The Grand Old (Disfunctional) Party

New York Times -- Darkness at Dusk

David Brooks, conservative commentator on "The Newshour with Jim Lehrer," writes an Op-Ed piece for the "Times" outlining the impending battle for the direction of the Republican Party between Traditionalists and Reformers. He describes the Traditionalists as those that continue to beat the drum of standard conservative issues like downsizing big gov't, cutting taxes, and restricting immigration ( ex. Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity). Brooks describes the Reformers as a more inclusive group, a group that strays from simply touting the idea of smaller gov't. They seek to "address inequality and middle-class economic anxiety. They tend to take global warming seriously." He says that Reformers also see the futility of continuing to "insult the sensibilities of the educated class and the entire East and West Coasts."

Brooks predicts that Traditionalists will win out in the short term and that there will be a shift-right to even more conservative candidates and rhetoric. He says that the GOP will rally behind their new poster child, Sarah Palin, but yet suffer more defeats before Reformist organizers and donors emerge to lead the party.

I agree with Brooks's prediction that it may take another string of election losses for the Republican Party to abandon some of their hard-line ideals. This is, of course, dependant on how well Democratic leadership is able to foster bi-partisanship and dig the nation out of an economic hole over the next two years.

Unlike Brooks, though, I predict that Palin's honeymoon in the GOP spotlight will quickly fade. Her lack of discipline, foreign policy knowledge, and laughable media performances during the presidential run-up will come back to haunt her. And despite the fact that her socially conservative stances will continue to garner massive support from Christian groups, she will continue to alienate intellectuals inside her own party and anyone who doesn't see the issues of abortion and same-sex marriage as a priority.

My hope is that with the drubbing of the GOP in 2008 that Republicans will become a less militant, more inclusive party; that they will start focusing on issues like fiscal responsibility, the environment, economic innovation, and economic equality, and less on socially conservative ideology. Then, maybe we can raise the bar of debate in this country and achieve a new sense of balance that we haven't had in decades.

Yes We Can!

Check out the inspirational final installment to the humorous website created on the run-up to the 2008 Presidential election, Palin as President.

Sarah Palin Interview with Katie Couric (Transcript)

CBS News -- Palin Opens Up On Controversial Issues

The transcript is below. Comments in bold italics.

(CBS) As they gear up for the one and only vice presidential debate on Thursday night in St. Louis, candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin spent part of today prepping - separately, of course. Before the debate preps, CBS News anchor Katie Couric spent some time with Alaska's Gov. Palin on the campaign trail. And in an exclusive interview, she spoke frankly about a number of controversial issues - including at least one disagreement with her running mate, Sen. John McCain. Read an unedited transcript of all the answers to Couric's questions that were broadcast Sept. 30.

The day began early. After being briefed by her staff, Sarah Palin heads out with her 14-year-old daughter Willow in tow. "So nice to meet you," CBS News anchor Katie Couric said to Willow.

At 8 a.m., Palin hit the ground running - accompanied by Couric.

"Do you have any down-time, though?" Couric asked Palin.

"I get to go running every day, which is my sanity," Palin said. "Sweat is my sanity."

First, a photo-op with hotel staff.

Then it's off to the McCain campaign plane, where CBS News was invited up front to ask a handful of questions. Couric asked Palin whether she considers herself a feminist.

"I do," Palin said. "I'm a feminist who, uh, believes in equal rights and I believe that women certainly today have every opportunity that a man has to succeed, and to try to do it all, anyway. And I'm very, very thankful that I've been brought up in a family where gender hasn't been an issue. You know, I've been expected to do everything growing up that the boys were doing. We were out chopping wood and you're out hunting and fishing and filling our freezer with good wild Alaskan game to feed our family. So it kinda started with that."

Before a rally in Columbus, Ohio, the candidates sat down with Couric for their first joint interview, where Couric and Palin focused on energy policy.

