I'm so upset with McCain's VP Choice that I just don't know WHAT to do! He would have been an awesome President but this Palin chick is bringing him down. She's the NEW PARIS HILTON! You can't have excessive chinks in your armor when trying to get into the White House! I can't believe John McCain thought that this drama filled family could make it past the Democrats. Now he can't change his pick...Palin should just step down NOW. Give us a chance to have McCain with a REAL VP!

Jonathan,

Well written article, especially the parts where you explain you're just trying to do your job. I'm in the "business" too...and what I see and read these days are truly biased, for one side or another.

As I type this I wonder what your own Mr. Cafferty would say about your article. His "reporting" certainly stands out as an example of fair and balanced journalism.

I am a registered democrat. I consider myself a moderate. I find the coverage of Governor Palin's daughter's pregnancy in total bad taste. I am a working mother and wife with a 25 year old daughter. If the democrats want to win this election they need to back off and the media needs to take a hard look at their motives. I am beginning to think that most in the media are women haters. First, there was the horrible coverage of Hillary Clinton, now we have this totally ridiculous attempt at making this woman a bad mother. Let the voters judge Governor Palin on her stance on issues not on personal family issues.

The Republicans stand for FAMILY VALUES. That is Palin's stance on the issue. They say that the liberal lifestyle is bad for kids. How can everyone be saying that this is great? Do we really think it's good that a young girl is dropping out of school to have a baby? Is that what family values means? How can this NOT be covered in the media? It smacks of hypocrisy. One Republican said something like, "first there was the Down Syndrome baby, and now this – this is great for anti-abortionists." On the other hand, her husband's two-decade old DUI is NOT important - President Bush had an accident while driving under the influence less than 20 years ago.

BUT: We are very proud of our free press - they will cover anything that sells papers/tv ads, etc. This is selling. ANd please note – the media is not making statements about Bristol – just reporting the facts, ma'am.

Shellie
It wasn't the Democrats that broke this news.. It was CNN! I am a Canadian and have NEVER been interested in American politics until OBama came into the picture. He stands for the change that YOU and North America needs! I honestly don't care about Todd's DWI of 24 years ago?!? ... but I do care about a teenage pregnancy in her household.. There are already too many teen pregnancies on this contient. I just kinda think that if she can't organize her own household.. how can she be second in command? Just a thought.. IMHO

The talk is about experience, Sarah Palin has no experience and the flip talk has been neither does Barak Obama so what is the difference? Well there is a small difference, Barak has been elected by the people...

Being a woman... I don't think the media are biased that way.. having said that.. I think society is.. they hate a strong woman.. but I'm not going to vote for someone because of their gender. I'm not a fan of Hillary's .. never have been.. because she's so phony and fake and self-righteous She should have been a Rep I think Palin is the same. "I have 5 children .. decided to have a Downs Syndrome child.. am sending one of my children to Irag".. unfortunately.. it's all image :( Her children should be first, husband first.. country second.. and for men.. their children, wife, etc.. should be first.. country second.

How would the media react if Biden were in a similar situation?

Questions about Palin that have come up in my emails–and are they true?
1. That as governor, she's sueing the US to take the polar bear off the proposed endangered species list...!
2. That as governor, she's supported and used state funds to finance and expand aerial shooting of wolves and bears.
3. That for the first time since the 70's, a non-Native-American has been placed in charge of wildlife policies.
4. That she wants drilling in the wildlife refuge.
Tell me it isn't so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found Campbell Brown's inuendos about Gov. Palin far removed from any professional standard, especially her facial expressions.

I was considering voting for McCain until Palin came onboard. I think the media have generally been quite generous to the Republicans considering how bad a choice Sarah Palin is. I notice none of the media have picked up on her inexperience, shocking environmental record or the fact she endangered her unborn child by flying long haul during labor ?

Actually the GOP would have been better off with McCain and Ms. Rice as VP candidate; both are more than deserving and qualified for these positions.

