First of all, it's a little strange to see Alaska and our governor as the center of national attention. I don't think we'd receive more attention if Japan decided to invade us up here--and the way the media are suddenly swarming over the town it's as if we have been invaded by Nikon.
She's our governor and we're a pretty private people generally--why else does one move to Alaska? It's far enough away that we're a bit distant from the things that go on in the Lower 48 and to have the glare of the camera on our executive and her home town is a little unnerving. What if she pulls a Dan Quayle? It's going to leave us looking like Hicks Supreme and we just don't need more of that kind of an image--the duct tape is doing a fine job as it is.
So I'm slightly wary of what all this attention will mean for Alaskans in general and Alaska as a state though I'm not exactly losing sleep over it. Frankly, part of being Alaskan is caring very little about what everyone else might think of you when you show up to the party in Carharts.
Having said that the excitement that this surprise has generated here is palpable. We traveled through Wasilla last weekend and all along main street there were signs saying "Congratulations Sarah" and "We're proud of our governor." Not everyone voted her into office but you just can't help but be a teensy bit proud that our star rookie has been called up from the Farm League into the Majors and will be pitching the opening game of the World Series.
What do I think about Governor Palin? I didn't vote for her though I usually vote Republican. I wondered about how staunchly conservative she was, whether that conservatism would allow her to work well with the legislature and business communities and whether she had enough experience to handle the governor's seat--oddly enough some of the same issues that have surfaced again this week.
I can say that despite my initial hesitation I soon felt she was doing an admirable job of supporting Alaskan interests and cutting wasteful spending. One of the more sensational items was the private jet purchased with state funds by our former governor Frank Murkowski, a former U.S. Senator who, after winning the executive position, appointed his daughter Lisa to take his place in the Senate despite first saying he had no intention of doing so.
Palin put the jet up for auction on ebay--a small issue but a symbolic one which was not lost on us. We're just not the private jet kind of people and maybe if Frank hadn't spent so many years living in Washington D.C. he'd have remembered that and not lost his bed in the Governor's mansion.
Palin has stood up to her party when she disagreed, she's stuck by her views and has generally done a terrific job in supporting the issues she believes in and has fought hard for the natural gas pipeline--probably the largest issue here and stands alongside opening ANWR in importance to Alaskans. She's been able to set herself apart from much of the conservative status quo that has been Alaskan politics for a decade or two and has kept herself free from the corruption scandals facing some of our state legislators and even Senator Ted Stevens--probably because she's really not like the "good ol' boys" that have been running the show for a while here.
I have several friends who know her personally--including my father who worked with her when she was mayor of Wasilla--and all accounts say she is as personable, friendly and down-to-earth as she appears. I've read criticism of her that she's somehow giving off a grand act, that her nod to Hillary and Geraldine Ferraro in her speech this week was affectation but I'd bet otherwise because not only is that not her reputation here but affectation isn't something you get in Alaska much anyway. From what I've heard you could find Sarah Palin equally at home walking the streets of Juneau with her kids or riding the snowmobiles at her home in Wasilla--you won't find her on her private Hawaiian beach or in one of her half-dozen country homes. Not unless perhaps there were moose to hunt.
When I found out Governor Palin was expecting her fifth child in March I tried to get an interview with her after the legislative session was over, there had already been tiny rumors about the possibility of her being a vice presidential nominee but few took it seriously. I figured if this really is a blog about motherhood in Alaska then some perspective about how it feels to be a mother and a governor might be very interesting but unfortunately she retired to Wasilla in peace to deliver her child without talking to me. Do you know how many times this past week I've agonized about the interview that got away?
Because of the things I've heard about her personality and character and the way she's performed while in office I trust her as much as I've ever trusted any national politician before--and given the things that have come out about Congressman Don Young (R) and Senator Ted Stevens (R) it's been hard to trust anyone and in fact this November I'm voting for Ted Stevens' rival, Mark Begich (D), another mayor I trust. I feel that Palin will be prepared to do what she thinks is right and will be honest in her duties which for me is a selling point that trumps all others and has by and large been lost in Washington. You know, taking the "vice" out of "vice president."
If "having experience" means living in the Beltway, going to the right parties and knowing how to play the Washington game then I'm thanking my stars that Senator McCain was brave enough to find someone who hasn't been tainted by that environment. Let's hope Governor Palin can keep all that she's got going for her should the election send her to the capitol. To claim she has no experience merely ignores the work she has done in two executive positions and insinuates that both jobs are so easy and insignificant they don't count. It ignores the work she has done with the major oil companies and Canadian government to bring about the natural gas pipeline and implies that one state is more important than another--that if she'd been governor of Nevada, Vermont or Arkansas that that would be something.
But the bottom line is that despite all the frenzy and hype over her family issues (and I ask you is there one amongst us who can't pull out just as many crazy family stories about our own kin as the media has pulled out about the Palins? ) I say: If you agree with the McCain/Palin view of politics and the way they do business then vote for them. If you don't, don't. It doesn't have anything to do with family sagas or whether or not she is well known or whether she has children or how she does her hair it's about the choices she would make once in office and the way she has functioned as our governor satisfies me that she is capable of making those good and tough choices.
I'm voting for the Palin/McCain ticket--oops, I mean McCain/Palin--and no matter what happens in November Alaska is the only state that is guaranteed good news. We either get her for our vice president or for our governor so both ways I'm happy.
***
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Technorati tags: Sarah Palin, Alaska, politics
130 comments:
I think she is great! (from another Alaska friend)
Thank you for pointing out the frustration I feel about the media's treatment of "just Alaska"--as if our population isn't meaningful enough to be counted as a constituency. Alaska is an intriguing, unique, complicated place, even while having a refreshingly genuine persona. It IS hard having the spotlight up here all of the sudden. We certainly weren't trying to be "ahead of our time" by coming to the up and coming place when we moved here from Los Angeles. :)
I respect your views immensely. I read this through and thought: Hmm. Ok.
Then I went right to another blog and found this:
http://gabrielleluthy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/this-scares-me.html
So now?
