Rogue rage: Team McCain strikes back at Palin

Arizona Sen. John McCain has been a gentleman abut the whole thing, artfully dodging questions, urging his staffers to hold their tongues too.

But for many of the top political names who worked on McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, "Going Rogue," by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is just too much to take quietly.

In the book, Palin attacks campaign manager Steve Schmidt for silencing her. She accuses communications aide Nicolle Wallace of forcing designer clothes on her and cajoling her into doing that disastrous interview with CBS' Katie Couric out of pity for the anchor's low ratings. She complains that the McCain campaign charged her $50K for her own vetting.

Schmidt calls Palin's memoir "total fiction." He added: "Why is the bald guy always the villain?"

As for the allegation about Wallace, former campaign manager Mark Salter told Politico that was unlikely.  Wallace "did not decide which interview requests the candidates would accept," Salter said. "Nor was she tasked with securing the candidates’ agreement." Wallace said the account was "totally fabricated."

As for the vetting accusation, campaign counsel Trevor Potter told the Atlantic, "I can confirm that she was not billed for any vetting costs by the campaign."

Using the book for "petty and pathetic" score-settling, said former McCain strategist John Weaver, belittles Palin's own stature.

"Sarah Palin reminds me of Jimmy Stewart in the movie 'Harvey,' complete with imaginary conversations," he said. " The score-settling by someone who wants to be considered a serious national player is petty and pathetic. The problem wasn't who her interview was with, the problem was her interview," he added.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo: Brian Adams / Runner's World

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Comments

[Michael]

She should be thanking McCain, they pulled her out of obscurity (unfortunately) and gave her a chance to sell herself for millions. What an ingrate.

[kaymar]

Only one place you can get unbiased news - Fox

[ML Gilbert]

oh no, not the flag - what happened to her and todd's secession movement...just like bill o'reilly: every photo has a flag draped on or behind him...next comes some sort of neocon salute or "coded" signal...

[Mike K]

What do you expect them to say ? The rest of the campaign was not exactly an example of a tight ship, either.

[Schmiddy]

Typical left wing socialist claptrap from the LATimes, trying to destory a great American who will be Our Next President. No wonder you're going out of business as good, hard-working honest Americans reject your liberal garbage. Anywho, where can I get a nude photo of Sarah?

[JESSE]

ALL THIS HATRED THE LOONY LEFT HAS FOR GOV PALIN TELLS ME SHE SCARES THE BAJESUS OUT OF THEM. THEY KNOW SHE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT. THAT'S WHY THEY'RE TRYING TO TEAR HER DOWN, IT WON'T WORK BECAUSE SHE IS EXACTLY WHAT THE REPUBLICANS NEED A TRUE CONSERVATIVE NOT A CENTRIST, BUT TAKE A STAND AND STICK TO IT, CAN SOMEBODY ON THE RIGHT SAY AMEN. The DEMON"S In 2012 are going to HELL>

[sun]

Sarah Palin is a smart educated and knowledgeable young lady. She's also very attractive, knows what to wear and where to wear it. Her kindness and love for people, and this country, comes through in her words and her smile. she would make a great American president and would represent this country well. I wish the best for her. God Bless.