The Vice President Debate or The Sarah Palin Trial? You decide.

from JoeUser Forums
Well, just when you thought Sarah Palin had been beaten, burnt, tazed, thrown off a cliff and basically strapped to a bomb and blown to bits (this is how I see the treatment of Sarah Palin by the Democrats and the Media) to the point it that doesn't seem like they can do anymore to completely destroy this womans life, the Democrats find a way to inflict even more damage to her.

Tomorrow is the most anticipated Vice Presidential Debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. But we may as well rename it The Sarah Palin Trial as foxnews.com (LINK) reports that the moderator of tomorrow nights debate, Gwen Ifill, of PBS, is a supporter of Obama. The proof?

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

This book, written by Gwen Ifill, "surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama’s stunning presidential campaign and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power." Amazon.com

So how does this affect the debate? Well, to be honest, no one but Gwen really knows. But one can not stop wondering just how this will somehow affect Sarah considering she and McCain have been blasted at every chance by those siding with Obama. Take the TV show "The View" where Obama was treated like part of the family yet McCain was treated to insulting comments (like Whoopi's slave comment) and angry questions. Also Oprah's refusal to have Sarah on her show while she is all for Obama. So can we expect a decent debate from this moderator or will this simply be another situation where Sarah will be put on trial? We will have to wait till tomorrow and hope for the best.
8,127 views 24 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

This Ifill hack has an invested interest in trying to damage palin... How would the left feel If Ann Coulter were doing the interview and she had a book due for release on the day of inauguration entitled "how I learned to love President McCain?'

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

The fix is in.  That seems obvious.

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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

I have to say, this seems like a poor choice for an impartial debate moderator.

I will be watching the moderator and thier attitude towards the candidates as much as the candidates themselves.  I personally am hoping Sarah Palin gets a chance to prove herself more than I think she is - this is her chance to show she isn't the religious whacko I and many other independants see her as.  If she loses her chance to prove she has her own leg to stand on through a biased debate, I will be very upset.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

With the whole Messiah complex thing going on right now I'm starting to see an uphill battle for McCain/Palin.  The media absolutely hates Palin with a vengeance.   I've not seen this much obvious hatred in a candidate like this before.  It's like they are coming completely unglued trying to get at her.   I picture the media as all having weapons under the table as they interview her wanting to shred her to pieces when the camera shuts off. 

Around here locally I'm seeing lots of stickers for McCain and very few for Obama.  Hope that's a good "omen." 

 

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

Where do you live, KFC?  It's about even around here, kinda matches America.  Kinda sucks that no matter who wins, 40-50% of the country loses in thier mindset.

We should really go back to electing the VP too.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

I wonder if Palin will actually answer a question.  I see several clips of her just dodging around a straight answer.  Moreso than most politicians, that is. :P

I'm sure fun will be had by all. :D

~Zoo

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Where do you live, KFC? It's about even around here, kinda matches America. Kinda sucks that no matter who wins, 40-50% of the country loses in thier mindset.
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Florida. 

This is true.....about only half of the country will be happy but that's how it goes.  Win some....lose some.  We've had 8 years of Clinton and then 8 years of Bush.  So let the voting begin! 

 I wish it were over already.:S

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

I just want to see fair play here. Any indication that Gwen is picking on Palin will automatically mean that Democrats don't deserve to win. If they feel they need to ride ever Republican just to win, then they are not a party who is confident they can win because they are the right choice. I don't want McCain to win before I think Obama is terrible, I pick McCain because he represents better my opinions on how to run the country. Granted I would not have chosen him but I just don't agree with Obama's ideas on how to run the country. If the Obama campaign feels the need to put the other perty candidates down so much and with such persistance then it means they have little or no confidence in their campaign and don't believe people could make the right choice, that's if they are the right choice.

Fairness, something Democrats scream they want, that is all I ask and that is all I expect from Gwen. I will give her the benefit of the doubt, but I will not ignore the fact that an Obama win is beneficial for her, in many ways.

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top

I just want to see fair play here. Any indication that Gwen is picking on Palin will automatically mean that Democrats don't deserve to win.
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But.. have you seen the recent interviews given by Palin? She was digging her own grave! Just the way she answered about the Bailout or her foreign policy's credential, or McCain's roadtrack about legislating financial companies... It's not like the interviewer was out to make her look bad, she said all these things herself!

