If you needed any more evidence that the media meme regarding Sarah Palin not being qualified for vice president is nothing but liberal propaganda from America's Obama-loving press you got it on Sunday's "The Chris Matthews Show."
After the panel of New York magazine's John Heilemann, the Washington Post's Anne Kornblut, NBC's Andrea Mitchell, and the Chicago Tribune's Clarence Page unanimously concluded that Palin was a horrible choice as John McCain's runningmate due to her lack of qualifications, they all agreed that she will be a serious candidate for president in 2012 if Obama wins this November.
Interesting hypocrisy, wouldn't you agree?
Readers are strongly encouraged to strap themselves in before proceeding to the following partial transcript of this astonishingly revealing segment (video embedded upper-right):
CHRIS MATTHEWS, HOST: Sarah Palin gave John McCain a big boost coming out of the Republican convention. But then came those network interviews, especially the one with Katie Couric. Her troubling answers made her an object of ridicule on late-night TV...Things have only gone downhill from there. In the latest NBC poll, even Republicans listed Sarah Palin as the biggest drag on John McCain. Clarence, a plus or minus all told, this selection for Vice President?
CLARENCE PAGE, CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Short-term plus, long-term minus. I mean, that term was about ten days, because it has been one bad news episode after another. Plus, the very fact they refused to let her face the press in a news conference tells everybody she's not ready and even in the one-on-ones she has the same kind of problem.
MATTHEWS: You used the phrase she's not ready. When she first was presented to the public, rather attractive, surprising, novelty, all that, likable, then somebody changed the topic from, the question from is she a good junior partner on this ticket, the new person on the block, or is she ready to be president at this moment and if not she's not ready to be president right at this moment, she's not ready to be VP. Somebody changed the question and that's killed them, I think.
Stop the tape: Is Matthews being serious, or astoundingly obtuse? After all, it was folks like him, Keith Olbermann, the panelists in his presence, and the entire Obama-loving media that changed the question about Palin from qualifications as vice president to readiness to sit in the Oval Office. But I digress:
ANNE KORNBLUT, WASHINGTON POST: Well, look, and they never had a strategy to respond to it. There was no, look, we're taking a first-term governor who obviously doesn't have that much experience but we're going to do a series of events, a series of meetings to roll her out and show that she really is ready. There seemed to be no strategy except to just bring her out, hide her from the press for a while, then start doing interviews. It seemed extremely random. It was interesting in their joint interview when they said that Colin Powell never even met her. Well, why not? Why didn't they arrange a meeting to try and convince people she was ready?
MATTHEWS: Did she pick them or did they pick her? The handlers around McCain. I get the feeling she had a hand in this.
ANDREA MITCHELL, NBC NEWS: Well, she was promoting herself, she was very actively promoting herself for a number of months from Alaska and that was a coming together of like-minded people but it shows how shallow, I think, and cynical the choice was to a lot of the critics. The critics look at her and look at what's happened and say not ready, not a serious choice, and what he needed to do was reach independents. He had to make sure that the base was there. But he needed a strategy for independent voters and she was the absolute worst strategy for that.
MATTHEWS: Suppose he had gone to the default button and gone with a Romney or a Pawlenty, the obvious choice. Would he be better off now or not, really?
JOHN HEILEMANN, NEW YORK MAGAZINE: Probably not.
MATTHEWS: Yeah.
Stop the tape: I thought it was the Palin pick that submarined McCain's campaign. Now, minutes into the discussion, we find that neither Heilemann nor Matthews believes this is the case:
HEILEMANN: I mean, I think, again, you come back to the financial crisis and his terrible handling of it. And maybe Romney would have helped him to kind of figure his way out through that thicket a little bit better. But I just, to your point, Chris, I don't think anybody changed the question. I think that's always the question. The question is are you ready to be president? It just takes us a little while to get to it sometimes. Eventually we got there and she couldn't answer it.
Now, watch how the story changes when Matthews asks his panel to fast-forward to the day after Election Day:
MATTHEWS: Well, let's get to where we're headed now. It's November 5, it's November 5, the day after the big election this year. Is she the first in line to run for 2012?
KORNBLUT: I think she certainly has a claim to, and she seems like she's getting ready herself ready for it, sure.
MATTHEWS: She running or ready?
PAGE: Yeah, sure, first finish out the gubernatorial term, get a talk show host job. I think there are things she's very good at. She just isn't prepared as far as the information in her head, quick recall, the analysis, that's all.
