I am incredibly insulted that John McCain picked Palin as his running mate. He used to be his own man. Now, he belongs to the right wing conservatives. He made that clear with his choice.
I'll make my choice clear at the polls on election day.

Sent by Shelly | 10:33 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Nothing about the bridge, Charlie? It's been soundly exposed to be a falsehood, yet she continues to make the claim. It's a fair and essential question. Disappointed, but not necessarily surprised.

Sent by Todd | 10:56 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Can you focus on the issues that are facing our country rather than on "tabloid-like" reporting of the candidates? As a female educated American who is the mother of four children (one also handicapped) and proud recipient of a doctorate, I want to make an educated decision in electing the next president of the United States. I am sick of the childish, cynical behavior of the candidates when we are at war and people are losing their homes. Give us some meat and evidence of the candidates' positions rather than running feature after feature on Ms. Pallin. Give us some credit for having the brains to make decisions based on facts. Thank you!

Sent by Dr. Margaret Barilla | 10:57 PM ET | 09-11-2008

"Slightly awkward"? One minute, she's ready to lead the free world, and in the next she's clearly totally, absolutely, clueless about the most important foreign policy doctrine of the current administration? That's not slightly awkward, that's terrifying given that she's odds on right now to be a 72 year old heartbeat away from the Presidency.

You owe it to my children to do your job better than this. I don't care about her family life or her so called narrative, but I do care that a responsible and sober press give us thoughtful and honest insights into just how ready the governor is to take responsibility for my children's welfare in an unfriendly and unforgiving world.

Sent by Joseph Seispaquete | 11:04 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Why does Sarah Palin, and many other US Citizens only talk about inalienable rights for US Citizens? What about the Iraqui peoples' rights not to be attacked by a foreign country, who still occupies their own land?

How does Sarah Palin and John McCain think is is safe for our world to threaten to attack Russa? Russia at least has some vested interest in what goes on in a neighboring country, Georgia. The US had no right to attack Iraq with no provocation. It is simply not right to rattle the sabers of governments and threaten war.

Sent by Eileen Jesionowski | 11:08 PM ET | 09-11-2008

I don't think I have ever heard a politician sound so shockingly unqualified in my life. That's saying alot.

Is this all a bad joke?

No wonder they didn't want her to do interviews.

Sent by Jo Davidson | 11:28 PM ET | 09-11-2008

I just saw the sarah palin abc interview. She is clueless who cant see beyond alaska. I am furious with this political process wherein we have an in- experienced governor who could possibly be the next president of the united states. America cannot afford to gamble on this election. We did it the last time and look at the disaster that the current administration has created. Mccain and palin keep stressing that they are going to reform Washington Dc and people within their own party. Mccain has been in politics for a long time . Has anything changed ??? Are his policies reflecting any change ??? If he wants to reform his own party , why not give Obama the oppurtunity to lead America. We cant mess it up this time. It is too critical not just for us but also for our future generations to come.

Sent by Agdutt | 12:07 AM ET | 09-12-2008

How can someone who is supposed to be ready to take President Bush's place (if McCain dies in office) not even know what the Bush Doctrine is ?

And she talks about nuking Russia like it was some kind of kids hockey game? This woman is scary!

Sent by Steve Ferrell | 12:08 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Governor Palin is clueless of the world; she is even clueless when it comes to comprehension of simple English.

This lady is not an agent of change; she is just creative about her record.

But the people say: We need change!

Sent by Kim | 12:09 AM ET | 09-12-2008

The world cannot afford to have her trigger finger on the nuclear button. The world she could destroy is the world I want to live in. She knows absolutely nothing about the world. She has never met a foreign leader and has never been outside the U.S. except for a few short visits. She claims she understands Russia because it is next to Alaska. Stupidity and ignorance are the greatest causes of war. Palin's claim that Russia was unprovoked shows she has mastered the ignorance part. She is clueless and wants her finger on the nuclear button. OMG!

Sent by garyandyvonne | 12:15 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Muutually Assured Destruction
(That's military for every one dies)

Did Govenor Palin forget the strategy we followed for several decades? Did she forget that Russia has nuclear bombs pointed at us? Did she see their bombers get stationed in Venezuala today?

A war with Russia and the USA is nuclear - and that kills us all. Stop posturing for a moment and think about the words coming out of your mouth just to get yourself elected.

