Perhaps Palin does represent the majority of America (and if she does that is excessively sad). But who believes that the majority of Americans are qualified to run this country? I don't want "Joe Average" running this country.. I want someone who is brilliant.

He is right to not want to give anything to CNN because CNN has been shamelessly biased against the Right; only grudgingly giving any postive press coverage to McCain/Palin. Even the tone of this article seems to betray a negative opinion of Gov. Palin with the use of a word like "backwater" to describe a state of the union (!?!?!!) As A black female Democrat I find myself sympathizing with the Right just because of the lopsidedness of CNN's coverage and turning to Bill O'Reilly for unbiased election coverage (I never thought I'd see the day!)
Still, beleive it or not, this is one of the few favourable stories CNN has issued on McCain/Palin so I am still pleased to see it.

Palin is just enjoying the limelight while it last.......................sooner than later she will be back to oblivion where she belongs in Alaska. its more like getting a life sentence...so pls let her enjoy the freedom now

I find it bewildering that people can be drawn to vote for someone because that person acts all down-homey, woman-next-door hockey-mom. American politics is approaching a nadir if the populace is drawn more to vote for someone whose personal resonance with them is more important than a good handle on the issues.

Sarah Palin is vulgar, playing on her sex appeal to low-level instincts of some white, right-wing men. She has few if any policy views of interest to a meaningful Republican agenda. If anything, she appears to be distancing herself from McCain, so that she later can blame him for losing the election. An obvious ploy.

Please stop reporting on her. It is a waste of media resources and a waste of your readership's time.

I am not fooled by this woman and frankly do not find her to be charming. I find her to be a joke! She demeans women from all areas especially the Cities, and thinks her homey views are endearing to women. They are not. Her winks and nods are riduclous and she showed appear professional. She has showed her racism and it is big. She screams unfairness and sexism, however she has brought this on herself because she can't seem to answer important questions about the state of our nation. This woman who is a small town girl, a single mother who struggled to earn every promotion and every dollar finds her to be crass and undeserving of the VP nod. She should clean up her side of the street, learn more about our nation, and apologize to Americans for her depicting of us. We are not all like her and agree with her! She should also apologize for taxpayers funding her shopping spree when she earns more than enough money to buyer her own clothes. Disgraceful !!!

Its decision making capabilities, not spewing retoric and following the pack. If your not the lead dog the view never changes and she is out front and open. She "is" a bit of everyone – even, a bit of the snobs who don't think the rest us us can think for ourselves. Now, Get out of the carriage or off your high hourse, and get back here and help the rest of us push this country forward and get it off dead center.

The only thing left for the Reps is Arnold and Sarah. They better get the laws changed so he can run. She will take Stevens seat as he takes his seat in a cell. A 2012 ticket of Schwarzenegger and Palin is their only hope...

Like most women, I manage a career, motherhood and household responsibilities. I am not American nor do I live in the US. But this election has really captured my attention. I personally admire what Palin has achieved in her life but do not think she has what is required to even be a VP, let alone lead a nation which carries such immense responsibility with it's past actions not just to it's citizens but also the world in both economic and military terms.

I actually Think That Gov. Palin has the best interest of the country at heart. She has shown with her brief time in office that she does care and she is actually fair minded and willing to learn. This is an eye popping experience for her because we all know she is/was not prepared for this. She needs far more seasoning and if she were to become VP or even POTUS at this stage she could be nothing more than a puppet president, and her party would influence or direct her every decision, when right now no one has time for OJT. I feel that Mcain if he wins he will be even more of a puppet and the world leaders will definetly loose the last little bit of respect(even if we have any left) that they once had for this great nation. Vote OBAMA 2008!

TG, I agree about the apparent bias. However, it is not a severe enough case to change my vote.

As for Palin, I am not "against" her because she's a woman, because she speaks her mind, because she her politics follow her religion, because of her daughter's pregnancy, or because her wardrobe was paid for by the GOP... I am voting for Obama because I have differing opinions with her and McCain on issues important to me. It's as simple as that. It's disheartening for me, a young woman in the US, to see the supposed leaders of this country bickering back and forth, I wish I could say it was childlike, but that would be an insult to children. I remember the student elections clearly: the winner always was the kid who promised free soda in the vending machine. There was no mud-slinging. Don't you miss the good old days?

Why would it so difficult to believe the affection that Palin is getting from some groups when GW Bush got elected twice. Palin is a breath of fresh air when compared to Bubba Bush. Unfortunately Americans see intelligence and world knowledge as something to ridicule. Although I believe this is the country with the most opportunity the majority of its people live in a cultural and intellectual wasteland. As history has proven, the impact and influence of every great civilization eventually comes to an end. We need great leaders with superior intellect and knowledge to extend the life of this great country. Certainly not high school queens turned hockey moms turned Governors.

I'd like to second TG's comments. I'm a female Democrat-leaning voter who has been so disappointed by CNN's biased coverage of this election that I too have to go to Fox News to get the real story!! Such a change for me, I didn't even know what channel it was on! Particularly disappointing to me is that some of my favorite females on CNN have allowed another woman to be thrown under the bus in a way a man simply would not be. I get that you are pro-Obama - that's a plus to me, but do you have to go so unfairly negative on the other side? Why do women do this to themselves? Campbell, you've lost me for a while now...i look forward to your efforts to earn us back.

I'd also like to mention that this article (plus another non-anti-Palin article "Palin Draws Dems with Rallying Cry") gets prime spot on CNN international, but where is it on the US site? Come on CNN, we know you are better than this...

Palin is a shame to America.

How can anyone take her seriously? She's just too ignorant!

I cannot believe she represents the majority of America.

From Brazil

Sarah Palin's accomplishments as a governor are incredible. She brokered a fantastic deal with the oil companies to get a pipe line run through the state and she didn't allow them to take advantage of the citizens. She is the most loved governor of any state. She is not a puppet to her party or to anyone for that matter and she has never had lunch with Bill Ayres and his wife.

Obama has no experience (140 days in the senate doesn't count for much), he insulted the greatest president in our life time by calling him a racist and he has associated with crazy radical people his whole life. His radical ties are enough that he wouldn't even be accepted as a cadet for the FBI, he wouldn't pass the background check.

Vote for McCain, because even his inexperienced VP pick is more experienced than OBAMA.

sarah speaks from the heart, she has more experience than obama, and she doesn't want to take all of your hard earned money and pass it around. the liberal media has done everything to try and destroy her, but they are the ones who are morally bankrupt and will soon be financially bankrupt. god bless you, sarah, you speak for most of us!

To Kara: why vote obama if you want someone brilliant? name one thing, anything, he's done that shows he's brilliant? i'm waiting....

americans are such a stupid people its unbelievable. while we ion the rest of the world watch these people vote we hold our breathes hoping for a miracle. to me that miracle has two parts – obama isn't assassinated and he's elected. amen to that.

I am an Amercian living in Germany. I can tell the world is watching how we are voting . For myself I think that Ms. Palin is a find woman in her own right, but if we are going to vote for someone because she or he is friendly and downhome. We as Americans are sending out a very bad massage to the world.At this time of troubles, we need someone who can think fast and understand how the world is. Amercia will vote for McCain and Ms. Palin not for what they can do for us but because the other side has a black man. The world is looking at what we are doing.

I don't think 'the average Joe' or most of the bloggers here would have the ability to run a city and a state and a family of 5. She had a fantastic approval rating and that is more than ANY of the current house/senate or administration can boast. Before you talk about someone being average or dumb, let's see you try!

I am going to take a long shot here, this must be an audience of inspiring comedians.

Attending her performances is not the same as voting for her.

I would definitely attend one of her shows if she came to my town (unlikely since I don't live in USA and she probably does not want too many foreign stamps in that freshly minted passport). But I'd never vote for her.

What she says might resonate with a crowd, but mostly I think people just want to be able to see some fun in the elections. A bit like attending a comedy show.

Her show is just that... some light entertainment.

