There is a time when it is necessary to take the gloves off and that time is
right now, said Sarah Palin in Colorado. Interesting that she did not want
the gloves off before her vice-presidential debate with Joe Biden. Oh,
gloves on then. Headgear, too. Maybe some of those big shoulder pads that
quarter-backs wear; and throw cushions for a softer landing. In fact, Palin
and her minders could not have demanded a safer arena for debate when the
opposition was within striking distance. Biden appeared with his hands tied,
his intellect muted, his manner subdued, lest he should seem smarter, better
informed or more competent than his opponent, a move which was inexplicably
deemed undesirable. This shows how far we have come. Intelligence is now
viewed as a threat. Isn't that how Pol Pot operated?
Meanwhile, the Republican lobby put pressure on the debate moderator not to go
heavy on foreign policy, perhaps fearing that Palin would repeat her view
that experience in this area was linked to proximity to a coastline, and
expectations were lowered so that just avoiding intellectual humiliation
would be seen as victory. And it worked. She got the name of the Nato
commander in Afghanistan wrong and Biden smiled politely. She pronounced
nuclear the same way that Homer Simpson does and he had to find it charming.
She failed to answer direct questions, while advancing a carefully moulded
image as a straight-talking maverick, and it went unquestioned. Now, from a
safe distance, Palin wants the gloves off. Of course she does, with no
chance of instant scrutiny.
Palin is the queen of misinformation, delivered with faux folksiness as
authentic as a three- dollar bill. She is not the pitbull in lipstick of
popular myth; she is Deputy Dawg with a forked tongue, engaged in a war
against intelligence. Those falling for this act are her collateral damage.
Barack Obama did not pal around with terrorists. He did not vote to increase
the tax burden on families making $42,000 a year, or vote 94 times to
increase taxes. Palin's statements on these subjects are not a reality
bulletin from Main Street, Wasilla. Palin's statements are lies. Madeline
Albright did not speak of a place in Hell reserved for women who do not
support other women. Palin misquoted her. Albright said help, not support.
And there is no such place as Hell.
Even so, for those American women who worry that they risk damnation if they
don't vote the Republican ticket, it should be explained that eternity with
a pitchfork impaled in your rear is still preferable to a vote for a
politician who aided her political career by using her Down's syndrome child
to cover her daughter's pregnancy bump. And it is at this point that we need
to talk to the Democrat women considering joining Palin's ranks and ask:
what the hell is wrong with you? People were imprisoned and trampled to
death by horses for this? They marched, they demonstrated, and for what? A
vote cast on the basis of a Y chromosome?
You go, girl. Go? Go where? Go to college? Go back to that Republican cramming
camp to be told what newspapers to say you read and be fed another set of
fake statistics where real knowledge and opinions should be? It is easy to
parody Sarah Palin, wrote one commentator last week. No, it isn't. It is
near impossible because so much of what she says reads like a satirical
script anyway. Tina Fey, the finest Palin imitator, was reduced on Saturday
Night Live to using Palin's exact words in response to a question about the
bailout package last week, because they were beyond imitation.
“That's what I say that I like every American I am speaking with we're ill
about this position that we have been put in where it is the taxpayers
looking to bailout, but ultimately what the bailout does is help those who
are concerned about the healthcare reform that is needed to help shore up
our economy, um, helping the, oh, it's got to be all about job creation,
too, shoring up our economy and, and putting it back on the right track; so
healthcare reform, and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to
accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans and trade we have we
got to see trade as opportunity not as, a, a, competitive, um, scary thing,
but one in five jobs being created in the trade sector today we, we've got
to look at that as more opportunity, all of those things under the umbrella
of job creation, this bailout is a part of that.”
Genuine answer from potentially the second most powerful politician in the
free world. How can anybody parody that?
