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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bingo
BPD on June 12, 2009 at 10:56 AM
The media will soon tire of this story, and so will the public. What they will not soon forget is all the natural gas flowing in that pipeline.
SouthernGent on June 12, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Frankly I don’t know of any person in the entire political spectrum who would not have buckled under the onslaught that was directed at Governor Sarah Palin. I can’t think of anyone. And she did this while caring for a special needs child and her other children and did it with ease and grace.
In my opinion she is destined for greatness. She is only 46. She has an inner strength that can move mountains. Of course she needs more experience but man she has so much potential.
And now she is free to defend herself without being shackled by idiots in the McCain camp. Watch out world. Yes she can.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Exactly. Allah makes a big deal of some MSNBC host and Kathleen Parker saying Palin’s time “is running out” (who frickin cares about MSNBC or K. Parker??), yet not a single thread about the huge win for Palin with that pipeline deal.
Yet, there are always positive posts about Sanford, Romney or Jindal whenever they accomplish something (albeit they do so rarely). These posts however, get minimial interest or comments, since few people cares about them.
By the way, Sarah did great in that interview. She is just getting better and better imho.
Norwegian on June 12, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Wake up Ed!!!! Contracts mean nothing in the United States anymore.
Get with the program Comrade!
Knucklehead on June 12, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Why is everyone ragging on Ed today?
I have always thought he’s been fair and balanced on his Palin posts.
fogw on June 12, 2009 at 10:59 AM
I think Ed has it about right. However, I do think that the constant barrage of hate exuded by the left towards the governor (especially how vile the attacks have been recently) would make her a much more sympathetic figure. Because when you have “feminists” defending stat-rape jokes about a 14 year old, there has to be a lot of women thinking about their own kneejerk reaction toward Palin.
V15J on June 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM
She hit that out of the park! The media may focus on the Letterman junk but anyone who watched this will come away with a MUCH better opinion of Sarah Palin. She has been awesome latley, watch her poll numbers skyrocket.
This woman is a force!!!!
indy8 on June 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM
You are right. Governor Palin is a natural.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Matt Lauer is no match for a real woman…
d1carter on June 12, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I agree. I don’t think it’s helpful to go on about Letterman. He’s old news, she made her statement and I think she should leave it alone. And when she goes on Blitzer this afternoon, if she’s asked just say no comment and talk about pipeline.
youngO on June 12, 2009 at 11:02 AM
The two top GOP candidates, Palin and Romney, need to start tag teaming the liberal media. Since they are the target of most disparaging comments, they need to develop a good strategy of dealing with it.
Romney/Palin 2012
eaglesdontflock on June 12, 2009 at 11:02 AM
she is a totally first class lady,wife,mother,govoner,coservative,human.
the looney left has a lot to fear….
SHARPTOOTH on June 12, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Dan Rather had a nice contract. Didn’t he. Who would have thought that Dan Rather, THE Dan Rather could have been made to vacate his post?
Who?
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Matt Lauer Can Suck It!!
Mazztek on June 12, 2009 at 11:03 AM
You have to understand that AP doesn’t find that pesky pipeline deal 30 years in the making to be a legitimate story. AP only posts items that further the “white-trash” characterization of Palin. Everything else about the woman is downplayed. This is something that he brags about on twitter.
V15J on June 12, 2009 at 11:03 AM
The main thing is that the interview could not be edited. Whatever spin NBC or MSNBC or anybody else wants to put on the interview it is up to them. If they want to focus on the Letterman part that’s fine with me: I thought then she was at her best, so folks go to it!
technopeasant on June 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
ALINSKY RULE 6: “A good tactic is one your people enjoy.” They’ll keep doing it without urging and come back to do more. They’re doing their thing, and will even suggest better ones.
faraway on June 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
I’ll say it one more time.
The “Sarah Palin Phenomenon” in the news media has little to do with Palin beyond the fact that she’s perceived to be a greivous threat to Democratic power.
That is the key folks – the media attacks EVERY CONSERVATIVE that peeks their heads above the grass. What happened when Jindal looked like he might be the next “big thing” in the GOP? He got slammed by bad press. Out came the “creationist” stories. Out came the “not ready for prime time stories”. Even some ethnic attack (a la “Slum Dog Millionare” from Helen Thomas). They followed the exact same template they followed on Palin.