Nuclear war kills us all. It's not going to be a new clear war that will leave everything bright and shiny.

Sent by Christopher M. Brown | 12:15 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Gov Palin's similarities with our current president are eerie. Here again, another wanna-be leader who does not understand life outside of her own limited life experience. Like Bush, zealotry is Palin's excuse to seek out the simplest answer. Sarah Palin is quickly becoming an example of the Peter principle - she's risen to her level of incompetence. She's just not ready to take the next step, and the past eight years serve as the greatest testimony to this fact.

Palin is McCain's latest embrace of bad Bush policies. We need a maverick in the White House. Cowtowing to the extreme right wing of this country is not the solution.

Sent by Jim Ringel | 12:17 AM ET | 09-12-2008

What in the world was McCain thinking when he chose her.

The interview was hard to watch.

Sent by Terri | 12:29 AM ET | 09-12-2008

It's obvious the Gibson/Palin interviews are managed, scripted, and handled, and yet some truth did manage to reveal itself. The fact that Palin doesn't know what the Bush Doctrine is makes me wonder if she knows what the McCain platform is.
I would like to hear Gibson ask Palin what McCain's SPECIFIC plans are for: The economy, jobs, the minimum wage, global warming, alternative energy research and development, education, health care, stem cell research, care for veterans and their families, the Supreme Court, immigration, relationships with the G8, NATO, the UN, the media, and unions. Further I'd like to hear her own and McCain's definitions of the role of government in this country and what notions she has about the "common good", if any. Plus, I'd like to hear what or how much power she thinks corporations, or religions, should have in shaping national policy. I have many more questions, but I think these would help me understand who Sarah Palin would be as Vice President or President.

Sent by Betsy Folks | 12:47 AM ET | 09-12-2008

And no wonder they started her with an interview by "hard hitting" news man Charlie Gibson. (Remember how tough he was during the Democratic debate: http://seidlweb.com/public/item/201988)

Sent by F. Seidl | 12:55 AM ET | 09-12-2008

It is so hard to take Sarah Palin seriously and I feel like I am stuck in a bad dream. Just when I thought this might end up being a fair and "normal" election, not fully controlled by Bush cronies, the GOP pulls this Palin stunt. I will cry real tears if any of this succeeds on election day.

Sent by Toni Schaetz | 1:24 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Here are two VERY IMPORTANT non-partisan websites for every American to check out. Send them to your friends. The first is: http://www.factcheck.org/ - It's checks the facts on everything that politicans are saying, and it is illuminating. The second is: http://www.votesmart.org/ - It provides a lot of information about the candidates, their voting records, their funding, etc.

I am also horrified that a historic choice - the first Republican female VP candidate - would be so... it's not even that she's inexperienced. She's chicken. If she can't answer questions by the media, how in the world can she be president??! If you are breaking down barriers for women, you have to be better than all the rest! And you have to be brave! And not cry "sexism" - especially when the label is undeserved! It is not sexist to question her ability to be the vice-president or president with 5 children including a teenage daughter who is pregnant and a 4-month year old with Down syndrome. This is not just a big family or a young family - it is a special needs family! A parent should be able to put his or her children first (especially with special needs), and she would not be able to do that all of the time if she became president. I have similar concerns about Obama's children, but at least they are not special needs and he is not afraid of the press.

Sent by Alaina Pipas | 1:33 AM ET | 09-12-2008

The thought of there are still Americans who will vote for lies and deceptions of the Republican Party after 8 years of the disastrous Bush presidency is killing me. The youth of America today will look back in 30 years and cringe at the stupidity of their parents and grand parents. I like Sarah Palin as a person but tempted by the opportunity of a life time to reach the highest stage of her political career, she will be lost in the dirty and corrupt universe of Republican and Washington politics.

Sent by Eric James | 1:38 AM ET | 09-12-2008

First I read the transcript, then I found video clips, then I read opinions and articles such as this.

It is my impression that Charlie went soft on Sarah in comparison to many people he's interviewed. I think he did a good job of persisting in his questions when she did not give a straight answer - it shows more of her character and how she handles being under pressure. It is my opinion that world leaders need to be able to keep cool under pressure and still think and articulate directly and clearly. I think the interview shed a bright light not only on her comprehension of topics (ie: foreign policy and Bush's doctrine) but also on her character and personality.

