Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > September > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPalin lies could lead to Bridge to Oblivion
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sarah Palin is out on the campaign trail, this time in Ohio, still repeating the lie that she rejected federal funding for that infamous bridge in Alaska.
“I told Congress, ‘Thanks but no thanks’ for that Bridge to Nowhere up in Alaska,” she said in a speech today. “If our state wanted a bridge, we were gonna built it ourselves.”
Yet even today’s Wall Street Journal, that bastion of liberal, pro-terrorist, anti-American ideology, reaches the only conclusion possible on the facts available:
“Despite significant evidence to the contrary, the McCain campaign continues to assert that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told the federal government ‘thanks but no thanks’ to the now-famous bridge to an island in her home state….,” the Journal states.
The Journal also makes clear that Palin only abandoned the project AFTER Congress had killed federal funding for it, and that “she did not return the federal money. She just allocated it elsewhere.” As late as last September, Palin was complaining that criticism of the project had been unfair, claiming that “much of the public’s attitude toward Alaska bridges is based on inaccurate portrayals of the projects here.”
In other words, it was never “thanks, but no thanks.” It was “thank you very much, and now give me some more.”
As the McCain campaign points out, both Barack Obama and Joe Biden have requested earmarks and voted for earmarks. Neither is anything close to pure on this issue. But neither Democrat is claiming otherwise. They aren’t trying to deny reality. Nor are they trying to construct their entire political identity on that falsehood.
Palin — with the full backing and support of the McCain campaign — is doing herself longterm political damage with this ploy. The American people are watching her repeatedly lie to them, day after day, and watching her do so with no apparent compunction. This is her introduction to the national scene; this is when her image is being cemented into the public mind.
And her image is increasingly that of a guiltless liar.
Comments
By jmoss
September 9, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Once again, as a Respectable Republican, I ask my fellow Republicans to speak out about the lies that Palin and McCain are spreading around. Are they calling me stupid? How are they going to reform our party by acting in this manner of deceit? Our own Rick Davis admitted Sunday that McCain is running on the exact same policies of George Bush. That vindicates the fact that John McCain is running for the 3rd term of George Bush. I’m looking for the truth, but it’s hard to find in our party.
By RealityKing
September 9, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
But…, where’s the bridge??
By Copyleft
September 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Since when has lying been a problem for far-right candidates? Remember, Jay: they’re trying to appeal to evangelical conservatives.
Logic and hypocrisy mean NOTHING to those people. They’re positively eager to be lied to so they can vote for the candidate who “FEELS” righteous.
McLame was in trouble before he selected Palin, because he had no inherent appeal to the fact-challenged religious right. You don’t think mere FACTS are going to matter to voters like that at this point, do you?
By Andy S
September 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Wow are you allowed to say this? I mean won’t the GOP pressure you into keeping your mouth shut.
J/k I applaud you for being 1 of the first to tell the truth! Especially in a southern state!
Good Lord she has 2 major lies on the books and yet no one mentions a thing. Its all “Palin makes McCain happy” and “Palin is hot”. God its awful. I commend you on real journalism!
By RealityKing
September 9, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Come on Jay…, let’s discuss real issues and real lies.
-> The federal budget deficit will jump by $246 billion to $407 billion this year under the 110th Democratically led Congress. The very same one that promised to balance the budget. The CBO attributes the more than doubling to “a substantial increase in spending…
By Gerald
September 9, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Dude, attacking Palin isn’t going to work. If you want McCain to win or even increase his margin so that he can claim a mandate and maybe even have coattails, keep it up. Otherwise, focus your attacks on McCain while finding ways to praise Palin wherever possible.
Palin is the voters’ dream: a candidate with an actual record of accomplishment who has not been in politics long enough to have been tainted by the system, and has also has these accomplishments in a place that is oh so unlike Washington D.C. (or New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.)
Whether that dream is reality is anyone’s guess. The point is that there is not time before now and election day to shatter that dream. Palin is a candidate that not only everyone likes but everyone WANTS to like. In other words, what Obama was this time last year. But you do not have 18 months for A) voters to get sick of the fawning coverage and B) to come up with embarrassing things like William Ayers or Jeremiah Wright to crystallize in the public conscience. Instead, attacks like this will only cause people to like Palin more and to vote for McCain just to spite people like you.
Right now, you guys have only a small shot at winning. McCain’s lead is in double digits, and no, Obama is not going to outperform a seasoned veteran in the debates. Obama is no Gore or Kerry in terms of experience, and McCain is certainly no George W. Bush. Your only shot is to hammer McCain, remind voters that he, not Palin, will be the one in the oval office and that Palin will have little influence either in the oval office, on Capitol Hill, or even in her own party.
Palin certainly is compelling and interesting, if elected she wouldn’t actually DO much of anything. Her role would be much smaller than that of Cheney, Gore, George H. W. Bush, or even Quayle and Mondale. McCain would be the most powerful and singular chief executive, then, since the Nixon administration, taking us back to the time that all the vice president did was attend funerals for heads of lesser important states and fundraisers for heads of much more important corporations. Is that what people want?
