Friday, Oct. 24, 2008
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PALIN
Cadillac Conservative Hits Reverse
In a major policy speech in Pittsburgh this a.m., Sarah Palin "outlined the McCain-Palin commitment to children with special needs" (release, 10/24). Speaking at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, Palin said Barack Obama "would tax federal trusts for special needs adults" and called for "school choice for special needs children." She said John McCain would "fully fund" Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Palin: "As families across America know, the care of special needs children requires this long term planning. ... A common practice among these families is to establish financial trust to start taking care of this aspect. These are known as special needs trusts, covering years of medical and other costs. And for parents, they bring invaluable comfort and security. ... Understandably then many families with special needs children or dependent adults, they're concerned about in this race our opponent in this election who plans to raise taxes on precisely these kinds of financial arrangements. They fear that Sen. Obama's tax increase will have serious and harmful consequences and they're right because the burden that his plan would pose upon these families is just one more example of how many plans can be disrupted and how many futures can be placed at risk and how many people can suffer when the power to tax is misused."
On school choice, Palin said: "And in a McCain-Palin administration, we're gonna put the educational choices for special needs children in the right hands, in the hands of the parents and the good responsible caretakers."
On the IDEA, Palin said: "In a McCain-Palin administration we will also fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Finally it will be fully funded. It was to his great credit that president Gerald Ford signed the legislation that became the IDEA into law, establishing new standards of respect and inclusion for young America with disabilities. And from that day to this, however, the federal government's obligations under the IDEA have not been adequately met. And portions of idea funding have actually decreased since 2005"(Berger, NBC/National Journal, 10/24).
Later today, Palin "will be deposed under oath by the independent investigator working for the Alaska personnel board, as part of a second investigation into allegations that she abused her power in dismissing a public safety commis. (Conroy, "From The Road," CBSNews.com, 10/24).
Meeting The Press
In an interview with Chicago Tribune's Zuckman, Palin "insisted" that she "did not accept" $150K "worth of designer clothes" from the GOP, saying "that is not who we are." Palin: "That whole thing is just, bad! Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are. It's kind of painful to be criticized for something when all the facts are not out there and are not reported." Palin added that "the clothes are not worth" $150K and were bought for the GOP convo. Still, Palin "has been wearing pricey clothes at campaign events this fall."
Palin "said they will be given back, auctioned off or sent to charity." Most of them, she said, "haven't even left the belly of her campaign plane."
Palin "points to" the face that "much of the media attention" she has received "has decidedly not been about public policy issues," which is "evidence of a bias against women candidates." Palin: "I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race. Do you remember the conversations that took place about her, say superficial things that they don't talk about with men, her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that? That's a bit of that double standard."
Palin "said she would rather talk about" the campaign's "mission to reform" gov't, "get the economy back on track and bring opportunities to families, especially those with special needs." Palin: "I'm not going to complain about it, I'm not going to whine about it, I'm going to plow through that, because we are embarking on something greater than that, than allowing that double standard to adversely affect us."
During the interview, "one of her first newspaper interviews," Palin was joined by her husband, Todd, "who cradled Trig, noticeably plumper since he was first introduced to the world two months ago."
Palin called the disabilities issues "a joyful challenge." T. Palin "showed off photos of people with Down syndrome who have come to campaign events, and the candidate said one advocacy group sent her a bumper sticker that said 'My kid has more chromosomes than your kid.'"
Palin: "We're on this journey with other families. We'll learn a lot from those other families, as they can count on us in the White House doing all that we can for them also. It's going to be a nice team effort here" (10/24).
Speaking to reporters on his campaign bus, McCain "was asked several questions" about "the shopping spree." He "answered each one more or less the same way: Palin needed clothes and they'll be donated to charity." McCain: "She need clothes at the time. They'll be donated at the end of this campaign. They'll be donated to charity." Pressed for details, McCain said: "It works by her getting some cloths when she was made the nominee of the party and it will be donated back to charity." Asked about the amount spent, McCain said: "Nothing surprises me" (Farrington, AP, 10/24).
What About Brian, Part Two
The second half of Brian Williams interview with McCain and Palin aired on "Nightly News" last night.
