Pallin’ Around With Palin
EmailIn The Weekly Standard, executive editor Fred Barnes comes to much-maligned Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s defense.
Barnes argues that conservatives who have offered harsh assessments of Palin — Kathleen Parker, Peggy Noonan, David Brooks, and Matthew Dowd – have never met the Alaska governor.
"The difference of opinion here, between those who know Palin and those who don’t, is unusual," he writes. "The criticism of Palin is personal. Normally in politics, campaign operatives are called on to make excuses for a dull and uninspiring candidate. Invariably, they explain that in private, especially face-to-face with a small group of voters, the candidate is dazzlingly likable and enormously persuasive.
"With Palin, it’s the opposite. No one questions her ability to excite a crowd. Simply by stepping on stage at rallies, Palin rouses audiences, and her speeches are frequently interrupted by chants of ‘Sarah, Sarah, Sarah.’
"It’s the private Palin, the person–who she is, what she knows, her lack of experience–that has provoked both the strongest criticism and most legitimate doubts about her readiness to be first in the line of succession if the president dies or is incapacitated."
He concludes, that in judging the GOP VP nominee, "it comes down to who is more credible. Is it those who’ve worked with her, or know her, or have at least met and talked with her? Or those who haven’t? The answer is a no-brainer. Okay, I may be biased on the subject of Palin, having been impressed after spending nearly two hours with her on one occasion and an hour on another.
"My advice is ignore the critics who know far less about Palin than she does about foreign policy. A good example is Ken Adelman, who headed the arms control agency in the Reagan administration. Adelman recently endorsed Obama and said he ‘would not have hired [Palin] for even a mid-level post in the arms control agency.’ Well, I know both Palin and Adelman. And Ken, I’m sorry to tell you, but I think there are an awful lot of jobs in Washington that Palin would get before you."
On a related note, you should check out Jane Mayer’s New Yorker story on "How John McCain came to pick Sarah Palin."
– jpt
Sen. DeMint: GOP Race Could Go Until Convention 
Obama Avoids Questions on Contraception Rule
She doesn’t even know what the Vice President’s constitutional duties are! End of discussion. Nothing else she says matters. If I interview for a librarian’s job by telling the potential employee I understand my duties to include serving breakfast, I would be laughed out of the building. Palin is an ignorant woman who happens to be very appealing to the eye.
Posted by: ADC14 | October 26, 2008, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
Sounds like right-wingers are trying to salvage what is left of conservatism.
Posted by: Fla Independent | October 26, 2008, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
The Far right needs a standard. Good grief, they are even looking at Joe the Plumber.
Just how ridiculous can they get?
Seriously folks politics is serious stuff. What is needed is statesmen not ideologues.
The old saying that religion and politics don’t mix still stands.
Posted by: Thinking | October 26, 2008, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
Sarah Palin is a laughingstock.
McCAIN = FAIL
Posted by: Ed from MA | October 26, 2008, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm
Fred Barnes has been the water boy and head cheerleader for the all of the years of the Bush fiasco. He has no credibility and no relevance whatsoever. He and Bill Kristol need to take a short walk off of a tall plank.
Posted by: fragan4 | October 26, 2008, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
Well at least you admit you’re biased.
So,is your advice to the McCain campaign to allow everyone voting democrat or who is undecided to sit down with Sarah for 3 hours of their life one on one?
That’s the point. If you can’t come across as the same person in a one on one meeting as you would on a 1:1,000,000 interview, guess what? Part of you is a fraud. Part of you is putting on a front of being someone you aren’t and thus… your credibility is gone. This is common sense.
It’s been fun watching people try to defend her. I don’t think she’s a bad person, she’s simply not qualified and doesn’t understand the issues. The real question is for McCain: Was Sarah Palin the best Republican running mate that you could choose for America? The answer is so bloody obvious. This was a political move to attract bitter Hillary supporters. It worked up until she opened her mouth with Katie Couric and shattered that image she created at the GOP Convention where she read a speech well.
Posted by: Brilliant | October 26, 2008, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
Fred Barnes is an idiot…
he backed every single stance, policy and argument that got us here…
and now he backs the “Bride of Chucky IV”
wow that’s surprising …
stupid continues
same team
same tactics
same arguments
9th year
Posted by: dl | October 26, 2008, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
So by even his own accounting, Fred Barnes’ intimate understanding of the the “real Sarah Palin” is based on about three hours of interaction, primarily during a neocon party cruise to the Great White Welfare State. Though Barnes could arguably criticized as being a little TOO deliberative, since McCain by comparison only needed an hour and fifteen minutes total face-time to declare her a “soulmate”. Hey, weren’t those the days? Ah, such sweet, sweet memories….