McCain blew the only asset he had going for him; the perception of being the mature, established, "devil you know" in these troubled times. This gun-toting, loose cannon, wild-eyed mother of 5 with her abstinence-only sex ed position, who chose to have a baby at 44 while having such ambitious political aspirations, is scary.

Surely if McCain needed a token woman to placate Hilary supporters, he could have found somebody more palatable! As a woman, I am insulted. If I were a conservative woman, I would be even more insulted that these two claim to be representing my values.

Johnathan,
I agree with you that CNN is basically trying to be neutral and trying to cover an issue from all its aspects, however perception with some people is that CNN is more on the left side of the spectrum rather in the middle. This is a perception which is hard to change since "Perception is reality" to those who have that perception. One can only continue to do the work the best possible way and continue to report.
I for myself like to watch Fox news, CNN, NBC, BBC, SKY and Al Jazeera etc. Why? Well this is the best way to get a good overall picture of what is going on locally and globally. By doing this I can than make my up my own opinion of an issue or in this particular moment a candidate.
Even though it is hard people should stop taking this personal and emotional. There is a story in this case called Palin and this story will be looked at with the best microscope available.

Journalists have this problem if they report something they are the bad guy if they do not report it they are the bad guy.

Shellie, someone’s personal life normally gives a very good foot print on someone’s stance on political issues. For example many people loved the fact that it was reported that she is a working mother with 5 kids of which one has Down syndrome.
So now when there is information about her which is not so positive people get upset, why? It is news coverage as it should be. Of course how it is covered and how it is being reported is different.
This however shows the difference in professionalism of a journalist and I cannot see CNN having done anything wrong on this one.

Obama is the right person for the job. He has proven that as far as I am concerned. Mccain has chosen how he plans to get things done and so far he has lost all his ground with me. I do feel racism is alive and well and I do believe that most of the republicans are accepting Palin and Mccain cause they don't want to vot e for a black man who which I will remind you is also very much white as he is black. I am so tired of this hateful mentallity. I will be voting for Obama for president 2008, cause it does't matter how much experience you have if you have a strong character and belief system in which will help all of Americansimprove are situation and not just for the few but for many. Look at Reagan he didn't have a bit of experience but he was an ACTORPEOPLE! Reagan was one of the most loved Presidents of our times! So people need to come off it and stop looking for excuses not to vote for a Proud Mulato African American from being President who is fresh and new and he represents all of us as a Nation, ONE NATION! If that what people are mad about they are crazy. By the way I can't stand Amy Holmes a republican analyst on CNN, she needs to get her head out of the sand!!!!

Why are the commentators letting the Republicans pundits talk about how Palin was a reformer in Alaska when we now know the facts that she (1) hired a lobbyist for her very small town, (2) took all the pork she could get, (3) was an ally of Stevens and most importantly (4) LIED about being against the Bridge to Nowhere. Why do the CNN commentators not do their job and point out that she was not against the Bridge for Nowhere. Are they scared because McCain cancelled his interview? Do your job, please

I am a CNN advocate–and have watched political coverage by your team over the past year and a half with great anticipation and pride at the professionalism that contributes to my daily involvement in the campaign, but I have to say, I am so disappointed in Cambell, Blitz, and others who have already seemingly left a neutral stance in all of the reporting as the Republican campaign launches. I only hope it will get the fair and equal coverage it deserves. Today was a disappointing day. Come on.. we need questions that don't show your personal preferences and slants-Americans need fair coverage of the issues-not the glaring subtext of your remarks and questions. You are the mirrors for us. We need high standards here--so many of us are still making our decisions and still pondering the issues.

This article contains the littany which is and has been well known for ample time. We know the circumstances of the the firing of an Alaska government worker was proper (according to the guy fired, no less). We know that Palin's daughter's situation was not hidden – and in fact, was never hidden. This along with her experience and performance as Governor of Alaska are know and appreciated.