Williams, on Palin bringing up ex-60s radical William Ayers on the campaign trail: "Back to the notion of terrorists and terrorism. This word has come up in relation to Mr. Ayers. ... It's been said that to gives it a vaguely post-9/11 hint, using that word that we don't normally associate with domestic crimes. Are we changing the definition? Are the people who set fire to American cities during the '60s terrorists under this definition? Is an abortion clinic bomber a terrorist under this definition, Governor?"
Palin: "There's no question that Bill Ayers, via his own admittance, was one who sought to destroy our US capital and our Pentagon. That is a domestic terrorist. There's no question there. Now, others who would want to engage in harming innocent Americans or facilities that it would be unacceptable to -- I don't know if you're going to use the word terrorist there, but it's unacceptable -- and it would not be condoned, of course, on our watch. If what you're asking is if I regret referring to Bill Ayers as an unrepentant domestic terrorist, I don't regret characterizing him as that."
Williams: "No, I'm just asking what other categories you would put in there, abortion clinic bombers, protesters in cities where fires were started, Molotov cocktails were thrown, people died?"
Palin: "I would put in that category of Bill Ayers anyone else who would seek to campaign, to destroy our United States capital and our Pentagon and would seek to destroy innocent Americans."
More, on bringing up Ayers and possibly, Rev. Jeremiah Wright: "It is not mean spirited. It is not negative campaigning to ask someone about their record. And Barack Obama does have a record of association with Bill Ayers."
Williams: "Governor, what is an elite? Who is a member of the elite?"
Palin: "Oh, I guess just people who think that they're better than anyone else. And John McCain and I are so committed to serving every American, hard working, middle-class Americans who are so desiring of this economy getting put back on the right track, and winning these wars, and America starting to reach her potential. And that is opportunity and hope provided everyone equally. So anyone who thinks that they are, I guess, better than anyone else, that's my definition of elitism."
Williams: "So it's not education, it's not income based, it's..."
Palin: "Anyone who thinks that they're better than someone else."
Williams: "A state of mind. It's not geography?"
Palin: "Of course not."
Williams: "Governor, are you a feminist?"
Palin: "I'm not going to label myself anything, Brian. And I think that's what annoys a lot of Americans, especially in a political campaign, is to start trying to label different parts of America, different backgrounds, I'm not going to put a label on myself. But I do believe in women's rights, I believe in equal rights, and I am so thankful I was brought up in a family where really gender has never been an issue. I was expected, growing up in a family that was very athletic, very active, very much into equal opportunities and education and everything else, I was expected to do the same thing that the guys were doing. And that has been a good foundation, too, for me in the position that I'm now as his running mate, understanding that, hey, gender's not going to, this isn't going to hold me back."
More: "In fact, it's time for women to be provided that opportunity to finally shatter that highest and hardest glass ceiling that is still in place in America's political system. But we're going to shatter that because I think more and more American women are recognizing, 'Right on. We've got someone whom we can believe in also, someone who is committed to putting our country first, who recognizes that the life/family balance that's so necessary, as we try to progress our families and the businesses that we own.' We recognize that they can see and be someone committed to protecting our small businesses so that more jobs can be created, someone who is committed, also, to supporting John McCain in the strategies that we need in place to win these wars so that our families, our children are safe in this homeland. So I'm not going to label myself feminist or not, but I do believe that American women can recognize in me an advocate and a friend. And I want to be in the White House for them" (NBC, 10/23).
For McCain's answers, see today's McCAIN story.
Here's a preview of tonight's interview:
Williams: "If you are unsuccessful in this effort, how will you feel about your country, and are you in national politics to stay?"
Palin: "Our country is the greatest country on earth, I'm going to continue to love this country, I'm going to continue to support my son who is over there in Iraq, fighting for the freedoms in this country. I'm going to continue to be um, such a proponent of all that it is that this country represents, I think its perfect ideals and values that we represent in their virtues of freedom. So I'm gonna keep on keepin on in that arena. As for furtherance in a political career, I'm not even thinking about that, I'm thinking between now and November 4th what it is that we have to do in reaching out to the electorate, letting them know who John McCain is, what we represent and how electing John McCain is the right decision for future of America" (NBC, 10/24).
The Gifts That Keep On Giving
CBS News reports the shopping spree "included cloths to outfit Palin's entire family including her soon to be son-in-law Levi Johnson. Also, the $150K "included deductions for cloths that were returned, meaning the total cost of the shopping excursions exceeded" $150K (CBSNews.com, 10/23). The RNC also bought $181.91 worth of "tailoring supplies" from Oshman Brothers and $98.50 in "sewing supplies" from Steinlauf & Stoller in NYC (Kelley, New York Times, 10/24).
