Red meat: Palin on abortion, guns, stem-cell research, and balancing work and career
posted at 8:15 pm on September 12, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Everything was better tonight: The setting, Gibson’s demeanor, and of course her comfort with the subject matter, as most of these are gimmes. His question about whether homosexuality is genetic or learned is a stupid gotcha, which she handles reasonably well — although I would have savored a barb at The One about how the matter is above her pay grade. As it is, her response ought to mellow out centrists worried that the “Christianist” menace is descending. If she’s a fundie at heart, as governor she’s kept that heart pretty well concealed.
Her best moment thus far comes at the end, when she refuses to take the bait and whine about sexism. Hillary feminists won’t like that, everyone else in America will. Exit question one: What little matter of domestic policy did Gibson conspicuously neglect to ask about? Maybe Hannity will get to it next week amid tough questions like, “How hard is it to be you?” Exit question two: How’s the abortion answer going to play? Opposing exceptions even in the case of rape and incest is, needless to say, emphatically not a centrist position, but stressing that she wants to leave the matter to the states and bending over backwards to express her respect for other opinions might be enough to defuse it.
Don’t forget: The rest, including an exchange on book-burning, will air on 20/20 at 10 p.m. ET.
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That’s not fair Allah.
carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Book burning? (Banning?)
pugwriter on September 12, 2008 at 8:21 PM
The lady is a star.
wildweasel on September 12, 2008 at 8:21 PM
She did great tonight!!
nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 8:22 PM
I agree with everything she said.
D0WNT0WN on September 12, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Mega Dittos Sarah.
D0WNT0WN on September 12, 2008 at 8:23 PM
I liked her answer on homosexuality. It’s impossible to prove a person isn’t born gay, and it’s wrong to judge people who haven’t done a damn thing to hurt you.
BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 8:23 PM
I heart Sarah Palin.
A lot.
tonylipsey on September 12, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Her answers weren’t canned.
My question is did Krauthammer’s view, as written in his column and discussed on Special Report, alter your interpretation of yesterday’s interview?
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Charlie got the memo, eh?
Editor on September 12, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Dude, that’s totally what’s coming next week. It’ll make the KO-BO patty-cake (as AP put it) look like a nuclear holocaust.
BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 8:24 PM
And the 2nd half of today’s interview was really top notch. She tore that up.
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Where is Gibson getting such absurd numbers. There is no freaking way in the universe that 70% of Americans support a ban on simi automatic weapons. What a liar.
Maxx on September 12, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Wonder whether they re-cut it to make it less hostile after yesterdays’ performance, or if they just couldn’t find a way to shake her on this stuff?
Hannity has his moments, but the Palin interview is likely to be him repeating “You’re a great american” over and over for two hours.
Mew
(who would like to see Skeletor interview her – no holds barred)
acat on September 12, 2008 at 8:25 PM
She’s so awesome. She’s like fillet mignon after two years of eating turd sandwiches.
Criminy, I need to go bang my head against the wall to restore some adult perspective so I don’t explode when she disappoints. Must … not … get… sucked … into .. cult … of … personality … help me, Allah! I need some pessimism!
zmrzlina on September 12, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Somebody should ask her what she feels about the republican party removing language saying to work with those with opposing views on abortion(or something like that)…
Pink: Sarah Palin ‘Hates Women’
Even if she crashes and burns it will have been worth it for the celeb reactions… kind of like 2 girls 1 cup…
ninjapirate on September 12, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Much, much better!
Tzetzes on September 12, 2008 at 8:26 PM
You’re right, I just want to call him on it every time he does it.
: )
carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Yeah, except without the uh….um..
carbon_footprint on September 12, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Is that James Carville?
Tzetzes on September 12, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Sexism? I was waiting for Gibson to challenge her to a little one-on-one on the basketball court.
My collie says:
Collie, I can’t think of anyone better to mock him.
