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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2008 > September > 12 > Entry
Grilled Alaskan
As of this writing, I haven’t seen the Sarah Palin interview with Charlie Gibson. Will entertain reviews here.
What’s striking at this stage is all the interest around the idea of Sarah Palin actually doing an interview, or even a few. Doing interviews is what all the other candidates have been doing all along.
It’s common knowledge that she’s been busy cramming. I don’t expect her to make any monumental mistakes. She’s got great teachers, and they know what questions she will face. I expect Cliff Notes answers.
That will be enough for the people who want to support her and not for those who don’t.
I did read about how she couldn’t answer Gibson’s question about the “Bush Doctrine.” She didn’t seem to know what he was talking about. I wouldn’t have either. This is a question about jargon, not substance. Gotcha! The fair question is what she thinks about pre-emptive war, not the “Bush doctrine.”
Still, she does need to be pressed. Not because the election is at stake. Traditionally, when all is said and done, people vote for presidents, not vice presidents. (Look at Dan Quayle.) Might be different this time, as the polls suggest, but I’m not convinced.
She needs to be pressed — and investigated — because she is asking to be put a heartbeat away. John McCain created her out of Nowhere. (No, it’s not slam against Alaska. Figure of speech. Political Nowhere, ok?)
I’m reminded of the old Lenny Bruce bit, where a guy is talking to a genie, and he says, “Make me a malted,” and the genie says, “Phhht: You’re a malted.”
Phhht: She’s a national figure. And two months away from a heartbeat away.
If the media tread lightly because the partisans whine or because she’s a woman, they ought just hang it up. Their work is cut out for them.
Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: National politics
Comments
By Tom
September 13, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
While not knowing the term Bush Doctrine might be forgiven, Palin’s response once it was described should not be. She expressed a view that every president has expressed, that is until George W. The issue is not really preemptive war, rather preventative war. The US’ stance has always been one of attack if necessary given an immediate and imminent threat. That is not what happened in Iraq. This is the single biggest shift in American foreign policy in the last eight years and Palin doesn’t understand it. But she ‘didn’t blink’ when asked if she was ready to assume the VP, and if necessary, the presidency. This person scares me. I don’t care that shes a woman, a mom, a governor. She simply is not ready to play at the level she aspires to. I hope peopl will step back and take a serious look at the choice we all have to make in this election. More of the same cloaked in a patina of change or a real opportunity to head down a different path. Please join me in supporting Obama/Biden in November.By Raoul
September 13, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t help but notice that it looked like Charlie could hardly stand to be in the same room as Sarah Palin.By Jim
September 13, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Sarah Palin is clearly unqualified to be vice president or president. She continues to lie about the bridge to nowhere. Based on her answers, I believe her foreign policy knowledge is that of a typical Wal-Mart Mom, not a world leader. Shame on John McCain for picking her, and shame on her for not realizing she’s in way over her head.By Jim
September 13, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Based on her answers, I believe her foreign policy knowledge is that of a typical Wal-Mart Mom, not a world leader. Shame on John McCain for picking her, and shame on her for not realizing she’s in way over her head.By enough
September 13, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Palin is not ready or educated enough to be VP. Yes, she has a college education, but not in the correct field. She is being investigated for ethics violations. She takes credit for things she didn’t accomplish(bridge to nowhere, getting rid of the chef). She doesn’t acknowledge things she has done(receiving travel allowances when she stayed home). She has had failed businesses(fishing boat). She doesn’t know her own parties doctrines other then fight the terrorist. When I vote for someone whom I want for president or VP, they should be highly educated. They should know about foreign policy. No, this farce of she lives by Russia doesn’t count! They should believe that everyone is created equally and deserve equal benefits(health care, pay,etc.)By Barney
September 13, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
If I were flying on an airplane, I’d definitely want the copilot to know how to fly in case anything happened to the pilot. Being “unblinkingly” enthusiastic doesn’t count and neither does trying to fake your way through it. Sarah Palin is clearly unqualified to be vice president. She even said that because she can see the coast of Russia from Alaska, she understands foreign affairs. Well, I can see the moon, but that doesn’t make me an astronaut. Shame on you Senator McCain. Your choice of Palin shows that you are putting politics first and not country first.By Steve
