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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Absolutely correct. And believe it or not, homosexuals do sometimes produce biological offspring.
1. Gender is determined by the father, not the mother.
2. Social factors associated with being the youngest there may account for it. A desire to rebel. A feeling of inferiority as in the male context. Frankly, and extreme, the mother wanting a daughter and psychologically emasculating the youngest (supposedly it has happened).
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:32 PM
From Rasmussen some news for the GOP in Washington State
William Amos on September 12, 2008 at 9:35 PM
“Moose in the Headlights” turns into Church Lady…
alphie on September 12, 2008 at 9:35 PM
Nah. “Our habits become us.” People start down the wrong road and get caught in it. GOV Palin’s church offers help with resolving it, I believe. Also, your friends might benefit from this organization: http://www.exodus-international.org/
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:36 PM
The genetic factors could involve a number of genes, some recessive.
It’s not that interesting to me. Palin’s response is a somewhat Western libertarian one. She’s against gay marriage but conveys a “live and let live” attitude. It’s a pretty good combination, given that the GOP should be the party of keeping the government out of our lives.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Here is the thing. Plenty of critics question her experience and whether she is ready to be President but I think that matters little to the voter. They will vote the top of the ticket and also I am not sure how much folks think about the VP ascending to be President because it has not happened since 1974 outside of some minor use of the 25th amendment.
I think she will be an outstanding VP in terms of working on some issues she is passionate about. Energy is one of them and she has shown she could be a great representative of the administration on various issues giving it a voice people will relate to by and large.
tarheelcon on September 12, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Because nobody said it was involuntary. Many of us believe humans are responisible for their own behavior, not puppets under the sway of rogue genes or juvenile programing.
Furthermore, could you please tell me which developmental environment/allele is responsible for the “gloryhole” or “assless chaps?” Thanks.
TMK on September 12, 2008 at 9:38 PM
O/T: There’s a very bad train collision near L.A.. At least 6 dead, 40 injured, others trapped.
amerpundit on September 12, 2008 at 9:38 PM
You should be happy that she talked about states rights in relation to abortion. As a person who pretends to be all about small government; you should agree here. Shouldnt you?
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 9:39 PM
I agree. If folks want to live a gay life, that is between them. Just don’t scare the horses, push it onto the young’uns, or ask for a marriage license.
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 9:41 PM
I call it the Palin Effect.
(Dibs on the term, unless no one else has coined it.)
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 9:43 PM
I’ll take a look at the link. I’ve had friends with a variety of bad habits, probably the worst being substance abuse. While drug addiction can be a habit that “becomes us”, I haven’t known any straight guys who accidentally get hooked on gay sex and can’t give it up. Maybe it happens–just haven’t seen it.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 9:43 PM
being gay, whether it is a choice or genetic, doesn’t really matter.
But I have always thought it would be interesting to study identical twins with that question in mind. if one twin were gay and the other was not, that would pretty much answer the question.
Opinionnation on September 12, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Please add in: Don’t donate blood, etc. (diseases); don’t enlist in the military (confined quarters), and don’t complain when others offer opposing opinions on their “lifestyle” (freedom works both ways).
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 9:44 PM
The tide is definitely turning on ABC
FiveWays on September 12, 2008 at 9:44 PM
I found this interesting:
FiveWays on September 12, 2008 at 9:45 PM
All of the photo’s am seeing of this show Palin about 2/3 the physical size of Gibson like she is this little girl having to answer to Mr. Big questioner. ALso, she doesn’t have to sit and explain all the crap being thrown at her. Thats a distraction tactic. She needs to move on and be on the offensive.
johnnyU on September 12, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Don’t know. It would probably require greater knowledge of genetics and the fetish world than I possess. I can’t explain the straight world of BDSM either, but one could point to odd behavior there as well.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Not correct. S/B, might pass. No one ever passes all their genes on to a given offspring. It doesn’t work that way. Also, if “gayness” has a genetic predisposition, which it almost certainly does, it is probably a combination of genes.
