All My Children Discussion Group -- Palin Speech

All My Children Discussion Group

Topic: Palin Speech - Victory in Sight?

Topic Posted by: donna
Date Posted: Wed Sep 3 22:39:25 2008
Additional Comments:

I'm watching Palin's speech and am confused... While talking about the War in Iraq, she said, "Victory is in Sight".

Victory for which side???

(Also, why in the world would she bring her 4 month old baby to the Convention?)

Posted by: donna
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 17:43:39 2008
Message:

Perhaps I wasn't clear in my comment about the baby being there during Palin's speech.

I understand why the other children were there - it was a huge event in their family's life and it's something they would never forget... but the baby will never remember anything about it. So why put him through all of that noise and lights for that long? Thousands of people yelling and cheering and clapping - this what I was concerned about.

I would say it if this was a Baby Repub or Baby Dem. Doesn't matter. If he had been brought out on the stage at the end with the rest of the family, it would have been for only a handful of minutes.

Posted by: abra
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 16:27:57 2008
Message:
Do you honestly think the Republican party wouldn't welcome people of color? Do you think as Vivian wrote they would make them sit at the back of the auditorium? C'mon, I am thrilled every time I see an African American or a Hispanic in the audience. I mentally applaud, because I know they GET it. I hope that in the coming years many more of them will GET it. - abra

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Oh my, YES! When will those people GET it? // Scarlett

abra, that was a tongue in cheek statement, but it certainly did look like it was out of the 1950’s. It really looks strange that there is no diversity there…not any. There have been lots of commentaries written about it in the last couple days. You just never see that anymore, except there. Maybe the other ethnic groups didn’t feel welcome. In fact, that’s what a couple of them said on Larry King. / Vivian

Posted by: Midge
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 15:08:10 2008
Message:
This is to follow up on Donna's post below about the "sea of white". Here is a c&p from the Washington Post. This is merely a fact, only 36 of the 2,380 delegates are black.

By Eli Saslow and Robert Barnes
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, September 4, 2008; Page A01

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 3 -- Organizers conceived of this convention as a means to inspire, but some African American Republicans have found the Xcel Energy Center depressing this week. Everywhere they look, they see evidence of what they consider one of their party's biggest shortcomings.

As the country rapidly diversifies, Republicans are presenting a convention that is almost entirely white.

Only 36 of the 2,380 delegates seated on the convention floor are black, the lowest number since the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies began tracking diversity at political conventions 40 years ago. Each night, the overwhelmingly white audience watches a series of white politicians step to the lectern -- a visual reminder that no black Republican has served as a governor, U.S. senator or U.S. House member in the past six years.

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Yes, I’ve seen this written every place, and yet Donna was accused last night of being racist for stating it. / Vivian

Thank you for posting. As I wrote before, I wasn't sitting by the TV, counting the colors of people's faces. It took me awhile to notice the nearly all white audience. It didn't mean I was being racist by noting it... but I do think it says alot about the Repub party that it doesn't seem to speak to people of color. eom/donna

For me though, I don't think color should be an issue. eom- Jamie

Posted by: King of Pain
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 14:39:50 2008
Message:
I thought she did a good job reading the speech that was obviously written by a team of GOP operatives. There were so many lies, I couldn't believe it. She said "Yes" to the bridge to nowhere before she said no and then kept the federal tax dollars for it. She drove her poduck town to its largest deficit ever when she was mayor, and this constant chant that Obama will raise taxes when he has said the opposite. Actually, Obama's plan to CUT capital gains taxes for small business owners would help her gas station owning sister.

The worst thing was how she ridiculed community organizers (previoulsy known as "a thousand points of light" under Bush, Sr.). Those community organizers are the ones who fought for the rights of parents of disabled children.

Hopefully, Americans are too smart to buy the Republican lies again.

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I thought the same thing about the digs at community organizing. That's an insult to all people who work or volunteer for their community as well as the people who benefit from such work. What a stupid thing to say. I don't know how true it is, but I read that the speech had already been drafted before Palin was selected and all they had to do was edit in the parts specific to her. ~i&b

She slashed Special Needs Education funds by 62%. Midge

I read the same thing about the speech. They just worked with her to tweak if to fit her. Then they spent hours with her rehearsing it. That’s why reporters want to interview her, but McCain spokespeople say she’s off limits. They’re going to be tutoring her for the debates from now until then. I think they had it planned all along to attack the media as a smoke screen, so they can use that for keeping her away from them. It was not the media that was making so much of her personal life. It was the bloggers, and they knew that. They’re very calculating. / Vivian

KOP - unfortunately, we thought Americans were ''too smart'' in the past but they still voted for Bush ... twice !! ~mrsk

Posted by: Eve
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 9:58:56 2008
Message:

A thought on the baby -- I don't remember a major candidate ever having a child so little while running for office so really don't know what could have been done differently other than to bring the little guy along all night. It's kinda one of those things that will be picked apart no matter what.