They did it against John McCain too – after they boosted him up in the primaries, because they wanted the GOP to run a watered-down moderate – they turned on him. Made up stories out of thin air about his “affair”. Told everyone he was “old” and “angry” … “McRage”.
Can you see what they do?
They will do this again to whoever we run in 2012 BUT …
Sarah Palin is IMMUNE TO THIS – the media disease has already run it’s course on her – to the point that every time they open their mouths – they give her more credibility and remind Americans they have none.
Right now – she needs to be looked at for a prime spot on the Republican ticket – if not President – then the GOP needs to make amends to her and get her on the VP ticket at least. You need this fighting woman out there in 2012.
HondaV65 on June 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
+100
ProfessorMiao on June 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
She better not talk too much about the pipeline, otherwise HotAir will not report/link it.
Blake on June 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Palin requires NO teleprompter to do great national interviews with the media.
Palin’s responses to every topic were spot on and above reproach.
Palin has every right to defend her children from media abuse. She accepted the NBC interview as the responsible Governor of Alaska. It takes media coverage to garner support for American prosperity via Alaskan energy for America’s national security. Obama Media is against it all.
That Conservative Men wait for Palin to take on the media before mulling over whether there’s any “right” to confront media abuse of children is pathetic apathy at best. Either protect Conservative Women and Children or admit it’s above your pay grade. That lenient toleration for sexual abuse of innocence stems from the very brand of male chauvinism that thrives on misogyny, the good ol’ boys club that really doesn’t want to broaden the tent to compete with women, only to use women to support the male status quo. If that’s how GOP male leadership works, the Republican Party really is a lost cause. Thank goodness for Palin to straighten out such kinks this early into Obama’s administration.
Accept abuse like good little conservatives, too good to feel the pain inflicted upon our children, too strong to protect innocence, too pathetic to accept responsibility as husbands and fathers in the public foray?
No mas.
Obama’s Media wish to distract America from Obama’s Marxist piracy of our Constitutional Republic via dissolution of our Constitution. Obama’s Federal alliances do not have Constitutional authority to coerce each state and all citizens into Marxist serfdom.
Use the momentum from attention to focus attack against Obama’s anti-American Green dissolution of our energy independence. Take the active offensive against Obama’s Marxist administration.
And if any swipes are taken at children along the way, ploy into the bastardization of American values. Marxists superimpose their leaders as the only legitimate heros, demi-gods and parent figures. Do not give them an inch as they flood the very ground you stand on to become quicksand.
maverick muse on June 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Look, I’m a big fan of Rush’s but I was watching one episode of his TV show back in the day and a picture of Chelsea came up overlaid with a picture of a puppy dog. Think of a really bad, cruel Photoshop job. Rush’s “Hey, who did that?” didn’t sell then and it doesn’t sell now. I was not happy with him when that occurred.
I don’t know if this is the episode in question or another, but that memory is still pretty strong for me because it really pissed me off.
Physics Geek on June 12, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I am telling you no one has gotten me so fired up to fight for our freedoms than Governor Palin. She is Ronald Reagan and Joan of Arc reincarnated.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 11:07 AM
The GOP needs more Sarahs.
Both parties need to be swept clean of the elite.
God bless you and your family, Gov. Palin.
Daddy-O on June 12, 2009 at 11:08 AM
ployPLOW!maverick muse on June 12, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Energy policy, one of the major issues facing this nation, is Governor Palin’s strong suit. On this subject, she makes all other politicians look like blithering idiots.
GreenBlade on June 12, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I think you might be on to something here!
ProfessorMiao on June 12, 2009 at 11:09 AM
To be fair, Ed, Letterman “and his ilk” don’t make all the coverage about Gov. Palin, some of Palin’s family (broadly speaking to include Levi and his family) does some of that themselves. America loves a celebrity train wreck (didn’t I see a drunk Danny Devito featured here yesterday?), or even a fifteen-minute celebrity trainwreck. Bristol Palin and her ex-fiancee (and their families) have been providing regular headlines in their back-and-forth tell-alls, opinions, accusations, and responses to each other. This kind of thing pops up and people remember the surprising news revealed during the presidential campaign that Veep’s unmarried teen daughter was pregnant, yada yada. It just brings back memories of some of the awkwardness of the campaign, and of course I’m speaking more from the general public standpoint than Palin’s supporters. But yes, you are right, the only thing that will be played will be her responses to Letterman.
okonkolo on June 12, 2009 at 11:09 AM
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.
