The Palin Interview (More)

Why does Palin sponsor the shooting of wolves from aircraft? The press doesn’t do its job without asking the hard questions involving the cowardess of “hunting” from aircraft, the advocating of removing polar bears from the endangered species list, and the cruelty of the Iditerod race. Alaska is America’s slaughterhouse for wildlife all with Palin’s approval. Ask about that.

I thought Charlie did a great job… he was soft, but did ask good questions.
What ruined the interview was Palin.
She has no clue on what she is speaking about… obviously she was trying to remember all the info that Bush’s Aides having been pumping into her head and she blew it.
She was trying so hard to be the pitbull, but she was a puppy fumbling with the ball.
Ms. Palin, you have proven yourself unqualified and unworthy of being VP, let alone President.
You would choose to put the USA in another war, but have no plans to fix our ecomony.
In her own sick twisted mind, she feels she is ready to lead our country, but she is not.
She talks and answers questions just like McBush, keep going around in circles and confuse everyone and hopefully they think you have answered the questions.
Mr. Gibson, you did a great job, but please next time, ask her why she was right on Afghanistan, Irag and Russia and Obama was not, since nowhere is there any documentation or quotes stating what she has said in the past or present about these countries or the issues concerning them.
PALIN “THE CANDIDATE TO NOWHERE”

How could Charlie show such arrogance,superior scholarly attitude, hostile facial and body language and DEMAND a yes or no from Gov. Palin? He’s not an attorney nor does he have any power to be so demanding of anyone let alone someone who has held positions of greater responsibilities than a journalist.
This was the poorest interview that we have seen. He NEVER showed this arrogant side of himself to any other interviewee so why act that way to a very successful, very intelligent,lovely, charming and exceedingly popular governor?
He should take some lessons from several interviewers on FOX before he takes on an assignment like this again.
What a disappointment he was.
Our only option outside of not watching him interview Gov. Sarah Palin again is to never buy the products of his sponsors.

The broad, general answers to not instill confidence.
She more-or-less says “I have no real experience in security Charlie, but since they drill for oil in Alaska, I’m really a big part of national security” (And he let her go with that answer I might add. Does being tight with the OIL COMPANIES really make us more comfortable with her? GW loves his oil buddies)
“Yes, we must cause WWIII with Russia if NATO tells us to do so. You can’t blink.” (Because if you blink, you might actually THINK before attacking)
“It is our duty to protect small democratic nations from being invaded by larger nations”(Ms Palin, say IRAQ)
“What is the Bush Doctrine? Ohhhh, THAT Bush doctrine. Yah, we should be able invade anywhere they might not like us so much”
“God wants a pipeline..pray for it but I didn’t say that.”(Except on the video)
She has obviously studied for this interview. Her presentation is good. And she has mastered the art of answering the question she wants to answer, not necessarily the question asked. One again I have to say NO REAL SUBSTANCE. She is not ready to be a leader of this country.

Notice the picture on CBS News…..Obama throws the rose and McCain leans over and gently places the rose on the grave marker at ground zero.
A difference in character—who do you want to lead you?

She did not look comfortable. She did not answer like a person that knew what they were talking about. She suddenly seems flawed and not the Messiah that she was appearing to be. Did anyone notice how they cut most of her answers short? I am curious to hear her entire response to the questions asked.

Mike, now go look at all the pics from 9/11 rememberence and see just how many are tossing roses…quite a few by my count, even small children doing it.

I was outraged tonight as I watched Charlie Gibson “cross examine”Mrs.Palin.It is more than obvious that he is severly biased toward Mr. Obama.It is the news medias responsibility to report the news and not push their own personal views.His mode of speech was almost hostile and his body language was as well.Im sure that his interviews with Mr. Biden are going to be warm & fuzzy.Ive had it with the media pushing the liberal mentality!I have always thought that ABC was much fairer and neutral in reporting the news,today that definately is not at all true.Palin handled it well and with class while she was being attacked.When did become acceptable to for the “on air talent”to use the news to express their own prefferences?Its not at all professional.

I thought Sarah was ready to face and stare down Putin?
Many of you are coming to her defense because you “see” Charlie Gibson as being arrogant in questioning. Why do you feel that you have to defend her if she is so tough? After all, she is a Barracuda, isn’t she?

UNLIKE OBAMA, HERE IS A WOMAN WHO CAN SPEAK MORE THAN ONE SENTENCE WITHOUT SAYING, UH, UH, UH. SHE ANSWERED CHARLIES QUESTIONS WITH THE SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE OF A SEASONED LEADER.
IT IS AMAZING TO WATCH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN A TAILSPIN! THEY WILL DROP IN THE POLLS EVERYTIME THIS WOMAN SPEAKS. THE LIBERAL POSTERS ON THIS BLOG ARE HYSTERICAL!
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE RECOGNIZE CLASS AND HAVE ALREADY BEGUN TO SEE THROUGH OBAMA’S EMPTY SUIT.

Mike
Are you really judging character by how someone handles a rose? Do you really think that says anything at all?
I judge character by explicit actions. McCain lost his character when he sunk to lying about Obama in his adds. He has lost his honor in this election and the American people will see that.

Charles Gibson asked good tough questions but his demeanor was disgraceful. To conduct the interview with a scowl on his face and a condescending and disrespectful manner to a candidate for the vice-presidency of the US is inexcusable and will probably result in an additional backlash.

YOU CAN TELL WHO THE LIBERALS ARE BY THE WAY THEY CURSE AND THE HATRED THEY HAVE FOR THIS AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN. SHE MADE CHARLIE LOOK LIKE A SCHOOLBOY.

Charlies’s questions to Sarah Palin were good. However, his tone was belligerent, hard-headed and without grace. Even when O’Reilly on Fox news interviewed Senator Obama, he allowed some humor and civil interaction between the two of them. Frankly, I used to like and respect Charles Gibson, but this interview has changed my view of him.

Dr. Mike – you are very much correct. I mean, I’m sure that Dmitry Medvedev would be much more kind and polite to Vice President Palin than Charlie Gibson was.
People, we need to get serious. This isn’t some reality show – it’s actual reality. If they win, that’s your Vice President, one heartbeat away.

Why haven’t I heard anyone asking Obama or Biden and of the questions that Charlie asked Sarah?

AFTER TWO TERMS AS VICE PRESIDENT, SARAH PALIN WILL BE AMAZING AS THE FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT

The editing was HORRIBLE!!!

Why doenst anyone rifle questions at Obama like this? Even if you think shes wrong on issues, you must admit Charlies style was confrontational and at times bitter. Its sad when a reporter lets his personal politics cloud his judgement like so many do in modern times. Its a shame, the country is ripping in two in the mean time. The people are being sold opinions in the name of journalism.

Charlie Gibson quoted her prayer at church wrong. He must have read the abbreviated AP version of her comments, not the real quote, and then, tells her he is quoting her correctly. It was a pleasure to see her answer honestly with the quote from Lincoln. She was also correct to ask what part of the “Bush Doctrine” did Charlie want to talk about. The Bush Doctrine is about much more than just the right to a “pre-emptive strike”. She did very well in a hostile interview.

Must you people be reminded that it is insignificant who the VP is. We should be worried about McCain and his lack of judgement in getting us into the war in the first place. His VP is just a distraction for those who are too STUPID to know better. What about McCain’s health care plan? He has none. What about his energy plan? Drill, drill, drill for oil that doesn’t exist. WAKE UP.

I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OR FELT NECESSARY TO ADDRESS AN ISSUE SPECIFICALLY IN 64 YEARS, BUT AS I WATCHED THE INTERVIEW TONIGHT I FELT INDIGNANT THAT THERE WAS SUCH A DOUBLE STANDARD IN THE METHOD OF THE INTERVIEW OF SARAH PALIN. YOUR MANNER WAS VERY INTIMIDATING & I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN INTERVIEW WITH SUCH POINTED QUESTIONS TO BARAK OBAMA. IN REGARD TO THE QUESTION ABOUT THE BUSH DOCTRINE TONIGHT I FELT THAT YOUR QUESTION WAS PRESENTED IN A MANNER TO TRY TO CAUSE EMBARRASSMENT.PERHAPS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING QUESTIONS LIKE THIS TO THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WHO HAS FAR LESS EXPERIENCE. PLEASE KNOW THAT IT IS NOT YOUR JOB TO MAKE NEWS OR SLANT IT BUT TO REPORT IT WITHOUT BIAS. FREE PRESS SHOULD ALSO BE FAIR PRESS. IF THIS WAS OBVIOUS TO ME I AM SURE IT WAS OBVIOUS TO MANY OTHER AMERICANS WHO LOVE OUR COUNTRY.

How about being on the foreign relations committee for foreign policy experience? Somehow being able to “see russia” doesn’t seem to give her much insight to global politics. I swear to god, if we end up with another leader that can’t seem pronounce “nuclear” (She had to have it spelled phonetically on the teleprompter at her acceptance speech) the rest of the world is going to really think we’re idiots.

Your bias was very, very apparent tonight in your interview with Governor Palin. It was apparent in your body language, facial expression, and in what you asked her. You asked a wide global question and wanted her to give a yes or no answer which was impossible to do and then when she was gracious enough to answer it, your response was “too many words, this is an yes or no question. You were definitely trying to set her up to look bad. What happened to the days when the journalists and reporters were fair and impartial and their bias wasn’t so blatantly evident as yours is, as well as many of your colleagues.

