas. We have this big family that is full of help."
Q: You're giving this policy speech tomorrow, but has this journey been worth it to you when you're getting nitpicked on wardrobe and polls
SP: "It is all worth it because we know we are on the right path here in providing Americans a choice on Nov. 4th. You can support a children that will do all that we can for children with special needs and we support policies that will create jobs and get the economy back on track. Of course it's worth it. But I'm glad you brought up the wardrobe.
"That whole thing is just, bad! Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are."
"The clothes that were loaned to us during the convention. And I don't think it was anywhere near...What did they say, Tracey? $150 grand? It wasn't anywhere near that. Those are not ours. We give those back, those go to charity or they'll be auctioned off or whatever. That's not even my property. So to be criticized for that, that is not who we are."
Q: So you're not carrying around cartons of brand new clothes that people have gone out and bought for you
SP: No, I think some of them were in the belly of the plane. No, yeah, that's not have we live.
Q:This must be painful for you
SP: "It's kind of painful to be criticized for something when all the facts are not out there and are not reported."
Todd Palin: "Going back to your question about Trig is only five months, six months old, how can they know everything. Well, we'll never know everything. And the bottom line is, the support base that families have, and that's what we see as we travel the country and we have these rallies and the kids are brought up to the front of the rope-line, you can see that support for them, and so to be able to touch on that, and encourage others to support...especially children.
SP: "We're on this journey with other families. It's where we are and we'll learn a lot from those other families as they can count on us in the White House doing all that we can for them also. It's going to be a nice team effort here. But ushering in that new spirit in Washington DC that says, these kids are a priority. Governor Casey from Pennsylvania had said - how are we to be judged, how do we treat those most vulnerable among us, including children with special needs, we put them first in line. And that's what we're going to do."
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Comments
Every time she opens her mouth she writes a new bit for Tina Fey.
Posted by: C.Hussein.Morris | October 23, 2008 10:14 PM
I'm not going to whine about it, I'm going to plow through that because we are embarking on something greater than that, than allowing that double standard to adversely affect us.''
This from the party that made jokes about a $500 haircut? It's not a double standard lady...it's a joke!
Posted by: bill "Hussein" r. | October 23, 2008 10:16 PM
That interview made Sean Hannity look like Tim Russert. I'm surprised that you didn't ask her if she is a great Vice Presidential pick, or the greatest Presidential pick. Wow.
Posted by: brad | October 23, 2008 10:50 PM
Jill, were you restricted from asking questions on any other topic? Seems like you missed a good opportunity to ask some real questions of a VP candidate who rarely grants interviews. This interview reads like an infomercial.
Posted by: Dave | October 23, 2008 11:49 PM
Whether or not Palin views those clothes as "donations" to her family for their temporary use during the campaign, they weren't acquired free of charge. The RNC tapped into the funds it received from hardworking middle class families and blue collar workers to outfit Palin. These supporters, I imagine, thought their precious money would be used toward commercials, print media, ground support. THAT'S what is outrageous about the incident... and Palin doesn't seem to have a clue, does she?
Posted by: DogBitez | October 24, 2008 12:12 AM
Her entire campaign and just being here is just bad............
Posted by: Randolph | October 24, 2008 12:26 AM
Unqualified
Posted by: Deerfield | October 24, 2008 12:27 AM
Do you mean to tell me that the elite couple---have been highly favored by the major media to appear in fashion glossies"--- Sen. and Mrs. Obama weren't clothed by thousands of dollars worth of top designers' creation? The same thing, "Major Leftist Wing Media." Whether they're going to be worn again or not, clothes are an important aspect of a person's appearance. But, unfortunately it's apparent this is used as a tool to once again to demonize the other party.
Posted by: Eva | October 24, 2008 2:47 AM
three comments:
1. obviously scripted
2. she stills falls back on word-salad when she's flustered.
