(For republicans: a question about Sarah Palin. I would like serious answers.) Why? ?

She is an obvious threat to Obama's chance of winning, that is why so many resources have been spent attacking her and smeearing her family.

In a way, she is to Obama what Obama was to Hillary.

You have to admit that Obama has gotten an easy ride in the media compared to Palin (and Hillary for that matter). I agree they should put her out there and I posted about this on McCain space yesterday, I think she could be a real asset to the campaign, she just needs her confidence back again. I have also heard that even McCain is not happy with her handlers treatment of her (Bill Kristol said this and I believe he does have access to this information).

The type of experience Palin has is that in which there is more accountability. Executive positions are subjected to more accountability than legislative positions and that is just fact. Obama's U.S. senate accomplishments as far as leadership goes - he doesn't have any. Only 2 bills he introduced have been passed into law - one to name a post office, one for the Congo. He has co-signed legislation - but Senators can co-sign legfislation right up until it goes to vote, it doesn't necessarily mean that they did anything. She has actually done something in regards to energy in this country (with the pipeline), Obama has co-sponsored a piece of faulty legislation about E-85 corn ethanol (waste of time).

As far as the family matters go, I'm not even going to address it. Men are never subjected to the same scrutiny as woman on this point and it is sexist. As far as Bristol goes, again, you are only speculating, you have no evidence that the marriage isn't something that they want or that it is being forced upon them.

In my heart of hearts yes, I do feel she is the right woman for the job. I was one of those people that knew about her and was hoping he would pick her for his VP.

About the Russia issue, I get what she was trying to say. I mean, I get why is played wrong, but I understand where she was coming from ...

"There have been eight incidents off Alaska since July. Among the latest, on September 5, six F-15s from Elmendorf Air Force Base, adjacent to Anchorage, Alaska, intercepted six Russian bombers about 50 miles from the northwest coast of Alaska.

Two similar incidents occurred in August, one near Cape Lisburne, Alaska, and the other near Cold Bay, Alaska, west of the Aleutian Islands."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/02/11/russian.bomber/in...

ALSO ...

"She responded, quite sensibly to a question that is ambiguous, "In what respect, Charlie?"

Sensing his "gotcha" moment, Gibson refused to tell her. After making her fish for the answer, Gibson grudgingly explained to the moose-hunting rube that the Bush doctrine "is that we have the right of anticipatory self-defense."

Wrong.

I know something about the subject because, as the Wikipedia entry on the Bush doctrine notes, I was the first to use the term. In the cover essay of the June 4, 2001, issue of the Weekly Standard entitled, "The Bush Doctrine: ABM, Kyoto, and the New American Unilateralism," I suggested that the Bush administration policies of unilaterally withdrawing from the ABM treaty and rejecting the Kyoto protocol, together with others, amounted to a radical change in foreign policy that should be called the Bush doctrine."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic...

You have several questions, so I will try to hit them one at a time. Please excuse me if I miss something.

1- I think republicans think democrats fear palin because she solidifies the conservative base. This groups support was very shaky and as such was good news for democrats. now that they are excited about the ticket, that makes it a tighter race.

2- I think the gotcha media stunts have gone on several times, usually involving a twisting of her position or the issue. For example, Gibson asked the question about the Bush Doctrine and it was made into a big deal when he explained what he meant by "Bush Doctrine". However, as Charles Krauthammer pointed out, there have been 4 positions called the Bush Doctrine.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic...

3- I do not think she does have more of a base in foreign affairs. In fact, I think it is democrats tha tkeep saying Obama has more asa means of hiding his serious lack of leadership experience. The yboth have the same amount of foreign policy experience, that is, none. What Palin brings to the table is executive experience, not just as a mayor but as a governor. This is by far more than Obama and Biden combined.

4- I think it is insulting to every working woman out there to say she is incapable of balancing work and career. Remember she does have a husband who, when they move to DC, becomes a full time house dad.

