Political Punch

Palin supporters can try to minimize Todd Palin's AIP connection all they want; the fact is, the history of AIP and the America-bashing attributed to its founder stamp Todd Palin as having been secessionist-inclined and supportive of AIP'S aims.

Which means that Sarah Palin all these years has been sleeping with the enemy.

We DID hear about this (husband/AIP) right after Palin's nomination. Obama said, "families are off limits" so I don't think the DNC are going to go after the husband (I think they should!). At least the husband is going to answer questions regarding Palin's family's dirty laundry over the firing of a commissioner. Can't wait for tomorrow's debate!

McCain attacks Obama about ayers while his VP has a anti-US husband??? EPIC!!!!!

Just imagine if Michelle Obama were a member of a group or political party with ambitions to secede from the US. I wonder how deep and wide the cultural awareness for that piece of information would be. (Beyond the hyper-political bloggers and info-maniacs.)

There are many subtle forms of racism. (I'm white, by the way.) A fundamental inability to see the vastly different standards which are held up to Obama vs. McCain is painfully obvious. If Obama behaved in the impulsive and rash manner that we see from McCain so much more fear/alarm etc would be raised because of his racial profile.

jake : Funny thing, I don't remember any reportage on this at all. But what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander and palin should be prepared for some blowback from her smears. you can't sling mud without getting dirty. sorry for the cliche.

Okay we've heard about Rezko, Rev. Wright, and William Ayers and let's not forget-the Keating 5 so how come we've not heard more about Palin and her husband's affiliation with AIP?
I want to know more before election.

Yes, this is a big deal. This is not just a fun little group of drunks like the Key West Conch Republic. The AIP has advocated among other things: being allowed to vote to rescind 1958 statehood, joining Canada, and getting a separate seat at the U.N. This is seditious Un-American activity. They do not salute our flag or consider themselves Americans. In a recent interview with Greta Van Sustern, Todd Palin made a distinction between "Alaskan families" and "American families" and only after Sarah's VP nomination did he register Republican, probably due to pressure from the GOP. This is in line with AIP founder Joe Vogler's famous pronouncement "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America and her damned institutions." His final wish, not to be buried under an American flag, was fulfilled. 'Nuff said.

Un-American activities by this husband of a could be President are unacceptable.

What I would like to know is when will the media discuss the AIP and she and her husband's affiliation? Will Charlie Gibson ask this question or will he be smitten by her and only asked scripted questions?

Charlie

This is amazing;I am shocked at the games that the republican party is playing...it's okay for Palin to come out swinging and dogging Sen. Obama out as though he were beneath her...it's okay for the Republican convention to have pink buttons printed up that said she was a Hottie (sexist)...but the moment anyone says anything about her it becomes sexist...should I say it's due to Obama's race that the republican party found such amusement in a white woman grand standing on a podium and talking about a black man that has accomplished more than half of those in attendance and definitely more than Palin who had to attend 5 colleges before graduating in 6yrs...she's gotten this far due to her using her sex as a tool, let's be honest and it seems to be working for her. There's a video out that she stated at a Governor's meeting this year that Sen. Clinton shouldn't whine or complain during the campaign or use sexism because it would put women back and she also said that this is politics and once you get into it you have to be willing to accept and deal with comments head on and not whine. Unbelievable the spin and lies...

This is no mroe radical than all the Florida Keys residents belonging to the "Conch Republic". Harmless and fun.

The fact that a man who did something horrible over 40 years ago lives in the same neighborhood as Obama doesn't mean he "hangs" with him.
Sometimes you can choose your friends, but not your neighbors.

The problem is that we don't need the average person who lives down the street running for Vice President. Would you want your next door neighbor performing brain surgery on you or your husband/wife or your kids?

Of course the media has coddled Obama and thrown obstacles in the path of McCain and Palin. They trashed Hillary too. Just read the ongoing biased headlines and articles on CNN's website ... and the way CNN's Jack Cafferty belittles Palin every chance he gets. CNN also moderates its blogs in favor of Obama, then closes comments after they load the posts with Obama bias. Also, slim balls like Daily KOS, Huffington, and US Weekly have shown gross bad judgement in their reporting. These irresponsible media sources have lost touch with objectivity, fair reporting, and responsible journalism.

