In Charles Gibson's third interview session with Sarah Palin, conducted at her home in Wasilla and featured on Friday's World News, Gibson asserted “we've got a very sick economy,” pressed her to list how she'd change Bush economic policy, insisted she concede “it's now pretty clearly documented you supported that bridge before you opposed it” (and to defend Alaska's continued earmark requests), all before he ran through several social issues -- from abortion to guns -- forcing her to state positions Gibson certainly realized would cement her to ideologically conservative positions seen as extreme by many of his viewers.
On the economy, with the Palin's airplane visible lakeside in the background, Gibson proposed: “John McCain and you are now talking about the GOP as a party of change. We've got a very sick economy. Tell me the three principal things you would do to change the Bush economic policies.” Amongst his follow-ups: “Summarize the three things that you'd change in the Bush economic plans.” Gibson soon ran through a list of social issue topics:
> Roe v. Wade, do you think it should be reversed?...John McCain would allow abortion in cases of rape and incest. Do you believe in it only in the case where the life of the mother is in danger?...Would you change and accept it in rape and incest?> Embryonic stem cell research, John McCain has been supportive of it.
> Homosexuality, genetic or learned?
> Guns: 70 percent of this country supports a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons. Do you?
For my rundowns of the first and second Gibson sit-down with Palin, which aired on Thursday's World News and Nightline (with some of both on Friday's Good Morning America), check:
Part 1: “Gibson Accuses Palin of 'Hubris' and Seeing Iraq as 'a Holy War'”Part 2: “Gibson Pushes Palin to Concede Global Warming 'Man-Made'”
Gibson promised tonight's (Friday's) 20/20 would include his questions about “Trooper-gate” and whether she banned books. In a clip at the very end of World News plugging more on 20/20, Palin dismissed the book-banning as an “old wives tale.”
Below is the full corrected transcript, for the record, of what aired on the Friday, September 12 World News (9 minute and 3 minute segments) -- with the exception that the show also ran a bite of Palin, as she and Gibson stood by her seaplane, telling Gibson that Barack Obama now probably “regrets” not picking Hillary Clinton.
(The ABCNews.com posted interview transcript of Gibson's third session with Palin is in a different topic sequence and includes portions not aired on Friday's World News, but which may run on 20/20.)
CHARLES GIBSON: Governor, John McCain and you are now talking about the GOP as a party of change. We've got a very sick economy. Tell me the three principal things you would do to change the Bush economic policies.SARAH PALIN: And you're right, our economy is weak right now and we've got to strengthen it, and government can play an appropriate role in helping to strengthen the economy. Our 6.1 percent unemployment rate is unacceptable, also, across our nation. We need to put government back on the side of the people and make sure that it is not government solely looked at for all the solutions, for one.
Government has got to get out of the way, in some respects, of the private sector, being able to create the jobs that we need, jobs that are going to allow for the families to be able to afford health care, to be able to afford their mortgages, to be able to afford college tuition for their kids. That's got to be the principal here, reform government, recognize that it's not government to be looked at to solve all the problems. Taxes, of course, I think is one of the most important things that government can obviously control and to help with this issue.
GIBSON: What you said to me at the beginning I don't think anybody in the Bush administration would disagree with. What do you change in the Bush economic plans?
PALIN: We have got to make sure that we reform the oversight, also, of the agencies, including the quasi-government agencies, like Freddie and Fannie, those things that have created an atmosphere here in America where people are fearful of losing their homes. People are looking at job loss. People are looking at unaffordable health care for their families. We have got to reform the oversight of these agencies that have such control over Americans' pocketbooks.
GIBSON: So let me summarize the three things that you'd change in the Bush economic plans. One, two, three.
PALIN: Reduce taxes, control spending, reform the oversight and the overseeing agencies and committees to make sure that America's dollars and investments are protected.
GIBSON: So let me break some of those down. You talk about spending. How much smaller would a McCain budget be? Where would you cut?
