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Charlie and Sarah
CHARLIE AND SARAH....I see that the McCain campaign has decided that two weeks is enough time for Sarah Palin to become plausibly knowledgable enough about national affairs to face an actual reporter. It's not official or anything — and presumably depends on the continuing good behavior of ABC News in the meantime — but AP is now reporting that an interview with ABC's Charlie Gibson is scheduled for "later this week in Alaska."
I expect the interview to go fine. After all, two weeks is a lot of briefing time and Palin is, by all accounts, both a quick study and a good politician who knows how to change the subject, run out the clock, and provide vague answers whenever necessary. She should be OK.
Unfortunately, part of the reason she'll be OK is that I expect Gibson to screw the pooch. So here's a tip: there are several questions that Palin is obviously going to be prepared for. "What makes you prepared to be vice president" tops the list, so don't bother using up your time on that one. Ditto for questions about her daughter, her Christian faith, and moose hunting. Conversely, Troopergate, the Bridge to Nowhere, and earmarks are probably good subjects, but only if you really know your stuff. She's not exactly going to be surprised by those topics either. And I'm sure you know this already, but idiotic gotcha questions ("Can you name of the president-for-life of Berserkistan?") are also no-nos.
So: pick some serious topics. Pick some unexpected topics. Don't be an nitwit but don't go easy on her either. Mix it up a little. After all, this is probably your last chance to speak with her until after the election. You might as well make the most of it.
And now, back to the U.S. Open.
Don't you think it's sexist that Republican operatives are pushing for you to be on Oprah, a show whose primary audience is female and focuses primarily on celebrity? I mean if John McCain had been allowed to go with one of his first two choices for VP?Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge?or if Karl Rove had prevailed with his preference, Mitt Rommney, do you think anyone would even suggest such a show? I mean why not suggest an appearance on "The View". You're running for Vice President, not John McCain's third wife. (Uh right?)
Don't you think it's sexist that Republican operatives are pushing for you to be on Oprah, a show whose primary audience is female and focuses primarily on celebrity? I mean if John McCain had been allowed to go with one of his first two choices for VP?Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge?or if Karl Rove had prevailed with his preference, Mitt Rommney, do you think anyone would even suggest such a show? I mean why not suggest an appearance on "The View". You're running for Vice President, not John McCain's third wife. (Uh right?)
Charlie Gibson? Are you kidding? That is the same as sending her puffballs. The guy hasn't thought about anything political since Reagan was elected.
Charles Gibson set the standard for an interiew during the Pennsylvania primary debate.
If Gibson can be tough with Obama and grill him about flag pins and who knows what then he had darn better be just as tough with Palin.
And let's get out in front on this one. Make a big deal about how he treated Obama and make it clear that there will be no excuses for a "civil" or "respectful" or "bipartisan" or "objective" interview.
Nor would a tough be "eexist" or "bias" or anything else.
The time has come to replay the PA primary debate and shove this in Gibson's and everyone else's face. And make darn sure that Palin faces the exact same music.
Sound like Kevin wants Bill O'Reilly to do the interview.
I agree that Palin should do some interviews, but it clearly is a mistake for the democrats to make a big deal of it. The public really doesn't care and doesn't like the press, and she probably will do fine.
I heard that Obama today claimed that he considered going in the military when he graduated from high school. Anyone here actually believe that?
Uh, yes I heard it. No I don't believe it, in that he has never mentioned such a thing before. Ever. But it's OK for Obama to say that. If Hillary had said it, of course, it would be disgusting pandering. The worst kind of cynical politics. I can see Kevin's posters railing now. But, Barry? even when he's wrong, he's just all right. Why just today I saw him laying the groundwork for not repealing the tax cuts. Again, if Hills had done it ....
I do Brian. Why not? Why wouldn't he?
I wonder if there is a Michael Moore in Wasilla?
Pat, get over yourself. Hillary lost. She would be in the same position as Obama now. And the Clintons perfected pandering.