Palin stuck to the talking points which means that McCain wants her as a cheerleader and not a leader in his administration. This confirms my worst fears, that yet again a women who could be a leader is positioned in front of the cameras to sit there, look pretty, and try to sell McCain’s ouut of touch and out of time backward polices towards the world and our nation. Palin IS better than this and sadly her career will end after this charade is over. For once your considered for VP, everything else is a step down. Sadly her career has been sacrificed to continue these horrid and failed public policy postitions of the last eight years. Had they nominated her they could have vhanged the narrative, now she becomes a vehicle not only to berate conservatives but women as well and the media gets to pile on. Maybe this is what McCain had in mind all along. Perhaps he really is trying to help out his fellow Democrats Kennedy and Lieberman’s boy in Obama. I for one am ashamed of the Republican party and have already changed my status to independent. I will not be a part to this anymore. “Not in my name, not ever again.” Rot John, the party is too corrupt to be saved. We deserve Obama, we have brought it upon ourselves, now let’s get on with it.

The answer Sarah Palin gave the Charlie’s question re national security was nearly word-for-word the answer John McCain gave when asked about her national security qualifications in an interview: That her experience in national security is “Energy”. That 20% of America’s energy supply comes from Alaska and that we have to stop sending oil money to countries that “don’t like us very much”. And that she “understands Russia” because Russia is right next to Alaska.
Was giving her the questions ahead of time part of the deal for the interview? No doubt.

This woman is not up to the job of vice president. There is nothing in this interview or her speech that convinces me she understands the nation enough to govern. The Republicans have made a huge mistake and they’d rather be wrong than win an election.

Country First wrote: “lmao She looked OLD Charlie in the eye and defended the Nato alliance and treaty.”
No she didn’t. Georgia isn’t in NATO. By saying it should be, and then saying if Georgia was attacked by Russia it could mean war, she cheapened NATO. Because that threat of war is not CREDIBLE, it undermines the credibility of the NATO deterrent for all its members. Expanding NATO is a stupid idea, although I think Obama may be open to the idea as well. I guess smart people can have stupid ideas too.

Charlie,
I think you asked ok questions and you did challenge her in some areas. For the remaining interviews I would like to know:
1. Who does she think are the terrorists? Where do they operate?
2. On the Iraq War – How would she define “victory”? What is her exit strategy from that country? Or is there no exit strategy? Where is the central front of battle according to her? What is her Afghan policy?
3. She talks about her energy policy as her biggest credentials. What is her energy policy? Dril, drill, drill? But for a country with more demand than the resources how does she plan to meet that demand?
4. I want to know her understanding of the US Constitution. What is it? What are the core values? What will she do to protect it?
5. Why does she continue to lie about her stand on the Bridge to Nowhere even though it’s been debunked by almost all the news organizations? Is that the kind of reformer she is going to be?
5. What about hirirng lobbyists to get earmarks from the Congress? For the first time in the history of Alaska? What about the fact that she has the highest per person earmarks of all the states in Alaska? And then her claim that Obama asked for earmarks?
6. Just because she can see Russia from Alaska, is that a substitute for Russian foreign policy experience?
- Mamta

I have to say this interview again showed “US” who she is. Funny how Charles was not wearing his Obama pin ??? You can see why people are talking……………..Count me as a Hillary voter for John, Where you can believe in “Change,

Charlie Gibson is a disgrace! ABC News will continue to decline which is great news for Fox which is truly fair. Gibson would never have treated the democrats in such a way. You are a disgrace!!!!!

Oh, and Mike the difference between how McCain and Obama placed their roses was because McCain didn’t have the strength to get his rose on to the altar and HAD to set it down on the ground.

The people who think all of Gov. Palin’s answers were reheared are probably unfamiliar with the words she used. Gibson certainly had a hard time understanding what she was saying or when she asked him to clarify an amiguous question. For Gibson and you libs, an easy definition for ambiguous is “unclear”. We ARE in a perilous time and not to understand the history or “rules” within the UN is scary. Again, Gibson and libs need to read up. Now a history lesson for Gibson and libs. If France AND Great Britain had gone to the aid of thier “allies” in 1938 instead of 1940, then maybe WWII would NOT have happened. It’s also interesting (again a history lesson) how soon Gibson and the libs forget the Carter years—OUCH, lets not go there, eh? When Gibbson asked Palin to look into the eyes of Americans, you GOTTA know the camera angles duffus. There was NO WAY she could have looked into America’s eyes. And I thought Charlie was an OLD hat at this interview stuff. It’s also pretty intersting to read the lib comments. It’s either three words or a paragraph of “blizzards”. Charlie and libs, when our athlets go into “battle” they pray to God for strength and the will to win. When our troops go into battle I’m SURE most of them ask GOD to protect them.

WHEN THE WAR WITH RUSSIA IS STARTED WILL CAN GO FIRST—I WILL BUILD A BUNKER—THE TOUGH GUY TALK IS JUST A LITTLE TOO DANGEROUS TODAY.

Charlie Gibson. The day you get on TV with Barak and Biden and be so demeaning is the day I may regain “some” respect, until then it will never happen. Barak needs to be asked the hard questions about his associations that are so left wing.
I am much more concerned about his choices of friends in the past and their left wing views. Our associations mold our personalities.
I even hear commentators correct questions for Obama when he screws up, rather than asking the tough questions and letting his answers speak for themselves.
You guys are not protecting the American people, you are against them.

Charlie seemed to enjoy entrapping Palin with the vague “Bush Doctrine” question. When he refused to elaborate on the subject, he got his only glimmer of a smile. I wonder what he thinks of the “Clinton Doctrine” or the “Carter Doctrine?” What a nonsensical question!

SHOULD HAVE ASKED HOW SHE WAS GOING TO ATTACK RUSSIA—-BY WAY OF ALASKA

LIKE I SAID YOU REPUBS ARE FUNNY—–HA HA HA– I WOULD NEVER GET INVOLVED IN POLITICAL WARS—THE WAR OF IDIOTS—–TO THE VICTOR BELONGS THE SPOILS–GUESS THAT MEANS CHINA SINCE THE HAVE GOT THE OIL—–ATTACK MY COUNTRY AND I WOULD BREAK THEIR BACK—-NO POLITICAL BS PLEASE

ABC and Charlie, YOU ARE A JOKE! Charlie, you SUCK!
ABC – Good job of promoting a poorly edited and completely biased interrogation that made me feel uncomfortable just watching it. I really just wanted to hear what she had to say, not see an attack.
Charlie, was Obama in the room watching? You looked uneasy and quite disinterested.
Was there a rapid fire requirement? You wouldn’t let her finish answers.
No one would interrogate you like that if they were a respectable journalist. Count me out on ever watching your news, it’s pathetic and so is Charlie.

We tape and watch your news every day-have never seen the Charlie Gibson we saw today. He could not even hide his impatience and disdain, could not look her in the eye,fired questions as if she were on the witness stand and then a “blizzard of words”? Charlie, have you ever heard Biden interviewed??? Even his friends have called him a “windbag”. Have you heard Obama on interview shows hemming and hawing ?? and yet they are treated respectfully.. Shame on you, we expected a professional interview not a tarring and feathering. All the more praise for Gov. Palin for her graciousness under fire. One could question her judgment on why, on the day she is sending her son off to Iraq she would take the time to be demeaned like this.

It seems it was highly edited.
They clearly clipped her answers and I would like to see the WHOLE unedited interview.
I frankly think they made her look better than she likely was.
In one case Charlie comes back after a clear edit of her response and says something like “despite that blizzard of words do you believe we have the right to invade Pakistan?”
I WANT TO HEAR HER BLIZZARD OF WORDS.
If they edited her to be more succinct or clear then they HELPED her and didn’t give us a TRUE PICTURE of how she thinks.
It’s clear in several other cases they edited her too.
while they may need to edit her for time on TV they don’t need to on the internet -POST THE WHOLE UNEDITED INTERVIEW.
PLEASE :-)

You kick butt SARAH PAILN. What a great woman to step into the White House and uphold the honor of this country.
It’s funny that Obama cant even measure up to her….and McCain is the President nominee. OH YEA!
Chalie Gibson….you’re a hack job…way to try your best to catch her. enjoy the short term ratings.

If Alaska’s geographic proximity to Russia is so helpful to Sarah Palin’s Foreign Policy credentials, how come she didn’t know that Dmitry Medvedev is the current Russian President? Vladimir Putin was last year’s news. Hmmmmm.

Are you guys sure you can use the word “God” on this website? Charles acted like that word really offended him (he may be glaring over his glasses at your emails right now). Apparently freedom of speech applies to everyone but Christians.

WILL YOUR IGNORANCE SHOULD BE LEGENDARY–AS WE IMPORT OVER 70 % OF WHAT WE USE.
YOU MAY GET A CHANCE AT RUSSIA IF MCBUSH AND PALIN GET IN—AS FOR ME I WILL BUILD A BUNKER.

This is my first post and im amazed that the republicans believe she did good. Maybe you need to watch it again. I am sure the reason they had to cut this interview apart is obvious, this woman has no clue…….

