Palin Meets Karzai, "No Writers" Allowed
Pool report, courtesy Peter Hamby/CNN
Gov. Sarah Palin's meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai
9/23/08
Intercontinental Hotel (49th and Lexington)
====
The press pool (still and TV cameras only, plus this producer) entered into Karzai’s sizeable suite at the Intercontinental shortly after noon. One handler, who did not appear to be with the campaign but rather with Karzais’ entourage, repeatedly said “No writers,” and he tried to keep this pooler from entering the room when he saw my notebook. However, Chris Edwards, Palin’s deputy chief of staff, allowed me to pass.
Palin was seated in a large chair a few feet from Karzai, with a table in between them. From the view of the pool cameras, Palin sat on the left, and Karzai to the right.
Seated slightly behind Palin were foreign policy advisers Steve Biegun and Randy Scheunemann, who are accompanying the governor in her motorcade today.
As the pool entered, the Afghan president appeared to be telling Palin about his young son, who was born in January 2007.
Palin, her legs crossed and at one point patting her heart, was leaning in eagerly and smiling. Karzai, wearing his traditional clothes but without his trademark karakul hat, was also grinning while discussing the child. His remarks were unintelligible as the noise from the clicking cameras drowned them out.
This was the only exchange that was heard:
“What is his name?,” Palin asked.
“Mirwais,” Karzai responded. “Mirwais, which means, ‘The Light of the House.’”
“Oh nice,” Palin responded.
“He is the only one we have,” remarked Karzai.
At this point, the pool was hustled out the room and down to the hotel lobby.
Pool was in the room for a grand total of 29 seconds.
Palin spokesperson Tracey Schmitt gave a statement to reporters in the lobby as to why print pool and wires were not allowed in:
"The decision was made for this to be a photo spray with still cameras and video cameras only."
The major media should cut the McCain Campaign off from Free Media coverage.
Let them pay for all coverage then they will wake up or die on the vine !
WOW! The forth estate displays its powerful countenance. Nice picture - the photographer should be proud. Instead of reporting the real news, that the campaign got what it needed from the press after all, we learn that Karzai is easily seduced by a pretty girl pretending to be interested. WOW!
Can you imagine the exploding heads on Fox News, had Obama or Biden attempted such a thing?
Unbelievable that a major presidential candidate allows so little access to reporters- unheard of. A press blackout. Is Palin so inexperienced that they have to hide her? Clearly Palin cannot handle the scrutiny. If she cannot handle reporters questions, how would she be able to deal with Putin or the new President of Russia in a major meltdown crisis? Americans should fear McCain or her getting anywhere near the White House. Those who support her must be willfully ignorant or in a state of denial. Wake up!
Keating Five the revenge of the Polar Bears !
defeat McCain-Bush Palin-Cheney !
Keating Five the revenge of the Polar Bears !
defeat McCain-Bush Palin-Cheney !
Keating Five the revenge of the Polar Bears !
defeat McCain-Bush Palin-Cheney !
I was excited to see all these headlines about a PRESS BOYCOTT of the Palin Moose-and-Pony show at the UN.
Truthfully, it is about time. I've urged this for last 10 days on the blogs I've been on.
Contrary to popular belief, if the press was in the tank for Obama, they would of done this 3 weeks ago. There is no need for the press to ask the "silly" personal questions. Strict policy questions would do fine, i.e.: What branch of Government do you believe the Vice President's Office is in? Do you think Dick Cheney has abused his powers in office? When are you going to release your financial records? Why the delay?
Realistically, why would anybody keep cheering for a player (Palin) who keeps bragging about herself but never gets on the field of play? It's time to put-up or shut-up Republicans--everybody plays with the same refs. Repeating the same RNC speech 21 times in snippets does not a real candidate make.
If Palin is the tough reformer she claims to be able to be why can't she face the Press all the rest have to and do face everyday. As for Biden, let him make his gaffes, at least his out there.
Face it Republicans, did you see McCain turn white on 60 Minutes when he was confronted with the fact that Biden has done 84 interviews and Palin 2 (1 semi and an info-mercial with Hannity)? McCain said on Face the Nation 3 weeks ago Palin might appear on that show--no follow-up by the press.
As for Palin "THE EMPRESS HAS NO CLOTHES" it will be obvious to more than few soon.
I agree with James Wilson
What if they gave a press conference, and nobody came. Think about it. No access; No problem, no coverage. Let them hang!
What if they gave a press conference, and nobody came. Think about it. No access; No problem, no coverage. Let them hang!
What if they gave a press conference, and nobody came. Think about it. No access; No problem, no coverage. Let them hang!
In what respect, Charlie?
Knowing full well of Palin's zionistic church message, she was probably biting her lip thinking that Karzai was the devil incarnate.
More to the point, she, with the aid of her campaign, is a poor excuse for an American politician. Secrecy lives in the Palin household. More of the Cheney and Bush secrecy. More of the same garbage. But, as they say, garbage in, garbage out.