I do hope Charlie touches on some of the topics regarding her time as mayor and governor. Even if he doesn't, though, I think he will expose her true character - both in WHAT she says as well as HOW she says it. To me, they are equally as important.

She may be a fine and proper leader of our 47th most populated state, but in this introductory interview alone it is clear to me that she is not ready to be second in line to be a world leader.

I look forward to the rest of the interview/s.

Sent by Carrie | 1:42 AM ET | 09-12-2008

I agree with Jo. Is this a joke? Forget about having any back ground in foreign policy
Did she pass her 9th grade civics class? It is so embarrassing.

Sent by Andrea | 2:18 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Why are you even paying attention to Charles Gibson and ABC News? You're all part of MY NPR, are you not? Do your own work, which is OUR work! This is what we must do: Federal troops should invade Alaska and martial law should be declared; exile all the ugly white carpetbaggers who've settled there, put some lipstick on the fish, and either return the "state" to the aboriginals, turn it into our largest national park, kick it out of the union, sell it back to Russia to help defray the costs of Bush and McCain's illegal war, have Puerto Rico take over Alaska's star on the flag, send Ms. Palin back to "nowhere" Alaska to be tried for pre-emptive war-crimes, make her sleep in her hockey-mom van under a bridge, censure her now to avoid the cost of a recall election (Good God!--who's on her side--could that ticket really get elected?) in January, or simply cower in fear while whimpering Robert Frost's little ditty, FORGIVE, OH LORD, MY JOKES ON THEE, AND I'LL FORGIVE THY GREAT BIG ONE ON ME!

Sent by Franz J. Kitzberger | 2:33 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Can we, as a country, please, please, PLEASE stop wanting to put 'average' folks like Governor Palin in positions of power? We don't want an 'average' heart surgeon to operate us, or an 'average' mechanic to fix our cars, so why the hell would we want to put an 'average' person so close to being literally the most powerful human being that has ever lived?

Are we really that stupid?

Sent by jonathon, pdx | 2:50 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Quite frankly anyone who is so vehement that they are "ready" for such an elected position is probably the least bit qualified. People who would truly be ready would probably spend some time dealing with the implications of taking on such a responsibility. Bad reporting or not, it was at least clear to this viewer that city council members across the nation are apparently ready to be the VP at the drop of a hat. Give me a break, or at least a real GOP VP candidate.

Sent by Shocked and appalled (awed?) | 3:11 AM ET | 09-12-2008

I'm used to politicians sticking to their talking points. However, Palin's total inability (or refusal) to deviate or even paraphrase her response on Israel certainly was illuminating. It was clear to me that her responses on religion came from the heart and those on foreign affairs came from a script.

Sent by Bethany Atkins | 3:13 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Jo Davidson~

Sadly, this is what it appears to be to those of us watching from afar.

Sent by Armand in Spain | 3:34 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Palin's obvious lack of foreign policy experience is scary as well as terrifying, particularly when she stands ready to take us into another war, this time with Russia, over the situation in Georgia. How many more wars does our country have to suffer through led by Republican administrations? If it is true that Americans want change and, as Palin admits, "..no more politics as usual..", then she clearly has not gotten the message that Americans do not want to be at war now nor want to get into a new one if she and McCain take office.

Sarah Palin's lack of experience and knowledge in foreign policy is an issue American voters should seriously take into consideration when they go to the polls to vote because it is far more likely that McCain, at the age of 72, will die in office than Obama will. This unfortunate situation would leave America in the hands of a soccer mom with lipstick rather than someone who Americans can feel assured has the ability to take over and lead the nation.

While it may be true that Americans are sick of Washington politics that does not mean we want a candidate with Palin's lack of credentials to lead us into a nuclear war she cannot even pronounce.

Sent by Mary Ann Uribe | 4:53 AM ET | 09-12-2008

I just cringed watching the interview and I am wondering if there are people out there who aren't cringing and if they could explain to me why their reaction is so different to mine.

I really want to understand the other side; I don't want partisan, destructive politics, but I just cannot with every ounce of my body listen to her and see her as a potential president.

In her interview, she said nothing that was her own. Everything was scripted and false. I just wanted her to have a self, to be a warm human being. If she doesn't have the skills, at least she can have the common sense, the strong sense of self.

