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What Politician Would You Like as a Neighbor?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:00:51 -0800

Former Republican vice presidential candidate (and new grandma) Sarah Palin recently won a poll on the most desirable celebrity neighbors with 14 percent, closely followed by Oprah Winfrey.

The 2008 campaign gave us an up close look at the lives of Palin, John McCain, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, but I suspect being neighbors with Condoleezza Rice, Eliot Spitzer or Rod R. Blagojevich would be pretty entertaining as well. What politician do you wish you could borrow eggs and sugar from?

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Sarah Palin's a Young Grandma, Are They More Fun?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:52:39 -0800

Sarah Palin's a Young Grandma, Are They More Fun? At 44, Sarah Palin just became a very young grandma with the birth of her daughter, Bristol's son, Tripp on Sunday. Some women can't wait for grandbabies while others prefer to hold off on getting the title.

Bristol Palin Gives Birth to Healthy Baby Boy

CitizenSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:58:07 -0800

Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's 18-year-old daughter Bristol Palin gave birth to a healthy 7 lb., 4 oz. baby boy Sunday in Alaska. The baby's name is Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, according to a family member who also said the baby and Bristol are "doing well."

The baby's father, Levi Johnston, is an apprentice electrician who has been dating Bristol for three years and has said he and Bristol plan to marry in 2009 and raise the child together.

The teenage mother announced her pregnancy during Palin's campaign amid rumors that Palin faked her own pregnancy to cover up for Bristol.
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Favorite Sarah Palin Moment of 2008: Sarah Meets the Press

LibertySugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:30:39 -0800

While the McCain campaign sometimes appeared reluctant to let VP nominee Sarah Palin talk to the press, her interviews with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric proved to be CitizenSugar readers' favorite Sarah Palin moments of 2008.

When Charlie asked Sarah if she hesitated over her level of experience when McCain asked her aboard the Straight Talk Express, Palin said: "I didn’t hesitate, no . . . I answered him yes, because I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can't blink." But Palin did blink a bit when Charlie asked for her thoughts on the Bush Doctrine.

Saturday Night Live also took a liking to the Katie Couric interview, as Tina Fey used Palin's exact words to become your favorite Lighten Up moment of the year.

And yet another Palin interview came in second place — her Thanksgiving-timed chat with a reporter that went down while turkeys were slaughtered right behind her. Thanks for the memories, Gov. Palin! Check out some of the other top memories of the year.

Briefing Book! Caroline Kennedy Is No Sarah Palin

LibertySugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:51 -0800

Politics: Caroline Kennedy is no Sarah Palin? Conservative Kathleen Parker seizes up Caroline Kennedy in comparison to Sarah Palin, concluding that you need less experience to be a senator than VP. — Huffington Post
Inauguration: Is Rick Warren the least of progressives' problems? Find out why some people are going to be even more furious when they find out the full day's schedule. — 23/6
Globalization: Diet for a small planet? Check out how globalization is affecting the way we all eat. — Good
Sex: Did you know yesterday was the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers? Check out pictures from a demonstration in San Francisco. — SFist

Source

Most Shocking Headlines of 2008: Bristol Palin Is With Child

CitizenSugar — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:00:28 -0800

Not long after Sarah Palin sled into the national limelight, rumors started circulating that Trig, her newborn son, was not her fifth born, but really the son of her 17-year-old daughter Bristol. Stop the press, Sarah said, that's impossible. And then she threw down what is probably the greatest comeback in the I-didn't-pretend-to-have-my-daughter's-baby genre ever: She's pregnant now.

And so Bristol stopped covering up with a blanket and baby brother Trig on her chest. She brought fiancé, Levy Johnston, to the Republican National Convention, where he had his 15 minutes, though he found time for more. Overall, the press respected Bristol's privacy and let the story go. Expect to hear more soon, though, because the governor of the great state of Alaska is expected to add grandmother to her résumé Dec. 18.

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What Is Your Favorite Sarah Palin Moment?

LibertySugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:30:33 -0800

Doggonit — 2008 was Sarah Palin’s breakout year, and whether you love the lipstick-wearing hockey mom's mavericky conservative credentials, or cringe at her policies, you have to agree that she made this year pretty memorable! Before the end of August, most of us had no idea that Sarah Palin would leave such a mark. She soon made it obvious, with an electric speech at the Republican National Convention, which helped McCain surge ahead in the polls. But after a few stumbles in interviews with the likes of Katie Couric, some became extra curious about the impending VP debate. In the end, the Alaska governor delivered a one-of-a-kind debate performance for Joe Sixpack watching at home.And who can forget the more playful moments? Palin starred next to look-a-like Tina Fey on SNL. And days before the election we found out the RNC spent $150,000 on Palin's wardrobe, which caused some to call BS on the regular-Joe routine and others to declare Sarah a victim of sexism. Finally, when the campaign ended for good, Sarah came back into our lives with some Thanksgiving spirit, giving an interview while someone slaughtered turkeys right behind her.Source

What Is Your Favorite Sarah Palin Moment?

Makes her debut at the Republican National Convention

Sits down with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric

Squares off with Joe Biden at VP Debate

Proves she has a sense of humor on SNL

Gets mixed up in a shopping spree scandal

Gives interview while Thanksgiving turkeys meet their fate

Who Is Your Favorite Woman in Power?

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:30:33 -0800

Even though there hasn't been a female US president, the country's women in power remind us that leadership isn't just a man's job. Hillary Clinton took on many roles this year: she was a senator from New York, the wannabe leader of the US, the reluctant leader of the PUMAs, and now know she will most likely be the leader of the US State Department. Current Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the first African-American woman to serve in the post, traveled around the world signing missile deals with Poland, trying to keep tensions down between India and Pakistan, and playing the piano for the Queen of England.Nancy Pelosi had a good time at the Democratic National Convention before heading back to Washington for a Fall full of bailouts. Sarah Palin's run for vice president made some conservatives give thanks. Another governor, Janet Napolitano of Arizona, got tapped to serve as Obama's secretary of Homeland Security. All the while, Ruth Bader Ginsburg served her 15th year on the Supreme Court presiding over cases about gun control, the death penalty, and Guantanamo Bay. I want to know all you favorites from this year, including your favorite woman in power! Source

Surprise! Barbara Walters Finds Obama Most Fascinating

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:30:00 -0800

President-elect Barack Obama has topped Barbara Walters's list of the Most Fascinating People of 2008. The ABC special aired last night, and last year the honor of Most Fascinating Person went to Harry Potter author JK Rowling. While many people probably agree that Obama is the most fascinating figure of the year, it's somewhat surprising that his opponent John McCain did not make the list.

The complete list includes:

Barack Obama
Tom Cruise
Sarah Palin
Frank Langella
Thomas Beatie
Rush Limbaugh
Tina Fey
Miley Cyrus
Michael Phelps
Will Smith

Do you find the people on this list fascinating? Anyone you'd like to sub in?

Source

Real or Fake? Giving Thanks to Sarah Palin

CitizenSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:30:24 -0800

Everything about this video produced to give thanks for Sarah Palin sounded legitimate, and then I watched it. And everything — save the part about the troops — looks like a parody that Tina Fey will jump into at any second. Yet it all checks out. It will air on cable station across the US this weekend. A conservative group called Our Country Deserves Better claims to have paid for and created the ad as a counterattack to the media bashing thrown her way. But the conspirator in me says it cannot be real. Or can it?

Real or Fake? Giving Thanks to Sarah Palin

Yes, it can.

Moose chili? No!

So few choices! I'll tell you below.

Sarah Palin Ruins Thanksgiving?

LibertySugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:00:45 -0800

You may have heard Sarah Palin can hunt and skin a moose, but did you know that she could give an interview while someone else slaughters turkeys in the background? In the video below (warning! watching this video could prevent you from eating turkey on Thanksgiving or ever again), Palin chats about Alaska's state budget and her experience on the campaign trail, while turkeys meet their dark, headless, fates.

Before the impromptu interview Sarah Palin made sure one lucky Wasilla turkey could witness the big day — she issued a special pardon. Unfortunately, the tough-on-turkey governor only took mercy on one bird.