Palin & McCain on Drilling for Oil in ANWR
Couric: Gov. Palin, almost every expert says it will take about 10 years for domestic drilling to have an impact on consumers. So isn't the notion of "drill, baby, drill" a little misleading to people who think this will automatically lower their gas prices, and quickly?

Palin: And it's why we should have started 10 years ago tapping into domestic supplies that America is so rich in. Alaska has billions of barrels of oil and hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of clean, green natural gas onshore and off-shore. Should have started doing it 10 years ago, but better late than never. It's gotta be an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence.

Couric: Gov. Palin, I know you'd like to see drilling take place in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. And Sen. McCain, you oppose this. You call it, quote: "one of the most pristine and beautiful parts of the world."

McCain: Uh huh.

Couric: Who's right?

McCain: Did you expect two mavericks to agree on - (laughter) to agree on everything? Look, I …we just have, we'll be talking more and more about this issue. We do agree on the off-shore drilling and other means of limiting our dependence on foreign oil. But for us to agree on everything would make us, I think, a little boring. You can … say a lot about us, but we're anything but boring.

Calling yourself a "maverick" is like referring to yourself in the the 3rd person. It's kind of irritating and reeks of narcissism.

Palin has brought plenty of energy to the campaign, attracting huge, enthusiastic crowds, like one at Capital University. Her trademark feistiness is on display as she delivers a punchy sound bite about her rival, Joe Biden. "I'm looking forward to meeting him, too. I've never met him before. But I've been hearing about his Senate speeches since I was in, like, second grade," she said at a campaign rally.

Capital University is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and located in Bexley, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus.

Couric: You have a 72-year-old running mate - is that kind of a risky thing to say, insinuating that Joe Biden's been around a while?

Palin: Oh no, it's nothing negative at all. He's got a lot of experience and just stating the fact there, that we've been hearing his speeches for all these years. So he's got a tremendous amount of experience and, you know, I'm the new energy, the new face, the new ideas and he's got the experience.

On Palin's Worldview
Couric: And when it comes to establishing your worldview, I was curious, what newspapers and magazines did you regularly read before you were tapped for this to stay informed and to understand the world?

Palin: I've read most of them, again with a great appreciation for the press, for the media.

Most of them - Wow! What are you a speed reader?

Oh, that's nice. She has a great appreciation for the "liberally biased" media, the same media that used "Gotcha Journalism" (see: Phrase of the Day) in an attempt to smear the McCain-Palin ticket.

Couric: What, specifically?

Palin: Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years.

Couric: Can you name a few?

You know... the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Anchorage Daily News, The Seattle Times. Maybe you watched a little CNN or FoxNews? No, I bet your a PBS girl. Maybe you scan the blogoshpere? Do you read Politico, 4&20, or maybe WFB?

Palin: I have a vast variety of sources where we get our news, too. Alaska isn't a foreign country, where it's kind of suggested, "Wow, how could you keep in touch with what the rest of Washington, D.C., may be thinking when you live up there in Alaska?" Believe me, Alaska is like a microcosm of America.

...couldn't even answer the question (sigh).

Then it's off to the bus where Palin sits down for a wide-ranging interview.

On Global Warming
Couric: What's your position on global warming? Do you believe it's man-made or not?

Palin: Well, we're the only Arctic state, of course, Alaska. So we feel the impacts more than any other state, up there with the changes in climates. And certainly, it is apparent. We have erosion issues. And we have melting sea ice, of course. So, what I've done up there is form a sub-cabinet to focus solely on climate change. Understanding that it is real. And …

Couric: Is it man-made, though in your view?

Palin: You know there are - there are man's activities that can be contributed to the issues that we're dealing with now, these impacts. I'm not going to solely blame all of man's activities on changes in climate. Because the world's weather patterns are cyclical. And over history we have seen change there. But kind of doesn't matter at this point, as we debate what caused it. The point is: it's real; we need to do something about it.

