Palin Fields Questions on Plane

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Palin Fields Questions on Plane

October 08, 2008 8:04 AM

ABC News' Imtiyaz Delawala reports: For the first time in a month on the campaign trail, Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin took questions from her full traveling press corps, covering topics ranging from her continued connection of Sen. Barack Obama with William Ayers to whether she plans to appear on “Saturday Night Live.”

While traveling from Pensacola, Fla., to Greenville, N.C., last night, Palin came to the back of her press charter plane for the first time, greeting reporters and then taking questions for 15 minutes from the group. Cameras were not allowed to film the impromptu question and answer session.

Palin repeatedly defended her connection in recent days of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to former 60s radical William Ayers, calling the issue “fair and relevant,” while saying that Obama’s lack of clarity on his relationship with Ayers, called into question his “truthfulness” and whether he could be trusted on his policy plans.

“It is pertinent, it's important because when you consider Barack Obama's reaction to and explanation to his association there, and without him being clear at all on what he knew and when he knew it, that, I think, kinda peaks into his ability to tell us the truth on, not only on association but perhaps other things also,” Palin said.

“I think it just makes us ask the question that, if there's not forthrightness there, with that association and what was known and when it was known, does that lead us to ask, is there forthrightness with the plans Barack Obama has on say tax cuts, or spending increases?” Palin added. “It makes you wonder about the forthrightness, the truthfulness of the plans that he is telling America in regards to the economic recovery because that is first and foremost on American's minds.”

When questioned directly whether she thought Obama was being dishonest, Palin denied the charge, while raising more questions about whether Obama has associated with Ayers recently.

“I’m not saying that he’s dishonest, but in terms of judgment, in terms of being able to answer a question forthrightly, it has two different parts to this. The judgment and the truthfulness…” Palin said. “Is there still -- has there been an association with him since ‘02 and ’05. We've heard a couple of different stories. I think it is relevant.”

In recent days, Palin has voiced disappointment with the McCain campaign’s decision to pull resources out of the state of Michigan, where the Obama-Biden ticket has a widening lead in state polls. Despite the decision, Palin said that she hopes the campaign’s economic message still reaches the state.

“I'm not going to forget about Michigan. The campaign isn't either,” Palin said. “Those hard-working families in Michigan and all over this nation are really feeling the economic woes and are seeking the relief that our plan can provide them. It's create jobs, as we reign in government spending so that our families, our businesses can keep more of what they earn and produce, that's how jobs are created. That's how economic recovery is gonna come.”

Palin said she was still energized by the campaign and optimistic of its chances despite being behind in most battleground states with just 28 days to go before Election Day.

“There’s a lot that can happen and will happen in this campaign still to go,” Palin said. “You know, I’ve been in an underdog position quite often in my life and so has John McCain and we both have come out victoriously coming from that underdog position, and I anticipate that that’s what’s going to be what we see at the end of the day on November 4th.”

Palin was asked why her husband had agreed to testify in the ongoing legislative inquiry into whether Palin abused her power in dismissing the state’s public safety commissioner because of a personal family dispute. Todd Palin and seven other staff members will testify in the investigation today. Palin said “nobody has anything to hide” in the case, while charging that the investigation has become political.

“What the investigation turned into, led by a Senate Democrat, has been kind of a goat rope, a very partisan and very controversial type of investigation,” Palin said. “It's an open book. Nobody has anything to hide. Nobody's done anything wrong. My choice, and my responsibility to replace a cabinet member, an at-will exempt political appointment whom I did replace, because his strengths were in other areas… So my choice, my responsibility had nothing to do with my husband or any of my staff members.”

When asked by a reporter if she’d like to appear on “Saturday Night Live” and give Tina Fey “a taste of her own medicine,” Palin laughed and said she would “love to” appear on the program.

“I would love to. I love her,” Palin said of Fey. “She's a hoot and she's so talented and it would be fun to either imitate her or keep on giving her more material and keep her in business.”

The brief press conference took place as Palin flew to Greenville, North Carolina, where she held a rally at East Carolina University, before heading to a local pizzeria to watch the second presidential debate, joined by Republican North Carolina Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr.

