Governor Sarah Palin made a book deal with Harper Collins, and AP book writer Hillel Italie began like he was describing a shark attack: "You knew it was coming." Italie concluded his story with Palin's snarky critics insisting she doesn't have the brains to write a book:
Palin has never written a book and her critics, noting her disjointed CBS interviews with Katie Couric, have questioned whether she could. Two years ago, Palin told PBS' Charlie Rose that her favorite writers were C.S. Lewis ("very, very deep") and a Runner's World columnist, Dr. George Sheehan.
Even as he questions Palin's gravitas, Italie needs to issue a correction here: the interview in question is found on the Charlie Rose website -- dated Saturday, September 6, 2008. In this brief "Green Room" interview, which are online exclusives, Rose is absent from the interview, as is any interviewer. The actual question asked by the Rose staff is edited out. It only says on screen "favorite authors."
Italie could be relying on his unnamed "critics" -- liberal columnists who made the same error back in 2008. Here’s former Newsweek and U.S. News reporter Timothy Noah trashing Palin's Couric interview on Slate on October 1, 2008:
Why couldn't she name a single newspaper or magazine that she read on a regular basis before being tapped for the national ticket? Why couldn't she name a single Supreme Court decision she disagreed with apart from Roe v. Wade?* In an earlier (2007) interview with Charlie Rose on PBS, why did Palin, after mentioning C.S. Lewis ("very, very deep") as a favorite author, go on to cite George Sheehan, a onetime columnist for Runner's World? You can shrug off any one of these questions as unfair, but together they merge into one rude but necessary query: What does Palin know (besides, that is, how to play basketball and the flute)?
But Italie, as he looks down on Palin’s mental prowess, didn’t discover (and neither did Noah or his editors at Slate) that Noah’s linking to a September 2008 interview and calling it a 2007 interview. Palin was interviewed once on the Rose show on PBS (along with Gov. Janet Napolitano) on October 12, 2007. Favorite authors were not discussed.
Ruth Marcus of The Washington Post made the same error on September 30, 2008:
This would be more reassuring if Palin had demonstrated more evidence of having read extensively about history or world affairs. Asked in an interview for PBS's Charlie Rose show last year about her favorite authors, Palin cited C.S. Lewis -- "very, very deep" -- and Dr. George Sheehan, a now-deceased writer for Runner's World magazine whose columns Palin still keeps on hand.
All these liberals seem to think calling Lewis "very deep" is an indictment of Palin, as if she was only reading Lewis's Narnia novels. They seem unaware that Lewis also wrote on Christian theology, which could be what Palin is talking about. They also might be guilty of implying George Sheehan was a columnist, not an author, when he wrote seven books on running as well as his battle with cancer.
Italie did take time to underscore how Barack Obama, that great stylist and storyteller, has set the literary bar for presidential aspirants:
A memoir (or two) have become a virtual requirement for White House seekers, especially after Obama's "The Audacity of Hope" and "Dreams From My Father" established him as a stylist and storyteller with a vast following.
Palin hopes the memoir will correct media-created misunderstandings about her family, but Italie also emphasized Palin's apparent talent for dividing the Republican Party:
Palin declined to name any specific misunderstandings and avoided detailed comments about her family, her political aspirations or about the divide in the Republican Party between moderates and conservatives, a divide her vice presidential run helped widen.
And I suppose Italie believes the media played no role in trying to drive wedges into the Republican Party, constantly trying to spook the "moderate" Republicans into disavowing her.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
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Comments Policy
Isn't it true that Couric
May 13, 2009 - 11:25 ET by mattmIsn't it true that Couric interviewed Palin for 2 hours, yet viewers only saw 2 or 3 minutes of it - as selected by Couric?
http://www.howobamagotelected.com/sarah-palin-unplugged-on-the-media.asp
Oh, please
May 13, 2009 - 11:26 ET by StarAZI am not in the mood for this reptitive goop today.
eh
May 13, 2009 - 11:32 ET by candanceIt's not like Sarah Palin will be writing the book herself, so this isn't about her writing skills as much as an excuse to attack her in general.
Besides, if the bumbling Scott McClellan can "write" a book then I guess the bar is already pretty low.
Ghostwriter
May 13, 2009 - 17:53 ET by easygoerProfiles in Courage is, arguably, the most famous book penned by a politcian in the modern era. It was written by Ted Sorenson not JFK. At least Nixon wrote his own books. Palin's book will be a bestseller.
If Al Franken can write a
May 13, 2009 - 12:09 ET by moderncommentaries83If Al Franken can write a book, anyone can.
