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Being mayor doesn't prepare you to be V.P.
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When I was mayor of Normal in the 1970s, the town was five times bigger than Sarah Palin's Wasilla, Alaska, where she was mayor for six years. Believe me, my experience would not have prepared me to be a heartbeat away from the president.

I do not mean any disrespect to any mayor of a small town, but no matter how many years in office, it is no experience for helping run U.S. domestic and foreign policy as vice president - or, heaven forbid, becoming the president.

Palin becoming Alaska's governor is like moving up to be mayor of a bigger city. Alaska is less than 1 percent of the population of our nation and she has only been in office a year and a half. Illinois has 19 times as many people as Alaska.

The best I can say is that it is an insult to good Republican women with political experience and an insult to the electorate in general that John McCain thinks he can pass this woman off as anything but a joke of a candidate.

If McCain wants people to know him as a man of good judgment, not a befuddled old man, then he certainly missed by ``hiring'' an inexperienced person he hardly knows - met her twice.

In contrast, Barack Obama has 10 years as state legislator and 3½ on national and foreign policy issues as a senator - almost twice as many years, and at a higher level, than Palin.

Obama used good judgment in choosing for vice president a man who has even more years in the Senate than John McCain, thereby adding more knowledge and experience to the team of Obama-Biden.

Together, McCain and Palin do not equal the years of experience of Biden alone.

Carole A. Reitan

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Reader comments on this story - 122 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Townie here... wrote on Sep 21, 2008 8:13 PM:

" DK-then quit being an antagonizer! "Are you ladies willing to wait another 24 years for the opportunity, if you reject Governor Palin?"

Feminist answer--YES! "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 20, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Firm evidence? And exactly what evidence is that?

There are numerous reports in Alaskan newspapers as well as individuals who were on the city council not to mention statements by the librarian and others close to the situation. You need to read up on this. Again, Palin is a right wing zealot whose opinions are not in the mainstream and she lacks the experience and judgement to govern ANYTHING or ANYBODY. "

alexp wrote on Sep 20, 2008 4:02 PM:

" Republicans don't get it. Instead of bailing out big business and funding corporate exec golden parachutes we should be reducing every single-home owner's mortgage payment by 25%. That would put a lot of money in a lot of family's hands who could spend it month after month and finally save this economy. These one shot deals only prolong the pain that is going to eventually come... the next Great Depression. "

FollowTheConsitution wrote on Sep 20, 2008 3:11 PM:

" let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 20, 2008 10:56 AM:
" Palin tried to impose her personal literary standards on a public library. There is firm evidence that she wanated to ban books that she did not like, fired the librarian for resisting and then reinstated the official after a public outcry."

Firm evidence? And exactly what evidence is that? You mean the books that were mentioned she wanted banned years before those books were ever published??? LOL

The evidence proves this was all made up BS by the dems in an attempt to discredit her. Those dems must be pretty worried about her ever getting into Washington! They know she'll clean their corrupt clocks out after she gets in there! LOL "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 20, 2008 2:09 PM:

" Uhhh, President Bush is not a candidate for re-election. President Abraham Lincoln was the most hated and disrespected man in America for years. Ultimately, history was his advocate. He was deemed one of America's greatest Presidents....same will happen with G.W. Bush.

Dream on! The only was Georgie is designated a great president is if the poll is rigged. "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 20, 2008 10:56 AM:

" Palin tried to impose her personal literary standards on a public library. There is firm evidence that she wanated to ban books that she did not like, fired the librarian for resisting and then reinstated the official after a public outcry. Restricting intellectual freedom because of narrow minded attitudes or ideology is the first step toward totalitarianism. Dwight Eisenhower said in so many words, ban the book burners, instead go to the library and read every book you can get your hands on! One certainly does not sense that open minded philosophy from Palin. She is a narrow minded right wing zealot not a centrist. "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 20, 2008 10:22 AM:

" let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 20, 2008 2:00 AM: What we need in a president is excellent judgement and ethical behavior both of which Georgie Bush has demonstrated he lacks in great quantity. "

Uhhh, President Bush is not a candidate for re-election. President Abraham Lincoln was the most hated and disrespected man in America for years. Ultimately, history was his advocate. He was deemed one of America's greatest Presidents....same will happen with G.W. Bush. That is President Bush's fate and nothing you say or do can diminish his greatness. "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 20, 2008 10:11 AM:

" townie here... wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:56 PM: I'm going back to YOUR original point that gender or even perhaps color should make a vote.

Nope. Read my comments again; my comments reflect what I have observed; and what I have observed is sex and race factually make a difference to feminists and blacks, NOT that it SHOULD make a difference.

This lady, Governor Palin is highly respected by political leaders: "She's an instinctively effective candidate and with a compelling story," former President Clinton said in an interview with CNBC. "I think it was exciting to some that she was a woman," said Mr Clinton.

"I think she, I get why she's done so well. It's a mistake to underestimate her. She's got good intuitive skills. They're significant." "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 20, 2008 2:00 AM:

" The experience issue is way over valued. Lincoln was one of our greatest presidents and he had much less experience than Obama. What we need in a president is excellent judgement and ethical behavior both of which Georgie Bush has demonstrated he lacks in great quantity. "

townie here... wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:56 PM:

" DK says "I see your point, now. Obama has promised to rob Peter to pay Paul, so it doesn't matter to Paul what skin color Obama is"...no, that's what YOU say. I'm going back to YOUR original point that gender or even perhaps color should make a vote.

And yes, his platform IS better than Hilary's...though we like her too...we just like him MORE. Deal with it.

DANG! "

jj wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:04 PM:

" To Alexp: I'm not saying Palin is the best choice either. But the point of the letter was that Palin doesn't have the experience to be VP. I don't think Obama has the experience to be President either. "

Santo Fan wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:06 PM:

" In McDumb's first move as a potential executive......did he put country first? Nope. Think about it....he and his gaggle of campaign trolls did what they had to do...placed a candidate on the ticket for pure political purpose. They know as well as we do...that she is a heart beat away from the presidency and is in no way shape or form ready for such responsibility. But....in their minds, this was ok, because they care more about winning an election than protecting a country....hence the Palin pick. Bravo McDumb...Bravo. "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:12 PM:

" Townie here... wrote on Sep 19, 2008 5:15 PM: YES! That's what I'm saying! Race/Gender shouldn't matter...platform does! I guarantee Black people would still vote for Obama if he was white!

I see your point, now. Obama has promised to rob Peter to pay Paul, so it doesn't matter to Paul what skin color Obama is.

Also, you have convinced me that, as a feminist, you agree that Obama's platform was superior to Hillary Clinton's? "

Townie here... wrote on Sep 19, 2008 5:15 PM:

" To DK--you said, "Is that what you tell all the blacks (who support Obama by a nine to one margin)?

