Palin Distorts Record, Gets Heckled at Colorado Event

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 02:48:54 PM EST
Tags: Sarah Palin, John McCain, Barack Obama (all tags)

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The Denver Post has more on Gov. Sarah Palin's campaign event in Colorado today: She repeated her lie about opposing the Bridge to Nowhere and was heckled by a woman in the back who sporadically yelled "You're Not Qualified."

The audience response to the heckler: It turned to her and shouted "U.S.A., U.S.A."

Colorado Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a long-time Obama supporter, has this terrific response to Palin:

"If Governor Palin wants to represent 'change' in Washington," U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Golden, said in a statement, "she could try something like telling the truth about her record of support for the bridge to nowhere or for other pork-barrel earmarks, her outdated and extreme positions on women's issues, her heaping of millions of dollars in debt upon the small town of Wasilla, Alaska, or her abuse of power investigation.

More....

"The Republican presidential ticket does not represent change; this ticket represents the same old lobbyist-driven attempt to preserve the George W. Bush policies."

The press is not happy Palin still isn't taking questions. Of course, she can't, she's not fully prepped yet. But she better hurry up -- as Bob Dylan sang decades ago, "You better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone." I'm beginning to see the rock around her neck.

On a related note, Obama isn't about to let McCain- Palin co-opt the faith voters the way they've tried to steal the change voters. Via G-d-o-Meter at BeliefNet, he's rolling out a line of faith merchandise. You can view a few here, here and here.

Coming soon:

God-o-Meter hears that the campaign will be unveiling gear for other Christian denominations very soon, along with "Clergy for Change," and "Pro-Israel Pro-Obama" merchandise.

Update: About 100 protesters were on hand for the Palin event, many of them women:

More than 100 protestors, including Women Against Palin and Mamas for Obama, massed outside the Westernaires horse arena by about 8 a.m. They also picketed down at the fairgrounds' gates. Subjected to mostly good-natured chatter from Palin supporters, they smiled through some occasionally nasty heckling.
Madeline Cohen, 37, said she showed up to protest because she was "enraged" by McCain's choice of a running mate."It felt like a slap in the face to women that the Republicans selected a woman who is so profoundly unqualified to lead this country, a woman who opposes abortion in all cases," Cohen said.

< Obama's Remarks on Economy at Grand Junction, CO Rally | Green Party Candidate Vies for Detroit District Attorney Job >

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Palin Distorts Record, Gets Heckled at Colorado Event | 93 comments (93 topical)

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Obama usually doesn't take questions (5.00 / 2) (#2)
by myiq2xu on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 02:53:14 PM EST

Does that mean he's not fully prepped?

Lie. Obama has been asked (5.00 / 6) (#14)
by IndiDemGirl on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:04:18 PM EST

countless questions. Didn't he participate in some 20 debates in the Dem primary alone. Then he's been interviewed by Chris Wallace, Billo, Nightline, Meet the Press, This Week, etc.

Obama also does town-hall type campaign stops. I was at one here in Indiana during the primary. He spoke for a short time then people asked questions.

Has SP ever taken a question from the audience? Nope.

So Obama has done countless interviews, many debates, several forums, and hundreds of townhalls. Palin has talked to Gibson and will go on Hannity.

[ Parent ]

It was snark (2.00 / 0) (#19)
by JAB on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:08:40 PM EST

Obama took a press conference (I think before the Texas primary) and made the comment that it was over because they asked him 8 whole questions. (He also apparently does not like his breakfast being interrupted, even after he invites the press to ask questions).

[ Parent ]

The Texas primary was last March. (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:31:01 PM EST

It's now mid-September.

Your discussion of the campaign's particulars, while perhaps valid for posterity's sake, nevertheless serves no current purpose and thus can clearly wait until after November elections.

[ Parent ]

Yeah, (5.00 / 2) (#36)
by Strick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:35:44 PM EST

But Obama's not really giving access to the press. How many press conferences has he given since the Texas Primary?

For that matter, how many town halls? Real ones, where he takes questions from the audience? And why is he ducking McCain's offer to have joint town halls? Surely you think he can handle that format.