3. she's a joke, it's ridiculous to think she could be commander in chief
Posted by: erin | October 24, 2008 2:57 AM
The emphasis on experience is in many ways the wrong one (rather as it has been when directed at Sen. Barack Obama). The problem with Gov. Palin is not that she lacks experience. It's that she quite plainly lacks intellectual curiosity. It is not snobbish to harbor grave doubts about somebody who seems uninterested in reading for pleasure or recreation and whose only interest in her local public library is sniffing round its shelves for books that ought to be removed for expressing impure ideas.--Christopher Hitchens
http://www.slate.com/id/2202642/
Posted by: dt | October 24, 2008 3:36 AM
I'm worried about her meeting foreign leaders who speak English more fluently than she does.
"I think we can do a better job than where we've been."
"...bring to light the opportunities that we have for all of our families in this country, going back to our families, too, and especially with children with special needs."
"You can support a children that will do all that we can for children with special needs and we support policies that will create jobs and get the economy back on track."
Yikes. I almost hope the Tribune mistyped this transcript.
Posted by: Matt Potts | October 24, 2008 4:18 AM
To be honest, I have never noticed her clothes during this campaign. Frankly, I was stunned by the story about her outfits. Who would ever think about that? While it is a legitimate news topic, how come no one in the news business ever mentioned how she dressed? Was Hillary this closely watched? This is all nuts!
Posted by: MrSansome | October 24, 2008 4:33 AM
Ms. Palin has learned one thing. She knows how to evade a question while pushing her own agenda.
Posted by: Jerry McGiver | October 24, 2008 6:09 AM
The question "Q: You're giving this policy speech tomorrow, but has this journey been worth it to you when you're getting nitpicked on wardrobe and polls"
Shows that this is a cherry picked interview from Palin's point of view. She runs as a soccer-mom and the common person yet she is in 150K worth of clothes. This is not "nit-picking" but a legitimate question that many are asking. Your "interview" is not an interview but a forum for the candidate to say whatever she wants without any challenge. When will we see a return to reporting? Hard questions?
Posted by: eric blair | October 24, 2008 6:25 AM
"Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are."??? I think that is the problem. We are learning just she is frugal to the point of having tax payers pay for her children to watch their dad race snowmobiles.
It is another sour note for this campaign and a distraction from the nation economic issues.
Posted by: Karl | October 24, 2008 6:30 AM
Q: You have people with special needs coming to your events, people in wheelchairs, how does that make you feel to see those faces in the crowd
"How do you feel when you hear that or when you see pollsters asking that question"
Q:This must be painful for you.
Dear God, Jill, you were supposed to be interviewing her, not giving her therapy!
Posted by: My Aunt Fanny | October 24, 2008 6:57 AM
I'm flabbergasted that after the Obama editorial endorsement that specifically stated Palin is not qualified to be VP or POTUS that the reporter threw nothing but softballs to her.
While I am sympathetic to parents of autistic children, the reality is that we have far more pressing issues in this country, the economy being number 1. Caring for special needs children and increasing federal dollars sounds great, but can we fix the big problems first, please?
I'm very disappointed with the Tribune for dumbing down this interview, it is essentially worthless.
This is why Obama will win, and win big, because the republicans are out of ideas and have nothing better to fall back on than negative attacks and bush's failed policies.
Posted by: Vitothepug | October 24, 2008 8:35 AM
Governor Palin said: "And I don't think it was anywhere near ... What did they say, Tracey? $150 grand? It wasn't anywhere near that."
1. Do you expect us to believe you forgot the number?
2. Yes, it was. We've seen the receipts.
Posted by: ZekeM | October 24, 2008 9:53 AM
Why are there so many people commenting on the tone of this interview? It is Jill Zuckman afterall! Were you really expecting anything different? I certainly wasn't.
Posted by: Debra H | October 24, 2008 9:55 AM
So Sarah Quaylein gets a litte dose of how a non-issue story can get stuck on you. "How frugal we are" - I would guess that includes charging the State of Alaska a per diem to live in your own house,and charging the State of Alaska to fly your kids around and stay in $700/night hotels. Yeah, that's the picture of frugality. Looks a lot more like a picture of entitlement, but I guess interpretation is in the eye of the beholder.
Posted by: kal | October 24, 2008 9:55 AM
If they want to cover this blunder up after the election, maybe they could hide the clothes in one of the closets at one of McCain's eight houses.