Tina Fey is at least attempting to do the job of nailing Palin's shallowness,
her falseness, her studied populism and the way the standards and
expectations of public debate have been lowered to accommodate her. Yet if
there truly were this liberal media elite to which Palin makes constant
reference, it would have bounced her out of the building by now. Anyone who
thinks Palin's performances since her catastrophic CBS interview have been
adequate must also believe the American public are stupid. By any normal
yardstick of political discourse - substance, accuracy, coherence - she is a
bust.
Against Biden she was judged a success, not on what she said, but on the
connection she is believed to have made with a fictional Joe Six-Pack: so
those giving the thumbs-up must also believe Americans to be simple suckers
for a wink, a dropped “g” on a verb, and the use of the odd folksy phrase.
You betcha. Doggone it. She's a bump on a log. Darn right.
I think it is utterly disgusting how the Republicans are waging a divisive war, with Palin leading the battle. As the article implies she embraces mediocrity and small mindedness, which has festered in the Nation for far too long. No wonder Americans are disgraced around the world.
Danielle DeBruce, New York, USA
So many of us are all over this! She needs to go back to Alaska and face the music in the investigation and hopefully be impeached. Once a beauty queen, always a beauty queen.
Obama/Biden 08
Trish, Sarver, USA
Patricia Jonson from Bedford USA - what are you talking about? What aspect of Sarah Palin, in the context of her vice presidential aspirations, can you possibly be proud of ? Her ignorance of national and international affairs or her incoherent responses to simple and predictable questions? Shame!
D Ben Moshe, Sacramento, USA
at last someone says the emperor is naked!
jenny, el cerrito,
I am so glad that someone is finally speaking the truth. Too bad we can't count on our media to be so honest. This is truly a slap in the face to all American women!
Terri, Franklin, NJ, USA
Please let us demonstrate on November 4 that we are a nation of reasonable, wise individuals who are capable of voting on a wide range of issues, and not insular and self-involved one-off issues. We need to revisit and honor our Constitution, but also revisit our responsibilities as world citizens.
Kitty Shelley, Chicago, IL, USA
I am an American university professor, and was in Cambodia during the Republican convention. I too thought of Pol Pot as I read the news of Sarah Palin's selection and the denigration of "elites"--which includes anyone with an excellent education, just what I am striving to provide for my students.
Rich, Silicon Valley, CA, USA
The selection of Sarah Palin as VP nominee demonstrates that wisdom, intelligence and capability are no longer considered worthwhile traits in America. How very sad indeed. Sinking to the lowest level of the barrel to prove that we are all equal is nonsense. As an American, I can only hope that our nation does not elect this ticket to positions of real power.
Stephan Nolan, Chicago, IL, USA
Thank you for this article. Thank you for trying to help. It is VERY disturbing that half of America is actually going along with this propaganda.
Judy Blue, Chicago, IL, USA
The Republicans like her so much they're hiding her from the media so she doesn't continue to make a fool of herself. Have you ever asked to change the subject or avoided answering questions at a job interview? Apparently, Republicans admire her for this. Palin has no place in federal government.
Jeff, Sacramento, California, USA
The gloves were taken off in relation to Sen Obama, she was in a debate with Sen Biden. Responding, after a fashion, to questions posed.
It was not for Biden to respond to, it is for Sen Obama.
damien, Monchengladbach, Germany
What terrifies me the most about a McCain win is that if anything happens to McCain, Palin would be in leadership of the only superpower in the world.
Walter, Victoria, Canada
As an english person residing in in the US and able to vote, Sarah Palin is an affront to intelligent people. She is being used by the RNC as a diversionary tactic . McCain is reliant on her to smooth over his outbursts at Obama. The right wing are running scared,- expect dirty elections
sophie mcmillan, sammamish, USA
america is in ruins ,governed by the shallow for the shallow.a country with no substance thats running scared of itself.get from in front of your televisions grazing away to doing something for the greater good of society... karma !
john, birmingham, england
"At least America is not overrun by Muslims like UK, France and other countries" P.Johnson
Muslims make up 2.7% of our population as of 2001, and that's presuming all are proper Muslims. Sounds like you know as much of the world outside the US as Palin. Open your eyes, she is out of her depth.