MATTHEWS: Andrea, is this the candidate here?
MITCHELL: Sure. It's the talk show deal. It's Sarah Palin versus Huckabee. The battle of the talk show hosts.
Wait...it's gonna get better:
MATTHEWS: Could she win the nomination, John? Is she a real likely candidate to win this thing?
HEILEMANN: She could, and I'll tell you why. A, she's the most popular person in the Republican Party right now. And B, as the conservative movement splinters, as it's clearly, there is going to be a bloodbath after this election, there's going to be a huge bloc built around populism and social conservativism and she is both those things and she's a compelling figure, and she's got a lot of fans out there.
So, let's recap. As a vice presidential candidate in 2008, Palin is:
- "an object of ridicule"
- "the biggest drag on John McCain"
- "long-term minus"
- "not ready"
- "doesn't have that much experience"
- "not a serious choice"
- a "shallow" and "cynical" choice
- "the absolute worst strategy"
Yet, the day after the election is over:
- Palin is "the first in line to run for 2012"
- She "certainly has a claim to" run in 2012
- "there are things she's very good at"
- "It's Sarah Palin versus Huckabee"
- "she's the most popular person in the Republican Party right now"
- "she's a compelling figure"
- "she's got a lot of fans out there"
Wow! Talk about what a difference a day makes.
According to all these folks, she's unqualified to be vice president on November 4. But on November 5, if Obama wins, she's totally qualifed to start her 2012 presidential run.
Hmmm. Just imagine how much more qualified she'd be in either 2012 or 2016 if she was vice president until then instead of a talk show host.
I guess this logic magically eluded these shills.
Why is that?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.




















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Comments Policy
Obama - not qualified in 2008
October 26, 2008 - 13:16 ET by Gary HallIt's an interesting twist for the media here. Just a couple of years back, we had the MSM practically begging Obama to run for presidnet in 2008, and it was Obama who was saying that he would not be qualified to run by 2008. Something, which of course, Joe Biden - and all the rest of us - agree with. (;~> gary
Riddle me this
October 26, 2008 - 13:32 ET by BlondeHow is Gov. Palin's hesitancy to answer the magazine question (you know she was thinking if she goes with "Guns & Ammo" in her list, she's toasted by the liberals) so much worse than Three-Letter-Word Joe's "you're kidding, right?"
As for Palin being a huge drag on the ticket, while being the most popular Republican in the country right now....one phrase....leaping liberal illogic at its very finest!
Great catch, NS.
In his own words (19 seconds): This man is qualified to be VP?
Sarah Palin is adrag
October 26, 2008 - 13:46 ET by cocodrieGov. Palin is dragging the whole republican ticket to victory.Sure woulg like her to take Dingy Harry and Pelousy fishing on Todd's boat, maybe in the Bermuda Triangle.
Good one, cocodrie
October 26, 2008 - 13:53 ET by BlondeI'd suggest adding Joe Biden to that fishing party.
They could drag Dingy & Nanny around trussed up as baits, and of course, use Joe the Gaffer (in lieu of a a REAL flying gaff) to haul in whatever it is they'd catch trolling such ugly baits.
In his own words (19 seconds): This man is qualified to be VP?
Great suggestion Blonde
October 26, 2008 - 14:05 ET by cocodrieI wasn't going to be that graphic but maybe the Florida Keys or off the coast of the Carolinas would be better suited for the purpose at hand. It would be fitting, they've been making us feed the welfare sharks for too many long years.
No shark
October 26, 2008 - 16:34 ET by IamTinmanNo shark would touch those two. Professional courtesy don't ya know?
Gotta love these panels
October 26, 2008 - 13:55 ET by pbthinkerAt least, on Fox News, you don't have one opinion, followed by an AMEN chorus. Matthews has a knack for having people on that agree with him. Week in and week out, there they are, "Your right, Chris, she's certainly a drag on the campaign, bringing in those large crowds and donations." This is just one of the shows they can use as an example of what "in the tank" means.
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
nobody cares what this
October 26, 2008 - 15:29 ET by TruthMongernobody cares what this panel says
screw em:)!
Government is the "greedy capitalism" of marxists
Some Panel - If BHO loses, they won't be covering 2012 election
October 26, 2008 - 14:34 ET by JayTeeat a certain Point, the overwhelming Cheerleading and in the Tank Bias for Obama becomes a Job threatening activity.
