John McCain stumbles badly after being asked if Palin has National Security experience: He says she knows 'Energy'
By John Amato Wednesday Sep 10, 2008 5:45pm
John McCain doesn't seem to be able to give a straight answer when Rob Caldwell, from WCSH in Portland, Maine pushes him on Palin's National Security creds. McCain tries to spin around it first by saying "the economy' is the most important issue. Didn't he once say HE knows nothing about the economy? And now he says she's the all time energy expert in the world which makes her Commander in Chief.
Download | play 
Download | play (h/t Scarce) (very rough transcripts)
McCain: The economy is the major challenge.
Q: You have said that the number one issue facing the US, and that is addressing the challenge of our time is Islamist extremism. What credentials does Gov Palin have in National Security, diplomacy, foreign policy that qualified her to be your partner on that issue...
McCain: Well, obviously the economy is a major challenge...
Q: No, I'm using your words Senator....
<>
McCain: I said the greatest challenge of our time is national security threats and I've also said jobs and economy is the number one issue facing America so, but the point is that Gov. Palin is right on the issues. She understands energy which is one of the fundamental issues of our security....She was right on Iraq, she was right on Russia....
Q: You say you're sure she has experience, but again I'm just asking for an example. What experience does she have in the field of national experience.
McCain: Energy. She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America..
She knows energy!... I didn't know that's all she needed to know about our national security...I guess as long as she agrees with McCain, that's all the experience she needs. Is anybody watching McCain? Sure, I'll cover his VP, but he's still running for President and he's stumbling around in the dark. He's the key! McCain represents four more years of BushCo. Conservatism is a failure. Look where we are.
McCain is clueless. Clueless about his v.p. No wonder the McCain campaign doesn't want McCain answering questions. He can't.
Nice work by Rob Caldwell. The McCain campaign thinks the local reporters will only throw softballs. Actually, it's the national reporters, like ABC's Charlie Gibson, who throw the softballs.
Marcy says: McCain Makes the Case that Energy State Governors Are Great on National Security
Adam chimes in with: McShameless McCain
Login or Register to post comments.
God, can't our media be like this everyday? Next time I'm in Portland I'm buying this guy a case of Dead Guy ale.
rumbling stumbling mcBush
"She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America"
What the fuck? There is a real chance that this IDIOT could actually be president of the country? I'm having a very bad nightmare and I would really appreciate waking up now. The fact that this man IS a senator and IS the presidential candidate for a major political party of this country is absolutely unreal.
Okay, I've vented. Back to making sure this nightmare doesn't become reality.
The Curved Talk Weinermobile is in full flight.
and you will never, ever see that reporter -- rob caldwell -- on a major network or cable outlet.
Funny, that was Palin's answer to the same question! On World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson, he asked her about her foreign policy experience, and she dodged the question by arguing how energy is a national security issue. And she knows about energy since Alaska has a lot of oil and gas under that 'slope.' We need that clip. It was not the most artful dodge.
"McCain: Energy. She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America. !
And she is just a soccer mom? Chripes I thought for sure Exxon or BP or someone would have snapped her up or name a friggin' tanker after her.
conservatism isn't a failure... these asshats masquerading as conservatives are the failure when none of their policies have nothing to do with the conservative platform.
the problem are the lobbyists that have taken over our country. obama isn't any better. mccain's a friggin joke.
in the end, it's the same shit... different year.
Chicken "Hussein" Little - Not! @ 3:
Palin: I’m Qualfied to Burn Books Cause I Border a ‘Borders’
http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=2914
Thats a Nazi for you. She must be of german descent. If something were to happen to McCain, just think she would be ur president. A dictatorship in the making.
there's the weak link i've saying it like other. this is
the kyrptonite. knows energy better than anyone in u.s.
after being 20 months as a governor....no formal education....economics/energy....we can hammer mccain but also hammer her he picked her and it's a poor choice
Oh Johnny, you built your platform on a house of cards. You fool.
randomstranger @ 1:
Heh, ya think McCain will boycott this guy's show now? How dare he keep asking for an example when not getting one? Damn Librul Meeja!
odendin @ 8:
i pretty much agree with you.........check out mccains list of lobbyists.....mccain is much more bought than
obama that's why k-street and wall street are concerned
A doddering old fool trying to legitmize a know-nothing hack. Now that's a pair I want in the WH.