Posted by: Huskialto | October 26, 2008, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
Ha folks! just think Nacy Palosi is
two heart beats away from being president.Would you like to have her
President of the U.S.A.?
Posted by: vinnie | October 26, 2008, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Fla check again. She knows what the vp duties are more than Biden knows! For a man who has been in politics for so long you would think he should know more! Let us no forget her ran for President twice and received next to no votes! Wake up America or this will be the United Socialist Stated of America before you know it!
Posted by: Justme8811 | October 26, 2008, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
How many friends did Palin end up hiring on Alaska’s dime?
Did we ever find out why a tanning bed was a necessity?
Posted by: WeSupportObama | October 26, 2008, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
Vinnie good point and Noooooooooooooo I wouldnt!
Posted by: Justme8811 | October 26, 2008, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
Witless from Wasilla and Beatle Barnes- the original Dumb and Dumber. Respectfully, any kind of respect for the Palin neo-fascist ideology is frightening.
Posted by: B. Bear | October 26, 2008, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
Palain is dumb, and she is unqualified to be VP. Who cares if she excites a crowd. She would be a good co-host of a TV show with Pat Robertson.
Posted by: hotandspicy | October 26, 2008, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
You know, Obama is very skinny.
Those suits make him look way too skinny and unattractive, almost like Urkel. If he is going to spend that much money on clothes, he really should keep in mind that it is extremely important in this election to be attractive and sexy. I have to say, I saw some close-ups of Obama’s legs and I was not very impressed.
Posted by: Patrick | October 26, 2008, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
But on the other hand, Joe Biden is a hunk. His fancy suits fit his hard, old body like a glove. When he smiles, all I see are big teeth, but his small eyes are what light up his face. If he is going to be the VP, he needs to get some hair plugs with all the money he makes. His pants should be tighter, also. That is so important right now for our country.
Posted by: Patrick | October 26, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
So Fred Barnes spends nearly THREE hours with Palin and feels she’s quite qualified for the vice-Presidency? It’s obvious that Barnes is no great judge of character, is he?
Posted by: chuck | October 26, 2008, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
Pallin’ Around With Palin?
Jake, for a moment I thought the MSM would FINALLY shed some light on Todd Palin’s membership of the Alaska Independence Party that despises the USA, Washington DC and Americans in general.
But no. The MSM keeps the myth alive the press has been tougher on McCain than on Palin, while in the meanwhile they keep giving the McCain/Palin ticket a free ride when it comes to their dirty baggage and their closets full of shaduy connections and parties.
Posted by: keen | October 26, 2008, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
Personally, I think it’s telling that those who’ve seen her the most, don’t even endorse her. The Anchorage Daily Newspaper endorsed Obama today. Because, she’s not ready…among other reasons.
Posted by: thorfinn | October 26, 2008, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
Patrick Thank you for the mans view on Obamas leg and clothing>>>>You would not happen to be gay would you????Did you check out Mc Bush and if so give us your advice for him….
Posted by: NH voter | October 26, 2008, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
What the Heck doe ROUSING a crowd have to do with voting for McCain/Palin. Big DEAL! Show me the BEEF! Stick to the issues on what their ticket will do for America!
Fred Barnes is an idiot..and since he is PALIN AROUND WITH PALIN… You BETCHA he TOO can see RUSSIA from his back window! LOL!
Fred Barnes probably gave her lessons on the BUSH DOCTRINE too! ha!
Obama/Biden 2008!!
Posted by: Richard | October 26, 2008, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Palim is another wannnnnnna be just like Cindy .Cindy wants Barbie doll Palin wants power she would do anything to get it Just read how she would run this champaign Lies and more of them.She is in my book an evil woman and the more power she has the better she likes it.Look at how she has run Alaska if you read deep ,she is not liked many, many uses of power to get what she wants ,padding of her pockets man oh man this woman is DANGERIOUS…In many ways.They thought Stevens was bad—— two peas in a pod.
Posted by: ME | October 26, 2008, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
Or…Listen to the largest newspaper in Palin’s, home state, The Anchorage Daily News who endorsed Obama. Here is just a bit of what they had to say:
“Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.”
Posted by: Paige | October 26, 2008, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
ABC Blog Addicts!!!!
You need to read the article by Jane Mayer’s New Yorker story on “How John McCain came to pick Sarah Palin” which is included in the article above.
Very interesting!!!!
Posted by: sisterdearest09 | October 26, 2008, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
Palin is Sarah the entertainer.