PALIN: We're going to find efficiencies in every department. We have got to. There are some things that I think should be off the table. Veterans' programs, off the table. You know, we owe it to our veterans and that's the greatest manifestation that we can show in terms of support for our military, those who are in public service fighting for America is to make sure that our veterans are taken care of and the promises that we've made to them are fulfilled.
GIBSON: So you'd take military off the table and veterans' benefits. That's 20 percent of the budget.
PALIN: Benefits should be off the table.
GIBSON: Do you talk about entitlement reform? Is there money you can save in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?
PALIN: I am sure that there are efficiencies that are going to be found in all of these agencies. I'm confident in that.
GIBSON: But agencies are not involved in entitlements. Basically, discretionary spending is 18 percent of the budget.
PALIN: We have certainly seen excess in agencies, though, and in -- when bureaucrats, when bureaucracy just gets kind of comfortable, going with the status-quo and not being challenged to find efficiencies and spend other people's money wisely, then that's where we get into the situation that we are into today, and that is a tremendous growth of government, a huge debt, trillions of dollars of debt that we're passing on to my kids and your kids and your grandkids. It's unacceptable.
GIBSON: One of John McCain's central campaign arguments, tenets of his campaign, is eliminating earmarks, getting rid of them. Are you with John McCain on that?
PALIN: I certainly am. And of course the poster child for the earmarks was Alaska's, what people in the lower 48 refer to as the bridge to nowhere. Of course, it was a bridge to community with an airport in southeast Alaska. But that was excessive. And an earmark -- an earmark like that, not even supported necessarily by the majority of Alaskans. We killed that earmark. We killed that project.
GIBSON: But it's now pretty clearly documented you supported that bridge before you opposed it. But you turned against it after Congress had basically pulled the plug on it. Do you want to revise and extend your remarks?
PALIN: It has always been an embarrassment that abuse of the ear form -- earmark process has been accepted in Congress. And that's what John McCain has fought. And that's what I joined him in fighting. It's been an embarrassment, not just Alaska's projects. But McCain gives example after example after example.
And now obviously, Charlie, with the federal government saying, no, the rest of the nation does not want to fund that project. You have a choice. You either read the writing on the wall and understand okay, yes, that, that project's going nowhere. And the state isn't willing to fund that project. So what good does it do to continue to support something that circumstances have so drastically changed? You call an audible, and you deal in reality, and you move on. And, Charlie, we killed the bridge to nowhere and that's the bottom line.
GIBSON: You said you now agree with John McCain that earmarks should be eliminated. The state of Alaska, Governor, this year, requested $3.2 million for researching the genetics of harbor seals, money to study the mating habits of crabs. Isn't that exactly the kind of thing that John McCain is objecting to?
PALIN: Those requests, through our research divisions and fish and game and our wildlife departments and our universities, those research requests did come through that system, but wanting it to be in the light of day, not behind closed doors, with lobbyists making deals with Congress to stick things in there under the public radar. That's the abuse that we're going to stop.
GIBSON: In the time I have left, I want to talk about some social issues.
PALIN: Okay.
GIBSON: Roe v. Wade, do you think it should be reversed?
PALIN: I think it should and I think that states should be able to decide that issue. I am pro-life. I do respect other people's opinion on this, also, and I think that a culture of life is best for America. What I want to do, when elected Vice President, with John McCain, hopefully, be able to reach out and work with those who are on the other side of this issue, because I know that we can all agree on the need for and the desire for fewer abortions in America and greater support for adoption, for other alternatives that women can and should be empowered to embrace, to allow that culture of life. That's my personal opinion on this, Charlie.
GIBSON: John McCain would allow abortion in cases of rape and incest. Do you believe in it only in the case where the life of the mother is in danger?
PALIN: That is my personal opinion.
GIBSON: Would you change and accept it in rape and incest?
