Video: Palin on Today
posted at 10:06 am on June 12, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Sarah Palin turned in an impressive performance in an 11-minute appearance on the Today show with Matt Lauer this morning. She deftly handled both politics and economics when it came to the new natural-gas pipeline accord Palin reached, parrying tough but fair questions from Lauer. She also rose to the occasion when Lauer inevitably asked her about David Letterman (via The Right Scoop):
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
This interview shows both the potential and the peril of Sarah Palin. She has improved considerably in handling the national media. On both economics and politics, Lauer couldn’t dent her (and just to emphasize, Lauer was treating her fairly), and had the Letterman controversy not existed, that aspect of her performance would have been the headline here. Instead, the three minutes or so in the middle of this 11-minute interview that has nothing to do with governing or policy will be all that the public will remember or want to see.
That could be the overall aim of Palin’s opponents. If David Letterman has to eat some crow every few months for his personal attacks on Palin, does that really matter to him? He has a contract with CBS for the next three years, at which point he’d probably retire anyway. Letterman and his ilk can continue to make all of the coverage about Palin revolve around her daughters, forcing her to respond and to look less serious as a politician, in a way that the media would never do to a man or to a liberal – as Palin said, no one did it to Obama, nor should they.
If enough of them do it, the downside for her attackers will be small, and the upside will be to kneecap Palin before she can threaten Democrats in a future election.
Update: Just to make clear, I’m not suggesting at all that Republicans distance themselves from Palin. At some point, we will need to let the Letterman-like provocations go and have her focus on national politics, where she has clearly improved. Promoting Palin as a victim (although entirely justified) won’t make her a compelling force in politics.
Blowback
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She is doing much better. She definitely needs a competent staff to get her through this process if she is serious about running in 2012.
McCain staffers might not be the place to go.
Mr. Joe on June 12, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I would recommend NOT calling Andrew Sullivan or David Letterman for advice.
Mr. Joe on June 12, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Later in the episode, when reporting the “news,” the Today show ITSELF said that “Sarah Palin is coming out against David Letterman” or some such, reporting on its OWN INTERVIEW as though Palin appeared primarily for that reason. Even my wife, who leans left, thought it was rediculous, as not an hour beforehand Palin had come on to talk about the natural gas pipeline, and then, when Lauer asked if she would talk about Letterman, she responded, “if I must.”
Frankly, it was one of the most blatant forms of disingenuous reporting that I have ever seen, and all I had to do was have the Today show on in the background for an hour to see it.
Ferris on June 12, 2009 at 10:12 AM
I don’t think so.
Kneecapping has it’s backlash. Over-the-top does more to bring dishonor on your own party.
Starlink on June 12, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Disagree, Ed.
People are on to the MSM’s game. This Letterman fight seems to be the line in the sand. Folks are up in arms at the unfair treatment of the kids, not so much Sarah. If anything, it could get easier for Sarah for having taken on Letterman and “winning.”
Nat Hound on June 12, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Awesome interview. When she talked about the pipeline, she was on fire. She knew her stuff, and did an excellent job. I’m hoping that people will watch the entire interview to get to the middle where she talks about Letterman. She did a great job.
deidre on June 12, 2009 at 10:13 AM
I don’t see the problem.
And no , if they didn’t have the excuse of the Letterman attacks , they wouldn’t interview her at all about the Pipeline.
the_nile on June 12, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Which explains why they attack her en masse. It makes it appear that there’s widespread criticism of her, the ubiquity then almost justifying the criticism, and the blame for attacking her can be spread among all of them. That’s how concerted efforts work.
LastRick on June 12, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Her staff is already quite competent. Look at this incredible trip. Its the beltway consultants who don’t know how to handle her; they are paranoid, out of touch, disloyal, quick to take hurt, incompetent and live in a bubble. Once she cut them off, no mistakes are being made, she’s making a strong impression.
promachus on June 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
There is much to what you say about this Ed. My own instincts have me pulling away from the possibility of a president that would bring the office closer to the Jerry Springer mentality, even through no fault of her own. Although I could probably overcome it if convinced of the Gov. Palin’s integrity and vision for the country but a lot of people won’t.