These talking heads better "Committee UP" for the election of their Candidate of choice or they are going to be Un employed Butt Brains in the near Future.
Hey, NBC, You guys only got another Few days, better start pushing the DNC candidates a little bit more, as Palin is packing in more viewer ratings than all of you guys put together whenever she appears on SNL, or Fox, or talking to Limbaugh, she is pulling in some NUMBERS people ! !
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Noel, I had a different take
October 26, 2008 - 14:40 ET by mom_roxThe panel was not saying that Palin is qualified to be the 2012 presidential candidate, just stating that she is popular enough with the base to get the nomination.
(This mirrors my thought of Obama - not qualified, but popular enough with the base to be the Democratic candidate.)
The Axis of Taxes: Obama, Pelosi and Reid (source unknown)
I agree with Noel; Matthews
October 26, 2008 - 14:56 ET by motherbeltI agree with Noel; Matthews was talking about her qualifications and performance.
How about THIS, Chris????
October 26, 2008 - 14:53 ET by motherbeltMATTHEWS: Well, let's get to where we're headed now. It's November 5,
it's November 5, the day after the big election this year. Is she the
first in line to run for 2012?
Uh, no, Chris, she's celebrating, and getting ready to take office in January 2009!!
Take THAT!!!
LOL
A different angle...
October 26, 2008 - 15:15 ET by Tom1969caAnother possible reason for Matthews & Friends saying she'll be a great candidate in 2012 is that - given how little they think of her - they hope the GOP runs her in the (misbegotten) belief that The One will beat her in a walk. (In much the same way they shilled for McCain to be the nominee this year...)
The reality is that, should The Obamassiah win in two weeks, the country will be such a mess in four years that the GOP could run Stewie Griffin and take 48 states... :(
=====
Daily Sarah Palin fact:
Sarah Palin and Chuck Norris walk into a bar. The bar instantly explodes because no man-made structure can contain that much awesomeness.
A serious question
October 26, 2008 - 15:22 ET by Simple1I apologize if this is a double post. I've read that some Republicans (and Democrats) think Sarah Palin would be ready to run for President in 2012. Given that the Governor would have four years to prepare, do you think this is a possibility?
Simple1
October 26, 2008 - 15:27 ET by Noel SheppardSimple1,
Serious question: if four more years as governor of Alaska would make her qualified to be president, wouldn't four years as vice president do a better job at this? In fact, haven't Parties for decades nominated vice presidential candidates to be groomed for future presidential candidates? ns
The attack plan on Palin
October 26, 2008 - 16:22 ET by GalvanicANDREA MITCHELL, NBC NEWS: Well, she was promoting herself, she was very actively promoting herself for a number of months from Alaska and that was a coming together of like-minded people but it shows how shallow, I think, and cynical the choice was to a lot of the critics.
Mitchell appears to be referring to some disgruntled unidentified McCain campaign advisor because Palin won't stay on the script produced for her.
The new ploy for the Democratic Party is to further pound Palin's reputation into political putty because she is a threat to (a) their poltical model, and (b) it pleases their feminist supporters who fear Palin as an example to women.
ANDREA MITCHELL: The critics look at her and look at what's happened and say not ready, not a serious choice, and what he needed to do was reach independents. He had to make sure that the base was there. But he needed a strategy for independent voters and she was the absolute worst strategy for that.
Of course, it's no accident that Mitchell's commentary mirrors DNC talking points.
MATTHEWS: Suppose he had gone to the default button and gone with a Romney or a Pawlenty, the obvious choice. Would he be better off now or not, really?
JOHN HEILEMANN, NEW YORK MAGAZINE: Probably not.
That's because no one that McCain could've slected short of Hillary Clinton would've met with their approval.
"Palin was unqualified."
October 26, 2008 - 16:36 ET by jeffroShe IS unqualified. And NOT ready yet. What is so hard to accept about that?
What's so Hard?
October 26, 2008 - 16:39 ET by Lamb-chopOnly that she IS qualified and is every bit as "ready" as McCain, Obama, and Biden.
Why do I say that?
Question: What is America’s first line of missile interceptor defense that protects the entire United States?
Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard.
Question: What is the ONLY National Guard unit on permanent active duty?
Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard
Question: Who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Question: What U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Question: What U.S. governor has a higher classified security rating than either candidate of the Democratic party?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Sources?