Posted by: Gerard Johns | October 24, 2008 10:03 AM
Why do I get the feeling that Palin is using this specific moment in time to discuss special needs at the very same time Obama is receiving some sympathy for his gravely ill grandmother....as though she's trying to steal the media spotlight. Special needs is a great issue to discuss, but she really DIDN'T discuss it.
How stupid does she and McCain think we are? I'm sure they had NO plan to return those clothes until the shopping spree was realized to the media.
I believe I would have some respect for them if they only told the truth. Deception and lies are so destructive.
Posted by: Bruce | October 24, 2008 10:16 AM
"No, I think some of them [the clothes, etc.] were in the belly of the plane."
And how did they get there? Cinderella's fairy godmother waved her magic wand and poof there they were? You're honestly trying to say that the campaign didn't pay to put them there?
Posted by: My Aunt Fanny | October 24, 2008 10:21 AM
Is it socialist to take people's money and redistribute it to those families with special needs kids? If that is a valid criticism of some of Obama's spending priorities, why is it not a valid criticism of this spending priority?
Is it a double-standard to comment upon Palin's high-priced wardrobe? Wasn't John Edwards ridiculed for his $400 haircuts? Weren't the shirtless beach photos of Barack Obama circulated everywhere?
Isn't it easy to be frugal -- even to believe yourself to be frugal -- when you define that in terms of only your own money? Maybe Palin is frugal with her own money but unsparing with other people's money. She didn't mind spending $50,000 to remodel the mayor's office when she took office in Wasilla. She doesn't mind taxpayers paying for her family's personal trips. And she doesn't seem to mind the RNC spending all this money on clothes for her and her family.
Does it make sense to say that the clothes "were bought for the Republican National Convention"? Really? All of that for three days??? Doesn't this paint Palin as a conventional politician who will say anything to brush aside criticisms of her conduct.
How does it rebut the idea that Palin is weighing down the Republican ticket, that large enthusiastic crowds attend her rallies? The logic is that she has fired up the base, but alienated the independent and moderate voters who will decide this election. The polls show nothing but decline once the initial Palin euphoria died down.
Posted by: Steve in Oak Park | October 24, 2008 10:24 AM
Is this journalism? Jill, why didn't you follow up all the many special needs questions (why did you focus on that so much anyway? Palin is running for VP, not education secretary) with any questions about her 60% CUTS to funding for special needs children while in office, before Trig was born? This interview reeks of brown-nosing and poor choices and I can't believe the Tribune isn't ashamed of it.
Posted by: Sarah | October 24, 2008 10:28 AM
You betcha she's frugal! Dogggone it, she coulda gotten that $10,000 leather jacket instead of the $2500 one!
Posted by: Perpugilliam | October 24, 2008 10:33 AM
as some earlier said she uses "word salad" to answer or avoild answering questions.
she really makes it easy for tina fey
Posted by: localdairyfarmer | October 24, 2008 10:35 AM
Good God! What is this? You didn't even ask her about the results of the troopergate investigation, about the nasty campaign rallies, about how being a 'maverick' and cutting earmarks and taxes will possibly serve as a prescription for the recession. ]
Oh forget it.
Posted by: david | October 24, 2008 10:36 AM
Because Michelle and Barack Obama haven't spent a ton of money on clothes? Come on.. This is such an example of biased, left wing media. It sickens me to think that these are some of the people I will be working with in coming years.
Thanks to Jill for giving Sarah Palin the chance to talk about subjects that are meaninful to her.
People need to stop judging this woman, the media has just been filling our heads with all these lies about her and it's sickening. Let's talk about Obama in the same was as Palin for a change.
Posted by: K | October 24, 2008 10:40 AM
I never thought I'd be coming to the defense of Sarah Palin but her clothes should be a "non issue" but they aren't. Hillary was scrutinized in the same way. I'm sure some GOP highly paid image consultants worked with her and her family on clothes, hair and makeup because let's face it--if she looked like a true soccer mom when she accepted the GOP VP nomination, she would have been more of a laughingstock than she already is.
Posted by: sharon | October 24, 2008 10:43 AM
[quote]
Was Hillary this closely watched? This is all nuts!
Posted by: MrSansome | October 24, 2008 4:33 AM
[/quote]
You're kidding us, right? Do you mean to tell us that you have no recollection of the thousands of times Senator Hillary Clinton was talked about in the media about her hair styles, her choice of clothing, etc.? Go to Google and do a quick search to jog your memory.