Let me just say what she could not. Sarah Palin does not believe that global warming is man-made (burning fossil fuels, deforestation, methane produced from domestic cattle). Boy, that was easy.

On Contraception and Abortion
Couric: If a 15-year-old is raped by her father, do you believe it should be illegal for her to get an abortion, and why?

Palin: I am pro-life. And I'm unapologetic in my position that I am pro-life. And I understand there are good people on both sides of the abortion debate. In fact, good people in my own family have differing views on abortion, and when it should be allowed. Do I respect people's opinions on this. Now, I would counsel to choose life. I would also like to see a culture of life in this country. But I would also like to take it one step further. Not just saying I am pro-life and I want fewer and fewer abortions in this country, but I want them, those women who find themselves in circumstances that are absolutely less than ideal, for them to be supported, and adoptions made easier.

Couric: But ideally, you think it should be illegal for a girl who was raped or the victim of incest to get an abortion?

Palin: I'm saying that, personally, I would counsel the person to choose life, despite horrific, horrific circumstances that this person would find themselves in. And, um, if you're asking, though, kind of foundationally here, should anyone end up in jail for having an … abortion, absolutely not. That's nothing I would ever support.

Couric: Some people have credited the morning-after pill for decreasing the number of abortions. How do you feel about the morning-after pill?

Palin: Well, I am all for contraception. And I am all for preventative measures that are legal and save, and should be taken, but Katie, again, I am one to believe that life starts at the moment of conception. And I would like to see …

Couric: And so you don't believe in the morning-after pill?

Palin: ... I would like to see fewer and fewer abortions in this world. And again, I haven't spoken with anyone who disagrees with my position on that.

Couric: I'm sorry, I just want to ask you again. Do you not support or do you condone or condemn the morning-after pill.

Palin: Personally, and this isn't McCain-Palin policy …

Couric: No, that's OK, I'm just asking you.

Palin: But personally, I would not choose to participate in that kind of contraception.

On God and Evolution
Couric: Do you believe evolution should be taught as an accepted scientific principle or as one of several theories?

Palin: Oh, I think it should be taught as an accepted principle. And, as you know, I say that also as the daughter of a school teacher, a science teacher, who has really instilled in me a respect for science. It should be taught in our schools. And I won't deny that I see the hand of God in this beautiful creation that is Earth. But that is not part of the state policy or a local curriculum in a school district. Science should be taught it science class.

On Homosexuality
The governor told us though she's not a member of any church, she visits a couple of them regularly when she's home. She took issue with news reports that one of them, The Wasilla Bible Church, sponsored a conference where gays could be made straight through prayer.

Palin: Well, it matters though, Katie, when the media gets it wrong. It frustrates Americans who are just trying to get the facts and … be able to make up their mind on, about a person's values. So it does matter. But what you're talking about, I think, value here, what my position is on homosexuality and you can pray it away, because I think that was the title that was listed on that bulletin. And you know, I don't know what prayers are worthy of being prayed. I don't know what's prayers are going to be asked and answered. But as for homosexuality, I am not going to judge Americans and the decisions that they make in their adult personal relationships. I have one of my absolute best friends for the last 30 years happens to be gay, and I love her dearly. And she is not my "gay friend," she is one of my best friends, who happens to have made a choice that isn't a choice that I have made. But I am not going to judge people.

Sometimes one word speaks volumes. The word - "choice". According to Palin, a homosexual person "chooses" to be gay. Let that be a lesson to all you homosexuals out there: STOP "CHOOSING" TO BE GAY!, especially the hot ones (sorry, that was insensitive... and funny).

No, Palin is not judging gays. She just thinks they're making the wrong choice.

People may judge her after Thursday's debate, where she'll be unfiltered and unedited - something reporters complain the campaign has resisted.

Palin: The campaign knows that I am an open book. My record is out there and my life is out there.

Maybe that is what the campaign is afraid of.

