Palin to be "protected" during debate

[SHRED]

WTF are the Repubs afraid of?

---

September 21, 2008
Pact on Debates Will Let McCain and Obama Spar
By PATRICK HEALY

The Obama and McCain campaigns have agreed to an unusual free-flowing format for the three televised presidential debates, which begin on Friday, but the McCain camp fought for and won a much more structured approach for the questioning at the vice-presidential debate, advisers to both campaigns said Saturday.

At the insistence of the McCain campaign, the Oct. 2 debate between the Republican nominee for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, and her Democratic rival, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., will have shorter question-and-answer segments than those for the presidential nominees, the advisers said. There will also be much less opportunity for free-wheeling, direct exchanges between the running mates.

McCain advisers said they had been concerned that a loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive.

The wrangling was chiefly between the McCain-Palin camp and the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which is sponsoring the forums.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/us/politics/21debate.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

---

[Eric J in MN]

1. Why did the Obama-Biden campaign go along with this? NT

NT

[dansolo]

15. Maybe that was the concession they had to make

Can you imagine John McCain not losing his cool in any of the debates? Obama is probably going to try and get under his skin, and then sit back and watch the fireworks. They probably figure that Palin is already damaged goods, so taking her down in the debates may be icing, but not absolutely necessary.

[Greg K]

88. Why? What concession did McCain make?

[FloridaGrl]

25. yeah?

[trueblue2007]

30. Because that lipstick on a BITCH ordered it that way

I'm a woman and yes Palin is a bitch in every sense of the word.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitch

Bitch is a term for the female of a canine species in general. It is also frequently used as a term for a malicious, spiteful, domineering, intrusive, or unpleasant person, especially a woman. This second meaning has been in use since around 1400.<1> When used to describe a male, it may also confer the meaning of "subordinate", especially to another male, as in prison. Generally, this term is used to indicate that the person is acting outside the confines of their gender roles, such as when women are assertive or aggressive, or when men are passive or servile. More recent variants of bitch are bitchy, ill-tempered (1925), and to bitch, to complain (1930).<1>

Since the 1980s, the term "bitch" became more and more accepted and less offensive. After the word was widely used between rivals Krystle and Alexis on the drama Dynasty, it gained usage, in malicious contexts or otherwise, and is now very rarely censored on television broadcasts. Prior to the term's general acceptance, euphemism terms were often substituted, such as "gun" in the phrase "son of a gun" as opposed to "son of a bitch". More generally the term has also acquired the meaning of something unpleasant or irksome, as in the expression "Life's a Bitch".

[trueblue2007]

63. PALIN is a PIG

[samsingh]

83. she's a bitchy pig?

[Triana]

71. I agree. Palin is a BITCH. du Jour. n/t

[Spider Jerusalem]

2. you know, they should have thought of that before they selected her.

Fucking cowards.

[DesertFlower]

4. i agree. nt

[tekisui]

3. Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive.

Says it all.

[jbnow]

27. She's not an inexperienced debater. I saw her

debate with Dem candidate and a 3rd party candidate for governor, they said it was something like the 20th debate. She was very confident.

She just doesn't know things she'd be asked about in a debate for national office and deserves no protection for that. She wants to be VP for an elderly man who has had recurrent cancer. She better know the issues well.

[Blue_In_AK]

87. You're exactly right.

She's perfectly capable of debating and speaking her mind, and several times in the past she has actually made sense. McCain's people are carefully controlling her in these debates just like they're controlling her here with the abuse-of-power investigation, walling her and her people off from questions. It's ironic that in so doing, the RNC goons are basically destroying her credibility here in Alaska. The high approval ratings will be a thing of the past.

There's going to come a day when Sarah will hate the sight of John McCain, if she doesn't already.

[vanderBeth]

5. No.

:mad: x(

[hisownpetard]

13. Did McCain also forbid them from using multi-syllabic words (like nincompoop, imbecile

and fallopian)?

[JerseygirlCT]

6. And we agreed to this why? nt

[Tallison]

36. This is what I don't get

What, under fear she'd pull out otherwise? Victory by forfeit then. Are foreign leaders going to grant her the same courtesy - I mean deference? What were we thinking?

[Flabbergasted]

84. Yep they'd pull out. Obama needs the debates as much as McCain but not if Palin

comes off as a noob.

[Tallison]

94. Is this confirmed anywhere?

I'd love to see that headline - "Palin's team threatens debate withdrawal." For lack of one, it's time for a LTTE.

