Sarah Palin is 'scary,' former N.Y. Mayor Ed Koch says

The Sarah Palin phenomenon may have taken many voters by storm, but not Ed Koch.

The former Democratic mayor of New York, who since leaving that office has become a frequent endorser of Republicans, calls Palin "scary."

He offered that characterization to Ben Smith of Politico.com in explaining his decision today to formally back Barack Obama in the presidential race.

In his endorsement statement, he termed Palin "a plucky, exciting candidate." (See video below.) But he added that "when her record is examined, she fails miserably with respect to her views on the domestic issues that are so important to the people of the U.S., and to me. Frankly, it would scare me if she were to succeed John McCain in the presidency."

In his chat with Smith, Koch elaborated on his concerns about Palin, citing the widely circulated claim that as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, she indicated an interest in banning some books at the local library. As the Ticket previously noted, that report seems, at the least, exaggerated.

Koch, true to his New York roots, had backed Hillary Clinton's presidential bid. But in 2004, he gained a lot of ink when he stumped for President Bush's reelection. And previously, he had supported Republicans Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg in their successful runs for mayor of the city over which he once presided. And, at the statewide level in New York, he backed former GOP Sen. Al D'Amato and former GOP Gov. George Pataki.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[COL. A.M.Khajawall [Ret]]

Dear concerned citizens of America and mass media of the U.S.A. [Look into McCain-palin sad, unfortunate, and tragic blunders of dividing this on religoius and cultural basis]

McCain-palintalk, slogans, ads, plans, and programs based on facts and are they free of fear, fiction, frivolous labels, unfair attacks, negativity,lies and impulsivity? [Danger to country and countries needs and challenges.
Is Mccain-Palin ticket dividing us and instigating a permanet cultural clash within our country. The US, USA, and McCain-palin will should repent now before it is too late.
Their attempts to do this to our Greatgrand Nation will fail and once the Media will start doing due deligent duty and cut thru the cloud so called M. Mccain has created.
As a Independent registered voter I have decided to vote for the Obama-Biden ticket. I am sure they will protect our national security, strengths, stamina and soul as well as rebuild our nation from the bottom up in all areas of need. The OBAMA-BIDEN ticket will restore our global standing with the use of maximum, firm international diplomacy and minimal force if and when indicated.

PS: This nation will not buy into the kitchen sink strategy. We are getting deeper into internal and external holes through these attacks and the world is laughing at us as they enjoy our partisan Pitt Bull wounds. I am sure the collective deceptive measures of the GOP, RNC, FOX, RUSH, ROVE, McCain, and his surrogates will fail to deprive American voters of their deserved leadership to address the critical internal and external needs of our Greatgrand Nation. Our Nation does not need cultural war[s] at this critical time. I hope and pray that media will intervene and prevent us going in that direction.

[Todd]

This is SCARY:

An Alaska church where Sarah Palin has worshiped for six years is publicizing in its member bulletin a conference for so-called "ex-gays" being held in Anchorage. "You'll be encouraged by the power of God's love and His desire to transform the lives of those impacted by homosexuality," the insert reads. Palin, who opposes equal marriage rights and legal recognition of same-sex couples, has not commented.

http://news.aol.com/elections/article/palins-church-promotes-gay-conversion/165471?icid=100214839x1208835540x1200532686

[anonymous]

She scares me, too. She scares most people I talk to. She wants to take freedom away from the citizens of the United States. She doesn't know anything about Iraq. She is for big oil and against the environment. She is blind to the crisis of our environment. She is a liar.

I see the bounce ending with a resounding SPLAT.

[Angellight]

It is scary. And if anyone was to seriously think about her being President due to the fact that McCain is 72 years old, there is a real fact she could be president and she is the least qualified of the bunch. She really lacks judgment and knowledge to run the highest office in the land. And it bodes negatively on John McCain's judgment.