Now, if she goes on with the same... err.. quality of statement than in these interviews, do you think it's going to look like everybody was picking on her?

Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top

But.. have you seen the recent interviews given by Palin? She was digging her own grave! Just the way she answered about the Bailout or her foreign policy's credential, or McCain's roadtrack about legislating financial companies... It's not like the interviewer was out to make her look bad, she said all these things herself!

Now, if she
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That is the 2 edge sword.  Now that the "fix" has been exposed, any hint of a bend towards Obama/Biden will queer the debate to Palin.  Indeed, Ifill has to bend towards her, or her goose is cooked.  So if Palin is as bad as you say, that will never come out.  All that will come out is that the media has picked the messiah, and is not even trying to hide the fact they are out to get Palin.

It is a lose-lose for the Biden side right now.

Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top

That is the 2 edge sword. Now that the "fix" has been exposed, any hint of a bend towards Obama/Biden will queer the debate to Palin. Indeed, Ifill has to bend towards her, or her goose is cooked. So if Palin is as bad as you say, that will never come out.[/quote]

I.. don't know. I mean, have you looked at the transcripts of her answer about the Bailout?

[quote=COURIC]Why isn't it better, Governor Palin, to spend $700 billion helping middle-class families struggling with health care, housing, gas and groceries? ... Instead of helping these big financial institutions that played a role in creating this mess?[/quote]

[quote=PALIN]Ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health care reform that is needed to help shore up the economy- Oh, it's got to be about job creation too. So health care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions

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Maybe she will do better than *that*, off course. But if, for a very good and neutral question, she answers like that... Are we really going to blame Gwen for that?

It is a lose-lose for the Biden side right now.
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Maybe. The expectation of Palin to act like a fool is sure high, so maybe she will beat the expectations! But Gwen hasn't wrote about Obama, so why do everybody thinks she is a democract-hardcore supporter?

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

But.. have you seen the recent interviews given by Palin? She was digging her own grave! Just the way she answered about the Bailout or her foreign policy's credential, or McCain's roadtrack about legislating financial companies... It's not like the interviewer was out to make her look bad, she said all these things herself! Now, if she goes on with the same... err.. quality of statement than in these interviews, do you think it's going to look like everybody was picking on her?
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Look, if she screws up, there is no hiding that. But you can't tell me it won't be obvious that the form of questioning towards Palin is on purpose if it does happen? This is not about the way she answers, it's about the way she is questioned. Just take "The View" for example comparing how Obama was treated vs how McCain was treated. Sure, that show is not a controlled enviroment like the debates will be, but that does not mean some people won't try to push their own agendas when given the chance.

The way I see it, no matter how much trust they wanna put Gwen, knowing her neutrality could be compromised because of the book, which was not mentioned to the McCain campaign BTW, should be enough to reconsider a change. But it's too late now since the debate is tonite. Let's just hope she does prove everyone wrong. I don't mind being wrong when the results are good.

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

Maybe she will do better than *that*, off course. But if, for a very good and neutral question, she answers like that... Are we really going to blame Gwen for that?
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You know, McCain has also said things that would make you wonder if he is fit to the run the country. But then so has Obama and Biden, even Hillary did it. Are we to say that people aren't always gonna get the right answer every time? Last I checked we are looking for a human do run for President, not a God, though Obama seems to think otherwise. What they say does not always bother me, not unless they are constantly saying it over and over. It's what they do now and what they might do later that concerns me.

Of course no one actually cares that every time Palin is interviewed, the questioning does always come across as an "I'm out to get you" interview. I mean, even O'Reily  put Obama on the spot but in a respectful manner.

Personally, it's one thing to not agree with a candidates opinion and policies, but I don't get this fear towards Palin. She is a woman, a politician, a mother and an American. She has something in common with most people in this country, I have yet to see any evidence of a monster, and alien or some kind of mutation in her. I like her even more if she can get the Democrats to tremble every time she shows her face to the point they are looking for anything to make her look bad.

Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top

You know, McCain has also said things that would make you wonder if he is fit to the run the country. But then so has Obama and Biden, even Hillary did it. Are we to say that people aren't always gonna get the right answer every time? Last I checked we are looking for a human do run for President, not a God, though Obama seems to think otherwise. What they say does not always bother me, not unless they are constantly saying it over and over. It's what they do now and what they might do later that concerns me.
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I can't deny that everybody have done mistake, and said stupid things over the course of the campaign.

