Palin Talks Russia in ABC Exclusive
By Sean at 11 September, 2008, 3:13 pm
Update: I posted the entire interview. Russia comes in about halfway in.
Republican VP Candidate Sarah Palin finally sat down for an interview. Lo and behold, Russia came up in her exclusive with ABC’s Charles Gibson. Here are her thoughts on Russia resurgent, letting Georgia and Ukraine into NATO, and going to war to defend those “smaller democratic countries.” And she says we can’t repeat the Cold War.
Sarah Palin on Russia:
We cannot repeat the Cold War. We are thankful that, under Reagan, we won the Cold War, without a shot fired, also. We’ve learned lessons from that in our relationship with Russia, previously the Soviet Union.
We will not repeat a Cold War. We must have good relationship with our allies, pressuring, also, helping us to remind Russia that it’s in their benefit, also, a mutually beneficial relationship for us all to be getting along.
GIBSON: Would you favor putting Georgia and Ukraine in NATO?
PALIN: Ukraine, definitely, yes. Yes, and Georgia.
GIBSON: Because Putin has said he would not tolerate NATO incursion into the Caucasus.
PALIN: Well, you know, the Rose Revolution, the Orange Revolution, those actions have showed us that those democratic nations, I believe, deserve to be in NATO.
Putin thinks otherwise. Obviously, he thinks otherwise, but…
GIBSON: And under the NATO treaty, wouldn’t we then have to go to war if Russia went into Georgia?
PALIN: Perhaps so. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you’re going to be expected to be called upon and help.
But NATO, I think, should include Ukraine, definitely, at this point and I think that we need to — especially with new leadership coming in on January 20, being sworn on, on either ticket, we have got to make sure that we strengthen our allies, our ties with each one of those NATO members.
We have got to make sure that that is the group that can be counted upon to defend one another in a very dangerous world today.
GIBSON: And you think it would be worth it to the United States, Georgia is worth it to the United States to go to war if Russia were to invade.
PALIN: What I think is that smaller democratic countries that are invaded by a larger power is something for us to be vigilant against. We have got to be cognizant of what the consequences are if a larger power is able to take over smaller democratic countries.
And we have got to be vigilant. We have got to show the support, in this case, for Georgia. The support that we can show is economic sanctions perhaps against Russia, if this is what it leads to.
It doesn’t have to lead to war and it doesn’t have to lead, as I said, to a Cold War, but economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, again, counting on our allies to help us do that in this mission of keeping our eye on Russia and Putin and some of his desire to control and to control much more than smaller democratic countries.
Well, Mrs. Palin, if you get into office I hope you and Grandpa McCain put your money where your vigilant mouth is. I know a lot of Russia scholars in need of some of that war machine money. It’s been slim pickin’s since the Evil Empire went belly up in 1991.
Popularity: 5% [?]
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Hey Sean, she’s an expert. Have you even lived in a state that’s close to Russia?
We have the Russian River where like real Russians settled. Oh and I live down the street from a whole community of them. Sometimes I can actually see real Russians and hear Russian spoken! Does that count? Dammit, here’s my expert epaulets!
She is not a bitch but she is polnaya dura also
What a joke the US is getting to be…
PS. Can you hear balalaika from time to time, Sean?
I dont think she has clue really.
”PALIN: What I think is that smaller democratic countries that are invaded by a larger power is something for us to be vigilant against. We have got to be cognizant of what the consequences are if a larger power is able to take over smaller democratic countries.”
What is she on about? Now I know Russia is acting up, but Russia does not literally want to occupy any of these countries (except maybe take back Crimea). Does she not understand that the mere idea of the presence of NATO next door to Russia is what is pissing them off? In fairness Russia’s neighbours should be entitled to join whatever alliances they want – its not Russia’s right to prevent that – but its not hard to see why Russia gets annoyed.
With all due respect, are American politicians genuinely this stupid or poorly informed? I mean they make our ones look like academics, and that’s really saying something. This kind of stupidity, now leading in the opinion polls by all accounts, bodes ill for the future. I mean this woman is potentially 2nd in command of the only superpower. Shocking.
But her “wisdom” might cost Republicans the chair…
It is one thing to hunt moose and learn the speech written to you (keeping in mind that second speech was just an extended version of her first performance).
But being by your own wise person requires more talents then bazarnaya baba has
Neither this is f*cking “holy” US mission to drag them there…
Ger, relax.