Posted by: BC | October 24, 2008 10:45 AM
Another free pass by Jill Zuckman.
Posted by: Chris in the Fox Valley | October 24, 2008 10:47 AM
To be fair to the candidates, why dosen't the Media look into how much and who buys the clothes for Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Senator Biden?
Posted by: Mary Mar | October 24, 2008 10:52 AM
I agree with Steve from Oak Park that "redistributing" budget to fund programs for children with special needs seems to be the same thing as taking other people's money and spending it on pet projects. I persoanlly agree that projects that support research and assistance for families with special needs children are important, but it is the opposite of what she is saying on the campaign trail. I always find it interesting that republicans are against most programs that assist people in need, unless it affects their family and then they can see it's an important issue.
Posted by: Julie | October 24, 2008 10:56 AM
Response to Eva: "Do you mean to tell me that the elite couple---have been highly favored by the major media to appear in fashion glossies"--- Sen. and Mrs. Obama weren't clothed by thousands of dollars worth of top designers' creation? The same thing, "Major Leftist Wing Media." Whether they're going to be worn again or not, clothes are an important aspect of a person's appearance. But, unfortunately it's apparent this is used as a tool to once again to demonize the other party."
Come on Eva. The Obamas purchased THEIR OWN clothes, like every other candidate before Governor Palin. They did not use dollars collected from people who believed in them and spend it in ways that were never intended (at least that's how I feel about my contribution). I agree, clothes are important. So are honesty, ethics and a sense of choosing what is right from what is wrong.
I'm sick of this ridiculous drivel about the liberal media. Periodically, I alternate news coverage and chose FOX news last night. It was really hard to watch. Here was the major difference I saw: While I agree that CNN may lean slightly to the left (and I take that into account when I watch it) at least the network tries to present both views, has fact checks, etc. The only view that was presented in the two hours I watched FOX were very right-wing comments that were not factual (according to factcheck.org) and unchecked.
I am really confused as to why John McCain chose Sarah Palin, all things considered. True, she ignited the pro-life conservatives, but do you think this group would ever have taken a serious look at the Obama-Biden ticket anyway? Palin is a hockey mom who grew up in Wasilla, Alaska and was and is very popular in her community. I read factcheck.org's summary of a letter written by Anne Kilkenny from Wasilla, and it's pretty clear how Governor Palin has gotten where she is. She IS NOT READY to be vice-president. I don't blame her for that, but John McCain's judgment on this decision was just beyond ludicrous. Colin Powell, for whom I have tremendous respect, apparently agrees.
Several of my family members have decided to vote for Obama.
Posted by: Rebecca | October 24, 2008 11:00 AM
Wait, what? The $150K figure is wrong? Well why did the RNC put that figure in the report then? I don't understand.... Where was the follow-up Ms. Zuckman. You are a pretty solid reporter, but how can you let that go unchallenged?
Posted by: DC | October 24, 2008 11:00 AM
To everyone trying to compare this to the money Hillary or the Obamas spend on clothes, uh, yeah....
they're spending their OWN money!
Posted by: JeffRob | October 24, 2008 11:02 AM
It is too bad she didn't expound on her attempt to put creationism in our classrooms, or censoring our Libraries !! How about her advocacy of the secession of Alaska from our United State, I'm sure she spoke eloquently on that vital issue !!? Frugal, is hardly what I would call $150,000 wardrobe, from The Bush-MaCain-Rove Republicans !! Yet, another gimmick, another stunt from the Bush-McCain incompetent Republicans !! Talk about a Barbie Doll, thanks to that great wardrobe from the RNC, can there be any other definition for such a politician, as Governor Palin. Senator McCain has perpetrated a grave injustice against America and Governor Palin and I hope they come to their senses and have the Governor declare herself, unqualified for the position !! That way, Senator McCain can't blame his loss on Governor Palin, she will already have returned to Alaska and I hope, dropped all talk of seceding from our United States !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | October 24, 2008 11:11 AM
This woman makes me so angry. I a mother of a child with special needs....for some reason in this country people think special needs only classifies as autistic. there are more disabilities out there then autism. My son has Cerebral Palsy, 1 in 278 children have CP in this country but yet there is NO COMPARABLE fedral funding for research that autism gets. Last year the NIH reported that autism recieved $128 MILLION in research money, CP, Downs, Cystic Fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy got less then $20 Million. Autism already is getting MUCH more then every one else, and I wish people would STOP getting on the autism bandwagon. ALL children with special needs need more...not "especially autism" This woman is NOT qualified in the least to be an advocate for special needs, not at ALL. I wish I could have 5 minutes with this woman to tell her what I really think....