CyberCipher on September 12, 2008 at 8:28 PM
It’s fair. Hannity is going to softball it.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 8:28 PM
OT: A new Associated Press Headline:
“Whites lift McCain to slim lead over Obama in poll”
Funny, when Obama had a slim lead, I don’t recall the headline:
“Blacks lift Obama to slim lead over McCain in poll”
Realist on September 12, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Hold that thought.
OneGyT on September 12, 2008 at 8:30 PM
No, he’s the creature from Alien.
CyberCipher on September 12, 2008 at 8:30 PM
Why not?
It is not like Barry ever gets the rectal exam she just took….I say let her be her for the next one.
sven10077 on September 12, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Lol
nickj116 on September 12, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Her enthusiastic support of the 2nd Amendment is enough reason to vote for her.
Disturb the Universe on September 12, 2008 at 8:33 PM
But is wrong for a group of militant activists representing a group that is about 2% of the population to force everybody else to change to accomadate their behavior.
Elizabetty on September 12, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Was the Brack Girl subjected to this nonsense in 2004? What made him qualified to be VP back then?
trainwife1962 on September 12, 2008 at 8:35 PM
And it’s refreshing to see hand gestures that don’t include the annoying thumb punch that’s become so popular of late.
Disturb the Universe on September 12, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Ooops, I meant Breck Girl, John Edwards
trainwife1962 on September 12, 2008 at 8:35 PM
“70% support the “Assault Weapons” ban? Uh, no. I’m surprise the @$$ would be quite that blatant with his lies.
Palin is still playing the “Show respect to the press” game. I understnad she has to in order to get decent enough treatment, but sometimes I’d like to see a politician like that just say, “You’re a stupid lying MOFO. Shove it!”
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Keep up the good work, Sarah! You’re on the right track. Obama has been derailed. All the king’s men won’t be able to put Obama back together again.
FreeThinkerNYC on September 12, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Sigh…: )
gator70 on September 12, 2008 at 8:37 PM
This one went better. Not to point any fingers or leap to conclusions, but it seemed to me that there was less editing in tonight’s episode as well. I would be very, very interested to learn what got lopped out of last night’s segment.
I’m voting for McCain no matter how she performs. It’s still nice (and a huge relief) to see her come off well.
Talbott on September 12, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Although I used to support personal nuclear weapons before 9/11 (just to annoy liberals, mind you) this topic is not about the statistics. Gun-banners have totally lost that debate.
The vast majority of crimes are committed with hand guns of 9mm or smaller caliber. The people with semi-automatic weapons use them to punch holes in paper, as a “fireworks display”, and for hunting. The Evil Black Rifle (”EBR” for short) is not a significant threat in terms of crime.
Now if you want to impose hopenchangy mandatory community service on an unwilling populace, that could be another matter.
Right_of_Attila on September 12, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Wow! This is far less intense than the first night and Governor Palin glows with authenticity and a common decency. Except for those who cannot tolerate any different opinion, she’s going to connect to a huge number of people. Awesome.
Loxodonta on September 12, 2008 at 8:39 PM
The McCain/Palin ticket is like getting engaged before you meet the mother-in-law, then you meet the mother-in-law and begin to consider calling off the engagement.
DFCtomm on September 12, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Tickets for Palin event in Suburban Denver gone in 8hrs, event moved to bigger venue. If they win Jefferson, Adams and Douglas County Colorado goes red.
KBird on September 12, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Perhaps on January 21, 2009 Charlie Tuna will wake up with a moosehead in his bed.
Hey, c’mon! I can dream!
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 8:40 PM
She did much better today that yesterday, poised, relaxed and much less nervousness. She answered the aborting question perfectly. Guns, top notch.
Gibson didn’t lay aglove on her this go.
tarpon on September 12, 2008 at 8:41 PM
I think Gibson figured out that Sarah is smarter than he thought, and that he’s driving Obama into the dirt faster than The One does on His own.
Since Gibson got his passport to visit the real America up in Alaska for a while, perhaps he will start to observe that the natives are not nearly as stupid or odd as he first assumed.