She makes the crowd feel good,
but after her speech is over, nobody remembers what she was talking
about. Is that the VP we can rely on???
Posted by: FM | October 26, 2008, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
Palin seems more like than Bozo the Clown rather than Jane Six Pack. Her lack of substance does her in. What gets me are her remarks about pick on Joe Biden instead of me, the gotcha journalism, the press only wants to criticize little old me the innocent hockey mom. Get a few brains and stop the constant complaints, dim wit, and then people might start seeing you as someone worthwhile and not the loser you appear to be. Do it for McCain’s campaign’s sake at least if not for yourself. What a ditz head.
Posted by: buzziea | October 26, 2008, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
“I think there are an awful lot of jobs in Washington that Palin would get before you.”
Like what? She doesn’t think fruit flies should be used to study autism, turns out that the oil pipeline deal was not such a great success. And as Governor, she seems to have used her position to reward friends and punish enemies and has not really done the hard work necessary on policy fronts.
For her to have future political success, she’s going to have to show she has substance. That will be difficult when she said that she knows foreign policy because her state borders Russia and Canada. It will be hard for people to get past that.
I predict that if McCain/Palin lose, she will either be on the next season of Dancing with the Stars or perhaps a Palin family reality show. I’d really like to see either of those two.
Posted by: cincyr | October 26, 2008, 4:00 pm 4:00 pm
Couldn’t someone ghostwrite a substantive article for her so she’d at least seem to know something about something?
Posted by: wishicouldbe4her | October 26, 2008, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm
Remarkable! Today’s NY Times Magazine article discusses the Palin pick. Fred Barnes has spent as much time with her as McCain did before selecting her.
Posted by: Brooklyn Democrat | October 26, 2008, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
That New Yorker article was very interesting.
Seems like the whole Palin episode is a little like an internet romance gone awry.
Posted by: Danny | October 26, 2008, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
Barnes and Adelman in one story?
well, well, well, both have been soooo very accurate with their prognostications on foreign policy since 2000………… suggesting that Barnes be taken seriously on anything is inane.
Posted by: Blue | October 26, 2008, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm
Wonder how much it cost to get the endorsement of the Anchorage newspaper?
Obama has to trash Palin because she is not only a threat now but will be in 2012.
Besides she made a fool of BHO at the convention–by telling the truth.
Obama can’t handle the truth.
And he certainly can’t handle strong women.
Posted by: sam | October 26, 2008, 5:23 pm 5:23 pm
Sarah Palin having Elizabeth “The View” Hesslebeck on the campaign trail with her merely highlights the fact that she’s an empty skirt.
Caribou Barbie and “Survivor” Barbie!!!
Obama/Biden 08
Posted by: jackt51 | October 26, 2008, 5:27 pm 5:27 pm
She has no idea what “policies” or “platforms” [she thinks those are shoes women wore in the 70's], so please don’t try to tell us we can’t form an ‘objective’ opinion about her unless we MEET with her. [She would be no different in person than she is on TV - a FAKE, FRAUD, AND PHONEY.} She agreed to be interviewed by Gibson and Couric, neither of whom asked "gotcha" questions as she prefers to profess. If any politician is unable to answer questions [in concise constructive sentences rather than jibberish] posed by press personnel, then they have no business being in the national arena. Palin does not have the KNOWLEDGE, THINKING ABILITY OR INTELLECT to oversee any government office. To KNOW that her husband [who is NOT even a government employee but who is frequently present in her office during meetings is able to listen to procedures, policies and problems] who advises her] behind closed doors simply tells me that he is running the governor’s office, either due to her inability and/or due to distrusting her own instincts. This was the same type predicament that worried us about HRC being nominated.
I see a woman who has gotten through her life on her ‘physical appeal’ rather than on her intellect and it NOW SHOWS AND THE WORLD HAS SEEN IT! The American public is not STUPID and we aren’t just going to ‘accept’ anything we’re being told without finding out the underlying facts. It appears the more we hear and learn about the Palin’s, the more reasons we find not to believe her on basically everything she says. During her rallies telling supporters [generally the lunatic fringe] that she likes being in the “pro-American” portion of whatever state she happens to be in equates to ‘screaming’ that the other parts of the state must be “anti-American”. Nothing like inciting more hatred and bigotry!
I also read that she is very religious and yet by listening to her very hateful lies and innuendos about Obama, I’m certain that I would say there is nothing Christ-like about her. It’s apparent she KNOWS she is lying, but that doesn’t stop her from doing it, so she is a non-Christian in my view.