Obviously, they've been coached by the same person.
McCain is looking increasingly frail, both mentally and physically. If you saw him walking alongside his wife and Obama at the World Trade Center site today, he looked as if he was struggling uphill after the ceremony. Obama, Cindy and Mayor Bloomberg all seemed spry and energetic, but that slope looked a bit too much for McCain.
Karen @ 13:
I'd prefer it if the real journalist of the world just decide to boycott John McCain altogether.
She knows energy is code for being in bed with big oil and its operations in Alaska.........right?
They've got enough rope..........I am going sit back and coast while this off the rails campaign comes to an abrupt halt.
Peace to the Peeps!!
Oh, the OUTRAGE from Tweety when he hears this one...or will he...or will he mention it? His latest today was fawning pitiful...he's a the perfect person to be kissing up to McShame and the REPUGS...even Rachel can't save these guys and she should be on at 6 or 7...
McLamebrain's response leaves me almost speechless.
But on the other hand, when you have an old, senile,
goofus-duffus trying to answer tough questions about
the qualification of "his" pick for V.P., I guess I should
not be too surprised...
cant wait for 09 @ 15:
McCain has nothing to back up his assertions....
That is the best the GOP has to offer...
Why are we not winning by a wider margin?....
What a buffoon....
To his credit, he had just crapped his pants a minute ago so I think he handled himself pretty well.
Hot damn! Somebody please get Rob Caldwell a job in the MSM.
OT a bit, but Obama said, if he meant it that way Sarah would actually have been the lipstick and not the pig:
http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/video_player/index/php/964805...
He also said, with regards to the expression "lipstick on a pig" that it was a common expression in Illinois. "I don't know who you put lipstick on here in NY." (Guilliani, perhaps?)
Enjoy!
I guess McShame wont be talking to Rob anytime soon. How dare a journalist do his job. Doesn't he know McShame was a POW?
Great, more of the alaska is next to russia nonsense. Seriously, how are the american people falling for this?? We are truly fucked if more than half the country believes this garbage.
How ridiculous can things get when living next to Russia counts as national security and foreign policy experience? Rarely is the question asked, is our McBrains Failin'?
Presenting the McCain/Palin Administration........
Secretary of State: Sarah Palin's Neighbor
He has the same experience she does!
Secretary of the Navy: Arnold Schwarzeneggar
His naval experience is overwhelming -- he governs a state that's right next to the sea!
Secretary of Transportation: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Who better than someone who actually drives cars for a living?!
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Richard Simmons
He'll keep us all healthy and humanly served by sweatin' to the oldies!
Secretary of Defense: Little Old Lady
She defended herself by beating a would-be robber with her purse!
Secretary of Education: 7-Year-Old Girl
Robust experience with our public schools! She's still in them!
And heading the Environmental Protection Agency: Spotted Owl
He actually survives in our environment! As an endangered species, no less!
Oh, and . . . yes, I know that we no longer have a Naval Department. But I doubt McCain knows that. I don't know whether spotted owls are endangered, and I don't really care, but it'd be fun to see a Republican troll try to make a point of it.
At least he didn't saY that Alaska being close to Russia proves she's know national security like his wife did! What an ultra maroon. The fact that it's is close as it is nationally, we should all be terrified. However, if McCain wins and croaks then we'll have Prez. Palin and VP Pelosi! UGH...
Hmmmmmm......is it possible that Team Obama is really quite a bit more savvy then we're giving them credit for being? Do you suppose they stayed low key till after the convention, till after all the hoopla was over just letting Gramps wear himself out?
I'll tell you what folks, one of the things wrong with our culture is we worship youth. Accepting that as a given, what do you think the chances of this country electing a worn out, run down, disoriented, wreck of an old man will be? Palin isn't enough. Oh yeah the kool aid drinkers and the dead enders will vote for her......but with all these scandals and her total lack of credentials, if they see McCain turning ancient and senile before their very eyes, have her as president in these trying times. I don't buy it.
The more run down McCain looks, the better our chances. That's what I'm thinking.