The problem is that most people would rather have Palin in a minor role than Biden or Obama in a major one. But that is the only game plan that you got, other than bloodying up McCain, so you might as well go with it. Maybe Obama can start running the ads that Romney and Giuliani ran against him in Iowa and Florida, and George W. Bush ran against him in 2000. If something like that doesn’t work, it will be 4 more years for the GOP.
By the way, I am not a GOPer or a Democrat for that matter. Which makes me all the more qualified to tell you that your dog won’t hunt.
By Swami Dave
September 9, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Gee CopyLeft…..about which “facts” would you be addressing that the “religious right” wants to be lied to?
I cannot comment on whether Palin did or did not support the now infamous bridge, but I do know that it would -not- be standard process for a state to have returned any previously allocated money.
For the record and straight-forwardness, do we know where that money was spent in Alaska? Specifically, as it relates to whether or not stories about liberals doing the same thing would not be highlighting the benefit of where the money went.
Just trying to keep to a level field….
-Swami Dave
By JD
September 9, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
“Liar”
“Criticism from the Wall Street Journal”
Two signs that a GOP politician has gone way over the line wrt truth/honesty.
Republicans have no dignity or honor. Karl Rove is their only God these days.
By real trooper
September 9, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
From Factcheck.org…
We checked the accuracy of McCain’s speech accepting the Republican nomination and noted the following:
McCain claimed that Obama’s health care plan would “force small businesses to cut jobs” and would put “a bureaucrat … between you and your doctor.” In fact, the plan exempts small businesses, and those who have insurance now could keep the coverage they have.
McCain attacked Obama for voting for “corporate welfare” for oil companies. In fact, the bill Obama voted for raised taxes on oil companies by $300 million over 11 years while providing $5.8 billion in subsidies for renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels.
McCain said oil imports send “$700 billion a year to countries that don’t like us very much.” But the U.S. is on track to import a total of only $536 billion worth of oil at current prices, and close to a third of that comes from Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
He promised to increase use of “wind, tide [and] solar” energy, though his actual energy plan contains no new money for renewable energy. He has said elsewhere that renewable sources won’t produce as much as people think.
He called for “reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs,” but as in the past failed to cite a single program that he would eliminate or reduce.
He said Obama would “close” markets to trade. In fact, Obama, though he once said he wanted to “renegotiate” the North American Free Trade Agreement, now says he simply wants to try to strengthen environmental and labor provisions in it.
And who said McCain is a man of character?
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Petty ‘Publicans picked a peck of prevaricating Palin?
Perhaps perversely picking the peccant Palin purposefully!
Try this Palin, you’ll like him
We all deserve a chuckle!
By Copyleft
September 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Swami: Palin did support it—that is, until she was against it.
That’s the facts. And she’s lying about it—another fact.
And it won’t make a durn bit of difference to the clueless Bible-thumpers who finally have someone to cheer for. That’s a third fact.
President Obama is best served by abandoning the ignorant voters to their Republican masters, as usual. Stooping to their level just to win votes is distasteful.
By jasper
September 9, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
So she’s going through her Bill Ayers phase. Let’s see how she handles her Tony Rezko incident. Then we can always nail her in the season of Rev. Wrong.
By ByteMe
September 9, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
RealityKing: perhaps you should look at the FY2009 budget prepared by the White House. If you look closely at it, you’ll see a budget surplus in 2012. How is that possible, you ask? Look in the appendix. Seems the Bush Administration figured out how to get to a budget surplus… by expiring the Bush tax cuts on schedule in 2010. Without that, it’s a 500 BILLION dollar deficit from here until eternity.
Think about the honesty in the Republican Party position on those tax cuts and their concept of “fiscal responsibility” now. By the way, that’s the budget, so that’s what they think Congress should spend, which says they aren’t interested in cutting any “government waste” either.
By KBos
September 9, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Finally someone speaks out I wish the major networks would follow suit and not let the GOP intimidate them.
By TW
September 9, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Any pulse that may have remained in the GOP after eight years of ‘w’ jumping up and down on it has clearly been silenced by McCain’s VP call. Did he really think he could parade a Barbie Doll around for eight weeks without anybody asking anything?
Clearly, Senator McCain’s error in judgement disqualifies him for the leader of our country. But on a medical level, he may seriously want to get himself a brain scan. Yes, it was that bad.
God I miss the real Republicans - when a man’s word meant something.
By NotABanker
September 9, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Did Sarah have lipstick on when modeling her “bridge to nowhere” shirt?
By AJC/DNC Management
September 9, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Several news agencies, including the AP and the Hill, gave Palin credit for cutting the bridge out of Alaska’s budget in 2007 and telling Don Young in Congress “thanks, but no thanks.”
Yawn.
