Home > World News > The World Newser
The World Newser
World News' Daily Blog

« Previous | Main | Next »

Charlie's Blog

September 04, 2008 3:49 PM

Abc_gibson_080904_blog_2 One of the unanticipated downsides to writing a daily blog is the guilt that sets in when things get too busy to write. Such was the case Tuesday and yesterday. Tuesday we spent hustling from New Orleans to Minneapolis. I ask for no sympathy -- ABC chartered a plane for the "Good Morning America" and "World News" personnel that had to get to the convention. But by the time we got to the St. Paul convention site, I was so far behind in preparations for the program that there was no time to blog.

Then yesterday we had the only interview with John McCain during the convention. The only interview he will do while he is here in the twin cities.

The interview took some thought. And I fretted about it for hours. The major development in his campaign obviously is his surprise choice of Sarah Palin. It took some time in thinking about it, but I finally decided not to even bring up the issues with her family,for they are issues of family and should remain so. Once you know about her daughter's pregnancy, once you know about her husband's political interest in the Alaskan Independence Party, once you know about special nature of their latest child, I think that's enough.

The relevant questions about Governor Palin, the questions that go to her suitability to serve as vice president, all relate to her experience, or lack thereof, and her policy positions as a mayor and governor in Alaska. Once I decided to restrict the Palin questions to those areas, the interview kind of formed itself.

The Republicans are making an issue of the media's investigation into her background, and it is a time-honored tactic to go after the press. Both political parties have done it at times. Many individuals have used that strategy as well. But I don't think the stories about Governor Palin stem from any kind of malice. Nor are they improper. To the contrary. She's a great story. A PTA housewife, hockey mom who gets involved in politics and winds up in just a few years governor of her state, and who is extraordinarily popular in that state.

Who is she? What is she? And does she have the experience and capability to be vice president, much less president? Those are valid questions.

One of our staff made the point, and it's a good one, that we'd be asking the same questions of Barack Obama if he had chosen Tim Kaine, the Governor of Virginia, as his vice-presidential nominee. Kaine is also in his first term, just like Governor Palin, and has very little international experience, just like Palin.

So the questions for McCain, as they would have been for Obama had he picked Kaine, revolve around whether he could look the country straight in the eye and say "this person has the experience and has the capability to be Commander in Chief."

If you saw the interview you can judge McCain's responses for yourself. He gave a spirited defense of his choice, and the interview was most interesting to me -- especially since it was the only one he will give at this convention.

By the way, we're going to use a bit more of the interview tonight. I asked him if he could actually enjoy this moment, internalize it, appreciate it, even revel in it a bit. For what a contrast it presents from five and a half years in a POW camp, and how few people ever get to be nominated for the Presidency of the United States by a major political party. His answer was very genuine I thought. We'll use it to close "World News" tonight.

Now the question on everyone's mind -- the question everyone is asking -- "What did you think of the Palin speech?" You can't go anywhere in this town without hearing that. Thirty seven million people watched her speech. 37 million! That is very close to the number who watched the Obama acceptance speech.

I can't imagine the pressure she must have felt. There were twice the number of people in the hall as lived in the town she mayored for six years (if I am allowed to make up a verb). And there were those millions of people watching on television forming their first impressions. And we all know the importance of first impressions.

The speech obviously played very well in the hall. But how it played to the television audience is the most important.

I thought her delivery was just right for almost all of the speech. It surprised me a bit that they would allow a new figure on the national scene to be so specific and so direct in her criticisms of Barack Obama. I wondered if some people didn't think to themselves, "who are you to be criticizing so directly? We don't know you yet. You have to earn that right."

However, my presumption is that the speech played very well, that the reaction across the country was very positive, and that she allayed many of the concerns about whether she was up to the job. We honor the idea in this country of citizen politicians. We have no ruling elite. We have no privileged class with a monopoly on leadership. So people were looking at her last night thinking to themselves, "Can a new governor whose office is more than 3,000 miles from Washington, go to that city and govern wisely and effectively?" I will be fascinated to see how people answer that question.

We're doing some polling today about how the speech played, and what were reactions to it and to her. We should have the results tomorrow,first on "Good Morning America" and then on "World News."

Overall, I thought it was a very successful night for Governor Palin. Very successful. The difficult hurdles are to come I think. The first interviews she'll face on issues. The first time she's closely questioned on positions she's taken in her state. And then, of course, the debate with Joe Biden, who is much more experienced on the national stage, and who knows a great deal about foreign policy. But the first test was passed admirably.

I was with some strong Obama supporters last night. Both of them expressed considerable concern about Sarah Palin -- that she could be a real force for John McCain.

Now tonight will be John McCain's night.