OBAMA IS A LOSER AND IS FRIENDS WITH A KNOWN AND ADMITTED TERRORIST.

So what about AIP - the group was looking to secede from the U.S.. It not about hating America. Obama hangs and IS friendly with an admitted terrorist.

This whole thing stinks back to the drawing board for mccain.These AIG people don't like Americans they don't consider themselves Americans.WE NEED A NEW VP CHOICE BEFORE IT'S TO #$*& late

"Who cares about her husband attending some local meeting of some political group? What is that? It says nothing about either of them. Ridiculous! "

Question: Do you believe Obama's membership in Wright's church "says" something about him?

If so, why wouldn't her husband's membership, and possibly hers, to a group whose founder has said "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions." THe AIP is also for seceding from the United States, i.e.
break up the Union. THat's not just a local meeting of some political group.

Let's at least attempt to use the same standards of criticism for everyone. If you're going to criticize Obama... let's criticize her.

And this is bad, why?

Todd Palin is a real Native Alaskan. Of the variety that never sold their land to the Russians in the first place, so it could later be sold to the US. Trashing Todd Palin for being a member of the AIP is just not smart at all. Would you trash a member of the Sioux for joining a political party that wanted to fight corrupt DC politicians for more control over the land the white man finally allowed them to have after slaughtering them? THAT IS NOT PATRIOTIC and it is actually extremely offensive to trash Todd Palin’s heritage for some gotcha political smirk.

People trashing Todd Palin for joining a group trying to protect his heritage sound like the people cheering on the US Soldiers that slaughtered Native Americans. Todd Palin is a patriot. Those trashing him for being in the AIP are more like the so-called patriots that killed Native Americans.

Okay, fair enough, its a little koo koo. How about Obama's membership in the "New Party"... anyone? Anyone?

Who cares about her husband attending some local meeting of some political group? What is that? It says nothing about either of them. Ridiculous!

PS: Ms Palin fits the Republican ticket like a glove. Pro-Life, Anti-Choice, No Sex ED. Straight out of the DARK AGES!
A perfect match for McBush.
If Americans are tired of Bush they should see that all McBush stands for is, 4 more Years of sliding into Oblivion. Following Bush's road map to distruction for both our economy and the Working man of America.
Wake up folks. This is the package he's selling, and it's time we quit Buying.
We're through with abuse of power and ethics investigations in this country.
Ms Palin brings both to the table along with inexperience.

Hey. I never was going to vote for McBush and I was a Hillary Suppoter, and you can say it ain't so till the cows come home, but McBush has said time and again for anyone actually listening that he is going to continue to "Stay The Cource"! Sound Familiar? You can quibble about whether he actually said those words but he dosen't have to, because you see every time he says he is going to continue with the same economic policies that are in place today, and continue the war in Iraq with no concrete plan to get out, then all he is saying is "I'm McBush! If you loved Bush you will love ME! I am not for any change except the destruction of a Womens' Right To Choose." Right to Life actually means the Right of a few short sighted folks to denie every Woman in America the right to decide what is best for herself and her own future. I'm against that because that smacks of Communist China and Government control of Citizens bodies. As long as I have breath in my body I will fight for Womens Rights, and Roe V Wade is part of that. Wake up all you Women that blindly think McBush cares about your rights. Baloney ! He is about as much a Maverick as the real Bush is a Cowboy. NOT ! ! !

Stuart

Now that was some great information to give us. You see, people like myself have no clue that she's done this much in Alaska, but we have to hear it from you and not the McCain campaign. They just said she was a mom of five and one had downs syndrome and she was a Mayor of 6,000 and a Governor of under 700,000. This is a start.