Totally confused.
And then I read this:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check
And I'm all: You poor Americans. This is going to be a rough election...
Who knows who to believe?
Thanks for your sympathy. I appreciate it. :) You're right--it IS overwhelming, all the endless sources of information, rumors, press, interviews, etc. And the length of the election process itself is somewhat excruciating, in my experience. But thankfully, we HAVE elections, so I'm not complaining!!!
Oh, Michelle, it would be AWESOME if you could still get that interview... I think many of us Mom Bloggers could use it right now- to understand all this craziness a bit better before we have to vote NEXT MONTH! AH!
This was a great post- thank you so much for your perspective!
Steph
Thanks for posting this. :) When it comes down to it, you are exactly right - vote for who holds your view of politics.
Personally, I have loved what I have read about her and feel she balances out McCain very well. The whole issue with her daughter irks me with all the media attention - mainly because I remember how I was at 17ish and know that my parents instilled in me their hopes, dreams and beliefs and - well, I was 17 and I was out to prove them and the world wrong. Things could have been very different for me, but for the grace of God.
Anyway - thanks again, Michelle.
I must admit I'm not fond of conservativism itself, so I'm not the biggest fan of the lady.
By the way, I was accused to be amongst Hillary's people only because she is a woman and I'm said to be kind of feminist.
Well, my reason is different: I like Democrats and Hillary's policy and plans about the future, now I support Obama who is a great and charismatic person; while Sarah seems to be a bit too conservative (not a radical fighter of women's rights and it is still an understatement).
Oh very cool. Thank you!
I've been hoping you'd expand on your opinion of Palin.
Thank you.
I was wondering if you would post about this.
I have to admit that when I heard about the VP choice, my first thought was that she was from your neck of the woods.
Great hearing from someone who "knows" her! She really is something else. What was her stand on the ANWR?
Thanks for an insider's view. It will be interesting for all of us to see how this plays out!
I've been waiting for this post, hoping that you would share your opinion about Palin. She's very impressive, and they have my vote too. THANKS!
Thank you for reminding everyone about the real issues at hand and to vote based on that and that alone, You are so right about the family 'issues' not being important. Honestly, auctioning off the private jet alone might have swayed me, but honestly I appreciate a politician who doesn't 'tow' the party line and answers to their own constituents needs and their own beliefs.
I have become a machine (ie, my apologies in spamming your website). Then again, I'm an outsider and the internet is my only means of getting information. I don't have the endless tv commercials trying to sway me.
What do you think of this?
http://my2bucks.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/a-letter-from-someone-who-has-known-sarah-palin-since-1992/
Your opinion counts for something especially when you said, "Because of the things I've heard about her personality and character and the way she's performed while in office I trust her as much as I've ever trusted any national politician before." With your traffic and focused readership, you certainly should at least pursue another interview.
I appreciate you making a move into political expression today. Both times I heard her speak, I was impressed. Who she is and how she presents herself and her ideas is unlike other national politicians. I attribute that to her ability to retain her femininity in leadership and couldn't help but write about it today on my blog, too. It's opened a door at our house between my daughters and me to speak politics together and that's worth a whole lot in my mind toward the development of the next generation of leaders.
She certainly knows how to rock the house! I got such a kick watching her speak at the convention on Wed. night!
Well said. I've been disgusted by the reaction to McCain's choice for VP. The Photoshopped pictures, the fake MySpace page, the accusations of the mother of all cover ups, the snarky comments about her hair, and the insinuation that her daughter's pregnancy makes her a bad mother. Or that she should stay home with her baby instead of working.
I know politics isn't about feelings and being nice, but I thought much of the criticism was harsh or downright mean. Good thing I'm not a politician!
She's a little too conservative for me (her abortion views on rape and incest) but it's not a deal breaker for me.
Our previous governor sold the states boat on Ebay!
I'm so glad you posted this. I've been wondering how someone from Alaska felt.
Although we are pretty Democrat in this house, we were very impressed with how she spoke at the convention and how at ease she seemed at being thrust into the national spotlight. While we didn't agree with everything she said, we were impressed with her track record.
I think she will be a hugely formidable VP candidate. Regsrdless of how you vote, you just have to admire her.
BTW, you have to see my Friday Fun post today - it'll set you up for the weekend.
Okay let's see what I can say here: I went and read those links you left jchevais and here's my take on it (that third letter you linked to lost a bit of credibility when it compared Hillary and Palin, then said they were both attractive. Never in all my life have I heard Hillary called attractive before--so I had to laugh a bit at that :)
First, if any of us were to run for president you can bet the media would be crawling all over every associate we've ever had, trying to dig up anything for a quote. There would be more than enough volunteers to say things for sound bytes. It would be an interesting experiment to take an average, good-guy American and put him/her in the same spotlight Palin or Obama receives and see how their character would stand up--because no one is perfect and every tiny gripe or problem would be blown up past life-size.
Having said that I would tend to believe stories that she is ambitious. But frankly I don't think that's bad--you'd have to be to be successful at something and I'm ambitious myself and that doesn't stick as a legitimate criticism for me. Would you want someone who wasn't? Who was content to sit back and let status quo wash over them? Not me. Ambitious and having a desire to improve isn't a bad thing in my book.
The first article quoted Palin's speech at the conference then countered: "As mayor of Wasilla, Palin hired a lobbyist and traveled to Washington annually to support earmarks for the town totaling $27 million. In her two years as governor, Alaska has requested nearly $750 million in special federal spending, by far the largest per-capita request in the nation. While Palin notes she rejected plans to build a $398 million bridge from Ketchikan to an island with 50 residents and an airport, that opposition came only after the plan was ridiculed nationally as a "bridge to nowhere."