KentAllard on September 12, 2008 at 9:49 PM
In some cases one genetic twin is left-handed and the other is right-handed. The difference develops early. By the time they reach their teenage years it would be at least difficult from an atheletic standpoint to switch their “handedness” and retain the same level of dexterity.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Fiveways:
I still think that Palin had heard of the Bush Doctrine, but since it has so many facets and she thought Gibson was trying to trap her, she hesitated and asked him to clarify. She might have been trying to appear friendly, but I don’t think she trusted Charlie Gibson.
Terrye on September 12, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Why is whispering with a mumble? Speak up, Charlie! Show some life…good grief.
As for teh gays…there is no doubt in my mind I was born gay. And, unlike Sarah Palin, I have spoken in tongues many, many, many times. I believe most Americans will appreciate and agree with her answer. It’s not for them, but they aren’t going to do in-house raids either.
SouthernGent on September 12, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Still…there’s that photoshop of our Sarah in a leather bustier that just….o man…..
*awkward silence*
Oh my God, did I just type that out loud?
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Nice work Sir.
mad saint jack on September 12, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Not sure, but I believe the screening tests are pretty good for detecting AIDS and Hep-C
Let the military decide this one
Amen, brother – as long as it’s civil. Nothing takes the place of civility.
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 9:58 PM
That was really fantastic. I continue to be in love with Sarah!!! :) I think the issue with last night’s interview is that she’s still uncomfy answering questions about foreign affairs, which is understandable for someone with no experience in that area. However, I do think that if elected, she’s gonna have the chance to learn foreign affairs from an expert (JMac).
Illinidiva on September 12, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Tey gheyness has been studied for quite some time using fruitflies (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model. Mutating one gene will induce male-male courtship.
Misexpression of the white (w) gene triggers male-male courtship in Drosophila
But there are other factors involved.
Recurring Ethanol Exposure Induces Disinhibited Courtship in Drosophila
Think about that the next time you go with teh boys for a beer.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 12, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Just think the GOP could have got a pro-abortion VP now they have true pro-life.
With the rape and incest they (GOP) need to change the subject from abortion (the death of the baby) is the only answer to the crime and focus more on the punshment of the perp or slime ball that created a life that way.
tjexcite on September 12, 2008 at 10:04 PM
The American people’s representatives will decide such matters, presumably taking into account what military leadership has to say about the matter.
KentAllard on September 12, 2008 at 10:05 PM
The lead in on 20/20 you’d think she has a 10% approval rating in Alaska.
flyboy777 on September 12, 2008 at 10:09 PM
i wonder how she has an 80% approval rating…total hit piece.
Chudi on September 12, 2008 at 10:11 PM
If I didnt know better, I’d think she was the anti christ.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Geez…five minutes in, and it’s a shock and awe of half-truths and already-debunked anti-Palin talking points. ABC is working overtime to make sure they get The One’s message in before they allow Palin the stage, aren’t they?
Slublog on September 12, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Yeah, man. It was a perfect example of the smear campaign against. *cough*
yo on September 12, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Just wanted to head off a suicide run by the good guys.
Two problems come to mind immediatelly here:
1. The removal of the moral component (the prime desire of the Left, btw) and the related factor of choice (humans are not compelled by physiology and instinct to mate).
2. The agenda-countering factor stated in the first title: “MISexpression” (if this is the genetic basis of homosexuality, it is shown to be a mistake– “scientific homophobia” justified).
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Uhhh, did they never hear of a stump speech?
Priscilla on September 12, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Oh, and the “sparsely populated state” bit is getting old, too.
Alaska is a monstrously important state. There are a lot more natural resources there than there would be in … say .. Delaware, or Illinois.
yo on September 12, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Does Charlie Gibson actually need those glasses, or are they just to help keep his nose down, so he can actually see Sarah?
Ugly on September 12, 2008 at 10:17 PM
When was the last time Gibson asked Obama for specifics?
Slublog on September 12, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Wow. Much better tonight. Just no comparisin. Better delivery. More sure of herself. Her words flowed better.
AND GREAT ANSWERS.
Bullseye.
Borislav on September 12, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I wish she was more specific there.