ETA: I suppose McPalin can do what it wants, but it's hard imagining the 'pitbull' could afford such a craven forfeit. Please tell me most Americans would see that for what it is.

[peacebird]

7. so Caribou Barbie isn't really a pitbull in lipstick, but a poor widdle woman who needs protection?

:rofl:

sort of what I expected.... and SHE had the nerve to call Hillary a whiner?!?!?

I didn't support HRC, but I respect her intellect and her ability to debate.

[Blue_In_AK]

90. It isn't Sarah.

It's JOHN MCCAIN. Sarah doesn't need anybody's protection, but John McCain is afraid to let her speak for herself for fear she'll say something that's off script. She never minced words here while she was governor. She's totally being used, and I'm sure she's figured that out.

[annabanana]

8. I think Biden ought ignore the formal format when it begins.

He should be sweet as punch and kill her with kindness. Gentle as he can.

[hisownpetard]

9. What colossal gall, for McCain to dictate the terms of the debate to the Commission.

And how disgusting is it that the Commission allowed him to!

This makes me want to punch the wall and kick something, hard.
Like McCain's head.

[melody]

10. We should be HARDER on her, not gentler!

If she's not experienced enough to conduct herself like an adult, what the hell is she doing there?

[gblady]

19. Totally agree...

if you want to play with the big boys, then put your big girl panties on and rumble...
I have a take no prisoners attitude (rare for my usual calm Zen nature) when it comes to this babe.
If she thinks and professes to be all that...then step up to the plate and show us your stuff.

[1corona4u]

55. YEAH!!!!!

That's right!!

[Blue_In_AK]

91. I'm sure she wishes they would let her.

For what it's worth, prior to being picked for McCain's VP, Sarah spoke favorably of Obama, and really didn't have much at all to say about John McCain. I wish when McCain came calling that she would have told him "thanks, but no thanks," and stuck with her independent principles, but there's noplace for independence in the modern-day Republican party, as we all know. Sarah has sold her soul for the sake of her ambition. It's sad, really.

[scarface2004]

11. thanks but no thanks to the debate on nowhere!!!

she s an asshole..cancel that shitty debate!

[PCIntern]

12. No Prisoners...

We don't give an inch. WTF is this? Why don't we give her all the questions beforehand and while we're at it, why don't we write the glowing reviews of her understated performance...positively charismatic...in advance, that way all the reporters from the MSM can go out for drinks afterward.

[cynatnite]

14. "relatively inexperienced" and they say she's ready to be prez?

:wtf:

[RepublicanElephant]

16. hey! that's "sexist"!!!

lol.
;)

[TankLV]

17. a loose format could leave Ms. Palin...at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive

well...DUHHHHH!!!

remind anybody of "...would irreperably be damaging to ... bush..." in 2000?

WHO THE FUCK CARES?!?!

THIS IS THE BIG LEAGUES - FOR ALL THE MARBLES - IT BETTER WILL BE "DIFFICULT" IF THE IDIOT IS UNPREPARED AND UQUALIFIED!!!!!

[CurtEastPoint]

21. Ditto! They f'ing OWN that mess! They need to own up to it! n/t

[Starry Messenger]

18. ....

This is so bad. This is so anti-feminist. And ridiculous and disgusting. If by some horrible chance she is in the White House are they going to remind all those meany world leaders not to hurt her fee fees? :grr:

[gateley]

20. CHECK THIS OUT: (also from the article)

Commission members wanted a relaxed format that included time for unpredictable questioning and challenges between the two vice-presidential candidates. On Wednesday, the commission unanimously rejected a proposal sought by advisers to Ms. Palin and Senator John McCain of Arizona, the Republican presidential nominee, to have the moderator ask questions and the candidates answer, with no time for unfettered exchanges

. Advisers to Mr. Biden say they were comfortable with either format.

The fucking nerve of those people! If she wants to be VP, she should play by the rules that previous VP candidates have complied with. :grr:

And I love that Biden's people said they were comfortable with either format. They know she's toast.


(The whole article is interesting, btw)

[Tallison]

39. What they want is an interview, not a debate

No. Fucking. Way. Not this time.

And Biden was ready to concede? Thank God the commission vetoed.

[gateley]

42. The Biden people SAID they would be fine either way -

I think that shows that they consider her inconsequential -- whatever. And it's not Biden who's making the decisions, it's the Obama campaign.

[Tallison]

43. She's not inconsequential - she's a liability

A traditional format would expose that better than any forum.