I can remember candidates having baby grandchildren brought on when all the extended family gathers at the end of big speeches. When Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker of the house her many young grandchildren ran all over the stage. I think one even sat in the big chair, lol.

I am still an independent undecided voter at this point, but if I don't vote McCain-Palin, it won't be because of a DS child or a pregnant teen. These are issues many families deal with all the time.

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I meant to add that Joe Biden had a horrible tragedy when his first wife and daughter were killed and 2 little sons were injured in a car wreck while shopping for a Christmas tree. What a sad thing to happen but it is a part of their private family life, the same with Palin's and while I am sympathetic, it is not why I would vote for either of them. Hope that makes sense. Eve

I was addressing this below. Of course Trig should be there - he's part of the family. I just felt he could have been seen then taken somewhere quiet and reappeared with the family at the end. Problem is we would have missed that fabulous moment when Piper licked her hand and smoothed his hair then cooed in his face. Yes, no matter what it would have come into question but imo letting him be seen then taken away until the end would have been the best solution. I don't think anyone would have had a problem with that. eom/WE

Hopefully we'll see that in future public appearances. It must be a hard thing on political children, especially the ones of school age. Eve

I know. I always worry about the kids. If there wasn't an infant here I'd be checking on Piper. Then again that kid was winning. Loved her onstage looking at the crowd, loving the moment, then eyes upward watching confetti and balloons. Such a cutey and just as adorable as Obama's little ones. eom/WE

Obama's little girls are too cute. On one of the talk shows, Obama & Michele were discussing how the girls want a dog. Obama said the girls need to know responsibility before and he's not sure about a dog yet and Michele said

Yikes. She said Oh we're getting a dog! It was a funny husband/wife moment. Eve

Eve, all presidents need a dog! The Obamas absolutely have to get one if he wins. No stroll-across-the-lawn-after-debarking-MarineOne photo op would be the same without one. I hope they choose something cute that the girls can play with. / LTF

LTF, I HEART you!! eom/WE

I don't know about you, LTF, but I'd vote for a Labrador. ;) // Shea

Posted by: Princess January
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 8:10:31 2008
Message:

Don't forget she also said the war was a task from GOD!!! UH Let's keep God out of the war unless it involves praying for our Troops. I can't stand that they pull the God card makes me crazy!!!!

Besides we all know now it was the DEVIL that started the war.

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Remember, Bush said he took his advice from God on invading Iraq. That has to be the biggest lie ever. God would never have advised him to do that. Now, we’re getting the same thing from her. / Vivian

Posted by: Robyn
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 8:07:03 2008
Message:

I want to make it clear that I'm a democrat, not a republican and I'm currently uncommitted as to who I will vote for.

That being said, I saw nothing in Palins speech that wasn't done in the Democrats speeches at their convention. They went on the attack too. If she hadn't, everyone out there would have been saying that she was soft and not tough enough. Her speech was intelligent, funny at times and exactly what one would expect a Vice Presidential candidate to be. I don't think she's going to get a fair shake on this board becuase there's already a bias against her here. McCain could get up tonight and give an amazing speech and he'll still get crucified here.

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In another topic I said I listened during both conventions with an open mind. Both sides hit each other although I felt Palin had more sarcasm. I also said that's my least favorite part of any campaign (Dem or Rep). Yes, it's obvious which way this board leans but not 100%. Since you already know what will happen after the speech are you going to tell us what we'll say each time? Just once I want to see a candidate speak JUST on the issues and not slam the opponent. Sure everyone in the arena is for YOU so your speech should be for those who are undecided. Yes I saw it at the DNC last week and I saw it last night. Suffice to say when they do that, they are NOT winning themselves any votes. A question...since you seem to be undecided did you come away from either convention (so far) with a clearer view? Closer to a decision? I find it very hard since it appeared more important to hit the oppositrion than to garner votes. Not sure why you feel the need to chastize since there are folks here who haven't made up their minds but they don't just read and respond here - that would be wrong. eom/WE

WE, I don't think I'm really chastising without some basis here. I've been lurking a long time and honestly, I haven't seen any die hard conservatives post here without getting run off the board through personal attacks, false statements and just outright nastiness. I actually think you're one of the more calm posters here and I don't recall ever seeing you attack another poster or the candidates you oppose. To answer your question, I'm still undecided. The democrats showed me nothing last week and I'm holding my thoughts on this convention until after tonight. Palin pleasantly surprised me though as I didn't expect such a speech from her. I liked Obama's speech last week but I still feel like he can't get the job done with any authority. Since day one there has been rock star like adulation of the man and I don't know what he's done to earn it.There's a lot of negatives in my mind about McCain, but I respect his experience. And yes, I know that isn't enough. I have a feeling my decision will be made, hopefully, after the debates.