PALIN: My personal opinion is that abortion allowed if the life of the mother is endangered. Please understand me on this. I do understand McCain's position on this. I do understand others who are very passionate about this issue who have a differing view.
GIBSON: Embryonic stem cell research, John McCain has been supportive of it.
PALIN: You know, when you're running for office, your life is an open book and you do owe it to Americans to talk about your personal opinion, which may end up being different than what the policy in an administration would be. My personal opinion is we should not create human life, create an embryo and then destroy it for research, if there are other options out there. And thankfully, again, not only are there other options, but we're getting closer and closer to finding a tremendous amount more of options, like, as I mentioned, the adult stem cell research.
GIBSON: Homosexuality, genetic or learned?
PALIN: Oh, I don't -- I don't know, but I'm not one to judge and, you know, I'm from a family and from a community with many, many members of many diverse backgrounds and I'm not going to judge someone on whether they believe that homosexuality is a choice or genetic. I'm not going to judge them.
GIBSON: Guns: 70 percent of this country supports a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons. Do you?
PALIN: I do not and, you know, here again, life being an open book here, as a candidate, I'm a lifetime member of the NRA. I believe strongly in our Second Amendment rights. That's kind of inherent in the people of my state who rely on guns for not just self-protection, but also for our hunting and for sport, also. It's a part of a culture here in Alaska. I've just grown up with that.
Segment at end of the newscast:
GIBSON: Is it sexist for people to ask how can somebody manage a family of seven and the vice presidency? Is that a sexist question to ask?
PALIN: I don't know. I'm lucky to have been brought up in a family where gender has never been an issue. I'm a product of Title 9, also, where we had equality in schools that was just being ushered in with sports and with equal opportunity for education, all of my life. I'm part of that generation, where that question is kind of irrelevant, because it's accepted. Of course, you can be the Vice President and you can raise a family. I'm the Governor and I'm raising a family. I've been a mayor and have raised a family. I've owned a business and we raised a family.
When people have asked me when I was Governor and I was pregnant, "Gosh, how are you going to be the Governor and have a baby in office, too," and I replied back then, as I would today, "I'll do it the same way the other governors have done it when they've either had baby in office or raised a family." Granted, they're men, but do it the same way that they do it.
GIBSON: When we posted this question on the Internet, we had 15,000 replies within 48 hours and every woman with young children struggles with this question, should I, how can I, will I be able to. And I'm curious to hear you talk just about how you've internalized that.
PALIN: Sure. And I understand what that struggle is, what those internal questions are. I've gone through the same thing over these 19 years from having my first born to today having a newborn. In these 19 years, a lot of circumstances have changed. I stayed home with my son until he was seven years old, had just worked part-time, until I got into full-time employment again when he was seven. I had that choice then and I've had choices, of course, along the way.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center





GIBSON: What you said to me at the beginning I don't think anybody in the Bush administration would disagree with. What do you change in the Bush economic plans?
PALIN: I don't know. I'm lucky to have been brought up in a family where gender has never been an issue. I'm a product of Title 9, also, where we had equality in schools that was just being ushered in with sports and with equal opportunity for education, all of my life. I'm part of that generation, where that question is kind of irrelevant, because it's accepted. Of course, you can be the Vice President and you can raise a family. I'm the Governor and I'm raising a family. I've been a mayor and have raised a family. I've owned a business and we raised a family.














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This interview is as good
September 12, 2008 - 20:02 ET by Indiana JoeThis interview is as good for Palin as it is bad for Gibson. It should be shown in Journalism classes as an example of unethical, "gotcha-style," attack questioning. And it should be shown in Politics classes as an example of how to deal with this type of hostile questioning.
Gibson should be ashamed of himself. Until and unless he gives Biden and/or Obama a similarly-styled interview. Neither one could keep their cool and remain civil in such a circumstance.
