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Utahns pleased with pick of Palin

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Bush Haters Are the SHEEP | 11:05 a.m. Sept. 14, 2008
All of the Bush Haters are the true sheep-- parroting each other in one outrageous statement about our President after another. Truly, a race to the bottom. Doesn't any one think that after 9-11, having prevented numerous attacks to our homeland isn't a reflection on the strong and steady determination of George W. Bush's dedication to defending our nation? The war in Iraq, yes, has been difficult. A few thousand fine and wonderful American patriots have lost their lives; how many American lives in the future not only here but elsewhere in the Civilized, Freedom-loving democratic world will they have saved? War is always terrible. Deaths always ensue. But time will vindicate George W. Bush. The "surge" is working. He has held firm where he should and not wilted in the winds of vacillating and fickle public opinion as fomented by the liberal news media. That takes real Leadership.
??? | 11:31 a.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Why is it we can't seem to move on to new faces in Washington? I think the old ones need a face lift.
Disappointed | 11:33 a.m. Sept. 14, 2008
It is shameful that the dominant local culture that supposedly believes in being "honest in your dealings with your fellow man" would support Palin whose record isn't in tune with that core value. There are many other reasons to not vote for a ticket that includes Palin. Utahns need to research the candidates and carefully weigh the platforms instead of automatically favoring one party, and LDS church leaders need to do a better job of stressing that church members should use their God-given brains and stop being lemmings.
Comments continue below
I respectfully disagree... | 11:42 a.m. Sept. 14, 2008
I will agree that "hating Bush" by some people is based completely on "hate" and irrational "feelings", but, Bush has done many things that many thoughtful people simply disagree with, including former republicans like myself (a former republican county official). This led to a careful examination of the "issues" and a carefully concluded decision that the interests of the country are better served by the democratic party, AT THIS TIME (ie, I may "switch" again someday, I reserve that right...). So, like so many things in politics, please do not generalize. I know many of you like George Bush, I respectfully disagree. I do not like the "results" of his policies or his means. I respect that he has honestly tried to do his best, but it is not near good enough. I believe that if we fast forward 20 years most people will agree that he was one of the worst presidents, EVER. Only time will show if I am correct in this assessment. Voting republican now, is, in my opinion, a confirmation of the definition of stupidity...doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result!
Independent Utahn | 11:51 a.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Reporter Leigh Dethman and pollster Dan Jones owe up an explanation why the following five other presidential candidates that will be included on the State of Utah's ballot were not included in their poll:

*Chuck Baldwin - Constitution Party

*Bob Barr - Libertarian Party

*Cynthia McKinney - Green Party

*Ralph Nader - Independent

*Gloria La Riva - Independent

To quote Pignanelli and Webb's column today:

The political media: "Strong candidates, and those who are best able to win, raise money from a variety of individual and corporate sources." ("We are hypocrites. We castigate those candidates who cannot raise boatloads of money as weak, but we attack those who garner financial support as beholden to special interests.")
Chris Plummer | 12:17 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Palin belongs to the Assemblies of God church. Takes 2 minutes to look at their website and see what they think about Mormons. Rather disgusting actually. Don't take my word for it though.
frankly | 12:44 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Frankly, Obama is the best candidate. McCain is a distant second. Biden is the best choice for vp, Palin is not qualified at any speed.

So how does the gop hold it all together? By lieing; how many more times does Palin get to lie about the bridge, foreign experience, hiring practices, etc.? And McCain a maverick: you can't be a maverick if you vote 90% of the time with the worst President we have ever had.

So you skillfully run the campaign and blame the press, call the press names, call them "liberal" and call then that as often as you can.

It is emb. to think that Americans have read up on the issues, actually read and discussed the issues, and yet they are willing to turn this nation over to grandpa the forgetful one, and his side kick, the lady who shows off her pregnant unmarried daughter to a national audience and then says "Don't pick on my family and my morals."

It is so embar.... so... utterly embar...

Is there any hope left for my nation?

Probably... if the people will finally wake up and elect proven leaders with education and experience.

Democrats yes.
Instereo | 12:49 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
It's clear to me, you either vote for president when you vote for Obama, or you vote for vice president when you vote for McCain because who cares about the two old white guys. I think I'm going to vote for president.
Don,t be fooled. | 12:52 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Remember...." You can fool some of the people all the time." Utah don,t continue to be fooled. VOTE democratic for once. You are part of the minority. The rest of the country don't even consider you as having a voice in this country. The republican party believes Utah is a push over.