What a crock of shit coming out of that old mans mouth... Damn, to hear him tell it, she's the best thing since sliced bread... So why ain't Ms wingnut hottie at the top of the ticket herself then??? Hell, he paints his newest little splittail sidekick as pretty much the smartest brainiest person in the freaking world.. meanwhile former planned sidekick ol twofaced Lieberman is off cryin in the corner into his wheaties, playin with his pud and maybe giving the ol former beauty queen a quicky indoc into neocon talking points... This comment was a real beaut, "She knows more about energy than 'anyone' in America"... "Runs a state next to Russia so she knows blah blah blah", what the fuck ever old man... Your shit is weak McCain.. She runs a state with polar bears all over the north end too, but she doesn't seem to know much about what they need to live.... Man that old fucker really says some stupidass shit when he has to run off script don't he......JD
What will they claim next? That Palin also knows more about terror than anybody else, having once been startled by a thunder bolt?
Karen, I love you!
I grew up in an energy state (Wyoming). Everyone I knew worked in or with energy people...oil, gas, coal. My best friends father owned a drill company. I worked for a short time for a oil company...I likely know more about energy than she does...but the people I knew who lived and breathed energy certainly know more than her...what a ridiculous statement from McCain. I guess anyone who knows more than he does on anything qualifies as an expert to him.
What is this sniveling idiot TALKING ABOUT? His total lack of honesty is truly unnerving.
How is a clown like this even allowed to throw his name in the hat for president? I know this is supposed to be a "free country" (feel free to belly laugh at that concept if you like), but give me a BREAK. McCain needs to take more naps and eat a gallon of Omega-3s everyday or something. ANYthing to wake his putrifying brain. On second thought, why am I helping him???
Matt Damon said it best.....this is starting to sound just like a bad Disney movie....Hockey mom wakes up as President of the United States.
This guy is an airhead! McCain = Bush on both policy issues and intelligence! Lettermen is going to have four more years of Great Presidential Speeches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWX5u69hmzY
Of course she has enough national security experience. I know this because she told me so:
Hubris thy name is Palin. Not just wrong but dangerous:
War with Russia? Perhaps so. This has been another edition of simple answers to simple questions.
I assume she's cleared this with God.
Absolutely psychotic.
She is NOT qualified, period.
will this see prime time media????
exposing Palin is important....mccain made this decision.
Oh boy, that's nuts. Hope this clip gets around. To me, it is obvious that the Rethugs have nothing. They can't even defend this guy anymore. To #29 -- you nailed it. Now that Palin's youth and such have sunk in, McCain's looking even more decrepit and out of touch. I see this backfiring soon.
Dhalgren @ 6:
Exactly. It's quite obvious that McCain and Palin have been sitting at the same strategy table with all of the GOP handlers, where they sweat to find a way to sell this rank amateur as someone who is ready to step into the oval office. Watching her tonight... I'll be in disbelief if this charade continues to win voters. Really.
Jack Damage @ 30:
I can't believe they are still trotting out the "next to Russia" argument. I've done a quick distance calculation:
Wasilla, Alaska, United States -> Moscow, Moskva, Russia: Distance in miles: 4328
New York, New York, United States -> Moscow, Moskva, Russia -> Distance in miles: 4668
We can clearly see, she has about 300 miles more experience in foreign policy than the average New Yorker.
She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America..
Is that a joke? Or is McCain serious? If the latter, that's perhaps the dumbest thing he's ever said.
He's the same moron who claimed Alaska provides 20% of America's energy.
Sarah Palin knows more about energy than anyone in the USA? That's a pretty outlandish claim there John. Care to back it up?
BobbyG @ 38:
that's it........very good bobby G.
sheeeesheshee knows energy.....she wasn't the mastermind behind that whole thing legislators in alaska
lawyers......she's NOT an expert.
Focus on the system...how fucked up it is.
The system has given us Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin.
Anyone here would be a better president or VP.
Because you are not bought and paid for.
Karen@27;
Hahahahahahahahahah Oh boy, that's brilliant!!! I can't argue with logic like that mam.... Best humor of the day no doubt... Thanks, I needed that... regards; JD
shaggles @ 44:
I can substantiate that! The Republican idea of 'knowing' an area something means 'giving to the corporations' in that area.