However, other aspects of the RNC's purchases "are murky." The $4.9K spent at Atelier in NYC, a "high-end men's store," was "presumably" for T. Palin. But the store carries "expensive cut-up T-shirts and tricky suits from avant-garde designers, like Raf Simons, Yohji Yamamoto and Ann Demeulemeester, none of whom typically create beltway-appropriate attire." Atelier owner Karlo Steel said: "We have no recollection of that sale and no idea what they are talking about" (Luo/Wilson, "The Caucus," New York Times, 10/23).
The "liberal-leaning" Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has "filed a complain" with the FEC "alleging" that the GOP "broke federal campaign laws" by buying Palin "clothes." The complaint names "as defendants" Palin, the RNC and "other operatives associated with the RNC." The Center's exec. dir. Melanie Sloan: "The FEC should investigate immediately" (Gordon, McClatchy Newspapers, 10/23).
Thoughts On The Matter
Newsday editorializes, "What really matters is what's in Sarah Palin's head, not what's on her feet" (10/24).
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorializes, "even was we wonder how the McCain campaign could be so clueless, Ms. Palin deserves a little sympathy" (10/24).
Philadelphia Inquirer editorializes, "Something is wrong with the political system when so-called public servants are living lifestyles of the rich and famous. Real hockey moms aren't carrying snacks for the team in a Hermes handbag" (10/24).
Washington Post Writers Group's Parker writes, "If McCain, rightful heir to the presidency, loses to Obama, history undoubtedly will note that he was defeated at least in part by his own besotted impulse to discount on the future. If he wins, he must be credited with having correctly calculated nature's power to befuddle" (10/24).
TV Chatter On The Cloths Issue
Washington Post's Milbank: "Here's what's going on here is that, of course, it is a peripheral issue, but when it rains it pours. This is exactly the sort of thing that we were talking about with John Kerry in 2004, like, was he spending too much on his shirts, the pile-on with John Edwards and his haircut? When things are going your way, those stories tend not to crop up. I think they sort of fill the vacuum when the polls have you down and people are looking for a storyline" ("Election Center," CNN, 10/23).
Ex-Romney press sec. Kevin Madden: "Look, it complicates a message, an economic message, where John McCain and Sarah Palin are looking to connect with a lot of middle-class voters and draw the contrasts between their economic model and Barack Obama's, saying that, you know, that we need to worry about the middle class, when we all know that there are not many people going on $150,000 shopping sprees at places like Neiman Marcus or Saks. So, again, it takes you off message at a critical time, where every single news cycle counts in these last 12, 13 days, where you are trying to make that closing argument to voters" ("Election Center," CNN, 10/23).
CNN contributor Roland Martin: "Republicans were slamming John Edwards for the $400 haircut. The only reason we knew about that was because it showed up on a campaign expenditure form because the campaign paid for it. He paid for it later. If she had paid for her clothes by herself, nobody would know where she shops. The other piece is authenticity. When you hold yourself up as a Wal-Mart mom, as a regular mom, that's your message, that's your image, if you will, and then all of a sudden that amount of money going to clothes, it competes with the message that you have been putting out all these months" ("Election Center," 10/23).
GOP strategist Margaret Hoover, on the New York Times report about Palin's wardrobe: "She's giving them to charity when she's done, by the way. I mean, this is unequal treatment of Republicans by the New York Times. We all know it. ... They want to diminish her. They try to liken it to [John] Edwards, which is ridiculous. He talks about two Americas and he lives in 25,000-square-foot mansion. She is giving the clothes to charity; didn't even buy them herself and is only using them for the course of the campaign" ("O'Reilly Factor," FNC, 10/23).
Conservative radio talk show host Monica Crowley: "[This is] anti-Palin hysteria gone completely over the cliff. ... This is a woman who lives in Alaska. She's the governor of that state. She campaigned for governor wearing fleece, right, and Alaskan snow pants from L.L. Bean. Is she supposed to campaign for the vice president wearing that stuff?" ("O'Reilly Factor," FNC, 10/23).
