Palin's "White Flag Of Surrender" Line Falls Flat

Sarah Palin is touting the Surge, and America is apparently not that interested, according to CNN's reaction meter of Ohio uncommitted voters. Dial Line stays flat, flat, flat. Biden touts Obama's plan, the dial line shoots up. Especially at the idea of Iraqis taking responsibility. Women especially like the idea of the Iraqis spending their own money. Timetables get tepid support. Palin's accusation that Obama and Biden are waving the "white flag of surrender" sends the line plummeting.

Comments

[bison1]

Palin repeatedly attack Biden. He did not attack her. He remained a gentleman. If he would have pointed out her shortcomings it would have been seen as bullying, rather than merely calling attention to her lack of readiness. He was at a disadvantage.

[gladys46]

Well, he gave her what was "demanded" gender "deference" ... uh, until she went mommy dearest ... at that Joe snapped her ... He is a even better "MOM" than she is!! Joe rocked!!!

[Kwaayesnama]

What type of mother would have her children up at almost midnight?

[FirstShirt]

It is a debate, bison.

And you consider a man with 35 years experience at the national level and in the media at a disadvantage over a woman who discovered she would be the next VP a month ago?

[SlinkyTWF]

As it was, Biden refused to take the bait, making Palin look petty and somewhat foolish when she threw out the surrender flag comment, especially when she did it so awkwardly.

[Grunty1]

You cannot win an occupation, so the "White Flag of Surrender" was planted back in 2003 when Cheney invaded Iraq and let Osama bin Laden go scot-free.

[tammany]

I was a professional actor for 35 years, currently an acting teacher, and my assessment is that Palin has the chops of a non-union, SIx Flags Over Wasilla-level performer. She's a cute trained pony, but her act completely transparent, amateurish, not ready for the big time.

[gladys46]

You got it ! One trick pony ... Sarah "smile"!!!

[Vermontbaracker]

A one-trick pony with an apparent eye-twitch, also.

[WRPrintz]

As a former non-union performer, and past amusement park worker, who is now in software, I am (mildly) insulted at the comparison...and agree. This was a performance equal to any of the poorly acted, over sugared, pop filled, pseudo fun skits that are devised as family entertainment from Branson to Disney to Carnival Cruse.

My resentment stems not that I formerly played "Crazy Driver" or "Drunk Cowboy Boyfriend" in a PSA with the exact same level of "talent" possessed by Sarah (and more than a few that were not as good as her), but the fact that I became self aware enough to know my own abilities lied elsewhere...and most of my compatriots never did. If I had only been able to kid myself a bit more....I could be a Gov.

[karma004]

Today (10/03) is Barack and Michelle Obama's 16th wedding anniversary! Last night Joe Biden gave the Obama's the best anniversary gift he could by delivering the most eloquent, intelligent, straight forward VP debate in history. The rest of us can now offer the Obama's an awesome anniversary gift, too. If everyone reading this will send a $16.00 donation to the Obama campaign, it will show our nation and the world how much we look up to this couple as a role model for what a great marriage can be. Please pass this message on to all of your friends and let's strive to make today a record breaking day for contributions to the campaign, $16.00 at a time, in honor of Barack and Michelle!

[lucite]

I already give $16. If I were wealthy I would give $16,000. I so wish I could do more.

[FirstShirt]

Send it to George and Laura Bush for their long marriage and a wonderful family that has served the country as ambassadors, representatives, governors and presidents.

Or you can send it to the communty organizer.

[SlinkyTWF]

Yeah, I heard that W was looking to replenish the coffers a while back.

[LorettaSingbiel]

"Or you can send it to the communty organizer."

or the community he organized. But REPUBLICANS would sooner DROP DEAD then lend a helping "handout" to those in need.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!
HOPE and CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

[Jeff1958]

If you're going to call BHO a community organizer, can I call GWB an alcoholic? What exactly was Dubya doing in 1985, besides failing one oil company after another?

[UCSD101]

This was not a debate.

A debate is when people present their honest views and argue for them.

Sarah Palin has been interviewed and is clearly ignorent on many issues and extreamly right wing.

When interterviewed she makes many gaffs. What we saw in this 'debate' was a puppet, which voice and views were manipulated by professional politicos behind the scene.

This was a display not a debate. Much like an actor reading lines convincingly, but not speaking her own thoughts

The Republicans and McCain should wave the white flag on Palin.