US is NOT the only superpower anymore
This is top secret but I assume you’ll keep it?
”But her “wisdom” might cost Republicans the chair…”
you would have to think so ivanov. But will that happen??? After all she’s got a massive swing of votes for no good reason except being a woman and a ”hockey mom”. If that’s good enough for so many US voters, they might think her rubbish on Russia is the height of academia. Never underestimate the capacity of women to play the ”woman card”. Tears, PMT, ”we’re all Mommies” etc all this shite goes down a storm with some women. Funny enough, and to their credit, Russian women have no time for this nonsense at all and arent taken in by it.
”Neither this is f*cking “holy” US mission to drag them there…”
This is like the wife who blames the ”other woman” when hubby goes astray. Its only half right at best.
”Ger, relax.
US is NOT the only superpower anymore This is top secret but I assume you’ll keep it?”
As I’ve said earlier the only thing ye match the US in is nukes and ice-hockey. You also have Chekhov, Leo Tolstoy, solyanka and Inna Gomes. Apart from these things, you’re not a superpower.
And whilst I’m at it, I might as well add Olga Buzova and the presenter of ‘Spokoino noche malshii’! to the above list
I’m not talking about Russia vs. USa, Ger
PS. I know the “mom” effect. What I mean – Palin is good on stage delivering well written text. But when she talks by her own – she looks either stupid or poorly informed (or both).
This doesn’t mean I’m in love with “democrats”…
For the record.
There are many stupid governors in Russia. Or former Comedy Club performers. Or hero generals. But no one in Russia would talk about them as possible President or whatever.
We have more “ill-informed” prime-minister here.
So there is no shame to have Palin as a governor (of Alaska).
But VP (vi-pi) and very likely P (pi) – absurd.
Not sure what was so bad about what she said, except Russia invading Geoergia unprovoked. I mean only this subject. She made a couple of questionable comments elsewhere.
I sure enjoyed when she was asked about Bush doctrine… A blank state. And then a silly attempt to obfuscate.
As for Cold War, there isn’t going to be one for one simple reason. Russia is not USSR – it can’t afford even 5 years of it. Maybe even less. The real test will come if Russian shoppers start loosing their Shengens. Then what? No Milan or Courchevel?!
She is spouting the party line, how can she do otherwise? The fact remains that she will be one melanoma cell away from having access to the infamous Black Box.
I’m waiting for the Palin vs. Lavrov discussion
“David Miliband four-letter abuse from Russian foreign minister”
“I have been told of an astonishing telephone conversation between David Miliband and his Russian counterpart, Sergi Lavrov”
“One unconfirmed report suggested that Mr Lavrov said: “Who are you to f—— lecture me?”
”“One unconfirmed report suggested that Mr Lavrov said: “Who are you to f—— lecture me?””
If thats true its suprising. Lavrov doesnt seem like the type to use foul language. I thought that was Putin’s niche
I’d like to see more of her awesome cleavage, which is Pulin’s most valuable asset. The rest is not worth of any attention.
Beautiful answer on the Bush doctrine. She had him exactly where she wanted him. Gibson tried to play the same trick on Obama, btw. Obviously, Palin was well prepared for this.
http://mediamatters.org/items/200801080001
“During the ABC News-Facebook Democratic debate, ABC News’ Charlie Gibson said that Sen. Barack Obama’s assertion that, as president, he would “press them [the Pakistani government] to do more to take on Al Qaeda in their territory,” and that “if they could not or would not do so, and we had actionable intelligence, then I would strike,” is “essentially the Bush doctrine: We can attack if we want to, no matter the sovereignty of the Pakistanis.” But by asserting that Obama’s policy on Pakistan is “essentially the Bush doctrine,” Gibson was claiming that there is in fact a clear Bush doctrine on the question of whether the U.S. would strike Al Qaeda in Pakistan regardless of the sovereignty of Pakistan. Bush and administration officials have in fact made inconsistent statements on this issue.”
You can just see in the video how Palin sighs and says in a slightly bored tone of voice, “In what sense, Charlie?”. Simply beautiful.
The NATO charter states that if one member country is attacked, it is as if all members have been attacked. The other members are obligated to respond.