Sarah Palin managed to capture the Governors seat in a state obviously controlled by Republican zombies. She floated to the surface in a mayoral race out in the valley ( Wasilla/Palmer) and instantly played kissy face with the party heavies. When our last loser Republican Governor gave up his Senate seat when he won his election, Palin's name surfaced on a long list of names to replace him. She would have been illsuited for that job, as well as she is for the VP position. After appointing his daughter Lisa, Murkowski made nice with Palin and gave her a position on the Oil and Gas Commission. She immediately took offense to Randy Ruedrich, the local GOP head, and had him investigated for doing GOP work while he did his JOB!!!! He eventually resigned and was fined by the ethics board. Running against Murkoski in 2005 she won handily on a clean up government platform. Upon victory she instantly began to do all the same things good politicians have done since Andrew Jackson's reign....to the victor goes the spoils! She has placed many of her high school friends, with no experience in the field, into high paying state jobs. Palin has no interest in the daily running of govenment and was only, really interested in the governorship as a launching platform for a national seat, of some variety, as long as it leads her to the White House. Do yourselves a favor and send Sarah home. Most of us Alaskans have a few bones to pick with her before she rides off on her white unicorn, in her designer Levis and red lipstick to the White House, or wherever!

This morning on the CNN news there was a story about a halloween prank with a likeness of Sarah Palin with a noose about her neck. It was reported as just a harmless halloween prank and maybe not even in poor taste.. Not good reporting , had the noose been around the neck of say, Obama or Biden then it would have been a hate crime and you would have been reporting it much differently...

Sarah, although attractive, needs to focus on the core priorities in her life, that being her family. At 3am, she should be changing diapers and not taking international crises calls. Her responsibilities as a mother come before politician in my view.

Palin is a caricature of an experienced and capable leader, an uneducated, bible-thumping, gun-toting, fascistic fanatic, an opportunist whose views (doing what God wants and what is 'right' according to her narrow little world view) are parallel to the terrorists she longs to wage war against. It is embarrassing to observe the lows to which the Republican party has descended. America, hasn't the Republican party destroyed enough yet? Are you certain you wish to give them the chance to destroy what is left?

She is looking after herself her politcal career that´s all.... a diva....

In Democracy, crowds is the ultimate answer to the question whether someone is fit or not.
Usually, I don’t support Republican party but this time, from the day Sara Palin was introduced as VP candidate, I am with the Republican. Right now, there are four people who are running for President and Vice-President. If we think fairly and logically, no one is really fit for those two top post but since, someone has to be President and someone has to be Vice-President, so the ultimate question is, who is the best of four. Taking every aspect into consideration, I think, Sara Palin is the fittest one and best one as well. As far as Obama is concerned, he is a good man, may be a good Senator too but he is not fit for the post and he never will be because he is very fragile and he doesn’t possess those qualities or whatsoever to be the most powerful man on earth. He simply doesn’t look like the one. He came this far because of money, bad economy, Bush last eight years regime, race and media. Republican party mishandled Sara Palin and the media is biased towards Sara Palin but now things seem to be changing and the media also seems to be getting back to the position where it should be “Fairness”. As far as economic crisis, war in Iraq, Afgan, war against terrorism or any global issues are concerned, “Sara Palin” is the one and only answer and hope as well.

Palin is the spokeswoman for the noisy minority that refuses to accept the fact that most Americans don't carry guns, go to evangelical churches, and cannot name a single Nascar driver.

Most Americans do not believe in voodoo economics. Most Americans like healthy kids no matter what color those kids are or whether their parents are illegal immigrants. Most Americans believe education is a good thing. Most Americans want their kids to be smarter and better educated than themselves. Most Americans want our gay cousins, nieces, kids, and aunts to live a good life.

The noisy minority of Conservative blowhards imagine somehow that THEY are the only heirs to the American Revolution and the Constitution. Of course, they got a C in high school history and haven't read a book since (and they probably didn't read their text book back then, either).

I am just tryingto figure this woman out. She professes christianity. The very foundations of the faith is walking truth and love. How can a she call herself a christian and tell all the lies. She is stirring up hate and distrust everywhere she goes. There are many black americans who name there children names like Ahmad. We are known for our rather different names, but it still does not make a person a Muslim by just a name. Do you see the kind of fear and hate she is causung?
She was found guilty of abusing her political power before. Her own people are saying she has gone rogue. She is supposed to submitted to her party, Are her actions that of a christian? What is her agenda. Her agenda should be the same as John Mccain. If a house is divided how can that house stand? I am a mother. My main concern is my child. Caring and nurturing my child. She has a special needs little baby who very much needs his mother.The baby needs her not a nanny. She also has a pregnant teenage daughter who really needs her too. How can she run a country when clearly she needs to run her own household?

OK her 15 minutes' UP !! Why doesn't she go on a real interview (not with FOX or friendly fawning over "jokenalists") and keep interest for another 15 minutes.

Goodbye

If you want brilliant in a leader, then you better keep looking, because neither major party has one. The Democrats have a candidate I believe has been well-versed and equally well-schooled by a racist minister to say just what to say to get elected. The Republicans have a pair of bumblers who verbally stumble over each other. This is one more election where the American people don't have a good choice, but have to select a less-bad one.

She is an entertainer...not qualified as VP, not a good role model for children as she is divisive, ignorant cult church lady who could not help this country unless she were to go away.
It is offensive and appalling that she has been given this much attention.
No more neo cons...churches are spreading known lies about Obama, and this is not a very Christian thing to do.

To Lee in CA:
if you are going to support Palin then at least check your facts–that pipeline in Alaska does not exist, being "most loved" governor isn't substance and before you talk about bill ayers check todd palin's membership in the alaskan independence party–something about state sovereignty and perhaps seceding from the US. read the facts on your candidate and don't just listen to the political ads.

Why are some of you saying that CNN is biassed against the right? Can't you get used to the idea that it might just be possible that the American people honestly prefer something different than the GOP?

I don't really want to be thinking this, but I'm starting to get the impression that they are just looking for somebody to blame, now that their favorites are on the losing side of the coin.

Some might argue she's inexperienced but look at the democrat candidate, a first term senator with no experience in executive positions at all. Palin at least has running a state under her belt. For me both are media creations and nothing else. In the end i'll vote for McCain, we can't afford on the job training for Obama at this moment in our history.

She and the people at her rallies remind me of Minnie Pearl performing on the old "Hee-Haw" show.

I think everyone was willing to give the Republican ticket a chance. However, Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin took away exactly what they promised – freshness through their scripted, rhetorical, barbed, negative campaign. They could not match Obama/ Biden's oratory in the debates and showed their lack of knowledge or a strategy.

The republican ticket was doomed ever since Gov. Palin started opining on issues beyond the realm of her knowledge. One "hockey-dad" has already brought America to it's knees, she probably would destroy the last vestiges of America's Global standing. It is time that Americans started respecting knowledge and understood the importance of cordiality and diplomacy in global relations.

If Mr. McCain's first executive decision was selecting Ms Palin, he has shown very poor judgment indeed, seemingly prefering style over content.

I will be glad when the US presidential circus will be over. The world can then get back to education, healthcare, hygiene, protecting the environment and stopping genocides.

Miss Sarah Palin a lady comedian look alike had better be sure that she will be elcted as Vice President or she will have a short term career as a comedian if she looses. The joke will be on her.

First I have to say that I don't belong to any political party. Second, I have to say, how can anyone in the right mind, can even think about voting Republican? Can you people see the situation we are in? The country is a mess. I am prolife, but that is not enough to vote for the Republicans. Please read, learn & open your eyes. Do the Country and the World a favor, vote for Obama.

Sara Palin has brought out another side of American culture: the ones who think they need to be vindicated for being "average" – well be happy with whoever you are. This isn't national "group therapy" time.

But where's the discussion about governing? That's the real issue here. Some stated that George Bush is the "guy you can have a beer with" – and look where he's gotten our country. I want the smartest guy in the room to lead us. Not a backwater beauty queen.

Also, I'm really tired of the religious right wing pushing their version of religion, morality and "culture" on everyone else. This is a secular country, founded on the principles of a separate church and state, to protect us from exactly this type of mind-controlling, life-controlling group-think.

Stay out of my bedroom, my body and my life. Go back to Alaska and stay there.

I like Sarah Palin's position on dinosaurs...

As an european I can tell that the whole world is laughing that a party can nominate a stupid and ignorant woman like Sarah Palin for VP! She is even more stupid than the guy who the last 8 years has caused an economic mess and has destroyed the image of USA abroad.

I am an American living in Europe and I have to say I am utterly embarrassed over this whole election. Kara is right, "Perhaps Palin does represent the majority of America (and if she does that is excessively sad)" which is what it's come down to. But given the events in the past eight years, quite frankly, I don't think the world would be surprised if our next VP was a former Beauty Queen/Moose Hunting/I-Can-See-Alaska-From-My-House ignoramus. In plain English: pathetic.

oops, I meant Russia from my house. RUSSIA. Sorry, but you get the idea...