This whole situation sounds like a script for a "B" movie, where a complete novice takes over for the President, and becomes a wise, beyond her years, POTUS. EXCEPT—this ain't Hollywood. This is the real world, and being able to see Russia from her window, and meeting with a few foreign dignitaries at the UN does not qualify her to be the one with a finger on the red button after getting that 3:00am phone call. For McCain to have picked her as his VP is evidence that he wants the job so badly that he is willing to jeopardize the safety of the United States, or that he does not have the judgment necessary to hold the position of POTUS.
What a snow job! Appropriate for the Queen of Alaska. At least she can feel comforted that someone else their kid a weird name.
"Mirwais" is probably like Jack in Afghanistan, unlike "Trig" and "Track" which are... Trig and Track here in America. Somebody wake my up when this LSD trip is over. I can't take it anymore.
What a snow job! Appropriate for the Queen of Alaska. At least she can feel comforted that someone else gave their kid a weird name.
"Mirwais" is probably like Jack in Afghanistan, unlike "Trig" and "Track" which are... Trig and Track here in America. Somebody wake my up when this LSD trip is over. I can't take it anymore.
Who cares if a bunch of a-hole reporters don't get to harass, misquote, and malign Palin?
Who cares if a bunch of a-hole reporters don't get to harass, misquote, and malign Palin?
That movie would be made by Disney, and would be called "The Hockey Mom". Kind of an inspiring story, in theory........
Hmmmm....interesting that you would be shocked at the limited access the press had w/ Palin and Karzai's meeting, yet there were no screams and fists pumping when Pelosi had the cameras turned off in the Capitol when the Repubs were trying to get the Dems back to work on an energy bill over the summer. Where were your righteous injustice complaints then?
CHUCK. Can you please share for us when reporters have had a chance to harass, misquote and malign Palin? If ONE reporter other than Charlie Gibson doing a Barbara Walters special and Sean Hannity throwing her the softest softballs had a chance to ask her ONE question then maybe you could tell us when she has been mistreated.
I pray this woman is sent back home to Alaska Nov. 5. Our problems are too serious and the stakes are too high for this crap!
Please, please America step up!
Way to go chuck..I'm with you. Its interesting to see everyone so afraid of a strong woman w/ values. You know what they say about wounded animals that are cornered...they become fearful without reason. Palin is refreshing and no she's not perfect, but she has the liberals running scared and they will stoop to the most lowest denominator to make others afraid with false claims and stories. Good to see the unobjective media taking Obama to task w/ his sordid and his dangerous liasons from his past, present and future. Idiots, party of many, your table is now ready.
If she can't handle the big bad American Press then how the hell do expect her to handle the world. Case closed.
Does this first meet & greet with Karzai qualify Palin as viable potential vice-president of Afghanistan?? Will meeting Bono launch her career as backup singer to U2?
If she can't handle the big bad "American Press" then how the hell can they expect her to handle the world. They won't let McFox or O-CNN at her. Case closed.
Isn't that interesting..I try to provide the link of an article maligning Palin and I get a 'we have to approve your comment' when my others went through just fine. Interesting.
She and McCain handlers just makes another SNL spoof with this crappy attitude.
"Palin meets with world leaders" can now go into another campaign ad and stump speech with John McCain approving the fake message.
Mission Accomplished - Redux XXVIII
almopst replicaon McCain
So what is your point Piet Koon? Can't be any different than the M&Gs Obama got during his excellent Eurpoean adventure.
"At this point, the pool was hustled out the room and down to the hotel lobby.
Pool was in the room for a grand total of 29 seconds."
Awwww, poor babies!
If nobody can ask her questions so that everyone can hear her answers themselves, what are they basing a vote on? Do Republicans just trust these politicians so much that only an R after the name means they are automatically a good pick?
They've been telling the narrative for years that for a woman to be successful requires giving up on having a family. Palin debunks that feminist libs' entire worldview. She is an accomplished woman who rose to power and still had time to get married and have 5 children. Took on corruption and reformed. Therefore she must be destroyed by the unhinged, collective, hive minded liberals and biased media (not to mention those people she ousted because they were corrupted). Its very simple really.
Hey you press wizards, how about grabbing Biden's gaffe today about coal plants and giving it legs? Betcha it won't happen.
If nobody can ask her questions so that everyone can hear her answers themselves, what are they basing a vote on? Do Republicans just trust these politicians so much that only an R after the name means they are automatically a good pick?
If nobody can ask her questions so that everyone can hear her answers themselves, what are they basing a vote on? Do Republicans just trust these politicians so much that only an R after the name means they are automatically a good pick?
WOW. Just how dumb IS she that she can't take ANY questions? How embarassing for her. And Tracy, no one's afraid of her EXCEPT McCain. He's afraid of what will happen if he lets.her.talk.
Free Sarah Palin! Let's hear her words of wisdom!
Obama '08
She's a complete JOKE folks!
Well, at least she was speaking on a topic she's an expert in - Having Them Babies!
After the media has fallen all over Obama for 19 months and ignored McCain until Sarah Palin came on board, I think the 29 seconds that McCain gave to them was 29 seconds too many. If McCain had been there without Sarah, the media wouldn't have been anywhere in sight.
Asking American women to vote for Palin to represent us is an insult to our intelligence.