Say something like out of every dollar that goes to washington, 60% is lost in beaurocracy. We can improve that and we will.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 10:24 PM
From what I’m reading here, I’m almost glad I don’t have a TV handy.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Good grief – now Gibson is defending Obama.
I need another beer.
Slublog on September 12, 2008 at 10:25 PM
That was borderline “promoting”
yo on September 12, 2008 at 10:26 PM
This sounds like an all or nothing. If the Cuda can hold her own, those sound bytes will be media-bias-proof gold. That will sell well.
I wonder how Pat Buchanan feels watching this and supporting Hussein.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Aren’t all chaps assless??
surrounded on September 12, 2008 at 10:27 PM
What a friggin’ hatchet job on the lead in. That was just shameful.
Dudley Smith on September 12, 2008 at 10:28 PM
For all those who called me a Troll last night for giving my honest opinion that she looked bad on last night’s interview.
I think she did much better tonight. Much more coherent, relaxed, and thoughtful in her answers.
paulsur on September 12, 2008 at 10:28 PM
TROLL! :-)
Slublog on September 12, 2008 at 10:28 PM
…bit of a misnomer, that…”liberal”…that means “easygoing” and “tolerant”. The Left isn’t liberal at all.
That pegs my “truth in advertising” meter down deep in the red.
Hmmm….
We oughta start referring to “conservative v. stupid” or “conservative v. childish”. Or, in keeping with my truth in advertising ploy, maybe it should be “adult v. infantile” or “experienced in the world v. peevishly narrow”.
Just trying to set the record straight….
Puritan1648 on September 12, 2008 at 10:29 PM
She did okay on that bridge to nowhere. She should have made the point that she had no choice not to get the money or not. She requested it go elsewhere. Congress (voted by biden and obama) sent it there anyways, against her wishes.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Homosexuality is most likely genetic.
Not surprisingly this issue is so distorted that it is hard to debunk the truth: that all qualities and defects in us are all genetic.
Quite recently, the “news” was that the apparent lack of commitment on the side of some men was genetic. Many would argue that so is alcoholism or cancer. But wait, McCain’s longevity and stamina belong to his good genes as well the media tells us.
A Bible believing person would tell you that the Bible calls these genes, the “flesh”. The Bible says that accepting the shortcomings or even the qualities of the “flesh” is sin. We are to rise above them by humbly asking God how it can be done.
A good Christian is gracious with other people’s shortcomings because they are also subject to them every day.
Sarah, as governor, is right not to impose her moral views on others. I bet she calls homosexuality a sin though. It’s in her genes.
It’s sad however that the homosexual agenda is forced on the majority as it already does in California. This trend should be resisted – respectfully.
florin on September 12, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Just watched an interview Gibson gave with Obama. One of the questions: “Your mom moved to Hawaii and met a dashing young Kenyan…?”
Slublog on September 12, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Not to mention Gibson repeated the “after Congress pulled the plug” a few times.
Odd how he can say that, and then ask why she decided to take the money, anyway.
That – and his comment on $22/person in Illinois earmark “payouts” (in stark relation to Alaska’s “payout”) left out the bit that IL has a much larger tax base to pull from.
yo on September 12, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I think she did great on the bridge question. Every state is entitled to their share of fed dollars. When she got it she had discretion. Was a good answer to me because explained how/why.
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Let’s get something straight. Roe v Wade severely limits what any elected official can do with the abortion issue. The president has very little control over abortion policy — much less than the governor of a state — to say nothing of vice president. If Sarah Palin’s record on abortion in Alaska is accetable, it should be a non-issue for her vice-presidency.
JackOfClubs on September 12, 2008 at 10:36 PM
It also left out the fact that Barack Obama has been much more active in seeking out the pork that goes to that state.
Slublog on September 12, 2008 at 10:36 PM
I’m not going to really complain about fairness. I think its good that republicans are questioned harder. Look at what has happened to the Dems after the fawning year after year. They can’t take the heat at all. Republicans can.
