Here’s an article detailing an ABC News interview with Sarah Palin today about her qualifications to serve in a position that could very well end up being President of the United States.
Pressed about what insights into recent Russian actions she gained by living in Alaska, Palin answered: “They’re our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska.”
What the hell? Somebody—anybody—please explain how being able to see another country from her state (if she’s standing on that one point on the north coast, where she’s probably never even been) gives her foreign policy expertise.
The fact that people are willing to accept this as “qualified” is downright scary.
[Palin] appeared unsure of the Bush doctrine — essentially that the United States must help spread democracy to stop terrorism and that the nation will act pre-emptively to stop potential foes.
Asked whether she agreed with that, Palin said: “In what respect, Charlie?” Gibson pressed her for an interpretation of it. She said: “His world view.” That prompted Gibson to say “no, the Bush doctrine, enunciated September 2002, before the Iraq war” and describe it to her.
Who were they interviewing, Paris Hilton?
“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,” Palin said, though added “there have been mistakes made.”
She not only recognizes but acknowledges mistakes made by the current administration. I wonder if she meant to do that. What do you wanna bet McCain threatened to spank her if she said that ever again?
As for other “qualifications,” I honestly don’t think it matters at this point that she’s never met a head of state. Given the remoteness of Alaska and the fact she’s only been governor two years, it’s no surprise. It does concern me, however, that she’s traveled so very little around the world. I don’t think Alaska’s governor needs to be well-traveled, but I do think a vice presidential candidate should be.
Don’t get me started on the environmental stuff. The more I learn about this woman, the more I don’t like. Could it be any clearer that John McCain picked her because she’s young(er) and female? Does the GOP really think all the Hillary lovers are going to turn to McCain/Palin just because there is a woman on their ticket? Gawd.
Well, we'd all been waiting to see what a small-town Alaskan mayor's first exposure to the national spotlight would be like, and I think she lived down to my expectations quite nicely. It's an insult to my intelligence that the Rethugs think this person is qualified to be VP, and it says a TON about McSame's judgment that he thinks she is.
ReplyDeleteMichele M. posted this Atlantic article on Facebook that's more than worth a read. http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/the_palin_interview.php
Jen, I shared this with you already but I loved the way a 'soccer mom' put this into words: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/COLUMN0101/809100424/1066
ReplyDeleteI don't usually find a lot of insight in the Statesman Journal but I think she hit the nail on the head. This woman is an insult to those of us who supported Hillary and, as stated, says a lot about McSame's judgement. It's going to be a tough 53 days listening to her.
Jen, I shared this with you already but I loved the way a 'soccer mom' put this into words: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/COLUMN0101/809100424/1066
ReplyDeleteI don't usually find a lot of insight in the Statesman Journal but I think she hit the nail on the head. This woman is an insult to those of us who supported Hillary and, as stated, says a lot about McSame's judgement. It's going to be a tough 53 days listening to her.