What we don't know is Obama's qualifications to be President of the US or what his associations with lots of shady characters, including outright crooks, anarchists, and power brokers of various ilk.

When will CNN investigate Obama's actions as a 'community organizer' or a State Senator (who enjoyed to vote 'present' most of the time) or his being a simple left-wing radical with no real executive experience and certainly no practical working experience that would qualify him for any important or even semi-important position in a large organization?

Not too good a start for a successful Republican campaign. Palin is right to support her daughter, what doesn't look too good is the nepotism involved in the divorce case reported.

A question from the Republicans that needs answering: seven and a half years ago GWB said "If you elect me I'll once and for all do away with Roe vs Wade and if you elect a Rebublican House and Senate we will get this done right away." Well, GWB has had all of the above and along with this has appointed a number of new Conservative Supreme Court Justices. My question is, Why has not one bill come forward during the 6 years he had the Republican Senate and House? My thought is that if they had reversed Roe vs. Wade the Christian Right might have time to look at the big picture and would leave the Republicans for the party that cares about our less fortunate, that Christ said will inherit the world.

Gov. Palin supports Family Values & Abstinence. She defeated the purpose of her fight when Bristol got pregnant. How can a VP lead the country if she herself can't be responsible in her own home? She's about to be introduced in the RNC but now,she is already make a mess in her name. I don't think that the conservative people of America will trust a VP like her and with her issue in her own State, I believe that it will be hard for the people to trust Gov. Palin. She doesn't have any ability to lead the world. Let's admit that McCain is getting old. He would soon require a person who will lead the country. I don't think that would be Gov. Palin.

Give me a break. Poor Judgement very obvious -McCain is putting our entire country at risk. 4 months after I had my son my body and my mine was not clear. Sarah appears to be a nice person however, every day there is new news. Obama is smart enough to put the right people around him.

My biggest fear is McCain has very poor judgement. He is willing to put our entire country at risk to lauch this bomb. The main goal was to prevent the BIG Bounce that the Democrats were going to enjoy from a well run convention.

I'm not sure that Phalin and Liberman are not just opportunists taking advantage of a candidate that is throwing stuff on the wall and trying to see what will stick.

As an Independent when I close my eyes and imagine the candidates in the White House and feel peace, hope, and safe when I see Obama in the White House. I feel fear and worry when I close my eyes and see McCain in the White House. What will he do next.

Obama is the only choice!

Like everyone else, I have been listening, watching news coverage and reading everything I can to find out about just who Sarah Palin is and why McCain would have her be her running mate. What makes me crazy is the obvious "talking points" and stock phrases that most of the GOP spokespeople keep regurgitating about her. What most bothers me is "America is going to fall in love with her!" I don't need to fall in LOVE with a candidate. I need to trust them, their competence and their vision for this country. Would anyoe say that America is going to "fall in love" with Obama, McCain or Biden?????

I personally think Governor Palin should step down.. she needs to focus on her family. Poor daughter of her is looking for love else where. republican now will be voting for dems!!!

I have not seen this on ANY news programs, but
it was reported in the paper that Gov Paulin's
attorney (for her ethics violation) is paid for
by the State!
Certainly she can afford to pay her attorney
herself!

I have been trying to follow what I can about both Obama and McCain but being in Japan I only get CNN. A couple of things have me really curious at the moment. Firstly, how can so many top politicians STRONGLY (their word not mine) someone that they know so little about and have met even less?? Secondly, what is McCain's main point? Obama's is change okay I get that. McCain's is leadership isn't it? No, no,no it's change as well (works for Obama so lets copy him). No, no, no it's not about leadership or change it's about country first and inter-party co-operation (works for Obama so lets copy him again). I wonder what it will be next week. At least it keeps you on your fett because he doesn't, he works better than my sleeping pills. Lastly McCain is all about not being the same old politics, so who does he choose to be his VP but one of the strongest staunch conservatives that he can find!!

I fell that at this point I should say that I fully support women and look forward to a woman as president of the US. Please enough about racism and sexism and more about policies.