The group watched the debate on one of eight televisions tuned to Fox News, while eating pizza and spaghetti. Palin watched intently as McCain spoke, regularly taking notes down on paper during the debate. After the debate, Palin said she thought McCain had done “great” and that she looked forward to the rest of the campaign.

“He's proposing real plans that will work for economic recovery and energy independence,” Palin said of her running mate. “I think Barack was even less candid than usual, which I was kinda surprised. But McCain has fought on and sounded very energized, and it was a good night for him, for all of us, for all of America.”

t oug

October 8, 2008 in Biden, Joe, McCain, John, Obama, Barack, Palin, Sarah, Vote 2008: Democrats, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (330)

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Ms. Palin’s comments, as well as the forethought and planning that preceded her statements, smack of McCarthyism. Are we as a nation prepared to re-visit those horrifying and trying days?

Considering her political blindness to this issue and complete lack of historical understanding, it is doubtful that she will be able to comprehend the HORROR and FEAR that I experienced when I read her “terrorist” comments.

In summary, Ms. Palin’s “terrorist” accusations indicate that she is a political moron and not worthy of the 2nd highest office of this country. I have lost all respect for her as a political candidate, and as an individual. Ms. Palin should return to Alaska and continue to govern that state and keeping a watchful eye on Russia for the lower 48.

Posted by: Tom H | Oct 8, 2008 9:00:38 AM

Watching the debate, it shows the difference between experience and inexperience. NObama due to his inexperience said YES on question about Russia - that kind of impulsiveness is DANGEROUS in Executive level position. The idiot can take this country to war in a heartbeat; impulsiveness is a NO NO for President. McCain did not say yes or no but instead said MAYBE, that shows PRUDENCE; a MUST for President.

When it comes to Iran, I guess NOBAMA did NOT pay attention what his VP had stated; “Israel better get use to Iran with nuclear weapons.” The reply of NObama on this issue is in COLLISION COURSE with Joe Biden, his VP.

Overall, McCain won the debate, he’s TRUSTWORTHY compared to Nobama. In fact if anyone paid attention to Nobama, he was grasping for answer but it comes out incoherent, in collision course what he had stated during primary to the present.

Posted by: HP Boston | Oct 8, 2008 9:01:06 AM

If people in her crowd are really shouting abuse about Obama or anything to do with killing another person, then she needs to do something about it. She certainly shouldn't appear to be condoning such suggestions. She should address the issue when it arises, telling those calling out that it is inappropriate and is not what anyone in the McCain camp wants. This would probably even help with independents and reasonable conservatives. In any case incitement to hatred should be opposed, and Palin is in the best position to do so.

Posted by: Klippa | Oct 8, 2008 9:02:39 AM

I know every Republican does not agree with McCain and Palin''''s irresponsible, ignorant, desperate SMEAR lies.
IF YOU ARE NEAR A PALIN RALLY - BOO HER OFF THE STAGE!!! HER ACTIONS ARE VOLATILE !!!
BOO HER OFF THE STAGE TODAY IN PENNSYLVANIA AND WHEREVER ELSE SHE GOES!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !!!
THE CIA IS LOOKING INTO WHO MADE THE THREATS FROM HER LAST RALLY, IN THE MEANTIME WE HAVE TO STAND UP TO THE VOLATILE ACTS OF PALIN AND MCCAIN. BOO THEM OFF THE STAGE !!! THANKS BUT, NO THANKS TO THE BRIDGE TO HATE AND VIOLENCE THROUGH SMEAR LIES !!!

Posted by: Tired of the Bull | Oct 8, 2008 9:03:04 AM

booooooring...
what did the She-Bush say now?

Posted by: GIGI | Oct 8, 2008 9:03:52 AM

With his answers in last night’s debate, Obama has finally completed the Mobius Strip of Illogic which Liberals use in describing fiscal policy.

First:
government spending increases = "investment"

Then:
tax cuts = "wasteful spending"

Now, thanks to Obama:
tax increases = "spending cuts"

Obama: "but actually I'm cutting more than I'm spending so that it will be a net spending cut."