Cindy Munford on June 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Your wrong Ed. She has to take on these people who go out of there way to attack her.
It discredits her attackers and proves toughness to people outsode the beltway.
Everybody hates the media including most independents. We hate them and they hate us. There is no downside to insulting them at evey oppurtunity.
It is really a freebie. It also gives her a good excuse to avoid going on there shows. Hardball and Letterman.
This whole idea that you MUST appease these media types who hate your guts is just false. You must challenges them(see Zieglers interview for an example)
kangjie on June 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Just a reminder, Palin gave great interviews on economics and policy before she was a VP candidate.
This Today show thing isn’t so much an improvement as it is a back to normal for Palin.
myrenovations on June 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Don’t forget The View gals discussing this topic yesterday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAZaKXd350s
Joy(less) Behar, as usual, is disgusting.
JetBoy on June 12, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Yeah, she got sandbagged. it makes no difference how fair her interviewer appeared to be,..the way they market the interview tells the story of their agenda. Lauer head faked her.
a capella on June 12, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Ed,
AP made a similar point about Eminem’s video where he nailed “Palin”. His point was that these relentless attacks would make her unelectable. Is that really your point here, that because unhinged opponents spout vile nonsense that she can
a) Ignore, which means people will think it’s true or
b) Respond to it, which makes her less in people’s eyes
Because if that is your point, not only has Palin lost before she’s entered the race, so has every other GOP hopeful. If we on the right allow ourselves to be defined by every sick video or perverted joke, or twisted comment by members of the left, the game is over. All they have to do is call us racist, stupid or a [insert invective here] and we’re left with losing because we don’t respond to it or losing BECAUSE we respond to it.
Physics Geek on June 12, 2009 at 10:18 AM
And the Cheneys . Attack , don’t back.
the_nile on June 12, 2009 at 10:18 AM
I think one of the big differences is that she is no longer being forced to parse everything she says in an interview through the lens of being the number two on the McCain ticket. She is free to be herself and more recently I have noticed that she has started to relax in front of the media and give interviews like she was doing before she was selected as McCain’s running mate and in my opinion that is a very encouraging sign.
Hellrider on June 12, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Our little girl is growing up… I enjoyed her reference to BHO: “the candidate that must be obeyed.”
mjbrooks3 on June 12, 2009 at 10:19 AM
You got that right. She had ONE bad interview that I saw and it was an ambush at that. Had she not had McCain’s idiots trying to mold her into something she’s not, she probably would have kicked Couric’s ass.
Jarhead68 on June 12, 2009 at 10:19 AM
She’s got a reserve of guts but she needs to be very careful. Lauer and his ilk will sabotage her every chance they get.
rplat on June 12, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Sarah was in command. She did not back down. She enthusiastically and substantively defended the pipeline and her daughters.
The McCain campaign mishandled her and prevented her from being herself.
There is no negatives here. She is scaring the liberals because she can take them down like she did Letterman here.
jencab on June 12, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Hmmm, a strong performance. THIS calls for
“HER”to be the WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD./Olbermannia
unwashed minion on June 12, 2009 at 10:20 AM
People attack her because they are afraid
The left is very frightened by her. This is because she connects with people very naturally.
They are trying to sink her three years out from the next election.
If she is such a dumb bimbo, why bother with her?
What’s the point of wasting time on a non entity moron?
I love how they are so afraid
If she bones up more and more she will be a force, and hottie, to be reckoned with even more than she is now.
blatantblue on June 12, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Nuance, my friend. The press is incredibly talented when it comes to mind control. For some time now, I’ve been keenly aware of how the press shapes public opinion with a crafty headline here or slipping in a few vague words there which become fact if repeated enough times. They are like criminals in that “if they could only put their talents for good instead of evil.” ;-)
Mr_Magoo on June 12, 2009 at 10:21 AM
How is this a bad thing when the majority of Americans agree with her. Most of Americans say Letterman stepped over the line. Why would this hurt Sarah Palin?
deidre on June 12, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Whose fault is that, Ed?
