Sarah Palin will be missing from action Sunday a.m.

As is The Ticket's custom, a post listing the entire roster of appearances on this Sunday's interview programs will pop up Saturday at noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT).

But here's an advance heads up, in part because of who WON'T be found on any of the chat shows.

Three of the four now-official candidates on the major-party presidential tickets are scheduled to sit down for questions: Democrat Barack Obama on ABC's "This Week," his running mate, Joe Biden, on NBC's "Meet the Press" and Republican John McCain on CBS' "Face the Nation."

Absent from this list, of course, is the GOP's star of the moment, the not-so-long-ago obscure governor of Alaska who is McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin.

Since she was thrust onto the national stage a week ago, her appearances on it have been tightly regulated by the McCain campaign: a few side-by-side campaign stops with him and, of course, her big speech to the GOP's convention Wednesday night.

Today, top McCain aide Rick Davis indicated the campaign isn't in any hurry to slot Palin for a Sunday show appearance -- and will do so only if he and other strategists determine it serves the ticket's purposes, not because some may view it as a required initiation for a major political player.

Appearing on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show, Davis said, "I'd never commit to anything in the future. ... Our strategy is in our hands, not the media's. We're going to do what's in our best interests to try to win the election. If we think going on TV news shows are [sic] in our best interests, we'll do it. If we don't, we won't."

Palin still will be busy this weekend. She'll campaign Saturday with McCain in two key states -- Colorado and New Mexico -- and she'll deliver his campaign's weekly radio address. That's one of those trappings of the presidency McCain has borrowed (notwithstanding the barbs his forces like to sling at Obama along these lines).

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[Stuart]

It's patently clear that the theme "country first" was always intended to be a total sham. The Rove machine has all their puppets on their leashes, and strings well attached. McCain and Palen will not be permitted to reveal themselves in any way other than what Rove prescribes to put "winning the election first." To hell with the country, and the electorate.

[Ben]

What does she have to offer as President?
The GOP will have quite the scripting to keep her snarling at the "intellectual Left."

[MrUniteUs]

Sarah Palin is not ready to take questions on Day one,
Day two, etc...

[Lola Cornwell]

This is BS. The press has been fawnining over Obama for months and months. They treated Hillary badly and preferred Obama. And, they are sexist and unfair. I mean they way they unleashed on her mothering skills, asking questions never asked of Obama, Biden or anyone else. This is the same media that gave John Edwards pass after pass about his lies. I supported John Edwards and feel cheated by the media for not telling me where my contributions were going. I sit here wondering what I may not know about O since he has been annointed as our saviour by the media. And, there is outrage because Palin won't enter that wolves den? I mean what is the point?? I, as regular voter, have been frustrated how O has been promoted by the Media. I want to hear from the candidates themselves. Given the bias the media has shown protecting candidates they think should be elected, I don't blame her. I am sure she will get a grilling at the debates and will be questioned by reports in due time. In the meantime, why don't you ask Obama some tough questions?

[natoir]

Manchurian Candidate anyone ?

[Chris W.]

Reporter: Ms. Palin, what exactly are your qualifications when it comes to foreign policy and national security?

Palin: Well now, as governor of Alaska, I've had enormous responsibility in overseeing the National Guard, which will be our first line of defense if the Russians cross the Bering Sea and invade.

Reporter: You realize if that ever happened the President would federalize the Guard and you would be relieved of command? Your only authority over the Guard is to fight forest fires and prevent rioting.

Palin (pausing): Damn liberal media! Turn the cameras off! Rick, get me out of here!! RICK!!

[FreeThinker]

What are you people stupid. Since when did morning show blather ever result in uncovering anything. With biased ideologues running the news divisions of networks, why should she go on and get skewered. Good for her to snub the shows. Another sign of the growing irrelevance of American news media. No one believes the crap they dispense.

[Amy34]

So she isn't allowed to talk to any media or take any questions, just read scripts and deliver lines. How is this different than a paid actress?

[kcgb]

PALIN: Extreme right wing governor of a big oil state with no national political experience who is completely controlled by the power players of her own party. Sound like anyone you know?

palin- bush in a skirt

[Deanna-California]

Palin is window dressing for John MCcain, because he couldn't win it on his own. Mcshame picked her based on inexperience, so the Karl Rove groupies will form her according to the Republican's way (just like the Stepford wives-perfect) Palin is not Hillary, I'm a hispanic woman who sees right through this, and I'm upset, I have a son in the military, and if Mcshame drops dead, we're looking at another war, she will have Karl Rove and the Bushanites on her heels. I'm scared, please don't vote for this lie......pick OBAMA!