Asking American women to vote for Palin to represent us is an insult to our intelligence.
Cheryl, I think Charlie Gibson and Hannity's interviews provided answers to several questions for those of us Republicans who wanted to hear what she had to say. If I'm not mistaken she has an interview coming up w/ Katie Couric.
I guess I could ask the same of you Dems who don't question the 'One' w/ his documented dealings w/ sordid associates. Where are the 'tough' questions there in interviews? O'Reilly tried but sadly he lobbed way to many soft balls for my taste. So much for the 'no spin' zone.
Asking American women to vote for Palin to represent us is an insult to our intelligence.
Tracy:
"They've" been telling the narrative for years that for a woman to be successful requires giving up on having a family. Palin debunks that feminist libs' entire worldview."
No Tracy. The republicans have been telling that narrative. The religious right has been telling that narrative. We "feminist lib's" have ALWAYS said Yes We Can have it all. We "feminist libs" fought for the right to vote, and the equal rights amendment and equal pay for equal work. We paved the way for Palin and we are HAPPY to see that women are achieving parity. We don't like her because she's not qualified. It's that simple. And she didn't REALLY do all those things you think she did Tracy. Read beyond the headlines. Her claims have been debunked. The Palin you are describing? A figment of her imagination. That's why they don't let her speak anymore. They're tired of all her lies.
Palin? Thanks, but no Thanks!
Well Zrider I guess I could say the same about Obama. Because the method at which his nomination was hi-jacked from Hillary should be an even more insult to your intelligence.
Time to send "Sarah" back to Alaaaaska' so she can hunt some Moose!
Tracy, open your closed little mind!
O'Reilly has NEVER lobbed a softball at ANY democrat! For Obama to take him on showed such courage -- Obama has NOTHING to hide and will speak to anyone! Let's see Palin go on the View. Or on Rachel Maddow. Heck--let's see Palin go on O'Reilly! Or even take on COLMES! She CAN'T because she's NOT QUALIFIED to answer even softball questions. She's like Hello Kitty. Cute and draped in fur, but with no mouth. Free Sarah Palin! Let her speak!
No Tokitori, you need to read beyond the headlines. And you need to lay off the juice. I beg to differ. I stand by what I said in an earlier post about the feminist libs. Sometimes the truth hurts. Maybe you all should spend 1/2 the time convincing yourself that she really is lying about 'everything', which she isn't...and take time to look into the untruths about Obama.
BTW, Susan B. Anthony was a republican. She fought for the right to vote. Obama pays his female staffers 86 cents for every $1 his male staffers get. McCain pays his female staffers $1.04 for every $1.00 his male staffers get. who is interested in equal pay again?
She has no credentials to allow her into that type of meeting.She is not Hillary Clintons equal.
If she does any damage without supervision we could pay the cost. The Republicans should be banned from the race.McCain crashes planes(4) and gives up secrets and is called a hero..Folks, this group is asleep at the wheel. Our country was formed by community organizers (mostly lawyers) . Tell the McCains to step aside and let the REAL patriots do the business of the USA. Tell the poseurs and fakes to go home and get out of politics; it is over their heads.
YES! Let's hear what Sarah Palin has to say outside the scripted confines of the no-acess rule. Let's let the republicans see what she really has to say - because they're just nodding their heads to the "R" after her name and crying about the unfairness of wanting to ask real questions... there MUST be some republicans out there with the ability to think critically, and they CAN'T be happy about this kabuki theatre.
I sure hope the crew from People and Us and what else? ... Tiger Beat were allowed into the room. They belong on the Palin trail a lot more than CNN, NYT, Newsweek, TIME, or any other news outlet. She's already read all the words they've written for her to say (several times over), so the only thing left is pictures, happy smiling pictures.
Equal Rights Amendment was torpedoed by the Left. One CAN be a feminist and still be Pro-Life. What claims have been debunked regarding Sarah Palin? The press are lying out their asses. Quite simply they are not happy to see women achieving parity. Had she been a single mother who aborted a down's syndrome baby and was a liberal feminist with the same record she'd be lionized by them. The fact that she isn't, illustrates THEIR intolerance to others of differing viewpoints. As for unqualified?
Our #2 is MORE qualified than the Dems #1. He has ZERO executive experience. As for she not speaking anymore? I guess thats why she drew 60k people in Florida this past week when she spoke to them. I guess thats why she and McCain outdrew Obama in Wisconsin this past week when they BOTH spoke. You are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts. In other words...opinion cannot be substituted for facts. After what Rachel said about Sarah why should she even go on her show and give her legitimacy? And a famous quote from Gloria Steinham "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle". Gloria Steinham = I've never seen her in the GOP party...have you??? If I have a closed mind because I choose to look at the facts and choose to look at what is going on, then so be it.
She was there to meet Karzai not the depressed. No scandal here, just libtards foaming at the mouth over Sarah as usual.
She was there to meet Karzai not the depressed. No scandal here, just libtards foaming at the mouth over Sarah as usual.