His speech will be a long one. More than fifty minutes when anticipated applause is factored in. That's what we hear from the campaign.

Tonight's ten o'clock ET hour will start with a Republican film made about McCain, and then his speech. Republicans are worried about the Redskins-Giants football game that they are HOPING will be over by ten. They don't care who wins, they just don't want overtime.

There had been some talk the speech would be delayed until the game is over. But that's not the case. They go at ten with the film and speech no matter whether the game is over or not.

McCain will deliver it from teleprompter –- he'll read the whole thing. That is not his favored means of speechmaking, but that's what he'll do. He has spoken at many Republican conventions in the past so it's not a new experience.

I wonder if he'll get a larger audience than Governor Palin? Who could have anticipated a week ago we'd be asking a question like that?

September 4, 2008 in Charlie Gibson, Vote 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (145)

User Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

I imagine McCain's numbers will be about the same as Palin's and Obama's, at least at the beginning of his speech. Even if we have made up our minds about who we're going to vote for, it's good to listen to opposing views. I did listen to Palin last night, but didn't have the favorable impression touted by many. I thought she misrepresented herself and Obama. Lies, even when told masterfully, are still lies.

Posted by: obamamama | Sep 4, 2008 4:08:18 PM

Thank you Charlie Gibson for being the professional that you are even in your blogs. I have never written to a news station before but the reporting that I have heard in the last week has disgusted me and unfortunately it was on GMA. I have watched GMA since you were first on and always enjoyed my morning coffee while listening to you tell us the news of the day. I can honestly say that I would have no idea who you would vote for in any election ---- and isn't that the way a "true" journalist and professional should be??? Many people that I know are leaving GMA and from the entries I have seen on their site -- many other people are too. Bill Weir was beyond excusable with his interview last weekend about Gov. Palen. You and Robin were the ones that kept me around and with you gone --- i still try to hang in there as I admire Robin Roberts so much but it is getting hard to stay with GMA. Thanks again for your professionalism, and I do watch you every night on the news. I always say "I want to hear the good or the bad from Charlie --- it just makes me feel safe". With much admiration!

Posted by: Cindy | Sep 4, 2008 4:17:13 PM

Did you ask McCain re Palin's $27 Million in federal pork? Or that her town was cited by McCain for its porky ways?

Or that as recently as August 4, she praised Obama's energy policy? Or ask if the press release that was on the governor's official web site was removed as a favor to the McCain camp by someone on taxpayer time?

OR PALIN'S (not her husband) PARTICIPATION IN THE seccessionist Alaskan Independence Party?

Charley, just what is your job description? Whatever it is, you can see the press release praising Obama if you google 'Palin praised Obama energy'.

Posted by: John | Sep 4, 2008 4:18:33 PM

Charlie

Didn't get answers last night though to really ...anything.

Considering all of the candidates have been scrutinized and questioned for literally years now.

I am wondering outside of calling her 20 months work on a pipeline..."expertize on energy" what answers or expertize has she shown on ANY of the big issues we are facing.

Housing, terrorism infiltrating so many cultures and countries, conflicts with Russia, global warming, trade and global warming, the mess deregulation has left us with in the housing market... the middle class sink in retail purchases.

Just not sure where she has shown any ability to be the leader of the free world.

The speech (written by someone else) was barbs and jokes and very entertaining...fun...but where was the leadership...and knowledge.

Because I don't see how a candidate that has been held away from the press could make such an "un-substantive" speech and have people say it was good.

am I wrong?

Especially with all this information coming out about her... and the realization that her 20 months in Alaska which is a very different kind of government and challenges (state or otherwise...90 day legislatures a year, fiscal continuity and less challenges because of federal subsidies greater than any other state...and a constant oil income) than the federal government.

I am just not sure why her ability to act a speech makes her a good nominee in the face of all the information that is saying otherwise.

Posted by: dl | Sep 4, 2008 4:23:30 PM

She did a nice job with the delivery. Smugs the word. The thing I fear about this lady is not her lack of experience. My fear is about her experience. Her experience preaching as she governs, her experience destroying wildlife and tundra. Her experience preaching abstinence and the resulting outcome. Her experience asking for the firing of an ex-family trooper...on and on. Her experience is enough to tell me that she should not be a heart beat away from the presidency.
This is vincible for the Obama campaign, but they must take the gloves off.
Thanks for your long post today- great update.

Posted by: Richard | Sep 4, 2008 4:26:10 PM

Thank you for your insightful comments. Candidate Palin's delivery was excellent; while we know that the content was written by someone else, we don't know her well enough to know if she agreed with it or not. Granted that the traditional role of the VP nominee is to serve as "attack dog" for the ticket. So far, this race has been comparatively civil. In the words of some newscasters, she took the gloves off last night - and I was sorry to see it. I am a female elected official who has had the experience of running for office - and winning - repeatedly. Being the first to cast the snide comments, barbs and insults does nothing to help her cause or candidacy.

