Deseret News | Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's resume

Reader comments
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's resume

204 comments | Read story

TKDMike | 2:43 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

She will not last a MONTH..... she has toooo much baggage....

Steve - Re: prm | 3:33 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

Alot of prayer is on Palin's side? Well just remember that God's response to those prayers could be "No". We don't always get what we want/ask for. :)

NM Bob | 8:35 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

Give me a break...this is a bad dream, a joke right? This is a heartbeat away from the presidency?? Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comments continue below

Roger | 9:06 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

I have been a lifelong Republican but I can only express my disappointment at the Republican slate, John McCain represents another 4 years of Bush policies. I could have maybe handled that. But after he picked Palin, who has no experience in international affairs and has only been outside the USA once. She has has little to no knowledge of how to get things done in Washington But even worse is the criticism that McCain leveled at Obama about lack of experience and the picks Palin, Its beyond me!!!
I am going to vote Democrat for the first time ever come November. On a sidenote I also ran a small town but sure donï¿½t feel that it makes me a potential VP of the USA!

Anonymous | 9:14 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

I wrote early casting doubt on Palin. But just finished watching her address at the RNC, I am now all shoke up. She is good!! Perhaps she and McCain can switch seats. To be honest, it is still not enough to change my mind yet. But I will definitely take a second look. Good for you, Sarah. You make women proud!

fopaw | 9:47 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

A very good speech, but I don't believe she is qualified for the Veep position no matter what the GOP is trying to sell. I am afraid this woman will be nothing but trouble.

Malina | 10:37 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

Barack Obama Resume:

Occidental College- 2 years

Columbia U- BA degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations

Worked at Business Internationl Corporation

Chicago Community Organizer- 3 years

Harvard Law School- Juris Doctor, president of

Harvard Law Review (first year), Graduated Magna cum laude (note to U of Idaho grads: this means "really, really good" in a weird, foreign language)

Lawyer - Sidley & Austin Law firm, Chicago

U of Chicago law School- Constitutional law teacher 12 years

Lecturer for four years (1992"1996,
Senior Lecturer for eight years (1996"2004).

Wrote 2 best selling books

Civil Rights Attorney- 1993-1996- Associate, of counsel- 1996-2004

Illinois State Senate: 1998-2004- 3 terms

US Senate- 2004- Current, Committees: Foreign Relations, Vet Affairs, Envir and Public works, European Affairs

Over 800 pieces of legislation that he's written, sponsored, co-sponsored and voted on.

Presidential campaign, 19 months to date

mike | 6:53 a.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I listened to the Palin speech last night and didn't hear anything new. In fact it seems like all of the speeches I heard basically reiterated the same policies that have gotten this country into the mess it is in now. More tax cuts for the wealthy and corporate America at the expense of the middle class. More support of free trade so our jobs can continue to be outsourced. More deregulation of business so we can be sure to see more scandals like the current mortgage crisis. More scare tactics regarding 9/11 and terrorists yet we never got Bin Ladin. More deficit spending. The only thing I heard positive was McCains support of the troop surge. The GOP is trying to distance itself from Bush and his failures yet it isn't so much Bush's failures as it is a faulure of GOP policy in general. I honestly believe McCain is a good man but it scares me to think we could have 4 more years of the type of problems we have seen for the last 8 years. I don't think I can vote for a republican until the GOP can get its act together again.

Jeff Hueber | 7:12 a.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I watched with great antisipation Gov. Palins speech, Not only did she answere her critiques with her impressive resume and her ideas that she wants to take to the white house, but she exposed Senator Obama for what he really is, "A talker" who can seduce people with his words. Unfortunately the bottom line is that we the people in america need a strong candidate who will make the tough choices, and have the courage in Washington to stand behind them when questioned by the opposition, Not to run and hide or fail to make a decision when we need our leader to make one. Sarah Palin gave me last night what I needed to hear from her and I am very impressed with senator McCains choice for VP, thumbs up Govenor Palin

voter in Michigan | 8:04 a.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Is it important that our President and VP have studied economics, political science, international business, cultures, law, technology, etc? Or is a degree in journalism sufficient? Do we believe that education provides individuals with tools for analyzing complex issues and with knowledge of diverse peoples, religions, and countries? Is it important for a President and VP in these times to know the language and fundamentals of economics, of finance, of technology, and of law? Which candidates will know enough to ask critical questions and to understand the answers of their advisors? Which have the training necessary to engage in the sophisticated, deep-level conversation necessary to enlist their experts to negotiate tough agreements around the world?