There is nothing inconsistent in Palin’s answer. I know Russians have problems understanding and following agreements which have led to Russia (Soviet Union) attacking its own members in the Warsaw Pact. This is something that the US never did to its members. This is why countries like Georgia want to join NATO and not some Putin/Medvedev alliance. Sorry, Ivanov, Russians can’t be trusted anymore. Your country’s moral account is bankrupt.
”I’d like to see more of her awesome cleavage, which is Pulin’s most valuable asset. The rest is not worth of any attention.”
As we say here, ’she’s got great things ahead of her’
“There is nothing inconsistent in Palin’s answer. I know Russians have problems understanding and following agreements which have led to Russia (Soviet Union) attacking its own members in the Warsaw Pact. This is something that the US never did to its members. This is why countries like Georgia want to join NATO and not some Putin/Medvedev alliance.”
Kolchak,
Please note/explain the following in the above:
1) “Attacking of Czechoslovakia” was done not by USSR alone but by a number of Warsaw pact countries (notably the East Germany). It can be looked upon as the USSR introducing its troops to the country.
US has already troops in many of the fellow-NATO countries (UK, Germany, Poland, etc).
2) What does it mean “Georgia wants to join NATO”? Its people want to joint NATO? Saakashvili wants to join NATO? USA wants Georgia to join NATO? How this “wants to joint NATO” has been measured???
Besides, the one who controls the media can manipulate population into anything. If one tells “join NATO” on a regular basis on TV – millions will be brain washed in the belief that it’s the thing to do.
3) Please note that the Georgians haven’t joined NATO already but already shed blood for that: they (had to) participated in Iraq invasion.
I don’t think your arguments stick. Surely the US wants to control Russia (the lousy Russians don’t want to give up their oil for free), in particular by surrounding it with a puppet states whose job is to “poke the bear”
on the regular basis … and pay for it.
”I’d like to see more of her awesome cleavage, which is Pulin’s most valuable asset. The rest is not worth of any attention.”
As we say here, ’she’s got great things ahead of her’
MMMM yes! The American woman I like!
Btw, Sean, when you say, “I posted entire interview” you must mean “I posted what made availble by the ABC”. There are glaring gaps and breaks in sequence throughout. Obviously, a lot of footage was left on the studio floor (we discussed this about CNN only recently).
In fact, I have it on good authority that at some point Sarah took off her jacket and conducted quick provocative step-dance around poor Charlie frozen in his chair. You can glimpse an indication of this when Cibson appears slightly out of breath after one of the sequence breaks (but you have to follow closely).
Btw, Sean, when you say, “I posted entire interview” you must mean “I posted what made availble by the ABC”. There are glaring gaps and breaks in sequence throughout. Obviously, a lot of footage was left on the studio floor (we discussed this about CNN only recently).
Fair enough. I only posted what ABC made available. You got me, guy.
I would like to see it all unedited and I think they should show it. Surely seeing an unedited interview with a VP candidate is worth a few more minutes less of advertising?
I understand ABC will air more tonight but I doubt it would be unedited.
Can someone be so kind to let me know how I would translate: “негры преклонных годов”?
US is NOT the only superpower anymore This is top secret but I assume you’ll keep it?
Who else would you count as a superpower?
If you are thinking Russia, I have to say that is still a bit of a stretch. You could perhaps make a case for the EU as a whole.
Please note/explain the following in the above:
1) “Attacking of Czechoslovakia” was done not by USSR alone but by a number of Warsaw pact countries (notably the East Germany). It can be looked upon as the USSR introducing its troops to the country.
Russia went in without an invitation. Hungary 1956. Russia is a party crasher. Czech and Hungary never wanted the Russians in their country after WWII. When they asked them to leave, Russia sent in more troops. Unfornately, Roosevelt took Stalin at his word that he would allow Democratic elections in Eastern Europe. How naive. Why is it that after the Cold War countries like the Baltics invited the US to have bases in their country? Why were Eastern European countries so anxious for NATO membership? Why did they not preserve their cozy Warsaw ties? It is simple really. These countries are afraid of double crossing, aggressive, egotistical Russia. Russia can’t be trusted and they bring no value to the countries they invade.
NATO members can at anytime opt out of NATO and ask the US to leave. They don’t because they understand the value the US brings to the table. If Russia is so great and the US is so bad, then Russia should offer a counter alliance to NATO nations. Russia could liberate NATO nations from the EVIL AMERICAN EMPIRE. Russians can take over NATO bases and protect Europe. Good luck with that plan, VLAD.