American Tax Prayer | 1:06 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
With the US economy destroyed by 20 years of Republican trickle-down economics and cronyism, we might need to sell Alaska back to the Russians. As a selling point, Palin could be part of the crisis bailout. With her political background, she should do well under the Russian system.
It will take | 1:12 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
our country 30 years to recover from 4 years of Obama. That's if we could salvage anything that resembles the USA after he's done. McCain is a career politician which is scary, but he is still a far better choice than Obama. If McCain wins and croaks next spring, Sarah is still a far better choice than Obama. The Democrats are in desperate need of self reform before bragging about the ability they have to reform the good ole USA.
Put Utah In Play the blog | 1:12 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
peterclarke: by the way Obama has the EXACT same experience as your beloved repub Abe Lincoln, only Obama also taught constitutional law for 10 years! SP wouldn't know the constitution if it slapped her in the face.

WOMEN DON'T FALL FOR THIS!

McCain is the pig, palin is the lipstick!
al | 1:15 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Has anyone stopped to observe how many True/False or Multiple Choice tests are given in Utah schools in lieu of essays, oral tests, and indepth class discussions?
Critical thinking is not the forte of most Utahns as observed by their voting record.
"Do as I'm Doing, Follow Follow Me" is an educational song taught early to children here.
If Yosemite Sam was the Republican presidental nominee Utah would still clock in Republican. Love those gunslingers!!
NickB | 1:17 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Palin's a fake.

The number of lies she's been caught telling grows every day.

She's proven herself to be willfully ignorant on many subjects, and yet she seems downright proud of her cluelessness.

But, she's pretty, and a fire-breathing bible-thumper, and Utahns will robotically vote for the bare-faced liars because she and John M. have the sacred "R" attached to her name.

I pray they don't win, but if by some unhappy chance they do, Utahns are in for a surprise when they discover that Mitt's ill-treatment at the hands of the Christian Right wasn't an anomaly. Palin and the GOP don't regard Mormons as being "real" Christians and fully-qualified citizens of this nation. The theocracy they will work to establish will make Utahns wonder where all the love has gone.
Democrats? | 1:20 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
The Dems in such desperate need of the next presidency, and all they could come up with was Obama and Joe Biden. Joe Biden? Are you kidding me? Look at the last two elections and the morons they choose to represent them. Do you see a pattern? If the Dems really, really, want to win, you just gotta do a better job of picking them. I mean, come on, take a look at yourselves.
Conclusions.... | 1:26 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
After skimming through all of these post, I've come to a conclusion. Currently, and I stress currently, the USA is the super power of the earth. Every 4 years we entertain, or bore, ourselves with the next election for president. The really sad part of this whole event right now is the choices. The best we can come up with as result of our system is Obama-Biden vs. McCain-Palin. When you really examine the result, it's just very sad. Just very, very sad indeed.
Checking In | 1:32 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Are all you people still thinking it matters WHICH PARTY you vote for? The demicans and republorats are driving the same bus over the cliff. Who cares who happens to be in the drivers seat. Sheeple!
Re: Checking in | 1:46 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
You are exactly right. However this is currently the only system we have. The main reason it is messed up, is we the sheeple have let it get this far gone by either not voting or voting for the wrong people all of the time. Both parties need to be reformed right now. Maybe we should limit "all" public service to 2 terms only. This would help clean up much of the problem. Plus more people need to get involved. I think the american people are much smarter than the folks in D.C. thinks we are. That's why the 2nd amendment is in place. When "we the people" see it fit to remove all of the morons and riff-raff to save the ideals of this great country, we will do it. That time just may be closer than we think.
Disgusted Republican | 1:50 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Palin qualified? No way!

Palin experienced? No way!

Palin time-tested? No way!

Palin represent America's women? NO WAY!

Palin represents majority of America's values? No way!

Palin is simply, No way!

Palin IS Bush with Lipstick!

Palin IS the barracuda, because she has a history of vindictiveness and being petty... again, bush with Lipstick!

Palin IS nothing but a neo-con automaton of the religious right wing-nut faction of the Republican party (and a classical hypocrite at that), again, making her Bush with Lipstick!