Whose fault is that, Ed?
AMEN, Blake! And both Ed and Allaphpundit are guilty as sin about it. Yesterday was so bad I was ready to blow up. Tabloid trash, sexist crap.
BigD on June 12, 2009 at 11:10 AM
She better not talk too much about the pipeline, otherwise HotAir will not report/link it.
Blake on June 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
I agree. HA has been pretty silent on that, a deal with Exxon&Conoco is pretty big. But she has to stick to it, even though it doesn’t appear on HA. It’ll be out there
youngO on June 12, 2009 at 11:10 AM
That snarky little “Tick tock” he added under her photo on the home page when he linked to a story by some idiot that she had to go really pissed me off. Oh, and he deflects any criticism by attributing false motivations for it http://twitter.com/allahpundit
Blake on June 12, 2009 at 11:11 AM
I agree with you. I believe they will be on the ticket together in 2012. No moderates need apply… we want to win this time!!!
ErinF on June 12, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Let us look at this in the perspective of what has been in the news in the past two weeks or so. Guy Cimbalo attacks a list of Conservative women, Palin was attacked along with her daughter, and Carrie Prejean was basically fired because she spoke her mind. All of this has been aimed at women who have spoken out against the Left, not just Democrats.
I for one believe the majority of what has gone on these past few weeks has been about a desire to chill free speech, and in particular any who would enter the political arena of ideas and values who happens to be a female.
Palin speaking out for me was okay because of the bombarding of Conservative women. It was a good thing because some folks across the fruited plain may not have known about the attacks on her daughters. At this juncture both girls have been insulted and attacked. People need to pay attention to the double standards in the media since it is THIS same media who is giving the Left a free pass when it comes to the total destruction of this country by Obama and gang.
BUT, Ed does have a point. This could weaken her inadvertently, and when 2012 rolls around many voters, (not fully comprehending the media games), are going to be hungry for a very strong candidate without the ankle biting attacking media in tow in this manner. It is something we cannot ignore as things unfold. To do otherwise is something we say the Obama zombies would do. We will know the truth, but will those who we need to vote “R” get it? Let the stoning commence.
freeus on June 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Fog and young –
Lauer in the interview spent 7 minutes out of 11 discussing Letterman – of which Ed posted, commented on and we are commenting on. Whether or not Letterman is old news is moot – and Ed’s assessment can be critiqued in a civil manner. Palin was being interviewed, not the other way around.
The question should be “Why did Lauer spend 7 out of 11 minutes harping on Letterman.” – clearly its not “old news” and as I opined earlier – I believe Ed is misreading the cause/effect this is having on Palin.
Odie1941 on June 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I love that woman, and no, I’m not talking about Matt!
Torch on June 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Lauer treated Governor Palin as fairly as could be expected of any Obama-fellating media shill. Purely temporary. Lauer is still a dingleberry and should accorded no more respect than that.
SKYFOX on June 12, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Wow, Ed. So you’re saying had the Letterman controversy not existed, you would have highlighted Palin’s pipeline and policies in this post instead? I think that is a sad commentary–especially on a conservative blog. You were sucked into the very controversy you apparently don’t think Palin should have been sucked into herself. Pretty hypocritical. For those such as yourself who keep hand wringing over how Palin is being portrayed in the media–she lacks gravitas, she’s a media freak-show, blah, blah, blah–why do you help perpetuate it? Where was the post yesterday on the pipeline? This is a project 30 years in the making and who has spear-headed it’s progress and actually used free-market pricniples to move it along? That hillbilly from “Wasilly”. Please. If you’re so worried about how Palin is perceived in Manhattan quit helping them spread their stereotypes and counter them instead with her accomplishments. A post on the pipeline would have gone a long way but instead you play the MSM’s game and focus on the very thing you think hurts Palin. Nice.
Redneck Woman on June 12, 2009 at 11:13 AM
She’s an adept politician, and this is interview is no exception. The more people SEE and HEAR Sarah Palin, the more loved she becomes to the people who matter most (Actual Americans)
bluelightbrigade on June 12, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Hey, that’s my line! ;)
JamesLee on June 12, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Go Sarah Go! All the conservatives with doubts and reservations about her need to calm the heck down. She is indeed the person that will bring us back to AMERICAN exceptionalism. She has lived it all her life.