Did anyone ever listen to Barack Obama's podcasts when he first became state senator? At the end of each day, he use to record his thoughts in the most honest, candid way. They were so honest they were almost boring (sorry, Barack). You could listen to him learning and processing and getting better and the game but still trying to hold onto himself.

Where is this in Sarah, where is she, the person, the non-scripted, the one who has a natural judgment to lead the country which is far greater of a skill than experience?

When she equated her prayers in church to Abraham Lincoln, this anger just raised up inside me. Does she even know the struggles that Abraham Lincoln went through? Every day he worried so deeply about his own choices and whether or not he was doing right for the country, so much so that he was often in a deep depression and sadness. Abraham Lincoln went up against half our nation in doing what he felt was right.

Where is Sarah's heavy heart and humility and struggle with trying to balance the difficult, grey world that we live in? She sounded so false, so scripted.

The scariest bits were when she sounded like Bush, so uninformed, spinning words that are suppose to mean deep things, but emptying them in political rhetoric and an excessive confidence without the judgment and deep thought that comes with being a great leader, like Abraham Lincoln.

Sent by Margaret | 6:14 AM ET | 09-12-2008

DEMOCRATS, OBAMA, BIDEN, DO NOT USE "BUSH DOCTRINE" TO PUT PALIN DOWN. IT IS A SETUP BY KARL ROVE. THERE IS NO BUSH DOCTRINE. THAT TERM OR PHRASE HAS NEVER APPEARED ON ANY GOVERNMENT POLICY PAPERS.

PALIN IS NOT DUMB. SHE IS THE REPUBLICAN'S BAIT. IF YOU THINK PALIN WAS WRONG ABOUT BUSH DOCTRINE, THINK AGAIN. THAT WILL SHOW THAT YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY.

BUSH DOCTRINE IS FAMOUS AMONG CONSPIRACY LOONIES. BE CAREFUL. IF PALIN CAN SILENCE THOSE OLD SCHOOL ALASKAN REPUBLICANS, SHE IS NO DUMB, MEEK MOOSE-EATING BABY-MAKER.

AGAIN, THERE IS NO BUSH DOCTRINE. THERE IS NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. BUSH STRATEGY IS BETTER THAN BUSH DOCTRINE BECAUSE IT IS ON THE PAPER.

A SCARED DEMOCRAT

Sent by sun_dang | 6:14 AM ET | 09-12-2008

She has that "deer in the headlights" look down pat. If this is who McCain wants at his right hand, the proverbial "heartbeat away", are we to expect a McCain cabinet to consist of similarly clueless people? I think our only rational choice in November is getting clearer every time the Republican ticket opens its collective mouth. Vote Obama!

Sent by Randy | 7:46 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Shocked. That was my reaction and what appeared to be her expression. She seemed completely ill at ease, using canned or rehearsed answers. Suggesting that because she could see Russia from one of the islands off Alaska's coast gives her foriegn policy bonefides. Then of course the Bush doctrine gaff. This is Not a person ready to sit in the big chair.

Sent by Robert Greenfeld | 7:53 AM ET | 09-12-2008

She was utterly clueless about the central thesis that has us fighting wars in two countries. Why that isn't the headline, I don't know --- maybe the McCain folks have told NPR and the rest of the news media that straight-up reporting on Palin will show that they are biased, so they can't report that the empress has no clothes.

Sent by paul | 8:34 AM ET | 09-12-2008

After all the years, intimidations, hard work of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Clinton, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and many others, does Sarah Palin deserve to be the first woman in the White House-or close to it? I think not. She is the flavor of the month and McCain's pit bull. When he saw how her tactics worked, he followed suit. Now we have an ugly, divisive election. She is far from equal to the ranks of the women who paved the way for her and she should have the honesty to admit that.

Sent by Cathy Kaemmerlen | 8:53 AM ET | 09-12-2008

I can now take great comfort knowing Barack Obama will become the next President of the United States. That interview was all I needed to see.

Sent by Sharon | 8:53 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Funny the press isn't asking any questions about experience regarding their chosen one...

Sent by tony | 9:00 AM ET | 09-12-2008

I'm not sure you watched the interview per AP:

"John McCain running mate Sarah Palin sought Thursday to defend her qualifications but struggled with foreign policy, unable to describe President Bush's doctrine of pre-emptive strikes against threatening nations and acknowledging she's never met a foreign head of state."