Campaign Alumni Who Need a Book Deal

LibertySugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Literary agents predict that a book scribed by Sarah Palin would bring in enough cash for the former VP candidate to make many scandal-free visits to Neiman-Marcus. Experts believe that Palin's book deal could be worth $7 million. Since the latest battle for the White House was especially dramatic, there are many other behind-the-scenes-characters that could write about their experiences. Here's a list of other 2008 campaign veterans I would add to my reading list (title suggestions welcome). Don't worry — Joe the Plumber is not included. Source

Sarah Palin Is a PC

CitizenSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:00:25 -0800

Sarah Palin Is a PC The Governor of Alaska and former Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin was far away from Alaskan winds last week as she basked in the Miami sun, while taking a break from the Republican Governor's Conference. Considering she will be playing a big role in the future of our country, it's no wonder she was already back to business — poolside naturally — with her Dell Inspiron laptop.

How Did Sarah Palin Spend $150,000?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:00:35 -0800

How Did Sarah Palin Spend $150,000? Sarah Palin's stylists sure had to work hard to drop $150,000 on dressing the former Republican VP candidate. Vanity Fair's fashion department took Sarah's budget and came up with a dream wardrobe that would fit the bill.

McCain Says Palin Is the Next Gen of Leadership: True?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:30:00 -0800

Last night Senator John McCain visited The Tonight Show With Jay Leno to honor Veteran's Day and talk shop about his postcampaign life. When asked about Sarah Palin McCain said he "couldn't be happier" with his choice and believes Palin will play a "big role in the future of our country."When pressed further McCain said he believes Palin is among a group of young Republican governors and senators who will become the next leadership of the Republican party. Do you think he's spot on, or is he giving his running mate too much credit too soon?

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McCain Says Palin Is the Next Gen of Leadership: True?

I think he's right. Sarah Palin brought great passion and attention to the campaign.

I think he's off base. It's way too soon to gauge her long-term influence on the GOP.

Something else. See my comment below.

Sarah Palin Hits the Postelection Interview Circuit

LibertySugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:46:29 -0800

TV journalists have been striking the Sarah Palin iron while it's hot. Last night FOX News aired Palin's first postelection interview, after Greta van Susteren traveled to Alaska to debrief with Palin. And this morning, Sarah's chat with Matt Lauer aired on the Today show.

Speaking with Greta, Palin indicated that she would leave the decision to run for president in 2012 up to God. She said:

Faith is a very big part of my life. And putting my life in my creator's hands — this is what I always do. I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door. . . . And if there is an open door in (20)12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door.

And regardless of her propositions for 2012, Palin believes the 2008 campaign trail wrapped up without any bitter loose ends. She told Matt Lauer this morning that: “I have nothing but honor and admiration and love for him and for his family. And I think that that is mutual. In fact, I talked to him just today, again — and [we’re] touching base nearly every day."

Now that the election is one week behind us, do you think we can put Sarah Palin behind, or has her time in the spotlight just begun?

Source

Palin Prevails as Republicans' Top 2012 Choice, For Now

LibertySugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:00:50 -0800

Sarah Palin may be getting a bad rap in the press lately, but Republicans still have a positive opinion of her. While anything can change between now and the Iowa primary, Palin looks like she has a good chance to win the Republican nomination in 2012. A new poll shows that 91 percent of Republicans have a favorable view of her. In fact, 64 percent of GOP respondents said Palin was their top choice for 2012 nominee.

But fellow-Republicans want to knock Palin out of her apparent front-runner seat, and they hope to do so as soon as possible. Mike Huckabee and Bobby Jindal, two potential candidates are headed to Iowa this month.

Mississippi's governor Haley Barber had some harsh words for those attempting to make a power play: "One of the worst things that can happen to the Republican Party in our effort to rebuild is for a bunch of people to start running for president. . . Anybody out there running for president is undercutting what’s important. You do this against your own interest.”

Dare I ask? Who would you like to see run for the Republicans in 2012?

Source

Do You Still Care About Dirt on Sarah Palin?