This would sound bad--very bad--but I'm sure it's quite true and it's not entirely as it appears. I was listening to a local NPR show yesterday and they were interviewing some local lawmakers and one of them said--in essence--that this is very typical of how small town mayors are expected to do business--that with a ranking senator who has lots of money for our state that mayors should go to do their part for their own constituency by getting earmarks for projects. Big cities do it, small cities do it, it's not Palin, it's politics and is the only logical thing to do. The speaker pointed out that to those outside Alaska this may seem odd but it's normal behavior here and isn't underhanded or devious, it's very expected that a mayor would do that for her town.
Now that may or may not sit well with you--I would prefer to hear that though a candidate was offered lots of money for projects that if they felt the projects weren't a good use of money for the country as a whole that they would turn the money down but is there a person in this country that would do that? Anyone here planning on turning down their social security checks if their income at 65 is over a certain amount? My only point is that everything said about all four candidates' characters can be taken in many ways. Like we're told as kids there are two sides to every story and each side will be painting their own picture.
The letter in the 3rd link mentioned the money she's handed back to the people of Alaska and this one completely stumped me--frankly it's been WONDERFUL. Alaska is drowning in oil money right now but we're sitting on $4.19/gallon of gas and it's really hurting a lot of people (d'uh). It only makes sense that if our state is benefiting from the surplus that handing back some of the cash to help those hurting from the price of oil (hello, me!). Helps the working guy, helps the lower classes, helps the middle and upper class, everyone's happy and the state is STILL drowning in money. Shows she's aware of the crunch we're feeling as food and energy prices are soaring.
As for Palin, I can only go on what I've heard first hand which I've written here, I can't say anything about what else was written and some of it may be true--no one is perfect, certainly not Mrs. Palin. Gosh what would people say about me if they interviewed people I'd ticked off over the years?
I'm not blind in adoration here, I'm just saying of all the national politicians we've had I trust her the most and I'll stand by that--they have 20 times more questionable stuff written about each of the other candidates. Plus I tend to trust my father's opinion (he's a pretty good judge of character and a successful businessman) over a disgruntled neighbor who writes a letter to be sent out to the national media.
That's all--take it for what you want. Just an opinion among many--and I certainly could be wrong, who knows?
Well said. Thank you.
Looks like this is going to be quite the spectacle...
Oh and about ANWR? She supports opening it, as does pretty much every politician here Republican or Democrat as to feel otherwise would be political suicide.
Mommy K--I agree with you in some ways, that she has seen a lot of criticism and much of it for private family issues but I can't fault the press for that. To most people she's an unknown and people want to know her before they feel comfortable liking or disliking her. The press is just doing what they've done to other candidates only in a very compressed time I think.
She's going to have to get through it, deal with it and not whine about it because it's de rigeur for the job--if she thinks she's being criticized now wait until she gets in office (should that happen).
I think much of what was said about her--the comment about her being Commander in Chief of the national guard of Alaska was funny--has been said because even the guys in McCain's camp don't know her that well generally. I'm sure they're learning too.
Michelle, Thanks for sharing what you've seen first-hand.
This is the first presidential race I am literally wound up about; and it is because of Sarah Palin. There are maybe two of her opinions that don't jive with mine and I can live with those.
Maybe if the election doesn't go the way I want it to, I'll have to reconsider whether I can face the cold of Alaska on a permanent basis. We were thinking Texas, but Alaska???? Hmmmm...
Thanks again for a well balance post & your response in the comments!
Julie
Enjoyed reading this today. Good insights.
I appreciate your perspective. It's hard to find commentary on her that isn't extreme and over the top one way or the other, and most of that seems to be written by people who had never heard of her until last week.
Thanks for opening up this discussion. I've been a Wasilla resident for the past 10 years, so it is a topic that's close to home for me.
Have you seen the photoshopped pictures of her in a bikini, carrying a bb gun? Or the one of her and McCain made to look like it's a poster for the movie Juno, except they called it "Juneau?" It's stuff like that that gets on my nerves, and I feel like no one would question her parenting choices if she were a man. Why has no one criticized Joe Biden for pursuing a career after his wife was killed in a car accident? Why has no one asked Obama why he's running for POTUS when he has two little kids that could use him at home? Yes, Palin has a special needs child, but she also has a husband, who from all accounts is willing to step into the role of SAHD.
It happened to Hilary too. They made fun of her cleavage. I just think a lot of the criticism has been backwards and ridiculous.
Supposedly, McCain told her the digging into her private life would be intense, so I guess they were prepared to deal with that. But to bash her for her hairstyle or make comments about her boobs? Completely distracting and unneccesary. I prefer real issues when it comes to politics.
Thanks Michelle for posting this. I definitely think you should still pursue the interview. It would be awesome. The tough part will be getting past the campaign and publicists, but if she herself hears about you and what you do, I bet she'd do it in a heartbeat.
I'm offended by your comment that every family has at least as many crazy stories as the Palins...my family has far more. :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I've been following your blog, and it's good to get a measured and balanced view from an Alaskan "insider."
If you have any interest, I've posted an interview with another of yours and Sarah Palin's "next door neighbors."
e-Mom @ Chrysalis :~D
Thank you, thank you for posting this. I was very curious as to what you thought about this, but did not want to bother you. I figured you would post if you felt like it. You did not disappoint and per usual, delivered thoughtful, well-reasoned points.
I do not particularly care for Palin and do think she is inexperienced for the position. Not because she is from Alaska, but that she has only been governor for 2 years. Furthermore, some of her policies frighten me.
That said, I think the media's treatment of her has been OUT OF LINE and absolutely ridiculous. I am tired of the questioning of "can she handle the responsibilities of being a VP with her familial duties?". Not fair. McCain has SEVEN children and no one, not once, has asked that of him. Bah.
And even though I do not care for her and will not vote for her, I was still damned proud of her during her speech. She is paving the way for women, whether we agree with all her finer points or not. Little by little, a woman will make it to the White House eventually.
Thanks for posting this. Very interesting!!
Brilliant, as always. All I have to say is, "GO SARAH!"
I've been waiting for a week for you to post this very thing. I started checking last Friday!
We will also be voting for this ticket.
I love your last paragraph. We will definitely be the winner in this election for once!
I love your well written post, as well.