US has already troops in many of the fellow-NATO countries (UK, Germany, Poland, etc).
2) What does it mean “Georgia wants to join NATO”? Its people want to joint NATO? Saakashvili wants to join NATO? USA wants Georgia to join NATO? How this “wants to joint NATO” has been measured???
Yes. Let’s take a little lesson in democracy. The candidates tell the people what they would like to do when they are elected. The people vote for the candidate who represents their views. The elected candidate implements what he promised on the campaign. If the people disagree, then they vote for the opposition candidate in the next election. I am sure you don’t understand this concept because your leaders are appointed by the KGB.
The majority of Georgian people want NATO membership, because they are afraid of Russian occupation and exploitation. They already experienced 70 years of that USSR crap.
Besides, the one who controls the media can manipulate population into anything. If one tells “join NATO” on a regular basis on TV – millions will be brain washed in the belief that it’s the thing to do.
3) Please note that the Georgians haven’t joined NATO already but already shed blood for that: they (had to) participated in Iraq invasion.
No, they didn’t. But Georgians understand it is better to be free than a slav(e).
I don’t think your arguments stick. Surely the US wants to control Russia (the lousy Russians don’t want to give up their oil for free), in particular by surrounding it with a puppet states whose job is to “poke the bear”
on the regular basis … and pay for it.
You are right. America wants to control Russia like we control Britain, France, Germany and Japan. These are the richest and freest countries in the world because America “controls” them. Russian Myopic vision sees only thing as black and white. You are controlling or being controlled. Now, we have advanced far past that. We have developed a mutual relationship with other civilized nations. This is a concept that is far above your comprehension. It may take a few attempts to Lenin library or some online courses. You might just get there.
Russia wants even more land. Artic circle is under Russian conquest. Putin had planned to give free Russian passports to Articians. His advisors could not find any. Russia will now start a campaign to stop Polar Bear Genocide. Troops will be sent to the North Pole. The Moscow Zoo is mobilizing blood drives to ensure the safety and welfare of the Polar bears.
Russia says it must stake claim to Arctic resources
Fri Sep 12, 2008 11:49am EDT
By Guy Faulconbridge
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia must stake its claim to a slice of the Arctic’s vast resources, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council said on Friday at an unprecedented session of the council held on a desolate Arctic island.
Russia, the world’s second biggest oil exporter, is in a race with Canada, Denmark, Norway and the United States for control of the oil, gas and precious metals that would become more accessible if global warming shrinks the Arctic ice cap.
Underlining Russia’s claims to the region, Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev assembled the defence and interior ministers and the speakers of both houses of parliament for the meeting on the Arctic island, Russian news agencies reported.
Russia, the world’s biggest country, says a whole swathe of the Arctic seabed should belong to it because the area is really an extension of the Siberian continental shelf.
“The Arctic must become Russia’s main strategic resource base,” Russian news agencies quoted Patrushev as saying. The Council usually meets only in Moscow.
Patrushev, formerly Russia’s powerful domestic spy chief, said competition from other Arctic powers was increasing and that Russia must strengthen transport links across its Arctic regions to drive development.
Canada, Norway, Russia, the United States and Denmark — which governs Greenland — all have a shoreline within the Arctic Circle, and have a 200-mile (320-km) economic zone around the north of their coastlines.
Russian officials say they are entitled to a bigger share. They base the claim on the contention that the Lomonosov ridge, a vast underwater mountain range that runs underneath the Arctic, is an extension of the Siberian continental shelf.
Under the United Nations Law of the Sea treaty, any state with an Arctic coastline that wishes to stake a claim to a greater share of the Arctic must lodge its submission with the U.N.’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Russian geologists estimate the Arctic seabed has at least 9 billion to 10 billion tonnes of fuel equivalent, about the same as Russia’s total oil reserves.
Last year a submersible with a senior Russian lawmaker on board planted a Russian flag on the Arctic seabed. The crew were greeted as heroes when they returned to Moscow.
Russian news agencies said the special Security Council session was held at the Nagurskaya base, Russia’s most northerly border outpost. The base is on Alexandra’s Land, part of the Russian-controlled Franz Josef archipelago.
Can someone be so kind to let me know how I would translate: “негры преклонных годов”?
Is that like migger?