By "The Corporal"
September 9, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Jay
If you would spend just half the time going after Democrat lies as you do Republican (they both do but it’s a matter of volume), I am convinced you would soon become one of us.
Why don’t you just try it for one week or is that asking too much ??
By Taxpayer
September 9, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Jay, I thought we had already properly covered this issue. The simple truth is that Palin is not lying when she says that she said “…thanks, but no thanks…”. She really did say those words just like that and that is not a lie. You have to understand how the Republican mind works. It hurts to go there but it helps in understanding their perverted thought processes.
By Martha Toon
September 9, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
How quickly common sense gets thrown to the wind when someone speaks of my governor in Alaska and how she’s all about change and foreign policy. Sarah Palin doesn’t have any experience with Russia whatsoever that would benefit anyone in the US. Alaska has reached out for years with sister city campaigns in order to embrace, and get to know, our Russian everyday people as neighbors. However, you need to really get a feel for how huge this state is and how small our population in order to understand how these foreign policy statements are not only untrue, they are really beginning to sound ridiculous and stupid when the facts are readily available. We have absolutely nothing to do with Russian borders - we can only fly there.
Ms. Palin slipped in under a lot of Alaskans’ radar in the last election because somehow this state elected another blatantly corrupt politician, Frank Murkowski as our governor. Mr. Murkowskis’ hubris was so great as to believe that he could not be taken down (just as Congressmen Young and Ted Stevens believe). Mr. Murkowski underestimated the ability of a newcomer to unseat him. Ms.Palin, right after being elected, did popularly go after Gov. Murkowski’s corrupt policies and appointments of unqualified commissioners. However she has gone on to make some imperious choices and gets a little more rabid about her beliefs every day. Under her administration, the Student Health Services in our Universities now charge $50/mo for birth control for students instead of $5. She could certainly be the harbinger of change in this respect. Her administration is targeting funding for family planning throughout the state. This has just been the beginning of an assault on choice in out state.
If a voter is voting party line and only party line, then there is no hope of getting those people to think and question, but for those of you who haven’t decided yet, do not embrace our governor so quickly and GET TO KNOW HER and her policies. There are MANY of us Alaskans who do not know her ourselves and in order to understand that you need to understand the geography of the state. As an Alaskan resident of almost 30 years, having lived in two hugely different parts of the state, and whose mother’s family is Aleut native born and raised here - I urge you to not let yourselves be fooled by the light bulb wave and screechy voice that promotes the idea of change or experience. GET THE FACTS. Gov. Palin has been accused of terrible biases and personal vendettas which are being investigated. It’s not time to put someone in White House that you don’t know. Please educate yourselves and question all that you see right now. Don’t fall for “all that glitters is gold”. Please exercise the rights of all of our citizens to THINK, then vote. Please remember how important this choice is not only for you personally, your family, your career - but also for the entire planet. More is happening in the world right now with global economy and potential wars than at any time since the Cold War. Please get out and vote!
By GodHatesTrash
September 9, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
And her image is increasingly that of a guiltless liar.
Governor L-o-l-a - Dumbya in Drag.
LOL!
By real trooper
September 9, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Again, from Factcheck.org
Palin is lying for all that have not researched the Bridge to Nowhere.
Palin may have said “Thanks, but no thanks” on the Bridge to Nowhere, though not until Congress had pretty much killed it already. But that was a sharp turnaround from the position she took during her gubernatorial campaign, and the town where she was mayor received lots of earmarks during her tenure.
Stop the lies!
By "The Corporal"
September 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Jay
P.S. I challenge you to have the guts to come up with just one important thing Obama has lied about.
I say again, they all do it! Are you so blind to partisanship and fairness that you won’t throw one out there ?
By chessie
September 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
They know that if they say it long enough, the Republican herd will believe it.
By GOPs got to go
September 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I bet those News Sources are Rush, Sean and Fox.
By ByteMe
September 9, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Martha Toon, but doesn’t the fact that she’s hot and feisty count for anything?? What kind of presidential race would this be without one of the candidates being that hot? Answer: Dull. At least Gov. Jugs isn’t boring to look at.
By Palin is our Savior
September 9, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Palin is a hottie. What other reason do u stupid people need to vote? In fact, just stay home and let God pick. Palin represents all women. She stands behind the teaching of morality. She believes those little tramps that get themselves pregnant have no “choice” at that point on what to do with the gift of life in their wombs! And that includes those little teases that get raped or decide to have incestous relationships. She knows her place, and will follow McCain’s lead, just as McCain will follow the enlighten policies of George Bush!
By WichitaLineman
September 9, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Thank you so much for this post. I am a registered republican and thought Palin was exactly the kind of other republican I worried about before I heard about the lies, now I know she’s exactly the kind of other republican that makes me sick.
By Steve21442
September 9, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
You and the rest of your socialist left-wing idiots have never been ones to let a complete lack of truth get in the way of your drivel. Why don’t the whole lot of you move to North Korea, where your ideology is accepted and practiced. Give the rest of us a break.