FNC's O'Reilly: "They didn't know about it. They're running around, and somebody says, 'Hey, here's your outfit.' She didn't know. She didn't buy them. It's not like she went shopping" ("O'Reilly Factor," FNC, 10/23).
GOP strategist Margaret Hoover: "They could have been more prudent. They could shop at Ann Taylor, as she says. They don't have to go to Neiman Marcus" ("O'Reilly Factor," FNC, 10/23).
DLC chair Harold Ford Jr., on whether the clothes issue will matter: "It's a silly thing, too many things serious things. We should be focusing on the big matters, not clothing" ("Today," NBC, 10/24).
Under Friendly Fire
Palin joined Sean Hannity for a special "Hannity & Colmes," broadcast outside Pittsburgh, PA, following a campaign rally. Some highlights:
Hannity: "We keep hearing about this group ACORN is in every single swing state now. There are allegations of voter fraud. You used the term stealing the election. ... Are you concerned that that might be happening in this election?"
Palin: "I join many Americans in sharing that concern that that voter registration fraud could be resulting in some questionable ballots being
cast. And that is not fair. That is not right. That is un-American. You know, we have our young men and women fighting in war zones for us
today, trying to protect our rights to free and fair elections. And how dare anyone take that away from our electorate? And how dare anyone not disavow a group that has engaged in that voter registration?"
Hannity: "Meaning you want Barack Obama and Joe Biden to do that?"
Palin: "Heck yes. I wish that they would. I think that that would bode well for them."
Hannity: "But wait a minute. They funded them. Look, Barack Obama has represented them as a lawyer. Barack Obama has organized with them and
helped train some of their so-called get-out-the-vote efforts. And the campaign has given over $800,000. So why would he disavow a group that
obviously is working on his behalf?"
Palin: "Well, obviously, we would like to see him disavow this group so that at least that message would be sent to Americans that he, too, cares about free and fair elections. And, you know, we won't tolerate that abuse or that exploitation of an opportunity to have an unfair election. And, again, it would bode well for Barack Obama if he would stand strong on this one, have a backbone and disavow that group."
Hannity: "Joe Biden said it's patriotic for people to pay more taxes. Time to jump in; time to be patriotic. Do you think that the narrative on the economy has changed? And do you view those comments by Biden and Obama as socialist?"
Palin: "I believe that the narrative has finally changed. There's been more revelation there about what Barack Obama's true intentions will be. He spoke plainly, finally, to Joe the plumber. He said yes, he wants to spread the wealth. And to Joe the plumber that sounded like socialism. And Joe speaks for a lot of Americans, who hear some suggestion in there that taking more from our small businesses and from our individual families and then spreading their hard-working money around, according to a politician's priorities, that certainly would kill the entrepreneurial spirit that helped build this country, made it the greatest country on earth."
More: "I've got a problem with it, and a lot of Americans are gravely concerned about that plan that Barack Obama has with his tax cut, he calls it. Really, it's a tax credit. Really, it is, just spreading the wealth. There's a problem with that."
Hannity: "What would it mean to you: Barack Obama won the presidency, Nancy Pelosi had 250 Democrats in the House ... [and] Harry Reid hit the magic number of 60 in the U.S. Senate. What do you think that would mean for America?"
Palin: "See, now this is part of the debate that I think you will see elevated, and more voters are going to start talking about this in the next few days. That idea of a Democrat stronghold in House, Senate and, heaven forbid, the White House. ... Super majority. Veto-proof majority potentially here, yes. That should certainly be a concern because of the checks and balances issues, of course, that really have not been discussed to the degree, I think, that they should be."
More: "But more and more Americans are starting to ask these questions also. Is that consideration of how it would effect war strategy and how it would effect, of course, the huge growth of government that we would see under a Democrat-controlled House/Senate and White House. Because they've already promised to do so."
Hannity: "Well, let's talk about some the attacks. ... The RNC spent $150,000 on clothes. That's been an issue that's come up lately, and another issue, as well, the travel account for your family has been, I guess, billed to the state of Alaska."
Palin: "I'm glad that you brought up both of those. First, the RNC spending money on clothes. Those clothes are not my property. We had three days of using clothes that the RNC purchased. If people knew how Todd and I and our kids shop so frugally. My favorite shop is a consignment shop in Anchorage, Alaska, called Out of the Closet. And my shoe store is called Shoe Fly in Juneau, Alaska."
