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4 in 10 say Palin has enough experience

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Utah Demopublican | 1:56 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Ok! Let's get some perspective here.

Palin has 19 months experience as a governor of the smallest state in the Union with 9 of those months pregnant!

Prior to that she was a member of one of Alaska's energy commissions where we still don't have all the facts vetted to the public as to her activities, only those points that serve her campaign bid, nothing else!

She's about to face a subpoena for firing someone over a personal issue in a circumstance that should have had nothing to do with 'personal' issues!

She believes in this weird 'abstinence' education but her daughter is pregnant anyway, and she herself conceived out of wedlock! Talk about hypocracy!

She is such a far right wing-nut on abortion that she's out of step with a majority of pro-lifers themselves! Myself being one.

Worse yet, she's a heartbeat away from Commander in Chief, which could happen while she's pregnant (and yes, she'll get pregnant again) with hormones flying all over the place... I DON'T THINK SO!

She is a female version of the petty, self-centered, vindictive Bush.

Yes! Palin caps the saying, "4 more years of Bush"

Again, I DON'T THINK SO!

landslide | 2:43 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

How much experience does Obama have?

Turn off | 5:40 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

I personally, as a moderate Republican living in a small Utah town, was turned off by Palin's performance at the convention. She seemed to set a poor example of small town/rural life, calling her husband "First Dude" and equating working mothers active with their children's outside activites as "pit bulls with lipstick." While all funny, it is not the image we want to project in rural America. When Cindy McCain introduced her with her description as a "gun toting, moose-eating" woman, I could just see our international allies cringing as to what they'll be dealing with in international affairs. Palin's frontier, backwater image may play well with right-wing Republicans, but we can't allow 21st century America turn back the clock when we have so many serious issues at stake -- getting America off oil; emerging technologies in solar, plug-in vehicles that with government help could create local high-tech jobs; fixing our troubled economy; repairing relations with foreign nations; reducing American-backed torture in our foreign prisons; expanding healthcare; creating a pro-business agenda to get America's economy back to work; etc. Republicans should be touting skills that can solve problems -- not create negative images of small-town/small-minded frontier life! It is insulting!

Comments continue below

Frosty | 5:54 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

There is no question that Senator Biden has the experience, but, does Barak Obama? It is not Biden that would be president. Remember, if Palin is a heartbeat away from being president, so is Biden!

whatever... | 5:55 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

1 in 10 say Obama has enough experience.

Scared | 6:38 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

This is the most divisive, polarizing choice of a VP in our lifetimes. She is not qualifited to be President. Her experience is not the only question. Her extremist views and her lack of deep, reflective thinking will lead to easily persuaded, poor decisions. In her 19 months or so of being governor, she has demonstrated a certain "reed in the wind" characteristic. As VP she will be able to contribute little, and if she becomes President, she will be someone's puppet, top be sure. She has no clue about the Washingtion environment and institutions, and she'll be eaten alive.

utahboni | 7:01 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

McCain has broke one of his campaign promises and he hasn't even been elected yet. During the primaries, because of his advanced age and history of cancer, he promised to choose a running mate who would be experienced enough to take over in a heartbeat. He did not do this. How can anyone trust this guy to do anything he has promised? Once someone shows you who they are, you need to believe them.

Wow! Boring story. | 7:05 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Why do media outlets feel compelled to keep printing different versions of this story? Newsflash: Most people also think I'm not ready to be president. Luckily both Governor Palin and me aren't running for president.

New System | 7:30 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Maybe we need a new system for this country. John McCain for king and Sara Palin for queen.

4 in 10 | 7:32 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

4 in 10 think that a person who was a mayor only 2 years ago of a small town in Alaska has learned enough to have her finger on the nuclear button?

4 in 10?

it should be 0 in 10. She is untested, unvetted, and will avoid the press from here on it. We will get photo ops, photo ops, open blouses, and a cute family photo (but do not ask about the family errors please).

McCain has insulted us. Vote democrat and send back the message: you need to do better to get our votes.

4 in 10, eh. disgusting. should be 0 in 10.