By RN
September 9, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Forget the bridge??? Give up the lie, and …
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
John McCain has not made the sale. It is time for Sarah Palin to meet the press and to explain who she really is. She may have easily gotten the votes of white women, but this white male conservative demands to know that she can stand before the press and answer questions convincingly.
If she can’t handle the press today, how will she handle a Russian when he bangs his shoe on the table?
Otherwise, I’m left asking, “Where’s the beef?”
By David
September 9, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Palin’s lies???? What’a the matter Jay? Afraid of having to look for a job when the mullet-wrapper of a newspaper goes under? So, you start sensationalizing headlines to get attention for yourself. Here’s some news for ya….it aint working….Sarah Palin is taking the country by storm! And..your guy, Barry “I got some big ears” Obama will be left in her dust. Oh…by the way….good luck finding a job in print media. HaHaHA!!
By Michael
September 9, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Love the people who keep repeating the “liberal press” BS. The news lately has been nothing but “all Palin, all the time”. Thanks for pointing out the fact that shes a known liar.
By Bill McIntire
September 9, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
America……..this election is a test. Are you stupid enough to buy into the Sarah Palin BS? Are you too much of a racist to vote for an African-American?
The saying goes something like this: In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.
I hope to God that we wake up & realize that we do not want another Republican President.
By jmoss
September 9, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
To the Corporal Thanks for telling the truth. Yes, both parties stretch the truth. And, our Republican party is no exception. Except, that we are supposed to be the party of Christians who live by what we proclaim. I don’t care what Obama says when my party leaders are contradicting everything we stand for. Should they not be confronted about it or do we let them do as they will to win the election? Thanks
By jasper
September 9, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Martha, my dear. I guess that’s why this year she has an approval rating of almost 85%, and 70% among registered democrats.
By that measure alone there must be some shred of decency, honesty, and accomplishment in her. Otherwise, I’m glad Canada seperates us from Alaska, and they call the South backwards.
By GOPs got to go
September 9, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Dear Martha, I was not fooled one minute by the present Governor of Alaska. I could have been alright with McCain, but that woman scares the he11 out of me. Screechy is an understatement
By Michael
September 9, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Love the people who keep repeating the “liberal press” BS. The news lately has been nothing but “all Palin, all the time”. Thanks for pointing out the fact that shes a known liar.
By Wichitamoron
September 9, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the post, I am a registered democrat and since you say that Sarah is a liar, I am now voting for McCain for sure.
Let’s get back to the good old days of the klintons!
By Lee
September 9, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
The Republicans are still trying to create their own reality.
They did it eight years ago, and they still think the people are stupid and will fall for it again.
Tell it like it is. The truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
By ByteMe
September 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Jasper: I’m sure Fidel Castro has an approval rating in Cuba higher than Palin’s in Alaska. Does that make him the best person to be the VP of the United States?
By Brian W.
September 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
real trooper, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom don’t like us very much. In fact, nobody does. Eight years of cowboy diplomacy will do that. So strictly speaking, McBush wasn’t lying that particular time.
By hh
September 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks but it seems only reporters are interested in lies. Public skips over it and thinks if they keep saying it, must be true. Is this Hilary dodging bullets in Sarajevo? Since few people read today, this just might work — making up stories that sound good with gret sound bites. A shame that McCain 2000 lost to McCain 2008, politics before country.
By Brian W.
September 9, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
real trooper, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom don’t like us very much. In fact, nobody does. Eight years of cowboy diplomacy will do that. So strictly speaking, McBush wasn’t lying that particular time.
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I think Sarah Palin…and my mind wanders to Tom Eagleton.
It’s time for a discreet exit strategy for the poor old girl.
By Jeff in Orlando
September 9, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
It is getting very difficult to tell fact from fiction regarding Palin. Attention to all you Palin haters: chill. If there is something negative to all the allegations, the truth will come out eventually. The fact the left is reacting so viciously is they know Palin can turn the tide and deny the Democrats a victory. She must be destroyed at all costs. Leftists are hanging onto every statement before knowing if an allegation is true or not. In the process, all who do this look petty, venal and very stupid!
By Bosch
September 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Whatever you want to say about Palin, so be it, but the latest poll numbers are showing that it is working and proving once again that the average American voter is ignorant.
The media can say all they want about precious Palin, but the GOP base has their cheerleader, it revived their spirit, it brought out the freaky fundamentalists and unfortunately for Obama, I feel, cost him the Presidency.
By Capt. C.N. Lusterman
September 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
It appears that that this “rag” that once was formally a news paper and its present board, are loading up on the “Kool-Aid”. It’s one thing to be in the tank for Obama,spinning stories about his competition is a sorry state of affairs ,even if you attempt to make like you are a real newspaper ,maybe a little truth will help. Thank You
By John Penney
September 9, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Bookman on Bookman, a sad case of ultra Liberal. When all is lost,cry foul. Give Sarah Palin her due. She is a very smart, attractive Lady. She is a Democratic nightmare. The backlash for people of Bookmans caliber will scar them all. Where have the true journalistic minds gone.