Who else would you count as a superpower?
In terms of the US ability to project military power, there is no comparison. 700+ military bases dotted all over the globe will do that.
Nevertheless, while the US can project power, this doesn’t mean its effective. Given this I think it is best to talk in terms of regional powers that are able to check the American military.
It is my impression that “superpower” mostly means military. Given the dominance of global capital, maybe its time to talk of superpowers in terms of economic influence. In this case, the EU and China should be included in the mix.
The US still is the center of global economics. The global effect of the US housing crisis on financial markets is proof of this. Also the dollar remains the preferred currency, though people have been predicting an eventual Yen-Euro-Dollar system for a few years now.
“негры преклонных годов” = African-American Senior Citizens. Poetic, isn’t it?
“преклонных годов” is a bit outside of normal usage. “Преклонных лет” would be a completely neutral. Keeping this in mind, I’d offer “Seasoned blacks”…
““преклонных годов” is a bit outside of normal usage. “Преклонных лет” would be a completely neutral. Keeping this in mind, I’d offer “Seasoned blacks”…
African-American elders?
\”Please note/explain the following in the above:
1) “Attacking of Czechoslovakia” was done not by USSR alone but by a number of Warsaw pact countries (notably the East Germany). It can be looked upon as the USSR introducing its troops to the country.
Russia went in without an invitation. Hungary 1956. Russia is a party crasher. Czech and Hungary never wanted the Russians in their country after WWII. When they asked them to leave, Russia sent in more troops. Unfornately, Roosevelt took Stalin at his word that he would allow Democratic elections in Eastern Europe. How naive. Why is it that after the Cold War countries like the Baltics invited the US to have bases in their country? Why were Eastern European countries so anxious for NATO membership? Why did they not preserve their cozy Warsaw ties? It is simple really. These countries are afraid of double crossing, aggressive, egotistical Russia. Russia can’t be trusted and they bring no value to the countries they invade…. \”
The \”lesson in democracy\” turned out to be soooo long, -I\’d have to respond in short installments if that\’s okay.
Kolchak,
I agree it is a tough luck to be a small country. There are no “small and free” countries, there are spheres of interests of big countries.
The Eastern European countries fell victims many times during the 20th century. For example, Czechoslovakia was sold by the British and French to the Germans to buy “peace”. As a result Czechoslovakia was divided between Germany, Hungary and POLAND in 1938.
I admit Stalin ignored the results of the free elections in 1945-47 in those countries.
However, inviting the American bases on their territories is going too far. I wouldn’t call it “freedom”, you are still occupied. It’s like being a prostitute who sells herself (himself) to the one who pays more. One day these countries can be sold out again to the Russians (or Chinese), just as Czechoslovakia in 1938, when it is profitable to the “Big Guys”. We shall see.
“преклонных годов” – just “old black man”
PS. Superpower number 1 – China.
Well… might be Estonia?
US comes second.
Russia – bronze medal.
EU – no. It’s a pile of shit not a pile of rocks
“преклонных годов” – just “old black man”
PS. Superpower number 1 – China.
Well… might be Estonia?
US comes second.
Russia – bronze medal.
EU – no. It’s a pile of shit not a pile of rocks
You forgot to mention the main would-be EU member: Georgia
You right. Georgia is number one of course!
They defeated Russia.
They were brave to shit on China Games.
They were not afraid of US advice.
For sure – number one.
Oh fuck! (this is diplomatic language btw)
It’s even much worse than it looks.
I think Spanish Inquisition sounds better for me then this Stone Age “hockemom”
I agree it is a tough luck to be a small country. There are no “small and free” countries, there are spheres of interests of big countries.
The Eastern European countries fell victims many times during the 20th century. For example, Czechoslovakia was sold by the British and French to the Germans to buy “peace”. As a result Czechoslovakia was divided between Germany, Hungary and POLAND in 1938.
I admit Stalin ignored the results of the free elections in 1945-47 in those countries.
However, inviting the American bases on their territories is going too far. I wouldn’t call it “freedom”, you are still occupied. It’s like being a prostitute who sells herself (himself) to the one who pays more. One day these countries can be sold out again to the Russians (or Chinese), just as Czechoslovakia in 1938, when it is profitable to the “Big Guys”. We shall see.