Good post. I, too, don't like to get political on my little family blog, but I had to put my 2 cents in and post my thoughts about her, too. It just kills me how ruthless people can be. Did you notice how quiet the media got after her speech? Not too many "Good job, Sarahs", just a lot of silence. At least she got them all tongue-tied for a bit.
Go, Sarah! We're proud of you!
Thanks for posting your thoughts about her! I am still impressed with her, even after the media and others' attempts to blast and discredit her. I think she is fantastic, and I am anxious to see how she handles the rest of the campaign and the debate with Joe Biden. I think she will do well.
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Thank you for writing about Palin! It's so great to hear real information about her, not stuff that has been tainted by politics and the media!
I loved your post so much that I wrote a post about your post and linked to you!
Hi, I respect your views. I just want to know what you mean by "we have been invaded by Nikon"? I am a Nikonian and love my Pentax and Canon too :)
Melissa--you're kidding, right? Just checking because you sounded pretty serious :) We've got photographers everywhere.
Okay, whew! You are kidding :) I went with Nikon purely to follow the Japanese comment :)
My apologies to the Canonians and Pentaxians out there :)
nicely put Michelle. We just love her up here and i think you put it well! I wasn't a fan of McCain, but he is now getting my vote because of Palin
Well-written, Scribbit! I happened to be in Hawaii on vacation when McCain announced his pick, and the governor of Hawaii said something that I thought was right on: Sarah Palin is comfortable in her own skin. She is who she is, and she's not trying to reinvent herself.
I think that assessment is at the center of what upsets the media and politicians. They are used to slick, polished, career politicians. They don't know what to make of a mom who's involvement in her kids lives (hockey, school) has led to community service and then to political action.
So they attack her education, her family, and her contributions as insignificant, small-town, and without worth. But lots of Americans are offended by those attacks, because what does it say about the rest of us? That our choices to go to a state school, or serve on city council, or work and raise a family at the same time are without value? That because we were not able to attend an Ivy League school or go into law, that we are unable intellectually to serve in positions of responsibility?
Americans love an underdog. And we respond really well to authenticity. The more she's criticized for having a baby in her forties or for daring to play with the big boys, the more we admire Sarah Palin.
Thanks for the insight! I have been reading your blog for a few months, but never thought to check it for an "insider's" insight on Palin. Duh! I appreciate you taking the time to share this with your readers.
I have been watching out for this post from you - so thanks for obliging :)
As a uk/irish observer from the other side of the pond, the news coverage here has certainly been a bit more interesting this last week.
I think the missed chance of the interview will go down in your blogging history as "the one that got away!"
Thank you Michelle for writing this. I'm not going to talk politics on my blog, because it's a silly blog, but I have been writing in my private live-journal about this. I too have been asked questions because we used to live in Wasilla and my husband's family has lived there for over 40 years. My husband has known SP since junior high school. Anyway, I so appreciated reading your thoughts. You keep making me miss AK though!
:-)
P.S. We've been enjoying that Seattle coupon book I won here on your blog.
I'd like to know your comments on this:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-steinem4-2008sep04,0,7915118.story
I really have not been following things, and new little about her, but because my husband is happy, I was content. I am really glad to hear such good things about her from people who have been served by her.
That jet on eBay story is a lie: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/04/sarah-palins-strange-ebay_n_124097.html
Wonderfully written. I just wanted to let you know I read it and enjoyed your commentary. :)
Thanks so much for writing this post. I hope it's OK if I link to it from my blog. I'd like to post today about other bloggers views and the presidential election. Yours would be a wonderful addition. Loved your views and appreciated your candor. Thanks
Hillary might not be the most attractive woman - she is not ugly, on the contrary, her appearance is nice, but a bit too cold -, however, there are more important things about a politician than their beauty.
Hillary's way of thought is all right. And Obama's too. Just see the topic of environmental hygiene of Alaska.
As for appearance, Obama is awesome! Really handsome, slim and tall. And her wife, so, SHE is the beautiful.
Response to sueOb's comment:
It's amazing how eager the left is to destroy anyone who threatens their liberal agenda. The Huffington Post is a good example. They say that Sarah Palin lied because the jet was never sold on eBay. Sarah Palin never said the plane was sold on eBay. She said it was posted on eBay -- which is true. There was only one bidder that fell through. Then a person bought the jet outside of the eBay system.
Anonymous asked what I thought of an LA times article blasting Palin.
What do I think? Well it brings up the same points I addressed in my post--that they think she's unqualified. Fine, apparently governing Alaska isn't much on your resume in Ms. Steinhem's view. Thanks, we appreciate feeling like nobodies.
The article says the choice will do nothing to get votes which is a very one-sided opinion. Just on NPR yesterday they were raving about how her nomination has energized the Republican party. I doubt many former Hillary fans will vote for Palin, that much is true, but that is probably because women who favored Hillary have enough of a brain to favor her for her policies and not because she's a woman.
The article charges Palin only won the governorship because the incumbent was unpopular. She beat Murkowski in the primaries because he was unpopular but beating out former governor Tony Knowles in the main election wasn't an easy thing to do--he was a popular guy in his own right so Ms. Steinhem is quite wrong on that point but quite right to say that Palin is honest and believes what she says on hunting and fossil fuel issues. My point exactly--if you believe her views and support that, then vote for her. If not, vote for someone else.
As for SUEBOB charging that the ebay story is a lie, I'm afraid you've been misinformed. It's been backed by many more serious sources than the Huffington Post's exaggeration of their own. She did, in fact, list it three separate times on ebay in an attempt to sell it but it didn't sell until she finally turned it over to a broker who sold it at a far lower price than it was originally listed.
In fact, the Huffington post failed to mention she placed it on ebay three times--and that omission because it was made in an attempt to discredit her and distract from the real issues of Palin's political views is to me far more irritating than Palin's speech writer opting for the easy, catchy phrase "I put it up on ebay" instead of the awkward and tangential "I listed it three times on ebay but since it didn't sell I instead went to an independent broker who then sold it for 2.1 million dollars."