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
JEFF IN ORLANDO
WHAT PART OF SHE LIED ABOUT THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE AP, THE WASHINGTON POST, CNN, have all acknowledged the fact.
Are you really and truly waiting for Moses to bring the word to you carved in stone tablets?
Do you want a written admission in her own blood?
Perhaps a burning azalea will tell you!
Perhaps we DO need a minimum awareness test for voters!
By professional skeptic
September 9, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Martha Toon, for offering a local’s insight into Palin’s political history. I had never even seen a picture of the woman before McCain’s VP announcement. And now she’s the potential second-in-command of our nation?
If her status as a virtual unknown on the national scene wasn’t enough to make me… umm… skeptical, now it seems that the brightest point in her speech has been called into question. Certainly, if she had spoken or written the words “thanks, but no thanks” in response to the bridge money, she or her staff should be able to produce a letter, transcript, or other proof.
I’m also still eagerly awaiting details on the republican plan to improve our nation’s fiscal policy. The era of swiping the nation’s credit card at the taxpayers’ expense must come to an end. So far, the republicans have provided absolutely no indication that they intend to stop accumulating trillions upon trillions of dollars of debt for initiatives our nation cannot afford.
By Mary in Alpha
September 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I had to read the banner a couple times to make sure I was really on the AJC site.
Thanks for the breath of fresh air from your usual fawning of Palin. I can’t even stand to open my morning paper these days.
By the way, I see her ratings are higher amongst men than women. Hmmmmm…what a surprise!!! Maybe the hockey mom strategy is bombing - which means they should go ahead and hike up her skirt a few inches. Maybe go get lasik surgery and ditch the glasses.
By Paul
September 9, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Jay,
Ever watch a Law and Order episode where the attorney asks an involved question and demands “Just answer yes or no”? This is one of those cases. Regardless of what happened before – when she was in the role of mayor or new governor – she can claim, as Factcheck corroborates, “I said no thanks.”
A problem I see with this for the larger electorate is there has been so much factual assertion of shortcomings (the baby’s not hers, it’s her daughter’s, for instance) that many are skeptical of any new assertions. They just roll it in to the general noise level. Many voters don’t read a newspaper or follow television news and the certainly aren’t political junkie bloggers. So what they hear is another attack on Palin to add to the others. And it sounds like business as usual, undercutting Obama’s platform of ‘change.’
She has the highest approval rating of any governor. Many women have begun to identify with her. Labeling her a ‘liar’ in any area where there’s an inkling of an out – or the possibility some may see it simply as a difference of opinion – tends, I think, to drive up the sympathy factor.
Hey Bosch!
Catch the season premier of Terminator last night?
Other factors are at play – not Palin-related. Obama’s 19-point lead regarding who’s better at handling the economy has all but evaporated. Probably one reason he went on O’Reilly (where he’s doing well and BOR defends him against some of the nutty letter-writers or other guests) – to add more detail and substance. But I do think it’s time for a course correction – he’s got smart people running his campaign and they’ve plead with others to knock off these types of Palin attacks. If they don’t, his message will continue to be obscured.
By jasper
September 9, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Mrs. G, you seem frazzled. Heretofore I’ve always admired the composure of your posts. But times changes.
This story is just not gaining traction. The liberal hate machine has essentially dropped it and has sicked its attack dogs on her former church. Where’d they get that idea?
In the meantime the momentum builds, crowds swell, polling numbers climb, donations poor in like someone broke the pinata. Popularity will steamroll throught these negatives just like Obama did through his. Its the timing of the crescendo that will be critical.
The bloom is off Obama’s rose for the moment. Will be interesting to see if he can get it back.
By CJ
September 9, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Jeff in Orlando said: “If there is something negative to all the allegations, the truth will come out eventually.”
The truth has come out, but “Jeff in Orlando” and his friends on the right aren’t interested. Despite their feigned respect for the Ten Commandments (which includes something about bearing false witness), these so-called Christians (i.e. Bush’s 28 percenters) couldn’t care less whether or not their candidates are serial liars if it gets their nonsensical ideology renewed representation in the White House.
By Bosch
September 9, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Hey Paul -
Nope, I missed it. I looked through the channels for it, but couldn’t find it - what channel again? What time? Do they replay the episodes at any time?
All this is so depressing to me - the Democrats have always had a way of imploding and losing elections that are only theirs to lose. There is absolutely no reason at all that Obama shouldn’t be 30 points ahead of McCain at this point.
By LoooseyGooosey
September 9, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Sarah Palin is a women! We expect women to lie, overlooking them based soley on their sex appeal.
And oh boy.., WOW! WHAT SEX APPEAL!!
