[progunr]

More experience being mayor of a hamlet? More experience being governor of a state that has more reindeer than people? has about as many people as the state of Delaware?

Yes, would you care to post all the experience YOUR candidate has to compare with hers?

I'm waiting for the list.

[ETWolverine]

Who did that? What was said?

1) The talk about her daughter's pregnancy and the fact that Palin is a hypocrite because her daughter is pregnant.

2) The calls for Palin's youngest daughter, Trig, the 4 month old baby to have maternity tests to determine if Palin is really the mother or if it is really the 17 year old daughter's baby.

3) The calls for paternity tests for trig to determine if Palin had an affair.

4) Statements that Palin shouldn't put her 17-year-old daughter through the pain and suffering of the public outcry of the election because she's pregnant.

5) Statements that Palin can't possibly be a good mother AND a VP at the same time.

Is that enough, Wondy?

Elliot

[sGt HarDKorE]

I get emails from the campaign and I wanted to share this one:

Did you watch Sarah Palin's speech last night? The speech told us a lot about her.

It told us that she can distort the facts and deliver mean-spirited zingers with the best of them. It told us that if Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter ever need a stand-in, she'd be a great pick.

It told us that she can be condescending and dismissive of the real work Barack Obama did helping real people on the South Side of Chicago. It told us that she can uphold the long Republican tradition of lying about Democratic tax cuts—even though Obama's plan would give Americans a bigger break than McCain's.

But the speech—written by one of President Bush's speechwriters—didn't tell us the truth about Sarah Palin's extremist positions. And the more that people know her far-right views, the less they support her. (There's a partial list below.)

One of the best ways to get the word out about Palin is to write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Today's a great day to write because this is very relevant—it just happened last night. Plus, our online tool makes it easy and has great tips. Please take a few minutes to write a quick letter to the editor now:

http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_i...81-NSD9P_x&t=3
Palin's speech and the reaction to it also made clear why McCain picked her. It wasn't a decision about who's most qualified to serve a heart-beat away from the presidency—it was a political decision about pleasing the far-right base of the Republican party.

Writing a letter to your local paper is a great way to make sure voters understand that. The opinion pages are the most widely-read pages of the newspaper. Write today, and your letter's a lot more likely to get published because it's so topical. It'll help sway the editorial board too.

Here are a bunch of points you might want to include in your letter:

Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task." She's even admitted she hasn't thought about the war much—just last year she was quoted saying, "I've been so focused on state government, I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq." 1, 2
Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin told members of the group—who advocate for a vote on secession from the union—to "keep up the good work" and "wished the party luck on what she called its 'inspiring convention.'" 3
Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools. She hasn't made clear whether she thinks evolution is a fact.4
Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming. Speaking about climate change, she said, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being manmade." 5
Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP. 6
Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest. 7
Palin opposes comprehensive sex-ed in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches. 8
As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor." 9
She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere (before she opposed it). Palin claimed that she said "thanks, but no thanks" to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But in 2006, Palin supported the project repeatedly, saying that Alaska should take advantage of earmarks "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." 10
The plain fact of the matter is that Sarah Palin did a bang-up job delivering a Karl Rove-style political attack speech last night. That makes her a skilled politician but it doesn't make her views any more palatable for voters. Americans don't really want another far-right, anti-science ideologue in the White House.


Please help get the word out about where Sarah Palin really stands on the issues.

http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_i...81-NSD9P_x&t=4
Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Ilyse, Wes, Karin and the rest of the team

P.S. If you haven't seen it, check out the Daily Show clip on Palin. It's worth a watch
Sarah Palin Gender Card | The Daily Show | Comedy Central

Sources
1. "Palin: Iraq war 'a task that is from God'," Associated Press, September 3, 2008
The Associated Press: Palin: Iraq war 'a task that is from God'

2. "Palin wasn't 'really focused much' on the Iraq war," ThinkProgress, August 30, 2008
Think Progress » Palin wasn't 'really focused much' on the Iraq war, wanted 'an exit plan in place.'

3. "The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
Think Progress » The Sarah Palin Digest

4. "McCain and Palin differ on issues," Associated Press, September 3, 2008
The Associated Press: McCain and Palin differ on issues

5. Ibid

6. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
Think Progress » The Sarah Palin Digest

7. Ibid

8. Ibid.

9. "Mayor Palin: A Rough Record," Time, September 2, 2008
Mayor Palin: A Rough Record - TIME

10. The Sarah Palin Digest," ThinkProgress, September 4, 2008
Think Progress » The Sarah Palin Digest

[progunr]

Rubbish Sgt.

Do you know, that when YOUR candidate allows the Bush tax cuts to expire, it will be the
LARGEST TAX INCREASE in the history of the United States?

And that happens without him having to raise a single tax.

Once his real increases start, our economy will really be as bad as he wants you to believe it is now, which again, is all rubbish.

[sGt HarDKorE]

Rubbish Sgt.