Posted by: llp | Sep 4, 2008 4:38:39 PM

Charlie we watch your evening regularly and think you are generally unbiased in your reporting. However, on GMA this morning,your defense of your questions of Gov. Palin's experience being appropriate were a bit weak. I agree that the questions are legitimate, but I have not heard those same questions posed to Sen Obama. He is the candidate for President, not VP, and he doesn't have nearly as much experience as Gov. Palin. I would like to see the three major network Anchors apply the same standard regardless of whether they are discussing Democrats or Republicans. It appears to me that there is bias in the mainstream media in favor of the Democrats and that Sen. Obama is not being asked the tough questions that should be asked.

Posted by: Ray | Sep 4, 2008 5:13:36 PM

Charlie,
I missed your blogs the past few days but understand your schedule has been quite full. I have been so annoyed reading some of the negative reports on Palin and McCain these past few days and then I read your blog and am reminded why I have been a fan of yours since I was a kid. You never take sides yet you remain honest. You are a true professional.

Posted by: Ryan | Sep 4, 2008 5:32:42 PM

Charlie, you continue to be a biased "news" analyst. How you justify someone without experience to be potentially the next VP is frightening. She didn't even write her own speech, but you'll overlook it because you feel you can!

Posted by: Lulu | Sep 4, 2008 6:33:53 PM

Charlie: It is 6:00 PM CST, and this is my reply #7 to your blog today, explaining all the multiple events that grabbed your attention, and yet stay unbiased, as you normally do.
My thoughts on Palin: she is referred to as an "attack dog", as I know it, a rottweiler, not exactly a warm personality. I felt she was abrasive and derisive, and since she was performing a speech written by others, she served her purpose well, to be "on the attack". I cannot remember so many barbs and sarcastic comments as she expressed, spoken by anyone else; again, she was reading from a script.
Lastly, she is way too close to be "only a breath away" from replacing McCain, should anything happen to him.
Also, she appears to have taken over the spotlight from McCain. He will have to come up with a monumental speech to surpass her volume of derision, sarcasm, and aggressiveness.
Charlie, keep up the blog; some of us need a place to write our thoughts. Long night, this evening!

Posted by: Mary Ann Zulawinski | Sep 4, 2008 7:09:44 PM

The criticism of the media concerning Palin is a result of putting her family, specifically her daughter, under the microscope, not Palin herself. Since when has being a Governor not good experience for higher political office? As I recall, Carter was a Governor, and oh, Bill Clinton. But since people need to be put under the pressure of the scope, why not do that with Obama? It's funny how the media skims over Obama's shady past and associates. Everyone who has read Obama's books on his life, needs to give a fair read and consideration to Corsi's book, "The Obama Nation". I hear Obama say questionable things all the time and things that are not true, or "flip flopping". Let's get past color, gender, and age and focus on proven record. Obama doesn't have one. According to his state and national record in elected office, he's abstained from voting more than voting. What's that about? Is he afraid or just indecisive? I don't trust someone like that! To be a leader, one needs to be able to Lead! Jesus said (who Obama says he believes in), "Let your YES be YES and your NO be NO, for whoever is more than these is from the evil one." Say what you believe PLEASE. Frankly, I'm surprised and very disappointed in you Charlie and the whole ABC team. Yesterday, while watching you, I missed Peter Jennings and his fair and respectful manner of reporting, irregardless of his beliefs.

Posted by: janice | Sep 4, 2008 7:17:45 PM

> My first thought upon reading those words is that the same questions should have been, should be, asked of Mr. Obama concerning his own experience. When and where has the mainstream media asked Senator Obama to justify his candidacy on the matter of experience? Who has asked Mr. Obama to elucidate with specifics devoid of generalities his accomplishments as a community organizer? Who has taken the time to provide the electorate with an honest (read unbiased) description of Mr. Obama's accomplishments as an Illinois legislator? And what is the significance of voting "present" at least 130 times? Finally, what has Mr. Obama accomplished as a US Senator? For what legislation has he been the principal author? What is the significance of that legislation? And most importantly, with whom has Mr. Obama worked across the aisle to effect bipartisan legislation? After all, Mr. Obama is selling himself as an agent of change and everyone knows that change is impossible without bipartisan effort. Make no mistake, Mr. Gibson, the large block of voters in this country who call themselves independents expect these kinds of questions to be asked of both candidates for the presidency and they would like to hear the candidates speak to their qualifications IN THEIR OWN WORDS. Enough of this pointing to web sites with words written by God knows who. It is truly sad that it took Mrs. Palin to shake up not only the race but also the members of the news media who, like it or not, are also under the microscope. Good luck to you, Mr. Gibson, in your very difficult job.