All the polls clearly show that a vast majority of Americans don't want to put up with more Bush and Bush policies and shenanigans, yet many will turn around like a dog going to its vomit to elect a lipsticked version of him back into office who will in all likelihood ascend to the presidency sometime within the first 4 years if McCain's health indeed does fail him.

I don't want a lipstick version of Bush either as a VP or President and so my vote will go to Obama/Biden, who though not a perfect option are a much safer one all the same.

We just can't take indebting & spending policies anymore. It's bankrupting America!
Think for yourself | 1:50 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Patriots Dream:

Alaska #1 IN RAPE, #2 IN WOMEN MURDERED, Wasilla is the #1 METH Capital of ALASKA!!

Oh, my the way if you get raped in Alaska, plan on bringing some $$ to pay for your rape kit.

Because Sarah Palin is such a good governor�


Eat your heart out Gov. Huntsman!
Change? | 2:00 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
I'm so sick of hearing about Obama's change mantra. How do we know his idea of change is for the better. Maybe his idea of change is to move us into a socialist type of government. This type of change would not be good. McCain is also speaking of change, but I don't think his change would harm our country as bad. I hope. Also everyone needs to agree that Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air. Having someone that is not contaminated with all of the politics of D.C. and Chicago is just what we need to liven up this election.
Think for yourself | 2:08 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Alan Greenspan says the country can't afford tax cuts of the magnitude proposed by Republican presidential contender John McCain!

He's going to rob peter to pay paul and guess who peter is... It's our children! AND guess who paul is? It's China. nice
Palin's family value lying | 2:29 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
How is that Utah has fallen in love with a woman who continues to lie about the bridge to nowhere and earmarks. McCain has is now a person without honor who will say anything to get elected. Surprise surprise now POW explains lack of knowledge. If McCain from 2000 were still around he would be campaigning against the agent of intolerance that he has become.
What? | 2:32 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
A significant 73 percent of registered voters surveyed statewide believe Palin will help McCain's chances of beating Democrat Barack Obama at the polls in November.

huh??? How do you get that most Utahn's are pleased with the pick outta that!

whatevez, Dan Jones is in the tank for McCain...

I asked my very conservative LDS mother & sister what they thought of Palin and both of them at the same time shrugged the shoulders and said "ehh"

I was pleasantly surprised and amused and hopeful that they were not being duped by style over substance.

McCain is the pig, Palin is the lipstick!
Interesting | 3:04 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
that the liberals all parrot the same speech: You're all sheep, you all think the same, you are all pathetic so I need to tell you what to do and how to do it. (That's called elitism)
They claim everyone is lying, except those who they chose to believe, even though the lies have been debunked by their own watchdogs.

That self-professed "former Republicans" are now voting for the exact opposite of what they used to espouse, just to teach them a lesson. (What lesson is that? That you don't know what you stand for?)

That somehow the LDS folks are supposed to take umbrage at the fact that none of the candidates courted their vote, or even really liked them?
(News flash! None of the candidates in history have given two hoots about what the LDS folks thought. so what's different?)

Vote for who you think will best for the country, not out of spite for one or the other.
Republican lies | 3:13 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Does anyone remember McCain's 2000 disavowal of right-wing Christians as "agents of intolerance"? Now the man bows down to them with his pick of Palin.

Is anyone troubled by Palin's insistence that the fact she can "see Russia" from Alaska is evidence of her foreign policy experience?

Is anyone troubled by the fact that McCain will likely start two more wars once in office? Are we really, truly ready to invade Iran and die for Georgia's "right" to South Ossettia?

Has it ever occurred to anyone that Obama's success in gaining the Democratic nomination over Hillary, and his management of a campaign with hundreds of managers and workers actually COUNT for executive experience?

Finally, millions of Americans have already voted for Obama in the primaries. Who beside the people of Alaska have voted for Palin?
Palin? | 3:16 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Nothing more than a smoke screen by the Rep party, to mask the immoral activtities of the Cheney, Rove led deciet. They want to center this election on her personnally, to avoid their horrendous management of our country this past 8 years. And I don't want to hear you righties try to sell us about the senate and congress majority for the past 21 months, they didn't cause THIS TRAIN WRECK. The real Republican power isn't up for election, those like Cheney, Rove ect. They will stay in a controling position if the McCain- Palin ticket is elected and we will get 4 more years of the same policies as we have for the last eight. The ONLY way is to clean house with every incumbent both Rep and Dem and elect a new president and VP, otherwise I guarantee nothing will change. Forget Palin, lets talk about the issues NOW. If you don't big business will eat you and spit you out in the gutter.
Brenda | 3:22 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Wow! Surely the people in Utah aren't that stupid to want more of the same the next 4 years, or better yet worse? It is beyond comprehension how anyone would want to vote for the lying McCain/Palin ticket.
Matthew | 3:23 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
She gives a great speech, if you like sarcasm and untruths. She did a great job in Alaska, if you like unrestrained pork-barrel and unabashed cronyism.
What is the difference between George Bush and Sarah Palin? Sarah Palin is articulate.