More: "It's not Fifth Avenue type of shopping. But RNC purchasing some clothes that are all going -- they are either returned or they're going to charity. It's not my property."
Palin, on the possibility the clothes will be put up for auction: "I think that they should be. And I think charitable organizations should be the recipients."
Hannity: "The way I look at it, you're the only person in this race that's not a millionaire."
Palin: "That's true, too. ... Just average, middle class American family. But now, you asked the other issue, too, though about the ... the travel with the family. Every Governor has traveled with family when it's a first family function. And it's always been charged to the state. That's part of the job. What I did was sell the Governor's jet so that we could fly commercial and save the state a heck of a lot of money, which we have. We've cut the state's travel budget by about $400,000 by flying commercial. And ... it's not unprecedented."
Hannity: "Joe Biden said, in fact, mark my words ... there will be an international crisis that Senator Obama would be tested. And that was one of the more interesting things. ... What do you think of that?"
Palin: "And it wasn't just Biden making that comment. That was confirmed by former secretary Madeleine Albright, where she said yes, she believes that Biden was just stating fact. Now I don't want a president who invites that kind of testing. We cannot afford that on the homeland. So, that's a very discouraging to hear, Barack Obama's only running mate proclaiming that, that Barack Obama would be inviting an international crisis that would adversely effect this country, is what he was saying there."
More: "What that statement did was confirm what Barack Obama had been referred to by Joe Biden throughout the primaries and in their debates. Remember, that he was untested and wasn't ready for the presidency. Joe Biden has said he would be honored to run with John McCain as his running mate on his ticket and that way the country would be better off."
Hannity: "I can't imagine that if you said about John McCain that he was going to be tested in the first six months, because people want to test him. He doesn't have enough experience, that I think that would be a big deal."
Palin: "Can you imagine?"
Hannity: "It would be funny."
Palin: "You know, we would be held accountable for comments like that. And here again, Biden gets to take a pass after saying something like that. I haven't heard the follow-up yet."
Hannity: "He's not doing many interviews now. And you'd been accused of not doing any, and I see you everywhere now. ... Let me ask you this. Construction begins for Obama's big election celebration: 2-million-dollar price tag for an election night Obamafest. Obama is talking about his transition plans, his post-election win. 'I feel like we've got a righteous wind at our backs,' he went on to say. Seems to me that there's a little overconfidence that they're coasting. They're in a defense mode. Do you think they're just making an assumption that they won this election? And do you think there's a danger to that?"
Palin: "You know, I think he's out there already measuring the drapes and working with Nancy Pelosi and Reid, also, to start talking about
calling everybody back in right after the election and doing whatever they want to do to this country: to raise taxes, to waive that white flag of surrender in our wars. I think that's some overconfidence. And for John McCain, for me, for those who support this reform ticket,
this team of mavericks, that's OK with us that they are over confident, because I have been, and I know John McCain have been in the underdog
position before, not taking anybody or anything for granted. That's a healthy place to be. It makes us work that much harder" (FNC, 10/23).
Quick Reactions
Geraldine Ferraro, on whether Palin convinced the American people she is ready to be VP during the "Hannity & Colmes" interview: "As a vice-presidential candidate, there is one job that you do on the campaign trail, which is, you know, the hugging, the beating up on the other side of the ticket, the getting the laughs, being the clever person. And then there's the other person that is the substance. And I think Governor Palin missed an opportunity to show the substantive side."
More: "What she's got to do is, because there's only 12 days and because somebody with the credibility of Colin Powell gets on television on Sunday and says she's not qualified, she should have used this opportunity to talk about why the American people should have confidence in her and whether or not she is qualified. And if she believes she is, she should get up there and talk about it. It's more than talking about reform" ("Hannity & Colmes," FNC, 10/23).
Back To Ohio
Speaking in Troy, OH, 10/23, Palin used Biden's "own words" against the Dems during "a rally." Palin: "And here his own running mate has just warned America -- and it's not the first time -- he warned us throughout the primaries that Barack was not ready to be president. He reminded them that the election of Barack Obama will invite dangerous international crisis because he is untested. And Barack just brushes it off as rhetorical flourish."