Not holding my breath for that to happen.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Why even waste your time
September 12, 2008 - 20:16 ET by stancoyleWhy even waste your time giving these goons an interview. They are all
in the tank for Obama and only want to play "Got You" interviews so
they can rescue their nominee.
Gibson
September 12, 2008 - 20:26 ET by BlondeWow, my mom is furious! Furious!
She always thought Charlie Gibson was "so nice".
Oops...another bubble burst.
Gibson & ABC didn't make any fans by this interview.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Like I said on another
September 12, 2008 - 20:37 ET by Indiana JoeLike I said on another thread, B, they're happily sawing through their own necks, wondering what all that red stuff is. They don't have a clue.
Beautiful.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
And the MSM was all over
September 12, 2008 - 20:45 ET by ThisnThatAnd the MSM was all over McCain the past two weeks. "Why are you sheltering her?" "What's wrong, McCain, is she afraid"?
This is what she had to prepare for. BTW, I read somewhere today that Gibson interviewed John Edwards in 2004, and did not ask him a single foreign policy question. Instead, it was all about "Is the GOP going to go after you"?
And I'm getting real, real tired of Colmes and Juan Williams on Fox. They both need to be fired.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Blonde, one of my current
September 12, 2008 - 21:04 ET by celatorBlonde, one of my current working theories re Gibson's interviews with Gov. Palin is that, after all is said and done, he is completely entrenched in the old boys' network. I know it's a cliche sort of theory, but one can see his sheer disdain for this strong woman on his face. It leaps off the TV screen.
He might as well hang a sign around his neck that says, "Women can seek high office when I say they can, and not before." Obviously, the fact that she is conservative adds to his attitude.
Just amazing to observe.
The major media report only half the news. Why are they surprised they have only half the potential audience?
Poor msm...they just don't
September 12, 2008 - 20:33 ET by bigtimerPoor msm...they just don't realize how much I love them so much right now...
Please...keep up the good work...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Something Learned
September 12, 2008 - 20:36 ET by oilcanConsider it a lesson, a lesson of things to come as I bet this will be the only "softball" interview setting that Gov Palin will have with the MSM. I'm sure others are chomping at the bit to tear her up. So, hoping she takes lessons learned from this interview and begin projecting her wily witty and knowledgeable persona.
"Softball?" Gibson went
September 12, 2008 - 20:46 ET by Indiana Joe"Softball?" Gibson went after her as hard as he dared, and pi$$ed off a lot of folks who never believed in "media bias." They're having a hard time denying it now, and they're having to deny it a lot! And she showed a great ability to project her persona. Remember, it's a bulldog with lipstick, not a pig. She shut Chuckie down pretty well.
I think any "lessons learned" here better be on the side of those waiting to "tear her up." They might want to re-think any "re-raise." They better be thinking twice. Folding might be their best option.
The "price of poker" just went through the roof!
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
IJ... Folding indeed...if
September 12, 2008 - 21:04 ET by bigtimerIJ...
Folding indeed...if they were wise..heck just luke-warm smart...
They won't...
We are all the better for it...
On Nov. 4th it's going to be...I Call...
Of course we will win the jack-pot..no doubt about it.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT I'm seeing red at the outragousness of 20/20
September 12, 2008 - 22:11 ET by Dee BunkSarah did great in the face of Gibson's biased questions with inaccurate information. They knew she did well so they flanked the interview with 10 before and 10 min after trashing her. I can't believe their nerve!
When have they every had three people on after an Obama interview to pick him apart? When have they ever introduced him with a primer that brings out all his faults (as perceived by his political enemies).
I had been giving ABC a little chance because they at least asked Obama some tough questions with Hillary, but it's clear that they have every desire to unfairly favor Obama now that it's against the Republicans. I'm done with ABC now. Fox is the only show I'm watching and I'll let newsbusters fill me in on ABC's outrageousness.
Oh dang Dee... I have to
September 12, 2008 - 22:22 ET by bigtimerOh dang Dee...
I have to wait until eleven my time to get the show...maybe I don't want to see it...sounds like I would be too angry...