By demwit
September 9, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
I’m more worried about her turning 50! A menapasal women is not what America needs in the White House… Who knows, she could start having hot flashes and invade Georgia, here, by mistake!!
By sunshine and thunder
September 9, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Barack and Michelle Obama are Columbia, Princeton, Harvard Law School, affirmative action food stamp hustlers.
Sarah and Todd Palin are salt of the earth, public school, union member, executive quality people and kill their own food.
Michelle finally became proud of her country when her man was one election away from the big prize.
Sarah was born proud of her country.
Barack has more flip flops than a cheap souvenier stand at Panama City Beach.
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
jasper
Frazzled? I guess so.
Like standing next to some guy under the blue Georgia sky and having him tell you there’s no proof the sky is blue.
Funny thing about hope….I even have it for the hopeless.
By Paul
September 9, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Bosch
8 o’clock ET, Fox. I missed the first couple minutes but it was a recap of last season. I didn’t see a replay listed for this week but evidently it is available online:
Link: Terminator
I think the last paragraph of your 2:49 hit a lot of valid points. Kinda funny, I was watching a panel of journalists (mix of libs and cons) a couple weeks before the convention and they were asked if McCain could co-opt and pull off the ‘change’ theme. Every one said “not a chance.” Not often they’re all wrong.
Imploding? Few weeks back I said it appeared they were again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. I think you’re correct - Palin energized a bunch of people . Personal anectdote - my wife, bigtime Obama supporter, can’t stand McCain one bit - don’t bother to ask her any policy or issue questions, it’s just something visceral - watched Palin, watched the resulting attacks, and the other day said she’d ‘think’ about voting the ticket (her reaction to Biden isn’t far off her reaction to McCain, though).
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
demwit
You sound like Mr. G!
It wouldn’t so much be the hot flashes as the mood swings….
By JAY BOOKMAN
September 9, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
“affirmative action food stamp hustlers….”
Any more questions, ladies and gentlemen? I thought not.
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
sunshine and thunder
perhaps you should read more
like this
76 flip flops…..
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Did Palin Promote Alaska National Guard General Because He Changed His Tone To Support Her Credentials?
New day, new scandal?
Scandal du Jour?
By JAY BOOKMAN
September 9, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
RealityKing, you wouldn’t be posting under false colors in order to discredit the opposition, now would you? It would take a pretty dim wit to try such a scheme.
By swolf4810
September 9, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Palin….Dick Chenney in drag.
By Paul
September 9, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla 3:39
Another area Dems shouldn’t go. After all the talk of the “Clinton generals” and the impact they had (or didn’t have) in going head to head when challenged by Rumsfeld - (‘course, one can also make the case plenty got promoted on Bush’s watch who were ‘yes’ men, too) well, let’s just say the governor ‘owns’ the Guard and has a lot of latitude in who gets promoted and who doesn’t. For the top spots.
By Mike
September 9, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
LOL. Tell us again about those nasty old Republicans, Jay.
Do you ever stop to think that it is an astounding coincidence that anyone who is running against your chosen candidate is not only the wrong choice, but is a morally flawed person?
There is no volume control in your partisan outrage meter. All Republicans are bad, all the time.
It’s funny to see the real extreme partisans like yourself revert to nastier and nastier personal attacks. Your repeated accusations that Palin is a ” liar” is actually bettered by Bob Herbert’s bitter tirade today, in which he labeled Republicans “trogdolytes”.
Your utter lack of tolerance is pathetic. Hopefully the AJC will come to its senses and follows MSNBC’s lead and place less emphasis on predictable partisan pundits and more emphasis on news.
By Bosch
September 9, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Paul,
I like McCain alright. I would never vote for him NOW, was ready to give him a shot 8 years ago, but this woman makes me want to vomit.
But it’s working and that’s just simply pathetic.
I think people really don’t want change. I think it has to do with the fact that as long as YOU are okay, then things are cool with most.
And when things aren’t cool with YOU, then it’s easy to blame the opposition.
It goes to the core of what a Democrat is vs. what a Republican is:
Democrat = Democracy - every one included
Republican = Republic - everyone votes for a leader to make their decision for them.
Democrats look more like socialists than Republicans because they want an even playing field for all.
Republicans think - like in a Republic - that there are those who are meant to lead (and corporations make jobs for the little people) - and to me, the way the system is now, look much more like fascists.
It’s just a difference of philosophy and of course all this is IMHO of course.
By Bill Anderson
September 9, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
“had the courage to admit that she was wrong “
She had the courage to admit she was wrong AFTER the bridge became a national joke and AFTER congress removed the earmark. She never refused congressional money for the bridge; her “Thanks but no thanks” line is a flat-out lie.
By AJC/DNC Management
September 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Panic!
It’s no surprise, then, that Democrats have airdropped a mini-army of 30 lawyers, investigators and opposition researchers into Anchorage, the state capital Juneau and Mrs. Palin’s hometown of Wasilla to dig into her record and background. My sources report the first wave arrived in Anchorage less than 24 hours after John McCain selected her on August 29.