I'm sorry I feel that the only reason McCain chose Palin as VP was to score some cheap points because he has very few strong points.

Palin is a poor choice. Lots of folks up here in Alaska are excited only because Alaska is being represented on a National level, but we know that she is not qualified.

I'd like to support McMain, but now I am rethinking my decision, and will probably not vote for him.

Good afternoon. I was watching the Republican Convention repeat this morning during breakfast and on it was the Flag praise and the legacy of the flag–I admire young Victoria Stone for her tribute. However, at the end of her rendition she mentions Iraq and helicopters. However, the ode fails to mention Afghanistan, a nation that is approaching a critical point and where US and NATO forces are serving diligently. I admire the words of the author, but rhetoric is easy to create when tributes are not properly vetted: the Forgotten War is a word usage that I dislike, but it may be apropo in this case. I feel that Afghanistan heroes should receive the same honorable mention along side of those in Iraq.

v/r
City Hunter

This is outrageous. Someone over there needs to cover the police brutality, arrests of journalists and serious violations of the constitution (remember that?) going on ....more about Amy Goodman's insane arrest for doing nothing other than breathing ... and less about Sarah Palin's lipstick.

Is there a journalist in the house? Oh yeah, I forgot, they all died years ago.

Please, folks, you could be next. I hear those plastic handcuffs they use really hurt.

To all of you who are "disappointed" with Campbell Brown:

You should all be glad that a reporter finally had the good sense to ask Republican spokespeople to give examples about Sara Palin's actual executive experience. To give only one example of how she commanded the Alaska National Guard. To date, no other reporters have held their feet to the fire and when asked any kind of probing question about a VP nominee– the Republican spokespeople are simply allowed to go on and on, giving the scripted talking points about Sara Palin until they have made their point.

This is the Republican way, just keep saying the same thing over and over until they and everyone else believes that it is true. So do not criticize the media for asking tough questions and demanding real answers–start looking at how the question is answered.

I have never seen such biased left-wing communist, socialist dumb and dumber people as I have seen on this blog. It is a testimony to the dumb and dumber NEA, ACLU, gays, lesbies, atheists who are running rampant on our university campuses and on the east and west coasts. With morons like all of you going to the polls on Nov4, the Russians and the Chinese and al-Quaida and Chavez and Kim Jong Ill will be in the streets of Wash, DC by 2050 for sure and all of you IDIOTS will be DEAD.

Jonathan you wrote that CNN and most other news organizations are just trying to do our jobs.. but why you or for that matter any other news organization did not report about her the way it is done now ?????

i feel its Character assassination..

McCain would have had a chance with democratic voters maybe if chose Lieberman.

The fact that he chose Sarah Palin and the things I have heard scare me! If you thought George Bush was horrible and Muslin extremism is inhumane get ready America, you have not seen nothing yet of Sarah Palin.

Republicans are hypocratics and they are going to drive USA to being a third world country with no freedom of anything except the republican way!

Sarah Palin will not tollerate no dissent, other religions etc.

I was considering McCain but he now seems like a Yes man to the evangalical christians and is a cowtowing senator just like all of them

GOOD ARTICLE. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE STORY ABOUT PALLIN FLYING ALL THE WAY HOME TO ALASKA AFTER HER WATER BROKE AND THEN DRIVING OVER AN HOUR TO A HOSPITAL WHEN THER WERE OTHER HOSPITALS ALONG THE WAY?

If senator Keneddy suffering from brain cancer would come out to talk to the nation, that Barack is the right choice. I know then that the Republicans are for the GOP and people with power in America. There is a problem in the White House and why should a President not apologize to the nation; If he see the need to. America is a liberal nation, not an auocracy nation. Liberman is scared because the benefits he has always had during the republican regime would come to an end; Barack becomes President. The nation needs to be change that we all believe in and not change for the respected. Sarah Palin would have the chance to explain herself to the public. If it is true that she fired her chief of Police because he divorced her sister, then my felllow Americans, It is clear that the republicans are for the valued personnels in the society.

