It's kind of ironic that Bill O. redeemed himself last night with this well-deserved smackdown of Barney Frank, given the fact that prior to the debate last night, a good friend and I shared a long conversation detailing our dismay at the deterioration of a once great show. For me, the beginning of the end was the culture warrior's alleged affair, which was later exacerbated by his utter refusal to take Geraldo Rivera to task regarding his despicable comments about Michelle Malkin. Still, this is satisfying indeed. Perhaps the McCain camp can create an ad around it?
Friday, October 3, 2008
One of my favorite lines last night....
Was when Sarah corrected Joe by saying, "It's drill, baby, drill!" Awesome!
Palm Beach County Republican Chairman Sid Dinerstein Weighs In
Just arrived in my inbox:
WE’RE BACK!!!
By Sid Dinerstein
October 3, 2008
“The best man for the job is a woman.” So wrote Ann Coulter a month ago and so proved Sarah Palin last night. The question isn’t whether Sarah Palin is ready to be Vice President. The question is whether John McCain is ready to be President. Sarah Palin speaks to and for America . John McCain has gotten stuck back in Washington .
After the disappointing (to say the least) first Presidential debate, Sarah Palin has given John McCain a new lease on life. The question is: Will John McCain fight next week the way he didn’t last week? Will John McCain tell America how Bill Clinton turned our Mortgage Banking industry into a giant Affirmative Action program? Will he talk about $126,000 paid by Fannie Mae to Barack Obama as “protection money” in the form of campaign contributions? Will John McCain suggest that Biden’s son give up his job as a Capitol Hill lobbyist? Will John McCain point his finger at the three Fannie Mae destroyers, Franklin Raines, Tim Howard and Jim Johnson? And will he then tell everyone that they are Obama campaign advisors and possible cabinet appointees?
As Joe Biden talked about the next Trillion-Dollar-Future-Bailout, Socialized Medicine, Sarah Palin told him up front: “Never again!” There isn’t enough lipstick in the world for that pig of a program. As Biden smirked, Palin spoke from the heart. As Biden lied about Obama’s tax plans, Palin threw it back in his face.
Sarah Palin is bright, assertive, gutsy and fearless.
If John McCain can prove he deserves her, he will be President. If not, America will weep.
WE’RE BACK!!!
By Sid Dinerstein
October 3, 2008
“The best man for the job is a woman.” So wrote Ann Coulter a month ago and so proved Sarah Palin last night. The question isn’t whether Sarah Palin is ready to be Vice President. The question is whether John McCain is ready to be President. Sarah Palin speaks to and for America . John McCain has gotten stuck back in Washington .
After the disappointing (to say the least) first Presidential debate, Sarah Palin has given John McCain a new lease on life. The question is: Will John McCain fight next week the way he didn’t last week? Will John McCain tell America how Bill Clinton turned our Mortgage Banking industry into a giant Affirmative Action program? Will he talk about $126,000 paid by Fannie Mae to Barack Obama as “protection money” in the form of campaign contributions? Will John McCain suggest that Biden’s son give up his job as a Capitol Hill lobbyist? Will John McCain point his finger at the three Fannie Mae destroyers, Franklin Raines, Tim Howard and Jim Johnson? And will he then tell everyone that they are Obama campaign advisors and possible cabinet appointees?
As Joe Biden talked about the next Trillion-Dollar-Future-Bailout, Socialized Medicine, Sarah Palin told him up front: “Never again!” There isn’t enough lipstick in the world for that pig of a program. As Biden smirked, Palin spoke from the heart. As Biden lied about Obama’s tax plans, Palin threw it back in his face.
Sarah Palin is bright, assertive, gutsy and fearless.
If John McCain can prove he deserves her, he will be President. If not, America will weep.
A smorgasbord of errata
Slow Joe made stuff up and made, uh, counter-factual statements.
Perhaps the most telling was the whopper on Hezbollah and Lebanon.
There is so much to choose from, but I have to work, so I will add to this as more becomes available. Oh, here we go!
UPDATE: Even more here.
PS: I still want to know where this letter that Obama wrote to the Treasury Secretary is and what it says. Obama claimed he warned of the coming subprime crisis and Joe repeated it last night. I don't know if this is true or not, but it sure seems convenient, and no one in the MSM is asking for documentation, so I will.
Perhaps the most telling was the whopper on Hezbollah and Lebanon.
There is so much to choose from, but I have to work, so I will add to this as more becomes available. Oh, here we go!
UPDATE: Even more here.
1. TAX VOTE: Biden said McCain voted “the exact same way” as Obama to increase taxes on Americans earning just $42,000, but McCain DID NOT VOTE THAT WAY.