Confront the media hacks at every opportunity and show them to be the small minded liberal tools that they are. It will be easy – and great fun.
Being CIC is not rocket science. Look at the two moron executives we are stuck with now. She is more qualified then either will ever be right now. No worries mates.
Fear us. We are coming.
Sarah2012
DeweyWins on June 12, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Odie1941 on June 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Actually, it was the other way around. 3mins on Letterman. I think he was just offering his opinion that it’s probably not helpful for her to keep this Palin v Letterman thing going.
youngO on June 12, 2009 at 11:16 AM
And now they are smearing us as neo-nazis and murderers. Do we get any links/stories to people telling them to take a hike? No. We just get links to the smears.
Blake on June 12, 2009 at 11:17 AM
***
A great performance by Sarah Palin–quick “on her feet” to give clear, concise answers to fair questions from Matt Lauer. I didn’t know that (P)MSNBC had any fair interviewers left.
***
Sarah did look nice–but it was her clear thinking on REAL ENERGY PROBLEM SOLUTIONS that impressed me. And her “on target” comments on how the Left Wing Media (not “MSM”) flys excellent “air cover” for the “democratic” / “liberal” / socialist / marxist / communist President Obama, his Congressional enablers, and political buddies.
***
The SARAH’CUDA IS MY CHOICE FOR POTUS IN 2012. Her track record as Governer of Alaska and her consistent Conservative and personal actions in her life stand in stark contrast to our present U.S.S.A. president and his minions.
***
They all laughed when Joan of Arc showed up on the battlefield. They were all crying and licking their wounds when she left after her victories. However, remember how it ended–she was “stabbed in the back” (actually burned alive) by her supposed “friends”!
***
Watch your back Sarah–stay on Fox News, show up at the TEA PARTIES, etc. SARAH’CUDA FOR POTUS IN 2012–the real candidate. And put JOHN BOLTON in for VP. The real American conservative ticket.
***
John Bibb
***
rocketman on June 12, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Don’t mess with a mother and her cubs.
Armando on June 12, 2009 at 11:18 AM
It was in the best interest of G.E. to to have her on there. Conan is not tearing it up in the ratings. Buzz is going around that he is just not that good. This is their opportunity to assist in the damage to Letterman. It will become a battle to see who can wind up with the least poor ratings.
kingsjester on June 12, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I think a lot of people are thinking the same thing. I am.
—————–
As for Ed and AP.
Ed has always been a little too fair, balanced, and mature for me. He’s kinda like the DC Republicans who won’t fight back and think being polite is going to get them somewhere.
And you know AP is a New York Republican. The kind of Republican who likes Palin the least. But you should have seen him back in the day. Allah is in the House!!
misterpeasea on June 12, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Wait so Lauer asked her if she could really connect the dots between a joke and crime…
So will the crazy left finally admit that Limbaugh and Beck are not responsible for that shooter?
xax on June 12, 2009 at 11:20 AM
On the Rush/Chelsea bit: It was wrong then, and wrong now.
Two differences, though; One, Rush was NOT making sexual innuendo in any way, he was just making fun of her being “ugly.” Yes, just as bad, but in a totally different way.
Two, the first opportunity he had, when they were both invited to someone’s wedding or something, Rush went out of his way to approach Hillary Clinton and make a personal apology face to face away from any media. After all the felgercarb he’s shoveled at the Clintons for as long as he has, I think that probably took some stones to do. And, as I understood it when he finally explained that, he had no intention of ever mentioning the apology or the incidents again on the air until the tabloids starting whispering about Rush and Hillary talking at So-And-So’s Wedding.
None of this excuses his very mean, childish jabs at Chelsea, but I would be very surprised if David Letterman even approaches things that way without shouting it from the rooftops to save his sorry rear.
JamesLee on June 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Romney is not a top GOP candidate. He’s a pathetic johnny come lately that could not win a national election. There’s absolutely no reason to promote him unless he’s the only person running.
TTheoLogan on June 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Palin is a God.
faraway on June 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Dang!… now they have to find another way to destroy Sarah Palin because she is effective!
profitsbeard on June 12, 2009 at 11:22 AM
LOL. Thanks for the laugh – needed one today.
DeweyWins on June 12, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Not on my planet. I want an all out media WAR. No way are they going to influence our selection. We will have to just grow a spine and take them down.