I wish she had more specifics. I really do. government waste, beaurocracy that is too big. Etc. That’d be nice. I’m not sure if she isn’t sure of specifics or is under instructions not to.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 10:36 PM
…what should we expect from ABC, which is one letter off from being NB-in-the-tank-for-Obama-C.
If indeed she appeared ill at ease in the interview (which I sadly missed, but don’t naturally gravitate to hit pieces) she’s committed the establishment media’s cardinal sin: she didn’t look slick on air.
Slick Willie was the master of the glib glad-hand. He’s the icon of our modern “style as substance” society. Sarah’s real. How would any of you do in a high-stakes match-up on national TV?
…that is assuming that there are some actual real people out there, and I’m not just jousting with the voices in my head….
Puritan1648 on September 12, 2008 at 10:37 PM
For me, it’s not about fairness, it’s about professionalism. I have a BA in journalism and I’d like to believe that some of what I learned wasn’t total crap.
Slublog on September 12, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Charlie comes accross as a little bit creepy, he might like those chaps you all have been fascinated with. ABCs intro was absolutely horrific – the dNC couldn’t have done a better job. When will they learn to play fair? He is a royal turd.
Fuquay Steve on September 12, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Gibson is being deliberately obtuse on the stem cell issue.
dugan on September 12, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Guns as a health issue? Good lord.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Woo-hoo! The bad guys have the guns. Great answer.
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 10:40 PM
She did okay on that one. I would have brought up the 120 dead in Chicago with a total gun ban. Only cops carry around machine guns. Banning guns hasn’t worked out too well there.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 10:40 PM
No need to dabble in those kinds of distractions.
yo on September 12, 2008 at 10:43 PM
And the fact that 14 of those (the most in any one area) are in Barack’s old state district.
yo on September 12, 2008 at 10:46 PM
That is fairness to them–working for the other side.
I’d probably tell him to [CENSOR] his buddy Hussein. But that’s just me.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 10:46 PM
What’s with the “70% of Americans support an assault weapons ban” canard?
I don’t doubt the drive-bys can construct a scare survey to generate such a result. But I also bet that Charlie doesn’t know the difference between a carbine and a rifle, let alone what constitutes and “assault” weapon.
If the media was even remotely even handed and partly informed on this issue, they’d….oh, it’s pointless.
TexasDan on September 12, 2008 at 10:46 PM
For the last days, I’m very, very pleased. Good job by her and I got the answers I wanted on Bridge and Troopergate.
Now if the McCain camp will shake up her stump speech, or better yet, let her make it up as she goes, it’ll be perfect.
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Yes, it is. “Freedom” got away from us, and now we see the result.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I know. She needs to change that up. New stuff. Please!
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 10:49 PM
*two days
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 10:49 PM
you know what made me happy about this interview – particularly the social issues part?
When they asked these questions, she answered instantly. You have no doubt where she stands.
Even if you disagree with her, you know what she thinks and where she is coming from.
None of the classic “define what *is* is” political crap.
unmeritedfavor on September 12, 2008 at 10:49 PM
if any of you have any further questions on homosexuality, go to an available source: alphie
alphie is a very conflicted, bitter and angry homosexual–including throwing out the term ‘breeders’, but he/she can provide anecdotal evicence……..
Janos Hunyadi on September 12, 2008 at 10:52 PM
WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS NOW?!?!?! (with george)
I tuned in to watch HER, not people talking about how she handled her interview!!!
unmeritedfavor on September 12, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Ah, the old “oh yeah, well strait people are perverts too” maneuver. I do so love the classics. -2 internets.
It’s interesting you posted that, because I have witnessed that the symptoms of teh ghey can also be temporarily suppressed with liberal doses of Arbor Mist, appletinis, and plump, glittery girls that can “back that thang up.” If it is genetic, then unguarded bedrooms are a hotbed of glittery ghey-on-gurl crimes against nature.
TMK on September 12, 2008 at 10:53 PM
ENOUGH!!!! By definition, a stump speech is one given at every campaign stop. Not all Americans are as hard-wired into the political circuitry as we are.
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I’m about the farthest thing from a social conservative in the GOP tent, but I have to say that I am positively smitten.