I find the reporting about Palin's credentials to be most important as a voter. She flashes her grin and wink and nod as if that could replace intelligence. I don't fault her for taking 10 years to get her degree, or the fact she doesn't raise her down syndrome child but instead uses him as a prop for political rallies. What I fault her for is stirring up fears in the American public for her horendous rallying style. She acts like a racist and exagerates, is not open about her policies if she were to get elected. Overall she does not represent the America I dream for or could be proud of. I have reviewed both Tax plans and find Obama's plan to be less expensive to the average American, more inclusive of the general public and more in tune with small business needs. This idea of redistribution of wealth is a riduclous fear to shake up Americas without any real basic. This country runs on capalistic ideas mised in with socialistic programs. Our social security is part of that. Palin should do more research and stop trying to scare people about policies she knows nothing about!

How come, every time we see Palin or McCain speaking there's a different slogan in front of them????
Make you wonder if they can't make up their minds, and if that's the case, which road will they take if elected.

Look what the smart people in washington and wall street have accomplished....and you want more of the same? There is more wisdom in the average regular mainstreet american than there is in all of the senate. At some point we need to trust ourselves and the spirit and wisdom that is in the American People. The Geniuses you are hoping to bail you out don't have the courage or practical wisdom.

I wont vote for Palin because I disagree with her – not because she lacks intelligence or insight.

Anyone thinking a ex-beauty queen, journalism degreed, down home folksy mother & hockey mom turned elected mayor and governor in one of the lowest populated states makes her qualified for VP status running with a 72 year old presidential nominee, needs to think again. We need educated leaders, ones that can make intelligent decisions, ones that know the issues and facts facing this country. Sadly I see none of those qualifications in Mrs Palin. Her interviews with Couric and Gibson where actually funnier than the SNL take-off skits being yes that is the REAL Sarah Palin! She is that person! How funny is that? Her view of the world is very narrow and mainly based upon religious ideals and beliefs, not facts or logic. If she represents the majority of Americans, then there is no hope left for this country. It is sad many in this country associate the word "intellectual" as being a bad thing and that "joe-six-pack" as the way of the future. Can we just stand up and SCREAM now!

Is this just a joke or a bad dream? Because if she's elected with McCain it just might be a nightmare for all of us.

Watching from Europe

it is so unbelievable how a network like CNN
which advertises heavily as CNN International all over the world

takes sides ( Campell Brown and Sarah Palin ) and now refuses to air the 30 minute Obama speech.
well so much for CNN International.

After watching and listening to Sarah Palin talk about energy independence today, I get the feeling no one is realling listening. The words are the same, over and over and over again, with the hope that some Americans will believe this fantacy.

Most of our imported oil doesn't come from counties that hate us or support terrorism, it comes from our friendly neighbour to the north (Canada). That's right; 70% of our imported oil comes from Canada. They sell us their oil, we process it an send some of it back at a higher price.

We will never have oil independence, no matter how many holes we drill on land or in the oceans. We about 2% to 3% of the worlds oil reserves, but consume 25% of the worlds capaity. Canada has the second largest oil reserves in the world and offers a steady safe supply.

The Alaska natural gas pipeline, when and if it will be built will traverse the Provinces of the Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba before reaching its destination of Chicago. This project started many years before anyone knew who Sarah Palin was and and is slowly proceeding without her endoresment.

The oil companies complained that the Govenors' proceedures were unrealistic and the delays were unacceptable , and they have decided proceed on their own.

After all this, why isn't the truth flowing so smoothly from Ms. Palins' mouth

I am astounded at the response people in general give to the future president and vice president. It baffles me how anyone or any American for that matter can turn there attention anywhere else for answers in this time of crisis, than to McCain or Palin. It makes me sick to hear any negative press go out to these two when all they stand for is America to be united. It is certain that this country needs a facelift and when I turn on the tv and see or hear something that sounds critical of these two I immediately shut it off . If News casters can't or don't have the intelligence to heed incredible history in the making than they should be replaced by second graders who appreciate the simple truth.

this woman is a joke and a disgrace to our nation...her frantic fanatic spirited rally's, are beginning to resemble those of the extremist white supremacists gatherings..Well, minus the burning cross!.

I find it truly astonishing how Dems cry about Palin's "Lack of experience", yet they sing the praises of someone who has far less. Obama has nothing of notable mention for achievements except for winning a state election on a technicallity, and consistently being associated with people who hold extreme anti-american views. I fear that we as Americans are going to suffer if he is elected president,. especially with Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi controlling the House and the Senate!

This woman is a joke and cannot understand why supporters think otherwise, And one more thing if Obama is killed she will be partly responible because of the hate tirades against him

She is good for a laugh from up here...

I agree that Sara Palin does not represent most Americans in our Country. I believe that she is dishonest and has misrepresented herself on many issues as Governor of Alaska. I hope she never runs for office again. I wish McCain would never have picked her as his running mate. She really has dragged his ticket down.

I a VERY concerned American. Even if Palin and McCAin don't make it, the Republican Machine has plans for this woman. They need a new puppet to replace to old Pinocchio. They probably figured McCain would croak if won (he's been running for President forever, so He'd probably stroke out if he actually one) and then they could but their "walking, talking Barbie" in place while they tell her what to say and run amok with the country.
Why do you think the Republicans are so Hawkish? Their friends own the companies that PROFIT from war! Haliburton has made a fortune, and arms manufacturers are having a HEY DAY! They want to attack Iran and probably Russia to put more tax dollars into their pockets. Who better to do that with that a gun toting airhead!

If you could stop gushing for a moment, you would realize that Ms. Palin says nothing of substance. But CNN has always been off in the right-hand corner. I stopped watching altogether when you gushed like mad for the Iraq war, which was obviously based on bogus evidence a child could see it.
Anyway.... you write:

"Palin’s political rise resembles the plot of an unbelievably corny Sandra Bullock movie. "

No, you are wrong, Palin looks like Cruella in a barn full of Chihuahuas and pitbulls, and to protect her she has Elmar Fudd with his blunderbuss shooting everything in sight, including his own foot.

This must be one of the most incompetent, dullard and ignorant tickets for the GOP ever, which is why they might win. If Americans fall for them, I am giving up on the country for good. As a nation, we will become irrelevant anyway. And CNN, a talking-head organization, will have done its part dumbing much of the electorate down to sea level or below.

That quote with the silent majority???? What century is that gal living in???

I think Palin did in effect get off to a weak start, being catapulted to prime time is not easy. However, I think she can be a good leader, and a good second to the President.
She has more experience under her belt than the Dem. presidential candidate, and is more knowledgeable than their vp candidate.
CNN as well as the rest of the media should be giving an unbiased reporting of the facts, not slicing off the parts that don't meet their viewpoint.
With all the questionable associations, corrupt and negative situations, unclear and unexplained background on Obama, he is winning over people with his oratory skills, but there is no susbstance behind it.
I'm voting McCain/Palin and hoping in the next four years they will work out the problems we are faced with today, many of which are being blamed on the current presidency, although it was the democratic majority who had a very heavy hand in things.

What a rubbish story. Thousands wait in cold rain for Palin. Did you know that 10 times as many waited in the same cold rain for Obama today?

Obama is a joke.
He has no executive experience and is constant lying about his past.
Gov.Palin has done good things in Alaska , Obama has only nice words to show for.
Obama is an " empty suit".

A joke In reference to judgement that applies to this forum. While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old Texas rancher, who's hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Sarah Palin and her bid to be a heartbeat away from being President. The old rancher said, "well, ya know, Palin is a post turtle." Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a post turtle was. The old rancher said, " when you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a post turtle. You know she didn't get up there by herself, she doesn't belong up there, she doesn't know what to do while she is up there, and you just wonder what kind of a dumb ass put her up there to begin with."

What I find so exciting about all this is that the USA are now displaying their very best and their very worst.
One of the most cosmopolitan, open minded, multicultural candidates ever, facing one of the most conservative, narrow minded, and stubborn canditates ever (second only to G.W.Bush).
The World is watching you America, don't deceive it again!

Another narccissistic evangelical preaching artist spewing Alaskan Fools Gold as if it were the real McCoy. She aint the real nothin and it is my deepest hope and prayer that they GOP sends her packing back to that ice box in the north, and the media let's her slip right back underneath the rock of secluded annonymouty she came out from under.

One truth that America should face is that anyone who is against Palin or Mcain are either insanely jealous,fat,ugly,severly deranged,mentally ill and can't fathom success in this great country. These people who mock or criticize Mcain or Palin should be sent to Iraq and put on the front line. now

When will the GOP of old return to former status as the representative of majority of Americans on a Libertarian style platform? Only...O-N-L-Y....after they get rid of this right wing religious based perversion of government.