By the way, did you know Hillary was under fire in Bosnia?
Uh-huh, I thought so.
The primary is over; move on.
A half dozen suggested questions for Governor Palin:
1) Can YOU name a command decision you've ever made for the Alaska National Guard?
2) Are high oil prices good for Alaska?
3) McCain sponsored legislation to legalize 12 million foreigners living illegally in the US with a path to citizenship. Now he says secure the border first. When will that be done, how, and will YOU support legalization then?
4) Which books did you have in mind when you asked the Wasilla librarian if she was okay with censorship?
5) What is a lie? You've repeatedly said you were against the Bridge, yet you supported it when it was proposed, campaigned for it when you ran for office, and didn't say a word against it until Congress killed it -- when you kept the money. So why isn't claiming you opposed it -- a lie?
6) You've said that public school students should decide for themselves in science classes if evolution or creationism is valid. Since your father was a science teacher, can you explain how the scientific method can be applied to creationism?
And, oh, what the hell, a seventh: Governor Palin, your husband belonged to a secessionist political party throughout your start in politics. If ties to a secessionist movement doesn't disqualify someone for the vice presidency, what does?
"Do you believe abstinence-only sex education is effective?"
I expect him to grill her about her associations with the Alaska Independence Party. Exactly the way he would have if Obama had associated with a similar organization, or if Michelle had joined such an extremest group.
Yeah, right.
I'll proffer a question Kevin, even though others won't.
Simple, why has she taken a historically long to do a press interview? Longer than Eageton, Quayle, Bentson, etc? Why the delay?
Pardon my inappropriate snark. I see people did chime in with questions while I wrote mine.
I did not see it, but you can usually tell when Obama is not telling the truth. Like when the Wright controversy first broke, if you watched him say that he had not been in church on those "particular" days (after he had bragged to the Chicago paper about how he attended 11:00 service "every Sunday), you could tell he was not being truthful or at least was being very careful to not say anything that could be exposed as a lie.
I tend not to believe he considered going in the military because he wrote two memoir books and has been in the public eye for about 15 years, and apparently he never mentioned it previously. Also, as a smart high school graduate from a fancy private school about to take off to colleges with a liberal political philosophy (presumably knowing he had a significant affirmative action advantage), it seems unlikely to me that he considered a military career. And no he says he did not consider it because no war was going on?
There should be a proper showing of deference.
Serving as governor, mother, and head of your state's National Guard must keep you very busy. Do you do your own hair, or do you go to a stylist?
You have characterized yourself as a "hockey mom". Tell me, who would be your pick in a face-off between Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr?
Your views of the family have attracted a lot of media attention. Do you think age makes a difference in a relationship?
Pat, you're such a dick.
Love,
Lucy
Kevin,
You're a smart fellow. Your analysis and level-headedness is are much appreciated attributes in the blogosphere.
But sometimes your commentary is very aloof and disengaged from the seriousness of your topics. This post doesn't really get to the heart of the sad implications of the Palin/Gibson interview, it just creates a neat game for your readers.
How about a good post digging a bit deeper into why the McCain campaign is so effective at intimidating the press? That seems to be the subtext here. Maybe you could also take it one step further by comparing their current tactics against CNN and ABC with the way the BUSH ADMINISTRATION handled the press the same way during the Iraq War and the 2004 election.
You're one of the best. I believe in you.
Prepare yourselves to me amazed and astounded by Sarah's performance. Why? you ask. Because the McCain campaign will work day and night to set the expectations so low that all she'll have to do is get through the interview without drooling and everyone will be impressed.
"Love!?" Awww, Lucy. You still care. I was afraid you forgot our special relationship.
She ought to be prepared for this, but I doubt she will be: a line of questioning to determine her understanding of the Vice President's role under the constitution.
And perhaps most importantly, "You've pledged cooperation in the troopergate scandal, and now you're refusing to testify and withholding evidence. What gives?"