I have NEVER been so disgusted with CNN. I watched news coverage over the past few days and have been astounded and sickened at the disgustingly venal coverage of Bristol Palin. This is a 17 year old...a young WOMAN who is coping with a life changing event. One would think that at the very least other woman would show some compassion towards her. Instead, chosing ratings and personal hatred, CNN "THE BEST POLITICAL TEAM ON TV " ATTACKED THIS KID, THIS FAMILY WITH NO MERCY. Even though CNN's candidate of choice Barak Obama told you all to "leave families alone" you still saw fit to drag a 17 year old through your grist mill. IT WAS A DISGUSTING SPECTACLE TO SEE YOUR FEMALE REPORTERS DOING A FAR GREATER HATCHET JOB ON A FEMALE CANDIDATE THAN EVEN THAT REPREHENSIBLE OLD FOOL CHRIS MATTHEWS DID ON HILLARY CLINTON. I EXPECTED BETTER FROM CNN. YOU WERE MUCH MUCH WORSE.

The fact that one of Palin´s daughters is pregnant has no bearing on her qualifications for the vice-presidency. Her views, a.o. on creationism, do. A person who advocates teaching hogwash as science in our schools has no business running this country, or any other, for that matter. We do not need to revert to ancient superstitions when proven scientific explanations are in place. Faced with tough choices, what will Governor Palin do? Wait for the second coming?

I was in shock after hearing Cambell brown s interview of the republican rept.I thought that she was determined to draw blood from this person and soladad obrien was not much better. What is going on with you people? I will no longer waste my time listening to this station.

Mccain campaign says country first !. Well, that is what vp Palin is doing, by puting her job first and now even watching over her own underage kids. If this is how she run her family, then imagine how the country will be run like?. An irresponsible parent is a reflection of what type of government rules for kid's education will be implemented if they win. Remember kids are a reflection of the parents. Palin kids 'need a real mother, but not a mccain and his war plan Ads !!

CNN is still the most fair team out there. There are some huge question marks about Palin and if she is up for the job of commander in chief. We want some answers. We deserve some answers. We don't want a general remark that doesn't answer the question that was asked. This is politics. This is my country. I want to know!

Why are you in the news only interested in Sarah Palin's accomplishments as a mother, an athlete, and a beauty contestant? I am equally as accomplished as she is on those issues, as are many other women.

Why are you not pursuing her accomplishments to be a president, or vice president, or do you just want a v.p. you can sit down with and eat moose stew, compare beauty photo's, and polish your guns!

The question there is whether she had Alaska’s chief of police re-assigned because he refused to fire her sister’s ex-husband after a messy divorce.

Another question: why did she withhold news about her teenage daughter’s pregnancy until this week, when the U.S. was distracted by Hurricane Gustav?
That is the problem in a nut shell theses are both missleading! The state troper threatend her family and should be placed under arest not just fired. If there were anything wrong with her she would not be so loved by the people she serves and who obviously know her. Second ahe had no reason to talk about her 17 year old daughter. They are supose to be off limits and have nothing what so ever to do with her run for office. The media just does not get it htey are monsters reporting half truths or twisted versions of the truth to pump themselfs up with no regard for truth fairness or the American people.

I quess just reading this site proves how corupt and biased CNN is. Aparently only liverals read this or participate because you all seem to think CNN is OK while almost every other blog I have seen that is not conected to CNN or CBS OR ABC is crying boody muder and demmanding some people a CNN be fired. IF anyone here actually beleives that CNN is fair or balanced then your brain dead.