She's nothing more than an Alaskan snake charmer. Why can't the GOP be more like the rest of America and less like a fringe group of religious zealots who still cling to the notion that invisible forces are working for each and every one of them, and Noahs Ark was a real story, and a dude spent 3 days in the belly of a whale. Forget the talking snake theory, 6 days to create the Universe, and Dinosaurs lived with Moses. These people would pretend to make decisions for ALL citizens when in fact they will serve only their own kind. They are not Americans but more like a pack of self serving wolves.

I too have been kind of amazed & shocked to see CNN polarize toward the left in the coverage of this election, and to see many others who recognize that as well. I've always trusted CNN to be pretty middle of the road, but not with this election. I hope CNN is listening...

As for the Potential of a Obama/Pelosi/Reid triune leadership of America, that would be a massacre of virtually all moral values, abortions would be unhindered & cut loose, same sex marriage federally recognized, and take hopes for any sense of morality & goodness right down the drain.

And I'm not too excited about McCain/Palin, but defaulting to a foundation of moral values, it's the difference between night and day. But it seems the media HAMMERS any little tid bit on the right over and over while ignoring major & severe "skeletons" on the left...

How could anyone with a right mind vote for McCain when he has made a “diabolical” mistake by choosing a derange Palin who has absolutely no knowledge of the world except Russia !!

Then again this is America !!

I HAVE WATCH THIS ELECTION CLOSELY THIS YEAR I AM FROM THE HOME TOWN OF AL GORE, AND OWN A BUSINESS THERE A SMALL BUSINESS SO JOE THE PLUMBER YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD AND START FROM THE BOTTOM AND WORK YOUR WAY UP THIS IS NOT SOMETHING HAPPENS OVER NIGHT . I HAD TWO CHILDREN AND SINGLE MOM WHEN I STARTED WITH WORKING TWO JOBS AND 18 YRS. LATER IT IS STILL A STRUGGLE WITH ALL THE JOBS THAT HAS BEEN LOST HERE PEOPLE HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE TO HAVE GRO.,OR GET THEIR HAIR DONE MOST LIKELY THEY BUY GROCERYSAND GAS TO GET TO FROM WORK. AND NOTHER THING YOU HAVE TO GET LIC. THIS BUSINESS LIC THEN PAY ALL THE TAXES THAT GO WITH THAT SO I THING YOU CHOICE THE WRONG PERSON THERE AND THEIR PLAN. UNDER THE CLINTON ADMIRTRATION I HAD A GREAT BUSINESS ALSO FROM 96 TO 2000 I WAS A LIC REAL ESTATE AGENT I DONE GREAT. SO THAT IS SOMETHING TO REALLY TO THINK ABOUT.

Sarah Palin belongs on Jerry Springer – not anywhere near the White House. McCain beware – if the Republicans lose, she'll turn that forked tonge and talens on those closest to her.

Well Mr Bradley, if you think THAT is worrying? What if McCain is elected president, then he gets killed, or dies of old age (which is not at all unlikely) and then she gets to be the first president of the US? Now THAT is worrying...

Alright, she would be the first woman US president ever, which would be great. But I hope you haven't forgotten why she was elected would-be VP to begin with, which was to coax women voters into supporting McCain, and tease them away from Obama in revenge of the Dems choosing for Obama instead of Clinton.

I think that Palin is appealing to, and in that sense represents, a narrow and small segment of the population. Were she to even consider running for president in the future I expect that it could and would be only if she were actively recruited, promoted, and packaged by the republican party. Such an event seems unlikely, as I believe the republicans can and will identify a more appealing and marketable candidate for the next race. meanwhile, sarah Barracuda ought to retire to well-deserved obscurity in Alaska.

The country is trying to learn Sarah, some women in Alaska, hold a rally in her honor, take a look. I think this sums it up!

http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/14/alaska-women-reject-palin-rally-is-huge/

I feel sorry for Sarah for having been thrown into a situation like this with the lack of experience and all it would take to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency of the USA. This was all politics from the day she was placed on the ticket for lack of anything sound on behalf of McCain in answer to the many ails that face our nation today. It would be great if they both had something like solutions to the problems of today instead of telling tales of the Joes and frying "socialism" and "lefties" to try to scare people who are already pretty ignorant to say the least for having voted on W in the last two elections. Sarah you are a wonderful person and Mom, go back home in peace with Todd and Family.

The Republican Party is seriously imploding and loosing credibility fast. McCain has over looked so many talented intellectuals and political personalities in favor of Palin. Its not just a (better woman in the GOP) ISSUE BUT THERE ARE SO MANY OTHERS. This beautiful parrot is just too much. Sure, she has some good moral grounding but so do a lot of people. Inexperience and her extreme views are not for America. I can not handle another genuis from the GOP' W. was enough.

I seriously doubt the majority of American women can relate to Sarah Palin. But I can understand why she appeals to those who spend time watching Desperate Housewives. It's also understandable that she appeals to those at her rallies whose faces, smiles, and eyes are very reminiscent of "The Stepford Wive's". Comparatively I guess she is REAL MAVERYUCKY!!!!!

I greatly admire Sarah Palin because of her pro-life ideas and the way she put them into practice. Pro-life Reps vs pro-death Dems.

However, she is not yet ready to govern the United States. Whereas that grandpa from Arizona can beter retire...

I am afraid we have to accept Obama for the coming years.

I greatly admire Sarah Palin because of her pro-life ideas and the way she put them into practice.

However, she is not yet ready to govern the United States. Whereas that grandpa from Arizona can better retire. Being a war hero does not mean you can run a country.

I am afraid we have to accept Obama for the coming years. Since there is no other option.

Hi, there's something I just can't figure out:
I don't see any shame in being a socialist, I'm french and half the country voted for a socialist woman. Socialism is a good thing, why is everybody treating that word like is was an insult?

Democrats, don't be scared of intimidation. The democrats are afraid of common sense, normal person, true person, sincere person, a WOMAN, in the Whitehouse. One thing I do not understand is why women in America hates a woman like Sarah Palin and Hillary in this country. ALL women that is going to vote are so blind and deaf that they are going to vote for Obama and regret later when it will be clear–it is already too late. i used to be a Hillary fan until Obama seen Biden better than Hillary. Now Sarah is better than all even better than MacCain etc.

I love the way one voter said that he "loved her stance on abortion and gun laws". Uneducated voters like that don't even know the science behind abortion, they think its pure evil. So how about using a gun to kill innocent wild animals? Isn't that evil too? And please don't say that killing animals is alright because its in the damn "bible or the genesis".

Palin is trying. She can only but try just this time. This is Obam's time.
Leadership is all about turn.

We in Aba Nigeria loves and respects usa and will accept and respect anybody they chooses to lead them.

The Taliban and Al Qaeda will be weeping with joy at the thought of a Palin nomination, let alone presidency, in fact I"ll bet they make a major campaign donation. She'll be advocating a return to Schoolyard Bully diplomacy, and Print-More-Money-to-Pay-For-Wars-At-Any-Price. Now whilst anyone with an IQ of Winnie The Pooh would readily agree that Dubbaya's Mission Accomplished Adventures have bankrupted the US and a continuation of such actions will ensure the end of the economy, I'm not quite sure that Governor Palin quite meets that minimum intellectual requuirement, are you?

Seriously?...
This fearmongering in the Rebulican party has driven me away from it. God forbid that Sarah Palin ever makes it to the White House. We'd be doomed. I've never heard such devisive commentary before. To suggest that someone is un-American for VOTING?????? To suggest that regions or areas are more patriotic than others? Patriotism has many definitions. But I guess that doesn't work for the Fearmongers: "You're either for us or you're Against us!" they say.

Dee, in a post above, points out the Hypocrisy of the fundamentalist Palin. I couldn't agree more. In fact this Christian, Republican is saying yes to Obama/Biden this year.

If the Republican party makes Sarah Palin their poster child, I, for one, will never go back.

Regardless of how I view Sarah Palin, one conclusion is obvious: She offers nothing of her own in terms of policy platform/changes. She just claims to be a "maverick", will change things, and then offers personal attacks (Obama is a socialist, hangs with terrorists, etc.). She does not offer anything regarding health care reform, foreign policy direction, etc. Just claims she is "different", and then pursues the same ol' garbage: personal attacks.