Posted by: Michelle | October 24, 2008 11:12 AM
The media has given Obama a pass on Bill Ayers, racist Rev, Wright, his socialistic "spread the wealth" remark, ACORN voting fraud, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac campaign contributions, but they have to grill Palin over the money spent on her clothes.
Another example of reporters in the tank for Obama.
Posted by: Fed Up with Campaign 2008 | October 24, 2008 11:14 AM
wow, really hard-hitting interview ... glad we finally got to hear from her on the wars, the financial crisis, the environment. Way to really hold her feet to the fire Trib. Were there pre-conditions for this interview??
Posted by: Andy | October 24, 2008 11:15 AM
Yeah, some real followup questions would have been nice. For example, how does she feel about the fact that McCain's proposed across the board spending cuts (AKA the hatchet) would reduce spending on special needs children.
Posted by: Paul Wasserman, Chicago | October 24, 2008 11:29 AM
Ah, I see she's using the "Stevens Defense," much favored by Alaskan politicians. Just as Ted Stevens claims the fancy massage chair sitting in his house is not "his" chair, she's claiming the clothes she is wearing are not "her" clothes. The point remains that the RNC used $150,000 (yes, Sarah, there are receipts) in donated money to clothe her, while the "average Americans" and "Joe Sixpacks" she claims to champion are scared to death about keeping their jobs and homes. Take some responsibility for your warped values, Governor---or wear your own clothes.
Posted by: Susan | October 24, 2008 11:39 AM
Well, I just can't understand the hate and vitriol that Obama supporters have for Gov. Palin. Is she showing you for what your are? I'd sure like to hear a good reason! Did anyone read the article in the Trib Sunday magazine about Michelle's designer and that her dresses cost $3500 and up? Does anyone care that the Palins are the only people in this campaign who are not millionaires and don't have money to spend on clothes? Even people who can afford designer clothes still get donations just to mention the designer - ever watch the stars on the red carpet? How does this matter - did you think she was going to wear L.L. Bean? Obama's followers are such snobs!
Posted by: AnneB-IL | October 24, 2008 11:59 AM
Frugal? Does that mean she shopped in the bargain basement of Neiman marcus?
And $500 for a baby's outfit? My son's baby clothes didn't cost that much in five years time!
Posted by: Vickie | October 24, 2008 12:01 PM
I would like to know how the 150 thousand for clothes is such a big issue when obama spent over 21 million of his campaign money on polling voters in battleground states. I think there are quite enough polls thankyou. I guess they didn't give him the information he wanted/needed. It sort of points to one of his glaring imperfections: a need to be liked by everyone. Anyone who has been blasted by Sean Hannity for months and months and then has the audacity to say that he is waiting for the day that Sean will wake up and see how much he will like an Obama Presidency. Is Barack Insane. Audacity of hope I didn't know is his way of life. There are millions upon millions that like nothing about him and he doesn't get it. We dont like his health care joke of a proposal. We dont care for his tax cuts that dont include a single cut in any taxes anywhere(look at the code people). We dont like his complete idiocy on foreign affairs...we shouldn't be in iraq, but we should take over afghanistan and pakistan and force them into democratic governments. We hate his complete arrogance and lack of concern for anyone other than himself. We hate that he is so self centered that he will say everything and anything to try to get people who will never like him on his side. He just doesn't get it and never will.
Posted by: dan | October 24, 2008 12:07 PM
You know who the highest paid individual in the McCain campaign at this critical time?
Sarah Palin's makeup artist.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/pains-makeup-stylist-fetches-highest-salary-in-2-week-period/?hp
That is the judgement that McCain/Palin would bring to Washington DC. These are the priorities that will drive decisions about government spending.
