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Neb. Republicans at convention high on Palin

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BY DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Sep 03, 2008 - 06:19:12 pm CDT

MINNEAPOLIS — It was Sarah Palin Day in the Twin Cities Wednesday.

“I was so thrilled by her selection,” said Hal Daub, chairman of John McCain’s Nebraska presidential campaign.

“I had been walking around with my fingers crossed. Her choice united the party. It brings the conservatives home.”

Story Photo
Sarah Palin (AP file)

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It isn’t just about having a woman on the ticket, two female Nebraska delegates said.

Beth Kramer of Omaha said she was “secondarily excited” by the fact that Palin is a woman, but “more excited to have someone so fiscally conservative.”

Darlene Starman of Lincoln said she’s pleased with Palin, but not just because she’s a woman.

“I don’t vote for candidates because of their gender,” she said.

However, for McCain to pick a conservative running mate who also is a woman, was “a brilliant stroke of genius,” Starman said.

Republican State Chairman Mark Quandahl of Omaha said he’ll make sure the national convention knows that Nebraska was “the first state to elect a Republican woman governor” when he delivers 31 of the state’s 33 votes to McCain during Wednesday night’s roll call vote.

Kay Orr was elected governor in 1986 in an unprecedented contest between two women. Former Lincoln Mayor Helen Boosalis was the Democratic nominee.

Two of Nebraska’s delegates were prepared to hand their convention votes to Texas Rep. Ron Paul.

Rep. Adrian Smith, the only member of Nebraska’s congressional delegation who is attending the convention, said Palin “brings a new dynamic” to the campaign.

“She can identify with common, everyday Americans,” he said.

Wednesday’s enthusiastic show of support for Palin included some tough talk from 2000 presidential candidate Gary Bauer at the Nebraska delegation’s breakfast caucus.

“The last 48 hours (have taken) my breath away,” the evangelical Christian conservative told Nebraskans at their downtown Minneapolis headquarters hotel.

“Senator (Barack) Obama’s left-wing allies are engaged in a degree of hatred and bile and personal destruction” reminiscent of the attack on former Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork, he declared.

Critics are using the pregnancy of Palin’s unmarried teen daughter as “a club to attack her,” Bauer said.

“By the way,” he added, “Barrack Obama was born out of wedlock (before) his mother and father were married.”

Former Texas Rep. Henry Bonilla told the Nebraskans that Palin is “going to blow into (Washington) with new ideas (despite) a detailed smear campaign against her.”

Bonilla fired some shots of his own, arguing that Obama would take “a hard turn to the left (because he) wants us to become a France, Germany or Belgium.”

Daub, former Omaha mayor and former 2nd District congressman, said “the request is in” to garner a Palin appearance in Nebraska during the campaign.

“I know conservative Republicans had some concerns about McCain,” he said.

“And I kept reminding them they had the same concerns about George W. Bush. But those disappeared when Bush picked Dick Cheney eight years ago.”

Daub gives McCain high grades for “his first executive decision” as the presidential nominee.

Palin has had executive experience in public life for 13 years, he said, and brings demonstrated conservative credentials to the race.

“And she happens to be a woman,” he said. “He picked well. I think it’s terrific and quite historic.

“Republicans are quite comfortable with the ticket now,” Daub said. “And it has gotten the whole country abuzz.”

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.


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Shaking head wrote on September 3, 2008 3:13 pm:
" Republicans have to be high on her. They have no other tricks up there sleeve. A desperation effort at best. Looks like the Dems will be controlling things for at least the next 4 years. "

 Shaking head wrote on September 3, 2008 3:15 pm:
" Actually all the talk about the 17 year old pregnancy is helping the GOP hide the fact that this was a terrible choice. I guess we just have to deal with it and see what unfolds in tonites speech and her debates against Biden. God help us on the latter. "