Wherever it eventually sold the point is still made that she's not going to fly around in a private jet as governor.
I KNEW there was a reason I liked you. :D
Hooray for Sarah!
Hooray for Americans for having the opportunity to vote for her!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on her, Scribbit.
Reading some of the other blogs out there was beginning to make me wonder if I was off course.
I am happy with her influence and outlook as our Gov. and am so looking forward to her energy and perspective in Washington.
Only problem is, we'll miss her here in AK!
"I say: If you agree with the McCain/Palin view of politics and the way they do business then vote for them. If you don't, don't."
Amen. I wish politicians ran their campaigns this way.
Oh, by the way, there's no such thing as a private beach in Hawaii. It's all public land, by law. We have a friend who lives there, and he told us that this summer when we were commenting on the beautiful homes and how nice it must be to have a private beach right there to enjoy.
I respect your opinion, as you seem like very intelligent person. However, I really have a problem with someone's moral fiber who wants to censor books. Including the Harry Potter series, which we library folk consider to be THE main reason children are reading more and more these days. Electing someone who doesn't know the meaning of seperation of church and government is very, very scary.
That being said, I know she's done some wonderful things for Alaska. I can see her positive points, but her negatives are against my moral fiber.
I've been impressed with Sarah Palin. Her acceptance speech even unexpectedly and surprisingly brought a tear to my eye. She's class with a bit of grit mixed in.
I've thought of you several times this week and hoped you would post your impressions.
Thank you.
I haven't read all of the comments here, because there are so many, but I have one point to make about her claiming to have refused the money for the 'bridge to nowhere'. I do understand that trying to get money for your state, for your community, for yourself, is how it's done. As you say, who amongst us would send back our Social Security check if we didn't need it.
But we don't get up on national television and claim to have sent those Social Security checks back, either. For her to do what is politically smart is fine. For her to claim to have been against it is disingenuous.
Been wondering and looking for this post, thank you for your perspective. Excellent.
"I say: If you agree with the McCain/Palin view of politics and the way they do business then vote for them. If you don't, don't. It doesn't have anything to do with..."
Well said!!!!
Wonderful post. Michelle, you should go to Adam Brickley's site and link your post in the comment section. Just a thought, I see so many people not giving Sarah Palin a fair shake, including many Alaskan's. Just read the editorials.
http://www.palinforvp.blogspot.com/
I have been hoping that you would say something about her. Not that I was hoping for any dirt on her, but I want to hear if you had any opinions of her as your Governor. Thanks so much for taking your time and giving us all a little more info.
Someone once said to me:
There are three sides to every story. Yours, theirs and the truth.
I try to remember that.
Thanks for another great post!
Ditto on the Carharts (Kentucky speaking...)LOL!
I am so tickled with the new dimension Mrs. Palin adds to the race. Thanks for sharing what you know about her :)
Thanks for the "insider" view of Palin.
I've been interested to hear you opinion on her. Thanks!
She's made me excited to vote for the first time in a long time.
Bravo. This was excellently written and informative. They have my vote as well.
Thank you!
Sarah Palin GREW the FY09 operating budget 23%.
She increased taxes on the oil industry 400%.
People elect the leaders they deserve.
Thank you for your honest appraisal! I feel uneasy about McCain. I see a lot to like about Palin, but she stands on the opposite side of every issue that matters to me. When my vote goes to Obama, it's not a slur against Sarah Palin. It's all issues.
It was interesting to read your view of Palin. I was wondering since day 1 what your take on this might be. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Can't wait to see what will happen!
For many years, I've been very aware of Wasilla, Alaska. My brother- and sister-in-law have lived in Wasilla for 22 years and there's a real good chance they know Sarah because my brother-in-law was an Anchorage police sergeant when she was mayor of Wasilla.
First, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your non-biased post about her. I respect everything you've said and I place a lot of value on your opinion. I somehow suspect you and Sarah are very similar in a lot of ways - Alaskan ways - which I so envy. Women who live in Alaska are not to be messed with - they're strong women!
And second, I have to tell you, it's been a long time since I was as excited about a presidential-vice-presidential election as I am this year.
I absolutely admire her - every single thing about her. She strikes me as being a real down-to-earth woman who knows what's going on in our world and is determined to make it better.
The fact that her daughter is pregnant, that she herself is nursing a Down Syndrome baby, that her son is going off to war - I can't tell you how much it encourages me that a real live person, with real live issues like we all have, is in such a position as to have some actual impact on our lives.
I say, hooray. It's about time!
I am glad you wrote about her, I have been wondering about the inside view. I thought she was great! I am glad you were honest and thought provoking in your post!
This was the most pleasant and non-political bit of information I've read about Governor Palin over the past week. So thanks for that. I appreciate people being kind.
I'm one who doesn't agree with their politics in general, so I'll be casting my ballot in the other box in November.
I am not a "political" person per say, but I really enjoyed this.
Ironically, when Palin was announced a friend told me who she was. I mentioned, "I bet Scribbit will say something" (course, she looked at me like I had 8 heads...she doesn't blog) So I checked your blog and there was the conversation of your hubby and son. (funny btw)
But I knew you'd have more :) Thanks!
I live in Wasilla and am somewhat horrified at her nomination.
Say what you will, governing this state with a huge surplus for less than two years is nothing like running the country under these challenging conditions. The thought of something happening to McCain will be my biggest fear if he wins in November.
I feel like she has won the lottery by being a woman, a conservative, and the mother of a special needs baby. It's really sad that that's all it takes to be appointed to the second most important job in America. At least Obama had to prove himself (for months on end) to get where he is. So far she's only been allowed to deliver speeches written for her and give an interview to People.
It is exciting for Alaska, and Wasilla, but believe me, not everyone here is happy about it.
Heather in Wasilla
Oh Wow, I'm obviously the wrong person to comment as I'm not from the US, but I do feel it is heartening to see the level of political awareness and involvement of the ordinary non-political people in the coming elections and the candidates. This is rather different from India, where the people are often indifferent or disenchanted with the politicians, though not with the democratic process.