[chris]

Scary? Palin is MORE qualified than Obama and Biden combined! If anyone is scary it is Obama, who is WOEFULLY unqualified for President. How can a person with NO experience, a freshman Senator (1st term), 1 term in the IL Senate, NO achievements be the nominee in the Democratic Party? How could such a person win the nomiation of SO MANY more qualified Democratic candidates? What makes him so different?

Obviously racism is alive and well in the democratic party. Somehow these misguided souls believe electing Obama (even though he is unqualified) will overturn all of the century old misdeeds, etc. that none of us had anything to do with. How sad Hillary didn't deservingly win the nomination!

[linda]

Scary is the word that came to mind when I first started hearing about Palin. She is a serious threat to our freedoms. I just pray Americans won't be fooled by her cheerleader smile and her charm. Look beyond that and hear what she is really saying. This woman has no business being next in line to lead this country.

[Janine]

I am glad someone is using this word. I was not for McCain before but I respected him and looked forward to his debates with Obama so we could hear some real back and forth exchange over policies. But now I hear nothing new from him along those lines and the VP candidate he chose really does scare me. The amount of blind acceptance of someone so extreme and so unqualified makes me sad. Have we learned nothing about the danger of extremists in recent years? Especially extremists with no wordly experience? How can we respect John McCain for selling his soul to try to win a campaign? Yes, yes I do need hope more than ever. We all do.

[edgeoforever]

As a New Yorker I know to always vote the opposite of what Ed Koch says. Before this, he was Bush's biggest fan and once on his radio show advocated sterilizing women on welfare ("Just because Hitler did it doesn't make it wrong - if Hitler loved his mother, should we not love ours?")
I find it interesting that the media and other Bush supporters are now trying to push on us another inexperienced arrogant person with delusions of Godhood

[Biden/Hussein]

Barack Hussein Obama is the SCARIEST candidate I Know of to run for president. His name, his religion of which we know nothing about, His 20 years at a church with mentor pastor named Rev.Wright, who says god damn america is very un-american. You hypocrites look the other way when it comes to Obama Hussein's association with admitted terrorist Bill Ayers . Other long time friends include, a criminal Rezko ( in prison ), Pfleger, Farrakhan etc. and some rappers who show no respect for women in their rapp songs, hate and slur america. You have nothing on Sara Palin. She surrounds herself with good people and has far more qualification to be president than Obama. Obama has done NOTHING for anyone but himself. You are the scary ones, willing to vote for Obama who has tons of baggage in tow and has not been scrutinized

[sean]

About some one said it this lady would be dangerous for the country!

[Be Afraid]

Koch: Palin 'Scares the Hell Out of Me'

Yes, Mr. Kroch and fellow Democrats, "Be afraid... be very afraid!"

You must now live with the fact that the entire DNC has messed-up big-time; from Howard Dean on down. Palin just magnifies your mess-up. The Democrats always have a way of picking the WORST candidates.

[anonymouse]

Obame= no experience. Ever heard of affirmative action?

[George]

Elect enough leftists and YOU'LL see censorship. You already aren't allowed to SPEAK certain words which they deem "incorrect" !

[Be Afraid]

Koch: Palin 'Scares the Hell Out of Me'

Yes, Mr. Kroch and fellow Democrats, "Be afraid... be very afraid!"

You must now live with the fact that the entire DNC has messed-up big-time; from Howard Dean on down. Palin just magnifies your mess-up. The Democrats always have a way of picking the WORST candidates.

[tommyz]

This is news? Ed Koch is afraid of Sarah Palin because he read a fake e-mail about book-banning? Geez! Get you facts straight, people! Meanwhile, NO ONE is talking about William Ayers, ACORN, or Jeremiah Wright. Come on!

The HEADLINE ought to be the too-swift voracious feeding in the media on the Guv who will be VP. The media ought to elaborate on how they blew it.

Why not talk about how Obama STILL can't admit he was wrong that the surge would cause a civil war in Iraq to spiral out of control- exact opposite.

Why not talk about Obama and FISA? Traitor to his party and his position.