 Sue F. wrote on September 3, 2008 3:30 pm:
" Fiscally conservative, are you kidding? This women wants Alaskan tax payers to pay her legal bills. This women is not only against abortion even in cases of rape and incest, but is against birth control. The McCain campaing has been doing nothing but attacking Obama, yet when questions are asked about a candidate new to the national stage, who could become President, they scream sexist attack. What a joke! We need to ask questions until we get reasonable answers. And by the way, Obama has said over and over that families are off limits and children completely off limits. "

 candi wrote on September 3, 2008 3:31 pm:
" Duab is correct, there is not only nationwide chatter, there is nationwide concern about McCain's judgment and whether or not it is impaired. Palin changed her position on the bridge to nowhere after Congress had cut funding. Palin has failed to bridge her experience beyond that of any Senator who votes on budgets submitted by the President. The reality is she hired lobbyists to influence members of the Senate, If the position of governor is so highly rated, why did Johanns leave the position and even now seeks to be a Senator? "

 Rick wrote on September 3, 2008 3:32 pm:
" “I know conservative Republicans had some concerns about McCain,” he said.“And I kept reminding them they had the same concerns about George W. Bush. But those disappeared when Bush picked Dick Cheney eight years ago.”
WOW! that pretty much say's it all.
It proves people have real reason for concern!
WAKE UP AMERICA! "

 JT Hutt wrote on September 3, 2008 3:34 pm:
" No one cares that she is a woman or that her kid is pregnant. It's the fact that she is dangerously unqualified that people are causing a furor over. It's the fact that McCain only talked to her once that is causing a furor. It's the fact that of all the people McCain could've chosen, he picked someone already under ethics investigations. It's the fact that she has connections to radical seccessionist parties that are causing a furor. Seriously, this is your choice? At least Romney and Huckabee don't come "scandal-ready" with no assembly required. This is not Change. This is more of the Same. "

 jo wrote on September 3, 2008 3:39 pm:
" i love the headline "Neb. Republicans at convention high on Palin" - of course they are, this is a state that blindly follows the GOP no matter what they do.

the last 8 years mean nothing to them. just a fluke that we are paying 4 bucks a gallon. another fluke that the oil priced are all of a sudden going down 2 months before the election.

just a fluke that your job is on the verge of being out sourced & that you cant afford health care. just flukes. "

 The knuclke draggers wrote on September 3, 2008 3:48 pm:
" in Nebraska would support the devil if he stood before them an said I am a pro-life Republican. "

 J wrote on September 3, 2008 3:50 pm:
" No one is mentioning that in Obama's speech last Thursday, he said that we all might have differences in opinion about issues like abortion, but we can all agree that we need to decrease the number of unwanted teen pregnancies. I guess the Republican Pary and John McCain do not agree. They act like this is a thing of honor, yet the will deny homosexuals of their rights. "

 DP wrote on September 3, 2008 3:50 pm:
" If you are going to say negative things about Palin then you are just a closed minded person and there isn't a Republican in the country that you would say good things about. Democrats always talk about having an open mind and not to judge others but they are attacking and putting this lady down as much as possible but nobody even knows her yet. "

 Late ODay wrote on September 3, 2008 3:56 pm:
" Maybe they oughta wait until they're sure she's not a Harriet Miers stalking-horse who will conveniently drop out at the last minute for "family reasons". "

 Outside the Box wrote on September 3, 2008 3:58 pm:
" Does anybody really believe that if the tables were turned and the Dem VP's teenage daughter were having a child out of wedlock the Republicans would consider it a "non-issue"?

Apparently the party of "family values" only values the opportunity to tell me how to run my family. "

 Terri wrote on September 3, 2008 4:07 pm:
" I look forward to listening to Palin and reasons why she would be a good president as John McCain is really old and forgetful. He tends to tell allot of stories when he is lost in conversations and can't remember what the topic is. Palin's top aide might have made a good deal with TransCanada for Alaskans, but is she really ready to lead a nation she has been so removed from? If she cannot keep her home in order, can she lead a nation? "

 Mocha wrote on September 3, 2008 4:09 pm:
" Gary Bauer said “Barrack Obama was born out of wedlock (before) his mother and father were married.”But as usual he's manipulating the truth:
Obama's Mom wasn't advocating abstinence and running for office.
Adrian Smith goes to my church but I have no respect for him after reading his dumb assessment.I cannot Identify with this "uncommon,not-everyday" woman. Adrian-I may be a consrvative and prolife,but I don't support the NRA nor eat mooseburgers.Most of us who've raised kids will go out of our way to protect them from all kinds of harm;this woman exposes her daughter to public scrutiny because she wants to further her carreer and also brings the boyfriend to the convention and then has the gall to ask to respect their privacy.By the way Adrian,look at the common, everyday women who worship at our church-and they have little in common with Pali.Most are stay at home Moms who volunteer at church and school and are very involved in their children's lives that they know who their kids are dating and what sort of a relationship they have.
I'm seeing some members in my chuurch in a new light;their "values" change depending on who's running for office. "