I'm not concerned that my President and VP are good company at a hockey game. I'm gravely concerned that they have the highest quality academic training combined with communication skills necessary represent and defend our country in this dangerous and complex world.

Sheryl | 8:49 a.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Do the research. All personal things aside, Palin ran for Mayor with the "Bridge to Nowhere" as part of her platform. She changed her mind about it after getting in office but took the money anyway. She did not address sewage and drainage problems in Wasilla but backed a sports stadium promising additional income, contrarily it has become a money pit. Tax cuts made were for big business not for the average citizen. Palin took office with a -0- deficit, left office with a 22M deficit. Right, sounds like good management to me. After firing many top aides in the Mayoral office citizens demanded she hire a City Administrator who actually ran the town. There is too much questionable behavior outside of these facts, such as censorship, abuse of power, her statement that "Iraq is a task from God", etc. People don't speak up against her because they are intimidated by her. This will all come out eventually. BTW I have also listed things for sale on E-bay and I don't think that qualifies me for anything but a glorified garage sale.

Jules | 9:20 a.m. Sept. 4, 2008

If you are going to hire someone, you try to hire the people with the best qualifications. The most important job on the planet should not be an exception. I strongly suggest people Google the candidates resumes. All this talk about "Executive experience" is a smoke-screen. Obama and Biden have the intelligence, political experience and education to lead the Country out of the mess the Republicans have made in the past 8 years. Sarah Palin is not qualified to hold such a high office and neither is McCain.

Now a Democrat | 9:38 a.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Thanks Malina, your review of Obama was excellent & how can anyone in their right mind say Ms Palin has morr experience! WAKE UP AMERICANS!

noreen | 11:22 a.m. Sept. 4, 2008

my surprise is that Americans are not more inteligent .

why are
americans not more inteligent? we all should be very careful and look at the problems and the tough countries we have to deal with. What does Sarah Palin really believe politically besides some very ultra conservative views that just maybe could be a problem here in the U.S. Remember she may wind up being President. Maybe John McCain wants to win an election more than take care of the country. Too much nonsense about experience--other views of hers have me concerned.

Steve - Palin Book Ban | 12:48 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I just learned that Sarah Palin wanted to ban some books, but we haven't been told which ones specifically. Do we really want someone in the White House who supports taking away the freedom of speach? A person who supports the banning of books?

More and more reasons keep popping up for not voting for McCain/Palin...

LaVerne | 3:00 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

John McCain made a selfish choice in selecting Sarah Palin as his running mate. Palin is smart and willing to serve. Her plate is running over. Her husband, children, and Mrs. McCain did a beautiful job babysitting Wednesday night. It was quite a scene. I can see other mothers being so taken that some will feel that they are inadequate and must be more than a devoted wife, dedicated mother,and community servant. How will this work when Palin is travelling all over the word as VP? There are so many women in in the Republican Party who would do a great job as VP. Why were they overlooked? {John, I understand now.) It's "winning by any means necessary."

ann | 2:59 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Anyone catch the look on McCain's face when he first announced Palin as his running mate? Looked more like -- "What have they talked me into?!" Rather than "We've got a winner here!" Palin is no doubt charismatic (won Miss Congeniality in one of her past beauty contests) and would probably be great as a friend and neighbor but vice president of the most powerful country in the free world? Don't think so!

Steve - Re: LaVerne | 3:22 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Are you suggesting that a woman with children's place is in the home and they shouldn't have a job outside the home at the same time?

You ask about what happens when she's traveling around the world as VP... well, for one, there's her husband. He can take care of the kids during her absences. Or how about they hire a nanny or two?

I don't like Palin's politics (despite I being a fellow Republican) but I will defend her private/family life. I see no reason why it should effect her or any woman's working abilities, work and home can be balanced.

People are right, this is becoming sexist. Notice how fathers in the political world aren't attacked for taking on a job that requires alot of time away from home and traveling. Shouldn't they ideally be at home with the kids as much as possible too?

Find another reason to speak against Palin (as I do), like her political stances on varried things... plenty of material there.

Go Obama! :)

Carolyn Kleiner | 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

Face it. If Sarah Palin was ugly, she'd be home watching TV.