[lucite]

You are so right. This was not a debate. This was about one person spitting out what she was told to say. Great showmanship and delivery I might add. Good job. Fox news could use a good spin doctor. Palin send them your resume so that Hannity can salivate every time you walk into the studio. If you really read between the lines O'Reilly is not buying into this Sarah Palin one bit.

[Horus45]

I agree.
She says a lot of words, but they have no meaning.

She is good at vomiting up nonstop talking points, but no substance.

[instagladiator]

Kind of like a Bill-O without the ranting & raving? Maybe when all of this is over, she will be able to land a job at Faux and be the Barbie of the North version of Bill-O?

[zzztttpp]

Governor Palin's "white flag of defeat line" didn't fall flat where I was sitting. Again, enthusiastic cheers from the gallery where I was. It only fell flat because many of the readers here wanted to imagine that it did so that they could come to this site and criticize it. At least there is transparency here-- that is, no attempt to hide preferences and feelings. You're honest in your feelings, even if they are misguided feelings based on misperceptions and wishful thinking.

[Grunty1]

It feel flat with CNN's group of indendents. That graph plunged whenever she used Bush talking points.

[LorettaSingbiel]

"whenever she used Bush talking points" she LINKED the past (BUSH) with the future (MCSAME)!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!
HOPE and CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

[txgal44]

You're just desperate. Don't lower you standards for anyone. Please. You know that lady is not qualified. Do you even know what the right thing is anymore? Geez. Get a grip.

[enlighteninglad]

LOL!

The sad part is, you really believe that tripe.

[wayoutleft]

don't get too worked up over the white flag of surrender. the only surrender involved is the surrender of the peace movement to the war. that's the only actually surrender involved here: the surrender of the anti-war democrats to gop ownership of the troops as a public relations asset. obama from the beginning knew he would have to remake his war position into being in afghanistan what george bush has been in iraq. so there's lots of time to talk about surrender. but there will never be even the slightest doubt that democrats will back ALL war and ALL capitalist exploitation in ALL situations.
'08 green: the party not using congress to take your money.

[rockyb26]

Please, please, please call or send an email to the MSM networks and tell them how disappointing their analysis has been!!!! They are treating us like we're idiots and dumbing down the qualifications necessary to hold the highest office in this land!!!

Let them know that we deserve better!

[ebanks84]

Totally agree.

[txgal44]

Serioulsy, since when does the media speak for us?

[booker52]

When Gov Palin spouted that line, well needless to say my husband's eyes went hard. He is a Viet Nam Vet. I have to hand it to Sen Biden he held his cool as well. That was a cheap shot and I wonder who in the McCain camp gave her that line to use?? I noticed when Gov Palin couldn't or wouldn't answer a question she would go to a talking point which for her was oil, for Sen McCain was the surge in Iraq. I score the debate, loser Gov Palin, winner Sen Biden.

[Rumba]

Well I guess the choice for America is now clear.
1.An old man born into privilege, whose life is littered with rash behaviour and erratic decisions, supported by a religious extremist with a severely padded resume.
or
2. A brilliant man from a broken family with remarkable skills to inspire others, supported by a highly knowledgeable seasoned senator.

[Princeton]

If America goes the way of McCain/Palin, Darwinism will be disproven since America would obviously have no interest in surviving.

[Rumba]

If Biden had said something like that to her he would have been dumped upon by the repugs.

[DrewRicketts]

No one will EVER explain victory or any definition from the McCain-Palin camp because that's what keeps Americans in the dark. She should have stayed away from any war-time talk. Instead, she tried to use another catch line (gotcha politics anyone?) to snag the American people out of the hold of reality.

http://www.blackplanet.com/news/article_comments.html?news_item_id=281777

[williamg]

Did Sarah Palin show that she is capable of handling the Presidency if need be?

Did Joe Biden show that he is capable of handling the Presidency if need be?

[BabsfromKansas]

NO

YES

[gladys46]

NO

A resounding YES !! Prologue is key. Biden!!!

[MsDoc]

Nope


Yup

[LorettaSingbiel]

It sounded as though she intends to handle the presidency from the VICE-PRESIDENT's level ... whatwith her "Palin/McCain" gaff, and "expanding the Vice President's executive privileges" talk.