Do you know, that when YOUR candidate allows the Bush tax cuts to expire, it will be the
LARGEST TAX INCREASE in the history of the United States?

And that happens without him having to raise a single tax.

Once his real increases start, our economy will really be as bad as he wants you to believe it is now, which again, is all rubbish.

Reread, "rubbish" isn't an argument

[progunr]

I'm not here to argue, only to enlighten.

[Wondergirl]

Yes, would you care to post all the experience YOUR candidate has to compare with hers?

I'm waiting for the list.

It has been stated many, many times. I'm sorry you missed it.

Here's his resume:

Barack Obama's Resume


Here's Palin's resume:

_Governor, state of Alaska: Dec 2006-Present.

_Chair, Oil and Gas Conservation Commission: 2003-2004.

_Mayor, Wasilla, Alaska (current population: 9,780): 1996-2002.

_City Council, Wasilla, Alaska: 1992-1996.

_University of Idaho; television sports and family fishing business.

_Miss Wasilla: 1984

OR

NAME: Sarah Heath Palin.

AGE-BIRTH DATE-LOCATION: 44; born Feb. 11, 1964; Sandpoint, Idaho.

EXPERIENCE: Alaska governor since December 2006; unsuccessful run for Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2002; chairwoman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, 2003-2004; served two terms as Wasilla mayor and two terms on city council.

EDUCATION: Graduated University of Idaho, 1987, journalism.

FAMILY: Husband, Todd; five children.

BUSINESS: Worked as sports reporter for two Anchorage television stations; owned with her husband a snowmobile, watercraft, ATV business from 1994-97. Husband is a North Slope oil field worker.

[Wondergirl]

Is that enough, Wondy?

Ah, the proverbial put-down. And I thought we were friends.

[ETWolverine]

Ah, the proverbial put-down. And I thought we were friends.

I didn't realize the words "Isn't that enough" were a put-down. I apologize.

(Or was it calling you "Wondy"?)

Elliot

[Wondergirl]

I didn't realize the words "Isn't that enough" were a put-down. I apologize.

(Or was it calling you "Wondy"?)

Elliot

The latter.

[letmetellu]

I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government
Will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I
Would.

I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine
As long as nobody is offended by it.

I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I
Trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing
Because they now think we're good people.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who
Can't tell us if it will rain on Friday CAN tell us that
The polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I
Don't start driving a Prius.

I'm voting Democrat because I'm not concerned about
The slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all
Death row inmates alive.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business
Should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They
Need to break even and give the rest away to the government
For redistribution as THEY see fit.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe three or four
Pointy headed elitist liberals need to rewrite the
Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who
Would NEVER get their agendas past the voters.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that when the
Terrorists don't have to hide from us over there, when
They come over here I don't want to have any guns in the
House to fight them off with.

I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can
Now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my
Horse.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil
Companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene
But the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15%
Isn't.

Makes you wonder why anyone would EVER vote Republican, now
Doesn't it?

[excon]

I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can
now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my
horse.

Hello let:

I think you should marry your horse. Make sure you get the right end.

excon

[Choux]

Wait till the story of Palin's extramarital affair breaks in a few days, folks.

She's nothing but a wilderness yokel, a perfectly fine woman deluded by fundamentalist religion so much so that she knew nothing what is going on in the world until a couple of days ago per her own words! She recently attended a service at her fundamentalist church and the guest speaker was arepresentative from Jews for Jesus who claimed that Israel deserves to be **destroyed** because Jews didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah. That kind of fundamentalist nonsense and hate.

She is a dufus... an insult to American voters... a gimmick.

[Emland]

The really sad thing is that Ron Paul embraces the social concerns that the Democrats feel are important and supports the fiscal concerns that conservatives want but everyone considers him a kook.

On top of that, many of his supporters ARE kooks. I voted for him in the primary because he proved to me that he understands what the Constitution is, what it does and that the government exists to protect the rights of individuals, not to give people stuff or push lucrative contracts over to their friends.

Why do the politicians that "get it" get ignored?

[Credendovidis]

Wait till the story of Palin's extramarital affair breaks in a few days, folks.

I understand that several hundred of journalists are currently busy checking her background.
Yes an affair would make this juicier and juicier!!

:>)

.

[Choux]

Her life is like a soap opera... Susan Lucci should be playing her on some afternoon soap... a nudnik with no knowledge of the world pulled from wilderness obscurity to be the VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

She wows the simpleton Republicans who have no integrity, they are totally fueled by hate of minorities and spurred on by hatemongers like Rush, and now Palin!

But, of course, this soap opera will not end happily. McCain underestimated the intelligence of the American women... they know an 'empty dress' when they see one! They have had bosses like her, folks. :)

Women want health care, good jobs, help for the middle class, an end to endless war and endless national debt... EVERYTHING THAT OBAMA AND JOE ARE GOING TO DELIVER FOR THEM.

[ETWolverine]

Wondergirl,

Let's go through Obama's resume.