I was very disappointed with Charlie’s interview. He was rude and haughty. I think he should stick to reporting the news and give up interviewing.

Are you kidding me – she barely got through the basic preparation for an interview of this type. She is soooooooo not ready to wear the mantle of any kind of leadership. She has no understanding of any issue, any understanding of the world and to compare the 5 mile stretch between that part of Alaska and the remote outpost of Russia as equating to actual contact and diplomatic contact between the USA and Russia was laughable. Waaaayyyyy out of her depth here and now and not likely to improve with age. Definately should stay a “hockey mom” which is more up her alley.

That Palin didn’t acknowledge the “Bush Doctrine” is completely understandable, as well as a “who cares” item. She understood what the a s s hole was “getting at”, and that this interrogating fool was doing his best to make her say something “on air” against the President. Her cleverness and her graciousness under pressure was incredible. It takes a very strong and self-confident person not to have walked out on this imbecile’s Nazi interrogating tactics. The person who commented that he/she found it “appalling” that Gov. Palin didn’t know this doctrine — what are you drinking?

Why doesn’t Gibson and his like ask the Democrats question as tough as he asked the nations next v.p. Sarah Palin.

You kick butt SARAH PAILN. What a great woman to step into the White House and uphold the honor of this country.
It’s funny that Obama cant even measure up to her….and McCain is the President nominee. OH YEA!
Chalie Gibson….you’re a hack job…way to try your best to catch her. enjoy the short term ratings.

I am so disappointed with the man I grew up watching and admiring. Tonight Iam heart sick with Charly’s attitude towards Sarah Palin. Myself and my family and anyone else that I can get to listen will boycott ABC and their sponsers. Fox news for Us.

You have to be kidding. The only arrogance(or stupidity) shown here was Palin. I am ready to be leader of the free world!!! Open your eyes people!!!!

I really believe Charlie was trying to get a “gotcha” for Obama to make a campaign ad with. The liberal media is very transparent and have lost all respect for journalism. I wonder how many foreign heads of state Bill Clinton or Jimmy Carter met before leaving Arkansas and Georgia. How do they think Obama is qualified or experienced for anything. And do any of these nitwits realize that the “change” he is talking about is pure socialism?

i had to walk out of the room as i watched charlie be smug, arrogant and condescending in his interview with sarah palin. i have always looked to him as a fair anchor. NO MORE. it isn’t even that i think she is that great i just wanted to see a professional undertaking.

Leave it to the most bias station to cut out Palins answer on Russia.
Palin: We cannot repeat the Cold War. We are thankful that, under Reagan, we won the Cold War, without a shot fired, also. We’ve learned lessons from that in our relationship with Russia, previously the Soviet Union.
We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it’s in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along.

I was disgusted with the way Charlie Gibson conducted the interview. I would be equally disgusted had he conducted an interview in the same manner with a Democrat. I also found the little smile on Sarah’s face interesting when she was questioned about the “Bush” doctrine. She clearly knew that he was looking for a way to trap her and she chose her words very carefully. If you really think that any politician doesn’t know what the “Bush Doctrine” is than you, yourself are idiots!

Sarah Palin scares me. She came across as egotistical, self-righteous, and war-mongering. I wanted to like her because I have been a feminist since the 60′s. But she is certainly no Hillary Rodham Clinton. Now I am certain to vote the Obama – Biden ticket.

Mrs. Palin will make a wonderful Vice President . And when John McCain completes his 8 years in office Sarah Palin for President !! I think everyone needs to remember that Barack is running against John McCain not Sarah Palin. Biden who ?

Great interview, Charlie! Palin evaded and you kept trying to get her to answer the questions. I’m hoping the rest of the interviews are this good and show just how unprepared she is to be a heartbeat away from being president of the US!
Thank you. I was not disappointed at all!

Charlie…you ought to be ashamed! You people in the so called “fair Media” never ask both sides the same questions/ in the same way. You are obviously one sided (obama) and that is the wrong way to be fair. One day you will stand before God almighty and answer for your unfair treatment of people. May you see the light (Jesus/ John 14:6) before its too late.

Charlie was no harder on her than he was on Obama in the last debate with Hillary. This is the big leagues lady. She clearly showed that she is not experienced enough to be VP. Everything she knows about foreign policy she learned within the last two weeks. Biden will destroy her in a debate and he won’t have to try hard. Imagine her attempting to rebutt his answers on foreign policy, she won’t even know what he is talking about yet alone know how to challenge him. I guarantee she will not give another interview. God I miss Tim Russert.

Charlie wasn’t his usual likeable self in this interview. In fact, he was downright awful! His condescending attitude toward Palin came through in the interview. I thought she handled his questions quite well considering he was trying to set her up for failure. I won’t be watching the second part due to his underhanded tactics.

Gibson blew what could have been an interesting interview, quoting out of context. Bad journalism.
Cordially,
Paul F.

Tonight’s drama proves that the McCain brain trust backed the wrong horse. Palin showed herself to be an egomaniac and not too bright. Just because you can say words and talk around questions does not mean that you understand the questions and are answering them sensibly. I would guess that after the blank stare when Mr. Gibson said that it took hubris to not even consider that she may not be experienced enough to be vice president he was thinking OMG please get me out of here. To think that some of you are defending her is scary. Just because she reminds you of your neighbor doesn’t mean she should be the vice president of the United States. Its time to wake up and realize that to elect McCain/Palin would be the biggest mistake that the voters in this country have ever made.

Iam a Clinton supporter for over 8 years, I will not be voting for Barry. Tonight Iam disgusted with Charlie by his smear on Sarah. I would like to know if Charlie will be showing Joe Biden the same scowl and disdain as America witnessed tonight. I for one will boycott ABC news. YOU GO GIRL

cmarie83,
It is hard to believe that someone who claims to be a Hillary supporter would even think of voting for McCain/Palin. Their views (especially Palin’s) are almost completely opposite from hers. Palin is strongly anti-choice, even in cases of rape or incest, doesn’t believe in evolution or global warming…the list goes on. As for integrity, I don’t think McCain can claim superiority over anyone there. He has changed his views in order to appeal to the conservative base of his party. Abortion, immigration, no negative campaigning…I respected him more when he went against his party and supported “amnesty” for illegal immigrants.
And just where was the sexism in this interview? Palin is running to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Why shouldn’t she be subjected to questions about her readiness to lead the US as any candidate would? It is completely fair for Gibson to ask how proximity to Russia can be cited as foreign policy experience. I’m sure many people were wondering the same thing when the McCain campaign started that one!

What a painful interview. I almost feel sorry for her. This is the result of cramming academic issues. Obviously, foreign affairs is not her strength.
Her remark about Russia is very troubling. We cannot afford to engage with that kind of talk.
Sarah, go over what Bush doctrine is all about and analyze the impact around the world especially in the Middle East.

Boo hoo! Charlie was picking on her? That sounds so ridiculous. Would you say that about male candidate who got asked tough questions? Gimme a break! This woman is a joke.

For everyone saying Charlie was too hard on her, etc. What are you going to say when she does even worse in the debates? That EVERYONE is against her?
Face it…she has no business being VP. She did terribly tonight, and blaming Mr. Gibson might make you feel better, but get Sarah away from “her handlers” and she’s going to continue to make these clueless remarks. I know a blank look when I see one.

I came away from this interview with much more respect for Gov. Palin, and much less respect for Charlie Gibson. I have never seen such an attack from Charlie on anyone.
Gov. Palin answered Charlie’s questions as well as anyone. She is sharp! Good for her.
After 30 years of following ABC News, I have to question it’s impartial position. What a disappointment Charlie! You showed a side that does not look good on you, and has seriously hurt your credibility.

I thought Charlie Gibson was arrogant and thought himself more knowledgeable and intelligent than Sarah Palin. He came across badly. She showed herself to be intelligent, strong, and committed to this country. If she ever becomes President, she’s the kind of person we need.
We have watched ABC news ever since Dan Rather lost his objectivity. We will watch it no longer.

Its amazing to see all of the people “disgusted” at Charlie Gibson for asking the questions that any intellectual person in America wants to know about their potential VP and possible President. It seems the reality is setting in for most of these people, that their beloved hockey mom is actually just that, a hockey mom. She has no grasp of the issues at stake in this election, she has no understanding of national security or foreign policy and she has no new ideas that would take our country away from the last 8 years. All I saw in this interview was her answering questions with regurgitated talking points that her interview preps fed to her. She was clearly not thinking for herself apart from her rash opinions on very sensitive topics (ie Russia, Pakistan). I applaud Charlie Gibson for an interview well done, to be honest I was expecting softball questions like “What does your husband do for a living”, but I was pleasantly surprised. Cant wait to see the rest.

Illuminating.
Not only did Palin not have a clue what The Bush Doctrine is; but she failed to understand it even after Charlie spoon-fed it to her. Palin’s response emphasized “imminence” of an attack — which is exactly what the Bush Doctrine was designed to obviate, as Charlie stated.
And, finally, Palin demonstrates her intellectual weakness and inconsistency… failing to recognize that Russia invading Georgia could be defined by Russia as an application of the Bush Doctrine.
Aside from exceptional media skills, Palin appears to be uninformed and lacking the intellect to think on her feet through complex issues.