Why not talk about Obama and his "reaching across the aisle?" Lie.

Why not talk about Obama and his lack of actual friends? He has no friends, only "associates."

[PaulNY]

McCain is double my misery. It may be that god really does want us to suffer just 4 Years more. I think it will be worth the destruction of the republican brand name. Go McCain Palin may you screw up the economy as much as you can. you go girl

[ellie]

Let's see, Ed Koch is making comments on a 'rumor'. And we should trust him?? If anyone watched the news, they'll know that the 'book banning' thing was a phoney. In fact it was lifted from another site. But hey, why deal in facts when rumors are so exciting??!!!

[Nathan]

Mr.Koch:
If Sarah Palin is so scary to you, please hide in your home
forever. we just love her to be around, Ha! Ha! Ha!
Good luck to your hiding , Nathan

[Jon K.]

Of course she's scary! She's a psychopath. She has a degree in journalism from a minor, low-ranked college, but she thinks that she more intelligent than thousands of meterologists with Ph.Ds when it comes to global warming! She thinks the planet is 6000 years old! She's a lunatic.

[Liz in CA]

I am a Republican, and I am terrified of Sarah Palin. She is anti-woman's rights, anti-environment, anti-children (obviously she won't have time to TAKE CARE of that special-needs newborn that the selfishly decided to have in her *40'S* when it is WELL KNOWN that this can happen). She thinks our war on Iraq is right "under God." Um, not my God, lady. She does not make good decisions regarding her own family. Now this young man Levi Johnston is poured into a suit and trotted on stage for probably a high-profile shotgun wedding...I could go on. Sara Palin is a car wreck in her personal life, and would be a 50-car pileup in the Executive branch.

I may actually have to vote for Obama. I'd rather see Biden be the face of our nation than Palin. I never thought I'd say that.

[Mickey007]

Didn't Ed Koch get voted out of office. He's a has been so who cares what he thinks. Take a look at what one vet has to say about Koch's beloved Obama at this web site: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

[Peggy McGilligan]

When John McCain articulated his no-nonsense pro-life stance, he stood head and shoulders above the competition. McCain delivered. McCain also delivered a pro-life running mate, who puts her money where her mouth is. That these two will standup and call a spade a spade is truly electrifying. They're standing up; I get it. Democrats' Achilles heel: “Most Democrats/Liberals here have nothing in common and dislike the very people they rely on to get them elected.” On a lighter note, Global Warming is an apparent hoax. The snowmelt seems to have been caused by Sarah Palin's proximity to the polar region. The woman is on fire. Here’s Jan & Dean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX7X4FovYRA&NR=1 And, I got your political pork; right here: http://theseedsof9-11.com

[sugar]

GOD, HELP US ALL! OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

[Rima]

I am an independent voter and I completely agree with Koch.
It is worrisome to think that someone like Palin, who has mostly twisted the truth
(check www.factcheck.org) is running for such a high office.
When you call yourself a maverick, you need to be unconventional and display good old American ingenuity in solving the nation's issues. Support of Bush unconditionally does not a maverick make. So I am not sure how McCain wears this label so proudly.
McCain and Palin will make it a "threepeat"... 2 Bush + 1 McCain term.

I worry for my kids' future. I worry for the country's future.
I would like a positive, intelligent leader who is accepting and truly believes in a coalition govt. where both parties work together.
McCain and Palin are dividing the country, and have no regard for constitutional ideologies such as separation of church and state.

Simply stated, we need to see this economy fare better, we need to be respected in the world and we need to get our sons and daughters home. Obama has the vision to meet these goals.
I hope we as a country see the future and see the things we can accomplish rather than look backwards and see the failures and disapointments of our past.