I think Palin fans are going to be disappointed after the election and she disappears- 2012 will not see her. We are tired of insults and personal attacks. Americans want a plan- not further insults.

I do not mind that Sara Palin is a down home girl... hell, Mark Twain was a down home sort of guy and considered wise and politically influential; Sara Palin may even have qualities yet to be seen that are outstanding. The itch I am unable to scratch; the obvious red flag to me is, if Obama would have chosen Hillary as his running mate would McCain have picked Gov. Palin as the best successor in case anything would happen. Is this not one of the most important duties of the V.P. ? I personally do not care if she crosses across the tundra, mile after mile, schlepping a bunch of kids to hockey practice. I find it infintile and insulting that she is being used like political bait to suck in a few more votes. This is our government we are entrusting you with... get serious!

To Lena. Uh... pretty agressive talk there. I am glad you know me so well, because now that you mention it, yes, I MUST be insanely jealous, fat, ugly, severely deranged, mentally ill and I couldn't fathom success even if it was written on large a bag of French Fries. Thanks for your eye-opener, you've changed my mind completely.

Or is that why Republicans want to continue the war in Iraq? To get rid of political opponents? After all, if you can't slander them in negative campaigns like Palin has been doing continuously, then you can always try to get them killed in Iraq, can't you?

But hey, let's not take your comment very seriously, shall we, you can't possibly mean what you are saying there if you truly uphold democratic values.

I think one lesson we can learn from this blog is that the tide is turning, and they are writing off the old. At least most people in this blog seem to think so.

I would have to agree that McCain lost when he selected Palin as a running mate. Not because of experience or lack of it, not even because of core ultra-conservative values, but because of the direction the campaign took and continues to take. The ongoing personal attacks against their political rival only anger American voters. She will continue to be loved by her base, hated by her opponents but most importantly, she will be viewed with disdain by the undecideds who want to hear about something other than a list of Obama's friends, whoever they may be or have been. The name calling is an insult to Amrican voters and only serves to destroy our Republican party.

Best comment so far was : "she represents the noisy minority, rather than the silent majority".That's pretty well sums up my feelings about Palin, too.

She appeals to the right wing of the Republican party – the social conservatives. Or maybe I should call them the social reactionaries – the ones who would like to turn the calendar *back* to the 1955 or so, and ignore the fact that the rest of the country and the rest of the world has moved on another 50+ years in the meantime.

She does not represent the republican party of fiscally responsible small town businessmen.

The social conservative wing of the republican party is no more fiscally responsible than the leftmost part of the Democratic party – they just want to spend large amounts of public money on *other* projects – like funding an unneccessary war in Iraq rather than providing subsidized healt care or schools.

But at least the democrats doesn't seem to have a republican right's near religious belief in the wonders of lowering taxes without cutting costs(and letting the richest get away pay an ever smaller share of the tax burden).

Deficit spending is just as ugly when done by republicans as when done by democrats. Only question is whether the jobs created and projects built will be in the Tennessee Valley or in Bagdad ....

Gotta say, she may be down homey, but she is what you see is what you get. I'm not saying I agree with her, but I know where she stands. Obama is still a complete mystery and the press wants to keep it that way. I am a registered independent, live and work in New York City, and have to say that I am a bit worried about how little we know of this guy and the utter "trance" the media has been in over him. Any attempt to question a policy or his past has been frought with claims of racisim or bias, or just shut down. I am the furthest from consipiricy theorists, but something smells fishy about him. I'm considering either not voting at all or just voting for McCain in protest of the biased media coverage.

Most of the people on this blog act like sheep. They have little to no clue who and what they are voting for!

Most of the posts here are thoughtless knee-jerk reactions to what people absorb from the press. Which happens to be in love with the thought of electing Obama.

Do any of you remember the last time our press was in such unison (or close to it)? It was when we went to war in Iraq. The press was then responsible for affecting the public opinion, much in the same way they are doing now.

They were wrong then, and I'm afraid (though I do hope I'm wrong) they will be wrong now.

I believe there is a good chance that Obama will flip the Reagan revolution on it's head. Instead of looking for market solutions to our problems, we will start looking to the government.

Remember LBJ or Carter any one? If you don't, read up on them. There is a lesson to be learnt.

I know people are looking at the current state of our economy. And it is not good. But this is just a snapshot. Over the long run, we are still much better off than we would be if we have a redistributionist society. Over time, the market will, as it always has, readjust itself.

There is a reason the United States is the most powerful economy in the world. And that reason is not the government. It is the ability of people to reach their full potential without the government holding them back.

Look at the example of Cuba vs. Hong Kong. Both small countries. But Household income in Cuba is only $4,500. In Hong Kong, it is $42,000. Cuba has a larger land mass, and greater natural resources, yet can only muster 1/10th of the income of Hong Kong.
Why?

Because instead of rewarding success, they reward failure. And even most of you will realize, that the behavior you reward, is the one you encourage, and ultimately get.

My only hope for the Obama Presidency is that Obama is politically savvy enough to grab the center, to help in his re-election. Maybe that will keep him in check.

As far as Ms. Pailin, she is a governor. Governor's aren't supposed to know about foreign policy (do you think Obama knew much about foreign policy two years ago, before he got elected to the Senate?) Yet, she has been constantly barraged by foreign policy questions.
Granted, she could have done better in her interviews. But most people who know her personally, know that she is a smart and capable lady.

To me the election comes down to either voting for Obama and moving to a reasonable foreign policy but at the same time

I can't put my finger on the exact time, but somewhere in the primary season the Republicans veered off the track and have never recovered. First I can't see that anyone vetted Palin. Second, I don't see that she has any ideas of her own.

If the Republicans continue to let the Democrats adopt traditional conservative positions, soon the Republicans will have no platform to run on at all.

Here's a suggestion: Let the congressional leaders corral their members and compile a 10 point "Bill of Rights" like Gingrich put together. This was powerful stuff, but unfortunately they failed to follow thru on many of their points. And do this every election cycle instead of just once. Let the American people see and hear what we Republicans believe and what we are willing to work toward in the furtherance of contructive legislation. Say what we are going to do and then DO IT!

I just don't get it. How can a woman who spends $150,000 for clothing be called a down-to-earth hockey mom or a next-door neighbor who would understand average American's need at this time of trouble? Wake up America! It is time to use your common sense! 8 years hasn't been long enough?

Should McCain loose elections, we will know what GOP thought of Palin. If she becomes the leader of the party then i can trust they viewed her as a qualified VP.

If John McCain has picked Sarah Palin for VP, it shows you Americans how serious he is about America! Not very serious! If George W Bush sent her to Alaska, then there was a good reason, 'not wanted in Washington!' The Republican campaign has been a disaster, and for John McCain a respected War Hero to pick a sex symbol for a Vice President has ruined his campaign. If John McCain needed advice for a VP he should have gone to the likes of Henry Kissinger, instead of going to the likes of Larry Flint!

Don't look at these people or at the hype. Just listen to what they say -their policies. That is what matters. Who cares who she is, just find out what she stands for and judge her on that according to your own standpoint. Also, it is a mistake to vote for someone because of who the 'other' guy is. You should avoid having a standpoint along party lines (outdated) and instead try to discern simply 'what is right' for the country – beyond the selfish. Then, you may realise what a load of tosh they are ALL espousing.

Kara, you have joe-idiot running your country a present. Any ordianry guy could do better.

im from Denmark, and frankly im scared sleepless at the thougt af Palin sometime governing the probably most powerfull nation in the world....
The woman clearly knows next to nothing about the world outside US, and yet is bidding for office in a nation that seems set on being the worlds policeman (At least if the involved countries are either small or produce oil – preferably both).
So America: please – please cast your vote on the grounds of intellect and knowledge rather than tv-appearance, snappy one-liners and good looks !

I loaned someone some money once and did'nt make them pay me back...does that make me a good candidate for president

The obvious tactic for the choice of palin by McCain to catch the disenchanted Clinton women base has failed,now all of you gop people are now crying foul looking for somebody to blame ,and you found a good one in CNN,I wonder if you have watched Fox news lately , and why was Jack Cafferty removed from the situation room ,for me CNN is still the most unbiased compared to ABC,FOX and the rest of the American media ,anyway as for me and my house we are 'voting' for Obama

I,m watching larry king right now[its delayed in europe] and the utter nonsense what is coming out of his[mccain] mouth and the glorification of palin is unbelieveble .. he is so out of touch with reality and into his own stardom.. I just cann,t believe that the american people don,t see through his blatant lies and deception and baseless accusations thrown at Obama,, palin has never done anything positive in her live except wink her way to the top and than to ask ,, who is Obama,,? who is she?very very few people had ever heard from her ,coming from alaska with such a small population and never even been anyplace how can she even dream of becoming a vp, it is a joke. that is what sane people are thinking...... OBAMA 08 -16 [ 4 YRS IS EVEN OUT OF THE QUESTION]

Watching from Europe:

After 8 years of Bush the mess is so big, that i 'am really glad it is almost over! Although, it is only over when the Americans are smart enough for the right choice. Worldwide that would be Obama, but not so sure that America is ready for a black President.