[ Parent ]

: Lots of town hall since Texas. (5.00 / 2) (#76)
by IndiDemGirl on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:59:34 PM EST

I was at his town-hall style meeting in Gary Indiana. I know someone who went to a union gathering in Munster where he mostly took questions. I think that he holds several of those each week now.
As Sarah Palin ever had any?

[ Parent ]

He's been interviewed on (5.00 / 6) (#37)
by litigatormom on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:36:25 PM EST

TV a billion times. He's even been on Faux News. So I don't think you can accuse Obama of ducking the press.

[ Parent ]

I remember that press conference. (5.00 / 0) (#69)
by BeeD on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:48:16 PM EST

It stands out because it was a very rare event. Obama had been getting roundly criticized for not having press availability, so he had to do it. However, the questions started to center on Rezko and he was not happy and I believe just shut the conference off abruptly.

Of course, there is somewhat more availability now, but for many months he only participated in carefully staged and scripted situations.

[ Parent ]

I want the button from the link below (5.00 / 0) (#4)
by Cream City on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 02:56:28 PM EST

about this:

On Meet The Press yesterday, Tom Brokaw asked Rudy Giuliani yesterday about whether he was too hard on Barack Obama's community organizer roots, holding up a pin that reads "Jesus Christ was a Community Organizer. Pontius Pilot was a Governor."

It would go great with a "God Is My Co-Pilot" button.

I like (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by WS on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:01:19 PM EST

the Jesus Christ line but they should get rid of the Pilate line. Why bag on governors?

[ Parent ]

Already have enough trouble. . . (5.00 / 5) (#24)
by LarryInNYC on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:13:33 PM EST

with women voters. Why alienate everyone who does Pilates?

[ Parent ]

: Ha. Meanwhile, Ms. Fiorina claims (none / 0) (#38)
by oculus on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:37:34 PM EST

SNL was a sexist attack on Palin.

[ Parent ]

I prefer (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by nycstray on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:18:32 PM EST

Dog Is My Co-Pilot {grin}

[ Parent ]

It'll go great... (none / 0) (#10)
by kredwyn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:01:26 PM EST

with my "Cthuhlu in 08" bumpersticker

[ Parent ]

heh (none / 0) (#58)
by Faust on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:20:04 PM EST

I like that pin.

[ Parent ]

a line of faith merchandise? (5.00 / 3) (#6)
by kredwyn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 02:56:48 PM EST

Bridge to nowhere (2.33 / 3) (#87)
by OisforOpportunist on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 07:18:40 PM EST

Obama is a total opportunist and fraud. One of the best examples is this bridge to nowhere line of attack against Sarah Palin. Do any of the Obama zealots who hurl criticism and attacks on this issue know that BOTH OBAMA AND BIDEN VOTED FOR THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE? Do they further know that BOTH OF THEM VOTED AGAINST THE AMENDMENT THAT WOULD HAVE DIVERTED THOSE FUNDS TO NEW ORLEANS IN ORDER TO FINANCE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A MUCH NEEDED BRIDGE OVER LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN DESTROYED BY HURRICANE KATRINA?!?!?

Please Obamabots, stop bringing this issue up: When the whole truth is known you are going to look very, very foolish indeed.

Pardon me for the overuse of capitals. I just couldn't control myself.

[ Parent ]

: Right (none / 0) (#91)
by borisbor on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 08:43:32 PM EST

at least they're not basing their entire candidancy on supposedly saying "no thanks" to that bridge to nowhere. THey're not basing their entire campaign on this faux reform image, when she is a female version of Bush--abuse of power, cronyism, incompetance.
Don't worry about the capitals, it just emphasizes how ridiculous you look.
The attacks on her bridge to nowhere line can be dropped when she stops lying on stage. I wonder why she dropped it from her speeches back in Alaska? Perhaps because everyone there already knows its a pile of bull?

[ Parent ]

A line of faith merchandise? (5.00 / 3) (#11)
by Anne on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:01:46 PM EST

Are you kidding me?

I don't know which makes me feel worse, that Obama is wasting money on the world's largest and most specific set of campaign buttons ever, or the lack of sincerity in the effort.

Ick is right.