I'm not going to comment on his education, other than to say that a Columbia University BA and Harvard Law degree seem to contrast somewhat with the "growing up a poor kid with a single mom" image he tries to give off. But those are excellent schools. Wish I could have afforded those tuitions.

Let's talk about his work experience:

Organizing and other work experience

• 1983-1984 Writer/Researcher for Business International Corporation. Helped companies understand overseas markets in the “Financing Foreign Operations” service and wrote for the “Business International Money Report”

So he was a writer.

• 1984-1985 Community Organizer for New York Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), promoting personal, community, and government reform at City College in Harlem.

He was a Community organizer, whatever that means. Just so you know, Obama himself has said that he wasn't a very good "community organizer" and that most of the projects he worked on have failed... either they failed to accomplish their stated goals or they ran out of money. Not exactly the kind of executive leadership I want in the White House.

• 1985-1988 Director of the Developing Communities Project (DCP), a church-based community organization originally comprising eight Catholic parishes in Greater Roseland on Chicago's South Side. While director grew the DCP staff from 1 to 13 and their budget from $70,000 to $400,000.

Ah... here we have some executive experience. He managed a budget of $400,000 and a staff of 13 people. They seem like a fine organization. Here is there website. Developing Communities Project (DCP) - Welcome

On the other hand, I have been involved with community outreach organizations that are much larger than this one... some that are multi-state organizations, and one that is multi-national. I don't think that this qualifies me to be President of the United States.

1992 Led Chicago's Project Vote! Push. This effort resulted in a record number of voter registrations, over 600,000 in Chicago.

I'm not particularly impressed by this as a form of "executive experience" either. I did voter registration stuff when I was in College too. He gave a bunch of college kids with too much time on their hands a bunch of pamphlets and registration forms and had them sit on street corners and ask other college kids to register. This is kids stuff, and isn't worth mentioning as "experience".

Teaching

• 1993-2004 Visiting Law and Government Fellow, then Senior Lecturer, in Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago Law School. Taught courses on the due process and equal protection areas of constitutional law, on voting rights, and on racism and law. Helped develop a casebook on voting rights.

In point of fact, one of his colleagues at UC has said that Obama was not a "Senior Lecturer" but rather an adjunct professor who occaisionally gave a lecture, but who spent most of his time writing articles for magazines. He neither practiced nor taught any serious Constitutional Law during his stay at UC. He "stretched" this part of his resume and made it bigger than it really was. At least according to his colleague.

Law Practice

• 1993-2002 Worked as an associate attorney with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland. Represented non-profits and private individuals in urban development projects, voting rights cases, and wrongful firings. Filed major suit that forced the state of Illinois to enforce the Motor Voter Law and successfully argued a wrongful firing case before the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Again, according to his colleague, this is an exageration of what he actually did. But even according to his own description, he spent most of his time as essentially writing articles and filing wrongful dismissal suits. He was a labor lawyer on a very small scale. There's nothing wrong with that, but don't make it out to be more than it is.

Illinois Senate 1996-2004

• chairman, Health and Human Services Committee
• Spearheaded a successful bipartisan effort in Illinois to pass the broadest ethics-reform legislation by any state in 25 years, and also gained bipartisan support for his successful bills reforming death penalty interrogations and ending racial profiling by police. Worked with the Republican-led effort to reform welfare
• Also sponsored successful bills expanding tax credits and child-care subsidies for low-income working families, protecting overtime pay for workers, expanding health care for children, and providing job skills training for juveniles

Sponsored Bill Statistics

• Number of sponsored bills: 65
• Number of sponsored bills passed: 0

• Number of co-sponsored bills 364
• Number of co-sponsored bills passed: 5

I think that the statistics say it all. He spent 8 years in the Il. State Senate, sponsored almost nothing and passed even less. That's not much of a record to run on.

The website you gave also gives his voting history, taken from opencongress.org. Going to the website itself, I have determined that of 638 roll call votes in Congress since January 8, 2007, Obama abstained 290 times or 45% of the time. That means that close to half the time he either wasn't present in Congress, or he didn't have the guts to take a stance on the issue one way or the other. I don't want someone in Congress who either won't be present or who won't take a stance.

On the face of it, I would argue that Obama doesn't exactly show much leadership in his resume, and certainly not the level of leadership that qualifies him for President.

Now, can you tell me anything that Obama has accomplished that qualifies him for the highest office of the land?

[Wondergirl]

Now, can you tell me anything that Obama has accomplished that qualifies him for the highest office of the land?

Now, please comment on Palin's resume.

[Choux]

You'll make yourself sick again, Elliot... Did you "forget" he serves in the US Senate??

Intelligence and rationality and a calm disposiiton count for a lot in a President; that's Obama. We all have seen what little intelligence and LACK OF RATIONALITY can do to a country in 8 years... that Bush Presidency was a DISASTER.


Gee, it's just like old times... Grrrrrrrr

[Emland]

How long did Obama serve in the US Senate before beginning his campaign for President?