Remote Exploit...think critically?? Are you bloody serious?? Like when obama tells us he's for clean coal but his RUNNING MATE tells us they are agaisnt it? Obama needs a teleprompter EVEN WHEN DOING CAMPAIGN STOPS !!! Palin doesn't need one !! Palin's broke during the convention speech as well. Obama can't make decisions. He waits...lets others lead and then criticizes how they do it and says he would've done better. But never really offers anything other than vague generalities.
But see Tracy, that's the problem. I CAN'T read between the headlines because there are NO headlines -- she won't give an interview! (No, Hannity doesn't count that was a commercial.) I can't read between the lines or otherwise because she's "not allowed to take questions." But I agree with you, Susan B. Anthony is a MUCH better choice than Palin! She wasn't afraid of the press! She wrote her own speeches, like Obama! Too bad she's dead. Maybe she could teach Palin something. There are so many qualified women, Republican and Democrats, that could have been selected. And that aren't so dumb -- or inflamatory (and how would we know which is true? she won't talk!)that they are hidden from the press. Where's all that transparency she's always yammering about? Is it something she just reads off the teleprompter?
Tracy | 09.23.08 04:01 PM
"After what Rachel said about Sarah why should she even go on her show and give her legitimacy?"
So Tracy. Please tell us what your stated position was about Obama refusing to go on FOX after they kept repeating proven distortions about his supposed madrasa schooling and they referred to Michelle as his Baby-Mama.
You got that right Timothy.
Why would you invite the enemy to report on your victory? The representatives from the Obama camp (sometiimes called the media) can all STFU and quit whining!!
Oh dear Lord. I have seen this time and time again in the work world. You company hires someone who has not clue what is going on. They have no ideas, dont offer or contribute anything to meetings or planning. They try to protect themselves politically and everyone else is getting this pain in their head about what in the world is going on, why did they hire someone like this?
I wonder if any of the leaders she met at the UN thought that.
Why would you invite the enemy to report on your victory? The representatives from the Obama camp (sometiimes called the media) can all STFU and quit whining!!
We have high schools the size of Wasilla, and I don't believe being a Principal qualifies one to be governor, let alone vice president. She's been governor of Alaska for less than two years, at a time when the state's revenues from oil skyrocketed due to factors totally outside of her control. Wait, that's not totally fair -- she was responsible for doubling the taxes on the oil companies, which I'm sure is part of the foundation of the Republican platform going forward. Ha! Throw that out. The point is anyone could've governed Alaska for the past 20 months and shown a profit. You want to compare her education to Obama's? Bad idea. She went to five different colleges and wound up with a degree in communications from Idaho. I have a master's degree in communications. Forgetaboutit. Obama's undergraduate degree is from the University of Chicago, one of the premier universities in the world, where he majored in international affairs and political science, I believe. He was #1 in his class and president of the Law Review at Harvard Law School, taught constitutional law for about a decade, state legislator representing about as many people as live in Alaska, I think, for six or eight years before becoming a senator. Seriously, Palin is a lightweight in all respects.
Tracy, 'tis true. Those who are unafraid to face the cameras sometimes gaffe themselves... which is why we should all cut grandpa some slack with the constant flip-flopping and "tuning" of the message to be inclusive of all who may possibly stand an outside chance of voting for him.
I was against regulating the financial industry before I was for it.
This bailout will be a tremendous addition to the bush legacy - after presiding over the largest expansion in government in the history of the world, we socialize mortgage debt and repeatedly hand out "stimulus" welfare. Conservative fingers in the air, all in dire danger of being relegated to the same fate as the whig party.
A want to be Vice President, a heartbeat away from being POTUS, is not allowed to speak fearing to ridicule herself. A Secretary of the Treasury wants to get the power to act without being subject to the law (in Germany back in 1933 we called it Ermächtigungsgesetz). Come on America, wake up. The hole world is laughing on you (and crying). God save poor poor America.
Tokitori, she won't give an interview???????? Charles Gibson FROM ABC WAS HER FIRST INTERVIEW !!! Palin isn't afraid of the press. She's just not rewarding them after they showed how clearly that they are in the tank for BHO. She wrote her own speeches, like Obama! ???? Hello??? WHAT PLANET ARE YOU ON???? IF OBAMA WROTE HIS OWN SPEECHES - WHY DOES HE NEED A TELEPROMPTER AT EACH SPEECH ???!!! SHE RELEASED ALL HER RECORDS !! We're still waiting for Obama to release all of his Columbia and Harvard records and well as had to pry open the CAC records and he still won't release his records from the Illinois state senate days. IF you want to complain about people hiding stuff then you need talk to your cult leader ... oops i mean candidate. Obama cannot go anywhere without a telepromter.
Take a deep breath Tracy. And try turning the channel -- too much FOX is bad for critical thinking.
Things I Like about Palin:
She kept her beautiful baby Trig.
She's supporting her pregnant teenage daughter.
She's happily married.
Her adorable Piper & Willow are so nice to Trig.
She managed to take her lousy education and her political saavy and move on up.
She seems nice.
Things I Don't Like about Palin
She didn't even have an opinion on Iraq 3 months ago.
She obtained more pork for her state per capita than any other state in the nation -- but keeps saying she's against pork.