 Chip wrote on September 3, 2008 4:14 pm:
" I have no problem with someone changing their opinion if the change is a good change. Blindly adhering to party dogma on the left or right is stupid. "

 democrats wrote on September 3, 2008 4:19 pm:
" are high on her as well because now they will take the white house for sure. "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on September 3, 2008 4:32 pm:
" Well dems keep on raving, if you say it enough you might start thinking that you are justified in voting for someone who has no experience. At least Palin has been in charge of something, Obama has not. "

 Dan wrote on September 3, 2008 4:35 pm:
" I stand corrected.....

The age of consent is defined as 16 years old, according to Alaska statutory rape laws. If a person who is at least 18 years old engages in sexual activity with a person who is 16 years old or younger, he or she will be charged with sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree. This charge is a felony in Alaska. And remember, it does not matter if you did not force or threaten the other person into performing this sexual act with you. It is still a crime under Alaska statutory rape laws.

So I guess an 18 year old can have sex with a 17 year old in Alaska. Now the question is was she 16 at the time of conception and was he 18 during that time. That would definitely mean jail time for him. "

 Bryce wrote on September 3, 2008 4:42 pm:
" Sarah Palin follows Lee Terry in exploitation of her celebrity status.
Before her marriage, Sarah Heath was a sports reporter for KTUU, Anchorage's NBC affiliate. Shame on McCain for mocking the "celebrity status of Obama"! Is Palin more experienced as a celebrity than as a governor? "

 Mr. Wrench wrote on September 3, 2008 4:46 pm:
" Why isn't Adrian Smith and Governor Heinmann here in Nebraska to deal with Vise-Grip going to China? The employees appreciate your concern! "

 ted wrote on September 3, 2008 5:01 pm:
" The tenor of these comments is most unfortunate. Here is a woman, mother, elected governor who is at least as qualified for federal office as a 32 year old man who has never had a full-time job in his life, Scott Kleeb. "

 Jeff wrote on September 3, 2008 5:06 pm:
" Thanks Gary Bauer for contining to give Christians a bad name. You exclaim that the liberals on the left are spewing hate and bile and personal destruction, and then what do you do.... proceed to spew hate and bile and personal destruction toward Obama and whether he was born in and out of wedlock. When will you learn that to have credibility you need to set the example, rather than act like a small child and say that they are doing it so we will do it in return.

Giving McCain high marks for his "first executive decision" is premature, not to mention laughable as well. But, you know, this is the hand you've been dealt so you've got to play it. "

 Kathy wrote on September 3, 2008 5:13 pm:
" Can you imagine saying "yes" to the offer to be a vice-presidential candidate, knowing full well that your 17 year old daughters face and personal struggles and issues would be splashed over every media outlet in the country, and talked about ad nauseum? I can't. Sometimes you say to yourself - I'm young, I've just started an important job as Governor, and more opportunities will be there in the future if I work hard and do a good job. Also - can you imagine allowing your 17 year old to get married - as if that somehow fixes the situation, changes it, or makes it better? How about... we'll help you take care of the baby while you mature, go to school, whatever.... I don't judge the daughter in any way shape or form. But perhaps it does say something about the mother and her judgement and beliefs. "

 tim wrote on September 3, 2008 5:29 pm:
" i'm amazed that liberals would attack a woman having a child out of wedlock. arent they the party that demanded the conservation socialist not put their morals standards out to the rest of the world? "

 lincak wrote on September 3, 2008 5:47 pm:
" Keep a critical eye on gov Palin tonight. She is a very "slick" speaker and uses a whole bag of tricks to sway an audience. Problem is that she is barely even one dimensional. Isn't it amazing that she was announced five days ago and all she has done is given two short "canned" speeches (the same ones) and encouraged citizens of the Gulf Coast to evacuate prior to Gustav (in a sad display of using a potential disaster for political gain). Before Friday gov Palin probably could not have located Mississippi on a map. Tonight will be a real show with all the Karl Roveian toppings. Its also amazing that the only "reporter in the field" interviews I hear from Alaska are from Wasilla-her hometown and of course most are pro-Palin. They should come to my neighborhood in Juneau (the state's Star City) and they would hear a different story. "