Can someone explain (5.00 / 2) (#13)
by eric on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:04:07 PM EST

to me the "USA, USA!" chanting that the Republicans have been engaging in at political events lately. I saw it at the convention and now I hear about it again. Beyond being puzzling to me, it also is somewhat disturbing.

It was a constant in 2004 (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by Cream City on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:09:42 PM EST

at Kerry rallies I attended. Maybe they'll bring back the footwear on tall sticks, too. Those were, of course, flipflops waving over the crowds. The last imaginative ploy I saw from such folks.

[ Parent ]

fight, fight, fight (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by waldenpond on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:10:18 PM EST

When the Dems get heckled they do a shout down with 'Obama, Obama' When the Repubs are heckled they do a shout down with 'USA, USA' It's stupid.

[ Parent ]

: But effective. Worked at the RNC. (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by oculus on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:15:09 PM EST

[ Parent ]

They did it repeatedly at the McCain-Palin rally (5.00 / 1) (#26)
by Jeralyn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:14:34 PM EST

in Colorado Springs. They would lead the chant from the loudspeakers. It's intended as a sign of patriotism for the ticket, along with the flag waving. I'll look for my video of it.

[ Parent ]

Well, it is (5.00 / 4) (#32)
by eric on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:26:19 PM EST

scary hyper-nationalism. I have seen this type of thing at the Olympics, where there are actually other nations competing, but what is it saying when you shout this at a domestic political rally? "We are the USA and you aren't!" that's what I take from it.

[ Parent ]

eric is exactly right (5.00 / 1) (#74)
by kenosharick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:57:05 PM EST

they are trying to "prove" that they love this country and are patriots, while we liberals should "move to France!" or some such nonsense.

[ Parent ]

Just heard a live broadcast (none / 0) (#51)
by oculus on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:59:20 PM EST

from Royal Albert Hall in London. Bryn Terfel, Welsh bass-baritone, BBC Symphony Orchestra, multiple choral groups, and the audience singing the chorus to "Hail, Brittania. Brittania rule the waves." Quite thrilling. Misguided, but thrilling.

[ Parent ]

: Heh (none / 0) (#52)
by eric on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:05:30 PM EST

now if the Tories started singing this in Parliament, I'd be worried!

[ Parent ]

I could be wrong, but I think at the (none / 0) (#17)
by Anne on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:05:47 PM EST

convention they did it to drown out a couple of Code Pink protesters.

[ Parent ]

: They did it throughout their convention. (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by inclusiveheart on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:13:16 PM EST

And it is disturbing.

[ Parent ]

"U.S.A.! U.S.A.!" (5.00 / 3) (#30)
by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:25:52 PM EST

It's become the GOP's all-purpose retort to practically any question that broaches uncomfortable issues.

: Scary bit of jingoistic (5.00 / 2) (#73)
by kenosharick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:52:37 PM EST

theatre, isn't it?

[ Parent ]

I suspect Palin continues using the (5.00 / 2) (#40)
by oculus on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:39:46 PM EST

bridge to nowhere stuff to divert the attention of the press and voters from the Obama campaign. Seems to work pretty well.

: Exactly, and Palin will keep on (none / 0) (#77)
by prittfumes on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:59:50 PM EST

talking about the bridge stuff as long as they keep on taking the bait.

[ Parent ]

how sad for them (5.00 / 3) (#41)
by connecticut yankee on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:40:10 PM EST

Well, "USA USA" really about sums up the GOP platform. Angry crowds, torches, simple rhetoric, dark age views of science.

The Denver Post's article, (5.00 / 2) (#43)
by Anne on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:42:37 PM EST

at the link you provided, said this:

Throughout Palin's speech, a protester at the back of the arena sporadically shouted, "You're not qualified!" Palin supporters around the protester shouted her down with chants of "USA! USA!"
Indeed, most of those who came to the rally today were unabashed Palin fanatics. Many wore T-shirts or held signs touting the candidate, with lines like "Soccer Moms 4 Palin" and "Teenagers 4 Palin."

So, it wasn't a man who was shouting, it was a woman, and the Denver Post in that article did not even use any variation of the word "heckle."

The second article you referenced had a wholly different tone than one might have supposed from what you chose to excerpt, since the rest of that article was all about how much these people love Palin and how excited they are about her being on the ticket. Aside from one "enraged" woman, the article suggests that it was, by and large, all rather good-natured.

