An Introduction to Sarah Palin

[John Green]

In which John talks about Sarah Palin. People always say I don't talk about Republican politicians, so I tried to do this fair-and-balanced style. (Like, actually fair and balanced.) I may still have failed, but I tried.

Blogtv live show at 3:30!

[Kate]

I like Palin. I am registered Republican, but I hadn't really made up my mind about who to vote for just because I'm not jazzed about McCain OR Obama. After watching Palin speak at the convention, it got me excited to vote, you know? And for me, having a woman in the white house would be great, but it has to be the right (as in correct lol) woman, and I never thought Hilary was that woman. Palin feels more right.

On another note, after hearing more about Obama's political career so far, I've started to think as of late that's he's kind of full of it. (I was going to use a different word there, but am censoring myself for the good of the younger Nerdfighters ;P)

[Running2Ks and Parrothead]

Amen to all of the above. And thank you for saying it so well! Plus, one more thing: Obama doesn't lie, he's intelligent, and he know how to work well with a team.

[Loribelle]

McCain is not the McCain of 2000. He's realized that he can't REALLY be a maverick and be elected, so he's just gotten in step with the rest of the corrupt Republican party and the religious right. Palin is just more evidence of that. She wants CREATION taught in PUBLIC schools. She belonged to an organization that advocated Alaska's independence from the United States. She is anti-CHOICE, even in the event of rape or incest, regardless of the age of the victim. She's a HYPOCRITE because she's sent a press release asking we respect her pregnant daughter BRISTOL's DECISION re: her pregnancy, while she would like to take away the right of other girls and women to make their own decision. She is completely inexperienced (Alaska has less than 670K people! And she's only been governor for 21 months!) and while she was mayor of a town of less than 6k she tried to get a librarian fired because she refused to censor books. And on, and on.

I was and AM a huge Hillary supporter. We need more women in power! That said, no responsible PARENT (male or female) with five children (4 of them minors and ONE NEWBORN) would take on the job of VP. Children need their parents. Instead of taking on MORE work, she should be taking on less.

Because people will think I'm sexist (ha.) let me say, I've said the same about John Edwards -- who has small children and whose wife is dying. He should never have run for office.

Palin is dangerous for America.

[Running2Ks and Parrothead]

Here is a frightening thing: http://www.andrys.com/palin-kilkenny.html

[Ann]

In this forum, however, the single most important issue is whether or not Palin would ban LOOKING FOR ALASKA? I want to know her stand on censorship in, say, a town like Wahsilla.

[Phineas de Romanus]

I'm ambivalent when it comes to Palin. I think with a few more years of experience, she could be a very good Republican candidate for president. No matter what I think of Palin (and I am torn between thinking she is qualified and would do well, and unqualified and wrong for the position), I can't help but remember that when we vote in November, were not voteing for either Obama or Palin, we're voteing for either Obama or McCain. The VP position is, in general, just pennies (Note: I am quite aware of the importance of the VP, don't proceed to give me a lecture of how hypothetically important the position is).

There is one honest to god thing I can say that I dislike about Palin: she's mainly (not just, but mainly) there to reel in the voters. And maybe those voters who are reeled in will actually look at Palin and her stances, career, experience, and so forth, but maybe not. But this issue I have against Palin isn't really against Palin, it's against McCain. I should note that while I love Palins fiscal responisbility, I just can't help but wonder how well that will mesh with McCains desire to stay those 100 years in Iraq. Also, the other thing Palin is well known for is her energy policies, which don't quite match McCains.

I would contemplate and be more willing to consider the Republican side if it wasn't for McCain. People might view Obama as elitist, idealistic, and too inexperienced to lead, but I don't want to spend another eight years of my life in a Bush Era (and McCain has already said he'd continue with what Bush is doing, and I haven't really heard McCain say how he'd do anything differently). Obama may not be the best, most qualified person to lead this country (I will be the first to admit to that), but I will not drag my feet through more Bushesq politics. I'll take a damn chance.

What I'm actually really worried about, for both parties, is the Cabinet. With Bush, it wasn't only that he was horrible president (chastise me for calling him a horrible president, I'll just smile and nod my head at you), it was also that he had a Cabinet full of Yes-men.

But I swear to god, if McCain says one more thing about Obama's inexperience, I will break something. I mean, I don't care what you say: "Palin has more experience for being an executive position" or "Palin has less experience than Obama" or "Palin has just as much experience as Obama"...it doesn't matter, they both have a limited amount of experience. No more McCain criticizing his opponent for being a little green behind the ears, especially when he thinks that his VP has enough experience to potentially run a country.

All in all, I do wish the best of luck for Palin, and I do hope to see her perhaps run for president in the future...but most importantly: I hope that everyone (not just us Nerdfighters, but every single U.S., voteing age citizen) remembers that it's first and foremost Obama or McCain we're electing into office, and then Biden or Palin. Don't weight all your vote on the VP.

[Vote Crazy]

This concern with the Palin issue isn't the pregnancy. It's the fact that Governor Palin is staunch in her belief that sex-education should not be taught in schools and abstinence should be followed directly contradicts the realities in American families, including her own. In recent days (because no one really knows about her) it seems she's reduced funding by 20% for an agency that primarily supports unwed mothers.

On the other hand I think it's a potential mistake to not believe Governor Palin will deliver a persuasive speech tonight. She was a on-camera sportscaster and has 15 years experience speaking to groups.

All she has to do is repeat the speech prepared for her with a little emotion. The facts of her inexperience and she's currently governing a state with less citizens than Columbus, Ohio, will become mute to most young and middle-age white soccer moms and the myth will continue.

[Tatiana]

I love McCain
but this is so random.
Anyway, woot McCain!
And who is gunna rep for the independent Nerdfighters
such as myself?

[Linda]

I just heard on CNN that her teenage daughter is pregnant...and apparently McCain knew before picking Palin. Does that negate Trak the military Card?

[Mamma-Nerdfighter]

I heard that her daughter is 5 month's pregnant and is planning on marrying the father of the baby. McCain must have known this before he made his decision. I feel bad for the young girl and the baby that will be brought into such a media whirlwind. (As a Canadian NF, my opinion doesn't count for much though.) :)