 Egad Major Hoople wrote on September 3, 2008 5:56 pm:
" This woman (Palin) is Harriet Myers in a pretty face. This is what the GOP has come to for #2 on the ticket. I'm sure we'll have lots of wacky outpourings from the press over the next weeks, about a governor from a wacky independent thinking out-of-the way place with wacky stuff going on. This is what the presidential election is going to be focusing on? McCain could've picked a better VP at breakfast at Denny's by looking around the counter "

 not a fiscal conservative wrote on September 3, 2008 6:09 pm:
" A hard liner against spending? I think not. As mayor of Wasilla, a town of about 10,000, she hired a lobbyist to get access to more money. By spending $140,000 worth of tax payer dollars, over 4 years, she bought a Washington insider to bring federal dollars into her community. She also ran a 527 that brought corporate dollars into the coffers of Senator Ted Stevens. He was recently indicted on corruption charges. Don't forget she is a former beauty queen, she can smile into the cameras and tell us anything we want to hear. I'm not saying you should vote for Obama either, it would be just as easy to point out contradictions between their records and rhetoric. Just know what your vote will get you. "

 Late ODay wrote on September 3, 2008 7:00 pm:
" Even the GOP doesn't believe it's own BS anymore. Peggy Noonen (former Reagan/Bush speechwriter) wrote an upbeat column in the WSJ -- and THEN was caught off-mic, recorded in full glory (with informal McCain advisor, Mike Murphy) wailing: "It's over!" and moaning that the choice of Palin was little more than cynical gimmickry. "

 NUGrad wrote on September 3, 2008 7:02 pm:
" Get high on Palin the VP...and forget while McCain embraces trade, he's a long-standing critic of farm and ethanol policies? Beware of the song of the Sirens! (Gk mythology, the Sirens are creatures with the head of a female and the body of a bird). "

 Yikes wrote on September 3, 2008 7:27 pm:
" I think I'm going to get sick after reading all of these comments. To think that the liberals and Democrats claim to be open-minded and tolerant?

It seems to me it would be a far more effective campaign to spend less time telling the whole world what's horrible about your opponent and more time telling them what wonderful things you plan to do for them in service of their country. And that's a tactic I'd love to see BOTH sides engage in. "

 Zoomie wrote on September 3, 2008 8:11 pm:
" Tim, I keep hearing conservatives like you saying "liberals are attacking a 17 year old"...Care to actually NAME these mythical liberals, or is this just the old smear tactic? I don't know how many wingnuts today have made that same claim to the press, but I've yet to hear one actually NAME a liberal who have attacked Bristol Palin (as opposed to the conservatives, like John McCain and Rush Limbaugh, who attacked Chelsea Clinton, then a child, in the '90s...see, Tim, I actually named the people who did the attacking).

And why is it that Repuglicans are so delusional? Palin is about as fiscally conservative as Dubya! She became Mayor of a town with zero debt, and left it six years later with $20 million in debt! And along the way, she raised regressive taxes (tax on food purchases), cut corporate property taxes, made Wasilla one of only 6 AK cities (out of 147) to hire a lobbyist to get Federal pork and earmarks (almost $30 million in 6 yrs)! And as Governor she strongly supported the Bridge to Nowhere, until it became an embarassment, then dumped the project (but kept the $398 million, spending it all on other pork projects, including a Road to Nowhere...it was supposed to end at the Bridge, but rather than return it to the US Treasury, she opted to build a road that goes to a deserted beach on an almost uninhabited island)! This is a fiscal conservative?!?! God save us from the debt she'd run up as a President!!! "

 Josh wrote on September 3, 2008 8:15 pm:
" I don't see anyone slamming Palin because she has a pregnant, un-married 17 y/o daughter. It is, however, a topic for discussion as Palin advocates abstinence-only education. Futhermore, the notion put forth by the McCain camp that we should stop questioning her background is ridiculous. I want to know about the person who might become president if McCain dies in office. The more I know, the better informed voter I become. "

 JD wrote on September 3, 2008 8:15 pm:
" Fun to watch the rabid-dog Democrats go on the attack. They are scared for their political lives. "

 Cracking me up wrote on September 3, 2008 8:23 pm:
" I am loving this lady. And the liberals are starting to sound hysterical. Haahahahahha "

 MarkyMark wrote on September 3, 2008 8:24 pm:
" In a wierd sorta way, this is similar to Bush Sr when he chose Dan Quayle. A choice pretty much out of nowhere.