5- the issue of her daughter's pregnancy has been made a big deal by the democrats. They were the ones that started spreading rumors about Trig being her grandson and not her son. So they had to come out with the fact her daughter in currently pregnant. This of course then was jumped on by democrats as a means of demeaning her for her abstanence only position. The whole issue of the wedding is being done to counter democrat attacks. Sad that a person's personal life has to be put under such scrutiny, but that is current politics. Republicans also praise her for supporting her daughter through this time instead of pushing for an abortion, confirming her pro-life credentials.

6- I am not sure why she has not been hitting the interview circuit more, but I think it has to do with building suspense prior to the debate with Biden and also to shield her from an obviously hostile media.

7- People are not calling critics sexists because of their opposition to her positions. The yare calling them sexists by harping on her beauty pagent participation, her home life, whether of not she can be a good mother and still hold a job, etc. These I think ARE sexist. By the way, why is it when people raise objections over Obama's positions they are labeled racists?

8- Is she the best person for the job? I am not sure. There are a lot of poeple that I think could do the job quite well that I would have liked to see, but I understand why she was picked and, while maybe not the best candidate, she is a good one.

-Why is it that republicans think that democrats are scared of Sarah Palin? Isn't it possible that democrats (and a lot of republicans now) see that she is just out of her league?

When she was first announced, the Dems were scared of her, they thought she had clinched the election for McCain. Now I think a bit of that lingers, most Repubs like her, and quite a few Independents as well and now the Dems know that despite the media coverage, those voters will not flip to Obama.

-Why do they think that she's been the victim of gotcha journalism? (I believe that Ms Couric's and Mr Gibson's questions were both very direct and asked questions that a country full of people want to know about her positions and ideas on several issues concerning the country.

My opinion is that those journalists are trying to make a name for themselves as hard hitting journalists and asking difficult questions and belaboring the point when she doesn't answer as they think she should. Sarah is a great speaker and is usually well informed and real to the viewers. I think it is nerves and being put in that position with Democratic interviewers. When Charles was here in Alaska, in an interview with our local news, he said she was straightforward and very personable.

- What grounds do you have for saying that Sarah Palin has more of a base in foreign affairs and general American politics issues than Senator Obama?

I wouldn't say that she does have more. I think they are pretty equal. Living abroad at 6 years old does not equate to FA experience, neither does rock star type gatherings.

- How much time do you think she will be able to dedicate to her five children, including a little boy with down's syndrome and a pregnant 17 year old daughter if she is elected to the second highest position into this country? or, how much time will she be able to spend being an appropriate vice president when she has a full family that's about to get even fuller?

She has done a wonderful job as Governor of Alaska with her children and while pregnant. I believe that is a sexist question. Single moms have to work, are you insinuating that their children are neglected? Sarah is very driven but is also a wonderful mom.

- Why is she and her daughter being applauded instead of left alone on the delicate matter of pregnancy before a person is ready for it? Why are republicans trying to orchestrate appearances of the two teens together and a quickie wedding before the election?

This is a damned if you do or damned if you don't situation. She announced her daughters pregnancy within days of being chosen, should she have announced it during her acceptance speech? Her family matters are not our concern.

- Why is she now not allowed to talk without John McCain by her side? Why is she not allowed to talk, period?

She's allowed to talk without him, they did a joint interview and it is being construed into something else.

- Why are people who question her about her ideals or opinions being called sexist when Hilary was called terrible things by the public at large when she started to take a little more control of the country?

I don't think they are any more than I think someone who doesn't like Obamas policies is a racist. I'm sure a few are actually sexist/racist, but the vast majority are not. It's just the quickest and easiest way to insult someone and put them in a defense position rather than allowing them to speak their piece.

and finally,

- In your heart of hearts, do you really think that Sarah Palin is the right woman for the job?

Yes I do, personal experience with her as our governor. If people would give her a chance, they would see that it makes a lot more sense to have someone you can relate to and who can relate to you in an office of power. She has kids, lived closer to our income level than others in Washington and is a pioneer for government transparency.

EDIT- Fine, as yesterday, you are way too emotional about this issue to listen to others opinions. Which is what you asked for, right? You are not an American (as you said yesterday) and we answered your questions- in great detail, I might add.