Jeff | 7:58 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

If she wins, she'll be Vice President for four years. Plenty of time for the marriage soap opera between her daughter and this kid to play out. Does anyone expect this marriage to last? Will it be a good thing? I can see the headlines now.

Good thing | 8:01 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Well it's a good thing that she isn't running for President then. No one votes for a candidate based upon who their VP is.

approval rating | 8:13 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

She is beter than Bush! Has Cheney by 30%(He only has Utah and Wyoming)

Ross | 8:14 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Just a fishing expedition to produce some damaging data that is really meaningless. Like the man that drowned in a lake that had an average depth is .1 inches. . .Go figure - Statistics can lie because they are manipulated to Lie. Just ask anyone that has taken stats, or as most call it sadistics.

ratings | 8:33 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

She has a higher rating than Bush!!

Cats | 8:33 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Sarah Palin has more executive experience than the entire Democrat ticket put together. She's smart, tough, capable and has an 83% approval rating in her state. There must be some reason for that

Gosh, this wasn't supposed to happen. We've all known for years that Hillary was going to be the next president or, at least, the first woman vice president. The first woman vice president can't be a conservative. That's not the way it was supposed to happen. It was supposed to be a liberal, pro-abortion, feminist--not a hocky mom. RIGHT?

Gloria Steinem says that the only thing that Sarah Palin and Hillary have in common is one chromosome. THANK GOODNESS!!!

RepublicanGuy | 8:38 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

I'm really having a hard time wanting to vote for anyone in this election. After listening to the debates (both republican and democrat) I just can't stand John McCain -- It just makes me sick when I see his chubby little cheeks pooching out from his fake, stab you in the back, smile. Sarah Palin brings a bit of like-ability (and glamour) to the ticket, but I just can't see her taking over as president if need be. Then there's ch-ch-ch-change to socialism Obama whose had even less experience than Palin, and then there's the nuts in the constitution and libertarian parties. What we need is a new party whose candidates are vetted over their lifetime for honestly, consistency in living and governing according to their solid conservative principles, and fidelity in their marriage and personal lives, but alas, there would probably be no one that could survive that kind of vetting in government!

Oh Please | 8:47 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Palin has a lot of experience, all right -- as a liar. She TOOK THE BRIDGE MONEY. "Thanks, but no thanks (but thanks)." She DID NOT MAKE THE GAS PIPELINE HAPPEN. BP and Conoco did it despite her.

jefejivaro | 8:56 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Wow! Amazing what difference a headline and subhead can make. The headline takes the most negative stat from the survey and highlights it--fair enough, they're trying to get Utahns' attention. But the subhead declares: "She has little impact on the ticket people support, poll finds ", yet the article (still slanted wording) informs us that "By just 6 percentage points, people say her choice makes them likelier to vote for than against the McCain ticket." Well, pardon me splitting hairs, but 6% is not within the margin for error--elections won by 6% are said to be substantial. McCain was looking for that "extra something," and by gum, even after just a week, looks like he's got it.

As far as the headline, it's significant that the survey either didn't think to measure, or ABC elected not to reveal, whether the respondent thought Obama had enough experience to be president. Maybe Hillary's and McCain's campaigns are right--perhaps there is discrimination practiced against women candidates by the media. Even though it's patently obvious that Sarah Palin has more executive experience than Obama, they very carefully don't contrast the two.

Beginning to wonder if that "glass" ceiling is Lexan or Plexiglas instead.

too right | 8:59 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

If John McCain really thinks that Sarah Palin is more qualified and experienced than Mitt Romney, then McCain's poor judgment makes him not fit to be president. If John McCain doesn't think Palin is qualified, but knows she'll help him with evangelicals, then McCain's cynicism makes him not fit to be president.

McCain is 73, he has malignant melanoma cancer, there is statistical chance of him becoming incapacitated over the next four years. Why would he choose this gimmicky candidate of dubious family values to possibly become Commander in Chief?

Phoebe | 8:59 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

The 4 in 10 who think Sarah Palin is qualified to run this country should be identified and have their voting rights taken away on the grounds that they're too gullible to vote intelligently.

Anonymous | 9:10 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Just curious, how many people/10 thought Obama was qualified? I don't.