Phrase of the Day: "Gotcha Journalism"

"Gotcha Journalism" - The response by the McCain-Palin ticket to a statement in which Palin contradicted McCain's position on cross border attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan.

Just another example why Republicans are still the Kings of Spin.

See CBS interview and transcript here; also here.

Sarah Palin Interview with Katie Couric (Transcript)

CBS News -- One on One with Sarah Palin

The transcript is below. Comments in bold italics.

(CBS) When CBS News anchor Katie Couric sat down for an exclusive interview with vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin Wednesday, she focused on the economy - but also addressed reports that the lobbying firm of Sen. John McCain's campaign manager received payments from the controversial mortgage giant Freddie Mac until last month. Couric asked for her reaction to that.

Sarah Palin: My understanding is that Rick Davis recused himself from the dealings of the firm. I don't know how long ago, a year or two ago that he's not benefiting from that. And you know, I was - I would hope that's not the case.

Katie Couric: But he still has a stake in the company so isn't that a conflict of interest?

Palin: Again, my understanding is that he recused himself from the dealings with Freddie and Fannie, any lobbying efforts on his part there. And I would hope that's the case because, as John McCain has been saying, and as I've on a much more local level been also rallying against is the undue influence of lobbyists in public policy decisions being made.

Well, if you say it's O.K., Sarah, then it must be kosher. As a politician, we know your word is proof enough.

Next, Couric asked about the $700 billion government bailout of bad debt - and whether she supports it.

Palin: I'm all about the position that America is in and that we have to look at a $700 billion bailout. And as Sen. McCain has said unless this nearly trillion dollar bailout is what it may end up to be, unless there are amendments in Paulson's proposal, really I don't believe that Americans are going to support this and we will not support this. The interesting thing in the last couple of days that I have seen is that Americans are waiting to see what John McCain will do on this proposal. They're not waiting to see what Barack Obama is going to do. Is he going to do this (Palin wags her finger) and see what way the political wind's blowing? They're waiting to see if John McCain will be able to see these amendments implemented in Paulson's proposal.

Couric: Why do you say that? Why are they waiting for John McCain and not Barack Obama?

Palin: He's got the track record of the leadership qualities and the pragmatism that's needed at a crisis time like this.

I like a little "pragmatism" in my president. It would be a nice change. But what track record is Palin referring to?

Couric: But polls have shown that Sen. Obama has actually gotten a boost as a result of this latest crisis, with more people feeling that he can handle the situation better than John McCain.

Palin: I'm not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who's more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who's actually done it?

There she goes talking about track records again. Is she referring to McCain's time as head of the Senate Commerce Committee?

Couric: If this doesn't pass, do you think there's a risk of another Great Depression?

Palin: Unfortunately, that is the road that America may find itself on. Not necessarily this, as it's been proposed, has to pass or we're going to find ourselves in another Great Depression. But, there has got to be action - bipartisan effort - Congress not pointing fingers at one another but finding the solution to this, taking action, and being serious about the reforms on Wall Street that are needed.

Yes, reform Wall Street! I like it! More financial regulation and bigger gov't! If only you believed in any of this, Sarah!

Couric: Would you support a moratorium on foreclosures to help average Americans keep their homes?

Palin: That's something that John McCain and I have both been discussing - whether that ... is part of the solution or not. You know, it's going to be a multi-faceted solution that has to be found here.

Couric: So you haven't decided whether you'll support it or not?

Palin: I have not.

Couric: What are the pros and cons of it do you think?

Palin: Oh, well, some decisions that have been made poorly should not be rewarded, of course.

Couric: By consumers, you're saying?

Palin: Consumers - and those who were predator lenders also. That's, you know, that has to be considered also. But again, it's got to be a comprehensive, long-term solution found ... for this problem that America is facing today. As I say, we are getting into crisis mode here.

So if I'm understanding correctly, Palin is saying taxpayers should bail out Wall Street for risky behavior, but leave Average Joe to fend for himself. Yes, that makes sense (in a billionaires world).