I will buy Palin's book in a heartbeat.
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam
methinks these msm
May 13, 2009 - 13:54 ET by TruthMongermethinks these msm assholes protest Sarah Palin too much
Palin/Prejean 2012
Actually Candice, if you
May 13, 2009 - 16:27 ET by Gary P JacksonActually Candice, if you read the HC press release, you'll see, that while she will have a collaborator, every word will be hers.
I have a hard time with people that don't think Palin has what it takes to do this.
Now I know that having a degree in journalism is worthless, but she has one. Reportedly she writes her own speeches.
The thing that impressed me about Governor Palin though, was her acceptance speech at the RNC. How many of you know that the teleprompter was broken when she took the stage?
She gave that speech, that WAS written for her, from memory!
How many could do that? This was the speech of her life. A make or break deal. One of the largest audiences ever, to see a VP nominee speak.
If she can do this, she can certainly write a book.
Palin's Journalism Degree
May 13, 2009 - 20:46 ET by Forest for the TreesPalin has a degree in journalism Candance, that means that she CAN write. Get a clue.
Why don't you get your facts in order before you attempt to sling what you mistakenly think is "witty slime".
Forest for the Trolls
May 13, 2009 - 20:52 ET by Free StinkerUh,
Candance didn't say Palin couldn't write. She said that isn't what the attack was really about.
Pay attention.
Get a clue.
"Gov. Palin has been subjected to one of the most massive and dishonest pile-on smear attacks in the history of liberal media." -- Lowell Ponte
Free stinker, your comment
May 14, 2009 - 05:12 ET by Forest for the TreesFree stinker, your troll comment is off-base. Read what CD said more carefully and you will understand why it sounds like, by inference, that CD is belittling Palin's ability to write, twice in fact.
If that was not CD's intent, that is for CD to explain to readers. If I misunderstood what CD meant, my mistake, but if so, chances are, others will misunderstand CD's comment too.
I am getting tired of Palin bashing, as I am sure many others are too. She is a sharp woman.
More on Ruth Marcus
May 13, 2009 - 11:36 ET by Tim GrahamRuth Marcus continued:
I don't know where the Garfield reference came from, but it wasn't in the Rose green-room interview.
One blogger says "George Sheehan was called the Philosopher-King of Running by former President Bill Clinton."
Another says it's Ruth Marcus who isn't very deep.
So what?
May 13, 2009 - 11:39 ET by slickwillie2001Very few politicians write their own books; Hillary had a ghost writer (Barbara Feinman Todd) and so did Bill Clinton (Will North); the Bamster's second book was likely written by Bill Ayers. The Bamster's first book was so bad that perhaps he did it himself. There's nothing wrong with this. Writing is a particular skill and it's no big deal that a successful politician, or Hollywood star, or athlete might need help writing a book.
This is no different from the hypocrisy over speeches; we all know that the last President to write his own speeches was Herbert Hoover. Yet the liberal media will not acknowledge that the Bamster doesn't write a single word of his own. That's why he is so tied to his teleprompter army.
Bampster was in office to write legislation.
May 13, 2009 - 11:54 ET by sevenHe didn't write any laws till the Whithouse. It is sad that Ayers has to think and write for Obama.
Ghost writers
May 13, 2009 - 12:25 ET by KC MulvilleI don't mind when busy people use ghost writers. We presume that public people who are engaged in public business don't have a lot of extra time on their hands. This way, a busy public person can construct a decent-length argument for their perspective.
I'd love it if every public servant would put out a book, detailing what they think, and why.
Ghost writers are a great idea, in my opinion.
We know Bill Clinton didn't
May 13, 2009 - 11:40 ET by kgWe know Bill Clinton didn't write his book and Obama hired Ayres to write his. She just has to get in her PDS fix at every opportunity.
"DumbAssity of Dope"
Harper Collins, Wants to make some money, No LOTS of money
May 13, 2009 - 11:41 ET by upcountrywaterGOVERNOR Sarah Palin's book will out sell the OAF's books by a landslide. Why 'kuz conservatives can read.
The Ones followers CAN'T read, maybe next time try a COMIC book format.
Reagan VS 0bama
"her critics, noting her
May 13, 2009 - 11:45 ET by lotrHmm, did Italie and the critics question whether or not 90210's Tori Spelling could write a book? Or two?