Thank you for the thoughtful post. I too will be voting the Palin ticket, because of Palin.
Along with all the other comments, I, too, appreciate an insider's view. I also very much admire what I've read and heard about the woman Sarah Palin is and the achievements she has earned. I have a different perspective to share, however, that no one seems to talk about. I think that as a mother, she needs to put the best interests of her children first, and that the stress this media hype must be causing her pregnant daughter is not healthy for her, or her unborn baby. I also wonder about how Mrs. Palin will handle the delivery and birth of that baby, and that her daughter will invariably need her undivided attention. I speak from personal experience, having become a grandmother myself this year to an unplanned but very much loved baby boy. For all the strides we've made as women, we are still mommas first, and our kids need us! Just a thought...
Very good, insightful essay, Michelle.
We love Sarah--and now the rest of America also is discovering another "best-kept secret".
I've been getting tons of emails from friends about how she's basically a charter member of the flat earth society with her wing-nut views. Whoo-boy. There's a reason she doesn't live in Berkeley or Manhattan. I've been impressed with Sarah's governance here in Alaska (not perfect, but straight up-no chaser).
Many of my media friends point to the frenzied info-grab by national outlets (including, of course, National Enquirer), who are searching under every blue tarp and peering into the windows of every trailer from Knik to Talkeetna. Of course, they'll find something to talk about. Wasn't Bristol's pregnancy enough? Jeez. But I think the reaction to that revelation set the stage and the tone for the Palin candidacy: this is not about her and her imperfect life. It's about a mindshift away from the entitled princes that talk down to the people and really do know what's best for them. This is huge. There is, of course, a huge constituency that will take in any little tidbit of scum or dirt that the media will dig up. But that is separate from the campaign, IMHO. And it's already starting to backfire. We'll all be watching this intently as the weeks drag on to Nov. 4
I enjoyed your article, Muichelle. Lately, I have read enough blogs blasting Palin and its refreshing to read some positive stuff - and nicely factual! I thought her convention speech was extremely eloquent. I don't know that I would have it in me to take on the task that she has, with such a young babe, but that's her choice. I love that she's not a jaded Washington insider and the McCain/Palin ticket has me on board!
Very insightful post - I found it on 5 Minutes for parenting and am glad to have found your blog. I have in-laws that live outside of Seward and we have yet to talk with them about the pic. I have wondered what you all are thinking up there now that you are on the national stage.
I personally am SOOO impressed by her and have never been THIS excited about a political candidate because I can actually RELATE to her. She epitomizes what I strive to be and that is cool!
Anyway, I am going to write a post later today and link to your post. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle: re my previous comment - sorry about the typo in your name! :(
I am so happy I stumbled onto your blog. Found it on 5 minutes for parenting. Great Post! Thank you for sharing your insight.
I knew you would have a fair, thorouh and unbiased account. I think the media and both parties would bash Mother Teresa if anyone nominated her for political office; it goes with the territory.
However, even if McCain DID nominate Mother Teresa (yes, I know she's dead) as his VP, I still couldn't vote for him. Four more years of Republican control will completely destroy our state. It will be a wasteland made up of power plants and no green plants at all.
That being said, I was not terribly happy with Sen. Obama's choice of Biden as a VP. But I'm trying to overlook it. If only he and Sen. Clinton could have worked together and offered up a joint ticket in the beginning, but after all the nastiness of the primary, there was no way he could turn around and name her as VP, or vice versa had she won.
I have a terrible attention span when it comes to politics. But I sat through her whole speech riveted the other night. I got the distinct impression that we would be seeing much more from her as a vice president than we usually do. (should they win.)
PS--I wanted to add that I love Sarah because she's such a disruptor. If McCain did anything--he blew the lid off of this campaign. And I agree with Carrie--we'll see more of Sarah than traditional VP. We'll see more of her win, lose or draw.
It is ever so helpful to get information so I really appreciate your insights. It is not easy to make decisions on who to vote for these days. And who to believe.
You say you are born and raised in Alaska but you used the word snowmobile, hmmmm, weird.
Thanks for your insights!
You've caught me. I'm really living in California. Never been to Alaska ever.
This was a FANTASTIC post, Scribbit. And with 95 comments, you obviously hit a nerve. Way to go. :-)
I'm excited about the Palin/McCain ticket, as well. She inspires me.
You just gave me a perspective to consider...
Well written.
Interesting -- your blog is the first place I came to when I heard the news! I figured "Scribbit"'s gotta have the scoop on this virtually unknown Palin. I'm glad you wrote more though because, I was a little disappointed on the first blog posting! lol --
I love your blog and look forward to reading it.
Come by mine and pick up an award reserved for you....
interesting commentary. thanks for sharing.
Excellent post! It's so refreshing to read instead of... Wait a minute. You DID use the word snowmobile instead of snowmachine... Holy C&@*! YOU are really a lobbyist, not a mommy blogger from Alaska, and you're not even a woman-you're a man and you fathered the love child of Bristol which is really Sarah's baby that you intend to help raise just so you can get inside the white house to bug the oval office so that you can get inside info on plans to drill in ANWR, so that you can release the animals from Michael Jackson's Neverland estate onto the tundra in front of NATO diplomats to bring power to PETA and world domination under the party for Scribbitcraticans. Call CNN- I figured it out. Thank goodness I'm honoring woman's sufferage with my "political research!" ;)
Just in case someone takes that seriously and runs with it (I am at the point where I worry that could actually happen)- that was a joke. I did really enjoy your post.
So timely and so wonderful! As always, you know just what to say.
I hope to see Palin and McCain this week. I'll put in a good word for you! (if I get within 1000 ft!) I would love to see an interview by you with her. I think it would be great. Should I make a sign like "Alaskan Blogger Scribbit wants your interview."?
From the other GOP Sarah P.