[ladyhawk]

Ask Why McCain chose Palin who he knew very little about;
How about wanting to go after Hillary's supporters who got
disappointed because she wasn't chosen as VP to Obama
and easier to get Alaska's oil. Yes, ladies we've come a long way and some men (like McCain) still use us.
Since she is such a family woman; why is it she doesn't
want to rear her own children? Pro Life; we're ALL
accountable to our Maker for whatever decisions we make in life; abortion rights should be left up to an individual ;
and be performed safely for all concerned. No way would I want this woman to have the authority to run this country anymore than I want War Hawk McCain;
don't you think it's time we quit getting our young men
and women killed in wars we have no business in;
Korea, Nam, Iraq a few others; now we have Cheney
telling Russia what they can or cannot do. By the way
if we're winning in Iraq and Afghanistan, where is Bin Laden. Lets get back to governing our own country;
putting people back to work, decent health care,
low mortgage payments..we really need to get rid of
being prejudice; yes I was born in the 'south; most of this entire
nation is still fighting the Civil War, WHY; during slavery;
manyblack women were a white man's mistress. Lets come out of the
past, what happened years ago can't be changed no
matter who was at fault; it's what happens in
the future that yours and my children and grandchildren
will have to live with. If we are the greatest country in the world, then lets be proud of our Greatness;
make a bigger effort to stay out of War, provide jobs,
decent homes with affordable mortgages, better and
more affordable health care; government to return what it owes to Social Security and All should pay into it's fund, GI bill of rights to be re-instated, better care
of our Veterans, Seniors and children; lower College
tuition; we've got a lot of self improvement to do;
do we need another 4 years of War. Don't you think
our Firemen, Policemen deserve better pay than a
pro athlete or a movie star that makes $20 million
a movie. Yep, Greed has surely taken over.
and yes we women worked hard to be liberated;
we've earned every right; but keep in mind;
when one has been gifted with a child what greater
task than to rear it, that's what our Maker did for us
how do we reward that gift?; surely if at all possible not to pay another to do our job; you either want to have children or a career.
OH and gay and lesbians; we are not their judge;
so the holier than tho need to get off the throne.
I'm white..over 75 yrs of age and a female..
former Veteran..Mother and grandmother
and "Independent"
and I thank my God I was able to stay home with my children.. during the 50's
and if we want change we have to change individually; we're starting a war within our own country again..

[Brooks A. Mick]

So, now that the entire rumor upon which Ed Koch has made up what we refer to as a mind has been proven false, will he apologize to Palin? Will he return to the common sense and concern for the country's safety that he showed in the past? Or will he remain with the looney left, buying their delusions?

[For Separation of Church & State]

OBAMA IN '08

Let's talk about THE UNITED STATES multi billion dollar/trillion dollar debt--and what the GOP has laready done in 8 yrs in digging this country into a hole financially..... MCCAIN - more of the same as the last 8 years.... so Palin's going to go against Abortion like an extreme Right Winger while 1st thinking about Spending away our tax $ on a Bridge to Nowhere BEFORE Changing her mind! She is A Nutcase and Pro-Big Oil Companies - Geez gas was $1.42/gallion when Dubya took office-looks like more war profiteering from the Military Industrial Complex that Eisenhower warned against for McAin't/Palin.

Ive had enough of the debt built up for generations in the last 8 years by GOPers - My real income has gone down and the economy is in the crappper!!!!

GO Obama!!!!

[Linda]

I am a Republican, and I am terrified of Sarah Palin.

Posted by: Liz in CA | September 09, 2008 at 02:20 PM

Liz, If you're a Republican, I am Mother Theresa.

[jane]

The people who say Obama has no experience are the scary ones...this is a highly accomplished man who in every way personifies the American dream. Disagree with his policies, fine, but to say he has accomplished nothing is a disgrace.

Why is it that ordinary Republicans can't see the 'only in America outlines' of Obama's life story, but embrace it in Palin's? You don't have to destroy someone when you disagree with their politics, and that is Obama's stand, which is why he'd no doubt run a much more bipartisan, and effective, govt than the ideologically-driven McPalin ticket.

[Howard Richman]

Koch is misinformed. In 1996, Palin called for the resignation of all of the top managers who had just supported her opponent for mayor. She was making sure that they knew that they owed loyalty to her. This is good management practice!