Palin "said that Biden's remark was far more relevant than Obama cared to admit." Palin: "But I question dismissing Joe Biden's moment of truth telling as nothing more than a social embarrassment. Senator Obama's own running mate, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has informed us that a serious international crisis is certain if Obama is elected and that he is not ready to deal with it, and America doesn't need smooth talk that glosses over that question. We need straight talk that answers it" (Conroy, "From The Road," CBSNews.com, 10/23).
In a new exchange, Palin "asked the audience whether they would hire McCain and her as commanders in chief." Palin: "We will be there to work for you, the people of America. So Ohio, will you hire us? Will you send us to Washington to shake things up and clean things up? Alright. It's a deal then, we'll take the job" (Berger, NBC/National Journal, 10/23).
In response, Obama spokesperson Isaac Baker "noted" that ex-Gen. Colin Powell "has endorsed Obama." Baker: "Colin Powell is one of the nation's foremost experts on national security, and the fact that he's crossing party line to support Obama says a lot more than any of the false attacks launched by Gov. Palin today" (Hannah, AP, 10/24).
Palin "made no reference to the controversy over" the $150K "spent to buy her and her family a new wardrobe." But after the event, Celina, OH, resident Michelle Robertson said: "I don't think it should be an issue. I don't see anyone asking about Obama's cloths or how much he spends on his wife;. They want people who represent the country to look good. To be a leader you gotta look good. Dress for success" (Troy, Toledo Blade, 10/24).
On To Pennsylvania
The high school football stadium in Beaver, PA, "was an appropriate setting" 10/23 for Palin "to borrow a play from a local gridiron legend and make her own bold prediction." Palin: "This morning we were in Ohio -- we were in the home of Joe The Plumber. And now we are here in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, home of Joe The Quarterback."
Palin "told members of the Beaver Bobcats team, who were introduced to the cheering crowd before she took the stage, that the legendary Joe Namath may have been before their time." Palin herself "was not yet five years old when Super Bowl III -- the game that marked Namath's finest hour -- was played in" 1/69. Palin: "But do you remember though in the biggest game of his life? All the experts had Joe Namath and the Jets written off to defeat. They were up against the elite team that had all the money and they were held in awe by the media."
The electoral metaphor "firmly established, it wasn't hard to guess what was coming next." Palin: "And Broadway Joe replied, 'We're gonna win the game, I guarantee it.' And they won, and I hope Joe won't mind if I paraphrase him some in this state, his home state. Pennsylvania, with your help, we're going to win this state. I guarantee it" (Conroy, "From The Road," CBSNews.com, 10/23).
At the football stadium, "a huge American flag hung near the stage, where McCain's Country First banner was the backdrop for Palin's speech" (Brown, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 10/24).
During the rally, Palin "stuck to the campaign speech she gave earlier in the day" in OH (Nephin, AP, 10/23). Palin, citing Obama's encounter with Joe The Plumber, said: "Somehow Joe accomplished something none of the rest of us has been able to do. He got our opponent to finally state his intentions in plain language. Joe the Plumber said it sounded like socialism. Now is not the time to experiment with socialism."
Even before Palin "invoked that term," some in the crowd were shouting it, with one adding: "Tell him to go back to Indonesia. Tell him to show his birth certificate" (Roddy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 10/24).
In Profile
New York Times' Davey profiles Palin. Davey writes, "many who knew Ms. Palin in her formative years have been likewise confounded by her journey from this isolated city ... to a national political stage." To them, "the Sarah Palin who, at 44, bursts onto the stage at rallies -- confident, feisty, piercing in her attacks -- sounds nothing like the younger woman they recall." Palin college friend Lori Ann Perrin said: "I don't think Sarah ever wanted to lead. She wanted to be a good girl and play by the rules, but she wasn't someone who was trying to break new ground or argue about things or voice an opinion. In a way she was almost a wallflower type. I'm not sure what happened between then and now, but something must have."
Of Palin's 43 fellow journalism, communication and telecommunication majors from University of Idaho reached by reporters from the group of 60 in her '87 graduating class, "only five said they recalled much of anything about Ms. Palin. (Two, including Mr. Love, said they had a crush on her.)"
When and Sarah and Todd Palin eloped, they summoned "witnesses from a senior citizens home beside a courthouse." Their families learned of the marriage "by looking in their garages ... where each family found a clump of flowers and a note" (10/24).