Honestly, I hadn't heard about Gov. Palin before she was selected. And, I was certain how to feel about her. But, I have to tell you that after the media has given her such hateful treatment about inappropriate and irrelevant topics (like the rumor that her baby isn't really hers, that she was covering up for her daughter), she is moving up very high in my esteem. That, plus all the chutzpah that she has -- I love a strong woman with a sense of humor.
I have to share one of my new favorite quotes that I cam across this week:
"The best line I heard about Sarah Palin during the frenzied orgy of chauvinist condescension and gutter-crawling journalistic intrusion that greeted her nomination for vice-president a week ago came from a correspondent who knows a thing or two about Alaska."
"What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?"
"One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy.
"The other kills her own food."
Thank you for your perspective on the Governor. I appreciate it!
Thanks for a much deeper look into her performance capabilities. You don't get good writing like this in the media, you know.
ROFL!!!! The comment from MeanMommy (love the name!) just made my week. Thanks for the big laugh, but now I have coffee all over my little laptop! :-)
I really enjoyed this post. I haven't decided who I'm voting for yet, but it is interesting to hear what someone from Alaska actually thinks of her!
Mean Mommy--you're a crack up :)
You wanna go snowmobiling with me?
I have 2 sisters-in-law that live in Alaska. I asked them their opinion of Sarah Palin. So far, only one has responded but she said pretty much the same thing you've said. Sarah Palin sounds like the real deal. I think she and McCain are a fantastic team - it's my fondest wish that they get elected and start doing what they can to clean Washington up and out. :)
Kari
Wow. This post just validates my gut feelings about Sarah Palin and this upcoming election. I'll definitely be back to visit...
-Just another mom who will proudly vote for the Palin/McCain ticket this fall...
Mean Mommy, thanks for the laugh! I wouldn't be surprised to see it a magazine or newspaper soon!
Great post. And weather she wins VP or not, I say good for Sarah! I love the shake up it that it's causing, it's about time for something new.
I'm really surprised by how the Juneau Empire articles have been so critical of Palin though, very disappointing. As for the Trooper investigation, sounds like he should have been fired along with whoever didn't fire him to begin with!
I've really enjoyed this blog post...a lot. Thank you for your insight and opinions.
Scribbit: Sure! How 'bouts we head out from Olive Garden after filling up on penguin burgers and catch dessert at Sonics? Ooops.
Had to get my 2 cents in- Between CNN calling us a state "with 13 people and some caribou" and all the national and tabloid media (or are they one and the same?) crawling around looking for the handful of people who will say something negative about her up here, I want to SCREAM. Thanks for a nice post with good information! :)
So glad that you wrote about her. I thought she totally kicked butt with her confident, smart and detailed. It's nice to hear the unbiased viewpoint from an Alaskan who has had experience with her as a Governor.
Have you noticed that Obama has been repeatedly compared to Palin? I find that odd considering that they're not running for the same positions...
I think it hilarious the slanderous remarks many Dems are making about her: Trigg isn't really her child - he's her first daughter's second child or the plane never sold on ebay - she's a liar! (Ummm, she never said it sold on ebay; she just said she put it on ebay.) Is this the best that they can do? Attack her on things that are unfounded and cannot be applied to her present job? Oh man. I feel badly for them if they're pulling these tactics so early in the game. (Which is one of the reasons that most Americans dislike campaign time. The ugliness that ensues is so not pretty.)
And the liberal media can't be counted as a sound source. They tell what they want to tell, which is anything that will support their views. John Edward's affair is a perfect example. It has been proven that the major networks held onto that scandalous bit of info for two years because they didn't want to hurt the Dem cause. It's a sad state of affairs when the National Inquirer scoops "real journalists".
The problem is that Obama's camp is having a hard time measuring up to people who have done things, even if you don't support everything they've done. At least they've made headway where the opposition has not. Dems can try to change facts, but at the end of the day, McCain and Palin have more of a decidedly optimistic plan of action with a history of getting things done where Obama and Biden have pretty talk, but nothing to show for it.
Oh, and Anonymous, I mean this sincerely and not in a catty way, you may have more sway if you would come out and speak as an individual who is proud of her views, proud enough to claim them by name. I know that as a reader it gives a more substantiated feeling when someone speaks freely.
I found your blog while trying to get an idea of what the consensus is of Palin from those in Alaska. I lived most of my life in Alaska before moving continents for a short time. All of my family and friends are still there.
Frankly, reading your blog about her scares the crap out of me. Basically, what you said is, you are voting for SP because she is 'down to earth' and untainted by the corruption. And yet, she is being investigated for abusing her power while Mayor of Wasilla.
I do agree that people should vote for the party whose politics are more aligned with their own. However, there isn't a whole lot about Sarah's policies in your blog. But, then, she is seeming to be lacking in those.
And then there is the anti-abortion (even in cases of rape and fetal abnormalities) anti-birth control, no sex education (other than abstinence) be taught in school stances, severe funding cuts to teenage mothers (um HELLO), children with disabilities (what the?) and public education.
Any thinking person will tell you that offering abstinence only sex education, does not work. But, that is OK because, apparently teenage pregnancy is OK as long as the boy and girl get married and their families support them financially.
The 22 million dollars in debt for Wasilla that was racked up by Sarah to fix a few roads and build a money pit of a sports center. But, didn't do a thing about there being no sewage/drainage system. Plus the sports center was built on land not owned by the city and cost thousands in a lawsuit.
I won't even bother about the hypocrisy between claiming to be 'right to life' but, see nothing wrong about purposefully using a gun to kill a living breathing creature, just for the joy of it.
Seeing how I am overseas at the moment, I thought it may be helpful to add, that the opinion from an international perspective, is that Sarah Palin is a right wing religious fanatic.
If you think foreign affairs don't matter. You would be wrong. Very, very wrong. Don't prove the world right, that America, is nothing but, a country full of insular, hypocritical, war mongering, gun toting right to lifer religious fanatics. Do your homework, and really do the country proud. Lose the rednecks in Washington, and embrace change. No man is an island. No country either.