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2008/09/palin_tries_to_defend_qualific.php

Since NPR won't call out Palin for her lies on the "Bridge-to-nowhere"; hasn't done a story on Troopergate; and ignored her husband's membership in secessionist party, I can only conclude that NPR continues it agenda of going soft on the GOP.

Sent by Ron Gordon | 9:00 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Sara again didn't disappont anyone in her interview!!
Her intelligence, leadership, knowledge and "can think on her feet" qualities showed through, even though Charlie tried in vain to trip her up.

Oprah and other celebrities will need to throw more of their hard earned money and bias support for Barack.

Sent by Nancy | 9:01 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Charlie was too soft on her. He could have brought up the question as to weather or not war with Russia would include the "new-clear" option (over Georgia?). No questions about the bridge to nowhere or other hot topics either. Seems like a free ride to me.

Sent by Tony | 9:15 AM ET | 09-12-2008

I am in between jobs (by choice) and have been practicing my answers to typical job interview questions ("what is the greatest challenge you encountered at your last job, and how did you deal with it?"). At this early point in my practicing, I sound a lot like Sarah Palin. It's a struggle to give a brief, solid, impressive, original answer, and be sincere and honest at the same time. I guess I'm trying to find my own voice. In this way, I'm empathetic to Palin.

On the other hand, someone running for VP of a major superpower should have found her voice by now and be capable of giving an interview without extensive use of canned answers and a phony "tough lady" attitude.

I would never, ever vote for Sarah Palin because I disagree with her stance on basic issues, and because she is so obviously inexperienced. Unfortunately, with the nature of today's TV interview that only allows for quick, simple answers via soundbite, Sarah will continue to be coached to give stupid, canned responses like those she gave last night.

I hope NPR gets a chance to interview her, because NPR journalists often give interviewees more time to explain and think through their answers critically. There must be something good up there in Palin's brain, or McCain wouldn't have chosen her. (Right?)

Sent by Mary Steidler | 9:18 AM ET | 09-12-2008

NPRs reporting on the Palin interview sure sounds like soft soap to me. She said in the interview that this nation might have to go to war with Russia. The responsible answer to such a question should be "No one wants war with Russia, we must work very, very hard to to avoid that." Sarah Palin has, in this first interview, revealed herself to be truly unthinkable as Vice President.

Sent by John L. Wilson | 9:21 AM ET | 09-12-2008

I am increasingly wondering why people(dems, indep. and repubs.) are not up in arms about mccains vp pick. There is a more than probable likeliness that McCain will not survive his first term as President and this woman will have to take over. God knows she is a puppet at this point with Bush operatives on her back. They will be running this country. Also, Palin cannot be trusted!-most of her stump speech is a lie-the media knows it. This is a dirty game and it is playing with our childrens and grandchildrens future-who are we kidding-OUR future too. I am outraged!!!!

Sent by jen | 9:30 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Oh Nancy - were we watching the same show?!!! Sara was pathetic and is no more qualified to lead our country than a pit bull! She embarrassed herself and her party. Shame on John McCain for thinking we are that stupid. Men AND especially women will see through this charade! We need a LEADER who is thoughtful, careful and has the best interests of ALL people at heart! She's not the one!

Sent by Barbara | 10:09 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Gee, thanks Charlie.

One of the major parties' candidate is campaigning on a bald-faced lie, but instead you ask her puff-questions. Good job preemptively caving in to the right-wing bias whiners.

Journalism at its best: avoiding the tough questions!

Sent by Kasreyn | 10:11 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Palin ended her term as mayor of Wasilla in 2002...just 6 years ago.

Obama last worked as community organizer in a Chicago neighborhood 10 times larger than Wasilla in 1988...over 20 years ago, before he even went to Harvard Law School.

Palin's fast climb also gives us clues as to the depth of qualified talent that shapes our state and national energy policy since Palin was appointed Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Commission after serving as mayor of Wasilla. Do you think the negotiators representing the oil companies on the other side of the table had resumes as light as hers ?

Sent by Paul | 10:13 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Tony said,
"Funny the press isn't asking any questions about experience regarding their chosen one."

I'm not sure who was the "chosen one" a month ago, but ever since the weekend before the Republican convention, it's clearly Sarah Palin. I've haven't seen a politician so wildly adored by the media, with so little substance behind the image, since Ronald Reagan's glory days.