She did ask the librarian if she would be open to removing books from the shelves. The librarian said no and that was the end of the matter.

Later as Governor, she did not try to impose her beliefs upon the Alaska educational system.

If anything, the events described by Koch were a learning experience for Palin on the limits of executive power, not a reason to oppose her.

As far as Jews are concerned there is a very strong reason to support her. She is strongly pro-Israel!

Howard Richman
jews4palin.blogspot.com

[Julie Levin]

Sarah Palin is charismatic and exciting. She's Angelina Jolie shooting down the enemy by day and Martha Stewart, making the dining table centerpiece by night. She has the porn-star-librarian look with her glasses and hair in an up-do. She's the Jesus-loving girl next door. She is the colored sprinkles on John McCain's vanilla cone.

My biggest fear is not that Mrs. Palin lacks experience (though that is a concern), it's that she seems to have an agenda that makes me feel like I am not a "real" U.S. citizen.

Because I am a woman who believes in the right to choose, and because I am a Jew who believes in the Palestinian cause, and because I am a human who believes that we humans have been (and must stop) destroying our natural resources, I am concerned that she, and those on the far right see me as less than human.

History tells us that when one group of people de-humanize another group, be it Jews or Muslims, Black or White, Japanese or Tibetan, atrocities occur.

What I LOVE about Barack Obama is his inclusiveness. If you've read The Audacity of Hope, you know that he is aware that he doesn't have all the answers, but he is willing to ask the tough questions. He is able to disagree completely with others, yet still treat them with respect and dignity. He is not threatened by differences. He is far more Christ-like than many of the Christian Right who operate out of fear and judgment.

What really scares me about Sarah P is that she is distracting this country from what really matters. It's time for Democrats to get back on message, and the media and bloggers to stop giving free air time to the right.

[theorizer]

I have a theory.

McCain has been having a hard time consolidating the conservative base of the Republican Party. As such, he's hired Steve Schmidt, Karl Rove's protege to help him out. Steve has learned well from his master, and was able to come up with a politican who not only energizes the Christians of the Republican conservative base, BUT ALSO steals the support of Republican women who were otherwise going to vote for Hillary, and Republican Christians who were otherwise going to vote for Obama -- who has been a committed Christian for a long time. Aside from that, she had so much personal baggage for which they already had a PR defense planned. The pregnancy of her daughter: they used it to prove just how "pro-life" / family values she is. It doesn't hurt that she's very easy on the eyes. McCain's bounce in the polls will be short lived, however, as voters start to realize that 1. They aren't voting for Palin vs. Obama, they're voting for Obama vs. McCain; 2. Palin insists that abortion should be completely illegal EVEN in cases of rape; 3. It is VERY plausible that McCain will have to give up office due to health reasons connected to his old age, thereby making this EXTREMELY SCARY conservative woman the President of the United States of America.

I absolutely believe that if McCain wins the presidency, we will see Palin replace him by the middle to the end of his 3rd year - at the latest. This way she will feel very much like an incumbent by the time the 2012 election comes around. I also believe that McCain will, under somewhat strange circumstances, take a leave of absence form the presidency for health reasons if at any point, another seat is opened on the supreme court. The religious right would never trust him to appoint a judge, and they are entirely blind to law/constitution which they see as VERY secondary to their interpretation of the Bible.

I was a McCain supporter in 2000 and I would be a McCain suporter today, because I support a Republican Party that is free of religious influence. Their influence over the GOP is truly un-American as it is an unholy marriage of "church and state" that they seek. This is a marriage that must be prevented, or we face the prospect of more language of apocalypse, and more action that leads us down that road. We have a HUGE arsenal of nuclear arms. The last thing we need is a religious fanatic with ANY kind of power over those weapons systems. On a side note, I find it absolutely f-ing hilarious that the religious "pro-lifers" are so quick to bomb/shoot/beat the hell out of whoever they seem to think is getting in their way, and want to bring about the apocalypse as soon as possible in order to hasten the return of their so-called savior.