2. AHMEDINIJAD MEETING: Joe Biden lied when he said that Barack Obama never said that he would sit down unconditionally with Mahmoud Ahmedinijad of Iran. Barack Obama did say specifically, and Joe Biden attacked him for it.
3. OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING: Biden said, “Drill we must.” But Biden has opposed offshore drilling and even compared offshore drilling to “raping” the Outer Continental Shelf.”
4. TROOP FUNDING: Joe Biden lied when he indicated that John McCain and Barack Obama voted the same way against funding the troops in the field. John McCain opposed a bill that included a timeline, that the President of the United States had already said he would veto regardless of it’s passage.
5. OPPOSING CLEAN COAL: Biden says he’s always been for clean coal, but he just told a voter that he is against clean coal and any new coal plants in America and has a record of voting against clean coal and coal in the U.S. Senate.
6. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY VOTES: According to FactCheck.org, Biden is exaggerating and overstating John McCain’s record voting for alternative energy when he says he voted against it 23 times.
7. HEALTH INSURANCE: Biden falsely said McCain will raise taxes on people's health insurance coverage -- they get a tax credit to offset any tax hike. Independent fact checkers have confirmed this attack is false
8. OIL TAXES: Biden falsely said Palin supported a windfall profits tax in Alaska -- she reformed the state tax and revenue system, it's not a windfall profits tax.
9. AFGHANISTAN / GEN. MCKIERNAN COMMENTS: Biden said that top military commander in Iraq said the principles of the surge could not be applied to Afghanistan, but the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force Gen. David D. McKiernan said that there were principles of the surge strategy, including working with tribes, that could be applied in Afghanistan.
10. REGULATION: Biden falsely said McCain weakened regulation -- he actually called for more regulation on Fannie and Freddie.
11. IRAQ: When Joe Biden lied when he said that John McCain was “dead wrong on Iraq”, because Joe Biden shared the same vote to authorize the war and differed on the surge strategy where they John McCain has been proven right.
12. TAX INCREASES: Biden said Americans earning less than $250,000 wouldn’t see higher taxes, but the Obama-Biden tax plan would raise taxes on individuals making $200,000 or more.
13. BAILOUT: Biden said the economic rescue legislation matches the four principles that Obama laid out, but in reality it doesn’t meet two of the four principles that Obama outlined on Sept. 19, which were that it include an emergency economic stimulus package, and that it be part of “part of a globally coordinated effort with our partners in the G-20.”
14. REAGAN TAX RATES: Biden is wrong in saying that under Obama, Americans won't pay any more in taxes then they did under Reagan.
PS: I still want to know where this letter that Obama wrote to the Treasury Secretary is and what it says. Obama claimed he warned of the coming subprime crisis and Joe repeated it last night. I don't know if this is true or not, but it sure seems convenient, and no one in the MSM is asking for documentation, so I will.
A Great Night in Boca
I watched the debate last night with a wonderful group of active Palm Beach County Republicans -- all very much enamored with Governor Palin. A technical snafu (at the very beginning of the debate, no less, not good for my nerves!) prevented us from witnessing one of the favorite moments of the night,"May I call you Joe?" but when we saw her stride out on stage looking beautiful in a chic black suit, wearing a radiant smile and sporting a confident demeanor, we knew she would shatter expectations.
First, my only quibble(s), which may or may not be directly attributable to Sarah but the McCain campaign itself: Enough with the "Wall Street is greedy/predatory lenders" line! Perhaps this was included to sway Dems and Independents, but man oh man, I am soooo frustrated with this campaign's refusal to name Democrat names in this Fannie/Freddie mess! What about greedy politicians on the take from these government entities, i.e. Obama???? Wasn't he the #2 recipient of funds? Sheesh! Let's let people know that this "messiah" is nothing but a Chicago thug looking out for his own interests!
Sarah did redeem herself partially on this by acknowledging that borrowers do bear a burden of "personal responsibility" and should not be attempting to purchase a $300,000 home if their income only supports a $100,000 one. And I think she had one line wherein she included "Washington greed" with Wall Street's.
The other missed opportunity, although she crushed Biden on her alleged weakness -- foreign policy -- was taking him to task for his absurd plan to divide Iraq into three provinces, which would have spelled absolute disaster. This is a small point, however, because she hammered Obama on his Troop-funding vote, willful ignorance regarding the success of the surge, patently false and treacherous accusations of our best and bravest committing atrocities in Afghanistan and wanting to "wave the white flag of surrender."
Overall though, these were minor issues as far as last night's Boca crowd was concerned; all (myself included) were thrilled by her excellent performance. I even received the ultimate compliment from a retired pulminologist when I expressed my disppointment on the topics I enumerated here: "You're really smart! You should be on talk radio!" he exclaimed.