If I was the owner of a rocket engine manufacturing company, would I look to hire a plumber or a rocket scientist? Gee, let me think it through. I'll have to get back to ya on this one!!

Lena...your comment had me howling! Ha ha ha ha!!!! Its one of those kind of blurbs that allows one to picture in their mind exactly what kind of ridiculous, senseless butthead you must be in person! "Send them to Iraq"! Nice one! Bet a few of your fellow Republican voters cringed on that one...I mean, the irony and all (you can look up what irony means).

OK OK I wont say anything bad about Palin. She's a strong winker.

Good luck America.

Like Palin, I am also from a very small town where there are a bunch of "average Joe's." I grew up hunting, which I still enjoy doing, and do not, in most cases, support abortion. However, I simply cannot believe that this woman has appealed to any audience whatsoever. Even gunslinging, pro-life people should be able to realize that the woman is not very intelligent. Have they seen any of her interviews? Did they watch her debate with Joe Biden? She is simply not versed on world issues, and quite frankly doesn't seem to have the intellectual capacity to hold any type of office. Wouldn't you want an intelligent, well-versed person running the country? The last time we elected some "good-ol-boy" without any intellectual capacity was our own George W. Look where that got us.

Oh yes and I agree with the comments that CNN (who use to seem so predictably right) seems to be leaning left. But they also seem to be getting a little more in-depth (not so say it still isnt 90% low-brow fluff). But let me remind everyone that Republican newspapers and prominant GOP figures also going left. Some (most?) Republicans are smarter than Lena one would assume, and may actually have the best interest of the country in mind.

Why does the republican party smear Senator Obama by calling him a socialist? If you look at the way government spends so heavily as it is on the Military, subsidies for farmers, bailing out the financial sector, etc., I'd say we are already there (and that is under a Republican controlled government).

I personally would rather see my tax money go to educate our citizens properly, provide healthcare that is adequate for all, and fix our crumbling infrastructure. These won't be cheap if done correctly. But just reflecting on how much money is thrown down the black hole of increased military spending and government bank bailouts (with very little oversight and virtually nothing that prevents the bankers for diverting the money to other functions than loans to keep the economy solvent), etc., I'm sure there is money in the federal government already; it just needs to be re-allocated.

If the republican party truly believed in small government, it would opt for a small military that was adequate to protect our nation only (just think about how much money would be saved in that measure alone).

It is ironic to rail against socialism and government waste while running the national deficit to historic proportions and fighting an unnecessary war that has sucked trillions out of our economy (what is our reason du jour for being there?).

At least with Barak Obama we may actually get some benefit for all of the government spending. As it is I am paying 40% tax and watching the country go down the tubes, all the while hearing how in debt we are....

larry, You say, "Look what the smart people in washington and wall street have accomplished….and you want more of the same?"

It sure won't fix the problems faster to put a stupid ignorant person in charge (which she thinks will be the case: she has several times shown she has no clue what the veep actually does; the constitution isn't that long - she should try reading it). You want more of the same? Vote for the party that's been in charge for the last 4 years.

My thoughts on why Obama will win big: http://opinion-nation.blogspot.com/2008/10/obama-landslide.html

Sarah Palin is quite clearly out of her depth, and for many outside America, we are shocked to learn that someone of her clearly limited intelligence is a governer and could even become a vice president if McCain wins.

But then again, George W. Bush been the president of USA for the last eight years...

My question is this: don't the good citizens of America believe they deserve better leaders than the likes of Bush and Palin?

People outside the US just think she is an idiot. The US media talk about her seriously.. what a Gong show. The US has really degenerated first it was W the idiot President. It just show you that intellect is not valued in America that is why Chian, Russia and India will eventually over take the US in the world arena.

Re: Scott

I find it strange all the talk of morality, as if it were only a republican virtue. If you want to talk about the morality of abortion (i.e. murder), why not bring up all the Iraqis who have died as a result of the American occupation.

Was that moral?

How about imprisoning and torturing suspects indefinitely without trial; is that moral?

Don't force your version of morality down my throat because frankly, it scares the hell out of me.

I think McCains pick of Palin was devastating to his campaign. Obama knew that he needed to re-enforce his foreign policy credentials so he picked foreign policy vet Joe Biden. A wise choice.

McCain openly said on a few occasions that he doesn't understand economics, so why oh why did he pass on Mitt Romney? That ticket would've been bullet-proof.

He fatally messed up his first executive decision. If he wants to make sure that it's not his last – he should quickly dump Sarah Palin and beg Mitt Romney to jump on board.

Ah, no Lena. I think the majority of the people who vote against McCain/Palin are the cultured, well-traveled and educated. Go get yourself a passport, open your eyes–wide–and realize it is a big, big world out there.

Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin both showed terrible judgement . He in asking her to serve and her in accepting. Asking a mother of four children under the age of 18 to accept such a job is unbelieveable.
Why a woman with those children and a job governing a state as important as Alaska would accept such an offer is mind boggling.

Two years on the job and already under scrutiny for using her position to punish those who thwart her personal agenda.

A special needs baby (6 months old)is a great enough challenge for any family I would think. As governor of a state as large and important as Alaska,with the small population it has I have yet to hear Gov. Palin express any concern for the many original native Alaskan people.

Their concerns about global warming and what oil exploration is doing to their environment,way of life and livelihoods,is of great concern to them.

It is no surprise that most Native Americans are voting for Sen.Obama/Biden. 95% as stated by a Chickasaw gentleman on Tv the other day.

Look around you, don't you think it is time we had a president who looks like most of the people in this country? Racially mixed and/or ethnicly mixed. The fact that the candidate wants the job, is intelligent and extremely likeable is a big plus.He also served eight years in his state legislature.
State legislatures are a very good place to learn about the art of governing.

I'm not sure Sarah Palin has made herself a lot of friends in the high ranks of the GOP. She clearly has her own agenda, as she has proven in her Alaska career and as she is now showing by going rogue on McCain. I think the ugly fighting we are now seeing in this presidential campaign will move to the Republican terrain for a while.

The GOP are showing the world how decadent they have become. Morals, truth, objectivity and decency are absent from their campaign, a course they started on with the Bush regime.
An ignorant REPUBLICAN woman leading the USA would be a natural outcome, but be cautioned, the rest of the world would reject any pretense of leadership by her. Goethe said: "There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action." Period.

For a nation so easily capable of dragging the world into problems of America's own making, Sarah Palin and John McCain are a reminder why Americans really need the world to vote for its chief executive to save themselves from their own certain degeneration. Now more than ever, America has to wake up and reinvent itself and show true leadership. I definetely know McCain/Palin haven't said anything that remotely resembles this.

TG, what are you smoking and where can I get some? You think Bill O'Reilly is unbiased? Do you know how to read by the way?

I think Sarah Palin would be a great leader of the GOP. Most members of the GOP are short on intellect but long on racism and small-mindedness. Truly an ideal match.

McCain's dreadful lack of judgement in choosing Palin will cost him heavily and rightly so. Say goodbye GOP, say goodbye to the Presidency and to Congress. An election campaign well done.

Vote for Obama, can't make the same mistake twice as we did with the former President, we need a change and McCain's campaign would be like voting for Bush again.

The Grand Old Party has become the Grand Old pasty for greed, stupid and bull headed Ideas. I suspect most Republicians would vote, stump and be happy with a snake if they were told to do so. What ever happen to thinking for themselves? Who has not rubbed shoulders or known someone who is or was a radical in high school or college? Anyone with half a brain or been there has know such people YET we are still going strong in our old age. BECAUSE we can think for ourselves not let others do it for us. Now that is the real problem with the Now Republician party. NO one out side the"leaders" are allowed to think for them selves. Shame on you people. Yes I am a Republician and thinking of changing as soon as this farce of Mc Cain and Palin is over, What a drity shame they have brought us down so far. M.Milos

Mrs. Palin will be a danger for your country external affairs ( among other weaknesses I see on her) so please ensure you keep her within your bounderies. Do us – the "rest" of the world a big favor, keep her in Alaska. Thanks.