One thing about it...I plan on being in bed when watching it...lol.
Really though Dee...I never expected it to be otherwise.
Be happy though...this too will backfire.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT - You should still watch it so you can complain with me
September 12, 2008 - 22:26 ET by Dee BunkSarah did great and was much more relaxed. The editing was still pretty bad though.
It was the before and after that was over the top. When are they going to fact check Obama?
Fact check Obama you
September 12, 2008 - 22:32 ET by bigtimerFact check Obama you ask...
Surely you jest Dee...
That will be the 12th of Never.
It's okay though...we are still going to win...big time.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Mrs. Palin is honest, they
September 13, 2008 - 00:31 ET by general companyMrs. Palin is honest, they cant trip her up because she does not lie. Gibson would be one of my favorites if he asked these question of the Dems. It is only the Repubs that have to answer these very agresive questions. She did great, who could watch this and think, Obama or Biden would do better? Hell they would probably have conditions for the interview. You cant get a straight answer out of either of them. Gibson=disgrace, Palin was a blinding light.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
For these interviews she
September 12, 2008 - 22:16 ET by BuffNBoneFor these interviews she did have the home field advantage and it made sense to do so since her son was deploying. Also she probably has some more executive duties to perform. Which continues to show the experience gap widening in her favor.
In the future, even without the home field advantage, my sense is she's going to do better than okay. Like athletes who mentally can turn the boos and jeers during an away game to something they can leverage, it appears Palin can feed off the same energy off the court as well.
Since there are many PC terms and various meanings in the public domain, I think she is well advised to clarify the meanings of her inquisitors and in the process tactfully expose their biases.
She's already shown she's got chutzpah and moxie. Very looking forward to her debate with Biden
FYI, the new Alaska quarters are available.
"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
70 percent
September 12, 2008 - 20:44 ET by bbbossThe fact is that most Americans haven't a clue what an assault rifle is and the media..ie..Charlie..are even less educated. If Americans knew what type of weapon Charlie was talking about...the 70% propaganda wouldn't stand up in a summer breeze. Charlie was baiting her unfairly......but that is to be expected
bbboss; blood bank boss and a proud "neo-con".
Yeah, absolutely right,
September 12, 2008 - 20:49 ET by Indiana JoeYeah, absolutely right, bbboss. She gave that question the answer it deserved, even proudly proclaimed her NRA membership. No bobbing and weaving, but nice and respectful at the same time. She wasn't argumentative, which is probably best, but I'd have loved to see her shove that "statistic" down his throat!
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Start with a lie.
September 12, 2008 - 20:49 ET by Red JeepGibson: 70 percent of this country supports a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons. Do you?
Prove it Gibson. Assert a lie as truth, then as her if she agrees.
When is Gibson’s in depth interviews with Biden and BO?
"When is Gibson’s in depth interviews with Biden and BO?"
September 12, 2008 - 20:51 ET by Indiana JoeHAHAHAHAHAheheheheheHAHAHAHAHAHAhoohoo-AHAHA
Stop it, man, you're killing me!
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
»→ Obama's Butt & a 9V Battery.
September 13, 2008 - 02:47 ET by Cool ArrowTo Gibson, Obama's butt is like a 9V battery. He knows it ain't right but sooner of later he's gonna touch his tongue to it.
2nd Amendement winning issue
September 12, 2008 - 21:22 ET by gregfaheyAt the very least, we are starting to hear about the right to bear arms.
That this has not been mentioned puzzles me.
It's a winning issue for Republicans. Ask Al Gore. The Dems have stopped pushing this issue because of that and states like VA and TN among others. The Dems have been silent.
Let's get this going. Obama and Biden would ban them. They are rabid anti-gunners yet, as typical of hypocritical elitists, they would allow them to defend them and their families. Still waiting for a reporter to ask them if they would promise to live under the same gun laws they would propose.