Are you kidding me? Maybe Obama thought he was doing an interview for The Onion.

Posted by: Ask Mister Language Person | Oct 8, 2008 8:57:08 AM
-----------------------------------THAT ONE is a complete IDIOT.
What were those shiny things on his ears??

Posted by: HP Boston | Oct 8, 2008 9:04:04 AM

LYING AND INSTILLING HATE AND VIOLENCE HAS NO PLACE IN THIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE !!!

Posted by: Tired of the Bull | Oct 8, 2008 9:04:21 AM

LYING SMEARS AND INSTILLING HATE AND VIOLENCE HAS NO PLACE IN THIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE !!!

Posted by: Tired of the Bull | Oct 8, 2008 9:05:04 AM

Palin = SCARY!!!

Posted by: Howard Gallas | Oct 8, 2008 9:06:21 AM

OMG THAT ONE is so boring, blah blah blah! Never did he answer a question looks lost and rambles on and on and on...
What were those shiny thing in his ears?? Why did he not shake Senator McCain's hand?...THAT ONE is such a loser!

Posted by: HP Boston | Oct 8, 2008 9:09:06 AM

This should have been Barack’s chance to steal 2nd base and get to third. He is caught now between throw backs from the third base player and second base player, not to mention the shortback is giving mixed signals and there was a 3rd rank pitcher in play. Barack is on the run both back and forth. McCain is in place at third base to put him out with Palin as catcher to seal the deal. This debate was “the link.” Barack went no where except where his paid followers and pundits put him. This is the last inning of a long ball game that we know WE CAN WIN, but waiting for that pivotal play. It will play out! Don’t rush the action of the guy on third base and his catcher….and remember…there are booos and claps/cheers going on on both sides that add to the mix. Barack should be on third base. Barack is NOT on third base. Barack is on the run. John did what he had to do…….AND he is on third base waiting

Posted by: HP Boston | Oct 8, 2008 9:12:57 AM

"... and then they reply with a barrage of insults." John McCain

And here once again, the ObamaBots prove McCain to be right.

Posted by: len | Oct 8, 2008 9:15:17 AM

Hmmm, I wonder why the Alaska investigation might be partisan...Could it be some payback for the extreme partisanship Palin showed as governor, disregard for truth, and lack of accountability, that she is also now demonstrating in the campaign. Here is what I think....McCain\Palin will lose the election. Evidence of some Palin mis-doing will be found after the election. Alaskans will wake to what an incompetent Palin really is. Her popularity will plummet and she will not even be elected for a second term. I believe that.

Posted by: indy_voter | Oct 8, 2008 9:18:05 AM

My ADVICE to Sarah Palin:

You have a GREAT career in Politics to come. Don't be sullied by cheap Campaign TATICS. I feel like your BEING USED... BE a Graceful Woman and Politican.....

OBAMA and Palin are of the same breed just on the opposite sides of the fence.

THE UNBEATABLE ticket OBAMA/PALIN...
They would be like Sonny and Cher

Posted by: Twan | Oct 8, 2008 9:37:06 AM

Does Gang Violence Qualify as Terrorism?

Gov. Palin has been warning us of the danger of electing a President who "Pals around with terrorists..."

I would ask Gov. Palin how she feels about the military recruiting policies which John McCain has actively supported since 2003, and who her son may be forced to pal around with as a consequence. She might want to consider the experience of another Mom with a son in our military, Stephanie Cockrell, as reported by CBS News:

(CBS) U.S. Army Sgt. Juwan Johnson got a hero's welcome while home on leave in June of 2004.

"Not only did I love my son - but my god - I liked the man he was becoming," his mother, Stephanie Cockrell, remembers.

But that trip home was the last time his family saw him alive. When Johnson died, he wasn't in a war zone, he was in Germany.

"He had finished his term in Iraq," his mother said. "I talked to him the day before his death. He said, 'Mom, I'm in the process of discharging out. I'll be out in two weeks'."