So you're asking.. "Is Sarah Palin willing to give the oil companies more than anyone else in the USA"
And I see no reason to doubt that.
She was right on Iraq, she was right on Russia….
I don't particularly recall what she said when she was right.
Anybody?
PALIN: I do, Charlie, and on January 20, when John McCain and I are sworn in, if we are so privileged to be elected to serve this country, will be ready. I’m ready.
Did softball Charlie follow up by asking her to provide us with a reason why we should believe her? And examples of her experience and "readiness?" Of course not. Besides, what a stupid question. What did he expect her to say, "uh, no Charlie, I don't think I'll be ready." I'm sure there will be a "Charlie Gibson Special Report - My Interview with Palin" where Charlie confidently tells George that "I looked into her eyes, saw her soul, and I know she is ready to be President."
The Gibson interview is a joke. Let her stand up in front of real reporters and answer questions.
"will this see prime time media????
exposing Palin is important….mccain made this decision."/
Nope. It's only news if Obama says something silly.
Have you forgotten, Palin is right next door to Russia! That is all the national security experience she needs! If that's not good enough for you, remember the candidate does not speak for the campaign. The special interests and lobbyists speak for the McCain campaign.
If Palin/McCain get elected, they'll have to hire Short Ride Joe to be present whenever they talk. Gotta keep those Sunnis and Shiites straight, you know.
idealistic in NM @ 40:
He's falling apart, he's probably been chemically maintained for at least the last 6 months. You can't keep going to that well for too long at his age, hard enough on somebody in their 50s, even into their 60s but this guy was a POW and his body/mind age is way more than his chronological age.
I won't be the least bit surprised if something lets go big time in the next 2 to 3 weeks. I mean major freaking meltdown stuff. Big brain bleed, circulatory collapse, coronary, total mental breakdown......serious freakin' shit. They are literally killing this guy and it's a pity. He should never have been allowed to get to this point. My grandfather loved to box and he was good at it. Had he wanted to go into the ring at age 72 to compete for the world championship I think we would have stopped him from doing it. Too bad somebody didn't love Gramps McSame enough to afford him the same respect.
Has this already been posted here? From bravenewpac:
John McCain's ads are LIES. Here's the video proof.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH0xzsogzAk
I am a huge Obama supporter, and can't stand McCain/Palin, but the energy answer is actually a good answer on McCain's part if you listen to his whole explanation.
More emphasis needs to be put on the economy, health care, credit crunch, ect. No matter how much you can prove Palin is a psychotic moron, Republicans will scream sexism, and she will smile like a beauty queen, and the media and Republican base will eat it up.
She'll be in Air Force One when pigs fly.
Notice "she was right on Irq, she was right on russia" What do they mean "was?" We have no idea what her positions were before today when the Gibson transcript was released. THe Mcain/Palin handlers are pulling some Orwellian "We are at war with Oceania. We have always been at war with Oceania" crap. And just watch the meme stick....she has been tutored in Mcain/Lieberman/Graham/neocon foreign policy and they are going to represent it as here having always held those views...the part that hurts my head is it will work.
You're absolutely correct ..........
It's a mental disorder/deficiency
"She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America.."
Wha??? AAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Ok, Professor Moose Palin, please share your vast, vast knowledge of energy with us. After all, you know so much more than 300 million other Americans about this topic.
the media wakes up and asks a real question!
The rumors are flying in this part of the country (So. IL & West KY) that gas will raise $1.25/gal tomorrow. This should give the Repubic’s a shot in the arm.
Why don't you like McCain?
Because he's a repub?
Because he's a dumbfuck?
No, because he's not a Dem.
Yes, vote for a Dem. A solid Dem.
And get more of the same.
Sleeping dog @49-
IIRC the only known statement of hers on Iraq is where she said she heard about the surge on the news.
There's some foreign policy experience you can believe in.
My god he is terrible!
