Does Palin want to be vice president? You wouldn't know it from the interviews

Sarah Palin, John McCain's freshly anointed running mate, scoffed at the idea of running for vice president in three interviews earlier this year.

Of course, etiquette does call for politicians to be coy about these kinds of things. And in an interview with Vogue in February, the Alaska governor sidestepped the issue this way:

"Right now, I'm just so grateful to be serving out this term. Beyond that? Dang, that's a long time away."

But in other interviews, Palin didn't say that she just wouldn't take the job -- she also admitted that that she didn't know "what exactly that the VP does every day."

That was what she revealed in an appearance with Larry Kudlow of CNBC’s “Kudlow & Co," when she was asked about her possible interest in the No. 2 job:

Palin: “As for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day? I’m used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration. We want to make sure that that VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that we’re trying to accomplish up here for the rest of the U.S., before I can even start addressing that question.”

Palin also said she would not accept the VP role (or, go "to that den of vipers in Washington," as the interviewer put it) in an appearance in June with CNN's Glenn Beck. Here's the transcript of that portion of the interview which comes in right before the 4-minute mark on video above:

BECK: Have you -- have you considered or have you been talked to or anybody said anything about you running with John McCain?

PALIN: There's a lot of rumor and speculation about -- not just me, though, a lot of governors who may be tapped, at least for consideration. There are rumors out there.

BECK: Well, would you -- would you go to -- I hate to ask you this -- would you go to that den of vipers in Washington if you were asked?

PALIN: You know, if I had to make such a decision today, it would be, no, there are a lot that Alaska could be, should be doing to contribute more to the U.S. and I think that I can help do that as governor of the state staying here.

-- Kate Linthicum

Comments

[Mitchell in NY]

That's it. Whatever small chance McCain had, it's gone.

"McCain Just Lost the Election with a Hail Mary"
http://msa4.wordpress.com/

[greg]

The Obama camp must be going nuts. McCain selected a woman who is better looking than Michelle and a better basketball player than Obama. Wow, way to go John.

[lashe]

And Biden said Obama wasn't ready.

I would say that's a bigger blunder.

[Steve Derebey]

What a joke. Mc Cain can now officially join his fellow Arizonian presidential losers.

[Stephanie]

There are two Democratic parties, and I am definitely a 'Hillary' Democrat. I don't agree with this choice on a political level because I am very liberal, but this year it appears that personalities are more important. I can most definitely live with the idea of McCain/Palin for four years than Obama/Biden for eight years until a Democratic candidate that suits me more is offered in 2012.

Obama had the chance to seal the presidency by choosing Clinton as a running mate, but I cannot and will not forget how badly the media and the Obama supporters treated my preferred Democratic candidate during the primaries. If Hillary Clinton is the Democratic choice in 2012, then I believe she will beat a very old McCain then, but for that to happen, McCain must win this election, so he has my vote.

[samiam]

McCain lost it? Why? Because he brought in a woman? Actually, it's probably gonna help him.

[Bob Carlson]

The L.A. Times is obviously biased, embarrassingly so. They gave the impression, made the statement, that Sarah Palin "scoffed" at the idea of being V.P. But if you watched the video, you know that there was no scoffing there. See below, where the L.A. Times refers to the interview with Glen Beck. She does not scoff, nor does she outright say she will not serve. Her answer is excellent.

lin also said she would not accept the VP role (or, go "to that den of vipers in Washington," as the interviewer put it) in an appearance in June with CNN's Glenn Beck. Here's the transcript of that portion of the interview which comes in right before the 4-minute mark on video above:

BECK: Have you -- have you considered or have you been talked to or anybody said anything about you running with John McCain?

PALIN: There's a lot of rumor and speculation about -- not just me, though, a lot of governors who may be tapped, at least for consideration. There are rumors out there.

BECK: Well, would you -- would you go to -- I hate to ask you this -- would you go to that den of vipers in Washington if you were asked?

PALIN: You know, if I had to make such a decision today, it would be, no, there are a lot that Alaska could be, should be doing to contribute more to the U.S. and I think that I can help do that as governor of the state staying here.

[John]

Is this suposed to be some kind of negative against her? I think its honorable that she is so dedicated to getting things done for her state. That's what she is supposed to feel as a govenor. She wants to make a difference. I think what she is saying is that she doesnt want some job (the VP) that does nothing. She wants to work hard and make a difference. This article is a great plus for her hard work and dedication to her job.

[Rhino]

This is not a Hail Mary, it is a Slam Dunk. Governor Palin is smart, sophisticated, and right-on target. She will be a great Vice President. This is a real woman who probably never aspired to Washington, but recognizes that America needs her and she won't shirk the call.

[Kathleen]

I noticed she didn't mention when asked what the local people think, that most native Alaskans seriously oppose drilling. Nice how she sticks up for her constituents. At McCain's age, he has to be out of his mind choosing someone so inexperienced especially after ridding Obama who has much more than this Republican puppet. How does he think he can sell the people on this idea and if he thinks picking a woman is enough to get other woman to vote for her, he insults American women and is as out of touch as Obama says he is. As a first decision, I think this one is very telling. It's going to be Obama/Biden 08.

[Bee]

Joe Biden is on video tape saying he would not accept the job as vp, so what's the fuss? Palin has some experience managing a small city and being the govenor of a state. Barack Obama has no experience at anything of importance, and he wants to be the front leader as president. I think Palin is more fit to be president than Obama.