Along with, "A number of your aides and others had also pledged cooperation in the investigation and are now refusing to be deposed. Did you or anyone in the McCain campaign have anything to do with this? Will you urge these people to cooperate with the current investigation?"
"You have stated your belief that life begins at conception. Standard birth controls do not prevent conception, only implantation. Would you seek criminal penalties for adult women who choose to use birth control pills, or would you let them continue to get away with murder?"
1) What is your opinion of Plato's Theory of Forms?
2) Which translation of the Tao do you prefer?
3) Do you consider Nietzsche a nihilist?
4) How old were you when you first read "Crime and Punishment"?
5) Were you shocked at the beginning of book four of "Remembrance of Things Past"?
6) Which of Tom Stoppard's plays is your favorite?
7) String Theory seems to suggest that, at the tiniest level of existence, everything is music. Don't you find that exciting?
8) Do you prefer Picasso or Matisse?
9) Do you think the "Death Bed" version of "Leaves of Grass" is superior to the 1856 version?
10) Are you a dog person, or a cat person?
7) String Theory seems to suggest that, at the tiniest level of existence, everything is music. Don't you find that exciting?
PALIN: Oh, I do. I really DO. Yup yup.
Interesting points Brian. So you can tell he was not telling the truth because you can tell that he was trying to make sure he was not telling a lie.
Well, that is no worse than McCain or Palin, who lie as a matter of habit and calculation. And nice bit about 'affirmative action,' as of course that is the only way he could have made it anywhere.
You know who ELSE got affirmative action? John McCain. If his father wasn't an admiral, do you honestly believe he would have made it into the Naval Academy, let alone graduated. The man was a horrible student, an arrogrant prick, and as we saw, a horrible pilot, redeemed only through crashing a plane at the wrong time. He became one of many POW's who suffered, and deserves great admiration. It does not mean he is not an asshole, an arrogant prick, and an almost complete flip flopping fraud who puts Georgia before the USA.
Which sounds more "correct" to you:
1) I am a brain
2) I have a brain
I tend not to believe he considered going in the military because he wrote two memoir books and has been in the public eye for about 15 years, and apparently he never mentioned it previously.
Fair enough, but I am still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. He and I are about the same age, and practically everyone our age at least gave it a little thought privately. College prices were just starting to tick upward and the economy sucked and our parents were stressed. My peers who didn't have rich parents or hadn't already decided the military was in our immediate future in one way or another all dropped their FAFSA in the mail with that six dollar processing fee (iirc) and said to ourselves "if they don't give me money I can go into the Army." It was peacetime.
Anyway, didn't I read somewhere that he took an ROTC class and didn't do so well? If I am remembering correctly, that kinda implies he thought about it - and found out early it wasn't for him. And that isn't really something I would put in my memoir.
Hey Pat, how could I? You've been gloating all over the boards ever since Palin did God's work at the convention.
I am praising the Lord for your commitment to slamming Barack Obama, for I believe Palin will make a great president for our nation.
Yours in Christ,
Lucy
Glenn Greenwald predicted it would be an interview with Charlie Gibson, or Brit Hume, or Larry King.
He nailed it.
Greenwald predicts the Palin to Charlie Gibson interview.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/09/06/carney/
Governor Palin, what does Article 2 of the Constitution concern?
Kevin, it took me until yesterday to finally find out where you had gone!! I'm so glad I found you & the cats again. I don't know the circumstances behind your departure from the Washington Monthly; quite frankly,it does seem to me that your participants there were a little more politically astute than the respondents I have viewed thus far on MoJo...but, I will remain open-minded.
Gee, the whole thing will be on videotape, don't you think? So, surely they'll edit out the bad parts...
This interview will cause the convention bounce to continue. Not good.
She'll have her talking points down and that's all she'll need. She'll come out smelling like a rose.
There's no such thing as bad publicity.
The left is falling into GOP traps. Again.
Governor,
Do you think Alaska should secede from the United States?
Do you think war against Iran is part of God's plan?
How old do you think the world is?