"She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America"
So, erm, she could design and build a nuclear reactor? SHE CAN'T EVEN PRONOUNCE THE WORD NUCLEAR.
sheesh! this dim bulb is the best that the republicans have to offer? he cannot even spew prepared talking points in a coherent manner! and, oh boy, the logic of those talking points . . . the republicans really need to start market testing them things, because i think you'd have to be lobotomized to go along with energy=national security
besides drilling in anwar isn't going to address our human existence-threatening dependence upon fossil fuels . . . and, fyi, it won't help us find osama bin laden, either
He's right about one thing. The War on Terror really is all about oil.
odendin @ 8:
From just a generation ago..............
conservatismCommunism isn't a failure... theseasshatsStalinists masquerading asconservativesCommunists are the failure when none of their policies have nothing to do with theconservativeCommunist platform.the problem are the
lobbyistsBolsheviks that have taken over our country.obamaGorbechev isn't any better.She was right on Iraq.. In her own words, she "hadn't given it much thought".
Which is exactly what the Republicans want people to do.
VietVet8666 @ 63:
How about because he is willing to lie through his teeth and say:
She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America
Here's the new McSame08 campaign slogan:
Home of the Whopper©
Over 1 Million Told™
i'll give palin the fact that she may have a certian understanding of the oil and gas industry since they are the backbone of the alaskan economy and her husband works for them, but i don't think that's quite the same thing as understanding "energy" as johnny puts it.
Hockey mom Sarah bakes cookies - surely that makes her America's #1 expert on chemistry?
Lives at far northern latitude - doubtless she is close personal friends with Santa Claus?
Applies band-aids to hurt kids 'owies' - therefore may possess capability of curing cancer, AIDS?
As Senator Clay Davis would say, 'Sheeeeeeee - ittt!'
"McCain: Energy. She knows more about energy than probably anyone else in the United States of America.."
Uh oh, this is probably gonna piss off dick cheney.
Karen @ 69:
- Right. You're in. Listen. The only people we hate more than the Romans are the fucking Judean People's Front.
- Yeah...
- Splitters.
- Splitters...
- And the Judean Popular People's Front.
- Yeah. Oh, yeah. Splitters. Splitters...
- And the People's Front of Judea.
- Yeah. Splitters. Splitters...
- What?
- The People's Front of Judea. Splitters.
- We're the People's Front of Judea!
This twit wants to be president and 50% of you are falling for it.
Sorry, should have been "Home of the Whopper®"
I think that a McCain tee-shirt should read as follows:
"I'm with stupid"
"McCain/Palin 2008"
ZWBush @ 65:
he looks better with Ms. Lipstick by his side.
Roket @ 62:
Why? Hurricane? Opec? Greedy Oil guys?
C. Hussein Jr @ 75:
McCain just states this drivel without putting out any real facts to back it up....
He should of been asked how did you come to that conclusion....
No way McShitstain is going to be able to handle the pressure of finishing the campaign. I predict a stroke, heartattack, crippling aneurysm, or mental breakdown before anyone gets to vote.
It'll be interesting when they try to get the Romney/Palin vote to show up on Diebold and it spits out McCain as the winner.
Well, I just finished watching first part of the Sarah "interview" with Gibson, and I can say without any question, I could seriously be the next VP or President of the US - as I know freakin' more than this broad.!!!!
The questions were semi-dumb and she had to have had the questions before hand, but she still gave pat, vague answers. Plus, you could see that it had been edited/cut between every question, except one or tow. So, Charlie probably told her what the next question would be and gave her a chane to check her notes or with her coach - then they turned the camera back on.
If the Repug ticket gets elected and McGoo kicks off - we are definitely screwed!!!!
Gore Vidal had it right when he compared McCain to Mr Magoo.
How many more senior moments does McCain get before we admit the reality, he in the beginning condition of dementia.
"- Right. You’re in. Listen. The only people we hate more than the Romans are the fucking Judean People’s Front.
- Yeah…
- Splitters.
- Splitters…
- And the Judean Popular People’s Front.
- Yeah. Oh, yeah. Splitters. Splitters…
- And the People’s Front of Judea.
- Yeah. Splitters. Splitters…
- What?
- The People’s Front of Judea. Splitters.
- We’re the People’s Front of Judea!"
How many times have we told you not to post when you're drunk?
NoBuddy @ 79:
copyright it!
Palin just stated in her ABC News interview that we should invade Russia to save Georgia.
I LOVE IT! Let me guess, the history books tells us that the Germans and French got their asses
kicked trying to do that gig. Is she going to lead the military charge?
WAKE UP AMERICA!