She lobbied for the bridge, fought for the bridge, sensed public opinion was turning against the bridge -- and so "killed it" -- but kept the money! (speaking of 'debunking'!)
Hypocrisy offends me.
She supports slaughtering wolves and bears from planes in spite of 172 scientists sending her a letter telling her she's wrong about the science behind it.
She doesn't know enough about foreign policy.
She doesn't believe in global warming.
She doesn't believe in abortion in the case of rape and incest.
She is anti-environment.
She WON'T TAKE QUESTIONS.
She's just not qualified.
She's just not ready to be President, and when your #1 is over 70 and a cancer survivor -- she has to be.
Tokitori, she won't give an interview???????? Charles Gibson FROM ABC WAS HER FIRST INTERVIEW !!! Palin isn't afraid of the press. She's just not rewarding them after they showed how clearly that they are in the tank for BHO. She wrote her own speeches, like Obama! ???? Hello??? WHAT PLANET ARE YOU ON???? IF OBAMA WROTE HIS OWN SPEECHES - WHY DOES HE NEED A TELEPROMPTER AT EACH SPEECH ???!!! SHE RELEASED ALL HER RECORDS !! We're still waiting for Obama to release all of his Columbia and Harvard records and well as had to pry open the CAC records and he still won't release his records from the Illinois state senate days. IF you want to complain about people hiding stuff then you need talk to your cult leader ... oops i mean candidate. Obama cannot go anywhere without a telepromter.
This crap that McCain is pulling is a detriment and a clear and present danger to our country's well-being. There are too many issues right now that are life-threatening to our country's solvency and to the U.S. Constitution. Bush/McCain and the Republican agenda have made a monumental mess of things.
Tokitori...I don't watch Fox very often...I'm a Glenn Beck viewer thank you very much and btw I think that is on a CNN affiliate station, and she's been on with him, so in essence I guess she's been on CNN in an interview with someone else other than Gibson, Couric and Hannity. But Fox has both conservatives and liberals on their shows, when all other news programs have nothing BUT liberals. So I don't get the lack of critical thinking comment for those that view FOX. Besides critical thinking is more than just being critical.
Tracy ... what's your take on the "bridge to nowhere" stuff? Are the videos of her supporting it fake? What about the her role in pursuing other earmarks as mayor of Wasilla (which included hiring a lobbying firm connected to Abramoff) and as governor. By questioning these things do I brand myself as "in the tank for Obama"? What about teaching creationism in public schools? Does she consider her 17 year-old daughter's pregancy a failure of abstinence education? Should rape victims pay for the kits used to collect evidence that may be used to convict the perpatrators? Are all the fossils of prehistorical life forms dated more than a few thousand years old really fake, and if so, why would anyone do that and who would have the resources?
By the way, Obama spent 18 months campaigning without a teleprompter (almost as long as Palin has been governor).
Tracy,
It's not for the benefit of the reporters for the candidates to put themselves out there. It's for the benefit of the American people. I find it difficult to understand how after a few short interviews you have enough information to know if someone would be a President that would be able to protect our country and fix the problems with all of our domestic issues. I'm totally undecided, so I'm not trying to argue PRO-OBAMA, I'm just not thrilled with the McCain campaign being so darn protective of the candidate they promise is ready to lead. It really makes me feel like they have something to hide.
Just a point of order: writing a speech is not memorizing a speech. Everyone uses a teleprompter.
Interesting story on the republican president of the senate in Alaska and her take on the McCain campaign thwarting the Palin investigation: http://community.adn.com/adn/node/131724
Damn lefty media... oh, wait...
Tokitori: Why would the gov. of alaska have an "official opinion" on Iraq? #2 is a lie - the pork came via Ted Stevens. The governor cannot "obtain" federal dollars as the gov. does not get a vote in Congress. You need to go back to H.S. civics. #3 - I don't begrudge someone having an opinion I disagree with if they come around to a position I agree with (call me kooky but I like it when people agree with me eventually and it saves me money). Yeah, McCain didn't want to drill offshore for a long time, until gas hit $4 a gallon and he reconsidered his position. Palin did support building that bridge, until the cost to the state - both financially and in terms of ridicule - became prohibitive. This doesn't even get into the Stalinist airbrushing on the web page of the Alaskan Democratic Party, which was previously citing Palin's cancellation of the Bridge to Nowhere in their attacks on Senator Ted Stevens.
As Glenn Reynolds noted, the New York Times and USA Today noted that Palin "ordered state transportation officials to abandon the 'bridge to nowhere' project that became a nationwide symbol of federal pork-barrel spending... She directed the State Transportation Department to find the most 'fiscally responsible' alternative for access to the airport."
Little rich for Obama-bots and dems to criticize Palin for flip-flopping on the Bridge to Nowhere, considering how Obama and Biden voted to fund it, and against an amendment that would have shifted the funding to Hurricane Katrina relief. The money was left to Alaska after Palin killed it. Even though Obama-Biden knew that Palin wanted to kill it and still voted funds to Alaska and away from Louisiana. I'm not throwing her a parade, but I find it refreshing that at least SOMEONE said "NO" when everyone else (including the loathsome Sen. Ted Stevens and Rep. Young from Team Elephant - I dislike both of these guys intently) and the dem's presidential candidates voted "YES". Sorry - we'll agree to disagree here. I like it when someone says stop the madness to something I didn't want to happen in the first place. I'm just weird that way.