Matt, Leamington,
In the past couple of days Sarah Belle has gotten her rally crowds so pumped up that at the mere mention of Bill Ayers and Barack Obama's name, someone shouted out "Kill him", not delineating exactly whom he wished to be executed. This woman has steadily declined in the polls by double digits.
Ernest Winfrey, Nashville, United States
Yet more snootiness from UK observers of the US election. Whether you like her or not (and contrary to your screed and the comments here, many, many intelligent people do like her) she has more life and executive experience as VP candidate than Obama has as presidential candidate.
Steven, London, UK
Politicians aren't elected on the basis of their IQ. In the US money paves the way to a political career. In the UK it's left to those who can be bothered to attend party meetings and never question the party line. At least in the US the politicians are prettier. But they are no dumber.
J Harker, London,
The Joe Six-pack angle. Even Joe six-pack is smart enough to know that he doesn't want one of his own kind replacing Petraus in Iraq, so why would he want someone like himself running the Whitehouse unless he thinks all the President does is sit around picking beteween options that feel good?
Ian, Montreal, Canada
I made a fool of myself after the VP debate telling my friend he had missed a live train wreck.
She spewed out words from prepared answers and when she dared glance across to Biden, she looked like a startled rabbit.
The media's largely positive reaction astonished me. So thanks for this !
mathew , tampico, mexico
Will the Brits take us back? Please?
We'll teach you Baseball!
Alan Abrams, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Absolutely spot on, brilliant summary of the situation
Palin she is beyond a joke
it is chilling this woman can hold the nuclear codes
what is mind boggling is Americans can't seem to see through her.
R, London, UK
Says it all. Well done, a very nice piece of writing.
I am forwarding this to every American I know (despite jokey stereotypes, I don't seriously think any of of my American friends are anywhere near dumb enough to vote for her.... but just in case...)
Ian , Sydney, Australia
This campaign is becoming more surreal by the day. At first, it was easy to laugh off Sarah Palin as comic relief. However her speeches of the past few days have become distubing. Many, many Americans agree with you! I still have faith in the electorate in my country, and that reason will prevail!
Georgeann, Chicago, IL, USA
After visiting the great state of Alaska in the spring, I was struck by the positive views of people there AK. Did not know then who the governor was but did know she was well respected and people were positive about her. She's got my vote! She's understands regular hard people in America.
Jean, Ralegh, USA
Patricia from Bedford - that was a truly scary comment, I cannot believe a country like the States has people who would make that comment. It would be funny if Palin somehow became president, if it were not for the size of your army and nuclear(not nuke-u-lar) arsenal.
J from Dallas, too right...
Lee, Christchurch,
6 words: The dumbing down of America continues.
Margie, St Paul , usa
One female voter interviewed on October `10 on NPR called Palin a "class act"-- that is how much many voters want to delude themselves to avoid voting for Obama. Many Republicans don't even like John McCain but as long as Sarah is dissing Joe and Barack and promoting drilling in Alaska, all is good
Robin Lovrien, Washington, DC ,
This woman is the female George Bush, so don't assume the Americans won't elect her. They elected GB even after four years of his idiocy.
Mark Savage, Kiama, Australia
....being smart is not all it takes to run a country but it is a very basic requirement which unfortunately Ms. Palin appears to be lacking, well at least to the rest of the world, and by the fact that he picked her, McCain must be lacking it too.
Woman voting for her because she's a woman...scary
Lee, Christchurch,
Palin cannot continually keep on making references to her 'soccer mom' persona, and then not expect be be attacked for it.
Same with a black man who makes continual references to his race. If Obama made an issue of his race in the same way, then he would be shot down.
Bilal Patel, London, UK
It bothers me that this information is incredibly clear to the world but too many of my fellow Americans seem to miss it completely. My fear is McCain will be elected, Palin will take over when he dies, and then there will have been 8 years of Bush and 4 years of Palin to add to the laughing stock.