All in all, a fabulous night. I want to see this Sarah on the campaign trail from now through November 4! And if the pundits are right about JMac holding off on the Fannie/Freddie thing until after the legislation passes (Ugh! Hang tight, House Repubs), perhaps it will be a winning strategy. For now, I am re-energized and ready to do everything I can to put Florida in the red column.
First, my only quibble(s), which may or may not be directly attributable to Sarah but the McCain campaign itself: Enough with the "Wall Street is greedy/predatory lenders" line! Perhaps this was included to sway Dems and Independents, but man oh man, I am soooo frustrated with this campaign's refusal to name Democrat names in this Fannie/Freddie mess! What about greedy politicians on the take from these government entities, i.e. Obama???? Wasn't he the #2 recipient of funds? Sheesh! Let's let people know that this "messiah" is nothing but a Chicago thug looking out for his own interests!
Sarah did redeem herself partially on this by acknowledging that borrowers do bear a burden of "personal responsibility" and should not be attempting to purchase a $300,000 home if their income only supports a $100,000 one. And I think she had one line wherein she included "Washington greed" with Wall Street's.
The other missed opportunity, although she crushed Biden on her alleged weakness -- foreign policy -- was taking him to task for his absurd plan to divide Iraq into three provinces, which would have spelled absolute disaster. This is a small point, however, because she hammered Obama on his Troop-funding vote, willful ignorance regarding the success of the surge, patently false and treacherous accusations of our best and bravest committing atrocities in Afghanistan and wanting to "wave the white flag of surrender."
Overall though, these were minor issues as far as last night's Boca crowd was concerned; all (myself included) were thrilled by her excellent performance. I even received the ultimate compliment from a retired pulminologist when I expressed my disppointment on the topics I enumerated here: "You're really smart! You should be on talk radio!" he exclaimed.
All in all, a fabulous night. I want to see this Sarah on the campaign trail from now through November 4! And if the pundits are right about JMac holding off on the Fannie/Freddie thing until after the legislation passes (Ugh! Hang tight, House Repubs), perhaps it will be a winning strategy. For now, I am re-energized and ready to do everything I can to put Florida in the red column.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
One of the classiest acts I've seen in a while
Greta is interviewing a guy (John Binkley) who lost the race for governor of Alaska to her (not sure if that was the primary or the general - update: the GOP primary), and he is at the Palin family party, offering his full support of Palin, and saying he knows what Biden was experiencing tonight. He said he underestimated her, thought she was too inexperienced to be governor, and having seen her on the job for two years, graciously admits "I was wrong".
Maybe not Pope John Paul II forgiving his would-be assassin, but pretty darned classy just the same.
Maybe not Pope John Paul II forgiving his would-be assassin, but pretty darned classy just the same.
Joe's Fuzzy Math
He must have said at least three times that we spend more in a month in Iraq than we have spent in 7 years in Afghanistan. Let's check the record:
Biden is telling absurd lies about Afghanistan tonight. In particular, he's repeatedly claimed that "we've spent less in Afghanistan in seven years than we spend in a month in Iraq."
He's made that claim, or claims to that effect, repeatedly. It is, to put it bluntly, a complete Goddamned lie.
According to the Congressional Research Service, spending on the war in Afghanistan since 2001 has been $172 Billion. Spending in Iraq is, as the Democrats repeatedly mention, a little under $10 Billion a month.
In other words, Biden's number is off by, oh, something like 2000%. Perhaps Obama's Sub-Committee ought to have held some hearings on Afghanistan after all.
.
.As a side note, amazingly, Biden just fell apart on foreign policy there. Did he really promise that Obama would launch a war in Darfur? Never mind his whole mess of an answer on his vote for the Iraq War. Does anyone think that it's really even remotely credible that Joe Biden voted to give George Bush the authority to go to war because he thought he wouldn't use it. If Joe Biden did that, he's among the stupidest men alive.
Tough Night In Chicago
After the results tonight, it looks like it could be a cold Thanksgiving on the south side.
False hope or accurate insight?
My take on the ridiculous "predatory lenders" thing is that naming names is off the table until the bill passes, so as not to be accused of torpedoing the thing. After that, the gloves should come off. Will they? I dunno. McCain has an irritating tic of wanting not to offend the other team, but here the other team bears a whole lot of blame. What's your call, Mav?
A very bad night for Chicago
1) Obama's VP gets decked by a woman.
2) Tampa Bay Rays 6 Chicago White Sox 4
3) Dodgers 7 Cubs 0 in the 7th
Sorry, Barry, but the community you organized is having a bad hair day (of course, with Biden on the ticket, every day is a bad hair day).