Sent by Gary Cooper | 10:14 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Palin, "Thanks, but no thanks! You can keep your lies and half truths. I just made up my mind to vote for Obama."

Sent by Margie Williams | 10:42 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Palin reminds me of George W. Bush when he was running for office in 2000. He was as inexperienced as she is on foreign affairs and yet, mockingly, managed to make that fact into a non-issue during the campaign. My fear is that, if Palin manages to find herself in a decision making capacity, she will repeat many of the same mistakes made by the current administration. Our job as voters is not to be lulled into thinking that Palin as vice president will be relegated to largely ceremonial duties. Without a doubt, should the McCain-Palin ticket win, McCain will be forced to significantly rely upon Palin just as he has depended upon her to rally the party faithful and his own worn-out self in the campaign. I'm afraid Palin as VP will actually exercise a great deal of power and her inexperience will bring about a repeat of the Bush administration's propensity for blunder.

Sent by Terry | 11:16 AM ET | 09-12-2008

After days of being prepped for her first interview and we get this? I watched it 3 times and was more shocked each time. She is as out of touch as McCain is. War with Russia on her first interview? And since when does God approve of war much less deciding when to have one?

Shameful lack of knowledge and experience.

Sent by CarolO | 11:31 AM ET | 09-12-2008

It was interesting to hear Sarrah Pallin reply that she is ready to be not just Vice President but perhaps President of the United States of America while Joe Biden - without being asked- voluntarily admit Barrack Obama made a mistake in choosing him because he (Joe Biden) believes Hilliard Clinton would have been a better choice. What to go Joe! Great way to back up Barrack!!

Sent by Gus Therios | 11:31 AM ET | 09-12-2008

Dear Mary Steidler-
What a tactful way to put it. I could not have expressed myself any better. I too would like to give people a chance to present themselves. If they fall short so be it, its only part of the decision making process. Sarah Palin for all her weaknesses and faults is an accomplished person in her own right. John McCain's historic gamble may have failed.

Sent by robert | 12:17 PM ET | 09-12-2008

I feel that Joe Biden has done so much more for women with the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 than Palin ever could do just by the act of being the 1st female VP.

Obama/Biden!

PS... did you see those pictures of her over a dead moose carcass? Or with a bear skin over her couch? PRO-LIFE INDEED

Sent by Angela Vetri | 12:28 PM ET | 09-12-2008

All I have to say is Beware of Pitbulls wearing lipstick in sheep's clothing.

Sent by Lolo | 12:35 PM ET | 09-12-2008

As an African-American male who is very grounded in my Christian Faith, I struggle with both candadites on general. For John McCain, I believe he has a good heart and desire to see America do better. The selection of Palin has left me wondering why he really chose her. The published successes she has had in Alaska are wonderful. But was she selected just revitalize the Republican party during this campaign or was she selected because of her proven capacity to bring the reformation of country that is less partisan and more principled.

Sent by Curtis | 1:48 PM ET | 09-12-2008

This has to be the most leftist message board I've ever visited.
Except the guy who wonder's why they haven't inquired as to Obama's experience the rest of these posts have been exteremely predictable.
How many times has Palin voted "present"?
Should have expected this with NPR.

Sent by Tigre | 2:15 PM ET | 09-12-2008

What McCain supporters don't get is that we are no longer living in the "glory days" (like high schoolers who are stuck in the pass and can't grow up) where we think we'll always be the leader of the world (hello?! CHINA?), playing big brother, and pushing democracy down anyone's throat who doesn't LIVE LIKE US! Continuing like this puts us all great danger of standing alone AGAINST the world. Even countries who, although, hate terrorism, will EVENTUALLY hate us too...because of our pompous, cocky attitude of how big and badass we are! That's why I think whoever coined the term: "country first" is a pompous idiot!. It's as if UNLESS you're waving the U.S. flag in everyone's face, then you're not patriotic enough. Instead of behaving like a pompous KNOW IT ALL (our way is the highway). No way is right unless it's the "American way". I can't think of another country that harp so much as we do about being American!". Let's see, "We're the Chinese! We're the British! We're the French! (uh.. I don't think so). Only our country goes on and on like that. There's pride, and then there's pridefulness.