Posted by: Beth | October 24, 2008 12:07 PM
FRUGAL????? What about the 22,500.00 for make up? WOW, talk about double standards
Posted by: digger | October 24, 2008 12:11 PM
Sarah, the clothes are gorgeous. The stylist should be commended and you look great all of the time.
Yes, you have taken frugality to a new art form.
Does frugal mean not wearing all of the outfits in the first 2 weeks?
If I go on a spending spree with someone else's money but keep the clothes in my garage can I join the Frugal Society?
If I wear designer duds and drink lattes and get someone to pay me for living in my house, can I join?
If I join, can I call my neighbors who buy their own clothes "elitists?"
Pay no attention to those critics who suggest reimbursing the RNC for your coutoure habiliments.
That is contrary to every tenet of frugality!
Posted by: icanseerussia | October 24, 2008 12:20 PM
AnneB- the issue with the clothes is that her and McCain have promised to stop pork spending...well I am sorry but just as McCain is a hypochrite for voting FOR a $850 BILLION that included MILLIONS in pork...but Sarah getting clothes that cost so much make people like me go hmmm if she is doing this NOW for a campaign is it going to stop if elected, or continue? It's hypocricy.....the Obama campaign isn't running around screaming "spending freeze" .....
Posted by: Michelle | October 24, 2008 12:29 PM
Look. Having nice clothes THAT YOU PAY FOR YOURSELF is no sin. And if you can afford to pay for $150,000 worth of clothes (WITH YOUR OWN MONEY), then Mazel Tov to ya!
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When I think of "frugal," though, I think more along the lines of being UNWILLING TO OWN OR EVEN WEAR clothes that are extravagant and expensive. "Frugal" is more like: "Nope -- not for me. I can do just fine in this outfit from Target or Sears, thank you very much." "Frugal" could even mean she RENTS a special outfit for a specific event, then returns it the next day, if she needs to wear something fancy.
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This is neither "having nice clothes THAT SHE'S PAID FOR HERSELF" nor "being frugal." It's spending money that people worked hard for and decided to donate to this campaign to support the Republican platform (whatever that is these days).
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So, logically, all I can make of this is that the Republican platform must be to weasel money out of innocent, hard-working people for the purpose of pushing shallow, lying, facade-envious elitists onto us as people we're supposed to respect and admire, while all the time these people get to tell us that some people and places in our country are more "American" than others. Interesting set of ideals, there. Makes me REAL glad I'm not a Republican, and I'm thinking that more and more people will be glad to say THEY'RE not Republicans over the next few weeks and months, too.
Posted by: Op109 | October 24, 2008 12:59 PM
Dear Ms. Zuckman,
Thank you for a quality interview with Sarah and Todd Palin. Never mind the folks that are biased and fail to appreciate your timely questions. I learned more about the Palins and their concern for children with special needs... excellent work. Few interviewers have stayed so focused on what she has described as 1 of her top 3 priorities as VP. Also, it was good to hear her speak out on the trumped-up clothing charges. I support Sarah and look forward to this compassionate, fearless lady leading our country one day.
Posted by: Darrin | October 24, 2008 1:05 PM
The ebay woman was on TV last night saying that if they auctioned off Palin's campaign clothes, the RNC could get at least $500,000 for them.
Pretty shrewd manuever if you ask me.
Posted by: GraceK | October 24, 2008 1:11 PM
Can't the Democrats grasp Republican
economic policy?
Palin's uber-expensive designer wardrobe, donated or auctioned off, is a practical example that even Trussardi can trickle-down to the masses.
Sheesh, Dems just don't get it.
Posted by: johnf | October 24, 2008 2:37 PM
I'm amazed that a supposed hard-news reporter would ask such softball questions, and even more amazed that the Tribune would run the transcript, as if it were serious journalism. And how about some follow-up questions? If the clothes didn't cost $150,000, how much did they cost?
Posted by: John | October 24, 2008 3:27 PM
It is interesting to see all of the uninformed bias in the comments people leave here - on both sides. I suggest you folks spend some time doing research and analysis about the candidates, their qualifications, and their positions. There is plenty in the newspapers, their web sites, on TV (not just Fox or MSNBC) for you to learn something before November 4th. I hope you all will. I have and will continue to all the way up until the election. There are so many inaccuracies presented in this blog, I wonder if anyone really cares about the truth.