They attacked Reagan every opportunity they got. Remember Sam Donaldson. The minute we let the media pressure effect how we act well then we have 1984.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 11:23 AM
One thing to note: Her language was very clean and direct. Perhaps she tends to ramble when she is talking to “friendlies” like Sean Hannity and Ziegler. Trying to say too much?
Nat Hound on June 12, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Her accent sounded less Alaskan, or I’m just getting used to it?
Sarah is getting the last laugh…her donations must be skyrocketing from the Letterman incident. I signed up for the monthly donation plan myself this week. I donated to Eric Cantor, as well, for bringing his “A” game to the microphone, stating Obama is more like Putin. The GOP still doesn’t get any of my money till they drop the McCain/Powell/Specter losing formula.
luvstotango on June 12, 2009 at 11:26 AM
She did great with this interview. I agree with those who believe Palin should choose more live interviews so her answers can’t be sliced and diced in the editing process.
One other important aspect: to anyone who thinks she shouldn’t talk about the Letterman issue anymore (and note that Lauer brought it up, not her), I would say this. We don’t know how long Palin will be a politician, but she will always be Willow’s mom. She should ALWAYS defend her children.
NebCon on June 12, 2009 at 11:26 AM
I’m glad to see that people generally agree here about Palin’s problems with the media being one of her best assets for 2012.
Because the fact is – the media is going to eviscerate anyone we run. She is the one candidate that has been through all that and has survived. In fact – their attacks on her only highlight the fact that they no longer have credibility. I hate to see the GOP waste the nuclear weapon that is Sarah Palin.
Do you think Mitt Romney’s “business experience” is going to be the story the media covers if he runs? Hell no – his Mormonism and the “strange” and “secret” and “bizare” beliefs of Mormons will be. “Mitt Romney … Did he have an affair?”. “Mitt Romney’s family photo album – does it look like yours?” “Mormons don’t drink Coke – is he really in touch with average Americans?” …
And like Sarah Palin – all of this will have a toll on him. And I’m only picking on Mitt – because this same thing will happen if we run Jindal, or Sanford – or whoever.
I think our best bet is a Palin / Jindal or a Sanford / Palin ticket. In my mind, she doesn’t have to be at the top of a Sanford / Palin ticket but her FACE NEEDS TO BE ON SOME TICKET. Her face reminds Americans that the MEDIA ARE LIARS. Don’t waste her as a weapon.
HondaV65 on June 12, 2009 at 11:26 AM
youngO
From 3:23 to 9:19 of an interview lasting 11:15 the questions and answers were about Letterman. That’s more than half of the interview. Ed may think she should just say “no comment” but, luckily, Governor Palin appears to have stopped taking advice from squishies.
SKYFOX on June 12, 2009 at 11:26 AM
There is a convenient time stamp on the video – at 3:20 the first “slutty stewardess” Q is asked and concludes at 9:16 with the GOP Q. I stand corrected – 6 mins spent on Letterman… of which has nothing to do with who asked the questions – Lauer and who answered them – Palin.
To say (and agree with Ed) that Palin needs to shy away from this is ridiculous. I am confident the 95% of posts here in support of Palin let us know what conservatives here think…
Odie1941 on June 12, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Words of Wisdom.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Nat Hound on June 12, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I think she has been working on being more concise and precise with her answers. To be fair, Hannity’s style is more conversational; I know many journalists don’t respect him but Sean is not an elitist and it is reflected in how he asks the questions and the type of answer he gets back.
technopeasant on June 12, 2009 at 11:27 AM
What a pity that someone responding to personal attacks their children qualifies as looking “less serious.”
IMO not responding makes it look like she can be walked over at their convenience and that she’ll tolerate anything to pander to those who don’t support her.
katiejane on June 12, 2009 at 11:27 AM
I don’t have a problem with Ed being civil and leaving the body-slamming to the rest of us.
He reports, we decide.
fogw on June 12, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Nice move Cuda. By moving all in on Letterman last night and this morning, more and more folks who missed the comments are getting a second crack to form an opinion. So, this happened on Monday night and here we are just at the peak of the jib here on Friday. a.k.a. getting the most bang for your buck.
THE CHOSEN ONE on June 12, 2009 at 11:28 AM
You mean a “Letterman Republican”?
True dat.
Oh where is the Allahpundit of Yesteryear??