Right_of_Attila on September 12, 2008 at 8:43 PM
There seems to be less editing, too, which makes it feel less contrived and disjointed.
Loxodonta on September 12, 2008 at 8:43 PM
OMG! STOP THE PRESSES!
Gov. Palin used ‘uh’ twice during the last portion of her interview.
THAT’S IT! I’m voting for Obama!
Enoxo on September 12, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Night and Day. She’s way more relaxed in this clip. The lighting makes her look like an angel.
jaleach on September 12, 2008 at 8:44 PM
I wonder if ABC got a little talking to, something about if they want to sit INSIDE Air Force One on flights they’ll need to straighten up their act.
I hope so!
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 8:44 PM
I do, I do!!!!!! (Jumping up and down raising my hand)
Cause ya know that she’d wipe the floor with him!! ROFL!!!
IrishGirl17 on September 12, 2008 at 8:44 PM
That is her weakness. Watch some of the players in a combative interview when the talking head starts throwing around lines of BS as fact.
This is one area where Romney would have been fund. He would have smiled his big Ken doll smile, reached over and handed Gibson his spleen… then answered the corrected question while Gibson flopped on the floor.
Still, much better today. She just needs to get used to the fact that she is a Governor and candidate for the 2nd highest office in the land, interviewers a pieces of filth that only survive because of her existence.
Damiano on September 12, 2008 at 8:44 PM
I can’t tell if that was deft politics or a cop out on homosexual behavior.
Count to 10 on September 12, 2008 at 8:44 PM
70% support a ban on semi-auto?
tosses out the challenge flag
raz0r on September 12, 2008 at 8:44 PM
BALLS
Mercy4Me on September 12, 2008 at 8:46 PM
I’d wager 95% of the people asked that in the survey had no idea what the 1994 AWB banned or didn’t ban.
Case in point (.pdf link):
Bruce in NH on September 12, 2008 at 8:47 PM
The best nailing of the press, on this election, comes from the left, from a Hillary top gun, Mark Penn.
Entelechy on September 12, 2008 at 8:48 PM
No, I think Skeletor is Alan Colmes, correct?
gxpgxp on September 12, 2008 at 8:48 PM
You mean like it’s impossible to prove a person isn’t born with cystic fibrosis? Well, that’s possible.
You mean like it’s impossible to prove a person isn’t born with hemophilia A? No, we can prove that one too.
The burden is on you to prove putting your penis in various places besides women is genetic, not ours to disprove.
TMK on September 12, 2008 at 8:48 PM
AMEN, THAT’S ALL THE PROOF YOU NEED!
Mercy4Me on September 12, 2008 at 8:50 PM
True indeed.
Just think of it this way: Genetics can make people slightly more “disposed” toward certain behavioral traits (aggression, alcoholism, etc.). That technically allows her to say that.
Just gotta know how to lie with the truth if you’re gonna be in politics! Whatever it takes.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 8:51 PM
Perhaps you are correct, but as an old fashioned old geezer, I found her politeness to be incredibly refreshing, especially after the ferocious assault she received yesterday from Gibson.
Grace under fire.
Loxodonta on September 12, 2008 at 8:51 PM
She could be prez right now and I’d be okay with it. She’s sharp and knows how to get things done.
Metro on September 12, 2008 at 8:51 PM
You beat me to it. I won’t to know what study he got that from and see the internal data of that study.
aikidoka on September 12, 2008 at 8:53 PM
who would like to see Skeletor interview her – no holds barred)
acat on September 12, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Is that James Carville?
Tzetzes on September 12, 2008 at 8:28 PM
No, I think Skeletor is Alan Colmes, correct?
gxpgxp on September 12, 2008 at 8:48 PM
—–
gxgxp gets a shiny new dime.
You have to admit the resemblance, and the Hannity & Colmes tie-in.
Mew
(and yes, she’d mop the floor with him)
acat on September 12, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Does anyone think Republicans should offer Ron Paul something to get him to quietly endorse McCain. His nutball 1/2 percent followers would make McCain’s lead over the Lightworker even more depressing for the libs. His Paulness can just say something like “Palin is the closest thing to a libertarian running” so he can save face.