Brandon C, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Thank you for the wonderful article. This woman is a joke!! Samantha from Alaska--I am glad that you love her because you can keep her! The rest of this country certainly doesn't want her!
Shannon, Minneapolis, USA
Have to remember that the American people got it wrong with George Bush and look at the disaster he was and still is.
robert, Pattaya, Thailand
Sarah Palin would make an excellent Playground Queen. She's pretty, energetic, elicits passionate adoration among some, winks endearingly, and is great at childish name calling.
However, for a woman who will be a (possibly faltering) heartbeat away from the Presidency, she is terrifying.
Ann, Chicag0, USA
I don't know how anyone who calls themself an American could vote for Obama. You think that because he has a law degree that he is a candidate worth voting for? How many lawyers do you know that are honest, stand up guys? Being smart is not all it takes to run America.
J, Dallas, united states
After the brilliant Madelaine Albright and Condoleza Rice, we now have the mediocre Sarah Palin, the woman next door raised to the nth power by polictical calculation & desperation. In a country with so many well educated women McCain could have selected a brilliant unknown
Moki Monono, Victoria, Cameroon
joe six-pack is not imaginary.
tete, buenos aires, argentina
Please email your commentary to the Wall Street Journal. Sometimes I feel I have to read information not printed in the USA because it is so biased. I love a smart woman but Palin is not vice-president smart. I'm SCARED, MAY GOD HELP THE USA. A mother of four, an RN, and High School teacher,
Lisa Smith, Fitzgerald, Ga, USA
Nailed it, Martin.
Jarrad Wilkes, Gloucester,
One of the best and most incisive articles I've read about the U.S election - Sarah Palin cannot be allowed to be a heartbeat away from a 72 year old president.
Simon Harvey, Bristol, UK
I don't want someone in such a high office to be just like me. I want them to have far more education, experience and insight that's essential for the such a position. That's not being elitist toward "Joe Six Pack", that's being intelligent.
Kari, Newport Beach, CA, USA
If I were a woman who had experienced the liberation of the last 50 years, I would be outraged and embarrassed that anyone would presume this woman (Palin) represented me. Hopefully real women are similarly embarrassed and will realize that this is not a vote about anatomy, but one of ideology.
Johnsy, Long Beach, CA, USA
Please please, it's not "reigning", it's "reining".
Thank you
Mr Pedant, Camden,
The hypocrisy of the republican agenda is incredible. The republican agenda is about individualism, and looking after one-self, well it doesn’t work. This is not what the republicans are about, Palin and Mcain are NOT middle America. She has 3 houses, Mcain didnt even know. republicans open ure eyes
Alec Smith, Crouch End, England
How sad but true...
Also, some say Palin is just part of the cover for another Republican election theft - which according to them is just like the last two.
Hard to disagree with them when considering how utterly sad a candidate Ms. Paliin is.
Peter, Manchester, UK
This was the best assessment of Sarah Palin I have seen yet. I am embarassed that Ms. Palin is what is being touted around the world as the best we have to offer. McCain has become a parody himself by sending this person out to do his bidding. I am disgusted with this election.
Sandra, Buffalo, USA
Governor Palin is an embarrassment. What was McCain thinking? Holy cow. Oops, did I steal one of her folksy phrases?
Maria Rodriguez, Homestead, Florida, US
Thank you. The American citizens of this wonderful country need to ask themselves, is Sarah Palin qualified to run this country as President should anything happen, let alone serve as Vice President? Kudos to being a working mother, but a VP candidate, wake up folks!
Working mom from Hawaii
Pam Tsuru, Kailua,
As a Brit, permanent resident in the US, I'm only grateful - for the one time in my life - that I cannot vote in this election. The choice is staggeringly awful.
Perhaps the only 'ticket' I'd consider would be McCain/Biden!
Actually, Clinton - the Bill variety - would be preferable.
Martino, Shalimar, USA
At least America is not overrun by Muslims like UK, France and other countries. At least not yet....If Obama gets in I am VERY afraid we will be seeing it here. YES, I am a woman, AND many of my Women friends are voting for McCain/Palin. We are Proud of her.