[gateley]

47. I was trying to imply that my impression from the Biden camp's statement

was to paint her as being inconsequential to THEM - as though they didn't take her seriously. Perception. That's all.

[Tallison]

59. No, I got your point; my frustration is with our side's concession

I'm frustrated that media access to Palin is so limited, the few clips you see of her are replayed ad nauseum for lack of fresher material. A format that minimizes unfettered exchanges cheats us from shots at great clips of her flailing. And that's significant in a race wherein McCain's age and health is a concern to most Americans.

[gateley]

68. Understood. And wholeheartedly agree. nt

[glinda]

86. SARAH PLAYLAND IS A RISK TO NATIONAL SECURITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean seriously. Her Religious beliefs are soooooooo extreme, her lack of experience sooooooo blaring, her stupidity sooooooo obvious that it will scare the crap out of other Countries and they will bomb us for fear of her and John McSpleen's nut crazed actions. They are a time bomb and if the media does not cover this observation in some fashion, they will be responsible for bringing down maybe not even the Country but also the Planet. I am really upset.

[sellitman]

22. Will Putin be easier on her too?

I hope he undertands she may need a little help coping with her new job and cuts her the same slack that this commision has seen the need to.

[Politicalboi]

97. Of course he will

Do you remember Home Improvement? Remember when Tim would talk to Wilson between the fence? Well Sarah and Putin do that don't ya know. She exchanges Moose recipes with him.

[Ichingcarpenter]

23. What the hell is this the special olympics vs the Olympics?

She should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing." — Macbeth (Act 5, Scene 5, lines 17-28)

[Blue_In_AK]

92. Thanks for the Macbeth.

That's my very favorite Shakespeare play -- and I've read them all. :)

[City Lights]

24. Oh puhleeze. This are serious times and they call for serious people.

If you're not up to the job, step aside for cripes sake. :eyes:

Either you're ready or you're not.

[RNdaSilva]

26. In exchange for "sparring" in the presidential debate...

seems a fair agreement.

McCain will have problems in a non-structured, free-flowing format. Lessens chance of knowing questions in advance, increases opportunities for gaffes. Look at the mess McCain made yesterday on governmental acronyms...refer to Olbermann and Maddow shows last night.

Olbermann will have his calculator handy during the vice-presidential debate. Remember, a $100 donation to Alaska's Special Olympics for each Palin lie. A check for $3700 has already been posted. He should be thankful that that debate will shortened, he might go bankrupt if she's allowed more time to speak.

[Tallison]

40. Olbermann's doing that?

How fucking warped/funny. :rofl:

[RNdaSilva]

53. Yes...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/20/olbermann-gives-100-to-ch_n_127977.html

[Blue_In_AK]

93. I'm loving that he's doing that .

Alaska Special Olympics is one of the few charities I donate to.

[gatorboy]

28. This should be expected from Palin considering she offered a stand-in for Alaskan debate.

http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8285340p-8181868c.html

Dave Dobberpuhl of the Alaska Professional Design Council said he and others have been trying for weeks to get Democrat Tony Knowles, Republican Sarah Palin and independent candidate Andrew Halcro together for a forum in Fairbanks, but so far their schedules have always conflicted.

"When one was available, the other wasn't," Dobberpuhl said.

Now the forum is scheduled for Monday, without Palin, who has events to attend in Cordova, according to her spokesman, Curtis Smith.

"If she could be in two places, she would," he said.

Palin's running mate, Sean Parnell, had offered to attend, but Knowles and Halcro refused, saying they believe the debate should be among candidates.

[Bad Thoughts]

29. Palin's got it in the bag

The VP candidates will have five seconds to answer, just enough time to smile and wink to the camera, and that's it.

[cynatnite]

34. In what respect, Charlie? n/t

[FVZA_Colonel]

38. The assumption is that she succeeds at short, catch sound-bites, while Biden gives long, detail

filled answers. But I don't think the Obama campaign would agree to this if they didn't think Biden could still wipe the floor with her.

[SDJay]

31. OMFG... Seriously.

Not even sure where to start with this shit. This self-proclaimed 'ass-kicker' can't handle a 'real' debate because she's 'not ready,' eh? OMG. I would have hoped they would have told Churchy Spice to stick it right in her ass, as if she couldn't handle an 'actual' debate then she should just go fuck herself and study.

Now that they have agreed, I hope:

1. The MSM jumps ALL OVER this. I'd bet KO will, but we need to make sure that the shareholder-driven editors at the other places have no choice but to give this a ton of attention.

2. Joey the Shark mops the floor with that fundie ass anyway.

Fucking amateur.