September 13, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Absolutely brilliant! Possibly the best aspect of Palin’s selection is that its driving all the liberals nuts (as if they were not already crazy). Watch her performances, and then try to tell us she’s not ready for primetime. She has done more governing than Obama and Biden combined, and she is consistently on the correct side of each issue, as opposed to those phonies.By Raoul
September 14, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
The so called ‘Bush Doctrine’, of which at least 4 versions exist, is a label pinned on the policies of the Bush Adm. by the media. Therefore, Sarah was correct to ask Charlie what he was referring to. When asked, he mentioned version two of the Bush Doctrine. Obviously, it was ok for him to pick and choose his ‘Bush Doctrine’s’. That Sarah Palin stands ready to fight terror is all we need to know. She will have plenty of people to guide her in the event she becomes Commander in Chief. The Democrats have no policy of their own, except to declare defeat in Iraq and send all our troops to Afghanistan, where military disaster awaits. We can win in Iraq, but the best we can do in Afghanistan is give hope to the people fighting against the Taliban.By Linda
September 16, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this
I watched Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech at the RNC. I was impressed with her delivery of that speech but I was not suprised by it’s content. She distorted the facts of Barack Obama’s plan to reclaim our nation, peppering him with condescending insults. Although her nomination is ground breaking and she has made history, I hardly think she is qualified to be our next Vice President. She is obviously a card carrying member of the good ole boys club. I think she should stay in Alaska and invite Ann Coulter and Elizabeth Hasselbeck over for lunch. They could chat about banning legal abortion, discuss how God created the earth in seven days and then they all take a scenic drive on that bridge to nowhere that Ms. Palin DID support. I sincerely hope that women all across this country see the Rove strategy in her appointment. Wake up sheeple!By HuberGOP
September 17, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
It amazes me how Sarah Palin is an unqualified “small-town mayor” but Obama is the Messiah for “running a good campaign” according to most libs. The heartbeat away from the presidency concern is a hoot…Barack has 143 days or so in the Senate…less than two years overall elected time and he IS “qualified” to be President…you can’t even get a job as a manager at McDonalds in that amount of time. McCain’s not the living dead…Democrats are going nuts because their annointed one’s campaign is imploding. They can’t run on issues because they have none other than “Bush 44” or McCain can’t use a computer! I’ll take Bush 3 over a Carter 2 anyday…If the posters on this page would read something other than the Daily KOS or Huffington maybe take the time to research real issues they would see that Obama isn’t trying to give America to the people, he is ready to push us one step closer to Socialism along with Nancy Pelosi and her do-nothing Congress (whose approval is lower than the evil President Bush) if BHO is elected. Good luck picking a candidate next time…our Hockey Mom is more experienced than your Community Organizer and she will be VP in around 50 days.By Philman
September 17, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
First Martin she ia a heartbeat away fron the Presidents job so she should be investigated, but why don’t you whinning Liberals Investigate Obama, he is running for the Presidents job, you overlook his ties to the communist party usa with frank marshall davis he wrote about in one of his books, his ties to william ayers the terriost, the latest news in the new york post says he begged iraq in his july visit not to push for US troop withdrawl untill after the election, thats big news that the ddn ignores, as for tom we went to Iraq after they ignored 14 UN resolutions, and kicked out the UN inspectors bozo.do your own homework, dont leave it to the pathetic DDN.By Lee
September 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
I’m still waiting for her to be given a new script so she can stop lying. I am also eagerly awaiting the outcome of the TrooperGate investigation.By voter
September 17, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
You’re right Steve, Palin is “ready for primetime.” I saw her on Saturday Night Live and she was great! Oh, wait, that was Tina Fey. Can we have Tina, instead?By gjg
September 17, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
I have admired John McCain’s record of service and his stance against his party in some matters. I disagree with him on some issues and agree with him on others. But Sarah Palin! I more I hear, the more I know if she and McCain are elected, I will be spending a lot more time in prayer. I will be praying constantly for McCain’s health and safety so we don’t have to find out how unprepared and extreme, extreme right she is!By Cheryl
September 17, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