I won't name names (lol) but just the other day a fine conservative gave her voice and no one slammeed or questioned. Not sure what topic it's in but it was a wonderful read and she's an intelligent and well read poster here who I respect highly. Maybe that's not the norm but it does happen when minds stay cool and open. eom/WE

I only looked in on the board to verify what I already expected. I used to post here, but saw such meaness and hatefulness during the last presidential election for anyone who wasn't a liberal or a Dem (actually the same thing) that it just wasn't a pleasant experience to read the posts.. I stopped coming to this board because their is no tolerance for anyone who disagrees with the majority of posters here.

W.E., I'm still scratching my head as to why that person was the only McCain supporter to come and actually list reasons why she supports him. There doesn't seem to be any shortage of opposition on a lot of these topics. //Shea

Margaret Mary, what do you think of Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, and O’Reilly? Aren’t they also the biggest liars in the history of the world, or do you not think so because you agree with them? Limbaugh began all the hatred over 20 years ago, and started dividing the country. In fact, I was a Republican until they became demagogues. The party has completely switched around. They’re nothing like they used to be. / Vivian

Yes, I am a registered Republican, however I too have not yet decided. I was not excited about any of the candidates for our party until Palin was chosen. I am waiting for McCain's speech tonight. I guess I can forego football for a little while. - Jamie

Vivian, I think it's either the Republican party or the Conservative movement that you may be upset with. They have drifted apart, which is why I have a problem supporting John McCain. But vote for him I will, with my blinders off, because I choose him over the alternative. / LTF (P.S. Thanks to to some of you nice folks above. :) )

I didn't name the name - glad you did yourself. A repeat...I HEART you (heh). eom/WE

Yes, LTF, you’re right. It is the conservative/extremists movement that I have a problem with. They seem to have taken over the party for the quite a few years now, and it’s not good. I have no problem with the moderates. That’s what I was. I never believed in big government and I still don’t, but there are too many things about the party now, that I just can’t stand. In 2000 I would have voted for McCain, but he’s a completely different person now. In fact, 2000 was when the nastiness went to extremes, when they put out the vicious, slanderous lies about him. They’ve been doing it ever since, and he’s promoting it now / Vivian

Posted by: Fed Up
Date posted: Thu Sep 4 6:33:11 2008
Message:
Flame me if you want.

Everytime they show that baby he's always sleeping. There's so many people around him clapping, yelling and making lots of noise. I know babies sleep tight. However, is this baby also deaf? I'm also wondering if they have given him a sedative which would be awful.

What do you think?

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Come on. No one is sedating him and he was wide awake at the end when he was onstage. Downs Syndrome babies are quieter than other babies. Stick to issues for crying out loud, not this stuff.

babies who are overstimulated also sleep very soundly. They do it to shut it out all the commotion. That's what my children's doctor told me./PJ

A lot of other things sometimes accompany Downs Syndrome as well as Mental Retardation.....my daughter has both traits of Downs and MR and it was determined that she was deaf when she was about 2 yrs old and we didn't realized it. She slept very soundly like that. I could vacuum her room, right under her crib, and she wouldn't wake up. It was investigated when she was about 4 and they found that some type of tissue (like scar tissue) was blocking her ear canals at her ear drums. They operated on both ears and removed these 'growths' and she could hear for the first time at almost age 5! So, it could be something like that going on. You never know with these types of special circumstances like Downs. That being said, he was a cutie! But, being a mom of a special needs child, I don't think I would have taken a baby THAT young to something like that....even if there were no problems......but that is just me......in fact, I don't think I would have taken either of my girls if they were younger than say age 7 or 8. But I'm not used to being in a public office or running for any type of office so if I was that type of person, I may. who knows? ~A&A's Mom

Hey A&A's Mom, my son had the same surgery. The Dr. told me that the scar tissue grew becuse of repeated ear infections and constant fluid. I couldn't believe how much my son's hearing improved! Is your daughter continuing to do well? All this being said, I think if Palin hadn't brought the baby out, she would have been criticised for not bringing him. Same with all of her other children, especially the younger girl. I can't remember a convention where the candidate didn't bring his/her children, even grandchildren up on stage after the speech.