Smoke Screen | 9:23 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

This is nothing more than the Republicans trying to divert their problems from the last 8 years to someone new that will hopefully(for them)put the focus for voters on a person rather than the issues we face today. I don't care who they want to run for office, the fact remains that their party has been in control of this nation for 8 years now and they have totally screwed things up. Now they want us to believe that they are running new people on their ticket and they are going to right the ship. Thats B.S. Why can't they accept the responsibility for this economic wreck? For them to believe that they will change direction now is ridiculous. I don't buy into any of that crap.

Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Sara Palin is nothing more than a caustic cheerleader. McCain's choice for VP was cynical and gimmicky.

Whine Press | 9:43 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Look at the by-line and when you see AP, discount the information by half. Palin has as much experience for the #2 position as Obama has for the #1 position.

Experience | 10:01 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Does she have the experience to play entrenched Washington Politics? No.

Does she have the experience to lead, manage and reform? Yes.

What kind of experience are we looking for America?

Just Me | 10:12 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Let's use like number group's.
25% versus 33%

Brettski | 10:25 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

And among people with a brain, 0 in 10 believe Obama has enough experience or integrity to be president.

to Landslide | 10:26 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Obama has 8 years as a SENATOR, living in Washington and engaging in Foreign Policy.

I know that you will vote against democrats irregardless of who is running, but you should try using your brain and coming to your own conclusions.

Obama is exactly what this tattered country needs. The economy is tanking and we are still watching an endless war in Iraq continue to take the lives if Americans and Iraqis.
Bush and the GOP have had complete senate and House majority for 5 of the 8 years. Don't try to tell me that "its the Democrats fault that the economy is bad".

I don't think even Rush and Sean are stupid enough to believe that when they say it.

I DON'T THIN' SO, LUCY | 10:28 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

To Utah/Demopublican: Well, Obama has no experience either but at least he won't get pregnant or have "hormones flying all over the place" once a month. The fact that Obama is such a far left wing-nut should give us all comfort because, as everyone knows regarding wing-nuts, left is better than right, right?

WORSE | 10:28 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

I love the POLITICAL GYMNASTICS GAME played by RE-PUBLICAN EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES. They just look in the ROVER, INSANITY, MUSH, NOOT, Quotebook and then fashion their hate speech accordingly.

4 MORE YEARS

BUSH / McCAIN

CHENEY / PALIN

Here we go again... | 10:33 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Of course another way to write that headline would be, "Majority Say Palin Not Experienced Enough"

Call the Vet | 10:34 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Let's get some perspective here - Obama is a female version of the petty, ego-centric, vindictive Clinton.

Stewart | 10:35 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

A lot of political experience is actually bad, working with lobbyists taking their money and so on. I think common sense and integrity are worth a lot more than the political experience of those who have lived within the DC beltway for decades. So it looks to me like both parties have an inexperienced candidate and a political hack on their team. Not much to choose from either party.

I will vote third party in protest until one of these two parties begin to care about America, and not just their socialist and big business agendas. None of these candidates even oppose illegal immigration and the damage it is causing the country. Neither of them have any concept of fiscal responsibility, which they have demonstrated during the past decade. Both parties support uncontrolled spending while one wants to increase taxes and the other wants to decrease them, fiscal insanity reigns.

Anonymous | 10:37 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Palin = Huckabee

Uppity Mormon | 10:40 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

The Evangelicals made the Republicans earn their votes. We should too!

Wrong Choice | 10:53 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Palin was the wrong choice. Romney would have been the best candidate. I only wish Romney had been the presidential choice then maybe Palin would have sounded like a better choice. I don't really feel comfortable with either McCain or Obama. It may be a coin toss this year.

hair and glasses | 10:56 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

I'm intrigued about those glasses which have appeared. I imagine that they are clear glass and the hairstyle are all image to give an impression of experienced politician. If anyone has a photo showing spectacles worn before let's see them.
All credit to any female politician but I'm suspicious of the lengths that spin doctors go to to present a virtual unknown to the world as a potential heartbeat away from an elderly president.