If you cannot handle even reading an opposing position, you should really stop asking questions, it just seems to enrage you that others do not take your views as fact. I don't care what your views are, but if you want the honest views of others, you need a little anger management first

1) Personally I think some (not all) democrats are scared of her because she is a religious person... hence the reasons that there are some many lies going around about her being a witch hunter and that she is going to undermine Roe v. Wade... these accusations are totally unfounded and she has never tried to force her religion on the population while working for Alaska, why would she do it to the rest of the US population.... However I see that this is happening from the Republican side as well, against Obama... so it's not a one sided thing..

2) I don't think she is victim per se... I think that she was on the defense... and I think anyone would be if they were perceived to be attacked by the questioner... both Gibson and Courics demeanor and body language suggested that they really didn't want to be interviewing her and they didn't care for her much and that would put anyone on the defense... And from my own personal experience it seems that when you are put on the defense like that and perfection (or near perfection) is expected of you that can cause you to stumble and then when you make mistakes and are attempting to correct them they can make a person even more nervous and stumble more than they usually would in normal circumstances.

3) Honesly, I don't think she has that much foriegn experience but then neither does Obama really... The only ones that I feel has even remotely close to Foriegn experience is McCain and Biden... But that doesn't mean that Palin can't come into her own on Foriegn Policy... she is only the VP candidate and not the Presidential candidate.... so that doesn't bother me too much.

4) I think that she will be able to dedicate as much time as needed for both. It seems that she has a loving husband that will help her in the parenting area. And really I don't see how her parenting skills are even relevent besides the fact that she is a woman... I feel that she would be able to do it just like any male that has been elected into that position...

5) I haven't heard of this ochrastration that you are talking about in regards to the teens... I believe that they should be left alone however... they are going to have a rough time as it is... and I am not applauding that this has happened.. though I am applauding that she (and her boyfriend) are keeping the child however.... and anyone that thinks that Palin can't control her 17 year old daughter I just conclude that they have neither worked with teens nor have one of their own and do not realize that one cannot simply control a teenager... :/

6) Honestly, I don't know why they are not allowing her out... As far as an article I read the other day McCain himself isn't too happy about it... it's some aides that are orchastrating that... and it's really annoying to most Republicans...

7) I guess the same reason why most people that like her and agree with her are called extremist, uneducated and ignorant.... people like to belittle and name call... it's childish and has no basis...

8) Personally, I think she is smarter than she is being given credit for... but who can really tell when she is in hiding and haven't been able to condition herself and prove herself to the people...

As far as what I have done on my own as research into her, she is an intelligent and caring person and I think she could possibly do well for our country if given a good and decent chance to....

But like your opinion is opposite of mine and I respect that... this is my opinion of what I have seen and researched on my own..

ADD: Wow... I am pretty sure no one called you sexist... just the view that she cannot be mother and politician at the same time... Um... her daughter that is pregnant is 17, which in most States could be and is considered an adult... so I am pretty sure that for the most part Bristol and Levi (with some help from family and friends) will do just fine on their own... they will just have to grow up pretty quickly... And their oldest has already flown out of the house... so technically they really only have to take care of 3 children full time which I think the two of them are fully capable of doing while she is a politician...

And personally I think she has done a pretty good job being mom and politician if the only family problem they are having with 5 kids is a pregnant teenager since most families in this day and age can't even get off that lucky when mom is the breadwinner or that both parents are working...

That's a very long list and I agree with you on most...for those that say she's not running for President and that the Dem's should focus on McCain, I say that they are. It's about McCain's judgment or lack there of.

Palin may be a great mother and a wonderful woman, but so is my mother and I wouldn't trust her to run this country. McCain spent so little time vetting her. Most companies spend more time interviewing for entry level positions than McCain did for the 2nd most important job in the world.

It's a shame that for such an important position that she won't speak to the press. She won't let the country know who she really is. And when she speaks to the public, or misspeaks according to McCain, they claim she was only talking to a voter and called it a gotcha question.