P.Johnson,
Patricia Johnson, Bedford, USA
...and if Obama was a Republican, the mainstream media would be laughing hysterically at the ludicrousness of someone of his inexperience running for president.
Nick, Rotherham, UK
I cannot imagine what would have happened to Biden if HE had been the one who gave the response about being 'ill' about the financial crisis. They would have him for breakfast. This woman has set the bar so low, it is quite scary.
Martha Rice, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
We Brits shouldn't be so quick to judge. After all, it was the British who for 10 years relied on comedians such as Ian Hislop & Rory Bremner as the most articulate opponents of New Labour.
Andrew, London,
Hurrah for common sense! When did Intelligence become a handicap for those aspiring to the most demanding job in the world? That that sacrosanct office could conceivably fall into the lap of a 'hockey mom' with a journalism degree from Alaska is absurd. Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt...Palin...?
Simon Revington , London , United Kingdom
Sadly Palin will win the election as the pending rally on Wall st will win over more neo conservatives as the fear terror/ of markets has been and ends game by clever republican bankers to win another 4 more years for their cronies and Obama team have once again been sleeping Wall ST Dow 14000
DAVID, MONTE CARLO,
Its a bit rich some of these negative comments from the uk about US voters and their politicians. Voters in UK voted in the labour government 3 times.
Jimd, Norwich, uk
What is all this about "she connects with people"? Homer Simpson connects with people, but he would not get my vote for any political office, not even Mayor of Wassila.
Matthew, New York City, USA
Wow - I cried with laughter at the Tina Fey impersonation but didn't realise it was so close to what she *actually* said!!!
Kitty, Oxford,
I had an uneasy feeling about Sarah Palin the moment she was chosen as the Republican VP candidate but have not been able to articulate what I felt. Thanks for hitting the nail on the head. Lord I pray the Reps don't win!
Maheen, London, UK
If Sara Palin believes Obama consorted with terroist by working with a former member of the Weathermen; then what does she believe about FDR's summit meeting with Joseph Stalin?
Diana, Brooklyn, usa
Please do not judge us, Americans, by Sarah Palin nor the comments of Samatha Martin from Alaska. We truly are more intelligent than either of them. Thank you very much.
Ginny Galbraith, Ponca City, Oklahoma, USA
Palin is strong, honestly. She is much stronger politically than Hillary now. Palin can debate and connect with people better than Hillary too. Dems better hope Obama does well with the economy in his four years (if he wins), because if he doesn't, Palin will be President 4 years from now :)
Julia, Omaha, USA
Brilliant article! The woman is a frightening menace and to all the Americans who think she's just the ticket, can you not look inwards and see how she will be viewed on the world stage if McCain got elected?
Ann-Marie, Lincoln, UK
There is a huge difference between the average, "Joe Six Pack" person actually running this country and a person who understands the average, "Joe Six Pack" and the state of this country and can make the necessary changes to solve these problems! She is nauseating!
ann, Wisconsin, Brown
Darn right.
Thanks for this.
Adia, Tempe, USA
Sarah Palin is by far the worst candidate ever to run for elections. There is no substance in what she says and she has insulted and lowered the calibre of American Presidency.
She is very opinionated and lacks leadership and grace. Very Dangerous...
Harita , Alpharetta, USA
It's quite astonishing to me how protective the Republican redneck voters have got so quickly. They clearly see Palin as someone they would, genuinely honestly want to vote for. That is what is so disturbing, they really can't see what is going on in front of their eyes, not that Obama is any better
David, London, UK
I am one of those American women who think Sarah Palin is a twit! She is emvarrassing to those of us who would like to see a woman in the White House. McCain had many intelligent, experienced woman to choose as his VP running mate. This is definitely an indication of character flaw in McCain.
Kathi, Fort Lauderdale,
America loves its stupid dunces - that is the reason they could vote in George Bush twice and apparently think twice about electing Obama and Biden. If they elect McPalin to office..we should all be very very afraid!! The lunatics will have taken over the roost.