Blake on June 12, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Oh I also need to add …
Ronald Reagan was played up as a buffoon by the media when he ran because of movies like “Bedtime for Bonzo” – in which he co-starred alongside a chimpanze.
Reagan was so evicerated by the media in 1976 and 1980 – that Americans stopped believing anything the media said about him. Especially in light of the dreary economic times that characterized the Carter administration.
Sound familiar?
HondaV65 on June 12, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Has anybody noticed that the Female Troll who was on every thread yesterday has not shown up yet today?
kingsjester on June 12, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Lauer was fair??????? Come on, I kept waiting for David Letterman to take off his Matt Lauer mask.
bloggless on June 12, 2009 at 11:31 AM
This is the plan, regardless of what Palin does. However, I may be wrong, but the blowback on this one is substantial — NOW even seemed compelled to comment! This may be just a bump in the road for the lefty, hate-Palin attack machine, but it may just mark a turning point, as well. We will soon see.
littleguy on June 12, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I’ve noticed that the Leftist media work to the benefit of the Communists in two main ways:
1. Take some comment made by someone (Democratic ‘strategist’ or some other talking head, RINO, blogger, etc., basically one of their own) and throw it out there as maybe just a question. Soon it becomes fact. No one can remember the origin-who said what when. It goes into the echo chamber and becomes fact-conventional wisdom as they like to say.
2. Someone attacks one of their enemies. The attacker is soon forgotten as the person who was attacked becomes the negative. If famous people or reputable news services say something, then there must be at least a kernel of truth to it.
I can understand why Sarah Palin scares them, but why conservatives? Perhaps it’s because even we have been conditioned by the Left for a lifetime and have a hard time believing that a Christian, Conservative, Republican mom can actually be successful in politics and not have any dirt under her fingernails (the cynical aspect I suppose).
An Atheist, Leftist, Democrat mom like Hillary on the other hand? No problem. And think about it-Hillary rode on her husband’s coattails from waaaaaay back before he was even governor. Sarah Palin is self-made. She embarrasses people into asking, “What is my excuse for having done nothing with my life?”
Dr. ZhivBlago on June 12, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Let me just add to the positive reactions here that, indeed, it was a great interview and although Matt did press her, he backed off when she responded properly and kept going back to how this hurts the self esteem of women in America, which is the REAL issue here. She turned the interview to her advantage on that point instead of getting into a he said/she said argument.
In a country and a world where according to a headline I read recently that “Oral Sex is the New Goodnight Kiss,” thank you Gov Palin for speaking out.
And keep speaking out folks with CBS. Go to http://www.conservatives4palin.com for a list of CBS execs who might want to hear from you.
Mr_Magoo on June 12, 2009 at 11:34 AM
The DNC and ACORN Troll Teams are meeting with the Pay Czar in the WH today to see what their bonus structure will be.
littleguy on June 12, 2009 at 11:34 AM
That would be Southern Gal. Yep, she was pretty tedious.
BigD on June 12, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I have to disagree. Our financial system is going to be put through the wringer over the next couple of years, to a point where it will be unrecognizable. Romney is probably the only person who has a chance of knowing how to repair that damage.
He and Palin would make a great team. I don’t care who’s on top of the ticket.
ErinF on June 12, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I think even folks who admire and/or generally support Governor Palin from time to time take the bait and focus more on the sensational personal aspects of her life and ignore the hardcore policy stuff. The celebrity culture at times is not confined to one side of the aisle.
WordsMatter on June 12, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Beautifully stated! The onslaught is without a doubt designed to break her and/or send her scurrying back to Alaska and out of the national political scene with her “tail” between her legs–nope not happening. Nobody, and I mean nobody in the world of the A-hole lib media and American politics has the fortitude and strength of character this amazing woman has. Love and respect to the veritable class-act that is Saracuda….
RepubChica on June 12, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Exactly! Goechelone nailed it here!
IMHO, Sarah Palin IS destined for greatness, BECAUSE she can withstand withering and unfair criticism and fight back with charm and grace and elegance.
She was thrust into the national spotlight a little too soon for her own good, and in 2008 was unprepared for the hostility and blatant meanness and hypocrisy of the national media toward conservatives, whereas the Alaskan press is more sympathetic toward Republicans. She was not aware that the national media would edit out her best responses to the Gibson and Couric interviews, which gave some voters a false impression that she was somehow incompetent or stupid.