[1corona4u]

60. Yeah, where's the fucking pitbull with the lipstick.

[Muttocracy]

32. GGGRRRRRRR

sorry, needed to vent.

[Frank Booth]

33. Pathetic. Just pathetic.

Why are they always allowed to pull crap like this?

The Democrats would never get away with this, and if they even tried, the media would be all over it 24/7.

CNN will never cover this, though.

[kirby]

35. Palin to Master Debater Committee re: Fairness - Thanks, but No Thanks. n/t

[crappyjazz]

37. If you can't stand the heat, get out of Hillary's kitchen

[fed_up_mother]

41. A tighter format could prevent a Biden gaffe - remember Gore walking over to Bush?

The tighter the format, the harder it will be for it to appear as if Biden is attacking "her."

Meanwhile, he'll own the ISSUES!

[PlanetBev]

45. I agree, fed_up

Rahm Emanuel was on the Biden negotiating team, and he's a Mako shark. There must be something in this for Biden as well. It just might limit Joe from rambling on or making a gaffe.

Either way, he'll eviscerate her like an Alaskan salmon.

[firedupdem]

44. I hate that bitch...I'm a woman and I can say it...she fucking sucks!

She has set women back 20 years. Do you think Hillary needed fucking help during the debates? NO! How is she ready to be a vp for a half dead man? She is fucking horrible.

[1corona4u]

46. Agreed.

[trueblue2007]

58. Me too sweetie. I hate Palin too and I also think she's a bitch.

From my note up above this Democratic woman's. I am now proud that I use such nasty language. I'm a woman and yes Palin is a bitch in every sense of the word.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitch

Bitch is a term for the female of a canine species in general. It is also frequently used as a term for a malicious, spiteful, domineering, intrusive, or unpleasant person, especially a woman. This second meaning has been in use since around 1400.<1> When used to describe a male, it may also confer the meaning of "subordinate", especially to another male, as in prison. Generally, this term is used to indicate that the person is acting outside the confines of their gender roles, such as when women are assertive or aggressive, or when men are passive or servile. More recent variants of bitch are bitchy, ill-tempered (1925), and to bitch, to complain (1930).<1>

Since the 1980s, the term "bitch" became more and more accepted and less offensive. After the word was widely used between rivals Krystle and Alexis on the drama Dynasty, it gained usage, in malicious contexts or otherwise, and is now very rarely censored on television broadcasts. Prior to the term's general acceptance, euphemism terms were often substituted, such as "gun" in the phrase "son of a gun" as opposed to "son of a bitch". More generally the term has also acquired the meaning of something unpleasant or irksome, as in the expression "Life's a Bitch".

[mw]

48. Palin: not ready on day one

If she's not ready to be a candidate, then how can she be ready to be a VP?

[firedupdem]

51. That should be their slogan! Not Ready On Day one!

I just sent a note to the campaign. I know they know what they are doing but I just needed to let them know without all the cursing of course that she sucks and I hope Joe rips her ass!

[PlanetBev]

49. You'd best believe that Rachel and Keith will hammer away on this

By November, she'll be whittled away to nothing.

[screembloodymurder]

50. God damn it, Obama is ahead!

He should make the rules or tell McCain to forget about it.

[firedupdem]

52. Agreed. No negotiations..have the idiot show up and be ready for the debate!

[ailsagirl]

54. Might they wire her up like *shrub* ???

[1corona4u]

61. Some of us have written to Gwen, and asked that she be checked.

I suggest more people do it as well.
http://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/feedback.html

Be sure to spell her name right; Gwen Ifill.

[ailsagirl]

72. Thanks much!! I just sent a comment.

[Undercurrent]

56. Time to collect the angry mob, and storm the castle gate

with emails of protest.



I've looked and couldn't find the email addy for the Commission on Presidential Debates, the folks who are sponsoring the debates. Anyone have it?

[nichomachus]

57. Ah -- the low expectations game all over again

Dubya got a free pass on this for his whole term. As long as he showed up and didn't shit his pants on camera, it was considered a success.

[ima_sinnic]

62. hey, fweeper lurkers, aren't you proud of your intellecutal giant, Phailin Palin?

I've heard all this moronic yammering about how she's "the best thing that ever happened to the repunklikkkan party"--you guys need to pick better heroes. Even Jethro Bodine (another one of your heroes) could outdebate this clueless bimbo. Can't wait for that debate, and then to lurk over at your 1997-looking site while you delusional ones rationalize about how great she was. :rofl:

[Politicalboi]

98. Hot Dog!

Jethro knows his Goesinta's too.