As for killing wolves. I will never intentionally insult your intelligence, so I will ask you not to do the same. Washington State is not the same as Alaska. Not even close (well when you look at a map its closer than Virginia but thats about it). When you basically have one state that could take up almost the entire US east of the Mississippi you're bound to have people who can't get to a "grocery store". From the Alaskan gov't; Hunting is extremely important in Alaska. It is integral to lifestyles, traditional cultures, the economy and basic food needs for many Alaskan families. Unlike in other states, many small communities in Alaska have few or no practical alternatives for meat. Frequently these communities are not connected to road systems, are hundreds of miles from larger cities, have no commercial scale agriculture and lack big grocery stores. Costs to acquire meat and other items from outside are high and, in many cases, prohibitive. Predator control programs are only active on about 9% of Alaska's landmass.
Many parts of Alaska have prey populations at levels below what habitat can support. Low numbers, densities or harvest become management problems when people want or need something different than what an area is providing, Predator control is considered when these conditions all occur; a.) People request it b.) predation is limiting the number or harvest of prey by hunters c.) the habitat can support more prey animals and d) other means of achieving prey population or harvest objectives are ineffective.
Do remember that not all animal management programs are going to appeal to everyone and that everyone does not share your opinion on the subject. As much as I'd like to think that wolves are just some cute cuddly puppy-dog, I think you might have a different opinion when faced with a pack of them in the Alaskan wilderness. Would they treat you the same as you would treat them? I'm sure you'd say...no - but that's what separates us from them. To that I would agree. They'd whole-sale slaughter every human who couldn't outrun them until there were none of us left. Alaskans, on the other hand, reduce their population in only 9% of the Alaskan state and only when other methods or reducing their population or increasing the moose/caribou population have failed. So yes -we are different. Alaskans are doing what is right for their citizens and at the same time doing it in a measured way. She is anti-environment.????? Hunters are VERY pro-environment.
She recognizes that we are stewards of our lands and need to make sure we do whats right for animals as well as humans. Which is why she supports using our recources in a responsible manner rather than locking them up and watching the price of oil go sky high and forcing the price of heating oil to go up so low income people are hurt (something that BHO and Biden are at fault for for not wanting to use our resources)
#5 - She doesn't know enough about foreign policy.???? You want #5 and they are still voting for BHO ????? What color is the sky in your world??
She doesn't believe in global warming?????????
She does - she just rightly recognizes that it cannot be proven that man is causing it. The Earth has warmed and cooled itself for millenia and most of that before man started driving SUV's around also the past 8 years the Eart has actually cooled.
She may not be for abortion and yet she doesn't begrudge you using your rights to have one. Its just not for her. So she didn't have one.
She is anti-environment.?????? Hunters are VERY pro-environment. She recognizes that we are stewards of our lands and need to make sure we do whats right for animals as well as humans. Which is why she supports using our recources in a responsible manner rather than locking them up and watching the price of oil go sky high and forcing the price of heating oil to go up so low income people are hurt (something that BHO and Biden are at fault for for not wanting to use our resources). I'd much rather worry about humans heating their houses than caribou getting knocked off of 2k acres of sandy bog in Alaska.
She won't take questions???? Tell that to Charles Gibson...look if they are just going to repeat the Obama talking points without realizing that she has in fact submitted to multiple interviews then perhaps you should just have this argument with Obama's camp instead of them. Now who's not thinking critically?
And yet you want to put someone who has LESS executive experience and comannder in chief experience than Palin as the President???
Your ticket is flipped if you want any kind of "experience" (if you can call Biden being wrong on pretty much every foreign policy decision but one in the past 30 years "experience").
Tracy,
The number of years of experience is irrelevant, so please stop using that as a basis for your arguments.
It should be about intellectual capacity, since holding the position of President is uniquely complex. Unfortunately as a conservative, I haven't seen much evidence of that from the Republican ticket. At least with the Democrats on the ticket I can see they both have a thorough understanding of the Constitution which is supposed to be what guides the President in all he or she does.
Glenn Beck is an interesting source of wisdom. Recovering alcoholic and drug addict, college drop-out (after one semester), Mormon. His only education/training/experience is having been a radio dj and talk show host (entertainer) his entire life. Might make for entertainment, but he's not a journalist and certainly not a tough interviewer for Palin. As for fans, like Tracy, who count on his insights, he's the equivalent of a televised blogger.
"She may not be for abortion and yet she doesn't begrudge you using your rights to have one. Its just not for her. So she didn't have one."
Wrong again Tracy. She DOES begrudge you for using your rights to have one. She wants to overturn Roe v. Wade, and she wants to make having abortions illegal in all cases including rape and incest.
"Why would the gov. of alaska have an "official opinion" on Iraq?"