. The real Republicans are RICH people who never care about negative changes because they are not affected at all. It’s only during voting time that the Republicans reach out to the little people who make it happen for them. Look at it, when all hell broke loose who suffered? Not RICH people only those who work and try to keep their heads above water. It’s not a problem for them if gas goes up to $20 gallon because most of them don’t have to worry about money. Middle class and poor people are not real REPUBLICANS in the real REPUBLICANS eyes you are only pawns that are used to keep them in power so they always are in control. It’s not about the issues or what is fair at this point is just to win and at any cost. Remember, how Bush came to power and look at the mess we are in. I for one wouldn’t care if Obama was orange. He is the only choice to do what is right and equitable for all. Even if the RICH thinks he is being unfair they know what is right. They don’t want anyone to make them get off of this ride. Ms. Palin is not worth discussing because she and her family are just common folk and if it wasn’t for her political jobs she would be regular middle class just like the vast majority of Americans. She makes money and lives well but look at her and her family they are just common folk with common folk problems. I don’t want her as VP because she doesn’t bring anything to the table except herself and that is not enough. At the end of the day what really matters is the American people who work hard in this Country for this Country. If she decides to become pregnant and have a baby at 44yrs. old after already having four kids it’s obvious she doesn’t have good judgment. Although, this is her private life it shows what type of decisions she’ll try to make for this Country. John McCain is just too old and nothing more needs to be said. I think the cutoff age to run for President should be 65yrs. old just like retirement. Around that age actually 10yrs. earlier things start to fail and the memory is the first to go. I would hate to see McCain fumbling and carrying on like Reagan and the Pope. Let’s be real and stop the madness…..By christina
September 18, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Cheryl I’m confused…Palin is a normal person with common folk problems…well that sounds like 95% of America. Maybe we need someone in office who understands the people. Dems are real quick to attack - but they are unwilling to take accountability for their own actions. This country needs change and maybe this is the change we needs. People need to get their facts straight before making comments - the media is famous for comments that are not true and the American people believe it. Americans need to do their own research and make educated decisions for themselves.By Raoul
September 19, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Congratulations Cheryl. You managed to convey all of the elitism, class warfarism, selective intolerance of certain groups of people (age discrimination, right-to-life mothers), while angrily dismissing the so called’rich’ who pay most of the taxes in this country in one very telling blog. I think you have summed up just about all the sentiments and ignorance of issues exemplified by the typical Democrat voter, while making absolutely no points to support any of your hateful comments. Hats off to you.By It's a Gag
September 19, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Palin’s appointment was political. Listen to her speak, she’s a nut job. Don’t fall for the Gag.By TRS
September 19, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Some of the richest people in this country are Democrats residing in the US Congress, ie Kohl, Rockefeller, Pelosi, Feinstein, Kennedy, etc. It is these folks that don’t seem to mind that fuel prices are high as they piddle around demogoging energy companies who should be exploring and producing oil from our own shores and lands. Being a Republican doesn’t necessarily mean your rich nor does being a Democrat mean your middle class or poor and this class warfare and envy is getting a bit old. To the point, Joe Biden, with all those years experience, wanted to divide up Iraq in 3 segments - what a disaster that would have been. One of the best foreign policy leaders came to office with little experience; yet, Lady Thacther and Ronald Reagan took on communism and defeated it. Gov Palin seems to be a quick study and she certainly couldn’t be any more off base than Biden or Obama who was against the surge.By mwm
September 21, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
For the republicans, power is more important than wealth. Their quest for power overshadows financial gain; exept of course for their lobbyist buddies in the oil, energy, insurance, and pharmacutical industries. Caribou Barbie being selected for VP shows McCain and the Republicans complete disregard for our country. For them, power and winning is more important than the well being of our country. Their continued goal of big govt with enforcement of their ideologies on the american people. Combined with the raping of the middle class is what the republicans are all about. They do not care about the middle class and will not provide anything for middle and lower income americans. We now have a financial market that is becoming socialized. And yet, providing medical insurance for all americans is still not an option. Iraq being divided into 3 separate “states” with a central national govt is still not a bad idea. Consider that now, we are bribing the three separate factions not to shoot at each other. Which is insane. Fixing a war based upon lies is not easy.. Bush and the republicans are failures at it.