Sorry, I want a lot more than articulate from a V.P.
poeticnurse | 3:52 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
I am LDS and will not be voting for either party. I will vote for Chuck Baldwin. I feel he is truly an outsider and espouses my beliefs. I am not a sheep. I vote as I feel is right just like the church leaders have asked at every election in every Sacrament Meeting.
the light | 3:56 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
If Palin is so awful, why is her approval rating as governor so high? She must be doing something right, even though many will never admit it.
I RESOLVE | 4:56 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
to ignore all of this Republican vs. Democrat nonsense. It's choosing Stalin over Hitler, or snakes over scorpions, or the firing squad instead of lethal injection. It's insanity. It doesn't mean change no matter who you pick, and it doesn't mean rebirth for the dying economy or cheaper gas or cheaper healthcare. IT IS AN ILLUSION! Palin? She'd be the VICE president. She would have about as much political power as VP as she would as mayor of Wasila. (Translation: Not much.) She'd be nothing more than the lipstick to McCain, who has all the political appeal of, well, John McCain. But that is what you're buying. McCain. Palin is just a nice coat of sugar to help the POISON go down.

Therefore, I RESOLVE to buck the trend altogether. I will NOT vote for anyone with a D or an R next to their name. I will vote for a third party candidate, and I encourage everyone to pick a third-party that aligns with their own ideas. I DO NOT care who you support, as long as it isn't Obama or McCain. Anyone besides those two would be welcome.

Who is willing to make the same resolution? Shout out!
KLM | 5:12 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Someone needs to ask Sarah Palin if she and her church believe Mormons are a cult. The sad thing is that even if she were to be completely honest and say yes, Mormons, especially in Utah, will vote in droves for her anyway.
Yes Palin! | 5:51 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Yes, Palin! For mayor of a small town where she can boss around people, apply for federal earmarks including the bridge to nowhere, and let her daughter get pregnant and not be married. ANd not even married yet!!

Yes, Palin!!! When is the wedding?

Oh, that is a family thing, eh. Well, then why did you parade her on stage?????????????????????????
FAKE PALIN | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Im Independent, I dont think that we need to take care if is female, male, black or white the next President and VP of US...WE NEED to make sure we dont still making war agaisnt other countries and finally we take care of our people here, IN US.
We need to spend the money here, for helth care, mortgage, economy, inmigration and all those issues, period.
And about Palin, I think she doesnt show her real face, she is selling her soul to the devil to have power. It si noy because she is female, but, I dont think we are going to end all bad issues we are living now, we need solution not still doing what is wrong!!!
RE: Utah Mom | 6:25 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Obviously you do not know what you talking about.

What Palin shows is a willings to fight corruption no matter where it exists, whether it is a corrupt trooper, or a corrupt politician., she will do what she can to clean house.

That is real change from a true outsider.

Not a corrupt politician like obama who was and is?neck deep in the corrupt politics of chicago and working with known felons an radicals.

Anonymous | 6:26 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
It amazes me when words such as "fate" are thrown out regarding Palin, and the majority in Utah support her. Does the majority in this state believe that an Anti-Mormon is ordained and called to this high and lofty calling?
To "I RESOLVE" @4:56 | 6:55 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
I resolve NOT to ever totally waste my vote again--been there, done that! Ralph Nader blew the election for Al Gore, and unfortunately, I actually voted for him as a protest vote--so did a lot of others. If Ralph Nader had simply stayed out of the picture Gore may have won.