On July 3, 2005, Sgt. Johnson went to a park not far from his base in Germany to be initiated into the 'Gangster Disciples,' a notorious Chicago-based street gang. He was beaten by eight other soldiers in a "jump-in" - an initiation rite common to many gangs.

"My son never spoke of joining a gang," Cockrell told CBS News correspondent Thalia Assuras. Johnson died that night from his injuries. His son, Juwan Jr., was born five months later.

(link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/28/eveningnews/main3107316.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_3107316)

Since 2003, the military has granted 'moral waivers' to over 125,000 enlistees. Those waivers have been, in most cases, for serious criminal activity, including significant numbers of convicted felons, many of them gang members. The FBI conducted an investigation into this subject, and here are highlights from it's report:

-- Gang-related activity in the US military is increasing and poses a threat to law enforcement officials and national security. Members of nearly every major street gang have been identified on both domestic and international military installations.

-- Some gang members may also enlist to receive weapons, combat, and convoy support training; to obtain access to weapons and explosives; or as an alternative to incarceration. Such military training could ultimately result in more organized, sophisticated, and deadly gangs, as well as an increase in deadly assaults on law enforcement officers.

-- Gang incidents involving active-duty personnel on or near US military bases nationwide include drive-by shootings, assaults, robberies, drug distribution, weapons violations, domestic disturbances, vandalism, extortion, and money laundering.

(http://www.militarytimes.com/static/projects/pages/ngic_gangs.pdf)

As I read this body of facts, I wonder about the scope of the damage which has been done to this country since 9/11 by our own ill-considered initiative in Iraq. If the larger goal was to deter terrorism, why are we providing combat training to thousands of gang members, and providing them access to our most sophisticated weaponry? Even more insidious, for any ordinary American contemplating enlisting in the military, the prospect of serving with comrades in arms who are also Crips, Bloods, or members of the 'Gangster Disciples' would, in my opinion, be reason enough to opt out, regardless of any other incentives there might be.

If Gov. Palin insists on continuing to warn us away from Senator Obama because of his casual association with Mr. Ayers, I think she owes us an explanation as to why we should support a candidate who's policies over the last 5 years have materially increased the potency of domestic gangs to terrorize neighborhoods all over this country.

Posted by: ted in pdx | Oct 8, 2008 9:38:37 AM

People who were not paying attention in he primaries don't know about Ayers, Wright and Rezko. I'm so glad that people are finally talking about it.

I'm a democrat voting for McCain/Palin

Posted by: jeff | Oct 8, 2008 9:41:21 AM

Truthfulness? Forthrightness? Candor? From her?! What nerve!

Posted by: dixie-chik | Oct 8, 2008 9:41:25 AM

She babbles incoherently. Repeats like a parrot. She makes no sense at all. It's one thing to move to answering questions, but let's move on to "give-and-take," like she had with Couric -- that's where she falls flat on her face, because she can't defend the positions and talking points she's memorized. She has no independent thought, at least not in this campaign. If she went with her own thoughts, even her party would abandon her because she's so far off the mainstream she's truly frightening.

Posted by: Julia C | Oct 8, 2008 9:42:17 AM

Why do we care enough about this insignificant person to take the time to read/respond?

Ignore...perhaps then the message will be received?

Posted by: friedaMae | Oct 8, 2008 9:42:27 AM

Palin should have the courage of her convictions and say what she really means: don't vote for Obama because he has a funny name and is a different colour. How can 'THAT ONE' be as American as good ol' Sister Sarah and Saint John ? He's just another one of 'THOSE PEOPLE'. Why, I bet that funny church he goes to doesn't even believe in the same Jesus as 'OUR PEOPLE'. Did you know his middle name is 'HUSSEIN' ? Yeah, just like that Iraqi guy a couple of years ago. Makes ya kinda wonder, don't it ? Gosh darn it, it kinda do !

The sooner her and her bigoted pals on the right slink off into obscurity the better for America and the world. As for McCain, he would never have stooped to these depths eight years ago. I guess even the promise of power corrupts absolutely.

Posted by: Steven | Oct 8, 2008 9:44:23 AM

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