So, Mr. Gibson, I'm sure Obama and Biden are happy you brought this subject up.
GIBSON: But agencies are
September 12, 2008 - 21:55 ET by GregEGIBSON: But agencies are not involved in entitlements. Basically, discretionary spending is 18 percent of the budget.
Hey, Charlie, what's the Social Security Administration if not an agency? A rotary club?
What's Charlie's issue? Are his questions making him sleepy? As he goes along in the sit-down portion, he gets quieter and more sedate as if he just wants to leave, which he probably does, as he sits quietly disagreeing with everything she's saying.
Great column here, by Charles Krauthammer, regarding Gibson's "Bush Doctrine" question and his following condesending and incorrect description of it.
http://www.washingto...
Like I said, Gibson showed
September 13, 2008 - 00:12 ET by Indiana JoeLike I said, Gibson showed himself to be an idiot. What's the cost of these "agencies," this bureacracy that runs these programs? That's the fat, Charlie, like that in your head. Good Lord, "streamlining" and "economizing" does NOT mean lowering output, it means improving "efficiency!" Get a clue, for Pete's sake!
This was, contrary to the spin, Palin handing Gibson his a$$.
That's a great Krauthammer article. I think I need to start the link circulating via email.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
I despise Gibson
September 12, 2008 - 21:53 ET by usbeefI cannot stand to see this guys face on TV and I despise him more than any liberal anchor. When he interviews liberals he asks questions that will heavily promote the liberal position. In this interview Gibson argues with Palin and he has a talking point written down to counter every single statement that comes out of her mouth. He is trying to make her seem like a liar to the audience.
The Bush economy questions are a complete setup. The propaganda that Bush was a bad president is so strong the majority of this country has bought it even though all the issues we face today are easily blamed on house democrats and marxists. Gibson is simply trying to push Palin into the pool of anti-Bush propaganda. I thought Palin did a very good job despite the hostility from Gibson.
"Push back the liberal hordes!!" - Mark Levin
I've lost some respect for Palin...
September 12, 2008 - 22:00 ET by m4ster chiefI was just as enthusiastic as the next guy over Gov. Palin after her speech. But now I wonder about her judgement. When they know for an undisputed fact that the MSM would like nothing better than to not only knock her out of the VP race, but would like to destroy her so completely she could never threaten the Dems again in a national election...why in the world would she voluntarily submit to the attempt?
It's almost like Gibson says, "I want to destroy you, Governor Palin, and I'll do my best to accomplish it." And Palin answers, "Okay, Charlie, here's a whip and a gun. I'll just lie down here and you can start when you're ready." You know, if somebody walks up to a uniformed police officer and tries to sell him drugs, we label them a "stupid criminal." So what do we call a Republican politician who wants to gain high national office, but then sits down and chats at length with a slimy, corrupt, and unethical liberal "journalist" who would cheer wildly at her defeat in November?
I'm really disappointed.
Just an opinion.
m4... You aren't alone in
September 12, 2008 - 22:11 ET by bigtimerm4...
You aren't alone in your thinking...I feel the same way...I also have never, ever understood why Pres. Bush has given interviews to some of the slimiest talking heads on various networks...
As I have posted before, if the right in our party would stop going on these shows, stop granting them interviews, until they give the same respect and such to out side of the aisle...
BOYCOTT...all of them on our side of the aisle..I do not for the life of me understand why they don't do that...
Things would change within a matter of six months or so...
If the msm went back to their old ways after saying they were going to be somewhat fair and balanced...Boycott again...until they really get the message loud and clear...
People weren't chanting NBC NBC out of the blue during the convention...we are really outraged, and they spoke volumes for a lot of us.
I know where you are coming from...that's my rant.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Though we may not care for
September 12, 2008 - 22:30 ET by BuffNBoneThough we may not care for it, doing these type interviews just comes with the world of politics. To get your message out sometimes you have to play with the dirtballs and even get muddy. Even the casual observers are taking note of the DEMedia's antics and they aren't liking it.