2) Tampa Bay Rays 6 Chicago White Sox 4
3) Dodgers 7 Cubs 0 in the 7th
Sorry, Barry, but the community you organized is having a bad hair day (of course, with Biden on the ticket, every day is a bad hair day).
Palin TKO
As the dinosaur media roundly predicted, there was a clear cut winner in the Vice Presidential debate tonight. However, much to their chagrin that clear cut winner was Sarah Palin and not Joe Biden. I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. Sarah had presence, personality, vitality, a command of the facts, and a down to earth quality not seen since Ronald Reagan. It was quite a contrast to the old, tired Washington establishment appearance of her opponent. My favorite exchange was when Sarah sounding Reaganesque said "say it ain't so Joe, there you go again."
Sarah's convincing victory was confirmed by Frank Luntz's focus group. They unanimously felt that Sarah clearly won the debate. More important was Luntz's assessment that the polls will soon be turning for the better for McCain - Palin.
The only disappointment was the apparent control the McCain camp is clearly exercising over Sarah on the issue of the economic "crisis". McCain has a home run on this issue since it is clearly a Democratic scandal particularly concerning Fannie and Freddie. However, instead of naming names McCain keeps harping on Wall Street greed. If they would just let Sarah go and hammer home this issue, McCain wins the election.
Nevertheless, overall it was a great night for Conservatives. Under immense pressure, Sarah shined and Biden wilted. I score it a TKO for Sarah. To paraphrase the late Howard Cosell, "down goes Biden, down goes Biden." What a great night. I will sleep like a baby and dream of victory on November 4. Viva Sarah!
Sarah's convincing victory was confirmed by Frank Luntz's focus group. They unanimously felt that Sarah clearly won the debate. More important was Luntz's assessment that the polls will soon be turning for the better for McCain - Palin.
The only disappointment was the apparent control the McCain camp is clearly exercising over Sarah on the issue of the economic "crisis". McCain has a home run on this issue since it is clearly a Democratic scandal particularly concerning Fannie and Freddie. However, instead of naming names McCain keeps harping on Wall Street greed. If they would just let Sarah go and hammer home this issue, McCain wins the election.
Nevertheless, overall it was a great night for Conservatives. Under immense pressure, Sarah shined and Biden wilted. I score it a TKO for Sarah. To paraphrase the late Howard Cosell, "down goes Biden, down goes Biden." What a great night. I will sleep like a baby and dream of victory on November 4. Viva Sarah!
Double-header sweep
Phillies 5 Brewers 2 - Phils take a 2-0 lead in games and have beaten Sabathia.
Palin 50 Biden 2 - Sarah Cuda is back! Karl Rove has 10 factual statements that are flat, dead wrong and 6 that are questionable. Bosnia vote, tax vote, cost of wars in Iraq versus Afghanistan, Article I of the Constitution, and more.
Colmes his usual suave, handsome, persuasive self (sorry - I had to suppress the retch I just self-induced).
Bring on Rudy Giuliani - Hannity loves her lines. Giuliani: A knockout. Only the liberal media can spin it otherwise. Biden invoking his father's advice to get back up after being knocked down was self-referential: he just got his ass kicked.
Colmes - making me retch again. Giuliani isn't letting Colmes get away with his crap. Comes back to Article I - Senator Judiciary Committee Chairman was wrong (I suspected as much in real time, but it's not my area of expertise).
Checking the record: Article I, Section 3 states: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. I don't recall what exactly Biden said, but that's about it for VP in Article I (something about the Senate "chusing" other officers should the VP not be available is the only other mention).
Obama spokesman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is yucking it up with Colmes. Compelling TV! Hannity (not a huge fan, but at least he is on the right side) is going head to head with DWS. Favorite moment: Hannity asks a question she doesn't want to answer, so she says "That's not the question". Um, it's his show, so if he asks a question, well, uh, that IS the question. (It was what percentage of income tax is paid by the bottom 50% 0f the wage earners. Answer: zero). He just won a $1k bet on whether Obama did say that our troops in Afghanistan were "air raiding villages and killing civilians" - pay up, Congressman Schultz! Good one, Sean - he put up $10k of his own money against her $1k and won the bet.
Palin 50 Biden 2 - Sarah Cuda is back! Karl Rove has 10 factual statements that are flat, dead wrong and 6 that are questionable. Bosnia vote, tax vote, cost of wars in Iraq versus Afghanistan, Article I of the Constitution, and more.
Colmes his usual suave, handsome, persuasive self (sorry - I had to suppress the retch I just self-induced).
Bring on Rudy Giuliani - Hannity loves her lines. Giuliani: A knockout. Only the liberal media can spin it otherwise. Biden invoking his father's advice to get back up after being knocked down was self-referential: he just got his ass kicked.