Now as far as Obama, his intelligence alone kicks Sarah's Idaho college butt! He went to an Ivy League college and excelled. He didn't have a silver spoon in his mouth to accomplish it. He went from nothing to something. That's the American Dream! He could have been a rich lawyer defending criminals, but instead he chose to help people build their communities. The sad part is that Republicans don't realize that helping people is one of the main reasons he's excelling. They keep in belittling those poor people like they are nothing. These are the people who make up the majority of our nation. It's a moot point, Obama is beating McCains ass. He didn't need Biden to beat McCain. He's been beating McCain this whole time. Now, the addition is Biden and Palin. Palin should be compared to Biden and we all know that is a joke. She looses on all fronts. The only way it can work is if people compare Obama to Palin that's it, but they will never debate. So, please it's a hail mary to think Palin is better than Obama. Experience or no experience. She just doesn't match up!

It is not sexist to point out that Ms. Palin is unqualified and as a woman I find that line of argument insulting to women. Furthermore, Ms. Palin is not the most qualified woman in the GOP,but perhaps she is the most gullible. Actually I find it sexist toward men to suggest that a man with her resume would have been chosen as John McCain's running mate when we all know that is not true. I really cannot understand why John McCain did this. He could have chosen Kay Bailey Hutchison or even Condoleeza Rice if he just had to pick a woman and yet he chooses this neophyte. I just think this choice was too cute by a half .

These Palins are a national soap opera. All of this is beneath the dignity of the office of the VP. I seriously question John McCain's judgment for choosing this woman as his running mate. And I hear she was not even really vetted. I mean really how could she have been with all of these scandals breaking every thirty minutes. It is unseemly.

As an Alaskan, I can tell you Sarah is going to be a fantastic Vice-President! She took Randy Ruedich to task for conducting Republican business on state time. She destroyed Frank Murkowski in the Republican primary, and then handily defeated two-time loser Tony Knowles. She took on BP, Conoco, and Exxon as they fiddled and wasted two decades building a gas pipeline that would have helped us TODAY with our energy problems. She introduced AGIA (Alaska oil& Gas Inducement Act). This bill is the path for finally building a gas pipeline with Trans Canada, the major company that stepped forward to get a pipeline going that is in Alaskas' best interest, not BP!! These are just some of the things I can remember her doing in less than two years as Governor. Compare that to Obama going to a RACIST church for 20 years and not realizing it tells me has is not qualified to be President.

Daveh,

You are the most level headed commenter on here. I have been on the attack mode and happen to agree with you fully. Palin is not a good choice, period and I'm kind of offended that she's being pushed down our throats and when we question her like we question all parties in the election process. People act like we're attacking a woman and not just a candidate that is not ready. If she was in office 6 or 8 years and was more known on the national and international stage. I would be more comfortable in her being a legitimate choice for VP.

Beckie

You have this all backwards. The press has covered every story the Republicans dug up on Obama and each time it lead to a dead end. Do you really think that Republican based Fox News has not checked into Obama. You're clueless. Give it up, there's nothing on Obama as of yet! We still have two months, but so far your complaints are moot. Sorry! Try again.
Now, Sarah Palin on the other hand is not known by anyone. Hell, I talked to an Alaskan who has lived there for 25 years and she doesn't even know one thing this lady has done. When it comes to celebrities, we cover everything they do. From what they wear, to what surgery they've had to what kinds of food they eat. Hell, we have TV shows dedicated to what celebrities do. But somehow, in our society, Palin is off limits. Be realistic! You guys are mad that McCain put you in a defensive position to support a lady you don't know, but have to support cause you're a die hard Republican. How many of you would meet with a babysitter for 15 minutes and let them watch your kids the next day! It just wouldn't happen and if it did you're highly irresponsible and should not be a parent. Point Blank!