That’s the problem. Russians see everything as a zero sum game. The Europeans want the US to protect them. We subsidize their defense. If they ask us to leave, then we have to go. Nobody from America has forced or invaded a country and put a base their. Just like after the Iraq War, we left Saudia Arabia. The sad fact is that no country wants a Russian base or Russian military assistance. The leaders know what that means to do so. Enslavement. 1946 Czech. 1956 Hungary 1968 Czech again. 1979 Afghanistan, 1980 Poland.
When did you hear European voices in your head last time?
” The Europeans want the US to protect them. We subsidize their defense.
When did you hear European voices in your head last time?
”
ivanov:
Apparently there was a Europe-wide referendum on the subject that you didn’t hear about. Try to google it
google or giggle?
google or giggle?
You are right giggling directly would be better, – will save one step.
Some staff that was edited out from the TV footage but available in the transcript. She’s obviously more nuanced about Russia,
PALIN: …And, Charlie, you’re in Alaska. We have that very narrow maritime border between the United States, and the 49th state, Alaska, and Russia. They are our next door neighbors.We need to have a good relationship with them. They’re very, very important to us and they are our next door neighbor.
Heck, they didn’t edit Palin only, they edited Gibson, too. Here’s Gibson all panic stricken,
GIBSON: But, Governor, we’ve threatened greater sanctions against Iran for a long time. It hasn’t done any good. It hasn’t stemmed their nuclear program.
It hasn’t done any good! The sanctions are not working! OMG, what do we do?! So Palin needs to reassure him, like a good mother would,
PALIN: We need to pursue those and we need to implement those. We cannot back off. We cannot just concede that, oh, gee, maybe they’re going to have nuclear weapons, what can we do about it. No way, not Americans. We do not have to stand for that.
http://marklevinshow.com/gibson-interview/
Full interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfz6QGmuvp4&feature=iv
Ivanov,
It was funny big time! Thanks.
P.S.: “Exactly!”
I’m hoping that in case McCain/Palin are elected or appointed by the Supreme Court, we can secretly replace Palin with Tina Fey, and launch a coup from within!
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/
That was hilarious. Maybe a McCain/Palin administration will make SNL funny again.
We’ll be in a Holy war with Russia, banning books in libraries, teaching creationism in schools, charging women for rape kits, shooting polar bears and wolves as notional sport, but at least SNL will be funny again! Hahaha!!! Haha… heh… Shit. We’re so screwed.
yes you are…. but we might be screwed as well
PS. Would be interesting to run a poll among Sean’s readers “You would vote for…”
I’m considering writing in VVP. Living in Obama’s backyard, my vote won’t make a shred of difference anyway.
Or maybe his dog Connie, or Chtulhu, or “Against All”…
We can debate which country is less democratic, but Russia seems to be having more fun with their democracy…
My wife and I will vote for Obama. We voted for him during the Vermont Democratic primaries (in which he easily beat Hilary.) By the way, I was never cocky about an Obama victory in November. I’m afraid that if the polls show Obama ahead by a few points this could mean a McCain win (the infamous Bradley effect). At the moment the polls show McCain ahead, but things can still go either way.
Incidentally, my wife yesterday worked the phones in the Obama headquarters in Vermont (at about 630,000 people, it’s a small state). Vermont being a safe Obama state, she was working on a list of New Hampshire residents. Of the people she ended up talking with, she was amazed by the number (no less than half, she thought) that had no interest in the election at all. It’s hard to believe, but some of them did not know the names of the candidates. More of them although knew the names did not know who was the Democrat and who was the Republican.
F..ck the democracy!
Palin was definitely on edge and on the defensive in that interview. I haven’t had a chance to see the whole thing yet, just the “controversial” parts on the Bush doctrine and Lincoln prayer thing. She could have definitely been more succinct in her responses dealing with foreign policy, but nothing she said was really all that new or controversial. She should have probably taken a shot or two before doing the interview; I think she would have been clearer if she was a bit more relaxed.
It must be stated once again, she is running for the VP slot. If McCain were to die, there would still be plenty of advisors and other staff to make the transition pretty painless. Truman probably didn’t look like such a great VP pick either at the time, or at the end of his term with his approval ratings lower than Bush’s are right now. But history has shown him to be a pretty good president, all things considered.
If Palin does end up becoming the president, she just has to make John Bolton Secretary of State and all will be golden.