[jim]

Here is the way I see it. McCain states that Obama has no experience and is not suited to be the President of the United States. McCain then picks someone with less experience who, given McCain's age, could be President during his first term. This is not to say that Gov. Palin is not a smart and intelligent individual and one day might be ready to be president or vice president. However, if you are being objective, she is not the best pick at this time to be the VP given all of the other candidates, including female candidates, that McCain could have selected. The pick was done for strategic reasons and not for national security reasons. Biden or Palin? Who would you want taking over as President if, god forbid, something happened to Obama or McCain? If you are not drinking Kool-aid and truly being objective, the answer is simple. The real reason behind this selection is really a slap to the face of all voters serious about this presidential election. Maybe McCain’s people think the majority of use are just that dumb not to see through the motive behind this pick.

[Richard]

For Stephanie at 01:23 -- It sounds like you are the affronted party, not Hillary. I'm a Hillary supporter, too, but I hope you can get over yourself long enough to think about what the actual Evil Empire is in this election. We need you on the Democratic side more than ever. Hillary is almost certain to have a very significant role in the Obama/Biden administration, and supporting that goal should now be your focus. Let's not let her down. Palin is a complete neophyte, is under investigation in her own state for abuse of power, and has "governed" a population that is less than 1/4 of that of Minneapolis, where the convention will be held. The Republicans seem to run things as if they were movie scripts. We've had "Wag the Dog" for eight years, and are about to be offered "Miss Congeniality." Yes we can do better.

[Kevin]

I would like to know how kathleen got her information on alaska natives being opposed to drilling, Alaska natives are a vary smart and savy people and know exactly that the north slope is worthless except for the oil that can be extracted from it. I for one am excited about Sarah Palin. I was neither for McCain or Obama but now I see a glimmer of light. She is real and down to earth, unlike everybody else in Washington, including McCain.

[Me]

It's really simple. Mccain is experienced. he wants to be president. Obama is inexperienced. he wants to president.

The fact that mccain picked an inexperienced running mate doesn't matter, as the president himself would be.

[Th.]

.

I love Sarah Palin. I don't necessarily agree with all her opinions, but I love that they are HER opinions and not something given to her, as we see in so many politicians. Her inclusion interests me a great deal more in McCain who I liked eight years ago, but not so much lately.

[Terri]

Palin calls Hillary Clinton a "whiner."

http://beltwayblips.com/video/palin_on_clinton_s_perceived_whine/

[Terri]

Palin calls Hillary Clinton a "whiner."

http://beltwayblips.com/video/palin_on_clinton_s_perceived_whine/

[Chris]

If Ms. Palin is such a great choice, then her name would be on many or most of the pre-announcement speculation short lists of potential VP candidates. (this, of course, assumes the professional political analysists are doing there job). Was that the case or is this a strategic, if not desperate, surprise?

[gorefan]

McCain went looking for a highly qualified vice president and found a fairly qualified Secretary of the Interior.

McCain, the maverick, stared Rush Limbaugh in the eyes and blinked, he let the right wing of the party hijack his vp pick, and didn't get the one he really wanted

[Armando]

Where is the CNBC interview where Palin asks "What does the Vice President do?" If she doesn't know, FYI: the vice president is the Chairman of the Board for NASA, a member on the board for the Smithsonian Institution, can BREAK TIES IN THE SENATE, oh - and a key advisor to argubly the most powerful man on the planet. Get a clue. What a laughable pick! AND she's being investigated! Happy 72 B-Day McCain! Obama/Biden in '08!!!!

[Nick]

The fact that Palin's parents only just found out this morning at 4:00am that she was picked as the Rep. VP choice, let alone that she was even in the running, goes to show how last minute this was hatched. A hasty and presumptive decision, made to counter the thunder of last night's monumental speech by Obama. When that 3:00am phone call comes along to the White House, God forbid McCain makes as hasty a decision gambling with the lives and security of this nations people, as he did with his opportunistic VP choice.

[Molly]

McCain just put the last nail in his presidential race coffin. Three cheers for a failed effort from all you McCainiacs!

As an avid Hillary fan, I am pleased to see a woman in the top two presidential nomination pairs. But that's where my satisfaction ends. Is he really trying to pull the diversity card now?!

It's more than obvious that McCain is just trying to soften and dull the excitement brought on my the Convention, and especially the incredible speech last night. McCain's got a trophy wife, why not go for the trophy VP?

Her policies have cross views -- she claims to be a strong feminist, yet supports future efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade decision; she hunts, ice fishes, and is very much a "nature girl", yet put up a lawsuit when polar bears were to be put on the endangered species list so it wouldn't get in the way of drilling for oil in the ANWP, essentially getting more money for the state, and ultimately Ms. Palin; she has governed more caribou and moose than people, but somehow capable of leading one of the strongest countries in the world when McCain has his next heart attack or God knows what?

My oh my, what a fun night the VP debate will be...

Good riddance John McCain. Enjoy your 15 minutes Ms. Palin.

OBAMA '08.

[easyriderjp]

Obama has run a terrible campaign to date; everything from dodging real scrutiny to saying there are 58 states. He's been slipping steadily in the poles. McCain's choice is the kiss of death for Obama; she's an accomplished, articlulate, attractive candidate and has an 80 percent approval rating in her state. She has lot of political savvy and she's a reformer, to boot. She's going to seal the deal; mark this day...

[zealot]

Yeah Baby. Diane Keaton with Dick Cheney's brain! Show me the button.