The “first impression” she made on many in the lower 48 was ‘embarrassingly shameful’ and she will NEVER have an opportunity to make A FIRST IMPRESSION again.
Posted by: MadasHelinVA | October 26, 2008, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm
Sarah Palin is nothing but a very good cheerleader. But all the cheerleading does not matter if her team of choice is made up of “has beens” with old ideas and an abysmally sorry strategy (that is if there has ever been a viable strategy in the first place).
Posted by: transbrown | October 26, 2008, 5:56 pm 5:56 pm
Ah well, thanks to the New Yorker article, we now know that Fred Barnes fell hard for Sarah on the Conservative Love Boat cruise to Alaska.
And as the first one on the Palin bandwagon, Barnes is obviously trying to salvage HIS reputation.
Posted by: Bud | October 26, 2008, 6:10 pm 6:10 pm
This is what I know about Palin, from her own words: “See, under a big government, more tax agenda, what you thought was yours would really start belonging to somebody else, to everybody else. If you thought your income, your property, your inventory, your investments were, were yours, they would really collectively belong to everybody”
She is a liar – both about Obama’s positions and her own history, she has destroyed McCain’s campaign with her ruthless gutter politics, and she inspires the worst – not the best in her supporters. What do you hear from Palin rallies? Let’s come together and solve these problems – we can do it together? No. Americans are good and patriotic, no matter where they live, no matter how they vote? No. I don’t agree with my opponent’s positions, but as a Christian, I respect every man or woman and see the light of Christ in them? No. This woman is the most ruthless, dishonest politician I have seen in my lifetime – and that includes Richard Nixon. Even Nixon did not stoop to saying that under his opponent’s administration your property would not belong to you – it would belong to everybody. I suported John McCain. I am an independent – but it will be a very long time before I ever vote for a Republican again in a national election.
Posted by: Mara | October 26, 2008, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
I have a question Jake how can Shaun Hannity go to a Sara Palin rally here in Tampa today I thought that fair and balanced to mean that news anchors did not get involved in the political process does not seem fair at all
Posted by: Bonita | October 26, 2008, 6:38 pm 6:38 pm
Biden didn’t know what the V.P.’s job was either and if you didn’t know that,you didn’t watch the V.P. debate. I find it hilarious when others mock Palin’s experience. Obama has no experience whatsoever in any field of political life. Voting yea, nay, and present does not constitute experience. To those who think Palin is not qualified, let’s put the top of your ticket against Palin and see who comes out ahead. I’m sure even at home Obama doesn’t even make the decisions, Michelle does.
Posted by: Linda/Michigan | October 26, 2008, 6:49 pm 6:49 pm
Attack dog with lipstick. That says it all.
Posted by: frank burns | October 26, 2008, 7:11 pm 7:11 pm
Sarah Palin has done some pretty highly questionable acts in Alaska. History of her political service in Alaska reveals problems strong enough for a possible FBI investigation. Wonder is FBI will be indicting her?? Question if her own appointed Ethics Board can conduct a non-biased second investigation – the second step of process??? Her appointed inexperienced Attorney General from her own small town of Wasilla has not demonstrated non-bias. But then the FBI are handicapped and under direction of Republican George Bush. FBI has been in Alaska since 2004. Sarah Palin never cleaned up Alaska political corruption. FBI was doing this alone. Actually Alaska government and their lawmakers were ones being investigated.
Go check it all out. Google it.
Tell Sarah Palin to go home. She has already been found to have committed “abuse of power” as Governor of Alaska. Her political record has produced lots of problems and no new self proclaimed good news will change my mind. New stories keep coming out of more problems. Another that has not yet hit news – how her and Todd’s new house was built at same time Wasilla Sports Complex was built a couple of blocks away. Contractor of Complex has/had lien on their house. Were they getting free building materials on sly from sports complex??? Were contractors working for free on their house on sly?? She is friends of Ted Stevens and seems he got some freebies for his house remodeling on sly. Stevens case is still in jury deliberation. Stevens indicted by FBI. Seems some of Alaska government politicians practice possible illegal activities. News investigative reporters keep finding new facts. Facts are not favorable and evidence does back up their stories.
Sarah Palin recently this summer did not support Measure 4 which put state pollution regulations in place for Pebble Mine pollution drainage. Pollution will affect one of largest salmon spawning streams in America. Palin was more interested in the money the state would generate than protecting the very people she was elected into office to serve. Instead she is saying it is ok for toxic chemicals from pollution drainage to get into the food chain. She is saying it is ok for her people to develop life threatening medical conditions. She is saying it is ok if they die. She is saying it is ok for another Erin Brockenvich movie. She is saying ok for astronomical law suit!! This is 2008 and we all know what toxic chemicals can do!! Another to recall is the “Five Mile Island.” 2008 there is no excuse for this. Regulations and good planning would prevent this disaster against humans in the making. I am middle of road when it comes to environmental protection. But when money and corporate interests take priority over the health and very life of people I get very mad!!