But she’s a fast learner, and has returned from previous failures before–she quit the Alaska Oil and Gas Commission, to later become Governor, and she still has a lot to say about energy policy, her strongest issue. The vicious personal attacks against her family will do nothing but keep her in the spotlight and bring sympathy for her, and she could capitalize on that sympathy to show herself to the nation as a competent leader and Governor.
She’s now out from the shadow of not only McCain, but also George W. Bush. If she runs for President or VP in 2012, it will be against Obama’s record, which might not sound HOPE-ful by then, and people might want CHANGE. Make no mistake, the 2012 election will be about the ECONOMY, and Romney might be our best Presidential hope.
But Palin is definitely destined for greatness. She just may become the American Margaret Thatcher.
Steve Z on June 12, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Good point that the MSM will focus on the “gossip” of Letterman’s jokes, which will detract from the good work she is doing in energy. Those who support Gov. Palin (like I do) need to keep this in mind and get the focus back on the good work she is doing.
“Watch out world. Yes she CAN!” I absolutely love it!!
Palin 2012 A new energy for America
njpat on June 12, 2009 at 11:36 AM
I think it’s a case of Letterman going over the line and not realizing at the outset it was 14 year old Willow accompanying her mother and not Bristol.
Obama and his war room make few mistakes but as to their surrogates like Letterman they are prone to slip up from time to time. Getting NOW to back Palin was definitely not how it was supposed to go down.
technopeasant on June 12, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Say in the spur of the moment: nappy headed ho’s about a Black college team= lose a high paying job, be nationally castigated, pay millions, go on Al Sharptons show to be beat up, all not good enough.
Intimate pedophile public rape of a White female Conservatives daughter from a script= publicity, a little ration of crap from the public, three years of multi million dollar contract, and return engagements to do it again.
What possibly could be wrong with this picture?
Speakup on June 12, 2009 at 11:36 AM
A three year employment agreement?
It is void by reason of being excessive. He will need to adjust his income down to meet the Braney Caps.
seven on June 12, 2009 at 11:36 AM
No, he editorializes, we respond. That is not to say he doesn’t do some of his own reporting.
BigD on June 12, 2009 at 11:37 AM
On the “Head of the Party” bit: in similar circumstances, every politician responds in the same way, I’m want to help, keeping options open, moving forward together, Americans will decide at the polls, blah blah blah.
Maybe it’s because I really like her and would vote for her tomorrow if I could, AND the day after that, but when she answered that question the way she did, essentially saying the same thing, she says it in such a way that a guy like me just instantly believes it comes from the heart and she actually means it (Which is in no way suggesting she does not!).
They say in politics, perception is reality. And if more people see her in interviews like this, and if they can at least percieve she is truly speaking from the heart, then watch out, Hopenchange!
JamesLee on June 12, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Just remember: She said Rape is funny. Never let her forget that. I intend to reminder her about that one.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 11:38 AM
she put the smack down on letterman.. .what a perv..
gatorboy on June 12, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Great interview, good post. Thanks for the balance Ed.
I think you have a point that continued “drama” will undermine her “serious candidate” cred, and of course the media will help with that all they can.
As someone who likes Palin, I’m inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt. She has governed Alaska effectively, knows energy policy, and has a common-sense approach to economics that may be just what the nation is looking for after a few years of Obamanomics.
She deserves the right to run for the nomination on a relatively level playing field with the other candidates. For those who keep crying “too much drama,” I have a simple question.
Who else has the populist appeal to energize the grassroots, the demonstrated integrity to live out the family/economics principles she has espoused, and the fundraising prowess to literally give Obama a run for the money next time around?
Keep this big picture in mind next time you are promoting Huck, Romney, Sanford, Jindal, etc.
cs89 on June 12, 2009 at 11:39 AM
God I love that woman! I am SO happy that she is showing her true self, off the McCain staffers’ leash. I hope she stops by W’s house and have some bbq and catching up to do!
If I was a staffer I’d fly her down to FLA and get on that EIB mike with El Rushbo-I’d pay for that! Teddy Bear would be as soft as a marshmallow and melt on that chair. Swoon!
By promoting her AK projects, by informing Americans of the potentials and possibilities that Alaska can contribute, gosh, sooner or later the Lower 57/sarc have to say, “Hey she’s no bimbo an’ I don’t even know wha’s she’s yakkin’ about!”