Perhaps all that "talk" was designed to reassure the american people that SHE IS capable of handling the PRESIDENCY?

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!
HOPE and CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

[24hourrifle]

the idea that palin was "being herself" last night and "speaking to the american people" is wildly insulting to the american people.being herself?that would mean that she is actually some sort of frightening cross breed of betty boop and cletus the slack jawed yokel.i know people from small towns and virtually one of them act that way.and the ones that do do not run for public office.

[Blackhawk6]

I served in Somalia and Haiti and nearly Bosnia....I'd like to know what these folks are referring to when they mention victory? I was trained as an Airborne Infantry soldier and I was taught that there is no such thing as victory when people are dying around you. Certainly, we can promote "democracy" certainly we can attempt to choke off terrorist organizations, educate an impoverished people, and protect innocent citizens - but when nearly 5,000 American lives along with allies and even Iraqi lives are gone - where is the victory?

I have been one of the troops on the ground - and the "white flag of surrender" doesn't exist. There is only the mission - the operational order - the frag order - and the completion of the mission....there is only home or away from home...there is only LIFE or DEATH - - - and too many times life does not a victory make.

It's time to take America back from the double talk, and the non-answer. I have much respect for Gov Palin as a professional - but she does not answer questions posed to her, she does not have the depth to hold the position she aspires to. It is not a question of qualification. John McCain and Sarah Palin are not what this country needs right now.

Nothing could be more obvious.

[Punkynsnow]

Very eloquently put, thank you!

[kskj]

This is my biggest gripe with the Bush Admin. and the potential McCain admin.

We can't "spread" freedom and Democracy. The people of these countries must want it and actively participate for it to have a chance after we leave.

The Repubs don't understand why everyone doesn't love us. How would we feel if someone invaded our country, deposed our government and tried to instill the one they have? The ego of these men astounds me. No wonder so many around the world think we are the terrorists.

[LorettaSingbiel]

"How would we feel if someone invaded our country, deposed our government and tried to instill the one they have?"

I wouldn't feel "safe" if Palin/McCain "won" our White House, deposed our Constitution and tried to instill their Bible.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!
HOPE and CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

[scared-as-hell]

this is absolutely the most eloquent and relevant post regarding our continued involvement in iraq that i have read.

thank you for your service....and your well-earned take on victory vs. surrender.

[tbsykesopinion]

I really wish someone from their camp could see this message and hear your heart on the matter instead of throwing around opinions and objectives of only what they want to hear.

I believe many in the military feel the same way you do. That for the most part your only choice is to obey the command or disobey it. If more soldiers could speak out openly I think that many would agree with what you have said.

I want to personally thank your for your service to this country on my behalf. Whatever your reasons were for enlisting, ultimately you made the choice to serve and protect others. There is no higher honor and would alone cannot express the respect I have for you and other men and women of this country who made the same choice.

God Bless you and your family!!!

[mama jenna]

Thank you for your service.

You have a perspective on this that so many of us lack. We need to hear more voices like your's.

[LollieDotCom]

Let's remember who we are in this war, we're the bully. We're the school yard bully that goes and attacks the neighbor of the fringe that attacked us. Upon discovering that we attacked the wrong little country did we stop? Did we apologize and leave? No. That's a helluva bully.

Now what do we call victory? What's America's current definition? How many more innocent iraqis have to be murdered before we've satisfied our bloodlust? My boyfriend's grandson came home and after his second tour said he'd never go back, he'd kill himself first and that it didn't matter that suicide was an unforgivable sin, because he was already going to hell for the things he'd done over there.... they let him out on a section 8. Like he was crazy for not wanting to kill more people that had absolutely nothing to do with 911 or weapons of mass destruction of which by the way, no one has more of than we do.

Word to the wise, don't vote for blood thirsty bullies. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Obama/Biden 08
Obama/Biden 12

[LorettaSingbiel]

WELL SAID, LollieDotCom!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!
HOPE and CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

[highlyblessed]

Someone needs to explain victory. Because I want to know when we are leaving Iraq. I'm tired of U.S. money going overseas, whether it's a war or jobs. And why must we wave a white flag, most of America is tired of this war and would wave a white flag right now if it would get our troops home.

[LorettaSingbiel]

"Someone needs to explain victory."

"Victory" is that which is "just around the corner"?

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!
HOPE and CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!