Worried, are we?
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Add Rueters to the list of media outlets that acknowledge the lie….
By Midori
September 9, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Bosch,
I really hate to see you like this.
Calm down - out of their convention, a bounce was expected.
In the meantime, let’s see that famous, beautiful Bosch smile
By Paul
September 9, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Bosch,
Just when I thought this thread had played out you go and invigorate it!
I still think this is a pretty volatile electorate - lots can still happen. I think though, in basic philosophy, it’s more of a sea-change for Reps than for Dems. Sure we have an African-American on one ticket and a woman on the other - and say what you will about Palin appealing to what many call ‘core’ Republicans - still, the voters selected as their standard bearer one who was seen by many as on the outside looking in and who didn’t always embrace ‘traditional’ Rep positions..
Personally, I’d like to see the return of the Rockefeller Republicans and the conservative Democrats - with influence. But after Delay for the Reps and the MoveOns for the Dems I’m not sure we’ll get there anytime soon.
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
hey DUH @ 4:02
OH NO!!!
The Democrats are vetting the GOP Veep candidate!
Heavens to betsy…it just can’t be!
Call the militia!
Call the national guard!
By Paul
September 9, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
AJC/DNC Management
You’d think after Bush v Gore the Dems’d learn to not always reach for the lawyers first. Or if they do reach, to grab better ones than the Reps have.
Midori
Triumphe is great! He did a long, hilarious routine outside a Star Wars convention. If you really wanna get concerned about giving everyone the vote check out some of the characters:
Link: Truimph vs Star Wars Geeks
By Taxpayer
September 9, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
So, the Republican strategy is to just lie. In other words, what you’re saying is that the Republican strategy is to give us more of the same. It could work. I mean, it has worked so far. Why break from a winning strategy. Who doesn’t want to believe that an upright member of the community and a fine outstanding Christian will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Don’t you want to believe, Jay? I want to believe and I have even believed but now there is nothing left to believe. Republicans can no longer be trusted. They have chosen a path that is opposite my beliefs. They believe the end justifies the means. They have practiced it over and over and they will continue to practice it. So, all I can think of to say, truthfully, is thanks, but no thanks.
By Midori
September 9, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Pulling the Curtain on Palin
John McCain’s campaign acknowledged this weekend that Sarah Palin is unprepared to be vice president or president of the United States.
Of course, McCain’s people said no such thing. But their actions told you all you needed to know.
McCain, Barack Obama and Joe Biden all subjected themselves to tough questioning on the regular Sunday news programs. Palin was the only no-show. And it’s not just the Sunday interviews. She has not opened herself to any serious questioning since McCain picked her to be next in line for the presidency.
McCain’s advisers clearly don’t trust Palin to answer questions about policy and don’t want her to answer many of the questions that have been raised about her tenure as governor of Alaska.
By RW-(the original)
September 9, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
AJC/DNC-M,
That 4:02 brings up a point that you and I were discussing the other day about donations. You can still donate to the compliance fund for the Democrats start filing the frivolous lawsuits.
Jay B,
It’s going to become increasingly difficult to stay on topic if you’re going to write the same column day in and day out.
I’ll carry Paul’s message a bit further. Not only does this get lost in the noise with all the more absurd lies being told about Governor Palin in the general public, your leftist contributers undermine your message the same way right here on your very own blog.
By Midori
September 9, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
hey Paul,
thanks for that Star Wars link :)
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
from Atrios
“On the same day that dozens of news organizations have exposed Governor Palin’s phony Bridge to Nowhere claim as a ‘naked lie,’ she and John McCain continue to repeat the claim in their stump speeches. Maybe tomorrow she’ll tell us she sold it on eBay,” said Obama campaign spokesman Tommy Vietor.”
By RealityKing
September 9, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Of course it is Jay, good catch. All’s fair in love and politics.
Was it the gmail address? I was testing.., although my sentence structuring is pretty hard to miss. And don’t bother to write down that ipa. That’s the thing about scientific data modeling, it takes multitudes of computers, hundreds, kinda like in Matrix II, Me, Me, Me..
Other masqueraders?? Careful.
By Lewis
September 9, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Jay, Jay, Jay, from your comments, I can tell you’re obviously living in a reality based world. When are you going to learn that the republicans live in a non-reality based world (sort of like Second Life except everyone looks like Ronald Reagan). These worlds are wonderful places, where Iraq is a free, peaceful democracy, wealth trickles down, and republicans are fiscally responsible. Not only that, in those worlds, Palin isn’t an unqualified lightweight phony. She is a reformer who said NO! to the Bridge to nowhere and the 228 mil accompanying it.
By Midori
September 9, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Sarah Palin: Maverick to Nowhere
By Mrs. Godzilla
September 9, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Great Question for Palin from the Alaska Daily News:
In spring of 2004, the Daily News reported that you cited family considerations in deciding not to try for the U.S. Senate: “How could I be the team mom if I was a U.S. senator?” What was different this time as you decided to run for vice president?