Rather, we should learn to deal with everything, including terrorism with the support and help of our allies and other nations. We need to work with the world, instead of behaving like backwoods racist screaming, "nuke anyone who is against us..., and if you don't agree...get out of OUR country blahh blah.." And recently, someone on "the View" pompously said, "well, they hate us already!" Well, that reminds me of some childish playground fight where if another child hates you ALREADY, then it's okay to keep the hate going, rather than seeking help in trying to resolve it.

I believe that we cannot afford to stand alone, not only will our SAFETY, but our economy will be in danger of extinction. It's BIGGER than just keeping our nation SAFE. It's about existing in a global economy now! The workforce is becoming virtual...you can be anywhere in the WORLD; therefore, our children are no longer competing with kids in our own nation, they are competing with the WORLD! Therefore, it's very important to be friends with as many nations on our side as possible. And not be so blind to think that everyone has to agree with us or to HELL WITH THEM ALL.

In the pass, people would come to this nation to study and prosper, while pouring their talents into our country AS WELL and making it better at the same time.(i.e. Nations like China & India that used to be very oppressed - but have ALWAYS been educated). But now that they are able to have opportunities do you think they would care to come to America? We're in an era where we need to really rethink about our economy and our educational system (especially because we've always gotten our resources from somewhere else, rather than working to build our talents here, investing in our kids today...our future leaders). Every year, more money is taken away from our schools and blaming teachers instead of putting our money where our mouth is....(by the way, teachers are NOT they're student's parents. Education begins in the HOME!). I believe that the world (especially if they HATE US) will no longer care to support us, engage with us, and definitely not work with or pour their talents into this country.... So I guess that solves the immigration issue everyone is whining about.

We all know that when someone is full of themselves, we can easily be annoyed. America has become that annoying country that thinks they're better than everyone else.

Sent by Chang | 3:19 PM ET | 09-12-2008

Sarah Palin is ready, ready to do what she is told. Isn't that what the President is often doing? He is told my his cabinet what to do. Though we may think that the President makes the decisions, he just signs the documents and takes the blame. The cabinet is the experienced, knowledgeable, intelligent personnel of the President of the United States. So, in defense of Palin, sure she is ready just like any one of us with the right team.

However, the right team (cabinet members) are the problem. Who are they and what do they stand for? Is really where our concerns should be directed. Yup, Palin is what we know and so we attack. Are hard working intelligent Americans jealous that their toiling have not paid off to land Vice President of the United States?

Sent by Shereen | 3:28 PM ET | 09-12-2008

Palin is ready! Ready to hand over all of Alaska's oil resources to those greedy Texas Oil Tycoons. Greed has no shame. The way the Rep. Party panders and pimps Sarah Palin is shameful. Everybody knows she does not have a clue. They want what they want and will do anything to get it. Oil! Thanks but no thanks!

Sent by kim rice | 5:08 PM ET | 09-12-2008

Dr Ron & Ralph

"The two parties should be
almost identical, so that
the American people can
'throw the rascals out'
at any election without
leading to any profound or
extensive shifts in policy."
- Carol Quigley

Cynthia Mike Dennis Jesse Ross Jimmy

And the men* who hold high places
Must be the ones who start
To mold a new reality
Closer to the heart

Sent by Nader McKinney | 2:59 PM ET | 09-14-2008

How do hockey Mom enthusiasts of Mrs. Palin think about the job of a VP or President of the most powerful nation on Earth? Considering the problems of this Nation and that of the World, the President's job should be a 80-hours per week day and night alert responsibility. How does a mother of five, some young, children meet this task? If she is "ready", does it mean that she is also ready to relegate all parental responsibility to her husband? If so, how does this square with family values? Setting aside political correctness, a four months old baby still needs a mother far more than a father, according to my family vaues.
As a professional women who waited with her career until her two children were in their teens, I really want to know the answer.

Sent by Ildiko M. Kovach | 9:29 PM ET | 09-14-2008

As suggested by Alaina Pipas above, I did read factcheck.org, and I am appalled at the amount of lying going on by the Republican party. IT is outrageous, and I simply do not understand how anyone can in their right mind support these crooks.

Sent by Roshan Ramanathan | 2:31 PM ET | 09-16-2008

In an effort to educate, a group of us has collected all the verifiable information we can on Sarah Palin. Check out: www.TheSarahPalinPortal.com.

Sent by Lisa Lieblein | 8:12 PM ET | 09-16-2008