How's that lawsuit over the sports complex property in Wasilla coming along?
Poor choice of questions: all easy to answer
1) Can YOU name a command decision you've ever made for the Alaska National Guard?
I made the decision to deploy the National Guard to the gulf in response to the Hurricane.
2) Are high oil prices good for Alaska?
No. Most of the profit goes to companies outside of Alaska, and because of our size our economy is heavily affected by the cost of gas, which is higher in Alaska than anywhere else in the country.
3) McCain sponsored legislation to legalize 12 million foreigners living illegally in the US with a path to citizenship. Now he says secure the border first. When will that be done, how, and will YOU support legalization then? :
Will repeat McCain's answer (whatever that is)
4) Which books did you have in mind when you asked the Wasilla librarian if she was okay with censorship?
I had no books in mind. When I asked that question, I was trying to assess her reaction to a hypothetical situation that might of been pressed by others in the community.
5) What is a lie? You've repeatedly said you were against the Bridge, yet you supported it when it was proposed, campaigned for it when you ran for office, and didn't say a word against it until Congress killed it -- when you kept the money. So why isn't claiming you opposed it -- a lie?
Actually, I had modified my position prior to being elected. It was one of those situations that the more I learned about it, I realized that it wasn't the most effective way to spend the taxpayers money.
6) You've said that public school students should decide for themselves in science classes if evolution or creationism is valid. Since your father was a science teacher, can you explain how the scientific method can be applied to creationism?
Actually, I did not say that. I have said there should be no ban on the discussion in class by students of the merits of creationism and evolution. In fact during my campaign for Governor, I specifically told the State School Board, that I would not push for creationism to be taught in schools.
7. Governor Palin, your husband belonged to a secessionist political party throughout your start in politics.
At the time, my husband was dissatisfied with the corruption that was prevalent in Alaskan politics at that time, especially with the way the government was not working to represent Alaskans in their ownership of our great states resources, which is why I decided to get into government... blah, blah, blah.
I seriously don't think she will be tripped up. And after the interview, which will get record ratings, McCain will get a bigger bounce.
Governor Palin
A large part of your experience in government was as a small town Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, and your biggest project as Mayor was building a recreation center. According to the Wall Street Journal, the town had a chance to buy the land for that center for $126,000, but failed to close that deal, and ending up paying, with attorneys fees, over $1.3 million for the property. Does your fiscal management of that project reflect on your qualifications to run the federal government?
On second thought, a clean, simple question is one she may screw up:
Governor Palin -- there are reports that Iran is currently working towards building a nuclear bomb, although its success may be years away. Should we go to war with Iran over this issue?
Here's a question I'd like to see answered: What is her executive experience and why is it so valuable to a McCain administration?
I just got back from my nephew's birthday party. I was talking to one of my brother's best friends. He and his wife are Obama supporters, even if they are sort of Republicans (this was a very unclear area). But my brother's friend was worried that Obama hasn't run so much as a four-person small business. I admit that it's a gamble, but considering that this is being touted as the silver bullet for the Republicans (or one of many; we have no idea if she discovered the cure for baldness during her time in Alaska), it's an important question to ask. I couldn't care less about questions about abortion, because her answers aren't going to change minds of people who aren't already informed on the issue well enough to let it determine their votes.
How does the takeover of Freddie Mac etc square with a free market? Do you plan to push for corporate welfare for automakers? Any plans to bail out individual homeowners from their ARM woes?
What plans to you have to help create jobs?
That shoud do it :)
If you are banking on a multi-millionaire celebrity to "grill" Sarah Palin in a "negotiated for set boundaries" interview to get Obama back on track, then expect to be disappointed.
Obama is pulling a Kerry, like Kerry pulled a Gore. Obama thinks taking the higher ground is the road to victory. Where exactly is the precedent for this strategy?
Like Bernie Mac used to say, "Hit 'em till the white meat shows".