Seriously though, America (and I would argue the democratic world at large) has always benefited in the long run from a US that is overly aggressive towards rouge nations and dictatorships. A Palin administration would follow in that tradition with respect to foreign policy.
Can someone tell me where all the sane people are?
Spasibo.
Truman probably didn’t look like such a great VP
You must be joking. Truman was educated in the law (hey, that might come in handy working in government) and a two term Senator.
Less than 3 years ago, Palin was the mayor of a podunk village. She became governor of perhaps the most rural state in the US. The mayor of Columbus, Ohio was a larger constituency than the Governor of Alaska. Upon being elected governor, she almost immediately became embroiled in hillbilly scandals.
If she becomes VP, at least we can be sure that her cousin Jethro will get a good job, maybe working for them Secret Service fellas.
Hi poemless,
I grew up in chicago. I’m married (15 years) to a Russian, born in peter. My Russian in-laws practically moved in with us when the children were young. They came to the U.S. 6 months at a time over 11 years- staggering their trips to help with childcare and to teach the kids their language, instill some Russian culture. In me too! As they and my husband are all only children, they soon were enamored with being a part of my big Irish Cath family. They were a welcome exotic addition to our tight-knit Southside neighborhood, where neighbors arrived unannounced whenever for a drink and a chat. Our Kitchen politics were familiar; they got into it. They loved taking trips to our Michigan dacha (It’s just like Finland!) They were sure my Wisconsin German/Swede farmboy brother-in-law was a Ukranian. Likewise,they were loved by all…Fast forward to today, I live on the West Coast, work in tech with Russians/Ukranians. A number of my old Southside friends/family are so rightwing – in reaction to being the minority in a majority black area (It reminds me of the South Ossetians) that they are sure to vote GOP. Those Northern Illinois/Wisconsin people that seemed like Ukranians to my in-laws – They like Palin because they identify with her down-homeness. Meanwhile my son is getting automatically signed up in high school for calls from military recruiters – so he can go fight the Russians, I guess. So, you’re not alone in feeling depressed about all this.
Tess,
Ooh. I spent the winter canvassing the southside. They all vote Dem, (or Ron Paul), but their Dem congressman votes with Bush all of the time. Very weird and rather depressing areas I must say. (I have theory of American sovoks that might apply to them.) I work in Hyde Park (different kind of south side) – not too worried about Obama winning here! Actually, he’ll handily get the IL vote. But as much as I hate to say it, I do think race will play a factor in this election. In an election when the GOP should not be able to win, given the events of the past 8 years, they have the good luck to be running against a black urban intellectual many people still believe is Muslim.
Why are we talking about the US elections? Can we get Biden on record as not ruling out war with Russia? Otherwise…
BTW, uhm, so do you know Chris? There’s some weird Bermuda triangle of Chicago-West Coast-Russia going on here. Creeping me out (Totten-like).
I lived in Chicago when I was 5. I barely remember it.
When I call Palin “bitch” I do it for reason.
I had met her and known her for TEN years.
Same tone, same manners, same face, same glasses, same hair style, same clothes and same high hills.
The only difference – she spoke Russian and was a director of my school. And she was The Bitch I have to say….
when I saw Palin (and heard her) I was scared again….
I think Ivanov must have issues with his mom.
No I don’t know Chris or anyone else here…though I’ve certainly met “Irishman” – Go into any pub along S. Western Ave. and he’s there. So his rants seem very familiar.
Yes BO/Biden are voicing the Russian hardline too. M. McFaul doesn’t bring much new to the table. So on the issue of Russian-relations, the outcome of the election doesn’t matter much. A McCain/Palin win will just validate CCARF’s “dumb fucks” comment. That’s what hurts.
This group might appreciate this:
http://donald.tetto.org/mccain/slogans.php
Don’t trouble my mom, boy! Then Palin will look like Snowwhite for you
Look out! Palin is gettin’ uppity! http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/a-what-administ.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiOIEGM7XEs
this is real one.
At least you can see – she is really good to tell ANYTHING
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anxkrm9uEJk
This was interesting (although he is just an actor). He makes a passing reference to the idea of Palin having no experience and having to possibly deal with Putin, etc.
Yikes. There’s more.
http://www.cbs.com/thunder/player/thunder.php?pid=hdkxamTi8l_uCAJ2ORKSzF3marEPn7Ul
Something about Putin rearing his head in Alaska.