Yesterday, when the story of the gas deal broke, HotAir refused to link or report on it though people were begging it to. Your site routinely promotes trashy stories on Palin and almost always ignores those that are postive or on governing and policy. When one does get posted, there is always a snarky little codicil.
Blake on June 12, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I don’t think Letterman will continue knocking Palin’s daughters….for the sake of not pissing off sponsors.
I’m pretty sure Letterman and CBS have gotten an EARFUL over the past few days. Incessant, to be exact.
seaplanes on June 12, 2009 at 10:23 AM
She was really strong in this interview.
I also don’t think that it’s inconceivable that in the absence of the Letterman controversy, she might not have been asked for an interview on this show.
ProfessorMiao on June 12, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Interesting take on it, Ed.
But I agree with Nat Hound:
(Emphasis mine.)
Alana on June 12, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I continue to be impressed with Sarah. The left is so afraid of strong women….I mean strong “beautiful” women. I really believe she is attacked because the left does not think a woman can be smart and beautiful at the same time.
vitaatcaritas on June 12, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Oh Snap..
the_nile on June 12, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Any Republican that runs against Obama in 2012 is going to be trashed in one way or another.
Once we accept that, then we choose the candidate that we are willing to defend against the onslaught.
Maybe it is Palin. Maybe it is someone else.
No matter who it is, the media is going to ravage any Obama opponent. The only recourse we have is to run a candidate we truly believe in, otherwise, we’ll just let them get trashed.
myrenovations on June 12, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Can’t watch Lauer. She said that? I’d love her even if she wasn’t gorgeous.
Is that sexist?
Not sure I buy the Palin-getting-stale meme.
misterpeasea on June 12, 2009 at 10:24 AM
“…the candidate that must be obeyed.”
-Sarah Palin
I likey
unwashed minion on June 12, 2009 at 10:24 AM
I was reluctant to view the video for fear of granting NBC any sense of an expanding audience. However, after viewing the piece I was very happy to see Palin speak the way she did. I’m glad the interview covered 3 areas (natural gas pipeline, Letterman and Head of the GOP). In all areas, Palin handled herself beautifully. I think she is politically astute, especially in her ability to cite the fact that womens groups are starting to stand up against the constant onslaught against them, (Pailn in particular). I also thought her reference to the fact that the candidate Obama demanded “hands off” when it came to covering the children… I believe her line was “the candidate who must be obeyed” was brilliant!
Go Sarah!!
glennbo on June 12, 2009 at 10:24 AM
I saw that on Greta and it made me angrier than the original Letterman act. She reeks hate while even Barbara Walters was being fair. Joy Behar is dependent on a female audience and she will bomb mightedly on her solo effort believe me, because the female audience for the most part eventually (Rosie, Roseanne) rejects ugliness.
Marcus on June 12, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Wow, good point. I love HotAir, but you made an excellent point about this. I am surprised that there wasn’t a thread about the pipeline progressing.
deidre on June 12, 2009 at 10:25 AM
I suspected it but its proven now. Allah is a chicken. Ed is a chicken.
promachus on June 12, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Interesting, no?
ProfessorMiao on June 12, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I think they are trying to shift this to Rush/Chelsea Clinton jokes when she was 13 now
jp on June 12, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Yup, still no mention of the gasline. Which is the reason why Palin was on the Today show.
joey24007 on June 12, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I don’t think Lauer treated Palin “fairly” at all.
He was tough, which is something journalists are supposed to be. However, when a journalist is not tough on Democrats, which Lauer inevitably is not, to fail to offer Republicans the same softballs is not “fair.” Basically you’re asking Republicans to play with Marquis of Queensbury rules while the other side is allowed to kidney punch all they want.
I don’t think anyone should get softballs from Lauer (e.g. to Obama: “your family must be really proud of you” was the toughest Lauer got with him during the campaign). But as long as Democrats are getting only softballs, it’s not “fair” to the other side.