Barb | 10:57 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008

I was so proud of the Republican nominees both tonight and last night! Finally we are having someone represent the U.S.A. and it's citizens who want to make our Country stronger for us. They LOVE our country and want to make it a better place with a future for our children and their children..... I think that John McCain picked an excellent running mate as his Vice President elect. Sarah Palin is just another example of a woman who had a vision which honored the people she represented. She stood up against those who wanted to pave their own rewards and not the good of the people. She should be applauded for that - she came out victorious and she will be an excellent running partner for President-elect McCain also. We need people representing us, as a people united and a nation, with a "SERVANTS HEART". I think that we found them....!
Both have strong family values and they both will leave a legacy of honor to their families and the Nation. Their vision of what can be once more in our homeland gives a PROMISE OF HOPE, & EQUALITY for all. God Bless America!!!!!! PRAYER WORKS AMERICA-STAY STRONG.

anonymous | 12:11 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I believe that God will elect the best canditate,the one who is capable of putting the country in the right path. No offense people, Sarah for vice president of USA is wrong

Tahisha abina | 12:41 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

American people God wants to save you from the worst but he wants you to use your common sense. Open your eyes to see if McCain/Sarah is the right choice for the country? Don't let your ethnical, social and political backgrounds stop you from doing what is right for the future of this nation. Don't wait for too late, take a look at the actual situation to understand the importance of chosing the right leader.

Anonymous | 1:07 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Palin is a joke, and a bad one at that.

Anonymous | 2:56 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Sadly for the American people, God does not vote but ignorance does. Let's only hope that people remember that it's a good idea to have SMART people running the country, not cute people who talk "good". And, BTW, getting shot down and held prisoner for 5 and a half years does NOT make a person a hero. It makes him a survivor. Pray for all of us that Limbaugh and his ilk do not succeed in hijacking the country for another 4+ years.

Independant | 5:53 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I can't believe Ms, Palin had the gall to tell a joke about pit bulls and lipstick, you know what happens to alot of pit bulls?

mc | 11:13 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

i cant believe the nerve of the RNC to assume that i am so simple minded as to just hand over my support of Hillary Clinton to ANY woman! Sarah Palin is opposed to almost everything Senator Clinton stands for. I also would like to hear the governor's views on higher education. Her son enlisted instead of going to college and now her daughter's higher education is at lease "on hold" while she raises a baby. How much can Palin have stressed the importance of higher education when her own children are 0 and 2 on the topic.

Anonymous | 6:20 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Steve, I'd be the last person to suggest that a woman should not work outside the home. I worked outside the home for thirty-seven years and raised two children. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to spend more time with them. Financial constraints did not permit that. I watched other mothers work full time and take care of larger families. I'm sure Sarah Palin can manage her family while she serves her country. This is an AWESOME responsibility. My concern is that as VP she'll spend far more time away from her family than she has been doing as Governor of Alaska. Surely, John McCain gave this some serious thought in the vetting process.

Bad Decision McCain | 9:28 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Obama wants to roll back the Bush tax cuts on the upper-income brackets. So the claim is true if you are a family making more than $250,000 a year, or a single person making more than $200,000. Otherwise, it's generally not the case. In fact, Obama advocates eliminating income taxes for seniors with incomes less than $50,000.

Dave from Birmingham,AL | 8:43 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

I truly think that a persons charcter and leadership qualties are important in tetermining who a person. One has to ask, would her daughter be pregnant if she spent more time with her. It looks as though her family is taking second seat to her political future. If that is truly the case , it says volumes about her. Women are certainly capabable of being great leaders but, family values should come first.

caanoyfoolme | 9:08 p.m. Sept. 6, 2008

After eight years of George Bush and running this Country in Reverse, the Republican party and McCain have offered nothing but more of the same. Along comes Palin and look at all the attention they are getting now.
Only thing, the steam will turn on McCain. He knows this and it is part of his Master Plan. Palin will not be McCains running mate in November. She will be droped or resign because of all the "Picking On" by the Democrats. Mitt Ronmey will step in as the VP to rally the Republicans just before the election, hoping to pull off last minute upset.

daniel | 4:11 a.m. Sept. 7, 2008

Her degree in journalism explains her aggressive speaking style. Journalism is the closest profession to Law in terms of public speaking and point and counter point.

She may be a well meaning person but can she cope with the latest technology decisions? can she really understand the problems? Has she sufficient intellect? On the other side is Obama, a very ambitious person probably with a chip on his shoulder. Why is he running for president so soon in his career? And he seems a person of no achievement? a political snake?

The president of China is an engineer. Ministers of South Korea are Computer Science PhDs from Stanford. How can the strongest country in the world be so screwed up that the most qualified and scientific people cannot get to office.

In such a case it is best to vote for Sarah Palin, perhaps she will create the conditions to allow PhD scientists and engineers to reach the White House and congress.