Honestly, Jeralyn, how much good does it do, and how is your credibility affected, when people go to the links you provide and find something altogehter different from how you have presented it?

I fixed the gender (5.00 / 1) (#62)
by Jeralyn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:30:04 PM EST

of the heckler, Anne, thanks for pointing it out, although it's not relevant to the article or my post.

I think the person is more accurately described as a "heckler" than a protester. There is no reference to protests in the article -- one person who interrupts a speech yelling something is commonly referred to as a heckler.

As to excerpts, I link to the article so you can read the whole thing. I choose what I find significant.

I'm quite tired of responding to your petty criticisms of this blog. Please come back another day.

[ Parent ]

FYI...... (none / 0) (#50)
by michitucky on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:57:19 PM EST

CNN was just discussing that the homemade signs in the crowd were distributed by the McCain/Palin Campaign......

[ Parent ]

: Not unusual (5.00 / 1) (#53)
by nell on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:09:48 PM EST

Clinton rallies allows homemade signs, Obama rallies did not/do not. They would also distribute pre-made homemade signs. Not a big deal.

[ Parent ]
: That's par for the course. (none / 0) (#55)
by lansing quaker on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:13:12 PM EST

At the Hillary rally I went to in East Chicago, IN, they did the same. People who brought homemade signs were not allowed to bring them in.
They distributed their own.
I am certain Obama would do the same.
It was kind of surprising when I saw it happening -- I was used to State candidates and they were always fine with homemade signs as long as they were appropriate -- but I can understand why.
But it's not some McCain-only phenom.

[ Parent ]

Oh that's a "fact" is it? (5.00 / 2) (#61)
by Faust on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:25:41 PM EST

Has he said that he does not like to be challenged? Or are you just reading his mind and "interpreting his body language?"

Palin (5.00 / 2) (#80)
by Detbriscoe on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 05:25:00 PM EST

I used to think that George W Bush and Dick Cheney were, by leaps and bounds, the worst president and vice president in the history of this country. But they Palin to insignificance when compared to the current Republican ticket.

Other than members of the Religious Right, I just cannot imagine what could possess a voter, particularly a female voter, to cast her ballot for these dishonest, corrupt reactionaries.

It's revenge voting (3.50 / 2) (#89)
by Jeralyn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 07:33:49 PM EST

and cutting off your nose to spite your face. When their candidate didn't win, they put punishing the nominee ahead of the danger posed by their opponents.

I don't think there are enough of them to make a difference. Most people have more sense.

[ Parent ]

: Showing contempt doesn't change minds. (5.00 / 2) (#90)
by Lysis on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 08:35:56 PM EST

Or hearts, or win anyone over to anybody's side.
Trying to understand where people are coming from, to meet them where they are, and appealing to the best in their nature while showing respect for their concerns? That does wonders.
The underlying message - "you don't deserve respect because you haven't come to the same conclusion as me" - closes the door for honest dialogue. That was what made this site an oasis during the primary.

[ Parent ]

Apparently the questions issue is changing (5.00 / 1) (#85)
by nycstray on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 06:28:21 PM EST

starting Wed in MI she will do a townhall with McCain and take voter questions. The report made it sound like she will be becoming more accessible. Dobbs is right now busting the campaign reporters for how they are reporting and the lack of availability of both the candidates (McCain, Obama). Candy C is now saying there have been fewer and fewer press conferences as we get closer to Nov. Dana Bash got taken to task prior for the picture she tried to paint of the Palin event today.

Speaking of distortions... (4.00 / 3) (#54)
by tree on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:11:05 PM EST

Here's a beaut from Rep. Perlmutter, D-Colorado:

...her heaping of millions of dollars in debt upon the small town of Wasilla, Alaska

The "millions of dollars of debt" are for the Wasilla Sports Center, a multiuse sports center for its citizens which was voted on and funded by a a half cent increase in the sales tax. It was a popular idea in Wasilla before it was built and now that its opened it is even more popular than expected and is ahead of schedule towards paying off its debt.

I didn't realize that the new "Democratic" meme is to slam "wasteful government spending". Democrats are looking more like Republicans every day.