Couric: You've said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

Palin: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's paramount. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

Getting back to Rick Davis...

Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

Palin: He's also known as the maverick though, taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.

McCain's a "maverick". That's always worth mentioning. What about "track record"? She should bring that up again.

Couric: But can you give me any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?

Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.

Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.

Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.

"Ya, I'll get back to you on that, Katie." What a joke! I have more respect for John McCain than this. You have to think the McCain top aids are just sitting there shaking there heads after this interview. What a knucklehead! After these last few interviews, we know why the McCain campaign keeps her on script and away from the media. The upcoming VP debate could be ugly. That is, unless it never happens!

Sarah Palin Interview with Charlie Gibson (Transcript)

ABC News -- Excerpts: Charlie Gibson Interviews Sarah Palin

The transcript is below. Comments in italics.

On Accepting the VP spot
GIBSON: Governor, let me start by asking you a question that I asked John McCain about you. And it is really the central question. Can you look the country in the eye and say, I have the experience, and I have the ability to be not just vice president, but perhaps president of the United States of America?

PALIN: I do, Charlie, and on January 20th, when John McCain and I are sworn in, if we are so privileged to be elected to serve this country, we’ll be ready. I’m ready.

GIBSON: When McCain asked you to take the spot on the ticket, for a moment, did you think no?

PALIN: I did not. I thought yes, right off the bat. When he offered me the position, as his running mate, the first thing I said to him was, if you really think that I can help the ticket, if you really think that I can help this country, absolutely, I want to do this with you.

GIBSON: And you didn’t say to yourself, am I experienced enough? Am I ready?

PALIN: I didn’t hesitate, no.

GIBSON: Doesn’t that take some hubris?

PALIN: I answered him yes because I have the confidence in that readiness. And knowing that you can’t blink. You have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, the mission that we’re on, reform of this country, and victory in the war. You can’t blink. So, I didn’t blink then, when asked to run as his running mate.

No one would have questioned her taking some time to consult with her family.

On National Security and Foreign Policy
GIBSON: But this is not just reforming a government. This is also running a government on the huge international stage, in a very dangerous world. When I asked John McCain about your national security credentials, he cited the fact you have command of the Alaskan National Guard and Alaska is close to Russia. Are those sufficient credentials?

PALIN: But it is about reform of government. And it’s about putting government back on the side of the people. And that has much to do with foreign policy and national security issues.
Let me speak specifically about a credential that I do bring to this table, Charlie. And that’s with the energy independence that I’ve been working on for these years, as the governor of this state, that produces nearly 20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of energy. That I worked on as chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conversation Commission, overseeing the oil and gas developments in our state, to produce more for the United States.

GIBSON: National security is a whole lot more than energy.

PALIN: It is. But - but I want you to not lose sight of the fact that energy is a foundation of national security. It’s that important. It’s that significant.

GIBSON: Did you ever travel outside the country prior to your trip to Kuwait and Germany last year?

PALIN: Canada. Mexico. And then, that trip that was a trip of a lifetime, to visit troops in Kuwait and stop and visit injured soldiers in Germany. That was a trip of a lifetime. And it changed my life.

GIBSON: Have you ever met a foreign head of state?

PALIN: I have not. And I think if you go back in history and if you ask that question of many vice presidents, they may have the same answer that I just gave you. But Charlie, again, we got to remember what the desire is in this nation, at this time. It is for no more politics as usual. And somebody’s big, fat resume maybe that shows decades and decades in that Washington establishment, where, yeah, they’ve had opportunity to meet heads of state.

GIBSON: Let me ask you about some specific national security situations.

PALIN: Sure.

GIBSON: Let’s start, because we are near Russia. Let’s start with Russia and Georgia. The administration has said, we’ve got to maintain the territorial integrity of Georgia. Do you believe the United States should try to restore Georgian sovereignty over South Ossetia and Abkhazia?