Slick Willy Obama thinks he will win with race and can trump gender with the angry libs backing him. Smile all you want Obama, you’re an angry America hating socialist and Governor Sarah Palin is an admirable woman who has achieved real results.
Governor Palin has real experience running government and producing effective reform while Obama’s only achievement is defeating a bill to save lives of newborns.
I’m so sick of empty suit pretty boys thinking they deserve leadership over accomplished women.

Note to 90210, if you don’t think Putin is calling the shots in Russia, you are last years news.

It was so totally obvious how edited and cut this interview was. They want to make her as unappealing and intelligent as possible, from cutting off her answers to the angles of the camera. I totally do not trust the liberal media anymore. Charlie has lost all my respect. Shame on you ABC.

Palin called Hillary a whiner not too long ago, so I’m sure she would not want Republicans complaining about this objective interview. I’m sure she wouldn’t want Gibson to treat her any diffently than he would a male candidate. Nice job, Charlie. You were fair and persistent as any good journalist should be.

She’s been to Canada and Mexico.
WOW! Thats like saying you’ve just stayed here in the states!
Using that logic, I guess Im ready to be VP too!

As usual, for the sake of fairness, I need to ask, Charlie Gibson:
Would you have taken this tough tone, and asked these hard questions, of Obama? Because I have never seen you do an interview as such. OReilly is the only one I know of who dared to ask hard questions. Are you afraid he will accuse you of racism if you ask hard questions.
And, just clarify for me: When did Obama ever meet a foreign leader before he campaigned for President? Why is that an issue for Palin, but not for Obama? Double standard as usual.
Once again, I repeat: Vetting is appropriate, but, unless you vet both sides equally, it is biased. You vet the more experienced woman, but you let the less experienced man get away scot-free.
I have confidence in Palin. I have NO confidence in Obama, he is a fraud, dangerous, and how dare he risk the safety and security of my family and my country.

I was appalled by Gibson’s condescending interview with Palin. He never even had the decency to make eye contact with her as she spoke. If Obama were there Gibson would have offered him tea and crumpets and kissed his ring in between questions. If Gibson was overwelmed with “the blizzard of words” as he said of Palin’s answer, how does the poor man extract any meaning from Obama’s empty words? Gibson wanted “yes” or “no” answers to complicated issues. After seeing this, FOX news is looking better and better!

Although I’m sick of seeing so much focus on Palin, I’m glad to have seen her under some pressure. I feel like I got a sense of how she views the world (which she hasn’t seen much of). The more I see her talk, the more I’m reminded of Bush — someone whose goal seems more to be coming off as decisive, even when not very knowledgable about the subject. She seems quick to act, before considering a meaningful discussion of each of the complex issues.

I think Gov. Palin is dangerously ambitious. Any person in her position that says she never thought twice about running for vice president (possibly having the most important job in the country), can not be trused. Palin proves that she is a warhound just like President Bush. Palin knows that she is illiterate when it comes to natioanl defense that is why she has avoided one on one questions for so long. We know she has the Alaskian National Guard at her disposal, but has any of those people ever even dealt with her. I could have a yacht at my disposal for two years, but if I’ve never taken it out on water, or never used it, I might as well not have it. She proved that she only knows what the GOP has updated her on. Not that she is not a independent woman. I’m sure her true voice is somewhere hidden in the backdrop of McCains’. She is not ready to run our country. McCain is using her as a minnow trying to catch a big fish. He thinks that women are sooo desperate to have a woman in the white house that they will vote for any woman that “appears” to have enough experience. I am a single parent of four, I do not believe in abortion, however who am I to tell others what choice they must make in their own lives. (Neither does the government have the right to deny anyone of what the constitution guarantees us.) Palin being “hell bent” on no abortion, and “hell bent” on drilling for oil in a state that she loves does not sell me on her being able to run this country. I need to be able to feel comfortable at night about our national security. If McCain-Palin are elected, americans will see just how much McCain really thought of her. I’m willing to bet that she will not get the oppportunity to do any of the things that she thinks she’ll be able to do.

I would like to know WHY Mr. Gibson thinks it is okay to try to intimidate women but play ‘good old boy’ with men in these irrelevant interviews! Who appointed him SHERIFF of national TV news? And why does he NOT ask candidates the exact same questions the way good reporters are supposed to? His “exclusive” interviews are trash and so is his TV anchor work. When are the networks going to “get it”?

Charlie, you have always been my news hero.Always the gentleman,full of grace,
the consumate professional.
Today in the interview with Sarah Palin you have fallen from grace big time.
Your body language, scowling face and demanding tone of voice was outrageous.I am so disappointed in you.
Hello Bill Reilly!

This woman is embarrassing; I’m a Republican and I can’t vote for McCain because it’s obvious that he chose Palin out of sheer desperation.

Also, the folks here who are faulting Gibson’s attitude might want to question McCain’s lack of common sense in possibly putting a heartbeat away from the presidency a person who did not what “The Bush Doctrine” was and who actually stated that she would be in favor of going to war with Russia over a small group of people (Georgia) many of whom hold Russian citizenship and whom Palin probavbly knows even less about than she does about the Bush Doctrine!
It should insult any woman with a double digit IQ that McCain would allow Rick Davis & Co to talk John into accepting such a dim bulb as his running mate simply to get female votes.

I am deeply disturbed that Charles Gibson had the nerve to misquote Gov. Palin’s own words – and then to tell her those were her “exact words”! In fact, he did use her exact words – but he chose to ignore the first few of those words, meaning what he quoted came out sounding like she was some kind of religious fanatic. In fact, what Gov. Palin REALLY said was, “Pray for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God. That’s what we have to make sure that we’re praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God’s plan.”
By leaving out Gov. Palin’s request that people PRAY that our leaders were sending out soldiers on a task that is from God, and by ignoring her statement that we must pray that we are in fact following God’s plan, Mr. Gibson deliberately distorted Gov. Palin’s statement. This is a serious ethical issue, and I hope ABC News will deal with it appropriately – including having Mr. Gibson issue a clear correction of the quote in the next segment.

Marcy and Donna,
Probably a wise decision not watch any of the next Gibson interviews of Palin, and especially don’t watch her actually debate.
Gosh, that would be simply awful..instead of talking incessantly about “mother of five…Moose hunter…hockey mom” Palin might be asked some tough questions or be required to answer exactly how she could be the leader of the free world!!
Wake up.

It wasn’t the tough questions that bothered me, no, they must be asked. It was Charlie Gibson’s demeanor. I’d love to see him treat Barack the same way. Or, back in the day, Bill Clinton. It was so obvious that he wanted Mrs. Palin to state that she wasn’t ready to lead (as he believes her not to be) that it was almost pathetic on Charlie’s part. The media should not bring their biases to their interviews. Pity, I used to actually admire Charles Gibson. I am no longer a fan.

Kathleen,
Gibson let her off the hook more than once.
Are you one of those “enlightened” women who are upset because Palin did not get to read a scripted reply to every Gibson question?
Or did you naively think that Palin actually might have written any of her cute statments that she read at the GOP convention?
If you think that Gibson is a “male chauvinist pig” because of the softball questions he put to Palin, you are in for a rude awakening when she attempts to debate a foreign policy pro like Biden!!

Judging by the goofy comments from the girl crowd above…it appears that McCain campaign manager Rick Davis was correct when he said “This election will not be about issues.”
That is a direct quote and Palin is proof that Team McCain is following that plan.
But hey, Palin is a hockey mom AND a moose hunter…right?

She ate your lunch ‘CHARLIE”!

I am watching the Charles Gibson / Sarah Palin interview and I am disgusted by Charles Gibson’s attitude towards the Vice Presidential candidate. I find it interesting that the media is attacking Sarah Palin and asking her the tough questions but no one is asking Senator Obama any tough questions. Mr. Gibson’s manner is very dismissive and demeaning. She has held her head high but I will never watch Charles Gibson again because of his manner.

Kathleen Gotto, I just read your comment, and I think Mr. Gibson might be now buried under you “blizzard of words.”

Thank you Charlie, for asking questions that helped us know what she knows and doesn’t know, and how she is willing to handle it when she is uncertain. I had to pause the interview to collect myself as I watched her try to fake expertise she does not have. Expertise is the product of knowledge and experience. As a woman, I am so very angry and disgusted and sad that she put herself in the position of being in over her head. I was in pain (screaming a Charlie Brown “AAARGGH….”) as I watched her try to get a hint from Charlie on her first VP exam. Her shortness of breath and the squeak and squirm said it all.

HAHA! You’re not in Alaska now Mrs. Palin. Great job Charlie!
This woman is running for VICE PRESIDENT OF THE USA not PTA! Ask tough questions, put her on the spot. Pick her brain. Have her tell us what she’s about. I want to if she can take the heat. If she wants this job and is SO READY, like she said, then what’s the problem?
Wait until the debate. Go get her JOE BIDEN!
Oh, btw Tom Paine, I’m a girl.

Charlie, this wasn’t an inteview, it was paramount to an inquisition. What I did learn is people can change overnight. You certainly did. Not only did you conduct that ‘interview’ like an amateur, you interrupted her answers, your body language was rigid and your tone was demeaning and contrite. I had a hard time believing this was the Charlie Gibson I watch every night on the news. Congratulations. You and ABC have now joined ranks with the rest of the news stations whose mantra is ‘anything for ratings’. FOX news is looking better and better!