The sweetest thing for me is she is challenging and changing the rules while reintroducing the public at large to conservative principles and values. She's doing it with class and style.
Every time DEMedia thinks they've got something on her and try to use it, it blows up in their face. And they even cause some secondaries.
The comparison of her unloading the state's airplane with Fast Eddie trying to do a one up on her is a classic example. First it was the apples to oranges comparison of resale values and then we learn of a second airplane--for Pennsylvania.
"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
BNB...
September 12, 2008 - 22:38 ET by Clear thinkerI truly understand the need to get some dirt on you from being to close to one of these jerks, but I cannot imagine the amount of soap and water needed to get that scummy feeling off.
Hating Sarah Palin - Hollywood Style
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
They should do what Ann Coulter has done
September 12, 2008 - 22:32 ET by Dee BunkShe demands live - unedited interviews now because they have distorted her so many times. That is what all Republicans should do. They should also demand time for a surrogate to answer to any commentary before or after the interview. This has become so ridiculously unfair.
At the very least they should demand to have ownership of the complete unedited interview so the whole thing could be given to cable channels.
Because conservatives tend
September 12, 2008 - 22:33 ET by SmartypantsBecause conservatives tend to not shy away from challenges, especially someone as strong as Palin. I'd guess if she was in the habit of running away from potential threats, like a hostile Charlie Gibson, she would not have even made it to the governor's position in her state. Liberals run from tough, even unfair, interviews; conservatives don't--not the good ones anyway. It is the Democrats who refused to participate in a debate, because it was to be on FOX. It is the Dems who run from tough questions, because they have no good answers to most of them. If someone is confident in their positions, they do not fear an interview like this. Gibson is the one who came across as an idiot. I guarantee he only appealed to his own base here (and we know who that is)--nobody else.
I'm glad Governor Palin stood toe to toe with the pompous jerk; and I think most voters will wisely see exactly what was going on in these interviews. Hardcore Obama supporters are not going to vote for McCain/Palin anyway; and they would disagree with most of what she has to say. Conservatives have got to love most of what she has to say. And I don't believe she said anything in these interviews that would hurt her with independents. She comes across as a strong-minded, but reasonable, leader.
+1
September 13, 2008 - 06:03 ET by old croI agree completely. Conservatives are so much better on the issues because they have the courage to confront them and have been replying to the MSM and thier biased questions for years, which only makes them stronger, sharper and more informed. The libs just run and hide.
No, ignoring them would
September 13, 2008 - 00:19 ET by Indiana JoeNo, ignoring them would just raise a chorus of "what's she hiding, what's she afraid of?" Best to come out swinging and earn a little respect.
Regardless of what the media thought they were going to do to her, she acquitted herself well. That's the general consensus I'm hearing, and I agree with that. The attack nature of this hit-piece attempt was visible to all, and duly noted by most.
I think of it as:
Gibson: "I want to destroy you, Governor Palin, and I'll do my best to accomplish it."
Palin: "Bring it, Charlie. Hit me with your best shot. I might surprise you."
And she did, IMO.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Using the word choice
September 12, 2008 - 22:04 ET by BaxterJI really wish Palin would stop co-opting the word "choice" when she's pro-life -- I have to imagine it annoys both sides of the debate.
Pro life
September 12, 2008 - 22:08 ET by TjexciteWhat is missing when they talk about abortion for rape and incest. They should be taking about the punishment that the slimeballs that created that life. Mandatory 25 years to life for rape and/or incest that creates life with mandatory 20 years for rape/incest that does not. Abortion is capital punishment for the victim of rape and/or incest.
McCain / Palin '08
Kate Snow on Palin
September 12, 2008 - 22:29 ET by JJVThe worst part of 20/20 tonight was the hit piece Kate Snow did on Palin. Putting all the stuff out there that's been batted down as if it was fact. (i.e. The bridge to nowhere cannard, the earmark cannard, and leaving out the fact that the brother in law trooper tasered a 10 year old kid).