Vernon Butcher, basingstoke, Hampshire
Ok the lie that Obama did not vote to raise taxes is just driving me mad. Obama voted to repeal the current tax cuts we have meaning your tax liability will increase and you pay more in taxes. If you have to give the government more of your earnings that is a tax increase.
Stewart, Tampa, USA
Palin has a huge capacity for psychobabble. It is ill thought out., uncomprehensible and if this is the level of the average American then I can see why you look like a nation in decline. In Obama you have a man of immense intelligence who would be a great president
Vernon Butcher, basingstoke, Hampshire
Are all Alaskans are like Sarah Palin. NO! In fact, last Saturday, while 250 people were at a "Palin Rally," in Anchorage, 1500 people were a few streets over at an Obama Rally. 3 weeks ago, another 1400 people rallied against Palin in Fairbanks. Her approval is now 46% at best,
Alexandra, Colorado, USA
Considering the opposition, the McCain/Palin ticket looks better and better. She may be one heartbeat away from the presidency and that may make some voters nervous. What makes me even more nervous is the thought that someone as unprepared and unqualified as Obama could take that job in January.
Sam Sattler, Houston,
What plant are you inhabiting, Martin Samuel? The entire mainstream media, as well as the liberal newsprint and left wing blogosphere has been crawling with insults directed at Gov. Palin from the very moment she stepped onto the stage at the Republican convention! The vitriol has been breathtaking!
johnW, Manchester, UK
Every American should sit back and think the following scenario. Its May 2009, McCain has passed away in a tragic accident, Putin has marched into a post NATO acceptance Ukraine. He sits across the table and gives her that look of ice and says 'NATO? What NATO?'. Please America - do not allow this.
T Palloway, London, UK
Is there such a creature as the pentecostal, right-wing, untravelled, inarticulate intellectual aspiring to political greatness? Or is this just a twisted marketing scam? Yet again, the world laughs as US democracy shudders in its cold cold grave.
Mark, Doncaster,
Mr Samuel, you have one thing wrong. You suggest that the American public aren't dumb enough to fall for it. As various comments on this page show, plenty of them are.
Sarah J, Dartmouth, Canada
Correction to Samantha: Ivan Moore's poll taken Sep 2-20 showed a 68% AK approval rating. Expect continued steep decline the longer she stonewalls the Legislature's abuse-of-power investigation and talks trash. Alaska's registered Democrats make up only 16% of voters (but growing as she goes down).
Betty, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Hahahaha..... What about Mr. "FDR on the tele" Joe Biden? You Obamites throughout the world better hope he wins because if he doesn't.....
Richard Cranium, Lubbock, USA
I find it quite funny that Palin is critisized for her lack of intelligence, while Obama gets a free pass. But yet, when Obama was a guest lecturer at the UofC law school, he could not muster the intellectual prowess to write one article or research paper. And his academic career ended. What a joke!
Peter, Warsaw, Poland
The general electorate (even those who should know better) vote on Beliefs and not on Ability. People believe that 'shares my views' is key for picking a candidate instead of asking 'are they up to the job?'.
Better a wise man in the job than a fool, regardless of party. But fools get in.
Abbi, Guernsey,
If Americans vote this pair in, then the planet is certainly doomed. Biden should not have allowed men to be demeaned in this manner. Women and men are equal, neither sex is superior or should be given an easier ride because they have only two brain cells.
tone, cambridge,
Many years ago in Nigeria there was a debate about whether the American first degree should be equated to A levels. Sarah Palins performance and low intellectual caliber raises concern and calls for a reassessment .. She surely cannot pass A level literature and she has a degree in journalism ?
henry monono, limbe, Cameroon
A highly embarrassed American woman abroad, all I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you - everything I have been saying about this woman, but more eloquently.
Palin is a shining example of why the US is in decline as a super power.