I also voted for Ross Perot as a protest vote, another totally wasted effort.
Mary Hutchison | 7:07 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
I was really disappointed when Barack Obama chose Joe Biden, and I hoped that McCain would choose Mitt Romney. I felt that I had no candidate to vote for, but I listened to Sarah Palin, and her outgoing personality, her poise under pressure, and her ability to think on her feet convinced me that John McCain had made a good choice.She is young enough to have the energy needed, but old enough and mature enough to have values that she lives by.She seems very intelligent, has strong family ties, and with a son in Iraq, she certainly has a personal stake in this war.All of her experience as a leader, a Mother, a wife, a hunter, even a beauty queen has helped to prepare her for this office. Most of all, she is not a follower; she is an independent and enthusiastic leader, and with John McCain's influence and guidance,she will succeed. This is my opinion, and I will vote for them.
former dem | 7:13 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
All of this Palin bashing. Where is all the talk of Obama's accomplishments? I will tell you, there is no talk of his accomplishments, because he has none!!
ElkMan. | 7:27 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
We need common sense. Mcain and Palin are another four years of failed Republican policies. Let's send these guys packing and put in new leadership with new ideas. God help us all!!!
Re Re: Elizabeth | 7:31 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
My feeling is, she did just educate herself. And made a sound decsion based on fact and no longer voting just because someone has a label as a Republican. Good job, Elizabeth. I wish more Utahns would open their eyes.
MSNBC | 7:39 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
With all this smearing of Gov Palin, I guess I will not have to go to NBC.com and read that site, you all have done very well. Thanks.
whos flawed logic? | 7:59 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
You said:

"If we are going to use the argument that since Russia is close to Alaska, then the flawed logic follows as so:

Palin doesn't know about the 'Continental United States'

Palin doesn't know about 'China'

Palin doesn't know about 'Japan'

Palin doesn't know about 'Iraq'

Palin doesn't know about 'Afganistan'

Palin doesn't know about ' Fill in country not close in proximity to Alaska HERE'

See the flawed logic?? It's a ridiculous argument. We don't need the stupidy of Palin in the White House."

Any more than we need the stupidity of Obama, who thinks this country has 56 states. and Iran is no threat because it is such a small country.

RE:Chris Plummer | 8:13 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
I went to the Assemblies of God church site like you suggested, and put Mormon into the search box.

That's disturbing.
no good choice | 8:33 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
you people are wasting your breath. There is no good pick on either side.
From Ed Stoddard, Reuters | 9:18 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
McCain has had a stormy relationship with conservative Christians on a range of fronts, although he has won them over by picking Palin, a devout Christian and staunch abortion opponent.

�We wanted to make sure he (McCain) shared our values and he did that by picking Sarah over (former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt) Romney.,� said Teddy Hickox of the Georgia Christian Alliance.

�He�s not a Christian,� he said in reference to Romney�s Mormon faith, which many evangelicals regard as a cult.

This is from an article titled, "Palin stars at conservative summit despite absence"

Can you really tell me that McCain picked Palin because of her stance on the issues and not just to get the evangelical vote? Can you honestly vote for the Republican ticket knowing what they, and many of their supporters, feel about beliefs like those of the LDS faithful? I'd like to urge the average Palin supporter to wake up, see why she was chosen, and see why it does not benefit you and your beliefs.
To Patriot dream | 9:18 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
You an have her. We don't want her. She should stay in Alaska and leave us in the lower 48 alone. I don't admire her, I don't like her. she is not a role model for my daughters, and her family is not picture perfect as she claims they are.
Jack | 9:48 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Chuck Baldwin, Bob Barr, Ron Paul - these are the only candidates talking about the Constitution of the United States and seeking to restore the Republic.

Mormons believe the Constitution is inspired of God and in the Doctrine & Covenants it specifically states we as a people should support those that uphold this God-directed framework of government. Yet, so many members of the church would rather support Socialism (Democrats) or Socialism Lite (Republicans) instead of candidates that want our Constitution reinstated as the Law of the Land.

So go ahead and vote for your socialist candidates. I for one, am voting for Ron Paul or Chuck Baldwin.

snit | 9:51 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008
Well of course they approve of palin. Once Utahan's got over the shock of not having Mitt Romney win the whole thing, they were thrilled with anything the republicans shoved down their throats. It's actually sort of surprising and hypocritical. Don't mormons believe in being home with their children instead of leaving them home to fend for themselves, thus becoming pregnant, etc. etc.??
Then again, like I said: The Republicans could have excavated a craggy rock out of the dirt, put two googly eyes on it, called it the new Republican VP candidate, and all of religious Utah would have been falling over each other to cast their vote for it. Because it's republican.

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