Hey, who really cares that Palin has no foreign policy experience (or knowledge)or that Palin did not even know what the “Bush Doctrine” might be. Just pesky details.
The facts are that Palin is a hockey mom and can shoot big defenseless animals…heck that make me want to hire her to put a roof on my house along with being my CIC!!

I think Charlie did what had to be done and I’m grateful to him for that. I was undecided and needed to see more from Palin and I did tonight and made up my mind…she is not ready.

Why isn’t anyone pointing out that if McCain kicks the bucket Sarah Palin’s vice president will be Nancy Pelosi due to presidential succession? Yes, this evolving drama can get even weirder!

For those wise souls here who actually think that Gibson was too tough on poor lil Sarah, here are a few suggestions for possible questions at the next session:
Sarah, do you believe that people should control their own destiny?
What is the population of the nation of Georgia?
What percentage of the citizens of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are Russian citizens?
Should these people be forced to accept Georgian rule?
BTW, did Wasilla ever invade Russia? Naw…just kidding about that one Sarah!!
Now Sarah, these require YES/NO answers.
Do you believe everything that is in the bible?
Do you believe that the earth is more than 6,000 years old?
Do you believe Iraq or Saddam was involved in 9/11?
Do you believe in evolution?
Do you believe in global warming?
Do you believe in the Easter Bunny? Naw…just kidding again!!
And finally Sarah, if you ever became president and abortion became illegal, would you favor the death penalty for a doctor who performed mulrtiple abortions…on rape and incest victims?
Now those are some answers I would LOVE to see! :)

The Obama folks don’t seem to remember that it was Obama who said “Bush was too soft on Russia” AND wasn’t it Obama who said he would go into Pakistan and get Bin Laden out of that cave he said McCain wouldn’t go into? Remind me again WHO is going to get us into war?

SARA DID GREAT DURING THE INTERVIEW. I WANT TO SEE CHARLIE NOW ASK THE SAME HARD QUESTIONING TO MR OBAMA. WHAT A JOKE ABC IS. THIS INTERVIEW WAS A JOKE. I THOUGHT SHE WAS IN A COURT ROOM AND YOU WHERE BAGERING THE WITNESS. THIS IS ONE DEMOCRATE WHO IS DEFFINATELY VOTING FOR MCAIN/SARA.

Too funny, watching some of these liberal men like Pain and Woodall talk crap.
Remember everyone, she’s a Governor for the richest state in the union with a 10 billion dollar budget. We’re not talking about some SMALL state down in the STATES.
You guys are funny. Now some of us Independents really see the liberal bias. No wonder we are voting for McCAin and Palin. Your attitude towards women is pathetic.
Remember too, she is the VP Candidate and not the Presidential Candidate against Obama. It appears the far left is nervous of Palin, otherwise they wouldn’t be attacking her like a bunch of sharks.

john,
CA has a budget more than 10 times the size of AK.
BTW, if Alaska is so rich, why did Palin hire and send to Washington a lobbyist to beg for money at the federal trough?
And why did Palin beg at the federal trough when AK was already getting more welfare per capita from the federal government than any state in the union?
Now those are what should be REALLY funny to you!

Boy Charlie you looked really bad playing so negative! You need to lighten up and stop the attempt of playing the gotcha game!
I must say that Sarah looked and sounded up for the job.My wife and I are independents and now I think Sarah and John are getting our votes with confidence!

ABC savaged themselves. Everything about the interview stank: from the “superior positioning” of Gibson (always angled so that he was looking down on her), his offensive demeanor that never once looked friendly, much less even once smiling; his reproving positioning of his eyeglasses; but most serious of all — his totally dishonest editing and “quoting” of her prayerful aspirations — with the totally definitive lie he uttered: “Exact quotes.” ABC and Charles Gibson have relegated themselves to the CBS/Dan Rather level of journalism.
When is ABC going to grill either Biden or Obama in a similar way? Don’t hold your breath…but then — nobody would be watching.

You guys at ABC are like Oprah! Talking! trash and bias like Oprah!
And Bidin, you better NOT underestimate Sarah, she’ll eat you up and spit you out! She’s a tough lady and got my vote!!

You guys crying about Gibson being too tough is absurd. He failed to ask her about South Ossetia or Abkhazia or how many of those people are Russian citizens, he had to tell Palin what the “Bush Doctrine” was, and Gibson failed to get her to answer McCain’s claim that running the AK National Guard and living close to Russia make her a foreign policy whiz bang.
Can you imagine what Olbermann or Matthews or even O’Reilly would have done to her???

I can’t believe people are attacking Charlie Gibson for his method of questioning. How could you not notice Palin was not answering his questions, but just giving canned, rehearsed talking points? The proximity of Alaska to Russia is somehow relevant? Are you joking? Nucular, indeed…

Tom,
My bad, you brought up the CA budget.
You don’t have the entire story on the lobbyist matter, but just the media headlines.
Remeber too Tom, she was a whistle blower on the Republican Party when she turned in a Head of the Republican Party on the Oil and Gas Committee, then she got him fired, then got the Republican State Attorney General fired for not taking action in the same case and then defeated a Long time croney, and previous Washington Senator, Frank Murkowski. Now she’s also helping out getting Ted Stevens, who is also a very powerful Senator in Washington who was/is Chair of the Ways and Means Committee.
What is great about Governor Palin is she calls a spade a spade!
She is the change Washington needs and she will reach over to the Democrats for assistance too.
Name me one thing Obama has done since being in the Senate and if you vote for Bidin, well, your just getting the same old same old.

Does anyone question the fact that the reason McCain is so concerned about Georgia, is that one of the key figures in his campaign was paid to help lobby to get Georgia into NATO? Why is Sarah so worried about drilling in Alaska? Oil is her ticket in and the oil lobby helped her get on the ticket. Wake up sheep!
As far as the Rose goes, I say that a party with real integrity wouldn’t have sent my son to fight a war that was illegal and based on a lie. My son is a patriot and will go again if called, but let all the sheep send their sons along as we go to war with the list of countries the Gov. seems to be tabulating.
The reason that Obama seems to have easier interviews, is that he isn’t just giving us something that he has memorized. He actually thinks about and answers the question asked, rather than try to get back to one of his talking points. Maybe if she wouldn’t keep trying to steer Charlie back to oil, he wouldn’t keep trying to get her to answer the question he asked. With McCain, it all comes back to his time as a POW, with Palin, it all comes back to talk of oil.
The sad part is that everyone wants so badly to be on the “right” side that they aren’t even thinking. It is all the us, against them thing. Look at where this country is now-We are in trouble here, hello! Do you want more of the same? Sign me a registered Republican voting for Barak Obama. I, for one, don’t want another four years of our country being led by someone that talks about God and integrity to gain political favor, while breaking laws left and right behind the scenes and even in front of the world and getting away with it.

Tom,
1st of all I know alot about the story as I reside in the same community for years and know alot about the jet incident that Murkowski purchased and she stated she would get rid of when elected, the bridge incident in Ketchican and Wooten too.
Some are very close to our family and Alaska is a small State. So you need to make an effective decision and research the facts too. NOT just the headlines.
Our media was on this way before the National media and prior to her being nominated, so I’m just hearing the National media tell it ALL OVER again. But, the end will tell one way or another.
Like I said about Stevens earlier, she is no fan of Stevens, remember he is being charged by the Feds right now………and if you don’t think she knew ahead of time the Feds were going after him…………think again :)

I am sorry, but I had to add one other comment. For those of you who don’t want to see people “really” asked the tough questions, go watch Fox. There you can be spoon fed your news straight from the GOP. I think it is crazy that newscasters are being let go at networks for asking the tough questions. This is supposed to be your Bull dog here? This is the same women that during “trooper gate” fired that man because she said she felt he was intimidating to her in her office, because he was over six foot tall, gave her brief answers and wore a frown. Hello? Does anyone know how tall Putin is?

Thank you, ABC News, for an informative glimpse of Governor Palin’s policy positions. She’s a very impressive person, and a reasonably quick study, but she sure seems to have a lot to learn.
Your team assembled a strong list of questions, and Mr. Gibson generally struck a fair balance between pursuing answers and belaboring questions the Governor did not intend to answer.
As for Mr. Gibson’s demeanor, I can understand his determination not to engage Ms. Palin in a way that could be construed as succumbing to her charms. Although he may have taken the grumpy-professor act a bit far, I think he was a fine choice to conduct this interview.
George Stephanopoulos might have been more fun, if only to watch the mating rituals of overachieving 40-somethings .

John,
I do not doubt that you live in AK and have knowledge of some local facts.
So do tell us if Palin did lobby FOR “The Bridge” form years? Or if she spent the funds after she found out the bridge was both a dead deal and political liability and pretended to stop it? (what do you call someone who rails against a pork project but keeps and spends the money anyhow) And if she really did sell the jet on eBay as Mccain so stupidly said? And if Palin really did get rid of the chef? And if Palin really is being investigated per her sister’s little Peyton Place fiasco.
As for Stevens, it’s another of Palin’s flip-flops. She makes Kerry seem rock stable! Here’s a direct Palin quote about Sen. Ted:
“I have great respect for the senator and he needs to be heard across America — his voice, his experience, his passion, needs to be heard across America so that Alaska can contribute more, so that we can be producers, so that we can help lead the rest of the U.S. I have great respect for him. There’s a big difference between reality and perception regarding our relationship.”
With friends like Sar…you might not need enemies!