Posted by: Richard | October 24, 2008 5:35 PM
Dan: Judging from the polls, all of the endorsements from MAJOR newspapers, including the one you're READING, and the widely-respected Colin Powell, SOMEBODY must like him...if YOU don't...OH WELL!!!!
Posted by: MDawson | October 24, 2008 11:01 PM
The jealousy is just oozing from you guys-she's got the attention of the American people and you just cannot deal with it!
Posted by: Dianne | October 25, 2008 2:22 AM
It's easy to be frugal when you collect a per diem for living in your own home and when you bill the State of Alaska for airfare and hotel rooms for your kids so they can join you on your official trips. But please, _show_ us how you're frugal, don't tell us at this point and expect anyone to believe it. Good grief, Governor, are you _that_ blind to the hypocrisy?
As as for Palin's remark that, "I think that those reporters asking those questions [about whether she's dragging down the ticket] should come to some of these rallies and ask some of those in the crowd why it is they are enthused about...," a follow-up question about why the campaign has been corralling the press at _public_ events to actively keep them from speaking to those in attendance, going to far as to have the Secret Service physically prevent journalists from covering the event fully and exercising their First Amendment rights, was really in order. Too bad we'll never hear how Governor Palin reconciles that major discrepancy. Moreover, there are dozens of amateur videos online now showing exactly who some of these enthusiastic voters are, and a shocking number are outright racists, ridiculing and berating Barack Obama in vile language, parrotting all the nastiest rumors about him that have surfaced over the last two years without demonstrating that they know anything about the candidate except what they've heard from right-wing hatemongers. Yet amazingly, in all these videos they never say anything positive about McCain-Palin. Their whole reason for coming--and voting, apparently--is to beat down, disparage, and destroy Barack Obama.
Palin needs to step back for a long moment and think hard about the first rule of politics: Give voters a reason to vote _for_ you. That's why Obama-Biden is racking up insurmountable leads all over the country and why McCain-Palin is tanking.
Posted by: Steve | October 25, 2008 2:41 AM
Oh dear, oh dear - no-one mentioned Palin's daughter swinging a Louis Vuitton handbag costing - what? - $800?? Don't think so, group. More like $8000.
We, your neighbours in the Frozen North, do appreciate the great entertainment that your politicians provide. Our own elections pale(in) comparison.
And one more thing, said Colombo: this Canadian thinks it extraordinarily bad taste for Palin herself, let alone bad reporters, to use one's own special needs child as poster-boy for election promises.
Shame.
Posted by: maggie Negodaeff | October 25, 2008 12:40 PM
After the election, Sarah should put the RNC wardrobe on eBay and make them a profit. :-)
Now she should also post the real figures on her own website -- and estimated figures for Obama's and Biden's clothes and makeup, and Michelle Obama's, and Nancy Pelosi's. And challenge them to reveal their exact figures -- along with Obama's school records, state senate records, medical records, and birth certificate, etc.
Biden ran for president earlier this year. Obama has been running for president all his life, doing nothing else! Sarah was doing a real job in Alaska and got offered this candidacy with a week's notice; so of course the GOP had to furnish suitable clothes, in a hurry. If she had campaigned in a parka and snow boots, people would complain even worse.
At least hers came off the rack -- not custom made like Obama's, Biden's, and even Hillary's.
Maybe all this flak means they're scared she will clean up Washington like she has Alaska. $1200 rebate to taxpayers, cut property taxes by 40% iirc -- and with an 82% approval rating.
Bravo Sarah!
Posted by: fsteele | October 27, 2008 6:42 AM
I'm disappointed by the meanness and pettiness of some people I've "met" recently. Palin is continually slammed and rumored about and ridiculed without reason. While Obama has one real shady issue after another that should be looked into, all we can do in talking about Palin is such things as whether her daughter is really the mother of her son. The lady did an awesome job as governor and will do an awesome job as VP. Don't underestimate her intelligence and skill.
Posted by: Lana | October 27, 2008 7:53 PM