I fear, however, that at least some of those weapons have already been lost to the wrong hands. Take this story, for example: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/10/31/152512/08

One wonders if other nukes have "mistakenly" disappeared, and for what purpose. I'm guess another "false-flag" incident... And this time, I'm guessing it will be a mushroom cloud, further inside the country... Iowa, perhaps? Kansas? Minnesota? Wherever it happens, I hope I'm not there when it does.

Just FYI, all you brainless Christians (some of whom are actually pretty smart -- quite a conundrum for me), just like there is no Easter Bunny and no Santa Claus, there is also no God, no Jesus, and DEFINITELY no "immaculate conception". These are just fairy tales told to less emotionally secure people (like children/flocks/sheep whatever) by more emotionally secure people (like adults/religious leaders, cult leaders) to amuse them and keep them thinking nice thoughts while they get their wallets and basic rights plundered, abused, and trampled.

Wake up and smell the coffee people. It's quite invigorating when you do!

[Forever Young]

As an Independent, my vote will go to Obama/Biden!! The GOP needs to realize that independents HATE petty politics.

[Laker]

Palin's social and foreign affair policies are scary !
I am scard that she might track me down to put me in prison for writing this if she gets elected to VP.

[Melissa]

I am a registered Republican, at first I had decided to vote for John McCain, but later changed my mind. When it came to my knowledge that he abandoned what he originally stood for and over the years adopted the Bush hard line. It's understood that he wanted to prove to the Republican base he was one of them and not the maverick they disliked, which proves his inefficiency to stand up to the Republican Party.

On separate occasions the McCain's stated that they were not going to run a nasty campaign, which they contradicted by providing us with dishonest commercials, campaign speeches, and interviews. They denied to the press of having carried out such campaign. They said whatever they stated regarding themselves and Barack Obama is a fact. Several times John McCain stated that if Barack Obama had done what he had suggested then he could have run a more civil campaign. This sounds like imposition to me. Doesn't he realize that we can see through this excuse?

When people in general raised questions regarding John McCain’s age he assures them of having an experienced Vice Presidential candidate, in case something happens to him. Hence he decided the best person for this position would be Sarah Palin. This leaves the country in dismay as she has limited political experience.

However, she was introduced at the Republican convention as a maverick, a reformer, who did not take earmarks, nor support the bridge to nowhere, and who never indulges in wasteful spending. Besides she was declared as an expert on the economy, well versed in foreign affairs, and having more experience than Joe Biden and Barack Obama put together.

Recently in an interview on Sarah Palin, Charles Gibson (reporter for CBS) proved the claims about her to be false. She is a devout Christian, but she refuses to tell the truth, and when Charles Gibson asked her to revise her blatant lies she refused too. Isn't this violating the laws of Christianity? Thus it seems she is willing to compromise her religious faith to be the next VP of the United States of America.

She has extreme beliefs and views on many subjects like the Iraq war (she thinks this war is God's will), abortion (she does not believe in it even in circumstances of incest and rape and if she gets a chance she will overturn Roe V. Wade), views on hunting (she allows people to shoot animals from planes), taking protection way (wants to take polar bears off the endangered species list). Besides she attends a church that believes in getting rid of homosexuality through prayer and that Jews have been persecuted for their refusal to believe in Jesus. She is currently under investigation for a possible abuse of her power as Governor of Alaska. Lastly, she feels global warming is a natural phenomenon and there is no evidence that it is man-made.

As for my belief on the abortion issue I do not believe in abortion for myself as a choice, however, I do believe it should be a woman's choice and not the federal or state government's. God did give humans free will to make their own decisions and as a result we are responsible for all of them. God will be the final judge of all our sins and all sins are created equal in God's eyes. So, does anybody feel Sarah Palin somehow forgot this?