Mr. Charles Gibson:
You acted like a judge.
You acted like an old professor.
You acted like a bully.
You acted like Mrs. Palin was guilty of some crime for running for VP.
Mr. Gibson, you owe the great governor of Alaska an apology for letting down all the people of America.

Greg,
They say the secret of life is “to know what you don’t know” or some such.
In that case, Palin might be okay. She had no problem admitting that she did not ever know or meet any foreign heads of state and admitting that she was clueless about what the “Bush Doctrine” might be.
But that is exactly what is the problem with her. There are probably so many things about a national political office and running a nation that she does not know that it is scary.
Not being able to recognize that fact is a true case of “drinking the Kool-Aid” and not being honest.
It has nothing to do with the fact that she might have many redeeming and good qualities. My mailman is a great guy, but I sure don’t want him running our nation!

Too bad that some Repubs are in denial of the truth. Charlie Gibson and a million more Americans are more qualified than Sarah Palin to be VP to a President of our Country. However,
she is more qualified than the Repubs
whiners on this blog, which does not say
very much now, does it?

I don’t see my original comment here, so will repost it and my second comment together:
Does anyone question the fact that the reason McCain is so concerned about Georgia, is that one of the key figures in his campaign was paid to help lobby to get Georgia into NATO? Why is Sarah so worried about drilling in Alaska? Oil is her ticket in and the oil lobby helped her get on the ticket. Wake up sheep!
As far as the Rose goes and someones comment on it showing integrity, I say that a party with real integrity wouldn’t have sent my son to fight a war that was illegal and based on a lie. My son is a patriot and will go again if called, but let all the sheep send their sons along, as we go to war with the list of countries the Gov. seems to be tabulating.
The reason that Obama seems to have easier interviews, is that he isn’t just giving us something that he has memorized. He actually thinks about and answers the question asked, rather than try to get back to one of his talking points. Maybe if she wouldn’t keep trying to steer Charlie back to oil, he wouldn’t keep trying to get her to answer the question he asked. With McCain, it all comes back to his time as a POW, with Palin, it all comes back to talk of oil.
The sad part is that everyone wants so badly to be on the “right” side that they aren’t even thinking. It is all the us, against them thing. Look at where this country is now-We are in trouble here, hello! Do you want more of the same? Sign me a registered Republican voting for Barak Obama. I, for one, don’t want another four years of our country being led by someone that talks about God and integrity to gain political favor, while breaking laws left and right behind the scenes and even in front of the world and getting away with it.
I am sorry, but I had to add one other comment. For those of you who don’t want to see people “really” asked the tough questions, go watch Fox. There you can be spoon fed your news straight from the GOP. I think it is crazy that newscasters are being let go at networks for asking the tough questions. This is supposed to be your Bull dog here? This is the same women that during “trooper gate” fired that man because she said she felt he was “intimidating” to her in her office, because he was over six foot tall, gave her brief answers and wore a frown. Hello? Does anyone know how tall Putin is?

For those who insist this is sexism, you’re dishonestly abusing the term. Sarah Palin is getting criticized because she is seriously inexperienced with a corrupt record, and was dishonest about almost every point in her first speeches (like lies about not supporting the bridge to nowhere).
Sexism is when a person is judged unevenly b/c of their sex. It would be sexist to let Palin off lightly, as if female politicians were all as roundly uneducated and inept as she is. The truly equal, non-sexist response is to question her as a politician attempting to enter the world stage, which she is, and which Charles Gibson did. If she can’t take it, it’s a sign of her own personal deficiencies. Hilary Clinton would never perform as poorly, she’s actually a politician worthy of the world stage.

Jean your comment was still there.
But Jean in regards to Troopergate,
Your making us here laugh. lol
Monegan,I assume your talking about, was released from his position and offered another as Director of Alcohol Beverage Control Board, which he turned down.
When Monegan was Police Chief for Anchorage PD, he was released then too by Begich, the mayor, one year before his contract was up.
Jean………..you making us laugh lol

Jean,
That key figure you mention who got money from Georgia is none other than McCain’s chief foriegn policy guru, Randy Scheunemann.
And it was not coffe and donuts money, it was nearly $800,000.00.
That’s why it’s so disengenuous for McCain to say that ALL Americans support Georgia. I sure as hell do not. Let them solve their own problems. Is McCain such a slow learner that Iraq has not taught him anything?
As for Palin, we really can’t fault her on the Georgia/Russia thing. Gosh, the poor lil hockey mom didn’t know what the “Bush Doctrine” was so why would we expect her to mouth anything but the McCain “Foreign Policy for Dummies” handbook per something as complex as the Russia and Georgia dispute. :)

One thought that came to my mind when Palin responded about her readiness (she said she didn’t hesitate, she didn’t blink, she said yes.)
I have heard Michelle Obama speak about the many many discussions she and Barack had prior to deciding he was going to run. Discussions about how it would impact their family life, discussions about his readiness, discussions about the grueling reality of both campaigning and living as a nations leader. Discussions that included their whole family and many confidants. Based on Palin’s response, I didn’t come away with the feeling that she was nearly as thorough in making that decision. And I didn’t get the impression that she has a community of people with whom she made the decision.
Being president or vice president isn’t a cake walk. It isn’t something that you are simply “wired for”. It is a VERY SERIOUS job that really impacts real people’s lives. Politics matter. Foreign relations matter. Economic systems matter. Health care systems matter. Public school systems matter. Strong international friendships and alliances matter.
I believe that Barack Obama gets that. And I believe he is on a path that will improve the quality of life for Americans. Both through his policies, but also his style of leadership.
After watching this interview, I see an ever increasing contrast between a leader who has a broad and nuanced understanding of what it means to be the United States of America (Obama or Biden) vs a person with a view that seems much narrower and seems more power-oriented (Palin).
Also, I do think Mr. Gibson was a bit cool during the interview, but I also appreciate the questions he asked. Gibson understands what governance entails and he knows what Palin has agreed to reach for; he understands the magnitude of the job. I would have been disappointed with anything but a direct serious interview. I still want more information from Palin around her views and ways of governing. I look forward to tomorrow.
And, if the McCain/Palin campaign complain that the interview was unfair, I’d suggest that they let the rest of the media at Palin and see how it goes…

Beka,
Your point reminded me of something that Palin had said previously when asked about the VP nomination.
Palin not only said that she did not want or expect it…she actually said that she didn’t even know what exactly the VP did!
Now when she has been properly coached, she claims it was a decisive, slam dunk YES. Go figure.

jeff,
Actually, the Bush Doctrine is not only insignificant, it’s dumb-headed and wrong. Too bad Gibson didn’t fill Sarah in on that part.
The real problem is that Palin seemed unaware of it. Kinda like if your teenage kid can’t walk and chew gum at the same time…it’s no big deal but try to keep the kid off your Harley-Davidson!
Maybe Sarah needs a tad of guidance before she gets to play VP or CIC.

jeff,
After your comments on “the money” per the Bridge to Nowhere I almost hate to break this to you but…after hockey mom changed her mind and pretended to stop the bridge…she actually kept and spent the money allocated for it.
Sorry about that. :)

Okay, this is too easy and I tire of it for now.
Good night.

Even after being prepped by the GOP, Palin is pompous and arrogant about her own ability to be VP. She’s not even semi-intelligent. I live in San Diego and can see Mexican border and hills in Tijuana. But that doesn’t confer some worldly experience about foreign policy. What it does confer is the ability to get really drunk for a couple of dollars.

No but she does deal with Russia and Canada, as they’re diplomats do conduct business in our State. Last time I checked, they were foreign countries.
What is 0bama’s foreign diplomacy experience? And campaign trips and visiting friends in Pakistan do not count.

So please tell us, what foreign officials has OB met with to conduct official business in a similar capacity as Governor Palin.
Again, what is 0bama’s foreign diplomacy experience? And campaign trips and visiting friends in Pakistan do not count.
And remember, he’s running or President, not VP like Palin.

To the person saying that they are getting 16000.00 from the state of Alaska this year…..it is probably coming from the bridge to nowhere money that didn’t get returned. Thanks for letting us know that.

Seriously Jean, the money comes from the Permanent Dividend Fund. At least $2000 of it does. The rest of it comes from the cutbacks Gov. Palin did in some wastefull spending by the previous administration. That totalled to $1200 for a grand total of $3200 for each Alaskan. With a family of five, that’s $16,000 coming in November.