Verrrry Interesting!
By "The Corporal"
September 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
To jmoss:
Yes - that’s my point. Anyone (Republican or Democrat) who is spreading a lie or just being slick/disigenuous should be called out on it. However, if done fairly and consistently (including by Jay Bookman), the difference in volume of Democrats over Republicans would be astounding.
By Taxpayer
September 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
All right now. No more reporting of the absurd lies told by Palin or McCain. Only report on the un-absurd lies they tell. And, by all means, you left wing contributors to this left wing blog should be ashamed of yourselves for undermining Jay’s message. Now stay on message, Palin lies and she’s on a bridge to oblivion. Now, this is the last of the times that you should need to be reminded of that. The End. You got that.
By Paul
September 9, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Midori
I almost fall off my chair laughing each time I watch it. Incredibly, I feel a bit… uneasy watching parts of it. Almost like I’m taking part in making fun of people who don’t know any better - and who take themselves so seriously.
(This is where you say “you mean like on this blog?)
By TC
September 9, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
This just in on Sarah Palin:
Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense battalion of the Alaska Nation Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It’s on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.
As governor of Alaska, Palin is briefed on highly classified military issues,homeland security, and counter terrorism. Her exposure to classified material may rival even Biden’s.
She’s also the commander in chief of the Alaska State Defense Force(ASDF), a federally recognized militia incorporated into Homeland Security’s counter terrorism plans.
Palin is privy to military and intelligence secrets that are vital to the entire country’s defense. Given Alaska’s proximity to Russia, she may have security clearances we don’t even know about.
Sounds like a very strong commander in chief to me.
By Jon
September 9, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
It saddens me that our Grand Old Party has been reduced to wiretapping, warmongering, waterboarding, and MORE LIES. This is like the claim that she sold the Govenor’s Jet on EBAY for a profit. It was sold at a loss by someone else after appearing 3x on EBay without bid. MORE LIES? I have had to re-register as an Independent because I just cannot be associated with this madness. I am so disappointed. McCain has pointed his finger at Democrats for being celebrities…and Palin now has an action figure? This campaign is not about ISSUES, it’s about IMAGE. What has America come to?
By professional skeptic
September 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Lewis @ 4:23,
Here’s another example of the fantasy world you describe.
Still makes me laugh some two years after the fact!
By RealityKing
September 9, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
The difference is that Mr.Palin is now the team mom!!
You libs are going to have to do better than this if you want Sarah Barracuda for dinner..
By Bosch
September 9, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Midori -
OMG - I’ve got tears rolling down my face right now. That was hilarious. I loved Triumph with Lynn Swanson. “Are you lost? It’s okay, I once went to a cat convention.”
Wolf Blitzer: “I respect you for not giving up your porn name.”
And the gift bag - “Shares of Exxon and 2 slaves.”
Oh God, thank you Midori! That really cheered me up.
Paul,
Sure the Republicans voted for McCain, but that was largely without the evangelicals in the mix - they voted for Huckabee. It’s just sad to me to see the voters falling for the obvious reasons he picked Palin - not because she’s anything brilliant, but because she’s a woman evangelical - and despite her obvious flaws, the voters don’t care - she’s one of them. I know I shouldn’t write this, but damn, evangelicals are such suckers (I was going to type something worse, but thought better of it)!
If people really looked at the issues and really thought about what it means to be a Democrat vs. a Republican and the many layers that involves within each issue — but to vote for her only because she is a woman and only because she’s pretty and only because she’s an evangelical - it’s absurd - it shows how completely ignorant people are.
but now, our government is controlled by corporations and lobbyists who pay millions to the government official (in both parties) who in turn vote in favor of the corporations to continue bilking the taxpayer - all the time - they all get rich! It’s sweet for them (and sounds alot like fascism to me).
And in the meantime, the average American gets screwed.
Vote for the issues and get these frakking lobbyist fascists out of our capital!
By Paul
September 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Mrs Godzilla 4:25
[[What was different this time as you decided to run for vice president?]]
The promise of more power?
I’m looking forward to Palin v Hillary in 2012 -
By Erik K
September 9, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
And her image is increasingly that of a guiltless liar.
And a gutless liar also; too scared to face tough questions.
By jefflz
September 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
This Karl Rove guy is a genius. He has turned the election into “THE NEW AMERICAN IDOL”. He has replaced a tiresome, dried-out old candidate who is too confused to get the facts straight, and created tremendous buzz about a know-nothing right-wing Christian fundamentalist who won a beauty contest. Instead of looking at the horrible record of the last 8 nightmarish Bush years we now want to find out who is the sexiest, who has the best one liner put-downs? Hey Kids, while the the economy is going down the tubes, people are losing their homes and jobs, and respect for this country is at an all time low, lets have a Popular