Speedwagon82 on September 12, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Hannity should ask the EXACT SAME questions that Gibby asked BO. THe left will go nuts for not asking tough questions. Then Hannity can say, “These are the same questions Gibson asked BO.”
stenwin77 on September 12, 2008 at 8:55 PM
This is great, this idea.
That would be effin sweet.
Metro on September 12, 2008 at 8:57 PM
You’re a little late to the game. He’s endorsed everyone BUT McCain or Barry.
Editor on September 12, 2008 at 8:57 PM
I’ve seen the future of Rock and Roll…er… the Republicans, and her name is Sarah Palin.
Sugar Land on September 12, 2008 at 8:58 PM
The Skeletor should have to face cross examination by Megyn Kelly.
backwoods conservative on September 12, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Yep, real good tonight. She’ll connect with a much higher number of female voters nationally than Hillary’s pantsuit-wearing Ivy league sensibility does.
Hopefully, she’ll get stronger on the foreign policy responses between now and the debate with Biden. Though, if she’s as fluid and sensible as she was tonight she should make Biden look like the self-important dork that he is.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 8:58 PM
No one forces them too and you do have issues of sharing showers. No would expect men and women to share showers, why would you expect a straight guy to share a shower with a guy who is openly gay?
Elric66 on September 12, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Politeness is fine to a friend or a neighbor, but not to an enemy of the country. Such politeness should only be for tactical advantage. MSM deserve no politeness, but we have no choice. For now.
Maybe Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. That would be fun to see.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 8:59 PM
Yeah, anyone know the Brady URL that came from offhand? :P
doubleplusundead on September 12, 2008 at 9:00 PM
My thoughts exactly. I’d like to see a current poll.
My gut tells me Gibson used an old poll for that one.
dugan on September 12, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Not a shot in hell. Paul’s endorsed just about everyone else — including, I believe, the nowhere-near-libertarian Cynthia McKinney.
amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 9:01 PM
It’s from a 2004 poll.
http://www.washtimes.com/news/2004/apr/26/20040426-120608-4669r/
SnarkVader on September 12, 2008 at 9:07 PM
No one forces them too and you do have issues of sharing showers. No would expect men and women to share showers, why would you expect a straight guy to share a shower with a guy who is openly gay?
Elric66 on September 12, 2008 at 8:58 PM
If homosexuality is genetic, then it is a physical difference that would justify drawing distinctions, just as with male vs. female.
The Left will eventually drop their “genetics” argument because of that. They are all about destroying traditional distinctions, and their argument there goes against that.
We are already seeing it happening, with comedic lines of, “Everyone’s a little bit gay. It just depends on how far you go with it.” That would mean, thus, that everyone is “a little bit straight” as well. As the Left finishes destroying this traditional abhorence of homosexuality, they will back off, go back to promoting it as a choice, deny any genetic difference (so as to head off what I said before), but do so to a “brave new world” without the moral objections to it. Their lie would have accomplished its purpose.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Then they can get cracking on their next objectives: legitimizing bestiality and pedophilia.
jaleach on September 12, 2008 at 9:09 PM
I see Gibson is still interviewing Sarah from “on high”.
Pretentious SOB.
Why didn’t he just use Andy Kaufman’s set from his late night show bit ….. with the 20 ft high desk peering down on his guests?
fogw on September 12, 2008 at 9:09 PM
That’s the real factor.
But the poll does give Gibson some cover. I don’t believe the poll, but it does give the @$$hole some cover.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Loxodonta on September 12, 2008 at 8:51 PM
I agree and how is it helpful to an upcoming administration to burn bridges before they even get into the White House?
Cindy Munford on September 12, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Does a straight man have to prove the genetic basis for his attraction to his wife before he marries her?
If a person’s attraction to the same sex is involuntary does it matter whether it is developed environmentally at a young age or if it is genetic?