How ‘informational’ do you need to get? — Geez, there wasn’t anything unfair about that interview, in fact the questions were easy — a first year poli sci major should know what the Bush Doctrine is — or anyone that modestly follows politics, it was basically all that was talked about on the news in the latter part of 2002/2003 leading up to this ridiculous war.
–Note: I don’t care what party you belong to, you don’t tell the voters you’re going to war with Russia, while you’re trying to get elected, even Bush knew not to do that… so what the…? Is it me or did she agree with Obama and disagree with McCain/Bush on more than one occasion, mainly because she was completely oblivious to her own candidate/party position– funny thing is, she gave the common sense answer, not the crazy neocon answer, so she does have common sense, I’ll give her that–
Exactly what does, you can see Russia from Alaska mean, and why does that give her foreign policy experience?
So, come on, give me a break. The woman is a twit. She stunk it up, blew it and even though she didn’t make a big enough mistake for the crazy people that still think she did great and is qualified to be VP– it was painfully clear, and I do mean painfully for the sane amongst us, that she was really clueless — and I’m sorry, it does matter about who is VP, especially in the case that the top of the ticket is 72 years old and has had cancer 4 times — and don’t even start with Obama because we all know Obama and Palin aren’t even in the same league on the experience debate, it’s a false comparison, he has proven that he has the experience and the gravitas to be President, backed by a man that has the experience and gravitas to be Vice- President, Biden — but Palin tells me a lot about McCain — to attempt to win this election with a stunt, he is willing to saddle America with an unvetted unqualified VP–
So let’s get real people, I mean really — I thought she would do a lot better than she did and I’m actually shocked that it was this poor– not poor enough to lose her fanboys and fangirls, but pretty darn poor.

I was very disappointed in Charles Gibson. He is generally cordial but he looked very snarled in this interview and it came through in his voice. We used to watch him every night at 6:30.

it really is funny what a double standard most republicans and palin supporters are now showing. how did you want mr. gibson to ask questions? all nicey-nicey and delicate? i felt he started the interview in a very congenial manner, and only became more serious and pressing as it became more evident that this woman does NOT know what she is doing and that she was just spitting out the sound bites on which she had been prepped, rather than giving serious answers. had the situation been reversed, and had a democratic female candidate been up on that sound stage, republicans would have been saying the exact same things, but because she’s a pretty, god-loving hockey mom who is regurgitating the good republican doctrine through sound bites, they’re eating it up and defending her. just like they’re now defending the bridge to nowhere bull and even standing behind her teenage daughter’s pregnancy. you don’t see anyone calling HER a pinhead, do you? it’s amazing. and exploiting the stories about her personal life while claiming other stories off-limits when it’s inconvenient? shameful.
obama may not have years of experience, but he can carry on an intelligent conversation about the world around him. i don’t care if my president is approachable or if i could comfortably have a beer with him. i want him or her to be a LOT smarter and savvy than i am and to have a deep-seeded perspective on our history and our future.
i’m really, really frightened. we have a lot to do in this election to ensure that this administration does, in fact, change.

What a hoot! The Palin supporters tuned in to ABC with baited breath to see Palin shine in her staged interview. When she did exactly the opposite, they all cry foul! Boo hoo! Their hand picked interviewer did not take care of poor Gov Palin! I can’t wait to see her perform in a real interview or debate. I was ready to vote for Palin until I saw this pathetic performance.

Charlie,
What sexist, haughty hubris. The high school principal looking down his spectacles at the suspected naughty student. (by the way Charlie, bifocals are now available). Charlie obviously does not take a sitting governor seriously, not respect her. When, by the way, will the even less experienced
Barack Hussein Oboma be given the same ‘grilling’. Maybe he can have his “God _____ America” pastor, who he apparently never heard, by his side.
Barack Obama is frightening. Let’s see you attack him with the same hubris,
Charlie

rich asis – My point exactly. She should have said she did not know and the offered the McCain/Palin doctrin instead of BSing her way into trouble. That made her look even less Presidential.

Eight years ago our country “elected” someone they would like to have a beer with…….the result of those voters’ decisions have seriously damaged our reputation worldwide, put us in a war which has increased our debt to China and cost countless lives for no reason yet to be proven, caused the biggest economic catastrophy in our country since the Great Depression, etc.
Yet, here we are considering electing a woman who has little to no experience in foreign policy and who repeats back memorized phrases to all questions based upon key words.
Her supporters are outraged that anyone would dare to ask the tough questions. I watched every debate and saw the other candidates hammered by moderators including Mr. Gibson…so why should this candidate get a pass? We are talking about the 2nd highest position in our country with a good possibility of assuming the highest position.
I have heard accusations of arrogance thrown around regarding many candidates….I was amazed when given the opportunity to soften the arrogant answer about her readiness….she didn’t take it. The offer “should” have been humbling and thought provoking… NOT the answer I heard last night.
Thank you Charlie for not “blinking” and pressing for real answers not canned talking points. Your lack of a blink will not take us to an unprovoked war.
This is what journalism is supposed to be instead of the “fluff” pieces we’ve been spoon fed for the last few weeks. I was reminded of the tough questions asked by interviewers when applying for CEO positions. Basically, if you are unable to answer the questions you don’t get the job!

Ok folks. Charlie was a good as he has ever been. Someone has to ask the questions we all need to know. BACK OFF THE MAN.

Everyone in the Republican Party know Palin is a bad choice. She has been giving out scripted one way speeches since her selection. This is the first interview she has agreed to, and obviously she has no clue what’s going on in the world. She desperately attempted to turn the “foreign experience” question into a a PR move on her part, by saying she did go overseas to visit our soldiers that were hurt. Come on we know the sacrifices our soldiers are making. In that case our average soldier has more “foreign experience” that Palin. She admitted to have never met a “foreigner”! The average “hot dog vendor” and “taxi Driver” in NYC has more foreign experience than Palin.
She’s an embarrassment to women, who would think she is a role model. A role model for who?
The Republican Party know this is a nightmare, but they won’t admit it till after they lose the election! The truth will come out then and they will have plenty to talk about. Palin will disappear from the political world, but she will parlay her beauty and quirky popularity into a Hollywood career, she will be a very good role model then. She will look back at this failed attempt and keep making her claim. I can see it now, PALIN – The other First Family reality show!

Charlie Gibson’s slanted interview set up a classic scenario of “heads I win, tails you loose.” Sara thoughtfully asked for clarification in order to step over the mines he was scattering throughout his minefield interview. If he didn’t get the answer he wanted, he kept asking in different ways. In a courtroom he would have been called down for “badgering the witness”. Liberals are quick to seize on her careful deliberations and twist them around. If they remembered history, one of their favorite presidents faced down the Soviet Union in Cuba. He correctly assessed that Russia doesn’t want to go to war with us any more than we want to fight them. JFK understood something liberals today don’t understand at all. The likelihood of going to war diminishes when the enemy is faced with a strong adversary that is WILLING to stand up to them. In the face of weakness they will advance as far as they think they can get by with. McCain and Palin radiate strength. Although the liberal press minimized it, Libya gave up its nuclear ambitions BECAUSE Gaddafi feared a cowboy with his hand on the trigger. Negotiations with despots that are not backed up with strength are carried out in complete futility. If we elect leaders who want to fawn in front of our enemies, we deserve what we will get.

6:30 with charles gibson was where i turned to for unbiased commentary. i have never seen such a condesending and arrogant attitude towards a candidate as with sara palin. SHAME on u charles gibson.

My fellow American:
Let’s tune it down a bit and have a reality check.
The questions were not the best in order for voters to get to know her. They were formulated for a “gotcha” moment.
She neither shined, or looked foolish.
As tight as the race is, the sad fact is, who ever makes the last mistake will loose.
I am an Independent. I like Obama and can identify with him but probably will not vote for him. I do not think he can possibly afford all of the programs, rebates, and loans he is talking about and he referred to an unexpected baby as “punishment”.
I believe Obama to be a honorable man, but that is a dishonorable statement and position.

I have no problem with a newsman who wants to ask tough questions, or even one who wants to be condescending at times. If that’s your style, do it with everyone. A lot of us have been waiting a long time for a major news organization to do this kind of interview with Obama. I guess the wait continues. By the way, it would be nice if ABC News would post the official document concerning the Bush Doctrine. If it has ever been written, I am not aware of it.

At one point she actually said “you can see Russia from Alaska” as an indicator of her foreign policy experience! God help us.

Way to go, Charlie! You did much better than I expected. Time for the media to step it up and ask all candidates the tough questions, then make sure they actually answer them. Bring it on! I know Obama and Biden can handle it.

Dear ABC comment moderator:
It would make sooooo much more sense if you posted the responses in ‘most recently received’ order. That way the discussion responses don’t look outdated.
It is tedious!!! to have to read to the bottom to see the most recent posts.

Watched the first Gibson interview and am wondering why they had an 8th grade AV student cutting and pasting clips. It was the worst editing job I have ever seen. Cutting a person off in mid sentence just gives fodder to the conspiracy nut jobs who are going to fill in what they think she was going to say. Here is another thing. If the Baltimore Sun is correct, ABC News is showing parts of the interview, then polling to see whether the audience feels he is being to rough on her. Then they will show the parts of the interview that correspond to what the audience wants. This is ridiculous. Be fair, swallow your contempt for Gov Palin and ask tough questions. Use the same tenacity with your follow-ups as you would for any of the other candidates. Over all, I agree with the comments above which suggest that Gibson was condecending and my wife made the statement that he didn’t seem to want to be doing the interview in the first place. One final thought. I think Gibson wanted her to look like a war monger. Everybody knows that when someone is a member of NATO, the other members are obligated to go to war if a member is invaded. I am surprised that he didn’t go down the list of all NATO members and ask, If _____ was invaded, you would then go to war?