IreneS | 8:29 p.m. Sept. 7, 2008

Not even a graduate degree?? The heartbeat away from the president, and this is very likely with John McCain, she should have far more experience and education than this. Governing a small town and state, she stopped the bridge to nowhere but kept the funding for it, doesn't want polar bears listed as endangered species, tries to fire her sister's x-husband because of a bitter divorce, wanted to ban books form the local library, but lets remember she has beauty pageant experience.

ed | 8:08 a.m. Sept. 8, 2008

sarah palin is an excellent choice. i am black but i will say that barack is a phony.

best of luck mccain / palin

Steve - Re: Anonymous 9/5/08 | 1:29 p.m. Sept. 8, 2008

There's that implication again in what you said... that it's not OK for a woman/mother to be away from home alot (that it's her place to be there) but it's fine if the man/father is away alot.

That may or may not have been what you meant, but that's what I took from it.

You'll notice that nobody in the press or otherwise is raising a stink about male politicians being away from their wife and kids alot due to job duties. There's nobody raising a fuss about how Sen. Obama would be away from home and his young daughters ALOT as President, but Palin (a woman) comes along and people are up in arms about her having to divide time between her big job and her kids.

I'm still a Republican that's voting for Obama and doesn't like McCain or Palin... but folks, this is one thing we can all cut Sarah Palin some slack on. It is infact a double standard and unfair. Her husband can fill in for her and do the same job she would do if she was staying home.

M. O'Brien | 8:20 p.m. Sept. 9, 2008

A pretty thin resume for a vice presidential candidate. Vitually no foreign travel and a dubious record as governor. No foreign policy and "hasn't been following the war in Iraq."

Opposes comprehensive sex education, birth control and reproductive choice, which are supported by a majority of Americans.

A looming scandal that calls into question her judgement.

Outright lies about her so-called opposition to the Ketchikan bridge.

In short - a candidate of dubious character who is completely out of touch and simply not qualified to be vice president.

Pcatch | 7:27 p.m. Sept. 10, 2008

Where did she get the money to run for all those "tough" offices? Seems like, other than a very short stint as a "local" sportscaster, she's only been employed by the state. I guess husband makes the big bucks from the oil company he works for.

lexxii | 10:21 a.m. Sept. 11, 2008

i think she is wonderful:]

Suzy | 5:37 p.m. Sept. 11, 2008

Weak resume compared to say Obama? She at least has experience running "something" like a state! What does he have? Hmm...not much. Plus, she is for VP and has more political experience than obama. Go Sarah!!

Rich Moyer | 9:44 p.m. Sept. 11, 2008

Unbelievable. How come she's the Queen of family values and hard work? The other three candidates have families and go to Church. Somehow she plays on our empathy? I don't get it? Look at it like she's running for President. Is this good enough? I'm sure she's a nice lady and a hard working Mom but come on! This could be the future CEO of the company we call America. It's not People magazine's sexiest hockey Mom award.

Steve - Further Palin Bad Resume | 1:03 p.m. Sept. 12, 2008

Here's some further info to had to Gov. Sarah Palin's deplorable record (in my opinion) that my sister shared with me that she got in an e-mail from a Wildlife organization:

"As governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin has proposed paying a $150 bounty
for the foreleg of each dead wolf. The aerial hunting program she
champions has already killed nearly 800 wolves through her aerial
gunning program. She's opposed efforts to save America's
polar bears from extinction. She's fought against efforts to
save some of the world's most endangered beluga whales.

At nearly every opportunity, Governor Palin has sided with Big Oil,
mining companies, wealthy trophy hunters and other entrenched special
interests in support of policies that would greatly harm the wild
animals we treasure.

American voters deserve to know the truth about Governor Sarah
Palin's record that's killing our wildlife."

Anonymous | 1:29 p.m. Sept. 12, 2008

cool lady

Michigan | 6:52 a.m. Sept. 14, 2008

Sorry, resume is not impressive at all. Journalism? So, that means that someone will have to help her with Constitution interpretations and many other things. Judgement and common sense, I just cannot believe that someone in their right state of mind would compare this woman to BO; When you say that BO has not common sense and that his education is not important that only tells me you are not being objective and you are only looking at the R-A-C-E issue. Be honest and compare apples to apples; she has the same experience that the Superintendent of any large district in the US has; they too manage over 6,000 students, way more money and use common sense and good jugdement all the time: that do not make them "experienced". I rather go with the guy who is telling me the truth than with the lady who used her power to employ friends, get people fired and hired someone to help her to administer a 6,000 people town. Please!