PALIN: First off, we’re going to continue good relations with Saakashvili there. I was able to speak the other day and giving my commitment, as John McCain’s running mate, that we will be committed to Georgia. And we have to keep an eye on Russia. For Russia to have asserted such pressure in terms of invading a smaller democratic country, unprovoked, is unacceptable. And we have to keep …

GIBSON: You believe unprovoked?

Good question. The truth is a little muttled.

PALIN: I do believe unprovoked. And we have to keep our eyes on Russia. Under the leadership there.

GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions particularly in the last couple weeks does the proximity of the state give you?

PALIN: They’re our next door neighbors. And you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska.

Ha-Ha! Oh, she wasn't joking. She actually thinks that gives her some "insight."

GIBSON: You favor putting Georgia and Ukraine into NATO?

PALIN: Ukraine definitely yes. Yes. And Georgia. Putin thinks otherwise, obviously he thinks otherwise.

GIBSON: Under the NATO treaty, wouldn’t we then have to go to war if Russia went into Georgia?

PALIN: Perhaps so. That is the agreement. When you are a NATO ally, is, if another country is attacked, you are going to be expected to be called upon and help.

Any treaty or alliance the U.S. enters into must be thoroughly scutinized and at no time should we be compelled to enter a war because of the actions of another nation. Our history books teach us that WWI began with the assassinatin of Archduke Ferdinand, but it was the series of alliances already in place that plunged Europe and eventually the United States into the Great War. We do not need another Iraq War, nor another World War. I don't know if Palin understands the significance of what she said. Maybe she should have paid attention during world history class.

GIBSON: Let me turn to Iran. Do you consider a nuclear Iran to be an existential threat to Israel?

PALIN: I believe that under the leadership of Ahmadinejad, nuclear weapons in the hands of his government are extremely dangerous to everyone on this globe, yes.

GIBSON: So, what should we do about a nuclear Iran?

PALIN: We have got to make sure these weapons of mass destruction, that nuclear weapons are not given to those hands of Ahmadinejad, not that he would use them, but that he would allow terrorists to be able to use them. So we have got to put the pressure on Iran.

GIBSON: What if Israel decided it felt threatened and need to take out the Iranian nuclear facilities?

PALIN: Well, first, we are friends of Israel, and I don’t think that we should second guess the measures that Israel has to take to defend themselves, and for their security.

GIBSON: So if we didn’t second guess it and if they decided they needed to do it, because Iran was an existential threat, we would be cooperative or agree with that?

PALIN: I don’t think we can second guess what Israel has to do to secure its nation.

GIBSON: So if it felt necessary, if it felt the need to defend itself by taking out Iranian nuclear facilities, that would be all right?

PALIN: We cannot second guess the steps that Israel has to take to defend itself.

Israel is in no position to dictate to America how we should respond if it attacks Iran. The United States should question the actions of any nation that attacks another, friend or foe. Bad answer, Palin.

On Extremism and the "Bush Doctrine"
GIBSON: We talk on the anniversary of 9/11. Why do you think those hijackers attacked? Why did they want to hurt us?

PALIN: You know, there is a very small percentage of Islamic believers who are extreme, and they are violent, and they do not believe in American ideals. And they attacked us. And now we are at a point, here, seven years later, on the anniversary, in this post- 9/11 world, where we are able to commit to never again. The only option for them is to become a suicide bomber, to get caught up in this evil, in this terror. They need to be provided the hope that all Americans have, instilled in us, because we’re a democratic and we are a free, we’re a free-thinking society.

I sense a lack of understanding of the foe. A democratic system is not a "one size fits all" solution.

GIBSON: Do you agree with the Bush doctrine?

PALIN: In what respect, Charlie?

GIBSON: The Bush — well, what do you interpret it to be?

PALIN: His world view?

GIBSON: No, the Bush doctrine, annunciated September 2002, before the Iraq War.