Robyn, you are probably right about her being criticized for not bringing the baby. I supposed she was in one of those 'damned if she did and damned if she didn't' situations....Ashley has done really well with her ears....she FINALLY out grew all the ear infecitons! She is still a little hard of hearing in both ears, more so out of the left one....but she does really well. She had learned to read lips (out of necessity, I suppose) when she was little and still does it now so you would never know she couldn't hear very well unless you come up behind her and ask her a question. I hope your child is doing well too! ~A&A's Mom

Posted by: CaroleA
Date posted: Wed Sep 3 23:57:13 2008
Message:
The whole evening was one lie after another. Everyone was making fun of that morning guy on Fox who said she had international creds because she lived near Russia, but now everyone is saying it. Apparently these people tonight were overlooking the fact of who exactly got America in the dire straits it is in. They can blame the Democratic Congress all they want, but there has only been a majority for the past two years. Of course, as always, it is probably Clinton's fault.

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Tomorrow morning you can check politiFact and they will show all the lies. / Vivian

If it is the same site that you read Vivian, I think as of right now, you will be disappointed. - Jamie

I've seen Cindy McCain make that same stupid argument. I used to live next door to an orthopedic surgeon, that doesn't mean I'm qualified to take a scalpel to someone. ~i&b

Posted by: Sue
Date posted: Wed Sep 3 23:35:44 2008
Message:
I thought she came across very intelligent and very likeable. FINALLY! A politician that I like!

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I hope by her being so sarcastic and hateful that Joe Biden's restraints will be off. eom/CaroleA

Yes, they’re saying she’s not a victim anymore and the gloves will come off now, especially about all the misstatements. / Vivian h

Palin vs. Biden - that's must see TV after tonight. eom/WE

Let's get the popcorn ready! Eve

Don't get your hopes up. Biden isn't going to beat up on Palin. He's only going to do enough to show her lack of qualifications and lack of understanding of the issues. The Democrats know that the minute Biden goes too tough on her the Republicans are going to accuse him of bullying. He's not taking the bait. In fact, he's been saying nothing but nice things about her. ~i&b

I know, but she should be able to take it like the big boys. He or someone has to keep pointing out the things in her governing that she keeps lying about. / Vivian

I'm sure he will do that, but he's just going to have to avoid anything that remotely resembles overkill. That may be hard for Biden,though! ~i&b

Posted by: Vivian
Date posted: Wed Sep 3 23:28:38 2008
Message:

I noticed the exact same thing last night. I saw about three blacks, no Hispanics, no Asians, and of course no Mid Easterners. Maybe they had all been moved to the back of the auditorium. It looked like something out of the 1950’s. Most of it looked like old white men. Last night on Larry King, two blacks were saying how they felt real uncomfortable just looking at it from a distance and they would never feel comfortable being there in the hall.

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The 50's???

As in segregation, in case that's what you're wondering. ~i&b

i&b, perhaps this person should re-take a history class, which she/he obviously slept through in school. / Vivian

Posted by: donna
Date posted: Wed Sep 3 23:17:25 2008
Message:

While watching her speech, I realized the audience seemed to be a sea of white faces.

After she spoke, I did see a black man in the audience but, whoops, he turned out to be a reporter.

I know there had to be people of color there but they were certainly few and far between. Oh yeah, the Repub Party represents America.... sure they do.

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Quite the racist comment, don't ya think? To be honest I can't answer you about the color of the people that were there because I wasn't keeping count. - Jamie

BTW...are you watching CNN? Now that you brought it to my attention, I'm seeing something different. - Jamie

Jamie, it was very obvious. Usually in any crowd you see all shades of color. At least any crowd I’ve ever seen has been a large diversity. We saw it last week in Denver. This was definitely a sea of white. / Vivian

I'm going to stay out of the political stuff, but honestly, what can you find wrong about that baby being there? The sweet little guy slept in the arms of his sisters, his dad, and Mrs. McCain. He was there because he's part of the family and the entire family was there. What on earth is wrong with that. I agree with Jamie about your remark about people of color. - abra

Well I am basing my vote on the issues and not on the color of skin. I guess that is why I didn't notice the audience for either convention.

You know, donna, I thought exactly the same thing. And Jon Stewart said the same thing last night about the 'sea of white faces' at the Republican Convention. It is not racist, at all, at least not on our parts. eom/CaroleA

abra, I didn’t see where anyone said there was anything wrong with the baby being there. Of course he was precious, but that’s not what we were talking about. Jaime, the color of the crowd has nothing to do with for whom you’re going to vote. It just shows something about the base of the Republican Party. That’s all. / Vivian

So it would be ok to say....Did you see all the black people at the Democratic convention? - Jamie

And what is the base of the Republican party? - Jamie

Vivian, donna wrote:Also, why in the world would she bring her 4 month old baby to the Convention? That sounds critical to me. - abra

Sure, but there were also lots of whites and every other shade. That crowd was very diverse with every ethnic group represented. Lots of people, have noticed it. / Vivian