Molly — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800

While Sarah Palin excused herself from negativity and we've already looked at some of the campaign trail rumors, according to Chief Political Correspondent Carl Cameron there's an "avalanche" of Palin information coming our way. In an interview with Fox News, he admitted that Palin was difficult behind the scenes, refused to be briefed before interviews, threw temper tantrums, and showed a worrying lack of international knowledge. For example, she didn't know Africa is a continent or which countries are in NAFTA. It's worrying, but less of an issue now that she's no longer a possible VP. Then again, her name is already being tossed around in 2012 talk. So what do you think — do you still care about dirt on Sarah Palin, or are you done spending time on it?

Do You Still Care About Dirt on Sarah Palin?

Yes — We deserve to know who she really is, plus I'm curious.

No — We should leave her alone, I don't want to hear about her anymore.

Other — I'll tell you below in comments.

Rumors Fly After Election: Which One Shocks You More?

LibertySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Now that the election has ended, members of the campaigns aren't quite as tight lipped. It's like getting a retroactive backstage pass when happy, or disgruntled, aides start revealing happenings that didn't make the talking points or headlines. The latest issue of Newsweek takes a look at the secret battles waged on the path to the White House, and the private events are a doozy! Of these leaks featured in the expose, which one surprises you the most?Source

Rumors Fly After Election: Which One Shocks You More?

Palin spent more than reported. An aide described it: "Hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus."

A "foreign entity" hacked both camps' computers, likely seeking international policy info.

McCain himself rarely spoke to Palin during the campaign.

The Secret Service gave Obama reports showing increased threats in Sept. and Oct.

Palin started the William Ayers attacks before the campaign had finalized a plan.

Palin greeted top advisers wearing only a towel, during the RNC.

Geographically challenged Palin did not know Africa was a continent, not a country.

After losing, Hillary Clinton had a long and friendly phone chat with McCain.

Briefing Book! Palin Not Going to Participate in Negativity

LibertySugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Palin: The antidiva? Palin apologizes for any votes she cost John McCain. — Townhall
Legacy: President Bush's Legacy? President Obama. — 23/6
Comedy: Tears of joy or faux-sadness? Stephen Colbert tears up after Obama announced President-elect. — Huffington Post
CNN: Did you see CNN's hologram technology? It was freaky and amazing! — geeksugar
GOP: Lessons in defeat? Losses in 2006 and 2008 should prompt some soul-searching. — Donklephant
Congress: Could have been worse? Republican train wreck perhaps not as bad as expected. — Politico

In Pictures: McCain, Obama, and Americans Everywhere Vote

CitizenSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:15:02 -0800

Election-day fever is sweeping the nation, with experts predicting record turnout. From Phoenix to Chicago, Ohio to New Hampshire, voters are experiencing long lines — but as you'll see, they're sticking around to cast their ballots. Take a look as John and Cindy, Barack and Michelle, Joe and Jill, Sarah and Todd, Bill and Hill, and citizens everywhere make their choices.

Sarah Palin Gets Pranked! Chats With Faux President Sarkozy

LibertySugar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Yesterday Sarah Palin happily took a call from French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Only problem: two Canadian comedians merely pretending to be the French president were on the line. Despite the tres bad French accent, the Alaska governor carried on the conversation about how Sarkozy could see Belgium from his house. And it got even better — Palin listened politely as the man she thought was the French president discussed his love for the pornography starring Palin's look-a-like. Oh la la.

Palin even chatted policy, saying Sarkozy's help for the French middle class was a great example. Perhaps she's not as afraid of socialists as she lets on.

Don't worry — she isn't the first leader the duo has embarrassed. She now joins Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy as victims of the same comedians. Keeping her good humor, Palin's camp released a statement following the prank: "C'est la vie." Take a listen, and then let GiggleSugar know if the joke was funny, or too mean.

Sarah Palin to Blame If John McCain Loses?

LibertySugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:45:00 -0700

A new poll shows that 59 percent of surveyed voters believe Sarah Palin is not ready for the job of vice president. The rise in Palin doubt surely is weighing on the Republican ticket, as one-third of voters also said the VP pick would be a major factor in their voting decision. Yesterday, ex secretary of state and strong McCain supporter Lawrence Eagleburger offered a gloomy assessment of Palin's ability to step in for McCain saying: "I devoutly hope that (she) would never be tested." Meanwhile, even harsher criticism is coming allegedly from inside the McCain camp. This week reports broke that "top advisers" inside the campaign had said Palin was "going rogue," and described her as a "diva" and a "whack job." But, of course, the McCain/Palin ticket could still end up in the White House. If the reported name calling by top advisors is true, the next four years could prove to be a little awkward. Then again, winning might help rewrite campaign history. Source

Sarah Palin to Blame If John McCain Loses?

Yes. How can he win if his running mate ignores the campaign strategy?

No. He's the one who chose her, so the buck stops with McCain.

No way. She has helped the ticket by being herself and by energizing the base.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Palin: First Amendment Rights Threatened By Criticism

LibertySugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:40:00 -0700

Palin: First Amendment Rights Threatened By Criticism In a radio interview that aired this morning, Sarah Palin said she fears her First Amendment rights may be threatened by "attacks." Palin said: "If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations, then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."

McCain Funded Palestinian Professor He Now Ties to Obama

LibertySugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:45:00 -0700

This week the McCain ticket has tried to tenuously connect Barack Obama to Columbia University professor Rashid Khalidi, a leading scholar of Middle Eastern studies, who served on the University of Chicago faculty with Obama.

Sarah Palin said yesterday: "This is important because his associate, Rashid Khalidi . . . in addition to being a political ally of Barack Obama, he's a former spokesperson for the Palestinian Liberation Organization." But while Barack Obama was acquainted with Khalidi (who denies ever being the PLO spokesman), John McCain led an organization that gave Khalidi money for research.

While John McCain served as chairman of the International Republican Institute during the 1990s, he oversaw grants to Khalidi's Palestinian research center, including one grant for half a million dollars. To see how McCain is trying to push a one-sided version of the story,

Palin Looks Past Tuesday to Her Political Future

CitizenSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:23:44 -0700

Palin Looks Past Tuesday to Her Political Future With days still to go in the White House race, backers of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin are talking her up as a possible contender in 2012, speculation that irritates other Republicans who contend she's a drag on the ticket and that her lightweight image — unfair or not — will be hard to shed. The Alaska governor has done little to quiet the talk. In fact, she fueled the discussion this week when she signaled that she will remain on the national political scene no matter what happens Tuesday. "I'm not doing this for naught," she said in an interview with ABC News.

Is the Sarah Palin Effigy a Hate Crime?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:30:16 -0700

Does seasonality determine intent? Here's what I mean. Earlier this fall, a likeness of Obama was hung from a tree at a college in Oregon. Now, a similar display of Sarah Palin in West Hollywood has been determined by the Secret Service to not be a threat. The display is apparently part of a Halloween decorative scene and shows the vice presidential candidate dangling by her neck from the rafters. The display also shows John McCain surrounded by flames coming out of the house's chimney. The FBI in LA agrees saying, "It's clearly distasteful, but it doesn't appear to be a violation of federal civil rights statutes. Currently, we do not have an investigation open." The local sheriff's department says that it doesn't rise to the level of a hate crime saying, "I'm not defending this; I'm not criticizing it. It doesn't rise to the level of hate crime. Now, if there was a crime against bad taste . . . " The mayor of West Hollywood on the other hand wants it taken down right away. He says, "While these residents have the legal right to display Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin in effigy, I strongly oppose political speech that references violence — real or perceived."

Source

Is the Sarah Palin Effigy a Hate Crime?

No way. It's a creative way to show different kinds of scary things for Halloween.

While it's physically similar to a hate crime, it's decidedly different in its intent.

Yes! It's exactly the same! Why aren't people and the authorities treating it as such?

Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.

Hasselbeck Campaigns for Palin: Is the Clothes Issue "Sexist?"

CitizenSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:39:46 -0700

Is it the metaphoric "Emperor's New Clothes" of the campaign or just blatant sexism in disguise? The seeming wardrobe malfunction of the McCain campaign, the $150,000 spent on outfitting Gov. Palin has been elevated from campaign curiosity to full-blown talking point. This weekend the View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck campaigned for Palin in Florida where she addressed the furor over the cash spent on costuming the family for the convention. Hasselbeck admonished the attention paid to the price saying, “Now, with everything going on in the world, seems a bit odd. But let me tell you, this is deliberately sexist.” Her point being more or less, 'Hey Joe! How much did your suit cost?'Either ironically or pointedly, Hasselbeck continued the gendered theme as she made her case for Palin saying, “Did I mention that this woman, she’s got a real knack for cleaning. She cleaned up house in Alaska. Yup. All that corruption went out with the trash.” Hasselbeck concluded, “It’s getting hot up here, and I promise you, when it gets hot in the kitchen, she may be from Alaska, but this woman can take the heat.”

Palin continued to address the sartorial snafu yesterday saying, "This whole thing with the wardrobe, I try to just ignore it because it's so ridiculous. Those clothes, they are not my property, just like the lighting and the staging and everything else the RNC purchased. I'm not taking them with me. I'm back to wearing my old clothes from my favorite consignment shop in Anchorage, Alaska."Is the very fact that the issue has to be addressed on the campaign trail, clear proof that it's sexist?

Hasselbeck Campaigns for Palin: Is the Clothes Issue "Sexist?"

Yes! She needed an appropriate wardrobe. She's not keeping it, and the men get a pass?

The whole issue is ridiculous: the amount spent, the attention paid to it — stop it!

No! The amount spent important as it's contradictory to her whole argument, not sexism.

Other. I'll outfit my opinion in the comments.

Want to Be Fly on McCain Camp Wall? Pick up NYT Mag

LibertySugar — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:00:24 -0700

This weekend's NYT Magazine piece on the making and remaking of John McCain reads like a Greek tragedy. "John McCain’s biography has been the stuff of legend for nearly a decade," the lengthy piece points out. "And yet Schmidt and his fellow strategists have had difficulty explaining how America will be better off for electing (as opposed to simply admiring) a stubborn patriot." Throughout the magazine piece, a litany of narratives are identified.

The Heroic Fighters vs. the Quitters: Steve Schmidt, McCain's top adviser, encouraged McCain to denounce the Democrats for advocating a withdrawal of troops — a kind of surrender in the face of victory. Thus did Schmidt initiate the No Surrender Tour late in the summer of 2007.
Country-First Deal Maker vs. Nonpartisan Pretender: The campaign was in the throes of an identity crisis by June 24, when a number of senior strategists gathered at 9:30 a.m. in a conference room of McCain’s campaign headquarters in Arlington. As one participant said later, the meeting was convened “because we still couldn’t answer the question, ‘Why elect John McCain?'"
Leader vs. Celebrity: Eventually, it was Schmidt who blurted out the epiphany concerning Obama. “Face it, gentlemen,” he said. “He’s being treated like a celebrity.” The others grasped the concept — a celebrity like J-Lo! or Britney! — and exultation overtook the room.
Team of Mavericks vs. Old-Style Washington: Well before McCain made his selection, his chief strategist and his campaign manager both concluded that Sarah Palin would be the most dynamic pick.
John McCain vs. John McCain: The flipside to John McCain’s metanarrative of personal valor has always been palpable self-righteousness. In this campaign, his sense of integrity has been doubly offended.
The Fighter (Again) vs. the Tax-and-Spend Liberal: McCain was once again a warrior — only more upbeat, more respectful of his opponent, more empathetic to suffering Americans and far more disapproving of the president.

If McCain pulls this off, the author may have re-write the story. Check out the whole drama if you need some weekend reading!

Poll: Majority Of Americans Now Have Negative Impression Of Palin

CitizenSugar — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:45:44 -0700

Majority Of Americans Now Have Negative Impression Of Palin While top-of-the-ticket rivals John McCain and Barack Obama both remain broadly popular heading into Election Day, public perceptions of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin have fallen dramatically since she emerged on the national political scene at the GOP convention. A majority of likely voters in a new Washington Post-ABC News national poll now have unfavorable views of the Alaska governor.

Is Sarah Palin Overpaying Her Makeup Artist?

LibertySugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:10:16 -0700

Is Sarah Palin Overpaying Her Makeup Artist? Man, I'm in the wrong line of business. The McCain campaign paid Sarah Palin's makeup artist $22,800 for the first two weeks of October. According to campaign records, Emmy-winning makeup artist Amy Strozzi was the highest-paid individual in the campaign during that fortnight. (Palin's hairstylist earned $10,000 — no word yet on how much Michelle Obama's hairstylist earns.)

Will Ferrell Back as Bush on SNL Thursday: Ha! or Blah?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:57 -0700

In a class reunion of sorts between two SNL alums and two of the most recognizable and/or popular political impressions, last night's Thursday edition had Bush meeting Palin — for an endorsement of a very special kind. Asking where McCain was to receive this special blessing and waxing on the experience of his last eight years in office, "Bush" said, "George Bush always finds his man, save for one huge exception." He went on, complimenting Fey-lin on her folksiness, saying, "For a while I was trying to be folksy, but after a bit, it just came off 'douchey'" Do we say that? Does the fake president say that about the real one? With a higher level nod to perhaps the perception of his own VPs role, the faux-Bush said the job was important because the Veep, "decides when we go to war, how we tax the citizens, and how we interpret the Constitution." When McCain enters, Bush is bound and determined to get his endorsement in, regardless of McCain's reluctance — which I guess is satire, but I watched the real one back in March. . . I think "similarities" is the word we'd use. Though Will's Bush has a tinge of Ricky Bobby now, it was nice to see him back. While Pat Buchanan has some strong words for what he sees as a double-standard when it comes to the show's mockery, what did you think of the ersatz endorsement?

Will Ferrell Back as Bush on SNL Thursday: Ha! or Blah?

Ha! Almost makes me wish the ticket was Palin/Bush so we could have eight years of it.

Blah. So sick of the "Bush and Palin are dumb hicks" trope. Can we move on? Please?

Other. I'll give my own endorsement in the comments.

Polls & Personalities Keep Campaigns Guessing Until the End

LibertySugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:00:34 -0700

Leaks allegedly coming from the Obama campaign, along with a new AP poll, suggest a Democratic win is not as sure as people may think.

The latest AP poll shows the candidates in a dead heat, with Obama at 44 percent and McCain at 43 percent. While this could suggest that McCain's latest Joe-the-Plumber narrative has struck a cord, some point to the methodology as reason for caution. Evangelical Christians make up 44 percent of the poll sample, while they just made up 23 percent of 2004 voters.

Meanwhile yesterday, a rumor broke that Obama's internal poll numbers from Pennsylvania put him only two points ahead. The rumor has not been corroborated, but either way I'm sure the Obama camp is not taking any swing state for granted.

Despite this apparent good news, things don't appear so rosy in the McCain campaign. NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd gave a candid assessment of the mood during his network's interview with the Republican ticket. Todd said:

[T]he chemistry is just not there. You do wonder, is John McCain starting to blame her for things? Blaming himself? Is she blaming him? And maybe they don't feel they can win right now, so they are missing that intensity. That was the thing that struck me more than anything. You almost wonder why they wanted the two of them sitting next to each other.

To see a clip of Brian Williams' interview with Palin and McCain,

Ellen DeGeneres Slams Sarah Palin On Gay Marriage

CitizenSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:40:21 -0700

Ellen DeGeneres Slams Sarah Palin on Gay Marriage Ellen DeGeneres gave an emotional plea on behalf of gay marriage on her show Wednesday, and included remarks targeting Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin: "I don't know if you saw this, but vice presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin says she's that in favor of a federal ban on gay marriage," Ellen said. "Basically she wants to change the constitution. So if you're wondering, I'm sure you are, how I feel about this . . . I don't like it, I don't like it. I don't agree. Maybe it's because I'm gay that I think we should all be equal. But I feel that we're all equal."

Front Page: India Launches Moon Orbiter, Palin Gives Speech Advocating Women, EU Protests US Death Sentence

CitizenSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:00:27 -0700

India Launches Moon Orbiter:
India has launched its first unmanned spacecraft on a mission to the moon, in an effort to assert its power in space. The mission is set to last two years and will prepare a three-dimensional atlas of the moon as well as survey the lunar surface for usable natural resources like uranium, a coveted fuel for nuclear power plants.