Is that what you tell all the disappointed feminists who backed Hillary?"

YES! That's what I'm saying! Race/Gender shouldn't matter...platform does! I guarantee Black people would still vote for Obama if he was white!

It's 2008...even I'm a feminist and I want you to get a grip for god's sake!! "

lindini wrote on Sep 19, 2008 2:16 PM:

" I hate to respond to what my heart tells me is a troll but I can't believe someone would suggest voting for a woman simply because she is a woman, particularly if that woman is utterly incompetent to be in that office. If I went to a job interview and said I had no idea what that job even entailed I assure you I would not be given it! A woman doing a terrible job in a position well over her head simply because her boss's friends likes her is hardly the image I want associated with my gender and its abilities. If anything that sounds like a plan an anti-feminist would cook up to keep women looking weak and foolish! Quite the accomplishment for women indeed. The right PERSON is important for job, not woman or man, black, white or otherwise. "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Townie here... wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:30 PM: " DK...you REALLY think Palin is better than Olympia Snowe?? Wow--good luck with that one. "


Snowe's a RINO, the second least conservative Republican in the Senate. She and Collins (and other Republican Senators) voted to acquit Clinton of committing perjury. I wish Snowe and the other Republicans I named would go the way of Jim Jeffords. They can not be trusted and only fit in properly with the Democrat Party.

When you look-up Trojan Horse in the dictionary, there's a picture of Susan Snow crawling out of the belly of a wooden horse in the middle of a Republican caucus.

You know there's something wrong with any Republican Senator when "Time" names her for a liberal award. Snowe's a RINO, the second least conservative Republican in the Senate, maybe first. Snow, Collins, some other Republicans and EVERY DEMOCRAT in the Senate voted to acquit Clinton for committing perjury.....only a crook would vote to acquit a crook. "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Townie here... wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:15 PM: " To DK--if you vote based on gender or race, we don't want your vote anyways. "

Is that what you tell all the blacks (who support Obama by a nine to one margin)?

Is that what you tell all the disappointed feminists who backed Hillary?

Seems like Sarah Palin expressed more gratitude for Hillary than you and the Democrat Party.

Shame on you for discarding Hillary so heartlessly. Obama was FAR, FAR ahead in this race until he did that. "

Townie here... wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:30 PM:

" DK...you REALLY think Palin is better than Olympia Snowe?? Wow--good luck with that one. "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:28 PM:

" alexp wrote on Sep 19, 2008 6:25 AM: " What is interesting is Palin made over $60k/yr as Mayor of that tiny hamlet. The Mayor of Bloomington, IL gets $12k/yr for a town of 74k. There is something wrong with this picture... "

Did you factor-in the perquisites for the mayor of Bloomington, IL? And, since you brought-up this subject, why would Obama spend $400 million to buy a job that pays $400 thousand a year? "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:05 PM:

" Townie here... wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:20 PM: I actually like McCain...but I wish he'd have picked someone more credible...like Olympia Snowe. Google her and tell me Palin's a better choice... "

I actually was going to stay at home and not vote this election, but then McCain chose Sarah and I could no longer resist voting against Obama, the most Liberal and unqualified (deadbeat) political candidate for President in the history of the United States.

I don't have to "Google" Olympia Snowe. I know quite well who she is. She's one major reason I stopped making campaign donations to the National Republican Party about 1998. The other reasons were Collins, Spectre, and Chafee. "

alexp wrote on Sep 19, 2008 6:30 AM:

" To: jj - GW Bush has been decimating our economy since he started. Obama most certainly could do a better job than GW Bush who is not JFK or Lincoln or Clinton or similar to any other great leaders this nation has had. GW is more like the Hoover of the Presidents except from now on it'll be known as "being Bushed" when someone has financial difficulty. And why was Palin earning over $60k/yr as Mayor of that tiny little village in Alaska when the Mayor of Bloomington earns $12k/yr and has a town of 74k people? More pork is all we get with McPalin. That's Republicans for you!! "

alexp wrote on Sep 19, 2008 6:25 AM:

" What is interesting is Palin made over $60k/yr as Mayor of that tiny hamlet. The Mayor of Bloomington, IL gets $12k/yr for a town of 74k. There is something wrong with this picture... "

jj wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:54 AM:

" BUT....

'From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.
That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.
After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. 143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is - a start. "

jj wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:54 AM:

" Here's a practical approach to viewing the Democrats' candidate. The first time I read this quote, I thought it was dangerously true. Then I really started pondering it and thought how would this apply to our own lives/careers? Let's look at it to see how absurd it is. You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager, or become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon. You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience. You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience. You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience. Continued... "

Townie here... wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:20 PM:

" To DK again...that's seriously one of the worst things I've heard you say. Based off of that, I could be McCain's running mate and you'd tell people to vote for me? I doubt it.

I actually like McCain...but I wish he'd have picked someone more credible...like Olympia Snowe. Google her and tell me Palin's a better choice... "

Townie here... wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:15 PM:

" To DK--if you vote based on gender or race, we don't want your vote anyways. "

DK61727 wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:27 AM:

" In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro was the first female Vice-Presidential candidate representing a major American political party (Democrat).

Twenty-four (24) years after Ferraro, Sarah Palin is the second female Vice-Presidential candidate representing a major American political party (Republican).

Are you ladies willing to wait another 24 years for the opportunity, if you reject Governor Palin? "

Geez! wrote on Sep 18, 2008 7:01 AM:

" And now Obama is trying again to pander to the Pro-Abortion crowd by "calling out McCain on Abortion", according to a Pantagraph headline.

Bragging that you want to torture and murder innocent babies as a part of your election platform is not the way to get votes from clear-thinking people.

"Vote for me, Obama - I will make sure you can keep killing your children for any reason!"

Nice. "

geezer wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:05 PM:

" Yup -- somethings never change -- The up and coming 'intitlement' folks who always think that they know it all - and anyone who disagrees or offers a different viewpoint is 'out to lunch' -- and those who have "Been there/Done that" and are considered 'out of touch'. There are some things that never change. I would suggest that those intitlement folks step up to the plate and actually give 4 to 6 years of dedicated time to this nation before wasting my time with their momentary 'lip service' on issues that affect this nation -- Talk is cheap -- try walking the talk for a change. "

bummer wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:15 PM:

" She has more experience being GOV of Alaska then NObama does of doing nothing except run for president while being senator. Beside compare the duties of a gov. and senator and you will find being gov resembles that of a president. "

Geez wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:30 PM:

" "kgabby" - To begin with, I neither neglect nor abuse my children. I also want them and love them as a parent more than they can possibly imagine.

I also teach them by example (I hope) that you treat others with respect at all times - regardless of whatever differences we may have with each other.

What do you want me to do, adopt every single child in every single orphanage across the globe? Impossible to do. I also can't finance everyone, either. I do what I can with what I have. I know that it will never be enough, but at least I try.

I could list the charities to which I donate time and/or money, but then others will likely play the, "what about x charity?" game. IOW, I could cure cancer today but some would complain that I didn't cure AIDS. There's no way to win that sort of game, so I don't play. "

titan sentinel wrote on Sep 16, 2008 4:51 PM:

" For those followers of Obama who believe he is the second coming -- Jesus was not a "community organizer." He came to share the Good News of salvation and heal the sick. Community organizers are concerned with the things of this world, sort of like the Pharisees now that I think about it. "

candy wrote on Sep 16, 2008 3:07 PM:

" And Being a community organizer and a senator for half a year prepares you to be President?? Wow. Interesting. "

Geez! wrote on Sep 16, 2008 6:54 AM:

" The US has the most liberal Abortion Laws on the planet. Any wonder why they are so low in health care and have such a high infant mortality rate? Japan has the lowest infant mortality rate and have much more restrictive abortion laws. "

kgabby714 wrote on Sep 16, 2008 6:41 AM:

" Geez! Then you get my respect for standing behind your pro-life values. Now, what can you do to help all the neglected, abused and unwanted chlidren in our country? "

excuseme wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:02 PM:

" ah DUH GEEZ...That is why we are rated 37th in Health Care in the WORLD!!!!!! "

excuseme wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:01 PM:

" Rush O'Riley ..ok..let's say she did not collect any per diem at all....she still spent 312 nights at her Wasilla home, some 600 miles to the north of the governor’s mansion in Juneau, records show.
So......I guess that is ok with you..provided you can harp on Blago!....She is a loser...just like the Repugs that are trying to clean up her soiled diapers. "

Geez! wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:53 PM:

" "Rational" - she was a beauty queen before she ran for mayor, which was before she ran for governor. You state that she was in contests while in office. On the other hand, Obama has spent more than half of his US Senate time running for another office. Was he elected to run for President, or perform his Senate duties?

According to the US Census Bureau 2007, the US infant mortality rate is 6.4 per 1000 births. The lowest is Japan with 3.2.

I agree with you in that the infant mortality rate is unacceptably high in the US. But what do you expect from a nation that allows abortion on demand? Since the pre-born baby isn't considered "human" or important enough by many, some mothers totally disregard the very important pre-natal care. The pre-natal care is the biggest factor in how babies will survive after being born.

And Obama effectively voted for the "live birth" abortion clause, meaning if a baby survived an abortion, the doctor can just let the baby alone on a table to die.

That also factors into the infant mortality rate. "

Rational Humanist wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:10 PM:

" Geez

Slaughter? Clearly you are not aware (probably choose not to be) the the US has an embarrassingly high infant mortality rate, This means in the number of US babies that will die AFTER being born, we suck. Tell us, what exactly have you done to aid and/or protect these real, live and unfortunate babies? Nothing? Big surprise not. You pro-life types all preach from one text, ignoring the real social problems all around you. "

Rational Humanist wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:03 PM:

" Rush O'Riley

Didn't look very far then, did you. In fact, in almost any village, town or city that has a City Manager, the Mayor is mostly there to look "pretty" at civic functions. In Palin's case, this part was just fine. They did however, have to bring in an administrator to handle the real work whilst she was busy being a beauty queen and running for higher office (Both on the taxpayers dime.). "

Rush O'Riley wrote on Sep 15, 2008 8:54 PM:

" Excuse ME: If you would actually do some fact finding instead of just spouting off at the mouth, Gov Palin,DID NOT take her perdiem when she was living at home, and all of the alleged wrong doing cooked up by you libs out there was well within the law, but opps I forgot, The liberal way is do as I say but not as I do. So next time you go spouting off at the mouth CHECK YOUR FACTS.. Whos afraid of the Sarah Palin? the LIberals "

Geez! wrote on Sep 15, 2008 7:24 PM:

" Emily - abortions to save the life of the mother have never been documented, so while it is fodder for discussion, it has no basis in reality. No, I do not believe that outlawing abortion will stop the slaughter, but doing absolutely nothing is not the way to go. Just because you can't save all of them, you shouldn't give up on saving as many as you can.

"kgabby" - you would be wrong. State-sanctioned murder is still murder. There are always times where I'd like to take the law into my own hands, but I never have.

It seems odd that all of those who are for the intentional torture and murder of innocent babies either before or during birth have already been born themselves. "

excuseme wrote on Sep 15, 2008 7:08 PM:

" Hey Sara and Blago do have a lot in common:
Since taking office in 2007, Ms. Palin has spent 312 nights at her Wasilla home, some 600 miles to the north of the governor’s mansion in Juneau, records show.

Where's Sarah?
During the last legislative session, some lawmakers became so frustrated with her absences that they took to wearing “Where’s Sarah?” pins.
Many politicians say they typically learn of her initiatives — and vetoes — from news releases. Oh and don't forget the per diem for working from home:) "

kgabby714 wrote on Sep 15, 2008 6:32 PM:

" Geez! You may be anti abortion but I'll bet you support Capital Punishment. "

Rush O'Riley wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Last I saw a Mayor actually had to make Real decisions. What kind of decisions does a Communiity orginizer have to make? What state to give William Ayres, a known terrorist, political assylum, or when to pardon Tony Resko a convicted felon. The only reason why the Dems are trying (and failing) to smear Sarah Palin is because she MORE qualified to be the president then lord Barrack the anointed one. Last I checked Barrack Obumer was running against John McCain, not Sarah Palin. STOP THE ONE SIDED MEDIA BIAS "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Sep 15, 2008 3:45 PM:

" TO: ALEXP

Feel lucky. If McCain-Palin win you will have 4-8 years of complaining left. If Obama wins you will have your man in office, but you might have to admit failure in the Messiah. Either way it's a win-win for you. "

alexp wrote on Sep 15, 2008 3:08 PM:

" Yeah, whats the Bush doctrine anyhow? And why should our VP candidate have to have any knowledge of it? Who wants more Republicans? They've ruined our economy and now everything is up a creek without a paddle. We'll be lucky we'll have anything left in our 401k plans when this fiasco is over. Anyone votes for McPalin is just kissing our economy good bye. "

smapdi wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:18 PM:

" Despite being poignant and precisely correct, your letter will fall on deaf ears, Carole. God himself couldn't wrest the Palin Kool-aid from anybody. That said, I actually LIKE the idea of a fish out of water making a preposterous leap into the White House (a scant 24 months ago MS Palin was roughly equivalent to CI's own mayor of Clinton. But suddenly she's Maggie Thatcher? That's preposterous. Ed Wollet for Vice President!) MS Palin might even be just the kind of curve-ball that really could rattle cages in Washington. But - that's not going to happen from the subjugated VP slot and it's that same brand of hypothetical power and ability that the GOP has tried to attribute to and ridicule in Obama - that they've said is vacuous/hype/celebrity/etc... I'm not sure which is funnier; how blatantly the GOP has hijacked the entire democratic strategy and made themselves into a walking contradiction or how completely lost the democrats are in dealing with the move. Ah, yes... our completely dysfunctional two party system making sure nothing EVER changes in Washington! "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:38 AM:

" HEY CAROLE:

Refresh my memory, when were you governor? "

Chicago wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:10 AM:

" I'm suprised the topic of her being an NRA supporter hasn't came up yet. There seems to be so many people against the use of guns on here. I'm betting if she gets in office she will change some of the gun laws. "

Noober wrote on Sep 15, 2008 8:30 AM:

" The more I hear the liberal left complain and try to persuade others that Palin is a bad choice for the VP, I more I like the decision. It's obvious that this choice is really getting to the demorats. I'm still voting 3rd party but I'm enjoying the show. "

Emily wrote on Sep 15, 2008 7:06 AM:

" Geez: Are you saying that you truly believe that if we outlaw abortion the slaughter will stop? nope. In fact by making abortion illegal you will be increasing the slaughter of life. Women will die on the table, of cancer, complications, the cost may go down when the risk goes up and there will be more and more women seeking them. What about the women who have a back alley abortion and already have 3 kids with no other parent and bleed to death as a result driving their three vital children to daycare. I think it's great that the anti-choice people are so perfect that they think that it's fair to make a design, that as Palin put it, "is a personal choice".
Women who chose abortion do chose life, just not the one you'd like them to live. Good thing we live in a free country...for now. "

Geez! wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:16 PM:

" Your $1000 contribution to the very left-wing organization, Emily's List (that will only support Pro-Abortion Democrat women in politics) is another indication of your way out of mainstream views. Supporting Mike Kelleher for Congress isn't a big deal, but again, shows your left-leaning ways.

The letter you wrote is just a symptom of your hatred towards a woman who would be Pro-Life and in a powerful position.

Maybe that's the crux of the matter - you are simply against anyone who stands up for the innocent babies so they will no longer be tortured and murdered just so someone won't be inconvenienced in their lifestyle.

I feel sorry for you. To carry such hatred so that babies can be slaughtered must be an overwhelming burden.

It has nothing to do with Palin, but everything to do with your Pro-Abortion stance.

Oh - and as far as what prepares someone for being a Vice President? The experience of actually being a Vice President. By your math, only previous Vice Presidents are allowed to be chosen. But then, what when they inevitably die out? "

The Cat wrote on Sep 14, 2008 8:23 PM:

" ktlin: Obummer’s “compassion” is accompanied with the usual “progressive” approach of using other people’s money and the elite “progressive” I-know-best-for-everyone attitude. That’s the marxist approach which his background and associations point to as his real “experience”. Crybaby: With Biden you get real experience: 36 years as an incoherent babbling buffoon who has been on the wrong side of the issues more than 90% of the time. Between the two you have “real” change; a throwback to the likes of Carter and LBJ. "

Geez! wrote on Sep 14, 2008 6:29 PM:

" Carole, thank you for once again posting the DNC Talking Points. Rudy Guliani was only a mayor, yet no one questions his credentials to run as President, not VP. Hmm...

Many mayors move on to become governor and / or President. Grover Cleveland was a mayor who became President.

Anyway, your bashing an honorable woman because she happens to be Republican is despicable.

What has Obama done, other than campaign and give speeches? In his current US Senatorial term, he has literally spent more time campaigning for President than performing the duties to which he was elected, effectively vacating his seat.

He wants change? Then why did he choose an old white man who has spent more than half his life in the Senate as his running mate? He can't help who he is, just as McCain cannot, but he can certainly choose his own future. His is "more of the same" while attempting to promote the opposite.

Yeah, you can depend upon Obama! "

let's be reasonable wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:17 AM:

" Greenspan, a lifelong Republican and longtime friend of McCain, said today on Bloomberg Television's ``Political Capital With Al Hunt'' that ``I'm not in favor of financing tax cuts with borrowed money.''

Which is exactly what has been happening for 16 years of republican administration under Georgie and Ronnie. Borrow money to save money. J.C. It is financial lunacy. No family would would manage finances this way. "

Bluedog wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:16 AM:

" In a McCain-Palin adminstration we can look forward to Mayor Koos and Stockton being in the cabinent . Now that is " local control " at its best ! "

lastcall wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:11 AM:

" So, being a mayor AND governor do not you qualified to be a VICE-president, but being a community organizer and a 4-year senator qualify you to be PRESIDENT? Wow. "

Home Plate wrote on Sep 6, 2008 11:50 PM:

" Carol, perhaps Sarah was a better mayor than you? Also, we have a governor that has been in office for nearly 6 years and his approval rating is about 60% less than Sarah's approval rating. Illinois is 19 times larger, which might prove that we are 19 times dumber than Alaska, since we elected Rod, Obama, Durbin, and Madigan. Oh, forgot Daley, since he runs half the state! I don't think Sarah has closed any prisons, state parks, or historical sites and laid off 400 family services employees to get her way. Or is that because Illinois has 19 times the problems? It may be that Illinois has only one problem and he is usually flying over your hometown every day! Sarah sold her plane. Your right, maybe she shouldn't be V.P., she might do more good as governor of Illinois. "

Anchor wrote on Sep 6, 2008 11:14 PM:

" Carole - I would argue with you Carole, if I thought you had the slightest idea what you were talking about. But I think it is clear to most reasonable people, based on your letter, you are not as smart as you think you are. "

Realist wrote on Sep 6, 2008 10:30 PM:

" to Excuseme: So, you must think the people in Illinois are complete idiots if you think the Obama-Biden-Laden ticket is going to win Illinois. You can thank your boy, Blago for that one. It's time for the people in Illinois to wake up and stop voting for liberal hippies, it comes back to bite you in the butt. Besides, Illinois or not, your boy is going to lose. See you in November.............. "

alexp wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:41 PM:

" Right on Carole! And not only that but Palin is a member of an organization that is trying to secede Alaska from the USA! Now she wants to be VP of the USA? Makes no sense. In addition, she is telling people that the Iraq war is a "task from God." So now we're on some crusade again? Not to mention the problems in her own family with alcohol and pregnancy. My guess is McCain got fed up with the conservatives saying he wasn't good enough so he picked a VP that would infuriate them. If they want the presidency for another 4 years they have to vote him and his white trash VP candidate with him. In some ways I admire his gumption sticking it to the man! "

excuseme wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:34 PM:

" realist...Good thing that your vote won't count in Illinois~! Along with all the other HS Diploma or less educated Grand Oil Party lovers. If you make 5 million and own more than 7 homes...vote for McInsane. "

Turner Joy wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:15 PM:

" Buckeye, you said that Obama "never was a law professor like he claims he was an assistant paid intern that graded papers and got the real profs. coffee and what not. ". From the University of Chicago Law School website: "From 1992 until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2004, Barack Obama served as a professor in the Law School. He was a Lecturer from 1992 to 1996. He was a Senior Lecturer from 1996 to 2004, during which time he taught three courses per year." I invite anyone to perform the same search on the University of Chicago Law school website. Let's stop the smears. "

aenonymous wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:59 PM:

" Carole A. Reitan... I agree that you are not and never have been ready to be a heartbeat away from any position of responsibility... Were you trying to make another point in there somewhere? "

Realist wrote on Sep 6, 2008 7:28 PM:

" As a Republican, I absolutely love this. The dummycrats are spending all their time comparing the republican VP candidate to their presidential candidate. The dumming of america continues. While their busy doing that, McCain is going to win the election. I love it, I can't wait to get the election over with! See you at the polls............ "

illini-dog wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:05 PM:

" Bigbrother; I have never heard bush get blamed for nafta but the truth of the matter is that nafta was a republican bill that never would have passed if 102 democrats would not have crossed the aisle. Their was 156 dems that voted against it along with 43 reps. but the 102 dems and 132 reps that voted for it was enough.I agree with you that the democrats have sold organized labor down the river ...they do not even try to pass the striker replace bill anymore but keep taking the unions money and making promises they don't even try to keep. "

buckeye wrote on Sep 6, 2008 5:45 PM:

" Obama tryed 0 cases as a civel rights lawyer , And never was a law professor like he claims he was an assistant paid intern that graded papers and got the real profs. coffee and what not. "

BigBrother wrote on Sep 6, 2008 4:38 PM:

" Illinidog: ... Watch this pen go back in the drawer and the big stamp that says VETO come out of the closet. The republican party could not garner enough votes to get NAFTA passed until the democrats decided to jump ship. Then Bill Clinton instead of VETOing the bill sold the American Laborers down the tubes. Millions of AMerican workers have lost thier jobs and millions more can't find decent work because of NAFTA. So the dems had thier part in killing the American dream for many families. A very large part, as in extremely huge part. So now we know how and who the question still remains why a party that lies to the people and claims to be all about American labor could stab the people in the back and claim they did not do it!!!!!!! They blame it on Bush and the republicans. The greatest of all democratic party lies!!! "

chubbyalaskagriz wrote on Sep 6, 2008 4:22 PM:

" I lived in Alaska for 13 years. Polictics in the distant and remote Last Frontier state is very different than most other states- very specialized. One would do better to think of Alaska less like a large state- and more like a small nation. "

chubbyalaskagriz wrote on Sep 6, 2008 4:19 PM:

" I am nothing but impressed with everything I've seen and heard of Gov. Sarah Palin so far, and I am not even by nature, a staunch Republican!

Obama? He can talk a blue-streak... and he's pretty. But that gets him a vote as Prom King- NOT president! He's got no substance.

Like Gov. Palin said- Obama is a man who at the yonug, young age of 47 has written TWO autobiographical memoirs. Sounds like HE thinks he's pretty important, if ya ask me.

I think the most exciting things about being president that Obama can imagine are sitting for an artist as they paint his oil portrait- and having his head sculpted and mounted up on Mt. Rushmore! This man don't wanna be president- he wants to be legend- an icon. He wants to be in history books. The oval office is just a side-benefit for him! "

mdorf4 wrote on Sep 6, 2008 3:53 PM:

" I can think of no better endorsement of Mrs. Palin than her state's approval rating. 80% is ridiculously high. That being said, you don't vote for the vice-president. It is Obama vs. McCain, period. "

mdorf4 wrote on Sep 6, 2008 3:47 PM:

" ktlin wrote, "Being president doesn't give you that much power." Well how can you blame Bush for everything that is wrong in your life? You can't have it both ways, you know. "

I am Squidward wrote on Sep 6, 2008 3:08 PM:

" Since we're at it... why don't we discuss how much foreign policy experience Bill Clinton had as the governor of lil' ole Arkansas... hmmmmm? I wonder if Reitan thinks Arkansas is a "joke?" "

illini-dog wrote on Sep 6, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Bigbrother; Nafta was a republican bill that clinton signed.The majority of democrats voted against it but 102 crossed the aisle to vote with republicans to get it passed. Ross Perot was right about that giant sucking sound. "

I am Squidward wrote on Sep 6, 2008 1:56 PM:

" Executive experience: Sarahcuda: 1, NoBama 0. "

setay wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Obama was also a Civil Rights Attorney, Taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago and was a State Senator before running for president.

Before Palin was mayor of a suburb she was a Sports newscaster and a PTA member.

If you're going to judge people by their first jobs out of college, you better dish it out equally.

It's Non-Profit work vs. Sports with Saracuda or Illinois State legislator vs. Resort town mayor. (I'm from the west, the local sales tax initiative that she promoted for Wasilla is commonly known as a resort tax) "

BigBrother wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:18 PM:

" Ktlin: I would ask you to stop and read about where millions of American jobs went and why. Bill Clinton and the democratic party signed NAFTA in to effect. The key factor is the democratic party!!! Since then company after company and millions of jobs have moved out of the US into foreign soils. Are you that blind that you can not see what the democratic party did to American jobs. They created the scenario to kill any opportunity for poverty stricken families to find good paying jobs. Millions of good paying jobs. Thanks to Bill and the democratic party. Nothing to do with Republicans, Bush or McCain. Clinton , William: president representing the democratic party. Millions of American jobs gone byebye!!!! "

BigBrother wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:05 PM:

" This is so funny it doesn't even deserve an answer! Carole Reitan comparing herself to Sarah Palin!!!!! The only thing in common is there gender!!!! "

albundy54 wrote on Sep 6, 2008 11:42 AM:

" Ktlin, at first I thought you were just like most left wing liberal lug nuts and were just mis-informed. However I have been reading your posts regularly and find that this is not the case with you. You Ktlin are a full blown liberal lunatic who would not hesitate to lie, cheat, or steal to see your socialistic agenda move forward. You are beyond reason (as many have tried and failed with you) so therefore I am hereby declaring you pathetic. Your posts will no longer even be taken as a joke, as you are not even good at projecting humor. You really need to get out into the world once in a while and see how things really are, instead of being a slave to moveon.org and Huffington Post. "

primmie 53 wrote on Sep 6, 2008 10:58 AM:

" First of all I have no dog in this race,but Gov. Palin seems to have a few more braincells than B.Hussein Obama. This man is so inept he says there are 57 or 58 states in these United States. The man left his senate seat and his constituents high and dry. What makes you think he won't leave this nation high and dry. Besides he's got too much baggage in Tony Rezko,Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers who are a racist, a terrorist,and a convicted criminal. "

The Cat wrote on Sep 6, 2008 10:34 AM:

" Not all of community activist Obummer’s brief time in the Senate has been wasted. Remember he and his older twin brother Biden (1st and 3rd most leftwing members of the Senate) are supporters of the Global Poverty Act that will transfer at least $850M of your hard earned tax dollars to “eradicate” poverty in the third world and transfer many of your constitutional rights to the UN. The bill has Obummer’s name attached as the main Senate architect. This should give everyone a good idea what would be in store for an Obummer dictatorship with a Donkey controlled legislative branch. For those of you Obummerites deluded enough to think he’ll give you tax cuts perhaps you should ask yourself who is going to pay for this big spending plan along with “universal healthcare”, “free” college for all, universal preschool, government provided 401ks, and all of his other promises. Business taxes get passed on to you and there aren’t enough “rich” to fund his spending trillions. “Hope and change” from a candidate who’s real experience as an “activist” period is hidden from view. "

ktlin wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:25 AM:

" To Annienap: Well if we are electing people on their personality as someone in the McCain camp said (shows how they think and what is important) don't you think Obama's personality is better than McCain's and Biden's is better than Palin's. We could talk about issues but McCain doesn't think they are important. Sad but true. Just on that Obama should win in a landslide. Where does McCain get these advisors? Saturday Night Live. They think high gas prices, the rise in unemployment and the loss of jobs is all in peoples heads and everyone is just whiners. Sounds like they have a really good handle on everything don't they?Not! "

grandpa999 wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:13 AM:

" Please add your Democrat friends to your Christmas list for a few rolls
of toilet tissue this year. They are spewing forth so much "dung" that
they will need all the tissue around to clean up their act. "

ktlin wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:57 AM:

" to BJR: Compare those present votes with the opinion of Mayor/Governor Palin. I included both since both are so important. Isn't it odd that she is running on a ticket on which McCain said he would not take anyone that was prochoice? Was she just saying she was prolife maybe. She thinks abortion is okay if the mother's life is in danger. And I believe that is why Obama voted present because of the complication of the bill and he didn't want to approve one thing while disapproving another which is how they do it in the Illinois senate. Remember that 3%. Are you saying he voted 97% of the time for worthless bills? And why isn't Sarah saying she is as prochoice as Obama? Some might not like it? I would guess that. The problem with Sarah is she is saying one thing loudly and the press is proving she feels/has felt the opposite rather recently. "

John Weaver wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:33 AM:

" Carole Reitan was probably the worst mayor ever of Normal. I'm voting for Sara. "

real american wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:27 AM:

" Obama only spent 143 days in the U.S. Senate before deciding to run for President. Obama has never had to make a difficult decisions concerning the military. While a State Senator Obama voted present over 130 times. Biden has been caught lying so many times during his time in the U.S. Senate, and the real story of the tragedy involving his 1st wifes' car accident is coming to light. McCain has shown that he is not afraid to stand up to anyone regardless of their political party association. McCain has spent his life defending our country. Palin is what everyone always says they want in Washington, a real ordinary person. Palin has actually been the Camander in Chief of a military unit. Palin is on record of rooting out anyone who uses their political authority to do harm to the people they are supposed to represent. Do yourslef, your children, and your country a favor in Novemeber. Keep socialism out of the White House and VOTE MCCAIN/PALIN!!!!!! "

twentytwo wrote on Sep 6, 2008 6:13 AM:

" Ms. Reitan, the real question is, what did you ever do to become mayor, and when in office, what did you ever do to come close to Palin's accomplishments? What other STATE office did you ever hold? It appears you would have been best to keep your opinion to yourself... "

Annienap wrote on Sep 6, 2008 1:41 AM:

" Seems to me that being a mayor prepares a person far more than a community organizer does and I am not blasting community organizers who are very valuable people in our country. I would much rather have a former mayor who actually has ACCOMPLISHED things as the second in line to lead our country as to have someone who has accomplished so little. We need someone who has proven she can do things and complete things; not someone who does a little of this and a little of that and accomplishes very little if anything at all except the ability to talk. "

TruthPresenter wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:45 PM:

" First Ms. Reitan, get the number of years correct, 1997-2005 is not ten years. Second, the global economy has changed, your administration in the 1970s could not have handled the same type of situations that are handled today, in a big or small town. So your frame of reference is completely off base. Third, to the person who said how Ms. Palin got her start, look at the men who helped finance Obama's early years, Tony Rezko-convicted and Bill Ayers-man who was a U.S. terrorist. Ms. Palin started in politics before Obama did, check the facts! "

iknowit wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:40 PM:

" I agree with Wat Tyler's comments. Also, I would suggest that Carole, who is old, should probably rethink her "befuddled old man" comment or else risk being labeled "ageist." (PC liberals hate being labeled themselves!). And, Carole, don't even pretend that you would have supported McCain even if he had picked Hillary Clinton or someone similar as a running mate. Tell the truth and say you don't agree with their philosophies but don't inuslt us with excuses. Experience is relative. As others have pointed out, Obama has basically none and 2 of his 3 1/2 years in the Senate have been spent running for President. "

usaeagle wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:36 PM:

" senator Obama has governed no one but himself. He has never governed, period, Carole was a terrible mayor and was not reelected which tells you something right there. Obama cannot even produce an American Birth Certificate which is constitutionally mandated to be President. "

topgal wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:36 PM:

" Carole Reitan, not all former mayors and current governors can be presidential material....but THIS gal can! I am a registered voting Republican woman and very successful, I own my own business, have 2 teenaged boys, am very active in the community, church and local government and will be voting for the McCain/Palin ticket. WHY? Because Barak Hussein Obama scares me! Sarah Palin has done more as mayor of her town & governor of the State of Alaska in the "short" period of time she has been in service to her constituents than BO has in 12 years!! I've gone over his record with a fine tooth comb and I am sad to say that there is not 1 piece of significant piece of legislation, act of significant "change or reform" that the Senator from Illinois has done. And take a GOOD look at his so-called "community organizer" record and then show me facts & figures on what the man has truely accomplished. I think Mayor Guiliani said it best "nothing, nada". "

workingclasshero wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:17 PM:

" we need to stop all this being governor qualifies you to be president stuff before blago gets any ideas. his head is big enough as is. "

albundy54 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Carole your administration was a joke. You were a disgrace to be mayor of a college town of students who voted you in and only lived here 8 months out of the year. You are an embarrassment to the citizens you served and thank god your tenure was short lived. Now I dare the Pantagraph to print this, as when Carol writes a letter the censors hardly allow any criticism of her service as mayor to be allowed. "

pseudo-intellectual wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:16 PM:

" At least one thing is certain- can you imagine how boring the Republican Convention would have been if Mrs. Palin had not been chosen as McCain's VP? For good or bad (for both candidates) she has changed everything. Look for the polls to flop like a fish on the line. "

gnjaxon wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:05 PM:

" mrw and any others - Sarah Palin secured $27 million in earmarks by hiring a lobbiest, Steven W. Silver, while mayor of Wasilla for "pet projects". Silver was successful because he was Ted Stevens former chief of staff. Tell me why a town of 5,700 needs $27 million in pet projects when Boise, ID gets significantly less than that. Something smells and I doubt it is Sarah's perfume. Coincidently it was Ted Stevens who got her started in politics as part of his 527 group in Alaska. This is the same Ted Stevens that was indicted for political corruption. Palin is just as corrupt but gets away with it becasue no one thinks a hockey mom is capable of such things. "

mrw wrote on Sep 5, 2008 12:58 PM:

" I don't think Palin has a lot of experience, but what she has shows she is a leader and has the constitiuents interest at heart not a folloower implementing pet projects like a mayor whose most noteworthy accomplishment was to bring booze to Normal as a tax bonanza. Where is all that money. To those that buy the 130 votes missed by as Obama because "they were important issues" I see a baby that says my way or no way not a team player that can negotiate with foreign leaders or congress. Obama is floundering because he is moved past the Rezkos of Illinois politics and has no one to tell him what to do anymore. "

PHD wrote on Sep 5, 2008 12:41 PM:

" I'm not concerned about Palin's lack of experience; I think she's a real "go-getter" and pretty sharp to have accomplished what she has to date. I AM concerned about her abuse of power while in office (see Alaska newspapers and TV stations for reports about firing of commissioner and attempted firing of librarian), as well as her anti-abortion, fundamentalist stance on issues important to me as a woman, wife, mother, Christian, and nurse. "

voa wrote on Sep 5, 2008 12:31 PM:

" And if this election were about experience, wouldn't Hillary be the nominee? Apparently experience DOES NOT MATTER. Get over it folks. The democrats picked Obama, a complete flip-flopping, wait-and-see what every one else is saying and then repeat after whoever sounds the most intellegent, rookie. In an election that would have been a landslide victory for ANY solid democrat after the Bush years, it is now a dead heat. Remarkable. The democrats are so bent on being PC and putting a minority figure at the helm, OR are so blown away by the revival-type speech of Mr. Obama, they might just end up empty handed. "

voa wrote on Sep 5, 2008 12:14 PM:

" Mr. Obama and his cronies are concerned about Palin's experience. Hillary has got to be loving this! "

Wat Tyler wrote on Sep 5, 2008 12:00 PM:

" The fatal flaw in Carole Reitan's argument is that she assumes that Govenor Palin's defining moment was being mayor. While that is or was the high water mark for many lessor politicians, it can be assumed from Mrs. Palins resume that being mayor was a stepping stone to greater things. The democrats want to define Govenor Palin as Mayor Palin, minimizing her greater achievements and greater potential. The strategy appears to be a coordinated effort, and I would bet that across the country many other former democrat mayors have been pressed into service to perpetuate this particularly base canard. But you have to sak yourself, if these guys think Gov. Palin doesn't have enough experience to be Vice President, what makes them confident that Obama, whose, resume is even lighter, has enough experience for the big job? "

BJR wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:56 AM:

" Ktlin, oh, the kool-aid continue to drinkith. Those 130+ present votes were on serious issues. He just didn't want to offend who was sending him money or who might help catapult his political career. You guys just don't get it. He is just another politician. Obamanomics have not worked for IL, how will they work for the U.S.? "

pseudo-intellectual wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Former Mayor Reitan's comments are absurd. There is no comparison between the duties of a mayor of a village like Normal and those of a governor of any state. As for Obama's qualifications, how can anyone claim that a few years sitting in the Illinois State Senate and U.S. Senate amounts to more than a hill of beans? We all know that our elected officials spend about 3 days a week on the job, and who knows if they're really doing anything? A governor is responsible for a multitude of activities every day. "

Crybaby wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:28 AM:

" Let’s see what type of ‘experience’ is required. Using Condi Rice as an example. Great Pianist. Studied Russia and the Cold War. Poised, intelligent, disciplined, charming, compliant and, above all, lucky enough to be introduced to a succession of powerful men. Gerhard Casper, Stanford U. President, who made her Provost. George Schultz. Who introduced her to the chairman of Chevron Oil. Who made her a Board member. And named a Tanker after her. Then :a Board membership with Transamerica Insurance, Hewlett-Packard, and the Charles Schwab Corporation. Then, an introduction to Brent Scowcroft. Whose influence brought her into the White House. Which led to sharing many quiet family evenings with George and Laura Bush on Wyoming vacations. Which, naturally, led to her being appointed National Security Adviser. Awesome: just in time for 911. If your idea of ‘experience’ is based more on ‘who’ rather than ‘what’ you know, Sarah is a good choice. She's Lovable. And Lucky. And can read a teleprompter. And, most importantly, has learned that, if you play by the rules and do as you’re told, you get the keys to the City. And you won’t even be expected to play the piano. "

Lighthouse wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:56 AM:

" It's really interesting how the liberal comments only talk about Palin serving as a mayor and never mention her service as governor. That's right, Mary Ryan, (other negative Palin letter) we women are NOT stupid. "

petera wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:44 AM:

" The selection of Mrs. Palin was like 9/11 to the liberal-progressives--they desperately wanted it to be the day before the nomination or the planes flying into the Towers, a time when they were in lib eden. Mrs. Palin demonstrates what the progressive cannot tolerate, that people aren't totally in agreement that Bush is evil, Obama is a saint and savior, and that women's place is in the home if she is a conservative, moose-dressing woman. Before Mrs. Palin's selection, all women had a role to play, as long as it was a liberal-progressive-socialist role and she had 1.5 children and her husband was Oprahfied. Now post nine-eleven is upon all progressive thinkers--the blogs make that clear. They've been slapped in the chops by a genuine woman, not a manufactured slogan spouter. Remember Clarence Thomas and the hate spewed against him for his conservatism? Wait until the progressive media and the hate-bloggers go full-throttle against Mrs. Palin. That should be worth a million or more votes from Americans who hate bullies with the power of anonymity. "

3838 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:34 AM:

" carole, thank you for the informed opinion of the x mayor if podunkville, or is it uptownville. appears you have been blinded by the gloss of rockstar obama, who has been running for election on my tax dollar and done nothing. at least your article had no typos. "

Boston wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Carole, I am a woman with a doctorate who was a full professor at Illinois State for 30 years. Yes, I will be voting for McCain-Palin in November. The women's movement which I supported all of my professional career only wants a woman if she fits the liberal agenda. Your letter is both sexist and ageist. "

tripper wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:54 AM:

" Closing my eyes, forgetting the Democrat/Republican labels, I would have to say Palin lacks experience. "

ktlin wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:25 AM:

" to BJR: Please look at all the facts. You keep saying he voted present 120+ times but that is only .03 of the time. He had ap 3,880 other votes. Talk about getting an A and someone trying to pass it off as an F. He voted 97% of the time. Most people do not achieve 97% ever. McCain has been running for president at least 10 years and he has been absent much of that time in the Senate. Someone recently said if an important vote came up he would have to go off the campaign trail to go vote. Why isn't he paying attention to every vote anyway. He could have a staff member do that. To have to go off the campaign trail seems extreme to me. Why do these same old not important arguments keep coming up anyway? "

ktlin wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:18 AM:

" to OGS: How do you know Obama (Or Palin for that matter) does not have compassion for people. Look at what they have done all their lives. Obama's life encompasses compassion for people. He worked as a community organizer to help people although McCain et al denigrates that, he was a civil rights lawyer, and he has tried to help people in the senates. What do you think Obama's life is about? Power? I bet if he had wanted only power he could have wiggled and rangled himself up to be a Supreme Court Justice and that would indeed be power. Being president doesn't give you that much power. Look at Carter and Clinton. Power. No. Recognition Yes. Respect? I fully believe that Obama is running for president to make a difference in people's lives. McCain is running because he has outlasted every one else. Nowhere have I heard mention compassion for people except fellow POWS. I believe he really doesn't know most people's situation. He has never lived in our world. "

Meh wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:09 AM:

" BJR, you're right, if Palin were a liberal, I'd have no problem with her. I would have happily voted for Clinton because **gasp** she's a liberal. Not everyone wants a creationist pro-lifer fundamentalist type, you know. "

thoughts a million wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Bush's only experience was two terms as govenor of Texas. Look where his experience has taken us! Oh....yeah...... well........ "

Two Cents wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Carole: Are you kidding me??? Sarah Palin is being criticized for lack of experience, when Obama is running for PRESIDENT with even less experience than she? What has he actually DONE? Yes, he is a Senator....but what has he actually presented or implemented as far a change? He seems to be real big on talking about change. But again, what has he DONE? Sarah Palin has been a doer, not a talker. "

BJR wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Wow, chugging the kool-aid much? If Palin were a liberal female, you would all be singing to the Heavens. As far as Obambi's experience...by his own admission he has been campaigning for 20 months. That means he was in the U.S. senate for approx. 20 months. Also, while in the IL Senate, he voted present 130+ times. How is that experience?? As far as AK goes. They contain 20% of our domestic energy supply and is surrounded by Canada and Russia. They are kinda out there by themselves. If I were this letter writer, I would educate myself first, then write a letter in. "

Marian wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Ms. Reitan was never a governor, let alone one who fought and won over the corrupt individuals in her own party. "

mel wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:43 AM:

" Yet another letter accusing Sarah Palin of the unforgiveable sin -- Running While Republican. "

member10501 wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:37 AM:

" MMMMMMMMMMMMMM must be a democrat!!!!!! Unfortunately, Biden is running as VP not President. Obama has been calling for change, but exactly what change is really going to happen. Unfortunately, I am not sure that either party has what they need to make a change that will really help our country. All we can do is cross our fingers that which ever makes it into office will do what our country needs to keep going and being a great and productive country. "

buckeye wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:34 AM:

" Obama has never had a position where he was the decider as we know the president is the decider , he makes the final decision. When give the opertunity to decide Obama dodges responsibility and votes present or doesent even show up. Its true being mayor isnt the only qualification you need but it sure helps build the experance you need . It seems that all her critics want to talk about is Alaskas population not its size as it is our largest state. Mutch larger than arkansas where being governer qualified Clinton . And they seem to forget that Alaska has an econemy that equals 1/6 of the other 49 states, has a budget surplus , and provides much of our energy. Obama and Biden have never met a payroll , balanced a budget , commanded a troop ,all just a day at the office to sara. Bill clinton , Ron Regan, are proof being governer doesent qualify you for VP it qualifys you for PRESIDENT . GO SARA !!!!! "

V.P. wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:00 AM:

" Hmmm . . . Carole Reitan, against Sarah Palin? What a surprise, unless you google her name. ( And make sure you drop the e,) It is so funny to hear an Obama person actually criticize someone for lack of experience. Don't forget this about your candidate; Obama has not accomplished ONE thing in his VERY SHORT political carreer. There is no legisaltion with his name on it, he comes from a city that wrote the book on corrupt politics and continues to revise it, and is a man who changes his opinion based on where he is that day. He can deliver a good speech period.
What I find most offensive, is Carole A. Reitan's attempt to stand-up for Republican Women by saying they should be offended, like you are one of them. Stick to your party and let the Democratic qualified women know when they should be offended. Please don't try and move up to Republican.
Also, maybe you weren't as good a mayor as Mrs. Palin, or you wouldn't have stopped there. "

OGS wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:06 AM:

" Why does experience matter? Look what experience has gotten us. An economy that is spiraling out of control and warmongering. Loss of good paying industrial jobs and broken promises of retraining for technical jobs that never materialized. White collar crime that is hardly punished. Special interests and lobbyists that call the shots with no regard for We The People. An utter disregard for the Constitutional Oath of Office. Wars with the threat of our country launching pre-emptive nuclear strikes! Massive security failure on 9/11. The dismantling of our Constitution. Any of my neighbors with no experience could do a better job as President that either Obama/Biden or McCain/Pallin, because they have compassion for people and do not pander to special interests. EXPERIENCE IS THE LAST THING WE NEED FROM THESE PEOPLE! Review their past votes and affiliations. It is enough to make you sick that these are the candidates representing the two major parties. "
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