Lunatics on the Left, Lunatics on the Right, and blissfully, no, PROUDLY ignorant citizens regurgitating the spin of their favorite lunatics on news blogs. What's a rational centrist to do?
I believe Senators' McCain and Obama are both intelligent, patriotic men of better than average integrity for politicians. If McCain gets elected it won't be 4 more years of Bush - McCain loathes Bush, but must play nice to get elected. If Obama is elected it will not result in the socialist overthrow of America...get a grip people. For the first time since I could vote (1980) I felt OK with the result, no matter who won....until McCain picked Palin. It has nothing to do with Pro-Life/Choice, Environment vs. Energy, 2nd amendment right or any other issue in the so- called "culture wars". Although I disagree with her on most of those, I could live with that if she was ready to step in as President. If she had been Governor for 6 or 8 years (preferably of a state with a population greater than Memphis) - had met even one foreign leader, and shown a more sophisticated perspective on the war in Iraq than "All I know is we haven't been attacked since we took the war to Iraq", then I would feel that McCain had made a responsible choice. The fact is that VP is important this time more so this year than most, because of McCain's age and Obama's race. We refuse to admit it, but therre are still quite a few racist wingnuts running loose in this country and anyone who doesn't think a President Obama will be at higher than average risk is kidding themselves. Oh well, I imagine anyone that I haved complained about stopped reading log ago in order to post more partisan vitriol, so I guess I'll just wrap it up. God save our Republic from ourselves.

With talk about how Todd Palin is receiving confidential state government emails and present during high level meetings, his political affiliation is definitely an issue.

Palin needs to denounce this un-American group NOW!

"It is true. Anyone else noticed that the two of them have basically been hiding from the press for the past three days? She's given one softball interview to People magazine, and hasn't answered question since. How long can they hide?"

So John McCain faces his 1st major political crisis by running and hiding.

It is laughable that Dems even think OBAMA qualified. Palen has more experience. Maybe thats why so many of you have gone mad...or should I say madder.

This is very interesting for a Canadian to observe.. The left with their hair set on fire over a VP appointment,, gutter trawling and using children as young as 4 months to attack teh Republican ticket.. You sould all be so very proud of yourselves .. pathetic losers..

"Is this true? McCain has canceled his interview with CNN's Larry King because Tucker Bounds couldn't name one thing Palin had done as CiC of the Alaskan National Guard?"

It is true. Anyone else noticed that the two of them have basically been hiding from the press for the past three days? She's given one softball interview to People magazine, and hasn't answered question since. How long can they hide?

I must have missed something. Campbell Brown holds McCain's spokesman accountable to the experience claim on CNN yesterday and today McCain cancels a Larry King appearance in direct retalliation. A woman takes on a man, and because he doesn't like the treatment. The McCain camps says, "we won't talk to you" We thought McCain was too old, guess we were wrong, he's just a child.

Some great quotes have just surfaced from one of the party's leaders about how he hates America and the flag.

Why does the husband of the GOP VP Nominee hate America? Why does Sarah Palin spit on the flag and everything it stands for?

Is this true? McCain has canceled his interview with CNN's Larry King because Tucker Bounds couldn't name one thing Palin had done as CiC of the Alaskan National Guard?

Is it CNN's fault that Sarah Palin is a fraud?

But her husband was a long-time member, and at least two AIP officials recall her attending the 1994 convention, though she says she did not attend.
READ THE LAST SEVEN WORDS...she lies-thats NOT sexist!

Pretty weird that McCain vetting didn't notice the Palin's involvement with a secessionist group. This just gives credence to the argument choosing her was seat of the pants bluster.

I don't buy it - especially now that her previous support for the bridge to nowhere has some out along with her earmark requests for the Alaska budget in Congress.

That's it -- It took 40 years to see it --the sexism is more than I can stand -- her husband? They did the same thing to Geraldine Ferraro -- it was all about her husband. I now declare -- I will never vote for a MAN again -- if a woman is not on the ticket,I will not vote ---

I was going to vote for Obama but then I realized I have more experience then he does. I organized two neighborhood garage sales. Being a community organizor is hard work.

If the so-called media had done their job with BHO, he would not even have had a chance to be the Dem Nom. They covered up everything and so he is where he is today. Now they are grasping at straws to malign Palin, but it won't work because America can see the double-standard and the hypocrisy. Palin is a great woman and a great VP. What goes around does come around!

I just crack up how you libs are so blasted afraid of a women. When was the last time a presidential candidate have to run against the VP candidate of the opposing party.