ILB on June 12, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Where did the Today Show get that awful picture of Palin they used next to her statement? The woman is photogenic and has official pictures to use, so why use a picture of her looking like she just came off a three-day bender?
NBC is sick.
Claudin on June 12, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Translation: We Republicans must never choose a candidate that the MSM will make up lies about. Otherwise the candidates will spend all their time defending themselves against the lies and this will make them look small.
Reality: The only candidates that the MSM will not make up lies about are those who are either ineffective, or who agree with the Democrats on everything.
Solution: Ignore the advice of the squishes to appoint only MSM pre-approved candidates.
MarkTheGreat on June 12, 2009 at 10:29 AM
The more they attack her, the stronger my support for her grows. I don’t know if she’ll be a viable candidate in 2012, or not, or even if she wants it, but she is the one wearing the pants in the Republican Party right now.
ornery_independent on June 12, 2009 at 10:29 AM
She did a very good job of not letting Lauer talk over her responses, too. He usually epitomizes the usual lefty tactic of throwing a rhetorical bullsh!!t bomb and then interrupting and preventing a response. Our side has to get better at that, considering the extremely biased MSNBC-The View-Brian Williams et al, lapdog media culture infecting public discourse these days.
Fishoutofwater on June 12, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I think they are trying to shift this to Rush/Chelsea Clinton jokes when she was 13 now
jp on June 12, 2009 at 10:26 AM
It was wrong then. It’s wrong now. Instead, it will be used as justification. Boo.
Ferris on June 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Straight talk from a rational person. So odd in politics these days.
And it’s a sad commentary on the USA if the Letterman crap is all that people take away from this. DOOMED.
kirkill on June 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Your angst over Sarah’s image smacks a little of crocodile tears, Ed. On the one hand, Blake is right that HotAir doesn’t link a Palin story unless it’s related to some ridiculous nonsense. And on the other hand, the Letterman business is the only way Palin is getting on MSNBC to begin with.
Palin can get on FOX any second she wants. If she has to ride some outrageous outrage to get on CNN or MSNBC, then that’s what it takes to sneak some serious politics past the tabloid crap. Otherwise, why would the liberal megaphones even invite her?
Lehosh on June 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
My friends,
Do you smell that? It’s FEAR!! And it’s coming from the left!
Gov Palin,
Whenever you’re ready, let me know. I’m so there for you!!!!!
WhatsRight on June 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I think this was a win win for the gov.No down side for her what so ever.
thmcbb on June 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Ed: you may be right, but I believe this is one of the reasons that people are so interested in supporting Sarah. In those 3 minutes or so, she stood up. She was putting forth her view of the degradation of our culture as well as firmly defending her own, by essentially saying “enough”.
Sound familiar? BHO said the same thing and was praised high and low for it. If we agree, then (since the MSM won’t do it) we need to publicly support this, whether your forum is a blog, TV or your own family and friends.
cranbone on June 12, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Sarah was awesome. She will gain more respect as she continues to stand up for what is right.
gatewaypundit on June 12, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I can’t help but believe that Palin has always been solid, but was told to hold back during the campaign by the McCain camp. She should just be herself and speak for herself. People that expect her to be all things will be disappointed, but that is true of any human. I find her a terrific example of a contemporary conservative that speaks with common sense and honor. If we were to judge her by her enemies, that’s fifty more bonus points.
Hening on June 12, 2009 at 10:33 AM
What I liked about the interview is the Matt was “tough”, but allowed Sarah to respond and make her point.
That is what made this a good interview…she came across as knowledgeable, strong, decisive and Matt wasn’t “shrill”.
right2bright on June 12, 2009 at 10:33 AM
+1000
Well said Physics Geek
ornery_independent on June 12, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Apparently, “absolutely not necessarily” is already the meme for this one.