imagenink | 2:52 p.m. Sept. 14, 2008

What about her resume and leadership as a parent and a role model? Rather than heading off to college, or the Peace Corp or a job etc. Her teenage son has enlisted and been deployed.
Her teenage daughter is about to give birth and get married. Where was her mother's leadership and guidance then. What about that precious special needs baby? What kind of mother would forsake nurturing that child (and her baby's new baby) to run for VP.
Do you really want this woman making decisions for your children's futures?
Horrible choice for John McCain and the ticket. Until Sarah Palin's nomination, I was on the fence.
Now I will vote for Obama.

vca | 8:35 p.m. Sept. 19, 2008

Can someone tell me why Palin's use of the English language hasn't been mentioned in the media? The last time I checked "ing" was not pronounced "en" and is "First Dude" really that appropriate for a vice presidential candidate that will handle world affairs?

Betsy | 6:49 p.m. Sept. 23, 2008

Executive experience on the level she has it does not even touch the international experience she will need as Veep, or even Pres. Scary to think that someone who just obtained a passport a few years ago could be the front person to interact with foreign leaders. Knowledge about foreign relations does not happen overnight; it happens from experience - Obama has that experience. Perhaps people aren't paying enough attention to the realm of experience Obama does have. I would prefer him talking about foreign policy with global leaders than Palin. If she's so experienced and prepared, then why not go on Face the Nation or Meet the Press - all political leaders appear on this show and speak out on issues. If she were truly ready to lead, she would not hesitate to appear for tough questions to defend her experience and knowledge on vital issues. McCain's campaign keeping her from the media speaks loudly to me - apparently they aren't even confident with her knowledge/experience. Again, just a political tactic to get the vote. If Obama would've chosen Hillary, we wouldn't even know who Sarah Palin is.

Gps53 | 7:16 a.m. Sept. 25, 2008

John McCain should be disqualified as a candidate for the office of president. His decision to place such an underqualified person a heartbeat away from the precidency is lunacy. John McCain: 795/800 in his military graduating class. Palin: 6 years and 5 schools for a journalism degree. Are we nuts???? Haven't we had enough of a scary low IQ president?

worried | 8:03 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008

I wonder at the wave of sentiment that advocates the election of that someone who is, to me, clearly not educated enough to run a country. I personally would like to have someone in charge who is well versed on economics, world issues, history, law... and anything else possible. I don't feel qualified to be president or vp, why would I want to elect someone 'just like me'. Is there a benefit to watching someone fumble around and make mistakes as they 'learn on the job'? Its like putting Homer in charge of the nucular power plant.

SuziQ | 10:29 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008

You know when you wake up from a bad dream feeling dazed and out of sorts but then you roll out of bed, drink some water, take a quick shower and heading out the door realize it was "just a dream and you're fine. Too bad we can't do the same with Sarah Palin. She's a recurring nightmare. And the scariest thing about her is her "own belief" that she's prepared to competently fulfill the VP role and sufficiently prepared to serve as President of the USA--the world's leading economy with the world's largest military. But "golly gee" she's cute???????

JohnnyBoy | 7:12 p.m. Oct. 11, 2008

What a CROCK. - If the Democrats would have selected a Woman Vice Presidential candidate with this kind of non-existant education and small town experience the republican Hate and Fear Machine would have ripped her to shreads. - But it's funny to hear how Republicans defend one of their own.
-- Can't you hear the theme song from Mad TV's 'Lowered Expectations' playing in your head yet. - What a JOKE! - You could pick someone at random off the streets of NYC and come up with a more qualified candidate. - Who is John McCain trying to fool? - Are Republican's really that gulible? - I'm guessing Yes.

Rob From NYC | 8:33 p.m. Oct. 14, 2008

Sarah Palin is a frightening figure and sort of an anti-ICON. She represents everything we do NOT want...she is undereducated, closed-minded, parochial and lacks the kind of knowledge and perspective we crave in our leaders. She does not have a claim on patriotism; rather, she and others her are far from being patriotic, they are disgusting reminders of a shallow, anti-intellectual right wing that supports the policies that have put our great nation in turmoil Good riddance to you Sarah Palin.. You will soon be flushed down the drain of the political abyss when you lose in three weeks.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Follow us on facebook

Christmas I Remember Best

Reader comments
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's resume

Add your comment

Teen girl killed in Kaysville crash

Utahns growing tired of Bennett

Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?

Hall reprimanded by MWC

Philpot may run for Congress

Cougars beat Utes in overtime

Utahns growing tired of Bennett

Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?

Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?

Philpot may run for Congress

Reader comments Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's resume

Add your comment

Reader comments
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's resume