SWLiP on September 12, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Not anymore.
In today’s political world you make speeches on a series. McCain has done it earlier in the campaign and Obama is trying to do it right now on Economics.
In the Youtube if you are going to the stump, you’ve already seen everything old said. Her celebrity is based on her coming-out speech + RNC speech. She needs to change things.
I think frankly, she needs more off-script stuff. Which may not happen till they split up.
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Thank you! I was getting tired of it, too.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Who is orange leather woman again?
Dudley Smith on September 12, 2008 at 10:57 PM
*youtube age
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 10:57 PM
They’re splitting up?! You mean, he’ll be President of one part of the country, and she’ll cover the other part?
I like it! I call Palin’s part!!!
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Let me clarify. These speeches now are predicated on the audience having some knowledge of the preceding ones.
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Two things wrong with your analysis:
First, Palin is the reason why Republicans are once again proud to vote for the party. Party traitors like McCain demoralized the GOP Base while Palin gives them hope. Many will be voting for McCain because cranky liberal bastard picked well in his VP choice.
Second, and this bothers many, age is a factor here. McCain is old and has had health issues. It is less unconceivable that the VP will have to step up. Fair or not that is a legitimate concern with a candidate in his 70s. The VP getting the top job with a President McCain is far more likely than other candidates in past elections.
highhopes on September 12, 2008 at 10:59 PM
:) Yeah, that’s the offical AIG policy NBC tells me.
Spirit of 1776 on September 12, 2008 at 11:00 PM
That’s awesome… Gregoire wants to put a $6/day toll on a bridge I have to take to work. That’s just EXTRA motivation for me to pull the lever for Rossi.
DaveS on September 12, 2008 at 11:04 PM
It was in response to a logical fallacy embedded in you question, one that is also classic.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 11:04 PM
That was @William Amos on September 12, 2008 at 9:35 PM, btw.
DaveS on September 12, 2008 at 11:04 PM
So all that secessionist movement is an insurance thing. Hopefully, the little lizard thing goes to McCain’s part. He’s getting on my nerves.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Late night alcohol consumption can cause a lot of behavior that people would prefer to forget, hence the need for the term “coyote ugly”.
dedalus on September 12, 2008 at 11:07 PM
I understand this.
But look. Obama does these off the cuff riffs at a lot of his rallies (where he becomes a gaffe o matic; granted). They are the best part and where all of his soundbites from come.
If it ain’t new, it ain’t leading. Some new material, about wasteful spending, about taxes and how they affect you and me; would go a loooong way for republicans.
She’s the one to deliver it. Just let it out. Fred had a good riff at the convention. Just expand on that and let her give that in some places (like michigan, which is ravaged by high taxes!)
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Here’s a good start for it too:
Obama says he’ll only raise taxes on those that make over 250,000. Well who are these people? small business owners, businesses that employ you and your family. Raise taxes on them; prices for your groceries get higher, fuel costs get higher. Who is affected by that? You are.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 11:12 PM
So, on topic: To those who saw the interview, how did PALIN (not Charlie Tuna) do (scale 1-10, 10 being best)? And how did her (their) candidacy come across (same scale)?
Please answer.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 11:14 PM
About a 6.5.
She came across as a bit of a newbie, to me, to be honest.
She’s pretty well spoken, but needs more specifics and more depth.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Krauthammer answers that question.
Kini on September 12, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Then again, Obama rates about a 6.5, too. And he’s running for President. And his economic ideas scare the crap out of me, so she wins either way.
But let’s be honest here. Gibson grilled her like she was the P candidate, not the VP. They know, that if McCain wins, they are staring at a future president.
lorien1973 on September 12, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Tommygun:
I would say a 9. She did very well. She is not polished, but she seems genuine.
Terrye on September 12, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Misses the point from the Christian perspective. Being gay is not the problem. Humanity sins in many ways. Homosexuals who are not “practicing” can follow the will of God. Homosexuals who demand we normalize their behavior are consigned to Hell.
highhopes on September 12, 2008 at 11:18 PM
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