Tell Us Who You Really Are
Los Angeles Times' Piller writes, by midway through Palin's first term, "she had signed an ethics reform bill, increased oil profit taxes and tweaked Big Oil again by awarding a gas pipeline contract to a Canadian company." But in other respects, her approach to gov't "was business as usual." Take, for example, the tradition of patronage. Some of Palin's "most controversial appointments involved donors, records show." Most new govs. "install friends and supporters in state jobs." But AK historians "say some of Palin's appointees were less qualified than those of her" Dem and GOP predecessors (10/24).
USA Today's Dilanian writes, while Palin calls herself "a fiscal conservative" she "didn't cut the size" of gov't as mayor of Wasilla, and "she hasn't done so as" AK's gov., "city and state budget records show." Spending in fast-growing Wasilla increased by 55% during her tenure from '96-'02, records show. In nearly two years as gov., she has presided over a 31% spending hike by a state gov't "that sought earmarks" from DC even as "it reaped billions from higher oil prices and Palin-backed tax increases on oil companies" (10/24).
Meanwhile, Up North
Palin has formed a "new" subcabinet "that will focus on issues in rural, largely Native parts of AK. Many AK Natives "say Palin has ignored them and failed to protect their ancient traditions during her tenure." In a pre-recorded speech, Palin said to a convo of AK Natives in Anchorage: "As I envision it, the subcabinet will work closely with representatives of rural communities, tribes, corporations, nonprofits and other entities to discuss issues of concern and to design acceptable solutions" (D'Oro, AP, 10/23).
On the topic of Beluga whales in Cook Inlet, AK, being declared an endangered species by the federal gov't, Palin issued a statement 10/23 saying "that while the state is concerned about the health of the small population of whales, it also is concerned that recovery efforts do not lead to a layer of bureaucrazcy limiting activities in Cook Inlet." AK AG Talis Colberg (R) "says the state has not ruled out a legal challenge" (AP, 10/23).
Palin Has The Blues
The St. Louis Blues "have announced" Palin will "drop the puck for a ceremonial face-off" for the NHL game tonight between the Blues and the LA Kings. It "will be the second time Palin has dropped the puck at an NHL game" (Olshansky, New York Daily News, 10/23).
The Real Dream Team
Conservative Elisabeth Hasselbeck, of ABC's "The View," will "stump" for Palin at "several rallies" in FL this weekend. Hasselbeck told ABC: "I am more than honored to be there, so I will be flying there to travel with her and meet some pretty interesting people I have a feeling. That's an honor, I'm excited to do it, and I'll have some stories I'm sure on Monday" (New York Daily News, 10/23).
The Day After The Day After
Wall Street Journal's Seib writes, win or lose, Palin's "now her party's best fund-raiser, and the new poll shows that 98% of Americans now know enough about her to have an opinion. Some politicians work for decades to get that kind of name recognition. Sarah Palin got it in seven weeks, which makes her one of the more amazing political stories of our times" ("Capital Journal," 10/24).
If the GOP ticket loses, Palin could capitalize on "her fame" and land a gig "ranging from an Oprah-style syndicated talk show to a Sean Hannity-like perch in cable news or on radio" (Wallenstein/Zeitchik, Hollywood Reporter, 10/23).
MSNBC's Maddow: "McCain is talking openly now, sort of gleefully, about how the media has written him off. But do you [see] the pattern that I'm seeing about Republicans and his own campaign writing him off?"
Los Angeles Times' Brooks: "You know what? I was thinking that the Republican ticket is degenerating into a bit of really savage version of a reality TV show, you know, where everybody pretends they are on the same team, but in fact they are all trying to undermine each other on these subtle ways that are getting less and less subtle. That's what it seems like. I mean, you know, Sarah Palin is just waiting for McCain to get voted off the island, so it will be her turn."
More Brooks, on whether Palin will be the likely GOP nom in 2012: "I think it's a really open question and the big question is, what happens to the Republican Party if John McCain loses this election, as he seems likely to do. ... There's no question about it that Sarah Palin has really shored up the GOP base, that they love her and she loves them. And she's going to maintain their allegiance. Could she be challenged by somebody like [Mike] Huckabee? Maybe. But I think she got about as close to a lock on the GOP base as anybody could have going to this" ("Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 10/23).
Kind Of Random
A "line of wigs" based on Palin's "famous coif" has been "a huge hit with Hanukkah moms" (Rosenberg/Olshan, New York Post, 10/24).