Zero to None | 11:05 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

If Palin is as bad as Utah Demopublican thinks, then Obama currently has zero to no experience and is about to move below zero!! The self-annointed one is all about himself - forget the country!!

PMS for POTUS | 11:18 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

To Utah Demopublican I suspect you're an unmarried, nondating man which would explain your sexist perspective; otherwise you've got some gender confusion issues that need addressing.

McCain is the candidate | 11:28 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Gov. Palin was picked because she can be MEAN, so McCain can seem pleasant. Everyone knows McCain is a hot head and can be mean but people won't vote for someone so mean-spirited. Her speech was nasty and petty, I would not vote for her for P.T.A President let alone Mayor of my town. I belive "Community Service" is at the grassroots of any town big or little. While Mayor of her town she got $279000 worth of Federal money through a lobbist she hired. I guess there no need for "Community Organizers" if your getting Federal money. This election should be about issues not personalities. On the issues I care about I vote Democrat.

donna | 11:35 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

It's telling that the McCain campaign won't be having Palin do any interviews for at least a couple weeks (maybe they will put it off even more at that point). I'd like the opportunity to get to know the real, unscripted version on Sarah Palin.

Dave | 11:42 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

It's not how much administrative experience the no. 2 person on the Republican ticket has had that concerns me. It's how much administrative experience the no. 1 person on the Democratic ticket has had that concerns me! As an independent voter, I'm much more likely to vote Republican this time around.

we the people | 11:48 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Turn Off, I totally agree with your thoughtful assessment of Palin's speech at the convention. Her sometimes nasty, mocking tone bordered on adolescent. Although I imagine she is a fine person,and accomplished in her sphere, I am concerned about her narrow way of viewing the world, her complete lack of foreign policy experience, especially considering McCain's age. I am afraid the Repulicans have pulled out their old and proven tactic of using the religious right to help them win the election. Just once, I would like to see an election won on thoughtful debate, and a national conversation devoid of such cynacism and crude innuendo.

jeanne stratton | 11:53 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Palin, a heartbeat away from the presidency scares the h---out of me. Several pundits say the Dems have to treat her carefully to keep from looking like bullies. Talk about sexism! She came out swinging with sarcastic barbs thrown at Obama, so if she can't hold her own without her opponents putting on kid gloves, she should not be in the position of presidential potential.

RI Reader | 11:53 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Since when have we EVER voted by experience!

George Bush, Sr had no "executive" experience.

BIll Clinton did - lots - and everyone hated him. Bush, Jr did - and he is more despised than Bill. Dick Cheney did not!

The "experience" tag is a big stick that only the party professionals care about as an "issue" to cloud the real issues.

Let's move on and ask: "... what do you plan to do about -1) forclosures 2) improved wages 3) extreme energy prices 4) high unemployment 5) low paying jobs for the lucky ones who have jobs 6) gettin the brave troops home from war 7) etc .... etc ...."

I don't CARE how well she ran Alaska. I care how well she, or Obama, or Joe or John will run America!

Where's the beef ....!!!!!

fine with it . . . | 11:54 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Interesting how the Democrats are scared to death of Palin (see comments above for proof.) Why anyone could call picking a mother of five children, and a governor of a state "divisive, polarizing" is really illuminating--about the Democrat party and what they fear most. If Mr. "Scared" honestly thinks that Palin will be somebody's pupped, I would encourage you to go back and watch her speech again.

And--to say she has "no clue about the Washington environment" . . . is that supposed to be a criticism? That's one more reason to vote for her.

To Scared | 12:00 p.m. Sept. 6, 2008

I say, don't be.

She has more experience in her little pinky, than Nobama and Biden put together.

Kyle from AZ | 12:00 p.m. Sept. 6, 2008

The truth is John McCain picked someone who in no way, shape, or form could overshadow him in the least bit and who he could push around like a puppet. If McCain had chosen Romney or Huckabee they would have always overshadowed him as President just because they look and act more presidential. So yea big surprise that people believe she doesn't have enough experience because big revelation.....SHE DOESN"T!

Isn't that what we want? | 12:13 p.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Aren't we tired of career politians, career hacks?

I sure as heck am.

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