Kind of the point. She doesn't need one to be Governor. But someone running for VP needs to have HAD one already. Like Olympia Snow, or Kay Hutchinson Bailey, or Susan Collins, or Hillary. Or Obama -- who had one and spoke so eloquently against going to war for dumb reasons. She's not qualified.
"Global warming? She just rightly recognizes that it cannot be proven that man is causing it. The Earth has warmed and cooled itself for millenia and most of that before man started driving SUV's around also the past 8 years the Eart has actually cooled"
WOW. You are also a flat-earther, no wonder you love her. Did you happen to catch the summit two nights ago with the past Secretaries of State? Kissinger, Christoper, Baker, Powell and Albright? EVERYONE of them agreed that Global Warming is a man made problem --and everyone of them-- and the audience LAUGHED when someone joked, "except in Alaska." Laughing AT her Tracy. Not WITH her.
She supports shooting wolves from planes. MANY hunting groups VIGOROUSLY oppose her on this. A bipartisan group of 172 scientists sent her a letter explaining that she's (and you!) are just wrong on this being an effective "predator control." But she doesn't let science get in her way! Just like Bush!
Tracy. Obama is more qualified. He's smarter. Bush had more "executive experience" too -- and look where that's taken us.
Obama '08. Because this time, I want a SMART president.
The governor puts in a request for pork listing all of the projects and the amount of money they're hoping to get. The congressional delegation then goes after it by slipping individual requests into totally unrelated bills. In her 20 months in office Palin has requested something on the order of $450 million in earmark funding. She didn't blame Stevens or Young for getting her the bridge to nowhere funds, and she only turned against it after it became the poster child for earmark abuse.
The fact is a hell of a lot of important infrastructure projects and research gets funded through the earmark process. If each of those funding requests required their own individual piece of legislation we'd all be driving dog sleds, and that doesn't work for most of us.
Wolf populations and helicopter hunting are about as relevant in this campaign as Bush's proposed manned excursion to Mars.
"Obama '08. Because this time, I want a SMART president."
Best line of the day. Bumper stickers have been ordered.
Tracy,
Obama went on and did a lengthy interview with Bill O'Reilly. Why don't you ask your candidate to go on Keith Olbermann or Rachel MAddow? Why doesn't Gov Palin go on one of those shows? Biden has been interviewed by press friendly and not, 82 times since nominated.
If McCain/Palin can't handle the press, they certainly can't handle any foreign leaders. Are they scared?
It doesn't seem to me that Tracy is playing with a full deck - her comments literally don't make sense.
It doesn't seem to me that Tracy is playing with a full deck - her comments literally don't make sense.
It doesn't seem to me that Tracy is playing with a full deck - her comments literally don't make sense.
tokitori:
Thanks for clearing up the fact that Kissinger, Christoper, Baker, Powell and Albright are all climatic scientists who were not offering opinion but pure scientificly tested fact.
Maybe Biden's cronies would have an easier time "standing up and letting them see you" if it was a flat earth...
LMFAO! You boobs on the left are just getting your shorts wedges up your collective crack. OMG! She didn't consent to be interrogated by the Gestapo press! Why should she? What are you morons gonna do when she wins a goes over your head directly to the American people just like Ronnie did. This is gonna be a blast when you heads explode with rage.
That was an awesome exchange between Karzai and Palin. This is the stuff that diplomacy is made of, you know, the little things, like the name of Karzai's son. In this talk Palin has shown us that she is indeed ready to step into McCain's Gucci loafers if the need arises.
I am so glad I have Joe Pein's comment to inform me I am a moron and not counted among the American people if I hold a different political view from him and St. Ronald McDonnell Douglas.
What else need to be said?
A factoid that has relevance to this election:
Greater than 80% of the country lives within 150 miles of the coast. (The rest either wish they did, or go there every chance they can.)
Chicago notwithstanding. Some would say:
"Keep it up, morons! You guys are just pissin' off a pretty good chunk of "Fly-Over" country even more. Check back when you're terrorist loving Messiah goes down in flames."
That's 80%, flyover Joe. Get ready, because change is coming.
The have done nothing but trash her. Why should she allow these Obama Droolers to cover her? John McCain went to Iraq 8 times and barely got any coverage. Obama went and all 3 network anchors followed. Way to Go Sarah. Don't take anything from this left wing media..
to tracy,
do you know that alaska has the highest rape per capita percentage of the nation? and that if you are raped good ol' palin makes YOU pay for the rape kit and medical procedure!! then she intends to make it that YOU HAVE to keep that viscious act alive and then AGAIN pay for it by having to have that creature after carrying it for nine months!!!
another point you are misguided on is that the media is "softballing" democrats. the media outlets of this nation are republican owned pieces of ____! ask catie curic(barbie) to ask a real intelligent question sometime, rather than be barbie for her republican(fascist bosses.
to tracy,
do you know that alaska has the highest rape per capita percentage of the nation? and that if you are raped good ol' palin makes YOU pay for the rape kit and medical procedure!! then she intends to make it that YOU HAVE to keep that viscious act alive and then AGAIN pay for it by having to have that creature after carrying it for nine months!!!
another point you are misguided on is that the media is "softballing" democrats. the media outlets of this nation are republican owned pieces of ____! ask catie curic(barbie) to ask a real intelligent question sometime, rather than be barbie for her republican(fascist bosses.