After being disappointed in John McCain and how he has chosen to run his campaign; I decided to start watching the Democratic campaign speeches and realized Obama is at least talking about the issues like the economy, job loss, health care and education. McCain spends the majority of his time distorting Obama's record and lying about his proposed ideas for this country. You would think McCain would spend his time talking about what he is going to do for this country. Well the most ironic thing McCain has done is now he is talking about being the change candidate. Does anybody think it's strange that for the last 18 months or so McCain never mentioned being the change candidate? As I remembered, McCain was running a campaign for the last 18 months or so on experience.

On September the 15th the stock market fell more than 500 points, then Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy; job losses is still at a record high and gasoline prices are on a rise again. On this same day, McCain at a campaign rally made the following statement “he thinks the economy is fundamentally strong”. Does anybody really think John McCain is in touch with what's going on in this economy? Well, McCain shame on you.

Melissa

[Sheldon]

Sarah Palin is indeed a scary politician. With her extremist views, a possible future Palin presidency could lead to war with Russia, as she herself boasted about in a recent television interview. Hopefully, Barack Obama will win the election in November, or else scary times lie ahead.

[kebred]

Ever since McCain made his choice, it showed me that he has no business leading this country. Those who are afraid of Obama, please be honest with yourself, most of it is just race. If some people never seen him and heard him speak, he would be one of the wonders of the world, but then he appeared on TV, then all of a sudden he is not qualified. Let go of your fears and quit picking people to lead this country by looks! He will do a fine job or a better job then Bush. Palin is scary and McCain is just as scary! I know, he's a war hero!

[JKIR]

What is scary is the determination by the left to misinform the public about Sarah Palin's ideas for America. She wants to kick out some of the corruption in Washington, does not want to foist her religious beliefs on anyone else, and wants to do the work of the people. Now that's seriously scary because politicians don't want to be accountable to the people--either democratic or republican.

[JKIR]

Many gays actually like Governor Palin. http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/many-gays-have-no-problem-with-palin/
"However, those gay people who know her best, men and women who live in the Land of the Midnight Sun, are delighted about Palin’s nomination. Eric DeLand, an openly gay man who lives in the Kenai area, said even Democrats and independents like her: “They may not agree with her on everything, but they agree with enough; they’re happy with McCain’s decision to pick Sarah.”'

[Tom]

When McCain picked Palin, he lost my vote. I don't like her, I can't say why I just don't. I can't stand the sound of her voice. I feel that McCain was forced to pick her by the party. I can imagine them telling him "we need young and she's a women" but they lost me. He is now the second thought of the campaign. It's almost like "here is Gov. Palin oh and the guy running for President". I wish McCain had picked Romney. Oh and for everyone who brings up the "experience" issue according to our Constitution, the only requirements are: born in the United States and at least 35 years old. So by that, I'm qualified.

[Hans]

Our political system has denegerated beyond belief. Any moron, half wit, or incompetent can be packaged and "sold" to a public more interested in image and sound bites than in anything else. When asked why Palin was more qualified than Obabam to serve, a McCain spokesman once said, "Why? Because she's got energy!" Lies, garbage, twisted logic, fear mongering - all from McCain and his cronies who care only about winning and who care only for THEIR kind of Americans.

[sarah]

Sarah Palin is a religous hypocrite. To the people that believe Sarah Palin has better moral values than Obama/Biden, that is just ridiculous. Personally, I believe that Obama has better religous values than Sarah Palin. He OBVIOUSLY has traditional family values, given the fact that he has raised a family PROPERLY, and has a supportive wife and two beautiful daughters.

As for Sarah Palin, I am a christian woman, and when I think about what I would do, I would not run for vice-president if I knew that my children would be raised by nannies. This woman is a power-hungry hypocrite, and the worst mother I have ever seen in such a position.

Let me add that Hillary Clinton had a daughter, but she raised her daughter before running for office, and raised her well (Chelsea did not have a child out of wedlock, and is a bright young career woman). As a woman I know that the way you raise your children is a TRUE sign of your character. She had the brains to know that a woman in her position has to balance work and private life. THERE IS NO WAY that you can raise five children, one with special needs, and devote your life to politics without putting your children at risk. This is obviously what Sarah Palin has done.