Colmes - making me retch again. Giuliani isn't letting Colmes get away with his crap. Comes back to Article I - Senator Judiciary Committee Chairman was wrong (I suspected as much in real time, but it's not my area of expertise).
Checking the record: Article I, Section 3 states: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. I don't recall what exactly Biden said, but that's about it for VP in Article I (something about the Senate "chusing" other officers should the VP not be available is the only other mention).
Obama spokesman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is yucking it up with Colmes. Compelling TV! Hannity (not a huge fan, but at least he is on the right side) is going head to head with DWS. Favorite moment: Hannity asks a question she doesn't want to answer, so she says "That's not the question". Um, it's his show, so if he asks a question, well, uh, that IS the question. (It was what percentage of income tax is paid by the bottom 50% 0f the wage earners. Answer: zero). He just won a $1k bet on whether Obama did say that our troops in Afghanistan were "air raiding villages and killing civilians" - pay up, Congressman Schultz! Good one, Sean - he put up $10k of his own money against her $1k and won the bet.
Fred Thompson
Strong, persuasive, good humor. I am happy for her - she has been through so much - degrading personal stuff, her family and all - she has placed shame (if they are capable of shame) on a whole lot of people.
Fred is running down the Biden mistakes:
Iraq resolution - Biden voted for it
Obama said he would meet A-jad
McCain didn't vote for the tax increase that Biden said he did
didn't catch 'em all
Chris Wallace - does a VP debate really change the dynamic of the race?
Fred T: She is an accomplished governor, real boost for the campaign
CW: It might now be harder for Tina Fey to mock Palin, but God knows they'll try
Fred is running down the Biden mistakes:
Iraq resolution - Biden voted for it
Obama said he would meet A-jad
McCain didn't vote for the tax increase that Biden said he did
didn't catch 'em all
Chris Wallace - does a VP debate really change the dynamic of the race?
Fred T: She is an accomplished governor, real boost for the campaign
CW: It might now be harder for Tina Fey to mock Palin, but God knows they'll try
Greta time
Reels off list of government stars in attendance.
Says the talk of the people is all about "Governor Palin" - how she is like everybody else.
I suggest this campaign slogan: "Governor Palin: Just Like You, Only Prettier"
Greta - I like the plain talk, midwestern thing. I thought she connected with the kind of people I grew up with, even if I disagree on some issues.
Says the talk of the people is all about "Governor Palin" - how she is like everybody else.
I suggest this campaign slogan: "Governor Palin: Just Like You, Only Prettier"
Greta - I like the plain talk, midwestern thing. I thought she connected with the kind of people I grew up with, even if I disagree on some issues.
Luntz time
How many of you thought Palin won the debate?
Almost everybody.
Direct. Intelligent. Fresh. Main Street America.
Better than expected? Unanimous, it seems.
Black woman was very positive toward Palin (!)
Dial score time!
Personal responsibility - never again - scores went over 90 for GOP and near 90 for Dems.
Luntz: Why did that resonate?
A 9-11 moment. Patriotic. We're not gonna take it any more (time to getQuiet Riot for shame - it was Twisted Sister! - on the phone!).
Luntz: Predicts shift to McCain based on this performance.
Almost everybody.
Direct. Intelligent. Fresh. Main Street America.
Better than expected? Unanimous, it seems.
Black woman was very positive toward Palin (!)
Dial score time!
Personal responsibility - never again - scores went over 90 for GOP and near 90 for Dems.
Luntz: Why did that resonate?
A 9-11 moment. Patriotic. We're not gonna take it any more (time to get
Luntz: Predicts shift to McCain based on this performance.
Fox Wrap Up
Hume - Spirited, not hostile. Biden needed to make a stout defense of Obama. Palin went after Obama as Biden went after McCain. Did they do what they had to do?
Link on Afghanistan and surge from a military guy (named McKiernan, not McClellan - my bad): http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/01/mideast/military.php Excerpt (I think this bolsters Palin's take more so than Biden's):
Kristol: I am biased. She hadn't done well with Couric interview, so I was nervous. She did very well. Conservatives (via e-mail) are extremely happy. If she had done badly, it was set point. Instead, she won the set and the campaign lives to see another day.
Powers: Admires the way that she asserted herself. Biden did no harm. Seemed subdued. Didn't take the bait too much.
Hume: Enthusiasm that Palin had brought out that McC hadn't - did she revive it?
Barnes: Probably so. Smart, knowledgeable, incredibly self-confident, stood toe-to-toe with a 35 year Senate veteran. Says when she asked to go back to Afghanistan, she won the debate - showed confidence.