[nativegirl]

Call me outrageous, but Alaskans are angry, frustrated and hurt that the media is not getting it right with Palin's crimes, both Palins. Republican officials in this state will say the 'appropriate' thing for their party to win, believe me, especially little sweatheart promises. Promises like the ones Palin stratagized for her coming out party...the oil incentives for all Alaskans at $1200. She bought votes, haven't delivered yet so voters still waiting while they tell the press how competent she is.

The corrupt bastard club....(sorry, but that is what it is called) that included the Republican convictions and indightments of the last couple of years, is miniscule compared to what is about to happen before this election concerning the republican Party boys. Researching all the details .....Sarah Palin was only a surprise to the democrat's in office and the dem voters and Republican voters.....the Republican party has had this planned for over a year. .................thought Hillary would win the nomination, McCain met this woman back in February, so all of his short list picks was acting.

[john u]

I want to know what books she wanted banned from the public library in her town and why. That would be an excellent Sunday talk show question.

[bobt]

Guess the "pit bull" got her teeth pulled. She only barks on command from her trainer, McCain. Bring on the debates and she'll go running with her tail between her legs.

[Cynthia in California]

When is mccain going to take his "pit bull", sarah, off of her leash and let her be interviewed and answer the tough questions that all candidates had to answer, without having the questions in advance?
I think the free press coverage of her scripted speeches and comments needs to stop until we get a candid, unscripted, no questions in advance interview from her, without mccain by her side.
Right now she is a puppet and he is pulling the strings and having her speeches written and her conversations scripted. I guess he thinks the American people are idiots and we can't see through the games he is playing.
sarah is applying for the vp job, which is a heartbeat away from the presidency. Shecould potentially be in charge of all of us, we know nothing about this woman, she has not been interviewed once. We only met her about 9 days ago and we are supposed to put her in charge of America and our future without knowing anything about her?
All of the other candidates have been out there for at least two years campaigning, being interviewed and answering tough questions. Through it all we have seen them rise and fall, all of their "dirt" as well as good qualities have come out over many, many, many months. Knowing a person for 9 days and seriously considering them for anything, let alone the highest office in the land, is totally insane.
mccain is a gambler and he rolled the dice big time. But, mccain is a millionaire who has access to his wife's 100 million dollar fortune, in addition to that they own about 8 homes. Also, his wife's one outfit costs over $300,000, my house, car and everything else I own, all put together, did not cost that much.
He, and the other millionaires he represents, can afford this gamble. On the other hand those of us who live paycheck to paycheck, and are trying to keep our homes from being foreclosed, and pay for gas and other necessities, this is a high stakes gamble that would ruin us for sure.
Thank you for reading my email.
Cynthia

[seattledemocrat]

Yet another example of the GOP "telling" the stupid Americans, who believe anything they say, that Palin is the most qualified person to be VP because "she is just like you".

When did being the smartest person in the room become a bad thing? I don't want someone just like me to run this country...I want someone much smarter than me!

[Jack]

The McCain campaign is between a rock and a hard place. If they allowed access to her, she will be exposed for the hollow unqualified puppet she is. If They keep her away, the public is going to make a judgment. People will get away with a feeling that she doesn't know much and that she is afraid to face the people's questions. Therefore, the ball is in your court, McCain.

[Bruce Cannon]

The democrats must define Palin to the American public. She is a right wing extremist who is against a womans right to choose, doesn't believe in global warming, wants creationism taught in public schools, and wanted to have books banned. This is the choice of John McCain and this does make him a reformer or a maverick.

[kitty]

are we ignoring how mumbly and non comittal obama was on oreilly? i cant wait to see the rest of the innterview..the man is highly evolved he cant even admit he was wrong.. he's a bush MOTS

and what foriegn policy experience does he have other that what has been spoon fed to him the last year

MCcain has been overseas..by his will and agaisnt his will.. I think he knows the world better than a bloviating obama..i think obama means well but he's a little too confident and full of himself

[nativegirl]

"Loose lips, sink ships" .. ...Sarah Palin has loose lips. What a riot. She knew she would be V.P. in January against (what they thought) Hillary Clinton.