PALIN: I believe that what President Bush has attempted to do is rid this world of Islamic extremism, terrorists who are hell-bent on destroying our nation. There have been blunders along the way, though. There have been mistakes made, and with new leadership, and that’s the beauty of American elections, of course, and democracy, is with new leadership comes opportunity to do things better.

GIBSON: The Bush doctrine as I understand it is that we have the right of anticipatory self-defense, that we have the right to a preemptive strike against any country that we think is going to attack us. Do you agree with this?

Palin bungled that one. We all know what the "Bush Doctrine" is now, but I would expect our heads of state to be more knowledgable that the average American.

PALIN: Charlie, if there is legitimate and enough intelligent and legitimate evidence that tells us that a strike is imminent against American people, we have every right to defend our country.

GIBSON: Do we have the right to be making cross-border attacks into Pakistan, from Afghanistan, with or without the approval of the Pakistani government?

PALIN: As for our right to invade, we’re going to work with these countries, building new relationships, working with existing allies, but forging new also, in order to, Charlie, get to a point in this world, where war is not going to be a first option. In fact, war has got to be and military strike a last option.

GIBSON: But governor, I am asking you, do we have the right, in your mind, to go across the border, with or without the approval of the Pakistani government?

PALIN: In order to stop Islamic extremists, those terrorists who would seek to destroy America, and our allies, we must do whatever it takes, and we must not blink, Charlie. In making those tough decisions of where we go, and even who we target.

Answer the question.

GIBSON: And let me finish with this. I got lost in a blizzard of words there. Is that a yes, that you think we have the right to go across the border, with or without the approval of the Pakistani government? To go after terrorists who are in the Waziristan area?

PALIN: I believe that America has to exercise all options in order to stop the terrorists who are hell-bent on destroying America, and our allies. We have got to have all options out there on the table.

We work with nations, not stomp on them. I sense the "shoot first, ask question later" mentality in Palin.

On The Wars are a "Task From God" Comment
GIBSON: You said recently in your old church, “Our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God.”

PALIN: Pray for our military men and women who are striving to do what is right, also for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders are sending them out on a task that is from God.

GIBSON: Are we fighting a Holy War?

PALIN: That’s a repeat of Abraham Lincoln’s words, when he said, first he suggested, never presume to know what God’s will is, and I would never presume to know God’s will or to speak god’s words, but what Abraham Lincoln had said, and that’s a repeat in my comments, was, let us not pray that God is on our side, in a war, or any other time. But let us pray that we are on God’s side. That’s what that comment was all about, Charlie.
Today is the day that I send my first born, my son, my teenage son, oversees with his Stryker brigade. Four thousand other wonderful American men and women to fight for our country, to fight for our freedoms.

GIBSON: But you went on and said, “There is a plan, and it is God’s plan.”

PALIN: I believe that there is a plan for this world, and that plan, for this world, is for good. I believe that there is great hope and great potential for every country, to be able to live and be protected within inalienable rights, that I believe are God-given, Charlie. And I believe those are the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
That in my worldview is the grand plan.

She is very agitated and defensive. Does her worldview include non-democratic nations and non-Christians? Just a question.

GIBSON: Then, are you sending your son on a task from God?

PALIN: I don’t know if the task is from God, Charlie. What I know is that my son has made a decision. I am so proud of his independent and strong decision. What he decided to do, in serving for the right reasons in serving something greater than self, and not choosing a real easy path, where he could be more comfortable and certainly safer.

I sense the bulldog in her coming through.

Musings from the Front Porch

There is a chill in the morning air and the leaves of the maples are starting to turn. School has started and the fishing is starting to pick up. I didn't see it coming, but Fall is here.

It seems Obama underestimated the "Real Person" factor.
I was walking with my daughter down the sidewalk yesterday afternoon and overheard two women leaving their place of work. The first asked, "Did you watch Sarah Palin's speech last night." The second responded, "Yes, wasn't it great!" "Ya, she's awesome," replied the first lady, "She's such a real person."