But *that*.. come on, does she even KNEW what she was talking about? You can say a lot about many people, even Huckabee, but they usually knew what they were talking about in the first place (okay, maybe not Huckabee, but he seemed to attract the same crowd than Palin). I mean, you may consider them totally wrong, but they still know about the situation.

Healthcare?!?! Wtf?!

Of course no one actually cares that every time Palin is interviewed, the questioning does always come across as an "I'm out to get you" interview. I mean, even O'Reily put Obama on the spot but in a respectful manner.
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The interview I was using the transcripts of didn't struct me as trying to get out against Palin. I have seen way more aggressive interviews of political candidates over the years (and considering I'm only 22, that's says something!). So.. No. Palin was evasive on many points, and she wasn't answering. It's the interviewer's job to make the interviewee answer those question, or look bad if they don't (there has to be a price for not answering). Specially if the interviewee is saying nonsense, and you are aware of it.

And.. I didn't thought Couric was disrespectful against Palin. Like I said, when Palin was saling bullshits, she called her bluff, but outside of this, it was very average-like respect of a regular interviewer.

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

the questioning does always come across as an "I'm out to get you" interview.
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Do people really feel that way? I see nothing wrong with Couric questions, she's asking basic questions with sensible followups.

See this video for example (almost the same questions for both VP candidates). Yep, the video makes her look like a fool, but not because of the questions...

Why in your view is Roe v. Wade a bad decision?

Do you think there is an inherent right to privacy in the constitution?

It's a cornerstone of Roe versus wade.

What other supreme court decisions do you disagree with?

Now if there is anything wrong with those questions, I would really like to know...

She's not an expert and that's ok, but at least we should expect her to be able to read, understand and remember a 5-pages brief prepared by her staff. Even without remembering the names of the specific cases, she should be able to at least give some sort of detailed info. I just don't understand how she can do so bad :annoyed:

Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top

And.. I didn't thought Couric was disrespectful against Palin
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I think it's very clear that Couric doesn't like Palin one lick.  It's not a secret that these two women are on opposite sides of the spectrum in their belief system.  I agree Palin didn't do well with Couric in that interview.  But I'm not going to dismiss her because of one interview.  I think it would be hard to sit in front of an interviewer who you knew hated you.  Who knows what was going on when the camera was shut off? 

I believe Couric is part of that liberal media, hard core old-guard feminist extremists leftover from the 1960s.  They are outraged and fear Palin because she is making them look bad and they are very agitated to say the least. 

These tired old lady activists whose causes of old were to burn bras, hate men and abort unwanted babies are now themselves becoming unwanted and disregarded. 

Palin comes along and the claws come out.  She is genuinely likable, intelligent, doesn't hate men, shoots moose but doesn't kill the babies in the womb, manages a large family and is politically successful.  And she's pretty and feminine to boot.  All without their support.  She does it all with a smile on her face and as a social and fically conservative has an "I am woman" approach.  She doesn't whine or shout along with all the the feminists activists.  She's an outsider and not appreciated by these radical feminists like Couric. 

I like Sara for many of the reasons Charles put up.  I think she's a welcome breath of fresh air and not part of the old boy network.  That and the fact she's got the Dems' shaking in their boots.  I actually get a kick out of seeing that. 

I mean com'on we've been crying for years to have fresh faces in leadership and not be part of the same old same old.  Now we have the chance to put our support where our mouths have been and instead of supporting this many are attacking her instead.   So what's up with that? 

 

Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top

That's you rationalisation, KFC? "Palin is the victim of the soulless medias who hate her"? "Katie Couric hated Sarah Palin, that's why she made her look terribly bad"?

Sarah Couric is "on the opposite side of the spectrum"? How? Why? Because she asked question that were damned good ones to ask?

"We don't know what happened when the camera was off". Wtf? What is that supposed to mean? That Couric slapped Palin before/after the interview? Are you merely throwing speculations at random when something don't fit your personnal view of the world?

Couric is a "hardcore feminist". Loool. Way to go, defining a reported because she made your candidate look bad. Oh, sorry, I completely misspoke. She made a fair interview with Palin, and Sarah made herself look bad.