[Monk06]

64. Biden will hit her with substance and she'll respond with mechanical talking points

She'll end up looking like the WH press secretary
issuing the daily party memo.

[LynneSin]

65. This is Joe Biden - trust me, he'll still make mince meat of her

It'll be like shooting polar bear from a helicopter

[Mabus]

66. This isn't going to make the press happy

and guess who comes up with the questions?

D'oh!

[mitchum]

67. Special Debate

[Arugula Latte]

69. So she's ready to be president but she's not ready to debate?

Lots of confidence you have in your veep choice, eh, Rethugs?

[DCBob]

70. It won't matter. She will look bad not matter what.

Lately she seems uncomfortable and unsure of herself in open question situations.

[Connonym]

78. But remember W in the debates?

I was embarrassed for him because he was so pathetic. He won anyway. Only the tragically clueless are still on the fence in this election. I don't think they're politically savvy enough to make an intellectual choice based on the debates. If anything I think they're more likely to be the kind of people who will relate to Palin out of their own lack of intellectual substance and her getting slammed will only appeal to them.

[DCBob]

82. True. But I doubt the "tragically clueless" will even watch this debate.

Biden just needs to keep it clean, no major gaffes and let Barbie sink herself.

[Top Cat]

73. This latest move should show those thinking about voting for Palin/McCain

That she is not up for the job of VP nor President. They should be scared as HELL of the prospect.

[knitter4democracy]

74. Hmm. I think Rove's plan could backfire.

They're deliberately lowering expectations, hoping that she'll do well enough that people will think she's won when all she's done is survived. Here's the problem, though: what if she really bombs? She might. Joe's fast with the quips and jokes, and he knows his stuff. He's also great at disarming with a laugh and a jab at himself. I can see her really falling apart here. Maybe reining her in like this will be more of a liability than they think.

[Agent William]

99. True...

I personally am hoping for a "Lloyd Bentsen" moment. I'm sure the Obama camp is aware of what canned remarks she will make, and will prepare for them accordingly. Remember Quayle was shooting his mouth of weeks before that famed debates, and thus the Dukakis campaign was able to prepare a snappy one liner or two. Now think about Phalin flapping her gums about all this earmarks and bridge to know where garbage. I believe it is safe to say that Biden has prepared a hay maker or two...or at least I hope.

Watch for the Palin "WTF" face half way through the debate.
:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

75. This is being set up so that she will benefit from "the soft bigotry of lowered expectations".

They will set the bar so damn low that if she can say her name coherently she will be seen as a winner...

[rucky]

76. Doesn't matter. She's toast no matter what.

[FightingIrish]

77. They should open the debate with a disclaimer

"The following is not a real debate. It has been structured to prevent an incompetent, ideological neophyte from making a complete ass of herself on national television. The Republican Party promises that in the highly unlikely event of the demise of john McCain, the rest of the world will grant her a similar pass until she can actually get her shit together."

[avaistheone1]

79. Sssesh Palin is already whining.

I guess she hasn't hit her state of readiness yet.

What happened to her wiring?

LOL!

[Jennicut]

80. If she can't handle going toe to toe with Joe Biden then why should she be the next VP?

Ridiculous. Its like Obama saying I have less experience then McLiar therefore the debates should be changed to fit around me. Sigh. I guess Obama and Biden have to agree or they won't have a debate and then they would be blamed. I have never seen a more controlled candidate.

[spanone]

81. repeat after me, do no let those fuckers dictate terms.....repeat after me, do not let those fuckers

[Blue_In_AK]

85. PLEASE send her back here.

She's got some questions to answer and a job to finish. Just please send her back.

[JI7]

89. This might actually help Joe Biden

because he wouldn't have to worry about how he might appear while she gets to aim her bs at him.

[TooRaLoo]

95. Well, DUH.

Princess Liar can't compete with Joe Biden. He'll STILL wipe the floor with her.

[Life Long Dem]

96. Biden will give Palin an education,

and Obama will make McSame wish he had a more structured "ABC debate", but then again it's probably a bunch of lies anyway and McSame will be wired while Palin has the "ABC debate" but still think Biden will kick Palin's ass.

[Iris]

100. Yeah - you don't learn "free-wheeling, direct exchanges" from those beauty pagent questions.

[uppityperson]

101. Ohhhhhhhhhhh, NOW she's inexperienced.

[tanyev]

102. Yeah, what happened to all that executive experience she's supposed to have?

Hmmm?