MikeZero on June 12, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Valid point.
a capella on June 12, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Gov. Palin has to speak out on the big assaults to her character and at the same time defend her family on the big stage. The small stuff is a nuances and should be ignored. i.e. some local media hack. Gov. Palin made her statement now it is time to move on. If is for her supporters to pick up the slack for her and we did this time and that is all that matters.
Good job Gov. Palin. I would go even farther and say Gov. Palin owned Lauer in the interview. The interview showed Gov. Palin is looking long term when it comes to Nat. Gas. She scoffed at Lauer and the idea of lower gas prices then in turn injected National Security into the mix. That is leadership with a vision “IF” Gov. Palin can incorporate this type of vision into other policy issues she will be unstoppable. From what I have seen she can and will do it. I am very Happy the REAL SARAH showed up today.
Clyde5445 on June 12, 2009 at 10:34 AM
When Cheney attacked Pelosi and Obama , won. How about that.
You can not appease the liberals like they want to appease islamofascists or any other threat to the civilization.
the_nile on June 12, 2009 at 10:35 AM
what was the background on the Rush/Chelsea thing?
He claimed it was the technician that messed up and he wasn’t trying to compare Chelsea to a dog? the Lib blogs are running with that now to justify Letterman
jp on June 12, 2009 at 10:35 AM
AWESOME INTERVIEW!!! It is so nice to see Sarah being herself without being leashed and hindered by the lib/moderate faction of the GOP. How anybody can call her “stupid” and turn around and vote for Biden for VP is inexplainable.
I loved her words at the end about the entitlement mentality.
I am dying to see her in a live debate with the community-organizer-in-chief/teleprompter-addict.
ErinF on June 12, 2009 at 10:36 AM
She has always been good. Those couple of months with McCain and his incompetent campaign is what caused some damage. She is a phenomenal politician, talented and intelligent. During the campaign, one of the pundits , who knew her/of her before she became a VP pic, advised the McCain campaign to leave her do what she does, give her acess to the media and not try to mold her to their own “standards”, which they didn’t do…
runner on June 12, 2009 at 10:36 AM
I thought she looked very serious as she answered those questions, and the assaults by Lauer to trip her up.
kirkill on June 12, 2009 at 10:37 AM
the_nile is DEAD ON!! Like Rush says, we have to stop buying into the premise. We have to reject them and attack their arguments. The best part is that when we speak from the HEART, we beat them everytime!
WhatsRight on June 12, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Our little girl? Is growing?
Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, was tearing into Obama all thoughout the presidential campaign while McClame sat in the background afraid to say anything that might offend Rev. Wright’s protege.
fogw on June 12, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Ed -
Will cordially disagree with you. Considering NOW has Letterman in their sights, the backlash is evident. As many here have posted – the line in the sand has been drawn – and a key differentiator – Obama’s last 5 months, the economy and well, it isn’t 2008.
Many Republicans have failed at initial attempts to resonate – Reagan, Nixon come to mind – but getting their names and faces out there, to quell the storm only seems to make them stronger – as will Palin.
Something once “fair game and funny” – attacking Palin and her family – seems to be turning as a liability to the very people still parroting the tired one liners.
I also think there is some business competition going on – between CBS and NBC, concerning their late night investments, news coverage and overall perception in the minds of Americans. Just because Letterman signed a long term deal – doesnt mean automatic viewership and ad dollars – in fact IF Letterman continues to decline – that signed deal will look like a bloated line item far too expensive – and may be Letterman’s demise. NBC may have signaled a semi mea culpa with Lauers interview of Palin.
Odie1941 on June 12, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Precisely.
unwashed minion on June 12, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Good job Gov. Palin. Nice to see you go after the Libtards with their lack of Humanity.
Meathead Laur seemed almost human with this interview-
Just because you have the right to joke about someone’s character does not make it right. show some class and dignity in not going down this road.
If you dont have something nice to say, then don’t say it at all!
hawkman on June 12, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Yes she can.