Posted by: Rob | Sep 4, 2008 7:42:08 PM

If Hillary Clinton had compared herself to a pitbull when she was campaigning, the Republicans would have shredded her.

Posted by: Mary | Sep 4, 2008 8:47:00 PM

Charlie -
Why didn't you ask John McCain how it's possible that he could be saying Bristol Palin's pregnancy is a private matter on the same day he staged a photo op with Levi Johnston, the baby's teenage father? Why didn't you ask him why he is exploiting this situation (and these children) in the public eye?

Posted by: eric | Sep 4, 2008 9:22:28 PM

I'm finding these blogs to be so interesting...have even forwarded them on to family and friends. Thanks for a very balanced presentation of the news. Your McCain interview was a fine example in professionalism...you were respectful while asking the questions that needed to be asked. Keep it coming!!!

Posted by: Brian | Sep 5, 2008 12:12:00 AM

We forget Palin's desire early in her life was to be a sports announcer at ESPN. Turn the sound off and her manner is trained for broadcast.

Posted by: dennis | Sep 5, 2008 7:14:26 AM

At last - they're gone and we can get on with the campaign.
I said I would try to listen to the RNC but after hearing Palin's smugness and her parroting the barbs thrown at Obama, I just could not stand any more. Giuliani's speech was deplorable and Palin's was not much better. (BTW Whoopee referred to Giuliani as "9/11"). Well now I refer to McCain as "POW". I respect him -- and always will, no matter what -- but he needs to get off that kick.
Where were the issues? I guess if you don't have anything to say, the next thing is to sling mud.
Palin came off as smug and elitist. Her past "experience" sounds like a huge case of abuse of power.
Speaking of her "experience" let's compare it to the current White House resident. Quite interesting. The current occupant has alot more experience as governor. He had been to alot more foreign countries that Palin (but couldn't recall the names of leaders during his campaign). There are alot of similarities and we all know what the majority of Americans AND foreign powers think of him!!!
And McCain is now McBush!

Thanks for listening. Have a good night.

Posted by: george | Sep 5, 2008 11:02:24 AM

This is one for our Nation...the Presidency has made us all take a close look...and the speeches to change which choice we look...Ms. Palin made a good speech...better than any man since 63' but ist is not enough to guench the fires...not enough to know if we can change this Nation...She is to be Vice-President if ellected...But my concern is the Republican platform...and how it fixes the enourmous problems through their channels of people who are in the limelight of Politics...and the elite seem to be the only ones polishing the silver...and the elderly for their conservative values...I concern as to the heart of a party to care for Veterans and more...Being from this background, My concerns are meshed in what has not been done until this War we face...We have been subjected to dishonor and lack of dignity relevant for our sanctity! What is possible to see, is not always possible to be free...Words confront but will they be subjective for only the few and not the whole...and will Palin, use her powers to listen to only her group to enlist only the few who will fall at her feet...Because she has been hired to compete...Apachecheynne

Posted by: Jalica | Sep 5, 2008 3:57:23 PM

Charlie;
Thanks for all you DO find time to write and for asking some tough questions. Keep it up!

I did not find McCain’s answer believable, however, when you asked him if he really thought Gov. Palin to be the best vice-presidential candidate that he could have picked. In fact I found it truly condescending. Alaska’s proximity to Russia infers that she has foreign relations experience?? Does he think we are all idiots? Because I live next to a bank, does that make me brilliant in handling money?

Then there’s the line about being a maverick. During Sarah Palin’s years as mayor of Wasilla the first thing she did was hire a lobbyist to go to Washington and score $27 MILLION dollars in earmarks for a town of 7,000 people. And with all that largess, she still left the town $20 MILLION in debt. Sounds to me like she learned how to be an insider politician pretty damn quick--even without going to Washington. Where is the substance? She’s running for Vice President, not for comedy show host.

Posted by: Laura | Sep 5, 2008 7:34:51 PM

Everyone is running on change now. Obama/McCain, they both say that Washington is broken. My big question, since between them they represent 2% of the power in the senate, is what do they want to change that they couldn't have done while they were senators? What are the top 5 things that are broken in washington, why haven't they been a party to solving them as senators, and how will they fix these issues? Its really bizzare the republicans that control the whitehouse chanting for change, and the democrats that control the house and senate saying we need a change....

Posted by: Angelo Kandas | Sep 6, 2008 12:41:02 AM

Next Comments »

Post a comment