Republicans have demonstrated a remarkable amount of chutzpah in claiming that Palin’s minimal experience in government comes any where near Obama’s experience, which is already less than that of most presidential candidates. To try to claim that Palin has some experience in foreign policy, both Fox News and Cindy McCain have cited Alaska’s proximity to Russia. AP reports (via Andrew Sullivan) that Palin played no role in defense activities of the national guard, which are under federal control:
Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, considers Palin “extremely responsive and smart” and says she is in charge when it comes to in-state services, such as emergencies and natural disasters where the National Guard is the first responder.
But, in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, he said he and Palin play no role in national defense activities, even when they involve the Alaska National Guard. The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations.
Yes, I saw the clip when Tucker (is it?) from McCain’s camp attempted to use this on MSNBC. The interviewer did a great job of pushing him for specifics: “can you give me just one example of when she made a decision…?” etc. She was actually shaking her head and repeatedly tried to focus in on the claim, until the very end when she just gave up and let him ramble. She’d made her point. Priceless.
It was Campbell Brown on CNN interviewing Tucker Bounds, McCain’s campaign spokesman.
Tucker couldn’t name ONE decision Sarah Palin made as commander of the Alaska National Guard. He stumbled for a while, then claimed Palin was responsible for equiping and mobilizing the National Guard. Campbell Brown corrected him – it’s the “Pentagon and General Petraeus” making those decisions. Tucker stumbled again, probably wet his pants and then tossed out a claim of sexism (dimishing her experience) by Campbell Brown, a woman.
This weasel, Tucker Bounds, cancelled John McCain’s appearance on CNN’s Larry King in retaliation…what a baby!
There’s been no change in polls, even with this abysmal VP pick by McCain. The Republican sheep are going to vote for McCain no matter what. Obama needs a huge election-day turn-out to win, please don’t take things for granted…ask everyone you know to vote for Obama.
So Sarah Palin believes that she has foreign relations experience because Russia is near Alaska? How shallow is Cindy McCain for even suggesting that Sarah Palin has 1/10th the foreign relations experience of Joe Biden! How dumb is that?! I guess it’s the best that the McCain could come up with and now they are drumming it up and trying to make it sound like a big deal. Sarah Palin, you should be ashamed of yourself for holding yourself out to be something that you are not! Shame on you to John McCain for pandering for the female vote. I for one will NOT be voting for you, even with a woman on the ticket!!!!