The whole rest of your point is about "she's not like Couric", COURIC IS A REPORTER! She is neutral! She actually participated to smearing Obama as a "muslim"! how can you say that she HATES Palin? How can you throw random accusation, speculations?

Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top

But *that*.. come on, does she even KNEW what she was talking about? You can say a lot about many people, even Huckabee, but they usually knew what they were talking about in the first place (okay, maybe not Huckabee, but he seemed to attract the same crowd than Palin). I mean, you may consider them totally wrong, but they still know about the situation.
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Again, people make mistakes, some bigger than others. I won't define Palin based on 1 interview. I just find it interesting that those who oppose her will use a single bad interview to point out how bad a choice she is while never accpeting other interviews as good. Take the Hannity interview. She did great there yet I don't see you giving her props there.

Obama, I can say, I can define my opinion about him. Time and again Obama has proven that when he gives prepared speeches he makes them seem like he's got this incredible ability to make words sound so powerful, profound and righteous <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> , but the moment you put him at an interview or an unscripted speech, Obama falls all over himself trying to get the words out and at times saying things that just sound plain stupid sometimes even if it's not what he meant to say such as a baby being a punishment for his daughters or our "57 States" (I guess you can say Obama didn't know what he was talking about when he said 57 States either) and who can forget the "clinging to their guns and religion" comment. But Biden relly takes the cake over Obama, going against Obama's choice for VP, telling Chuck Graham (who is handi-capped) to stand up, etc.

The interview I was using the transcripts of didn't struct me as trying to get out against Palin. I have seen way more aggressive interviews of political candidates over the years (and considering I'm only 22, that's says something!). So.. No. Palin was evasive on many points, and she wasn't answering. It's the interviewer's job to make the interviewee answer those question, or look bad if they don't (there has to be a price for not answering). Specially if the interviewee is saying nonsense, and you are aware of it.
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I'll be honest and say I missed that interview so I can't say for sure how she was treated, but I have yet to see one (besides Hannity) who actually gave her a chance to be her without looking for a "gatcha" moment.

Do people really feel that way? I see nothing wrong with Couric questions, she's asking basic questions with sensible followups.
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This was in general, not necessarily just this interview, but as I said above I did not see the entire enterview so I can't say with certainty it happened, but you see it enough times to believe it will from almost everyone. Just liek when Obama is interviewed, the only person I have seen so far to rough him up a bit (and in a respectable manner) was O'Reily.

 

Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top

Sarah Couric
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Did...did they have a baby? :(O

 

Would've like to have seen the conception...:drool:  

~Zoo

Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top

sorry, doublepost

Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top

Well, I have to say I am glad to see that Palin didn't made a fool of herself in the debate! Except for a minor slip at the beginning, she have managed to get herself together. Somebody has been coaching her seriously about many topics, and that's very good to know.

EDIT: I should have specified why exactly why I am actually glad. It's just that having a politician who really made herself a fool live on TV (but not just stupid slips, I meant TO BE MADE A FOOL) would have been completely insulting for every american voters. I mean.. that's one of the two major choice you'd had to make?!

But that didn't happened! the Elections' dignity is saved :')

Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top

the Elections' dignity is saved
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It was lost 180 years ago.

Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top

Quoting Dr, reply 22

It was lost 180 years ago.
End of Dr's quote

Hush, the aren't supposed to notice that.

Reply #24 from PolMach Forums Top

Someone recently suggested that the Bristish wouldn't trust George dubya Bush with a pair of scissors over here, let alone the highest office in the land.

I have to say that this is absolutely true. =p

I must also point out that our solution to the emergence of a politician of Govn Palin's current substanceless celebrity profile would certainly be to lock them inside the Big Brother house for 4 months so that we could legally observe them 24 hours a day and make absolutely sure that they weren't a threat to civilisation. You never expect the spanish inquisition...or Davina McCall for that matter. Anyway I digress.

Unfortunately, all you guys seem to be getting is a ton of folksy anecdotes and a distinctly average performance in a debate that the candidate has been intensively coached to deal with (don't give me any of that exceeding expectations BS). Quite frankly, I would probably vote for McCain if I was a US citizen, but the idea of Palin being a broken heartbeat away from being your president scares the C**p out of me until she proves herself to be something other than a rapture ready hockey mom. The self proclaimed leader of the free world needs to be more than that, but right now she doesn't seem fit to be anything else.