Where would we be had Obama had this kind of questioning out of the box. We'd have to be boing against Hillary now, that's where we'd be.
Kate snow was horrible as was the panel afterward
September 12, 2008 - 22:37 ET by Dee BunkDee Dee Myers (the identified Dem) was the most fair. The supposed Republican strategist was obviously against Palin as was Stepho. I've never seen any network pick apart an interview after the fact like that.
It wasn't enough for them to hit her with totally biased inaccurate questions, she still did too well so they had to prime the audience to not trust her before and after. We should all be sending complaint e-mails. I'm never watching them again.
> Homosexuality, genetic or learned?
September 12, 2008 - 22:33 ET by TeddyYou REALLY don't want Sarah answering that question after what you in the MSM have put her and her family through, Chuck!
Better you should ask that of your colleagues over at MSNBC.
Or better Still, ask Bill Maher about them.
Obama has not released his Rezko law records
September 12, 2008 - 22:40 ET by TheporchObama has not released his Rezko law records
Jim Geraghty in his National Review Online Campaign Spot
blog writes that Barack Obama has not released his law records
regarding the legal work he performed for his friend (and convicted
felon) Antoin "Tony" Rezko.
In typical Chicago fashion, another
"coincidence" arises here. Allison S. Davis, a former name partner at
Obama's law firm, later went into business with the Rezko. Here's
another "coincidence": One of the projects Davis and Rezko partnered on
received $1 million from The Woods Fund. Obama and his ex-terrorist pal, Bill Ayers, were serving on the board of the Woods Fund at that time.
About
his time as a lawyer, Obama says he worked primarily on civil rights
and voting rights cases. That may be true. However, this Obama
constituent is asking the senator to release those Rezko law records
now.
Exact quote
September 12, 2008 - 22:53 ET by RousseAbsolutely perfect. Rove! You magnificent bustard! Charlie Gibson is finally revealed to be a total jerk. Total manipulation by the Republican campaign, which "let" Gibson snag the first---oh so important---interview with Palin.
There are some thing you can never take back, Charlie. We have the exact quotes. And we know what hubris means too.
It was probably just nerves...
September 12, 2008 - 22:57 ET by thebronzeBut it seemed like she prefaced a lot of those questions with"I don't know". She needs to lose that.
Gibson: Idiot savant
September 12, 2008 - 23:14 ET by MrltavernCharlie Gibson's questioning style reminded me of Dustin Hoffman's idiot savant's character in RAIN MAN:
Homosexuals. Genetic? Learned?
Pro or against abortion?
Are you experienced?
Did you fire a state trooper?
How dare you besmurch all
September 12, 2008 - 23:28 ET by IgnatzJFahrquarHow dare you besmurch all savants by comparing them with Chucky G.
;-)
"All generalizations are false, including this one.” Mark Twain
"GIBSON: Is it sexist for
September 13, 2008 - 00:22 ET by ckc1227"GIBSON: Is it sexist for people to ask how can somebody manage a family
of seven and the vice presidency? Is that a sexist question to ask?"
In and of itself, the question isn't sexist. That you would only ask a woman the question is what makes it sexist.
I love how he calls it a family of seven though. I guess the 5 kid angle just wasn't a big enough number, so he had to lump the whole family together to make it seem even more overwhelming.
Interview
September 13, 2008 - 02:28 ET by SchnikeysNot a bad interview. I guess this was one of her better ones (although Chuck Gibson had a very biased, greasy attitude about him. For shame, Chuck Gibson).
However, I found myself mildly disappointed with the answer she gave in regard to the bridge to nowhere. Did she basically admit that she flip-flopped? It sure as hell seemed like it, but at least it's starting to seem less like she did it to "score political points." And besides, she's got a lot fewer flip-flops to her name than certain other newbies to the political scene...
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"My morality is your morality."