Charlie Gibson did come across condescending, but that was not as important as Palin’s answers. She is NOT prepared to become Vice President, and she will continue the same backward doctrines of the Bush administration. After eight years of the Bush doctrine. .do we really need another four more years of the same thing or worse. Are we going to continue to live in the Dark Ages i.e.abandoning pro choice, stem cell research,separation of church and state??? They do not have the right to force their ideologies on the rest of the country. Hopefully there will be REAL change the next four years with OBAMA!!

Hey, Charlie
Have you checked to see if Senator Obama has gotten that “well-deserved nap” that you suggested he get during your March 6, 2008 interview with him? Don’t remember? Let me help you out:
Gibson: Senator, you’re kind to take the time on a day when you legitimately should be able to simply just take long naps. I thank you. All the best to you.
Obama: Thank you so much, Charlie. I appreciate it.
Gibson: All right. Best to you.
Obama: Good.
You must have been getting that ‘thrill up your leg’ like Chris Matthews does…looks like it makes all the difference.

I think Charlie Gibson was condesending and looked over his glasses as if he thought she was a nobody and he could “trip her up” in a munite. Also it simply is not fair to not play the whole interview and take it out of context. I expected better from Charlie Gibson and……..
Sara did a great job in spite of the terrible attitude. She did wonderfully well.

What a stupid question was to ask quote how many head of states have you met unquote.
I wonder how many head of states had met
Bill Clinton when he was Governor of
Arkansas, and he run for President (and
unfortunately became one).

AND ONE MORE THING – WHERE DO YOU PEOPLE GET OFF SAYING THAT OBAMA IS NEVER GIVEN TOUGH QUESTIONS BY THE MEDIA. DO YOU NOT WATCH TELEVISION? THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS INTERVIEWS WHERE HE HAS BEEN GRILLED. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO APPALLED IN MY LIFE – NO OTHER WOMAN IN POLITICAL OFFICE ON THE NATIONAL SCENE – NANCY PELOSI, MADELINE ALBRIGHT, EVEN CONDOLEEZA RICE HAS SHOWN SUCH AN APPALLING LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BASIC ISSUES. SHE LOOKED LIKE A TEENAGER WHO REALLY HAD NO CLUE AS TO WHAT SHE WAS DOING. ABSOLUTELY APPALLING.

Now I know why I can never watch ABC News during or after any meal.
As an independant I just made up my mind as to who I am voting for. For I refuse to be influenced by any media representative so callous and offensive as the jerk interviewing this lady. Tough questions…….yes. But once she answered them he should have taken them and moved on. Instead, like all other news organizations, he wanted to make news instead of reporting it.
A fair and impartial interview I’ll consider, but a blatant attempt to show a candidate in the worst light possible just angers me to the point of entrenchment. She’s got my vote!

It amazes me that people are giving Charles any lip from his interview. People – this isn’t supposed to be a wimpy, fumbling individual he’s interviewing – she is potentially a future PRESIDENT of the United States. I saw some real doubt in her answers, and not only that, but she seemed to struggle with the language a bit and did not understand very important concepts like the Bush Doctrine (a fundamental change in US policy under the Bush Presidency). Don’t give her slack because it was a “hard” interview, we need answers and we need a leader. Good work Mr. Gibson.

Now matter who wins, those most responsible for the problem is the individuals who voted for the person who created the problems. Those who voted for George W Bush can not look at the economy and say they are not in some way responsible. Those who didn’t vote can not look at the economy and say they are not in some ways responsible. I voted for Gore and then Kerry and before then Clinton. I don’t feel in any way responsible for what I see. No Republican can say that. If everyone makes mistakes give some one a chance.

She confirmed why she is grossly unqualified to be the vice president. She may have been over-prepped; once she started down a verbal path she was unable to shift gears. McCain’s choice of her shows extraordinarily bad judgement.

Hey
….forget about Charlie Gibson’s interview…Governor palin is Ready to take on diplomacy with other countries

All of the efforts to paint Charlie Gibson as an unbiased reporter have been wasted. His mannerisms and technique used during the Palin interview proved his bias…he is clearly drinking out of the Obama coffee mug. I have been a fan of Charlie Gibson’s for years, and I cannot tell you how it saddens me to have seen him display this attacking journalistic style.

I’m beginning to get scared.
I cannot understand how anyone could watch this interview and maintain a favorable opinion about Sarah Palin being the VP of this country.
She tried to answer the question about the Bush doctrine without fully ubderstanding the question. She should have asked what the Bush doctrine was if she didn’t know it or if she didn’t understand the question.
Charles Gibson did seem to develop a bit of an attitude, but based upon her BS answers to imprtant questions, I thought he did well to contain himself.

I would like to remind other indenpendents and have them think back. Remember when you went through a job interview, that’s what this was like. Some of them went well and others, well not so well. But that didn’t make you NOT qualified.
This was not a Reporter reporting and attempting to obtain information for us to make an informed and effective decision, this was an interview Gibson was conducting with another person already hired for the job!
If other independents like me, understand this, then keep your minds open and continue to watch. The far left is nervous and are spouting off again just like the far right about Obama.
Watch, read and don’t get sucked in by the bias.
As you may have read, everytime I post the question for what Bidin has done, or Obama, for that matter, no one has an answer to their foreign policy accomplishments. I have taken the time to post Governor Palins so we can compare.

The real problem with the media in this election is only ‘poked the weakness and stir up for news value’.
I agree tough questions must be asked of a candidate. Tough as in issues but not because it is so vague or open-ended designed to trap like as in college.
I do not want to assume Charles is a liberal or not. I don’t care. But can’t the media not assume a stand. Just explore the views/answers that was given so that the candidate will gladly talk more. That way audience will learn more about why the candidate took such a stand. Look we need not agree with all the views but more importantly is the logic with whom this person process information and decisions.
This is so clearly lacking now in all the media. In fact this might be why America is now so divided. I mean 20 years ago, everyone still voice out freely but could agree to disagree and stay united. So the country might be divided not because of 2 different political parties but rather the media being arrogant.
This interview was pointless given Charles clearly started with a cold stance. I mean what is the point of asking someone to stare into the camera (pretending that it represents USA) to answer about her readiness. The correct thing to do will be explore real issues with the candidate and not pass judgements so that the interview will yield more information, principles, values from the candidate and then the public will decide whether he/she is ready. It is just equally absurd to ask Bill Gates in 1976 to stare at the camera whether he is ready to lead the world’s biggest software company.
Almost all the key subjects in his questions are either vague or too complex without contexts. Bush doctrine? Georgia? Number count the heads of states?
Now I am not asking anyone to pamper Palin here but in the end this kind of interview is a waste of time because it does not yield any new information about the candidate. Worst yet, it just left behind supporters from both camps to continue with pointless debates based on incomplete information.
In the end, both Charles and Palin did not shine due to a total lack of intellectual exchange like two clamped shells.
** one extra word for those who claim to be Foreign Affairs and National Security experts but exclude oil and gas is to really live in the old cold war era of defining security in terms of guns. The world is in a precarious position to be blackmailed by Oil nations because we have probably come to what we in the industry called the ‘peak oil’ point where no new oil fields have been discovered. This subject the oil market to wild inflation even with slight disruptions of supplies.
Sure not everyone will think Palin should be VP but if an interview allow us to hear more on her views why oil is now so key to national security will be thought provocating because no one can deny that she got to be the only politician who is most qualified to speak on this subject.
If the media really did their jobs, everyone will learn throught this election and not bickering over each other’s choice and campaign ads.

In additions to what I hinted about oil as part of national security:
If anyone including the media still think that Russia invaded Georgia because of saving villages, they must have been sleeping. Do you know that the Russia troop frontline in their final peace proposal is just a few miles from the oil pipeline?
Everyone take the statement from Gov Palin that ‘we can see Russia from Alaska’ as a foreign affairs joke. But I think no one will be laughing if in a few years time Russian stations troops near this border.
I do not belong to any party. And I am not trying to put out scare tactics. I was not even interested in politics. My interest is primarily economic and financial market analysis. Many people simply do not understand what is the dynamic behind the oil market change. Did China demand SUDDENLY surge? Did americans suddenly drive a lot more to pop up demand? Or did the Middle East suddenly shrink supplies? The answer to all the above is NO. So why did oil perk up so rapidly? There is a new comer on the block: Russia. A new comer but with the old supremacy thinking. Anyone who now look at the world map of oil field accessibility will see this glaring signal. It is clearly exerting control beyond its own oil fields. I will not say more as this is not an appropriate place to talk about this.
In fact Palin has this whole energy security issue in mind since 2 years ago. She spoke about it in several instances before she even know she was considered as VP. That was when I first took notice of this great woman when I was researching about oil markets. Maybe she does not yet have the full picture yet but she is truly the only politician who is light years ahead on this very key issue among those in politics. More importantly, she had committed concrete actions in the past 2 years.
I hope everyone for a while put aside the partisan stand, put aside those old dividing lines of liberals, democrats, republicans, conservatives and think about what I say.
I thought this US election is doomed from the start because the issues laid out by parties were so far away from reality and long term strategy. For a moment I thought Hillary came close to some of it.
But the choice of Palin as VP suddenly beam light. She is the only one in the ticket who GETs it, not even McCain. Obama is even light years away from this harsh reality. For anyone who think that the next 10 years just using tax cuts to save some dollars for the individual tax player and then the US market/economy can be back on track and regain competitiveness is truly buried in the sand. It has come to a juncture that such micro tactics will not be effective anymore.