My advice to anyone that really has christian value is to look, not at the enquirer or the new york times, but to look at the way that our candidates have raised their families. Obama and Biden have strong, united families. Palin has abandoned her family to pursue politics, and McCain abandoned his first wife and married a new, younger trophy wife. I don't understand how any christian woman can vote the republican ticket right now, both candidates have the worse set of personal ethics I've seen in a very long time. It's horrible to see these morally reprehensible and disgusting human beings being worshipped for their "religious values". The religous values of the candidates are clear to me right now, the republicans claim to be religous and live debauched, secular lives, while the democrats preach for the separation of church and staet and practice true religion, which is not only evident in the way these candidates have taken care of their families but also in the way they accept people of all faiths.

[Philip]

Sarah Palin sounds OK in her current job. But the thought of her being given a briefcase with the Nuclear button inside, quite literally, makes my stomach screw up into a knot!

[Melissa]

I am disappointed in the way John McCain and Sarah Palin is running their campaign.

She is a devout Christian, but she refuses to tell the truth about her record on taking earmarks and supporting the bridge to nowhere. Besides she was declared as an expert on the economy, well versed in foreign affairs, and having more experience than Joe Biden and Barack Obama put together. Does anyone feel telling lies are a violation of the laws of Christianity? What I find amazing is once her record was fact checked and proven not to be true she refused to revise it. Do you religious born-again Christians and longtime Christians find this behavior a contradiction to your faith. I thought that all sins are created equal in God's eyes. I realize that we are all not perfect beings; however, she knows she is telling lies, so there is no excuse to continue. Thus it seems she is willing to compromise her religious faith to be the next VP of the United States of America.

In the last several days at Sarha Palin's campaign speeches, she has made statement such as “who is the real Barack Obama”. She is trying the link the former terrorist William Ayers to him. These suggestions are only causing the fringe people in the audience to shout out very dangerous statements directed at Obama, such as “kill him”, “off with his head”, “terrorist”. She wont even make any effort to tell these people this kind of behavior is unacceptable. What I see is she just continues which encourages this behavior. My concern is that maybe one of these people might hurt or kill Obama or somebody else. We should not stir up any racial hatred into this presidential campaign. I'm not saying that she is responsible for the crazies, but when they make these statements Palin should immediately denounce them. Well, I feel its one thing to want to win and another to win at any cost. She is supposed to be a devout Christian with strong Christian values, so why is she unwilling to speak out immediately when these people say such hateful things against another person.

How do we as Christians bring people to Christianity while supporting so openly a woman who is not displaying true Christian principles. As Christian women we should put party politics aside and stand by our Christian values. Christianity is more important than political posturing. We should be thinking about what God would be saying and stop overlooking what has been going on with their campaign.

At least if you want to vote for them that's fine, but I think we should be careful praising her as this highly moral Christian woman. We don't want to make people feel this kind of behavior is acceptable in Christianity.

Sarah Palin and John McCain and both of their spouses have had relationships with questionable characters, anti-American sympathizers, people who have been associated with taking money from Freddie Mac. So they do not have a clean record on the same issues as well as similar issues.

There is a reason why people call us Christian's hypocrites and refuse to go to church. It is very hard to bring people to Christ when we Christians spend our time openly proving to people that there is no difference between a Christian's behavior and nonbelievers.

Melissa

[Shelly]

Whatever she lost that is all that matters. The lady is called stupid and an idiot but I disagree, I think she is a total whack job and it takes genuis usually for that. She held back her genusi because it is that mad scientist , insane type of genuis . LIke taking over the world and I promise she has some plan for it. I think she is an extreme right winger Christian that thinks she is on some mission from God, I think she is a gun toting lunatic that will use every inch of herpower to bring someone who opposes her down, and I think she is an abusive, child molesting freak that crosses WAY Too many lines with her kids.