Powers - Somewhat contrarian view: mini-stump speeches. Liked the "only been doing this 5 weeks" line.
Hume - Palin's speech: informal, midwestern, strikingly different from the kind of talk we hear in DC. We insiders trade in fluidity, verbal dexterity - is this contrast helpful?
Mort - It helps. I don't think she is ready to be President on Day 1 as Biden is, BUT she is not going to have to be pres right away. Does she connect to average people? Yes. Can she learn? Yes.
Barnes - She is chirpy and in a good mood.
Hume - She is more physically attractive.
Link on Afghanistan and surge from a military guy (named McKiernan, not McClellan - my bad): http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/01/mideast/military.php Excerpt (I think this bolsters Palin's take more so than Biden's):
The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan said Wednesday that he needed more troops and other aid "as quickly as possible" in a counterinsurgency battle that could get worse before it gets better.Mort K: Major attention was focused on Palin - could she perform? She did (damn straight, Morty!) Forceful, knowledgeable, didn't make a single mistake. Nothing embarrassing. Biden did what you expect him to do. She had the better of it.The commander, General David McKiernan, said it would take more than adding troops to stabilize Afghanistan, including efforts to strengthen the government, improve the economy and build its military and police forces.
Speaking to Pentagon reporters, McKiernan, the head of NATO forces in Afghanistan, said there had been a significant increase in foreign fighters coming in from neighboring Pakistan this year, including Chechens, Uzbeks, Saudis and Europeans.
And he said he needed the more than 10,000 additional forces he has requested, in part, to increase his military campaigns in the south and east, where violence has escalated.
"The additional military capabilities that have been asked for are needed as quickly as possible," he said, adding that he was hoping to get units that would be able to both fight the insurgents and serve as trainers for the Afghan National Army and the police.
Kristol: I am biased. She hadn't done well with Couric interview, so I was nervous. She did very well. Conservatives (via e-mail) are extremely happy. If she had done badly, it was set point. Instead, she won the set and the campaign lives to see another day.
Powers: Admires the way that she asserted herself. Biden did no harm. Seemed subdued. Didn't take the bait too much.
Hume: Enthusiasm that Palin had brought out that McC hadn't - did she revive it?
Barnes: Probably so. Smart, knowledgeable, incredibly self-confident, stood toe-to-toe with a 35 year Senate veteran. Says when she asked to go back to Afghanistan, she won the debate - showed confidence.
Powers - Somewhat contrarian view: mini-stump speeches. Liked the "only been doing this 5 weeks" line.
Hume - Palin's speech: informal, midwestern, strikingly different from the kind of talk we hear in DC. We insiders trade in fluidity, verbal dexterity - is this contrast helpful?
Mort - It helps. I don't think she is ready to be President on Day 1 as Biden is, BUT she is not going to have to be pres right away. Does she connect to average people? Yes. Can she learn? Yes.
Barnes - She is chirpy and in a good mood.
Hume - She is more physically attractive.
Part 5
Ifill - How do you change the tone?
Biden - I have been able to work across the aisle and change minds of GOP and Democrats. Tells story that Mike Mansfield told him never to question another Senator's motives.
Palin - You do what I did as Governor - appoint regardless of party affiliation. Walk the walk, not just talk the talk. The policies and proposals have to speak for themselves. Lowering taxes, reign in spending, energy independent, OR vote for the guys that want to increase taxes and spending and are not for energy independence.
Closing statements
Palin - Thanks. Nice to meet you Senator Biden. I like talking directly to the American people. We will fight for middle class families LIKE MINE. Zinger: I'VE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. Freedoms - fight for them. Line about McC being the only one in the race who has really ever fought for you.
Biden - Thanks, nice to meet you too Governor. Last 8 years sucked, need fundamental change. We measure progress by whether someone can pay the mortgage, send their kid to college, etc. Best health care and best education possible. Neighborhood where I grew up, dignity and respect were foremost. When you get knocked down, get up.
Insta-reaction: Palin helped herself A LOT. Go CUDA!
Biden - I have been able to work across the aisle and change minds of GOP and Democrats. Tells story that Mike Mansfield told him never to question another Senator's motives.
Palin - You do what I did as Governor - appoint regardless of party affiliation. Walk the walk, not just talk the talk. The policies and proposals have to speak for themselves. Lowering taxes, reign in spending, energy independent, OR vote for the guys that want to increase taxes and spending and are not for energy independence.
Closing statements
Palin - Thanks. Nice to meet you Senator Biden. I like talking directly to the American people. We will fight for middle class families LIKE MINE. Zinger: I'VE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. Freedoms - fight for them. Line about McC being the only one in the race who has really ever fought for you.