Meanwhile Palin charged victims of (5.00 / 3) (#57)
by inclusiveheart on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:19:37 PM EST

sexual assault for rape kits. Shows how great Palin's priorities are - a sports complex that has never performed to the level it was sold to voters is paid for by tax dollars; and rape victims pay their own way through her justice system. Sheesh.

[ Parent ]

Please support this with a link (5.00 / 0) (#75)
by tree on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:58:58 PM EST

a sports complex that has never performed to the level it was sold to voters

Everything I have read about the sports centers performance has been positive, and it was all from sources printed prior to Palin becoming the VP pick. If you've got something to support your view, post it.

On the rape kits, from what I've read there is no indication that Palin was aware of what the police departments billing procedures were, there's no proof that anyone besides the victim's insurance company who was ever charged, and this same billing procedure continues to exist in many other states, including Illinois.

[ Parent ]

This is a myth. (5.00 / 0) (#92)
by rennies on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 08:55:48 PM EST

Victim's insurance companies were billed, "when possible," according to former police chief, Charlie Fannon.

(Palin http://www.city-data.com/forum/2008-presidential-election/432015-palin-rape-kit-rumor-debunked.html

Obama sponsored a "Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses" plan, but the the State of Illinois still bills a victims insurance company or their public aid account.

The Illinois Department of Public Aid will reimburse the costs of ER treatment if you do not have public aid or private medical insurance.

Which is oddly exactly what the Police Chief of Wasilla said was done there, and like Illinois, advocated for criminal restution to pay for those tests.

[ Parent ]

This is a myth. (5.00 / 0) (#93)
by rennies on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 09:11:32 PM EST

Please read up on this in archives here (2.00 / 0) (#59)
by Cream City on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:22:45 PM EST

and elsewhere, before embarrassing the Democratic candidate, who was a state senator in a state that still is a problem on this -- while Alaska was one of the first, per sources here, to fix it.

[ Parent ]

: Alaska... (5.00 / 2) (#63)
by Brillo on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:36:15 PM EST

Fixed it specifically because of the situation in Wasilla. It wasn't a state-wide situation, and Palin had nothing (positive) do do with fixing it.
And the poster's statments aren't going to embarrass Obama. You know, cause he isn't here or anything. Bloggers really do have an inflated sense of their import you know...

[ Parent ]
: Governor Tony Knowles (5.00 / 2) (#66)
by inclusiveheart on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:45:10 PM EST

fixed it - not Mayor or Governor Palin - that's the rape kit issue - as for the sports complex - that still seems to be a lemon.
Insisting that if Obama made some error in judgment - that I have no knowledge of by the way - that it somehow excuses Palin's record is rather outrageous. Presumably you are here as am I at least in part because you care about improved government standards and priorities. I would say that Governor Palin does not offer much along those lines - in fact she seems to take things in quite the opposite direction. If Barack Obama was never born, she would be just as dangerous and awful in my opinion. Originally when she was introduced, I was afraid she would be sort of normal. Now I am afraid she is an ideological extremist of the worst sort. She's like George Bush's long lost twin. It is not at all surprising that McCain is so enamoured of her.

[ Parent ]

Hm (5.00 / 1) (#65)
by Steve M on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:43:27 PM EST

The articles I had read suggested that the sports complex was basically a boondoggle, not that it was ahead of schedule towards getting paid off. In addition to that, there was the issue of the title to the land getting tied up in years of expensive litigation when it should have been cleared up ahead of time.

I'd note, by the way, that I have no problem in concept with the fact that Palin apparently tried to run Wasilla in an economically progressive manner. I mean, if you don't want to do a little taxing and spending to make yourself the hot suburb, someone else will.

[ Parent ]

: Try these (5.00 / 0) (#83)
by tree on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 05:55:59 PM EST

From the Anchorage Daily News in 2001 before the Sports center was built.
Here's another one from 2005
I've read another more recent article on the sports complex, which put the complex within reach of its multi-year goal of paying for itself. I haven't been able to find it yet, but when I do I'll post it. Right now I gotta run.
The project was under budget even with the extra million for the land dispute, which was a big mistake of course. It was constructed for $12.9 million, and there was a $14.7 million municipal bond approved for its building.
I've found that its much easier to get an unbiased picture at what was going on by looking back at old news pieces from before Palin was a VP candidate. Too many of the current stories have an axe to grind one way or another and either omit or slant things too much to know what really went on. And too many people just pick up the slant and run with it.
Again, if this was a Democrat I think we'd be applauding what she did. It's tax and spend at its heart.