Lady is not qualified, nor is she honest. Too much evidence to back my statements. I have discovered she is just another corrupt Alaskan politician. She joins the other 11 Republican politicians indicted by the FBI to date. To date no Democrats indicted.
This lady is not honest!! Her administration reveals her personal actions of “cronyism.” She displays extreme vindictiveness. She uses and includes her husband as if he is part of her administration. And is just way too much, and way beyond usual and customary for spouses. Personal issues with Palin’s become vendettas for Palins with personal/workplace/business attacks upon people. Alaska is small and everyone knows everyone. Jobs lost. Reputations ruined. List goes on and on. Some people are scared to speak out against her and her family. Large donors to her campaign receive large subsidized government loans or receive government contracts where bid contracts written favoring preferential treatment for her donors. Evidence exists for all of this. The Palin secrecy facts are starting to fall apart.
Sarah Palin is presently in midst of multiple ethics complaints lodged against her as Governor in Alaska. Already has been found guilty of one “abuse of power” complaint. Law Suits will come and point to probable court decisions against her. Top litigation attorneys were on TV saying all was serious for her. Worse is still yet to come for her.
I can not believe anything she says anymore. As a female my excitement at her selection has turned to alarm!! How can someone who seems to be so beautiful and personable, delivers wonderful crowd attracting speeches, be not who she really is? What we seem to have is a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Just can’t seem to describe her any other way. This lady is scary!!
Posted by: Sharonklim | October 26, 2008, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
OBAMA=KOOL AID. LOOK IT UP!!!! GO PALIN!!!
Posted by: queen bee | October 26, 2008, 8:48 pm 8:48 pm
OBAMA PROMISED TO CUT TAXES FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS IN CHICAGO X 3 YEARS AND NEVER HAPPENED. EMPTY PROMISES. CHICAGO IS IN SHAMBLES. IF HE IS ELECTED, USA WILL BE THE NEXT CHICAGO, FULL OF CRIMES AND WELFARE RECIPIENTS. NO PRO GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES. GO MCCAIN/SARAH!!!!
Posted by: QUEEN BEE | October 26, 2008, 8:51 pm 8:51 pm
Jake,
Did you know Sarah had 2 separate ethics complaints against her under investigation at this time.
I had missed this, but in addition to the Troopergate, according to the LA Times (and noted by a poster below):
“Palin drew a formal ethics complaint still pending against her and several aides for allegedly helping another donor and fundraiser land a state job.”
Apparently 100 friends and donors got plum jobs in the Palin administration, though most were laughably unqualified.
I guess when you turn your campaign over to lobbyists, you get a very different interpretation of the value of ethical governance.
Posted by: Bud | October 27, 2008, 8:20 am 8:20 am
Jake, put all the clothing, make up, troopergate, and qualifications issues aside…it is painful to hear her in an interview. She cannot compose her thoughts or a complete sentence. Granted, since she was removed from the lime light and coached, she has become much better, but you know what they say about first impressions. I, um, wanted to, um, like her, ya know, but Katie Couric and, um, Obama, and those taxes, um, and I’ll get back to ya on that and let ya know.
Posted by: SUSIE | October 27, 2008, 9:58 am 9:58 am
“My advice is ignore the critics who know far less about Palin than she does about foreign policy.”
Most of her critics aren’t the ones that have accepted a job which they are unqualified for…..as for her getting a any job, please! Who would hire her for anything?! If a normal person went into an interview and displayed a lack of knowledge for the job he/she had applied for, the interview would be cut short. Therefore, her as a VP is laughable and damn sad.
Posted by: Donald | October 27, 2008, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
Typical ignorant reaction from Barnes a person who would get no executive jobs in Washington DC, being simply a bloviating hack. Sarah Palin as a city mayor had no responsibility for services and schools, and the only project she implemented, a hockey rink, is a boondoggle. When she left the city it was millions of dollars in debt. As governor she has appointed many unqualified cronies in return for contributions to her campaign, and her abuse of power is too well documented to bear repitition. Barnes isn’t talking about what Sarah Palin really knows on foreign policy, because she is an ignorant know nothing.
Posted by: goodandtrue | October 27, 2008, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm