McCain strategist defends Palin as 2008 vice presidential choice
Published Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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Stumble It!LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A top adviser from John McCain's presidential campaign who has criticized Sarah Palin's odds as a 2012 presidential candidate defended Wednesday the decision to pick her as McCain's 2008 running mate.
Steve Schmidt, who was chief strategist for the Republican's campaign during the 2008 election, said choosing Palin - then a little-known Alaska governor - helped the GOP gain ground against the Democrats and Barack Obama.
"I believe to this day that had she not been picked as a vice presidential candidate, we would have never been ahead, not for one second, not for one minute, not for one hour, not for one day," Schmidt said during a speech at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
"Her candidacy excited the Republican Party," he added. "There was huge excitement that transformed the race."
Earlier this month, Schmidt said Palin's presidential candidacy could be "catastrophic" for Republicans in 2012.
Schmidt declined to elaborate on his criticism of Palin and instead praised her Wednesday as someone with "great talents" in politics.
McCain said Sunday that Palin remained a formidable force in the Republican Party despite the criticism and that tensions are to be expected among campaign officials during and after a tough election.
Palin stepped down as Alaska governor in July and her memoir is coming out in November.
Community Discussion
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No need to even bring her up, just let her drift away into obscurity. (where she belongs)
Her memoir is coming out in November. Almost makes it sound like she did something.
She did far more than you did, or ever will, ... a little juvenile who attacks her on a comment section of a miniscule paper.
What have you ever done that you can critique with such a supercilious tone?
Nothing.
McCain lost. That tells you what voters thought about Palin!
You can say Obama won but not that McCain lost. It did not really matter who ran on the Rep ticket they were assured to lose. After eight years of Bush even someone like Polosi could have won. Obama won in the cities and with younger voters. An the younger voters are the ones who have the most to lose from his one term in office. On the good side it should be one term as long as the Rep party can keep the nut jobs from running.
It wasn't so much Palin as the whole "I'm gonna turn my back on what I believe in an effort to appeal to the republican base" that sunk McCain's presidency. He should have been elected in 2000, but the party bosses told him to step aside in favor of Bush.
One of the few respected names in the GOP, now too old to run again
Enjoy the "memoirs" Ponderous.
A Rep or Dem cannot win by only appealing to thier base. If they did they would have no chance of being elected in a National Election. Independents deceide who becomes President and the reason they are Independents is they do not agree with either parties base the extremest's on the right and left.
McCain was the weak link in the 2008 election,..you can only agree with liberals to a point before becoming one of them. Remember the liberals loved McCain when he was a thorn in the side of the Republicans,...that is until he was running for president,..then he was a no good bastard that required defeat.
This,...boys and girls of all ages is why you do not compromise your ideals to a liberal agenda.
McCain would have never got my vote without Palin. How did McCain ever get to be the nominee?
The "new" Coca Cola,was a good idea too!(and Edsel)
Few wonder where Palin came up with her "death panel" concerns and most assume she made it up. I giver her more credit than that. Maybe, she heard something like this, from one of Obama's closest economic and labor advisors:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT7Y0TOBu...
It's true that Robert Reich is a nasty little weasal, but listen to what he just said. What he is saying is that a candidate cannot be honest about what "health care reform" truly means. He says that an honest president would tell you that the poor and middle class young will be paying for this and that "We're going to let you die."
Note how the audience applauds and cheers. This is emblamatic of the intellectual dishonesty of liberals and the contemporary "progressive movement". They don't elect their politicians based on a belief in honest values. They elect them to do the opposite of what they campaign for -- the Hidden Agenda. In the old USSR, this was known as The Big Lie.
This is emblamatic of the intellectual dishonesty
----------------------
Gosh, if anyone is an authority on intellectual dishonesty, it's you, Junior!
That's right, hOPm, I observe this weird phsychosis practically every time you post. Why don't you try to explain what Robert Reich was saying? Dare ya.
You are something else! He's mocking people like you, Prospector. And you know that. He's being satirical but you're going to try to twist it into some sort of Freeper conspiracy.
And is Reich a member of Obama's cabinet? Are you going for the 'guilt by association' angle, here? And all the 'hidden agenda' stuff? Right out of Freeperville. It just isn't working on normal Americans, Prospector.
I continue to expect more from you, Prospector. I don't know why, but I do.
Yeah, OP, what you just said. Bush lost and that proves Palin was a stupid choice for VP. Now the ignorant masses are using her as some kind of rallying cry. But now that Obama has ended Bush's recession and given us world peace their cries of victimhood are just sad.
Now lets fix global warming and health care.
RT world peace? What Planet are you living on, have you seen the news from Pakistan today or read about the man they arrested a few weeks ago in Colorado for planing to set bombs off in NYC.
On a brighter note: PALIN 2012!!!!!
One of Sarah's 'closest economic and labor advisers':
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7853/...
A little counterpoint for you, Junior. Republican Lindsey Graham gets teabagged:
http://crooksandliars.com/john-amato/lin...
Good times...
Palin was the main reason that McCain lost the election! Hey how about Rick Perry for prez! He's from TEXAS, that is reason enough!! SPEW!!! The republicans have huge bandages on their chins from all that tea bagging!! haha...This non-fishing makeup queen is NOT the "face of Alaska"!! And let's not forget her words at her QUITTING speech..." It is as throughout Alaska that big wild teeming along the road that is north to the future"....Sarah Palin.
How ludicrous to think that any of you know the exact reasons that McCain lost or the precise effect that Palin had on the election. Unless any of you have some Marvel/DC-like superpower to turn back time and travel into alternate dimensions to view the outcomes of decisions made differently, then it's nothing but a waste of your time to argue about it.
The problem in the 2008 election wasn't Sarah Palin. The problem was John McCain. If the Republicans want to win an election, they cannot offer Dem Lite.
MrAtWar: You clearly fail to comprehend the lack of purpose in all our lives here at newsminer.com.
Waste of our time? Who are you? "You don't know any better so just shut up and do as you're told and think what we tell you to think?" We will debate anything we wish.
You know it seems to me that there is a whole movement of people like you who are trying to rewrite history. Do you really think it's going to work? Do you think we're going to say "Gee, maybe my memory of those wonderful Bush years is wrong"? That's why McCain lost, republicans like you have worn out your welcome. You're bought and paid for and anything that comes out of your mouth has a real bad smell to it.
I thought I had a rare sighting of the TAC. Disappeared into the morning mist before I could get close enough to get a picture.
The reason he lost was because of his decision to choose her...she was a BAD CHOICE and the people of the US saw this as his flaw. To make decisions without thinking them through. Or taking other peoples advice, when it is wrong...
Your right TAC,...we love to denigrate her, it's lots of FUN!!
More fun...check out TYT.com!!
We have as much fun watching TYT.com as you guys do watching Rush!
Have a great day!!
Yeah, but how about that Megan McCain twitter pic she posted of herself last night, huh? Woo-hoo!
http://imgur.com/53Qr7.jpg
Sarah Palin 2012
My wife and I love to chuckle at the dumb comments about our next President of the United States,Sarah Palin.
TAC, I comprehend it, it was just an observation. You made me smile, though.
Kathleen: Yes. Waste of your time. I didn't say NOT to waste your time, if that's your thing, do it. Have fun. I'm not a Republican, not re-writing history or attempting to, and I brushed my teeth this morning. My breathe is minty fresh.
Look, I'm on no one's "side", because I like to be objective instead of being stuck into one of two corners. I stand by my statement, and dare you to prove it wrong. You won’t because you can’t, and that angers you. I really don’t care beyond the slightly twisted girly giggle I experienced deep inside from having incited such a reaction from you. And yes, the irony of even replying to such a ridiculous personal slander with so much misplaced "insight", or attempted insight, after the whole point was about wasting your time is not lost on me. I'm simply bored at the moment.
Obama threw the first pitch at the Allstar Game this summer= Cy Young Award.
Obama giving a speech at University of New Orleans right now. Here...I'll sum it up:
BO: I'm gunna...I'm Gunna...I'M GUNNA!
Crowd: Wooooooo!!!!
BO: I like to talk enthusiastically!
Crowd: Wooooooo!!!!
BO: I say pleasing words, and I won't quit saying them!
Crowd: Wooooooo!!!!
BO: Can you stick with me as I continue to say things?!?!
Crowd: YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!
Tugboat,
And why exactly was McCain a thorn in the Republican's side? Because he reached across the table to create legislation out of compromise (what our congress is supposed to do) or because he was against torture... having been on the receiving end of it?! I had/have a lot of respect for the man, and which party he is in has little to do with it.
I don't think he lost due to Palin, though that did shift things I felt she garnered more votes than she alienated. The black president vote motivated some people to get out and vote who otherwise wouldn't of, as did the Bush Presidency. The economic explosion and the "fundamentals of the economy" quote motivated a lot of people, as did the charisma and yes, hope that Obama brought. Personally I was intending to vote for him, but some of the points he campaigned on seemed so contrary to his nature... combined with how scary Palin was becoming influenced me to vote for Obama.
I cannot speak for everyone, just my own decisions.
Obama's Freak Show
My wife and I wonder how many of you do your homework on the obama's picks for czar's Starting with his pick for Safe Schools Kevin Jennings. The day of reckoning is coming and unfloding before our eyes while the citizens do nothing.What a sad day for America with Obama and his bad company for his pick for CZAR'S Sarah Palin 2012
useyourbrain - roadtrip was being sarcastic.
Too bad Mrs. Onetime can't think for herself. The Taliban is alive and well in Fairbanks.
truthinnews
My wife says with a handle such as truthinnews,just maybe you can research Obama's freak show of CZAR'S
truthinnews
My wife is my guiding light.
Actually given McCain's experience over Obama's, the voters would have overwhelmingly chosen McCain. It was his choice of Palin that led to his downfall. Look over the news and you will read McCain's jealous statements about Obama's popularity, especially after his diplomatic tour of Europe.
Yes, Obama was popular. But look at the things we were dealing with at the time - unemployment, recession, wars. When it came down to the final vote, voters would have chosen McCain hands down to lead us out of that.
But McCain was nervous and jealous of Obama and he chose Palin out of desperation. It turned a promising campaign into a laughing stock.
Plus he didn't do himself any favors when he suspended his campaign.
And Mr One Time - are you really delusional that Palin will be president in 2012? You really think that the good people of this country will elect a quitter as their leader?
It will NEVER happen.
And if Palin is the future of the Republican party, then the GOP is truly dead.
hOPm -- "Republican Lindsey Graham gets teabagged:...."
Really Yolanda, your sexual fantasies about Senator Graham should be kept to yourself.
BigRob -- "Palin was the main reason that McCain lost the election!"
Yep, that's right. It didn't have anything to do with Mr. Hopey-Changey. If not for Palin, McCain would have won the election?
After securing the Donk nomination, Obama ran his campaign against George W. Bush. Some of you may recall that Bush did not run against Obama. Nevertheless, some of you voted for Obama as a vote against Bush. Very much like the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
Strange world.
hOPm -- "He's mocking people like you, Prospector."
Reich gave that speech in September of 2007. That should change your perspective on its context. If not, I'm giving up on you, Yolanda.
writestuff, remember when McCain's ratings before he chose Sarah? he wouldn't have a chance. Bush ruined the party the last 8 years with the biggest government and spending in the history of the US. many republicans and independents turned their back on them. he chose Sarah and republicans were up by average of 3 percent before the stock market fell, then mccain's lead by 3 went to obama's lead by 4 and kept going up. so either way, republicans were doomed.
Writestuff
My wife and I would like to know about who he, obama picked for his CZAR'S? Since you've the Writestuff
writestuff said,
"And Mr One Time - are you really delusional that Palin will be president in 2012? You really think that the good people of this country will elect a quitter as their leader?"
We already did! George W. Bush quit most of the jobs he tried before going into politics :P
Mr_One_Time,
The use of CZARS began IIRC with Bush Sr. and the establishment of a Drug Czar. Most of them are not Czars, just advisers. It's not like they are given any power beyond the ear of the president. It's an extended cabinet basically. What are your panties in a twist over?
Isanova
My wife and I will be political correct for you,what about those new cabinet positions? Safe schools,Kevin Jennings and the rest of the new cabinet.Ugly backgrounds we must say.
Nevertheless, some of you voted for Obama as a vote against Bush. Very much like the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
--------------------
Aaaahhhh, yes, the ever popular Fox News-style "some say" defense.
And, hey, Junior! It's breast cancer awareness month! Can you go back to calling me 'Mammary Whine' for awhile? That was a good one! Hyuk, hyuk...
Obviously she was not a good choice as McCain lost....in other news did anyone see the daughter of McCain fiasco
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnew...
Nevertheless, some of you voted for Obama as a vote against Bush. Very much like the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
____________________________________________
And yes that is a simply terrible joke, I hope you don't get invited to dinner parties...ever
I voted for Obama because he has the kind of charisma that this country needs. There is no national or international problem that we can't solve with eloquent dialogue. And now that we actually have a president versed in the fine art of speaking problems will get solved. Yes, like the first lady, I too am finally proud of my country.
writestuff writes: "Actually given McCain's experience over Obama's, the voters would have overwhelmingly chosen McCain."
Honestly, I don't think the Republicans had a chance after Bush, writestuff. It was kind of like after Nixon. It's not that Carter won in '76, it's that Nixon lost. This despite the fact that he wasn't even on the ballot.
Congress went Democrat in a landslide as well. The country had it in for the Republicans last year, and the anger wasn't unwarranted. The gap between Republican message and Republican action was wider than the Milky Way.
Personally, I doubt even Reagan could have pulled '08 out for the Republicans. It was just that bad. But now that the Democrats have been given enough rope they're wasting no time wrapping it around their own necks.
Funny thing about pendulums. They keep swinging back and forth and back and forth and...
Funny but I don't see the Republicans doing anything now to make things better. They remind me of when my kids were young and they would throw a fit in the store. They made a lot of noise but it didn't help, didn't change anything or make a difference.
Those mean Democrats picked a black man to run for president. So us Republicans are picking a far right christian white woman to run for vice president. So there, a woman always stands behind her man,
I know that I always stand behind my man, Obama.
Jimp, the only thing we can do to those fit throwing little Rupublikids is to drag them out to the car and spank them, hard. Preferably while no one is watching.
Burp!
Maalox!
Sarah Palin 2012
My wife is right,Two fish swim into a concrete wall.The one turns to the other and says,"Dam!"Obama will not survive the tide will turn and a breath of fresh air SARAH PALIN 2012
Sarah Palin 2012
My wife is right,Two fish swim into a concrete wall.The one turns to the other and says,"Dam!"Obama will not survive, the tide will turn and a breath of fresh air SARAH PALIN 2012
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