Palin Gives Speech Advocating Women:
At a rally in Nevada yesterday, Sarah Palin gave a speech advocating for women's rights the world over. She said, "there are still places where women are subjugated and persecuted as they were in Afghanistan, places we’re they’re bullied and brutalized and murdered in honor killings. . . if I am elected, these women, too, will have an advocate and a defender in the 47th vice president of the United States. She also gave her first interview to CNN.
EU Protests US Death Sentence:
The European parliament is protesting the execution of a prisoner in the US after seven of the nine key witnesses recanted their testimony against him. The head of the EU parliament says that all executions are a violation of human rights and that the prisoner symbolizes all death row inmates. He says he "will fight against the death penalty under any circumstances everywhere in the world."

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Jon Stewart Stands Up For Fake Americans

LibertySugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:45:00 -0700

Last week in North Carolina Sarah Palin said, "We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation." In what may have been her "cling-to-guns" moment, Sarah Palin potentially alienated the large portion of America that does not live in small towns.

Some critics say Palin's comments were polarizing at best, and perhaps at worst a veiled attempt to say real America is white, not multi-ethnic like the cities. Jon Stewart found a positive edge – if McCain loses the "American" election, he can still be president of the real America that matters. Despite his attempt at silver lining, Palin's comments obviously upset Jon, who also said on last night's show: "I guess if you're from New York City and you signed up to fight in Iraq and died, it doesn't count."

Jon went on to issue a quiz to help viewers figure out if they're in fact "real Americans." To take the quiz with Jon,

NYT Raises Questions About Candidates' Health

LibertySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:45:00 -0700

Today's New York Times outlined the known state of all four candidates' health. While it dedicated a section to each, the report clearly raised new questions about John McCain's chances of melanoma recurrence.

Here is a look at how the paper of record summarized the medical records:

McCain: Wounds from untreated injuries and torture while a POW mean McCain may eventually need joint replacements. Inconsistencies about the severity of McCain's melanoma skin cancer, make the probability of recurrence unknown. A reclassification of severity, called for by some experts, would change his statistical odds for survival at 10 years from about 60 percent to 36 percent. He has had no recurrence for eight years; but the 10th anniversary, which would be in 2010, is an important benchmark.
Obama: Obama’s campaign released a one-page letter from his doctor citing Obama’s “excellent health," last May and a series of test results last week. Obama has one medical issue, which is a difficulty in stopping smoking. Obama began smoking 20 years ago, trying several times since to quit. Obama, who decided to quit before running for president, has used Nicorette gum “with success," according to his doctor.

To see what the paper's doctor-turned-reporter summed up about the VP nominees,

Palin Breaks With McCain on Gay Marriage Amendment

CitizenSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:25:08 -0700

Palin Breaks With McCain on Gay Marriage Amendment Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin says she supports a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, a break with John McCain who has said he believes states should be left to define what marriage is. The Alaska governor said she had voted in 1998 for a state amendment banning same sex marriage and hoped to see a federal ban on such unions. "I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that's where we would go. I don't support gay marriage," Palin said.

Briefing Book! Family Guy Gets Political

LibertySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0700

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Family Guy: Just for laughs? Family Guy episode sort of implies that McCain and Palin supporters are Nazis. — Jezebel
Money: Redistribution of wealth, Republican style? Hank Paulson went the bank welfare route, and Joe the Plumber and everyone else should be upset about this method of spreading the wealth around. — Huffington Post
Tolerance: Is this what it's all about? Columnist says the "homosexual agenda" wants moral approval, not just equality, benefits, and fairness. — Townhall
Politics: Fair prediction? Newt Gingrich predicts that Democratic majorities in Congress would mean a President Barack Obama would adopt a temperament similar to Rev. Jeremiah Wright. — Politico
China Gun control issues? While Chinese citizens are prohibited from owning guns, gunfights and gun murders are increasingly reported. — Shanghaiist.

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