Ted Torgerson on June 12, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Whas been funny is watching the Government-Run Media and the Trolls, new and old on this website, try to deflect this. That’s how you know that it got the attention of the American public.
kingsjester on June 12, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Bravo. Governor Palin is a highly effective leader and administrator but all we get is tabloid. Look at the substance of what she has already and will accomplish. It is impressive by any measure. And she has a clear vision for our energy independence.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Whas=what’s
oops.
kingsjester on June 12, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Kudos to Matt Lauer for asking tough and fair questions that weren’t of a partisan or gotcha nature. That’s why Palin had a strong interview. She’s perfectly capable of handling those type of questions.
A Hannity type interview does her a disservice almost as much as a Couric/Gibson type interview.
CarolynM on June 12, 2009 at 10:41 AM
She really is getting better. Color me unexpectedly impressed.
Professor Blather on June 12, 2009 at 10:41 AM
kingsjester,
Their hatred is a reflection of the fact that this incredible woman strikes the fear of God (NOTE to libs: God is our Creator…ohhh nevermind) in them!!
WhatsRight on June 12, 2009 at 10:41 AM
She has proven she can take down liberals who are on broadcast networks and rely on a nonpartisan audience anyway. Libs on cable like Olbermann and Bill Maher are still free to say anything about her because 99.9% of their audiences are full fledged Palin haters.
Is Bill Maher on tonight? If he is, I can guarantee he is going to say something revolting about her in defense of his boyfriend Letterman.
Speedwagon82 on June 12, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Well done Governor. As the father of a 6-year-old daughter, I could not agree with her more in terms of how folks view women even at a young age. That being said, the best part of her interview was her answer concerning the current “glut” of natural gas in the market. She deftly turned the issue from an economical discussion to a national security discussion. This shows that as an executive she can both manage internally and externally when considering issues. Again, well done Governor.
On another note, I thought Matt Laure was both competent and fair, my guess is that in this case he was just as appalled as the rest of us by Letterman’s ‘jokes’.
Caro1ina on June 12, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Everytime Sarah or any other Republican is asked a ‘gotcha’ question they should politely say… “The American people deserve this short amount of time devoted to the issues that matter most to them. Now let me talk about……”
Sarah and other Republicans are always going to be smeared whenever they answer these types of questions. It is the same old tatic that all statist drones use to boost their frail egos because of a lack of substance on real issues.
uber-con on June 12, 2009 at 10:43 AM
She’s great.
roux on June 12, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Yeah, but look how smokin’ hot she looked in this interview. Yow!
RightWinged on June 12, 2009 at 10:45 AM
WhatsRight on June 12, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I know what you’re saying. She is not from the Beltway. She does not hold to the Liberals’ values and she stands up for what (and Who) she believes in. It drives them crazy.
kingsjester on June 12, 2009 at 10:45 AM
“Yeah, but look how smokin’ hot she looked in this interview. Yow!”
Come on…not fair! I think radiant when I think of Janet Napolitano!!!!
WhatsRight on June 12, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Really, what you’re describing here, Ed, is just a repeat of the run-up to the 1980 election. Reagan’s children were older than Palin’s at the same time period, but much was made about Ron and Nancy’s problems with Patti Davis (less so with Ron Jr. — while he’s an MSNBC darling right now, back in ’80 the media like to make references to his attendance at ballet school with the not-so-subtile insinuations that Junior might not be a “ladies man”.)
Combine that with the comedians/SNL portrayals of Reagan being both a doofus and wanting to blow up the world at the same time by starting World War III, and the fact that the GOP Washington establishment wasn’t exactly enamored with Reagan in the 1970s, and the playbook looks remarkably similar, albeit far more high-tech and with a 24/7/365 news cycle this time around.
The non-ending news cycle means Palin does have to be more aware about gaffes and gotchas that will end up on YouTube, but the media’s situation is the same — if Obama doesn’t improve the economy or gets us into a new foreign policy dilemma/terrorist attack, all the media attacks on Palin won’t keep angry swing voters from thinking ‘If the big media is lying to cover-up for Obama’s failures when we can see how crappy everything is, why should we think they’re not lying about Palin?’ (which is what happened with the swing voters in the Carter-Reagan election)
jon1979 on June 12, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Good! The more these angry freaks attack her, the more effectively America will see the complete idiocy of the mental disorder called liberalism.