If McCain would have picked the best qualified Republican to step in, in the event something happens to him, we still would never have heard of Sarah Palin. "

 Hey Ted wrote on September 3, 2008 8:27 pm:
" Hey Ted, I think it would look better if you would put at least one fact in your next post. "

 reply to tim wrote on September 3, 2008 8:46 pm:
" tim...first of all, thanks for labeling everyone that is questioning Sarah Palin's qualifications as "liberals". I'm pretty sure it's people like you that are going to loose the white house for the republicans. So I want to personally thank you for doing that. Your intolerance and unwillingness to make a statement without using a derogatory insult really shows what kind of a person you are....full of hate. The issue with Sarah Palin is NOT that that her 17 year old daughter is pregnant...NOBODY CARES ABOUT THAT. The issue is, if you're going to ram abstinence down everyone's throat, preach strong family values, and take sex education out of schools....people are going to question your character because honestly...that's just a little hypocritical when your own daughter heeds NONE of your values and gets pregnant. This concern has nothing to do with smearing or making someone look bad. The fact is she is a VP candidate, and people want to make sure we can trust her. I don't think that's anything too hard to ask. "

 reply to cracking me up wrote on September 3, 2008 8:52 pm:
" Jokes on you...check the polls. Obama will be in the White House come January...and then both the Senate, House and White House will be controlled by the Democrates. I don't suppose you'll be e-giggling on the journal star website when that happens:) "

 McCain Genius wrote on September 3, 2008 9:01 pm:
" The McCain camp contends they knew about this pregnancy and eveything else about Sarah Palin...we'll see. I think there's a lot out there that McCain and most of America have no clue on. Just watch. "

 Typical Knee-jerk Republican wrote on September 3, 2008 9:03 pm:
" Who cares if she's a pregnant teen? At least she got a good abstinence only education from her mom, and is keeping the baby. "

 From Usha to Cracking me up wrote on September 3, 2008 9:21 pm:
" I'm not a liberal-I'm a conservative Christian and unfortunately I also have some of these delegates attend church where I do and I'm absolutely disgusted by Palin's behavior and their blinkered response.When are these church going republicans going to do what is right and true?So you and my fellow conservatives are naive if you think the outrage here is only from democrats and independents.Get your head out of the sand!I ditto what Kathy says;this woman turns my stomach and she's nothing that most conservative Christian women like me can relate to.Family first, career second is what we stand for!We don't feed our children to the lions and then walk on their bleeding backs to climb to the next tier!Palin does.Don't expect my votes this year republicans-I may be a Christian conservative but I'm not stupid nor easily manipulated. "

 JR wrote on September 3, 2008 9:24 pm:
" A little about a lot. First, it is not the fact that Bristol Palin is pregnant that has so many people asking questions. She is, and now she has to live with it. So be it. What has so many people asking questions is why is it when a Republican Governor's daughter gets pregnant before marriage it is a private matter, yet everyone knows if this were Chelsey Clinton, the Conservatives would have a field day.
Second, Obama has said it is a personal matter and all of his supporters have dropped it. Yet, all we hear is Republicans ranting and raving about the media attacks. What attacks??? All I have heard are questions regarding the vetting process and why are some campaign insiders saying she was not properly vetted.
Third, Gary Bauer attacks Obama for personal smears when after Obama takes the high road in all of this??? And Mr Bauer claims to be a Christian.
Fourth, I don't know if Sarah Palin has enough experience or not. I don't know much about her. Why should I? Even the Fox "News" experts couldn't pronounce her name right on Friday and were joking about how this had to be a hoax as no way McCain would dare pick someone like that after he ran the add against Obama regarding Hillary getting millions of votes, and yet Obama did not pick her. Interesting, wouldn't you say? "