Governor, you have said you put the governor's jet on e-Bay, which shows that you are interested in getting things done and cutting unnecessary government perks. As you know, the jet did not sell on e-Bay, so you changed tactics and sold it through a broker, which your supporters could say shows that you can be flexible when your first try does not work.
Detractors might say that it shows that getting things done sometimes requires doing your homework first. This is the argument that has been raised concerning the sports complex property in Wasilla. As Mayor, your critics say, you encouraged the voters to borrow over $15 million for construction of the sports complex, and you rushed to build it on property that the city did not have clear title to. As a result, the city was hit with lawsuits that are not yet settled, and the cost was greatly increased. This was part of the reason that although Wasilla had no debt when you became mayor, when you left office, it was over $22 million in debt.
Can you explain how this happened, and how this experience gained on the job as Mayor prepared you to be an effective Governor?
I think the tone of Obama supporters is unduly pessimistic. Obama is not down more than about 2 to 4 points, and it still is likely that the McCain/Palin bounce will recede to the point that it is again a toss up race.
It also is entirely possible that the Palin effect will fade or that there will be a stumble or disclosure that will hurt her and McCain.
The problem for Obama is that McCain has stolen the limelight with Palin and even made a decent attempt at stealing the change issue. Obama, believe it or not, is now "old news." He even looks like nothing new on the television clips of his appearances. It is hard for the former new guy to look fresh again.
The debates are more important now in terms of an opportunity for Obama to bring a new dynamic into the race. The problem is that while I think Obama comes across as smart and reasonable in debates, the media and public apparently don't think he does well.
Shoot me. Shoot me now. I actually agree with Brian.
The electoral map still strongly favors Obama. He leads 260 to 179, with 99 up for grabs, 52 in states where Obama holds slight leads in the polls.
Before you hyperventilate, always check pollster.com, and remember that popularity polls are meaningless so long as there is an electoral college. This is no time to panic, this is when you roll up your sleeves, engage your brain and get deliberate and calculating.
If you want an electoral college projection, see:
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com
If you want an electoral college snapshot, see:
http://election.princeton.edu/todays-electoral-vote-histogram
If you want a national poll-of-polls snapshot, see:
http://www.pollster.com/polls/us/08-us-pres-ge-mvo.php
Good advice to the interviewer. Too bad the interviewer is Charlie Gibson, who's a reliable voice for the right.
At least I don't have to bother watching the interview. That voice of hers drives me right over the edge. Couldn't they have chosen a right-wing, gun-totin', secessionist, anti-choice, creationist mean-girl with dulcet tones, instead of one with a squeaky Disney-mouse voice?
A key question to be asked of Gibson and ABC:
What preconditions (if any) were asked of the McCain-Palin campaign, and what preconditions (if any) did ABCNews accept?
That should be an easy one for them to answer, and soon.
Agree with Bose. I'd be much more interested in the rules for the interview. That would tell us a helluva lot more about the campaign's confidence in Palin, and Gibson's/ABC's credibility, than any specific question or answer.
Governor Palin, who is Pakistan's President?
Ok, sorry, that's a cheap shot, not very deferential.
Seriously now, Governor Palin, your supporters point to the Bering Strait as evidence of your foreign policy credentials. Please name the current Governor of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, who is, as we speak, your counterpart in Russia. . . .
Brian J.,
For close to 18 mos. Obama has been the CEO of an organization (ie., his political campaign) that has over 2500 paid staffers (ie., he meets a payroll) and which has handled a budget of over 200 million dollars(sorry, I think it might be more, but am not sure) ---- he has not (unlike some of his rivals -- I'm looking at you Hillary) wasted this money but has meticulously built his organization and his brand. That may not be "executive" experience but it sure is managerial experience!!! As I think Palin said back when she was elected mayor -- (paraphrase) it's not rocket science, it's 6 million dollars and 53 employees. And still she hired a city manager to do most of the day to day work.
So feel free to reassure your brother that Obama has "run" something . . . and perhaps something as complex as has Gov. Palin.