[ Parent ]

Reading the Denver Post story (3.50 / 2) (#45)
by JAB on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:50:55 PM EST

While there were about 100 protestors, the headline says Palin "wowed" a crowd of about 5000.

And? (5.00 / 1) (#72)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:51:47 PM EST

Not that impressive for a major metro area like Denver--especially when it was held at a county fairgrounds which can hold a lot more than 5,000 people.

[ Parent ]

The news reports I saw said (5.00 / 0) (#78)
by tree on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 05:20:20 PM EST

there were lines forming around the building in the morning and that the Arena was filled to capacity. If you've got a link on the actual capacity of the Arena, I'd appreciate it. It looked pretty packed in there.

[ Parent ]

Poor planning - the event sold out (5.00 / 1) (#79)
by Strick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 05:20:27 PM EST

The event was originally a pancake breakfast, but when it sold out in no time, they moved it to larger venue. It was standing room only.

[ Parent ]

On a Monday - workday - morning? (5.00 / 1) (#81)
by echinopsia on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 05:39:20 PM EST

5,000 is impressive. Quite.

We barely had 4,000 war protesters on Feb 15, 2003, for an anti-war rally on a Saturday in Civic Center Park.

[ Parent ]

Apples to Oranges. (2.00 / 1) (#88)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 07:21:09 PM EST

Apples to Apples:

Obama goes to rural, Repulican leaning Western Colorado on a "Monday-work day-morning" and draws a similar-sized crowd.

Filling the rodeo arena at JeffCo is not all that impressive.

[ Parent ]

Actually, not. (none / 0) (#94)
by echinopsia on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 09:31:03 PM EST

I wasn't comparing her numbers to Obama's. I'm just saying that on a Monday morning, 5,000 people is an impressive crowd. If Obama got that many, that's impressive too.

And while Grand Junction is no bustling metropolis, it is the largest city on the Western Slope. It has 3x the population of Golden, even if Golden is close to left-leaning, urban metro Denver.

[ Parent ]

Urban Metro Denver... (none / 0) (#95)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 09:58:03 PM EST

...center of the Front Range that accounts for 80% of the state's population? OK--I guess we have different threshholds of what constitutes "impressive".

We'll see how Obama does in Urban Metro Denver tomorrow.

[ Parent ]

I thought I made that clear (none / 0) (#96)
by echinopsia on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 12:50:15 AM EST

After all the time I've been in this state, I've noticed it's not an easy thing to get a big crowd together for political purposes, even on weekends in good weather. I remember seeing Bill Clinton in Civic Center during his first campaign. There were far fewer than 5,000 there, and he was wildly popular.

YMMV. I'd like to know what you're basing your "5,000 is not an impressive crowd" opinion on.

[ Parent ]

Hmmm... (none / 0) (#100)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 09:59:17 AM EST

...perhaps the over 13,000 strong crowd that Obama drew yesterday in Pueblo. That surpassed the number of people that turned out to see Palin/McCain in the Springs right after the GOP convention.

Weekday/workday/away from the major population center.

I guess all of your time in Colorado hasn't really made you all that more observant--or maybe its just the ODS.

[ Parent ]

And maybe you're just being a jerk. (1.00 / 1) (#101)
by echinopsia on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 01:24:05 PM EST

[ Parent ]

To clarify: WTFingF? (none / 0) (#102)
by echinopsia on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 01:40:34 PM EST

All I said was that a crowd of 5,000 in Colorado - for any candidate - is impressive. Which in my experience it is.

So, do I have ODS, or do you perceive any minor difference of opinion whatsoever as an attack on your candidate?

Shades of the Big Orange. Why does this happen to all Obama supporters except BTD?