I am still dumbfounded how in the world she got that “dumb white trash rep” by the MSM. She’s got talk radio behind her back, but that is not enough. If minorities and the MSM rallied behind “He Who Has No Clue”, common sense folks, us that contribute to the country, help out at church and go to gun shows…yes us, Bible-toting hard working families raising our kids to be decent Americans in the future we CAN make a difference by embracing our patriotism.
She has to go to as many media outlets as possible, and show the country that she is THAT real, that good, and THAT smart. Sorry men, you are gonna have to put up with “this one.”
ProudPalinFan on June 12, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Name me one American politician who has used a TelePrompTer during an interview. Ever.
YYZ on June 12, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Barrack Obama. With his “Big screen Tv aka-Teleprompter in the back of the white house press room. REMEMBER?
portlandon on June 12, 2009 at 11:42 AM
DYNOMITE!! She’s knocked it out of the park!
Indian Outlaw on June 12, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Excellent Sarah.
masterful.
Just keep slamming them home one after the other and build up your public appearance resume.
Palin/Cheney 12
I am telling you that would be a phenom ticket.
BillaryMcBush on June 12, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Ed, the AgitProp Media will create collateral issues to throw at any serious frontrunning conservative candidate. Conservative leaders have three choices: take the heat and succeed despite them, like Rush; go squishy and try to win them over, like McCain; or disappear, like all the other GOPers.
Without the media whirlwind that kicked up as soon as Sarah appeared on the East Coast a few days ago, including but not limited to the Letterman fiasco, does Sarah or anyone else get the big Media spot on Today to promote the pipeline and talk about our issues? Don’t think so.
If I’m Axelrod, I’m thinking of asking my pals in the AgitProp Media to ignore this lady.
If Sarah and her family can hack the hostile media barrage, and it is brutal, Sarah can be a very effective spokesman for our side. She’s one of us, and NO ONE on our side gets covered like she does–not even close. I still think picking Sarah and shining the spotlight on her was the best thing McCain ever did.
Great job Sarah!
james23 on June 12, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Hell, yesterday I was trying to set her up so she would say something that would get her banned but couldn’t quite pull it off. You allshould have helped me.
Blake on June 12, 2009 at 11:44 AM
No, talking about the media overshadows the BIG things she is getting done. That’s why I say she missed a great opportunity to smack Letterman with one sentence and leave it alone. Talk about one of the biggest achievement in Alaska’s history.
youngO on June 12, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Ahahaha we were rolling on the floor when we saw that. Everyone at the office was saying things like, omg HE Plays a president on TV…its worse than a soap opera set.
Barrack Obama – the embarassment of the United States of Affirmative Action and VOter Fraud.
BillaryMcBush on June 12, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Barry Obama. He used a Telepromter during a WH press conference. It was a national interview with the media.
Look up the definition of the word interview.
Geochelone on June 12, 2009 at 11:44 AM
First of all … I like Ed … And I have always been a big fan of Ed’s work going back to the Captain’s Quarters (which is where I discovered him). Ed is one of the best investigative bloggers on the internet. He’s tenacious – and he covers the stories that liberals want you to forget. Quite frankly – you want Ed Morrissey out there fighting for us.
But … Ed does betray his personal preferences from time to time – even though he tries to cover them. I remember that Ed was pretty upbeat when McCain “clinched” the nomination last year. A lot of Conservatives were upset because Republicans had just nominated a RINO but Ed was very upbeat. This leads me to believe that Ed is a closet “moderate” – who believes the party should moderate in order to win more votes.
That’s his choice – and I’m totally fine with it. Hell – I don’t even consider myself a Republican anymore – so Ed is welcome to do with that party what he wishes. But I would “rub in” the fact that it’s already been proven that running a moderate doesn’t get the GOP a win. In fact – the GOP ran a moderate against a left-wing radical who was stained by associations with terrorists and racist pastors. And yet – the radical beat the RINO.
That is the most damning fact of the “moderate” argument there is.
HondaV65 on June 12, 2009 at 11:44 AM
The more the hate her, the more I want her to win. In fact, seeing the direction this country is taking with Al-Messiah O-bummer, “I rather be governed by the first 2000 names in the Boston phone book than by the dons of Harvard”
Michelle Dubois on June 12, 2009 at 11:45 AM
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