Peggy Noonan, Mike Murphy Caught On Tape Disparaging Palin Choice: "Political Bullshit," "Gimmicky"

Update: Peggy Noonan addressed the open mic incident in the Wall Street Journal, and claimed that the "It's over" remark was not in reference to the McCain campaign but rather to the days when the Republican party could assume its base represented the mainstream American opinion:

When the segment was over and MSNBC was in commercial, Todd, Murphy and I continued our conversation, talking about the Palin choice overall. We were speaking informally, with some passion -- and into live mics. An audio tape of that conversation was sent, how or by whom I don't know, onto the internet. And within three hours I was receiving it from friends far and wide, asking me why I thought the McCain campaign is "over", as it says in the transcript of the conversation. Here I must plead some confusion. In our off-air conversation, I got on the subject of the leaders of the Republican party assuming, now, that whatever the base of the Republican party thinks is what America thinks. I made the case that this is no longer true, that party leaders seem to me stuck in the assumptions of 1988 and 1994, the assumptions that reigned when they were young and coming up. "The first lesson they learned is the one they remember," I said to Todd -- and I'm pretty certain that is a direct quote. But, I argued, that's over, those assumptions are yesterday, the party can no longer assume that its base is utterly in line with the thinking of the American people. And when I said, "It's over!" -- and I said it more than once -- that is what I was referring to. I am pretty certain that is exactly what Todd and Murphy understood I was referring to. In the truncated version of the conversation, on the Web, it appears I am saying the McCain campaign is over. I did not say it, and do not think it. In fact, at an on-the-record press symposium on the campaign on Monday, when all of those on the panel were pressed to predict who would win, I said that I didn't know, but that we just might find "This IS a country for old men." That is, McCain may well win. I do not think the campaign is over, I do not think this is settled, and did not suggest, back to the Todd-Murphy conversation, that "It's over."

Original Post: Wall Street Journal columnist and former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan and former John McCain adviser, Time columnist, and MSNBC contributor Mike Murphy were caught on tape disparaging John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate.

"It's over," Noonan said.

When Chuck Todd asked her if this was the most qualified woman the Republicans could nominate, Noonan responded, "The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political bullshit about narratives. Every time the Republicans do that, because that's not where they live and that's not what they're good at, they blow it."

Murphy characterized the choices as "cynical" and "gimmicky."

Watch (the dialogue in question starts 38 seconds in, full transcript is below the video):

Chuck Todd: Mike Murphy, lots of free advice, we'll see if Steve Schmidt and the boys were watching. We'll find out on your blackberry. Tonight voters will get their chance to hear from Sarah Palin and she will get the chance to show voters she's the right woman for the job Up next, one man who's already convinced and he'll us why Gov. Jon Huntsman. (cut away)

Peggy Noonan: Yeah.

Story continues below

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Mike Murphy: You know, because I come out of the blue swing state governor world: Engler, Whitman, Tommy Thompson, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush. I mean, these guys -- this is how you win a Texas race, just run it up. And it's not gonna work. And --

PN: It's over.

MM: Still McCain can give a version of the Lieberman speech to do himself some good.

CT: I also think the Palin pick is insulting to Kay Bailey Hutchinson, too.

PN: Saw Kay this morning.

CT: Yeah, she's never looked comfortable about this --

MM: They're all bummed out.

CT: Yeah, I mean is she really the most qualified woman they could have turned to?

PN: The most qualified? No! I think they went for this -- excuse me-- political bullshit about narratives --

CT: Yeah they went to a narrative.

MM: I totally agree.

PN: Every time the Republicans do that, because that's not where they live and it's not what they're good at, they blow it.

MM: You know what's really the worst thing about it? The greatness of McCain is no cynicism, and this is cynical.

CT: This is cynical, and as you called it, gimmicky.

MM: Yeah.

Comments

[Bluesplayer]

I haven't read all 6000 comments here, so I don't know if this has been addressed before now.

What is truly disappointing is Chuck Todd's role in all this. He is, apparently, content with the idea that his "guests" can lie when the cameras are on, but tell a different story when they're dark. WTF?

I've heard his wife is associated with the McCain campaign, so is that the reason? Or should I assume that he (and others) allow this with guests from the Dems' side, as well?

If you know someone is lying on the air, call them on it, for christ's sake. Isn't that the basic responsibility of your job? To present the public with the information we need to make democracy work the way it was designed? How about this - if they're lying, don't invite them back, but tell us why. What do you owe Peggy Noonan anyway?

I've been a true cynic since 1972, but this episode really bothers me, for all of the reasons mentioned in the comments I've read. I know that commentary is not the same as news, but I guess I always thought that the commentary was at least believed by the partisans who were spouting it.

[benchy]

I agree with you in many points, mainly on pressing for the truth. But guess what, this is the way news are today, and why we should not believe what we hear from some of the anchor people on TV these days. There are still a few good people in the media, but overall, we need to read, investigate and come to our own conclusions. Republicans go on about the liberal media boogie man, and they use the media to tell their sack of lies over and over. Democrats do the same, don't get me wrong, though I don't hear them moaning much about it. And I don't think it has anything to do with the "liberal media". The media in the US has lost its credibility long time ago. Very few people left in the business with any integrity. We sadly lost one of the best this year, Tim Russert.

[Deaninphilly]

Yes, it is done by both sides. Do you really think some of these people actually believe what comes out of their mouths all the time on these shows? I certainly don't.

[LHoney]

I agree completely! I thought the most interesting thing about all of this was that these two felt so comfortable saying what they really thought in a room full of "press" when they thought the mikes were off. Would LOVE to see the FCC come up with a ruling that if you call your organization "NEWS" then you MUST BE not for profit. These guys spin everything in order to get ratings. We haven't had news since Chronkite retired.....

[VictoriaV]

Comical - Cynics discussing what is cynical on live mics! My Mama told me if you don't want to eat your words - watch what you're serving up.

[Vote For America]

The GOP Senate set the Filibuster Record for a single session:

http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=21&ArticleName=Senate+GOP+Sets+Filibuster+Record

[NoPalinista]

The only problem with what was said is it wasn't said up-front!

[lifeisart]

Yes, and in an age where everything is allowed to comne out of the closet the truth is barred in politics...McCain is a twisted mess from his days held captive and his judgement is all focus on the military--fight, fight, fight!!! He is one scary mother---- and Palin is Cheney in Drag---with lipstick...but don't bring gender into it...Noonan is a political genious and she is dead-on right...it's bull and the media better stop playing this election so close---Obama is AHEAD deal with it and stop the BULL.... or the very large MOOSE may be "field dressed," how vulgar.

[Aby]

Why can't the media be real with us when they're on the air?

Why does there have to be an "Oops, the mute button wasn't working" moment?

[Aby]

Don't apologize Peggy. You were telling the truth.

[clicktex]

Wow, Peggy Noonan usually has it right... Not this time though.

[Tidyus]

Today Peggy wrote an article about how wonderful Sarah's speech was. She said the "lipstick" line was Bartlett quality. I like Peggy's writing too but I would like to tell her the "lipstick" has been used at least once in another convention political speech by a woman and the "News Flash for the reporters" has been used at least once before, I think by Ronald Reagan. Most of the speech was written for her and pretty contrived. She did a good delivery and she is a fireball. I wonder how long before she breaks out of the muzzle they have her in. No more newes conferences etc . And now she is being fed forign policy by Leiberman and two Israeli lobbies. Someone commented that this might mean that McCain is not going to change the current policy of outsourcing our forign policy to Israel.

[1independentthinker]

I couldnt' agree with Noonan and Murphy more. I'll just add two more words: TROPHY VEEP! Do you really think women are that stupid? Issues, please.

[emmaspeaks]

Interpretation is 9/10's of the law.

[OpenYourEyesToo]

Does this woman really think that the millions of people who listened to her comments are as stupid as to believe that she did not mean what she said? Caught on tape lady...too late!

[politisophical]

in Peggy Noonan's defense she is a lying sack of ****

[papasmif]

Sounds like somebody got ""FOXED""

[LaShon]

That's a good one.

[suryasource]

All of this hoo-ha just clarifies our off-mike, on-mike hypocrisy. Who cares that Peggy Noonan said that?? She speaks for many! All three were in concurrence on that topic and it is too bad it could not have been official "on-mike" opinion - choosing a different word besides "B*** S***" of course. I don't think Peggy Noonan was "caught" the way Jesse Jackson was caught - but he's known for sticking his foot in his mouth! There are a lot of people that think this was a gimmick and McCain is holding Palin out in front of him. She exudes energy that Mc Cain just doesn't have. She's got really compelling charisma (which I resist by staying on-topic regarding the environment, Roe v Wade, etc...) But - it was a strategic move that seemed to work, caught everybody off guard and created a big stir stealing thunder from Obama's big week. The media and both parties are scrambling while Sarah Palin smiles her way into the spot light. Peggy Noonan speaks for a lot of Republicans on the very strange veep selection. I'll bet Mitt Romney is thinking the same thing behind that super scary mask he wears!

[pmag88]

I don't think Peggy Noonan was "caught" the way Jesse Jackson was caught

Yeah, because your worst nightmare is that the double standard applied against dems during the run up to major elections might not hold up this time.

The people deserve to hear this on the MSM and it's only fair that everyone gets to hear it just like they got to hear Jesse Jackson, over and over and over again.

[plswakeupamerica]

I am disturbed by the media and their blatant flip flopping on the selection of Palin. I wish that all news media can be caught off guard like this. At least we would know what their actual thoughts are.
It is disgusting how the media feeds Americans "the" ideas, thoughts and opinions and people eat it up. Unable to look at the real picture. This lady is so obviously being used get the Hillary voter and any undecided voters out there. She is a pawn. And I feel so sad that people are going to be talked into this propaganda that they are trying to make us eat. Ms. Noonan opinion echo’s that of almost everyone when they heard the news of the VP choice by McCain. The shock and confused looks on Republicans and news casters faces was real and true. Now they are all back pedaling and it is a shame. It’s a real shame and I hope we do not fall for this blatant gimmick. Like some of us fell for "we got attacked by Bin Laden but we are going to attack and bring down Sadam Hussain.
Please Please wake up people the world is watch us.

[MrCleaveland]

So despite the quite detailed clarification that she gave, the HuffPost is still running the false headline.

Not that I'm surprised. This is in perfect keeping with this site's vicious smear attack on Sarah Palin, the worst such attack I have ever seen.

I thought you people were against the politics of personal destruction. Cripes, even Obama wants nothing to do with these smears. It just seem that every day this site sinks lower and lower into the sewer.

[Pollitrix]

Than you have not been watching the last 16 months.

[04trojan]

Amen

[honeyrilla]

Perhaps you should read the entire transcript of what the newscasters said. They were disparaging the Sarah Palin pick - they certainly were not endorsing it.

Peggy Noonan provided some additional information about perhaps other conversations they had "off-mic" that we didn't hear.

Tell me, exactly what do you think Mike Murphy was referring to whe he said "They're all bummed out."? Who do YOU think he meant was bummed out?

What do you think Peggy meant when she said that Sarah Palin was not the most qualified woman they could have chosen?

What do you think Chuck Todd meant when he said the Palin choice was "gimmicky"?

Do you think this was a conversation about their support and happiness with the choice? No, they are clearly lamenting this choice.

[gmlaster]

Oh no. This is no false headline and her so-called "clarification" was nothing but a pathetic attempt to tap dance her way out of lying and getting caught red-handed. This story actually WAS news because she'd been on the air not five seconds before painting a happy face on the very bullsh*t she disparaged a moment later when she thought her microphone wasn't on. Good on her. If she'd just done her job and told the truth as she saw it instead regurgitating Republican talking points, she wouldn't be wearing egg on her face now. Anything she says as a retraction now just makes her look even more guilty.

If anything, this smear on Palin came from members of her own party whose job it is apparently is NOT to give us any news or facts, but rather is to toe the party line and tell us what they think will make us vote the way they want. Shameful.

I think the site is fabulous. I LOVE IT. It's the one place I know I can come to find out what's really going on, rather than having to listen to CNN and the MSM tell me that rain is not really wet, when clearly I know it is. So if you want to hear more cheerleading for the moose-dressing mountain mom, go blog on Fox or the National Review. This is a left-leaning blog for left-leaning people.

Clearly you don't belong here.

[tbrash]

For her to call this 'political bullshit' and 'gimmicky' isn't that big of a deal...

As soon as Sarah Palin was announced I, and my Independent AND Republican friends knew it was exactly that too. Pandering to conservatives, and pandering to Hillary voters, though really it's unlikely she'll help there.

[honeyrilla]

The American people deserve better.