S.C. Huldig, London,
Thankfully, it is beginning to appear that the upcoming election will end eight years of an American nightmare. May we have a return of dignity and intelligence to our government and may the likes of Sarah Palin never be heard from again.
Nancy , Monterey, CA, USA
It may not be evident to many yet, but the upcoming election may be a mistake. There are no smart good guys in sight! I think, the election should be deferred for a year while the House of Representatives run the country with a Conservatorship. Our whole economic system system is compromised !
AllanS, Simi Valley CA, USA
Go McCain/Palin!
Jim, Visalia, United States
What about the fact that her husband is a member of the Alaskan Independence Party(an organization that wants to break away from the U.S.) and she was video taped saying "keep up the good work" when they had a convention in her home city? (which by the way can not be found on the internet any more!
Anna, Milwaukee, US
It is because of the democrats ineptitude that has allowed this person even to be considered for a high office. If they would have tuned into voters 8 years ago, we never would have been subjected to GWB.
They used to be the party of the working man. They went away from that and it has cost us all
greg, appleton, usa
Brilliant article. Thank you for echoing my sentiments so articulately. I hope more Americans see her for the caricature that she is. This woman's world view is dangerous, she sees only good versus evil, black or white and the nuances of shades of grey escape her logic and reasoning.
Cassandra, Ontario, Canada
Biden was a total dunce in the debate!
When did we, or anyone else, kick Hezbollah out of Lebenon? read the Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122325448093406451.html
What Palin said was at least true!
Palin has courage, Biden has none!
That is enough for me.
Mike D, Eden Prairie, MN , US of A
Sarah Palin is a cross between Walter Brennan and the sheriff in the film "Fargo"!!!God help us all if she is elected president!!!
John , vancouver, Canada
Sarah Palin is an embarrasment to all woman in America she nothing more than a laughing stock "I can only image what her fellow Republican Party is saying behind her back .... What a pathetic joke." ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! It's time for the Bush/Chaney and McCain/Palin must go!
Genie, chicago, US
Great article. You nailed Palin. She's a fake and a fool.
Jan, Los Angeles, USA
Reminded me of someone trying to put a saddle on a pig. No matter how hard you try its not going to work
Her babbling twaddle isnt working.
Roy, Kamloops, Canada
Palin is a total disaster! Any politician who takes credit for things that the ordinary "Joe Six-pack" or "Hockey mom" does on a day to day basis needs to have their head examined. "I love my country, my children, husband"....big deal. What do you want, a cookie???
Mike, Tampa, Florida
Sarah is stupid as opposed to Biden? Come on. Biden is a lawyer, has been in the Senate half his life, and misstated which article of The Constitution created the Senate. Also, exactly when did the US kick Hezbollah out of Lebanon? I must have missed that.
Bill, New Jersey, USA
Perfectly stated. She's not just an insult to women, she's an insult to America. But we all need to focus on the fact that it was McCAIN who chose her as his running mate. The fact that he could make such a disaterous decision just proves his incompetency to run our country!
Debbie, San Mateo, USA
There is recent precedent in the way that the Republican party has offered an inept, virtually unknown and scary vice presidential nominee, of whom the voting American public has no qualms whatsoever - Dan Quayle. No problem then; why should things be different now?
Steve, Mundelein, USA
Thank you for putting many of my thoughts into words.
Cass, Madison, USA
I love watching you liberals seethe with venomous hatred at the very mention of Sarah Palin's name. Gives me a good laugh! Thanks!
Adam, Rochester Hills, MI,
Pretty much any unscripted response from pretty much any politician would sound like nonsense with your punctuation! Re-read it carefully with a little mental punctuation and it's no more idiotic than the usual verbal effluvia we get from UK politicians every day.
David, London, UK
Sarah Palin is a disgrace. Pure and simple.
Andy, London,
And THE MEDIA has taken it's gloves off for Obama, the man who walks on water, parts the sea and sits on judgment on all that he surveys? Wow...I sure can sleep better tonight.