I love watching a barracuda tear apart a jackass.
ErinF on June 12, 2009 at 10:46 AM
That could be the overall aim of Palin’s opponents …
Ed, I agree with you but I have different “take” on this.
The effort by the media and liberals to “tar and feather” her will backfire.
Here’s something for you to ponder …
Americans LOVE …
Survivors and …
Winners.
The narrative in 2012 will be that Palin was a “commoner” from Alaska who was asked to save the failing campaign of John McCain. It’ll be noted that she fought harder than any man in the Republican Party for John McCain. It’ll be noted that those spineless men then attacked her. It’ll be noted that the media – perceiving rightly as a greivous threat – embarked on a campaign to destroy both her and her family. It’ll be noted that she fought them every inch of the way – and won every battle. Fourteen of Fourteen ethics charges (so far) – dismissed. In 2012 Sarah Palin will be a “bullet proof” media destruction machine. Because they’ve gone so nuclear on her – for so long – in such outrageous ways – no one believes them anymore.
I submit that Sarah Palin is our MOST innoculated Conservative candidate to the media virus. You can put Mitt Romney out there – and there is A LOT of ground the media can cover that hasn’t been explored – and Mitt will be on the defensive the entire go.
But Palin – every single time a story runs on Palin – Americans are reminded that the media cannot be trusted.
In short – their attacks will help her get elected.
I wasn’t initially for her as a Presidential candidate – because she hadn’t paid her dues. But she is paying those dues now.
HondaV65 on June 12, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Letterman insults the Governor, her youngest daughter, then her older daughter and Lauer puts Sarah on the defensive for defending her children.
In the real world Todd Palin would have shown Letterman the error of his ways.
perroviejo on June 12, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Sarah rocks!!
People need to rise up and stop this madness. Exploitation of minors is not just bad taste but sick and criminal!! Enough is enough.
Letterman is an aging sicko and coward!! Stop watching him and voice your comments to CBS.
whatzit2u on June 12, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Palin should go on Conan, just to spike his ratings even higher.
ErinF on June 12, 2009 at 10:47 AM
To hell with debating TOTUS, I want to see her debate some of Ed and Allah’s squishy Republican heros, like Lindsey Graham or Steele.
John_R on June 12, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Oh, I believe she will! Her momentum has just started.
ErinF on June 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Ooooh, I like that! Never was a Conan fan, but I’d watch that one.
JamesLee on June 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I love Sarah Palin, but I will say she should no longer comment on Letterman.
youngO on June 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I am surprised that this is even “still” a conservative blog standing for conservative principles or just a pit to boost site hits.
You said it Blake !!
defendfaithandfamily on June 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM
She can’t win for losing with you, Ed. I knew AP was anti-Palin, but I thought you had some backbone. Who gives a rat’s rectum about the lack of a “downside” for her attackers. You seem to think defending oneself validates the attack. I respect people who stand on principle and stand up for themselves against those who would do harm to them and others. I don’t think I’m in the minority on this.
SKYFOX on June 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM
LBJ once told an aid to spread allegations of an opponent’s affinity for beastiality. The aid demurred: “No one’s gonna believe that Lyndon.” “I don’t care,” said Johnson, “I just want to see him denying it on TV.”
Akzed on June 12, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Hey, she IS a plagarist! Quick, start making more jokes about her underage children!
/sarc
DrAllecon on June 12, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Oh – and I am sure a lot of us will agree
Brian is missed on this site !
defendfaithandfamily on June 12, 2009 at 10:53 AM
This interview was so good, its hard to come up with what the libmorons will whine about. I guess they will just be “outraged” that she dared to defend small children while cutting funding by .000000065% of some bloated government program.
Speedwagon82 on June 12, 2009 at 10:55 AM
And Pro-Life!
joepub on June 12, 2009 at 10:55 AM
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