Once again, simpletons continue to bring up other people's deeds to define Obama. There's nothing on Obama, period! If there were, after 2 years it would be front and center in the publics eye. You guys are talking about things that even the government isn't following up on cause it's a non-issue. You think that Republicans haven't been searching Obama's background like Palin. You're crazy! Nothing has come out yet. So until it does, your Bill Ayers, Rev. Wright, Michelle Obama statements are tired, old, baseless and they have no bearing on this election. Palin is new to this...Americans have yet to vet her and Republicans just expect us to believe every word they day. Why? I guess they think everyone else in the world is stupid. How elitist of you!

"I just heard Elisabeth Hasselbeck saying on "The View" that Sarah Palin was outstanding without given any single justification to her claim."
.......................................

I don't know if anyone has ever noticed, but everything that comes out of Elisabeth's mouth are Sean Hannity's words. If you ever listen to his dribble and listen to her the next day talking in terms of politcs, she says the exact same stuff he says. I know she has mentioned him a few times.

Palin's husband isn't campaigning, so it's a moot point anyway.

"Would you libs stop with the "I was totally gonna vote for McCain but now I'm not" comments please? They're so stupid...I see conservatives doing the same thing on lib blogs"

Conservatives do it here too. Fake Hillary supporters were all the rage 1 week ago.

Harry

You're so right! Palin isn't going anywhere. She's going right back to where she started...Alaska.

Here we go again! Obama has been bashed about his connections with everyone he's ever said hello to since he started running for President and now Republicans feel Obama's pain, yet they whine about their candidate and VP getting the same scruitiny. Obama has taken the challenge right on the chin and continued to walk with his head held high. Palin and McCain are crying fowl. The difference is that Obama is Presidential and McCain is still trying to figure out what Presidential means. Will McCain continue to make bad decision...if you look at his record he's made more bad decisions than good. That's why he's been fighting uphill in this run for President. Facts are facts!

Concerned in OH

No, Obama does not believe that, but thanks for playing!

Hey there,
Can you guys imagine if Michelle Obama was registered for a party that advocated seceding from the United States. There would be a first class media storm. The republican media and there double standards.

The mean-spirited Obama supporters and biased media can crawl back under their rocks.

Your ridicule of old people, disabled people, pregnant teens, Christians,or anyone else that doesn't meet your standards is getting attention.

America is watching and so are the voters Obama needs the most.

Sarah Palin isn't going anywhere.
Be afraid.

"Whao...I was considering giving McCain and Palin a seciond look but now I see that her husband advocates dissolving the Union? That's treason!!"

Would you libs stop with the "I was totally gonna vote for McCain but now I'm not" comments please? They're so stupid...I see conservatives doing the same thing on lib blogs. Grow up or at least make it less obvious.

Republicans is a BRIDGE TO NO WHERE

McCain made the right choice for the Republican VISION.

NO WHERE.

I was wondering about the attacks on ACORN.

Then I found out they're a group that helps poor people.

Naturally the Republicans hate their guts.

"And you think that Obama loves America?"

I certainly do. I think Obama has a deep love of country and a deep appreciation for the opportunity this country has given him and his making the most of it.

Obama is the American Dream realized.

docility of Poor Republicans

1. easily managed or handled; tractable: a docile horse.
2. readily trained or taught; teachable.

The irony of this is just delicious. All of this sound and fury. What about BO and his "controversial" alliances? Trinity? You got dragged kicking and screaming into that by the Clinton campaign, and still only half-heartedly. Ayers? Dutifully report what BO says, move along, nothing to see here. And what about his affiliation with the extreme left and corrupt ACORN and communist "New Party" (link above) from his State Senate campaign (which coincidentally, is in the same time frame of the Palins' contact with the AIP)? Crickets.

"This election is not about issues," said Davis. "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

McCain campaign manager Davis is basically admitting that McCain CAN'T run on issues.

sheep·ish
embarrassed or bashful, as by having done something wrong or foolish.
2. like sheep, as in meekness, docility, etc.