As for all her great work in Alaska, just remember how she got that budget and where that tax refund money came from...Taxing oil companies windfall profits...Sounds familiar, I think Obama had that idea once.

No

Because she has

She doesn't- neither have any

That isn't our concern- her family life is private-- how much time will Obama dedicate to his wife and children if he is elected?

They aren't- the kids are getting married and shouldn't have to hide it just because you think it is a target to attack

She can talk but she knows that the VP's job isn't to be out front

Hillary was never elected to control the country- only to be a junior Senator from NY but I don't know anyone that wasn't attacked for speaking out against her.

Finally, I believe she is the right PERSON for the job... her underwear doesn't play a part in the decision. She is the best of the four candidates- too bad she isn't on the top of the ticket.

That's a lot of questions in one long diatribe...my opinion, and I like Palin, is people project their own hang-ups, fears, dreams and ideals onto this woman...she is a public figure and a very strong personality...Palin is a smart woman but yes, has been thrust onto a stage that is beyond her knowledge for now...so she is being trained...look at it as a wonderful opportunity for her to grow and become great...her teachers are the best there are...and she would learn so much by McCain's side...if I was political I would envy her this opportunity..but I'm not..lol...and she can love and support her kids and govern...women have been great all throughout history and yes, with babies on their hips...

Well, we can tell the Dems are scared of Governor Palin simply because they are so viscious in their constant attacks on her, and they're not limiting themselves to respectable topics either. Clearly, the Dems are concerned their candidate no longer has a leg to stand on, due to Palin's ability to excite the Conservative base of the Republican Party.

No, they're attacking her family--gee, is anyone attacking Obama's family or Biden's family??? No. I say, a person's family has nothing to do with their ability to do their jobs appropriately.

Plus, is anyone on the left concerned that Senator Obama's children won't be raised right if he's president? Doesn't HIS children need TWO PARENTS to raise them as well? Or do you consider it acceptable for a man to be president and not for a woman to be a VP?

I would be more concerned if Palin's pregnant daughter was the type to kill her unborn child rather than have it and marry the child's father--like she's doing. Apparently, Palin's teenager is more responsible than the typical teenager who sleeps around, then murders the life inside her as if the child were some sort of cancer. That responsibility is thanks to her MOTHER, who has taught her to value life.

Hhmmm, sounds like you Dems have double standards. You claim to be all for women breaking the "glass ceiling" but only if those women are far-left whackos. How about a "You Go, Girl!" for the chick, huh?

As for myself, I don't vote for anyone based upon their race or their gender, but only upon the quality of their character, how they've handled their past jobs, and what they believe in--as well as what they're planning to do in the position they're running for.

The fact that both McCain and Palin have said they're planning to overhaul the federal government to make it smaller, more efficient, and less wasteful of taxpayer dollars; tells me they would do a much better job than both Obama and Biden (whose ratings in the 2007 U.S. Senate Scorecard indicate they are not concerned with taxpayers much). Compare the Dem's ratings to McCain's ratings (100%) in the same document.

If Senator Obama was a Conservative Christian Republican, I would be excited about HIM, and would vote for him.

Unfortunately for him, Senator Obama has not had enough experience in government for my comfort. The fact that he has voted "present" in the Senate (over a hundred times) instead of "yea" or "nay" for or against any bills clearly indicates he either doesn't know how to vote "yea" or "nay," or he has extreme difficulty making decisions.

Both of those problems cause me serious concern if this man wants to be president. The U.S. Presidency is not an "on-the-job-training" sort of position. It requires the ability to make serious decisions very quickly--something I trust Senator McCain to do far better than I would Senator Obama.

So, instead of visciously attacking Sarah Palin, why don't you do some real research regarding your own Party's presidential candidates?

Thank you for the well written question. I feel pretty much the same way about Palin, and am wondering the same thing. However, I have not been able to get a conversation started on the topic with anyone without somebody insulting somebody (either liberal or conservative).

I've heard that Gibson's interview was edited in an effort to disparage Palin. I don't know if that's true, but why don't we wait and see how the debate turns out on Thursday. Biden is famous for putting his foot in his mouth.