[Bob]

doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out: the gop is scared senseless that this fobbed up "pro-life", pro-guns, pro-drilling, pro-moose dressing lightweight will open her mouth and people will shudder at the notion that she'll be the one a mere heartbeat away from the presidency. i take that back -- SMART people will shudder. the republican base, the morons who would support mccain's pick of a former manager of a 7-11 because he/she was "pro-life" -- those people clearly aren't capable of sniffing out what this bs is all about -- nor do they care. ths is REALLY what the run for the presidency comes down to: don't talk issues, don't get specific, don't act with decency. Let's not forget -- it's McCain who's approving this tact. Suddenly the "war hero" goes into full-blown "coward" mode. It's cowardly and it's shameful -- and it is downright disgraceful what McCain and the GOP leadership are doing to the American citizenry. "Country First" my ass. Wake up, people.

[Frank]

It doesn't matter to their base. They are lemmings. They are in love with Palin, and nothing will change that. The McCain campaign picked her to energize the Republican base. Nothing more. They know she isn't qualified to lead this country. Doesn't matter. As long as they are elected. The hard right Christian conservatives will accept this ticket now, and that is all that matters. to the canpaign. This is the most pathetic thing I have ever seen in American politics. They critisized Obama for drawing big crowds, being a "rock star". Now they believe they have thier own, and nothing else matters. I weep for our nation. We are beoming a Theocracy.

[Mya]

We need to demand it, it is our right. We know that the MSM would not let Obama get away with this and neither should we. It's barely been 24 hours, where is the change, McLame? Where is North Pole Barbie. Lets start calling and e-mailing and demand that she do this now and not 2 weeks from now.

[Ryan]

Why should she talk tomorrow? All the media will do is spend time asking questions about teen pregnancy, troopergate and other non-policy questions in an attempt to appease the liberal blogs.

[Mockerfab4]

So much for female power! Why won't they let her speak? I'm offended by this action by the campaign to hide a woman simply because she hasn't been trained yet. Get her out there, let us get to know her. The more they keep hiding her, the more this looks like one big joke. One that puts our country in jeopardy if he's elected. And as an American, one I don't find funny at all!

[Michael Henry]

John Mccain has now become a political pimp.he is shrewd enough to recognise that Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Susan Collins, or Olympia Snow, mature as they are, with more experience and integrity than Sarah Palin, did not have the youthful appeal and naievette as Palin, to sucker voters for him.He stands besides Palin and declares what a wonderful choice I have made. He holds her close to him as a pimp would, to control and protect her from the press / media to ensure that they get no freebies.This is shameful and disgraceful that a candidate for the office of Vice POTUS who is supposed to be so qualified cannot on their own meet the press. America wake up and see this for what it is.

[Eileen]

How frightening that there are people in this country who might vote for a woman whose qualifications do not include the ability to answer questions about the important issues facing America.

[Clumberfeet]

The GOP is busily teaching her to say "The rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain." Softening the glass shattering 'rain, Spain and plain' and dropping the two 'oo's in 'falls'.

[Jane in PA]

The McCain campaign is sounding alot like Bush & Cheney hiding their blunders and corruption under the guise of "executive privilege". If Palin can't answer questions, how is she going to take over the presidency when McCain's senility goes full blown?

[Sue in MN]

Sticking up for a person running for one of the highest positions in the nation (whichever you party affiliations may be) for NOT willing to answer some tough questions on vital issues that could affect every single one of us is like watching lemming follow each other off the cliff. And seriously, there is no time to waste or is this what they're hoping we'll all fall for?
Furthermore, recycling Bush writer Matthew Scully's speech she gave at the convention at every opportunity instead of actually letting us learn more about her, impresses me not. She has a hell of a lot of catching up to do and being unavailable is a bridge to nowhere, but she sure was in her element stretching the truth both ways as most politicians do given the golden opportunity.
Pit bull with lipstick?...is that only when she chooses to come out of the dog house?

[Adam]

Let me get this right...She is ready to lead the country but she isn't ready for an interview!?

[kayakbiker]

Palin: Ready from Day one to hide and manipulate the press

[none]

I'd much rather see Nader and Ron Paul in the spotlight than the buffoons you mention.

[Jen]

"not because some may view it as a required initiation for a major political player"

That statement right there should scare every single American.

[David]

"We're going to do what's in our best interests to try to win the election. If we think going on TV news shows are [sic] in our best interests, we'll do it. If we don't, we won't."

Country First??????? Another puppet. Remember how the last puppet performed?

Anyone who thinks this VP in a bubble is OK needs their head examined.

[pablito]

Forget the wingnut Sarah Palin. She is a myopic nightmare, plain and simple, who knows next to nothing about the issues, and what she does know is filtered through her hard right ignorance. She would make a fool of herself on the Sunday pundit shows just as she would make a fool of herself answering real questions from reporters. Joe Biden is going to slice and dice her at the debate, and this election will be OVER.