This is another journalist-flunky non sequitur. Anyone who knows anything about written and oral communication realizes that these two modes are completely different creatures. Being a good orator does not necessarily translate to a good writer, and vice versa. Both require their own unique challenges and skills. That said, I do not even buy the assertion that Palin's interviews were somehow "disjointed," at least anymore than any other typical politician who's being thrown curve-balls.
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
I find this interesting
May 13, 2009 - 12:04 ET by SmokingGun"Palin said she's kept journals throughout much of her life that she will use for the book"
"My journaling really ramped up when I found out that I was pregnant
with Trig and then Track was going off to war and I found out Bristol
was pregnant," Palin said. "When we had those episodes in our lives
come to the surface, it was very therapeutic for me."
Why would anyone keep a journal? That type of stuff is uncommon now a days...
The Diary of Anne Frank
May 13, 2009 - 12:17 ET by CobraManAre you telling me that the practice of keeping a Diary (a Journal) died with Anne Frank? No? I didn't think so.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
Agreed
May 13, 2009 - 12:30 ET by BDelaneyNo rights for the fetuses we mustn't forget that. Wait a minute, there we go being radical right wing terrorists. (per DHS report)
"When we had those episodes
May 13, 2009 - 14:07 ET by Dan The Man 2"When we had those episodes in our lives
come to the surface, it was very therapeutic for me."
Apaprently you ned to learn to read more than the first line of a paragraph. This is why she journals, a lot of Christians have journals to tell where they have been and where thye are going.
And in Palin's case it is theraputic for here to collect here thoughts on paper.
journal keeping
May 13, 2009 - 14:19 ET by katainkentis something I learned to do from my mother. She has stacks of them - in gorgeous handwriting with paper clippings and such. Along with corresponding albums - 1 for each year. It's somewhat lost perhaps - along with some of the more wonderful "old" things like having perfect script.
My journal is less esthetically pleasing since its on the computer. My handwriting, in turn, sucks. I try to console myself with a nice font.
My daughters both keep journals.
___________________________________________
Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past - George Orwell - 1984
In fact, I think Hannity
May 13, 2009 - 20:18 ET by lotrIn fact, I think Hannity should have Tori Spelling on his Great American Panel segment.
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
It is interesting how they
May 13, 2009 - 12:10 ET by DarasenIt is interesting how they try to paint C.S.Lewis being Very Very deep in a negative light. Apparently the media did not do it's research as usual. Lewis wrotwe over 50 books and most were Extremely deep. In fact the coolege where a brother of mine is a proffesor offers an entire course simply to study the works of C.S. Lewis. That is a deep author.
Today's typical pop-media
May 13, 2009 - 12:15 ET by lotrToday's typical pop-media "journalist," when it comes to intellect and writing ability, doesn't even amount to a pimple on C. S. Lewis' ass.
"Let's wrap him up, alright?" -- Keith Olbermann
"Journalist?" No, Diarist!
May 13, 2009 - 12:24 ET by CobraManThey're "Journalists?" No, they're Diarists! Pun intended.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
lotr~
May 13, 2009 - 12:29 ET by Georgia GirlAmen.
[I'm a magazine writer, and the lack of journalistic integrity gets on my last nerve!]
jessieH
May 13, 2009 - 12:18 ET by jessieHjessieH Couric is a hack & AP is turning into the national inquirer.
Fairy tales can come true
May 13, 2009 - 13:01 ET by QueenMumGood Lord! Palin was asked her favorite authors. It would be natural to think of those who you enjoy reading on a personal level. I'd be willing to bet that in a History Bee, Palin would likely outpace any of these dunces in the MsM.
I personally don't admire our current President for being a good "storyteller". It's not the first quality I think of when I think of who would be a good choice for the office of POTUS.
GO CAVS!!!!!
authorship
May 13, 2009 - 13:20 ET by east tennessee johnWhen the BO toadies admit at least one of the books "written" by their guy was done by Ayers, then we'll discuss Sarah's capabilities,OK?
Sarah Palin's Alleged "Tell All" Book
May 13, 2009 - 13:27 ET by JRJ08That Sarah Palin was able to find a publisher anxious to print a book with her name on it is no surprise at all. She has a built-in audience. Of course, the suggestion that she is the one who is actually going to pen the story is another matter. As is the case with most books 'written by' celebrities, the publisher will hire a ghost writer who specializes in 'autobiographies' and whose name will never be made public, much less appear on any book jacket. That person will be responsible for writing all the complete, complex sentences and comprehensible thoughts that Palin could never manage on her own. Then, an editor will be hired by the publisher to fine-tune the ghost writer's work, to make sure it hits all the controversial buttons that will ensure sufficient press coverage and the free promotion that comes with it. Bald-headed plumbers and Bible/gun-toting hill-billies will be lined up around the block at her book signings. Palin and the publisher will, no doubt, get richer, while Palin supporters get sucked further into her self-serving myth. One can only hope that if the book is ever optioned as a film that Tina Fey will get the lead role. That I'd love to see.