[ Parent ]

You tell me... (none / 0) (#103)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 03:11:45 PM EST

I had an Obama canvasser come to the door (none / 0) (#73)
by echinopsia on Thu Sep 11, 2008 at 09:42:55 PM EST

this evening. I usually am happy to sign petitions, so I listened to her until she got to "I'm representing the Obama campaign," then said "I'm sorry, not interested" and shut the door.

Plenty more comments with a similar anti-Obama tone from you out there.

Also, I was the one who said that we have different ideas of what an impressive turn-out was and was willing to leave it at that. You're the one that keeps pushing back.

[ Parent ]

So, you're using the fact that (none / 0) (#104)
by echinopsia on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 03:57:27 PM EST

I'm not crazy about Obama to try to prove that my opinion of impressive political crowd sizes FOR ANY CANDIDATE in Colorado is a case of ODS.

Yeah, you go with that.

(What is IN that KoolAid?)

[ Parent ]

Wow... (none / 0) (#105)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 04:33:17 PM EST

...you just can't leave it be, can you? Or is that you have to have the last word?

Here's your chance--either way. Good day.

[ Parent ]

OK! (1.00 / 1) (#106)
by echinopsia on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 09:11:34 PM EST

I guess you do know when you've lost the argument.

More than I expected of you, actually.

[ Parent ]

: LOL! (none / 0) (#107)
by echinopsia on Wed Sep 24, 2008 at 11:06:50 AM EST

If you can't come up with a valid argument in opposition, downrate.
How childish.

[ Parent ]

The VP candidate defines America's decline (2.33 / 6) (#33)
by thereyougo on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:27:53 PM EST

under GWB and the Republicans, mediocrity rules.

Lipstick on a pig is a good metaphor for her.

I hope they don't think they can fool the American public to think they would actually vote for the McCain team. If they use diebold they then can of course claim the vote went their way.

It could turn into civil unrest.

Heckling Sarah Palin, well they'll just have to screen her fans closer, why the nerve!

Heckled? (2.00 / 0) (#3)
by Strick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 02:56:06 PM EST

I've seen the video of the event and if she's being heckled, it's not apparent.

the Denver Post was there (5.00 / 3) (#8)
by Jeralyn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 02:59:08 PM EST

you were not.

[ Parent ]

: sounds a bit harsh, J (5.00 / 3) (#18)
by ccpup on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:06:19 PM EST

the Poster watched the video and didn't see evidence of the heckling. Yet The Denver Post claims she was heckled. But if the video doesn't show evidence of something which would rise to the level of "heckling", is it wrong for some to assume that perhaps the Denver Post used the word "heckled" with a partisan objective in mind?
To curtly dismiss a Poster who was simply sharing their view of what they saw -- via video -- seemed more than likely unintentionally harsh.

[ Parent ]
: OK... (none / 0) (#29)
by Strick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:23:38 PM EST

Listen for your self:
Palin, Golden, Colorado
It should be about 7:15 into the clip. Cranked it all the way up, and still didn't hear anything.
I'm not saying the heckling didn't happen, but this clip certainly didn't record it and Palin shows no sign of reacting to it. Nor does the larger audience.
Either way, having a heckler at a speech is not exactly big deal, not any more than having a Code Pink ninny charging the stage during one.

[ Parent ]

Background noise (5.00 / 0) (#16)
by waldenpond on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:05:19 PM EST

I heard someone in the background and as people continued smiling and there was no pause.. you couldn't tell if someone shouted out something negative or positive.

[ Parent ]

That is my point (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by befuddledvoter on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:09:07 PM EST

The media clips shown often miss the "background noise" which are clearly singificant. They can result in gross distortion of what really occurred. Good for the Denver press for really covering this.

[ Parent ]

Disagree (5.00 / 3) (#23)
by waldenpond on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:12:57 PM EST

I find the mutual heckling petty and juvenile. That media covers it just demonstrates the lack of journalistic coverage. Tabloid.

[ Parent ]

: This is what I am responding to (none / 0) (#31)
by befuddledvoter on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:26:18 PM EST

not the single "heckler":
About 100 protesters were on hand for the Palin event, many of them women:
More than 100 protestors, including Women Against Palin and Mamas for Obama, massed outside the Westernaires horse arena by about 8 a.m. They also picketed down at the fairgrounds' gates. Subjected to mostly good-natured chatter from Palin supporters, they smiled through some occasionally nasty heckling.