[Scott]

So much for "country first."

[monk]

"We're going to do what's in our best interests to try to win the election. If we think going on TV news shows are [sic] in our best interests, we'll do it. If we don't, we won't."
But I thought these guys were about putting "country first."
Mr. Davis, the American people have an absolute right to know who will be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Vetting Sarah Palin is in America's best interest.

[David]

Wow! Two points -
1) It is clear that you liberals realize you are in trouble and can do nothing about it.
2) How fast did O'Biden hit the circuit after his nomination?
01.20.09 I, John S. McCain do solemnly......................

[Edwin Dale]

And Josey Wales, what are the facts that support your list of statements? Just curious.

[raven]

John Mccain - POW
Sarah Palin - MIA

[Sarah]

I really miss Tim Russert right now!!!!!!
Sarah Palin can't come on Sunday talk shows because she hasn't finished her homework yet! Not that it will help, after we learn about all of her previous lies, which are coming on a daily basis. No one will believe a word she says!
Can't wait 'till Hillary gets hold of her...oh look, the shark ate the pit bull, darn!!!
Palin is a menace in a pant suit!!!!!

[quoin]

If Obama can go on O'Reilly then why can't secessionist Palin talk to the press.

What appears to be troubling is that people aren't more upset with her anti-American views, I mean you Donna, Steve, Steve H. Michelle Obama writes a dissertation on the state of racism and she's considered a terrorist when this women openly displays her Anti-American views. Sarah Palin is the new face of the Republican party, yes we see that. The Republicans are now the Neo-Fascist's that they've been itching to become.

[biddiebig]

Now allegations from the National Enquirer that Sarah had an affair with her husband's business partner who just attempted (and lost) his attempt to seal his divorce records. Family values? So how will McCain's handlers spin this one if it's true?

[raven]

Her pastor said, " God will Damn America!"

[Pragmatus]

The GOP is barring any meaningful access to Sarah Palin for the same reason reporters don't interview guard dogs--besides the snarling and barking they have nothing to say, and what would that look like to the American public? Sarah Palin looking blank in the headlights is not the picture they want to convey. However some realities about this newly minted Rottweiler surface nonetheless.

1. If Sarah Palin was such a big boost to the ticket, where's the post-convention bounce? Gallup still has Obama in the lead.

2. All the talk about how Palin has "energized" the GOP base is just that; talk. So far the only "evidence" of Palin's effect has come from GOP spin-meisters. The fact is for every Republican excited by her two are turned off by the fact that she is a brash, inexperienced woman whose morals are all over the place and who seems to have been picked by McCain in desperation.

[spunsilk_coach]

Hey posters: Steve | September 05, 2008 at 11:45 PM and Josey Wales | September 06, 2008 at 01:05 AM

yeah, you got that durn librel media runnin' scared now...PLEASE keep up the good work. Why should anyone want to know what McPalin-PaCain really thinks anyway?

Only have stump speeches with no questions from the media. No unscripted speeches. Maybe you can get her on a rough and tumble interview on FOX...but don't rush it.

Yeah, that's what Americans want after eight years of obscufication, outright lies, and anti-middle class policies--MORE OF THE SAME!!!

Keep up the good work hahaha - I beseech you!

[Jake]

The really sad thing is that the public will give the McCain campaing (and Sarah Palin) a pass and well might elect the ticket in November because the Republicans once again start pushing the red neck buttons that some many subscribe to without regard to teir own self interests.

[Jim]

This story is yet another pathetic example of the media making its own news. Who cares? The McCain campaign has made it clear that it is not going to let the media run the agenda in his campaign, and I don't blame them. Since she was announced as the running mate, hundreds of nasty hit pieces and hateful blog entries have come out of the woodwork. It's OK if you don't want to vote for the GOP ticket, but be a responsible voter and at least give Governor Palin a chance.

She is going to debate Biden, so we'll see what she's made of then, if not before. I, for one, plan to carefully listen to what the candidates THEMSELVES are saying (not what CNN has to say about their words), so that I can make an informed decision in November.

[Zzxno]

Sarah Palin, so ready to lead that we won't put her out there withour a teleprompter and a prepared speech! It's highly telling that they are so scared to put Palin into a situation where her credentials and ability could actually be tested. The lies are getting so thick now that even the best GOP spin masters are having trouble keeping up.

[jzic]

Hey! Take it easy on Sarah. After all, John McCain was a POW for five years.