October 26, 2008 - 16:44 ET by jeffroOf course you have links to sources of those questions and answers? I don't take ANYTHING as gospel anymore. Sorry.
Spoon feeding needed here.
October 26, 2008 - 17:12 ET by Anchor89How about doing a little research yourself? If you find any of these statements are false, let us know.
and Jefro you shouldnt take
October 26, 2008 - 17:33 ET by dark_dsand Jefro you shouldnt take anything as gospel .....if the MSM was more like you we would be better off ....but the problem is any honest observer would see that they are in the tank... that they are selective what they report.. that they are biased ... I love this site but I recognize that many of us that post here have biases .... I can only speak for myself though ....When I see myself stepping over the line I am honest enough to admit that my own bias has bitten me .. case in point .. when that hoax happened in Pittsburg I wanted it to be true it fit my worldview and I jumped head first into beliveing it was true .. it wasnt and now I have to look at myself and say that was intelectually dishonest for me to believe the story .... I have had to do that my whole life .. I once was a socialist blame America first lefty but as I watched the world and observed what the world is like my view began to change.. I had to admit to myself that I was wrong and my world view became more logical and pragmatic .. and it will continue to evolve and change and if Obama is elected and what I believe to be true of the man is incorrect then I will recalibrate my thinking .. but untill that happens I do not trust him ...his past and his words dont add up and anyone who applies logic to his past and his will have great skepticism regarding him
You have a good point but...
October 26, 2008 - 20:04 ET by Gabrielle Ethe question that really needs to be asked is "what makes Obama ready to be President?"
Can anybody name anything he did in his brief time in the U.S senate, I mean apart from making speeches?
What does "first line of
October 26, 2008 - 20:08 ET by balboaWhat does "first line of missile interceptor defense" entail exactly?
I cannot imagine
October 26, 2008 - 17:00 ET by IamTinmanI cannot imagine how that studio didn't explode either from the inflated egos or the hot air being generated.
They actually think that time spent as a talkshow host qualifies someone as a Presidential candidate. If that was the case we would just annoint Rush as God and forget about elections!
Sarah Palin has more executive experience than Obama, Biden and McCain.
As Commander of the Alaskan National Guard, she even has more military experience than either Obama or Biden.
Despite the slurs, smears and outright lies of the democrats and their media lackeys, Governor Palin resonates with middle america like no other candidate since Reagan.
If America has a brain freeze and Obama manages to eke out a win, he will face a conservative challenge from some combination of Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal or Mike Huckabee that will relegate him to the dustbin of history as just another one term president.
What a difference...
October 26, 2008 - 16:36 ET by Lamb-chopIt's kinda like saying that on the day before her eighteenth birthday, a girl is a pure, innocent, sexually-ignorant child, then presto: at the stroke of midnight ...
Matthews: "But then came
October 26, 2008 - 16:53 ET by tomchrisMatthews: "But then came those network interviews, especially the one with Katie
Couric. Her troubling answers made her an object of ridicule on
late-night TV...Things have only gone downhill from there."
Chris Matthews must be so stuck in media bubble gum bubble if he thinks that Katie Couric's silly little hatchet job had any effect on the rising stardom of Sarah Palin. Note to Matthews: Few watch the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Record numbers watched Palin on Saturday Night Live as well as her ass-kicking debate with Joe Biden (you'll notice that's been strangely forgotten). But hey, why mess with a liberal elite meme?
How many time will we fall for this?
October 26, 2008 - 17:26 ET by Anchor89The way the MSM treats Republicans is exactly the way Lucy treats Charlie Brown when it comes to kicking a football. Like Lucy assuring Charlie that she won't yank the football away, the MSM fawns over all Republicans who aren't a threat. Look back at all the praise lavished on McCain before he became the Republican noninee for President. Then, just like Lucy yanking the ball away just as Charlie Brown is about to kick it, the MSM turned on McCain. Once praised for being a maverick and a thorn in Bush's side, McCain the media darling, suddenly bacame the villain, a reincarnation of Bush and his policies. Another example of this is the way the MSM treated Dole, before, during, and after he was running for President. Before he was running, he was a war hero. During the campaign, he was a Nazi. After the campaign was over and he was no longer a threat, he became everyone's witty grandfather.
What does this have to do with Palin? I see the same thing happening with her. As soon as she is no longer a threat, she will be the media's darling. But as long as she is actually close to the football, you can be sure that despite what the MSM says, they will yank the ball away before she can kick it.