As someone who has voted conservative her entire (long) life, I'm no longer sitting on that side of the aisle. I'm educated, informed and very worried about our country. I do not vote without spending a good amount of time listening to the candidates and thoroughly checking into whether or not they would be capable of running the United States of America. What some people fail to understand is that it's not always the amount of time a man or woman has had in a political office, sometimes that may be a detriment – and this election serves to be a good example! Being an intelligent person, knowing the laws of our government...knowing the needs of our country and being of the right age to understand and being capable of handling this is an enormously difficult task to bring America back to the great country it was, the RIGHT WAY, is not going to be an overnight fix. This is something Barak Obama is acutely aware of. He is also exactly the kind of leader this country needs right now! He was smart enough to pick Joe Biden as his Vice President, a man with tremendous foreign affairs acumen. When Obama is elected, and I believe (and pray for our country he will be), I have no doubt he will continue the well thought out and intelligent choices for advisors – those men and women he will place around him to help him make the right decisions to bring America back and make it an even greater country than it's ever been before!

We've been dragged down and placed in a financial situation like we've never seen before. We cannot continue this any longer! This is a great country! We cannot be treated any longer the way we have been over the last 8 years! Personally, I refuse to take it and I'm doing something I've never done in all my long adult years., I'm voting Democratic on Tuesday and I'm proud of it! Mr. Obama, I'm looking forward to you being the next President of the United States of America!

Sarah Palin makes Dan Quayle look like Albert Einstein. Race baiter not Pit Bull. This makes me very scared if this is where the Republican Party is going. The real cause of the economic collapse is the Commodities Modernization act of 2000.Republicans pushed it and Clinton signed it into law. Unfortunately, you do not even hear about this because the major news services are controlled by the government now. The reality is, Harvard Grad for President .Two if you count Obama's wife or War College grad for President who's family made their fortune selling booze. Since Palin's base is uneducated hillbillies most of them will go for the booze . In truth, I am no great supporter of Obama at this point because of issues with an earmark for HUD in illinois that that was ripped off however,if he does what he says he is going to do he can end up as one of the better or best Presidents of this century. He is not lacking in smarts. I cannot say the same about McCain and Palin they sound like salesman for greedy billionaires. They want to turn middleclass healthcare into an equivalent version of a 401k. Have you seen your 401k lately??? I am a pharmacist Medicare part D Sucks!!!! This is an example of a corporate run sponsored healthcare system they are toughting. These elderly patients are put on expensive meds because to many doctors prescribe based on free stuff from drug reps, then they run out of benefits before the years over, stop getting there meds and end up in the hospital with Medicare or private health insurance covering the bill.

would you let your car be repaired by a person, who started reading repair-books for a few weeks, would you consult such a doctor for your heart desease, fly with such a pilot, let such a artist paint your portrait? so then, why do you want such a noknow as vicepresident?

To Craig Skinner,

Please learn to spell and brush up on your grammar before posting. The word is "Rhetoric" not retoric. You intend to say "you're", contraction for "you are", instead of "your". A "horse" is a beast of burden intended for transportation, but he's never called a "hourse", even if he is high. Your opinion is respected, just please represent it better grammatically, orthographically, etc. It makes a big difference in having folks receive your viewpoint. NO OFFENSE INTENDED! Thanks!

Its decision making capabilities, not spewing retoric and following the pack. If your not the lead dog the view never changes and she is out front and open. She “is” a bit of everyone – even, a bit of the snobs who don’t think the rest us us can think for ourselves. Now, Get out of the carriage or off your high hourse, and get back here and help the rest of us push this country forward and get it off dead center.

To say Palin is more experienced than Obama is a joke. To govern a town of 5,000 she needed a town administrator to handle day to day operations and went from no debt to 25million in debt. Other cities in Alaska say the dont want to become another Wassila because her policies ruined the beauty and enviroment. And being a governor of a state of 600,000 is like being the mayor of a mid-sized city. She did that for less than two years. Obama graduated top of his class in Harvard Law,taught law 12 years , state senate 8 years representing district with more people than AK, US senate last couple years. Palin, 5 colleges for journalism degree, governed sparsely populated areas badly. No comparison. She does not represent America or most Americans. She may represent rascists, ignorant, uneducated white Americans thats it. And thankfully the majority of Americans arent like that.

Sorry h1storym0nkey,

If you like Sarah Palin's Views on Dinosaurs, then consider her views on digging up their mesozoic grave sites to siphon off their dead liquid corpses to relieve our thirsty SUVS! Alternative energy? Who needs it! Sarah is the governor of an ENERGY-PRODUCING state as she reminded us 20 times in her Palin- Biden debate. I like the way she simultaneous grasps for power on the state front and national front in one speech to give herself some options!

I can't even stand her voice.

I am a Malaysian who was born, bred and lives in Malaysia.Looking at the Presidential debate between McCain and Obama and also Palin's antics, I think Sarah Palin is a joke to the American people. She has no clue what is going on and she tries to look smart. I think Barak Obama will be a good president for the US creating history in the process and hopefully will pull the world out of a looming long recession. God Bless!

I keep hearing people complain about how Sarah Palin is being unfairly attacked by the democrats, but if that were true why haven't they spoken directly about her possible ethics violation? Everyone just needs to be honest with themselves, Sarah Palin IS NOT capable of being VP and those of you that think that she is, are only fooling yourselves!

WOW! Some people are SO filled with hate and ignorance. Perhaps if you have lots of money, you can be well-traveled and more sophisticated than Sarah Palin. BUT, she draws large crowds because the MAJORITY of people can't afford to travel even within the US, much less outside of it!! Regular people relate to her and her way of life. Having grown up in Western PA, I can TOTALLY relate to hunting, fishing, owning a variety of guns, going to Church on Sunday and NEVER travelling outside of my own state. And believe me there are millins of people like me all over this nation. There are far fewer elitists. I LOVE the fact that she is not a Washington insider, doesn't talk like a Washington insider, doesn't act like a Washington insider and so do a lot of others!!

I've been watching all of this from Canada, and what I've seen has been a little scary. Sarah Palin in my opinion, is not a person you want as second-in-command. I don't think I've seen any kind of consistency from her. She could have her finger on the button some day, and God help us if she does.

I honestly believe that Obama, although he may not have all the answers, will undertake a thoughtful, thorough review of situtaions he may face, and leverage the knowledge of those around him. In this manner, the decisions are likely to be the right ones.

I also believe Obama is the kind of person America needs as the 'face of America'... I believe he has the potential of positively affecting some of the negative world views of the USA that are out there right now.

Ah, yes, someone outliving their 15 minutes of fame - Ms. Palin. And of course, someone who has really outlived their 15 minutes of fame, Joe the Plumber, who has no license, owes on child support and his taxes.

What a low level the republican party has fallen too. Ms. Palin, with her palling around (or should I say, sleeping with) a secessionist (soneone who's party - which he only recently disavowed) wants to get out of the Union of the United States) - whose state has found her to have an ethics violation, loves to hunt prey from helicopters, and did nothing in her home village to help raped women get their DNA tests analyzed.

And this is what the present crumbling republican party wants?

Sad.....

According to her job she is better than Obama

I don't trust McCain or Palin. I don't want liers running my country!!

I am a white female, professional, college grad, played soccer and hockey, have children, and under no circumstances do I consider myself to be qualified to be VP and certainly not president. McCain lost the election when he selected Palin. Those little winks and cutsie pie expressions are not professional. Do you think McCain realizes that he ruined his chances for the presidency by selecting her?

hey charlie, like everyone at sarah's rallies your blind to see the truth and go on the attack, well it's my turn, she and people like you believe in "creationism" in schools more like fantasy class! oh, did i touch a nirve?

Palin supporters are any used car salesman's dream mark; suckers for a smile and an engine filled with sawdust. Have a nice ride.