 Yoda wrote on September 3, 2008 10:07 pm:
" Anyone notice how 24 hours ago the GOP were raving about the value of "service" and "doing good" for others not as fortunate, but tonight they are laughing and mocking Obama's community work? Quite revealing, and typically mean-spirited of hardcore, right-wing republicans. "

 Brave Republicans wrote on September 3, 2008 11:19 pm:
" to JD and Cracking Me Up: I appreciate the "brave faces." You'd have to be wearing one these days to watch the "Republican Century" come crashing down 92 years sooner than expected. "

 lp wrote on September 4, 2008 12:01 am:
" Republicans are high on her...why??? Democrat...Republican...Independent...does any of this matter anymore? I think not. Lower my damn taxes, find me cheap gas and get the hell of out the Middle East and I'll be happy. I don't consider abortion or gun control hot button topics right now! "

 Sheep Eater wrote on September 4, 2008 5:14 am:
" Thank you Shaking head, Sue F., Candi, Rick, JT, jo, jt, knuckle draggers, Outside the box, Terri, Jeff, Zoomie, et al, for telling it like it is. She is a joke! She is being praised for ethics reform! But, is it more like one Mafia family trying to destroy another Mafia family.

Lincoln Taxpayer, you are right also! Yes, she was in charge of something...putting her own town $20 million dollars in debt. Wow, what a fiscal conservative she is. Uhhhhhh!

I just love the way the Republicans wrap themselves with the American flag and patriotism! It is a tool they use to make themselves sound so wonderful while they are screwing everyone else. "

 WCG wrote on September 4, 2008 7:27 am:
" Come on, what else are Republican politicians going to say? That they're aghast at McCain's poor judgment? That this was a shoot-from-the-hip decision, made with few background checks and little knowledge of Palin herself? That they're concerned because she is a long-time supporter of the loony - and secessionist - Alaska Independence Party? That a candidate tied up in this 'Troopergate' scandal was probably not the best choice? That a 72-year-old cancer survivor should have picked a qualified VP instead? Realistically, GOP politicians are saying exactly what you'd expect them to say, but the truth is likely far different. They can't be too happy that McCain is reduced to claiming that Sarah Palin has foreign policy experience because ALASKA BORDERS RUSSIA! Heh, heh.

And, of course, Rush Limbaugh and other right-wingers would be all over this pregnant daughter story if it concerned a Democrat. On the other hand, Barack Obama has firmly stated that it is NOT appropriate for a political campaign. You do have to wonder about these 'family values' candidates who can't manage their own families, but want to run ours for us, don't you? And when a politician supports abstinence-only sex education (which all research has shown does NOT work to reduce teen pregnancies),... well, it's ironic, isn't it? But then, evidence means nothing to these people. They just believe what they want to believe. "

 Comm UnSense wrote on September 4, 2008 7:38 am:
" I love it! The dem's are out in force. She has them running scared. All this over a VP candidate. "

 Happy as All Get Out wrote on September 4, 2008 7:40 am:
" She is a classy lady and I love the way the Democrats are freaking out right now. She and McCann will give Obama a run for his money in November. At least they both have experience. Obama may be a good speaker, but other than that he is a wishy washy flip flopper. They've got my vote hands down!!! "

 MarkyMark wrote on September 4, 2008 8:30 am:
" Rush Limbaugh called out the media and any Democrats saying that they should be ashamed and the daughter is off limits. And yes, it's the same Limbaugh.....straight from his lips.....In 1992, I heard him refer to Chelsea Clinton as a "dog". "

 Lincolnite wrote on September 4, 2008 8:47 am:
" I find it amusing that I've seen a couple of posts that mention that they couldn't believe that a mother who knew her 17 year old daughter was pregnant would put her through the scrutiny that they knew would come from this. So, would it have been better for her not to accept this monumental opportunity and have her daughter second guess for the rest of her life what her mother could have accomplished as the first female vice president? She'd have ruined the girl by doing so. The thing that has become painfully evident for me is how the two sides involved (Dems and Repubs) are brutally divided. This is definitely an election where the people in the middle that are truly independent are going to make the difference, because it is obvious that the staunch on both sides are not going to budge a single inch or even listen to what the other side has to offer. "

 cracking me up ... again wrote on September 4, 2008 9:11 am:
" Actually "reply to cracking me up," that's exactly what's going to happen. I pretty much expect a Democrat to be in control of the White House after the next election. That's fine, because then ANYTHING that goes wrong in this country can be Obama's fault. That doesn't mean I'm not going to vote, especially now that McCain has a VP candidate whose values/opinions are all straight in line with mine. I think maybe you forget that the Obama and McCain poll ratings are almost exactly the same (49% to 48%, respectively, last I heard) This could get interesting come November. Hahahahhahahah "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on September 4, 2008 9:22 am:
" "Obama's Mom wasn't advocating abstinence and running for office."