Biden - Thanks, nice to meet you too Governor. Last 8 years sucked, need fundamental change. We measure progress by whether someone can pay the mortgage, send their kid to college, etc. Best health care and best education possible. Neighborhood where I grew up, dignity and respect were foremost. When you get knocked down, get up.
Insta-reaction: Palin helped herself A LOT. Go CUDA!
Part 4
Ifill - nuclear weaponry
Palin - We use it as a deterrent. We have to make sure that we have sanctions on them, allies with us, prevent them from getting weapons if they don't have them. Back to Afghanistan: Takes Obama to the wood shed on his "air raiding villages". Surge principles should be implemented.
Biden - Facts matter. Our commanding general in Afghanistan says the surge principle won't work in Afghanistan. Something about 7 years in Afghanistan. Nuclear weapons require a regime that McC opposes (nuclear test ban treaty). Obama reached across aisle to Lugar to create serious, real law.
Palin - First, McClellan did not say that the surge principles would not work. We have allies in Afghanistan that we didn't have in Iraq. Clear and hold, rebuild civil infrastructure will work in Afghanistan.
Biden - Missed most of his response.
Ifill - Senator Biden, you have been an interventionist
Biden - Sorry, I laughed at "Bosniacs" and missed the rest of it. Suggested line for SHP: "Our supporters are McCainiacs, those folks are Bosnians". Going on about various hot spots, including Darfur.
Palin - It's so obvious that I'm a Washington outsider. You voted for the war and now you're against it. You supported McC pretty adamantly and opposed Obama until you became VP. I watched those debates; I know what you said. Talks about Alaska Permanent Fund (?) - called for divestment from Darfur.
Ifill - Is there a line that should be drawn?
Biden - Yes. We have to have the capacity. Etc. Shifts to distancing himself from McC's policies, says he was wrong about a like.
Palin - You can say what you want to say, but you supported McC, and the pundits will check things in the morning, and see that what I say is correct.
Ifill - How would a Biden administration differ from an Obama administration?
Biden - It would be an unspeakable tragedy if an Obama admininstration found itself with me in charge (hard to argue with that). Landry list of things that he would do to continue the Obama policy.
Palin - As for disagreeing with McC - what do you expect from a team of mavericks? He has never asked me to check my opinions at the door. Healthy debate, good policy. Put government back on the side of the people. We need reality brought from Wasilla Main Street to Washington. Fight against Wall Street and DC. Either support the ticket that wants to bolster the economy, cut taxes, increase jobs, etc.
Biden - Go to Home Depot with me (I spend a lot of time there - buying stuff for your waterfront proprety, no doubt). Barack Obama
Palin - Oh, say it ain't so, Joe. There you go again. Your whole question is premised on the Bush administration, and doggone it, we need to look forward. Thanks his wife for her service as a teacher, mentions lots of family members who are teachers, shout out to her brother's 3rd grade class (extra credit!), emphasis on education. My kids go to public school (subtle dig at Biden)
Ifill - Both have downplayed VP interest and role...
Palin - Lame attempt at humor. I know what a VP does (presides over the senate, etc). Slow Jow tries to join in the laughter. Goes to McC's goals and her role in leading the charge.
Biden - I would be point person for legislative actions. Give him my best advice. Independent judgment.
Ifill - VP might have more power than it has had in the past; executive or legislative?
Palin - It's both. There's flexibility. Executive experience contributed to my being picked as VP and will be put to good use.
Biden - VP Cheney has been the most dangerous VP in history. Doesn't know Article I rules about VP. Give best judgment to pres, and preside over Senate when there is a tie vote.
Ifill - Governor - you lack experience; Senator - you lack discipline
Palin - I have a lot of executive experience. I have a connection to the heartland of America. More important is that world view that says America is exceptional, a beacon of hope, unapologetic, not perfect, but together we represent an ideal - tolerance, equal rights, a force for good in the world - and we are a good team and a good ticket.
Biden - Just a lack of discipline? I have also been told I am too passionate (and too smart and caring, too, I suppose). I have been a single parent. My dad had to leave family behind in Scranton to find work in Wilmington. I understand. I understand people sitting around the kitchen table. They are looking for help.
Palin - People are looking for change. McC is ultimate maverick. Took on his own party to do what is right for the American people. I did that in Alaska. Whatever it takes to get the job done. Supported by Lieberman, Giuliani, Romney, Lingle (Gov of Hawaii).
Biden - He's not been a maverick - reels off list of things that he thinks show he isn't a maverick (even listing the war). Voted against home heating assistance.
Final Q
Ifill - single policy issue where you were forced to change a long-held view
Biden - Going on about judicial temperament. Now thinks that ideology matters in a judicial nominee, not just temperament. Judicial philosophy matters, and I changed on that.