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Possibly, but their real goal–destroying traditional human society wouldn’t require it. It’s not about them being horndogs or anything like that. It’s about blurring distinctions, so as to create equality of outcome. Sex is a powerful force, and imposing the Leninesque goal of making the sexual act something of no more moral significance than drinking a glass of water goes a long way toward breaking down even the concept of “distinctions.”
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Please tell me there’s a missing /sarc.
SnarkVader on September 12, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Is it me or did Gibson not ask her a single question about energy independence or how to lower gas prices? Granted, she tried to steer a national security question that way and they walked past the pipeline last night, but doesn’t ABC think that high gas prices is a question that “America’s Working Families” cares about?
Actually, she probably should have used that as one of her three points about how to fix the economy.
Dudley Smith on September 12, 2008 at 9:14 PM
“I wonder if ABC got a little talking to, something about if they want to sit INSIDE Air Force One on flights they’ll need to straighten up their act.”
Priceless!
America1st on September 12, 2008 at 9:14 PM
You know what? I agree. I’ve had to really think about it the past couple of days, but I’m feeling very comfortable with Governor Palin’s ability to handle the job.
capitalist piglet on September 12, 2008 at 9:15 PM
This is where the benefit of a little bit of thought wins the day.
Palin should have said (to the gun question).
Look, Charlie, in Chicago there is a complete ban on guns. Only cops have them. Over the past 3 months (?), 130 people have been killed. And cops are carrying fully automatic weapons. I think all citizens have the right to protect themselves and their family.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 9:15 PM
SCORE!!
gxpgxp on September 12, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I’m listening to NRAnews.com right now. Gibson’s Q which uses the stat that 70 % of the people support a ban on Assault Weapons is total crap.
The best poll Cam Edwards can find has support at 55% with 35% saying strongly support.
ABC needs to show a source for their stat or admit that it is fake.
mad saint jack on September 12, 2008 at 9:17 PM
That line of thinking presupposes an “involuntary” element to homosexuality, as well as a moral equality between homosexuality and normal behavior. In other words, you are presupposing the conclusion you are attempting to promote, and then using that conclusion as proof of it.
I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and just say you have fallen for the liberal line and cannot see things objectively.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:18 PM
She aced that interview. She seemed confident, comfortable, and strong.
Geronimo on September 12, 2008 at 9:20 PM
This link below gives Charlie Tuna the cover to say it:
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:23 PM
That’s where the matter belongs.
tgharris on September 12, 2008 at 9:25 PM
If homosexuality were genetic, then gays would pass the gay genes down to their children. Personally, I find it fascinating that the left insists that behavior is determined by genetics in this one isolated instance, but in any other (say “Bell Curve”?) it’s RAAAAAACIST!!!! The cognitive dissonance is staggering.
There is some indication that a woman who has already carried several male children to term is more likely to produce a gay son. (It’s certainly not 100%; I’m my parents’ fifth son, and I’m quite heterosexual.) The exact mechanism for this has not been determined, but an immune reaction is plausible.
The Monster on September 12, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Opposing abortion is only consistent if one opposes it in cases of rape and incest. Either abortion is child-murder, (in which case the circumstances of the child’s parentage can’t justify killing her) or it’s not, in which case the government has no business telling women what to do with their internal organs.
Palin’s position is the only consistent pro-life one. Bush’s and McCain’s are clear evidence of a lack of coherent thought given to the matter.
Gaunilon on September 12, 2008 at 9:27 PM
It’s probably based more on knowing gay people who year-after-year continue to be physically attracted to people of the same sex. Also, from knowing that straight guys have an involuntary attraction to women that is wired deep inside the brain–it’s something that happens whether your liberal or conservative. Arousal is not a choice.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 9:29 PM
She did a lot better, but I suspect that was because she was in more familiar territory for her. It was a good showing tonite, and will probably only continue to get better.
I hope Hannity does do something crafty such as asking the same softball questions Obama gets from nearly everyone else.
Hog Wild on September 12, 2008 at 9:31 PM
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