Well it's interesting
May 13, 2009 - 13:36 ET by Lord ErondThat Bill and Hillary had two novels that were lengthy considering they spent 8 years in courts saying they couldn't remember anything.
"Let him who would move the world, first move himself." -Socrates
"We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains." -Li Po
JR
May 13, 2009 - 13:38 ET by Lord ErondAnother KOS insane asylum escapee. Call the CEO, Markos Fannie Plungeitinthere.
"Let him who would move the world, first move himself." -Socrates
"We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains." -Li Po
History will recall
May 13, 2009 - 13:41 ET by Lord ErondThe first female republican VP nominee. It will recall the rabid and inaccurate smear campaign mounted by phonies like JR and the rest of the snarling, rabid left. It will also recount that no other candidate in history had been abused so badly except for GWB.
Tina Fey will be a footnote in a book about the history of SNL...another c--k gobbler who slept with all the appropriate people to get to where she is.
"Let him who would move the world, first move himself." -Socrates
"We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains." -Li Po
LOL, jealousy rears it ugly
May 13, 2009 - 14:11 ET by Dan The Man 2LOL, jealousy rears it ugly head.
seeing ghosts
May 13, 2009 - 13:47 ET by greghansonThe fact that Palin has been keeping journals for many years is not surprising. The fact that these will serve as the foundations for her book is also not surprising. Since she is a busy wife, mother, and governor, having a ghost writer work with her journals, and work with her personally, to produce a book is also not surprising. I'm betting that she will acknowledge whoever helps her with the book, and may even include him or her as co-author. Palin is, after all, more honest than most politicians, hollyweird stars, etc. I'm also betting that Palin will donate the bulk of the money she makes on the book to various charities, something else you never see any politician doing. 0bama bought a mansion with the money he made from his books, one of which has been found to have probably ghostwritten by Bill Ayers.
I hope she keeps most of the royalties...
May 13, 2009 - 14:12 ET by carolina09...buys that ravishing wardrobe from the election last year. Particularly the red leather zip-up jacket. They keep telling us what a fashion genius Michelle is, but Palin has real style. Palin certainly has no obligation to give it away and I don't suggest she do so. No one expects Precious One to donate his royalties to charity. Palin has been hit with nuisance lawsuits, and needs a defense fund, also.
Put me down for two copies
May 13, 2009 - 14:07 ET by carolina09How delightful it will be when it outsells anything Katie-pie will have written. I hope there's a long chapter that dishes on this overrated and overpaid hack.
Put me down for two copies
May 13, 2009 - 14:07 ET by carolina09How delightful it will be when it outsells anything Katie-pie will have written. I hope there's a long chapter that dishes on this overrated and overpaid hack.
book?
May 13, 2009 - 14:37 ET by SickofLibsThe only thing KC every wrote was shopping lists, which she promptly hands over to a domestic servant for execution.
I beg your pardon
May 13, 2009 - 14:40 ET by KC MulvilleMy 16-year old ghosts my stuff.
Oh, you were referring to Katie Couric. </humor off>
SoL... If she even bothers
May 13, 2009 - 14:50 ET by bigtimerSoL...
If she even bothers making shopping lists to begin with...probably more like dictate them.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
I'll definitely will buy her book
May 13, 2009 - 16:04 ET by RukusI think it will be very interesting and informative.
On a side note: I see this is a Palin thread and I am noticing the muscles in my mouse wheel finger are getting back to normal size. Nice! : )
Gary
Gettin' along is so much easier than buttin' heads. - My Dad
And funner too! - Me
Gary~love your Dad
May 13, 2009 - 17:59 ET by Georgia GirlAs always, I love the gems your Dad left behind. :)
P.S. I still can't get a tagline to stay on my posts. But if I could, it would say: "Gary's Dad said the best stuff."
EE IS
May 13, 2009 - 20:20 ET by Free StinkerThe attacks on Sarah Palin Continue . . .
We'll see more of this B.S., after all the MSM has to damage her before 2012.
"Gov. Palin has been subjected to one of the most massive and dishonest pile-on smear attacks in the history of liberal media." -- Lowell Ponte