Palin - I have had to cave on budgets. I wanted to zero base budget, had to compromise. I have never compromised on priniciple. Bring both sides together to do the work for the American people.
Palin - We use it as a deterrent. We have to make sure that we have sanctions on them, allies with us, prevent them from getting weapons if they don't have them. Back to Afghanistan: Takes Obama to the wood shed on his "air raiding villages". Surge principles should be implemented.
Biden - Facts matter. Our commanding general in Afghanistan says the surge principle won't work in Afghanistan. Something about 7 years in Afghanistan. Nuclear weapons require a regime that McC opposes (nuclear test ban treaty). Obama reached across aisle to Lugar to create serious, real law.
Palin - First, McClellan did not say that the surge principles would not work. We have allies in Afghanistan that we didn't have in Iraq. Clear and hold, rebuild civil infrastructure will work in Afghanistan.
Biden - Missed most of his response.
Ifill - Senator Biden, you have been an interventionist
Biden - Sorry, I laughed at "Bosniacs" and missed the rest of it. Suggested line for SHP: "Our supporters are McCainiacs, those folks are Bosnians". Going on about various hot spots, including Darfur.
Palin - It's so obvious that I'm a Washington outsider. You voted for the war and now you're against it. You supported McC pretty adamantly and opposed Obama until you became VP. I watched those debates; I know what you said. Talks about Alaska Permanent Fund (?) - called for divestment from Darfur.
Ifill - Is there a line that should be drawn?
Biden - Yes. We have to have the capacity. Etc. Shifts to distancing himself from McC's policies, says he was wrong about a like.
Palin - You can say what you want to say, but you supported McC, and the pundits will check things in the morning, and see that what I say is correct.
Ifill - How would a Biden administration differ from an Obama administration?
Biden - It would be an unspeakable tragedy if an Obama admininstration found itself with me in charge (hard to argue with that). Landry list of things that he would do to continue the Obama policy.
Palin - As for disagreeing with McC - what do you expect from a team of mavericks? He has never asked me to check my opinions at the door. Healthy debate, good policy. Put government back on the side of the people. We need reality brought from Wasilla Main Street to Washington. Fight against Wall Street and DC. Either support the ticket that wants to bolster the economy, cut taxes, increase jobs, etc.
Biden - Go to Home Depot with me (I spend a lot of time there - buying stuff for your waterfront proprety, no doubt). Barack Obama
Palin - Oh, say it ain't so, Joe. There you go again. Your whole question is premised on the Bush administration, and doggone it, we need to look forward. Thanks his wife for her service as a teacher, mentions lots of family members who are teachers, shout out to her brother's 3rd grade class (extra credit!), emphasis on education. My kids go to public school (subtle dig at Biden)
Ifill - Both have downplayed VP interest and role...
Palin - Lame attempt at humor. I know what a VP does (presides over the senate, etc). Slow Jow tries to join in the laughter. Goes to McC's goals and her role in leading the charge.
Biden - I would be point person for legislative actions. Give him my best advice. Independent judgment.
Ifill - VP might have more power than it has had in the past; executive or legislative?
Palin - It's both. There's flexibility. Executive experience contributed to my being picked as VP and will be put to good use.
Biden - VP Cheney has been the most dangerous VP in history. Doesn't know Article I rules about VP. Give best judgment to pres, and preside over Senate when there is a tie vote.
Ifill - Governor - you lack experience; Senator - you lack discipline
Palin - I have a lot of executive experience. I have a connection to the heartland of America. More important is that world view that says America is exceptional, a beacon of hope, unapologetic, not perfect, but together we represent an ideal - tolerance, equal rights, a force for good in the world - and we are a good team and a good ticket.
Biden - Just a lack of discipline? I have also been told I am too passionate (and too smart and caring, too, I suppose). I have been a single parent. My dad had to leave family behind in Scranton to find work in Wilmington. I understand. I understand people sitting around the kitchen table. They are looking for help.
Palin - People are looking for change. McC is ultimate maverick. Took on his own party to do what is right for the American people. I did that in Alaska. Whatever it takes to get the job done. Supported by Lieberman, Giuliani, Romney, Lingle (Gov of Hawaii).
Biden - He's not been a maverick - reels off list of things that he thinks show he isn't a maverick (even listing the war). Voted against home heating assistance.
Final Q
Ifill - single policy issue where you were forced to change a long-held view
Biden - Going on about judicial temperament. Now thinks that ideology matters in a judicial nominee, not just temperament. Judicial philosophy matters, and I changed on that.
Palin - I have had to cave on budgets. I wanted to zero base budget, had to compromise. I have never compromised on priniciple. Bring both sides together to do the work for the American people.
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