[ Parent ]

There are hecklers at most every (none / 0) (#67)
by kenosharick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:46:37 PM EST

political event. Should they be the focus (or at least a large part of) every story- including those heckling/protesting Obama? Or does he get his usual free pass?

[ Parent ]

Obama did 20+ debates and Palin did about 5 or 6.. (3.00 / 0) (#64)
by Check077 on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:41:15 PM EST

...interviews. Well, I always thought that the debates were more about quality than quantity. As for campaigning on the stump, it's should not be a qualifier for vice president, even though it's helpful.

Now, all the republicans have to do is get Palin about 10+ interviews and that will surpass greatly the kind of response time and questions offered during the debates.

In my observation, the debates are an area that Obama can improve in. Hillary won hands down!

[ Parent ]

: Of course he has been running (5.00 / 1) (#70)
by kenosharick on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:50:21 PM EST

for almost two years, while she has been at it only two weeks, so she can hardly have done as many media appearances/interviews/chats.

[ Parent ]

Doesn't that tell you something about (none / 0) (#15)
by befuddledvoter on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:04:38 PM EST

fair and unbiased coverage????

[ Parent ]

: It tells you about media with cameras (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by Cream City on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:13:55 PM EST

-- even the lightweight cameras today. They're far more mobile than before, but that doesn't mean they're allowed to wander around much. At Obama events, especially, they're restricted to one area (so I've read in media trade mags). This can be for many reasons, including that broadcast media have a deservedly bad rep for just blocking the view of others, a real problem in the days of big cameras and many cables and more.
I find it entirely possible that a print reporter could witness something not caught on camera. I do not, however, find one guy yelling in the back to be big news. Happens all the time at political rallies.

[ Parent ]

My first thought about the heckler... (1.00 / 1) (#39)
by tree on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:38:44 PM EST

Was this the same guy who wanted Clinton to "Iron my shirts,"?

Your lies have no place here... (1.00 / 0) (#48)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:55:34 PM EST

'The campaign of Republican presidential candidate John McCain claims the flags were among 12,000 left at Invesco Field after the last night of the Democratic National Convention. That's when Barack Obama accepted his nomination as the Democratic presidential contender before an estimated 80,000 people who packed the football stadium Aug. 28...

A spokesman for the Democratic National Convention Committee calls the Republican version of events "absolutely false."

"There were never any flags intended to be thrown away from our convention," said Damon Jones. He later added, "None of our staff or anyone with our authorization disposed of any flags."

The Republicans say this: After Obama's speech, an Invesco Field contract worker noticed flags in and around trash dumpsters, a trash compactor and elsewhere.

The worker wishes to remain anonymous because he is not authorized by his company to speak to the media, said Tom Kise, regional communications director for the McCain campaign...

Jones said the Democrats did pass out 125,000 flags during the convention, which also took place at the Pepsi Center. The Invesco flags were in trash bags and handed out at distribution points throughout the stadium...'

Rocky Mountain News

: I deleted the comment (5.00 / 1) (#60)
by Jeralyn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 04:22:55 PM EST

you are replying to and psstcmere is reminded to stay on topic and not post false information and drive by snipes.

[ Parent ]

This Is An Improvement (none / 0) (#7)
by daring grace on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 02:57:40 PM EST

over those tightly controlled Bush-Cheney campaign events when dissenters were stage managed out at the door.

AP focuses on what Gov. Palin (none / 0) (#47)
by oculus on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 03:52:05 PM EST

had to say about her role in a McCain administration,

Hecklers (none / 0) (#97)
by TomStewart on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 03:14:44 AM EST

hate 'em, don't care who they are, they end doing no good and just make themselves look stupid.

I wasn't impressed with the Code Pink hecklers at the Repub convention either. I wanted to hear McCain lie without interruption...

gee, i kind of like that one too. (none / 0) (#99)
by cpinva on Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 07:44:30 AM EST

I like the Jesus Christ line.....

but this would be my suggested statement:

"jesus christ, who the hell thought sarah palin was competent to be vp?"

just a thought.