Well Stephanie let's see if I can keep things civil (though the words you were throwing around were really trying to incite some anger weren't they?) I guess I'm confused. You said you were looking around for information on Palin yet you mention lots of things that I never brought up in my post--mostly because they didn't address the point of my article. Obviously you've already read a lot of criticism of her and agree with it so why does the "consensus from Alaska" even matter to you? You've made up your mind already so are you just here to insult those who don't agree with you? Because that's what your comment has done. For being so caring and peaceful and open minded, as you imply people who disagree with Palin are, your words don't back you up.
You site a lot of things that can be taken two ways and you've chosen to see them the way that supports your political views. Fine, just please don't pretend to be fair and unbiased. I've openly said I'm conservative and agree with her policies and I do believe not only have I a right to do so but there are is about half of the rest of the population of this country that agrees with me--I'm not alone.
She's a conservative politician and doesn't try to hide her views but is very open about them. I happen to agree with them and you do not. Fine but you're losing credibility as one who is caring and loving and respectful of others when you wander into someone's blog and call them names such as an "insular, hypocritical, war mongering, gun toting right to lifer religious fanatics"
I guess this all just makes me very grateful for those here who commented who don't agree with me or Palin but kept things respectful and intelligent.
Daisy, jellyjules and other kind Democrats out there--thanks for making your party look good.
Hi there. We residents in the southeast consider Alaska to be a pretty exotic place to visit, but someone who was raised in Alaska might not.
I think the same may be true of someone who was born and raised in Hawaii, when you can go home to see your folks and your friends.
Stop by to check out Sarah Palin in Lancaster!
http://www.genesismoments.com/awritersjourney/2008/09/sarah-palin-all-that-and-more-pictures-from-lancaster-rally.html
Thank you, Michelle for a great post. I've been wondering what you thought of her! And your replies in the comments are wonderful.
Loved it all!
Thank you!! It's great to finally hear an opinion from someone who "knows" the real Sarah Palin.
I resent that so many people think anyone who votes Republican is a war mongering ignoramous.
The most important issues for me are lower taxes and national security. I favor a smaller government.
I am pro-choice, but I don't feel that if McCain becomes President abortion will become illegal.
Therefore, I'm voting McCain/Palin.
my e-mail is...jillyou@comcast.net
Great blog, and it's sounds like Alaska is a great place to live.
Woo hoo! Well done, by jingo. I stand in awe of your composure and intelligent writing. :)
Funny, but you are one of the first people I thought of too when they announced Palin as the VP on the Republican ticket. They more I get to know her, the more I like her.
Nice post about Gov. Palin, with all the cynicism in politics it's nice to read just well thought out personal opinion, without the ulterior motives.
I was hoping to hear your take on Sarah Palin! So glad you shared. It's not easy to know what's what with so much conflicting information floating around. It's nice to hear an opinion from someone I feel like I know a little bit.
Really? As an environmentalist, I respect your blog and appreciate your writing a great deal. On Sarah Palin, however, I beg to differ. This woman scares the hell out of me. And here is why:
http://whatssarahthinking.com
I think she is great and I really enjoyed your post!! I too try not to be political on my blog but she has really inspired me more than any other political candidate before.....
Take cae and thanks for the post...I enjoy your blog.
Hi Michelle:
As you know, I've been a regular reader of your site for a long time and I have enormous respect for you and your opinions.
So on the matter of Gov. Palin, we are going to have to agree to civilly disagree.
Because Gov. Palin doesn't just scare me (along with former NYC Mayor Ed Koch who went on the record with his support of Obama-Biden this week because Gov. Palin scare him), she TERRIFIES me.
I watched her speech at the RNC. I have been reading extensively about her education, experience, and viewpoints.
Most importantly, I watched her interviews with Charles Gibson and I have never seen anything so singularly appalling, alarming, and terror-inducing in all of my life. I have never seen any political candidate so woefully unprepared to assume the office he/she seeks. I have never seen any political candidate so utterly incapable of enunciating his/her own views, beliefs, opinions. I have never seen any political candidate so obviously coached, groomed, programmed, and rehearsed.
The day she gave her speech at the RNC, I decided to throw my support to Obama-Biden. I have yet to regret that decision, much less change my mind.
Gov. Palin is not just woefully unprepared to hold the office of Vice Pres. and, potentially, President. She is DANGEROUSLY unprepared and she did exhibit unbelievable hubris (a word she clearly did not know the meaning of) when she declared during her interview that she didn't even hesitate to consider her own qualifications or readiness before accepting McCain's offer to share the ticket.
That simple statement ALONE showed me that she lacks the maturity, comprehension of the magnitude of the tasks at hand, insight, introspection, and leadership skills to lead this nation. The strongest-willed, most experienced candidate imaginable would, if he/she possessed any understanding of what it takes to truly lead, would stop, pause, and reflect upon his/her own characteristics, quality, and experience before accepting such an invitation. That she could announce cavalierly that she required no such period of reflection and contemplation tells me conclusively that she does possesses neither the intellectual ability nor self-awareness to occupy the Oval Office.
If any voter can get past that major issue -- and I can't -- her beliefs and level of experience also reveal she is unprepared.
And she is dishonest. She said in her speech that she "sold" the private jet on EBay. She did not. She has lied about several other matters, including the bridge and oil pipeline. Moreover, there are numerous reports on the Internet about her racist, bigoted outlook and dialogue. Her excuse is apparently the fact that "everyone" in Alaska talks that way.
I could write a novel about the reasons why a vote for McCain-Palin is a mistake.
Instead, I will simply urge your other readers to think carefully before visiting their local polling stations.
JHS
Colloquium
The Rising Blogger
Oh, shoot . . . I had a couple of typos in that comment. Sorry! The eyeball did not cooperate.
Thanks for sharing. I am so excited about her!
I'm an Obama supporter in Minnesota, and won't vote the McCain ticket, but I want to compliment you on your well-written blog. I liked what you said, that if you agree with what McCain/Palin stand for, vote for them, and if you don't, don't.
I would like to see the end to negativism and dirt-slinging in politics, and less anger. Your column was thoughtful and fair.
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