Nor is Bristol Palin. Like Sarah Dunham, Barack Obama's mother, she's the one having the baby.

I'm delighted how the Democrats have reacted to the Palin pick. Clearly, 'reproductive choice' doesn't mean you actually have a choice to conceive and bear a child above the age of consent and marriage. It means if you do so, you must abort, no choice. And if a seventeen year old wants to abort her child without the consent of her parents, it's her decision, but if she decides to keep the child, it's her mother's fault. And let's not even get into the vile rumors, widely propaged on the Democrat blogs, that Sara Palin faked her last pregnancy.

The Democrat Party, on this one, makes the average male locker-room conversation sound like an exercise in enlightened feminist thinking. But then, we never thought you believe what you're saying anyway, so don't worry about it.

I'm so relieved I'm a white male who hasn't got to deal with the open misogyny Dems display to pro-choice women. "

 Social Conservatism wrote on September 4, 2008 9:30 am:
" Just more to do about Social Conservatism. That and 50 cents will get you a cup of coffee. I'm afraid that the addtion of Sarah Palin is just more preaching to the choir. With all the major issues going on in our country, and the world, Social Conservatism should be kicked to the curb along with these two "

 Just a mom wrote on September 4, 2008 10:17 am:
" I don't care if Sarah Palin is God herself, my maternal instincts have kicked in so strongly for the Down's Syndrome child that will not know his ambition-driven mother during the campaign, or for the next four years if elected, and for the pregnant daughter who could use some maternal guidance at this very difficult time of her life. Is it possible that if Mrs. Palin had been available to her prior to that time, there would be no pregnancy to deal with? Was this a teenager acting out to get some needed attention? And who is going to deal with the multiple health issues and needs that are connected to having a Down's syndrome child? Good leaders lead by example. Good mother's do to. I'm not impressed with what I am seeing in Mrs. Palin. "

 Non-partisan wrote on September 4, 2008 10:22 am:
" To all of you who can't figure out who is attacking Palin with the fact of her daughter's pregnancy - it's the crazed media who only get their kicks with sensationalism. Any parent can talk to their children until they are blue in the face, but unless you cage that child up until they are 35, you absolutely can NOT control them 24/7! Did any of YOU have "the talk" from your parents and then blow it off, thinking you were invincible and could do as you darn well pleased? Or did you say to your friends "No, I can't go out and party, drink, have sex, do drugs, or even speed when I'm driving because my mommy told me not to"?? The media just can't get enough of any tidbit of "imperfectness" about anyone - if you don't think so, just read the cover of any of those sleazy tabloids next time you are in the check out line at the grocery store! I wonder if every journalist carries around their little tablet for writing down quotes right alongside their stone for throwing! Oh, it didn't matter that Barack was conceived out of wedlock just because his mother wasn't running for VP? What's wrong with that picture?? It's okay for Hillary to say that it's wonderful that women can be in politics and run for the highest office in the land, but it's not okay for Palin to be in politics? Who's double standard do we have to live by?? "

 check facebook wrote on September 4, 2008 10:29 am:
" Pretty hillarious that Paulin's 17 year old daughters boyfriend is a huge Obama fan. It was all over facebook yesterday as he is in various groups for Obama and has been hating on McCain.

What is even more odd is that late last night his facebook page was deleted. However, a few people copied the entire facebook page and it is online if anyone is looking for it.