UNBELIEVABLE! 29 seconds???? The media should do a complete & total blackout of the Palin/McCain campaign until she stands up & faces the nation, responds to our inquiries ... The media stands in the shoes of the voters, and to show such an incredible lack of respect to the American people is downright unpatriotic! Until the P/M campaign disgards its cloak of secrecy, shows the reform it so adamantly claims it will bring to Washington by making government smaller and more transparent, steps up and takes responsibility of its antics, I would just as soon not hear anything about them. No more ads, no more scripted propaganda, no more beauty queen smiles, batting of the eyes, and hand waves -- ENOUGH!! Wonder how they'll like being in the dark -- a place they would most certainly like to keep the rest of us. What is she hiding -- the fact that she may very well be transparent? What is the GOP hiding, a mistake in judgment by their not-so-presidential candidate? I'd say "come out, come out whoever you are," but at this point, that may not be so advisable.
Glen Beck is another hack like Rush Limball for the rebublicans anything they say is so mean spirited that a normal person would changed channels.
Glen Beck is another hack like Rush Limball for the rebublicans anything they say is so mean spirited that a normal person would changed channels.
Glen Beck is another hack like Rush Limball for the rebublicans anything they say is so mean spirited that a normal person would changed channels.
Glen Beck is another hack like Rush Limball for the rebublicans anything they say is so mean spirited that a normal person would changed channels.
Glen Beck is another hack like Rush Limball for the rebublicans anything they say is so mean spirited that a normal person would changed channels.
Glen Beck is another hack like Rush Limball for the rebublicans anything they say is so mean spirited that a normal person would changed channels.
"Boobs on the left"? Seriously? We're at the tail end of the worst presidency in U.S. history; there is not a single aspect of governance that has not been a complete disaster under the Republicans, from foreign relations to energy policy to environmental policy, the justice department to the economy. We've had eight years of the conservative Republican philosophy enabled by six years of legislative majority and this country is in the deepest mess since the depression. And you're calling us boobs for not renewing the Republicans contract? Are you totally delusional?
Writing on the Politico, Center for American Progress Action Fund Senior Fellow Scott Lilly notes that “there has been little analysis of the simplest measure of performance,” attendance, with regards to Gov. Sarah Palin. Lilly notes that she has an abysmal attendance record in Alaska’s state capital:
The Washington Post recently reported that, in her first 19 months as governor, Palin billed the state of Alaska per diem charges for 312 days she spent at her home in Wasilla. Palin’s staff has explained that it was appropriate to bill the state for expenses related to Palin staying in her own house because her “official duty station” was at the state capital of Juneau, where the governor’s official office and mansion are located. But that argument raises a different question: How much time did that leave for her to spend at her “official duty station”?
Assuming Palin did not routinely bill the state for staying in her own home on weekends and holidays, she would have spent no more than 85 workdays in the state capital over the course of her 19 months in office, even if she traveled nowhere else in Alaska or outside of the state. That compares with 168 days that the Alaska Legislature was in session during the same period.
Some Alaska legislators became so frustrated with Palin’s absence that they took to wearing “Where’s Sarah?” pins.
If Palin can run this country...so could my 7year old grandson. Beautiful without a clu is so misleading. A VP canidate is so important. I thought you needed to be a lawyer and not a moose hunter. I pray that she returns to Alaska soon so Obama and Biden can move on with the countries major issues. The American public has had enough of this soap box foolishness.
If Palin can run this country...so could my 7year old grandson. Beautiful without a clu is so misleading. A VP canidate is so important. I thought you needed to be a lawyer and not a moose hunter. I pray that she returns to Alaska soon so Obama and Biden can move on with the countries major issues. The American public has had enough of this soap box foolishness.
If Palin can run this country...so could my 7year old grandson. Beautiful without a clu is so misleading. A VP canidate is so important. I thought you needed to be a lawyer and not a moose hunter. I pray that she returns to Alaska soon so Obama and Biden can move on with the countries major issues. The American public has had enough of this soap box foolishness.
Well,
Sen Biden is giving lot of interviews, no one is seeing.
Gov Palin gives few interviews every one knows each word. The demand to speak new things is more and that could be the reason Gov Palin is avoiding.
She even says you guys know that...
I thought Palin was having Foreign Policy 101 yesterday with Karzai, the instructor. Why should the press be allowed in the classroom to distract the student?
Who wrote that the 'major media' should retaliate? :o) The 'major media' works for the Republican Party! They do what they are told.
Filipe Castro
Texas
Ummm... I am speechless. I am a registered Independent and LOVE this country. My question? How can one claim to love this country and consider voting for Palin. If you are familiar with the site LinkedIn.com, look at Obama, Palin, Biden and McCain's page under education and tell me who's more qualified. This is the most insane experience of my life. Who are these people who support this person. What nightmare am I living. I hope to wake up soon.
Calm down you guys - they allowed a photo op before having a meeting together...that's it. I don't understand why everyone is so up in arms over it. Surely there are other more pressing matters to get your blood boiling such as the current economic crises...