OMG! These Palin supporters are exactly the same morons who voted for the current Moron-in-Chief - TWICE! They have either suffered brain damage from oversuse of their cell phones or had too many soccer balls kicked into their pointy heads. Or they are just plain masochists. 4000+ dead American soldiers for a war based on lies, thousands dead from government incompetence in New Orleans. The illegal detention and torture of prisoners in Gitmo and Abu Ghraib. The shredding of our rights - in particular the right of Habeus Corpus. And now - as a coup de grace before leaving - the ravaging of our economy by an administration that let the good 'ol boys on Wall Street run wild and decimate working people's retirement accounts. I don't care how much she winks or how many "you betchas" she hurls; like same-pain McCain, Palin endorses the bulk of BushCo's policies. And she has the same fawning regard for the super-wealthy as our Wrecker in Chief. Go ahead, Palin supporters. Keep showing the rest of the world how unbelievably stupid and oblivious you are to the catastrophic damage this administration has done not only to the American people, but to the reputation of this country on the world stage. I'm glad you are so charmed by her wit and "one of us" persona. It demonstrates great depth and discernment on your part.

Sarah Palin is awesome. She will be the best Vice President.

The Sarah Palin phenomenen and her adoring fans is nothing more than an extension and a continuation of the Georges W Bush phenomenen of rise to power and actually winning 2 elections, ( need to note that first win was deepley contested and the second with a 51% percent, hardly what u can call a mandate ),yet those same W. Bush voters are the same ones applauding Palin today ... they seem to be comfortable with the notion of voting to someone who can sound like a pal , while running their lives into economic har, living in uncertainities and fear ... than voting for some one who is making sense and who is trying to make a difference and better the dyer situation we live in ..... and hide their intellectuel deffiencies behind the banner of : Illeticit or foreign..etc

even america hates itself now and they are voting for obama -- who hates america as much as all of us iranians do--i am glad that america will soon change its ways to become more like us in the middle east

Palin is a prime example of all the American stereotypes the rest of the world ridicules and abhors:
- Driven by greed and (unfortunately not even enlightened) self-interest
- Starving for Power
- Corrupt
- Ignorant to a degree that is scary and dangerous
- Dishonest
- Hypocritical
- Populist

A role model for US women? Let's hope not!
If you think the US lost a lot of respect under Bush, see what happens if Palin gets to be VP let alone at some point President.
Not that it will happen as the Powers that Be have already long ago comitted to Obama. 2012 however is a totally different matter.

Where have you all been for the last 8 years!? This country is going to hell in a handbasket. Conservatism is becoming a thing of the past. A real conservative is un-electable in this day and age.

All of these republican pundits where trashing McCain when he got nominated, now they love him. They "Agree to Disagree" on some minor issues.

Sarah Palin reminds me of all those bubble-headed cheerleaders in high school that where too cool to talk to anyone except for the jocks.

And my God, if I hear the "Joe the Plumber" reference again i'm gonna puke. Did anyone tell John and Sarah that some "ISSUES" need to be addressed, and to stop talking about the average Joe. We get it John, move on please.

Sarah palin is no doubt the greatest fear for all those american's or even ppl from outside the US, who have the slightest of common sense. She is a sloppy act of puppetry, and a total loss when left on her own.Truly unknowledgeable, less information about america and the world than a fifth grader has. She think's russia can be seen from every backyard in alaska. She is the most tremendous slap and shame for all republicans and the greatest catastrophe of the entire millenium for all homosapiens, if god forbid reps make it to the white house in these elections. I'm sure John mccain is the most regretful man for his decision.

We need someone with a brain in the White House. Clinton had a good education and a command of the English language. Bush went to Yale and Harvard, yet it doesn't show. Obama may not have all the answers, but he will, like (most) Presidents have done, surround himself with educated, qualified people. Palin is a niche article for the Repub base, and has no broad appeal. She does not represent the majority of American women or men. Her "pilot" show will be cancelled after Nov 4th. If she were smart, she'd take the convited felon's(Ted Stevens) Senate seat and educate herself about Washington politics to prepare herself for 2012.

I find it hard to believe that Palin is representative of American women. I grew up in a rural, heavily republican part of the nation and I know very few women who have worked as an appointed executive in a big oil company, worked on a crab fishing boat and likes to hunt wolfs from helicopters. I think the idea of a small town mom is nice but the real her is the embodiment of the extreme right…And if you think that CNN is biased you are right. They are sadly as biased as all of America’s regular news outlets. Its sad but read an international news source to get fair and balanced.

Advise to the grand old party leadership.

Start a research on:
-the steps taken in this campaign
-the consequences for the credibility of the party
-how should the party handle things next time.

You can hire me and cover only my living expenses (I lead a sober life). There is only this one problem: I have no experience.

Palin is an absolute joke. End of story. McCain's own top advisor: "Palin is a whack-job."

Sarah Palin is the ultimate Republican party candy...looks appealing and delicious, but has no nutritional value whatsoever. When you're already sick (as US really is today), candy is not something you even want to eat. McCain...he's you're licorice from Halloween 4 years ago...may not kill you, but no one wants old candy either. Toss 'em. (smile, wink, wink)

I resented Palin's comments about the "real America". Is she insinuating that people who disagree with the GOP philosophy aren't "real Americans?". Somebody should explain to Palin that the Constitution is a document averse to the notion of a singular political truth. Indeed, it guarantees a forum of ideas.

If anybody is "unAmerican", it's Palin's husband- a man who was involved in an Alaskan organization aiming to secede from the USA.

For Stephen and Palin Supporters:

Please research what Governor Palin said about the $1,000 she 'shared' with all Alaskans. She basically said that Alaskans collectively own the energy in that State and then 'redistributed' the wealth to all of them. Now ain't that cute?

Another thing you want to remember. If a self employed person is 'making' $250,000 that is after they have removed all expenses. This is not the same as wages that most people get from being an employee.

Then ask yourself these questions:

1) Do you want the 'shared' wealth to continue to support our police, fireman, even our military? Or do you really want Blackwater & co to be the future military and private militias to become our police force?

2) If you want to reduce Government to the size of a postage stamp, what then is a Democracy?

Now we are talking sense. Indeed, vote for someone brilliant rather than someone who resonates with you.

Is this not what is wrong with the whole Obama campaign? The only program Obama has is to get to the White House ... no more no less. So, looking for experience where it matters?

Go for McCain. We have experimented with two inexperienced people for the presidency – Carter and Bush. Both have had more experience and better qualified than Obama before becoming president. Look what happened? Carter got the US embroiled in Iran and succeeded in facilitating the ascendancy of the Ayatollah to power. Bush ... well he got rid of Saddam only to strengthen the terrorists.

Obama? He has enough radical links, lately with an aunt who is apparently an illegal immigrant that broke election law by contributing to Obama´s campaign, and more lies about his background. Not a good start for change ... a change that makes the US jump from the frying pan to the fire?

Good luck America.

Sarah Paln has been tricked by a French Canadian comedian impersonating Nicolas Sarkozy. She told him she hoped to be president in 8 years,,,

To Lena,

Iraq is your war, thanks to GW & McCain...Why don't you show your full support and go, see how it is, and then come back to tell us about your experience?

Bush did not cause the war THE TERRORIST DID.Sure the war has cost a lot of money we do not have but American children are not being killed by Muslim extremist either.
Reagan got the economy back on track and the Democratic Congress spent the money.
I was born a Democrat but like a puppy as I grew older my eyes opened.
All my life the Democrats have backed the labor unions who have caused most of the problems in our economy.How do the unions expect to make more than twice the money of the majority and the majority be able to purchace the goods they make?The unions getting all their health care benefits raised the price for everyone and the only thing they export with reliability is jobs.
Unions kill people who just want to work-yes they beat-shoot and use explosives against those who would love to have the job they are wanting more for while they want to do less work of poor quality for more money.The time for unions and Democrats who want to export jobs and import food is over.

Why would any mentally normal person care whether Palin knows how to use a rife or how to fly fish ?????
Are these required competencies for a VP ? I guess the US and the world have more important issues to worry about

"I want someone who is brilliant."

And that wont be you, believe me.

"Palin is a shame to America.

How can anyone take her seriously? She’s just too ignorant!

I cannot believe she represents the majority of America.

From Brazil"

Go back to your third world country and let us run things here.

I am currently abroad and it is really pathetic to watch CNN when they interview the folks in the bowling alleys of small town America talking nonsense about Obama being a "marxist", Palin being some kind of an icon, the woman who denied candy to the children of Obama supporters, and lastly the fellow that only speaks to Fox News only. These are scary human beings, and to think that this bunch of bozos had had the upper hand in a big country like ours is makes me deeply sad. Some of these people go out to defend their right to bear arms but would not want to spend one cent of their tax dollars to support universal health care, they call themselves Christians but to me they are nothing but plain evil.

I don't wish any ill upon her, I wish she'd just go away. The lower 48 will do just find when she's back in the "last forntier". We did just fine before she came on the scene. "Bye Sarah"!!!