I found it quite hillarious seeing him standing, wearing a suit and clapping last night. "

 adam f wrote on September 4, 2008 10:49 am:
" She is a great choice and I think she will make the race that much closer. Shaking Head, the only reason you feel the need to comment on a article which seems unrelated to you is that the Democrats now feel threatened and feel as if they need to justify themselves. November can't come any sooner. "

 nocountryforoldwoMEN wrote on September 4, 2008 11:21 am:
" It is going to be interesting, if elected, to see a President that is Great-Grandfather age and a VP that is a grandmother run this country. "

 Josh wrote on September 4, 2008 11:27 am:
" I really enjoyed the part when she talked about the political issues... man oh man was she... what?... talking about hockey mom's and putting down community organizers doesn't count? Damn... "

 Ana wrote on September 4, 2008 11:34 am:
" to "Lincolnite".Yes as an Evangelical Christian woman- and mother of a 21year old daughter- I do expect her to pass on this opportunity to protect the daughter from the spectacle and embarrassment.It's the gut reaction of most "normal" mothers!If this oppurtunity is from God that she would be VP God would grant her the opputunity in a "righteous way"-certainly not this-what's the haste?Parenting is about putting your child's welfare first;women do that all the time-not because we're stupid or lazy (as G.Harbison likes to say).If you think her not taking up the VP post will destroy her-how about a shotgun wedding for appearances' sake to a young man whose blog is laced with profanity and doesn't want kids?Imagine the incredible heartache involved down the road.No-all this is for Palin's political expediency and I cannot respect such a person.Nor will I vote for her.The ends don't justify the means. "

 Food for Thought wrote on September 4, 2008 11:50 am:
" If Obama is elected, Democrats and/or liberals will control all three goverment branches, and they will walk gleefully arm-in-arm to create every law and policy they can dream up, pushing their socialist agenda onto a powerless public. As Sarah Palin is the anti-thesis for everything they stand for, they will attack her vigorously and relentlessly with every trick they have - above board and below the belt - until either Obama wins or Palin leaves office. She will receive no respite from them.

And as someone with principles, she can expect it. My hope and prayer is that she can continue to stand for what is right for its own sake. "

 Time share anyone wrote on September 4, 2008 4:59 pm:
" McCain's decision to make Palin his running mate is basically going with flash over substance. She’s a relatively attractive woman who can deliver a pretty good speech. But she greatly lacks in experience (less than two years as governor of Alaska), has a spotty educational background (attended 5 colleges in three different states over a period of 6 years), and has more than a whiff of scandal (fired a state official over his failure to fire her former brother-in-law) in her background. This would all be fine if you wanted to hire someone to sell time shares, but does not strike me as someone who should be second in line to be the leader of the free world. "

 MarkyMark wrote on September 4, 2008 6:16 pm:
" If you like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, you will love her. I honestly think it works better if we can keep the redneck, hillbillies out of Washington. "

 Obama smells wrote on September 5, 2008 5:40 am:
" I met Obama once. He smelled like cheese; strong cheese. Seriously! Is this who we want running the country? At least McCain has that nice ol' man musk. Less offensive in my opinion. "

 Qualified Veep wrote on September 5, 2008 5:54 am:
" I wonder if the more qualified Republicans did not want to be a part of this race. It has been said McCane is hard to work for but more importantly their party got us into this mess and the next administration has a daunting task getting us out. I just wonder if they thought to sit this one out so they're not tarnished beyond recognition in 2012. "

 Food for thought wrote on September 5, 2008 6:25 am:
" "And as someone with principles, she can expect it. My hope and prayer is that she can continue to stand for what is right for its own sake. " Palin has principles?! Good God man look at her recent history and think about it. These are not the principles I want in a leader. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on September 5, 2008 9:29 am:
" "(attended 5 colleges in three different states over a period of 6 years)"

This is false.

Joe Biden, in his first three semesters at U. Delaware, earned mostly Cs and Ds, with a B in a course called 'Great American Writers', and two As in physical education. He also got an F in ROTC. That's probably a measure of his patriotism. By the way, he suddenly discovered, when his five deferments were over and it came time to be inducted, that he'd had asthma as a teenager, and let someone else go to war in his place.

Oh yes, and he was almost thrown out of law school for plagiarising a paper.

You can find all of this online in the September 18, 1987 edition of the New York Times, in an article written by EJ Dionne, a well known and universally respected liberal columnist. "

 gopinNE wrote on September 5, 2008 3:24 pm:
" Too bad Hagel isn't running

Then you folks would really have something to chirp about

The Republican party is as broken as the Dems\

Own up to those facts, folks "

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