Alexandra, Palm Desert, CA, USA
It's because of the liberal media that she is getting away with it. In a politically correct world where we can't call someone stupid or ill educated for fear of causing offence that same person can then stand to be VP and claim to be a champion of ordinary Americans. Americans should be offended.
Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK
Thanks for writing this in language that everyone can understand. The rise and rhetoric of Sarah Palin should scare anyone who believes in meritocracy and believes that the American president should be smarter than "Joe Sixpack". Your allusion to Pol Pot is absolutely frightening in its accuracy
Helen, Philadelphia, USA
Brilliant article.
I just hope Americans won't vote for team McCain/Palin because that would generally be considered as a catastrophe by the rest of the world.
Marissa, Nizza, France
This is such a good article. There's not long left until we Americans vote and IT'S TIME TO GET ANGRY.
Joseph, Newcastle, UK
A great article, could not agree more! I would advise that all readers view the article in Rolling Stone magazine on John McCain, gives the perfect insight into this socalled American hero. Comments by his former colleagues and friends identify what makes him tick. It sure is not country first!
Derek, Mebane, USA
Samantha Martin writes that she 'has a higher intellect and is a proud American-not a Marxist.'
I LOVE it. So I suppose it's not possible to be a proud American and be a Marxist? And as for her intellect being higher than Obama's - what a joke! How can you compare Palin to a top Harvard Law grad?
Howard, London, UK
I think that after nearly 8 years of defending the intelligence of George W - Sarah Palin isn't such a stretch! And he got re-elected!
Patrick, Brighton,
Right on. The American press have been a bunch of gutless wonders about Palin. Her lack of knowledge and verbal incompetence border on linguistic genocide. Why she has to be approached with kid gloves is incomprehensible. She's a total disgrace.
Michele, New York, NY, USA
I Love Sarah Palin!!! In fact, I'm going to the Sarah Palin Rally in Jacksonille, FL. tomorrow and I can't wait!
McCain-Palin all the way!!!!
Lynne, Green Cove, FL,
Samantha Martin,
What you just said says more about Alaskans than the lower 48! Are most Alaskans like Palin? That would be the only reason I can think of why she could possibly have an 80% approval rating up there! She is like a cartoon caricature!
Martin, I agree with Geo. You nailed It!!
Donna Hughes, Story City, Iowa, USA
That this woman got nominated at all says a lot about Americans. I love America but I cannot but recall a Greek saying "he who God wants to detroy he first makes mad" and America will be showing the first sign of madness by voting this woman into office
Oladejo Oladimeji, London, UK
If she had a better command of the English lanuage (and the facts) I might, just might, have a little more respect for her. "Not got to let allow?" Enough said.
Jen, Boulder, CO, USA
If Sarah Palin was a man she would be laughed off the national stage. What a pathetic joke.
Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA
Your absolutely nailed it. I am so embarrassed for America. If we had a Liberal media she would be gone alright. If we had any kind of media with guts the Iraq war would have been questioned, Bush grilled mercilessly, McCain's medical records published, and Palin laughed right off stage. I miss UK.
Geo., St. Pete Beach, USA
"Intelligence is now viewed as a threat" - what an insightful observation and yet it's so obvious. People mistake ignorance for straight talk and self-reflection for indecisiveness. Go USA!
Katherine Turner, Gainesville, FL, USA
I couldn't agree with you more. She has lowered the bar of American politics.
Keri, San Francisco,
Standing ovation!
Alfred Bommel, Newport Beach, California
Not everyone or every woman in America is stupid. These are serious times and we need serious leaders. I'm voting for Obama.
Kimberly Brooks, Moundsville, WV, USA
I am an Alaskan, I know Sarah Palin- and you are dead wrong !
Governor Sarah has an 80% positive approval in her state (unheard of!) She is an intelligent, straight talkern who loves God and Country. She has more experience than BO, has a higher intellect and is a proud American- not a Marxist!
Samatha Martin, Anchorage, USA
This is brilliant! I loved it. Thank you so much.
Elissa, Vancouver, WA, USA