I knew Obama wouldn't get the hard core Republican vote, the evangelical vote, the "Bubba" vote, the "Drill-Baby-Drill" vote, the vote of some Americans making over $250,000/year, but I didn't expect he'd lose the vote of real people. Oh,... now I'm worried.

America, listen up! We might be in trouble, because the last real guy that got into office, you know, the guy "you'd most like to have a beer with," got us into this mess. Let's pray that if McCain/Palin get elected that Johnny can hang in there for four years. Otherwise, we're all screwed!

(Jeez... what does it mean to be real anyway? I consider myself a real person, but I don't watch American Idle and I don't think books and condoms are dangerous.)

Driving America into a hole.
I count 12 vehicles in front of the house. Eight are full size SUVs or trucks. It's nice to see people trying to reduce our dependence on foreign oil... the other four people that is.

A year to remember
This was quite a year. A winter with all the snow we could handle and a summer where I could count the number of HOT days on one hand. There was plenty of water in the river in August (a pleasant change) and little smoke in the air. Fall is getting off to a nice start too. Is it too much to ask for more of the same?

Palin, Fear the Librarian

Time -- Mayor Palin: A Rough Record

My sweet librarian sister brought this to my attention the other day:

[John] Stein says that as mayor, Palin continued to inject religious beliefs into her policy at times. "She asked the library how she could go about banning books," he says, because some voters thought they had inappropriate language in them. "The librarian was aghast." That woman, Mary Ellen Baker, couldn't be reached for comment, but news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor.

The incident occurred while Palin was mayor of Wasilla, AK.

My initial response was to categorize this as hearsay, because there is a lot of false information flying around during election time. Remember the infamous Obama emails? Despite my skepticism, I investigated a little (librarians are not prone to lying). To my surprise after a simple online search, I found the allegation showed up a number of times, including in the Time article listed above.

Palin was also accused of bringing "big-city politics" into Wasilla, AK (pop. 9780), "big-city" meaning issues like abortion. The article states:

Vicki Naegele was the managing editor of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman at the time. "[Stein] figured he was just going to run your average, friendly small-town race," she recalls, "but it turned into something much different than that." Naegele held the same conservative Christian beliefs as Palin but didn't think they had any place in local politics.

"I just thought, That's ridiculous, she should concentrate on roads, not abortion," says Naegele.

There are examples of this nonsensical voter reasoning in rural Western Montana also. A friend recalled to me her run for County Clerk of Ravalli County. During the clerk debate (I'm not sure what people running for County Clerk debate), my friend brought up ways to improve the department that were well received and people praised her ideas afterwards. One of the individuals after telling her what a good job she did followed up the compliment with, "But are you Pro-Life?"

Earlier, I dispensed a little advice for McCain. Now, here are a few wise words for Palin: Don't piss off the librarians! Those ladies in the wire-rimmed glasses and hair buns are scary! They are the keepers and protectors of the written word and wield power you and I can only dream of. They are skilled in the arts of subversion and your name is on their radar. Be afraid Sarah Palin, be very afraid!

McCain, take some advice from Schweitzer

New York Times -- Disclosures on Palin Raise Questions on Vetting Process

It seems that John McCain was interested in choosing either Joseph Lieberman or Tom Ridge, people he felt comfortable running with, but was under pressure from influential conservatives to find another VP candidate because both men favor abortion rights. Enter Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.

Oh, John... We've been watching over the past year how you have sacrificed your "maverick" image in order to gain support from the conservative base of the Republican party, a group married to the Religious Right (or Wrong). Was it worth it, John? Maybe you should have heeded a little advice from Montana's Gov. Brian Schweitzer when he told Charlie Rose, "People don't have to agree with all of the issues you take up. They just want to know that you believe it, that you will do the right thing, that you are not a phony." In other words John, you should have stuck to your guns.*

* quote taken from the Schweitzer biography, "Blue Man in a Red State," by Greg Lemon