It is of course perfectly reasonable for Americans to want to know Palin, what her issues and policies are. That said, there is a frenzy going on to dig up as much personal and family information as possible. Indeed if unable to actually dig it up, reporters on CNN simply repeated the all the lurid details they could dig up and thought that if they posed the garbage as a question we wouldn't notice how biased they were. Questions such as "how will Bristol Palin's pregnancy affect Sarah's ability to do her job" Or "is it not true that some have said that Bristol Palin actually gave....." And more of the same. It is without a doubt the worst of the scurrilous gossiping by the media featuring the CNN team. They have really dug deep to come up with such garbage. This especially applies to .Campbell Brown. I am appalled at her blatently sexist attacks on Sarah Palin and her family. I find it impossible to get my head around just why would a reported stoop so very very low. Must be just plain blind hatred. How pathetic. I am so done with CNN

I was disappointed in Campbell Brown.This Palin woman was shrill and I would find it difficult to listen to her for any length of time..,all she did was attack, attack Sen.Obama. All cheap shots.Any of us could do that to either "party!"There was no substance to her speech,no real issues brought to the fore. I think McCain was having a senior moment when he chose her. Can any of you imagine her as commander-in chief?? This is a desperate move and a scary one at that!
Wake up America..McCain/Palin are not the answer.. this is serious stuff as they say!
from a" Mother of Four" and hoping for Obama/Biden to win! and win big!!

Hello from Australia
We wonder in Australia if people in the US are concerned with the image of the US at the moment? This whole US election process is a great amusement for the other nations watching. The US is meant to be one of the leading countries of the world however the policies and issues you debate on seem to be so backward and from the dark ages. Palin – loves guns, hates gay people, disagrees with people who have sex out of wed-lock (except her daughter), loves war and is loved by Americans?? In most other Western country’s, guns are banned and war is not celebrated, people of all colors, sexual preference etc are treated equally in the eyes of the law yet America seems to still debate on issues from the 1950’s. What ever happened to the great super power country of America that everybody wanted to visit and go to? I hope Obama gets in; he seems to be modern and will bring the US out of the dark ages and all the wars it is fighting. And might change that “red neck” image that most international people think of when you think of the US.
I do wish the best for the people of the US and hope it gets back to a leading country of the world like it once was.
Cheers
David

Also an Australian & agree with all you say David, except for the fact that I really don't find what's happening in America at all amusing. Although I do at times I find myself laughing in horrified disbelief! If the outcome didn't have the potential to shape the future for us all, & not just America, I couldn't care less. But unforunately it does!
Yoy only have to look at the example of America's response since Sept 11 – they've made a mess both internationally & domestically. I can't help reflect that the world of 2008 would be a very different place if you had had a Democrat President to see you through that crisis.

Is this how the American political campign should be? Hatred amongst ourselves because of political parties. I felt degraded listening Sarah Palin's speech yesterday of how she destroyed a human believe for change. We all find ourselves in situations we have never been before and don't know how to get out of it. I have never relied on my previous hopes to save me from the present situation. There is nothing as far as am concerned as been tested in all aspects of American history. For all you who have not even started your political careers, what happened yesterday shall be done unto you. I know we are Americans, this means everyone has a chance. Lets forget about all this political campign fightings and look deeply into our hearts to search who's the chosen one. That's what we do when one is in love and because we all love this country. I know the right canadidate would be chosen. It has been recorded in Heaven and it shall come to pass for the better of this nation and glory to God.
God bless you all

I am Canadian and I watched much of both the Democratic and GOP conventions, mostly on CNN. I have concluded that "The Best Political Coverage Team on Television" would be more aptly called "The Best Political Coverage Team that the Democrats Could Wish For". Hour after hour of coverage of one of the candidate's unmarried teen daughter's pregnancy. Campbell Brown ripping into an interviewee, not letting him finish his talking points ( while the week before, every Democrat was allowed to complete theirs), and then finishing the interview by referring to the Republican interviewee as "Baby". Just two examples, but there were many many more examples that demonstrate where the Best Political Coverage Team hopes this election is headed.

I'm trying to find out who funded Palin's gubernatorial campaigns. How much she spent and how much she made as gov..How much did she make as mayor and how long was she mayor?