Whao...I was considering giving McCain and Palin a seciond look but now I see that her husband advocates dissolving the Union? That's treason!!

Samantha:

Don't confuse me or any of my PUMA colleagues with you and your Evangelical woman friends. We have no desire for a bridge back to the 19th century.

Was for McCain, but now after the Palin pick: OBAMA '08!!

PUMAs for Obama!!

"Can you think back when the News Media and Republicans BLASTED OBAMA ABOUT REV. WRIGHT."

Hannity did like a whole month on it.

Wingnut in my office began to complain about Hannity's obsession!

The way nothing gets done in this country politically, I'm thinking of seceding myself!

Obama's VP Vetting Process:

Anyone that was not Hillary Clinton

"I just heard Elisabeth Hasselbeck saying on "The View" that Sarah Palin was outstanding without given any single justification to her claim."

How is this any different from the Obamabot morons on Kool aid highs that continuously say how wonderful Obama is without any justifications besides that he is for "change"?

I was voting for McCain but can't stand Palin.

I'll be pulling the lever for Obama this fall.

"scared to death of this pick"

Actually, I love it. I'd be sad (or scared) if she was forced to drop out. I beg McCain to keep her around! Please let this continue!!!

seems like most of you on this site are scared to death of this pick. you probably should be.

One Question to the Far Right, Conservatives and out of their mind Americans:

Can you think back when the News Media and Republicans BLASTED OBAMA ABOUT REV. WRIGHT

He was not even a part of Obama's family.

So why should it be hands off of Palin's family.

Moral values in 2004 2000 now you conservatives champions sex without marriage. (what phonies)

What Judgement does Palin have, no sex education, daugther becomes knock-up.

She fits the bill of Lairs of the RIGHT.

You're missing the REAL story.

Union man thinks for himself.

I just heard Elisabeth Hasselbeck saying on "The View" that Sarah Palin was outstanding without given any single justification to her claim.

Can anyone of the other ladies or someone else tells this young lady that she needs to stop regurgitating things that have been chewed over and over on Rush Limbaugh and Sean Insanity? With all due respect, I have never heard this woman expressed any political opinion of her own. Her line of argument always follows the ones of these two guys.

Nancy,

And you think that Obama loves America?

Looking at the political process in this country where your political enemies attempt to destroy your family in order to neutralize you as a candidate, one sees the appeal of seceding from the US.

Palin needs to denounce this group........What was McCain thinking? He is not the Mccain of 2000, he has fallin to the Rove groups and it's too bad. I can't support him any longer

Palin needs to denounce this group........What was McCain thinking? He is not the Mccain of 2000, he has fallin to the Rove groups and it's too bad. I can't support him any longer

Yes, and Ronald Reagan was a Democrat before he wasn't, and became a Republican.

Hillary Clinton was a Republican "Goldwater Girl" in the 1960s before she wasn't, and became a Democrat.

As the Democrats were so quick to demand Hillary's support for Obama, their actions would now indicate that it doesn't really matter what party anyone previously belonged to, as long as you're loyal to your party and its candidate NOW.

John McCain did NOT put Country first. He only met her twice only.

What does that say about John McCain?

How is this going to work

Obama the one God
Pelosi and Reid the sub Gods
The rank and file Dem congreass are the Sub Sub Gods.

The Dems have control of Congress and they think they run the goverment without oversite of them.
Who the Hell are they to say States can't drill in their waters or extract oil from their lands?
It's pure communisim to me.

So Sarah Palin's husband was all about Alaska first and NOT America first?

Wow this is shocking!

The Palin family reminds me of an episode of Jerry Springer.

The Palin family does NOT put Country first. They instead put Alaska first.

What a contradiction to the McCain mantra.

So Sarah Palin's husband was all about Alaska first and NOT America first?

Wow this is shocking!

The Palin family reminds me of an episode of Jerry Springer.

The Palin family does NOT put Country first. They instead put Alaska first.

What a contradiction to the McCain mantra.

Brent, you've pointed out an obvious lack. So why can't folks scrutinize Michelle O? Her turn should be next.